Little Me

Ugh. Insert big, groan-type of sigh here.
I'm feeling a bit bummed today (or maybe just right now). Maybe y'all can relate.
Looks like I'm going to have to cancel a student ministry event I had planned for tonight because the details just aren't coming together. That stinks because I feel it causes me to lose some credit, y'know. Oh, well, that's in God's hands. I'm taking that pretty well in stride, I think.
What has really induced this feeling is that I just finished reading other blogs. I have just become sucked into this world of jumping from one stunning person's blog to another and finding one industrious, amazing mom to another. One is homeschooling 5 kids while composting, recycling and growing their own food then to another who is making her own wipees, diapers, shirts, curtains, prom dresses and probably building a house on the side! Okay, I exaggerate, but that's how it feels. Kinda like when you read Proverbs 31, y'know. Or that magazine with the Together Mom (only really it's a team of single, urban designers gleaning ideas off the web in their glass offices downtown).
So, I guess I'm really just admitting to being on that spiralling ride I'm sure you've all been on of comparing myself and not measuring up. What, for instance, am I actively doing to save my family money? I don't use coupons, I don't make my own anything and I wash clothes after every wearing (because, really, after I wear them, then where am I going to put them to await they're next outing? Back in my closet full of clean clothes? No way, sister. Sitting out on the glider in our bedroom looking cluttered and getting wrinkled? If someone can answer that question for me maybe I'll readdress this issue...but I digress...). I guess some might say I'm crafty, but I just feel like I have little time for that. How does Mrs. Homeschool Mom of 5 find time to MAKE all her own stuff?
Okay, stop. I'm just ranting now. Breathe.
I'm reminded now of an article I read in Radiant Magazine (thanks, Cynthia). It was talking of this evil comparing cycle and put the thought in my head that Mrs. I Have It All Together is also least likely to make those around her feel comfortable. I mean, she has it all figured out and appears to be perfect, so who wants to put themselves around that. "And as much as we may think our efforts at fixing what's 'wrong' about us are going to improve our relationships [or whatever], the truth is that the more we focus on ourselves, the less other people are going to enjoy being around us." That's what the article said (by Constance Rhodes).
So, well, I gotta go. Enough of my ingrown eyes. My Precious is up from her nap and it's time to do what I do without question: love that girl. I'll leave the ride in favor of the approval of the only One I need.
Bye.

Careers I think I could pursue

1. Hairstylist - not that fancy, prom/wedding type stuff but I just love hair. I think I have a knack for people's hair and what looks right and what doesn't. I'd love to stand behind you with shears in hand and tell you, "No, Sweetie, you cannot and should not EVER have that hairstyle. Relax and let me handle this."

2. Music teacher - like Ms. Phyllis, Evyn's Kindermusik teacher. She's absolutely fabulous. Evy and I loved her the moment we saw her. I'm not the best voice in the choir, but I can carry a pretty good tune. Plus, who doesn't love a song?

3. Decorator - just don't judge by the state of my home, okay? Given excessive amounts of other people's money, I would just LOVE to do this...if you love red, that is. Oh, and you'd have to dislike all things modern (which I appreciate but don't fit me).

4. Antique store owner/buyer - well, who wouldn't, right? All the shows I want, wherever and whenever I want. Paris, here I come! I would actually love to do this with my mom and put all of her slap yo momma goodies for sale in the back of our gigantic treasure-filled store to reward you for making it all the way!
or if I can't do that.....

5. Antique outing planner - I would do this with my mom (who, as aforementioned, is a food genius). We would arrange a bus, the goodies, the drop off and pick up and take you and all your gal pals to a terrific antiques show (enjoying the same all the while!).

6. Elementary school librarian - ah, to order all the books I want, teach just about books, no tests, no report cards, no grading, no attendance, and of course...the Book Fair!! I could do this one in my sleep!

