Vote Now, Vote Later, Vote! Vote! Vote!

Remember all these fab videos from our church? And there are LOTS I haven't even posted here. Most of these are produced by one of our ministers, Stephen Corbett. Stephen and his wife Tiffani, two of the cutest little doodlebugs you've ever seen, have entered a contest to win a trip to Nashville to meet Bebo Norman.

Go here, check out their "fireplace video" -- 12 Days of Christmas, Bebo Style, and vote, vote, vote for them to go to Nashville.

And, after viewing all 3, I still quite honestly vote for Stephen and Tiffani, even though they shamelessly exploited their adorable boys in the making of this video.

Go vote again!

More Movie Quotes

Troy is watching "When Harry Met Sally". It has taken me back to one of my favorite quotes from that movie: "Its amazing. You look like a normal person but actually you are the angel of death."

You have someone in mind now, don't you? I do...

Snowy Days

Fifteen years ago yesterday I woke up in a cabin in Colorado, in the arms of my husband of three days, and watched huge, fat, sloppy snowflakes falling. And I thought my life and my heart could not possibly be any more full.

Yesterday, after a toasty-warm (like, sweat rings toasty-warm) church service that I interpreted and Troy singing on praise team, then a quick lunch, then sending a child to their room for rude talk, I lay in my bed in west Texas in a house that I pay mortgage on, in the arms of my husband of 15 years and 3 days, and watched huge, fat, sloppy snowflakes falling. And I thought my life and my heart could not possibly be any more full.

Then, to completely prove that I am living right, I ventured out on the slippery roads since neither Ashley nor I had a winter coat. And we walked into Old Navy having a 50% off Winter Coats Sale! We got two for her and one for me. My heart is full and I am BLESSED!

Question for the Day

I REALLY need someone to explain to me how it is possible that people are living on space stations for months at a time, most of the population of this country has the internet on their cell phones, yet my 2nd grade students are using the same exact style of glue bottles I used back around the time electricity was invented and I am using the same exact style of paper clips that my teachers used to unplug the glue bottles.

Public Service Announcement

I found this glossary extremely helpful.

Love This

Finally found someone that can tame that nasty ol' Simon...



P.S. I have to close my eyes during the faux-crying judge. Ick.

Introducing

Amongst all of the in and out of life around here I have failed to mention that we have a new member of the family. She's a little more than 2 years old and we call her Suze. And she has two wheels. She and her kind have been the object of my husband's affection for a little over two years now, so I'm so darn glad to have Suze in the driveway. At least deer season has become less important.

The reactions to this purchase have been varied but the general constant has been "can't believe she let you" from the males and "I'm so sorry" (to me) from the females. Bottom line is: my one stipulation from the beginning of this quest for mid-life satisfaction is that it not put us into debt. And it has not. I come from happenin' motorcycle folk (that look like "least likely to be motorcycle folk"). I can't say that I understand the attraction, but I have seen it first-hand. Yes, it's a dangerous way to travel. My philosophy with my father and now my husband is that, should the unthinkable happen, they will have died happy. And should my mother be riding behind my father when that happens, she will have died with the man she loves. With two punkin's at home to raise, I don't have the luxury of being quite so cavalier and may not spend just a lot of time on the back of Suze for a few years yet. (At which time I'm sure poor Suze will be put out to pasture for the latest and greatest). But a little speed and enjoying nature at the same time? I'm truly okay with that. Oh, and yes, we are all absolutely a helmet-wearing family -- yes, family: Ashley and I wear the same size helmet and Riley has his very own. And he thinks riding on the back is about the coolest thing ever.

Thinking of THAT little mess -- 10 years ago tonight I was the hugest pregnant lady King's Daughters Hospital had seen waddle in in quite sometime. I was so afraid my labor was going to stop, as it had seemed to start and stop for 3 days solid. It did stop a bit, but thanks to some lovely drugs, I got cranked up again and about 5:30 the morning of the 18th my little -- okay, my GINORMOUS 9 pound -- bugger came into the world, none too happy about leaving his warm little cocoon. He has drug me through the depths of the parenting trenches and sent me to soar on his laughter and wit. And seeing his scrawny little body on the back of Suze may put me in an early grave. What a ride.

Donnie's 15 Minutes of Fame

This gentleman is the talk of Abilene this week. He found a way to enjoy what others may consider a menial job, while putting a smile on other people's face in the process. Our local news station picked it up. Then Fox News picked it up. Then Ellen DeGeneres picked it up. And Donnie has now been to Ellen, recorded with The Black-Eyed Peas, and will be on the red carpet at the American Music Awards this weekend. Good for Donnie.

Coffee Group Takes a Village

This weekend I had the privilege of traveling with my friends to go share God’s story, some of what He has done in my life, and share His word. I love it dearly. It is SO stinkin’ hard to get out of town, but it is always great to be around women who are happy to be filled with a little more of His word, His hope, His love. While I certainly don’t consider it a “glam” ministry, people seem to assign a certain amount of prestige to a speaker –way more than we are entitled to, since I pretty much consider myself ‘0’ on the prestigious scale! People are open to us and tell us their hurts and their victories, they ask us questions about scripture and life situations and expect us to have a coherent answer. God blesses us again and again with new relationships and glimpses into God’s healing and mighty works. Again and again I am brought to my knees in amazement of what He’s doing in lives. I can’t believe that I am so blessed to be able to be a witness to His work so many different places.

