retreat

Doug and I are leaving Saturday for our annual trip to Florida. Even though it's a family trip (read: the lovliness of crazy kids) we somehow get very refreshed. We come home spiritually and physically refreshed and inspired. We spend a lot of time reading books and talking about what God is teaching us. I usually come home with new inspiration and fresh purpose.
I guess you could say I've been preparing by reading Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz." The author was challenged by a friend with the question, "what/who are you willing to die for?" The question was followed with, "what/who are you willing to live for?" His friend suggested that living for something/someone is more difficult than dying for something/something. After some thought, I agreed. Then I thought about, if looking at my life what/who would I say I'm currently living for? These are good questions to ask and on which to reflect. It's easy for me to say I'll die for Christ, others, a good cause. But, when I think about living it out day to day I makes me think of all of myself I really need to forsake, and that stings. I like making myself happy (or at least trying), and I like people to like me while I'm at it :)
(and yeah, the picture is meant to be ironic...I'm reading Joel Vestal's "Dangerous Faith")

Christmas Cheer and Other thoughts

Here are a few pictures of Maegan singing at church (rather unethusiastically) and at school (rather joyfully).
The other picture is of a gadget Maegan drew that is a remote control power zapper. She and Spencer have been chasing around the house "stealing our power." The buttons include: a button to immediately put a bad guy in jail if the police take to long getting to the scene, one to make a bunk bed out of ordinary beds (they tried that when I wasn't paying attention), and a couple to use super power soccer skills.
Speaking of power control, Maegan has an issue with our "power" over the household, especially mine. She has declared "you aren't in charge of my life", "you aren't the smartest person in this house", and "you need to leave me alone and let me do whatever I want!" She has also said that one day this house will be hers Doug and I can be the guardians to make sure bad guys stay away. The teenage years aren't looking so good.

Jolly Land

We took our annual trip to Jolly Land at the Children's Museum. Maegan is aware that Santa isn't really a guy who comes and brings presents to the house. She has learned that he was created out of the memory of St. Nick, who helped families that had need and did it in secret. Now that I'm thinking about it, the fact that Nicolas did his giving in secret means he probably isn't a fan of a character being made after him. I know many people like for their kids to imagine Santa is real and enjoy the magic of the season. And, I've asked Maegan not to blow it for the other kids (which almost happen yesterday at school).
My Dad always told me the truth about Santa, the easter bunny, etc. He thought it was important that I didn't get confused on what is true. It was important for him to teach me the Bible and know that he (my dad) was always telling the truth. I really appreciate this. Trust me, there was always lots of magic in the season for me. What could be more wonderful than God sending Jesus to live here on Earth, and have to come as a meek, fragile baby!! And don't forget the sky full of angel's singing and celebrating the occasion...that is pretty awesome!
I hope you are enjoying the magic of the season and taking time to ponder God's great love!

tagged

4 tv shows i love to watch:1. Survivor 2. Biggest Loser 3. Chuck 4. The Office

4 of my favorite restaurants: 1. Mama Corolla's 2. Binkley's 3.Outback 4. Panera :)

4 things that happened today: 1. Spencer threw up on me 2. washed raw poultry for tomorrow 3. cleaned all the moldy, smelly stuff from the frig 4. tried to clean Spencer's pee from Maegan's carpet (he did it on purpose).

4 things i'm looking forward to: 1. going to Fogo with the Ashleys 2. Christmas 3. Florida 4. Jesus' return


4 things on my "wish"/hope list: 1. that Maegan's eye condition would be healed 2. that my children would grow up knowing God and delighting in His presence 3. that our home would be a place of peace and love 4. that the baby in my belly would be healthy and come easily :)...you said wish.

4 people i'm tagging: 1. loree 2. alison 3. kari 4. amy a.

advent conspiracy

I've been concerned with the dismal forecast for Christmas this year. I've seen numerous reports on the news that this is going to be the "worst Christmas in years." Stop and think about the stupidity of that comment. How can someone decide this is going to be the worst Christmas? What is their measure? Of course we know this is from the retail perspective, but we often adopt that perspective as ours.
I'm most looking forward to telling the Christmas story to Maegan and Spencer often and in many ways. I'm looking forward to singing about the AMAZING reality that God came to Earth in flesh and endured this world, then sacrificed Himself for our sins. Don't let it pass you by. Make this a season of meditation, prayer, worship, and spreading the Good News.
Check out the Advent Conspiracy video below. If you attend Common Ground your outlet for giving can be the "redistribute" campaign.

