A Little Bitta'........

Today was all about a little bitta' this and a little bitta' that.....

A little bitta' sharing my profession with some promising high school students.......
A little bitta' cleaning..........
A little bitta' finishing up my 30-page Spanish paper...................
A little bitta' swimming...............
A little bitta' cleaning up after our {sweet} puppy.................
A little bitta' shopping at Target (Super Soakers for everyone along with a new outfit and a few scrapbooking odds and ends)
A little bitta' watering flowers.............

and now I'm ready for a little bitta' sleep. Good-bye May, Hello first of June.

Reaching A Goal.

Yesterday, Kennedy set a goal that by the end of the summer, she would be able to swim across the full length of the pool underwater. The goal was set. And today, just one day later, my little fish met her goal.....look at that smile as her head popped up by the ladder! Following my lecture about setting goals and telling yourself "I can do it" and not giving up and believing in yourself.......she got back to the business of the next goal, which is to learn to backfloat for more than a few seconds. You go, Girl! I'm proud of you.

Nighttime Quiet.

I am sitting at my kitchen table at 11:39 PM to sit down to write today's thoughts, and I am struck with how quiet it is in the house at this time of night. I can hear the purr of the pool filter in the backyard, the occasional creak of the house, and the frog medley outside, but other than that, it is silent. And it is beautiful and so very, very needed.

Today was a hard day. I am still not feeling well and it was very, very humid. And, of course, the kids wanted to swim all day now that the pool is up, which means that I had to be outside to supervise. And, to tell you the truth, I was just ornery today, plain and simple. If I had had my way today, every one of my children's toys would have been boxed up and sent to the local mission. They just seemed to be EVERYWHERE. And papers....wow, can paper eat up a day or what? I mean, the junk mail and the fliers people stick in your front door and mailbox, and the school papers, and the newspapers.......I just really felt like things were piling up today, and it was choking.

So now, in the quiet of my house, I have had a chance to get the toys and papers under control, and my soul is much more at peace. But, hey, what would life be without a few near-the-edge-of-the-deep-end days now and then. Rest well.

We Remember.

Today, we are bouncing back from yesterday's sick day and trying to get some early-summer projects done.....getting the garden in, getting the pool chemicals balanced, spring house cleaning, Memorial Day BBQ parties. But, we don't want to get too caught up in these things that we don't remember what today is really all about. Today, WE REMEMBER......

My grandpa Hank, who served bravely in the armed services and served in wars. I am embarrassed to admit that I don't even know which specific wars he served in. That will be my next project, to learn more about his history and service.

My father-in-law, Ed, who served in the Air Force in the Vietnam War. He was just honored by the State of Michigan a few months back with several service awards. Thank You, Grandpa Ed, for all you have done and continue to do.

All the wives who are raising children alone right now because their husbands are serving our country in Iraq.

All of the servicewomen who have left their husbands and children to serve their country in Iraq. What bravery and faith it must take to leave all that you know to do what you have been trained to do.

All of the children whose parents serve in the armed forces. How confusing and scary it must be to be separated from their parents, but how proud they must be.

All of the men and women who have lost their lives so that me, my family, my community, and my country can experience the sweet taste of freedom.

May we not underestimate the price that has been paid for the freedom we enjoy today. And may we always remember those who have paid that price for us.

Sick.

I have a nasty bug that had me in bed most of the day yesterday, achy and shivery and running a fever. Today, I seem to feel better but am pretty weak. So, I'm sticking pretty close to my house today, though we have a few engagements later this afternoon. It really stinks to be sick on a holiday weekend.

Holiday Weekend.

We are making a conscious effort to stay home this holiday weekend. Our lives have been so busy and fast-paced these last few weeks, that we really need a weekend to just be home and work on home projects and do things together. Just be together. Some highlights of the last few days around here:

Hayden's last day of 3-year-old preschool. The day included painting (my favorite and his!), a show-and-tell visit from Ruby, and an after-school picnic at Frog Hollow. Here is my little boy giving his very best end-of-preschool one-eyed pirate smile:

Kennedy had her Reading Party at school on Friday, where the kids were rewarded for meeting their reading goals in March. The morning included a movie, ice-cream sundaes complete with Gummy Bears, Skittles and lots of whipped cream (of course). We are so proud of how far she's come in one little year....from reading a few little words like "dog" and "big" to now sounding out words like "eventually" and "skepticism." As she said, "There's no book that can stop me now, mom."



And last night, I went flower shopping and found some great baskets and flowers. I am especially loving these "straw daisies" that really feel like straw. Amazing the complexity and diversity in God's flower gardens! We are also working on getting our pool cleaned and set up, getting the garden planted, and getting the yard ship-shape.

Feels Like Summer.