7. Stay-at-home Mom - oh, wait, I am pursuing this one, aren't I? The highest calling a woman has, if you ask me. It is my dream career and would trade it for no other. My sweet child is a constant, beautiful reminder of God's love and blessings on me and teaching her about Him is the fulfillment of joy. To hear her sing His praise, pray for her friends and call me "my friend, Mom" as she did today is absolutely the tops. I pray this blessing on each of my childless friends and will rejoice with you when God's timing is made perfect.
A higher calling could not exist.

Now for some MaryEvyn news...

So, sometimes I feel guilty for all of you non-moms out there for writing about my kiddo. And some of you moms, too, because I do, in fact, realize that maybe not everyone thinks my darling is as darling as I think she is. But if you'll just indulge this one little post every now and again, I just gotta tell you some cute stuff about my soon to be 3 year old.


This is Precious as a "Fancy Princess Ballerina". Is she a girl or what? Love the tutu, love the shoes, love the headband, love it, love it!!

This is today and our big news!! She used the potty. I mean, for the first time, really used it without being cajoled, coaxed, bribed and no tears. In fact, she came running in to me in the kitchen and said, "Mommy, I feel like I need to go potty!" (She was wearing a pull up that she refuses to "go" in.) So we scrambled in there and she did it...no waiting, no reading, no encouragement, we just looked at each other with anxious anticipation and heard the magical, beautiful sounds! It was amazing! She's already repeated this 2 more times. We're so excited!


Then here are some cute things she's said lately that crack me up (or are just too cute to keep to myself!).
* The other day she was in the room with me while I was praying and she said, "Mommy, why are your eyes closed?" I told her it was because I was praying and she remarked, "Wellllll, - dramatic pause - that certainly sounds like a good idea!"
* One night after I just got home from camp, I was lying in bed with her a little while and she was singing, "Better is one day in Your courts..." and I was attempting to explain the song to her and telling her that God is King and lives in a castle with courts and that since she was His child..."Do you know what that means, MaryEvyn?" I whispered.
"No, what!" she whispered back.
"That makes you a princess!"
"YES!!!!" she said very Napoleon Dynamite style (thanks, Morgan!!)
* Some cute baby-ish things she still says:
nakin (napkin)
hopchock (hopscotch)
may I please, please have esused? (May I please be excused?)

Ah, I just want to freeze this time and come back often. I love it.
But God has big plans for this smart, lovely girl and I am eagerly anticipating the realization of that as well.
Okay, thanks for indulging me!

Much Anticipated Camp Pics

My thanks to our wonderful photographer (and videographer, it seems) for the week, Breanna. She is one of our high schoolers and I think she may have a future in this. Anyway, without further adue.
This was the view as I stepped out the back door of our cabin onto the deck. This is Lake Corpus Christi. I spent the mornings out here listening to Syndeo, reading and praying.

This is us girls on our bunks.

Also day 1, blow up games. This is one of those obstacle races. I smoked Breanna (that's right, girl!). That's me up on top about to slide down and the thought is just entering my head as I look down, "Ummm...was this a good idea? Am I going to break something down there? I'm really too old for this!"

Mmmmm...camp food.

Ugh....the hottest day ever! and no shade in sight! This smile is the most forced ever! But doing the ropes course as a group was worth it. I was dead after this day, though.

This is one of the rec games we played. (Props to the HBU Rec Team) It's called Steal the Wheel. The tarp is covered in baby shampoo and water and we're racing on our hands and knees (yes, tons of bruises!) to grab as many inner tubes as we can and drag them back to our side. Until they are off the tarp, they're free game.

Okay, that's me on the far side

in the pink shirt, black shorts. I'd like

to say that I'm diving for the tire, but

I really just slipped and went down on my belly. Smooth.

This is our girls going after it. They are hosses, let me tell ya. This was a lot of fun.

So, that's about it. I could bore you with 200 more pics (she took over 400), but I'll spare you! Hope you had fun checking it out. Next year, you should come with us as a sponsor!! C'mon, you know you want some of this!!

