Out of the mouth of babes..

Tonight I heard something really funny I must share...

From a newly 7yr old:

"I need a big bowl of chips and some whack-a-moleee!"

From the 3yr old:

"My no like mack-a-moleee"

From the 19mth old:

"Snack!!! I want that!"

To translate:
We were munching on some chips & guacamole before dinner tonight. Such funny kids!

Merry Christmas

Hope you have a wonderful day & and even more blessed 2009!!!



Last, but never least...
Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

~Love, The Flaigs

Another year older!!

Hannah had a great birthday party on Sat. then some yummy pie & ice cream c/o Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen on her birthday-day. It sure has been a wonderful 7yrs of mommy-hood!

Couldn't think of a clever title

Well, I'm feeling better for the most parts, thanks! My voice is mostly back, much to the kids dismay. Half the time I couldn't tell if they couldn't hear me or if they were just pretending, hubby included. =)

So, I took this morning off (stayed in bed) while the kids ran around crazy. One was playing video games or sulking b/c she was bored, one tried to watch Jurassic Park & eat cheese all day, & the littlest ran around w/out her poopy diaper on w/ a candy cane in her mouth. Yes, that is the kind of mom I am.

I did redeem myself later by doing 1 load each of laundry & dishes. =) Then my sisters came over w/ more kids & I took Christmas pics of the baby boys in all their new gear. That was fun, but my back is killing me now. Go fig!

Here is a sneak preview...click to enlarge

You touch this candy cane & somebody gets hurt!
- Cael, Jules' little boy



Why didn't y'all tell me I could shoot poke my eye out?
- Aaron, Shawna's son



Aren't they adorable!!! Gonna go get on the heating pad now. You think you can have sympathy pains for yourself 7yrs later? Today, 7yrs ago, I was 2 days overdue w/ Hannah Banana. My back feels the same right about now. Good night! =)

Flashback Friday

What?
It's December you say?
Already?
Yep, that must be why we are sick.
No kidding! Again.

*sigh* It's like deja vu. Josie had the bark, then the fever, Livvy had it, now I have it. I feel like I'm back in Newport


That's us. =( Only I wish I had the sun on my face.

But we are on the mend! No doubt, we have a lot going on & must regain some normalcy/energy here. So, since we get sick every single December, I am reconsidering my take on the flu shot. Perhaps we can give it a try, next year. Do you have any thoughts or comments on it? Is it true once you have one you will need one every year from then on? I don't trust all common medicine/ vaccinations, though my kids get most, so I am still on the fence.

So on to the Flashback... I have recently aquired a huge & cute old picture of me! Proof that one daughter (Alivia) looks like me! Not Casey, not Josie - so much, but Me!




If you don't see the resemblance, that's okay. I will *try* to get a pic of Liv today so you can really see it. Meanwhile, I have a Christmas breakfast in the morning, company tomorrow (which means tons of cleaning), & some more dryer parts to order (whirlpool hates me!) Don't think for a second that the "real meaning" of Christmas has escaped me, or my house. Nope, after Casey's birthday (Sat.) & Hannah's birthday (Tues.), it is our wonderful Jesus' birthday on Thursday!! Merry Christmas!!!

Flashback Friday - 5yrs ago

Five years ago today, Casey, Hannah, & I were living in Portland, Oregon. I woke up that morning with a strange need to call my sister, Shawna. No, we are not twins, but I just knew something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Apparently they had been trying to get a hold of me all morning (they were on the east coast.) My brother, Shawna's husband Jarrod, who was serving in Iraq, had been killed.

It was two days shy of their 1 year wedding anniversary. Just a couple weeks before, Shawna found out she was having their first daughter. To say the least, we were devastated. Casey was the first in our family to meet Jarrod. They were in training together at Ft. Knox, & they were good buddies. We introduced him to Shawna, & they hit it off right away. He loved Hannah so much, & we love his boys Jason & Jacob. What a great man. He had his flaws, we all do, but we accepted him into our family with love. Just as we welcomed his daughter 5 months after his death.

