He Never Lets Go

Good Morning...

2011-01-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning and sat in my recliner as I usually do, enjoying the last few lights of the Christmas tree. Yes. It is still up. As I looked out the large picture window next to the tree, I could see pink and orange streaks in the sky, telling me that the sun was close to popping up over the mountains. I rarely see a sunrise, both because I’m rarely up early enough, and there is no telling where it will come up. Well, as I sat there praying and thinking about the day, the sun popped up, right in front of me. As if only for me. Right smack in the center of my window, blinding me with it’s brilliance. Seriously, I was seeing spots for several minutes! Isn’t that just like the Son?! It just filled me with such warmth and peace and thankfulness. I pray that your day is blessed, that you feel the warmth of the sun and the Son, no matter what time it is, where you’re sitting or how your heart is. May God bless you richly…today and every day.

“Let us acknowledge the LORD;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises,

he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:3, NIV

Smitten.

2009-12-09T21:40:00.002-07:00

I am smitten. Totally smitten. At the moment, the object of my ‘smittenness’ is not my husband, but my five-year-old. Al needn’t worry; he is bound to be top of the list soon. Very soon because ‘smittenness’ with a five-year-old does not often last long. Mood swings, defiance, laughter over bodily functions and that sort of thing can turn the tide rather quickly. Not to mention this five-year-old is a girl, so that adds a whole other list of … I’m digressing … I was talking about being smitten.

This afternoon, as we were getting ready to leave for the evening, I put on a bit of make-up and lipstick. Not enough to be dolled up mind you, just enough to not scare people. As I was tying her shoes, my darling (for the moment – refer to above paragraph) five-year-old looks up to my face and in a soft voice, full of awe and tenderness said to me, “Oh mommy, your lips are beautiful! I just want to kiss them. Can I kiss your lips mommy?” After tenderly kissing me, she then says, “Mommy, do I have lipstick on my lips now?” She didn’t, but I must admit that is a good way to get lipstick if you’re a smart five-year-old girl.

When we returned home, I asked the same five-year-old to please gather all the dirty laundry, which is one of her chores. She gathered and brought me a basket full of dirty clothes telling me, “Mommy, there is a blue shirt in here that smells SO good. It smells like your body.” It was the shirt I wore all day and night yesterday…lol…nothing special, but clearly it was to her!

Not 20 minutes later, as I was tucking into bed the five-year-old, I leaned in close to hear a whispered question and mid-question she switches thoughts and says, “Mommy, you smell so good. I just want to smell you some more.” Which she did. I gave her a few squeezes and hugs and another kiss or two and she said, “You smell like garlic.” Oh well. She likes garlic, so I guess that’s a good thing!

Smitten, I tell you…totally smitten. At least for a little while.

Nine Years Ago…

2009-08-06T16:47:00.015-06:00

It doesn’t seem that nine years could have gone by so quickly (but then I have a hard time believing that I graduated from academy 25 years ago, that seems like yesterday, too)! Regardless, today is the day that we pull out the wedding video, album and audio tape – or at least one of them – and spend time reminiscing. It’s so funny to see the girls react to the video; they shout out everyone’s name and get all excited when ‘The Moment’ arrives.

It was a hot, humid, stormy day in Washington, DC nine years ago…like most days in August. It was full of activity and excitement. Al’s family had safely arrived from New Mexico and Arizona; the rehearsal had gone well; ‘The Boys’ had practiced their music the previous night over and again, and I’d cried so many times it was doubtful I would again that day; and the wording of the ‘Giving Away’ of the bride had been written and re-written. It was time to get on with it, as it were...the transferance from one family to another...

It figures that the most touching moments of the ceremony were ones involving my brothers. Mom always said that one day we’d stop fighting, become friends and get along. Of course she was right.

On August 6, 2000, one of those brothers walked me up the aisle to meet my husband, and the other composed and along with his wife read a beautiful reading from inspirational and scripture appropriate to the day.

Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained you.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife,
and the two will become one flesh.
So they are no longer two, but one.
In days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass.

All night long I looked for the one my heart loves;
I looked for him but did not find him.
How long, O Lord, will you hide yourself forever?

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.

I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares;
I will search for the one my heart loves.
So I looked for him but did not find him.
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city.
“Have you seen the one my heart loves?”
My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts,
and every day have sorrow in my heart?

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves.
I held him and would not let him go.

Delight thyself in the Lord and
He will give you the desires of your heart.

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the Lord.

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She is clothed with strength and dignity.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also and he praises her
a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates night and day.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yield its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatsoever he does prospers.

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Can two walk together unless they be agreed?

This is my lover, this is my friend

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

I am my lover’s and my lover is mine.

And in Him, you two are being built together
to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

This is my lover, this is my friend.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Carry each others burdens.

Love never fails.
It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.

Commit your ways to the Lord. Trust Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.

Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Blessed is the woman who takes refuge in Him.

