A Kick Ass Moms Thoughts

Happy 15 Year Anniversary

2009-05-14T23:24:00.006-06:00

So I intended to write a romantic flowery post that would show the world how much I love my husband. But then I decided against it. Sometimes you have to call it for what it is.
Tom I love you, I know that I am pain in the ass to live with and we have been through so much in the last 15 years. Thank you for putting up with me, for loving me and encouraging me to be a better woman, mother and wife. I love you and wouldn't want to be with anyone else. I have no idea what God will bring us in the next 15 years but I want to continue to be by your side through it all.
I love you Tom,
Love your Ivory Soap Girl

DONE.....for now

2009-05-12T23:14:00.004-06:00

Well one more semester under my belt and 12 more credits are officially mine. It was a hard semester going back, one tween daughter, two sons in elementary school and oh yeah planting a church! Sometimes there just wasn't enough of me to go around. I am really proud and thankful that I had a great semester but there definitely isn't enough of a time lapse to sugar coat the stress that was involved. My desire always has and will continue to be how can I be the best wife and mom that I can be to MY husband and MY kids. The question always needs to be asked, "How can I do better?" How can I be the best? For this semester it was going to school full time, dropping out of other activities I'm involved in and just focusing on family and school work. At times though, it truly wasn't enough. The great thing about a semester is that you have time to evaluate before you jump into the next round. I loved my classes this past semester and the profs and the students. I honestly felt very privileged each time I went to class. So now that I am done what's next you may ask? Well my husband and I are going to be meeting in Denver for our 15 year wedding anniversary which is so ironic it's really not funny and then back to life without school but still having one tween daughter, two sons in elementary school and oh yeah planting a church!

Stomach Ache

2009-04-28T18:56:00.001-06:00

Not feeling so kick ass today.....

Stepping out in Faith......a reminder.

2009-04-27T17:56:00.001-06:00

This post was originally written on August 19th, 2006.
(The first month of our church plant) a good reminder when things get hard.

When we chose (yes it is a choice) to step out in faith by quitting our jobs and starting this church we had an idea of what the stress might look like. We had an idea that our family life could look differently if we didn't keep in place our boundaries. We knew we had to be diligent of not being out every evening of the week for the sake of "ministry". We knew that our kids could get really burned out on church if they got dragged around town to every "ministry" function for again the sake of "ministry". We knew that aspects of our marriage would become more stressful and that we would have to work harder than ever to keep the romance alive. We knew that we would come under attack, personally and professionally simply because we knew we wouldn't be able to make everyone happy and someone was bound to get pissed off. And we knew that financially we weren't making the most wise decision since we were relying on God to provide through others for our primary source of income. So, some may ask (or all of you) why do it? Why take a huge risk like that? What do you have to gain? Well when you take a step of faith like we have you feel and experience God in new and intimate ways. You have nothing to hide since you have sacrificed all for the sake of telling people about Jesus. And you are humbled on a daily basis by the love of others which you know ultimately they are able to show you because of Christ loving them.

AHGGGG

2009-04-25T17:21:00.003-06:00

Instead of doing homework I have now spent over an hour trying to get my blog background back! What was I thinking.......I think I have lost have the stuff I had posted on here.....I will keep working on it....

A Story of an Ipod Nano

2009-04-24T12:43:00.005-06:00

T turns 8 next week.
He decided that he wanted a silver ipod nano for his birthday.
We decided that this wasn't a good idea. T has the desire/ability/talent/gift to take every piece of electrical equipment that he ever comes close to (or he can sneak up to his room) and take it apart to figure out how it works. I know some day this "gift" will come in handy and hopefully he will make millions but for now this "gift" doesn't work in his favor. Should I also state for the record that he is a boy, the cost is $149 and he is 8!!!!
I digress from the real story.
We are having a birthday party next week and T took his invitations to school on Monday to give to all the boys in his class. There was one little boy that said he was going to bring T his present the next day because he wasn't sure he would be able to make the party. So imagine our surprise and T's delight when he came home and showed us this! That's right his little friend had taken his brothers ipod, he figured he didn't use it, and gave it to T.
Poor T knew as soon as he saw our faces that he couldn't keep it and kudos to him he didn't complain when I explained he couldn't keep it and I needed to call the little boys mom.
It is never a dull moment around here.....

What was I thinking....

2009-04-23T13:49:00.003-06:00

I am again sitting in the BSU library trying to write my ten page paper on the doctrine of the Trinity. Whose idea was it to go back to school? Who thought they could handle 12 credits, a pastor husband, a preteen daughter, two elementary school boys and a dog?! Oh yeah that would have been ME four months ago.
I am so enjoying my classes and being on a college campus but so not enjoying the papers. It's the last three weeks of classes and I have a huge amount of work to do. When all is said and done I will be a total of 75 credits closer to finishing my BA and then who knows what will be next. I would like to do a Masters in Spiritual Formation but if writing is my weakness it might not be the best option for me. Well I guess there will be more time for reflection after the three weeks is over but for now back to the library ... after another cup of coffee....

If you care to know about being a pastor's wife

2009-04-21T21:35:00.006-06:00

If you have ever cared to know about being a pastor's wife go to this link and watch all three very short videos. If you take the time to look at them it will give you a very SMALL glimpse of our lives:

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/03/life-of-ministers-wife.html

Migraines Suck

2009-04-20T18:57:00.002-06:00

I was supposed to get tons done today.
But it is impossible when a migraine hits!
I think I am over the hump.
I've taken prescription meds, a nap and now I am sipping on coke (caffeine is very good thing for a headache).
Well tomorrow is always another day and we all know the work isn't going anywhere.

Happy Friday!

2009-04-17T15:34:00.003-06:00

Bored and Procrastinating

2009-04-16T11:18:00.002-06:00

I have been at the BSU library for over an hour. I have two papers due in three weeks. One is a ten page paper on the Doctrine of Trinity and the other one is for a gender studies class I am taking. Have I gotten anything done...well I have checked my email, gone onto Facebook and checked out everyones status, left a comment on an awesome blog I follow called London's Calling (no idea how to link you there), checked the news, local and international..eaten a banana and watched a link on YouTube....I still have no desire to get my work done but unfortunately it's not going to get done itself. Come on heavy theological discussion bring on the trinity!

Easter

2009-04-13T15:39:00.006-06:00

Thank you Lord for giving your son.
Thank you for the utter brokenness He experienced for me.
Thank you for the grace I experience everyday because of this gift.
Thank you for unconditional love.
Thank you for forgiveness.

Long time no see

2009-04-11T20:19:00.002-06:00

It has been forever and a day since I have been on here! I am learning alot about this blogging thing and how you don't have to be a perfectionist to be one. I found this picture on another blog and love it...I don't think it is copyrighted so I am dragging it over here because even though I don't have this tatoo, I have my nose pierced and would love some day soon to get a tatoo...don't think I am going with this one though!
Happy Easter All

Be careful what you pray for!

2008-02-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote the below post in Nov. of 2005, I didn't post it, why? I am not sure but I do know that God was working in my heart and in May of 2006, Tom and I chose to step out in faith and walk with God in a new way and plant a church in Meridian, Idaho. Oh how my God has a sense of humor. After 27 months I think I want a break from the adventure!!!!!!
Hi God,
It's me. I am so frustrated Lord. I don't believe we are as close as we used to be. My fault I know. I don't depend on you as much as I have in the past and therefore I can't grow closer to you. I have created the life I have always wanted. Stable. Routine. Not exciting. But some how I have lost the sense of adventure that for so long I dreaded. Through so many times you have shown yourself to me and kept me going. Now I have built my world so that it will keep going all by itself. Where do I start back on our adventurous journey?

Unbelievable

2008-02-15T19:03:00.004-07:00

I can't not believe that it has been almost been three months since I wrote. Amazing! Well I have been busy but I didn't realize I was THAT busy! Sun and warmth are finally making there way to the Treasure Valley. Please no more snow. Our mailbox has been hit twice now and fixed once. The latest person, (who drove away and was chased down by the next door neighbor who saw him do it) is still dragging his heals in fixing it. But at least he is calling me to tell me he can't come over (AGAIN)!!!
Kids and hubby are well and life is good. I have made some changes to my chaotic life, so I would stop driving my family and myself crazy and I can honestly say I am enjoying them. Still trying to understand how to balance between kids, husband, work, self and church but taking about three major things off my list has really helped the scale tip back into the right direction.

