Justin & Friends

Do you like music? 

I do.  I'm a huge fan of music, in fact...

I love music. 

I love all types of music.  (it's the whole child of the 70's, teenager in the 80's, college and whatnot in the 90's and I'm still going strong!)

My favorite music though...is music performed live and raw.  With just voices and limited instruments.  (must go back to my church camp days...just voices and a guitar) 

In August, Radio Shine, a Christian radio station, had a benefit auction.  I think auctions are awesome.  They feed my ADD soul like few things do.  Auctions offer things to buy, at a quick rate of speed, and the winner is often a surprise.  (Can you tell I'm a big eBay fan.  I was actually banned from eBay by Tim because I was winning things that I forgot I bid on!)  This year, Radio Shine was offering a dessert and coffee concert by singer/songwriter/worship director Justin Unger.  The concert was to be in his home!  I was all over that!  I had the day marked on my calendar.  This event was not going to go unnoticed!  (In fact, it was such a big deal in our home that Tim called from work to ask if I had started my bidding!)  There were four ~ two person tickets available.  My competitive soul was in high drive.  I was going to win!  At all cost!  And win I did!  I ended up with two of the tickets which meant that I had to decide who I was taking with me.  Would it be me and the girls?  or Tim and I with another couple?  or Would it be Tim and I with Ashley and a friend.  Oh, the dilemma of decisions. 

Here we all are...standing in Justin Unger's home!

(By the way, all the money earned through the auction went back into Radio Shine.  The concert, the gifts, timeshares, and other items up for auction were all donated.  Thank you donors for supplying such great gifts to such a worthy cause!)

I gave Ashley first dibs, because I think she's kinda awesome.  Since she is currently coaching a U11 boys soccer team, she opted out (she has practice on Thursday nights, and Justin's concert was Thursday) and she is also a great student and she would need time to study before school on Friday.  (No ditching for my girl ~ she is so unlike her momma! Thank you God for giving her great wisdom!)

See what happens when she has a late night?  This was Saturday...can you imagine if it had been Friday?  She might have fallen out of her chair in class!  That might have been embarrassing!)

So...I deferred to Tim (please, someone mark that on the calendar for me!) and we asked our friends, Nate and Denise.  What is somewhat ironic about all this is Denise and I have been friends for a few years.  Nate and Tim have been friends for awhile as well, but we've NEVER done anything together as a couple.  (How weird is that?)

We started our evening at Olive Garden.  Denise ordered the portabella raviolis.  They looked amazing.  I would have loved to have tasted it, but it has a roasted red pepper cream sauce (can you say, "YUM!")  that looked to die for, but I don't eat dairy.  Bummer for me!

No, we did not coordinate.  Actually, the guys did all the planning.  Poor Denise didn't even know where she was going or that dinner was involved.  She was simply told, "We are going to some kind of concert with Tim and Robyn."  She is such a good sport.  I'm too uptight to have plans left like that.  I have to know everything!

We finally made it to Justin's house and we were greeted by his friends, Brad and Kirsten.  They directed us to the correct house and the evening was simply wonderful!

We were introduced to both Justin and his lovely wife Fallon.  He had an awesome display of desserts and coffee for us to consume.  It was a little surreal thinking that I'm in the home of a famous singer! 

Throughout the evening, Justin would share tidbits of information with us on where he gets his inspiration (the Bible), some of his background, how he met his wife, stories from traveling, how their dog at one time had a hungering for the Word, and just about anything that popped into his head.  He gave us the opportunity to ask him questions as well.  It was a truly fun evening.

Me ~ being me ~ took my camera.  (Have you ever known me to be without it?)  Well, I was slightly very uncomfortable not knowing how others would take the invasion of a camera (I've found that most people don't like it when there is a camera around.)  So, my pictures while at Justin and Fallon's house are limited.  I would have loved to have shown you the tasty desserts that they served, the Bible sitting on a shelf, more pictures of us just talking with him, but...I refrained.  (I also didn't want them to think that I was totally stalking them!)  Here is a brief recap of our evening...

This is Brad.  He is one of Justin's good friends.  Brad leads the high school and college group worship at the Heights Church.  I first saw him when we were visiting the Heights.  He was leading worship that night since Justin was in Nashville.  Can I say that he is awesome?  HE IS! 

The girls seem to agree.  :)

Fallon graced us with her lovely voice.  She sings on a couple of the cds.

