carol's place

Photo Book

2011-11-30T13:47:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

our jesse tree

2011-11-26T18:30:00.001-08:00

This is our first year using a Jesse Tree during Advent. Jesse Trees come in all shapes, styles, and sizes. This is what Doug put together for us to use and a few pictures of the process.

happy new year

2011-11-23T15:44:00.001-08:00

Advent begins this Sunday and so starts the church year. Advent builds the anticipation of the light coming into the world, both then, now, and again when Christ returns.
Our family has used the Advent Wreath for the past two years, and it has greatly enriched our Christmas season. Advent is a time to actually try to slow down and meditate on waiting. Using the Advent Wreath can help your family in this endeavor.
Here is a link to the Common Ground Advent worship guide, which contains Advent wreath devotionals and Jesse Tree devotionals.

inspiration from the kids

2011-05-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

Maegan's fellow classmates have joined the campaign to "find" 50 million pennies on behalf of the 50 million women and girls that are missing from India's population.
I'd like to feature a few of the thoughts from Mrs. Abell's class on this blog, and you can see them on IGP's blog (www.invisiblegirlproject.org).

Malakhi (age 8)
"We can collect pennies to help girls in India by having lemonade stands, findng pennies, asking your mom and dad, doing chores, and selling some things. You can also make things to sell. If you are grown and have a job you can give some of the money you earn. Sell some drawings if you are a great artist. Kids can help to stop girls from disappearing from India. We all can help it doesn't matter how old you are. Please just help! Some pennies is all it takes to stop women from disappearing from India."

Katie F. (age 8)
"We need to help girls in India because in India people aren't caring for the girls. Here is a way to help. Collect food, send medicine, real and tell stories about India to others, and help. These are things that are happening: girls are starving, girls don't always get education, girls are dying. You can help by collecting money. Here are things you can do to get money:
-Get a job -Make jewerly
-Play music -Sing
-Make clothes -Look for money
-Paint -Lemonade stand
-Make wood things -Make food
-Give hair supplies -Do chores
-Do people's hair

People join Mrs. Abell's class in the effort to "find" 50 million pennies for the Invisible Girl Project. Click on the link for IGP to learn more!

1 out of 100 million

2011-04-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

The book "Half the Sky" is a compelling read that emphasizes turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide. I'm just at the beginning of this book and it can be completely overwhelming to handle the details of the suffering of little girls and women around the world. I was driving today and thinking about, even if I could just help one person avoid some of the horrific scenes from this book, my life and work would be worth it. It's this idea of one person helping one that can keep us from giving up hope. If one isn't enough for me, than am I saying my life is worth more than theirs?
There are 100 million women missing. In places where girls have a deeply unequal status, they vanish. Every year, at least another 2 million girls worldwide disappear because of gender discrimination. This discrimination comes in many forms. Girls aren't valued so they are sold into sex slavery in order to make income for their family. Most end up dying of AIDS. Many infant girls are killed at birth because families can't afford another girl (dowry), or because killing the baby girl might lead to them having a boy the next time around. In countries where girls aren't valued they are the last to receive medical care (vaccines or care when they are sick) and food. A little Indian girl dies from discrimination every four minutes. A "bride burning" takes place once every two hours. This abuse doesn't just happen in other countries. In America, millions of women and girls face beatings and other violence from their husbands or boyfriends, and more than 1 in 6 undergoes rape or attempted rape at some point in her life.
All this is overwhelming, but there is always hope. You are part of this hope. Education is a huge factor in ending gender discrimination. Please take time to visit "The Invisible Girl Project" and "Purchased" which are linked on my blog.
If you hit the "Purchased" link it will take you to the "Run for One" event coming up in June.

eucharisteo!

2011-03-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Eucharisteo...the practice of giving thanks. I have recently realized that the one thing my children do that frustrates me the most is verbalize their ingratitude (or show it all over their face and body language.) Sometimes I so amazed that they can't see past their own selfish desires to see how much they have to be grateful for. So today I'm reading about this word 'eucharisteo'. Inside this word is 'charis' which means grace and 'chara' that means joy. So I can't understand why my kids aren't bopping around in a constant state of gratitude and joy, while I have a festering annoyance and frustration just lying beneath the thin surface. This annoyance and festering comes out by provocation of my children's complaints. I guess I find it easy to be thankful for the obvious things...."thank you God for my family, my friends, and all that you provide." But still, the lack of joy.
"On the night that Jesus was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it." Wait. On the night of His betrayal, and impeding torture and death....He gave thanks. Am I really grateful? If my gratitude isn't producing joy in the midst of what I considering frustrating and annoying (not even in the midst of betrayal), then am I really living in true thankfulness?
Paul wrote, "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything." I always read this with material living in mind. But, today I read it..."what is the nothing I think I living with?" If I'm irritated for what seems to be no reason, I must think I'm missing something. What is the "everything" I living with? I've been told I have everything I need in Christ. Now it's time for me to open my eyes to this "everything" and give thanks and embrace the joy of this grace.

sudden realization of great truth

2011-01-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

January 6 marks the day of Epiphany. For Western Christians it's the day to commemorate the day Jesus, the Son of God, was revealed to the Magi gentiles. For Eastern Christians it's the day to remember the day of Jesus' baptism. Regardless of what event you commemorate, both events were God revealing Himself in human flesh. The mystery of Incarnation. I like the definition of epiphany: a sudden realization of great truth. Do you ever have the feeling of awe rush over you when you realize anew how amazing God really is? Epiphany isn't a one time event, but a "take your breath" away occasion that can happen over and over again. I almost have to laugh when I really try and think about the reality of God and how it all blows my mind. We can get so hunkered down into our everyday lives that our lives seem big and maybe overwhelming. But, look up to the sky and think about the galaxies, and the solar systems (yes, that is plural). Think about how scientists keep finding ways to break our cells down into smaller and smaller parts. These scientist have even said something about there being 11 dimensions. Just let it all blow your mind. And this God, who spoke it all into being, came as a helpless baby. Emmanuel. Light breaking through the darness. There is so much more than this.

waiting

2010-12-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

At this time of year we are waiting, that is what Advent means. Can I use Advent as a verb (at least just for this blog)? To advent takes purpose, and special effort. You can't hurry and advent at the same time. You can't shop and advent at the same time. We need time to imagine and be silent. God sent Himself in human form and revealed himself to the world. Have you thought about the revelation to the Magi? How did they know about the star, and why were they compelled to go?
There is so much beautiful mystery to Jesus first coming. Take time to think about it.
We look forward to Jesus' return...we are waiting for Him to come again. We say that, but are we really looking, and waiting?
What if I told you that I am looking forward to Jesus coming now, and again. You might be wondering if I'm depressed, or I think this life is just horrible, but it's not. I just have confidence that Jesus' Kingdom is much, much, so much more better than this. There is a lot of beauty for us to see now, who can even imagine what is to come!

journey to the sacred

2010-08-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

I grew up in the non-denominational evangelical church. I came out of my formative years with a fear of other churches and other traditions. They were all possibly cults and no other teaching could be completely trusted. This is normal because children don't have the tools to make evaluations on matters of theology. Children want to be taught what is right. Now, this doesn't apply as much today with the post-modern generation. They want to figure it out somewhat on their own.
Until a few years ago words like tradition, ritual, and liturgy were words that, to me, spoke of uninspired religion. I'm being to fall in love with these words. My eyes are being open to the early church and the power of being intentional with my encounters with God and Church. I must thank Jim and Janna Matthias for guiding our group in Lectio Divina and teaching us that church tradition is beautiful and communal.
I'm on a journey to experience God in a new way, for me. Not a new way in regards to church history. The first believers continued to worship God in their daily scheduled prayers. Jesus didn't come and throw out the prayers of Judaism, but fulfilled the prayers; adding His teachings of the Kingdom (good book on this "The Jesus Creed").
At some point, soon, I hope my post will be titled "Journey in the Sacred."

