A Christmas Meme!

Thank you, Sarah for tagging me for this fun meme. I am going to dedicate this to my mom. She gave up her entire day to help me decorate our tree/house. I have been feeling so yucky and she was a real lifesaver.

Growing up, she always made decorating special and never shooed me away from the ornaments. She would make fudge and play beautiful music. It was a magical time. I hope someday I will relax about my decorating and let my children help. I am sure they love hearing..."DON'T TOUCH IT!!!!!!!"

I am creating the best holiday memories, for sure!

Thanks, Mom! I really appreciate your help today. You made it all so pretty!


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Christmas is really the only time I wrap presents. All other occasions are bag worthy. Not Christmas. Our paper has to match our tree. I choose 3 or 4 coordinating patterns and have fun wrapping. It seems to make them more special.

2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial tree from the dark ages. It is probably the first artificial tree ever made. It is a hateful tree that mocks me every year. Once decorated, it is gorgeous and worth the pain and misery. I love it, but am hoping for a pre-lit tree next year.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We start the week of Thanksgiving. The kid's trees are a breeze to put up and decorate. This year the "mocking" tree has been up and naked for 2 weeks. Thanks to my mom it is DONE!!

4. When do you take the tree down?
After the New Year. Actually we pay someone to come take everything down while we are on our annual Christmas vacation sponsored by Skip's dad. He takes us all away to a mystery location for a week. When we come home our house is clean and normal. I LOVE IT!! It is a beautiful thing for me.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes! Although this year I can't stomach it. Makes me sad. One year I bought the Halloween Nog just to start drinking it earlier!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I don't really remember, but my favorite gift as an adult has been the Willow Tree Nativity that I got last birthday. I am enjoying it right this minute. It is so peaceful and beautiful.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
We have 2. One the kids can handle and "play" with and my newest Willow Tree Nativity.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Loulabelle. She doesn't really play with anything. She usually plays with whatever Z will allow her to play with. She loves to get presents, but then loses interest quickly. This year she is asking Santa to bring her a stick. Seriously.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Z-man. He actually has collections (Star Wars, baseball cards, etc). It makes it easy to shop given his interests. I think he is getting string and tape from Santa this year. That kid can make a serious set of traps. My Little MacGyver.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Hands down, a pair of Sesame Street overalls. I was seven. Sesame Street was so over for me by then.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Mail. That reminds me...GET THOSE IN THE MAIL!!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Polar Express, Home Alone. Is it just me or does Rudolph have the most bizarre story line? Anyway, I love snuggling with my family and watching the classics with popcorn and the glow of our tree. Special times.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Through the year I carry an idea notebook. This allows me to think about it all year. If someone says they like a certain thing, it goes on the list. It has been a handy way for me to organize my shopping list.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I will never tell...

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Um, lets see. There is the appetizer feast at one home, the ham dinner at another, and the early morning Monkey bread. I love it all. I truly love the tradition of the feasts. The same foods every year make it so meaningful to me.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
The main tree is clear...all 1400 strung by ME. It is a hateful tree.
Z's tree is red with red chili peppers. He has a cowboy room.
Lou's tree is white, vintage crystal bulbs. They all burnt out today. I get to take her whole tree down and replace them. I am so thankful that it wasn't the main tree, but still...

17. Favorite Christmas song?
O' Holy Night by any male singer.
Mary Did You Know by ????

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
All of our family lives in town. One celebration is at our home with my family sleeping with us. The next night we sleep at Skip's sister's house for his side of the family. Spending the night feels like we travel, even if it is just a block away.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Yada Yada, Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
The main tree has an angel, Z's tree has a cowboy hat and vest, Lou's tree has a copper angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
When lights go out! The commercialism. The busyness of our schedule.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
Family, friends, lights, movies, traditions, church. I could go on and on. Like Sarah, my wedding anniversary is this month. I love the romance of the season when celebrating our life together.

I would love to see all the B-Town bloggers tackle this list. It was so fun!

Merry Christmas!!

I am so glad she is bossy...

...otherwise I wouldn't be snuggled up enjoying this special treat.

