Taking a minute to catch up

As I wrote a bit ago, I've been focusing on constructive purposes. I have been working quite a few hours, keeping up with the housework, and spending time with friends and family. My husband has been on vacation for the past week so we've spent time with him during the day when all the kids have been in school.
Moments celebrated:
Bria turned 15. She is now legally allowed to learn to drive.
Halloween trick or treating (happening as I type...Aunt Jill is taking them)
Ryan went to the Barn swings with the older kids for the first time (a huge priviledge)
Niki wrote and performed two songs with one of the bands in our youth group (made me cry with pride and touched my spirit very deeply...a longer post about this later)

I'll work on some photos and try to get them posted this weekend. Until then, I've missed you and hope to be back more often as things begin to slow down.

Bria goes to homecoming

Make a Smilebox photobook

My Son

This month has been choke full of life. My only son had his 9th birthday, and while I'll not wax poetic about how it seems like yesterday he was a tiny bundle of joy and cuddles...I will honor him with a quick post about all that is embodied in a boy of this age.
My son is:
Pokemon cards (200 +)
Webkinz (15)
Wii (2 new games)
Soccer
Basketball
Swimming
Reading
Drawing
(wants to be an artist and a photographer when he grows up)
Spy games
Silly voices
Dancing crazy
Begging me not to leave for a few hours with friends
(yes, he's still quite attached to me)

Life is never boring being the Mom of a 9 year old boy. And it keeps getting better and better.
My Son.

Constructive purposes

yard wide web
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

When I went outside to grab the newspaper I noticed this beautiful spider web hanging between my tree and the shrubs. Its pattern, though not perfect, was done with obvious diligence.

Life, as we all know, goes by too fast. We spend our days trying to get as much done as we can in the limited hours we are awake. Our children complain that life is too slow. "That's too far away" is an often heard complaint around here when we talk about an upcoming event. In this life God has granted, I find that I fall short much too often in areas of importantance...but somehow I accomplish many trivial tasks merely because I can. I have decided to focus on more of the meaningful things in life in my day to day workings. I want to take more time for quiet time with my Bible and communion with the Lord. I want to sow into relationships in a way that blesses them. I want to know that when I look back at these days that I did more than make sure I caught the Today show regularly or see that my health is greatly improved to reflect a godly stewardship of the body God has given to me.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Holes that make us whole

I found this shell while walking along the beach last week that struck a chord within my spirit. It looked a bit like a heart with a key hole in it....the sand shifted by the time I got a clear picture making it less heart shaped looking, but still the image was frozen there. I've thought about this image since then dozens of times. To me, the purest part of the heart with a key slot is that they key is required to fully make the heart complete, without the key there is still a hole there....but filling the hole makes it whole.

In my life I've had times of fulfillment and times of want. I've had times when I recognized the need for something or someone to fill a hole in my life. Early in my life I had the need for Someone, and He filled my life in a big way. As an adult, I find myself in cycles of times where I have a need, but I'm not sure what is needed to make me feel filled. As a mother, I've struggled at intervals for something more...something different, also as a wife. Always, and I do mean always, that need comes to my life and fills my empty spaces, not always in the ways I imagined, but always exactly how it is needed.

There, in that shell, my thoughts were triggered in a "key-hole" moment. Something clicked in place for me...something that I think I might have always known but not always in my consciousness:

The need that comes in our lives is by design! We have been designed to have needs. Just like a door with a lock is designed to need a key...the key is the integral part of the lock...the function being the lock, when fit with the key lets one in. My heart has many keys. On my key chain of life are these keys:
1. My savior
2. My husband
3. My children
4. My friends (some of which are also family)
5. My family
6. Photography
7. Travel
8. Writing
9. Music
10. Reading

These are some of my main ones. I enjoy seeing what key the Lord will use to open another area of my heart. What are your keys?

Ok...now I can come home...I'm done with summer vacations.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Breathe in, Breathe out.

