You can see what we've been up to lately... Sweet Sara Beth had to have 4 teeth pulled at the oral surgeon's. She was SUCH a trooper! She knew she was going to receive anesthesia, and she was really hoping she would act funny--like she's seen on YouTube videos. She even asked her big sister to come along--so she could video her acting silly afterwards.
A girl after my own heart. It's not about the PROCEDURE you're going to have done...it's about HOW FUNNY you'll be. She'll be here all week, folks.
Here are some links I wanted to share with you good people...
What a wonderful craft idea! Just in time for Valentine's Day!! We are THAT Family
Mmm. Super Bowl appetizer idea? Pizza Monkey Bread appetizer The Sweets Life
My sweet friend, The Hollywood Housewife, is telling her story of faith this week. She is an AMAZING storyteller. Please go check it out! The Hollywood Housewife
Now, go ye forth and ENJOY the weekend! I sure hope you have a chance to kick back and relax a little...Just don't forget the bon bons!
When your family gets together, what are the stories you always tell, over and over again, laughing every time? Some of my favorite times with my family are exactly that--sitting around a dinner table after all the dishes are cleared away, and re-telling our old stories. Even though we all know these stories by heart, there's just something reassuring about their telling.
This week, when Mama Kat suggested writing about my Top 10 Life Stories, I jumped at it. I thoroughly enjoyed walking down memory lane a bit--visualizing my family around the table, laughing till crying as we tell these familiar stories...
1. Sometimes people you've never met and their stories are a part of your Life Stories...like Brother Mose, Sister Bobby, and the meat cleaver.
2. The home where I grew up had a history and its own stories, and it all became woven into my own Life Stories. Its name in our stories? Simply "1800."
3. You can't pretend you're tough when you have drop seizures every time your mom or dad is wearing a gorilla mask hiding in your closet.
4. Booby-trapping my brother's room, setting his cuckoo clock for midnight, sliding hard books underneath his bed sheets...and finding out paybacks aren't fun.
5. The Soup Kitchen was about learning to serve all kinds of people--scary looking people, the toothless old gentleman who always wore a 3-piece suit, women with shy little kids we'd play with and try to draw out, and big smiley Jimmy, who always had a jolly word, and who walked everywhere he went in town.
6. Working in the yard as a family meant I was the self-designated "drink getter" and "telephone answerer." And, as I always answer that story--Hey, those are important tasks, too!
7. Learning about forgiveness by taking a convicted rapist to church on Sundays, bringing him home to swim in our pool, and being encouraged to "be nice to him."
8. Anything tiny is "Aunt Mae sized," and any person large is as my Gram Moore used to say, "As big as a cow. A good-size cow."
9. Being in the band meant sitting in the stands never knowing the football score, and maybe even thinking the crowds were most excited about the half-time entertainment.
10. Even when you're tired of taking your little sister to every bathroom in every store you're in, it's not okay to tell her the display bathroom in the middle of the hardware store is okay for her to use...
What are some of your own favorite Life Stories?
(You should really try to write down your Top 10. It's a wonderful exercise!)
Now, don't be thinking I'm getting all crazy on you. I'm not saying that I'm giving up Cokes. No sirree.
What I am saying is that I am trying to drink fewer Cokes.
But, fewer could mean less than a dozen a day. Or less than 2. Or even less than 3 per week.
You think I'm going to tell you how many Cokes I drink a day/week?
A proper lady never tells...how many Cokes she drinks.
And since I am always proper, I will tell you how I am drinking fewer Cokes...than I normally drink.
(Are you on the edge of your seat yet? Biting your nails in anticipation?)
I am buying 2-liter Cokes, instead of 12-packs of cans.
Now, my first true Coke love will always be those 200-calorie cans--icy cold from the refrigerator. *swoon* But, I have found that if I buy 2-liters instead, I drink less. (Plus, I'm saving a heck of a lot of money.)
I like my icy-cold 2-liter Coke poured into a glass--no ice. If you're not drinking it out of an icy can, and you're not drinking it out of a Sonic styrofoam cup, then the 3rd best is icy cold in a glass with no ice.
(I realize I have issues.)
Sometimes, I want to drink my Coke out of one of one of my pretty little juice glasses. Those things are itty bitty--but I do love those little glasses, and Coke tastes special and delicious in them.
You know what itty bitty means, right? Itty bitty calories. Cha-ching.
So, for today, that is my baby step to getting healthier. Between my running, and drinking fewer Cokes, maybe--just maybe--I will finally lose the rest of my baby weight. I KNOW MY BABY IS 7-YEARS-OLD. I just like to take things slow and steady.