You see, I have always proudly watched my dad serve in the Army (since before I was born), but I was never scared for him. He was invincible in my mind. I guess I thought of Jarrod (& Casey) that way too. So when something like this hits home, it hits hard. Anyways, I could say a lot more, but I have tons to do, but can't afford to cry the whole day away (though I could.) So, please say a prayer for our soldiers (past & present), their families, their children, not just holidays, but everyday. Also, I am going to be looking up some good links for Christmas gifts/cards for soldiers if anyone wants to contribute with me. I know their are some families struggling, even veterans who could use our help, or maybe just a simple card to let them know we care this Christmas season.


Thanksgiving 2002


2003






Sheridan on her 4th birthday.


God Bless!

http://www.militarytimes.com/honor/257000.html
http://www.geocities.com/shawnaleigh2002/always_remember.html
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/blackjarrodw.html

Less-Words Wednesday

10 donated inches later....






Since I have been such a lazy blogger, here's another!

This is so cool!

Once more, I find myself sick & bored. Housecleaning & laundry will have to wait, I don't have enough energy to even attempt it. I think I will save it all for Wednesday, afterall even if I clean it now the kids will surely mess it up before Thursday's crowd. Did I mention I am hosting my first family Thanksgiving at my house?

Anyways, the cool thing...I found this website. You just copy & paste the link to your blog & voila they analyze your writing style. Mine seems pretty right-on!

ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

I must say, I loooove things that smell good, I think I am pretty friendly, I hate arguments, & I do exhaust myself frequently. Wow, all that from my few posts? There was also an analysis that shows what parts of my brain were dominant while writing. Mostly the sensing, order, details parts, which if you know me & my firstborn tendency of perfectionism, you know is accurate. Feeling & spiritually were also high on the list. All in all, pretty cool!

Less-Words Wednesday

Yes, I'm a geek! Just like all those millions of people out there, I am a "Twilighter", "Fanpire", whatever you would like to call it. =)





Got my tickets for Saturday, woohoo!

Did you know?

JOSIE
....loves fruit & veggies, but also enjoys meat (ham, hotdogs, bologna) & cheese (especially american)
....dislikes bread (buns, rolls, biscuits) but could eat tons of rice & noodles
....is impervious to all discipline tactics
....could be called stubborn & aloof
....loves hugs & taking care of her momma
....has a very girly sense of style, loves to dress-up
....dislikes basketball (maybe more sports too)
....should be my tallest kid
....is an awful room cleaner, but a wonderful room messer-upper
....loves to chew on everything, mostly her hair now
....never stops talking, but doesn't care to sing
....could play pretend & dance all day
....loves to sleep in very little w/ no blanket (any season)
....looks just like her daddy!


ALIVIA
....has always been the runt
....took over Josie's nickname "Tornado" b/c she gets into more stuff than the other two ever did, combined!
....loves peanut butter, plums, pancakes, chocolate, cake & cupcakes
....will not eat her meal if she tries dessert first (or even sees it nearby)
....is potty training, of her own free-will.
....is smarter than she should be
....says "thank you", but thinks "please" sounds like stomping
....loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & would wear it all the time
....adores being read to, she is a great listener
....hardly ever sits still, dancing is her favorite
....loves all kinds of music, especially her own
....would rather be naked than wear clothes, but must sleep on her belly w/ a blanket
....looks just like her mommy!


HANNAH
....dislikes tomatoes, mexican food, & lots of veggies
....loves chinese food & bread
....was not "made in the USA"
....is a sensational reader (especially to her little sisters)
....could watch tv all day if I let her
....loves electronics & gadgets (PC, DS, MP3)
....can sing very well, but she is shy
....is very good at basketball, but not very aggresive
....is moody, thinks life is unfair, always has a comeback
....loves to clean & please
....is great at math, interested in science
....is always complimented on her looks
....has always been a perfect mix of Casey & I

I could go on all day! This is a little get-to-know-my-kids, but also a record to show them later on & see how they have changed. No two (or three) kids are alike, that is for sure!

