Boys Will Be Boys

"Dad will love this!" David grabbed the navy blue t-shirt off the rack and shoved it under my nose.

Had my teenage son lost his mind?

"Oh, son, you've got to be kidding me. Your father would never be caught dead in that." Visions of my 80's high school years and a parade of muscle-shirt-wearing teen males flashed before my eyes.

"Awww, cmon' Mom. We could get one for Sam too." Master manipulation at its best. He knew to include his little brother (who thought he hung the moon) into his diabolical plan. "We could match out on the beach."

"Yeah Mom! Cmon." Samuel stood by his big brother pleading.

"You're father would not look good in that, David. It is SO not his style."

My son walked up and put his arm around me, whispering loudly in my ear, "But, you know how good I'd look in it." He smiled, flexing his one free arm for me.

His newfound muscles were getting lots of attention lately. "Law and Order. That's what I named them, Mom." David smirked, unwrapping me from his hug and kissing each bicep.

Three days later...

Unpacking in the hotel room, the boys knew I'd had a weak moment at Walmart and were so excited they could barely stand it. I grabbed the secret bag and opened it up, tossing navy blue t-shirts to all the boys.

My husband unfolded his, "What's this?"

"You're beach attire." 

I'm married to an amazing husband and father. Amidst the audience of snickering and laughter, he put on his new shirt and I snapped a photo.

Two hours later we were all at the beach.

Eight hours later he was nursing the most ridiculous sunburn I've ever seen.



What about you? Do you ever step out of character for your kids? How have you surprised them lately?

My Amazing Moms - A Mother's Day Tribute

My husband is a Hallmark-holiday-hater. He tries to convince me that he would have no problem remembering me throughout the year without commercial prodding.

Yeah right.

Mother's Day is still pretty special to me. What mama-heart doesn't melt over rubber pancakes and runny eggs in bed? My heart swells when I receive homemade cards and Popsicle stick creations. Ahhhh, sweet mom bliss.

With my mom gone now, it can be bittersweet if I think on how much I miss her. But, then I'm reminded of how her own children have grown up (I'm proud of my sisters and brother), and I remember how her children rise up and call her blessed.

Her children arise and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28

On Mother's Day I focus on my four beautiful kids and the special moms God has put in my life. They hold an exclusive place in my life, and stand in the gap where my mother once stood.

I thought I'd introduce you to a few of them. I've been pretty protective of their privacy, and have committed a cardinal blog-sin by not getting their permission first. It's easier to ask forgiveness, right?

This is my grandma. Also known as: Grandma Cuckoo, Granny Goose, Gram, or as we lovingly call her...GRANDMA!!! (She's extremely hard of hearing.) At 91yrs old, she has been a pivotal part of my life. Words can't convey the love I have for her.

This is my mother-in-law, Jane. She is always available to babysit and her competitive nature (wonder where her son gets it?) usually allows us to squeeze a few more days out of her. How blessed am I that she would take time out of her life to make me curtains and seat covers for our kitchen? She is so talented and generous. Because of her we're able to take a trip to Palm Springs. I thank God for her.

This is my Aunt Judy (on the left). The second in line to the matriarchal throne of the family. She has a gift of cooking, quilting, and anything else that includes hot glue, thread, or colorful material. She loves her family passionately and it shows. Did I mention she can speak Slovonian?  Her faith in God is her foundation. I can talk with her about Jesus. Though I'm not as creative, we're still alot alike. I love our phone calls.


This is my Aunt Cathy (on the right, my sister Jennifer is in between them.). The youngest of my mom's sisters, we're only fourteen years apart. She's a new grandma with another on the way. Her kids are her crowning glory and I love to tease her about her obsessive love for them all. She has a knack for finding the most thoughtful gifts ever. My earliest memories are sitting on her lap while she tickled my arms. I share a bond with her that runs deep.