Grace.

Dignity.

Modesty.

Generous.

Lovely.

Elegant.

Beautiful.

 

"Brad, you're so dreamy!  All the girls think you're a cutie!  Will you please take a picture with me?"

OK - so I didn't really say that.  I was actually telling him a story about when I took one of Ashley's friends with us to church and during the greeting, she got to shake his hand.  It was the "Hand Shaking of the Evening."  Oh to be young again....or not.

Of course I took a picture with him.  Duh.  I have to gloat to Ashley somehow.

I feel so old...

and short.

I think she printed the picture, ripped my side off, and has the other in her locker, on her bathroom mirror, made multiple reprints and is currently selling them on eBay...or maybe she just said, "Wow Mom, You really are a freak."  Something like that...

This is where Justin was laying down the law...in no uncertain terms was I to take his babysitter...Brad.

Yep, it's true.  Brad is an amazing babysitter.  I'm still working on getting Brad's number from Justin, but with another baby on the way...he might be needing Brad more than I do.

The evening ended with gifts...from Justin, Fallon, and Radio Shine.

The "boys" couldn't wait to see what they got!  It was so funny to see these two men, who normally could care less about gifts, get excited about what was in their "goody" bag.

Thank you for the awesome gifts Justin!

Silly boys...

The night was made absolutely perfect when I got home and found this...

The twins sound asleep, snuggled in bed with sister...

Tyler snoozing with Mater and Friends...

on top of his bedspread instead of under it...because it's easier to make his bed that way! 

Ellie keeping Aiden's bed warm...you know, just in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to sleep alone.  Yeah right.  That won't happen!

(Yes, the twins do sleep with their beds that close to each other.)

By the way...Justin's new cd..."Some Good Advice" is out...or will be within a day or so...GO BUY IT!

It's awesome!

Cameren

This kid is amazing.

He is my brother's son.

Cameren is a wrestler, and if you are able to capture a smile on his face when he knows you are taking a picture...well, then you are fortunate.

Cameren spent a lot of time at my house this past summer.  I'm so very thankful for him.  He was a tremendous help with my little boys.  He would play endlessly with them, read to them, teach them how to wrestle, how to play soccer, how to hit a ball off a tee, and just be an amazing "big brother." 

I'm fortunate to have him as my nephew.

I love you Cameren!

work in progress ~ part 2

work in progress ~ confidence

The next section in Kristin Armstrong's book, work in progress An Unfinished Woman's GUIDE TO GRACE, is confidence.

Confidence is so many things to so many people.  When I first read the title of this section, Confidence, I thought, "To boldly go where no one has gone before."  (That's the sarcastic part of me.)  Then, reality hit...I totally fake my confidence.  I have TONS of fears and insecurities.  If I fear things...that is lack of confidence, right?  Ms. Armstrong suggests that confidence comes from being, "good enough." 

She says, "Good enough means being able to accept who and where we are with grace and gratitude and being content with ourselves as works in progress."

My confidence always waivers when I reflect upon my spiritual gifts.  (or lack of them!)  See!  Confidence issues!  I have struggled for years with not knowing (or not accepting) what my spiritual gifts are.  Romans 12:6 tells us "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."  Why doesn't God just "tag" one of the walls in my house with big bold letters stating my gift?  I can remember being in high school, and thinking that my gift was "teaching."  I wanted to be a fashion merchandiser, but always thought that I would end up in the classroom teaching fashion.  That didn't pan out.  So I took on summer jobs...teaching!  I taught candle making, arts/crafts, hiking classes, river ed. classes, cooking, and science. I taught at the high school.  I taught at the elementary school.  I substitute taught at all levels. I poured all of my energies into teaching, but I couldn't stay away from my kids that long.  I always ended up "taking time off".  (Not days...years...I would teach; miss my kid ~ and not resign a contract.)  It wasn't until this last time...when the twins were born and delivered into my arms... that I figured out maybe teaching wasn't for me.  I was at peace with my decision not to go back into the classroom.  My walk with God was strengthened.  So...I'm perplexed...what is my gift?

One thing I know...God will carry/drag/push/pull/watch me every step of the way.  He will reveal my gift to me when He knows that I will be ready to handle it.  I'm working at being "good enough."

I really like Kristin's comment,

"Confidence is not about who you are; it's about whose you are." 

