Emeline is taking over my blog today. Her dear Friend Reily recently had a birthday. Emeline, along with the rest of her class was asked to write a sentence or two on "The nicest thing about you is" for Reily.
........"You are a good firend. You are kind. You are very funny. Yoo say stuff in a kind way. You share you fellings with me. You are always thare for me. Yoo share. Yoo never say mean things about me. You always try your hardest. You are very responsbel. You ask good questions. You give me good addvice about hard stuff in my life. You are always fun. You agree very easely. You always comfort me. You don't say nagtiv things to me. You love God so much. You never just leave me alone. You always let me play with you. You are very respectful. You stand up for me. You are very understanding. You are kind when mabe I am sometimes mean to you. You always firgive me in a kind way. You give me second chances. If I am mad or sad you treat me nice-lea. You look out for me. You keep your promises. You try your best all the time. You always give the glory to God. You help me grow more in God. You help give me more strangth in God. You hold me to my promeses. You help me when I need it. You don't say "no I will not help you". You always try to ceep our frenendship together. You alwasy do what is best for me. You keep me out of trobel. You always incereg (encourage) me. You don't try to get me into trebel. You don't spred the word if I told you a secret. You don't want, you give. You don't say nagtive things about stuff that I draw or pant (paint) or give to you. Insted you say "thank you" or you say "that is nice" or you say "I love it!" Anyway, thank you for being my friend!
Love, Emeline"..............
Wow, as a mom I pray for good friends for Emeline and I pray Emeline is a good friend. "Thank you Jesus for answering my prayers!!"
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves". Romans 12:9-10
"Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue, but in action and in truth" 1 John 3:18
I pray all you ladies and girls out there have a "Reily" in your life!!
Blessings,
Debbie
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
We Came, We Saw, We Went!
It’s been two years since we have been on a cruise. The last time our extended family went to celebrate my parent’s 50th anniversary. My mother is one of the most non-intrusive easy going people I know, but she made it quite clear to all of us our presence was requested! I’m not a big fan of cruising but we all said yes, all twenty strong of us!! The plans were set a year in advance. I worried and feared for an entire year that Sam would jump off the boat. I actually lost sleep over it!! The time came for us to go and I just prayed that God would help Sam not to jump off the boat. During the second day on the cruise, the kids were with my husband and I heard and announcement “Man overboard!” then came a siren. I was sure this was Sam, my heart sank. Then I quickly realized it was just a drill and no one (including Sam) had jumped off the boat. The rest of the cruise was great!
As we planned for the cruise this time it really didn’t occur to me to worry about anyone jumping off the boat. As we sat in the airport waiting to board our plane bound for Florida (where the boat was leaving from) Steve (my husband) turned to me and told me he has been terribly concerned that my five year old Zachary would jump off the boat! Now anyone who knows Steve knows that there is not too much in this world that Steve worries about. He went on to say that he lost two nights sleep over it. Being the “fixer” my man is we had to develop a plan of what we would do should Zachary jump off the boat! Steve was sure he would jump in after him but worried that Zachary would probably die and then Steve would get eaten by sharks (ugh!!). So there we sat planning for the tragedy. My responsibility would be to throw anything and everything I could overboard so when the rescue people came they would spot all the “stuff” in the water with Steve and Zachary. He told me to throw furniture, clothes, anything at all. I sat there utterly confused wondering if I would have the where-with-all to be able to throw all those things in the water. What if I just go into shock and can’t do anything?? The good news is Zachary did not jump off the boat and I did not have to throw our entire room off the balcony!!
I’ve come to realize cruising is a great way to travel with little ones. It is contained and fairly safe (unless of course someone jumps off). Everything is done for you and moms don’t need to make many decisions at all! The kids love going to the kid’s club, there’s so much for them to do. Emeline entered a talent show contest (right up her alley), Sam entered a Lego competition and his team won (what a thrill for him!), Zachary just flirted with all the cute little girls (Macy was his favorite!). The Formal nights are magical if you are an eight year old girl and painful if you are a seven or five year old boy (and dads too!)
