Encores & More North Children’s Consignment Sale! July 23, 2008

You can tell summer is beginning to wind down when fall/winter consignment sales start popping up! I shopped my first sale of the season this past Saturday. It was also my introduction to the world of seasonal consignments when Mackenzie was a baby. Ms. Cheap did a segment on Talk of the Town… Well, I couldn’t believe the number of children’s clothing under one roof, and I just had to go see for myself! Until then, I didn’t realize how exciting shopping for “used” clothing could be. I came away with some amazing deals, and a new mission to locate all consignment sales within a 25 mile radius of my home!

Several have become twice-yearly traditions for me, but none can top Encores & More North! Now I can find a HUGE variety - much closer to home. The fall/winter sale opens to the public on August 9th…If you live in this area, don’t miss it!

Shifting My Perspective July 1, 2008

A couple of weeks ago the girls went to a different Vacation Bible School - at the church where they attended preschool. Every day, after I dropped them off, I went to the Greenway to walk. This was a nice time to go, and these mornings became a time of quiet reflection. As I walked, there were lots of ideas for a blog post swirling in my head. I wanted to write about the experience while it was still fresh in my mind and heart, but nothing came together at the time. I’m hoping to be able to put it into words now, because I strongly feel that God wants me to share this.

On some of my walks, I felt very close to God’s creation - unusually aware of individual leaves on the trees and the rustling of the wind. It’s invisibility reminds me of His unseen power. Along the path, I noticed the birds singing…A sound I rarely take time to hear. There was a peacefulness, just breathing in the morning air and enjoying my surroundings. Near the 1-mile marker, there’s a downhill slope where a walk almost effortlessly becomes a run. This makes it easier to press on toward 1.5 miles, which is my half-way point. From there, I turn around and start back to finish my goal of 3 miles. Of course, the return trip is a bit different. If only for one reason…

This “warning” sign greets me, as the once lovely downhill slope becomes a dreaded uphill climb…And I groan every time I see it! Some things observed on “Challenging Slope”:

• I no longer hear birds singing or chirping.
• I don’t see the leaves on any trees…My only focus is the ground right in front of me!
• I can hardly catch my breath, much less enjoy the fresh air.
• There is little joy in my walk.

Now I know these things don’t disappear, but when I’m no longer aware of them it is because I’ve taken my eyes off the goal. It seems so far away that I would rather concentrate on my feet.

When I decided one morning to try focusing my gaze toward the top, something finally “clicked.” It’s certainly easier to keep my head up when things are going my way…But there’s no doubt that when I’m walking through hard times, my “default” is to look straight down - right at the problem. I am most ineffective for Christ when I’m thinking only about my circumstances, and not His power to bring about something good from them. He has a purpose for everything that happens in my life, whether I can see any “good” there or not! Looking to Him - trusting Him - is the only way I can experience true joy…Not just when things are rough, but in every single moment.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love music. I seem to find a song that relates to everything that has ever happened in my life! This one was playing over and over in my head on the Greenway… Actually, I was singing it aloud when I was pretty sure no one would hear!

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Burning Calories - Not Fuel! June 10, 2008

I woke up this morning with a big “To-Do” list. Most items on my agenda were house-related, but there was a bank deposit that really needed to be made. We try to be as resourceful as possible in running errands, with gas prices these days, since “around town” miles are definitely not the most efficient. I thought to myself, “Why not walk to the bank?” After all, the kids are vacationing at “Hotel Mam Maw & Paw Paw”…and the temperature is nice and breezy, at 77 degrees (compared to what it has been - in the 90’s!). So, I put on my walking shoes and set off toward Regions. It was a 20-minute walk, each way, with the majority of it being through the park.

We like being “City Mice.” I’ve dubbed this term for our family, since each of the three houses we’ve lived in during the past 9 years have been inside the city limits. Although our current house is in a different city (about 15 minutes from our hometown), this one has been most conveniently located for us. There are a few other places we frequently visit that are within a reasonable walking distance:

- The Post Office (This one is the closest - and one of my favorites!)

- Kroger (I hope Charlie doesn’t mind me posting this, but once he locked his keys in the car - which I’m sure almost everyone has done at some point - and I was able to walk over and take him the extra set.)