Together, both of my brothers sang ‘The Wedding Song’ to me and despite the tears shed during practice the previous night, I cried again that morning.

But the most special moment was during the vows I gave and those I received. It was as if the world fell away and Al and I stood alone, promising our lives and futures to each other.

I pray that it is a long future, and that we have even more opportunity to grow together. I love you, Al!

2009-07-28T10:39:00.003-06:00

Hi! Sorry, I know it’s been a while…

Last weekend we went to a little place in Edgewood (well, not SO small…it’s over 120 acres) called Wildlife West Nature Park www.wildlifewest.com for their ‘Chuckwagon Suppers and Show’. I was certain I was going to be served my dinner from an actual wagon! Not so, but it was still good. Better was the band. Syd Masters and the Swing Riders were such a fun group to listen to! Here is a clip of them singing ‘Under New Mexico Skies’ our official state cowboy song! Enjoy!

OOPS! I forgot to include the lyrics...they are beautiful and tell of the beauty of living in the state!

‘Under New Mexico Skies”
by Syd Masters

VERSE 1:
Where the Piñon Mesa rolls
And the campfire cures your woes
Watchin’ the sly roadrunner flee
On the tail of an autumn breeze
I’m leanin’ against a juniper bole
As the creek water takes a stroll

CHORUS:
That’s where you’ll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy’s free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies

VERSE 2:
Where the lean jack hops along
And the coyote sings his song
Up high the rocky spires shade
The sunny desert days
I’m leanin’ against adobe walls of old
Their stories to be told

CHORUS:

VERSE 3:
Just me and a covey of gamblin’ quail
Lopin’ down the Turquoise Trail

CHORUS:

It all turns out ok

2009-01-02T23:25:00.003-07:00

i was just looking thru some things i'd written a while back and the title of this struck me...then i re-read it and it struck me all over again...how relevant this is for me. often. so with you i share it:

I am a worrier. I know the verses, thank you very much; I recite them to myself all the time. Still, I am a worrier. I am a ‘make sure all the doors are locked before driving away!’ worrier, a ‘what if the plane crashes into the ocean while we’re flying from Atlanta to Boise!!’ worrier (places were changed to protect the innocent…or embarrassed), a ‘what if all the guests at my dinner party are allergic to the beautiful salmon I just slaved 4 hours over?!?!’ worrier. What if, what if, what if. I am a worrier. I admit it, though not proudly. This is the first step in receiving help, right?

This morning, I had an ‘AHA’ moment. I love to read. Most anything, really – cereal boxes, gossip magazines (I’m admitting to a lot here, aren’t I?), best-selling novels, and occasionally a devotional or two. Currently, it is a book about mercury poisoning, which kept me up way past bedtime last night, and does not help in the least with the issues about worrying. But back to my original thought, sorry.

This morning, I was reading my devotional book, a compilation of some of my favorite women speakers and writers. The theme is joy and it has been very inspiring, but the nugget I found today isn’t directly related to joy, although there is a correlation. Five little words. “It all turns out ok.” Stuck in the midst of a little paragraph that goes like this (remember, the topic is joy):

“…add your voice to the song that the stars began long ago. You don’t have to carry the tune; just join the chorus. Join the happy chorus made up of the morning stars that know the goodness of God and perhaps even know the end of history – and they are happy! It all turns out OK. The stars are rejoicing and applauding because the Father of all love is on the throne of the universe, and what a reason to celebrate. ”

It all turns out OK. It all turns out OK. It ALL turns out OK!!! No, I’m not wishing for home…or maybe I am, but here it is. We know the Author of The Book. In it, He – the Author – tells us that life won’t necessarily be easy, that we will not know what every chapter will hold, that we will struggle, and that there will be sad times. But He also – and more importantly – has told us the ending already! He has told us exactly what will happen, and it ALL turns out OK!!!

Now, I’ve never had to struggle with the effects of being victimized. I’ve never had to personally struggle with a debilitating illness (although having the flu when you are home alone with your active and healthy pre-schoolers sure feels debilitating). I’ve never had to wonder where my next meal will come from. But my book has some ugly chapters in it. Chapters full of sadness, depression, unbearable grief, guilt, regret and severe anxiety…worry. Here’s the thing: the author of my book is The Bread of Life, The Creator, The Redeemer, The Great Shepherd, The Source of Life. And He has told me the ending already! No matter the sad chapters of my book, no matter the paragraphs I never want to revisit, no matter the dog-eared pages from when I haven’t been able to move forward, no matter the pages warped by fallen tears. What matters is the ending. It all turns out OK!!!

I know that despite what I have going on, or how I feel or how successful I perceive myself to be, that in the end, what matters is that I have a home, an eternal one and it is waiting for me on a hilltop. I know that the Lord of the universe has chosen me…ME…to live there, get this – With Him – FOREVER!!! Now that is a great ending, better than OK, and certainly enough to put aside the worrying…at least for the next chapter or two!