"Language was the one sure and steady presentation of the sacred in life....the one space or exercise in which the human and divine truly met and in which every act of both was recorded beyond adjustment or deletion. To give oneself to understanding the workings of language was to accept vocation at the high altar." P. Tickle The Shaping of a Life

memoirs

2010-06-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

I tend to get sucked into memoirs that I can't put down. This last memoir, "Her Last Death" was pretty disturbing. Doug was puzzled by the fact that I couldn't wait for it to be finished and I treated the read like something I had to get done. I was hoping for a little light to shine, but really nothing brightened the pages. Don't even pick up "Running with Scissors." I cut that one short around the 5th chapter. The review said it was disturbingly funny. What does that mean?! It was nothing but disturbing. I'm now reading Anne Lamott and I'm going to stick with her.
There are two common threads in all the memoirs I've read. The authors have major dysfunction in their childhoods' and they have a great passion for reading at a young age.
I've been taking great pride watching Maegan devour books and even reading as she walks about. But the other day I feared, "What will she write about me in her memoir?" Will she remember with fondness, "My mom was obsessed with healthy foods, and sent us to bed with nightmares of bio engineered foods." Or, "My mom's love for everything natural instilled in us a love for the smell of rain, and the satisfaction of eating meat that still smelled like the farm." (I'm not really that healthy, but I do rant about it).
You never know which lens your children are going to use to remember you. I'm hoping for quirky and endearing not controlling and naggy. I think the lens depends on the birth order of the child.
Another thing that strikes me about memoirs is the ability of the authors to remember stuff that happened at 3 years old and events that don't really seem that memorable. Maybe I'll start writing Maegan's memoir for her since I can get the memories right :)
Or, maybe her childhood won't be dysfunctional enough to make a best seller. But, I would like it to be interesting enough to write about; dysfunction makes good life lessons!

Severing Hands As Punishment for Theft

2010-05-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

I just googled "punishment for kids stealing." Maegan stole $5.00 from Doug's wallet so she could buy stuff at the school book fair (even though she bought 2 books the day before). We are pretty sure this isn't the first time she has helped herself to our cash. She has also refused to give part of her allowance to church. We agreed in the beginning that she would "save, give, spend" her allowance. Next google, 'way to force child to love giving'.
Spencer stole a chocolate from Menards last Saturday and a candy bar from there today. I tried to talk to him about it. I said, "How would you feel if we gave you some candy and then one of your friends stole it from you?" He said, "Well, I would be mad and go to the store and take some candy from them." Nice.
Top this stuff with Maegan telling me I deserve to die and other unthoughtful words. Maegan threw her helmet down and broke it today and Spencer pushed a toy crib over and broke it. Doug discovered our printer was broken by the kids (spilled water or something). Oh, and this is just scratches the surface.
What are we doing wrong?! How have we failed?!
Parenting is very hard and leaves me running to the books furiously searching indexes for answers. And yes, shaking the old google 8 ball to find some wisdom.
One article I discovered was a clip of a Hammas children's show that taught kids that Hasim the bunny should get his hand cut off for stealing from his dad. Hmmmm....kids it's movie night!

first mile

2010-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just completed my first mile. For every mile I walk, run, or swim until the end of May I will raise some money for Love 146. If you'd like to sponsor me per mile it's not too late. (my goal is 50 miles)
So, I was walking and listening Brett Dennen on Pandora. I've been listening to Brett, on Pandora, for a couple of years. I was thinking that I would describe Brett as being like Tracy Chapman, but better. By the end of my walk I discovered that Brett is not a black woman, as I have thought for 2 years. Brett is a 30 yr. old white guy. It's extra funny because back in the day I used to think Tracy Chapman was a white guy.
I really enjoyed my walk and had time for some thinking (it was just Graham and I). I was thinking how people often view music, movies, books, and art as an escape from reality. But those things are just as real, if not more. We have two lens to look through. The one lens sees that a dirty diaper is just a dirty diaper and a traffic ticket is just a pain in the arse. The other lens sees the quotidian as a little more mysterious. In order to use this lens you need to stop and observe.
Maybe we do turn to art, books, and music for an escape. Perhaps you need an escape from something in your life right now, or you can create something with what you are escaping as a way to make sense of it all and share it with someone else.
Ok, off to change a dirty diaper!

in spite of all the crying

2010-04-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

It's good to be a girl. (I never refer to myself as a women, unless I'm singing Whitney Houston's song). I often tell Doug that he is really missing out; which is in response to him saying, "I'm so glad I pee standing up."
Doug can't imagine how I deal with all these emotions I have. Yes, as a woman I analyze things and break down our social encounters to how everyone might have felt when so and so said such and such. I believe in treading ever so lightly with other people's feelings and emotions. Doug, and the other boys, believe that you should just cut to the chase, break it down, and then move on. Have you watched men do this? It's amazing how they can be brutally honest and not give it a second thought. They even get away with pinching each other's stomach fat. I think it takes men years to learn to navigate a conversation with women that avoids all the mines that are our feelings. And still, once they've learned how to deal with our delicate state we throw out tricks like, "Do these pants make me look slimmer." His reply, "yes." Her reply, "Are you saying I need to look slimmer?" If his reply was "no", she would say, "Are you saying I look fat?"
I do think the crying part of being a girl is bitter sweet. I like that I have great compassion for all living and some non-living things. Doug reminded me yesterday that I cried when Martha Stewart got arrested. I was concerned with how she'd fair in the joint. I'm not even a fan of her. However, I was pregnant at the time.

i'm an artist, a poet, a musician, and there is more to come

2010-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of my life living into how others view me. In high school and college many of you thought of me as the fun girl. My mission then, be the most fun and keep topping your idea of just how fun I could be. I didn't always feel like being fun, but there was a fear I'd lose my title.
I was an average student until Mr. Glidden, junior year at Avon, told me he thought I should be in the honors English class. I ended up acing his class and embracing the idea that I could be a good student. I majored in Secondary Education English.
Words and expectations can be powerful, very powerful. Just think of the power you can wield for good in someone else's life.
However, now that I'm 35 I'm finding that the power of other people's opinions of me can be harnessed. I don't want to care what people think in some regards. I just can't. Over the last 10 years I've embraced the fact that I don't know it all, or in some cases, very much. But, I have a passion for learning and hearing other people's point of view. I've learned that sometimes it's more important to learn other's views than to have a stance of my own.
And, for the title of the post. I love art, singing, dancing, writing, and thinking. I've never considered myself to be a master of these things, or someone who could get paid to do them. But, I'm going to pursue them and I don't care if you like my art, singing, dancing, or writing (you may not even see any of it happen.) It's my own little joy and treasure. I'm not waiting for someone to declare that I'm these things,I'm declaring it for myself.
Perhaps you've always wanted to be something. Go ahead: you are, you can be.

world water day

2010-03-22T13:15:00.001-07:00

We truly take for granted that we have an abundance of clean water. Not only do we have plenty to drink, but clean water for our beautiful lawns, clean cars, and I bet we could actually drink the water the flushes down our excrement.
Helping others get this clean water is a very simple solution to right many ills in the world.
Doug visited an girls orphange and school to see the new water purification system that our churh bought. Many of you helped raise the money. Another system was needed for the school and has been purchased, but $750 more is needed to get it installed and get all the equipment needed.
If you'd like to help with this, in honor of world water day, leave a comment and I'll tell you how.

Spencer is 4!