Creative Liberty

Doug and I met with Mrs. H this week for Maegan's parent/teacher conference. It was nice to hear that she is doing well in school. Maegan is starting to pick up some words and read some very basic books that are sent home from school. Her strong point is art. She really is great at drawing pictures and her details are amazing. At home she draws "toys" and plays with them. For example, she drew, colored and cut out an entire tea set. Then she played with the paper tea set over the next week. She has also made a paint sprayer, glasses, and cars for Spencer.
So, at the conference Mrs. H said, "You guys must give her lots of freedom to create at home." I said, "Oh yes, she has constant access to markers, crayons, scissors, and paper."
Well, that afternoon you can see what this creative freedom led to...Spencer getting his face painted like an Indian. The markers were taken out of her room.
The pink marker didn't come off for a day, so Spencer looked like he had a bad sunburn.

In all Things, With Thanksgiving

Right after raising my voice for the umpteenth time today it hit me. I'm ungrateful. This is how God speaks. Well, He speaks in many ways....but I often hear Him like this. Something just pops in my head, and it is true to God's Word. I'm ungrateful. It's good to have it diagnosed.
I've been dragging around for the last several weeks complaining about the never ending mess in our house. Doug has endured my ranting.."I spend all day just walking around cleaning up and in five minutes it's all gone to pot!" Doug has patiently listened as I declare I'm done dealing with little people who don't listen and do something naughty every time I leave their sight. I lose my patience when I've tried very hard to get them settled for rest time and then they disturb my rest every 10 minutes.
This enlightenment of my ungratefulness comes after reading several blogs written by men who have lost their young wives to cancer. Reading about the hundreds of people who prayed that God would give these women just a little more time with the husbands, children, and friends.
I have these days that others have prayed for. I'm squandering them on complaining and impatience. I pray God would give me fresh perspective and wisdom. I need different expectations.
Let me end by expressing much gratitude for 8 wonderful years with Doug. Today is our anniversary! He gives me nothing to complain about, and so very much to celebrate! And, in Doug's wisdom he has never told me I'm ungrateful...he leaves that communication up to God. Doug just loves me and does everything possible to make me glad :)

Ballot Question #1 Marion County

If you are like me, sometimes you have no idea to answer some of the ballot questions.
Doug is works in property tax appeals, with guru Henry Hamilton. So, he gave me the answer to:
"Should the assessing duties of the elected township assessor in the township be transferred to the county assessor?"
Answer: Yes
Doug said that the county assessors have the software and the evaluative programs to do this job the most consistantly. It would hurt the system to transfer the duties to another department.
I've seen signs that say, "for lower taxes vote no to question #1"....who wouldn't vote 'no'. But, the answer is 'yes'.

future best mom

Maegan is on a tirade. It started with Doug asking her to wash her hands before dinner, to which she responded "You aren't the expert on everything!" When I asked her to wash her hands she said, "You aren't smart enough for this house!" The pleasantries continued during dinner. We were trying to make her try one noodle. She said that we don't offer her food and drinks when she needs them. So, I guess we don't provide for her needs. After a dinner full of fighting Maegan announced that one day she is going to be the best mom ever. I asked her what being the best mom meant. She said, "I will be the funest. I will give my kids lots of candy, even if I don't have a coupon. I will buy lots of stuff, everything in the world. We will go to fun places all the time; like the museum, to farms, everything fun! I will buy toys, shells, backpacks, paper towels, everything." Then it got better. She said, "Mom, when I become a mom you can be the housekeeper. I will do all the fun stuff and you will keep everything clean." Can you read between the lines?
Whenever we go to the store and Maegan asks for something I say, "it's not on my list. Maybe we'll get it next time if I have a coupon." And, yesterday I had my own tirade when I exclaimed to my dear children, "Do you think that all my life I dreamed of cleaning the house constantly! Do you think this is fun for me? Maybe I want to play!"
Ah, is it almost bedtime?!
p.s. this picture is after "horrible hair" day at school, painting, and lots of candy eating.

