Simon Said WHAT?!

Shine

2012-01-18T17:16:00.001-06:00

I talk to my kids a lot about being Jesus and looking like Jesus. (Funny, I don't always offer a very good example to them.) I say things like, "Guys, I love Jesus so much that sometimes He leaks out of me." This is good. And, it's true. But, then I got to thinking about it. You know, I don't really just want to accidentally leak his fragrant loving aroma. No, I want to SHINE! Rather, I want Him to shine so brightly that people don't see me, they only see Him.

So, the other day we were traveling and God gave me a visual for them. It was truly a moment that I am certain was just for us. The sun was trying SO hard to peak from behind a cloud. It just kept trying and trying and the kids were cheering it on. I was driving, so I only snapped the before picture. And honestly, I am sure a photo would not have done an after shot justice. But, for one brief moment, the sun came out. I am talking full on,

SHINE!

you couldn't even look at it any longer. Then quickly it tucked back behind the clouds. And it opened the most beautiful discussion and visual picture of how we want to be SHINING for Christ, not just leaking out a little at a time. It was a precious picture that I know was meant just for my children and I.

I love it when He does that...

Poser

2012-01-13T23:31:00.000-06:00

I'm not really a blogger. I am more of a poser. I blog roughly twice a year. I was considering starting a blog about the reasons I don't blog, but I probably wouldn't write very often.

Life is probably the biggest obstacle. When life is happening, blogging is not.

Fear might be another obstacle. I am all kinds of bravado and bull shnooky, but really I am afraid to put everything out there. I'm not a fan of judgement and usually what I have to say is hard for me to type. It's not that what I have to say is even for anyone other than myself. It's just that someone might think it's advice they need to take or not take and then kaplooie! You see, I have to look at the keyboard sometimes and with that enormous plank in my eye, that's really difficult.

Whatever the case, I am realizing that I am just a poser. I have a passion for story-telling. But, I don't necessarily have the craving to write. Nor do I have the chops. Let's face it, some people are writers. I am more a chatter.

So, once or twice a year, I will pose. And maybe, if I am feeling ambitious. Then, maybe I will write.

Who Does That?

2011-08-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

Each year, I throw my own birthday party. That's right; I have a birthday party for myself every year. This year someone flippantly said, "Who does that?!" I was all, "Tuh. Puh. Kuh. - I DO!"

Upon first glance it may seem that I suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. After all, I tell people that I secretly think I’m God’s favorite. The truth is I just really like being alive. And while we are being honest, I also really like being me. Please don't misunderstand; I do not think I am better than anyone else. I don’t. You see, I want you to think that you are God’s favorite, too. I think kids in the world should all secretly think they are their parents’ favorite child. That’s good parenting! And since God is the Best Dad Ever, it makes sense that we all think we are His favorite.

When I was small, there was a sign over the water fountain at school that said, “I know I’m somebody cuz’ God don’t make no junk!” Grammar aside, I believe that with my whole heart. Psalm 149:13 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made, and so am I! Instead of complaining about our lives, we should be celebrating them.

The other reason I have a party for myself is because I love watching people have fun. Some of my favorite words are: laughter, joy, happiness, silly, delightful, spontaneous, giggle, grateful, humorous, and thankful. The list goes on ad nauseum, but I will spare you. Basically, I am your quintessential sunshine and lollipops kind of girl. I enjoy watching people enjoy life. After all, like Psalm 118 says, “This IS the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Emphasis mine!

Yes, every year I have a party for myself. I DO that. I throw a party to celebrate lots of things. True, it’s my birthday. But, it’s also a perfect opportunity to praise the Lord, laugh, celebrate you, do something crazy and just be beautiful in His eyes. You are beautiful in His eyes. You are His favorite.

Consequently, come next July, be looking for an invitation to my party.

Muu Muus and House Shoes ~

37 Birthday Blessings!

Goin' Dancin' at Hanks!

Overheard

2011-06-28T10:16:00.007-05:00

Lately The Dog has been into counting his money. We recently opened a bank account and he's all about earning money and saving money. In the process we have talked about tithing, giving to others, saving for college etc. He has a blue, ceramic pig where he keeps his booty...it's sacred. No one touches the pig. Often, K-man carefully takes out his precious porker, jiggles it obnoxiously, dumps the money out on the floor and counts it. (Psssst, do NOT tell him that he is doing math *wink*)

On one such occasion, the following was overheard:

Dog: Lou, I'm sorry to tell ya, but I will be moving out.
Bear: WHAT?!
Dog: Well, not today, but when I go to college.
He vigorously shakes his piggy bank filled with money.
Dog: I'm already saving up. You will totally miss me. You will cry a lot.
Bear: Oh, yeah, well I have a bank, too. I am going to college, too.

She indignantly stomps off and returns armed with her petite, prettily-painted butterfly bank that is no bigger than a minute. She jiggles it under his nose and looks a little disappointed at the pathetic bit of jingling.

K-man chuckles, points his thumb and out of the corner of his mouth cracks,
"I guess someone's not going to college."

Eternal Journal Entries (ad infinitum...so if you're bored)

2011-06-23T20:05:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the eve of Lou Bear's birthday. She will be 7-years-old tomorrow. As I have written before, on the eve of our children's birthdays we always share their birth story with them. They are adopted, so that looks a little different to us. Shoot, the last time I blogged about my baby girl's birthday was when she turned FOUR! How sad is that?!

Well, tonight I was starting to reflect on what an incredible blessing she is, when I remembered my journal!! I have a journal with letters to the kids before they were born. They are prayers, hopes, thoughts, rants etc. They also help me remember, and if you know my memory...this is a very good thing.

So, my longing for child #2 started shortly after Christmas 2003! (K-Dog was a really good baby) I just had to share God's faithfulness...

12/27/03
Dear Little One,
Do you know that I love you already? Do you know that God loves you? I cannot wait to hold you in my arms one day. I can't wait for K-Dog to meet you, he will be a wonderful big brother. I pray that God will allow you two to be close and that you will get along well together. Oh, precious child, may God protect you as you grow...whenever that may be. I pray that your birthmom loves you. I pray that she knows that there is a Father our that that she can lean on during scary times...a loving, faithful Father she can turn to when she feels afraid and alone. I hope you are a joy to her and you will be to us. I excited and a little bit scared to be your mommy. Oh, sweet one, you are loved.

