MarytheKaytheBlog

How much am I willing to give...?

In the midst of the hurry, hurry

The quick, hug me goodbye

The WHY are you taking so long?

You should have done that last night...

In the midst of feeling sorry for my own hurt feelings

The too-familiar I deserve better...

In the middle of all of that

I find this video.

I find this message.

I find...

A call?

I don't know.  But the question keeps ringing out

How much am I willing to give?

(If you can't view the video below, please clink this link: http://youtu.be/zfXgCx3f_1c)

 

"People say, 'Wow, you are so lucky you found what God wants you to do with your life at such a young age...'

Well, I didn't find it, it was just in the Bible..."

 

Here's her book, if you want to know more.  I'm purchasing mine today!

And here is Katie's blog--The Journey

 What about you?  Do you ever feel the urge to do more?

To be more?

To show your kids a way of life...that's different?

The time our Sara was Sarah, and gave a speech up there-a, even though she was a little bit scared-a

Oh come on, now.  Don't judge my title.  It's poetry.   Or...add a little beat-boxing, and we've got ourselves a little rap...  Okay, I'll stop now.  And I mean it.  (Anybody...want a peanut?)

And, there-a she is...our little Sara!  Her school holds a history banquet annually for each grade, where the students represent famous people from the time period they are studying.  Her school's history curriculum is learned chronologically, so 1st grade was studying the beginning of time, until the early Middle Ages (which I LOVE, by the way!  Why didn't I learn history chronologically?  It makes MUCH MORE sense, don't you agree?  Plus, the students gain a greater world history perspective.)  

Our Sara Beth was Sarah, of Abraham and Sarah in the Bible.Each student learns all about her historical figure, writes a 1-minute speech about her, creates a poster, and delivers the speech about that person at the banquet.  Our Sara was convinced that Sarah in the Bible did not wear shoes...  So...as you can tell, that was a battle I did not fight.

This picture makes me smile.  Here are the 2 Saras...Sara Beth and her friend Sarah Grace.  Sweet girls.  Sarah Grace was Miriam, Moses' big sister.  Aren't they just as sweet as pie?

 

Here's a group of the students, all dressed up and ready to give their speeches.  I see King Tut, Deborah the judge and warrior, Ruth, King Nebuchadnezzar, and of course Sarah...

 

And here is Sara as Sarah giving her speech.  Sweet thing--I'm not sure the microphone even picked up one word of her soft voice.  But, you know what?  She stood up there, faced a fear, and delivered a speech.  We were SO PROUD of her!!!! 

Needless to say, she was THRILLED when it was all over! 

Sometimes, it is really heart-wrenching watching your kids go through difficult times.  Almost always, I would give ANYTHING to trade places, and go through the difficult times for them.  However, I know that trials are necessary for my daughters to grow into strong young women.  Also, nothing gets this mama to praying like a difficulty for my child.  And just like Sara Beth being thrilled when her speech was over...nothing makes this mama's heart SOAR more than seeing my daughters face a challenge and WALK THROUGH IT.

I sure love those girls 'o mine.  (Can you tell?)

What was the fear you had to face back when you were in school?  Do you remember the feeling of relief when it was finally over?

It's Fall, Ya'll Linky Dinks

I don't know about the weather in your neck of the woods...but over here it's finally beginning to feel like FALL!!  Here are a couple of links to get you in the fallish kind of mood!

 

Any Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers out there?  How about making Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate at home?  Mmmm!

Need a little dessert to go with that drink?  How about Apple Croissants with a Caramel Drizzle?  While you're there, be sure to scroll down for LOTS of apple/caramel recipes with pictures!!

I thought this Halloween Candy Bark recipe looked FUN. 

Want some more fall inspiration?  How about some fall outdoor decorating inspiration?

Earlier this week, our weather here was gorgeous, and I just wanted to be OUTSIDE.  Wouldn't one of these outdoor games be fun?  ESPECIALLY the outdoor Scrabble.

