1 Crazy Journey

Our 1st Day

2011-08-24T12:45:00.001-04:00

Today is the day. It is our first day of homeschooling.

Scared? Yep.

Apprehensive? Yep.

Nervous? Yep.

Any idea about what I’m doing? Nope.

Ok. That is a self-bash. I have plans. I have curriculum. I just feel clueless.

I watched the 4th grade bus roll away this morning. I could not believe that I was actually doing this. I am actually putting the entire education of my 4th grader on my shoulders!

That all being said, I have peace.

I know this is the path I am to walk this year. It is a path I suspect I should have walked before, but I’m a fighter, a rebel, and a doubter.

The reasons?

Selfishness

Doubt

Fear

Approval

I feel pressed to share my story. My journey into our decision to homeschool. That is my plan over the next few months. (Months. Not days or weeks. My goals are not lofty.)

Until then I will focus on the verse I read this morning:

For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

And strengthen me He must.

Fall Focus...my new Journey

2011-07-20T09:46:00.006-04:00

I've had folks mention their observation that I've been very sporadic in blogger world as of late. It is true. I have taken a step back from writing and even reading. I have discovered that I am an "all or nothing" person. When I blog, I often get consumed. Not always, but often. Right now, I can not afford to be consumed. There are many other things to do:

Go to the pool. Seriously. Isn't that what summer vacation is for?

Choose paint colors. I have 5 rooms I want to repaint. I guess that is that all or nothing "thing" re-emerging. Again.

Read. Books.

Projects. So many ideas. So little time.

Pictures and videos. Will I ever get caught up?

There is something else that has been really taking my mental focus. I am preparing for a very new role this fall. We have decided to homeschool The Ringleader. Yep. I am now a homeschool mama. Though I can assure you that denim jumpers are not in my future. Promise.

Our other 3 children will be attending public school. We will have 2 in (all day) kindergarten and one in second. The Ringleader will be in 4th grade.

So, this is where my mind has been in regards to homeschool:

Curriculum. I am a curriculum junkie. There. I said it. I admit I have a problem.

Planning. A lot of my curriculum is "self planned". However, I still have much to do. I have written a schedule. We will see how that goes. You all know how I feel about them.

Organizing. I am creating a school room. Though I have no idea how much we will use it. I need somewhere to store everything. Plus that sounds luxurious, "a school room".

Mental focus. I am itching to get started. I am a nerd. I love books. I love learning. I love everything that goes with it. However, my student may not share the same enthusiasm. I am prepping myself for this. Before you ask, the Ringleader is 1000% behind this decision. He is excited. Now. Before it all begins.

In my utopian plans, I actually hope to have more time to write this fall. There are reasons I have elusioned this hope. Yes, I will be overwhelmed and busy. However, I still think writing will interweave it's self well into our day. Utopia people. Go with me on this for a little.

There is only a little more than 1 month of summer left. Now go. Embrace it.

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Succinct Blessings

2011-07-18T08:28:00.001-04:00

I suspect that God did not create children to be cute incidentally, but instead he had a succinct plan.

Their infallible “cuteness” forces us to forget how close to the brink we have often teetered.

It may conjure up ideas for more procreated cuteness. Even if it is a fleeting thought for only ~~days~~ ~~hours~~ ~~minutes~~ seconds.

Blessings they are.

Exhausting blessings.

Ballerina

2011-07-09T14:25:00.001-04:00

Summer. It is the essence of my persona. Spontaneous, schedule free and no alarm. Since our summer “vacation” began, I have pulled myself out of the blogging arena. I wanted a sabbatical. It is freeing. There are so many projects I’m sifting through. Amazingly, I’ve even completed some. Shocking. I know.

I am getting “caught up” on picture organization. Although I refuse to commit to a blogging promise, I may share a few with you along the way. Lucky you. Lucky me.

I’m starting in April. You know. The month that was 3 months ago. I barely remember what happened yesterday, so it is a nice surprise to see what happened then.

Apparently, I have a prima ballerina in training.

I hope your summer is filled with dancing, smiling and dreaming.

Happy’s Mother Day

2011-05-08T21:57:00.001-04:00

I looked at the clock. It was 8pm. I realized that the only thing I wanted for Mother’s Day was a picture with my kids. Yes, I’m a bit procrastinative with these decisions.

So, they all trudged down the stairs somewhat disgruntled. The Rockstar Nurse gently, but firmly reminded them that this was Mother’s Day. Surprisingly, the Ringleader was pleasantly cooperative.

Just like any other picture session with the Flamingo’s, disasters abounded. Dogs running through pictures, children distracted by birds and camera malfunctions.

They are all looking so it feels like a mild victory. Score 1 for mom.

After the children’s ~~torture~~ picture session, the Rockstar Nurse and I decided to pose. We are mildly pathetic at having our photo taken together.

I wanted to be photographed with my “mountain” man. Each spring, the Rockstar Nurse ceases to be a nurse or a rocker. Instead he becomes the “hunter”. The beard is his tribute to the wild. I endearingly call him Jeremiah Johnson. (It’s an old 70’s film. Google it.) So, with a click of a camera, my Mothers Day was complete.

Oh and of course my children were rewarded with their favorite. The “silly” pose. Happy Mother’s Day to every mom or mom “to be”.

Lil’ Rocker is growing up…

2011-05-05T23:26:00.001-04:00

I am still here. Wallowing in my tears. My baby boy turned 5 last week. My BABY is 5.

I am ok with that. Until I drive by a place that brings nostalgia to my mind like a freight train.

And then I get teary eyed. I grab my BABY boy.

Snuggling him I whisper, “you will always be my baby.”

Usually he squirms away.

But there are those times he indulges my mama spirit. He cuddles closer.

If there was a way to breathe in time I would.

A precious gift this child is to me.

Happy 5th Birthday Lil’ Rocker.

Boys.....

2011-04-09T23:55:00.003-04:00

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Sparkles time to Shine

2011-04-05T23:32:00.001-04:00

Look who’s turning 5!

We are party hardy’ing in the Flamingo Flock. Sparkles has 2 cakes down with one more to go. She loved her birthday and is sleeping with her new Barbie video.

Although explaining birthdays is still confusing. She thought it was Christmas today. English as a second language is not to be diminished.

Speaking of partying…I am having a bloggy party over at the Frugal Flamingo. It’s a giveaway at my friend Emily’s ets y shop. So you might want to check it out!

Back to the party here at the Flamingo stead. Sparkles is so proud to be 5 and she proudly tells Lil’ Rocker. Poor lil’ guy. He cried tonight at the table because he was still 4. Don’t worry buddy. In exactly, 22 days you will be a 5 guy too!

Until then, it’s Sparkles turn to shine. And shine she does.

Happy Birthday Sparkles!

May your wishes come true!

A dangerous thing

2011-03-27T21:25:00.001-04:00

I can’t stop thinking about a quote from our service today.“The most dangerous thing to Christianity today is Christians taking the easy way out.”

What is He asking you to do?

Watch and be Astounded…

2011-03-26T13:33:00.001-04:00

Sometimes my life feels boring. In concept, I am never bored. There is always laundry, dishes and mouths to feed. Yet, my spirit gets restless.

For many years, the journey felt crazy, exciting, and adventurous. Marriage, house bought, baby born, baby born, another new home, baby born, adoption. For 13 years, there has always been something “new”. I always felt God’s thumbprint in my life.

His whispers.

His blessing.

Now, there are ~~weeks~~ ~~months~~ days that In self-focused indulgence, I feel God forgot me.

Mundane.

Ordinary.

Monotonous.

Though I have come to realize that it is me. The same God exists. I have changed.

The Lord replied, “Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5

God breathed life in…..

Appreciating blessing in the mundane.

Finding joy in the ordinary.

Seeing implicit creativity in the monotonous.

Right here. Right now. Doing something in my own day.

A conversation with a neighbor.

Building relationships on the soccer field.

Serving Him through boo boos and sniffles.

It is amazing what you can see.

Just open your eyes.

Festering

2011-03-14T22:38:00.004-04:00

I read a lot of blogs. A lot. I subscribe to over 100. Lest you think that I do nothing but blog read, I have my magical tricks that allows for many blogs in little time. I hope to share that sometime soon on the Frugal Flamingo.

I love blogging because it inspires me. I love learning new things. I love finding ways to manage my time and my home better. I love being hit between the eyes with spiritual truth.

Though with that inspiration can also come self-degradation. Blogging allows your best light to be seen. Most bloggers are not superficially pretentious. The bloggers I know write with honesty. However, that does not mean that the reader won't twist their words and message into something ugly for themselves.

Comparison. It's that ugly word that continues to fester itself inside of me. I am not ashamed to admit that because I know YOU probably struggle with it too. I had so many words to share on this, but then I remembered that I did before.

Last year at Relevant, Angie Smith shared something that continues to resonate with me (so many things I heard at Relevant still resonates with me). She conveyed about the need to be selective of what we read.

What we read may be God centered. It may be written with a pure heart. However, if it is making you run to ANYTHING other than Jesus, you best not go there. If it is making you feel discouraged about yourself or others, you need to stop reading. Yep, even if it's 1 Crazy Journey or the Frugal Flamingo. Although I seriously don't know how this blog would not allow you to feel fantastic about yourself:)

So, that is why I am going to Relevant again. You might be surprised to know I wasn't going to go. For some reason, God wants me there again. It is a cool story, but that is for another time. Maybe.

I wish every blogger could go to Relevant. However, God will prod whoever needs to be there. Is he prodding you? Consider it. Pray about it. Take the leap of faith and go.

Here were my thoughts on the conference last year. here and here .

And yep...that is Darlene and I rockin' the Relevant website.

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Smiling while losing

2011-03-11T16:27:00.001-05:00

While I was losing my mind, Sha Sha was losing these.At least she is excited about her loss.

No more contractural obligations

2011-03-07T15:12:00.001-05:00

I sit here. Dr. Pepper in hand. This is the second day I have sat with a Dr. Pepper by my keyboard. I have nearly eliminated my soda craving over the past 5 years. Instead it has been replaced with coffee. That is a healthier choice so it is all good. I really am not as caffeine addicted as could be perceived. One and a half cups in the morning and a “hit” in the afternoon. Today’s “hit” is the sod a. Although it is not fully honest if I don’t admit that it may still be followed by coffee.

Some may feel caffeine is a vice. Perhaps it is. Though I find that I need something to keep me centered. It appears that my “self” only had a contract with my “mind” for 3 decades. How often do I go to another room only to find myself standing there with no idea why I came? It is frightening when that happens.

Usually the reason comes. Though sometimes it does not. I walk out defeated.

Unexplained room arrivals are not my only issue. Last week I saw Sha Sha sitting on the couch. She was freshly washed. I personally washed her hair. As I ran my hand through her damp hair, I took notice to the “slime”.

I never rinsed the conditioner.

Poor Sha Sha.

The same evening I found I left a container of ice cream sitting. I had forgotten. So, I returned it to it’s rightful place.

Or so I thought.

An hour later I found it in the fridge.

I would question if my house has some type of aura that emits forgetfulness. Unwittingly, I know that is not true.

Not because I know houses don’t emit “aura’s” but because my “issues” exist outside these 4 walls.

Last week I arrived to my friend’s new hair salon. I excitedly entered the building. As, I sat flipping through hair ideas I felt that something was not “right”.

I hesitantly walked outside. I looked up at the sign.

Nope. I was not at the right salon.

Yes, it does concern me that God entrusted me with 4 kids, a husband and a dog.

To be honest, I am purely humbled that he has trusted me with me.

Woot Woot! Relevant 11!!!

2011-03-01T01:02:00.000-05:00

To say I'm giddy is keeping it cool. A blog post to come.

Are you thinking about going? Do it!!!! I tell ya it is worth every cent!

Burning bushes

2011-02-17T23:39:00.001-05:00

Tonight I fell into sharing part of my adoption story with a new friend. Ok. I didn't "fall" into it, I rambled on into it.

I was retelling how we "found" Sparkles. Eventually I will get to sharing that part of our adoption story with you all. When I tell it, I am in awe. Not that it is that amazing to anyone else, but it is awe inspiring to me. Scattered throughout the story are God stops everywhere. I can see that now because I can look backwards and I know how the story ends.

I share this because throughout our adoption process, I was plagued with doubts. I questioned over and over again if we were walking the right direction. With timidity I admit that there were times after we were home that I still doubted..."did we do the right thing? Was this really where you wanted us to walk? Did we imagine your calling on this whole thing?" It's humbling to admit, but when life gets hard of course we question.

Backpedaling to the God stops. It takes my breath away to see how he directed and affirmed our adoption journey. Now, it seems like burning bush moments. Moments when it is beyond obvious that God is speaking, directing, affirming. However,at the time I questioned if the bush was even smoking.

I currently am working through some decisions. Once again, I find myself reeling with doubt and fear. It becomes almost paralyzing. I start walking in a direction and then I stop.

" I see a bush. Is it on fire? No, I think it's just smoking. Wait, is that even a bush?"

God really could have used me as a biblical character. I probably would have made a great Israelite or disciple. You know, one of those biblical people that you just want to say, "duh! They just don't get it!!"

So, I've started a God watch journal. I'm recording what I think God may be showing me regarding specific decisions.

When I see those burning bushes fly off the page and the direction is being set, the next question becomes "will I trust Him?"

As Christians so often we ignore the bushes he lights on fire to guide us. Yes, perhaps some of the ignorance might be because we are too busy to look. However, I think more often it comes down to trust.

We see the bush. We just can't trust.

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Breaking news from the 3rd grade playground

2011-02-16T14:49:00.001-05:00

The Ringleader came home bursting full of energy this afternoon. We began our usual banter.

“How was your day?” I asked.

“Good.”

“Anything exciting happen today?” I asked expecting a dull response.

“Oh yes! Guess who likes who?!”

“Who?” I asked with timidity.

“Well everybody likes C. and we think we just figured out who she likes! It’s D!! “

“Oh. Well how do you know that C. likes D?”

“Because it is obvious. C does not talk to D!!!”

“Hmm. So if you like someone, you don’t talk to someone? ” I asked perplexed.

“Yea. If you know them, but do not talk to them, then it is very obvious you like them.” he responded with expression.

“Of course. That makes sense.” I replied masking my smile.

“And then I found out today that R has a HUGE crush on B. But B doesn’t like R. He likes G. And G. likes B too.”

“And they don’t talk correct?”

“Oh no”. he said

“Well, what about you? Does anyone like you?”

“Why of course” he replied with innocent confidence “A, S, M and L all really like me.”

“Well,who do you like?” I asked my own lil’ Rico Suave.

“Well, I can’t tell you that. It’s top secret.”

“What does her name start with?”

“A letter” he replied coy.

“What color of hair does she have?”

“ A color” he replied smug.

“And does this mystery girl like you too?”

“Yes.”

“And you know that because…..?”

“Because we don’t talk to each other.” he interrupted.

“Of course. I forgot the “signs” “, I quickly added.

