The Campbell Corner

Campbell Crew

2011-04-18T14:47:00.001-04:00

The Campbell Corner was started in 2006. I've journaled for decades but this was the first time that I did it on-line and allowed others to view (and even comment) on my entries. It was initially intended to allow family and friends that didn't live near us to stay updated on what was going on in our corner.

Surprisingly, more than just family and close friends began to read and comment. Eventually the blog evolved to one where everyday life was documented - the ups, the downs, the tears, the prayers, the various journey's and seasons, victories and even struggles. It gave voice to a Momma who was new to staying at home with her kiddos and navigating through lots of "new-to-me" experiences - sometimes more than I ever would have wished for.

The Campbell Corner is treasured by me. It's a window into part of my heart and holds lots of memories.

So...why start Campbell Crew? Simply put - my boys are not babies anymore and a corner is a bit too small for them. Life has become way more bold and boisterous. I could just do a complete overhaul of this corner - update the look and feel of the blog so that it is more fitting to our current life. But I don't want to. I love this little blog and all that it represents. It's still a part of my life and I desire to preserve it for what it is.

Campbell Crew will still have the same real-down -to-earth tone. That is just who I am and no matter what season of life I'm in...that will never change.

Many of you have joined me on my journey over the last five years. Know that you are invited to continue to join me and my crew as we continue to learn how to live intentionally and balance life. If you view me in a reader, then you will want to update your reader.

Life's Essentials

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

es·sen·tial [ i sénshəl ] necessary: of the highest importance for achieving something basic: being the most basic element or feature of something or somebody defining: constituting the property or characteristic of something that makes it what it is.

Previously I wrote about living intentionally and being an active participant in this thing called life. One step I've taken in this is determining what is important to me and then attempting to work those things into my schedule.

This may sound silly, but when my day is so busy that it is blurred, my favorite thing to do is to take a moment and just breathe. I'm not talking about doing some major deep breathing exercises - although that is also good - but merely taking a moment to be mentally aware of taking a breath into my lungs and then releasing it out. It's like giving myself a time-out but in a good way.

Something else that I've incorporated into my life is PAUSE. For me, it is like hitting the pause button on whatever is on my agenda that day. I get myself a cup of coffee and sit on my glider in the family room (looking forward to moving outside to the patio when the weather warms up) and I read my new book. I'm not reading anything I haven't read before, but the Bible is organized in a different way in this book and I'm loving it. I don't get to do this everyday but I've been able to continue to chew and ponder what I've read and how it applies to my life until I'm able to pause again and read some more.

These are definitely some of my life's essentials.

Living Intentionally

2011-04-02T13:03:00.012-04:00

This has been something that I have been thinking about and in many ways applying to my everyday life.

As most families, we've experienced our share of ups and downs and have learned how to navigate our way through it, attempting to find balance. One way that I've accomplished this is by living intentionally - not just letting life happen but making and participating in the choices that I have the ability to make.

I know that I cannot control everything that happens to me or my family. I can't control the cancer in my Dad's body. I can't fix the residual ailments that still plague my Mom as a result of the sepsis. This is what we are living through now and it is not easy.

So what do I do with that? I can choose to become paralyzed and walk aimlessly through each day or I can be an active participant and maybe have a positive impact. I choose the latter. This does not mean every day goes as planned. Nor is my schedule always filled with things that I would choose to be doing. There are many nights I am just worn out and exhausted and sometimes I've awakened in that same state. But 'living intentionally' is what allows me to roll with the punches. This is why, no matter what happens, I can get up again.

Today I enjoyed watching Jeter and his team start the spring season of soccer. It was cold and Barber was getting a little antsy but I relished the fact that we were able to be there as a family.

Do you live intentionally? What does that look like in your everyday?

Raindrops on Roses

2011-03-10T08:21:00.004-05:00

Today was one of those days where we all slept in just a little bit longer. Maybe it was because of the grey rainy morning we were to awake to or maybe we weren't quite finished with our dreams yet. Whatever the delay, it was long enough (but not too long) that our day started out at a relaxed and peaceful pace. Kind of like 'raindrops on roses'...

Simms was bringing the boys to the bus stop so I was able to stay in my comfy cozy pj's just a little bit longer. The boys got ready for school, ate breakfast and were ready to get their jackets on right on time. Simms was ready to go with time to spare to crush up some boxes for garbage day. I was able to get to the dishes in the dishwasher, start the coffee and make the lunches. I kissed the boys good-bye as they hurried to Daddy's car with Barber calling "don't forget 'I love yous!'". He's referring to me signing 'I love you' when they leave each morning. When I bring them to the bus, I sign 'I love you' as the bus rides away with them looking out their window. When Simms brings them in the morning, I sign 'I love you' out the family room window or the front door.

This morning was no exception.

I stepped away from the window with a smile on my face...and then I saw it. On the family room table, Jeter's open-ended Q&A from his homework. I've been talking to him of the importance of including a summarizing sentence at the end of his paragraph. He balked at me initially 'because it isn't required at school right now' but he came around and proudly read his well written paragraph last night. The night when he had a tight schedule of get home, complete his homework, practice trumpet, run on the treadmill (soccer conditioning), eat dinner and then we all went to Barber's community night for baseball. By the time we got home it was time for bed.

In seconds I had my crocs on and jacket zipped, hat on and homework inside my jacket - to keep it from getting wet. What a sight I must have been running down the sidwalk in my pink, white and grey striped pj's (you could see the bottoms), orange crocs and dark brown winter jacket. This wasn't a vogue moment for me - no this was a mom moment. I was definitely a mom-in-action and I really didn't care what my neighbors thought.

I ran toward the bus stop - the bus was already there - hoping I'd make it. I was two house lengths away when she started to drive around the corner (we live on a circle of sorts). I turned and sprinted down the way I came...I needed to cut her off! There was about nine house lengths between me and that bus. Thankfully, I made it and with a smile I completed my mission. I then heard the voice of one of my neighbors behind me (he lives on the other side of the circle) asking if I needed a ride home. I said 'sure that would be great' and got into the passenger seat in my crazy mis-matched, definitely not-ready-for-the-day, no make-up on look.

Wonderful. Definitely not auditioning for a real housewives show here.

The best part is, it really doesn't matter to me. The setting of my day hasn't changed. I am still in a place of rest and peace and now I even have something to giggle about.

Lessons in a Snow Tube

2011-02-17T08:21:00.006-05:00

Have you ever learned something about yourself at a time when you least expected it?

That's what happened to me last Friday. We went snow tubing as a family. Simms and Jeter have gone in the past but this was going to be a new experience for Barber and me.

I went sledding when I was younger...and loved it. But let's face it, I was a teenager without a care in the world and a Long Island attitude that took on just about anything and everything. We'd go sledding at the local golf courses and I'd look for the iciest hill and even aim for the built jumps. And this was using the old fashioned wooden sleds when you were flat out on your stomach and came at everything head first and steering the sled as you went along. One time I flew so high when I came down my chin hit my sled. It hurt but I still came up with a huge smile on my face.

That's part of my past and I'm not a teenager anymore. Not only that...I'm a mom. I still love roller coasters and the thrill that they bring but those are a bit more predictable than sitting in a tube and going down a hill.

So what does a Momma like me do? I pray. Yup. I prayed for safety and protection and that we would have a lot of fun as a family and make some great memories.

We first went down as a family - all four of us. That was fast and fun and the smiles were bursting from our faces and giggles overflowing.

Then we went down in pairs. Simms took Barber and I went with Jeter. The smiles, giggles and squeals of joy continued until Jeter and I went in lane #5. I'm going to guess we were about half way down when his tube started to go up the bank of the lane. And there I am, his Mom, holding onto a handle of his tube, sliding down a hill of ice and there is nothing physical (that I know of anyway) that I can do. I know it all happened in a matter of seconds but in my mind, it plays in slow motion...his tube kept going up the bank and when it was about halfway I hear myself cry out "Jesus!" and just like that, his tube righted itself and we continued spinning down to the bottom.

Jeter thought that was the best run ever! Seriously?!? I'm thinking 'you almost flipped over crazy boy'! And then I remember that he is my son - a nine year old who is simply enjoying the ride of his life.

I also realized something about myself. In those crazy seconds, I definitely felt concerned and realized my limitations but dread did not come over me. I was not paralyzed by fear but rather cried out - almost instinctively - to the One who is capable of altering my circumstances in mere seconds.

I've learned a lot on this journey...some of which has yet to be realized...but one thing is certain, I'm enjoying the glimpses into what the Father is doing.

Love, love, L-O-V-E

2011-02-14T09:53:00.007-05:00

Valentines Day...a day to let the ones you love know how very special they are. Granted I agree that this shouldn't be saved for just one day each year but I don't mind taking extra time on this day for the loves in my life.

This is something that my Dad has done for YEARS. My sister and I always knew that Mom was his #1 Valentine and love of his life, but Dad always made sure to let us know that there was plenty of room in his heart for each of us too. He always had a box of chocolates for us and plenty of hugs and kisses. It didn't matter what happened at school that day - who got flowers or special notes, who didn't - I always knew I was loved and valued.

And this love continues to the next generation. Who knew this would be part of Dad's legacy. Jeter wished each of us a Happy Valentines Day this morning and had a candy for each of us too. Simms told me last night that Barber asked his Daddy if they could go to the store and buy me a ring. Too cute - what a precious heart. Obviously they didn't. But, I don't need a ring...just their hugs and kisses and love is more than enough for me. My two little guys found a love note from me today at their seats with a heart-shaped box of chocolates - reminding them that they are special, a treasured blessing from God, and that they are loved.

One thing is different about this Valentine's Day. Dad goes for his first chemotherapy treatment. Promises is bringing him today...I'm bringing him next time. I talked to him this morning and wished him a Happy Valentine's Day. I also prayed with my Dad and told him how much I loved him. I wanted to talk to Mom next but I knew Dad was filling out a card for her and I didn't want to interrupt their time together...the two cutest sweethearts I know.

Next step...get to work on my to-do lists...except the song(s) that 88.1 Word FM has been playing throughout this morning caused a change in plans. Talk about getting wrecked and encouraged all at the same time. It's all good though...He's just reminding me that He loves me a whole bunch too.

Daddy...my 1st Valentine.

Rescue by Desperation Band

You are the source of the life
I can’t be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of You

I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There’s no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow You

This world has nothing for me
I will follow You
This world has nothing for me
I will follow You

I Still Love You...I Still Need You...

2011-02-12T10:43:00.002-05:00

This is where my heart is right now. Valentines Day is Monday. This is the same day as my Dad's first chemo treatment. Lots of emotions yet, amidst it all, my spirit declares the verse of this song

No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You no matter what, no matter what

I especially love this video because of the Bible verses that are included. Huge encouragement.

Healing is in His Hands

2011-01-20T12:37:00.004-05:00

Winter blues. They say that some people are affected by the weather and lack of sun. I don't doubt that. That being said, this winter, even if I wanted to, I haven't had time to sit around and feel all 'bluey'.

Completely random thought here (and nothing to do with this post) - who first came up with 'blue' as synonymous for sad? I personally like the color blue - it's refreshing and calming to me. And if you noticed, when there is a lack of sunlight in the sky it's usually because of the clouds that keep the sunlight out - which to me are white or a stormy-looking grey.

So...why has my winter been so busy? Well, I don't really have time to go into all the details but long story short, my Mom was hit hard with pneumonia and a staph infection in her blood - originally diagnosed as influenza. She was admitted to the hospital (SICU) December 30th and was then transferred to a Rehabilitation Hospital January 11th. She continues to progress and is scheduled to be discharged home next week where she will continue to receive therapy as an outpatient. Needless to say, our family (includes my family and my sister's family) have been busy caring for both Mom and Dad. No time for the 'blues'. No need for it either. We've had so many people - family, friends, and prayer warriors at churches of family and friends and our own - covering us daily in prayer.

We've stated that we are living a testimony right now...and everyone that is linked to us through this is living it too.

If you know me or have even been reading this blog for any length of time, then you know that I just absolutely love music and that what draws me in more than anything else is the lyrics. This song has definitely ministered to me quite a bit - especially over the past 3 weeks.

Union28 - 25-30% off Clearance - Today Only

2011-01-20T08:22:00.005-05:00

This is just too good to not let you know about it! It's a special Union28 CLEARANCE.

TODAY, JAN 20: Get 25-30% off ALL CLEARANCE!

And...New Clearance items have been Added!

CLEARANCE items for Wives, Husbands, & Children!

SAVE 30% - the first 25 people to use code: U28sale30 will receive 30% off all CLEARANCE items in your order!

SAVE 25% - save 25% All Day on CLEARANCE items with code: U28sale25

*Codes must be entered at time of checkout before sale is finalized.

**CLEARANCE item quantities are limited. Discounts apply only to in-stock items.

PLUS, get FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $60 or more!

I know I haven't been on here much...got a lot going on in the family - caring for Mom and Dad. But this is all about family and I'm thinking of checking out the stock and see if there are a couple of items that I can surprise my parents with. They really do rock!

Hope Anthem

2010-12-31T09:33:00.005-05:00

HOPE ANTHEM - Will Matthews & Christa Black

He's awakening the hope in me
By calling forth my destiny
He's breathing life into my soul
I thirst for Him and Him alone

He has come like the rain
That showers on a barren land
So my heart and tongue confess
Jesus Christ hope of man

MY HOPE IS IN YOU GOD
I AM STEADFAST I WILL NOT BE MOVED
I'M ANCHORED NEVER SHAKEN
ALL MY HOPE IS IN YOU
ALL MY HOPE IS IN YOU

He's bringing hope to the hopeless
Giving His heart to the broken
Sharing His home with the orphan
He is the joy, He is my joy!

He is the hope of the nations
The father's heart we're embracing
He is the song we're declaring
He is the joy, He is my joy!

Those who wait on the Lord
Will not be put to shame
Those who sow in tears
We will reap in joy

Joy comes in the morning light
Joy comes in the morning light

There's joy in the waiting
There's hope in the waiting
Do you believe it?
Do you believe it?

He's awakening the hope in me
By calling forth my destiny

Teeter-Totter

2010-12-20T08:17:00.006-05:00

Balance.

Did you ever try to balance a book on your head? I did that when I was little...then I tried to walk. It quickly slid off. That settled it...no modeling career for me in the future. Joking aside, it seems that the ability to stay balanced becomes increasingly difficult as the number of things you are focused on increases.

My house lacks balance at the moment. Could be that I've added baking and candy-making, wrapping the presents, crafting with the boys, preparing special things for the teachers at school and I still have two presents to find (!!!) to my daily focus of tasks. Laundry, dishes, preparing meals - even if it's eggs for dinner, and just cleaning in general. Oh - getting back to regular exercise would be good too. Looks like I'll be starting week 1 day 1 again.

And then you have my family. Specifically my Dad.

My heart wants to spend every single second of every single day with him. What would I do? Hold his hand. Watch some old western on TV that I have absolutely no interest in but I would be with him. Talk. Maybe play Yahtzee. Refill his glass of water. Listen to his life stories again, again and again. Just love him.

And then there's Mom. This precious woman who will sacrifice everything in her life for those she loves. I want to be there for her every second of every day. To help ease her responsibilities and decrease the stress that she feels. To remind her that this isn't all on her shoulders. To give her the freedom to go get some shopping done or just sit and chat - sharing both smiles and tears.

I haven't even mentioned my sister. We grew up spending almost every second of every day together! No wonder she's my bestest friend. I want to sit and talk and share a cup of coffee - de-stress together. To giggle over the stages of our boys and encourage each other as moms and wives. And then, to take a moment and forget all of our responsibilities and have some 'girl' time would be absolutely lovely.

That's the nuclear family I started with. Now I have my own nuclear family.

I'm a wife to Simms - a most amazing and understanding man - he is seriously my best friend. I can't believe we will celebrate 17 years in less than a month. Seriously seems like just yesterday I walked into Zoology Lab and spent the evening using dichotomous keys and laughing at his jokes. Fast forward to current life - I'm also a mom of two sweet boys. And they need their Mommy. They need me to pack their lunches, help them get their coats on, give them kisses and hugs before they leave for school. To pray for them while they are at school. I'm also there to check their homework, help fix their Lego's that fell apart and now there's a piece missing that needs to be found. We read together. I tickle them - trust me, they need that too.

I haven't even mentioned the network of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, Rayda, Papa or Mima.

Now, on top of all of this, enter emotions. As if it was even possible to find balance to all of the above, this is a certain factor to throw things way of of whack.

Needless to say, the book is constantly falling off my head lately. And I keep picking it back up. I'm a fighter like my Dad. I see the challenge in front of me and I know that I cannot take care of it all by myself. BUT, this is the secret that keeps me going - I guess since, I'm going to share it with you it isn't a secret anymore.

Ready...wait for it...I'm not alone.

That's it. No one that loves me expects me to get it all done by myself. We're a team and thankfully, the huddle has grown. An added bonus to all of this is that I trust the play-caller. Don't always understand the play and I sometimes don't agree with it...but I still trust Him.

The Core of our Huddle

Do You See What I See?

2010-12-17T08:48:00.005-05:00

When you look at this picture what do you see?

Winter. Death. Cold. Those are some words that could come to mind and they would be valid.

I see life - and the potential of it. There is a protective covering - that isn't necessarily pretty - that keeps this bud safe throughout the severe temperatures and storms of winter. The result is that when spring comes it bursts forth with a beautiful bloom.

There are a lot of parallels to my life and the lives of my loved ones. Circumstances don't particularly look great - there are signs of debilitation and increased weakness. And yet, there has been an increase in a sense of being surrounded and protected which has provided what I've referenced as an irrational peace.

I believe that there is going to be a new season - a spring. And when it is time, the old will pass away and the new bloom is going to burst forth. The difficulty is timing...I don't know when winter will pass. What I do know is that while in this season, I am choosing to focus on the potential of new life that exists and is being protected. I know that the protection is present and we will withstand the storms and/or severe conditions. That 'knowing' is my faith and it is continually strengthened as I spend time in His Presence.

