Yesterday = Rain, rain, rain. At least we didn't get snow here like we had potential for. And rain is good. But I appreciate it more when the rainy day involves my not leaving the house at all.
I was watching NCIS last night (I'm totally awesome at transition sentences).
Gibb's dad was trying to visit someone who saved his life during WWII. He was flying the wrong way and this pilot directed him in the right way. Gibbs had trouble believing his dad, couldn't find someone in his dad's squad with that name, etc. But then the dad told him it was a German pilot who had wanted to do something good to remember who he was. He wrote to Papa Gibbs (he'd moved to the US after the war) to say he was dying and all he could see were the faces of those he killed.
What really struck me was something Papa Gibbs said. I couldn't find the exact quote, but when Gibbs wondered why this German would help his enemy, Papa Gibbs said that they were the same. They were both flyers, up the air. They were brothers.
I love NCIS. It does, however, get a bit deep into a war is justified, protecting America is the goal at all costs, type of view. I'm not here to debate that, but let's just say I don't completely buy into that whole mindset.
(Still like America and am thankful that I live here. Don't hurt me.)
To hear that point of view from a show like this was...surprising. That maybe our enemies are not so different us as we would like to believe. Maybe those we are "supposed" to be fighting are human, are "good".
The thing is: I can understand the idea of fighting to protect your family, loved ones, way of life. I get it. I totally get the pull. I do.
But what I can't get over is that, no matter how bad someone is. No matter how twisted or wrong or demented they are, they are still human. God loves them, knows them by name, knows the hairs on their head.
How could I rejoice in that person's death if God loves them? How could I wish them dead if God loves them and desires for them to know Him?
That's where my struggle always ends up. I know me. I don't have some wonderful moral high ground because I haven't done any "really bad" things. Who can judge what person is good enough to decide who should live and who should die?
I'm not trying to say people can do what they want or that punishment/justice should not be done.
I think it has just become very easy to vilify the other side, the "enemy." They become less than human and easier to kill.
Just a few light reflections brought on by my favorite show.
(I probably had more I was going to say but I typed this last night and was interrupted because Nathaniel had a nasty teething bout and wouldn't stay asleep unless held and fairly upright. His congestion caused coughing so he wasn't happy. Let's just say I didn't sleep a ton last night.)
-Lisa
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Once Upon a Time...
Once upon a time, I started a blog. I was going to keep it up and do so well.
Then summer happened, we went to China, things happened at work and home and....I just never made time to blog. I wrote a bunch in my head! But that doesn't really get them published online.
Life is theoretically settling down with work and home. Maybe I can actually keep up with an actual blog on a regular basis. One can wish.
This mostly wraps up what I want to say.
But if anyone has tips on surviving toddlerhood...I would take them! We are all about the drama right now.
That and climbing. Nathaniel has (fortunately?) been able to figure out how to safely climb up and down from whatever object he has set as a goal to summit, so at least his isn't just falling off everything. But scaling the oven door front? Using his music table toy to reach new heights? It's just a bit too much for this mama!
At least he's cute and funny as well!
On a recent stop on the way home from Kansas with daddy.
My hope is to do a post or several on our trip to China (better late than never, for posterity's sake. And my spotty memory down the road) and get back into regular blogging about life, thoughts, struggles, and whatever other randomness pops into my head.
Blessings,
Lisa
Then summer happened, we went to China, things happened at work and home and....I just never made time to blog. I wrote a bunch in my head! But that doesn't really get them published online.
Life is theoretically settling down with work and home. Maybe I can actually keep up with an actual blog on a regular basis. One can wish.
This mostly wraps up what I want to say.
But if anyone has tips on surviving toddlerhood...I would take them! We are all about the drama right now.
That and climbing. Nathaniel has (fortunately?) been able to figure out how to safely climb up and down from whatever object he has set as a goal to summit, so at least his isn't just falling off everything. But scaling the oven door front? Using his music table toy to reach new heights? It's just a bit too much for this mama!
At least he's cute and funny as well!
On a recent stop on the way home from Kansas with daddy.
My hope is to do a post or several on our trip to China (better late than never, for posterity's sake. And my spotty memory down the road) and get back into regular blogging about life, thoughts, struggles, and whatever other randomness pops into my head.
Blessings,
Lisa
Monday, July 1, 2013
Whoops...
I decided when I started a blog that I would update it regularly.
Whoops.
It's been awhile, but, in my defense, I've been busy. Because no one else is, ever!
But seriously. There was camp prep, camp, camp recovery/vacation prep. Which is where I find myself now.
Camp was amazing. Nathaniel was a rock star and charming (at least for the general public). He had to spend a few days recovering by being whiny and clingy, but I kind of expected that. He smiled and charmed, he even played in the cold lake with joy and excitement! And he only tried to eat 2 handfuls of sand the first day and one the second. I count that as a win.
It wasn't how I've experienced camp before, as I spent a lot of each morning and early afternoon either sorting our camp mail or dealing with naps. But time at camp is still worthwhile and any time with those amazing kids is worthwhile.
One of the campers who I see sometimes in "real life" missed "her kid" so much she bought him a little baby laptop at a garage sale to give to him! She has a kind and caring heart. Amazing to see!
Last week was recovery. Trying to sleep, get the house in some kind of order, starting to think about vacation that is coming up oh-so-soon.
By "soon" I mean going to Omaha tomorrow night and flying out early Wednesday morning. Where, you ask?
China! We are going to see my brother on a nice family vacation, including my parents!
Yes, Nathaniel is going with us.
No, we haven't gotten extra shots, nor do we need them.
Yes, really, we are taking our child along. They have kids in China, FYI.
No, we are not worried about him going along/getting a disease/whatever.
We will be careful and we will have fun. I will take lots of pictures and share them upon our return.
Also, we have very ferocious guard bunnies at our house (just ask my green bean plants) and very kind, curious, watchful neighbors and in-laws.
So, with that, I will resume my clothes gathering and laundering, preparation for my CASA training in 3 hours, cold recovery, dishes, and supper making.
I will blog when I get back unless I have some random time and access in China. They have the internet but I'm never sure what sites will work on what days. So it goes.
I'm massively excited for this trip (possibly minus the 14ish hour flights to and from China and the jet lag with a toddler) and so excited to see my brother and be in China again!
(I really do have a toddler now. Nathaniel decided to start walking last weekend and this weekend decided it was worth his time to do it more than occasionally.) It's the end of the world as we know it.
-Lisa
Whoops.
It's been awhile, but, in my defense, I've been busy. Because no one else is, ever!
But seriously. There was camp prep, camp, camp recovery/vacation prep. Which is where I find myself now.
Camp was amazing. Nathaniel was a rock star and charming (at least for the general public). He had to spend a few days recovering by being whiny and clingy, but I kind of expected that. He smiled and charmed, he even played in the cold lake with joy and excitement! And he only tried to eat 2 handfuls of sand the first day and one the second. I count that as a win.
It wasn't how I've experienced camp before, as I spent a lot of each morning and early afternoon either sorting our camp mail or dealing with naps. But time at camp is still worthwhile and any time with those amazing kids is worthwhile.
One of the campers who I see sometimes in "real life" missed "her kid" so much she bought him a little baby laptop at a garage sale to give to him! She has a kind and caring heart. Amazing to see!
Last week was recovery. Trying to sleep, get the house in some kind of order, starting to think about vacation that is coming up oh-so-soon.
By "soon" I mean going to Omaha tomorrow night and flying out early Wednesday morning. Where, you ask?
China! We are going to see my brother on a nice family vacation, including my parents!
Yes, Nathaniel is going with us.
No, we haven't gotten extra shots, nor do we need them.
Yes, really, we are taking our child along. They have kids in China, FYI.
No, we are not worried about him going along/getting a disease/whatever.
