He's pretty stinking cute though regardless. Tonight I just put him to bed, I prayed with him, tucked his blanket around him, and then he looked up at me and goes: "Thanks you!"
Precious.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mix-Matched
After my run tonight, I came home to my sweet Noah dressed like this:
Take notice of the details. Luckily he didn't leave the house like this.
He's pretty stinking cute though regardless. Tonight I just put him to bed, I prayed with him, tucked his blanket around him, and then he looked up at me and goes: "Thanks you!"
Precious.
He's pretty stinking cute though regardless. Tonight I just put him to bed, I prayed with him, tucked his blanket around him, and then he looked up at me and goes: "Thanks you!"
Precious.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Trample the Great Lion
Yesterday Lincoln wanted to read his Bible...but one story wasn't enough so we kept going. Then we got in a toddler discussion back and forth about the "bad guys" in all the stories and how God helped his people win the battles. This concept he understands, as it goes with his first memory verse he ever learned.
Then he asked "will the bad guys come get me?"
And we shifted gears to the New Testament and read the stories about Jesus.
I talked to him about how God sent his Son as a rescuer and that bad guys might try, but none will succeed against those who believe Jesus is the Son of God and trust and follow Him.
This part got tricky, because he got MAJORLY hung up on the fact that there were "bad guys" out there. I tried the best I could to explain the ultimate protection and love of Jesus. I think he got it a little better (he didn't seem as scared at least!), and then I mentioned Heaven.
His eyes lit up because we've talked about Heaven before.
I told him how Jesus was going to take us to live in Heaven with him one day and there will be no more bad guys.
His response, "Can we eat lunch, take nap, then go there mommy?"
So sweet...
Anyway, this morning I was reading in Psalm 91 before the kids woke up and what an awesome passage to show God's power and love for his people! Made me think of my conversation with Lincoln and how he was scared of the bad guys...this passage will wipe away and sort of fear. Super encouraging.
It talks about how all enemies will fall at the right hand of God; how he has no fear of evil because he is powerful to overcome it. It is very demonstrative in how the "bad guys" cannot stand before the Lord.
THENNN the cool part, after all of that, it says for those of us who follow the Lord,
"Then no harm will befall you
No disaster will come near your tent
For he will command his angels concerning you (WOW!)
to guard you in all your ways
They will lift you up in their hands
So that you will not strike your foot against a stone
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra
You will trample the great lion and the serpent
The Lord says: "Because he loves me, I will rescue him! I will protect him for he acknowledges my name!"
I can't wait for the day when Lincoln and Noah grasp this fully (as well as I)!
Then he asked "will the bad guys come get me?"
And we shifted gears to the New Testament and read the stories about Jesus.
I talked to him about how God sent his Son as a rescuer and that bad guys might try, but none will succeed against those who believe Jesus is the Son of God and trust and follow Him.
This part got tricky, because he got MAJORLY hung up on the fact that there were "bad guys" out there. I tried the best I could to explain the ultimate protection and love of Jesus. I think he got it a little better (he didn't seem as scared at least!), and then I mentioned Heaven.
His eyes lit up because we've talked about Heaven before.
I told him how Jesus was going to take us to live in Heaven with him one day and there will be no more bad guys.
His response, "Can we eat lunch, take nap, then go there mommy?"
So sweet...
Anyway, this morning I was reading in Psalm 91 before the kids woke up and what an awesome passage to show God's power and love for his people! Made me think of my conversation with Lincoln and how he was scared of the bad guys...this passage will wipe away and sort of fear. Super encouraging.
It talks about how all enemies will fall at the right hand of God; how he has no fear of evil because he is powerful to overcome it. It is very demonstrative in how the "bad guys" cannot stand before the Lord.