Girls Night Out

2007-12-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Last night Ashling and I hosted our first Girls Night Out. We provided the drinks, snacks and the movie and everyone else brought deserts and nail polish. Tom and the boys graciously left and the fun began! We enjoyed great conversation, fun stories and lots of laughs. We had a broad range of ages represented which I loved. It was so much fun to hang out with 11 year olds and thirty somethings. Thanks ladies for the great time, I can't wait to do it again soon.

Like the Music

2007-12-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Like the music...I have seen this on other blogs and love it and I am so proud of the fact that I figured it out all by myself! Enjoy

Nothing Much

2007-11-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing much going on today. Woke up later than I wanted to this morning, but still managed to make a pot of coffee, load the dishwasher and put dinner in the crock pot before I headed out to class at 8:30am! After class I caught up on some emails, got the brows waxed, stopped at REI to look into renting snow shoes and cross country skis then it was off to work. After work back home to eat the delicious dinner! And try and register for next semesters classes (it wasn't as easy as it seemed)on line. Listened to hubby play his new Christmas present (Les Paul guitar) and now I am about to kiss the kiddos goodnight and then relaxing in front of the TV with the hubby, glass of wine and a Nicholas Cage movie!

My hubby is Wonderful

2007-11-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

My hubby is my hero. He is a gracious human being filled with love and courage. He faces challenges head on, cleans up many peoples messes and is able to laugh at himself. He is an excellent teacher, pastor and friend. He is faithful and loyal. I don't always appreciate the sacrifices he makes for me as his wife and our family. I guess this is my little way of saying, I love you honey and I am sorry for not appreciating you more.

Ethan Quotes

2007-11-21T22:57:00.001-07:00

So this is the real reason I wrote an earlier blog. More Ethan quotes!!!!
"Come on Dad, I am six, Ashling is 10 and Nathaniel is 9 don't you think we know everything there is to know about sex"
Said at the dinner table Monday night while we were having a discussion about the simpsons, sex and why mom and dad need alone time!

"Come here ya big lug!"
This was said when Ethan said good night to Tom He wrapped his arms around his waist and shouted this to him.

More to come I am sure.......

Been Forever

2007-11-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

So it's been forever. I have wanted to write a number of times but get overwhelmed at all that I could update on. So I have decided to let go of that idea and just pick up where I am now. Church is still going, we just hired another pastor to lead with Tom. I am still at the adoption agency. Kids are all healthy and doing well in school. Ash is enjoying her last year of elementary school in 5th grade, Nathaniel is in 4th and Ethan is a 1st grader. Tom just got his training to be a substitute teacher in the local schools and I am back at college taking classes towards my Social Work Degree. GO BRONCOS! This past fall we have had trips to PA just Tom and I for a friend's wedding, Disney World with extended family for a long over due vacation and I went to England to celebrate my Grandmother's 90th birthday and my brothers 30th in Ireland (a blog entry I will follow up on). Thanksgiving is tomorrow and Christmas is just a few short weeks away. So you are caught up!

Peanuts

2007-05-06T14:18:00.000-06:00

It seems that every time we go out we come home to something new. The dog getting out of the yard, the dog chewing the fence. Last night we went out to see Spider Man 3 (I loved it), went for pizza at the mall and ended up at the new borders bookstore that just opened up. It was fun relaxing and had a great family time. We came home at around 10pm to find white stuff all over the yard! It wasn't snow! Looks like I took a short cut and when one of Ethan's birthday presents came last week and the box was filled with styrofoam peanuts I just dumped the whole box in the trash. Didn't bag up the peanuts and didn't think anything of it. Well Ash put the trash can out by the curb yesterday before we left (still not sure why since trash day isn't today) and we had a huge gusts of winds going on. So some thoughtful neighbor put the can up by the garage door and at 10:30 last night I was picking up peanuts. The most embarrassing thing, it was all over at least two of our neighbors yards so I looked ridiculous sneaking around their yards trying not to be seen.

Home Sweet Home

2007-05-01T20:10:00.000-06:00

We are almost three weeks into our new home and we have had two church functions, a birthday party, two sleepovers, and at least six playdates! Yeah! We have also had our water heater leak, dog have diarrhea (the second day we moved in!) onto the new carpet, broken airconditioner, dog chew through our fence and through the new electic fence we bought to prevent her from getting to the fence! Oh the joys of homeownership! I am honestly loving our new home. It is fun to walk the kids to school in the morning (or watch them ride their bikes). We walk to the movie store, the grocery store and starbucks on a regular basis and my work is only 5 minutes away.

Joy

2007-04-09T20:57:00.000-06:00

We sold our house at 10am
We bought our new house at 3pm.
We move on Wednesday.
I could be tired. I could feel anxious. I could feel overwhelemed.
But my goal this week is to soak in how joyful I feel and how loved and blessed our family is.

I can't wait

2007-04-03T21:23:00.000-06:00

Another quote:
"Mom, I can't wait until my birthday..I am so excited that it's on a Sunday and I get to go to church..do you know why? Because they are going to have a big party for me!"
"Ethan why are they going to have a big party for you?"
"Because Dad's the pastor and I'm his kid!..You know they are going to have a big party for me!"

When I grow up

2007-03-31T11:39:00.000-06:00

There is so much I want from my life. I want to be so much more than I am. I am doing that by choosing to examine the past so I can heal and grow through it. I am choosing to rethink my responses and actions towards certain people and situations and I am choosing to respond differently. And I gotta admit, at times it's a bitch. At times it feel so overwhelming, but yet I continue. I want to be more..so much more.
When I grow up...
I want to be beautiful, on the inside and the out
I want to be strong
I want to strive for more but be content.
I want to feel joy and freedom
I want to be selfless.
I want to be generous with my life.
I want to contribute to the world as a whole through my everyday living.

Trying Again

2007-03-30T09:58:00.000-06:00

I tried posting this before and I'm not sure where it went..somewhere in cyberspace I guess. I am getting such a thrill, knowing my family and friends across the world are checking in on me to see how we are doing here in Boise. Hi everyone!
So today I wanted to give you some quotes that have been said over the past few weeks in our house.

"Mom, Do you know why I love myself?"
"No, Ethan, Why do you love yourself?"
"Because, you see this big glass of milk, I can drink down in one big gulp, that is why I love myself!"

"Guys, you have to open the door for mom, she's got Dad's beer!" - Ethan

"Mom, guess what? I didn't get sick! I prayed to God that I wouldn't get car sick and it worked! I told him that I was tired of getting car sick all the time and I he let me sleep instead..I knew he could do it!" - Nathaniel on the way home from McCall, a very winedy road that Nathaniel has gotten sick on numerous times!

"Mom, can I have a Liammint?"
"A what?"
"You know a Liammint"
"I'm sorry Ethan, what is it you want?"
"Mom, you know those mints in the jar with the plane on it from Liam's baby thing You know a Liammint" - Ethan talking about a mint candy favor from our nephew's baby shower 6 months ago!

I have no quotes from Ash this week. She is just keeping us on our toes! We have changed from having a home phone, can't stand Qwest, and now we have three cell phones. Tom, mine and the HOME one! Ashling has quickly adopted it as her own. With her ipod nano in the other..I feel ancient.

More Stitches

2007-03-28T10:12:00.000-06:00

I really hope we aren't starting a trend! Monday evening, Ethan and Nathaniel were playing golf out on the front lawn. Ethan swung back the club and hit Nathaniel square in the jaw! Blood everywhere, Nathaniel's screaming, Ethan's crying, Tom's trying to gain control of the situation and I'm running around trying to get a towel that I don't mind getting blood all over. I am desperate to find an urgent care open (no such luck) so that we didn't have to make a trip to the emergency room. Poor Nathaniel, they ended up giving him some anti-anxiety medicine to calm him down, which caused him to act drunk! Poor kid couldn't even walk straight! Ethan was a mess and has dedicated the rest of his spring break to serving his brother because he feels so bad. I still haven't figured out if he did it on purpose. I do hope we aren't starting a trend, every other month stitches. Oh and my thanks to my Dad for the wonderful gift of the golf clubs in the first place!