Homemade Applesauce

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have a surplus of apples? I often do because I love buying apples in the fall from local farms / orchards. It is rare that a day passes when someone in my family has not eaten an apple. My absolute favorite apple to eat is Fuji - it's crispy and sweet. That reminds me...I need to get more of those!

This year I purchased Soncrisp apples and Cortland - these were split with my mom and sis. Seriously LOVE living so close to them! Anyway, the Soncrisp were great the first day but then they fell into the same category for me as the Cortland - the I don't really care to cut up and munch on this apple category. They are what I would call soft and mushy which means they are excellent for apple pies or crisps. They are even great to cut up and freeze for use in making your own fruit smoothies.

That's what I usually do with them but this year I decided to try my hand at making homemade apple sauce.

Never did that before. My sister made some and Jeter absolutely loved it. I told her I needed the recipe. She smiled and even giggled a bit but was nice and posted it on her blog. After making my own apple sauce, I understand why she kind of rolled her eyes at me. It really isn't that difficult to make but I needed the recipe in hand to give me the confidence to try it by myself in my own kitchen.

Good news is, it turned out great! I even thought to take before and after photos.

Before:

After:

You may have noticed that the pot has changed. I learned (in process) that a wider / smaller pot is more beneficial than the taller stock pot. I also felt more comfortable mashing it in the shorter pot...my arms didn't have to go down as far to the bottom!

Living in the Now

2010-12-12T14:53:00.002-05:00

This has become a theme for me. Taking time to enjoy what's happening right now in my life and in the lives of those I love. It's definitely a theme that I've touched on before...once or twice anyway.

What does that mean for today? It means that I am at my parents house, enjoying time with my family. Jeter is sitting with his Poppy, watching the Steelers game. Simms was using his laptop to do some research on TV's for my Dad - he's checking out the cable hookup now - we're looking to get a TV upstairs for him. Thankfully they already have a table for the new TV or we'd also be completing some research about TV stands for flat screens. If you are in the market check out the CSN stores - one click allows you to access a great variety for a great variety.

Grammie is mixing the icing so that her grandson's can join in with cookie decorating this afternoon. Brady and Barber are currently playing with their animals which talk in a very squeaky voice. Promises is upstairs chatting with my mom...now she's downstairs with me and my Dad. Me...I'm taking a moment to document the "now" I'm living in today. Dawson will join us later. He's home because Smiles is still sleeping. I just really love my family and need to get back to living life with them. We got some fun cookies to make. I'll post pictures at a later date.

Healing and Revelation

2010-11-23T15:49:00.005-05:00

December 1st is right around the corner. Trust me I'm not rushing past Thanksgiving or November but I'm a planner - or at the very least I don't want to procrastinate to the point of no return - and December 1st is an important day in our home.

This is when we start our special countdown to Christmas. We started this tradition in 2006 and each year we've had a different theme. We've discussed 24 things God created, 24 men in the Bible who followed God, 24 people that heard from God, etc. This year we are going to explore and discuss 24 healings / miracles.

I think somehow I'll incorporate this song...we'll see.

Take a moment and listen...just remember to pause the player.

Healing is in Your Hand by Christy Nockels

On another note - have you ever heard of Manga Bible by Rogers? It's a graphic novel that summarizes the Bible. Some people like it. Some don't. Jeter really like the series. He's read through it at least two times and is on his third time through. Barber began to ask about it today. I took time to explain that this is a summary and the author uses some liberties - such as the conversations that Cain and Abel are having with one another. I also reminded him that I would love to talk to him about anything he reads.

Barber sat and read for almost an hour. He first asked me why they had to sacrifice sheep. We talked about that and the importance of the sacrifice that Jesus made - tied in why He is referred to as the Lamb of God. I saw the "aha" look on his face and then he smiled saying "now that's another thing I'm thankful to Jesus for because I was feeling bad for the lambs and I am really glad that we don't have to do that anymore." He also told me that although he knew that Cain did something really wrong, he still feels bad for him because he had to go away from everyone and be all by himself in Nod. I absolutely love the sensitivity and compassion that our Creator has woven into this precious son of mine!

And the WInner is...

2010-11-22T11:36:00.003-05:00

Krazy Klingers!

Using the true random number generator at random.org, your comment number was selected.

Congratulations! Check your email - you have three days to respond. If you do not, then another winner will be selected.

Thanks to V8 V-Fusion + Tea and their representative for providing the free gift.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2010-11-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

Today my Dad is officially 71 years old! He has outlived the longest living male in his family line by 2-1/2 years now. Go Daddy go!

If you are a regular reader here at my corner then you know how special my Daddy is to me. I've written about some of Dad's Rules around Christmas and the various Traditions he has instilled, His favorite cake and how we watched my first Superbowl together. He has always been my valentine - shared with my sister of course. And we are both still Daddy's Little Girl. To top off these memories, the one that seems to resonate with me today is the fact that no one prayed like my Dad and the security that gave me when I was scared or needed some comfort.

When my Dad prays he doesn't use super big words but there is a passion and strength that is there.

That passion and strength has always been part of him...it's just evolved over time. He was born in 1939 and grew up on the streets of New York City. His family lived on a German block in Queens - that wasn't the name of the street but the families on that block came over from Germany. He has told me how it wasn't easy being ridiculed, being called 'Nazi' and targeted by bullies. He never joined a gang. His Dad (my Poppy) taught him how to fight and I still recall a story where he cheered my Dad on as he defended himself against another boy. They moved out of the city when he was sixteen. He told me that he and his dad witnessed a fight where switchblades were pulled and used. Apparently my Poppy defined that type of fight as 'unfair' and determined it was time to move the family.

I can't imagine growing up like that. Always on the defense. It's taught in psychology classes that the typical response to threatening situations are fight or flight. I don't know if my Dad comprehends 'flight'. I'm not sure it is part of his vocabulary. I'm just kidding about the latter...well sort of.

My Dad invited God to be a part of his life when he was thirty-three years old. I was a toddler. As a little girl, the fighter part of my Dad became my defender. I knew that no one would hurt me or my family because my Daddy took care of us. I'm sure every little girl sees her Daddy as her hero but I remember times when I felt threatened by someone and my Dad had words with that individual and then everything was a-ok. Sometimes I wish I knew what he had said and then I think that I'm better off not knowing.

As an adolescent, the fighter part of my Dad was truly annoying. I felt like he always had to be right and we battled verbally - especially when I knew he was definitely wrong and I was right. LOL.

As an adult I understand where the fighter in my Dad came from. It is still sometimes annoying - just being honest - but I've also seen it change. The real strength of this trait is when he prays. He never gives up. He never gives in. He fights and fights and fights because He knows that his Daddy- Abba - is in his corner, cheering him on.

As Chris Tomlin sings in Our God is Greater...

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Giveaway: V8 V-Fusion + Tea

2010-11-16T07:12:00.007-05:00

We interrupt the daily thoughts of this corner to bring you an exciting review and giveaway. I was recently contacted by a representative for V8 V-Fusion + Tea and was asked if I would like to try out the product, review it and offer a giveaway to my readers. My family has enjoyed the regular V-Fusion products and I know one of you would enjoy the opportunity to receive a free gift so I said yes! The picture above shows you what arrived in the mail but let me tell you this...the bag is somewhat insulated (very nice for those of us who use these bags when we shop!) and the three samples are FULL size bottles of the V8 V-Fusion + Tea!

What makes V8 V-Fusion +Tea different from V-Fusion? It is a juice beverage with the fruit-and-veggie benefits of V-Fusion plus the natural antioxidants of green tea, providing a delicious, lower-calorie option for afternoon refreshment (just 80 calories per 8oz serving). Considering my kiddos do not drink soda I thought this would be great to try out.

When the package arrived I have to admit one of the first things I did (after a little happy dance...it's the small things people) was to read the ingredients. I was thrilled with all the fruits and veggies but was then a bit disappointed to read that sucralose was part of the ingredients - I try to avoid all artificial sweeteners. Thankfully it was one of the last ingredients which means the amount was small in relation to the other ingredients and I decided to run the taste test anyway. My family was thrilled to participate. I think the boys would have revolted if I didn't let them at least try it. LOL.

The results of our taste test:

Raspberry

Barber liked it but said he didn't like the sweet taste that it seemed to have at the end.
Jeter said "I like it but I don't taste tea". I reminded him that the tea was a Green Tea and this was not going to taste like the Raspberry Iced Tea he has had in the past.
Simms said "Love it. It's mild, not overly acidic and would enjoy it." He did however say he could slightly taste the sweetener.

Pomegranate

Barber said "like it but raspberry was better".
Jeter stated "all good. But I liked raspberry better".
Simms said he could taste the tea more than in the raspberry. He liked it equally but this factor (the stronger tea taste) could be why the boys liked the raspberry better.

Pineapple Mango

Barber exclaimed "that was good! That was the best!" He obviously liked it. A lot.
Jeter agreed saying "like it a lot. It's better than the pomegranate one"
Simms said it tasted like the Peach Mango V-Fusion that we have purchased in the past. He liked it as much as the other two flavors.

Now for my review. I enjoyed all of them but the order of my preference is as follows: #1 Pomegranate #2 Pineapple Mango #3 Raspberry. V8 V-Fusion + Tea is definitely a better choice than soda or other flavored drinks simply due to the many fruits and veggies. My only issue is the presence of sucralose.

Now...for the GIVEAWAY. I see no reason to make you jump through hoops so here are the simple rules to enter:

Entry #1: Comment on this post for your entry in the giveaway.

Entry #2: Post a link to this post on facebook - and let me know about it in the comments below - as a second entry to this giveaway.

Entry #3: If you really want a third entry then become a follower of this blog and if you are already tell me that in the comments below. NOTE: I don't blog so people 'follow' me. That isn't what motivates me but I wanted to give you an opportunity for another entry. :)

Review...you have the potential for 3 entries for this giveaway. Please note that each entry requires a separate comment to this post.

Entries to this GIVEAWAY are open until this Sunday - November 21, 2010. I will then randomly select and post the winner on Monday.

Now...for some more interesting and even entertaining information about V8 V-Fusion + Tea. To highlight the launch of this new product, there was an exciting flash performance in NYC! You can check out the “Bottle Song” video below. I like the "stompish" feel of it.

Also, if you are on Facebook, check out the new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/V8VFusion Become a fan and receive updates on the product.

What are you waiting for??? Enter!

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T09:23:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all the men and women who have chosen to serve and protect our country. We honor you.

This film is by Brandon Hess. It is simply titled Honor: Pass It On.

My Church is...

2010-11-10T11:45:00.006-05:00

What are you reading today?

Fiction? Non-fiction? Blogs - about food, decorating, mommyhood, real life, bargains?

I'm a bit eclectic with my reading and sometimes I go through phases or seasons.

Every now and then I come across something really good and I earmark it - literally or figuratively - planning to share it with so-and-so. Sometimes it's a really good recipe. Other times it's because it made me laugh or touched my heart.

Today it was because what I read felt like a reflection of some of my thoughts.

I don't totally remember how or when I first came across Trey Morgan's Blog. He is a pastor of a church down in Texas. I think I appreciate his honest approach to life - just telling it like it is and not doing a song and dance in the process. Anyway, today's post titled So, Where is Your Church? was definitely worth sharing.

Based on his post, I'd add that my church is

...helping children with their writing.

...at the elementary school that I volunteer at.

...conversing with other mom's and dad's at the soccer field.

...taking care of my kiddos and family.

...bringing a meal to a new mom or a family in need.

Yes, there is a building that our family goes to on a regular basis where we are able to meet with others - to encourage and be encouraged. But that isn't really what it is all about. That doesn't mean that those few hours aren't important...they just aren't necessarily more important then what happens all of the other hours in that week/month/year.

I remember when another pastor, who is still quite dear to me, challenged us to be climate / atmosphere changers. To recognize that due to the fact that He is with us, where we go, He is present. That is 24/7. Even though He spoke those words over 10 years ago - it is still relevant today and I have heard myself giving that same challenge to my boys. I don't ever want them to be limited by the walls of a building.

Having read all of this...I'd love to hear where your church is - and I'm not talking about the building.

The Tone. The Glare. The Attitude.

2010-11-08T08:39:00.004-05:00

Do you read a lot of parenting books? I don't. That doesn't mean I've never read any books about parenting. I definitely did my share of reading during my first pregnancy and then some more during the first year of motherhood. But for me - how do I say this nicely - no one author deserves the honor of know-it-all on the topic of parenting.

By the same token, there are some general principals and applications that are true. For example, typically at the age of two, children are learning boundaries and at the age of three they attempt to see how far they can push those boundaries. Those statements are generally true for all children. Where the variation lies is the specifics of how to get through those phases.

So...how do I get through it? I ask God for help. That may sound like a cop-out but hear me out first. He's the One that created these kiddos and He knows them best. I know them pretty well - probably better than most. Simms could say the same. This is definitely due to the fact that we both see a bit of each of us in each of them. The good, the not-so-good if we don't get a handle on it, and what I like to call we are going to handle and get through this - like it or not. Yet, even with all of that knowledge, He still knows them better.

How does this stuff break-down practically speaking? This is my take on it - my job is to ask and listen. He is the One that has to provide the solutions and I need to employ those solutions.

So how does that work? I have a great and current example to give you.

Have you heard of the pre-teen years. I don't know exactly when they are supposed to officially start. What I do know is that we have at least entered a phase of them. My choices, as I see them, are the following - #1 run and hide and hope for the best, #2 yell and scream and hope my neighbors have a good set of earplugs and #3 apply the above (ask for, listen to, and execute the given solution) trusting that we will get through this phase just like we have in the past.

You do realize that options #1 and #2 are not real options, right? Not for this momma anyway.

Please know that selecting option #3 does not necessarily equate to smooth sailing. No way. It does mean that I am fully prepared to roll up my sleeves and get into the muck of life with them. I am ready for the long haul if needed and I will not quit.

I love these boys and my hearts desire is for them to fulfill every plan and purpose that God has for their lives.

Okay...back to pre-teen angst. I know it is another phase that leads to Jeter becoming more independent and defining who he is. I get that and actually this is a really good thing. I want him to continue to mature into the young man that he was called and created to be. I just don't like the tone that seems to be accompanying the process. This tone isn't always directed at me. No - it doesn't seem to be a respecter of persons. All you have to do is cross the path of the tone and it's there. The tone also seems to have a buddy - I'll refer to it as the glare. Not really a fan of the glare either. Both of these things seem to precipitate from the attitude that finds it necessary to be right and prove that rightness at the expense of everything and anything. Please note, none of this is "official" - meaning I don't have an citations to make. It's merely from observations that I've made due to life experience...meaning I'm living this right now with my 9 year old.

My goal? To deal with the tone, glare and attitude without having too many casualties in the process. You may think I am joking. I'm not. I want the yucky stuff out and the good stuff - which ultimately is a positive growth in Jeter's independence and identity - to thrive.

That is the general goal. I think everyone could agree to this.

How am I doing that? You're curious about the specifics? Here is the latest tactic. In the midst of the chaos that ensues when the tone, the glare and the attitude show up, I ask this question - Are you glorifying God right now?

Granted, for you to employ this tactic, that means that your child / pre-teen has to have a foundational understanding of what this means. Mine does. Did it work? Yes!

This is what it looked like the first time in our home...

Me: Jeter, you need to get ready for soccer practice.

Jeter: Okay.

So far no problem. He then comes down in a t-shirt and shorts...mind you it is below 50 degrees outside.

Me: Jeter, that is not enough. You need to wear your underarmour.

Jeter: I don't know where it is.

Me: Okay. If you can't find it then you will need to wear a long sleeve shirt under the t-shirt and a sweatshirt.

Jeter: A sweatshirt? Why?!? (picture instant presence of tone, glare and attitude).

Me: Because it is cold outside.

Jeter: Mom. No. It's not that cold. And I'll be running around. Why don't you find my stuff for me.

Me: Jeter, that is your responsibility and you are running out of time. Get upstairs and finish getting ready now. (there was definitely a bit of emphasis placed on the 'now' in that last statement)

Jeter goes upstairs. Did I mention that his cousins were over? Oh and that I spent the day teaching Promises how to make homemade icing and decorate a soccer cake for Brady as well as taking care of the cake that I was decorating for Jeter's team party?

Meanwhile, upstairs I find Jeter sitting on his bed.

Me: Jeter, pick out a sweatshirt now.

Jeter: No! You don't understand! I'll be running around and I get hot and sweaty so much that I'm going to die if you make me put on the sweatshirt!!!

Me: You have a choice - sweatshirt or underarmour.

Jeter: I don't have a choice because you are going to make me wear a sweatshirt and I can't find the underarmour which is probably in the laundry that you haven't done yet...

Me: (yes, I interrupted him) Jeter, stop there. You're right. Mommy is behind on the laundry but what have I been doing today for you?

Jeter: The cake. But you didn't have to make it. You could have done something else. You chose to do it.

He is correct, I chose to make the cake but the design became more complex because my sweet boys began to "dream" about what the cake could look like and I started to dream with them. I have to admit, right now option #2 was looking really really good and our volume had definitely raised over the course of the above conversation. Thankfully, I took a breathe, walked to another room with Jeter, and silently prayed. When I say 'prayed' insert 'desperately pleaded with the Father'. That is when He told me to ask Jeter the above question and I did.

Me: Jeter, all of this - your actions and words, is it glorifying God?

He stopped. His eyes seemed to soften and as he looked away from me I heard him say 'no'.

Me: Okay then. Please go to your room and talk to God - get your heart right. Then you will need to apologize to me and to your cousins before I bring you to soccer practice.

He did it! He didn't like it but he did it. I heard him in his room having it out with God. That's okay with me. I think that's how I sound sometimes when I'm talking to God, getting through a tough time. He exited his room tone-free, glare-free and attitude-free!!! With a changed heart, he apologized to me and his cousins then he quickly finished getting ready and we got to practice about 5 minutes late.

As he jogged to his team for practice, I looked on with eyes of admiration. I believe that Jeter grew today, right before my eyes.

