The Bright Side...

Well, the bright side is that our nine days in Kansas City bared no resemblance to our trip home.  Kansas City was fun, relaxing and full of family and friends.  The trip home...wasn't.

It all started with a slight delay out of KCI -- no big deal.  Then a longer delay out of Midway -- still not the end of the world, but had us slated to land around 12:30 AM, until they apparently assigned trainees to load the baggage -- it took over 45 minutes!

Finally, around 1 AM, we landed in beautiful, warm Charleston -- except it was 34 degrees!!!  The same temperature as Kansas City and Chicago!  Not what we were hoping for!

Seeing as we were hauling back our Christmas bounty, Jason and I decided that rather than splitting up for someone to get the car and someone else to wait for bags, we'd all go for the car and I would just circle while he located and loaded the bags -- with the added bonus of no waiting on the baggage carousel. 

We gathered up the carry-ons and the sleeping toddler and made the short hike to the car. Seeing frost on all the surrounding cars, I suggested Jason use the remote start.  He had already tried.  Hoping it was just an issue with the key fob, we arrived at the truck still optimistic that it would start.  It didn't....

Undeterred, Jason settled Charlie in his seat while I located the call box and requested help.  Despite the late hour, the airport operator said someone would be right there.  Back at the car, sleeping beauty was complaining of the chill, and since Jason's coat was still in one of the bags spinning around inside the warm airport, I wrapped mine around Charlie.

Immediately, thought of the bags had me worried.  What would Charlie do if someone snagged the toy suitcase -- with his brand new bow and arrow and rainbow nightlight?  Leaving the men to handle the car issue, I hurried back to the airport, all the while congratulating myself for suggesting that Jason back in to the parking spot "just in case".  (My first New Year's Resolution for 2013 is to mock this habit no more...at least for a while...)

I arrived just in time to claim the dirty clothes suitcase, the clean clothes suitcase, Charlie's suitcase, and prevent the lady next to me from "accidentally" claiming the toy suitcase!!  Crisis averted.

Unfortunately, things weren't going so well at the car.  Despite the fact that Jason had to manually unlock the car, it managed to automatically lock itself while he was standing next to it talking to the police officer -- with Charlie inside!! 

And while I didn't witness this myself, I can only picture Jason knocking on the window to wake Charlie then trying to convince him to unbuckle himself from the carseat, despite protests of, "But Daddy, I'm not allowed to unbuckle!"

Not to mention the fun of trying to explain to Charlie how to manually unlock the driver's door through the window, only to hear, "Daddy...I am sooo cold."  Poor Jason....  Thankfully, Charlie's goal in life is to please Daddy, so they were ultimately successful.  Who knows how it would have gone were he supposed to obey Mommy...

Back in the car, Jason was disappointed to find out that the airport police officer's jumper box didn't have enough juice to jump the truck, so he went off to jump another car, hoping it could then jump the truck.  Apparently his box was a dud...no luck with car two either. 

Meanwhile, back in the quickly emptying airport, I was standing next to a lady and two small children who had left Daddy in California for two more days.  Based on her body language, crying 6 year old, and snippets of her phone conversation, I learned that she was trying to get a cab to Summerville, but was told they were all busy, but someone would be along eventually.  At 1:45 in the morning, "eventually" is a really long time.

Fully aware that Jason had to be at work in less than 7 hours, and unaware whether or not the truck was running yet, I texted him to see if he'd be willing to swing by the Asheboro subdivision on the other side of Summerville.  Being Jason, of course he was...once we figured out how to fit all of us in the truck more-or-less legally.

So, exactly how does one approach a complete stranger in an airport to offer them a ride without sounding creepy?  I have no idea.  I think she just accepted because she was desperate.  Of course, as we all stood waiting for the truck to start and Jason to rescue us, I started wondering if maybe she and the kids were scammers who had booby-trapped our car with plans to mug us for our marshmallow shooter and 2003 Chevy... I blame it on lack of sleep.

I was jarred out of my paranoid worries when her 8 year old suddenly fell off the suitcase she was sitting on and bumped her head on the floor.  We were the only four people in sight and I was completely unequipped to help.  Thankfully, everyone was more scared than hurt, but tensions were high.  What could possibly happen next?

Good news! 

Jason was able to flag down another traveler and get the truck started, then jump the other stranded driver. We were on our way!

