"Mommy, is Santa real?"

VERY LONG POST WARNING!

I write this while feeling just about every emotion that a momma can feel.  I can promise that I did not make the trip home thinking, "my kids are going to ask me tough questions tonight, yeah!!!!"  In order to keep this post from being as long as it could be, I'll save you the history of "Santa" in our home, except this. . . we never "taught" Santa.  C discovered him along the way and P I guess always believed because C did.  We never discouraged it, but we didn't encourage it either.  A child's imagination is the most amazing gift, and C's imagination has always been such a brilliant light to watch. 
That said, without prompting and with no warning, he asked, "Mommy, is Santa real?"  I was so shocked and scared and clueless that I simply said, "let me finish dinner and we'll talk about it".  I needed time to think it through (and call Daddy because he was at work and I needed help!!!).
So, here's the short version of how it went. . . .
During dinner, I asked, "what made you ask that question?" He said, "well, some of my friends say he is fake and some say he's real."
Me: "What do you believe?"
C: "I believe he is real."
Me: "Why do believe that?"
C: (with so much profound wisdom in his voice) "Well, who else would bring us presents in the middle of the night?". . . . . Ya'll - how do you argue with that?!?!?!?  HA!
I don't really recall how it went from there, but the conversation kinda dwindled and we went on with discussing carrots and why or why not one should eat them. . . you know - those really important things in life.
After dinner, we sat down to really talk.  I asked him if he wanted to know what I believed or if he just wanted to drop it.  He said he wanted to know what I believed.  This was a very hard thing for me.  For some of you, you may think, "well, it's easy, just tell the truth", but I suspect that you are either A) better than me or B) not yet a parent.  Either way, I betray him in some way.  I either tell him the truth and he is somehow disheartened or I lie to him - only for him to later find out that I lied - why would I lie?!?!?!?
So - I told Him what I believed.  I almost cried because the look on his face was as if he'd lost a friend, but then he said something along the lines of "so is that why Santa brings us toys". . . so then I was confused and I just stopped talking.  I said, "you know you can ask me anything, right?!?!?".  Ya'll - I had no idea what this would cause. 

Here is a list of questions that we went through:

"Why do we get gifts?" - this question was my favorite for the evening.  I explained to both of them (again) that Jesus was the greatest gift of all.  C reminded me that he asked Jesus into his heart while at church about two years ago and P said she never had.  I asked if she wanted to and she said "yes".  So - we prayed together.  I can tell you that this was a moment I will never forget.  That sweet baby was so sincere and I fought tears and had to catch my breath throughout the prayer. 

This was followed by many more questions (warning - this is hilarious - at least to me):

"Why does it snow on Christmas?"
"Why does Daisy not have a jacket?"
"Why do we have stockings?" (followed immediately by, "oh, I know - so Santa can leave candy" - again. . . I was confused.  But explained that we hang them because they are pretty and they are just another way for mommy & daddy to bless them with fun things.)
Then he said. . . "I wanna talk about sports!". . . . "Why do they call 'hockey' that?" (there were no words, ya'll, ha!)
Back to Christmas. . .
"Why do toys cost money" (at this point, we had a lengthy Economics lesson)
"ooooohhh. . . I gotta good question. . . . . why does Willy Wonka make chocolate?"  (Okay - this is when he was again saddened by the fact that someone was just made up.  But then he didn't care because "wouldn't it be cool if it were real and I won the golden ticket?!?!?!?)
"Why do dogs chase squirrels?" (I think at this point he was just enjoying the conversation)
"Why at night do we have a moon and a sun during the days?" (FINALLY - a question that didn't make me stutter or cause me to have to figure out how to explain to a 7-year-old!!!!!!  YEAH!!!!!)
"How do elves make toys?" (at this point, we learned about factories and people who make toys to sell to stores, etc. - I was beginning to feel like the grim reaper of imagination, but I survived and so did he.)
In the end, I think he's still content believing that Santa is this really cool dude, but knows that daddy & mommy are (as he put it) "Santa" and "daddy's elf".  :) 

I have no profound way to end this post.  I'm still trying to digest the evening - as I'm sure he is as he lays in bed about to go to sleep, but so very thankful for the opportunity to have such a very important conversation with my sweet babies.  At this point in their lives, this was MONUMENTAL and I pray that they continue to trust me enough to ask tough questions - even when the answers are tough and confusing and even disheartening. 
So. . .how was YOUR evening!??!?! :)
Merry CHRISTMAS! :)
Laura

EEEK!!!