 

Kleenex alert!  Just this week my oldest and I were talking about how sometimes she feels like she doesn't fit in...  How timely:  This post (by one of my favorite bloggers)--about how her son felt like "the weird one"--just about did me in. 

 

Hold on.  Stop the presses.  I know this is more of a late-summer kind of a thing...but someone just showed this video to me (thank you, Vicki B!!)...and I want to run out and buy some fresh ears of corn JUST to TRY THIS.  

Click on this link if you can't view the video below:  http://youtu.be/YnBF6bv4Oe4

 All right, then.  Go on, now.  It's weekend time!!!  Kick back and relax.  I'll see you good people back here on Monday!!  I sure hope I have something FUN to tell you... More on that later...

Things I HAVE Done...

Last week, I wrote about some things I've never done.  This time, I'd love to tell you about some crazy things I HAVE done...

 

1.  I had a 12 lb. baby.  Yes sirree, I sure did.

2.  I have skied the Austrian Alps.  Well, if you call that disaster of a day skiing... 
3.  I have taken the GRE.  Hardest test I've ever taken.  And dangit--I haven't done anything with it...yet...  (Remember, I am the eternal optimist.)

4.  I've ridden in the Goodyear Blimp.  (I had a very cool grandmother)

5.  I've gone sport diving for lobster.  And caught some, too!  It's one of my favorite things to do in the Florida Keys.  (I also have a very cool uncle.)
6.  I've broken my hip.  Okay, really it was my pelvis.  But, hip just sounds...so much less...weird.  A horse threw me into a tree.  I do believe that is a story for a blog post.  It's quite dramatic.

7.   I have fainted about 5 times in my life.  (See #6 above.) 

8.   I've run a 5K.  (aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!)

9.   I've only graduated twice in my life.  High school and college.  Back when I was in school, we didn't graduate from every little grade.  The teachers just said, "Move it, get on outta here, and don't come back, no moe no moe."

10.  I graduated twice WITHOUT the use of computers.  I took an MS-DOS computer class once late in college, and barely understood a word of it.  My trusty Brother typewriter got me through.

 11.   I've been to New York at Christmas.  Once, for a weekend.  And it was wonderful.  I'd love to go back... 

12.  I've been to jail.  Oh, but only on a school field trip... 

13.  I've had 4 surgeries.  Appendix, gall bladder, big baby, big baby.  I'm not sure I have any more unnecessary organs.  Oh, except my uterus, which is technically unnecessary to me now.

14.  Speaking of the appendix, I have been to Disney World 3 days after having my appendix removed.  Have you ever seen Disney World from a wheelchair?  It is certainly the WAY to GO at Disney!

15.  I have made a wedding cake for a friend--a simple 3-tiered one.  It was the most stressful baking I've ever done.  I didn't even go to the reception because I was too stressed it would fall over or suddenly combust or something.  Did I mention my oven broke halfway through the baking?  Yeah, it was quite a story.

16.   I have stood in a long line at Target and waited--with a screaming toddler having a full-out tantrum.  It felt like an hour, but was probably only 15 minutes.  I would have removed that loudly screaming child from the store...but my older daughter really needed those tights for ballet class that afternoon. 

 17.  I've had a screaming tantrum myself recently.  Only, not at Target.

18.  Once, while getting bored waiting on my husband in the gun section of a sporting goods store, I walked over to the clerk, and said, "I need a handgun with real stopping power.  And I need it right away!"   Oh, I just laughed and laughed at myself.  I thought that was sooo funny.

19.  I've done surgery on one of our dogs, and removed his vocal chords.  Okay, I didn't really...but I WANT TO.  RIGHT NOW.  Stop. barking. dog. please. you're. driving. me. crazy!!!!

20.  I had a mental block before a piano recital  in high school one time...and had to re-start my song about 20 times before finally figuring it out.  My brother and sister have fond memories...of crawling under their seats in embarrassment.

21.  I was in the audience of the Oprah show once...and was crushed when it wasn't a Favorite Things episode...  I did, however, get to see Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Nich Lachey, and Jamie Johnson of the Johnson & Johnson fortune.