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:25-34, New Living Translation

Nicole Johnson, A Standing Ovation for God; Contagious Joy: Joyful Devotions to Lift Your Spirits, Mary Hollingsworth, Gen. Ed.; (W Publishing Group, 2006) p. 253

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T23:23:00.002-07:00

So the new year has begun and hopefully that means more blogging...but who knows. Regardless, I hope yours was a lovely Christmas and that 2009 is full of blessings for you and those you love!

Baby Fever!!!

2008-12-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

In MOPS, I am always around moms who are either pregnant or have little babies…and at church, I teach the 0-4-year-olds, so again there are always babies around me…except at home.

Lately I have been contemplating a return to the work force…as my youngest will be in kindergarten next year (boo-hoo). Throw in all these little babies around me and I have been thinking that perhaps having another child would be preferable to going back to work! It also would mean someone to fuss over as my girls grow away from me. Needless to say, all of this has caused a terrible case of BABY FEVER in me!!

Then this…the other night I had this dream:

I dreamed that I was pregnant and had a baby boy. When I saw him, he looked like a ‘South Park’ character…flat and unmoving, with big brown eyes and a fixed open smile full of teeth…teeth that were ringed with gold as if he’d had dental work. His eyes were brown and his skin was dark, like a little Peruvian boy. As I sat there looking at him, Kelly walked past the doorway. I called to her and when she entered, I held the baby out to her and told her that I couldn’t keep the baby, to please take him. She seemed startled, but took him.

The next day as I was still recovering, Kelly returned to my room with the baby in her arms, they were about to leave the hospital. Vonda was already there in another chair, visiting with me. Feeling badly, I asked to see the baby again. As I held him, I felt engorged, and asked if it would be alright to nurse him…figuring it would serve both of us. Kelly agreed, and while nursing the baby I realized that I could not give him up. I looked up to Kelly and told her how sorry I was to take him back, but that I could no longer deny my child. She was sad, as she and Rick had always wanted a son but she hadn’t wanted to get pregnant again. I felt awful and suggested that I honor their willingness to have taken him, by giving him the name they had chosen. I asked Kelly what his name was and she said that they had agreed to name him ‘Skeeter.’ Gulping (and trying not to look horrified) I said, “well, how about Skip?” She agreed and then sadly left the room.

Later that day we were being discharged and I went to find Al. He and the girls were eating at the cafeteria and I walked up to them with the baby in my arms, saying it was time to go. With that, the baby was now a young cat (!!!) and jumped from my arms onto the table and began eating the food…I picked him up gently saying “no, Skip, you cannot jump onto the table” and thought to myself, ‘we are all allergic to cats…how are we going to live with this baby?!’

In the next moment, we were at the van, with the baby (no longer a cat) in a loaned carrier and about to leave the hospital. “We’d better head right to Wal-Mart to get a travel system,” I told Al “because we don’t have a stroller or our own car seat for this baby.”

With that I woke up…spared from dreaming any more oddities!!

By the way, the baby fever is pretty well gone after that!!!

A Return to the Blog...

2008-12-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

Sorry for my absence...do I have to apologize?! Everyone else does when they've been absent for a while. We've been busy and I've been lazy...but after incessant reminders from my wonderful friends, I am trying to have a comeback...good luck to me, huh? So, here you are.......................

Flag Shirt

2008-09-11T09:08:00.003-06:00

I’m wearing my flag shirt today. It’s not the most stylish or attractive, but I don’t care. Today is the day to wear your flags. Today is the day to show your love and support of this country (regardless of your political stance), for the sacrifice of those fallen for its freedoms and for those lives lost in attacks because of its values and beliefs.

Seven years ago today, I was 8 months pregnant with my first child, at work in Washington, DC and watching the Today show live as it all unfolded. With actual and rumored explosions around the city, I got in my car and raced for home 20 miles away; listening to news reports as buildings I’d once been in fell. All I could think of was that my husband was many states away and how would he get home to us? I wondered how I was to have a child in a world like this.

The good news is that God is bigger than us. That He blesses in ways and at times we cannot see, and in spite of ourselves. The good news is that even while we don’t see Him or feel Him or even for some of us believe in Him, He is there all the while…guiding, protecting and loving. That won’t change. No matter what.

So get out your flag today…and maybe a cross as well. Give thanks that we live in a country that has freedoms…even if sometimes you aren’t in agreement with all of them.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001?

I can relate some days...

2008-09-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

more animals

this cat reminds me of one I used to know...

School Projects

2008-09-02T19:40:00.003-06:00

Today Abbie brought home a school project. Is this a voodoo doll?!?! Was I especially mean this morning as I rushed her through breakfast, getting dressed, washing up, assembling her back-pack’s contents and getting in the car to drive to school? Do I need to watch out?! Uh-oh…public school and all that! Oh! She informs me it’s a corn husk doll. Ahhhhh…that makes more sense!