It is making me happy today!

Thanks, Alana

First of many letters to our baby.

First of all, I wanted to thank all of our sweet friends for your encouragement and support regarding our little surprise. What fun it was to share it this way with all of you! All of your sweet comments brought our family such joy. Thank you!

Dear Sweet Poppy,

I bet you are wondering why we are calling you 'Little Poppy'. The afternoon that Mommy and Daddy found out about you, we looked in all of our baby books for some information. The books all said that you are the size of a poppy seed. Little one, that is amazing to me. My limited math skills can't even put a measurement on how tiny that is. So tiny. So fragile. Yet, life.

You have been on Mommy's heart and mind long before you were conceived. I have whispered your name and dreamt of our life together. There have been many times in the last year that I have actually missed you. We had a wonderful vacation at the beach last Christmas. As I watched Z and L playing together and playing with cousins, I missed that you were not there. I know that is so silly of me. But my heart has ached for you for some time. I am so excited that you are finally coming.

I can't wait until you meet your Daddy. I feel like I have you all to myself right now and he is an outsider to all that we are experiencing and feeling. But your daddy is someone so special. You will fall madly in love with him the instant he touches you. He will adore you. Daddy will be your best friend and ally against your crazy siblings. He will protect you, snuggle you, tickle you, teach you, discipline you, pray for you, help you with any struggle. You will feel safe in his arms and I promise that you will cry when he leaves for work each day. You will shout for joy when he returns and run into his embrace. He is the one for Legos and Lincoln Logs, not me. He is the one for baseball games and hallway golf. He will be the first one to cradle you at night when you cry, mommy will come but daddy is always there first (probably because mommy can't hear, not because he loves you more!) You and your daddy will be thick as thieves. Oh, I can't wait until the two of you meet. You will love him instantly.

Your brother and sister are thrilled with our good news of you. Each of them claiming you for their very own. Of course, Z wants a brother. Actually, he wants you to be 10 years old when you are born. I think he just wants a chance to be the little. He is a terrific big brother. You will love his humor and his tendency for mischief. I know the two of you will be instant friends but don't lay on the floor too long or you will be his wrestling partner. Loulabelle is already making a home for you. She will be your other mother. I think you will find refuge with her when Big Z is being too wild. She will invite you into her world with no questions asked. She will teach you how to craft and care for all things small. You will be loved by both of them. You will complete our family.

Oh, sweet one. Do you feel our love for you? Do you feel the hand of God forming you in my womb? We love a mighty and awesome God. His mighty hand can shake the heavens and move mountains. With the power of His words, He formed the entire Earth. Yet His touch is so delicate, so tender that He can form something as small as you. To quote Z's favorite song, "Our God is an AWESOME God." Oh how I pray that you will follow Him all of your days. I pray that your heart will beat with His throughout your life. Poppy, He knows the plans for you. Plans for a hope and a future. My lips will praise Him.

As of right now, you are about 2.5 inches from head to toe. This week in development, you are forming eyelids to protect your eyes, fingerprints, and your ears are continuing to shape. Your progress from that little poppy seed has been a work of God alone. You are a miracle. I hope you are not feeling my outward effects of this pregnancy. I hope you are getting nourishment even when there is no food staying in. I know you are well protected and that I shouldn't fear. But I am your mom and I worry. I was laughing tonight thinking about what I have gone through so far. Someday in the distant future (when you are being naughty!) I will remind you of all this. I will remind you of what it was like to walk around with you in my belly and all that came with that. These days are long, but I know you are worth every minute of it.

You are precious to us. I can't wait to hold you in my arms and smell the smell of you. Come quickly.

Love, your Mommy

SURPRISE!!

Christmas music to brighten your day!

Go HERE now! Immediately. It will be worth your time.

Did I mention...FREE?

What are you waiting for?

Scattered Joy

This was a disaster of a weekend. Tempers flaired, selfishness reared it's ugly head, words spoken out of anger. And this was just Skip and I. The kids fell in the middle of all these categories.

I won't bore you with any of the ugly details. But, trust me. It was UGLY.

