meaningless musings

Maewyn Succat

2009-03-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously has no time to blog

2008-11-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

...but that doesn't mean I've stopped thinking or using my brain....

part of me has decided to go back to the notebook....remember that one? the notebook, where you have to use a pen or pencil.

some of my thoughts are too close to my heart to be released in cyber-space right now.

But maybe some day.

-m

Ouch!

2008-09-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

This is so harsh, but so insightful I love it!

click here.

Everything Must Change

2008-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Great blog post by Brian McLaren on Why you should vote for Barack Obama.

Everything Must Change

What are you gonna do?

ONE Voice

2008-08-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

hear.

'Nother Great One

2008-08-19T10:21:00.001-07:00

Since I am too busy to post I'll just keep passing on good one's I find:

Go here...and pass the donuts.

Great post

2008-07-31T11:19:00.001-07:00

click here

Forest Home Away from Home

2008-07-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

The bags were packed. Everyone was on the bus ready to go. Everyone, but Carter. My little guy stood in the doorway for one last good bye. “Bye Mom. Bye Mom! Bye Mom!!!” There was a hesitation. In that split second, I wasn’t sure if he was gonna jump off the bus and give up on his week of adventure, or turn and go back to his seat. So I shouted back with all the excitement I could muster, “”Bye Buddy! You are gonna have such a GREAT time!” My voice cracked. I was fighting back tears. The look Carter gave me broke my heart and almost made four other moms cry! But then he turned and bounced up the stairs back to his seat on the bus and we waved excitedly as the campers pulled out of the lower lot headed for Forest Home.

My little babies, now 4th and 5th graders, were off for their first week of camp far from home. There was no way I could talk to them or be with them. I did my motherly duty of flooding them with packages and postcards. But I think that was mainly to help myself feel better in their absence. I originally thought this would be such a fun week for them, but I would also be “on vacation” having two out of the house and only two at home. Boy, was I wrong.

I have been sleeping horribly since my boys have been gone. The nights have been hard; going to sleep with them far from the safety of our home and somewhere out of my reach and control. And for some reason the Lord brought to mind verses in Psalm 121.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

I love the idea that God neither slumbers nor sleeps. And laying awake at night praying for my boys it was comforting to know that God was watching over them. He is their shade by day. He won’t let their feet slip. He watches over and comforts. When I am limited as their earthly mother, their Heavenly Father intercedes and fills my boys with peace.

We do not have these precious treasures forever. Time away brings perspective and appreciation. But, oh I am so glad we have a King who promises to keep our little ones from harm. We have a Lord who will watch over their lives. And we have a God who will watch over their coming and going both now and forevermore. As a mother, that is where the true comfort lies. Thank God for his mercy and his blessing on our children!

OMG it's July!

2008-07-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

Ok...so YES I have been THAT busy!

Here's the latest:

Big news: we are adopting a baby/toddler from ethiopia. So that consumed ALL of May and most of June. We have a completed homestudy and are waiting on the glorious USCIS for approval before the Ethiopian govt can approve us and we are officially added to a never ending waitlist. So sometime in the future (maybe distant) we will adopt. But because of that we have been laering some really cool things and went to the best restaurant ever! Messob in Little Ethiopia.

School is over and no sooner can I clean my screens and sweep my floors do I feel like I need to bust my butt to get ready for next year. UHHH! Momma's gonna have a summer break if it kills me!!!!!!!!

We have family coming in town for the entire month of July. Make of that what you wish. Good times will be had. Legoland. Beach. Building a pirate ship in the backyard.

Never enough time...

I've been reconnecting with the most bizzare people I NEVER thought I'd hear from again on facebook. So that has been great! And a little easier to maintain.

And I've chosen to use my "free" time to read. Well, what free time I have here and there...so that is good...but I think I have the eyeballs of a 50 year old...so I'm probably screwing myself over.

I've been watching the HBO John Adams Miniseries with my older boys. Excellent. Really supurb! Go watch it and feel good about our independance and the men (& their families) who REALLY sacrificed for us. They had some balls! I think I would've gotten along well with the founding fathers. And Abigail Adams...my kind of lady.

That's all for now.

ONE PEPFAR Petition

2008-04-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

I've just signed a petition asking my senators to co-sponsor the reauthorization of PEPFAR, America's response to the emergency of global AIDS, malaria and TB.

ONE is trying to get fifty senators to co-sponsor this lifesaving legislation. You can help by adding your voice.

http://www.one.org/pepfarsenate

ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans - one by one. So far, over two million have joined ONE in support of a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world.

Also I am not normally a viewer of American Idol…but this Wednesday is the “Idol Gives Back Episode” where they are trying to raise awareness and money for the cause of ending extreme poverty. ONE will also be featured in a segment of the programming. Anyway, I’d love to encourage you all to watch and consider what your role may be in helping to make poverty history.

Together as ONE we can make a difference!

Thanks!

MTD

Conversation with Sophie

2008-04-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

This took place this morning:

Sophie: Mommy....are there bad guys?

Me: Yeah, sweetie...there are some bad guys.

Sophie: Yeah, Grandpa fought the bad guys.

[Pause]

Sophie: Has Grandpa ever fought a Dragon?

Me: (chuckle) No, sweetie....Grandpa has never fought a dragon.

The End

Movies to Watch

2008-03-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Trade- excellent..but not "entertaining" In other words, skip the popcorn and turn your brain on.
Into the Wild -shout out to Harrod & Funck
Eastern Promises - Unbelievable. But another one that is disturbing, but will move you.
Longford - Wow. Again, wow.
Michael Clayton - fell asleep to it the first time, but totally worht going back to.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - for the kids.
Once - killed me. BTW what an Oscar speac, Marketa!
Across the Universe - if you like the beetles and love Moulan Rouge.
Becoming Jane - nice
Hott Fuzz - hilarious
God Grew Tired of Us - that will get you thinking about true community.
The Flying Scotsman - yea, Pippen.
Snow Cake - that will move your heart for those who live with Autism.
Offside -
The Kingdom - great to see Jason Bateman out of his box.
Away from Her
Beyond the Gates - if this doesn't stir your heart, you are dead.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - good history, and who doesn't like Clive Owen?

Been a Long Time

2008-03-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

So this blogging has got to go in waves...I just can't keep up. So here are a few of the highlights:

Sophie is technically now in 1st grade.
Parents get home today.
Signing the boys up for guitar lessons at Encino Rec Center.
Missed the Derek Webb at Knitting Factory last night.
Went to Trader Joes.
Trying Blue Agave Sweetner in my coffee this morning instead of splenda.
Dealing with my seemingly bipolar son who turns 10 on Saturday who has some serious anger issues...but all of that is probably because he is almost 10.
Gardening...got the onions, peas, beans, grapes, blueberrie, strawberries going...waiting to buy my tomatoes.
Really tired.
Can't seem to get over this time change.
Boys sent a letter to Peter Jackson today saying they wanted to help out with "The Hoddit"...yes, they are in 3rd and 4th grade and still make reversals.
Decided as a teacher that cursive really isn't important.
Actually I'm technically not a teacher...just a "teaching parent". But what the heck...it allows me to keep homeschool (that is schooling at home in a virtual on-line public charter school) in California.
Still reading Anna Karenina.
Love it...but seriously have NO TIME.
Need a night off. (And not to run errands).
Still need to do the taxes...but dreading it.
Rally have to go start school, but not looking forward to the roller coaster of attitude that is currently circling my house right now.