Another First

2008-09-02T19:33:00.005-06:00

When I married Al, I acquired, gained, won, was rewarded with a ‘bonus son’. On our wedding day, that little 10 year old could be seen peering at strange faces over the rim of his glasses, playing with his shirt buttons, wiping his nose but standing otherwise amazingly still at his father’s side. When I said my vows to Al, I included vows to Justin...and held his little hand as I promised to help parent him, love him, always provide a home for him and to treat him as my own borne child…thankfully he has been a really easy kid and made it a breeze. Well, that little scrawny kid is now 18. He graduated from high school (woo-hoo!) in May and tomorrow starts college…yikes!!!

All that being said, yesterday I get a phone call…’ring…ring…’ ‘Hello,’ ‘Hi Denise, it’s Justin (tho I’d know his voice anywhere),’ ‘Oh hi Justin, what’s up’ ‘Hey, Denise can you take me to school tomorrow to get my books?’ ‘Sure, no problem’ by this point I was just thrilled to be included in (at least what I view as) a big moment in his life. So he came over last night, spent the night and after taking his middle little sister (between both his parents, he has three sisters and no brothers) to school, he the littlest sister, his dad and I all piled into the van to go down to the college. Such parental pride…can you believe he is starting college?! Such parental dread…can he do all of this on his own?!

On the way I asked him how long he thought it would take, an hour he replied. When we arrived there were SO many kids there milling about…people really of all ages… While he went off to get photographed for his ID card, we people-watched in the seating area…it was so interesting, being a part of the first day of classes/registration and yet not being a student…all that ‘first-day-excitement’ and nowhere for it to go! I wanted to take a picture or two for the blog and scrapbook, but was kind of afraid of embarrassing him too much…I went a bit overboard at graduation…lol!!

So we sat and waited…and watched…there were kids with brand-spankin’-new, off-the-rack, price-tags-probably-still-attached clothes and shoes, there were kids in clothing so hole-y that it was as if threads were hanging from their waists…then there were the others. You know them. The ones who are dressed more for club life than classroom life. Shorts so short you could see more cheek than Louie Armstrong…pants so low you could fit a baby kangaroo in there!! Girls in boys’ clothes…boys in girls’ clothes…you understand… Crazy hair, strange make-up and kids climbing a rock wall…you gotta love college life!

After a while we met Justin in the bookstore, and again I was hit with a wave of nostalgia…I remember the craziness of looking for used books so I wouldn’t have to pay for a new ones…ooh, too expensive…and do I get a spiral notebook with the school’s name or not…lol…and the even more craziness of working in a university bookstore during winter registration…ugh…that was not so fun! Still, we waited for him to get his books and pay for them and off we went in search of his classrooms. We found one and then realized that his other class (he’s breaking into college slowly – good for him) started before the first one ended…?!...how did the registrar let that happen?! Aren’t there computer programs that prevent that sort of thing? Well a closer look determined that in fact they didn’t overlap at all, they were on completely different days! Uh-oh! Armed with this news we decided to go back home and do some investigating…is the same class offered another day…how does he get to an 8:30 a.m. class when he lives 45 minutes away…what buses run past the school…stuff like that…stuff that is usually thought of before one registers, but whatever. ; )

So after Al takes off for work, the kids and I head home to the trusty internet…ain’t it a wonderful tool?! There we find out that no. There isn’t another class for him to take. So now we must figure out how to get to school on the weekend as well as twice weekly. From 45 minutes away. Thankfully the NM Railrunner opened up a couple of years ago and it now runs from the town where Justin lives to downtown ABQ, not too far from the school. So we printed out and talked about bus schedules…and did word problems (my seventh grade math teacher should be proud)…if Justin has an 8:30 class and boards a train in Los Lunas, NM…and transfers to a bus in ABQ, how long will he have before getting to class on time (or having his head implode)? About an hour or so into all this I ask him, ‘Justin, have you ridden the Railrunner before?’ To which he responds, ‘no.’ Problem. School begins tomorrow. He needs to take the first train (5:57 am) leaving his station in order to get there with ANY time to spare. The second train and the transfer to the bus get him to the corner up the street from his building with 15 minutes left. 15 minutes. In traffic. Not including walking time. Not, most definitely not including ‘oops, I’m late and missed the train.’ Now his mom is a great lady and all that, but often runs late (let’s all be honest). So now, the word problem changes…if Justin arrives late to the train station to catch the 7:02, how many rides will he have to hitch to get into ABQ?! Well, I cannot worry about that end…

So after figuring out the transfers and all that, I figured I would send him home on the train…so he can see how it works and where it is in relation to the buses, etc. I tell you I felt like a mama eagle shoving her chick out of the nest…on a cliff…into the great unknown! As he walked over to the ticket window and I drove away I called his dad telling him that I felt like I was deserting him…lol…and then I realized that I wasn’t sure he knew which train was northbound or southbound…lol…oh no! When Justin called a few minutes later to say he was on the train, I asked him ‘northbound or southbound?’ and he had no idea, he just got on to the first train that pulled up. Oh great. Well, I told him the worst that can happen is you get a ride to Bernalillo and back before you get to Los Lunas…no biggee. Well, all’s well that ends well. He got home. Safely. Hopefully he’ll get to school tomorrow as easily. And transferred. And to class on time. Ay-yay-yay!

