Deep Thought Thursday - with a twist

I just read this weird little book : Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid by children's author, Lemony Snicket (no, not his real name...)

And I thought I'd select a few of my favorite bitter truths to share with you:

It is not very polite to interrupt a person, of course, but sometimes if the person is very pleasant, you can hardly stop yourself.

If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put that thing in your mouth, particularly if the thing is a cat.

Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby -- awkwardly and often with a great deal of mess.

Back to the Land of Buckeye

Hope and I had a great time in Ohio last week. I think my Mom would've gone into cardiac arrest if she hadn't been able to see her granddaughter, so Aaron let us use his flyer miles to head south. The flight down had a quick stop in Detroit, so the short afternoon flights agreed with the Princess. The flight home, not so much.

Going back to Minneapolis in the evening was probably the first problem. Baby girl started out fine, but 20 minutes into the flight she was tired/hungry/DONE and not even the beloved pacifier would help.

I was sitting beside the window and felt like I was trapped in a cage. Well, trapped with a wiggling puppy in your arms is more like it...

The woman next to me wasn't rude, but not exactly excited to be sitting next to a baby. When Hope became inconsolable, I announced, "We're taking a walk!"

I got up and just started walking up and down the short aisle. I thought of heading to the bathroom in the back, but the beverage cart sat in my way. (I'm also knocking Hope's feet into passengers' heads as I walk, of course)

Finally I notice at the front of the plane, an empty seat in the first row (just a puddle jumper, no first class) I ask the girl by the window, do you mind if I sit here for awhile?

She agreed, and we started talking a little. You can sense a person's heart pretty quickly, don't you think? I knew she was cool when I found out she was from Idaho and I said, "I'm sorry, but Idaho immediately makes me think of Napoleon Dynamite." She laughed and then said seriously, "That's pretty much the way it is."

So, there you go. We survived, thanks to a nice Idaho chick, and God's grace. We were the first passengers off the plane, and I lived to tell about it. I guess after having 4 children, I was long overdue for a good crying baby on a plane.

More pictures to come of our trip...

Fall Photo Overload

Here's a glimpse of us in Wisconsin a couple weekends ago - leaves were gorgeous...

Deep Thought Thursday

Never anger a man in camouflage.

That's My Girl

My children have taught me so much about loving God.

Today as my daughter slept in my arms, I was just overcome with love for her. And God whispered His love to me in that moment.

How many times has he watched us sleep and was overcome with love for us?

He delights in us simply because we are His.

Baby girl doesn't do anything but make messy messes. Occasionally she'll smile back at me when I smile at her. But I'm crazy in love with her. She's my girl.

And that's how Jesus sees me.

Sweet.

Anything for a Laugh

Lately, Jonathan's favorite phrase is,

"Dis gonna be FUNNY" which is then followed with whatever he thinks will get him a good chuckle or two. Making his brothers laugh is a very high priority.

A few more of his best moments:

In the van today: "Dad is big like God, and God is big like Dad....Daddy is strong like God is strong..."

When baby sister is just crying too loud for too long, "It NEVER stops, it NEVER stops!!!!" (while pounding his little fists on the counter)

This one's my favorite. Last weekend we were in Wisconsin at Aaron's parents. His Dad has a garage filled with deer heads and guns lined up on the wall. Jonny said, "DAD! DAD! Look at aaaalllll dese guns (making sweeping motion with his arm): aren't dey bootiful?"

Yes, Aaron said. Yes, they are.

WAAASSSSUUUUPPP

Deep Thought Thursday

You know you have 4 children when you take a walk as a family and you only get to speak about 5 words to your wonderful, handsome husband.

Too Much Drama for This Mama

I'm tired, people.

Who knew a little thing like poison ivy could set my world a-spinnin' into crazy commotion. I'll spare you the pictures, but Daniel's calves are red, bumpy, and (wince) oozing. We took him to the doctor today, it was just so bad, and ended up with a prescription and good advice.

We're not out of the woods yet (pardon the pun) but hoping the worst is behind us. Here's a look at what I think happened:

This was Saturday's walk with cousins at the nearby state park. There's Daniel on the right, walking in and out of the woods, getting sticks, exploring. Long pants and socks AND shoes, may I point out. But I don't know, maybe some evil weed spit on his sock and infested his skin. Anyway.

In other news, while some certain children I know can't keep teeth in their head, this sweet one just got two brand new chompers:

It's all good if this sweetheart still lets me give him some sugar to go with his chocolate-smeared face.

Deep Thought Thursday

Judge me if you will, but sometimes, as I consider how to discipline my children, I'll ask myself,

"What would Clair Huxtable do?"

And Now it's Time to Talk About What We Learned Today...

(Insert VeggieTales Song)

I had the awesome responsibility of leading worship today. It was exhilirating, and...well, exhausting. Our set went like this:

Hear Our Praises
Bless the Lord (Jeff Deyo version)
Be Magnified

(Offertory) Jesus, Lover of my Soul ("It's All About You" from Passion: One Day)

(During Communion) Wonderful, Merciful Savior
The Wonderful Cross w/ When I Survey

Sing to The King


I would like to take this opportunity to thank several worship pastors I've learned from in my life: Josh H., Tim B., Josh B., Jason G., Mark F. -- all great men who loved Jesus, loved leading people into worship.

I have new respect for you guys, for the week after week of preparation and prayer. There's almost a physical weight that you can feel as you realize it's your responsibility to lead people into the presence of God. Whew.

One of things I struggled with the most today was what to say. It's really hard to just be sincere during song transitions and not spout a bunch of Christian phrases/cliches you've heard all your life. Hard not to feel cheesy.

But thankful God was glorified. Thankful it is DONE. Thankful for a church where the Spirit is welcome and there is freedom.

And Rachel, Allison, Tricia, if you're reading this, thank you so much for worshiping/leading today and being true friends. You are family.

Deep Thought Thursday

There's nothing funny about your child falling down a few stairs. But then you find yourself covering your mouth, trying not to laugh.

HUP, two, three, four

In September, we went to Sibley State Park right around the corner here for a little hike and picnic lunch. It was sort of the last great summer fling.

I look like I'm trying to avoid the paparazzi, good grief. This little girl was a lot heavier than she looked, by the way.
Jonny, in meditative mode.
I loved the fact that Greggie brought his canteen.

Done.