I will choose to focus on some of the scattered joy. Believe me when I tell you that it was scattered. But I am thankful for it. Otherwise, I would have to find a hole and cry for days.

--the twinkle of Cwismas lights in my daughter's eyes.
--snuggling with her in bed while we listened to Christmas music.
--a surprise kiss from Z.
--an impromtu back rub from Skip...gift of mercy.
--Chicken Noodle soup.
--listening to the testimony of an 80 year old couple about a life lived for the Lord.
--Polar Express
--two trees down, two to go.
--a much needed nap.
--two siblings snuggled together reading, acting like the friends I hope they become.
--groceries that I didn't have to shop for.
--Pajama Day Monday!

Have a wonderful week. I hope you have Scattered Joy all the days of this holiday season.

NERTZ. Not a game for the weak at heart.

I have to tell you all that Saturday night was a blast. After a day of "trash-talk" we were ready for a night off from kids and a night to show off our card skilz. What a riot!!

Here are the most faithful friends any girl could ever ask for. Also, these women have wonderful blogs. The talent in this room was amazing. It is so fun to blog with a group like this. My fellow bloggers are Alana, Pam, Carissa, Dawn, Jen, Michelle, Shelley. And the best blog readers, Sparky and Sonja. Thank you all for the most amazing night.

The stage was set for a perfect night even down to the food. And I PIGGED out. I think I consumed 3 plates that all looked like this. Also, there was Cappuccino Punch, the BEST pumpkin dessert ever made, 2 bite brownies and a chocolate brownie pie. All my favorites.

And the gifts were amazing! You guys shouldn't have! But don't think Alana wasn't scoping out gifts for her own birthday. Oh yes, she was. In case you are wondering, she would like a pedicure, a spa day complete with childcare, cute office supplies, stationary, a HIS story bracelet, Bath and Body works lotion and candle, a cookbook, jewelry plus a gorgeous shirt, and cute decorative letters. Just look at the death grip she has on my IMAGINE letters. Thou shalt not covet.

OK. Enough with the nice friendly things like food and cake and gifts. Now it is all about blood winning. The game of NERTZ is a highly competitive, hands flying, quick thinking, multi-tasking kind of game. Carissa "thinks" she was the big winner, but I think the birthday girl should always win even if she has the lowest score. It's just good manners.

And for the record, all the "trash talk" on my previous post was pretty much all true. Except for all the cursing. I think I only heard one word said out of pure anger the whole night. We are good girls, you know!

Thanks friends for making all of my days special. I sure do love you.

Trash Talk

This won't make any sense to my "bloggy" friends.

But my real friends, THE GAME IS ON!

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Can't wait until tonight.

Can the party start at 9:15 instead? It is going to be a long day...

Pure mischief with a smattering of freckles.

Since my birthday last Friday, Z has been more affectionate than normal towards me. I don't know the reason, but I LOVE the result. His hugs and attention turn my insides to mush. I love this boy.

Tonight we celebrated my big day with my family. It was perfect. I was showered with love, Mexican food, chocolate cake and gifts.

What more could a girl dream of?

Apparently, Z thought I needed to dream some more. He spent a fair amount of time whispering with his daddy about something. All the while, his eyes were gleaming and shining my direction. I knew he was planning a special surprise.

In the car I overheard a part of their conversation. "Daddy, you know the thing I want to buy for mommy? Can I buy it for $100 dollars? I will use all my money if I have to."

Son, you have my heart. That is all you ever need to do for me. I love that you save every note I send you in your lunch box. You are my special boy and all the money in the world cannot replace you.

Just please, for the love of all things good, stop telling everyone that I forgot you at school. It's so not funny!!

Pure sugar with blonde hair.

As we were driving home tonight from my family birthday party (which ROCKED!! Thank you, mom and grannie!) we purposefully went the long way. Our first thought was that maybe the kids would fall asleep in the car only to be carried to their waiting beds. But it was pretty evident that they were way too hyped up on sugar and good tidings for anything resembling sleep.

Or quiet for that matter.

Well, the long way in our town is completely decked out in holiday splendor. Out every window there were twinkly lights and beautiful displays. The kids could not stop OOOHHHing and AAAHHHing.