We will be careful and we will have fun. I will take lots of pictures and share them upon our return.
Also, we have very ferocious guard bunnies at our house (just ask my green bean plants) and very kind, curious, watchful neighbors and in-laws.
So, with that, I will resume my clothes gathering and laundering, preparation for my CASA training in 3 hours, cold recovery, dishes, and supper making.
I will blog when I get back unless I have some random time and access in China. They have the internet but I'm never sure what sites will work on what days. So it goes.
I'm massively excited for this trip (possibly minus the 14ish hour flights to and from China and the jet lag with a toddler) and so excited to see my brother and be in China again!
(I really do have a toddler now. Nathaniel decided to start walking last weekend and this weekend decided it was worth his time to do it more than occasionally.) It's the end of the world as we know it.
-Lisa
Friday, June 7, 2013
Heading For the Royal Family Kids' Camp...
...heading for a lot of fun!
One of the things I've learned about marriage, is that you don't just marry the person, or even the family, but you also marry into some ways of life.
The big thing in the Kroeker's way of life is Royal Family Kids' Camp. Back in the mid-1980's, my mother in law was a part of a group who wanted to help the abused and neglected children of Nebraska and became connected to RFKC out of California. The camp is specially formatted for the needs of abused and neglected kids.
Our camp is coming up in a week! Last minute preparations are in full (and desperate) swing.
We have rules that protect the kids and the staff. We are never alone with a child; we always "buddy up" with another trained adult. We eat ALL. THE. TIME. Neglected kids have often been denied food and not eating becomes a trigger for them. Thusly, we eat about every 2-3 hours.
We are also a high energy camp! We move all the time. This helps keeps the highly ADD kids from getting out of hand. Mostly!
Camp is at a secure location and only trained staff/counselors and invited guests are allowed. We don't take our own pictures, but have photographers who take photos and an amazing team who puts together photo books for the kids to take home at the end of the week.
Each day we have special events. During the day we usually have some dress up theme like crazy hair, animal masks, ninja, pirate, or (this year) intergalactic super stars. When I figure out what that is, I'll tell you! Evenings each have a special event. Monday is some sort of large party a certain amazing church puts on. It goes with our theme for the year: this year it will be a road rally with boxcars the staff/counselors have made with the ladies in poodle skirts and the men in white shirts.
Tuesday is our tea party. The girls spend all afternoon getting dressed up. The guys spend about 8 minutes doing that after fun afternoon games! But we then have a fancy meal and a special evening of performances. Often it's a talent show, which is pretty cool to celebrate these kids' talents and to just have fun.
Wednesday is cah-razy! It has involved go-karts or 4-wheelers, making homemade ice cream, obstacle courses, wild game tasting, pig chasing....it's a nutty, awesome night! Also, often a night for storms. One was even featured on "Storm Chasers." (I watched the show and couldn't figure out how I'd missed this massive tornado by Grand Island...then I realized it was heading for camp! God protected us and it went around.)
Thursday is the birthday party. Often kids in foster care do not get birthday parties. They don't get gifts just for them. They aren't celebrated. Thursday is THEIR day. They get their own birthday cupcake and birthday boxes filled with birthday gifts. They also get grab bags from their awesome party. Usually it involves candy and/or noise makers (both of which we ask the people to NOT include).
Actually, one of my favorite camp stories was on a Thursday night when I was putting boys to bed after they opened their gifts. Another staff coming out of the cabin I was just entering decided to use our walkie talkie system (for important communication and emergencies) to ask everyone with a radio (which is everyone all over camp) why the people put candy in the grab bags. "Why don't they just put crack in there instead?!" David. Like, the best storyteller EVER.
Camp stories are the BEST. We have some amazing story tellers who can relate the fun, sad, touching times we have with the campers. The campers. They are...amazing.
I know these kids have been abused. I know they have suffered through things I can not, dare not imagine. But I put that aside during camp because I cannot handle it. Who can look at those beautiful, funny, sweet children and hurt them? I don't get it. It makes me angry. So to cope during camp, I push those thoughts far away.
Once in awhile during the day, it comes back. I push it away. Then there's Thursday afternoon. We have what we call a "reclaiming" ceremony, when the kids write or tell an adult what people have done who hurt them. Some kids tell a lot; some nothing; some something in the middle. But the abuse becomes real then.
And I hate it.
I want to pretend that it isn't really real. But I can't. I can't push those thoughts aside.
But that's why we're there. That's why we spend months ahead of time planning, preparing, contacting, fundraising, recruiting. That's why we work hard to be creative with our ideas, decorations, events. That's why we pray and sing and laugh and play.
We do it for these kids. We do it so they will know the love of Christ in their lives. So they will have experiences that kids have. We do it so they can be...kids. They can be normal for once. The camp is for kids just like them, and they know it.
The most amazing thing is watching the kids come out of their shells, grow and develop. We've seen autistic kids change more than we ever thought possible. It's a testament to love and the grace of God.
I leave you with the words to our theme song that we sing at the end of each singing session, arms around each other. It's a promise from God to each one of us, especially to those who are brokenhearted:
"I will change your name.
You shall no longer be called wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid.
I will change your name.
Your new name shall be confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks My face."
May we remember the new names God has given us.
-Lisa
One of the things I've learned about marriage, is that you don't just marry the person, or even the family, but you also marry into some ways of life.
The big thing in the Kroeker's way of life is Royal Family Kids' Camp. Back in the mid-1980's, my mother in law was a part of a group who wanted to help the abused and neglected children of Nebraska and became connected to RFKC out of California. The camp is specially formatted for the needs of abused and neglected kids.
Our camp is coming up in a week! Last minute preparations are in full (and desperate) swing.
We have rules that protect the kids and the staff. We are never alone with a child; we always "buddy up" with another trained adult. We eat ALL. THE. TIME. Neglected kids have often been denied food and not eating becomes a trigger for them. Thusly, we eat about every 2-3 hours.
We are also a high energy camp! We move all the time. This helps keeps the highly ADD kids from getting out of hand. Mostly!
Camp is at a secure location and only trained staff/counselors and invited guests are allowed. We don't take our own pictures, but have photographers who take photos and an amazing team who puts together photo books for the kids to take home at the end of the week.
 |
| Worship team on a tropical themed year! |
 |
| Nathaniel's first camp experience. |
Each day we have special events. During the day we usually have some dress up theme like crazy hair, animal masks, ninja, pirate, or (this year) intergalactic super stars. When I figure out what that is, I'll tell you! Evenings each have a special event. Monday is some sort of large party a certain amazing church puts on. It goes with our theme for the year: this year it will be a road rally with boxcars the staff/counselors have made with the ladies in poodle skirts and the men in white shirts.
Tuesday is our tea party. The girls spend all afternoon getting dressed up. The guys spend about 8 minutes doing that after fun afternoon games! But we then have a fancy meal and a special evening of performances. Often it's a talent show, which is pretty cool to celebrate these kids' talents and to just have fun.
Wednesday is cah-razy! It has involved go-karts or 4-wheelers, making homemade ice cream, obstacle courses, wild game tasting, pig chasing....it's a nutty, awesome night! Also, often a night for storms. One was even featured on "Storm Chasers." (I watched the show and couldn't figure out how I'd missed this massive tornado by Grand Island...then I realized it was heading for camp! God protected us and it went around.)
 |
| Staff roasting marshmallows on Ninja Day. |
Thursday is the birthday party. Often kids in foster care do not get birthday parties. They don't get gifts just for them. They aren't celebrated. Thursday is THEIR day. They get their own birthday cupcake and birthday boxes filled with birthday gifts. They also get grab bags from their awesome party. Usually it involves candy and/or noise makers (both of which we ask the people to NOT include).
