Bonjour Blois!

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I was looking at my sitemeter today and noticed someone from Blois visited my blog. My husband and I visited Blois about 20 years ago. Quelle coincidence! Situated among the Loire Valley, Blois is a charming little town in France that is known for chocolate production. The entire town smelled like chocolate and we rode our bikes throughout the city. What wonderful memories I have of my time in Blois.  Salut de mon nouvelle ami de Blois! Soyez libre de me laisser un petit message, j’etais ravie de vous connaitre!

I’ve been speaking more French lately than I have in a long time. What is God doing with this? We have been eating late too, a common French custom. Whenever my boys complain about having dinner between 8-9 pm instead of 5-6, I just say, “We’re French.” They don’t find it terribly amusing but it’s a good excuse. Having spent a year in France, occasionally I’ll claim French heritage. 
About three weeks ago, I even dreamt in French and recalled random words I thought I would have long forgotten. A few days previous, I had a student from Mozambique in my class. I spoke French to him for two class periods. He even understood me! 
My husband and I were engaged in France. That’s another story. Here’s a little picture to prove it. Bienvenue mes amis francophones!

Flushing…

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Oh the never ending joys of motherhood. After repeated attempts to get my middle OS Aaron to think of others, i.e. flushing the toilet after using it, Aaron is currently experiencing a consequence. He has to clean the bathrooms…all three of them and wow, he’s having a great learning experience! NOT! 

This morning I awoke to find a lovely yellow “present” in the potty. I shouted, er, uh, politely inquired of my children, curious to find who left behind the charming, lingering reminder of their presence. At least Aaron confessed. He can’t seem to remember to flush every single time. How can a guy continually forget to flush the toilet? Ew! If you notice my profile, bathroom hygiene is a big deal for me. My lifelong goals are to raise three sons who love Jesus and also keep the toilet seat down after using it. Is this too much to ask? As I considered my disciplinary options, I decided I needed to get serious and give him a punishment he would remember. As of right now, I’d say this punishment is immensely effective.

I am definitely a contender for World’s Worst Mom today.  It’s not a title I covet but I’m willing to accept it since I know it’s only temporary. I just don’t want to be a wimp when it comes to raising my three OS. Check out what the Bible says about discipline, “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrew 12:11) Is there someone in your family you think could have benefited from more discipline, more consequences, more training? I see scores of young people who fall into this category. I know plenty of adults who are spoiled and self-centered. This world certainly doesn’t need three more! 
One day when Aaron is older, I think he will look back at this experience and smile. He will hopefully recall how we didn’t back down and trained him up in the way he should go.  “You show love to your family when you flush the toilet,” I offered a proverb of my own. (Feel free to use it with any male in your house). Aaron reflected upon this, not sure what to say but I think he’s learned a few lessons, not just about washing sinks and scrubbing toilet bowls but about character and consideration. Maybe he’ll be a Christian plumber/actor/football pro one day! A righteous man who loves the Lord, puts the seat down AND flushes – I have high hopes! He should be excellent husband material one day! 

Don’t see Spelling Bee!

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Our family went to the Raleigh Memorial Theatre today for a Broadway play. I was looking forward to doing something cultural and artsy with all our boys. Instead it was a horrible disappointment and we ended up walking out of the performance before intermission. We went to see “Spelling Bee” and I wish every seat had been empty. This was supposed to be a play about a spelling bee, for goodness sake but there was an agenda that had NOTHING at all to do with it. I love words and spelling. I am the type of person who stops to take pictures of typos, this sounded like my kind of show. Instead it was disgusting. 

Several offensive comments and jokes kicked off the show. I was confused from the very start about the premise of the whole thing. We heard jokes about sexual orientation, jokes about politics, jokes about Hispanics, jokes about things I won’t write about because they are completely inappropriate and you would be offended (and rightly so). 
I heard a few people behind us, who had brought a children, groan and squirm. At times, it felt like the audience was growing cold and weary. We certainly were. But the absolute worst assault of all was when all the performers sang in unison “G-D it!” during one of the songs. All the performers sang it gleefully. Sickening! My spirit sank and I was angry. I looked over and noticed Nate’s jaw tighten and 11 year old Isaac peering over at me. Everything about staying felt wrong. But my husband had given me these tickets as a Christmas present! We had spent over $250 on these tickets! That’s a lot of money! Some of my readers might be wondering why we stayed even a second longer. I am not sure, we have since apologized to our children. They broke out in song and used the Lord’s name in vain again. There was an embarrassing joke about boy’s anatomy and it was clear to us, it was time to go. I am happy that we walked out during the performance so it was obvious five people, a family, were leaving. My prayer is that it gave permission for others to follow suit.
When we spoke to the theatre manager, he said he has heard this from other people. He totally appreciated our perspective. There was nothing glorifying about this event. They were not especially talented or funny either. We had used our Sunday afternoon for this event and had gone just after leaving church. The manager gave Mark the name of his boss and Mark has already called demanding a full refund. This was not a family oriented show. It was a disgrace. 
We walked out from the theatre and I felt like I could breathe again. 
The sun was shining, the day was not lost. I praise the Lord that those words stung so deeply because I have been delivered. Friends, for many years, I must confess, those terrible words found residence on my own tongue. 