The worry never ends no matter how old they get, you know?

Those Fat Rubber Things that Carry the Car…

2008-08-26T17:07:00.004-06:00

So Friday I am on my way to Costco, and as got off the freeway I heard a flapping noise. Suddenly it occurred to me that it could be my tire! I pulled into the nearest parking lot and sure enough… So we called a tow company to change the tire and after they did, the guy pulled this thing out of my tire.

So then today I am on my way to meet friends at Tingley Beach and as I am about to pull into the lot, I hear a familiar flapping sound. Great. I pulled into my parking spot and sure enough, my front tire is quickly becoming a puddle. Fantastic. I have a cooler full of picnic food, two little kids, and planned for a fun day…this wasn’t a part of those plans! So instead of the train, I got to ride a tow truck to get my tires replaced.

Oh cars. What fun they are.

BtS!!

2008-08-17T20:48:00.004-06:00

I forgot! Last week school began for BOTH girls! Hallelujah!!

Abbie was a bit nervous about being a first-grader, but she chose her desk and unloaded her supplies and along with her big-girl backpack, off she went. She had a great first day and was relieved to know that many of her kindergarten friends are also in her class!

Anna began Pre-K! We enrolled her into a school close by that sounds and looks fantastic…I have high hopes (so what else is new, huh?!). : ) She didn’t get a backpack (they were all bigger than she is), but is very excited about her new lunchbox. She's in a class of nine, a few of them I recognize from the summer lunch program in the park.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Woo-Hoo!!!

2008-08-17T19:15:00.013-06:00

Face it. I get very excited about little ordinary things. So imagine how thrilled I am today!

Yesterday at church, an announcement was made that due to the current (de)construction of the church buildings, the playground equipment was to be taken down and they asked if there were any families interested in ‘hosting’ the equipment until the new playground was built. Without much thought (or approval from the husband, oops!) I shot up my hand, waving it about until I knew that I had been noticed…lol…see, it pays to listen in church! Well, as I was the first (HA!) noticed, I was given first choice of the two sets. Naturally, I opted for the one with the slide…so it’s bigger but I swear I wasn’t being greedy. Really.

So this morning, the husband took off to the ‘Work Bee’…it’s called a ‘bee’ as if that makes it more fun. I have never attended any ‘bee’ that was fun, I assure you. But I digress. So this afternoon, a flatbed trailer and pickup truck backed into our yard and about 8 men piled out of various vehicles. They brought in a BIG play-set and set it upright. It’s a big honkin’ thing, I tell ya!

So anyway, Al and a friend spent the bulk of the afternoon and evening tightening bolts and securing it so that now the kids can play…and if you think I’m excited…look at their little joyous faces! Maybe now I’ll be able to keep them outside more than five minutes! The set has two swings, a trapeze bar/rings, a slide, picnic table, climbing wall, stair ladder and a covered fort. Though summer is coming to an end, I’m sure we’ll get a LOT of use out of it, even on colder days, so…come over friends, and play!

Back to Maryland

2008-08-10T21:11:00.007-06:00

Once returned to MD and had a few days to rest from driving all day, we went to Baltimore for a few hours.

I found a crab!

We rode on the paddle boats…I felt a bit ridiculous with those giant orange life vests, and about killed my legs with the paddling…lol…I think I burned off one crab cake.

The next day was one of the highlights…we drove to Ocean City for the day. It drizzled the whole way out there, so I didn’t put the kids into their suits, and I told them not to go in deep or get too wet. Yeah, right. Good thinking!

Eventually they got into their swimsuits and really had fun!

Then it was time to change and get some Thrasher’s Fries and ride some Trimper’s Rides!

A good time was had by all…especially the ones who didn’t have to stay awake on the way home!

Then, the MA relatives came down and we took all the kids to the national mall to visit the air and space museum…it was fun taking them to see to fly and seeing them all jump in the same places that we did as kids! Here is the brood:

Afterwards a few of us went to a Washington national’s baseball game…they lost, but we still had great seats and enjoyed ourselves!

We had a chance to gather together for a more somber occasion…

But together with family and good friends, had a chance to celebrate life…

After the MA relatives continued south, we hit another pool…with slides for little kids…LOTS of fun!

Water slides can make you tired and hungry. Thank goodness for the mandatory safety breaks!

We had a wonderful time, but were so happy to get back home to see Al and celebrate 8 years!!

Historic Deerfield

2008-08-10T21:03:00.005-06:00

One of the daytrips we took was to Historic Deerfield. Sadly it was our last day in MA and we just didn’t have enough time to enjoy it…but the kids were able to dress in historic clothes and...

practice cooking,

cleaning,

hostess-ing a tea party

and going to school!