“And I think there is a girl on my bus that likes me. She just stares at me when she empties her tray at lunch. I’m just sitting by myself, so she is obviously looking at me. I look back at her and she quickly walks away".

“So does she ever talk to you?”

"Oh no!”

Catching on I said, “yep. She must like you.”

The 3rd grade gossip quickly led into why T. will never have a girlfriend until college. He apparently eats his boogies, licks his shoes and makes snow angels on the cafeteria floor.

He might be right about that.

And that is the scoop from the 3rd grade playground.

It might look something like this

2011-02-01T01:45:00.000-05:00

Typically after such an elongated absence, I would play the violin for my lack of written creativity. This time, I can explain that I've been busy at my other blog. However, I am starting to feel convicted about ignoring this space.

I am forcing myself to write something though I don't specifically know what to share. I do know that I have been itching to write a little more on our adoption. However, I have to get in the appropriate writer's zone. Right now,I'm still in aisle 5 of the grocery store "zone".

It is almost unnerving to think that I don't have much to share from my life. For the past 2 years, our "journey" has almost been normal. I will admit that it is starting to feel good being wrapped in familiarity and comfort. Whenever that happens, I start to think what am I not doing that I should be doing?

The last time I asked that, we got a dog. And I will publically admit here that I am now a full fledged dog person. I don't even mind his hair,drool or stink that much.

Awww. I am so glad I said "yes".

Imagine the blessings that could be given if you say "yes" to something of real substance. It might look something like this.

Just a thought.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T19:48:00.001-05:00

It’s heeeeere. The Frugal Flamingo blog that is. So hop on over there so I don’t feel like I am talking to myself. I get to talk to myself quite a bit around here as it is.

In order to feel that I am not shamelessly plugging myself, I will give a quick synopsis of Flamingo happenings.

Mr. Weston is growing. And growing. He is now 50 lbs with many more to add. He is 7 1/2 months old and has reached his adolescent rebellion. Apparently Golden’s rebel between 6 and 9 months. Our lil’ man is no exception.

He had “the” surgery last week. That provided for many interesting discussions among the children. Please do not have your children talk with mine if you wish to keep them innocent.

Christmas came and went. It always does. That is a bit of an obvious statement. However, it never ceases to amaze me just how quickly it exits.

To prevent my dinner from burning, I will eliminate words and instead share pictures.

Here’s to a New Year!

Wishing you the Merriest

2010-12-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

I've got nuthin'.

Yes, I received fun treasures today for Christmas. However, I realized how "dried up" my word factory has become. Each day that passes, I assume that an idea will develop the next day. Yet, here we are on Christmas day without any glimpse of ideas in sight.

So, you will have to deal with "dried up" verbage.

Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. I guess that sounds cliche. However, it really is such a joyous time. I love the music, the decorations, the traditions, the baking, the time spent with family and the magical look in the eyes of my children.

I had so many more things I wanted to do this season. Without a plan, time slips away. Obviously, time does not halt for me to collaborate my plans. There is always next year. I will comfort myself with that fact.

I have continued to decrease Christmas stress each year. I no longer send my treasured Christmas ~~book~~ letter. I still jerk and twitch when I contemplate it. It was a decision made 2 years ago, when adoption finances and stress had me on the brink. So, I've continued the tradition until I decide to cave.

I do not adorn the outside of our house with decorations. I also have released any Martha Stewart visions for my home.

Now it is all over. Depressing at best. Of course, we have 9 more days off school. That is an event to be celebrated. At least in the Flamingo home. The children (and I) look forward to mornings without obnoxious alarms and evenings without the demand of a rigorous bedtime.

And snow!! Glorious snow is on the way. We embrace snow.

As the evening comes to a close, I want to wish you the Merriest of Christmas's. I hope your day was as magical as ours.

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Here

2010-12-04T15:38:00.001-05:00

“How did I get here?”

Did you ever wonder that? Did you ever wonder how you got to the place where you are in your life?

Perhaps Christmas is the catalyst for this question for me. Hearing the familiar melodious refrains on the radio immediately takes me to a place of childhood simplicity.

It is the same songs that played while I sat dreaming of what I would find under the tree on Christmas morn. The same songs I heard as I wondered if my Prince Charming would ever come. The same songs I hummed as I decorated a tree in my own home for the very first time.

Yet, here I sit again, listening to nostalgic melodies. However, amongst the greens, ornaments and lights are children. My children. I count them…one, two, three, four.

When did this all happen?

Sometimes, just one song makes it all stop for me. It makes me stop, breathe in and treasure the here. The now.

Just like that, the children have disappeared to somewhere else in the house. I can hear their squeals of laughter and squabbles of protest. Yet, I can still hear them. One, two, three, four.

In moments like this, I close my eyes. I imagine that inhaling deep will imprint it all in my heart somewhere.

Because even now I know. I know that just like that it will all be gone. They will all be gone. Gone to decorate their own homes, their own trees, their own lives.

I know that one day, much quicker that I think, I will sit here alone with my carols. Thinking of all the wonderous Christmas mornings of years gone by.

And I know I will think, “how did I get here?”

I encourage you (and me) to embrace this Christmas season with your children. Mothering is hardwork. The hardest work we do. Yet it is only a temporary assignment. It’ is difficult. Yet, someday I know I will want it all back again. Well, parts of it at least..

Celebrating Adoption

2010-11-18T19:40:00.000-05:00

November is National Adoption Month!!! This time exactly 4 years ago is when I KNEW we were being called to adopt. I have so much regarding adoption that I would love to inspire you with. However, I have been remiss of time and words.

Instead, I will share something I promised months ago: Sparkles adoption video. Youtube disabled my sound, so I have uploaded it to Facebook. I am out of other ideas on how to share it.

Hop on over to the Frugal Flamingo FB page. If she was beside you, Sparkles would watch it with you. She asks to watch her "China Song" several times per day.

While you are there, feel free to "Like" the Frugal Flamingo!

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It's finally here

2010-11-16T22:57:00.000-05:00

It is finally here. You will no longer have to hear me ramble endlessly about "the frugal blog" I am working on. You can finally go check it out. It will not officially begin until January 3rd.

I do not intend to be dramatic. However, this blog has been almost a year of "drama" for me. Lots of spiritual stuff behind it all. Of course Relevant majorally impacted my decisions. I came home and completely scrapped all of the work I put into my wordpress site. I deleted in and started over in blogger.

Why you may ask? I realized at Relevant that much of my stress was because I was not where I was supposed to be regarding the Frugal Flamingo blog. God reminded me there that the INITIAL reason I was starting a frugal blog was to communicate and minister to friends and family in my real life.

I do not think there is anything wrong with intentionally growing a blog. However, I've shifted my focus. I am no longer being influenced by what "they say". "They" being the blogging pro's. I am not committing to posting several times a day or even every day for that matter. I am back on blogger. I'm not going to focus on monetizing.

I simply am going to focus on doing what I enjoy. I enjoy encouraging those around me. My perspective may change a year from now or even a few months from now. I simply am going to follow His lead.

On a lighter note, I had so much fun designing my site. If you want help with HTML, let me know and I will try to help:)

Enough of the fanfare....get over there and check out The Frugal Flamingo!!!

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Book Review- Red Ink by Kathi Macias

2010-11-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

I jumped at the opportunity to read a book set in China. Obviously, China holds a special place in my heart. I am particularly intrigued how Christianity has evolved in this communistic country.
The book Red Ink is a fictionalized story of courageous faith. Without a doubt, it made me thankful for the religious freedoms our country provides us. Before I ramble too much, I will let the author, Kathi Macias tell you about it more. Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?
A young Chinese woman, Zhen-Li—raised to observe the party line, including its one-child-per-family doctrine—falls in love with and marries a Christian, and adopts his faith. Though the couple downplays their Christianity in an effort to survive, Zhen-Li’s family is appalled, and she and her husband are ostracized. When she becomes pregnant for the second time and refuses to have an abortion, the persecution begins in earnest. Zhen-Li’s parents, under pressure from the government, pay to have Zhen-Li kidnapped and the baby aborted.
It is then Zhen-Li decides she must live up to her name—"Truth"—and take a firm stand for her faith, regardless of the consequences, and so she begins to regularly teach children about Zhu Yesu ("Lord Jesus") and to distribute Christian literature every chance she gets. Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying, currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Zhen-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards, leading to a surprising conclusion that will both stun and challenge readers.
How did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?
I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.
In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?
They can find me at my website (http://www.kathimacias.com/) or blog (http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/). There is a “contact” button on my website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!
Want an opportunity for free books? Check it out here.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by New Hope Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

More of Relevant

2010-11-07T00:30:00.001-04:00

The Relevant Conference really changed me. I went wanting to learn how to grow a blog, to monetize, and to interweave social media. Instead I came home wanting to blog less.

Speaker after speaker led me back to basics. I am a wife. I am a mom. My relationship with God comes first. My husband second. My children third. However, how many times have I pushed my children away so that I could read one more blog? How many times have I said, "not now!! This is important."

Which we all know means "and at this moment in time YOU are not."

So, I've once again reevaluated everything. I pulled back from reading blogs. Yes, maybe even yours.

Of course, I've also neglected this one, but I guess that is not really new.

Here are some pictures of that amazing weekend….

My friend Darlene and I were so excited for a weekend away. Speaking of Darlene. You must, MUST visit her new interior design blog Fieldstone Hill. I wish she could find a way for me to decorate with dirty laundry. It is a phenomenal blog. I got to finally meet Bonita Lillie who has encouraged me. We met sometime this year through her blog. Her one request was to do the Flamingo stand together. Of course, I had on heels so I fell over. She taught the writing workshop I attended at Relevant. Wow. I seriously have a lot of work to do. If you like to write, go check out her blog.

Sara Mae was one of the brainchildren behind Relevant. Truly blessed to meet her in the flesh. She is absolutely adorable. (Darlene, Sara and me) I bubbled over with joy finally being able to meet Crystal Paine. Yes. Money Saving Mom. “The” Money Saving Mom. If you have ever talked with me about groceries, you know this is who I send you to first. She is my frugality hero. Her blog seriously impacted my life over 3 years ago.

Sami, Angela and Courtney. Seriously loved talking with these women. I never knew Sami before, but enjoyed getting to know her. I read Courtney’s blog and participate with Good Morning Girls that her and Angela run. I have never seen someone smile as much as Angela. Courtney is a ball of fire. What a blessing to get to know them. (Sami, Angela, Me, Courtney, Darlene)

And of course there was Angie Smith. Many of you already read her blog Bring the Rain. This girl is incredibly funny, but with a transparent heart for God. She is married to Todd Smith of Selah. They have an incredible story of heartbreak to share. If you haven’t read her book I Will Carry You, get it. She’s a truly gifted writer with an amazing story.

Todd (Angie’s husband) blessed us with music Friday night. What an incredible voice. He is down to earth and an incredibly nice guy. He is part of the group Selah. In case you are wondering why Darlene is in almost every picture…we were trying to be “picture efficient.”

There were so many inspiring speakers I heard. So many more inspiring women I met. I wish I could share it all with you, but you probably have not even scrolled down this far in the post.

We ended the weekend with worship. Over 200 blogging women worshiping together. By far, the highlight of my weekend.

Meeting the face of God

2010-10-24T00:49:00.000-04:00

Minutes ago I arrived home from the event I anticipated for 8 months. Thinking about the Relevant conference produced anxiousness and motivation all wrapped into one.

With business cards in hand, heeled black boots adorned, notepad clutched with the expectation that nitty gritty blog world secrets will be shared. The giddish excitement to meet blogging heroes.

Instead, what unraveled this weekend was life changing. Yes, I met amazing fellow bloggers. Yes, I met the faces behind the screen verbage. Yes, I even learned some social media tricks.

However, someone showed up I did not anticipate. I don't think any of us did.

The mystery guest was God. God himself speaking through the instrumental voices of ladies he chose to use. He did not visit only with me, I suspect he spoke to all 200 women. Actually, I know he spoke to each of them, I can not account for who was listening.

It was a weekend filled with tears. Good tears. The vulnerability of the speakers and the ladies was used for God's glory. What is comical is that I did not learn saavy blogging as planned. I attended a blogging conference and learned about the heart of God. I learned that Satan can entwine himself into something beautiful. I learned once again of my personal depravity. Once again I met a grace filled savior.

I wish I could formulate my emotions, my feelings and my words into a thought with substance. I need to process. I need to pray.

The closing session was shared by Ann Voskamp. I have no words that begin to explain her deeply reflective words. Meshed within the beauty of her amazing writing gift, is God's quiet voice that speaks loudly to your heart.

I leave you with a snippet of what she shared tonight.

When you wonder if what you create is any good

I would close with a reflective statement, but I will just mess it all up. Some words are best left to digest.

Daybook thoughts

2010-10-15T08:43:00.001-04:00

Outside my window... The crisp smell of Fall. This is my favorite time of year. I love the change of seasons because it promises change. I also see the flags blowing in the breeze of our new invisible dog fence. Oh how I love the freedom.

I am thinking... I may be slightly less aversed to arising in early in the morning. I still embrace late nights, so perhaps I’ve crossed into more of an advanced age stage and need less sleep? No. It’s probably because I caved after 9 months and went back on morning Java. .

I am thankful for... being able to stay at home. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I truly am grateful.

I am wearing... a comfy pair of dark gray cotton pants. Ok. It’s a pair of sweat pants and a big baggy sweatshirt. It’s still before 8:30 am. I haven’t embraced mornings THAT much.

I am remembering... that I forgot to buy coffee at the store and we out. Wow. So glad I reminded myself.

I am going... to take the littles to preschool and then hit some thrift shops. I need some new things. And yes, thrift things are new things…to me that is. .

I am currently reading... 2 books? Wow…I’m improving. I’m reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I am slowly reading it, but it is a phenomenal book. I highly recommend it. I also am reading Red Ink. It’s a fiction that I will be reviewing in a month. It’s ok so far. A little overdone and a plot that is dragging on, but the premise of the book is very good.

I am hoping... I can get my house in order today. ahem. I also need to do the dreaded change of season clothing switch, plant 7 trees and make 50 quarts of applesauce. Yea for coffee! However, none will get done as I am meeting some long lost friends tonight that I will blog about later!

On my mind... all of the above stuff. I’m also thinking about the Frugal Flamingo blog. I’m having someone design my logo for me because I am humbling myself and admitting I just can’t do it all and I have to move on. However, I am still working on designing the site itself and I am excited to say that I am starting to have an inkling of like for Wordpress. I have several posts written, a few more started and 100 flying around in my head. I also set up my Facebook and twitter page. It’s all about progress.

Noticing that... I have 10 minutes until I have to leave and no one is dressed.

Pondering these words... I heard this from a speaker yesterday. A highly successful business person and a SAHM all have 1 thing in common. We all have the exact same amount of time in our day. We are in equal footing. What is not equal is how we use it. That was impactful.

From the kitchen…the smell of baked peanut butter oatmeal. wow. That was amazingly good.

Around the house... laundry.