Don't Call Me Ma'am

2007-03-22T17:34:00.000-06:00

I am 32 years old.
I don't feel old on a regular basis....yet!
I feel old a when certain things hits me like I have a 10 year old that is turning into a young lady right before my eyes! Or my 5 year old is such a big boy pouring his own milk and putting away his own laundry.
But on a regular basis I feel young and in my prime!
But one thing that makes me feel 90 is when those polite "young people" call me Maam!
I swear I want to turn around and deck them!
Do I look like a ma'am? (That was a retorical question!!)
I know people are only being polite, but maybe they could call me "Miss"
Have a good day, Miss
Do you need any help Miss?
I swear I have been called Ma'am 20 times in the last week!
So, thank you for all of you wonderful polite people....but listen
DON'T CALL ME MA'AM!!!!!!!!

Goofing Off

2007-03-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

I have a ton to do. I am supposed to be working on our church retreat..that's this Friday. But I'd rather goof off on the internet instead. I also need to work on my Doula certification paperwork. I have until May 13th to submit it. I have done all the requirements except write my essays. In theory this shouldn't be that hard but I am really intimadeted since I haven't written anything formal since college. So the goofing off continues. I also need to work on my passport paperwork since I will be going to England to see my grandmother for her 90th birthday in October my passport expires in April. Since I am not a citizen I need to go through the British Embassy in Washington D.C.. Which reminds me I would like to go ahead and work on my American citizenship paperwork which should take 9 months to 1 year. According to the Boise Immigration Office they are processing applications that they received last July. It's gonna be awhile. Since the United States allows dual citizenship I will be able to keep my British passport.
Enough for now. I've guilted myself back into working.
I'll goof off more later

Home Sweet Home

2007-03-20T14:40:00.000-06:00

We only a block away from the kids school and a really nice park that backs up to the school.
I'll post more later!

YEAH!!!!

2007-03-17T22:08:00.000-06:00

We have a new home! I am so excited!
The sellers didn't accept our original offer but we accepted their counter offer.
WE are looking to move at the end of April but are hoping we can move in earlier than that.
Thanks to all of you who have prayed.
I will post pictures tomorrow
Tonight I am off to relax with Tom since I didn't get much sleep last night
Later

Happy Birthday

2007-03-17T00:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Gareth!
I hope you have a great day and we wish you another wonderful year!
We miss you and wish we could be with you to celebrate your big day, 31 getting older.....
Love ya little bro,
Love the gang in Boise

New Offer

2007-03-17T00:30:00.000-06:00

Since it's after midnight I guess we put in an offer on a house yesterday. And they have until today at noon to respond. It is the first house we looked at this week but weren't sure about it. It's room set up is a little different than I hoped for but I have now fallen in love with it and hope it works out. It's a block away from the kids school, and it's in walking distance of their middle school and high school. I am so excited.
I'll post as soon as I hear.

No Go

2007-03-15T21:20:00.000-06:00

No go on the house. Someone made a better offer this afternoon. Bummer.
So for now, we are having our agent check the MLS listings everyday and we pray that God opens up another house. There isn't anything on the market right now that we like and that is in our school district.
I'll keep you posted

My heart's desire

2007-03-14T20:24:00.000-06:00

As I sit and write this I have tears in my eyes and my heart is bursting with love.
My God loves me.
He truly cares about the little things I care about.
And I feel so loved.
I have been praying for over a year now that we could have the opportunity to move into a house that has a bedroom for my middle son. My middle child is a soft spoken, introverted, loving soul that is bookended by a brother and sister, that at times, can be as obnxious as all get out. He keeps to himself, is so kind hearted he brings me to tears all the time and loves his own space. But he has never had the luxury. Now that he is getting older, homework is a little harder to concentrate on at the kitchen table and it's getting down right frustrating to share a room with a person who doesn't respect your boundaries! So I started to pray. I have done this before when I have a desire that only God can fulfill or gently nudge me to let go of.
So I have been praying. This past fall Tom and I decided to go ahead and put our house on the market but the stress almost broke us and we decided that selling the house wasn't worth our family. But, still the desire was there but now when I approached God I knew I didn't have the strength to put it back on the market. So I kept praying. Well two weeks ago we get a call from a real estate agent representing a family that had seen our house in the Fall and wanted to know if we were still interested in selling! WOW! Once Tom and I got over the shock of the phone call and talked honestly about if we were, as a family and as a couple, in a place to embark on the adventure, we told them yes. So we got a call on Sunday that they wanted to come look at it, Tuesday morning we had an offer in writing, we counter offered that afternoon and as of 11:00am this morning we sold our house! God is awesome. My hearts desire has been answered one step at a time. The next step as been finding another place by April 27th, closing! We found a house this afternoon and await a response to our offer by 5:00pm tomorrow (Thursday) So I will keep you posted.......................

My Baby

2007-03-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

My youngest son is so much fun. At 5 years old he is and always will be my baby. He is so cute and fun and funny. Not that my other two kids weren't at this age it's just I think I was to busy to pay attention. Here are some of the cute things he has said in just the last couple of days.

"Mom, we can't move...How will we find Disneyworld!"

"Mom I want to give away my blanket. So that the poor people can have it. We can cut it into little pieces and then more poor people can have some and then they can be rich too."

"Mom, when I get home I want to take a bashower. You know when you take a bath and then turn on the shower!"

I love my little guy!

Tom

2007-03-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

I love my husband!
He is awesome!
He is the best!
He is working his ass off in so many areas.
And I love him even more for it.
He has so much on his plate right now and handling it so well.
He is a good husband and father.
And the bestest friend I could ask for!

Dam Dog

2007-03-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

When something is missing in our house you look for it, then you blame someone for taking it, then you look some more while cursing under your breath then you turn to the dog! Our almost one year old yellow lab eats everything! Now my dear husband is still under the delusion that it's just puppy behavior, I on the other hand know better. That's like saying a two year old toddler doesn't know the meaning of the word "No"!
Our dog has eaten food right off the counter, she has chewed garden hoses, rubber bands, sneakers, baseball caps, electrical cords, even the hose that connects the gas to our BBQ!
Four days ago we couldn't find the cordless phone..guess what happened to it?
Tonight Tom wondered outload if Barley had eaten his missing keys..
DAM DOG!

Stuff

2007-03-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Lot's seems to be going on in life these days. I just started a new job which I love. I am an administrative assistant for an adoption agency. Their office is only a 1/2 mile way from my home so I have enjoyed coming home for lunch this week and leaving 2 minutes before I have to be there. I have only been there 3 days and I already received the compliment "Please don't ever leave!"
I have felt really gross over the past four days (And still do). I can handle headaches, colds, etc. but if my stomach is queasy I just want to go to bed and not get out until it passes.
Our dog ate our phone. We couldn't find it for a couple of days and finally found it out back with the battery gnawed on. So if you have been trying to call, try one of our cells!
My daughter just turned ten. That's right I am officially old..except I don't feel old enough to have a ten year old.
My mother in law is coming to visit tonight. So instead of cleaning like a mad woman so she doesn't get grossed out with our filth I am sitting here typing this....because I feel so gross!
Well that's it for know
Tootles!

My Daughter

2007-03-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my daughter. She is 10 and has more confidence in herself than I have in my pinky. She is funny, and smart and creative out the wazoo. She is loving and caring and is a leader. She takes charge like no ones business.
I know the next few years could be tough as we enter into a different phase of life but I am excited to see how God is going to bless my little girl, and grow her into a godly young woman.
I love you Ashling, and I am so proud of the young woman you are and will grow to be.
Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

Dinner Last Night

2007-02-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we were having a good old family dinner when my 5 year old decides to put one of his feet on the table as he's eating. I turn around and tell him (using his whole name) to remove his foot.
My 8 year old says "Yeah that is some of the worst bachelor behavior that you can do!"
Of course we all got a good laugh at this.
Then we ask our 8 year old what a bachelor is he replies "It is a man who has a gambling problem!"
So again we all have a good laugh.
Then my 9 year old jumps in and says "No that's not a bachelor..a bachelor is someone who is going to have a party before he gets married"
I love my kids.