Have you ever stepped outside of yourself and really looked at what others see and kinda panic?!?!?!  I've done this a LOT lately - and I do not mean what they see in the physical.  I believe that most people find me friendly and loving and that those closest to me know my heart and understand that I desire only the best for anyone and everyone.  However, I'm pretty sure that (at least in the past year), people haven't looked at me and said, "wow!  That girl loves JESUS!!!" 
This is quite humbling to admit and as I do, I find myself cringing.  Allowing circumstances and behaviors to rule in my life instead of Him - to be discouraged by a couple people's words about my positivity and just shut down altogether. . . that is NOT what I want my life to portray.  I want my life to show just a glimpse - a small sliver - of the grace and mercy and love that God has shown to me.  Even this tiny bit would be so profound and so amazing because His level of grace, mercy and love is incomprehensible.  It would be really great to have these "out of body experiences" and actually be somewhat pleased with what I see.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing a pity party - I am simply asking for your forgiveness for past behaviors and giving you, my friends, the permission to hold me accountable to who I want to be - to who God created me to be - the best "me" that I can be!!!!!

I was going to post Isaiah 1:16-18 from NKJV, but then I found it in The Message.  Ya'll - let me just say. . . "ouch, that hurt!!!"

Isaiah 1:16-18

The Message (MSG)

 ^13-17"Quit your worship charades.
   I can't stand your trivial religious games:
Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—
   meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more!
Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them!
   You've worn me out!
I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion,
   while you go right on sinning.
When you put on your next prayer-performance,
   I'll be looking the other way.
No matter how long or loud or often you pray,
   I'll not be listening.
And do you know why? Because you've been tearing
   people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.
Go home and wash up.
   Clean up your act.
Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings
   so I don't have to look at them any longer.
Say no to wrong.
   Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
   Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
   Go to bat for the defenseless.
 ^18-20"Come. Sit down. Let's argue this out."
   This is God's Message:
"If your sins are blood-red,
   they'll be snow-white.
If they're red like crimson,
   they'll be like wool.
If you'll willingly obey,
   you'll feast like kings.
But if you're willful and stubborn,
   you'll die like dogs."
That's right. God says so.





Today, I am thankful for God's Forgiveness and that His mercies are new every morning. 
Lamentations 3:22-23 

  

I LOVE FALL!!!

Each Spring I think, "maybe, just maybe, Spring really is my favorite season".  Then - Fall arrives and I'm, again, convinced that Fall is my absolute favorite!!!!!!

For us, Fall starts the beginning of a very busy 6-month journey that includes: Fall Fests, Thanksgiving, Christmas, P's Birthday, Our Dating Anniversary, Our Engagement Anniversary, C's Birthday, and Our Wedding Anniversary.  Did anyone else just get very tired and a bit overwhelmed by that sentence!?!?!?!  No?!?!  Okay, well, I did.  BUT - that doesn't change a thing!  I LOVE this busy season.  I LOVE chilly mornings (notice I did not say frigid, colder than the North Pole) and I love the colors and the smells and all of the fun that comes along with Fall. 

Here in Oklahoma, we JUST started enjoying the season as it was a month late because Oklahoma weather is just goofy.  And - the next couple days are going to be hot again, followed - IMMEDIATELY - by a 30 degree difference.  So - we've been working hard to get into the season - with or without the appropriate weather!

Today, in an effort to make myself feel like it truly was Fall, I wore as many fall colors as I could - without layering to the point of heat exhaustion!!!!  I was a happy girl!

AND - I can now wear boots daily and not feel foolish!  This makes my heart sing, my skirt fly up, my eyes shine, my boat float, my life complete!

Tuesday, folks. . . . I will be stalking Lauren regarding the mail room!!!

Ya'll - then I made chili.  Because nothing says "Fall" like chili. 

And because I'm a good mom and I like to sacrifice my nails and my kitchen. . . . we tended to the pumpkins that we selected last week.  C used his PC Safe Cutter and carved his all by himself.  Matt, well, Matt used his new "camping knife" to butcher his, and P painted hers because it was so small.  We let her pic many colors, but they all got mixed (duh) and we now have "brown". :)

If I were truly honest, I would share the true reason I am "nice" and allow pumpkin guts to reign supreme.  Here goes. . .

Ya'll - look at the salt.  Seriously. . . its a good thing this only happens once a year!

And in and attempt to not go COMPLETELY insane from boredom during my recovery from surgery, I made a feeble attempt to decorate. . .

This isn't the "real" placement of these items, but the doll was moved off of the steps over the weekend and the "rake" has yet to really find a home - it just props for now. :)

YUP!  Fall is my favorite!  CHRISTmas is FABULOUS - and I'm kinda sad that I've decided not to "go all out" since our house sitter would be the only person to enjoy it - but as I said before. . . Fall just fills me with the anticipation!!!!!

Oh my. . . .

I've been looking for "the" black boots for a long time now.  I have black boots - two pair, in fact - however they are like 4 inches high and I'm getting old.  Okay. . . maybe not old, but my feet appreciate a little love.
I was getting very frustrated.  I had "the" pair in my mind, but was convinced I would have to just make them myself because I couldn't find them anywhere.  That is when I turned to Amy Ann to find out where to go online. . . . . .
Ya'll - this is serious.  I want about 80 things on the site that she sent me to.  http://www.endless.com/, how I love thee - let me count the ways.

