I had a nuclear stress test done this morning and the results came back normal. That means my cardiac event was not triggered by blockages in my arteries.
It was a pretty uneventful morning, although I was in a foul mood on our way to the appointment, apparently from stress. Three and a half hours later, with an all-clear diagnosis, I was a much happier lady.
Here's a description of the test that was performed today:
A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It is performed similar to a routine exercise stress test but provides images in addition to electrocardiograms.
During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner — which detects the radioactive material in your heart — creates images of your heart muscle. Inadequate blood flow to any part of your heart will show up as a light spot on the images — because not as much of the radioactive substance is getting there.
So, I'm radioactive! I was asked a couple of times if I would be flying on an airplane in the next month. I guess I would light up the scanners while passing through security. Although that sounds like fun, I think I'll pass.
I still have a follow-up with my Cardiologist near the end of September where we can review everything, so far it's all looking good. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, everyone.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
An Eye for Art
We all think we have talented kids; it's the nature of parenting...somebody's got to see the best in us, right!
My 16-year-old son has been taking Art classes with the same teacher since 6th grade, when she let him into her High School Art Class. We thought he had some real talent, and he does, but one of his younger sister's drawing talent is shining a little more brightly these days. This same teacher is now admitting Katie into her 3rd through 6th grade class even though she is only 7-years-old and going into 2nd grade. On top of that, the teacher said to us, "I hope she won't be too bored. She may draw better than any of my students in the class." High praise!
Katie has a great eye for proportion and detail and in the coming months I'll try to scan some of her artwork and "give you a show." Knowing that she has a propensity for art I gave her my camera to catch a picture of a butterfly on a butterfly bush. She hung on to my camera long enough to get three pictures which I didn't see until unloading my memory card today. These pics are untouched - just as she took them. She knows nothing about light, focus or anything camera related and yet, I think you'll see that she has an eye for Art. If you don't see, don't tell me...I'm in parenting shangri-la.
juxtaposition of an outdoor stairwell
My 16-year-old son has been taking Art classes with the same teacher since 6th grade, when she let him into her High School Art Class. We thought he had some real talent, and he does, but one of his younger sister's drawing talent is shining a little more brightly these days. This same teacher is now admitting Katie into her 3rd through 6th grade class even though she is only 7-years-old and going into 2nd grade. On top of that, the teacher said to us, "I hope she won't be too bored. She may draw better than any of my students in the class." High praise!
Katie has a great eye for proportion and detail and in the coming months I'll try to scan some of her artwork and "give you a show." Knowing that she has a propensity for art I gave her my camera to catch a picture of a butterfly on a butterfly bush. She hung on to my camera long enough to get three pictures which I didn't see until unloading my memory card today. These pics are untouched - just as she took them. She knows nothing about light, focus or anything camera related and yet, I think you'll see that she has an eye for Art. If you don't see, don't tell me...I'm in parenting shangri-la.
butterfly in a bush
spider(s?) on a glass wall
juxtaposition of an outdoor stairwellSaturday, August 29, 2009
ER Musings
In trying to come up with a clever title for my recent hospital stay, I thought about how much I miss ER the TV show. I watched the show years ago when Dr. Ross and Dr. Greene were the hottest things on TV, then I dropped the fixation for most of ER's run, but this past year, knowing it was the 15th and final season, I decided to give it another try. I cried every Thursday night and awaited the next week to see what would happen to the ongoing story lines with the added bonus of getting to see all the actors who had been on the show reappear for their final farewells. It was a good year and I was satisfied when it ended - always a nice feeling.
Little did I know I would be experiencing the reality of the ER this year. On Wed., the 19th, I awoke with moderate chest pain. I went downstairs to my desk to have devotions, but the pain did not decrease or go away and an hour later I got up to take some ibuprofen. (yes, I know, I should have had aspirin on hand...many have reminded me.) Within 20 min. of taking the medication I was becoming more uncomfortable - my left armpit felt like it was in a vice grip; the ibuprofen had done nothing to abate the pain. I told my husband that I thought maybe we should go to the ER to have it checked out and then paced the room crying trying to figure out if I really had to go to such extremes. Of course, Mark thought so and off we went.
