Archive for August, 2009
First day of K, part II
Charlie and I waited … and waited … and waited at the bus stop on the return trip after the school day ended. I ended up knocking on a neighbor’s door, whose son started 2nd grade today. She reassured me that the bus was always late the first few days which calmed my nerves (was I at the right stop? did I miss the bus? was my daughter wandering around at the school teacherless and parentless?!?!) When she finally stepped off the bus (took her a while to realize it was her stop, she and her friend were sitting in the back of the bus–already?!?! I’m in trouble!), Avery was not as giddy and chatty as I had thought she’d be. In fact, she looked almost traumatized, with a completely blank face and slow, weighted steps. She was also a bit crabby, which was understandable (although not excusable) considering we woke up quite a bit earlier than normal. I took the kids to McDonalds (Avery asked to be surprised when I asked what she wanted for lunch on her first day of school, although Charlie “ruined” the surprise by telling her as we were walking home). She needed time to wind down and process all that had happened so we didn’t talk much about school. I let them eat their french fries and play on the playground (while I read through the inserts and letters and homework and other papers that were in her take-home folder).
After the kids played a bit at home together (with Charlie’s new toys of course), Charlie had a nap, and Avery and I tackled her first day of homework. She finally was opening up about her school day and we had a lot of fun on the project (creating a “picture” of her study area, aka the kitchen table). She didn’t want to stop. Finally, she was finished and all she had to do was write her name at the top. That was just too much after such a long morning. She made a mistake on the “Y” and just melted. So, I took her upstairs for quiet time. It broke my heart that she just balled. After about 20 minutes, she finally calmed down, I held her and we talked for a few minutes. She had her quiet time and when both kids came down, everything seemed to have righted itself.
So, we shook things up again and went to a birthday party for our friend/neighbor down the block! The kids had a blast and the day ended on a high note with a walk around the neighborhood (although I had to carry her home “I’m tired mom, let’s go home”) and a visit with more friends/neighbors after dinner with dad! Thankfully, she’s ready, it seems to do it all over again tomorrow …
Related post: First day of K
1 comment August 31, 2009
First day of K
Avery had her first day of Kindergarten today! She was so excited, big smiles the entire morning (even got up before I went to wake her at 6:45am). I held things together just fine until she waved at me through the window in the bus (at 7:30! Ugh. Whose big idea was it to have school start so early?!?!). My big girl! She has been waiting expectantly for this day for a long time, she even said so this morning. I know she’s going to love it.
Last week we went to meet her teacher and drop off supplies (she took great pleasure in putting everything away in it’s rightful place that day, lol) so we were talking about school with dad at supper that night. She said she was ready to go … “every Friday.” Matt was explaining to her that she would go to school every day, not just on Fridays, and we thought she was going to explode with excitement! “That’s so cool,” she said. I hope her enthusiasm for school sticks with her. :)
Charlie is having a harder time. He misses her so much! And it’s so quiet in the house. Although thankfully we had his birthday presents (his party was yesterday) to distract him, we only made it to 8:10 before he sadly (or whinily) said “I want to ride the bus like Avery, mama.” Then after a pause, “I miss Avery.” A half our later, he said, “Mom, I want Avery to come. She is my friend. My sister is my friend.” Awwww …. So we hugged while I cried again and we had some milk and cookies together.
Related post: First day of K, part II
1 comment August 31, 2009
Complimentary education
I overheard the following conversation this morning (so glad big sister is teaching little brother good manners!) …
Avery: Ohhh, I like your shorts, Charlie!
Charlie: I like your shorts, Avery.
Avery: No, no, no. When I say something, then you say “thank you.” Let’s do it again. I like your shorts!
Charlie: Thank you.
Avery: Hee hee hee
Add comment August 19, 2009
Demands of natural fragrance
What’s not in beauty products is just as, if not more important, than what is these days. Heightened awareness of the environment sustainability, wellness and natural has given suppliers and marketers an opportunity to distinguish their products in the marketplace. The trend is consumer-driven, and the demand is on the rise. According to Organic Monitor, global sales of natural and organic cosmetics are increasing by more than $1 billion a year, and it is today’s discerning consumer helping the natural and organic market find its way. “People are remembering the benefits of simplicity in their lives and in the products they use,” says Masha Petrowizky, independent cosmetic design consultant.
Therefore, competition for shelf space in this lucrative segment is fierce, and the industry is ripe with infighting on the nature of “natural” itself and labeling/communicating this to consumers. And as consumers become more savvy through and through, fragrance is in the middle of this storm. “When a consumer questions chemicals in her beauty products, it’s not long before she begins evaluating fragrances, too,” says said Jennifer Barckley, director of communications, Weleda.
