jots and tittles

Drum Roll Please....

2011-05-17T16:09:00.001-04:00

From this point forward, we will be posting on our new blog called Jottles Click on the link and surf on over to our new blog! See you there!

Nap Irony

2011-05-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

Stephen's last post on J&T:

Anya is my little pickle. Her tenacity constantly amazes the other members of our family and myself: when she decides to do something, it is nearly impossible to change her mind. The following story is about a time when her tenacity became, well, tenuous.

Every Thursday afternoon I, Stephen, take care of the kids, while Rebecca works for a few hours. For the most part these afternoons have a routine: lunch time, play time, Fisher’s nap time, Easton’s reading time, Anya’s reading time, quiet time, play time. Usually, Easton and Anya resist naps and opt for quiet times, stating that they aren’t tired. Last Thursday was no different.

After putting Fisher in his crib for his nap time, I went downstairs to begin reading time with Easton and Anya. Letting them know what to expect the rest of the afternoon, I told them that after reading time they would have a longer quiet time. I encouraged them to take naps during their quiet times, because they seemed tired. In a pleasant, matter-of-fact tone Anya responded, “I’m not tired.” Past experience has taught me that there is no way I can persuade (or force) my kids to take a nap, when they don’t think they’re tired. So, I replied in an understanding-father tone, “If you’re not tired, you don’t have to take a nap. But, you will still have a quiet time.” “Okay,” she squeaked as she skipped to the couch to read her book.

For those of you who don’t know, Anya is a great reader…when she is not tired. Whether or not she would admit it, she was tired last Thursday, and my need for patience increased exponentially as I struggled to guide my tired pickle through a book of 36+ words (oftentimes encouraging her to sound out each letter and to put the sounds together in order to decipher the words). The more we read, the more difficult it became for Anya to “put the sounds together.” Even after encountering a word several times, she would still read it as if she had never seen it.

After a long, hard struggle (spending 40 minutes reading 36 words), we made it to the last word of the book, which we had seen at least three times. Working hard to finish the book, Anya sounded out each letter, “N-A-P.”

“That’s it,” I said.

She continued, “N-A-P.”

“Good,” my encouragement echoed.

“N---A---P.” The sounds slowly made their way out of her mouth.

Keeping my eyes on the prize, I coached, “Okay, you have the right sounds. Now put them together.”

“N-----A-----“ For some reason the last sound did not escape. I curiously looked down at my little pickle, whose head was nestled on my shoulder. She was falling asleep. Instead of waking her to finish the book, I asked Easton to get Anya’s blanket. When Easton realized what had happened, he and I exchanged grins. Then, I carried Anya up the stairs. As I laid her in the bed, she slowly whispered one last time, “N-----A------P.” I smiled and thought to myself, “You got it, Pickle.”

J&T Countdown: Protagonist

2011-05-17T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here's the last countdown post; the next post will be the announcement of the official new blog address. I know you're just about to explode! Ha!

So I'm the Protagonist, if anyone is wondering. Also, if you're unsure about what a protagonist is, here's Webster's take on it: The main figure or one of the most prominent figures in a real situation. So the reasoning behind that is that I'm telling my story from my point of view on J&T. All the characters and events I share about on J&T is from my perspective, so the way I figure Protagonist is quite appropriate! So a post that comes close to summing me up would have to be Simplicity.

J&T Countdown: Ally

2011-05-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

My wonderful husband, my Ally, my charming dishman, my best friend EVER has written his share of posts on J&T. Here's a sweet, thoughtful post he took the time to document from June 2009 called The Best Weekend Ever! Just a little inside note: Stephen has a fresh post ready to publish on our new and quickly approaching blog. Get ready for the exciting new blog address! Coming Soon!

J&T Countdown: Kiddos

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000-04:00

Love 'em! I love my children to pieces!!! Here's one of the million reasons why: Proverbs 17:22.

J&T Countdown: Fish Fry

2011-05-11T14:01:00.000-04:00

Our little guy, Fish Fry, has got some funny stories! This one from March 2010 is a funny story that definitely captures his personality! Check out Fisher's Secret.

J&T Countdown: Shepherding Our Children

2011-05-11T13:53:00.000-04:00

A core value on J&T centers around parenting I guess because once you're a parent that becomes apart of EVERYTHING you do. Here's a fun look back at Shepherding Our Children from March 2010 called Child's Heart, Mommy's Joy.

J&T Countdown: Princess

2011-05-06T15:14:00.000-04:00

Boy howdy, do I have a lot of good stories about my Princess! There's so many fun ones I can hardly choose. So I decided on this one that made me smile: Washing Hair.

J&T Countdown: Hoopla and Hilarium

2011-05-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a funny from August 2007 when Mr. Beaver was not even two years old! My Ally wrote this Hoopla and Hilarium post Easton Meets Q-Tips. In fact, he read it to the kids the other day and they asked if he would read it again. Treasured stories forever.

J&T Countdown: The WORD

2011-05-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

All the way from December '09, Even Pretty People Poop. Not one of my better titles, but a very raw dose of honesty and a generous dash of truth.

J&T Countdown: Jots by Tots

2011-05-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite subjects to share on J&T. I love the things kids say!! So adorable. Here's a fun and random Jots by Tots from September of '09 when Mr. Beaver was three going on four; here's to Batman!

J&T Countdown: Hip Tip

2011-05-04T14:56:00.000-04:00

This Hip Tip is something we did this past winter (2011) as well as two winters ago when I posted Sunshine on the Inside (click on link to learn more). Great activity for young children. In fact, we use ours in the Spring and Summer outside on our little hill as a slide. Resourceful and fun!

J&T Countdown: Mr. Beaver

2011-05-04T13:46:00.000-04:00

Our little five and a half year old is discovering his capabilities everyday and soaking up every ounce of knowledge and opportunity to develop. It is so exciting! He is a very special and talented little boy. Although I am discovering that he is much more than a builder, his crafty, ingenuity has always astounded his biased parents. Here is a look back at Mr. Beaver at age 4 in February 2010. He did this on his own without any instruction, help, assistance, nuffin'--just him and his creative self!

J&T Countdown: Reflections

2011-05-03T16:01:00.000-04:00

To say the least, Jots and Tittles is a full collection of my reflections. I must share the post, God the Builder, from February of 2010 because I had no idea that it would spark 76 comments! Check out the link if you're interested in reading some rather profound comments!

J&T Countdown: Top Picks

2011-05-03T14:36:00.001-04:00

So here we go, counting down to Jots and Tittles' new blog address. I must confess, it's a bittersweet thing for me. I've looked back over the last four years worth of posts (600 of these babies, by the way) and I'm gonna miss it; J&T is such a savory history of the memorable times as a new parent for me! Instead of writing new posts for the countdown, I have decided to reminisce a few of my favorite posts in each category from over the years. Top Picks are the posts that are some of my favorites anyways. So let's start with April 2, 2009 New Neighbors. Click on the link and enjoy!

Jots By Tots

2011-05-02T14:20:00.000-04:00

"Upon my word, you give your opinions very decidedly for so young a person."

Lady Catherine, Pride and Prejudice

Princess gives her opinions very decidedly, no doubt, but she does not like to claim them; clever girl!

"I like that shirt," I pointed to a girl's ruffled shirt in the coloring book Princess and I were coloring in together. "I would wear it!"

"Yeah," she hesitated, "but my kids don't like me to wear ruffles."

"Oh, but do you like ruffles?"

"Weeeell," she tiptoed around my question, "my kids just won't like it if I wear ruffles."

"Ahh, I see."

***************

If you didn't know, Princess has a slew of children. Every one of her dolls are her "kids" and they are an integral part of her life and her opinions. Just a little FYI (wink, wink).

A few days ago, out of the blue, Easton stated plainly, "Everything God gives us is God's."

***************
I could take a daily dose of one of those kind of reminders! What about you? Eh?

I grow more in love with my family everyday!

A thankful heart and a full glass. Yours Truly!

J&T Announcement

2011-04-27T15:28:00.006-04:00

I am not sure if you've noticed but my blog is full of pictures and therefore, slow. I have been wrestling with what to do about it for a while; not just the slowness but just blogging in general. I do love it! For a ton of reasons, updating extended family about the kids, documenting the kids' funny, insightful, and plain lovable moments, for me to process: my life, my crazy brainy weirdness, my world, my everything, just to camp out in cyberworld to make a cozy corner to call my own by personalizing the blog's look and using my own personal terminology and themes and topics , et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!!!

So, heads up, faithful readers, I'm going to be changing the address to my blog and starting a new blog. Which means that figerts.blogspot.com will be retiring. The new blog will basically be the same thing; the biggest difference will be the blog's web address. More on that in the future! Until then, in honor of the all the topiX I write about on J&T, I will be devoting one post per topic as a way to count down/transition from figerts.blogspot.com to the brand new blog address (which is yet to be announced). Here are the topiX I'll be writing about and in no particular order.