In triage they took my blood pressure and an EKG (both were not very pretty) and then they admitted me to the ER. There the nurse took some blood (to check for enzymes) and proceeded with treatment. She informed us that the fastest way to eliminate cardiac pain was to use nitroglycerin. It sounded good; I was ready after 3+ hours to get some relief. She put the nitro under my tongue, explained that I would experience a head rush and a slight headache for a couple of minutes and left the room. After 2 or 3 minutes the tiny pill dissolved and I went from zero pain in my head to the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my entire life. I was writhing in pain on the gurney, holding my head and sobbing. Poor Mark was doing a dance mid-door frame, trying to get someone's attention in the hallway and trying to keep watch over me at the same time. (almost funny) The nurse returned and noticed that my blood pressure had shot to 240 over 214 and that my heart rate had gone through the roof, quite the opposite reaction a person is supposed to have. Mark and I thought to ourselves that I must be quite a wimp, but after I told the nurse my thoughts, she said, "Trust me, your body responded to the pain in a dramatic way. It was quite severe to get that type of reaction." Yay, I'm not a wimp! The nurse went and got the main doc on the floor and he gently informed me that we would be doing that again - two more times. Sweet man! The nurse watched over me and twice more I went through the most shocking pain that within minutes would be gone. By the third nitro I did not have any chest, arm or back pain, but the Dr. quickly admitted me to the Cardiac Unit for tests and observation.
Thus began my pin cushion, fasting stay in what I'm sure will be an expensive "luxury lock down." I was hooked up to oxygen, a continuous EKG machine, and two IV's (after 16 pokes). I had one meal in 36 hours so I could take a few tests that required an empty stomach. I do not recommend a Cardiac Unit diet, although 5 pounds lighter, it did work!
I do, however, recommend everyone get a CAT Scan. That was the toastiest test I've ever experienced! The technician said right before injecting the iodine, "Ok now, you will feel a warm sensation all over your body. This will include your bladder where you will feel like you wet yourself or that you will want to...it's not true. You'll be fine, just warm. The sensation will go away after a minute or two." Interesting! He injects the dye and here are the thoughts that went through my head, "Oh, my eyeballs are toasty from the inside...cool. Oh, my mouth...my throat, wow! Oh, he's right I do have that sensation...this is neat. Oh, my toes...I LOVE this!" Crazy woman!!
I also recommend, without cause, that everyone get an echocardiogram where you can watch a sonogram of your own beating heart. The contrasts used to show the blood flow were cool and I was just amazed at watching my own body at work. I wonder why God didn't give me talent in math and science; I have such a morbid curiosity about all things anatomy. I would have probably been dangerous! Ha!
I was released Thursday night and am now taking 3 medications. My blood pressure is now better controlled and I go in on Monday to see the Cardiologist for a 3 hour appointment/stress test. Sounds like fun! Not!
After my hospital stay I went right into registration responsibilities for American Heritage Girls. Between Friday morning and Sunday morning I was either sleeping or doing registration work. By the time I got to church on Sunday I realized that I hadn't "processed" any of the week's events. Mark had saved me a seat in church while I checked our girls into their classes so when I joined him, worship had already begun. I started to sing and then just broke into raking sobs thinking, "I'm so glad to be here!" I then immediately thought, "Yeah, 'cause worship in heaven wouldn't be that great." (yes, I'm very sarcastic in my own head.) Continued thoughts..."Well, I mean, I'm glad to not be in the hospital and in church this morning." (the "tomorrow is another day" psychotic tool used to think about grave issues.) Then I thought about a distant family member who told me this summer that my birth father had had his 1st heart attack in his 30's. I thought, "What a gift." Had I not had that information, I don't know if I would have actually gone to the hospital. I have a very hectic year ahead of me and I feel like the Lord put this "intervention" into place so that I'd be on medication that would help me survive the pace/stress. Doesn't mean I still don't have to do my part to eat healthfully and exercise, but I can have a better chance of survival while I work on it, than I did before.
In the end, I was diagnosed with a "cardiac event." That means there was no tissue death (attack), just stress or injury to the heart. It was an early warning sign and now something I can keep my eye on to, hopefully, live a long full life. Much like the caring Dr.'s on the show ER, I was well taken care of and had a satisfying end to the story.