I hauled the bags out to the curb and stood their shivering, desperate for the first site of our beloved truck.  Jason pulled up and yelled back that I needed to come push the gas pedal while he loaded the bags -- our "classic" is a bit temperamental in cold weather.  We successfully (albeit not gracefully) replaced Jason's foot on the gas with mine, but then I had the challenge of actually hauling the rest of my body into the driver's seat...and I failed.  Yep.  Truck died again. 

I think the lady and I were both near tears.  What now?  The smattering of police cars around were no help, kind as they were, because the boxes wouldn't jump us and they are not allowed to jump from their engines. 

By now it was past 2 AM.  Everyone was cold.  And no one had a plan -- well, almost no one. 

What should happen next, but the cab pulled up and was willing to jump start the truck?  And it worked on the first try!  And I just stayed in the driver's seat and drove all the way home to avoid another foot-switch debacle (respect me as he does, Jason doesn't trust me with jumper cables -- smart man...).

The lady and her kids hopped in the cab, drove off without their luggage (not kidding), then circled around and picked it up and we were all headed safely to Summerville. 

I did have a bit of a time figuring out how to keep the truck above 1000 RPM while stopping (it is just not intuitive to try to stop while you're pressing the gas), but we did make it home through four traffic lights and one "rolling" stop sign.

I suppose now that I think about it, there were a few similarities between our Christmas in Kansas City and our trip home:

• We were together
• We had plenty of reasons to laugh (albeit more in amazement than humor)
• We were surrounded by kind people willing to do just about anything for us
• We have memories that will last a lifetime
• God was with us and abundantly faithful

Pictures will follow soon, but today's priorities are showers, laundry and finding homes for all Charlie's new treasures. 

"It's Christmas in our OWN house!"

Hard as we try to give Charlie an ideal childhood, I have to admit that Jason and I haven't really hit the mark when it comes to "the magic of Christmas". 

You see, we haven't had to.  Each year we go back to Kansas City to a beautifully decorated house, gorgeous tree, stacks of presents, piles of sweets and a full schedule of Christmas fun with family, and despite the fact that we're never "home" on Christmas morning, I can't imagine ever doing anything different.

The problem is...we really don't do much here in SC.  Yes, we put up a tree and stockings, and most years garland in the kitchen (though it was dropped this year after it sat in boxes in the study for two weeks), but we haven't done a very good job of creating Christmas traditions for Charlie (and us) here at home to get in the Spirit -- which may be why Jason and I always feel like Christmas sneeks up on us and is over before it's started.

This year, though, we've made a concentrated effort to change, so 2012 is the official launch of SC Christmas traditions -- despite the fact that the three of us were only together in Summerville for a sum total of 13 days in December.

Tradition 1: The Christmas Market at Marion Square (Jason and I used to wander the square pre-Charlie, but it fell by the wayside.  We had a wonderful time with him this year from our special donut breakfast to buying presents for the dogs, sharing crepes on the square and of course, sliding to our hearts' content.

Tradition 2: Toys for Tots - Again, a pre-Charlie tradition that he was big enough for this year, though we did cancel the usual "friendly" competition and task Charlie with picking out "cool toys" -- plus we found a Big Lots that shared a parking lot with a Toys drop-off.  Instead of loading the presents in the car, Charlie got to ride the cart "trash-man style" to Publix! 

Tradition 3: The James Island County Lights -  You guessed it, we did this one our first year in SC, too, and haven't been back since -- but this time we stopped for the s'mores and carousel between loops (one trip around just wasn't enough) and hopefully next year we'll wise up and buy our train tickets early enough to get a ride!

Tradition 4:  All Christmas music, all the time!  - My all time favorite tape (yes, tape!) is the original A Very Special Christmas (circa 1986 or so) and with the magic of iPod we can have it in the house, in the car, in the backyard, anywhere!  Nothing says holiday spirit like Run DMC's Christmas in Hollis, though Madonna's Santa Baby seems to be Charlie's favorite.

Tradition 5: Presents Under the Tree! - Don't judge, but I'm a notorious slacker when it comes to this.  Typically, I slap some paper on Charlie's gifts New Year's Eve in preparation for our family exchange on New Year's morning.  Jason and I don't really do gifts for each other, so our tree is generally quite bare.  I learned my lesson on this one yesterday, though.  Charlie and I wrapped his present for Daddy yesterday afternoon,  and when he'd found the perfect spot for it under the tree, he turned to me and said, "Mama!  It's Christmas in our own house!"  And truthfully, how do I expect him to understand the grace and mercy of the most precious gift, if he doesn't have the expectation and wonder of lesser gifts?  I better get to wrapping...