How Deep is that Well?

2010-11-03T16:34:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, after I was surrounded by 18 first graders for over an hour, I stopped by my parents and just spent time with them until I had to pick up the boys from the bus stop. I could have just gone straight home, gotten another load of laundry done and finish up the dishes that got dirty from my meal prep earlier today. I also have carpets and floors that need attention, surfaces that need to be wiped down and more laundry. There is always laundry. But I just wanted to hang out with two of my best friends...my mom and dad.

There wasn't anything super special...Dad had an old t-shirt on and a baseball cap. He still has that sparkle in his eye. It's just difficult to ignore the fact that those same sparkly blue eyes look tired and because I love and know him, I notice how uncomfortable he really is even though he's trying not to show it.

This afternoon, I'm allowing my Father to comfort me and give me peace.

This is one of my favorite songs / hymns. I have two versions below. If you are super conservative, you will enjoy the instrumental of the first one. If you like when a new edge/flair is added, then you will definitely like the second.

Me? I dabble in both - I have a love and taste for the original and I enjoy when the feeling of the song is still there even when the artist has tinkered with the arrangement. I cannot even tell you how many times I've listened to both of these. So if you're like me, live dangerously and listen to both of them. Just not at the same time. Now that would be silly.

NOTE: hit the pause button on the player in the right margin.

Life is like...

2010-11-02T06:17:00.003-04:00

How would you complete that sentence?

You might say "a box of chocolates" quoting Forrest Gump. He follows that up with the statement "you never know what you are going to get". I don't know about you but my favorite box of chocolates comes with a diagram that tells me exactly what is in that box. I personally favor the truffles and avoid the coconut.

For me, the best analogy right now is that it is like a football game and I am on the team of the underdogs. I'm sure this has everything to do with the fact that I watched Facing the Giants with my boys last night. If you have never seen this movie, I highly recommend it. There are just a lot of great nuggets that can apply to life...no matter what you are walking through.

Here are some of the most meaningful applications for me:

* There is a scene where the coach asks his player to do the 'death walk/crawl' (the player carries someone on their back and walks on all fours - only feet and hands touching the ground). He blindfolds the player and asks him to give him his best. The following isn't verbatim (I don't write that fast) so just know it's paraphrased...

Coach: Give me your best

Player: It hurts

Coach: Keep going. Don't quit.

Player: It burns. Am I there yet? It burns.

Coach: Give me your best. It's all heart from here.

Note...the player ends up going all the way to the end zone of the field!

*Miscellaneous Quotes that mean so much to me right now...

Your effort was real good tonight. You have nothing to be ashamed of...praise God when you win and praise Him when you lose.

Sounds like your fear is about to collide with your faith.

I will still love you.

Whatever happens You get the glory.

I believe as long as we honor God, nothing is impossible...now, who will go fight the Giants with me?

Remember today...you held nothing back, you did not stop fighting, you did not quit.

* At the end of the movie, the teams leader on the defense (he plays on the line) is exhausted. This is the State Championship game and they are in the final moments of the fourth quarter. The opposition has possession. The player tells his coach I'm done. Someone else has to lead. His coach counters I need you. Can you give me four more downs? The players response? He agrees to four more and calls to his line Stonewall. Exhausted, they rally together and prevent the opposition from crossing into the end zone. Frustrated, the opposing team chooses to go for it on fourth down rather than taking the field goal. The defense holds the line and they regain control of the ball.

Sometimes I feel like it's the fourth quarter and I'm done. I'm exhausted and feel like I've done everything I can. It hurts. It burns. Physically...spiritually...emotionally. And then somehow I'm stirred to keep going...as if I'm being asked if I can give four more downs. Just four more. Thankfully, I know I'm not really in the thick of things alone. My family is here and we're all walking through this together. There are also many friends and loved ones and many others who are praying - with us and for us. Essentially WE are all linking arms together and standing to form the Stone Wall.

Thank you.

Now we need to prepare for rain.

If you don't know what that last statement means, you just really got to watch this movie. It is that good.

Walking Through Quicksand

2010-11-01T16:36:00.005-04:00

Life marches on.

It doesn't really matter what you're going through or what loved ones are facing, the second hand keeps ticking and time continues. What's a girl to do? This one keeps on moving - even if it feels like quicksand - attempting to live in the now and handle stuff as it comes.

How does that look right now?

It means that I smile at Barber as he learns to swim the breaststroke - even though I know my Dad was planning to be there but couldn't because of the pain he was experiencing that morning. Yes, even as I type that, it brings tears to my eyes but I cannot allow that sadness to steal my joy. My joy as a mom witnessing her son experiencing some success. Yes, he still has the safety of his instructor's hand under his stomach and his head barely goes below the surface of the water, BUT his arms and legs are following the pattern that his instructor exemplified and that puts a smile on my face no matter what is going on.

It means that I take joy in having my parents and sister's family over for an impromptu dinner. Nothing fancy (Salsa Stoup and Double Decker Quesadillas - thank you Rachel Ray) but the time to sit and talk with one another around the dinner table is priceless.

It means that I attempt to give 100%...whether it is watching the boys play/practice soccer, reading a book together, snuggling with Barber while he shows me all the cool things in a science / toy magazine, making lunches for the boys, tying laces to soccer cleats or sneakers, listening to Jeter practice the trumpet, etc.

It means that I'm still working on my menu planning (I do two weeks at a time), laundry, try to keep milk in the refrigerator, etc.

It also means that when I hear a song on the radio and/or am thinking/praying for my Dad that I let the tears come to my eyes and even slide down my cheeks.

Truth is, I'm pretty good at most of this stuff most of the time. Some days are a little more difficult than others. Periodically there is a day when I feel like I didn't do anything. But I can't afford to get stuck there...I have to pick myself up again because if I don't then I'm going to miss out on parts of life - and in real life there is no pause or rewind button. Although that would be a nice feature to have regarding laundry because I have definitely fallen behind again. Actually a fast forward button would be great to have when it comes to laundry. hahaha.

Meanwhile, here's a song that got to me today...

In Process...

2010-10-26T10:09:00.006-04:00

Our computer was missing in action for about two months. Scratch that - not the computer but the internet connection was on the fritz. It's finally fixed and I was so ready to jump online and talk about some of the fun stuff we've been experiencing - like soccer games, a soccer tournament, how my fall menu plan has been going, etc. But then life got a little nuts meaning I found evidence of a mouse in our house.

That just drives me NUTSO. Not so much the mouse itself but the disease / germs that it carries with it.

Then Simms caught the mouse in our house...and then another one...and then another one...and then another one.

I'm praying we're finally done.

Needless to say I haven't had time to sit and 'relax' and type away.

Rather, I've been washing and scrubbing and throwing away and reorganizing and buying bins and filling those bins...all because of an annoying critter that got confused and mistakenly took the Campbell abode for it's own. And then he had the boldness to invite three of his friends! Talk about the nerve of an uninvited guest.

Guess what? My house still does not look like it's back together again.

Amidst this chaos, my Dad is finally having some tests run again. He has finished the regimen of treatment that he was undergoing and we've been believing for good news. In the natural it really is not appearing to be so great. His PSA level has increased almost 5 times the amount it was before he began this treatment the end of August. That's essentially two months. No wonder he has been experiencing pain in the evening. I'm astounded that he is doing as well as he is. Have you ever heard of someone having a PSA of 560? I haven't either until now. That would be my Dad.

My reaction? Mixed really. I think it helped that I had been having my own time of worship for over an hour before I had heard the news from my parents. Being in His presence is really a good thing. I'd say I'm in process - it's taking me time to digest the news and I know there is more coming (he just had an MRI completed yesterday).

Some of what's going on in my head...

I'm thankful that I trust my Dad to the Father. This allows for me to have peace amidst the chaos.

I've been pondering what Mary, Martha and Lazarus went through when Lazarus was ill, died and then was brought back to life by Jesus. I remember scoffing at the sisters when they were upset that Jesus hadn't returned soon enough to heal their brother. I'm seeing things a bit differently now. This is sure to be discussed in a future post.

My heart is blessed when I hear the prayers that are uttered by Jeter and Barber for their Poppy. They both know that no matter what, Poppy will be healed...it's just that they (like their Mommy) would prefer it to take place this side of heaven.

I'm trying to guard my heart against cynicism.

I'd like to just be "normal" again but then I have to ask what is that really? Who defines normal and what criteria determines this? So maybe less chaos then?

My current solution while I'm in this process...allowing His presence to envelope me and continuing to put one foot in front of the other. Oh, and giving myself permission to have a little bit of chocolate if I really want it. I'm also trying to give myself permission to take a break and just be. If you know me, you know that the last statement is so not easy for me to do...even when I need it. Ultimately, I'm holding on to the One who knows me best and loves me unconditionally.

BTW...the picture above was taken in Sonoma, California. We were there for my cousins wedding. Simms and I went with Mom and Dad to a couple of vineyards. Those are my parents hands. I think it's one of my favorite photos right now.

Rollercoaster's are Supposed to be Fun

2010-09-01T19:42:00.005-04:00

Two is Better than One by Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift

This is the song that Simms and I are singing at my cousins wedding this weekend. We've been practicing throughout the summer and we are ready to go - Simms has his high notes down and I'm loving the alto part.

Part 2 of my Dad's treatment is tomorrow morning at 8 AM. I hate the fact that my emotions are up and down like a roller coaster. I can't even blame it on my monthly 'friend' and quite frankly I don't always know that something is going on inside of me (emotionally speaking).

What does the one have to do with the other. Directly, not a thing. Indirectly - everything. Simms came home from work today and popped in the music so we could practice. As soon as he started to sing my eyes began to well up with tears and I was wondering why I was being so effected this time. I tried to join him on the chorus ...maybe it's true that I can't live without you... and realized why I was such a wreck. Dad and Mom. My relationship with my Dad. My Mom and Dad's relationship. As much as this song could be sung about my cousin and her sweet fiance or Simms and I, I was thinking about this really cute couple I know who have loved each other through so much...and still do.

Not to worry cuz if you're reading this...I got it under control and sang fine later on this evening. Probably best that this hit me now rather then the day of the wedding.

Now if I can just get these emotions under control 24/7...

Thankfully I really do have the greatest, most understanding guy in the world and I truly can't imagine my life without him.

Balance Between the Wallflower and the Bully

2010-08-29T08:45:00.003-04:00

When to speak and when to be silent.

I don't think this is easy for anyone. Most are prone to one extreme or the other. The goal, I believe would be to have wisdom to know when to open your mouth and when to keep your thoughts to yourself. This is something I'm still working on...have definitely seen improvement in my own life but it is still a struggle.

Middle school years for me were pretty silent - externally anyway. Not at home mind you. I knew I was safe there and talked freely. But around others I avoided conflict at all costs. The beginning of high school was much of the same until an incident occurred and I just couldn't keep silent. I had to stand for what I believed to be right and true. This action was bittersweet - it brought personal pain to me but it also ushered in my voice. Of course I went through a time when I didn't care what anyone thought - I was going to say what I was thinking and let the chips fall as they may. Not a lot of wisdom in that. Nonetheless, I was experiencing the extremes and needed to learn how to find balance between the wallflower and the bully.

How do I do it? Personally, I talk to God and find out what's on His heart. Doesn't sound very heroic does it? It isn't. Truth is, it really isn't about me or my voice. Rather, I hope that what I choose to do gives Him glory. If my choices are just about me then I'd suggest the result is more air / noise pollution and nobody needs that.

Our community has had a bunch of issues arise over the last number of months. Some affect me directly - others indirectly. In one case, I knew I was supposed to get involved and there was a positive change. Not for me directly but one that is for the good of our community. The crazy thing is I haven't felt the freedom to speak to an issue that affects me directly. Keep in mind, the issue isn't life threatening...rather it is a matter of conveinience. Nor is my relative silence due to a lack of support for my point of view. It's almost painful for me not to speak but there are so many noisy gongs going off right now that the ears of our decision makers are probably numb.

In the end, the question I always ask is 'what are my boys learning from this?'.

Ultimately, I desire for my actions to speak louder than my words and I pray that my boys would receive both wisdom and discernment to know and live the 'when'.

I Will Rise

2010-08-28T03:21:00.000-04:00

Chris Tomlin I Will Rise

Lighting Up My Sky

2010-08-27T17:34:00.002-04:00

Faith

You may be familiar with the verse that states ...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Some say that faith is a cop-out. It's something you do or say because you can't deal with the facts.

From my experience, faith has given me the strength to deal with the facts. I face the facts - sometimes over analyze them - and it's because I choose to believe in One that is greater that I am able to not be stalemated by these same facts.

FACT: Today I learned that my Dad's PSA has jumped to 119.3. It was just in the 60's two weeks ago and about 4 weeks prior to that it was in the 50's. These are the facts and quite honestly, they seem unreal when you look at my Dad and he's not experiencing severe pain - if any at all. I'm not complaining about his lack of pain but it's a bit mind-boggling considering in 2005 he was essentially bedridden when his PSA was 17.1.

FACT: His bone scan supports the above facts. The cancer has become increasingly aggressive and more of his bone is under attack. Currently it's throughout his spinal column, his hips, and its creeping up his ribs. A spot has also developed on his skull as well as his leg - I believe it's his femur.

FAITH: My subsequent response? Honestly, I've succumbed to tears a few times today. How can I not? It's my Daddy we're talking about here. I've already exercised this morning (before I got the news) but I think I need another jog to help de-stress. Music is also a HUGE balm for my soul. Beyond that I continue to choose to trust God in the midst of the reality of the current circumstances.

What is faith to you?

Daddy Knows Best

2010-08-27T10:39:00.001-04:00

"...I'll always be the little girl in your heart"

That's the last line of the song that I danced with my Daddy on my wedding day. No matter how old I am, I am still his little girl and in his eyes I can still see me looking up at him, standing on his feet, holding his hands and "dancing".

I don't know why exactly but that is the present memory on my mind today. Could it be a result of my Dad's most recent bone scan? Maybe. I don't really want to talk about that right now.

Instead, I'm going to share something that happened this summer. We were in church. Amidst the time of worship, communion, offering, etc. God and I were having a conversation. Can I just tell you how much I like the notes application of my iTouch?

Anyway, it just so happened that on this morning, my parents were helping to serve communion to the section that Simms and I were sitting in. As they were doing so I felt Him ask, Are you going to trust me even when your Daddy's life is on the line. I've learned that trust and faith cannot be based on emotion - it is truly a choice. I silently responded in the affirmative. As if on cue, I look up and only my mom is there to get the plates after communion. Where is my Dad? No idea. I look around (trying not to appear frantic) and I hear the question Do you still trust me? Even if it doesn't turn out the way you want or believe? I see my Mom smiling and helping others and I type in my notes application With faith, I still say YES.

At the end of service, I see my parents walking down the aisle, hand in hand, to serve in altar ministry and I hear Him whisper, It's not time yet.

You Might Rabbit You Might

2010-08-26T11:45:00.005-04:00

Two months is a long time. It's almost 60 days...1/6th of a year...approximately 1440 hours.

A lot has happened over the last two months and yet there is a lot that is the same. Hmmm...I could say that about this little blog - longer time frame but although a lot has happened (and been posted) the heart of it is the same. Why? Because the writer is me.

My babies are growing into independent boys and our family roles have adapted and adjusted accordingly. There has been struggles and successes in our lives and the lives of those we've loved. Sometimes I've talked about it a lot. Other times, I've held it close to my chest - maybe it was too personal to share or it was too difficult to get it into words. There have been many times that I've wanted to sit and write but I either felt like I didn't have the luxury of time to give to this blog or I just couldn't decide what to write about first. Honestly the controversy is still brewing in my head...

So there is the "problem". My solution? I'm going to take a little bit of time, attempt to capture what's been going on and then move forward.

In July I wrote in my journal (the offline one)

Thankful...this is the place my heart is. It doesn't mean that everything is the way I'd want it to be - Dad still has cancer, projects are not 100% complete and schedules are still busy - but my heart is thankful for today. I'm enjoying the now and learning to be more purposeful in the moment rather than wasting it by contemplating and planning for what happens next.

This doesn't mean I'm no longer a planner...that is still part of the way He created me. I'm simply learning how to rest in Him - enjoying the current season and allowing Him to prepare me for the next leg of the journey.

So...what have I been doing / enjoying / treasuring during this season? So glad you asked.

Reading to my boys...love this and cannot even begin to talk about all the benefits of this!

Listening to Barber read to me.

Completing various projects and/or crafts with the boys

Going to Hershey Park - riding The Great Bear with Jeter for the first time, watching Barber conquer various fears and enjoying Tiny Timbers, the Mini Scrmbler, the Airplane, Hot Air Balloons and even going down the little water slide with a smile on his face!

Teaching Jeter how to wear contacts. Children really learn so much faster than adults!

Enjoying having Jeter help me cook and bake. Yes, my boys will be skilled in all areas of the household...no stereotypes here.

Working with Barber in the pool and celebrating his success of swimming the width of it all by himself!

Making memories with my family - simple statement that encompasses so many activities and moments.

Being introduced to organic lollipops by my sister - love them!

Nurturing friendships with some amazing ladies - cafe time is truly time well spent.

Flag football - this consumed more time than we anticipated this summer but I will never forget watching Jeter make an interception and run for a touchdown or Jeter's passes at QB becoming more precise and on target, giggling at Barber growling at his opponent when he was lined up on defense, and finally, witnessing my boys exhibit good sportsmanship.

Completing the Couch to 5K Running Plan with Jeter. What an awesome feat. Jeter's endurance is definitely improved and even though he has begun school, I am still jogging my 30 minutes three times a week.

Implementing a laundry system and staying on top of it successfully.

Introducing Looney Tunes to the boys - which they love by the way.

Getting more involved with my community - on the field with the boys and their families or in the classroom at their schools.

Admiring the artistry of our Creator in the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

Okay...that feels so much better. I can write about the present without feeling like I've dishonored the past 60 days. However, if there is anything in the above that you want me to expand on please let me know (leave a comment) and I will elaborate. Promise. Let me guess...Looney Tunes right? You want to hear me quote Bugs and Daffy? I'd be happy to comply. Just let me know.