2010-03-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Our little sweetie turned 4 last Saturday. He is such a joy and full of compassion. He likes to keep the peace around here, especially with Maegan. I have to serve as his advocate, making sure she doesn't take advantage of his adoration for her. She hit him in the face yesterday and Doug said he could go hit her back. (Sorry if this shocks you. This isn't part of our parenting plan or philosophy. You just find yourself tired and crazy sometimes. We all need a little spontaneity in our lives, and this is ours.) Spencer ran back to Maegan's room and said, "Maegan, Dad told me to hit you, but I don't want to."
He also smiles despite the misery he has right now after his adenoid surgery. He is smiling now because he is on his second episode of cartoons. I'm bribing him with the TV. If he lets me put Vaseline on his nose he can watch cartoons. Again, judge if you wish. If we don't use the Cathode ray therapy his nose tissues will never heal.

unscientific thoughts on spiritual compost

2010-03-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about compost the other day. We've had a composter thingy back behind the shed that we haven't ventured to use yet. You know how it is, it can be daunting to do something new.
I started to think about how now I neatly tie up all our garage into little bags and set them out for someone else to haul away. Nice and tidy, no smelly stuff sitting around fuming, gone from sight. I can even light candles to make sure nothing stinks at our house. Do you see where I'm going with this?
What if I took all the things that seem like trash, and kept it. What if I held onto my garage;, not carrying it around with me, of course, but putting in a pile behind where I live. Every once and awhile I'll go out there and stir it up, change up the layers and watch it turn into something that stinks, but can nourish other things for growth. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Jesus, Surfing, and Chuck E Cheese

2010-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

For Lent our family is unplugging on Sundays, and on those nights we do a family devotional time. I love these devotions (that I found online) because they make us use our imaginations.
We read a passage from the Bible that is from Jesus' life. Then there are some questions that involve us closing our eyes and picturing Jesus being with us. What would we say to Him, what would he say to us?
It has been neat to hear what the kids have to say, and even for Doug and I to sense relief just being with Jesus.
The first night I asked Spencer what He pictured Jesus doing during a difficult time. Spencer said, "I see Jesus and His angels by my bed. I see a shadow...but it's Jesus'."
Last night we talked about Jesus amazing us. I had the kids close their eyes and I told them to imagine themselves at the beach. There is a man coming down the beach in a bright white robe and His face is shining like the sun (we had read about the transfiguration for our passage). It's Jesus! He says, "Maegan, Spencer, you are chosen to be in my family and you are loved." Then He walks with them down the beach. When we all shared how we felt walking with Jesus Maegan was most struck by Jesus saying she was chosen to be in His family and she thanked Him. Spencer's imagined that he and Jesus decided to go surfing and then later went to Chuck E Cheese.
When I imagined walking with Jesus I immediately felt my shoulders relax and stopped worry about all my shortcomings.

most wonderful time of the year

2010-02-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow begins my favorite time of the year. I look forward to Lent because I usually feel I need some spiritual renewal about now. I believe we all need a marker in our life, on our calendar, to stop and evaluate how things are going. A time to ask ourselves: what do I want my relationship to God, my family, and others to look like? If we wait for things to just happen, things will; but probably not the things we really want for our lives.
I've decided to give something up for Lent again this year. Last year, if you remember, I didn't give anything up, but planned to add things into my life. That didn't work out so well. So, this year I'm doing both. As a family we are going to unplug on Sundays (no TV or computers). I shared this with the kids and Spencer said, "Mom, why do you have to ruin everything!" I think they will be glad in the end because they will get more of our attention. Like, right now, Spencer really wants me to get off this computer and help him with something :)
Check out these family prayers and this Lent guide for some simple ideas.
Family Lent Ideas
Family Prayers for Lent

Join Me

2010-02-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

I'm hosting a Not for Sale Book/Bible study starting Feb. 25, that lasts for 8 weeks. It will be at my house and go from 7:00-8:30p.m. Please let me know if you are interested in joining me. Here is more information about the study.
The Church and people of faith have a special role to play when it comes to the work
of abolition: freeing slaves and creating a world where survivors can thrive. Human
trafficking is a crime that exists on the fringes, in the darkness, making its full breath and depth challenging to fully comprehend. Victims and survivors are devastated physically,emotionally, mentally, and, often times, spiritually overlooked. It is for this reason that the Not For Sale Campaign presents “Set the Captives Free.” This eight-week study is a tool to enhance our Biblical understanding of human trafficking and our mandated response to fight for freedom and justice. The study utilizes two texts: the Bible and Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade & How We Can Fight It. Each week you will be reading a chapter from Not For Sale to provide the context for the discussion. You will then dig into God’s Word to learn His Truth. When we are confronted with evil, we must respond with Truth. It is essential that we are grounded in God’s Word and understand God’s heart. We desire the outcome of your eight- week study to equip and inspire you to advance the abolitionist movement in your church and community.
Each week is broken into seven distinct study periods: six you will complete individually before coming together as a group to discuss the week’s experience.
In addition to the Biblical underpinning provided through this study, we encourage you and/or your group to partake in some of the practical steps for action provided throughout the study. By bridging our spiritual growth with hands-on action, we will see freedom prevail in our world. The engagement opportunities should serve as guides to turn knowledge into action, but we encourage you to seek God’s instruction for innovative, creative ways to engage your community in the fight against slavery.
Welcome to the abolitionist movement.

rapunzel-a children's story?

2010-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

There once was a women who loved radishes, who couldn't have children. She really fancied the radishes in her neighbor's yard, so she sent her husband out after them. Her neighbor was a witch. One day, while gathering the stolen radishes, the husband ran into the witch. The witch asked for the couple's first born child in exchange for the small, bitter veggies (my own commentary). The husband thought that was a fine deal, since they couldn't conceive. Well, they did. The witch named the baby Rapunzel and locked her up in a high tower to keep her away from the world. Rapunzel had a lovely voice, which attracted a young prince. The prince found a way to reach Rapunzel (you know...Rapunzel, let down your hair). Well, to make this story short. The witch cut Rapunzel's hair and banished her to a desert, the prince threw himself out of the tower and fell into thorns which "pierced his eyes", making him blind. He wandered the desert and heard Rapunzel's voice singing to two young children (his children apparently...oh, yeah, by the way children, Rapunzel and the Prince had special tower visits). Rapunzel's tears healed his eyes and they lived happily ever after in the Prince's kingdom. When the witch heard of their happiness she was so enraged that she exploded.
I checked this book out from the library and read it to myself last night because I forgot the story. I guess there are many strange tales I read when I was young that involved people giving their first born to witches (Sleeping Beauty) and trolls (Rumpelstiltskin), or children being enticed by goodies in order to be eaten (Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood). Ah, the classics!!

pants on fire

2010-01-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

We all have hopes for our children's future. It seems Maegan has a future in design, invention, as an undercover agent, or a white collar criminal. (If she is going with crime, it might as well be white collar, right?!)
Maegan's deception abiblities are well thought out and without care. Some of you hear my stories and say, "Oh, Maegan is so smart." Hmmm, that is a nice way to look at it. So, we have many stories to give as examples, but here are just a few.
Maegan has apparently been pulling the wool over my eyes regarding Spencer's behavior. She would report, "Oh mom and dad, Spencer has scribbled on the wall downstairs. I'm so sorry! I told him not to, but he didn't listen. I guess you'll have to punish him." So, Doug and I put them in separate rooms and did a "shake down." This is when you use questions that trick them into telling the truth. When the shake down was done it was clear Spencer was lying and he got a spank. The next day Maegan confessed that she has been lying everyday to get Spencer in trouble and it was all her fault (she created the Spencer like scribbles on the wall.)
The other story involves Hannah and Maegan sneaking candies from the cubbard, after getting in trouble for sneaking them earlier. They hide the candy under Maegan's bed and then sent Hudson and Spencer to fetch them. Loree found Spencer and Hudson setting up a "candy picnic" (based on the girl's instructions.) So, when Loree asked who got the candy. The answer to the question was Hudson and Spencer, because technically they are the ones who got the candy from under Maegan's bed. Technicalities, right?!

my 2 new policies

2009-12-31T08:34:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying these policies are bound to fail, yet I've forged ahead with implementation.
First, the "reap what you sow" policy. I'm tired of hearing "He hit me! She hit me! Maegan called me poopie pants; Spencer said I'm stinky butt." I looked at them today and said, "Go ahead, beat each other up. Go ahead, let each other have it. Hit away!" They looked at me shocked and then declined; fearful of what the other might do when given license to unleash their fury. I hadn't really thought this policy out, but it seemed to work. I'm just not sure how this will play out later when they decide to start punishing each other again. (Oh, it just happened, Maegan hit Spencer. So, she sowed and I reaped...or she sowed and reaped...or she just paid the piper.)
Second new policy: the "keep it real" program. As most of you know Doug knows most everything (except his colors). This unending knowledge and skill set benefits most everybody. But, there are occasions when I want to be the final authority on a subject (which has been limited so far to music). So, I thought a "keep it real" program would be good to keep Doug humble (a quality we all really want). I'm just not sure how this policy is going to work because I need some ammunition, which means he needs to be wrong about something...I'll wait patiently and then pounce.

