Book Tour

OK, it's not really a book tour. But I am on my way to the great metropolis of Kansas City to promote my boook, Drama Ministry: A Guidebook. For more info on the book, click here.

I will hopefully check in while I'm gone. Otherwise, will "see" you all when I get back!

Quote of the Day

There's a quote at our library...actually it's on a T-shirt in the gift shop, but I love it. It goes like this:

"Outside a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read."

--Groucho Marx

I just love that!

Crisis of Self

I started this post earlier today about how I sometimes don't know who I am anymore...how motherhood has changed me, and I sometimes wonder what my identity is, blah, blah, blah...
But the kids woke up and I never got it finished.

Then I had an interesting encounter tonight at the grocery store. One of the cashiers was giving another cashier a hard time because she said she'd never had a drink of alcohol. He, on the other hand, was going on and on about how he was going home to drink because it was his birthday. So, he looked at me and said, "Boy, she doesn't know what she's missing, does she?" And I just shrugged and said, "I wouldn't know. I've never had a drink either." That pretty much floored him. I guess he never thought he'd encounter anyone who didn't share his enthusiasm for alcohol...let alone two people!

As I came home to finish my "woe-is-me" post, God reminded me of that guy. I realized that I'm still the same person I've always been. I have roughly the same story I've always had...good girl raised in church, loved God her whole life, very few tales of rebellion, etc. etc. It's just that now I have a few more chapters to include...met a wonderful boy, got married, had two beautiful children, and so on. I was the "girl who didn't party" in high school, and I guess I'm still that girl...all grown up (and hopefully a little wiser about some things).

It may not sound all that profound to you, but it was a great comfort to me--that for as much as motherhood, and life in general, has changed me I'm still the girl who dreamed of doing great things for God one day. I guess when you change enough diapers and make enough bottles, you begin to wonder if all those dreams of "great things" were just that...dreams. But my encounter tonight with the "raging alcoholic" (as he jokingly referred to himself after our conversation) made me realize that those "great things" can still be accomplished. It just might not happen in a stadium packed with teenagers or a conference of church leaders. It might simply happen in the checkout lane at the grocery store when a casual conversation makes a person realize that there's something more out there. Please don't misunderstand...I'm in no way campaigning for the next Prohibition movement. I'm just saying that hopefully now this cashier realizes that there are people who live differently than he does. And maybe someday, if he's searching for something more in his life, he'll remember that. And maybe God will use it to reach him. And if not, maybe there will be someone else...

So I guess in the meantime I continue to change diapers, and make bottles, and go grocery shopping...and pray that God will use me to impact others...one conversation at a time.

We made it back from our marathon weekend in one piece...and had a wonderful time. As I mentioned before, we had a birthday party for our little 3-year-old at Grandma and Grandpa's. What I didn't mention is that we also had a surprise 40th anniversary celebration for my in-laws. (I didn't want to spoil the surprise in case they should check in here.) Both parties were a huge success!

The dalmatian birthday was a hit with the cousins, and here's a pic of our little Dalmatian. ("Penny" is not her real name...that was her dalmatian name.)

She also had her first "sleepover" with the cousins. Granted, Daddy & I were in the next room, but still...it was her first night with "the girls". She (and Mommy) handled it well. It's funny...I was so excited about not having to share the bed with my "full-contact" sleeper, but then when she wasn't there, I realizes I really missed her! (She usually sleeps with us at Grandma and Grandpa's). I guess this is the first in the "letting go" and I realized she's going to grow up, whether I'm ready for it or not (sometimes I am, most of the time, I'm not).

Another first...our little man got his first tooth! All of these milestones, coupled with hearing the memories of my in-laws courtship, marriage, and parenting days made me realize (once again) that it's so important to cherish each moment with our children, because it really does go so fast! I wish I could say I take time to do that every day. But I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit that most of the time I'm too caught up in finishing my "to do" list. I guess I need gentle prodding now and again to make myself stop and enjoy the precious days I have with my children while I have them.

Speaking of....there's a little 3-year-old asking to play with Mommy. I have to go...

Stop the Madness!

It seems that when the air warms a bit, the days grow longer, and the sun shines brighter our schedules also seem to pick up a bit. Maybe it's coming off the short, dreary days of winter. Maybe it's that spring is in the air. Either way, we have hit the ground running. And in doing so, we've loaded up 2 kids and supplies for a b-day party, and we're on our way to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

See you when we get back!