THENNN the cool part, after all of that, it says for those of us who follow the Lord,
"Then no harm will befall you
No disaster will come near your tent
For he will command his angels concerning you (WOW!)
to guard you in all your ways
They will lift you up in their hands
So that you will not strike your foot against a stone
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra
You will trample the great lion and the serpent
The Lord says: "Because he loves me, I will rescue him! I will protect him for he acknowledges my name!"
I can't wait for the day when Lincoln and Noah grasp this fully (as well as I)!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Weekend!!!
I have a pretty cool friend. She was my roommate through most of college and my only college friend who wasn't a soccer player. We had a bond. :)
We spent a month together living it up in an orphanage in a happy little village called "Pravda" on the way Eastern side of Ukraine the summer after I graduated.
She then went on to be a full-time missionary in that region, with a ministry still going strong (I told she was pretty amazing).
Anyway, the bad part of it (selfishly) is that we rarely get to see each other! When she is home from overseas, her "home" is Northern California...which is not too close to Arkansas.
But this weekend, she's going to be in Dallas doing a fundraiser for her ministry.
I can do Dallas!!!
And it just-so-happens that Jason's parents are graciously taking the little boys on a mini-vacay to Branson this weekend...so guess where I'm headed in four hours?????!!!!!
I seriously might pee my pants I'm so freaking excited over here. We saw each other about a year and a half ago in Portland (where our other roommate lives), but friend like this...you're suppose to see each other at least once a month - seriously. We talk constantly through emails and stuff and it's a big treat when she's int he states and we can actually call each other.
Anyway, there's not many other people on the planet who know me better than Meliss (yes, we have the same name even). Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
We spent a month together living it up in an orphanage in a happy little village called "Pravda" on the way Eastern side of Ukraine the summer after I graduated.
She then went on to be a full-time missionary in that region, with a ministry still going strong (I told she was pretty amazing).
Anyway, the bad part of it (selfishly) is that we rarely get to see each other! When she is home from overseas, her "home" is Northern California...which is not too close to Arkansas.
But this weekend, she's going to be in Dallas doing a fundraiser for her ministry.
I can do Dallas!!!
And it just-so-happens that Jason's parents are graciously taking the little boys on a mini-vacay to Branson this weekend...so guess where I'm headed in four hours?????!!!!!
I seriously might pee my pants I'm so freaking excited over here. We saw each other about a year and a half ago in Portland (where our other roommate lives), but friend like this...you're suppose to see each other at least once a month - seriously. We talk constantly through emails and stuff and it's a big treat when she's int he states and we can actually call each other.
Anyway, there's not many other people on the planet who know me better than Meliss (yes, we have the same name even). Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I have a "Friends" story, too...
So it was fun reminiscing about that last post and - since I'm going to hang out with my college roommate in a few days (YEAH!!!), I thought I'd let ya know about another interesting one:
A friend of my roommates my Sophomore year had some crazy connections with the producers of "Friends" and got a bunch of us passes to go watch an episode be filmed.
I.Was.Pumped.
Those young readers out there might not understand all the commotion around this show, but us 30-ish folk out there get it. And my roommates and I were right in the middle of this Friends madness...I think we can quote 70% of the episodes - maybe 80%.
So we counted down the days until we got to go watch an episode, and when that day finally came, we got a call saying our date had to be cancelled due to a bomb threat on the cast at the studios. They said they weren't letting anyone come that day for safety reasons.
I.Was.Bummed...super bummed.
We might have complained and pitched a fit of some sort (I said might), but the producers gave her passes to come to another upcoming taping.
Still kind of bummed, but we'll take it.
And glad we did...
When it was finally our day, we showed with utmost enthusiasm (as you can imagine), expecting to meet all the cast and have a crazy exciting experience. The actual taping of the episode happened to be one of their famous Thanksgiving episodes (which are the best) and that was a massive treat when we realized it!
And if you think the show is funny, watching them tape it live was hysterical...all the bloopers and everything was a straight up comedy show.
Then, as they are taping live, there's a knock on their apartment door and Rachel goes to answer it and guess who's there.
