How to be a Good Loser . . . by Alli

Heard in the hallway, while the kids raced each other:

Elijah: (exuberantly) "I win!"

Alli: (just as exuberantly) "I lose!"



Let's see how long this attitude lasts . . .

Another Quilting Project

I think I am officially a quilter. I don't know how many quilts you need to make to be labeled a "quilter"(I'm on #4), but I think I'm one, nonetheless. You see, I am already a fabric-aholic (I didn't make that word up) and I find myself dreaming about what my next project will be. So when my friend Debbie showed me this pattern in a magazine, I flipped. Not only is it labeled "easy" but it would be perfect for Alli's bed. I had been dreaming of making her a soft, floral, cottage-y (I might have made up that word), little girl quilt, but decided to wait until she was in a twin-sized bed. After all, it wasn't that long ago that we moved her into her toddler bed.

Well, through a series of events, we became the owners of a twin sized bed and because my dear husband refused to store a bed for a year or longer, we moved Alli into it right away. No worries, she is so proud to have a bigger bed and does just fine. But that meant that she needed a quilt and gave me the excuse to start one ASAP.

So this is the picture that inspired me. I will post pictures of the process as I progress. I love it and I can't wait!!!!

*sorry for the off-kilter pic. I tried to scan it into the computer and I apparently didn't crop it. Oh well, you get the drift.

It's a big moment in a boy's life when he has to admit he is scared to tell his daddy that he is about to be arrested . . .

Or so Elijah thought, after a confrontation with a friend over a borrowed toy that she wanted returned. I found Elijah sobbing outside that he was going to "get 'rested" and he was too scared to come inside and tell his daddy.

I hope he always feels this way . . .

Boring Life

I've been trying to think of a new post for a week now. I'm completely devoid of any ideas. Our life has been in it's normal routine, I haven't even taken any new pictures! I'm hoping to get some in the next few weeks from our friend's wedding that we went to on Saturday. Somehow both Dan and I forgot to bring a camera and our kids provided ample photographic moments! I'm hoping most for a good picture of Dan dancing with Allison during the father/daughter dance. It made me cry :).
So, until then, or until I can come up with something worth saying, I probably won't have a new post. Sorry to dissapoint you all . . .

Today

Inspired by Tina, here is my list for today:

1. I'm wondering . . . if my neck will ever be back to normal. It has been sore for 4 days, and even after a chiropractor visit, is still that way. Looks like another day for Advil.

2. I'm reading . . . When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch. Someday I will act without wondering or worrying what other's think. I will remember "the audience of One." It may not happen until eternity, but it will happen.

3. I'm feeling . . . overwhelmed. A week without kids and I still didn't finish all my projects and we have a BUSY weekend ahead (again).

4. I'm happy . . . the kids are home. The house was too quiet and I actually got a little lonely during the day.

5. I'm thinking . . . about what to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner. I suppose my capris and t-shirt that is my daily uniform is probably too casual.

6. I'm hoping . . . to find some quilting bargains at a shop's sale tomorrow.

7. I'm dreaming . . . that I drove a golf-cart into the lake. Seriously, that's what I dreamt last night.

8. I'm going . . . out to the cottage today. With a rehearsal tonight and wedding tomorrow, it just makes sense to stay out there.

9. I'm wishing . . . I could be at the quilt expo today with my friends Debbie and Elizabeth. I really wanted to make it work, but this week was too busy. Next year!!

10. I'm enjoying . . . the time I had to visit with my parents. They are coming again next week, so we'll be able to enjoy them again!

11. I'm planning . . . all the things I need to do today before we leave.

12. I'm laughing . . . at my son's mind. I love the way he thinks.

13. I'm loving . . . my life and my God. I can honestly say I am very content.

14. I'm thankful for . . . His grace and patience. He is changing me, but it is a very slow process sometimes!

15. I'm clinging . . . to Psalm 145:8,9 "The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."

Love Song for a Savior by Jars of Clay

It's been fun, as my walk with Christ deepens and matures, to listen to music that I've loved for a long time. I have abandoned some old favorites because I don't believe the theology they teach, while others have become more meaningful and sweet to me. One such song is "Love Song for a Savior" by Jars of Clay. I'm sure I've owned this CD for at least 12 years, since high school, and even got demerits at Maranatha for listening to it there! It is still one of my favorite Cd's and I've enjoyed the group's changing sound over the years.

So the other day, when I chose Jars of Clay to listen to on my iPod, I easily slipped into just enjoying the music and lyrics without really thinking about what they were saying. And when Love Song came on, I was caught off guard at what a beautiful picture of a childhood conversion might look like. I listened intently and thought about my own conversion, and hoped for a similar experience for my kids. I want them to grow up knowing about God, wanting to love Him until the moment He divinely opens their eyes to His worth.

So enjoy the lyrics, watch the youtube video, and buy the song on iTunes for $.99 if you think you'll like it.

In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daisies and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call her
And she will come running
Fall in his arms, the tears will fall down
And she'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it
Goes to the people who stare into nowhere
Can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday we'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call us
And we will come running
Fall in his arms
The tears will fall down and we'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

McCain/Palin Rally

Dan and I did an adventurous thing today. We took both the kids to try to see John McCain and Sarah Palin at their first campaign stop after the RNC. It was slated to begin at 10, but got pushed back to 11 because of the crowds. One passerby said they only expect 8,000 people, but there was more like 20,000 there. I can't be sure of his statistics, but it sure was crowded.

We stood in line and the kids were very patient. Unfortunately, our late arrival was our downfall, and we didn't get near the stage and only heard bits and pieces of the speeches, mostly we just recognized Sarah and John's voices over the speakers. About 1/2 way through the rally, we walked around to try to get a better view and actually got some photos of them shaking hands and signing autographs! (At least Dan got the photos. There are advantages to being his height.)

These pictures are a bit deceptive. We weren't close to them at all, but using a 200 zoom lens made it look like we were!

All in all, I was glad we went. Next time we will leave the kids with someone and arrive much earlier to get a seat. Since Wisconsin is supposed to be a battleground state again this year, we should have at least a few more chances to hear the candidates speak.