Now, lest anyone fear that we have completely forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, be assured that our nightly Nativity Advent Calendar is still the highlight of  each evening, and we are spending a lot of time discussing the wonder of the Gabriel's visit, the amazement of the shepherds, the faithfulness of Joseph, the honor for Mary and the miracle of Baby Jesus -- but what better way to help Charlie see the glorious gift of our Savior's birth than to create an atmosphere of love, joy, enchantment and anticipation leading up to Christmas itself?

Confirmed Bachelor

While eating macaroni and cheese and gazing longingly at the toothpick he was just told to remove from his mouth...

Charlie: When I grow up I'm not going to have a wife.
Mommy: Why?
Charlie: That way I can use a toothpick while I eat.
Mommy: Oh, so you're not going to have a wife so you don't have to have good manners?
Charlie: Well, that will be good manners for myself.

Guess I don't have to worry about the daughter-in-law thing anymore...

Life Lesson #1376

After a wonderful week in El Paso with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Chris, Aunt Angie, Uncle Bill, and of course, Bella, we made it home to Daddy last night. 

I was a bit concerned that the return to normal would be boring to Charlie, but apparently, even our house has new and exciting adventures...

Walking through the entry hall...

Charlie: Oh no!  Mommy, a hole!
Mommy (looking around confused:  What, buddy?  Oh!  No, sweetie, that's the peep hole!

Nothing is ever boring with a 3 year old!

 

Judgment Calls...

Based on my 1,366 days of parenting experience, I have decided that making judgment calls is definitely the hardest part of being a mom.  You know -- the stuff where there is no clear right or wrong answer, but you have to decide what is best?  I hate that stuff!  I much prefer absolutes.

For example, Charlie has a 99.4 degree temperature this morning.  Yes, that is a fever -- I think--but barely.  But, his temp is usually low, so does that mean this is even a higher temp for him?  Also, is that high enough to relegate him to the couch for the day?  Does the runny nose impact the decision?  What about the boundless energy?

When he was in school it was easy: fever stays home.  But now that he's home, does fever mean we can't leave the house.  Is any level of fever contagious?  If he rests today is he more likely to be cured by our 6:30 AM flight on Thursday, or does this just have to run its course?

See what I mean?  All of those questions from a barely there fever!

The call?  Home.  Our plans for today included  4 year old and almost one year old friends, whom I would hate to get sick.  Plus, I really don't want to travel with a sick kid in less than 2 days.  But seriously?  We're staying home for a 99.4 degree fever?

Next judgment call: how much TV is too much?  And do you bend the rules on sick days?  Typically Charlie gets 2 shows of his choice from the selection of Little Bear, Curious George, Word World and Toot & Puddle.  Nine times out of ten he watches them in the morning, so if he naps he can have a bit of his Bible movie or Jesus movie while I make dinner -- I figure until he can read, that is the next best thing to reading the Bible with him.  Am I making him a couch potato?  Who knows!

And yes, now would be an appropriate time to say a prayer for grace and peace for Jason -- poor man.  Logic tells me that I'm spending an inordinate amount of time worrying about nothing to avoid worrying about my dad's cancer, but that doesn't mean I'm able to push it aside. 

Plus, even with the cancer there are judgment calls regarding when and how long to visit (my ability to be helpful and provide a peaceful environment is obviously severely impacted by my 3 year old side-kick, but let's be honest, he's the one they want to see!).

As I type this, Dad is meeting with Dr. Gomez, his oncologist, to hear their plans for him for the next weeks/months.  Chemo will likely start anyday.  That in mind, Mom, Dad, Jason and I decided that restful or not, Charlie and I would go for a week now, just to be there while Dad still feels good.  Then we'll look at a more "helpful" visit down the road -- and make that call when the time comes.

I sure hope we don't cause more trouble than we're worth...  I sure hope this chemo works...  I sure hope I don't spend the next eight days crying... 

I sure hope I can get over my obvious discomfort with my complete lack of control over my Dad's health and just be a good daughter and mother...

Hmmm....maybe some things are more black and white than I like to think...

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

Long overdue...

Below is a letter that I had planned to email to my dad, but as I was writing it, I decided to share it.  It's no secret that my Dad and I look at life differently and have butted heads in the past, but I want everyone to know that I am extremely blessed to have an earthly father full of strength, conviction and love.

