Livin' the High Life

While the rest of the family is busy painting and cleaning, trying to get ready to host Dan's side of the family for Thanksgiving weekend, Sadie enjoys a little "me" time . . .

What Happened

I've always been interested in politics. I enjoy reading about it, I watch the news as often as I can, I love talking to others about their opinions. And I love reading. So when you join the two, in a political memoir, I am hooked. I just finished reading "What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception" by Scott McClellan, former press secretary to George W. Bush. I read this book because I have become increasingly frustrated with my own inability to decipher what is true and what is spin when it comes to understanding this President's term and major decisions, including the war in Iraq.

By that, I mean, the mainstream media does a fine job of telling us what is wrong with our world today (see last post) and more conservative news outlets, like Fox or talk radio tend to agree, without question, the policies of the administration. I have always found myself in this strange in-between world, where I voted for Bush twice, yet had nagging questions about his decision-making and have begun to question his truthfulness.

Well, it seems I'm not alone. Scott McClellan, who knew and worked for Bush back in Texas and followed him to Washington has written a controversial "tell-all" about his time serving in the White House. I figured someone who served under the actual administration might have a unique view and be a bit less biased (although I fully acknowledge we all are biased in one way or another).

The book covers a variety of topics, but focuses heavily on the decision to go into Iraq, including the infamous "16 word controversy" concerning the president's use of intelligence later proved false in his state of the union address. McClellan also deals with the leak of Valerie Plame's name and status as a covert CIA agent. That topic was particularly interesting to me because I never felt like I completely understood the story, and it was often dismissed as partisan warfare by conservatives.

Much of the criticism McClellan offers is to the mindset of the "perpetual campaign" in Washington - the idea that an elected official is always considering his "base" before making a decision, so that he can get re-elected. This mindset seems to have always been a problem in D.C., but grew under Clinton's administration and was embraced even further by Bush, evidenced by his close ties with Karl Rove.

Scott McClellan was put into the unfortunate position of lying for the administration, in regards to the leak case, without realizing the information he was given was false. This severly crippled his reputation with the press he tried to work with and ultimately led to the end of his career as Press Secretary. In parts, it seems like he is writing this book just to exonerate himself, and thus seems a little shallow, but his insider's look at the administration makes it worth reading.

His conclusions on how to make Washington a better place are simplistic to say the best. Basically it boils down to an extra staff position in the White House that would be a guard dog for truthfulness (shouldn't everyone working there be in that position?) and he further encourages the common citizen toward tolerance with other points of view and forming a common bond to make America better.

What's the saying? Everything you need to know in life you learned in Kindergarten. I think the same could be said for his conclusions.

Gas Prices

Has anyone else noticed as gas prices drop, the media bemoans how much money is being lost in the stock market, but when gas prices were soaring, they complained about all of the "average joes" who couldn't afford to take their summer vacations?

Are these people ever happy?

Alli's Big Day

Today was a big day for Alli. She had her first "official" haircut (other than a bang trim). I took her to my stylist at my salon and was so excited to do it! I have tried to prep her for a couple of days, telling her what a big girl she is to finally get a hair cut. This morning Dan took a few before shots:

Her hair is finally starting to grow in length, so I can put it up in pig tails (Alli calls them her "hair tails") but it was not at all even. So I asked Keri to cut it enough to even it out.
Alli did a great job, even though she had to sit in my lap to get the haircut. But she was quite content to just stare at herself in the mirror for the few minutes that it took. She was as excited afterwards for the sucker I promised her as she was to get all the compliments from the wonderful ladies that "oohed" and "ahhed" over her haircut.

So here is the after picture. You probably can't tell that much of a difference, but we can and it was a fun mother/daughter outing!

(Notice the side still sticks out!)

One Word Answers

1. Where is your cell phone? van
2. Your significant other? loving
3. Your hair? brunette
4. Your mother? forgetful
5. Your father? organized
6. Your favorite thing? chocolate
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? coffee
9. Your dream/goal? faithful
10. The room you're in? nook
11. Your fear? cancer
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? better
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? un-opinionated
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? Mac
17. Where you grew up? flatland
18. The last thing you did? parented
19. What are you wearing? capris
20. Your TV? ugly
21. Your pet? hairy
22. Your computer? slow
23. Your mood? cranky
24. Missing someone? Sandman
25. Your car? white
26. Something you're not wearing? rings
27. Favorite Store? Kohls
28. Your summer? busy
29. Your favorite color? red
30. When is the last time you laughed? a.m.

