2008 in Review...

Jan – ramp up for tax season, resolutions of traveling - (as I’ve been resolving to do for 20+ years! however, this year I actually GOT my passport!)… along with getting a prayer partner, which I also achieved this year! (Yay, ME!!!)

Feb – tax season hours begin (uggg!), got all gussied up and went to the Ronald McDonald Gala with my hubby and friends, went to the Circus with my mother/father-in-law for Mack’s 6^th bday, and saw Will Ferrell standup show at UNC (by far one of the funniest humans on the planet!)

March – tax season hours continue (UGGG), my sister-in-law, Gina and her girls came to visit us for a few days

April – the 15^th is always a VERYYY happy and tiring day, went to VA for about 5 days and spent time at Haven Beach for the first time in AGES (one of the many things I miss about "home")!

May –Double baby shower for my cousins, Deanna and Bekah - who are also sisters, babies due w/in a few weeks of each other... (stuff like THAT doesn't happen everyday, you know?)

June – Celebrated my 3^rd wedding anniversary!, saw Jimmy Buffett in concert for 4th time, baby brother graduated from the ole' M-H-S I loveit, I loveit , I loveit - M-H-S! (the ole' cheers just creep right in there... Its a gift really...!) :-)

July – Bought myself a Canon 40D that I can’t seem to put down, 3rd annual camping extravaganza w/ my dear friends in NC mountains, Elijah Reed was BORN (Deanna's baby)! w00t!

Aug – went to Ireland with my husbands family and officially got addicted to Facebook (thanks to my nieces and sister in law after said vaca in Ireland.), Raeann Rose was BORN (Bekah's baby)! w00t! w00t!

Sept – celebrated 1^st year in our new home!, prep'ed for Africa trip - (last min. shots and packing), spent the 3rd anniversary of my Gma's 'graduation' in Africa!

Oct – Continued the 13 day mission trip in Africa that forever changed my life!, dressed up as a Spa Princess for Halloween (one of my favorite holidays!), co-hosted the Hot Totties Cheppema Stock Dinner with Rachel and Mote

Nov – celebrated Festivus in STYLE w/ a forever young safari themed party to roll in my 30’s! and was blessed to have friends representin’ New York, Conneticut, VA, and NC in attendance! and planned the 1^st annual Old School Reunion for my CNU classmates and friends

Dec – Went to the Mathews County (VA) Christmas Parade in which my stepdad won the best float! (trust me, it was really good – but it probably won because my sweet-all-grown-up-brother, Brian, drove it in the parade!!), I got an external flash for my camera for Christmas, and hosted the 4^th annual Christmas Cheer with the Bahr's Party!

Wow… when you look at it like that, it really was a BIG YEAR! Did some big stuff, celebrated some really important milestones, and was surrounded by a lot of love and joy while it was all goin’ down!

Cheers to bringing in a new year – 2009!… The journey will be adventuresome, no doubt about it!

2009... the Year to SHINE!!!
2009... the Year to be WINED and DINED!!!!
2009...the Year of Blessings Divine...
2009... the Year of Stay-at-home-wifeness??????? Sigh...

Crap... Just doesn't look like its in the cards does it?

And AGAIN...

After 3 straight days of being in the house with 2 sugar-cookie-induced children, I would like to reiterate that I want to be a stay-at-home-WIFE – which in my humble opinion is VERRRYYYYY different from the role of a stay-at-home-MOM!

My warped perception:

Stay-at-home-WIFE = nicely-kept-up-hired-housekeeper-peacefully massaged & pedicured woman of said “kept-up-ness”

*NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH*

Stay-at-home-MOM = wiping snotty noses, more LAUNDRY than LIFE (we’ve had this discussion!), packing/unpacking dishwasher 2+ times a day!, and preparation of healthy meals times 3 (break, lunch, dinner) times 365 (days) times 18 (years) = 19,710 meals WHICH YIELDS = very tired, irriatible, non-peaceful, non-massaged, non-pedicured, heavily medicated maniac…

If babies are in my future, God may have to strike me with a lightening bolt to change my mind!... at this point, IT. AIN’T. HAPPENIN’!

...And our kids are actually GOOD KIDS!?!… Bottom line, I’m just a pansy - but at least I know it. Right? That should count for something????


You stay-at-home-moms are my heros! And the stay-at-home-mommers-that-also-manage-to-homeschool, you are flat out SAINTS or just plan crazy! I haven't quite figured it out yet!

When I grow up...

I've been off since last Friday afternoon. Um, yeahhh... AWESOME!!!!! I've concluded that I could be an INCREDIBLE Stay-at-home-wife... (not to be confused with a stay-at-home-mom ---NOOOOO wayy!).

I've been very productive -- cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts, hosting Christmas parties, laundry (ugggg the dreaded laundry!). Nailed IT! All of it...