This is my step-mom Linda. She is the beauty from ashes after my mother's death. When Dad married her I was the least bit thrilled. I'm ashamed to admit it-I tried not to like her. But, God had other plans. Over the past ten years, her love for me and my children has grabbed my heart and won't let go. She's shown grace through many an uncomfortable moment. When she discovered I'd be traveling for my book she gifted me with ruby red luggage. When I bounced our 11lb Easter ham on my knee (I am a former high school soccer star, ya know) to get it to the kitchen counter (cheap aluminum pan!) she supplied me with a roasting pan. When I've struggled with hurts and fears she's called and sent cards full of prayers and scriptures pointing me to the only One who can lift pain and burdens. What a gift she is to me.

These amazing women have played a big part in my own mom-journey. They cut the path for me to walk on- and were beautiful examples of selfless acts of kindness, loyalty, love, and laughter. I love them dearly.

I pray this weekend your home is filled with tiny clay hand prints and paper clip creations. Remember to take a moment and pray for those moms the Lord has placed in your life.

Change of Plans on Fox this Saturday night!

What are you doing this Saturday night? Any chance you have a little time to watch a family movie together?

It's pretty rare that I'll encourage you to watch a TV show with your family. (I have very low opinions about television.) So, I'm pretty excited to tell you about Change of Plans, a pro-family, pro-adoption movie on Fox this Saturday night.

Check out the trailer here: Change of Plans



Change of Plans tells the story of a young couple, Sally and Jason, whose lives are turned upside down when Sally's best friend from college is killed in a tragic accident. Sally and Jason are forced to make some life-altering decisions when they discover that she has been named legal guardian to her friend's four children, three of whom were adopted from third world countries. Change of Plans stars Brooke White (American Idol) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show) and according to the official website, portrays how "fulfilling life can be when you look beyond your own plans and invest in the lives of others." What a great discussion starter for you to engage your kids around issues that are truly important. - Dennis Rainey, Family Life



After the movie is over, take a moment and talk with your children about the story line and what it means to invest in the lives of others.


Don't forget, this Saturday night, gather the whole family together, pop some popcorn and spend a night at the movies - in your family room!

Random Tidbits

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Lots going on in my neck of the woods. I thought I'd give you quick update. Lets see, bullet points may work best here...

• Meghan was home from college last week. Had a great time together as a family. Home isn't the same when one of my chickadees has flown the coop. Much quieter...and cleaner.
• Working fast and furious with my publisher to create my book cover. Wow. Never knew this type of thing was so stressful. Hope to unveil it for you next week.
• If you're in our part of the country this Sunday, Paul and I are teaching at SunHills Community Church. Looking forward to sharing our Grace & Truth Living message with families.

And, here is a little tidbit of random information for those of you who are interested in beginning your very own blog in 2011.

Like I said, random tidbits today.

Anything random in your neck of the woods? Fill me in!

Are You Stuffed?

Stop by Grace & Truth Living today.

I am "stuffed" this Christmas!

Five GREAT Things About the Stomach Flu

I consider the stomach flu to be a 21st Century plague. When six of us were living under one roof, I used to pray against this human plight.

Nothing can cause a mother to jump higher out of bed (in a dead sleep), or get her heart racing faster than Nascar, like these five simple words: "Maawwwwmmmmm, I'M GONNA BE SICK!"

For the first time in three years, we are experiencing a family-stomach-flu-a-thon. Going on now for two weeks, I won't regale you with the details, but it's been ugly. Since I try to see my Pepto-Bismal bottle half full, I thought I'd share five GREAT things about the stomach flu.

1. Quality time with your children. We've laid on the bed, couch, and floor together. Nothing says quality time like tag-teaming it in the bathroom.

2. Memories. We're making memories here. Every family needs a good stomach flu story to share with the in-laws at Christmas.

3. Jello. When was the last time you've spent DAYS eating Jello?

4. You get to play WHODUNNIT? for hours. Curled up in the fetal position, I've racked my brain trying to figure out whodunnit!? Who could have been so kind to share this bug with all of us?

5. Blue jeans fit much better. Before I get re-hydrated and gain back the three pounds I lost, I will proudly wear my 501's with a pale-faced smile!