Dear Dad,

First, I love you.  I know that I don't say that enough.

Second, I'm sorry that it's taken these current trials for me to realize just how negligent I have been when it comes to expressing my love and appreciation for you.

Now, I'm not going to completely rewrite history and pretend that it's always been easy -- after all, I do get my strong will and short temper from you (your mustache did used to be red...).  And we have annoyed, frustrated and hurt each other over the years --  sometimes accidentally and sometimes intentionally, but it is very important to me that you know that you are a wonderful dad.

Neither of us is extremely comfortable with emotional situations , and I am pretty sure I inherited my discomfort with sympathy from you...but I do know that our love for one another is incredibly strong, and if being a mom has taught me nothing else,  you love me even more than I love you -- that's what being a parent is.

So...right now I just want to thank you for a few of the memories that I treasure...

• Not letting me stick my tongue out at Mom
• Taking me along on the inaugural ride through the All Seasons tunnel in the little red pick-up
•  Taking me to the Girl Scout square dances complete with KFC boxed dinners
• Putting Angie and me in those crazy rodeo commercials (Ridin', ropin', wranglin', horsin' and clownin' around!)
• Letting me quit work at the carwash to babysit when you saw how miserable I was
• Allowing mom and me to abandon you for church every Sunday morning, your only day off
• Buying mom 2 convertibles in a row, so that I could eventually inherit each of them
• Sending me roses and tulips for various events and non-events in my life
• Challenging me when I wanted to volunteer at the Bible Study on Armor Rd -- making me even more certain in my conviction
• Supporting my decision to go to William Jewell, but raising me to figure it all out myself
• Calling Ralph Brant to help me get my college job
• Driving up to Liberty in a snow storm when I broke the key off in the ignition of my car
• Coming to the Beth Haven Christmas dinner in 1995
• Driving up to Kansas City from El Paso out of the blue and surprising me in the Vance parking lot the weekend my car wouldn't run for some reason or another
• Surprising me with the money to pay for lasik on my "other eye" when I had only been able to save up enough for one
• Loving Jason from the first moment you met him (even if it did sometimes seem like you were more excited to see him than me...)
• Thinking Jason was crazy for waiting almost 3 years to propose
• Taking me to pick out the perfect necklace for my wedding
• Listening as I compared Charlie to various fruits and vegetables throughout my pregnancy -- and enjoying it
• Driving to Summerville with Grandma's dining room set and piano, so I could have memories of her in my home
• Quitting smoking
• Calling me "Muffin" for 35 years

But mostly, thank you for believing that I am intelligent, hard-working, beautiful and strong.  Your confidence in me helped me to find those very qualities within myself and become the woman, wife, mother and daughter that I am today.

I am counting on you to help me do the very same thing for Charlie, that he may grow up knowing and loving you as much as I do.
 

Love,
Jenny

Good Advice

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Sometimes...

you hear exactly the song you need exactly when you need it.

Listen...

Lord I Need You
by Chris Tomlin

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Does it really matter?

During our weeks of fun, Charlie and I have started doing some little Bible lessons to make the most of the time we have together and ensure that he doesn't forget how to learn over the next two years at home with mom.

The focus of the curriculm we are using is "We Can Trust the Bible" and it has really opened my eyes to the need to not only believe that the Bible is from God, but to know it well enough to use it to explain to others why it is so important.  Not surprisingly, we've been doing the same study (though age appropriate) during my Monday night ladies' study (you all know how I get when I am interested in something). 

Below are last night's notes.  Just some food for thought for anyone who might question if it matters whether or not Christians know the Bible.

The Bible Is Complete

Q: If you could time travel, what one Biblical event would you like to witness in person?