I've also picked up 2 new books and now have 3 going at the same time... (one of my very favorite past times!)

On Monday when I have to go back to work, I may actually cry on the drive in.

All this time, I've never known what I wanted to be when I grow up... now its VERY CLEAR! I want to be a stay-at-home-wife? However, without the cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts, or the dreaded laundry!... Ohhhh how I loathe laundry!

Game Nights...

Last Wednesday night, we had a theme night that I called "Game Night." We picked out the game Pictureka to play as a family - my fabulous sister, Michelle gave it to the kids for Christmas. (Insert commercial music segment here.) This game is SO MUCH FUN... Even John and I enjoyed playing it with the kids - and would likely play it even if the kids weren't around. Everyone was laughing throughout the game. Basically, the player has to find a "picture" (or 4 or 5 or 6 depending on the number you rolled) on the game board before time runs out. Think Where's Waldo but with a competitive edge... And we alllll know how I can get when it comes to being competitive!? Sigh!

We have a lot of games - Truth or Dare Jenga, Scattergories, Mexican Train Dominoes, Clue, Scrabble, and my very favorite Balderdash!

Last night, we went over to our neighbors house with a dear friend, Pam (who came over within 30 mins of me asking her - I love people like that... AND she came over in her PJ's... Again, PEOPLE LIKE THAT = LOVE!... I digress). We ordered pizza, wings, and drank wine while playing Balderdash. I mean, really? A Sat night w/ friends in pj's, throw in some pizza, wings, and wine - a splash of Balderdash and trash talkin' and... in my opinion you got HEAVEN...

So... The question I'm pondering tonight - Why don't we do that MORE OFTEN? It's cheap, it's fun, it's an opportunity to grow relationally with the people that we love... all while talkin' trash in a little "friendly" game of Balderdash? HELLO?????? Is this thing on?

GAME NIGHTS = FABULOUS FUN!
Who's in for another night of "friendly relational competitiveness"?

:-)

Publish Post

Friends from Long ago... Part 3 - RHONDA!

Rhonda Hudgins Ramsey (affectionally known by many nicknames – Rhoda, Adnohr, Rhodes, R-squared, etc. – you get the point… nicknames for her have always come easily!)

Rhoda and I have known each other since elementary school, but became really close at the ole' MHS. One of the things I love the most about her is her laugh and willingness to laugh at funny things that happen to her (again, this is a recurring theme w/ me – I love people that enjoy telling stories about themselves that are hilarious and often times embarrassing!) Rhonda has a plethura of embarrassing and belly laughing stories about herself! Spending time with her is always followed by tired cheeks!

When I reflect on my days with Rhonda, Adnohr, Rhoda, or R-squared these are some of the memories that come to mind:

• Miss Rowe’s Health Occupations class – the funny and very random stories are ENDLESS! But sending Wesley to Sleven (7-11) to get us M&M’s and Dr. Pepper was probably our favorite regular occurance.
• Our band trips to New York City and Myrtle Beach – so many funny, yet inappropriate things that could be said here… :-)
• Football games in the stands with the band and flag girls
• Girls Basketball games – Cheering for her was easiest for me, b/c I just loved her so much and she was point guard (thus, she had the ball a lot!)
• Boys Basketball games – between the bus rides and the cheering station wagon – the memories are so fun! But my favorite memory regarding boys bball was when we dared her to grab the very CUTE and YOUNG Coach Underwood’s butt! She did it and we laughed the whole way home! Oh, it was PERFECT and many of us were jealous! But the look on his face was PRICELESS!!
• In English 12 when Martin Richardson in a Beavis and Butthead voice said, “RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRhondddaaaa” and accidently poked her in the booby! Still makes me CRACK UP to this day! As you can imagine the look on HIS face, well, it TOO was PRICELESS!
• O2BNKD license plates
• Chris Sheppard throwing gum wrappers and balled up pieces of paper into her hair that she would later find in the SHOWER b/c her hair was so big and curly!
• Our Senior prom with the Livermon boys!
• And she was THE friend who came to NC to help me move into my apartment!

But I have to say… the memory that we mention and laugh about most was the hysteria surrounding the closure of the ONLY little video store in Mathews County!

12th grade, 1st block – I ran up to Rhonda and told her the gossip: Encore is going out of business! This was HUGE news! We were devastated…

I saw her again in 3rd block and she came up to me with gusto and said, “You are NEVER going to believe this?” I said, “WHAT?” She said, “ENCORE IS GOING OUT OF BUISNESS?” I said, “Rhoda? I told you that this morning?” R said, “OHHHHH YEAH!”

Fast forward about 2 hours to 4th block… Rhonda ran up to me in band class, “E, did you hear? ENCORE IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESSSSS????” I busted out laughing and said, “RHOOOODA, IIIIII TOLD YOUUUUU THAT THIS MORNING!!!!!!”