ONE more thing

2008-02-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

I just signed a petition to the 2008 presidential candidates urging them to commit to visiting Africa during their first term.You can help by taking action here:

http://www.one.org/visitafrica/

Thanks!

upcoming

2008-02-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

I have a post I am meaning to write on "the Christian Concert"...but I just have to find the time. I'm sure some of you can already imagine.

It's not easy being green?

2008-02-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Actually i have found this week to be great. Spring is upon us so every opportunity I have had I've riden my bike instead of my ginormous SUV...(which I am still proud of bc I usually drive around 6-8 people so I'm still saving gass and not leaving a big footprint. Post for another day.)

This week I have riden my bike:

to vote
to the flower shop
to the optomitrist
to the park
to a picnic with my boys.

Too bad for people in Ground Hog land...Southern California is getting NICE!!!!!

Come Spring
and fill our merry land
with plant, and tree and bud
with sweet smells of springtime air
with cool showers and morning dew
with dawn sunshine and life upon us
Drink it in, man,
and breathe.

Maybe we should all go move to Cleveland?

2008-01-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

It is a sad day for Kucinich supporters...

So much for "Strength through Peace"...

If he could've only gotten his message out. Thanks so much Big Media. Hope you enjoy your war.

Click Here.

Sign up here: www.integritynow.org

Ztohoven

2008-01-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Check out this article.

Hilarious. Sounds like stunts we used to do in the church just to piss off the moral right.

On You Tube ...I can't stop laughing.

ONE: On the Record

2008-01-18T16:56:00.001-08:00

Do you know where your candidate stands on ending extreme global poverty?

http://www.onevote08.org/ontherecord/

Politics & the Media

2008-01-15T09:26:00.001-08:00

This should be a much longer post...but I think it's ridiculous that the TV networks (ABC, NBC) can pick adn choose which candidates get to air on the debates on their networks. Absolutely unfair. I mean isn't the whole point of this critical time to GET the information out so we can CHOOSE our best candidate...This is not who has the most money or the loudest voice. Let's let some of the underdogs come to the table and show by their past record, their words and their actions that they might actually be able to do more for our country and our world than those with the largest pocketbooks or a former president as a spouse.

Let's get back to free speech and the truth of politics that the media so easily convaludes.

All Is Redeemed

2008-01-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

All Is Being Redeemed.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time now and forever. Amen.
Jude 24,25

Mommy, I got a Lego stuck in my nose!

2008-01-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

So tonight I am in Vegas visitin some family and we had plans to go out for a night on the town and hit the Venetian and just hang out do dinner, whatever. It was gonna be a fun night out and the grandparents were watching the kids. I decided to take a much needed shower. In the midst of my three minutes of relaxation I had just put the conditioner on my hair and hear crying. But I'm in the shower so I pay no attention to Sophie's tears. My brother tells me Sophie is crying so I reach out for the door to unlock it and yell out to have her come in. She is crying and holding both arms up over her face. "What's wrong, Baby?"

"Mommy I got a lego stuck up my nose!" (Sob sob sob)

I shouted for Johnny to come in and get her. I wasn't about to jump out naked in my sister-in-law's parents house! SO I did a quick rinse and pulled clothes on (enough to make me decent.) By this time Sophie was HY-STERICAL! We forcefully laid her down on the ground and descovered she indead had this lego:stuck way up her right nostral. Do we go to ER, Urgent Care, or do it ourselves? Well she was screaming and nashing her teeth. We tried to get her to calm down to no avail. SO we sat on her and pinned her down, Johnny me and my brother. So was like a demon possesed child foaming at the mouth and making herself puke! We had gotten tweezers and tried to get it out, but there was no hope. After a while we stopped our efforts. Sophie began to calm down. WE moved her to the bed and she decided to let daddy try again before we had to go to the doctor. She did a great job calming down...but no luck and we probably even shoved it farther up and her nose was now bleeding.

So we went to Kid Doctor Urgent Care and paid $25 co-pay but the doctor said it was too high up and didn't have the right tool to get it out. (To which I ask, Hello? You are a Child Urgent Care...aren't legos up the nose a common problem???) So we were sent to the ER. (We got our $25 back.)

We stopped by Jack in the Box and Sophie got a milkshake. She was now the sweetest little thing and soaking in all the attention. We went to the ER and it looked like we had gone to the poor house clinic on "The Strip". The place was packed. We checked in and talked to a really nice nurse...but by the sights of it we were gonna be there all night long. But Sophie still had such a sweet heart:

As we were all sitting around we began to talk about things we should've tried. I suggested holding the vaccuum up to her nose. That led to the thought of a bulb syringe. Then my brother suggested a straw. So we had Sophie lay on our laps int he middle of the ER waiting room and Sophie made a funny face that caused her airpassage to open up a bit more. Johnny stuck the straw up her nose and SUCKED! After two attempts POP the lego was OUT! We all screamed! We were cheering and made quite a commotion and yelled, "We're outta here!" Stood up and got ready to walk out. The nice nurse, Kay, stopped us and said, "Wow...that was cool!"

We went out to celebrate and bought Sophie one of those Baskin Robin's Ice cream cone clowns. (Remember those? I used to love those!) And the lady behing the counter cave her a huge cup full of jelly beans (Cause she was so cute and got a lego stuck up her nose!)

Tonight she was so scared, so tender, so strong and so beautiful! What a remarkable little girl. And hopefully tomorrow Ethan won't stick legos up his nose just to try to get an icecream!

Candidates

2008-01-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

So I've been doing more research on candidates over my Chritstmas Break "free" time...and I came to the conclusion that I think Elizabeth Kucinich and I would be good friends. What an amazing woman and a worthy life lived so far. Now she would set a new standard as a First Lady...maybe finally address some real issues. Like poverty, peace and social justice! And I think she has the (very feminine) balls to get things done.

Happy Birthday Mr. Tolkien

2008-01-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

SO if you know anything about my kids, you know they love LoTR. So today we had Hobbit Stew for dinner (it's the only way they will eat the stuff if I call it that!) and lembas bread. And for dessert we had a Gondorian castle bundt cake and sang Happy Birthday.

Never would I have imagined the things I would do as a mother to continue to spark the passions of my kids!

In Loving Memory

2008-01-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Carol B. Testwuide
20 June 1939-28 December 2007

You are dearly loved and will be missed by those who ever knew you.

Pick Your Candidate

2008-01-02T23:36:00.001-08:00

This is a helpful tool...but please educate yourself.

http://www.dehp.net/candidate/

Oh My Damn!

2007-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071229/ap_on_re_us/fake_essay

SO this parent got her little 6-year old girl to write an essay saying her daddy died in Iraq in order to win 4 Miley Cyrus concert tickets and a trip to NY. Well, it worked, she won...but it turns out it's not true.

The mother says, "We did the essay and that's what we did to win. We did whatever we could do to win."

Well...that right there is one of the worst in America. Jeez...men and women are dying so you can teach your kid to lie, cheat and steal in order to get ahead. WTF???

That's about as crazy as Lynn Spears actually thinking writing a parenting book is a god idea.

I read this quote this week...and oh how it applies:

Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk. -Carl Jung

May God grant us the grace and wisdom we need to be better parents.

I am in love with Pinkberry!

2007-12-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

Blueberries, Stawberries and Pineapple....could anything be better?

I'm thinking....

no.

www.pinkberry.com

Happy Birthday Kiefer!

