Not too proud to beg

Last night my sister and I saw Selah in concert. We have loved their music for years, but more recently, we have become acquainted (through her blog) with Todd Smith's wife, Angie.

So when she posted that Selah would be in concert as closely as Nashville, I called for a road trip. Secretly, we were hoping to meet Angie in person.

We were not disappointed.

After she got settled into her seat with her kids, I went over there, introduced myself, and chatted with her for a few minutes. She was as sweet as I knew she would be, and let us get our picture with her. When I told her my bloggy name, she actually KNEW who I was!

The concert was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! We love Nicol, and miss her in the group, but I was instantly in love with Amy Perry. She is (in her words) a big girl, like me. I can't say how special it was to see someone my own size not relegated (by choice, or demand) to the background. She was inspiring. She gave me hope. I could clearly tell that when she sang, it wasn't about her. She was worshipping her Lord with confidence and I couldn't keep my eyes off her.

We stayed around for autographs and pictures.

It was a L-O-N-G drive home, but TOTALLY worth it!

Grilling Goodness # 20

1. What is your favorite thing about Springtime?

Besides the new flowers peeping up from under the dead leaves, the baby birds cheeping in their nests, the warm breeze on my skin, the sweet smell in the air, clothes on the line rippling softly in the wind....

I hate spring.

2. Do you prepare special, maybe even fun, meals for your kids? Example, please.

Every once in a while, we do biscuit pizzas. I buy canned biscuit dough and pizza toppings and we each make our own pizza.

3. What are you looking forward to this weekend?

I am running away with my best friend today to see Selah in concert in Nashville. The rest of the weekend is going to be non-stop, with a Sunday School meeting at my house Saturday night, and some company Sunday afternoon. (I'm thinking about cancelling the company, because I'm already tired, just thinking about the weekend... but it might be the drugs I'm taking)

4. Within driving distance, where do you like to go for a little getaway?

Well, I like to go to Hot Springs for a massage, but today, I think I'll go to Nashville, instead.

5. Laundry detergent: liquid or powder?

I used powder for the longest time, because that's what we used growing up, but I switched to liquid years ago when I heard that powder is bad for a septic tank.

6. What does your spouse do around the house that you appreciate the most?

I don't think I should talk about that on my blog...

I mean, he takes care of the weed eating, and leaves the riding mowing to me.

7. Do you converse with the grocery checker or pay and bolt?

Depends on the cashier. If they are conversational, I will chat, but if they aren't, I just take care of business and head out.

8. Have you ever had an MRI? (If you feel comfortable sharing why, please do.)

Had one years ago to check my heart. It was an open MRI, but I still felt very claustrophobic. I spent the entire time counting the minutes down, since they told me how long it would take.

You know what else would be really funny?

If someone, who was making meatloaf, left the paper from the carton in the meat...

And cooked it.

You know what would really be funny?

If someone who has never worn a bra, and was trying one on, accidentally put it on upside down.

Not that anyone did that here today, or anything...

Fourteen years closer to forever

It really doesn't seem like that long ago, and yet it feels like a lifetime.

Fourteen years ago, I married the man for whom God made me.

Meeting him for the first time, I could never have imagined my life as it is today. He wasn't a Christian, and didn't really have a bright future. But he started coming to church with me, found Jesus, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I'll never forget his shaggy long hair pulled back into a pony-tail. I knew my Mother was going to kill me for giving him my number. But I couldn't resist those eyes. He looked at me as if I were the only one in the room. He made me feel beautiful.

He still does.

There have been days when I looked at this man who was so familiar, and yet a strange mystery, and wondered what I had done when I married him. There have been times when I realized that this wasn't what I signed up for.

And there have been times when I couldn't imagine my life without him, wondered how I could even breathe without him in my life.

He isn't perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but the beautiful thing is that I am not perfect, either. And somehow, in our individual imperfection, we find a beautiful harmony.

When I read I Corinthians 13, I can honestly say that he is 100% of all the things love is. I find that extraordinarily humbling, to say the least.