Actually, one of my favorite camp stories was on a Thursday night when I was putting boys to bed after they opened their gifts. Another staff coming out of the cabin I was just entering decided to use our walkie talkie system (for important communication and emergencies) to ask everyone with a radio (which is everyone all over camp) why the people put candy in the grab bags. "Why don't they just put crack in there instead?!" David. Like, the best storyteller EVER.
Camp stories are the BEST. We have some amazing story tellers who can relate the fun, sad, touching times we have with the campers. The campers. They are...amazing.
I know these kids have been abused. I know they have suffered through things I can not, dare not imagine. But I put that aside during camp because I cannot handle it. Who can look at those beautiful, funny, sweet children and hurt them? I don't get it. It makes me angry. So to cope during camp, I push those thoughts far away.
Once in awhile during the day, it comes back. I push it away. Then there's Thursday afternoon. We have what we call a "reclaiming" ceremony, when the kids write or tell an adult what people have done who hurt them. Some kids tell a lot; some nothing; some something in the middle. But the abuse becomes real then.
And I hate it.
I want to pretend that it isn't really real. But I can't. I can't push those thoughts aside.
But that's why we're there. That's why we spend months ahead of time planning, preparing, contacting, fundraising, recruiting. That's why we work hard to be creative with our ideas, decorations, events. That's why we pray and sing and laugh and play.
We do it for these kids. We do it so they will know the love of Christ in their lives. So they will have experiences that kids have. We do it so they can be...kids. They can be normal for once. The camp is for kids just like them, and they know it.
The most amazing thing is watching the kids come out of their shells, grow and develop. We've seen autistic kids change more than we ever thought possible. It's a testament to love and the grace of God.
I leave you with the words to our theme song that we sing at the end of each singing session, arms around each other. It's a promise from God to each one of us, especially to those who are brokenhearted:
"I will change your name.
You shall no longer be called wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid.
I will change your name.
Your new name shall be confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks My face."
May we remember the new names God has given us.
-Lisa
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
A Little Bit of This...Not Much of That...
How quickly time goes by!
Suddenly, in the midst of life, I remember that I have a blog on which I have not posted for awhile.
Sorry.
It's not that much has been happening. Just bits of life here and there. Nathaniel has tooth #8 (a molar) coming in on top and swollen gums heralding the imminent arrival of teeth #9 and #10 (also molars). I continue trying to keep food available for eating, dishes somewhat done, and a house that is not a complete and utter disaster zone.
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the house can go from decent to "I might as well burn this place down and start anew." Which is about where we're at today.
This little box (for small toys) and a larger basket (for big toys) are SUPPOSED to be protecting the DVD player, Wii, and stereo from little fingers. As you might be able to tell, they are failing. Nathaniel is inspecting a DVD while chillaxing in the toy box.
I would love to spend time writing a deep, thoughtful post, or something very witty. But, my brain is basically consumed with some projects, some trips, and some preparations. Royal Family Kids' Camp is coming up in 12 days or so and I have just come to realize this will mean actual preparations for that for me and Nathaniel, but also for Jeff, who, I assume, will not think much about getting ready until about 11pm Saturday night. Camp starts Sunday morning.
Other things are astir, including basically selling my soul, sacrificing my son, and emptying my pockets to get tourist Visas for China. Can't you just take my tourist money and let me in?!
For your reading pleasure, I will link you to Jen Hatmaker's blog. She recently posted a blog entitled "Worst End of School Year Mom Ever", a hilarious rant that has even been posted (at least in part) on MSN and Huffington Post.
-Lisa
Suddenly, in the midst of life, I remember that I have a blog on which I have not posted for awhile.
Sorry.
It's not that much has been happening. Just bits of life here and there. Nathaniel has tooth #8 (a molar) coming in on top and swollen gums heralding the imminent arrival of teeth #9 and #10 (also molars). I continue trying to keep food available for eating, dishes somewhat done, and a house that is not a complete and utter disaster zone.
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the house can go from decent to "I might as well burn this place down and start anew." Which is about where we're at today.
This little box (for small toys) and a larger basket (for big toys) are SUPPOSED to be protecting the DVD player, Wii, and stereo from little fingers. As you might be able to tell, they are failing. Nathaniel is inspecting a DVD while chillaxing in the toy box.
I would love to spend time writing a deep, thoughtful post, or something very witty. But, my brain is basically consumed with some projects, some trips, and some preparations. Royal Family Kids' Camp is coming up in 12 days or so and I have just come to realize this will mean actual preparations for that for me and Nathaniel, but also for Jeff, who, I assume, will not think much about getting ready until about 11pm Saturday night. Camp starts Sunday morning.
Other things are astir, including basically selling my soul, sacrificing my son, and emptying my pockets to get tourist Visas for China. Can't you just take my tourist money and let me in?!
For your reading pleasure, I will link you to Jen Hatmaker's blog. She recently posted a blog entitled "Worst End of School Year Mom Ever", a hilarious rant that has even been posted (at least in part) on MSN and Huffington Post.
-Lisa
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Well, That Was Fun
Wednesday was a kind of scary day 'round these parts.
There were at least 8 tornadoes that touched down around our area, although none got really close to our town.
Nathaniel was just finishing up not napping when the sirens went off. We only have a crawl space, so I texted our next door neighbor to see if they were home. Before she could respond, another friend sent a text that she was at her sister in law's in town and I could come over. They had been doing some Vacation Bible School prep and were camping out across the street from the church. Convenient storm hideout!
So we joined them. It had rained and hailed (pea and marble sized) but there had been a lull. As we were heading out, it started raining again. Fortunately, it wasn't like the tornado (that was on the ground AND heading in our direction) was knocking on the door, so I was able to grab a few things.
I brought Joe's O's for Nathaniel. I don't usually let him grab his own because he takes a HUGE fistful and shovels them all in his mouth. Also, it makes a mess. But, hey. It's a special event. Hanging in a basement during a storm.
This is what happens when he gets to choose his own cereal. Please notice the hair. This is what happens when his wet hair is tousled.
Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in our area and there was minimal damage. We got nearly 3 inches of rain. After our drought from last summer, it's a good thing.
I'm just worried about my tomatoes. They're being a bit of divas, but they've also been pretty wet for awhile so they don't want to grow very well. I'm hoping we get some nice sunny days so that they can dry out and grow.
Anyway, Wednesday was a stark contrast for my Tuesday, when I actually managed to accomplish a lot. We ended the storm day with a pizza from the grocery store pizza counter.
At least we ate healthy!
With all this crazy weather, I hope everyone stays safe. Here's hoping that soon all the tornado intercept vehicles have to be parked somewhere because there aren't any severe storms to chase!
-Lisa
There were at least 8 tornadoes that touched down around our area, although none got really close to our town.
Nathaniel was just finishing up not napping when the sirens went off. We only have a crawl space, so I texted our next door neighbor to see if they were home. Before she could respond, another friend sent a text that she was at her sister in law's in town and I could come over. They had been doing some Vacation Bible School prep and were camping out across the street from the church. Convenient storm hideout!
So we joined them. It had rained and hailed (pea and marble sized) but there had been a lull. As we were heading out, it started raining again. Fortunately, it wasn't like the tornado (that was on the ground AND heading in our direction) was knocking on the door, so I was able to grab a few things.
I brought Joe's O's for Nathaniel. I don't usually let him grab his own because he takes a HUGE fistful and shovels them all in his mouth. Also, it makes a mess. But, hey. It's a special event. Hanging in a basement during a storm.
This is what happens when he gets to choose his own cereal. Please notice the hair. This is what happens when his wet hair is tousled.
Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in our area and there was minimal damage. We got nearly 3 inches of rain. After our drought from last summer, it's a good thing.