To this very day, we will send cards to each other that say: I just heard that Encore is going out of business, can you believe it? Almost 14 years and approximately 5 video stores later, we are still laughing about it!

Rhoda, you have always been one of my biggest encouragers – your cards and funny emails and voicemails have ALWAYS been warmly received! (I still have the voicemail saved that you sent me when you were having a CONTRACTION!... only to have the baby several hours later! Its HILARIOUS!) Thanks for always “knowing” when I needed a pick me up – and always following threw with a word of encouragement.

There were times when I was falling and you caught me when I needed it most! You are considered one of the many blessings in my life! Thanks for being a very dear and FUNNY friend!

Kids say the darn'dest things!

Molly is a really funny kid... She's constantly cracking me up. At times shes like a 30 year old trapped in a 9 year old body. (Which means that I can relate to her more often than not? HA!)

On Tuesday night, one of John's clients brought their kids. Their boys are around the same age - which is really nice b/c most of our friends' kids are much younger.

At the Christmas party, all the kids wanted to go outside and run around - so they did. Mack and Nicholas are convinced that they are NEW best friends and Molly and Sean chased each other for about 40 mins (true love in the making!). KIDDDDDDING, I hope!!!

According to Sean's mom, Molly outran him in tag. Sean has profusely requested a rematch. But the funniest part was what Molly said after they left...

Me: Molly, did you have fun playing w/ Nicholas and Sean.

Molly: Yes!

Me: Looks like you were playing chase?

Molly: Yep! I may not be the fastest, but he IS going to have to CHASE ME!

Me: With the look of a deer in headlights, I drop to my knee (still in the resturant) to look her in the eyes - and because I'm always trying to teach her a "life lesson"... I say ... Oh honey, PLEASSSEEEE tell me that you will remember those words when you are 16!!

Molly: Good GRIEF, it was JUST a game of TAG?????????


Oh, how the thought of the teenage years are terrifying to me!!!! TERRIFYYYYYINGGGG TO ME, I SAY!!!!

A momma's many hats...

Last night my husband had a fabulous Christmas party for his clients and those that he networks with in the community. Can I just tell you that these people are really awesome! His clients and friends, in my opinion, reflect a lot of my husband’s goodness.

They are kind, funny, smart and outwardly generous people. They tell great stories and find ways to laugh at themselves. (I think I’ve mentioned before how I am a BIG fan of people that can find the ability to laugh at their own sillyness?! I guess misery DOES breed company??? I digress…)

On occassions like we had last night, I like to refer to myself as the "FIRST LADY" (yes, it’s a self proclaimed nickname! SO??) ...But it's true! I’m the "FIRST LADY" at these functions and I will walk right up to one of John’s clients that I haven’t met yet and announce just THAT! Because in reality, walking up to someone you've never met before that has a mouth full of food can be a little intimidating and somewhat weird… so a laugh is always up my sleeve during these kind of ackward moments! Fortunately, I love people and making them laugh makes it even MORE fun – especially when they have their mouths full – breaks the ice – QUICKLY, I might add! And, well, they never really forget me when I use that technique?... or at least, that has been what I have noticed? Haven't quiet figured out if thats good or bad, but I guess it really doesn't matter?

John had a great turnout! It was just the “right” amount of people and personalities that came together. Even our kids were there and had a blast – and they were on their “BEST” behavior. I mean it! Like, BEST BEHAVIOR EVER – It was amazing! Quite frankly, I’m still in awe over it?

However, I will say that just before getting out of the car and while slapping some fabulous shiny peppermint lip gloss on my big ole’ lips, I said a prayer regarding their behavior! I mean come ON moms!! --

You know this equation:

Clients + Nice Restaurant + Kids (could make for a) = COLLOSAL EXPLOSION…

But apparently, the combination of my prayer and the threat that their father gave them before entering the building (which I didn’t know about until they were in the bed) worked! :-) Nothing like a glorified parental tag team!!

Tonight is THEME NIGHT with the kids – we are having dinner w/ a GAME NIGHT theme… The table is decorated with games galore and the plan is to play one after we eat. But I have to admit that I’m a ‘bit’ on the competitive side… my husband actually LOATHES this about me! I mean really HATES it b/c I like to talk trash, even if I loose – and the kids are not omitted from this wonderful "characteristic" that I have! WHAT?????? It’s JUST WHO I AM PEOPLE????

Last night it was the FIRST LADY and tonight its TRASH TALKIN’ MOMMA!!! Ahhh, the many hats I wear!!! :-)

Friends from long ago... Part 2 - Melanie!

Part 2: Melanie Winder (affectionately known only as "Mel" by me!)...

