I'm in Nashville, and we had the wonderful privilege of flying. (And for all of you jokesters out there - No, my arms aren't tired - we flew on an airplane.)
Anyway, it was an interesting flight. And quite a turbulent one to boot. Add a screaming toddler a few rows back, and it became an adventure.
Let's just say that when the flight attendant gets on her little speaker thingy (RUNS to her speaker thingy is a better choice of words) and says, "All right everyone, the captain has illuminated the fasten seat belt sign, and you'd better make sure it's tight!" You should know at that point, that it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Now, we've had lots of practice with turbulence. Landing anywhere in Alaska proves to be turbulent, no matter where you are going in the beautiful state - and that's on the big planes. We had to fly on a 1939 WWII Grumman Goose to get to the island we lived on for a couple of years. Now THAT was turbulence.
Today reminded me of that turbulence, only we were in a large plane. There were several people who gasped, even squealed, when we dropped who knows how many feet. (And on a sidenote - When your rear end no longer touches the seat below you, you know it's a substantial drop.)
Don't forget the screaming toddler. This child screamed almost the entire trip. Now, I'm going to get up on my soapbox here -- children need training. Training takes consistency, discipline, and patience. Flying on an airplane can be scary, it can be no fun when your ears don't pop, and add in the crazy turbulence - it can be downright miserable. This parent was not doing anything to help the child. The parent wasn't even trying. That's the part that is disheartening.
Note: I am NOT saying that screaming children are horrible. And I'm not saying that if your child screams, you are a terrible parent. I love kids. I have worked with kids of different abilities for a long time, and my own children are precious. But this particular child needed help - he needed to be prepared for the journey.
You're probably wondering where I'm headed - well, most of you know that I do a lot of speaking. And most of it has to do with parenting and our story. I'm also in the process of writing a "personal parenting encouragement" book. Why? Because I've been asked by so many people to do it. Not from an expert (because I am NOT one), but from an ordinary mom with an unusual story.
Life is not easy. Parenting is REALLY not easy. But - you can do it. A child will face a lot of "turbulence" in life, and if he is untrained and unprepared, he will kick, scream and whine his way through.
These are tough questions, but these are only on the surface - they're not the truly tough questions. In today's society - morals and respect and common courtesy are a rare find. Selfishness and pride seem to reign supreme, and it scares me to think where that will lead.
Are you prepared for turbulence? Are you preparing and training your children for turbulence?
I'd like you to go look up James 1:2-4 (yes, again) - and read the first chapter of I Peter. Look specifically at what it says about trials and joy.
We'll pick up here in a few days... Look for "Turbulence... Continued"
God Bless You All and I'm praying for you...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How Many Pages? A New Contest!
Once again, my children amaze me.
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
We just finished another quarter of school, and as I tally up grades and prepare report cards, I also add up our reading lists. We each keep a list of the books we have read - author, title, number of pages.
They have each read thousands of pages in a single quarter. My daughter, has read 20,874.
Did you catch that? Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy Four. One hundred and eight books. In ONE quarter. That's not a quarter of a year - it's a quarter of a school year.
So, I decided to come up with a challenge for all of my readers. For one year, I'd like everyone to keep track of the books they read. Write down the title of the book, the author, and how many pages. If you read picture books to your kids, write those down too! All those pages count.
I'm going to gather up some really great prizes. I have many author friends and I'm sure we can come up with a LOT.
In the coming weeks and months - I will check on everyone - and announce prizes. Keep checking the website and blog for more information.
There will be more than one winner. A winner for the most books read (hint, hint- if you're reading short books to your kids, they will add up REALLY fast,) A winner for most pages read, etc.
Hey, even if this inspires you to read the cereal box, it's a start.
So, get to reading - and no, Kayla will not be allowed to enter, but we should all strive to keep up with her! :)
On your mark, get set, READ!
Monday, June 16, 2008
WE HAVE A WINNER - and an HONORABLE MENTION!
Congratulations to Laura - with her guess of Woodkaylakimjoshjemy - It is the closest to the name of the tumanhofer in DragonLight! (Ha! You thought I was going to tell you the name, didn't you? You will just have to read the books - and boy, are they worth it!)
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy
DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.
I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!
Be watching for future book giveaways!
And read, read, read.
You guys are so much fun!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
DragonLight Contest - LAST CHANCE!!!
My wonderful readers,
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.
This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!
Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.
Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.
If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.
You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."
Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ewwwww! You Can't Be Serious... Oh Yes, I Can!
Allrighty, most of you know at least part of our story, and the fact that we were chosen for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Two men - had to put up with a lot through this whole adventure: John Unzueta and Jeff Morrell. They are our realtors.
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
One part you don't know - I'm about to tell you. And let me prepare you: It's not pretty.
Our house was for sale - for a LONG time. We didn't know why - it was brand new, beautiful, and had a ton of showings - but God knew what would happen, thankfully, He's in control and not Kim.
Finally, an offer came in and we realized we needed to find a place to live - and quick! We had discovered that the only thing we could afford in this pricey land of real estate, were homes that were foreclosed - so we tried to jump on those as quickly as we could. (We lost numerous ones the day they were listed.)
My husband, Jeremy, was particularly excited about one, (it was dirt cheap and relatively new,) and so we went to look at it. I discovered early on that it was not normally a good idea to bring the children into these foreclosed homes, (you never knew what the inside would look like,) so the children stayed safely locked in the car. Let me digress for a moment, I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I tend to be a little "anal" (that's Jeremy's word- LOL) and could be OCD if I really wanted to be. :) I like things clean, do not like bugs, and especially do not like rodents. :)
Before I continue, you need to have a good picture in your mind. Our realtors are great guys and were helping us every chance they had - anyway, John, had just come from showing a 1.5 million dollar home to someone else. He was nicely dressed. My husband and I were nicely dressed. The home was... dirty. Mild understatement.
Okay - SO - we are in this house and I am walking around with my hands in the air like I had just painted my fingernails and didn't want to touch anything - saying, "Ewww" a lot. But in my defense, I did see the potential of the house once cleaned. This is where you need a good imagination.
John, (the nicely dressed realtor,) came out of the bathroom with a very serious face, "I'm sorry.... he didn't make it."
Fear would adequately describe my feelings at that moment. "Who... didn't make it?"
John started to laugh and told me there was a dead mouse in the toilet. (Let's just say that he had a good grip on my personality by this point in time. He knew I would freak if I saw it, so he was trying to keep me laughing.)
I began to do the little girly dance that most of us of the female gender do when a mouse is even mentioned. I asked him to get rid of it, "can't you flush it?"
"Um, no. It's frozen in a block of ice." More laughter.
Upon exiting that house, I'm pretty sure we used an entire package of antibacterial wipes. All of us. And we laughed, for a long time. (Okay, so the guys were laughing at me, but it was funny.)
I'm sure John and Jeff both have their share of stories from our crazy real estate adventures, but at least we had a good ending. :) And whether they like it or not, they'll always remember us.
Needless to say, I was not upset when informed that we didn't get that house. I called a friend that afternoon and she said, "It's okay - you would've never been able to use the restroom in that house anyway."
So there you have it. The "dead-frozen-mouse-in-the-toilet-house" story.
