Category Archives: Thoughts

Snap Judgments.

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I am certainly guilty of it.  Most of us are.  Making quick assumptions about people that are often faulty and incorrect.  (I like to blame it on inadequate coffee consumption, but sadly, that’s not usually true either…)

It’s at this time of year that I fondly recall the the memory of my beloved fuzzy, pink gloves.  They were new.  And fuzzy.  Very, very fuzzy. 

While driving in a residential area near our apartment building that day, an oncoming car pulled out around a parked car, forcing me to brake when I clearly had the right of way.  After a long day at the office, I was beyond frustrated.  I muttered a few unpleasant words and was ready to lay on the horn at this inconsiderate driver.  This person needed to know they were wrong.  And I was right.


As the car approached, I caught a glimpse of the driver and she was none other than my mother!  The woman who bore me.  Flesh and blood.  Weighted by guilt, I clasped my hand over my mouth and gasped… a big gasp.  And as I did so, every pink, fuzzy fiber in that pink, fuzzy glove entered my nasal cavity and down into my mouth and throat.  


In an instant, I was besieged by a coughing fit, unmatched to this day.  My nose itched.  My mouth burned.  My throat was on fire.  Which in turn made my eyes water.  I could hardly breathe and I could barely see the road.  Only a few blocks from home, I sped the entire way, ran up the flight of steps and into my apartment.  I pushed my sweet hubby aside and downed gallons of water in an attempt to remedy this ridiculous malady.  Eventually, it worked.  But I never wore those gloves again.  


I often think about the day my fuzzy, pink gloves nearly did me in.  And how rushing to judgment rendered me a fool.  


Everyone deserves second chances.  Everyone has a story.  Mine is still being written.  And so is theirs.  


Hoping and praying for some pretty big things this week.  May God grant me grace to share the love that I know and see the good in everyone I encounter… and may my words be sweet.


And coffee. Always coffee.

“Gracious speech is like clover honey—
   good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.”

Proverbs 16.24 (The Message) 



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Resolutions.

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Happy 2012.  

I was posed this question by a friend:  What was your best moment in 2011?  I truly had to stop and think.  In years past, the answer would have been easy:  the birth of one of my precious daughters, a milestone birthday, a new job, or even potty training success.

But this year was different.  

My sweet hubby and I sat up New Year’s Eve, reflecting on the past year, as is often customary for us each year.  (What sincere joy to share my life with this man.)


2011 was not a bad year, but it was marked by uncertainty and tested our endurance and faith as a family.  The year began with a series of significant health challenges for both me and my little Ladybug.  By summer all was mostly well, and we took our precious girls on a camping adventure in Wisconsin.  (Not an easy feat, but completely memorable.)  And then we moved.  

So when I think about it carefully, I simply cannot name a “best moment.”  This past year was more a series of faith-building moments that have collectively brought me to a better place.  

I am looking forward to a new year of fresh beginnings, treasured moments and wild adventures.  


Perhaps I will even fulfill my New Year’s Resolution this year!  I have made a few, mostly the usual ones like lose weight, eat well and exercise more.  Last year I also resolved to begin donating blood.  For anyone who knows me, this is really something.  I am notoriously queasy about all things needle and blood-related and have been known to faint once or twice (or more).  As a universal donor, I have had a guilty conscience about my cowardice towards blood donation.  Last year, I didn’t make it happen, but I think this will be the year…

Rest assured, the coffee will continue to flow, the kitchen will be open, and memories will be made.


What are your resolutions for 2012?

“No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,
 Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
 What God has arranged for those who love him.”
I Corinthians 2.9 (The Message)
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Back in the saddle.

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Life has a way of running away from me when I am not looking.  The “Intentional Christmas” I had envisioned for myself and my family was not what I planned, but it was meaningful and enrapturing just the same.  

I am a “Let’s-make-it-look-like-Christmas-threw-up-in-here-the-day-after-Thanksgiving” sort of girl.

That.  Didn’t.  Happen.  

For obvious reasons, moving in December didn’t accommodate that tradition.

Consequently, the Christmas season seemed abbreviated.  And simple.  That was sort of my intention, so perhaps God knew what was best after all. 

We were able to enjoy one full week of Christmas decor (which we wisely limited to the big tree, a small tree, the nativity scene and a wreath on the door).  Originally, my stellar hubby decreed that the tree, along with its accompanying decor would be up until the end of January since we’d hardly had time enjoy it.  However, thanks to my sweet princess (mostly my 2-year-old Lovey), I have a wiseman missing a hand, a wiseman missing his pointy hat, a box full of broken ornaments to fix and partridge in a pear tree.  


They will boxed up today.  With hubby’s hearty approval.


We are finally starting to feel settled.  There are many boxes tucked away in the basement to be gone through later.  A large bag of Christmas gifts remains missing, but what a surprise it will be when we find it (unless, of course, it was inadvertently thrown away with all the other trash that amounts during a big move.)