This is a hard one for me b/c Mel has been my friend since we came out of the birth canal. Our parents were very dear friends. When my father was taken to the hospital while away on the tugboat, I stayed with Mel and her family.

Miss Pam (of which, I still endearingly call her!) used to watch me when we were little. Mel and her sister, Jen (who was closer to my sister, Michelle in age) have always been like the sisters that "weren't but were?"

A few memories that always run thru my mind when I think of Mel:

• "Lane"... the only thing the child has EVER called me - which is only used by the closest people in my life.
• Ballet with Miss Geyer right near Donk's Theater (pronounced DUNKS)
• Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches - of which I can no longer stomach because of how many we ate at your house... no offense, Miss Pam! :-)
• Always sleeping on "pallets" at nap time
• Sunday school and GA camp with Miss Donna
• Spit balls lovingly launched across the table at both of us courtesy of Curt or Jeremy DURING PRAYER in Sunday School!
• Sunday school picnics with Tommy trying to throw us in the pool
• The fact that EVERY TIME we went somewhere in the car Mel got to ride up front b/c she got violently car sick... Literally, people, EVERY TIME!
• Orange candy or mints - she LOVES the orange ones... (which was good b/c those were my least favorite!)
• Drawing on each others hands, writing notes or playing tic-tac-toe in preachin'
• Stepping up to the plate without being asked to help with my wedding reception set up
• And who could forget going to the mall together with our moms to get our ears pierced - one ear gun at the time at age 6?! OUCH!
• And of coarse the notorious "Festivus song" (if you want to call it a SONG?) left on my voicemail EVERY YEAR... she's NEVER forgotten!

But those aren't "THE" memory...

The biggest and hardest memory was hearing that my daddy had gone to heaven sitting on her doorstep. Thats "THE" big one. I was 4.5 years old when Mel leaned over gave me a hug and said that we could "share hers"... THAT's the biggest memory! And she's been sharing her daddy ever since! I love me some Mr. Howard and Miss Pam... The Hawplaw!

I love you so much that it hurts, Mel ! You're my longest, dearest and most fondly remembered friend...

The Holidays From A New Perspective…

This was posted on the Cheppema2008.org website after we returned from Africa... I wanted to post it on my blog as well... Some of you may have already read this - but for me, its a reminder of the trip that forever changed my perspective on life... Thus, the repeat!

-----

I want to try to summarize in a short amount of time some of the things that we experienced in Africa. But I have to begin by saying that this is hard for me to write – It’s very hard to try to get my head around this 7+ month journey that has forever changed my life. From writing the support letter, what seemed like a zillion vaccinations, dozens of meetings, the yard / ESTATE! sale, a 3 page packing list, long hours on airplanes, and 2 of the most meaningful weeks of my life – its hard to believe that I’m back in America getting ready for the Holiday season.

They say that this is the hardest part… Coming home. Not raising support, not the immunizations, not flying almost 24 hours, not being away from family for 2 weeks, but the coming home. To be very honest, I was not prepared for the emotions that have consumed me upon my return. I’m grateful, yet, not satisfied. I’m heartbroken, yet joyful. I’m frustrated and begging for answers. I’m lost, yet found.

So with that, I will try to summarize for you, from my heart, what was accomplished according to me!

On September 27th, 2008, we landed in Nairobi around 11:00pm – and after realizing that only one of our team bags was left in London, we stepped outside the airport onto Kenyan soil (see picture above). Immediately, it became a reality to me. After many, many years of God laying Africa on my heart – I was actually there to serve His people. My heart was racing, my hands were sweaty. My nose had its first encounter with burning coal, dirt, diesel engines, and body odor. Ahhh, the smell of Kenya.

The next day we woke up and drove about 3.5 hours to the Cheppema Hope Center, where church was just getting started. When I walked into that little church, hearing the Kenyan people singing praises to God in Swahili, tears welled up in my eyes. What a blessing and an honor to be in the company of those people. God touched me deeply at that moment. Even though we didn’t know the words being sung, we felt like we knew the meaning – it was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but think of heaven. To say that these people love Jesus is an understatement. Their faith, in that moment, put mine to shame… God is so much bigger than the small box that I had placed around Him.

Every day from Monday – Sunday, we drove the 30 miles from where we slept (Sunrise Acres) to the Hope Center. Those miles were spent looking out the window at the amazing Kenyan landscapes, extreme poverty, and yet some of the most beautiful smiling faces I’ve ever seen. Children would come running out of their huts to smile and wave to us. When we reached the Hope Center, the children were usually just taking their first break time from school. We blew bubbles, “skipped” rope, played games, and basically became children ourselves. Life was simple. These kids had more characteristics of Jesus than anyone I’ve ever met – yet, they really had nothing materially and only ate one meal a day. It was incredible to be in their company because they were so happy and grateful for what they did have.

