Just give me a Minute . . .

I am an artificial friend.

2011-09-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Plank Pulling is a little thing we do every Thursday around here. The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye. Matthew 7:3-5 style. It’s intimidating and it’s embarrassing and it’s humbling and it’s therapeutic all rolled into one.

I'm kinda amazed at my group of friends. They are some amazing women! But it is amazing that they count me a friend at all.

See - I'm artificial.

And they know it.

Let me explain; most of my closest friends are nature loving, tree hugging, organic, home making, from-scratching, kombucha drinking friends.

And I have at least one set of "America sucks and so does the American church" dreads wearing hippies. (Hi! Hippy friends!*wave*)

And I'm not.

And I'm patriotic. I tear up at 4th of July parades. At patriotic songs, too. (again, Hi, Hippy friends! Love you!)

Now, I appreciate nature, beauty, and doing good for the the ecosystem - Nevertheless, I prefer nature walks with trails, Camp sites with hot showers, indoor plumbing (LOVE indoor plumbing) foods made with fresh/organic ingredients that *someone else* grew. I like my chickens already plucked and packaged.

And I like hot dogs. No matter the ingredients, what is ground up and in a hot dog never tasted so good. And Twinkies. I like Twinkies.

A few days ago I went to visit one of said friends who has here own chickens, and they were going to . . I don't know, *Something* with the chickens and the kids were telling me how much it stank. "But, OH!" my friend said "You get fresh eggs every.day!" . .

To me the pay off is not worth it. Not with cows, not with chickens, not with a major garden.

I might try growing a small herb garden.

As for environmentally healthy living - again, I can appreciate it. But I really don't hold much hope of anything getting better. I *do* believe that Jesus is coming back soon, and maybe the elimination of the ozone would be one of the major things that is spoken of in the Bible when the end is upon us. So I won't say that all the disaster senarios environmentalist are dreading wont happen. . .

Don't worry world, I don't just throw plastic bags out our car window while driving. When at the beach I make sure to gather all my garbage and place it in it's proper receptacle, and I will buy "green" stuff if it's there at a good price. But if it cost more to live better, I'll just die. Thankyouverymuch.

An optimistic cynic. That's me.

When my friends talk to me about organic food, I can't jump on the bandwagon to believe it's better - Pesticides were created for a reason, and I am not buying that it was for population control.

That's what lick-able stamps were for.

If it's canned, packaged, instant, or boxed, it's OK by me. I like preservatives that help the food I buy not spoil so fast and I'm willing to live with the consequences of hormones in my oranges that make them HUGE!

And with that last paragraph I'll probably have to go into witness protection program . . . .

Really - I love my peeps! I can appreciate all they do and why. Amazed they tolerate me.

But I only got the urge to drink kombucha *once*

Just a whole bunch of silly princesses . . .

2011-09-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've seen this one before:

and while looking for that picture I ran into this:

All because today, while going through my own pictures I found *THIS* very silly bunch of princesses . . . . . .

I *heart* princesses.

My boy, the warmonger.

2011-09-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

My boy makes war on paper: out of clay,

*Out* of paper

legos and playmobil

and even a doll - this one is dressed up as a knight.

of course, he himself is the most valiant of warriors!

I think it's hard wired into him.

The one about prayer

2011-08-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Plank Pulling Thursday - I was going to do this last week. Didn't get around to it and then Jessica posts *This* last week.

So - I'm gonna go with it.

I don't habitually pray before I eat.

There - I said it. I'm in ministry, I teach Bible studies, I take God VERY seriously and it is usually my hubby that walks in and asks "Did anyone pray?" While I mummble and swallow and clasp my hands together.

I'd like my kids to give thanks before they eat. I do think there is Biblical precedence for it . . .

I just don't follow through.

I take my relationship with Jesus very personal, it's not a religion for me - it's a relationship, and I think there is a fine line between familiarity and disrespect.

But really - does that mar my christian report card? Does it? Really?

I might argue that saying thanks before we eat can get legalistic . . . oooohhh and "legalistic" is bad in all christian-ese.

I mean, God and I talk all the time! There has been more than one prayer that started in my heart and my first words where "I Know!" because God was giving me a spiritual nudge. And I will just start talking to Him. My Abba, Father.

But consider - God is my Abba, and KING. So, like - say the president's kids, there is a time for intimacy and yet also to remember their fathers position and the respect that is to be show to that.
Granted, I lean towards the intimacy. Like the intimacy I have with the kids at my table.

And when they leave the table I do insist that they do two things - take the plate to the sink, and say "Thank you for the food" to whomever prepared that meal.

I guess I could see how God just wants the same consideration from me.

OK

I wonder, then, what the "take your plate to the sink" equivalent is?

huh

2011-08-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today, I found these popsicles in the freezer. So *that's* where the spoons went!

My 6 year old did it.

And I love that he had the independent gumption to do so!

Now, I love babies. More, in fact, than I used to.

But I am happy, happy, happy that my kids are just a little bigger now.

But not BIG.

Still small enough to be carried in after they fall asleep on the drive home.

Although the 7yr old is fastly approaching the time where I won't be able to, anymore.

But they are big enough to get themselves ready in the mornings, and big enough to make popsicles for themselves should they feel inclined. And big enough to get a drink for themselves when thirsty.

Although, sometimes what they wear, use, drink can surprise/amuse you.

Like the cup I found with a straw in it.

I remember seeing 3yr old with this drink. I thought it was ice tea.

Nope.

It was syrup.

Maple syrup.

Yeah.

With.A.Straw.

Dental Hygiene

2011-08-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Me to 6yr old: "you need to go brush your teeth when you're done with your lollipop because your teeth are red."
A little later he says "Hey MOM! Look! I'm brushing my teeth *WHITH* my lollipop!"

Nice

Dude

2011-08-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dude

I really like that word, ''dude", it fits so perfectly in so many situations. It'll commiserate, express excitement, joy, defeat, be a greeting, and it is also the most non-committal "safe" word out there.

When first married I told my hubby that if he didn't agree with me about something, maybe he might be thinking I'm completely off my rocker - and he really just wanted to "fix" whatever problem I was having but I just needed him to listen he could safely say "Um, yeah." But "dude" is going to be my new replacement statement.

For example:

"So, I just feel like it's all a big conspiracy man, and don't lick the stamps, OK? Because it's the Man's way of controlling population and I really care about you."

"Dude"

And what's more, "dude" if executed properly, can be left to be interpreted by the dude recipient to reflect any emotion or sentiment they need. Nice.

So when you don't know what to say - just say "dude". For me it is the verbal equivalent of Duck Tape.

I'm a Christian and I have tattoos

2011-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Bohemian Bowans is having a *very interesting* talk over christians and tattoos!

Here are two of mine.

It's a cat.

*sigh* people ask me if it's a wolf.

Wish it was so cool - it's just a picture I found in a coloring book.

Yeah

My very first! Plank Pulling Thursday

2011-07-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is my first Plank Pulling Thursday that Bohemian Bowmans has been hosting for quite a while now.

She says " . . . The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye. Matthew 7:3-5, style."

So bear with me -

Recently, I've had two great friends celebrate their birthdays. One, her hubby set up an elaborate surprise getaway to a Bed & Breakfast followed on their return to a surprise pot luck party with friends. The other had ~~her friends~~ *our* friends throw a surprise black and white party. I just love both these ladies and every one of 'em that set all this up. And I *love* to celebrate birthdays!

Here's the plank.

I've got childish envie up the wazoo. Yes. Grown woman, mother of three, former Army National Guard, field missionary since 1997, I. have. jumped. out. of. planes! For crying out loud! Picture me, on the floor, kicking my heals, pounding my fists. IWAANNAABIRTHDAYPARTY! I WANT SOMEBODY TO REMEMBER ME!

*sigh* (give me a minute to gather myself)

And my plank is big enough that I want someone else to remember my birthday. I don't want to tell them - because it just. isn't. the. same.