While on my trip with Jean 2, I found this shirt that summed up the feelings we had during our adventures. We both have children, husbands, responsibilities, and so much on our plates that it seems like we are serving a buffet. But during this trip we were just us. Just two women on an adventure. While we were on the deck of the ferry, water surrounding us and wind blowing softly in our faces, we were relaxed. Neither of us thought of dishes that needed to be put away. Neither of us were concerned with how much milk was in the refrigerator. Neither of us were sorting laundry, changing sheets, folding towels. We just were there. In the moment. Being who were are when all the other things of life are not pressing in on us. We took pictures. We texted our friends and families about how wonderful it was to be where we were. We talked. We relaxed. We took deep breaths and laughed. I have found the fresh air I needed to begin on the new year of school that starts the 25th.

Why I've not been posting lately

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Autograph Please!

Recently on a trip to Chicago with friends I had the opportunity to see in person a famous actor. He was filming a movie that will come out next July about a famous criminal, the movie being set in the 1930's or 1940's. This man, J. ohnny D. epp, happened to be walking in to film a portion of the movie when my friends and I were walking down the road (video will be shared once I have the opportunity to get it edited for the web). My children, being very big fans of the P irates of the Caribbean movies, were/are thrilled with my brush with fame. My friends, with whom I was traveling, were also thrilled since they had been fans of his since their teen years. The meeting wasn't extraordinary, no physical embraces took place (although I'm sure my friends would have been thrilled with a hug) but it was the fame of the person that made the experience "something to tell".
The more I have thought about this experience, the more I began to wonder what it is that makes us so enamoured with celebrities...after all they are only people who get paid to be on film/t.v./radio. It's not like they have been gifted with special powers...I've yet to hear of a movie star giving sight to the blind, healing a lame man, or delivering mankind from their sinful nature. It's not that I disdain or have any kind of dislike for celebrities, but I simply see them as they are, just people. I have a friend who is related to a very popular celebrity couple. She is the sister. She is, to me, as important as the persons with the celebrity image. She is nice, kind, a loving mother, a giving aunt and has a deep vested interest in the local school. She is, to me, no less important than her family members. Maybe I should try to get her autograph.

Garages for Sale?

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Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Today my children had a garage sale. They all priced, arranged, negotiated, bagged, and made change. The sale was mostly their stuff that had been living in our home, growing and morphing into piles of disproportionate sizes. I also had items that I wanted rid of, so out it all went. We started setting up at 8 (I know, professional garage sellers start at 7...but I'm not crazy enough for that) opened the doors at 9 and finished by 3:30. After the completion we loaded all that was left and took it to the Disabled American Veterans charity. While loading up the leftovers, I also decided to grab as many clothes as I could find that I no longer needed and threw those in to be donated.
The result? Some money was made, even more space was gained and the kids learned a valuable lesson..."just because it costs $20 new doesn't mean you'll get more than $3 for it at your garage sale."

Update on the madness that was my day

So, stated, my phone went crazy, therefore I did too. I was without phone, email, etc...for eight hours. It was something that drove me a bit crazy. Then? My tv's stopped receiving signal due to a line issue with the satelite. Then? Then? I discovered that someone had left the big freezer open and ruined all the food. ALL. THE. FOOD. I had just restocked it two days ago. We then headed to a fun filled lunch at Fat Rat's (Chuck E Cheese) and to errands. I did have the foresight to shut the freezer tight so that they ruined food would first re-freeze before I had to clean it out, thereby avoiding the worst smelling garage for our garage sale tomorrow.
In summary:
My phone-back in order
My tv-working again
My freezer-full of spoiled food
My house--a wreck with garage sale stuff
My brain-crashing quickly.

:) Try to control your jealousy.

