What We Know

Here is my week, and what we know:

1. We know that I did not have an obvious stroke.
2. We know that I am not on Cocaine! (tee hee on this one, but I know they had to test)
3. We know that I don't have a blood clot in my leg
4. We know that I don't have any clot, tumor, or hemorrhaging in my brain
5. We know that I am not pregnant (another tee hee)
6. We know that we have AMAZING friends and family who are an ENORMOUS support
7. We know that the Doctors went to school for a HUGE calling, that I am fascinated by
8. We know that my sciatic nerve is acting up and needs to be put on Time Out, which they are doing with drugs right now.
9. We know that there are more answers out there, but we are going to have to wait for the pending test to find out what they are
10. We know that for right now, pain drugs are GOOD!
11. Mostly, we know that God has a purpose and a plan for this crazy week, and one day I will know what that is, but for now, I am thankful for the blessing of health care.

Tuesday's Treasure

My Treasure this week, has been put to the test. I relearned how much I value Health Care. I know that there are kinks in the system, but when I need them, they are there. This weekend I needed my health care. We had a bit of a scare, but one thing we did not need to worry about, was how much this was going to cost us. I had the unique opportunity of being in a different hospital, but had the security and comfort of knowing that all of my test results would be easily accessed by my own doctor when I finally get to see him. There are millions of people who do not have health care coverage, let alone, one that is as good as ours. I am blessed and thankful that we are covered.

Happy Memorial Day

We are a Patriotic family. Both Mr. C. and I grew up knowing what it meant to have fathers who served in the military. To have Grandfather's who fought in WWI and WWII. It is a part of what makes up our family, and a tradition I hope to pass on to my kids.

Today, started as it does every Memorial Day with watching the Thunder for Freedom Parade that goes by our house. Thousands of Harley motorcycles, or whatever other variety going on to the National Cemetery. We stand, wave, and yell with glee as Veteran's and families go by in honor of those who have lost their lives for our freedom.

The rest of the day was fun and relaxing, just being a family. We went for a walk with the Puppy, played at the park, and then made a family dinner. This is what memories are made of. The official kick off of summer, eating outside, and just enjoying the simpleness of it all. (See pictures!)

Thank you to all who have served our country, it is a job that I could not have done, but am a supporter. Apparently you are suppose to fly your flag from Memorial Day until the Fourth of July, to participate in the official Flag season. I hope my blog is a tribute to some of that.

Book Review

I just finished the book titled "The Penny". I have to say that there were parts that I liked and parts that I most certainly didn't.

An underlying theme in the book (hence the title) is that God cares about the little details in our lives, such as the Pennies. God does not forget and we are not alone, just as there are pennies lying around the bottom of our handbags, wallets, and car cup holders. Pennies were a way for the main character to remember these lessons of God and to be looking for His blessings when she found one.

The hard part of the book, was the subject of abuse. It was so strong and relevant to the story, but also as a mother and a woman extremely hard to read. There were times, when I wished I could put the book down and never go back. It was so strong, that it has taken me well over a month to read this book that is not very long at all.

I am glad to have read the book, for I don't think I will ever see a Penny in the same light. Even while reading a book, my heart had changed to see them as reminders of God's provision, care, presence, and blessings around. However, as for the main part of the book, I could have done without and don't necessarily recommend it. Then it did what a couple of books have done to me recently, it just ended. NO wrap up, no tying of loose ends or letting you know how they actually got to the end, but just the end. As if the publisher said you have 218 pages and that is it. Don't go over. Oh well, on to something else to read. Any suggestions?????

Tuesday's Treasure

We are blessed to be given Annual Passes to Disneyland. I am truly grateful. I love Disneyland. I love the beauty of the park, and their ever changing flowers. I love that the buildings always look freshly painted, and that the staff is for the most part helpful, friendly, and wearing a smile. Yesterday, we went and celebrated with my nephew for his birthday. It was fun to go for the afternoon and leave after dinner. We are blessed to be given a gift that feeds our family with quality time and many, many memories. Thanks Nana and Papa!

New Doo part Deux

So we went back to Miss Christina. A little shorter, a whole lot more sassier, and this time......

