Our annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree was today. Rather than going to a Christmas tree farm as we always have, five out of six of us opted for a less messy and frigid experience. So, we went to a store with cut trees.
Boy, were we surprised to find that trees, which are already cut, are two to three times more expensive than the ones you cut down yourself.
So, one out of six of us got his wish........and we drove to a Christmas tree farm.
We weren't prepared for this change in plans. No gloves, no scarves, no hats. Though, we sure did look good as we marched around the cold and muddy farm wearing our church clothes and shoes.
This farm had all the 'bells and whistles' to make one's Christmas tree experience a wonderful memory. It started with a hayride out to the field in the frigid air. Remember...no hats, no gloves, no scarves. After Sean cut down our perfect tree, the boys hauled it away on a trolley. Workers put a tag on the tree and gave us a matching tag so we could be sure to picked up our perfect tree back at the barn. Another blustery ride on the hay wagon....no hats, no gloves, no scarves. The crew at the tree barn promptly grabbed our tree, shook out the loose needles, and wrapped it up with twine. A worker handed Sean the 'check' and we were ushered into the gift shop to pay for the tree.
Oh, it was warm in the gift shop. It was warm, there was free hot cocoa for everyone, many beautiful ornaments and knickknacks to peruse and ........SANTA! This really was turning out to be a wonderful experience.
After paying for our tree, drinking our fill of hot cocoa and feeling the warmth return to our fingertips, we headed out of the gift shop to retrieve our perfect white pine Christmas tree.......but the only tree left on the ground was....... not .....our ......tree!!!
Hmmm....let's look on the other side of the building.....no......wait.....doesn't the top of that tree on that blue van halfway down the parking lot look a lot like the top of our perfect white pine Christmas tree. Ummmm...what should we do? Do we run after them and say, 'Excuse me, you've tied our tree to the top of your van.' Oh No! The van is backing up....it's leaving....it's gone.......it's......gone. Our perfect white pine Christmas tree is gone!
Taking another hayride was out of the question. The first experience, though cold, was fun. The second experience would just be.....cold. One of the workers witnessed the energy and excitement drain from our crew the moment the blue van drove off with our perfect Christmas tree.
"Why don't you go over to the side of the barn and pick out any one of the cut trees that you see?"
So.......six out of six of us got what we wanted in a round-a-bout-sort-of-way and we ended up with a very expensive and lovely Fraser fir at half the price.
************************************
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
(a traditional German carol, author unknown)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes....."
".....Blue" would be the obvious answer. But then, were talking about my life, and obvious is rarely the answer!
Raising four boys has its fair share of misadventures. I can't tell you how many times Sean and I have shaken our heads at the things our boys have said or done.....things that make it quite obvious that God's angels are on high alert around here.
Case in point:
Two days ago, Spencer and Trevor were outside. Spencer had a metal baseball bat and a ball in his hands. Trevor had an imaginary battle of knights and dragons brewing in his mind. They stood a couple of feet apart, back to back. Neither one aware of the other's proximity.
Ball is tossed up, bat is swung, ball is missed. But, wait......as if on cue, Trevor turns his head and receives the full force of the metal bat right across the bridge of his nose.
Yes, folks, it looks like Spencer did knock one out of the park! And this knight was defeated by the dragon!
Poor Trevor! No, he didn't really get knocked out, but he did break his nose.
Raising four boys has its fair share of misadventures. I can't tell you how many times Sean and I have shaken our heads at the things our boys have said or done.....things that make it quite obvious that God's angels are on high alert around here.
Case in point:
Two days ago, Spencer and Trevor were outside. Spencer had a metal baseball bat and a ball in his hands. Trevor had an imaginary battle of knights and dragons brewing in his mind. They stood a couple of feet apart, back to back. Neither one aware of the other's proximity.
Ball is tossed up, bat is swung, ball is missed. But, wait......as if on cue, Trevor turns his head and receives the full force of the metal bat right across the bridge of his nose.
Yes, folks, it looks like Spencer did knock one out of the park! And this knight was defeated by the dragon!
Poor Trevor! No, he didn't really get knocked out, but he did break his nose.
Considering all of the things that could have been hit.....teeth, eyes, temple, skull.....the nose doesn't seem so bad. In fact, the ENT says that everything is still lined up and no surgery is needed.
On the way home from the doctor, I lovingly placed my hand on Trevor's shoulder. "Oh, sweetie, your still my beautiful brown-eyed boy."
