Today I am thankful for:
1. Successfully getting up early
Our schedule has been out of whack this summer. We've all been staying up too late and consequently sleeping in too late. Today I successfully hit the ground running at 5:30. It's 6:45 a.m. and I've already accomplished a lot.
2. Kids who can clean
I am often overwhelmed with the amount of housework to do in a home with two children. Yesterday I got smart and enlisted help. I gave each kid one small task at a time, which eventually added up to big clean up. Also, Claire successfully vacuumed all the bedrooms for a mere $2.
3. Automatic-brew coffee
I believe this speaks for itself.
4. Hooks on a door
Adam installed hooks on the kids' bathroom door. Hallelujah! Now they can hang up their own bathroom towel!
5. Husband at home
Adam got to come home at 7 p.m. last night; the first time in several weeks he's been able to be home that early. It was a cause for celebration, or dinner together at least.
6. Mementos
My granddad moved to an assisted living facility, so he told my cousin to get everyone to clean out his house because he has a renter waiting. It's amazing how much family history is accumulated in nearly 60 years of living in the same home. With joy, I've been cataloging all the photos and books in the house.
7. Private tours
Yesterday I took the kids to an archaeological museum at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. I had called ahead, so we had a docent-led tour of the small museum. I was happy to learn that our docent was Methodist. She was extremely kind and patient with the kids, who eventually got anxious. We looked at pots that were 3,000 years old and were surprised to learn they are held together with Elmer's glue.
8. Learning
I hope I never stop learning. Yesterday we learned about the evolution of water pitchers, how adding a spout was "new technology" thousands of years ago. At church, I am always learning, too. If you had asked me a few months ago how to make a podcast, I would have had no idea. But guess whose church is on Itunes now? That's right. (Search ahumc) We're awesome. We also have this fantastic new marketing plan for all our special events. Sometimes I like to take a little pride in myself.
9. Love notes
The kids have been writing me love notes. Claire's attempt at a cursive note said, "I love you more than books." That's a lot of love.
10. Being able to read the "real" Bible to a kid.
We have a few versions of children's Bibles around here, but frankly, I don't think they are that much fun to read. Recently Claire asked for a real Bible like mine. (Her Precious Moments Bible isn't very readable either.) Rev. Nancy happened to have a Common English Bible in her office, so we have been reading real books of the Bible. Last week was Esther and last night was Jonah. It's great to see her so excited about reading the Bible and she is really comprehending it. She was proud to take her Bible to church on Sunday. I was going to have her follow along with the sermon, but it was on David and Bathsheba, so we decided to wait a week for that experience.
11. United Methodist Hymnal # 310
At our church, every month that has five Sundays in it, we do a special Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing. This is where the congregation requests hymns and the choir sings it. Every fifth Sunday for quite a while, Adam has successfully gotten the choir to sing his favorite hymn, "He Lives." Last week he was so excited about the hymn sing that he was singing that song around the house for several days. I am so glad the choir sang it for him because now it's out of his system and I don't have to listen to him singing it.
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Downtown Fort Worth, Boyette-style
When I was a kid, for a very special event, my mom would take my sister and I downtown to ride the Tandy subway and look at all the ice skaters. I fell in love with the concept of "downtown," and watching all the business people in their suits crossing the streets at the crosswalks. Since then, downtown Fort Worth has held a special allure to me.
Now that I've grown, my feelings about the ladies in their business suits has changed. I can't imagine walking around in high heels all day. Occasionally I'll wear them to church, but only because I do a lot of sitting on Sunday morning and am relatively sure I won't fall in the little time I'm walking. Working in a skyscraper still sounds exciting, but cubicle life doesn't.
I've passed the love of the mystery and magic of downtown onto the kids. The best part about it is how they see the world completely differently and together we have magical adventures that I would never have by myself.
Today I thought I'd share a list of sites to visit and memories-in-the-making, Boyette-style.