NO TEARS!!!! Missy was so excited, and I am happier. Katie Holmes ~ watch out!!!

The New Do!

So Missy has been asking for weeks to cut her hair. Her beautiful, thick and gorgeous locks, she wanted short. I have been hesitant, knowing that this could go SO wrong. However, she has stayed persistent. She knows what she wants, and has been patient. So last night she declares in her 5 year old wisdom "Mom, tomorrow I want to cut my hair when I don't have school."

Today, was the usual hussle and bussle out the door. We were running late, videos to return to Blockbuster, kids to pick up for carpool, field trip for Bubba today (I got picked to go), remember camera, you know the drill. In this I forgot the phone number for Miss Christina, who I was hoping could fit Missy in today. OH well, another day I guess I can call.

After the field trip, I ran into Target really quick for a few things (See Tuesday's Post!). Who would be standing there, trying on sunglasses ~ none other than Christina! We started chatting about my morning and how I wanted to call her. She informed me that she had a cancellation this morning and was really bummed about it. I honestly feel like God was telling me "Ask her" So I imposed on her trip to Target and asked "Could you fit Missy in today?" She was excited to be cutting her hair and said, "Meet me at the salon at noon!" PERFECT!!!!

We go to the salon, Missy is excited to be going on this adventure. She gets her wrap, hair washed, all with smiles! The cutting starts, we still have smiles. We are done, and her hair is getting styled (ooh la la, so fancy) and the tears start to fall. Next come the sobs. I spring from my seat, and gather her up. She tearfully says "I wish I didn't cut my hair!" OH BOY!!!!

We leave the salon, and start walking back to our car. I try and explain that yes, she can still do small pigtails, a small ponytail is still possible (thanks to the wisdom of Christina). I am trying my best to hype it up ~ no avail. Then God speaks again........."Ask her" so, I let a five year old decide for me, I if I should cut my own hair, a decision I have been wavering about for over a month now. NO joke, two seconds later, she is smiling and wants to go back NOW and ask if I can also cut my hair.

Christina is amazing, she has an opening, and is so willing to do it. So alas, I have a matching hair cut to Missy Lu. The whole time, she was smiling, telling me to smile too. I coincidentally (divinely) had the camera for the field trip. Missy was taking pictures of my haircut just like I did for her. She was in Heaven, and took over 30 photos (a photographer like her Daddy!) Here are the results........She is happy, and so am I!

Mr. C. had NO idea what we had been up to, today. His vote ~ "IT LOOKS AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL!" I married a good man, who knows the right answers when his two girls cut off a combined total of over a foot of hair. We are blessed!

Journey to Canaan

We are all on a spiritual journey. Whether or not we accept that reality in life or not, it is still there. Moses was on a journey that started when he was a son of Pharaoh and ended up lasting more than 40 years with the Israelites. We are on a journey that lasts our lifetime as well.

Our church has been doing 40 days of prayer for the submission of a building and a home. It has been a journey I am sure for everyone who is participating. The general mission of it all is for us to bend and be willing to see God's vision for our church, not just our own. To be willing to submit and be used by God no matter where this journey takes us. But then something happened, I know NO ONE expected.........

Coincidentally, we are in the beginning of Marriage Getaway sign ups. Leaders as well as myself were praying for sign ups to go well. We prayed for couples to be leaders, so that hopefully this year we wouldn't have to beg people to sign up for the conference or for leaders. God has provided every year in the past, we were confident He would provide again. What I didn't expect (okay, most of us didn't) was for God to show up in the way that He did. The Marriage Getaway sold out before the end of third service the very first Sunday. People were on the waiting list and yes, people were freaking out at the magnitude and craziness of it all. Then we got more rooms (35 to be exact) and guess what, those were filled without even blinking an eye, and there are still 50 people on the waiting list. God showed up. God answered our meager prayers while we are still waiting for the big prayer of a home to be answered.

