Tonight as I was putting my sweet, sweet daughter down for bed, we prayed together and I got a theology lesson from my almost 3 year old.
I asked her what/who she wanted to pray for. She told me her friends. So I proceeded to pray for Madison, Ella, Elizabeth, Harper, Lily and Abby.
Kate interrupted my prayer and said that her friend Abby wasn't at church today (we had an all day marriage conference {Saturday} and Kate played with most of these friends at this conference). I told Kate that I had talked to Abby's mommy and Abby was home sick.
So I continued on praying for her friends and praying for God to heal Abby.
Kate interrupts me again. This time to tell me that Jesus lives in her heart {ok, don't know if she gets that but I still loved to hear it - you never know - she could know a whole lot more then I think she does} but sometimes He's sad because people get sick. So he gets on His donkey and goes and gives them medicine to make them better. Then He gets back on His donkey and is happy because they're better.
I'm almost losing it with laughter listening to my sweet daughter tell me that Jesus leaves her heart to ride on a donkey so he can go give medicine to sick people but returns on the same donkey happy after they're better. Apparently He was "out" taking care of Abby this evening.
I love her little, sweet, innocent, awesome, mind. I LOVE listening to her tell me about Jesus.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Has this ever happened to you?
Have you ever been busily puttering around the house, enjoying the quietness and thinking to yourself "Wow, it sure is quiet in here. The kids must be playing so sweetly!" only to realize that the reason it's so quiet is because you put one child in time out 15 minutes ago and promptly forgot that they were there?
Yup that's me!
Friday, February 27, 2009
I was never the same...
The conference challenged me to write down parts of my "story". Particularly things that have happened in my life that changed me. I would love for my kids to grow up and read my story and know who I am/was and how God fits into all of this. So I decided to, over time, share times in my life that I can honestly say - I was never the same after...
Here's the first one I can remember.
I was never the same after....5th - 7th grade. {FYI 5th and 6th grades were still elementary and 7th was junior high}
When I was younger I was a bully. Well maybe not a full on bully that physically hurt people, but I was bossy, didn't treat friends really well, struggled with my own insecurities of moving to a new school {we moved to Golden when I was in 4th grade} and tried desperately to make people like me and be my friend. I had friend circles, cliques. I said what I wanted, when I wanted. At least that's how I remember things.
When I was a 5th grader I hurt a friend badly. I honestly can not remember what I did but I vividly remember what happened after.
She was friends with the big, tough 6th graders. She told them that I had a group of friends - a club - that in order to get into my club you had to tell me that you loved me. Sounds incredibly crazy and I don't remember exactly doing that. I did have a club of sorts and I'm sure I wasn't nice about it and let this girl in. Not so sweet of bossy, controlling little me.
So anyway, the 6th graders - her friends - decided to take action. They formed their own club - the "I love Jill" club. This club had a newsletter (they actually wrote out their rules and passed them out to any 6th grader who wanted to participate - the principal caught them and they got in trouble for that), they sang "Jill" songs on the bus as we'd go to and from school {even the little kindergartners and 1st graders would join in - I would just stare out the window and try to become invisible}, and when they'd see me in person they would bend down, kiss my feet, and tell me that they loved me. It was humiliating and it went on forever!
In fact I remember one day coming home from school and there was a sign posted on our backyard fence - it was a big sign. It said "Jill Cooper is a loser" I'm telling you, it was a nightmare.
When I finally became a 6th grader I thought things would get better. Then I had to go to the junior high for a "buddy" day. That's when the older kids take 6th graders around and show them the school to prepare them for the next year.
While on buddy day my buddy was walking me around the school (thankfully this wasn't a kid I knew from before) and we ran into some old 6th graders. They immediately recognized me and bent down and kissed my feet and then proceeded to tell me that they couldn't wait till I came to school so they could stuff me in a locker, make me push a penny or throw me in the trash. I about peed my pants standing there.
You can ask my parents, I absolutely did not want to go to junior high and pleaded and begged and dreaded going all summer! They made me go.
I went and boy was I a changed person. I kept my head down, talked and looked at almost no one. I walked out of my way to avoid people and I was grateful for any person who would be my friend. I had a few friends in junior high, I wasn't completely outcast. But I treated them so much differently. I was not a perfect friend but I really changed how I behaved.
There were a few more instances in junior high when some 8th grader would remember me and come over and kiss my feet and tell me they loved me. But they were fewer and far between. Eventually I got more and more confident again but I can say that I did not go back to my old ways.
I value my friends and try to show them I love them (not always very successful at that but I try). I realized that friends are a gift and should be treated as such. I've never spoken to that girl from 5th grade. I don't know if she has any memories of me like I have of her. I am both thankful and sad for that experience. It hurt deeply but I know that I was never the same after 5th grade - hopefully I'm much better!
Here's the first one I can remember.
I was never the same after....5th - 7th grade. {FYI 5th and 6th grades were still elementary and 7th was junior high}
When I was younger I was a bully. Well maybe not a full on bully that physically hurt people, but I was bossy, didn't treat friends really well, struggled with my own insecurities of moving to a new school {we moved to Golden when I was in 4th grade} and tried desperately to make people like me and be my friend. I had friend circles, cliques. I said what I wanted, when I wanted. At least that's how I remember things.
When I was a 5th grader I hurt a friend badly. I honestly can not remember what I did but I vividly remember what happened after.
She was friends with the big, tough 6th graders. She told them that I had a group of friends - a club - that in order to get into my club you had to tell me that you loved me. Sounds incredibly crazy and I don't remember exactly doing that. I did have a club of sorts and I'm sure I wasn't nice about it and let this girl in. Not so sweet of bossy, controlling little me.
So anyway, the 6th graders - her friends - decided to take action. They formed their own club - the "I love Jill" club. This club had a newsletter (they actually wrote out their rules and passed them out to any 6th grader who wanted to participate - the principal caught them and they got in trouble for that), they sang "Jill" songs on the bus as we'd go to and from school {even the little kindergartners and 1st graders would join in - I would just stare out the window and try to become invisible}, and when they'd see me in person they would bend down, kiss my feet, and tell me that they loved me. It was humiliating and it went on forever!
In fact I remember one day coming home from school and there was a sign posted on our backyard fence - it was a big sign. It said "Jill Cooper is a loser" I'm telling you, it was a nightmare.
When I finally became a 6th grader I thought things would get better. Then I had to go to the junior high for a "buddy" day. That's when the older kids take 6th graders around and show them the school to prepare them for the next year.
While on buddy day my buddy was walking me around the school (thankfully this wasn't a kid I knew from before) and we ran into some old 6th graders. They immediately recognized me and bent down and kissed my feet and then proceeded to tell me that they couldn't wait till I came to school so they could stuff me in a locker, make me push a penny or throw me in the trash. I about peed my pants standing there.
You can ask my parents, I absolutely did not want to go to junior high and pleaded and begged and dreaded going all summer! They made me go.
I went and boy was I a changed person. I kept my head down, talked and looked at almost no one. I walked out of my way to avoid people and I was grateful for any person who would be my friend. I had a few friends in junior high, I wasn't completely outcast. But I treated them so much differently. I was not a perfect friend but I really changed how I behaved.
There were a few more instances in junior high when some 8th grader would remember me and come over and kiss my feet and tell me they loved me. But they were fewer and far between. Eventually I got more and more confident again but I can say that I did not go back to my old ways.
