Blog Neglect Part 2

No excuse. Well, maybe an excuse.

I'm busy. Just like you.

My musing's of late aren't in the least bit a-musing. See, what I mean? :)

I'm great. Kids are great, and Jim's great. Just busy. I began a group on facebook to get ready for You and Your Girl, April 18, 2009. Working a couple days a week at church on women's min. stuff...teaching a class or two...or 3...:)

Promise to be better about blogging.....

Marcy

Average Sunday afternoon? Not.

You ever had so much going on in your mind, that words are hard to come by? That would sum up my Sunday afternoon.

Today was the kick-off day for our church's "motel ministry." Many of the downtown hotels were canvassed yesterday, and flyers handed out telling "extended stay residents" that we were mtg. today at 3 for food and fellowship.

Well, what a mtg. Rick Green, a member of our church...recovering alcoholic...drug dealer...drug addict...spoke to the group of 15 or so about how God has changed his life. Rick explained how he hit the bottom in his life of drugs...found Jesus there amidst great pain and depression. You should have seen the faces in the room. All eyes were on Rick. People connected with him and his story. For many of them, it was their story. An unstable life...moving from place to place...running from something so much bigger than they are.

After Rick spoke, we all scattered around the banquet room and learned more about the struggles of the people. One couple was there b/c they were displaced by Hurrican Ike. Some live at the motel, and know it as their home. They pay a weekly rental fee and live with their families in a hotel room. It's not an upscale place either. It's stinky...smelly...and you and I would last a day.

As we sat around the tables, something happened. Common bonds of human-ness were found. We're all at different places...different economic levels. But...we all have the same void of needing a Savior.

Ministry is tiring. I'm tired right now. Depleted from what I saw. Depleted b/c I've often been a spoiled rotten Christian brat. I just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Isn't that what we were left here to do?

God bless. To steal a line from a politcal campaign slogan....may we serve a cause greater than ourselves.

Have a good night,

Marcy

Kathleen Parker hits the proverbial nail on the head!

I can add nothing else, but tell you to read the following article that was in today's paper. Pay special attention to Obama's quote when asked about when conception begins.

Marcy


"Abortion is back with, dare we say it, biblical vengeance.
Republicans recently have been focused on Barack Obama's opposition several years ago to "born alive" legislation in Illinois that mirrored similar federal legislation aimed at granting personhood to a fetus/baby that was alive after removal from its mother's body, either by abortion or premature birth.
In the past few weeks, Obama has been accused of everything from favoring infanticide to lying about his vote, to inventing a cover-up, to being a baby-killing extremist.
Politics is no place for the squeamish.
What is more likely true is that Obama is studiously cautious, too smart by half, and ambivalent to a fault. Suddenly, the man whose campaign seemed helium-propelled is being pulled back down to Earth by the force of his own vagueness. Abortion, of all things, has become his kryptonite.
The long history of the Illinois born-alive bill is, well, long. Sixteen versions of the legislation came and went during the period under scrutiny and finally passed after Obama left for Washington. That history is also complicated and not as straightforward as is being advanced by Obama's and abortion's common foes.
It is probably fair to say that Obama does not favor infanticide, though his position on the Illinois bill was extreme even by pro-choice standards. But Obama's current problem isn't really about his position on abortion. It is about his central weakness as a presidential candidate: He overthinks and ends up seeming not to know what he thinks.
He can't seem to give a straight answer.
To briefly recap: Obama's initial opposition to the born-alive legislation was a concern that such a law would undermine Roe v. Wade. Based on his comments at the time, he apparently reasoned that granting personhood to an aborted fetus, albeit one with a heartbeat, was a subterfuge tactic aimed at granting personhood to a fetus.
Not without cause did he reach that conclusion. Most observers of the abortion debate understand that the legislation was fueled in part by hopes that personhood eventually might find its way back inside the birth canal. This may have been a tactic, but so it goes.
It has always seemed to me perfectly appropriate that we find terminating human life troublesome. Although settled as the law of the land, abortion at any point should be an unsettling proposition. The fact that abortion refuses to recuse itself from present politics merely confirms that many Americans are not ready to be gods.
Obama, perhaps, excluded. When asked to explain his position as a state legislator, Obama said he would have voted for the law had it included a neutrality clause -- similar to one added to the federal law -- affirming that the bill would not impact Roe v. Wade.
But the Illinois legislation in final form did include such a neutrality clause, prompting charges that Obama deliberately lied. Or did he merely misremember, as often happens in politics?
What did Obama mean and when did he mean it?
Alas, the more he tries to explain his position, the more muddled the picture becomes and the more confused voters are. The most revealing answer may have come when pastor Rick Warren asked the Illinois senator when a baby gets human rights.
"Well, uh, you know, I think that whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or, uh, a scientific perspective, uh, answering that question with specificity, uh, you know, is, is, uh, above my pay grade."
Well, uh, not really.
Yes, Warren's question was complicated, especially if you're a politician afraid of saying the wrong thing. But the answer is really pretty simple. It's whatever one thinks. It is not above anyone's pay grade to be honest.
Instead, Obama punted.
Americans are accustomed to differing views on abortion and will tolerate a flip-flop now and then. But a politician who finesses or fudges out of an instinct to please will be viewed as either spineless or insecure or both -- none of which inspires confidence.
The result of such exquisite ambivalence isn't a higher level of discourse, but a lower level of trust, as recent surveys reflect. A new Reuters/Zogby poll shows McCain running five points ahead of Obama nationwide. Other polls show McCain pulling even.
Obama's born-alive problem ultimately could prove fatal to the man who thought too hard and lost his sense."