I hate sharing this. Lord, please forgive me. But as horrible as this play and those words are, I think it would have been worse to still be sitting in those chairs with my precious husband and babies and not feel anything at all.
 
“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.”
Romans 6:17-19

My New Ring Tone

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While listening to my XM radio yesterday, I learned about some super cool new ringtones. The Center for Biological Diversity has free endangered species ringtones of some of the world’s most threatened birds, owls, frogs, toads and marine animals. I’ve been using a boring ringtone for years now and I’m ready for a change. I’m ready to step into this new audio frontier. I’m ready to see people’s reactions. I told my OS Nathan about this since he loves tree frogs but he’s too “cool” to change his ringtone. Whatever, Nate, talk to the hand…However, my amazing husband downloaded the orca whale and wow, did it elicit a strange reaction from his boss while they were in a meeting! Very professional, wouldn’t you say?

You’ve been looking for a band-bellied owl sound, no problem. Maybe you’ve been longing for a foothill yellow-legged frog sound, well, my friend, your wait is over. I can’t wait until they have a penguin sound. (OM gosh, they just added it! Untold joy is filling my heart and soul!!!) According to the commercial, penguin sounds should be arriving shortly as the winter season progresses. I love penguins. Best animal in the world and I hope I’m not offending anyone but it’s the truth. 
In the meantime though, in honor of my mission trip this summer, I have selected the Peruvian Plantcutter. Granted I never saw a Peruvian Plantcutter while in Lima but that’s not stopping me. Tell me what you’d think of you heard this sound coming out of a lady’s purse! http://www.myxertones.com/ringtone:30756
Check this site out yourself and let me know if you have changed your ringtone http://www.myxertones.com/artist/5119 or www.biologicaldiversity.org

Getting the Right Perspective

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Depression can hit me without a lot of warning. It doesn’t take too much to bring on the blues. Starting back to work on January 2nd, returning from a brief family vacation, Christmas being only a week ago and yet it seems like it was only here for a moment, those are the things that have me blue right now. Then what usually happens is that I get angry with myself for being depressed. Thus a stupid, vicious cycle begins until the proverbial fog is lifted. Not a lot of fun…

In an effort to help me gain a more positive perspective, I wanted to reflect on some memorable moments in 2007.

Peru – During the summer, I went on a mission trip to Lima, Peru. The Lord taught me that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. 

I look at the globe on my desk and find myself in disbelief that I really traveled to that dusty land without my family. 
I remember watching my feet walk along the cobblestone steps on the way to my hotel room and it was like an out of body experience. What was I doing in a place like this? God touched my heart and is moving me to ponder future adventures…hmmm…
Children – My children are growing and I still enjoy them very much. How blessed I am to have three sons who still snuggle with me and display affection. We are silly and serious and my OS bring me joy in every way. I love how Aaron gave me a penguin Christmas card this year and I was the only person to get a card. He remembered that I love penguins (it’s common knowledge that I love penguins) but took the time to buy the card and write a tender message on it for me.  

I love how Nathan indulges my corny jokes and lets me hold his hand. 
Even when we’re at the mall, he’ll still let me grab onto his elbow even if it’s not long enough for me. I rejoice in Isaac’s quick wit and orange hair. 
He is my Freckled Fire and I adore him. 
Organization – It was a brave step to allow an organizational consultant into my nasty home office. For years that room had been a place of embarrassment and shame. With a lot of hard work and her optimistic vision, my home office was transformed into a pretty room with personality. 

I took the doors off the office, that’s how good it looks. 
I never imagined the transformation that took place but it all came together. 
Home Improvements – The Lord blessed my husband this year in the area of home 
improvements. My DH designed our new kitchen island, built me a super cool chalkboard for a kitchen wall and installed travertine tiles on the floor. And that’s not all! Mark discovered his inner handyman and it’s been wonderful to see him develop new talents and prove to himself that he can tinker around the house. 
Nephews – 

This year our family welcomed Josiah Samuel into our lives. He is my sister Denise’s youngest boy. Josiah is a precious butterball. His two year old brother, Jon knows my name and they all live nearby. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to really be an aunt. I love my aunts so much and my boys love my sisters, I just wanted to have the chance to really know what it’s like. As far as I can tell, being an aunt is second only to being a grandparent. It’s the best of all worlds because you’re not responsible to raise them but can lavish love and affection and leave when you want. 
Ok, I’m feeling better. 2007 had exciting journeys and unexpected blessings and the new year is about to begin. I’m sure there will be interesting moments along the way.   