 Coffee in hand.  And a lovely book awaiting me on the coffee table.  Now if it would just snow…

In the nick of time…

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I’m back.
A few thoughts:
Moving this close to Christmas should be illegal.  (Still missing one large bag of Christmas gifts.  My sweet hubby asked if it could have been mistaken for trash.  Please, don’t even go there.)
The novelty of a laundry chute will consequently produce more laundry.  And invite temptation to do things like send a ball hurtling down at whomever’s head may be beneath aforementioned laundry chute.  (Here’s hoping that both of these things will lose their sparkle soon…)
I should always ask for help before moving a dresser up the stairs by myself.  (And that’s all I am going to say about that.)
I don’t believe I have ever been this tired in my entire life.  
One of the best decisions I made in the last two weeks was packing my coffee machine last and unpacking it first.  (Probably the one and only thing that went according to plan.)
I have the most incredibly fantabulous friends who have 100% spoiled me by helping me clean and pack, moving an endless assortment of boxes, bringing me dinner so I didn’t have to cook (more than once),  taking care of my kids and just letting me cry once in awhile, too. 

There has never been a better time for coffee…

I am not her.

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It has recently come to my attention that I am not her.  (Come on now.  Don’t act so surprised.)

I do not have a cape.
I do not wear tights.
I am not a masked avenger.

I cannot do it all.

At the present, I am drowning in boxes, tangled in packing tape, and barely finding time to breathe in between.

Consequently, I am on a brief hiatus.  

Perhaps only for a week or so. (If I can stand it!  I have so many stellar Christmas things to write about!)

 Live long.  Drink coffee.  And Merry Christmas. 

Focus.

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Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.

“Hello, Monday.  How kind of you to drop by…”

I know full well that for me these next two weeks will be a challenge.  

I am:

a.  moving to a new house.
b.  directing a Children’s musical.
c.  preparing to host all my family for Christmas in the aforementioned new house.

Not to mention keeping up with all the regular things like having clean clothes to wear or feeding my family.  Or all the Christmas things like addressing cards and wrapping gifts.  

*sigh*

After the kids were in bed last night, my handsome hubby looked at me and directly told me I was not allowed to talk about anything stressful for the rest of the evening.  We have two weeks of that to look forward to.  So he played a video game while I watched Cake Boss and played on Pinterest with a cup of hot peppermint tea.  Wonderfully relaxing.

And today we will tackle a massive agenda that rivals Santa’s famous list.  At the top of that list is locating this:  Mocha Nog.  I love eggnog almost as much as I coffee.  Almost.  Anderson Erickson, an independent Iowa dairy, make the best eggnog.  Nothing comes close.  Last August, while attending the Iowa State Fair, I had the opportunity to sample this new creation.  Verdict?  Mocha Nog is pretty much heaven in a cup.  And it’s officially beginning to arrive in Iowa grocery stores.  


So armed with a steamy cup of coffee, an iPod full of fresh Christmas music (just downloaded this one for $5:  100 Classic Christmas Songs)  and hopefully a tall glass of Mocha Nog later… I am ready to go all Chuck Norris on my list.  


“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am”
Philippians 4.13 (MSG)
Think about this…

On the move.

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Well, I’m here.  And oh-so-tired.  As much as I am trying to keep things organized and relaxed during this Christmas season, I find myself completely worn out.  And December doesn’t even begin until tomorrow.  

My alarm clock’s snooze button has never experienced as much action as it has seen over the last several days.  Every morning for the last week, I have hit the snooze button incessantly and repeatedly, eating away my precious mornings… seven minutes at a time. I am just plain tired.

I ran into an acquaintance while out running errands a few days ago and she remarked, “You look tired.”  How kind.  Did she not realize I had just spent the better part of half an hour applying my makeup, styling my hair and selecting the perfect outfit that day?   I am not sure that it is ever appropriate to tell someone they “look tired.”  (Unless, perhaps they have just finished a marathon or are running around in their pajama pants at Walmart.  Two scenarios that will never happen for me.)

Everyone knows I am a planner.  And I have all those lists.  Gifts to make.  Goodies to bake.  Cards to write.  And on and on and on.  You might be thinking… “But you have nearly a month until Christmas.” 
That is certainly true, however, there is one little thing that came up rather quickly and unexpectedly.  We are moving.  Soon.  Before Christmas.

Not like cross-country moving, just across town, but moving none-the-less.  Our family is pretty well-versed when it comes to this.  I’d say we have it down to an art.  Because of the nature of hubby’s job, we have done a whole lot of it.  However, being good at moving doesn’t make it any less work.  Especially with three kids in tow.

I am happy (Yay.  New house.  And more bathrooms.), but I find myself delaying the days as long possible (hence the alarm clock incident), because I know how much work each day holds for me right now.  Purging is hard, but necessary and a bit exciting. (I already have piles of clothes, toys, and shoes for Good Will.)  The idea of a fresh start is always a thrill. 

The Great Christmas Plan of 2011 is still in place, albeit consequently altered and already off-schedule.  So forgive me if my Christmas cards are late and my goodies are less plentiful.  (Seriously, it’s just killing me to not have one single Christmas decoration up yet!)

