Wonder

Have you ever looked at someone and truly wondered, "What are they thinking?" Each of us walks through each day and may project our thoughts and feelings upon others, without even realizing it. We are all experiencing the same bucolic day, the same storm, the same hike, or the same life change, so our inner thoughts and views can't vary that much, right?  They could not be more different. I may enjoy the sunshine and warmth, and the person next to me may be reliving the worst day of their lives by the memories startled into the presence by the sights or smells before them. In the same way, I may see a problem with a solution that seems very straightforward, but no one can even consider the possibility. How can it be?

God has designed each person with differing strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives which allows us to communicate with others in a variety of ways. To really speak to someone's soul and make personal connections, that others may not. What a blessing, and yet, what a frustration! You know, when you are speaking plainly (or so you think) to someone, only to have the blank stare reflecting you are not communicating anything. Or being given the list of 20+ reasons your ideas are ridiculous. It's like living in the Twilight Zone, and there is no way of escape the confusion tunnel. What to do? We can't make someone change perspectives. We can't force another person to act in a specific way. We can't alter consequences and outcomes. We can give it to God.

"All we can do is pray." All we can do? All we can do! We can exercise the privilege of laying it at the hands of God. The Creator. Sovereign King. Lord. Why wouldn't we take it to Him? Why do we take it to Him, just to snatch it back up? Do we really want the answer? Are we willing to wait for answer? Even if the answer is not what we want?   Do we really trust He will answer?  Do we trust enough to wait for the answer, whatever the answer is? Will I have to change my position? Do I have the faith to KNOW He will answer?  His response might mean, I don't know as much as I claimed. I don't have the control I think I should have. I am not invincible. I may be wrong. (No warm fuzzy, self-esteem building here.) BUT, if I lift those bucolic days to God in gratitude,  God can  use me to share that gratitude in the everyday, with others who can't see it.  If I surrender the storms of life to God, imagine how He will calm them, when I wait on His timing and look for His guidance. No frustration. No arguing. Just peace. His peace. His guidance. His turning of hard hearts or stubborn minds, even mine.  His strength in uncertainty. That is a promise we can count on!

Proverbs 3:5-8

Friends

"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them..." This song, by Michael W. Smith, is truly a special song to me. Our family moved 6 years ago from San Antonio to Rockwall. This was THE big move for our family. Our San Antonio friends have been as close as family; We raised our children together, grew spiritually, laughed and cried together. Then we had to leave. Church, school and work as we knew it all came to a halt.

Fast forward to 2015: We have made some new friends. am working again. Tim is settled in his department and has good work relationships. We are beginning to find our place at church. Yet, I still miss San Antonio, our Texas "home" and our San Antonio "family".

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

What a blessing to know that my true friends are forever friends, whether we are in San Antonio, Rockwall, Llano or Timbuktu! So, when the calendar reads 2020, will Rockwall feel more like home?  I don't know, but I do know that whatever comes in the next few weeks, months or years, God has placed people in our path to share the journey; we must only reach out and be willing to share.

Disappointments

Disappointments are not what you want to read about. We have enough disappointments in life to desire to read about them, but right now we are in the midst of dealing with disappointment and it is heavy on my heart.

Everyone who knows me understands that I am an easy 'crier'. It seems to be a part of my make up so much so that Sydnie doesn't worry when I have tears in my eyes, Tim knows they will stop eventually, and friends just accept them and move on. Today, however, my tears are spurred by another's and I can rarely prevent them when I see pain in some one dear to me. Especially Sydnie. This weekend she was asked to dog sit for a family at church. She was beyond excited about having a dog with which she could play!! She was great with Dash, even getting up with him at night when he barked to calm him. While she had to stop doing her activities to take care of him at times, she did it. And then the inevitable occurred-Dash went home. Yes, the family returned from their camping trip and actually wanted their pet at home with them. While their son was jumping up and down to have Dash home, Sydnie was in tears as they left. Hence, I was fighting tears as well.

I know I am the mom and should be strong and be the example, however, I have my weaknesses. I was wondering how the transition would develop but did not anticipate the outcome correctly. I expected either: Mom, Dad that was great! I want a dog!! Or, that was great but I don't like the extra work (waking up in the middle of the night, mopping up after muddy paws, etc) not tears streaming down her face saying, "it felt to right to have him here".

Then, of course, the comparisons began: "You and dad had a pet when you were my age."
                                                                  "R and B get a dog and they are both younger than me."
                                                                  "It's not fair; I have been trying harder."