My birthday is in May and very often gets rolled into Mother's day and so it's kinda "shared" *if* it's remembered at all. Other years my birthday was remembered by my beloved, with a weak "Happy Birthday honey, but it's the end of the month . . maybe we'll do something when we get some money."

I sound ridiculous to myself.

Yet - ther' be a plank there, no doubt.

It's more like a pool for me. A self pity pool that draws my interest and just makes me want to dive in and swim around in it.

So - now to pull this sucker.

I will chose NOT to swim in that self-pity pool. And if I get my toes wet, I will pull them out quick. I will give thanks for what I have.

I know that I have friends that love me. I know my husband loves me. I know this. And if I want a birthday party - next year - I'm going to let people know. Oh - and I'm going to set aside a sum for my sweet hubby to go get something, and I'll provide him a list to chose from! And I'll give God the thanks for another year.

So be warned friends and family . . . May 29th. It will be a true "memorial weekend" if I can help it!

Jessie J - Price tag - Sign Language

2011-07-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

What a fun video!

Two thumbs up! Parenting Wild Things

2011-07-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Listen up friends!

I am a researcher by nature. For each stage of my life, I've got a ~~book~~ books for. When dating I had the dating books, when engaged, when first married, when pregnant . . etc. Hence I've got my favorites.

Allow me to share with you one of my favs now.

Parenting Wild Things
Embracing the Rumpus

(- got any 'wild things' yourself?)

It's an e-book . . that was new to me. First e-book I read; but that is neither here nor there . . .

First off, I love this author's style of writing. It's a quick and easy read. She is authentic, witty and sincere.
She says:

"So I know quite a bit about imperfection. My parenting has been riddled with it."

Ever since I found her blog I've read her posts nodding my head and feeling very comadre with her. The book is the same way.

The first thing she tackles is a mommy's tendency to compare herself to other mothers by sharing her own experience:

"I stare at the computer screen, reading the blog of another mom and stew, yet again, in a pile of self-pity and loathing. “I’m nowhere near as patient as her”, I bemoan. If my Three Year Old destroyed something of mine, I’d be furious. I would react, I would yell, I would sigh, I would damage the heart of the little soul that has been entrusted to me. I read the accounts of these super moms and grow surer every day that I am a terrible mother and that I’ll never be anything different."

I loved her idea of kids being like aliens:

"I’m sad to say that I have spent too much of the last 10 years treating my children like they are criminals with ill intentions; like they purposely make that mess, or break that thing, or blurt out that inappropriate comment, just to upset me.

But the truth is, my children aren’t criminals and neither are yours (well, at least not yet).

They’re aliens."

This actually was my favorite chapter. And then at the end of the chapters she throws in these "challenges" . . . a little goal you can aim for to put some of the ideas into practice.

To be honest, I didn't agree with everything, but I don't think that's necessary to be able to reap some real gems from her experience, from her book.

I think Jennifer Bowman is a gem, this book is a gem and to sum it up in one word: Enjoyable

You can get a copy for yourself here.

Do

Parenting Wild Things

2011-07-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Love Love Love!

The good (out of the bad and ugly) in Mexico

2011-07-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

So, about 10 days ago I think I broke my foot.

But *WHO* wants to go to the doctor and pay for the visit and x-rays and more if all they are going to do is tell you to take ibuprofen and stay off it.

That I can tell myself.

Like I just did.

Anyway. My mom is now with me, and my foot is still hurting, and she is -lovingly-persistantly- telling me I need to get it looked at.

I'm gonna let her sway me, and I'll tell you why - Mexico.

Mexico doesn't have the doctor, pharmacy, radiology, labs and so on all rolled up into one package - you visit a doctor then you go and visit a lab clinic and then you go to some pharmacy nearby . . .all separate from the other. And on a bad day, I hate this.

But today it sounds just peachy because it means that I can just hobble myself down to the radiology clinic and get x-rays for myself (for about 35 dollars) and if my foot is badly broken *THEN* I'll take the x-rays to the doctor and see what he has to say about it.

Otherwise, I'm just taking myself home and downing some ibuprofen. Thankyouverymuch.

UPDATE: went and got the x-rays, and yes, it's official, it's broken. And I'm back to *less than in love* with Mexico because the doctor put a cast on my foot but I'd have to go somewhere else to find a boot for it.

Well, it's May.

2011-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should catch everyone up since hubby got back from Honduras A MONTH AGO!

I had hardly any time to do anything, including facebook or blog time, but when he got home it just meant we were BOTH busy.

But I don't think I'm gonna finish it up today. *sigh*

Maybe I can pencil blogger in . . . hmm . . some time in June?

Whew

2011-02-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Two weeks of hubby being gone to Honduras for 2 months and I'm POOPED!

Thank goodness my box of Jolt-caffinaded gum- just came in . . !!!

:-)

Shooting straight from the heart here -

2011-01-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

My aunt tells me on the phone she's HAD IT!

She is not going to help my mother no mo! Not checking her mail, not watching her house - NOTHING!

I'm not at all surprised. I've felt that way several, several times.

And I'm kinda relieved that my aunt is expressing this . . .this . . . frustration.

Long I've been aware my mom is 'off'-or as I say it; has an undiagnosed mental illness- and it is a world of difference being related, to her, like being a sister or brother, and being this person's child.

World.Of.Difference.

Among my siblings we have concurred that one of the strongest reasons we have any relationship with my mom right now is because of the love and respect we've had for our aunts and uncles. And I used to seek them out with questions and seeking answers and reasons - but more and more I found them asking me about mom.

And I understood that they didn't understand and that they still were running on an ideal relationship assumption - that blood is thicker than water.

*LIFE SPOILER ALERT*

Here's the deal folks - it's not. And at times where for my, and my own family's good, I've had to be what would seem cruel with my mother - I would get frustrated that my extended family didn't always understand this - couldn't see it, couldn't support me.

Now finally - in my dear aunts desperations I'm seeing her come to a point - I hope - of understanding.

It's different is all -

The truth comes out.

2011-01-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Making the shopping list my son reminds me to get bacon.

Then he says "I've got something to tell you mom, . . . it's a little disgusting . . . (comes to whisper in my ear)

. . . bacon comes from PIGS

Being lavoed

2010-12-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

I woke up to this on my fridge.

My daughter did it - she has a heart about that big ~

I love her for it.

Still, it is bittersweet for me - because it shows dyslexia -

I believe dyslexia is in my family, and that I have it, even if we've never been tested for it.

It comes from my mothers side. For one thing - we ALL can't spell. I'm not the only one that struggles with left and right, and I know there are some that will get lost in a Wal-Mart.

This link has great information about the symptoms of dyslexia if you're interested.

My daughter has some very marked symptoms.

True to my nature, I'm reading several books about and from dyslexic authors and one in particular calls himself, not dyslexic but a "creative learner" . . .

'tant that the truth! So, where it pulls at my heat strings to see "love" and "you" spelled incorrectly - I LOVE LOVE LOVE that she uses the letters as adornment. . .

as it so happens I was watching some past scenes of America's Next Top Model and find a scene where one of the girls struggles with her dyslexia . . . which I posted below.

no privacy

2010-10-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Being a mother of small kids I've lost the sense to close bathroom doors way before now . . . but this particular door just gives me more cause . . . We have a cool bathroom in our master bedroom - it's door is a sliding mirror door. So when closed it looks like a closet - but the door sticks and is heavy to move.

I'm just making excuses for myself, I admit.

End result; I don't think there ever was a time our now 3year old wasn't able to come check on us at any time and just chat while we're doing our business . . . and we just don't care, as long as they don't.

I mean . . sometimes, I just would care for the sake of that poor nose . . .

Anyway - not remembering the particulars, I'm doing my business . . reading a magazine when said 3 yr old comes in wanting my attention for some particular thing . . .