2007-12-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'll have a drink in your honor tonight.

And no...I am actually not being sarcastic (for once.) As much as what he did was dumb, I do really dumb things all the time so I'm not throwing any stones. No matter who you are, it just sucks spending your birthday and Christmas alone.

So I will knock one (or two) back in honor of you tonight!

Rescue Dawn

2007-12-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

This is a GREAT movie...I love these true "Human Story" films. I made my dad watch it and as it turns out he had the opportunity to meet Dieter Dengler at the Pentagon when he worked there years ago. Pretty amazing story. Plus Christan Bale is one of my favs even though he does some pretty gross stuff...eat maggots, get leeches, eat a live snake...still the movie is worth it.

Diet of Worms

2007-12-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

Today we were studying Martin Luther and the Reformation in our homeschool curriculum. So cool. So I had the boys each represent different sides (catholic/protestant) and battle it out in the "wars of religion" of the 16th century. So funny. And yes they did finally agree to the treaty of Augsburg and end the fighting.

The "Little Guys" are learning about ancient Mesopotamia...pretty cool.

This is my favorite part of school and thanks to K12 I kick butt on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader"!

Everything is Sacred

2007-12-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

I came across this song recently from the new Caedmon's Call albumn, Overdressed. And it is right where I am at, and has spoken so much to me as a mom this week. I'm just trying to strip it all away and enjoy the moments in the mundane and realize how special they truely are. I have four completely unique but unbelievably cool kids. They really are neat people to get to know...and funny too! Really funny! But so often I miss out on the great moments because I'm worried about the house being a mess or being late because it takes so long to get out of the house or being in a rush to finish school or whatever. Sometimes I get so frustrated at them being kids. (Especially when they DON'T listen!) And instead of talking through the situation I loose it and yell at 'em. I hate it that I do that...even in the midst of it. So I've been resting on the thoughts of how to get over the pains of motherhood to experience the joys. And even in the joys of the mundane. Stopping to be thankful for all the little moments...I don't want to be a mother that realizes what she had when it's gone...these days are precious and I want to drink deep of the joy and laughter and pleasure that comes in family. It is right that "everything I've dreamed of has been right before my eyes."

So enjoy. Go find the song and listen to it. But for now, here's

Sacred

Words and Music by Randall Goodgame and Andrew Osenga(c) 2007 House of Mirrors Music (ASCAP) admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc. / 2007 Mighty Molecule Music. (ASCAP) admin by Music Services

this house is a good mess
it’s the proof of life
no way would I trade jobs
but it don’t pay overtime

I’ll get to the laundry
I don’t know when
I’m saying a prayer tonight
cause tomorrow it starts again

could it be that everything is sacred?
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes

the children are sleeping
but they’re running through my mind
the sun makes them happy
and the music makes them unwind

my cup runneth over
and I worry about the stain
teach me to run to You
like they run to me for every little thing

when I forget to drink from you
I can feel the banks harden
Lord, make me like a stream
to feed the garden

wake up, little sleeper
the Lord, God Almighty
made your Mama keeper
so rise and shine
rise and shine cause

everything is sacred
and all this time
everything I’ve dreamed of
has been right before my eyes

Anyway...go buy the album - it's really quite unbelievable.

If you live in Los Angeles:

2007-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Be An Extra In ONE Vote '08's New Ad

Come out to the El Mirage Dry Lake Tuesday, December 4 to be in ONE Vote '08's new campaign ad. Call is at 10:30a.m. and we'll need you to stay until sometime between 5:30p.m. and 7:30p.m. You can download directions here: http://www.one.org/elmiragead/directions_to_el_mirage_dry_lake.pdf

One thing I'm learning...

2007-12-01T20:24:00.001-08:00

My kids are SO much nicer when I am not such a bitch.

Go figure.

Today

2007-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Elf Yourself

2007-11-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Get ready to laugh...

This is Hil-ar-eeee-ous!!!!!!!!

click here.

Happy Christmas.

RE: IMF - Way to Go ONE!

2007-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Masood Ahmed, Director of the IMF's External Relations, posted an open letter on the IMF's website announcing that they finally took the step necessary to move forward. Some key excerpts:

I am pleased to inform you that on November 12, 2007, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has secured adequate pledges from member countries for the cost of the IMF's debt relief to Liberia.

We have received a large volume of emails on this topic, so this letter is being posted because it is impossible to respond to each message individually.

I take this opportunity to also thank all those who have expressed their concerns about Liberia's debt situation. Their strong support to the cause of debt relief contributed to the broad donor support that made this financing possible.

Ouch!

2007-11-15T17:45:00.001-08:00

I got this off a friend's site. What can I say...Put that in your consumeristic pipe and smoke it.

Welcome to the World

2007-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

LINCOLN GRAHAM TAYLOR
Born Nov. 8th
8:10am
8.4 lbs
21 inches long

My new nephew.

VH1: The Shot

2007-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Go check out my friend Robin on VH1's new reality show The Shot. Searching for the next hot photographer. Good luck, Red!

Click here.

On the Record

2007-11-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've just signed a petition to the 2008 presidential candidates asking them to go on the record and tell us exactly where they stand on fighting extreme poverty and global disease.

You can take action on this important cause too by visiting http://www.one.org/ontherecord

Concerning Hobbits...

2007-11-02T09:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween. From Frodo, Aragorn, Arwen, Samwise and the rest of Middle Earth. My favorite part this year was carving Elvish and Dwarvish Ruins into the new swords!

Ahhh...kids with a passion!

Where I've Been...Where I Wanna Go

2007-11-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Get Your Own Map

View Larger Map

Aristotle said:

2007-10-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.

DaVinci

2007-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is totally cool...The Last Supper in 1600 pixels so you can see all the details close up. Still so much worth the trip to see the real deal in one of my favorite cities, Milano...but if you can't make it, I guess this is pretty cool.

The kids have been studying DaVinci this month. So it's a great educational tool as well!

Click here.

One of the Smarter Shows on TV

2007-10-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...crucify me...but one of my favorite new shows is Donnald Sutherland's "Dirty Sexy Money". It's actually one of those shows you walk away from and have to think - novel idea! A show that spurs thought. Hmmmm...

The main character, Nick, is a guy who is a lawyer representing one of NYC's richest families. He was given 10 million dollars to give away to charity as a side bonus of his job. Yet tonight's episode had some great lines about how he was too busy throwing million dollar birthday parties to be able to give an of the money to the less fortunate.

I loved that. We have a bankload of good to hand out, but are just too darn busy with the ins and outs of the everyday to do any good. So many times I go to bed and just think about how I blew it with the kids or whatever, just out of bad habits or laziness or whatever...instead of just taking the time to build in to them like I should. What would happen if I just said, "Screw the laundry and the dishes and the cleaning and I'm just gonna spend the whole day building in to my kids and not getting overwhelmed and yelling at them because their inability to act as fast as I want them too doesn't fit into MY schedule for the day"??? (I know...that was a run-on!)

What would happen if I just gave them my best for one day? How would it change them? How would that change me?

What the heck does that have to do with a TV show? I'm not sure...it's late.

Just more random thoughts....for what it's worth.

Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea?

2007-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

These are my nephews...SO ADORABLE! I had to share! I love these little guys so much and miss them. I got to see them several weeks back when we went to Maine. UH! I can't stand it! And they have the sweetest little hearts too!

My brother made the costumes. So cool.