Post topiX Count Down (once each topic has been covered, I'll announced the new blog address):

Ally
Fish Fry
~~Hip Tip~~
~~Hoopla and Hilarium~~
~~Jots by Tots~~
Kiddos
~~Mr. Beaver~~
~~Princess~~
Protagonist
~~Reflections~~
Shepherding Our Children
~~The Word~~
~~Top Picks~~

P.S. Have no fear! Change is hard at first but it will be okay!

"Every time I find the meaning of life; they change it." -Unknown but funny!

"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." ~ Robert C. Gallagher

Homeschooling Outing

2011-04-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

All Ready To Go!

Two minutes from our house is the Tibetan Cultural Center

This is a preserved mandala; we are going to make one of these for our craft!

5 Minutes to Vent

2011-04-25T15:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't done this in a while. I don't really like to use the blog to vent. But I can't hold it in any longer! I am in that horrible phase in my psychological cycle where I am looking for a change. It's so distracting and annoying, but it's like the change monster inside me will not settle until I find the PERFECT change. Blah!

Just saying!

That's all for now. And thank you.

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-23T20:41:00.001-04:00

Hip Tip for a Blustery Day

2011-04-20T14:25:00.000-04:00

Not too long ago on a blustery day, we tied yarn to plastic grocery bags. And wah-lah, there you have a homemade kite! You can call it a fun activity or a fifteen minute time filler, but all-in-all it's a definite hip tip!

Jots by Tots

2011-04-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

"Can I get it?" Princess's eyes twinkled as she craddled the cuddly, soft, stuffed kitty at Hobby Lobby.

"No," I replied dryly for the twenty-eighth time.

"But it just jumped off the shelf into my arms!"

******************

Oh to be creative!

Turn it up!

2011-04-19T13:52:00.000-04:00

My Girl's Four!

2011-04-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

Fun Times

2011-04-06T22:42:00.000-04:00

Enough said.

Barefoot Day

2011-04-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

Homeschooling has been an all around success today. We are participating in the "One Day Without Shoes" event to support and raise awareness of the throngs of people, particularly children, who do not have one pair of shoes.

We started out watching this promo video:

Then we collected every pair of shoes that we own in our household. Everyone helped!

Did you know that shoes help prevent foot disease and allows children to attend school to get an education. Over 40% of the world doesn't own even one pair of shoes

We discovered that we own seventy-seven and a half pairs of shoes.

Then we read this wonderful book about feet...

....which gave us the idea to draw with our toes....

Then we went on a barefoot walk with lots of friends.

It was a beautiful day! The fifties and sunshine isn't so bad!

This was a fabulous experience! We are learning about Lesotho, which is a country in Africa where TOMS distributes a free pair of shoes to a child who does not have a pair of shoes when you buy a pair of TOMS shoes. To learn more about TOMS, visit their website! Pretty cool stuff!

Minimum Opus: XI. A Lesson Learned

2011-03-31T21:40:00.001-04:00

Take a lot of pictures and take a look at them every once in a while!

Public Speaking

2011-03-29T21:27:00.000-04:00

Mr. Beaver's cue card.

Public Speaking

2011-03-29T14:54:00.002-04:00

We are learning about public speaking in homeschooling. The kids each picked out the people-group they have enjoyed learning about over the last few months. Princess chose to do her speech on New Zealand.

This is her cue card.

Enjoy!

TAKE ONE

When she watched herself do the first take, Princess said, "She [as though it was another little girl] said the kiwi had three feet!" Then she broke out into a big belly laugh.

TAKE TWO

Minimus Opus: VII. A Scenic Route

2011-03-28T15:27:00.000-04:00

On our way to Ellettsville, IN, I decided to zoom out.

Anybody else love this four way stop like we do? This four way stop reaps havoc!

Good thing there's symbolic reminder to be nice near by the four way stop!

Around the round-about. We weren't used to these things until we moved to Indiana.

Pretty barn.

Pretty water.

Pretty shoes.

Take note of the temperature.

Love the movement. Makes you feel a little woozy?

The Rock Quarry.

More rocks.

It's okay to be different.

Five minutes down the road to the next thermometer. Cooling off, eh?

Thirty seconds later. Wow! Whatta temperature drop!

I hope you were entertained by this random scenic route in Bloomington, IN.

Minimum Opus: XX. A Day Worth Repeating

2011-03-27T15:32:00.000-04:00

I loved tenth grade! The 1997-1998 school year. Very little stress. Not a lot of change. Tons of fun and friends. Granted, that was the year I tore my ACL playing soccer; it was still a wonderful year. One thing that made it so great was that I got to play the part of Adelaide in the school musical. If I could re-live a day in my life, I would go back to tenth grade to the Guys and Doll's opening night and live out the entire day. I loved waking up to the butterflies already fluttering in my excited belly that early Friday morning. All day I would be consumed with mentally preparing for the night's first performance. Rehearsing lines, imagining the audience, organizing my costumes, anticipating make-up, I even planned what I would eat and when I would eat. Like a giddy little school girl, I just about skipped from one class to the next wondering who all would be there from school to watch the musical. I looked forward to my family's attendance. I was confident that all the practice and work that the cast put into this big day would pay off! I loved getting ready. In fact, I was capable of taking hours to primp; I enjoyed taking my time and just enjoying the entire process of transforming into my character, in this case Nathan's doll. From the moment the curtains opened until the cue to take a bow it was like the world stopped spinning and time froze. Together as a cast and audience we were transported into a highschooler's rendition of the life of a gangster and the magical mixture of romance, comedy and music. I soaked in every smile, every chuckle, every applaud, every reaction and interaction. I loved the relationship between the audience and me. Although I was acting like someone else, I felt as though I personally connected on many levels with the characters, with myself and with my fellow peers. I loved going to bed after a performance remembering and replaying the entire process over and over in my head until I fell fast asleep dreaming about the next time I would wake up to an opening show some morning in the future.

Minimum Opus: I. A Childhood Memory

2011-03-26T15:04:00.000-04:00

image by Google

I was born in Bogalosa, LA and for the first seven years of my life that's where my family and I lived. One warm, sunny afternoon my baby brother (who was around two years old) and I (about six years old) went to get our red radio flyer wagon that set parked in our barn which stood at least one hundred yards from our house. Hand in hand we strolled along looking forward to getting our wagon so that I could pull Dan home and take him for a ride. Upon our arrival at the wagon, we discovered a live, green garden snake whipping it's skinny body around in our wagon. In utter terror, I grabbed my little brother's hand and drug him all the way to the house screaming wildly. His little legs could hard keep up, but we managed to make it safe and sound. I did end up pulling Dan that day, just not in the way we had planned. I think we were both forever marked by that memory. It was the day that I realized that even in the face of fear I still was able to take care of those I loved and I think Dan realized it too.

Jots by Tots

2011-03-25T21:03:00.000-04:00

Bedtime conversation after reading about David and Goliath:

"What's hard for you?" I asked Mr. Beaver and Princess.

"It's really hard for me to build things for others," Mr. Beaver replied.

"Nofing's weally hawd fo me," Princess confessed.

"When will I go to college?" Mr. Beaver asked.

"Most people go when they are about eighteen," I answered.

"I want to go when I'm six or maybe eight," Easton clarified.

"What would you do in college?" I inquired.

"I would learn how to build things for others. I am already good at Legos and sticky blocks."

"Yeah, you are really good at building with your Legos and sticky blocks. Maybe the next 'level' for building would be to learn to read directions for building a Star Wars spaceship," I suggested.

Mr. Beaver's eyes lit up. "Yeah, that's the next level!"

*************
Shew! That was a close one. The mention of the word "college" about made this mama's heart stop.

Minimum Opus: XV. A Piece of Advice

2011-03-25T15:04:00.000-04:00

Today my words of wisdom would be:

Make an effort to level the ground between you and the people around you.

As an awkward preteen, I was embarrassed about a lot of things. Particularly, I was embarrassed because I thought that I had hairy arms for a girl. I was very subconscious, especially since other kids made remarks about my fury arms. In seventh grade, I was so fortunate to be welcomed into a safe, healthy, upstanding group of girls who were mostly a year older than me. I remember a very specific impactful occasion that occurred while I was with this special group of girl friends. One of the girls made a comment, basically bringing everyone's attention to the obvious, about how hairy my arms were. I don't remember exactly, but I am sure I appeared to be embarrassed and I didn't have much to say in reply and I probably tried to cover my arms with my hands. Up until then that is where the conversation usually stopped, but this time it was different. Another girl in the group pulled up her sleeves, stretched out her slender arm and said, "My arms are hairy too." The girl who made the comment about my arms was silent and for the first time since I had become socially aware of myself, I did not feel alone, or weird, or different. That day I learned what it feels like for someone to have the courage and compassion to stand by your side, even in the face of humiliation, just to say you matter and you are not alone. I will be forever grateful for my fury-armed comrade who made the effort to level the ground. I hope I can be the of kind of friend to others like she was to me. For you see, the one who levels the ground also plants a seed.