"I'm busy now, I'll go when I'm done." I explain

This little negotiator gets reeeeeal close and looks me almost nose to nose - with his other hand on the flusher he flushes it without ever taking his eyes of mine and says

"You're all done now."

Digno y Santo (LSM); Michelle Pfingston.mp4

2010-09-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Cultural differences

2010-09-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

I just read a most excellent post about our trips to the gas station in Mexico. Click Here to read it.

Funny he didn't mention that you throw the toilet paper into a trash receptacle . . NEVER NEVER into the toilet.

So being so close to the boarder I have seen the DIRE consequences of this little cultural difference on both sides of the boarder.

On one side the visiter is backing up toilets and causing a whole butt load (pun intended) of problems for septic tanks everywhere . . .

On the other side visitors - at a loss of what to do with the toilet paper (looking round, looking round) if female will use the feminine hygiene disposal receptacle until that little bitty thing is overflowing and then just start throwing it down on the ground.

Because any self-respecting person KNOWS you DO NOT through toilet paper in the toilet!!!! The lesser of two evils is to place it on the ground. In consideration to the USA-ers, not wanting to back up their systems.

This is really bad news if it is a public toilet in a park. And the poor thing doesn't have a feminine hygiene disposal receptacle to stanch the flow of used toilet paper to the ground . . .

eww

eww

eww!

Then the native USA-ers come in and *tsk*tsk* at those messy others . . . .

It really does look bad - doesn't it?

And then they bless your heart . . .

2010-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Trying to put my priorities into practice I started - at the beginning of the school year - to gather the kids up at 6:30 in the morning, sometimes piling them all on the couch or into our bed, to read the Bible. They'd be barley awake if awake at all . . . with the two year old running around . . .

"OK! Where are we?" pause "you awake, Andrew? . . . Can you hear me, Sarah? . . . Alex . . shhhh! Be quiet . . we are going to read the Bible now."

The past couple of days the 2 year old grabs a small new testament and announces "I read Bible! SHHHHH BE QUIET eb'y body, I read Bible" over and over . . . what funny little mirrors they are of us! Ha ha.

Sometimes . . ok, OFTEN, I would just go on thinking that even if they WERE sleeping, their spirit is awake and can take it in.

Then yesterday I drove their father to the ER state side. He's had a bad cough for two weeks that just kept getting worse and we were concerned it was pneumonia. He checked in at the ER at about 3pm and was moved to a room about 10:30pm. Finally about 11 I left and drove home.

It was a late when I arrived home. I looked forward to sleeping in.

I blame the stressful day for my laps in thinking

. . . I mean really - WHAT WAS I THINKING? I'm a MOTHER of SMALL CHILDREN and every mother knows that even when you're pulling teeth to get them up on the weekdays, come Saturday and everyone is UP AN AT 'EM at the crack of dawn.

First the 2 year old came buzzing around, I don't know what time it was, I didn't look. Didn't have to . . I knew it was still Too Early, my headache told me so. That and the grey skies. But said two year old was in distress because he Couldn't Find his Bible (the little new testament) . . .

Soon the 5 year old comes crawling to my bed shortly followed by the 6 year old.

And then my 5 year old says "Why are you not reading the Bible to us?" . . .

and that blessed me to my core -

Because he WANTED to hear it - so I can assume he wasn't COMPLETELY asleep all those other mornings?

He LIKES to hear it?

Alright - so maybe I'll get up now, after all.

solo tu amor

2010-09-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's time for a name change here!!!

2010-08-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

I'm done with diapers - mostly -

The middle one still wets at night - but we are otherwise all done . . so I'm no longer "between" diapers . ..

Any thoughts on a name for this blog, then?

I'll have to think it over.

Meanwhile:

Because "No Bake" is my middle name . . .

2010-08-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Planning my boy's 5th birthday was a no brainer.

I *REALLY* like no-brainners.

He's all into soldiers, half his wardrobe is camouflage , and most of his toys follow suit. Army theme then . . .

So I googled images of army cakes to get an idea - and was thinking I would have to order something

that whole "no bake" thing . . . you know

And I asked my boy to come over and choose which one'd he'd like. I'm thinking a Jeep, or a Tank or something . . . but pictured was one simple chocolate cake with a bunch of toys on top . . .

And that was what he wanted. The toys win the vote.

So I went to Costco - got one of their chocolate cakes with some pretty chocolate roses in the middle.

We got that home and I whacked those roses off - softened them in the microwave and made a road with them . . . then sprinkled the rest of the cake with green sprinkles and had the kids line the cake with m&m . . .

and the boy and I topped it off with toys . . .

VOILA!

It turned out so well and was easy-peasy like I like it . .. .

We are happy people.

What is one to do?

2010-08-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Beware: I'm taking a different turn here on my blog.

If your interested in our ministry - I still am posting about our work with the deaf over on www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com

Anyway - so I ask, what is one to do when one's mother has an undiagnosed mental illness? Hmm?

When said mother is not stupid by any degree . . . but rather in her own world?

Need to know where I'm coming from? Then you need to read "The Glass Castle" and watch some episodes of Hoarders (paying special attention to the cases that has animals living in the house) and add to that the movie "Anywhere But Here" and you may have a small taste of what my life has been like.

Even then, your only going to get a sense of it. Everyone's "crazy" is a different as a person's musical tastes.

My relationship with her comes from a place of obligation and compassion rather than a true feeling, or warm fuzzes.

So mother's day is kinda hard on me - I see all these "best mother in the world" type thing . . all the "you are so special to me" stuff . . .

it's just different for me . . . you know.

I have yet to see the card for mothers day that says "Thank you for birthing me." but I'm sure I'm not the only one who could use one of those.

Ehem . . .

2010-06-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

BAJA COMPASSION MINISTRIES GOT HELP!

And other good news going on . . but I need to type up a newsletter right now .. so I'll be back later . .

Promise! In the mean time - in our bible study with other missionary women it encouraged us to write a "psalm" of our own that played with words that started out with the same sound. I chose "H" and here goes . . . penned by your's truly:

Hark! Heaven hears His heirs shout

HOSANNAH in the HIGHEST!

He Healed His own!

Halleluja!

Like a hen to her young

so He Holds us in Hand.

Holy is He!

My Help,

My Hero!

Hesitate not to hide in his hugs.

Happy - oh hear it! - Happy

my heart is humbled,

and in Him I find

my Home.

Quotes from our Bible Studay.

2010-05-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to be able to go to our ladies bible study this week so I want to put down some quotes that I like here;

" . . . one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his [her] life."

"Trying to be our own God is exhausting."

How do I even start?

2010-03-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Update! I found I was misinformed - it was Miriam's sister, Mitzy, who passed away. She was 3 years old.

This was good news only to Sarah, who didn't lose her best friend. Apparently after Miriam recovered from chickenpox her little sister came down with it.

It's a different child, but the same sorrow.

Miriam died last night.

She was 6 years old.

The doctors prescribed bad medicine.

She was out of school for a couple of weeks because she had chickenpox. But she was back in class with my daughter, Sarah, on Monday. After school Miriam's mother and father were hosting, in their very humble baptist church that he pastors, a VBS put on by a visiting church group.

So thrilled was Sarah to be romping around hand in hand with her best friend.

At the surprise baby shower for Sarah's and Miriam's teacher today we noticed that Miriam and her mother were absent - but it wasn't dwelt on.

Then later at the VBS I was talking with the youth pastor's wife . . . she told me the news.

And I grieve.

I'm actually surprised at how my heart hurts for Augustina - Miriam's mother. I came home and just sobbed on my husbands shoulder. Then I asked him to tell Sarah - which he did, and she came out of the room all red eyed and we hugged and cried together.

They have two younger children than Miriam - the youngest has down syndrome. And they are a humble, poor, family. How does a Pastor continue after burying his daughter? How does a mother function? If you remember, would you please pray for this family?

I'll be hugging my kids a little tighter tonight - that's for sure.

I posted on our ministry blog.

2010-03-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

GO HERE and see what happened to me today!