1. T.Cyia Multi-Strand Hand Painted Gunmetal Necklace - This would NEVER happen because if I was going to spend that much money on this necklace, it had better hand paint ME after using it's gun on me.  BUT - that doesn't mean it didn't make me drool on myself.

2. Nine West Womens Vermillion - I may or may not have tended to my Christmas present today. (NOTE: They totally have 25% off most boots and free 2-day shipping).  Ya'll - this is serious because I have an aversion to purchasing anything at full price - and I am physically sickened by shipping.  I'm relatively sure there's something wrong with me.

3. Wild Diva Women's Gerry - Nuff said!

4. Bandolino Joab Pump - Ya'll. . . I kinda wanna go insane. 

I could really go on for a long while, but I just let you pick your own favorites. 

BTW - "Ya'll" is my new favorite word.  It has slowly replaced "just sayin" or "really?!?!?".  It's definition is "what I'm about to say is very important. . . so important that I will draw you in with a long, southern-laced rendition of "ya'll" so I have your undivided attention". 

That is all.

Exercise

I love Maxine - she reminds me of my Grammar (Grandma Vines for those who need interpretations) - and she cracks me up!  I even "liked" her on facebook and now I get a daily dose of crazy every day!  Today, however, I found her post had quite a bit of "umph" to it.

As funny as it is, it's so sad too.  How many of us carry grudge-weights around for 1, 5, 10, 20 years. . . ????  A grudge can develop from just about anything; legitimate reasons for being offended, hurt or sorrowed or even something as silly as harboring bad feelings because Susie So-and-So broke in line at the church picnic, therefore you didn't get a roll (no - I do not have this grudge - it was just a silly example).  Regardless of your reason, a grudge only harms you.  Odds are - Susie had no idea she was breaking in line, so she had no idea she took YOUR roll and has no idea why you still glare at her, 10 years later, whenever you pass eachother.  Or - what about the "legitimate grudge". . . how long are you going to give that person power over your life?  At what point do you set down the weights that have done nothing but cause you pain and possibly given you a few gray hairs??  I've often heard it said, "forgiveness isn't for the other person" and in the past few years, I have lived proof of that statement.  Forgiveness is they only way you get to set the weight down.  SIDE NOTE: Once you set it down, you must then WALK AWAY!! You don't get to pick it up again! 

Yesterday, a young woman in a nearby town died in a car accident.  Being the small world that it is, she happened to be really good friends with a lot of other young ladies that I love - who live in another state.  I only mention this because the sorrow has touched close to home and caused me to really reflect on things - as tragedies oftentimes cause us to do.  This young lady is with Jesus now - no question about that - but the sorrow of knowing that life is so fragile is sometimes breathtaking.  With this in mind, don't continue carrying the weight of a grudge.  Let it go - let the offender go - and most importantly, set yourself free.  Life is too precious, too fragile and sometimes way too short to live any other way!

Much love! :)
Laura

Just checking in. . .

Not much time to say a whole lot. . . but I wanted to check in.  It's been a while. . . I did another stupid thing and enrolled in, not one this time, but TWO online, condensed courses - and it ruined my gallbladder (that's the story I'm sticking with anyway).  So - in the midst of the classes, I had gallbladder surgery and I'm in my 4th day of recovery.  The fall weather begs me to work hard in the yard and around the house, but the pain begs me to sit and write this so that I'm forced to be still for a little bit. 
Oh!  And - it's the first weekend Matt has been off, without us having elaborate plans, in over 4 months - it's a FABULOUS day!!!!!!
I finally finished a craft project that I started months ago. . . I might write about that later.  In the meantime, I'm attempting to remain sane (classes) and not overdue it (recovery) and totally missing so many people!!!  Good news - mom & dad come next weekend!!!!  OOOOOHHHHHH the pressure to get recovered and get my house recovered from being "gone" for a week.
Anyway - just wanted to touch base and let you know that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth!  :)
Enjoy this beautiful weeked!!!!!!
Much love!
Laura

True love never dies

LONG POST WARNING!So. . I went to a "smallish" school.  If you were within 10 years of age, you knew each other - oftentimes better than they knew themselves.  It was a church-school and many of us went to both the church and the school.  In essence, we saw each other more in our lifetime than we saw our own families.  That said, we often fought like family, but we also loved like family.  I am often reminded of the disadvantages of such a small class size, but more often I am thankful.  For example: during my graduation ceremony, many of our teachers addressed each of us individually and my valedictorian speech mentioned every last one of my fellow graduates.  The graduation was just about as intimate as a wedding - and I LOVED it!
Anyway - the class of 2000 did not do a good job and we did not have a reunion.  Half of us live out of state - many clear across the country - and while we had the best intentions to do so. . . . we just didn't.  The class of 2001, however, has their act together. Two of them, in particular, (from out of state I might add) planned a reunion (thank you, Emily & Bonnie) and they invited ALL of Victory's alumni.  The reunion was yesterday, and it turned out beautifully.  There weren't as many as I had expected; I was totally blown away by the absence of Monica (we missed you) and Bonnie was not able to make it due to an injury (you were missed as well).  However, I was totally blessed by the ones who were there and was pleasantly surprised to see Brandie (who I hadn't seen since my 16th birthday).  I was so happy to see so many of the faces that helped to shape who I am today.  There wasn't an "adult" there who hadn't uniquely touched my life and the opportunity to hug their necks was something I am grateful for.  You see, they weren't just our teachers; many of them had been an essential part of my life outside of school.  And seeing Emily's parents (who helped a TON to put it all together) was super special as they were essentially my "second family" for most of my life. 
Thinking of all of this I realize how truly blessed I was (and am) to have lived my most formidable years with such amazing people.  Not many people remember their school years with such fondness and admiration.
One thing I do wish they had taught me. . . . . "when you take your camera to an event like this, you should stop laughing and talking long enough to get your stupid camera out and use it!!!"  :) :) :)
My husband did take this picture though . . . . .

Jenny, Emily, Laura, Jon

I am hoping others weren't as lame as I was; I'm holding out hope on facebook!!!  :)

In the end - it was perfect.  And I hope we don't wait as long next time!!!!!!

:) :) :) :) :)

The perfect "pants"

I'm relatively sure I'm not the only one who hates shopping for pants.  I have had children. . . . so most pants are either too short or too tall or the waist is too low or too high or the butt is too baggy or cutting off circulation or the waistline is gapping or suffocating. . . but all of that ended as I was sucked into Gap the other day.  The "40% off" sign pulled me in like a massive magnet.  Once inside, I discovered the perfect pants (at least for me).  For those of you who totally understood my earlier description, you can understand that I teared up with joy at my new find.  AND - they were on sale.  It was a fine day. . . I spent the rest of the day humming and skipping.
Oddly enough, they are called "Perfect Trouser Pants" - imagine that. . . . and they come in a few different colors.  I nabbed the white ones and am IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next sale will bring along the black ones - as my only pair of black pants are soooooooooooo ready to be retired. 
You can check them out here

Hope they make your day like they did mine!!! :) :) :)

Pinterest

Don't fall out.  I know it's been a while. . . . trust, me. . . I would of rather written to you than do Algebra.  Regardless - that is almost finished (final on Tuesday) and life will be "normal" for a whole 2 weeks!!!!!!!! (before the Fall semester starts).
Anyway - for those of you who haven't discovered it yet, Pinterest is UHMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!  Last night I was pretty hungry while "feeding" my Pinterest obsession, so I found tons of food items that spoke to me.  However, I did find other items (household, clothing, etc) that made me smile. 
You definitely should check it out.  In the meantime. . . . go shopping!!  Grocery shopping, that is.  Because you HAVE to join me in making all of this. . . .


TACO "CUPCAKES" from Plain Chicken




PESTO STUFFED SHELLS from Budget Bytes



LASAGNA CUPS from Lauren's Latest




HOMEMADE NUTELLA (PRESERVATIVE FREE!!!) from The Family Kitchen



FISH TACOS from My Recipes



You must know that until last week I had never eaten a fish taco.  "Fish belongs in a fryer or broiler, but not a tortilla" I would say. . . . . Please forgive me, I have sinned.  I totally take back this comment and will pledge my allegiance to "The Fish Taco". 



SUPER EASY CROCKPOT FAJITAS from A Year of Slow Cooking





This particular website just might save my family.  You see. . . it's 489,000 degrees here in the middle of "hell on earth" and the stove is off limits.  Any mention of turning on the stove requires one's hand to be slapped and that person must go to their room for the remainder of the year.  So I stopped cooking.  It's a good thing Matt didn't and that Papa John's gives me coupons.  Anyway - I vow to resume my kitchen duties, but you'd better believe my crockpot is going to be whining from overuse!!!!

CHICKEN GYROS  from The Girl Who Ate Everything

I feel that in another lifetime, this girl & I could've been really great friends.  By naming her blog "The Girl Who Ate Everything", I feel we are bound to meet at some point and become the best of friends!!!!  

And totally random, but still "Pinterest-related". . . . this will soon hang over our bed. . .

Because. . . . even after almost 12 years, I still get butterflies and a giddy child-like silliness about me when I think about my husband.  I am truly blessed beyond measure.  And. . . . If I could choose again, I'd still choose him.  :) :) :) :)

My first. . .

Field Trip, my first Field Trip as a mom.  C hasn't been on many, but they always fell on orientation days in the past.  This time - I GOT TO GO!!!  And I will tell you that I'm a nerd, sucker, cry baby. . . whatever. . . I literally choked up and spent 10 minutes fighting back tears after the buses started up and we began the caravan to the zoo.  Yes, I've been to the zoo and yes, I've been on a field trip, but I've never gone with my "soon-to-be" 2nd grader and all of his friends. 
We started with a picture of the two of us (the oldest looking like a hot mess)

But it was SOOO worth it! :)

I quickly developed a route that would land us at the playground in time for lunch and finish us up at the indoor exhibits so I didn't have a heatstroke!  I'm smart like that. . . sometimes.

My group was so much fun.  I was surprised at how well they behaved and was proud of myself for passing along the once-drilled-into-me message of "walk on the right side of the hall".  I cracked myself up along the way - most of them just stared at me like I was insane.

Such a good-looking crew! 

(And, no, you're not being given "the bird" like I initially thought when I downloaded the pics - those would be "peace" signs)

Our group was known as the "Monkeys" group.  C picked that for us "because I'm your monkey-man".  We even came up with a way to do a "monkey check" - this is when I say "monkey check" and each one responds with their number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in order - to show me that everyone was still accounted for.  They learn so quickly!  :)

Thought this picture was only appropriate. :)



My sweet "monkey-man"

We had a blast!!!!!

And now, I need a shower, foot massage and 2 more days of vacation!!!  :) :) :) :)

Sincerely,

One Happy Momma

Daisy Mae's Adventures

So. . . we went to Arkansas this weekend (more details to follow, later - I hope).  We took Daisy with us - she's such a good trooper.  She travels well and adapts pretty quickly to a new environment - even if she WAS absolutely THRILLED to be back home!
All of this led me to determine what we would do with her while we make our 10-day trek through various states doing all sorts of things, later this summer.  In the process, I discovered a totally cool website - which is the prompt for this post. 
http://www.bringfido.com/ - it not only finds local hotels and pricing, but also shows you their current pet policy, fees, deposits, etc.  For those of you who are new at the "dog-mama" gig or if you've been at it a long time and never discovered this amazing site. . . . enjoy!  :) :)

It's official

With no replies to our "sweet girl doggy found" post and a scan for an ID chip not successful, Daisy is officially licensed to the Kent family.

And I now have another tool for getting "nap time" to occur.  :) :)

Chapter 87

Note: I am aware that this is the second post in one day. When life hands you winter weather in the Spring, you do what is necessary to survive.

I've been told at least 100 times that I should write a book about my life.  So, for kicks. . . I give you the beginning of Chapter 87 (yes, it's a LONG book).

Having only one test left in my Accounting course, I was excited that Matt was taking both of the kids to C's tball practice.  Five minutes after the house was emptied, I settled down to kick out the last test in the only class I actually enjoyed this semester.  It was a timed exam and the sight of the clock made me anxious, but I pushed through.  Within 30 minutes, I received a text, "Look what we found", attached to a picture of a very cute dog. 
By now, you know I'm not really a dog person.  I don't hate them or even dislike them, I just don't prefer them.  It's not them. . . it's me.  Still in the middle of an exam, with the clock ticking in the background, the phone rings.  I hit "reject" - I must stay focused.  Less than three minutes later, the phone rings again.  Again, I reject it, but follow up with a text, "in the middle of a timed exam".  Not to mention - I know what the call is for.  He's been trying to talk me into a small dog for a year now.  I always win and we still don't have a dog.
After finishing the exam (and the semester with an "A"), I call him back.  Because that's the right thing to do and because I love him and because it's just right.
Matt starts with, "she's such a sweet dog" followed by "I think she's almost an adult - she's lost all but one puppy tooth" and "she hasn't barked once and there are plenty of other dogs around" and "she's so gentle with the kids - even P isn't skiddish" and lots of other convincing statements to which I simply reply "yup" at each pause.  Then comes the kicker, "I think we should take her home and try to find her owner and if we can't then we'll just keep her".  Being the one who thinks things through quite obnoxiously, I reply, "You can't just bring her home. We rent now, we'll have to call James (our landlord) and get permission. Plus, we still haven't unpacked and I'm still in school and it's just a lot to deal with right now. Let's wait a month and talk about it again."  By the last statement, I meant "talk about getting a dog later - in about a month", but he responds with, "So, we'll see if she's still lost in a park in a month?!?!?"  I think I simply sighed and we ended our conversation. 
After eleven years of dating, eight years of marriage, two children and a host of other exciting milestones, I would've thought that I had made myself perfectly clear.  He should know by now that the sigh meant, "no, seriously, this is not up for debate - let someone else rescue her - we have enough on our plates. . . and. . .  I don't want a dog!"
Twenty minutes later, I hear the sound of my family coming home.  They're not exactly quiet about it, ever, but I've kinda missed them and am a tad bit excited.  The door opens and my beautiful princess bounces in, her eyes gleaming, with the greatest smile, EVER, screaming, "mommy, mommy. . . we got a new puppy!!!".  I just responding with "yup" and kept up with what I was doing (more homework).  I all but ignored the canine that my darling husband was carrying and pretended to not exist for the remainder of my homework.  The truth was, I couldn't forget the look on P's face and I found the new puppy to be rather adorable.  I must not allow myself to be taken by these minor details - after all, I had all but said, "hell to the no". 
When I felt like I'd had a little time to recover from shock, and was better able to stand my ground, I went out back to join my clan.  The kids were both beaming and Matt was rolling on the ground with this adorable mutt.  Had I gone to sleep??? Did I miss something??  Maybe the part where he called me back and talked me into it and I agreed to bringing the dog home???  Nope.  None of that.  Reality was - I was now the foster mom to a dog that I was convinced someone was missing terribly.  Because. . . she was adorable and trained and smart and trained and clean and sweet and adorable. . .
It was now time for bedtime and we went through our usual rituals, tucked them into bed and started to get settled into the evening.  Before doing so, however, we made another trip out back to check on the well-being of this mutt that had invaded my home.  At some point in that visit out back Matt said, "we just can't name her" to which I shamefully admit, "I've already named her Daisy".  He just laughed. That night, she spent an hour cuddled on the couch with the two of us and I kinda liked it.

