From Rachael's 5th Birthday Party

And some of you say that she's never shy!

God, the Donut...update

For those of you counting on going down to Krispy Kreme for a worship rally tomorrow, I am sorry to report God is NOT a donut! Yes, I know. None of you agreed with Thomas. But I just want to clarify so as not to wage a holy war against some innocent pastry-craving citizen!

Thomas' preschool teacher, Mrs. Michelle, came out to explain we all have a God-shaped hole in our middle that only Jesus can fill up! Hence, the "God is a donut" comment from my son last week.

Being Thankful

I have so much in my life to be thankful for. It's rare that I actually take the time to say it though. This past Wednesday I was so encouraged by a friend I haven't seen in years! She was my English teacher in High School. Her name is Jackie Earnest, and she is a remarkable woman. Nothing is really extraordinary about her to most, but she changed my life. Her constant encouragement and compassion made me believe I might be able to actually succeed in life. In my college years when I found myself in a slump, I could think of her and suddenly I had the energy to refocus and keep going. At my first art show in 2007, I was nervously greeting people and hoping my work would not disappoint when I looked up and saw Mrs. E. with her arms outstretched to embrace me! I can't describe the rush of joy I felt! This is just one example of the kind of impact this woman made in my life. I tell you this story to illustrate how much the Lord takes care of my heart. I was on cloud nine after our lunch meeting and carried that feeling throughout the rest of the day and church that evening. As soon as I walked in the door from church, the phone rang. It was my step-mom calling from the emergency room. Something was wrong with Daddy's heart...

Most all of you are on facebook or get my e-mails. So the rest is history. But I just wanted to share my gratitude this evening; thankful to my God for lifting me up and giving me the constancy of support and love I've always known from Mrs. E. before the storm hit that night. As Heather Little used to say, "Thank, Big G.!"

HOT NOW!

So I'm a little concerned. My son just informed me a moment ago that in chapel today Ms. Alice (the pre-school director)said that God is a doughnut.

(long pause in thought inserted here)

Wow.

What do you say to that?

Can't wait to see Ms. Alice on Wednesday and get the full scoop! :)

I suddenly feel the need for a Krispy Kreme run!

A Little Hair Here, A Little Hair There

Have I ever told you about the time Rachael cut her own hair? I'm convinced every child must at least experiment with this. I know I did as a kid (gave myself pumpkin teeth on my bangs!). I was hoping to skip this part of parenting, but alas, last August it hit suddenly as I was feeling "relieved" in my bathroom.

You can imagine, I'm sure, this scene as I was "seated" in the lavatory (no, as a mother, you NEVER have any privacy):
RACH: Mom! I need to come in!
ME: No, you can wait until I come out.
RACH: No! I need to show you someping (and yes, I spelled this correctly if we're going phonetically here).
ME: No, you need to wait!
RACH: But Mom, I cut my hair and I need to show you!
ME: (silence)
RACH: Mom!! Please can I come in! (she enters during my silence at this point)
RACHAEL COMES IN TWIRLING AND RUNNING HER FINGERS THROUGH HER CHOPPED UP HAIR
ME: Wow, Rachael. You DID cut your hair.
RACH: Brudder helped! I cut my hair, then Brudder cut my hair, then I cut my hair, then Brudder cut my hair...

You get the picture. She was so proud of her creation and Thomas' cooperation that I was just speechless. The pictures say it all. So much for Bathroom Breaks! I don't think I've had one since then and it's been over a year! By the way, to add insult to emotional injury... When I found a really long thick strand, I put one end in some glue and let it dry so we would always remember how beautiful and long it was. It stays in my jewelry box on my dresser...well, it did. The insult? Recently I discovered that Miss Scissor-Happy has cut off and discarded all of that hair also...right up to the glue nub!

Too Much of a Good Thing

I've always thought Dora and Diego were good influences...helping my children to become slightly bilingual. However, I am beginning to think I may have allowed serious confusion to occur instead.

This morning as I was cleaning out a closet, I heard my son responding excitedly to Diego (Dora's cousin for those of you without preschoolers). And then I really started listening to what was being said:

Diego: "Say amarillo!"
Thomas: "a home we go!"
Diego: "Now say rojo!"
Thomas: "Blow Hole!"

Indeed, too much of a good thing!