For all my Colorado friends!

2010-03-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

You're from Colorado if:

 You'll eat ice cream in the winter. 

 When the weather report says it's going to be 65 degrees, you shave your legs and wear a skirt.

 It snows five inches and you don't expect school to be canceled. 

 You'll wear flip flops every day of the year, regardless of temperature. 

 You have no accent at all, but can hear other people's. And then you make fun of them.

"Humid" is over 25%. 

 Your sense of direction is: Toward the mountains and away from the mountains. 

 You say, "The Interstate," and everybody knows which one. 

 You think that May is a totally normal month for a blizzard or ice storm. 

 You buy your flowers to set out on Mother's Day, but try and hold off planting them until just before Father's Day.

 You grew up planning your Halloween costumes around your coat. 

 You know what the Continental Divide is. 

 You went to Casa Bonita as a kid, and again as an adult.

 You've gone off-roading in a vehicle that was never intended for such activities. 

 You always know the elevation of where you are. 

 You wake up to a beautiful 80-degree day and wonder if it's going to snow tomorrow.

 You don't care that some company renamed it; the Broncos still play at Mile High.

Everybody wears jeans to church. 

 You actually know that South Park is a real place, not just a show on TV. 

 You know what a "trust fund hippy" is, and you know its natural habitat is Boulder.

 You know you're talking to a fellow Coloradoan when they call it Elitches, not Six Flags. 

 A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you. 

 Your two favorite teams are the Broncos and whoever is beating the Raiders. 

 When people out East tell you they have mountains in their state too, you just laugh.

 You go anywhere else on the planet and the air feels "sticky," and you notice the sky is no longer blue. 

 Received from Mike Hillman.

Jealousy- red or green?

2010-02-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

In our study of "A Heart Like His" this week we looked at jealousy - the very sour type, of envy that King Saul had of David, and the good kind like the kind of jealousy that God has for us.

you can biblegateway.com your way through the word jealousy and find how it's used throughout the bible - but this is what our bible study pointed out: the difference between the word OF and FOR

jealous of= bad, envious, spiteful, hateful, coveting
jealous for = good, protective, sense of belonging, love

And where the study pulled out several references from the bible that pointed to the 'jealousy for = good' idea, it didn't take into account one of my favorite verses :

Song of Solomon 8:6
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame

Jealous like RED hot!

I like the idea that God jealously protects us. I like it very much - and it is right that he do so since we belong to him.

I'm just saying.

Bible Study: A Heart Like His.

2010-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Me and some fellow missionary gals are in week one of this bible study that focuses on David.

And I will not promise to post every week about it because that was such a dismal failure with the Boundaries book study - but if something stands out for me I will attempt and have the best intentions to get it posted here. Promise.

Today's insight wasn't from the study, per say, but how the Lord spoke to me - and I'm excited about it.

It's the idea of David being a man after God's own heart - my workbook asked what that meant to me. I've always understood it to mean that David had a heart like God's - so I was trying to define what that meant as I read over the verse again:

1 Samuel 13:14 (New International Version)

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command.

As I mulled on it the word "after" really popped out. It didn't say "like" - not even in the King James Version, but "after". I looked for any other reference like this in the bible and came up with Acts 13:12

Acts 13:22 (King James Version)

. . . and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

That little word gives me the sense of pursuit - David was a man that pursued God's heart. Like in woo-ing. A seeking out, a desire to win favor, a passionate persistence . . .

Just stop and think of the implications of that!

(If it helps; think of your significant other first. "Prince Charming is a man after Princess's heart." or "Prince Charming has a heart like Princess" . . . see the difference?)

God makes it clear in the Bible that we are pursued, and wooed by Him. And that is beautiful - but what if we did the same?

So- go ahead and do what I did: put your name in there~

~Michelle is a woman after God's heart.~

Doesn't it just blow your mind - or is it just me. If it's just me, I'm OK with that . . .

How to Clean the House

2010-01-21T06:42:00.001-08:00

How to Clean the House

1. Open a new folder on your PC.

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.

4. Empty the Recycle Bin.

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete
Housework permanently?"

6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly.

 Received from Doc's Daily Chuckle.

John Carroll - Balance Beam

2010-01-18T10:25:00.001-08:00

zSHARE video - h205.avi.flv

2010-01-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

zSHARE video - h205.avi.flv

It's freezing!

2009-12-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

I used to wonder why people would send blankets to Mexico.

I don't wonder no mo'

SEND BLANKETS!

I'm only partly jesting . . but just yesterday in the house after baking, my hubby told me that it was 45 degrees!

We can all see our cloudy breaths and we go to sleep and walk around the house with hats and multiple layers.

My hubby often choses to point out "see, aren't you glad your not in Minnesota right now? We couldn't survive the cold!"

Yeah, but in Minnesota they use the radical technology called "INSULATION"!

Mommy has been very naughty!

2009-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

I have a 2 year old that will not eat any veggie of any kind.

So I got me a "Sneaky Chef" cookbook . . .

and this morning he had sweet potatoes

in his pancakes

and he just ate cauliflower

in his grilled cheese sandwich!

*delightfully wringing hands*

Muahahahahahaha

D'oh

2009-12-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

I am generally a photogenic person. This picture was specifically picked out to show a more "accurate" me.

I am a low maintenance mama. I tend to keep hygienic - mostly. But - you know, I do TRY sometimes - like Christmas parties, family gatherings . . .I might shave.

That reminded me - I think the reason why European women got in the habit of not shaving is because all those parts remained COVERED most of the year. Also in the same vein it explains the excessive de-hairing that is so rampant in Brazil.

Back to the point. Today was a running day since 6:30am. I had to get up, all 3 kids dressed, and spaghetti prepared for a classroom of 25 by 8am. I was teachers helper in today's Christmas party.

For the love of humanity, I took a shower -

Only later in the day - as the mothers were arriving, all prim and lovely like their decked out kids, did I notice that I did absolutely NOTHING with my hair. It wasn't even pulled back in a pony tail! NO head band- Nothing!

Thankfully I did brush it - but beyond that I pretty much looking like the drab mama of the photo shown above.

Yup.

Speakerbox Signmark

2009-12-11T10:43:00.001-08:00

HDA LA NOTA EN LA VENTANA

2009-11-27T14:54:00.001-08:00

A most AWESOME song by a gREAT band! ;-)

How to make my mother GASP from laughing . . .

2009-11-09T11:11:00.001-08:00

Ode to Forgetfulness

2009-10-22T06:48:00.001-07:00

Justin Nozuka - Save Him (ASL)

2009-09-28T22:26:00.001-07:00

"Boundaries" study

2009-09-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Let me 'splain.
[pause]
No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

This study has been entirely too cheeky for comfort . . . . As I said to our study's leader " These questions seem to ask you not IF you've violated a boundary but WHEN!"

So allow me to focus on a major theme; being that we each have our own responsibilities to shoulder, and we are to help others but are not responsible for others. In the book they call this boulders (situations too big to handle alone) vs knapsacks (everyone's individual responsibilities). The bible calls us to help with one another boulders- and to ask for help when we are faced with a boulder- but each one is to carry his own knapsackand then defining the difference between the two.

Big idea here: Boundaries get infringed upon but we can only work on our own boundaries - not on others. And we must aim to not infringe on other's boundaries.

People may get offended or withdraw from you if you have to say "no", but you need to be OK with that - why? How? Because our primary relationship is with God so we are not dependent on other's for their good opinion - we know God's opinion of us. In the same matter - you need to be OK if someone says "no" to you - again, because we are rooted in God's hand. So let us aim not to take it so personally - ladies - please.

The flip side of this is that for some of us we need to be able to say "yes" to help, and to be able to give help without attaching any sort of strings . . . but because we honestly want to help.

Face it, any situation where there is a potential of resentment is because something was given with an expectation. Remove expectation and you have the removal of resentment.