Guys Rules

2007-02-17T23:06:00.001-07:00

I received this as an email awhile ago and I thought it was hysterical! Enjoy!

Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note ... these are all numbered "1"
ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. 1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria 's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of them makes you sad or angry, then we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something. Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle, besides we know you will bring it up again later.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping!

Things about me

2007-02-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

I know this follows the same vain as the last post but again this was something my mom sent me awhile that I never answered.

1. What time is it? 10:42pm
2. What is your full name? Lisa Patricia Bowen
3. What are you most afraid of? My husband dieing
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen
in a theater? I think "Night at the Museum"
5. Place of birth? Bangor, Wales
6. Favorite food? Chocolate
7. What's your natural hair color? Dark brown
8. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone?
My friend Kelley
9. Ever been toilet papering? YES
10. Love someone so much it made you cry? YES
11. Been in a car accident? Fender Bender (does that count?)
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
13. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
14. Favorite restaurant? Right now; Old Chicago Pizza
15. Favorite flower?
16. Favorite sport to watch? NONE
17. Favorite Drink? Coffee
18. Favorite ice cream? Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip
19. Disney or Warner bros.? Disney
20. Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds
21. How many times you failed your driver's test? Once in the state of Portland after having me license in PA & NJ for over 6 years!
22. Before this one, from whom did you get your last
e-mail? Daryl
23. What do you do most often when you are bored? Read, surf the web or watch TV
24. Bedtime? Usually between 11 and 12pm.
25. Favorite TV shows? Hereos
26. What are you listening to right now? Saturday Night Live
27. What's your favorite color? Blue
28. How many tattoos do you have? None .... yet!!!
29. What would you like to accomplish/do before you
die? Experience a house full of grandkids
30. Who or what band is your favorite of the moment?
U2
31. Favorite Vacation spot? I like to go to Bruno State Park in Idaho.

Tagged

2007-02-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by my friend Lira...this happened some time ago but I haven't had an oportunity to sit and list out my answers. Being tagged means you list five little kown facts about you, post them, then tag someone else.

1). I am afraid of heights. I have tried numerous times to overcome this fear (I even jumped put of an airplane at 9,000 feet) I am still afraid of heights and I have no intention of jumping out of an airplane again!
2). One of my fetishis is bags. If I had lots of money this is something I would indulge in. I love all different colors, materials, styles and sizes!
3). I love babies. To set the record straight I no longer plan on having any more babies myself but that doesn't take away the love I have for them. Newborns to 3 months are my favorite...ok that isn't true I love them all the way up to about the age of 2 1/2.
4). One of my faovrite FREE indulgences that I have earned as a mother of 3 healthy self reliant school age kids is on Saturday mornings. I like to sleep in late, stay in my pjs, read a good book while I drink a nice cup of coffe, then take a nice long hot shower..... all of course with my hubby!!
5). I wished I lived closer to my family. My extended family lives in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Wisconsin and soon to be North Carolina. I miss them each day and can't wait till the next time we will be reunited!

I would like to now tag Mom and Daryl. Now my mom doesn't have a blog but this might get her in gear to start one!

Out of the mouth of Babes

2007-02-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

I walked in the door from work the other day and Ethan my five year old came running up to me and shouted
"Mom, guess what Barley became a woman today and she has these eggs that are falling out so Dad put her outside!"
****Barley is our 10 month old Golden Labrador

Home

2007-01-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort"
Jane Austen

Since I work four days out of the week now I don't hang out in my house much. I find that if I do it's doing things. Cleaning, laundry, homework with the kids, crashing so I can keep going. I miss just "being" in my home. Not doing anything but enjoying the fact that I have a roof over my head and the blessing that I have a sanctuary from the world.

How do I grow Spiritually?

2007-01-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me the other day "How do you grow Spititually?"
I have been thinking about it ever since.
Is it through church?
Is it through prayer?
Is it through personal devotion?
Is it through worship?
Is it through relationships?
I'm not sure.......

Hard Days

2007-01-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Some days are harder than others.
Tom I love you..hang in there,

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
From the album Passion 06: Everything Glorious

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

90 Degrees!!!!!!

2007-01-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

So the husband is off hunting..it's Sunday afternoon and we (the kids and I) are exhausted, so I turn on the TV so I can tune out. America's Funniest Home Videos is on and the fun begins. I love slapstick humor so much that I have been known to cry and almost be sick because I laugh so hard at someone else's pain (I think I may have written about this before) any who...my two oldest kids have also inherited this sick form of humor and we get a good old belly laugh togther. My youngest son just sits and winces and says "Oh My" "Oh Man that's gotta hurt".
So we are all sitting in the living room laughing and laughing and I am starting to feel flushed..then warm..then warmer..then down right hot. Now those that know me know that I never feel warm unless it's over 89 degrees so I am starting to wonder if I'm getting sick that or laughing a little to much. Soon the kids are complaining that they are hot and the boys start stripping (because there boys and they can). I am starting to feel down right uncomfortable when I go to open a window. I happen to go pass the electronic thermostate in the hallway with a little chair, with the name "Ethan" printed on it, pushed up against the wall. I happen to glance at the temperature and "someone" has jacked it up to 90. I couldn't stop laughing. I am now sitting here with my front door wide open, the back door wide open, the ceiling fans going and relief that I am not getting sick!

Saturday

2007-01-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday in our home is relaxing. It is the only day of the week that we try to sleep in and a have big breakfast as a family. We usually try not to go anywhere and work around the house instead. Our kids aren't allowed to watch t.v. or play video games during the week so come Saturday morning they are ready for some cartoons and PS2.
I know there will come a time when we won't have Saturdays or even Saturday mornings anymore, but for now I will enjoy my sleep in and realxing time with my family.

Lazy Morning

2007-01-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm having a lazy morning.
No work (I have Friday's off).
No kids (dropped them off at the bus stop for school).
No husband (duck hunting).
I'm going to finish this cup of coffee as I surf the web, ignore the clutter that has built up in my home for one more day, relax and........
Then at noon I'll get my hair cut, run to the grocery store to pick up a few necessary things and then volunteer in my son's kindergarten class for the last hour of school.
TGIF!

To My Dear Friend

2007-01-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hang in there my friend, if I could I would,

2007-01-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

We took our youngest, 5, to the doctors office last night to get his
stitches out. Our oldest son pushed him into the coffee table last week
and he hit his eye right about his eyebrow poor baby needed five
stitches. He was nervous all the way to theDr.'s because he didn't want it to hurt. They gave him four doses of numbing meds
, then two shots and the kid could still feel the pain. So when we told
him it wouldn't hurt to get his stitches out..he wasn't really going
for it. "Remember mom, you told me it wouldn't hurt to have them in,
remember!"
So the nurse really didn't do a good job taking them out.
Pulling, tugging, digging even. He survived and by the time we got home
he was eating a scooby pop and smiling ear to ear.
When I went to put neosporine on it later last night,to help with the scar, he was horrified and told me "But Mom, I don't want to get rid of my scar!".
We'll see how he feels in 20 years.

What's Up?

2007-01-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

So the kids are in bed, dinner is cleaned up, the dishwasher running, I'm in my pj's and I have a load of laundry going...and it's only 7:30pm! On Monday night.
Some times life just goes your way.
It has been forever since I have posted and I have tried so many times and fallen short of the right words to express myself. I can't really begin to tell you all that has happen over the past few months. But now that I am on the other side, it was worth it. I have a better out look on life, I am healthier emotionally and in my relationships, I have a more intimate relationship with my husband and I am experiencing a freedom I have never felt before.
Happy New Year everyone,
and Cheers to 2007!

Light

2006-10-18T22:37:00.000-06:00

I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel....

Things I am thankful for

2006-10-14T21:57:00.000-06:00

1. My three beautiful kids.
2. My family. Near and far that love me try and love me the best they can and want what's best for me even if it is hard for me to hear.
3. Laughter. Especially coming from my kids but also the feeling it gives me to giggle and laugh out loud.
4. Chocolate...need I say more!