Hmmm...

I found this on another blog & it really struck me. I am not a Letterman fan, but I used to watch those shows when I could enjoy late-night tv. What he says really rings true. I am so spoiled & so many times I don't realize it. It makes being Thankful this Thanksgiving mean so much more.

.......................................

Not his typical top 10

No matter what your political views are, I think everyone can take a lesson away from this article by David Letterman.

What a thankless people we are!!!
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Oceanwithout having to present identification papers as we move through each state.

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/ 11? Th e president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been
called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused
you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.
There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way...... Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek , and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God
several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure
this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
-David Letterman

Veteran's Day

There are so many veterans who have given up their lives for us, not just in dying, but also in living. I want to honor all with my gratefulness & prayers. I thank God for each & every one of you & you for your service to this country. I'm afraid if I get any sappier, I will cry again. I don't have a bunch of pics of "my veterans" to share, there are quite a few in my family, but I leave you with two that I am very proud of.





It is the veteran, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion,

It is the veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press,

It is the veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech,

It is the veteran, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble,

It is the veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trail,

It is the veteran, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote,

It is you, whom we owe much,
We will never forget you.




Have a blessed Veteran's Day & enjoy your freedom!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

WARNING: THIS SONG WILL MAKE YOU CRY!
Well, maybe not for everyone, but a lot of you all know of our loss back in Dec. 03.

Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood

I can't embed the song, but it is definitely a must hear. I heard it for the 1st time today in the car. Luckily, I was parked, otherwise I wouldn't have seen the road for the tears.

I hope you are soaring w/ the angels Jarrod! =)

Thankful Thursday!!!

Thank you God...for a new BIG baby to love on!!!

My newest nephew, Cael Christopher was born Oct. 29, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. He was born after a very long labor. He measured in at a whopping 9lbs 3oz & 21in. long. Both mom & baby are doing fine. Aunt Tara is pretty excited as well, she got to hold a leg, cut the cord, & take pics! Very soon Cael will be spending lots of time w/ his big girl cousins!

Check him out!

Been MIA

I guess since I poured my heart out, I just haven't had much to say. Nothing much going on, just staying busy busy. We are awaiting the arrival of my second nephew Cael, so I am on my toes for that (any day now kid! =) The kids have lots of fun Fall stuff going on. Josie & Hannah just began basketball practice, Josie is my passer, Hannah my shooter. I can't wait for the 1st games of the season! Liv is kinda-sorta potty training. She is definitely interested & is successful in going once every other day. It's a great start!

I love that each of my girls are so very different, but I find I have to take a different parenting approach to each one. It's exhausting, to say the least. Many of you all have heard me mention that Hannah has a big ol' attitude, but she is also really lovey & cuddly. Josie is very very stubborn, but she is also hilarious, either way she can make you cry. Liv is the baby, very spoiled, very aggressive, but too cute to be mad at for long. I love them!

Pics tomorrow!

The month of October

Many of y'all don't know this about me...but I really want to tell my story.

I lost my 1st child at 10wks gestation in Oct. 1999.

I lost my second at 6wks in Jan. 2001.

I lost my 3rd at 9wks, missing twin. I carried his/her sister full-term. Hannah is six (born Dec. 2001).

I lost my 5th child at 6wks in July 2004.

Dec 2004, an ER doctor told I was losing my 6th child at 12wks, but after many many weeks of bedrest Josie was born healthy at 39wks. She is 3yrs old (July05).

Alivia, my 7th child, is 17mths (May07), born healthy at 38wks.

I can't wait to hold all my little babies in heaven, but for now I cherish the ones God has given me. God is good!

Maybe someday He will give me one more??? =)

If you visit Angie's Bring The Rain you can read all about her story (& Audrey's) & post your own, or just pray for other women who have lost a child(ren) as well.