Mr. Beaver

2011-03-24T08:50:00.000-04:00

For a lengthy amount of time, I have gone back and forth about nicknames to use to refer to everyone when I write on Jots. As for Easton, I have drawn a blank until yesterday. If you are around Easton for anything length of time you'll learn that he is ALWAYS building with EVERYTHING he can get his hands on. So naturally, Easton can be described as a builder but I do not like that nickname, there's just no ring to it. I have contemplated so many possibilities, but I always find myself back at the drawing board and still trying to think of the perfect word to describe my little builder. Yesterday I asked him, "What is your nickname, Easton?" Without skipping a beat he replied, "Mr. Beaver." I lifted my brow, "Mr. Beaver?" Then I thought, "Beavers are builders." So we looked up some information about beavers and learned how they build dams, canals, and lodges and then, Easton picked out this picture of a beaver eating corn because corn is Easton's new found favorite veggie. I think Mr. Beaver is a perfect fit for my little builder. So, if you're wondering who in the world is Mr. Beaver in future posts, now you know!

Minimus Opus: IV. A Fear

2011-03-24T08:29:00.000-04:00

In the grand scheme of life and eternity, I realize I am sharing a trivial fear but I am going for lighthearted here. I fear that I will loose the diamond in my engagement ring. (Who am I kidding? That's not lighthearted!) In fact, I had a bad dream the other night that the diamond fell out! Have you ever noticed that some of your fears actually happen in your dreams? Like, for me, I used to dream that one by one my teeth would start falling out and I would be trying to put them back into my gums. It was so embarrassing! Luckily, it was only a dream!

Speaking of loosing teeth. Easton has officially lost his first wiggly, little baby tooth! He is SO proud!

Wednesday Whimsical Whisper: Perspective

2011-03-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

{Depression is like a living death; it sucks the life out of you and leaves you empty and cold.}

Just to let you know, this post is not about depression. Although I am able to form my own definition of depression with the former description, I have never experienced this dark psychological sickness, but as a result of the images created in the world of Harry Potter by JK Rowling, I have a new concept and understanding of what depression is like for some people. Rowling describes depression through the imagery of the dementors which are dark, ghostly predators that literally suck the life out of their prey. Although I have never been depressed, the fictional dementors in Harry Potter have given me a better understanding of the reality of depression.

Back some time ago, I wrote a weekly Wednesday Whimsical Whisper for about five weeks or so. Basically, I was discussing the relevance of fiction in the life of a Christian. Since then I have read a phenomenal Christian fiction novel that has literally broadened my view and understanding of God's amazing love. Francine Rivers wrote a book based on Hosea from the Bible called Redeeming Love. For Valentine's my mom sent me a copy of Redeeming Love; I could hardly put it down--which is just short of a miracle--you see, I am not a big reader. The beautiful transformation of what relentless, undeserving love can do to unfaithful, bitter benefactors of God's love just takes my breathe away. Countless moments while I was reading Redeeming Love I saw myself in the character of the rebellious, hard-hearted, stubborn harlot and yet the loyal pursuit and faithful availability of the abandoned husband towards his straying wife melted my calloused, desensitized soul. I was moved and I have not been able to fully recover due to the fact that it was overwhelmingly meaningful to me. Inspired is an understatement.

Don't misunderstand, you may pick up the book and read it and....nothing. It may not touch you like it did me. Fine, that's not my point. My point is that fiction offers perspective. In other words, fiction illuminates reality. Like the fictional dementors from Harry Potter enlightened my view of depression and like Redeeming Love shed light on the beauty and demonstrative love of God. In a similar way, Jesus' use of parables (a form of fiction) were amazingly effective and applicable to his audience. The word pictures he used to illustrate in his stories brought a deeper, more meaningful understanding to his listeners, like igniting the wick of a candle in a dark room. Wikipedia offers a brief overview about the parables told by Jesus:

Jesus' parables are seemingly simple and memorable stories, often with imagery, and each conveys a message. Scholars have commented that although these parables seem simple, the messages they convey are deep, and central to the teachings of Jesus. Christian authors view them not as mere similitudes which serve the purpose of illustration, but as internal analogies where nature becomes a witness for the spiritual world.

Many of Jesus' parables refer to simple everyday things, such as a woman baking bread (parable of the Leaven), a man knocking on his neighbor's door at night (parable of the Friend at Night), or the aftermath of a roadside mugging (parable of the Good Samaritan); yet they deal with major religious themes, such as the growth of the Kingdom of God, the importance of prayer, and the meaning of love.

Amidst the possible dangers fiction may entail such as: unhealthy escape, unrealistic expectations, and luring one towards ungrounded ideologies, arguably, fiction is equally an effective vehicle for facilitating creativity, broadened horizons, deeper understandings, clearer conceptions and increased empathetic capacity thus providing an enhancement tool of perspective on the world around us.

Have you ever read a fiction that opened your eyes to something meaningful? What book was it? How did your perspective change or expand?

I would enjoy an exchange of ideas on the subject! Penny for your thoughts?

Interested in catching up on past Whimsical Whisper posts? Check them out by clicking on the Whimsical link.

(If you'd like to comment but can't seem to figure out how to leave a comment, try leaving a comment with the identity of "Anonymous" and if you'd like to sign your name, you can.)

Spring Brings Out...

2011-03-22T14:01:00.000-04:00

...the sleepy headed ladybugs

...the vibrant, fresh flowers

...adventures and clubhouses

...wonder and kindness

...dirt stained, bare toes

...and the childhood magic in all of us!

Minimum Opus: X. A To-Do List

2011-03-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Doodles by Princess

2011-03-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

Our little Builder has been drawing since he was hardly two and I have posted hand fulls of his work, but Princess has a new found hobby. She enjoys drawing our family. Since yesterday when this picture was taken, she has practiced drawing over and over and the rendering of our family has been perfected; I'll have to post an updated version soon. Something I love about her drawings is that there is always a story to go with it; a dialogue and plot! Girl after my own heart!

Jots By Tots

2011-03-21T21:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight when I was putting Builder and Princess to bed, I taught them a song called Shout to the Lord. We talked about how you can worship God anywhere. Together we listed places we can worship God: in the shower, on the potty, in the car, outside, inside and then Builder said, "When you're lost."

I asked, "Have you ever been lost?"

"No," he replied.

I corrected him, "Yeah, we have been lost. Remember when we were looking for the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and we couldn't find it and I said 'We're Lost!'?"

He smiled and corrected me, "No, I haven't been lost. I was with you. You can't be lost when you are together."
*************

How profound. How preciously profound.

This is the way we fold laundry...

2011-03-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

Look Who's Thirty!

2011-03-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

With the much appreciated help of Stephen's mom and dad, we, along with good friends surprised Stephen for his thirtieth birthday. And yes, we pulled off the surprise part!

Minimum Opus: XIV. A Random Person

2011-03-21T10:26:00.000-04:00

Mr. Dais was my seventh grade fifth period English teacher. Mr. Dais was a tall, young, black body builder who had a big white toothy smile with a deep, suave voice that kept everyone of his 120 students' attention everyday. The year I was in his class happened to be his first year as a teacher and looking back, I'd say he did A-OK! I remember a lot about his class. He brought his body building pictures for us to gawk at. We had weekly arm wrestling matches. He taught us that real men and real women wear black. In fact, he was the one that encouraged Stephen to write his first letter to me! I still have it!

(For a closer look, click on image and then click on it again in the new window to increase size.)

Most of all, Mr. Dais encouraged me. He told this curly-headed, freckled, bushy-eyebrowed middleschooler that I should continue to pursue acting and that I had a talent. You know what? I believed him. He made an positive impact on me and I am grateful! Most people tell me that seventh grade was the worst year of their life, but for me it was one of my favorite school years; I suspect Mr. Dais played a big part in making my thirteenth year a fun, unforgettable time of life! Here's to you, Mr. Dais!

(By the way Mr. Dais, I do not blame you for my poor grammar; arm wrestling was a very important life skill that came in handy!)