Blog Candy - You've Been Warned

Every once in awhile I find myself on Facebook, looking at pictures and thinking,"Why am I looking at someone's honeymoon pictures from Niagara Falls? I don't even know these people."

For you new Blessed... readers, you'll get to experience the same "Who are these people?" feelings. Yes, it's your lucky week. I plan on putting up a few family events from our neck of the woods. Because, you see, in the past three weeks our family has celebrated three BIG birthdays and a baby. (Not mine.)

Yes, all week long Blessed... will be full of blog cotton candy. Lots of family fluff n' stuff.

Some would call it wasted bandwidth.

My husband would call it braggin'.

I call it blog-worthy.


You've been warned.

You know, this might just work out.

With invites to lots of holiday gatherings, our dance card is full.

The grand opening for a mom and pop coffee shop (Catered..Cmon' you really didn't think free coffee was enough to get my lipstick on.),

a faculty Christmas party,

a wedding,

a birthday party,

neighborhood Christmas cheer,

the occasional platter of Christmas cookies...what? Flour, milk, eggs, a meal in itself!

the kids Christmas parties at school...

You know, this might just work out. The way I see it, I may not have to cook until December 29th! Woo Hoo!!!

Happy Birthday Little Brother!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday dear Georgie...

Happy Birthday To You!

You are 29 today, WOW! I still remember the day you were born. Dad came over to Grandma's house where your sisters were awaiting the good news. When Dad showed us the polaroid pictures we all fought over which one we could have. Dad put them behind his back and I got the best one! Of course it is not a picture that I would share on the internet. hee hee hee

I just want you to know that after almost thirty years, I have forgiven you for quite a few things.

1. Never having to do the dishes.

2. Waving my bra around the house when my boyfriend came over.

3. Never cleaning the bathrooms.

3. Listening to NPR radio.

4. Never vacuuming the house.

5. Becoming a Public Defender.

6. ...and not moving up to be closer to Jen and I.


Just know George, that I love you with all my heart. I am so very proud of you and of all that you have accomplished in your young life. You are a wonderful brother and an even better uncle! You have a heart that loves freely and a sense of humor that surpasses even mine... and you know that is hard for me to admit!
Have a great birthday today little brother. We will celebrate in style in a few weeks when we go on our road trip together!

SIBS ROAD TRIP 2008!!!

I love you, Joanne

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVON!

My neice Chelsey graduated from junior high last night. She looked so adorable in cap and gown. Most of the family got together and met at the field to watch the ceremonies (We missed you Amy!) and afterwards pigged out on ice cream cake and cookies..mmmmmm mmmmmmm was that yummy.

***Funny family moment of the night: When my sister brought Chelsey's ice cream cake home she was surprised to read, instead of "Congratulations Chelsey"...it read "Happy Birthday Devon"! Her mother in law rushed back to Baskin Robbins to fix the mistake with only minutes to spare before they had to leave for the graduation. We all had a good belly laugh over that one.



I just had to share a picture of the whole family. Oh Lord, where is the time going? It seems like only yesterday that Chelsey was a bossy little baby girl, leading her sister around the house and telling her what to do. She is growing up to be such a sweet and beautiful young lady.

Any other chickens out there?

A chicken running around with it's head cut off...pretty graphic, awfully dramatic, but the analogy fits. I am a fat and fluffy, feathered chicken this time of year.

With the year wrapping up, we have award ceremonies, open houses, and graduations galore. I thought I would show you some of my past week in pictures.

Gracie was in a hoedown. My girlfriend Kim lent us the cowgirl outfit. Gracie looked so adorable. (Samuel had his own hoedown too, I just forgot my camera for that show.)

Open house for Samuel. He is standing by his lion project. Dad helped him with this one. Dad is not the greatest creative genius in our home, and mom was sleeping off a graveyard shift. Samuel was very proud of his lion made with a box and empty toilet paper rolls.