Fires

2007-10-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

If you pray, pray for the many families in SoCal who are without homes and who have a long road ahead. Particularly pray for the strength and endurance of the many sacrificial firefighters. Pray for their families as well.

We are safe and we are well...but many, many others are not. The kids are asking questions. But they just want to know they are SAFE.

Good Blog

2007-10-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

This is a link to a great Blog for info on education and thoughts on homeschool, etc. Bror Saxberg (love that name) is the education expert mind behind K12.

Check it out:

https://communitychest.k12.com/blog

Quote of the Day

2007-10-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

This morning right after I woke up I could hear the kids outside playing in the yard. All of a sudden, from the bathroom, I hear various grunts and moans. I quickly realized it was Ethan (6) doing his buisness. It was quiet for a moment and I went back to what I was doing, and then I hear Ethan yelling apparently to someone outside:

"Just a minute Mr. Fodo, I have to wipe my bottom!"

Way to go Master Gamgee. Way to go.
That's what I call, getting into character.

As Time Permits...

2007-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

I have been filled with so many thoughts and ideas lately about what I want from life, or what kind of life I want to create for my kids to make a lifelong impact on them. So as time permits in the midst of all the chaos I am hoping to randomly get some thoughts out regarding my passions, hopes, dream and ideals. (I laugh seeing as I have like 14 other things to be doing right now and the kids are always coming in...)

Is my life only about my kids right now or is there a way to do/get more? I have this dream to in some small way try to change the world and make it better. (Just a little dream!) But is that even possible as a mom of 4 kids? You could argue that my pouring into them IS changing lives...yes...but I also want more. I want to give them more.

This weekend I watched two really great movies that generate a lot of thought. Beyond the Gates is a BBC film about the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the lives of a handful of Westerners who were involved in providing refuge and then later bailing on the Rwandan people. (All of this begs the question: What the hell was I doing in 1994 that I was not aware of what was going on...and what the hell am I doing now to end the current struggle in Darfur?)

The second was A Mighty Heart the story of American journalist Daniel Pearl who was captured and murdered in Pakistan in 2002. As it turns our Danny Pearl went to high school walking distance to my house at Birmingham H.S...and they've named a journalist/leadership magnet after him in that school. His folks still live in Encino I think.

People are dying and sacrificing their lives everyday for my freedoms of deciding to choose goldfish crackers over cheezenips. And while my kids are eating their goldfish crackers and throwing away the half a bowl of left overs, children are dying all over the world from malnutrition.

What the hell am I doing?...and what can I do????

I know it is all too overwhelming and I don't really have any answers. But I am asking the questions. I want to be aware. I want my kids to be aware. I want them to know they are priviledged not because they have shelves and shelves of toys and want even more...but because they are alive...they are healthy...they don't have to worry about whether they will have lunch, or dinner, or fishy crackers...they have a home. And they have love.

But I want to do more....so until I up and sell all I have and move to Africa (hey, it's a thought) or whatever I do I want to be asking the questions and shock myslef out of suburbia.

I want to be a mom that is raising my kids to love others and do their part to save the world...and that means more than just recycling and writing to our Compassion Child in Tanzania.

Ok...kids are back. I think I have a bathroom to clean, or dinner to prepare, or school to teach....

Day of Service: GIVE YOURSELF

2007-10-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today we took the kids down to a church on Wilshire to serve in the Immanuel Food Pantry. It was a great morning to get the kids involved in ending poverty and hunger and bringing about change (be it in ever so small of a way). I want more of this. I want our familiy to be characterized by giving away our time and energy and money and LOVE to others.

It was so easy and so much fun and the best thing was being there together serving alongside one another.

Blessing on blessing. You should try it.

Sun of God???

2007-10-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

So we were studying the Ancient Egyptian Civilizations today with Ethan and Sophie. We were discussing one of the many gods, Aman-Ra: god of the Sun.

So when we were reviewing I asked Sophie, "Who is Aman-Ra?"

She replied, "The Sun of God!"

Ancient Egyptian Civilizations and Theological Doctrine with my Kindergardener...Nice...

No baby, Not the "Son of God"...The "god of the sun!"

Oh, how their little minds process!

God help me!

Hiatus

2007-10-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ok we are now over the "Start of the New School Year Hump"...so hopefully post will start again!

Kylan Love Clair

2007-07-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Baby Girl!

2:36am
7lbs. 8oz.
20 inches long.

Manistee, Michigan

You are adored little one! Can't wait to meet you.

Ginormous Quote of the Day

2007-07-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ginormous is making the dictionary! That is so hilariously fabulous!

"There will be linguistic conservatives who will turn their nose up at a word like `ginormous,'" said John Morse, Merriam-Webster's president. "But it's become a part of our language. It's used by professional writers in mainstream publications. It clearly has staying power."

Interesting stuff.

Just another trip to the Gynecologist

2007-07-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

If there was ever a need for a blog this is the day! OMG! I went for my "yearly" appt. today with Dr. T. I hadn't been in in like 15 months. And with some "female troubles" I have had in the past it seemed like I used to visit his office every week for months. But since he barbequed my uterus (quite literally) things have been somewhat more stable and I am back to my yearly visits.
So I go in and get completely undressed except for the enlarged paper towel they give you to put on. (Which is such a freaking joke and so miserably uncomortable.) And you sit and wait. I must say after having four kids the GYNie doctor is no big deal and nothing to fear...frankly it was an hour out of the house alone, so that was nice. But today was just odd.
So Dr. T. comes in and we chit-chat a bit. Talk about breast cancer and family histories and all. He does the breast exam. Everything is fine and then he looks down at my wrist and FREAKS OUT!!! He noticed the tattoo on my wrist and went nuts! He couldn't believe it. He said of all the people he NEVER peggged me to be the type to go get a tattoo.

Side Note: I found this funny. Because although I did visit him frequently a few years back, we did a lot of chit-chatting but I never got the sense he "knew" what kind of person I was. But then again he 'knows" me like only a handful of people ever have in my life. So there must be something about opening yourself up to people who look at your crotch. And he actually never even delivered any of my babies. So I found it funny that he thought he "knew me" so well!

So I said my life has changed a lot since the last time I saw him. That led into a whole 15 minute conversation about what happened to us and my friends over the past year, about switching from being a Baptist to a Presbyterian and getting out of church work. Which led to a discussion on the differences between different sects of Jews. (He's Jewish) And the reasons Jews and Palastinians are fighting. To him telling me his favourite Jewish joke, to going back to the night I got the tattoo. (He couldn't believe I wasn't drunk.)
And somewhere in the middle of this strange spiritual conversation I realize I am totally naked, covered only by a napkin (big one, but none the less) with my feet up in the stirups. This deffinitely goes down inthe record books for THE strangest place to have a meaningful conversation.

So after that he did the PAP and I was outta there.

It was very surreal and oh so weird. But then again...the Lord works in mysterious ways. I guess I will get to continue the conversation next year. Man, that was just bizarre.

Brother's Day

2007-06-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

So we celebrated Father's Day yesterday. Jay got a new video camera to preserve our family heritage. (Seriously, we are using such a freaking dinosaur, that I feel we've taken the past two years off...poor Sophie won't have any video footage of her growing up!)

Anyway, the kids got Jay an "Office Fish Tank" for him to take to work. The decoration in the tank looks like a cubicle. We had lunch together and had a great day.

In the afternoon I was out in the garden picking veggies when Ethan came up to me. "Um...mommy?"

"Yes, Ethan."

