crayons in my briefcase

Cirque du Stella

2009-08-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

just thought i'd share this lovely pic from the baby shower me and my besties just put together for our good friend Jen, and her soon-to-arrive baby girl, Stella...it was so fun planning and putting it together! this pic is only the entry, be sure to check out my good friend, Kirsten's, blog for more pics...and thanks to Krystal for free-handing the fabulous banner!

parenting

2009-08-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

this is really a post to help me easily find these nuggets of wisdom on parenting from Kem Meyer...but if you are reading this, i hope you find it useful, too! i read this post about a month ago, and have been coming back to it for the entire last month. just some really good stuff, thanks Kem...

Parenting is hard. I'm in over my head. I'm not going to do everything right. But, I'm going to keep learning and keep trying. I don't take the responsibility lightly. I consider it an honor. And, here's a few things I've learned after being a parent for 20 years.

* I can't take the credit when my kids are a success.
* I can't take the blame when my kids choose their own path.
* My kids are not an extension of me, they are a unique God-created individual.
* I don't have all the answers; I have as much to learn from them as they do from me.
* Part of my job it is to help get them thinking, but not to tell them what to think.
* Dancing around and avoiding real conversations about awkward topics (like sex, mental illness, substance abuse, etc.) only sets them up for failure.

Let's camp on that last bullet for a minute. What parent looks forward to a conversation with their beautiful, innocent, cute & cuddly cherub about any of these topics? Our parental instinct is to protect them from all of it--act like it's not there. Our best intentions lead us to spend our time building a fortress of screens to shield them as long as we can. It's a lie many of us fall victim to. We procrastinate or avoid these conversations altogether because we don't want to be the one to take away "innocence." That's nice in theory, but naive in reality.

All of us have to face these issues and we're not in control of when that happens. it's everywhere, all around us (and them). If we don't provide our kids with a healthy, realistic context and adequate preparation, they're blind sided with life and thrown into reactive mode.

I want to be bold enough to teach my kids about uncomfortable topics. Where else will they get the truth? The media? Ugh. It’s up to us to clear the static, take the lead and help them learn the right place to find the answers when they need them.

summer update #2

2009-07-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Because I'm sure you've been wondering what the Lee's have been up to all summer, here ya go:

Our church's youth camp...included such adventures as Ellie's first tubing ride on the lake (which she LOVED) and her first emergency visit to the local clinic (head injury from falling off the top bunk bed in the middle of the night...ended up being more of a traumatic experience for mom than it was for her).

Lots of birthday parties and playdates, including cousin Jon's Ninja Birthday Party, and friend Eden's Princess Party, with a special appearance by REAL Princesses! (or at least REALLY pretty girls dressed in pink prom dresses like princesses:)

And fun times spent outdoors with all the family and friends we love & adore...

Ellie & Jackson in Buhl...

Be sure to stay tuned for more summer adventures from the Lee's including kids camp, pool days, family vacation, Ellie's first day of Kindergarten, birthdays, and camping trips!!

summer update #1

2009-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

more highlights of our summer...so far:

Renaissance Fair in Meridian...if you want some entertaining people-watching, you must go to a Renaissance Fair!! I had to convince Ellie that Renaissance princesses didn't wear pink...told her it was before pink was invented:)

Craft Day with good friend, Keto (Krystal Bingham)...included a "food color" theme and projects like shaving creme paintings, sand art, coffee filter butterflies, and making pink-colored toast for lunch. The girls LOVED it!

Trip to Buhl to visit family...Ellie & cousin Jackson watching cartoons.

Our float in the Meridian Dairy Days...we conquered the rainstorm and persevered...and it was so much fun!

First carnival rides of the season...

ellie's got talent

2009-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

we all know she can do ballet, but here are some of the other styles she's training in (ok, not really training...just learning from "so you think you can dance")...she is a pretty mean hula hooper...

ellie's got talent from jennifer lee on Vimeo.

ellie's ballet recital

2009-05-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ellie made her debut on the big stage in the classical ballet piece, "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary". I made my debut as a stage mom, I think I was more nervous than Ellie! Thankfully, our good friend and seasoned stage mom, Robin, offered to do Ellie's stage makeup and ballerina bun. Of course, I shed a few tears as she danced so beautifully and passionately (watch for the curtsy at the end, she was sooo proud!).

ellie's recital 09 from jennifer lee on Vimeo.

cardboard dreams

2009-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

these people are ordinary people with extraordinary faith...with a story of overcoming fear to see their God dream achieved...i want to be like these people

Cardboard Dreams from Capital Christian Media on Vimeo.

this was in response to Pastor Ken Wilde's amazing series on going after the dreams God has for you, called "Forward Together" at our church, Capital Christian Center

bubbs....

2009-04-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

there's nothin' like a kid being chosen into a family...we have mad love for Bubba Grove, read about his story at my friend's blog

we were there, waiting impatiently in the waiting room, for the little one to come into the world, and for his mom to arrive from seattle...hoping those two moments would happen as close to each other as possible...such fond memories, such a blessing to have amazing friends

i want to go back to kindergarten!

2009-04-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

i did the unthinkable this week...i put my little girl on a school bus...all by herself.

even though it was just for kindergarten orientation (a tour of the school, classrooms, library, gym, and a bus safety teaching), many of you asked how i handled it. surprisingly, i didn't shed a tear!

maybe it was because i was too distracted with the wonder of a small library filled with new adventures that i knew ellie would be discovering on her own...

maybe it was because i was too observant of the creative inspiration made from little hands that plastered the hallways...

maybe it was because i was restraining myself from jumping in at the playdough station, the coloring station, the puzzles station...

or maybe it was because i saw my little girl gain a world of confidence as she climbed down those towering bus steps, skipped over to me with the biggest smile i've ever seen, and exclaim, "mom, i made a new friend, all by myself! his name is jacob, and we said 'nice to meet you' and we talked the whole time we were on our bus ride!"

all i could do was share in her contagious excitement of the whimsy and adventure of a whole new world...KINDERGARTEN!!

and now, i'm a little jealous...i want to go back to kindergarten!

{ellie hanging out with "buster", the remote control, talking bus that taught the kids bus safety...a genius invention!}

ellie-the stay at home mom

2009-04-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

check out this post on my friend Robin's blog...abour her son, Steven, one of Ellie's bestest friends...

full moments

2009-03-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

growing up, it seemed like my family was always on some sort of outdoor adventure...cross country trips, sailing excursions, camping expeditions, and even an attempt at navigating a boat trip from Washington to Alaska (it wasn't quite a success, but that's for another blog post). it may sound like we had plenty of money, but my parents managed to do all this on teacher's salaries. i marvel at their love for adventure, desire to find new lakes to fish in, places to camp, and beauty to take in (they're still like this).

so i've purposed in my heart to get my "city girls" out in the beauty of nature more often. we started last weekend with a trip to the Bruneau Sand Dunes, which included a serious discussion with ellie on how fun it is to get dirty and play in sand. it took some convincing, but she jumped right in in and got really dirty!

first day of spring and 70 degrees!

as i sat on the side of the sand dune with ellie and we watched the invisible wind push perfect ripples across the lake, i realized i must find more moments like these...unforgettable, life-giving, full moments

our goal is to find as many spectacular places as we can this year, and in one week, here's what we've found...

Bruneau Sand Dunes
Malad Gorge
1000 Springs Preserve
Billingsley Creek

what are your favorite places where you've found full moments?

grocery project

2009-03-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Do Project - Grocery Bags from Marcus Hackler on Vimeo.

500 families in our communities will be blessed with a bag full of groceries this week...and even more, they'll be given an invitation to be introduced to the One in whom they can find HOPE and can meet all their needs. How awesome is that!!

you were, you are, you will be

2009-03-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

you are not just....a creation of our imagination
but the creator of all we can possibly imagine

you are not just...a solution to our need
but the solution before the need ever existed

you are not just...one way to live
but the way, the truth, the life

you are not just...a great model of servant-love
but the greatest example of live-giving love

you are not just...faithful when i call in distress
but you were, you are, you will be....faithful

Ann

2009-03-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

today...I wondered if Ellie should do tap or ballet or gymnasics next fall

today...Ann looked at her daughter and prayed she wouldn't have to grow up without a mom

today...I worked on planning details for our upcoming Easter services

today...Ann wondered if she'd get to experience one more Easter

today...I made plans for our summer family vacation

today...Ann held each of her family tight, never wanting to let go

Ann has already lived longer than the three month expectation her doctors gave her, due to terminal cancer. I've learned so much from Ann's perspective & faith. I've learned that no matter how many days our life holds, our days are still numbered...our time is short.