As I said: disappointments. We are not promised an easy life, in fact we are promised hardships if we are living a Christian life. The Bible speaks of trials that WILL come, not that MAYcome.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Isaiah 43:2 ...When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.

As parents, we want to protect our children from harm, physically and emotionally. Allowing them to breeze through daily activities with no problems, saving them from tears and heartache. But would we really be helping them if we did? If a child does not have a safe place to experience pain and heartache with someone to guide them through it in a Godly manner, what will they do as adults when they are faced with trials on their own, with Satan's arrows of discouragement and hopelessness hitting them on all fronts?

Our charge as Godly parents is to "train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:12. Training children is a huge responsibility God has given us; we must see every celebration, every mundane task, every disappointment as an opening from God to teach, model and instruct in His ways. Will there be tears? Most definitely, but the victory is in sight. " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I look forward to that time when all disappointments are removed, but for now I am thankful we are able to lean on God's presence to get through them. With regard to our immediate disappointment, I have no doubt there will be a dog in our home one day, when I can't say, but until then we'll model how to handle the good and the bad, however they come.

The Little Bleasings

Saturday. A regular kind of weekend day: waking up late (relatively late considering work days are 5:00), cleaning the house laundry, errands. Nothing special today, really, just different errands. Today we have a little Christmas shopping to do after Sydnie's haircut. That alone has Syd on edge and I am bracing for the aftermath. She can't stand the Ouidad haircuts because she says it always pulls and hurts. But here, as we wait for our turn and I reflect on our day so far, I can't help but see God's goodness. When it's a haircut day Sydnie picks where we have lunch (always Wendy's) and today was no different, however the stylist was running behind and asked us to come later, so on a rare occasion, we had extra time. The simple act of eating together was such a delight when I chose to see God in the day. Laughing with my daughter is truly a blessing some families may not be able to  experience right now, due to so many possible situations, yet I fear, too often we take these little blessings for granted. It is easy to see the ugly, or wrong. With just a little more thought and inspection, the blessings and goodness are clear: we must look for them and not allow Satan to cloud our perspectives.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.        ~Psalm 127:3-4

The First Race!

The O'Reilley Challenge

Today was the day Sydnie has been anticipating for a long time: her first NASCAR race! Every year she asks to go with Daddy and friends, but unfortunately, has been allowed that rite of passage.

Knowing her dislike of large crowds and loud noises, it was a decision we made very purposefully, waiting until we thought she would actually be able to enjoy the experience. Am I glad we waited. The smile on her face was truly priceless!

Donned in her M&M's race shirt and National Guard jacket, she was so excited on the drive to the race track I thought she might explode! Wiggling, counting down every few minutes, worried we wouldn't be allowed in the gates if we were late to arrive- the anticipation was palpable. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late. We watched the drive over from the parking lot and were just outside the track when we heard the call for engines to start and the rumble of motors began. "Wow! You can hear them out here. It's so loud!" Grinning even larger, it was looking like a great day unfolding.

Our dear friends the Fikes joined us in celebrating "the first race". We missed the Hatchers, but they were with us in thoughts. Without writing a play-by-play, let's just say it was a success and Sydnie wants to return! She bounced in her seat watching the race; looked at most of the haulers to "get the full experience" but was anxious to get back to the race so she didn't "miss anything" on the track; saw a car catch on fire; and a really good burn-out. 200 laps was a good length of time for her first race and she couldn't believe how short it felt. What's the saying? Leave them wanting more?  I think we did. There were no complaints of the noise, the crowd was not bad-I think Tim has a new race buddy!

 "It was even cooler than I expected!"  We were right to wait. If only all parenting decisions were so clear and easy. We just have to be grateful for those moments and keep them close.

Happy Racing

My Knight in Shining Armor!

This afternoon while scooting on her scooter with a couple of girls in on our street, Sydnie bought the pavement. The first growing up accident...not including falling off the slide in preschool when she was 2 years old. While she had to have stitches after the slide, this time only required a good cleaning, band-aids and lots of extra love. But is it ever really that simple???

I pulled out the first-aid kit and began cleaning her knees, through her tears, she was insistent I continue very carefully. She took a quick shower, dressed and cried from the pain in her knees. I sprayed her knees, with the pain-stopping spray, and she begins screaming it stings so badly!!! So much for no pain...then Daddy stepped in and saved the day. He gave her another shower to wash off her knees and put neosporine and band-aids on her. For the rest of the evening, she clung closely to Daddy, her "knight in shining armor".