Iphone issues

Ok, so most of you who read my blogs (or know me just in passing) know that I love technology. My husband always gives me electronics over any other kind of bauble because that is my "diamonds". Last year for our anniversary he gave me my most favorite item to date, an IPhone. I use it constantly. And I do mean CONSTANTLY. Except. Today. Why?
Today there has been a release of the new IPhone, for those who either waited to get on the bandwagon or for those who want to upgrade for speed. I, however, am keeping my current phone and began the process to upgrade it with software. All was going great until I came downstairs to see my phone display a message scroll across my phone in six different (or seven..not sure because it was hard to read when my brain is about to explode) languages "slide for emergency". WHAT!?? I tried to restart. Nope. Nothing different. I tried resetting it. Nuh uh. I waited and tried again. Nyet. I disconnected and reconnected it to the computer. zilch. I finally called Apple...holding five minutes...then ten...not a good sign....beginning to wonder if there was a glitch in the upgrade...maybe a virus...what if phone is ruined....what am I going to do without my iPhone....THEY BETTER GIVE ME A NEW PHONE IF THIS DOESN'T WORK AGAIN.
"Hello, this is (insert some name that I cannot hear since my ears are only processing all sounds as white noise). I see that you have x number of days until your warranty expires. Would you like to upgrade to two years? (said sweetly, but not at all what I am worried about right now.)
(snickering I reply) "We'll see about that later, right now my IPhone needs help."
"Mrs. HappySahm, I'm sorry for your inconvenience. As you may know, the new 3g IPhone was released today."
(Rolling my eyes) "Yes, I'm aware of this."
(Responding with glee)"Well, our server is just jammed with folks activating their phones. Itunes is having a difficult time keeping up with the demand."
(groaning, I reply)"So, how long do you think this will take?"
(Pretending sympathy, like only those who's phones will not be affected, she returns)"Well, it could be a few hours. Just keep your phone connected to the computer and when it's your phones turn, it will begin to work."
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH What!!

I have places to go, things to do, twitters to update, facebook to check, text messages waiting to be sent, email that needs to be read, not to mention the fifty other things I do with my phone. And now she's telling my that I will have to use my desktop COMPUTER TO DO THIS? What is this? The stone ages????

So, as I wait, my fingers are trying to remember how to type normal. I sit with my currently defunct phone in front of me, with the "emergency slide" taunting me...while I try to remember how live a normal life...checking every five minutes for my IPhone (from hereon to be known as electronic c.rack) to spring back to life. (*sigh*)

Promotion Time

As you may recall from a few posts ago, Ryan and Christi have been taking swim lessons for the last seven days. They started out very fearful of getting their faces wet, willing to only "go under" as far as their chins. Today they were evaluated and were deemed "graduated to beginner level 2". I am so proud of their efforts and how well they did. They will start level 2 next week. This has been such a good experiece for them and for me to watch. Yay!

Treasure found

Treasure found
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

Flickr is doing something wierd. Here's the photo that goes with the post just below.

Where your treasure is...

jaedon, baseball, susan or mexico 308
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

While Rob and I were in Mexico we took time each day to find a few treasures that we thought our children would like to have or that struck us for one reason or other. Some of the items were just pretty shells, some of them were rocks that the ocean had formed with pits, bumps and colors. Rob tended to find shells that had either been homes to crabs or snails and I tended to look for asthetic beauty. Either way, each item was picked as a result of our judgement of beauty or interestingness. When I look back on the days spent finding the items the treasure lies in the memory of the day. I love knowing that we spent that time together thinking about the kids, looking for items that would be special to them.
There are two items I retained for my own to treasure and remember. One is the piece of aquamarine that I found (tiny blue-ish rock on top of the rock on the far left) and the foot shaped rock at the top left. Those two became special to me for a couple of reasons...The foot shaped one because when I found it the verse "Rejoice for the steps of a righteous man are ordered of God". I found a joy in that reminder that God is always there guiding my foot steps. The piece of aquamarine became mine without question since it is both my favorite color and my favorite stone, I plan to have it wrapped with gold wire and made into a necklace charm. The color, to me is the most soothing and relaxing color ever. The color brings to my memory the beautiful water, the wonderful sound of the waves and time spent with my husband.

Girlfriends and Giggles

Remember the day you (if you're a girl/woman) that you first applied makeup? How about having your nails painted? Remember the feel of looking so grown up? For me it happened around age 12...although I was officially allowed to wear makeup at age 14. My oldest daughter awaited the magic grade, grade 8, with excitement and impatience. My second oldest has begun to look at makeup and plan for her induction into the makeup privileged population, which will happen next month. My youngest, age 5, as a result of all this makeup wearing has become fascinated with all things "girly" and pretty. If you are lucky enough to come by my house unannounced you might get a chance to see me in all my "makeover" glory.