22.  I heard myself talk on the radio once...and wondered "WHO is that HICK???"

23.  I rang in the new Millennium big and pregnant, and with a horrible respiratory virus.  I almost wanted to die I felt so bad.

24.  Back in my glory days I could swim 4 lengths of the pool with only 1 breath. 

25.   I fell in love with my husband while skunk hunting.  Now--YOUR turn!  Tell me some crazy things you've done!

Once again, this post is inspired by the world famous Mama Kat's Writing Workshop.  You should hop over there to read about other crazy things her readers have done...

Why I Don't Boycott Halloween Anymore, Round 2

Last year, around this time, I wrote a post about why I don't boycott Halloween anymore.  I got some great discussion in the Comments.   Just in case you missed it last year--or if you'd just like to add some discussion--I'd sure love to hear what you think about Halloween.  Do you and/or your kids dress up?  Or...do you avoid it like the plague?  How do you handle this sometimes controversial holiday?

Oh, and while we're talking Halloween, check out some cute costume ideas our family has used over the years...

..........

 

 Here is my Baptist girl disclaimer about celebrating Halloween:  I know.  I know that many Christians boycott Halloween, and I really do understand why.  In fact, I used to semi-join in the boycott.  When our kids were younger, we shied away from calling it "Halloween," and were thankful to attend a good friend's Fall Party every October, so that our kids still had the opportunity to dress up.  "Come on, kids--let's get your Fall Party costumes on!"  But, the older I get, the more I shy away from hard and fast decisions that I don't necessarily embrace 100%. 

Boycotting Halloween never felt right to me.  I just didn't feel that strongly about it.  I know our family doesn't celebrate ghosts or evil spirits in our Halloween dressing up and trick-or-treating.  We don't put any scary (cheesy?) decorations in our yard.  You will never ever find me purchasing a red devil costume at Walmart because that is not the least bit cute--it is evil and damned. (Not that I feel strongly about it--HA!!!)  And when we pass grown-ups dressed in gruesome costumes who (scare my children and) are actually trick-or-treating (without kids), I have to control my urge to point my finger and tell them, "Well, that is just STUPID!  Get away from my innocent children, stupid person!"

I understand that Halloween might have origins in Druid or Celtic practices of offering treats to the spirits of the dead returning to the earth.  But, OUR family certainly isn't celebrating this, and our kids have no idea about the origins.  They just want to dress up in cute costumes and get to fill their sacks full of candy one day a year!  (And truthfully, I just want to help make their creative costumes!!  Oh yeah, and take some cute pictures!)

Can't you remember dressing up as a child, ringing your neighbors' doorbells, being offered gigantic bowls of individually wrapped candies, and selecting as many as you could get away with--politely?  Going home afterwards and having the best time sorting out all the candy, comparing it with your sister's and brother's piles, trading for your favorites (Reeses, please!!), and talking about which neighbors had the best candy selection?  Such fun, fun memories!!

Our calendars are FILLED with names of Roman gods and goddesses--the names of our months and days of the week--but yet we don't boycott any of them.  We don't boycott Mondays, a name dedicated to the goddess of the moon.  I mean, I'd like to boycott some Mondays--but not because it has any evil implications. 

Like I said above, though, I understand why some people boycott Halloween.  You won't hear me disagreeing with those people.  Because, I understand, I get it.  I can appreciate the stand they are trying to make with their families.  I am ALL FOR families that stand up for good.  I am ALL FOR families that stand against the tide of popular sentiment.  In fact, our little family is committed to teaching our daughters how to stand alone, how to say a firm no, and how to rely on the Bible when everyone around them disagrees. 

But, when it comes to Halloween?  I just don't feel strongly enough about it to boycott it anymore.  I am saving my boycotts for causes that I DO feel strongly about.   And, there are plenty, I am sure!

All right, let me have it...What do you think?

Linked up with:

Breast Cancer Sucks

At the beginning of this year, I wrote the post Cancer Sucks as a tribute to friends who have survived the nasty breast cancer disease.