What would we do without a Daddy to rescue us? I don't think it matters if we are 6 or 66, Daddies are special men in our lives and we should tell them often. However, too often, we leave our true feelings unsaid, whether we're embarrassed, uncertain, or have some other hidden reason. Take advantage of today and the opportunity to say "Thanks" to that special Dad, before it's too late.

I love you, Dad. You were a great dad and I am thankful Syd can know her "Pa". It's a real blessing.

We are still here

Well, it's been 6 months since my last post. Don't worry, I won't bore you trying to fill you in on 6 months. I'll just give the highlights:

• We went to Florida for our first official family vacation. We met Tim's family there and rented a house with them for a week. It was a beautiful time to go, but the ocean was VERY rough and Sydnie only ventured in twice. It was a little scary and she worried about anyone who went in. We were actually able to get in the water before the oil spill reached the area.
• Sydnie started Kindergarten. Yes, Mommy cried while Sydnie took off ready to go. Tim was a great Dad and husband: he took off the day for Syd and myself :)
• Sydnie has lost 5 teeth and has 2 loose now. She leaves notes for the Tooth Fairy (and Santa) with very clear expectations. The Tooth Fairy is nice enough to write back regarding Syd's concerns and thoughts. Like, a mini-trampoline really is toooooo big for a Fairy to bring for a lost tooth.
• Sydnie and I went to Tennessee after Christmas. We rode back with my mom and dad to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday celebration. We surprised her when we showed up on her door step. I must say, it was one of the best surprises I've been involved with in a long time.
• Sydnie is planning a redesign for her bedroom. She has some very clear ideas; we'll see how it all comes out. Right now, we are looking at colors, accessories, and budget. It will be a couple of months before it's finished, I expect.
• We have been out of school for 3 days now with icy weather and rolling blackouts. Today to break things up a bit, we had orange muffins for the Chinese New Year (good luck for the new year) and some friends braved the roads to visit. Cabin fever was averted for one more day. We'll see what happens tomorrow with snow predicted tonight.
• Sydnie is in Daisies (Girl Scouts) and is selling cookies. Yeah! She gets to sell cookies she really shouldn't eat - no gluten free options with these yummies. Her troop is also researching Egypt for World Thinking Day They are also planning for a day camp this month. A busy month for Girl Scouts!

I am sure much has happened in our little circle, but you get the idea...never a dull moment! But, we are blessed to have the opportunities we have and look forward to many more!

Blessings to you all.

Zoo Fun

Sydnie LOVES going to the zoo and the last time we went, she was very bummed the new exhibit, The African Savannah, wasn't open. So, we went today. Even better, we went with Nana and Pa! It was HOT. It was fun :) We finally saw the cheetahs and elephants. Of course, we saw the lions, warthogs, and giraffes, which only received a passing glance. "Ok, I've seen it, what else can we see?"

After the zoo, we went to eat and yes we were so hot, we enjoyed a little bit of Frosty to cool us down :)

Memorial Day Fun

Happy Memorial Day!! We didn't have big plans for our Memorial Day, or Memorials Day, as Sydnie put it, but it turned out to be lots of fun...and memorable...hahaha.

We had some friends over, kind of a last minute thing, to grill and just 'hang-out'. Sydnie and Silas, almost 4, have lots of fun together so they were sooooo excited to have the play time. Even so excited they didn't eat when the adults ate. If you know Sydnie, you know that is amazing, she will almost always be willing to stop what she' s doing to eat, especially grilled steak (which is quite a treat). After lots of good playtime, and a good meal, Sydnie decided to do something about her loose tooth, or rather allow someone else to do something about her tooth. Let me explain...

Silas's family came over. You know that when kids come into the family the parents don't get the mention, as before kids, but Silas's mom is also a dental assistant. Sydnie wouldn't let Mom or Dad touch her tooth, but she let Mrs. Tiffany pull it!!! She was a little wary, but she was patient and out it came. We now have a snaggle-tooth in the family, who is very proud of the hole in her mouth :) She asked the tooth fairy for the tooth. She did leave the tooth, which she said was a 'very unusual request and practice' but this is Sydnie: the queen of unusual requests :) She looked at her tooth all night and all the next day. I wonder if each tooth will carry this kind of excitement??

So, we really did have a big memorable Memorial Day, maybe not as one would expect, but perfect for our family. A good evening with friends (Mr. Jacob and Carly, we are glad you came too) and a good family event we were happy to share.

'Til the next event...

Blessings :)

Gluten Free/Yeast Free Recipe

I tried something new for lunch today I had seen in Yeastfree Cooking, or something like that. Anyway, it was so simple and actually tasty. I don't usually make meals during the day, I don't always sit down to eat, so what's the point? So this was more than I'm used to, but so easy. Ready?