1/15/04
Dear Precious Child,
I can sleep tonight because I am thinking about you. I'm wondering whether you will be a boy or a girl. I talked to the social worker at LSS, she said there would be a class coming up soon and that we could get our profile in. However, she said that there weren't a lot of women placing right now, so it may be a while. That's okay, but I was kind of disappointed to hear that. I wonder what your disposition will be like. Will you be super sweet like your little brother or will you be a spitfire?
Oh, Sweet One, I just pray so often that you will be healthy. I pray that your birthmom is taking care of herself and of you. I pray that she is talking to you and loving you. I pray that you will know love right away. My love for you is already so great. I can't wait to meet you. God is is with you.
Love, Mommy

1/22/04
Dear Precious Child,
We started the process today!! We signed up for a workshop!! Once we finish the process we can submit a profile and become a waiting family. Little one, I love you so much already. I can't wait to hold you. I pray for you every day.

2/13/04
Dear Little One,
Every day we get closer. We are working on our profile!! Once we submit it, we become a waiting family. Oh, baby, you are so wanted, you are so loved. I pray that you relationship with your big brother will be strong. I pray that your mommy and daddy with be a good example of a godly marriage. I can't wait to touch your hands and feet and kiss your forehead. I just love you so much. I pray that you are safe and growing stong and healthy if you are already growing. Remember, God is with you always.
Love, Mommy

2/23/04
Sweetie,
It's mommy. I was cleaning out some cupboards today and I saw some bottles and formula. I thought, maybe I will get to use these again, soon. Oh, I do so pray that is the case. I hope we don't have to wait long for you. I trust the Lord's timing, but I am so anxious to meet you. I pray your birthmommy is safe and cared for. I pray sometimes that you are a girl. I would be fine with a little fella, but sometimes my selfish heart wants a little girl. Oh, who am I kidding, I will take you if you are a green boy!! I will love you so much...I already love you.

A couple more entries on 2/27, 3/4, 3/5 saying much of the same

3/25
Dear Child,
I am thinking about you a lot lately. For some reason, I am imagining you are a girl. I also have been praying that you will love your birthmom. I pray that we will always remain close with her. I pray that when you are older, you will embrace the fact that you are adopted an that you will LOVE being adopted. I so want to be an example of that for you. Oh, how I want to be an example of a Godly woman for you. I pray every day that I can be the kind of woman my children can be proud of...I want you to see Jesus in me. I love you my sweet.
Mommy

4/4/04
Hi there Little One,
I have been praying for you. Lord, let this child grow healthily and strong. Father, protect our little one. Cover her birthmom with your love and protect them both with your Holy Spirit. I pray for your birthmom. I hope she knows that she is loved by you, and by us. I pray that she is taking care of herself, not just for the baby but because she is worth it. She is YOUR child, God. Love her Lord, help her to know You, love You and lean on You. Lord, help her to love this little baby, show her that her decision is a good one and that we will never let our children forget their birthmoms. Thanks for BOTH of them...what a blessing they are.
I love you little one,
Love Mommy

4/27/04
WE GOT OUR PROFILE IN!!! WE ARE A WAITING FAMILY!!! I stopped by LSS yesterday. The birthmom counselor said they have 3 or 4 birthmoms currently looking at profiles. She also said that they are all pregnant with girls!! Hmmmmmm...could I even dream that one of those birthmoms could be carrying our baby?!?! I know, I know, settle down!! Well, whatever the case we are starting to move Big Brother into his big boy room. I mean, you never know things could go quickly?! I pray that your birthmom is talking to you, singing to you and loving you. I pray that she has support. I pray that she knows that she can lean on God and trust Him if she feels scared. Lord, you are faithful and I trust you.

5/22/04
Mommy's been busy teaching. While I haven't written much, I have been praying a lot! We are starting to prepare the nursery and get things ready. K-Dog moved to his big boy bed, so there is a crib should God decide that you will join our family soon. I know it will happen in God's time. God will find you for us and get you ready for us in HIS time. I pray you are safe and loved.

5/25/04
YESTERDAY we received a phone call from LSS!!! They said a birthmom had chosen our profile!!!!!!!! Oh, my word, what if I'm not ready!! I was so calm when I talked to her, but now, I am so freaked out. Here are the details we know:
BM - 22-years old, red hair, lives with her family (who is very supportive of the adoption) caucasian.
BF - Older, cannot support a baby, still with birthmom, african american.
Your due date is in July we are going to meet your birthparents on June 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, if you made it this far you get a gold star. I am not really even sure why I shared this, but my heart felt like someone needed to read it. I have no idea who would even GO to all that trouble, but I know this. God, is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe how many prayers have been answered.

The Bear's first mommy is still very much a part of our lives. LOU...my little GIRL is more precious than I could even believe. I am so, incredibly humbled to call her my daughter and I am SO awe struck at God's faithfulness.

Thank you Lord for adoption!!!!!!!!

Isaiah 25:1

Sticky, but not Sticky

2011-06-02T21:40:00.010-05:00

I am not now, nor have I ever claimed to be a cook. While I have come a long way in my nearly 15 years of marriage, I am no Emeril. Shoot, who am I kidding, I'm not even Sandra Lee! But, since I started homeschooling, I figured I'd better get cookin'. After all, I want to do everything I can to perpetuate my smocks and suspenders reputation!

Therefore, my mom gave me a recipe for homemade pizza crust. (In fact, she even sent along some yeast in a ziploc bag because let's face it, if she hadn't I likely would never have gone to the store to buy any.) In preparation, I faithfully line up the ingredients on the counter, get out all my Pampered Chef measuring tools (I still want to have the appearances of being a cook) and look at the recipe. As I am reading I think to myself, I'd better call mom and discuss the best way to go about this.

ME: Hey mom, I am making that pizza crust.

Mom: (squealing) YOU ARE?! That's wonderful honey!!

ME: So, I just follow the recipe and it will be fine, right?

Mom: Of course, it's SO easy!

ME: What temperature do I set the oven at?

Mom: Oh, I don't know 350, 400, maybe 425.

Um, that is three completely different settings.

ME: Which one of those?

Mom: Oh, I don't know, you just have to watch it.