One of my favorite things~ a cool fall morning, a quiet house and warm cup of coffee while spending it with you.

For more daybook entry’s visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Computers, blogs, and homework

2010-10-05T18:36:00.000-04:00

I survived a week without a computer. To be honest, It was only 4 days. It was quite freeing to be without the burden of the internet. It reminded me that I need to institute internet free days or weeks throughout the year, even when I'm not on vacation.

Now that September is over, my "blog more" challenge is over. I will not be stopping by as frequently because I really need to focus on building my other blog. I'm spending so much brainpower over design (or lack there of), that I am failing to focus on the content. It truely won't help to have a decent looking website without any material. However, right now it is far from decent so there is nothing to fear.

My ultimate goal is to make the "big" reveal during the Relevant conference. However, these are goals and I fear it may not happen as desired.

Life is getting more difficult on the homefront. Well, not really the homefront, but the school front. We have made it to October folks. Last year, it was January. The homework hour is becoming the living nightmare that one of my children creates for some unknown reason. It shouldn't be a major source of stress in my life, but it is. So, almost 2 hours every night is spent crying, pleading, re-teaching and disciplining. I'm thinking I only have 150 more nights to go? At least I hope so.

If anyone has any suggestions on alleviating homework woes, I am all ears. Seriously. As the Rockstar Nurse and I chant to ourselves each evening, "only 9 more years to go."

God bless me when Lil' Rocker starts school.

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Book Review- Between a Rock and A Grace Place

2010-09-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have the awesome opportunity to review Carol Kent’s recent release of Between A Rock and a Grace Place. Take the time to check out the info that follows and near the end of the post there is a link to have an opportunity to win a copy on facebook!

How important are contentment and gratitude in finding grace and peace?
My son, Jason, is teaching me that I need to choose contentment and thanksgiving in all things. As an inmate in a maximum-security prison, all of his personal items must fit in one small one-foot-high and one-and a half-feet-deep and two-and-a half feet long steel lockbox. He has learned to live comfortably with very little, which brings him a surprising sense of peace.
When I was visiting him one weekend I asked how he holds on to hope in the middle of a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence. He said, “Mom, I have a gratitude list. Whenever the clouds of depression try to discouragement, I get out a piece of paper and write down everything I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful I have two parents who will be my advocates for as long as they live. The average number of years a lifer gets visits is five years and then no one comes anymore. I’m also thankful I can be a missionary on a compound that houses up to 1,700 men.” I’m learning from Jason that I find contentment when I choose to be thankful and when I invest my time in helping other people.

What are some unexpected gestures of kindness you’ve received in the past, and how did they help you through difficult times?
A couple of years ago Jason’s appendix ruptured and he was rushed from the prison to a civilian hospital. Gene and I were not allowed to know where he was and I prayed for someone to care for him as a mother would. He had two armed guards in his room at all times. Nurse Betty was assigned to Jason’s care. She treated him with respect and extraordinary care—and I knew she was a direct answer to my prayers.
A group of people who called themselves our “Stretcher Bearers” received an e-mailed monthly update on how to help with our needs. We were blessed with meals, cards, and financial gifts, often just before we needed extra funds for the next legal payment. These amazing people waited with us for two and a half years through seven postponements of the trial.

Between a Rock and a Grace Place releases 10 years after your son, Jason, was sentenced to life in a maximum security prison and includes excerpts from Jason’s letters. Can you tell us how he’s doing now?
He has just taken his 8th group of men through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Course and he will be facilitating a biblical counseling class on marriage and family this fall. He has a prayer group of twelve inmates who fast and pray for the needs of each other and their families. Prison is a depressing, dark, and sad place, but Jason is living for things that will outlast him.

When you received news about Jason’s clemency hearing being denied, how did you respond?
I wailed like a baby, sobbed, felt angry, hurt, and disappointed in God. Then we saw Jason a day after this devastating news. He was calm and very much at peace. He hugged me as I wept and said, “Mom, this case isn’t about having the best attorney or about having the favor of Florida’s top executive political leaders. If I am ever allowed to walk in freedom in this lifetime, it will be because God miraculously opened a door that was closed.” My son helps me to develop an eternal perspective and that day he comforted me.

What advice do you have for those who are stuck between a rock and a grace place?
In the middle of your own hurt reach out to someone else who needs help worse than you do. When you involve yourself in meeting the needs of others, you discover an unexpected freedom on the inside. Corrie ten Boom once said, “What did you do today that only a Christian would have done?”

As a result of your journey, you and your husband have founded the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope. What are the goals of the organization, and how can people get involved?
Our vision: To help inmates and their families adjust to their new normal.
Our mission: We exist to provide hope to inmates and their families through encouragement and resources.
Please go to www.speakupforhope.org for a list of practical ways individuals, churches, and organizations can help with specific projects. Our goal is to live out the truth of Prov. 31:8-9: “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice. Stand up for the poor and destitute!”

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Between a Rock and a Grace Place?
I would love for you to visit my web site at http://www.carolkent.org/, browse through the various events and other resources available. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

Between a Rock and a Grace Place by Carol Kent (Zondervan)
From bestselling author Carol Kent comes a riveting journey of facing the impassible obstacles of life and discovering the last thing ever expected—the sweet spot of grace.
Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, are now living what some would call a heartbreaking life—their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now living out a life sentence for murder in a maximum security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels—humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But despite their hopeless situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life’s problems become fruitful affliction where we discover the very best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure. Through the Kent’s remarkable ongoing journey, Jason’s riveting letters from behind bars, and true “grace place” stories from the lives of others, Between a Rock and a Grace Place reveals that when seemingly insurmountable challenges crash into our lives, we can be transformed as we discover God at work in ways we never imagined. With vulnerable openne ss, irrepressible hope, restored joy, and a sense of humor, Carol Kent helps readers to find God’s “grace places” in the middle of their worst moments

Carol Kent

Carol Kent is the bestselling author of When I Lay My Isaac Down and A New Kind of Normal. Carol is an expert on public speaking, writing, and on encouraging people to hold on to hope when life’s circumstances turn out differently from their dreams. She lives in Florida with her husband Gene.
Carol Kent is a popular international public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She is a former radio show co-host and has often been a guest on Focus on the Family and a featured speaker at Time Out for Women and Heritage Keepers arena events. She has spoken at The Praise Gathering for Believers and at Vision New England’s Congress. She is also a frequent speaker at Women of Virtue events across the country.

Do you want to win a copy of this book? Check out Between a Rock and A Grace Place facebook page!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Zondervan in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

Fighting withdrawal

2010-09-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

I am popping in to say that my September non stop blogging challenge may be interrupted by computer issues. I finally “gave in” and allowed my beloved laptop to leave my possession to be repaired. I am without a computer for at least 3 days. Maybe more.

I am trying not to jerk and shake, but it is very difficult. Really it is because my laptop can be my appendage some days. It feels as if everything I do is online or stored on my computer. I am already starting to sweat thinking about it.

I enjoy purposeful technology breaks, but when they are forced on me it feels confining. Guess, I will have to get out a pen and paper to write my thoughts down today. Imagine that.

Just a lil’ fun

2010-09-27T00:05:00.001-04:00

My dear “real lifer” friend Darlene tagged me to play this answer 8 questions game. Before you read my thought provoking responses, you must, must visit Darlene’s blog. She is amazingly talented in art, fashion, decorating, singing the list goes on. And yep. She still wants to be my friend.

So here goes. I need to answer 8 questions, tag 8 friends with 8 new questions.

1. Tell me the latest thing that made you laugh out loud. Hmm. I know it was either my husband or kids as they are like HD streaming entertainment. Oh wait! I know what it was. It was my daughter Sha Sha. She saw my dog Weston get on my leg in his “pre-neutered” state and said “ooh look! He’s doing a funny dance!!”

2. What is your favorite thing about the Lord? Wow. That is a good question. Forgiveness. Hands down this is the most redeeming quality one can have when being able to look inside my heart.

3. What thing do you really wish you could buy right now? Uugh. I’m trying to remain frugally pure and you are side tracking me. I would love a new laptop, a standup freezer, a camera, a refinished basement and a patio. See, how easily I fall to the want me’s?

4. What is your favorite easy crock pot recipe (if no crockery, then, just dinner)? I heart my crockpot. I can’t think of my favorite recipe right now, but I will say a good ol’ chicken roast is on the top of my favs list. Basically because you just put the chicken in, fill it with water. Voila…dinner! Plus, you get homemade chicken stock on the side. Doesn’t get easier than that folks.

5. True or False: the front of my fridge has nothing on it. True. And not because I’m a purist. It’s because my fridge is stainless steel and magnets don’t stick.

6. Jeans girl, skirt girl, pants girl, or sweats girl? I love my sweats. However, I reserve that to winter days when I’m not usually going out. Hands down, I love jeans. You can go casual or dress them up. Love, love jeans.

7. What is God teaching you right now? Why do I have to think in depth when it is midnight? God is always teaching me so much, I’m just always slow to figure out what exactly he is showing me. I recently learned that we carry around a burden of a million pounds if we are doing something we are not supposed to do, and failing to do what he wants us to do. By “something”, I don’t mean a sin. I am speaking in regards to where we are specifically at in life. It’s a whole blog post for another day.

8. Tell me a character trait of each of your kids. It’s interesting because each one had something that quickly flew into my mind. However, some I will not print because I will share only the positive traits.

The Ringleader- leadership. Sha Sha- peacemaker; Lil’Rocker- sensitive ; Sparkles- obedient

Here is where I lose credibility in the land of blogdom. I am not tagging anyone. Not tonight. It is almost midnight and I’m zonked. Or maybe it is because I am a rebel like Darlene. Rules. I always hate’ em.

A new word

2010-09-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

There was supposed to be a wonderfully crafted, spiritually reflective post this evening. I began to share my heart. That was 3.25 hours ago. Since then, the Rockstar Nurse has been discussing with me the abilities and weaknesses of the Ringleader's soccer team that he is now helping to assistant coach.

I love seeing my husband finding new passions. However, it has completely evaporated all my other brain cells at this point.

So, instead I will leave you with this.

The Ringleader came home from school yesterday very excited. He had a new "bad" word to share with me. This time it was the "A" word. However, it was the actual "A" word we are all thinking of. Nothing cute and funny like "Ant".

He apparently learned it from a Kindergartner?. Hmm. He sent Sha Sha out of the room so that she could not hear it. He told her, "Sha Sha, you are too young to hear this word."

Once again, I shared the meaning of the word with him. He was completely stumped on why that word is so "bad". Perhaps we could start a betting pool regarding which word he will come home with next.

Don't you just love raising kids?

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A Weston update

2010-09-22T22:47:00.001-04:00

Anyone that says that getting a puppy is not like adding another kid, definitely has not had a puppy. Puppies are a lot of work. However, they move through the stages so fast that it is very survivable.

Our Weston Bojangles is already a fixture of the family. He is constantly by my side. We did a ton of research before choosing our dog. Without a doubt we made the best decision for our family. We love our Golden. The Rockstar Nurse is already asking if we can have another one. Can you hear my resounding "no"? Not now at least. Next year if all my kids are gone all day, perhaps I will have a mild version of empty nest syndrome and give into puppy temptation.

Each day that passes, it does get easier to have a dog. He is now fully house trained. Well, he is "bell" trained. We trained him to ring a bell when he needs to go outside. I can't imagine how it would work any other way. No one would pay attention to a dog sitting and staring at them.

It is very easy to "bell" train your puppy. You simply ring the bell with their paw every time you are taking them to the bathroom and say "outside". Of course you feel like a huge dork, when you are doing it day after day and the dog just is staring straight ahead as you ring his bell.

However, lo and behold they will ring the bell. It might have taken a week or two until we heard him ring it himself. Now he rings it and waits patiently. If no one responds he shakes the daylights out of his bell.

Hmm. I did not intend to have an entire post on bell training. Regardless, here are updated pictures of our beloved Mr. Weston.

He loves to hide and snuggle. One day we couldn’t find him. We finally found him in our basket. His favorite place to sleep day or night is in my closet.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is how fast he grows. In the morning, we sometimes look at him and swear that he grew over night. He gains on average at least 2 pounds a week. This week he finally hit the poundage that makes him too hard for me to carry. Thus his awkward pose for this picture.

4 months old 2 months old

Aren’t you glad you don’t grow that quickly?

A note of thanks

2010-09-21T22:12:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement during my venting fest. I am feeling much better about things now actually! Last night at nearly midnight, my internal bulb finally lit as I figured out the issue to my issues. FTP. I did not know I had to log into a seperate FTP file server.

I actually was going to just skip writing today. I was very busy all day with my morning mom's group (yes, I gave in and joined again), groceries, homework, soccer, and school meetings. So, with dishes overflowing, I just want to go to bed.

However, as usual the computer had it's usual lull over me. I will add that to add to my frustration, my computer has some type of virus or issue. I need to get it fixed, but for now I'm working with it. Actually, it is my email that it has the most issues with, thus while I still blog, but not respond to emails.

So, that is it. A quick note of thanks and to let you know that I am back to feeling positive. I already have a few blog posts mentally constructed for this week. I finally will also share pictures of my gigantic baby Mr.Weston.

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Venting

2010-09-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

of note: this post is written with no blogging professionalism. If you would call me on the phone, this is what I would say.

I'm determined to write tonight. However, in keeping this priority, I must whine and vent.

I am frustrated. Beyond frustrated. I've been pouring in a lot of time to constructing my website. Yet, I've gotten nowhere.

I designed my logo, however I can not do anything with it because Wordpress is really throwing me for a loop y'all. I am not a computer guru. However, I do enjoy these type of things. I actually have a mild handle on HTML, but who would've thought that Wordpress uses CSS? So now, I have to learn CSS.

I bought my hosting site last week. I have 6 more days until the money is due or I have to back out. I want to back out. I really do. I just want to stay in my blogger comfort zone. However, I know it's not wise. Well, at least it is not a wise decision from a "business" perspective. So, now I'm just sitting and stewing. I want to pay a site designer, but I don't know that that's the wisest decision right now.

I'm feeling really out of my comfort zone right now. I want to quit because I'm being stretched. Which is why I guess I will keep plugging away.

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What will I be?

2010-09-16T22:35:00.001-04:00

Tonight the Rockstar Nurse and I were having a conversation. Really, it was a discussion about "what will I be when I grow up?" Knowing how fast life moves, I know that it will not be long until one day my kids are all gone. What does that mean for me when my job description is "mom"?

I actually am not one of those moms that are so engulfed with her children that thinks she is nothing without them. Well, at least I don't feel like I am one of those moms. However, when I think about 15 years from now, I have no idea what I would want to do. I could do anything. I could work full time and not feel guilty. I could do multiple ministries. There will be no soccer practices or childcare issues to work around.

I have dreams. I have things I would "like" to do. However, I think of myself doing them now. Now, when I am a 30 something. Will I really still want to do them when I am a 50 something? and no 50 is not old my 50 year old readers.