The Camp Report, 2. The Worship

Billy and Cindy Foote. If you think you don't know them, think again. You know their songs: "You Are My King (Amazing Love)", "Sing to the King", "You Are God Alone", "I Have A River", "(Holy Spirit of God) You are Welcome" and probably a few more.
That alone is impressive if you're into that sort of thing. When I told people they were doing the worship (I had never heard of them), several eyebrows were raised and I heard, "Really? Wow." Now I know why.
Not only are they wonderful song writers, they are true to fulfill just what you think someone who could write lyrics like that should be. Most striking is their humility. I mean, they could probably be with some big label, touring and singing to the masses, but here they are doing youth camps (which, by the way, I think is a noble calling, but many see it simply as a step to higher things). He's been doing it for 16 years! Think he's seen some changes?! Anyway, they still are on an independent label and when you buy a CD from them, they're the ones behind the table. I found it a little difficult not to be star-struck! People everywhere know their songs! It's so cool.
What I also respected was their refusal to be a "show". He takes his job as worship leader very seriously, even for a bunch of middle and high school students, and doesn't lower the worship standard to a concert or funfest (another singing of "The Happy Song" I don't need). He was also a great match for Chase, the speaker, in that he, too, didn't water down the significance of being in the presence of God and ushered the students there in reverence and awe.
And, man, can that little Cindy Foote belt out a tune. Wow.
If you ever get a chance to experience them in person, take it. Oh, and buy a CD or download their newest one that you can hear on their home page - it's great!

The Camp Report, 1. The Speaker Guy

How was camp?
I've already been asked at least a dozen times and I'm grateful to be asked because it means we were in your thoughts and prayers. But I'm finding the question, a seemingly simple one, hard to answer. How do you sum up 5 great, fun, challenging, hard, tiring, sweaty, spiritually high days for someone who really just wants you to answer in a couple of sentences. It's hard to convey how it really was when you weren't there. I guess I'll try.
I guess my overall impression is that this camp was a perfect fit for us and our kids. It was the right amount of challenging and fun. It was very missional minded (which we desperately needed). They gave a lot of options during free time and I never heard anyone say they were bored. Everyone I met was upbeat, extremely friendly and would do anything to help you out - even with the students.

But let's start with the speaker, Chase Bowers. Most people I talked to had never heard of him, but I had seen a reference on his website from Neil McClendon, someone I trust. He was fantastic. I was convicted and challenged every night. He spoke to the students as if he truly believed that they were the future of the church (I've heard a lot of speakers say this, but then dumb down their message for students). He wasn't flashy or even entertaining and definitely not funny but he was truthful and Biblical, the two most important things and the best way to earn the ears and respect of students if you ask me. Here are some quotes from his talks:
"There is only room for the glory of One."
"We want God to take away our problems, but God wants to take away our sin."
"You can't have a Savior without a King."
"Life means transformation, love means obedience."
"You don't get to define God's love language."
"Have you been expressing love to God in a manner that is acceptable to Him?"
"What evidence of transformation can be seen in your life?"
I liked that he called on our students to witness and share with their friends - even there at camp. More than once, he told them to take a friend, even now, in the middle of a talk, and tell them how to accept Jesus. On the last night, his invitation was not to accept Jesus, though he gave them that same opportunity, it was a call to global missions, a need for which he had been teaching and sharing his heart with us. He asked them to stand and come forward with him if they felt the unique call to not only minister at "home" (that is, Sugar Land) but to those who have yet to receive the gospel shared with them in foreign countries. It was awesome. We had 2 students take up that challenge and commit to a period of time doing just that. He then took them to another room and gave them a book and is willing to do what it takes to connect them to places to get them there. Very cool.
God was big, huge in this man's heart and he was seeking Him with all that was in him and it showed. God used him and I'm so eternally grateful that he was willing.
P.S. I'll get pictures up as soon as I get 'em. And I can't thank you enough for praying. I pray blessings for you and know that you will be rewarded in Heaven.

