The Brooks Family

Monday, November 21, 2011

I have lost my ever lovin' mind

I seriously posted today on fb that I got the packing tape, walked into the garage. looked around. went back inside. And that pretty much sums it up. I have put in a call to Deana "packing wizard" Kennedy for advice. She will have a game plan. I feel it.

Part of the issue is the garage. Where I have come face to face with the reality of being an only child. Half of the garage belongs to mother, which now belongs to me. I have dug around in several of the boxes for one item or another for 2 years now. And from time to time the girls or J miss something of hers and we hunt it down and bring it inside. Like their special popcorn bowl from her house.

It's in disarray. Here....enjoy this chaos.

I want to pack it "correctly" so I don't have to keep reliving 2009 all over again. Of course, there's the cold weather, which means my garage door doesn't go up. Reason #209 for moving. That makes the garage colder than outside. Yet my children are outside in the yard like it is 105 degrees. I have no recollection of ever being able to do that. I would be a horrible northerner. A complainer and horrible witness due to my grief over cold weather. I think that is why God put me in the South. Pretty sure.

So after you have seen the garage you might now understand my state of panic. Needless to say we are taking the week off from school in order to pack. Which you can see I am busy doing. I've done everything to avoid it -- I even went to Sam's, which is a world class whippin'. End of story.

Trying to decide what color toile wallpaper to put in the new dining room. Toile wallpaper follows me wherever I go. It is happy. Currently the dining room there is purple and blue. ummmm....end of story there too.

Any packing strategies, or encouragement for surviving this are welcome. I think I am out of options because for my last attempt at avoiding packing cost me dearly. I had to be a patient for Jonathan while he was a "dentist." Scary.

And the phone is ringing and it's Deana! Must go to receive some wisdom:)

Saturday, October 8, 2011

House Hunting with SIX PEOPLE!

Well we have decided we will all be rocking in a corner if we (I) do not receive more personal space unto ourselves (myself). Therefore, we are trying to find another house and sell this one. But it's CUTE over here on Westridge, you might say...well there's no yard and four homeschooling children (and their mother who is an only child and needs lots and lots of space) who need more edcuational space. See how good that sounds? Plus I think a cocker spaniel would be precious and we have no fence.

Well then there's Taylor who says cocker spaniels are not "boy dogs" and Jonathan doesn't want to show up somewhere with some cocker spaniel. I guess it will be my dog. But then again if this means I have to get TWO dogs, I am going to jump in a nearby lake. So there I worked out that situation. No dog. Blogging is good for me.

Several times we have gone house hunting with all 6 of us. Can you picture the scene?? Too much involvement. Are you aware that my children have become QUITE adept at navigating Trulia.com and Realtor.com? It's like they've found their calling. Sidenote: we did have to have a discussion about the word realtor. See this is what homeschoolers do..."Children, the word realtor has 2 syllables, not 3. It is not real la tor." There I said it; I have done my parenting part for these children.

This however, does not solve the pronunciation crisis in our home over Nutella. Is it a long or short u sound? Does it matter since we are not european? In Texas I believe it is a short u and I am going with it.

Pray for my mind. We need to find a house and sell this one. The sign is in the yard with some snazzy flyers people keep stopping to pick up. We stalk them at the windows. And getting this house ready for a showing has taken an act of Congress. Half of what I own is in the garage because we are supposed to make it look like there's plenty of space here -- see how spacious it...OH MY GOSH LOOK AT THEIR GARAGE! Yep I am not here during the showings but this is how I picture it all going down. I am waiting for a note from someone who has been here to ask me why I have a mink coat hanging in the garage. I think I will leave a note that lets them know it was mother's. she smoked. my son has asthma. it is airing out (for 2 years). no I do need medical attention. Just need to sell the house.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Laredo Mission Trip

We spent Spring Break with this amazing group of friends ministering in Laredo, TX.

God is doing a great work among the people in Laredo. After our second block party we were involved in, the crowd watched a drama presenting the gospel. Several people raised their hands wanting to know more about becoming Christ followers. And it was clear that it was the Lord's work--not some fancy program or building, no glitz or glamour. Just the power of the gospel. I literally cried watching it all take place, thinking, "Lord, it's all you. You are the pursuer of these souls." How beautiful.

And how even MORE beautiful that my children care for the salvation of these souls. They have no idea that Laredo is unsafe in many ways; they go willingly to those in need. Eager to spread the Good News and to show the love of Christ. Excited to play games with the children there, to hug on the little ones, serve popcorn and snow cones. All you need is a couple of bounce houses...

On Sunday while we were there, we attended a church service at Nuevo Desafio Baptist Church. This was one of the congregations started after our visit to Laredo last summer. Here's what was truly fabulous. We sang Santo Santo Santo (Holy Holy Holy), people there stood up and shared what God was doing in their life and why they want to thank him. When it was offering time, ya just go up and put your money in the plate at the front. Since a bunch of kids were there, a guy in the back and his wife took all the kids and taught them a great lesson about The Battle of Jericho. No props or puppets or lesson plans--just a willing heart and the Word of God. My kids loved it:) We sang a little with one great guitar player (Pastor Hervin Antonio who is starting the church in Rio Bravo). I seriously told God, "Lord check it out! We are in a little space in a shopping strip center in Laredo hearing the Word completely in Spanish. Just together praising who you are. Again, nothing fancy. This if flat out amazing--it's all you God."