The next day I started the search for her owner and with every possible match, my heart sank.  It was then that I knew I hadn't won at all.  In fact, Matt and Daisy had won.  I even showed off pictures of her at work that day. Then someone said something that struck me with so much fear that I almost passed out, "awwww, you're such a good dog-mom".  ME?!?!?  Really?!?!!? Okay - I WAS dreaming.  But dream or no dream. . . we still hadn't talked to our landlord.  Later that evening, he & Matt talked.  He wasn't too excited about it and initially said "no" at which point I wished that I could somehow rewind time and be more fierce with my "no, you can't bring her home".  But a little later he told us that we could keep her, but she couldn't stay inside (meaning while we were gone or while unattended) - I found myself relieved and then completely shocked that I was even concerned to begin with!!!

There you go. . . a taste of chapter 87.  I will say that it's been 3 days now. . . I have taken her to a ball game and even allowed her to come in and sleep with me this morning because it was cold out.  I have no idea what is wrong with me, but I secretly hope that we can't find her owners.
I will add this, however. . . as a responsible adult, a good pet-mom, and good person all around. . . I took plastic bags with me to the park so if she pooped, I could clean it up.  And my stance is still this, "I don't allow my children to walk around the neighborhood, pooping in people's yards and so even if you consider your dog to be like your child, clean up your mess - it's nasty and rude!"

Home for the Holiday

Okay - maybe not "the holiday". . . but it was an event - that's for sure.  Mom2's Surprise 50th Birthday Party.  It was FABULOUS!!!  Which only means that picked the appropriate theme for the party, "Fabulous at Any Age".  My mother-in-law has two very blessed boys, if I do say so myself.  My SIL, Abbie, and I worked very hard on the evening's plans and we were so very blessed to see everything fall into place.
On my way home from Arkansas, after Christmas, was when the planning began.  With the help of the internet, I immediately recruited a few helpers - Abbie being the key piece.  At the same time, I contacted Mom2's BFF from high school, Chris, about coming from California.  I might add that the excitement that overwhelmed me on that day carried me through the next four months.  Besides planning a party in another state (a surprise party at that), we were moving, I have in 3 classes, we have children and jobs and and and. . . God's grace is the only way (looking back) that we pulled this off.  BUT anyhow. . . .

For the next two months, I worked with the amazing people at our home church in Benton (Mom2's church) to secure a venue and attempt to get the word out, quietly.  You have to understand that Mom2 is a server in all meanings of the word.  She is always doing for others and in the process, she's really in tune to the church calendar.  So - that's where facebook came in.  After a couple days of testing (thank you, Amy Ann & Nina for your help), the private group was created and about 100 people added. 

