A Cornucopia of Thanks

Today I have a cornucopia of thankfulness.  (Honestly, I love the word cornucopia and want to use it as often as possible.) The last two weeks have been grueling, and it's times like this when I treasure each and every piece of happiness.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

picture from dailypositivequotes.com

1. Friends when you are in need.
I am so thankful for the people that put me right side up when I'm so stressed out that I'm upside down and feeling like Chicken Little. The sky hasn't fallen yet and I'm still standing, thankfully.

2. Weddings
We went to a sweet wedding last week and I was able to hug so many people.

3. Coffee for Jesus
On Wednesday morning, I was feeling down, so I brewed several pots of coffee, stood on the curb and passed out free coffee to TCU students. It was good for my soul to share a smile with strangers and to offer words of encouragement for frazzled college students on their way to take tests. Several people asked me what I was promoting and I reminded them that I was promoting Jesus.

4. Completed homework
I've been struggling with writing and re-writing and re-thinking and re-writing some theological papers, but I finished them, am satisfied I did my best effort, and turned them in. I love that feeling of relief that comes when the paper is sent off via email to your professor and you don't have to worry about it any more.

5. Kumbaya
In one of my classes yesterday, a woman confessed she was trying to feel better by singing. I convinced her to sing to the whole class. Later, when class was halfway over, our entire class, including our professor, sang Kumbaya. It was hilarious and holy and it reminded me that sometimes it doesn't matter that I can't sing on key.

6. Date Night
Last Saturday we left the kids to the capable hands of our fearless babysitter and escaped. I am so thankful that in the midst of our crazy busy lives that occasionally we can stop time and focus on each other. Also, we ended up at the bookstore (predictably) and I'm thankful for my new book.

7. Bedtime rituals
Claire and Paul each have their own special bedtime routine. Claire asks me to growl in her ear every night because it tickles. We have a few quiet moments of talking right before bed. For Paul, we have an elaborate routine. First, I hide under his covers and pretend to be him. He hides behind his door. Then Paul calls Adam and says he's ready to be tucked in. Adam strolls in, pretends not to see me, jumps on the bed, followed by Paul jumping out from behind the closet to scare us all. It is so funny every night.

8. New car battery when I had time to get one
Sunday morning, Adam left to help his parents and the kids and I realized my battery in my car was dead. Luckily it was a weekend day. A kind neighbor jumped the car for us. I went to Auto Zone, and a kind employee replaced my battery for me while we waited. I was so thankful that it was the weekend and that we had time to do that.

9. Sick days
Monday afternoon, Paul came home from school not feeling well. He came home and asked to take a nap. That never happens to this energetic boy. Tuesday morning he woke up with a fever. All plans were cancelled and I stayed home from work and he stayed home from school. He was completely recovered in a few hours. I was so thankful for his quick recovery and for my ability to cancel everything for the day and spend a low-key day at home with him.

10. My communities
I am a part of several communities and I am thankful for them all. I am thankful for my theological friends who can talk Augustine's intersection with real life. I am thankful for several churches where I feel at home. I am thankful for my family both under one roof and extended. I am thankful for my friends that email me back when I send them long essays. I am thankful for my FB messenger friends who send me links, check-ins, and laments. I am thankful for the parents at school that I get to converse with every day from 2:50-3:00. I am thankful for both my jobs and coworkers and friends. I am thankful for my professors who have patience with my ignorance and make me laugh. I am so thankful to be surrounded by good people.

Whew! Gratitude to finish a Grueling Week

This week was one of the hardest of the semester. I'm so thankful that I was able to meet the challenges, mostly.

Here's what I'm grateful for today:

1. A new journal
I wanted to put this journal on my Christmas list, but it runs $55 and I wasn't sure I could justify that much money for a book that wasn't a textbook. I am excited to say that it went on sale and I got a copy for $20! Woot! It's called Sacred Ordinary Days, and it's a liturgical journal. Click here to get the same deal I did. This particular version runs with the academic calendar, which is good for me.