"No, Mommy. Now, I'm your beautiful black-eyed boy."
***************
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Psalm 103:19-22
Friday, November 6, 2009
What is the Difference?
A Math Lesson with Mommy & Parker:
Mommy: Grama made six cherry pies and three apples pies. What is the difference between the cherry pies and the apples pies?
Parker: The cherry pies are sweeter.
Mommy: Grama made six cherry pies and three apples pies. What is the difference between the cherry pies and the apples pies?
Parker: The cherry pies are sweeter.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Just Because?
As I stood in the shower, water running over my aching body, I cried. It was the fourth time tears streamed down my face that week, and it was only Tuesday. The tears were not of some impending doom, or of sadness, or from pain. They were overwhelming tears of joy.
How could I not give praise to my Lord!
There I was, far from home, in a beautiful part of the country....the panhandle of Idaho.
There I was, no responsibilities for the day, in a warm and cozy lodge....with the smell of a home cooked breakfast (that I did not have to plan for, buy for, prepare for, cook or serve or clean up) drifting through the beams into my room.
How could I not give praise to my King!
There I was, wondering how in the world this opportunity was given to me. Not by chance. Not by coincidence. And when I thought of all the incredible teachers in this world, I thought....not because I really deserved it. Not really.
Just because a man dreamed a dream of getting the Word of God into the hearts of children and put his visions into action. Just because a little girl dreamed a dream of winning a trip for her family and acted on that dream with her gift of art. Just because another man dreamed a dream and desired to bless another with a trip to Idaho, just as he had already done. And just because that same little girl took the time to think of me........ Just because.
Just because?
Sure, I was aching that morning as the hot water poured down on me. There's bound to be some pain after you ride a horse for the first time in seventeen years. But the tenderness in my legs was a welcomed feeling. It was a reminder that this wasn't just a dream....it was really happening. Right then. Right there.
How can I not sing praise to my Savior and Redeemer!
***********
James Chapter 1 has been my life chapter. How many times I have held onto verses 2-4 during the many battles my family has faced: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." With this trip to Idaho, God showed me that there's more to James Chapter 1 than trials. Verse 17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."
I plan on sharing more on my trip to Idaho. Stay tuned. :)
************
Check out Carey Kinsolving's organization at http://kidstalkaboutgod.org/
Check out Riley's trip at http://houndoghan.blogspot.com/
Check out Cory's ranch at http://www.redhorsemountain.com/
How could I not give praise to my Lord!
There I was, far from home, in a beautiful part of the country....the panhandle of Idaho.
There I was, no responsibilities for the day, in a warm and cozy lodge....with the smell of a home cooked breakfast (that I did not have to plan for, buy for, prepare for, cook or serve or clean up) drifting through the beams into my room.
How could I not give praise to my King!
There I was, wondering how in the world this opportunity was given to me. Not by chance. Not by coincidence. And when I thought of all the incredible teachers in this world, I thought....not because I really deserved it. Not really.
Just because a man dreamed a dream of getting the Word of God into the hearts of children and put his visions into action. Just because a little girl dreamed a dream of winning a trip for her family and acted on that dream with her gift of art. Just because another man dreamed a dream and desired to bless another with a trip to Idaho, just as he had already done. And just because that same little girl took the time to think of me........ Just because.
Just because?
Sure, I was aching that morning as the hot water poured down on me. There's bound to be some pain after you ride a horse for the first time in seventeen years. But the tenderness in my legs was a welcomed feeling. It was a reminder that this wasn't just a dream....it was really happening. Right then. Right there.
How can I not sing praise to my Savior and Redeemer!
***********
James Chapter 1 has been my life chapter. How many times I have held onto verses 2-4 during the many battles my family has faced: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." With this trip to Idaho, God showed me that there's more to James Chapter 1 than trials. Verse 17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."
I plan on sharing more on my trip to Idaho. Stay tuned. :)
************
Check out Carey Kinsolving's organization at http://kidstalkaboutgod.org/
Check out Riley's trip at http://houndoghan.blogspot.com/
Check out Cory's ranch at http://www.redhorsemountain.com/
Thursday, August 13, 2009
It's All Greek to Me
My Grandmother's parents immigrated to the United States from Macedonia many years ago. Macedonia is just north of Greece.
To celebrate our family and its heritage, my Grandma's sisters and sisters-in-law organize an annual Greek reunion in August. Along with the typical American fare, we always have a variety of Greek food. Baklava and quiche are at the top of the list. This year, I tried everything and was pleasantly surprised. Though the piece of quiche with the quarter baked in alluded me, I found the food delicious.
