Monthly Archives: February 2010

February 26, 2010 · 6:00 am

These Are Things Money Can’t Buy.

If you’re tired of reading about how sweet my seven year old is, feel free to click the “x” in the top right-hand corner.  But, I just had to record this day with him.

I was completely exhausted yesterday due to one little Jett Takle preparing for the 2028 Winter Olympics inside my belly the night before.  But, I wasn’t going to dare miss out on watching John Henry receive his Servant Leadership Award yesterday afternoon at school.

When I told him he was going to be receiving this award, he responded, “Wow!  That’s the award for putting others first!” 

By the way, Anna’s expression in the background of the pic just makes me laugh.  Sweet Anna Takle, you would definitely get the award for “Most Artistic in Fashion” or “Most Social” or “Most Likely To Make Her Mother Laugh.” 

Proud, but still so stinkin’ tired when we got home, John Henry gave me a letter. 

Dear Mom I hope you are ok.  You are the best mom ever.  I can not beleve your my mom.  I am going to let you chose what you want to eat if we go out to a restront.  If Dad is flying I will pertect (protect) you.  I am glad you are my mom.  You chose the right man.  You chose Chris.  From John Henry

*Disclaimer:  He is referring to Kris….not some other Chris.  Thought I should clarify before this blog lost its family rating.

What is in a seven year old to acknowledge that I chose Kris?  To say, “You chose the right man?” 

At the beginning of the school year, John Henry needed some answers about why he has two dads.  I explained the best I could so he would understand.  In the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered if he would one day struggle with the fact that he has two dads and his siblings have one. 

But, in letters like this, I see a young man who is thankful that Kris is in his life.  I see two dads who love him so sweetly.  And, I see a Heavenly Father who has never let him down.

And, that is redemption.

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February 23, 2010 · 6:00 am

At All Times.

“I hope of all the qualities I have inherited from my father that being a good friend is one of them.  He is always a friend to the end.”

That was my last tweet on the Twitter last night.  If I ever want to know what a true friend looks like, I should always look my father. 

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or haven’t done.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve been embraced by thousands or rejected by the world.  Once you are his friend, you are his friend for life.

I sat alone in my living room last night and thought about the qualities that make him such a good friend.  We often tell our friends, “I’m here if you need me.”  But, sometimes, we only translate that to the big stuff – if something bad happens. 

One of my good friends called me last night and asked me if I could watch her children while she went to the doctor today.  “Sure I will,” I told her. 

It would be easy for me to say, “Girlfriend, I am so pregnant.  That’s not gonna work out for me.”  But, that’s not really being a true friend.  It’s easy to give excuses.  It’s easy to become so caught up in our schedule, our life, our families, that when a friend interrupts that routine, we almost become resentful. 

We use the term, “You have to set your boundaries.”  But, I think, often times, we misuse it.  I’ve said it many times.  “Set your boundaries!”  When really, all I need to do is set my priorities.  When my priorities are in order, I don’t’ really have to set boundaries.  I’m sure I’ll create some controversy over that one.  But, that’s how I feel.  Today.

Dad will fly hundreds of miles to be there for a friend.  And, he will drop his schedule to help a friend across the street move.  He’s always there when a friend needs him.

I want to be that kind of friend.

A friend loves at all times….  Proverbs 17:17

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February 22, 2010 · 6:00 am

It’s Girls’ Night Out.

Actually, it was Girls’ Day Out.  Y’all know I can’t stay out past 5:00 these days.  Momma gets tie-red.  Kris and I are trying to squeeze in some one on one time with our kiddos before their little brother gets here and consumes a lot of it.  So, Anna and I, well, Anna planned our Girls’ Day Out day.  And, John Henry and Kris had a Boys’ Afternoon Out.  I only have one picture of Kris and John Henry’s time together.  Boys just don’t take pictures like us girls do.

The boys went to Laser Quest to play laser tag, of course.  Kris came home quite enthused and insisted that he and I go back together after Jett is born.  Absolutely, that is the destination I was thinking.  It’s like we are constantly thinking the same thoughts.  Weird.

They left Laser Quest and picked up pizza to enjoy with an evening of Darth of Vader finally telling Luke, “I am your father!”  They had fun.  And, good conversation – the really added bonus of it all.

Anna knew exactly what our day should like from start to finish. 

Nothing begins a Girls’ Day Out quite like the short stack at Jimmy’s Egg.  We drive by Jimmy’s Egg daily.  And, daily I hear, “Momma, let’s go to Jimmy’s Egg!”  She got her wish.  Along with the next three hours spent at the Paint ‘N Station.