Our first stop was the Island owned by the Cruise Line. The beach is beautiful and the snorkeling is fun. Sam and Steve rented a kayak and paddled up and down the shore line.
Our second stop was St Marteen. Going to an island for nine hours is not much time to get a feel for what it is like but you do the best you can. We rented a private taxi who took us all around the island showing us famous landmarks. We saw how cashews were grown and harvested. They actually sit on top of what looks like a pepper. One cashew per fruit. I now understand why cashews are so expensive. The seas were very rough so going to the beach or snorkeling on St. Marteen was limited. We did a little shopping and then went to a protected beach that was calm for the kids to swim. My favorite memory of St. Marteen was seeing Emeline negotiate at the flea market. She had earned money for the trip and her desire was to spend it on others. She has a special friend Reilly whom she wanted to buy a turtle. The price was $3.00. Emeline only wanted to pay $2.00. I followed behind her as she walked to at least eight tables until she found someone who would sell her the turtle for $2.00. My joy came in seeing my daughter interact with adults respectfully and kindly yet with a goal in mind. Meanwhile the boys were bored to tears with St. Marteen, all they wanted to do is swim. For some reason the driver took us through a nudist colony to check out a beach for us. Thank goodness the kids did not see and we saw minimal NAKEDNESS!!
When we arrived at St. Thomas it was apparent the boys would not fair another day of touring so we “Divided and conquered”. My mom, dad, Emeline and I went shopping and Steve and the boys went to the beach for the day. We met up with them later. My favorite part of the day was seeing Zachary catch his first lizard and then six more!! Life just doesn’t get any better for a five year old boy!!
The rest of the trip was “at sea”. Only two regrets: 1) I forgot to eat ice cream on Wednesday. 2) That Steve didn’t enter the “Sexy legs contest”. He could have won!!
When we arrived back in Florida we arranged to get off the boat early so we could rent a car and go to church (Easter Sunday). Our flight back home was not until late that evening so we had the whole day. Since the boat could not guarantee us to be off early we choose to carry our luggage off ourselves. Now Steve does not do well with a lot of luggage, he sees no need for all the clothes and suitcases. Because the suitcases were so heavy I could not carry or roll them so Steve had four suitcases, I had lots of carry on bags and Emeline wheeled a small suitcase. Steve (remember, he doesn’t get upset about anything) is visibly furious with me over the suitcase crisis. The kids are upset and tired and everyone is screaming at each other. Of course it’s Easter Sunday and we look about as ready to go to church as I don’t know what!! We finally make it off the boat with everyone (especially Steve) huffing and puffing. Meanwhile Steve the “fixit man” has set new rules for our next trip to insure he does not have to go through this again!
We made it to church, Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale. They had many services yet two were in a near by stadium, so we decided to go to the stadium for church, new experience for sure!! We all did the “Happy Empty Tomb” wave three times, it was a blast!! We were dressed in our bathing suits, shorts and flip flops which made church for the kids extra special. The worship songs were amazing and I could not help but fight back the tears. I’m not a teary eyed person so I was trying to figure out “Why all the tears?” Then I realized it was the power of the Spirit in the midst of the Family of God. As we sang Crown Him With Many Crowns “Crown Him the Lord of Life who triumphed O’er the grave. Who rose victorious to the strife for those He came to save. His glories now we sing who died and rose on high. Who died eternal life to bring and lives that death may die”. Being with my family as well as the family of God was the best part of the whole week.
