Yesterday’s comments on The Mailbox were very kind. And you all are really very funny!
You see, there is NO difference between you and me, except:
I’VE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, AND LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT!
And, my eyes didn’t stay crossed.
And, I don’t usually stutter when I’m in a conversation.
I get to take a shower by myself (unless Dirk’s in the room…..did I just say that?)
No one cries at the door while I’m in the bathroom
I can go to the grocery store, or any store, alone and sometimes I actually get home with everything on my list.
I can have quiet time (and it’s actually quiet—usually)
We can make it through most meals without a spilled drink.
I found out the clock in our living room makes noise when it ticks!
One day, you too will have similar struggles, a few disappointments, and mostly victories to share with moms who are going through the things you are experiencing right now.
And remember, I’m not finished yet. I still have two teen boys!
For now, just hang on, stay connected to Jesus, enjoy the ride, embrace your situation, and don’t worry too much about that annoying tic you’ve developed. It will go away in about 20 years!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
Going to the Mailbox
“I’m going to get the mail”. This was my statement in the afternoon of any given day when we were finished with our studies. 
Translated, it meant to my children, “Mom is going to the end of our long driveway to get the mail”.
But, I knew the real meaning of that simple statement. It often meant, “I’m going to the mailbox, but I’m really thinking about walking past it, on down the road, and not coming back!”
Seriously.
Many times it was because I was feeling so overwhelmed, my kids were more than I could (or wanted to) handle, and I wanted to run away. But, other times, it was because I thought my family would be better off without me. Really.
I was so disappointed in my thoughts and attitudes. I just knew I was ruining my kids’ lives. I thought my husband could surely find someone who could love him and my children more than I. Ever thought that?
Somewhere between wallowing in the lies and self-pity and now, I began letting go of those thoughts. Maybe it was because my children were growing and maturing along with me. Or, maybe it was because I began applying God’s grace to me. Whatever the reason, I no longer have those thoughts. I’m glad God gave me what he did---and that he gave me more than I could handle.
And now when I say I’m going to the mailbox, it only means, “I’ll be back with the mail!”
Translated, it meant to my children, “Mom is going to the end of our long driveway to get the mail”.
But, I knew the real meaning of that simple statement. It often meant, “I’m going to the mailbox, but I’m really thinking about walking past it, on down the road, and not coming back!”
Seriously.
Many times it was because I was feeling so overwhelmed, my kids were more than I could (or wanted to) handle, and I wanted to run away. But, other times, it was because I thought my family would be better off without me. Really.
I was so disappointed in my thoughts and attitudes. I just knew I was ruining my kids’ lives. I thought my husband could surely find someone who could love him and my children more than I. Ever thought that?
Somewhere between wallowing in the lies and self-pity and now, I began letting go of those thoughts. Maybe it was because my children were growing and maturing along with me. Or, maybe it was because I began applying God’s grace to me. Whatever the reason, I no longer have those thoughts. I’m glad God gave me what he did---and that he gave me more than I could handle.
And now when I say I’m going to the mailbox, it only means, “I’ll be back with the mail!”
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Significant?
Dirk and I had a wonderful motorcycle ride today. It was so beautiful out. When you are on a motorcycle, the world is open wide. Everything around you is alive with sounds, aromas, and sights. Nature is up-close and God’s beauty is everywhere.
There were many other riders out today, and plenty of traffic. I began to consider my significance in the world and decided I really wasn’t very significant. I thought, I am significantly insignificant. Then I thought, “No, that’s not right, because in Christ, we all have significance. So now I’ve decided I’m insignificantly significant!
Hope that makes sense to you----it does to me!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Friday Finds
Check out Blake Bergstrom’s blog. A great analogy on trusting God
Another one on “Work” – Anna talks to us about turning our jobs into joys.
Another one on “Work” – Anna talks to us about turning our jobs into joys.
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Treat yourself to a low-cal, low-fat (0 point) really good soup while your kids are chomping down their mac and cheese. Progresso Light Soups! At 60 calories per serving, you can eat the whole can for a whopping 120 calories. My favorite: Southwestern-Style Vegetable.
Come join Dirk and I for Ballroom Dancing classes! We meet with a diverse group of ages the 2nd Friday of each month (Friday, January 11 for the next class). The cost is $15 a couple from 7:00 – 9:00 at Transformation Fitness Center, south of 33rd at 14701 North Kelly in Edmond. (Enter from the back door.) This is a beginning class and we learn a new dance or two each class. We laugh a lot and learn a little. Get a sitter and come try something new. Let me know if you need more information. It’s a blast!