"When it's Brother's Day will you buy me a Pirate Caribbean action figure?"

Brother's Day...how freaking cute is that? God I love 'em. And these things they come up with!

Vanity Fair

2007-06-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Go buy the July issue...even if you wouldn't normally. Bono has done a stellar job again.

Or go here.

And good news! Product (Red) is finally coming out with kids clothes. Soon.

ONE
Join now.

Gardening

2007-05-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

So we have been revamping the back yard and doing some gardening. We planted carrots, onions, okra, tomatoes, bibb and romaine lettuces, spinach, strawberries, beans, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, cantaloupe & watermelon. I had some helpers the day we planted everything. And as we finished Sophie says to me:

"When ya gonna plant the mashed potatoes?"

I mean, c'mon...how freaking cute is that????

The Salad Days

2007-05-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Limerick

2007-05-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

So this just goes to prove I am NOT a typical homeschool mom and don't reall fit into that mold either.

Carter had to write a limerick today for Language Arts. He was given the first line and had to finish the rest. This is his masterpiece...hope you enjoy it!

There was an old lion named Lou

There was an old lion named Lou.
Who had a hard time going poo.
He sat and he sat.
But was way too fat
To try to poo in his shoe.

I mean c'mon! What else rhymes with Lou that a 7-year-old boy will think of?

I'm so proud of him! And he was just so thrilled he could use "Potty language" in school!!!

DAY NINE: 29 March, Bahrain

2007-05-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Awake at 10:30 AM. Stay home to rest around the house.

Take Sarah to Ballet at Bodyline.

Go to Sawson's Stables to see the horses.

Meet her sone Isa. (Jesus - popular name here!)

Went to the Saudi Causeway to catch a glimpse of the forbidden land.

HUGE amounts of traffic.

Great sunset.

Out for great juice (Lebanese Cocktail) at Mesh Mesh fresh juice stand.

Met the guys at the Schwarma stand. Good stuff. (Like going out for an Auhentic Taco in LA!)

Home and to bed EARLY!

Dan got home at 2AM - poor guy.

Idol Gives Back

2007-04-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I must say...I really am not a big fan of American Idol. I've just never really gotten into all of the hype.

But tonight was different.

What a great program. Good music. (If you minus the Idol Contestant bits. Again, not a fan...Oh...and Ben Stiller, keep your day job! I must say, Jack Black - Hil-arious!) And an incredible cause.

AFRICA: Uh...my heart breaks. I want to sell everything I have and just go and help. We MUST do more. We MUST do something. How can we exist in such a consumeristic culture and not be aware of people dying every three seconds. This is ridiculous. We need to pull our heads out of our asses and actually CARE about the less fortunate. We need to be LOVE to those who have never known it. We need to ACT...NOW.

So whoever you are. Join the fight. Get involved.

And give, give, give.

From your heart. With your time. And your wallet.

But most importantly, your voice.

Join ONE now. Let us BE the generation that makes poverty history!

DAY EIGHT: 28 March, Heaven on Earth

2007-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Awake at 8:00AM. Impressed I got up so early!

Leave for La Fontaine.

Unspeakable.

Unbelievable.

Glorious.

A Worship experience of all 5 senses.

This IS what Heaven will be like.

It was the home of an old pearl merchant in Bahrain. Jean Marc Sinan restored and reinvented the place making it feel like you are in paradise in the middle of a bustling city. For some history of the place click here.

The whole experience was a work of art.

And the best part was it was like we rented out the whole complex. We didn't see one other person the whole time we were there. (Except for the staff people who were waiting on us hand and foot.)

We started with a hour long full body massage.

Then rested out by the pool. It started to sprinkle - which is unheard of for Bahrain in March. I took a nap by the pool under a wooden canopy.

Then to the restaurant for an amazing beef fillet. We had the place to ourselves. Georgous! And then it started to downpour. The sound was so relaxing! Heaven, I swear will be like this! I would move to Bahrain just for La Fontaine! And the prices will astound you for food and services compared to the west. I would go weekly if I lived here!

The food experience was right up there with Ortolan (except for the lack of alcohol.)

Then we wandered through the facility and spent time in the art gallery viewing Beyond Words , Calligraphy by the Iranian artist, Golnaz Fahti. Quite moving.

Breathe...

Ok, back to reality...picked up kids.

RAIN.

Esku make Ethopian food for dinner. Really good stuff, and ANOTHER great cultural experience.

Rest.

Kids to bed.

Out with Dan & Nicole to Seef Mall.

The GAP and Banana Republic just opened up. It was hilarious in a mall full of barely anyone in stores, and no one with shopping bags (because their house help carry them back to the car many times) to see like 50 women in Abiyahs crowded around the check-out at The Gap waiting to buy the new Spring line. (for full price -Yikes! And everything there was like 1/3 more expensive than at our Gap. However it was cheaper than Gap in London.) And then is was cool to be seen with your Gap bag. Just funny.

Out for smoothies at Waterlemon. When we go out for drinks, it's cocktails. When they go out for drinks, it's smoothies or coffee. Bean would miss her Appletinis!

Ran in to some friends.

Home and to bed.

Whatta day!

DAY SEVEN: 27 March, Bahrain

2007-04-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Awake at 10:30AM. FINALLY sleeping through the 4AM prayer call. (I wouldn't make a good Muslim...for me sleep is better that prayer at 4AM.)

Shower and dress.

Muffins with Francois & Amber.

(Really loving hanging out with and getting to know such GREAT people!)

Good talks.

Went over to see their new flat. Very beautiful. With a balcony with ocean view. Totally great!

Went to visit the Sheik Isa House (King Jesus House, literally) with "Ferrah-zanna's" family. It was funny because it was my 2nd time their...but their first and they had lived in Bahrain all their lives. (And believe me...it's a SMALL island!)

Back home.

Out to meet Dan at Cafe Lilou for dinner. A-mazing food! And really cheap for great food. Only wish you could enjoy it with a nice glass of wine...but that would be "haram" or taboo. Oh well. NC2 would hate it here. Great food...but no alchohol.

Good talks. Time to pray.

Rode home with my bro.

Reminicising.

Stayed up til 1AM looking at old photos.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in Bahrain

Italy and our Christmas trip to Florence and Pisa

Summers in San Diego

Mickey & me at Disneyland.

So many memories!

Great night!

DAY SIX: 26 March, Bahrain

2007-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 10AM.
Went out to Al-Anwar for cheap souveniers. (It's like our local Q Bargain, or a multi-cultural Dollar Store.)
Cool wooden trays and carved peices from India.
Loads of Hookah supplies.
Tons of crap.
Bought cute Easter pails for the kids.
Got Sophie and girl cousins the "Fulla" doll. She the Middle-Eastern equivalent of Barbie. Dressed in the full Abaiyah.
Strolled through Geant - the French version of Super Wal-mart...but MUCH cooler!
Bought my kids European candy.

J. got this picture right outside of Geant. It says so much of the clash of what we saw and felt the whole time we were there. Tides are changing. The West is influencing. Wanting to "change with the times" and yet "hold on to tradition". But somebody's buying the stuff...So who know's what's under the covering???