We are going back in July to serve again. Oh and to eat at Taco Tote, which is greatness. And to risk being a little uneasy (since I do read the news like the political junkie that I am) just so I can see this...

And plus where can you find this kind of fun with your 5 year old and his buddies while listening to Justin Bieber for about 9 hours in the car? Did you know you can still sing with water bottle labels across your mouth? Well now ya know. Pure greatness.

As we left Rio Bravo (which yes is right on the border) for the second time, I did consider having Taylor drop me off here on the way out of town there. Pay CLOSE attention to the business name.

Our family is grateful for Church At the Cross in Grapevine--thankful for a church home who is willing to teach its families that serving outside the box is the new normal. And I am glad my kids won't remember life any other way:) Well, unless I leave them in a gas station in Waco (previous post)...

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Mother of the Year

Do you have a running list in your head of things you will never allow to happen on your watch now that you are a mommy? Things that secretly you have judged others for, wondering how on EARTH would any good mommy in her right mind allow such a thing to happen? I have a list a mile long. Well today I am eating CROW, feathers and all...

Here is the sweet face of my Sarah Beth, an almost 8-year-old bunch of fun. My mini-me. She is actually 30, just shoved into this tiny body, which is what my mother used to say about her. Here she is serving popcorn at a block party in Laredo. And on our way back from a mission trip yesterday from Laredo TX, in the midst of chaotic car loading between 2 vehicles, i left my sweet Bethy in a Waco gas station stranded on the candy aisle...

For exactly 5 minutes she was left alone as we got to the next exit on I-35 and turned around to get her. She would have been sitting right behind me, but I thought she was reading a book. I never turned around. I assumed she was there. What a foolish assumption I had made. Her oldest sister and a friend let me know she wasn't there. "Stop joking girls," was my first response, as I leaned over to see that it was NO joke. Our friends drove quickly to get off and turn around to get her. In those 5 minutes I prayed against all the fear circulating "what if's" in my imagination.

As I ran into the gas station and called her name, she leapt into my arms and sobbed, "I'm so sorry mommy. I didn't mean to hide by the candy. I was just looking." The guilt! Poor sweet child must have heard me say I am sorry about 100 times in less than a minute.

She had been protected by the sweet ladies working at the gas station, had given them my cell phone number and they were just about to call. I thanked them over and over, climbed into the car, and double-buckled with my sweet Bethy the entire rest of the way home. She never cried. Only her little heart raced. I could feel it as we sat so close. I said,
"How did you feel when you were in the store?" Her response? "I was kind of scared but I knew you'd come back. You wouldn't leave me. And besides, God sent the nice lady with the pretty blue fingernails to protect me." Apparently this was a feature I had overlooked on one of her protective angels:) Humbled by the trust she has placed in me, not knowing of all that could have gone wrong. Not failing to trust in a God who is all-powerful to protect and restore. I am humbled. This defines child-like faith. Oh how her heart must please Him with such a sweet trust.

I didn't cry where she could see me. I didn't cry when she prayed for the lady with the blue fingernails. I cried like a failure when she couldn't see. Moments like these make me understand why people look at me like I have too many kids to keep up with. Moments like these remind me that I am a fool to pretend to have it all together. Moments like these give way to the enemy, who drives me to believe I am a complete mommy loser.

Praise be to God who gives children the grace to forgive, even when we do not mean to fail them. Praise be to a God who can remind me that I AM the best mommy I can be to this crew--this science experiment of life--where I as an only child, am now raising 4. Unchartered waters, which sometimes cause me to think I am drowning. But he is faithful to restore me, through confidence in Him.

I am patching myself up today through the power of His Word, fighting back Satan's "Mother of the Year" speech that he continues to replay.

Ps 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults. And with my song I shall thank Him."

Friday, February 4, 2011

Project Central

Oh my gosh I realized today that I have about 10 unfinished projects which are causing me to grind my teeth and night. And this thing in Egypt is enough to give my Political Science major/law school drop out self a coronary. I need to turn off the tv. But now the drama about how to fix my blog title. What is up with that? It looks crazy. If you know how to fix it, I will give you my password to do so. It's a Type A nightmare...

We have so enjoyed Taylor being home with us this week. We had to close the practice for 4 (that's right FOUR) days this week. But we loved having him home to help with homeschool--the man loves all things math! Anyone who has known me for over a day knows math and I are not good friends. Math and I broke up in about the 8th grade in Mr. McLemore's pre-algebra class. But back to my super cute husband...I think the kids and I can all agree, he is seriously the funnest (I know--not a real word) person ever and so these past few days of school have been awesome.

