Visions of Narnia

It started to snow during the early afternoon hours yesterday, and snowed for a good long while.  The snowflakes were big and wet.  They clung to everything.  Thankfully, not much stuck to the pavement, so there was no shoveling involved (yes!) -- but this is what we woke up to this morning -- visions of Narnia!

A Wee Bit... {1}

{one} if you won a trip to Disneyland/world,
who would you take with you? 
My Sister.  She's a huge Disney fan - and knows all the ins & outs of the park.
I would ask her to plan the trip for us, and she'd be in her element. 

  {two} when was the last time you listened to a CD?  Last night on my drive home.  I listened to Celtic Woman.    {three} what spice/seasoning is your favorite?  Cinnamon.    {four} if you were in a band, what kind of music would you play?  Worship Music for sure.    {five} if you could have personally witnessed one historical event, which one would it be?  Hmmm.  This is hard. A better question is this:  How could I NOT CHOOSE SOMETHING  from all of the events in history?  Interestingly enough - my kids both said "World War II." 

{six} if you could go back to school, what would you study? 
Probably photography... 

{seven} if you could go to one sporting event, all expenses paid, which one would you see?

We are not huge sports fans around our house.

But, we do enjoy a night out to watch our local minor league baseball team. 

A night where our kids could eat all the junk they wanted 

without us footing the bill -- that'd be great! 

  {eight} do you drive an automatic or a manual?  an automatic    {nine} are you comfortable speaking in front of people?  This was one of my HUGEST fears when I was in school. Now, part of my job requires it, and it has become "no big deal."    {ten} have you ever experienced an earthquake?  Yes - a very small one.  I didn't feel anything else move, but my desktop (which was not attached to the base) shifted.  Very strange sensation.

Let Go and Let God!

Did you ever wake up one morning and realize that you were in a different "place" than you ever thought you'd be in life?

Back in January of 2005, my husband lost his job due to downsizing. At the time, I was doing extra-event childcare at our church. Through that job, I met a friend who has become so precious to me. It is only just recently, in looking back, that I've realized what a guardian angel she has been to me - indeed, to our whole family. Knowing that we needed the financial help, she went out on a limb, and encouraged me to apply for the "crafts" job at our church's day camp that summer. I applied, and got the job.

I went back the next summer as well - helping out with crafts again.  It was the perfect summer job for me, as our kids could also attend the camp while I worked. By the end of that summer, my friend offered me another job in Kids' Ministries starting that fall. The job was to coordinate our Wednesday evening girls group. After some prayer, and receiving support from my husband, I took the job.  In my mind - I would be working with girls in grades 1-6.  That was good for me. 

Well let me tell you - that job was NOT AT ALL what I  expected it to be, but in some ways, it turned out to be so much more!  As the leader, my job was to recruit teachers to fill the positions, and then to meet their needs on Wednesday nights so that they could concentrate on their time with the girls.  I planned the year's calendar, and organized events for our group.  The job ended up being more about ministering to the volunteers who carried out the program.  I said as much one day to my friend (you know, the one who had offered me the job.)  Her response?  "Would you have taken the job if I had told you you'd be ministering to women?"  She already knew my answer: a resounding "no."  I couldn't imagine myself in that particular role.

Today, I was talking with another friend, and related to our discussion she said, "God is so sss-smart!"  It was almost hard for her to get out -- hard for her to admit.  We laughed.  Because, really?  Why are we so surprised when things work out well -- as if God hadn't ALWAYS had our best interests at heart?

God was not surprised when there were women who came to me with tales of unemployment.  He knew I would understand them, and know their fears.  God was not surprised by the woman who gave one of her kidneys to her husband.  Maybe he thought I could be a cheerleader for her.  He wasn't surprised by the women who have shared family or financial struggles with me.  He wasn't surprised by two different bouts of cancer for another woman -- knowing that we would prepare meals to help her family get by during her treatments.  God knew each friend I would meet along the way.

God wasn't surprised by any of it.  Still.  I am amazed.  I am in awe of the experiences that God has allowed me to have in (and because of) this role.

All this to say what?

It's not to toot my own horn.

It's to encourage you.