Funny how a haircut changes everything

I've been downright giddy all afternoon. I've had longer length hair for a few years now, and today, called up "my gal, Jennifer" at the Turning Point, and said "let's cut it!"

I feel certain I'm not the only woman that can have her day totally changed...because of a new look. A new do. Why is that?

God is so amazing in that, He took the time to make us so unique. Even in our gender-ness (is that a word?), we're unique. Most women can have a so-so day turn around with a good haircut. Now, what that says about us....hmmm....maybe that's not a good point. :) Here's the deal. How many guys.....in particular...my husband....give a flip about hair. I mean, Jim walks into a barber (any barber mind you), and gets a flat top. He has no loyalty with his hair. Me? Well, I go to Jennifer. That's just what I do...I schedule for every 6 weeks and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else for my style. Jim? A guy...or gal...with a red/white spiral thingy outside beckons him inside and he's good to go until the next time.

Anyway, this is not a stimulating post. Just random thoughts about hair.

Marcy

Grace at the pool

Her name was, interestingly enough, Grace. (She mentioned her last name, but it didn't stick with me.)

Grace showed up near the end of the church-wide pool party on Sunday night. I'd never laid eyes on her before, but, in a church our size, that's not unusual. This was different though. Grace was different. Wearing lots of black clothing and looking like she applied her day's eye liner without a mirror....Grace looked different. Everyone there noticed that she stuck out like a sore thumb.

In my daily devotion yesterday, I read John 13:34-35. Meeting Grace the night before resonated within me as I read the words of Jesus.

"A new command I give you..."

An order. From Jesus. Something important to follow no doubt.

"....Love one another."

Oh boy. Grace. Grace. The one with black clothes, black make-up, and the wicca shirt. 16 years old and probably experienced in way more than our 16 yr. old youth girls. Those eyes were haunting. They were covered in those fake "cat-like" contacts.

"As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Who has loved me? Jesus is speaking here to his disciples. Is He also speaking to me? Does it apply to me? I believe it does. What about girls like Grace?

"By this all men will know that you're my disciples, if you love one another."

Yeah, even the "Grace's" of the world. Grace's emblems and shocking contacts reveal and reflect way larger issues I suspect. Like what though? What's behind the wiccan symbols...the contacts...the make-up?

Voids. We all have them, and we must fill them with good things. Not so we can be so stinking good all the time, but, so we can be more like Jesus. We want the good things because we know we have a huge God who gave His Son so we might have life. Life. (Jn. 10:10) This weekend Travis Cottrell mentioned a shirt he saw recently. It said, "Try Living." I want that shirt because I need reminders daily about what God wants for me. That He has a plan...and there's a Romans 8:28 for me. I know that because I've seen it in my life. Praise God.

We are called to love one another. Even those who are different from we are. Shoot, we're pretty weird to them if you think about it.

I pray for Grace today. I pray for grace today.

Marcy

A New Look!

Okay. Why the colored pencils?

I like them! :)

I'm tweaking the blog a bit. Bear with me. :)

Marcy

Whom Would You Have Coffee With?

This post is totally inspired by Barnes & Noble. While celebrating my friend's b-day, I saw this display over to the side.

Made me think. Whom would I have coffee with? Hmmmm. Beth Moore immediately comes to mind, as does Priscilla Shirer and Vicki Courtney. Sheila Walsh too. 4 women I would love to soak up some java with...and pick their brains at the same time.

What about you? Coffee with anyone. Whom would it be?

July Happenings

Gettysburg, PA

So much has happened in the last month! I've been struggling to come up for air with the whirlwind of events in our family!

I was at Centri-Kid the second week of June. Total blast. I had the honor of being a chaperone and spending a week with not only my oldest children, but over 30-something 3rd thru 6th graders as well. Again....a blast.