Vote Early

Just wanted to let you know that you can vote early and avoid lines on Election day. Just go to www.govote.org and type in your zip to find your nearest location. I'm going Saturday if anyone wants to drive downtown with me.
Now a little perspective challenge. I think many people think politics is the one area where we can say hateful things and belittle others. It is never all right to hate someone. However, some believers have taken exception to name call and get angry with each other over different political views.
God is our King. He is in control. Don't worry, don't fret, put your worries at His feet.
Romans 13:6-7 "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Honor others, live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on you. Above all else put on love.
Just a friendly reminder :)

beautiful season

This is my favorite season, and I think it's the most beautiful time of year. We tried a few new fall activities this year. We went to Holliday Park for their "Hauntless Halloween".....boring. I would have rather gone to the park by ourselves and hiked. We went to Oktoberfest at Trader's Point Creamery. It was a nice afternoon with Doug's parents, but the festivities weren't that fun. Again, I would have rather gone and done the same thing a different day and not paid.
We went to Stoney Creek Farms, in Noblesville, last year and it was awesome. We weren't able to go this year and we are sad.
Other news,Doug put in windows and painted the house over the last two weeks. I watched. I'm not the worker I used to be. When I was overseas I helped lay brick, tile roofs, dig foundations, load food trucks, etc. We were there helping to rebuild homes and lives. I guess when it's your own house and you have an extremely skilled husband, you just lose the edge. But Doug kindly tells people "we painted the house, we remodeled the kitchen, we tiled the floor, etc."

running the show

Spencer has turned a corner from being an 'easy as pie' child to a strong willed child. He is stubborn and trying to be way too independent. Maegan has always let me make choices for her (except last winter when she would only wear dresses). She is five and I don't think she has ever uttered the phrase "me do it". I've had to insist that she learns to do things herself. Then came Spencer. He has to do everything and if I do anything that he would like to do (like zip, buckle, open doors, toss trash...anything)then it's melt down city. I find myself unzipping, unbuckling, closing doors and retrieving trash just so he can do it. It's official, a 2 1/2 year old is running our house. Oh, I used to judge people who said their kids just had to pick out their clothes, put on their shoes, etc. I thought, who is running this show? At first I didn't see any defiance in it, just him going through a learning phase. I mean, having an independent 2 1/2 year old can be nice. He is almost ready to live out on his own ;)
But, I can see defiance welling up and he is refusing to do a lot of what I ask. So, I need to pull out a good parenting book and refresh.
(p.s. thanks to Emily who helped me deal with my defiant child after school today :) I told Spencer I was about to beat him, so she mercifully came to my rescue!!)

Save Darfur Meeting Tonight

I want to invite you to join us tonight at Moe and Johnny's (54th/College Ave) at 6:00pm. We are meeting to talk about bringing the "Exhibit Darfur" here to Indianapolis. Tonight we are gauging if we have enough passion to raise $5000 in sponsorship money and enough manpower to make it a great exhibit.
If you can't make it tonight let me know if you are interested in helping. Go to Exhibit Darfur to get more information about the exhibit.

a season for everything

I love change. Doug does not like change. I anticipate the changing of the seasons with excitement at what is to come; Doug has a different outlook. Like, he gives me a regular update of how each day is losing more and more sun light. He says stuff like, can you believe summer is over and in a matter of time Christmas will be here (but not in an exciting 'can you believe it's almost Christmas!') Or, he says things like, can you believe we've been out of college for over 20 years, before you know it the kids will be gone and off to college. And to top it off he reminds me frequently that we are indeed going to die. I guess we all have our way of taking in life. I think it's just the way he processes, in his analytical, matter of fact way.
I'm the opposite, and I think we are a good balance. I love every changing season, especially Fall. I don't mind when it gets cold and even a little dreary. That means we can light a bunch of candles, drink hot tea, and have a reason to lay around a be lazy. There is a bright side to everything.
Along with the love of change I moved around the entire living room yesterday, with all it's furniture. I didn't bother to warn Doug because he would have stressed. Of course, he didn't like it and he said we could keep it that way for a few days. We'll see, I think he'll start to like it. :)
Ah, but I love him and even with his interesting perspectives he brings me lots of laughs and good times!