Loulabelle started the trip home with tears over her beloved Blankie. In our rush to leave the house, we "accidentally" left it behind. She became especially excited to see all the sparkle. When we were almost home she said, "Cwismas lights make me happy when I am missing my blankie. They make me so happy."

Girl, you are pure sugar wrapped in blonde curls. I can't wait to see the magic in your eyes as we decorate your Cwismas tree this year. It will make me so happy.

Maybe you will be too happy to remember where we "accidentally" deposited blankie...

I need to play a little KETCHUP.

I feel the need to post something. Anything.

I am sure the only way to play Ketchup is by formulating a list. Since the creative side of my brain isn't firing this may be as good as it gets. I know, so inspiring.

1. Friday was my birthday, my 35th birthday to be more exact. Something about a 0 or a 5 at the end of any age just wears me out. My day was gloriously spent cooking, cleaning, shopping for groceries, volunteering, wiping noses, packing for a weekend trip. Basically it was JUST ANOTHER DAY. I did wake up to several birthday emails and wishes. That was fun. Also, my mom brought Panera to my house so we could sit and talk for a while in between all the other chores previously mentioned.

This birthday really had me thinking about my life. Am I where I want to be? Do I feel accomplished? I came up with only one answer. ABSOLUTELY. This is exactly where I have always dreamed of being. I am married to my best friend. We have the privilege of raising the kids that God designed for us. We are surrounded by family...all of our family. I have the most incredible friends anyone could ask for. I am blessed beyond measure. I can't think of one thing to add. I am rich.

2. The major low-light of my BIG DAY was forgetting my son at school for the first time. Right after my mom left, I was elbow deep in dishes and kitchen cleaning. At 2:00, the phone rang. It was the secretary at my nephew's school saying that he was in the office. I assumed she was going to tell me that he was sick and needed someone to pick him up. She informed me that school let out at 1:30 and I needed to get there quickly.

What??!! SCHOOL LET OUT AT 1:30? ALL THE SCHOOLS? WHY???

Frantically, I load the car and head out towards the school. All the while trying to reach the Primary building where Z was. When I reached them to tell him I was on my way, they said he was crying and scared. My heart plummeted lower than I knew possible. I started sobbing. By the time I arrived at school I was doing the UGLY cry. Once I saw Z, we hugged and cried together. My heart had shattered into millions of pieces. How could I have forgotten early dismissal day? The redeeming factor of the whole ordeal was that we also picked up my nephew. Thankfully, he had such a good attitude about the whole thing that it diffused any further heartache. (And a HUGE shout out to Pam for saving me that day!)

3. Every Fall, Skip's family rents a cabin retreat for the weekend. A very long, relaxing weekend filled with food, games, movies, naps, fishing, bonfires, laughter. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with ups and downs. Twenty-two of us filled this 5 bedroom cabin sleeping wherever one could find space. It is the stuff memories are made of.

4. Another not-so-great thing happened on my BIG DAY. After my frantic drive to school my car started to leak. Not just a little leak, but a flood-the-garage-floor kind of leak. Since we were on our way to the cabin we didn't have time to do more than clean up. In truth, we forgot about the leak and the potential problems that might come from it. Monday, I get ready to drive to gymnastics and music class. The car is driving weird. The car started to smoke. The car is in the shop. The car will cost $1200 to fix.

5. OHHH! I won something! I entered several giveaways hosted by Rocks In My Dryer. I won something from a blogger that I "know". I am so excited! I choose The Dangererous Book for Boys. Thanks, Sarah!! You made my day! You all have to check out her blog. Prepare to be encouraged!

6. I read this list of ups and downs and know that I am blessed. I wouldn't change this life for anything. Although I could live without #2 ever happening again. I only need to experience that once!

Happy Halloween from Ralph and Nellie

Nellie: Ralph, tell all the kids Happy Halloween.

Ralph: WHAT?

Nellie: IT'S HALLOWEEN, RALPH. SAY HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Ralph: You are the Dancing Queen?

Nellie: HALLOWEEN!