Ewwww!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Little Gracie Sees the "Dent"ist
I'm sorry to say this post is not about my wonderful dentist of twenty plus years, Dr. Jack. But be not dismayed, I'm sure one of these days, he'll get a blog post of his very own - which will include some kind of crazy adventure we've had. (I better tread carefully, he and his wife have known me since I was a kid... too many secrets...) :-)
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
This is about Little Gracie. My truck.
A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting some friends. Very beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friends. One of these beautiful, wonderful, sweet, highly intelligent friends went to run an errand and said she would be right back. Well, she came right back, all right. Pretty quickly and ashen faced. My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, and highly intelligent friend said, "I'm so sorry. I hit your truck."
She was devastated. I mean think about this one: you load up your car, open your garage, and back out. Only this time, Little Gracie was in her driveway, impeding the backing-up process. I felt really bad for her, because I too, have backed into... vehicles (yes, that is plural.) We won't talk about Jeremy's truck I backed into seven years ago, or the church van I backed into nine years ago. No, you don't need those sob stories. All you need to know is that I've had those 'beep-beep-beep-beep' sensor thingies for a while and also have the rear-view mirror camera in Little Gracie now. And I have been reminded A LOT to "look." :-)
Back to Little Gracie. Her new parts finally came in, and so off we went to take her to be fixed. Kayla told me that we were going to the dentist. I looked at her a little funny and said, "What?"
Kayla rolled her eyes and giggled that her highly intelligent mother didn't catch on, "Mom - the DENTist, to fix Little Gracie's DENT!"
Yep, I was outsmarted by my eleven year old.
I think my highly intelligent friend and I need to have a "Backing out of your driveway without incident" date and go get some coffee together. But... we'll probably park on separate sides of the parking lot, where we don't have to back out in front of any spectators.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Weeds
I've been doing a lot of weeding lately. Both in the yard - and in my life. :)
It's a funny thing about weeds. They grow without you putting any effort forth whatsoever. And as soon as you pull them up, they start all over again. They don't need watering. Or pruning. Or just the right amount of sunshine. They just grow and grow and grow and grow...
But to have something truly beautiful, (which here in Colorado could simply be plain ol' green grass,) you have to work at it. Sprinklers and drip systems have to be set for just the right time of day, the proper soil has to be in place, and those terrible weeds have to be pulled.
The same goes with our lives and our spiritual growth. It takes work and effort and time and energy to grow something beautiful spiritually. But it doesn't take work to let the weeds sprout up and take over.
We must be diligent. Hardworking. Willing to take the painful pruning and weeding. And always on guard - lest those nasty weeds take over and spread their roots throughout our lives.
Are you willing? Are you ready? It's not for the faint of heart. Some of our weeds could be our favorite things. Things that are easy to let in, or things that we are lazy about.
How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend sitting around doing absolutely nothing? Do you spend that same amount of time with your spouse? Or your children? What about studying God's Word? What things are you doing that are of eternal value? Are you doing things to please man rather than God? These are all good and tough questions.
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go pull some weeds.
It's a funny thing about weeds. They grow without you putting any effort forth whatsoever. And as soon as you pull them up, they start all over again. They don't need watering. Or pruning. Or just the right amount of sunshine. They just grow and grow and grow and grow...
But to have something truly beautiful, (which here in Colorado could simply be plain ol' green grass,) you have to work at it. Sprinklers and drip systems have to be set for just the right time of day, the proper soil has to be in place, and those terrible weeds have to be pulled.
The same goes with our lives and our spiritual growth. It takes work and effort and time and energy to grow something beautiful spiritually. But it doesn't take work to let the weeds sprout up and take over.
We must be diligent. Hardworking. Willing to take the painful pruning and weeding. And always on guard - lest those nasty weeds take over and spread their roots throughout our lives.
Are you willing? Are you ready? It's not for the faint of heart. Some of our weeds could be our favorite things. Things that are easy to let in, or things that we are lazy about.
How much TV do you watch? How much time do you spend sitting around doing absolutely nothing? Do you spend that same amount of time with your spouse? Or your children? What about studying God's Word? What things are you doing that are of eternal value? Are you doing things to please man rather than God? These are all good and tough questions.
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go pull some weeds.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
My Desk is a Mess!
Anyone else have this dilemma?
Now granted, it's not like this all of the time - but it definitely is right now.
My husband teases me about being OCD (having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)- which I don't believe - but I do believe I am OCT (meaning I have Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies.) Don't you love how I talked my way out of that one? I'm talented. I know.
Anyway, I love to organize things - and reorganize them - until poor Jeremy can't find anything even if he could remember where I had it in the first place! So, why is my desk a mess? Well, it's the place to put all of the "important" stuff. I just returned from a writer's conference, had a bunch of deadlines, and a film crew coming for two days. Everything that didn't get my immediate attention went into the "pile" that created the "mess" on my desk.
A friend of mine called me today - and as we were talking, I mentioned my desk. She was shocked. She proceeded to tease me about how I have an itinerary for everything and get aggravated when something is not "clean" - so, how in the world did the woman who loves to have everything "put away" make a mess out of her desk? Very easily, actually. If I don't stay on top of things, they'll pile up. And then, I get even more frustrated - because my wonderful "tendencies" won't let me be happy until the pile is gone. Which means I'm a little grumpy right now. I don't function as well in a "mess."
If only there was a magic fairy to clean up the messes for me. Now, that would be amazing. I could be content to sit and write my little heart out and not worry about the mess that won't go away.
Ah, but that is not to be. So, I will tackle the mess of my desk... tomorrow. Maybe with a friend. At least then, I'll have someone to whack me upside the head if I get too rambunctious with my organizing.
Until then, I will be immersed in my latest chapter and writing, writing, writing...
Now, where is that file folder?
Now granted, it's not like this all of the time - but it definitely is right now.
My husband teases me about being OCD (having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)- which I don't believe - but I do believe I am OCT (meaning I have Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies.) Don't you love how I talked my way out of that one?
Anyway, I love to organize things - and reorganize them - until poor Jeremy can't find anything even if he could remember where I had it in the first place! So, why is my desk a mess? Well, it's the place to put all of the "important" stuff. I just returned from a writer's conference, had a bunch of deadlines, and a film crew coming for two days. Everything that didn't get my immediate attention went into the "pile" that created the "mess" on my desk.
A friend of mine called me today - and as we were talking, I mentioned my desk. She was shocked. She proceeded to tease me about how I have an itinerary for everything and get aggravated when something is not "clean" - so, how in the world did the woman who loves to have everything "put away" make a mess out of her desk? Very easily, actually. If I don't stay on top of things, they'll pile up. And then, I get even more frustrated - because my wonderful "tendencies" won't let me be happy until the pile is gone. Which means I'm a little grumpy right now. I don't function as well in a "mess."
If only there was a magic fairy to clean up the messes for me. Now, that would be amazing. I could be content to sit and write my little heart out and not worry about the mess that won't go away.
Ah, but that is not to be. So, I will tackle the mess of my desk... tomorrow. Maybe with a friend. At least then, I'll have someone to whack me upside the head if I get too rambunctious with my organizing.
Until then, I will be immersed in my latest chapter and writing, writing, writing...
Now, where is that file folder?
Sunday, May 25, 2008
ELL-ES-SHOO!!
Anybody know what that means? (Giggle.) Say it fast five times...