Next week we will be looking at the myths of boundaries where there is a big one I look forward to tackling: "If I set boundaries I'm being selfish" . . . so stay tuned!

I HEART having a family in ministry.

2009-09-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

I love my brothers and Thank GOD for them . .. and I PRAISE GOD because they both have AWESOME ministries . . . My brother just posted this on facebook of one of the things his ministry does - feed the kids of Tijuana.
This is Reflect Ministry

Untitled from John Alvarado on Vimeo.

I've heard him mention that he loves to give these kids the best stuff too - so it's not just powdered eggs and powdered milk and the day old bread . . . but the good stuff! If you've been in children's ministries you know what I'm talking about.

My brothers don't read my blog - they have their hands full already! But J&P - I love you guys so much! I Praise God for you and am so humbled and proud to be your sister!

How to scare myself and Hubby silly

2009-09-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

First - have two days in a row where you have bouts of nausea in the morning so strong that it send you to your knees in front of the toilet. FOR NO APPARENT REASON!

Then realize . . . JUST before going off to buy a pregnancy test- that you are also starting some new once a day multivitamins that you've been taking in the mornings before said bouts.

Yeah-

This is a drawing of my baby brother and a picture of my youngest.

2009-08-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Starting a new bible study.

2009-08-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Boundaries; Chapter 1 & 2

A significant discovery I made this week with this reading is the idea of "spiritual" boundaries. I hadn't thought of those before - and I'm still trying to define those - and I'm finding that the whole idea of boundaries, as a whole, is kinda abstract . . . I ask you - what would you call/consider spiritual boundaries?

I found myself getting angry with the character Sherrie in the book because she constantly kept self doubting herself when her first instincts where right - but she did it with the idea that "a good christian would" . . . and those lead me to the questions I look forward to getting an answer - As christians - especially but definitely not limited to those in ministry - how does set a boundary to a legitimate need in the church body?

What are legitimate boundaries, and how do boundaries relate to submission are some questions I will be watching with some keen interest . . .

The book states that boundaries define us. I think of the phrase "poured out" because, like water, when a person is without boundaries (pouring himself out) - he/she is undefined - but boundaries is like a cup to that water giving it shape and definition, and making it much more useful and safe . . . . "that can increase your love and save your life"p.31

The book spoke of God having boundaries and at first it rubbed me the wrong way since I couldn't see God behind a boundary wall - but in regard to God having boundaries meaning definition then it fits. The whole bible is about defining Who God Is and who He isn't.

I think I will have an easier time relating to the idea of boundaries, not as walls and hedges, but in the sense of definition . . . like skin-

I'm looking forward to chapter 3 -

I welcome your thoughts . . .

A funny for Sunday

2009-08-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Something about Parenting posted this

Gotta love kids!

That's good, right?

2009-08-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Every Friday I get together with our deaf Pastor and a co/worker to talk over ministry and discuss the worship songs we have and how to interpret them for our deaf congregation . . .

We meet at my friend/co-workers house and she lives in a gated community.

At the gate visitors are required to leave a form of I.D. in exchange for a visitor pass. It's a new policy - enforced by an older retiree-looking fellow . . .

Now here is where I let you in on a little known secret -

I have a pretty-good looking driver license picture. God was gracious that day . . . .

Anyway - so I pass this over and the man does a double take . . .

"This is you?!"

"Er-yes? He he . . ." *feeling rather like a cow now*

and after some more scrutiny "Oh, I see . . . you had red glasses there . . . " and he turns and passes me my visitor pass.

That was my first encounter, and I went home vowing to comb my hair-for-heaven-sake-at-least, among some other forgotten new years resolutions.

Following Fridays have been similar . . .

"Michelle, I remember you . . . "

and

"Michelle the lovely . . . are these your kids? They are as lovely as the mother"

with me responding similarly . . . "Oh thank you, hehehe . " and drive off.

I figure that while I'm doing my thing there for an hour or two he is looking at that rather flattering picture and associating it with some idealized persona of me . . .

Because that is NOT me on a daily basis . . . not even on Sunday. I'm wearing makeup for crying out loud! Anyone who knows me knows that makeup is one corner I cut EVERYDAY.

Driver's licence picture:

Me, right now:

And this is all rather very flattering . . .

or really really really REALLY sad . . . . :-)

This is most certainly true . . . .

2009-07-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Truth -

I had the question put to me "How do I know what's true?" - and I had to ask "In regard to what?" to which the reply was "Everything!"

Truth is a relative term once you step out of the trinity: God as LORD, Jesus as Christ and the Holy Spirit - three in one. The great I AM. (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14)

And I do believe there is a time in every one's life where they have to chose to stand on this rock or not.

As the old song say - 'everything else is sinking sand' and I do mean EVERYTHING ELSE.

I jokingly refer to myself as not non-denominational but multi-denominational. And while working at Rancho Sordo Mudo a wise man taught me that it boils down to the big "T" in truth, or a little "t"

It isn't a question about what is true or not- but what is better/right. As long as there is no person exactly like another the question will more specifically be what is better/right for that person.

It's complicated, but after months of mulling this thought over and over in my mind, the bottom line is that there is no "absolutely correct" outside of Jesus and so you get to pick or choose what path or what subject you want to dedicate yourself to finding what is the best for you. Keep in mind that what is best for you may not be the best for someone else - more specifically I mean - "the best for me" may actually, and most likely mean someone else is/can't/won't be getting "the best for them". That's where the whole idea of "no greater love" and "laying down one's life for a friend" comes into play.

I will promise you this: for each issue that there are acronyms and degrees to back up one side as being the best/accurate - there are equal amount of acronyms and degrees backing up it's opposite.

I believe that there is wonderful freedom in this understanding.

As I said, it's complicated. And I much prefer to have a diologe about something like this instead of just posting something here . . .

2009-05-29T10:08:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

It Feels So Good - ASL MUSIC VIDEO

2009-05-08T22:38:00.001-07:00

!!!!

And here I let down my mask a bit . . .

2009-05-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

It is the nature of being human that we go through highs and lows like clouds passing in a sky.

There were clouds in my sky this morning for no other reason that just being woman.

I was taking advantage of my mother being here to feed and dress the kids- and stayed in bed.

Then I heard a knock on the door, and in walked my daughter followed by my hubby with a cup of tea and some vanilla wafers!

Brightly - as is her personality - she announces that they are bringing me "coffee" in bed!

"OH! How did you know!?" My heart started to swell! Just what I needed! To know he noticed and he thought of me and he cared!!!

"It was her idea" he says without ceremony when he give me the tea.

I had to wipe that look off my face real quick - because there stood my beaming 5 year old waiting for her accolades . . .which I obliged her. Raving about the tea, the kindness . . the thoughtfulness . . .She bounded away happily.

And really - today I have a lot to be thankful for and happy about. It's beautiful outside - I've got wonderfully thoughtful kids. And my hubby was willing to help my daughter in her mission to bring me tea . . . . that's Great!

*sigh*

But today-today-I just really wanted the tea to have been HIS idea.

A blog-worthy post copied from Facebook:

2009-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

This van is known by friends and family as "The Lord's Van". So dubbed by my aunties since it seems that it's only the Lord that is holding it together.

So I saw this posted to my cousin Sandie's facebook by Derek Johnson

Our Van,

which art in Minnesota,

Rusted be thy Name.

Thy mileage come.

Thy dent will be done,

In park as it is in drive....

Give us this day our daily oil change.

And forgive us our right lane passes,

As we forgive those who right lane pass against us.

And lead us not into a trade in,

But deliver us from car envy.

For thine is the Wagon,

and the powertrain,

and the glory,for ever and ever.

Amen.

Chuckle with me a moment

2009-03-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

in the Tijuana boarder crossing line . . . this advertisement for a plastic surgeon. His name in translation? Dr. Carlos Goodface!

Rant on crime and going to Mexico.