I'm just worried about my tomatoes. They're being a bit of divas, but they've also been pretty wet for awhile so they don't want to grow very well. I'm hoping we get some nice sunny days so that they can dry out and grow.
Anyway, Wednesday was a stark contrast for my Tuesday, when I actually managed to accomplish a lot. We ended the storm day with a pizza from the grocery store pizza counter.
At least we ate healthy!
With all this crazy weather, I hope everyone stays safe. Here's hoping that soon all the tornado intercept vehicles have to be parked somewhere because there aren't any severe storms to chase!
-Lisa
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A Random List...about Me!
Once upon a time on Facebook, there was a thing going around where you say 25 things about yourself. Or something like that. I thought I might as well do that here too.
So, without further ado, 25 random things about me!
I know you're breathless with anticipation.
1) I like lists. Actually, I like crossing things off lists. So I make a list of stuff I need to do. Often, if I do something extra, I will write it on the list so that I can cross it off. I make lists before every trip I go on so I know I won't forget something.
2) I am a night owl. I stay up late, though not as late as I used to. It's my productive time. The problem now is that some little person doesn't get that mommy wants to sleep in. Alas.
3) When my living space has order to it, I am happier and get more done. For reference, I've hardly gotten anything done lately. Infer away about my living space.
4) It would be my dream to make everything from scratch and have most of my food be either things I make or things I've grown and put up (ie canned, frozen). Bread, meals, snack foods....I think that would be awesome.
5) #4 ain't never gonna happen unless we strike it rich and I don't have to work any more and can also hire a nanny/child wrangler. And probably a maid.
6) I get satisfaction from completing tasks. Looking over a mowed yard, clean house, weeded garden, completed book, etc, brings joy to my heart.
7) Whenever possible, I try to spoil the endings of books, movies, TV shows, etc for myself. I have strong empathy with whatever people are going through, so if I know how it ends, I can enjoy the ride more. Otherwise I get very stressed out about the whole situation. Season ending cliffhangers are complete and total torture.
8) I love British TV shows and movies. And books too. I love seeing a British actor from one show in another and be able to recognize him/her. Their humor (humour, really) is right up my alley. If you want to experience great British TV, check out Doctor Who, The Vicar of Dibley, Keeping Up Appearances, As Time Goes By, Sherlock, or Merlin. Some have made their way on to American TV as well.
9) People who come late to the bandwagon and are then all on board, acting like they started it all, annoy me. It's nice that you think Downton Abbey is awesome and are all about it. But you didn't put in the time with all the other British shows first. North & South, multiple versions of Jane Austen stories. You don't really know...don't act like you're all about the British shows, you poser! (Just kidding. Kind of.)
10) *ahem* I get a little over-excited about small stuff. I do, in fact, sweat it.
11) I really hate going to the doctor. They can do great things and have helped many people, but I don't like paying my co-pay just to have them say "it's probably this so here are some drugs." I'd rather spend time and money looking into any reasonable natural remedy I can. (Note: this applies for things like ear aches, coughs, colds, etc. Not major diseases. I'm not going to try a chamomile compress for cancer or something.)
12) I really dislike talking on the phone. If I can email or text someone and get a reasonable response, I'll do that instead. This was the case even before I became a credit card collector. *shudder*
13) Meteorologists crack me up during severe weather. Snowstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes. I think it's the time they get to use all their fancy prediction/radar tools and they get all excited about it. I'm glad they are there to warn us...but sometimes I think they could take it down a notch. My personal favorite was the guy going on about their sever weather "polygons". They could be very specific about the areas under advisory...much more so than a lowly warning box could indicate. *smile and nod*
14) I love that Nathaniel is a snuggler. Except when he's laying in bed next to me and he keeps trying to move closer, so I move over. He's one. He's a fraction of my size. How is he pushing me out of bed?!
15) I like tea. Hot tea. (Or, to put it more Picard-ly "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.")
16) I sometimes forget how much I like certain foods until I have something with them. Then I remember...and then usually forget again.
Examples include lemon flavored things (had a sample at Trader Joe's with shortbread topped with lemon curd and blueberries. Heaven!) and grape juice at communion time (we're Mennonites...we only drink alcohol in private. A joke: What happens when you take 1 Mennonite with you fishing? He/she drinks all your beer. What happens when you take 2 Mennonites with you fishing? They don't drink any of your beer!).
17) I carry a water bottle with me basically everywhere I go. Not a plastic one; a reusable one. I have since my Tabor College days as a newby music major and it's a habit that has stayed with me. I rarely realize that isn't something everyone does.
18) I still haven't lost all my baby weight. It sucks. It makes me disappointed in myself but I just comfort myself with some ice cream and it passes.
19) I have, in recent years, become increasingly aware of the sexualization of women in media. I mean, I KNEW it was there, but the subtleties have shocked me. How the woman stands, the tightness/shortness/revealing nature of clothes, the use of her to depict sex to sell. It makes me so angry. Shows with beach scenes will ALWAYS, ALWAYS show close ups of women in bikinis. How will we as women be valued for ourselves if we are forever portrayed as sexual beings only?
20) I don't like scary movies. I venture away from scary TV shows too.
21) I get a bit obsessed with things. When I play a game on the computer or my phone, I have a hard time stopping playing. "Just one more level" or "One more life." Five times later....whoops! I'm working on it.
22) I would never, ever, in the history of the world home school my kid(s). This isn't an indictment on homeschoolers- I think it's a fine idea but I would be horrible at it and my kid(s) would never learn anything. The only exception would be if I were rich and our "homeschooling" was more like "home tutoring" that involved travel to places. So, let's learn about ancient Greece by going to Greece (and probably the history of democracy, etc). And I would have to hire someone to do some of the research and all of the teaching too.
23) The only time I've been in the hospital (for myself) was when I was born and when Nathaniel was born. I have never broken a bone. (knock on wood)
24) I love to read. As a kid, this gave me an expansive vocabulary. When I moved to a new place and school, I got made fun of for my big words so I consciously chose smaller words to try to fit in better. (On an slightly related note, I am a pretty good speller when I can visualize the word, but I have trouble with words that include a lot of c's and s's. Like consciously.)
25) I love being a mom everyday. However, some days the love is shown in cuddles, playtime, giggles, and sometimes it's shown by us both being alive at the end of the day. But this face....this face always gets me! Even when he's being a butt.
(Disregard my hair. This applies.)
Sunday, May 26, 2013
A Little List of Nothingness...
1) So, I looked at the challenge for the final week and none of those topics really floated my boat. So I won't be doing them, unless I change my mind. I'm spontaneous like that. Or maybe just indecisive.
2) The only reason I can even write this post right now is that my son is rearranging the DVDs to his specifications. Which really means on the floor in a jumbled pile. Usually he is trying to open or close my laptop, which makes it surprisingly difficult to type!
3) This weekend has been rather low key. I finally got some plants planted around the front of the house. It's been a big spread of bare dirt for a month. We just need to get some soybean mulch to cover the rest of the area and it will be done! I love the feeling of accomplishment.
4) I like to write things in list forms when I don't have one specific topic. It saves me the trouble of coming up with transition sentences.
5) It seems that tis the season for thunderstorms. Apparently the weather has finally decided on a season and that it is storm season. We haven't had much here beyond thunder, lightning, and rain. I'm thankful for that.
6) I wish tomorrow (Memorial Day) was a holiday for me. Beyond a grill-out at the in-laws for lunch, it might as well be a normal day. Work at church in the morning, type some reports in the afternoon for my mother-in-law. Joy, joy, joy.
7) Even though he digs my dirt out of the potted plants...love this kid!
8) He likes to rearrange things. Like the DVDs. Apparently the floor in a heap is better than on the shelves.