Freaking BRAD PITT. Right in front of us...BRAD PITT (in case you didn't hear me the first time).
This is where it got embarrassing. When we saw him, my roommate and I started screaming like mad women. Literally. In fact, so literally, guards came over to us and told us we must stop or we would get kicked out.
"Hello Mr. Pitt - we are immature idiots." (I think we made a great impression).
So they re-taped the scene and told us audience to tone down our screams (which we did - out of straight fear this time).
And then at the end of the episode, Mr. Brad walked out right next to our seats - seriously. This is so embarrassing, but I opened my mouth to say something to him and nothing came out. So I tried again. This time it was audible and we met Mr. Brad Pitt.
In my time there in LA, I saw a handful of actors and such but was never star-struck with any of them like I was that day.
Oh yeah - I'm not even sure how this happened, but there was a point in the taping that I was given a microphone and someone on soundstage put a karaoke Brittney song on...and I sang and danced...while people danced (and the cast of friends was watching, too).
Now that I've written this out, I realize there were more embarrassing moments than cool ones. Heck, I was 20.
After the taping, my roommate and I got in my car and drove 3 hours to Vegas - walked around, watched Biola play a basketball game, and came home at 4 in the morning. My first Vegas experience.
It was a grand day. :)
So if you ever see a re-run episode of the Friend's Thanksgiving with Brad Pitt, take notice of the crazy screaming girls' voices in the audience (see? I did make it on TV afterall - ha).
A friend of my roommates my Sophomore year had some crazy connections with the producers of "Friends" and got a bunch of us passes to go watch an episode be filmed.
I.Was.Pumped.
Those young readers out there might not understand all the commotion around this show, but us 30-ish folk out there get it. And my roommates and I were right in the middle of this Friends madness...I think we can quote 70% of the episodes - maybe 80%.
So we counted down the days until we got to go watch an episode, and when that day finally came, we got a call saying our date had to be cancelled due to a bomb threat on the cast at the studios. They said they weren't letting anyone come that day for safety reasons.
I.Was.Bummed...super bummed.
We might have complained and pitched a fit of some sort (I said might), but the producers gave her passes to come to another upcoming taping.
Still kind of bummed, but we'll take it.
And glad we did...
When it was finally our day, we showed with utmost enthusiasm (as you can imagine), expecting to meet all the cast and have a crazy exciting experience. The actual taping of the episode happened to be one of their famous Thanksgiving episodes (which are the best) and that was a massive treat when we realized it!
And if you think the show is funny, watching them tape it live was hysterical...all the bloopers and everything was a straight up comedy show.
Then, as they are taping live, there's a knock on their apartment door and Rachel goes to answer it and guess who's there.
Freaking BRAD PITT. Right in front of us...BRAD PITT (in case you didn't hear me the first time).
This is where it got embarrassing. When we saw him, my roommate and I started screaming like mad women. Literally. In fact, so literally, guards came over to us and told us we must stop or we would get kicked out.
"Hello Mr. Pitt - we are immature idiots." (I think we made a great impression).
So they re-taped the scene and told us audience to tone down our screams (which we did - out of straight fear this time).
And then at the end of the episode, Mr. Brad walked out right next to our seats - seriously. This is so embarrassing, but I opened my mouth to say something to him and nothing came out. So I tried again. This time it was audible and we met Mr. Brad Pitt.
In my time there in LA, I saw a handful of actors and such but was never star-struck with any of them like I was that day.
Oh yeah - I'm not even sure how this happened, but there was a point in the taping that I was given a microphone and someone on soundstage put a karaoke Brittney song on...and I sang and danced...while people danced (and the cast of friends was watching, too).
Now that I've written this out, I realize there were more embarrassing moments than cool ones. Heck, I was 20.
After the taping, my roommate and I got in my car and drove 3 hours to Vegas - walked around, watched Biola play a basketball game, and came home at 4 in the morning. My first Vegas experience.
