Hodgepodge: One Giant Leap for the Year

Can you believe it's already the last day of the second month of the year Two Thousand Twelve? I think the date February 29 is so cool . I have friends who celebrated 52 years of marriage on their 13th anniversary because they got married on this date .

Let's leap onto the next lilypad of Hodgepodge questions From This Side of the Pond, shall we? Get your cup of coffee, your spot of tea, or your Bud. Weis. Er, whatever you want to sip on to toast this special day as you read my answers and then hop around the worldwide pond of Hodgepodgers today.

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

If you must know, I have a to-do list that is packed solid:

-Drop boy off at school

-Deliver crockpot of soup to church

-Get eyebrows waxed

-Buy a shaper (My hubby says, "You mean a girdle?" and I say, "They don't call them that anymore. A girdle is for old ladies, which I'm not. I'm middle aged and need my shape shaped up a bit under my dress for the wedding."

-Buy a strand of pearls (which, looking in the mirror, reminds me of the phrase "casting your pearls before swine.")

-Pick boy up from school

-Rest

-Paint my nails

-Attend ladies' meeting

-Pack up my art lesson and stuff for Thursday's class

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?

My brother-in-law's cancer diagnosis and the ensuing tests, surgeries, and what-ifs that accompany such a trial.

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far?

No, I've never really observed Lent. I grew up Baptist/Methodist/sometimes Jewish/Episcopalian, you name it, so my traditions flexed. But if you count a wedding as adding something extra to normal life, then yes, but it has nothing to do with Lent. Except that we're giving up a lot of money .

How's it going so far? Okay. I'm just really, really, REALLY glad I'm not the mother of the bride. The stress this week about what we're responsible for as the groom's parents has been getting to me, as well as the stress of knowing I can't forget to pack anything because the wedding is two hours from home and we're going up there the day before. Plus I'm not wild about the haircut I just got. Grrr.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?

It was a Tuesday in early January. I got as close as I could to the fireplace at Panera when I met my hubby for a dinner date. I think it might have been the one and only night of such wannabe winter weather in January, so maybe we were just there to celebrate White Precipitation Day??? The wet powder fell from heaven and dissolved on the sidewalk like communion wafers in the mouth as we sat near the fire "mmming" and "ahhing" our "You Pick Two" of tomato soup and a portabello sandwich." The fire was just for ambience: more like an extra on a Hollywood set than a leading role.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?

I order by my mood, but Surf and Turf is often very fitting to my mood, for sure. If lobster were the only "surf" choice, I'd take it, although I much prefer jumbo lump Maryland Blue Crab. The steak would be cooked medium.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

Hmm, that's a toughie to answer. Leave it to Beaver, Lost in Space, or the Andy Griffith Show. I think I'd go with the Beave, since our youngest likes the show, too. And he sort of reminds me of Beaver when he is sorry for getting in trouble with his teacher. Last week he was telling me after school that he lost his stamp for inappropriate talk. I asked him what he said. "Well, Mrs. K is always telling us she's the Queen, that her chair is her throne and stuff like that. We were walking out for recess and I was first in line behind her, and I said, 'I'm walking behind the royal behind.' "

She reprimanded him, made him miss some of recess, and took his stamp away for the day. (A stamp is what they get on their calendar for good behavior.) He was really sorry for saying what he did because he loves and adores his teacher. He just didn't think before he spoke and wanted a laugh from the class. It was all we could do not to laugh as he explained and confessed.

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?

I had to read the question twice because I forgot the first part of it before I got to the end.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of leaps, I heard about a program called FROGS that I want to get involved in. FROGS is a clever acronym for Friends and Relatives of Great Students, and is a mentoring opportunity at the school across from our church. Volunteers go in and read and study with the elementary aged kids. I can so picture myself enjoying that since I love schools. I do. They rev my engine. And I love helping kids succeed academically. And I have time on my hands. So it seems a perfect fit for me in this stage of "what to do that's meaningful in life now that I'm not a young mommy or a homeschooler or staying up late nights with teens whose day starts at 11 pm with a need to talk or college kids who need me to edit their papers or cut out 16 Easter bunnies for a seasonal preschool learning game?". Now I have time in between helping grade 32 math papers as a "favor" for my daughter-turned-first grade-teacher, fixing dinner, teaching art, folding laundry, blogging, running carpool, scrubbing toilets, and zoning out on Facebook. I think I can leap like a frog in my schedule right now--after the wedding, that is. After a certain Handsome Prince marries his beautiful Princess and begin their "Happily Ever After" story.