Silly Sunday & Story

The other night I had a horrible dream that Casey passed away in his sleep. My heart was shattered & I woke up very shaken. It took me a long time to fall back asleep. The dream was too real & too long. I have since tried not to think about that dream, but each night when I get ready to fall asleep, the thought creeps in. I begin to pray for him. I thank God for the fact that he is so good to me, the kids, he provides for me, all those things God also does. Then I just listen to Casey snore, but it doesn't bother me as much as it used to days ago..because I know he is breathing, he is alive.

Job 33:4 NASB
"The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life."

On another note, would someone please come get rid of this virus that has plagued our house? One gets better & another gets sick. Blah!

How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

I can't find any old Flash-back pictures, but since Casey & I have been married NINE years now, I thought I would take a fun little quiz. When he gets home (hopefully tonight)I will check my answers and update!

How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen?
Usually the news, if he has a choice. If not, then it's a kid show & he has his laptop.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Only Chicken Caesar Salads for my man, and I think you mean "He" is out to eat, I never get out like he does.

3. What's one food he doesn't like?
Hard to pick just one b/c he hates tomatoes (not in sauce form), most seafood & veggies too.

4. You go out to a bar. What does he order?
Food!

5. Where did he go to high school?
Some HS in Oregon.

6. What size shoe does he wear?
Oh, I know this one! He never shoe shops for himself, so a size 11.

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
I cannot think of one thing!

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Chicken Cordon Bleu?

9. What would this person eat everyday if he could?
Food! LOL, it's my catch-all answer, he really isn't a pig.

10. What is his favorite cereal?
Honey Nut Cheerios
(LOL! He's the Honey, I'm the Nut, the kids are Cheerios)

11. What would he never wear?
A dress & heels, not his style!

12. What is his favorite sports team?
Whatever mine is at the time!

13. Who will he vote for?
None of the above.

14. Who is his best friend?
Me & Me.

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Lose stuff!

16. How many states has he lived in?
3

17.What is his heritage?
umm..I'll have to ask!

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake?
Chocolate, or maybe a No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

19. Did he play sports in high school?
Not that I know of.

20. What could he spend hours doing?
Sitting at his computer or golfing, if he had hours to spare.

21. Does he belong to any men's organizations?
Nope, we are recluses usually.

Thankful Thursday!!!

Thank you God...for a new little baby to love on!!!

My new nephew, Aaron Michael was born Oct. 3, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. via c-section. He was born not a moment to soon, as his & mommy's placenta was coming undone & his cord was very wrapped around his neck. He measured in at 5lbs 15oz & 18in. long. The Drs think he is a preemie, but he is doing remarkably well at home!

Check him out! (click on pic below)

Unfortunately, my youngest two have caught two bugs so I haven't gotten to go back & see the little guy again. =( I will have to learn some patience while Miss Booty-Flu & Snotty Naughty get well.

What is this?

Ask a 3 year old what it is for & this is your answer....

Raisin!

"Master"pieces

I was so inspired last night, we (the kids) made sticker charts to chart their good behavior & helpfulness. I remember that was how Hannah was potty-trained & she is still very interested in getting them. In fact, she has already earned quite a few & her attitude is amazing. I sure hope this lasts! Josie never took interest in stickers the same way, but as soon as we find her "reward" I am sure she will be just as enthusiastic. Livvy was just looking cute, trying to help.














Sorry they are so small, it just takes years for me to upload them through Blogger, & nearly took as long w/ Photobucket & I had to resize. =P I think my lighting is okay on these pics, but I really really need to work on my skills more. I just seem to do everything else instead.

Silly Sundays

Casey & I went to our first "Growing Kids God's Way" class tonight!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

New thing I saw & wanted to try. I have heard so many wonderful new songs lately. This one isn't new to me, but the message hits home so much right now w/ the Hurricane down south, our wind storm here, & all the other general storms that seem to abound these days. Enjoy!