Just like many who have medical scares, I treasure my family just a little bit more. We don't know the Lord's timing in our lives so we need to make the best of each & every day!
Little did I know I would be experiencing the reality of the ER this year. On Wed., the 19th, I awoke with moderate chest pain. I went downstairs to my desk to have devotions, but the pain did not decrease or go away and an hour later I got up to take some ibuprofen. (yes, I know, I should have had aspirin on hand...many have reminded me.) Within 20 min. of taking the medication I was becoming more uncomfortable - my left armpit felt like it was in a vice grip; the ibuprofen had done nothing to abate the pain. I told my husband that I thought maybe we should go to the ER to have it checked out and then paced the room crying trying to figure out if I really had to go to such extremes. Of course, Mark thought so and off we went.
In triage they took my blood pressure and an EKG (both were not very pretty) and then they admitted me to the ER. There the nurse took some blood (to check for enzymes) and proceeded with treatment. She informed us that the fastest way to eliminate cardiac pain was to use nitroglycerin. It sounded good; I was ready after 3+ hours to get some relief. She put the nitro under my tongue, explained that I would experience a head rush and a slight headache for a couple of minutes and left the room. After 2 or 3 minutes the tiny pill dissolved and I went from zero pain in my head to the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my entire life. I was writhing in pain on the gurney, holding my head and sobbing. Poor Mark was doing a dance mid-door frame, trying to get someone's attention in the hallway and trying to keep watch over me at the same time. (almost funny) The nurse returned and noticed that my blood pressure had shot to 240 over 214 and that my heart rate had gone through the roof, quite the opposite reaction a person is supposed to have. Mark and I thought to ourselves that I must be quite a wimp, but after I told the nurse my thoughts, she said, "Trust me, your body responded to the pain in a dramatic way. It was quite severe to get that type of reaction." Yay, I'm not a wimp! The nurse went and got the main doc on the floor and he gently informed me that we would be doing that again - two more times. Sweet man! The nurse watched over me and twice more I went through the most shocking pain that within minutes would be gone. By the third nitro I did not have any chest, arm or back pain, but the Dr. quickly admitted me to the Cardiac Unit for tests and observation.
Thus began my pin cushion, fasting stay in what I'm sure will be an expensive "luxury lock down." I was hooked up to oxygen, a continuous EKG machine, and two IV's (after 16 pokes). I had one meal in 36 hours so I could take a few tests that required an empty stomach. I do not recommend a Cardiac Unit diet, although 5 pounds lighter, it did work!
I do, however, recommend everyone get a CAT Scan. That was the toastiest test I've ever experienced! The technician said right before injecting the iodine, "Ok now, you will feel a warm sensation all over your body. This will include your bladder where you will feel like you wet yourself or that you will want to...it's not true. You'll be fine, just warm. The sensation will go away after a minute or two." Interesting! He injects the dye and here are the thoughts that went through my head, "Oh, my eyeballs are toasty from the inside...cool. Oh, my mouth...my throat, wow! Oh, he's right I do have that sensation...this is neat. Oh, my toes...I LOVE this!" Crazy woman!!
I also recommend, without cause, that everyone get an echocardiogram where you can watch a sonogram of your own beating heart. The contrasts used to show the blood flow were cool and I was just amazed at watching my own body at work. I wonder why God didn't give me talent in math and science; I have such a morbid curiosity about all things anatomy. I would have probably been dangerous! Ha!
I was released Thursday night and am now taking 3 medications. My blood pressure is now better controlled and I go in on Monday to see the Cardiologist for a 3 hour appointment/stress test. Sounds like fun! Not!
After my hospital stay I went right into registration responsibilities for American Heritage Girls. Between Friday morning and Sunday morning I was either sleeping or doing registration work. By the time I got to church on Sunday I realized that I hadn't "processed" any of the week's events. Mark had saved me a seat in church while I checked our girls into their classes so when I joined him, worship had already begun. I started to sing and then just broke into raking sobs thinking, "I'm so glad to be here!" I then immediately thought, "Yeah, 'cause worship in heaven wouldn't be that great." (yes, I'm very sarcastic in my own head.) Continued thoughts..."Well, I mean, I'm glad to not be in the hospital and in church this morning." (the "tomorrow is another day" psychotic tool used to think about grave issues.) Then I thought about a distant family member who told me this summer that my birth father had had his 1st heart attack in his 30's. I thought, "What a gift." Had I not had that information, I don't know if I would have actually gone to the hospital. I have a very hectic year ahead of me and I feel like the Lord put this "intervention" into place so that I'd be on medication that would help me survive the pace/stress. Doesn't mean I still don't have to do my part to eat healthfully and exercise, but I can have a better chance of survival while I work on it, than I did before.