Pie Gone Awry: My Thanksgiving Poem

On Wednesday night I put a pie in the oven
It's hubby's favorite and a way I show lovin'.
I set the timer and then shut the door
While Sarah took a mop to the kitchen floor.

A half hour later, I went to check progress
But the pie slipped and dumped quite a mess.
"Oh, no-no-no-NO! Gooey coconut paste
All over the door and racks, what a waste!

Determined to salvage at least part of the pie
I gingerly slid it back in, "Worth a try."
Baked it for thirty more minutes or so,
Then I checked again, and whaddya know?

All was not lost--the dessert was redeemed--
But the mess in my oven has got me steamed.
I can be such a klutz, but why on Great Pie Day?
Guess who'll be scraping black yuck on Black Friday?

Hodgepodge: Charity, Compar-ity and Hilarity

Joyce has put out quite a spread of questions. for this Thanksgiving edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Hope you enjoy the feast of answers.

1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts?

We call it stuffing, but growing up it was dressing because my folks are from the Midwest.
What's in it depends on who brings it. My recipe includes finely chopped carrots, onion, and celery. My parents are vegetarian, so there's never meat in the stuffing/dressing.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

Usually my sisters, and usually unfavorably. I'm not as smart or as organized as my older sister Rachel, not as upbeat or as industrious as my sister Andrea , and not as forgiving or as loving as my sister Jill. But when I'm being kind to myself, I realize that I can appreciate their good qualities and try to learn from them.

3. When were you last inside an airport?

January of this year, after celebrating New Year's Eve in Texas with aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and a sister. On the way out, I stood outside in 22 degree weather while inching myself and my two zippered pigs forward while chatting with other passengers in queue. The worst part? I missed my flight from BWI to Houston by 10 minutes! I had never missed a flight in my life, nor had I ever seen a line that was--no lie--a quarter mile long outside, and about 3/4 of a mile long inside. I will not travel again by air at Christmas if I can possibly avoid it. I don't mind lines, but that sickening feeling of missing a flight is just horrible.

4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner?

Just one? Well, I would say sweet potatoes. And yes, I like the marshmallows on top that make the dish pretty much a dessert.

5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

It really depends. I almost never drop money in a bucket of charities at intersections, but I try to always drop money in the Salvation Army can. If a stranger approaches me for money directly, usually not. It creeps me out, and I have been "taken" one too many times by supposed down-and-outers when I was naive city slicker working at the crisis pregnancy center many moons ago.

I actually bought the girl a train ticket AND stopped AT NIGHT in Baltimore City at the ATM for $40 to give her, plus some diapers from the center. My director wisely sent another counselor with me for safety's sake, and informed me later, that while I had a compassionate heart, that girl probably sold the diapers for drugs and--if I hadn't seen her get on the train--she probably didn't board it. I felt so stupid.

But my director said, "Is your conscience clean before God?" I answered yes. She said, "Then it wasn't stupid. She has to answer to Him as well. You did what your heart told you was right, and I wouldn't stop you from being generous again if God prompts you. But now you know a little more about the world. And that baby probably wasn't her baby. Girls "borrow" babies to get diapers to exchange for drugs. " I was furious at the exploitation. Furious!

So now I'm more likely to ask questions like a journalist on steroids: the 5 W's and and a H and a few more besides.

As for charities, my husband and I, as well as all our adult children, sponsor Compassion kids. Compassion International's track record for using funds wisely, as well has how they keep us informed, is wonderful. At Christmas we support Samaritan's Purse (see my previous post), and year round we support missions through our church.

7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.

How about a gross, funny one? One year (probably 1989 or 90 because Paul's dad was still alive and we were still living in our first house) it was my turn among the local daughters-in-law, to host Thanksgiving. His dad came over with a fresh turkey on Thanksgiving morning for me to fix. For some reason I hadn't put my glasses on. (Probably because I was too busy of a mom or hadn't had coffee yet??) Without glasses, I can make out forms and colors, but don't see texture or detail so well.