I am surrounded by paper this week and slowly digging my way to the bottom of the stack. Should be done before I am 50.

I also planted a ROCKIN' garden the DAY before the weather (which also could be God's judgment on Jerry Jones just in time for Super Week) set in. We'll see how that turns out. Right now I can't look at it because the blankets on top of the garden are FROZEN in place. No joke. Taylor and I neither one can move them. so there ya go.

And I just helped Madeline make a blog on our mac...um her blog looks a million times better than mine...and has all manner of slideshows, itunes, blah blah blah that I don't think I can do here.

Is anyone else like me and can't feel their toes this week? Or is it just me? I am concerned for myself.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Our Treehouse

A couple of summers ago, Taylor built this treehouse for the kids. They play in it all the time and took great pride in making the official Welcome sign for the porchJ My precious and talented photographer friend Rhonda took some amazing pics of the kids with the treehouse. She's a genius. I would not have thought to do this, but she did. And if I can't haul this treehouse with me one day when we move from our home (supposing that we will), I will always have these. Can we all just agree that Rhonda is fabulous?!
She is taking our family pictures soon and I can't wait. We were originally scheduled to do so a while back but that was the day I "shut my head in the car door" according to the ER at Harris Hospital. For the record, I did no such thing. My car door attacked me right in the forehead, leaving me a lovely scar. There goes my career as a super model.

By the way I have no idea why the text is wacky next to that last picture. Keeping in mind I was an IT consultant for 13 years...I hate that I cannot figure this out. It keeps me humble.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Hurst Happenings

Can you believe this is what they call the magazine sent out by City of Hurst? I'm just sayin' I think it is cheesy. Have I also mentioned (about a million times) that we are a "Quality of Life City"? Not really sure about that one. There's a house way down the block from me that could make that slogan debateable...but I digress...today I am cleaning. My sweet friends Elizabeth and Amy each have some of my kids for the WHOLE day:) And I think the heavy duty acidic tile cleaner from obsessing about my white grout and white tile is doing me in (yes, I know I am the floor nazi). It says to keep the area well-ventilated. I went out the garage to find my fan, and I remembered since it was dusty, I threw it away last week. Seriously who wants a dusty fan to blow dust on you? So it's history. But STINK! Today that would be better than just running the a/c fan. And because I am super obsessive (and stressed--we'll get to that in later days) it wasn't white enough so I poured bleach on it. So if I do not show up to VBS tonight, or better yet, make no sense when I am there, please intervene. My way of staying well-ventilated is to come back and forth to write this while the bleach soaks in. But I must say...it looks good:)

And I would like to point out that you get what you pay for...please take a look at how the contractor rehung my curtains on one window in our bedroom.

Um...and that's about how well that relationship ended. That and the foot through mother's antique chair he stood on while painting. Oh and also the cash I gave him to buy supplies with last week when he finished up (since none of our doors would shut like normal people's do) and to date there is no receipt or money returned. Other than that he is just peachy.

Learned the hard way, but now I am wise beyond measure...we had Lance Webber's crew at Abba Home Improvement Professionals paint the outside of our house and hang shutters. Pure heaven! Those guys were super quick, courteous and did an AWESOME job. So from now on, that's our plan. No more broken chairs or "borrowed" money. Here's my front door...

It's my new favorite thing along with my pretty hydrangeas I was able to plant because Lance and Taylor pulled out the HIDEOUS(and please say it like the dude on Nacho Libre if you have seen that as many times as I have) holly bushes.

Now I am off to finish the bleach/acidic cleaner deadly combo. I think I need to open the doors.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Just so I can say I finished something…

Because I am overly concerned about nothing…here is the picture of the tent I could not post from the previous blog… (btw setting one of these up is actually a stroke of genius on my husband's part. It works like a big play pen).

Won't someone who has a pretty blog take pity on me? Megan, Ellen, Melissa H., Heather, anyone??? I am pretty sure my blog couldn't be uglier and I just don't have a clue.

Before I post, I must tell you Madeline just approached me and informed me she has two blisters on her foot. So I say get a band aid. Her response? "Mommy the Disneyworld handbook says you shouldn't do that." Long. Pause. Who else's children are memorizing the Unofficial Disneyworld handbook this summer before the big trip to Florida. We're shooting high over here in Hurst.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

With a Little Imagination...

I have decided that my kids can have fun with just about anything (especially J). Here are some pics to prove that...
This is how my son stays still while watching tv

This is what he and sb can do with underlayment for the flooring we are putting in our bedroom. They called this their movie theatre fort. sure.
And here's what m did with j when apparently he became very annoying one January morning. She looks too happy. lol.
But my personal favorite this week is the fact that since we have no furniture in what is supposed to be a formal living room (except my piano and a desk of my great-grandfather's), here's what T brought home when asked to bring home Velveeta and rotel...

Pretend there's a pic of a tent here...I tried to paste it in...darn html and why I can't do ctrl/v to paste it in I have no idea. whatever...