NEVER underestimate where or how God can use you.  It is my natural tendency to be unsure, to say, "I can't..."  And I am not wrong.  In my own strength, I CANNOT.  But the times that I have "let go, and let God,"  God has allowed me to be a part of things I could've never imagined.  He has increased my self-confidence and has also given me rich friendships because of these experiences, and I will forever be grateful.

And about my "guardian angel" friend?  She would probably tell you she knew all along that things would work out, and that I "had it in me."  And I would believe her.  I'm sure that God whispered the whole thing into her ear.
 

Why Worry When You Can Pray?

I mentioned in a previous post that we were contemplating sending our son to a Christian school.  We truly feel that the Lord is leading us in this direction, and so we have started the lengthy application process.  It began a few weeks ago with an admissions test.

I was nervous like it was me taking the test.

Before we left our driveway, I put my hand out for the kids to grab, and said, "Let's pray before we leave."  My son (the actual testee) looked at me as if to say, "Really?  What are you so worried about?"

Worrying.  It's what we moms DO, isn't it?  I know the old adage that says, "Why worry when you can pray," but I'm only human (you know, sin nature and all).  Sometimes, I feel absolutely choked by the feeling that I don't have time to pray because there is just too much to worry about.  (Anyone else feel that way sometimes?)

So, back to the application process.  There is so much to read, and so many forms to fill out.  There are words like "the committee," and "if an interview is granted."  Even though friends assure me it's all part of the routine, and not a big deal, it's all more than a little overwhelming for me.

I cannot wait to finally wade through it all and get to summertime.  We should have an answer before then, and I will be able to relax a little.  At least until the first day of school.  Then I'll no doubt put my hand out for the kids to grab and I'll say, "Let's pray before we leave!"

Simple Stuff

What simple thing or simple moment made you smile this week?

Click on the button below to share!

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Waking Up

I wake my kids up every morning.  They are 13 and 16.

We homeschool, so, although we try to be consistent, we don't have to stick to a hard-and-fast schedule -  as if we were catching a bus.

I cannot tell you how many times we have tried to set alarms.  It's not the same.  It doesn't work.

My dear daughter (the 13 year old) tells me that she wants ME to wake her.  I brush the hair out of her eyes, and talk softly to her, easing her awake.  What alarm clock can follow that act?

Too bad I'm such a softy.  In all the ways that my kids don't need me anymore, I confess -- I am glad that they still need me to wake them each morning.

Join us at The Gypsy Mama

for 5 Minute Friday,

and respond to the prompt: "Waking Up."

"My Husband Rocks" Friday ~ 4

"For the Love of Lemon" from Blake's Cafe' & Cupcakery

My thoughtful husband brought me this little pick-me-up yesterday from our local cupcakery -- one of my favorite spots for lunch and a treat.  He was out running errands with our son, and when they returned, they had a Blake's box in hand.  I love sweet little surprises.

How Old Am I?

Me and my sweet Sis ~ 1970-ish

So today, my daughter and I went into a well-known office supply store.  A friendly sales associate greeted us as we walked in.  Since she was so welcoming, I asked her if she could direct me to what I needed: a printer ribbon.

Awkward pause.  "I'm sorry?" she said.

"Oh, printer INK I mean!" I said, embarrassed.  She directed me to it, and as my daughter and I walked through the store, I tried to explain to my daughter that I was thinking "ribbon" like typewriters used to need a new ribbon...but that was a long time ago, and I was showing my age.  My daughter just said, "Oh Mama..." like she always does when she's humoring me because I've done something uncool.

We went up to the same sales associate to pay.  I told her, "I guess I'm dating myself calling it a ribbon, aren't I?"  She (in her friendly way) looked at me as if she was just exactly CLUELESS about what I was talking about.  I really think she wondered why I was talking about going out with myself on a date.

At that point, I knew it was time for me to hit the road!  Don't worry.  I didn't say "hit the road" out loud to anyone.  I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't have known what I was talking about anyway.

Tell me.

Has this ever happened to you?

-- or am I the only one who "dates myself?"  (Oy!)

What's for Dinner? (Calzones)

We enjoyed Calzones last night for dinner, and I was reminded how easy they are.  I originally found this recipe in Once-A-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson & Mary Beth Lagerborg.  At the time our kids were little, and they couldn't remember the word "calzone" - so we told them we were having inside-out PIZZA.  That they understood.