My oldest child, Jay, 2 days after Centri-Kid, left for Boy Scout Camp. He had a great time and we had lots of fun visiting him on parents' night. I could have managed the night without having a tick take up residence in a not-so-good place; but, after much ado about something, Mr. Tick was gone....and I itched and imagined I had 10 more the rest of the night. It was an Ambien night for sure. :)

2 days after Jay got back from camp, our church had our VBS. Whew. It was awesome. Over 600 kids and 200 workers. That equals 200 tired people. :) It was great and 10 kids made professions of faith. Praise God!

A week after VBS, my 2 guys (Jay and Jim), left for Gettysburg, PA. They spent a week watching re-enactments, hiking, camping, and all that jazz. They got home Monday night. 2 days ago...Monday night. Has that been a crazy June or what?

It's been a good crazy. Busy, but full of fun for all of us. The girls and I enjoyed some girl time last week. Shopping, polishing nails, eating out, swimming, etc. Fun girl time. They slept with me almost every night.

Now, this week, we're having a backyard VBS at a local motel and trailer park. Today was the 2nd day, and it went great. God has blessed us with some wonderful kids. Our prayer is that we can be His hands and feet this week. I pray we can be a light for the Lord in this community.

School starts in 3 weeks!!! WHAT!??! Is that unbelievable or what? Jim and I will have a 7th grader, 5th grader, and a 2nd grader. Where have my babies gone? I promise just yesterday they were in diapers and sucking on pacifiers.

Here's some pics from recent events. Enjoy!

Marcy

Blog Neglect

Total blog neglect.

How can it be June 6th? The kids are out of school, and have been for almost 3 weeks. We're busy with hangin' out at the pool.

Last week was busy with dance recitals, piano recitals, & soccer. This week the kids and I have put in lots of pool time. Tomorrow and the next day I'll be getting us packed for church camp. The older 2 and I are going to Georgetown for 5 days. I can't wait. It will be loads of fun and I hope it's meaningful for the kids as well.

2 days after we get back from camp, Jay and Jim leave or Boy Scout Camp. Whew! The laundry I'll have will be noteworthy no doubt. A week or so after the guys get back from camp, they leave for Gettysburg, PA. Another boy scout camping trip. Those guys love scouts! I know Jay will make wonderful memories, and that he and Jim will have such quality time.

Okay, here's some recent pics of what we've been up to. There's so many of you I need to touch base with....Vicki....Cathy....Lori. Sorry I haven't called any of you lately. With the kids home and all the other stuff going on, I realize at the end of the day, that I'm not so good a friend. You all are way too good for me......

Marcy

Wednesday Woes

I have no woes. My woes are trivial and downright flighty, in light of world news.

Nonetheless, I will say that mouth pain can really effect your overall health. I think.....I really think....I'm on the mend with this mouth stuff. I see the doctor again tomorrow and hope to receive good news.....that everything's healing, etc.

I need it to as well. I have things to do and places to go. For example, field day at ECA is Friday. I'm working the "costume relay." By the way, what is that? I will find out and pass that valuable info along shortly. The kids have Awards Night tomorrow night too. I'm going to be surprised and not ask the kids what they're getting. They may not know anyway. :)

Rain. Springtime in Ky can go either way. Sunny and 85 degrees one day....50 and cloudy the next day. Summer will be here soon and cool weather gone....for a few months. :)

My life is boring right now. Man, I need my mouth back! :)

Mouth Madness

I had my 2nd mouth surgery yesterday and hopefully, the last one. Dr. Hargan found that the cell membrane that he placed 2 weeks ago didn't adjust so well to my body. In fact, his exact words were, "Your body ate the membrane up." Uh...pleasant sounding I know. Sounds painful and it has been. Yesterday the doctor placed another membrane, and hopefully, I'll be on the mend.

All this has really affected how much I speak. I choose my words carefully and don't want to say something twice. I haven't been talking on the phone much at all. A few words here and there have been it. Whew, there may be huge lessons in all this on talking, huh? :)

Taking it easy includes watching TV and surfing the web/checking email, etc. Let's just say I've learned I can't be a couch potato....or a slug. All that stuff gets so old. I want to get out, shoot, I'd like to feel like doing my house stuff. :) Beautiful day outside and I'm stuck in the house with my laptop and the Waltons on the tube.

The Waltons. Classic TV. I loved the show as a kid and just as much as an adult. What a simple time that show depicts. Now, don't get me wrong. Modern day gadgets and conveniences are nice. The family closeness is what I'm referring to. Man, on the show, the siblings get along and are so respectful of each other. The parents exemplify the kind of marriage where the man and woman tough things out. They're in it for the long haul. Commitment. I like that. That's the kind of shows that need to be produced today.

It's a sad day when I blog about TV. Truth be told, American Idol is the only TV we watch on a regular basis. We're not big TV people. Speaking of American Idol.....it's Tuesday! Only 3 contestants left......:)

Marcy

Whew.....what a week...& it's only Tuesday...

As I've shared many times before, I am a stay-home-mom. I think I'm changing that name, because staying home is like, the last thing I do. Who invented that name anyway? Hmmmm.

What a week it's been. I survived the dental implants and extraction. Barely, but I did survive. Let me just say that hydrocodone doesn't take away all the pain. Who knew? I now don't understand why someone would be addicted to that drug.....it's not all it's cracked up to be. Nothing could numb the pain of the feeling a jillion knives penetrating into my jawbone.

I'm better today, not pain-free, but better. I've worked outside all day. I've never had a green thumb, but I sure am planting flowers like someone with a green thumb might. :) I've laid down that black paper that keeps weeds from coming up, spread 12 bags of mulch. (By the way, mulch on your skin when it's hot is the pits.) My backyard looks better and is hopefully closer to being ready or all the DuPlessis' coming over Sunday for Mother's Day. My parents are coming too as is my brother and his family. I hope it's a nice day.

I must go now and get a shower. Get the kids in an hour and then I'll continue my "stay-home mom" job. Yea, whatever. :) Run, run, run. :)

I love what I do and thank the Lord for the blessings in my life.

Marcy

Teeth......under-rated

Teeth.

Teeth are like water. You don't realize how much you need them until you don't have them. Same goes for electricity. Well, teeth are right up there near the top.

I had 2 dental implants this week, and one extraction. Also, I had one extraction a month ago. Teeth are going out.....teeth are going in. :) I don't like this trend at all. :)

I see Dr. Hargan again today. He's done a fantastic job, I'm just sore. I need to go see if my soreness is "normal."

I've learned some things from being "down for the count" this week.

Daytime TV. Totally ridiculous and obnoxious. I need a phenergan just to get through the "View", and Barbara Walters. (What's all this with Barbara Wa-Wa this week anyway?) All these talk shows are so boring. I told Jim last night that I couldn't be a couch potato. It's not in me. I don't have patience for it. Moving and shaking...that's where I need to be. Being productive.

I'm excited about my kids going to the state bible drill tomorrow!!

Marcy

Implants

Bet that title got your attention, huh? :)

I did have implants yesterday. 2 of them.

Okay, okay. They were DENTAL implants. :)

Dr. Hargan was great and did an excellent job. His whole staff is great too. The only regret I have about the whole thing is staying awake for the procedure. Hindsight's 20/20 you know, and I now know I would request IV sedation if I could turn back time.

I'm still hurting today. I'm hungry for something besides oatmeal and soups. Tired of salt water rinses and the effects of lortabs. I'm trying to only take a half of the pain pills, but ibuprofen is just not knocking off the pain.

Jim got home this evening and told me I looked like I had a wad of tobacco in my cheek. Thanks honey I say. Just what I wanted to hear......

Marcy

A lesson in service

I have to confess. Sometimes I buy shoes without thinking. I see they're on sale...cute color...and they fit. Well, they fit in the store. :)

Case in point. I wore some new sandals yesterday. They are too cute. I may even be too old for them. I'll post a picture soon so someone can tell me. :) Anyway, by the end of the day, my feet were sore. Man, my arches were aching! So, I told my kids my feet hurt. Before I knew it, they were vying for position to rub my feet. Is that not the sweetest site?!

At some point, my youngest vanished, only to return with a huge Tupperware bowl filled with water and a washcloth. Yep, you guessed it. She wanted to wash my feet. And wash my feet she did.

I can't tell you how it felt for my 6 yr.old to give me a footwashing. Her act of service....without being asked...is amazing. I was humbed and had a jillion things running through my mind. Like...."Who is this child? Is she mine?" :)

Yes, she's mine. God loaned me 3 beautiful children. They love me and I love them to the stars and back...and back again. :)

Marcy

Always my boy

12. Jay is 12.

Seems like 6:20 .m. (CST), on that warm, spring day in Houston, TX was just like....2 or 3 years ago.

Jay may be in intensive counseling one day because he's the one....that firsborn...that weathered all my mistakes as a momma. I so remember being afraid of the umbilical cord stump on his belly. I had such irrational thoughts that I would walk into his room, and find that he had bled to death from the stump coming off too soon. Yep. That's how bad it was. :)

I was so afraid of not doing things right. Of not getting the mommy thing right. Guess I wasn't too afraid because Jim and I decided to get pregnant again when Jay was only 10 months old. (It's called 25, and lots of energy) :)

The big event played out at Clear Lake Regional in Webster, TX. This is a small suburb of Houston and not too far from where we lived. I was overdue and ready to experience the joy of motherhood.