One of those weeks . . .

After a week full of

bumped heads,

and broken toes,

and my general weariness

(sorry, no picture of that). . .

My wonderful husband surprised me with these:

Thank you, honey. I love them and I love you.

Bedtime Memories

I have such fond memories of bedtime with Elijah - that is, until he started to buck the system about a year ago. But when reminiscing about those days between infancy and 3-year-old tyranny, I always smile wistfully.

Although Elijah always went to bed easily, I had the luxury of time that you only enjoy with one child and only after it is gone, so we rocked and read and sang almost every night. We read the obligatory Good Night Moon until it was memorized and I sang the standard lullabies until he was old enough to put in his own requests. And we cuddled. Our son was a world-class cuddler (still is, to be honest). He would wrap his arms around my neck and nestle his head on my shoulder and I would sigh and wish it could last forever.

But it couldn't, because then we had Allison . . .

. . . and life got more complicated. Dan and I soon split bedtime duties, and since I was nursing, I always got Alli. One might argue that is when and why Elijah's bedtime woes began, but that is for another post. Life changes and you have to adapt.

Now Allison was also a good sleeper, and still is. In fact, she didn't need to be cuddled or rocked, only needed a full tummy and her crib. So I would nurse her and lay her down with a quick kiss and leave the room. And that is the routine we stayed with for over 2 years. Well, now she is old enough to enjoy a good story (Good Night Moon is back!) and requests one nightly. So while Dan and I still split bed-time duties, it is usually more evenly between the kids than those first months.

That's why I almost cried last night when it was my turn to put Alli to bed and we read Mommy's Best Kisses, a book all about how mommy animals kiss their babies while putting them to bed. Alli insisted that I kiss her in the same way each page described, and after I was done reading she said, "My turn. Read mommy" and proceeded to turn each page and kiss me likewise. Oh, how I melted and enjoyed that precious time with her. I may not have memories of night after night rehearsing the same traditions, but I will cherish every night like that one I get.

Alli's Quilt

. . . is finished! Well, not quite. I still have to take it somewhere to be quilted and then I will have to attach the binding, but the majority of my work is done! So, as promised, here are some pictures . . .

It measures 72"x82" and looks like it might be wide enough for a full-sized bed, even though Alli sleeps on a twin.These next pictures are of a small throw that I made. It was my first quilt that I made from start to finish. It was VERY easy, so good to learn on! And it was small enough that I could quilt it on my own machine, and easy to quilt, since I just sewed straight lines!

I love the fabric on the back almost as much as the front!This is how I display it - on the end of our bed, ready to be used for naps or for watching a movie in bed!

Now I need to get busy on some Christmas presents!

Homeschooling Question

I have a question for all you homeschooling moms out there:
Do you reward your kids, or give them any kind of incentive to do their work?

Here's my issue - I have a 4 1/2 year old, who LOVES doing every subject except reading lessons. We only do about 3 subjects: math, perception worksheets and reading, along with a healthy dose of reading aloud (I read aloud to the kids). Elijah thoroughly enjoys all but the reading lesson. We use "How to teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons" and each lesson takes only about 15-20 minutes, tops. He is doing well and learning all his sounds and letters, but hates to do it. I would be inclined to put it away if it weren't for the fact that he can already read the 1st of his BOB books, and is so excited to learn, but he doesn't enjoy the lesson itself!

So how do you handle this? Do you reward your student when they perform with a decent attitude, or do you lose your patience, like I have been guilty of doing? What has worked for you? I'm really interested to know!

Progression on Alli's Quilt

This quilting thing isn't so hard -if you find a beginner pattern, that is. Alli's quilt is going together really quickly. I thought I would update you on my progress:


First of all, this is the main fabric that I chose to work off. I'm going for a scrappy, shabby-chic, cottage-y look. I've already made a matching pillow-case for Alli's mini pillow on her bed with the leftover of this fabric.