I've adjusted the recipe a little over the years -- making it work for our family.  I should say that I've never done the once-a-month cooking -- I just have the book.  There are a handful of recipes I use from this book though, so it was worth it!

Calzones
1-2 rolls pizza crust (you know, like Pillsbury, in the dairy section)
-OR- use your own pizza dough recipe.
your family's favorite spaghetti sauce
your family's favorite pizza toppings (We've used pepperoni, green peppers, olives...)
mozzarella cheese - shredded

I have found that I can get 6-8 calzones out of one roll of dough.  So, adjust your shopping list according to how many calzones you need, and how big you want them to be.

I roll the dough out on my rectangular stone, and cut into 6-8 squares.  Place preferred "toppings" (but not sauce) on the squares, and fold in half -- straight across, or diagonally, like a turnover.  Pinch edges to seal.

Preheat oven to 350F.  Bake calzones for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.  Heated spaghetti sauce can either be ladled over the top, or to the side for dipping.

[Some of you might be wondering about putting some sauce inside.  We've tried that.  The results weren't disastrous, but the calzones were a little soggy.]

Enjoy!

What's for dinner at your house?
What's your "go-to" recipe when you need something easy? 

Mail Call!

Do you love getting mail?  You know snail mail?  The old fashioned kind where you actually have something in your hand to show for it?  Well, I do.

We were just teasing one of my sisters-in-law yesterday because she said she's lucky if she grabs the mail once a week.  I cannot even imagine.  It would be like torture to let it sit there for a few days!  Mail has always been a big deal at our house, plus we have a nice godly mailman who chats with us, and vacations at the same spot as our family, and even plays Santa sometimes.  [No, we don't vacation with our mailman if that's what you're wondering!]

Well if mail is good, then unexpected surprises in the mail are "doing-the-happy-dance good!"  So, let's just say that on Saturday -- I was doing the happy dance!

A "Simple Thing" that made me smile: my recipe was published!

#1 - Have you heard of Gooseberry Patch?  Well, of course you have.  I've had the privilege of being included in two of their cookbooks -- and now, make that three!  A few months back they sent me a letter saying that my Peppermint Patty Brownie recipe would be included in their upcoming Best-Ever Cookies due out in March.  Did you know that if you contribute to a Gooseberry Patch cookbook that they send you a free copy of the book?    B-O-N-U-S!  On Saturday, my copy arrived.  There I am on page 136.  Now I may be a grown woman - but, it still tickles me to see my name on that page!

#2 - The other day I tweeted about some yummy Yoplait Key Lime yogurt that I was eating.  Next thing I know, those nice Yoplait people contacted me and wanted to send me something for tweeting about their product!  How great is that?  So, again with the mail call.  I received this cool 16oz. double-walled drink cup w/ a lid & straw.  Hello?  Can you say "makes-me-want-to-drink-my-daily-dose-of-water?"

So, yeah.  I love getting mail.

Do you?

What's the best thing you've gotten in the mail recently?

 

3/19/11 Daybook #1

~FOR TODAY~

Outside my window...

it is dark, and I can see the supermoon.

The moon is closer than it has been to the earth in 18 years.

The next supermoon will occur in 2016.

I am thinking... 

that it was a great evening, sharing a meal with my parents.

We enjoyed great discussion.

I am thankful for... 

my sweet husband.  I love him so much.

...and for the time that my parents have invested in our kids' lives.

From the kitchen...

 the dishwasher is running -

cleaning up after mexican chicken casserole,

spinach salad, and gingerbread.

I am wearing... 

Danskin draw-cord pants and a hoodie.

I am creating... 

this post, and thinking how glad I am that I started blogging.
 

I am going...

to bed early.

{Is it okay to have a goal that I rarely meet?}

I am reading...

a new book today.

My mom just brought me Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury.

On my mind...

the new job opportunity for this summer,
and thankfulness.

Around the house...

everything is neat and tidy

(well, mostly.)

One of my favorite things...

is looking forward to worship on Sunday morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

On Tuesday, we'll enjoy bowling and pizza

with my parents, my sister, and her 3 children.

Wednesday night is church.

Here is a picture for thought...

Holy God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you.

  To link up or view other Daybook entries,
go to
The Simple Woman.