I value my friends and try to show them I love them (not always very successful at that but I try). I realized that friends are a gift and should be treated as such. I've never spoken to that girl from 5th grade. I don't know if she has any memories of me like I have of her. I am both thankful and sad for that experience. It hurt deeply but I know that I was never the same after 5th grade - hopefully I'm much better!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thankful Thursday
I've been thinking a lot lately about how thankful I am to be living in the 21st century. It's funny to me to say that I was born in the 1900's though...Anyway, I'm thankful today that I am able to enjoy modern society and all that that brings.
--Electricity!
--My washer and dryer - no scrubbing tubs for me.
-- My dishwasher
-- Hot water heater -- not only do I get hot showers but it cleans my dishes in my dishwasher
-- Cell phones -- seriously, 10 years ago what did we do without them?
-- Computers and internet -- blogging~need I say more?
-- Cars -- I'm not good with horses and don't think I'd do to well with a horse and buggy
-- TV -- not always good but usually entertaining
-- Refrigerator -- I can buy more than a days worth of food, which is good since I'm not good with the horse and buggy
-- Canned food -- may not sound like a modern convenience but it is and I love it!
-- Modern medicine -- no scraping tree bark to get my aspirin, just get me to a drug store
-- which leads me to stores in general - so glad I don't have to hunt, kill, skin, chop up, and cook my dinner, nor do I have to plant and harvest it. So thankful for all the people who do that!
-- Portable DVD players -- how did our parents do long car rides without them? I can only sing 'I Been Working on the Railroad' so many times.
-- iPods -- much easier to carry then my accordian
-- Toilets!!! -- not much to say about that, I think we can all agree that they are wonderful
--Electricity!
--My washer and dryer - no scrubbing tubs for me.
-- My dishwasher
-- Hot water heater -- not only do I get hot showers but it cleans my dishes in my dishwasher
-- Cell phones -- seriously, 10 years ago what did we do without them?
-- Computers and internet -- blogging~need I say more?
-- Cars -- I'm not good with horses and don't think I'd do to well with a horse and buggy
-- TV -- not always good but usually entertaining
-- Refrigerator -- I can buy more than a days worth of food, which is good since I'm not good with the horse and buggy
-- Canned food -- may not sound like a modern convenience but it is and I love it!
-- Modern medicine -- no scraping tree bark to get my aspirin, just get me to a drug store
-- which leads me to stores in general - so glad I don't have to hunt, kill, skin, chop up, and cook my dinner, nor do I have to plant and harvest it. So thankful for all the people who do that!
-- Portable DVD players -- how did our parents do long car rides without them? I can only sing 'I Been Working on the Railroad' so many times.
-- iPods -- much easier to carry then my accordian
-- Toilets!!! -- not much to say about that, I think we can all agree that they are wonderful
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
My story
The theme of the woman's conference in Atlanta was that every influencer has a story - what's yours? What's my story? All the sessions discussed this theme in one way or another. One of them, in fact, challenged us to write the summary of our book (kind of what you would find on the back cover if we actually had a book). It was really amusing so I thought I'd share mine.
Jill is a happy, friendly, very vocal and opinionated,
pastor's wife and mom, struggling to use her God-given gifts for His glory.
Suddenly [ok not so suddenly but you're supposed to use that word in this paragraph :)], God throws her and her family into situations that challenge everything she has known about ministry and life.
She's forced to confront her weaknesses time and time again!
Will she survive? Will she learn? Will she be a better person?
Will she keep from squashing others on this path? Only time will tell....
pastor's wife and mom, struggling to use her God-given gifts for His glory.
Suddenly [ok not so suddenly but you're supposed to use that word in this paragraph :)], God throws her and her family into situations that challenge everything she has known about ministry and life.
She's forced to confront her weaknesses time and time again!
Will she survive? Will she learn? Will she be a better person?
Will she keep from squashing others on this path? Only time will tell....
I laugh when I read this with the guys voice from the movie trailers - like it's some epic saga. What's your story?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Kid update
I'm taking a kid break here. I don't blog all day long, although it may look like it. I blog when I can and schedule my posts for different days. But I do take time, like right now, to update on my kiddos - this is for the grandparents and aunts and uncles :)
Jack and Kate are sick. They have been for a month now. Apparently there's a lot of crud going around Durango. I finally took them in to the Dr yesterday because they both have this nasty cough that makes them gag.
The Dr determined that Kate has walking pneumonia - fluid in her right lung. He's not too concerned but put her on antibiotics and said to continue with the nebulizer. Jack, he says, is okay but should be doing the nebulizer several times a day. So we have lots of time just sitting there breathing :)
Jack hates it. He hates the mask, hates sitting still (which we have to do somewhat so we can get the medicine in his face), hates all of it. But I still managed to snap a couple pictures so you can see his cute little stegosaurus mask that uncle Mike sent down for us.
See how Mark has to pin his arms? He wants to eat the mask and grabs for it constantly. That and he wants the stinkin' thing off his face. NOW. By the way, he also got his first tooth while I was in Atlanta. Poor thing is teething, coughing and dealing with his tummy issues. We are at a loss many times as to why he's crying.
Kate is doing better with taking hers as long as there's a cartoon on. Curious George or Clifford are working right now. Don't have a picture of her but she is definitely the big girl doing her thing. We just had to find the right way to give it to her. That's how she rolls :)
We will continue with the torture for several days and then see how they're feeling. Kale has managed to avoid being sick but the Dr said don't count on him missing it all together. We're praying for that miracle you can be sure...
They are taking naps right now so I had a few minutes to update this. I hear Jack waking up now so I must go. I'll let you know if anything changes!
Jack and Kate are sick. They have been for a month now. Apparently there's a lot of crud going around Durango. I finally took them in to the Dr yesterday because they both have this nasty cough that makes them gag.
The Dr determined that Kate has walking pneumonia - fluid in her right lung. He's not too concerned but put her on antibiotics and said to continue with the nebulizer. Jack, he says, is okay but should be doing the nebulizer several times a day. So we have lots of time just sitting there breathing :)
Jack hates it. He hates the mask, hates sitting still (which we have to do somewhat so we can get the medicine in his face), hates all of it. But I still managed to snap a couple pictures so you can see his cute little stegosaurus mask that uncle Mike sent down for us.
See how Mark has to pin his arms? He wants to eat the mask and grabs for it constantly. That and he wants the stinkin' thing off his face. NOW. By the way, he also got his first tooth while I was in Atlanta. Poor thing is teething, coughing and dealing with his tummy issues. We are at a loss many times as to why he's crying.Kate is doing better with taking hers as long as there's a cartoon on. Curious George or Clifford are working right now. Don't have a picture of her but she is definitely the big girl doing her thing. We just had to find the right way to give it to her. That's how she rolls :)
We will continue with the torture for several days and then see how they're feeling. Kale has managed to avoid being sick but the Dr said don't count on him missing it all together. We're praying for that miracle you can be sure...
They are taking naps right now so I had a few minutes to update this. I hear Jack waking up now so I must go. I'll let you know if anything changes!
Georgia
This past weekend was the first time I've been south...ever. I've been to the northeast, northwest, southwest, Midwest but never just south.A few months ago my friend Maria said she was going to the national Women's Foursquare convention in Atlanta, Georgia and wanted to know if I could go. Honestly I kind of hemmed and hawed. It's hard to spend a lot of money on myself and I knew it would be a lot of money. Airfare, hotel, food, convention costs...It's very, very hard to do that. I mentioned it to Mark just to see what he'd say and he said go for it. Of course he would :)
I agonized over that decision for awhile. I knew it would be great. I knew it would be fun. I knew I would grow spiritually. I just had a hard time thinking about leaving my nursing 5 month old and spending lots of money.