Step 1: Cut out 2 8-inch squares from each fabric.

Step 2: Cut remaining fabric into 3-inch strips. Sew sets of 3 and 4 strips horizontally together to make strip sets.

Step 3: After sewing horizontally to form the strip set, cut it vertically to get these lovely little sets.

Step 4: Do this many times to get a big pile of cut strip sets. Pile them together and marvel how easy this has been so far.

Step 5: Start to join strip sets together with the 8-inch squares to make the rows of the quilt and then join the rows together to make the quilt top.

Step 6: Stop to ponder the other responsibilities you are shirking in an attempt to make a quilt for your daughter. Namely, the dishes. But hey, there will always be dirty dishes, but a homemade quilt lasts forever, right?!?!More pictures to follow as I finish the quilt top . . .

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.

What I've Been Up To:

I've mentioned before that I've been sewing a lot lately, and a few of you asked to see my projects. So here they are!

This bag was one of my firsts. It serves as a "carry all" mostly for church. I love the black and white lilies and I chose a red batik for the lining.

This has been my purse for a while now. I love the print.

This is a new bag. Very slouchy and casual. It doesn't show up in the picture that well, but the print is a mint green toile.

This was my most ambitious handbag, made from an Amy Butler pattern with her fabric. I love this bag and use it a lot. I made one like it in slightly different fabrics at the request of a friend.

And the BIG project? My first quilt! Made solely with my fave designer's fabrics - Amy Butler. I never intended to become a quilter; I thought I would use my sewing machine for cool handbags and some basic garment construction. Well, it didn't take me long to discover that garment construction is not my calling in life and as much as I love sewing bags, I like the scope and size of a quilting project. So I have already started some others and have a list of more I would like to make!

I pieced this one and then Dan's Aunt Nancy, a wonderfully talented quilter, actually machine quilted it for me (my machine is too tiny for that part!) And then Dan's Grandma put on the binding - so this quilt was definitely a family affair!

This pattern is really simple, just squares and rectangles, but I hope to try some more challenging patterns in the future. For now, accomplishing this was enough to pique my interest in future quilting endeavors.

So that's a sampling of what I've been up to lately. Hopefully I'll be posting some more soon, and possibly opening my own Etsy shop!

Oh great, now I can't enjoy my Diet Coke, either . . .

http://newconnexion.net/articles/index.cfm/2001/03/aspartame.html

Heard at Church Yesterday . . .

"The Gospel is not a check that gets us into Heaven, but the currency of the Christian life."

This makes me never want to drink soda again . . .

I received this info from a newsletter from my chiropractor:

Drinking soda is bad for your health in so many ways; science can’t even state all the consequences. Here’s what happens in your body when you assault it with a Coke:

Within the first 10 minutes, 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100 percent of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.

Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.

Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.

Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physically identical response to that of heroin, by the way.

After 60 minutes, you’ll start to have a sugar crash.

The average American drinks more than 60 gallons of soft drinks each year, but before you grab that next can of soda, consider this: one can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites. Not to mention the fact that it’s also your largest source of dangerous high fructose modified corn syrup.

Here's my question, though. Does all this stuff happen if I drink a Diet Coke?

If you find yourself with a few free moments and are tempted to turn on the Olympics . . . don't. Instead, watch this interview from Larry King Live with the Chapman family and praise God that He is given the glory, even in tragedy.

And have a box of Kleenex close by.

And Even More Pictures

We spent 4 days at a cottage on a lake last week and enjoyed every moment! Elijah made some big strides in his bravery quotient, by choosing to tube behind the boat by himself and to swim in water over his head - with his life jacket on, of course!

Allison got a new life jacket, and chose a Barbie one. She's such a girl. She swam some, but thought the water was too cold to stay in very long.

I snapped a few pics of some really "unique" cottages on the lake. I want to play with the pics a little bit and then frame them for our cottage.
We came home and discovered ripe zucchini in our garden! This was a big moment for us, since this is our first try at gardening and we planted late because of the flooding. I've already picked enough to make 4 loaves of zucchini bread and given some away. Dan thought we should document this momentous achievement on film.