In the end, I was diagnosed with a "cardiac event." That means there was no tissue death (attack), just stress or injury to the heart. It was an early warning sign and now something I can keep my eye on to, hopefully, live a long full life. Much like the caring Dr.'s on the show ER, I was well taken care of and had a satisfying end to the story.
Just like many who have medical scares, I treasure my family just a little bit more. We don't know the Lord's timing in our lives so we need to make the best of each & every day!
"war" wounds - they were blowing through my tiny veins.
(I don't have needle phobia so it was more cool than creepy to me.)
Monday, August 3, 2009
What did you do today?
What did I do today? Thanks for asking...
I ate oatmeal for breakfast.
I checked my work email and sent in my time sheet.
I exercised with my two little girls to a Leslie Sansone video...always fun.
I had my devotions and prayer time.
I had an appointment with my co-op leader at an area church and picked out a huge pile of books to go through for children's choir music.
I ate a late lunch with my daughter at the restaurant where she works after her shift ended.
I colored a page in a My Little Pony coloring book with my little girls.
I played a silly game with my girls.
I rested on the living room floor for a few minutes.
I checked my home email, rescheduled a dentist appointment, checked phone messages.
I created an evite with my son for his birthday party.
I pulled out leftovers, got everyone dinner, and put them back into the fridge.
I loaded the dishwasher.
I spent about three hours organizing American Heritage Girls' registration papers.
I listened to praise music (and Flamenco) on my Zune and I posted on two blogs.
Not too bad for a Monday...
I ate oatmeal for breakfast.
I checked my work email and sent in my time sheet.
I exercised with my two little girls to a Leslie Sansone video...always fun.
I had my devotions and prayer time.
I had an appointment with my co-op leader at an area church and picked out a huge pile of books to go through for children's choir music.
I ate a late lunch with my daughter at the restaurant where she works after her shift ended.
I colored a page in a My Little Pony coloring book with my little girls.
I played a silly game with my girls.
I rested on the living room floor for a few minutes.
I checked my home email, rescheduled a dentist appointment, checked phone messages.
I created an evite with my son for his birthday party.
I pulled out leftovers, got everyone dinner, and put them back into the fridge.
I loaded the dishwasher.
I spent about three hours organizing American Heritage Girls' registration papers.
I listened to praise music (and Flamenco) on my Zune and I posted on two blogs.
Not too bad for a Monday...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Enjoy the journey
Can you believe it's August already? Part of me is so happy to be on the downward slope of hot and humid weather; the other part of me can't believe how quickly the summer has gone. It always speeds by quickly so I should get over being surprised.
My life is starting to ramp up, so to speak. I am working at my church on Sunday nights for 4 hours and then have to find 3 other hours during the week to make contact with volunteers for scheduling and training. It's been quiet during the summertime, but we're getting ready for Awanas and the work load is increasing.
I have also taken on the job of registration for our American Heritage Girls troop. We have A LOT of families...still don't have a clear number in mind so I don't want to exaggerate, but the paperwork for our troop is heavy. I have already spent about 12 hours just getting it organized and I probably have another 20 hours to go before I'm ready for the big carnival on August 22nd.
Plus, (do you think I'm crazy yet...no? wait for it...) my kids and I are participating in a co-op this year, every Thursday morning. I will be leading the 1st - 3rd grade choir (36 students) and the 7th & up Handbell choir (3 students so far, so I have to ring bells, as well - so we can play 4 & 6 part pieces.) I played handbells throughout college, but that was a loooong time ago. This music business will be a stretch for me, but as I told my family, "hopefully what I lack in knowledge will be made up in enthusiasm." Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself.