LSU
Yes, that's what I meant. I spent a lot of time at LSU - a LOT of time :) And Baton Rouge was my stomping grounds. So, people from down there know what I mean - and what it sounds like!
And yes, we are big LSU fans. Which brings me to my real point of this blog.
Flip-flops. You got it. It all started with flip-flops. LSU flip-flops, of course.
Several years ago, we were at the pool swimming, and I saw this lady walk across in her LSU flip-flops and an LSU lanyard with her whistle on it. I of course, climbed out of the pool and had to talk to her. (We Louisiana people stick together - in fact that's how I met my husband in Alabama!) Anyway, I went up to her and said, "Hey! So, who are you - and I love your flip-flops!" We've been great buddies ever since. Erica has been friend, sounding board, encourager, supporter, swim teacher to my kiddos, and fellow LSU fan. They moved away a few months ago, and I miss her so much. In fact, I think we've become even closer - through the craziness of our lives - and in spite of her being thousands of miles away now.
So - the moral of the story is that you never know how you will meet those people that become dear to you. Maybe because you're from the same state - or because of some really cute, purple and gold, flip-flops.
Everyone say it with me - "ELL-ES-SHOO!!!"
Geaux Tigers!
LSU
Yes, that's what I meant. I spent a lot of time at LSU - a LOT of time :) And Baton Rouge was my stomping grounds. So, people from down there know what I mean - and what it sounds like!
And yes, we are big LSU fans. Which brings me to my real point of this blog.
Flip-flops. You got it. It all started with flip-flops. LSU flip-flops, of course.
Several years ago, we were at the pool swimming, and I saw this lady walk across in her LSU flip-flops and an LSU lanyard with her whistle on it. I of course, climbed out of the pool and had to talk to her. (We Louisiana people stick together - in fact that's how I met my husband in Alabama!) Anyway, I went up to her and said, "Hey! So, who are you - and I love your flip-flops!" We've been great buddies ever since. Erica has been friend, sounding board, encourager, supporter, swim teacher to my kiddos, and fellow LSU fan. They moved away a few months ago, and I miss her so much. In fact, I think we've become even closer - through the craziness of our lives - and in spite of her being thousands of miles away now.
So - the moral of the story is that you never know how you will meet those people that become dear to you. Maybe because you're from the same state - or because of some really cute, purple and gold, flip-flops.
Everyone say it with me - "ELL-ES-SHOO!!!"
Geaux Tigers!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Can I Have Your Autograph?
I was at the gas station the other day- (I feel a rabbit-trail coming on - focus Kim, focus!) After unlocking my gas cap, and preparing "Little Gracie" (that's the name my children gave our ginormous automobile) for her "meal," I settled in by the pump to watch the numbers soar far above where any logical human being should ever think a tank of gas should cost. This lovely, tiny, older lady asked me for help. She had not used the savings card, or a credit card in the machine before. I had plenty of time while "Little Gracie" sucked up her fuel, and so I went to the other pump to help the lady out.
This woman was about the sweetest thing I have ever met. I showed her how to use the card slot and reader, so that she would be able to do it again by herself. She clapped her hands at how much "fun" it was, and kept pressing the "cancel" button, so that she could practice! We had a great time and she thanked me over and over for taking the time to "be there for her."
Well, my pump stopped and I knew Little Gracie had finally had her fill. I said my goodbyes as I replaced the hose and locked up my tank. The adorable little lady came over to me as I climbed into my truck.
"Can I have your autograph?" She asked.
"My autograph?" This was a new one, normally it's really young people who ask that - thinking that since I've been on TV, I must have some special signature that will do something for them someday.
She noticed my confusion and went on to explain:
"I know who you are, I watched you on Extreme Makeover and Montel. But that is not why I asked the question. I wanted to see how you would respond. I was impressed with your generosity of your time, and your helpful spirit." Then she gave me a hug.
"I'd love for you to write down your favorite verse for me." She thrust a little notebook into my hands. In it, were pages filled with Scripture references.
I wrote down "James 1:2-4" and handed it back.
"Joy," she said, "that is what is written all over your countenance."
I asked her how she knew I was a believer - and she repeated, "It's written all over your countenance."
She walked to her car, climbed in, and drove away.
I know, I know - you may not have people asking for your autograph like I do - But - think about the lesson here. It wasn't because we were on TV. Yes, people recognize me because of it, but shouldn't I always be striving to be an example of Jesus? Not just because millions of people saw me on TV and might recognize me. It shouldn't matter who's "watching."
We should all hope that someone will ask for our autograph - and ask for our favorite verses, because they noticed the joy of the Lord in us.
I may have to take my new friend's example -
Can I have YOUR autograph?
This woman was about the sweetest thing I have ever met. I showed her how to use the card slot and reader, so that she would be able to do it again by herself. She clapped her hands at how much "fun" it was, and kept pressing the "cancel" button, so that she could practice! We had a great time and she thanked me over and over for taking the time to "be there for her."
Well, my pump stopped and I knew Little Gracie had finally had her fill. I said my goodbyes as I replaced the hose and locked up my tank. The adorable little lady came over to me as I climbed into my truck.
"Can I have your autograph?" She asked.
"My autograph?" This was a new one, normally it's really young people who ask that - thinking that since I've been on TV, I must have some special signature that will do something for them someday.
She noticed my confusion and went on to explain:
"I know who you are, I watched you on Extreme Makeover and Montel. But that is not why I asked the question. I wanted to see how you would respond. I was impressed with your generosity of your time, and your helpful spirit." Then she gave me a hug.
"I'd love for you to write down your favorite verse for me." She thrust a little notebook into my hands. In it, were pages filled with Scripture references.
I wrote down "James 1:2-4" and handed it back.
"Joy," she said, "that is what is written all over your countenance."
I asked her how she knew I was a believer - and she repeated, "It's written all over your countenance."
She walked to her car, climbed in, and drove away.
I know, I know - you may not have people asking for your autograph like I do - But - think about the lesson here. It wasn't because we were on TV. Yes, people recognize me because of it, but shouldn't I always be striving to be an example of Jesus? Not just because millions of people saw me on TV and might recognize me. It shouldn't matter who's "watching."
We should all hope that someone will ask for our autograph - and ask for our favorite verses, because they noticed the joy of the Lord in us.
I may have to take my new friend's example -
Can I have YOUR autograph?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
She Keeps Me Hoppin'
A while ago, I was about to speak to a great group of homeschoolers. Holly and I were laughing and getting to know the crowd. I told a story of one of our many adventures - while Holly was walking to the back to get me some water (she's so awesome, if you hadn't guessed it, yet.)
Anyway, a member of the audience stopped Holly to speak to her. She said, "Sounds like you just keep things hoppin', don't you?" Holly proceeded to trip and fall, somehow - and sat in the floor laughing hysterically. Quite an entertainment to the crowd. She certainly does keep us hoppin'. :)
My point is that God gives us all special people that "keep us hoppin'" -- mine happen to be my beautiful and adorably sweet children, and a certain twenty-one year old, named Holly.
So, praise God for the wonderful people He has put in your life, and praise Him for friends who hold you accountable, and praise Him for the laughter and the sadness. God is good and He is God.