Summertime-summertime...sum-sum-er-summertime. That little song can't help but run through my mind today. The last two days here have been nearly 90 degrees and sunny, and I am feelin' the summer fever! The kids are loving playing in the water and running in the lush grass and chasing the puppy and giving the puppy turns on the water slide (!). So, Monday we had our own little beach in the front yard....and today......

We are Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn floating on the Mississippi River!

I decided to sport a new look for spring/early summer here on my blog. I like the color spectrum but need to work on the title i.e., making the print more readable and dimming down the photo colors a bit....bear with the work in progress, but enjoy the fun new colors!

Framed Letters.

Ali Edwards pointed out a cool framed letter in the newest Pottery Barn catalog. She always has the most amazing tastes and ideas. I just wanted to share my entry wall display, which also utilizes this idea.....seems that great minds think alike! Isn't it fun to take an idea and make it your own in a way that fits with your personality and home? I started with the framed "M" which is our last initial, and then built the horizontal and vertical words out from the center. The burnished black letters are from Ballard Designs, and the frame was a garage sale find. Thanks, Ali, for always inspiring and giving of yourself.

If You Can't Go to the Beach......

Kennedy: Mommy, can we go to the beach today? I'm so bored.

Me: Not today, Honey. It's 4:00, and I still have to finish laundry and make dinner and I have a parent-teacher meeting tonight and it's a school night. Summer vacation is soon here, and then we can go to the beach a lot. OK?

Kennedy: (Walks out of room, disappointed)

Kennedy: (Comes back into house). Mom, can I take some sand out in the front yard?

Me: OK, but you can't dump it on the lawn and you have to put it back when you're finish. What do you need it for?

Kennedy: (No reply....already out the door)

(20 minutes goes by; I go out to get the mail and this is the scene):


















Kennedy: If I can't go to the beach, then I'll bring the beach to me!!

Now, who said a little boredom on a spring day isn't good for kids!!!! I love that the oft-boredom of warm days can stimulate the imagination beyond what kids believe that they are capable of....lovin' your innovation and persistence, Sweet Girl! Hope you enjoyed your afternoon at your very own "beach"!

Heavy.

I'm struggling right now with some very heavy things, things that are just weighing my soul down. Little boys who are facing life-and-death circumstances (please pray for little Landon and his family), while his mother tries to stay strong and of unyielding faith. A friend just diagnosed with her second round of breast cancer, while she is still fighting off leukemia just diagnosed last summer. A colleague undergoing painful treatment for colon cancer. And I'm finding myself in this ugly spiral of rumors, negativity and lots of other junk.....not sure how I got here or how to get out. Ever been there? And, not to mention, two nights with less than 3 hours of sleep each is not too great for clarity, cognitive or otherwise.

So, today, I'm trying to regain perspective. Refocus on Christ and the purity to which He calls us. Spending time with my kids. Planting some flowers. Recentering. Cleansing. Searching my soul.........reminds me of those classic words...."Lord if there be, any wicked way in me, cleanse me, Lord, and make me free."

Ruby Goes to Kindergarten.

After contact with 100 5-and-6-year-olds and an afternoon running in the sunshine, we have one tired little puppy. And, after a long emotional week--including two nights with less than 2 hours of sleep each--this is one exhausted Mommy who has to be up to coach a t-softball game tomorrow. So, off to bed. Sweet, sweet dreams to all tired puppies and Mommies (and everyone else, as well) out there.

Never Stop Learning.

I have spent many, many years of my life as a student in schools and universities. I hold a Ph.D. in psychology as well as psychology licenses and many continuing education credits. But you know, the most important thing I learned is quite simple: The more I learn, the more I know that I need to learn. Isn't it true? This two-week course has reminded me so much that although I am a professor and have over 12 years of university teaching under my belt.....I learn as much if not more from my students than they learn from me and my course. These two weeks, I had five amazing young women in my class, and each of these women taught me something about art, God and creativity. One of the young women is writing a novel, will finish it this summer. She taught me to never stop believing in your dream, no matter the adversity or nay-sayers that you face. Another young woman is currently memorizing the book of Phillipians. She reminded me how important it is to transform and renew our minds by committing God's word to memory. Another young woman is taking a risk and moving across the country, despite fears about leaving home and family and the familiar. She taught me that sometimes in life, it is just you and God, and that teaches complete and utter dependence. I admire another of the young women for their courage is facing a battle that she has tirelessly fought for a large part of her adolescence. She reminds me of what it is to run the race to which we are called, to keep fighting, and to give every aspect of life over to God. And the final young woman......she taught me what it is to live with passion, with joy, and with connection. Not to take yourself too seriously, and to always have fun in life. I am still at a point where I am only 10 years or so older than my students, yet it never fails that they teach me so much.
When I feel that I've arrived, that my knowledge is complete, when I've learned all it is I need to know......I know then that it's time to stop teaching and get out so I don't pass that kind of nonsense on to others. Thanks, Ladies of PSY480 Art Therapy, for teaching me so much, for jumping into this experience with both feet, and for believing in yourselves, your creativity, and your artistic ability to serve, worship, and praise God through your creative work.