I just found out one of my dearest friend's sister-in-law has breast cancer, and is having a double mastectomy this week.  She is young mama, with a sweet little baby boy.  Please say a prayer for Jill this week...

With October's Breast Cancer Awareness month coming to a close, I couldn't not mention my sweet friends who have SURVIVED:

This post is for you, Jen Jen my Sheridan friend, Mama Judy, and now Jill, sweet Bettye that I so love, my growing up friend Christy, and my bloggy friend Lisa.

Sending lots of love and prayers your way today!!!!  I sure am thankful for your friendship over the years, and the many ways you've inspired me with your determination and faith.  You girls are SURVIVORS!!!

 

Who in your life has been touched by breast cancer--that you'd like to remember today? 

My First 5K...Words I NEVER thought I'd utter

This weekend I ran my first-ever 5K!!!!  (moment of silence, please)

I have to say--I NEVER thought I'd be saying those words.  But, I am really proud of myself for setting the goal, and then accomplishing it!! 

When I turned 40, I thought a good way to celebrate "middle-age-hood" was to see if I could train and run a 5K.  I used the C25K program, and found it the BEST way for me to train.  It can take total couch potatoes--like myself--and turn them into running machines.  Okay, sorry I love to make myself giggle...I'm no running machine--but I can run a 5K! 

Wanna see?

Okay, but first I have to tell you about the 5K I chose as my first.  My goal was to be able to run the entire way.  I had heard horror stories about first 5Ks with killer hills, so I used the ole noggin, and picked a wonderful (read: "easy") first 5K.  What is the FLATTEST course you can think of?  How about an airport runway???  Oh yeah--I found a 5K on the Branson Airport runway!  (The Cape 5K)  Plus--mid October, the weather here is gorgeous!  I believe it was about 45 degrees that morning.  Perfectly cool to start out, and not the least bit hot.  Flat course + cool weather = running perfection!

Here are my running friends that morning!  The race was a very small one, but I LOVED the atmosphere of it.  It felt intimate and friendly--which was so perfect for my first race.  It was Kim's (far right) first 5K, too.  I loved that we got to share this first together!

Look at my cute family who came out to support me!  How fun that my girls decided to run most of it with me!  Well...not actually with me...they were ahead of me almost the entire time.  Don't ya just hate it that kids can outrun you--even when you've been training like crazy?  Stinkin' kids.  Ah, but I sure love these stinkin' kids.

I also want to say this:  My husband has been so supportive during this whole training process.  I love that I always have a "running expert" whenever I've had technical questions.  You see, Dave is a past marathoner.  Like, he ran a lot of them, including the big ones--Boston and New York.  (He's going to hate me bragging on him!)  In fact, Dave ran so much back in the day, he totally wore out both of his knees, and isn't supposed to run at all anymore.  Anyway, he was just so sweet after the race--all day long he kept looking at me and saying, "I am so proud of you!"  I mean--I know he's proud of me and all that...but it sure was sweet to have him understand what a huge undertaking this was for me, and appreciate that I was able to face my fears and insecurities and do it.

So, how was the race for me?  Well...if you really study this picture, it tells the whole story.  I'm the one in pink in the middle...  I think if you look hard enough, you'll see that I am running alone--which is how I prefer to run.  You also might see some girls behind me walking.  Yep, I do believe I was the very last runner.  I had to keep reminding myself that this was a small race.  I'd like to think if the race had more people, I might not have been the last runner.  But, I was afraid to speed up much--because I sure didn't want a nasty side stitch, and I wanted to pace myself so that I could run the whole thing.

Let me tell you something I have discovered about myself and running:  I love the SILENCE I experience as I run.  Even though I always run with some great music streaming through my headphones, it's as if all the world is quieted as my feet hit the pavement.  My brain feels so clear--so I do some wonderful thinking while I run, as well as some wonderful prayer time.  I've heard other runners talk about this phenomenon--and I really "get it" now.