1. I'm going to go ahead and get the gross one out of the way. Two years ago, when Paul was in the midst of potty-training, we ventured out with him in underwear for the first time. I was smart enough to pack a few changes of clothes in case he had an accident, but I didn't foresee what really happened. We were standing on a sky bridge that connects two buildings, looking down below at how things look smaller from a distance when Paul said he needed to go potty. I was about to scoop him up and take him but then I realized he was sopping wet. He was standing over an air vent. Luckily there was no one else around, so I changed my son's clothes right there. All of downtown Fort Worth could see his cute little buns. I figured every step he took would be messy, so it was best to control the mess. Now every time we pass that bridge, the kids remind me of that day.
2. Central Library
Oddly, every time we go to the downtown library, the children's section is sparsely populated. Maybe we go on off-hours, but it never seems busy there. (I know the adult sections are packed.) This week we revisited a favorite: Bearly Bedtime Stories. Each Tuesday at 7 p.m. the librarian encourages kids to come in pajamas and hug on a bear while she reads stories. Pretty awesome.
3. Jamba Juice
Around our house, it is not uncommon to hear someone shout, "Razzmatazz!" It doesn't really mean anything; just an expression of excitement/ playful aggression. At Jamba Juice, the menu features a fruit smoothie called "Razzmatazz," which the kids love for the taste as well as the name. If I have a coupon, I buy them their own smoothie. If I don't, I buy a large smoothie and the Jamba Juice folks put it in two cups. (Pssst....you get more smoothie that way and the kids are less hyper than they would be consuming a whole smoothie.)
4. Sid Richardson Art Museum
We went there twice so far this summer and I am pleased to say that the docents really love kids. We went during kid-friendly events, but each employee engaged the children in conversation about art on their level. They have puzzles that match the paintings on the wall. Admission is free and this is an art museum that actually wants you to bring kids.
5. Spider Web
In Burnett Plaza, there is a giant rope-climby-thing that looks just like a spider web. The kids love for me to pack our lunches so we can go to the Spider Web and eat under the shade and then they climb the ropes.
6. Molly the Trolley
The city has a bus/trolley system just for downtown, and it's free. Molly will drive around most of downtown. The kids love waiting at the stop and getting on Molly. They enjoy public transportation, and the drivers are always friendly.
7. Barnes and Noble
With their summer reading program, the kids each got a free book. We like Barnes and Noble downtown for that as well as an exciting escalator and a public bathroom.
8. Hidden tunnels
While having lunch in Burnett Plaza recently, Paul needed to use the restroom. It was during business hours, so I decided to pretend like we knew what we were doing and go in the office building to find a restroom. We did eventually find one, but not before we found an escalator that lead to underground tunnels that go from one office building under the street to the next. We had fun exploring underground.
9. Police Cat Fluffy
Two days ago we discovered the Fort Worth Police Department's secret weapon: a cat. We were walking around exploring after a trip to the B&N restroom and came across the building of the First Methodist Church, possibly the oldest brick building in Tarrant County. We looked at the building, noting it was now a police station. It was nearly 9 p.m. by this point, so we were about to cross the street and head back to the car when Paul spotted a cat. He asked to pet it. I said, "You can if he'll let you. He might be a wild cat." Not at all. It appears that this cat lives at the police station. He's clean, de-clawed, and very friendly. We don't know his real name, but Claire named him Police Cat Fluffy. The kids know about K9 units, so they were trying to figure out what Fluffy does for the police. Adam and I are allergic to cats and we have two dogs, so unfortunately for them, the kids will never have a pet cat. They had never been around one so sweet. Claire carried Fluffy around, petting the cat and cooing to it. When the cat hopped out of her arms, Paul picked him up again for her. I thought this might be a one time thing, but the kids begged to go see him again yesterday and sure enough, Police Cat Fluffy was still there. He was right in front of the police station door, so the kids picked him up and walked around with him. I was a little apprehensive about appearing to steal a cat from the police, but no one said anything to us. The police just waved.
10. History of Fort Worth Exhibit
This is a small exhibit housed in the first fire station. It's just one room, but it's free and it's interesting. We went on Tuesday and the kids were a little apprehensive because we were the only ones there.
Now that I've grown, my feelings about the ladies in their business suits has changed. I can't imagine walking around in high heels all day. Occasionally I'll wear them to church, but only because I do a lot of sitting on Sunday morning and am relatively sure I won't fall in the little time I'm walking. Working in a skyscraper still sounds exciting, but cubicle life doesn't.