• Origin of the Bible (II Timothy 3:16-17 & II Peter 1:19-21)
• God through the Holy Spirit inspired ordinary men (prophets) to record His words.
• The recorded words are inspired Scripture.
• Scripture is for each of our individual benefit. 
• The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
• Setting
• 2 Disciples (Cleopas & ?) and Jesus
• Between Jerusalem and Emmaus (7 miles)
• Easter Sunday (after He appared to ladies and Peter)
• Mood: Disappointment/Sadness
• Disciples knew He had died and that it was the third day
• Disciples had expected Him to "redeem" them from Rome (expecting earthly, not heavenly kingdom)
• Jesus' Response: Disappointment/Rebuke
• Same as He gave to Pharisees, "didn't you read the Scripture?!?"
• Explains to them how He was present from the beginning
• Examples from Scripture that He may have used 
• Beginning (John 1:1)
• Fall (Genesis 3:15)
• Exodus (I Corinthians 10:4)
• Prophecy of Abused, Beaten & Crucified Messiah (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53)
• Prophecy of Righteousness & Healing (Malachi 4:2-3)
• Jesus' Point - Scripture testifies to His life, death and resurrection, if it is understood
• Jeremiah & the Scroll (Jeremiah 36:1-4, 17-31)
• Type of Literature - History
• Who did God command to write His word: Jeremiah
• Who wrote the word: Baruch
• Message: God will judge Israel & Judah; they must repent before it is too late
• Overseers response: Urged them to hide & hid the scroll before telling King about it
• Jehoiakim's response: Cut up & Burned it; did not take it seriously
• Others' response: Mixed (36:25)
• God's response: Protected Jeremiah & Baruch, inspired Jeremiah a second time
• Key: Did King believe it was the word of God? no;
• Did God consider His lack of understanding/faith a legitimate reason/defense for his actions? No (36:30-31)
• Big Picture: God preserved His word
• Does He still? Yes - Dead Sea Scrolls
• 24,000 partial and complete manuscripts found in Qumran in 1947
• Prior to 1947 oldest Isaiah manuscript dated 980 AD
• Found Isaiah manuscript dated to 150 BC
• 2 manuscripts 95% the same
• Conclusion
• Does/should Jesus' view of the saving power of Scripture change our view/use of Scripture?
• Does/should God's miraculous preservation of Scripture for thousands of years change our view/use of Scripture?
• Final Question: If given the chance to use one single Biblical Passage to defend the need for Scripture, what would you choose?
• Group responses: John 3:16; Romans 10; II Timothy 3:16-17
• Rich Man & Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) - shows the horror of separation from God after death, and Jesus' teaching that those who don't believe the teachings of the Scripture would be no more inclined to believe (and be saved) if someone were to return from the dead and tell them

"The failure to know the Jesus of the Scriptures is to know only the Jesus of our imagination."

 - Chester A. McCalley 

Best Conversation Ever

This morning as Jason got ready for work and I sipped my coffee on the couch, Charlie asked random questions as usual...

Charlie: Mommy, who is your boss?
Mommy: (laughing) Well, Daddy is. 
Charlie: No.  Who is your other boss?
Mommy: (a bit perplexed)  Buddy, I don't have another boss.
Charlie: Yes, you do!
Mommy: Oh, you mean Mr. David.  Well, he's not Mommy's boss anymore.
Charlie: Yes, he is!
Mommy: No, Sweetie.  You see, he's still my friend, but he's not my boss anymore.
Charlie: Why not?
Mommy: Well, I don't work for that company any more.  (laughing again)  They fired me!
Charlie: Oh, noooo.  Why did they fire you?
Daddy:  Buddy, they just had too many people working there and had to let some go.
Charlie: Buy why you, Mommy?
Mommy: Because I was the big winner!  (laughing harder)
Charlie: You won????  Yay, Mommy!  (giving a thumbs up)

Jason quietly shakes his head and goes on about packing his bag.

And for any readers who may not have either heard and/or guessed, yes my "retirement" is official -- for the next two years at least.  Since my "sweet deal" with CenturyLink ended, and Jason and I realized how much sweeter it is to spend all my time with my favorite three-year-old, Charlie and I will be hip and hip until kindergarden.   

Memory Lapse...

Clearly, Charlie enjoyed himself in September...

Despite the trauma of last spring, we put Charlie in soccer again.  Maybe our friend Kelley was right -- maybe the problem last year was the shoes, because this year he is having a ball.  And yes, that is my son you see actually touching the soccer ball!  While he will run with it a bit, defense is definitely his preferred position -- he just loves denying goals to his buddies Sully & Landon -- hopefully he'll do as well when the games start!

And since we're home for now, Charlie and I signed up for a Childrens' Museum membership and have been spending Tuesdays there with our good friends Calvin, Claire and Mrs. Sophie.  Basically, the boys muddle through French class and then go crazy in the castle and on the pirate ship and fire truck -- usually making for an exhausting morning, but well worth it!