Yes a tent. And it's been up now for 4 days. And T and I are rockstars for allowing such coolness. But little do they know, its days are numbered. And yes he did bring home the Velveeta and rotel (wives will want to know this detail:))

I love my chaos.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

VH1 Classic and other happy things...

I was asked to make a list recently of "Things that make me happy." It's been a long time since I did anything like that; usually it's something asking me what brings me joy--which is not necessarily happiness--so I felt a little superficial filling it out. But I had a hard time coming up with things at first, feeling selfish...but of course, it got easier...and I realized I don't do half or even a third of these things because I forget about me. I should remember these things on the list keep me sane, not necessarily selfish. They are in no particular order, and I plan on continuing to add to it.

1. VH1 Classic (specifically One-Hit Wonders). My children can appreciate the greatness of hits of the 80's. I am proud.
2. Gardening. I am a plant geek and would dig in the dirt all day if I didn't have so much laundry and children to pick up at school, and other necessary things:)
3. Taking a nap on a float in a pool. This accomplishes two things at once, which also makes me happy--tanning and resting. Fabulous.
4. Scrapbooking. To clearly state how much I neglect myself, I will share with you I am still on 2006, and have not even blown the dust off of the baby book that is my son's. Not opened even once.
5. Hearing the dishwasher at night. See again I am multitasking but it's kind of like falling asleep to rain (except when plates are clanging together).
6. Pretty paper and fabric and wallpaper. I am certain that in heaven my mansion has red and yellow toile in it:) Maybe even from Calico Corners?
7. Antique furniture (although I am currently the only female alive who has gone to Canton and returned home with absolutely NOTHING. I'm not much for shopping in a ten mile radius. I can't stay driven enough to finish and focus. Plus I am big on clean. And I think it's a little dirty. And that pet area????!)
8. Running
9. Clean floors (I think this is ocd actually)
10. Tennis. Btw my girls rock at tennis, which is super cool to me.
11. Going on a date with Taylor. Actually anything about Taylor is fabulous. My husband is dreamy and absolutely my favorite person on this earth.
12. Container Store...it, along with the Vera Bradley store, is super happy. An organizational Disneyland. (also ocd)
13. Reading a passage of Scripture for the millionth time and hearing God speak through it over and over in a new way. On a side note, I have never once finished a Beth Moore Bible study. Something always happens. One day I will...
14. Baseball and football. I'm a sports fan but don't care much for basketball.
15. Playing the piano.
16. Enjoying God reveal my children's strengths and weaknesses to me. They are getting old enough now to see what God may do in their lives because of how He has made them. It fascinates me.
17. Sour Patch Kids.

I love this list. It fills me with gratitude:) And makes me want to go to Walgreen's for some Sour Patch Kids...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Distraction is an official form of grieving. Mother died in December and I even received counsel to not make any major changes this first year. Truer words were never spoken...and I didn't follow them. No it is as if I jumped off a cliff in the completely opposite direction of common sense and landed close to a town called Insanity. I decided to have the kitchen painted, new interior doors put in, kids bathroom redone, the foundation cracks ALL over the house repaired, bathrooms repainted...you get my drift (as mother used to say). And here's the joy of it all...

Exhibit A

Ah yes I found this all to be a good idea...along with training for a half marathon, cleaning up Christmas, listing my mother's condo and cleaning it out, open mom's mail, open my mail, pay her bills, pay my bills, trying to go to work, deal with Girl Scout Cookie sales, Auction gifts for the kids' school, Valentine's Day, Science Fair projects and many other "necessary items on my children's schedules." For the love...I now know hardly any of it was a good idea to couple up with remodeling my own house, but hey, we all grieve in our own way. My way is to lose my mind and do dumb things collectively (and cry a lot). Sorry if I am raising your blood pressure. Perhaps I could write a book on how NOT to go about grieving. Surely some poor soul would read my story and feel better about how they are stacking up against my methods:) I've been chewing a lot of gum lately; I understand now why people smoke. I think I have TMJ after Science Fair and Girl Scout Cookie Sales stress. lol. Don't worry I have never smoked and never will. But I might invest in Extra or Trident stock.

Exhibit B

But now things are being put back into cabinets, and my sweet husband continues to be as supportive as ever, and continues his work on our flooring. Now I need to pick out hardware, which I think I would rather pay someone else to do (but maybe a friend will feel sorry for me and do that with me...hint, hint). And who knew how happy a new set of 6-panel white interior doors could make me these days? They are just fab.

I feel convicted...my family has been eating at restaurants basically since December. I hate cooking if I have not mentioned that before. I try to pretend, but it is no use. I love cleaning and organizing all kinds of nothing, but hate to cook. But I did whip up a mean beef stroganoff last night, which I chanted to myself, no child in this family would eat...but I made it anyway. And lo and behold, all 4 children ate it. Wonders will never cease. Maybe this will give me hope. But this restaurant thing is just a laziness issue that needs to end. Did I also mention how much I hate the grocery store? I know I should not say hate, but dislike greatly is not a strong enough phrase. I have friends who go to the store and love it like Nordstrom's or how Sarah Beth loves the American Girl store. I don't get it. But I do know I need to get cooking. This is ridiculous. I need intervention (and a cook).