Dad went to the living room to play with the grandbabies. Paul was upstairs and I began to prep the bird.

I rinsed the turkey and then proceeded to pull out the neck from the cavity. Well, I saw something round, dark, small, and shiny attached to a hooked end on the neck. I squinted. "Ew. That looks like a head." I squinted harder and leaned in closer. "ACK!" It WAS the head! The turkey still had his head attached!!

I screamed so loud and ran to the living room where I leaned against the wall, shaking uncontrollably and sobbing, "Oh, Paul, oh, Paul, Oh ,Paul!" My husband came running down the steps to me, asking "What? What's wrong?!" He was checking for blood, as if maybe I'd butchered my finger. "The head...he's got a head." He asked, "Who has a head?" and all I could do was point to the kitchen.

Well, he and Dad had to finish the turkey themselves (both good cooks in their own right) and I couldn't eat it. In fact, I couldn't eat turkey for about three years after that, and to this day
make someone else clean out the innerds and let me know when the coast is clear.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Two jokes from our corny school chaplain today:

Q: What's the key to a great Thanksgiving meal?
A. Tur-key.

Q: Why doesn't the turkey eat anything on Thanksgiving?
A: Because he's already stuffed.


Enjoy your holiday as best you can. My thoughts go out to those who are missing loved ones this year, especially for the first time. I remember how hard it was to enjoy holidays after losing my father-in-law. He always brought the kielbasa (Polish sausage) and made sauerkraut with the trinity of celery, carrots ,and onions. He also generously bought the turkey (without heads) and many of the groceries, so we started our married life holidays with a lot of financial help, for which we were truly thankful.

A "Lame-o" Halloween

Our 9 year-old didn't want to go trick-or-treating this year. The reason, he said, is "Kids get all kooked up on sugar and then the adults can't take that." He couldn't think of a costume, and I wasn't gonna push it. It's okay. We have a had an extroardinarily busy couple of weeks anyway.

What's more, he developed a migraine in school after eating M&Ms.


Sarah was disappointed not to have a little brother as an excuse to get out and see a trail of cute kiddoes
dressed up.

But she carved a pumpkin for the fun of it.


I set it in a planter. Behind that, in the corner of the porch, is my
mode of transportation.

A few children came by for candy, as did some teen girls dressed
like tramps. It's hard to give candy to kids after they're
a certain age. I think 15 is a bit past the cut-off age, don't you?


So this October 31st came and went without much fanfare.
Sarah called it "lame-o."

But we do have a cute little pumpkin family, don't we?

"Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy"

We went to Chopstix for Mother's Day. What was really special was not having to initiate the plans this year.
Instead, Ben's girlfriend, Deirdra (Dee) asked me on Thursday if I wanted Chinese or Italian. (She knows me. ) I said either, as long as it's not Olive Garden (I don't like it). That left us with a few Italian choices, most of which are booked solid on Mother's Day. So Dee made reservations for Chinese, for 13 people. My whole crew, my parents and sister Jill, Dee's mom, sister, and brother-in-law.

How lovely to just walk right in on a busy restaurant holiday and be ushered to the table and I had nothing to do but say, "Thank you!" When something is really simple that like, I think of what my little boy always says: "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!"

I wanted a picture of my mom close-up, and while this one leaves something to be desired for lighting and background (I mean, c'mon the restroom???) it's better than what I usually do--nothing--because I'm waiting for ideal. In this picture are Ben, Dee, my mom behind her, and Dee's mom, Carabeth. We had a good time. My mom's favorite gift, of course (besides being with her family), was her Barnes & Noble gift card from the grandkids. Surprise, surprise.

Hodgepodge Wednesday: Of Luck, Green, and Pi

Wednesday, March 16, 2011



Top o' the Mornin' to ya, folks! Kisses to the Irish who want my kisses, and simple best wishes to those who don't:)



1. What would you do if you found a pot of gold? Let's pretend that pot of gold is worth exactly $1500 (which would actually be more like a cup of gold at current values). Anyway, let's also pretend you have to spend it as opposed to making a donation somewhere. Now, tell me what you would do with that cup pot of gold?