You can do this!

Please write our senators and implore that they pass the Protect Our Children Act.
Click here to see a sample letter.

Hundreds of thousands of children are victims of sexual abuse each year. Due to the sheer lack of resources, law enforcement is unable to follow up on the majority of leads they have.

The PROTECT Our Children Act will:

Authorize over $320 million over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.

The Honorable Senator Lugar
US Senate
306 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1401

The Honorable Senator Bayh
US Senate
131 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1404

Kindergarten and Deuce Cake

Maegan has started Kindergarten at Meridian Hills Kindergarten Co-Op, as of Sept. 2nd. She loves it! I realized I must not give her many choices because when she "plays school" at home, it's all about choice. She set up a bunch of toys and games in the living room and let Spencer pick what he wanted to do. He said no to every option, but Maegan kept her cool and responded each time with "that's all right, it's your choice!"
Kindergarten has me on my toes and is teaching me to get organized. I forgot to have Maegan do her homework last week, so the poor thing had to do her "practice writing" homework in the van on the way to school. An example of my slacker ways effecting my children.
Ok, now on to the "deuce cake". I am half heartily potty training Spencer. This means I'm using pull ups and taking Spencer to the potty when I feel like bothering with it. Last week I tried using underwear and letting him wet himself (for about 3 hours), then I got over that quickly!
Doug promised that he would bake Spencer a cake if he pooped in the toilet. Well, Spencer completed this mission (at least partially), so Doug came through on his promise. We had a "drop the deuce" party on Saturday night. The party was Maegan's idea, so she colored pictures to give as presents and lead us in singing "happy poop time to you." Doug and I couldn't help but add a little decoration to the cake to drive the theme home :)

Fox Morning News Tomorrow

Please tune into Fox's morning news broadcast at 8:00am tomorrow. At exactly 8:10am Sarah Russell and Gina Bonaventura will be interviewed regarding tomorrow night's Love 146 benefit concert. Sarah has taken two trips to Cambodia to visit girls who have been saved from the sex trade. Gina took a trip to Nepal last year and she got to meet girls who have been freed and those who freed them. They will also talk about local human trafficking issues and the groups who are working to help free people here in Indianapolis.
I hope you came come tomorrow night to the benefit concert. It's at Common Ground Christian Church from 7-9pm. Click on the image to the right to get event details.

we did it!

Saturday was the big race. I've been training with Alison Hanscom, Carolyn Smith and Angi Hansel for 3 months and it was awesome!
We did the last sprint triathlon (of 3) at Eagle Creek. We are already plotting next year and which race we'll do.
The swim completely threw me off. It was really hard swimming with all those people in the way :) I ended up doing a lot of breast stroke and side stroke...which I totally hadn't practiced. But still, I can't wait to do it again.

change is a comin'

We went to Maegan's "get to know you" school picnic today. Maegan starts Kindergarten September 2nd at Meridian Hills Kindergarten Co-op. I'm excited about being in a co-op because it's small, 3 days a week, and I get to be involved. At the same time I can tell things are about to get very busy. I will be in the classroom a few times a month, help with field trips, assit in Spanish class once a month, do the kindergarten newsletter, collect fun facts on the kids for the parents, take pictures at events, and more :)
We are also going to do swim & gym on Mondays because Maegan doesn't know how to swim yet.
I know this means I need to say no to other stuff I have going, but I'm not sure what yet. I guess I'll wait and see what balls start to drop and then make some decisions.