Jay was, and still is, a wonderful son. He's special. He was the first. First DuPlessis grandson. First boy. Wait, our only boy. Man, he's a great big brother too.

Someday, I'd like to journal the milestones we've had with our sweet boy. God knows he had it rough those first few years. (No, not because I was his momma. :)) Jay had lots of medical mysteries that were later traced back to his birth. Jay has really, really mild cerebral palsy. It's sooooo mild, that it took a few years to get the actual diagnosis. Today, it only shows up in some fine motor and oral motor areas. Here's the deal though. Jay lets NOTHING stop him. He has a determination that blows my mind sometimes. Jay's middle name could be "perseverance."

I don't know what Jay will do with his life, but let me tell you this; God will be all over it. I wouldn't be surpised in the least if Jay went into a ministry of some sort. A preacher? Oh, how effective that child could/would be. An overcomer he is....and Jim and I thank no one other than the Lord above for that 8 pound blessing. By the way, that little bundle of joy is now as big as me. YIKES!

Happy Birthday, Jay-Man!!!

The Telling Tissue

This is a rumpled, used, pink Kleenex. I found it by my daughter's bed yesterday morning. Kate hasn't had a cold...or allergies. I firmly believe my oldest daughter has had a good cry, probably at my expense.

She's 10. Thinks she's 13, but not in the way you may think. Kate's not a snotty (no pun intended) kid, nor is she disrespectful. She yearns to be older so she can do all the things her independent spirited soul craves....in the 10 yr.-old body and mind. :)

The reason I feel so certain Kate has cried at my expense is because we've had some bumps in our relationship lately. To avoid getting in trouble, she's biten her lip, and trotted off to her room for some major pouting. That's just parenting, and I'll make mistakes, but God willing, Kate will survive. Hopefully, I will too.

I have a feeling that over the years I'll find another crumpled Kleenex. What will be the cause then? My trivial insights this morning will probably not hold a candle to what the child will be dealing with then. Will someone break her heart? Hurt her feelings? Oh no, will it be me again?

Finding this tissue reminded me that my little girl is growing up. Church, family devotions, and even private school, can't assure she won't experience hurts. I just pray I'm the mother during those times that models the grace and love of Jesus Christ. He's been mighty patient with me. The least I can do is show it to my own child.

Marcy

Great Wolf....then Great Flu

Here's the whole family, plus one extra on the far right (Kent W.) We had a great time vacationing with the Hayes and the Smith families. Too fun.

We had a great time at the Great Wolf lodge. We weren't back 24 hours until I came down with that nasty stomach flu that so many around me have had lately. Today has been the first day that what goes down stays down, if you get my jest. :)

I'm on the mend now and hope to enjoy sunshine and good weather the rest of the break. (That's all tongue in cheek b/c it's been raining for days it seems.) Kentucky weather is so unpredictable right now.

Marct

Easter

Here's our kiddos on Easter morning right before church. Everyone still looked pretty much together (check out Jay's shirt.) :)

We had a wonderful day. My parents, my brother & his wife, niece, & nephew came for lunch. The usual fare of ham and plenty of starches and desserts were on the menu. Man, we all ate too much. Maybe just I ate too much. :)

That evening we went to the DuPlessis' get-together and that was nice as well. There's a boatload of us......33! There's 20 grandkids and one is already married. Before long....there could be another round of little ones again..........since Elizabeth is in dental school, she'll probably say way down the road. :)

I hope you and your family celebrated our Risen Lord in a bible believing church. Bunnies and baskets are fun, but having eternal hope and security in the unsecure world we live in is vital.

Have a great day,

Marcy

Moments That Can't Be Bought

As you must know by now, I have 3 kids and a wonderful husband. I've a habit, and a strong one, of making sure I "tuck" the kids in each and every night. Dear hubby laughs at the importance it plays in my life. Nonetheless, I do it. I do it and am rewarded by words like these.

(Conversation between Kate and I last night.)

Kate: (calling from her bed in that sweet voice reserved for twisting moms around finger) "Mommy, you coming up?"

Me: "Of course, Tator Tot" (pet name for Kate)

(Minutes later I make my way to her bedside.)

Kate: "Mommy?"

Me: "Yes, honey?"

Kate: "Will you always tuck me in? Even when I get older?"

Me: "Absolutely. Always. Promise me one thing though, okay?"

Kate: "What's that?"

Me. "That you'll always want me to."


