Monthly Archives: December 2008

Revelations and Resolutions.


Revelations.

– I can gain weight faster than I can lose it.

– Plans change, but God is still in control.

– I love being a momma.  Love it.

– Marriage can be tricky.  Time alone with my husband does wonders.

– Anna’s fashion skills are evolving.  Just not sure what they are evolving into.

– I use the word “ridiculous” a lot. 

– It’s ridiculous how windy Oklahoma is.

– There is no problem chips and queso can’t cure.  At least, for a moment.

– John Henry has a heart after God.

– American Idol is the best thing on television.

– His mercies are still new every morning.

– Sometimes, I’m a monster.  According to Anna.

– Bratz dolls are ugly.

– It’s the small stuff.  The small stuff.

– Always check John Henry’s pockets before going through airport security.  Check again.

– Anna’s bedtime prayers are some of my favorite moments.

– Taking cheap shots at your spouse is so uncool.

– I have days that I doubt.

– But, God still parts the Red Sea.

– It’s amazing how many turtles one can trap.

– I have precious friends.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory…. Exodus 15:2

 

Resolutions.

– Put more of my worries into the “God box.”

– Give more.  And more.  And more.  Until it hurts.

– Encourage John Henry more.

– Become more aware of God’s presence in my life.

– Anna’s spunk and creativity are God-given.  I want to embrace it more.

– Organize my family photos.  Finally.

– Spend less time on the computer.

– Read more.

– Have more sex.  There.  I said it.  You’re welcome, KT.

– Write more.

– Call people I normally don’t call.

– Have tea with Anna.

– Give each of my children one day where they choose every food and activity for the day.  Within reason.

– Look into Kris’ eyes an extra few seconds.

– Have more quiet time with God.

– Watch every episode of American Idol.

– Give John Henry more of me.

– Laugh harder.

– Surrender all of me to Him.

– Buy the 80G iPod. 

– Write a handwritten letter.

– Be more attentive to the whispers.

– Be more careful with my words.

– Listen to my friends.  Really listen.

– Love.

– Love.

– Love.

 

What are your revelations and/or resolutions?  Come on.  Share one.  Share them all!

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Filed under giving, God Stuff, life, Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Randomness

Favorites Tuesday – Week Six

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Would you believe the End of the Year Favorites Party ends today?  Kim’s been bossin’ me around for the past six Tuesdays.  Good thing she is cute.  And sweet.  And laughs at my funniness. 

Let’s get right to it, shall we? 

Favorite 3 blogs I read.  Well, let’s call it 3 OF my favorite blogs so as not to hurt virtual bloggy feelings causing my readership to go from ten to two. 

Cindy Beall – I love this girl.  Luh-huv her.  I started reading her blog almost a year ago.  I FINALLY met this Texan-born beauty last September.  She even invited me to her bible study!  I know, right?  I keep getting invited back, because I bake the best Panera bagels.  Seriously, she’s not only full of clever wit, but she is A-NOIN-TED.  She’s like my very own Beth Moore but funnier.

Natalie Witcher – I’ve never met this gal who makes me laugh ‘til I pee my pants.  Well, I don’t really pee in my pants.  But close.  She loves Bono, little waxy chocolate donuts, and God.  And, she writes about all of them.  I get to meet her next month.  I’m stoked.  God is good.  Natalie is funny. 

Big Mama – No.  Not my Grandma “Bigmama.”  Of course, both love God, but only one loves fashion.  If you start following this gal’s blog, you will probably be one of ten-thousand.  I’m sure it’s so cliché that I read Big Mama, but I do find her writing brilliant and full of humor I can relate to.  She loves Jesus and her little girl.  To.Pieces. 

Add some of your favorites!

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Our Christmas.

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We’re not busy one single bit during the holiday season.  Right.  We do tend to make our rounds, but I love making those rounds.

Christmas morning, two little heads peeped in to see what the fat man in a red suit delivered.  Santa was unprepared Christmas Eve for the ten million stickers and parts that made the Barbie Party Cruise possible.  He, or SHE rather, was exhausted by the time she made her way back up the chimney.

