The kids are spending 20 days with my parents this summer. They left on Father's Day and will be back on 7/10. It's been a surreal time away from them. Craig and I have both gotten a lot done in their absence, but goodness we miss them.
My mom had a funny story to tell on the kids the other day. My parents live by a body of water and the kids have spent countless hours swimming, jumping, diving, etc. in that water. Needless to say, they have turned very brown, and very blond. Well, my mom is not a fan of white pasty skin, and told me should couldn't handle Carleigh's white tummy and back anymore. You see, we've only let Carleigh wear one piece bathing suits. I personally am scared to death of the signalization of girls at younger and younger ages, and I plan to do what little bit I can while I can to guard Carleigh from this. So- bikinis are not an option. My mom would argue that I have never been comfortable in a bikini so I've projected this on to my daughter, which may hold a small grain of truth, but it doesn't matter. I want my little girl to be a little girl for a lot longer, and I don't think bikinis contribute to that.
Apparently, my mother and I had never had this conversation, because she took Carleigh to the store to buy her a new bikini. At first, Carleigh scanned the choices and was deep in thought. She commented on how pretty some of them were, but then she stopped. She told Pepe, "I can't get one of these. I don't have boobs yet."
Let me tell you that I have NO idea where Carleigh got this idea. But it's funny anyway!
Then Jonas sees Pepe is going to check out and buy the bikini they have picked. He immediately asks, "Pepe, did you call my daddy and ask him if that is okay? He doesn't want Carleigh to have one of those."
I can tell you that we have NEVER had the "no bikini" conversation with Jonas. Why would we? But apparently he is more observant than we give him credit for, because he made the connection. And he stood up for what he believed to be right. I am so proud of him for trying to protect his little sister, and for speaking up.
Can't wait to get them back next week. I miss the little punks.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Michael Jackson
I am not good at this, am I? It's been a while since I posted. I need to get back on track.
The longer posts will start again soon, but right now I wanted to make an observation on this Michael Jackson mania. At first glance, I shake my head in disgust at the fuss so many people are making over the loss of MJ.
But then it dawned on me.
The day Huey Lewis dies, I may very well hole up in my room, take out every scrapbook I've ever made for him (yes- that's plural), and play only Huey Lewis' music for the next month. With that in mind, I am sad for Michael Jackson fans. I hope they find comfort in his music.
The longer posts will start again soon, but right now I wanted to make an observation on this Michael Jackson mania. At first glance, I shake my head in disgust at the fuss so many people are making over the loss of MJ.
But then it dawned on me.
The day Huey Lewis dies, I may very well hole up in my room, take out every scrapbook I've ever made for him (yes- that's plural), and play only Huey Lewis' music for the next month. With that in mind, I am sad for Michael Jackson fans. I hope they find comfort in his music.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Authority of the Bible
This is tough for me. Not that I don't believe in the authority of the Bible, but can someone help me understand a few things?
This book was written over thousands of years, by different men, in different languages, and from different cultures. Awesome, right? Definitely God-breathed. And I understand that the birth and death of Christ resolved the need for the law in the Old Testament.
But what about some of those things stated in the New Testament? 1 Timothy talks about leaders in the church being men only. So what about the fatherless homes, fatherless neighborhoods? If the church is any group of believers, there will be instances when men are not around. These women can't teach their sons? Is that why there is so much dysfunction in the fatherless societies? It is contrary to the plan God has.
Next issue- 1 Cor 11:2-16 . I haven't worn a hat in church since I was a child. Am I sinning? I'm not trying to be legalistic here, but this issue makes me say hmmmm. If I say the Bible has the authority to determine my actions and thoughts, I should wear a hat in church. But church is a body of believers! So I should always wear a hat or other head covering? Am I being insincere because I disregard this verse? Cause I just said "I believe the Bible - the whole Bible- has the authority to determine my actions and thoughts". Note: After I wrote this, I researched a bit and found this article on Bible.org. I need to read it again, but I really got a lot out of it!
These are NOT deal breakers, by any stretch of the imagination. But I wanted to flesh them out.