No Matter What

2010-06-30T01:39:00.000-04:00

Silence my music on the right and hit play...I don't have a Matthew, Bestie or Iyan in my life - the video is basically names of those that the person loves no matter what. It's a new release so there aren't many choices on youtube right now. Meanwhile, listen to the lyrics and be blessed.

Summer and my Footwear

2010-06-29T10:53:00.000-04:00

When I think of summertime, I fondly remember the days at the beach with my family and friends. I wouldn't change a thing, but I'd be dishonest if I said I didn't miss the close proximity of beaches. Even so, the pool satisfies my need for summer sun and refreshment.

Needless to say, these orange beauts are often donned.

So why are my feet being shoved into these three times each week with socks? It's summer and I really like my sandals.One reason is that my ankle is doing much better - I'm probably at 95% or more - and I need to exercise again. Seriously, this girl needs to get back to a healthy lifestyle and I need to do something that I enjoy and will have a long-term effect.

I was never an athlete but I always enjoyed going for a run - or what I would call a jog. That was the best stress reliever for me during my college years and also saved me from the freshman 15 that seemed to loom over every college gal.

The running was never competitive for me. It was time where I could just be - I could take a break from the books, papers, lab write-ups, etc. And I always felt great afterwards.

Fast forward almost 20 years...I'll spare you the details but suffice it to say this gal has not had running shoes on for quite sometime. Two babies later - there is definitely more than 15 pounds that have stuck to this bod and baby fat is not an excuse anymore when my babies are 6 and 9.

Meanwhile, although Jeter has been playing rec soccer for the last five seasons, this past spring he joined a travel soccer league. We've definitely witnessed him step up his game play but we've also noticed he could improve in the area of endurance.

Here is where my great idea comes into play...Jeter and I should exercise together this summer!

We decided to follow the couch to 5K running plan and are in the third week right now. Here are some of the memories we've made thus far

Week One: 5 minute warm-up; 60 seconds jogging / 90 seconds walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Mom...this water is like gold! Stated by Jeter upon our return to home the first day.
During every "jog" portion of our exercise, he always was way ahead of me. He then would double back to meet me during our "walk" portion.
The gap between us could have been humiliating to me - an obvious reminder of how out-of-shape I am. But he never laughed at me or made fun of me. I made sure to thank him for this.

Week Two: 5 minutes warm-up; 90 seconds jogging / 2 minutes walking for a total of 20 minutes.

The gap between us during our "jog" portions became a bit less although it still existed.
I am both cherishing and looking forward to the time we get to exercise together.
I am feeling stronger but I know things are only going to increase.

Week Three: 5 minutes warm-up; 90 second jog / 90 second walk / 3 minute jog / 3 minute walk - complete the cycle two times.

The time-frame for jogging has doubled (the three minute portion) and I've learned how blessed I am to have Jeter as an exercise partner. We mutually encourage each other!
I had been concerned about the gap there was between us when we were jogging the first week (which was only 60 seconds each interval) - how far ahead of me would he be in Week 7 when we are jogging for 23 consecutive minutes? This week I've realized that will not be a concern. He is working on endurance and as the time increased to 3 consecutive minutes I could see that this program is benefiting both of us. We were essentially together the entire time.

So what happens to Barber while we exercise? Thank God for family! My sister Promises and my parents have helped to be with him each MWF. What a tremendous blessing they have been because this would not be possible without their help and support.

Nutella Winner

2010-06-07T14:10:00.002-04:00

Thank you to www.random.org and their True Random Number Generator - it truly simplifies the task of randomly selecting a winner.

The winner of the nutella is Harmony! Harmony, please be sure to check your email so you can receive the yumminess of nutella.

Nuts about Giveaways

2010-06-03T10:30:00.009-04:00

The first time I heard of nutella was when my sister returned from her year long stay in England. She had brought home a number of tasty treats for us to try but this was one that we could purchase at our local supermarket.

Periodically I've purchased a jar as a treat for our family. One of our favorite's is when we've used it as a spread for a cookout featuring homemade mountain pies over the fire. Sometimes I'll even let the boys have it as a snack after school. Barber prefers it by itself but Jeter likes to have a PB&N sandwich.

Recently, I was contacted to see if any of my readers would be interested in receiving nutella...FREE. Of course I said yes because I just assumed that you would be interested in the chance to win not one but THREE JARS OF NUTELLA. That deserves at least three cheers.

As a result of our conversation, I've learned that some people don't reserve nutella for snack time. This was a new concept for me. They actually have it for breakfast! Seriously?!? Chocolate for breakfast? It's enough to make my head spin but this is the reasoning behind their suggestion...

As many of you know, some moms face a daily battle at breakfast. It’s hard enough to get children to eat well; and even more so when they are rushing off to school – exactly the time they need a balanced breakfast to fuel their bodies and minds for a good start to the day.

Here is the nutella solution: Nutella® is a quick and easy tool to encourage kids to eat whole grains, such as whole wheat toast, English muffins, toaster waffles and bagels. They suggest that whole wheat toast with a dab of Nutella® hazelnut spread, a small bowl of sliced strawberries and a glass of 1% milk is just the right mix of morning nutrients.

Hmmm...interesting...now pay attention, because it's now time for the GIVEAWAY.

Interested in winning three jars of Nutella® hazelnut spread to try out at breakfast time with your children? I know I would be - and no, I didn't receive any of the yummy nutty spread and I'm still willing to offer it all to you.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by then end of this weekend - Sunday June 6th (sorry...US residents only). I will randomly select and announce the winner on Monday. Please make sure to include a valid email. Extra entries are available if you link to this post on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Milk the Moment Winner

2010-05-30T16:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks again to random.org and their true random number generator. The fourth commentor was generated as the winner of the Milk the Moment giveaway. Congratulations Grammie!

Check your email. I look forward to hearing from you in the next three days...or another winner will be selected.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

I Will Follow You...

2010-05-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Let The Waters Rise by MIKESCHAIR

There are still Tears but I'm Trusting

2010-05-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

Trust In Me Now by Cadia

I know you’re past
The point of breaking
Into pieces
I know you feel
Like there’s no reason
Even worth this
And when you cry
The tears that fall
Don’t even touch your pain

Even though you feel alone
Even though your strength is gone
As your weary heart just tries to hold on
Even if your faith is lost
Even if it’s hard to trust
In a love that would let the rain fall down
Trust In Me now

I can hear
Every prayer that goes unspoken
I feel the weight
Of everything that’s on your shoulders
Don’t give up
There is nothing we can’t overcome

CHORUS

I can see what you can’t see
I will hold you close to me
Through the storm until you see the light

CHORUS

My World Is Shaking

2010-05-27T11:02:00.004-04:00

Warning...this is heavy-duty heart stuff.

I hesitate to write because I know I'm hurting right now. At the same time, writing helps me process and heal and stay emotionally stable amidst the stuff that life brings.

My Dad has cancer. Many of you know that...but you wouldn't necessarily know it to see him.

He's been battling it since 1998. It's prostate cancer and although it seemed like it was taken care of back then and was ruled "cancer free" it reared it's ugly head again and again. Without all the wretched details, his battle changed in 2006 when tests revealed that the cancer was impacting his bone (not in it but on it). He's experienced great success with hormone therapy but that isn't working anymore.

So...he's at a crossroads...

I'm feeling really weak right now. Teary. This is my Daddy we're talking about. The one who I knew always had my back. No one in my neighborhood with mess with me or my sister because they'd have him to deal with. This is one of my best friends we're talking about; someone that I could just sit and chat with for hours. This is the Poppy to my boys - who does all he can to be at their games, cheering them on. Who loves them so much and their still too young to really comprehend it. This is a man who isn't perfect but made choices that changed the spiritual path of our family for eternity. He's made mistakes - but who hasn't? God sees the heart and his heart is tender.

I HATE CANCER.

I do. I was taught not to hate because it means that you dislike something so much you wish it was dead / nonexistent. So throughout my life when there was something that I really really really didn't like I would say that I disliked it to the point of hate. Guess what? That is exactly how I feel about cancer except it truly crosses the line to hate. I despise it and the havoc it wreaks on families. We've had to say good-bye to too many family members because of cancer and although I know there is the promise of seeing them again in eternity but that knowledge isn't cutting it for me right now. Just being real and raw at the moment.

It's not taking my tears away but I know that HE knows what I'm going through.

Drumroll Please...

2010-05-27T09:05:00.004-04:00

Time to select the winner of the Union28 giveaway...

I used the True Random Number Generator at http://www.random.org/ with the Result: 10

So Crystal...that means you are the winner of a pair of Union28 undies! Check your email and respond to me within three days or I will have to pick another winner.

Thank you to Union28 for this great giveaway...the winner of the next new design planned to debut in July will be notified directly by Union28.

If you haven't ordered yet, you can still receive the 15% discount...I was just informed that the coupon code U28TCC15 is valid through June 9th.

I actually have lots to talk to you about - like why do they make WHITE baseball pants? - but that is on the backburner right now. I'm a busy momma and I'm getting some great stuff done (pictures will eventually be posted) and I promise to be back. Meanwhile, check back for the giveaways...sign up for the got milk? giveaway and keep your eyes peeled because there are more coming your way!

Milk Mustache Mobile Tour...Giveaway!

2010-05-26T10:28:00.010-04:00

MILK MUSTACHE MOBILE TOUR VISITS HARRISBURG!

The 2010 Milk Mustache Mobile “Milk the Moment” Tour has taken to America’s streets to educate families about the importance of healthy eating and will be making a stop in Harrisburg from May 27-29.

This year, the tour is traveling coast-to-coast to show moms that serving milk at dinnertime is an easy, and affordable, way to encourage healthy eating among her family and provide her children with the nutrition they need.

Did you know:

Research supports the importance of parents’ role modeling a healthy diet for their kids; studies show that moms who drink milk are more likely to have daughters who drink milk.

Research also demonstrates that kids who eat family dinners have higher fruit, vegetable and calcium intakes than their peers.

Research shows that family dinners also are linked to better academic performance and mental health for kids.

That three out of four Americans aren’t getting the recommended daily dose of calcium.

Milk is the easiest way to get the 9 essential nutrients that you need every day.

Milk, at only 25 cents a glass, offers more nutrition for your dollar than any other beverage.

Leading health and nutrition organizations have recognized the valuable role that milk, including flavored milk, can play in meeting daily nutrient needs, and helping kids get the 3 daily servings of milk recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Here are some great health tips...check out a few interesting facts on how choosing milk can positively impact your family meal’s nutrient content.

By serving fat free milk in place of that regular soft drink at the table with a typical meal of spaghetti, a side of broccoli, fruit and bread, you add an additional 300mg of calcium to your meal. Likewise, you increase vitamin D by more than 650 percent, and potassium and magnesium by about 30 percent (Visit whymilk.com for full dinner nutrition information).

You want your family to be healthy and hydrated. And remember, beverages besides water can help with hydration too. Make the most of their dinnertime drink to help your family get the recommended three servings of milk each day. Along with a nutrient punch, milk is nearly 90 percent water!

In recent years, soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks have been edging out milk at mealtime, but these drinks do not provide the nourishment kids need. Studies show that kids who regularly drink nutrient-rich lowfat milk (including flavored milk which has the same nutrient package as white milk!) have better quality diets and tend to be leaner than kids who drink little or no milk.

During the Milk Mustache Mobile events, Harrisburg residents can:

Play a fun, dinner-themed football toss activity sponsored by the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which encourages healthy eating and 60 minutes of daily exercise
Find out the benefits of setting the table with milk at the Mom/Health Tent· Sample ice-cold milk from local dairies

Speak with a registered dietitian about the benefits of milk and how Milk can help families stay healthy and relieve stress

Pose for a celebrity-inspired Milk Mustache souvenir photoEnter for a chance to win a trip for the ultimate family dinner experience with celebrity chef Tyler Florence

Event Schedule:

Thursday, May 27, 6pm – 8pm, Harrisburg Senators Baseball

Friday, May 28, 1pm – 6:30pm, Hershey’s Chocolate World

Saturday, May 29, 11am – 4pm, Hershey Park

And if that wasn't enough to keep you busy...I HAVE A GIVEAWAY!

The giveaway includes a got milk? tee (size medium), a lanyard, pedometer, chocolate milk mustache stickers, frisbee and recipe cards! Lots of fun for your kiddos. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post between today and Saturday May 29th. Tell me what you love about dinner time and make sure there is a valid email address so I can contact the winner.

Union28 - Deal and Giveaways

2010-05-12T10:06:00.007-04:00

It's no secret that I love the products that the founders of Union28 create. How can I not support a company whose message promotes a positive outlook on marriage and family as well as produces a quality product.

I purchased my first tee about three years ago - the basic chocolate brown "My Husband Rocks" tee. It is still in great condition (I do line dry them) and I still receive positive comments and compliments. Just last week, after Barber's T-ball game, his coach came over and stated "I like your shirt - do you wear it because you want to?" I smiled, thanked him and confirmed that I wear it because it speaks the truth.

Whether you like the basic My Husband / Wife Rocks tees or you are drawn to the newer designs with the same great message, pay attention - I'm about to tell you about a great deal that can save you money as well as some awesome giveaways that you can enter.

First...the great deal.

Dates: Today, May12 - Wednesday, May 26
Savings: 15% off any order of 2 or more items using the code U28TCC15

Now for the giveaways. Yes, you read that correctly. There are two giveaways.

1. Anyone who checks out Union28 and places an order between May12 - May 26 (you need to click on one of the links on this page), is automatically entered into a drawing to be the FIRST person to receive the FIRST tee, hot off the press, of the next NEW design from Union28! The next NEW design is scheduled to debut sometime in July.

2. Anyone who visits Union28 through a link from this website and leaves a comment on this post telling me what their favorite item is & why their husband / wife rocks will be entered to win a pair of Union28 Undies! You can also get an extra entry by writing a post on your blog and linking to this blogpost and/or posting a link to this page on Facebook. Not a Blogger or member of Facebook? You can still get an extra entry - simply email this link http://www.union28.net/?a_aid=NCAMP to at least three of your friends and tell them about the great deal and giveaway posted at The Campbell Corner.

What are you waiting for? Go check out the great designs and tell me which one is your favorite and then come up with ONE reason why your spouse rocks.

Mother's Day Came Early This Year

2010-05-07T07:07:00.003-04:00

Jeter doesn't like surprises and when he has something special for you, he cannot wait. Yesterday, after school, he read a poem that he had written for Mother's Day. This eight year old walks right out of his Dad - he knows just what to say and how to say it.

This may be a present for Mother's Day but I think it'll bring a tear to my eye everyday that I read it.

Worker by Jeter

You work all day
While we just play
You work for us
While we all fuss

You never complain
You never cry
And you never give
A careless sigh

I'll come in
With muddy feet
And you'll just say
'Take a seat'

You'll take the lead
When I just read

Everything we don't you do.
Now we say Thank you Mom. Thank you.

Tees That Rock

2010-04-29T14:46:00.002-04:00

Have you purchased anything for Mother's Day or Father's Day? I know it's only April but if you like to plan ahead...here is an idea to consider. Union28 has some new tee designs for the kiddos. Check out the pics below. Love them! Plus if you order by May 1st (that's 2 days away), you can save 10% off your total order. Also, Union28 is still running a deal for free shipping on any orders that are over $60. If you're interested in ordering from Union28, simply click on over to their site and save!

Reason Me This

2010-04-28T16:49:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that Simms and I (probably more me than him) encourage critical thinking and reasoning skills with our boys. We recognized their abilities to analyze and reason at a young age and it's important to develop those skills. Like with everything, sometimes they just catch you off guard. This was one of those times...

During a Daddy-Son talk the other night, Barber was challenging Simms. I know for you parents out there, you can relate. It was in the evening and Simms was tired (I'm trying to help him out here) when he candidly responded that he is the Daddy and so he knows.

Barber challenged with this...you don't know how Jesus did miracles do you? See - you don't know everything.

C'mon - you know you've played the "Because I'm the Mommy/Daddy" card before. Did you ever anticipate this type of response?

UL Green Savings Tips

2010-04-26T09:38:00.002-04:00

Underwriter Laboratories is a safety certification company that has been testing, verifying and inspecting products for over 115 years. It is claimed that the average home has more than 128 products with the UL Mark on them. Hmmm...maybe that's a task I can give to one of the boys the next time I hear 'I'm so bored!' LOL

Back on task...John Drengenberg, the Consumer Safety Director at UL was available on April 21st for one-on-one interviews and I was offered a time slot. What an amazing opportunity. But, I am a mom first and do you know what I was doing on the 21st? I was volunteering at my sons' school, helping out with the book fair, and then taking care of all the mommy tasks after school (snack, check homework, dinner, get them ready for rangers, bedtime, etc). No time available for an interview.

Even so, I was able to receive a list of money-saving tips to pass on to you. There is also a contest that UL is hosting where you can enter to win an eco-friendly "Imagination Playground" for your community. More information on that is pending...stay tuned.

Economics of Going Green (these are the tips!)

Saving valuable resources is good for all of us, but it’s even more appealing when you realize that it’s good for your own pocketbook too. A few dollars here and there can add up to extra money you can spend where it really counts: on your family and home.