The Facts of Life

Buds on the maple tree!

So, it would seem that spring-time is here.  Let's not talk about the snow forecasted for next week.  TODAY (oops, just checked the time -- make that YESTERDAY) was glorious, in the 60/70 degree range with lots of sun.  But, with the good, you've got to take a little bad.  Enter allergies.  Yesterday, I was feeling the beginning of them, and it wiped me out.

♫♫♪♪♫

"You take the good, You take the bad,

You take them both and there you have the facts of life."

{I've always wanted to say "name that movie" or in this case name that show -- you know, like The Pioneer Woman does?  But this one's a little obvious!}

Anyways, back to the allergies and being wiped out.  I took a little nap in the afternoon.  And then again in the evening.  I was just not feeling great.  But of course, you know what that means.  TaaDaa.  It's the "wee hours" and I'm awake.  Wanna hear about my day?

I thought you'd never ask.  We had a spring-break sort of day.  My son spent the day with friends which meant my daughter and I had some girl time.  We enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite local spots, Blake's.  They specialize in yummy cupcakes, and we each ate 1/2 of ours before our sandwiches arrived.  (Well, what's a girl to do?  They give you your cupcake first!!!)  Then it was off to birthday shop for 2 nieces, and a friend.  We ended up getting all the things we were looking for, and had the most fun at Michaels.


My dear daughter has been dying to paint something.  She found a monogrammed "S" with a hook - to hang on the wall in her room for $1.  It was bare wood when she purchased it, and she picked a lovely shade of green paint for 59 cents.  She added a little stick-on butterfly bling, and look how cute!

Is it spring-time yet at your house?  Are you experiencing allergies?  Getting creative?  Leave me a comment.  I'd love to hear from you.  And who knows?  If you respond quickly, I may be still sitting right here - ready to chat...  Otherwise, happy weekend to all -- and to all a good night! (Wait, what time is it?)

God Hasn't Moved

I am currently reading the book Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman (with Ellen Vaughn). The book was written in memory and honor of Mary Beth & Steven Curtis's daughter Maria.

My sister handed me the book one day when she had finished reading it.  I almost said, "no thanks" - as I tend to read more fiction and wasn't sure this was the book for me.  But, because I heard and enjoyed Mary Beth and Steven Curtis at Women of Faith last fall, I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm not here to critique the book.  Far from it.

I'm enjoying it - although I'm not sure that "enjoy" is the appropriate word considering the story.  I've never experienced a loss as the Chapmans have, and so in that way, I cannot relate -- but I can appreciate their journey.

Today, I got to a particular portion, and something clicked.  This is why God has me reading this book, I thought.  Below is the portion of Mary Beth's shared journaling (pg.219) that I read.

"I think I am realizing something through all of the craziness.  Yes, God wants my quiet, and yes, God wants me to rest and hear Him and learn from Him.  But all along, in the crazy last two weeks where I hardly had time to think, I realized that if I always think that I am going to finally get to that place where I am constantly trying to get --like in a quiet, picked-up house-- then I'm wrong.

"I need to choose to SEE Christ in every birthday party I drive to, every piano lesson that gets taught, every ballet tutu that gets  twirled.  God is with me.  He isn't waiting until I die for me to be with Him.  He isn't waiting until BB season is over or until I get completely healthy.  He SEES me now.  He is with me now.  I know this is a simple realization, but it was big good news to me."

Thanks for sharing, Mary Beth -- because this was "big good news" to me too -- or at least a little wake-up call.  Sometimes I am so full of myself driving the kids around town, and making sure that everyone is where they belong, and then coming home to collapse on the couch and whine...  God must just look down on me and think "Really?  -- REALLY?"

God isn't waiting on me.  He is HERE.  NOW.  When things get crazy and chaotic around here, God hasn't moved.  I have to choose to see God in everything.

I see him in the returning spring-time weather,
and the new buds that pop out every day.
I see him in the big life-changing moments.
I see him in the little "aha" moments.
But I have to choose to see him in the ordinary moments.  The everyday.

Here's to today.  A fresh start.

Choosing to see.

I Arise Today...Thankful

 
The Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.