Our church's Spring progressive dinner was at our home. We hosted the main course leg of the evening. There were about twenty of us altogether. It was lots of fun.




This is at David's spelling bee. I arrived and found my seat, as my darling son was misspelling the word "tinsel". I was so proud.

Mom and Dad at Grace's open house. Third graders are just so darn cute, aren't they?

Meghan's choir award ceremony was LONG. Bless her heart, she got an award for great solo singing performance. That girl is talented I tell ya!




Gardening anyone? In between all of the above and much that I haven't included,(like selling our truck and searching the western hemisphere for a minivan), I just had to start my veggie garden.

I mean, what would I have done with a few extra hours of time to myself?

Our Annual 'Why we don't live in the snow-trip.'

Have you ever gone to the pet store with your children and held a new puppy? The kids were all around begging you to take this adorable little creature home with you? And maybe like me, you were smitten...for that moment, and took the puppy home. Only hours later wondering to yourself, "What in the world was I thinking?!?"

That is how it is every year when we go to the snow.

After only an hour on the hill, kids crying because they can't feel their feet, tears after tumbling down the slope on their faces...lost gloves, noses running,...I am pretty ready to go home.

We are blessed to have a dear family friend who lends us their cabin. It is the kids favorite family vacation and (minus the snow) it is ours too. Since we don't live in the snow, after twelve months of pretty warm weather, we are usually beside ourselves to get bundled up and hit the hills with our sleds.


These past four days were wonderful hanging out in the cabin, reading, watching movies and eating lots of junk food together. But once again, I take my hat off to you gals LIVING in the ice and snow. God Bless your hearts and homes.

You ladies are much more amazing than I give you credit for.

Under the Weather...

Our family has been 'Blessed' with good health so far this year. Forty eight hours of a runny nose is all we have had to endure and that was from only one child this winter. Our close to perfect record changed this morning. Meghan had a stuffy head and sore throat, David had a sore throat and Grace said she felt fine but admitted waking up last night with a sore throat.

Sound the alarm! Mom is now in sick-mode!!! Out came the Airborne, Vitamin C tablets dropped fom the sky into their little hands. Zicam flew at the kids from all directions and all sugar is now on a lockdown!

Only Meghan really was sick enough to stay home. The others I kept home just to make sure that this flu/cold or whatever they have will not get any worse. This mom is armed and ready. My family is not going down without a fight from me.

I have included a few pictures to show you what the kids were doing this morning in my multiple roomed sick-ward.


Meghan has never once minded hanging out to read in her bedroom.


Gracie is trying to write in cursive while cuddled up in mom's bed alongside 'Princess Violet Rose', her cat.

David is finding anything he can in the house to eat. Hmmmm...I don't think he is really that sick...do you?

My Best Birthday Gift

When I was a young child, there are certain family members that I remember loving so very much. It was my aunts and my grandma who were my favorites. I was closest to my mom's youngest sister Cathy as a child and young adult. She was only fourteen years old when I was born. I remember as a little girl asking to try on her song girl outfit, sleepovers at her first home when she was a newlywed, hanging out with her at the court house where she worked (and having her and her friends XEROX my face and hands on the printer!) wedding showers and baby showers that she threw for me. I remember at seventeen, driving to the hospital with my girlfriend when she gave birth to her daughter Lindsey. She was the one I would turn to when I desperately needed a babysitter for Meghan and again the one I turned to when I was so heartbroken over mom's cancer. When I had my daughter Meghan, I think my Aunt Cathy was almost as excited as my own mother was. The first ten years of Meghan's life she was a constant fixture. My oldest two children were so blessed to have her around. She just doted on the little ones so much.

Six years ago my aunt and I had a disagreement. I come from a family who has a bad habit of not talking to one another when hurtful words are said. To tell you the truth I don't remember exactly all that was said between us, I just remember being hurt and I am sure that I hurt her too.

We haven't seen each other or talked much for years now.