Eventually I agreed (Mark encouraged me a lot) and Maria and I made our plans. Thank the Lord she found us some incredible deals on airfare and hotel. Saved us hundreds of dollars and made it a little bit easier pill to swallow. Mark and Seth (her husband) were all ready to Mr. Mom it that made it easier also.
So last Wednesday Maria and I got on a plane to GA. About half way through the flight from Denver to Georgia we realized that neither one of us had printed off our hotel or return flight information. We cracked up thinking that if we had our kids or husbands with us we would have the day planned down to the minute. But with just us we had no clue what we were doing - and it was kinda fun!
We talked and talked and talked and talked. The time flew by. We landed in Atlanta, got our luggage, and found the information booth and talked to some nice sympathetic ladies. Maria, thankfully, remembered the name of our hotel and we found that it would be cheaper to take the subway. So we hoofed it to the subway [the Marta] dragging our luggage and looking like total tourists. We were hysterical. We laughed about how great we'd be on the Amazing Race. Yeah right...
We were a day early so we checked in to our hotel, ate dinner, ran from a tornado {not really but it was certainly a bit scary} and relaxed in the room. Thursday we shopped like mad women. Big city, nice mall. Fun. It was so crazy to not have to plan around meals or naps. We could eat at a restaurant that didn't have a kids menu! We didn't change one single diaper for 4 whole days. On the flip side of that though was the fact that I am still a nursing mom so my pump was my best friend for those days...thanks to Maria for putting up with my little friend :)
The sessions started on Thursday evening. The theme of the weekend was 'Behind every influencer there is a story'. All the sessions and work shops were about your story. The story that God had written with our lives. What is your story? How do you tell your story? Why leave a legacy? It was so good to hear others stories of how God worked in their lives. Many of the stories were so very heartbreaking. Stories of husbands passing away, stories of rape and abuse, stories of sacrifice. The common thread was Jesus. Therefore, with each heartbreaking story, there was always hope. It was incredibly powerful.
Here we are at a session. Self-camera phone portrait :)
After 14 hours of exhausting travel {including an hour of circling Chicago because the weather was bad} we made it home. Tired and yet somehow refreshed. And definitely thrown right back into parenting!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Confessions of an imperfect Christian
A few weeks ago I started this blog post. I wrote down everything I was feeling and then saved it. I wasn't sure if it was understandable. I didn't know if my heart was heard. So I've written and re-written it several times. Finally I scrapped it and started over. Mainly because it took me awhile to feel like I'm able to really share my confessions and point you to God - the perfect one.This past weekend I went to a woman's conference in Atlanta, GA (first time I've ever been south!). I went with my good friend Maria and we had a blast. No kids, no responsibilities (sort of), and just one-on-one good woman friend time. It was refreshing, convicting, exhausting and fabulously fun. I'll share more later but this brings me to this blog.
During a couple of the sessions I started to realize and be able to put on "paper" just what I was thinking and feeling about being a Christian. I sat down and out poured words and thoughts. It was freeing.
I have noticed that I so badly want you to know the God I know - the kindness, grace, peace, love, strength... I confess that I have been trying to "sell" Him. Not on purpose really, at least not from the heart that he's not good enough so I must make Him good enough, but because I really and truly want to be an example of who He is and what He's done in my life and I want you to want to know Him. I find myself trying to "fit" Him into others thinking so He will make sense to them. What a mess I can make!
So I am so sorry for "selling" Jesus to you. Here's the truth...
I'm impatient - He is not
I'm imperfect - He is not
I have a difficult time loving unconditionally - He does not
I'm weak - He is strong
I'm judgmental - He is not
I struggle - He does not
I get stressed - He does not
I worry - He does not
I fear - He does not
I crave love - He is love
I desire wisdom - He is wisdom
I want to know the truth - He is Truth
I am empty - He fills me
I want to plan - He's my planner
I get frustrated - He does not
I get confused - He does not
I get overwhelmed - He does not
I'm prideful - He is not
I'm natural - He's supernatural
I need grace - He gives it to me
I need forgiveness - He forgives me
I'm not righteous - He is
I'm not worthy - He makes me worthy
I love my family - He loves them even more
I know my past - He knows my future
I cry tears - He collects them
My burdens are heavy - He carries them
I am tired - He sustains me
I fail - He is faithful
I feel loneliness - He is my friend
I lose hope - He is hope
I'm imperfect - He is not
I have a difficult time loving unconditionally - He does not
I'm weak - He is strong
I'm judgmental - He is not
I struggle - He does not
I get stressed - He does not
I worry - He does not
I fear - He does not
I crave love - He is love
I desire wisdom - He is wisdom
I want to know the truth - He is Truth
I am empty - He fills me
I want to plan - He's my planner
I get frustrated - He does not
I get confused - He does not
I get overwhelmed - He does not
I'm prideful - He is not
I'm natural - He's supernatural
I need grace - He gives it to me
I need forgiveness - He forgives me
I'm not righteous - He is
I'm not worthy - He makes me worthy
I love my family - He loves them even more
I know my past - He knows my future
I cry tears - He collects them
My burdens are heavy - He carries them
I am tired - He sustains me
I fail - He is faithful
I feel loneliness - He is my friend
I lose hope - He is hope
He is all of this to me and more. He's my rock, my story-creator, my everything. I pray you would know Him as He is and not how I try to make Him.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
More Kale bday pics
We've been celebrating Kale's birthday for the last week. Mainly because we knew that his birthday was going to be a crazy day. So a week ago Friday we went to the rec center and took the kids swimming. Kale had a blast. So did Kate. We left Jack with a friend which was a good thing. We were able to swim and play with the kids. Lots of fun.
Then last Monday we did Kale's birthday dinner. He was able to pick out everything we had for dinner. Glad we only do that once a year :) Kale chose corn dogs, corn, Cheetos, and a monster truck cake. My teeth ached from the sugar! The cake was made out of a pound cake, twinkies, donuts, gum drops, licorice, and lots of frosting! It turned out adorable - Kale really liked it. A few bites was enough for me. Here's the pics of that day...
Notice the meal choice all started with "C". Cheetos, Corn dogs, Corn, Cake...
My brother came down for a work trip and stayed with us a couple days. He brought more presents. Then Mark's sister and her husband were here while I was gone in Atlanta (more posts on that later) and brought more gifts and sugar! The kids had a blast with everyone and are now coming down from a family/present/sugar rush :)
Then last Monday we did Kale's birthday dinner. He was able to pick out everything we had for dinner. Glad we only do that once a year :) Kale chose corn dogs, corn, Cheetos, and a monster truck cake. My teeth ached from the sugar! The cake was made out of a pound cake, twinkies, donuts, gum drops, licorice, and lots of frosting! It turned out adorable - Kale really liked it. A few bites was enough for me. Here's the pics of that day...
Notice the meal choice all started with "C". Cheetos, Corn dogs, Corn, Cake...My brother came down for a work trip and stayed with us a couple days. He brought more presents. Then Mark's sister and her husband were here while I was gone in Atlanta (more posts on that later) and brought more gifts and sugar! The kids had a blast with everyone and are now coming down from a family/present/sugar rush :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thankful Thursday - My anniversary
Today is my anniversary. I am in Atlanta, GA for a Foursquare women's conference (no we're not playing a playground sport). My darling husband is home Mr. Mommin' it with our three cherubs. He's awesome. He knew a long time ago that I was going to be gone over our anniversary but he was totally fine with it. I love this man of mine.We've been married for 9 years now. On our way to double digits! I can't believe it's gone by this quickly. We met in July of '98 and by November we knew that this was it. No doubts at all. Not even once.
