Crime So Close

Well, I am back. We just got back from Christmas with relatives. Also, we got to reconnect with some old friends. As we spent time with old friends, I was reminded of how important friendship is to us.

We arrived back in town on Thursday, and I had to go to the store to get some items since our frige was bare. Maddie and I took off to Tom Thumb. We live almost next door to this store, and we could walk if we were not so lazy. We went in and shopped for about 30 minutes.

We arrived at the check-out and the bag boy was joking with the cashier. I asked them what they were talking about. Evidentially, while we were shopping the bank that is located in Tom Thumb was robbed. At first, they thought the sushi man did it, because the bankteller said that a short Asian man approached her for money. They do sell sushi at this store, but the bag boy said that the sushi man did not do it and that he just looked similar. We walked by the bank, and they had it roped off like a crime scene. We did look carefully at everyone we passed on our way to the car.

I was not back 3 hours from our trip and our closes grocery store bank was robbed. What is so crazy is that this did not even make the news. In our hometown, this would have been a main story. Since this is New Year's Eve, I am very aware of where we live and how close crime can be. We will be toasting the New Year in with Sushi and Fre(some kind of fake wine Steve bought). Some of you may say it is in honor of the poor little sushi man, but no it is just our tradition. For several years, Steve and I have had sushi at midnight to bring in the new year. Have a Happy One!

Out of Town

What is a vacation and when do you need one? We took a cool camping vacation last summer. A family from our old church let us borrow their pop up. I had a melt down one day on the trip. I think that I had absorbed enough sun. Other than that, I have great memories of that trip. We went to the beach and had a great time. We found out that we really liked camping, but maybe not at the beach.

Steve has taken vacation days, and we are embarking on another journey tomorrow. We are going to visit our relatives and friends in our hometown. My question is "why does this really not feel like a vacation? What is it about visiting family that sometimes makes it exciting, but exhausting? I really enjoy my parents and love visiting with Steve's parents. I am hoping to talk with some dear friends too. Maybe, I need to realize that the exhaustion comes from the whole trip not just all the interactions. The driving with three kids in the car for 15-17 hours. The whole day packing before the trip and the struggle to not forget anything. I think that Steve and I also don't feel like we fit there anymore. All that to say, it can be overwhelming to go back to your hometown.

As Steve finishes up his Greek final today, I can see how much he needs a vacation. He has a weary look. I am hoping that all my past trips of going to visit the relatives and friends will not be true for his sake. So really, I wonder when is a vacation a vacation? Of course, we are all excited to see Tim's toys!

Cooking Your Brains Out!

As a stay home mom, I really don't ever experience the pleasure of a good sit down meal cooked by anyone else. I have had three parties so far that have allowed me to experience this pleasure. I had a great meal at the elder/pastor party this last week. I also was taken out to an Italian restaurant by the student ministries at BTBF. And of course, my bunco group was quite delicious. I even won the grand prize. I got the most bunco's that night. Tonight, I get to experience Steve's volunteer staff at a party. It is a potluck, but it still does not mean that I have to really cook.

On a day like yesterday, you begin to wonder and appreciate all those things that your mother did for you growing up. I baked my brains out. My kids have Christmas parties at school and I have to bring the cookies and cup cakes. I must have baked 150 cookies, and I don't even know how many cupcakes. Then, I was attempting to make candy for Steve's co-workers. I still had to cook the three meals that are required of me-breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I was trying to do all this crazy cooking while doing the laundry, picking up the kids from school, and taking care of my kids who were a little board today.

I found myself about 3:00 pm wondering how can I enjoy my kids today. I realized all that I had done was bake. After I picked up Meg, we jumped out of the car and started a foosball game. Yes, we have a foosball table and on Saturday Seth (steve's intern) is bring over an air hockey table. The church is getting rid of it and we are getting it. Do we have room-no! I felt like we could use it and see how it goes.

Anyway, The girls and I played a round and Kenzie and I are tied with Meg and Maddie. I enjoyed that game so much. I looked at my kids for the first time and thought this is going to be exciting. I mean for so long you are just changing diapers and surviving babyhood and toddlerhood. I looked at them as young women who could beat my tail at a fooze ball game. Even a day where I felt like all I did was cook my brains out, I found a neat moment with my kids. I think that is pretty cool. I can't wait for all those neat moments that are to come. Okay, this post got too long, but my excuse was that I could not sleep!

Party, Party, Party

Okay, I am not that popular, but I have been to 2 Christmas parties in the last three days. I have 3 more this week. This does not count my kids parties at school. Our first party was very nice and we went to an elders house. I was excited, because they served us an entire meal. I usually only eat my own cooking, so it was a treat. It was neat, because the elder has a ranch and Steve told him that Madison wanted a horse for Christmas. The elder said," just take her out to my ranch and let her ride and tell her that the horse is hers." We all cracked up. The amazing thing is that this elder was comfortable enough just to share his stuff . People like that are rare. People who value people more than their stuff.

