Category Archives: Randomness

November 17, 2008 · 6:00 am

Let’s just call this a mental detox Monday.


After last week’s emotional roller coaster of writing, I decided to lighten it up a bit this week….or at least, today. 

On that note, here is one of my favorite pictures I’ve taken recently.

goat-wp

This four-legged cutie lives on Kris’ family farm.  I’m really not sure why his dad thought goats would be a beneficial addition to the cows and whatnots, but I kind of like them.  From a distance. 

 One day, I’m going to live on a farm, home-school my children, live off the land, and have my own flock of sheep.  I will shear the sheep and make shearling slippers.  I will sell my slippers and retire.

It could happen.

Or not.

On another note, our weekend was a good one.  We went to the 11:30 service on Sunday, and I left heavy hearted.  More to come on that one whenever I’m up for it. 

What are you going to do one day?

OR…..

What was your weekend highlight?

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November 5, 2008 · 6:00 am

God Bless Barack Obama.


Perhaps, your candidate won.  Or, maybe he didn’t.  This is the not the post I had written for today.  But, I cannot in good conscience post anything else.

It’s 11:26 PM CST, 4 November 2008.  I am sitting up with the television on overflowing with so many different emotions. 

When I picked up John Henry from school today, I told him I needed to go vote.  He said, “John McCain already won!”  The school apparently held a mock election allowing him to circle his choice for president.   Upon hearing the talk of other Kindergarteners, he told me that “Barack Obama is a bad man.”  Later, he told me that another friend told him that “Barack Obama kills babies.”

You can imagine the necessary discussion with my six year old that ensued.  I assured him that Barack Obama was not a bad man.  And, that if elected president, we would pray for him and his family, always speaking blessings. 

So, John Henry sat down and wrote a letter to President Elect Barack Obama.  In that letter, he prayed for him.  “God bless Barack Obama and his family….,” he went on to read to me.  From that point on, he began pulling for Obama in the election.  And, although I was a McCain supporter, I supported my six year old’s choice. 

John Henry watched the polls with me.  He asked questions.  “Can I become president when I grow up?” 

“You can be anything you want.” I said, hearing my own mother’s voice.

“Or, I could be a cooker.  I’m a good cooker, too.”

“Yes, you are.”  I assured him.

What a day for the African-American race.  What a day for African-American mothers who can look at their sons and daughters and say with bold confidence, “You can be anything you want.”

I have read many responses to this country’s newly elected president.  Many are concerned for our country’s direction.  I don’t worry for one second about this great country.  We are a praying nation. 

Today is a day to unite as Americans.  To pray.  To bless  President Elect Barack Obama.  To speak life.  Let’s not forget the power of our words.  And, let’s not forget that God is on the throne. 

And, above all else, let’s teach our children to love one another – not matter what side of the aisle we’re on.

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.  Romans 13:8

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October 28, 2008 · 6:00 am

Rejoice My Peeps!


Today is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

I wish those were the first words out of my mouth every morning.  Instead of “why can’t I just make the coffee the night before like my mom?”  

As I was pulling into to Super Target today (that’s yesterday for you peeps), would you believe I quoted that scripture out loud?  Sure did.

Oh dear.  As I’m typing this I’m watching “Dancing With the Stars.”  Did you see them kicking it to Rob Bass’ “It Takes Two”?  I so used to be able to break it down like that.  Give me a little C&C Music Factory or  Young MC’s “Bust A Move,” and I had it.   I’ve got to get my groove back.  I’m just afraid that my groove is no longer cool.  This whole aging thing has its disadvantages.  What am I to do?  Wait until Anna is old enough to teach me the latest and greatest dance moves?  That’s just embarrassing. 

Oh, rejoice in the day.  Sorry.  That completely sidetracked me.  So, I said out loud, “Today is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Our ability or willingness to rejoice is usually governed by our day meeting our expectations.  And, when we are let down, it’s hard to find our happy place and be glad in the day. 

Hopes can be deferred.  We may not see manifestations that we hope to see.  But, God is still on the throne.  Though you may be knocked down, you’re not out.  And, that is reason enough to rejoice. 

He has given us today.  It’s a gift. 

How do you rejoice in your day?

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October 27, 2008 · 6:20 am

My big fat weekend.


As if the splendor of HSM3 (that’s High School Musical 3 for all of those with children over 14) wasn’t enough, we took the weekend fun a step further and attended the Greek Festival. 

I’ve wanted to attend the festival every October that I have lived here.  This year, with the encouragement of my friend, Irene, the kids and I went.  Irene and I go to the same gym, except she actually looks like she goes.

As soon as we arrived, we seized the chance for these great photo ops.

Then, Anna had this beautiful Greek butterfly painted on her face.  Well, I don’t know that it was necessarily a Greek butterfly, but it was a Greek Festival.  So, one can only assume such.