Anyway, a member of the audience stopped Holly to speak to her. She said, "Sounds like you just keep things hoppin', don't you?" Holly proceeded to trip and fall, somehow - and sat in the floor laughing hysterically. Quite an entertainment to the crowd. She certainly does keep us hoppin'. :)
My point is that God gives us all special people that "keep us hoppin'" -- mine happen to be my beautiful and adorably sweet children, and a certain twenty-one year old, named Holly.
So, praise God for the wonderful people He has put in your life, and praise Him for friends who hold you accountable, and praise Him for the laughter and the sadness. God is good and He is God.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Joy of the Lord
My sweet husband, Jeremy, is busy cooking dinner for me for Mother's Day. He's a gem.
Most of you know how many adventures we have, and the trials we have endured. My goal in life is to laugh my way through - to find the joy - the joy of the Lord, in it all. Life is hard, but God's joy cannot be taken away. I remind myself of that a lot. :)
I'm always reminded on this special day of the miscarriages I had. I have several people really close to me, who have gone through the same devastating circumstances this past year. It's hard. Really hard. Again, I'm reminded of the joy of the Lord. Just like it states in I Peter 1- my home is not of this world, I'm an alien residing here. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to see my Savior face to face. When I will get to see my loved ones that I've lost. When I will finally be mature and complete, not lacking anything -like it says in the book of James. So, life is not going to be easy, it's not going to be a bowl of cherries. It's going to be hard, really hard. Full of trials, full of heartache, full of tough times. But God is there. Always. His joy is there - waiting for me to grab onto it.
I have a wonderful family - my incredible parents, brother and sister, my in-laws, my husband who puts up with me and loves me in spite of my craziness, and of course, my two amazing children who bless me every day. I praise the Lord for what He has done in my life, and for the stretching and growing that He has brought me through. I praise Him for the good times, and for the bad. And I thank Him for His joy which is unchanging, and unending, and available constantly.
Most of you know how many adventures we have, and the trials we have endured. My goal in life is to laugh my way through - to find the joy - the joy of the Lord, in it all. Life is hard, but God's joy cannot be taken away. I remind myself of that a lot. :)
I'm always reminded on this special day of the miscarriages I had. I have several people really close to me, who have gone through the same devastating circumstances this past year. It's hard. Really hard. Again, I'm reminded of the joy of the Lord. Just like it states in I Peter 1- my home is not of this world, I'm an alien residing here. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to see my Savior face to face. When I will get to see my loved ones that I've lost. When I will finally be mature and complete, not lacking anything -like it says in the book of James. So, life is not going to be easy, it's not going to be a bowl of cherries. It's going to be hard, really hard. Full of trials, full of heartache, full of tough times. But God is there. Always. His joy is there - waiting for me to grab onto it.
I have a wonderful family - my incredible parents, brother and sister, my in-laws, my husband who puts up with me and loves me in spite of my craziness, and of course, my two amazing children who bless me every day. I praise the Lord for what He has done in my life, and for the stretching and growing that He has brought me through. I praise Him for the good times, and for the bad. And I thank Him for His joy which is unchanging, and unending, and available constantly.
Friday, May 9, 2008
DragonLight Contest - PRIZE!!
Okay folks, if you are just joining us - go back to the archives on the left and look up a post entitled "Dragons and surprises and Mrs. Paul" to see what this contest is all about. Then there is a hint or two in previous posts.
Today - I will announce the prizes - are you excited? Are you ready?
The winner will receive a copy of DragonLight once it comes out - personally signed by the author Donita K. Paul, AND one of her specially designed dragon gifts on zazzle.com! She has made shirts and bags and a number of other items. I will order the gift to be appropriate to the winner.
SO... put your thinking caps on - and try to guess the character's name - coming out in DragonLight on June 17, 2008!!
Email me through the site here or post your guess in a comment. Just make sure you leave me your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.
I've had 273 guesses so far - and I have to say - we're getting closer to the target. (That means, keep guessing, you're all getting warmer...)
You may also guess as many times as you want.
Remember to go back and read the other fabulous four books in the DragonKeeper Chronicles.
Have FUN!!
Today - I will announce the prizes - are you excited? Are you ready?
The winner will receive a copy of DragonLight once it comes out - personally signed by the author Donita K. Paul, AND one of her specially designed dragon gifts on zazzle.com! She has made shirts and bags and a number of other items. I will order the gift to be appropriate to the winner.
SO... put your thinking caps on - and try to guess the character's name - coming out in DragonLight on June 17, 2008!!
Email me through the site here or post your guess in a comment. Just make sure you leave me your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.
I've had 273 guesses so far - and I have to say - we're getting closer to the target. (That means, keep guessing, you're all getting warmer...)
You may also guess as many times as you want.
Remember to go back and read the other fabulous four books in the DragonKeeper Chronicles.
Have FUN!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Searching For Spice
I am an avid reader. (Yes, I know, that's an understatement.) :) I read probably 200-250 books a year. Now, Kayla - I don't think there are words in our vocabulary that could describe her love for reading. For example - since February, she has read 91 books. Did you catch that? NINETY-ONE! I haven't added up the pages, and frankly, I'm a little scared to see the total! She read over 40,000 pages last school year. I've always been an extremely fast reader, and I'm guessing my eleven-year-old daughter will catch me soon.
Anyway, my new friend, Megan DiMaria, has just had her debut novel released! Searching For Spice is so stinking cute -- I really urge you to go out and buy this book.
Anyway, my new friend, Megan DiMaria, has just had her debut novel released! Searching For Spice is so stinking cute -- I really urge you to go out and buy this book.
Lighthearted and funny in the first half, the reader will go through twists and turns and reach new depths in the second half. Megan did a great job!
As you can tell, I'm not a fan of book reviews that tell you the story - You should go buy the book and read it for yourself! But for those who need a little teaser- here's an excerpt from the back cover blurb:
"Linda Revere longs to have a sizzling affair... with her husband... Linda hopes God will answer her prayers to jazz up her marriage, but is she ready for what happens next?"
Searching For Spice by Megan DiMaria, Tyndale House Publishers 2008
Happy Reading You All!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
My Katie - Girl, We'll Miss You!!
We have been blessed by the presence of a precious young lady, named Katie.
We've known Katie for a long time - she was a student of my husband and I years ago. Each year, she has come to visit us in Colorado, and then she came to school here for a while. I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking that she is leaving us. She's part of our family and we all love her so very much. Of course, her Mom is one of my dearest friends, and I'm so thankful she's going home 'cause I know how close she and her Mom are (and I know she needs to do the Lord's will) - but I wish I could pack them up and move them both here- RIGHT NOW - next door! (I'm not demanding, now am I?)
So, in my mind I'm seeing this flashback of scenes -- all of our adventures with Katie (which are too numerous to list here in entirety) -- and so I'm dedicating this "Adventure Montage" to our Katie! WE LOVE YOU!
As we reminisce, you should imagine some really great, emotional, tuggin' at the heart strings, tear jerkin' music - and pretend all of this is in slow motion... That should make it more fun. :) BRING ON THE KLEENEX!! (Some of this might not make sense to some of you - but there are many that I'm sure you'll recognize from other posts about our adventures...)