One of our September highlights was our trip to KC.  As always, it was jam-packed with fun, but the purpose of the visit was to celebrate with cousin Patrick and his new wife Claya.  Sadly, I managed to get no pictures of them, but here we are dancing the night away at their reception.

And of course, we managed to squeeze in a bunch more fun in our 2 1/2 days in KC with a trip to Deanna Rose for tractor races, a hayride, goats and slides.

And finally the most questionable (but perhaps the most fun) event of the month was Charlie's first shooting trip.   I can't really explain how my opinion went from "Absolutely not!" to, "I think he'd really enjoy it..." over the course of a morning, but enjoy it he did.  After all, what is better than hanging out with Daddy, PaPa, Uncles and Cousins and making things go boom?

Creepy...

Charlie thinks of it as "the potty book", but to Jason and me it is one of the creepiest books ever written.  Most of you parents with young children in the last couple decades know the one, "I love you forever, I like you for always, etc etc."

Don't get me wrong, it starts out really sweet with a mom rocking her sweet infant and still loving him just as much when he terrorizes the bathroom (aka Charlie's favorite part). 

I'm sure many parents find the subsequent scenes just as endearing, but from our first reading Jason and I just couldn't help but shudder at the thought of either of our moms hauling a ladder across town (or across the country in our cases), climbing in through our window and rocking one of us in our sleep. 

Seriously, my mom is one of my three favorite people in the whole wide world, but if she showed up in my bedroom in the middle of the night I would probably have her committed -- no telling what Jason would do if he woke out of a deep sleep to find her there.

So as loving parents, we consistently hid this book, and I think it might have permanently "gone missing" at some point -- it was just too weird for us -- but last week en route home from Kansas City (and yes, I do plan to eventually post pictures) I had a shocking realization.

Charlie zonked towards the end of our first flight, so I carried him off the plane and since my shoulders are so much narrower than Daddy's, he's only comfortable if I carry him lying across my arms like a baby. 

As we were walking up the jetway I joked to Jason that if he'll let me, I'll still carry him this way when he's 17.  Jason just rolled his eyes, and the image of the little gray haired woman in the book rocking her grown son came to mind (and as white hairs have started appearing this summer, was all too real!)

I am the creepy old lady!

 

 

And yes, I do still find it creepy, but I have a feeling that given the opportunity I would be overjoyed to rock my 43 year old baby in my arms when I'm in my mid 70s.  Hopefully I will stop short of climbing through his bedroom window...  (and yes, I believe this would be an appropriate time for everyone to say a prayer for patience, grace and love for my future daughter-in-law).

 

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always.

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

The Cat

During the sleepy drive back to BaBa & PaPa's from Uncle Robert & Aunt Shery's this weekend, Charlie suddenly pipes up from the backseat, "I want a cat."

Jason and I exchange stunned glances.  Not only do Uncle Robert & Aunt Shery not have a cat, but no one we know has one, other than Bob & Donna's three-legged, anti-social, outside cat, Jelly.

Mommy: I'm sorry buddy, but we can't have a cat.  I'm allergic to cats.
Charlie: Nooooo.  I want a cat.  Why are you allergic?

(Insert about 5 minutes of explanation on allergies, apologies and silence)

Charlie: That makes me sad.  I want a cat. (repeated periodically for a couple minutes)
Charlie: When I grow up I want to be a farmer...so I can have a cat (long pause) and a goat and a cow and a donkey and lots of animals in my big barn.  I will try to keep the cat away from you, Mommy, but it will probably whine, so if I can't, I just can't.

(Insert 2 days of cousins, airplanes, etc)

During our morning drive downtown for French class and fun at the Childrens' Museum, Charlie suddenly pipes up from the backseat... "When I grow up, I will keep the doors on my barn closed."

Mommy:  When you're a farmer?  Ok, but why, Buddy?
Charlie: So my cat won't bother you.

Wacky, Wonderful Weekend

This was an unusual weekend for our family...run of the mill for any other two-parent family, I guess, but new to us.  For one of the first times in Charlie's life, Daddy was his companion/chauffer/tour guide.

Just in case anyone is reading this and doesn't know us well, it's definitely not that Jason's uninvolved, and I don't think of myself as a "helicopter mom" or any other unhealthy, annoying term; I'm just always around.

I suppose it's in part because I worked for the first three years of Charlie's life, in part because I'm a hermit, and in part because Jason fishes on Saturday when possible, but mostly because I just find the child endlessly entertaining and a lot more fun to be with than to be away from...