A New, Gratifying Experience

First of all, a shout out to all my new blogging friends. All of sudden, we are a growing group of people and I'm so glad to get a little peek into the thoughts of my friends. Keep writing, it's good for the soul! Also interesting is the growing amount of conversations that have been happening as a result of my or others' blogs. I'm still not sure how confident I am sharing this little blog of mine, but as time passes the word seems to spread. So here we go.

Anyway, the title of the blog and the real point of this post is this: we (hubby, Evy and I) went out to dinner tonight with my in-laws to a wonderful restaurant. It's a fantastic, quiet, Spanish tapas restaurant that Reed and I had been to before and were happy to share it with his parents who also share a love of all things Spanish.
But I had my reservation, a big reservation. This place is a little more fancy, nice, romantic than any we had taken Evyn to before. She's 3 (almost). I wasn't at all sure how she was going to behave. I mean, she's a great kiddo, but to sit quietly in a nice restaurant until everyone is done...most likely refusing (hopefully politely so) all food offerings because they are not her usual fare. That's a lot to ask a toddler.

I shared my misgivings with the family before we left but they were all pretty certain that everything would be fine. So, we went.

Here's the great part: she was great! I gave her the pep talk about what we expected while we were in the restaurant. She had listened and said her adorably chipper little, "Okay, Mommy!" A little too chipper for me to think anything had actually sunk in. But she really was great. No, she didn't really eat any of the food we offered (besides the rolls they brought out while we were waiting) but she was very polite and quiet. We did eventually have to give her a small toy (a miniature/travel set of make-up brushes she pretends to "paint" with), but she did so very sweetly.

Here's the kicker: we got two unsolicited compliments on her wonderful behavior. Now that is something to blog about! One lady sitting at the next table told us she was "good as gold!". Another man sitting on the other side of us stopped me as we were leaving and said something about how well behaved our little girl was. Yes, I think our pride filled the room! I mean, I'm actually sort of used to people commenting on how cute she is (that's what you're supposed to do with cute little girls) but that is the first time I'd been complimented on her behavior. Totally gratifying.

So, if you're reading this, please know that she also has her very stubborn streak and can tantrum with the best of 'em for what she wants. This was a wonderful affirmation and encouragement that God was actually using me to teach my child about respecting and considering others. I needed that this week. He is so good!

Another cat story

Okay, so the other day, I'm outside on the deck with Evy because she wants to throw the ball. "Sure," I say, although I'd really rather not. So besides just the fact that it's hot and dirty outside and the cat keeps rubbing my legs getting hair all over them, I'm beginning to want to go in because, most of all, there's a horrific smell. A rotting, been out for too long kind of smell. I kind of glanced around to see what it may be but spy nothing. Thinking maybe it's just the remains of the bird that Tipsy left for us, though not sure how that's possible, I suggest to Evy that we go in and she rather surprisingly complied.
I decided to take one scary, hesitant, quick look around the corner of the deck to see what was left of the bird, if that's where the smell was coming from. Well, that was where the smell was coming from, but it wasn't the bird. Oh, no, kids, we had a new gift from our feline friend. It was a mouse. A somewhat large-ish mouse. I didn't look any further. I shuddered and rushed inside with Evyn.
I'm beginning to think Tipsy is not the right name for this obviously perfectly capable, tough cat. I mean, it doesn't convey her apparent ferocity. She's still cute and actually pretty sweet, but I wouldn't exactly say she falls in the innocent kitty category. Any suggestions for a good name?
Reed came home later and removed it (and a dead lizard she'd left) and hosed off the deck. Gross!! Thank God again for a big, brave hubby to do what I don't want to do!! Amen, girls?

AHHH....CAMP!