And so I proudly present: "Katie's Adventure Montage"
Wet dog smells, black painted cabinets, locking gas caps, "something smells fishy", climbing into a ginormous fish tank, car breaking down, towing that same car, Katie driving a car (not a truck) for the FIRST time ever, rebuilding closets, foot spas, picture hanging-falling off stools, bum knees, ladders, trapeze-hanging "Holly'll do it!", "It was Katie's idea!", decorating for Christmas (you have NO idea) "Kim, why do you have 60 boxes of JUST Christmas?", Holly's surprise present, producers, interviews, book-reading, 57 loaves of banana bread in one day, bad brakes, Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies baseball game, turkey diving, video cameras, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, angels spilling out freckles, unpacking, more unpacking, and yet some more unpacking, church at home (how incredible that has been!), David Phelps Live Concerts on the theater screen - over and over and over and over..., refrigerator clean-out, babysitting, DVD players that don't cooperate, "Must be smarter than program to operate!", "She's one of us!!", singing the William Tell Overture to one another when we need to get moving, Five Cent fines, brand new coffee makers that don't work "but I really want it to work!", shopping in Safeway when we have no business going out in public, that lovely shade of greenish yellow that makes you want to throw-up is now a beautiful shade of blue, climbing up into the bowling alley, Snow, snow, and more snow, fake grass, dirt pudding, gumbo, jambalaya, teriyaki chicken, truffles, and ROLLS, Pikes Peak, watching movies on the big screen sittin' in a Ford mustang, ice cream - LOTS of ice cream, "little" shoes, "horse" clothes, being followed in Vitamin Cottage - "She's calling her friends- She recognizes you!", Christmas parties, "Where's Las Vegas?", reading and re-reading and re-reading again Kim's chapters, laughing until we cry, crying until we laugh, smiling and hugging and loving one another.
Katie - when can you come back?
We love you!
We've known Katie for a long time - she was a student of my husband and I years ago. Each year, she has come to visit us in Colorado, and then she came to school here for a while. I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking that she is leaving us. She's part of our family and we all love her so very much. Of course, her Mom is one of my dearest friends, and I'm so thankful she's going home 'cause I know how close she and her Mom are (and I know she needs to do the Lord's will) - but I wish I could pack them up and move them both here- RIGHT NOW - next door! (I'm not demanding, now am I?)
So, in my mind I'm seeing this flashback of scenes -- all of our adventures with Katie (which are too numerous to list here in entirety) -- and so I'm dedicating this "Adventure Montage" to our Katie! WE LOVE YOU!
As we reminisce, you should imagine some really great, emotional, tuggin' at the heart strings, tear jerkin' music - and pretend all of this is in slow motion... That should make it more fun. :) BRING ON THE KLEENEX!! (Some of this might not make sense to some of you - but there are many that I'm sure you'll recognize from other posts about our adventures...)
And so I proudly present: "Katie's Adventure Montage"
Wet dog smells, black painted cabinets, locking gas caps, "something smells fishy", climbing into a ginormous fish tank, car breaking down, towing that same car, Katie driving a car (not a truck) for the FIRST time ever, rebuilding closets, foot spas, picture hanging-falling off stools, bum knees, ladders, trapeze-hanging "Holly'll do it!", "It was Katie's idea!", decorating for Christmas (you have NO idea) "Kim, why do you have 60 boxes of JUST Christmas?", Holly's surprise present, producers, interviews, book-reading, 57 loaves of banana bread in one day, bad brakes, Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies baseball game, turkey diving, video cameras, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, angels spilling out freckles, unpacking, more unpacking, and yet some more unpacking, church at home (how incredible that has been!), David Phelps Live Concerts on the theater screen - over and over and over and over..., refrigerator clean-out, babysitting, DVD players that don't cooperate, "Must be smarter than program to operate!", "She's one of us!!", singing the William Tell Overture to one another when we need to get moving, Five Cent fines, brand new coffee makers that don't work "but I really want it to work!", shopping in Safeway when we have no business going out in public, that lovely shade of greenish yellow that makes you want to throw-up is now a beautiful shade of blue, climbing up into the bowling alley, Snow, snow, and more snow, fake grass, dirt pudding, gumbo, jambalaya, teriyaki chicken, truffles, and ROLLS, Pikes Peak, watching movies on the big screen sittin' in a Ford mustang, ice cream - LOTS of ice cream, "little" shoes, "horse" clothes, being followed in Vitamin Cottage - "She's calling her friends- She recognizes you!", Christmas parties, "Where's Las Vegas?", reading and re-reading and re-reading again Kim's chapters, laughing until we cry, crying until we laugh, smiling and hugging and loving one another.
Katie - when can you come back?
We love you!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Can You Say, "Loopy"???
I'm on muscle relaxers and pain killers for some horrific pain I've had in my shoulders and neck.
About a week ago, our incredibly powerful, custom security alarm went off -- REALLY early in the morning (meaning, I was NOT awake yet, nor was anyone else!) I scrambled to get out of the bed trying to reach the control panel, before the migraine-inducing noise could knock me off my feet. As I stared through bleary eyes at the panel, I realized something was indeed amiss -- the garage door was open.
So, I throw my robe on (literally) and race out to the garage. The door was certainly open, but nobody was around. (Of course, our alarm could scare ANYONE away - it's so intense.) I checked out the perimeter of the house, (I know, I know, smart move in my bathrobe and unarmed against whatever could possibly try to get in -I've already had that lecture repeated several times, thank-you) - but there was nothing that I could find.
I did the smart thing. I closed the garage door and I went back to bed. :)
Later in the day, I felt like I had "wrenched" something in my right shoulder and neck. Ignoring it, (which is what I normally do, thinking, "oh, it will go away") I kept on with my crazy schedule and routine. The following day I had to speak, and then, that weekend I led worship at our ACFW Colorado retreat. I hauled luggage around and my 45 pound bag (yes, I weighed it - AFTER this adventure) full of music books for the weekend. (Thankfully, Stu grabbed it from me as we were loading up to go home, otherwise, who knows what damage I would have done!)
At the retreat, Holly and I were the last ones to go to sleep in our "room" and our other "bunk buddies" snored in a beautiful harmony of pitches and volumes. I tried to go to sleep, wrapping the poor pitiful pillow I had brought with me around my head. Sleep didn't come, and then I woke with a wonderful ache in my neck. Add to that, sitting at the piano for a few hours, and driving mountainous, curvy roads... I think I know why I'm having "issues" now. :)
Well, here I sit - propped up with pillows - trying to relax (which I don't do well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't sit still or "do nothing" very well - I've always got to be "busy") Anyway, I have five bajillion projects around me, about one hundred phone calls to make, and over five thousand emails to answer. But - I'm "loopy." (Medications and I don't mix - so I try not to take them.) When you are "loopy" is probably not the best time to try to write the next chapter in your manuscript, or to add to your latest book proposal, or to answer email, or even talk on the phone. Good grief, I'm crazy enough already, I don't need people thinking I'm "loopy" too!
So, if you don't understand any of this - you know why. If I haven't replied to an email or phone call - you know why. (Of course, most of you have been extremely understanding of that since I get so much correspondence and the publicity keeps rolling.) And if you want to call me "loopy" - go right ahead. :) Right now, I certainly am. My five bajillion projects will turn into six bajillion projects, and my lovely group of volunteers will help me "catch up" - maybe by 2010. :)
I think I'll go take a nap. I don't think I have much choice, my body has decided that it needs one after that last pill!