Read more in the August issue of GCI magazine.
Add comment August 19, 2009
God is in the details …
Do you pray big enough? Do you pray small enough? I know I don’t. Even though sometimes I know that God can do something, no matter how big or small, it doesn’t mean that He will, so I often pray so that I won’t be disappointed in the outcome. And a lot of times I only pray when it’s something big because it doesn’t seem important enough for God to deal with. It’s with the little stuff that I seem to struggle with big faith. Like Martha in John’s account of Lazarus’ resurrection, speaking to Jesus, “I know that God will give [Jesus] whatever [He] ask.” But, then, at the tomb, Jesus is about to commence the biggest, most controversial miracle yet (raising a man from the dead after four days) and Martha is worried about the odor of Lazarus’ body! We need to give that up to Him as well. We’re called to recognize God’s wisdom and methods in all the details.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ ” John 11:40
Add comment August 18, 2009
God is in control 2
I am still struggling some with the accident at times, replaying events over and over in my mind. The images are just burned into my brain. Although thankfully, I was so busy yesterday that it was better. It also helps that the kids and I saw our friends on Wednesday night and they are looking and acting more like themselves. I can see twinkle coming back into their eyes.
The kids seem to be handling things well. Although they were in the car with us right behind where the accident happened, I don’t know how much they saw or if they are really processing what happened. Charlie had a clear view out his window though. Every once in a while he will say “Chris car rolling in grass?” Sometimes as a statement and other times as a question. He seems concerned that they will have to buy a new car and then will say “it happens.” He also remembers that mom prayed for Chris and Kerry. That means a lot to me. When we had lunch yesterday and I hadn’t mentioned their names in prayer beforehand, Charlie reminded me.
While we were in the car after the accident, though, the kids didn’t say one word. They didn’t whine or complain about anything or even ask what was happening. It was an encouragement to me because I don’t know what I would have done if they were scared, too. It’s now that I can be thankful that my kids have seen me crying irrationally a few times in their lives. We weren’t exactly calm and cool.
Not wanting to ignore the incident, I have talked with them about it a few times. It has been a great opportunity to talk with them about God’s sovereignty and control over everything. While I was combing Avery’s hair after her much-needed post-camping bath (despite the fact that she said “but I went swimming in the lake, so I am clean!”) I was able to compare the experience to Daniel and the lion’s den, which she learned at Sunday school the previous weekend. When we had talked about that story, she said Daniel didn’t get hurt “because an angel came and held the lions’ mouths shut.” So, I stopped combing her hair for a moment and wrapped my arms around her while I described what it must have been like for them to know that God was there protecting them. We talked again about how God can be with everyone, and in heaven, at the same time, which seemed to really make an impression on her. You never know how an event like this will affect young minds so I am relieved to know that friends are praying for them and that we have been able to talk opening with them about it.
“He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:27
Add comment August 14, 2009
God is in control
This past weekend, a fantastic camping trip was overshadowed by a harrowing drive home. Although we caravan-ed to the state park in Wisconsin, we all left to go home at different times. Some wanted to get home and wash off the 1/4-inch of grime off themselves and everything they brought with them. Others wanted to get ahead of the stormy weather that was coming, and a few were interested in one last dip in the lake before we left. We were among the last to leave, having been chased out of the water by lightning. My friend Kim helped me get the kids changed and we all piled in the car just as the rain began to fall.
We had been driving a while, the kids comatose and the rest of us going over the highs and lows of the weekend, when we noticed our friends in a black Saturn Vue just ahead (we found out later he had taken a wrong turn from the campground enabling us to catch up). We began to scheme ways to embarrass and entertain them, having decided to draw a picture of a butt and “moon” them (okay, so maybe having been camping didn’t exactly help our maturity level but mooning came up a few times in conversation for a variety of reasons so it seemed timely). We were directly behind them, as they passed a silver SUV, and we waited our turn so we could pull up next to them. When, suddenly, our friends swerved to avoid the other vehicle as it creeped into their lane, then over corrected and rolled into the ditch. I immediately shouted “Lord help them! Oh, God, protect them!” And then they rolled and rolled, four times, across the ditch and into oncoming traffic on the other side. They landed upright, but on the far side of the West-bound traffic, facing the opposite direction that they had been traveling. Thankfully, any oncoming traffic was far enough back that they were able to pull over and avoid making a bad situation worse. Matt also somehow safely pulled the car over to the side of the road and ran across both lanes of traffic to go to them. Fearing the worst, I felt completely helpless, knowing that all I could do was pray.
Kim used her cell phone to call 911 and attempt to reach our other friends who had gone ahead. It seemed forever before the ambulance arrived, especially since it came from the opposite direction, driving right past us to the turnaround before getting to our friends trapped in their vehicle.