Here's the deal. To think that my Heavenly Father loves me like that. Amazing. Wait a minute. That He loves me MORE than that. Unfathomable. I can't get my mind around that kind of stuff. I guess I just have to believe it, huh?

Children are just a taste of the blessings God has stored up for those who love Him. Oh, and what sweet tastes they are. (Psalm 127:3)

Happy Friday!

Marcy

Yes, it's March 8th. It's March 8th in Kentucky. In 2 weeks we will celebrate Easter, but today, we are shoveling snow. :)

The kids have had a ball in the white stuff. Jim took them sledding this morning and now everyone is home and thawing out. The question is how long until I hear......"mom, can we go out again?" That always gets asked as soon as I've washed and put away everyone's gear. :)

Enjoy the snow!

Marcy

dove evolution

I first saw this while at a women's leadership conference in Nashville. What do you think?

Marcy

American Idol Afterthoughts

American Idol. One show, for the most part, we can watch together as a family.

Last night was no exception and all 5 of us cuddled up and watched the top 10 guys. Now, before my post point.....let me say I'm a vintage 80's Paula Abdul (closet) fan. I was a "straight-up; "cold-hearted-snake" listen' teenager. Hey, I had the "tape." (What's that?) :)

After David Archuletta's stirring rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine", Paula is moved to tears. With wet tears glistening around her mouth, she tells David how that song touched her. He's good no doubt, and I hope he goes far into the competition.

There's no doubt music moves people. It moves me.

I don't know if Paula Abdul is a Christian or not, but I wonder why the song "Imagine" moves her so. The words are profound. I'll give you that. Here's what I was thinking when the last coke commerical aired. A song about a "place", where there's no war, only peace, everyone living life in peace? Who can say Heaven? Earth will not be where John Lennon's song comes true. It moves Paula though, and you & me, because it's what our heart yearns for. We want everyone to get along, no one to die, days void of anything but sunny skies. That's not life. That's not even the life Jesus told us about. He wants to give us abundant life....and sometimes....sometimes that abundance comes after a season of pain. A season of loss. A season of blah.

So, how about playing the song "I can only imagine?" That's the song with the answer to our questions. That's the song that makes us cry. That's the hope we have as Christians. As wonderful as David Archuletta sounds.....as talented as he is....I hope & pray he knows of the One who asks us to only imagine.


Marcy

My Guys

We had a great time at Perfect North yesterday. Here's a shot of Jim and Jay. (Check out who just got braces!)

Marcy

Frigid Friday

It's cold here in central Kentucky. Then again, just wait a few minutes, and we could be breakin' out in a tankini. :) Our weather is so unpredictable. 2 weeks ago we had tornadoes....then a week after that, an ice storm. Weird.

We're all ready for spring around here, but we doubt it will be as soon as we hope.

Tomorrow, we're taking the kids to a ski/snow tubing place, called "Perfect North." Yep, we've got our bibs, boots, gloves, hats, the whole shabang. At least I'll look like I know what I'm doing when I'm out on the slopes. Jim doesn't want to remember the last time we went skiiing. We were in our early 20's, in college, and I had never skied before. It took me 2 hours to get down the hill! Then, when we were on the lift headed back up, one of my ski's feel off! To this day, I don't know if anyone was hurt or not by the ski hurling from above. My only injury was the one my pride took when I "jumped" off the lift with one ski on. Ah, it wasn't the best date he and I would ever have, that's for sure. :)

Maybe I'll take a camera and post some pics. I'm sure they'll be a story to tell somewhere in the mix.

Marcy

Flashbacks

This is my 10-yr. old, Kate. This is the one that keeps me on my toes, and I feel certain will keep me "real" as long as I draw breath. :) She doesn't miss a trick I tell you. Kate can spot a fake a mile away. Did I mention she's 10?

Last night I decided to make the famous "DuPlessis Chocolate Sheetcake." It's good. Full of lots of cocoa, butter, sugar, and flour. My kids have a radar long before the smell from the oven hits them. It's a chocolate sheet cake smell gene. Their father has it also. So,they get it naturally. :)

Anyway, before I can get the icing on (homemade icing too), Kate is making her way toward me. I begin to scrape the sides of the bowl and get her a nice size bite. Here's the funny part that you'll only get if you've had kids or been around them at feeding time. As I moved the spoon toward Kate's mouth, right before she made contact, she quickly moved her head, and mouth, then went in for the kill.

I don't know how to articulate what I'm talking about. If you know, then you just know. It's the same thing a young baby will do with it's momma's breast or bottle. That baby will see the goods coming in and it's like an out of control thing. They'll start moving their heads back and forth as if that will make it get to them faster.