As we ate, fellowshipped, and played a little Funny Money (an auction of items from our homes that we bid on with our $250 fake bills), I was reminded that family is important. Our heritage is important. Where we come from is important.
We may not have had the option to choose our family, where we were born, our parents or how many siblings we have or didn't have or still have. But they have been given to us for a reason, and some for only a season. To be loved and to be loved by.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Pray about the big stuff. And in the end....love. Love. Forgive. And love some more. And then forgive again.......
********
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters) loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers (and sisters), stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
To celebrate our family and its heritage, my Grandma's sisters and sisters-in-law organize an annual Greek reunion in August. Along with the typical American fare, we always have a variety of Greek food. Baklava and quiche are at the top of the list. This year, I tried everything and was pleasantly surprised. Though the piece of quiche with the quarter baked in alluded me, I found the food delicious.
As we ate, fellowshipped, and played a little Funny Money (an auction of items from our homes that we bid on with our $250 fake bills), I was reminded that family is important. Our heritage is important. Where we come from is important.
We may not have had the option to choose our family, where we were born, our parents or how many siblings we have or didn't have or still have. But they have been given to us for a reason, and some for only a season. To be loved and to be loved by.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Pray about the big stuff. And in the end....love. Love. Forgive. And love some more. And then forgive again.......
********
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (and sisters) loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers (and sisters), stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Summer Fun
What an incredibly busy summer it has been at our home!!!
We're certainly making up for our very uneventful summer from last year.......when I was in radiation treatment. That was when sunlight was my nemeses. My arch enemy. My plague. I remember watching the boys swim at my sister's pool while I sat on the deck, wearing my long sleeve sun blocking shirt, holding my umbrella while sitting under the larger deck umbrella. It was good to see the boys enjoying themselves, but I couldn't stand the heat for too long. Most of my days were spent sitting on my shady front porch.
This summer we've had tennis lessons, swimming lessons, VBS, soccer camp, basketball camp, church camp, a couple of camping trips, and plenty of chaos. I'm actually looking forward to the start of school when we have a more structured schedule in place. Of course, if anyone knows me well enough, they know that schedules at my house are not built on solid rock. Though they do give me a good reference point and help me set goals, I'm not bound by them. That can be good.......and that can be bad!
I just want to give God the glory for giving us this summer of fun and for giving me the strength and energy to keep up with my boys. He is good. He is faithful.
We're certainly making up for our very uneventful summer from last year.......when I was in radiation treatment. That was when sunlight was my nemeses. My arch enemy. My plague. I remember watching the boys swim at my sister's pool while I sat on the deck, wearing my long sleeve sun blocking shirt, holding my umbrella while sitting under the larger deck umbrella. It was good to see the boys enjoying themselves, but I couldn't stand the heat for too long. Most of my days were spent sitting on my shady front porch.
This summer we've had tennis lessons, swimming lessons, VBS, soccer camp, basketball camp, church camp, a couple of camping trips, and plenty of chaos. I'm actually looking forward to the start of school when we have a more structured schedule in place. Of course, if anyone knows me well enough, they know that schedules at my house are not built on solid rock. Though they do give me a good reference point and help me set goals, I'm not bound by them. That can be good.......and that can be bad!
I just want to give God the glory for giving us this summer of fun and for giving me the strength and energy to keep up with my boys. He is good. He is faithful.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Is It?
Tonight, as we were drying off and getting ready to leave the community pool, my seven year old asked me a very good question.
"Mommy, is it okay for mommies to wear things that only cover up their private parts? You know, just a little bit of a swimsuit so that all of their bellies are showing and all of this stuff [as he shyly guestures to the upper to mid chest area) is showing."
Innocent eyes, wide open, asking me about modesty without even knowing it. It was apparent that he was uncomfortable with whatever 'little' it was that he had just seen.
How does a mommy respond?
Is it okay? Is it?
"Mommy, is it okay for mommies to wear things that only cover up their private parts? You know, just a little bit of a swimsuit so that all of their bellies are showing and all of this stuff [as he shyly guestures to the upper to mid chest area) is showing."
Innocent eyes, wide open, asking me about modesty without even knowing it. It was apparent that he was uncomfortable with whatever 'little' it was that he had just seen.
How does a mommy respond?
Is it okay? Is it?
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