Picked up my niece and nephews from school.
Home for Dinner (?) at 3:30PM. (I am so screwed up from when people eat in this country...every day is a different time, and the "big meal" is in the -not quite- middle of the day.)
Out with Sami to CHAOSS to watch gymnastics.
Again soaking in the ex-pat culture and loving that S.A. accent!
Sami is an amazing gymnast. Totally top of the class and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm a cool Aunt!
Home again. Skyped our kids.
Spent time with the nephews making fun of their insturctor, James, accent and all.
Dressed up a bit - out for "Girl's Night". Picked up "Ip-ta-hodge" (NO idea how to spell that!) and "Ferrah-zanna" and went to Le Chocolat. A-mazing! Good Italian pizza. Gelato. And beautiful desserts!
The whole night was hilarious and weird all at the same time.

One Bahraini dressed in full conservative Abaiyah. One Bahraini dressed conservatively, but modern. One American speaking Arabic, and me.

But all of us chatting it up, laughing, and talking loudly like it had been a reunion of my old college suite-mates. We deffinitaly got some stares! But it was one of the great high-lights of my trip. Great ladies. Such high-quality girls.
And sadly, being that I don't really keep up with American day-time television I had no input on what was currently going on on Oprah. Apparently, Oprah and Dr. Phil are big globally. Go figure. All in all it was a great light hearted and fun night!

DAY FIVE: 25 March, Bahrain

2007-04-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Awoke at 4AM from the morning prayer call. Goodness...that is early to be expected to be up praying. Wow! Couldn't fall right back to sleep until 5:15AM.
Slept til 12PM.
Ate leftovers, visited with Esku the live-in house-maid/nanny.
Picked up the kids from school.
Went by the Korean Bakery to buy European breads sold by Bahraini women. (Confusing!)
Went to CHAOSS (Children's Health Academy of Specialized Sports).
Saw Steven take his gymnastics class. (Open house week)
LOVE the accent of his South African instructor, James.

Went to Bahrain Fort. Had fun with the kids!
Took kids home to bed. Out for coffee with Nicole. Went to the local market to shop for spices. Lemon Salt - Hello? Where have you been all my life?

Took a late night request to get Ice Cream for a pregnant friend of Nicole's. Met Francois and Amber at their appartment and quickly became friends. Such great people. Interesting to hear a bit of their story and how they wound up moving from South Africa to Bahrain. Great people and hope to spend more time with them!Home to bed!

DAY FOUR: 24 March, Bahrain

2007-04-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Wake up at 1PM - YIKES!!! (Hey, we're on vacation!)

So SLEEPY still! Lunch of Hummus and Cashmere Chicken

Went to Crown Plaza (formerly Holiday Inn) for an awesomely extravagant birthday party for the kids of some family friends. Thank God for the COFFEE!!! I was so out of it. But it was the beginning of the week of cultural experiences! East meets west...but kids are kids and it was a lot of fun!

Memories of staying in that smae hotel 17 years prior with the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.

First time I ever painted my fingernails red. (Hey, it was a big statement for me as a 16 year old.)

Insane Scooby-Doo birthday cake from Lilou's

I learnes that the Brits call "cotton candy" "Candy Floss" - cute.

Popcorn

Bouncy

Moving Train

Great Food - Bahrainy kids eat chicken nuggets and hamburgers too. With hummus on the side!

Met a guy who's name is literally translated "Jesus the Christ".

After the party the kids went home.
We stopped by another mall (Bahrain has like 16 malls and are building like 32 more!) (BTW it'sa very small island - that's A LOT of shopping!)

Getting Steven's eye glasses fixed

Went to the Carpet shop.

GREAT EXPERIENCE!

The Carpet guy buys fruit juice, diet coke and tea for us - What hospitality!

Bought a great carpet for the living room. My one souvenier!

Stopped by a Tailor shop. Another weird cultural experience!

Went to New York Coffee!

Talk with my bro.

Home

Call Kids...Carter was sad. :(

SO TIRED!

Tylenol PM and to Bed!

DAY THREE: 23 March, London to Bahrain

2007-04-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Wake at 6AM. Thank God I took the PM!

Shower, dress, talk to J.

Starbuck - and I thought coffee was expensive in the US.

Tube

Heathrow

So sleepy!

Got on the flight.

Sat in the emergency exit - LEGROOM!!!

Really nice Bahrain gentleman sitting next to us.

But it turned out he had really bad breath.

I MEAN REALLY BAD BREATH!

Poor J. sat next to him!

Then as the flight took off R.N.B.G. (really nice Bahrain guy) started barfing into air sickness bags...and kept barfing the ENTIRE 6 hour flight!

I am NOT kidding!

We tried to switch seats but the BA flight attendant was a bit of a stickler to the rules and wouldn't upgrade us. (Uh...someone in customer relations is gonna hear about this one!)

Watched Bobby. Great movie. (But, Frodo gets shot.)

Saw some Happy Feet (Frodo as a penguin)

S-L-E-E-P!

Woke up and watched Breaking & Entering.

(I could listen to Jude Law all day long - LOVE the accent!)

Afternoon Tea on the flight at like 8PM

ARRIVAL - finally!

It was so great to see the cousins. (And when I say the cousins I mean my kid's cousins.)

Great to see their world. Again.

It's been 17 years since I was there. Man, that makes me feel OLD!

So TIRED! But Nicole had an agenda!

So at 9PM we headed to the SEEF MALL

Checked out the Formula 1 station - they are hosting a big race this week.

Did some video game racing with the boys...I won!

Went out for Australian Crepes - go figure.

Ran into "Uncle Russell"

Got home around 11PM

Unpacking

Called home and tracked down the older boys at the Bowling Alley with Grandpa.

All's good ont he homefront. What a relief!

To Bed...SLEEP!!!!!

DAY TWO: 22 March, London

2007-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Arrived off the flight to a brisk morning! Man, London was C-O-L-D!

Were able to leave our luggage "In trasit" so we just had our carry-ons (which were still HEAVY!)

Began to learn to manuver our way around the Underground.

Did some people watching. Beautiful.

Piccadilly Line

Got directions to the Hotel from 2 old guys from Chicago. Gave them tube directions.

Kennsington High Street. Really cool.

Everything in London is twice as much.

Kennsington Gardens

Thistle Kensington Park - nice hotel.

TOTALLY JETLAGGED! My feet were killing me!!!

Change clothes. Get comfy and WARM...

(Had to dress like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man with like 5 layers to stay warm!)

Gotta keep moving!

Lunch at Wagamama (Way cool experience!)

Warmth at Starbucks

Tube

Piccadily Circus

Walk walk walk

Leicester Square

Covenant Garden

Charing Cross (Looked for Diagon Alley)

St. James Park

Buckingham Palace (waved to the Queen)

Wesminster Abbey

Big Ben at Sunset- marvelous!

(Look kids, Parliment!)

Waterloo

London Eye

Trying to find a trashcan! The don't exist in London.

Walk walk walk

Tube

King's Cross Station

Platform 9 3/4 (We HAD to go for the boys! Harry Potter fans.)

Back to Piccadily Circus

Kennsington High Street

Dinner at Giraffe ($18 Hamburger)

Walk to Hotel

Huge blisters on my feet...OUCH!

Tylenol PM

SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAY ONE: 21 March, Los Angeles

2007-04-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Packing, packing, packing (brand new suitcases!)
Gave kids stuffed Boynton animals - something to cuddle while we are away.
Hung up goody-bags for the kids to open each morning we are gone.
Dad took us to the airport.
Check-in.
I had sotten dressed up for the flight. Weird feeling to be kid free in the airport.
Saw a really BIG, FAT guy flying Aeroflot (Flashbacks!) with this bright white, brand new Adidas tack suit and bright white trainers. Had to be Russian Mafia by the look. Funny.
Quick snack at McDonalds.
Good flight. Extra legroom int he bag of the plane.
Old guy with an Irish accent sat behind us. Brilliant!
2 Tylenol Pms.
Tried to watch Deja Vu...totally fell asleep.
7 hours later woke up.
Breakfast on the flight and landed in London.