"Praise You In This Storm"



What a great idea for a Saturday! Join along if you'd like!
I already have a wonderful list going!

Wordless Wednesday

"My no like Ike"

That is how my 3yr old best described our Sunday without power. It was going to be pretty ordinary day, church in the morning, lunch & nap in the afternoon, then back to church for Growing Kids God's Way. So we thought.

It was a bit windy when we got to church around 9:30am. Liv stopped every few feet to try to figure out what was trying to knock her over. How do you teach a 16mth old about the air? Had a wonderful morning at church and learned way more than I could write in a few hours. When we left I noticed the wind had picked up quite a bit, but the kids & I hurried to the van.

More than once the wind threatened to throw me into other cars & even semi trucks. It was some pretty scary driving! I called Casey on my way (yes I cell & drive) and he told me our Bradford Pear tree out front was not fairing well in the wind & we had no power! As I approached one intersection after another, I noticed nearly every other one also had no power. Then we saw a firetruck horizontally parked at a light. Just as we got close, we were told to turn around. I didn't see any problem, until an electric transformer on the other side of the road blew up before my eyes w/ wires flying every which way. Talk about a little freaky!

So we go another way, then another, & finally we get near our road, but there is a tree blocking traffic one way & some nice residents controlling the traffic flow. Probably 15 cars can go from this direction around the tree, then 15 the other. Was pretty cool of them, especially the guy making sure everyone had enough room between the tree & the 3ft ditch. Very very narrowly did my van fit, but we got home safe & sound. (Still grieving my tree, mind you!)

Hannah had a bored day, she was stuck inside due to the wind (ppl were losing roof shingles, yard furniture, trees & limbs were falling) and she was w/out her TV. Josie could've cared less until she had to pee in the dark w/ a little tealight candle beside her. (Note to self* buy some "real" candles!) Liv was all good, she takes a wonderful nap to recharge her batteries. Casey & Aaron did have to go down to Shawna's house to cook our lunch of hotdogs, sausages, etc. & to check on her animals. Me, I flipped each lightswitch in the house about 5x, forgetting the power was still off. I can't help that it is a ritual!

So we have our warm lunch, play our boardgames, do a little housecleaning, it was peaceful. Our class at church was cancelled b/c they didn't have any power either, so I fit in about 1/2 hour of reading the Bible w/ the kids before dark. Then it got really interesting. Tealights were all I had, & now I know they produce very very little light. =) Kids don't like having to go to bed out of boredom, but even we were going to retreat to our room. We say our prayers & as I am tucking the older 2 in down in the living room, Casey says "Hey! It's back on!" (LOL, he had just put all of our important food in a cooler w/ ice!) I bow my head & say "Thank you God, for turning our power back on."

Hannah's response..no kidding..this is from my not-so outwardly religious child.."Thank you God! Glory, glory, glory!" I about lost it. It was hilarious, but at the same time, it truly showed how much we rely on technology. I turned a little tv on for the kids (they were so patient all day) & I went ahead to my room. This time, no TV, no distractions, pretending I was camping all over again. I would turn the house back on tomorrow.

Thank you God for taking away our power! Glory, glory, glory!
Thank you God for allowing us to have a sample of a hurricane, so that we may not forget about all those who have suffered & will in the future. God be with them!

Thankful Thursday!

Today, I am thankful for the story my friend emailed me. I wish I could've been there to witness this. How humbling, in this raw moment, to feel God! How many times have I missed an experience like this? I certainly don't wish to, ever again.

HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT
For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.

This is one of her experiences:

"April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.

You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.

The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no, God, please, no.' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!'

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, 'Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane.' Then I heard it....'I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.'

The words were so clear, my heart leap into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainier. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.'

Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.'

I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?' God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?'

'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that.'

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, 'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, 'If you really want to.'

Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush.'

'I have one in my bag,' he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?'

He said, 'Yes, I do'

Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.' "

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it.

Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?'

I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!'

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way ... all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth'

Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting, 'Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!'