Minimum Opus: VIII. A Funny Story

2011-03-20T14:32:00.000-04:00

ONCE UPON A TIME.....when I was a teenager, I was on an acne medicine that required me to take a pregnancy test every few months. The first time I went to the dermatologist for a check up the nurse gave me a cup and pointed me down the hall to the bathroom. I was surprised that she had read my mind; I had been thinking about how thirsty I was. I went to the bathroom, filled my cup with water and walked back into the exam room drinking from the cup the nurse had given me. After taking a big sip from the cup, I turned to the nurse and politely thanked her. The nurse let out a loud exclamation and forcefully asked "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?" "I was thirsty," I replied. My mother and the nurse examined the cup full of water and then they burst out laughing. I thought for a moment and that is when I realized that the cup was NOT for my parched throat....THE END

Minimum Opus: XIX. A Regret

2011-03-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

I regret encouraging Stephen to save a scared, sickly kitten who gave Stephen Cat Scratch Fever which eventually lead to Stephen's surgery in 2006 where he had 30+ lymph nodes removed.

Bad move!

Seek

2011-03-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

God designed us with a the desire to be satisfied. Unfortunately, in our humanity we attempt to quench our soul's thirst with everything but Him. Are we not already seeking satisfaction? Why not switch gears and put all our efforts into passionately seeking satisfaction in the Lord? I have been fooled into thinking that the gift of salvation is supposed to satisfy the unreachable corners of my heart. Beth Moore believes that salvation is a gift that we receive, but satisfaction is something we actively pursue. A satisfying contentment in our relationship with God does not just happen while we sit passively, hoping that God will force it into our lives. Satisfaction is a conscious and intentional effort that requires us to actively seek the Lord through our ordinary day and in the our weakest moments. In fact, it is a decision, a committment.

Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. All were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their hearts. Eagerly they sought after God, and they found him. And the LORD gave them rest from their enemies on every side. 2 Chronicle 15:12,15

Is this just me or can anyone else identify? I am at home with my three young children, the phone rings, the washing machine has a nervous breakdown, the entire house is shaking and it sounds like our house is going to collapse. Then the three and five-year old are in a yelling frenzy over who had it first, while the one year old is clinging to my leg with tears rolling down his cheeks, screaming at the top of his lungs for me to pick him up. And if that is not enough, the timer goes off and the casserole in the oven is done, so I turn towards the oven and realize that the pot of chicken on the stovetop is boiling over. At that moment, all I can think, do, or say is "I need coffee!" Please tell me that I am not the only person in the world that tries to find something on this blessed earth to make me get through those chaotic, out of control moments!

I have a proposition. Do you want to join me in trying something new? Next time, when our little world falls apart, let's commit to change one simple thing. Instead of seeking satisfaction in a candy bar, a Coke, the Internet, a cup of coffee, a Romance novel, a shopping spree, cleaning the house, calling our best friend, you-name-it, let's seek the Lord. We are already putting forth the energy to find something that will alleviate our inner turmoil, why not just switch gears and put that same amount of energy into something that will authentically satisfy our desperate, emaciated, thirsty souls. Seeking the Lord may look different for each of us. So for starters, the next time we feel like our home is falling apart, let's resort to something as basic as just saying the name of Jesus out loud, praying, reading the Bible for a moment, or turning on a worship song. Let's seek the Lord!

What are other practical ways we can seek the Lord when we need to the most?

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

I said, `Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.'

Hosea 10:12

Minimum Opus: XVII. A Waste of Time

2011-03-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

I waste my time folding French Fry's clothes.

EVERY day he 'organizes' his drawers.

And he's proud of it, too!

So, I can't bring myself to make him stop. I suppose we must choose our battles and this is not one I'm willing to fight. At least not today.

Some things are a waste of time, but hey-- no biggie!

Hello World!

2011-03-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

Minimum Opus: XIII. A Wish

2011-03-16T14:47:00.000-04:00

I wish I had a tattoo. I don't. I realize that I may sound a bit taboo, rebellious, or weird, but I'm just being honest. If I ever write a book, the girl with the tattoo will be an important character. I won't tell what the tattoo looks like, but if I were ever to write a book, then you could read and find out what my 'ideal' tattoo would look like.

Here's a controversy. Anyone want to share why or why not it's okay to get a tattoo?

For more perspective on the matter, visit my wordpress blog post called Tattoos and Scars.

By the Window

2011-03-16T14:03:00.001-04:00

Minimum Opus: VI. A Place

2011-03-14T15:21:00.000-04:00

This is Spirit Rock at Liberty University, my college Alma Mater. When I visited Liberty for the first time, the message on the rock read, "Rebecca, your Shepherd is here." At the time, I considered the message on the campus's 'graffiti central' to be a sign that God was telling me to go to Liberty. It may or may not have been God speaking, but I do see how the Spirit Rock message back in Spring of 2001 has played an important role in my life and it certainly has contributed to making me into the person I have become. This place marks a milestone for me; I think it's really fascinating that it happens to be a rock!

Minimum Opus: XVIII. A Fun Place

2011-03-14T14:55:00.000-04:00

Climbing the rocks on the rivers in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

Image by Google

Minimum Opus: III. A Challenge

2011-03-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

I know I'm telling on myself, but I'm just trying to keep it real here. My challenge is... [drum roll please]... not laughing at my third born's attitude. His thing is wanting me to pick him up all day long or wanting something he can't have. Here lately, he has developed a new way of expressing his displeasure. If I wasn't so concerned of regretting it later, I'd take a video and show you, but since I am not sure how bad I want to remember it, I'll just attempt to describe it. He throws his head back and says "Maaaaaaa-aaaaawww" in a whiny, moan, over-theatrical sort of way. As unacceptable as it is, it is so hard for me not to laugh at it; it is really funny. On top of that, Easton and Anya have noticed this new tone of voice and it gets them tickled too. Another example of his "no-no" behavior where I can hardly keep my composure just happened today. He had a stinky diaper which on most days he loathes me changing. So two things were happening he was having a bad attitude and he did not want me to change his diaper. He ran from me so I wouldn't change his diaper screaming in his new tone of voice "NOOOOOO-ooooh!", then he came running back to me squealing "NOOOOO-oooh!" because he did not want to go to his room for his bad attitude. I just stood in amusement as he battled between me changing the diaper or him going to his room. He did this for at least three or four rounds: No diaper change!--stop, change directions--No time out!; back and forth, back and forth. And that's when I cracked! I laughed out loud. I just couldn't hold it down.

My sweet boy is in a phase and he has had more 'moments' than I'd prefer lately which naturally challenges this mama, but my problem with letting a giggle slip is, by all means, something I must work on!

Minimum Opus: II. A Happy Smell

2011-03-06T13:38:00.000-05:00

I love smells! Good and bad smells. Smells evoke untouched memories that take me back. A few months ago, a certain aroma drew a keeper from my memory bank and I wrote about it:

Something about the discrete smell of the hot, stale, airiness kissing my face as I entered the attic transported my mind back to my grandparents' barn that I occasionally took the liberty to explore and rummage through when I was a child. The thick air was like the blast of heat that pours out of the open oven door when the bread is almost finished baking which naturally is accompanied by an expectant anticipation. On most occasions, I slipped pass the garage and climbed the wide, unfinished set of stairs that twisted around an unlit hallway up into the dimly lit loft. Little air circulated and only the light from the far window illuminated the long room stacked with trunks and boxes full of memories and Grandmama's personal keep sakes. I am not sure what was most exhilarating about those childhood days of endless amazement and exciting discovery. What first comes to my mind was the pure thrill of sneaking off and being alone. I loved to have time to myself and my imagination. Whether I was avoiding something, I am not sure, but I did find pleasure through independent play to the point where I would watch for the opportunity and slip away as soon as I had a chance. Another wonderful aspect that lured me away to the barn loft was the mystery and curiosity that awaited. Trunks full of Mama's old things and family history were packed away in dusty cases that were rarely opened. No one in the world took much notice of these valuable relics but they gave me something as a child to hold on to that made me feel important. I was convinced that my history was a story that had been preserved by Grandmama and there was something special about it. Sorting through the clues and mementos I felt a sense of responsibility and significance that I was able to unlock the secrets of old times passed. Which leads to the last galvanizing attraction I internalized in my attic adventures: a story. I am always writing a story in my head. In the barn loft, I found a place of clarity, noiselessness, and inspiration. In that antiquated attic I was being the author I wanted to be when I grew up.
My kids where having their daily dose of milk as they watched their afternoon video that transitions our family into the remainder hours of the day. I gathered all my wits and physical agility that would enable me to sprint up the stairs, lower the ladder that is in embedded in our ceiling, make a hasty climb to the attic, grab what I needed and return without going unnoticed. It would be a rare occasion for me to set foot in our attic, but I happened to need a stored item. So it was now or never. Ready. Set. Go. Off I flew. I tore up the stairs. As soon as my head peeked into the dimly lit room and the dry air flooded my nostrils, I felt a moment of calmness infiltrate my body from head to toe. The attic. I remember those days. I took a deep breath. My intentions of a two-minute trip to the attic turned into a ten-minute getaway to a peaceful, worry-less yesteryear. It was refreshing. I think I may need to get something from the attic again, and soon!

