Sorry I've been MIA for the weekend. We took a quick, somewhat-last-minute, trip to see my parents who were visiting my grandma a couple of hours away. Since my parents live about 10 hours from us, I like to take the kids to see them when they're close by. We had a great time visiting, and we're finally home.
I had hoped to do Know & Tell Friday before we left, but didn't get a chance. In case you missed it, too, head on over to Kickin' It In Crazyville to see all the responses...they had some GREAT questions!
So, here's the GOOD NEWS I had waiting for me when I got home...I received an e-mail from the publisher of my book, Drama Ministry: A Guidebook, stating that they have agreed to publish my (and some of my friends') original drama scripts in a series of script books. The details are still being worked out, but the books should be available sometime next summer.
As for the BAD NEWS...today Hubby registered us for his high school reunion in September. Now that, in and of itself, is NOT bad news. But it does mean that it's time for me to get downright serious once again on the weight loss front. Only 2 1/2 short months to shed those last few pounds of "baby weight" that still wreak havoc on my midsection. Here I come celery sticks and running shoes...right after another piece of chocolate ;)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Great Conspirators, Episode 2
When we last left our tiresome duo, Little Miss and Little Man were deep in the workings of Operation Exhausted Mommy. (Read the first episode here.) We join them now several days later...
Little Man had underestimated his stamina--or was it that Mother had won the battle of wills in the night waking department? Either way, L'il Man began to neglect his nighttime wakings for the luxury of sweet sleep. He was growing accustomed to 10-11 hrs a night, much to Mother's glee. However, he and Little Miss had formulated a new plan: L'il Man grew weary around 7:30, which meant he would be awake and refreshed between 6:00 and 6:30 the following morning. L'il Miss could last late into the evening, sometimes as far as 9:00, with endless requests for "one more drink", another trip to the potty, or a simple, sweet request for Mother to "stay one minute." This left Mother (and Father) little, precious time to finish their daily chores, spend a few quiet moments alone together, and retire at a reasonable hour to prepare for the early wakings of L'il Man. It was working beautifully when another phase of their masterminded plan began to evolve.
Again, no one knows when or how it happened, but either L'il Miss or L'il Man had the genius idea of drafting the family pet, Chester, into Operation Exhuasted Mommy. They did not know that long ago, when Chester was a mere pup, he had instigated the original plan to wear Mother to sheer exhuastion. But Mother proved stronger than he realized, and he eventually wore down and succumbed to her need for sleep. But now that he had two comrades in arms, the plan was once again a possibility. It was simple really...on the mornings when L'il Man neglected to wake Mother early enough, Chester would take over the responsibility by coming to Mother's room and jingling his collar, whining at her bedside, or simply panting or scratching so loudly that it was sure to wake her. If all else failed, Chester could summon the "Barking Brigade"--a chain of canines throughout the neighborhood who, upon special request, would set in motion a loud, obnoxious chorus of barking promptly at 5:30 a.m. The chorus would last just long enough for Mother go be completely awake so that she could not easily return to slumber.
And that is what happened this morning. Chester, sensing that L'il Man was neglecting his early-morning post, set in motion the Barking Brigade, which promptly woke L'il Man, who then babbled loudly until he woke L'il Miss. The only thing that saved Mother's sanity was the chivalry of Father who sweetly offered to get up with L'il Man. Of course Mother was so awake by then, there was no going back to sleep...the plan was working beautifully.
Will Father's self-sacrifice and chivalry be able to save Mother's sanity, or will The Great Conspirators (now that there are 3!) win out? Stay tuned...
Conspirator #3--Chester
Little Man had underestimated his stamina--or was it that Mother had won the battle of wills in the night waking department? Either way, L'il Man began to neglect his nighttime wakings for the luxury of sweet sleep. He was growing accustomed to 10-11 hrs a night, much to Mother's glee. However, he and Little Miss had formulated a new plan: L'il Man grew weary around 7:30, which meant he would be awake and refreshed between 6:00 and 6:30 the following morning. L'il Miss could last late into the evening, sometimes as far as 9:00, with endless requests for "one more drink", another trip to the potty, or a simple, sweet request for Mother to "stay one minute." This left Mother (and Father) little, precious time to finish their daily chores, spend a few quiet moments alone together, and retire at a reasonable hour to prepare for the early wakings of L'il Man. It was working beautifully when another phase of their masterminded plan began to evolve.