Green Savings #1: CFLs
Most people don’t realize the electricity to run a light bulb costs more than the bulb itself. Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for overall savings. Savings potential: About $30 per bulb (based on CFL life of 10,000 hours)

Green Savings #2: Insulation
Spend a few hundred dollars to add insulation to your attic, walls and basement to keep cool air in during the summer and out during the winter. Savings potential: 10 to 30 percent of your annual heating and cooling bill

Green Savings #3: Caulking and Weather Stripping
Seal up leaky windows or add low-E glazing and storm windows. Add weather stripping to doors and windows that don’t seal as tightly as they should. Savings potential: $15 per window or door per year

Green Savings #4: Plumbing Fixtures
You’ll have to invest up front on new fixtures, but they’ll likely pay for themselves over the long run. Install a low-flow showerhead ($65 per year), water-efficient toilet ($25 per year), a more efficient water heater ($48 per year) and a whole house water filter ($312 per year). Savings potential: Up to about $450 per year

Green Savings #5: Programmable Thermostat
If you come and go at predictable times, have a programmable thermostat added to conserve energy while you’re away and keep things comfortable when you’re home. Savings potential: $180 per year

Green Savings #6: Home Energy Audit
Call a professional energy auditor to evaluate your home’s energy efficiency and recommend improvements.Savings potential: Depending on your rating, it could be thousands of dollars

We applied tips #1-4 at our home within the past five years and noticed a difference. My sister Promises and Dawson have actually utilized a number of these savings tips last year and I know they have seen a significant savings in their energy bill as well. What Green Savings tips have you applied? Is there one that you can utilize this year?

Just Because...

2010-04-23T00:17:00.000-04:00

Bedtime is one of my favorite times. One reason would be that my boys utilize that time to tell me things that they don't normally tell me. Kind of like their own version of a bedtime story.

I've gotten used to the fact that Jeter has entered the phase of boys liking girls and vice-versa. He'll tell me who he thinks is cute and who he's heard likes him. It's cute and harmless (he is well aware of the rules on dating) and keeps our lines of communication wide open. Love that - especially since we're quickly approaching the 'tween years.

The other night he told me that he decided to tell a girl that he liked her face to face.

I have to admit I was impressed and a little stunned by his boldness...

Me: Really? You just went up and told her?

Jeter: Yup.

Me: Why?

Jeter: How else is she going to know if I don't tell her?

Me: True...what did she say?

Jeter: She smiled and said okay.

Me: What would you have done if she told you that she liked you back? I'm not sure she'd be expecting to hear 'cool...but so you know we still can't be boyfriend / girlfriend because I'm not allowed...'

Jeter: *shrugged* I don't know. It's not like we would be boyfriend / girlfriend because we like each other. But I know she does like me because so-and-so told me that she did. And I just wanted to tell her myself...so I did.

After hugs and kisses I joined Simms downstairs and told him about it. He just giggled. Boys...I don't know if I will ever truly understand them. ;)

Laundry Tales

2010-04-21T19:09:00.004-04:00

Recently I was able to join two of my favorite products together with the purpose of making my life easier. What are the products? Tupperware and Shaklee.

Laundry is something that seems to be part of every day of my life - like it or not.

Two years ago, we made an investment with the purchase of new, energy efficient washer and dryer. I was thrilled with the result - I could get more laundry done in the same amount of time. I think that alone would put a smile on any mom's face.

A benefit that I was unaware of at the time of the purchase is that I can pre-program my washer. This alone is a bonus - what a time saver to throw a load in the night before and have it ready for me to throw in the drying the next morning. What I learned is that this works best with a powder detergent.

Prior to this, I always used a liquid detergent - it was easy to use and there wasn't any danger of the liquid "clumping". I decided to make the switch. I purchased the 5.5 lb of Shaklee's Fresh Laundry Concentrate and loved it. I made sure to close the bag after every use and although I didn't experience any major clumping, it did appear that a little moisture had gotten to the powder when I got toward the bottom of the box. The next time around, I decided to buy the 14 lb box - a greater money saver. I just had one problem to solve - how to make ensure the lack of moisture. My solution included a Tupperware container that was sitting in storage. It's worked perfectly. Not only has Tupperware organized my kitchen pantry - it's now helping me out in my laundry area as well.

Do You Suffer from Superman Syndrome?

2010-04-20T12:07:00.003-04:00

Superman Syndrome...to be ready for anything at anytime.

No this is NOT a real syndrome. I just made it up because it appears that my dear Barber is showing symptoms of this. LOL - really...yesterday he had me laughing out loud.

Yesterday, after school, while visiting my parents, I noticed he was wearing a short sleeve shirt under his long sleeve shirt. I wondered why and what shirt it could be (navy collar but white at the bottom) when I suddenly remembered that is the same as the pajama shirt he wore the night before (this is seriously a mommy skill). Could it be? So I inquired "Barber, what shirt do you have under that?" He smiled his charming grin and I continued "Would it be your pj top?" He giggled out a "Yes...and I have the shorts on under these pants too!"

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

His reasoning was that he was able to get dressed quicker in the morning and at bedtime.

Duh! Silly me.

NOTE: this was nipped in the bud (albeit with a smile - he really does crack me up!) and no he only has his clothes on today - no pj's.

Jeter's First Homemade Dinner

2010-04-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

While running errands I was deciding what to make for dinner and then I thought...Jeter could learn how to make this meal.

And that is exactly what happened.

It was so much fun, we talked about doing this together on the weekends.

We worked as a team. I did the yucky and adult stuff (like touched the raw chicken and place the completed dish into the oven) but he took care of all the rest - mixing, spreading, melting, stirring, etc. And when his technique needed some tweaking, I showed him what to do and he did it. We even talked about timing and how to set the timer so you would know when to prepare the sides to go with the entree.

At dinner, we thanked Jeter for making us such a wonderful meal. Barber thought that was pretty crazy that his brother made a dinner that "looked like mom made it". I couldn't be more proud of my son who is really and truly going to be nine...he's keeps growing up!

Want to make Jeter's dinner? I've posted the chicken recipe before. Simply prepare rice (we prefer basmati) and a veggie of your choice and/or salad. Enjoy!

You Can't Always Get What You Want

2010-04-17T23:14:00.003-04:00

Whether you shoot it, throw it, hit it or kick it - if it's a sport that one of my kiddos is participating in, then I want to be there. But you can't always get what you want.

Today I was with Barber at his T-ball game while Simms was with Jeter at his soccer game. I want to be at both. So would Simms but he is able to be at all of Barber's games during the week. There is a difference though - Simms helps coach. I cheer and encourage and sometimes bring snacks. The current schedule is great for Simms - he assists with Barber's team during the week and Jeter's on the weekend. I just don't get to see Jeter play as much - this spring anyway. New schedule in the fall and that may make a difference.

Some moms or dads might not care. They might be relieved that they can split stuff up between the parents. I will admit it is definitely easier on the time commitment but there's another part of me that doesn't like this. Not one little bit.

Late this morning we each returned home. While the boys played, Simms and I sat at the kitchen table together and took turns. I told him about Barber's game and how he got two outs. One where he stopped the ball and threw it to second and his teammate caught it. The other where he stopped the ball and tagged the base before the runner got there. I watched Simms' face light up amazed at what our little guy did and how much he has improved in just one week. Simms told me about Jeter's game - how he has improved at playing his position and being able to change gears when he is on defense or at midfield. He told me how he stopped the ball with his chest and allowed it to fall to his feet and then was able to move it forward. As he spoke I imagined what that would have looked like and I'm sure my face lit up too.

Just Being Mom

2010-04-16T22:53:00.002-04:00

Washing, drying, folding clothes and putting them away.

Selecting recipes for the next two weeks, shopping accordingly, putting the groceries away, making dinner and cleaning up afterwards.

Straightening, vacuuming, dusting (annoying), and disinfecting.

Checking homework, tying shoes, filling water bottles, packing lunches, driving to and from practices and games.

Listening to the boys read or Jeter practicing guitar.

Asking questions about their activities and listening to the tales they tell.

Trying to have a conversation on the phone and be mommy at the same time.

Teaching manners. Respecting one another. Loving one another.

Snuggling on the glider while watching Nemo and reminding Barber how very much he is loved.

Praying together. Eating together. Playing together. Reading together.

Hugs, kisses and tickles.

Laughter...lots of it.

Kissing each forehead one last time before going to bed, in awe of how perfect they are (they are sleeping...)

Some of these things are way more fun then others but they are all important. This week was my week to get "caught up" or at least that's what I thought. It didn't happen. Meetings kept me out of the house all day on Monday and Tuesday and small schedule changes impacted Thursday and Friday. So much for my best laid plans. I did get a lot done - actually pretty much everything listed was worked on at least once this week if not every day - but I still see all that hasn't been done. So tonight I just needed to remind myself that regardless of what was accomplished, just being mom is the best thing that I can be...and the hugs, kisses, giggles and "I love you's" mark the completion of another successful day.

Earth Day - Ideas

2010-04-14T12:23:00.006-04:00

When I was teaching, it was easy to celebrate Earth Day and talk about how to make a positive impact on our environment. It often coincided with our Ecology unit. It's really about being good stewards.

So how do I do that with my kiddos? What do they see in our lives that tells them we care and desire to be good stewards. One aspect is through the products we use - they are safe for the environment as well as for us. They also witness that we use reusable items more and more rather than disposable. One example is the shopping bag. Sounds simple but it is truly an easy way to make a difference.

Want to know about some good deals on safe cleaning products and reusable shopping bags? Check out the latest post at Campbell Wholesome Living.

Happy Birthday Barber

2010-04-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

My little Barber - he's not so little anymore. Today he is 6 years old. How did that happen?

One of the things that I enjoy as his mama is getting to know this little man.

There are things about his personality that I saw in the first year of his life that are still present. And yet there are new facets that have developed or grown stronger over the last year.

Joy. Can you say exuberant joy? He is joyful and he brings joy to me. Not every minute of every day - there are growing pains. But...when I think of my Barber I can't help but smile and see his smiling face in my minds eye and hear his giggle.

Love. This boy loves his family. Hugs and kisses abound and we still have our secret handshake. He is definitely independent and likes to do things on his own - by himself. But then, in his own way - loud and obvious or quiet and thoughtful - he makes sure that you know he loves you and needs you and enjoys spending time with you. He may snuggle up and ask me to read a book to him - or better yet, he reads one to me. He might hand me a flower just because he wants me to know that I am special. His favorite are the buds from the Bleeding Hearts that we have in the front yard.

Intensity. It is seen when he is playing t-ball or soccer on an organized team. This intensity is also apparent when he is working on a project for school or building something or playing the Wii. Whether he is working or playing, there is an intensity about him. Not in a bad way either - he just puts everything he's got into whatever he is doing. 100% all of the time. The difficulty is when he is so focused that he forgets that Mommy and Daddy trump anything that he is doing...

Opinionated. One thing that Barber has never lacked is his opinion. He has no problem with telling me whether he likes my hair or not, an outfit, how something smells, etc. He started picking out his own clothes when he was two years old. He is sensitive to others and their feelings but he doesn't allow that to control what his likes and dislikes are. It seems like he was born knowing who he is, what he likes, etc.

Humorous. This child makes me laugh. Genuinely laugh. What he says, how he says it, the faces he makes...I can't quite put my finger on it. He just has an excellent sense of humor and sometimes it happens when we least expect it. For example, Simms just put a chain on our gate door this past weekend (so it can be opened from the outside when it is unlocked). A few hours later he discovered that it was off!?! While we were eating dinner he asked the boys about it. Barber ended up telling us this story of how he was trying to get into the backyard and was struggling with the chain until he "had enough of that" and pulled it off and threw it out. May not sound funny now but Simms and I giggled quite a bit over this incident.

Inquisitive. Barber definitely has the making of an investigator. His Kindergarten teacher refers to him as a little scientist. He likes to figure things out and is very tactile. A little too much at times for my liking. I know it is there for a reason - I'm still teaching him how to think of the consequences before he moves forward on one of his ideas. I'm praying this lesson is learned sooner than later.

Imagination. One moment he is a superhero until he is a police officer or a spy or a pirate or a knight...the list is truly endless. The one theme that is seen throughout is that there is adventure involved in the story line he creates and he is ultimately the hero that saves the day.

Charmer. He doesn't know this...yet. Hopefully it stays that way as long as possible. This coupled with any and all of the above is why this mama spends a lot of time praying. Where did he get this attribute? Do you know my husband / his Daddy? Need I say more? Already - in Kindergarten, there are little girls that give him the "eyes". He isn't seeing it but I do when I visit him at school. There is one girl in particular. He has known her since preschool and this past week he told me she is his girlfriend. I corrected him "no...she is a friend who happens to be a girl". His response? "I know. That's what I said. She is my girlfriend". Ugh.

Oh my sweet Barber - you are truly a gift, a priceless treasure. I'm so blessed to have you call me Mommy / Mom / Mama and I will always love you no matter what.

Seasons of Life

2010-04-07T15:17:00.004-04:00

The temperatures have soared over the past two days - actually reaching into the 80's. Not typical weather for April. Of course I've heard that they are supposed to plummet to the 50's on Friday.

Seasons. They mark changes. Changes that impact all aspects of our world.

The trees are notably greener, the grass is growing, spring bulbs are popping. My iris' are prepping for bloom. As I walk our property I see the promise of great color from the buds of our tulips, the rhododendron, azaleas, crab apple trees, lilies, daisies, etc. I also see the yucky annoying weeds attempting to take root and wreak havoc on our beautiful gardens. Gotta get rid of those. We've already enjoyed the blooms from our cherry tree, daffodils, crocus', and hyacinths. Barber is thrilled with the bleeding hearts. His favorite thing to do is pick off one of the hearts and give it to me or another member of the family.

We've pulled out some of our patio furniture and have begun to stain the fence.

I've also rearranged the cabinets in the kitchen. Yes, I did it, again. And it makes sense once again. I've also been busy with purging parts of the house and prepping for a yard sale. So much to do and never enough time in the day to get it all done.

Spring also means sports for the boys. Barber is in T-ball and Jeter is playing with a travel soccer team. Evenings are both busy and fun.

I've also used the word season to note when other changes occur in life. Activities we participate in, responsibilities we have, how time is managed, etc. Change is constant and therefore the change in season shouldn't take us by surprise. Sometimes, I am ready and prepared for the change but am concerned if others are too...especially when I know that something has changed for me and it may directly or indirectly impact others.

The phase I am in right now is embracing the changes that are happening and trusting that the One I serve has all of it under control.

Kids Bowl Free 2010

2010-04-06T10:14:00.003-04:00

Have you heard of Kids Bowl Free? If not, you should check it out. My boys enjoyed it last year and I've signed them up again for the 2010 season. It will take 5 minutes of your time - you simply select the state and the bowling alley of your choice, then register your children. They do offer a discounted package for up to four adults. If you plan of joining them, then it is worth the $24.95 but it is not required (just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click 'no thanks' if you aren't interested). The children can bowl FREE up to two games every day and the season starts next week - it runs from April 12, 2010 to September 12, 2010.

Coupons will be sent to your email address for you to print off and bring to the bowling alley. You do have to pay for the shoe rental, but check out the bowling alley you select - certain shoe sizes (the ones for the little guys) are free at ours so I only have to pay for one shoe rental. A great and inexpensive option for a rainy summer day.

White-based Sweater with Navy, Maroon and Hunter Green Stripes

2010-03-25T00:01:00.002-04:00

That's what Simms wore - when he told me that he liked me - standing in the stairwell of the girls dorm my junior year of college. That was almost 1-1/2 years after we met in Zoology Lab. I have to be honest, I don't remember what he wore that night in lab when we first met. I do remember his smile and that he made me laugh and I thought that maybe he could become a good friend...maybe more...

So why am I telling you this? Two of my cousins are getting married this fall...need I say more?

Mickey from Long Island is like a sister to me. She keeps me young and I've always loved our late night talks...although it's getting a little harder to bounce back the next day. She asked Simms and I to sing at her wedding. We are so honored. I love singing with Simms - haven't done it for awhile but it really is fun for me. Is fun the right word? Anyway...what makes it even more fun (I don't care - I'm using it again) is the song we get to sing. It's by Boys Like Girls, titled Two Is Better Than One and the version is the one they did with Taylor Swift. Can I tell you how thrilled I am for the alto part?!? Love it!

I tried to embed it...but I'm not allowed, so here is the youtube link. Lyrics are below.

Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought
"Hey, you know, this could be something"
'Cause everything you do and words you say
You know that it all takes my breath away
And now I'm left with nothing

Chorus:
So maybe it's true
That I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time
To figure out the best of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

I remember every look upon your face
The way you roll your eyes
The way you taste
You make it hard for breathing
'Cause when I close my eyes and drift away
I think of you and everything's okay
I'm finally now believing

(Chorus)

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought "Hey"

(Chorus)

I know we're singing it to/for our cousin(s) - he will be our cousin once their married. We love having a family that grows - more love to go around. At the same time these words still apply to us even after 16+ years of marriage.

Maybe I'm a sap but it could be difficult to sing this, looking into Simms eyes and not cry or get choked up. Thankfully we have time to practice!

Long Time No Write

2010-03-24T10:17:00.004-04:00

Blog? What's that?

Lately, if you've checked my little corner out, it's been scattered writing about ambiguous things - not including a lot of the stuff that really makes this corner mine.

That's going to change.

Not that it really matters to you...but...I need to write. Or type. Whatever. You know what I mean. It's therapeutic for me. This is one way that I think and process information. I think I've made the statement in the past that it is almost as significant as breathing to me. My family also benefits because when I don't write, then I need to talk it out. Have a lot of time on your hands? Join me for a cup of coffee and some heavy thinking.

Having an electronic journal helps - not as many books on the shelves. Seriously - I have journals that date back to when I was in fifth grade!!! Kind of funny to read about the real important stuff that occupied my thinking back then. i.e. boys, if I would ever be noticed, etc. Not that it mattered. This chikkie wasn't allowed to date until the age of 16. One thing that is interesting is I talked about God way back then. He has always been an instrumental part of my life and my thinking.

So what have I been tackling topic-wise the past number of months? Do you have a cup of coffee with you? Tea? Water? This could take a while and I'm not even going into detail...schedule, changes, pondering what God has for me in the next season, reassessing our families dynamic / needs and how we are fulfilling those things. Praying about Simms' level of stress at work and my role in that. I just want to solve it. I think it would be perfect for me to work as his personal assistant so that the work can be done right for him the first time and that would save him so much stress. But then I would need training. And I'm definitely a more to-the-point and less diplomatic-say-it-with-honey type of person and that could be a problem. So, I'm asking God what I can do in the home to help him decompress quickly after a long day at work. We've always been a team and as the family dynamics evolve, so do our roles. Amidst that thought-provoking contemplation, I am also prioritizing my dream to-do list and starting to work on those items. Why is it a dream list? Because this is the list of the things that I really want to get to but they aren't necessarily the day-to-day items. Day-to-day items are a separate entity in my book.