I e-mailed this picture to Kris who is “working” in Vegas.  He asked me to explain his “daughter giving that pose.”

I just realized that when I squeezed working in between quotation marks above, it may have given off the impression that he is involved in a Vegas prostitution ring.  Not so.  He really is working.  It just seems that trying not to roll a seven is hardly work.

I purchased some Greek coffee from the festival’s store.  (Thanks, Kristen.)  It will be a little more labor-intensive to make since it’s not coffee-pot friendly.  You make it on the stove, and when it goes POOF, it’s ready.  At least, that’s what Irene told me.  I’ll keep you posted on that one.

And, this is why I am converting to the Greek Orthodox Church:

Not every day you see that in church.  Have a good Monday.

 

 

 

 

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October 21, 2008 · 6:00 am

Today is kind of a big deal.


Today is my birthday.  And, well.  That’s kind of a big deal.  I’m not like all into myself or anything.  It’s just my favorite day of the year. 

Oh, Dusty.  You mean you enjoy it more than your own child’s birthday?  Of course, I do.  It’s MY birthday.  It’s apparently not that big of a deal to some other people.  I won’t go to namin’ names.  But, Kris has just been a little preoccupied lately.  And, to think his preoccupation has been around my entry into this world would lead me to one big letdown.  I’m not bitter or anything.  I just keep reminding him that my birthday is kind of a big deal.

Last night, I asked him if he wanted to do a guest blog and describe 34 things he loves about me.  (I’ve seen it done by some other bloggy husbands.)  Anyhoo, he was like, “I’ll do it after my meeting tomorrow morning.” 

As if my OCD would EVER let me post a blog that late in the day. 

N.E.V.E.R.M.I.N.D.  I said in the most understanding wifey voice. 

Later in the evening, he decided he needed to make a run to pick up some ink cartridges.  Uh huh.  I bet you are. 

You can bet he did.  Pick up ink cartridges, that is.

Not to worry.  I have no problemo going to buy my own birthday present. 

Truth be told.  Here are a few of my favorite gifts.

Getting aluminum up to two-five-o is kind of a big deal.  I have my own private pilot.  And an even better husband and dad.

Seriously.  Be still my heart.  And to think.  He lives down the hall from me. 

 

To never be short on pure joy?  Well, that’s a really big deal.

There you have it.  My three favorite gifts (and a few of my vacation pictures.) 

Happy Birthday to me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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October 13, 2008 · 6:00 am

Gossip Girl


I was watching Oprah the other afternoon, wishing I had a wonderful glass of wine iced tea to enjoy it with.  It was about how to handle various social situations.  Perhaps, you saw it?

Well, one situation was where a gal found herself in a “real e-mail pickle,” to quote Oprah.  She sent an e-mail gossiping about someone…..to the someone she was gossiping about! 

Yikes!  How to recover from that one?

She was given the advice to never, ever gossip via e-mail again.  As a matter of fact, don’t write anything in an e-mail you wouldn’t want to see on the front pages of the NY Times.  You know what happens.  You send an e-mail.  It gets forwarded.  Forwarded again. 

Even text messaging can produce the same “oops.”  In today’s world of mass communication, these blunders are all too common.  I can’t tell you how many times my husband has texted our pilot, Blue (yes, that’s his real name), telling him/me how much he misses me, wants to kiss me, wants to……

You get the picture. 

As a result, Blue’s job is secure for the rest of his life. 

I’ve written e-mails that were forwarded but meant for private eyes.  (Just typing “private eyes” makes me suddenly break out into the Hall & Oates song.  I’m so not kidding.)  Anyway, I’ve also texted the right message to the wrong people. 

Another issue that e-mail and text messaging presents is how we interpret the tone of the sender’s voice.  That’s why we put the little smiley faces at the end of nearly every sentence these days.  As if to say, “Hey!  Don’t take me seriously!” 

The art of communication can be lost so easily these days.  And, the risk of Susie finding out how ugly you thought her dress was last night has never been greater.

 Best thing to do?  Don’t type it. 

Has this ever happened to you?

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October 9, 2008 · 6:00 am

I’m coming out of the closet.


You didn’t ask for it. 

Here are some things you never wanted to know about me:

I’ve gone an entire day without showering.  More than once.

I can eat the biggest bowl of cereal you’ve ever seen.  Then, go for seconds.

I’m the mom who forgets Show-and-Tell days at school.

Sometimes I pray and my mind wonders off – and I forget that I was praying.

I’m insecure in the kitchen.

I want my kids to think I’m cool.  Karate moves don’t help.

I laugh uncontrollably when someone falls down or bumps their head.

I’m easily startled.

Sometimes, I yell at my children.

I often work out then come home and eat more calories than I burned.

Sometimes, I speak without thinking and regret it later.

I have hurt people.

I’m not the best driver.

I have a lot to learn.

God loves me still.

Your turn.  Anything hiding in your closet?

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October 2, 2008 · 6:00 am

Pippi Longstocking called. She wants her socks back.


Here we are again.  I wish I had some life-changing wisdom to share.

I’ve been too focused on proving improving my baking skills to learn any life lessons.  Especially after all of your encouraging comments from yesterday’s post. 

No, really.  I feel the love.

I even invited my friend, Lance, over to try some tasty confections….well, spaghetti.  He gave some lame excuse about being too busy hanging out with Bill Hybels.  I suppose tomorrow he’ll be dining with Bono.

I did re-dedicate Anna to the Lord yesterday.  After I saw THIS.

“Lord, she is yours.  Use her.  Mold her.”

Granted, I purchased those socks.  However, they certainly were not meant to accessorize corduroy CAPRIS. 

Watch out Project Runway.

John Henry’s Kindergarten experience is going quite well.  He won the desperately sought after “Respect Award” for his school.  ‘Cause that’s how we roll.

Well, I’ve bragged on Anna’s ever-progressing appreciation for the fashion industry and John Henry’s impeccable manners.  It’s your turn.

Go ahead.  Brag on your bundles of joy.  It’s Fall for crying out loud. (And Sting’s birthday.) 

 

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October 1, 2008 · 6:00 am

Oh, Autumn. You’re just too marvelous for words.


Hello Fall!  Well, almost.  October is here.  Hip, hip hooray!  I’ve never heard a living soul say “I don’t like Fall.”  The foliage turns into the most perfect colors.  It provides the most enjoyable months, weather wise, in the Sooner State.  The winter months here are COLD, and I’ve experienced far too many icy road conditions and power outages.  Spring brings tornadoes and hair destroying winds.  And summers are so dang hot, it melts my make-up.  So, Fall it is.

I remember when I first moved to Oklahoma (a.k.a. tornado alley).  I noticed an umbrella broken in half lying in Kris’ backyard.  (I’m sure cleaning that up was on his list of things to do.)  “High winds”, he said.  High winds my, um my….my hiney.  In the words of my grandma, Callie Mae, “I’m not going to gee-haw with you,” I told him.  Try TORNADO.  I suppose he thought I would turn myself right ‘round and head back south if I knew the truth.  Thus, the lies began.

Oh, I kid.

Anyhoo, I do love this time of year.  I celebrate my birthday – my favorite day of the year.  Right, Cindy?  I light pumpkin-scented candles and bake pumpkin bread.  I sit on my back porch and enjoy my 2 inches of yard.  I pull out my yummy sweaters and embrace them as though I’m seeing an old friend.  I LOVE this time.  Did I mention that?

What do you love most about this time of year? 

Oh, and I so had you going on that “baking” part, didn’t I?

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September 23, 2008 · 6:00 am

What a strange Monday.


Yesterday was.

Let’s see.  I took the kiddos to school.  Went out to breakfast with the parental units.  Took my dad to the airport.  (Mom is staying with us a few more days.  Hooray!)  I went by our office, ran a few other random errands, and headed back home.  But, when I walked into my house, I found my mom and my friend, Jennifer, locking the front door and debating their next move.

A disturbed neighborhood boy had a few moments earlier entered our house uninvited.  My mom yelled at him to leave.  He did, but immediately returned and tried to push the door back open.  Mom and Jen managed to shut the door and lock it.  That’s where I entered. 

When I saw the young man trying to open a bedroom window, I dialed 911.  This time, our 911 call would be legit.  Unlike this time.  When his efforts failed, he decided to try another window.  My big, bad yellow dog stared him down, and he turned away.  But not far away.  Only to our front porch.

Where he lied down.

Yes.  He decided to enjoy a warm, fall day on my porch steps.  After he realized I was not going to serve him up some lemonade, he went about his merry way, lurking in other neighbor’s windows.

Three police cars arrived, and one officer wrestled the poor fellow to the ground and put him in the back of his car.  My emotions vacillated between sadness for the young man and fear.  I was saddened that the boy was not being properly cared for. 

And, I was fearful to learn that he lived across the street from me.  And, my children.

Without delay, I surrendered those fearful thoughts to God.  I prayed that my Savior would capture every thought and every fear that was not from Him.  This doesn’t mean that I won’t be more aware of my surroundings.  I will.  But, I will trust in the One who says that He, “has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”  (2 Timothy 1:7)

So, when the enemy comes at you with fear, remind him of who you are.  A child of God.  Bought with a price.  Redeemed and forgiven.  Hidden with Christ in God.  Seated with Jesus Christ.  More than a conqueror. 

You are victorious.  Because, He has made you that way.  Can I get an Amen?

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

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