Yes.  THREE HOURS.  I had so much time on my hands, that I painted this little Easter platter using Anna’s handprint.  I’m hoping that once it’s fired, it’ll look a bit more presentable.  Anna could pick out ANYTHING in the store to paint.  Of all the options, she picked a sugar dish.  Because, every little girl dreams of having her own sugar dish.  I think I was so delirious from paint fumes or waiting THREE HOURS for her to finish that I just clearly forgot to take a picture of her finished product. 

We finished up at McDonald’s for ice cream.

It was not an unusually warm day in Oklahoma.  A tank top was just her attire of choice.  It was Girls’ Day, after all.

Kris and John Henry closed the weekend building John Henry’s Pinewood Derby car for Cub Scouts. 

Thank the good Lord Kris was around to help cut out this baby.  The only thing I can cut from a block of wood is…. 

Hmmm.  Well, I don’t think I can cut anything from a block of wood.

So, I’ll stick with pancakes, painting, and ice cream.  I am accomplished at eating.  That is for certain.

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February 19, 2010 · 6:00 am

I Love His Blue Eyes, Too.

He gets into trouble just like any other seven year old boy.  He can be silly.  He loves to entertain us with his renditions of songs from Elvis to the Steve Miller Band to our hometown’s Death On Two Wheels.  Then, he’ll hear David Crowder’s “How He Loves Us” and sing it with such a worshipful heart that he melts mine every single time. 

He’s just a really cool kid.  Of course, I could be slightly biased.  

Throughout my pregnancy, he has been patient.  Understanding.  And, always concerned for me.  He asks me daily, “Mom, how are you feeling?  Are you feeling okay?”  He has brought me breakfast in bed more than once.  The toast is always a little heavy on the strawberry preserves, but it’s perfection in my eyes.  And, when he prays out loud, he always prays for me and his little brother. 

I’m really not sure how I got so blessed, but I could not be more thankful that he is my son. 

John Henry, I love, love being your mom.

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February 18, 2010 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, I Think I’m Good At Doing God’s Job.

My friend, Robin Storch, said something that was pretty life-changing for me recently.  For real!  Life-changing!  She was sharing something God had showed her, but followed it up with, “But it’s not my job to convince him of anything.”

I know.  It sounds simple.  But, I find that whenever God shows me something about someone or something, I always feel compelled to convince the other party, usually my husband, to step forward in that direction.  After all, God told me so.  Shouldn’t he trust the voice of the Father in my life?  But, in reality, it’s not my job to convince him or anyone of what God tells me. 

Because, I’m not the Holy Spirit.  But, I do play a good one.  Okay, I don’t.  But, I like to think I do.

I can only share my heart, and leave it.  I have to trust God to show Kris or whomever this concerns when HE is ready. 

So, that is it. 

It’s not my job to convince someone else of something God shows me. 

He’s God.  I’m not.  I’ll let Him do His thing.

He’s better at it.

Do you ever try to be the Holy Spirit?

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February 16, 2010 · 6:12 am

When Nagging Doesn’t Work…And, It Never Does.

Yesterday, my good friend, Cindy Beall, posted “Shut Up And Pray” revealing the power of praying for your spouse…..versus the not so easily received nagging by your spouse.  It was good stuff.

There are times when issues need to be discussed.  And, a long time ago, I posted “Conversations That Work,” a few lessons I’ve learned in how to communicate with my spouse. 

But, not all issues really need to be confronted.  Because, sometimes, those issues are our issues….not theirs.  So, when we address “our stuff” with our spouse, it will usually come out in the form of nagging.  I don’t always zip it, lock it, and put it in my pocket like I should.  But, I really try. 

One evening, a couple of weeks ago, I was just frustrated with Kris.  (He doesn’t even know it….except, now he does, IF HE READS MY BLOG TODAY.  Not bitter.)  I made the very difficult decision of not saying a word.  I went to bed….

AND, I PRAYED FOR HIM.

I didn’t even pray, “Lord, show him he needs to do this or that.”  Instead, I prayed blessings over his life.  I prayed that God would bless him in everything he does and touches.  That He would give him peace wherever there is no peace.  That any stress in his life that wasn’t from God, He would gently remove from his life.

Blessings.  That’s what I prayed.

The next morning, I woke up to a different man.  Or, perhaps, I woke up to a different me?  I had a brand new perspective and an even greater love for Kris. 

Our words are powerful.  Our prayers make a difference in BOTH of our lives. 

Bless your husband by praying for him.  It works much better than nagging.  I promise.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  Proverbs 31:12

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February 15, 2010 · 6:00 am

Countdown to Jett Takle.

Thank heavens for mommas.  Mine was here for a few days to help me prepare for our baby boy’s arrival.  I’ve been motivated to get busy with his room.  However, my motivation had not exceeded calling a painter to paint his room. 

Here are a few pics of what we she accomplished:

I confiscated the biplane pic from our office.  Do you think Kris has noticed it missing yet?  I bet he does now.