Recently Christi was invited to a birthday party for a little girl that she me in gymnastics class a year ago, the same little girl who asked her to play t-ball with her. We arrived at the destination, Christi with her her shyness fully activated and me with my curiosity peaked. The name of the establishment, Girlfriends and Giggles, had somewhat prepared me, but not quite. We were ushered into a land of High School Musical music, glittery hair spray, multi-colored nail polish and flashy dress-up clothes. The girls dressed for their "Stage appearance", had makeup applied, hair styles performed, nails painted and then took the stage to greet their fans and have their photos taken by the paparazzi. All of the girls loved, loved, loved it. My precious one did get a bit nervous (as you can see in the photo) right before she took the stage. But by the end of the party she was dancing on the stage with the rest of the girls, giggling and having a wonderful time.

Photo that is SUPPOSED to be showing up with the swim lessons post. ;)

Swim Lessons

"Summer time and the livin' is easy. Summer time and my blogging gets cheesy" Oops! Guess those aren't the actual words to the song, but I do believe they fit me. :)

Yesterday was a big day for Christi and Ryan...they began their long awaited, eagerly anticipated swim lessons. One of the big universities does programs where you can get lessons for sessions of two weeks at a time for your little ones with a maximum of four kids in the class. Sign me up! We went for an evaluation of skills (does being able to sing 15 different Veggie Tales songs and knowing most of Mary Poppins by heart count as skills?) we were assigned a swim level. Beginner 1.

We arrived primed and ready...and late. I had misunderstood their lesson time so we had to take a later slot and waited around. It turned out to be a great thing because by the time it was their turn they were so READY to get in water. Ryan, who is a bit timid about water and who hates water in his eyes brought along goggles and asked to be last for each skill being taught to the three of them in the class. Teacher says "This time we are going to take turns putting our face in the water" Christi is able to get her face in for a nano-second and comes up wiping like a maniac. Ryan is able to dunk his chin and then smiles triumphantly. ;) Teacher says "Now we are going to dunk under to get our face and hair wet" Christi leans as far backward as possible to get all her hair wet but does not go under. Ryan raises his eyebrow at teacher and dunks as far as his ears and then stands back up. Teacher says "Great Job! Now we are going to learn how to float on our backs!" Ryan and Christi flatten themselves against the pool wall and ask to not be first. (I know, at this point you are marveling at the way I have been able to embed such adventurous kids. Don't worry, I'll write you a handbook if you would like.)
Well, by the end of the 30 minute lesson they were both putting their faces in the water COMPLETELY and they both floated on their backs unsupported. (It was so amazing that I had to include pictures of their incredible development in just one lesson.)
I am so proud of them overcoming their fears! At this rate they will be happily swimming unassisted before we head to Alabama's Gulf Shores. Woo Hoo!

Johnny Depp's Posse

DSC04379_1959
Originally uploaded by Jean 1.

I have been blessed. My life overflows with gifts of love and kindness and friendship. I am wealthy in ways I never dreamed I would be. I'm not talking money, although I do not have an aversion to it ;) , but life.

I have always dreamed of travel. I used to think that my life would most fulfilled if I had a job that required me to travel as often as possible. Not because I was running from anything, but because I have such a thirst for different cultures, cities, states. I love to see how others are living, whose lives are being impacted in ways that I cannot imagine. Plus...I really love staying in hotels!

This summer is my dream come true. It has worked out that I get to travel four times. Once was with Rob (see previous post) and it as great. Now I have had the fun of going on a long girls weekend to Chicago with the two friends pictured above (I will withhold their names for privacy sake unless they give me release). The trip was a long anticipated 40th birthday celebration....for one of the others on the trip. {I know, looking at the picture you are having a hard time believing that one of the three is now 40...it's not me ;)}
We had a wonderful time of shopping touring and was so blessed to be the recipients of God's mercies on us. How?
1. We entered and won the opportunity to buy 4 tickets to "Wicked" at the price of $25 for $90 seats.
2. We had a close encounter of the star kind with Mr Johnny Depp, I think my travel mates are still giggling about that.
3. We procured said stars autographs to bring home to share with family along with video and photos to prove that it's really his autograph.
4. We met dozens of kind and considerate people in Chicago, some of whom we have exchanged emails.
5. We found great deals while shopping. Yippee! ;)
6. We arrived loving each other as heart-engaged friends...we returned home even closer.
7. We laughed until our abs hurt. (That's a lot of laughing)

We had a great time. My next trip? Jean 2 and I received frequent flyer tickets from my husband to go anywhere so we've chosen the Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard/Hyannis area. Look out Massachusetts! :)