This book was written over thousands of years, by different men, in different languages, and from different cultures. Awesome, right? Definitely God-breathed. And I understand that the birth and death of Christ resolved the need for the law in the Old Testament.
But what about some of those things stated in the New Testament? 1 Timothy talks about leaders in the church being men only. So what about the fatherless homes, fatherless neighborhoods? If the church is any group of believers, there will be instances when men are not around. These women can't teach their sons? Is that why there is so much dysfunction in the fatherless societies? It is contrary to the plan God has.
Next issue- 1 Cor 11:2-16 . I haven't worn a hat in church since I was a child. Am I sinning? I'm not trying to be legalistic here, but this issue makes me say hmmmm. If I say the Bible has the authority to determine my actions and thoughts, I should wear a hat in church. But church is a body of believers! So I should always wear a hat or other head covering? Am I being insincere because I disregard this verse? Cause I just said "I believe the Bible - the whole Bible- has the authority to determine my actions and thoughts". Note: After I wrote this, I researched a bit and found this article on Bible.org. I need to read it again, but I really got a lot out of it!
These are NOT deal breakers, by any stretch of the imagination. But I wanted to flesh them out.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Personal God
Personal God- "I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1-2
When we moved to Arlington, we were attending church at Irving Bible Church. I knew without any hesitation we needed to find another place of worship. Not because of anything IBC lacked, but because I wanted to LIVE in Arlington, not just sleep there. We wanted to be involved in our community and knew that if we continued to commute to church every week, and Home Group once a week, on top of commuting to work 5 days a week, we would never have a chance to become a part of Arlington. So we began church hunting.
We ended up at Pantego Bible Church reluctantly, because it was 18 miles from our new house, but we something told us to try it anyway. I was heavily pregnant with Jonas that first Sunday we walked through the doors. Within 10 minutes, we knew we were someplace special. We were greeted warmly (maybe because it looked like I would bust open any minute!) and I remember the official greeter asking us "Where do you live?". We explained that we had been in South Arlington for a little less than a year, and he immediately picked up a piece of paper and showed us where other South Arlington residents met each Sunday morning. We didn't go to that class that morning, but we were struck with how they were organized by geography- not that we were young marrieds, or new parents, or that sort of thing. The only thing that defined a class was where we lived! After a fantastic service, we headed to a small room where a church elder explained the basics of PBC in greater detail and asked if we had any questions. We were hooked! This church had it right! They wanted everyone to know Christ first, and their neighbor second- and they meant it! Members were encouraged to come to the building only once a week, for corporate worship. Bible studies, small groups, even organized kid activities took place in neighborhoods and homes. It was exactly what we were looking for!
This is just one example of how God is personal to me. He heard Craig and my prayers and answered them to a T. I have so many other examples, but you aren't hear to read a novel. (That is available in an earlier post, if you are so inclined) My God is alive and well, and active in my life. He hears my prayers, knows my heart, and loves me passionately. The same God who made the earth, and the stars, and the sun, made me, and knows me! And LOVES me.
When we moved to Arlington, we were attending church at Irving Bible Church. I knew without any hesitation we needed to find another place of worship. Not because of anything IBC lacked, but because I wanted to LIVE in Arlington, not just sleep there. We wanted to be involved in our community and knew that if we continued to commute to church every week, and Home Group once a week, on top of commuting to work 5 days a week, we would never have a chance to become a part of Arlington. So we began church hunting.
We ended up at Pantego Bible Church reluctantly, because it was 18 miles from our new house, but we something told us to try it anyway. I was heavily pregnant with Jonas that first Sunday we walked through the doors. Within 10 minutes, we knew we were someplace special. We were greeted warmly (maybe because it looked like I would bust open any minute!) and I remember the official greeter asking us "Where do you live?". We explained that we had been in South Arlington for a little less than a year, and he immediately picked up a piece of paper and showed us where other South Arlington residents met each Sunday morning. We didn't go to that class that morning, but we were struck with how they were organized by geography- not that we were young marrieds, or new parents, or that sort of thing. The only thing that defined a class was where we lived! After a fantastic service, we headed to a small room where a church elder explained the basics of PBC in greater detail and asked if we had any questions. We were hooked! This church had it right! They wanted everyone to know Christ first, and their neighbor second- and they meant it! Members were encouraged to come to the building only once a week, for corporate worship. Bible studies, small groups, even organized kid activities took place in neighborhoods and homes. It was exactly what we were looking for!