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Oh, how I love those sleepy faces on Christmas morning.

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We enjoyed lunch with Bryan’s family {John Henry’s dad}.  We like to say that we put the FUN into dysfunctional.  Except, we don’t call it dysfunctional.  Just our normal.  And, we like our normal.

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Above is Bryan’s dad.  Look at sweet Paw-Paw lovin’ on both my children. 

I am asked so often how we do what we do.  In other words, how our blended family dines together, laughs together, does life together.  Simplest answer?

LOVE.

Our Christmas.  Well, it was special.  And yours?

 

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Filed under Kid Stuff, life, Love

For unto YOU….


8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”   13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:8-14

I highlighted the “you’s” in this scripture to illustrate why God sent His son.  It was for YOU.  God loves us so much that He became flesh.  John 1:14 tells us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”  In Jesus, we see the glory of God’s grace and truth.

John 1:17 goes on to explain that “the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”  So God came – Jesus was born – not only to show us His grace but to give us His grace.  He wants us to receive it and experience it.

This Christmas, experience this grace.  This grace that forgives all of your sins and takes away all guilt. 

He came to earth for you.  And, He loves you more than you know.

Have a joy-filled Christmas.  May peace and love be your portion this holiday season.

Love, Kris, Dusty, John Henry & Anna

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Favorites Tuesday – Week Five

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This week, Kim wanted us to share our favorite song of all time and why.  Since I recently wrote a similar post here, I thought I’d deviate only slightly by sharing a favorite Christmas song.  Kim won’t mind, I’m sure.  She is sweet like that. 

My favorite Christmas song is “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” written in 1946.  I especially love Natalie Cole’s version – even more than her daddy’s version.   I like to pretend I sound like her when I belt it out.  And, you won’t EVEN believe me.  But, I sang this song Monday night in Hilton Head with my K.T. man, his brother Leiv, and my sweet sister-in-law, Lindsey.  It wasn’t karaoke night.  But, where I come from, every night should be karaoke night.  Right, Renice?

I always thought the line “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” sounded lovely until I actually got a whiff of them roasting on the streets of London several years ago.  Beautiful thought.  Not very aromatic. 

Still love that song. 

And, Jack Frost is certainly nipping on my nose here in the Peach State.  I suspected that I would be leaving Jack in good ole’ Oklahoma.  He must love following me around.

Your turn!  What’s your favorite Christmas song?

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Holiday Travel.


I love traveling with children.  Love it.  Love it like I love somebody eating my last Junior Mint or breaking my favorite MAC eye shadow.  Our holiday travel to Georgia was A.WALK.IN.THE.PARK. compared to our summer road trip.  Memba that?  Oh, blessed be the name.  I am aware.  I AM AWARE.  That I am a wee bit spoiled with private travel.  So, you need not throw stones in the commentin’ area.  Mkay?  But, still.  My children obviously do not understand how significant the lives of Edward and Bella are with their relentless inquisition and chatter.  Um, can’t you see I’m reading?  {Still raptured with that dang Twilight Saga.  Sorry.}

Then upon descent, Anna initiates a loud, “DAD!  DAD!  DAD!  DAD!  DAD!”  So much for the FAA requested sterile cockpit. 

Anyhoo, we made it to our beloved G-Town.  And, nothing says holiday cheer quite like watching the movie “Elf” with my dad. 

Here is my favorite clip from the movie. 

Luh-huv it.

Are you traveling for the holidays?  Are you using duct tape to endure the travel?  I kid.  You know I do.  Ahem. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Anybody up for slaughterin’ a pig or something?


I consider myself a Southern girl but certainly not country.  Yet, when I replay conversations in my mind, I realize just how wrong I am.

A recent conversation with The Ex:

Me:  Are you ready for Christmas?”

The Ex:  “Yes.  I’ve purchased John Henry’s gift, and I even bought myself a shotgun.”

Me:  “Wow.”

{And, then I said it.}

Me:  “You oughta come down to the farm sometime and shoot.”