In the Message Bible in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Paul says "Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something."

We can't afford to do anything with out HIS energy...we're on a frugal budget in the currency of time. That's my prayer today...Lord, fit me & fill my good ideas & acts of faith with YOUR energy, so it amounts to something.

Please, also, say a prayer for Ann and her family.

dance party...v-day style

2009-03-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

valentine's day dance party from jennifer lee on Vimeo.

blah blah blah

2009-03-07T14:59:00.001-08:00

this made my day! my 8 year old nephew's heartfelt valentine's wish...

finding fun in january

2009-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

it's true...i'm not a big fan of january. but, we happened to find some fun, memorable moments hiding under the grey skies and frigid weather...

Steelheads Hockey Game-so exciting...they barely won in a shoot out!

Powell's Candy Shop-from Abba Zabba's to abnormally large PEZ...so nostalgic!

Super Intense & Competitive Scrabble game (I won:)

Late night makeovers by a 2,3, and 4 year old

and, Ellie's half-way-through-the-year performance for the parents...i'm tellin' ya, i think we have prima ballerina in the making!

saturday mornings...

2009-01-31T10:28:00.001-08:00

...there's nothin' like them. when i was a kid, they included sleeping in, soaking up as much tv as possible, and likely watching "Jem" or "Fraggle Rock" with my sisters. so, naturally, i still enjoy watching saturday morning kids shows with the girls...but can only handle so much dora, diego, mickey mouse clubhouse, etc...so here's a few suggestions that are quite the fresh breath of couch potato air:

Jitterbug is a website with lots of unique music videos for kids. This is what they say..."Discover great independent music for kids. We hand pick the good stuff...you won't find Barney here." This is one of my favorite videos (and Ellie's:):

Yes, that is Lisa Loeb and yes, she is threatening to buy a a fol-de-rol-dy, til-de-tol-dy, seek-a-double, use-a-cause-a, roll...whatever that may be.

And, you must head on over to Jelly Telly for some hilarious puppetry by Phil Vischer (the original creator of the Veggie Tales). You can watch a new episode every day and a movie each week, for free!

she needs to hear from you

2009-01-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

there's a young mom that got no sleep last night, partly because she has has a hungry newborn but mostly because she doesn't think she's a good enough mom....SHE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

there's a neighbor that just lost her job, and thinks she also lost her value...SHE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

there's a grandmother sitting in a nursing home, wondering what the day won't bring...SHE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

there's a young girl who is playing alone on the playground and feeling alone in the world...SHE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

there's a college student that wonders if she's on the right path for her life...SHE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU

this is the hour for a company of women to throw aside generational differences, jealousy, selfishness, and pride...and look up from our busy lives to search out the ones that need to be nurtured...you have something to offer, your voice needs to be heard.

WHO'S GOING TO HEAR YOUR VOICE TODAY?

watch this discussion of Lisa Bevere's book "Nurture" that we shared last night with the ladies of our church, and be encouraged to find someone to nurture today

Nurture from Marcus Hackler on Vimeo.

lazy blogging...

2009-01-24T14:15:00.000-08:00

this is where i just steal things off other people's blogs that i find interesting...so here's today's installment:

"playing in the white house" (so good, please watch!)

via Ragamuffin Soul

...now for a good laugh, thanks "Flint"

Flint from Marcus Hackler on Vimeo.
via marcushackler.com

that Annie is a liar....

2009-01-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

to all my fellow boise valley peeps that have endured this nasty, no good, colorless inversion for the last two weeks, join with me in taking your anger out on little, annoyingly charming, curly haired Annie....she said "the sun would come out, tomorrow"

well, i'm not betting my bottom dollar...i thought of something fun to help rekindle the warm thoughts of those vitamin D prolific days. make yourself a mix tap...er, a mix cd with all the songs you can find about sun. my mix would include these:

"here comes the sun"-the beatles (doo n doo doo, i'm a closet beatles fan)

"the shadow proves the sunshine"-switchfoot

"pocketful of sunshine"-natasha bedingfield (dedicated to my besties, JB and Kirst)

"soak up the sun"-sheryl crow

"seasons in the sun"-terry jacks (we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun)

"sunshine on my shoulder"-john denver

"walking on sunshine"-katrina & the waves

"summer sunshine"-the corrs

"sunshine girl"-britt nicole

did i miss any?

my current favorite olive-isms...

2009-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

for those of you that know olivia, our little comedian, how could you not just love her! here are my favorite current "olive-isms"...

"i want loco" (I want lotion or I want yogurt)

"happy to you" (anytime she sees a candle of any kind, she wants to sing "happy bday")

"mama, are you?" (anytime she's feeling a little insecure and needs to know my location, even when i'm right in front of her sometimes)

"oh, happy day you wash my sin away" (clear as a bell, her favorite song)

anytime she hears music of any kind (yes, even the occasional hip hop) she throws her hands in the air and worships

"ya you" (holding up a fist, trying to sign "i love you")

when you ask her "how old are you", she says "two" and holds up her thumb and pointer finger (she's only 1 and a half, by the way)

when you ask her "what's my name" she usually says "Meggy"...but if she sees you, she will most likely say your name...she is crazy good at knowing people's names

anytime she pretends to talk on a cell phone, she always talks to Papa

watch out, she'll randomly grab your cheek really hard and say "kickle, kickle" (tickle, tickle)

she does what we call "silly bappy" (silly pacifier), and puts her pacifier in backwards

what's your favorite olive-ism?

some day...

2009-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

...i'll live on one of these (at least that's always been my dream).

but for now i'll savor moments like these...

that's my mom!

me and my dad, sailing Icy Passages near Glacier Bay, Alaska last summer

...and keep looking on craig's list for a smokin' hot deal on a starter sailboat. Thanks Marcus for the link of breathtaking sailing pictures.

a holiday recap

2009-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

in spite of an economic downturn, bleak news reports, and gloomy grey weather, our holidays were simply amazing and forever memorable! as i pray yours were. here are a few highlights...

1. thanks to my mischievous nephew Jon, we will always have an octopus on our christmas tree

2. i abandoned the idea of an "eye candy" tree and trendy christmas color palette, and embraced a super fun, whimsical, bright color scheme...complete with homeade salt dough ornaments by ellie, and semi-homeade stockings by me

3. celebrating friends christmas with our besties...we all made handmade presents for each other (the boys went all out, their gifts had to be hauled in trucks and included sharp objects) and the kids all got new pj's! the new tradition "friends talent show" was so entertaining...from ellie's impressive hula hooping skills to Mike Barth's super creative and hilarious rendition of "The Night Before Christmas" poem.

4. baking experiments like a peppermint roll cake and oreo truffles that ellie helped with...both pretty successful!

5. an exhilarating presentation of the real meaning of Christmas with our church family at Capital Christian Center, complete with real candles!

6. soaking up every moment spent with family...watching bows and paper fly, exhausting ourselves getting the bazillion twisty ties off each strapped in toy, creating all of our mii characters (thanks Papa for the wii!), seeing ellie so blessed by all her girly gifts and olivia blessed by all her puppy stuff.

7. watching ellie launch her makeover business (she only charges "one bucks"), and seeing the transformation of her happy clients (such good sports...aunt ooch, aunt lissa, grandma midge, nana, and of course, PAPA!)

8. traveling to Oregon to see Mike's family, watching the girls bond and build special relationships with aunts & uncles, cousins, and grandmas they don't get to see very often
ellie & cousin genesis...two peas in a pod

grandma june teaching the girls out to play the guitar

ellie consoles grandma mabel after her loss at "old maid"

your turn, what was your favorite holiday memory this year?

