Author Archive

Don’t Settle

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

I have a reputation for being a snob. Not the kind you’re probably thinking. I’m nice to people, it’s “stuff” that I’m known to snub!

For example, just today….I made myself a bowl of cereal and as soon as I took the first bite, BLEK!! Yep, I’m a generic Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal snob! Why I even thought I could top the real thing–I do not even know myself sometimes!

Another way I’m a bit snobby is superficial relationships. Maybe you’ve heard the news about Kim Kardashian and her new hubby’s divorce? They’ve been “married” for 72 days and made millions because of, well…nothing other than self exploitation. Now, the love they pledged to one another is just another casualty (like so many other’s who do not take vows seriously) for the tabloids. What do you want to bet…..there’s more money to be made for Ms. K now that she’s ending her nuptials?

Seriously, I’m totally stuck up about pathetic ploys regarding loyalty. Especially when it comes to something sacred LIKE MARRIAGE!!! Grrr.

I can’t mention my snob weaknesses without mentioning GOOD SHEETS. I’m not the only one in my family with this fetish. My hubby and all three kids cannot stand the thought of itchy sheets. Call it snobby if you want, silky smooth sheets are straight from heaven! Thank you, Lord!

While I’m on my soapbox…it’s probably a good time to throw in that I ONLY use Dove bar bathsoap too. Oh and I like my toothbrush with Medium brissles, soft toothbrushes are so smushy. I need something tough. Call me George Washington. I don’t care.

Since I’ve been quite transparent here, I’ll end with a doozy. If you find this offensive–I’m so sorry! But this one cracks me up every cold weather season. The spacesuit. That’s what it looks like anyway. It comes from wearing sweatpants with Ugg (or pretend Ugg’s) boots. Not a fan, ya’ll! While I’m not the most savvy of fashion diva’s…I know when something looks like a spacesuit! Beautiful chicks everywhere: JUST SAY NO!! πŸ˜‰

I suppose instead of calling me snobby, you could just say I’m terribly opinionated. I think we all have things in our life that we refuse to compromise on. My list of shallow nuisances isn’t really lifechanging. What I need to be most concerned with is my spiritual snobbiness. Am I living a life that honors God for the world to see? Do those around me know I’m a follower of Christ or do they see me as a whiner who finds fault in meaningless stuff?

Why do we settle? I can’t answer. But I will tell you….I’m trying really hard to do the hard things. I want to walk in faith and live outloud for Jesus. I don’t want to settle for less. I believe God has much more for me than that. He does for you too. What are you doing today that let’s people around you know YOU ARE HIS?

Have a great first day of November, friends. I’m off to a party! Since I’m home from school today (dr’s appt, repair tire day)….I’m blessed to play a part in the Lifeway Women’s Facebook party!!! It’s the big celebration of Beth Moore’s new book JAMES! Yeehaw! I’m squealing I’m so happy to party too!

Keep A Secret

Monday, October 31st, 2011

It’s that time again. The big “holiday” where young women pull out all the stops on the skimpiest costumes. Sad, huh? It kills me to even scroll through Facebook. Blek! Without being unkind, I wish I could say….Don’t do it! Be strong & confident in who you are, you don’t have to dress like that for attention. Really!

I can’t help but think it’s connected to lack of self-respect. Young women are falling for the lies that less is best and in the meantime….sharing way more than (their future husbands) would probably want them to. Letdown!

I have daughters. Beautiful ones, at that. I know how easy it is to dance right on the edge of too much (or too little). While I’m thankful for the moral boundaries that both my girls adhere to, I know that they’ve made some clothing errors (just like I have) along the way. It’s not always easy to dress totally goof free. Always learning!

One of the greatest lessons for me regarding WHAT NOT TO WEAR came by way of my (then) middle school son. He knocked on our bedroom door late one night needing to talk about a little problem. He shared with his dad and I about the temptations he felt at school because of the way his girl classmates were dressing. He felt a terrible pull to “look” and because of that, he took on a shameful guilt. He knew it was wrong….wrong to look and wrong to be dressing inappropriately. It broke my heart to hear of his struggle!

Girls, oftentimes have no idea the effect they are having on the guys around them. Some are clueless and other’s are flaunting it on purpose. When you think of the negative effect this phenom has on both the boy and the girl….how can you not feel sad?

Moms, we need to set the bar high.

It starts with us. Are we dressing age appropriately? Our girls are watching and believe it or not, so are our sons. Let’s help influence the next generation to dress in a way that empowers them, not degrades what will someday be someone’s wife or mother.

“Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor” (Job 40:10).

It’s Always Drama

Friday, October 28th, 2011

I live a life of entertainment. I jet-set around chasing my kids performances here and yonder. Well, I used to. Nowadays, I just chase around my baby Gates and to be honest…the kid is a hoot!

Remember a few weekends ago we were shivering our way around at the Ghost Walk. This weekend was the drama club’s fall Dessert Theatre. It’s a good time to have your regularly scheduled “dinner” and then go out for a show jazzed up with some yum-o desserts. Oh and coffee bar! Score!

The kids who perform at these events are incredibly talented. Mine included. She gets it honestly. Drama just comes…..naturally in my family. At any given moment you might find someone in character. Whether it be someone from a favorite tv show or imitating a real life friend. Acting crazy is what we do.

In Act III Gates plays the part of Shelly. She’s auditioning for a part in Anne of Green Gables….but as you will see, she’s a bit confused.

I know what you’re thinking, she’s wild.   I agree.  If you only knew how many “shows” I’ve watched with this kid.  She and her sister kept us occupied with fancy performances from the time they could walk.  Note to self:  Convert old videos STAT!

The world needs a little more drama. Don’t ya think?

Edge of Ick

Friday, October 28th, 2011

I have battled the biggest headache today. I really haven’t worked in that much brain pain ever. Before lunch, I seriously considered leaving school sick. The pain wasn’t particular to one spot either– my right eye throbbed, the whole back of my head felt tight and shooting pains stabbed my brain all day . So, I used every coping method I could think of.

Yes, I tried taking something. It didn’t touch it. I stretched my neck, and rolled my shoulders. I relaxed. I rubbed my face, neck, eyes and shoulders. I smiled and thought happy thoughts. Nothing helped! I stuck with it and suffered through to make it home to collapse.

I ended up having to run a few errands. Once I made it home and thought I could rest…the headache sort of took a backseat. I met up with a severe case of nausea and funky stomach rumbles. The kind that force you into a FREEZE position. Like, I COULD NOT MOVE AN INCH!! I was stuck! The head thing started making a little sense then.

DO I HAVE THE FUNK FLU?

Gates needed food brought to her at school. Real food. She hadn’t eaten all day and was about to go into hair/makeup for her show which started at 7pm. I quick like a bunny ran to the stove and threw in a stuffed chicken breast with some frozen fries. All the while NOT BREATHING in or out of my nose (hence the barfing any moment feeling). I wanted my mommy! That’s how awful I felt.

Now, I wait. I’m suspicious of my well-being. Am I coming down with something or am I just icky from something I’ve eaten? I’m a little nervous to close my eyes and sleep. Surely I’m not the only one to wake up in the wee hours very ill!!?!! Hello, not a pleasure.

I’ll let you know how it goes. Right now, those sharp stabbing pains that were all over my head–they’re now in my stomach area. I DON’T WANT TO BE THE SICK KID!! Dern it, it’s Friday!

Night Six

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

I’m really not one of those women. You know the ones. The nervous scaredy-cat kind that flip out staying by themselves? No, I’m not like that. I like alone time. I’m a “resty” kind of person. Naps, quiet house and chill time are all positives to me.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my hustle-bustle lifestyle too. My house is busy and full most of the time which probably explains why laying low is so appealing to me. I’m a chameleon. I adapt to whatever season I’m in.

Last night marked the 6th night of sleeping alone without my hubby snuggled close. I can’t complain (hello, military families?)! All I can do is tell you how strange it is for us to be apart this long. We just don’t do this. It’s weird for me to be on my own.

I’ve used my time wisely. My house is clean. The dog is washed smelly good. The meals have been easy (cooking for girls is a piece of cake) and tis the season for McRib deliciousness! So last night we ate like queens. Thank you McDonald’s! I feel guilty living so fancy! πŸ˜‰

Until bedtime.

Then I remember I’m still home alone without the man God gave me. I miss him, even his annoying stuff. I’ve grown accustomed to him being around and bossing me. Hehe! Ok, he tries to boss me. I boss back! Bedtime fills my mind with all the things I need him around to handle.

I have four more nights of listmaking to go. Honestly, I’ll be glad to see Halloween arrive. It’s not because I have a sweet costume to wear either. My hubby & son land SAFELY in Indy (back where they belong) and I will once again have a full nest.

Honey, if you’re reading. Don’t get weird and worry that you have to rush home. We’re fine. Enjoy this time with your family. Live on the edge in the Utopia that is called Wenatchee, WA. Spend some free time having fun with all that God is blessing you with right now. We’ll be back on the LIFE treadmill very soon. You deserve a good break! XO

Now you tell me….Do you like when your hubby travels or do you spend your time missing him?

Red Hot Wishes

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Remember my birthday wish? Yes, it came true! Guess who pretty much single-handedly ate this thing? Yes, it was ME!

On Thursday, I came home to a surprise birthday cake. Have I mentioned how fun it is having family visit? While you’re at work, fun stuff happens at your house. Like COOKED MEALS and birthday cakes! Hot dang! All things that make me giddy with happy!

Except. They all left and the cake stayed on my kitchen table. So, I did what any out-of-control hormonal woman would do…..I ate some of it, every meal!

Until yesterday. I couldn’t take it anymore! I threw it out. But my gratitude for the two sweet gals that made it for me–I held onto and hid in my heart forever.

Nana & Ally–
Thank you for making my birthday cake wishes come true. It’s not easy to make a Red Velvet Cake & DINNER! I loved it! You made my day with that sweet surprise.
I’m so blessed to be loved by both of you.
Love & kisses
XOXO