Anyway, this weekend we threw a "Diaper Pounding" (somewhat alarming Southern term for a Diaper Shower) for our good friends Chad & Corrisa to celebrate their new baby boy, Tanner, and stock their changing table, and as only happens in the movies or when the need is great, a million things came together to grant me the most precious gift that the mom of a three year old can ask for: an empty house the day immediately prior to and the day of an event in her home!

It all starts with the opening of shrimp season Friday -- so rather than fishing Saturday, Jason and his buddy Robert floated in the harbor until the wee hours of Saturday morning to haul in 24 shrimp! (Jason assures me that they knew the shrimp would be scarce due to the tides and it being the first day, etc... but they just wanted to give it a trial run in the new boat...which I am smart enough to know means that if Kristen and I were going to see it as a legitimate reason, they were going to float in the harbor until the wee hours of Saturday morning, because that's what boys like to do.)

Next, Charlie was invited to the fifth birthday party for Alice (Robert & Kristen's daughter) on Saturday afternoon.  My first reaction was panic.  Charlie lives for birthday parties and adores Alice and her little brother Paul, but how on earth was I supposed to spend Saturday afternoon at James Island County Park when 30+ ladies would be at my house 24 hours later?  I wasn't! 

Jason and Charlie hit the road after a quick, post-soccer lunch, and I had the house to myself for over four hours.  I organized, I scoured, I sorted, I trashed, I baked, I arranged...it was amazing! 

Then we ate Saturday night dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch on the back porch, and all of Saturday's hard work lasted until my boys drove off Sunday afternoon with lifejackets, brownies, cookies and boat in tow -- mere moments before my co-hostess, Vikki, arrived.

The "pounding" was full of oohs and aahs and laughter and sweet treats,  and Chad and Corrisa could start a diaper shop if need be, so all in all it was a rousing success. 

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, my boys pulled into the driveway Sunday night as I finished drying the platters and sat down to sort through the party pics -- and my dear, sweet baby boy couldn't wait to see me and tell me how much fun he'd had with Daddy, but that being on the boat just wasn't the same without me.

It really doesn't get any better than that.

Status Update

So...I haven't really addressed our current lifestyle lately, and as you may have guessed, it's because we've been way too busy having fun.  Needless to say, Charlie and I are enjoying our time at home...and whether it be temporary or permanent, we're making the most of it.

But to answer a few questions:

1 - Can we still stand each other? 
Yes!
2 - Can Jason still stand us, despite the fact that we're growing more and more alike? 
Most of the time
3 - Am I still looking for a job?
Yes
4 - Have I found any jobs that I actually want?
No
5 - Have I had any interviews? 
Not since June

So you may be wondering...what on earth have we been doing to fill our days....?

Friends Forever

What a week!  My lifetime friend, Emily, and her family trekked all the way from Kansas City to spend their summer vacation with us. 

Picture it: 4 adults and 3 kids ranging from 36 to 54 months, the pool, the beach and lots of food -- it truly doesn't get much better.  We even survived various bumps, scratches, bug bites and one possibly broken finger (thankfully mine, not one of the kids').

I hate that I do this following every big vacation/event, but there honestly is just way too much to cover.  All in all, though, it was perfect.

Charlie's face lit up each morning when he remembered that Matt, Emily, Tom & Abby were still here, and each night he begged to be reassured that they weren't leaving the next day.

Matt, Emily, Jason and I actually sat up one night watching Dirty Dancing and bemoaning the fact that it wasn't going to be immediately followed by Roadhouse.

Watching them drive away Tuesday morning was definitely tough, but God gave us a wonderful distraction.  Reid arrived not 30 minutes later to hang out with Charlie and me while Chad & Corrisa spent the day at Summerville Hospital welcoming baby Tanner James into the world. 

I can't help but hope that 30-some years from now Charlie will be taking these very same family/friend vacations with Tom, Abby, Reid and Tanner, laughing about the craziness of children and reminiscing over old movies...  You just can't beat BFFs.

What?!?!?!?!?

Following my turn as first-responder to a head-on collision between Charlie's truck and the adirondacks, during which he informed me that race cars "just wreck sometimes", I relaxed on the porch with my Kindle. 

Momentarily,  Charlie parked his truck in the garage and sauntered up to me...

