Last night I finally finished reading Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' memoir: My Grandfather's Son. I ended my previous nights reading a little early, so I could enjoy the last chapter of the book in one sitting. It left me in tears. This book chronicled Justice Thomas' life from birth in the Deep South living in horrific poverty - all the way to supreme court. I barely remember his confirmation hearings being televised, and that entirely awful Anita Hill thing. But now that I've read his story, his mind, his heart...I am so moved. To hear of racism and prejudice from a true victim's point of view...it has completely changed my view of blacks in America. I've never been one to show prejudice based on color. I even went out with a black man once. But I must admit I've never really understood why they felt so victimized. Now I do. I see how the master/slave mentality has been a difficult one to overcome. I see how the government, in an effort to help, has actually made the problem worse by free handouts. But I also see how change can happen - when given a chance, and shown how to work hard. Lots to think about as I process this great book. I encourage you to read it!
Now for a totally different subject: in Bible Study today we spent a good 20 minutes in prayer. Normally, that would have been our small group time, but our leader felt strongly that we should all pray. We were given a list of names/characteristics of Christ, and asked to choose one and pray it aloud. It was a deeply moving time of worship. So many of the women in there are just broken, wounded, hurting, going through incredibly difficult trials. It makes me wonder about the people around me...who is really okay, and who is pretending, or who is deeply hurting but doesn't feel safe sharing?
I want to be the kind of friend who is a soft place to fall. A safe place to be vulnerable. A place to rest. I want Jesus to love through me, however He wants to.
Those are the thoughts of my heart today. :-)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
10 Things That Make Me Happy!
Because of Amy's tag, I am listing (in no particular order and probably leaving off some very important things) ten things that make me happy...
- Snuggling with a tiny baby who is resting on your chest...and then falling asleep together. Nothing like it in the world.
- Harry Connick Jr., on a stage, tapping around, on, in, under a piano. Absolutely breathtaking. Aw yeah.
- The sound of my children laughing as they play together peacefully. I hope this happens more often as they get older!
- A really well written and filmed Jane Austen adaptation. See previous blogs. Makes me absolutely giddy.
- A sweet bargain.
- Being known, loved, remembered, understood by a friend.
- Traveling with my family.
- A GREAT haircut.
- Napping on the couch while my husband watches a NASCAR race. Just being together.
- A moving performance on stage...theater, musical, symphony, opera. Yep, I'm a culture snob. :-)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Ups and Downs of My Sunday...
Today has been a mostly beautiful day. My mother took Sam and Emma yesterday, so we could have some "special time" with Ian. He soaked up the attention! He had much to tell us, many games to learn and play, and lots of drawing and crafting to do. It's good for the middle child to be an only child on occasion.
So this morning was spent as a family of three: lounging, playing, cleaning, playing, and preparing for two major events (Dallas Cowboys, Jane Austen). I left the house at 3pm to meet my mom just off Walnut Hill and 35. Not the best area of town, but a nice half-way point. Herein lies down number 1:
We were actually supposed to meet at 4, not 3:30pm. So, what does one do for 30 minutes (of course not realizing my mistake until 4) while waiting for mom and avoid getting mugged? I pull into the gas station and I clean out my car! (This would be up number 1)! So I did...clean out one side of my car which was closest to the trash can. Then I began to open the door to the other side of my car, and the Holy Spirit moved me to get in my car and lock the doors. Okay, obedience is a good thing. As soon as I did, a beggar walked up to my door. Yikes! (This is down #2) He went away, and I drove my car around the lot for several minutes until he and his friend drove away. Once I felt safe again, I completed cleaning out my car. (Up #2).
My children arrived safely at 4:05pm (Up #3), and I quickly made it home in time to watch the remainder of the game (Up #4). Only to watch us lose. (Down #'s 3-10).
But, alas, Jane Austen came to the rescue. Along with Captain Wentworth. (sighs) (This is up #'s 5-100, or enough to sustain me for at least a week). Yes, PBS began airing the Jane Austen works tonight, starting with "Persuasion." My sweet mom joined me in watching the movie (from her own home), and called me when it was over. As Jane would say, "It was all quite capital! Such felicity has never been known!"