But in my avoidance of cooking, I did manage to have a date recently with Taylor and we ended up at some point at Kohl's and found these which no one should purchase unless going as Cousin Eddy to a Halloween shindig.

And with that, I am off to clean my kitchen and the gourmet macaroni and cheese and hot chocolate combo of the evening:) Don't report me.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Me and My Fashionistas

I have officially reached a no-man's land moment in parenting...my oldest child and I can share shoes. And I receive actually sound fashion advice from my 11 yo and 9 yo. Except my 11yo is more like her mama...shopping is a necessity, not a hobby. Us practical first-borns who really are more interested in kicking somebody's tail in a good tennis game. And then there are fashionistas M and SB. Especially M who spent about 5 minutes the other morning before church explaining how she "loves my curly hair but it is really big mommy and since you are up on the stage this morning, it is a distraction..." Mid-sentence I realized she sounds just like my mom. And I cracked up. This going along with the specific advice given on how I should tie my scarf to wear to church ("to church" is the pattern here because it is a special day when I wear makeup and wear something besides jeans/tshirt so any fashion advice is given when I am going to church--other days may appear hopeless to them). The advice goes something like "mommy see the neckline of your shirt is v-neck and your scarf should follow the neckline. Tie it like this. (and in no less than 10 seconds it looked perfect)." It is good to be surrounded by fashion police as long as they remain tactful. And I really shouldn't say "especially M" because I have never seen such excitement as the day SB purchased these bling-ish monogrammed "S" knee-highs which got worked into every non-uniform outfit for about 6 months at mine and P's last count. This is when you realize that they are all so different, no matter how alike you parent them. I do not think I have painted my fingernails literally in the last 10 years, and I have these kids that spend time decorating their fingernails to look like dice and think top coat is the best invention ever. And it is those moments that I realize how much of my mother is in them--and I absolutely love it. That's not "me" but it is definitely her:) And I miss her.

I think also I could make the argument that this could be the result of being confined to a uniform for school all week long, that they feel the need to prove that the fashion knowledge is there, just unable to be applied Monday thru Friday. Such a hard life they lead. And since mom is not here now to help me out in these areas where I am woefully deficient, it is a good thing she left her fashionistas behind to take up the cause. She would be proud of her girls:)

Friday, January 1, 2010

Let's Talk about something Else...

Ok these last few months have been wretched in many ways. However, lest you think we are so beat down by life over here in Hurst that no good ever comes our way...let's talk about some things that are good, no matter how you slice it.

Christmas Snow

I have never seen four more excited children in my LIFE! Also I have never been colder in my life as I stood outside to take this picture...I would also like to have put a picture in here of some of the Christmas lights in our area, but Taylor thinks that is tacky of me. (but I do have some on my iphone if you run in to me).

Sarah Beth and Madeline's Baptism

Look at Pastor Toby, makin' the blog! Sarah Beth recently accepted Christ as her Savior and really wanted to be baptized to show others how much she loves Jesus. Madeline accepted Christ a couple of years ago, but just recently decided to get over her fear of the heater being broken in the baptistry (as it apparently was for her best friend). So she asked if she could be obedient to the Lord in being baptized as well. So check out these sisters!

Now we have tried to tone down all 3 girls and their evangelistic efforts toward Jonathan, who clearly needs a little more spiritual guidance before making important decisions such as these. For instance, he can explain it all to you, but then he holds up his fists and says really spiritual things to the girls like, "HEY! You wanna piece of me?!" and jumps around like a boxer while you are trying to be serious with him.... Which in boy talk really translates, "Would you like to play Iron Man together?" Sigh...I'm trying. Right now I am memorizing Power of a Praying Parent...

COMPLETELY unrelated thoughts~~
On a random side note, what is UP with Taco Bell trying to pass off some drive-thru diet? I am a Bueno woman myself, and cannot imagine EVER resorting to trying to convince others I am on a weight-loss effort by existing on MExi Dip and Chips, for instance. I can only see this working if you literally RAN from Taco Bell to Taco Bell consuming their Fresca menu. What is this woman on the commercial eating for breakfast? Please don't tell me they sell some sort of egg burrito there--that's just super nasty. I'll shut up now and go cheer on Tebow.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Fine Holiday Interior Design

I have a few decorations out, lights on the house, wreath, tree, but many things I decided to not fool with this year. So your house may be more decorated than mine...BUT...do you have one of these?

This is now my centerpiece created by my children on our kitchen table. Poor Marshmallow Santa was too heavy to hang on the tree, and Madeline had some time on her hands, and this is the result. To further describe its beauty, note the Pantech cell phone box and sharpie marker labeling. And it is topped off with the fake berries I think I used to put in some garland (which is one the things I didn't fool with). Secretly you know you want one too!