Watch it do what?

ME: Mom should I set it at 350 or 400?

Mom: Well what do you think?

At this point my heart rate starts to increase, as I would have no idea what temperature to set the oven. I think maybe I'd better ask a different question. You know, let her think about it for a bit. I'll come back to it.

ME: Okay, well, how long do you cook it?

Mom: Oh, well that's easy, 20-45 minutes.

ME: What? So, like 30 minutes?

Mom: It just depends on the pizza. I’d say 20-45 minutes.

Ladies and gents, I am not cook, and I also tend toward the stupid when it comes to numbers but a 25 minute span of time seems like an awful lot of wiggle room.

ME: So, I am thinking Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, maybe some veggies. How long would that be?

Mom: Oh, I don't know ovens all vary.

At this point I feel like I am in a hamster terrarium running on the spinning wheel. I mean, I am getting nowhere fast. The scary part, I am planning to prepare this for company. I'm under a time crunch and starting to question the intelligence of making something I have never made before. So, I decide to rephrase the questions with the hope of coming to some sort of conclusion.

Me: So, you have seen my oven, what would you set it at if you were

making a pizza?

Mom: Oh, I supposed about 350, 400 or maybe 425.

Are. You. Kidding. Me.

Me: MOM, please, I beg you, give me something here. Say I pick 400. Will that work?

Mom: I think so, try it and see.

Me: Okay, so if I have it at 400, how long will it need to cook?

To which she rankles, "Honey, you aren't listening to me!"

Nope, nope, I am not even kidding. At this point we hang up the phone and I get busy mixing the ingredients. At some point, I call her back. (I know, I know, what can I say, I guess I was missing my wheel.)

Me: Hey, I think I've got it. But, the dough is kind of sticky. Do I need more flour?

Mom: Yes, I just guessed when I gave you the recipe.

WHAT?!?

Mom: You must have enough so that the dough is sticky, but not sticky.

Did she just say what I think she said?

Me: Um, sticky, but not sticky?

Mom: Yes

Ancient Chinese Secret, hmmm??

Me: Um, what does that mean exactly?

Mom: Well, it means that the dough is just right.

Because sarcasm is one of those things I tend toward in frustration, I say, "Oh, of course, just right - you mean sticky, but not sticky."

And because my mother is so blissfully oblivious to sarcasm she praises, "Exactly!"

The pizza was wonderful, everyone loved it! I give all the credit to my mothers detailed instructions. What can I say, she's a cook!

Jonah: Before and After

2011-06-01T12:32:00.006-05:00

My son is likely an evangelist. No, I'm not talkin' Benny Hinn!! Nor, am I necessarily talking Billy Graham. Rather, he is a simple, precious, truth-telling faith sharer. K-Dog does NOT shy away from telling people about Jesus! Frankly, his boldness freaks me out and challenges me in the same breath. More often than not his encounters leave me questioning my heart and motivating me to spread His love throughout my world! The Dog talks to homeless veterans about Jesus. He talks to his friends about Jesus. He talks to MY friends about Jesus. Shoot, he talks to perfect strangers about Jesus! The following is one of those times:

Picture this, Silver Dollar City, sweltering heat, a never-ending line in hopes of sweet relief by way of the Lost River of the Ozarks. You will have to take your items with you. You will wait in line for an hour. You will get wet. Really? UGH...okay, after all it's for the kids.

So, we start our wait. And about 10 minutes into our wait, K-man strikes up a conversation with a little boy. He's a precious little Indian boy. They are both pumped to find out that they are the same height AND the same age. (This is very rare for K-Man as he is, um, he is, vertically challenged) The boy's father, mother and much older sister are all watching this unfold. The whole family is BEAUTIFUL, all of them. Their skin is flawless and lovely. Their hair is thick and rich, all a shade of some sort of strong coffee.

The mom is wearing a Sari of every shade of pink and gold. Her daughter, stunningly flawless, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt translates the happenings of the moment. Both ladies have the traditional bindi on their forehead and both share an obvious affection for little Situ, the boy in line. Shoot, all of us share in the joy of these two precious fellas, these two scalawags who have formed an instant bond in an eternal line.

Even the father, resigned at first, cannot help but be delighted by K-man and Situ. The man breaks from his stoic stance to joke with the boys about getting soaked on the water ride to come. The conversation ranges from the rides they have been on that morning, to holes in the side of the fence, to pizza and everything in between.

Ken and I turn around and start to chat whileK-man and Situ linger over a spider web. In that moment, K-man looks at the little boy and in his shootin' the breeze fashion, K-man says, "So, do you know Jesus Christ? You know? Son of God? Died on the cross for our sins? Jesus?" He spreads his arms out like Jesus did on the cross and looks at the boy with big, questioning eyes. The lil' fella says, "What?" The Dog continues, "Jesus. He loves you, he died on the cross for you. You know, your Savior, Jesus?" The boy quietly says, "Um, I think I have heard about Him..."

The thing I find interesting is MY reaction. At first, I almost pulled him away and politely changed the subject. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit stopped me!! But, I just sort of awkwardly turn around and talk quietly to Ken hoping not to interrupt the Power of the moment.

K-Man continues, "Well, you should now that He will NEVER, EVER send a flood to cover the earth. Every time you see a rainbow, you should be reminded of that promise." (Earlier that day, Table Rock Lake was going to release the Dam for controlled flooding purposes. KJ was kinda worried that they were flooding things on purpose which could totally mess with God's plan! We had just been explaining to him that there would be flooding. But, there would NEVER be another flood like the flood of Noah that covered the whole earth.) Situ just listened as K-man went on about how Jesus loved him and died for him. All the while, I just stood face forward praying the Holy Spirit would bless this boy and his family. WOW! WOW! My little soon to be 9-year-old son was completely sharing the gospel in the boldest, simplest way possible. Then in one single second, the conversation switched back to pepperoni pizza and it was done. The two of them bantered again about all things boy. The adults looked at each other and parted ways, each to our own round, river ride.

Yes, we did wait an hour, we did carry our stuff with us and we did get wet. And amidst all of that, a sweet, Jesus-loving boy could not hold onto the secrets that spilled over in his heart. He could not stop himself from sharing with this little boy. He thought this little boy was too neat NOT to know his deepest, coolest, most amazing things on his heart and he just had to tell him for fear he would burst!