My aunt has missed out on being a part of my youngest two childrens' lives. That has been so hard for me. No longer do I call to share with her about something funny the kids have done, or said. No longer does she receive calls from my kids inviting her to their birthday parties or school activities. I don't even think my youngest two would know her if they saw her today. In return, I wasn't there for my cousins big days, their graduations or special birthdays. It has been a hurt that over time I have let become a callous on my heart...dead skin so that I don't feel the pain. She has gone through some very difficult health issues and I make sure to keep up with how she is through my other aunt and Grandma. Praying for her if I know she isn't well. The past few months I truly belive that the Lord has put her on my heart. Like Jacob with the Lord, I wrestled with God about this...ALOT. "What would I say to her Lord?" "I wasn't completely at fault here God!" "How can I make things right?"

Yesterday was my 40th birthday. It was dark when the doorbell rang. My husband answered it and received a package from UPS. It was from my Aunt Cathy, for me. Inside was a book and some wonderful smelling lotions from Victoria Secret. I immediately called her to thank her. After so many years, I still know her phone number by heart. When my aunt answered we had a wonderful conversation. I loved hearing her voice and that thick protective skin on my heart became so very soft. I have missed her so much.

With my mom gone, having my aunt remember me on my birthday was more of a blessing than I can convey with words. We ended our conversation with telling each other 'Love you'.

This was my best birthday gift this year.

I only wish I had given her this gift on her birthday.

Blessed are the Flexible

Pneumonia has a way of getting your attention. After my sister Jennifer was released from the ER late Thursday evening, her mother in law Geneva who has been staying with their family was admitted to the same hospital Friday morning, with the very same diagnosis...pneumonia. Geneva had one added concern though, her x-rays showed a spot on her lung that they want to check with more testing. Please keep her in your prayers.

Our plans to leave for a family snow trip Friday morning came to a screeching halt. Celebrating my birthday in Lake Tahoe and sledding with the kids would be an impossibility to do with a care free heart. I couldn't leave my sister being so sick. I wanted to be there in case she needed me or if she headed back in to the hospital.

When we shared the news with our children on Friday morning, our youngest two cried. They had all gone to bed so excited to wake up the next morning and leave for their big trip. I was very disappointed too. During our devotion, I shared with them that I knew God had something for them this weekend. That He is a loving God and they should have hope. I told them to keep their eyes open and to watch and see what He would do.

Less than five hours later my father and stepmother called to invite us all out to dinner and to ask if they could keep the children overnite. The kids were thrilled to have a sleepover with their grandparents. They loved on the kids and filled them up with goodies and a trip to the movies to see the 'Chipmunk Movie'. I was so grateful to the Lord!

Of course God didn't stop at blessing the children. Paul and I found out late last night that Lee Strobel, the author of 'The Case for Christ' book series is going to be speaking at a church close by. We are loading up the car this morning and even picking up my sister's oldest girls and taking them along to hear him speak. How cool is that?!?

Oh, and the cabin of our dear family friend, that we were going to stay at...it is available next weekend.

GOD IS SO GOOD!

So Grateful...

My sister Jennifer was released from the hospital late last night. My brother in law Eric and I spent most of the day and much of the evening in the emergency room by her side. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. I have never seen her so sick in all my life. After being hydrated with 2 liters of fluid, a bag of antibiotics, a narcotic for pain (7X stronger than morphine), tylenol and oral antibiotics...she was sent home. She has very little memory of her evening last night. I am so grateful that she is on the mend, so grateful that she can be home to get well, so grateful that her family will be around her today.

"A thankful heart is a grateful heart."

"It is so good to give thanks for the Lord, and to sing praises to your name, O Most High." Psalm 92:1

OUR RADICAL SABBATICAL

Last year on New Years Eve, my girlfriend and I commiserated over our disgust in our 'captivity of activity'. This conversation was the spark needed for what became a year long family experiment. Our 'Radical Sabbatical' had begun. All of 2007, our family went on a journey together. We cut out all outside activities to make time for things like, well, being a family.

The Christian writers website 'Writer Interrupted' will be posting a two part story of our year long journey on Friday and Saturday this week.