The Right Thing

2006-10-14T20:20:00.000-06:00

I am so sick of my situation! I have been fighting with my husband for months now. Not your usual run of the mill stuff but serious, serious shit! Stuff has been exposed and now I find myself wondering what to do? Do I continue in this cycle knowing full well I don't have the emotional or physcial strength to keep going? Do I hide my head in the sand and ignore all that has been exposed? Or do I run the hell away and not face any of it? I have nothing left to offer or give. I'm not sure of who I even am anymore. I know Jesus loves me. I know my family and friends love me. But do I love myself? Do I love enough to keep going? I know what the right thing is, I know what's best for my family, but do I want to do the right thing? Do I have it in me to do the right thing?
I am so frustrated, scared and angry right now.
Dear Jesus help me, guide me, give me strength to face the unkown....

Should

2006-10-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

So shit has been happening in my life. So much shit actually that it isn't worth bothering you with because I could sit here all night typing my fingers off and not even getting close to all that has hit the fan in the last few weeks. Needless to say because of this shit I am faced with many core dilemas, one of which is;

I'm a pastors wife.
And I should on myself.

Now for those of you in this position or know someone in this position or liken yourself to someone in this position you all know what I am talking about. For those of you who don't have a clue let me fill you in;
I shouldn't have shit happen to me.
I should help people through their shit.
I should be very spiritual and have my shit together.
I shouldn't even use the word "shit".
So here I am facing my shit and I realize that I should on myself all the time.
I realize that I have a whole other person underneath these shoulds that would love to experience freedom and get out from under these oppressive shoulds that drive my life.
But I have a problem
I'm a pastors wife. So I have to ask the questions;

Should I be transparent with my thoughts and feelings for the world to see?
Should I expose myself, my shit?
Should I talk about struggles I am having openly because my husband is in a role of leadership?
What will happen if people find out about me and they realize I don't have my shit together?

And why the hell do should on myself?

When did life become so freaking complicated!

Today

2006-09-21T21:04:00.000-06:00

Not feeling so Kick Ass today......

House for Sale

2006-09-15T13:51:00.000-06:00

I swear if one more person drives by my house slowly and doesn't come in to see the inside I will scream. Yesterday we were sitting down for dinner and we had someone actually drive by slowly, hit reverse stop in the middle of the street and then lean out the windown and take a picture!! Talk about an akward moment..I didn't know if I should smile or wave.
So if anyone want's to come buy a house in Boise......

When under Stress....

2006-09-15T13:37:00.000-06:00

So I've thought of a brillant plan to stop feeling stressed. First, when you feel stressed about something ADD something even more stressful and the first stress seems non existant. That's right add to your stress and you may actually laugh at the fact that you were originally stressed about something else. The key is to keep the first and second stress going at the same time!
On my last few posts I've taken the liberty to vent a little about the stress level in my life...well that ain't nothing. So the kindergartener is enjoying school, I'm antcipating the first day of training at my new job and dear hubby wants to go look at a house. So by the end of the week we have an offer in on a gorgeous home and we have our house on the market.
Let's see can we say "IDIOTS! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DEATH WISH!"
I swear if we were to take one of those stress inventories right now we SHOULD be dead. But hell that doesn't seem to matter we have to focuse on keeping our house clean!

Work

2006-08-22T21:19:00.000-06:00

Today was great! Work went well. My boss was so impressed with me that he has me coming in earlier than planned tomorrow so he can have me start on a probate case with him. Real legal stuff! I am excited. Thanks for all of you who were thinking of me and praying for me.
I also had an absolutely wonderful reminder from God that He loves me. A new friend of mine called me up out of the blue when I got home from work and offered to bring our family a meal next Monday so that I wouldn't have to worry about cooking on my big day! I was speechless. Sometimes I am in awe of the little things God does for me to show me He loves me. Her comment was, "us moms gotta stick together!" I don't care what my friend makes for dinner on Monday night it will taste absolutlely wonderful to me!

Laying My Burdens Down

2006-08-21T23:17:00.000-06:00

So tomorrow I go join corporate America..well at least part time. Tomorrow I start training as a legal secretary. I will be working downtown four days out of the week 9am to 3:30pm. I will be able to put my kids on the bus, go to my job, drive home, meet them at the house when they get off the bus, do all my other duties and still be expected to be sane, happy and loving! I am terrified! No, that's putting it mildly, I'm scared shitless! I have had to work really hard at being sane, happy and loving! Somedays it doesn't come natural! (can I hear an Amen). I love structure and routine, I thrive on it. But that doesn't always make for a happy family! For some odd reason God didn't program young children to obey on command and take orders. And what we as a family are about to embark upon is alot of "out of control" for awhile. It's going to take some time to have a routine in the morning getting the kids and myself out the door plus I'm scared I won't be the mom I have worked hard to be, I don't want to be a mom that is tired and cranky all the time. I fight that to hard already, let alone starting a 25 hour job outside the home. Did I fail to mention that we are starting a church and my husband is working out of the living room?!?! I know this is for a season, I know that I have been blessed with the opportunity to stay home this long with my kids, I know that ultimately my kids will do great and will rise to the occasion when they are given more responsibility. But as I have emphazied over and over on this blog..CHANGE SUCKS! So I tomorrow I will buck up and take it all in stride but on the inside I am having faith that ultimately God has got it all figured out and that means I get to sit back, cry a little and lay this burden down.

We survived

2006-08-15T20:32:00.000-06:00

It happened, we survived the first day of school. It came and went and I am still in one piece! We did all the normal things this morning, had breakfast, put on the new first day of school clothes, even took the traditional first day of school pictures on the front step. We left in plenty of time to navigate what seemed to be the other 500 parents dropping off their kids and had time to play on the playground. When the bell rang my eldest two handled it beautifully, they didn't even want us to walk them to their classrooms. And my youngest well he held my hand as we walked over to his classroom, he gave me a hug and told me he loved me and then hugged Tom and told him the same thing and then turned and walked into the classroom, he didn't even look back. I guess we have done our job. Our kids seem healthy and well adjusted and hopefully on their way to being independent. It was one of those defining moments that will stick in your memory forever.
So where did we go from there???? I was determined not to be one of those mothers that drops their last child off to kindergarten and runs home and deep cleans like a mad woman before it's time to pick them up. I was determined, if it killed me, to reward myself for the last 10 years of being home full time with my kids! So.....
we started out at our local Starbucks and had coffee and read the paper, because we could sit and enjoy HOT coffee and read the paper undisturbed.
Then we walked, because we didn't have our kids whining at us that it was to far or to hot, to Barnes and Nobels and read some misc. books and didn't sit in the KIDS section on those tiny little hard benches but enjoyed the cushy thick wide armchairs.
Then we walked a little further and stopped in REI, a camping store Tom and I love to browse in but usually can't because one of our kids, if not all, have climbed into some display and are wreeking havoc on it!
Then we went to lunch at TGI Fridays, then ran to target.....yes it truly did take me mere minutes to grab the item I needed, pay and then walk out the door.
We accomplished this all in time to enjoy each other, the weather and pick the kids back up from school at preciously 1:45pm where they all came running up to us all talking at once telling us all about their first day of school.
And tomorrow, I will start the cleaning.....

Tomorrow kindergarten!

2006-08-14T21:05:00.000-06:00

Today the kids and I had a celebration day. The last day of summer hurrah! We started by taking Ethan to a kindergarten open house and then onto Ihop! for breakfast. We then went to the Discovery Center which here in Boise is a cross between "the please touch museum" in Philadelphia and OMSI in Portland. We then stopped by the local 7 Eleven for slurpees (the big ones!) and then went to Walmart to finish our school shopping, socks, waterbottles and a box of tissues. We then came home for a breather and then went back to school for the two older kids open house. We finished off the day having a nice family dinner and then reading a chapter from our latest book "Dragons in our Midst". I am excited for my kids tomorrow. I always enjoyed the first few days of school were everything is fresh and you don't have much work. But as any mom sending their little one to kindergarten it will be hard and bittersweet. Ethan had a great time at the open house this morning, even though he did claim to being bored as the teacher talked to us. But as we left the building he still grabbed a hold of my hand and said "Mom, I love you and I am going to miss you." I do hope I can make it through tomorrow's drop off without bursting into tears.