- Walgreen’s (This has become a new favorite place for good deals…If you’ve never tried it, here’s a great place to start!)

- Sonic (The kids love this one!)

- The library

- Our doctor’s office (Although we haven’t actually needed to walk there.)

- The coffee shop (For English Toffee Lattes - Yum!)

- The girls’ school (I like being close by in case of something unexpected…and it also makes for easier mornings!)

- Wal-Mart (Again, we haven’t tried this one, and I’m not sure I would want to lug my purchases back home - even though there’s a great shortcut!)

- The city park and walking greenway (Another favorite!)

When the weather is favorable, walking sure beats getting the car out of the garage for just an errand or two…And this was an energizing way to start my day!

More Craft-Time Fun June 4, 2008

In the last two days at VBS, we’ve made more great things to wear…

Day 2: The Journey of Courage

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

These hats were a big hit…

and the kids all had such different and creative ideas!

Mackenzie put a lot of thought into the details…

and then added foamies to her heart’s content!

Mackenzie & Cassidy - VBS Buddies

As the 1st Graders were finishing up, I heard Morgan calling out, “Mommy!!!” Her class was getting on the elevator, and I was able to snap a quick picture. (That was the one time I saw her on Tuesday!)

The best craft group ever!!! I’ve loved working with all the kids so far, but especially this amazing group of 3rd graders. We’ve had a lot of fun together, and I’ll really miss getting to see them each day.

Day 3: The Journey of Faith

SPECIAL GUEST: Daddy!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

These necklaces were challenging to say the least. (Knots and beads and glue…Oh, my!)

It was a good day to have Daddy along for extra help.

Point your compass north…

and follow Jesus!

Kicking Off Vacation Bible School, 2008 June 2, 2008

Mackenzie & Morgan - Ready to go!

I’m helping out in crafts for grades 1-5 again this year. Last summer, since Mackenzie was starting Kindergarten and Morgan was in a preschool class, they both had crafts in their own rooms (which Morgan is doing again this year). I will enjoy having Mackenzie and her friends at my table this week!

Notice the way Mackenzie holds her tongue when she’s really concentrating.

(Mommy does this sometimes, too!)

There’s the tongue, again…But - look closely - Cassidy is doing the same thing!

The finished product: Egyptian collars to symbolize Moses’ journey of obedience, which began in Egypt with the plagues. (Exodus 7-12)

Between groups, I stopped by to check on Morgan, but her class was at recreation.

The tent was the first thing she noticed when I dropped her off this morning…

The next time I looked in, they were getting ready to have snacks…

Yummy Jell-O.

Today was fun, but we’re a little worn out already…

Here’s to a great week at VBS!

HOW A”PEEL”ING! May 29, 2008

A week or so ago, the girls were having breakfast and I brought them each their usual “banana-a-day” to go with it. I always do the peeling - partially to save time, and partially because I’m a Germaphobe! As I opened first one and then the other banana, Morgan loudly protested that I was “doing it wrong!” I looked at her like she had three heads and thought to myself, “How many mornings have I peeled bananas for my children? What kind of drama is this???”

“Mommy, you’re supposed to do it the monkey way!!!” Again, I just looked at her. I am SO not a morning person, and was really not in the mood to be having this conversation, but I had to ask where she had gotten that information. It was from her preschool teacher, Ms. Kim, who had shown the class how to open a banana from the opposite end. I told her I was sorry and that, since the banana was already open, she would have to eat it the regular way this time. When I dropped her off at school, I told the teacher Morgan had shared this new idea with me. She laughed and said she was glad to know the kids had learned at least SOMETHING from her this year!

I’ve been opening bananas from the stem-side all my life! Strangely, though, Ms. Kim said “the monkey way” is actually easier. I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself, and was quite pleased with the results! Here’s the best method I’ve found:

• Hold the banana, stem-side down.
• Place your thumb over the top end and press gently, but firmly. There’s a little pocket of air inside, and the banana peel will pop right open!
• Peel downwards, toward the stem, and EAT!

I’ve noticed that, when opening a banana “the monkey way,” more of the strings remain attached to the inside of the peel. This helps eliminate the need for Morgan to bring them back to me (or the trash can) with her sticky fingers…

You learn something new everyday!

The Invisible Woman May 20, 2008

Wow! What an encouragement this was for me today:

Dear Mackenzie… May 16, 2008

I can’t believe how quickly time is passing…Baby girl, you’re growing up before our eyes! On the way to school yesterday, we talked about how special Kindergarten is. There are no graduation ceremonies for 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade. Actually, your next one will be in the 12th grade, but I’m not going to think about that right now!

You’ve worked very hard this year, and we are so proud. May you never lose your love of learning…We can’t wait to see what God has planned for you!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

“God Is Takin’ A Shower Right Now!” :) May 14, 2008

…Morgan said this today, as she watched the rain pouring down outside our window. We’ve had lots of time for “just the two of us” this year, with Mackenzie in school, and she is ALWAYS making me laugh. I can’t believe she will be going to Kindergarten this fall…And Mackenzie will soon be home for the summer, so our last few days of alone time are coming to an end. I remember the words of a song my Mom used to play for me when I was growing up: “Life is about changing…Nothing ever stays the same.” So true! Many of these changes are exciting…Most are also bittersweet.

This year has been more of a challenge for me. I hadn’t thought about what it would be like for Morgan and I to spend our days together. (She does go to Preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but there’s quite a significant amount of time left over!) She has really needed my attention more than ever before, and sometimes it makes me want to pull my hair out. Just when I’m about to lose it, she will say or do something funny and I’m reminded of how I REALLY feel: I wouldn’t trade this time with her for anything!

~ Celebrating Nine Years! ~ May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008 - Our 9th wedding anniversary! In some ways, it seems like yesterday that Charlie and I were starry-eyed “kids”, just starting out. In other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago! There have been good times and hard times, but God has continuously blessed our marriage as only He can. Through it all, I love my husband now more than ever. These are just a few reasons why:

He’s a kid at heart, and such a fun Daddy. One of the most recent instances that comes to mind was our last big snow day - March 8th. Charlie got to the hardware store first thing in the morning to buy sleds. He was so excited for Mackenzie and Morgan to get to experience this, and there was finally a good opportunity! Our neighborhood is right beside the city park, so we set out in search of the highest hills we could find there. Charlie made it a blast for the girls, and I couldn’t believe their fearlessness! Even though I was reluctant to give it a try (because I’m SO afraid of heights), Charlie kept insisting that I join in. I’m glad I didn’t miss out…It was a great day!

A couple of months ago, we were at a birthday party, and Charlie and our friend Michael were playing with the kids’ Nerf guns. Not surprisingly, it turned into more of a serious challenge between the two of THEM. This was quite entertaining for those of us watching (and dodging). All the kids finally decided they couldn’t hang and surrendered their foam darts to the 31-year-old men, who were bribing for extra ammunition to use against each other. (Michael was even using Morgan as a human shield against Charlie’s attacks!) Thinking about his competitive spirit reminds me of our last Sunday School class get-together, which was a pizza and game night. The whole group was playing Cranium, and most of us were just fine with making up the rules as we went along…But, Charlie and a couple of other Nazi game-players kept checking to make sure the directions were being followed to a tee. (Laura, you can attest to this!)

He tells it like it is, good and bad. I’m someone who often beats around the bush, the polar opposite of my husband. Because of this, I’ve spent lots of energy over the years urging him to take a more tactful approach with people. (I’m always wondering if they will know how to take him!) Lately, I’ve come to realize how appreciative I am of this quality, though…Let’s just say he’s refreshingly honest!

He’s one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. Okay, I’m about to brag on my husband a little bit. He is known for giving 110% to whatever task is set before him. This makes him an excellent employee, and an all-around dependable guy. He’s very goal-oriented, and has a plan for almost everything! It has taken 9 years, but he’s just about won me over to his way of thinking on some things! I try hard to be submissive, I really do!

He’s a man of faith. I recently found an old notebook with prayers written by Charlie a few years ago. They covered many aspects of what our lives were like back then, filled with the everyday challenges of parenting two very small children. I knew he was praying, but it was really something to see the words on paper. Just knowing how he desires for our family to please God, even in the little things, has given me a greater respect for him as the spiritual leader of our household.

My prayer today is that God will continue to strengthen our marriage, and will reveal Himself to and through our family more and more each day. I praise Him for these years we’ve had, and for all that is to come!