Usually, we would be asked by some of the children to come to their classrooms. These children were so proud of their school and of the education they were receiving. On 2 occassions, I was asked to help teach the Standard 8 class. (Scary, I know!) The first thing to note was their immediate respect – when I walked into the classroom the whole class (about 15 kids) stood up to acknowledge our presence. Once asked to return to their seats, the questions began: What’s it like in America? What is your government like? Have you ever seen snow? What is the weather like? What kind of crops do you grow? What are America’s favorite sports? How old does someone have to be to run for President? How long is your President in office? And they kept coming! It was so amazing how interested they were in America.

This is where I want to touch on relationships… Not only were these children interested in America – they were interested in us - The Americans, the wazungu. They wanted to know about our children, their names, ages, what grade they were in, what they liked/disliked. They wanted to know what we did for a living. About our homes, our friends, our favorite color, our daily lives. And the best part… they actually listened INTENTLY for the answers! Which brings up a huge cultural difference – in America, we say that we care about relationships. But do we? Really? I honestly thought that I was really good about keeping in touch and caring about people, but watching them listen so intently made me question myself. Do I really listen after I ask a question? Do I take the time to ask how someone is really doing? Do I know my best friends’ favorite color? Selfishly, more often than not, I talk more about myself and my issues than listening to others. I’m prayerful that I’ll get better in that area of my life, especially during this time of year.

As I mentioned before on this blog, I made friends with a 12 year old girl, named Fredah Jeptoo. She and her sister, Vivian, both attend the Hope Center School. Fredah has one of the most beautiful smiles ever. She would light up a room! She is soft spoken, respectful, loving, and would seek me out every day I got out of our team van. She touched my heart because she made ME feel special.

Fredah’s mother, Eunice, is 40 years old and has 8 children. I got to meet Eunice and many of her children. She has a daughter, Karen, that is 2 years old and another daughter, Mercy, that is 3 months. On the last day that we were at the Hope Center, after church, Eunice handed me baby Mercy. Holding her in my arms was very special, but when Eunice looked at me and asked me to take her baby to America – it broke me. While I have never actually given birth, I have 2 very special children that I get to call my own, that I love more than life, and I can’t imagine how hard it must be to ask a complete stranger to take your youngest child to America for a better opportunity. My heart is broken that I couldn’t bring that baby home.

When I got into the van to leave the Hope Center, and looked over my shoulder with tears streaming down my face, I saw Fredah. She had her back to me and was wiping her eyes. The dear friend, that I fell in love with, was crying. As I sit here and type this note, I’m crying just thinking about that sweet girl. Until that very moment, I really felt that Fredah had done more for me than I could have ever done for her that week. I jumped out of the van and ran over to her and just held her. I stepped back, saw the huge tear stains on her dirty shirt where she had been crying and all she could say, was “Please come back!”

So with that, I’ll try to end this note… Seeing life from this new perspective during the holiday season is pretty intense. There are so many things that I am wrestling with now that I’m home. My perspective – it’s just different: I’m grateful for the many blessings that I have, yet, not satisfied with what I’m doing with them to help others. I’m heartbroken that there are children in Africa that only eat one meal a day (especially knowing that I’m getting ready to eat huge portions of turkey and ham on Thanksgiving and Christmas), yet joyful knowing that there are opportunities for us to jump in and help. I’m frustrated because my life is different in so many ways and I’m begging for God to give me answers on how to make those changes meaningful. I’m lost in America, yet found in Africa.

Finding Gratitude in the Little Things,
EMB*

Friends from long ago... Part One - Casey!

I am very lucky to have a handful of friends that have stuck by me from the very beginning of life... In no particular order, I'm going to share a few things about each of them.


Casey Love Shaw (who will always be Casey Love to me)...


We became friends when I was about 6-7 years old... Her mom and dad were really close family friends - they were always very fun to have around (her moms laugh is EXTREMELY contagious!). I always, always, ALWAYS loved when we would pull into her driveway! It was better than going to Chuck E. Cheese (of coarse, without all the noise or need for tokens!!!)


Casey had all kinds of fun stuff at her house:

• A trampoline (which to this day, every time I do a "butt, knee, flip" I think of her!)
• A GUMBALL machine that was ALWAYS stocked with either gum or fireballs (which have been my favorite candy ever since!)
• A school bus - LITERALLY! (we played on that school bus EVERY time I came over!)
• A Nintendo - we had one too, but her's was always more fun b/c she had MORE games!
• A go-cart that went MUCH faster than ours... just for the record, we always wore helmets!
• A pool -- (yep, I TOLD you going to her house was awesome!)
• The Ladybug - her first car, which she learned how to drive wayyy before her 16th birthday!! - up AND down the drive way like 100 zillion times - of coarse, with the sunroof open REGARDLESS of the weather!... b/c you know, it was the REALLLLY cool thing to do!