I joke with him and others that I came with warning labels. I told him I don't cook or clean like your mom (she's amazing) so don't be disappointed. I told him that if he ever wanted kids then he should be okay with changing diapers {sorry Doug, it was a must for me :) } . And I told him I was never getting divorced so if that was ever an option for him then keep on moving. He agreed to all these terms and more.
I couldn't have been more blessed. God couldn't have set it up more perfectly. Our life isn't 24/7 bliss but it sure is amazing. I hear people say that they love each other more now then when they were first married. I used to think that was crazy! How could I possible love Mark more? Easy. I know more about him. I know what a great dad he is. I know what a great pastor he is. I know what a great friend and husband he is. I've seen situations where his honesty, integrity, patience, humor, kindness and gentleness have flooded out. I've seen more and love more and will continue to see more and love more.
He's my best friend. I recently read a book and found a quote that I fell in love with and want to share it with him and with you.
"I will love you like God, because of God, mighted by the power of God. I will stop expecting your love, demanding your love, trading for your love, gaming for your love. I will simply love. I am giving myself to you, and tomorrow I will do it again. I suppose the clock itself will wear thin its time before I am ended at this alter of dying and dying again. God risked Himself on me. I will risk myself on you. And together, we will learn to love, and perhaps then, and only then, understand this gravity that drew Him, unto us."
Marriage does not exist to make us happy (although that can be a wonderful part) but to make us holy and more like God. I am so thankful to be married to someone who not only makes me happy but helps to make me holy and more like our Saviour.
I love you Mark.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
He's 5! Happy birthday Kale.
Oh boy! 5 years ago today I was given Petocin and sent on the ride of my life! Little did I know on February 16, 2004 when I went to see the Dr. that on February 17th I would be gazing into the eyes of my little man Kale. He came kicking and screaming 3 weeks early! Very impatient and that hasn't changed at all.
He's been counting down the days to his birthday since Christmas. Deciding what toys he was going to get that he didn't get for Christmas. Although I can't imagine what he's missing. He's been given almost every Transformer there is, including undies, sheets, blankets etc... But he can still find something! This year was not his big party year - although 5 is a big birthday. We still are doing something very special and I'll post more pictures later.
For now, I just want to honor my first baby who is definitely a kid now. He's very independent, intuitive, thoughtful, confident, encouraging and loving. He takes care of his sister and brother (albeit sometimes a little too roughly).
Many mornings I'll go in to get him up and he'll just say to me out of the blue "I love you mama. You're so beautiful." It melts me.
I often wonder if he will grow up to be a lawyer. He likes to argue his case -- daily. And when asked to clean up {and books, candy or cartoons are motivation} he's a whiz. Running around and doing exactly what I've asked. 
His smile lights up my day and his sense of humor makes my days fun. He's just a joy to have around - my little ninja- Spiderman- Bumblebee- knight in shining armor- Jedi knight- son.
I love you Kale.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Jack's update
Little man is growing like a weed. He was five months on Friday. Here's few pics of him taken in the last couple weeks.
These few were taken in Mark's office at church.
Can't run away yet, from those big sister hugs!
He started rolling over from back to front. We just wish he could figure this out at night. He rolls on his back then gets stuck and screams. Oh well, just needs more practice!
On your marks...
Going...
Going...
Gone!
So proud!
These few were taken in Mark's office at church.
Can't run away yet, from those big sister hugs!
He started rolling over from back to front. We just wish he could figure this out at night. He rolls on his back then gets stuck and screams. Oh well, just needs more practice!On your marks...
Going...
Going...
Gone!
So proud!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Playing with the camera
Kale and Kate are fascinated with Mark's camera. They are always begging to take some pictures. We finally let them. Jack couldn't quite hold the camera so he wasn't included. Here's what the rest of them did.
Kale's work:
Kate's work:
Not too bad. This one was just for fun - they look pretty real huh?
Kale's work:
Kate's work:
Not too bad. This one was just for fun - they look pretty real huh?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Yummy food
"And so I have come to understand that strength, inner strength, comes from receiving love as much as it comes from giving it. I think apart from the idea that I am a sinner and God forgives me, this is the greatest lesson I have ever learned. When you get it, it changes you...And this is the prayer I pray for all my friends because it is the key to happiness. God's love will never change us if we don't accept it." from Blue Like Jazz
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Generations
I almost forgot we had taken these pictures over Christmas. Then I stumbled on them while looking through Mark's pictures on his computer. I wanted to share them.
This one is of my mom's side. Me, Kitty the Great (that's what we call our grandparents) and Jack, and my mom.
This is my dad's side. Me, Bob the Great, my dad and Jack.
This one is of my mom's side. Me, Kitty the Great (that's what we call our grandparents) and Jack, and my mom.
This is my dad's side. Me, Bob the Great, my dad and Jack.
Still more food for thought
"If we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus."
from Blue Like Jazz
from Blue Like Jazz
Thankful Thursday
I have a million and one things to be thankful for. I'm trying to spread them out and organize them by themes :) I know - I'm a crazy list maker. But it helps me keep track and also to really concentrate on small things to be thankful for. Some days I have big lists and others I focus on just one thing. Today is that day!
Today I am thankful for God turning up the heat. Not physical heat but the spiritual heat. I am thankful that I know and love a God who wants me to be better today then I was yesterday. To do that he needs to burn off the yuck. There's been some major spiritual heat lately and I, for one, am thankful that He is revealing to me the areas that need change {not always easy, believe me, but always needed!}.
Everyone responds to stress. How we do it is up to us. I would like to be full of grace and love, peace and patience. But in order to be filled with these things I have to get rid of the pride, worry, frustration etc... I need to make room for the good stuff!
So I am thankful for the purging of the yuck. Thankful for the stress, thankful for the heat, thankful for God's patience with me as I continually get refined to look more and more like Him.
Today I am thankful for God turning up the heat. Not physical heat but the spiritual heat. I am thankful that I know and love a God who wants me to be better today then I was yesterday. To do that he needs to burn off the yuck. There's been some major spiritual heat lately and I, for one, am thankful that He is revealing to me the areas that need change {not always easy, believe me, but always needed!}.
Everyone responds to stress. How we do it is up to us. I would like to be full of grace and love, peace and patience. But in order to be filled with these things I have to get rid of the pride, worry, frustration etc... I need to make room for the good stuff!
So I am thankful for the purging of the yuck. Thankful for the stress, thankful for the heat, thankful for God's patience with me as I continually get refined to look more and more like Him.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Journey through Motherhood - Has this ever happened to you?
I'm home now from an insane trip to Walmart. And of course, me, the blogging addict, is thinking the whole way home...gotta blog this...gotta remember this forever...gotta blog this.
So here I am, blogging!
It all started because I needed a few things at the store. Not a huge shopping trip (thankfully - I really would've been a puddle on the floor of the produce section) just a few things. Cereal, milk, lunch meat etc... Nothing big. Yeah right!
My first mistake was taking 3 kids. I honestly don't have much of a choice but I'm sure that's where I went wrong :) They were a little challenging getting shoes and coats on and out the door. That should have been my first red flag!
Things start off okay at the store. Kale was mad that I wouldn't let him take off his sweatshirt. He told me in the car that he wanted people to see him and know he was a Palmer - so he couldn't keep his sweatshirt on. Okay....I told him people wouldn't know we were Palmers with or without sweatshirts, we don't have a place to put it in the cart and I'm not carrying it so you're stuck with it on. Not happy but he did it.
We get back to the dairy section and Jack is doing very well in his car seat. He usually hates his car seat but I didn't want to carry him around the store, load and push the cart as well as herd my other two cherubs. So when he started getting fussy I plugged him up and it worked. Good, I'm thinking. Let's get a move on before we lose it.