Burgers and Fries Remix

I am not an official participant of Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday (for more info, click here)...not yet at least. (And yes, I know it's already Wednesday). But MPM has inspired me to put forth a more concentrated effort in menu planning. So I dusted off a few of my cook books, and I'm rediscovering some old favorites.

Today was one of the first "warmish" days so far this Spring (if you can call what we've been having "spring"), so I fired up the grill and did a variation on the ol' burger and fries (a healthier variation at that...much to my hubby's chagrin. But he said he liked it.) I thought I'd post a couple of the recipes here in the hopes that you enjoy a good recipe discovery as much as I do.

Southwest Turkey Burgers
2 lb ground turkey
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture 10 minutes, then form into 8 patties. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the patties on the grill. Cook for 20 minutes, turning once, or until well done. The inside of the burgers will look whitish when cooked through.

Seasoned Sweet Potato Fries
4 sweet potatoes, cut into large fries
1 Tblsp water
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
2 Tblsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place cut sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then drain. Toss with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, turning once, or until fries are crispy on the outside.

Hope you enjoy!

New Clothes, New Woman

I actually got to go shopping this weekend with a friend and spend the rest of my Christmas money. Yes, I said Christmas money. And yes, I know it's April. That's how often I actually go shopping (for myself, that is). I only bought a few shirts, but it was enough (for now). It's amazing how a new shirt...nothing fancy, just a simple shirt...makes you feel so good. I wore one of my new shirts today. It was a good day.

Just think how great I'd feel if I had a whole outfit...one can dream. And if I actually got my hair cut and colored...well, look out world! (Now, I'm just talking crazy...I should just go to bed.)

I know I keep promising a spectacular comeback. I haven't forgotten...just needing to make time to do it. But it will have to be another time. Right now it's 11:00 and I'm off to bed!

Six-Word Memoir

When in Doubt, Eat More Chocolate

I was tagged by Lora at My Blessed Life

Rules:
1 . Write your own six-word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog (and include a visual illustration if you’d like).
3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

I only know 2 other bloggers (who haven't already been tagged), so I am tagging
Shawna at Our Journey (Take Two) and Jenna at No Doi

Deadlines...Ugh!

So sorry I have been neglecting my blog this week. Just so you know I have been DYING to post, but alas, have no time. Between sick kiddos, b-day parties (apparently everyone I know has a child born in the month of April...including my own!), and writing assignments, the time seems to slip away. But the good news is...tomorrow is my deadline for my latest writing assignment! (Don't worry...I'm already done. No, I am NOT procrastinating by blogging...although that is totally something I would do!)

I have a love-hate relationships with deadlines. They drive me crazy...up until the moment they are met. Then it's as if a huge, heavy burden is lifted, the skies turn blue again and the world is right. So I will hopefully have the time, creativity, and mental energy to wow you with some wonderful insights again soon (lucky you!).

Now, off to watch the newest episode of The Office...I'm so glad they're back! (I feel like they're old friends I haven't seen in months...how sad is that?)

Rainy Day

I apologize in advance that this will not be the spectacular post that I promised. It's raining today; however, the dreary weather actually matches my mood. My son was up every hour last night (sometimes more than that). So Hubby, Son, and myself probably each got 3-4 hours of sleep. I thought for sure it was an ear infection, but this morning the doc said, "it's just teeth." Wow, who know a few tiny teeth could cause such a disturbance! (My daughter's teeth all came in with relative ease.)

My sadness isn't solely from lack of sleep. It's also from the realization that my son's tiny little body is in so much pain. I thought as I held him last night that there is no worse feeling in the world than knowing your child is in pain and not having the power to do anything about it. There is nothing that can make a mother feel more powerless and helpless. I know there are children in much worse pain than he is in--children who face serious disease, illness, or injury. I do not discount their pain or that of their parents. I cannot imagine bearing that sort of load as a parent...my heart goes out to those who must do so. I know my son will see even greater pain in the days ahead...there will be bumped heads, scraped knees, maybe even stitches or broken bones some day. But last night, as I watched him struggle to sleep and listened to him cry in pain and frustration, none of that mattered. All I could think is, my son is in pain and I don't know how to help him.

