Home again, Home again...jiggety jig

Michael is home. After a lot of airport waiting, he made it safe and sound. Now he's lying here waiting for me to get off the computer so I'll pay attention to him.

But I just had to let you know he made it. Since I know you really care and all.

I just asked him what he would like to say to the world via my blog, and he said, "I don't know...you can save 20% or more with Geico."

Astounding wit.

"I'm glad to be home, otherwise it would be 8:00 in Portland right now and I'd be waiting for a plane".

Gosh, he's killing me with the snazzy anecdotes.

I'm thinking we'll just have to have a Michael quoting session another day. I'm trying to convince him to do a vlog with me. A video post. I think it would be hilarious. Now, my blog friends...I said it first, so don't go do one tomorrow and beat me to the punch. It takes a while to convince Michael to do anything. It might be months before he gives in. Or never. I'm not that convincing.

No labor day plans right now. Not prepared for a hurricane. Can you tell I'm living for the moment?

Sunday I have a scary thing to do. Major nerves. I'd better wear black pants.

Paisley has picked up some crazy dance moves. She was holding a chair, standing on one foot shaking her head. It was awesome.

Michael is starting to fall asleep. He jerks when he is dozing off. Oh, how I missed him, taking up most of the bed.

Maybe Aidan will do a vlog with me. That kid won't take a still shot, but he loves some vid. Maybe it's the sound of his voice. He's quite taken with it. I should know, he never stops talking. Ever. I'm glad he says funny stuff.

Maybe tomorrow we'll go buy bottled water. In case the lights go out next week.

No laughing matter

I don't feel funny. I have funny stories to tell, but I don't think they'd be funny if I told them.

Not that I'm a naturally funny person, I'm not. But I can usually be sarcastic enough that I get a few chuckles.

So I'm going to wait and post again when I feel funny.

Rather than funny, I feel tired. I haven't slept much in several days. Maybe if I rest, the funny will come back.

blah.

Playdate for Paisley!

My girl is making buddies!

Michael is gone to Oregon again, and this morning, I had scheduled some volunteer time at the church. The sweet lady that usually keeps her when I do that was busy, so I was in a bind. Yesterday at Bible Study, a sweet friend that I'm just getting to know said she'd be glad to keep her. We both have girls the same age! They are a few weeks apart, and just had a wonderful time.

I'm not good at asking for help, but when I do, I'm always so glad I did!

Paiz and Lilah loved the wagon!

I L-O-V-E this picture. Lilah's mom did a great job on this one.

Oh, and Lilah wore a paisley romper in honor of her new friend! Sweet girl.

So this morning was fun for her, and I had a great time too! The kids are loving school. Aidan had an "all about me" poster due today. We made a huge picture collage of, well, him. His teacher liked it a lot.

This is a long trip for Michael. Monday through possibly Friday, and he may not even get back to Jackson until Saturday morning. We've been so busy, it hasn't been bad at all this time. School makes a big difference. Last night we spent time at my parents' house, getting to know the new Recreation minister's wife and girls.

I've been learning and growing constantly. I've also been challenged so much in the last 2 weeks. Without giving details, I was asked to do something I really didn't think I could do. But I'm learning that we are always better than we think we are. God has given us more potential then we will ever even realize here on earth, simply by making us in his image.

I've also learned that when someone thinks I can do something, and voices that to me, that gives me so much encouragement to try! By the encouragement I've received, I'm learning that I must be an encourager too, so that maybe someone else will find the strength to try something they think they couldn't do. Again, my motto is quickly becoming: "We are not blessed so that we can live in our blessedness. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others." That can also mean encouraging, loving, accepting, forgiving, just replace "bless" with one of those words and it can apply to so many things.

I've got tons to do around the house. We haven't been here much, so work is building up around me! I really need to go in my room and do some work in there, but since Michael's been gone, there has been a sleeping child in my room anytime we've been home! Maybe tonight I can reclaim my space!

Name that Tune

Aidan and I went to a birthday party at Pump It Up yesterday. We hardly ever get to be by ourselves to talk and hang out. We laughed and joked on the way over and had a great time at the party (Pump it Up is one of those places that if you don't have fun, it's so your own fault!)

On the way home, we're crossing the Spillway, and I was flipping through the radio. I got to an oldies station and "Lean On Me" was playing. I start singing, "You just call on me brother, when you need a hand...."