What a beautiful and powerful prayer.  I'm sure I have seen portions of it through the years, but have only recently read the entire thing.  Because of current world events, the idea of being content right here where God has placed me has really been impressed upon my heart.  May you find contentment today in the Lord of creation.

Sharing of the Green

...and a little pink.

Is it possible that spring-time is really here to stay?  Is it too much to hope?  These are some little hints of spring that I have found this week around our yard.

Rhubarb - just starting to peek!

Garlic- snapped off a stem to be sure - ummm, YEP!

Chives - can't wait for their purple flowers!

Tulips and Daffodils - love the pink tipped leaves on the tulips!

What's the first thing that pops up in your yard
that lets you know spring is on it's way?

Sentimental Indeed

I don't often talk about homeschooling.  But... we homeschool.

At the current time, we are contemplating sending our son to Christian school.

The other day, I was talking to a friend about where we stand today with regards to school.  I recalled to her that a few years back when we talked to the kids about going to school, our son cried because he didn't want to go, and our daughter cried because she didn't know what she'd do without her brother all day.

At this point, nobody is crying.  Our son is ready to go to school and (interestingly enough) our daughter did not cry at the thought of him going.

Things change.  Kids grow up.  Oh, how I wish I could slow that process.

~ 1999 ~

<<<<<  I'm feeling sentimental about these two.

I am so proud of both of them for who they are becoming in this hard journey called life.  At the same time, I want it all to screech to a halt.

I remember that, as a young mom, older moms told me to "hold onto these years, for they are fleeting!"  They didn't lie.

{Sentimental indeed.}

Weekend Adventures

Friday night was the beginning of our weekend adventures.  We went refrigerator shopping.  [You can read about my refrigerator saga HERE.]  Since the last time we went, I read a lot of comments on Teresa's blog, and started to wonder if a french door/bottom freezer was a good idea afterall.  We went to a couple of stores, but didn't make any big decisions.  Hubby and I seemed to be leaning in different directions.  I had come to the conclusion that we should get as close to what we have now as possible.  He, on the other hand, was thinking bigger, better, and freezer on the bottom.  At least, that was my perception.

Today, we went out again, and hit a few more places.  AND, I think we might actually be getting closer to a decision.  Right now, it's looking like pull-out freezer on the bottom, and one door on the top.  Progress!

Also on our list today: Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Who doesn't like to stop there?  Hubby and daughter have these great travel mugs, and I was wishing for one for myself (that doesn't taste like coffee or cocoa).  I found one for $5.99 (pink for breast cancer awareness, in honor of my friend Kim) - along with a few other things, and a $5 off coupon.  Amen?

Another favorite Saturday stop is the local Penn Dutch market.  Today we brought home yellow popcorn, wheat rotini, cheeses, and oatmeal cookie mix.  Some day I'm going to go in there when it's not busy (NOT Saturday!), and take pictures of all the neatly lined shelves.  They have all kinds of stuff for baking, and snacking, and ... you get the idea.  You will go in thinking you don't need anything, but trust me -- you'll find something.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing at home -- mulling over refrigerator choices, and baking cookies.  The mix I bought said "just add water", and they turned out so yummy!  My sweet hubby made pizza for dinner, and that's always a treat.  We love it when he bakes (anything)!

Tomorrow is "Second Sunday" lunch at my parents' house.  This has been a tradition since right after my husband and I got married.  It's an effort on my parents' part to get the family together regularly -- and for eighteen years, everyone has really tried hard to be there.  Sometimes we take turns bringing side dishes or desserts, but mostly, my mom prepares a meal that we all love.  The time spent together is precious.

So, I just realized that I didn't cook tonight, and won't be cooking tomorrow either.  Life is good.  I love to cook, but who doesn't like a break every now and then?

Hope you're having a great weekend.

I'm linking up with Mommy Head Adventures for "Say Hi Sunday."

It's a no rules blog hop where you can meet new friends,

and find some new blogs to follow!

"My Husband Rocks" Friday ~ 3

One of the qualities that I admire most in my husband is his keen awareness of others' needs, and a willingness to be the one to help.  He is so good at giving his time and sharing his resources.  He never thinks about any cost to himself.

I confess that I have somewhat more of a selfish spirit.  I am often more concerned about me and mine, than worried about things that I don't think I can change.  Of course, God is not surprised by this part of me - and so he gave me my husband so that I wouldn't be too full of myself.  Of this, I am well aware.