This is just one example of how God is personal to me. He heard Craig and my prayers and answered them to a T. I have so many other examples, but you aren't hear to read a novel. (That is available in an earlier post, if you are so inclined) My God is alive and well, and active in my life. He hears my prayers, knows my heart, and loves me passionately. The same God who made the earth, and the stars, and the sun, made me, and knows me! And LOVES me.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Too much time has passed~
I can't remember everything that has happened since I last posted! But I will try~
Back a few weeks ago, Craig, the kids, and I all had the week of Spring Break off. We had a good camping excursion, and it was perfect weather. Nice and warm during the day, and cool enough to need a blanket at night. From the minute we got there, we saw new and exciting things. A woodpecker perched on a tree about 15 feet from us as we set up our tent. He proceeded to exemplify his name, and pecked at the wood. It was a pine tree, and he expertly chipped off some of the bark and seemed to find the snack for which he searched. He hopped around the tree a few inches and repeated the process. Silly, I guess, but I thought it was neat!
Throughout the trip we saw armadillos, bees (of course), an amazing moth (it was pastel green, pink, about 4 inches wide, and had these curly frilly antennae), an alligator, bamboo (or boobam, as Carleigh called it!), several cranes, and a duck that decided to adopt us for the afternoon. We hiked for hours and hours, canoed, and all managed mild sunburns. It was really perfect.
Back a few weeks ago, Craig, the kids, and I all had the week of Spring Break off. We had a good camping excursion, and it was perfect weather. Nice and warm during the day, and cool enough to need a blanket at night. From the minute we got there, we saw new and exciting things. A woodpecker perched on a tree about 15 feet from us as we set up our tent. He proceeded to exemplify his name, and pecked at the wood. It was a pine tree, and he expertly chipped off some of the bark and seemed to find the snack for which he searched. He hopped around the tree a few inches and repeated the process. Silly, I guess, but I thought it was neat!
Throughout the trip we saw armadillos, bees (of course), an amazing moth (it was pastel green, pink, about 4 inches wide, and had these curly frilly antennae), an alligator, bamboo (or boobam, as Carleigh called it!), several cranes, and a duck that decided to adopt us for the afternoon. We hiked for hours and hours, canoed, and all managed mild sunburns. It was really perfect.
We also went to the Houston Rodeo for the first time, saw Clint Black in concert, spent a fun day with our friends the Sanders, and discovered Discovery Green in downtown Houston. I needed that down time.
The rest of April is packed with fun things, too. April 17th, Craig and I are going to see a band in which a grade shcool friend of mine is the drummer. The next weekend, Craig is going to Phoenix for work, and the kids and I are going to my hometown to celebrate the 80th anniversary of my childhood church. Of course, Palm Sunday and Easter are in there.
And on a side note- tonight is the Final FINAL ER. I've loved that show. Should be a tear jerker!
Friday, March 6, 2009
A note about Jonas
My son has a personality unlike any I have ever seen. He is hard-headed, but he comes by that naturally (he had no possibility of escaping that, with German blood on both sides). He is so detail orientated it makes me crazy, but again, not that unique.
The one thing that has set him apart lately is his empathy and compassion. Granted, I have never been around another 7 year old boy as much as I have been around Jonas, but I think this is unique. He has a very tender heart for people who are hurting, lonely, sad, hungry, poor, etc. He even cried at a recent SPCA commercial, cuz he loves animals, too. He wants to set up a booth at the end of our street to collect money and food for homeless people. He always includes the down trodden (not those words) of our community, of our world, in his prayers. He gets choked up at the thought of someone not having a place to sleep or food to eat.
Once on a car ride, he asked me why people have to pay for medical treatment. "If they are hurt, why don't doctors just treat them to make them better? Why do they have to make money?"