2009-03-26T11:06:00.001-07:00

Luke is director of the deaf school I used to work at. I love this video because it pretty much reflects how I feel. They are about 30 minutes from where we are. He is hard of hearing, hence the accent.

Mostly, the only time I hear about the violence in Mexico is when I am in the states.

Enjoy!

Hooter Hiders: aka Nursing Covers

2009-03-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

The nursing cover, I love 'em.

This is not me - I never had time to put earrings in my ears or wore WHITE while nursing - but I did have this exact nursing cover.

Correction - I HAVE it still. I just no longer have a babe nursing.

Yet I've got to say - it's been one of those most versetile things I got. It could be a blanket, a cover, a make-shift changing table cover . . . you know -(fanfair please) DA TA DA DAAAAA!!!!!!!

A cape to drape the fearless handsome prince!

Alaska

2009-03-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's been rumored, so let me set the record straight -

Yes - I went from Mexico to Alaska for a little over a week in March. Leaving my two of the three with their dad and taking the baby with me on my lap.

And, contrary to what we heard, the sun DID rise in the morning.

I went to visit my awesome-ness cousin (who wrote of it here) for a "rest".

It had been a long long time since I've had to take care of what shoes I was wearing 'cause I might slip.

It was baby's first experience of air that bit and snow that towered over his head. He is not a fan of getting wet in the first place . . . so you can imagine how he liked SNOW!

We saw 7 bald eagles, 3 moose, and 3 wild dall sheep, and the top of Mt. McKinley in Denali park (thanks Annie! for it's proper spelling) -the highest mountain in North America. Of which Zero of my pictures were good for.

For those family and friends who then clamored for PICTURES - here you go:

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Flight of the Conchords Ep 4 Sello Tape

2009-03-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Uh -

2009-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

It was a week with me in Alaska and when I got home ALL the dishes were awaiting me.

To hubby's credit, the house was picked up, and vacuumed. Kids were all accounted for with all their limbs attached - if unwashed.

But ALL the dishes were there growing things! including the cup that I used to drink some coffee before I left more than a week ago!

All this fuzzy stuff pictured is GROWTH! GROWTH! UGH!

It was the nastiest job ever. But it's all done. Washed with water so hot it burned through my rubber gloves.

I think I may be a wee bit more specific about what tasks are to be done while I'm away.

Tercer Cielo - Yo Te Extrañaré (ASL)

2009-03-16T01:11:00.001-07:00

Back in November:

2009-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Go ahead, press play, let the music sink in while you read on.

The winds were blowing in from the mountains. Here we know it's going to be warm when they do. Those are the santa anas blowing. So with some fresh sqeezed lime-aid myself and the kids pulled out some chairs to the balcony and sat down.

The thought popped into my head.

"I'm happy."

Dulce refugio
en la tormentaes
Jesucristo el Salvador
él me alienta
y alimenta
con su palabra y su amor (x2)

Vengo a reposar en él
él es mi amigo fiel
una poderosa y fresca unción
llenará mi corazón

Sweet shelter
in the storm
is Jesus Christ the Savior
he encourages and nurishes
with his word and his love (x2)

I come to rest in him
he is my loyal friend
a powerful and fresh anointing
fills my heart

It's all Facebook's fault!

2009-03-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Since when did I get such a strong feeling of obligation towards my blog?

Hmm?

Very similar like my blog is my neglected foster child -

And I had a pretty good google page ranking, and I've watched it slowly dwindle down to nothing. But I know - I KNOW - that my blogging is not significant, life changing or even always amusing . . . so why would I feel so BAD about not blogging? My blog is not vital , you know?!

Ever since I got into Facebook . . and OMWord, have I got "into" it. I can so easily spend all my free time there . . so easy . . .

And if Blogging has taught me anything, it's that I'm not a "writer". Why torture the world further? eh?

So that is my excuse - I've been abducted by Facebook and they're holding me for ransom. But I don't want to close my blog though - since a blog is the best place for a story, a memory, and something more than an "update"

If, for whatever reason, you miss me, you can find me there - at Facebook.

Meanwhile, while I'm here in Alaska *I KNOW! ALASKA!* I'll try to write some bloggable stuff and schedule them for posting . . . because this poor foster child is STARVING!

If Dogs could get sainthood . . . .

2009-02-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

This dog - 'our' dog - came with the house we are renting.

No joke. His name is Oso, and he's an old mutt with grey whiskers.

Apparently, he was a much better guard dog before his 'mate' died. Now you can really say that his bark is as bad as his bite - they are both Nil!

But if ever a dog deserves sainthood I would christen him "Santo Oso de Perro" since his patience with our three young ones is divine!

long suffering, patient, loyal . . .this is the youngest of my three just using him like a bongo . . .

Santo Oso de Perro, folks . . .

The real reason he had kids . . .

2009-02-03T17:23:00.002-08:00

You crack me up!

2009-01-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

He's 3 years old, my boy.

Grandma was with him in the livingroom when I hear Grandma start laughing -

What was it?

My boy said "Grandma, you crack me up! You crack me up two times!"

About my husband's kidney transplant . . .

2009-01-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

The good news is that God answers prayers!

Amen?

AMEN!

You all prayed and the surgery was a success!

8 days later Lonnie was able to attend my brothers long anticipated wedding with no problems.

He looks better, feels better and let me tell you - the kidney is doing a great job because he's having to take potty breaks more often than our own little ones!

Thank you all for praying.

The above pictures are from my daughter - who, while at the wedding, and getting restless, I attemted to distract by handing her the camera. She's getting the hang of it, but it kinda went like this:

"OK, now, look - your cutting off the head's . . . try again, and get the picture you want in the frame and try again."

"Um - that's better, but your still missing his head -see?"

!!!!!

2009-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL MY HUSBAND GET A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT!!!

If I've been out of it, it's 'cause I trying to get everything ready . . . His family has arrived from Missouri. His brother is the one giving him the kidney.

Two days ago my husband said for the first time "I'm a little nervous."

FRIDAY!

Be praying.

Posted on our mission's blog

2008-12-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

I just posted our December newsletter over at our ministry blog.

2008-12-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for a santa pinata!

fa la la la la

la la la la

Guitar Prodigy

2008-12-06T20:01:00.001-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tell me why?

2008-11-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

Why is it that of everything in the house - all the toys, all the books, all the harmless cups and bottles and such thing that are in a regular home - kids are going to play with the things that can KILL them?!?!?!

Ok, so perhaps I'm overreacting here, but I was just laying down for a rest.
I turn over, and hear a *CLUNK* . . .

"Oh yeah, that must have been my toiletries bag that I had at the foot of my bed."

I'm so tired that as soon as that thought registers it gets filed in the "not important now" file and I close my eyes again . .

Enter now my walking 1year old totteling about my room, checking in on mommy and I'm trying to ignore him, when I hear *rustle, rustle, rustle* and mommy senses start tingling . .

My thought process: "He's probably in the toiletries bag". . . I do a mental inventory of what's in their: tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, bottle of shampoo, deodorant . . . RAZOR!

Now I know, I NEED to get up and see what he's playing with - because you know he's not playing with the comb or brush . . .

The razor,

"Of course, the razor" *eye roll*

Dude.

Well he pulled through unharmed. But that's more than I can say for my 3 year old.

This time my mommy senses gave me no warning when my little spider monkey came crying in the house saying he fell.

That is not uncommon, and I usually don't make a big deal about a fall, except when he showed me his owie it was a PUNCTURE WOUND!

GOODNESS!!!!!

He fell on something, but it was unwitnessed and the best I can gather from him it was some metal protrusion on the porch.

One cancelled game night, trip to the ER and 5 stitches later he is fine . . . as he stands on the top of the little tykes car for toddlers smiling at me . . .

Me? I think I need a drink!

Becasue I said so!

2008-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Mom Song- LIVE from Northland Video on Vimeo.

Why God Made Moms.