Well, that's what Kate did with this chocolate covered wooden spoon. I immediatly saw her 8 years previously. All of a sudden, her big-girl-ness disappeared for a minute. I have her a big hug, started laughing, and she looked at me like I was the weirdest mom. It's one of those things she won't get, will she, until she's a momma herself.

Happy Valentines Day!

Marcy

A Proud Science Fair Participant

Here's Tori looking so proud of her lima bean experiment. What I'm so proud about is that SHE did it, and not me. I mean, really, is it a kids science fair or a parents science fair? Nonetheless, whether she brings home gold or not, she's a winner in my book. :)

I don't have a picture of Kate's display board, however, it's very evident that SHE did it and not me. Honestly, I would not have named MY project "Jonas Perfumes." (She made 3 perfumes and named them after the Jonas Bros.) The scents she created are known as "Nick", "Kevin", and "Joe." Her project screamed, "I'm a 4th grade girl" from the rooftop. You know what? That's how it should be.

Marcy

Another candle on the cake!

My family surprised me with a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake today! I've celebrated all day too. My mom and my aunt took me out for breakfast.....Cracker Barrel. Yum. Nothing like that " 'Ol Timer Breakfast." :)

I've got wonderful friends and family that have either called me, emailed me, or seen me today. Too blessed.

Jim is sending me on a scrapbooker's weekend retreat next weekend. Friday thru Sunday. Woo-hoo. Now, that's a scrapper's dream. :)

He always knows just what to get me, and at the same time, he knows I'd be happy with him and a cup of joe (preferably a coffee to go along with.) :) My kids are great and I'm presently wearing a crown Tori brought home from school. She asked her teacher if she could bring it home since her mom's birthday was coming up. Is that sweet or what?

Gotta run and end this day right. Hangin' out with my family. :)

Marcy

Lessons from a Lima Bean

My kids are participating in the science fair at school next week, and they've all chosen a topic. Jay is finding out what household products keep sliced apples from browning; Kate is making perfume; and Tori is exploring the life of a lima bean.

Tori's topic is what moves me for this post. The other day I get all excited and find a baby food jar, some dirt, and a lima bean or two. I carefully plant and water the bean. Tori and I watch it for a couple of days waiting to see some action. Well, 2 days ago I noticed an awful smell near the plant. (It was kinda like doggy doo to be perfectly honest.) It was bad. Anyway, I asked Jim that night to smell it (why do we often do that?), and tell me what I did wrong. Guess what? I had watered it too much and the bean plant was septic!!! My curiousity got the best of me, and when Tori wasn't paying attention, I dug the bean up anyway. I wanted to see what a "septic bean" looked like.

What I found was a huge, fat bean, bulging at the sides. The imagery reminded me of the Parable of the Sower in Luke. I related the bean's appearance to what happens when we take in so much of God's word through church, bible study, Sunday school, every other church activity; and then not allow it to change our hearts. As Beth Moore would say, "we've got to stop eating the seed." :) That little lima bean took in so much water that it got fat and stinky. Sometimes, as Believers, we can get so into studying the Word and gaining head knowledge, that we get fat and stinky. What I mean is this. We can take every bible study, read the bible thru in a year (every year), teach every bible class; and still fail to connect what we "eating" with our hearts. Our stomachs gets full and and satisfied.....for awhile. Eventually, if we don't digest the nutrients from our diets, we get septic.....fat....stinky.

I don't know about you, but I know God doesn't want His children to get fat and stinky.....or septic. We want to be healthy...vibrant...fruit-bearing......alive. Let me rephrase that. God wants us to be healthy.....vibrant....fruit-bearing.....alive.

Marcy

An Inconvenience

I have nothing to complain about, but, let me complain. :)

I'm currently feeling very "dumb". I'm sitting in one of my favorite coffeehouses, and connected up to their wireless. Now, let me say, there is a reason (not that there HAS to be), that I'm here. Our phone/internet isn't hooked up at our new house yet. Total bummer. So, here I sit, looking like I'm important typing away on my laptop. Is that hilarious or what? :)

Again, back to the complaint. It's a pain not having a way to check email. What would our ancestors think about that? They would have just loved a telephone, but we are in such a "I want it now" society. Bunch of spoiled, rotten people, huh? :)

The scoop on the house? I'm exhausted. (Not too exhausted to meet my friend, Lori, for coffee though.) Vicki, you're next! :)

We're moved in pretty much. There's a bit more in the old house. Yuck. It's the stuff that a person can live without, but not really live without. I know that makes sense to those who understand. :)

Okay, I need some coffee. That will make me look even more important. :)

Marcy

Hangin' Our Hats at a new Local

This weekend we move to our new house! We're so excited, and at the same time, man, are we exhausted. My eyes are tight, muscles sore, and boy, am I over looking at boxes.