The Lee Family Top Ten of 2008

2008-12-22T15:20:00.000-08:00

#10. Moving to our new house in January! You should come visit us!

#9. Watching Ellie start her career as a professional ballerina. She’s quite natural at it, and so stinkin’ adorable!

#8. Watching Olivia and Ellie be the best of friends…they adore each other and enjoy dressing up together (I mean, Ellie enjoys dressing up Olivia), sleeping in the same room, and cooking in their play kitchen.

#7. Spending most of the summer at our neighborhood pool, playing backyard baseball, and trying to keep cool (lots of popsicles!).

#6. Traveling to Alaska for vacation in August. Mike caught the fish of his dreams…a 215 lb. halibut! We enjoyed everything from the beach to picking wild strawberries, but most of all, enjoyed spending time with Papa & Grandma Midge (Jenn’s parents).

#5. Celebrating Ellie & Olivia’s birthdays together (Ellie turned 4 and Olivia turned 1!) Along with Olivia’s first birthday, she’s mastered many other firsts over the year…including first laugh, first crawl, first word (Papa), first food, first steps, and first favorite song (“Oh, Happy Day”).

#4. Celebrating our 7th anniversary in September…and being still so silly and so in love!

#3. Sending Ellie on her first date…to the “Winter Ball” with her daddy. She’s convinced she’s a real princess now since she went to a real ball!

#2. Spending lots of time trying to perfect the Lee Signature Four-Way Kiss.

#1. Being filled with joy as we look back over this last year and realize, through the high moments and rough patches, God is so faithful and all we have- and have done, is because of His unfailing goodness!

Merry Christmas to you and your family…and may you, too, remember God’s faithfulness as you look towards 2009!

letter to the lady who cried through the whole church service yesterday

2008-12-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

I know you are shopping for the ideal church experience, and "trying on" different places of worship to find a good fit.

I met you before the service yesterday, and watched as you left with tears in your eyes...and wondered if you found what you were looking for.

My prayer is that you found more than an entertaining hour and a half display of people singing and a riveting sermon with pops of humor...I pray that you found the answer to the questions you've asked in those desperate hours...why your best friend is dying of cancer and why your family is drowning in this economic slump.

My prayer is that you found more than a crowd of people that stand, sing, sit, listen, stand, and sing again...that you found a crowd of people that left with overflowing faith, unashamedly putting that faith into motion by making the world a better place.

My prayer is that your tears are from a genuine experience with the God of unfailing love, the bringer of peace, and the hope of the world.

And in this winter hour of your soul, I pray those were tears of joy, as you found the promise of life growing under the snow of your circumstances.

stinkin good gift idea #4

2008-12-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

ok, this one is a little more reasonable and definitely more meaningful than my last gift suggestion. my good friends and missionaries to Uganda, Brent and Virginia, have some great gift suggestions for you that actually make a difference in the world...

Click here to send an orphan to school.
Click here to order your Elliot cd.

need winter tires?

2008-12-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

ellie has become quite the little hula hooper, and so we were doing some research on you tube when we ran across this great video ad for winter tires that i had to share...

clark, is your house on fire?

2008-12-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

if you're planning the traditional "travel around the city and see the best of the best christmas light displays", here's a great resource for you (if you live in the Boise, ID area)...look here for pictures and addresses for some of the best light displays in the city, grab some salted signature hot chocolate from starbucks, and enjoy the fact that some else's power bill gives you so much christmas joy!

stinkin good gift idea #3

2008-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

speaking of space, here's another great Christmas gift idea for that astronomy lover in your family...you can now purchase a ticket for a suborbital trip to space for $95,000 from California company XCOR Aerospace. even though the tickets go on sale today, you'll have to wait until 2011 to take your trip. but hey, this gift would be "out of this world" (wink, wink).

best naked eye spectacle of the year

2008-12-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

for any of you science geeks (like me), or those of you that are endlessly amazed by the cosmos...hopefully you haven't missed the "best naked eye spectacle of the year". the last week, the planets Venus and Jupiter have gotten really close to each other and last night were perfectly picturesque with the crescent moon. pretty impressive! this is kind of what it's looked like the past couple of days:

Sky and Telescope
seriously, run outside and check it out...

stinkin good gift idea #2

2008-11-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

have you started making your list yet? no, not that one...the list of all your favorite classic holiday movies that you will endeavor to watch in the next 27 days? mine includes Elf, Snowball Express, White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, the Christmas Classic claymation cartoons, and Home Alone (only because my hubby loves that one). oh, and don't forget "A Christmas Story" with all of it's charming humor...and the iconic, eclectic Leg Lamp. so, who on your list wouldn't love receiving this obviously festive Christmas gift?

You can order yours here:)

my thanksgiving

2008-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

this year was a big year, as I graduated from the kid's table (i'm the youngest of four girls and have always managed to avoid the cooking and have enjoyed joining the children at the kid's table) all the way to hosting thanksgiving dinner at my home! it was a big leap, but i was still able to avoid a lot of the cooking (thanks to mom-in-law)...

...and really enjoyed making the environment of the meal reflective of my favorite fall things...

...ellie helped with the name cards and even added a little decor to the table herself...

although i missed my grandmas, parents, sisters and their families (my first thanksgiving without them), it was a great day as i was overwhelmed with contemplations of God's undeserved goodness to me.

now off to devour the leftovers!

How was your thanksgiving?

stinkin good gift idea #1

2008-11-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've never been a good gift giver/receiver...but the one thing I truly appreciate in a gift is if it is soaked with creativity and thoughtfulness. This Christmas, I'm trying to think more about how I can say something more than "Merry Commercialism...i mean Christmas" with the gifts I give...something more along the lines of "your friendship has nurtured my life" or "could I adore you any more?". Here is one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever seen...

A husband and wife have decided to handmake each other's gifts this year. The husband wanted to do something that would encourage his wife of small children in this fulfilling and exhausting season of motherhood. He's asking moms to send in letters of encouragement via the blog "The Mother Letter Project". He's going to compile all the letters and give them as a gift to his wife. Isn't that a stinkin good (and super sweet and thoughtful) gift idea?

ellie's first date

2008-11-16T21:34:00.000-08:00

this weekend marked a big first for ellie...and along with her first dress shopping experience, first hair and makeup session, first butterflies as she saw her date for the first time (well, i don't know about that part, she said he looked silly in his suit...i guess it was me that had butterflies:), and the first time that her mom realized she, in the blink of an eye, will be looking this drop dead gorgeous and waiting for that poor boy that will never ever be good enough, smart enough, strong enough for our princess...along with all those firsts, she had her first date...escorted to her first official "ball" by the only boy that holds her heart...at least for the next 30 plus years

an explanation for my blogging hiatus

2008-11-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

it's been a while...so let me try to recap the last two weeks because i just know all 4 of you really missed me in this here blogosphere:)

...celebrated election day at the republican party headquarters with good friends (an awkward night considering the turnout...but fun, nevertheless, and congrats to good friend Rep. Steve Kren!)

...took ellie to the movie "feater" to see HSM3...and kind of enjoyed it (oh no, I'm one of those moms!)

...celebrated my nephew's 7th birthday party with family...can't believe he's 7!

...laughed as Mike put up our Christmas lights on the house (he's got a little "Clark Griswold" in him)...then laughed harder when our neighbor put their's up a few days later...

...disinfected the entire house since the flu bug is going around...

...got the flu bug despite the clean house, asked ellie if she would take care of me while i was sick, and she just said, "i can't, i'm a kid"...wished my mommy was here:)

...went to an Idaho Steelheads hockey game and sat with the hockey wives/girlfriends...they won! first time i've been to a game and they won, the curse is broken!

...helped ellie get ready for her first date...her daddy took her to the "winter ball" and she was convinced she was a princess and he was her prince...i heard she was quite the "life of the party"...not surprised...

...missing church today:( cleaning up puke, washing puked on bedding, comforting my sweet olive who unfortunately got the flu bug, too...

...getting ready to make some good ole', comforting chicken soup...we could all use a little comfort today:)

What kind of "comfort" things are you craving today?

some fading fall thoughts...

2008-11-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

...should i keep my pumpkins until Thanksgiving?

...why are there large, ominous tumbleweeds attacking my house?

