Monthly Archives: August 2009

August 14, 2009 · 6:00 am

Favorite Comment of the Week.

I love all of your comments on this here Randomness blog.  But, my favorite comment this week is courtesy of Judy.  For all you Twitter folk, that’s @judypyoung, mother of @thelanceyoung and @bonniespencer. 

In response to the post, “She Will As Soon As She Finishes Her Puzzle,” Judy comments:

“…when o when did I stop skating to my room????”

Seriously.  When did we stop skating to our room? 

Love her.

Happy Weekend!

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August 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Broken And A Contrite Heart.

I keep getting these e-mails about potential boarding schools.  I’ve yet to classify them as spam, you know, just in case.  Oh, I would never.  I could never. 

Could I?

No.  I love this insanely unpredictable saga I live with a husband, two kids, and a dog.  And, of course, baby number three forming as I type. 

Yesterday, I told you about our latest parenting issue with little Miss Takle.  But yesterday afternoon, I encountered a discipline issue with John Henry.  And, his response broke me.

He had mistreated his sister.  It was small stuff by most people’s terms.  But, we see treating each other the way Christ wants us to treat each other as big stuff. 

I sent him to his room.  I entered knowing that he would have to be disciplined.  After it was over, he fell in my arms, and wailed, “The things I did to my sister were wrong!”  His heartfelt repentance broke him.

It broke me.

I felt tears touching my shoulders, and I’m sure he felt tears touching his.  There are times when my children tell one another they are sorry, because we force it on them.  Then, there are moments like these where they are truly broken.  They experience true repentance. 

Later that evening, John Henry asked me to tell Kris what happened. 

“You want me to tell Dad?”  I asked him.

“Yes.  I want him to know,” he responded.

He doesn’t even understand the scripture of confessing your sins to one another, but he is already practicing it.  I couldn’t help but think.  When is the last time I felt that kind of repentance in my own heart?  Where I was really broken?  Am I that broken when I talk about someone behind their back?  When I mishandle someone?  When I sin against my Father? 

Lord, create in me a new heart.  Renew a right spirit within me.

Let me come before your throne with a heart of David.  And, understand, once again, the JOY of your salvation.   

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.  You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.  Psalm 51:17

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August 12, 2009 · 8:31 am

She Will As Soon As She Finishes Her Puzzle.

Had I typed a single word last night, it would have simply been “nauseated.”  Just as I was beginning to get over this ugly, ugly word, it resurfaced like that bitter, old aunt who won’t go back home fast enough.  I attempt to remind myself that of the miracle growing inside of me.  But, instead, I glare at my husband, because this is clearly his fault. 

I wake up this morning, and eat a piece of toast with raspberry preserves and drink a little caffeine free coke.  I feel better.  For now.  So, perhaps, now I can write something that won’t sound so, well, bitter?  Yes.

Here is our latest issue in parenting.  It concerns our funny and determined four year old.  Surprised?  I didn’t think so.  Anna has a reason for everything.  EVERYTHING.  You can also ask her to do something, and she has her very own way of getting to the task.  For example, Kris asked her to go put her shoes on.  She first puts on her skate, because she plans to skate to her room to where her shoes are. 

I got this.

Kris didn’t.

She had a talkin’ to.

I privately explained to Kris that her intent was to skate to her room, then she’d obey his instruction.  Kris explained to me that she should obey right away without excuse or delay.

I tend to agree.  But, it sure is hard, because really?  She has some pretty valid explanations.  I mean, wouldn’t you rather skate to your room than walk like normal people?  So, Kris, er, we, have been cracking down on her delayed obedience.  He’s right in doing so.  I just get her. 

Perhaps, I see myself in her little four-year old body? 

But still.  Delayed obedience really isn’t obedience is it?  Parenting is tough.  Especially when those funny girls are just so dang cute.

You can relate, yes?

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August 11, 2009 · 6:00 am

Meet Gobacho.

Since we don’t always have a conventional schedule, our family nights can land on any given day.  Like a Monday night.  Last night, the boys picked Star Wars to be the focus of snuggle time and brownies.  That’s when Anna informed us “Gobacho” is her favorite.

Friends, meet Gobacho:

Chewbacca wp

Oh, that girl makes my heart merry.  Not a single day can pass without her making me laugh.

A merry heart doeth good like medicine.  Proverbs 17:22

Who makes you laugh?