Vote Love 146

2009-12-29T06:53:00.001-08:00

Vote to give money to Love 146. While you are there vote for the 6 other causes at the bottom.
(click on the words Love 146 to get to site)

The Destroyer and the Knuckle Head

2009-12-23T06:23:00.001-08:00

Ok, the destroyer in our house is a precious little 3 year old boy. I'm seriously looking for advice on how to preserve our belongings before we loose it all. Many of you know he broke the LCD a year ago. In the last week here is the list of damage (which usually happens when we have little friends over): several broken ceiling tiles in the basement, coloring on the basement wall in two places, ceiling tile grids taken down to serve as swords, busted fluorescent light, broken picture glass in picture frame, destroyed basket, many toys, and physical damage to his own body from stunts. Seriously, besides our many lectures about how daddy has to spend endless hours working to make money, then hours working on the house to just have him destroy everything....what are we supposed to do. I'm sure we could start taking away his stuff (and breaking it as Doug threatened yesterday), but I'm not sure that would really help him understand.
Just think, we have another boy coming up in the ranks of destruction and mayhem. I think we'll wait until they are all out of the house before we buy anything nice.
Oh, the knuckle head part. I'm the knuckle head. I bought Spencer a light saber and Nerf gun for Christmas. The light saber is going to be opened at the grandparents in Terre Haute. The grandparents who have thousands of dollars in antiques in the house. Oh dear!!

If you knew...

2009-12-10T10:15:00.001-08:00

We all have heard, and some even make jokes, about the products we purchase being made by enslaved children, women and men. I believe as we are given information about this issue we will make changes in how we shop. You don't have to spend hours in research to get this knowledge. Here is some information to get you started and a few links to check out.

As we learn more about the connections between slavery and the products we buy, it becomes difficult (even frustrating) to go shopping for items we need. What is slavery-free and what isn't? And how can you tell?

In the book "Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It" David Batstone writes, "Today's slaves are not free to pursue their own destinies. They are coerced to perform work for the personal gain of those who subjugate them. If they try to escape the clutches of their masters, modern slaves risk personal violence or reprisals to their families."

None of us wants to be a part of such a violent, unjust system - even indirectly (i.e. purchasing an item made by a slave). But are there alternatives? Yes!

Just in time for the Christmas shopping season, here's some help:
http://www.sweatfree.org/shoppingguide lists some fantastic companies that are doing their part to make sure slavery and exploitative labor conditions aren't a part of the products they produce.

http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/sweatshops/resources/12211 lists some not-so-fantastic companies that carry one or more products in their stores that are tied to slave labor or poor working conditions. I'd recommend avoiding the problem products and finding alternatives at other stores. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may even want to consider avoiding some of these stores altogether (please read the full report - it's not very long - before deciding).

http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ocft/PDF/2009TVPRA.pdf is a broader report. Part II contains an extensive list of products that are tied to slave labor or child labor in specific countries. For example, artificial flowers that come from China have been tied to slave labor. However, artificial flowers from other countries are not connected to slave labor. Bananas from Belize, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Philippines are likely harvested by children under the age of 15. However, there are no indications at this time that bananas from other countries are harvested under exploitative working conditions. I'd recommend printing off pages 29 - 44 and taking them with you when you go shopping. It's a fantastic way to use your purchasing power to avoid items that come from countries where these products are tied to slave labor.

I'm challenging you to do whatever you can to bring a little more justice into your Christmas celebration this year. Maybe it means making sure that a percentage of your purchases are slavery-free. Or you might accept the challenge of having a completely slavery-free Christmas. In either case, please know that your buying decisions carry a lot of weight. The gifts you buy this Christmas cannot only bring joy to the receivers, but also to the men and women who produced them!

Below is information about companies that are actively making life better for the poor and the oppressed by hiring girls who've been rescued from sex slavery, paying their laborers Fair Trade wages, hiring adults who've escaped labor slavery, or who are donating portions of their proceeds to abolitionist organizations.

Free2Work: www.free2work.org
Buy Responsibly: http://buyresponsibly.org/
Chain Store Reaction: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/
ASSET Campaign: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

Clothing and Accessories
Freedom Store: www.notforsalecampaign.org
Cross Cultural Connections: http://www.crossculturalconnections.org/catalog/
Paper to Pearls: http://www.papertopearls.org/
Better Way Imports: http://www.betterwayimports.com/
Freeset Bags: http://www.freesetglobal.com/
Punjammies: http://www.punjammies.com/
Nightlight Jewelry: http://www.nightlightinternational.com/store/
Toms Shoes: www.tomsshoes.com
Abba House: www.abbahousefoundation.org
Invisible Children: http://store.invisiblechildren.com/
The Love Alliance: http://www.thelovealliance.storenvy.com/
We are Overlooked: www.weareoverlooked.com
Love146: http://skreened.com/love146
DCZ Beads and Designs: http://www.dczbeads.com/shop-3.html?vmcchk=1
Global Girlfriend: http://globalgirlfriend.com
Juxtaposie: www.juxtaposie.com
Pendant Star: http://pendantstar.com/
Butterfly Mama: http://www.butterflymama.com
Heaven’s Attic: http://www.heavensattic.co.uk/shop/jewellery/
The Hunger Site: http://shop.thehungersite.com/store
Global Goods Partners: http://www.globalgoodspartners.org
Autonomie Project: http://www.autonomieproject.com/
Pants to Poverty: http://www.pantstopoverty.com/
Green Heart: http://www.greenheartshop.org/
World of Good: http://worldofgood.ebay.com/

Bath and Body
Peace Keeper Cause-Metics: http://www.iamapeacekeeper.com/
Thistle Farms: http://www.thistlefarms.org/

Home and Play
Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.com
Rugmark: www.rugmark.org
Made by Survivors: http://store.madebysurvivors.com/
Global Exchange: http://www.globalexchangestore.org
Fair Deal Trading: http://www.fairdealtrading.com/
Pillow Dreams Project: http://www.pillowdreamsproject.com/
Trade As One: https://tradeasone.com/shop/
Fair Trade Sports: http://retail.fairtradesports.amazonwebstore.com/
Good Weave: www.goodweave.org
Ethical Superstore: http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/

Food
Mai Thai Coffee: http://maithaicoffee.com/
Divine Chocolate: http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/
Equal Exchange: http://www.equalexchange.coop/
Alter Eco Fair Trade: http://www.altereco-usa.com
TransFair USA: http://www.transfairusa.org/
Fairtrade Labeling: http://www.fairtrade.net
Pristine Planet: http://www.pristineplanet.com

pictures

2009-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some family pictures done by Loree Alayne Photography :)

fall pictures and story telling

2009-11-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, in a previous post I told you that Spencer has figured out lying is an easy way out of a lecture. He has gotten more creative. Now, we really can't tell when he's lying except for some of the story plots are a little hard to believe :)
Spencer had a big scratch on his face. I asked him what happened and he said the big, wild cat out back got him. (There is a big, wild cat that lives behind us in the vacant house). As the story progressed, the big 'purple' cat scratched Spencer because he wanted our candy.
The second story involves Zayd Vestal's tooth. Zayd came to our house after school and had lost his first tooth. Zayd left his precious first tooth on our table and then it disappeared. Zayd looked high and low because he had planned to save all his teeth and then turn them in for a large sum of money. After Zayd left Spencer said he swallowed Zayd's tooth. I wasn't sure if I believed him. But Spencer was sure, because the tooth opened his mouth and jumped right in. Well, this folk legend of the tooth has made it's way around Zayd and Maegan's first grade class. Perhaps I need to write a children's book about all these stories!

2009-10-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Law enforcement authorities have recovered 52 children and arrested 60 pimps allegedly involved in child prostitution, the FBI announced Monday.

More than 690 people in all were arrested on state and local charges, the FBI stated.

The arrests were made over the past three days as part of a nationwide law enforcement initiative conducted on the federal, state and local levels, the bureau said.

"Child prostitution continues to be a significant problem in our country, as evidenced by the number of children rescued through the continued efforts of our crimes against children task forces," Kevin Perkins, assistant director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, said in a written statement.

Don’t think there’s a global problem in your backyard? Think again. It is estimated that 2 children are sold every minute into the sex trade, and it happens right here in the Midwest.