I'm too excited to wait for the bread.
Our August is REALLY busy, so posting may be sparse. In the meantime, enjoy the last few days of summer before the business of fall sets in!

A Lesson in Brotherly Love . . . by Elijah

"Joseph's brothers were jealous of him. They threw him into a big, deep pit. I would never do that to Alli because I don't know where a big pit is."

More Pictures

Dan's brother Mike and his wife Jennifer and their two boys came to stay with us after Grandma's party and we all went to the zoo.

Alli decided that she would pull her cousin Josiah around in the wagon.Amazingly enough, we were so busy enjoying the beautiful weather while camping (as opposed to other years) that we didn't take many pictures. These were taken the evening that we all headed down to the beach for family pictures. Dan took these.

One more post of pictures and I'll quit boring you! We were able to spend this past 4 days at a cottage on a lake, so we enjoyed boating and swimming - more pics to come soon!

Lots of Pictures

We've had a busy month, and we've taken a lot of pictures. I'll try to update the blog over the next few days with pictures from our hectic life. This is Alli's 2 year pic. A little less than traditional, but I couldn't resist that look and those eyes! We think you are beautiful, baby!

These next pics are from Great Grandma's 80th Birthday party, which we celebrated on the 4th of July.Elijah and Dan and his two brothers, Mike (on left) and Tim (right).

My wonderful Mother-in-Law, Barb, and 2 sister-in-laws, Noelle (center -Tim's wife) and Jennifer (far right - Mike's wife). This isn't the best picture, but we had something like 5 people trying to get a shot of us all at once.

Elijah looking cute.

With these next few pictures, Dan played with the color saturation and made them very vibrant. Between the two of us, we have a lot of fun with our new camera. I like to take photos of people and Dan prefers scenery, but he is much more skilled than I, and has the patience to really work on a photo to make it the best it can be. I just snap away and hope for a decent shot!

Alli is wearing her party dress, a present from her Grandma and Grandpa.

Elijah's feet -hey, they actually look clean here!

Elijah and Alli. Always cracking each other up.

Our week gets pretty busy tomorrow, but I'll try to get some more pics up by the weekend.

"It Smells Like Nothing"

A sad thing happened today. Elijah was trying to describe the scent of car wax to me and said, "It smells like nothing." Cute, to be sure, but sad because he has never, in his 4 1/2 years on earth, said the word "nothing." He has always said "anything." Like after I ask him what is wrong, he pouts and says, "Anything." And when I ask him who taught him something, his answer would be "anyone." I'm sad he figured out the correct grammar.

So, before he gives up all his cute words, I decided to post my favorite mis-pronunciations of my guy.

1. "Sank you" instead of "thank you"
2. "Lose" instead of "use"
3. "Wecause" instead of "because"

Unfortunately, that is all I can think of now, but as he learns to speak more clearly, I am sure I will think of more! And soon I'll be able to post about Alli's cute sayings!

Infidel

We're back from a week of camping, tired and with more than 10 loads of laundry to do, but we had a relaxing time, nonetheless. I had plenty of "down" time to do some more reading, since I have taken a break because of my sewing. One of the books I read was Infidel, the autobiography of Ayaan Hirsi Ali. My sister-in-law recommended it to me and although it isn't the most eloquently book I've ever read, I found it a worthy read.

Ayaan was born in Somalia, but spent most of her childhood moving between Kenya, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and back to Somalia because of the constant political unrest in each country. She was born into a devout Muslim family and chronicles in detail the horrific practices she witnessed and experienced at the hands of those who claim to follow the "peaceful" religion of Islam. Most disturbing was their practice of female circumcision, although I found myself equally disgusted by the overall mistreatment of women in that culture.

Ayaan eventually escapes her destiny of arranged marriage by stealing away to Holland where she lives in a refugee camp and experiences for the first time in her life, civilized society. She chronicles her amazement that city busses arrive on time, to the exact minute, how the government officials actually help her out without bribes and how the police actually protect her, instead of harrassing her. It is amazing to see our every-day life through her eyes. It was shameful for me to think about how much I take these things for granted.