...is now too soon to hang our stockings? (i'm just so excited i actually have a mantle to!

...mr. sun, can you please just peek your head out for a minute? i already miss you!

...have you seen a cuter butterfly and candy corn than this?

WHY I'M VOTING...

2008-11-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

...i love my country...

...this election will effect my sweet ellie & olivia and their families...

...it's not just about the blessed u.s., it's about the world...

...i'm desperate for righteousness to rule this nation...

...FREE STARBUCKS!! COME ON!!!...

too much fun for a monday...

2008-11-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

be forewarned...you could spend hours here! you can design your own room and see rooms others have designed. i'm seriously considering wallpapering a wall in my living room (thanks, simplygrove) and want to see what it actually would look like...so i started with the things that i have currently in my living room, and tried different wallpaper patterns to see which i liked best. plus, it will help convince the hubby it's a good idea if he can actually see what it will look like! i have decided, this is definitely not one of my strong sides...good thing i have amazing design friends as consultants!

the weirdest news story i've ever read!!!

2008-10-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

A woman in Kansas refused to get off her boyfriend's toilet...for two years! Her skin was growing around the toilet seat, and her legs atrophied. Her boyfriend would bring her food and water, and would ask everyday if she wanted to come out. Her response was..."Maybe tomorrow". Talk about stubborn! Read the entire story here.

i think i know how annoyed God probably gets...

2008-10-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I stopped on the way home to get some nutritious, delicious dinner for my girls...at Sonic Drive In. After ordering the "food", I decided to head home and just feed the girls there (the food was entirely too hot and no sippy cup, etc). Sweet Olivia yelled at me the entire way home...as if I was going to make her starve. She wanted her food, and she wanted it now. I found myself saying, "Baby, I'll feed you, I promise. Just not right now." I had exactly what she needed, but couldn't give it to her because I was protecting her. It was as if she didn't trust me to wait...

So, how annoying it must be when I do this to God. I yell and complain. I too often don't trust him...to wait.

Sure, she's a 1 year old with an ego-centric worldview and no real sense of time...but I'm, unfortunately, not really that much different.

i so had this idea one time...

2008-10-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

I would always feel a little jealous when my girls were tiny, all snuggled up in their bouncer, napping through noise that would shake a building. "They should totally make those for adults!"...well they have:

The adult sized Bjorn Babysitter Balance. They actually just made one for a show so adults could see how comfortable they are. So, I had the thought. They should make giant, adult size versions of all baby apparatus', so we can see just how much our child will enjoy it. Imagine, the Adult Bumbo Seat, Adult Exersaucer, and the Adult Johnny Jump Up (steel reinforced door frame required). I'm thinkin' I would dig this!

...it was October 18th, 1978

2008-10-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

...the Yankees had just won the World Series. President Jimmy Carter had just passed a law that allowed people to brew their own beer at home...and a ginormous baby boy was born to a poor woman in Eugene, Or (10 lbs 9 oz!). World meet Michael Wayne Lee...so today, the hubby is the big 3-0! He started the day out with his fav...orange rolls and coffee in bed...

Then he opened the first of his 30 presents. He opened 1 present every 30 minutes until all 30 presents were opened...

...we had a yummy breakfast and headed off to the pumpkin patch...

...then he ended the day watching the season opener for the Steelheads. They lost in a shoot-out. But the Red Sox won! Love ya babe, hope you were blessed by your girls today!

this is where i want to be today

2008-10-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, living in the desert of southwestern Idaho in a new construction house with baby trees, makes me long for a backyard full of luscious trees, where I could have a tree house like this...

{Point Click Home}

...and just hide away for a few hours and read a good book.

Or a walkway like this...

{Brown Design}
...where I could take a really long stroll and dream about life.

Where do you want to be today?

the dinner table...

2008-10-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table."-Ronald Reagan

What's happening at your dinner table tonight?

how many of you are there?

2008-10-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

go to this website to find out...

saturday morning finds

2008-10-11T10:47:00.001-07:00

There's one thing my family rallies around, themed birthday parties. And if you're thinking of a zoo-themed bday party, this cake....well, takes the cake!

It's a poo flinging monkey cake, complete with retractable arm that flings Raisenets! Genius!
Found at ohdeedoh.

If you're like me, you might be desperate for a pedicure after a long summer wearing flip flops and being barefoot. Why not consider having tiny little carp eat all the dead skin off your feet? What in the world?????? Actually, this procedure is under question...hmmmm, wonder why. Read the article here.

Found at Rocks In My Dryer .

And last but not least...yesterday proved to be a "rough nap" day at my girls preschool. Four out of the five preschoolers (including my little "nap protester" herself) refused to take naps. So, here's a suggestion to Miss Kate & Miss Kristi (Lord bless 'em for their patience!)...maybe you could hand-cuff them and threaten taking them to jail! Seriously?? Well, turns out this really happened, and what do ya know, the parents are suing.

it's noon...are you praying?

2008-10-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

In honesty, this is the first day I've remembered to pray right at noon. I usually remember around 3pm or 8pm...but today Ellie and I dropped our plastic fruit, took off our silly chef hats, and sat down and prayed for our nation right there in her playroom. It was powerful! So, I urge you, join with people all over the nation...and even in some other nations, and pray for our country & our leaders at noon (or as close to it as you can remember). Here are some points from Pastor Ken's blog on the significance of this noon time prayer:

Noon prayer

1. This is a commitment to prayer at noon for at least five minutes each day of the week.
2. Noon prayer was a vital element of every major revival and awakening since 1727.
3. Great Britain under the leadership of Winston Churchill called for noon prayer during World War II to stave off the German air assault on London and England.
4. The Naval Academy has had noon prayer since 1864.

Also, join in the conversation at Pastor Ken's Blog on the creative ways you are finding to insert prayer for our nation into your busy schedules. Go and comment on his post, "Prayer Strategies"...and let us know what works for you!

shout out to JB!

2008-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Just a shout out to my good friend, JB...who designed the awesomeness known as my new blog header. If you don't know her, you should! She is an incredible wife and mom, and her devotion to God is inspiring. She has taught me so much, and challenged me to know God more, lead my family with intentional compassion...and not to use bad plastics to store and heat food, and not to eat lunch meat with bad nitrates...among other nutritional wisdom! And she also removed my stitches one time, no joke...she is just a women of many talents! Love ya, friend! Thanks for believing in me...

more tissue please...

2008-10-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Here's two more posts that made me tear up today...from two of my favorite people!

The Hubby writing about a special moment he had last night with Ellie. He is seriously the coolest dad!

Good friend, Tracy (the Abbreviator), writing about perspective.

tissue required monday

2008-10-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

So, I'm starting a weekly tradition here at CIMB. Mondays, in general, sometimes require tissue, but I thought I'd start your week off with an inspiring and likely tear jerking story (see previous blog posts "Cardboard Testimonies" and "Audrey Caroline's Story" to triple your tissue requirements for today).

Today's installment comes from one of my fav blogs, 6 Year Med. Read her recent post, "Woven and Spun"...it's worth it.

the sarah palin-name-game

2008-10-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Did anybody else say "Huh?" when you first heard the names of Todd and Sarah Palin's 5 children? Since reading her biography, "Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down", (which made me realize how many similarities I share with Gov. Palin...but that's for a different blog post), I finally found out the reason behind their names:

Track: because he was born during track and field season (Sarah was a track athlete and her dad was a track and cross country coach). The book says,

Sarah's father jokingly asked what they would have named their son if he had been born during basketball season. Without hesitation, Sarah answered 'Hoop'.

Bristol: after the ocean bay where they fished

Willow: after Alaska's state bird, the willow ptarmigan

Piper Indy: after the Piper Cub airplane that Todd flies and the Polaris Indy snowmobile he drove when he won the Iron Dog snowmobile race

Trig Paxson: Trig in Norse means "true" and "brave victory" and Paxson after an Interior lake popular among snowmachiners

So, with this in mind, I've come up with the "Gov. Sarah Palin Name Game"...use the following formula to come up with what you should name your next child:

fav. sport+fav. fishing hole+your state's bird+the kind of car you drive+fav lake

This is what we will be naming our next child:

"Golf Meathole Mounty (Mountain Bluebird) Mitsy (Mitsubishi) Payette"

I think we'll just call him/her Jr. for short.

What will your next child's name be?

pimp my pony

2008-10-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a trip down memory lane...it was 1985 and my neighbor and I spent hours with our "My Little Ponies"...combing the mane and tail, braiding the mane and tail, making them go swimming in our hot tub...for hours.

So, you can imagine my excitement when Hasbro brings 'em back...for my daughters to enjoy! Man, those toy companies are smart. Of course we'll buy stuff for our kids that we played with when we were kids. But why make them have the big googly eyes?

Anywho, this is pretty cool. For the 25th Anniversary of My Little Pony, they decided to invite 25 designers, celebrities, and artists to design and one-of-a-kind pony, all blinged out. They will be auctioned off to be given to the charity, Give Kids the World Village.

So, what favorite toy from your childhood do you wish they'd bring back?

crayons in my bathtub

2008-10-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

I can't get away from them!

I probably enjoy these bathtub crayons more than the girls...the bathtub is a blank canvas and brings out the artist in me!

mrs. potts (and the economy) take a spill

2008-10-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some lessons we can learn from poor mrs. potts about loosing our footing:

1. Even though you might fall down, the show goes on...
2. It seems as though you are powerless when you loose your footing, but the reality is, there are people who really care all around that will help you get back on your feet.
3. It's not the falling down that matters, but the strength and passion that you exhibit when you get back up that will carry you and define you.
4. People will cheer for you and support you when you get back on your feet!

Ok, maybe I'm reading a little too much into this video...but with the economy taking a spill, and many people loosing their footing in their personal lives during these hard economic times, I hope this speaks volumes.

Pray, people, pray...when that's all there is left to do. It might seem like we are powerless since we're not raising our hand in the Senate to vote...but our God is all powerful. Go to Pastor Ken's blog for updated information on how to pray for our nation.

how 'bout them apples?

2008-10-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the seasonal confusion, but back to fall...the girls and I and some good friends went to an apple orchard, in celebration of the warm Indian Summer (86 degrees on the last day of September!). Here are some things we are dreaming of making with the apples we brought home:

Hubby's famous apple pie (disclaimer: not his own recipe)
Apple & Cheese pancakes
Apple & Crab Coleslaw
Apple Noodles
Apple Gumbo...(actually, these all just sounded really interesting. We'll probably really only make pie...I mean Mike will make pie).

UPDATE: For those that are interested, go to this website for a list of apple orchards in the area. There are a few in Emmett that look fun, but we ended up going to Williamson Orchards in Caldwell, just before you get to Marsing. I might try one of the Emmett ones in the future, because you can pick your own apples in the orchard. We wanted that whole experience. They wouldn't let us go into the orchard because of liability reasons at the one we went to...but still fun, nonetheless.

i'm dreaming of a white......

2008-09-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

i know, you've heard over and over that i love fall...but doesn't this just get you in the mood?

Pottery Barn Kids

buhl barbie

2008-09-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

I received one of my fav emails today..."Idaho Barbie" with slightly offensive but really humorous descriptions of what Barbie would be in different towns around Idaho. I was surprised that someone had made the addition of "Buhl Barbie".

'Buhl Barbie'
This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Mountain Home Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.

Awesome! What reputation does your hometown have?

worry, much?

2008-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Our senior pastor, Ken Wilde, has referred to the recent crises our nation is facing as "the perfect storm". The phrase-perfect storm- originates from the 1997 book "The Perfect Storm" which refers to the simultaneous occurrence of weather events which, taken individually, would be far less powerful than the storm resulting of their chance combination. So, what are our options when faced with the possible catastrophe in the economy, and rumors of wars? Freak out or faith....

I'm reminded of the story in Matthew, where the disciples follow Jesus into the boat, Jesus falls asleep, and a ferocious storm begins to torment the disciples. They freak out and wake the big guy up. Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith, but doesn't allow the storm to destroy them. He calms the waves, and settles their fears.

Maybe a little fear is good, because it arouses our faith. It makes us realize that nothing is in our control, not the economy, not our future, and not storms. Let's turn fear into faith and worry into wonder. Let's humble ourselves and cry out to the only one that can calm devastation and heal our land.

Read the rest of Pastor Ken's call to prayer here...

just call me and Hillary "Fieldmarshal"

2008-09-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my good friend, Meagan, I retreated back to my early college psych classes and took a personality test...the Jung Typology Test. These things are always quite humorous. According to Carl Gustav Jung, I am Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging (or ENTJ)...heavy on the Intuitive and Judging. What this means, are these things:

Of the four aspects of strategic analysis and definition it is marshaling or situational organizing role that reaches the highest development in the Fieldmarshal... Hardly more than two percent of the total population, Fieldmarshals are bound to lead others, and from an early age they can be observed taking command of groups. In some cases, they simply find themselves in charge of groups, and are mystified as to how this happened. But the reason is that they have a strong natural urge to give structure and direction wherever they are - to harness people in the field and to direct them to achieve distant goals... Superb administrators in any field - medicine, law, business, education, government, the military - Fieldmarshals organize their units into smooth-functioning systems, planning in advance, keeping both short-term and long-range objectives well in mind. For the Fieldmarshal, there must always be a goal-directed reason for doing anything...

Some famous people that are/were also ENTJ:
Hillary Clinton, Napoleon, Margret Thatcher, Carl Sagan, Bill Gates, Golda Meir, Edward Teller, George Benard Shaw, and General George C. Marshall

Seriously?

Take the test. And let me know what your personality is!

...conversations with a 4 year old....

2008-09-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ellie: "Mom, so how DID I get in your tummy?"

Me: "That's a really great question...that you should go ask Daddy."

Ellie: "Maybe you just ATE me..."

here's to 7 years

2008-09-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

7 years ago...I married my best friend.

We decided this year we would celebrate our anniversary, not by rewarding ourselves for "making it this far", but rewarding ourselves for the fact that we can't believe it's already been 7 years. We know that 7 years is a drop in the bucket of a lifetime...so we celebrated by re-evaluating our goals, vision, and a whole lot of being silly. Here are some of the silly things we did:

-tried to recite every cheesy love line from movies, like "You complete me", "If you jump, I jump", and "You had me at hello".

-for old times sake, wasted 3 bucks on scratch lottery tickets, then ran away from the grocery store when we saw one of the elders from our church

-pretended we were staying at a hotel, by putting mini shampoo & conditioner bottles on the bathtub

-stayed up til 2am watching movies

-our anniversary tradition, eating pizza from Chicago Connection and drinking sparkling cider (as we did on our wedding night)

To my Hubby,

These last 7 years have been more than we dreamed of, and if we do as much laughing in these next 7 years...who knows where we could be! I love you...

we've all got a little prodigal...

2008-09-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend at church, Pastor Krist threw down a great message on our personal calling, with reference to the prodigal son (Luke 15:11). Some of the things I took away from it:

-prodigal=wasteful

-we all have a little prodigal, when we waste our lives on our own plans

-we sometimes would rather fail and get our own way than flourish in God's way

-God's love is so irrationally generous...He likes to waste His grace on sons that waste their destiny

-there are things that are loved because they are worthy, and things that are worthy because they are loved

-everyone has a calling, specific design, possibility, potential, destiny...

goodbye pool days

2008-09-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the end of summer and the last day at the pool this week. And started a new tradition...all moms must jump in the pool on the last day! We really threw our kids for a loop, they all thought we couldn't swim. Ellie was in tears because she thought I was drowning when I dove in. Of course, we had to have mommy olympics...with JB winning the 10m freestyle, and yours truly winning the "swimming the farthest under water with one breath". And let me just say...it was worth chlorine in the hair, braving the world in a swimsuit without cover-up, and smeared make-up. Thanks, friends, for a great memory!

what the bible says...

2008-09-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

This morning's God time with the girls:

Me: Olivia, do you know what the Bible says?

Olivia: RAWR (as does the bear and the lion).

She's just a genius, I tell ya.

Jeddas

Fern Animals

i have so almost done this before...

2008-09-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

i said "almost"

you say Goodbye, I say Hello

2008-09-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Goodbye brightly colored swim bag filled with goggles, swim diapers, and sunblock...Hello to new backpacks, pencil shavings, and the ever-essential Trapper Keeper

Little Dudes and Divas

Goodbye to sipping iced tea on the back porch watching the grass grow...Hello to sipping pumpkin spice lattes by the fire watching leaves fall from the trees

LemonTreeStudio

Goodbye tank tops, flip flops, and swimsuit tan lines...Hello sweaters, scarves, and a brand spankin' new pair of kicks

modern seed

Goodbye to holding my babies wrapped tightly in bright beach towels, staring at the pool...Hello to holding my babies wrapped tightly in cozy quilts, staring at a football battle unfolding

Imkquilts

Goodbye to long walks and picking wildflowers...Hello to long walks and picking the most perfectly round and pudgy pumpkin

Goodbye to the careless living of summer...Hello, to the fresh commitment of fall!

These are a few of my favorite FALL things.
Now it's your turn...

Here's To You #4...legendary church planter & my great-grandma

2008-09-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

In my 4th installation of "Here's To You", a salute to inspiring and hard working moms, I'm introducing you to one of my heroes...Ethel Musick.

I could listen for hours to my dad talk about his fiery, 5 foot nothin' grandma who could barely see over most pulpits, but could preach the hell out of people and still show the grace and forgiveness of a saint to her enemies.

I was reminded of the impact of her life when I googled her name, and found an article about her titled "The Historical Role of an Assemblies of God Evangelist". In this article, she is mentioned alongside Aimee Semple McPherson and Smith Wigglesworth as a "key 20th century evangelist". It says,

The Musick family was used by God to pioneer churches. For example, Ethel Musick established six new churches and built five new church buildings in just 18 months.

18 months! I am so behind on my church planting! What a privilege to have this heritage...I'm honored to be the great-granddaughter of Ethel Musick, and the recipient of undoubted prayers and generational blessings because of her extreme faithfulness.

happy paper cut-out art

2008-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

This made me happy today...lovely pieces of art displayed in the windows of Urban Outfitters in the Milwaukee area. You can find more art by Amy Marcella on her etsy page here.

photo from Design Sponge

Here's To You #3...hockey mom to potential VP

2008-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

In my third installation of "Here's To You" (see previous installations #1 and #2), a salute to hard working moms, Sarah Palin is featured. And I thought my life was busy! If I could ask Sarah Palin one question, I might ask her...."You fired your chef? I mean, I understand the jet was a little much, but I can't even fathom meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking for a family of 7, and governing a state!"

If you could ask Sarah Palin one question, what would it be?

picture is from McCainBlogette.com

fancy praise dance pants

2008-09-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

So I think I can dance...but I do admit I could use a little more training before I audition to be on the show (I'm 28 yrs old so this year is my LAST CHANCE!). What better opportunity than to attend DANCE CLINICS hosted by our church and lead by none other than Sabra herself (winner of Season 3 "So You Think You Can Dance").

In preparation for some intense dance training coming up next weekend, I have done some research and found a website for all of y'all modest dancers...and a place to buy a pair of hot pink Praise Booty Shorts...Reflections of Dance Liturgical Dancewear. You have to check it out.

Forget the days of worshiping with ribbons and flags...the sleeves on these Praise Dance Dresses double as flags. And they have an extensive Praise Undergarment section, as well as, my fav...Praise Dance Pants (it's just fun to say). And no worries, Ken Holsinger and Marcus Hackler, they have a little something for you in the Men's Praise Dancewear section...take your pick of Peasant tops and Praise pants. I'm pretty sure I will definitely be able to rock my audition of Sabra's "Amazing Grace" with one of these Godet Praise Dance Dresses...I'm thinking the Forest Green/Pistachio would look best on me.

What do ya think?

TF County Fair TOP 5

2008-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than the sweet smells, interesting people, and hometown fun of the county fair...oh, and these things:

#5. Many impressive handlebar mustache specimens (Marc, you'd be proud).

#4. The 85 year old plus announcers that try to make the tractor pull display and model train exhibit sound attractive...but inevitably fail.

#3. The chance to play Bingo (I call it "Buttcrack Bingo" because most of the people are leaning forward intensely looking over their Bingo card not realizing the backside display us onlookers get to enjoy), and win a nice fleece blanket.

#2. The opportunity to buy cheap sunglasses...and at the same booth, an artistically airbrushed trucker's hat with your name on it in beautiful, neon colors.

#1. The jaw dropping realization that my daughter has a little "honky tonk" in her...see evidence below.

Pray for Christians in India

2008-09-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was alerted of this urgent prayer need via my good friends and heroes...Brent and Virginia Earwicker...missionaries in Uganda, Africa. Please pray for Christians in Urissa, India. They have suffered severe persecution as an anti-Christian rampage has attacked pastors, killed believers, burned churches, and raped young Christian women.

I thought selfishly for a moment, as I looked at my sweet baby girls sleeping so comfortably in their fluffy beds, that I would rather not know of such horror going on around the world. Shame on me. Thanks, Brent, for the wake up call. He says in his blog,

I had been reading in Hebrews 13 just that day and found the verse that commanded, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” My wife whacked her baby toe against the coffee table yesterday and the pain instantly shot throughout her body, causing her to writhe in agony on the sofa for a number of minutes. Her entire being felt that shock wave from one of the smallest appendages on her petite frame. I believe we should respond to the tribulation of our relatives in a similar fashion: praying fervently for the pain relief of our Body.

Please join with me and pray fervently for these dear brothers and sisters! Our prayers are powerful!

ohdeedoh...

2008-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Check out Ellie & Olivia's feature in the kid's design blog, OhDeeDoh!! Click here.

1 year ago...

2008-08-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

1 year ago...I took my dream job to a whole new level.

1 year ago...I invited my closest friends to one of the most intimate experiences of my life, and can't imagine them not being there.

1 year ago...I waited impatiently for someone who was in no hurry.

1 year ago...I met a stranger that seemed so familiar, like I'd already known her a lifetime.

1 year ago...I fell in love all over again.

To my sweet Olivia...you light up our lives! Your humor and compassion give life to our family, and we've been more rich this last year with amazing moments than we've ever been before.

love you, proud of you, believe in you,

4 years ago...

2008-08-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

4 years ago, I started my dream job.

4 years ago, I learned the fulfillment that could be birthed from sheer determination.

4 years ago, I watched the Olympics in my hospital bed while feeling the faint rhythm of a new heartbeat.

4 years ago, I came face to face with a miracle.

4 years ago, I was introduced to a love like I've never know.

To my sweet Ellie, you are beautiful beyond measure and you've taught me more than I've taught you. I love serving your dreams, you are more than a blessing to me!

love you, proud of you, believe in you,

Ms. Bug Cather and other Olympic Oddities...

2008-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sure, these Olympics will be remembered for the outrageous opening ceremonies, Micheal Phelps record setting swimming, and the pre-pubescent Chinese gymnasts. But what about these fun contributions to making this the wackiest Olympics yet, found here. Some of the highlights:

-Water polo players wear bathrobes for introductions and hear the theme from “Jaws” as they go for the ball as games start.

-A crowd favorite at the beach volleyball venue, Ms. Bug Catcher, whose sole purpose is to watch for flocking moths that swarm the court as day turns to dusk, and do some martial arts on them with her trusty bug net.

-the lifeguards that are posted at the swimming and water polo sites...just in case?

-cheerleaders...at badminton? Come on, it could use a little excitement. But not for Xiao Xincui, who according to a news briefing, is 97, a grandmother and possibly the most avid badminton fan in the history of the sport. She reportedly traveled nearly 1,500 miles to watch the badminton matches. The news release said Xiao left her home in the Hunan Province in central China on March 5 and arrived in Beijing on April 11. It said that she rode a tricycle pedaled by her grandson, who wanted to thank her for raising him after his father died. Apparently, the two even secured coveted tickets to the 110-meter hurdles final.

I'm also enjoying the Chinese picks for the most riveting Olympic soundtrack in history, which include Madonna, the theme to "Ghostbusters", and other American classics.