Framed Footage from Yesterday

2011-03-04T22:57:00.000-05:00

Silly Faces.

Minimum Opus: XVI. A Pretty Thing

2011-03-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

I wear this pretty little, dented, tin ring on my right index finger. Easton gave it to me. He won it about a month ago. Stephen took Easton on his bi-monthly Daddy Fun Time to play games at the mall arcade. I do not EVER want to forget the pure JOY and inexplicable delight that I beheld in our little boy's shining blue eyes that night when he got home a little later than his usual bedtime. At times Easton could not even talk he was so happy and then moments later he could hardly stop talking. He relished every second that he shared with his daddy during their simple outing. In addition, he was so eager to share his prizes he had won with Anya, Fisher, and me. He was overflowing with fulfillment and I could not wipe the smile off my face. What a treasure! A pretty thing, indeed!

Minimum Opus: XII. A Song

2011-03-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

I suppose I am being a bit sentimental, somewhat sappy and silly, but this song is so perfect for Stephen and me. For one, I have a history with theatre and drama. For another, the lyrics really do remind me so much of the way I felt about Stephen during my teen years. I was hopelessly in love and he just didn't get it. Although I do not necessarily endorse the musical FAME, this song and scene in the musical was so us! (Please excuse the poor quality of this particular song recording.)

We always seem to be
Sister and brotherly
It's such a lovely way to be

And I want to say
What it means to me
How I could ever be the same without you

And something more that I know
Though I never could show
How it kept right on growing

The way I know I really feel about you
The way I know I'll always fell about you
Why can't we, why can't we, why can't we try

To play a love scene
We don't need the violins to play a love scene
Where we see how love begins

If we could find a way to start
And learn to play the part
A perfect scene from a play unknown
Let's play a love scene, of our own

And I want to say what it means to me
How I could never be the same without you
And something more that I know
Though I never could show
How it kept right on growing

The way I know I really feel about you
The way I know I'll always feel about you
Why can't we, why can't we, why can't we try

To play a love scene
We don't need the violins to play a love scene
Where we see how love begins

Find a way to start and play it from the heart
A perfect scene from a play unknown
Let's play a love scene
Love scene of our own

Jots By Tots

2011-03-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

"MOMMY!" Princess shrieked. "Fisha spiwed out all the winkin wogs!"

[Hey Lincoln Log Makers! What a cruel joke to play on three and four year old children! HA!]

***************
"Is it March yet?" the kiddos asked.

"It sure is! Did you know that it will turn Spring in March?!"

"Fine-A-Lee! We've been waiting for ears and ears and EARS!"

Minimum Opus: V. A Letter

2011-03-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

Dear sixteen-year old self,

I know you are worried about Stephen moving to Knoxville, TN. Don't be! Remember the time you were so upset about moving to Birmingham? You wanted to stay put because you were tired of change. Imagine all that you would have missed out on if things had not changed. Just think, if you had not moved to Birmingham you would not have met Stephen! I know you probably wish you never knew him just so that you could avoid the painful thought of loosing him. Don't wish that! Everything will work out. No matter what changes come rest in the comfort that God is trustworthy and His plan is good. Breath. It's gonna be okay!

Your Elder Self,
Rebecca

P.S. Oh, by the way, enjoy your curls! Those change too.

Minimum Opus: IX. A Scary Moment

2011-03-01T14:55:00.001-05:00

In the summer of 2002, I worked a rather interesting job. I was a door-to-door book salesperson in Ashville, North Carolina. I have plenty of chilly memories from the whole experience, but one of the horrors I distinctly recall was on an ordinary, hot July day. I pulled the car up to the next random house. As I got out of the car in the distance I spotted the homeowners chatting at their neighboring barn. I proceeded to make my way towards the barn, but instead of being warmly greeted by the southern farmers, I was suddenly encircled by three very large, growling, chow/husky mix, clearly perturbed dogs that hedged around me so closely that I could not even see the grass on the ground for the mammoth amount of gray matted fur surrounding me. I was petrified in sheer panic. For the first time in my twenty-one years I understood what it meant for the hairs on your neck to stand up when you are scared. Although it was in the heat of July, I broke out into a cold sweat. I took a speedy glimpse at the distant folks near the barn in hopes of a rescue, instead they just stared at me. So I mustered up my theatrical skills to call out a calm hello. Finally, the dog owner sic the dogs. I did not faint, but I do not remember much after that except that I don't believe I sold a book to that particular family. A definite scary moment in my life.

Rebel

2011-03-01T14:15:00.020-05:00

I admit, in my own quirky, stubborn way, I am a rebel. I strive for originality, which covers the quirky part plus I tend to go against the grain, hence the stubborn part. So when I read fellow bloggers' posts who are doing the 30 Days of Blogging (which, by the way, I seriously enjoy reading) I cringe to think that I would give in and follow the crowd. I can't! I am a rebel. I cannot succumb. BUT, on the flip side, I think it is such a great idea to follow a writing plan that gets your wheels turning, facilitates published posts, and activates your writing.

So here's the deal, I am willing to compromise. I will not do the 30 Days of Blogging challenge, but I am going to devise my own personal blog challenge; instead of calling it 30 Days of Blogging, I'll call it: MARCH MINIMUM OPUS. Instead of following someone else's list of blog topics, I will create my own. Instead of having 30 topics, I am going to have 20 topics to cover throughout the month of March. And finally, instead of following an order of sequences, I will surprise you! Please don't misunderstand me; I love reading my friends' 30 Days of Blogging; I just want to do it so badly that I have to fake myself out to think that I am not a poser. What can I say? I'm a rebel!

MARCH MINIMUM OPUS: (click on the links below to view the posts)

I.    A Childhood Memory
II.    A Happy Smell
III.   A Challenge
IV.   A Fear
V.    A Letter
VI.   A Place
VII.  A Scenic Route
VIII. A Funny Story
IX.    A Scary Moment
X.     A To-Do List
XI.    A Lesson Learned
XII.   A Song
XIII. A Wish
XIV. A Random Person
XV.   A Piece of Advice
XVI. A Pretty Thing
XVII. A Waste of Time
XVIII. A Fun Place
XIX.   A Regret
XX.    A Day Worth Repeating

Stay tuned during the month of March for Jot's Minimum Opus!

Baby Love and Foto Fun

2011-02-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

Hosea 10:12

2011-02-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Important Announcement!

2011-02-21T10:14:00.001-05:00

There is a season in a parent's life that the question of whether or not to add more babies to the bunch is a constant companion to their minds.

Rest assured, we are not contemplating these types of questions and we are not expecting another bundle of joy. However, in recent days we have found a comfort in enjoying our three babies and just being content with our state of the family. Our precious little ones. All innocent, malleable and cute. Suddenly, something crept up on us without our permission. The days have bled into weeks and weeks into months, months in to years and our first born is not only five, but he is approaching five and a half. Do you have any idea what happens to five and a half year olds? Well, it happened to Smartypants. He has a loose tooth! Coach and I had no idea what a wiggly, little bone in the mouth would do to us, but we are experiencing a profound awakening to the essence of time and the unstoppable freight train of growing up (which includes us, the parents, growing up, too).

If your oldest has not reach this stage, be forewarned! We have had a rude wake-up call and more than ever we are convinced that Smartypants is not a baby anymore. He's growing up. Yikes! Welcome to parenthood, eh!?

Banana Split Valentines

2011-02-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

Black History Month

2011-02-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

Explaining our history's past to very young minds can be an intricately tender task. I was uncertain about my children's perception of skin color. As far as I knew, Coach and I have never spoken to them or differentiated ourselves from others by the color of our skin. So when I began explaining that, like other countries we have studied, we, America, have forced people into slavery on account of their skin color. I was careful not to proceed describing African Americans skin with the color 'black'; primarily for the reason that I was interested in discovering the ideas that had already begun to form in the eyes of my five and three year old.

I went through a series of activities. First I blind-folded them, placed a Disney princess figure in each of their hands and they had to guess what princess they were holding without looking. Then I showed them a picture of all the Disney princesses.

I told them that it is okay to have a favorite princess (because they do). Then I asked "Does God love one princess more than the others?" They, of course, said no. I asked, "Do all the princess look the same?" They answered no. So we know that even though people are different God loves everybody. I showed them a picture of kids and then I asked the same questions about the children as I had asked about the princesses.

We began memorizing John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have life everlasting" and then we sang "Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."

The kids colored a beautiful picture of a group of multi-cultural children hand in hand and we discussed the symbol of equality (=). Our morning ended with story time and we read a phenomenal account from the Underground Railroad called Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson.

Even if you are not homeschooling, I think that this activity was repeatable; that is why I wanted to pass on the resources for you to utilize.