Mother Mary

2006-08-11T17:20:00.000-06:00

After an extremely emotional taxing day, (second day of intense fighting with dear hubby) I decided to make nachos and cheese and chocolate chip milkshakes for dinner for the kids and I. I also decided that we would sit in the living room and eat them in front of the TV while watching a movie! My kids were so excited they couldn't hold it in:

Child #1 - "Mom you are the best!"
Child #2 - "Mom you are the best woman I know!"
Child #1 - "Mom you are truly the greatest woman ever born!!!"
Child #2 - "Huuhem, I think that the greatest woman ever born was Mary the mother of Jesus"
"Do you really think our mother is better than Mary the mother of our LORD?"
Child #1 -"uuuuuuu Mom you are the greatest woman right after Mary"

Welcome to Monday

2006-08-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

I'm cranky.
The kids are cranky.
8 more days of summer vacation.
My van is having thermastate issues and the a/c doesn't work correctly, so I don't want to leave the house because it's hot and we all know what happens when mom and kids get hot they get CRANKY!!!!!

Happy 32nd Birthday Tom

2006-08-05T23:50:00.000-06:00

Tom you were the one that answered my questions when I was first seeking God.
You were the one that reasurred me of God's love when I was so afraid to trust.
You were the first person to model grace to me in a very real and tangible way that changed me life forever.
You have made continued sacrifices for the sake of our family and for that I thank you.
You have been faithful and protective of what God has given you and I appreciate and admire you for that.
Tom, you are a great husband and wonderful father.
I love your wisdom, knowledge and sense of humor.

I love you,
Happy Birthday,
Your Ivory Soap Girl
Forever

Family

2006-08-04T08:29:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful conversation the other evening with my cousin Audrey, she is such a wonderful spirit. Totally lives in the moment and blesses God any opportunity she can for all that she has. Audrey is one of my 21 cousins I grew up with in Ireland. Her family alone has nine and we used to have so much fun together. My family lived in Dublin and every couple of months we would travel 3 hours to visit my cousins and grandma (Gram) down in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. We would make the journey and when we got there we were free. My aunt Clare never seemed to have any order to what was going on in her home. There was at least 15 years difference between the oldest and the youngest so there were always kids at different stages of life running around getting into mischief. Grams house was right next to Clares home and they were both situated on a couple of acres of land so it was always an adventure to go play. We would disappear for what seemed like hours, store up on sweets from the local shop with whatever money would could find and not go to bed until really late. I loved those days they take up much of my childhood memories. I remember the day my dad told us we were moving to America as we drove down to see everyone, how I realized for the first time that life would never be as simple and carefree, that change was coming and there was nothing I could do to stop it. We said goodbye when I was ten and for at least the next five/ six years our families would alternate shipping some of us out for six weeks at a time to their home or ours. And we continued to have incredible memories. They are my family. Our family has grown and between marriages and births I bet our family has grown to over 50 and we are scattered all over this world. New Zealand, America, England, Ireland, Canada. I miss them all so much, I long for the days where we could go fill our pockets with chocolate and sit in our fort and laugh till we felt sick. It makes me so sad that there is no way I will see many of them again in my lifetime because of financial and time restraints. But when I get on the phone with Audes, who I haven't seen in over 17 years and we joke and laugh I smile and my heart is warmed because we are still family and we still have a tie that binds us deeper than no other.

Sense of Humor

2006-08-02T17:55:00.000-06:00

We watched 50 First Dates last night with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It was cute, romantic and slapstick funny. My husband tells me I have a sick sense of humor. I just laugh and laugh when people get hurt. For example, there is a scene in the movie where Adam Sandler sets up a scenario to attract Drew Barrymore's character. So Adam asks his friend to pretend to beat him up by the side of the road, Drew comes along sees what's happening and grabs a bat from her car and starts hitting this other character really hard.. I thought it was hysterical! Adam is screaming "I think you got him, I'm ok not to worry" meanwhile she starts chasing after this other character to hit him some more. I'm giggling about it as we speak. I know it's wrong but it's just the way I am. The thing is though this has caused some bad "parental" moments when my kids have had done some silly things on accident that send me into fits of smothered giggles! When one of the kids rode their bike into a mailbox because they weren't paying attention or when they are just the right height to walk into door knobs and counters...again I'm giggling. You wanna know the best part..I have passed this wonderful and sick sense of humor onto my daughter. We went to see RV with Robin Williams a few weeks ago and she and I had the guys in the middle of us and as funny slapstick things are happening she and I are laughing the loudest! I must say I really don't feel that badly anymore

Soon back to school

2006-08-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

I never ever thought I would be one of those moms who couldn't wait for the school bus to show up at the end of summer. I love my children and even gave my hand at homeschooling for awhile before we moved here to Boise. Our kids are on a year round school schedule so they have six weeks off during the summer opposed to the "traditional" 2 1/2 months. They will then get the month of Nov. off and the whole month of March off. I love my kids and have struggled this past few months with sending my baby of to kindergarten. Full day no doubt! With all the other transitions going on in our home I was really mourning the lose of this time of life. But when I had to discipline my kids for the 50th time before LUNCH today I knew there was part of me that will be a rejoicing to see that school bus coming on August 15th. Not only have they spent more time on their beds for time outs but they were actually fighting yesterday silently! We had put them all on separate chairs (but still in view of each other) and when I turned around they where grunting and pointing at each other like monkeys, I looked at my dear hubby and said "what do we do now?". Only 14 more days......

Thank you Jesus

2006-07-31T18:52:00.000-06:00

I'm a Christian. I have been for over 14 years. I grew up in the Catholic church and when I was a freshman in high school I became frustrated with the Sunday morning routine and asked my dad if he would mind if I went and checked out other churches. My dad is a strong Irish Catholic and I know it must have been very hard for him to let me explore but he said ok. I became part of a bible study that met in my home studying the book of John. I eventually had enough courage to join them at their local youth group after our bible study. I was extremely intimidated and felt very insecure but continued to go. Through my relationship with the youth pastor I ended up helping out at their summer ministry "The Fresh Air Home" a home used as a two week summer camp for underprivileged kids ages 6 - 10. This is where I learned about Jesus in a new way. I learned about a Jesus that loved me just the way I was. One that didn't care what I looked like, one who didn't care what I could do for Him, one that didn't care about my questions and concerns, one that actually embraced them. A Jesus that created me and loved me for me. How awesome an adventure it has been since that time when I first caught a glimpse of what it was like to be loved. This adventure has been exciting, scary, painful and indescribable at times. I would not change the challenges and rewards for anything in the world. So here we are my family and I on our newest adventure, a church plant in the Meridian Boise area in Idaho. How we ended up here is a much longer story than this post. Our family and another quit our jobs back in April and yesterday, Sunday July 30th we started services as Common Ground Chrisitan Fellowship. We have taken a huge leap of faith but simply put we saw it all come together as over 100 people joined us in a high school auditorium to worship the same Jesus I have come to love and adore. Simply put thank you Jesus.

Date Night

2006-07-29T12:34:00.000-06:00

So it's Saturday, 12:30pm and I am still in my PJ's. It doesn't happen very often that I get to enjoy this wonderful indulgence of sleeping in on Saturday morning and doing nothing. So I have been perusing my favorite blogs, checking on a pair of shoes I am interested in on eBay and now I am sitting writing this. Tonight me and the hubby are going on a date night so that means that I need to clean the house. This may not be the first thing that comes to peoples minds when they think of a date night but when I have a reason for someone to come over, ie. the babysitter, I usually feel the need to tidy and clean. I am a relatively neat person and enjoy a picked up house but with the kids home for the summer, leaving work this week, and starting Common Ground the house hasn't been on top of my priority list. So I will leave the comfort of my cozy arm chair, get dressed and start scrubbing bathrooms and the kitchen floor. And come five o'clock I will be ready to go on a nice date with T.