I'm also still organizing our church library on Tuesday afternoons and yes, still homeschooling.
I was whining to my husband about doing errands in the pouring rain yesterday. When I said, "I hate errands!" He quipped, "and laundry, cooking, cleaning." (Big grin!) Uh-huh. Would I be any happier if I had a maid? Maybe, a little. I try to find joy in the midst of doing the housework, but I am no domestic goddess. I do it well enough for me and my family, which is a far cry from the perfectionistic standards I held to during my twenties. I certainly wasn't any happier with a cleaner house and neither was my family. I figure that when they're all out of my house (in 12+ more years) I can go back to grout and baseboards if I so desire.
Isn't it interesting how just a little pun (and Mark meant nothing mean by what he said) can reveal your own spirit to you. I don't want my kids to think I hate everything I do around the house. I know they dread Fridays - cleaning day, so I think I have some attitude work to do.
Today I called three long-distance family members while I was ironing (have to take my mind off of that task any way I can...that's not going to change), but I enjoyed it. The time was filled with laughter and good stories. I cooked up a storm last night for our family and two of Ashley's college friends. Do I really enjoy cooking? No, not really. Do I enjoy good company around the table sharing a tasty meal? That, I love! So...maybe I'll try to use August, one of my busiest months, to try to enjoy the process of everything I do or at least, not vocalize my displeasure. We'll see if that makes for a happier home. Bound to do so, I think.
As my pastor would say, "Not a sermon, just a thought."
My life is starting to ramp up, so to speak. I am working at my church on Sunday nights for 4 hours and then have to find 3 other hours during the week to make contact with volunteers for scheduling and training. It's been quiet during the summertime, but we're getting ready for Awanas and the work load is increasing.
I have also taken on the job of registration for our American Heritage Girls troop. We have A LOT of families...still don't have a clear number in mind so I don't want to exaggerate, but the paperwork for our troop is heavy. I have already spent about 12 hours just getting it organized and I probably have another 20 hours to go before I'm ready for the big carnival on August 22nd.
Plus, (do you think I'm crazy yet...no? wait for it...) my kids and I are participating in a co-op this year, every Thursday morning. I will be leading the 1st - 3rd grade choir (36 students) and the 7th & up Handbell choir (3 students so far, so I have to ring bells, as well - so we can play 4 & 6 part pieces.) I played handbells throughout college, but that was a loooong time ago. This music business will be a stretch for me, but as I told my family, "hopefully what I lack in knowledge will be made up in enthusiasm." Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself.
I'm also still organizing our church library on Tuesday afternoons and yes, still homeschooling.
I was whining to my husband about doing errands in the pouring rain yesterday. When I said, "I hate errands!" He quipped, "and laundry, cooking, cleaning." (Big grin!) Uh-huh. Would I be any happier if I had a maid? Maybe, a little. I try to find joy in the midst of doing the housework, but I am no domestic goddess. I do it well enough for me and my family, which is a far cry from the perfectionistic standards I held to during my twenties. I certainly wasn't any happier with a cleaner house and neither was my family. I figure that when they're all out of my house (in 12+ more years) I can go back to grout and baseboards if I so desire.
Isn't it interesting how just a little pun (and Mark meant nothing mean by what he said) can reveal your own spirit to you. I don't want my kids to think I hate everything I do around the house. I know they dread Fridays - cleaning day, so I think I have some attitude work to do.
Today I called three long-distance family members while I was ironing (have to take my mind off of that task any way I can...that's not going to change), but I enjoyed it. The time was filled with laughter and good stories. I cooked up a storm last night for our family and two of Ashley's college friends. Do I really enjoy cooking? No, not really. Do I enjoy good company around the table sharing a tasty meal? That, I love! So...maybe I'll try to use August, one of my busiest months, to try to enjoy the process of everything I do or at least, not vocalize my displeasure. We'll see if that makes for a happier home. Bound to do so, I think.
As my pastor would say, "Not a sermon, just a thought."
Monday, July 27, 2009
In A Stack...Report # 4
"We carry around in our heads these pictures of what our lives are supposed to look like, painted by the brush of our intentions. It's the great, deep secret of humanity that in the end none of our lives look the way we thought they would. As much as we wish to believe otherwise, most of life is a reaction to circumstances." -Paul Cook's Diary, from The Sunflower.