As we exited the ride, I looked at my boy and said, "WOW, son you are so bold! I love how you told that little boy about Jesus. You are braver than mommy. Do you know that?" He looked at me and said, "Mom, you are like Jonah before and I am like Jonah after." Ouch. Um, uh, um, yeah...

I said, "Hmmm...you know what, you are exactly right! Thank you for being an example to me, son. I am proud of you and I love how you have such a desire to share about God's love." To which he humbly replied, "Mom, I had to tell him about Jesus, you know why? Because he didn't know about Him." I got goose bumps to the roots of my hair. I said, "How do you know he didn't know Jesus?" He said, "I don't know, I just knew. Somehow, I just knew." Somehow, indeed.

So, my challenge to myself is to try to be like Jonah AFTER...you know after the running away, after the being swallowed by a whale, after the obeying God part.

Yeah, that K-man, er I mean, Jonah.

False Gods

2009-12-14T19:29:00.010-06:00

Okay, it's been a while I know. But, this is so good, it will be worth the wait.

Here's the scoop: K-manINSISTS upon pointing to everything with his middle finger.
*"Mom, Mom, look!" I look over and see him pointing at something. I have no idea what he is pointing at because I cannot get past the fact that he is pointing with his middle finger.

* When he reads he points with his middle finger.
* When he looks in magazines he points with his middle finger.
* Without fail, he keeps using his middle finger.
I think to myself, "Eh, this will go away, relax, no big whoop!"
* It doesn't go away.
*Every. Single. Day. He points with his middle finger.
So, I decide it's time to try and put a stop to it. My tactic is not to reveal the meaning behind the middle finger, rather to enhance and puff up the ol' pointer finger.

I say, "K-man, are you aware that God made a special finger just for pointing?! In fact, it's called a pointer finger." I raise my digit to show the appropriate one, then I take his little hand and show him where it is on his hand. "K-man, you should really use that finger to point. That finger is feeling a little left out because you keep using the other one." He looks at me, shrugs his shoulders and says, "Hokay!" I breathe a sigh of relief. Just to make sure he's got it down I reiterate that the pointer finger is really better for pointing than the middle finger. He quips, "Mom, it's also your light finger!!" Confused I query, "Huh?" He grins, "You know like the song, 'This Little Light of Mine!" Ahhhhhh, yes, now I understand. "YES! It is the same finger, good thinkin' buddy."

Next day...
*He points to the cupboard with his middle finger. I remind him.
*He reads pointing to the words with his middle finger. I remind him again.
* He points to the stars with his middle finger. I remind him yet again and even add, "Sweetie, use the finger God made for pointing. The middle finger really isn't a good finger." That's all I say.

Well, SOMEWHERE along the line the K-Dog became very confused in his theology. Whilst we were dining in Zaxby's he points to his cup and says, "Look guys, a chicken!" Exasperated I say "K-man, use your pointer finger!" And he says "OH, sorry, sorry, sorry, I know, I know, I know!" and he holds up both middle fingers, flails them in the air and shouts accenting each word with his middle finger, "I should NEVER bow down to false gods!"

At this point the waitress walks by and Ken and I are laughing SO hard. I mean, I am cackling so loud people are staring. Finally, I choke out, "WHAT?! What do you mean?!" Perplexed he says, "Well, I gotta use my God finger, not my false god finger." With a very solemn face he warns, "One should never bow down to false gods."

Oh. My. Word. I have no idea how it went so awry, but now when he points with his middle finger all we have to say is, "false gods" and he switches to his pointer finger. Problem solved!

It's Like Pulling Teeth

2009-03-26T10:25:00.005-05:00

You may find this hard to believe, but growing up, my Dad had this thing. Every time we had an ailment - sliver, skinned knee, infected something, possible broken bone, loose tooth etc. He was always there to check it out. Mom would say "Let's ask Dr. Dad." Which now I realize was either 1) her way of not wanting to deal with it or 2) her way of calming us down. Probably the latter, she was good like that.

Anyway, Dad would check out our wounds and declare them fine or not so fine depending on the situation. However, when it came to loose teeth, he would always want to try things. It was kind of mad scientist-esque. Like I distinctly remember John tying a string on his tooth and tying the other end to a door knob and slamming it shut. I also know there were several occasions where the pliers came into play. Whatever reason when Dad became part of the loose tooth equation, THAT NIGHT the tooth would come out! He was like a man on a mission.

Well, much to my husband's dismay, I have adopted this twisted, desperate need to pull out loose teeth. Right now as I type K-man's other front tooth is loose and it's all I can do not to go help him yank it out.

So, a couple of weeks ago K-man's top front tooth was loose..very loose. For DAYS I let him "wiggle it" and nothing came of it. So, I said "Buddy, I think we need the pliers." To which my boy said "WHAT?!?!?" After putting his fears to rest (convincing him it would be AWESOME) I proceeded to the garage all the while hearing my husband say "JUST LEAVE IT ALONE? What is your deal? Why does it HAVE to come out?"

We went to the bathroom in front of the mirror. He looked at me with big, suspicious, brown eyes and said "Do you think it will work?!" To which I replied "I don't know, but this is the way Grandpa pulled mommy's teeth out!" So, I told him I would clamp the pliers and he would PULL really hard. And guess what - IT TOTALLY worked!! K-man's eyes were as big as saucers. He thought it was WAY cool. But, for whatever reason he is loathe to pull the other one out that way? Hmmm...weird?

Anyway, hey Dad, aren't you proud?

Hair's the deal...

2009-03-24T09:49:00.009-05:00

Aren't these pictures of Lou Bear so beautiful? They were taken before school one morning. For sake of story, we will call them the "after pictures!"

Lou Bear is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. (Yep, I am her mother, I can totally say that.) She is GORGEOUS to me (and her daddy.) One of our favorite things about our beautiful daughter is her hair. We LOVE her hair. We love it when it's wild, we love it when it's untamed, we love it when it's poofed, twisted, braided or wet. E-Bear has GREAT hair!

School mornings are like a well-oiled machine at our home. Everything is carefully laid out the night before. No, I am not kidding. I am the queen of planning for perfection!! Each night before bed I carefully plan each detail. Shirt-check; Pants-check; Uniform-Check; Socks-check; Louies-check; Shoes-check; Back-packs-check; Lunch Box- check. I think you get the point. It's like a morning ballet.