I'd start redecorating my living room by buying a new sofa and a pair of chairs. Of course, that means I'd have to find quite the bargain, but I'm sure I could do it. I have a smidge of Irish in me!



2. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form?

I don't put forethought into it, but I might make some pancakes in the shape of four-leaf clovers for breakfast and--now that you mention it--perhaps make Reubens for dinner. My husband just loves to take his corned beef and sauerkraut in sammie form! And I might even enjoy a cold Killian's after church tonight, good Baptist that I am (not).

3. Have you been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug? What spring cleaning job most needs doing at your house? What spring cleaning job are you most dreading?

I've been bitten, but more for organizing and decluttering, because (as Fly Lady says) "you can't clean clutter." When I spring clean,per se, I dread cleaning anything not at eye level. So take your pick--ceiling fans, base cabinets, top of fridge, under sinks. If you're doing the math, that amounts to about 2/3 of my house that I dread cleaning, in spring or any other season.



4. lime-shamrock-sage-forest....your favorite shade of green?

Sage. Half of my first-level walls are painted sage, and the carpet in the living/dining room area is sage. My bedroom border paper has mixed greens. I love to wear green also, and eat green, and have started more and more to "go green."

5. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." So... do you believe in luck or do you believe we make our own luck?

I don't believe in luck. I believe that God is in control of all things, and while things might appear to be lucky, I think that God is showing favor in that given instance, or letting one have what he's asked for in His sovereign will to work that "lucky thing" to His overarching plan for that person or to simply bless them. One time my hubby stuck around after a 5K race for prizes, and he won (by "luck of the draw") an all-expenses paid trip for 2 to Tampa, Florida. It was a second honeymoon for us, and a much-needed time away as lovers since we'd become 88% parents of toddlers. Our marriage needed that "luck" which was really, as I said, God's favor on us. Truth be told, it's one of pet peeves to hear Christians say "good luck." Or worse yet, "Good luck and God bless." Huh? That's like saying, "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." But I'm getting too serious about a silly question here.
I do believe that most people who work hard and are wise with the rewards of their labor will experience blessings that lazy, ignorant, or foolish people will not. That's biblical.


6. Monday (3/14) was Pi Day. Get it? 3/14 is Pi Day. Those math types are so clever, aren't they? Since I'm not one of them tell me what's your favorite piE (the edible kind)?

Do I have to pick just one? It's a toss-up between apple and Coconut Cream, but okay, it has to be Coconut Cream Pie. It's also my dear hubby's favorite, and I feel like I've served him up a pot o' gold when he eats a homemade c.c.pie for his birthday or Thanksgiving.

7. That same date (3/14) was also the birth date of the late physicist, Albert Einstein. I bet he knew the value of pi. What do you think is more important and/or valuable in life...intelligence or common sense?

I highly value intelligence and like hanging around smart people and animals, but there's really no substitute for common sense. And as they say, common sense isn't so common.

8. Insert your own random thought here...

I wonder what Einstein's favorite pie was? Probably Jewish Apple. (Oh, wait, that's cake, not pie.) Also, was it just "luck" that this genius mathematician was born on 3.14 ? I say no. God handpicked that date just for little Albert to enjoy being associated with for the length (circumference?) of his life. (One's life is a circle, after all, and not a straight line.)

Cheers to you for a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow ...is nothing special.

Valentine's "Day" in Pictures

I put "day" in quotations because it started Friday and ended the following Wednesday .


On Friday evening Sarah, Steve, and Ambrey cooked Chicken Marsala for their parents. We had Cheryl and Marion over and just let the kids serve us. What a blast! They had done everything from scratch--the marsala, twisted breadsticks, Olive Garden style salad, linguine (from a box), and banana pudding. Everything was delicious and we loved getting to know Ambrey's folks. I regret not getting pictures of our special occasion, but things were a bit hectic!

So many good memories I have stored up in my mind and heart this year! Here's a montage...