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August 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

We ARE The Church.

This weekend, Pastor Craig Groeschel explained that Christ-followers looking to the church to meet all of their needs is bad theology.  This wasn’t the first time I’ve heard this said, and I’ve always agreed with the statement.  But, God decided to mess me up with it about 2:00 am Sunday morning.  Not sure why we couldn’t talk at a more decent hour, but I’m not one for arguing with the giver of life.  At least, not on Sunday. 

At first, these thoughts started sweeping through my mind:

When did we become such consumers in our faith that we sit on the edges of our seats waiting for that one song to make us engage in worshipping our Creator?  Or that one message that would solidify our spiritual journey or give us that tingling feeling to make us go home feeling good about ourselves? 

As if the transforming power of “For God so loved the world that He gave” isn’t enough? 

I do not take for granted creative ways for reaching lost people.  I believe using whatever means we have to lead people to Christ.  And, while we as Christ-followers enjoy the media driven, smoke and lights presentation, it’s not really for us.

The church is not here for us.  We are the church.  And, we exist for the world.

After I began to process all of these thoughts, God began to talk to me about how I parent my children.  I love giving to my children.  I will continue to give to my children.  But not at the cost of them translating those gifts – or their needs being met – to how they view the church.  God showed me to instruct and inspire my children so they understand that THEY are the church.  THEY exist for the world.  So, I’m praying God will put before us opportunities where we can be just that.  The Church.  And, I know those opportunities are many. 

I don’t want to just go through the motions of life.  I don’t want my children to fail to recognize who they are.  The bride of Christ. 

Pastor Bill Hybels says, “the church is the hope of the world.”

I could not agree more.

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August 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

When Insecurities Strike.

I must be honest.  Really, I must.  I sort of feel silly for writing this post, because, I overcame the feelings I’m about to share with you about as quickly as they surfaced.  But, if I’m going to be transparent on this blog, then I should be transparent.  Right?

So, yesterday, I felt insecure.  Insecure in how I look.  Insecure in what I provide (or don’t provide) for my family….

Just insecure. 

Granted, I’m pregnant.  I’m hormonal.  Insecurities can happen to any woman – hormonal or not.  But, I don’t like that feeling.  I don’t like feeling “Oh heavens, if people could see me now with no make-up in my elastic waistband shorts and t-shirt that is fitting even more snug around the chest thanks to the growing size of my ta-tas and such.”  You know.  THAT feeling.  Of course, I’m not ashamed at all to show you my freshly highlighted hair.  That’s something, right? 

So, I was dealing with all of these yuck feelings.  Then, I’d wonder what in the Sam Hill Kris Takle could see in me now?  Except, I do clean up well and can be ridiculously funny.  But still.

After I put the kids to bed, I sat down on my sofa, and I thought about these feelings.  Then, it struck me.  At what point in my week did I begin making things all about me?  At what point in my week did I fail to recognize my Creator, and who He is in my life?  At what point did I fail to read His word?  At what point did I take my eyes off of Him and put them on me?

I am enough.  You are enough.  Because, of His grace.

I didn’t chastise myself.  I didn’t feel this huge urge to ask God for forgiveness.  Instead, I felt relief.  Relief knowing that all I have to do is look once again into my Savior’s eyes and see who I really am.  A girl in elastic waistband shorts who is loved by a King.

I remember I’m a temple of God, and His Spirit lives in me.  (1 Cor. 3:16)

And, again, I find my identity in Him.

Then, I’m okay.

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August 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

My Mom.

Is the first person I call with any life-changing, gut-wrenching, or hair-raising news.

Will find any story about my children amusing.  Any.

Never has enough money to spend on herself, but is a dadgum millionaire if I want something.

Is relentless when it comes to trusting in God.

Loves my dad, and will still laugh at things he does.  Usually with me behind his back.  But still.

Is the best Easter Bunny EVER.

Makes the best cake in the entire gargantuan universe. 

Will still cry when she thinks about her mom and dad.

Loves to ride her Harley, and I will raise my fist if she ever gets a tattoo.  Raise it, I tell you!  No.  I wouldn’t raise my fist.  My brow, perhaps.

Thinks I’m funny.  I love to make her laugh.

Is the best mom.

Ever.

In the history.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

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August 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

Finding New Ways To Connect.

