Avery, who has never named any of her “babies” (that is, her stuffed animals), suddenly decided it was of utmost importance to give each and every one of them first, middle and last names. She spent her bedtime on Wednesday night coming up with most of the names (and calling me up to share each one as it was perfected). Some of my favorites are a pink hippo now named Ribbon Lola Pink, a white rabbit named Butterfly Fluffy Pink and a lion named White Orange Pawprint. There also is a brown puppy named Waffle, another brown dog named Brownie, and a third dog named Spotty. Quite a change from kitty, lion, puppy, lamby, bunny, etc. :) Caught up in the excitement, Charlie also told me, several times in fact, that his “black puppy” as he was previously named is now: Dave. The times they are a-changing.

Well, I kept Avery home from school today (to avoid the Halloween party in her classroom, which I admittedly made the mistake of avoiding earlier in the year and just didn’t know enough about to know what all was going to happen). Right or wrong, I don’t know. But I know I don’t feel guilty about it and Avery doesn’t seem to be one bit bothered by it. She was disappointed to miss out on a day of school, or rather of riding the bus with her friends, but she recovered quickly and we had a busy day of decorating their room like a castle, dressing up, preparing the candy for trick-or-treaters tomorrow and baking muffins.

“ ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

Skeletons at the grocery store, tombstones in the neighbor’s yard, jack-o-lanterns everywhere! I am really struggling with Halloween, as I seem to every year just before the big day. The overwhelming pressure to participate in the celebrations really tests my resolve. I know I am not alone in my desire not to celebrate the holiday, but it sure seems that way! But just when I think I am ready to give in, God gives me the inspiration and encouragement to keep going.

With Avery in public school, I knew there would be some uphill battles. The other day, she came home excited to show me how to draw a witch. Unfortunately, it came unexpectedly so I panicked and over-reacted. The look on her face was heart-breaking. So, I had to backpedal a bit to reassure her she wasn’t in trouble. A few days later, she was dressing up her babies (stuffed animals) “for Halloween.” So, I suggested maybe they get dressed up for a party or a parade instead (to which she replied, btw, “Well, for a parade, I want them to be on a float so that they aren’t on the road where they could get squished.”)

But what finally brought me to tears was when I picked Avery up from her K-1st grade Sunday school class at church this weekend. There was a “haunted” maze with a plastic jack-o-lantern and spiders etc. I am completely losing this battle!

I am not, although I know you may find it hard to believe, judging those who do participate. I completely understand how much you want your children to have fun, especially if you grew up with great memories of trick-or-treating as a kid. And, it is largely a harmless event. I am just disappointed that there seem to be so few Christians who are willing to take a stand and be different (or support those who do).

There is evidence that darker practices persist on Halloween, and I fully believe in spiritual realm, a battle between good and evil. What am I teaching my kids by making light of something to be taken serious “because it’s fun”?

But because Halloween is difficult to explain without being scary, I’ve found it really hard to talk with the kids about it and why we don’t celebrate, even at these prime opportunities when single issues come up. It’s been my goal to find a way to do just that this week, however.

So, today, we talked simply about good versus evil. I reviewed our discussion about God-Jesus-Spirit in the Holy Trinity, and how those represented the “good” and holy. Halloween, I explained, is a celebration of the things that don’t please God. She interrupted me at that point and said, “I know! Someone can dress up for Halloween as Jesus!” It was the first time that I felt her making a connection with some of what I have been trying to say, which gave me some hope for the future.

The lines are still fuzzy, and that’s where the struggle begins. For now, this is where I put my foot down:

• No purchased/planned costumes. But, I am all for imagination play and the kids can dress up any day of the year. So, if they want to put on their police uniform or Cinderella dress or tiger outfit on Oct 31, I’m fine with that.
• No trick or treating. We try to make handing out the candy to all our friends and neighbors fun instead.
• No jack-o-lanterns. Each fall we grow or pick pumpkins and set them on the stoop. This year, I am also planning to attempt a pumpkin pie from scratch, too, so the kids can help scoop out the pulp and seeds, and of course bake the pie. Messy and fun!
• No Halloween parties for the kids. This is the hardest one, but I’ve broken this rule in the past and always regretted it. You can’t control how other people celebrate, and therefore, introduce your kids to those concepts.

The bottom line is I am responsible for my children and what goes in their hearts. So, in this case, I’ll continue to err on the side of caution.

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31

“ ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

I wasn’t feeling well on Saturday but we had a double birthday party that night. So, while I rested at home, my husband generously took both kids shopping for birthday presents at Target and Best Buy. Because of a leak in my car, the family car, he took his car. It has extra car seats (technically, the ones they’ve each already grown out of) so no big deal. But what it doesn’t have is a box of toys and books between the seats as the family car does. As kids do, they decided to pretend. Great idea! But Avery suddenly says: “He-ey! I wanted the Blues Clues game!” Charlie of course responded, “No! My want it.” Finally, dad had to reach back and take the imaginary toy away. lol! I couldn’t make this stuff up.

We had a busy weekend while my sister and her kids were visiting. Friday, we went downtown Chicago to visit Moody Bible Institute then to the SkyDeck of the Sears–ahem, I mean, Willis–Tower. The new glass ledges were pretty cool. Charlie showed no fear and Avery was very brave although she did want to hold my hand at first and said it was scary.

Video (on facebook) from my sister’s phone of the giraffes.

My sister and her kids are visiting for a short weekend. We don’t see them often, so Charlie was having a hard time warming up, especially having just woken up from nap when they arrived. But by the time we went out for pizza, he was having a good time with his cousin who played cars with him at least. He was entertained by his aunt, too, but didn’t know her name. He kept saying “her” and pointing. I meant to correct him but was lazy I guess. Then we were making each other laugh at the restaurant and my sister said something he found funny. A few minutes later, he looked at my sister and said: “Say that again, Lady!” We all laughed, including Charlie. My sister was happy to oblige, unfortunately, nobody knew what he wanted repeated. I’m reminded once again why we call him chuckles!