Before I left, and again on my way home, in my prayers for our trip, I began praying over the long list of people that were making it possible for me to go and do what I do. Our family had a typical weekend of 27 million things to do between sports, social, and church activities. Troy gladly took it on and got everyone where they were supposed to be. The kids happily adjusted and worked around a few inconveniences. Even Donna’s daughter, Megan, was on “stand-by” for my family to help with transportation for us. Interpreters at church stepped up and filled in holes when they hit snags. Kendra planned long ago to work several Fridays in a row so that I could leave town on Friday. In other families, husbands, grandparents, children, and in-laws all filled holes and made things work in our absence. Friends covered church responsibilities and ministry needs. I began tallying up the small village of workers whose service to the Lord for the weekend included going out of their way so that the four of us could get out of town. And again I was overwhelmed.

So to all the daddies, children, grandparents, and friends: thank you so much. You willingly gave up your time so that we could see God at work. You were a precious behind-the-scenes servant who blessed each of us by your service. I pray that He blesses each of you, and that you are able to see Him at work, as well.

Wisdom of Children

Listen to this from a kid who was 12 at the time. I think he's got it.

More info and comments here.

Blessing, Privilege, Responsibility

When the Coffee Group speaks and tells God's story, inevitably a few people share with us struggles that they are in the midst of. Today I am overwhelmed with what an amazing blessing, privilege, and responsibility it is to be allowed into the broken and wounded places of another's soul. People hand us ever-so-fragile pieces of their hurting, sometimes shattered souls. I think the blessing is that, for the most part, they don't expect us to do anything about it -- except for agree to hand it to the Father for them when they are too broken or weary to do it for themselves. The privilege is to be able to do just that. And the responsibility is to keep from wounding that soul further.

The Jews would not willingly tread upon the smallest piece of paper in
their way, but took it up; for possibly, they say, the name of God may be on it.
Though there was a little superstition in this, yet truly there is nothing but
good religion in it, if we apply it to men. Trample not on any; there may be
some work of grace there, that thou knowest not of. The name of God may be
written upon that soul thou treadest on; it may be a soul that Christ thought so
much of, as to give His precious blood for it; therefore despise it not. -- S.
T. Coleridge

Blessings in Busy

We are in the busy season. I know -- you are, too. It's craziness, isn't it? But I try to remind myself that all busy-ness is an opportunity to be Jesus to more people in more places. If I'm not screaming at my children in the process! And, now, more than ever -- part of my busyness is trying to get me out of town to speak at a retreat with my peeps (minus one Gigi to baby Zoe) and get my family and my retreat talk squared away before I go. The days have been scheduled in 15-minute increments. The Prevacid is popped routinely. Sleep is short and days are long.

Earlier this week, I had been up for hours and completed 1/3 of a days' work by the time it was time to get the kids up for school. I tripped over dirty clothes, shoes, and sorted Halloween candy to gently shake a mound of groaning covers with my standard, "Time to wake up. I love you. Go ahead and get your clothes on." I conquered one room without breaking my neck and ventured into the next. Same obstacles, different course, same encouragement to get up. Riley woke with a start and a stretch and I turned to leave. I had just hurdled the sorted Halloween candy when he said, "Mom, can you come here?" I turned back around and headed his way as he wrestled his scrawny arms out of the pile of covers. I went in for the requested hug. "I love you," he croaked with a raspy, first-thing-in-the-morning voice and breath that would make the dog tuck her tail at 50 paces. And it was the absolute most precious moment I have had as a mother in a very long time.

I'm so thankful I had the sense to stop for the 7 seconds that entire exchange required, because it will carry me through the next week.

Observations for Today

• If it's the little things in life that will make you happy, it's the little things in life that will send you over the edge.
• If you want to cheer one child immensely, yell at the other one.
• My idea of a "quiet weekend" is always interrupted by a 9-year-old proclaiming, "I'm bored."

Be a blessing to someone this weekend!

New Favorite Quote

Last night on Grey's Anatomy, Dr. Chan to Meredith:

"You know, being aware of your crap and actually overcoming your crap? Two entirely different things."

Testify!

Politics in Room 24

Social Studies today was about state government, a phrase that makes me, a slightly interested citizen, yawn in boredom. Eight year olds are no different.

"Does anyone have ANY idea who the governor is right now?"

Several honest people said, "No."

"Would anyone like to even GUESS who the governor might be?"

One raised her hand, "Norm Archibald?"

"He's our mayor, but that was a very good guess. Does anyone have a different guess?"

(different kid) "George Washington?"

(at this point I realize we are completely clueless AND they told me upfront they had no idea. However, I'm also realizing this is golden blog material, so I continue)

"He was a president, but he is no longer alive. Anyone else?"

(another different kid): "George Washington's son?"

"Also dead."

(same kid): "George Clooney?"

"The governor of Texas -- anyone?"

(same kid): "I used to live in Texas!"

"You still do, sweety. Governor of Texas?"

(different kid) "George W. Bush?"

Now that we have left Hollywood and are at least back in the political arena, I feel that I am ending on a high note, so I let them know:

"The Governor of Texas is Rick Perry."

Completely blank looks. Rick has great hair, but he needs better PR with the elementary crowd.