However, even the most rehearsed Ballet is still performed LIVE...
On this particular morning we were JUST about to get into the car. Am I forgetting something????

Yes, we were late for school that day in the name of WE HAVE GOT TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS!

Luuuuucy, you got some 'splainin' to do.

2009-03-24T09:47:00.001-05:00

Okay, so it's been a while. I know, I know. So, here is the deal. This week is Spring Break. I hope to have several entries!

Be watching....

Fall Full of Fun!

2008-11-07T07:16:00.008-06:00

The colors of Arkansas haved turned and they are reflecting God's design. K-man is learning about leaves and to see the process that each individual leaf goes through from life to dormancy is just awesome. It reminds me of how personal and intricate our Daddy God is. If He cares this much for a leaf, imagine how He cares about YOU!

This fall we have done so much already. One of the MANY joys of living in Arkansas is the mild fall weather. This allows for much extended outdoor fun. We have been homeschooling outside, riding bikes, going to the park and just enjoying every minute of it.

Following are some pictures from this fall. They range from Homeschool Fun at the Pumpkin Patch to Family Fun Fest (Halloween!) K-man was Buzz Lightyear and Lou Bear was a Pincess (Princess.)

Hope all is well with you. We love you and miss you. Oh, incidentally, the little fella with us is Eric. He is Kaden's best buddy. His mom MADE...that's right MADE his Larry Boy Costume!

Prayer Party of Three

2008-10-15T11:29:00.021-05:00

Teaching our children to pray is a pretty amazing thing. Every day we pray with them, for them, about them etc. I have tried to tell the kids that they can be completely transparent and honest ("your most real self!") with God. I tell them that they don't have to be fancy and can pray about anything. God loves them and He will listen.

I also tell them that they can pray anywhere, at any time - and we practice that. Every day on the way to school we pray in our car. I ask the kids what they want to pray about. I get the usual - Pray for Dad, Grandparents, trees, flowers, etc.

Well, one day, on the way to school I said "What should we pray about today?" Elaina said "Um...school, Gaddy (Daddy)!" And The Dog was unusually quiet. Not sure I wanted to know and desperately hoping I wasn't going to hear about body parts or functions I fearfully asked "K-man, do you have anything you'd like to pray about?" I look in the rearview mirror and I am met by beautiful brown eyes of love. Then he points his head at his sister and says dismissively "Pray for Elaina, she sets a pretty good tea party!"

CRACK ME UP I TELL YA!

And you know what folks - she REALLY does!

To see the evidence click
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbZCoznHgbQ

Dad Cakes

2008-09-26T12:06:00.007-05:00

I am in love. Every single day I fall deeper into love. I am so in love that I have GOT to blog about it.

My husband is the most amazing guy in the world. I am blessed, blessed I say, to be married to him. I am so thankful for his friendship, laughter and love. He is an awesome provider, a great friend, a skilled....well, you get the picture. I love my Q Bear.

He is also a great Daddy. The kids look up to him in such a humbling way. They worship him as a Daddy and love him so much. They have special things they do together like dropping the hammer, eating stubbies and just goofing around. There are things that I cannot emulate nor would I want to. They are special things...Daddy things. This is yet another reason I love this man. He is a great Dad.

Every Saturday since right after K-man was born, on Saturday mornings we have a tradition - DAD CAKES. Dad cakes are pancakes made with a secret ingredient that only Dad knows. He makes these round, flat-tastic fabulous cakes of goodness. They are delicious. The kids beg for them and the whole routine is just a big 'ol family festival. The kids wait with looks of awe and anticipation and we often have fun conversation and great memories while waiting for Dad Cakes.

So, I thought I'd let you in on what that looks like:

To me, it's a foretaste of a much bigger Feast :) (A bit of Heaven on Earth if you will)

Love you Q!

"Luke, I'm your father..."

2008-09-25T15:43:00.007-05:00

So, Ken is a movie hound, right? Well, he might be just a wee bit (whole lot) more permissive than I am when it comes to what the kids watch on TV. Right now K-man is hooked on Star Wars, much to my dismay. But, I am trying to be open minded about things.

That said, I will NOT buy Star Wars junk. I refuse, I mean it's all so commercialized and ridiculous. I will not be a party to that. I absolutely, positively will not allow him to play with Jaba the Hut dolls, Sand people and the like. And no way, no how will I allow Darth Vader ANYWHERE in this house - GOT IT!

Or will I???????

Oh, and by the way, just in case you are wondering how I KNEW Darth Vader had entered my home it's because before I saw him, I heard

"kshhhhhh, kshhhhhhh, kshhhhhhhhh Luke, I am your father!"

No, no, I am not kidding, not even one little bit.

ETA: YES he came up with the costume on his own - yes, yes he did indeed.

Accountability...and a big ol' update

2008-09-24T13:34:00.013-05:00

Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement (taunting), your thoughtful notes (rage mail), your sweet phone calls (nagging!) Because of your love and tenacity I am finally updating my blog. I should name names, but I won't, you know who you are! (Liz, Jessie, Sarah, Molly, Mary Kay, Tracie, Tracy ad infinitum...) Quietly in the background you sheepishly hear, "Oh, and thanks, you are just what I need in my life."
I know, I know, I should really entitle the post Shock and Awe but I wouldn't want to misconstrue anything as being political. I mean, I just have some pictures of the kids and some chit chat.

Life is CRAZY right now. But, it's also really fun. For years I have watched mini-vans with bumper stickers, pictures, license plates and other car memorabilia that read "MOM's TAXI!" I'll be honest, I totally made fun of them. Well, to every mom I made fun of, laughed at, rolled my eyes at, wondered at your sanity - I am SO, SO, SO sorry. I get it now. I really do. We are constantly on the go from one thing to the next. Between homeschool, pre-K, homeschool co-op, Body and Soul, Awana, Choir, Swimming Lessons and everything in between we spend HOURS in the mini-van. While we haven't taken up residence in the van, I can't say the same for old fries, yogos, candy wrappers, juice pouches, straws and many other treasures. I am pretty sure if we buried the van in the ground and they found it in the year 3008 they would think it was a time capsule!