9) I wonder if people in real life run away from the cops as much as they do on TV. You can always see it in their eyes the moment the "good guys" call out their identification (police! NCIS! Federal Agents!).
10) It's probably not a good thing if my blog post is this boring so early on. Sorry about that.
Have a great Memorial Day!
-Lisa
2) The only reason I can even write this post right now is that my son is rearranging the DVDs to his specifications. Which really means on the floor in a jumbled pile. Usually he is trying to open or close my laptop, which makes it surprisingly difficult to type!
3) This weekend has been rather low key. I finally got some plants planted around the front of the house. It's been a big spread of bare dirt for a month. We just need to get some soybean mulch to cover the rest of the area and it will be done! I love the feeling of accomplishment.
4) I like to write things in list forms when I don't have one specific topic. It saves me the trouble of coming up with transition sentences.
5) It seems that tis the season for thunderstorms. Apparently the weather has finally decided on a season and that it is storm season. We haven't had much here beyond thunder, lightning, and rain. I'm thankful for that.
6) I wish tomorrow (Memorial Day) was a holiday for me. Beyond a grill-out at the in-laws for lunch, it might as well be a normal day. Work at church in the morning, type some reports in the afternoon for my mother-in-law. Joy, joy, joy.
7) Even though he digs my dirt out of the potted plants...love this kid!
8) He likes to rearrange things. Like the DVDs. Apparently the floor in a heap is better than on the shelves.
9) I wonder if people in real life run away from the cops as much as they do on TV. You can always see it in their eyes the moment the "good guys" call out their identification (police! NCIS! Federal Agents!).
10) It's probably not a good thing if my blog post is this boring so early on. Sorry about that.
Have a great Memorial Day!
-Lisa
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Getting an Education
Today on the challenge: Things you've learned that school won't teach you.
Let me count the ways!
I have learned a bunch in my many years of school, most of it not in the classroom. Sorry teachers! I still love (most of) you! Some of these lessons may have happened within the walls of a school building, but I was not taught by a teacher in a formal setting.
1) There is a hierarchy of people. Cool, not cool, geek, nerd, etc. Screw trying to be cool and be yourself. Don't waste your time on reforming yourself to be accepted. It will just make you unhappy.
2) Figure out who you are and stay true to that person. That person may also change. That's ok too.
3) Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them. A friend will not say "never" 'cause the welcome will not end.
4) Unfortunately, you have to learn to cover your butt when you work in the world. Save emails or papers that prove you asked permission to do something or were told that this was the way it should be done.
5) Your boss/supervisor is very likely not smarter than you and hasn't not thought through the potential flaws in that plan.
6) "Should" is a guilt word. There are times you really should do something and the guilt for not doing it is probably. Know when those times are and when to let go of the "shoulds".
7) Before saying something on the interwebs, think if you would REALLY say that if the person was standing in front of you. If you wouldn't, don't say it.
8) Sometimes you are wrong. Admit it. Don't make excuses.
9) It doesn't matter how much you love your kid: poop is gross and sometimes you will not be a nice parent. Try your best and then move on.
10) Never stop learning. You are never too old to learn something new or try something different. I'm a 31 year old Mennonite who has never had formal dance training and doesn't like talking in front of people and I choreographed 30+ high schoolers in a Jewish wedding scene. And it was fun.
There are more lessons I've learned, but 10 is such a nice number. :)
-Lisa
Let me count the ways!
I have learned a bunch in my many years of school, most of it not in the classroom. Sorry teachers! I still love (most of) you! Some of these lessons may have happened within the walls of a school building, but I was not taught by a teacher in a formal setting.
1) There is a hierarchy of people. Cool, not cool, geek, nerd, etc. Screw trying to be cool and be yourself. Don't waste your time on reforming yourself to be accepted. It will just make you unhappy.
2) Figure out who you are and stay true to that person. That person may also change. That's ok too.
3) Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them. A friend will not say "never" 'cause the welcome will not end.
4) Unfortunately, you have to learn to cover your butt when you work in the world. Save emails or papers that prove you asked permission to do something or were told that this was the way it should be done.
5) Your boss/supervisor is very likely not smarter than you and hasn't not thought through the potential flaws in that plan.
6) "Should" is a guilt word. There are times you really should do something and the guilt for not doing it is probably. Know when those times are and when to let go of the "shoulds".
7) Before saying something on the interwebs, think if you would REALLY say that if the person was standing in front of you. If you wouldn't, don't say it.
8) Sometimes you are wrong. Admit it. Don't make excuses.
9) It doesn't matter how much you love your kid: poop is gross and sometimes you will not be a nice parent. Try your best and then move on.
10) Never stop learning. You are never too old to learn something new or try something different. I'm a 31 year old Mennonite who has never had formal dance training and doesn't like talking in front of people and I choreographed 30+ high schoolers in a Jewish wedding scene. And it was fun.
There are more lessons I've learned, but 10 is such a nice number. :)
-Lisa
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
In Which I Rant on Music...
Today's challenge is to rant about something. Which is fortunate because I was going to write this rant anyway and now I have a good excuse!
Sunday I was driving home from my cousin's graduation in Kansas. I was listening to the radio and singing along when I realized that this singer took a break about every 5 words. At least once in the middle of the word. (HUGE no-no. The only time interrupting a word is ok, is when it is legen-wait for it-dary.)
I love music. Love it. It is the way I best express myself, come out of my shell, worship God. And, even though I *am* classically trained, classical music is not the only kind I listen to. Opera, jazz, blues, pop, rock, whatever. I struggle with country, but that's my own issue.
I know that not everyone will sing with perfect technique or use really intricate chord progressions. I'm not asking them to. Rock would sound funny if opera technique were used. Pop probably doesn't need many modal songs.
So, please don't think I'm trying to pass judgment on all music that isn't classical or I'm trying to make all music of the same genre or difficulty. Totally not trying to do that.
But here is my question: when did it become ok for music to be mediocre and still celebrated?
When I realized that this professional singer was taking a breath every few words, it kind of shocked me. I sing this song. I'm sorely out of shape, vocally (well, physically too), but I make it through 2-3x's as much of the song than he does on one breath. When did it get so bad?
I have to say, I'm most disappointed in Christian music. And probably pop, but I don't listen a ton of that. But Christians: we're supposed to be honoring God with our gifts. So why do that half-way? Why write songs with the MOST predictable chord progressions? Why sing like your only experience is high school choir?
(Christian music isn't the only example of the sad state of music. Grammar is atrocious [ie. Ke$ha's "and yes of course we does" from "We R Who We R" comes to mind--also, shoot me with that title]. Some performers are that: performers. They aren't musicians. They can put on a show and there is some music going on around them.)
Music seems to have become just about self expression. It doesn't require training. It doesn't even require a lot of talent. If you are extroverted, can put on a good show, have a few things to say that you've set to a tune, and (let's face it) good-looking, you can be a Christian artist! Woo-hoo!
Music school? For chumps! Voice lessons? Wasted money. Theory and music history? Whaaaa....??
Don't get me wrong: I think there are a lot of talented musicians out there. They have the base talent but, in today's culture, have no motivation to push forward to develop their talents. Talents need to be honed, developed, nurtured.
This only will hurt the church and Christian music as time goes on. Look through recent Christian praise songs that have made their way into the church. How many do you think will last? How many will stand the test of time like "Great is Thy Faithfulness"? How many will become classics performed for ages to come like Handel's "Messiah" or a Bach Cantata? We use them for a time and then toss them aside when something better comes along.
(To be clear, there ARE some songs I think will last and some songs that have so much thought in the lyrics and beauty in the melody. But these seems to be the exception, not the rule.)
We can do better. As church musicians, we SHOULD do better! These are not just songs to get us an emotional high for a season. These are praises to the everlasting King of kings.