Again, no one knows when or how it happened, but either L'il Miss or L'il Man had the genius idea of drafting the family pet, Chester, into Operation Exhuasted Mommy. They did not know that long ago, when Chester was a mere pup, he had instigated the original plan to wear Mother to sheer exhuastion. But Mother proved stronger than he realized, and he eventually wore down and succumbed to her need for sleep. But now that he had two comrades in arms, the plan was once again a possibility. It was simple really...on the mornings when L'il Man neglected to wake Mother early enough, Chester would take over the responsibility by coming to Mother's room and jingling his collar, whining at her bedside, or simply panting or scratching so loudly that it was sure to wake her. If all else failed, Chester could summon the "Barking Brigade"--a chain of canines throughout the neighborhood who, upon special request, would set in motion a loud, obnoxious chorus of barking promptly at 5:30 a.m. The chorus would last just long enough for Mother go be completely awake so that she could not easily return to slumber.
And that is what happened this morning. Chester, sensing that L'il Man was neglecting his early-morning post, set in motion the Barking Brigade, which promptly woke L'il Man, who then babbled loudly until he woke L'il Miss. The only thing that saved Mother's sanity was the chivalry of Father who sweetly offered to get up with L'il Man. Of course Mother was so awake by then, there was no going back to sleep...the plan was working beautifully.
Will Father's self-sacrifice and chivalry be able to save Mother's sanity, or will The Great Conspirators (now that there are 3!) win out? Stay tuned...
Conspirator #3--ChesterTuesday, June 24, 2008
Ode to Sick Days
Sorry it's been a few days since my last post. It seems that life has suddenly gone full speed ahead and not for any reason in particular.
Have you ever had one of those days where you wish you could just shut down for the day, stay in your PJs, watch old movies on TV, and not think about anything you need to be doing or anything that someone is expecting you to do? It's for that very reason that I sometimes miss working. I firmly believe that those days are the reason God invented sick days. I am fortunate to be a relatively healthy person, so I saw no harm in taking the occasional "mental health" day while on my career path.
But one of the drawbacks to parenting is that there are no sick days. While I technically could stay in my PJs all day (I would only receive funny looks from the door-to-door salesmen that inundate our neighborhood on a daily basis), I cannot mentally "shut down" for the day. There are children to be fed, changed, napped, entertained, and otherwise stimulated emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and well you get the idea.
I found GREAT encouragement in Sally Clarkson's post last week, "Ode to Tired Mamas." It came at a time when I really needed it...suffering from the exhaustion of having a son who's decided that 5:30 is an appropriate time to start our day! I did have a relaxing and refreshing weekend, however (thanks to Hubby taking over the early-bird wake-up calls), so I can't blame my current state entirely on lack of sleep, although I'm sure it contributes. So, whether it's fatigue, stress, lack of nutrition (what chocolate chips aren't a major food group?), or the status of the barometric pressure...we may never know the cause. Either way, I am taking Sally's advice and making some time to recharge...compliments of Breyer's Vanilla Bean ice cream (don't forget the chocolate chips and Hershey's syrup!) and a quiet evening of mindless TV watching...then off to bed early HOPEFULLY!
Maybe that will be enough to kickstart my creativity and I'll be back with a witty and compelling post that will leave you laughing and crying. Or, maybe I'll just be back with more of the same...you'll have to wait and see. :)
Have you ever had one of those days where you wish you could just shut down for the day, stay in your PJs, watch old movies on TV, and not think about anything you need to be doing or anything that someone is expecting you to do? It's for that very reason that I sometimes miss working. I firmly believe that those days are the reason God invented sick days. I am fortunate to be a relatively healthy person, so I saw no harm in taking the occasional "mental health" day while on my career path.