Find out more about this problem and how you can help on November 7. Common Ground Christian Church will once again be hosting “Purchased,” a unique awareness and educational event concerning sex trafficking.

The evening will feature Ten Shekel Shirt with Stasia Demos opening. The event is largely to support Love146, a non-profit committed to abolishing child sex slavery and exploitation (www.love146.org). Local non-profits and organizations supporting the cause will be also represented, including the Julian Center and more. Childcare is available if you register for it here by October 24.

So join us November 7 at 7 p.m. at Common Ground Christian Church, located at 4550 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN and find out how you can participate in the effort to protect, defend, restore, and empower lives.

basement vacation

2009-10-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

So, Doug told me I need to get the flu shot. He said that if I get the flu, Graham would definitely get it. I asked why he didn't need one. Well, he said, if he gets the flu he can retreat to the basement for a week to recover and make sure the kids don't get sick. I replied, desperately, "No! I want to go to the basement for a week!" Then I realized how ridiculous it was that I was basically jealous that he was going to get the flu and get to rest and recover in a separate part of the house.

pet blessings

2009-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

I find myself thinking in blog entries. As something happens I'm writing the blog in my head, but then I don't get around to posting it. Now, I have several random blog thoughts but don't know which one to write. A couple of thoughts are a little dark, and some are funny kid stories.
Here is one that might offend. Pet blessings?! Seriously!? I've seen four churches advertising pet blessing ceremonies. What! There must be some kind of holiday for it because everyone is doing now. No really someone tell me what this is all about.
I don't like to confess that I'm not a pet lover. I don't want animals in my house...too much cleaning, plus I'm allergic. I do like cats (except for the couple that have bitten me). Dogs scare me because I don't know what they are thinking. I don't like to be licked or smelled.
I do like giving dogs exercise. I like taking my sister's dog Tessa on walks and watching her frollick in the creek. And Cleanne, if you are reading this, I like watching Zeus to make sure he is not lonely. But, it's always mixed with fear because, again, I'm not sure what he is thinking and he gets all crazy when I try to leave your house (probably a sign of affection?) So, in that case I have Doug do the handling and I make sure he is feed and walked :)
Well, I guess I needed to confess this...whew...I feel better!

the new shake down

2009-09-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Spencer used to be a truth teller. It served him well because he would confess and it would result in a small lecture and a gentle shake of the finger. He is pretty easy to correct on the whole. However, I think he got tired of our little lectures and decided lying saves time. He has also become handy at using scissors. Now that he has started preschool he practices his scissors skills in advanced ways. Read, he is cutting things he shouldn't. Spencer cut the strap to Doug's new hiking poles. We asked Spencer if he did it and he said, "Oh, that must have been Maegan." Doug had to leave the room because he started to laugh at the serious look on Spencer's face. We continued to ask if he was guilty and he continued to evade the truth. Finally Doug remembered a trick he saw on the "Mentalist." Doug said to Spencer, "Raise your hand if you cut my hiking pole." Spencer threw up his hand without thought and didn't even realize he confessed. Doug and I were thrilled at this new shake down trick. We used it on the kids last night to see who threw their dinner in the trash. Once again, Spencer's hand confessed. Awesome!

(Here are a few pictures of our trip to Cinncy with the Kueblers, Spencer's first day of preschool, and a recent pic of Graham who is cuter each day!)

Kari-2 months pregnant, Carol-2 months post pregnant :)

First day of School

2009-08-15T13:08:00.001-07:00

Maegan started the 1st grade at Crooked Creek this past Wednesday. I actually put my precious, innocent, little girl onto a bus! I really almost had a nervous breakdown.
She had a great time her first week. She is definitely trying to sort out people and how things work. She has noted that her class isn't really like a classroom. She said it's not organized and there is too much stuff. When asked by her teacher what she wanted to learn this year..."how to clean her room". I think I've been harping on about cleaning and organizing lately. She did learn this week that everyone has a "bucket". You can fill people's bucket by being kind. If you aren't kind you will empty there bucket. Today Maegan accused Spencer of "emptying Daddy's bucket."
Here are a few pictures of heading off to school. Maegan cut her hair last week. Hopefully her bangs will grow out before picture day!

three

2009-07-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone keeps asking how life is going with three and I'm not sure how to answer. Some moments I think, "hey, I'm doing it, I'm really doing it!" Then other days I think I'm going to lose my mind, or have already lost it (just like my phone, planner, etc.)
Today we went to run some errands that weren't too successful. Then we had to get some lunch. Spencer got Chick Fil A and then I needed to find a Fazolis because I know they have dairy free food. So, we went all the way from Castleton to west
86th, just for food. Then we found a park and laid out our blanket and chairs for a picnic. At this point Graham started wailing because he was hungry. I stopped eating to feed him, then Maegan had to use the bathroom...right away. This park didn't have a potty so we had to pack it all up (including a half feed baby) and head to the Broadripple Art Center where Maegan would be attending art class at 1:15. Thankfully I am now getting a little peace (except for Spencer standing here talking to me NON STOP!)
Thanks to Tia Phillips for the cd titled "Peace and Quiet". I play it in the car, loud enough to drown everyone out :)

Graham

2009-07-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

Photos by Loree Alayne Photography (www.loreealaynephotography.com)
You can see more photos of Graham on Loree's photo blot (www.loreealaynephotography.blogspot.com)

Spencer sees God

2009-07-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

We've had a few occasions over the past month where Spencer will see an image and declare, "Look, it's God!" The first few times it was of people on TV who looked like a picture we'd see of Jesus (you know the white dude with perfect hair and teeth).
One day it was Paul Newman on our salad dressing bottle. Have you seen it? Why is Paul Newman wearing a clown collar??
We were given free passes to the Indiana State Museum because we attended story time at the Pike Library (I love the summer reading program!) There is an exhibit about Indiana's history that includes a video of Indiana's diverse population put to moving music. There were 7 pictures of different people that came across the giant screen and Spencer pointed excitedly and said "Look, it's God!" And I said, "Yes, you're right." I'd like to believe my son saw the image of God staring back at him through all the different faces. We are made in His image...all of us.

Maegan is 6!

2009-07-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

Well, Maegan turned six on June 23...but I'm a little behind on updating the blog :)
She had been planning her bday for the past year. I was getting a little annoyed at her telling me exactly how she wanted her party. I kept trying to explain that the parents are supposed to plan the party and she couldn't keep changing her mind. I did convince her to invite the same girls that came to her 5th bday, to keep things simple. Graham wasn't even 2 weeks old, so I wasn't up for anything to big.
Here are a few pictures of Maegan to enjoy :)
(Ok the crying one is a little disturbing, but she had colic for 4 months!)

milk free milk

2009-07-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Graham had blood in his diaper, so after an xray to confirm his intestines are all right I was asked to remove all dairy from my diet. This is a challenge for someone who loves to guzzle milk...along with cake, cookies, ice cream, etc. Finding something to eat at home isn't a big deal, but going out to eat will be tough. Dairy is in a lot of things and isn't always obvious. I know there are many of you who have had to eliminate dairy from your kids' diets, so I'd appreciate any suggestions you have for tastey substitutes for butter, milk, and ice cream. And, following A. Ashley's example, I went out a bought 2 packages of double stuff Oreos last night. Pop Tarts and Cool Whip don't have dairy either...which is scary. I'm forced to read labels now, and you really don't want to know what is in this stuff!!!

surviving week one!

2009-06-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

We promise to post some more pictures as we gradually feel life return to our sleepless bodies :)
I've had lots of things I've wanted to blog about over the last week, but mostly I want to thank God. This last week has been full of high and lows, anxiety and elation, fear and hopefulness. Through it all I really tuned into God and grasped on to His presence. Sometimes I say things like "God was really present with me" but He is always present. It's just, many times I don't tune into Him being with me and ask for His help.
I was terrified of the c-section because the one I had with Maegan was a really bad experience. So, Friday morning I was very quiet...and this tends to freak Doug out because I'm not usually quiet. He kept nervously asking if I was all right. I just replied, 'I'm focusing.' I was doing a lot of talking to God, mostly saying, 'Please help me.' During the actual surgery, in my little draped arena, I remember God bringing a hymn to mind, and I just repeated it over and over in my head (wish I could remember which one.)
The main hope that got me through the week was that God's mercy is new every morning. I don't need to worry if he'll get me through whatever is to come, but just know that He has given me this day and He will provide.
You might be thinking, gee, she just had a beautiful baby, what was so traumatic about this past week. Well, a mix of pain, sleeplessness, fear, hormones, and narcotics can do a number on you. I would go from joy one hour to depression and fear the next hour. But each day has gotten better, thank you again God!
God has also given Doug many gifts that has blessed me. He has been a huge help and really been strong through my breakdowns and our lack of sleep. God is also using many of you who have brought me food and prayed for me.
Sorry this is long, but I just wanted to share a little of this past week. I will have some posts coming on the funny things Maegan and Spencer are saying about Graham. It's been fun to watch them get excited about their brother!