Many parts of the book struck me, but I will dwell on just two. First of all, I was appalled at hearing the logic of blaming a woman for being raped, but Ayaan explains it simply: The Qua ran commands women to be modest and the definition of modesty has constantly been tweaked and redefined by whatever group is ruling. And so the women begin to wear the hidjab, which leaves little, if any, flesh showing. Women who do show their arms or necks are subjected to lewd comments and behavior from men on the street. They are groped and attacked and then blamed because men have no responsibility to control their behavior and sexual desire, and thus it becomes the woman's fault for arousing the man. Often, women who are raped or become pregnant out of wedlock would commit suicide for the family's honor. One such woman that Ayaan knew poured kerosene over her head and lit herself on fire in front of her family.

As shocking as that sounds, I couldn't help but think of our tendency in Christian circles to teach obedience to rules without heart change. The Muslim men in Ayaan's world never learn self-control or discernment, so they act out their natural heart's desire. How often have I known people who were raised with strict rules and had no heart change and when left to their own devices, go headlong into sin without any guilt because their desires were left to fester and grow on the inside, while they obeyed on the outside. As a parent, this scares me beyond belief. It makes me question what am I doing to speak to my children's hearts, and not just require rote obedience without heart change.

Islam's worship of Allah is all about submission, which is familiar territory for the Christian believer, but it falls short because their is no heart change and no help from Allah. He is to be feared and worshipped, but there is no mention of love or relationship with him. Life is simply trying to obey more than you disobey his commands and hope that earns you a place in paradise. There is no grace, mercy or atonement for a Muslim.

This was a difficult book to read. It was deep and depressing at times. I long to give the author the gospel. To give her some hope in a God who is loving and kind, and who extends favor to a thousand generations. Unfortunately, Ayaan now considers herself an atheist and sees as her life goal to expose Islam's terror against women and desire to rule the entire world. She is a loud and outspoken critic of Islam and Muslim culture, which has caused her to have to go into hiding to avoid the death threats she receives from her own people. She is cut completely off from her family and after serving for a time in Dutch Parliament, now lives in the U.S.

As difficult as this book was to read at times, I am grateful that I did. It gave me a better understanding of Islam's beliefs and greater compassion for those who live under it's rule. It also helped me grasp the political problems in third-world countries and renewed my thankfulness for the civil order we enjoy in America.

My sister-in-law commented that there is still hope that she becomes a believer. I agree. I pray that God will open her eyes to true faith in Him, that she will know forgiveness of sins now.

I Got to Mow the Lawn!!!!!

Okay, maybe that doesn't sound very exciting to you. Or maybe it even sounds like a chore to you. Well, I enjoy mowing the lawn for a few reasons:

1. We have a riding lawn mower, so it is easy.
2. The hour that it takes to mow is almost guaranteed to be quiet (other than the sound of the mower, that is) and leave me alone with my thoughts and prayers.
3. It gives me a break from parenting and from hearing "mommy, mommy, mommy" (like I am hearing as I type this).
4. I get to listen to my iPod. And I can listen uninterrupted, so my favorite thing to listen to during this quiet time is a good sermon.

That leads me to the point of this post. When Dan said that I could mow last night so that he would be able to work in the garden, I ran next door and borrowed my neighbor's iPod, because she had recommended a sermon by John Piper just the other day.

The sermon is entitled, "A Broken and Contrite Heart God will not Despise" and I will not diminish it's great truths by trying to synopsize it here. Instead, just go and download it yourself and be blessed.

















Really. I mean it. There is nothing else here to read. Go and do it now. You will not be disappointed.

Lessons from Sewing, part 3 . . .

I cannot learn to sew, read all those great books I have on a list, try the new recipes I've had sitting out on the counter for a month, visit the library once a week, hand stamp greeting cards, organize the basement, clear out junk for a garage sale, read up on taking great photographs, take great photographs, weed the garden, write a witty blog post and read everyone else's, research math and language arts curriculum, go for a bike ride, paint the house, make granola and wheat bread, watch TV shows that I have saved on DVR, watch movies I have on hold from the library, manage the finances, dust every surface, vacuum every floor, call every friend I think about and pray for or go shopping for new summer clothes and still exist as a mildly competant wife and mother. I am only human. So I pick and choose what is important for today. And lately, my sewing is winning that contest.