Of course our passions change and evolve. Who knows what will interest me then. Most likely, blogging will be a thing of the past. Yes, I know 15 years is a very long time from now. However, I've already been married for 12 and that certainly has flown by quickly.

I am not in turmoil about what I will do when I'm all grown up. It was just a thought. A conversation.

What about you? Do you have dreams for where you will be 15 years from now??

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When statistics make me laugh

2010-09-15T21:58:00.000-04:00

I am so exhausted tonight. In fact, I would be snuggled up in bed if it weren't for my blogging commitment. Which is actually inspiring me because I am finding that I can be fiercely loyal to commitment when need be.

I was actually just planning on writing, "I'm exhausted". However, I became distracted (as usual) and discovered the stat tab in blogger. I decided to browse around and was quite impressed. I have other stat trackers, but I think this one gives much better info.

I never expected to laugh out loud from my statistical information, but I did. The blogger analyzer gives you the key words that someone "typed" in a regular google search engine that led them to your blog. One of the top on my list was "easy rocketship cake." God bless the person that comes to my blog for easy rocketship cake help.

Have no clue what I'm talking about? Check it out here and then here.

Expletives

2010-09-14T23:00:00.002-04:00

It has been awhile since I’ve written about any conversations I have had with The Ringleader. Really, anyone with children could write a myriad of stories. However, The Ringleader has always produced for me my best material.
Last week The Ringleader initiated a conversation with me.

“You know, I really wish I knew all the bad words.” he said with defeat.

“Umm why? Why would you need to know all the bad words?”

“Because I think it is very important for me to know them.”

“I still don’t understand why it would be important for you to know every bad word.” I said.

“Because if I knew them, then I would be sure not to say them.”

“Well, if you don’t know them, then you definitely can’t say them.” I refuted.

“But I could be saying one and I don’t even know it!!”

a few moments of silence because really I am at a loss of refute.

“Well, I do know one bad word. The “S” word. I know the “S” word.”

At this point the Rockstar Nurse was in the room.

I said, “what is the “S” word?”

“Shin” he said “the word is shin, but I do not know what makes it so bad.”

The Rockstar Nurse and I contained our laughter. We decided to educate him on exactly what the “S” word is and what it means.

That way, you know, he will be sure not to use it again.

Warp speed

2010-09-13T22:14:00.001-04:00

It is so easy to lose track of time when life is buzzing by at warp speed. Once you become a parent, the warp speed setting is shifted into gear. When my kids hit the “school age” years, it felt like we were moving full throttle.

It is hard to believe that The Ringleader is in 3rd grade. This is his last year at his elementary school. Next year he moves to the 4-5-6 school.

The Ringleader enjoys school. He loved everything about Kindergarten, 1st grade and even part of 2nd grade. However, last year we began to have the unraveling of life each day at homework time. This year is going better so far, but I’m not too optimistic on this one.

Really, The Ringleader enjoys school for the social networking opportunities. He is my socializer. According to him, lunch and recess are important subjects.

Sha Sha is now a 36 pound first grader! She is very excited to be able to ride the “big” bus with her older brother this year. Of course, big brother is horrified that Sha Sha attends his school and rides his bus. In the words of her hero, “it is just so embarrassing mom.”

Sha Sha also enjoys school. Although I truly thinks she enjoys the academic part more than the social part.

And so the 2010-2011 school year is in full swing. So far school, is the best thing since sliced bread. We’ve only had a couple of nights of tears over homework, so I’d say it is all quite successful.

Next year there will be 4 kiddos in a first day of school photo. Heaven help us when Lil’Rocker rides the big yellow limo.

My kids and “their” thing

2010-09-11T23:42:00.001-04:00

This week I posted on some of my thoughts regarding extra curricular activities for my children. So, it may surprise you that today I am going to post on my children’s activities.

I realize that in my haste to meet my blogging challenge deadline, I did not communicate with full clarity. Yes, I have issue with my family never seeing each other due to activities and school. However, we definitely allow our children to do activities. In fact, I encourage each child to pick one thing.

The Ringleader’s current “thing” is soccer. The Ringleader is one of those “naturally” coordinated, athletic type of people. I typically take issue with them, but since he is my son I am quite proud.

We are finally beyond butterfly chasing in soccer, so it is getting exciting. I am one of those obnoxious moms that can not sit during a game. I do my share of sideline coaching, jumping, cheering and yelling. It’s all good because I have teamed with a few other sideline coaching moms. Don’t worry, I am not yelling in a negative spirit. It really is all a flashback from my cheerleading days .

So, we are in soccer season here. Typically we have only let the Ringleader play fall soccer. Indoor soccer in the winter is game day only so he usually plays. We have not done spring activities because of keeping our activity schedule low. However, he is 9, so we are going to allow him to play year round (if he wants too) this year.

Sha Sha’s “thing” is horse riding. Out of all the activities out there, this is one of the most expensive. So, Sha Sha only takes lessons bi-weekly. We also don’t participate in the winter.

Today was Sha Sha’s first horse show! It was long, but it was fun. She was very nervous but she did great.

I’m so proud of you Sha Sha!

Free time

2010-09-09T23:47:00.001-04:00

I had planned to share pictures from my oldest 2 children's first day of school. We won't discuss that their first day was over two weeks ago and I've yet to share a picture.

Instead, I guess we will discuss me. Only because I am insistently being asked the same thing... "What did you do with your free time while the kiddos were in school?"

First off, is there any thing really called "free time" when you are a mom with young children? However, that is for another post, another day.

You may be disappointed to know that I did not have "free time" on their 1st day. Instead, I had to attend a preschool parent meeting. I seriously don't understand why they have these meetings. Basically, they read the handbook. I could have read the handbook myself if I could have just went home to have some "free time".

So tomorrow (Friday) is my first "free time" morning. And what am I going to do with my whole 2.5 hours of "free time?" Why, have coffee with a friend. We are going to celebrate the fact that we can have a conversation with no children running near by. I intend to be much more productive with my "free time" in the future. However, tomorrow it is all about celebrating.

What about you? If you had 2 hours of "free time" what would you do?

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Pre-K cuties

2010-09-08T23:53:00.001-04:00

The long awaited day finally arrived. Sparkles and Lil’ Rocker officially started preschool. Well, we could allow it to sound more dramatic by classifying it as Pre-K.

The 2 of them were so excited. They have been talking about school for weeks. They excitedly got ready this morning. I was pleased that I remembered to take pictures! I have no pictures of The Ringleader starting preschool. I don’t think it even entered my mind back then.

Sparkles sometimes frightens me. When the camera is turned on she now poses like she is in a catalogue photo shoot. I guess it is a redeeming quality. She is gorgeous.

And this little guy. I could just squish Lil’ Rocker. Sometimes, I do mean that literally. While Sparkles is a natural at posing, Lil’ Rocker is a natural at insistent whining.

Regardless, he is my baby. In fact, I remember when The Ringleader started preschool, I was lugging around Lil’ Rocker in a baby carrier. Of course, half of the lugging was due to his chaotic hair.

I was hoping to capture some Hallmark worthy photos of the two of them together. Of course, their natural gifts came out with these photos. Sparkles was ready to hug and pose, while Lil’ Rocker just whined about Sparkles standing too close.

Here is their “funny” pose. Sparkles jumped at the chance to demonstrate more posing abilities, while Lil’ Rocker sassed me for such a dumb idea.

When we arrived at school, they sprinted into their room. They headed right to the kitchen to play. The 2 of them are consistently in class together so this will not be new for them. They typically get in more trouble for “loving” each other too much than fighting.

They are very excited to go back again. Both of them have repeatedly confirmed that I would leave them at school and come back later. No, they are not checking to see that I will come back, they are checking to make sure I am going to leave!

I’m so proud of having independent kiddos, but one tear shed would have been nice.

A creative solution

2010-09-07T22:01:00.000-04:00

I have 8 minutes. 8 minutes to comply with my writing challenge, yet obtain the 10 o'clock bedtime I have set for myself. 10 o'clock is early for me. However, I am aspiring to get up earlier and earlier. Notice that I wrote the word aspiring. I did not write I am actually doing this. It's just a dream of mine.

I am quickly learning as the school year is in full swing that I need a couple of other personas. I do not want to clone me. Cloning me would create more issues than it would resolve. I need at least one type A persona and one persona that verbally reminds me what I am in the midst of trying to complete.

For example, my verbal persona could announce every ~~30 seconds~~ 2 minutes, "you are trying to unload the dishwasher". Or maybe, "you walked up the stairs because you are looking for a pair of socks." The type A persona would not allow the dishwasher to sit half emptied for a long period of time. However, she would be so busy in other areas of the house that the verbal persona would come in quite handy.

Wow. In less than 8 minutes I have created a solution for the issues in my domesticated life.

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Activities, kids, and me

2010-09-06T23:46:00.000-04:00

Today I had the privilege of chatting with an old college friend. It is hard to believe that it has been 14 years since I've graduated college. I would love to say I was a child prodigy and graduated at the age of 16, but I was not. I can visualize the mental math that is taking place. I will let the right-brained thinkers chew on that for awhile.

We started to talk about our kids, the activities, our commitments. It is a conversation that I have quite often. To be honest, it is often a monologue I recite to myself. I say that because I constantly feel pressure to engage my children. By engage, I mean allow them to do activities.

Yet, I find myself thinking very counter-cultural to alot of the world (my friend not included). I do not think I need to allow my children to try every sport. I do not feel I am neglecting their inner spirit by saying, "no, you can not do _____." I do not feel I am depriving them in life by not allowing them to compete on a higher level.

I know I am not alone in my ideals. However, depending the situation it can feel like that. We have 4 children. I personally do not feel that is different than a lot of families. Allowing each child to do 1 thing creates a lot of calendar craziness. Not to mention the lack of time just "chillin'" at home.

We actually have not allowed our youngest 2 children to start any activity until at least age 5. For us, that has been a way we are able to control the evening chaos. It is only a temporary "fix", but for now that will work.

What about you? Do you enjoy the post school rush? Have you had to say "no" to many activities?

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Dazed haze

2010-09-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

I can not believe it. I have already missed a day in my self established blogging challenge. The 2nd day to be exact. I am quite sure that no one was sitting at their computer until midnight to read my next posting. So, I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it and no one would have noticed.

I had every intent to write yesterday. However, last night something amazing happened. I fell asleep at 9:15. Yes. 9:15pm. .The Ringleader wanted to snuggle. I was so exhausted that the snuggling only lasted 1 minute in a conscious state.

I had great expectations for myself this morning. When I woke up at 2:30am, I smiled at how rested I would most likely be in the morning. I imagined awaking on my own at 5am and completing all my chores before the children awoke.

Instead, I awoke to the sound of my alarm. It sounded as obnoxious after 10 hours of sleep as it does after only 6 hours. So, instead of bouncing around the house, this morning, I am continuing to drag myself in a sleepy haze.

As I write, I hear the 4 year olds squabbling and see the puppy chewing on someone's shoe. I do not have to question the source of my exhaustion.

Tomorrow is Saturday. No alarms necessary. Can you hear the angels singing?

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The “news”

2010-09-01T12:24:00.001-04:00

When I wrote about my new challenge, I was slightly confused. Yes, the challenge is still the same. However, I thought I wrote about it on the last day of August. So when I discussed “tomorrow”, I really didn’t mean tomorrow (which was yesterday). I meant today. Today is the actual 1st day of September. However, you know that. Most likely, I am the only one confused. Although, after that whole explanation, you are confused now too.

In my previous post I mentioned some exciting news.

No we are not pregnant.

No, we are not adopting again.

No, we are definitely not getting another dog.

Instead, I have officially decided to give birth to a new blog. I have my URL name. I am waiting for a discount code to purchase my hosting site.

This blog will be called Frugal Flamingo. It will focus on all things frugal, with a special emphasis on lowering your grocery bill. Over the past few months, God has been doing some cool things in my life regarding this. It has quickly evolved into a small ministry.

I don’t know where the blog will go. However, for now I am excited to begin walking towards the new venture.

It will take some time to get it all up and running. I am going the Wordpress route this time. Plus I’m skipping the .com and going straight to wordpress.org (fellow bloggers can say, “ooooh). I have no idea how to use wordpress, so it will be a great learning curve.

So, that’s it. Not as exciting as you thought I am sure. However, it is for me because it’s taken me months to come to this decision.

You will hear more about this because remember…. I need content.

A new challenge

2010-08-30T13:05:00.001-04:00

I have a new challenge for myself. Please do not roll your eyes. My personal challenge is to blog every day the month of September. To be more ~~realistic~~ specific, I am going to stick to weekday blogging.

Now, let me assure you that the content will be very high quality content. Actually, let me rephrase that. It will be high quantity wordage. The content? Well, I'm not so sure about that. I have no content plans. Does that not just want to make you sing and dance? Quantity wordage with no plan? In definition that means rambling.

My challenge consists for 2 main reasons:

A) To get my blogging brain back in gear.

B) To force my writing brain to turn on again.

These 2 things are very important as I have some exciting news. However, I will save that for tomorrow. Again, not trying to "cliff hang" here. Really, I just need to produce content.

So, in complete Flamingo style, I am going to totally shift gears and give you my menu plan for the week. What does that have to do with I just wrote? I would say "nothing" except that it does relate to my exciting news. Although my exciting news is more exciting to me than it will probably be to you.

So here is what the flock will be feasting on this week. My weekend is not planned yet.

Monday: Grilled turkey burgers, homemade salsa w/ chips, broccoli (or something else green)

Tuesday: Grilled chicken salad, whole wheat zucchini bread

Wednesday: Fish scampi, sweet potatoes

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potato, vegetable

Friday: Hotwing chicken (mom & dad), chicken nuggets (kiddos), fries, celery, applesauce

Did you plan your menu yet this week? If not, give it a try. It will save yourself brain power for the rest of this week.

This post is part of Menu Monday hosted by Organizing Junkie. Need inspiration? Check it out for more ideas.

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Booksneeze Review- A new Hermie & Friends Video

2010-08-28T00:26:00.001-04:00

It is sometimes challenging to find tv programs that entertain a 9 year old while being understandable for a 4 year old. However, all 4 of my children adore the Hermie and Friends videos.

The most recent Hermie and Friends release is entitled “Who is in charge anyway?” My kids love this video because of the wonderful animation and loveable characters. Mama loved the video because of the wonderful message within a great storyline.

I asked my almost 9 year old son if he liked the video. He enthusiastically responded, “yea, it was great!” I then hesitantly asked him what the story was about.

I was hesitant because I was afraid he “missed” the message and would describe some type of trick the ladybug did. However, he immediately replied, “God has a plan for my life mom. He has one for everybody’s life.”

So, is this a video worth watching with your kiddos? You betcha.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A silent drumroll

2010-08-23T23:28:00.000-04:00

Our summer is officially ending this week. It's about 33 hours away, but who is counting? We snuck away for one last vacation last week. We went to our family cabin in the mountains which is always a ton of fun when the whole family goes.