To close I must share that I revelled in the kids' innocence and expression. I asked them what color they thought their skin was. Smartypants held out his hand examining his palm, turning it over to take a closer look he searched for just the right word, "I am kinda orange." Then he looked up at his sister, Princess, and thought for a moment, "And she's kinda purple."

Sometimes we become so rigid and myopic that we are blind-folded to the beautiful array of colors painted upon the faces a sweet group of children. Red and yellow, black and white, orange and purple. They are all precious in His sight.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.~

Love Continued

2011-02-14T20:52:00.000-05:00

Like I said, I could go on and on with this lovey dovey stuff...

Love: A Blast to the Past

2011-02-14T14:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I could go on and on with our family's love shots, so I will just share a few sweet ones from the not-so-distant past.

Tres Leches

2011-02-11T14:04:00.000-05:00

The great thing about homeschooling activities is that you can cook. The bad thing about homeschooling activities is that you can cook. Costa Rica's national dessert is this yummy treat called Tres Leches and so....

....everyone worked together to make this delicious Spanish Milk Cake.

Everyone sat together for a Costa Rica Dessert Indoor Picnic.

Everyone had to taste it.

Everyone did not help me eat it.

Which brings me back to that 'bad' part about homeschooling. It is just not flattering to this Mama's waistline; but on the good side, it sure is tasty!

Want the recipe? Click on Tres Leches to find out how to make this semi-easy Spanish sweet.

Jots by Tots

2011-02-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

Champ was sad. Crying profusely. Princess planted a big, juicy kiss on his head and said, "I'm trying to cheer him down."

I think that's a combination of cheering him up and calming him down.

***************************
Smartypants was building a gigantic pillow fort while Champ rolled around on the pillows having a ball. Smartypants spoke to Champ in his eldest brother, older-than-thou voice, "I know you're having fun," he paused, "but...." he warned, "we are going to have even more fun!"

**************************
Princess tends to be less forward and she values her privacy, so when she had an accident during nap time the other day I was trying to be considerate of her feelings especially when the questions came flooding from Smartypants. "Why this?" "Why that?" he probed. "Why did she already take a bath?"

I carefully tiptoed around his questions, avoiding any embarrassment for Princess, "She had an accident," quickly said under my breath.

"WHAT?" Smartypants demanded.

"I pee-peed in my pants!" Princess bluntly stated.

Coach and I glanced at each other and Coach said, "Well, there you go."

I'm glad someone was willing be upfront and honest.

Dear Alabamians

2011-02-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

It's true. Our children are thoroughly confused. I let Princess dress Champ. Then Smartypants added the hat. Princess and Smartypants stood back and admired how well they matched Champ's outfit.

War Tide!?!?

Yours Truly,

Protagonist

Fresh Air

2011-02-08T22:21:00.000-05:00

We have been talking so much about Spring: the outdoors, chalk, and playtime, that as soon as a few rays of sun peeked through the clouds, we were sidewalk bound. We attempted a go at some outdoor art, but it was just plain old cold! All-in-all, we managed to squeeze in some fresh (frigid) air which is always beneficial for our family. So no real complaints here. How are you holding up this winter?

Messy Fun

2011-02-08T14:33:00.001-05:00

Because we are studying Costa Rica in Homeschooling we are learning about rice (which is a primary staple in the country). Today we used rice for Math class. It turned out to be great fun and a big mess, but worth it no doubt!

My current top-of-the-list struggle in homeschooling is managing li'l Champ. He wants to be apart but can't participate at the level of the older two. In addition and more than anything, he just wants my undivided attention (which he has NEVER really had--even in the womb--poor baby!). Thankfully, this activity suited Champ perfectly!!

In fact, Champ was the culprit of the 'messy' part of the fun! But no worries! We do have a broom.

Of course, Princess was graced with the honor of using 'heart' measuring spoons. It's tough being royalty. Oh and she did receive a battle wound (aka paper cut), so her left hand was out of commission for most of the morning.

Then there is Smartypants. Amongst learning the difference between a Tablespoon and a teaspoon and that two half cups equal one whole cup, he had the daunting assignment of counting how many grains of rice are in a half teaspoon. He discovered that 87 grains of rice fit in a 1/2 tsp. Way to go, Smartypants!

After completing his assignment, Smartypants then proceeded to fill his cup with rice and he announced, "Now mom, you count to see how many pieces of rice are in a cup!"

Case and point. Another good reason his name is Smartypants!

Jots By Tots

2011-02-08T14:10:00.002-05:00

We are studying Costa Rica in Homeschooling this month. Did you know that when Christopher Columbus set foot on the beautiful land of Costa Rica the foreign explorers that decided to remain in Costa Rica forced many natives into slavery? For learning purposes, we are camping out on the subject of 'slavery'. The kids really do not know much about what a slave is, but interestingly, I had them draw what they thought slavery looked like and their pictures were so intriguing and encouraging that I thought I would share:

Princess colored her paper yellow and said:

Smartypants drew this picture and after he heard his Princess Sister's perspective he added a sun. He said, "The man is looking out of the cage and he sees that God is here."

"But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."

Malachi 4:2

Love

2011-02-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

"Obedience without love is nothing but the law."--Breaking Free

When Princess and I went out on our Mommy Fun Time, I honestly did not want to dress up in a skirt, especially with the snow. But because I love her, I was willing to sacrifice what I wanted to do something that would mean a lot to her. Unfortunately, when it comes to God and sacrifice, a lot of times I do it because I have to or because I think I should, but not because I love Him.

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. --1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Princess's Mommy Fun Time

2011-02-06T22:08:00.000-05:00

Princess and I painted our fingernails, dressed up and went to eat chips and salsa during our latest snowy day. We dreamed about the future together by discussing Spring. We shared a wonderful afternoon as we projected into the future of short sleeves, barefoot, green, picnics, parks, creeks, and warm walks. O,the joys of dining with a princess!

Heady

2011-02-04T15:12:00.001-05:00

The other day I was kidding Coach (my hubby's new blog name) about his tendency to give me and the kids a delayed response. In his defense, he said, "I have a lot going on up here," pointing to his head, "it just takes me a little bit to process everything." Ya know, he's got a point. Of course, in the back of his mind is always the dissertation-literature-philosophy-second language-matters that cry out to be wrestled with intellectually. Then there is Mwa who barks out requests, instructions, and facts of the day. On top of that, three little rascals begging for applause, complete attention, and engaging playtime while simultaneously parading around the house in their best outdoor voices and adorable but uncontainable, cooped-up, spastic little bodies. We like to refer to our home as the zoo. From horse play to monkeying around, we are just as amusing as any other local animal museum and that's being modest! So, Coach was right! There is a lot going on up there!

I am not going to pretend I have any right to the same claim, but I can entirely relate to this heady business he talked about. I feel like my head is going to explode with a bunch of scattered, random ideas and streams of thought. I can hardly put A and B together. But that is what I love about blogging...I can attempt to make some sense of this scrambled brain by working things out on paper.

I am doing the Beth Moore study called Breaking Free. I thought I was the only one in the world who had never done a Beth challenge, but I have been surprised that there are people out there like me. Honestly, I have never been one who likes doing things that everybody else is doing. In fact, in high school, I refused to see Titanic based on the reasoning that everybody is seeing it. Yes, I know, I am a rebel (in my own kinda way). So you see, even though I'd never done one of her studies, through the years and on account of my southern upbringing I have gotten to know a ton about Beth Moore without ever really knowing her...know what I mean? Now that I am three plus weeks into Breaking Free, this is how I would describe her and her ministry: anointed and supernatural. I believe she walks and talks with God and He's chosen her for a specific work. I am in awe, really. But not in awe of her, which I love that that's my reaction. I am in awe of God empowering a present day woman to speak His word to His people. He doesn't have to but He does and I am grateful I finally humbled myself to listen.

What's even more personal is something that struck me to the core. Beth wrote, "...the enemy has tried to convince us that the Christian life is sacrificial at best and artificial at worst." That hit my heart dead on, because that's me. When I reason one way I conclude that Jesus requires an empty life of sacrifice and that just seems so...so....empty. When I reason the other way I conclude that Christianity is not real, that it is all in our heads. What is encouraging is that God has a different plan for our lives when we follow Him. Beth teaches that in our Christian lives God wants us "to know and believe Him, to glorify Him, to find satisfaction in Him, to experience His peace, and to enjoy His presence." I would say that's a lot different picture than a life merely sacrificial or artificial.