MONDAY


Steve had this vignette ready for his sister and mama on Valentine's morning. How
sweet. (Ben was in New Jersey with his girlfriend, spoiling her.) Joel got the day off
because Feb 14th is his birthday. He put this 1,000 pc Lego battleship station together in
7 and 1/2 hours . I helped him for 45 minutes for starters, to help organize pieces.
The necklace from my kids...
Can you see the image? Mother dancing with her four children. Perfect.

I'll leave out the part where I had a doctor's appointment. Doesn't every woman want to see her
gynecologist on Valentine's Day?


TUESDAY, after we'd all gone to bed...

Steve set the table and prepped the waffle iron and ingredients for the next day's brunch.

WEDNESDAY

He and Ambrey made Belgian waffles, and she gave Joel a gift --a huge Hershey's kiss
and his choice of little gifts . He chose a plastic frog that he says looks like a Democrat.
But then he said, "No, actually, he looks John McCain.Seriously! Look at his mouth!"

We laughed at ourselves for being such fashionistas. I was so stylin' I couldn't be seen
in pictures. Don't wanna make someone jealous. Ask me how to put together a man's white turtleneck brown ankle-length skirt, grey socks, and furry slippers.



Sneaky me, I snapped a shot of Steve & Ambrey warming up for a run.



Flowers for Sarah .We love her so much.


The ring on top was my ultimate, uber romantic gift from my generous husband.





Stunning tulips from my daddy. I'll plant them somewhere special as soon as I can.

Woops--more MONDAY memories!

Found all this at my place on Valentine's morning when I came downstairs.







I made each child a big pancake.






I highly recommend what Paul did: bought a dozen plain red balloons.
We were able to personalize them with a blue Sharpie--Steve to Ambrey, and
me to my folks.



Steve heading out, bearing many gifts for his lovely girl, Ambrey. He put
together a veritable treasure chest of her favorite things: an aquamarine
necklace, a polka-dotted puppy, Swedish fish, Lindor truffles, pink Gerbera
daisies, a Wawa cappuccino, and a card picturing two Golden Retrievers snuggling.
(She has a female Golden and we're getting a male Golden in 2 days!)

Man on a mission. Made my heart sing.


I gave my parents a few little gifts to remind them of when their love was new.
After all, their love is the reason I'm here.




Daddy looking forward to opening the KU loot bag with Mama at home. (She was in bed with
a bad chest cold. He was just getting over it.) The bag itself was a thoughtful gift from
Laurie, my blogging friend in Kansas. I was painfully aware that Laurie and her family were,
on Valentine's Day, at her mom's funeral. My heart was breaking for them.


Daddy gave Sarah a box of chocolates, and both of us got a sweet card. The
boy is being his usual photogenic self. UGH! You can pick out a 9 year-old boy in any picture, can't you?





Pappaw (Lyle Dauber) and Joel Lyle (or as Joel said, "the two Lyles")


I finally got a new 'do at the end of the week.

For so many reasons, this year's Valentine's celebrations made me rejoice. How great the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure!

Early Valentine Surprise

My honey really spoiled me this year!

On the way out
to run errands
together on Saturday, and to meet my sister's new puppy, Paul said he had a surprise--a trip to Nelson Coleman
Jewelers.

We got there and he told me to pick out what I wanted "within reason."


So I did.

But not without some turmoil in my heart.

I kept thinking of all the other ways we could use the money, and how many kids in Africa could be fed with this money, but I felt God say, "Let him bless you." I resisted some more,
torn between guilt of choosing a luxury and yet wanting to affirm my husband's romantic initiative and spot-on thoughtfulness. He has often felt challenged in the romance and gift-giving department. Why spoil it with rejection?

We were engaged 25 years ago last month; this seems a fitting reminder of his proposal and my "yes!" way back when.

At one point in the jewelry store, I got really close to his face, whispering, tears of gratitude welling up in my eyes, "Why are you doing this?" And he said, "It's an investment." I took it both as "financial" and "relational" investment:). But then he added, "And I might not be around much longer." I smacked him playfully and said, "Don't SAY that! Why would you say that, honey? It scares me when you talk like that."

I finally decided it would be best to receive his blessing with joy and gratitude--the response I'd want if I'd given someone a generous gift meant solely for them as a lasting token of my love.