This morning while Koda and I were on a run, I realized that our journey right now, is much like that of the Israelites long ago. While praying for a Promise Land, they received miracles along the way. In essence a way of God saying, Here I am, I am with you, TRUST IN ME, and I WILL PROVIDE all you need. We are waiting for a home, yet we see God in an OVERFLOW of couples that want to enrich their marriage in a time, when we thought the economic position of the nation, would affect us. He showed us that our expectations, undermine His ability to get people to move and move in HIS direction. He is showing us that HE is HERE, but we need to WAIT for our Promise Land, but in the mean time, HE is still the Everlasting God.

It reminds we of the song by Chris Tomlin: Everlasting God:
"STRENGTH WILL RISE as we wait upon the Lord.
We will wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord.
Our God You reign forever,
Our Hope, our strong deliverer.
You are the everlasting God, The everlasting God.
You do not faint,
You won't grow weary.
You're the defender of the weak,
You comfort those in need.
You lift us up on wings like eagles."

I am holding on to the promise that our strength will rise as we as a church wait upon the Lord.He showed up for the Israelites, our Marriage Getaway sign ups, and He WILL show up for a home for us as well, we just need to wait, and keep praying. And keep focusing on HIS attributes and all HE is.

Tuesday's Treasure

My treasure this week, many of you share. In fact if you look at the first Pointless Poll, all of you share (that is if you voted!) My treasure is none other than Target. I love this store. Where else can you get a clean store, carries toys, shampoo, cute clothes, movies, and shoes! Don't even get me on the garden section. Sometimes Missy and I just go to look at the flowers before I take her to school. You can basically find it all, and if you are in need of something that a smaller store has, we have the benefit of having all three sizes here in town!

I love Preschool

I am a huge advocate for preschool. I love the practice that it has given my kids for the "real world" of school. I love that they have little friends whom they learn with and have to learn to get along with. I love the growing process of it all.

This year has been a bitter sweet time, as I am coming to a close with our preschool. This month, I made my very last payment to the school, in all likelihood for my lifetime. We have been to our last Costume parade, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas program, Daddy's pancake breakfast, and Mother's Tea. We are gearing up for our End of Year program.

Today was Mother's Tea in honor of Mother's Day. It made me cry. The kids worked so incredibly hard on place mates, center pieces, and a gift that I can treasure. The teachers are the waitresses, as if they need to serve us more. The kids sang about 6 songs that honored us and told us how much we are loved, with hand motions!! We could if we chose, consume the terrible kid made butter (experience tells you to stay away) and the legendary handmade mints (that actually are not that bad). Missy remembered which color of mint she had made just for me, and just for her. They are learning through this process that it is the little things that matter and make the Mom's cry. The kids didn't need to be reminded to use their manners, because again that is something they have worked on all year in class.

This morning was the last time, I will sit in a chair that is too low to the ground, where my legs aren't coming close to fitting under the table, all with my child on my lap, while sharing a space ment for one, and I will miss it. I treasure today and all that went into it. The biggest disappointment in it all ~ I forgot the camera! There is a professional photographer there, but as for Missy singing, or us together, I will have to rely on friends to share with me the moments they got to capture.

Treasure

A week or so ago, my friend, e-mailed a group of us to join her for our own Mother's Day celebration. You see, at this spa on Wednesdays for the month of May, we thought every mother got in for 1/2 price. Who couldn't use a spa day for 1/2 price???? Bonus for me, because it was Wednesday, I would have childcare / kids in school until 2:45. What a blessing I thought.

We get to the spa, after Starbucks (of course) and we sadly learned that the deal is not quite what the add made it seem like. We got in, but only the second person was 1/2 price, not every Mom which after reading the add 50 bazillion times, it makes it sound like. Oh well, we were at the spa. We spent the day lounging, sun bathing with sunscreen, and just being. It was great, relaxing and a welcome relief from the stresses of life. The part Mr. C. loved is that I had a gift card from Christmas, so it cost us nothing out of pocket.

So for all the Moms out there, who live near here (sorry Cathy!) if you want to go to the spa and take another Mom, or your Mom, know that one of you is getting in 1/2 price, and the pools are waiting for you. The Club Mud is refreshing (my skin is still glowing) and the atmosphere is kid free ~ Happy Mother's Day!