Ralph: Woman, I don't have to eat green beans if I don't want to.

Nellie: Not GREEN BEANS. H.A.L.L.O.W.E.E.N!!

Ralph: Halloween? Why didn't you say that in the first place?

Happy Fall Day

Saturday Part III

Just when you thought our day was over...

My mom graciously offered to take the kids home with her after Lou's party on Saturday. I was hesitant (in truth, I practically BEGGED her to take them!) Skip and I had another birthday to celebrate that evening so we welcomed the kid-free night.

So, off they went to carve pumpkins at Ma & Pa's house. I am thankful that they are willing to host this because my kids wouldn't know what the inside of a pumpkin looked like without it. I am not about the mess. They have made it their tradition for which I am grateful.

I love seeing what designs my kids come up with every year. First, they draw out what they would like. Then Pa proceeds to make it happen. Z wanted a scary face and Lou wanted cross-eyes.

What an awesome way to end this fun-filled day!

Saturday Part II

The Legend of the Lost Candy Castle

The hour finally came for Loulabelle's party. We were all so excited to celebrate our Lollipop girl. She and I spend HOURS playing CandyLand, so it was a fitting theme for her 4th party. We started off by reading the Legend of the Lost Candy Castle to the kids. Then prepared them to search for the lost castle.

Here they are in Mr. Mint's forest. The kids (with the help of their parent) made Candy Cane ornaments with pipe cleaner and beads.

After leaving the Peppermint forest, they found Gramma Nut's house. Here they made a gingerbread boy and girl. Another ornament for their Christmas tree. I hope I don't forget...




Yummy Princess Lolly was the next stop. The kids made candy bracelets. It was ooey, gooey fun jewelry making.


Queen Frostine is Loulabelle's favorite CandyLand character. We made a fun memory game to play at her stop. I don't know who won, but I have a feeling it was Skip.

Don't get stuck in the Molasses Swamp. Or maybe you want to thanks to this yummy chocolate fountain. This was my favorite place to hang out and watch the action!

Lou found the CASTLE! The kids bounced and flopped to their heart delight. At the end of the party, we filled it with candy. The kids filled up their treat bags...I am sure their mom's didn't care!

Sweet castle cake for a sweet girl.

This is my Loulabelle. Funny, quirky, smart, charming, silly, sweet, happy, curly, sunshine-y, spunky, bossy, crazy. I love this little girl. Happy birthday, darling!


(I didn't post a picture of all her guests. I hope you all know how much we love you and appreciate you coming to Lou's party!)

But wait, there's still more to this day...

Saturday Part I

Saturday was a crazy day! Three days later and I am still trying to process it all for the sake of the blog.

For me, it started off at 5am baking a birthday Castle cake for Loulabelle's 4th birthday party. I am sure I can give you all the boring details from that morning. And I know you would all be on the EDGE OF YOUR SEATS to read that I showered and cleaned the kitchen. So I will spare you the boring and go straight to the fun.

ZMan had a soccer game at 11:00, so we loaded up the car and headed to the soccer fields. The team played awesome and Z is playing his heart out this year. I love watching him play without abandon. He has been so hesitant in year's past, but not anymore!

After soccer, we made a quick costume change from soccer people to Anakin and Padme. We were invited to my FAVORITE FALL PARTY ever! We have attended this annual party since Z was 6 months old. That first year he wore a zebra costume and laid on a blanket with all the other babies. I love seeing our group picture change from year after year.


Here is my Anakin. I love this face filled with freckles and mischief. I never know what he is up to. The gleam in his eyes tell me that he was in Star Wars heaven. For Z, that is the perfect way to spend a day.


Here is the Star Wars gang minus Yoda who was asleep in the barn. (I didn't know Yoda could sleep...) Anyway, we have a Storm Trooper, Hans Soccer, Anakin, Padme and Obi Wan. Star Wars had a strong showing at this year's FAVORITE FALL PARTY ever. It was so much fun to see their epic battles. I loved watching the boys care for sweet little Padme. She had a blast being included in the fun.