As soon Jett arrives, we will fill this frame with a sweet little picture of him with his big bro and sis.  It’s low to the ground so he can see it….as are his hats.  Because, he is obviously going to be wondering where his hats are next month.

Of course, Anna Takle needed to make sure she was a part of the organizing process.  Or, at least, the photo ops.  What you don’t see in this picture is her third ponytail in the back.  And, don’t think I don’t have a picture of the back of her hair.  She insisted on it.

We are going to put a picture of Jett above his crib inscribed with a scripture.  I’ve been praying about that scripture, but I think I may have decided on one.  More to come later there.  And um, Jett will probably need to get here before I can complete that project. 

I’ll post more pics as soon as the room is completely finished.  Mom will probably be ready for a vacation when she gets back home today.  Between working hard on Jett’s room, doing my laundry, and entertaining John Henry and Anna, she insisted I rest.

I resisted every time for at least three seconds.  Then, she’d refill my water bottle, and I’d return to yelling loudly for Apolo Ohno. 

What would I ever do without her? 

I haven’t a clue. 

It’s been said that “a mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” 

That is my mother.  I am blessed.  Very, very blessed.

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February 12, 2010 · 6:00 am

Her Ability To Make Me Laugh Is Often Redemptive.

I told her the brown leggings with the peach flowers looked hideous with her shirt.  She disagreed.  I told her to change pants.  She did.

Sort of.

So, when I picked her up from school, how in the name of all things Vogue, did she manage to have on the brown leggings again? 

Because, she wore them under the pants that won my stamp of approval. 

“Besides,” she said, “My teacher liked them.”

Any and all advice on raising a strong-willed little girl is appreciated.  As are prayers.  And boxes of chocolate.  And a vacation for two to the Caribbean. 

But, I do have hope.  You see, I was a very similar five-year old.  And, my mom still loves me today.

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February 10, 2010 · 6:00 am

The Eagles Said Take It Easy. So Did My Doc.

My lack of writing yesterday was due to a rough night and morning with a contraction or ten.  No.  I was not in labor.  Just a tad uncomfortable.  I decided to ease the pain by taking a relaxing, warm bath.  When Anna walked in and saw me, she giggled and said, “Mom, you’re too big for the bathtub.” 

Yes, she is still alive and well.

I called my doctor at the persistence of my husband.  The nurse requested I go to the hospital just as a precautionary measure.  Something, I clearly did not want to do.  But, I did.  Baby is fine.  I am fine.  To quote my nurse, “You are 35 years old and pregnant with your third.  Things just don’t hold together like they used to.”

Yes, she is still alive and well.

Actually, she was a very sweet nurse and took great care of me.  She asked if I had been over-doing it at all.  I told her I had somewhat of a, ahem, busy weekend. 

What did you think I was going to tell her?  “Um, well, I did go to Dallas and shop all day, then caught a flight the next day to Atlanta then back to Oklahoma two days after that.”

No. Dadgum. Way. 

But, Kris completely uncovered me and was like, “Yeah, I thought she was going to a conference….”

Yes, he is still alive and well.

I was sent me home with orders to drink plenty o’ water and take it easy.  I interpreted that as “Shopping is permitted, just take frequent latte water breaks.”

In better news, my mom is here.  And, that, my friends, makes my world a better place.  Well, that and a box of Junior Mints. 

So, there ya go.  And, no worries.  My self-esteem is still intact thanks to a husband who told me I am beautiful.  He listened well to my dad’s message on Sunday.  That being said, go compliment your spouse today.  It might be exactly what he or she needs to hear.

Okay.  I’m taking a water break now.

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February 8, 2010 · 5:00 am

This Is Where Coherency & Good Writing Go Out the Window.

It was a crazy, busy, fun weekend, and quite frankly, I’m spent.  I’ll write something a little more coherent later.  I went to Dallas with ten of the best ladies on the planet.  They are my BSers, you see.  Ahem, my Bible Study gals.  We left early Friday morning and I shopped until I dropped….almost literally.  But, that’s another story.

We traveled to Dallas only for food, shopping, and fun together.  I’m not sure why Kris thought I might be going to see Beth Moore or someone like her.  I told him no such thing.  Promise.  But, when he called me Friday night, he asked me, “What time is your thing tomorrow?”

“What thing?” I asked him.

“Your conference,” he said.

“Conference?  We didn’t come to Dallas for a conference.”

“What did you go there for?”  He questioned. 

“To shop, eat, and be together.”

“Well, I missed that memo!” 

It’s kind of cute that he would automatically think that any girls’ trip I take would be to hear some fabulous preachin’ and all. 

But, come on.  Sometimes, there is just as much spiritual renewal in being with a bunch of women who love Jesus, a good deal, and chips and salsa. 

Okay.  I’m out.  Back later with something.  I’m not sure what.  But something.

Love y’all.  Mean it.

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