Well, on to the updates. K-Man is ROCKIN' and ROLLIN' with homeschool. He is learning so much. We are using the My Father's World curriculum. He is really just amazing me. I find that he is super motivated by sending things to other people. He was so proud of the gifts he sent to Grandma and Grandpa Simon. He could hardly contain the fact that he was "sending them a special delivery."

K is learning about the phases of the moon, the sun, the planets, apples and so much more. I love the homeschooling aspect in that every time he is REALLY interested in something we use that to supplement every aspect of his education. It works great! This way he has no idea he's learning...shhhhhhhhh. He is struggling with his fine motor skills a bit and we are visiting and occupational therapist every other week. But, he has GREATLY improved since the beginning of the year.

Following you will see his alphabet accomplishments and his Creation creations. Day four was his favorite, so we took a special snappie for you!

The Lou Bear is doing equally wonderfully. She started Pre-K at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary (What can I say, we live in Arkansas!) She attends school 5 days per week. LB has some special learning challenges with her speech, so rather than have her home in our we translate for her, K talks for her, we know her needs and meet them before she needs to talk environment we threw her to the clutches of the public school system And, thus far we have been very pleased, er, at least I think we are. Now, she won't stop talking. "Doknowhatmom?" (Do you know what, Mom?) Is her favorite question. She loves school and talks from the moment we pick her up until she crashes to bed each night.

Of course we miss her a lot, but we know she is well cared for. And EVERY day we get a report on what was for lunch! "Doknowhatmom?" she says. "What?" I respond. "Today we had Tsicken (Chicken)," she explains with big eyes "ON A BUN!" What can I say, a girl after my own heart, the highlight of her day is lunch!

She also has had a run in with the the boy in the purple shirt. Evidently the bitps (boy in the purple shirt) is not a very nice boy. Well, he tried to push her down the slide. So, she came home and told us about this little fella. And I said next time you need to say "Don't push me down the slide I don't like that!" And then if he doesn't listen you can tell the teacher. Well, I hear her telling daddy and he has some different advice. I only heard the tale end of the conversation, but it sounded like "and if that doesn't work - push him back!!" WHAT?! Oh, well, I guess that could work too. Anyway, here is my Lou Bear!

Wow - where does the time go?! I will also try to do a few more posts this week. Bug me about it though, okay?!

Love you all and miss you~
Q and Crew

Eat Your Heart Out Jeremy Camp!

2008-07-31T13:54:00.006-05:00

Today is my birthday! No, that is not a shameless plug. It's not a call out for well wishes, just an integral part of the story. Thing is, this year, I thought it would be impossible for God to give me a better present than last year. Last year, I ran into my good buddy Jeremy Camp at the Nashville Zoo. Jeremy Camp just happens to be one of my favorite singers of all time - TID/TIND - know what I'm sayin'? I mean, it would take something pretty special to top THAT!

As you can see from the picture, K-man and Lou Bear were JUST as excited as I was:

So, I was thinking that there was absolutely NO WAY anything I received could come close to that! I was soooooooooooo wrong.

Qbear is out of town. Usually, he and the kids make or buy a cake. I mean we totally do it for the kids, right? They love to sing Happy Birthday. It has nothing to do with the fact that we just want cake.

Well, with Q gone, K-Man was very concerned that there wasn't a cake for my birthday. I calmly explained that Daddy was gone and that when he came home we could celebrate with a cake. I thought this appeased him. However, he kept coming back to me and saying things like "Mom, you should have a cake!" "Mom it's your birthday TODAY!" "Mom, we could make a cake!" Etc. I just kept telling him that it was fine.

Later in the morning, I gave the kids a snack and came to the computer to check my email. Well lo' and behold here comes K-man singing Happy Birthday with a bowl in his hand! Inside the bowl were some grapes and crackers?? Hmmm...okay, um, thanks buddy that is really sweet. "You didn't want to eat your grapes, did you?" To which his innocent eyes responded "No, Mom, look it's a cake! Dontcha see the smilie face? It's a smilie face cake just for you!" I had never seen him look more proud. It was like he had grown two feet just with pride! His eyes were virtually sparkling with delight. And, if you look closely, it is INDEED a smilie cake.

Eat your heart out Jeremy Camp!!

Beach Bum Photography

2008-07-18T09:43:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures that we took on Pensacola Beach! They bring back such FUN memories. They were taken by www.beachbumphotography.com if you are ever in the Pensacola/Destin area, you should TOTALLY use them! Click on the picture if you would like a better view.

Four Sure!

2008-06-29T16:43:00.008-05:00

June is really a special month for our family. It's the time of year when we celebrate BOTH of our children's birthdays. I call them our children, but I use the term loosely. It's at the special times like this that I realize that they are God's children, simply on loan to us for a season. It is my humble pleasure that he chose ME to be called their mom. It really is the purest of adoption stories to be sure...as they are both His adopted son and daughter.

On June 24th we had the honor of celebrating Lou Bear's 4th birthday. It is really almost depressing to think that my baby is 4-years-old! Oiy, where does the time go? As with K-Man, I spent the evening before her big day telling her about her birth story. (Qbear was out of town.) She just rested her head in the crook of my arm and smiled up at me. I don't know if she knew or understood any of it, but I understood.

As I smooched on my little girl, I praised God for her birthparents. I praised God for their selfless gift. I praised God that her birthmother and birthfather chose LIFE so that my life could be so full and rich.

Lou Bear is a beautiful, smart, funny, loving, snuggly little girl. I could not imagine life without her. Being her mommy is something that would stand out on my resume. It's means more to me than my education, experience and accolades combined. In my opinion there is NO greater calling than being a mommy. I feel so grateful that for four years God has allowed this little girl to be my daughter.

Happy Birthday to my favorite little girl in the world!

PS: This last picture is a picture of Lou Bear at Bible School. She wanted to wear her pincess dess (princess dress) and her sandals for her special day. I realized later, she did it so people would say, "Why are you so dressed up?!" That way, she could reply, "It's my birthday!" WHERE does she come up with this stuff?