The point of my rant is this: music, when at it's best, should be diverse and should push boundaries of what was previously accepted. BUT. There should be integrity to it. To push the boundaries of what has been, you have to know what was there.You have to know where you've come from to make it to where you're trying to go. Most singers today have NO IDEA. Ignorance is not bliss.
I think the most perfect example of how we have elevated mediocre music and musicians to celebrity/celebrated status is in this article. It tells of how Harry Connick, Jr, railed on the singers he was coaching on the American Idol when they were singing from the Great American Songbook because they had absolutely no idea about the lyrics they were singing or what the original tune was. They were using the music to show off their vocal prowess or to see how many extra notes they could add.
There are singers in all genres today that are trying to push music forward and develop it. But as long as society deems that power, pizazz or strong emotional content, and a good show are all that is needed for a successful career, those voices will be drowned out and we, the public, will be the losers as a result.
-Lisa
Sunday I was driving home from my cousin's graduation in Kansas. I was listening to the radio and singing along when I realized that this singer took a break about every 5 words. At least once in the middle of the word. (HUGE no-no. The only time interrupting a word is ok, is when it is legen-wait for it-dary.)
I love music. Love it. It is the way I best express myself, come out of my shell, worship God. And, even though I *am* classically trained, classical music is not the only kind I listen to. Opera, jazz, blues, pop, rock, whatever. I struggle with country, but that's my own issue.
I know that not everyone will sing with perfect technique or use really intricate chord progressions. I'm not asking them to. Rock would sound funny if opera technique were used. Pop probably doesn't need many modal songs.
So, please don't think I'm trying to pass judgment on all music that isn't classical or I'm trying to make all music of the same genre or difficulty. Totally not trying to do that.
But here is my question: when did it become ok for music to be mediocre and still celebrated?
When I realized that this professional singer was taking a breath every few words, it kind of shocked me. I sing this song. I'm sorely out of shape, vocally (well, physically too), but I make it through 2-3x's as much of the song than he does on one breath. When did it get so bad?
I have to say, I'm most disappointed in Christian music. And probably pop, but I don't listen a ton of that. But Christians: we're supposed to be honoring God with our gifts. So why do that half-way? Why write songs with the MOST predictable chord progressions? Why sing like your only experience is high school choir?
(Christian music isn't the only example of the sad state of music. Grammar is atrocious [ie. Ke$ha's "and yes of course we does" from "We R Who We R" comes to mind--also, shoot me with that title]. Some performers are that: performers. They aren't musicians. They can put on a show and there is some music going on around them.)
Music seems to have become just about self expression. It doesn't require training. It doesn't even require a lot of talent. If you are extroverted, can put on a good show, have a few things to say that you've set to a tune, and (let's face it) good-looking, you can be a Christian artist! Woo-hoo!
Music school? For chumps! Voice lessons? Wasted money. Theory and music history? Whaaaa....??
Don't get me wrong: I think there are a lot of talented musicians out there. They have the base talent but, in today's culture, have no motivation to push forward to develop their talents. Talents need to be honed, developed, nurtured.
This only will hurt the church and Christian music as time goes on. Look through recent Christian praise songs that have made their way into the church. How many do you think will last? How many will stand the test of time like "Great is Thy Faithfulness"? How many will become classics performed for ages to come like Handel's "Messiah" or a Bach Cantata? We use them for a time and then toss them aside when something better comes along.
(To be clear, there ARE some songs I think will last and some songs that have so much thought in the lyrics and beauty in the melody. But these seems to be the exception, not the rule.)
We can do better. As church musicians, we SHOULD do better! These are not just songs to get us an emotional high for a season. These are praises to the everlasting King of kings.
The point of my rant is this: music, when at it's best, should be diverse and should push boundaries of what was previously accepted. BUT. There should be integrity to it. To push the boundaries of what has been, you have to know what was there.You have to know where you've come from to make it to where you're trying to go. Most singers today have NO IDEA. Ignorance is not bliss.
I think the most perfect example of how we have elevated mediocre music and musicians to celebrity/celebrated status is in this article. It tells of how Harry Connick, Jr, railed on the singers he was coaching on the American Idol when they were singing from the Great American Songbook because they had absolutely no idea about the lyrics they were singing or what the original tune was. They were using the music to show off their vocal prowess or to see how many extra notes they could add.
There are singers in all genres today that are trying to push music forward and develop it. But as long as society deems that power, pizazz or strong emotional content, and a good show are all that is needed for a successful career, those voices will be drowned out and we, the public, will be the losers as a result.
-Lisa
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Journey to the Center of the Blogosphere
Ok, so not really the center of the blogosphere, but one of the last episodes of Doctor Who was entitled "Journey to the Center of the Tardis" and I like to try to incorporate DW into life when I can.
Anywho. Today is all about blogs. Specifically, five favorite blogs. (Challenge day 19)
Some of the first blogs I started reading regularly are still some of my favorites. Others have ebbed. For a long time I felt like I had to keep reading certain blogs, even when they no longer had the same pull for me they once did. Then I realized that I didn't know them and they probably wouldn't be offended that I didn't read it anymore and that most people don't start blogs to have thousands (plus) of readers anyway. I don't have to read it out of guilt. I still sometimes go back to ones I have read before to "catch up."
But here are 5 of my favs, in no particular order!
1) Big Mama
Big Mama (Melanie Shankle) was one of my first. I love how she takes the every day and makes it interesting. She has a great sense of humor and a way to turn stories about the mundane (grocery shopping, soccer games, etc). I'm in the midst of reading her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings. She tells both hilarious stories (her daughter is a hoot!) and thoughtful reflections about life and motherhood.
2) The Pioneer Woman
Oh, Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond). A former city girl turned rancher's wife. I'm pretty sure I gain weight just by reading her recipes! Hello, butter! She has fun quizzes in her "Home school" and "Entertainment" sections, great giveaways/prizes, fun recipes, and good stories. Sometimes her husband also writes posts about ranching and why they do things they do there. Mostly her "Confessions" section has stories about her life and the making of her shows on the Food Network. She cracks me up!
3) Stuff Christians Like
Satire! SCL has it in spades. The site takes things quite peculiar to Christian culture and makes fun of them. He does it from a place of love, though, to note how silly some of our "traditions" are. There is also a very active commenting community who often say things about as funny as the posts!
Some of my favorite posts over the years:
Getting font-tastic with faith
4 ways to Febreze "Blessed Be Your Name"
Vuvuzelas in Church
The Jesus Juke
4) The American Jesus
This blog has been a place where some of the silliness inherent in the direct association of Christianity/Jesus with American patriotism is portrayed. Zack Hunt, the author, also poses thoughtful questions and concerns about some of the direction the church is going in America. Each year in March, the blog hosts "American Jesus Madness," where popular people, objects, etc from the previous year's Christian news, are pitted against each other and voted on to find the champion. Examples of "contestants" this past year include Rob Bell's mission glasses, Tim Tebow, and History Channel's "The Bible."
5) Jen Hatmaker's Blog
OK. So, she doesn't blog on a very regular basis. What with writing books and having 5 kids and a church plant and all. And I may have mentioned her a time or several on here already. But her writing style and personality is so real. She lays it all out there with truth, humor, sarcasm, and a passion that runs deep. Also, totally chatted with her Friday night before our retreat. (Point of honesty...actually writing this on Friday night so I really JUST saw her again and we talked about how much of a genius my baby is..but we haven't had our women's event yet. SO looking forward to it, too!)
Anywho. Today is all about blogs. Specifically, five favorite blogs. (Challenge day 19)
Some of the first blogs I started reading regularly are still some of my favorites. Others have ebbed. For a long time I felt like I had to keep reading certain blogs, even when they no longer had the same pull for me they once did. Then I realized that I didn't know them and they probably wouldn't be offended that I didn't read it anymore and that most people don't start blogs to have thousands (plus) of readers anyway. I don't have to read it out of guilt. I still sometimes go back to ones I have read before to "catch up."