Then all we could do was wait before Matt returned to let us know that they were both okay and talking (an eternity it seemed). Eventually, they were taken to a nearby hospital in Madison and we made our way there to see them, having met up with friends who were close enough to turn around and join us. We were able to visit with them and even laugh with them and pray with and for them.
Having seen what happened, I know how miraculous it is that they both walked out of the hospital and were home by midnight that night, with scratches, bruises and soreness to be sure, but nothing more. I envision God wrapping his arms around each of them to protect them, as glass and bits of plastic showered around them, but the structural components of the vehicle holding together.
We are so thankful for our friends, obviously those who were in the accident, and those who were supporting them at the hospital and now at home with meals and errands and love and prayers. I can’t even begin to imagine what an event like this would be without the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ and the support of God-fearing friends.
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
2 comments August 10, 2009
Quality of life
I recently received a response from Senator Burris in regards to my letter (sent a while ago I might add) stating my displeasure with his record on abortion and his favor of the health care plan, which would be allowed to cover elective abortion without funding restrictions. He mentioned his support of a woman’s right to choose (that, obviously, is his choice), but did mention the need to reduce the need for abortions (yeah!). Unfortunately, his plans for that are to “expand access to preventive family planning services [my emphasis], helping to decrease the number of unintended pregnancies.” That means “pregnancy centers” which means access to abortion clinics, which will promote abortions. Duh. He also mentioned a bill he cosigned to “support further measures to increase rates of adoption as an alternative to abortion and reduce unintended pregnancies.” Honestly, I don’t know much about this but it does sound like something I could get behind. It is WAY too easy to get an abortion and WAY too difficult to adopt. But what really irked me about his letter was this statement toward the end: “I believe in the right to good quality of life for every American [emphasis not mine!].”
Who gets to decide what is a quality life? The government? No thanks! Sigh.
Add comment August 6, 2009
Countdown to camping
We told the kids on Sunday night that this weekend we were going camping, a big event with lots of our (and their) friends. 22 total. It’s going to be a lot of fun (minus the potential high humidity and possible rain, eep). But ever since we have been dealing with the consequences: Is it camping day? Will it be camping day after nap? after lunch? … several. times. a day. Thankfully, after a few days, Avery was able to grasp the concept of a daily countdown. Even Charlie was picking up on it, saying “1 day til camping?” first thing this morning. Before she figured it out, Avery told me “I want you to tell me the day that it’s camping day next time. So I won’t keep asking if it’s camping day.” It was a great teaching moment for me because I realized that telling her was a good thing (I was beginning to wonder). She’s learning patience. I told her that it is fun to have surprises and to never have to wait isn’t it? But it’s also great to have fun events to look forward to! And now, it’s finally packing day, so the kids are picking out the clothes and toys they can’t live without for 36 hours. Tomorrow will be a long day though, each hour seeming longer than each of the past several days (for me and the kids I’m sure), as we have to wait until dad gets home from work before we can leave. Then it’s time to rough it (with a carload of essentials crammed in the trunk)! “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Add comment August 6, 2009
Point to the truth
At a birthday celebration for a girlfriend–a girl’s night in–we were having a discussion about how Christians tend to be known for what they are against instead of what they are for, a very memorable statement in Bob George’s book “Classic Christianity.” As Christians we do tend to shake our heads and complain and send e-mail forwards to all our friends about what’s wrong in society (sigh, there is SO much) and want to try to “fix it” with “this” ban and “that” law. (And not that’s NOT to say we shouldn’t stand up for what we believe in.) But, I think legislating morality is a distraction from helping people understand the truth, to grow spiritually. Think of it this way … What’s more eternally effective: stopping someone from having an abortion today or helping someone learn about Jesus so that they make the decision on their own that abortion is not in God’s plan ever?
The main problem is that we as Christians have become so ingrained in today’s society, that if we aren’t out there a pointing finger, we don’t appear “different.”
But we are pointing at people and problems instead of pointing to the truth in Jesus Christ.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
1 comment August 5, 2009
Good news/bad news: Morning run
Good news: I went running this morning (I have been missing a lot of days bc sleep wins the battle when the alarm goes off!)
Bad news: I was super slow, one of the slowest runs I have had in a long time.
Good news: Because I ran the same distance, my run was longer than it’s been in a while.
Bad news: I burned fewer calories.
Good news: I still burned about 400 calories.
Bad news: It’s not enough! I’m stuck at 160 pounds! UGH.
Good news: There’s always tomorrow.
Bad news: I have to do it again tomorrow.
Add comment August 4, 2009