Excuse number 42-48

2007-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Why I haven't blogged my trip:

42. Jetlag
43. Springbreak - trips to the pool.
44. Reading the last few chapters of Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix
45. Gardening
46. Pulled muscle in my leg while Gardening
47. We hung a new swing in the back yard and I am constantly pushing kids
48. What can I say, I'm lazy!

But it IS coming!!!

Jetlag

2007-04-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

They say it takes one day to recover for every hour difference between where you live and where you travel. I think "they" are right. Bahrain is 10 hours ahead. Tomorrow will be 10 days since we landed. I think I am FINALLY coming out of the fog. I even stayed awake until 10:30PM last night. Woo-0ooo!

It took me three different attempts to make it through a viewing of "The Good Shepherd" this week. Good, but slow movie. It was so hard to stay awake for.

So to those "inquiring minds" that are harassing me :) I got the photos transfered to my computer and so the daily play-by-play will be coming shortly!

Luggage: Pt. 3

2007-04-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

The carpet arrived on Friday... but like this:

BA is sending me a check for my ripped bag and lost razor.

This is how the carpet looks in our home. It was still in great shape and looks fabulous!

What an adventure.

Luggage: Pt. 2

2007-04-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

So we had three of our bags delivered last night. I unpacked them this morning. My electric razor is gone, and one of the handles of my bag was ripped off. I have expected SO MUCH MORE from British Airways....

So much more....the upgrade was appreciated...but please. It's just one thing after another...this is a bit ridiculous.

Cheers!

Luggage

2007-04-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I just spoke to a British Airways agent in London and they found our fourth bag. (With our $800 Carpet!) YIKES! So apparently, the bag had been stripped of any tags that showed who the bag belonged to except for half a write-on tag with our phone nuber and "USA". So kudos to BA for tracking us down.

They said they would ship it out on a flight tomorrow and hopefully we could receive it by tomorrow night.

The saga continues...

While we were gone...

2007-04-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

...Apparently there was some excitement at our church.

Too LA!

We're Back

2007-04-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Safe and Sound...however, our luggage is STILL MISSING!!!! Ug!

We are recovering from Jetlag and trying to dive back in to life as we know it. Kids, work, etc...

I will be blogging about the day to day play-by-play in the upcoming days.

Un-believable trip. Really.

Flying Out...

2007-03-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today J. & I head out to the Middle East. We fly through London and get to stay for a day so that'll be cool. I'll try to post updates, but don't know if I'll have time.

BTW getting ready for the trip has been INSANE!!! thus the lack of posts...

I think we are in the air for like 24 hours. That is crazy.

Happy Lent to all...

Good Friends...

2007-03-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

...are back in town!

And there was MUCH rejoicing!!!!

This is gonna be a GOOD weekend!

Star Sighting...

2007-03-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

So apparently Steve Carell & Family were shopping at the Westfield Topanga Mall last night while I was there. (They ate at Hot Dog on a Stick...can I just say, "Ewww.")

So here's a big shout out to all my C'ville friends and their giant ark in Crozet.

Hiatus

2007-03-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

As you've guessed I've had to take a break from writing...my life is just too freaking crazy right now...

But things are good.

No...things are GREAT!

Life is good.

I'll get back when my brain stops spinning from the BA-ZILLION things I've got going on.

But it might be awhile.

peace.

Anti-Terrorist Dolphins

2007-02-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

Seriously????? Uhhhh...go get 'em boys!

TV Time

2007-02-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Lost is back. I'm so happy, but after watching season 1 &2 in like 3 weeks...last night was kinda just alright.

So now I'm hooked on 24.

Well...something had to take the place of Alias!

What-ever!

2007-02-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

This whole astronaut debauchle is just weirding me out...I mean these are the best of the best? Ye-ah! I can't believe these are the crazies we are sending in to space. Koo-Koo!

I bet jay Leno is having a hay day with all of this!

The Aftermath...

2007-02-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

This has been a tough week for me. It's been a tough year. And it never seems to get any better. For a long time I have just felt stuck in a pit. Healing is a LONG and SLOW process. My family was brutally hurt emotionally last summer (and the year and a half prior.) It sucks...but, whatever...we move on and we HEAL. But the process is LONG and SLOW.

God continues to be good. He continues to be present. God continues to be faithful. But the process is LONG and SLOW. Sunday was a milestone along the way. There have been others. But Sunday was the most recent. Slowly I am letting go of all the pain, the hurt, the frustration, the anger. My kids are finally in a healthy place. They are doing well. I am growing. Working on my anger. Getting back in the Word. Resting in God. Releasing it to God. Finding my strength and hope and love in God.

But the process is LONG and SLOW.

Hearing Nick Vujicic speak Sunday allowed God to open a new area of my heart and allowed me to relase my pain and choose to trust in God's faithfulness to heal old wounds. A step forward.

I thought I was doing well. I thought I was finally healing. But then Monday brings one email from the past and the pain floods back.

Jay and I are watching 24 right now. We are catching up on the past seasons. We are in Season 2. But we were both so stuck by the character of Sherry Palmer. If you have never known a person like that in real life - than you have been spared and are truely blessed. If you have known or have ever been hurt by someone so manipulative, so venomous, so brutal...than you can understand that pain. And it takes a LONG time to get that poison out of your system.

In the midst of the pain, in the midst of the healing, I choose to trust in the faithfulness of God. I choose to trust, and rest on Him to get me though today.

Psalm 143 I read today.

"For the enemy has pursued my soul: he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me to sit in darkness like those long dead."

I may seem fine on the outside...but my soul has been pursued by the enemy, and I am still beaten up and bloody.

"For your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!"

That is my hope. It is the Lord's work to accomplish in my heart. And HE is my hope and my salvation.

I am still so jadded. I am still so bitter...but God IS bringing healing.

The process is LONG and SLOW...but God is slowly pouring back into my heart and is giving me small doses of Himself. He is near. He is faithful. And He IS healing me.

But this all still just SUCKS.

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!

2007-02-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had an UN-BELIEVABLE worship experience at our church. We had the priviledge of being ministered to by Nick Vujicic. If you haven't heard his story it will blow you away.

He was born with no limbs. He has no arms and no legs but is an absolute testimony of the grace and pleasure of God. If you every get a chance to hear him speak -GO! It's unbeleivable. You start listening to him and all you think is "HOLY CRAP!!! That guy has no arms and no legs!" But as you listen you see his struggle but hear his victory over life's circumstances to find absolute joy and purpose in Jesus Christ. Unbelievable. By the end of the talk you are no longer thinking about his absence of appendages...but you are thinking, "Yeah, that's my buddy, Nick!" And you are drawn into worship. After meeting Nick there is no other response BUT to be drawn into worship. God is God. God is LOVE and God IS faithful. Through ups and downs and all of it, it is God and the truth of His word that pulls us all out of the pit and leads us into PRAISE.

Thanks Nick. What a testimony...What a life. It was so impacting I took Taylor and Carter back to the evening service...for them to see and hear and be changed. What an impact.

www.lifewithoutlimbs.com

Check it out!