It was a grand day. :)
So if you ever see a re-run episode of the Friend's Thanksgiving with Brad Pitt, take notice of the crazy screaming girls' voices in the audience (see? I did make it on TV afterall - ha).
Monday, September 12, 2011
How I Was Almost a TV "Star"
In honor of (apparently) the season finale of "The Bachelor" (I say apparently because I haven't watched this show in years - but I have friends that do), I thought I'd share my run-in with this ridiculous show.
My Junior year of college, my grandpa died which was unexpected and absolutely devastating for our entire family. I was the only one that didn't make it to his bedside during his last hours because I was on a plane somewhere between LA and Ft. Smith trying to get there as fast as possible...to no avail.
It happened in the fall, around fall break...which was also pretty close to Thanksgiving, which then was only a few weeks shy of Christmas break. My amazing professors told me to just stay home until finals which was amazing.
I remember spending lots of time with my sister Amy, which though sad, was some great time together.
I had also just broken up with a boy during that time (which was not sad but glorious). Couple this with my spontaneous personality and days on end with my sister and not much to do, and you find yourself (at your sister's pushing) filling out an online "Bachelor" application to be the next piece of meat amongst other desperate girls.
Yup. No big deal.
Well, then the tables turned when I was back at Biola for Spring semester and I start getting calls from the producers of the show. I thought it was funny at first, but after a series of long conversations with them, they wanted me to come to the ABC studios and meet with about 10 of them. Yes I was intrigued with the whole "TV thing" (I was 21) and so of course I jumped at the chance since I only lived an hour away.
I got all dolled up (in a white shirt - this will be important later), and felt big-time getting my ABC pass and all to go meet these producers.
Half-way into our meeting, I realized their lingo was more talking to me like I was already chosen as a contestant. They were telling me how I was going to be the youngest of the other ladies they had chosen and so forth. I was also VERY open with them about my stance in my faith as Believer which was neat to share. At the end, they said they would be calling me with "official news" on the final contestants and whatnot in the next week.
I left in disbelief thinking "Holy crap I'm gonna be on this show."
NOW....on the flip side of this story, my father was an absolute wreck and DID NOT want me going on this show. At first I didn't pay much attention because I never thought it would come to that, but as the calls kept coming, his stance became stronger. Looking back, I think it was a much bigger deal with him than I ever thought (but seriously, could you blame him?? That show is trash!). He obviously had more sense and wisdom than me. :)
But here's where his prayers step in...he had already told me he wanted to get me a car when I graduated from college...which I was SO excited about since I had never had a new car before. When this Bachelor talk came into play, he even slightly maybe mentioned doing it a year early if I didn't go on that show...yes, sorta like a bribe. (I always thought this was hilarious).
So here's where the story picks back up at ABC studios. I'm feeling excited about the interview went, get in my car to leave...probably make some calls to my sister...but also knowing I have some persuading to do of my dad...
And people, NO JOKE, pulling out of ABC studios...producers could probably see me through their windows still - I ran a red light and had a wreck! I completely totalled my car, air bags deployed, smashed my face in...blood and the whole bit. My eye was swollen shut, my lip completely busted, I had burns (from airbag) all the way down my face...blood on my (white) shirt...not pretty at all.
When the EMT's got there, I thought I was perfectly fine, though. The other guy barely even hurt his car from where I hit him. People rushed over to me and I kept trying to convince everyone I was fine, then I looked in the mirror finally and realized why they were concerned...because I looked so terrible! But I was fine.
In fact, they towed my car and left me on the side of the curb for my roommate to come get me. This took 2 hours. So there I was...by myself, blood all over my white shirt...looking like a man had just beat the crap out of me! I had some Hispanic workers come approach me (at first I was nervous) but then realized they were just super concerned and wanted to make sure I hadn't just gotten attacked. They watched out for me the rest of the time until my roommate got there.