2008-11-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Award

2008-11-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

It was surprising to be reading along at Happy Home about this lady that she awarded and thinking "Wow, she sounds so neat!" followed by the thought "Hey! That's me!"

I didn't recognize myself here since I honestly feel like I'm barely holding it all together - often!

So, Happy Mama, thank you. It really touched me. To see me through your eyes I feel a bit more . . . sane!

And as you said: it is now My pleasure to pass this award on:

I'd like to pass it on to Missionary Mom who just seems to have a lot of sense and purpose in her blog. She's careful and thoughtful. And will be welcoming home a new one soon!

Random FYI meme

2008-11-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

A Cup of Joy tagged me. I've done this one before, but since there are oh-so-many random things about me it's an easy one to do again! *smile*

Random FYI:
1) I *heart* cryptograms, but they are kinda hard to find.
2) I love Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe . . . oh my word that fellow can make me laugh!

3) I always thought that the reason I did not get the roll of Annie in the Movie Annie was cause we never made it to the casting call.
4) Unfortunately, my singing style/talent has been described as "lounge singer", not necessarily the good kind. Yes, I am the bad loud singer at church. Don't stare, it's rude, I'm not stopping.
5) My mother still tells people that I'm fluent in French, even though I have explained on numerous occasions that I took French for a couple of semesters, that is a far cry from being fluent.
6) Yo NO quiero Taco Bell. Nunca, jamas, por nada . . . .guacala!

Those I tagged: Brittney and Singalullaby and YOU!

Can I just get a WITNESS!

2008-11-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Old Mother Michelle in Mx
went to the cupboard
to fetch her poor kids a bone

When she got there
her cupboard was bare
and so her poor kids had tomato soup

Which they didn't like one bit, but ate cause that's all we had.

So on the way to bible study at some fellow missionaries house I was thinking different things I could throw together to call "meals" but I sure wish I had some chicken.

Isn't our God good?

Doesn't he just know the wishes in our heart and every now and again surprise us with that, and so much more?

So, after bible study tonight, the missionary hostess and I were talking. I asked her about some instant oatmeal that she had offered me last week and I forgot - and then she asked me "Would you like some meat?"

Uh, YES!

What kind?

Er, some chicken would be nice . . .

Then she proceeded to give me TWO grocery bags of meat.

Y'all, I have chicken.

And I have a frozen leg of lamb in my freezer!

God is good! And sometimes spoils rotten his kids.!

En Espíritu y en Verdad

2008-11-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

Have you heard worship songs in Spanish like this?:
It's a fine song, and I know it in English, but I haven't sung this in Mexico ever.

Well, from Lei's question in my comments, I realized two things - some of you really don't know how we worship here - passionately -

and often a song is originally an English song, but I only know it in Spanish. This is a song we often sign/sing on a Sunday. If this song is in English someone is going to have to tell me, because I only know it in Spanish.

Cuan hermoso How lovely
eres jesus are you Jesus
es tu poder is your power
fue tu cruz was your cross

La que me salvó, that which saved me me rescató; rescued me un momento ahí one moment there nos dio libertad gave us freedom (or "set us free").

cuan glorioso eres jesus how glorious you are Jesus
son tus palabras are your words
es tu amor is your love

con una corona de espinas with a crown of thorns
te hicistes you became
rey por siempre king for ever
con una corona de espinas with a crown of thorns
te hicistes you became
rey por siempre king forever

te doy gloria we give you gloria glory
te doy gloria we give you glory

None but Jesus - in Spanish

2008-10-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

This is a direct request by Lei, a new blogger, who asked me if I knew this song . . .well, once I found it and heard it I see that YES we sign/sing this song often at our church in Ensenada! Here are the lyrics in Spanish. The song is by Hillsongs and they have it in English too, if your curious.

Family Update!

2008-10-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hubby has missed two days of dialysis because he's trying to fix the clutch in our "good" car (the 4 runner) and it's been slow. He says that he is almost done, but it's getting harder to breath since *oh by the way* his body can't get rid of excess water and it's building up around his lungs . . .

I'm back to needing a break. Since the last time I felt this way was about a month ago it seem that I needs a day off once a month or I start to lose it. Two days sound better.

Miss Intensity seems happier (mayhaps that cause Mom's been happier) and doing well at her new school. Her 5 year old birthday is coming up Nov 3rd. She's so excited. Even if Mom doesn't have time/money/energy to do anything.

Mr Middle Child is Prince Charming, and into Indiana Jones these days. We are a bit concerned, though, about him tying a jump rope around his body and swinging from the top bunk rail . . .DUDE!

Baby Child is one smart kid. Giving him commands like "go put that back" and he's doing it! He's giving open mouth face presses for kisses, and we've moved him into bed with Mr Middle Child - so we can get rid of the crib. WOO HOO!

We are about 40% unpacked, and the kids are still helping mom with the dishes *after every meal* except on days like today, where everyone was in bed by 6:30 and mom's to tired to do anything except blog.

Banana Pancakes

2008-10-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

This is dedicated to Tracie D. who has an affinity for Banana Pancakes at La Fonda. *HI*
And Mimi, if she doesn't see this, can you see that she does?
*heart, heart*

What grade?

2008-10-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here in Mexico the Kindergarten has 3 grades.
I guess it would be the equivalent of K1, K2, K3.
So Little Man just got enrolled into Kindergarten, first grade at 3 years old.
He loves it!
While my little Miss is in Kindergarten, third grade for the 5 years olds.

The change in school did require a change in uniform. I'll have to post those pictures soon.

Until then . . .

I'm BaaaCK!

2008-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

*GASP*
coming up for air again!
And can I hear a WOO HOO for Internet in the house again!!!!!!!

Oh - all my bloggity friends and Internet connections . . . *muah, muah, muah*
That separation nearly Killed me!

We are in the new house now, a bit closer to the boarder, making the drive a little easier for my hubby, and it is NICE! It's quite, the night sky is full of stars . .. .

But I am not at my leisure yet! We have all the UN-packing to do now.

*sigh*

Anyone want to come to Mexico for short term mission trip to help me unpack???
Anyone?

I'll be making my rounds . . . thanks for all your prayers.
Good news! My husband's brother is a kidney match and we are hoping something happens by January!

Prayers work!

Mark Gungor - Men's Brain Women's Brain - EXTENDED

2008-09-28T22:05:00.001-07:00

yup

Oh Thank YOU!

2008-09-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've been awarded!

That is for A Cup of Joy for giving me this award and for the truly brilliant women that I delight in passing this on to!

State Side
Planet Nomad
Tales from the (Momma) Hood
Virginia's Family Adventures
MomGrind
From the Desk of Heather

OK, time to look on the bright side.

2008-09-25T17:52:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna open my heart up to you all here . . .

2008-09-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am cutting and pasting an e-mail that I sent a friend, I pretty much lay it on the line . . . just so you know . . .

People ask; "How's it going?"

The short answer: OK.

The long answer (grab a cup of coffee, I'm not kidding):

It's been really rough. We got back to San Diego at the beginning of August and he went to his doctor there. From the lab work they saw that his toxins were really high so they had him admitted to the hospital to receive 3 days of hemo dialysis in a row.

My husband's numbers improved dramatically. So the doctor had him switched back to hemo dialysis 3 times a week. Peritoneal dialysis (the kind he does at night with the machine) just wasn't working for him because of the extra stuff you have to be careful of/for and he just wasn't. That leaves us here; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday he needs to be in Southern San Diego to receive hemo, and those days he is getting it from 1pm to 5pm, and pretty wipes him out for the rest of the day. But his color looks good, and he feels better - even if it isn't the "in perfect health" guy that we knew, it is not the "about to keel over" guy. We are still trying to find what works for us with this schedule. We are still waiting for Gods leading.

I've been frustrated in that it seems God is entirely silent on the matter. I was getting . . well, mad, because I've really had God's absolute direction so strongly on my life that it's absents was alarmingly noted. Then I heard Him. He told me, in the way the Spirit does, that He isn't going to tell me what we need to do. He's going to tell hubby. !!!!! If you know me at all, you know the loop this sent me on!