Our next party was okay. It was a DTS party. If you want to know more ask Steve about it. Tonight, I have my Christmas Bunco party. This group is a group here in my community. It has been good to get out and meet moms from my kids school.

We have 2 more parties at the end of the week. These are church related. My girls have their class Christmas parties Friday. Of course, I will be bringing the cupcakes and cookies. I think when we lived in TN that we only went to maybe one Christmas party a year. I could be wrong. Maybe, we weren't as popular there. Or maybe, these Texans just know how to party!

An Early Morning

Usually, Kenzie comes in about 5 am and wakes me up. The last couple of days Maddie has crawled into bed with us. On this particular morning, I found myself awakened by Steve's nasal drainage. I think that he will probably be mad that I mentioned that. So, now I am the early riser.

As I laid there this morning, I caught myself starting to worry. I don't know if worry implants itself in you, but it sure likes me. As I begin to worry, I found myself focusing on negative thoughts too. I tried to stop worrying. You may say," what is so important about your life that you need to worry?" Well, I worried about money, safety on an upcoming trip, making all the cookies and cupcakes for the girl's Christmas class parties, what to wear to the Christmas party tonight, how long it is taking Steve to get out of school, Sunday school, my health issues, my kid's allergies and the cracks in the house. The ultimate worry is outside my bedroom window. As I laid there, I heard the terrible sound of our heat pump.

At that moment, worry was no longer a problem. Fear flourished through my veins. It is funny how worry can turn into fear so fast. Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." I am not sure why, but I don't quit have a grip on this verse. I still continue to worry and the fear still continues to creep in. My question is do you ever get a handle on worry?

All Things Possible?

I began teaching the 5 year olds at our church this fall. It is a little intimidating, because I am in charge of all the 5 year olds for our 10:45 service. Our church has about 4-5 thousand members. I teach the large group and then we break out into huddles. It seems that each week I scramble Friday and Saturday to get ready. I often read over the text on Monday or Tuesday so that I can think about it through the week.

God seems to bless me every time I study it. This week our lesson is about "all things are possible with God". Our story is about Jesus feeding the 5000 and some of his other miracles. I found something interesting in John 6:1-14. Jesus asked "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" It says in the text that Jesus did this to test Philip. Philip's reply was something like-wow, even 8 months checks could not feed all these people. Philip's response does not seem as positive as Andrew. Andrew spoke up and told Jesus about the boy with the fish and bread.

I just wonder -would I be Philip who thinks it is impossible or would I be Andrew who speaks up and helps with a solution. I think that I often find myself being the person that thinks it can't be done. I wonder if this perspective comes from a lack of believing that all things are possible with God? In Mark 10:27, Jesus says this to his disciples-"With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God.

An Ordinary Mom Day

What is an ordinary day for a mom? I used to know. I woke up and by 10:00 am I had cleaned the bathrooms, colored with Kenzie, laundered 2 loads of laundry, feed all three girls breakfast, took Meg and Maddie to school, vacuumed the floors, did a puzzle with Kenzie, checked my email, brushed all three kid's teeth, dressed them, fixed Steve's breakfast, and mopped the bathrooms and the kitchen.

After I picked Maddie up, I felt like my day was complete, and it was only 11:00 am. I keep wondering why so many people think stay home moms sit around all day and do nothing. I must confess that I used to think that before I quit my job 8 years ago. Now, I look back and wonder how would I have worked. I think that being a "homemaker" should be an extremely valued profession. It is a profession of thanklessness and often long days of overtime with no incentives. The pay is definitely not an underlying factor of commitment to the profession. Knowing what I know now, I can honestly say going back to work as a teacher sounds like a relaxing day!

The Holidays

I think that the holidays have started. On our street the lights started going up two days ago. I heard on the news that several got hurt shopping on black Friday. There was a laptop computer on sale at walmart that was a hot ticket item. I also heard that Target has their employees saying happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I think their statement was that they felt a responsibility for their costumer's diversity.

I just wonder if you should replace Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. I mean it seems like this holiday would not exist if it was not for a particular person's birthday. Anyway, I really just wonder if I can survive the Christmas season. Steve and I have been getting a little down lately. I think this seminary thing is the problem. I am not sure if it is okay to be this negative on a blog, but oh well.

It could just be the holidays making us blue. Christmas brings a lot of expectations with the gift giving thing. Sometimes, I wish we could just outlaw it and say it is against the law to give gifts. I wonder what Christmas would be like as celebration where gifts were not even a part of it. What if you could sit down to a meal, sing songs, play games, or read to your guests. I don't think it could be done because the whole evening would be awkward. I suppose that I am looking for an authentic Christmas where it doesn't matter what you gave or what you got. Is that silly?