But one of the drawbacks to parenting is that there are no sick days. While I technically could stay in my PJs all day (I would only receive funny looks from the door-to-door salesmen that inundate our neighborhood on a daily basis), I cannot mentally "shut down" for the day. There are children to be fed, changed, napped, entertained, and otherwise stimulated emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and well you get the idea.
I found GREAT encouragement in Sally Clarkson's post last week, "Ode to Tired Mamas." It came at a time when I really needed it...suffering from the exhaustion of having a son who's decided that 5:30 is an appropriate time to start our day! I did have a relaxing and refreshing weekend, however (thanks to Hubby taking over the early-bird wake-up calls), so I can't blame my current state entirely on lack of sleep, although I'm sure it contributes. So, whether it's fatigue, stress, lack of nutrition (what chocolate chips aren't a major food group?), or the status of the barometric pressure...we may never know the cause. Either way, I am taking Sally's advice and making some time to recharge...compliments of Breyer's Vanilla Bean ice cream (don't forget the chocolate chips and Hershey's syrup!) and a quiet evening of mindless TV watching...then off to bed early HOPEFULLY!
Maybe that will be enough to kickstart my creativity and I'll be back with a witty and compelling post that will leave you laughing and crying. Or, maybe I'll just be back with more of the same...you'll have to wait and see. :)
Friday, June 20, 2008
TGIF and KATF
Ode to Summer for this week's Know & Tell Friday (thanks to Reese and Heather at Kickin it in Crazyville):
Which is your favorite season? Why?
Definitely Autumn (or Fall, if you prefer). I love everything about it...the beautiful color of the leaves, the crispness in the air, bonfires, warm sweaters and jackets, pumpkin-flavored anything, hot cider, candy corn, everything!!
Are you a bikini or one piece gal? Do the same rules apply to your daughter, if you have one?
Definitely a one-piece or tankini for me and my Little Miss.
What is your favorite summer getaway? Beach? Lake? Mall? Indoor ice skating? Why?
Either the beach or the lake. We are so far from a beach, though the lake is a little more doable. I love being at, near, or on the water.
You're on a sandy beach, looking out at a perfectly blue ocean. The weather is perfect. What's on the table next to you? What book are you reading? Who is sitting next to you? What are you drinking?
On the table...Huge glass of iced tea with lemon
Book...Whatever I can get my hands on
Sitting next to me...no one (the idea of an afternoon to myself sounds amazing!) or my Hubby
Drinking...the glass of iced tea on the table
Do you tan? If so, are you an all-natural tanner or do you go to a salon?
I used to be...no time these days. I did the fake-bake thing a few times, but I prefer all-natural.
What is your favorite summer clothing?
Capris, T-shirt, flip-flops
You're suddenly able to transport yourself to any summer in your past. What year would you choose to be in?
The summer of 2000...went to Paris, went to Alaska for a friend's wedding, and started dating my Hubby...a stellar summer by far!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Better Late Than Never...I Guess?
I realized today that I am a terrible friend. I met up with my lifelong frined, Lora (from My Blessed Life) about a month ago and I never posted pics! How terrible am I! So I hope it's true what they say...better late than never!
We had a wonderful time at the park. As you can see the kiddos LOVED the train! And then lunch at Cracker Barrell...YUM! The girls had fun in the "just their size" rocking chairs. I definitely wish we lived closer to each other so we could do it more often!
We had a wonderful time at the park. As you can see the kiddos LOVED the train! And then lunch at Cracker Barrell...YUM! The girls had fun in the "just their size" rocking chairs. I definitely wish we lived closer to each other so we could do it more often!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Taking Joy in the Little Things
A few weeks ago, I posted a review of Sally Clarkson's book, The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity. As I was reading Sally's blog (I Take Joy), I came across Ms. Clarkson's e-mail address. On a whim, sent her an e-mail explaining how much her book meant to me, the impact it had on me and my parenting, and thanking her for her ministry. I know someone of her position (author, speaker, blogger, mother of 4, etc.) has at least a million pressing things to do at any given moment. I hoped that my e-mail might actually get read, but I definitely didn't expect a reply. Imagine my surprise when I opened my inbox the other day to find an e-mail from Sally Clarkson herself!