I have let him down, and he has forgiven me. He has been patient with me, when I have been filled with impatience. He is one of the kindest people I know. He is not easily provoked, so when he gets riled, I know it's about something big. He tries to see the good in everyone, which works to my benefit.

I could say that I don't deserve him, but the opposite is actually the truth. He doesn't deserve someone as selfish, whiney, petty, stubborn, and just plain obstinate as me.

But I'm so thankful he stays.

Grilling Goodness # 19

1. What is your favorite family activity?

We love to go camping. We have a camper that we love, but that hasn't seen much activity the past couple of years. With gas prices so high last year, it was impossible to take it anywhere. Hopefully this year we'll see some time in it.

2. Do you know how to play poker?

Know how, yes, but do it much, no. I have a really nice set of poker chips, but they don't get much use.

3. Have you ever been to a chiropractor? Regularly?

Nope, I've never been to one. I'm married to the man with the magic touch. Even my mom, who sees the chiropractor regularly, calls Shawn to come fix her back sometimes.

4. Have you ever slopped pigs or milked cows?

No, but I've collected eggs and butchered chickens. That has to count for something. Not that I've had problems counting chickens, or anything...

5. How are you doing with the goals you made for the New Year?

Heehee! I read 'goats' instead of goals. That's what you get for mentioning livestock. No, I don't make goats for New Years! (or resolutions, for that matter.)

6. Is there something you dread doing every day?

Honestly, I'd say it's exercise.

7. What room in your home would you most like to buy new furniture for?

The living room has almost always had second hand furniture. (except our first set) I'd love new stuff in there. Or I could really use new bedroom furniture. But I can't replace my bed, unless it has a couple of the same features. I'll not elaborate, but I love my bed. (shut up, Chris!)

8. If I had a dollar for every leaf in my yard, I'd be able to take over travel the world. (MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!)

Disobedience = slavery

Why is it that when I send the kids to bed, they always find some reason to get up again?
I was having this conversation just the other day with a friend. When my kids were younger, I had this one all figured out, but now that they're older, it isn't so easy.
Last night I had a epiphany. Every time one of them got out of bed, they had to do something for me in addition to the drink of water they 'had' to have. If they decided they 'needed' a band-aid, they had to serve me in some way.
I know it sounds like I'm a crazy mother or something, but stick with me, there's a lesson here.
Although Shawn and I were giggling over my new idea, it has a great measure of truth behind it.
When we choose to disobey, we fall into slavery to our choices. Sometimes the bondage in unexpected.
Meanwhile, I had a nice fresh glass of ice water brought to me, and I didn't even have to get up to turn the light out.
Heehee!

And that's my 200th post!

That time of year again

As a homeschool Mom, I get to this time of year and realize that we have so much still to do, and so little time.
So I spent the morning evaluating what we have accomplished, and figuring out what needs to happen in order to complete the year in time to enjoy the summer.
Here's where I realize that starting in September, with the plan to school through June was a stupid idea. What was I thinking? We have a camping trip planned for a week in May. Looks like we will be taking our school books.
But most importantly, we need to be finished in time for VBS and camp.
Hailey, whose name should be changed to "Wail-ey," is not happy about the crack down. She likes sleeping in until the sun is actually shining. Come to think of it, I do, too. But this is becoming more obviously non-efficient.
We are experiencing the cabin-fever-blues, which happen every year about this time. They lead to a re-evaluation of priorities, so they are a good tool, if I don't let them overwhelm me.
I admit, I have been wondering how long this homeschool train will run, and how far it would take us. I have even contemplated researching what school district (gasp!) we belong to. But as I lay awake last night, taking stock of our journey, both past and future, I realized I'm not ready to get off this train yet.
Where else would I have the joy of seeing my children learn everything they know, and knowing I had a part of it? Where else would I get to be laughed at by my children for tearing up during our history lesson? Where else am I going to get to repeat fifth grade without having to pay tuition and feel stupid?
I think we will be homeschooling a little while longer, yet.

Grilling Goodness # 18

1. How long has your longest friendship been?

Well, my sister is my best friend, and I've known her for all of my life. But we have only been close since I've been married. Still, she's my longest real friend, so I'd say nearly 14 years.