Speaking of cell phone boxes, did I mention we bought the girls a phone? Ahh yes we are crazy. Actually we do not have a landline, so we bought this as our "home phone" but they think that explanation is lame so it's labeled in our contacts as "Brooks Girls" when it rings. When they opened that thing, you have never heard so much screaming since the winning of the Showcase Showdown on the Price Is Right. And it's all good except for incessantly asking to text anyone they know. I personally embrace unlimited texting on my plan, but not all agree, and we had to have a family meeting about that so as to not annoy our friends. It cracks me up because they don't take it anywhere, only call family members, and think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Lastly I will comment about Christmas Lights. For those that care. If you have known me long, you might gather that I am a bit picky about certain (all) things. So this spills over into holiday decorating or any holiday clothing (any holiday). It's an illness of mine, kind of like how I enjoy mowing, folding fitted sheets properly and vacuuming. Perhaps those will be my jobs in Heaven some day:) Anyway I should focus here... I am convinced that many people drink a six pack and then put up their lights in our area. I am being kind when I say the word Crooked. I like it when people string the lights to the end of the house and fling that strand onto a small bush a few yards away and there is this long random strand (usually blue) that seems to lead to nowhere. I have one neighbor who has one type of light on the front of the house, ran out of that type, and went with a couple of more styles on the sides. It's super classy and also very attractive in the day as well. Their last name is Griswold. lol. But I am not kidding that there is this one house where they own every single one of those blow up things, and have an actual working train and train track in their front yard. You can go by and ride in the thing, and they have a Santa who hangs out most nights for pics. It is a TRIP! It's way over the top, but I give them an A+ for gawdy and A+ for super cool (because it's not my yard to clean up). My kids think it's a rip-off that we live on a hill. That was my explanation as to why such a beautiful thing was just not possible at our house.

For those interested, I could email you instructions on how to make your very own Marshmallow Santa centerpiece, but I think it's pretty self-explanatory.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Drawing Near to the Throne

Today is one of those days where it seems like everything changes. For the past couple of months, I have felt like I am in a fog, feeling a little guilty for participating in happy things, because of those suffering in my life. The Lord has been so sweet to remind me that it is His pleasure to carry the burden, instead of me doing it alone.

Specifically today was really hard to wake up to, knowing that by the end of it, I would have placed my mother in the last place she would live under hospice care in a nursing facility. I think we have discussed in the previous blog about my weak stomach, and nursing homes rank about #1 on that list. But once again the Lord provides, because yesterday sweet Heather swept in to be the functioning organizational side of my brain and we called about a million people (who probably thought at first I was a man since I have this awesome constant cough and deep voice right now) and we visited a beautiful (yes I actually said that), clean, facility complete with a caring staff. And mother was brought there tonight. Not only is this provision for my mother's physical care, but even in her confusion and worn out state tonight after being transported there in ambulance-like fashion, she noticed and commented to me immediately about how beautiful it was, and thanked me. And I thanked the Lord for this tiny miracle in my day. She was afraid of where she was going, and the Lord allowed her to be put at ease in a moment of clarity.

This facility is close to my home and I am amazed at how God can provide for even what seems like a selfish need of mine (to have to NOT go somewhere that smells terrible and looks creepy). The words "exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ask or think" come to mind (Ephesians 3:20)

Over the past two months I have at times felt panicked about the decisions I have had to make so quickly--and the weight of them. And again the Lord has said "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you." (Isaiah 43:2) And I am clinging to that because He is faithful. He has a track record of faithfulness thousands of miles long when I look back over my life. He is so good to remind me of what He has overcome/accomplished in my life so I can trust with Him with today.

Presently I have a terrible case of bronchitis, my son (who has terrible asthma) is recovering from swine flu, and now my bathtub (yes in the new bathroom) is not working, I can't see one of our chairs for the laundry that is covering it, and people I love are sick. I am a walking nightmare to a hospital right now and just knew I would be asked to wear a mask (which probably would have made me pass out, because I cannot stand to have stuff close to my face like that). HOWEVER, all that will pass (except maybe the laundry/chair). I received enough grace for today from the Lord. I think I will never be able to wrap my mind around all God has done for me on a daily basis these last 2 months, the amazing godly people He placed in my path at just the right time, and a church family and Life Group that seem to never tire of caring for us in our times of need. I am humbled that God would care to meet every single need.

For the meals, encouragement, notes of scripture, carpool angels, prayers, errand running, babysitting, organizing of files, calling me to make sure I am eating (which I forget to do when I am stressed), those who drag me out of the house to escape and see a movie, super cool Alan Jackson cd, and real friends who don't mind "ugly crying" and venting...I am grateful for you. Because when you ask me how I am , I know I don't have to say "fine". Thank you for not hiding when you see me coming (thinking oh my gosh what NOW). Thank you for actually picking up the phone when you see me on caller id (cause I am calling you for the third time to pick up my kids). You are the hands and feet of Christ in my life. You have shown my children what the body of Christ should look like. I don't care for the circumstances I am walking through today, but I thank God for His people to relieve so many burdens.