I think I'm going to have wall words made from that and hang it in my room.  That way, I will know that I'm forgiven and loved by the most important person ever!  God chose me.  He has a plan for my life.  I'm going to go bodly into unknown places...

Happiness Is....

Happiness Is...

... being refreshed on a hot summer day!

Aiden

... spitting water into your belly button!

(Be very wary when you see the glint in his eye! I usually run for the camera when I see it, but then again, I'm a late in life mom...anything goes around here!)

Can he do it?  It is close!

Getting better...don't look away yet!

at last...success!

...being able to laugh!

...is having a brother!

Happiness is...

...being a mom!

Just a Random Thought...

When I was younger, (before kids younger ~ I know...ages ago!) I would see children in the stores throwing HUGE tempter tantrums.  I would think... my children will not act like that.  Those parents need to invest in parenting classes.  I was an education major and so I had taken many psychology classes and child development classes...therefore...(tongue in cheek) I knew how to parent ~ I was going to be great!

Then along came Ashley.  Although Ashley is a great kid...she threw the daddy of them all tempter tantrums!  It didn't matter where we were...the mall, home, my aunt's house,...if we were there and she felt the need ~ along came childzilla!  Look out!  After that...I realized that you can't necessarily stop temper tantrums.  I was humbled.  (Thank you God!)  I also decided that I would NEVER again say, "My child will never _____ ."  I will take all that you have to give Lord and be grateful!  (and humble)

I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

Fast Forward 13 years... to the almost present day...

I have a friend who has more children than I do.  (I know, can you believe it?)  Like my family, she has both biological and adopted children.  (Isn't it ironic?)  Obviously, our friendship was meant to be...

She started foster and adopting long before I did.  She was a seasoned pro when I came into the picture.  I sought out her intelligence every opportunity that I got!

There was one thing that I was never fully comfortable with...the boys!  Her boys were very loud, and rambunctious, and wild!  I wasn't sure how I would handle something like that. (See, I didn't say my kids wouldn't) I opened up to her one day (hoping and praying she wouldn't be offended), and asked her "How does she handle it?"  I would actually pray for her, because I just knew that she was blessed with children because of her patience, but I just knew she needed extra help from God. I myself would go crazy with boys.

Along came the twins (adopted at birth)...two boys...(Dear Lord, Grant me serenity...) They were so cute, and cuddly, and sweet, and innocent, and quiet.  (Dear Lord, Grant me understanding...) 
I was blessed. 
I was happy.

Then along came Tyler. (Thank you Lord!)  Another boy.  He was 2 1/2 when he came to live with us.  He was sweet.  He was gentle (ok - not with the twins, but when he was around other people).  He obeyed.  He (for the most part) did what he was told.
I had perfect children.  (Thank you Lord.  You are good! ~ All the time!)

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;  

Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely

Psalm 135:3

Then the twins started to grow and come into their own persons....then came the secret smile I would see on my friend's face when she thought I wasn't looking,
then came the comments,

"Really?  They don't just lay in their beds and fall asleep for you?" 

"Really?  They throw food at dinner time?" 

"Really?  You're perfect angel children don't do everything you ask the first time you ask them too?" 

(OK - her comments were never smarmy like that, but...you know she was thinking that!  She's an amazing Christian woman, but she is still human!)

Fast forward to today...

My friend was picking up her brood of children from the church when I jumped into her Excursion and announced, "I've missed you!  Let's get together and watch other people give us dirty looks because we have so many children and none of them behave!"

(Fear me ~ I do jump in other people's vehicles to talk ~ and yes, I find other moms with LOTS of kids to hang out with!)

So, of course we charted out a time and place and the date was set... Then, we started talking...here is where the random thought actually started...

We both have special needs children.  I fight for every need that my children have, and I am an active participant in their therapies.  My kids are not left with the therapist only so I can do dishes or laundry.  I sit with them, mimic the therapist, and practice throughout the week.  My friend has tried to be loud and vocal regarding the therapies that her kiddos get, but she isn't that type of personality.  She accepts what is given to her and she does the best with what she has.  While talking today, she mentioned that my kids will qualify for the developmental preschool when they turn 3.  I said, "Yes, but we'll see what the school actually says."  Her comment to me was..."You're loud enough.  You will make them listen to you.  You won't just sit by quietly."  I agreed with her and I wondered...

how does God determine who gets which gifts and which children?  He chooses us for specific "things" (not really sure which word to use!).  He also gifts us/blesses us with children that He knows we need/want/can handle. 