Botched Up Quote

2007-02-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

Like 9 months ago Jay heard this quote from Rob Bell and taught it to our third born son. The point was that there is nothing you can ever do that will make me stop loving you or love you any less. Getting the point across of a father's love for his son as an example of our Father in Heaven's love for each of us no matter what we do, or who we are, or what we have done. God IS love and He LOVES us completely and unconditionally.

So I am always hearing Beefy and Jay going around the house saying this quote to each other - which is totally cute! But today I stopped and realized what it was they were actually saying to each other and I said to Jay, "Babe...I think you got it wrong..."

Here's what he taught my son:

"There is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you less."

Did you get it? No matter what you do...there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you LESS. I will not love you any more!

Funny...poor corrupted son...Way to go babe. GREAT!

Snow in Malibu!

2007-01-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

What a crazy day. First time in like 20 years. But seriously...we live in SoCal for a REASON. This COLD can stop ANY TIME NOW!!!!

David Beckham

2007-01-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Well, he's coming to play for the LA Galaxy...and we are so excited! Now I know what to get J. for his birthday!!! SAH-WEET!

I LOVE a Bargin!

2007-01-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ok first of all JOANNA ROCKS!!!! I went by Starbucks and my friend Joanna was working. SHe gave me my coffee for free and then hooked my kids up with hot cocco! They LOVED it! It was really sweet of her.

So yesterday I was at Target with my kids buying waffles. (Eggos - $1.52 - can't beat it!) And we went to the toy isle. BIG TREAT! So we were in the After Christmas Toy Isle when the man was marking things from 50% 0ff to 75%off. So we spent a half-hour and had a home-school lesson on how great it is to get a BARGAIN!!!! Oh, yeah, we did the math too. Anyway, Ethan used his recycling money to buy a Superman guy for like $1.75. Carter got some Batman stuff. Sophie found a horse for $1.24 and Taylor decided to save his money. (First Born).

The other lesson my kids learned is that Mommy can't refuse a bargain! So I bought this wooden doll house with like the little wooden Swedish people in it. Originally $30, on sale for $5. Yes! 5 BUCKS! I know, how can you walk away? So it's one of those great imaginative toys that encourages group play. And so we brought it home and put it together. 5 BUCKS! And it ROCKS!!!! THe kids spent all afternoon playing with it. I had gotten a seperate box of people to go with it. So they each had their own characters. AND there was even a bald grandpa...so he becaame daddy. There was a little dog that looked like Eddie and in the other set their was a bigger wooden brown and white dog and the kids named him Mac. Later I was out of the room and I hear the kids. "I want to be Pastor Nathan." "No...you be Miss Jill." "Can I be Mac?" So their were enough people to add a few extras to the family. It was so adorable. And they all just kept playing so sweatly together. Best $5 I've spent in a long time!!!

(J&N: Know you are loved and you are missed by all!)

Great gig!

2007-01-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

The other night I went to this focus group studying moms and mom trends. It was pretty cool. The place was down on Wilshire in Beverly Hills at the Creative Artist's Agency (which, by the way, just signed to represent David Beckham in this country!). I spent 2 hours in a room with a bunch of moms just chatting about life and stuff. And I got paid $200. (That's $100/hour!)

Now I'm on this list to continue the research/dialogue and they send me Amazon gift certificates. So cool.

...But I WAS the freak mom with the 4 KIDS! (People thought I was from Mars I think!)

J.R.R. Tolkien

2007-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Today it was Tay's idea to celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday. So I made a cake. Sofa was quick to point out that we were making a cake for a dead guy. But it's cake...so who cares? My mom bought me a new bundt pan for Christmas that is shaped like a castle. Beefy says it looks like "Edoras" but the older two are convinced it it "Gondor". Whatever...just another excuse for a party, I suppose. Happy 115th!

...Speaking of which...I watched this documentary on "Ringers" (LOTR Fans)...and those people are KOO-KOO-CA-CHOO! It was embaressing! I now understand why some prefer to think of themselves as "students of Tolkien" rather than "Fans". CA-RAY-ZEEE!

...but them again I did just bake a cake for a dead guy...

Shelob's Web

2006-12-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

The concept was all Carter...J. did the artwork. Ah! The magic of photoshop! Hilarious!

A Boy's Ambitions

2006-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Beefy is my sweetest hearted boy. He has such a spirit of compassion about him. He loves animals and is so thoughtful of others. He really adores Monkeys. We just went to the LA ZOO this week. He loved it. In school he's been studying Africa and reading about the rainforests in Central America. We just went to the library and he got all books on monkeys.

So the other night I was putting him to bed and he said to me, "When I grow up I want to protect the monkeys and save the rainforest."

How sweet is that? My little activist! I love it!!!!

Whatta Day!

2006-12-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

I spent today repainting Beefy and Sofa's room. My poor little guy has been sleeping in a girlie lavender room for over a year now. Poor thing...He does have his Superman sheets, but I have felt bad for too long. ANd never once has he complained.

So we went to Home Depot yesterday and I actually let THEM pick out their own colors...SO we are talking B-R-I-G-H-T!!! Pink and Blue. BRIGHT PINK & BRIGHT BLUE! Oh well...not what I planned, but they love it. Mission accomplished. Ethan has blue walls and feels more "boyish". I did a funky thing around the windows and actually their room looks pretty "Art Deco"...It's cool I guess, if you like Art Deco...Whatever...it's not "baby Girl Purple" anymore, so I am happy for my little guy. It was a good day!

Great news outta Omaha tonight! We are so excited!!!

Jesus is a Liar???

2006-12-28T22:49:00.000-08:00

This morning J. was out working in the basement and we had gone in the back room to look at something. Sofa was in the playroom listening to the CD J. put on. It was like, 5-year-old praise music. You know that cheese-ball song "I Found Jesus"? Well that's what was on...the words are something like "I feel like dancing in the street, 'Cause Jesus is alive...blah, blah, blah, blah, 'Cause Jesus is alive." On and on until "And the best thing that happened was the day I met You. I Found Jesus." Something like that...I never much cared for that particular song...

Anyway, we walked in the room and Soph askes, "Why are they saying Jesus is a Liar?" "What?" It threw me...I had NO IDEA what she was talkign about...I thought it was something stupid she heard her brothers say...then J. realized it was the song...

NO, BABY! Jesus isn't a LIAR...Jesus is ALIVE! BIG DIFFERENCE...especially to a four-year-old.

She was quite relieved. Can you imagine what went through her head? Poor little thing! I guess that's what happens when you slur your praise songs with a british accent!

She is doing fine tonight...adn I believe her faith is secure!

Funny.

Charlotte's Web

2006-12-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to see Charlotte's Web this morning. Going before noon meant tickets were only $6. (Score!) It was a great time. Very cute movie. We just finished having read the book...so it was great to hear all of them talking about the parts they liked the most in the book and then in the movie.

It's starting off to be a good Christmas Vacation. More fun tomorrow...

Perks!

2006-12-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

Jay took the older boys to a concert last night because he got free tickets from work. They went to see the Brian Setzer Orchestra at Universal Citywalk's Gibson Theater. And since he was "with the Label" they got backstage passes and third row seats. How cool is that?

People kept talking because they wondered who the guy was that brought his kids...apparently they were one of a few kids at the concert and the only ones with Backstage Passes.

Too Funny!

They had a blast with daddy...but were tired pups when they got home.

I was feeling a terrible cold comin' on...so I stayed home with Beefy.

Great night all around.