So anyway...now I had an unofficial offer to be on this show, a face that wasn't recognizable anymore, a counter-offer from my dad, and no car.
I know he never prayed I would have a wreck, but it's funny how things work out. Because when the producer did officially call the next week, I told him "No" and took the car. :) (though I wasn't that much of a brat to persuade him on this one...I began to share his convictions about going on the show and didn't want to disappoint him).
(It also made it easier when the producer told me they had set Bob as the Bachelor).
Dad came out to California 2 weeks later for a conference and he really did end up getting me a car (more, though because I didn't have one anymore).
And fast forward to now when my husband (who absolutely abhors that show) tells me he's not sure he ever would have been attracted to me if I had gone on that show...ha. Knowing him, he probably would not have. So good thing!
There's my Bachelor/car wreck story.
My Junior year of college, my grandpa died which was unexpected and absolutely devastating for our entire family. I was the only one that didn't make it to his bedside during his last hours because I was on a plane somewhere between LA and Ft. Smith trying to get there as fast as possible...to no avail.
It happened in the fall, around fall break...which was also pretty close to Thanksgiving, which then was only a few weeks shy of Christmas break. My amazing professors told me to just stay home until finals which was amazing.
I remember spending lots of time with my sister Amy, which though sad, was some great time together.
I had also just broken up with a boy during that time (which was not sad but glorious). Couple this with my spontaneous personality and days on end with my sister and not much to do, and you find yourself (at your sister's pushing) filling out an online "Bachelor" application to be the next piece of meat amongst other desperate girls.
Yup. No big deal.
Well, then the tables turned when I was back at Biola for Spring semester and I start getting calls from the producers of the show. I thought it was funny at first, but after a series of long conversations with them, they wanted me to come to the ABC studios and meet with about 10 of them. Yes I was intrigued with the whole "TV thing" (I was 21) and so of course I jumped at the chance since I only lived an hour away.
I got all dolled up (in a white shirt - this will be important later), and felt big-time getting my ABC pass and all to go meet these producers.
Half-way into our meeting, I realized their lingo was more talking to me like I was already chosen as a contestant. They were telling me how I was going to be the youngest of the other ladies they had chosen and so forth. I was also VERY open with them about my stance in my faith as Believer which was neat to share. At the end, they said they would be calling me with "official news" on the final contestants and whatnot in the next week.
I left in disbelief thinking "Holy crap I'm gonna be on this show."
NOW....on the flip side of this story, my father was an absolute wreck and DID NOT want me going on this show. At first I didn't pay much attention because I never thought it would come to that, but as the calls kept coming, his stance became stronger. Looking back, I think it was a much bigger deal with him than I ever thought (but seriously, could you blame him?? That show is trash!). He obviously had more sense and wisdom than me. :)
But here's where his prayers step in...he had already told me he wanted to get me a car when I graduated from college...which I was SO excited about since I had never had a new car before. When this Bachelor talk came into play, he even slightly maybe mentioned doing it a year early if I didn't go on that show...yes, sorta like a bribe. (I always thought this was hilarious).
So here's where the story picks back up at ABC studios. I'm feeling excited about the interview went, get in my car to leave...probably make some calls to my sister...but also knowing I have some persuading to do of my dad...
And people, NO JOKE, pulling out of ABC studios...producers could probably see me through their windows still - I ran a red light and had a wreck! I completely totalled my car, air bags deployed, smashed my face in...blood and the whole bit. My eye was swollen shut, my lip completely busted, I had burns (from airbag) all the way down my face...blood on my (white) shirt...not pretty at all.
When the EMT's got there, I thought I was perfectly fine, though. The other guy barely even hurt his car from where I hit him. People rushed over to me and I kept trying to convince everyone I was fine, then I looked in the mirror finally and realized why they were concerned...because I looked so terrible! But I was fine.