Lord, I pray this part of Jonas only grows stronger as he gets older and more capable of helping those he longs to help. Help me lead by example, and do what I can to fill the gap until he is older. I pray he isn't jaded by this world we live in, and he continues to love the lost and the broken like You do, God.
So far, I think this is my favorite part of my son.
The one thing that has set him apart lately is his empathy and compassion. Granted, I have never been around another 7 year old boy as much as I have been around Jonas, but I think this is unique. He has a very tender heart for people who are hurting, lonely, sad, hungry, poor, etc. He even cried at a recent SPCA commercial, cuz he loves animals, too. He wants to set up a booth at the end of our street to collect money and food for homeless people. He always includes the down trodden (not those words) of our community, of our world, in his prayers. He gets choked up at the thought of someone not having a place to sleep or food to eat.
Once on a car ride, he asked me why people have to pay for medical treatment. "If they are hurt, why don't doctors just treat them to make them better? Why do they have to make money?"
Lord, I pray this part of Jonas only grows stronger as he gets older and more capable of helping those he longs to help. Help me lead by example, and do what I can to fill the gap until he is older. I pray he isn't jaded by this world we live in, and he continues to love the lost and the broken like You do, God.
So far, I think this is my favorite part of my son.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A theatrical year
I haven't posted since my half marathon, and that isn't the only thing I haven't done. I haven't run a YARD since that day either! I have been to the gym, but haven't touched the treadmill. I went on a quick walk one day, but didn't even consider picking up the pace. Eh. Blah.
But I have had a very busy two weeks! My front door might as well have been revolving, as I had guests non-stop. I love that, so please excuse me if you read that as anything other than excitement.
Speaking of excitement, I sit here about to go to my son's theatrical debut. He is playing the groundhog in the first grade production of "The Groundhog Who Stole Valentines Day". He has the title role! I'm very proud of him, I must say.
And it wasn't more than 3 months ago that I announced my daughter was playing Mary in the Christmas pageant at her pre-school. Wow! Maybe, just maybe, my kids have inherited my dramatic streak?
And when I think back, this year has been chock full of drama opportunities for my little family. Our church had it's first drama production during service one morning in the fall, and Craig was in that. And just last weekend, Craig and I donned our acting hats once more as we went to a Murder Mystery birthday party. We had assigned roles, and played them to the tee! The theme was an 80's 20 year High School Reunion,
and I played the class flirt. Fun!!! I probably had on more makeup than I have the past 6 months combined (love blue eye shadow) and simply had a blast. Craig was the school reporter turned Wall Street Journal Editor. He was great too. Sure wish I had pictures of that to post here of that night, but there are plenty out on Facebook.
I will definitely get pictures of Jonas tonight. Be sure to check back tomorrow for proof of the future Oscar winner's performance!
But I have had a very busy two weeks! My front door might as well have been revolving, as I had guests non-stop. I love that, so please excuse me if you read that as anything other than excitement.
Speaking of excitement, I sit here about to go to my son's theatrical debut. He is playing the groundhog in the first grade production of "The Groundhog Who Stole Valentines Day". He has the title role! I'm very proud of him, I must say.
And it wasn't more than 3 months ago that I announced my daughter was playing Mary in the Christmas pageant at her pre-school. Wow! Maybe, just maybe, my kids have inherited my dramatic streak?
And when I think back, this year has been chock full of drama opportunities for my little family. Our church had it's first drama production during service one morning in the fall, and Craig was in that. And just last weekend, Craig and I donned our acting hats once more as we went to a Murder Mystery birthday party. We had assigned roles, and played them to the tee! The theme was an 80's 20 year High School Reunion,
and I played the class flirt. Fun!!! I probably had on more makeup than I have the past 6 months combined (love blue eye shadow) and simply had a blast. Craig was the school reporter turned Wall Street Journal Editor. He was great too. Sure wish I had pictures of that to post here of that night, but there are plenty out on Facebook.I will definitely get pictures of Jonas tonight. Be sure to check back tomorrow for proof of the future Oscar winner's performance!
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