The fact that Ms. Clarkson took the time to e-mail me was a huge encouragement in herself, but what she said to me was even more encouraging. Her words of affirmation and support for my decision to stay home with my children, and her recognition of the fact that that isn't always an easy role were so soothing to my soul. I'd like to share just one line from her e-mail that I found so encouraging:
"I have not always found my choices easy, but I see the results in the great souls of my children."
As a mother on "this side" of parenting (just starting out), it was so encouraging to me to hear that from a mother on the "other side" (whose children are all grown). To know that it was also difficult for her, but that the tough choices paid off is in itself a huge encouragement to me. I'm sure I will revisit those words in the days and months to come. Thank you again, Sally.
On another note, we took advantage of the beautiful weather today to go on a little scavenger hunt. It was so much fun to watch my Little Miss diligently searching for a rock or flower to put in her makeshift "bag." It was such a simple outing, but it meant so much to her. It was the first thing she told Daddy about when he got home, and continued reliving it through dinner.
While on our hunt, Little Miss was taken with this tiny angel statue on our route. She stopped abruptly, stroked it's little head, and said, "Aww...look Mommy!" I was so taken with her sweetness, I could hardly notice the statue. Fortunately, I had my camera on hand to capture the moment of my angel with her angel.
It was a good day.
The fact that Ms. Clarkson took the time to e-mail me was a huge encouragement in herself, but what she said to me was even more encouraging. Her words of affirmation and support for my decision to stay home with my children, and her recognition of the fact that that isn't always an easy role were so soothing to my soul. I'd like to share just one line from her e-mail that I found so encouraging:
"I have not always found my choices easy, but I see the results in the great souls of my children."
As a mother on "this side" of parenting (just starting out), it was so encouraging to me to hear that from a mother on the "other side" (whose children are all grown). To know that it was also difficult for her, but that the tough choices paid off is in itself a huge encouragement to me. I'm sure I will revisit those words in the days and months to come. Thank you again, Sally.
On another note, we took advantage of the beautiful weather today to go on a little scavenger hunt. It was so much fun to watch my Little Miss diligently searching for a rock or flower to put in her makeshift "bag." It was such a simple outing, but it meant so much to her. It was the first thing she told Daddy about when he got home, and continued reliving it through dinner.
While on our hunt, Little Miss was taken with this tiny angel statue on our route. She stopped abruptly, stroked it's little head, and said, "Aww...look Mommy!" I was so taken with her sweetness, I could hardly notice the statue. Fortunately, I had my camera on hand to capture the moment of my angel with her angel.
It was a good day.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
OK, here is my first attempt at "public" Menu Plan Monday (and yes, I did it for the free giveaway...keeping my fingers crossed!) Anyway, here's what our menu looks like this week:
Monday:
Rotisserie chicken (from the grocery deli as I need to go grocery shopping this afternoon)
Pasta salad (from a box)
Green beans (from a can)
*It was a crazy weekend and I haven't been shopping yet, so keeping it easy today!
Tuesday:
Lasagna (frozen from a couple of weeks ago)
Salad
Garlic toast
Wednesday:
Chicken Divan (recipe below)--recipe from my friend Jill, haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure we'll love it!
Vegetable medley
Thursday (breakfast for dinner):
Egg and sausage casserole (click here for recipe)
Fresh fruit
Toast
Friday:
Family night (which means dinner out!)
Saturday:
Grilled hamburgers with buns
Corn on the cob (on the grill, of course!)
Cucumber and blue cheese salad (click here for recipe)
Sunday:
Eat out after church, then whatever you can find for dinner!
Chicken Divan
2 pkgs. frozen broccoli, cooked
2 pkgs. frozen broccoli, cooked
pieces of cooked chicken (whole chicken, deboned, or 4 chicken breasts)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (mix 1/2 c. milk with soup to thin)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Layer the above and bake at 425 for 15 minutes.
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