Blowing off Summer

Well it's August and summertime in the Midwest. We act surprised when the thermometer hits above 95 and humidity starts to build. (Of course, in January, we're baffled when the thermometer goes the other direction.) Which makes me wonder about the whole topic of weather and how much it occupies our daily life.

Personally, I HAVE to know what the weather is going to be. One of my top-five bookmarks is the local weather. Each quarter I DVR the extended seasonal forecast on the most accurate local news station (in my humble opionion - and theirs too). And I don't think it's just me who is nosy about this unpredictable subject...I don't think...

For one thing, it sets my whole wardrobe tone. Back in the spring, I donned capris the first day it looked safe enough for ankles to avoid frostbite. Those around me may have wished I made use of one of the many spray-tan products on the market, but I didn't care - it was capri weather! It's just like the thrill I get on that first really "fallish" day when the skies are perfectly blue, the clouds few, and the temps in the 60s. Sweater weather!

While Princess daughter and I were running errands one hot summer day, she said "I wish we could blow off summer." "What do you mean?" I asked, thinking it was somehow like blowing off school or work. "Like, when I blow on my soup, it cools off. I wish we could do that with summer." And she proceeded to blow and blow and blow. And just for a moment, it seemed to me it might have dropped a degree or two... :-)



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Ode to Midnight

I have a dog
He's finally made my blog.

This dog is so great, I'd even say grand
Why, he's the best dog in this whole land.

This dog is my boy and he is my bud
But I made right sure that he couldn't stud.

This dog is stubborn; he likes his way
I mean, how hard is it to understand "stay?!"

Got this dog as a pup, rescued him, too,
You'd think he'd show just a little more gratitude.

This dog is sweet and loves everyone
What more could you ask from a surrogate son?

This dog is quite lazy and he likes to sleep,
But there's no other dog that I'd rather keep.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Those who have followed the horrible tragedy in the family of Christian rocker Steven Curtis Chapman may also have heard the new version of his song "Yours" recently released for radio. I heard the song on KLOVE the other day, and having purchased the CD in the fall, thought the last verse didn't sound familiar. Wow, was it powerful.

Following the loss of his child, Maria, when she was hit in the family's driveway by a car driven by her brother, Steven added this last verse as a living testimony to what his family experienced following Maria's death. It's an amazing affirmation of faith and God's faithfulness. Just listen to it and see if it doesn't encourage and inspire.

I'm looking forward to the Chapman family appearing on Larry King Live Aug 7 to talk about this family tragedy and what's happened since. I also heard they are on ABC's GMA August 6.

Here Comes the Bride?

Princess daughter is getting married. At least, in her mind, she is. She's actually a flower girl in a wedding in December and we're hoping she doesn't decide it actually is her wedding and take over the whole affair.

We went to try on potential flower girl dresses recently, and you would have thought it was Style Week in Milan the way she strutted her stuff. Funny thing was, she knew exactly what to do! When the real bride handed her the basket that would contain the flower petals, Princess daughter put the basket over her right arm, reached in with her left, and gracefully tossed imaginary petals as if she had been doing it all her life. "See, this is how I throw the petals - so lovely and beautiful" she explained to us novices. After all, what did I know about flower-girling? It's been more than 19 years since my wedding and I didn't trust any little kids not to upstage me.

Actually, the little boy Princess daughter has wanted to marry since she was three has now been relegated to her "ring boy" with another potential groom taking his place. Sorry Ben - we always liked you!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

I've been reading a couple of books lately about raising gifted kids cause I thinked I might have one. At the risk of sounding snobby (who doesn't think their kid is gifted?) I needed to understand a little more about my Princess daughter. (And after looking into OCD, ADD, ADHD and all the other child-related acronym diagnoses, I liked this one best.) Although she assured me she would still be my normal daughter even though she's decided she now likes Hannah Montana, I think there might be something more. After all, the girl understood the concept of zero at 2 years of age and was doing multiplication at 4. Of course, this gene came from hubby. How could it not from a man whose favorite TV show is "Numb3rs" and whose web site is all about HP scientific calculators?



I needed to know why she was doing some of the things she does, how best to parent a child with those tendancies, and how to advocate for her in the public school system. Mostly, I am learning a lot about my job as a parent. (Wow - if I had known it was this demanding...)

And mostly, it is confirming that my most important job is down on my knees, praying on her behalf to her Creator. No doubt there will continue to be struggles and tears (and that's just from me), but our Father who knows and loves us best is in control, and that gives me peace that everything that is supposed to happen in her life will.

These yet-to-be-invented words she's come up with surely signify her high level of brain power...

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If you think your child is in the same boat, the books I've been reading are:


"You Know Your Child Is Gifted When" by Judy Galbraith


"Parenting Gifted Kids" by James R. Delisle


"The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Children" by Sally Yahnke Walker

You Say You Want a Revelation?

Third Day's Revelation just came out. It's great (of course). If you know them, then it's probably on your list to download, purchase, whatever. If you don't know them, it's a great intro to Christian rock and what it can do in your life. Hubby and I saw them in concert this spring - what a fun time of worship!

Spirit West Coast is this weekend - a Shout Out to Alan & Ginger & gang. Thanks for all you do to reach hearts for Jesus through this ministry. You deserve that cruise for all your hard work! Looking forward to a September visit...

Too Much Time on My Hands

Dare I even type that statement? This spring, I changed jobs for a better work-family balance. I’m really enjoying being volunteer coordinator for a museum – it’s close-by, has a flexible schedule, helps me get to know people in the community, provides some mental stimulation and a little money. This summer it allowed me to be home with the Princess daughter a lot, but now she’s starting kindergarten and will be gone five days a week for seven hours each day, and I only work about 16 hours.

I’ve not had this kind of time since I became an adult. I’ve worked full-time since college, and once Princess daughter came, I started part-time, but she took the other part-time. Now life is changing and I’m looking forward to having some time; I’m just not sure I should be allowed to have it. I’m afraid if I don’t use it well, God will take it away.

Like Maria Shriver the other day on Oprah, I’m having to rediscover myself at almost 41 years of age. I’ve defined myself for so long by my career and since that has less importance these days, it forces me to ask what I want to be when I grow up. Oh sure, the messy closets, piles of laundry and stacks of unread books call my name, but once those things are done, they’re done. I’ll be volunteering in the Princess’ classroom, reading more books, actually sticking to an exercise routine, taking time for lunch with friends, and enjoying regular devotional times. No doubt school/community/church opportunities will come up. It’s just overwhelming, exciting and scary all at the same time to contemplate what lies ahead. I’m asking God not to take that time away, but to help me count my days and make every day matter for Him.