February 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love.


My Valentine left yesterday for a trip.  I asked him before he left if he’d like his Valentine gift today, or if he preferred waiting until Monday upon his return home.

“Err, Monday will be good.”  He answered.

“Aha!  You want to wait until Monday, because you do not have me a gift!”  I responded, aware of my own marital trap.

“Exactly.”  He said.

“That’s okay.  I was just messin’.  I don’t have you one either.”  I told him.

I laughed.  He thought I was kind of mean.  I thought I was kind of funny.

I’ll miss him on Cupid’s little holiday.  But, I always miss him when he’s not sitting right beside me.  And, I can look into those Scandinavian eyes anytime and celebrate our crazy love.

While Kris’ love for me is pretty wonderful, it cannot compare to the love God has for me or for you.  He lavishes us with extravagance every single day.  Perhaps, we become jaded from over-exposure to things such as a bird chirping, a sunrise, or even our child’s laughter.  But, His love is extravagant. 

Even, when we mess up unbelievably, He still loves us.  Much like when our own children make a mess of things, our love for them never wanes.  Don’t we love them more today than we did the day before?  {Okay, so don’t answer that if you couldn’t get your kids in bed fast enough last night.  I feel your pain.}

I am forever amazed that we are the center of a divine love.  Wow.  It’s really hard to grasp sometimes.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  Ephesians 3:18

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day, Kris Takle.  You are my favorite person, and I love you big.

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February 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

This post is brought to you by the letter V.


Anna’s pre-school teachers backed me into a corner the other day interrogating me on what kind of language we are using in the Takle house. 

They didn’t really.  But, I bet they wondered after Anna’s little illustration.

Anna and her schoolmates are learning the letter “V”.  Who can think of a word that begins with the letter “V”?  Apparently, Anna can. 

“I know!  I know a word that starts with V!”  She claimed.

Of course, her teachers obliged.

“VUCK!  VUCK STARTS WITH V!”

Nice.

Her teachers assured me they did, indeed, hear the “V” sound.  I suppose as long as she doesn’t say “What the” in front of it, we’ll be okay.

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February 11, 2009 · 6:00 am

God is more powerful than “tormadoes.”


Nothing like blogging in the bathtub with a little circulation going on around you.  For real.  You’ll read this post tomorrow, er today, but at least you know my current writing conditions.  Not as bad as the Apostle Paul, I suppose, who wrote from prison, but hey…I feel like I’m in my own little prison.  A bathtub.  With a four year old.  And a seventy pound dog.

Anna is eating her fair share of fruit roll-ups – all a part of the Takle Emergency Tornado Kit. 

She has been crying worried about her daddy.  “I’m scared of tormadoes,” she said.  We talked to daddy to assure her he was okay until the power went out.  Now, I have no form of communication with the outside world.  I sort of feel like Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie except without the snotty friend, Nellie. 

I’m sure John Henry has taken cover with his classmates.

Yes, I am a scaird Georgia peach living in tornado alley. 

******Taking a break.  Be back soon.*******

I just said a prayer over us.  Anna commented that “God is powerful.” 

I’m thankful she is being brought up in this thing called the Kingdom. 

Okay.  Gonna go peek out the door. 

******Note here:  LONG reprieve taken due to being a chicken little.*******

The above was written around 2:30PM.  It’s currently 6:22PM CST.  We hopped in our tub another couple of times.  Anna ran faster than Bruce Jenner to the bathroom.  I suppose the Jenner reference ages me a bit.  Ya think?

Here we are roughin’ it.

tornado-wp

All is calm on the western front now.  Well, at least, the “hook echoes” are out of sight.  Kris was quite worried about us.  Awww.  He does love us. 

John Henry was locked in a safe room with several other students for three and half hours.  Kris picked him up.  When he arrived home, he laid down for a half hour before he vomited all over my favorite down blanket.   Good times.

Anna, my up and coming fashion journalist, has kept us posted on weather.  She hasn’t taken her eyes or ears off of the news.  “The news says the buses are running!”  She informed. 

“It’s the SIDE of the building!  The SIDE!”  She later reported.

Not so sure what that was all about, but we thanked her still for being our relentless informant.   Move over Rachel Zoe AND Katie Couric.  There is a new journaling fashionista in town.

Okay internet peeps.  I just sent Kris out for some milk, Jr. Mints, and other emergency items.  In the pouring down rain.  Love him.

Love y’all.

Mean it.

 

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February 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, I just need a high dose of protein and a little prayer.


After Sunday’s lunch choice – Whopper Jr. from “the” Burger King – I thought it best that I fast yesterday.  But then I remembered how ludicrous fasting is and caved in about, oh 8:00 AM.  I’m not much for fasting food.  Not even for Jesus.  I’m not sayin’ I wouldn’t.  I’m just sayin’ I’m not much for it.  I usually give up something like the internet in lieu of food for a day instead.  And that, my friends, is torture enough.  Amen?  Yes, I see that hand.