But here are 5 of my favs, in no particular order!
1) Big Mama
Big Mama (Melanie Shankle) was one of my first. I love how she takes the every day and makes it interesting. She has a great sense of humor and a way to turn stories about the mundane (grocery shopping, soccer games, etc). I'm in the midst of reading her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings. She tells both hilarious stories (her daughter is a hoot!) and thoughtful reflections about life and motherhood.
2) The Pioneer Woman
Oh, Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond). A former city girl turned rancher's wife. I'm pretty sure I gain weight just by reading her recipes! Hello, butter! She has fun quizzes in her "Home school" and "Entertainment" sections, great giveaways/prizes, fun recipes, and good stories. Sometimes her husband also writes posts about ranching and why they do things they do there. Mostly her "Confessions" section has stories about her life and the making of her shows on the Food Network. She cracks me up!
3) Stuff Christians Like
Satire! SCL has it in spades. The site takes things quite peculiar to Christian culture and makes fun of them. He does it from a place of love, though, to note how silly some of our "traditions" are. There is also a very active commenting community who often say things about as funny as the posts!
Some of my favorite posts over the years:
Getting font-tastic with faith
4 ways to Febreze "Blessed Be Your Name"
Vuvuzelas in Church
The Jesus Juke
4) The American Jesus
This blog has been a place where some of the silliness inherent in the direct association of Christianity/Jesus with American patriotism is portrayed. Zack Hunt, the author, also poses thoughtful questions and concerns about some of the direction the church is going in America. Each year in March, the blog hosts "American Jesus Madness," where popular people, objects, etc from the previous year's Christian news, are pitted against each other and voted on to find the champion. Examples of "contestants" this past year include Rob Bell's mission glasses, Tim Tebow, and History Channel's "The Bible."
5) Jen Hatmaker's Blog
OK. So, she doesn't blog on a very regular basis. What with writing books and having 5 kids and a church plant and all. And I may have mentioned her a time or several on here already. But her writing style and personality is so real. She lays it all out there with truth, humor, sarcasm, and a passion that runs deep. Also, totally chatted with her Friday night before our retreat. (Point of honesty...actually writing this on Friday night so I really JUST saw her again and we talked about how much of a genius my baby is..but we haven't had our women's event yet. SO looking forward to it, too!)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Pictures
I'm skipping today's challenge because, well, I don't really have many pictures I like about myself. And most pictures I have are not of me because I'm behind the camera. Or they are weird looking selfies.
I will post this picture of our family at Nathaniel's birthday party the other week.
A few other truths:
1) I will be SO glad when planting is done. While Jeff doesn't farm, he helps a farmer when he's not teaching. He has been gone from 7:15am-10pm all week. This means I'm alone with Nathaniel all day and all evening. And some days have gone...hmm...let's be nice and say "poorly."
2) This has also been a very stressful week of TV season finales. I'm looking at you NCIS and NCIS:LA.
3) Semi-related to note #2: My cousin and I saw LL Cool J in the Detroit airport when we were flying to China.
I watched an episode of NCIS:LA on the plane ride in honor of this moment. We also thought maybe he'd be flying to Shanghai with us and we would sit next to him and could strike up conversation. Because he would, obviously, ride in coach for a 15 hour flight.
4) He actually stressed me out at first because I thought the Starbucks line had suddenly grown very long and was afraid I'd have to wait awhile to get a drink. Fortunately, it cleared out when he left. I know you are all very relieved.
5) This is going to be a crazy weekend! Jen Hatmaker is coming to town tomorrow and then I'm going to a cousin's graduation. I wonder when I get to sleep again. Maybe in a few years. I'll try to pencil that in.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
-Lisa
I will post this picture of our family at Nathaniel's birthday party the other week.
A few other truths:
1) I will be SO glad when planting is done. While Jeff doesn't farm, he helps a farmer when he's not teaching. He has been gone from 7:15am-10pm all week. This means I'm alone with Nathaniel all day and all evening. And some days have gone...hmm...let's be nice and say "poorly."
2) This has also been a very stressful week of TV season finales. I'm looking at you NCIS and NCIS:LA.
3) Semi-related to note #2: My cousin and I saw LL Cool J in the Detroit airport when we were flying to China.
4) He actually stressed me out at first because I thought the Starbucks line had suddenly grown very long and was afraid I'd have to wait awhile to get a drink. Fortunately, it cleared out when he left. I know you are all very relieved.
5) This is going to be a crazy weekend! Jen Hatmaker is coming to town tomorrow and then I'm going to a cousin's graduation. I wonder when I get to sleep again. Maybe in a few years. I'll try to pencil that in.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
-Lisa
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Alack, Alas!
"Misfortunes, we are told, are sent to test our fortitude and often reveal themselves as blessings in disguise." - Mary Bennett, Pride and Prejudice
Today's challenge is something difficult about our "lot in life" and how we are trying to overcome it.
I should start by acknowledging my lot in life is not bad at all. I really can't complain too much. But if I did have to pick a difficulty, it would be to remain a person, my own entity, after I became a mom. For a lot of months I was only "mom." I could barely function enough to do my job and care for my son, husband, and house. Forget trying to do something I actually enjoyed! As time has gone on, I have tried to find more ways of doing things I actually enjoy. I've always loved music, but it has fallen by the wayside. This spring, I decided to volunteer to help with the high school's production of "The Fiddler on the Roof." I figured I would help with some of the songs or run parts. I ended up choreographing three scenes, including the wedding scene. Not exactly what I had in mind, but I had a blast doing it and really enjoyed the students. I am also trying to get back into music. Singing myself, possibly teaching some voice students if I can find some.
I finally decided to make use of my technology and the precious little time I have to myself (often revolving around the bathroom. Late at night. When everyone else is asleep.) to read more. Books for fun, not just about parenting. I try to take my lunch time and sometimes afternoon hours to watch a tv show or movie I enjoy. Not just one the hubby and I can tolerate together. I participated in a women's Bible study.
These are only small things, but they have started to restore the part of me I had lost for many months: myself!
I think life is a bit like juggling. Tossing a bunch of balls in the air and trying to keep them all going at the same time with some look of ease. Motherhood is just adding another ball...but it's adding a bowling ball to a bunch of ping pong balls! It can take the focus off just about everything else. I know that being a good mom is the biggest, most important, most challenging thing I will ever do, but I believe there should also be life going on outside of it.
As far as difficult lots in life go, this probably isn't the most weighty, trying one there is. People have lost loved spouses, parents, children. I suppose most of life is like juggling; just the size, weight, and challenge of what is being juggled changes for each person. Maybe some balls will get dropped. I'm just going to try to keep the most important ones in the air and maybe I can add in easier ones to make it a little more fun.
-Lisa
Today's challenge is something difficult about our "lot in life" and how we are trying to overcome it.
I should start by acknowledging my lot in life is not bad at all. I really can't complain too much. But if I did have to pick a difficulty, it would be to remain a person, my own entity, after I became a mom. For a lot of months I was only "mom." I could barely function enough to do my job and care for my son, husband, and house. Forget trying to do something I actually enjoyed! As time has gone on, I have tried to find more ways of doing things I actually enjoy. I've always loved music, but it has fallen by the wayside. This spring, I decided to volunteer to help with the high school's production of "The Fiddler on the Roof." I figured I would help with some of the songs or run parts. I ended up choreographing three scenes, including the wedding scene. Not exactly what I had in mind, but I had a blast doing it and really enjoyed the students. I am also trying to get back into music. Singing myself, possibly teaching some voice students if I can find some.