So we hurry through the rest of our list and we're nearing the end {of the store and our shopping window} and the bread aisle is blocked. That stinkin' aisle is so narrow anyways and you put one or two carts in there and it's impossible to pass. So I decide to go through the much bigger frozen food section. I start down that aisle and part of it is blocked by 2 employees {who aren't moving out of the way when they see a woman, 3 kids and a shopping cart parade coming toward them}. I'm holding Kate's hand, Kale is on the other side of the cart and I'm pulling the cart to make it easier to maneuver. I go by the employees and accidentally squish Kale between the cart and the freezer doors {forgot to mention that he had pulled his arms inside his sweatshirt}. Next thing I know, he's on the ground screaming. I move the cart, pick him up and try to console him while he's telling the entire store that I squished him! Kate is telling me how I really shouldn't hurt her "brudder" and of course the 2 employees are staring at me and not moving...
I finally get Kale to calm down after a few minutes and we keep on shopping. We get to the produce section and the kids start trying to load my cart. 'I want apples, I want strawberries, I want grapefruit etc..' I'm thinking I want a Calgon bath! Somewhere in the produce section I drop my WIC envelope. Can't check out without it. Didn't even know it was gone till a nice lady I'd never seen before asked me if my name was Jill. Then handed me the envelope. Bless that woman!!!!
Then I go check out. I'm thinking I'm almost done. Hang on kids. Don't lose it now! We find an empty check out lane {a miracle in itself} and unload groceries, while my children are drooling over all the exciting toys in the check out lane - hate product placement...
I have a couple WIC checks and my own groceries so I knew it would be a bit before we were done. So the lady starts. I send my kids to the bench a few yards away to sit and wait patiently (yeah right). As the nice check out lady is finishing up my first load Jack starts to lose it. I have 2 options at this point. Get him out, juggle him, groceries, check book, and diaper bag all in order to save people from hearing him scream - or - leave him. I chose to leave him. Call me a bad mom. Don't care. I needed to get out of there.
Still checking out. Find out I misread a WIC check. Now the poor lady has to return my mistake back to the shelves. I feel awful. But I must go on. Jack's still screaming and turning bright red. People are looking. A friend sees us and tries to comfort Jack. Doesn't work.
Now the line behind me is getting longer. I'm sweating in my jacket, keeping an eye on my other two who are, thankfully, sitting on the bench, trying to apologize to the nice check out lady, trying to hush Jack, load my groceries, pay for them, sign WIC checks and smiling!
Then Kale tells me he has to pee. Seriously? Wait Kale. I'm almost done. And I really was. So I get my groceries, thank the nice check out lady and collect my kids. I ask Kale if he can hold it (Jack still screaming) and of course he can't. So we go to the bathroom - the one in front of all the check out stands. Kale wants to go to the men's room. NO way! It's the ladies Bubba. I send him in and stand outside with Kate and Jack( still screaming). I peek in every 15 seconds or so and yell "how ya doing Kale?' 'Fine' he yells back. There are other women in there mind you. I'm sure they enjoyed it all.
Finally I yell in there that he needs to hurry up (Jack's still screaming). I turn around and there's a well meaning woman who's concerned for Jack. She said she heard him screaming and has been looking all over the store for him. She didn't notice that there was a mom so she came to check on him. {All the check out ladies and customers are watching this exchange} I smiled politely and said that I had made him mad because I wouldn't get him out of his seat. We were on our way home and he would be fine. Thank you for your concern.
So I drag my children, my groceries and my pride out the door. I'm sure there were cheers as I left. Oh well. Note to self, no matter how bad you need it - make Mark get it!
Now I'm off to unload groceries and eat the entire bag of Cheetos I just bought:)
So here I am, blogging!
It all started because I needed a few things at the store. Not a huge shopping trip (thankfully - I really would've been a puddle on the floor of the produce section) just a few things. Cereal, milk, lunch meat etc... Nothing big. Yeah right!
My first mistake was taking 3 kids. I honestly don't have much of a choice but I'm sure that's where I went wrong :) They were a little challenging getting shoes and coats on and out the door. That should have been my first red flag!
Things start off okay at the store. Kale was mad that I wouldn't let him take off his sweatshirt. He told me in the car that he wanted people to see him and know he was a Palmer - so he couldn't keep his sweatshirt on. Okay....I told him people wouldn't know we were Palmers with or without sweatshirts, we don't have a place to put it in the cart and I'm not carrying it so you're stuck with it on. Not happy but he did it.
We get back to the dairy section and Jack is doing very well in his car seat. He usually hates his car seat but I didn't want to carry him around the store, load and push the cart as well as herd my other two cherubs. So when he started getting fussy I plugged him up and it worked. Good, I'm thinking. Let's get a move on before we lose it.
So we hurry through the rest of our list and we're nearing the end {of the store and our shopping window} and the bread aisle is blocked. That stinkin' aisle is so narrow anyways and you put one or two carts in there and it's impossible to pass. So I decide to go through the much bigger frozen food section. I start down that aisle and part of it is blocked by 2 employees {who aren't moving out of the way when they see a woman, 3 kids and a shopping cart parade coming toward them}. I'm holding Kate's hand, Kale is on the other side of the cart and I'm pulling the cart to make it easier to maneuver. I go by the employees and accidentally squish Kale between the cart and the freezer doors {forgot to mention that he had pulled his arms inside his sweatshirt}. Next thing I know, he's on the ground screaming. I move the cart, pick him up and try to console him while he's telling the entire store that I squished him! Kate is telling me how I really shouldn't hurt her "brudder" and of course the 2 employees are staring at me and not moving...
I finally get Kale to calm down after a few minutes and we keep on shopping. We get to the produce section and the kids start trying to load my cart. 'I want apples, I want strawberries, I want grapefruit etc..' I'm thinking I want a Calgon bath! Somewhere in the produce section I drop my WIC envelope. Can't check out without it. Didn't even know it was gone till a nice lady I'd never seen before asked me if my name was Jill. Then handed me the envelope. Bless that woman!!!!
Then I go check out. I'm thinking I'm almost done. Hang on kids. Don't lose it now! We find an empty check out lane {a miracle in itself} and unload groceries, while my children are drooling over all the exciting toys in the check out lane - hate product placement...
I have a couple WIC checks and my own groceries so I knew it would be a bit before we were done. So the lady starts. I send my kids to the bench a few yards away to sit and wait patiently (yeah right). As the nice check out lady is finishing up my first load Jack starts to lose it. I have 2 options at this point. Get him out, juggle him, groceries, check book, and diaper bag all in order to save people from hearing him scream - or - leave him. I chose to leave him. Call me a bad mom. Don't care. I needed to get out of there.
Still checking out. Find out I misread a WIC check. Now the poor lady has to return my mistake back to the shelves. I feel awful. But I must go on. Jack's still screaming and turning bright red. People are looking. A friend sees us and tries to comfort Jack. Doesn't work.
Now the line behind me is getting longer. I'm sweating in my jacket, keeping an eye on my other two who are, thankfully, sitting on the bench, trying to apologize to the nice check out lady, trying to hush Jack, load my groceries, pay for them, sign WIC checks and smiling!
Then Kale tells me he has to pee. Seriously? Wait Kale. I'm almost done. And I really was. So I get my groceries, thank the nice check out lady and collect my kids. I ask Kale if he can hold it (Jack still screaming) and of course he can't. So we go to the bathroom - the one in front of all the check out stands. Kale wants to go to the men's room. NO way! It's the ladies Bubba. I send him in and stand outside with Kate and Jack( still screaming). I peek in every 15 seconds or so and yell "how ya doing Kale?' 'Fine' he yells back. There are other women in there mind you. I'm sure they enjoyed it all.
Finally I yell in there that he needs to hurry up (Jack's still screaming). I turn around and there's a well meaning woman who's concerned for Jack. She said she heard him screaming and has been looking all over the store for him. She didn't notice that there was a mom so she came to check on him. {All the check out ladies and customers are watching this exchange} I smiled politely and said that I had made him mad because I wouldn't get him out of his seat. We were on our way home and he would be fine. Thank you for your concern.
So I drag my children, my groceries and my pride out the door. I'm sure there were cheers as I left. Oh well. Note to self, no matter how bad you need it - make Mark get it!
Now I'm off to unload groceries and eat the entire bag of Cheetos I just bought:)
Kate's Dictionary
I thought I'd give everyone a little peek into the language of Kate.
fire -- pacifier
last night -- anytime in her recent memory, could be really last night, last week, Christmas etc...
fungle -- snuggle
Bubba -- most commonly used name for her big brother Kale
Jack-a-bo -- most commonly used name for her baby brother Jack
anyfing -- used to refer to a thing, no matter what
Sleeping Booty -- a princess who sleeps till her true love comes
I'n 'em -- Used in a sentence...Kate are you cleaning your room? Yes I'n 'em!
Cwamwa -- The object daddy uses to take millions of pictures.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I want to learn this lesson
Recently at church, our buddy Seth {also a pastor}, shared a scripture during church. He said that while he was praying for service, God spoke to him about Romans 12:2. He wasn't sure who that was for but he believed someone needed to hear that.
Romans 12:2 in the Message says,
Romans 12:2 in the Message says,
Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity. God brings out the best in you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
I knew that this was meant for me. I love lists and the Bible isn't exactly a list. Sometimes I want to be able to look in the Bible and find a list of the way I should be, feel and do. That rarely happens. But this day he showed me a list. He loves me that much. So much that when he heard me cry out to Him about my struggle with my logical brain and how I needed order -- He gave it to me. I had never read Romans 12 like a list before but I knew that that is exactly what it was. What a gift He gave me!
Here's my list from Romans 12:
Here's my list from Romans 12:
1) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for
you is the best thing you can do for Him.
2) Fix your attention on God. Recognize what He wants
from you and quickly respond to it.
3) It's important that you not misinterpret ourselves as
people who are bringing this goodness to God.
No, God brings it all to you.
4) The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us, not by what we are and what we do for Him.
5) Each of us find our meaning and function as part of His body.
6) So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
7) If you preach, preach God's Message, nothing more.
8) if you help, just help, don't take over
9) if you teach, stick to teaching
10) if you give encouraging guidance,
be careful you don't get bossy
11) if you're put in charge, don't manipulate
12) if you're called to give aid to people in distress,
keep your eyes open and be quick to respond
13) if you work with the disadvantaged,
don't let yourself get irritated with them
or depressed by them
14) Keep a smile on your face
15) Love from the center of who you are. Don't fake it.
16) Run for dear life from evil,
17) Hold on for dear life to good.
18) Be good friends who love deeply
19) Practice playing second fiddle
20) Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame
21) Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant
22) Don't quit in hard times
23) Pray all the harder
24) Help needy Christians
25) be inventive in hospitality
26) Bless your enemies - no cursing under your breath
27) Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy
28) Share tears when they're down
29) Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody
30) Don't hit back
31) Discover beauty in everyone.
32) Get along with everybody
33) Don't insist on getting even
34) If you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch
35) If he's thirsty, get him a drink
36) Don't let evil get the best of you - - get the best of evil!
you is the best thing you can do for Him.
2) Fix your attention on God. Recognize what He wants
from you and quickly respond to it.
3) It's important that you not misinterpret ourselves as
people who are bringing this goodness to God.
No, God brings it all to you.
4) The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us, not by what we are and what we do for Him.
5) Each of us find our meaning and function as part of His body.
6) So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
7) If you preach, preach God's Message, nothing more.
8) if you help, just help, don't take over
9) if you teach, stick to teaching
10) if you give encouraging guidance,
be careful you don't get bossy
11) if you're put in charge, don't manipulate
12) if you're called to give aid to people in distress,
keep your eyes open and be quick to respond
13) if you work with the disadvantaged,
don't let yourself get irritated with them
or depressed by them
14) Keep a smile on your face
15) Love from the center of who you are. Don't fake it.
16) Run for dear life from evil,
17) Hold on for dear life to good.
18) Be good friends who love deeply
19) Practice playing second fiddle
20) Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame
21) Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant
22) Don't quit in hard times
23) Pray all the harder
24) Help needy Christians
25) be inventive in hospitality
26) Bless your enemies - no cursing under your breath
27) Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy
28) Share tears when they're down
29) Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody
30) Don't hit back
31) Discover beauty in everyone.
32) Get along with everybody
33) Don't insist on getting even
34) If you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch
35) If he's thirsty, get him a drink
36) Don't let evil get the best of you - - get the best of evil!
What a beautiful and different way of looking at scripture! God did that all for me! I will never see Romans 12 the same.
Monday, February 9, 2009
I love it when...
...I wake up in the morning and smell freshly made coffee.
...I wake up in the morning when I want to and not by an alarm or a child.
...my kids come and snuggle up next to me.
...it's snowing outside and there's a pot of chili on the stove.
...my husband takes out the trash.
...my kids eat and enjoy the dinner I've made for them.
...my husband lets me warm up my feet on his legs.
...I crawl into my nice comfy bed when I'm totally exhausted.
...I have time to blog!
...I can make my kids, husband, family or friends laugh.
...they all make me laugh.
...the sun sets and it lights up the sky so beautifully.
...the laundry, dishes, and housecleaning is all done (at least for the day).
...I can curl up with a book.
...I get to go to church and sing praises to my Jesus!
...I get to pray with someone.
...I get to out with Mark.
...I can take a nap and refresh.
...people come to know Jesus, the real Jesus, for the first time.
...I wake up in the morning when I want to and not by an alarm or a child.
...my kids come and snuggle up next to me.
...it's snowing outside and there's a pot of chili on the stove.
...my husband takes out the trash.
...my kids eat and enjoy the dinner I've made for them.
...my husband lets me warm up my feet on his legs.
...I crawl into my nice comfy bed when I'm totally exhausted.
...I have time to blog!
...I can make my kids, husband, family or friends laugh.
...they all make me laugh.
...the sun sets and it lights up the sky so beautifully.
...the laundry, dishes, and housecleaning is all done (at least for the day).
...I can curl up with a book.
...I get to go to church and sing praises to my Jesus!
...I get to pray with someone.
...I get to out with Mark.
...I can take a nap and refresh.
...people come to know Jesus, the real Jesus, for the first time.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The beginning
When Mark and I first got married we lived in the upstairs of this house. Our good friends and co-workers, David and Denise Griggs and their family, lived downstairs.The upstairs had what I like to call a Barbie kitchen. A tiny stove and fridge, barely there counter space, and no dishwasher. The kitchen and living room were one tiny space. The round turret area was where we put our round dining table - you could barely walk around the outside of the table. The bedroom was in the back and the roof slanted on both sides making it hard to position a bed comfortably.
The bathroom! That was the craziest part. It was built forever ago so we converted the bathtub into a shower by attaching a shower head to the faucet and putting a shower curtain clear around. The roof slanted so you stood in the shower with your head tilted. The sink had two separate faucets. One for hot and one for cold. So if you wanted warm water you had to turn on both faucets and run your hands back and forth really quick to mix the water. You could sit on the toilet and wash your hands they were so close!
We used to climb out our bedroom window and sit on the roof. From there you can see gazebo park (rotary park) and watch the train, which would go by 8 times (4 in the morning and 4 in the evening) in the summer peak season and blow it's whistle from the old hospital clear to Rite Aid (a couple miles). It was like an alarm with a snooze. The first would go off at 7:30 and then every 45 minutes after that.
We moved in February 2000 and moved out November of 2000 - just nine months. It has been empty ever since. Eventually boards were added to the windows and doors and it began looking worse and worse (it wasn't all that great when we lived there actually). Just this past week it sold for $345,000. The owners were wanting to tear it down and build condos but the city said it was a historical landmark. Apparently the man who started the Durango Herald built it in the late 1800's or early 1900's - something like that. I'm not sure what the new owners will do with it now.
Everytime I drive by it though, I remember the famous 9 months we lived there.
and more food for thought
"....he taught me that what I believe is not what I say I believe; what I believe is what I do.
I used to say that I believed it was important to tell people about Jesus, but I never did. Andrew very kindly explained that if I do not introduce people to Jesus, then I don't believe Jesus is an important person. It doesn't matter what I say. Andrew said I should not live like a politician, but like a Christian."
from Blue Like Jazz
I used to say that I believed it was important to tell people about Jesus, but I never did. Andrew very kindly explained that if I do not introduce people to Jesus, then I don't believe Jesus is an important person. It doesn't matter what I say. Andrew said I should not live like a politician, but like a Christian."
from Blue Like Jazz
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Nose Knows
My darling son Kale has a nose issue. Well maybe not an issue but his nose is very sensitive. His favorite blanket is his favorite, not because of how it looks, but because of how it smells. He walks around the house with his blanket to his nose. Mark and I like to steal the blanket and smell it just to get a rise out of him (I know, we're so cruel). It's like his tranquilizer. When it gets dirty, he makes me wash it to make it smell good again. He's so funny. Something becomes good or bad or meaningful by it's smell.So the other morning Jack was playing on the floor and Kale went over to him and smelled him. He says to me "Mama, Jack smells yummy. He smells like yogurt." Now I love smells to. I even love the ways my kids smell (most of the time), but I have never thought Jack smelled like yogurt.
Then this morning, Kale and I were out on the couch with Jack. I had just finished feeding him and had laid him down so I could go get a diaper. Kale rushes over to see him and of course smell him. {it kinda makes him sound like a dog...} Anyway, he gets a good whiff of him and says to me "Mama, Jack smells like chicken nuggets." Chicken nuggets?!?
So I lean over and smell him.
"Kale honey, it's not chicken nuggets...it's poop."
More food for thought
"The problem with Christian belief - I mean real Christian belief, the belief that there is a God and a devil and a heaven and a hell - is that it is not a fashionable thing to believe."
from Blue Like Jazz
from Blue Like Jazz
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thankful Thursday - My house
Because of what my good friends, the Saunders, have been through in the last few weeks (it's a lot and I don't even know the half of it), I've been looking at my house differently - thankfully - gratefully. I've always been so thankful for my little house with all of it's issues. But I am even more thankful now, with a new perspective.
I'm thankful...
...for my house that God picked out just for us. We prayed for specific things and when we asked the Realtor for all the listings that matched our prayers, she found 5! One was listed twice, one was a repo {uber nasty}, one was too far away and then this one. Praise God!
...for a garage! I didn't even know I wanted/needed one till we got one. Apparently Mark was praying for a garage.
...for my new roof that protects me from snow, rain and summer sun.
...for our new decks. One was built this summer and one was built when I was prego with Kate. Both times we were super blessed with help. {Mark and I have no idea what we're doing}
...for my carpenter angels who built us our fabulous front deck!
...for the wonderful people who helped me get over my fear of color and helped paint my kitchen and living room. I love it! Still!
...for our giant hand-me-down couch. It takes up most of our living room but it's so comfortable and lots of people can cozy up on it.
...for my kitchen appliances. My life would be so much messier and difficult without them.
...for my new ottoman. I love being able to stuff things inside it and put my feet up!
...that most of the furniture in my house was given to us with love. A rocking chair my good friend Aimee recovered for us when I was prego with Kale. A desk that my parents gave us. A table and chairs that came all the way from Mark's Gram via his bro and sis-in-law. A wall clock given to us from my folks for our wedding. A desk clock from Gram. Beautiful paintings from Gram, Grandma Margie, Uncle Kim and Aunt Donna {lots of talent in our families}. Tea cups from my sweet friend Linn. Gorgeous rose china from Grandma Margie. A dresser that my wonderful Grandma Shirley found at a garage sale and refinished for me when I was a baby. Gorgeous new valences hand-made by my mom-in-law for my kitchen and the boys room. The dresser/wardrobe I used as a child. A cute little coat rack for all of Kate's dress up clothes made by Grandpa Doug. A bunk bed given to us by some friends. Even a TV from our friend Andrew. [at this point, the only things we have bought brand new for our house, besides the appliances, are our purple couches! - oh and our computer :)]
Wow! Once I started listing all the awesome things we have in our house thanks to others, I am so humbled. We are so blessed!
I'm thankful...
...for my house that God picked out just for us. We prayed for specific things and when we asked the Realtor for all the listings that matched our prayers, she found 5! One was listed twice, one was a repo {uber nasty}, one was too far away and then this one. Praise God!
...for a garage! I didn't even know I wanted/needed one till we got one. Apparently Mark was praying for a garage.
...for my new roof that protects me from snow, rain and summer sun.
...for our new decks. One was built this summer and one was built when I was prego with Kate. Both times we were super blessed with help. {Mark and I have no idea what we're doing}
...for my carpenter angels who built us our fabulous front deck!
...for the wonderful people who helped me get over my fear of color and helped paint my kitchen and living room. I love it! Still!
...for our giant hand-me-down couch. It takes up most of our living room but it's so comfortable and lots of people can cozy up on it.
...for my kitchen appliances. My life would be so much messier and difficult without them.
...for my new ottoman. I love being able to stuff things inside it and put my feet up!
...that most of the furniture in my house was given to us with love. A rocking chair my good friend Aimee recovered for us when I was prego with Kale. A desk that my parents gave us. A table and chairs that came all the way from Mark's Gram via his bro and sis-in-law. A wall clock given to us from my folks for our wedding. A desk clock from Gram. Beautiful paintings from Gram, Grandma Margie, Uncle Kim and Aunt Donna {lots of talent in our families}. Tea cups from my sweet friend Linn. Gorgeous rose china from Grandma Margie. A dresser that my wonderful Grandma Shirley found at a garage sale and refinished for me when I was a baby. Gorgeous new valences hand-made by my mom-in-law for my kitchen and the boys room. The dresser/wardrobe I used as a child. A cute little coat rack for all of Kate's dress up clothes made by Grandpa Doug. A bunk bed given to us by some friends. Even a TV from our friend Andrew. [at this point, the only things we have bought brand new for our house, besides the appliances, are our purple couches! - oh and our computer :)]
Wow! Once I started listing all the awesome things we have in our house thanks to others, I am so humbled. We are so blessed!
Food For Thought
I'm reading Blue Like Jazz for a book club and it's made me think. A lot. If you haven't read it, it's a gooder. And I hate saying that because I am one to rebel against recommendations. If someone tells me it's a good book or a good movie, I usually don't want to read it or see it. So, read it if you want. It's good.