2. Hamster rescues
Last week Paul's hamster escaped his cage and met me for coffee. Luckily the dog wasn't up and I was able to safely return him. This week when I was up at 4:15 writing, I heard a loud crash. Claire's hamster had somehow toppled his hamster wheel and was on her bedroom floor, in his wheel. I am so grateful the hamster stayed in the wheel, because Sugar Dot went with me to investigate that noise.

The reason our hamsters live in cages. Sugar Dot was looking for a snack this week in the hamster ball. Don't worry. No hamsters or dogs were harmed.

3. Dinner out
I try to make dinner most nights, but twice this week we've had to outsource. I am so grateful that our family budget allows wiggle room on nights when I just can't make it all come together.

4. Homework completed
Last week I rejoiced at the reading and summarizing conclusion of the most boring/challenging book I've had to read. This week I read the companion to that book. 321 pages summarized in a 25-page paper. Don't ask me what it was about, because when you are asked to read that much in such a little time, the only method of survival is short-term processing and regurgitation. I'm not even positive I kept the name in my brain.

5. Unexpected three-day weekends
Because I have been totally consumed with my homework this week, I didn't have time until yesterday to confirm that the kids don't have school on Monday. Woot! I love that extra space. I'm going to fill it with...... more homework.

6. Life skills
Yesterday I had Paul sort his laundry and wash a load. He's 8 and had never done it before. He was so excited at this new skill he asked if he could do it every week. The answer is "Absolutely." We'll see how long his enthusiasm holds.

7. Eating with interesting people
More than once this week I've found myself eating next to a fascinating person. I loving hearing different people's perspectives. It always makes me think long after the conversation is over.

8. The freedom of a no.
Because I was writing a giant paper this week, I was unable to also summarize my normal 100-pages or so from a textbook in class. I just didn't have time. I asked for a 24 hour extension and was denied. The good part of that is that now I don't have to worry about trying to fit that summary into my schedule. It's over and I can move on.

9. Rain
I am so grateful that I was able to wake up and snooze for a bit to the sound of rain on our window.

10. Early mornings
Lots of students stay up late to finish their homework. My brain doesn't allow that. About 8:00, my ability to think theologically goes out the window. The good part of this is that I know that and don't even try to push it. It gives me some intentional family time. The best part of this is that I have the ability to wake up super early to get my homework done when everyone else is asleep (3:45 yesterday). It's not a pattern that works for everyone, but it allows me to focus and still have time for family.

Thank you, September!

Today's the last day of the month, meaning we've gone through just over a month of school. We've rotated between survival mode and awesomeness every day. I am so grateful.

Here's my thankful list for today:

1. I finished this behemoth! Yesterday I finished reading this entire, monstrous textbook. While it is full of good ideas, the writing was mostly over my head and frustrating. However, I read it all and am done! Woohoo! (You can all line up to borrow it now.)

2. Cooler weather
Fall and spring are my favorite seasons because they are so full of promise and hope. In fall, we hope for a respite from the heat. In spring, we hope for shorts. I love this in between time when the weather could go either way.

3. Kids and school independence
Every day it seems my kids are getting smarter and more independent. I am so grateful for that. They have great teachers at a great school  and I'm so proud of them every day.

4. Failure of embarrassment
I haven't been able to embarrass my kids yet. I've tried. Wearing birds, butterflies, and bonnets on my head hasn't worked yet. Paul just laughs and tells his friends I'm a lunatic. Claire just nods and says, "Nope. You have once again failed to embarrass me. Everyone knows my family is crazy." I've got to try harder and I'm grateful for the challenge.

5. Leftovers

6. Hilarious professors
One of my professors has been teaching at Brite Divinity School since the 1970s. That makes it all the funnier when he says things like "Will the real Jesus Christ please stand up?" He's always dropping little pop culture quotes and it always makes me laugh.