I hope you all had a blessed Easter!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
As we planned for the cruise this time it really didn’t occur to me to worry about anyone jumping off the boat. As we sat in the airport waiting to board our plane bound for Florida (where the boat was leaving from) Steve (my husband) turned to me and told me he has been terribly concerned that my five year old Zachary would jump off the boat! Now anyone who knows Steve knows that there is not too much in this world that Steve worries about. He went on to say that he lost two nights sleep over it. Being the “fixer” my man is we had to develop a plan of what we would do should Zachary jump off the boat! Steve was sure he would jump in after him but worried that Zachary would probably die and then Steve would get eaten by sharks (ugh!!). So there we sat planning for the tragedy. My responsibility would be to throw anything and everything I could overboard so when the rescue people came they would spot all the “stuff” in the water with Steve and Zachary. He told me to throw furniture, clothes, anything at all. I sat there utterly confused wondering if I would have the where-with-all to be able to throw all those things in the water. What if I just go into shock and can’t do anything?? The good news is Zachary did not jump off the boat and I did not have to throw our entire room off the balcony!!
I’ve come to realize cruising is a great way to travel with little ones. It is contained and fairly safe (unless of course someone jumps off). Everything is done for you and moms don’t need to make many decisions at all! The kids love going to the kid’s club, there’s so much for them to do. Emeline entered a talent show contest (right up her alley), Sam entered a Lego competition and his team won (what a thrill for him!), Zachary just flirted with all the cute little girls (Macy was his favorite!). The Formal nights are magical if you are an eight year old girl and painful if you are a seven or five year old boy (and dads too!)
Our first stop was the Island owned by the Cruise Line. The beach is beautiful and the snorkeling is fun. Sam and Steve rented a kayak and paddled up and down the shore line.
Our second stop was St Marteen. Going to an island for nine hours is not much time to get a feel for what it is like but you do the best you can. We rented a private taxi who took us all around the island showing us famous landmarks. We saw how cashews were grown and harvested. They actually sit on top of what looks like a pepper. One cashew per fruit. I now understand why cashews are so expensive. The seas were very rough so going to the beach or snorkeling on St. Marteen was limited. We did a little shopping and then went to a protected beach that was calm for the kids to swim. My favorite memory of St. Marteen was seeing Emeline negotiate at the flea market. She had earned money for the trip and her desire was to spend it on others. She has a special friend Reilly whom she wanted to buy a turtle. The price was $3.00. Emeline only wanted to pay $2.00. I followed behind her as she walked to at least eight tables until she found someone who would sell her the turtle for $2.00. My joy came in seeing my daughter interact with adults respectfully and kindly yet with a goal in mind. Meanwhile the boys were bored to tears with St. Marteen, all they wanted to do is swim. For some reason the driver took us through a nudist colony to check out a beach for us. Thank goodness the kids did not see and we saw minimal NAKEDNESS!!
When we arrived at St. Thomas it was apparent the boys would not fair another day of touring so we “Divided and conquered”. My mom, dad, Emeline and I went shopping and Steve and the boys went to the beach for the day. We met up with them later. My favorite part of the day was seeing Zachary catch his first lizard and then six more!! Life just doesn’t get any better for a five year old boy!!
The rest of the trip was “at sea”. Only two regrets: 1) I forgot to eat ice cream on Wednesday. 2) That Steve didn’t enter the “Sexy legs contest”. He could have won!!
When we arrived back in Florida we arranged to get off the boat early so we could rent a car and go to church (Easter Sunday). Our flight back home was not until late that evening so we had the whole day. Since the boat could not guarantee us to be off early we choose to carry our luggage off ourselves. Now Steve does not do well with a lot of luggage, he sees no need for all the clothes and suitcases. Because the suitcases were so heavy I could not carry or roll them so Steve had four suitcases, I had lots of carry on bags and Emeline wheeled a small suitcase. Steve (remember, he doesn’t get upset about anything) is visibly furious with me over the suitcase crisis. The kids are upset and tired and everyone is screaming at each other. Of course it’s Easter Sunday and we look about as ready to go to church as I don’t know what!! We finally make it off the boat with everyone (especially Steve) huffing and puffing. Meanwhile Steve the “fixit man” has set new rules for our next trip to insure he does not have to go through this again!