So that's a bird's eye view of a tiny portion of the electrons and neurons firing in this noggin of mine. Heady? Probably not from the little that I shared. Here's a few more headlines that are flashing across the screen of my mind:

Am I okay with doing anything even if it means that my name never will be remembered?
If tomorrow, no one remembers my name, but they remember Jesus because of me, is it worth it to me?
Why do I pray so fervently for a child in another country to grow up and impact their culture with Jesus and I do not even pray these words for my own children? Why do I not invest in my own children in a way that I hope others are investing into a little girl in Costa Rica so that she will grow to love Jesus and serve Him?
A lot of adopted children indicate in their medical family history that they are 'Adopted', meaning that do not know their history. How does that relate to us who are adopted by the King of kings through Jesus Christ?
Many times I seek God's will when I want to do something I know deep down that I should not do, attempting to validate myself by using God as an excuse. Anybody relate?
Obeying God seems to always require sacrificing something of our human desires. If I am not willing to lay it down, I have made that thing my god. I can totally relate to this.
I am plagued with the question "How?". When I ask "How?" I feel like I hit a dead end and the answers just do not suffice. I have already started to ask Beth Moore "How?": How do you allow Jesus to fill your empty places? How do you turn to God to find satisfaction...practically?
In Breaking Free, I've learned that when you are satisfied with God the result is that you praise Him, His word is on your tongue, and you encourage others. My question is: Do you do these things before you are satisfied with God or is this a result of finding satisfaction in God?

Would you say this is heady? Yeah. And that is no where near all of the crazy hurricane of issues swirling around upstairs. I am sure someone wants to take me by the shoulders, shake me and say "YOU THINK WAY TOO MUCH!" Yes, yes, I agree!

Well, now that I've gotten all that out, would you mind figuring all these things out for me while I take a three week vacation from thinking? As tempting as taking a break from thinking may sound, it would completely be contradictory to my personality and I am sure it would cramp my style. So, happy thinking to you and yours. Perhaps this post is a to be continued....perhaps not. We shall see. Just know I may have a slightly delayed response, because, well, as you know, there's a lot going on up here in my head.

Crystal Creation

2011-02-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

Jots by Tots

2011-02-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

I have a few cute scenes to share.

***************

"What is that?" I asked Anya as we played with her princesses.

"It's a wishing ground," Anya informed me via Sleeping Beauty. "You sit on it and wish for what you want."

"What are you wishing for Sleeping Beauty?" I probed.

"I wish I could sleep until a prince comes to kiss me," her voice dreamily danced whimsically.

***************

Fisher is also known as the 'demolitian' at our house. Fisher was doing his thing and knocking down Easton's latest construction and this is what I heard Easton yelling: "Stop stroying! Stop Fisher! Stop stroying my bridge!" (which I'm guessing it means to stop destroying).

***************

Lastly, a term that has become popular is "plain old". "I want a plain old roll," or "I want my doll to wear plain old clothes," or "I want a plain old hamburger". It's quite hilarious!

Please....

2011-01-31T15:44:00.001-05:00

....EXCUUUUUUUSE our mess.

This blog is undergoing an early Spring cleaning!

A New Era

2011-01-26T14:47:00.000-05:00

Mr. Smarty Pants followed directions and built this Lincoln Log 'farm' single-handedly, independent from any one's help. Easton has always amazed his parents with his ability to build, but following directions is something new! Bravo big boy!

Easton decided that wearing a cowboy hat for the picture might add just the right touch. I think he was right!

Laundry Boy

2011-01-26T14:40:00.000-05:00

My little man loves to be my big helper. He dusts, sweeps, wipes his nose, and helps fold laundry. Inevitably he wears Easton's (clean) underwear while he works. Even more impressive he is getting into posing for pictures so long as I show him his picture I take; upon which he becomes overly giddy with excitement, scrunches up his shoulders, and giggles. Love-Uh-Bull!

The Fiercest Kind of Cabin Fever

2011-01-26T11:21:00.000-05:00

We had no choice but to abort the cabin and make the most of Winter's glory. Fresh air is a vital key to these cold months. Try the outdoors! What a life saver!

Yummmm....

And no, Easton did not just collapse from licking the dirty, old snow. In fact, he's as healthy as can be, but when Ma-ma pulls out the camera something happens to my kids' backbones and cheek muscles. Please explain!??!

Oh good, the cheek muscles are working again! Sweet kiddos! I just love 'em all to pieces!

Jots By Tots

2011-01-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

We were reading the Bible story about the Tower of Babel for bedtime. So I posed the question, "Can you build a staircase high enough to reach God?"

"Noooooo-oooooo!" Easton and Anya exclaimed simultaneously.

"They built one on Leap Frog," Anya pointed out giving us time to search our memory for the scene in the educational video which features a cute little frog family of five.

"Oh yeah! That's right. They built stairs to the clouds, but that's not real, it's a cartoon," I clarified.

"You can't build stairs to God, because..." she paused putting me on the edge of my seat anticipating her profound insight "...because, God is not a Fro-og!"

*********************
Silly me! Why did I not think of that!

Hankering

2011-01-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

The Pioneer Woman is doing another Photography Assignment on 'Flowers' which automatically stirs up some strong hankerings for Spring! The kids have a hankering for warmer weather as much as I do. Anya is particularly excited for Spring's promise to wear short sleeve shirts and the thrill of going outside barefoot in the fresh, pea-green grass. She's makes it sound so romantic!

Funny Kiddos

2011-01-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Writing on the Heels of a Poet: Created to Crave

2011-01-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I like to rhyme. Lately I have been thinking about something that seems like it needs to be processed through poetry. I was in one of these kinds of moods a while back. If you're amused by my poetry, check out my past poetry attempts: Writing on the Heels of a Poet.

Created to Crave

Formless and void in the Artist's hands,
He carefully followed the Author's plans.

Deep within His bottomless soul,
He gave the Dust life leaving a hole.

The vacancy required a certain key
A built in craving fulfilled by He.

Without Him the wanting Creation ached
Starving for the One their life was at stake.

The fruit of His labor withered so thin
Rashly pursuing an unrelenting win.

Nothing that rested upon the earth
Satisfied that which was given at birth.

A hollow crafted with loving skill
Throbbed recklessly for temporary fill.

Erecting walls of stubborn pride
A silent shack holding hostage inside.

Release arose, breaking the chains,
At humble surrender to Him who was slain.

Still and yielded to His steady hand,
The tailored key fulfilled it's designed plan.

by Rebecca

Psalms 73

2011-01-21T14:12:00.000-05:00

A psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
They aren't troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else.
They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty.
These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.
"Does God realize what is going on?" they ask. "Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?"
Look at these arrogant people-- enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong?
All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
If I had really spoken this way, I would have been a traitor to your people.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about the destiny of the wicked.
Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
In an instant they are destroyed, swept away by terrors.
Their present life is only a dream that is gone when they awake. When you arise, O Lord, you will make them vanish from this life.
Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen.
I was so foolish and ignorant-- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand.
You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
But those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Contentment vs. Courage (revisited)

2011-01-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

The first chance I gave the patients enough time to open up and share, instantaneously I became a captive audience to the couple of forty-eight happily married years. In no time, the husband and wife transported us back to their quaint simple homestead in the middle a Texas four-acre orchard farmland where they raised their three boys. The exam room was magically morphed into a euphoric cloud of lively scenes that flashed one after the other through the minds of my contented comrades who invited me down memory lane. Together, they wove a beautiful story, smoothly weaving line by line. The gentleman began a stream of thought and the lady would finish his sentence; then, without skipping a beat she seamlessly transitioned into the next part of the story and the gentleman would generously add the last word. Without a prompt, the couple found themselves speaking simultaneously, connecting with tailored glances, stitching details in appropriate places, and forging on deeper into the humor and glad times of their happy lives together.

"I'd do it all over again," they both declared synchronized in voice and winsome pine gazing off into the distant yet ever-so tangible past.

I have never met someone who lived into their seventies that sincerely claimed to be without regrets and fully satisfied with their allotment in life. That is, not until today. Mr. and Mrs. Unregretful's lovable stories and contagious vigor in life seeped deep into my spongy mind, saturating the very core questions of my heart. Is that what I want in life? Do I want to get to the end and say "I'd do it all over again"? It sounds so good.

Interestingly, at first glance, I was convinced that the couple was the epitome of contentment, but after thinking about it a little bit more, I am not so sure. Like a lot of people, this sweet pair remembered the good times and they were content with the memories they had made over the years. What I am inclined to ponder is the twosome's present state of mind. I sensed a state of longing; a state of yearning. I perceived that they missed the good ol' days, the long gone yesteryear and they deeply desired to escape the haunting sand of the hour glass sifting right between their fingers. At first, I was green with envy on account of my enthusiastic new acquaintances, but now I found myself bearing a penetrating soul stirring examination: Has God called us to live a life on earth that we would want to live all over again? Or has He called us to live a life on earth that makes Heaven all the more inviting?

For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come. - {Hebrews 13:14 NLT}

Aren't we supposed to get rid of things that tie us to earth?

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. - {Matthew 6:10 NLT}

Or are we supposed to bring Heaven to earth?

Or maybe it's both.