Hospital Pics

2009-06-15T07:55:00.001-07:00

For those who have been waiting...sorry for the delay! We'll post some updates and other pics in a few days! dc

do you see a theme?

2009-06-10T13:33:00.001-07:00

I'm finally posting some pictures of some summer outings we've enjoyed. I've tried to pack a lot of fun into these last weeks before Graham comes. Here are a few pictures of our visit to Trader's Point Creamery for free ice cream day, and pictures from my mom's 75th birthday...where we also enjoyed ice cream. To be honest, I've been taking in a lot of ice cream!
Today is my due day. If labor doesn't happen by Friday morning I'm scheduled for a c-section at 7:30am Friday. I had a c-section with Maegan and "regular" with Spencer. They didn't want to let me go too far past my due date for safety reasons.
I'm still hoping to go into regular labor so I don't have the post-surgery pain.

lesson on presidents

2009-06-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today I heard Maegan giving Spencer a lesson on our presidents. She instructed him that our last president, George Bush, and our current president, of the whole world, Obama both don't believe in cartoons. She said they don't want us watching cartoons because they aren't real.
This platform is really going to rock the vote next election!
Sorry I haven't been posting pictures. That would involve me going downstairs and downloading and I've gotten a little lazy.

sweet prayers

2009-05-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have to share tonight's bedtime prayers. Here is Maegan's:
"Dear God, please help Graham to come out safely and help mommy not to be too sore when he comes out. Please help mom get better fast so she can do the things she needs to do. Help Spencer and I to be more helpful and learn to clean our rooms. Amen."
Spencer's prayer:
"Dear God, thank you for my football, help me not to crack my head, help me not to get a stick in my eye, and help Luke (Smith) not to poke his eye with a stick. Amen."

Back Porch

2009-05-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting on our screened in back porch and life couldn't be better! I'm enjoying the nice breeze while swinging in the hammock chair. The kids are playing in the backyard with the 'rolly pollies" (sp?) they found on the bottom of a brick. They've been busy digging up dirt (from my landscaping :) to make a good habitat for the little critters. Spencer has been beating up the cheetahs that threaten Maegan's safety. Bunny rabbits are chasing each other and the birds are wrestling around in the brush finding stuff for their nests.
I love our backyard. It's quiet, wild (we had a fox run through one night), and a great place to explore. And again, the best part in that I can watch all the fun from this great hammock chair.

Artist's Impressions

2009-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted Maegan's art. She spends several hours a day drawing, coloring, cutting and taping. She makes purses, jewelry boxes, notebooks, and paper dolls complete with interchangeable outfits. I just have to put up with the paper that she leaves all over the house. Yesterday she made a holder for her Pokemon cards that had 11 compartments so she could sort them by their "power". No, Pokemon isn't something we've encouraged, but it is a way for her to play with the boys at school. I think it's helped her math because she has to figure out what numbers are greater than others.
I'm posting the "pink" picture because it gives insight into Maegan's current attitude that Doug and I are trying to rule her life and that she never gets to have her way. Yes, that is me and Doug with our kids in cages, complete with locks. Can you imagine if a child psychologist analyzed this picture!
I included a happy picture of us too and some horses.

Watch out for big momma!

2009-05-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

The count down is on...I have about 5 weeks to go. In the meantime pray for my family. One moment I'm content and pleased as a pickle....moments later I can snap. The snap usually happens because I get overwhelmed in a moments notice. I don't even recognized when it's coming. I will be vulnerable and share one episode. Today Spencer and I were happily planting flowers. He really was being a great help, despite getting us both dirty. Then I needed to go in a make lunch....in my really messy kitchen. The kitchen is a combination of last night dinner, Doug's painting supplies, and random other things. Next thing you know I'm screaming I can't take this mess and I sweep a pile of mess forcefully to the floor. It's still there too. Doug walked in w/o comment and starting putting painting supplies away. Thankfully in these moments he doesn't say anything to point out my irrational behavior. One very smart cookie!

moving slowly

2009-04-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

Due to being 8 months pregnant I've had to put myself in 2nd gear. To be honest, it's nice being forced to go in slow motion. I find myself just sitting and watching the kids play and soaking in what is happening around me instead of just being busy. I've been sure not to have to rush anywhere because I just can't move that fast, and if I'm forced to I get snippy. This has been very good for Spencer because he likes to stop and look at things on his own time. Like yesterday I stood and held my grocery bags while he looked at his book reflect off the van. I wasn't in a hurry so I didn't care. I think God has blessed me with extra patience and alleviated some moodniess (Doug must have been praying for this). Our house is in disarray because Doug is painting the office and finishing some projects. Usually the mess would drive me crazy, but it isn't.
Here are some pictures from the Race for the Cure we did last week. We "raced" with our dear friend Janna, pictured with her husband Jim.
The top piccture is for all you people who keep lying and saying I'm small...seriously!! The last picture is me letting Spencer pee along the walking route. Some of you may take issue with me letting him do this, but aren't boys supposed do that?

This is an unauthorized post

2009-04-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

DC here...yeah, I know i'm probably committing some sort of "blog foul" by posting to Carol's blog, especially since she doesn't know i'm doing it. it’s risky on a couple levels – first, it may be my only post here as she’s likely to change her password. Secondly, I’m going out on a limb with you because this is one of those stories where you sort of had to be there. I hope you can engage your imagination and relive the experience with the laughter we did yesterday.

We were on our way to the Race for the Cure. Given the fact that 45,000 people are signed up, i'm guessing it's going to be a 2 mile walk just to get to the start line for our 1 mile "family walk". Factoring in the heat, the likelihood of fits & breakdowns from the kids, and carol’s general state of fatigue, i envisioned her sitting down at approximately the .5 mile mark and demanding that I find a way to get her home without anymore walking. With this vision in mind all morning I determined to practice expert husbandry to avoid the inevitable situation. The plan was for us to both take our cell phones. I would drop her & the kids off close to the start line, then find a place to park – likely more than a mile or more away. after parking i would call her to determine her location and we would meet up to start the walk. you with me?

so here's where things get sideways...we're running late. we need to meet our friends (near a particular landmark) in less than 45 minutes and we just left the house. I realize half way there that we both forgot our cell phones. "Shoot...we won't be able to call each other" i say. "that means we'll have to park and walk together" i added. Fears of the scenario I described start setting in.

clearly without any processing of the situation carol responds "well, I could just ask someone to borrow their phone so i could call you". (do you remember that neither of us have a cell phone?). I sit in silence for a moment then look at carol with a confused/disturbed look. She realizes she’s said something silly but hasn’t figured it out what. She says “what?!”. So I reply with a simple question….”you’re going to borrow someone’s phone?” to which she responds “yes”. Then I say, “who are you going to call? Do you want me to also borrow someone’s phone so you can call me on their phone? But wait, how would you have their number?”

If imagination doesn’t let you experience the laughter of the moment I’m sorry. It was classic. Sort of reminded me of telling someone “ask me knock-knock”…think about it and try it this week - leads to some interesting looks of confusion!

Good Friday

2009-04-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

On this Good Friday take time to think about Jesus' suffering. The tears he cried in the garden before He was taken away to be arrested, accused, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross and the time He was separated from God, feeling the weight of the punishment of our sin.
I was also thinking about God our Father and how He had to watch His beloved Son go through this suffering.
Now think about how we deal with the sufferings we experience.

Hebrews 12:1-4

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.