My how time flies! Today marks the two-year anniversary of my very first blog post! So, while I am feeling uninspired as of late, it seemed appropriate to list some of my favorites over the past two years. Considering I have 393 posts, I think I was able to narrow it down to “just a few” … But don’t be shy! Let me know if I missed one of your faves!

Wordless Wednesday
Family portrait
Like mother, like son
Little helpers
Uh, I got dirty
Little patriot
I don’ wanna Awana
Little red dress

There’s now less of me to love. Not exactly in the way that I had in mind, however. I had my appendix removed last Wednesday. A sudden, unexpected, emergency appendectomy to close out the week. Good news is everything went smoothly and God provided much throughout the experience.

Recovery has been pretty routine. Mostly headaches, fatigue and other aches slowing me down. With two kids and now two laparoscopic procedures under my belt, I’m feeling like a pro. However, I am very thankful to supportive friends and neighbors who not only have been making us meals, but visiting, helping around the house (I got worn out watching my friend Beca clean for me on Friday!) and playing with the kids. I don’t know how I would do it without you. Thank you!

Being cheap comes with consequences. The free Geocities web site I was using to promote my freelancing business is shutting down. So, I had to move the site to Google instead. The good news is, it gave me a chance to update, clean up and add to the site. Here’s the relaunch: http://sites.google.com/site/saraswords/

As a writer, I am often looking for experts who can discuss new technologies in professional hair color or trends in bath and body fragrancing. My job has been made a lot easier lately by new social networking sites, including LinkedIn and now: HARO. I only recently heard about this site, and just used it for the first time today so we’ll see how it goes. But what a great idea! The way it works: people (with something to say) sign up to get thrice-daily e-mails of really specific requests for sources, such as “Business owners that use video conferencing via their laptops” or “Interior designers who’ve done Emotional Intelligence training.” I submitted a request for salon colorists who use enzymes for an article I am writing on new technologies in professional hair color. If a topic or request submitted by a reporter fits your experience or expertise, you reply. It’s worth a look if you are trying to get your name out there (or you are a writer like me and need experts). Of course, it’s a lot of sifting through e-mails … the one downside no matter which side of the story you are on.

I think this is a record, 8 days without posting!! Eep. Between keeping up with facebook, working p/t for Capstone Consulting and creating posters and flyers for church, life has gotten rather busy. Oh yeah, and raising two kids to boot. So, for fun, I’m posting the graphic design projects that have kept me glued to the computer, but distracting me from blogging!

For the next Springbrook Church’s women’s event, which started out as a Hawaiian Cruise Night:

But then evolved into simply Hawaiian Night (featuring lessons from a real hula dancer!), requiring a redesign:

We’re also launching a gardening class for which we needed posters and flyers this week (notice it features a similar style to the scrapped Hawaiian Cruise poster):

I also had two new upcoming series at church for which to create graphics. The Jonah series also required a re-do when it was renamed Big Fish, from God Wants You. The latter featured a nostalgic twist on the Uncle Sam army posters, which just would not do with the rename. I didn’t save that one since I didn’t care for it anyway (this is the cover for the CD series box):

And for Easter:

Phew! We should be set for at least a few days now … Good thing this is fun!

Interview with Avery (4.5 years)

22. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
With daddy. On a meeting. (She also drew a picture of us “on a meeting” so I think she means “date.”)

13 things I learned through high school, although I may not have realized it until years later:

13: God is watching over you, protecting you from the world and keeping you on His path, even when you would never know it.

OK, it’s a week late but I didn’t have internet access while we were traveling so I’m posting my Thanksgiving Thankful list today:
1. A fun-filled Thanksgiving at Camp Shamineau, where I got to have new experiences, including rock climbing and the zip line, as well as play floor hockey with the family. So fun!
2. I also got to see my sister on the trip, although only for a few hours it felt so great just to talk for a bit.
3. We are making great progress on the kitchen remodel, and getting closer to finished every day! I am so glad that we are even doing this project.
4. Because of the kitchen remodel, our house is a bit warmer this winter. I’m so thankful for insulation!
5. I am also excited about one of my Christmas gifts: new boots! They are warm and cute, making playing in the snow with the kids a bit more comfortable (now for some snow pants!).
6. My kids are healthy and happy.
7. Avery is doing well in pre-school, becoming more bold in speaking with the teachers. And she LOVES it.
8. Charlie is learning new things every day and just melts my heart.
9. Matt has a job and things are going well.
10. And despite the economic downturn, we are doing fine, affected but not taking it hard.
11. I’m thankful for days I can sleep in. Mmmm….sleep.
12. I finally got some cream that actually helps the eczema on my hands. So even though they are still super-dry, they don’t hurt!
13. I have awesome friends who make me laugh and cry and all-around love life. Thank you!
PLUS: My Christmas letter is done and I’ve completed most of my shopping so I’m already well on my way to a less stressful Christmas season!

Avery would like to add:
1. Snow.
2. A healthy body.
3. Playing with my brother.
4. Mommy and daddy.
5. Books.

If Charlie could understand this exercise, I’m fairly certain he’d have one item on his list:
1. Cars!

[Edited 12/9/2008 to add: While we were installing our kitchen flooring, the technician from Miracle Method came to fix our tub. So, it looks good for now! I credit RatePoint.com for their motivation. I didn't hear from them when they said they'd call, so I went to RatePoint after researching about the company and finding they were listed there. So, I posted a negative review (2/5 stars), and they were here within a week.]