A few weeks ago I was in the public library with my little girls when Tara, my six-year-old, brought me a book that she had randomly pulled off of the shelves. She said, "Here's a book for you, Mama. It has a pretty flower on the front." That was how I was introduced to the books of Richard Paul Evans. I didn't want to disappoint my girl and the story piqued my interest so I brought it home. Once I began The Sunflower, I couldn't put it down (all fiction does that to me...I have to know it will be all right in the end...and fast!) Here are my thoughts on the two latest books I've read, both by Richard Paul Evans. If interested, please, give him a try and let me know what you think.
The Sunflower "is both an adventure and a love story. It is a story about sacrifice and faith. But most of all, it is a story about hope." With one week to go, Christine's fiance calls off the wedding. Christine's adventurous friend, Jessica signs them up for a humanitarian mission to Peru in hopes of getting Christine's mind off of her problems. While there Christine meets Paul Cook, an American doctor who is working in an orphanage called El Girasol - The Sunflower. Paul has thrown himself into humanitarian work to escape his own past, but the future is Paul's next hurdle to overcome. You will travel to Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon jungle experiencing a variety of foods, customs, animals and people. It's exactly as mentioned above, both an adventure and a love story. For a real treat, click here to take the Sunflower tour on Mr. Evans website and see pictures of the places he wrote about in the book, including El Girasol.
A Perfect Day is the story about Robert Harlan, a man who pursues his dream of becoming an author. Robert finds success, but the costs of his career and fame are high. Robert meets a stranger who knows details about Robert's life...things no one else could ever know. The stranger tells Robert that his days are numbered and the countdown begins. What will Robert do with the short time he has left? He has only a short time to "discover the truth about himself: who he has become, what he has lost and what it will take to find love again." I loved looking inside the world of a best-selling author, with it's temptations, hectic schedules and insecurities. Again, Mr. Evans has written a book filled with hope and forgiveness.
Richard Paul Evans has been called the Godfather of Feel Good Fiction and I would agree. If you're looking for a "happy sigh" at the end of a good book, pick up one of his books at your library today. Happy Reading, Everyone!
P.S. Thanks, Tara, you picked a good one! :)
A few weeks ago I was in the public library with my little girls when Tara, my six-year-old, brought me a book that she had randomly pulled off of the shelves. She said, "Here's a book for you, Mama. It has a pretty flower on the front." That was how I was introduced to the books of Richard Paul Evans. I didn't want to disappoint my girl and the story piqued my interest so I brought it home. Once I began The Sunflower, I couldn't put it down (all fiction does that to me...I have to know it will be all right in the end...and fast!) Here are my thoughts on the two latest books I've read, both by Richard Paul Evans. If interested, please, give him a try and let me know what you think.
The Sunflower "is both an adventure and a love story. It is a story about sacrifice and faith. But most of all, it is a story about hope." With one week to go, Christine's fiance calls off the wedding. Christine's adventurous friend, Jessica signs them up for a humanitarian mission to Peru in hopes of getting Christine's mind off of her problems. While there Christine meets Paul Cook, an American doctor who is working in an orphanage called El Girasol - The Sunflower. Paul has thrown himself into humanitarian work to escape his own past, but the future is Paul's next hurdle to overcome. You will travel to Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon jungle experiencing a variety of foods, customs, animals and people. It's exactly as mentioned above, both an adventure and a love story. For a real treat, click here to take the Sunflower tour on Mr. Evans website and see pictures of the places he wrote about in the book, including El Girasol.
A Perfect Day is the story about Robert Harlan, a man who pursues his dream of becoming an author. Robert finds success, but the costs of his career and fame are high. Robert meets a stranger who knows details about Robert's life...things no one else could ever know. The stranger tells Robert that his days are numbered and the countdown begins. What will Robert do with the short time he has left? He has only a short time to "discover the truth about himself: who he has become, what he has lost and what it will take to find love again." I loved looking inside the world of a best-selling author, with it's temptations, hectic schedules and insecurities. Again, Mr. Evans has written a book filled with hope and forgiveness.
Richard Paul Evans has been called the Godfather of Feel Good Fiction and I would agree. If you're looking for a "happy sigh" at the end of a good book, pick up one of his books at your library today. Happy Reading, Everyone!