Did God give me these children because:

• I wanted them and he approved of my parenting skills with Ashley so he thought I wouldn't mess up with any more?
• He knew I would fight like a momma bear to get every possible need met for my kids?
• or is it simply...  BECAUSE.

He loves me and knows me.

He knows that I trust in Him, and I draw my strength from Him.

Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him.

Psalm 37:3-5, 7a

Thank you, Lord!  Thank you for my friends, my family, and my blessings!

Never Enough Time...

Once upon a time there were two splendorous girls.  Princess A came first and tracked out the plan for the Matron of Moxi (did I get that right Corey?  or was it Matron of Mojo?  I forgot my name!  the tragedy!) to join her soon.  The girls played tirelessly for many years...then one day the Matron of Mojo (pretty sure it was Mojo ~ I think Lady K is Moxi...) got married, had a beautiful daughter, adopted (all in one short span of time) three adventurous boys, and told Princess A to hurry up!  She did...and along came the stunning, siren Sedona. 

 The two mommies catch up as often as they are able...considering they are both mommies and they live in different states (geography people ~ not states of mind)...there are some silences.  Those peaceful, childhood friend, "it's ok to be silent" moments.  However, when the two splendid ladies embark on a moment...LOOK OUT! 

We laugh, cry, catch up, change diapers, change kids, chase kids, and just plain enjoy each other.  The time together though, is never long enough...

This summer, I had the pleasure of the company of Princess A and Sedona.  They brought along Kyle to act as their bodyguard.  (Plus, my Aiden really likes Kyle.)

  Being beautiful women (even if one of them is only a year and a half) they need to keep the admirers at bay.  (or something like that...it could be that Kyle was out of school and didn't mind the hour and a half trip up the mountain to my house...)  When our children get together...I freak.  My boys are BIG and they tend to be rambunctious.  Sedona is gentle and sweet and petite.  I worry about whether my boys will push her or just plain run her over.  I'm nervous that Sedona will be traumatized at the noise level in my home.

Never fear...she had them right where she wanted them...and she doesn't take "No" for an answer. 

"You Go Girl!"

Here is a glimpse from our stolen moments together...

My sunflowers were so pretty I decided to cut them down to use as props while taking pictures of the kids...

Yeah, that didn't happen the way we had it planned.

Look ~ our bellies are the same size...Princess A has a baby in her belly though...No excuse for a baby in mine!  Dangit!

Look at the rapture of joy on the faces of my boys...

and the delight on Sedona's face.  You can tell ~ she is going to be doing all the talking!

(Princess A made a remark about my house being akin to the Winchester Mystery Castle...more on that at another time...I'm just trying to explain the wall with spackling on it.)

They were down in the playroom and when lunchtime was announced ~ she grabbed both of their hands and brought them down the hall.

OMGoodness!  Look at Isaiah's face and his hand gesture!

"She likes me!"

Oh.  It's the famous "Check out my belly ritual."

Isaiah has the Face of Death on ~ I think it is directed at Tyler...Tyler is standing at "Attention" to the left of the photo...he's got the belly thing going on too!

Poor Sedona...she is wondering where all the classy city boys are.

Sorry honey, they are just country boys.  We do things differently around here.

Sedona, gesturing for Aiden to come join them, is getting angry looks from her other two suitors.

Aiden really didn't want to participate in the photography session.

Cousin Love!

(Yes Amy ~ I will email it!  I just keep forgetting!)

"Here, take the flowers.  Flowers are for "girlie girls"...

I'm a Biker Babe!

Two Friends...

We Don't Want No Stinkin Bed Time!

The twins have decided they don't want to go to bed at night.

They aren't tired.

(Even though they play hard all day.)

They aren't scared.

(The closet light is left on.)

They aren't allowed to have toys.

(They play with them!)

They have a prayer.

(Thank you daddy.)

They have a song.

(Thank you mommy ~ and sometimes sister.)

They have each other.

(Thank you God.)

They have laughter.

(Thank you God.)

In an attempt to get them to sleep better, we put their beds together.

That helped ~ kinda.

They are each other's soul companion.

Aiden can get Isaiah to laugh hsterically just by laying next to him.

I usually just let them giggle, goof, laugh, yell, and play with each other.

I figure they will eventually wear out.