Inviting Chris and being excited about the surprise element of having her here (they hadn't seen each other in 5 years - since Mom2 went to California to surprise CHRIS on her 45th birthday) - that was the easy part.  Actually getting her here was not-so-much.  To say it was going to take a miracle to get her here (she's not only a mom, but her daughter's teacher - and airline tickets are expensive) - that's the ultimate understatement.  But - after prayer, looking at every possible option for a cheaper flight, more prayers and a tad bit more prayer, God came through and we now had airline tickets.  Let Laura's ridiculous amount of excitement begin!  By this time, we were pretty sure everyone in the church knew along with family & friends - had about 95% of the plans finalized and now just had to wait.  And waiting is NOT my strongest suit. . . I think I might've caused Amy Ann to wish I'd just go to Arkansas already!  OH - almost forgot. . . . Amy Ann is the one who created the beautiful email invitation that was later sent out.  She did a FABULOUS job!!!
Then - the day before. . . . the reality that Chris was really about to board a plane sank in.  I was overwhelmed to tears and was essentially worthless in all other areas of my life.  The evidence that God had been in the midst of the plans all along was even more visible (I remind you that her ENTIRE church family knew and had known for many months).  Abbie & I had planned our first family event together and while I can't speak for her, I will say that it was FABULOUS.  On the way to Arkansas the next day, I couldn't help but cry - tears of happiness and thankfulness that not only did I have a MIL that I loved - who loves me. . . but that both of her boys and their wives and their mom get along so well - there aren't words to describe how blessed we all are. 
Back to the party. . . . Chris had flown in very late Thursday night, just before the tornadoes came through that fatally effected Hot Springs Village and Scott.  This meant that the phone call I received from Chris Friday morning (while I was still in Tulsa) was. . . ."I have no power in my hotel and I have no windows - only my phone as light".  It took a couple phone calls, but in the end, Abbie came to her rescue and while plans had been altered, all were safe and sound and the day went on. My mom was so helpful in the plotting and lies (teeheehee).  She's such a good sport and AMAZING at keeping me calm while I semi-panic about the cakes not being finished in time.  Thank you, mom, for your support and the bazillion emails while I went insane during the last week attempting to get everything and everyone (and the story, aka, ball-faced lies) settled and finished. 
Now - enough of this sappy stuff. 
At 6:30, a limo arrived to pickup Mom2, Matt & C (P was with us girls - initiating plans and plots).  The story was that they had to pick me up from the church because I had been finishing a gift with the help of Terri (mom2's other BFF). 
I have very few photos to share because I was not the photographer that night (thank you SO much, Christine Apple - you make my world go 'round), but try to imagine. . . .
They come into the darkened halls of the church and round the corner to the hospitality room where a host of family & friends are waiting to yell "surprise" and honor someone who means so much to so many. 
That surprise was awesome and very much worth the time and effort.  I wish everyone in the world could've been there - it was amazing!!!
She then spent a few minutes hugging and looking around (completely missing Chris for the time being - she was very overwhelmed).  Then - she hugged her dad and he motioned that she should look at the other side of the room.  Again - two full sweeps and then. . . . . as Abbie & I cry. . . . she notices Chris and it was perfect and wonderful and movie-like and perfect and wonderful.  Just writing about it makes my heart flutter and my eyes tear - it was fabulous!!!!
And now, as if accepting an Oscar, Abbie & I have a ton of people to thank - and I will do my very best to not leave anyone out.
Centerpoint Church (especially Vicki, Terri and Christy) - thank you SOOO much for loving our mom so much and respecting her to the degree that you could go almost 3 months without spilling the beans.  You all amaze me - I adore each and every one of you and am so thankful for all of you.
Our husbands - while this WAS for YOUR mom. . . .your patience and support for us - in all aspects of our lives - is better than any fairytale could ever describe.  You are our knights in shining armor and we are so blessed.
Our moms - you guys ROCK.  How amazing is it that - not only do we adore our MIL - you two do as well.  Our family is so richly blessed.  :)
Christine Apple - thank you for taking camera duty.  Thank you for being such an amazing friend to Sandie.  You totally rock!  :)
Terri - thank you for playing part in our lies and deception (how horrible does that sound?!?!) and for keeping it a secret.  I know it was painful and we appreciate you.
Food-bringers - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was all fabulous and we couldn't have pulled it off without you.
Givers - thank you to all of you who contributed to bless Mom2 with money for her & Chris' Disney trip - celebrating their 50th birthday (something they've been planning for a long time).  We believe you will see 100-fold return on your generous gifts. 
Amy Ann - thank you for your support and for putting up with my giddiness and ridiculous stories.  The invite was beautiful - just like you.  I love you dearly!
Donny & Girls (Chris' husband and daughters) - thank you for allowing us to borrow your beautiful wife/mom.  The weekend wouldn't have been the same without her. 
Flight giver - to those, unnamed and unknown, who contributed to Chris' flight - what a blessing you have coming your way!!!!!!!!!!!
Grumps - thank you for the limo and the driver!  It may have seemed a simple gesture, but it was the icing on the cake. :)
I feel like I am forgetting a host of people, but please know that we appreciate everything that was done to help this come to pass.  It was PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

Sandie & Chris

Abbie & Me - we worked hard to earn the right to wear that sash & boa!  :) :) :)

 Mom2's "special" boys.  Two AMAZING men of God!!!

Wow. . . I think I may have written a book!