I would post pictures, but I can't find my camera or as I tell the Rockstar Nurse, I simply "misplaced" it. I do think it is officially lost. It was "misplaced" before we ever left for vacation. Thankfully I downloaded all my pictures recently!

In celebration of summer ending, I thought I would share with you something very special. The " real life" people in my life have already seen the release on Facebook earlier this summer. Of course, many of my bloggette friends are now "real life" friends so this may be redundant.

Of course, I am speaking of the greatly anticipated Sparkles adoption video. However, Youtube disabled my sound due to copyright infringements. So, I'm still without a drumroll.

I think I have brainstormed a way to share with you all, but it will require extended patience on your part. Although I highly doubt that waiting for this video requires any patience at all. Regardless, this is the stuff that keeps my life exciting.

Enjoy your last days of summer. Not too long from now, you will be hearing from me a lot more. Now, that is something to be excited about.

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The countdown begins

2010-08-11T09:54:00.001-04:00

It seems like just yesterday that I was doing an “end to school” countdown. Now, the countdown to the start to the new school year is officially beginning.

2 weeks from today, the big yellow limo will pull up and whisk my children away. I will admit that there are days that I want to do the happy dance just envisioning it all.

However, for the most part I hate the school year. Bad attitudes multiply. Early mornings with a “go go go” atmosphere. Hours spent crying and sometimes screaming over homework. Endless lessons on morality and explanations on, “what does this mean?” Sibling rivalry increases. Family time dissipates into blocks of scheduled time.

Of course, this year I am inheriting 1 positive that I haven’t had before. Time alone. Lil’ Rocker and Sparkles start preschool 3 mornings a week. Really, there is nothing negative with that aspect. Of course, I imagine that Lil’ Rocker will complain EVERY preschool morning about not wanting to go. Especially, when it gets cold.

So what will I do with my free time? To be honest, I am actually thinking about giving up some outside responsibilities. I also am planning on eliminating everything out of my daytime schedule this year. Typically I do some type of bible study, mom group or such. However, I’m starting to realize how little time I have left with my little ones before they will be on the big ol’ yellow limo.

I want to dedicate this year to them. I have many, many years in the future to work and do outside activities.

So that still does not answer the question regarding what I will do with my “free time?” Most likely I will grocery shop without little ones in tow. Ok. Very giddy about that idea. Volunteer more consistently at the school. Clean uninterrupted. Which you all know, I am just thrilled about. Have a TRUE quiet time with God. Perhaps, FINALLY unleash the other blog. Most importantly, it will allow me time to have coffee with friends that no longer have kiddos at home. I am looking VERY forward to that indeed.

Somehow, 7 hours a week, no longer seems like much time at all.

Book review- Escaping the Cauldron

2010-08-05T22:29:00.001-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to read the book Escaping the Cauldron. The story of the book is based on the real life journey of a Christian woman into the occult. I was very intrigued to hear her unique story.

I will share with you an interview with the author which will give you a more concise idea of this powerful story of faith.

Here is Kristen….

What is the book about?

The book is part testimony of how I went from committed, albeit legalistic, Christian for twenty-nine years to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years before God restored my faith and life. It details my personal struggle with trying to be "the perfect Christian" while being drawn to the Occult from childhood. The book is also a Biblical study that examines the current pop-cultural interest in the occult (in particular ghosts, hauntings, and mediums) and how this interest is affecting Christians as well as their beliefs about the supernatural.

What do you think is the most important chapter of the book?

I think there are many important chapters but "Spiritual Warfare" and "How Should Christians Respond?"are the two which take everything discussed in the previous chapters bringing it all together, helping the reader understand their authority in Jesus Christ and leading the way to a ready defense for any kind of paranormal or supernatural event they may experience in their life as a Christian.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

I hope to inform and equip Christians with information about the occult. Additionally I pray the church will begin to acknowledge the presence of the spiritual world around us and listen to people who come forward with stories or claims of paranormal experiences without dismissing them immediately. When the church refuses to listen or offer any Biblical assistance, many people are forced to seek help elsewhere. This generally means seeking out ghost hunters, mediums, and psychics. I also hope to encourage Christians who may be questioning their faith to seek a deeper relationship with God, especially if they are stuck in a form of legalism. Our answers truly can be found in Jesus Christ.

Where is the book currently available to purchase?

The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon. The book is also available in paperback and e-book editions at my blog site: Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com and Lulu Publishing.

How are you available to the Christian community?

I write a daily blog, Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com, on a variety of topics including faith, marriage, prayer, spiritual gifts, and the occult. I also work with my husband through Big Fish Ministries at www.BigFishMinistries.com, ministering through speaking with him at church and para-church events about marriage, facilitating seven day or special event prayer rooms, helping the homeless, etc. I am also available to speak at any youth, women's, or church events on a variety of Christian topics.

Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the author in exchange for posting this interview on my blog.

A long overdue introduction....

2010-08-02T22:51:00.000-04:00

I'm finding that I really could turn this "dog story" into a zillion and one blog posts. I promise you that my cliff hanging posts are not a creative marketing scheme to keep you reading. Really, how cliff hanging can you even make a "decision to get a dog" story?

I decided that it is time to get to the main point of this tale (or tail, however you want to look at it). Really, I have just alloted myself 15 minutes to night to share with you, so it must be short and sweet:)

Through an ironic connnection (or maybe not since we were actually praying about this dog), we found a breeder. That in itself is a crazy story, but I promised: short. sweet.

Ok. So we found out about our little guy when he was only 2 weeks old. We were able to meet him for the 1st time at 4 weeks old. He was one of 8 and we chose the darkest, reddest male of the bunch.

After we met him, it was so hard to wait! However, we were able to receive some photos of our little bubba during the wait. Here he is with some of his siblings at 6 weeks. (go ahead, say, "awwww")

Finally, the day came for us to meet our "newest addition". We were all so excited! At 8 weeks old our new canine son was able to come home.

We are thrilled to introduce to you , Weston Bojangles

Almost 2 weeks has gone by and our Mr. Weston is growing like a weed. He is very sweet and very "laid back". Potty training is going MUCH better and he finally sleeps through the night.

He is great with the kids. Even when he is dressed like a princess.

This little guy has me wrapped. I always thought people were wierd that thought of their dogs as children. Really, I did. However, I am now a self-proclaimed "wierdo".

I love this little guy.

I could continue to tell you all about him, but I recognize that not everyone is a dog person like me:)

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Shifting to large

2010-07-27T14:25:00.005-04:00

So the dog search began with a vegenance. Just like anything in life, I jumped in with ~~obsession~~ ambition. We started with the smaller breeds. The Rockstar Nurse does not really care for smaller dogs. However, it did seem more practical for us.

His only requirement was that it must not be a fru fru dog. In other words, something that requires a bow and a dog sweater.

To be honest, I sorta thought it would be fun to dress up the dog, but we must agree, so no dog outfits it would be.

We looked and looked. Neither of us had a peace over any of the breeds.

The Rockstar Nurse came home one day and said he thought we did not have a peace because it wasn't the right dog. What he really wanted to get was a Golden Retriever.

I was sorta on the fence since they are large and heavy shedding. However after researching, I started to get that peaceful feeling. So we decided, a Golden it would be.

So in one night we went from a 15 pound dog to a 70 pound dog. And even I have to admit that I was pretty excited.

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The "new" addition

2010-07-26T14:23:00.000-04:00

Let's be honest. If anyone bothered to read the last post, the only significant curiosity that was created was regarding our "new addition".

Of course, what immediately springs to mind is adoption or another baby. At this point in time, we are not walking that road. Not that we haven't discussed it significantly in the past. Not that we were very close to starting the adoption process again. Not that both the Rockstar Nurse and I went through significant "baby fever" a few months ago.

However, the fact is that we are not feeling "it". We truely do not feel like we are being "called" to start another adoption journey.

At least for now.

With the acknowledgement that we were currently done adding to our family, a certain amount of comfort enveloped us. We are unfamiliar with comfort. Over the past 9 years, almost every year something takes us out of our comfort zone. Whether it be kids or a new home or a new ministry.

Life was starting to feel a little "too comfortable". Which in turn kinda makes us uncomfortable.

So, one day the Rockstar Nurse announces that we are getting a dog.

To put things in a way in which I do not want to offend, I am not what you call a "dog person". I like dogs. I do not want to see them treatly badly. However, they stink, they drool and they are a lot of work.

For years, I've said "no dog."

But , then the R. N. said, "I've given you 4 kids, you can give me 1 dog."

He had a point.

So, I blessed the dog search. With requirements of course.

My requirements, "it must not shed, it must not drool, it must not stink, it must not yap, it must be small".

What I really wanted to add is that it must not move or breathe either.

So late this winter, the dog search began.

And of course you know, I'm going to let you hanging with that bit of information.

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A few highlights

2010-07-11T00:40:00.000-04:00

Hello? Hello? Can anybody hear me???

echo echo

It's okay if you aren't there. Obviously, I'm not here much either.

I've officially decided to take an unofficial blogging hiatus for the summer. I am just not feeling it. To be honest, I don't miss blogging that much right now. However, it does depress me somewhat that I am not writing as much. Writing is definitely a skill that needs to be exercised. It is amazing how creative writing synapses do not fire when they get all flabby.

When you are writing a lot, it is very easy to find that "writing voice" inside your head. Though perhaps that is not a "writing voice" I sometimes hear. Perhaps it is just me hearing voices.

Regardless, I'm here now.

Summer in the Flamingo home is in full swing. I absolutely love summer. Not for the weather, but for the spontaneity it allows.

There are so many things that I can highlight regarding our summer. However, I am thinking of avoiding the highlighting and going for a "real deal" blog post. One for each highlight.

So basically, here is a recap of the highlights with details to come....
Swimming
The beach
Tennis
An announcement of a new addition

A little curious aren't you?

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Invisible

2010-06-21T22:15:00.000-04:00

So as an update to my last post. I sometimes feel invisible with this whole "Keith" thing going on.

Like today. All 4 of the kids had dentist appointments. I have been going to my dentist for several years. The RN has only been there twice since he recently switched. The dentist saw me walking down the hall and yelled, "there she is, Keith Urban's wife!"

Do they say "there HE is such and such's husband?"

No.

Well, on occasion, he will get "are you Flamingo Mama's husband?"

But seriously, who is more exciting? Keith Urban or Flamingo Mama?

sigh.

However, Sparkles did redeem my spirits. She picked up a People's magazine that had a photo of a bikini model posing.

She said, "is that you mommy?"

And of course I replied, "why yes it is honey."

Never mind that she had long black hair.

And suddenly I did not feel invisible. My sweet, sweet child. :)

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Daddy is on tv!

2010-06-20T21:04:00.000-04:00

Keith Urban is on tv right now.

Lil' Rocker says, "daddy, that you?"

Of course, the RN replies, "Yep."

Sha Sha asks, "how did you get on tv daddy?"

The RN just says, "well, I just play guitar"

Sha Sha runs into the kitchen,"mommy, mommy! Daddy is on TV!"

All 3 of our youngest children stand mesmerized around the tv.

Sha Sha runs excited and screaming up the stairs, "Ringleader!!! Ringleader!!! Daddy is on tv!!!"

The Ringleader comes running down and looks at the tv too. "Wow Dad. That is you. Did you just do that now or is that from when you were younger?!

Our kids are going to be so messed up.

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Ode to summer

2010-06-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am here.

No, nothing is wrong.

I guess I am on a non official blogging hiatus. I admit with reluctant honesty that I have not even been reading many blogs.

I had a great post formed yesterday with a humorous slant on what I've been doing. I should have written it yesterday. Today I do not feel a shred of humor. The kids have recieved threats regarding my return to full time employment in return for their days spent in summer camp.

Of course I am not serious. Most likely, they know I'm not serious. However, it is a new spiel to them because I do not think I've ever threatened returning to work before. I've threatened to leave the country on occasion, so that one is probably wearing off.

Regardless, we are in full time summer mode. That does require a happy dance No more morning routines or homework hassles. I do love having my kids home with me, even if they are on my nerves today.

Looking at them now, they look so innocent and precious as they are all snuggled up together watching a movie.

Never mind. Someone just hit someone.

And now there it is, a whine for a snack.

Oh summer, I heart thee.

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Arms folded

2010-06-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I am just blown away by God. Really, I am almost suprised.

I am suprised that He hears me when talk with Him. I know this sounds odd. It's odd because I consider myself to have a strong faith. A faith that I believe is fully based on a relationship with God.

There are several minute things that I've been praying about over the past few months. Really, I am wrestling with God about a couple of trivial things. I am wrestling because I continue to doubt what He is leading me towards time and time again. So, I chat with him. I ask for confirmations.

Within an hour or a day or a week, they are there. Blatant for my eyes to see. When I hear His confirmation, I know it is Him speaking YET again to me. My heart skips a beat and my eyes tear up. It is in those moments that I realize He heard my requests.

I know my incredible sinful nature and I am taken a back because I don't expect him to actually acknowledge me. The knowledgeable part of my faith knows that is nonsense. God doesnt' work based on our performance. Yet, the emotional part of me has a hard time believing He really has an interest in continuing the journey with me.

It is only more recently that I have realized that I struggle with this part of my faith. I don't have a performance mentality. I don't say "yes" to everything so that I can do many good things. I usually only say "yes" to what I really feel He is asking me to do.

However, I often visualize God standing with His arms crossed and responding "now what do you want?"

It almost makes me chuckle because I KNOW that is not God. I KNOW that is a lie from the evil one.

So, approaching God with this mentality, yet seeing Him respond to me so clearly is something that just blows me away.

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Re emerging

2010-05-30T23:32:00.002-04:00

Warning: the substance of this post is just plain ramble.

Where have I been? Quite frankly I have no idea. I will be honest that I've not been as compelled to blog or read blogs. I know it is because of the beautiful weather. Or maybe I should just admit that I have not had anything to say. Well, that is not entirely true.

Ok. It is not true at all.

I will admit that I intentionally pulled back on my blogging. Basically because I have heard something several times over the past month. Usually when I hear it more than once, I assume it is God trying to get my attention.

So, what I heard is this. If you are constantly feeling like you can't "get it all done", then there is something in your life that is not supposed to be there. God will not ask you to do something for which you have no time for.

It really had me thinking. So, I gave up blogging for a little. However, that has appeared to make no difference. Which I am happy about.

So, now I'm wondering if it is my kids.

Go ahead...laugh. I am totally kidding. I love those little buggers.

The good news is that I've seriously started brainstorming in regards to my frugal blog. In less than 20 minutes, I came up with enough post ideas to blog everyday for 3 months. Wow.

But I am dragging my feet because it will be a big commitment to blog daily. However, this fall I will have a quiet house each week for 7 hours. Sparkles and Lil'Rocker will be going to preschool. And I will have consistent alone time 3 mornings a week for the 1st time in 9 years! Though I know it won't last long as now I can finally volunteer at school. And there are so many things on my "one day when the kids are all in school" list that those 7 hours will be zapped.