Oh, we've all been there. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. That moment of terror which begins as the chipper nurse leaves a very small folded blue and white paper on the examining room table, and says, "Go ahead and put this robe on, and the doctor will be here shortly."
Robe? That tiny folded thing is a ROBE? Looks to me like the doctor bought a faulty batch of these, cause this is a VEST, not a robe.
Oh, glory, I'd better hurry up. That doctor will be here any minute, and I sure don't want him coming in--mid-change.
Oh, don't act like getting naked in the doctor's office doesn't bother you. You know that the fastest you ever shed your clothes is at the doctors office. First, you start off trying to fold your clothes neatly on the chair. Don't want the doctor to think he's got a slovenly patient sitting on his exam table. I mean--you did dress up for the visit, and the doctor doesn't even get to appreciate your early-morning accessorizing. The least you can do is hang the cute scarf on the hook above your folded stack of clothes.
Then. Then, you reach that critical moment. You know exactly what I'm talking about. That point of no return, when you take off your shirt and begin removing undergarments. You think at first, "All right. This is okay. I'm not feeling so self conscious. " Then, you hear a nearby door open and close, and you're standing half naked in a strange office. You're like a deer in the headlights. Suddenly, you start flinging jeans off so fast you nearly trip trying to get your right foot out. You actually have to hop a few times getting those jeans off. And if you're really lucky like me--you grab at the paper gown so fast that it slides off the table and across the slippery floor. Oh my stars! I had to crawl around the exam table--while holding my important parts--just in case the doc walks in and wonders why in the world I'm crawling naked on his floor. Whew! I finally have the gown in hand, and I poke my arms through the holes like they are on fire. I look down, alarmed, because this little vest is even smaller than it looked. The thing barely covers my rumpus.
And, oh my word, my upper lip is sweating from the fast undressing maneuvers. I climb up onto the exam table--so that I can be properly displayed once the doctor comes in. The little vest barely covers me. If my daughter ever wore a dress this short, I'd spank her behind. But, I tug on it and pull it as closed as it will stay. Dang it! I tugged too hard, and split the paper up the front. Now, I look like a little hussy in a micro mini paper vest--with a slit up the right thigh. Might as well be wearing a pair of go go boots and some dangly earrings with this get-up.
But, I cross my ankles like a lady, and place my hands on my lap--covering the 4-inch jagged slit--and smile sweetly as the doctor enters the room. Because, no, I don't have any issues at all with getting naked at the doctor's office.
Piece of cake.
(Why was I getting naked at the doctor's office? Remember, I told you the other day how the dermatologist played Space Invaders on my back?)
This list of 7 ways to sabotage yourself really struck a chord with me today. I hate to admit that I may be sabotaging myself in more than one way...
Also, (just to keep things honest here) because it is Monday...and because my messy house feels out-of-control...and because I am feeling like my parenting skills are not enough to handle today's issues...and because I am about to eat a big bowl of ice cream even when I am not hungry... (Cookies and cream, in case you're interested)
Posting a nice, tidy list of 7 things seemed like a good way to feel a little control. Yes?
Now, back to the all-serious, spiritual part...
How to Sabotage Yourself:
1. Stop asking God for help.
2. Turn to food or drink for comfort.
3. Rely on yourself and human wisdom.
4. Stop living a lifestyle pleasing to God.
5. Live independently and stop having fellowship with others.
6. Refuse direction from those in authority over you.
7. Neglect your spouse and don’t make time for your children.
(Note: This list is completely plagiarized from our pastor's sermon this morning. So, since I've admitted that, I guess it's not really plagiarizing anymore, right?)
In case inquiring minds want to know...or even if they don't, here are 5 things I've been up to this week.
1. Today, I felt like I was inside an old-school video game. I was one of the little aliens in Space Invaders, and the mean ole dermatologist zapped me over 100 times. Okay, he used liquid nitrogen to freeze off some moles/skin growths. (Sorry, do the words "skin growths" make your stomach tense up? I agree.)
I'm sorry. Did you see that number above? 100 times. Have you ever been stung by a bee? Multiply that by 100. Dang, it hurt. Hurt 100 times in a row. At one point, I asked the doctor, "Am I supposed to say 'Uncle or something?'" So now, for about a week, my neck and back look like I've got the Pox or the Scaly Mumps. I thought of posting a picture...but I guess I have a teeny shred of dignity left, and decided against it. But, if you see me in public, feel free to ask to see the war zone on my neck.