My other professor yesterdays confessed that we all love creative tension. He said, "Creative tension sounds so sexy." We all almost fell out of our chairs laughing.

7. Coffee with a hamster and not a dog
One day this week I was drinking my first cup of coffee, trying to read my behemoth of a book and I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I got scared, thinking we had a rat. No, it was Paul's hamster, escaped in a jailbreak and coming to the kitchen. I am so grateful he came to me. I am so grateful the dog hadn't woken up yet. I am so grateful we were able to return him safely to his cage and latch it so that doesn't happen again.

8. Friends
For my email pen pals, for my friends at all my school situations, for my church friends, for my ministry friends, for my friends from all different corners of my life, who remind me who I am and who I have been, I am grateful.

9. Waking up skills
My brain is much sharper in the a.m. The ability to wake up early and start functioning immediately has suited me well in grad school. My writing is much better at 5 a.m. when everyone is asleep, rather than at 5 p.m. when everyone is awake and wanting to chat.

10. Kids and pets
We're up to one dog, two hamsters, and one fish around here. The kids bought the hamsters and fish with their own money, and they take care of them all by themselves! They are so proud of their pets and parenting skills, and I am, too. Also, I'm grateful that their allowance money spent on a pet didn't mean more work for me.

Hallelujah! Thankful thoughts

One week ago today, I was lamenting yet another conversation about Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I try to be fully present with my children and engage in conversation about what's important in their lives, but during summer, it's tough. Conversation is often limited to the antics of a fictional character. Every summer, there's a point where I start to question my intelligence and sanity.

And then, hallelujah. Just as I was starting to believe I would never have an adult conversation again with anyone other than my husband; that I would never be challenged or seen as intelligent; school started. Thank you, Lord.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:
1. Teachers

A photo taken for no other reason than cuteness.

Thank you, thank you,  thank you, for challenging my children, for guiding them with love, and for offering me a respite. I literally cannot do all I do without you.

2. Babysitter
To our dear babysitter Gabby, thank you for being so trustworthy. I have no worries about you getting the children when I am in class. I am grateful for your loving care and lack of fear in the face of our mountain of laundry and dirty dishes.

3. Church family
Thank you, dear church, for providing another loving place for my children. Thank you for being home to many of my favorite people. Thank you for challenging me to think beyond children's literature. Thank you for being a place I can go to share a hug any day of the week.

4. My job
I am thankful for a job that the kids were able to accompany me to all summer long, without complaint. Instead of whining that they had to come to work with mom, they were excited about the next time they got to go with me. The Wesley is a cool place to hang out, no matter how old you are.

5. My other job
I have a very small role at a big school in a poor part of town. I love showing up with open arms, ready to help. My title is tutor, but general help is what I do (including tutoring). I also am grateful for the reality check I receive every time I'm on campus. This week we had a mother come to school who literally checked herself out of the hospital to come register students at school. Working at the school reminds me that my little bubble isn't the whole world.

6. Seminary
I  am so grateful that I'm back in class. I am immediately challenged to read as fast as I can, to think as hard as I can, and to make connections that I haven't before. It is a cure-all for a woman who was doubting her intelligence just a week ago.

7. Friends
During summer, our schedule was wonky, so we didn't often get to visit friends. But now we are back in our school rhythms, I am able to share hugs in each of my settings. I am so grateful for friends at the kids' school, at work, and at seminary.

8. Podcasts
During the school year, I am informed and challenged by podcasts. I'm not able to listen much in the summer because I'm busy being present, but already this week I've listened to several that challenged, informed, and inspired me.

9. Pets
Since vacation, the kids were saving their allowance. Claire just bought her own fish and accessories, and Paul bought a hamster. Each kid is so proud of the pets that they purchased with their own money, and they both are taking good care of them. I'm proud of their responsibility and independence.

10. Home
This summer we didn't go on quite as many adventures outside of the home. That was new for us. Every summer, the kids get excited about "stay home days", so this summer I relaxed my scheduling and provided more of those. I asked the kids last week if they missed all our little field trips around town; how they felt about a summer spent mostly at home, and they both agreed that was their favorite part.