By the way, I had not consumed a meal from Burger King in YEE-ERS.  I stood in line THIRTY minutes at the Atlanta airport with my six year old to satiate my yearning for the BK.  No regrets folks.  No, not one. 

This post really has nothing to do with boosting my iron deficiency or elevating my cholesterol, but I was just sittin’ on this information and it just flowed off of my fingertips.  So, there ya go.

In other news, I listened to President Obama’s address last night.  I’m pur-tee sure it’s no secret that we are in an economic crisis.  Many are living in fear.  Many are frustrated.  It is so easy to become disheartened in the midst of struggles.  We pray and pray for our marriage to get better.  We pray that God would change something within our own life over and over again.  We pray for healing day after day. 

So what gives?  How long do we pray?

Psalm 86:3 says “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you ALL DAY LONG.”

In other words, keep praying NO MATTER WHAT.  No matter how hopeless things appear, no matter how frustrated we become, no matter how broken our hearts are.  Keep praying. 

I have a lot of good days that I remember to take my burdens to the cross.  Then, I have a weak moment like yesterday afternoon, and I say things to my husband like, “Um, how about a little reassurance that everything is going to be okay?”

Kris can give me that reassurance the best he can.  But, only God can give me a peace that really does surpass any kind of understanding I may have or ever will have. 

So, I remembered.  Oh.  Lookie there.  I could pray about this.

I know, I know.  I’m a clever one.

Our heavenly Father never eats or sleeps.  I know, right?  He waits with bated breath to hear my voice.  To hear yours.  Take your fears, take your worries and lay them down at His feet.  Speak His name, or heck, cry out to Him, and let His reassurance engulf you.  Let His peace do a number on you.

And, no matter what, don’t stop praying. 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

What, me?  Anxious?  Nevah. 

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February 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

He sent frequent text messages.

My boy donned a tuxedo.

 

shaw-wedding-jh-wp

And, Anna….well…..

Let’s just say Kris didn’t win the fashion wars.  I was sure of it when I returned home to see her wearing this.

shaw-wedding-anna-wp

A lovely tank top in the heart of winter. 

I sure did miss that girl.  Kris decided to document their chain of events by sending me regular text messages.  Here was the first incoming message:

“I am about to fall over with laughter listening to Anna talk her shew-wee out.”

Um, how do you spell “shew-wee” anyway?

He took her to Redrock Canyon Grill for their first date night, a local favorite for watching sunset while you dine.  Kris messaged, “She has quite the appetite….and the cow bell just went off for sunset, and she wants to go ring it now.”   He continued, “I think I have {the cow bell ringing} under control now.”

When he sent this one:

“I miss you guys, but we are having a blast.  This is precious for Anna and me.” 

I knew sweet memories were being made.

In the meantime, John Henry and I had our own fun celebrating the wedding of a very close family friend – my God sister, Sandyn who married Captain Elic Colwell who is the brother of Lindsey Takle who is the wife of Dr. Leiv Takle, Jr. who is the brother of Kris Takle who is the husband of me.  Yes, six degrees….

And some pics just for funsies.

shaw-wedding-ga-ga-pose-wp

(An itty bitty part of the wedding party, and John Henry doing his best imitation of my dad.)

shaw-wedding-cousins-wp

(John Henry with his cousins, Bella and Macie.)

shaw-wedding-ga-ga-jh-wp

(My dad and son.  Two of my favorite men.)

shaw-wedding-bride-wp

The groom, Elic, the bride, Sandyn…her sister, Brittany, Andy & Carson Thoms)

shaw-wedding-carson-wp

I could’ve taken that little guy home with me.  For real.

shaw-wedding-mom-wp

Oh, and me with my completely beautiful mama. 

That’s it.  We’re all tired.  And I’m happy to be back with my husband and fashion trailblazer.

How was your weekend?

 

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February 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

I have two daddies.


*Originally posted April 15, 2008

Once upon a time at a wedding of my dear friend, Brittany, my son served as a ring bearer.  Dressed to perfection, another overheard him say, “I have two daddies.”  Brittany’s friend who heard this rather common phenomenon asked another, “Are his daddies gay?”  I still laugh about this even today.  As for Kris and Bryan (the daddies), well, they find it less comical. 

John Henry has a daddy.  And, before he turned one year, he was blessed with another daddy.  We make it work.  We really do.  You see, we had this novel idea:  John Henry comes first.  We have dinners together, and we have even vacationed together.  I realize how strange my life may seem to some, but for us, it is our “normal”.  Of course, a situation like ours would never work without Kris.  He has never been “territorial”, nor has he ever felt threatened.  He loves John Henry.  Period.  And, because of John Henry, he loves Bryan. 

Here are his two daddies.  (Left: Bryan, Right: Kris, Center: A blessed boy) They are patient and kind.  They are not jealous.  They endure through every circumstance.

jh-bryan-kris

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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February 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

Wonder who will have the most eventful weekend?


I’m leavin’ on a jet plane.  I don’t know when I’ll be back again.  I really do know when I’ll be back.  Sunday.  Today, the little guy and I are headed south for one big wedding celebration.  John Henry will be bearing some rings, and I’ll be…Well, I’ll be waving and smiling at him as he walks down that aisle with those baby blues wearing a tux.  I really don’t have much of any consequence to write about today, not that this is any different from any other day.  But, thank you for indulging me still. 

Kris will be holding down the fort here in the great state of Oklahoma.  With Anna Takle. 

With Anna Takle.

Oh, what fun they are going to have.  He has promised to take her out on a date to some fancy schmancy restaurant where she can wear a dress and all the trimmings.  Why he seems to think he is going to win the fashion wars is nothing short of amusing, but he appears to be up for the challenge.   This fancy schmancy restaurant is Mahogany Prime Steakhouse – our date night of choice.  Anna, however, said that she prefers Mexican cuisine.  The girl loves chips and queso.  Can’t imagine where she gets that from, but it’s a trait I certainly admire.

I did offer to go ahead and make Anna’s lunch for pre-K on Friday, but Kris says he’s got it.  What he doesn’t realize is that he’s going to find himself pressed for time on Friday morning after spending most of it in Anna’s closet bribing her.  His choice.  Have fun, babe.  I do love you.  And, please take notes. 

Okay, that’s all I got.  For real. 

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February 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Word up. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)


For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow:  it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 
Hebrew 4:12

The word of God is living and active –

It’s not dead.  It’s full of life.  It produces results.  God loves His word.  And, He watches over it to perform it. 

Sharper than any double-edged sword….dividing soul and spirit –

Our soul is our flesh.  The word is sharp enough to separate our soul from our spirit, so we can discern if we are functioning in our spirit being or our flesh.  And, as children of God, we are spiritual beings.  Not in a freaky kind of way but in a “we’re created in His image” kind of way.  I tend to function in both.  I’m trying to spend a little more of my time operating in the spirit….no matter what Anna is wearing J

It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart –

Only the word can judge our intentions.   Are our thoughts – our intentions – pure?  The word of God can pierce our spirits and reveal to us our true self.

How are we treating others?  What feelings are we dealing with that are not from Him?  Are we struggling with jealousy?  Are we struggling with judging others?  Are we remaining discontent?  Are we reacting to situations with a negative attitude?

Whatever our inner battle, the word of God is sharp enough to pierce it and reveal the yuck in our life.  Not so we walk away condemned.  But, so we walk away forgiven.  So, we walk away filled with His goodness.  So, we walk away feeling ALIVE. 

Reading His word and letting it saturate our hearts is not just a good thing to do.   It’s a necessary thing if we want to walk in all of the wonderful things He has for us. 

And, I don’t want to miss a thing.  (Thank you, Steven Tyler for that one.)

Set aside a little Jesus time, as I call it.  You will be filled with His life.  And, ya know what else?  You’ll enjoy life a whole lot more. 

Soooo, get yo ‘self in the word.

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February 3, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Bachelor got me thinkin’.


I haven’t been watching this season’s The Bachelor.  I really haven’t watched it in a lot of seasons.   But, I thought it necessary to tune in last night since it was sure to be the most dramatic rose ceremony ever.

I heard the poor guy call his son his “favorite person.”  I always tell Anna she is my favorite girl.  Kris seems to think I should refrain from calling her this due to the ‘what if’ factor.

‘What if’ factor?

What if we have another little girl?

Don’t go tellin’ tales out of school now.  I’m not “P.”  That’s what Bigmama calls it since saying *GASP* “pregnant” is not very polite of a Southern girl.

We’re kind of at that stage in life where I’m not getting any younger and Anna’s not getting any easier.  At least, not in the fashion department.  I could easily identify her lack of progress when she picked out these new skids.

annas-sneakers

But, hey.  They’re shiny.  They sparkle.  They’ve got pizzazz.  And, what else really matters to a four-year old girl?  For real.

I’m really not sure what decision we’re going to make.  Although, it could make for some good blog material.  Hmm.  So, ya got knocked up for blog material. 

It sounds like Jason, um, the Bachelor, is open to more kids.  Bless his heart.  First, he has to make the most emotional decision of his life.  Ever. 

 

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February 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

I’m here to help. In case You need it.


Me:  John Henry, take that ball out of the living room.  If you hit the television, you will be in some serious trouble.

Anna:  And, get a spankin’.

Me:  You’re not the parent, Anna.

Anna:  I was just sayin’ it for you!

Me:  I don’t need any help, thank you.

I wonder how often we think God needs our help with things.  Ya know.  Just in case He forgets what His Word says or something like that.  

I’m not saying we don’t pray.  We need that.  He digs that.  I’m just saying that some things really aren’t about us.  Some things should just go into the God box instead of the Me Box.  And, most things are beyond our control anyway.

And, that’s okay.

He’s God.

I’m not.

I don’t even play the role of the Holy Spirit well.  Believe me, I’ve tried.

Let Him do His thing.  He’s pur-tee good at it.

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:10

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