Just a little insight into this complex personality. No wonder sudoku is a stress reliever to me.

Union28 - spring tees, a coupon code, and more!

2010-03-09T17:10:00.004-05:00

Spring is in the air. I know it isn't March 20th yet but it is really starting to feel like spring. The warmth of the sun on my skin is both refreshing and rejuvenating.

I've found myself thinking more about putting the sweaters and fleeces away and breaking out my summer tops and bottoms.

Time for a new top for the new season?

Have you checked out Union28 before?

If not, now is the perfect time.

Why? Because now through March 20th, you can receive 15% off your total order with the coupon code U28TCC15. You might also be interested in knowing that shipping is free for all orders over $60.

So...what are you waiting for...check out the tees and place your order. It's a great excuse to get something special for you, your man or one of your kiddos.

Oh...and before I forget to tell you...check out these new hats. Love it!

The Constant

2010-02-17T18:39:00.007-05:00

God is God - that's all I got today. That's the truth I hold onto. Amidst the tears and prayers...that never changes. Amidst the uncertainty that exists, He is the constant, never the variable.

This was my facebook status today.

What I wanted to write about was our vacation and fiddle with some pics. No time today and not really motivated to do so. Why?

I received news on Monday that my cousin (he is 3 years older than me) was in a horrible accident this past weekend. He is in the ICU and they are concerned about the extent of his injuries - especially to his brain. On Tuesday, I learned of a tragedy that occurred to a family from our church that has left them without their husband / father.

Why?

Such a loaded question. One that I have dealt with many times - especially over the last 10 years (Journey of Faith or Worship classify many of these posts). Through our trying to get pregnant for almost two years...Simms' multiple operations - a situation that is still not completely healed and the doctor's still don't have an answer...my Brother-in-love Rayda's heart surgeries, coding at the hospital and recovery...my Mother-in-love's diagnosis with cancer two days after we welcomed our firstborn and the battle she fought for 15 months...the many family members that have been stricken with cancer - some have gone to be with the Lord, and others are still fighting it - my Dad specifically...my Father-in-love's quadruple bypass surgery and recovery. These are the biggies - the ones that caused the question "why?" to dare cross my lips. These are the ones that I don't have any answers to. And I don't have to.

I'm allowed to cry. I'm allowed to feel the pain and frustration. I'm even allowed to ask why.

Although there are times when I have felt alone on this journey, He has always been there. Amidst the questions that seem to lack answers, He is still God.

I have free will. I can choose to allow circumstances to control me. I can choose to scream about the pain and focus on the injustices. I can attempt to find reasons for the ails of life. The problem is all of these choices don't give me the peace that I so desire.

It might not make sense, but the simple statement God is God is what infuses me with peace. That is what gives me comfort. There is so much about Him that I do not understand or comprehend but I do know that He is love, He is faithful and ultimately He is victorious.

I just had to add some pictures of His Creation. Both serene and powerful - straight out of the camera goodness.

Giveaway: Bounty's Gospel Superfest 2010 Recipes

2010-02-15T09:02:00.004-05:00

Tell me...are you wanting spring now?

With the temperatures below 20 degrees, the boys are inside a lot. As a result, I look for things to do that will keep them busy and out of trouble. It also helps if those activities are fun!

I recently received a sample of P&G's Bounty paper towels as well as a recipe booklet from the recent Gospel Superfest 2010 Soul Food Cook-Off. Bounty recently teamed up with lifestyle expert, B. Smith at Cincinnati's Allstate Gospel Superfest and chose the best recipes. The recipes are kid friendly and whatever mess is made is quickly cleaned up with Bounty. Why else would it be called the quicker-picker-upper?

Want to know the winning recipe?

For a giveaway opportunity for your readers, we could provide Bounty Recipe Booklets, complete with more Soul Food recipes as well as Bounty samples. Please let me know if you’d be interested.

PINEAPPLE DELIGHT
Professor Wilbur Belton & LADWEC Choir

Ingredients:
• 1 Large 20oz can of crushed pineapple
• 1 (10oz) pkg of mini marshmallows
• 1 pint of whipping cream
• 1/8 cup of sugar

Optional:
• Cinnamon-Honey graham crackers
• Cake & cookie sugar crystals (any color)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Mix 1/8 cup of sugar & whipping cream.
2. Whip the whipping cream until peaks start to form.
3. Drain the pineapple & mix or fold into the whipping cream.
4. Mix in the marshmallows into the mixture until fluffy.

Optional:Once in your favorite cup, garnish with cake/cookie sugar crystals any color and stick a corner cinnamon graham cracker in your mix. Enjoy!

Sound yummy? Want some more recipes? I have good news for you! I have four copies of the recipe booklet with a sample of Bounty to give away! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by 3:00 EST Friday, February 19, 2010. Make sure you include a way for me to contact you (email or blog). You do not need to be a blogger to enter.

Sleeping Habits

2010-02-10T08:02:00.000-05:00

I sleep in bed with my head on my pillow and the covers on top of me.

Simms does the same but sometimes he gets warm and might only use a sheet. And a few times throughout our marriage (but I could count the times on my fingers) I have woken up to feet next to me because he needed to invert himself and somehow that helped him fall asleep.

Jeter sleeps on his back. Sometimes on his side. His arms are sometimes raised (he has done this since he was born!) above his head. He, like his mama, stays under the covers.

And then God blessed us with Barber. This boy moves. A lot. We never know how we are going to find him before we go to bed. Rarely are the covers on him. Rarely is his head still on the pillow. We have found him sideways on the bed with legs dangling off. We have found him upside down. He never seems to be the same way twice. But we only found him once like this (see below) and I had to take a picture (It was really warm in the summer - that's why there is the lack of traditional pj's). I was afraid it would be blurred from my giggles. Both the flash and our laughter did not wake him up. Why should we be surprised? Standing didn't wake him up!!! Of course, after the picture, Simms picked him up and tucked him into bed - head on his pillow and covers on top of him too. My sweet Barber...he is always full of surprises. Thankfully they are good ones.

He Loves Me...He Loves Me A Lot...

2010-02-08T09:47:00.001-05:00

Wouldn't it be great if this was one of those product reviews where I tested this and then was able to give one away to you?!? I think it would be - for both me and one of you.

Alas, my little corner just isn't that big. Truth be told, I am okay with that. Really I am.

So how did I get to wrap my fingers around that grey handle? Simms. He loves me.

A great deal was discovered - that in and of itself isn't new...we can always find a great deal on something. This time the finding of the great deal was followed with it's purchase and delivery to my doorstep!

Isn't she beautiful? No I don't have a name for her although it's the first time I kind of feel like I should. This orange beauty has made the thought and action of vacuuming sooooooooo much easier and dare I say delightful.

Want one? No I don't have a giveaway...but I'll tell you this...keep your eyes open for great deals. You never know...

My Beautiful Sister

2010-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Promises is both sister and friend to me. We've been through a lot together. We practically know each other inside and out...and we are still friends - the best of friends!

She is beautiful too - inside and out - and even when she doesn't think that about herself. While snapping photos in November I took this picture of her. I love it! She isn't thrilled with it. Says she wishes she was smiling.

Maybe I love it because I see more than just her profile. I see my friend. I see gentleness and strength. I see a woman who has gone through ups and downs in life...holding onto the hand of our Father and is able to testify to His faithfulness. I see a mother who adores her children and an aunt whose nephews consider her another 'mom'. I see the beauty that she is...God's gracious gift.

So that's what I see in this photo...and then I had to play with it. LOL

The original photo

I wanted to see what it would look like in black and white

I love this one - it brings out her highlights!

Finally I decided to try it in sepia and cropped it a bit

Truthfully...I kind of like all of them...each one depicts the beauty that Promises is.

The Fragile House

2010-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do indoors? Did you ever do this when you were young? I did...at least I tried. So Jeter wanted to learn how to. He mastered making one small house and then decided to make more.

His version morphed into something very different from my childhood memories. The initial result of his work was a number of individual barracks and one large fort. But he didn't stop there. Pretty soon the entire kitchen table was taken over...and then somehow a war broke out until all the houses were smashed.

My memories didn't include the smashing. I believe my houses were cottages where families lived in peace. It is moments like this that I look at my boys and think "they must get that from their dad!" LOL

Product Review: The Shandle

2010-02-01T00:11:00.002-05:00

Hand washing. It's important - and there has definitely been an increase in the public's awareness of this. Many public facilities - including the boys' school - have waterless soap available for use as one enters and exits the facility. So why do children still try to leave the bathroom without washing their hands?

Maybe it isn't "cool" or they don't see the nasty germ that need to be washed off their precious little hands. I don't know how many times I've had to ask "Did you wash your hands?" or blatantly direct one of my little men to "...wash your hands!"

Any of you moms (or dads) with me on this?

Guess what? There is a product out there to help us out. The Shandle is a utility product that encourages children to wash their hands after going to the bathroom. It contains an anti-microbial handle, sticks to the toilet seat and has playful designs and messages that remind children about good hygiene in addition to preventing children from ever having to touch the germ filled toilet seat.

Needless to say I was very happy to receive a sample from the company and try it out.

This is what I received in the mail...

Very cute package...the directions were simple and we added it to the boys bathroom immediately.

It's easy to install - simply peel of the red strip and stick it to your seat.

My oldest son didn't seem to care - he's 8-1/2. But he already has good hygiene practices. My youngest (5-1/2) thought it was cool and the improvement in his handwashing was evident the first week or so - probably from 50% to 75% but then I found myself once again reminding him to wash his hands.

It has been difficult for me to truly calculate the improvement in their overall hygiene (which is a struggle for me...that's the scientific part of my personality talking). I lack what I would call true quantitative data - especially because I would hypothesize that if this truly made a difference then they would display these habits (of handwashing) when they are using any facility...the problem is that I am not always there to witness it.

That being said...my boys have not been sick this season - and no, they did not get vaccinated for H1N1. They did each have a fever that lasted 24 hours earlier in the season (around October) but nothing since then. They are both in public school and are obviously exposed to many germs. So, although it isn't the data that I would be looking for, this information could be correlated to good hand-washing habits that they are implementing both at home and in other surroundings.

I've also been pleased with how The Shandle has held up to being cleaned. Honestly I was expecting the sticker to get mucked up (wonderful scientific term...I know) and be off within a few weeks. That didn't happen.

I do believe The Shandle would be beneficial to those whose kiddos are currently being potty trained. This would reinforce hand washing at a young age and hopefully prevent bad habits from starting.

Interested in trying out The Shandle for your family? It is available exclusively through their web store at http://www.theshandle.com/. Check out the many different styles - and the price is definitely something I could live with - $6.99 each!

Cold Should = Snow

2010-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've said it before - I like seasons. And I still do but if it is this cold outside, then we should have snow. But we don't. It's just cold and windy.

This past December we had some decent snow. Simms and the boys (Barber ended up coming inside because it was too cold out and Jeter got sidetracked a couple of times) made this snowman. He lasted a very long time. The boys named him "Bob" and would say hello to him. Barber would "high-5" Bob after school almost everyday. Alas, Bob is only a mere memory now. Wouldn't it be nice to have him visit us just one more time this season?

Football and Febreze

2010-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Bet you didn't know these two went together. This is actually the first year that Febreze is the Official Air Freshener of the National Football League and they have teamed up with Olivia Manning for some tips that allow you to enjoy Sunday and Monday game-watching activities at home. To access exclusive content, videos, recipes, giveaways and expert NFL mom advice, check out the official Febreze Facebook page.

I received a sample of the Febreze Fabric Refresher from MS&L as well as some fun football items that we have used on game days. Prior to this, I have only used Febreze for my carpets and a couple of chairs. I used the sample in our family room - which is also my workout space until the basement is finished. Of course it worked - consistency is something I appreciate from this company.

Initially, I was skeptical if I would actually purchase the "to go" size of Febreze and then I realized it is perfect for the car. If you are a mom of kiddos that are involved in sports, then you can relate to the locker room smell that begins to take over your vehicle. Yuck! This is an effective and easy way to take care of it.

Purple Is My Favorite Color

2010-01-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

I know that we are nearing the end of January...very far from spring blooms. But I wanted to play around with my new gift and that trumps all. This particular bloom is near and dear to my heart. It was from the iris' that my mom had planted at our Long Island home.

This is my original shot. Again, I think it looks pretty good but I wanted to see what this new program could do.

This is a result of me playing with the color.

In this one I played with the hue/saturation and the lighting effects. It wasn't doing much for me. It's pretty but the color was being bleached out.

So I went back to the enhanced color and tried one of the artistic actions - watercolor. I don't know if you notice much of a difference so I cropped it....

Here is the watercolor - up close and personal. Can you tell I'm having fun. Now I have to take a break and get back to work!

Playing with Pictures

2010-01-28T10:10:00.003-05:00

Okay...so I finally took one of my Christmas gifts out of its box. What can I say - priorities. There were a lot of other pressing items that needed my attention. Technically, there still are but I just needed to take a break.

I was blessed with the gift of Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 and Adobe Premiere Elements 8. No it isn't the coveted Adobe CS4 but budget is important and I thought this would give me plenty to play around with right now.

Here is something I started with. It's not much...but it was fun.

I think the original picture was already pretty good...

...so I didn't play around too much. Just fiddled with the contrast a bit, then the sharpness and cropped it. I kind of like it.

Then I got a little crazy with one of my other favorite blooms...my deep purple iris. Wait until you see.

Hope Displayed

2010-01-06T14:19:00.003-05:00

Simms sent me a link to this...and it was that good, I needed to share.

It is similar to a palindrome which reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward and the meaning is the exact opposite. Brilliant.

This is a video that was submitted by a 20-year old to a contest titled "u @ 50" by AARP. It placed second.

Maybe I just get emotional and passionate when we talk about our future and the next generation. I am disturbed by how often the older and wiser generation gives up on the next. They see apathy and complacency and assume that it characterizes the entire generation. When will we stop stereotyping? When will we hold on to faith and believe that there is hope.

Watching this stirred the hope that is in my heart...believing that there never has to be a lost generation.

Is a Kiss Just a Kiss?

2009-12-17T16:06:00.005-05:00

Honestly I didn't see this coming. The irony is that it's on the heels of what I posted yesterday. This time it's regarding Barber - my 5 year old.

Inside his school folder there was an "FYI" stickie that informed me that he had to stay after gym class for a few minutes because the teacher had to talk to him about the "no kissing in school" policy.

Oh. My. Word.

Seriously?!? So guess who had the I know you are very caring and loving but you are not allowed to kiss anyone except your family (to which he began to list the family members) and eventually your wife talk? The difficulty is he doesn't get it. And really how should he - a 5 year old doesn't comprehend the intimacy of a kiss. He only knows that he is part of a family that gives and receives hugs and kisses. Thankfully what he does comprehend is that he needs to be obedient and there is no kissing anyone that is not family and that includes everyone from his school.

I'm thinking Daddy gets to reinforce this with Barber tonight.

And So It Begins...

2009-12-16T21:53:00.004-05:00

No - I'm not talking about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This isn't a post about Christmas decorating or baking or gift shopping or wrapping. I'm not even talking about getting the Christmas cards addressed, stamped and mailed. This doesn't reference the multitude of posts that have been put on the back burner until I have a spare moment to put a cohesive sentence together.

So what am I talking about? I'm talking about girls. And not just girls in general. The ones liking my boys. Specifically the ones I don't know (yet) who like my boys. More specifically - liking Jeter.

Ugh.

Tonight Jeter told me that a girl in his class wrote him a note. Wrote. Him. A. Note.

Did I just type that?

It said "I like you"

He wrote back "Why?"

Giggle. Snicker. He is such a boy.

She replied "IDK" which Jeter then translated for me "I don't know". And for the record I actually did know that.

Is that not such a "girl" response?

He then told me that another girl told him she liked him - not in a note - just told him. You may wonder where the conversation went from there...did we talk about girls and boys and all that stuff? Of course we did. I just don't have the stamina to write about all of that right now. I have always known about girls liking Jeter before. Usually their moms told me about it and he was clueless. But now? Now they (the girls) are telling him - in person and in writing and the only reason I know about it is because he told me.

Talk about the blessing of good communication with your kiddos.

Strolling with Grammie and Poppy

2009-11-21T14:49:00.007-05:00

We had some fun family time today. This is Grammie and Poppy with their four grandsons. Now I am downloading my free trial of Adobe Photoshop - looking forward to the fun I am going to have with the photos we took today. My only problem is creating time in my schedule to do it!

School Visit Synopsis

2009-11-19T16:40:00.007-05:00

Highlights of Parent's Day at the boys' school:

Eating lunch in the cafeteria was...how to describe it...interesting? The seats are small and everyone wants to talk to you nullifying any quality time with Jeter and Barber. And yet, they are absolutely thrilled that you are there.
Is it wrong/silly to feel totally flattered when two third grade girls come over to me, one twisting her hair around her finger and the other looking back and forth from the floor to me and then to the floor again while they banter "no you tell her" back and forth until finally one of them speaks up and says "Jeter's mom? We just wanted to tell you that we think you are really pretty". LOL. Is that what it would be like if I had a daughter?!?
I was reminded once again how annoying book fair can be...although I was relieved to find a book that Jeter and I could both agree on. Barber's turn to go is tomorrow afternoon. Hoping for the same success.
It's really nice when they have normal size chairs for us to sit on (in the classroom) for parent's day. That isn't always the case when I volunteer in the classroom throughout the rest of the year.
I seriously believe that Simms is a kid magnet. Maybe that's why he has been such an awesome soccer coach for the 4/5 and 6/7 year olds? Barber's classmates didn't want him to leave and vied for his attention the entire time he was there!
Confronted with the reality of my age when one of my former students was a substitute in the school today. At the same time it was enjoyable to observe her skill in teaching these kiddos and I was as proud of her as if she was my very own daughter!