I know.  Right?  That’s just embarrassing y’all.

Do you ever surprise yourself with the things you say?

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Where is your heart?

This little man, dear friends.

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Has quite the heart.  And, sometimes, he amazes me with the bits of wisdom that oozes out of his little spirit.  He must get it from his momma.  Or his daddy.  Or his other daddy. 

At the dinner table, John Henry asked, “It’s Jesus’ birthday.  We have to get Him a present.  But, He has everything.  What do we get Him?”

I responded, prepared to give him Mommy’s wisdom, “Do you know what Jesus wants more than anything?”

And, before I could answer my own question, John Henry said, “He wants our heart.”

I was going to answer with “love one another.”  He answered with the greatest commandment.

Our heart is where our treasure is.  It’s where we invest the most time and energy.  It’s where our first dollar goes.  It’s in our daily routine. 

There are times I am quite certain that Jesus has my whole heart.  Other times, I give Him just a wee bit, because I’m busy with less important things like my recent Twilight Saga addiction.  Which, of course, has been a catalyst for me asking Kris various questions about vampires, and Kris responding with “You do know that vampires aren’t real.”  Then, me assuring Kris that if he were a vampire, I would want him to bite me so we could be together forever. 

It’s all very sick.  I love it.

Back to you, God.

But, He wants my whole heart. 

More than anything.

 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  Matthew 22:37-38

 

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I love Jesus and Santa Claus.


The title of this post is courtesy of a comment my dad left on my blog yesterday.  In the spirit of Christmas traditions, Dad simply said his favorites were “Jesus and Santa Claus.”  Way to go, Preacher.  Way to go. 

Unfortunately for Dad, he probably won’t love Santa Claus this year due to some serious financial cut-backs and such.  I reminded Dad of the recession at the North Pole.  He responded with a resounding, “I have everything I could ever want.”  And, the readers say, “Awwwwww.”

Truth be told, many are feeling the effects of our current economic climate.  Howevah, we still live in the most blessed nation on.the.planet.  Perhaps, this is a good holiday season to think beyond big, bright packages with ribbons and bows and enjoy the people God has placed in our lives.  

This year, why don’t we all decide to make some extra indulgences into spending time with those who make our world go ‘round.  Maybe use a little less sarcasm with a family member.  Tell that friend WHY you love her.  Play an extra game of UNO with your son.  These are the moments that last.  All of the tangible gifts will fade away. 

“’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store.  Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.’”  – Dr. Seuss ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’.

And, a big Happy Annniversary to Mom and Dad.  My greatest two examples of living out a life rich in things that really matter.

How are you going to enjoy the people in your life this Christmas?

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Filed under Friendship, giving, Love, Relationships

Favorites Tuesday – Week Four

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Celebrating Favorites Tuesday again with Kim over at Deliberate Hope!  Today’s FAVORITE is a favorite Christmas tradition.

I really don’t have a “favorite.”  I tend to enjoy all of the festivities, foods, and fun that the season brings.  But, I thought I’d share a Scandinavian tradition that I inherited when I married the K.T. man. 

What you see here is a sorry excuse for a Christmas tree that I purchased at my beloved Target last year.  Once again, I opted not to go all out with all that decoratin’ since the family would be heading south for the holidays.  What you also see by this here tree is a Yule Goat.  I know it resembles a straw, under-fed Terrier, but it’s not.  Mkay?  It’s a goat. 

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Now, I’ve been told by my blonde, Scandinavian family members that the Yule Goat watches over the gifts under the tree.  I learned a whole lot more when I visited Wikipedia.  I recommend you do your research there on the history of the goat instead of me leading you astray on this very random blog.

Kris grew up with the Yule Goat always by the tree.  We carry on that tradition.  Sort of.  Maybe not this year with my lack of festiveness in the house.  But, I have managed to convince my children that our neighbor’s outdoor lights are ours, too.  I just wished they’d stop asking me to turn our lights on before they figure out the Takle yard is bare. 

I know I can’t pull this off much longer.

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

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