Seven thoughts from the weekend, today

1. Single parent weekends cannot come infrequently enough
Stephen attended a conference in New Orleans this past weekend. It sounded like a really good one, which made the "sacrifice" easier. He left Friday post-breakfast and arrived home after the kids' bedtime last night. So, three full days for me, which made me very, very, very grateful for all that he does when he's here. The kids were good, thankfully.

2. Mother-daughter slumber party a weekend highlight
Nora stayed up two hours past her bedtime (that alone is a first, I think) for her first slumber party. We inflated the air mattress in the living room, scrounged for some unhealthy snacks, grabbed bottles of nail polish, picked out a movie, and enjoyed a lovely girls night. Having a daughter is truly delightful.


3. Nora and Joseph "camp out" with friends
I have a friend who is expecting her third any day. I offered to watch her kids on Saturday morning so she could work on baby preparations. This happened to coincide with the overdue fulfillment of a rash promise that I would construct a tent in our living room. The kids loved it.





4. Stephen plants a garden
And we're seeing some progress -yay! I'm getting excited that we may even have some tomatoes this summer. I'm hopeful, at least. Checking on his plants was practically the first thing Stephen did this morning before leaving for work :)

5. San Antonio, I can't wait to see you
We're headed for an overnight get-away for our fifth wedding anniversary in May. Can't wait!!! To make it all even more fun, my parents will be here watching the kiddos and we''ll get to spend a couple days with them when we return.

6. Red envelope day
Red Envelope Day, on March 31, 2009.
Get a red envelope. (You can buy them at Kinko's, or at partysupply stores)
On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D..C. 20500
On the back, write the following message:
"This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world."
Mail on out March 31st, 2009.
Usually, I fail to take action, even in simple ways such as signing a petition. Most of the time I am "just too busy" though sometimes I decline because I doubt this or that action will really make a difference. I believe my dismissal of taking action in some form is wrong, especially at present. So, my new resolve: step one, pray; step two, take action.

7. Is the "mandatory youth service" bill as scary as it sounds?
It is worth spending at least a few minutes to consider although it is hard to find much news coverage of the issue. I tracked down articles from Fox News and World Net Daily.
At best, it is a sad step away from individual and community driven charity.

What I really heard and saw while listening to Obama

I strive to be an informed, engaged citizen. Stephen and I pulled out the tv and tried to listen to the president's speech and press conference. Sometimes a thwarted attempt can be comical, like tonight.

Prior to the speech, I bathed all four kids (my own and my two Tu/Th charges), then I gave the three oldest ones each a lollipop as I had promised. I know what most of you are thinking. And no, I wasn't thinking. What I was not thinking was that Stephen and I are coming to the realization that Joseph cannot handle his sugar.

Obama: "spending, spending, spending..."
Joseph: zooming between the two recliners on either side of our tv, shreaking at high decibels, and punctuating each sprint with rapid head banging into the seat of the recliner...for many, many minutes without tiring.

Less loud, but more novel was this sight and conversation off to our left in the dining room.

Nora (holding Francis' hand, obviously very pleased with herself): Come on, my prince. Where are you taking me?
Francis (a quiet, intelligent boy who likes his space, who is shockingly allowing himself to be led around the kitchen island): [says nothing]
Nora: We should go on a date.
Francis (pulls away and returns to his blocks): [says nothing]
Nora: Please hold my hand...plllleeeeaassseeee hold my hand, Francis.
Francis (concentrates intently on blocks): [says nothing]

At this point, I continue to try to track with the speech, but realize I'll probably just need to read the articles later...

The only photos I took in the last month (before the zoo)

Day at the Dallas Zoo

Encouragement in sickness

I was struck down with a ruptured ovarian cyst earlier this week. It is not an exaggeration to say that this experience has been a trial. I am confident God is using this time to strengthen my faith and am filled with gratefulness for the particular encouragements He has used to uplift me.

On this Sabbath day of rest, I am grateful for:

1. God's grace by which He works all things to His glory and our good
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
2 Cor. 4: 7-10

2. A self-sacrificing husband
Stephen took me to the ER on Wednesday just hours before he was due to sit for the oral examination portion of his qualifying exams at UD (A big deal. Given half-way through the program to determine who goes on), which necessarily had to be postponed as did his first midterm on Friday (praise God that the profs were gracious). He has served me and the children with the grace and love of Christ that has pictured for me the love of Christ for the church, taking on the "in sickness" part of our wedding vows.

3. Praying family
I know that being away from parents and siblings is as hard for them as for us. What a blessing to know they are faithfully praying.

4. A Christian community
Meals. Childcare. Words of encouragement. Running errands. I have been reminded of the beautiful picture and high calling of mercy ministry. God has strengthened my faith not only through my personal relationship with Him, but also through the ministry of His people to me. I hope I am spurred to take up that ministry more seriously when I'm able. I pray that I have the eyes to see need. I know it is all around me.

5. The Gospel going forth
I know that the internet is a new tool for wider Gospel proclamation, but I had not personally made use of that tool until today. I heard this timely message from this site this morning. What an appropriate response to the health and wealth gospel man is tempted to set up.