Tweaks and Overhauls

2009-11-16T08:47:00.002-05:00

New week. New day. New blog design.

Routines are good but change is good too - and sometimes it is just necessary. You always have to clean your house - at least I do - and periodically I do things just a little bit differently. Other times a complete overhaul is required. On the home front, this is what I have been doing with the boys clothes. It's necessary when the season has changed and they have grown.

The same truth applies to my blog. I resisted change for awhile. Why? I loved my design. I really did. So I survived for a long time with small tweaks and updates. I wrestled with the thought for a while but I finally had to face the truth - the time had come for a complete overhaul. Simms didn't think it was necessary but he isn't a huge lover of change either. That was one thing I tackled last night - after we pruned a tree (Simms pruned, I was the spotter for where to cut which branch), enjoyed an impromptu dinner by a fire in our backyard (mountain pies) and said good-night to our kiddos. The overhaul is complete and I still have time to tweak the details.

How do you deal with change? Do small tweaks give you the chills or do you love the challenge of a complete overhaul?

He Hears. He Knows. He Cares.

2009-11-10T14:15:00.006-05:00

Seeking and praying.

This has been the constant in my life lately - meaning it's been more pronounced in the last two months. My heart always desires to follow His leading and do what He's doing but sometimes there are just seasons where the need to be seeking and praying is stronger. This is where I've been.

And it has been a good time. He's revealed some things to me that are so precious and He's blessed me in mighty ways. That is what a loving Father does.

Yet there is still some stuff that hasn't been answered.

Today has been one where I've enjoyed just being in His presence. Knowing that He knows. He cares. He hears. These are truths that I believe but I love when He takes time to show it to me.

Like today when I was driving to church...I desired to just worship Him. I popped in my Desperation Band CD and joined in with My Savior Lives. To my surprise the CD then skipped from track 1 to track 8. I thought that was strange and reached to return to track 2 but just as I was about to I felt like I was supposed to listen to this track. Thankfully I yielded to that nudge.

I needed to hear the lyrics to Everlasting God.

One thing I know that I have found
Through all the troubles that surround
You are the rock that never fails
You never fail

One thing I know that I believe
Through every blessing I receive
You are the only one that stays
You always stay

You never change
You stay the same
You are the Everlasting God
You will remain
After the day is gone and things of worth have past
Everlasting God

The morning meeting went well and I was back home by 1:00 pm. To work I went. Getting the morning dishes into the dishwasher and cleaning out the sink. Straightening up the family room. Bringing the laundry to the basement and putting away some recent purchases into the pantry. I was about to head upstairs and tackle another task when I felt like I was to take a break. I started to shrug it off but it grew. So I went downstairs, got something to eat for a late lunch and sat down. It was then that two more songs blessed me - I had the radio on and had I continued working upstairs at that time I wouldn't have heard them.

The first one is Revelation by Third Day. Here is a snippet:

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you.

Okay. Got it. He is hearing me loud and clear.

The second song is He Is by Mark Shultz (to hear the song on his website, scroll down and pause the advertisement...then select He Is on the player)

He is. He was. He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still my soul
He is.

These lyrics resonate with the song from this morning. It also reminds me to continue to Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10.

He hears.
He knows.
He cares.

Laughter is Good Medicine

2009-11-09T22:41:00.005-05:00

"Why do they always lose when we see them?" Jeter's venting frustration at the Giants loss to the Chargers in the last minute of the game.

"Mommy, how about when I grow up then you can be done with your marriage to Daddy so I can marry you?" Barber asked me this tonight as I'm tucking him in to bed. Then he followed it up with "Can you do that? Can people stop being married to one another?" The timing of when these questions arise astounds me. If you know me, then you know that we had a discussion (brief but I couldn't let it go) about the fact that marriage is more then just husband and wife. It is a commitment and a covenant made before God and although there are some people who stop being married that is something that Mommy and Daddy will never ever do. I also told him that I don't know who he is going to marry but I am already praying for her. Yes. I. Did.

"Mom, why do you have to do that? You are always working!" Barber's response to me asking him to pick something up from the floor. I have two responses to this - (1) maybe I need to play some more and (2) at least he recognizes that all of the stuff I do around here is indeed work.

"Mama, what can I do to help?" Normally, this is a question that a mother would love to hear her son ask. But I just got finished telling Jeter that he needed to sit down and rest so that his body could heal. Apparently he's as good at sitting still as I am.

"Why aren't Papa and Mima going with us to the game? We only have 4 tickets?!?!? Can't you just buy 2 more?!?!?" This was in reference to the tickets that we were able to purchase to bring the boys to see the Giants at Giants Stadium. The innocence of childhood. It also shows the love of family. Like his Mommy, Barber loves and cherishes the time we have together.

"Life with the Campbell's is always an adventure." Simms made this statement after he safely pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. We got a flat tire en route to NJ - to bring the boys to the Giants game the following day. Thankfully AAA sent someone to us in about 15 minutes and the boys thought it was fun to be in the car while the gentleman changed our tire and added air to the spare. It also helped that Poppy and Grammie drove out to meet us so that we could trade cars and quickly get back on the road again.

Simms is right. It is and has always been an adventure - and I continue to smile and laugh as much as possible on our journey together.

Time...it's worth it.

2009-10-26T14:35:00.005-04:00

Family traditions.

Jeter's class has been discussing family traditions. This past week they had to complete a project where each student is responsible for making a quilting square. The middle of the square was to display their family (via photo or drawing). The four corners were designated for traditions within your family. This week they are presenting their squares to the class and then together constructing a class quilt.

The four traditions that Jeter selected were:

Birthdays. He highlighted that they always wake up to a room full of balloons, they get to choose two flavors for their homemade ice cream cake and then they get a special cake designed by mom for their birthday party with family and friends.
New York Giants. Apparently the fact that we are all NYG fans and watch the games together (when it is on TV - excluding night games for the boys) is a tradition in his book.
Christmas. He noted that our family celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and that we spend time together decorating cookies and the tree.
Fun Family Friday. This is a "new" tradition that was birthed this Fall. With the many scheduled evenings, we made sure to have a nice evening together on Fridays. Friday's are now characterized by enjoying pizza and ice cream sundaes as well as some fun activity together.

As parents, we often (at least Simms and I do) think about the big things that impact our children. At times this can eclipse the importance and relevance of the day-to-day stuff. Isn't it interesting that a larger percentage of what my son perceives as meaningful and important doesn't cost a ton of money? The cost is really time - to make things together, talk together and play together. Finally, Jeter summarized the importance of his family's traditions by stating that they create a strong family bond.

He may only be eight but I think he's on to something...

What is one of your family traditions?

The Taste of Fall

2009-10-23T17:46:00.004-04:00

One of the things I enjoy about Fall are apples. Sweet. Crunchy. Yum. Fuji are my favorite and I just bought about 80 apples this past Friday. My two bottom crispers are full and I have about 30 that will be peeled and prepared - many destined to become the main ingredient of my most favorite apple crisp ever (recipe below). I will make a number of goodies that we will freeze and enjoy over the next year.

Believe it or not, I will also make another trip to the farm and buy at least another 40 apples before the end of the season - then my crispers will be jam packed with apple goodness. These apples stay fresh in our refrigerator and my family will continue to enjoy them through February or March of next year. And then we have to wait again until the following October...

Apple Crisp

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
6 cups apples

Top Layer:
1 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/3 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup butter melted

Mix bottom layer ingredients together. Place on a greased pan.

Mix top layer ingredients until crumbly and spoon over apples. Pat firmly.

Bake 350 for 25 minutes or until lightly brown.

I use the excuse that I don't own a 1/3 tsp to triple the recipe. :) This also helps when I have about 30 apples to prepare into some apple goodness.

For Whatever You May Be Going Through...

2009-10-20T15:28:00.004-04:00

Barber Uninterrupted

2009-10-16T08:45:00.006-04:00

Last night soccer practice was cancelled because of the rain. Jeter was bummed but it was nice to enjoy a leisurely dinner together. We had ziti, meatballs and spaghetti (for the boys), bread and oil and zucchini.

The boys were telling me about their day at school and then we were talking about the weather and hoping that we have good weather for Homecoming this weekend. The conversation continued to twist and turn - Barber was asking where we (Simms and I) met and then Jeter was recalling the story of Simms asking my Dad for my hand in marriage and then...

Barber: Mom, you know how there are some people who don't get married but they have kids anyway?

Me: Yes...(prepared to talk about this but cut off by Barber)

Barber: Well, I kind of wish it was that way with you and Daddy.

Me: ???????? (still not able to respond except with the questioning look on my face because words are still coming out of his mouth)

Barber: Do you want to know why I wish that? (He now assumes the answer is yes because he just keeps talking) I wish that because then when I get older, I could marry you.

And my heart melted

Created & Called...the ingredients of life - part 2

2009-10-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is Part II of a two part series - if you didn't already, feel free to read Part I. Besides being Mommy extraordinaire (ha!), I lead a ministry at our church. For more information about the ministry you can check out our blog...look at the links in the left margin. Last month was the kick-off to our new season: Created & Called: Year of Activation. I shared the following with the moms and wanted to document it here as well - in case my boys want to learn more about why their mama is the way she is. LOL

Do you every get downloaded with stuff? That’s what I call it anyway. Like I said previously, I ask lots of questions and they don’t always get answered right away. But I know God listens to me and cares about my questions and so I trust an answer is eventually coming – hoping that it’s on this side of heaven. Anyway, I always have a journal in close proximity to me – in my purse, on my nightstand, at the desk, etc. Unfortunately, even though I’d love for them to be themed, they aren’t. Largely due to these downloads. I could be at church (worship or when someone is speaking), driving in the car, working at home, washing my face, in the middle of the night…seriously there isn’t a truly consistent pattern that I can see anyway. And then boom. Download. So I don’t try to remember it…I sit and write.

Recently I was writing down various women in the Bible and the potential theme that surrounded them / their message, you could say.

Mary – called to mother Jesus

Esther – called to save her people; to intercept the plans of the enemy.

Deborah – called to serve as a judge for Israel. Wisdom and discernment resulted in victory for Israel and years of peace.

Elizabeth – called to mother John the Baptist

Hannah – called to mother Samuel

Egyptian princess – called to raise Moses; this allowed him to understand what royalty was. This was needed component for him to participate in God’s plan to ultimately free the Israelites. He didn’t have the mindset of a slave. (Kris Vallaton elaborates on this in his book Supernatural Ways of Royalty)

Rahab – called to protect the spies

Ruth – called to support and love on her Mother-in-law, Naomi.

Motherhood is definitely a theme here. This is not an easy job – and if you note, because of the strong foundation that their children received, they were active participants in the calling God had on their lives – giving glory to Him through their words and actions.

Another theme that I ponder seems to tie me to the Israelites. My parents became Christians in the early 70’s. As a result I am not cognitively aware of what it is like to live life without Jesus – He has always been part of my life. I now understand that the time frame was during a revival. I saw a lot of stuff. Prophesy was “normal” for me to see – so was people falling down, long lines waiting for prayer, services that would run for 3+ hours, church on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, hearing lots of different tongues, seeing and hearing about miracles. Prophets and teachers of the Word would stay at our house. Vacations were conferences in other states. And then it was like someone hit the pause button. Not that God wasn’t still here. But things happened in our world with people I knew. I witnessed leaders fall. It hurt. Since then, there have been glimmers that remind me of my youth and my hearts cry has been – God I just want YOU – I want it to be the real deal and not just take another walk around the mountain. So then I ask a question…what is it that can keep us from walking around the mountain again? How can we truly be part of a “revival that doesn’t end” – quoting Bill Johnson.

This going around the mountain reminds me of the Israelites – that’s the tie. Remember I mentioned Deborah? During the time of the judges there was this constant ebb and flow with the Israelites and living in peace. They would repent and God would give them victory over their enemies and they would live in peace for a period of time and then they would return to worshipping idols and false gods which bore the consequence of falling into captivity and lack of peace. This would then last for an extended period of time until they would once again repent and cry out to God for forgiveness and He would give them victory over their enemies which would result in a period of peace until once again they began to serve false gods. It was a cycle that too often we judge them for. I mean have you ever asked “What is their problem? God saved them! WHY would they bring idolatry into their homes again?” Obviously I have…I like questions.

What sickens me is the parallel to the present. We experience revival – a time of peace that seems to be followed by a time where we feel under attack.

How do we stop the cycle?

I am not an authority on revivals or the cyclic nature of them. And I am not saying that this is the only answer to the question. But, I believe with all my heart this is a key and may be why I have been part of this ministry.

For something to last – it has to cross generations. Generations. You are moms – who have an integral link to the next generation. We cannot pass down to our children what we don’t grasp ourselves. I’m able to pour more truths into my boys then my parents did with me. They just came to know Jesus when I was 2 years old. They deposited truth into my life but it was all new to them. I now have a lifetime of truth that has been deposited into my life to pass on to my sons. Is this making sense?

I really believe that God has been preparing for a supernatural shift to take place in each of you – that He has prepared you to fully embrace the truth of your identity and purpose. My prayer is that every good word that He has spoken over your life will be fulfilled – to completion. And that, as a result, this truth would be deposited into each one of your children. That amidst the wiping of noses and butts, you would ooze the truth of their identity and purpose to them. That, just like Jesus was always a part of my life, we would have a generation who would never doubt who they are or the importance / relevance of their life. I have to tell you – I believe this is possible.

So…where do you begin? Wherever you have to. Just let Him speak into your life – and choose to listen and believe what He says to be true.

At the end, I read Max Lucado's book You Are Special. If you've never read it, turn off the music and play the video below. It's one of my boys favorites.

Created & Called...the ingredients of life.

2009-10-13T17:31:00.005-04:00

This is Part I of a two part series. Besides being Mommy extraordinaire, I lead a ministry at our church. For more information about the ministry you can check out our blog...look at the links in the left margin. Last month was the kick-off to our new season: Created & Called: Year of Activation. I shared the following with the moms and wanted to document it here as well - in case my boys want to learn more about why their mama is the way she is. LOL

Created & Called – it’s more than just a theme for me. My heart beats with this - Identity & Purpose. This is core / foundational stuff for me. It is very much a part of what I pray for the lives of my boys, my husband, friends, family, each of you, people I just meet…you get the point. Sometimes I wonder why it was like this for me – granted identity and purpose seem to be the now message – but it has not been new to me. It has been…I’d like to say a formative part of who I am.

This thought did not make sense to me until I heard Anne Stock speak at the Beautiful One Conference. Before she began, Anne made a statement that stuck with me. She quoted her husband, Charles Stock and said (I’m paraphrasing here) that everyone has a single message. That was my “aha” moment. Yes! Created & Called – that is mine.

When did this start for me? I believe the theme was always being woven into my life – especially with my mom constantly reminding me who I am – that my name means victory of the people and that God would bring me through whatever it was I was facing and I would have victory. I shared two years ago about some of the situations I faced in high school. In retrospect, I can see how that too was a defining moment for me and who I am today. The one lesson that reverberated inside my heart is the fact that He told me that it didn’t matter what others thought – the only thing that I needed to be concerned with is how He sees me. Do you see what that was about? Identity.

In March 2008 I spoke to you about pursuing with passion. I didn’t realize the connection to this theme at the time. It highlighted another pivotal time in my life – college. Through an amazing string of events I turned from going full speed ahead to a career as a pediatrician to humbling myself and pursuing the career of a teacher. It wasn’t about the career anymore but rather my hearts cry was one where all I wanted to do was what He had for me. I just wanted to participate fully in the plan that He had for my life. That desire is still strong today. If someone was to ask me what my plans are for next week, a month from now, next year…sure I have thoughts and ideas but ultimately the only place I want to be is in the center of His plan for my life. I know you see the link here…Purpose.

You get the point. This is part of me. Why then am I so passionate about this truth being made real to others – which includes all of you? If we all have a message then it’s not like this is going to suddenly become yours.

That’s true. But, even though this is like breathing to me – there are many of His truths that are a part of my life and they are also necessary for me to fulfill all that He has for my life. In the same way, Created (Identity) & Called (Purpose) is a truth that the Father desires to weave into each of you.

I still asked “why”? Why? Because that is also a part of me. I ask a lot of questions. Maybe this is why I didn’t mind when the boys started asking questions. I want them to be critical thinkers…but that’s another story for another day.

So I asked “why” and the answer is what I want to share with you today.

to be continued...

The Time of My Life

2009-10-12T00:01:00.003-04:00

Do you ever feel different? I know some of you do - probably all of you have at some point in your life. The bigger question is - do any of you analyze how / why you are different from others? I do. I don't always figure out the 'why' I am different but I am pretty good at identifying the 'how'.

Thrills...stop laughing at me. LOL.

Here's the latest. My closest friends (and sis) already know this about me. I'm not a baby mama. What I mean to say is I don't go ga-ga over babies. You know the ladies that get all crazy when a baby is in the room and they just have to hold him/her. They make cute noises and ooh and awww at the various things that the baby may or may not do. The baby burps and they go nuts. Not me. It's not that I don't think they are cute. I do. I believe they are treasures that we are so blessed with and their lives are precious. I just tend to go crazy over them later on in life.

Like today - I got all warm fuzzies inside because Barber slipped out of the family room to get a piece of blank paper and pencil. About ten minutes later he proudly presented me with a note. It read:

Barber.

Mom

I heart (he drew a heart) U!!

It's the first note that he has independently written to me. I just hugged him and gave him kisses, listening to him explain how he put exclamation points instead of a period and how that changes the way you read it. My little boy is not so little any more. He is growing up and I am loving every minute of it. I am excited to see him mature - to watch him use discernment and make choices on his own. I almost start to cry at his enthusiasm to read and show me what he is learning.

I smile at the memories of my babies but I do not mourn them. I don't wish to go back. This is the phase that gives me an adrenaline rush. Don't get me wrong - I have loved my boys from the start of their lives - it's just that, this part of Mommyhood is so much FUN! I have two wonderful Little Men and I love checking their homework and listening to the happenings of their day. I count it a blessing to participate in as well as observe their growing independence - academically, spiritually and emotionally. I truly am having the time of my life.