I've passed the love of the mystery and magic of downtown onto the kids. The best part about it is how they see the world completely differently and together we have magical adventures that I would never have by myself.
Today I thought I'd share a list of sites to visit and memories-in-the-making, Boyette-style.
1. I'm going to go ahead and get the gross one out of the way. Two years ago, when Paul was in the midst of potty-training, we ventured out with him in underwear for the first time. I was smart enough to pack a few changes of clothes in case he had an accident, but I didn't foresee what really happened. We were standing on a sky bridge that connects two buildings, looking down below at how things look smaller from a distance when Paul said he needed to go potty. I was about to scoop him up and take him but then I realized he was sopping wet. He was standing over an air vent. Luckily there was no one else around, so I changed my son's clothes right there. All of downtown Fort Worth could see his cute little buns. I figured every step he took would be messy, so it was best to control the mess. Now every time we pass that bridge, the kids remind me of that day.
2. Central Library
3. Jamba Juice
Around our house, it is not uncommon to hear someone shout, "Razzmatazz!" It doesn't really mean anything; just an expression of excitement/ playful aggression. At Jamba Juice, the menu features a fruit smoothie called "Razzmatazz," which the kids love for the taste as well as the name. If I have a coupon, I buy them their own smoothie. If I don't, I buy a large smoothie and the Jamba Juice folks put it in two cups. (Pssst....you get more smoothie that way and the kids are less hyper than they would be consuming a whole smoothie.)
4. Sid Richardson Art Museum
We went there twice so far this summer and I am pleased to say that the docents really love kids. We went during kid-friendly events, but each employee engaged the children in conversation about art on their level. They have puzzles that match the paintings on the wall. Admission is free and this is an art museum that actually wants you to bring kids.
5. Spider Web
In Burnett Plaza, there is a giant rope-climby-thing that looks just like a spider web. The kids love for me to pack our lunches so we can go to the Spider Web and eat under the shade and then they climb the ropes.
6. Molly the Trolley
The city has a bus/trolley system just for downtown, and it's free. Molly will drive around most of downtown. The kids love waiting at the stop and getting on Molly. They enjoy public transportation, and the drivers are always friendly.
7. Barnes and Noble
With their summer reading program, the kids each got a free book. We like Barnes and Noble downtown for that as well as an exciting escalator and a public bathroom.
8. Hidden tunnels
While having lunch in Burnett Plaza recently, Paul needed to use the restroom. It was during business hours, so I decided to pretend like we knew what we were doing and go in the office building to find a restroom. We did eventually find one, but not before we found an escalator that lead to underground tunnels that go from one office building under the street to the next. We had fun exploring underground.
9. Police Cat Fluffy
Two days ago we discovered the Fort Worth Police Department's secret weapon: a cat. We were walking around exploring after a trip to the B&N restroom and came across the building of the First Methodist Church, possibly the oldest brick building in Tarrant County. We looked at the building, noting it was now a police station. It was nearly 9 p.m. by this point, so we were about to cross the street and head back to the car when Paul spotted a cat. He asked to pet it. I said, "You can if he'll let you. He might be a wild cat." Not at all. It appears that this cat lives at the police station. He's clean, de-clawed, and very friendly. We don't know his real name, but Claire named him Police Cat Fluffy. The kids know about K9 units, so they were trying to figure out what Fluffy does for the police. Adam and I are allergic to cats and we have two dogs, so unfortunately for them, the kids will never have a pet cat. They had never been around one so sweet. Claire carried Fluffy around, petting the cat and cooing to it. When the cat hopped out of her arms, Paul picked him up again for her. I thought this might be a one time thing, but the kids begged to go see him again yesterday and sure enough, Police Cat Fluffy was still there. He was right in front of the police station door, so the kids picked him up and walked around with him. I was a little apprehensive about appearing to steal a cat from the police, but no one said anything to us. The police just waved.
10. History of Fort Worth Exhibit
This is a small exhibit housed in the first fire station. It's just one room, but it's free and it's interesting. We went on Tuesday and the kids were a little apprehensive because we were the only ones there.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Today I'm thankful for...
Today I'm thankful for...
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Thankful things
What a week! This was Vacation Bible School week at church and it wiped us all out!
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
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