God has chosen to show His goodness even through this time of pain, because He is kind enough to reveal Himself and His character to me. And I will "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and FIND GRACE to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Friday, December 4, 2009

Scary Santa visits McAlister's

Okay since I can't even remember what I was going to post regarding volleyball I am moving forward to today's events.

Taylor and the older girls are in our church's Christmas event called Journey to Bethlehem, where thousands of people walk through the set of Bethlehem, complete with Roman soldiers, live animals, merchants, blacksmith (T's job on the set), etc. It is awesome because the end of the journey is not the manger, it is the cross, and the plan of salvation is presented. Now I talk about going to this as though I know a bunch about it, but I have never been because someone in our family usually needs mama to stay home and help them get well. And that's okay because I am a huge wimp about being cold outside. BUT when my crew gets a little older (SB and J) perhaps we'll be a part of it too.

So tonight SB, J and I made our own journey to Target and McAlister's. My nephew is turning 2 so we spent about 30 minutes studying all Batman related toys before deciding on a car that will take Joker down if he shows his face in Gotham City. Okay and then moving on to getting toys for the names we chose from the Angel Tree at church. And while I found stocking hangers for the mantle, J proceeded to "swim" along the bottom shelf, covering himself in all various forms of dust and dirt, making his entire blue shirt and jeans take on a gray appearance. BTW "swimming" in dust at Target is not a good plan for a child with asthma. Just a side note.

Now I probably have the weakest stomach of anyone I know (except my sweet Deana) so although there was much begging to have dinner at the Target food court, I remembered I had a gift card with a balance at McAlister's. So being the fine Political Science major that I am, I presented a strong enough argument to convince 2 children that this was a much better (and cleaner) choice. Honestly if I were to blog about all the food issues I have, you would put a check mark next to neurotic and have all sorts of ammo to chat about behind my back....so we left for McAlister's. And then on the way there J starts to say he just wants to eat at home. Realizing this was absurd, my quick-witted Sarah Beth tells brother, "Well Uncle Larry eats at McAlister's all the time. Don't you want to be like Uncle Larry? He's so nice to buy tea for Aunt Lala there." Now on a side note again, Aunt Lala hates McAlister's and the tea is not for her, it's for Uncle Larry. BUT that was all it took, because Uncle Larry and Aunt Lala (Laura) are rock stars.

THEN I arrive and find that kid's meals for dine-in are 99 Cents--even better. So we order, even spring for a sugar cookie. Toward the end of the meal some guy who looks like Santa approaches the table and leans in toward my kids (close talker) and says "do you know who I am?" Of course they are dumbfounded and cannot believe this man is so close to us. Then he reaches in his pocket and pulls out these stickers which say "I Met Santa" and passes them out. I did not get one btw. He announces his Santa-ness and asks if there will be cookies for him. And then, I kid you not, he asks Sarah Beth, "Now will you leave the door open so I can come in on Christmas Eve?" She nods and asks what type of cookie he would like. Oh brother...so this guy leaves "ho ho ho-ing" from our table. AND at that point while I am trying to decide if this man is either drunk or delusional, J announces he needs to throw up (which makes me feel sick too, but I am happy to announce I held it together as I ran 90 to nothing to the McAlister's bathroom but leaving my keys on the table and praying they wouldn't take my sweet tea away).

We bolt to the bathroom and sure enough...and I am wondering is this due to asthma or Santa? But at that point, does it really matter? So I am going to go out on a limb here and state that we don't really do Santa at our house and never have. The prospect of someone being able to break into the house without us knowing was a little much for Peyton when she was around 3yo and she was super afraid, so we came clean. We pretend and have fun, and don't rain on anybody's parade though. I sort of felt like telling this well-meaning Santa/close talker that it's just not how we roll, but I had a feeling it would be lost on him. But I left with my sweet tea and keys, and we had a long talk about how we don't leave our doors unlocked on Christmas or any other random night.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Because my husband is awesome...

he is continuing to put in the flooring. Well ok I am typing, the kids are sleeping and T is putting in the floor. That would be more accurate. Now I dusted a small area and took a pic because I am so proud of my husband! Plus this toile chair rocks because it hides all the ballpoint pen markings Jonathan added to the chair. And as a side note, Peyton just got up and observed the greatness of wood laminate and then commented that our blue chair has "seen better days". I agreed but Dave Ramsey has taught me to embrace my long-ago-paid-for blue chair that one day I will recover in a fabulous red and white buffalo check. But that would require the toile chair to also be recovered and the couch. So I think Dave's voice is shouting loudly "enough with home improvement ADD. Flee from large purchases!" Maybe that is actually my husband's voice? And while we are on the subject, my sofa has a lifesize ballpoint pen drawing of a dinosaur on the back -- also creation by Jonathan. Sigh...Which is a crack-up because he says coloring is "girly". But apparently this is not the case when ballpoint pens (both blue and red) are involved. Someday I will find the picture of him completely painted blue, which was a trick he pulled one day while I kid you not I left him for less than a minute.

I feel I must draw attention to the fact that I figured out how to put a picture on my blog, but cannot figure out how to put more than one where they don't just all line up at the top of the blog. It must be some HTML thing I will figure out later, provided I get a full nights sleep and all children remain in their own beds tonight.

Tomorrow's blog ... volleyball.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Debbie Downer

Ok by that being my title if you don't know who Debbie Downer is, find her on youtube because it's a fab SNL skit. We all know someone like her. My husband and I like to make the sound SNL makes after Debbie has some massively downer statement--I would type it but somehow it loses the affect. Ok and if the skit you pick is foul, don't call me a pagan. I'm just sayin' the stereotype is funny. Again, I'm just sayin'...

Now that we've worn that out...I just would like to go on record that I can only be around a person like this for about 2 seconds before I am drained. So I feel I must clarify that even though I've got some current circumstances going on that are stressful, slap me if I am a Debbie Downer. It would do me good.

Tomorrow is the vball championship tournament of the free world...or Colleyville Rec League, whatever you decide. For those of competitive nature it is the championship of the free world. lol. And my 11 YO thinks so, which makes her my clone. So at 9 a.m. tomorrow it's ON at Heritage Middle. Seriously it has been an awesome season. Tomorrow I have decided to tone it down a notch since I think my blood pressure might have me livin' on the edge these days. I will report in on the greatness of volleyball when it's all over. Then it's off-season until Spring (I hear a hallelujah somewhere).

I had intended to discuss the Chick-Fil-A playground earlier so here's the short version, which I am certain you will be grateful for. The worst ever are indoor Chick-Fil-A playgrounds. First of all, no one measures their children and sometimes giants appear in the indoor play area. And their mommies are always the ones on their cell phone. I like the lady who's son was a giant in there once with my children, and he was harrassing all the children. I admit I scanned until I found the appropriate mom to go with. Once I mentally confirmed who the scoundrel belonged to, I noticed she was doing her Bible study as he terrorized the other kids. Probably not the best idea on her part, but really don't you also like the quality time mom who brings her kids there and stays on her cell phone the whole time and tries to discipline from behind the glass, tapping on it from time to time and scowling. That is a trip. So friends, see it is not always about the germs. That is a whole other book I could publish. Sometimes it's just cause there are giants and checked-out mommies doing long-distance discipline. It should be played at a parenting seminar under the heading, "Seriously?"

But then I might be called a Debbie Downer for that sarcasm.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Painful News

This past couple of weeks I was a part of a LifeAction Summit (www.lifeaction.org) at our church. My soul was awakened as the Holy Spirit called me to step up in some areas of my life, where the world had lulled me to sleep in apathy.

Before the Summit, we had experienced a great deal of pain with regard to my mother's failing health. Even in the midst of the Summit, we were making some hard decisions with that situation. Stunned and grieving, I hung on every word knowing I needed to meditate on His word for daily wisdom and comfort.

I wrote this profound quote from Watchman Nee -- "We never learn anything new about God except by adversity." I began to understand this perspective because it is how He shows himself faithful, being good to us in a specific way that ministers to the very heart He made in us.

And this weekend I applied it again. And it is painful.

My precious brother-in-law Matt has been diagnosed this weekend with Stage 4 Cancer. It is in his colon and his liver. He is 39. A godly man with a beautiful wife and 3 young children that we adore. He starts chemotherapy the week of Thanksgiving.

Defying circumstance, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says "Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." And so I will pray. without ceasing. with expectancy. Not because I want a magic trick from God. But because I believe that with Him anything is possible. I wrote recently in my Bible that I don't worship my faith, I worship the One in whom I have great faith.

And I believe it still without apology. And I know He is good despite the prognosis and method of treatment.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

No idea what I'm doing

So I decided to start a blog because everyone else's looked cute and I love reading theirs. And I am driving people crazy trying to figure out how this is done. So try not to pick it apart as I am clearly a novice. I am WHIPPED from almost having a coronary watching my 11YO play volleyball this morning (which they won and it rocked), taking my 4YO to a Chick-Fil-A party, shopping with my 9YO and 11YO for a friend's slumber party (which I will do when I am done here) and then we'll be hanging out with great friends. And T is my hero because he is putting in the laminate wood floor; one day soon I might post a picture if my house looks respectable when the furniture is back in place and the dust ever clears.

btw my 9YO had to purchase a "friendaversary" (sp?) gift for her bff. This is my child whose love language is gifts--any child could argue they like gifts, but for all who know M, it is an art form--buying gifts for others is just dreamy to her.

Now I need to go save our beloved fish Glitter who has been seriously overfed by SB. Did you know that about a month ago we had 4 fish--now we have one. Secretly this mommy hopes that by next month we have none. I don't do fish or birds. Can I get an amen?

Let's discuss Chick-Fil-A's indoor playground another time. I have issues with that on so many levels.

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