So I . . . er. . .patiently . . . wait, but I don't know anything right now. He's has been going up twice a week, staying for example, Tuesday to Thursday, and then going up and coming down again on Saturday (like he did this week) but that is so not easy for me.

I tried pulling a 'Sarah' (of the bible, you know, to "help" God out a bit) by looking for low income housing in the states so we could all be there together and just come down as a family to work with the deaf, reserving any interviews or doctor appointments that needed translating or sign practice and bible studies to the days that we would be there, not to mention being there Sundays for Deaf church. Great plan, right?

My plan, my humiliating failure. Red fags should have been raised when my husband said he didn't like the idea. So we, the family, are in Mexico while he goes back and forth. My daughter has started school in Mexico, and the deaf are here every day - without my husband's help I'm feeling very overwhelmed, all the time. I think being tired is affecting my ability to fight off the paralyzing cloud of "poor me".

Thankfully I have others around me that have helped me out, a couple just on Thursday took all my laundry that was piling up and brought them back Friday with dinner. Another couple that have 5 kids of their own are willing to take my kids if I need a break. And I have a few other numbers to call should I need it, and that is a Godsend. Still, I often feel like I'm drowning.

The upside is that he is growing spiritually through all this. The house were he stays, our friends in San Diego, belong to missions pastor, and is a man he respects. I know they talk when he is there. I know my husband has been reading his bible more - since he's had more time alone to do so. During his dialysis my husband tells me of the things he dwells on about what he's read. Here's the bottom line. My husband is doing better - spiritually you could say he is doing well. I am barely holding it together, but now that I've stopped fighting against my present situation but try to work with it, I'm doing better.

Now we just found a house about 1/2 between here and the boarder that we will be moving to and will allow us to continue with the deaf, but be a shorter drive for my husband. So this week we are moving, and no, I don't know how we're going to do that with him being so weak.

Some problems have arose since all this has been going on, my daughter is getting progressively more aggressive everywhere. My weekly menus are getting more and more slipshod . . . and my hubby and I both have our good days and our bad days. The really bad days are those when we have bad days together.

There are a couple more things going on - but I'm not ready to share those yet . . suffice it to say, forgive me if I've ignored you of late. I'm really just hanging on here.

He tuned 3!

2008-09-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

His birthday was actually in August . . . but, oh well.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dedicated to you

2008-09-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thank You Mr & Mrs Harmon for making this possible!

Sorry for the full moon so long!

2008-09-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's been that kind of . . . month.

But the update today is that my baby (who just turned 1 this Wednesday) is now officially walking!

He toddles around the house now with this look on his face like inside his head he's thinking "whoa - whoa"

And he's got the turns down pat.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Way to go buddy!

There was one more thing to do before bed time . . hmmm

2008-09-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

A meme

2008-09-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

And I know I have several others to attend to but here is the first one I'm getting to.

It's an easy one:

THE 5 THINGS I ENJOY MEME!

(easy smeasy!)

Intelligent conversation about the characters of God over coffee
A good book
Performances (of all kinds)
people watching
card and board games

I'm tagging Brittney on this one. And anyone else who wants to play.

My Walk Mondays

2008-09-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

People have asked . . Well what is it you feel God is telling you?

This is a question that stems from my hubbies bad health and I've been feeling very overwhelmed. But I've had to say - nothing. God has been alarmingly silent.

That is until two days ago, when the Spirit spoke to me as only He can, and He said:

I'm not going to tell you. I'm going to tell your husband.

Dude.

("dude" was me, not God)

So, there it is. And things have been easier for me since I've stopped fighting against my situation and have/am focusing to live with it.

The good news is that a house has come available that is closer to the doctors for my hubby and just far enough away from our ministry here that "drop-in's" wouldn't be so prevalent, and that just might give me the breather I need. As to whether it is a "go" or no - that is between my God and my husband.

-ahhhh-

I've been awarded!

2008-08-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

*Sorry to make this a mystery for you all . . . *

I just got so busy . . .

Well here's the deal . .Happy Momma from Happy Home gave me . . .

DA TA DA DAAAAAAAAA!

this:

The Smile Award

and this:

*blush*

Well, the good things with awards is that you get to pass the love on . . .so here's some of the blogs I love, and those that make me smile that I'll award these to . . .

State Side *new blogger* Very funny friend! Always makes me smile! I HEART YOU GIRLFRIEND!
An Island Life *smile*
My life as JulieMom . . .not to mention she has the biggest brain that I know of . . .
Entropy hearts and hugs your way cous'!
Sermon on the Mount of Laundry heart heart heart . . . .
Virginia's Family Adventures funny, frank, full of love . . . y'all rock!

*smiles!*

Kidney Falier . . . power weight loss . .

2008-08-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Before:

taken February 2004

After:

taken last Sunday

Just now

2008-08-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

My just-turned-three year old came up to me with a piece of paper that was all taped up with packaging tape.

He wanted me to open it for him, because despite his best efforts he wasn't able to break the tape.

I went into the office, got the letter opener and with a quick motion broke the tape.

I passed the now open page to him and he says emphatically with an adorable lisp . . .

"That's my girl!"

Yup

2008-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I found this over at Mom Grind

Proof we've got to get out of the city.

2008-08-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

While traveling in the mountains, with the pines surrounding us, and the cool sunshine beaming down my daughter cry out from the back

"Taste the air with your tongue mom! It's delicious!"

Just give me a Minute . . .

I am an artificial friend.

Just a whole bunch of silly princesses . . .

My boy, the warmonger.

The one about prayer

*huh*

Dental Hygiene

Dude

I'm a Christian and I have tattoos

My very first! Plank Pulling Thursday

Jessie J - Price tag - Sign Language

Two thumbs up! Parenting Wild Things

Parenting Wild Things

The good (out of the bad and ugly) in Mexico

Well, it's May.

*Whew*

Shooting straight from the heart here -

The truth comes out.

Being lavoed

no privacy

Digno y Santo (LSM); Michelle Pfingston.mp4

Cultural differences

And then they bless your heart . . .

solo tu amor

It's time for a name change here!!!

Because "No Bake" is my middle name . . .

What is one to do?

Ehem . . .

Quotes from our Bible Studay.

How do I even start?

I posted on our ministry blog.

For all my Colorado friends!

Jealousy- red or green?

Bible Study: A Heart Like His.

How to Clean the House

John Carroll - Balance Beam

zSHARE video - h205.avi.flv

It's freezing!

Mommy has been very naughty!

D'oh

Speakerbox Signmark

HDA LA NOTA EN LA VENTANA

How to make my mother *GASP* from laughing . . .

Ode to Forgetfulness

Justin Nozuka - Save Him (ASL)

"Boundaries" study

I *HEART* having a family in ministry.

How to scare myself and Hubby silly

This is a drawing of my baby brother and a picture of my youngest.

Starting a new bible study.

A funny for Sunday

That's good, right?

This is most certainly true . . . .

It Feels So Good - ASL MUSIC VIDEO

And here I let down my mask a bit . . .

A blog-worthy post copied from Facebook:

Chuckle with me a moment

Rant on crime and going to Mexico.

Hooter Hiders: aka Nursing Covers

Alaska

Flight of the Conchords Ep 4 Sello Tape

Uh -

Tercer Cielo - Yo Te Extrañaré (ASL)

Back in November:

It's all Facebook's fault!

If Dogs could get sainthood . . . .

The real reason he had kids . . .

You crack me up!

About my husband's kidney transplant . . .

!!!!!

Posted on our mission's blog

Guitar Prodigy

Tell me why?

Becasue I said so!

Why God Made Moms.

Award

Random FYI meme

Can I just get a WITNESS!

En Espíritu y en Verdad

None but Jesus - in Spanish

huh

Whew

How to make my mother GASP from laughing . . .

I HEART having a family in ministry.