The party wouldn't be complete without a Family Adventure Game, pumpkin decorating, costume parade and tons of good food and friends. It really is my favorite Fall activity.

I had to leave the party early to get ready for Loulabelle's CandyLand party. We must have been CRAZY to have these two parties on the same day. It made for lots of wardrobe changes and lots of hair products. WHEW!!

Stay tuned for more...

Teaser...

I desperately need to blog our last 24 hours, but not today. Skip and I are enjoying a quiet, kid-free house thanks to Ma & Pa. We have turned off the phones and are enforcing a day of rest. We are savoring time together.

Here is a teaser from yesterday. More will follow!

The Happy-Halfs

Today is a special day for our family. It is Z's Happy Half Birthday! This day doesn't involve presents and balloons. It doesn't involve family gatherings or friend slumber parties. It is just a simple day to celebrate each child separately.

Our tradition is that the Happy Half gets to decide who they want to date, Mommy or Daddy. Then they decide if they want a donut date or an ice cream date. For Z it involves hours of decision making. It took two days to figure it all out. He processed every scenario in his head and finally came up with Mommy for Ice Cream.

He picked me. You have no idea how much this thrilled me. I love spending one on one time with him. I feel like it is rare anymore. So much of his time is taken up with school and sports and sister. I am counting down the time until our big date.

I wonder how many more years he will want Mommy to go with him. I talked with Pam yesterday about the natural tendency for boys to pull away from their mommies. Just the thought of that was like a lead balloon to my heart. I can't imagine my sweet boy not needing me as much. I know that I am borrowing worry from the future, but the tug on my heart strings is there. The writing is on the wall.

But for today, I will readily receive his attention. I will anticipate our time together. I will know that he chose me.

I can't wait to laugh and share stories over ice cream. I can't wait to see the gleam in his eye when he chooses his flavors and tastes his treat. I can't wait for this sweet time with my boy.

Happy Half, Z Man! You are our favorite boy in the whole world.

Decisions, decisions

"eeny meeny mini mo casha tiger make it holler my mother told me to pay a dollar so you are it!"

"Mama, I decided no Tickle Bear in my backpack."

I can FLY!

"Look at me, mama! I can fly."

Loulabelle came rushing inside the house. Breathless, she tells me she just learned how to fly.

"Come and watch me, mama."

Hand in hand, we walk to the swing set. She grabs hold of the ropes and hoists herself into the swing. When did she get big enough to do that?

Legs and arms stretch, then curl under. Over and over until she is high in the air. Her giggle shattered my gloomy disposition. Her smile captured my heart.

"Mama, Z-Man teached me to pump my legs."

I have never seen a prouder boy. His eyes lit up as we watched her swing higher and higher.

I felt like I was flying, too. Thank you, sweet Jesus for this moment.

Thought for the day

Underwear made out of wood would be very uncomfortable.

Woodn't it?

Since everyone else is confessing...

...then I guess it is my turn. I am so embarrassed by this one that I haven't even told my husband. He will read this just like everyone else.

Say a prayer for me, girls.

Loulabelle is turning four at the end of this month. We are planning a CandyLand party to celebrate our sweet lollipop of a girl. Everyone is really excited for a party with tons of candy and a chocolate fountain. It should be loads of fun.

Anyway, the big dilemma (for me) has been what Lou will wear. Does she want to be Queen Frostine? Princess Lolly? Plumpy? Everyday we change our mind and now it is go time. I need to know.

Today she said she just wanted to be the girl on the gameboard. The sweet little blonde girl with overalls and red/white tights. Very sweet. Somewhat easy.

So I thought.

Nary a website had cute little red and white tights. On a whim, I started flipping through a Hannah Andersson catalog when I saw these leggings. Very possible, but I would need the Hannah dress to go along with it. I just don't see her wearing red and white striped tights without the whole ensemble.

By now I am bored out of my mind looking at this catalog.

Yeah, right. I was DROOLING over all the pages. I think I actually digested some of them. Like this and this. This dress actually made my womb open and make room for triplets.

After getting over that cute little cable knit dress, I found this. Cue the lights. Cue music. THE. PERFECT. DRESS for a CandyLand party. The perfect dress for a lollipop girl like Loulabelle.