We've been in this house since 1998, and what a great 10 years it's been. Lots of "firsts" took place here. Jay was 2 then, Kate 8 months, and Tori, well, she was a twinkle in God's eye at that point. :) Kate's first steps were here. All of them had their first days of school while living here. Too many things to list.

I think of what we'll experience in the new house. The first teenager. First driver. Oooo, and the first date. YIKES!

On that note, I'm going to bed!!!

Marcy

Hittin' the Hardwood

This past Friday was Tori's first basketball game. Our church is sponsoring Upward B-ball (really neat, Christian sports program) for kids grades 1 - 6.

The Tigers have 3 coaches, one of which is yours truly. Yep, I'm on my second year in the big, bad world of Upward Basketball. (Who can turn down this sweet, 6 yr. old?) Anyway, last year I had Kate, and this year Tori. In a word, wait..in 2 words....fast and furious. :)

I looked like a total geek mom (again, who happens to be on the sidelines), when Tori scored her first goal Friday night. Poor thing has had lots of trouble getting the ball up to the rim in practice. She always comes so close in getting a basket. Anyway, that all changed on Friday. :)

Tori had the ball down low under the basket and when she released the ball with everything she could muster, I felt certain it was going in. In fact, I just went ahead and jumped up and down to start celebrating early! Yes, it was good!!! Tori's first 2 points!!!!!!!!!

Marcy

Nisi Dominus Frustra

No, I'm not taking a course in Latin in case you wondering. I am taking the newest Beth Moore bible study, and like everyone of them I always have taken, I again say it's the best one.

That Latin phase means, "Without the Lord, Frustration." I feel like making that a bumper sticker and handing them out to all who need to be reminded of that.....like me.

Jim and I are so excited that our house is "pending." Yea! Hopefully, January will be the only month we make 2 house payments! YIKES! God has been in every single second of our journey to the new home we purchased, and He's been right in the middle of the one we're selling. Who sells their house in less than a week without a realtor? Amazing, how God provides! It's also amazing to me that, in the midst of prayer requests way more serious than mine, that He hears me. It's not like the book that came out a few years ago about how we're not to sweat the small stuff, and then the author had one published later about how everything is small stuff. I think so often, as believers, we believe that to be true of our God. You know what I mean. Sometimes we don't say that prayer request out loud in our small groups because the lady beside us is waiting on a mammogram test to tell her whether or not her life's about to change dramatically. We can think our needs as trivial to God because they aren't as serious as someone else.

Here's the deal though. The Bible never categorizes the seriousness of our petitions to God. He cares for us. He wants a relationship with us. He doesn't need it, but He delights in us. We're the apple of His eye. I have cried out to him when facing a cancer diagnosis....begged Him to heal my oldest of stuttering....and asked him to bring a buyer for this house. All of those requests were just as important to Him as the others.

The Psalms tell of a God of compassion, rich in love, and oh, so gracious. I see nothing in there about who the recepients are besides you and me.

This Latin phrase doesn't mean that if we simply love and believe in God, that we'll never feel frustrated again. Oh no. I think it may mean, that down deep in our spirit, the light of hope..light of grace...light of mercy...still feeds our soul.

Marcy

What a week!

I am so glad it's Friday.

Have you ever had one of those weeks when you go through the day to day activities, but mentally....you wonder how you're doing it? That may sound totally nuts, but then again, you are reading my blog. :)

We closed on our new house last week.....began moving in (slowly) last weekend. Put our house on the market 4 days ago, and have fielded countless calls and shown it a handful of times. The kids went back to school on Thursday.....and so did my oldest, Jay. If you read a previous post, you now know I'm a homeschool dropout mom. So, Jim and I now have 3 kids in private school, 2 house payments, and trying to move 10 years worth of our lives. Oh, throw in the fact that mom decided to scare everyone and mimic a heart attack yesterday morning. All tests have come back normal, but she was in the hospital until this evening. No heart attack, but has mitral valve prolapse with some potassium issues. Let me just tell you it's unbelievably scary to watch someone (or in my case, my mother) have severe chest pain and just sit by feeling helpless.

So, I'm exhausted. As much mentally as physically. Poor Jim. He's tired too. I can't get worn down without it affecting him in some way. I have nothing that a good night's sleep won't cure.

The kids are watching Star Wars.....except for Tori. She said it was "too violent." I immediately took advantage of that moment and promptly brought her upstairs. Jim, Jay, and Kate are getting their fill of Anakin Skywalker and acting surprised at the fact that he turns to the dark side. (It's like they've never seen it before.) :) As for Tori and I......she's watching Animal Planet and well, here I am typing away. :)

Have a great weekend.....and a uneventful one. :)

Marcy