We made it to church, Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale. They had many services yet two were in a near by stadium, so we decided to go to the stadium for church, new experience for sure!! We all did the “Happy Empty Tomb” wave three times, it was a blast!! We were dressed in our bathing suits, shorts and flip flops which made church for the kids extra special. The worship songs were amazing and I could not help but fight back the tears. I’m not a teary eyed person so I was trying to figure out “Why all the tears?” Then I realized it was the power of the Spirit in the midst of the Family of God. As we sang Crown Him With Many Crowns “Crown Him the Lord of Life who triumphed O’er the grave. Who rose victorious to the strife for those He came to save. His glories now we sing who died and rose on high. Who died eternal life to bring and lives that death may die”. Being with my family as well as the family of God was the best part of the whole week.
I hope you all had a blessed Easter!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Lion is Here!
They say “March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb”. Who is “They” and why is March always WINDY? I’m realizing I really don’t like the wind. Some people get depressed when winter comes, others cannot tolerate the spring and fall because of allergies. For me, I don’t like March because it’s windy! Maybe because it’s supposed to be “spring” out and it still snows! But lets get back to the wind…the other day it was 48 degrees and sunny, now that sounds like a nice day! Well, it was so windy it wound up being freezing cold! Every time I got out of the car there was the wind just whipping across my face! I had to have a talk with myself, “Why are you so intolerant to the wind?” My answer to myself was “I don’t know, it just bothers me!” I actually wound up chuckling at myself for my very negative poor attitude “For goodness sakes, it’s just the WIND!!” Later in the day I had to take my daughter to the hospital (not an uncommon place for me to take the kids) for an X-ray and of course we had to walk quite a distance. The wind at this point was so strong I thought we were going to get blown over! I don’t mean to question God or “Mother Nature” but why so much wind? Have I mentioned I don’t like wind?? Then........as Emeline and I left the hospital and made our way back to the car I drove up the freeway and there in front of me was one of the most AMAZING SKIES I had every seen! I wish I had taken a picture. As the sun was setting it was illuminating the sky and clouds with brilliant shades of purples and pinks (I love purple and pink!!). Even the jet streams from the airplanes seemed to sparkle in the sky.
My day from beginning to end (and in-between) reminded me of how life can sometimes be with the winds coming and going. We try to stand against them but they “whip” a chill inside our hearts. Sometimes our (well mine) attitudes aren’t what they should be. We question God “Why all the winds??” We want answers to things that don’t make sense. It is in those times I think God can be more silent, as if He is quietly waiting for us to call on Him and abide in Him…. “Be still in my presence and listen to MY voice”.
I still don’t like the wind, but it was a good reminder of how God wants to be there for us when the Winds of Life come! “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is the shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”. Psalm 18:2
The God who allows the winds to come into our lives is the God who wants to be there for us, walk with us, fellowship with us and show us the most Amazing Sunsets we could imagine!
Blessings to you and your family!
Debbie
My day from beginning to end (and in-between) reminded me of how life can sometimes be with the winds coming and going. We try to stand against them but they “whip” a chill inside our hearts. Sometimes our (well mine) attitudes aren’t what they should be. We question God “Why all the winds??” We want answers to things that don’t make sense. It is in those times I think God can be more silent, as if He is quietly waiting for us to call on Him and abide in Him…. “Be still in my presence and listen to MY voice”.
I still don’t like the wind, but it was a good reminder of how God wants to be there for us when the Winds of Life come! “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is the shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”. Psalm 18:2
The God who allows the winds to come into our lives is the God who wants to be there for us, walk with us, fellowship with us and show us the most Amazing Sunsets we could imagine!
Blessings to you and your family!
Debbie
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Consider the Lillies....