...But you know what? It wasn't the "things" that made her my friend. She was my friend b/c we were there for each other thru thick and thin. Every year we went to church camp together and were in the same Sunday School class. We got baptized on the same day, in the same church at the court house, in the same cold water, with all of our family in attendance... I'll never forget that day. We both felt so grown up - we were 12 and 13 yrs old!

We also swore that we were going to WIN it ALL at the Donk's Theater Talent Show - a duet by the Judd's.... Have Mercy!!! Oh, it was a BIGGG deal! I STILL know the moves that went with the words (which was probably rehearsed as many times as we drove up and down the driveway in the Ladybug?)

With Casey, there were so many memories made. SOOOO many happy times... band concerts, parades, band trips, vacations, Cow patty jokes, and prank calls! Her bachelorette party and the bracelet she gave me with my initals on it after I got married...

When I think of you, Casey - I think about the smile that was always on my face when we were together. And when I think of you today, that smile reappears... Thanks for making the memories so fun and for the big hugs that are always felt, even though we live in different states.

Forever friends... forever ladybug buddies!

Is your cup 1/2 full or 1/2 empty???

Everyone has something that they struggle with - or that they have to - or - had to overcome.

When I was 4.5 years old, my dad passed away suddenly - he was only 28, my mom was 27 , and my little sister, Michelle was 16 months old. From that moment, my life - OUR life - forever changed. That doesn't mean that it was all bad - but it certainly didn't turn out like our human-fleshly-selves thought it "should". There were hurdles, there were tears, there was pain. But there was also a lot of joy, hope, love and forgiveness mixed in as well.

I pride myself on living life with my cup "more" than 1/2 full! I'm an optimist - I believe in the idea that nothing is by "chance" - and I admire those who have overcome much harder adversities, yet choose to remain happy and fun people. 9 times out of 10 those very people are willing to do something more for someone else just to see them smile. I love people like that and I strive to be one of those people myself with every passing day.

Tonight, I'm pondering the question - what about the people who live their lives with their cup ALWAYS 1/2 empty - always down and out - always mad at the world - and just flat out (ahem) pissed! that they didn't get the life that they "deserved"???

Now, because I choose every day to live my life from the completely opposite prospective, I have a hard time believing that those people ever really experience true joy, hope, or love without first offering someone or something forgiveness.

I mean, really? There are a lot of times in my life when I could have just thrown my hands up and said, "oh well, I'm destined to fail - I'll just be a martyr all my life!" But honestly, people, what kind of a life is that? Why not work on forgiving the people or situation that wronged you and MOVE ON??? Because in the end, those people or that situation, THEY aren't HURTING? You are! News FLASH: Those people may not even KNOW they did something wrong!?

Thank God for His forgiveness in MY life... He's constantly offering it to me and my very FLAWED self - and trust me, I don't deserve it - but He gives it to me anyway!

And while, I KNOW everyone has a story - forgiveness is forgiveness! It always seems hard to forgive - regardless of the situation. And you know what? That person/situation may not deserve the forgiveness... But man, after the forgiveness is given, a fresh perspective is gained that is ALWAYS worthy of a "more-than-1/2 full-cup-kinda-life"! Its awesome because the weight is lifted, the burden is lighter, and because His love endures forever - Enter stage left: TRUE JOY, LOVE, and HOPE!

Anyone have any thoughts that they would like to share on this?

Come on, people... I KNOWWW you're out there... I'm a Blog-alker myself, remember? It takes one to know one! Bring on the comments! Where are you????? I can not seeeeee you, COME CLOSER!!!! :-)

I have ALL that I need...

Several of my friends are going through some really tough times right now:

• Breast cancer - 1st round of strong chemo on Thursday, 2nd round Christmas Eve
  
• Several marriages on the brink of divorce
• A child who just had 2 brain tumors removed - (who is also a survivor of cancer)
• A gentleman in the hospital for 11+ weeks being treated for Leukemia
  
• A woman of God that has been in my life since I was a child is battling throat cancer
• Several friends have lost their jobs - with nothing in the pipeline
• A little girl sleeps on a cold red clay floor 8,000 miles away
  

If you have a moment, will you please pray for these situations? God knows who they are... they are very dear people to me who need ANYONE who is willing to lift them up to the Heavens in prayer. Prayer is one of the most INTIMATE things you can do for someone else - and you don't even have to know them.

When you look at this list, doesn't it put the minor things that we complain about into perspective... Are you as ashamed about those complaints as I am???

I have my health - my faith - a loving husband - healthy children - a stable job - a warm home - and food on my table. I have EVERYTHING that I need! EVERYTHING.

Things I miss about AFRICA...