I finally decided to make use of my technology and the precious little time I have to myself (often revolving around the bathroom. Late at night. When everyone else is asleep.) to read more. Books for fun, not just about parenting. I try to take my lunch time and sometimes afternoon hours to watch a tv show or movie I enjoy. Not just one the hubby and I can tolerate together. I participated in a women's Bible study.
These are only small things, but they have started to restore the part of me I had lost for many months: myself!
I think life is a bit like juggling. Tossing a bunch of balls in the air and trying to keep them all going at the same time with some look of ease. Motherhood is just adding another ball...but it's adding a bowling ball to a bunch of ping pong balls! It can take the focus off just about everything else. I know that being a good mom is the biggest, most important, most challenging thing I will ever do, but I believe there should also be life going on outside of it.
As far as difficult lots in life go, this probably isn't the most weighty, trying one there is. People have lost loved spouses, parents, children. I suppose most of life is like juggling; just the size, weight, and challenge of what is being juggled changes for each person. Maybe some balls will get dropped. I'm just going to try to keep the most important ones in the air and maybe I can add in easier ones to make it a little more fun.
-Lisa
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Happiness Abounds
Today's challenge is to write 10 things that make me really happy.
1. This guy with this face.
2. Jeff. When these two see each other when Jeff gets home from work, they smile a whole lot. Love it!
3. Food. I could make a list all of its own with the individual foods that make me happy. Chocolate, good coffee, good wine, Chipotle, tacos, pizza, pastas, fruits, veggies, the list could go on.
4. Singing/Music. Love it. Lights up my life. Makes me dance. Betters my mood.
5. Satire/Sarcasm. TV shows like "The Daily Show", "The Colbert Report", "MASH" make my heart happy. Truth spoken with humor and the over the top examples.
6. When the Church actually acts like Jesus. Knowing there are people out there like Jen Hatmaker (who I'm totally stoked to see in just a few days in our very own small town) and Shane Claiborne gives me hope that the Church will not fade away because it has to stick with what it's always done.
7. Family. My family, Jeff's family, our extended family. I adore my cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. I have the best time with family!
8. Friends. I have been fortunate to have many good friends in my life. Some I see a lot. Some I see hardly at all. The best friends are the ones you can pick up with, no matter how long it's been since you've been together.
9. Royal Family Kids' Camp. This camp is for abused and neglected children and I've been privileged to be a part of it for the past 8 years (although last year I couldn't actually attend since Nathaniel was only 6 weeks old). The pure joy of loving kids who have felt so little love in their life, seeing them open up and enjoy being a kid. It is like nothing else. I cannot wait to bring Nathaniel into that this year! Just a month away!
10. The outdoors. The beauty of nature astounds me. I love it all. The sunshine, clouds, rain, thunderstorms, snow (in its season....not so much in April & May), mountains, plains, ocean. I love being out in it, enjoying God's creation!
1. This guy with this face.
2. Jeff. When these two see each other when Jeff gets home from work, they smile a whole lot. Love it!
3. Food. I could make a list all of its own with the individual foods that make me happy. Chocolate, good coffee, good wine, Chipotle, tacos, pizza, pastas, fruits, veggies, the list could go on.
4. Singing/Music. Love it. Lights up my life. Makes me dance. Betters my mood.
5. Satire/Sarcasm. TV shows like "The Daily Show", "The Colbert Report", "MASH" make my heart happy. Truth spoken with humor and the over the top examples.
6. When the Church actually acts like Jesus. Knowing there are people out there like Jen Hatmaker (who I'm totally stoked to see in just a few days in our very own small town) and Shane Claiborne gives me hope that the Church will not fade away because it has to stick with what it's always done.
7. Family. My family, Jeff's family, our extended family. I adore my cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. I have the best time with family!
8. Friends. I have been fortunate to have many good friends in my life. Some I see a lot. Some I see hardly at all. The best friends are the ones you can pick up with, no matter how long it's been since you've been together.
9. Royal Family Kids' Camp. This camp is for abused and neglected children and I've been privileged to be a part of it for the past 8 years (although last year I couldn't actually attend since Nathaniel was only 6 weeks old). The pure joy of loving kids who have felt so little love in their life, seeing them open up and enjoy being a kid. It is like nothing else. I cannot wait to bring Nathaniel into that this year! Just a month away!
10. The outdoors. The beauty of nature astounds me. I love it all. The sunshine, clouds, rain, thunderstorms, snow (in its season....not so much in April & May), mountains, plains, ocean. I love being out in it, enjoying God's creation!
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| Colorado 2010 |
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| Great Wall of China 2010 |
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| South Dakota farm 2013 |
Monday, May 13, 2013
With My Apologies...
Story of My Life issued a challenge to "Blog every day in May".
Obviously, having just started my blog...today! I haven't blogged every day, but I thought it would be a good way to kick off my blog life.
An Apology
Dear Son,
Although I try to be a good mom, I fail more often than I even want to admit. Sometimes I let you just play on the floor while I play a game on my phone. Sometimes I let you eat toilet paper or tissues. Sometimes I get mad at you and talk in a voice very far from pleasant.
I just want to say: "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry that I threaten to sell you to gypsies. Even if there were gypsies in Nebraska, I would never sell you to them.
I'm sorry that I get mad when you don't sleep like I think you should or when you smile when you should be napping.
I'm not the mother I want to be or thought I would be. Some days it feels like I fail more often than I succeed. You are such a sweet, joyful, stubborn little boy and I adore you. I am sorry I am not always the mother you deserve. I am not perfect; for that I am sorry. (I know perfection is not possible, especially in motherhood! It is just what Nathaniel deserves, as the wonderful little person he is!)
For all the times in the past I have failed you, I am sorry.
For all the times in the future I will fail you, I am sorry.
Just keep smiling...keep shining...knowing you can always count on me for sure.
And when I fail, know that I am sorry and I love you!
-Mommy
Obviously, having just started my blog...today! I haven't blogged every day, but I thought it would be a good way to kick off my blog life.
An Apology
Dear Son,
Although I try to be a good mom, I fail more often than I even want to admit. Sometimes I let you just play on the floor while I play a game on my phone. Sometimes I let you eat toilet paper or tissues. Sometimes I get mad at you and talk in a voice very far from pleasant.
I just want to say: "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry that I threaten to sell you to gypsies. Even if there were gypsies in Nebraska, I would never sell you to them.
I'm sorry that I get mad when you don't sleep like I think you should or when you smile when you should be napping.
I'm not the mother I want to be or thought I would be. Some days it feels like I fail more often than I succeed. You are such a sweet, joyful, stubborn little boy and I adore you. I am sorry I am not always the mother you deserve. I am not perfect; for that I am sorry. (I know perfection is not possible, especially in motherhood! It is just what Nathaniel deserves, as the wonderful little person he is!)
For all the times in the past I have failed you, I am sorry.
For all the times in the future I will fail you, I am sorry.
Just keep smiling...keep shining...knowing you can always count on me for sure.
And when I fail, know that I am sorry and I love you!
-Mommy
A New Venture!
Hello blog world!
After some persuasion from friends, I finally decided to write a blog. Because who doesn't want to read about someone living in small-town Nebraska?! Fortunately, my interests are fairly diverse (as opposed to what surrounds this town....corn). Things I am interested in and passionate for include:
God
My Family & Friends
Social Justice
Music
Gardening
Cooking
Sarcasm
TV & Movies
So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
-Lisa
After some persuasion from friends, I finally decided to write a blog. Because who doesn't want to read about someone living in small-town Nebraska?! Fortunately, my interests are fairly diverse (as opposed to what surrounds this town....corn). Things I am interested in and passionate for include:
God
My Family & Friends
Social Justice
Music
Gardening
Cooking
Sarcasm
TV & Movies
So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
-Lisa
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