I pray not only that you will be blessed, but that it may encourage others to do something as crazy as taking a 'Radical Sabbatical' for themselves.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

In my opinion, the U.S. Postal Service has overlooked what could possibly be a very profitable mode of mail delivery. I am surprised that our government would miss such a golden opportunity and such cash cow potential. After many inquiries, I have discovered that moms all accross America have frequently used this form of communication with their family. What am I talking about you ask…bathroom-mail of course.

I must admit, like the Loch Ness monster and Big Foot, I had heard rumors about a bathroom mailman when I had my first child. I had even been warned by many ‘expert mothers’ that not only would my alone-time in the bathroom become a distant memory…I would also experience bathroom-mail from time to time. So why was I so shocked when my first delivery was slipped under the door by a four year old little girl in 1995?

Since then my mail carriers have been both male and female, some cute and some not so cute (those would be my teenage mail carriers). I have had letters, homework, permission slips, report cards, birthday invitations and even notes of affection slipped under my bathroom door. I have begged, pleaded, cried and even screamed at them, “RETURN TO SENDER!” all to no avail.

From one experienced mom to any newbie moms out there, remember, your alone time in the bathroom is now a thing of the past. ’Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor the shrill screams of an exasperated mother can keep away bathroom-mail...Not now, not ever…

David's Turkey Bowl

David has been begging me for months to schedule a date when his friends could come over for a football game. I finally made up some postcard invitations 'David's 1st Annual-Two Hand Touch- Turkey Bowl!' He handed these out to kids at school and everyone at church. I had warned him that having it the day after Thanksgiving, there may not be a good turnout. What a blessing when thirteen friends showed up. This included our pastor and the pastor from David's school. It was so much fun watching them out there. The only injury belonged to my husband Paul while trying to live out his 'glory days'.

His knee didn't get that memo.

Grandma Has an Addiction

Those of us closest to grandma know she is addicted. We have grown up in the shadow of this stronghold in her life. All of her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren are aware of the 7:00pm hour and what it does to her. We have only made the mistake once, if ever, of calling at that time.

Her obsession….’The Wheel of Fortune.’

This picture is of my husband Paul and Grandma playing a round of the game while family looked on. Grandma wanted to prove that at 87yrs old, she is still top dog. Paul went along with the fun and sat staring at her, while whispering loudly (remember she is pretty deaf), “I am getting into your head Mary!” The rest of us were rolling with laughter, when after one round, the clue was ‘Showbiz’ and the answer was supposed to be ‘Outtakes and Deleted Scenes’, my grandma blurted out, “Cattles and Deleted Smenes!” (Yes, that word was 'Smenes' pronounced 'Smeanies')
(My aunt taking pictures of Grandma with a few of her 'great-granz' as she calls them.)

My brother-in-law Eric and my sister Jennifer orchestrated this family event. You see since my mom died, seven years ago, we have really not been back to celebrate holidays with our extended family. Most contact with our cousins, aunts and uncles lives has been through our Grandma, via the telephone. On the drive in yesterday morning, I realized just how emotional it is for me to come back for a holiday visit. I cried quite a bit on the way in. Wondering to myself, “What the heck is wrong with me? Where are all these tears coming from?” All the while knowing what it was. Every thought in my head was of my mom and the holiday memories I had experienced for the first 33 years of my life. They were ALL at my grandma’s house. After we all got there, my grandma said to me over and over, “This is the best day of my life. I wish it would never end.”
(This is a picture of us cousins. The cousins that weren't able to be there...well, someone thought to grab 20yr old pictures of them so they could be included in the photo too!)

Going back to grandma’s yesterday was such a blessing. There was such joy. We laughed SO MUCH!!! The only sadness in the day was that my youngest sister and my mom’s youngest sister couldn’t make it with their families. I was so grateful that Eric and Jen pulled us all together. I pray our future holds many more opportunities to hang out at my addicted grandma’s house, as a family.

"Behold I am making all things new..." Rev.21:5