Pictures from Retreat

2009-04-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

The best part of my time of liberation last week was visiting a convent in Cincinnati. The convent (or you could call it a retreat house) is part of the Vineyard church. An awesome married couple, Dave and Jody, live there and run the house. We arrived Thursday afternoon and left Friday around 11am. We spent our time there reading, sipping tea, walking around the Vineyard church (where we took the stain glass pictures), napping, and enjoying the hospitality of Dave and Jody. The house was completely quiet because we were the only ones visiting. It's very refreshing to have no electronics, no distractions, and forced peace.
I hope you are taking time this Holy week to contemplate the events leading up to Jesus' resurrection. Doug and I read the story of the last supper to the kids before our meal last night and we passed around a wine glass of grape juice and a bread roll for the part when Jesus told the disciples about his upcoming death. Spencer was very reluctant to drink the juice because he thought it was wine. Spencer added to the story that God had to wear a crown of thorns (he is starting to remember what he learns at Sunday school:)
This week I was hit by when Jesus wept over Jerusalem after being welcomed into the city by the waving of palm branches. He wept and foretold the city would be destroyed eventually because the people didn't recognize the coming of God.
Do we recognize the coming of God in our lives? We have eyes that just see the physical and filter our thoughts with knowledge and common sense. Are you open to seeing with eyes for the spiritual and trusting your imagination to God?

Liberated Carol

2009-04-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

The precious children are in Terre Haute since yesterday until Saturday with their Grandparents. So, that means I'm free! Yes, I miss them when they are gone. When they are gone I think of their sweet faces and laughter. But, I'm keenly aware that I'm enjoying wonderful peace. No fighting, no one asking me for something every two minutes, and no tantrums (even from me :)
So, what does liberated Carol do? Yesterday I read some of my book "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison, took a nap, and then read some more. Doug and I went to dinner at Greek Isles and then popped in on a friend who lives downtown.
This morning my body wouldn't let me sleep past 7am, but it was still nice not having the kids rush in demanding their milk and fighting over who gets to lay between mommy and daddy.
At 11am I'm going with Doug to the Fashion Mall. He has a business meeting at The Cheesecake factory, and I guess I'll eat greasy pizza from the food court. Then we are off to Cincinnati. We are going to stay at a retreat house tonight and then spend the day at IKEA tomorrow. Yes, two very different experiences.
Saturday morning we will be here and go to Patachou for breakfast. Then off to a wedding that afternoon.
So, you may not care what a liberated Carol does but I find all this freedom very exciting!

Trip to Lucky Farms

2009-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Maegan's kindergarten co-op went to visit Lucky Farms on Tuesday. They got to groom the horses and take a ride. Spencer and I showed up an hour early to watch and Spencer scored a ride as well. Maegan wasn't too happy that he had a turn. She hasn't been enjoying Spencer much these days (to put it nicely). This week we've seem to make a turn for the bad. I had been telling everyone how well they played together. Maegan has had lots of melt downs over Spencer breathing on her, looking at her, copying her, etc. I hope the love comes back soon!

Maegan drawing a horse.

Commercial Mom

2009-03-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

I remember before I had kids I would see commercials of kids spilling grape juice on the floor and the mom would just smile, shake her head, and clean it up joyfully. I thought, I can't be that mom. Two kids later, and one on the way, and I'm still not that mom. Though, I do wish I could be. I want to be the mom who can laugh in the face of a spill and look at the spill causer with an understanding, gentle smile.
There is a commercial out now of a mom and her son using the beaters. The beaters make a mess and they realish the moment. I need more of that. Why do I get so uptight about little things. If I were in the commerical the dialogue would be: "See, I told you to be careful! Now look at this mess! I would rather do this by myself." That's ugly. That commercial would probably be for Zoloft.

Spencer is 3!

2009-03-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

Spencer celebrated his 3rd birthday on March 6th. Maegan got him really pumped up for the occasion. Every party theme she suggested he was up for. We had a small family party and the final theme agreed upon was "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." This is their lastest favorite Veggie Tale movie. However, they haven't seen the movie, but have the "sing along" video.
Spencer got a bike (that is bigger than Maegan's), a big wheel, a kite, and a huge Tonka truck that he is running into every wall and piece of furniture.
Spencer has finally figured out that he is three. He was telling everyone he is 5 1/2(Maegan's age).
Spencer is delightful, stubborn, caring, a bad listener, and completely adores his sister. She can be really mean to him sometimes and he responds.."I like you Maegan!" He has been talking a lot about "our baby". He claims he can't wait to share his toys with his little brother Graham (we finally have a name). I have a feeling he might enjoy having someone younger to pick on.

Making the Secular Sacred

2009-02-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

I think as western believers we do a decent job at keeping things in categories. We separate our lives into different categories and aren't very comfortable when thing collide or overlap. Many Christians see things as "Christian" or "Non-Christian". Music, Art, movies, books....friends...fall into either category.

What about donkeys? God used an ass to communicate to Balaam. I believe God uses what we consider "secular" to reveal Himself, bring us to worship, and find Truth about Him. He is God, after all.

Today is Ash Wednesday. I want to challenge you to keep your eyes open this week, our first week of Lent, for new ways to hear from God and see His Glory around us. Let Him speak to you outside of "quiet time". Hearing from God can become another category in our lives that we don't let spill over into others. Let's look for God this week in the "secular."

I'm posting the lyrics to a John Mayer song called "Say." Several months ago I was experiencing major anxiety, mostly about Maegan's health. This song came on the radio and immediately I knew God was speaking to me. I doubt Mayer was talking about God, but God was talking to me. I felt such sweet relief hearing God tell me, "say what you need to say."

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put ‘em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you’d be better off instead,
If you only could . . .

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You’d better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

Get in shape at home!

2009-02-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this is bad blog etiquette but I'm posting stuff for sale :)

We need to turn the office/work-out room into a nursery.

This equipment is in excellent condition. Both retail at around $1500 each.
We are selling a Body Solid home gym and a Vision Fitness elliptical (x6000DA), for $350 each. You can buy both for $650 total.

You can come over and test them out to see if you are interested.

favorite from last year

2009-02-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

I took this picture last year to remind me of the hope of Spring.
We've received a lot of bad news and have been experiencing sorrow for different friends this past week. I found myself despairing that tradegy is around every corner and I began to get scared out how to face life with this knowledge.
But, I take refuge in God and His 100% goodness. I know that He is my only treasure and that I can rest in knowing nothing can separate me from Him.

Lenten Season

2009-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't raised in a church that observed Lent. So, my dad was puzzled when I told him that I was giving up sweets for Lent about 5 years ago. So, even though Lent isn't part of my religious tradition growing up, I think it's an awesome way to purposefully reflect, start new habits of spending time with God, and a great way to prepare my heart to celebrate Easter.
I used to try and experience Easter in one day. It's hard to process Christ's life, death and resurrection all in one church service. And, it had to be all done in the church service because when we get home we dive into the ham, desserts, and fun children's games....no time for quiet reflection :)
Doug and I have also made it a habit to observe Good Friday by either hosting a Good Friday remembrance dinner or getting together with friends to reflect.
All these purposeful things have made this time of year something to look forward to.
This year I've decided that I'm not giving up sweets, but I'm going to join some others doing a synchroblog while following a Lenten guide. So, I'll be doing some posts re: this study. Check out the guide and see if you want to do it too.

Trying to Pray

2009-02-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can identify with this scenerio. We are getting ready for church on Sunday morning and I'm shouting out orders and getting very frustrated with that lack of adherence. We are 5 minutes past the time we should be out of the house and now we are very stressed. The kids are whining in the back seat all the way to church..."put on music!" they demand..."why don't we have cable?" they inquire..."you are mean parents!" they surmise. We hurry to check them into their childcare rooms, rush to find a seat, then throw up our hands to join in the worship.
I find it hard to pray on days like today. I'm tired and mad from having my kids talk to me rudely and totally refuse to obey. I'm embarassed from having Maegan sass me in front of everyone at school and hit me. So, I'm throwing up my hands...but not to worship. Right now is my time to read and spend some time with God, but I'm so frustrated with my attitude that I'm having a hard time doing it. I know it's when I need to pray the most but it seems like all I can say is, "I'm sorry. God, please help me do better!" It's hard to approach God when I feel like filthy rags, but thankfully He already knows this and loves me anyhow.
I better start praying in the morning before I've had a chance to open my mouth.

