Month of Memories - December 3rd

So today is a pajama day. I type this update in my new, comfy pink polar bear fleece jammies. It may sound very indulgent but I am taking this fashion break for a very good reason. Funny how when life seems super crazy with too many places to go, my children find a sure way to keep us home. Yep, they get sick. And not just sick... the dreaded stomach bug.

Our dear (poor) babysitter called us last night while we were out watching my talented nephew star in his school's production of "The Importance of Being Ernest." bad news was that Jon got sick in his bed and on the way to the bathroom. Oh dear - what is the hourly rate for babysitting a sickly boy???

Thankfully, there was only one "episode" last night and all appears to be well here. So, we are watching movies and playing today. In keeping with the theme of today/most days, I cannot locate the thinga-ma-jig that I need to download the pictures I took today.

On that note... good night.

Month of Memories... December 2nd

The list in my head goes something like this... "Gotta get that Dora doll for the angel tree at the Y. Where can I find it? Does Jon's shirt literally have to be just red for the Christmas play or can he wear a red sweater? Ask teachers about that. What day is it that I get a discount at LifeWay? I wonder if I can get to that shopping day at that Cary school on Friday." and on and on and on. And then the track repeats.

On Sunday, the message from the Word was aimed directly at me. God pulls no punches and His word is alive. Here is what the good Lord shared with me and now I will share with you:

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Now I will admit that it's four days since I heard a message at church on this passage. I'm a slow learner, especially when it comes to changing my heart. So, as I scurry about, I hear this softly in my ear (not literally but my heart does stir), "Denise, Denise... you are worried and troubled about many things. This season is about my gift to you. This gift need not be wrapped. I wrapped Him myself in swaddling clothes in a manger. This gift is free though it cost me my only precious son. I know you love me, dear child. So, please stop all this busyness. Think of sweet Mary and the time she spent with me. That, my child, is what your heart and busy mind need today. Come now..."

Month of Memories... December 1st

I just concluded a 30-day Thanksgiving "challenge" on Facebook. I was really surprised and humbled that some people were actually inspired (their own words) by my little writings. So, today I stumble upon something that caught my eye and my heart. In my favorite magazine, Scrapbooks, Etc., they highlighted someone doing an entire scrapbook documenting the month of December. At first, visions of my messy kitchen, half-decorated home came to my mind. And then poured in to my overwhelmed consciousness the gifts that need to be bought (don't even mention wrapping to me today) and my desperate attempt to keep my gym attendance to at least three times a week. So, I thought, "Wow, to have that kind of time..." In my effort to just be real here, I don't have anywhere near that kind of time. You probably do not either.

So, what the heck am I doing today? Yeah, I wanna do this. Like, I really want to do this. I would love for my posts to make their way into a scrapbook but I thought updating my blog was a good first step. I may need encouragement on the way so if you are reading this and enjoy it, send me a note.

Here we go!

December 1. Day one on the Advent calendar I made with my MOPS group last year. As is unfortunately my way too often, the calendar was not ready on December 1st. It was December 5th when I got it up. How do I know the day? Was it that important to me to remember for an entire year? Um, no. Were it not for my oldest son, I'd have no clue about what happened last year.



"Mom, this year can you PLEASE start the Advent calendar on the first of December?? Last year, you did it on the 5th."

Wow, can't catch a break with this kid. Seriously, how does he remember this stuff??!!?

Wordless Wednesday - 11/17/2010

So, I guess it's not really wordless but I'll keep it to a minimum. I like this picture. It's my big boy tackling his fears. It's getting back up after you've fallen off your bike. It's not giving up. And I like this picture - a lot.

Wordless Wednesday - 10/13/10

Get a Bike!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. ~Mark Twain

It's been a while coming but the boys hit the road today with bikes. JD and I were really excited to see the boys on their wheels. It was so sweet to see my dear husband getting the bikes ready today. Training wheels, check. Fancy bike helmets, check. Excited little boys, CHECK!



I'd give my big fella very high marks for a new rider. He took to it rather well. I teased him, "Are you sure that you were not practicing this all week? Have you been riding a bike for years?" He giggled and assured me that this was indeed his first day on wheels.

Josiah was a different story. I'd have to give him a passing grade though his attention span and persistence were in limited supply. For a little guy who recently turned 3, I think he did well.


Both boys got their first falls out of the way though neither boy "ate" it. Braking is a bit of a challenge and probably will remain that way for a while.


So, check out my free-wheeling boys!

Lovely!

After too long with no blogging, I am slowly and steadily easing my way back. One of my favorite things was the comarderie of other fabulous bloggers. I really got into all those silly little things we would do. So, I'm back.

Anyway, I have a friend, Sue. She and I went to middle and high school together. She is so witty and fun. I laugh out loud every time I read her blog. And she is very faithful in her updating. Note to self: be more like Sue!

So, Sue receives a MAJOR award and so graciously passed it along to me. I had JD read all the terms of said award and he determined that it is indeed proper and lawful for me to pass this along to other deserving writers and also include the lovely award on my blog. So glad to have him on retainer.

Without further ado, the next round of lovely bloggers...
My Awesome Olive Shoots
SALT
A Little Bit of All of It
Grace Upon Grace

Ladies, if you choose to accept this award and do not pass it along and post the lovely image... I will sue you.