Philippians 2:1-11 (The Message) says:

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top.  Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.

Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

"Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

"Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor
of God the Father."

A good reminder for me

* to be more selfless

* to appreciate that characteristic in my husband

How do you & your husband balance one another?

 

Over At My House ~1

Over at my house, I'm reading Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman.  Up next: Who Do I Lean On? by Neta Jackson.

Over at my house, it's been a productive day.  I got a lot of laundry done -- and some purging.  Simplify is the word of the day.

Over at my house, I'm still wearing sweaters, but looking forward to spring-time, and wearing lighter and brighter clothes.

Over at my house, I'm enjoying this: 

Over at my house, I'm warming up a "goulash" casserole.  I made the recipe a few weeks ago, and it always makes enough for two dinners.  All I had to do today was pull the second one out of the freezer. 

Over at my house, I'm watching the re-run of Oprah's interview with George W. Bush, and thinking what integrity he has, what faith.  Glad I got to see this, as I missed it the first time around -- and I so admire the man!

Over at my house, I'm giving up scrapbooking with my mom tonight in order to take my kids to hear the band Gungor in concert at church.  Looking forward to great worship.

Over at my house, I'm borrowing another great idea from Ali Edwards.

What's happening over at your house?

Check this out. (Love it!)
Kellogg's Share Your Breakfast
Kellogg's says: "We believe in the power of breakfast and its ability to bring out the best in each day. And yet, one in four children live in food-insecure households, making breakfast hard to come by. So when you share your breakfast with us, we’ll help share breakfast with kids in school who might otherwise miss out. Our goal? To help share one million breakfasts by the start of the 2011–2012 school year."

To help, just share a photo OR a description of your breakfast!  How easy is THAT?  You can share as often as you want to help them reach their goal!

Remember When?

I found myself thinking about my teen years today. Remember the good old days? I'm talking about the days before cell phones. Our kids cannot even believe that their dad and I were alive during that dark time. (Well, they think it was a dark time!)

Remember how, when a boy (or even a girlfriend) called, your parents would answer the phone and then pass it to you? They always knew exactly who was calling - maybe even chatted with them a moment before handing you the phone!

Remember how you used to have to stand in the same room as your parents when you talked to your friends on the phone? Because, let's face it -- you were attached to a CORD! You always had to think about what you were saying (let's call it accountability) before you spoke to your friends... because you were standing in front of your parents.

And remember that when you were out with your family... you were out with (wait for it) YOUR FAMILY, and nobody could reach you until you got back home? Nobody could interrupt your family time, offer you other options, and make you long to be away from your family?

That was life.  We didn't know any different. It's fair to say things have changed!

Today, I was out shopping with my kids, for my kids, and one of them got a phone call.  All of a sudden, it was "my friend has a plan, we wanna go to such-and-such-a-place, and therefore, when are we going home?"  To be fair, my child was not rushing me -- but all of a sudden, I felt rushed.

I refused to hurry and let the party be over.  Very "parental" of me, yes?

Let's pretend there was no cell phone, and no call that interrupted our shopping trip.  Let's pretend.

Technology is great,

but has it invaded your life in ways that you...

haven't quite come to appreciate yet?

Tell me --am I alone?

Oh What a Night!

Last night was the most magical of nights.

It was a Father-Daughter date night for the girls who

participate in our Wednesday evening girls group at church (grades K-5).

Dressing up.

Father-Daughter portraits.

Talk time.

Manners.

Laughter.

Joy.

"My Girl."

Dancing.

Eating good food.

Strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

"The Hokey Pokey."

 Dads twirling girls.

Girls teaching dads dances,

and dads teaching their girls.

Slow dancing to "Butterfly Kisses", and "Cinderella."

Every father and daughter on the dance floor.

Sleepy girls dancing on Daddy's feet - or in his arms.

Lights twinkling.

United in our mission.

Daddy-Daughter time!

A good night.

 The simple moment that made me smile was when they turnedall the chandeliers and twinkle lights on.It transformed the room into a magical place!

I confess that I was feeling a little sentimental

about my daughter having grown out of this age group.

Also - it made me think of the dance that I shared with my dad

the day of my wedding.