His joy was my joy. My joy, his. To me that is the essence of romance--knowing your mate and doing what makes him/her feel cherished. I love jewelry! I love anticipating a surprise that I've been told is coming. I love being given time to admire the very same kind of jewels that God told Solomon to use to build His temple--and without guilt! God did not say, "You'll glorify Me more if you use cubic zirconias and rhinestones," so I'm thinking He smiles when we enjoy a little of His creation on our fingers!

This ring fits perfectly without any sizing needed, and looks made to go with my 10th anniversary band. I will always treasure it. Not that I need jewelry to feel loved, but I feel loved when I'm given jewelry--and my Paul knows that very well. Mwah!!

Don't Like to Hear or Say the "C" Word (Circumcision)

Thanks to Rachel at Home Sanctuary, I'm taking the opportunity to write about something I savored today--some sweetness and warm fuzzies in the middle of the hurried, harried moments of late December.

The things I savored today:
-the spontaneity of my husband taking the day off
-watching my older kids drive off for the weekend to respective friends' gatherings
-seeing my husband take care of the Jeep they were taking by topping off fluids and checking their tire pressure and then praying with them for their safety
-admiring the white dusting of snow and the husband who shoveled the driveway off
-learning about faraway places with my 8 year old. Today: Egypt.
-listening to my hubby read Genesis chapter 17 aloud without stopping to feign a soprano "ouch!" when he got to the part about Abraham circumcising himself and doing the same deed to his 13-year-old son
-our 8 year old son not stopping his dad to ask what circumcision is
-reading another book while snuggling the boy under a pile of blankets, and having him play with my hair.
-hanging up ultrasuede, camel-toned curtain panels at the sliding glass door for the fourth winter in a row, and realizing I still like them. That was $30 well spent.
-hearing our youngest child thank God twice --once before lunch, once before dinner--that "Dad took the day off and stayed home"
-making hot chocolate from a block of Abuelita cocoa and some milk and sugar. and drinking it from one of my happy mugs.
-clearing clutter, lighting the tree, smelling an Almond Cookie candle...

Nothing big, Nothing grand. Just a few simple, sweet moments I've savored in the week before Christmas. Sweet things said--and thankfully, some things said but not discussed.

Christmas: For Giving or Forgiving?

Why do most adults--even Christians-- feel more stressed out, lonely, and depressed during the Christmas season? (I include myself in this lineup.) Why is it that we don't "look" much different from our unbelieving neighbors during the holidays? Why does December seem to feel more like a wrecking ball covered in gold foil hanging over our heads than a gleaming star of joyful anticipation beckoning us to come hither and enjoy it fully?

I daresay it's because we are not really celebrating God Incarnate, the Greatest Forgiver ever.

Maybe, truth be told, we are remembering people we wish were still with us to make us happy, to see our accomplishments, to hold our children, to fulfill our longings.

Maybe we're trying to put a little "magic" or "wonder" or some other intangible delight into Christmas by stringing lights, making cookies, and singing about sleigh bells and mistletoe.

Maybe we are trying to make up for the way we mistreat our loved ones the rest of the year. As if we can atone for our sins against them by buying them things rather than saying, "I'm sorry, will you forgive me? I need your forgiveness, not your storebought or handmade present. And if you need my forgiveness for anything, you've got it. I forgive you." That's the kind of gift exchange I would love! I would rather know that I'm forgiven by God and everyone else than to open any paper-wrapped gift for the rest of my life.

To receive forgiveness, to know the slate's been wiped clean-- would that not make a person's Christmas the best ever, year after year ? Sure, we'd still our miss loved ones who have passed away or aren't with us. We're human. Sure, we could still enjoy the freedom we have in Christ to keep our special "worldly" traditions like putting up a tree, baking snickerdoodles, and admiring the light shows that December brings.

But if we Christians were to convert Christmas from a "giving" time to a forgiving time--purposefully making our list of people we needed to forgive and being unable to rest until we give that perfect gift of forgiveness-- what a way that would be to show that we understand why Jesus came to earth. I'm going to start today, the first of December, and see if by December 25th my heart has lifted from glum and weighed down, to free and light because of God Incarnate's gift of forgiveness.