I am grateful.

Summer 2016 Status Updates

Time always goes quickly around here, so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed on what's happening in our neck of the woods.

The kids at AHUMC VBS. They had so much fun!

Paul finished second grade and is headed to third. He also wrapped up a great baseball season. He excelled at first base and at batting. His hand-eye coordination is remarkable and one of his coaches was surprised to learn that he just turned 8 during the season.  Paul's favorite activities this summer include building with Legos and reading books. The series he's passionate about right now is How to Train Your Dragon.

Claire has finished fourth grade and headed to fifth grade, her last year in elementary school. This fall we will be applying to various middle schools across FWISD. Claire currently plays volleyball at the YMCA. She is amazing at writing and crafts a new story nearly every day. She likes making family newsletters as well. She also loves reading and is currently rifling through the collection of books I accumulated when I was her age. (Tip: Don't get your daughter hooked on Sweet Valley Twins because they are incredibly hard to find now.)

Adam still enjoys his work as a structural engineer. He has been enjoying the kids' love for roller coasters and all three of them ride together while Sarah waves from the ground. He's great at origami, fixing and building "stuff" with the kids. He loves reading Mark Twain and science books. He also teaches the kids how to rock at video games.

Sarah is still in seminary at Brite Divinity School. I can only go part-time due to family and work, but I love it. At this rate, I have four years left to get my Master of Divinity degree. This last semester I changed jobs and currently work as the ministry assistant at the TCU Wesley Foundation. I'm still also a Fort Worth ISD tutor. I'm also in the ordination process to become a UMC deacon. After graduation/ordination, I'd like to work in pastoral care/counseling and write curriculum for churches.

Cpt. Midnight Sugar Dot Express has enjoyed being the lone dog on the range. He enjoys snuggling and lying in the sun. He does not enjoy Claire holding him like a baby. He's iffy on enjoying Paul wrestling him. Postal employees are threatened with their lives when they deliver mail to the house, but cats are only scared away if he has space in his agenda for chasing them.






Overall, we're all doing well, working hard and having fun.

Our Trip to the Northeast: Ending in NYC

When I was a kid, Pace picante sauce had a commercial about salsa made in New York City. It ended with some cowboys protesting use of a salsa made in New York City.  "New York City?" They exclaimed. "Get a rope!" said another.

Click here to see this commercial.

The entire time we were in New York City, I kept replaying that commercial in my head and finishing every "New York City" with "get a rope."

Despite my annoying internal monologue, I love New York city. The crowds, the people from all over the world, the food from everywhere, the subways, the walking, the big buildings and lights; I love that city. I could never live there; it's too fast paced for my every day, but I love visiting it.

We arrrived on July 4 and were able to see the Macy's fireworks. Police officers were everywhere to ensure everyone's safety.

This was the first time on our journey that we were actually hot. Not Texas hot, but still pretty warm.

Thanks to Adam who secured tickets in February for the Statue of Liberty. It was exhausting to climb all the way to her crown, but also exciting.

When it was time to come home, we were all ready. Both kids had survived a stomach bug and I had a bad ear infection. We were desparate to sleep in our own beds and be back at home. However, the airline cancelled our flight. We stayed one more night and flew out the next day.

I took many, many photos, but here are my favorites.

New York City - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Our Trip to the Northeast Part V: All The Little States on Our Way

We drove from NYC to Niagara Falls and hit as many states as we could on the way. We stopped in Plum Island, NY to experience the beach. We heard the water was 58 degrees and a tiny dip of my toes into the water confirmed it. Adam and the kids swam anyway.

We went whale watching, but whales are so fast that I was unable to get a picture of them. We did get to see two whales from our boat. 

We also stopped in Troy, New York and connected with our friend Ellie. I worked with Ellie on several college newspapers and have enjoyed keeping up with her adventures through the years. 