About a week ago, our incredibly powerful, custom security alarm went off -- REALLY early in the morning (meaning, I was NOT awake yet, nor was anyone else!) I scrambled to get out of the bed trying to reach the control panel, before the migraine-inducing noise could knock me off my feet. As I stared through bleary eyes at the panel, I realized something was indeed amiss -- the garage door was open.
So, I throw my robe on (literally) and race out to the garage. The door was certainly open, but nobody was around. (Of course, our alarm could scare ANYONE away - it's so intense.) I checked out the perimeter of the house, (I know, I know, smart move in my bathrobe and unarmed against whatever could possibly try to get in -I've already had that lecture repeated several times, thank-you) - but there was nothing that I could find.
I did the smart thing. I closed the garage door and I went back to bed. :)
Later in the day, I felt like I had "wrenched" something in my right shoulder and neck. Ignoring it, (which is what I normally do, thinking, "oh, it will go away") I kept on with my crazy schedule and routine. The following day I had to speak, and then, that weekend I led worship at our ACFW Colorado retreat. I hauled luggage around and my 45 pound bag (yes, I weighed it - AFTER this adventure) full of music books for the weekend. (Thankfully, Stu grabbed it from me as we were loading up to go home, otherwise, who knows what damage I would have done!)
At the retreat, Holly and I were the last ones to go to sleep in our "room" and our other "bunk buddies" snored in a beautiful harmony of pitches and volumes. I tried to go to sleep, wrapping the poor pitiful pillow I had brought with me around my head. Sleep didn't come, and then I woke with a wonderful ache in my neck. Add to that, sitting at the piano for a few hours, and driving mountainous, curvy roads... I think I know why I'm having "issues" now. :)
Well, here I sit - propped up with pillows - trying to relax (which I don't do well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't sit still or "do nothing" very well - I've always got to be "busy") Anyway, I have five bajillion projects around me, about one hundred phone calls to make, and over five thousand emails to answer. But - I'm "loopy." (Medications and I don't mix - so I try not to take them.) When you are "loopy" is probably not the best time to try to write the next chapter in your manuscript, or to add to your latest book proposal, or to answer email, or even talk on the phone. Good grief, I'm crazy enough already, I don't need people thinking I'm "loopy" too!
So, if you don't understand any of this - you know why. If I haven't replied to an email or phone call - you know why. (Of course, most of you have been extremely understanding of that since I get so much correspondence and the publicity keeps rolling.) And if you want to call me "loopy" - go right ahead. :) Right now, I certainly am. My five bajillion projects will turn into six bajillion projects, and my lovely group of volunteers will help me "catch up" - maybe by 2010. :)
I think I'll go take a nap. I don't think I have much choice, my body has decided that it needs one after that last pill!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Pillows, Toilet Paper and Huggin' in Wal-Mart
I was in Wal-Mart the other day with Holly. This little trip came at the end of the day, after we had been filming for Discovery Health Channel, and we found out that we had feather pillows on the couch. Yes, I know. Random find there, huh? Let me explain. I had been sneezing a lot during the day, sat on the couch, when something poked me. I pulled at it and a feather came out of the pillow behind me. Now, I had been told that those pillows contained "synthetic feathers." How does one go about making synthetic feathers? Good question. I have no idea. Anyway, I eyeballed this feather, and thought, "that looks pretty real to me!"
So, as the camera crew is packing up their gear - what am I doing? I'm taking all of the beautiful, satiny, covers off of the pillows and reading the tags. And I'm sure you've guessed it - they were all "real" feather pillows.
Side note: I tend to get "focused" on something and can't let it go. No comments from the peanut gallery, please.
This pillow episode, now had me distracted. I'm allergic to feathers, my husband is allergic to feathers, Josh and Kayla are allergic to feathers. (I don't think Holly is allergic to feathers, but four out of five is not a good statistic! Do you see how I got distracted?)
After 11 hours with a film crew, and completely exhausted, Holly and I took off for Wal-Mart. I knew we would have to give away the feather pillows, but now, there were no pillows for my massive couch. (And - we'd had so many people in the house that day, we were running desperately low on toilet paper. I know - you were waiting to see how I could possibly link feather pillows to toilet paper. Well, there you go.)
And so, there we were. In Wal-Mart. Late. On Friday night. We were relatively quiet (shocking, I know) as we picked out different patterns and shades of pillows to match my chocolatey brown, leather couch. As we headed the other direction for the toilet paper, Holly started to sing - getting quite a few stares from the other tired, late-night patrons. I picked up what we needed, and headed for the check-out. Holly needed to get some medicine, so I stood in line, trying not to think too much and tax my already tired brain.
I smiled at the lady in front of me and she said, "Those are beautiful pillows..." turning to her sister she said, "aren't those beautiful pillows? Oh, and feel the texture... those are SO soft...I just LOVE the colors you put together..."
Her southern accent rang out and I laughed and joined in the conversation. She looked at me and said, "Honey - you're from the south, too!" We hugged - (yes, hugged) - and no, we had never met before. That's a fun thing about us southerners, we tend to hug everybody and talk about everything - to anyone who will listen! :) Now, I know that is invading some people's "space" - and there are a lot of people who are not comfortable with that - but it sure was fun in Wal-Mart that night. We conversed about the pillows, cooking good ol' southern dishes, and then had a fascinating discussion about toilet paper. Yep, you heard me. Toilet paper.
Why am I telling you this story? (You're probably wondering if I even HAVE a point?) :) Well, the lady running the check-out lane next to us had looked unhappy when I first stopped in that line and started "making noise." She had obviously had a very long day, but I noticed she was listening to our crazy conversation. When I had moved up in line and was closer to her, she quickly turned around and said, "thanks for giving me a smile tonight!" Her comment was so brief that I didn't think a lot about it at the time, but just smiled in return. My cohorts and I continued to jabber in line, Holly joined us and we had our cashier laughing along with us by the time we left.
But since then, I have thought about her comment a lot. We all get so busy in our own lives, and our own stresses, that we don't think about the people around us and what they may be going through. Cultures are different all around this great country - and as we've moved around, I've noticed that a lot of people keep to themselves, because they don't know if it will be offensive to their neighbor to strike up a conversation or check on them if they haven't seen them in a while.
What this whole thing impressed upon me was that we need to reach out more. It doesn't matter where we're from, or what we were raised with. I think if we were all a little more friendly, there'd be more friendly responses. And you never know when someone might need a hug, or a smile.
It reminded me of our community and our Extreme Makeover experience. So many people reached out to us, that had never even met us. Yes, it was a TV show and a great way to rally a large group of people - but what an example it was - of people coming together to help "one of their own."
Now, if only we could figure out how to do that on a day-to-day basis. Can you imagine how we could change our world?
Maybe we could all start by smiling at one another, or not complaining in the line at the grocery store, not scowling at the person who cut us off on the interstate, or by simply loving one another.
Who knows? You might just be hugging someone in Wal-Mart next time I see you, or having a grand ol' time talking about toilet paper...
Personally, I like Charmin...
So, as the camera crew is packing up their gear - what am I doing? I'm taking all of the beautiful, satiny, covers off of the pillows and reading the tags. And I'm sure you've guessed it - they were all "real" feather pillows.
Side note: I tend to get "focused" on something and can't let it go. No comments from the peanut gallery, please.