I’m learning that how I connect with my children changes from year to year.  I used to always be able to connect with John Henry by simply snuggling with him on the sofa in front of a movie. 

Snuggling just isn’t cool.  Not always. 

When I read John Eldredge’s Wild At Heart almost seven years ago, I knew this day would come.  I knew one day, I would have to modify the way I nurture my son.  Because, he is a future warrior.  And, I want him to be comfortable being the man God created him to be.  So, I’ve had to find new ways to connect with him.

Here is one.

JH - Mom

Nothing says love like a fight with super soakers.

Especially for a six-year old boy.

JH - Mom 2

I’m pretty sure I won this round.  And, he can’t wait for a re-match. 

It’s my prayer that if I engage in things with him that he loves….in activities that make him feel good about being a young man, he will be comfortable sharing his heart. 

And, I want his heart more than I want his obedience.  Because, when I capture his heart, obedience simply follows. 

I am not a perfect mother to my son.  I fail often.  I think I probably fail far too often.  But, I don’t want to.  I want to take the time to put down my insignificant distractions and get soaked outside with my beautiful, blue-eyed boy.  God has entrusted me with John Henry.  And, I love him so, so very much.

What is one way you connect with your kids?

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August 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

No Boys Allowed.

It’s been about a year since we discovered this on Anna’s bedroom wall.

Anna - wall wp

Kris decided that we should let her keep this sketch of her name.  But, not before a long discussion on why she was to never do it again.

Fast forward to yesterday evening.  In walks Anna into the family room.

“Mom, I need you to wet a towel for me.”

“Why?” I queried.

“Because, I did something I’m not supposed to do.”

I walked into her room, and this is what I saw on her door entrance:

Anna - door wp

With permanent marker.

If I know Kris, he’ll allow her to keep this work of art, too.  Because, after all, boys are NOT allowed in her room. 

Ever.

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August 3, 2009 · 10:20 am

Tooth Mishaps & Other Stuff.

Made it back to Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, or something like that.  The wind, it sweeps alright.  John Henry decided to lose pull his tooth just as we were boarding our flight home.  “I’m just trying to make money,” he explained.  Tooth Fairy was so completely exhausted by night time, she almost failed to pay up.  John Henry is so resolute about making money on his teeth, we fear he won’t have any teeth left very soon.  Perhaps, it makes sense to go ahead and introduce him to the workforce.  You know, to save him from pulling his permanent teeth, too.

Of course, I am not one to pass judgment on timely tooth matters.  I noticed on my flight home that my front tooth felt a bit odd.  And sharp in an area.  What?  I chipped my tooth?  How?  I had no idea how in the world I could have done this.  It’s not like I bite into foods with my front teeth.  It wasn’t until I was lying in bed that I remembered.

In an effort to reset my watch back to the central time zone, I used my front teeth to loosen up the little winder thingy.  Blast.  What was I thinking?  I’d make money from the Tooth Fairy?  Grrrr.

I have no dentist in Oklahoma.  So, I sent out a message on Twitter and Facebook asking for suggestions on a local dentist.  And, boy do people love their dentist!  How to choose between 50 of THE BEST dentists in the state? 

When we finally got home, it was pretty clear that there was nothing we were going to be eating in the Takle house, unless potatoes that turned into a massive tree branch sounded appetizing.  This disgusting adventure motivated me to clean out both refrigerator and pantry.  How, oh how, we do keep salad dressings from 2005?  I, embarrassingly, threw away 4 trash bags full of food.  Not the wisest of things to do for a woman still enduring her first trimester. 

For.The.Love.

I dismantled our entire refrigerator, scrubbing every nook and cranny.  Today, I am proud to say it is beautiful, friends.  Just beautiful.  Nothing feels quite as therapeutic as opening up your refrigerator door knowing you can eat ANYTHING inside. 

Anna decided to change clothes, again, before we trekked to the grocery store to restock our kitchen.  This is what she changed into to:

Anna - outfit wp

Nothing says you’re ready to take on Oklahoma’s sweltering temps like jeans and a sweater.  And, NOTHING says fashion like ripped floral jeans and dress shoes. 

Nothing.

She insisted on keeping her size sticker on her shirt.

Anna - size sticker wp

This way, it would “stay new.”

Makes perfect sense.  No chance you’ll see me sporting my size sticker.  Just sayin’.

It’s good to be home.  But, I do miss those Georgia Peaches.

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