Charlie:  Mama, I didn't die!
Mommy:  What?!?!?!?!?!  Well, thankfully, no you didn't.
Charlie: I didn't die!  Since I only drove for a little while.
Mommy:  Oh...your truck didn't die.  You're right, Buddy.  It didn't.
Charlie: Nope, because I didn't drive it for a long time.

...and he proceeded to check himself out in the glass reflection, admiring his NASCAR shirt...  Oh my...

Omnipotent?

I imagine I'm not the only Christian who has read verses like Philippians 4:13 or Mark 7:7 and taken them to mean that if I believe in Jesus I can have anything I want -- though I might be the only one who has read Matthew 18:19 and woken her husband up at dawn telling him that she found the key and if he'll pray with her right then, God will give them a baby (circa 2006...).

 

The thing is, that is clearly what some of the those verses seem to say, right?  "Ask, and it shall be given to you...";  "I can do all things through Christ..." 

 

So, why don't I get whatever I want?  I know that God is sovereign and has control over absolutely everything that happens in this world -- so since I believe this and have put my hope for eternity in the life, death and resurrection of His Son, why do I still have some unanswered prayers?

 

Again, I imagine that I'm not the only one who has wondered this or struggled with the newsflash that (gasp!), it's not all about me!  God's plan is perfect and as Romans 8:28 says, "all things work together for good", but could it be that what I want isn't what's best???  That maybe my desires are short-sighted, blind to bigger truths and (perish the thought) selfish???

 

Throughout this summer Corrisa's and my Monday night Bible Study has focused on individual verses that Christians commonly lean on for comfort, but often misunderstand because they are taken out of context of either the passage or the entire Bible. 

 

In an effort to clear up the apparent disconnect between the fact that I do have faith in God, but still don't get my way all the time, this week we dug into Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" and the notes are below (just in case there happens to be anyone else out there who has it all figured out and just can't understand why God doesn't agree...)

 

Does faith in God mean I can do anything I want? have my heart's desire?

  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

• What are "all things"?
• Context: Paul is writing to Philippian believers from Roman prison
• 4:1-23 is the conclusion of the letter
• Focuses on specific instruction for some church members in disagreement (4:1-3)
• Encourages Philippians to rejoice and not worry (4:4-7)
• Reminds Philippians of the importance of focusing on "good" things, not the world (4:8-9)
• Thanks Philippians for supporting Paul financially/practically (4:10-20)
• Concludes letter (4:21-23)
• 4:10-20: Philippians have been concerned with Paul's well-being (4:10) and provided for him financially (4:17)
• Paul is grateful for their support (4:10)
• Paul is confident in God's provision with or without their support (4:11-12)
• Paul knows that he can handle any level of wealth or lack thereof with God's help (4:13)
• 4:13 - Paul refers to his ability to handle any circumstances in which God places him, not to his ability to do anything Paul, himself, wishes with God's help
• Does this mean believers are not capable of doing "all things" with God's help?
• Matthew 7:20 - Disciples failed to exorcise demons because of their lack of faith -- Jesus says they could move mountains with just a little
• Mark 11:23-24 - Jesus speaks and a fig tree whithers following triumphal entry
• So do "strong/faithful" believers get anything they ask for from God?
• Luke 17:6 - maybe?
• Mark 9:23 - yes?
• John 11:40 - the focus/purpose/goal of truly faithful believers is the glory of God
• How does this purpose impact what believers ask for in prayer? (Matthew 6:10; 7:7,11)
• What satisfies a "faithful" believer? (Jeremiah 31:14)
• Conclusion: Believers can absolutely "do all things" through [Christ] who strengthens them" but God's faithful are satisfied with His goodness/His will/His commands and their desire is to see His glory, not their own; so God enables them to do all "good" things which are the things that will result in His glory as part of His perfect plan.

Surprise!

Despite an accidental post (that lasted less than 10 seconds) of my previous blog, Richard & Debbie were surprised Friday night!  The party was a wonderful celebration of 40 years of love and commitment, and the weekend was whirlwind of family fun. 

For the first time in 6 years we didn't let anyone other than Jason's family know we were coming to town, choosing to focus our limited time on the party and a bit of relaxation (a huge change of pace for Jason).  It was definitely the right choice -- but it still felt odd not seeing Uncle Jim, Aunt Jan, Matt & Emily, the Daniels, the Allens...etc, etc...

Nevertheless, I wouldn't change a thing.  Rather than exhausted with heads spinning, we boarded our flights to Charleston relaxed, but still ready to see the dogs.

A few highlights of the quick trip...