P.S. Thanks, Tara, you picked a good one! :)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A Little Too Honest
And just when you thought Katie was the only funny child around here...
My little girls have homework papers for their Sunday School class at church. This week we read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 and answered different questions. One of the questions asked, "What part of the story can you relate to in your own life?" Katie sweetly answered, "I love when my parents hug and kiss me." Awww. Tara, a little too honestly answered, " I spend all my money on things I don't need." Yep, I wrote it down. Hopefully, the Sunday School teacher will enjoy her answer as much as I did.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
My little girls have homework papers for their Sunday School class at church. This week we read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 and answered different questions. One of the questions asked, "What part of the story can you relate to in your own life?" Katie sweetly answered, "I love when my parents hug and kiss me." Awww. Tara, a little too honestly answered, " I spend all my money on things I don't need." Yep, I wrote it down. Hopefully, the Sunday School teacher will enjoy her answer as much as I did.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sleepy Little Secret
Want to know one of my "dirty little secrets?" (Why do they call it that?)
Most mornings I sleep in later than my young children, always have...always will.
From an early age I train (or in a dead sleep inform) them that they can get their own breakfast (cereal, poptart, then graduating to the toaster for a waffle) and a juice box. When my older kids were little, juice boxes were not so prevalent, so the night before I would pour their juices in sippy cups and store them in the fridge. If I didn't get that done, they got to pour their own...a feat they accomplished well before most of their peers. All of my kids became quite adept at managing their first meal of the day while Mom kept snoozing away in bed. Some say I'm a slacker; others say a genius. Either way, it works for me.
Well, my third-born, Katie, is a planner. Every night when we exchange hugs and kisses before bedtime she asks, "What is tomorrow?" If you can imagine, she has trouble saying "r's" in English, but has no trouble putting on a Spanish flair and trilling her "r's", so when she asks this question it actually comes out, "What is tomorrrrrow?" We never give her an answer...or we tell her something she doesn't want to hear (i.e. we're cleaning the house). Every once in a great while she hears something exciting(i.e. we're taking the train downtown). She must live for those moments, because she ALWAYS asks.
The following morning, Katie, who is usually the first one up in our house, comes to my bedside and says, "Mom, can I go downstairs now?" If it's before 7am, I make her go back to bed, if after then she can get up. Now that I've trained her to not get out of bed before 7am (she has been known to lay there watching the clock) all I have to do is grunt. Yes, grunt.
Well, Katie, being Katie, never restrained herself to just that one question. Her morning "greeting" usually went like this, "Mom, can I go downstairs and get a bowl of Reeses Puffs (yes, we eat junk cereal - another dirty little secret), watch Hi-Five, get dressed, go outside and check the weather, pack a bag for Grandma's house, etc. She just goes on and on with her plans for the day. One morning I had had enough! I snipped, "Katie, just say, can I go downstairs and not blah, blah, blah!" The next morning I got a short little question that I grunted to and we were back in business (sleeping, that is.)
A couple of mornings ago I was awake enough to hear Katie's morning question. It went literally just like this:
K: "Mom?"
M: "Huh?"
K: "Can I go downstairs and blah, blah, blah?"
M: "Uh-huh."
She leaves the room and I wake enough to think, "Did she really say what I think she said?" I then thought that I'd wake up the next morning to see if she said it again.
She didn't let me down. I got the "Can I go downstairs and blah, blah, blah?" I just cracked up! The third morning she said, "Mom, Can I go downstairs and all that other stuff?" All the while I'm feigning sleep and grunting, while inside I'm just splitting my sides. She just can't help herself. Those plans are a little more ambiguous, but she's still making them!
Don't you just love the way little minds work?
Most mornings I sleep in later than my young children, always have...always will.
From an early age I train (or in a dead sleep inform) them that they can get their own breakfast (cereal, poptart, then graduating to the toaster for a waffle) and a juice box. When my older kids were little, juice boxes were not so prevalent, so the night before I would pour their juices in sippy cups and store them in the fridge. If I didn't get that done, they got to pour their own...a feat they accomplished well before most of their peers. All of my kids became quite adept at managing their first meal of the day while Mom kept snoozing away in bed. Some say I'm a slacker; others say a genius. Either way, it works for me.