Sometimes it pays to listen to a 13 year old

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p1000563It was Isaac’s 5th grade Christmas band concert.

Last year I took my mom to the big event and we were late.

It is not a good thing to be late for Isaac’s special events. He has a wonderful memory when it comes to those types of things.

He’s kind of like me, his mother, with stuff like that.

We take things personally and our feelings get hurt easily.

Instead of running a quick errand at the mall, Mom and I decided we weren’t going to chance it and instead determined to be there on time. We were quite proud of ourselves when we stepped into the gym where the concert was last time and only four other people were there.

p1000567We puffed with pride and I eagerly told Mom to smile as I clicked away at the camera to pass the time away until everybody arrived.

I wanted to capture this moment to show Isaac how we were at the concert WAY ahead of all the other moms and dads and grandparents.

Since it looked like we had a lot of time and perhaps everyone else was just running late, I took a series of photos of my mom posing for the camera.

Here she is waving at the camera, showing Isaac that she had a front row seat to the Christmas concert.

We were acting silly and feeling very good about our punctuality until my middle OS Aaron noticed us in the gym. He was on his way to attend Isaac’s concert as well and he spotted us in the gym.

Aaron 8th grade picThat’s when my oh so wise 13-year-old Aaron informed us that we were in the wrong place.

The concert was in the new auditorium.

I insisted that Aaron was wrong but he didn’t relent.

Skeptically Mom and I and the other four women made our way to the auditorium.

We opened the thick auditorium doors and noticed the throng of people! We were hardly the first people to arrive in fact, if Aaron hadn’t found us, we could easily still be sitting there!

P1000579

We got to hear him play! So sweet!

We still got a pretty decent seat and Isaac was pleased to see us in the right place, right on time! Whew!

I’m learning there are sometimes when it’s best to heed your kids’ advice instead of the other way around 😉

It’s a guy thing, sign of the military life to come

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Foreshadowing of my life to come

Five and a half years later, I discover my blog post. I had long forgotten about it. West Point wasn’t on the horizon when I first wrote this. Nate had graduated from West Point and is in the middle of Ranger School. WOW!

My blog post on December 28, 2007-

I don’t get it and I guess I never will.

While driving to see family in South Carolina, Nate spotted a sign to a store I would have easily overlooked.

“Dad, can we go there?” he inquired and all the guy heads perked up with the mere mention of the store Nathan wanted to visit

Delk’s Army-Navy Surplus

No pretty store window dressing, no eye-catching fashions or thumping music –

just an Army issue green sign which read Military Supplies.

It’s a guy thing I guess because I didn’t have the same reaction as my DH and OS did as we parked our van.

My boys and husband practically skipped into the store, it’s true, you NEVER, EVER skip into a military store but it sounds funny!).

This was probably one of the few stores I have ever entered in my life where I was almost completely sure I wasn’t going to spend any money.

Everything you might ever possibly need regarding the military was there.

We’re talking K-Rations, camo pants, gas masks, resin replica assault rifles which my three OS really wanted, hand grenade candle holders (they wouldn’t match my decor) and more. Parachute jackets, ammo boxes, metal helmets, you get the picture.

The entire store was basically covered in brown, green or black.  I couldn’t find one pretty thing in the building!  This was really man’s land.

Only upon exhaustive searching, did I discover one teeny spot of thin, pink piece of nylon rope which made me feel only a little bit better.

My husband and sons were fascinated, I was ready to go.

We walked down the aisles and when we spotted the plastic military shields for $25, it was almost more than they could handle. I guess the girl equivalent would be like going to Archivers, a scrapbooking store.

I felt like quite a good wife and mom venturing into a place like that but I know that they have gone into candle stores and boutiques humoring me.

In a way, I actually found Delks Army-Navy Surplus store quite interesting but not so much so that I have to go back anytime soon.

As I looked at the sign, I noticed a typo. Can you spot it?

Too bad I didn’t have a machine gun to shoot in an apostrophe. At least now I know where I can get one!

Questions: Have you ever looked back on your children’s interests and seen the signs of their future vocation? If you have younger kids, do you see indication of your children’s future profession in their current obsessions and activities? It’s fun looking forward and backward!

Christmas menu – my little restaurant

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Cheesin’

My husband designed this chalkboard for my kitchen.

I love to write and do fancy things with doodling and stuff.

I pretend I own a restaurant and scribble away.

It’s fun playing house even though I am a homeowner.

I guess it reminds me of my dollhouse when I re-arranged the furniture and whiled away the hours playing make-believe.

The little girl in me hasn’t left, I suppose. This was my Christmas menu and you have no idea how much fun I had putting this on my chalkboard.

Shrimp

Blue cheese

Ham

Orange and onion salad

Sweet potato casserole

Homemade lemonade

Fresh bread

Baby Jesus cake (I’ve included a link but ours didn’t look like this!)

Chocolate chip cheesecake

Sometimes these little touches make things more festive!

Question: What do you do to make the holidays special?