I need to work in the office...but,

they sneak out of their room...

and hide near the couch

so they can watch the video that sister and daddy are watching. 

The little turkeys!

Prayers are accepted on my behalf...and theirs!

Do you Know Nuttella? Have You Been Aquainted? Make an Appointment!

I met Nutella about 4 years ago.  My mother, who is not is a fan of chocolate, introduced us.  {Where my mom discovered this nutty chocolateness (yes it is a word ~ it is chocolate and goodness all in one!) is beyond me.  I've never thought to ask her.  My mom didn't use to be a chocolate freak.  Who knew?} 
We've had a whirlwind relationship (yes, Nutella and I) ever since that first sceptical meeting.  (My mom was introducing me to a food ~ she tries to get me to eat healthy ~ of course I was skeptical.)

You need to know - a few of my favorite foods are chocolate and nuts.  In any combination.  Since the arrival of Nutella...well, you can only imagine my delight. 
Until Sunday night, my addiction has been a very purist relationship. 
Nutella on a spoon. 
Nutella on a graham cracker. 
Nutella on a knife. 
Nutella on a pretzel. 
Nutella on my fingers. 
Nutella on toasted sourdough bread. 

You get the idea?  We pretty much kept to ourselves.  Well, after wasting much needed work time browsing lurking blog sites I found this recipe. (OK - not much of a recipe because I didn't copy it verbatim.  I didn't copy it at all.  I didn't need to.  It is all in my head.)  I don't remember the site.  I can only tell you that I did not dream up this yummy concoction ~ someone much more creative than I did.  And to you ~ Nutella Queen...whoever you are...I applaud you!

Nutella and Banana Won Tons

(they are desirable as they sound!)

What you need:

an empty stomach
won ton wrappers
an appetite
nutella
the desire to be wowed
banana (peeled and sliced)

powdered sugar (optional in most houses except mine)

What you need to do:

1. Send your teenage daughter to the store to purchase won ton wrappers because you accidentally purchased egg roll wrappers (I shop with 2 year old twins and a 4 year old - cut me some slack!)
2.  Heat some oil in a pan.  (I used olive oil in a wok - it heats oil just fine thank you!)
3.  Lay out your won ton wrappers.
4.  Put a dollop of nutella in the middle of a won ton.  (Covertly lick the spoon - don't get caught - you will be forced to get out a new spoon.  Then you end up with all 12 of your spoons dirty.)
5.  Lay a slice of banana on top of the nutella yumminess.
6.  Moisten your finger (don't lick it! dip it in a cup of water!) and run it along the edges of the won ton.
7.  Fold won ton in half like a triangle.
8.  Squeeze edges together.
9.  Put in hot oil and fry until crispy golden brown in color.
10.  Remove from the oil.  (I put mine on a paper towel to assist in absorbing some of the oil.
11.  Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over them.
12.  Enjoy!! 

I found myself thanking God for giving the Nutella people wisdom to create such a yummy food,
           for granting the lovely lady (so I've not met her, but if she can create a masterpiece such as this she must be lovely) creativeness,
           and also for my mom ~ because if God hadn't given her to me I might not have ever met Nutella.

The family verdict on this savory morsel of goodness is...

"Mom, What is this?  Is it healthy?  Why is it fried?"

Ashley.  Just taste it!  Yes, of course it is healthy.

(OHGoodness ~ I have become my mother.)

She is taking a generous taste - she trusts my culinary skills.

Yes!  It is a hit with the discriminating teenager!

(I won't tell you how many she ended up eating that night!)

Tim is not a fan of my camera.  He hides most of the time.

"Please Tim ~ just taste it.  It is good."

Tim isn't a sweet treat eater ~ poor lost soul that he is...

To get him to taste this will be monumental.

SCORE!

Big thumbs up on taste.

(What a wimpy little taste he took ~ amateur.)

CAUTION:

When eating the won tons ~ give them a minute to cool on the inside.

Just sayin...

Rain, Rain, It's Time to Play!

My kids absolutely LOVE the rain!

This particular day, a much needed summer storm hit right at "Happy Nappy" time...

The twins quickly took advantage of the distraction...

they climbed upon the cedar chest to watch the rain.

I love to see them enjoy the weather as much as I do!

The wonderment of children...may they never cease to just enjoy the beauty God has created.

Just "Bee" Yourself!

"BBBzzzzzzzzzz"

"I'm gonna sting you, Mom!"