Busy Busy Busy

2006-07-28T14:41:00.000-06:00

Hi All,
I am tired ... but I can't rest yet! Common Ground, our new church start up, starts services on Sunday and I am running all over the place trying to get stuff ready. It's not like I am the only one who is hard at work all who are volunteering are excited about seeing all this come together. I look forward to Sunday morning and seeing what God will do. Well guess that's it, just checking in.

Pity Party

2006-07-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

Today I am having a pity party for myself. It's my last day at a job I have worked for 3 years and I am pretty darn sure no one could give a crap! Some days I feel so unappreciated. Oh well this to shall pass. There have been so many hurtful things that have happened at this place I just don't know why I am so surprised that nothing will happen today....but I must admit that even a "good luck" would be nice. I think I will buy myself a cup of coffee and count down the minutes!

My saga with my nose ring

2006-07-26T14:49:00.000-06:00

So I got my nose pierced in Nov. of last year. I have always liked those little nose studs and a bunch of friends went to a local tattoo parlor on a Saturday and took the plunge. So I have been wearing a little stud since then. I bought a stud that had a little fake diamond in it and a few days later I noticed that the little jewel had popped out. This particular nose stud was called a "bone" which means instead of bending the end of stud so it doesn't fall out, it has a little ball at the end. So you basically push the "bone" ball end and all into your nose. Well as you can imagine it hurt like hell to get in so when I noticed the jewel had popped out I really wasn't going to take it out for awhile. Then comes the day that I decide I want a change but I couldn't pull this thing out. I mean it hurt so bad and I pulled with all my might and it still wasn't happening so I enlist my dear hubby to help...he yanked so hard and you could literally feel and hear a pop as it came out! Bloody hell it hurt much worse than when I put it in. So I put a new stud in not a bone and kept in for a day to see if I liked it. I didn't so I braced myself to put in another bone. Well again I had to enlist the help of dear hubby because the hole had closed a little so he had to push with all his might to get it back in...(well beyond this point I have asked myself a millions times "is this even worth it?.) all this to say I put this new stud in and 10 minutes later I notice the jewel has popped out AGAIN! I have been bracing myself to change but I know it hurts like hell and I tend to be a woose at times so I have had to build up. So all this to say last night I am doing some laundry and I bring down this huge box of laundry detergent and it scrapes me on the nose and tears out my stud .. bone and all! I have no other nose rings and I call my friend Jen in a panic and she tells me she'll bring me one of hers. So today I am sitting here with a nose ring in my nose and I am going to the store to buy a real nice nose stud because at this point I really don't care to keep hurting myself for the sake of beauty!

Blahhh

2006-07-24T15:17:00.000-06:00

Not feeling the greatest today which isn't the best timing. We start services this Sunday and there is so much to be done. I am excited about this new adventure but when your back aches, your head hurts and you have cramps its hard to get excited about anything. Oh well, it will all get done and if it doesn't I'm ok with it.
We had the best time this past weekend hanging out with friends and camping. We purchased a pop up trailer at the beginning of the summer and it has brought camping to a totally new level. It's actually fun! It has a king bed, queen bed and the table and little sofas turn into a single. Perfect for our family of 5. It has a stove, fridge and storage. My dear hubby insists that he could put in a porta potty but I am insistent that I have absolutely no desire to pee in the middle of the trailer. I will take my chances, like I have been for the last 15 years, and make my way in the middle of the night to the nearest restroom do my thing and return back to my warm sleeping bag. For some reason he doesn't understand and suggests every morning "your sure you don't want me to install that porta potty". It just doesn't appeal to me to peel into an adult sized potty in the middle of my sleeping family. So on with my day, laundry to be done, unpacking of the food etc. and dinner tonight with more friends.

Hello!

2006-07-23T22:56:00.000-06:00

So I haven't been on in quite some time. I have been busy doing ...well.... all the stuff that I do in my life. Being a mom to three kids, wife to my dear hubby, completing my certification to become a doula, going on a family vacation to England to see my grandma and then coming home and walking through my husband quitting his job as a junior high pastor and starting a new church. So I have been a little busy. And while I was gone I have started a wonderful hobby of reading my friends blogs. I have friends here in Boise that keep blogs, a friend in Washington, and even a dear friend in Cochambama (sp?) Bolivia. And the thing I have noticed is that most of them don't worry about spelling errors, punctuation marks or even grammar, they just say what's on their minds and go from there. So here is to my new commitment to my blog which is so therapeutic...Mom you should really get one of your own! I am entering a new phase of life, new church, all three kids in school, and a new job downtown. So watch out world here I come.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2006-03-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my daughter turned nine. We took her to lunch as a family and had a great time. My husband started out the conversation by saying "What do you guys want to be when you grow up?" Now I don't know how many 9, 7 and 4 year olds have given this question much consideration but what came out of our kids mouths made us laugh. Our seven year old began to tell us that he would like to build things. He would like to build a little house, that would be quiet, with a space attached, where it would be quiet, and he could build things that would help the police catch bad guys. He would also build a church next door so that he could go and talk to God whenever he wanted to. Both my husband and I had a sense of pride and awe on our faces as he responded. It was our daughters turn next but she was having to much fun with her gifts and didn't want to answer the question. So that left our four year old to give his answer. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up he answered "a techno genius". Now I have no idea what that is or where he heard the term from but he had us laughing pretty hard at his answer.

Conversations

2006-02-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

My son made the comment the other day that he was feeling sad because he was thinking about his Poppop that had died and all his other ancestors. Really what other 7 year old boy thinks about his "ancestors." I will never stop being fascinated by my own children.

Hurt

2006-02-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

It lingers in my thoughts
Waiting to captivate my mind
Waiting to consume my soul
Will it ever leave?
Will I ever be rid of this torment that plagues me?

Gone are the days of innocent love
Carefree and effortless
Beautiful and kind
Enter in darkness and bitterness
Calculated and cunning
Painful and sad
Will I ever feel love again
Or will this pain fill my heart forever?

Change (for the most part) Sucks!

2006-01-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Change comes in many different forms. As a mom and wife changes take on many shapes and forms on a regular basis. As a mom change sometimes comes with a heartfelt "Thank You God!" ie. your child learns to sleep through the night or they become potty trained. Sometimes change comes with heartfelt sorrow and you feel that little twang of pain in your chest ie. your first born hits puberty and your last born hops on the bus for kindergarten. As a wife, change comes in the form of maturing and deepening your relationship with your husband and continuing to learn about each other even after many years together. So many times at the sake of self sacrifice, determination and hard work on both parts.
Most of the time I have been grateful for the changes......when they have passed and I have had time to adjust. But more often than not, during the times when things are shifting I feel sad. As we speak our family is going through changes. My eldest is having bouts of crying, she is growing like a weed and is constantly changing her clothes and accessories. My middle son is struggling to find his place in this world at the ripe old age of 7 and I am catching glimpses of the young man he is becoming. My baby, almost 5, is no longer a baby. We received paperwork for kindergarten registration and I still don't feel prepared to let him go. My husband, who has been unsatisfied at work for over two years, is starting to reach the end of his rope and we are both wondering where this new year will lead us. In the midst of all this I continue to move forward through the laundry, shuttling of kids, making of meals, cleaning etc. But sometimes it is healthy to have a good cry. Let me rephrase that, sometimes it is NECESSARY to have a good cry. To sit and bawl like a baby and be honest with God and say "You know, I am not liking this process, I know it is necessary and we can't stay the same forever but this is hard and it sucks!"
And God in His infinite wisdom and love gives me His shoulder to cry on and His ear to listen. And when I am done and I reach that completely warn out place, where no more tears will fall and I am completely, exhausted I feel His arms reach around me and give me a hug. And I know that even though change sucks He is there holding me and supporting me along the way.