As I type this, I've come to an obvious (yet, not-so-obvious to me until right now) conclusion...God must hurt so much for us as we endure pain--either self-induced or simply as a result of the fallen world in which we live. So, bear with me as I make yet another God-is-our-loving-parent analogy. Unlike me, He does have the power to stop our pain, but sometimes He chooses not to. If I were all-powerful (YIKES!), I would stop my children from ever feeling or knowing pain. But God is so much smarter than I am. He knows that by enduring the pain, working through it, and trusting in Him, I will come through the pain a stronger person. My faith will be strengthened and I will be a better wife, mother, sister, neighbor, friend for having gone through it. That doesn't mean it hurts me any less (nor does He enjoy seeing my pain). But He's right there with me the whole time...holding me, telling me how much He loves me (even when I'm screaming at him to make the pain go away)..until finally, the pain is over, and I have grown from it. That must be why He tells us in James 1:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

I told you He's a lot smarter than I am!

P.S. See, this is why I write...it helps me process my sometimes-out-of-control emotions and come to a rational conclusion! :) Now, off to find some chocolate.

I Will Be Back, I Promise

Still recovering from The Crud...so not much to post. I apologize for the lack of witty conjecture in the meantime. I will, hopefully, be fully recovered soon and make a stunning comeback...one well worth the wait! (Now the pressure's on!)

And The Winner Is...

I'm sure your spouse (if you have one) is a wonderful person; however, I must nominate my husband for Hubby of the Year (and thereby declare him the winner in my book!). And here's why...

Not only does my wonderful better-half work his little techie fingers to the bone all day fixing major network problems for a nationwide health care company, he comes home to do his fair share (sometimes more than his fair share) of helping out with the kids.

Take yesterday for example...his only "real" day off in probably 3 weeks (he's working weekends and overnights for 3 weekends in a row on "major network updates") and what does he do? He plays Mr. Mom the whole day so that yours truly can get some much-needed rest (see previous post if you missed my whining about me sleep-deprivation!). As it turns out, I wasn't just whining (OK, maybe I was, but for good reason). I am sick. It turns out my daughter and I have what my grandmother would dub, "The Crud"...sore throat, congestion, no appetite, overall achy feeling and general exhaustion (add to my daughter's an ear ache...YUCK!). So The Love of My Life sacrificed his one "free" day to nurse our first-born, care for our son, and let Mommy sleep for most of the day to kick this Crud. It helped...we're all feeling better today (well, maybe not Hubby). Still a little "cruddy," but MUCH better, thanks to Dear Ol' Dad!

And that's why I must hereby declare my husband "Husband of the Year." (Please give my condolences to your spouse....there's always next year.) And thanks, Baby...you're absolutely the best!

Oh Wretched Sleep, Thou Dost Mock Me

I love sleep. I have always loved sleep. It probably runs a close second to chocolate in my "most favorite indulgences" list. However, as a mother of two small children (3 yrs and 7 months), it's not something I see much of these days.

That wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the person I become without my precious sleep. My usual patient, kind, loving self morphs into a gripey, frustrated monster of sorts who snaps at her husband and loses patience with her children over the smallest things. I am, of course, instantly regretful, but how I wish I would stop it BEFORE it happens. I seem to have no problem with that when I'm well-rested. Something in my brain is able to throw a switch and say, "Wait....cool it! It's not that big a deal." Actually, the switch doesn't usually have to intervene when I've had sleep. I'm fairly laid back and have a relatively high "deal with it" factor. But when I'm sleep-deprived, it's a WHOLE 'nother story, sister!

Why is that? There are people who can function, and function well, mind you, on 4-5 hrs of sleep a night. I AM NOT one of them! I need a good 7-9 hrs a night! (I don't remember the last time I saw 7 hrs of sleep in one night...let alone 7 CONSECUTIVE hours!) Is it a physical need? Doctors and scientists say that we need 8 hrs of sleep a night. So, if that's the case, why would God create in babies an innate need to be up all hours of the night then be ready to start their day at 5:30 a.m.?! Is it a psychological need? Do I just THINK I need that much sleep? And if so, why does my brain go foggy and my body ache, no matter how much caffeine I consume, when I get little sleep?

These are the questions that plague my sleep-deprived brain these days. Alas, the answers may never be found. Until then, I will continually remind myself of the words God gave the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Weakness...yep, that's me. I'm right there with you, Paul. (Hmmm....do you think Paul had small children?)