Could the Olympics be any more entertaining?

is this really my child?

2008-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

My dad, being a sportsman and coach, ended up having four girls...I'm the youngest. Needless to say, I grew up catching fish, playing sports, camping, jumping off cliffs, dissecting frogs, and loving the outdoors. For some reason, we don't think our children will be any different.
Enter my sweet Ellie. She's a blonde bombshell that wears more makeup than me at 3 years old. She would wear a dress every moment of her life if I let her. My friends laugh at me because they can't believe I'm the one that ended up with a princess, superstar, city girl. In Alaska, we kept asking her if she wanted to go catch a fish, and her response was always, "No, I need to stay at the cabin and do some work", or "No, I don't want it to flop around". It was a struggle to convince her that those sandy, slimy shells on the beach were actually treasures. We finally talked her into going fishing the day before we left...and she actually enjoyed it! Didn't touch it or anything, of course, and let Dad do all the work. But hey, it's a start.

alaska vacation pics-part 1

2008-08-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

priceless...

2008-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

So many people wonder, what could you possibly do for two weeks in a remote place with no tv, no internet access, no shopping, and no work? Here's a glimpse at our to-do list while on vacation in Gustavus, Alaska:

Walk to the Salmon River and fish for Dolly Vardens
Walk to the marsh and pick wild strawberries
See tadpoles at the gravel pits
Go to the beach and look for treasures, build sand castles, fly kites, have a campfire
Go to Glacier Bay National Park and hike on the Forest Loop trail
Explore the tide pools
Drive around and look for bears and moose
Go golfing
Play basketball at the school
Go to Salmon River Park playground
Go sailing
Go whale watching
Catch a fish (Mike caught the biggest, a 215 lb. halibut...I caught two 40 lbers)
Go to church
Play cards
Do watercolor paintings
Hike to the plane crash (in 1958 a small National Guard airplane crashed in the forest near Gustavus. It's eerie to see all the twisted metal with the forest growing up through it.)
Get ice cream at the ice cream parlor

...and we did almost everything on our list, plus more! It's priceless to spend two weeks doing everything we wouldn't normally do in our routine lives at home. There's such perspective you gain when you step out of schedules and into nature. I found myself countless times soaking up the pure, marine air while drinking deep of the moment...trying desperately to bottle the bliss that I was experiencing as I stood in awe of God's creation. I'll never stop enjoying the raw living and adventure of visiting remote Alaska...and now I get to teach my girls how priceless it is!

North to Alaska #2-Watch for flying whales!

2008-07-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on...only 3 days until we leave! Here's another home video...this one my mom gets credit for. My favorite part is her thanking God, not for creating an absurdly wonderful creature like the humpback whale, but thanking God for capturing it on camera. She's so cute:)

the perfect weekend...

2008-07-21T20:35:00.001-07:00

We had a super fun weekend, but I'll let Ellie tell you about it on her blog.

Oh, and I got my driver's license renewed! Not really something to be so excited about, but I was beyond ready to update my 8 1/2 months pregnant, puffy faced, tired looking picture. I'm usually not that vain...but it was bad, believe me!

I need a vacation read...

2008-07-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I have vacation on the mind. With the thoughts of vacation come the hopes for reading an actual book (a luxury in my life right now)! I need some suggestions. For those of you that know me, you know what I would like...so let me hear your pitch!

North to Alaska...How NOT to catch a halibut

2008-07-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

My fam and I are headed to Glacier Bay, Alaska for summer vacation in just 12 days! In preparation, we're whipping out some of our home videos of Alaska trips past, and came across this classic captured by my good friend KK. Here's what our travel checklist is looking like:
-fishing coveralls with last year's halibut slime...check
-fishing gaff (when really a harpoon should be used)...check
-green plastic garbage bucket to store fresh catch...check
-fishing guide with strong Oklahoma drawl (ie "keel"="kill") a.k.a. my dad...check
-small 16' skiff that really should not be used to catch 100lb. plus fish in the pacific ocean...check
So, please watch the video and see how the action unwinds when your gear is not up to par and your experience is lacking...but I really couldn't enjoy it any other way!

red, white, blue...and fried chicken

2008-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

One of the things I get to do at Capital Christian Center is coordinate all of our major events. This one is our Senior Pastor's favorite, because we've been doing it since the first year of the church, 25 years ago...and he is a US history buff! We've learned from experience how to make this event work, and we feel like we finally did it right this year! Low key, relaxing, family friendly fun that celebrates our blessed country and our beloved church family. Thanks, Marcus, for capturing it so well!
Oh, and REGION 5 is #1!!!

Food and Freedom from Marcus Hackler on Vimeo.

Here's to You #2...Olympic Swimming Mom

2008-07-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Since I'm closing in on the big 3-0 and I've had two children, I've pretty much scratched off my bucket list "winning an olympic medal". But this mom and 41 year old hasn't! Dana Torres made the U.S. Olympic swimming team for a record fifth time, winning the 100-meter freestyle over Natalie Coughlin at the trials. You can read more about it here.
I could use some of that determination! Am I the only one pumped about the 2008 Olympics???

Beyond Base Level Living

2008-06-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

My daughter's tummy growls and she peers into the fridge for something to satisfy her natural craving. I'm hoping it's a healthy snack, not a squirt of chocolate syrup right down the throat. She instinctively reacts to her body's physical cues that let her know she needs sustenance.

She's also 3, screams when she is angry, and is pretty sure the world was created to appease her. She has mastered base-level living. Her goal is moment-to-moment happiness.

So, I'm starting a fast tomorrow and have been pondering the "why" of fasting...as I pound the chocolate chip cookies and chai lattes I will miss so much. I found a great message on fasting by Jason Miller from Granger Community Church. He communicates the concept of living beyond base level here. Jason describes base-level living as filling our lives with the things that our basic senses crave. Jason was clear: when you can't say "no" to base-level desires there is a cost, a high price. We don't only live once...we live forever. For better or for worse. Living at base-level can cost us everything.

Fasting is a classic spiritual discipline that gives us the opportunity to starve our cravings and be sourced in God alone. Cravings that include not only cheeseburgers and milkshakes, but anything that gives us a sense of well-being and fills up our schedules. It's saying "no" to the things we eat so we can feast on the goodness of God. It's the chance to realize that God is my source and not my grande three pump chai latte.

One thing I appreciated that Jason said, is that when we plug into a discipline, we need to check our motives. If we're doing it to look strong or feel strong, we're doing it for the wrong reasons. Just believe I'm going to come out of it changed, and do it to be strong in God alone.

And according to Jason Miller, this is a great time for me to fast. Here is a list of "When to Fast":

-when you want to bring urgency & priority to your prayer life
-when you want to enhance your experience of Scripture
-when you want to prepare for worship
-when you want to prepare for ministry
-when you want to discern God's will or hear his voice
-when you are having a hard time saying no to something destructive & sinful

So, when is it a good time for you to fast?

our favorite mom topic...

2008-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a co-worker and friend, D, had the unfortunate opportunity to ride back from lunch with me and 3 good friends...yes, he was the only male in the car. And as things often go, our (of course, I'm referring to the 4 female passengers when I say "our") conversation turned into a descriptive discussion about childbirth (sorry, D!). Why does this happen so often? I feel like, as moms, we proudly share our childbirth stories as if we are telling our own war stories. And why shouldn't we? It's what we do for the world, and I think we should be proud!

Link Love #1

2008-06-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Found this cute website (you know I love the name!), Ellie Bellie Kids: Classic Play for the Modern Child.

As mom to a professional pretender, I love their reversible tutus for little princesses and capes for aspiring superheroes...and I love that they don't have any overly marketed Disney characters on them!

Your Cardboard Testimony

2008-06-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

Please take 8 minutes out of your day and watch this video...it will impact your life!

So, what is my cardboard testimony?

side one: LOST IN INSECURITY & SELF SUFFICIENCY

side two: FOUND IN PERFECT LOVE!

What is your cardboard testimony?

your favorite room?