Well, my third-born, Katie, is a planner. Every night when we exchange hugs and kisses before bedtime she asks, "What is tomorrow?" If you can imagine, she has trouble saying "r's" in English, but has no trouble putting on a Spanish flair and trilling her "r's", so when she asks this question it actually comes out, "What is tomorrrrrow?" We never give her an answer...or we tell her something she doesn't want to hear (i.e. we're cleaning the house). Every once in a great while she hears something exciting(i.e. we're taking the train downtown). She must live for those moments, because she ALWAYS asks.
The following morning, Katie, who is usually the first one up in our house, comes to my bedside and says, "Mom, can I go downstairs now?" If it's before 7am, I make her go back to bed, if after then she can get up. Now that I've trained her to not get out of bed before 7am (she has been known to lay there watching the clock) all I have to do is grunt. Yes, grunt.
Well, Katie, being Katie, never restrained herself to just that one question. Her morning "greeting" usually went like this, "Mom, can I go downstairs and get a bowl of Reeses Puffs (yes, we eat junk cereal - another dirty little secret), watch Hi-Five, get dressed, go outside and check the weather, pack a bag for Grandma's house, etc. She just goes on and on with her plans for the day. One morning I had had enough! I snipped, "Katie, just say, can I go downstairs and not blah, blah, blah!" The next morning I got a short little question that I grunted to and we were back in business (sleeping, that is.)
A couple of mornings ago I was awake enough to hear Katie's morning question. It went literally just like this:
K: "Mom?"
M: "Huh?"
K: "Can I go downstairs and blah, blah, blah?"
M: "Uh-huh."
She leaves the room and I wake enough to think, "Did she really say what I think she said?" I then thought that I'd wake up the next morning to see if she said it again.
She didn't let me down. I got the "Can I go downstairs and blah, blah, blah?" I just cracked up! The third morning she said, "Mom, Can I go downstairs and all that other stuff?" All the while I'm feigning sleep and grunting, while inside I'm just splitting my sides. She just can't help herself. Those plans are a little more ambiguous, but she's still making them!
Don't you just love the way little minds work?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Crazy Love Free Download
While sitting in different doctor's offices this week, I read through some of my magazines that I had packed into a bag to take along. In Fresno, CA's Peoples Church May Newsletter, Executive Pastor Doug Holck recommended a new book. With his permission, I share his endorsement with you:
"Just finished reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. It is about God's crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. He writes, "It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss." He goes on: "Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself...Once you encounter His love...you'll never be the same." This book is a must read."
Christianaudio.com has a free download of Crazy Love by Francis Chan this month. I hope you'll get a chance to download it and spend some time thinking about God's love for you.
Thanks, for the recommendation, Pastor Doug!
"Just finished reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. It is about God's crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. He writes, "It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss." He goes on: "Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself...Once you encounter His love...you'll never be the same." This book is a must read."
Christianaudio.com has a free download of Crazy Love by Francis Chan this month. I hope you'll get a chance to download it and spend some time thinking about God's love for you.
Thanks, for the recommendation, Pastor Doug!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Kids Say...
While driving in the mini-van today Rhett asked the little girls and I if we would listen to a new music piece that he is working on for a jazz festival. We agreed and he hooked up his Ipod to the car stereo and began playing a lively rag-time song. We immediately started giggling and speculating about what cartoon had used this as a musical score.
We all agreed that we could imagine Tom and Jerry running around and then Katie said, "Yeah, Mom, I think it was when Tom and Jerry were dancing and it was all black and white...you know, in the OLDEN DAYS...in 2006!"
Rhett and I busted up laughing and both chimed in together, "Yeah, the OLDEN DAYS...2006!" The perspective of a 7 year old; gotta love it!
We all agreed that we could imagine Tom and Jerry running around and then Katie said, "Yeah, Mom, I think it was when Tom and Jerry were dancing and it was all black and white...you know, in the OLDEN DAYS...in 2006!"
Rhett and I busted up laughing and both chimed in together, "Yeah, the OLDEN DAYS...2006!" The perspective of a 7 year old; gotta love it!
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