One cooked sweet potato, peeled and sliced
1/2 banana cut lengthwise, peeled
1/4 cup pecans, toasted
oil

Toast the pecan for a few minutes, remove from the pan and add just about a tablespoon of oil. Add the banana and sweet potato slices. Cover and let cook until warmed through. You don't even have to turn them over. Plate with cooked side up and sprinkle with nuts. The bananas have a nice sweetness that comes out with cooking and blends well with the potato and pecans. Surprisingly yummy!

A Loose Tooth

Well, it has come at last...Sydnie's first loose tooth! She has been waiting since the last dental visit. Looking at the xrays, the dentist said he anticipated he two bottom teeth would fall out this summer. She has been anxously awaiting. When she realized she had a loose tooth, I thought she would actually jump out of her skin. She had to call Daddy and work and give him the BIG news!! It is loose and getting looser, with help, of course, but she doesn't want Daddy to pull it. I'll be curious to see how things go when it is so loose it wobbles on its own...

Kindergarten Here We Come!

Last night we went to school for Kindergarten Round-Up. Sydnie was a little nervous about the evening: I won't know anyone?! What will we do? Do you know how to get there? The typical questions and concerns of a child going into a new situation. After MUCH discussion, including the electives she might be able to take in high school, yes we had to talk about high school as well, after all, don't all 5-year-olds worry if they'll be able to be on the swim team when they get to high school??? or on the "book" team (yearbook)??? A side note: she'll be on the swim team, the yearbook staff, but NOT the debate team...we'll see about that last one.

So, back to Kindergarten...we get ready to go, she's still a little nervous, but also excited, which makes for an emotional little girl. When we arrive, she walks right in and sits with Daddy, no problems. She listens to the principal and teachers, as well as she can considering she's commenting on everything they say, so I miss half of it. Thanks for listening Daddy, and catching the other half! We go to the classrooms, and it love! "This will be my room won't it Mom"? We looked at the K classrooms and she sat in the reading corners of all of them and pointed out the science area of a couple. She is ready for Kindergarten. I hope Kindergarten is ready for her :)

After leaving, she learned she would not start this week...what a BUMMER! As I said, the emotions were close to showing themselves, how can one be soooo excited and soooo disappointed at the same time and not be emotional! This morning, we are calmer and just excited to know it's coming up this fall. "I know I'll love it, Mom"! If I were only so confident. I am still very nervous, for many reasons, but it's in God's hands, for which I am thankful!!!

Thankful

I just have some random thoughts this morning, almost afternoon.

I am thankful for a husband who is loving and caring. He is a great Dad and wonderful hubby who never gets the credit warm fuzzies he deserves, but continues to all he can for his family in a Godly way. What would we do without you???

I am thankful for a daughter who has a heart for others. She is making cards for friends and kites for myself and Daddy with a sincere caring I hope and pray never goes away.

I am thankful for parents I can call anytime with crazy thoughts and questions and know they will answer me honestly and appropriately.

I am thankful for a sister that is great! I may not talk to her very often, but she is always in my prayers.

I am thankful for friends God has given our family and thoughts of them brighten our day.

I am thankful to God for his blessings that are new every morning and am sorry I don't appreciate them as I should.

Winter Snow

I have not kept up well the last few months. No excuses, but we'll just try to start over and keep going. I thought I might as well start with the snow we had a couple of weeks ago. It was the most beautiful snow we've seen in Texas-and Sydnie's biggest by far! She built Lenny the Leaning Snowman, who actually hung around until the very last flake of snow had melted. I thought she would be sad, but she was actually glad to have warm weather again. Of course, it is cold again, we had a few snowflakes, and she is watching The Jetsons in front of the fire and still has on her coat. The bunny ears have since fallen off...She is a girl of complexities for sure!

Oops!

I know I have not posted in a while, and I am feeling a little guilty about that. I expect activities to calm down in the next 2 weeks, so I will be able to catch-up, I hope. I do want to be ready for the holiday craziness, or should I say the 'busy'ness of the holiday time.

Check back soon,
Blessings,
Julie :)

Vocabulary Stew

Vocabulary stew, vocabulary stew...I don't know if you are familiar with this children's song, but it is very fitting for a certain four-year-old in our house who likes to use big words. Here is just a sampling:

Last week, when we were outside, her (invisible) bat, Batwing, was flying around the backyard. Sydnie gave me updates of his flight path so I would know exactly where to look to see his flight tricks. She then informed me that "bats use echolocation to keep from bumping into things. So that tree branch won't be a problem for him". During the same conversation, she looked up at the moon and commented, "the moon is waxing" .