It’s a neat place worth a much longer visit!

Maryland to Massachusetts

2008-08-10T20:41:00.015-06:00

After days of getting the cousins reacquainted, visiting with dear friends, going to the pool, seeing puppet shows, and doing errands, we drove to Massachusetts to see more family! A long trip to be sure, but when you travel in a caravan of mini-vans/SUVs’, it can be fun. Too bad the walkie-talkies didn’t work!

As soon as we got there, we went to the house on Packard Pond and got into the water…the kids had a great time, and with all of them wearing life jackets, it was no sweat for one or two adults to watch all seven!

Then, out came the canoe!

We did a lot more than just hang out in the water, though… We ate ice cream…lots of ice cream…almost every day a different place!

Got dressed up for church…pretty spiffy, huh?

Celebrated a birthday…or two…

Got TONS of bug bites!!!

We picked blueberries…

Made (and ate) a pie with them…

More playing in the water…jumping from the ‘Fun Raft’

Went to nearby Maggie’s Farm School and saw a lot of

and

Vacation Highlights

2008-08-10T20:34:00.005-06:00

I know, I know, it’s been way too long since I’ve posted! I could say “Well, I was on vacation” but it wouldn’t sound true. However, it was. Except that in my line of work ‘vacation’ simply means ‘same stuff, different locale’. Not really a vacation. Still, I was away and unable to post as planned. No fear, I am back and have pictures!!! However, it is long, so I will break it up a bit.

Our ‘vacation’ took us back to the east coast to visit with family and friends. We had a wonderful time, visiting places we know and love, exploring new places and just hanging out with people we love. Here are some highlights:

On our way!!

I’m a sap, I know…but we were so glad to be back in Maryland!

There is a mouse in the house.

2008-08-10T19:23:00.005-06:00

I’ve wandered into the kitchen THREE times today to find the top of this Entenmanns’s box lifted ever so slightly and said to myself, ‘now why doesn’t that box stay closed?’

This time, I took a peek inside and found this.

We have a mouse in the house.

I found it hiding under the table with powdered sugar on its face, wearing an Ariel jammie shirt and a ballerina pull-up.

Its name is Annaliese.

Lesson learned: hide anything yummy high enough that you can hear the mice climbing up to reach them.

Scamp.

See, I'm NOT Dreaming!!!

2008-06-25T10:33:00.001-06:00

Several years ago, after dropping Abbie off at preschool, I was driving home and while sitting a stop sign, I saw the most peculiar thing cross the crosswalk in front of me. An elderly man, riding a recumbent tricycle, was walking a couple of dogs on leashes, and his bike was covered by two large gold umbrellas, and chained to stands rising from the rear of the bike, were 3 parrots. I did a double take, sure I was imagining it. Well, no. Here he is…he often rides past our home and we’ve spoken to him a number of times. Today I happened to be getting out of the car and had my camera and he graciously allowed me to take a photo of him.

Only in Albuquerque!!

I Love Language

2008-06-07T15:03:00.002-06:00

Have I told you I love language? I love the way that it works, its mechanics, the way that it begins – there are fewer sounds sweeter to me than a toddler going from babble to words – I love how language is used as a tool or an instrument, and I love to hear an articulate person speak. I love wit and a clever tongue, tho they often warn me to be careful in their presence! I love language.

I come from a family of linguists. My mother has the gift of language and speaks several languages fluently. I admire much about her, and one example is how determined she is to dive in and learn. When she travels, she immerses herself in a culture and language, returning from her adventure speaking like a native. She spent 30+ years teaching foreign language and will always remain a student herself.

My older brother shares her gift and has dabbled in more languages than I can count. Put him anywhere on the globe and he will either find someone to communicate with or come away with another language under his belt! His lovely wife is eastern-European and her native tongue is nothing like his…yet I remember clearly on his wedding day him proudly announcing “I am half Bulgarian and half Puerto-Rican!” He has made her language his own, and also earns his living teaching foreign language – either ESL or to English speakers. I am quite proud of him.

Then there is my dad…lol…the story is that he dreamed of being an attorney. Whether or not true, the truth is that he was one of the most articulate people I have met…and oh, how he could turn a phrase! Arguments with him were most often futile though he could ‘dumb it down’ with the best of them. As a young child I didn’t know what he did for a living. If you asked me I would respond “he talks on the phone.” He was a shrewd and smart man…most of the time (isn’t that true of all of us), and with his words, in Spanish, English or ‘Spanglish’ he could eloquently raise you up or tear you down. He used language as a tool, one he beautifully mastered.