After a second or two, I thought I couldn't take anymore, so I changed the station, and Aidan said, "Mama! Go back to that song!" I did. Really, I had only played about 3 or 4 seconds of the song. Apparently he liked what he heard.

He told me, "That's the same guy that sings the song about 'No Sunshine When She's Gone'"!

He was right, but how on earth did he know that?

I asked him if he'd heard "Lean On Me" before and he said "No, but the man's voice is familiar, and I know he sings the sunshine song with all the I knows!"

You know that song..."I know, I know, I know, I know...." It's on during that scene in Notting Hill where Hugh Grant is walking through London and the seasons are changing. One of my favorite movie scenes ever. Aidan's never seen the movie (duh!) but he's heard the soundtrack in the car and he loves that song.

So my buddy can pick out voices within a few seconds. I'm thinking either a career in music, or the FBI.

I told him, "Dude, that's amazing!"

He replied, "Well, I AM very smart!"

And quite humble, I might add.

33 Years

Today is my mama and daddy's anniversary. I've been looking through my files, and this is the only picture I have of them together! That's not because they are never together, it's because when they're together, they're holding hands, and you can't take a pic with one hand! (Well, you can when you're in college and you do that one arm cheese thing, but mom and dad would never do that!)

Anyway, this is at Paisley's baby dedication at Pinelake. I cut Paiz out of the picture, because it's not her anniversary. Another reason they have so few pictures together, is because they are always doing stuff with us. When we're all together, they are playing with the kids. They teach them, laugh with them, and are the greatest grandparents ever.

I'm so glad they got married. For obvious reasons, John Mark and I wouldn't be here without them. But also because their marriage has taught me how to do it right. They show me every day that no matter what life hands you, your relationship with Christ and each other are the most important things. They've been through better and worse, richer and poorer, sickness and health. They've loved and cherished, they've prayed and encouraged. They laugh a lot. They never turn down an opportunity for fun. They spend Saturdays "knockin' around town" and just hanging out. They are my inspiration and I just can't imagine belonging to greater people.

I hope they enjoy their day. I know they enjoy their life. They both work so hard, and understand what each other needs when they are so worn out. Today they're spending the day together, going to Williamsville and having fun together. They are best friends.

My daddy has told me all my life that if I turn out half as good as mama, then I'll be doing well. Mama has told me that if I married someone half as good as daddy then I'll be set for life. It is wonderful to know they love each other like that.

Happy Anniversary you guys. You deserve everything good in this life. The greatest part is that you will receive so much more in the next. Thanks for being who you are. I love you so much.

Happy Days are Here Again

"The skies above are clear again..."

I realized today that my mad wore off days ago, but I haven't updated, so for all you know, I'm still seething and punching holes in the wall. Definitely not the case. By Wednesday, I was snuggled on the couch with a big glass of milk, a carton of Pillsbury vanilla icing and a spoon, and a very happy heart.

Wednesday night, on the way to church, Aidan entertained us all by telling us a story about his robot named Skip. The kid could be a screenwriter. He delivered a very detailed, hilarious story about the adventures of this robot. Whenever he paused, Molly would pipe up, "tell us the next epithode!"

Tonight at bedtime, I was singing "You are awesome in this place, mighty God" to Molly. She lifted her head and said, "what does mighty mean?" I told her it meant strong and powerful. She said she hopes she can be mighty when she grows up. Mighty Molly. It has a ring.

Tomorrow, Michael's dad is coming over and they will spend the day replacing almost EVERY light fixture and fan in the house. This is the first major step to getting our house ready to sell. I've wanted new lights forever, so I'm excited.

Michael found out yesterday that he has to spend all of next week in Oregon. I don't have much to say about that, except that I miss him so much when he's gone. He worked so hard this summer, with no vacation. He took 2 days off and ended up working most of that time. He does so much for his job, and for us. I know there are so many things he'd love to be doing for himself, but he dedicates most of his time to meeting the needs of others. I know I don't show him enough how much I appreciate it. He's an incredible person. Right now, he's working on de-bugging my computer, and then will be up late doing office work. He will get virtually no weekend, and then be at the airport by 4 Monday morning. Just thinking about all of that reminds me of how selfish I can be. I don't know that I could do that with the attitude he has.

Paisley has really enjoyed having mama to herself in the mornings. She still refuses to say much, she knows the kids will talk for her. But she can point at all her parts, and make a stack of 4 blocks. She has really gotten into dancing and knows the moves to the chicken dance. I'll have to post a video soon. She follows me around and giggles all morning.

On the Olympic scene...here are my recent thoughts. I miss watching Phelps.

Nastia Liukin was wonderful to watch, and I seriously thought she was about 6 feet tall. I read the other day she's 5 feet, 3 inches. Sweet little Shawn Johnson is 4 feet, 9 inches. Those are some little bitty gymnasts!

My next favorite event is the diving. There's just something about watching a guy in a speedo standing 33 feet in the air on his hands, trying not to splash when he hits the water. Maybe it brings back all the times my mom and I talked about Greg Louganis and how cute he was.

I'm running out of thoughts, so I'll leave you with this pic of Molly. This is Michael's picture for his fantasy football team, so in honor of the season starting...

The Important Things

I read and reread my last post a hundred times, before and after I hit "publish". The biggest stress about keeping a blog, for me, is the constant making sure that I am not misunderstood.

The most important people to me are my family. Yes, we have "off" days, everybody does. But I would never write anything about them that wasn't positive. They are wonderful people that I would do anything for.

I would never write negatively about my family, or my friends on the blog. Personal relationships are personal.

My last post was just a chance to deal with the courtesy of answering questions. The fact that I was angry was just a set up for the main idea. I was working with what I had, which wasn't much!

Now...as long as we're all clear...I can go give my sweet baby her Spaghettios!

What was the question?

Yesterday, I sent an email asking a simple question. It required a yes or no answer.

The response I received was callous, and wasn't really the answer to my question. It made me mad.

Now, I get over mads pretty quickly. I am always aware of what I might have done wrong, and I have no problem admitting when something is my fault. But this situation...I didn't do anything.

So I'm still mad.

It's not that I got an answer I didn't like. It's more that I don't understand the motive behind the answer. And the answer had nothing to do with my question.

This is a major peeve of mine. If I ask a question, I want the answer to THAT question. I saw this demonstrated on television the other night. Michael and I were watching Rick Warren of Saddleback Church interview the presidential candidates. I have had major issues with both of them, and really was glad to see them in that setting, being interviewed by a man I respect and trust, on issues I care deeply about.

The first major thing I noticed is that Obama didn't answer the questions as they were asked. He rephrased the question so he could answer in a way that was beneficial to him. When asked when does a baby receive rights, he never gave an answer. He changed it to, how can we prevent a high number of abortions? That was not the question.

This is not a post about politics. However, the example was there and I used it.

When I am asked a question, it's my responsibility to the asker to give an answer. If it's one they don't like, then we'll deal with that. I have to own up to my beliefs, and give it to people straight. Jesus had to give a lot of answers people didn't want to hear. But he never faltered, or turned the question around. "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no," he said.

I'm still mad. But I'm working through it. I may never understand here on earth why people think the way they do. But my job is not to understand, it's to forgive. So while I process forgiveness in my heart, pray for me.

When Bad Outfits happen to Good Kids!

The following pictures are of Molly. These are old pictures, circa 2007. She was 2 years old in most of them, and on these days, allowed to dress herself. I apparently was not home, or busy being pregnant with Paisley.

Now you know what happens when I leave Michael to "make it work"!

Fishing pole accessory not included.

Backward shorts and princess slippers.

There is no caption witty enough.

She actually looks happy to be wearing this. Of course, she's not wearing pants, but I've cropped out most of that part.

So here she is...my precious girl. There are other pictures, like the one in a helmet and kneepads in her panties, but I can't put that on the blog. I do have some sense of decorum. (But not much!)

My brother and I talked on the phone yesterday, which is always a highlight of my day. I talked to Sharon too, and picked her brain on behavior modification (she's a genius), but then JM wanted to tell me about this show on Style network. We don't have cable, so I had never seen it. It's called How Do I Look? and apparently it's somewhat like What Not To Wear.

So this lady was put on the show by a well-meaning, although very short-sighted friend. Apparently (and I haven't seen it, so I could be off here on the facts) the lady was a cancer survivor. After a close brush with the end of her life, she decided she no longer would try to impress people and care what they thought. She began to wear what she wanted, without heeding any fashion trends or advice. She was fully making the most out of the time God has given her on this earth and really didn't give a flip about what people thought.

But the other lady, and I hesitate to call her a friend, just insisted that she needed to look better, and put her on the show.

Since I didn't see the show, I can't write about what happened, but my brother was appalled and while he was relaying the story to me, I was pretty disgusted myself.

Just this week, we heard the story from Beijing about the little girl who sang the solo during the Opening Ceremony, but the girl we actually saw was lip-synching to another girl's voice. The singer was not deemed "perfect" enough, so she had to stand behind a screen while the rosy-cheeked doll faced child got to move her mouth on television.

Both of these stories hit a nerve with me. At 31 years old, I still find myself struggling with appearance issues. I wonder if it will ever stop, or if that's just part of being a girl. I don't know. But before I leave the house I do a pretty critical inspection of myself and as long as I'm not embarrassing my family, then I'll go on with my life. But I've been through glasses, braces, Accutane, the freshman 20, funky arms and legs, post-baby weight, and just plain bad fashion sense and have still managed to have a great life, due to the fact that nobody that really loves me insists that I be perfect.

There are days when I look and feel like a "before" picture. On those days, I put on a crown with my girls and we sing "Bibbity-bobbity-boo" and turn ourselves into royalty. I tell Molly that God sees her like that all the time. I laugh at these pictures because my girl has so much confidence that God sees her as a princess, she really doesn't give a rip how others see her.

Sometimes what we teach our kids are lessons we need to learn ourselves.

Fast post, but not as phast as Phelps...

It's 20 minutes till 11:00. How on earth are little girls supposed to have dreams of being the next Nastia Liukin if they don't show the gymnastics until after bedtime?
I'm okay with pretaping...they could show us tomorrow night at 7.

Molly will just have to settle for YouTube. Which is what we did all afternoon, watching Hannah Montana videos.

"Everybody makes mistakes, everybody has those days"...

The Peanut Gallery

Nastia is on the beam...I'm a nervous wreck. The peanuts are long gone. They barely made it through Phelps' first medal of the evening.

I can't watch another interview with Bela Karyoli (is that how you spell it?) He is like a cartoon. Great, great man, but just a little too much.

Did anyone hear the announcer talk about the Chinese girl that entered gymnastic camp at age 3, saw her parents maybe once a year, then called and said she wanted to come home and they wouldn't let her. It was too important to the family. Maybe that's why the girls never smile. Either that, or those hair clips are pulled just a bit tight.

These gymnasts have some painful looking hairdos.

I like Shawn Johnson. If my body were that small, I could flip it around like that, too.

Michael Phelps almost flashed us again. Those suits are either really tight and restricting, or he just is proud of what 5 hours a day of swimming does to your body.

Speaking of appearances...swim caps look good on nobody. And what's up with the goggle marks on Katie Hoff's eyebrows? I'm just saying what you all are thinking.

Marta is comforting Alicia Macaroni. I'm not being rude, I just can't remember her last name. That's got to be so hard, falling during a floor routine. Then having a camera in your face while you're waiting for a score you'll hate. Sacramone, that's her name.

Nastia is great, but her dad makes me nervous. He's quite the overbearing one.

Team USA is finished with the rotations.

No matter how many times they show commercials for the new Christian Slater show, I won't watch it.

I found out tonight that Michael has to go to work early and I have to drop the kids off. That's always my time to show the teachers just how awful I can look. It's quite impressive, really.

Oh, there's Bela. Again.

I just cannot believe the Chinese gymnasts are 16 years old. This girl is no more than 9.

Molly asked me tonight why they were still in China. I told her the whole Olympics would be in China, and then when she's 7, they'd be in London, England. She said, "Am I going to be in the gymastics in those Olympics, Mom?" I told her no, that you had to be 16. She told me she wished she could be 16 so she could do gymastics at the Olympics. I told her if she worked hard, she could do it. For her sake, I wish I could put a lot of faith behind those words, but I'm too much of a realist. Luckily, she turned her attention to the synchronized diving and became instantly enamored of the purple bathing suits worn by Mexico. She said that she had to have one. I will buy the girl a Speedo suit, and take her to gymnastics class, if she will continue to dream.

Michael Phelps

Just thought I'd use the most popular name on earth right now as my title, because, really, who's NOT talking about him? Also, when people Google him, my blog will show up somewhere. Maybe Istanbul will show up again.

We've got a lot going on, but so does everybody. It's a busy time. I always loved the beginning of school. I loved new school supplies, new clothes, new friends, new boys to talk about. My kids are telling me nothing. They come home from their first 2 days with NO information whatsoever. The conversations go like this:

me: How was the day?
them: good.
me: Tell me one good thing that happened today!
them: don't remember.
Aidan: I got 3 stars and got a treat!
me: GREAT! What for?
Aidan: because I'm great at school, mama.

I don't know if he helped out, answered a question, stood on his head. He gives me nothing to work with.

So, since my children don't help me out creatively here...I've got some random stuff in my head that I have to get out.

Michael Phelps is the fastest swimmer. Ever. But you know that.
But why does he wear his swimsuit so low? It made me nervous during the 4x100 relay and he was all excited. Pretty sure he doesn't get a medal for exposure.

I wish, one time, a swimmer would get up there with body hair. Like, "oops! Forgot my razor!" That'd be awesome.

A gymnastic team that is more than okay with a bronze medal is more than okay with me. I love those US guys. They were a great display of teamwork, encouragement and pride (the good kind).

Seeing all the views of China and Beijing makes me want to go there.

The synchronized diving last night? That's so cool. But wouldn't it be funny if the guys got in a fight before the event, and one dude decides to do a big can opener off the platform?

I watched white water kayaking today. The white water looks amazing. But being strapped into that kayak, where you look like you have no lower body, scares me to death. Makes my toes claustrophobic.

The story about the Italian girl swimmer who is dating the French girl swimmer's ex-boyfriend? There's some Olympic drama for ya. After the dramatic clip about all that, French girl could have dog paddled through the pool in the wrong lane and everyone would still have cheered for her. Including me.

Enough of the Olympics...

I've started using a new makeup. I LOVE it. It's that Bare Minerals stuff, and I'm just addicted. I don't know if it's the actual powders I like, or is it the big fluffy brush? That's pretty fun, floofing that thing all over my face. I've been really timid with the Warmth/Bronzer stuff. I'm so afraid of overdoing it and looking like Tara Reid.

Molly is crawling all over me wanting to play on the computer. I guess I'd better give it up for now. Women's gymnastics and 2 medal races for Phelps tonight. I bought green peanuts to boil just for the occasion (if anyone wants to watch with us...you're welcome to, but the peanuts are MINE.)

And off they go...

We had a great summer. I was scared to death in the middle of May, when dance class was over, swim lessons hadn't started yet, and I was faced with about 12 weeks of entertaining the troops. My fears were temporary, and we had a blast during this last summer before Aidan's official school career began.

This morning, Molly woke up in our bed (nobody remembers how she got there) saying, "First Day Of School, First Day Of School!" in her best "Nemo" voice. They got dressed without complaint (I let Molly choose between 2 outfits, normally she hates this one, but she doesn't hate it as bad as the other one!), ate breakfasts of dry FrootLoops or oatmeal and jumped in the truck with Dad. Before they left, this is the pose they gave me.


I don't know if Molly is going to K3, or hip hop class. Check out that stance. There are no words for Aidan.

Paiz missed the big kids today. But she was so ready for some undivided attention. She ate all morning. No kidding, she never stopped eating. Cheese, goldfish, applesauce, hotdogs, sweet tea, graham crackers...I'm raising such a healthy child.

The goodbye kiss that brought tears to Paisley's eyes...seriously, it hurt!

This was at a birthday party this weekend. I thought it was sweet, and very fitting of their relationship. I don't even want to think about how Molly will respond next year when he's at big school. He'll be unfazed, but the girls and I will be in pieces. We love our Aidan. He came home from school today telling me that he just loves going to school. I'm so glad. He is so friendly, and speaks to all the other kids, regardless of whether they speak in return. He was the class clown last year and cracked his teacher up. I'm not sure if the new teacher this year will feel the same, but I hope he endears himself to her anyway!

As for Paiz and me, the homeys, we watched the Olympics, folded towels, picked up toys, snacked, and got reaquainted. She learned to click her tongue, and walk up the stairs on her feet, not her knees! (don't worry Mama, she held onto the rails tightly!)

My heart is full...these kids are awesome.

Can I take a 16 day hiatus?

Nah...I'm sure I'll have way too much to say between now and then, but be aware that my attention is in Beijing. Pretty much all day long.

The Olympics are a big deal around here. I've always been completely fascinated and awed by Olympic sports. I love geography and world trivia, so I love the ceremony, with Bob Costas delivering interesting facts about countries I have never heard of. Last night, I enjoyed learning about nations such as Tuvalu, an 8 square mile island in the Pacific.

I was blown away by the lighting of the cauldron. I hope nobody ever tops that.

My favorite thing about the Olympics is the stories. I have cried all day thinking about the 9 year old boy who saved himself and 2 friends from the rubble during the recent earthquake in China. Seeing him revered as a hero, walking next to Yao Ming, was a major tearjerker.

**I've been trying to compose this post for several minutes now. Usually words are not a problem. I love the Olympics. I love what it stands for, and the honor a medal brings to a nation. I'm not sure I can put into words how much fun watching the competition is for me and my family.

So I'll just say this, as I get ready to watch Dara Torres swim...

I was really struck last night during the parade of nations at the USA athletes. Our country is so young, and so diverse. I felt very blessed to be part of a country composed of so many colors and cultures. Other countries are their own culture, and that's wonderful. They shape what is wonderful about the world. But America is a perfect blend of all that's good about this planet Earth that we live on.

And Jesus died for every person alive. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Inside we all have the same need for love, forgiveness, peace and joy, and He died so we can all have it. I was so overwhelmed last night, watching the parade in a stadium of 91000, plus the athletes and performers. God loves every single one of them, and blessed them with amazing talent. He is the same God that cares about where my kids are going to school. I just don't know that I'll ever get over it. Inside we are all the same, and we all need Jesus.

He's better than a gold.

Like I need one more distraction...

I got a sitemeter.

I've wondered how people knew who was visiting their blogs...so I asked my friend Nicki, and she told me to install Sitemeter.

Now there's pressure.

I check the meter after an hour...12 hits. 3 hours, over 30 hits. By tonight, over 50. 4 of them were from other countries! I don't know if some guy in El Salvador cares about my kids or my opinions, but he's welcome here anyway. I know all of you have one and are so over it, but I'm really having to deal now.

Knowing some of you come by and see me every day, I feel like I must write all the time. It's like always having sweet tea in the fridge, just in case someone comes by.

Maybe I'm freaking out because I can go DAYS with no emails, phone calls, texts or facebook messages. So to find out 50 people have been to the blog...I have to step it up.

I'm going to have to start carrying a notepad, so I won't forget the funny stuff I can report on.

Or not.

I'm going to be over this by tomorrow, and you'll still have to wait till Michael goes out of town again to get new information.

Speaking of...he just called...will be home momentarily...and I have to say that if he calls me again with the windows down, I may just hang up the phone. I hate that sound.

Goodnight folks...and you in El Salvador, Buenos noches.

Aidan runs from the camera...

So I have to take pictures of those who will let me. To quote my friend Carrie, "I take pictures of what I see. What I see is my children. Oh well, at least they're cute."

Paiz loves to get under a blanket, sheet, whatever. We don't even have to be in the room. I've walked in the living room and found a breathing lump in the floor.

Those hands probably aren't clean...notice the chalk on the ground.

Molly only wears pants in public. We're working with her. She's in a 12 step pants program, which is weird, because it only takes 2 steps to put your pants on.

Just because...

This was before church Sunday. Paiz kept the bow in for 30 minutes, I was so proud.

This picture may not look like much...until you see that grin sticking out from under the sheet. I think she looks a bit like the emperor on Return of the Jedi.

"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters...."

That grin will get her anything. And she knows it.

So Umpressed

The kids are watching Sesame Street. I'm doing my daily peruse of the internet, and was on CWDKids.com, and Aidan made a mad dash to the dining room where I am, and said "MOM!! Come see this! You will be so UMPRESSED!"

I finished my quick once-over of an outfit I'm considering for the girls and strolled into the living room, with him yelling, "This is so awesome!"

Musician John Legend was sitting at a piano singing a great little song about singing a song. I said, "Oh! That's John Legend. He's really talented! Watch him play piano, Aidan." and I was about to start waxing eloquent about the value of practice. Aidan said "No, Mama! Not him, look! It's Mr. Hoots!!" Mr. Hoots is the gravelly-voiced, saxophone playing, jazz singing owl on Sesame Street.

And I thought he was impressed by the HUMAN. Silly me.

Read my mind

In the 6 months I've been blogging, I find myself thinking blog posts. When something happens, I process it by thinking about how I would write it. Unfortunately, my life is so crazy that I forget all of the bright, witty anecdotes that I have composed in my mind and end up writing snoozy "what's happening in my family" posts that would put even my sweet mother to sleep.

Right now, my son Aidan is hanging his build-a-bear Teddy, dressed in a Spiderman suit, by a jump rope hanging from the top of our staircase. He says he's building a web. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

Molly is, right now, being quite bossy and telling Aidan he has to come play in her room. It's taken her so long to stand up to him, I'm not going to correct the bossiness. Pick your battles, that's what I say.

Paisley is asleep, after a long, arduous attempt at getting her there.

You see why I don't want to give a daily report? It's not an exciting life. Fun, fulfilling, hilarious at times, but hardly Pulitzer worthy.

So...moving away from the antics of my offspring...

I went to Northpark mall last week. The kids were with Maddie, and I was out browsing and using gift card money that I should have saved for fall clothes.

As I was walking through the upper level, I had the thought, "Gosh, I haven't been in Victoria's Secret in years!" So I turned right and found myself among overpriced lingerie and really not cute sleepwear. Sorry for you fans, but I refuse to wear the word Pink on my butt. Or any word, for that matter. It brings back memories of a church camp I attended at Baylor University. One girl, bless her, bought a pair of Soffe shorts from the campus store that said Baylor on the rear end. She would wear them and guys would walk behind her and chant, "Bay!" "Lor!" with each step. I made my decision to swear off writing on the posterior.

Anyhoo...back to VS. It was morning, so the store was mostly empty, except for this girl...and her boyfriend. Now, I've said before, if you don't want to read my opinions on stuff, you don't have to, but I'd advise you to stop here.

This little couple looked about 18. Great looking almost-adults. Men in VS make me nervous anyway, but I always hope that they're just checking out the sleepshirts or fragrances. No. This cute chica was looking at bras, and handing the ones she liked to her boyfriend. I noticed this, it made me a little uncomfortable, but as the day went on, I found myself getting frustrated. Not at them, goodness, I don't know them!

I was frustrated because of the obvious nonchalance toward intimacy they showed just by being in there, and even more so by shopping for her underwear together. I mean, why don't they just wear a sign that tells everyone "Hey! We've seen each other in our skivvies, and we're here to spread the word!" (I love the word skivvies...we should use it more often).

As a parent, you know the message this sends to everyone. We're doing what we want, and don't care if you know. And even if they aren't...men, guys, boys, are created to be visual creatures. This is not new information. If you hand a guy a bra on the rack in VS, he's going to picture a girl in it. Not to mention the posters on the wall in the store are enough to overstimulate any healthy, red-blooded male.

This is not a post on True Love Waits (although it does, and should, I think.) I am overwhelmed with the permissiveness we allow ourselves and especially our teenagers. I read somewhere a comment made by someone that said, "abstinence doesn't work. kids will do it anyway. prevention is the only solution." Why is this? Why do we think they'll do it anyway? Maybe if we spent the time with our kids that they need so desperately, and not just give them the things they want, they wouldn't go looking for their emotional needs to be met outside the home.

I hope this was read knowing the intention with which I wrote it. I don't mean to preach, but I feel so strongly about the lack of morals in the world where my children will grow up. I feel as a parent like it's my job not only to teach them what God says is right and wrong, but to speak up about our society from a Christian's standpoint. In other words, call a spade a spade.

I daily struggle with sin in my life, and have to claim the line in the song we sang at church yesterday, "But by the power of Christ, I stand." I am not a loveless old church lady who points a finger at people who sin with 3 fingers pointing back at her. I am just a parent who cares deeply about her kids, a wife who knows the value of doing it God's way, and a child of God who knows how far his grace can reach.

I waited. God has blessed. But I still have regrets. I pray that couple in the store doesn't have regrets one day. God's plan is always best. His forgiveness is all-encompassing. His grace is sufficient. His mercy is everlasting. His love is perfect.