 

My girls were running in front of me most of the time, but at one point towards the end, Sara Beth got tired and needed to walk a little bit.  This is the scene I got to run behind for a while as I caught up--big sister Rebecca walking beside, and holding her little sister's hand.  This made me smile so big, that I had to grab a picture with my phone while jogging (which is why the picture is a little blurry.)


WOO HOO!!!!!  Here I am crossing the finish!  If the picture were clearer, you could see how my face matches my red shirt. 

And I just had to show this post-race pic of Carissa and me.  Carissa was SUCH a huge encouragement this whole process!  She actually started the C25K after I did last fall...and it was a little humbling when she completed it and ran her first 5K months and months before me.  However--she was so great about the way she kept encouraging me along.  It really was wonderful to have a friend there at the race with me who "got" what a huge life goal this was for me--AND to have her run the finish WITH me!!!  She met me towards the last 100 yards (after she'd already finished), and ran it in with me.   Isn't that a perfect picture of what friendship is?  Thanks, friend!!

 

Okay, but let's not end on a sappy note...  I don't know if you noticed my race t-shirt.  I bought it ESPECIALLY for this race.  'Cause a girl's got to have the right wardrobe for special occasions, right?

Well, when I saw this t-shirt, I KNEW it needed to be my race t-shirt for ALL races. 

THIS is why I run, people.  This says it all:And I'm not even kidding one single bit.  I run, so that I can eat yummy stuff, and drink Coca-Cola.

I might should start running 10Ks, though...I'm not sure 5Ks are going to cover donuts AND Cokes...

Now--I'd love to hear YOUR stories. 

Do you have any life goals--or personal goals you're working on right now?

5Ks and 31 Days Linky Dinks

Okay, before we commence with the links, I need to get something out of the way.  I need all you praying people to say a little prayer for me this Saturday morning around 8 a.m.  Why, you ask?  BECAUSE I AM RUNNING MY FIRST-EVER 5-K!!!!!!!   Sorry about the yelling--I am just a little bit excited (and nervous).   Surely, with some extra prayers and all the training I've been doing, I'll be able to finish...   I'll be sure to post a very red-faced, very embarrassing sweaty picture on Monday and tell you all about it.   Don't forget to think about me and say a little prayer!!! 
(Shameless self-promotion part is now over)  *grin*

With that out of the way now, I'll start with the links.  I sure hope you check out some of these--I really LOVE several of them this week!!

 

Did you know that hundreds of blogs (over 700, to be exact!) this month are participating in The Nester's 31 Days of... challenge?  I have loved browsing and exploring through the fascinating and varied topics!  Call me shallow...but the home organization (like this and this) and fall fashion (loved this one! and this one) suck me in the easiest.  Which ones get your attention?

Oh my goodness gracious.  Even though it is part of the same 31 Days series, Edie's house gets her own paragraph.  Wow.  I could move into her house and not change one thing.  It is gorgeous--every little precious detail.  I know I've posted her house building process before--but, wow--look at it getting finished!  I betcha you can't look at just one post.  I betcha you'll be like me and look at every single one!

 

Okay, if you have time, this site is COOL, and even a little inspiring.  Take a step back in time...to the year of your birth...What was the world like then? 

 

Man gift alert!!!  Turn your old negatives into a cool lamp for less than $10.

 

Are these people OUT OF THEIR MIND CRAZY???  I can barely even LOOK at them...

 

Okay, that's enough links for today.  I don't want to crowd your feet-propped-up, relaxing-on-the-couch time.  Don't forget the you know what's!!!  (Do I even need to say it???)  *said in a whisper:* bon bons

What's in your weekend plan?

Things I've Never Done

I am 41-years-old, and these are some things I've never done...

1.  I've never been to Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, or South America.  Well, now I'm depressed.  That makes it sound like I've never been anywhere.  Geez, I need to fly across the world more often.  To everywhere--except Antarctica.  No thank you.

2.  I've never been to Tahiti, and stayed in those huts built over the water.  But, I plan to.  If the Kardashians can stay there, then so can I.  After I become an oil heiress.