I needed an intervention right then. Right there. I called Shelley to have her talk me through the rest of the catalog and then support me while I threw it in the trash. Well, talking with her was like calling Hannah Andersson and chatting with a customer service rep. She offered me NO backbone. NONE. In fact, she pointed out all the wonderful features of the Hannah Andersson day dress. Supposedly, these dresses will last 10 years and they clean themselves.

My day went on and I did my best to get this dress out of my mind. I tried to ignore Shelley. Then I talked to Sonja. She said, "YOU HAVE TO GET THIS!!" She also went on to say that it will last for years. I wonder if both my friends get a kickback from Hannah herself.

Since I easily cave to peer pressure, I called the company just to "ask a question" about the dress.

Will it arrive in time for her party? YES.
Does it last 10 years? YES.
Does it clean itself? YES. YES and YES.

I am weak. I bought the outfit. I did. It was the most I have ever spent on clothing for my kids. But since it has a shelf life of 10+ years, it should pay for itself.

So really, it's a bargain at a mere $6 a year.

Hour of Courage

The first Sunday in October is the annual Life Chain across the United States and parts of Canada. It is an hour dedicated to prayer for the unborn. The sanctity of life. Our country's healing.

It takes everything I have to stand on the street holding a sign for all the passing motorists to read. Signs vary from the harsh realities of abortion to the healing power of Jesus.

One hour and all the strength I can muster.

Always in the beginning of the hour I feel foolish, out of place. Even though there are hundreds of believers standing on our busy street, I feel like the only one. Then something miraculous happens. I begin to pray. I begin to hum. I begin to realize that I am part of something much greater than me. I begin to understand the power of this moment.

Every year I am reminded of how far my life has come. I praise God that abortion is not part of my story. He wrote a different past for me. One of loss and grief. But thankfully and by His grace alone this is not a pain that I have known. Yet my heart breaks for those who have.

As I watched cars zoom by I saw pain and heartbreak. I saw a world in need of a Savior. I saw young women cry. I saw people laughing at us. I saw thumbs up and waves. But mostly, I saw the boldness of our message getting reaction. I pray that someone, somewhere had a moment of repentance. My hope standing out on the curb was that someone found forgiveness and a fresh start.

We had ten people from our church who graciously sacrificed their precious Sunday to stand up and make a difference. My sixteen year old niece was among us. This girl is not like the majority. She has pledged her life to Jesus and made choices to stay pure. She is set apart yet she is still very cool. She has seen beloved friends fall to drugs, alcohol and s*x. She has seen the heartbreak and heard the cries. Still she remains pure. I have never been more proud of her than I was yesterday. Standing up for the Life Chain takes a tremendous amount of courage. I am 34 and it takes all I have. I can't imagine what it must be like for a 16 year old. There she stood holding a sign that boldly proclaimed Jesus's love for us.

The part I love is that she believes it. She lives it.

Another member from our church is a young grandma. Her daughter recently had a baby that could have easily been aborted. This grandma brought her grandson and stood in the heat to show the world that this could have been her daughter's story. Seeing her stand next to her sleeping grandson brought tears to my eyes.

It was a precious hour of prayer.

Whatever choices you have made in the past, whatever your story is please know that Jesus heals and forgives. Today is a new day. Today is a fresh start. Have courage to admit that you need Jesus. I can almost guarantee that someone in your life has prayed for you.

Take hold of the one who heals. He has been waiting to lavish you with His love.

Clean vs. Not Clean

My closet is clean.
My kitchen is clean.
My laundry room shelf is clean.
The kitchen cabinets are clean.
The playroom is clean.
Both kid's closets are clean.
My bloglines are clean.


My car is not clean.
My bathroom is not clean.
My craft room is NOT clean...not even close to clean.
My dresser drawers are not clean.
My windows are not clean.
My fridge is not clean.


Clean 7. Not clean 6.


Things are getting done. I am getting closer to my goal. Once caught up, I am going to throw myself into my scrapbooks. I can't indulge myself in this yet, but I am getting closer.