Treat yourself to a low-cal, low-fat (0 point) really good soup while your kids are chomping down their mac and cheese. Progresso Light Soups! At 60 calories per serving, you can eat the whole can for a whopping 120 calories. My favorite: Southwestern-Style Vegetable.
Come join Dirk and I for Ballroom Dancing classes! We meet with a diverse group of ages the 2nd Friday of each month (Friday, January 11 for the next class). The cost is $15 a couple from 7:00 – 9:00 at Transformation Fitness Center, south of 33rd at 14701 North Kelly in Edmond. (Enter from the back door.) This is a beginning class and we learn a new dance or two each class. We laugh a lot and learn a little. Get a sitter and come try something new. Let me know if you need more information. It’s a blast!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Simple Definitions
Patience
Several years ago, we used a program called Konos to teach godly character qualities to our children. From that program, we developed some simple definitions of words so we could easily remember them. Some of them were Konos’ definitions, for some we chose our own. My youngest children could say the definitions in their sweetest, most childish voices.
"Patience is waiting without complaining".
This one has stuck all these years. Ask my oldest kids what patience is. They’ll still answer you, “waiting without complaining”. They may also sing you a song, “Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry….” Bet some of you know that one too!
Do you have a good, simple definition for patience?
Several years ago, we used a program called Konos to teach godly character qualities to our children. From that program, we developed some simple definitions of words so we could easily remember them. Some of them were Konos’ definitions, for some we chose our own. My youngest children could say the definitions in their sweetest, most childish voices.
"Patience is waiting without complaining".
This one has stuck all these years. Ask my oldest kids what patience is. They’ll still answer you, “waiting without complaining”. They may also sing you a song, “Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry….” Bet some of you know that one too!
Do you have a good, simple definition for patience?
Back to School
We started back with our academics today. Before we began, we averaged the ma
th scores from last semester. This is necessary for Kody, since he is a 9th grader this year and we need to begin keeping a transcript. Math is the one thing that actually has a score for us. The other subjects are, well, subjective. I grade according to effort more than an actual testing score, for now. This seems to motivate my boys into trying a little harder. By next year I will begin to give more tests and keep scores, preparing them for college classes. (Jacob is a 7th grader)
Today I assigned a report, due next week, on the Electoral College. This election season will be a great time to learn all we can about the election process and our American Government. I’ve done this in previous election years with my older kids. I’ll share more on what we cover later.
We also started studying I Corinthians 13 going word by word (ex: Love is patient). We’ll discuss patience for a few days until we move on to “kind”. We used specific relational examples to help remind us when we might be a little more patient.
What about you? Are you re-gearing to start the next session of schooling?
th scores from last semester. This is necessary for Kody, since he is a 9th grader this year and we need to begin keeping a transcript. Math is the one thing that actually has a score for us. The other subjects are, well, subjective. I grade according to effort more than an actual testing score, for now. This seems to motivate my boys into trying a little harder. By next year I will begin to give more tests and keep scores, preparing them for college classes. (Jacob is a 7th grader)Today I assigned a report, due next week, on the Electoral College. This election season will be a great time to learn all we can about the election process and our American Government. I’ve done this in previous election years with my older kids. I’ll share more on what we cover later.
We also started studying I Corinthians 13 going word by word (ex: Love is patient). We’ll discuss patience for a few days until we move on to “kind”. We used specific relational examples to help remind us when we might be a little more patient.
What about you? Are you re-gearing to start the next session of schooling?
Eight in '08
Eight things you may not know about me
1. I was born and raised in New Mexico
2. Dirk and I each have one sibling
3. I am at least a fourth generation Christ follower—in both my parents’ families!
4. 5 of my children were born at home-2 at a birth center
5. I was a piano and vocal major in college
6. I’d rather read a good book than watch a movie
7. I really enjoy being outdoors and gardening
8. Dirk and I leave for our 3rd annual cruise in 13 days!
1. I was born and raised in New Mexico
2. Dirk and I each have one sibling
3. I am at least a fourth generation Christ follower—in both my parents’ families!
4. 5 of my children were born at home-2 at a birth center
5. I was a piano and vocal major in college
6. I’d rather read a good book than watch a movie
7. I really enjoy being outdoors and gardening
8. Dirk and I leave for our 3rd annual cruise in 13 days!
What are your eight?
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