3.  I've never swum with dolphins.  But, I plan to do that, too.  And I want to hold its dorsal fin, and let him pull me through the water.

4.  I've never written a book.  Unless you consider notebook paper stapled together--with a story about a poor little orphan girl--a book.  Then, I've written a book.  I've got a book inside me, but I'm not ready to write it yet.  Plus, the time...  Maybe when I'm staying in those water huts in Tahiti, swimming with dolphins off my deck...

5.  I've never gotten a tattoo.  Or even wanted one.   However, I have been fascinated by the artistry on those "ink" t.v. shows.  But, the idea of permanently marring my skin?  No thanks.

6.  I've never gotten in a fist fight.  However, watching shows like Alias make me think I could give a mean karate chop, or swing my leg up and kick somebody in the nose.  Probably, though...I'd just break my hand and slip and fall on the floor.

7.  I've never been to California, unless you count LAX.  That's just shameful.  I want to travel to San Francisco, and travel down the entire coast.

8.  I've never seen the Grand Canyon.  But, honestly?  I'd rather go to California.

9.  I've never tiled a floor.  However, I plan to learn how sometime in my future.  I have a bathroom crying out for some tile.

10.  I've never sung a solo in church.  And I pray to God I never have to.

11.  I've never eaten escargot or caviar or chitlins or monkey brains.  And I'm okay with that.

12.  I've never liked the taste of turnip greens or collard greens.  However, I get to keep my Southern girl card because I love sweet tea and grits.

13.  I've never smoked a cigarette.  There was a time in college where I might have tried a puff, just to see what it was like...but I would have had to go buy a pack...and then I would have had to stop being a big ole' chicken...

14.  I've never had a spotless house for more than 24 hours.  Unless we were out-of-town.

15.  I've never been able to make a decent fried egg or an omelet.  And that fact frustrates me very much.

16.  I've never hailed a taxi by standing on the curb, raising my arm, and shouting, "TAXI!!"  I've raised my arm...but I've never gotten to shout.  Dangit, I want to shout, "TAXI!!!"

17.  I've never killed anyone.  However, do not break into my house, and do not EVER mess with my daughters.  Because I will not hesitate pulling the trigger.

18.  I've never been to prison.  And I sure hope never to go there.

19.  I've never read the Bible from cover to cover.  It was on my Turning 40 list...but, sadly, I didn't finish.  Being the eternal optimist, I just know I will finish it...soon.

20.  I've never been a spy, but I've watched enough shows and movies to think I'd be a good one.  Except spies never seem scared of the bad guys.  And I'm scairt 'a bad people.

21.  I've never written comedy for David Letterman, or for a television sitcom.  But, I think I'd like to.

22.  I've never made creme brulee.  And that's a crying shame.

23.  I've never delivered a baby through the birth canal.  And...thank goodness I didn't.

24.  I've not lost my Southern accent.  I sure hope I never do.

25.  I've never had a mid-life crisis, and run away.  But, if I ever do...you'll know where to find me...

Photo credit

What about you?  What things have you never done?

This post was inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop...who copied the idea from Pioneer Woman recently.  Go check out the other great entries!

 

Voices, both small and loud

The other day when I was running, this song came on.  As my feet hit the pavement, the chorus rang through my earbuds, and for a long time after, all I could think about was "How can I always hear this voice of Truth...above all others?" 

My feet kept tempo, and continued to echo the message--both in my heart, and on the pavement:  Voice. Of. Truth.  Voice. Of. Truth....

As I was cooling down after the run, I quickly typed into my phone these questions--so I wouldn't forget:

How can I choose to listen to the voice of Truth?

How do I know which voice IS Truth?

How can I help my daughters hear this voice of Truth? 

How can I teach them to block the hurtful voices, and strain to hear the most important voice of all?

 

Please take time to listen to the words of this meaningful song...

There are a lot of voices out there, competing for my daughters' attention.  How can I teach and encourage them to listen to that most important voice...The Voice of Truth?

Any advice?