Yes, life is good. :-)
So this morning was spent as a family of three: lounging, playing, cleaning, playing, and preparing for two major events (Dallas Cowboys, Jane Austen). I left the house at 3pm to meet my mom just off Walnut Hill and 35. Not the best area of town, but a nice half-way point. Herein lies down number 1:
We were actually supposed to meet at 4, not 3:30pm. So, what does one do for 30 minutes (of course not realizing my mistake until 4) while waiting for mom and avoid getting mugged? I pull into the gas station and I clean out my car! (This would be up number 1)! So I did...clean out one side of my car which was closest to the trash can. Then I began to open the door to the other side of my car, and the Holy Spirit moved me to get in my car and lock the doors. Okay, obedience is a good thing. As soon as I did, a beggar walked up to my door. Yikes! (This is down #2) He went away, and I drove my car around the lot for several minutes until he and his friend drove away. Once I felt safe again, I completed cleaning out my car. (Up #2).
My children arrived safely at 4:05pm (Up #3), and I quickly made it home in time to watch the remainder of the game (Up #4). Only to watch us lose. (Down #'s 3-10).
But, alas, Jane Austen came to the rescue. Along with Captain Wentworth. (sighs) (This is up #'s 5-100, or enough to sustain me for at least a week). Yes, PBS began airing the Jane Austen works tonight, starting with "Persuasion." My sweet mom joined me in watching the movie (from her own home), and called me when it was over. As Jane would say, "It was all quite capital! Such felicity has never been known!"
Yes, life is good. :-)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Emma
Scott made this collage of Emma's 3 years. She has so many different looks, it's amazing! See if you can find where the boys cut her hair!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Does It Get Any Better?
A sweet Buckeye friend emailed me yesterday with some exciting news! PBS is airing a series of films based on Jane Austen's novels. Truly, does it get any better than that? I don't think so! :-) I cannot imagine any better way to spend a quiet Sunday evening than curled up on the couch, favorite snuggly quilt, cup of peppermint tea, and a Jane Austen adaptation on film. Pure, absolute bliss! The series begins next Sunday evening and runs for several weeks. If you can only catch one, I would highly suggest the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth, oh Mr. Darcy!). It is dreamy. I am such a huge Austen fan and just adore her work. I cannot wait!
Click here for a preview of the series of films:
Click here for a preview of the series of films:
Getting to know you...2008
1. What is your occupation? Wife, Mommy, Piano and Voice Teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? lol...freckled...I rarely wear socks
3. What was the last thing that you ate? Chicken
4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
5. If you were a crayon, what color would you be and why? Periwinkle Blue, it is lovely
6. The last person spoke to on the phone? Amy
7. Who is the person who sent this to you? Amy
8. Favorite drink? Diet DP from Sonic
9. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football or Basketball, or any sport my children are involved in
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, even purple once in college... :-)
11. Pets? Kelly, my Border Collie Mix
12. Favorite food? Mexican!
13. What was the last movie you watched? Hairspray! So stinkin' funny.
14. What do you do to vent anger? Um, yell. Yes I do, and I hate it. I have problems with anger.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? Most likely my barbies.
16. What is your favorite season fall or spring? Fall. I love the colors, the briskness in the air, and the sounds of high school football games.
17. Cherries or Blueberries? Unless the cherries are in a cobbler, I'm a blueberry gal.
18. When was the last time you cried? This afternoon when I slipped on something and twisted my knee. I know, pathetic!
19. What did you do last night? Got organized for the week, and did some reading.
20. Favorite smells? babies freshly bathed, hyacinth, the country after a good rain
21. What inspires you? Honesty, godliness in it's purest form, my children's birthmom's, my birthdaughter, definitely my mom (overcame cancer, smoking and alcohol addictions)
22. What are you afraid of? Living without my kids or husband
23. Favorite dog breed? Sheltie
24. Number of keys on your key ring? 3 keys
25. Favorite day of the week? Usually Sunday, because it's church day, nap day, and organize for the week day
26. How many states have you lived in? 4: Texas, California, Oklahoma, Virginia
27. Favorite holiday? Christmas
28. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? Once I drove a tractor! For real! Of course, a farmer was right beside me in case I jacked up.