It is a new stage in my life. Not trying to be all dramatic here, but it will be. The RN and I continue to have discussions regarding what we are going to do when the kids are all in school??!! With his crazy nursing schedule, we will have 2 days a week together. Alone. As exciting as that sounds, it will just be wierd. And we aren't there yet so who knows if that day will ever come:)

I am realizing I need to close. However, I seriously have no idea what I'm ending with. My mom and I talked the other day and we discussed this blog (hi mom:) We talked about my grammatical errors. I know I have many on here. It is because I just write. I don't think. And I pretty much don't dwell on the writing. So when the writing is good, you can be amazed:) And when it is not. Well, just know I was not in the "zone".

Since, no closure is developing because it is obvious I am not in the "zone", I will direct you to my About Me page that I finally finished a few weeks ago. It is 100 things about me. I found it entertaining myself. Again, it is amazing what is revealed when you write without a plan. I highly encourage it.

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Litfuse Blogtour: Life in Spite of Me…

2010-05-25T22:50:00.001-04:00

I love having the opportunity to review books. When I had the opportunity to review Life In Spite of Me, I didn’t hesitate. I was very excited to read this book because Kristen’s story intrigued me ever since I had seen her on Oprah years ago.

I’ll just share with you the basic “scoop” on the book below

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After her fatal choice... extraordinary hope.
Why does my life have to be so painful?
What's wrong with me?
It's not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won't hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen's world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have a bottom.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven...and peace.

Fear coursed through me. I squeezed my eyes tighter.
It's going to be over now. The pain is going to end. I'll be in heaven soon.
As the train whistle blew, the vibration of my body stilled.
The sound stopped. The wind stopped. The train stopped.
Am I dead yet?

Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt... but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.
But Kristen's story didn't end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more info, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

Want to win a book?

Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo
(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide)

For a chance to win a 5 book Tricia Goyer library – any five books of your choice!

And/or

Leave a comment here http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-am-so-excited-to-announce-that-life.html for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Life, In Spite of Me.

My thoughts:

It is very interesting being able to be inside the thoughts of a young woman that has gotten to this point of desperation in her life. Various times throughout the story, I felt helpless for her. What an incredible battle she endured to find her new “normal”.

I think what I enjoy most about Kristen’s story is how God used a tragedy for something incredible. Kristen is now ministering to countless young people. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that would become her life’s calling.

This is a very enjoyable book. I started it and was quick to finish it. It was easy to read, but also compelling.

I do recommend Life In Spite of Me because….well, I think everyone should hear Kristen’s story.

Thinking about checking this book out? Here are some other dynamic reviews on the Litfuse blogtour.

No more comments

2010-05-17T17:08:00.003-04:00

I have decided to do something I've been thinking about doing for awhile now. I'm turning off comments on my blog. No, nothing negative has happened. Although, I know this seems insane for any fellow bloggers.

I'm working through some things in my quiet time. One of the things that I have been really stewing over is what exactly do I mean when I pray, "let be used by you. For your Glory of course".

I'm not throwing myself under a bus and saying my "let me be used by you" prayers are fake or self-serving. However, sometimes in our human"ness" there is an element of wanting to be used to feel significant and to feel special. Do we really mean "totally for your glory", even if that means pain and humbleness for us?

I don't know. Just something I've been thinking through.

Trust me. This blog does NOT make me feel significant. For a lot of reasons, it most often makes me feel the opposite.

There is NOTHING wrong with comments. There is nothing wrong with feeling encouraged because God used a blog post to encourage someone else.

However, I've stated in the past that the 2 main reasons I'm writing this blog is to use my creative writing outlet and to help encourage others.

Those 2 reasons do not require comments.

I can still hear from you via email at flamingo.mama@hotmail.com and my comments may eventually be turned back on. However for now they are discontinued.

Wow. This is kinda freeing in a way.

And how freeing for you??!!! You don't have to think of something creative to say anymore!!

Have an incredible day.

Opinions needed

2010-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

I know how much everyone loves to give their opinion on things. Seriously. We love to share what we think. Well, at least we love to do so when someone asks. Then again, maybe not. Like the “do I look fat in this?” question.

I’m really getting off topic here. I know that I just shared on a serious subject…comparisons. So, this blog post is really breaking that momentum. However, I have resigned myself to the fact that this blog is a blog about nothing. Well, it’s a blog about something. A lot of somethings. So in the end, it is a blog about nothing.

Oh my. I’m really starting to rabbit trail. All I really wanted to ask is if you would help me with something. Remember eons ago when I talked about doing something more with my frugal energy? Well, I’m still working on stuff. Slowly.

So, you can help me out by answering the poll on my sidebar on the right. You can check as many answers as apply. Be truthful. If you don’t want to pay for a workshop, then tell me. Seriously. Do you really think I would be offended by that? Do you think I would pay for a workshop? Well, actually I would, but I want you to know it is ok if you wouldn’t.

Also, if you want to share an additional comment about any of the questions or specifically what you would want to learn at a workshop. Well, that would be the bomb. I need opinions and specifics.

Of course, you can just comment in general.

And of course you can just not comment at all. I guess a “no comment” is a no opinion. That works too.

Labels

2010-05-13T14:08:00.001-04:00

I have a thing with comparisons. I believe our favorite activity, specifically as women, is to look at someone else’s greatest strength and compare it to our greatest weakness. We then mope around mumbling about how unable we are to do anything well.

We get so blinded by the comparison that we fail to see something in ourselves that really shines.

I love what Lysa Terkeurst had to say about this yesterday and today. I heart her. I have to give myself a mental slap just thinking about her because I start to wander down the comparison road. Again.

She refers to comparisons as labels. We put on ourselves a label in regards to our weakness.

I feel very convicted over this thought. There are several attributes I have that I have labeled. In labeling, I subconsciously have resigned myself to forever remaining the way that I am.

I do believe that we all have God given strengths and weaknesses. However, today I feel God speaking to my heart in regards to my “labels”. I love the idea that taking one step could start to tear down the misconceptions we have about ourselves.

Hmm…who knows?! Perhaps my non-morning person is a label that is based on a lie? Nah. Not buying that one. I think I will move onto another one first.

Finding time to read

2010-05-12T16:12:00.001-04:00

I often get asked, “how do you have time to read so much?”

Well, I don’t really have time. However, I can find the time. The reason being is that I believe your passions make your priorities.

Do I enjoy photos? Yes. Am I passionate about my photos? Apparently not because I don’t keep up with them.

There are many things I can be passionate about, but reading has been one of those things I’ve loved since I could, well, read!

So here are some tips I will share in finding time to read.

1. Multi task.

I multi task while reading all of the time. When my kiddos were still in strollers, I would walk them with a book on top of the stroller. I really did.

I read sometimes while cooking. While the chicken is cooking, I will read. When the soup I’m stirring is taking forever to thicken, I will read. I do not do this all of the time, but I do, do it. I may only get one page read, but it is progress.

2. While waiting.

I hate wasted time. I don’t mean entertaining “wastes of time”, I mean sitting and just waiting. I am too impatient. That is not always a good quality, however it is true for me. So, if there is any chance of waiting for anything, I will take a book. I take a book to doctor appointments or really any appointment. I will read while sitting in traffic. Bad traffic. So, don’t be concerned.

Just today, I took my book when I drove to the bus stop because of rain. Yes, I only read for 2 minutes, but I read. Otherwise, it would have been time where I just, well, waited:)

I will read at soccer practices and horse riding lessons too. Do I watch my kids practice? Yea. However, I seriously do not feel I need to watch every second of their practice. Games require full attention. However, practices are for reading:)

3. At the park

I will admit that a lot of my reading gets done at the playground. I will take the kids to the park. While they ride bikes or play, I will read. Yes, I will get interrupted, but I get an amazing amount read in the hour or 2 we are there.

4. Mornings

I am not a morning person. I do not think that is new information. So, since I have a hard time getting going in the morning, I will sometimes sit and read for a half hour. Yes, it is non productive. At the same time, am I really going to be productive anyway? I do try to read a non fiction book if I’m doing a “morning” read because at least it is adding to my life.

I typically do my morning reading on mornings that I get up really early. Well, before 7 am:) I know that most people spend time with God then, but I don’t. Trust me. He doesn’t want to spend time with me then either. Uugh. Hate mornings.

5. Lunch time

Now that all my kids are very independent, it allows me time to sit and eat. So, I will often read during the 15 minutes it takes me to eat lunch.

6. Bed time.

All most every single night I read. Rarely ever do I go to bed without reading something. To read at bed does not require 30 minutes. It can just be reading 1 chapter. Or reading just for 15 minutes. Even if I am going to bed really late, I still read. Will my body feel any different if I go to sleep at 1am or 1:15am? Probably not. I personally would just rather have the 15 minutes of reading accomplished.

6. Weekends

Often on a Sunday afternoon, I will plop down on the couch and read for an hour or two while the kids watch a movie or play. Sunday is intended for a day of rest so there is no feeling of guilt in doing this.

I think my hardest juggle has been juggling page and paper reading with virtual reading (ie. blogs). However, I’ve been decreasing my blog reading. I also am trying not to read online before bed because I can’t sleep. Something about the computer screen that causes one to not be able to sleep.

I do not do all of these things every day. I haven’t read at lunch for a whole week. However, I’m just giving ideas for how I’ve been able to incorporate reading in my busy life.

I do have a new rule for myself with the New Year. I’m only allowed 1 fiction and 1 non fiction at a time. Right now I’m doing 3, books, but it is only because I have blog review to accomplish by next week:)

I highly suggest limiting the number of books you read at a time because the more you are reading at one time, the less likely you are to finish them.

I hope you are now inspired to read! Get on that treadmill and read away!

For more Works for Me ideas visit We are that family

One minute

2010-05-06T20:17:00.000-04:00

A 1 minute visit to my brain....

*wondering what the neighbors think that I just yelled, "Ringleader, come in. It is 8 oclock and you didn't eat yet!."

*aww...Miley! Why?

*I'm so glad to be done the diaper stage.

*how many days until summer break starts? uugh. I am so ready to be done this school thing.

*Sparkles is out of underwear. Again.

*should I start another blog? I'm thinking wordpress. The real deal.

*I need to start a schedule, a routine, some semblance of order.

I don't know...maybe I do miss the diaper stage.

Did I just commit to another ministry project? Yep. Great.

Should I read tonight or be productive?

I will interrupt right there. Seriously. One minute.

Aren't you glad to get out of there?

Thoughts

2010-05-05T22:58:00.001-04:00

Don’t you wonder if what is in your mind is going on in everyone’s mind? I don’t mean the exact same thoughts, but the busy”ness” of the thoughts.

I’m finding that the more thoughts I have, the less productive I become. I’m too consumed analyzing it all. If I were to share with you all my thoughts, you might be frightened. Very frightened.

I do wonder. Which is more frustrating….to have too many thoughts and ideas and not accomplish any Or to have NO thoughts and ideas, but wanting to accomplish something? I have no idea about the frustration level of the latter because I have never suffered from idea “blankness”.

Perhaps I will do a post one day that describes all the thoughts I’ve had in one day. Wow. That was a completely random thought and now I’m thinking that might be a good blogging idea. Hmmm. More thoughts.

Here are some pictures of what can happen when you are lost in thought. A little 4 year old (sniff sniff) boy can steal your camera. It is interesting what inspires a 4 year old.

Well, at least when they have a thought, they take action.

The one thought I do have is “wow! I don’t see crumbs on my table!”

If you want to hear more of my thoughts, subscribe to 1 Crazy Journey through: email, RSS, or Google.

Without hesitation

2010-05-04T06:52:00.000-04:00

You may wonder why I shared so honestly. I know that there may be negative backlash from the adoption circle. I hope I don’t get kicked out:)

The fact is this. Adoption is often portrayed like a scene from the cheesiest Hallmark movie. Everyone running to each other with open arms. The worst of trials are fought and resolved within 2 hours. Unless it is a miniseries of course.

So it can be terribly isolating and overwhelming if that is not your situation. Yes, there are many, many families that instantaneously bond with their kiddo.

However, there are just as many families that do not. Sadly, many of them suffer in silence. They are silent because they do not think anyone else would understand.

I remember crying to my support group. I cried because I knew that all this little girl ever wanted in her life was to be loved. I was her mom. Yet, I struggled to give the purest love she deserved. I felt deplorable.

So that is why I share what I share. It is NOT a woe is me blog post. It is to encourage other families in their journey.

On the other side of this, I can say that it is logical for bonding and attachment to take time. However, in the midst of it, you feel it should be instantaneous.

On the basis of faith, I know that I understand the mercy and grace of God more than I ever have before. He adopted us. He loved us unconditionally. He loved us instantly.

He loves us without hesitation.

Bonding…

2010-05-03T06:33:00.000-04:00

I started to share about our 1st year as an adoptive family. I had been itching to write the post. However, once I started, I just couldn’t communicate the way I really wanted to share. So, I stopped until the time came that the words would just flow.

However, they are not flowing. They are not forming. I really am at a block with even starting. I often hit the writers wall, but usually not for long. This time it is different. Nothing is clicking. I could sit and wait for my words to brew to perfection, but that may never happen. So, I will just spill it the best I can.

I remember one of my worst fears going into our adoption. That our child would have Reaction Attachment Disorder (RAD). It is a reality. RAD is hard. It is frightening.

One thing that I was not afraid of was myself. Going into our adoption, I had so much compassion, I thought I would implode. God had given me a passion beyond passions for the millions of orphans around this world. I would cry sometimes at night just thinking about them.

So, you can imagine my horror when the biggest obstacle in our 1st year home was myself. I knew that God would bring me to my knees through this little girl. However, I imagined it would be because our new daughter stretched me beyond limits with difficult behaviors.

I was brought to my knees because of the revelation of who I really am. I struggle with unconditional love. I struggle with patience. I struggle with compassion.

The first 6 months home were the hardest. Yes, Sparkles had some minor “issues”. However, this is not about her. She reacted the way she is supposed to react. For goodness sakes, it is traumatizing to take a toddler from all they know. She grieved for almost 2 months. It breaks my heart looking back.

However, what NO one talks about is how hard it can be to bond with your child. A perfectly beautiful, well behaved, loving and obedient child! Good gravy! How is that not possible?!!

I remember researching attachment and bonding once we were home. However, everything was about the child struggling with bonding to the parents. The few articles I found on parents struggling with bonding was in regards to kiddos with very difficult behaviors or issues.

That was not our case. She was awesome. She was doing great. However, I was falling backwards in the attachment and bonding scale. There were a lot of reasons I believe this was happening. However, I am not going to dwell on them right now.

I was just constantly aware of the fact that I did not feel the same for her as I did my other children. I wouldn’t have hesitated to jump in front of a speeding train for my other children, but at that point, the hesitation was there for her. I was consumed with guilt. I’m a mother!

I will NEVER forget our lowest low. My husband and I had just put the children to bed. We had only been home for about 2 or 3 weeks. I saw tears in his eyes when he closed the door. He looked at me and said, “what have we done? “

It was without a doubt the most definable lowest point of our entire marriage. We were a mess.