Here's a slideshow of all the little states and beach time.

Little States - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Our Trip to the Northeast Part IV: Boston

We were only on Boston one day, but it was a big one. We walked almost the entire Freedom Trail. There are 16 historical sites on the trail, and by the time we left, we had seen them all, at least briefly. Also by the end, I was completely tired, grouchy, and wanting a vacation that included sitting on the beach drinking pretty drinks. Nevertheless, we were making memories with the kids and learning about our country's history.

Notable to our day were our lunch at The Bell and Hand, which is our country's oldest tavern. It's also a restaurant and we enjoyed fish and chips with the locals. We also saw several historic churches, statues, graves, and thousands of people.

We bought the kids each a Boston cap from a street vendor. They each wore their caps every other day of vacation, prompting everyone to think we were from Boston until we opened our mouths to reveal our accents. We loved hearing all the northeasterners talk and each of us privately practiced talking without Rs and with different A sounds. We quickly realized it was easier just to talk the way we normally do.

We also met a professional photographer, who took family photos of us for free. Some of the photos below are from him.

Here's some photos from the Boston leg of our journey.

Boston - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Our vacation to the Northeast Part III: Architecture

We noticed a difference in architecture everywhere we went in the northeastern US. Here in Fort Worth, we have a few historic buildings and houses that boast 100 years standing. In the northeast, that's still babytalk.

I've also included a few signs that I noticed. Here's one from Willington, CT. Apparently the entire town has a prayer meeting each week.

Below is a slideshow of some of the signs and buildings we saw on our trip. I don't know the history behind most of them (except the Freedom Tower) but they caught my eye.

NE Architecture - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Our Trip to the Northeast Part II: Mark Twain

We visited Mark Twain's house in Hartford, Connecticut and later, his grave in Elmira, NY.

His Hartford home also had a museum, which we enjoyed. You can learn more about it here. We toured the house with the "gossipy maid Lizzie Wills." The "maid" gave us a tour of the house and insider knowledge. It was a lot of fun.

This Mark Twain was made entirely of Legos.

Here are a few photos of the Mark Twain leg of our journey.

Mark Twain - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Our Vacation to the Northeast Part 1: Farm Life

When Adam and I first got married, our local grocery store had an airline mile reward program. Every dollar we spent at the store was rewarded with corresponding frequent flyer airline miles. We kept banking them, knowing one day they would come in handy. We cashed them all in this year, 15 years after we got married.

In January, I had gone to bed and Adam woke me up to say that he'd thought of some tentative plans for summer vacation. We hadn't talked about it yet and I was asleep, so I said okay and went back to sleep. The next morning I woke up to a spreadsheet on my side of the table. Flight numbers and destinations were all filled out on a calendar for vacation.

From January to June, Adam worked to research and book our vacation. He found the best deals and the best experiences and made sure we didn't miss a thing. He worked hard, and we all were grateful. Many of our activities had to be booked months in advance. For example, we climbed to the crown of the Statue of Liberty because he had purchased tickets at the beginning of February. Some times had already sold out that far ahead. We visited the Statue of Liberty on July 7.

We started vacation on June 28 with a flight out of DFW airport to New York City. This was the kids first time flying, and they were ecstatic. Since Adam was in charge of all the details, he was constantly checking off lists in his head and verifying that we had everything. I was hyper vigilent about the kids, worried that some silly move in front of a TSA agent would derail our vacation. Luckily everything went smoothly on our way out of town.

We landed in New York City and then got a rental car to drive through the Northeastern US. 

Our first two nights were spent at a farm in Connecticut. We stayed in a barn loft at Bluebird Farm in Willington, Connecticut. The price was very affordable, but more than that, we were invited to participate in farm life! (If you are interested in staying here, you can click here. If you want to learn more about their pig, Daisy, and some of the products they make and sell, click here.)

Here's a brief slideshow of our farm adventures. 

Bluebird Farm - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker