Happy Birthday, Rod

Rod's birthday is just days away, and after all these years together, I still don't know what to get him. You see, he's the worst person in the world to buy for because he's too practical. If he needs something, he buys it; if I get him something he doesn't need, he takes it back. Our taste in clothing is very different. I try to pick out a couple of shirts that I think he will like, but more times than not, he doesn't. If I ask him what he wants he usually says..."sleep". Perhaps I could sneak some sleeping pills in his glass of wine on Friday night and run out with the kids on Saturday morning for donuts...except...I kind of need him to finish the tile in the bathroom that he started last weekend...hmmm...such a dilemma. All I can say is: he better like those freakin shirts...

The REAL problem is that he's too handy, too hard-working and too much of a light sleeper. If he were just a lazy, good-for-nothing couch-potato of a husband then we wouldn't have this issue! Seriously, and I don't tell him this often enough (and he's probably not even reading my blog), but he's a really good guy. He works so hard for his family, would cut off his right arm for the boys' and he puts our wants, desires and needs way before his own. I love how he calms us (notice I'm saying "us" because I'm a little high-strung) all down...it's just his way. Even the kids know that Daddy can "fix" it and make it all better. Yep, he's got a big load on his shoulders and he carries it with ease...okay, sometimes, it gets a little heavy...but he does a MUCH better job than most people would. But the most amazing part is that after 12 1/2 years of marriage and 4 years of dating, he can still make me see stars! Oooweee!!!

So...it's his birthday, and although he'll probably take back the shirts I got him, I just wanted him to know...You're a good one and I plan on keeping you...oh, and I kind of love you too. :)

National Black Republican Association - DYK-Unveiled Democrats Racist Past

National Black Republican Association - DYK-Unveiled Democrats Racist Past

Aidan and Cute Sayings

Tonight, as I was making dinner, Aidan (3 1/2 year old) comes to me and says seriously, "Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a Fire Hydrant." Okay...how cute is that?

Yesterday, since the older two boys are in drama camp this week (like we need more drama), Aidan and I are laying down for a nap. We are cuddled under the sheets, our noses touching like Eskimoes and giggling like school girls. He smiles at me and says, "Mommy, I like you." Did I mention he is cute?

Angels Among Us

I've never had trouble understanding the spirit world. Even as a young girl, I got it. Probably because I was exposed to it at such a young age. Thank you, Mom. Don't get me wrong, this statement is in no way boasting about my supernatural awareness, just my belief in the unseen realm, which to some seems foreign. Most of my adult life was spent trying to deny it's existence, but God, in His glorious patience, has a way of revealing the truth.

For instance, I love the fact that angels are among us. There is no doubt that good angels help protect (Daniel 6:20-23; 2 Kings 6:13-17), reveal information (Acts 7:52-53; Luke 1:11-20), guide (Matthew 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), provide for (Genesis 21:17-20; 1 Kings 19:5-7), and minister to believers in general (Hebrews 1:14). There are many more instances of these angelic activities in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel had the archangel (Michael) assigned to it (Daniel 10:21; 12:1).

I fully believe that I have had encounters with angels in my lifetime, and not all of them were good ones. I have seen and witnessed evil, and at the same time, witnessed random acts of pure goodness and love. Take 1992, Houston, TX, for example. My father was in intensive care again and I was asked to come and help take care of his 2 year old son. Without going into tremendous detail, the week did not go well. After a huge fight with Stepmother #4, on the way to the airport, she left me abandoned at a gas station 30 miles from the airport. My flight home was scheduled to depart in an hour or so, and after the week I endured, I wanted nothing more than to go home. As I sat on my suitcase by a busy intersection, I realized I had no money in my wallet and knew no one in Houston to rescue me. I started crying. Not tears of sadness but of anger. At 22, I was barely 100 pounds and probably looked more like 16 than a young woman. I picked up my suitcase and walked towards the busy gas station, not really knowing what I was going to do, but having nowhere else to go. A nice-looking, well-dressed white man with beautiful thick white hair was pumping gas and I noticed he kept looking at me. He came up to me and smiled and asked if I was in trouble. I told him my dilemma and without batting an eye said he would take me to the airport. I cried most of the 30-45 minute drive (mostly just a release of emotion over my horrendous week) and he never asked me a thing. We just sat next to each other in silence, and even though we were strangers, I felt a peaceful presence was with us. When we arrived at the gate, I turned to him and said, "I don't have any money to give you." He smiled and sweetly said, "That's okay, honey. Just be sure to do something nice for somebody else." I asked his name and he said it was Jake. That was it. We hugged and he drove off.

A random stranger or an angel sent from God? All I know is this: God cares more than we realize about our pain. For believers, He promises He will never leave us. Sometimes He even sends His messengers.

Reflections of a Mad Housewife

I've got the summertime blues. The newness of sleeping in, swimming, water parks, camp and bbq's has worn off. I'm tired of the heat. The boys and I are soooo done with each other that even breathing the same air has become a chore! The word Mommy, especially screamed in high-pitched stereo, has began to give me a nervous twitch. I've become a sweaty, twitching, mad housewife...something I never aspired to be. It's left me feeling quite sorry for myself and terribly cranky. I'm not sure this is what I signed up for.

I know what you're thinking..."Count your blessings. It could be worse! Life is what you make of it! At least you have your health." Blah, blah, blah. Whomever thought up these sayings must not have stayed home with 3 boys in 106 degree weather for three months. I could come up with some new sayings, but I'm not sure that would be the Christian thing to do.

But, alas, hope is on the horizon...school starts in 2 weeks! It will all be perfect and peaceful and new...until it's not and reality sets in...but it's fun to dream! Happy freakin summer....

For a Loved-One

God hears your cries, beloved
Protection surrounds you now
Suffering is only for a season
God promises: pain can turn to good

Cling to God's Word, Dear One
For in it there is truth
Life's mysteries can be found
In the pages of that book

I can only offer you prayers
Even though you don't know it
I'm thanking God for your salvation
For your pain to be used for good

You are just a kid in a grown up world
Your childhood was not your fault
We live in a fallen world, you see
Even those we love can destroy us

Jesus was with you during those times
Close your eyes and search for Him
He's with you now in a crowded cell
Draw near to Him and bask in love

Lean not on your own understanding
Wisdom is yours for the asking
Guard yourself with the armour of righteousness
Draw your sword of salvation

God says: This is the way to be free...