The red clay.... Smiling kids... Simplistic living... warm weather... happiness and joy...
When I decorated my tree this year... I listened to African music and thought of these things.

I miss it so much that if I could hop a plane tonight, I would.

Reminders of the God Kind...

Yesterday, I busted my hump to get the rest of my Christmas decorations finished.

And because of said "busted hump", I slept in! I still managed to make it to 3rd service at church. Upon walking in, I ran into 2 special people that I invited to our church a few short months ago. Much to my surprise, they announced that they were BOTH getting baptized this morning! When Jackie and Dan stepped into that cold baptism pool, they rocked my weary and frazzled feeling soul!

As I mentioned a few posts ago, the past few weeks have left me feeling tired, overwhelmed, and at times, very lacking in my own spiritual walk. I know its because I haven't taken the necessary quiet time with my Maker... and because of that I'm left feeling like a heavy weight is upon my shoulders to accomplish it ALL. I've tried to tackle everything with my own personal strength. Christianity is full of reminders that with God's help we will accomplish much - but not because of our OWN strength only because of His help. The Word says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light...

After church today, I had plans to literally run out the door to finish some shopping at Barnes and Noble. Standing next to the baptism pool and hearing our pastor talk about Jackie and Dan's faith journey made me stop and take a deep breath. My heart was so full of God's goodness, mercy, and forgiveness!

In Jackie and Dan's public display of baptism, I was reminded that the Christmas decorations, the shopping, the laundry, the cleaning, the dishes, and the busyness - they are all going to be there waiting to be finished. But the eternal moment to see a friend come to Jesus' feet and proclaim Him as their Lord and Savior... Yep, its like the credit card commercial - PRICELESS! I stood there and cried like a baby. The ugly cry just don't matter at time like that friends.... It. Just. Don't. Matter! God is incredibly awesome like that...

Jackie and Dan... thanks for being my friend. Thanks for taking the time to stop and listen to God's voice. Thanks for reminding me that this Season isn't about the decorations or the shopping, its about remembering Him. Much love and congratulations to you both!...

I hope that we will live on the same block in Heaven! :-)

Its Beginning to Look...

A lot like Christmas.... (All together now!)
Eeeeven at thaaa Bahr'sssss!

YAY, ME! I got our outside decorations done today... So I guess I have to take back my previous invitation about smelling warm pumpkin candles and gooey 3 month old pumpkins? I'm sure you are deeply devastated. As I slammed the pumpkins into a splattered mess (literally) into the big green trash containers tonight, I thought about you and how I would have to let you down! For that, I truly apologize... I'm a schmuck!

BUT.... (drum roll please)

the invitation is still open to those of you who LURVE to put LIGHTS on the Christmas tree!!!!...

Oh, COME ONNNN??? Who's in?
I'll even throw in the WINE!!!

Is that crickets? DO I HEAR CRICKETS??? I said WINE PEOPLE!!!!

The Dreaded "To Do List"...

SERIOUSLY!! -- This is a glimpse of my evenings this week:


Monday - Firm Christmas Party 6:30pm - 9pm


Tuesday - 4 loads of laundry (which I would rather stab myself in the eye w/ a sharpened pencil than have to do), clean house, empty and load dishwasher - bed by 11pm


Wednesday - Pick up dinner on way home. Dinner & time with kids until 7:30pm. Get a few Christmas decorations down from the freezing attic. Ask husband to get Christmas tree from garage into house by Thursday night - which of coarse, was "WARMLY RECEIVED!" -- (my sentiments EXACTLY!)


Thursday - Wolfe Camera to get 400+ pictures edited and printed from: Thanksgiving, a project for my cousin, my fabulous "Forever Young Safari" Birthday Bash!, and the firm Christmas party (of which, I've been designated as the "annual" photographer that gets snarling grimaces from everyone at my firm! - Don't be jealous, apparently, only the KOOL KIDS get this designation!). Finish christmas shopping for my side of the family (we celebrate Christmas with them next weekend). Upon return home, organize presents for "who gets what?" to ensure no one has been forgotten! Have a "Warmly Received" conversation with husband about Christmas tree that is STILL in garage! Bed by 11:30pm.


Friday - Dr's appt for annual flu shot and FINAL series of shots from Africa trip. Renew PAST due drivers license (OOPS!). Decorate for Christmas outside before dark. Pack for Women's Retreat.


Saturday - AM- 2nd shopping extravaganza with my dear friend, Denise, she has officially dubbed me her "personal shoppper!" Hilarious - poor girl!!! Leave for Women's Retreat by 12noon.

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This week has been too busy for me. Anyone who knows me is very well aware that "my" time is just before bed - I love to read and have some quiet prayer time in the evenings. This week, I haven't had any time to breathe let alone pray and be quiet. And because of that, I'm feeling it.