One of my favorite events of the year is to go to the Flower Show in our city. I have gone with different companions to include family, friends, and my daughter. Last year I took Emeline and a friend. This year although I was tempted to ask others, my heart was telling me to just take her. Earlier in the week I went on a field trip to see the Globetrotters with her class. There were many chaperones invited. Before the game started Emeline asked me if I would mind if she sat with her girlfriend and her girlfriend’s mom. I immediately said “Of course not!” There was no room for me which was fine but I realized within moments that I was the only mom not sitting with their child! I had mixed emotions about this. At first I felt a little slighted that I took my day to spend with my daughter to watch a basketball game that would be funny but quite frankly I could think of other things I could be doing! Then I truly felt happy in my heart that my daughter was secure enough to just be who she is and enjoy the time with her friend. All my kids are independent, Steve encourages them to be that way. I jokingly say I’ll be lucky if my kids remain on the same continent when they go off to college someday (I’ll be sobbing)!!
So... when we arrived at the Flower Show as we entered the Convention Center you could smell all the beautiful fragrances of the flowers! I wonder if heaven will smell like that?? I’m always taken by God’s majesty and how creative He is. I love to look at all the intricate designs of the flowers, plants and trees as well as the color combinations. God is some artist!! I am humbled to think how BIG our God is. In Psalm 8:3 it says “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” Wow, it’s amazing He created everything and yet still has time to care about us!
The best part of the Flower Show was when we walked in to the show Emeline took my hand and did not let go (yes, the independent one)!! We had the best time learning about the flowers, plants and trees. We smelled the flowers, talked about our favorites, took pictures, pretended we were judges, and purchased some African Violets for some of our favorite people. “Thank you for taking me to the Flower Show Mommy, this was the best time ever!” My heart was humbled and grateful for such a special day. Thank you Jesus!
Sweet Dreams and blessings to all,
Debbie
So... when we arrived at the Flower Show as we entered the Convention Center you could smell all the beautiful fragrances of the flowers! I wonder if heaven will smell like that?? I’m always taken by God’s majesty and how creative He is. I love to look at all the intricate designs of the flowers, plants and trees as well as the color combinations. God is some artist!! I am humbled to think how BIG our God is. In Psalm 8:3 it says “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” Wow, it’s amazing He created everything and yet still has time to care about us!
The best part of the Flower Show was when we walked in to the show Emeline took my hand and did not let go (yes, the independent one)!! We had the best time learning about the flowers, plants and trees. We smelled the flowers, talked about our favorites, took pictures, pretended we were judges, and purchased some African Violets for some of our favorite people. “Thank you for taking me to the Flower Show Mommy, this was the best time ever!” My heart was humbled and grateful for such a special day. Thank you Jesus!
Sweet Dreams and blessings to all,
Debbie
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Daddy's In Charge!
As I pulled in the driveway, coming home from running some errands, there came Samuel whipping down the sidewalk on his new motorcycle dressed in his pajamas! STEVE WAS IN CHARGE! Samuel was home “sick” with the stomach flu. My words before I left were, “please be sure Sam lays low and gets rest.” Then I walk in the house, and the puppy, that should be confined to the kitchen, has the run of the house and immediately “pees” on the white carpet. I walk into the kitchen and I see my special tea set, which is "only for show”, off the shelf and in the sink along with all the other dirty dishes. They had a tea and crepe party. My husband had everything under control, according to him (not me!!).
This is also the man who installs “zip lines” across my backyard when I go out of town! As usual my kids were happy and having a ball. They love their daddy (who wouldn’t??). I had to learn a lesson a long time ago, when Steve is in charge, I can’t impose my set of rules. I can suggest them, but I can’t control them. So… what do I do when I see my children flying through the air (15 feet) on a swing that Steve built? I pray. What do I do when Sam is operating a large skid steer in the back yard at a ripe old age of six (at the time)? I pray. What do I do when I see Steve teaching the “baby” how to ride a quad? I pray. “In You oh Lord, I put my trust…..” Psalm 71:1.
This morning I went to an early work out class. I was planning to come home and make eggs for the kids before they went to school. I got a call from Steve on my way home and he said, “Hey, we decided to go to Burger King for breakfast!!!!” Of course, DADDY WAS IN CHARGE!!
Thank God for daddies!