2. I've seen more movies at the theater recently than I have in a very long time. Here are the movies I've seen:
War Horse--loved it!! However, sensitive viewers beware--some scenes are difficult to watch. I loved the storyline, and learning something I'd never thought about--how horses were used in the war.
New Year's Eve--thoroughly enjoyed it! I didn't know what to expect, and hadn't even seen a preview of this movie beforehand. I LOVED all of the cameo appearances.
Joyful Noise--loved, loved it!!! Now, this movie was predictable, and I knew that going in. I just let myself enjoy Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. What I didn't expect? The amazing voices, and just how much I would enjoy the music.
3. Here are the upcoming movies I CAN'T WAIT to see:
4. I've played 2 card games recently, and I have LOVED both of them. I don't always love games...especially games that require counting or keeping track of scores. (Like Nertz--my brain just doesn't work as fast as my opponents, I guess.) But, recently, I played Spoons and Golf (the card game), and thoroughly enjoyed them!
5. On Saturday, we are joining in a HUGE INDOOR garage sale. Please come by and buy some of our junk. And, if my husband's not looking, I may even GIVE you some...just to get rid of it. You may remember how MUCH I despise garage sales...
That's it for me! What have you been up to this week?
I don't know why I have a closet full of clothes. I am such a creature of habit...and comfort...that I wear my favorite outfits over and over again. Take this winter, for example. I have found my signature look--and I wear it over and over again, just mixing up the colors for fun.
Wanna see my signature look?
That sounds a whole lot fancier than what you are about to see...
Oh--and please pardon the goober quality of these pictures. They are self-portraits--and the person IN the pictures is a big ole' goober.
My signature look consists of these elements: (doesn't that sound fancy and official?)
-Fleece vest
-Comfy long-sleeve t-shirt
-Skinny jeans
-Scarf
Oh! But look! There's MORE! Look, Marge, she has ANOTHER color vest! Ah, I do love that infinity scarf. Note to self: Must buy another soft infinity scarf. Love.
Oh, here's another love. And this is SERIOUS LOVE.
These shoes:
Now, they may not photograph well, but I always feel sassy when I wear these shoes! And bonus--they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own. Love, love, love them. I also love that I can wear fun socks that show...because they are Mary Janes! Go on--buy yourself a pair! (I bought them at a Shoe Carnival. They are Rialto Comfort clogs...and I got them 65% off!!)
Here's my last goober picture. This may be my favorite fleece vest/long sleeve shirt combination.
Red and black...truly, a girl's best color combination friend. Always loyal, and tried and true.
Now, you think I'm kidding when I say that this signature look is what I wear every single day. If you know me in person, you can attest to this statement, yes? I just love the COZY feeling of a fleece, and I found that I have too many hot flashes if I wear a long-sleeve fleece. So, the fleece vest is the perfect marriage of cozy, but not a contributor to hot flashes. (Oh, you young girls just wait...)
One more thing I love about the fleece vest: The pockets. I am a real pocket girl. Good pockets just make me happy.
Also, can we talk about scarves for a moment? Does anyone else share the utter devotion to scarves that I do? A girl cannot own too many cute scarves.
I wish I could say that I own fleece vests in a rainbow of colors. But, alas, I only own 2. Mostly because I am really picky about my fleece. It needs to be the right weight--I don't like the lightweight ones. Frankly, they hug too many curves, if ya know what I mean. So, for now, I mix and match shirts to go with my black and apple green fleeces.
Okay, I'm done now. I know I'm no high fashion gal, and I'm no cutting edge trendsetter. But, I must confess that I'm completely happy with my signature look this winter. Happy, and cozy, and with little goodies stashed in my pockets.
My 11-year-old Rebecca and I have been having some really good heart-to-heart talks lately. It's not easy being a tween girl. Especially a tender-hearted girl who longs for close friends--heart friends who are loyal and true. I try to tell my daughter that navigating friendships is not easy. That the difficult lessons she's trying to learn now in cultivating friendships will be lessons she'll use the rest of her life. Lessons that even old ladies (like her mama) still need to remember with their old lady friendships.
But, you know what? Sometimes I find myself talking, and talking, and explaining. And probably saying too many words. I try really hard just to listen. Listen, and understand. Because I remember. I remember how important it is to feel heard.
And, when I am to my absolute limit of listening, and talking, and understanding (pre-teen girl issues take a LOT of all 3)...I realize I need stop talking, and let the most important One do the talking.
The other night, after a marathon of late-night mother-daughter talking, I pulled The One Year Mother Daughter Devo book back off the bookshelf. I snuggled down next to my sweet Rebecca, and read that day's life-affirming, God-breathed words of encouragement.