My ‘little’ (he grew taller than any of us) brother was given dad’s gift of language. I love to be ON his team because to oppose him is just a wasted effort, as each of us has at one time or another experienced. I bet his nightmare would be to have his mouth wired shut! He makes a living using words as well – he is an attorney (someone made it!). I have yet to see him in the court room, but I would love to see him in action one day…he too makes me proud. I recently read how he quite ‘firmly and respectfully’ put someone in place. Without ugliness, rudeness, or threat. To use words when others (as these days SO many do) use fists is sadly rare and beautifully admirable.

I just like to talk. And write. And talk some more. :) Maybe I’m related to them, maybe some of it has rubbed off on me…I certainly hope so. I love them.

Profanity is the linguistic crutch of the inarticulate.

Adventures in Mothering!

2008-05-31T15:16:00.002-06:00

So I just had to share one of those funny mothering stories…

On the way to get the husband from work last evening, I decided to swing by Sunflower for a few things. So a few blocks from the store, DD#2 says that her nose is bleeding (she no doubt was picking). I gave her a napkin, but the pretty little yellow dress that she’d put on after her shower was already spotted. We get to the store and I open her door to pinch her nose to stem the bleeding, despite her cries of protest…eventually it worked, but the clock is running and I still have to get out to the west side to get the husband!

So we head inside…the first thing on my list is a basil plant – gallon pots were only $3.99 and I figured I can throw away that much, right? So we walk in the door and DD#1 begins to LOUDLY say “there are the basil plants, mom!” After shushing her, I selected the least dead-looking one, and placed it in the cart, out of DD#2’s reach. I explained to DD#1 that her job would now be to talk and sing to the basil as that would help it grow. That really excited her and she began telling DD#2 and I all about her plans to talk and sing to the plant, peppering me with questions about where it would be placed, and so on...

We continued on to find some strawberries, cucumbers and grape tomatoes…of course on the short trip to the back of the store, at everything DD#1 is asking loudly (she has no sense of volume, that kid – so like her mother), “where are the samples?” and “can I get this mommy?” to which I am saying “instead of dessert?” which promptly ceases the asking, but I am tiring of saying it. DD#2 also asks, but as she didn’t finish her dinner and isn’t getting dessert, simply responds with little threats like “well then I won’t let you push this cart” to which I simply respond, “OK.”

Anyway, I digress…so we are in the produce section by now, and DD#2 is fidgety and I hear her mutter to herself, “I should have put on panties.” Alarms sound within my head as I remember another 4 year old at an event in a similar dress, also without panties…no, amazingly enough not mine, but a little girl I once nannied. She once went to an event without panties and I about flipped out. I told her that I would never bring her out again with a dress on (and I didn’t). But again, I am wandering from my story… So as the alarms subside in my head, I quietly mutter to my darling little child (and myself), “you what?! You never leave the house without panties, that’s always the first thing you put on…I told you several times after your shower to put on your panties…I can’t believe you’re not wearing any”…as I peek and sure enough, no panties, just smooth skin…great.

So as we continue to wander through the store, DD#1 begins to talk about the situation, again loudly…so I had to once again shush her…I couldn’t wait to get out of the store. Finally we got to check out where I was able to get a bottle of water to nourish my poor little half-dead basil plant…all the while DD#1 continues talking about how she will talk and sing to it to keep it growing – what did I tell you?!?!

And that is my trip to Sunflower…lol…have you ever had the feeling that from the time you enter until you leave a place that all eyes are on you?! I know that none probably were, but boy, it sure felt like it! The basil plant is watered and outside on the table, ready to get hit with the morning sun…and the poor thing has NO idea what it’s in for…the amount of singing and talking to it’s going to get…hopefully from someone wearing panties!

Mothering is always an adventure!