Spiritual Spoonfuls of Blessing

2008-06-22T08:36:00.007-05:00

Well, I did it! I went on a vacation...with the in-laws! Gasp? What? Yep, we just got back from a week of sea shells, sunshine, swimming and sweetness. Many of you know, but I am going to type it out for posterity, I absolutely LOVE my in-laws. They are awesome!! The week was truly amazing. The kids were in heaven. Our days usually looked like this: Get up, eat breakfast, decide between the beach or the pool, swim, eat, swim, eat, nap and eat some more. We also did some of the touristy things, we went to the National Aviaton Museum, the Gulfarium, the Pensacola Fishing Pier etc.

Now, I don't know about you, but a dear friend of mine (love you Stacey!) likes to think that she is God's favorite. Shoot - I think we should ALL feel like that. On this trip, there were so many times I felt like I was just heaped with spiritual spoonfuls of blessing. There were times where I just basked in the Everlasting Arms of Love and soaked it all up.

I watched my children in the ocean, I watched them ooh and ahh over things that occur in nature that would amaze you! There were some things I saw that blew my mind. I mean, I watched a pod of dolphins frolicking in the ocean - it was AWESOME. I had an especially blessed evening on the pier with my sister-in-law and my children. We saw jellyfish, a sea turtle, barracudas, dolphins, sting rays - WOW!

And while the natural beauty was indescribable, it was really the being with family that made me feel especially blessed. There were so many pockets-full of praise. There were so many times that if you would have been there and hit pause you would have been touched by something so beautiful. You may have seen a snuggle of a mom and her son, a teachable moment between a niece and her auntie, a look of love between a boy and his torpedo, a belly laugh, a tear in some one's eye, a moment of prayer, a grandparent doting, a nodding napper, a crevice filled with sand, a pool filled with family and a condo filled with love. It was truly a priceless time of pure and perfect FAMILY.

I don't have pictures to post yet...but I will. Stay tuned.

Golden Birthday Praises

2008-06-08T09:59:00.018-05:00

K-man turned 6 on June 6, thus it was his GOLDEN birthday. (I was surprised how many people have never heard that term. Your Golden Birthday is when the date, in K's case (June) 6, is that age you are - 6!) We celebrated from morning until night. We started with K-cakes for breakfast and ended with Cake and presents after the big baseball game. KJ especially enjoyed the birthday CALLS. Each time he heard the song his eyes twinkled and he sat up straighter and just looked so stinkin' proud!! He had so much to be thankful for that night when he prayed that I almost had to cut him off - I know, I know, but I thought about it. He even SLEPT with one of his presents. (It was a rocket fishing "rot". Good on ya Liz!! Great going in the gift department!!)

Birthday's are a big deal anyway, but birthday's also have extra special significance for our family. The Q-Bear and I suffered through many years of infertility before God brought us to our first born. To us, birthdays are about more than just Mom+Dad=baby. They are about Mom+Dad + birthfamily = baby. Truly, we feel humbled and blessed to even be a part of that equation.

Every year, the night before their birthdays we lay in the kid's beds and tell them their birth story. Our birthstories are a little bit different than the average bear, but nonetheless, they are ours and they are special. This year, we talked to K about his birthmom A. We looked at pictures and talked about the emotions we went through. Q-Bear told him how he used to sleep with him on his chest wrapped up in his t-shirt. (I used to walk in the room and both my boys would be sleeping together. KJ was a preemie, and at 4lbs 9oz was itty bitty and Daddy could pull the bottom of his t-shirt right over his lil' bottom. It was the sweetest thing.)

I'll admit, each time we tell the story, Q and I get a little choked up. Really, if you think about the selfless sacrifice that our children's birthfamily's made it is one of the most humbling things in the world. A young woman, scared and afraid, chose US, CHOSE us, to be the parents to her baby. I will never know the feeling of sacrifice my children's birthfamily made. But, but I will always know the thanksgiving on the receiving end of that miraculous blessing. Their gifts of love have become two of my life's greatest joys.

With that in mind, I will tell you that each year on K's birthday we hear from his birthmom. This year was no exception. She called and talked to KJ. He told her all of his 6-year-old boy-ventures in his sweet high-pitched little boy voice. While he was on the phone, I tried to imagine what A must be thinking. I wondered if she thought he was sweet? I wondered if she thought he was smart, funny, loving and kind? Because he is, he is all those things. I wondered if she thought he was amazing and special. As an adoptive mom, my heart ached for a moment. I felt sad that A didn't really know all of the wonderful, intimate, amazing, special things that made up this wonderful, creative, easy-going, all-boy boy!

Then it was my turn. I got on the phone and we talked about the year-in-review. I told her some funny K moments and then I told her about our before birthday bed-talks. She was quiet for only a moment before she said "Yeah, that was a crazy night wasn't it, well it was a crazy TIME?! I still tell everyone to this day doing that was the best thing I have ever done. When I hear him talk, I realize what a smart thing I did. You guys are such great parents. I tell people that all the time. That was the best thing I ever did for HIM. He is so much better with you. I wouldn't have done a good job at all. I think it was the best thing I ever did for him, for me and for you guys, huh?" Silence, silence, a moment to stop the tears and I replied "Yeah, it was one of the greatest blessings of our life! What you did was amazing and K-man is a healthy, wonderful little boy and we are humbled and blessed to be his parents." She said "Yeah - cool!"

Wow, wow, wow, talk about humbling. I am sorry, I realize I keep using that word, but honestly, there isn't a better one. We are just in awe of God's great mercy and grace. We are blessed beyond measure to know that He would allow US to be K-man's parents. That, for this season, He has entrusted this soul into our hands. WOW - it's humbling indeed.

It all started with an emergency phone call of "Can you be here in 20 minutes? Your son is being born by emergency C-section, he's breech!" Fast forward six golden years to a boy who has such a heart for prayer, a pocket for worms, a love of squirt guns, fishing rots, swimming, baseball and all things boy. Lord Jesus, I say thank you. Thank you for making our formula different, thank you for adding to our equation. The sum is so much sweeter. We are thankful and yes, humbled to have K-man for this season and we give You every ounce of the glory.