This pillow episode, now had me distracted. I'm allergic to feathers, my husband is allergic to feathers, Josh and Kayla are allergic to feathers. (I don't think Holly is allergic to feathers, but four out of five is not a good statistic! Do you see how I got distracted?)
After 11 hours with a film crew, and completely exhausted, Holly and I took off for Wal-Mart. I knew we would have to give away the feather pillows, but now, there were no pillows for my massive couch. (And - we'd had so many people in the house that day, we were running desperately low on toilet paper. I know - you were waiting to see how I could possibly link feather pillows to toilet paper. Well, there you go.)
And so, there we were. In Wal-Mart. Late. On Friday night. We were relatively quiet (shocking, I know) as we picked out different patterns and shades of pillows to match my chocolatey brown, leather couch. As we headed the other direction for the toilet paper, Holly started to sing - getting quite a few stares from the other tired, late-night patrons. I picked up what we needed, and headed for the check-out. Holly needed to get some medicine, so I stood in line, trying not to think too much and tax my already tired brain.
I smiled at the lady in front of me and she said, "Those are beautiful pillows..." turning to her sister she said, "aren't those beautiful pillows? Oh, and feel the texture... those are SO soft...I just LOVE the colors you put together..."
Her southern accent rang out and I laughed and joined in the conversation. She looked at me and said, "Honey - you're from the south, too!" We hugged - (yes, hugged) - and no, we had never met before. That's a fun thing about us southerners, we tend to hug everybody and talk about everything - to anyone who will listen! :) Now, I know that is invading some people's "space" - and there are a lot of people who are not comfortable with that - but it sure was fun in Wal-Mart that night. We conversed about the pillows, cooking good ol' southern dishes, and then had a fascinating discussion about toilet paper. Yep, you heard me. Toilet paper.
Why am I telling you this story? (You're probably wondering if I even HAVE a point?) :) Well, the lady running the check-out lane next to us had looked unhappy when I first stopped in that line and started "making noise." She had obviously had a very long day, but I noticed she was listening to our crazy conversation. When I had moved up in line and was closer to her, she quickly turned around and said, "thanks for giving me a smile tonight!" Her comment was so brief that I didn't think a lot about it at the time, but just smiled in return. My cohorts and I continued to jabber in line, Holly joined us and we had our cashier laughing along with us by the time we left.
But since then, I have thought about her comment a lot. We all get so busy in our own lives, and our own stresses, that we don't think about the people around us and what they may be going through. Cultures are different all around this great country - and as we've moved around, I've noticed that a lot of people keep to themselves, because they don't know if it will be offensive to their neighbor to strike up a conversation or check on them if they haven't seen them in a while.
What this whole thing impressed upon me was that we need to reach out more. It doesn't matter where we're from, or what we were raised with. I think if we were all a little more friendly, there'd be more friendly responses. And you never know when someone might need a hug, or a smile.
It reminded me of our community and our Extreme Makeover experience. So many people reached out to us, that had never even met us. Yes, it was a TV show and a great way to rally a large group of people - but what an example it was - of people coming together to help "one of their own."
Now, if only we could figure out how to do that on a day-to-day basis. Can you imagine how we could change our world?
Maybe we could all start by smiling at one another, or not complaining in the line at the grocery store, not scowling at the person who cut us off on the interstate, or by simply loving one another.
Who knows? You might just be hugging someone in Wal-Mart next time I see you, or having a grand ol' time talking about toilet paper...
Personally, I like Charmin...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Little Girl's Wish...
My precious little Kayla has been through a lot in her short life. She is now eleven years old, but has maturity beyond her age. She's had to face some really tough issues - including a lot of "seclusion" from the outside world, and the "normalcy" so many people take for granted - comments from people when they see her with her vest on, and don't understand what it is, or about her skin when her eczema was really bad - even a very intense brain surgery, with a long recovery.
Through it all - she has smiled. "Beamed" is an even better word. She is amazing and inspires me every day. Josh, equally so, as he cares for his sister and has such a servant heart.
Wednesday, April 16, you'll get to see us on Montel. As a special surprise, they brought David Phelps to spend the day with us. Kayla's smile was incredible, and we were even more impressed with the man who has been our favorite since the first time we heard him sing.
So, let me tell you about Kayla's wish. She's always wanted to go to a David Phelps concert, but it's just not possible for a little girl who doesn't sweat to be in a huge crowd of people.
ABC knew that we loved him and had asked for him - they brought him as a surprise during our Extreme Makeover - but Kayla did not get to meet him. (I am not complaining! We were on our trip, and the benefit concert was during the build - and the video we were able to see was AMAZING!!) Anyway, Montel's producers had asked me about what Kayla's wish would be. I told them about David - and so they took it a step further, and brought him to spend the day. What an outstanding surprise that was! And another amazing day!
But, David knew what Kayla's wish was. He and his manager - Jim Chaffee - invited us for a very special event. So, this past weekend, we were privileged to be a part of an incredible concert. There were so many people who prayed and prayed and prayed for this event. I know for some, it was very cold, but God made special arrangements with the weather, and Kayla was able to stay for the entire concert! In fact, it never registered above 65 degrees in the venue, and most of the time, hovered around 60! Kayla's temperature never rose, and she was even able to take her cooling vest off during the second half. God is so cool, and we are praising Him.
I can't tell you how many people cried with us that we were able to go. And to all of those who made it possible - Thank You. David is one of the finest gentlemen I've ever met, and his wife Lori is absolutely beautiful - inside and out. I was so blessed to get to chat with her.
Now that you've seen David on Montel and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - and I've told you about what an amazing person he is - here's your chance to see him live and hear his incredible voice! Tickets are available at www.itickets.com
Here's part of his upcoming tour schedule. You'll be blessed for the experience, and if you get the chance, tell him hello from us - and thank him for giving a little girl her wish...
4-24-2008
Fort Smith, AR
No More Night David Phelps Live
Eastside Baptist Church
4-25-2008
Omaha, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Westside Church
4-26-2008
Grand Island, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Evangelical Free Church
4-28-2008
Shakopee, MN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Friendship Church
4-29-2008
Sioux Falls, SD
No More Night David Phelps Live
Central Baptist Church
5-1-2008
Madison, WI
No More Night David Phelps Live
High Point Church
5-2-2008
Indianapolis, IN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Indian Creek Christian Church
5-6-2008
Charleston, SC
Promotional Date - Not Full Concert
Charleston Convention Center
5-9-2008
Winchester, VA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Winchester Church of God
5-10-2008
Barre, VT
No More Night David Phelps Live
Barre Auditorium
5-11-2008
Worcester, MA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Mechanics Hall
5-12-2008
Middletown, OH
No More Night David Phelps Live
The Oasis Church
Go to the David Phelps page and the links are also there - or go to www.davidphelps.com
Through it all - she has smiled. "Beamed" is an even better word. She is amazing and inspires me every day. Josh, equally so, as he cares for his sister and has such a servant heart.
Wednesday, April 16, you'll get to see us on Montel. As a special surprise, they brought David Phelps to spend the day with us. Kayla's smile was incredible, and we were even more impressed with the man who has been our favorite since the first time we heard him sing.