Okay, friends, I'm organizing camp by myself this year. It's overwhelming - and I'm not even the one putting the camp together. I mean, all I have to do is paperwork and get kids signed up. Why, then, is my to do list for this camp not getting any shorter? Vans, checks, background checks for leaders, training for leaders, forms, forms, forms, what to bring lists, parent emails, more forms, faxes, ugh!
It all will be worth it, right? I mean, God's going to do amazing things, right?
Yes, He is. I know He is. Will you join me in praying for the week of June 11-15 - this amazing week of camp? Because, honestly, I don't like camp. It's my least favorite thing about student ministry. I hate being sweaty 24/7, I don't like outside games, I hate bugs, I hate dirty lake water, I have to be "on" all the time, y'know? And there's no Coke. (I'm trying unsuccessfully to wean myself off this week). The lack of sleep, the dirty showers, the late night talks, the jr. hi romantic drama that always happens....
Ah, but the work of God happens, too. And that makes it worth it.
So pray with me for our 15 kids that are going. Pray for me and the other leaders. Pray for our speaker, Chase Bowers, and our worship leaders, Billy and Cindy Foote. Pray for an abundance of energy, patience, and flexibility! Pray for open ears and hearts to the Holy Spirit. Pray for health and safety (I don't want to drive anyone home!). Pray that all of this dreaded paperwork and details get handled smoothly and effectively.
Pray that our kids are changed.
Thanks.
I'll let you know how it goes.

We've been adopted, I guess.

Or she would probably say, "Chosen" if her authoritative attitude and haughty eyes could speak. She is a cat. At least, Reed says it's a girl. We've seen her several times before as she has come and gone all up and down our street. I've never seen her in the same place twice. Last year, she took up residence in our backyard for a couple of days and then disappeared again. When I saw her again about 2 weeks ago, I thought she would eventually go back to wherever she came from. However, after about 3 days Reed and Evyn started to pet her and scratch her ears whenever they were outside. First base for this cat. After about a week I began to call her Tipsy (because as you can see, she has the one bent tip of her ear). Second base. Soon after that, I felt sorry for her in the heat and put out some water. Third base. On Saturday I had to go to the store for milk and finally broke down and bought the cheapest and smallest bag of cat food. As the cat came running for the food, I could almost hear her meow, "Home Run!" Score one for the cat.

She sleeps either in our garage on top of an old welcome mat (ironic, eh?) or under the benches on our deck (which also make a handy scratching post) or sometimes we find her behind the garage on an old table. She has a very demanding meow, not like the sweet drawling kind that I've had before. She has also dashed into the house a couple of times. She's even stuck her paw in the slightly cracked door to open it and get in. I don't think this cat's used to not getting her way.

But a funny story happened as a result of this cat. MaryEvyn had misplaced her sunglasses one day. The next day we came out the back door on our way to the garage and Evy excitedly proclaims, "Mommy, I found my sunglasses!"

"Oh, that's great, Baby!" I say matching her enthusiasm. "Where were they?" I ask, never turning around because I'm locking the door.

"In the feathers!!"

"Oh, in the - what???" Puzzled, I turn quickly around to find bird feathers, a disembodied wing and other disturbing bird parts strewn across one side of our deck.

"Um...okay, Baby, give Mommy the sunglasses so I can clean them, ok?" I say in a forced calm voice as I rip them off her face! "Tell Mommy exactly where they were." She shows me and, yes, it's smack in the middle of downy little feathers. I go in the house and clean them off thoroughly with soap and water, convincing myself that surely the little part I'm having to scrape off is not from the bird. Inside, I'm squirming!

I later showed Reed who just laughed and shook his head in amazement at this devious cat who has obviously taken advantage of our newly placed bird feeder. Its contents have spilled on the grass below thus making them sitting ducks for our new friend.

So she's been with us meowing and rubbing on our legs for about 2 weeks. We'll see how long she stays this time.

I must say it is kinda nice for Evy to have a sort of low maintenance pet. She enjoys her immensely and I guess I kind of like having a cat around again. But, no, it's never going to be welcome in this house!