She makes "preparations" for picnics. Her classroom is "amazing"! I am wearing my "multiple" sandals. (That would be the sandals with multiple colored straps.)

Of course, now that I am finally getting to write them down, I can't remember them all. Next time, I'll jot them down as I go along.

Enjoy your own "vocabulary stew"

What Next!!??

Saturday. It began as any other day in the Covington home. In fact, most of the day was a fairly normal day, except the child. She woke with an attitude that only worsened during the day. Naps usually help the attitude greatly, however, this was not to be a nap day. It was a quiet time then quiet play day instead. So now the stage is set: Attitude is primed, claws are easily shown, and Sydnie is restless.

Act 1: I went out to pick up some dinner (I was really not in the mood to cook) and was greeted with "Tell Mommy what you did". That's never an encouraging greeting, but especially after one of these kinds of days. To make a longer story shorter, Sydnie had for some reason decided to hang from the curtains. Yes, you read that correctly. She hung from the curtains hanging in our room. She bent the holders and it was being pulled out of the wall when, I am guessing, Tim found her and stopped her acrobatic stunt.

Act 2: The punishment was a spanking. Some things you can't play around with and we don't want to see her hanging from the ceiling fan next weekend. Of course, the tears began before the spanking.

Closing: Tim was able to straighten everything out again and Syd appeared to have remorse. We finally did eat, though it probably didn't taste as good as it might have. I am wondering what will be next. I know there will be a "next". I hope and pray Tim and I are prepared!

Growing Up...part 2

My last post was about "the most handsome man" Sydnie had seen. Thanks to a good friend I can name the mystery man. Thanks Shannon, yes it was Laurence Olivier.

Another snip-it of growing up...

On the way home from errands last week Sydnie was putting on and pulling off her 'Priority Mail' stickers from her leg. Suddenly she squealed, "Mom, Mom, I'm old enough! I have hair on my legs. I'm finally old enough to have hair on my legs!" Something tells me in a few years she won't be quite so excited about that fact.

Happy July 4th!

I attended my first tea party on the 4th. It was not a dainty tea party with cucumber sandwiches, but a political Tea Party to give information about the state of affairs of bills, Congress, and other political events on the Capital grounds. I have much information to sort through, but it seems our Congressmen will be hearing from me again, and again, and again. They don't seem to understand their jobs anymore, so I think we, as American citizens, need to remind them exactly what the phrase, "of the people, for the people, by the people" means and has not been forgotten.

I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. May you enjoy and appreciate the peace and freedom you have been given by the sacrifices of others. Never forget...

Growing Up

A few snippits to share about growing up...

A couple of days ago, I sat down on the couch about 5:00 and was looking for something more appropriate on TV. Sydnie was ready to watch something and I was about to fix dinner. I came across an old black and white movie of Pride and Prejudice. I loved the book, so I thought I would see the last 15 minutes. That's not asking too much during the day, I hope. Anyway, Syd asked if it was "appropriate" for her to see it, and curled up next to me on the couch. We were watching the scene when Mrs. DeBurgh confronts Elizabeth about rumors concernin Darcy and their engagement. Mrs. D is not happy with the outcome of the discourse and leaves. Darcy is waiting outside, they have an exchange and he goes inside to speak to Elizabeth (yes, it is a little different from the book, but aren't most?). When the camera shows Darcy, Syd, who is now sitting on me, says, "He's the most handsome man I've ever seen." in the most serious, grown-up way. I just looked at her, dumbfounded. At the scene in which Darcy is in the house and has taken off his cloak and wearing tails (period clothing of course) she again says, "He really is the most handsome man I've ever seen." I wasn't able to see the credits, so unfortunately, I won't be able to tell you the name of the "most handsome man". Forgive me.

Last night on the way home from church Sydnie and Tim were kidding with each other about everything. We noticed, each new conversation, Syd always stuck in a last comment. This wasn't the first, at all, but we are noticing it more often. Tim finally mentioned to her that she needed to have the last word. After explaining that phrase, she did indeed have the last word, on EVERYTHING. I think it's time to begin saving for law school.

"Mom, I'll be 5 in 4 months!"
"Dad, I'm almost 5!"
"Well, I can't do that...I'm only 4."
"I can to that when I'm 5."

It seems that Sydnie can only do certain things when she is five, but can't do them at four, and visa versa. I wonder how we merge those ideas????

Have a great day!