Important Reminder: Play!

I had the chance to spend the day with 100 kindergarteners today, playing and learning and just having fun. I know that I needed this reminder today, and I thought you might appreciate it, too. Don't forget to make time to play each and every day....it's great preventive medicine and great for the mind and soul!

Day at the Shore Experience.

I finally got the opportunity today to do something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. To spend an entire day at the beach just reflecting on God, creativity, and nature's beauty. Almost always, when I head to the beach, I have lots of buckets, toys, blow-up floaties, snacks, and kiddos in tow, which is wonderful and fun and memorable.....BUT, not usually very reflective or relaxing.

So today, as part of this Art Therapy course that I am teaching, I was able to go with five of my students to the lakeshore where we just plain experienced communion with God at the lakeshore. Pretty powerful stuff. We spent four just just BEING at the beach....walking, collecting, sitting and staring into the horizon, considering the power of the waves, putting our toes into the icy cold Lake Michigan waters. We spent time writing, praying, reading, and making beach sculptures. We created beach jar collages to take home as a little memento of the day. We shared our insights and praised God for His amazing creation.

What really struck me was this: While the waves crashing were very loud, it felt like a silent peaceful place. Loud enough to drown out the busyness and distraction and stuff in my mind, to allow time to focus on God and nature's beauty and God's creativity.

Do you look at creativity as a way of honoring God? Of serving Him? Of reflecting His character and power to others? You should, because that is precisely what it is. And today, I was given a precious gift in a few hours to focus on God's awesome creativity and how, because I am created in His image, I can commune more closely and intimately with Him through the creative process, whatever my creative activity of choice.

Take time for a day at the shore. You will be changed in a powerful way as God speaks to you through His handiwork at the place where the sea meets the land.

Weekend Blessings.

This weekend was an incredible time of blessing for me....nothing really earth-shattering or ultra-exciting, but just the quiet, family-centered, meaningful types of activities and people that life is all about. Yesterday was not only Mother's Day but it was also our 7th anniversary, so the kids stayed Saturday night at my parents' while Matt and I took a little anniversary walk down memory lane. I reserved the same suite at McGuire's resort where we stayed on our wedding night, and we just enjoyed a nice dinner and evening together celebrating seven years (and hopefully many more) together. What a special and much-needed time to focus on the "US" of our family.

And....introducing the newest member of our family.....RUBY. What a sweet girl. And couldn't you just get lost in these baby blues? She is such a good puppy....seems to be well on her way to potty-trained, and such a sweet temperament. The kids just love on her and dote on her. Sweet little Ruby has followed me around all morning while the kids were in school.....I think I am falling......in a little bit of puppy love, that is.

And here are some photos of the moms in our lives......some special photos like the ones of my beautiful grandmothers, and the special one of Kennedy reading a story to my Grandma, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease about a year ago....these photos will be cherished surely.

So the time this weekend was just really good for the soul and so very treasured. Each Mother's Day that passes, I am especially reminded that my grandmother's years are advancing, and I just always want to be sure to capture these memories for my kids, while they are able to know these beautiful ladies. I hope that everyone had the chance to express love and care to their moms and to all the special women in their lives.

Pre-Summer Joy.

Today has been filled with little blessings. A thank-you breakfast at school for all volunteers, complete with kid-created placemats. More special hand-made mother's days gifts from my little girl, including a book that she wrote all by herself. A special pre-anniversary delivery from the local flower shop. A picnic and s'mores at lunchtime with my kiddos. A long telephone chat with a dear friend. And watching my kids jump on the trampoline with the sprinkler running under it. Pure laughter, pure fun, pure joy on a Friday.

This is What It's All About.

This has been a busy, busy week....finishing up fall grades and getting those courses wrapped up, my husband has had multiple athletic events every day, and then teaching a concentrated summer course....not to mention volunteering at school, softball games, getting ready for Mother's Day and our anniversary, etc., etc., etc.

And then this. This is what makes it worth it all. My three-year-old son, so proud of the gift that he made me at preschool. And it is truly, honestly, totally more beautiful than anything he could have bought me. A little finger-painted poppy flower, in a little clay pot that he exclaimed "I painted it boo (blue) just for you, Momma!" What more can I say. This makes me feel so, so loved and cherished. This is the most beautiful flower I have ever received, My Sweet Boy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I needed that today.

Which One?

Have you ever had a day like this?