2. What made you happy this week?

Online, I found a replacement light fixture for my lamp post. I was SO happy to find it, because I loved it so much, and didn't really want anything different.

3. Are you planning any kind of event right now?

It's not really an event, but I'm working over things in my mind to help Hailey make a friend, since she's feeling a little on the outs lately.

4. Do you wear your wedding ring? What is it made of?

I have an anniversary band that is gold with three rows of diamonds that I wear when I go out (if I don't forget). My actual band is gold, and just the slightest bit too tight. It was my Dad's, from when he was married to my Mom. I had it sized down for my finger, but I'm a little bit heavier now. I can wear it, and I do sometimes, but after a bit, I start feeling claustrophobic. I don't like the feeling of anything on my hands.

5. Do you shave your legs in the winter?

Yes, but not as often as I do in the summer.

6. What time do your kids go to bed?

Their bed time is between 8:30-9:00. But being homeschoolers, we have the privilege of moving it if the need arises.

7. Right this minute, is your laundry caught up?

As they say, a woman's work is never done. Laundry is never, ever ending, and is never, ever caught up! I don't like laundry.

8. Do you want flowers for Valentine's Day?

I like flowers, but I'd rather have a couple of azalea trees that they have at Sam's. Feel free to pass the word along to my husband... ;)

What's that NOISE?

[Scene] Mom and Dad lying in bed, um drifting off to sleep, hear an unusual sound coming from somewhere across the hall.

*Sound happens again*

Mom steps out into hall.

Mom (using authoritative voice) - What's going on?

Daughter - huh?

Mom - What's that noise?

Daughter - What noise?

*Son's room is mysteriously silent*

Son - It was me.

Mom - What were you doing?

Son - It's kind of hard to explain...

*Mom opens son's bedroom door with a flourish*

Mom - Try!

*Son, lying on bed, points to foot board of bed*

Son - I was standing up there, and just fell back down here.

Mom - That's a bad idea. Go to sleep.

Son - Yes ma'am.

*Mom goes back to bed and giggles with Dad*

[End scene]

Grilling Goodness #17

1. Have your children corrected you somehow this week?

No, they value their lives too much. When they were younger, Hailey would correct me all the time. It would irritate me no end, so I started a game. I would say, "Well, look-y there! The sky has turned purple with green spots!" and watch her nearly explode! She can't stand for someone to be wrong. I was trying to teach her that it is disrespectful for children to correct grown-ups, even when the grown-ups are wrong.

2. Are you waiting for a particular something to happen?

I'm waiting for my new cell phone to arrive from Hong Kong. It's a knock off of an iPhone, and I'm SO excited! I'm hoping it gets some kind of reception out here in the forest.

3. Do you chat online?

My cell phone doesn't work so well out here in the forest (see #2), so I text online using AIM quite a lot these days.

4. What is the oldest thing you own?

I am "borrowing" an antique bench from my Mom. I have no idea how old it is. I also have a painting that my grandmother painted.

5. What's for dinner tonight?

Pizza for a crowd.

6. Are you artistic?

Depends on what you mean by artistic. I am a pretty good actress, and I can sing, but I am not artsy. I can paint a mean wall, but not on canvas.

7. Are you getting an income tax refund? Plans for it?

Yes, we are horrible at saving, so we use the bank of the IRS to save (interest free, of course!). We always get back a return that always pays for something we need right at the moment.

8. Do you use 'zero payments/zero interest for XX months' to buy things?

No, we don't usually use these things because we don't like being in debt. And the whole 'zero payment/interest' thing is just a gimmick to get you in the door. Most people don't pay it off before the time frame, and end up paying it all anyway.

Lantern Wasted

Someone accidentally backed over the lamp post after our Super Bowl party.

Note:

I have had a nasty cold the past week. Some of the nights, I have slept in the living room chair in an effort to help me breathe. Apparently Hailey is next on the list to be sick, as I found this note taped to her bedroom door this morning. She must 'REALY' be sick, because she crossed the L in her name, like a T!