My body feels like I've been beaten. I feel weak, worn out, frazzled, and quiet honestly, overwhelmed.


My prayer today is that I will take some time to reflect on the many, many blessings in my life that I take for granted... because, tomorrow, the notorious "To Do List" is still going to have goobs of things on it. But my "today", I'll never get back.

Forever Fall...

Last week was Thanksgiving (which we are all aware of because of our tighter fit clothing!).

I did NOT cook a turkey, a pie, or even a side dish. I was lucky enough to go to my mother in laws house in South Carolina. I took wine, chocolate, cashew brittle, and pistachios to sip/munch on while dinner was being prepared by everyone else. It was fabulous! And by fabulous, I literally mean FAB. U. LOUS!!!!!!!! ...My family did not starve, nor, did they demand that I prepare a turkey! Again, FABULOUS!

We stayed in a wonderful cottage in a very small, quiet and quaint town. There was a little bit of a drive - but nothing too terribly bad...

However, we did have 2 kids and a dog in the car - of which all THREE get car sick - which you can imagine can make for some memorable moments (trust me on this!)...

Because of past "memorable moments" in our families car ride history, Dramamine is always readily available for such occassions! Once the seat belts click, I open that little orange & white box of goodness and happily distribute one pill to each kid and a 1/4 of a pill to the dog.... Within 30 minutes, Sir Dramamine is doing his handiwork and everyone is usually fast asleep with not a tummy ache in sight! Ahhhh - SUCCESS!!! (I am secretly in love with Sir Dramamine... but please don't tell my husband - this is our little secret!)

After lots of turkey, stuffing, and family fellowship, a horse drawn carriage ride through said small quaint town, and some quality retail therapy with my mother in law, we returned home safely on Saturday afternoon.

Upon pulling into our driveway IT began! Ladies, you know what "IT" is... Like every other woman with a family on the weekend after Thanksgiving - the laundry, cleaning, decorating and Christmas shopping madness takes over the mind! Hyperventilating into a bag, sweaty palms, sweaty pits, empty checking accounts and anxiety galore!

Christmas time feels like stress on steroids! We hadn't even put the car in PARK and I'm working out the decoration "detail" in my mind... What is UPPP with that?

Once we unloaded the car, I decided that I wasn't going to kill myself on the last 2 days of the Thanksgiving holiday to make it "Santa's Workshop at E*'s"...

This year, I've decided that I'm making a change... I'm switching it up a bit...

I haven't gotten the FIRST Christmas decoration out of the attic yet. And you know what, I'm making myself OK with that. I may not be the first neighbor to crank up the watts on my electric meter! And I may not even have the Christmas tree up until December 24th this year! But until then...

Its still FALL at my house!!

So feel free to come on over if you want to smell some warm pumpkin candles OR if you just want to see what happens when you leave pumpkins on the doorstep for over 3 months!!! (its less stressful and ...well, kinda gooey and gross!) :-) Just the way I like it!

A little bit about E*

E*…

A- Amicable
B- Boisterous
C-CHEERLEADER!!!!!!... creative…child-like…Coffee-lover
D- Determined… dedicated… Do-er…
E- Evangelistic... Entertaining… Energetic…
F- FESTIVUS… Faithful… Friendly… Fun-loving…Funny
G- Glamorous! (HA!) Gitty…
H- Hard working… head strong… Heart-felt…Happy…
I- Intentional… Independent…
J- Jovial… Joking…
K- KENYA…Kid-loving... Kinda Krazy?... (I heart) Kool-Aid…
L- Loving & Laughing & Loud (usually in no particular order!)
M- Meticulous
N- Nature-lover
O- Objective… Open Book…
P- Prayer Warrior… practical… Purposeful… PARTYYYY PLANNNERRRRR!
Q- Quizical… Or Queen? (Whichever you prefer?)
R- Random!!!...
S- Stars… Singing… Stepmom & Sister… Spunky… Stylish… SUPER! (ok, now I’m just going overboard!)
T- Tenacious… Theme parties… Talker…
U- Understanding… Unreserved…
V- Vivacious… Victorious
W- Wishful…Wedded!... Worshipful… Wife…
X- XXX = Thirty! YIKES!... (when you look at it in Roman Numerals, it does look kinda naughty???)
Y- Young At Heart… youthful…
Z- Zealous…Zayleigh’s Mom…

Take One... ACTION!

It's true, I'm guilty... I'm a blog-alker (AKA - a blog stalker)! I'm one of those that sit back and read and READ about what is going on in everyone ELSE'S life... I sit, I read, I laugh, I cry - all behind the computer screen. Rarely do I comment. Rarely does the blogger know that I'm even there?

So, now its time!... Its time for me to come out from behind the computer and write about me. About us. About OUR crazy life!

These are the random reflections by E* -- how I perceive my crazy life!...