The funny art of listening

2006-01-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

My precious son at the age of 7 gave me insight on how to effectively listen to someone you love. This conversation took place tonight when I put my 7 year old and 4 year old to bed.
Brother 1 (4yr old) - Can you see me? (I should add before I go any further that they are in bunk beds bro. 1 on the bottom)
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - Can you see me now?
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - Can you see me NOW???
Bro. 2 - Uhuh
Bro. 1 - What if I where in another room could you see me then?
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - What if I where in another state could you see me then?
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - What if I where in Ireland could you see me then?
Bro. 2. - Uhu?
Bro. 1 - WOW You are amazing!
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - What if I were in Jail could you see me then?
Bro. 2 - ............yep
Bro. 1 - If I were in jail you could see me!!!!!!
Bro. 2 - Yep
Bro. 1 - oh my..
Bro. 2 - uhuh
Bro. 1 - Goodnight
Bro. 2 - Goodnight

Rest

2005-10-23T23:23:00.000-06:00

Is it truly possible to rest in a world that doesn't?
Think about it, how many people do you know that really know how to rest without trying? Without feeling guilty, without doing something. Watching t.v., listening to ipods, emailing, working in their yard or their home, running errands, going somewhere else to rest because they can't do it at home etc. I know you can "discipline" yourself or "teach" yourself. But isn't that more work. Isn't that adding more to your To Do List. I find it utterly sad that in our culture and world today we have to pencil in time to rest. It doesn't seem to come natural anymore. And let's face it if and when you do stop how many of us feel lazy for doing it. I think one of the reasons we don't rest is expressed in this quote "If I am not working, who am I? If have free time, will my demons return - those thoughts and fears and possibilities that I am able to sidestep by being busy. Will I feel useless, uneasy? Will something new be expected of me?" Martha Whitmore Hickman in a A day of Rest.

Halloween

2005-10-20T21:53:00.000-06:00

My kids are going to be famous wizards and a witch for Halloween with costumes bought from the STORE. We have been reading the Harry Potter Series. And my middle son, Obi decided he wanted to be Harry. Of course then my 4 year old son, Pasta, decided that he to wanted to be Harry. Then my daughter, Bean, decided that she wanted to be Hermonie. They quickly concluded between the three of them that Pasta, could be Ron. So there you have it in one short trip to the local Savers we determined this years Halloween costumes. If only every Hallowen could all be this easy. I am one of those mothers who resorts to boxed caked mix, won't make cookies anymore (I make bar cookies instead much easier), and doesn't sew. At this point many of you may relate, but the unfortunate part of my life is my husband came from a goddess of domestic wonder. That's right my mother in law can clean like no one's business. Can whip up a chocolate cake from scratch within minutes and she can sew rags together and they look like a designer outfit bought at Macy's. She is a wonderfully dear woman who I have learned so much from. To be honest if it wasn't for her my husband and I would probably still be eating pasta, in some form or another, five times a week. But the down side is that my husband has some pretty high expectations of what a "mother" should produce. And that brings me to Halloween. A national holiday that brings me stress headaches just thinking about the dang day in JULY! We live on a budget so going and buying a big fancy costume each year is out of the question and I am not a creative genius that can go to her closet and five minutes later have six different costumes lined up. I am some where lost in the middle. I live under a budget but will go anyway for the chance of a cheap decent costume. But this year we have our costumes in order early, they were cheap and my kids are having a blast playing with them leading up to the big day. So now the only dilemma we face is that my three kids are dressing up as famous students from Hogwarts and my husband is a Pastor.......onto the next stress headache.

In Light of the "Nicest Thing 10/13"

2005-10-14T16:56:00.000-06:00

In light of what my wonderful husband said yesterday, it didn't really help me feel any better when at 2:00am this morning I had to change my four year olds sheets because he had peed the bed. I kept thinking to myself "this is an honor to do this and your husband thinks your great" but for some reason it just didn't help the level of frustration because instead of sleeping I was smelling urine, changing my son, stripping his bed of linens and gropping around the house looking for extra blankets to cover him up with. Oh the joys of motherhood!

Nicest Thing

2005-10-13T20:57:00.000-06:00

Today my husband said one of the nicest things to me. It's that time of year when we have those wonderful parent / teacher conferences. This morning we met with our daughters third grade teacher and our sons second grade teacher. My kids are great. They have their quirks, like every human on the planet. They are disobedient at times, have a hard time listening, and are plain frustrating at times but I love them. And I think they are the best kids every! The first meeting we went to was with our daughter's teacher. It lasted 10 minutes. She basically told us Bean (obviously not her real name, but a favorite nickname since birth) is a great kid. She's smart. She has no difficulty understanding material. She works well by herself. She works well with others. She is kind and considerate and helps others. What more could be said? We asked some basic parental questions and we left with great big smiles on our faces. Then we went to our sons class, four doors down the hallway. This meeting lasted a tad longer. It seems Obi (after the great Jedi) is struggling just a bit with math. He's an awesome reader. But unfortunately he didn't come from a great gene pool of mathematicians. She also told us he is friendly. He works well with others. He works well by himself. He is not afraid to share his opinion in class. He helps others and has a great smile. So we left that meeting with a resolve to work at home with him some more, recognized he'll probably never excel in math, and left with great big smiles on our faces. So what does this have to do with my great compliment. Well a few hours later my husband, nomad, (do I need to state this isn't his real name?) and I were in the office. I am his assistant. Really. I am paid to be his assistant. Anyway, Nomad says to me "You know it is a great compliment to you that our kids have turned out the way they are. All those nice things those teachers said it is a credit to you" ....... WOW!! ........ For a brief moment I realized that I have made a difference in the world. All the endless, sometimes nonsensical crap I do all day, every day has made a difference. Thank you honey! Thank you for giving me the greatest compliment I have received in a long time. Thank you for noticing that I have worked really, really hard over the past 8 years for the purpose of trying to raise healthy, independent functional children in this sometimes big, cruel world. And above all else thank you for taking the time to tell me.

Love Hate Relationship

2005-10-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

I have a love hate relationship with The Gap. Yes, it's true. I grew up wearing gap clothes (I know I have just further labeled myself). The number one thing I love about The Gap is that they design the jeans that fit me just right. The perfect pair of jeans. Boot Cut. Regular. Size * (come on, you didn't think I was going to list my jean size on the internet!) You know the pair that no matter what, they look good and make you feel great. I also like how they carry a small line of "classic style" clothes that are just plain comfortable, like their comfy T's (long sleeve or short). And whenever you visit a thrift store looking for adults or kids stuff the Gap clothes always looks good. But on the flip side, sometimes they venture into designs that I think only the size "0" women in this world look good in. Need I say more? And their prices are absolutely insane. $49.50 for a pair of jeans! Are you kidding me! Who can possibly afford that. Not most moms of multiple children who are trying to make every penny stretch. "Honey, I decided we aren't going to eat for three days because I had to buy a new pair of jeans." But my absolute biggest pet peeve about the Gap is the same reason I love them, their jeans. Every year about this time, I develop holes in the knees. I swear every year that I won't give in and go and buy them again, no matter how comfortable or great they look. But then I go trying on every jean in the world and can't find anything remotely close. So what brings me back to loving them? Well I have a day like today. I walk in and not only do they have the same jeans for 60% off!! But a bunch of other stuff, that they usually sell at extremely ridiculous prices, also have prices that are slashed up the wazzo. So I can justify buying a couple pairs. I know I have looked everywhere under the sun for others. I know I got a great deal and above all else I look good and feel great. As far as the knees go, we'll just have to see what happens next year.

Cleaning Day

2005-10-11T09:53:00.000-06:00

Today I need to clean. That's right it is every housewife's favorite day. When we get to pull out all the cleaning supplies (all 25 of them), put on our ugliest clothes, get out the mop, broom, vacuum and CLEAN. I especially like the bathroom. I love to get in there, get on my hands and knees and scrub where my two little boys pee all over the place. What else could a mother want out of life but to serve her family by cleaning their bodily fluids from the walls, trash cans, toilet seats and whatever else happens to be close by. It amazes me how gross a bathroom can get so easily when you have children using it daily. I am amazed when I walk in and see the newest and latest mess. From toothpaste on the mirrors, to "experiments" spilled all over the counter. It is a daily adventure just walking in the door. Yes, I am a lucky woman indeed. So "Cheers" to all you other women in the world who enjoy this ritual on a regular basis. Now on with my exciting day...