Since that night, Rebecca and I have been snuggling at bedtime, and reading that day's devotional. It's amazing how many days the words we read address exactly the latest conversation we've had.
I have to tell you--it's amazing to have God's Words answer Rebecca's questions and frustrations. I just pray she latches onto His Truth, and tucks it into her heart...so that when friendships are hard or sparse, she has that Truth to lean on. Do you remember your own pre-teen years?
Brace yourselves, dear readers. Today, I am going to change your lives with a cup of hot chocolate. Recently, I stumbled upon (literally) the BEST hot chocolate recipe. I found the recipe on the cutest ever blog--Short Stop Blog. Please take time to check out Sarah's blog--especially if you love pretty recipes!
Just to keep things easy, I'm going to post the recipe here.
World's Best Hot Chocolate
Mix:
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini chips work best!)
2/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (I used less)
Store in an airtight container.
For 4 servings:
2/3 cup cocoa mix
1/4 cup water
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large pan on low heat, stir cocoa mix and water until melted. Add milk and beat with wisk until smooth. Heat on low until hot. Add vanilla. Serve. Wait for people to bow down before you and kiss your feet.
For a single serving:
Add 2 heaping Tablespoons of cocoa mix to the bottom of a mug. Pour just enough boiling water to cover mix, and stir until the chocolate melts. Add milk to the top of your mug and add a splash of vanilla. Microwave until heated.
Now, I have to warn you good people. This hot chocolate is RICH. Don't get all crazy and drink several mugs of it. Because, if you do, your belly will telly you...Well, things you don't want to know.
Go ye forth, and make the World's BEST Cup of Hot Chocolate!!
In honor of Martin Luther King's birthday, my daughters know we'll be watching Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech on YouTube. They also know to watch Mama, because every year, at some point, I will get tears in my eyes. It's different every time. I just get swept up in the emotions of that day, the power of Dr. King's lyrical speech, delivered with the beauty of his booming Southern voice.
Seriously, is there a more poetic, more memorable speech in history? Maybe there is, and I just have never read/heard it. (And quite possibly, I am a little partial.) Please tell me you have watched his speech, and recently. If not--here, I'll post it here. Please watch it! And watch it with your kids, pausing along the way to explain some of Dr. King's references and examples.
There are 2 qualities about this speech, this man, that I hope to point out to our daughters. First, even in the midst of horrific wrong-doing, Dr. King encourages the peace and forgiveness of the Bible he preaches. He had every right to incite anger and retribution, yet he chose peace. Second, when faced with 2 difficult choices--to organize and fight against the wrong with physical force, or to lay down and take it--he chose Choice #3. Like Dr. King and so many other Civil Rights leaders showed us, sometimes the clear-cut decisions are not always so clear-cut. Sometimes a better, more creative answer is out there--like the Montgomery bus boycott.
Just because I cannot help myself, here are some of my favorite lines:
"We've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security of justice."
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
"Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."
"No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
"...unearned suffering is redemptive."
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
To help our girls gain a better perspective of the world Dr. King talks about in his speech, I thought it would be helpful to watch a movie. Now, most of the segregation movies are not at all appropriate for our young girls. However, I found a movie about the true story of the pint-sized hero Ruby Bridges on YouTube. All of the movie is posted on YouTube--in 9 parts. We're going to pop some popcorn, and watch this movie today.
If you don't have time to watch the whole movie (and I hope you do, because it is wonderful!)--PLEASE watch at least Parts 1 and 2. Part 2, when tiny Ruby walks through the yelling, angry crowds, will break your heart, and will provide some great topics to discuss with your kids.
I cannot imagine what sweet little Ruby's mama felt that day, as she walked her daughter through that hostile environment. People screaming horrible things to her innocent daughter. I know she wanted to protect her from the ugly world. But, because of the Rubys of the world, the Williejeans and Terrences, segregation slowly ended--one brave student at a time.
Happy Martin Luther King Day! May we all look back not upon an ugly past, a shameful past--but may we be inspired as we look back. Inspired by the heroes, from great ones with booming voices like Martin Luther King, to pint-sized little ones, who didn't even understand the towering stand she was making as she walked into school each day. May we teach our children about the character of these heroes, so that when the time comes, they may take a stand for good. That our children might be emboldened to stand against the evil in the world. And, that they might stand up and put an arm around those who are not able to stand.
At least, that's my dream for my children on this holiday...
What do you teach your kids about Martin Luther King day?
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." -Ephesians 6:12