Wordless Wednesday

Sleeping Beauty


Hannah Banana


Livvy (isn't her hair growing/getting poofy!)

3yr old funnies!

(Sitting on the couch)

J: Do you love me mom?

Me: Yes, I love you!

J: Do you love me mucher?

Me: Yes, I love you more.

J: No, do you love me mucher?

Me: Yes, *giggle* I love you mucher! *hug*


(Sitting at the table)

J: Mom, I no want you to heat it up.

Me: *putting the plate in the microwave* Just for a minute, you don't want to eat it cold.

J: No mom.

Me: It'll be done soon.

J: Well, it's gonna get cooker.
(I suppose she meant hotter?)


(In the van, she sits behind me (driving)

J: Mom, look at this!

Me: I can't look right now.

J: Look in your mirror! (I have 2 mirrors, one showing the back window & one that shows the kids in the back, like a school bus)

Me: I really can't see Sweetie & I can't turn around I have to keep my eyes on the road.

J: Un-uh! You have to keep your eyes in your _____!
(I couldn't quite understand her)

Me: My what?
(I looked in the mirror & saw her pointing to her eyes!)

J: In your HOLES! Keep your eyes in your holes!
(I was laughing so hard, I could barely keep my eyes on the road!)

Gosh, she is so funny, I forgot all about this "literal" age!

Joy
Ostentatious
Stunning
Ingenious
Entertaining

Thankful Thursday!!

I am most thankful for....
... not having a heart attack when I encountered my intense arachnophobia.

I opened my backdoor and walked right into a thick huge spider web. I immediately closed the door & began to freak out, or have a seziure? I mean I was jumping, squealing, & flapping at my body & hair. Then I started to freak out some more when I felt something in my hair. I had a small clip in, & I knew it, but in that split second, you could not convince me it wasn't a huge hairy spider!

I think that was the biggest immediate freak-out I have ever done. I seriously wonder how many times my heart stopped. The web was SO thick, I know I did some damage. I am sure I looked crazy to the little girls, as I was hopping around & flapping. When I was done, still not calm, I called Casey. I figured while I was relaying my fear, I would look out the back window (I doubt I will be using that door for weeks now) & see if I saw anything.

Sure enough!


Do you not realize that could have been on me? No, I barely missed it by maybe an inch over my left shoulder. THANK YOU GOD! I probably would've peed on myself, passed out, had a heart attack, & it probably would have never bitten me. If it had, it would not be life-threatening. To ME, it would have been life-threatening if it would've just smiled at me!

So, since I narrowly escaped death, I have painfully taken some pictures of the ugliest thing God ever created. I am sharing b/c I want y'all to know it wasn't a little fuzzy baby Charlotte that had me freaking out.

It was this!!!

Ugh! Now I am having a hard time going back in my kitchen to clean! I swear, if it comes in my house, Casey WILL come home from work!

My friends!!!

I am shamefully plugging my Tupperware Brunch/Party coming up this Saturday. If you would like to order anything give me a call & I can have it ordered & shipped right to you! If I can't get a catalog to you in person, please check out the Tupperware website! by clicking HERE...

I have to rave about my cups & lids with the straw holes. Oh, I love them! Best thing ever for my kids, who never can finish a whole glass of milk. I just put them right back in the fridge. I also love my trays, which the kids think are so cool to have dinner on. They look like lunch room trays! I also have some bowls, perfect for pudding creations & even some microwaveable ones, I don't know how I ever lived without! Now I am throwing out all my cheap stuff & replacing it w/ something that will last!

They have also come out w/ a few products we haven't seen in a little while (such as the Hamburger Press!) as well as some great deals (12 cups w/ lids for $24!)Okay, enough of the "saleswoman" in me, I really am not using you all for host points, I genuinely love this stuff!

If you live nearby & would like to come, or bring a friend, or you didn't get an invite, I am sorry, you are still more than welcome to join us! Email me or call for the address or ordering information! Back to your regular blogcast!