Thanksgiving 2010: It is What it Is

We hosted Thanksgiving dinner this year. It wasn't the first time, by any means, but this year, to be honest, it was bittersweet for me. I had to come to terms with the fact that my parents are aging and my mom lacks the stamina to do what she has always done so well. She always used her best china, prettiest goblets, and matching silver. She always balanced proteins with starches and vegetables. She always had beds ready for everyone to nap on, the house clean and stocked, and things for little kids to do.

Yet, I am thankful for how she prepared to "pass the baton" to her daughters.

And I'm really thankful for the help I got, because I could somewhat sympathize with being "not quite full tilt" healthwise this year. My kids did a lot of the cleaning before and clean-up afterward and everyone helped in some way with the meal. Sarah cheerfully did all the grocery shopping, too, which was my most dreaded feat. I struggle to give thanks for that chore, so being thankful for her willingness was easy!


That said, it was good to have my parents and sister Jill here as well as Ben's girlfriend, Deirdra, and her mother, Carabeth. They brought three of their family favorites: pumpkin soup, pineapple cheese casserole, and green bean bundles (which remind you of little green logs sprinkled with brown sugar and wrapped in bacon. YUM).

Sarah and I decorated the table together. I repurposed a brown shower curtain (clean, of course!) atop a cream tablecloth. She used a mix of everyday dishes and assorted cloth napkins.

Pay no mind to the place setting that's missing a napkin. I had whisked away that one napkin to iron, then took a picture of the table, and returned the napkin (un-ironed, too tired for that nonsense. It is what it is. Besides, my older boys remind me, "They're just for wiping your mouth on anyway." The youngest insists we don't need napkins at all because that's what your arms are for.)




The funniest memory was of our Thanksgiving tree. Every year we send a child out to the yard to find a bare stick with twiggy branches. Normally the branches are fairly evenly distributed on left and right, up and down the tree. This year, though, Joel presented us with one that had a ...how shall I say this?... asymmetric look to it. (Scroll down a ways for exhibit.) That's okay; normally I coordinate birthday cups and plates to celebrate my dad's close-to-T'giv Day b'day, but this year I had a cheap sleeve of Boardwalk fries cups. It is what it is.

Sarah also made the turkey this year. Tasted mahvelous. She wanted the experience, and also claimed dibs on making two kinds of sweet potatoes and tens pounds of mashed potatoes. She found all her own recipes and didn't want my help. More power to her. Less work for me!

My mom made German chocolate cupcakes for my dad's birthday.

Add to that two pies and some

ice cream, and it's no wonder we

are still waddling today.

See what I mean about the Thanksgiving tree?

The chronology of these pictures? I am sorry, but the formatting keeps screwing up and I am not messing with it anymore. It is what it is!

I made Paul's favorite kind of pie--coconut cream-- but this year I found a five-star rated recipe that we all just loved. Very rich, and takes a half hour to prepare, but it's worth the effort. (I made it the day before and let it chill overnight.)

Joel helped make deviled eggs as appetizers. (Note: good protein for when hunger starts to take over and the food or guests, or both are running late.) I got a kick out of watching him getting a kick out kick out of watching steam rise.

The best thing of the day came at about 11 a.m. (an hour before guests came) when I was in the middle of chopping celery, my mind still abuzz with the to-do list. Ben (my 22 year old) slipped his around around my shoulder and said, "I just wanted to tell you, Mom, that I'm really proud of the way you're handling stress this year." I wanted to cry, but I laughed and hugged him back when he said that. "Thanks" I said. "But don't you remember my meltdown just two nights ago?" His words were like "apples of gold in a setting of silver."

We always celebrate my dad's birthday at Thanksgiving. He's 76 this year. If I'd thought about it, I would've reminded him of my happy memories when he and I played in a community college theatre production of "The Music Man" when I was in fifth grade. You remember "76 Trombones"?

At one point Daddy started telling a story, and Mama added a detail, and then he said lovingly, "Why don't you finish telling it, Brenda? Your voice is so much nicer to listen to than mine."

Carabeth: "Well, isn't that the sweetest thing I've ever heard!"

Jill: "Yes, it is sweet. But it's soooooo sappy!"