In fact, they towed my car and left me on the side of the curb for my roommate to come get me. This took 2 hours. So there I was...by myself, blood all over my white shirt...looking like a man had just beat the crap out of me! I had some Hispanic workers come approach me (at first I was nervous) but then realized they were just super concerned and wanted to make sure I hadn't just gotten attacked. They watched out for me the rest of the time until my roommate got there.
So anyway...now I had an unofficial offer to be on this show, a face that wasn't recognizable anymore, a counter-offer from my dad, and no car.
I know he never prayed I would have a wreck, but it's funny how things work out. Because when the producer did officially call the next week, I told him "No" and took the car. :) (though I wasn't that much of a brat to persuade him on this one...I began to share his convictions about going on the show and didn't want to disappoint him).
(It also made it easier when the producer told me they had set Bob as the Bachelor).
Dad came out to California 2 weeks later for a conference and he really did end up getting me a car (more, though because I didn't have one anymore).
And fast forward to now when my husband (who absolutely abhors that show) tells me he's not sure he ever would have been attracted to me if I had gone on that show...ha. Knowing him, he probably would not have. So good thing!
There's my Bachelor/car wreck story.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I was up early getting ready for class (college)...
Ten years ago this morning. I was on the West coast so it was 6:30am when the madness started for me. Only I never realized it it was madness. I was the ignorant one who was actually watching the news when the 2nd plane hit and thought "Huh...that's weird...two planes now? Someones in trouble working for air traffic control."
And then I proceeded to get ready and show up at class. Only when I got to class, the building was vacant and there was a note that read "Class canceled because of attacks."
Huh???
So I ran back to my on-campus apartment to find a crowd had now gathered in our living room, and learned about the gravity of what was happening.
Honestly, at that time, I didn't even know what "terrorist attack" meant...who was a terrorist?
Obviously times have changed.
I also realized this morning on the way to church that I had, just one month prior to 9/11 gotten my first cell phone. I wonder what that day would have been like with social media and smart phones going strong...and that thought makes it seem like forever ago. It's the only thought that makes it seem like forever ago, because every other time I think of that day, I feel like it couldn't have been longer than a few years ago.
Ten years.
I still will randomly cry when I think about that day...anytime a documentary is on regarding that day, I watch it...and I cry again.
This morning I felt somewhat somber as I watched the memorial on TV. Lincoln and came and sat with me on the couch and asked me what I was watching. And for the first time, I shared with my kids what happened that day. That was somewhat surreal for me because when I watch it, I still feel like I am 21...a kid myself.
This morning in church, we sang a song that has currently been my favorite for the past month or so. And I found it perfectly fitting in the midst of terror and heartbreak we experience as a world, a country, a town, a family, individually...
"My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord"
And then I proceeded to get ready and show up at class. Only when I got to class, the building was vacant and there was a note that read "Class canceled because of attacks."
Huh???
So I ran back to my on-campus apartment to find a crowd had now gathered in our living room, and learned about the gravity of what was happening.
Honestly, at that time, I didn't even know what "terrorist attack" meant...who was a terrorist?
Obviously times have changed.
I also realized this morning on the way to church that I had, just one month prior to 9/11 gotten my first cell phone. I wonder what that day would have been like with social media and smart phones going strong...and that thought makes it seem like forever ago. It's the only thought that makes it seem like forever ago, because every other time I think of that day, I feel like it couldn't have been longer than a few years ago.
Ten years.
I still will randomly cry when I think about that day...anytime a documentary is on regarding that day, I watch it...and I cry again.
This morning I felt somewhat somber as I watched the memorial on TV. Lincoln and came and sat with me on the couch and asked me what I was watching. And for the first time, I shared with my kids what happened that day. That was somewhat surreal for me because when I watch it, I still feel like I am 21...a kid myself.
This morning in church, we sang a song that has currently been my favorite for the past month or so. And I found it perfectly fitting in the midst of terror and heartbreak we experience as a world, a country, a town, a family, individually...
"My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord"
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