Have a blessed day!!
Debbie
This is also the man who installs “zip lines” across my backyard when I go out of town! As usual my kids were happy and having a ball. They love their daddy (who wouldn’t??). I had to learn a lesson a long time ago, when Steve is in charge, I can’t impose my set of rules. I can suggest them, but I can’t control them. So… what do I do when I see my children flying through the air (15 feet) on a swing that Steve built? I pray. What do I do when Sam is operating a large skid steer in the back yard at a ripe old age of six (at the time)? I pray. What do I do when I see Steve teaching the “baby” how to ride a quad? I pray. “In You oh Lord, I put my trust…..” Psalm 71:1.
This morning I went to an early work out class. I was planning to come home and make eggs for the kids before they went to school. I got a call from Steve on my way home and he said, “Hey, we decided to go to Burger King for breakfast!!!!” Of course, DADDY WAS IN CHARGE!!
Thank God for daddies!
Have a blessed day!!
Debbie
Sunday, March 2, 2008
"She Doesn't Like Me!"
Are the words I sometimes hear come out of Emeline’s mouth. Like many of us moms I probe and ask questions to try and gain a perspective on where this is coming from and where we are going with it. I once received wise counsel from well, a wise counselor who encouraged me to try and not fix the situation, but ask questions, ask her how it makes her feel and just LISTEN (hard to do). Back in Kindergarten Emeline use to tell me this little boy wanted to marry her (it’s all she talked about). I immediately would cut her off and tell her that she shouldn’t be talking about that for at least thirty years!! One time I just asked her how she felt about it all and it was the beginning of a trusted dialogue I am able to have with my daughter about anything that pops into that little head of hers. So now in third grade it is the drama of the “girls”. At night we talk and I listen to all of what has gone on throughout the day. A friend once told me “None of them think they have friends”. I think there is a lot of truth in that, even as an adult, don’t we all struggle at times of feeling like we’re not fitting in (I feel another possible blog coming on)??
I’m preparing for a Bible study in Romans chapter twelve where Paul talks about how to live our faith each day. Verse eighteen has always been one of my favorite verses, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men”. Paul doesn’t tell us to make sure everyone is at peace with us. WE are to try and be at peace with all men. I do encourage my children to live in this light. I believe all girls are “good willed” but they all (including Emeline) do and say things that they shouldn’t (so do big girls!).
So…when Emeline comes home and tells me “so and so” doesn’t like her there are times where she realizes that she actually owes someone an apology and there are other times she just needs to love and forgive someone as Christ has forgiven and loves her.
I want to thank all the people in Emeline’s life for loving and supporting her. I thank God and pray for all her friends. I love who they all are and Emeline does too!
I also want to humbly thank all my friends and family for all your encouraging e-mails and calls relating to these blogs. It means so much to me, and I pray that I only honor God in all this. Thank you to the special people in my life who keep me accountable (you know who you are), I am enjoying this journey.
Sweet Dreams and blessings,
Debbie
I’m preparing for a Bible study in Romans chapter twelve where Paul talks about how to live our faith each day. Verse eighteen has always been one of my favorite verses, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men”. Paul doesn’t tell us to make sure everyone is at peace with us. WE are to try and be at peace with all men. I do encourage my children to live in this light. I believe all girls are “good willed” but they all (including Emeline) do and say things that they shouldn’t (so do big girls!).
So…when Emeline comes home and tells me “so and so” doesn’t like her there are times where she realizes that she actually owes someone an apology and there are other times she just needs to love and forgive someone as Christ has forgiven and loves her.
I want to thank all the people in Emeline’s life for loving and supporting her. I thank God and pray for all her friends. I love who they all are and Emeline does too!
I also want to humbly thank all my friends and family for all your encouraging e-mails and calls relating to these blogs. It means so much to me, and I pray that I only honor God in all this. Thank you to the special people in my life who keep me accountable (you know who you are), I am enjoying this journey.
Sweet Dreams and blessings,
Debbie
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