Another memory: We called my other sister, Andrea, who was celebrating Thanksgiving with Aunt Linda. Or was supposed to be. Aunt Linda was too sick with a cold. It's Andrea's birthday today (my dad's best gift the year she was born) and we all sang "Happy Birthday" on speakerphone. She was touched.

Another:The "collegers" at the table knew more about how Sarah Palin's daughter performed in "Dancing with the Stars" than they do about who might run for office in 2012. Aaah. For shame. But it is what it is.

The pictures I took of everything on the day aren't so great. I regret my fatigue, tuckered out, too tired to stand up and take lovely, thoughtful pictures. So this batch of pictures? It is what it is. What I really wanted was a picture of our whole family together, but was afraid to ask. Too tired to deal with the "oh, MOM!" and the composing of very tall people next to very short people that creates a challenge for the amateur photographer.

Here's to many more happy Thanksgivings.

A (Spinal) Column of Thanks

*My thanks are highlighted in autumn red. These aren't links, just a quick way to substitute a list.

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Just when you think it's safe to wash your hair in the shower like you've done 20,137 times before, you reach up around to scrub it real well, and then--suddenly--POW! It happens. The spot on the inside of the right shoulder blade, five inches from the base of your neck--the spot that kinda/sorta troubles you on and off and just needs to be popped once in a while--THAT spot decides it's had enough. It decides to take you down and make you wonder, "Now, how am I gonna get dressed when it hurts to raise my arm over my head?"


That was the scenario on Tuesday. But God's grace-- and my overwhelming embarrassment at the thought of going out in public wearing only my birthday suit and some hair clips-- provided me the impetus I needed to fulfill the mission. The mission? Get thee to a chiropractor.

But who? Which one? The one I'd been to in 2000 (when I, the overachiever, had two car accidents in ten months) was no longer taking my new insurance. He hadn't for quite a while, so I just hadn't gone. I had let the problem of degenerative arthritis in my upper spine be treated with home remedies--a back pop once in a while, ibuprofen, exercise (and those in descending order of motivation).

My only choice for obtaining info as I lay moaning in the prone position on the carpeted family room floor, with pain so fierce it took my breath away? Call someone! Kelly! She uses a chiropractor nearby AND I have her number memorized. (I won't tell you that she empathizes by laughing hysterically while you're herniating.) I am a pain in the neck because I am the company I keep!

Anyhow, within the hour, I was at the new chiropractor's office getting x-rays. They confirmed a bulging disc and degenerative arthritis. Thankfully, the degenerating part is localized, not rotting away my entire spine.

So, as I consider all things possible, I am thankful for many things: pain that signals something is really wrong; ways to communicate; transportation; good insurance; ibuprofen, electrical stimulation, massage, chiropractic adjustments, patient kids who give me back-pops in between visits; a flexible schedule; a great bed; the ability to laugh while in pain, and slow improvement which has enabled me to clean a bit more which means I see progress, not just deterioration.

After all, next week we are hosting Thanksgiving and the house needs to get clean. As for my hair, I might not wash it again for a long, long time. It's simply too risky.

Trunk or Treat 2010: Hippies, Toy Story, Lego Mania, Princesses and More

Here's a sampling from our church's spin on Trunk or Treat. (We do more than just trunks. We do props and games, and much more. Love it.)

Our care group chose to do the LEGO theme. We tied for second, which surprised me, considering we were the only group not in costume. (One petite gal in our group DID dress up--thanks, Kris!), but the rest of us didn't. I would've had to wear a Samsung dryer box, which would've stripped the E-G-O away from my LEGO look. I guess we had a really kid-friendly theme, complete and bean-bag toss.

Toy Story came in first, not surprisingly. The people in their group are over-the-top creative. One of the guys in our group said, half-jokingly, 'Yeh, but they didn't have a trunk. They had a Corvette for Barbie and Ken, but Corvettes don't have trunks!" Oh, do I detect a bit of sibling rivalry??? :)


Two of my older kids, Steve and Sarah, belong to a college age group that did Music of the Decades.
Groovy, man.

We had a science theme,
a farm theme (complete with live chickens and goats),
Disney princesses, a diner,
a camping theme, and many
other trunks decked out for a night
for community contact and fun.
We had over 900 guests some of whom indicated they wanted to know
more about Christianity and our church. That makes it all worthwhile.