A Good Mom?

I had decided that while the kids were off this week that I was going to give them a good mom! I believe that a good mom guides her children in this world by helping them grow, learn, and adapt. This whole week I did my best to give the girls a great thanksgiving holiday.

Yesterday, I started by going to Target to buy paper towels. When I got back, we ate lunch and watched a soccer movie together. Afterwards, the fun began! We made turkey cookies and the mess became a little much. I had bought gel instead of icing to decorate them. I would not recommend gel for anything. I had been on good behavior as a mom all week, but my patience was being tested.

After the cookies, they helped me make pumpkin pies. Everyone wanted to do the eggs! Megan did get to use the mixer for the first time. I even gave Maddie a try at it. This upset Kenzie because she really wanted to do it too. I could not bring myself to hand over a mixer to a 3 year old. We got the pies made. Thank goodness!

It was then time for our placemats. We started making thankful placemats last year, and I noticed that it gave the girls a chance to express what they were thankful for. They made turkeys with feathers and on the feathers they wrote what they were thankful for. As I began reading, I got teary eyed. I mean most kids would say their toys or their swingset. I saw things like Nana, Dad, Mom, and Soccer. The one that brought it all together is when I saw God and Jesus.

What is a good MOM? Who knows? I wonder if a good mom is one that can be grateful that her children have that perspective? I am not sure if that is an arrogant statement or not.

Loneliness

My husband taught at our church yesterday, and his subject brought back a lot of wonderful memories of my childhood. His sermon was about children and parents. It is funny how when you grow up the right perspective kind of finds you. By listening to my husband's teaching, I realized that parenting is hard and that you have to have the right thing guiding you. (He used a plow illustration that was really great!) I also felt a little afirmed in my parenting. It is nice to know that maybe your not messing your kids up too bad!

It made me remember the wonderful times that I have had with my family(my parents and brother). We seem to always find the laughter in things. We always say what needs to be said. Living in Texas for these 2 1/2 years has been a very lonely time. We are making some friends, but their still not what you call soul mates. With Thanksgiving Day coming soon, it is hard to remember the good times that I had with my parents and my brother and not miss them terribly.

I know that God's purpose in all of this is higher than mine. I, also, know that the loneliness that I am experiencing is nothing compared to what Jesus felt on the cross. I hope that my parents and brother know how much I miss being with them for Thanksgiving Day.

Eventhough I am lonely, I am also excited to be cooking for my own family. I am attempting to do turkey and ham this year. I wonder how that will come out! I am enjoying my kids being home for the holiday too. I know that showing my own kids what Thanksgiving is all about is a pretty good way to spend my time!

Thankfulness

With Thanksgiving coming soon, I have been wondering about what it truly means to be thankful. Is it when your little girl scores the winning goal for her soccer team? Could thankful mean that you have your health or a roof over your head? What about enjoying the comfort of friends and family on Thanksgiving day. I struggle with this word, because I am not sure if I know what it really means. I sometimes wonder if I only know unthankfulness. I get upset when my child throws her stuff in the floor or if the drive threw at McDonalds is too slow. I don't often stop and thank God for my little girl or the ablity to drive to a resturant.

As I was reading for my lesson for Sunday, I began to realize that Jesus was pretty smart about teaching us thankfulness. In the story of the Ten healed of Leprosy, Jesus heals all ten lepers. Only one man comes back to tell Jesus "Thank you". Jesus points out that he healed all ten lepers, but only one came back.-that seemed to speak to me. Jesus places valve on us saying thank you. I wonder which leper am I?

I wonder how many times that I have a complaining heart and not a thankful heart. I tend to find the drudge in everything. I really what to challenge myself to stop and find the thankfulness in everything. As a family, we decided to start sponsoring a compassion international child. At first, I had an unwilling heart and did not know how we could. I was concerned about our finacial status at this moment. As I looked at this little girl's photo, I could not bear the thought of what she has and what my little girls have. She probably has very little compared to my little girls. I suppose what I am trying to get at is that I have it great, and I need to know gratefulness and thankfulness. I also need to say thank you more often especially to my Savior. I am really not sure if this is what you use a blog for, but it seems therapeutic!

First Blog Thing

This is my first attempt to blog. It is such a foreign thing to me. Spybot does it all the time, and I know that he is really great at it. The things he writes are so interesting, but my blog I am not so sure about. I mean who is going to read about poo-poo accidents, cleaning the house over and over, doing 8-10 loads of laundry a week, and picking up kids all day long? I hope that I have something to offer the blogging community. Well, it feels very late, and it took so long to set this blog up that I need to turn in. Thanks sprybot for all your help. Hopefully, I can find something cool to say next time.