2008-06-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

My best three amigas and I had an interesting discussion at one of our recent girl's night outs (**a monthly must for all busy moms). We love to look at design mags and books, and dream of what we can do with our personal spaces. I do a lot of dreaming, my friends who are creative geniuses and are fearless, do a lot of designing and updating in their homes weekly. I posed the question, "what is your favorite room in your home, and WHY?". My good friend, simplygrove, followed that with the question, "what is your favorite room in your friend's homes, and WHY?". We learned a lot about each other in those two simple questions. Not so much about each other's best creative work or design taste, but why we invest the most money and time into certain spaces to create rich memories, and beautiful living.

My response was that my favorite room in our home is our dining room. Partly because I love the drama of our dark table mixed with the romance of creme chairs and curtains, but mostly because I love what we create as a family there. It's a place we endeavor to meet at once daily to invest in each other, have memorable conversations, play board games, color pictures, and probably eat something that the microwave has helped to prepare. I don't have a cooking blog for a reason...not a big fan.

So, what is your favorite room in your home...and WHY?

Watermelon Warrior Princess

2008-06-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Last week was our church camp for youth. I was a little anxious to jump in and get involved as a team leader, since during last year's camp I was 7 months pregnant and was banished to my cabin during the extremely competitive, grueling, and usually dangerous camp games. So, I subjected myself to my team (team "Maz-duh") and to things such as being painted and decorated, running through treacherous obstacle courses, and the infamous eating of the gross food (ok, I only ate gummy bears). But most infamous of all is and was, the tarp games. Huge tarp, baby oil, oatmeal, dish soap, and fighting for slippery things like noodles and fish and greased watermelons...you do the math. One certain round called upon all girl team leaders to represent their teams in a wrestle for the watermelon, and I reluctantly volunteered. As the whistle blew, I held back a bit, assessed the situation, watched the initial squabble unfold. Then something came over me. I crouched down to the mess of arms and legs and hair pulling, and decided to dive in. I was able to slip onto the bottom of the pile and plant myself around the melon, and tried to hold on for dear life. Why were good Christian girls scratching, pulling limbs and hair, jumping on backs, throwing elbow jabs, and grunting? I seriously do not know. But the passion and sheer determination that was displayed by those young female leaders that day makes me want to be a part of where they are going with God! And I know they are all as serious about leading an apathetic culture into a realization of the adventurous life, as they are about wrestling for that watermelon. And we all made up, forgave each other, and have a new-found respect for each other.
So, all of you that were surprised (like jml), I do have a crazy and competitive alter ego...maybe she will write a post on this blog someday.
Go here to see some other really cool things that happened at camp, and to read my other thoughts.

Audrey Caroline's Story

2008-06-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

You know that part in my last post about how I went to college to become a Genetics Counselor? It's because of stories like this (have Kleenex in close proximity)...

Audrey Caroline's Story

10 Random Things...

2008-06-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

Since I didn't give a lot away in the "about me" section, I thought I'd give you a bit bigger snapshot of who I am:

Ten random things about me...
1. When I was a freshman, me and my friends snuck out the night before our first day of school and climbed the Rangen's tower in Buhl. That was pretty much the extent of my rebellious years.

2. I don't necessarily like shopping. When I go, I am on a mission. None of this browsing, "shopping for fun" business.

3. When I was little, I had a pet hamster named Goobers that died because I didn't clean his cage...poor guy.

4. When I was 5, I told my mom I wanted to be a preacher when I grew up because their weren't any female preachers...that I knew of.

5. I went to college to become a Genetics Counselor...and no, that does not mean "counseling genes".

6. My dream used to be to live on a sailboat and follow the whale migration from hawaii to alaska.

7. I did research for the Fish & Game, which included anesthetizing baby fish, cutting their heads off, and grinding them up in a beaker to find a certain parasite.

8. I love to crump...not that I really know how to, but I like to think I got moves.

9. I love writing...

10. I think God made a mistake...I surely don't deserve this fabulous life, amazing family, and all that I have. Thanks for the wondrous surprises!!

(P.S. I know God is sovereign and doesn't make mistakes. I obviously do make mistakes...just an illustration of my imperfect perception).

Momspit and other handy products

2008-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is a genius idea that I wish I would have thought of. "Momspit" is a no-rinse cleanser for hands and face, inspired by the original. I love the idea behind the product, and thought of a few of my own mommy products for the ridiculous things we do to our children:

1. Poop-in-the-diaper Indicator: You no longer have to quickly grab your sprinting toddler, smell his bum, or even pull the top of the diaper out and peer ever so bravely into the dark abyss of smelliness to look for a friendly deposit, as if peering into a can of worms. This simple and accessible tool is for Moms-On-The-Go that need a quick indicator if it indeed is time for a diaper change.

2. Puke Smeller: Ever wonder if that white spot on your baby's shirt is spit up...or just left over yogurt? Now you can reassure yourself with the confidence of knowing with this easy to use, and yes, accessible tool for Moms-On-The-Go.

3. Mom Spit for Hair: Tame that lame cowlick on your baby's newly sprouted mop with this hair product safe to taste!

Can you think of any other silly things we do to ensure the best for our children?

Home...

2008-06-04T10:52:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, my fam and I traveled to my hometown...the town I spent my priceless childhood, the green pastures I played in and scavenged for treasures, the streets I learned to ride my bike on, and the simple and cozy place I called home for the first 18 years of my life. I guess I still call it home.

I realized how much I appreciated my parents planting our family in this one place and nurturing the roots for over 30 years now. It's such a solid place, full of meaningful moments and endless memories. I wondered if my husband and I are doing a disservice to our girls by not yet planting ourselves and letting our roots grow. What do you think?

Here's to You...Reality Show Winner's Mom

2008-05-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I've always thought I could dance, ever since I was four years old and sprained my arm break dancing to my neighbor's organ (yes, the kind that you usually only hear in really scary movies and high cathedrals). So, I'm naturally a huge fan of the show "So You Think You Can Dance". And, of course, I was seriously starstruck this last weekend when I got to meet last year's winner of the show, Sabra!

But was was even better is that I met Sabra's mom, Robyn, last year when the competition was starting. I knew before Sabra even made it to the top 20 that she was going to. Not only was it super sneaky to get all the inside info on the show and the contestants (thanks, Robyn), but it was truly special to walk through this experience with Sabra's mom. And she's a great mom...constantly praying for her daughter throughout the experience, taking numerous trips to see her perform, and being genuinely excited about her daughter's accomplishments. This last weekend, I really enjoyed seeing how proud Robyn was of her daugher...so here's to you!

A Good Book and a Good Reading Nook

2008-05-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than losing yourself in a good book...except maybe having a good chunk of noise-free, chaos-free time to read that book (if you're a mom). And everyone needs a good reading space for those few-and-far-between moments. Here's my idea of literary paradise...

I love this pristine and relaxing design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.

Any Monopoly fans? How about making your reading space "the Reading Railroad" with this painting by Catherine Conlon.

And your kids need to learn the appreciation of a good reading space! Get creative and design a reading nook out of an extra closet, a space under the stairs, or a corner in their room. Here's an idea from The Nesting Place

So, send the kids outside to play (with dad, of course), grab your favorite comfy blanket, and curl up with your fav sappy story, inspiring non-fictional read, or the latest design mag. Happy reading!

The Namesake

2008-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my creative outlet. I've been blogging in my head for the past year or so, and I'm running out of room. So, here it is...

The Namesake...
After many revisions (remember, in my poor cranium), I've decided on the title "Crayons In My Briefcase". And here's why...I headed out the door to the office one day and went through the mental checklist. "Computer...check. Cell phone...check. Starbucks...check. Crayons and coloring book to keep my three year old occupied during meetings...check." I realized at that moment how ridiculously fulfilling my life is. I love everything about being a mom. The super fun moments and yes, even the hard moments. And I also love what (else) I get to do for the world (a.k.a my career) at Capital Christian Center. I wondered how many people are like me, and get to practice the skillful creativity it takes to love life as a working parent.

So, maybe you don't enjoy your job but love being a parent. Maybe you don't enjoy either. Maybe you have the privilege of working from home or your job is being a parent...whatever the combination...my cause is to focus on those brief pauses in the race pace of life, and offer some inspiring ideas that celebrate the fast-fleeting moments of childhood.

See ya soon...gotta go color with my three year old.