Praise the Lord for the awesome relationships blogging provides! I simply opened up to them and they in turn opened up to me. I found out that the a lot of families struggle with this. The best advice, “fake it until you make it”. And my husband and I are especially grateful for our friend who shared they thought they screwed up their lives with each adoption. (you know who you are:) Oh how encouraging those words were to hear!

Knowing that what we were going through was normal, took an enormous load off our shoulders. We continued to fake it. However, I would not be honest if I did not share that I didn’t know if we would ever make it.

But we have. We have made it!

And there are tears as I type this that I can finally say, that I would jump in front of the train.

Without hesitation.

I have more to say about this whole thing. Follow along by subscribing to 1 Crazy Journey through: email, RSS, or Google.

Sort of celebrating

2010-04-27T22:43:00.001-04:00

I’m trying not to be sad. I am trying to celebrate the birth of my baby boy 4 years ago today. However, I just admitted to the Rockstar Nurse that I am a little bit emotional tonight.

It is hard for me not to cry. He is four! I know that is not eighteen, but for the first time since I entered motherhood, there is no one less than the age of 4 in this house.

Three just seems so much younger than four.

Today, all day long I would reminisce with Lil’ Rocker about his birth day.

“Lil’ Rocker, 4 years ago today you came out of my belly!”

“NUH UH!” he says adamantly.

“But you did honey…you were just a little tiny baby!”

“I NO BABY!”

“But you were Lil’ Rocker. A baby with lots of hair!"

“NOOOO!”

“Well, if you weren’t a baby in mommy’s belly, then how did you get here?”

“From my home.”

“hmm. So we just found you in our house?”

“No, I was walking.” and he points outside to the sidewalk.

“You were walking?! What were you doing walking?”

“Thinking.” he says.

I have a lot of birth story information to get through to Lil’ Rocker and Sparkles. They are both in denial of sorts.

I love ALL of my children. However, there is something very special about Lil’ Rocker.

It is because he is my baby. He always will be.

I love ya buddy with all my heart.

A lil’ Rocker tale continues

2010-04-26T22:50:00.001-04:00

if you missed Part 1 of this tale, check it out here

The eve before induction was a time for celebration. Our oldest kiddos were going with Nana and Pop for the evening. So, the Rockstar Nurse and I had one last date night before the big morning. We were supposed to be at the hospital at 7am.

We started off at Target. I remember walking in the parking lot thinking “wow…these Braxton Hicks hurt”. I did not think anything of this as I was a walking contraction from my 7th month on.

We went to Friendly’s restaurant. We ordered our food and the young waiter brought our salads. I picked up my fork and with the first bite of my salad, I felt a “pop”.

The Rockstar Nurse was talking and I suddenly said, “uh oh!”

By the look on my face he knew. “Oh my goodness! Did your water just break?”

“I don’t know. No, no, no. It couldn’t be. However, I think I should go check.”

I shifted the tiniest bit in my seat and a gush happened.

I started laughing uncontrollably.

“What? Do you think that is what happened?”

I explained to him I no longer needed to check.

I started to eat my salad.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Umm…eating my salad.”

“Flamingo!!! You are in labor! You can’t eat!”

“But I am hungry!”

At this point in time our 16 year old server came. I don’t remember what the RN told him because I was still laughing really hard. The server sort of panicked. The RN was a bit hyper too.

The time came for me to walk out of the restaurant. That was the longest walk of my life. With each step a gallon of water gushed all over the floor. The dark red tiled floor which showed every drop of water.

There was so much water that I had to hold my pants up because they were falling down.

There is a lot of water in there folks. A lot.

There was no hiding what happened and people clapped as we walked out. I had tears streaming down my face from laughing.

The RN was ready to high tail to the hospital. However, I insisted on going home for the camera. And of course my makeup:)

We got to the hospital and I was 3 cm dilated. I got settled in my room and ordered my epidural. I love my epidurals.

So, in Flamingo tradition I pushed for 1 1/2 hours with no luck. My contractions were slowing down. So with pitocin, I slept and watched tv until the next morning. They woke me at 5am to “push”. See why I love my epi’s?!

Around 6:30 am, a ball of hair was born. Lil’Rocker had so much hair that they had to wash it 3 times. He was quite the hit in the nursery.

Our prayers were answered. We had a “normal” delivery (dramatics included)…

our beautiful baby boy had more hair than our non-italian family could have imagined ….

and the lil’ guy was born soon enough that Turkey hunting could commence.

We were blessed.

A Lil’ Rocker tale…

2010-04-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

I’ve had the privilege of birthing 4 children. Each one was delivered in completely different way. The Ringleader was induced 4 days early I got mildly preeclamptic, Sha Sha was a semi-emergency cesarean almost 4 weeks early and we all know how lil’ Sparkles was delivered to me:) Lil’ Rocker was my “normal” delivery. Although really, his story was just as dramatic as the other ones.

I was under intense pressure to deliver my baby on time. Not my the physicians, but by my husband. You see, he is a turkey hunter. He really does not live and breathe rock or nursing, but The Rockstar Nurse is way cooler than a red neck themed name. Turkey hunting is apparently what he lives and breathes.

So the problem was that I was due a week before turkey hunting season. This was an enormous issue.

My due date rolled on by.

Here I am a day overdue. I have no pictures of me pregnant with Lil’ Rocker except for this one, which I regret. I heard I was “cute” pregnant. Good gravy, how does one think this looks cute? 50 pounds heavier is anything but adorable.

Let’s refocus. So, I begged the midwife to induce me, so my husband could turkey hunt. I don’t think I explained that whole scenario to her:)

After pushing my midwife for a VBAC delivery, I was set to be induced 5 days past my due date on Thursday April 27, 2006 in the AM.

I distinctly remember the prayer we prayed on that Tuesday night. It included 3 specifics. 1) That by some crazy miracle I would go into labor spontaneously so that we could experience ONE normal delivery. 2) That our son have hair. Lots of it. Maybe something you could comb. 3)Of course, that the RN could go turkey hunting.

Want to hear if our prayers were answered? Subscribe to 1 Crazy Journey through: email, RSS, or Google.

The Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis

2010-04-24T14:59:00.001-04:00

From time to time I will be posting book reviews on my blog.

Over Easter, I had the opportunity to incorporate The Read & Share: The Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis into our Easter family traditions.

This book retells the Easter Story so that your kiddos can understand the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Based on the International Children's Bible, this story walks through the last week of Christ's life and is told in a way that teaches children about the amazing gift Jesus gave us. Events include His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through His appearance to the disciples and His ascension. The "Can You Retell the Story" activity at the end of the book is a fun way to hide the Word in their heart.

The animated DVD includes a 15-minutes of stories plus coloring pages and other bonus features.

We all enjoyed this book. However, it is definitely geared for more younger children. I think 4-6 years old would be perfect. It is simplistic in its teaching, but more in-depth than a book for toddlers. I wish it would have incorporated more of the Easter story in regards to Judas’s betrayal. That is a significant part of the story that is not included in this book.

I definitely intend on using this book as a tradition each Easter with my younger kiddos until they are ready for something more in depth.

To check out more about this book, you can visit here or visit Thomas Nelson to purchase. You can always check out the reviews on Amazon too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our 1st year home. An honest look.

2010-04-16T10:02:00.001-04:00

Only because of a whimsical notion am I posting. I have that stirring inside me that I have learned means: sit. write.

I know exactly what I want to share, however I was not expecting the chills of irony to run throughout me. The chills were precluded by the fact that I just discovered that exactly one year to the day that I wrote this post.

I can distinctly remember the feelings of turmoil that were stirring inside me as I wrote that post. There was so much I wanted to share. However, I knew that as soon as I started to allow a few honest feelings to seep, it all would burst through the dam of pent up frustration. With wise discernment, I knew it was not the time to share. I hoped the day would come when I could share with honesty.

I feel that day has come. I feel His nudging to share.

I can not tell you how incredible it is to be here. To be in the now of peace. Calm. Normalcy.

Anyone with half a brain knows that bringing a post institutionalized non English speaking 3 year old into their home would be hard. We knew it would be hard. We anticipated putting a lot of life on hold for many months.

However, I would be remiss to not admit that the first 6 months were much harder than we ever anticipated.

The first month or two, our lives were turned upside down. Everyone in the house was reacting. Everyone was miserable except for Sparkles. It was sort of comical. I distinctly remember taking my kids out for ice cream. Everyone except for Sparkles was walking to the van crying and screaming. Including me. However, there was Sparkles skipping and giggling with glee. She literally was jumping up and down and clapping her hands together with pure joy.

Even through my tears, I remember laughing out loud. She was completely oblivious to the disintegration around her.

Within 2 months or less, the siblings adjusted beautifully. Life fell into a new normal for them.

However, for us it was completely different.

I’m going to stop for now. For some odd reason, the words are just not flowing like I want. I want to make sure that I share with honesty and sensitivity. Perhaps after the coffee is brewed, words will begin to tumble through my fingers.

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Chinese Orphan/Adoption news

2010-04-09T15:27:00.001-04:00

For those with an interest in Chinese Adoption and the welfare of Chinese orphans, this is big news. It sounds like a huge step in the right direction.

It's is not all about adoption. There are plenty of kiddos left behind. I hope this is the future towards positive changes.

Messing Up

2010-04-08T15:20:00.000-04:00

For me, I think one of the hardest things about adoption is the incredible expectations you put on yourself as a mom. "Normal" motherhood can cause an intense heap of guilt and sometimes necessary conviction. However, when you know and believe that God has chosen YOU to be the parent of a child that has already lost so much or been through a lot of pain, you have VERY high expectations of yourself.

When you mess up and you know you will, it is really disappointing. No one is perfect. Intellectually we know that. However, somewhere in our twisted mind we think as an adoptive parent we should be.

Funny thing is I screw up all the time with my biological kids. Sometimes I do feel guilty. However, I usually feel entitled to the "screw up" occasionally:) But with Sparkles, I don't feel like I should mess up. Ever.

It's wierd. I'm wierd.

I will talk more about it in another post. Not my wierdness but the adoptive parenting thing.

And please, no sympathy and mom building comments. I just wanted to write this because it was on my mind. I'm over my failures today. I'm drinking coffee and eating chocolate. All is well again:)

Procrastinating and Swagbucks

2010-04-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

If you are a procrastinator, don’t you just get on your own nerves? Well, I do. Actually, I will not label myself as a procrastinator. The fact is that I choose what I’m going to procrastinate. And sometimes it is just my own self motivational program. When something needs to get done within the next few hours, you have to move and do it.

I’m probably losing some of you by now. I don’t want to do that. I really want you to read the rest of this post.

The procrastinators are probably gone by now because they figure they will come back and read this rambling later. I admit that I even procrastinate with blog reading. Wow. Perhaps I do deserve the label.

Regardless, what I want to encourage you to do today is to sign up for something. Swagbucks. A lot of you are probably already using this awesome search engine. I signed up for it before Christmas after reading about it over and over for months on all the frugal blogs.

Folks, this is one thing I wish I wouldn’t have procrastinated. I’m also annoyed that I procrastinated telling you too.

Swagbucks is a search engine just like google or Yahoo. It’s free to download. It is safe. I promise. Once you download the swagbucks search engine you start searching like you normally would. However the best part is that you get paid to surf the web!!! How awesome is that????

You earn swagbucks and then you can spend them in the swagstore. I always buy Amazon cards. I just spent $10 worth and have $5 coming!! Woo hoo!!!!

I basically use Swagbucks to search for everything. I type in hotmail.com and 1crazyjourney.com instead of just typing in the url address. How awesome to be able to get paid to search for your own blog?!

Also, I still have the Yahoo and Google search bars in my internet explorer in case I want to still search that way.

If you are going to join, please use my referral code. I get extra swagbucks that way.

To make things easy for you, all you have to do is click on the swagbucks block under our family picture on the right of my blog. It will take you directly to the sign up. Or you can copy my referral code into the URL area. http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/FlamingoMama

Of note, you will not earn points EVERY time you search. You will know you earn points because it will pop up right in front of you. On Friday’s you can win a lot of extra points. So I save a lot of my searching until then.

If you have any questions, let me know.

How could you not want free money at Amazon? Don’t procrastinate:)

Easter Celebrations

2010-04-04T22:52:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful Easter. The gorgeous weather did lend a hand in creating a festive atmosphere. A week long school Spring Break also caused for extra celebration.

We had fun painting eggs.

We made Bunny cupcakes. They were the cutest things. In the magazine. But we had a blast making them even if they weren’t so cute in real life.

Of course, we had just as much fun eating them.

And some of us like do both these things au natural. Don’t ask me how this happens. It is not encouraged.

I realize now that I never took one easter morning picture! The kids had simple easter baskets. We did make resurrection rolls which were a huge hit. We also did our “resurrection eggs”.

We made it to the 11am Church service. We were late. I’m rarely ever late to church. Of course on Easter I would be.

I did finally capture some plain ol’cuteness at my mom’s house.

The Ringleader looks enthralled. This look does capture his level of excitement over the picture taking session.

Sha Sha was cracking me up! She never poses like this. I’m thinking she thought she looked like the bomb diggity in her Easter attire.

Lil’ Rocker melts my heart. Yes, he needs a haircut. This kid always needs a haircut.

Sparkles truly thought she was a princess. Last year on Easter we were still suffering from severe jet lag. There was an egg hunt. However there were no pretty Easter dresses to display. Precious isn’t she?!

Here they are. Uugh. That Ringleader is….well, he just is The Ringleader.

Aren’t we just one big happy family?? lol

The Rockstar Nurse was being a nurse today. We think he has worked EVERY Easter since he started as a nurse almost 10 years ago. Well, not last year because we were just home from China. It is a con to being a nurse, but we will gladly deal with it. He has a job and he likes it.

There were more festivities this weekend. However they revolve around one little girl that is turning 4! More details to come on that later!

I hope that you had a wonderful Easter with family and celebrating a Savior that is risen again!!!!

Visit Ni Hao Y’all for more Snapshot Sunday links

The Challenge Wrap Up

2010-03-31T23:44:00.001-04:00

Whew. My public grocery challenge is officially over! Never have I ever been so committed to sticking to my plan. I felt a great deal of pressure for being frugally honest and successful.

If you missed my past grocery challenge posts, you can catch them here or here or here or here. As a recap, we typically were spending on average $400 per month for our family of 6. I challenged myself to $325 for the month.

Good gravy. $325 is really low. I knew that. You knew that. However, I thought it would be fun to try. I missed my goal. However, I was pretty thrilled that I came in below my average. My grocery total for the month of March was $356.06.! So, I saved $43.94 this month.

I have been doing this for awhile now, but I learned sooooo much this month with my extreme goal. (yes, it felt extreme to me). I realized how much we can do without in regards to our list. For example, we ran out of “baby carrots”. My kids eat these like candy at our house. Since, I had to keep putting stuff back on the shelf last week, I decided this was one thing to go. Instead, we munched on whole carrots. I can snag them for $1/bag for 2 lbs. That is half the cost of the baby carrots. Peeling and cutting only took a few minutes. I may not give up the baby carrots forever, but it was a good reminder of how you can continue to lower your spending in time of need.