Although I would prefer to think that living out the Christian walk is as simple as finding the good in life and holding tightly to it, contrariwise, God does call us to abandon this broken world and set out on the narrow path which leads to the perfect home. To me, the former rings true of contentment and the latter resounds courage. A life of contentment sounds appealing and safe, conversely, a life of courage indicates a degree of risk and a requirement of top to bottom faith.

What do you think? Would you do it all over again? Can you truly enjoy this life on earth while fully following Christ?

Two Words

2011-01-20T21:53:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share another article I recently posted on MainStream.

The popular website, My One Word, that is promoting reducing your New Year's resolution to one word has struck my fancy. I love the idea. So, I started mulling over what my one word would be for the year of two thousand and eleven and I narrowed it down to two words: content and courageous. Interestingly, my mental tug-o-war between these two words explain my stuck-in-the-mud state of the heart.

On the one hand, I want to be content. I do not want to be motivated by discontentment, searching for something to satisfy me that ultimately only God will satiate. I want to find joy in the Lord in whatever circumstances, tasks, or situations I find myself in.

On the other hand, I want to be courageous. I do not want to be stagnant and complacent in serving the Lord. I want my faith to be so alive that I unashamedly and fearlessly obey God's voice to reach out with God's love to the people around me.

Suddenly, I realize that contentment and courage collide and I feel as though I am at a fork in the road and I do not know which way to go. If I pursue contentment, there is no need to act courageously and step out of my comfort zone. If I pursue courage, I cannot be swayed by my contentment in my present situation thus finding no motive to take risks.

Claudia's welcome message at church this morning posed the question, "What's the next right thing to do?". Instead of throwing my hands up in defeat when I face a spiritual dilemma, I need to stop and ask myself what is the next right thing to do. Essentially contentment and courage are both excellent attitudes to pursue and of course I need to practice both virtues. The next right thing for me to do is live out of love with a servant's heart in my home with contentment in Jesus until God calls me to step out in faith and be courageous.

What is your 'one word'? Maybe you have two words. What is the next right step for you? Please share!

Brothers

2011-01-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

Tender Moments.

Check out the latest post on Two Fifty Two.

Homeschooling: Indian Flat Bread Called Naan

2011-01-18T16:22:00.001-05:00

We are moving right along in our trial semester of homeschooling. For more information about what we are learning, hop on over to our Homeschooling blog Two Fifty Two.

We are structuring our subjects around the country of India. So today we made an Indian flat bread called Naan. We started out smelling different spices that are commonly used in Indian cuisine. Then we began baking.

India cooking uses ghee for an ingredient. It is like butter/oil. Good news: it does not contain any trans fat (something our family avoids if possible). Fortunately we found this international product at our handy Kroger in addition to the help of some kind Indian customers who pointed me in the right direction on the international isle.

We used a little elbow grease and some manly muscle.

I asked Easton how he knew how to 'knead' the dough so well and he said he learned it off of Barney. Ha!

Fisher wanted to knead the dough too, so we got out Playdough. We had to be extra careful not to get the doughs confused.

Picturesque of my playful princess.

We spread out the dough, baked it and then....

...tasted it. Anya's tastebuds were not too horribly revolted by the new cultural experience. However...

...Easton gave a thumbs down for naan.

I, on the other hand, am holding myself back from chowing down the whole batch.

I Just Love Him Too!

2011-01-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

My Baby Love.

I Just Love Him!

2011-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

What a sweetheart! My little big boy!

Fun Looks Like...

2011-01-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

I Just Love Her!

2011-01-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

I cannot stop myself from sharing this adorable picture! I just love this face that Grandmama captured.

Love God

2011-01-12T06:59:00.003-05:00

I recently posted this article on the blog MainStream and I wanted to share it with yall.

A large portion of main stream Christian discussion seems to be revolving around action. If we say we are Christ-following, Bible-believing, God-fearing Christians, then the way we live should be unmistakably linked to the commandments of Jesus and undeniably evident to our desperate world. In general, growing up I believed that my behavior was acceptable to Jesus as long as I did not smoke, drink, or chew or go with girls (in my case, guys) that do. The latest Christian message that is on the move in books, sermons, studies, etc. is that keeping the "rules" is really not the bottom line when it comes to obeying Christ; instead, Jesus has instructed us that "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us" - {James 1:27 NLT}. Jesus said, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" - {John 13:35 NLT}. Loving others is so important that Jesus basically equated it with loving God when He said, "`You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'   This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments" - {Matthew 22:37-40 NLT}.

I have often wrestled with the question: How do I love God? Loving God seems abstract and unemotional and it is difficult for me to understand my love for God in a concrete, grounded way. The honest truth is sometimes I do not feel like I love God; and that confuses me. A perspective that I have mulled over for a good many years is the idea that when I display love towards another person, I am, in fact, loving God. Matthew 25:40 says, "And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" At times, I find this comforting, especially during the times I do not feel connected to God. It is also another message from Scripture that assures me that we are to be in action, in motion, doing the will of God.

However, I cannot ignore the question, "Who is my neighbor?". So many Christian agendas seem to communicate that we must do something significant and blatantly meaningful for it to count as pleasing obedience to the call of Christ. Do I have to travel across ten oceans to love my neighbor? Or can I love my neighbor right where I am? I am not saying that we should ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to leave this comfortable life and embrace a life of hardship for the sake of taking the Good News of Jesus to unreached people and loving the poor in a life of selfless generosity. What I do find myself bothered by is a call to action and action alone. I am under the impression that we are acting for the mere purpose of just doing something good, but we have no other motivation.   I personally do not want to obey God motivated by manufactured human pressure and guilt. However, I do want my prayer to resonate with the prayer Mother Teresa sincerely penned in her diary, "...Of free choice, my God, and out of love for you, I desire to remain and do whatever be your Holy will in my regard".   So, I must beg the question: Does our love for God grow deeper when we extend love to others or does loving others erupt out of our love for God?

Recently, a personal realization has shed light on the subject of loving God and loving people. During a passing time of self-doubt and discouragement, my husband asked me what was wrong. I sheepishly answered, "I just wish I wanted to do what I am supposed to do."   I further explained, "I am not a finisher; I just don't finish strong, I have a strong start and then I loose the energy and fade out." My husband responded by saying, "So it sounds like you are saying that you want to be content and you struggle with being discontent. Right?" "Well..." I stammered, "yeah...that's....that's right!" How he made that insightful deduction, I have not clue, but God used him and wah-lah, a light bulb went off in my head! I never had seen myself so clearly. My entire five and half years of motherhood had been spent yearning to find contentment in mothering my kids, because I thought I was supposed to be loving them and I thought that I should be happy doing it. I recall finding myself in the middle of the routine daydreaming about what I wish I was doing instead of refereeing fussy kids or playing Barbies or cleaning up cheerios in every nook and cranny of my dirty house. Then I would turn right around, beat myself up for wasting even a minute on longing to escape this precious time of life. I wish I would just be with my young little ones who will not be little forever. Why can I not just embrace the place God has put me and let go, let God, and love these babies who are really so easy to love? WHY?!

You see, I had it all wrong. I wanted to be content in my circumstances, in motherhood, in the place God put me, but I was missing the boat. Paul wrote, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -{Philippians 4:13 NIV}." My children, my husband, my motherhood will not make me content; only Jesus will satisfy my thirsty soul. Like Eve in the Garden of Eden susceptible to Satan's enticing lies of fleeting bliss, I run to the next temporary fix and find that my heart is still hungry for happiness. Like Eve, I am a lost child made to love God, my Creator, but instead I substitute every hobby, every dream, everyone for God. I attempt to love the place and the people around me, when all I need to do is love the One who first loved me.

Before I can ever love anyone, I must love God first. And of course, "We love because He first loved us" {1 John 4:19 NIV}. Right now, amidst the flashy messages and the analytical chaos, I resign to the simple truth: Love God. "How?" you ask. Good question...which brings us full circle to where we began...

Fisher

2011-01-11T14:21:00.000-05:00

A fun fact about Fisher: Every day, he goes to the cabinet, pulls out the duster and goes around the house and dusts the furniture and under the couch. Mama's little helper!

Loyalty Lies

2011-01-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

Some would call this post 'blackmail', others would call it 'a waste of time'. I'd like to think of it as some good, old-fashion 'fun'!

If you did not know, we used to have a divided house. Today, things changed...

Stephen supporting his beloved Alma Mater in Fall 2000.

Back then, he was truly devoted to the team.

When one takes this kind of oath, he becomes an open target under the microscope of team loyalty.

Today, ladies and gentlemen, he has seen the light and he is cheering for his former foe. He has realized that true loyalty must lie with the winning team. Forgetting the past, seizing the future with the destined champions, and following your children's examples!

What once divided our home has been defeated! Our home is won!

WAAAAAAAR EAGLE!