Olympics

The Olympics start this Friday and it is a very exciting time for China and all athletes around the world. I think some people are a little confused on why many human rights groups are not showing the same excitement. It's because of the host, China. In 2001, China was awarded this great opportunity and China signed an agreement saying they would work to remedy their many human rights issues. The way China has gone about this is to imprison potential Chinese protesters and to refuse visas to human right activists. This isn't what the Olympic committee had in mind.
Just one example from this week, Joey Cheeks, an Olympic speed skater, was refused a visa by China because he formed a group of Olympians who are speaking up for Darfur.
I'm not boycotting the Olympics events, but I am not going to watch the opening ceremonies and I'm going to switch off the commercials. Corporate sponsors (like Coke, GE, and Swatch) were asked to plead with China to pressure the Sudanese government to let peacekeepers in Darfur. The corporate sponsors declined to say anything. So, if you want to join me, all you have to do is switch the channel during commercials. You can instead choose to watch live coverage from a refugee camp in Darfur via www.darfurolympics.org
Here are a few facts about China's role in human rights issues:

1. According to a U.N. data bank, China is responsible for providing 90 percent of Sudan's small arms between 2004 and 2006.
2. Through its state-owned companies, China controls almost all of Sudan's oil potential, the report said.
2. As "the supplier of last resort for dictators and human rights abusers," China is also a major weapons exporter to Zimbabwe, Myanmar and rebel groups in Congo, the report said.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Friday was Doug's birthday and we celebrated it at the IMA's "Summer Nights" outdoor movie. This is another "must do" in Indy. At 6pm you can arrive to grab a nice spot on the grassy amphitheatre. The movie doesn't start until dusk (so around 9:30), but you have to get there early to get a nice spot. It's kind of like Symphony on Prairie, people set up all sorts of nice spreads and nice smelling candles. Our picnic started with Cherry Wheat brew, then we played a few hands of 2 person Spades, then we relaxed, ate a piece of chicken, had some Cherry Wheat, ate some fruit, nibbled some friendship bread, had some Cherry Wheat.....
Thankfully a jazz band played from 7:30-8:30. When they stopped at 8:30 we got well adjusted and ready for the movie. Then the jazz band (that played Nirvana) announced the movie would probably start around 9:30....and they were heading to another gig. 9:30!!! We have a babysitter, we can't be out all night!
We quite enjoyed the Hitchcock thriller "Strangers on a Train" and forgot about the long wait.
So, I recommend you go, just don't get there too early or too late :)

Trader's Point Creamery

I discovered this hidden treasure 4 years ago when my friend decided she wanted to try organic milk with her daughter (who was having some allergy issues). Now every summer and fall I enjoy taking the kids to freely roam this fantastic farm.
The organic creamery is located just north of 86th and Moore Road. If you take Moore road from Lafayette road you feel like you've been escorted out of the city into a most beautiful country setting. The creamery is great for kids because they can go wherever they like and even try to catch a chicken.
I love the plain yogurt. It is European and lovely. It reminds me of what I used to drink in Bosnia. Here are few pictures of our most recent outing with my nephew and niece.

Must see in Indy

My dear friend Loree and I hit the town last Thursday so she could find some good spots to take some senior pictures. I was her photo subject for the night. I got to pull some really glamourous poses, like contorting myself in a dirty door frame (on the ground), and practice my "come hither" look (which is only for Doug).
I took a few pictures while we were out.
I'm sure most of you Indy dwellers know that Mass Ave is the place to go for awesome dining and really unique stores. Knowing it's a great place to go isn't enough, you need to go.
Our other hidden treasure in Indy is Fountain Square. Loree and I had dinner on the top of the Fountain Square Theatre building. The roof top dining experience was delicious and offered a fantastic view of the city.
Here a few pictures from the night.

Pictures from Darfur Rally

Yesterday's rally at the State House was very impactful. I was amazed at the number of Darfuris who traveled from all over the state on such short notice. Doran Moreland, from Senator Bayh's office came to give his support and speak about what his office plans to do for Darfur.
My nephew and niece joined me at the rally. Hannah had done a school report on Senator Bayh, so she was thrilled when Mr. Moreland said he would mail her an autographed picture of the Senator.