There were a few passages that I wanted to share from the book. Thoughts to chew on, mull around, challenge yourself. That's what I've been doing.
"Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction? Can you imagine? Can you imagine what Americans would do if they understood over half the world was living in poverty? Do you think they would change the way they live, the products they purchase, and the politicians they elect? If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn't be very many problems on earth.
The trouble with deep belief is that it costs something. And there is something inside me, some selfish beast of a subtle thing that doesn't like the truth at all because it carries responsibility, and if I actually believe these things I have to do something about them. It is so, so cumbersome to believe anything."
There were a few passages that I wanted to share from the book. Thoughts to chew on, mull around, challenge yourself. That's what I've been doing.
"Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction? Can you imagine? Can you imagine what Americans would do if they understood over half the world was living in poverty? Do you think they would change the way they live, the products they purchase, and the politicians they elect? If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn't be very many problems on earth.
The trouble with deep belief is that it costs something. And there is something inside me, some selfish beast of a subtle thing that doesn't like the truth at all because it carries responsibility, and if I actually believe these things I have to do something about them. It is so, so cumbersome to believe anything."
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I hate it when...
...you put day old coffee in the microwave to warm it up and then forget about it, only to discover it later and have to warm it up again.
...you are racing to get out of the house to get to an appointment or something and one (or all 3) of your kids has to poop.
...you buy nice glasses that you've wanted for awhile, that the store tells you are great, high-quality frames, and they break 3 times and the final time you take them in, the same store tells you that they are discontinued because they break!
...you go to the fridge looking for that yummy thing to eat, only to discover that you ate it yesterday.
...you change your sweet baby's yucky diaper and as you are turning to get the new diaper they finish their business all over the floor.
...you're driving down the highway and your daughter coughs, thereby coughing her "fire" clear across the car and screams until you can stop long enough to get it to her.
...you're sound asleep at 6am and your infant son screams because he rolled onto his back.
...you roll over in bed and your husband's elbow meets your forehead.
...you forget about the wash that's in the washing machine overnight so you have to rewash it the next day because it smells.
...someone in customer service tells you one thing, you jump through that hoop only to find another hoop that sends you back to customer service so they can tell you something completely different.
...you put dirty dishes into the dishwasher, realize that the dishwasher is full of clean dishes, then realize you don't remember which dishes you loaded that were dirty so you have to wash the whole stinkin' thing again!
...you call someone, leave a message then get cut off half way through the message.
...you're in the middle of a long phone conversation or customer service :) and your phone battery dies.
...you walk into a room looking for something then can't remember what it is you're looking for.
...your daughter won't stay in her bed for nap time longer than 2 minutes.
...you get a piece of popcorn stuck in between your gums and teeth. Pain!
...the car in front of you drives for like 3 miles with their blinker on therefore keeping you guessing 'are they gonna turn or not?'.
...the snow melts and turns your yard to mud and then when you come home the dog jumps on you with muddy feet!
...I want to see something clear so I go to put my glasses on and then remember they're broken and at the store getting fixed by the people who told you they were great then changed their minds.
...even though you have a menu of what's for dinner tonight you're still not sure what's for dinner tonight.
...you are racing to get out of the house to get to an appointment or something and one (or all 3) of your kids has to poop.
...you buy nice glasses that you've wanted for awhile, that the store tells you are great, high-quality frames, and they break 3 times and the final time you take them in, the same store tells you that they are discontinued because they break!
...you go to the fridge looking for that yummy thing to eat, only to discover that you ate it yesterday.
...you change your sweet baby's yucky diaper and as you are turning to get the new diaper they finish their business all over the floor.
...you're driving down the highway and your daughter coughs, thereby coughing her "fire" clear across the car and screams until you can stop long enough to get it to her.
...you're sound asleep at 6am and your infant son screams because he rolled onto his back.
...you roll over in bed and your husband's elbow meets your forehead.
...you forget about the wash that's in the washing machine overnight so you have to rewash it the next day because it smells.
...someone in customer service tells you one thing, you jump through that hoop only to find another hoop that sends you back to customer service so they can tell you something completely different.
...you put dirty dishes into the dishwasher, realize that the dishwasher is full of clean dishes, then realize you don't remember which dishes you loaded that were dirty so you have to wash the whole stinkin' thing again!
...you call someone, leave a message then get cut off half way through the message.
...you're in the middle of a long phone conversation or customer service :) and your phone battery dies.
...you walk into a room looking for something then can't remember what it is you're looking for.
...your daughter won't stay in her bed for nap time longer than 2 minutes.
...you get a piece of popcorn stuck in between your gums and teeth. Pain!
...the car in front of you drives for like 3 miles with their blinker on therefore keeping you guessing 'are they gonna turn or not?'.
...the snow melts and turns your yard to mud and then when you come home the dog jumps on you with muddy feet!
...I want to see something clear so I go to put my glasses on and then remember they're broken and at the store getting fixed by the people who told you they were great then changed their minds.
...even though you have a menu of what's for dinner tonight you're still not sure what's for dinner tonight.
C w/ KRP
Conversations with Kale Robert Palmer.... Kind of like Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy (for you SNL fans from the way early 90's)
This conversation, or Kale-ism, needs a little background for those of you that we don't see every week. Back in September Mark and I had a baby. My baby was Jack and Mark's was iPod touch... okay we both had Jack, but Mark really loves his iPod. He has it with him almost all the time and in the last 5 months has tried and downloaded numerous apps. He has a star wars light saber, a Bible, connect four, air hockey, dice, a level, a lighter, solitare, facebook, tons of music, and more! It really is a cool gadget. He has played on it with our kids and has introduced them to tons of music. We listen to Jazz, lounge music, bluegrass, 80's, worship...all kinds. The kids love it and always want to hear dad's iPod in the car.
Ok, so yesterday we are leaving the church around 5 {I go and help out at the church in the afternoons to help our awesome secretary} . The kids and I are in the rocket ship and Mark is going to go home in the civic. Mark is buckling Kale into his seat and Kale asks if daddy's gonna come home with us. Mark explains that he has to drive the other car home, yadda yadda. So Kale asks for the iPod. He wants to hear 80's music {love this kid!}. Mark says he thinks that would be fine and hands it to me to plug in.
Then Kale says, in all seriousness.... "Dad, are you going to be able to live without it for a while?"
He's so observant :) Mark assured him that he would live and he would be fine. And we laughed all the way home.
This conversation, or Kale-ism, needs a little background for those of you that we don't see every week. Back in September Mark and I had a baby. My baby was Jack and Mark's was iPod touch... okay we both had Jack, but Mark really loves his iPod. He has it with him almost all the time and in the last 5 months has tried and downloaded numerous apps. He has a star wars light saber, a Bible, connect four, air hockey, dice, a level, a lighter, solitare, facebook, tons of music, and more! It really is a cool gadget. He has played on it with our kids and has introduced them to tons of music. We listen to Jazz, lounge music, bluegrass, 80's, worship...all kinds. The kids love it and always want to hear dad's iPod in the car.
Ok, so yesterday we are leaving the church around 5 {I go and help out at the church in the afternoons to help our awesome secretary} . The kids and I are in the rocket ship and Mark is going to go home in the civic. Mark is buckling Kale into his seat and Kale asks if daddy's gonna come home with us. Mark explains that he has to drive the other car home, yadda yadda. So Kale asks for the iPod. He wants to hear 80's music {love this kid!}. Mark says he thinks that would be fine and hands it to me to plug in.
Then Kale says, in all seriousness.... "Dad, are you going to be able to live without it for a while?"
He's so observant :) Mark assured him that he would live and he would be fine. And we laughed all the way home.
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