Great Opportunity to Get Involved in Community Affairs

2009-01-22T06:18:00.001-08:00

Sunday, January 25, 2009

It’s Time to Support the Change We Need

1pm-5pm, Martin Luther King Center at 40th Street & Illinois Street

The MLK Center would like to invite you to join in the world-wide anticipation of a new and exciting direction for America and the world.

Come join in an introductory conversation about the future, celebrate at an Issues-Oriented Open House. Our votes sent the message that we all know things can be done better, and President Obama will be relying on us to overcome resistance to the changes we know we need.

In addition to celebrating and reuniting with grassroots friends, you will have the opportunity to learn more about a few of the issues that we can impact locally. There will be dedicated areas for discussion on:

Energy and the Environment

Jobs and the Economy

Health Care

Education

Military Families

Local Politics

Discussion groups on the above topics will be held in 45-minute sessions beginning shortly after the top of each hour. Discussions will be enhanced by thought leaders and agencies that provide volunteer opportunities. Plan to spend enough time to participate in more than one issue discussion. There will be activities for children as well. Space is limited, so please sign up soon. And indicate in the “Comments” section the issue discussions in which you would like to participate.

While admission is free, a donation of your choosing will be accepted to offset the cost of the event. You may also choose to bring any non-perishable canned or boxed items to the Martin Luther King Center to help stock their food bank.

We also invite you to visit www.greaterindianpolisforchange.org and add your name to the database of Greater Indianapolis for Change, an organization emerging out of the grassroots volunteer efforts to elect Barack Obama President. By signing up, you will be part of a network of activists dedicated to serving their community, people who share passions and motivations, and you will be linked in with leaders who can assist in realizing those common goals. Take a look at who we are and who we are becoming. And please take the time to indicate the issues you find the most critical and the most personally compelling

We're Back!

2009-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful 2 weeks in Florida. I have to say 2 weeks is brilliant! It really allows you to get into vacation mode and just relax.
We mostly went to the beach, swam in the pool, and watched HGTV at night. We don't have cable at home so this is a treat! We did a little putt putt, which isn't that fun with a toddler...but nice anyways.
Reading is a highlight for me each year. This year I finished Blue Like Jazz and Not For Sale (which deserves it's own post), and I also read Kite Runner. Yes, Kite Runner is a good book, but it seems wierd to call it good because it tears your heart out and puts your emotions through anguish.
Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures we took :)

retreat

2008-12-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T12:41:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T11:23:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-30T15:58:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-25T11:47:00.001-07:00

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'

2008-08-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

5 years of Maegan

2008-06-23T10:01:00.001-07:00

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 :)

Kids Games

2008-06-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

What an awesome week. I love doing Kids Games. Kids Games happens every 2 years because it coincides with the Olympics.
This year I coached tennis, helped with soccer, and helped with musical worship in the mornings. Next time Maegan will be able to participate and I will be able to help all day.
I do have an update on the long awaited "forgiveness" picture. A couple days ago Maegan told me that she did create a forgiveness picture. But, later that day she saw Spencer "tip toe ever so quietly" into the kichen, pick up the picture, and shread it to pieces!! Oh really. One, Maegan would have shown me such a picture with pride, secondly, she would have screamed bloody murder if she saw Spencer tearing it up. Oh a tangled web we weave when we set out to deceive.

A Story of Punishment

2008-06-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

This is Maegan's lovely story about how mad she is that Spencer tore up her Sunday school 'baby Moses' craft.
At first glance I thought it was Dante's Inferno, but the story is about as tragic.
On your left are the miserable faces of all the people who are mad at Spencer. The right side is the story. It starts with Maegan and the other happy Sunday school kids, followed by a picture of Spencer in jail (random). The next scene is a picture of Maegan and her baby Moses craft. Then the story spirals downward. Spencer is caught destroying baby Moses and the punishment begins. Then you see Spencer laying down to get shot, Spencer moves to a time out, then he's spanked, finally to be banished from our house. When you see the happy faces, it's me, Doug and Maegan celebrating he is gone.
I think I'll have her do another picture on forgiveness :)

Business Ending Poverty

2008-06-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Doug was lent the book "A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit, Barefoot Banking, and The Business Solution for Ending Poverty" by our friend John, who went to Uganda with us back in 2005. On the return flight Doug and John, being sharp business men, started to brainstorm on how to help the economy in the refugee camps we visited. I also read part of this book on microenterprise and found it to be a great way to really effect ending poverty.
Doug is preparing to leave for Nicaragua in July to research microenterprise opportunities. He will be traveling with a group from Common Ground who want to move to a small village in Nicaragua.
I encourage you to check out Kiva.com . You can loan money to people to help them start businesses so they can sustain their family and to infuse new money into their local economy. The site is extremely reputable (trust me Doug does his research). Whoever receives the loan pays it back and the money goes back into your account or you can loan it to someone else. It's a very simple and easy way to help. It's a great way to involve the kids too.

if you like dining in a litter box

2008-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a blast with the Kueblers in Gatlinburg. The trip was sans kids, so we really whooped it up!
The reference to the litter box is our dining experience at The Dixie Stampede. The Dixie Stampede is rated 4 out of the 10 most awesome things to do in Gatlinburg. Wow, what an experience. The picture of Kari and I holding our noses tells you a little about the atmosphere. The DS includes lots of animals kicking up stinky sand, while you tear apart your dinner with your hands. The show was some mixed up plot regarding the North and the South and you had to pick a side to cheer for...as if the civil war is a nice part of our history.
Another highlight was the Zorb. The Zorb hails from New Zealand and I think it's America's next extreme sport. Well, it's not too extreme because you ride down a hill in a big bubble ball filled with water. But, it's a very exciting time!
We also enjoyed a nice hike in the Smoky Mountain National Park. We even got to see a momma bear and her two cubs.
I have to mention that Kari and I totally defeated Doug and Mike at Spades...and it was Kari's first time playing :)

The Runner

2008-05-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I joined moms from the MOPS group for a last hoorah of the year. I was already tired from my strength and endurance class at the YMCA. This meet and mingle at the park turned out to be round two of strength, endurance, and patience!
I'm starting to realize I am the only mom I see who is constantly sprinting after her child. I'm not exaggerating...people comment on how fast he takes off and how determined he is NOT to respond to my hollaring. He sprints into parking lots, out of buildings (mind you, people see him coming and open the door for him...gee thanks people!) I always yell "Spencer STOP!" for the benefit of all those looking at me. But, I know that yelling 'stop' will do nothing. He will run, and I will chase. Poor Maegan has been left standing vunerable in many a venue while I do all this chasing. So, this wears me out. But, I have a really hard time getting mad at him because he is laughing and smiling so sweetly as he runs away. When I catch him he says "sorry mommy I run." We didn't stay very long at the park.
I'm entering a Sprint Triatholon this summer to put all this training to use :)

I've done your research

2008-05-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

So, I'm reminding you to vote. Now you say, "Carol, I don't know who to vote for, so I shouldn't bother". All right then, I've done your research for you and you should cast your vote for David Orentlichter. You don't even have to know how to say his name, just recognize it on the ballot form. Why should you vote for him? Well, he refuses to take money from special interests groups. Change can't happen when politicians get money from oil companies, auto makers and health insurance companies. David O. has already divested his money from companies supporting the Sudanese government and he helped passed the Indiana divestment bill (you know I like that!)
He has been a doctor to those with no insurance and he has passed excellent bills protecting children from abuse. Do I need to go on?
Ok, so if you must vote Republican, then your only choice is John Elrod.
I attended the congressional debate last week and this is what my research has turned up.
So now, GO VOTE!!!!

Blog Auction: Great Stuff, Great Reason

2008-05-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Andrea Moberly's brother Brian does campus ministry in Rome. As we know the fall of the dollar is creating difficult times for those who had already raised funds to work abroad, but now their budgets are hurting.
So, Andrea is supporting her brother by having a live auction on her blog. Andrea is a crafty lady who is great with knitting needles. There are also a few pieces of art by Nicole Krajewski, and some music cds by local musicians, and a photo session with Brandy Cunningham! To read more about her brother click here.