Let’s just say, I’m glad that no matter where my family will be or what we are doing, we will all be together… and there will be coffee.

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
   or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
   He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
   He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
   And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
   gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
   young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
   They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
   they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40.27-31 (MSG)

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Dear Grandma.

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It is the one time a year I purchase processed cheese, (usually in the form of Velveeta), in a vain attempt to replicate your famous homemade mac & cheese. 

I am pretty organic and whole-grainey these days.  It goes against nearly all I believe in when it comes to food, yet Thanksgiving dinner isn’t quite the same without the creamy, indulgent richness of my favorite childhood dish.

My attempt has ended in utter failure yet again.  It has been 2 1/2 years since you passed and even longer since I’ve tasted such decadence.  (The dementia took you far too early…)  

I have followed your recipe with diligence and I have tweaked your recipe thinking something might be wrong and I just can’t get it right.  I admit, I don’t add all the food coloring you used to, but certainly that can’t be it.  I am inclined to believe there were secrets in your head that you never bothered to write down.  How I wish I had the chance to glean more kitchen wisdom from you before you went home.

Perhaps it’s just as well.  Maybe it’s time the macaroni and cheese becomes shelved as a beloved childhood memory.  Sometimes new traditions are worth establishing…


Rest assured, however, Grandma… I have definitely mastered your yeast rolls and in that fact, I rejoice.


Love you forever and always.

Many Thanks.

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Tomorrow’s goodies are prepped and I am tired in a good way.  The aroma of pumpkin spice and hot yeast rolls wafts throughout the house.  My kitchen is a wreck, but that’s okay for now.  

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I find myself taking a break, sipping a cozy cup of hot peppermint tea and counting the multitude of blessings in my life (none of which I  deserve).

There are far too many to list, but in particular, here are a few things I am thankful for:

1.  Restoration.  Nothing is ever truly set in stone.  Situations that at one time seemed impossible can irrevocably be changed.  I am blessed to see broken relationships mended and to experience true peace.  Stories are still being written…

2.  Good health.  After two major health scares in our little family this past spring, all seems to be well.  I could never put a price on the peace of mind that comes with health.  

3.  Family.  Immediate and extended.  Cliche, but pertinent.  I could not have asked for a more loving husband or sweeter daughters.  I am blessed to have two incredible parents who love and support me.  I have two beloved sisters whom I count as my dearest of friends.  I can’t imagine it to be any better (except that maybe we all lived just a little bit closer to each other).

And tomorrow we will all gather around a large, roasted bird, delighting in sweet fellowship, and carrying on as if hardly any time had passed since we last chanced to meet.  

And it will be beautiful.  
And inevitably too short.  
But good.  
Very.
Very.
Good.

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm
 1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
      sing yourselves into his presence.
 3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
      He made us; we didn’t make him.
      We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.
 4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
      Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
      Thank him. Worship him.
 5 For God is sheer beauty,
      all-generous in love,
      loyal always and ever. 
This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday.

Falling Back.

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Time Change.  One of my favorite moments of the year because it’s a sign of things to come.  Things like early darkness, (I find this incredibly cozy), colder weather (an even better excuse to sip more coffee), and the holidays.  

It can also be a time to “fall back,” and re-evaluate and prepare for the upcoming excitement of all things homey, sparkling, and smelling of cinnamon spice.

I am a planner so I adore the list-making.  Christmas cards. Gifts.  Party Planning.  Menus. Holiday goodies.  Even a list for the grocery store to buy those ingredients you only buy once each year is special.

It’s easy to get caught up.  Distracted.  By the parties.  By the sales.  By the the things that don’t really matter. 

This year I have decided to have an Intentional Christmas.  This means I choose to intentionally set my own priorities.  It seems that there are so many demands thrust upon me during this time of year:

Host this event.  Send this many cards.  Spend this much money on that person and that much money on this person.  Bake treats for this and bring hot cocoa for that.  Go caroling.  Build a snowman.  Buy cute Christmas frocks for my girls.  And a partridge in a pear tree.

And then I wake up December 26.  And it’s over.  And I’m exhausted.  And although we had a great time, sometimes it feels like I just finished running a marathon.  It’s easy (and dangerous) to reduce Christmas to a series of lists.

My priorities are revealed in the places where my time and money are invested and this year I plan to make some adjustments.

I want to make sweet memories with my little ladies and my sensational husband (like letting little hands measure out all the ingredients to our traditional Buche de Noel even though it will take three times as long to make).  I want to be a blessing to someone less fortunate than us (because I remember what joy this kindness has brought to our family through others when we needed it most).  I want to teach my sweet girls the value of a thoughtful gift (and not merely a trinket haphazardly snatched from the Walmart holiday gift aisle).

I want to remember the birth of my King in the most intentional way that I can.  My darling 4-year-old said to me last week, “Just forget about the presents, it’s really about a baby.”  Perhaps I have demonstrated something right so far, but even so…

We are well on our way to the grand crescendo of Christmas and things are going to be delightfully different this year. 



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