Everyone always likes pictures. I struggle with taking photos of everything because it’s just exciting to be home again after shopping with 3 kids in tow for over 2 hours. Even more exciting when one of the kids spits at a cashier. I digress.

However, I pulled out some of the “decent” deals I got.

I love CVS. This challenge encouraged me to start going again. I got 4 packs of maxi pads, 2 foundations and 1 toothpaste for $1. You don’t understand how sad I was about this deal. I lost a coupon in the store. I should have MADE money on this deal. I also missed buying free mouthwash because I didn’t have a coupon. I’m still sad about that whole thing.

At the grocery store:

I got 2 bags of Gold Medal unbleached flour and 2 boxes of Ronzoni Smart taste for FREE.

4 International delight coffee creamers for $.40 each ($1.60 for 4!)

3 bags of snacks: 2 pretzels and 1 Chex Mix for 50 cents each.

I forgot to take a picture of the 2 containers of sour cream I got for $.25 each!

At Aldis, I was in line to check out and saw that they had tortilla chips on clearance for $.50 a bag. I snagged 4 or 5 bags. My family LOVES chips and salsa. It’s not completely healthy, but it’s better than plain ol’ potato chips.:)

So those were some highlights. Exciting. I know:) It is exciting to have someone else to share them with beyond the Rockstar Nurse. He is so not enthralled with a detailed account of my grocery savings. Although he does remain mildly impressed with all the free stuff.

I have thought of starting a frugal blog. However, I can not maintain the one blog I have right now. Maybe in the future, the Frugal Flamingo will take flight. Time will tell.

Last week, I shared that God was working in regards to the whole Frugal thing. It actually has been almost comical for how clearly he is speaking through others. There is much background to the story, however that really is a whole post in itself.

However, I know that I would be ignoring His leading if I do not start walking. So, I have actually started to write and prepare for my 1st Frugal Flamingo Grocery Workshop. My goal is to have it done by this summer (I don’t move fast here folks). There are a lot of things I’m still praying about regarding this whole thing. However, I guess I will figure it out in time. But for now, I have a lot of planning to do.

If anyone in bloggy land ever has questions, please leave a comment or email me and I would be glad to help you. My real life readers can be in anticipation for the workshop (I’m announcing this ONLY to keep me accountable). However, if you have questions, before then, you know I would love to try and help.

Happy April everyone!!

Happy 1st year princess!

2010-03-30T08:22:00.001-04:00

“Daddy, do you want to dance with the princess?”

With that invitation they twirl around the room. Little toes standing on daddy sized feet.

Smiling and giggling.

It is a beautiful scene.

To fully understand that the beautiful “princess” was in a Chinese orphanage just 1 year ago is unbelievable. The past year in general is almost unbelievable.

The little girl we met was just a shell of who we know now.

That knowledge is what has us emotionally entangled.

In orphanage standards, she was well cared for before she met us. However, she could not run easily. She fell 10 times in an hour. She could not climb the steps of a slide without help. She was petrified of stuffed animals and baby dolls. She had no sense of gravitational fear. She could not sleep in a bed without falling out. She could not put her shoes on herself. She could not chew easily. She walked downstairs like the age of a 1 year old. She could not throw a ball easily. She could not jump. She had no sense of here or there. She would easily get stuck crawling under a table because she had no idea how to crawl back out.

God did not create her to be that little girl without life experience. He created her to be the one she is now.

Happy 1 year girly. We have been privileged to witness the metamorphosis of your spirit.

We are the blessed ones.

We love you princess Sparkles.

Flashback to Beijing

2010-03-26T11:49:00.001-04:00

One year ago today, we landed in China. There were so many things I forgot about our time there already until I read over my blog posts. I forgot we lost our luggage and I forgot we had no flat iron. I did NOT forget how deathly ill I was, but I survived, so even that doesn’t seem so bad now.

We loved China. We couldn’t wait to get home, but we did love it there. If we were independently wealthy, we would fly to Beijing just to eat some Kung Pao chicken. The Rockstar Nurse still talks about how unbelievably good the food was in Beijing.

Right now, I am listening to Sparkles and Lil’ Rocker run around playing upstairs. I haven’t seen them all morning as the 2 of them are inseparable playmates. It is hard to believe that Sparkles was still living in an orphanage last year this time. She is full of laughter and full blown English.

I still am committing to writing on adoption over the next few weeks. However, I thought this would be a good time to throw it back to you. Are there any questions YOU have regarding adoption? I’m not an adoption expert, BUT we’ve been there and done that. PLUS, I have the blessing of walking with many adoptive families within my church adoption ministry. So, if I don’t know the answer, I know someone who does:)

So go ahead…what are your burning questions???

For your entertainment, here are the links to our time in Beijing

The chariots are coming

24 hours and counting

2010-03-24T14:04:00.000-04:00

I shouldn't be on here right now, but I couldn't contain myself. Really, I couldn't contain my spirit not to write something at the moment. I do not mean to sit you on the edge of your seats. I have nothing planned to say although there are a million things I could say.

I've been somewhat productive today in my hazy fatigue. I was up way too late last night working on Sparkles adoption video. I've procrastinated for 1 year and now I can't stop. I have teared up everytime I've worked on it. Sparkles loves watching me work on it. However, just yesterday she pointed to the China video clips and said, "I no like these. I like these (pointing to some home videos). I no like China" . That is the first time she has EVER voiced not liking China.

The past is on my mind right now. Tomorrow, March 25th marks the 1 year anniversary of when we got on a plane for China. Can you believe it??????

Over the next 12 days I will be focusing on adoption (uh oh...another public blogging commitment). I will not be writing ALL about adoption, but I will be writing a lot more regarding it then I have for along time.

And there will be exciting things on here to celebrate! Well, not THAT exciting. However, you must come to realize how much the littlest things in life excite me.

Change of seasons

2010-03-23T07:31:00.001-04:00

I love change. Although, I realize that I haven’t redecorated my house in quite a long time. I feel blessed to live where I can experience all 4 seasons. As each one approaches, I find myself anticipating the change of scenery.

Spring has officially begun. Typically, Spring here can still be laced with snow and cold temperatures. However, this year it has been uncharacteristically warm after such a snow-filled winter.

For the past 9 years, Spring has become a camera of how life is moving along at a rapid pace. It easy to see how much my children have grown or changed. Each year, the playground becomes a snapshot of their increasing abilities towards independence. Seeing them reach the bars they couldn’t touch before or climb the ladder with new found ease.

It is beautifully bittersweet.

On Sunday, I took a hike with my children. Our first hike ever without a diaper bag in tow. Again, beautifully bittersweet.

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I love the change of seasons. For me, it is a simplistic and gentle way to remind me that life is moving. Now is not forever. The next season of life can be good. Different, but good.

For more Tuesdays Unwrapped check out Chatting at the Sky.

For your entertainment, a visual representation of the progression of age.

photo taken by 3 year old.

photo taken by 6 year old.

photo taken by 8 year old.

Grocery Challenge-week 3 and ramblings

2010-03-21T22:24:00.001-04:00

It is not Friday. I know that. I know that you know that. However, anyone reading this blog long enough knows that I have some “commitment” issues I deal with in regards to blogging. So, my Frugal Flamingo post is late.

I just did not have the time to post last week. Plus, I did not grocery shop until Saturday morning. Of course, we are being treated to Palm Springs like weather which quickly diffuses the desire to do anything but bask in the sun.

Things are really heating up with my Grocery Challenge. There are no pictures this week. I was just happy to get the bags unloaded.

I spent a total of $127.04 this week. (Farmers Market: $20, Grocery store#1: $56.99, Aldi: $28.10, CVS: $8.45, Target: $8, Grocery Store #2: 5.50) I only can spend $21.25 the rest of the month. This is not going to have a pretty outcome. I can feel it. However, I will console myself with the fact that this was an aggressive goal for me. I will also console myself with the fact that I have enough for some extra meals that I may be able to stretch things out.

I did get some great deals last week. I snagged 12 bars of soap, a bottle of hot sauce and a box of Kleenex’s for free. I also got 10 bottles of Lysol, multipurpose cleaner for 50 cents each, 5 bottles of Lysol kitchen cleaner for 50 cents each and 5 bottles of Lysol bathroom cleaner for $1 each.

Where did I go wrong this week? I bought lunchmeat and cheese. Our crew wipes out $10 worth in less than 2 lunches.

On a spiritual note, I am praying about this whole Frugal thing. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a friend in decreasing her own grocery budget. She saved $60 the first week!! (so proud of you girl!) It has been very fulfilling for me to help families this way.

Through various events and conversations, I do know that God has made it extremely obvious that I am to do something beyond just blog about Grocery Challenges. I just don’t know exactly what He wants me to do or how exactly it will look. I have plenty of ideas in my head. I’m usually never short on them, it’s just that I sometimes give them to God as suggestions . That is usually where I get myself in trouble. So, I’m seriously praying about it.

I have been sharing a link at the end of each Grocery Challenge. This week’s link is a bit different in nature. It is a post by Stephanie at Ni Hao Y’all. Anyone in the adoption blogosphere knows her. They have an amazing story of adoption. They have lots of kids. Lots of them. 4 biological and 5 from China. They are all gorgeous. Regardless, she recently wrote a post related to living frugally. I really liked it.

I like the idea of living frugally today for what He may ask of me tomorrow.

Rambling

2010-03-16T17:11:00.001-04:00

I’ve decided to write a completely unplanned post. I have no purpose with it other than to ramble. Right now I am surrounded by silence. It is “quiet time” in my house and oh how I relish quiet time.

However, I do not always do well with silence. Usually because I realize how quickly my brain is spinning around with thoughts regarding a smorgasbord of topics. The Rockstar Nurse gets a sampling of the variety of topics and he is overwhelmed. Which is partly why I blog. I can not continue to overwhelm him:)

Speaking of spinning, I found myself spinning on Monday morning. You know how I am with mornings. We do not mesh. So, imagine me snoozing and laying in bed just thinking of the day to come. Yes, snoozing at 7am, then 7:10am, then HOLY FLAMINGOS! I didn’t turn my clock back!

Yes. I am one of “those” people. I had every clock in the house adjusted correctly EXCEPT for my alarm clock. I even KNEW that when I was going to bed that night. However, I didn’t want to disturb hubby who was already sleeping. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to turn my alarm back since my clock wasn’t right (go ahead. Shake your head in confusion).

So, I started out my week hearing the bus pull away from the bus stop as I was getting out of bed. I actually starting spinning in a circle trying to figure out what to do.

The Rockstar Nurse was horribly embarrassed that I shared my tale with the office staff at the elementary school. Even the principal. I felt better when they told me that I was one of a dozen that did the same thing. However, my hubby is defeated in that everyone now thinks that we are one of “those” families.

I’m sure we were considered one of “those” families way before the alarm clock episode, but don’t tell him that.

I am not a fan of daylight savings time. I dont’ understand why we can’t just let daylight balance itself out.

Well, I could entertain ~~myself~~ you for hours with my rambling, however I have a life to live and children that need care. So my rambling will stop.

One last thought. Only 5 more days until the 1st day of Spring and our free italian ices at Ritas!! Now that is something that will get even me out of bed!

Grocery Challenge-week 2

2010-03-12T16:53:00.001-05:00

Amazing how quickly another week has come and gone. So here we are again for our Grocery Challenge. If you missed the results of last week, you can take a peek here.

It is amazing how much less money you can spend when you have a strict goal. I have put things back on the shelves because I knew that it would take me over the budget.

This week I did not use one coupon. Although I believe in coupons and save a lot of money with them, I do believe you can save alot of money with out ever clipping one too! Sadly, I spent almost $5 more than I needed too if I would have had the coupons that I needed to use. I’m not sure what happened to them, but that is another post.

So here is what I bought this week:

Grocery Store : $36.51 (I splurged and bought ice cream. I also got 6 bags of ravioli for $1. I bought a 7 lb chicken to cook this week and freeze for meals. I also bought an extra chicken roast that was marked down.)

Aldi: $15.07 (nothing exciting, but I did get 3 loaves of whole grain white bread for $1.20. I will be using that to make batches of french toast.)

Farmers Market: $9.14 (includes 1lb broccoli, 1 lb carrots, 2 lbs grapes, 1 container strawberries, 5 apples, 2 giant heads of romaine lettuce)

Outlet Store: $6.56 (6lbs of cookies…yes, I will be freezing them)

Grand total for this week: $67.28.

My monthly challenge goal: $325. Total spent so far: $176.71. I have $148.29 left to spend. I’m feeling wobbly with my confidence, BUT excited that I could potentially make my goal!! This week I planned meals so that we aren’t eating out at all.

You may wonder how I’m feeding a family of 6 on 2 chicken roasts. Obviously I have meat stockpiled. If you are new to the “Grocery Game” you will find that it takes a month or 2 to get a decent stockpile of options in your freezer and cupboards. There will even be a week, where you can skip a trip to the store because of your stockpiles.

So, how are you doing with YOUR challenge? Have you found any new money saving tips? Have you been meeting your goal?

Feel free to link your grocery challenge post below or leave a comment. As always, remember to ONLY link your grocery savings post.

To encourage you along, here is a new grocery savings blog, called the Grocery Cart Challenge I found last week. She is feeding a family of 6 healthily for $60 a week! I hope it is able to encourage you and help your family save money at the store!!

Hallelujah!

2010-03-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

2 years and 7 months.

That is exactly how long it has taken us to completely complete the adoption of our lil’ Sparkles.

Yes, even after our kiddos are home , the process continues with post reports.

However, last week I finally raised the flag for the grand finale of the paperwork.

I expected the blaring of the Hallelujah Chorus music as I walked away.

However, the wind just whipped my face.

As I walked back to the house, I heard the squeals of two 3 year olds playing inside and laughing hysterically.

Hallelujah!

Sometimes you do not need many words to sum it all up.

Valley girls and friendship

2010-03-09T07:39:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we forget who we “are” once we become a mom. It is easy to redefine ourselves once we slap on that label .

One thing that has kept me grounded in who I am is friendships. Friendships that may have been formed through kids, but flourish over everything but kids.

I believe there is nothing to lift our spirits more than a time with friends.

Talking.

Laughing.

Being absolutely ridiculous.

Reminding each other that we are children of the 80’s.

Huh?

Yes.

Reminiscing…..

that fashion used to be more than matching pajamas.

That we were cool and hip.

That being daring used to mean more than just staying up past 10pm.

That “colors” are not synonymous with crayola.

Spending time with good friends can be like unwrapping the gift of yourself. You are still you. The cool Valley girl you once were may be gone, (thank goodness), but you have identity beyond spit up and drool.

I cherish all the friendships that I have been blessed with in my life. Even though I’m not always the most intentional, I love you all very much.

Friendship?

It is a gift.

For more of Tuesday’s Unwrapped, visit Chatting at the Sky.