Rally at State House Today

The ICC's prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked pre-trial judges on Monday to issue arrest warrants for Sudanese president Omar Hassan Al-Bashir.
Ocampo filed 10 charges: three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder. Judges are expected to take months to study the evidence before deciding whether to order Al-Bashir's arrest. Therefore, the Darfur people in Fort Wayne, decided to demonstrate at State House on Tues. July 22 at 2:00pm on the eastside of the State House.
The African Union is fighting against this indictment saying that it will intervene with the peace process. There isn't a peace process. How can the man who has masterminded the genocide be a key player in bringing about peace!

Cool Job for an Educator

Are there any educators out there (in Indy) looking for a new opportunity?
Check this out!
I found this at www.Idealist.org.
Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the United States and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.

Indy is Cool

Some people say Indy doesn't have much to do and lacks diversity. Well, if you are hanging around the outskirts of the city, you won't find much diversity unless you purposefully look.
If you check out Provocate.org you will find diversity in our city and you will be engaged through art, activism, concerts, multicultural events, and so on.
John Clark at Provocate hunted me down in order to help me get Save Darfur in the community. Through Provocate events I've meet a film director, the Secretary of State, people from Tibet, Turkey, Burma, China, and the Congo, and to top it off John Clark encouraged me to get kicked off of IUPUI's campus during the Chinese Ambassador's visit (that is a long story).
So, please check out there website and start marking your calendar!

jacked up theology

Maegan is quite the artist and has quite the imagination. Yesterday I asked her to produce a birthday card for Henry, who had what Maegan called "the best time of her life" party at a playland in Avon.
This is the card. I had to ask the meaning, and why there are sad people on the card. Here goes....the small figure hanging from the top is Jesus. Jesus is killing the girl, who is smiling, with what I guess is a lighting bolt. The wickedly happy girl is making a birthday present disappear with her magic wand. Therefore the birthday girl is sad because her present has vanished.
Wow. So, this gave me the opportunity to explain that Jesus actually loves bad people and doesn't kill them. That Jesus allowed Himself to be killed to take the punishment for all the bad things we do....like making gifts disappear. I think she got it! When Doug came home I asked her to tell him about the card and she said, "oh, it doesn't mean anything....it's just some people I drew."

"passing on" green

It turns out that leaving this world can be bad for the environment. In our efforts to preserve ourselves via costly boxes and toxic fluid that keeps us looking fresh, we are infecting the earth. This process also hurts the pocket book ($6000).
So, how about a biodegradable coffin or urn, and skip the embalming fluid. Here are a few burial facts regarding what goes underground each year:
-30 million board feet of casket wood, including tropical hardwoods
-90,000 tons of steel, more than enough to build the Golden Gate Bridge
-1.6 million tons of concrete in burial vaults
-over 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid, more than enough to fill an Olympic-size pool
(This great information come from the July issue of National Geographic.)

Summer Time

The summer is breezing by and we are enjoying it; despite me having some physical woes and being covered in poison ivy at this moment. At my mom's subliminal urging I prunned the hedge row a week ago. I actually enjoyed ripping out all the stuff that was choking our poor bushes. Then my dear mom-in-law pointed out some poison ivy that is spilling over from the abandoned house in the back. I said, oh, that looks just like all the green stuff I yanked from the hedge row. Then slowly over the next days a horrible rash began it's journey across my body. It made it's way to my face just in time for my reading gig in Carter's wedding.
Here are a few fun pictures from our outing at the downtown canal.

Maegan wouldn't quit pulling this face, so I joined her :)


Spencer going full speed down a hill....he's flying!

Party Time!

Here are a few pictures from Maegan's party. I think you can see they had a great time!

5 years of Maegan

Today is Maegan's 5th birthday. She was lucky enough to have 2 parties this past weekend. Saturday she had some friends over for Luau II; fortunately for me she wanted a repeat theme this year. And Sunday our family came over for a toned down party.
For the longest time Maegan has dreaded turning five. I couldn't get to the bottom of it. Her only reason was she didn't want to get bigger. But, today I asked her how she feels about being five and she said, "I feel good. Now I get to go to the circus...and the carnival....and a fair." We haven't been denying her these things for any particular reason, but I guess this year we should try one of those :)