29. Ever left the country? Yes: Mexico, England and Wales, Jamaica
30. Favorite kind of music? I have such an eclectic taste in music. I love everything but metal stuff. Some favorites are: Lyle Lovett, Harry Connick Jr., Allison Krauss, Norah Jones, Margaret Becker (older stuff), Trisha Yearwood, Kirk Franklin
31. Last book you read? My Grandfather's Son (Clarence Thomas' memoir) reading right now
2. What color are your socks right now? lol...freckled...I rarely wear socks
3. What was the last thing that you ate? Chicken
4. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
5. If you were a crayon, what color would you be and why? Periwinkle Blue, it is lovely
6. The last person spoke to on the phone? Amy
7. Who is the person who sent this to you? Amy
8. Favorite drink? Diet DP from Sonic
9. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football or Basketball, or any sport my children are involved in
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, even purple once in college... :-)
11. Pets? Kelly, my Border Collie Mix
12. Favorite food? Mexican!
13. What was the last movie you watched? Hairspray! So stinkin' funny.
14. What do you do to vent anger? Um, yell. Yes I do, and I hate it. I have problems with anger.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? Most likely my barbies.
16. What is your favorite season fall or spring? Fall. I love the colors, the briskness in the air, and the sounds of high school football games.
17. Cherries or Blueberries? Unless the cherries are in a cobbler, I'm a blueberry gal.
18. When was the last time you cried? This afternoon when I slipped on something and twisted my knee. I know, pathetic!
19. What did you do last night? Got organized for the week, and did some reading.
20. Favorite smells? babies freshly bathed, hyacinth, the country after a good rain
21. What inspires you? Honesty, godliness in it's purest form, my children's birthmom's, my birthdaughter, definitely my mom (overcame cancer, smoking and alcohol addictions)
22. What are you afraid of? Living without my kids or husband
23. Favorite dog breed? Sheltie
24. Number of keys on your key ring? 3 keys
25. Favorite day of the week? Usually Sunday, because it's church day, nap day, and organize for the week day
26. How many states have you lived in? 4: Texas, California, Oklahoma, Virginia
27. Favorite holiday? Christmas
28. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? Once I drove a tractor! For real! Of course, a farmer was right beside me in case I jacked up.
29. Ever left the country? Yes: Mexico, England and Wales, Jamaica
30. Favorite kind of music? I have such an eclectic taste in music. I love everything but metal stuff. Some favorites are: Lyle Lovett, Harry Connick Jr., Allison Krauss, Norah Jones, Margaret Becker (older stuff), Trisha Yearwood, Kirk Franklin
31. Last book you read? My Grandfather's Son (Clarence Thomas' memoir) reading right now
How I Spent New Years Eve...
So, I'm behind in posting...but better a bit late than not at all, right? :-) New Years Eve was a fun family night for us. I always look forward to planning something for us all to do together, and create some great memories. The kids excitedly talked all day about our big party that would happen that night.
I borrowed a fondue pot from a friend, and along with my own pot made a fun fondue feast! We had a yummy cheese fondue for chicken, steak, bread cubes and pears. Then a rich chocolate fondue for bananas, strawberries, and pretzels. We were absolutely stuffed, and had so much fun eating! While we were eating, we all went around the table and shared some of our favorite memories from 2007. Interestingly, a lot of our fun times came from summer vacation. My kids LOVE the beach.
After dinner, we brought out the games. Chutes and Ladders was a favorite. Sam won that one, and he was gracious about it too! We try to play games together alot. Scott has been teaching Sam how to play chess, monopoly and risk. The babies and I have been focusing on candyland, guess who and chutes and ladders. Good times. :-)
Finally, we opened up a bottle of sparkling grape juice, Scott prayed a blessing over our family, and we toasted in the New Year...it was about 9pm, but who knew? The kids really loved the drink, and we finished off the bottle while gathered around the island.
What a great way to spend my New Years Eve...surrounded by those I love most, and who love me most. Here are a few pictures of our evening:
I borrowed a fondue pot from a friend, and along with my own pot made a fun fondue feast! We had a yummy cheese fondue for chicken, steak, bread cubes and pears. Then a rich chocolate fondue for bananas, strawberries, and pretzels. We were absolutely stuffed, and had so much fun eating! While we were eating, we all went around the table and shared some of our favorite memories from 2007. Interestingly, a lot of our fun times came from summer vacation. My kids LOVE the beach.
After dinner, we brought out the games. Chutes and Ladders was a favorite. Sam won that one, and he was gracious about it too! We try to play games together alot. Scott has been teaching Sam how to play chess, monopoly and risk. The babies and I have been focusing on candyland, guess who and chutes and ladders. Good times. :-)
Finally, we opened up a bottle of sparkling grape juice, Scott prayed a blessing over our family, and we toasted in the New Year...it was about 9pm, but who knew? The kids really loved the drink, and we finished off the bottle while gathered around the island.
What a great way to spend my New Years Eve...surrounded by those I love most, and who love me most. Here are a few pictures of our evening:
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