Six Golden Years in review:

Former Fat Girl Finishes 5K

2008-06-04T14:12:00.014-05:00

First of all - relax. Yes, I did write the word fat. Because, if we are calling a spade a spade, I used to be fat. It's okay, I am okay with it. I am not surprised. I have always known. Guess what, I have always been okay with it. It's part of who I am. It's also part of the way I was made. Just because I was fat, doesn't mean I wasn't made in the image of God. I mean to tell you people, I am and always have been beautiful to Christ. And SO are you! God does not make junk. (Phew, don't get me started. That's a subject for another blog!)

He does however, say that our body is a temple, and a living sacrifice. Those are the Biblical concepts that I have been trying to live by since my gastric bypass surgery in December of 2005. While my decision to have surgery almost cost me my life, conversely it also gave me my life back. Before surgery I longed to do simple things that most people take for granted. I longed to walk without feeling like I had just climbed Everest. I wanted to sit criss-cross applesauce on the floor and play with my kids. I wanted to stoop down pick up my children and jump up again. And secretly, in my most secret self - I wanted to RUN! What? Run? Did I say that out loud? Gulp, yep I admit it, my former big girl body dreamed of running. But, I could hardly walk let alone run.

A year after my weight loss surgery, I started to train with my friend Jenny. Jenny is a hard-bodied, muscle-toned, beautiful DRILL SERGEANT! She lovingly, gently and sweetly (shoutingly, toughly and stubbornly) cajoled me into exercising. Guess what? I loved it. With her expertise, friendship and guidance I, Qtipper, on a gravel road in the prairies of South Dakota started to RUN. (Okay, I started to jog and pant and almost pass out - but you get the point!)

But, there is more to the story. I had many goals before surgery. They are what I call my pre-weight loss surgery goals for my post-weight loss surgery self. Here they are, some of them might seem ridiculous/vain/sad/pathetic, but hey, it's ME:

1) I want to ride comfortably in an airplane/sit comfortably in a theater seat.
2) I want to walk without getting horribly winded
3) I want to get out of bed and not have to stand there for 10 seconds before I can move.
4) I want to go hiking
5) I want to bend down to pick up my children and get up with them in my arms.
6) I want to sit criss-cross-applesauce on the floor with my kids (KJ's teacher said "He just doesn't quite get the concept. He is always sitting on the floor with his legs sprawled open." Well, of course he is, that is how his mom sits.)
7) I want to go to WALMART (nowhere fancy...just WALMART) and buy clothing. I currently have to go to specialty store if I want to purchase clothing.
8) I want to get an item of clothing for $3 at any Mart/Get or Ko and brag about what a bargain it was.
9) I want to scoot past someone in the church pew without squashing them and making us ALL uncomfortable
10) I want to take a bath and fill the tub with water while I am IN IT and NOT have to readjust to make a flood gate for the water so it can fill the "front and back" parts of the tub.
11) I want to teach my children to eat healthily NOW so, they will not struggle with these issues later.
12) I want to jump up and down at a concert!
13) I want to go skiing, skating and rollerblading
14) I want to golf without having to readjust my boobs!
15) I want to RUN (GOAL: to run a 5K)

As of May 30th - 14 of the 15 goals were fulfilled. However, on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 I completed the 15th goal. Praise God with a Psalm 150 praise!!! But, wait, I had help. My sweet sister Sarah has been running with me and without me (since we moved away) for a year. She came all the way from South Dakota to run with me!!! My neighbor and friend Liz has been training with me for two months. She was also there that morning. Armed with their great resperatory endurance (ability to chat and run at the same time!)we ran 3.1 miles in the Little Rock Dino Dash. My time wasn't fantastic (35:00) but, I DID IT! Glory to God alone!!!! I crossed the finished line with a prayer of gratitude on my lips and tears of joy welling in my eyes. I could not believe that God had allowed this dream to come true.

Wow, I am just getting the hang of this blogging bit, so forgive the verbosity. Perhaps one of your goals was just making it through this entry alive. If you did. I am grateful, if not, well then you will have no idea that I am wearing pink underwear right now.

Here are the pictures for you:

A Legacy of Love...

2008-06-03T10:25:00.001-05:00

As my son would say "We-he-hell!" Hi there fam and friends! After drooling over other's blogs, I figured it's high time I joined the ranks of the Blogged and the Beautiful.

So, here I am on my maiden voyage to journaling. I must say, it feels sort of freeing. Actually, it gives me hope. Why? Well, you see I am by NO means a scrapbooker. In fact, scrapooking really intimidates me. There is all this craftiness, creativity and clever construction. It's a whole lot of C's that I just can't quite conquer. Plus, I think it's a cult. (Juuuuuuuuuuuust kidding, I know it's not a cult - but there are a LOT of stickers is all I am sayin')

However, the part of scrap booking that I envy is the leaving a legacy part.
You C - oops, I mean see - my mom has hundreds of photos of us. When we rifle through them, the memories come pouring back. A picture of the past can conjure smells, capture moments and create memories that can last a life time. Just looking back and laughing at hairstyles and clothing is enough to keep you giggling for weeks. I LOVE pictures. I do. And someday I want my children to look back at their lives in pictures and laugh, cry, you know reminisce. But, if that happened today, it would look like this:

Find the rubbermaid tub in the attic. (Which one I don't know, they aren't labeled)
After searching through 15 tubs you will come to a tub with a floral box in it. That should be K-Man's first 3 years. (With some intermittent honeymoon pictures of course.)
As for the rest of the photos, continue searching through random drawers in the house, the glove compartment of the vehicles, check pages of notebooks, novels, check gaps in bookshelves etc.
Then go to the computer, check the files labeled Pictures, Pictures, Pictures, Pictures, Pictures and lastly Pictures 08.
Finally, find the camera, insert the card into the disk drive and page through. (Although quite a few of them have been erased because the card has been perpetually full and so some of your not so good takes didn't make the cut...oops.)

I know, I know, not pretty. I can't even tell you the good intentions I have had. Oiy! Anywho, that leads me to today. I, Qtipper, am gingerly entering Blogsville. I am hoping that by starting this blog I will effectively be scrapbooking and thus leaving a legacy!!! Exciting, isn't it?!

So, I am asking you to hold me accountable in this. Okay? When I start to slack off, just let me know. I really want you to hear about all things Arkie and that means US! So drum roll please...

The beginning of my Legacy of Love:

Me and my best friend Q-Bear

K-Man, K-Dog, Diggity (almost 6)

Lou Bear, E-bear, E (almost 4)