So, let me tell you about Kayla's wish. She's always wanted to go to a David Phelps concert, but it's just not possible for a little girl who doesn't sweat to be in a huge crowd of people.
ABC knew that we loved him and had asked for him - they brought him as a surprise during our Extreme Makeover - but Kayla did not get to meet him. (I am not complaining! We were on our trip, and the benefit concert was during the build - and the video we were able to see was AMAZING!!) Anyway, Montel's producers had asked me about what Kayla's wish would be. I told them about David - and so they took it a step further, and brought him to spend the day. What an outstanding surprise that was! And another amazing day!
But, David knew what Kayla's wish was. He and his manager - Jim Chaffee - invited us for a very special event. So, this past weekend, we were privileged to be a part of an incredible concert. There were so many people who prayed and prayed and prayed for this event. I know for some, it was very cold, but God made special arrangements with the weather, and Kayla was able to stay for the entire concert! In fact, it never registered above 65 degrees in the venue, and most of the time, hovered around 60! Kayla's temperature never rose, and she was even able to take her cooling vest off during the second half. God is so cool, and we are praising Him.
I can't tell you how many people cried with us that we were able to go. And to all of those who made it possible - Thank You. David is one of the finest gentlemen I've ever met, and his wife Lori is absolutely beautiful - inside and out. I was so blessed to get to chat with her.
Now that you've seen David on Montel and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - and I've told you about what an amazing person he is - here's your chance to see him live and hear his incredible voice! Tickets are available at www.itickets.com
Here's part of his upcoming tour schedule. You'll be blessed for the experience, and if you get the chance, tell him hello from us - and thank him for giving a little girl her wish...
4-24-2008
Fort Smith, AR
No More Night David Phelps Live
Eastside Baptist Church
4-25-2008
Omaha, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Westside Church
4-26-2008
Grand Island, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Evangelical Free Church
4-28-2008
Shakopee, MN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Friendship Church
4-29-2008
Sioux Falls, SD
No More Night David Phelps Live
Central Baptist Church
5-1-2008
Madison, WI
No More Night David Phelps Live
High Point Church
5-2-2008
Indianapolis, IN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Indian Creek Christian Church
5-6-2008
Charleston, SC
Promotional Date - Not Full Concert
Charleston Convention Center
5-9-2008
Winchester, VA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Winchester Church of God
5-10-2008
Barre, VT
No More Night David Phelps Live
Barre Auditorium
5-11-2008
Worcester, MA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Mechanics Hall
5-12-2008
Middletown, OH
No More Night David Phelps Live
The Oasis Church
Go to the David Phelps page and the links are also there - or go to www.davidphelps.com
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My Life Is An Adventure
Those who know me, should be laughing... hysterically.
Today, I finally finished a project that should have taken an hour or so, and yet, took more than three days! THREE DAYS! Wow.
You may be wondering what on earth could take three days. Well, a simple DVD needed to be made. Simple. Right? Well, to make a long story short - Our DVD recorder's remote was not working properly. So...
...insert new battery... still doesn't work.
...buy a new remote... it won't program (even after you try standing on your head with it.)
...exchange remote... it will program, but "ok" button doesn't function (and have you noticed that you can't choose anything or answer anything without the "ok" button? It's like needing an "enter" key.)
...reprogram again... now "ok" button functions, but arrow buttons do not.
...reprogram yet again... now nothing works except for the "power" button.
...return remote...
...buy a new DVD recorder.
Yes, this is how my life goes. The day before I need to drive 1500 miles, one way, across country.
But it's even better than that. Guess what happened the day before I started the DVD adventure?
One of our cars broke down, leaving Holly stranded on an exit ramp off the interstate. My husband goes to rescue her, and work on the car. Katie, the kiddos and I follow with the title to the car, in case it's dead and we need to "trade" it in.
Let's just say, this adventure involved a tow strap- me behind the wheel of an itty-bitty, non-working, VERY OLD Ford escort station wagon- being towed by my GINORMOUS, very expensive, Expedition Truck (our gift from Ford)- and a couple of REALLY steep hills. Has anyone ever done this? Let me give you my opinion: It's not a wise idea. Especially when you are in the tiny vehicle being towed. Have I mentioned that I had NEVER done this before? And that sitting in the little station wagon, mere inches from my truck, I realized how truly HUMONGOUS my truck was, and then the thought struck me - about how squished I would be if I hit it.
We did arrive at our destination (otherwise, I would not be writing this) - but the relief when I jumped out of that car...oh my goodness! Katie and I had never been so stressed. I don't think I took a breath for the entire twenty minutes of "tow adventure."
Anyway, my sweet daughter, Kayla, looked at Katie and said, "poor Katie, every time she's here, we have an adventure." Kayla told my friend Lori that today, and Lori responded with, "I don't know what you mean, Kayla! Every day is an adventure with you guys!"
And so the saga continues. Yes, tomorrow will be another adventure.
And we'll laugh our way through...
Today, I finally finished a project that should have taken an hour or so, and yet, took more than three days! THREE DAYS! Wow.
You may be wondering what on earth could take three days. Well, a simple DVD needed to be made. Simple. Right? Well, to make a long story short - Our DVD recorder's remote was not working properly. So...
...insert new battery... still doesn't work.
...buy a new remote... it won't program (even after you try standing on your head with it.)
...exchange remote... it will program, but "ok" button doesn't function (and have you noticed that you can't choose anything or answer anything without the "ok" button? It's like needing an "enter" key.)
...reprogram again... now "ok" button functions, but arrow buttons do not.
...reprogram yet again... now nothing works except for the "power" button.
...return remote...
...buy a new DVD recorder.
Yes, this is how my life goes. The day before I need to drive 1500 miles, one way, across country.
But it's even better than that. Guess what happened the day before I started the DVD adventure?
One of our cars broke down, leaving Holly stranded on an exit ramp off the interstate. My husband goes to rescue her, and work on the car. Katie, the kiddos and I follow with the title to the car, in case it's dead and we need to "trade" it in.
Let's just say, this adventure involved a tow strap- me behind the wheel of an itty-bitty, non-working, VERY OLD Ford escort station wagon- being towed by my GINORMOUS, very expensive, Expedition Truck (our gift from Ford)- and a couple of REALLY steep hills. Has anyone ever done this? Let me give you my opinion: It's not a wise idea. Especially when you are in the tiny vehicle being towed. Have I mentioned that I had NEVER done this before? And that sitting in the little station wagon, mere inches from my truck, I realized how truly HUMONGOUS my truck was, and then the thought struck me - about how squished I would be if I hit it.
We did arrive at our destination (otherwise, I would not be writing this) - but the relief when I jumped out of that car...oh my goodness! Katie and I had never been so stressed. I don't think I took a breath for the entire twenty minutes of "tow adventure."
Anyway, my sweet daughter, Kayla, looked at Katie and said, "poor Katie, every time she's here, we have an adventure." Kayla told my friend Lori that today, and Lori responded with, "I don't know what you mean, Kayla! Every day is an adventure with you guys!"
And so the saga continues. Yes, tomorrow will be another adventure.
And we'll laugh our way through...
Montel Show Air Date
Just to let you all know:
Our air date is April 16, Wednesday
Check your local listings to find out the time and station or go to www.montelshow.com
Our air date is April 16, Wednesday
Check your local listings to find out the time and station or go to www.montelshow.com
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