Thankful to be Facing Tomorrow with Him

2009-10-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

Be still and know that I am God ~Psalm 46:10. This is the theme of Rebecca St. James song Peace. I intended to share that with you at my corner but I was not a fan of the only version that was available on youtube. Then I came across this and...emotions - sometimes they are just there and you can't do anything about it except allow the water to flow.

Lion by Rebecca St. James

Mysterious
That's what I call You
I'm curious about You
I'm scared and not sure that You are safe
But Your eyes seem to say that You are good

This is not a dream that I'm living
This is just a world of Your own
You took me from all that I knew
Shown me how it feels to hope
With You with me, facing tomorrow together I can learn to fly
Feels like I'm living in a lion's mouth, but the lion is (an angel)

Wise eyes, You see the core of me
Your gentleness melts me
And now I know that words cannot describe
The power that I feel when I'm with You

Peace and power, love forever
Who am I to stand before You?
I am speechless
But in my weakness
You are here and all is well
You took me from all that I knew
Shown me how it feels to hope
With You with me, facing tomorrow together I can learn to fly
Feels like I'm living in a lion's mouth, but the lion is (an angel)

Rewinding the Week

2009-10-08T12:27:00.005-04:00

Can you believe it...I'm actually at the computer...writing!?!

I've been working on my to-do list and one of the items is to elevate and ice my left ankle. Type A personality here cannot just sit down and elevate and ice. No way. I need to be accomplishing something. So, today...this is it. Let's see what I can tell you in 20 minutes.

Did you know I re-sprained my ankle? Not too exciting really. Seems to be as much of a mental and emotional recovery as well as physical for me at this point. I don't like being taken out and that is what this feels like. How did it happen? I was walking out of the house to the car so that I could go get Jeter's glasses that were left at my parents house the previous evening when we picked them up. Like that run-on sentence? I'm not even going to fix it. Anyway, I stepped off the porch and felt my ankle twist. Next thing I knew, I was in a heap on the ground. Super graceful too - I'm sure of that.

Why did I need to get Jeter's glasses? Well, for one, he sees better with them. But he was also going to be part of an amateur film production. Very exciting stuff. Looking forward to seeing the final cut of the project. Anyway, Simms was with him. Barber hung out with me while my leg was elevated. Yippee. Later that day we enjoyed lunch (while watching the Giants win) as well as my birthday ice cream cake. Thank you sis for making it for me! I just have the greatest family ever - even when I have to sit on my rump with leg elevated and ankle iced.

Why were the boys at my parents house? Simms' parents came out for a visit to see the boys play soccer and then they surprised me by taking Simms and I out for a wonderful dinner and show. So much fun. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter and love. Great way to complete my actual birthday-day.

My birthday. Yes...I'm 39 now and actually think it's a great number. Why? Do I really need to display my silliness? I do have the time so I guess I will for a moment. Okay...I was born on the 3rd and both numbers in 39 are divisible by 3 and this number is also significant in many other crazy ways to me. Like the fact that we were married on the 15th which is also divisible by 3. Simms is born in the 6th month - also divisible by 3. And the boys? Jeter was born on the 30th and Barber was born at 2:30 in the morning. As warped as all this may be...let's just conclude that I was thinking 39 is going to be a great year for me. And...even now with my ankle elevated and iced, I still believe it - and I know that the greatness of the coming year really has nothing to do with the number. I just like numbers. He made me that way.

My birthday-day actually started with homemade crepes made by Simms. So delicious. I actually took pictures. Yes, I will post them...later. The boys soccer games were great - it is so fun to watch them play soccer. They both enjoy the sport so much. I love being their mom. What does that have to do with watching them play soccer. Nothing. I was just thinking about them and that made me smile and think about how much I love being their mom.

The night before my birthday I was at a women's meeting at our church. It was wonderful. The speaker shared details about her life and journey. The theme that was woven throughout her tale was that all you need to do is walk in obedience to God. There were times that I could relate to the emotion of her stories and how she and her husband have journeyed together as a team. But that isn't what rocked my world that night. There were two gifts given away. They asked whose birthday was the closest to that evening. Two of us were celebrating the next day so I won the prize. I had no idea how precious this was. I opened it to find a pearl necklace and earrings. I was a bit surprised but my breath was taken away when the speaker (a missionary) stopped by later. She asked if I opened my present and I said "yes..." and before I could say another word she said "They are from the Philippines and they are real. Enjoy them." And she gave me a hug. I don't care if this sounds silly to you or not and I'm not even going to try to explain all of the details behind this statement - for me, those pearls are a birthday present from Jesus. And, yes, I wore them the next night to my special dinner.

That wasn't my only surprise on Friday. Two special gals - Promises and Thrills, surprised me with a day-before-my-birthday breakfast. Bagels and coffee with friends. What else could a girl want - besides the balloons which were orange and purple? Two colors that I think are fantabulous. Princess agrees with me too.

Time flies when you're having fun. Or when you are numbing your ankle with frozen water. I will post pictures again and give you "all the details" on my tales in the future. Now - back to my list.

Uh...hello...is this on?

2009-10-06T08:16:00.004-04:00

Blog? What's a blog?

The lack of posting here at my corner could cause one to suppose I had forgotten. Not true. Quite simply, I have not allowed myself much time at the computer. The boys started school and I got to work.

Expectations. I am still amazed at how commonplace it is for others - who don't really know me - to freely verbalize whatever they want, whenever they want. First day of school and sure enough, a woman asked me (at the bus stop as my boys are about to climb onto the bus) when I was going back to work. Her question was complimentary in nature because I had taught two of her daughters and she declares that the one who is specializing in genetic research was inspired by me. To appease her, I good naturedly responded that I didn't know but there weren't any biology positions currently available.

Meanwhile, I was going back to work on my house, preparing for the new season of Moms In Action, completing some projects and working on new ones. My days and hours have been filled with planning and completing various tasks - allowing myself the time between 8:30 - 3:30 to get it all completed so that once I pick up the boys at the bus stop the evening is for the family. Snacks, homework, soccer, dinner, and bedtime consume the time between 3:30 and 8:30 in the evening. Then Simms and I are able to relax and unwind from the day's activities.

Adjustment. It's important for me to be able to do this - adapt to a new routine or season. And that is what I've been allowing myself to do. I'm still adapting but my memory bank of all the different things that I want to journal about is flashing the "full" warning sign at me which tells me it is time to start to write it down again.

Barber's First Day of School

2009-09-01T09:23:00.003-04:00

Barber...it's your first day of school. Is that even possible? It seems like just yesterday you wrapped your fingers around one of mine, turned your head toward my voice and gave me a quiet smile or maybe even a coo.

Time has passed quickly - or at least it seems so. I've paused to wonder - did I do enough? Have I taught you all you need to know? Is your foundation strong enough? Did I mindlessly waste any opportunity to pour into you? Was I too busy with working on the house, volunteering at the school and church?

And then I remind myself that God gave you to me. He chose you to be my son and He knew what these last five years would hold. He knew the ups and downs we would walk through as a family and He gave us strength and endurance for each step on our journey.

There were no tears this morning. Only smiles as you confidently walked to the bus stop with your brother. Excitement oozed out of you as you talked about going to Kindergarten and contemplated what special you might have today - hoping that it was gym. The bus arrived and you were off - ready to sit in your seat. Smiles abounded as you signed "I love you" to me and Daddy and we returned the sign and blew kisses.

Yes. You are ready and prepared for this next season in life. Mommy and Daddy are not perfect but I know that you have a solid foundation. Our job isn't complete. There is still much to accomplish. There are still things to teach and sow and pour into your precious life.

Snacks to bake. Homework to oversee. Time to encourage. Prayers to pray. Activities to participate in.

I will not mourn what has passed but will treasure the memories. And with great expectation, jump into this new season of our lives together.

Calling All Fashion Designers

2009-08-18T16:02:00.008-04:00

I honestly didn't know what to think when I first was asked to review a new product by Harumika. The purpose of this product is to allow girls to "style their imagination" and easily design outfits with colorful fabrics and fashion accessories. They can then share their designs with friends on the safe Harumika online community.

Did you notice the word girls? Granted, I am a girl but I'm a mama to two boys. Then I reasoned, I have a couple of girlfriends that have daughters. Why not make a play date of it and have them over to try out the product.

So I said yes...and soon this arrived on my doorstep:

Time to have the gals come over - Say Anything and Natalie cleared their schedules for an afternoon with some girls ready to design.

I was drawn to the product because of the fact that they say there is no cutting, gluing or sewing required. Just your imagination. Sounded good to me. I just wasn't sure what the final product could or would look like in the hands of 7, 8 and 9 year olds. Here was Sparkle's first design.

Time for Brown Sugar and Chicken Nugget to have a turn and they quickly got to work on their design.

And here is their final product...

Pumpkin Pie decided to give it a whirl too even though she was technically below the suggested age. Say Anything was happy to give her some help!

Overall this was a lot of fun and much easier to do than we expected. Everyone enjoyed trying it out - even the moms. The only major obstacle that needed to be overcome by the girls is that there is no face! They are too funny.

If Harumika or anyone is interested in our suggestions on how to improve this product, there are a couple of things I would like to mention. The model fell over a lot. It would be helpful if the bottom of the stand was sturdier. We also noticed that after a few uses, the fabric stickers began to fray. Of course, the girls started talking about wanting more fabric and belt options but I think that is a problem that the marketers are only too happy to hear about.

Some more of our runway finishes are found below...

I thought I was done with this...when just the other day my son asks if he can try his hand at a few designs. I figured why not? There are many excellent male designers in the fashion industry. So I let Jeter try it out. Wonder what Simms will think about this. LOL.

This is his first creation

Here is his second.

I have to say I was impressed. The product is simple to work with, relatively inexpensive and provided hours of entertainment.

While Simms Was Away...

2009-08-06T15:45:00.008-04:00

We were without Simms for 8 days and 7 nights. Not that we were counting or anything crazy like that. I just thought it would be fun to share with you some of what consumed his days and ours. So...while Simms was checking out Hurricane Ridge with Rayda and Papa...

Looking at the vegetation

Eating at the best smoked salmon place in the area

Taking in the sites like this one

Hiking here...

...and here

Setting up camp

and preparing some food

Sleeping at Shi Shi Beach...

...where this is just a walk away!

Getting to see this...

and these...

and this...

and THIS...

...and these. All in their natural habitats!

While he was doing all of that we were busy here at home. What were we doing?

The boys gardened at Grammie and Poppy's while I had a ministry meeting
We went to local parks on 3 different days
We had some play dates
We went to the premier viewing of the new VeggieTales movie Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella.
We went to Chik-fil-A
We went to church
Jeter had a worship team meeting
We had the family over to go swimming in the pool
The boys swam in the pool a lot!
We read books
We ate ice cream - on cones that I bought from the store! (this was a super big deal to my little men)
Grammie taught Jeter how to play the D chord on the guitar.
We had dinner at Promises and Dawson's - where there was lots of cousin time.
Dawson kicked around the soccer ball with the boys
I didn't blog much and had a hard time falling asleep at night
The boys had a sleepover in my room - only one night. I learned that Barber moves around A LOT and Jeter sometimes talks and giggles in his sleep. These were actually things I knew but forgot when I agreed to the sleepover.
We did laundry and dishes and cleaned and reorganized...with much more to do!
We went to the weekly reading time (last time this summer!)
Barber got new cleats for soccer. Of course he is a size 12 and we only have 11, 1, 2, and 3 as hand-me-downs from Jeter.
The boys played the Wii.
We all missed Daddy and prayed that he would have fun and then return to us safe and sound.

I bet I can guess who you would have preferred hanging out with for the past 8 days!?!

When the Going Gets Tough...

2009-08-01T23:25:00.005-04:00

What do you do?

How do you handle the difficult stuff?

Do you have a best friend that you run to / confide in? Are you the shoulder that people seek out? Are you a planner? Fighter? Whiner? Cynic? You don't really have to answer these questions. I've just been doing some thinking.

Sometimes I'd like to allow myself to be a whiner. I rarely do...it's just not a means to an end. At least not the end I'm looking for. No matter how old you are, a temper tantrum doesn't resolve anything. I will say I have done all of the others - some with more frequency than others.

Simms' mom once described me as feisty. Simms says I am passionate. They are probably both correct. When it comes to things that are close to my heart (family, morals, faith) I am a fighter. But even fighters need time to train and rest or fatigue sets in.

My family has walked through so much - physically, spiritually, emotionally. Especially in this last year. I would love to say the journey is complete but that's not the truth. Can that really happen this side of eternity? That's a question to ponder another day.

I feel like we've been running a very long relay race with rare opportunities to pass the baton.

As always, He meets me where I am. Sometimes, it's just helpful to know that He knows what's going on. I mean I know He knows...but it's nice when He takes the time to remind me. This time it was through another blog which catalyzed my search for Elizabeth Hunnicutt's album On My Way. Well worth my time. Exactly what I needed. Here are some of the lyrics from her song On My Way that did me in tonight.

...I just have to keep moving not with vision but with faith...

I'm learning...

how to walk on the way
who I am on the way
how to see on the way
how to live on the way

And my/our journey continues...

One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four...

2009-07-27T10:35:00.004-04:00

I like simple and easy. And I want it to taste good too. Here is a recipe that I believe fits these qualifications. We don't have it often because my boys don't eat it but they don't eat potatoes at all (not even french fries)! Simms says they are un-American. I say it's okay - they're healthy and don't need the extra starch. However, when Simms and I get a hankering for potatoes, this is the recipe that I use.

12-14 red potatoes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 - 1 tsp salt (we've been cutting down on salt)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp pepper

Note: I've also thrown 1/2 tsp rosemary into the mix. What I love about this recipe is that you can add/delete spices depending on the season or the dish that this is complimenting. Regardless of how we've changed it around, it has always been good.

1. Clean potatoes and peel a strip of skin from each
2. Place in ungreased baking dish.
3. Combine oil, butter and seasonings in a bowl and drizzle over potatoes
4. Bake uncovered 350 for one hour, turning the potatoes every 15 minutes.

This recipe has also been featured on Created & Called. It is really that good!

New Twist on the Sprinkler

2009-07-24T08:46:00.010-04:00

Do you remember playing in a sprinkler? I do. We had one of those oscillating ones and I remember just enjoying cooling off in the water - running through with my sister and giggling a lot.

We do have a pool and that is used quite often but there is just something fun about the simplicity of a sprinkler. Don't believe me? Keep reading...

This week I purchased an inexpensive sprinkler - it's sole purpose is for fun, not watering the lawn. Jeter couldn't wait to set it up and try it out.

Barber wasn't quite sure about this. He decided goggles were a necessity because he didn't know exactly when and where this water was going to sprinkle him. He also started to cover his ears. Funny little boy!

In the end, they had a lot of fun and got soaked. The clean-up was easy too. Great fun in the sun if you ask me.

Lucky?

2009-07-20T16:09:00.002-04:00

Simms has introduced me to Jason Mraz and I like his jazzy/pop style. Lucky is one of my favorite songs...I have fun singing it with Simms and I mean every word. He truly is my best friend and I am very ~~lucky~~ blessed to be in love with him...more and more every day.

Lucky by Jason Mraz

Favorite Things

2009-07-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

Why is this one of my favorite things?

1. They are comfy
2. I like orange
3. Easy on / easy off
4. Orange makes me smile
5. Water doesn't damage them
6. Did I tell you how much I like orange accessories?

We Have Blueberries!

2009-07-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

We've gotten more blueberries since this picture was taken but this was our first "harvest".

The picture above is of our three blueberry bushes. The boys have had fun picking and it is so nice to experience success in keeping the bunnies and birds away this year.

One of my Favorite Flowers

2009-07-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

My Hydrangea. This plant was given to me for Mother's Day after Barber was born. He was a mere 4 weeks old. I'm sure that has something to do with how much I like it. I think one of the other reasons is because of the vibrant colors - with varying shades of pink and purple (my favorite!). Here are some of my favorite pics...I'm having fun with my camera too.

I find it so amazing that all of those variations are on a single plant. You probably find it amazing that something so simple gives me so much pleasure.

Warning - more simple pleasures are pending.

So I've Been Reading...

2009-07-09T16:20:00.002-04:00

...and LOVING IT!!!

Of course that means I haven't been blogging lately. Well, I can't blame that entirely on my reading. I've also been enjoying our backyard, and playing with the boys and taking them to the park and to the reading program and working on MIA stuff - planning and preparing for next season.

But, I have been enjoying reading again. If you recall, when we went on vacation in March I had read one book and began another. I had vowed to complete that book by the end of April. Never happened.

Honestly I didn't pick up another book until we were on vacation the first week of June. That book was one that I had won at a women's event two years ago. I'll admit this sad truth - it sat on my nightstand for two years collecting dust. The book was The Negotiator by Dee Henderson. It's fiction and the storyline is filled with a good combination of action, suspense and mystery to not only keep my interest but I didn't want to put the book down. Granted, as a Mommy, I don't typically have that as an option but Simms gave me a bit of time that was my own and I used it to read.

Since then - which has really only been about one month, I have finished the book from March (River Rising by Athol Dickson) and read 4 other books. I learned that The Negotiator is part of a series and there was a prequel to the book - Danger in the Shadows. I read that after River Rising. I had also picked up the book Secret Believers by Brother Andrew and learned so much. I highly recommend this book to any believer. It is fiction but based on truth and is so relevant to the spiritual climate today. Since then, I admit I have continued to fervently read Henderson's O'Malley series - reading The Guardian and The Truth Seeker. I think Simms is ready for me to take a break. LOL.

So...what have you been reading this summer?

You are My Masterpiece

2009-07-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

If you haven't seen this yet...take the time.

The first time I saw this was at a women's meeting at our church. The message of Julie Meyer's song Paint your Picture coupled with Eileen's artistry is powerful.