Where everything in your life and house seems to be in disarray? This is the scene that I walked into tonight after a full day of university teaching. Play-dough EVERYWHERE, small pieces of PlayMobile sets all over the place, kids filthy.....can you relate?

This is the same scene four hours later as I am finally winding down. It's funny......I can go to bed with my house messy EXCEPT FOR THE KITCHEN. I have to have the kitchen straightened and dishes in the dishwasher before I can go upstairs to bed. I can step over the scattered toys in the living room or trip over the shoes in the entry on the way up to bed, but if the kitchen or dining table are messy.....forget it. A silly little quirk, I guess.

So, here's to a clean kitchen and table....though I know tomorrow will soon come, and with it lots more PlayDough and toys and dirty kids and.........but for now, I'm enjoying the tidyness and ready to drift off to a good night's sleep. Wishing you the same.

Art Therapy.

No, I'm not in art therapy, though many days I feel like I need to be! I started teaching a course today in Art Therapy. I love the students and they are so ready to jump into learning and experiencing how creativity and artistic expression can be powerful therapies. Today we dabbled in scribble and squiggle art and will be making "The Box of Me" tonight. Tomorrow, it's all about clay medium as we mold and sculpt and paint. Challenge yourself to spend at least 30 minutes creating each day this week....I promise it will change your mental and cognitive outlook. Happy Monday.

Sad Monday Night.

We are all a little bit sad around our home tonight. We discovered that one of our pet bunnies, Daffodil, gave birth to her first two babies. My husband found them both in the cage tonight, and they were not alive. We didn't even know for sure that she was pregnant. It's funny how attached you become to these critters. We were honest and up-front with Kennedy, who was sad but immediately turned to Jesus. She prayed, "Jesus, please help Daffodil to be OK. And Jesus......next time, help her to have lots more babies!" Death is never easy to deal with, but I am inspired by her optimism and, especially, by the fact that she turned her hurt and sadness to Jesus. A lesson we can all learn from, definitely.

Puppy Goodness.

So.....today we went to a family get-together two hours away at my in-laws, and this is what we are taking away from the day. Yes, this is the sweet little addition to our family that we didn't expect but that stole our hearts away. A sweet chocolate lab ball of puppy goodness. Now, there is a bit of history here.......we got a lab puppy, Cooper, when Kennedy was a new baby, but basically, with a brand new baby, and then soon getting pregnant for our second, we just didn't have the time to train and socialize her properly. So, sadly, we adopted Cooper out to another family.

I know that my family will think that I have absolutely fallen off rocker to allow this. But how can you resist this sweet face? Or your daughter saying, "Mommy! My dream is coming true!"

This little puppy--who has the brightest blue eyes you can imagine--crawled up into Kennedy's arms and fell asleep. How can you resist?

So, now we are in the process of choosing a name, which is adventure in itself. We will pick her up next Sunday after she has had her shots, so that will give us a week to name her, get all the supplies, and puppy-proof the house and yard. So far, my daughter's favorites are Brownie, Cocoa and Jasmine. Matt's pick is Mocha. And mine is Chai or Skye. If you have any other names that would be good for a chocolate lab, let me know in the comments....but no references to poop, please! I'm sure we'll have enough of that in our near future......

May 5th.

Today was a very busy day around here for me....lots of festivities and busy-ness. This morning was the university graduation, where we graduated 600+ students. It is always bittersweet....very proud to see another group of my students going off into the world to make a difference, but very sad to see some amazing young people leaving. It's almost like they are all my kids in some strange way.....so much potential, and I am very proud of them.

Today is also Cinco De Mayo (thought I should acknowledge that, given my attempts to learn Spanish and all!) as well as.....National Scrapbooking Day! I didn't even get to scrapbook today, though I did stop by the local store to pick up some new KI goodies and some Bazzill cardstock, since there were some good sales. I also entered a contest with a cute "Glimpses of Summer" mini-album that I made. I will post photos when I get it back. I just started it last night at 9:00 pm, so I didn't put a lot of time into it. It was a good example of just playing and experimenting and seeing what would happen....and I am really happy with the result, win or no win.

Well, gotta go scrub my very dirty played-outside-all-day-long-and-then-some kiddos. Then, it's another chapter of "Sherlock Holmes" for my daughter before I tuck them into bed and dive into my new issue of Creating Keepsakes.....looks like a good one. Tomorrow, don't forget to genuinely praise Jesus right from your soul, and thank Him for one thing that He has done for you this week.

Glimpses of Summer

It's beginning to look a lot like.....Summer! Just wanted to share some views from our home over the past few days.....like kids practicing roller-blading....... and catching the first toad of the year.....

And juicy, dripping, sweet slices of watermelon eaten while sitting on the fresh green grass........And this moon last night which reminded me of a hot-summer-night moon........Come on, summer, we are ready for you!