Our Wild Weekend

Last weekend (over a week ago) was absolutely INSANE!!!!!
Friday we finished packing. . . . if you think moving down the street is easier than moving to a different state (like I did), you are sorely mistaken. Somehow, it's much harder.  I think it might be because you have yourself convinced that it'll be easy. . . . and then it's not.  But - as with most other hard stuff in life, when it's over, it's over. . . and you wonder what all the whining was about. 
Anywho. . . back to our weekend.  Saturday morning we had C's first t-ball game.  YEAH!!!!!!! It wasn't exactly good timing, but we've been looking forward to this since the end of last year's season.

OMGoodness he is so cute.

I mean, seriously, too cute!

I'm pretty sure I caught him in the middle of a strut.  I'll say it again. . . he is so stinkin' cute!

THEN - it was a quick run to the other side of the world (aka West Tulsa) to drop him off at his best friend's birthday party.  C's mom was such a jewel - she let him just hang out and then she took him back to C's house afterwards to play XBox for a while.  In the meantime, my sweet friend, Danielle, took our Princess for a while.  They went to the park and then went out for ice cream.  She had a blast and I was, once again, reminded of just how special my friends are.  While the kids weren't underfoot, we moved furniture.  And by "we", I mean "Matt & the dolly" for the most part.  Then it came time to move the couch & love seat.  These babies may not look heavy. . . but they are terribly deceiving.  Nina & T came over to help us.  By "us" I mean that T & I followed Matt & Nina gasping as we saw potential disasters and offering moral support.  I think we did a great job. . . Matt & Nina did too.
I'd say that it was about this time that I stood in my new kitchen and sobbed.  Looking back, I'm not really sure why.  I think it was exhaustion and release from all of the emotions of the past few months.  But. . . then I went to my new bedroom, put my big-girl panties on and marched on through the insanity before me.  What insanity?!? You ask?!?
This insanity. . .

I hate that I forgot to take pics of all of this in boxes. . . LOTS of boxes.

It kinda looks like I'm about to do a Pampered Chef show.  HA! 

If you notice, I had ZERO counter space in the midst of all of this. . . . didn't even have space to make a sandwich!

This whole area here was full of boxes stacked almost to the ceiling. This was after I unpacked and set almost everything out.

This doesn't look like much, but it's actually about 50+ framed pictures that were taken from the old house's walls. . . . they are still in that same place waiting for me to figure out what I'm going to do.  :(

I'm supposed to sleep here?!?!?!?!

No idea where I was going with this picture.  But just for kicks. . . . here you go! :)

P is supposed to sleep here?!?!?!?!

This is the best C's room has looked. . . he unpacked immediately, before there was furniture or anything to organize it. Sigh. . . . I love this kid!!!!

See what I mean?!?!?

Sunday. . . . now came the process of figuring out where all of this madness would go.  P went to church with Aunt Nina & Aunt T and then to lunch while C helped dad move more stuff over.  Just about the time I thought, "I wanna quit. . . a nap sounds good". . . my other sweet friend, Amy called me.  She had made my family a salad and had plans to order pizza for dinner.  A salad may not sound exciting, but that's probably because you've never had Amy's salad.  It's AMAZING and the offer was such a blessing.  Just a bit later, she and her sweet hubby brought this. . . .

These cookies were amazing.  C ate 5 before I even knew it.
and this. . . . (this is after we dug in.  I forgot I was supposed to be capturing this madness while I lived it)

and a toy for each of the kids.  You know those people in your life that bless you so much, just by being who they are, that you itch to see what God has in store for them. . . . . Amy & Russ are "those people".  I don't know Russ very well, personally, but he loves my Amy Ann, who is "those people", so that automatically makes him "those people".  Nina & T are "those people" and so is Danielle.  I'm gonna miss that girl like CRAZY when she graduates. . . it hurts my heart just to think about it.

Anyway. . . Sunday was a long day, as was Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. . . . you catch my drift.  BUT - I am happy to say that the majority of our new home is in order.  I can find almost everything (which is a miracle even without moving) and we love it here.  C has told me at least 5 times that he loves our new house.  We can't keep P inside. . . she loves the area created by the city ages ago "just for her" to ride her bike and the boys have played more football in the past week than ever, I think. 


Remember my stories about the rainbow????  Yup. . . this is another rainbow.  Always, always, always find your rainbow.  Sometimes we have to look really hard and find every small thing we can find that brings light in the storm and hang onto it, share it, give praise for it and cherish it.  But the clouds really do clear out eventually.  Think of a really strong rainstorm. . . when it's over and the sun is coming out, there's a sweet aroma in the air, the sky, even the air, is oftentimes a color you can't even describe, but it's beautiful.  A couple branches may have snapped and sometimes there's a bit of debris around, but for the most part you oftentimes feel refreshed and new.  Maybe that's just my personal feeling about storms, but it's so true in regards to the storms of life.  Things may not be the same afterwards - things look different, sometimes out of place from where they once were, but I think there's something amazing about the new landscape. 

Thank you for enduring this extremely long post.  I've been itching to write it!!! More pics to follow, I'm sure.  :) :) :)
Laura