100 Things About Me

2008-05-31T15:14:00.001-06:00

1. I’m living the life God created me to live…
2. That doesn’t mean there aren’t rough patches.
3. I am 42 years young…and feeling younger most days!
4. I’ve been married nearly eight years.
5. My husband is a wonderful man that I am blessed to have!
6. On our wedding day, there were torrential rains…
7. What is that thing about showers of blessings on your wedding day? (wink)
8. Every year on our anniversary I watch our wedding video and cry all over again.
9. My ‘bonus’ son just graduated from high school!!!
10. We’re SO proud of him!
11. I lucked out; he is a wonderful young man.
12. He’s kind, honorable and loves his little sisters!
13. My oldest daughter just finished kindergarten!!
14. How’s that for an age gap in kids?!
15. The little one is four.
16. She is going to age me quicker than anything.
17. And I wanted to be a mother…
18. I drive a min-van.
19. Yuk.
20. I wish I drove a Mini Cooper…red bodied, white mirrors and roof with black stripes and a sunroof.
21. It’s one’s dreams that keep one’s heart alive.
22. Sorry cardiologists.
23. I love bread.
24. Not money.
25. Real, good, hearty hearth bread.
26. With butter.
27. Don’t get me started.
28. I will NOT eat okra.
29. Or beets.
30. I love onions…fixed ANY way.
31. Seriously.
32. I loved high school.
33. I just didn’t attend much of it.
34. Sorry mom and dad.
35. It’s amazing how you miss the frustration of parents until you become one.
36. Sorry again.
37. I love to sing, but don’t count myself as talented in that area.
38. However, I have other areas of talent.
39. Ask Al.
40. (wink).
41. I love playing games!
42. Board, not computer.
43. Except jigzone.com…I’m addicted.
44. I won’t play Monopoly.
45. I hate it.
46. I love Scrabble.
47. Boggle stresses me out.
48. I love playing Bunco too, but enjoy the food and conversation even more.
49. Did I say already that I love LOST?!
50. What a great show.
51. If I was on a deserted island I would want to take John Locke or Sayid Jarrah.
52. I love to cook.
53. Mostly for my friends.
54. Isn’t that awful?
55. My favorite food is probably sandwiches.
56. Last summer I prepared and ate MANY fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and balsamic vinegar Panini’s.
57. It was awesome.
58. I love summer.
59. And VBS.
60. The fall in NM is my favorite, though.
61. Going to the State Fair…
62. The smell of roasting green chile in the air…
63. The big, bright balloons in the early October morning sky…
64. And the cool nights.
65. Springtime in DC/MD is the best.
66. Cherry Blossoms…
67. Paddle boats in the Tidal Basin…
68. Hanging out on the docks in Annapolis…
69. Taking the Bay Bridge out to the Eastern Shore…
70. Sitting under a big umbrella at OC, watching the kids play, hearing the waves crashing and smelling the mixture of suntan lotion and salty seawater…
71. I miss home.
72. But I LOVE NM!
73. God is so good.
74. He brought me here AND had me fall in love with it!
75. My favorite color is red.
76. Classic and not too orangey.
77. My current home has brown 70’s mixed shade and shag carpet.
78. I do not love it.
79. But it hides sand quite efficiently.
80. I hate to vacuum.
81. But I love doing dishes.
82. Good thing as this house has no dishwasher, either.
83. I am praying for my dream house.
84. Yet submitting to God’s will concerning it.
85. An oxymoron?
86. Perhaps, but God is good.
87. I’ll just wait on Him.
88. I love Bible studies.
89. I love hearing how He is working in our lives…
90. All the time, whether we think so or not…
91. All for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to his purpose.
92. Amen.
93. I hope that one day I will go back to work.
94. But not too soon.
95. There is much to do.
96. And lots of fun to have!
97. But life offers so many opportunities, and I want in on some!
98. I love my family.
99. I pray for Christ’s soon return.
100. This was fun.

A Little About Me...(lucky you!)

2008-05-31T15:09:00.000-06:00

I am blessed to be a ‘stay at home mom’ to two little girls…my dream come true. Their dad and older brother are treasures and my family is my joy. Do I sound fake or trite?! I don’t mean to, because it’s all true, though some days I feel like trading it all in for a 9-5…anywhere!

Keeping a family on track is a busy job and I’m also involved in a local MOPS group…that keeps me busy, and I love the friendships I’ve made with other fantastic moms.

In the little spare time I carve out for myself, I love to scrapbook, play games, hang out with friends, take road trips, watch movies, write, read, read, read and play with the computer. I’m involved at my church, and my faith is very important to me as well as defining to my life…I can hardly believe that God loves me…Denise…SO very much! I come from a family of strong believers and prayer warriors, and am blessed to call them friends as well as family.

I enjoy lots of different music, mostly Christian – both contemporary and sacred, classical, folk, a little R&B, 70’s rock, and a mix of other stuff but nothing too hard.

If I could wear what I want every day, it would be a variety of denim bottoms and cotton T’s. I am a laid-back kinda gal. Wash and go hair…little make-up…flip-flops. Take it or leave it. Life is too short for designer labels and primping. But sometimes, I don’t mind ‘girl-ing up.’

If I’m going to watch a movie, my favorites are The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz, but I love anything that will make me cry, chick-flicks, dramas, a good thriller, some sci-fi and action, but nothing with Steven Segal or Sylvester Stallone (sorry guys).

Some call TV a waste of time (and I do see their point), but…I am a big fan of LOST, ER, GH, Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy.

If I have even a spare 5 minutes on my hands, you’ll find a book in them! I love to read – especially books without pictures! I love historical novels, biographies, and inspirational books, especially anything by Sheila Walsh…I like light romance, nothing too heavy…lol…my Harlequin Romance days are in the past!

I admire my Grandma Julia, without whose passion for Jesus, I’d be floundering – she was our ‘spiritual glue’ growing up! Also, my mother is about the strongest woman I know. She is independent, adventurous, generous, smart and funny...when I grow up; I want to be just like her! My grandfather was a saint among men…really. I loved him dearly and will always miss him.

This blogging idea is one I’ve been toying with for several months now, and I have to admit that I have ‘borrowed’ some ideas from friends…so if you see some things that look familiar dear ones, remember that imitation the sincerest form of flattery and you are blessed!!