Lifemeds #44 March 2015

There is a delightful moment in 'The Family Man' where Nicholas Cage has taken Tia Leoni to a penthouse apartment that is only one of the minor perks he's been offered if he takes the job he 'really has' in his real life. He's trying to describe the amazing life they can have and all the amazing things that will happen and come if they just step up to the changes, alterations, enhancements. It will be so much better than their existing life. 
 I recommend watching with the hubs. After the kids go to bed. (maybe you can catch the edited version, disclaimer: some parts are inappropriate.)
 For us, when things get out of control and we need a reset on our perspective as marrieds or parents-- we say what Tia says to Nicholas -- we are that family, we are have what folks are striving for. Oh please, you know I'm not saying perfection, or the modern interpretation of success. We are blessed. We have longevity, a collective history, safety, warmth. HOME. We have stayed the storm of 17 years, with all the details that go with those years. And we still like being together. But it's those stress filled days of 'no answers' and 'no compromise' that seem to make us wonder - what were we thinking??
What fool commits to a life of ... - this?
Parenting, marriage, living, = challenge.
(Perhaps this explains my affinity for end of the world movies- theme-- survival. Like The Day After Tomorrow. Yes, you'll catch me watching this during our personal catastrophic moments)
 But our goal is not just survival- right? It is to thrive, live, honor God by honoring one another.
The week is here. It's Monday already. Lord, accept my thanks for all that you have blessed me with. 
My cup runneth over. 

 The Serenity Prayer seems appropriate-- 

Lord, help me to accept the things I can't change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 

Give me, oh Lord in your infinite wisdom, perspective and gratitude for the smallest wonder in my life. Love for those in my immediate circle of life. May you be honored in all things, in every way, by my actions and that which is in my power to influence. May the whispers of my heart's voice be only love and self-sacrifice. 

If you wish to read and fellowship with others in life-changing thanksgiving and gratitude, consider visiting Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience. 

An example of her beautiful expression can be found in this post. 

If you are looking for a Lenten Series,

 visit Edie at  Life In Grace and sign up for her e-mails. I highly recommend.  I'll be heading there shortly, even though I do not strictly keep Lent.

 Go there, sign up, you won't be disappointed.

 And you'll be welcomed, even if you don't know what the ashes are for. 

January 2015

These two. Love these two. 8 years old is just special.

First basket, his first game ever.


New Years-ish hike around Kennesaw Mountain.


These two. Love these two.



They said they were 'Union.' What? (Kennesaw Mountain, Illinois Monument.)


These two. love these two.


My tiger mug may need a replacement.


Oh, Anthropologie.... you do me wrong... to show me these beauties.


The boys continue to stack wood, almost daily. It is our 'almost' sole source of heat. = COZY.

December 2014

Cranberry bread recipe from JoAnn Jacobi, shared with Mom when I was little. So yummy.

A new tradition that has 'it's own life, Buddy, the Elf.

Our trip, with kids to Athens Symphony. Can't say enough good. Dreams come true.

We stood, boys and all, through the Hallelujah Chorus! Yes!! 

2006 Christmas

2014 Christmas
Feeling at Home, at last.

November 2014 ~ Thanksgiving ~ Lifemeds #43

While the world seems to crumble, there are simple benchmarks being kept in my world. I was never any good at dribbling in basketball. I really just couldn't do it all at the same time. For now, I've kept up with the game. No 'three-pointers', but I've stayed in, with only a few time-outs. No technicals, no fouls, I've made it from base-line to base-line and managed to not stand out. Word.

Epic cold weather hovers over the day-- bliss. The wood stove warms the whole of the room. I am content.

Thanksgiving is not coming too soon, nor too late. Right on time. The time off from busy-ness for both kids and consequently myself, arrives. Nine days of unplugging.  No not in the literal sense, but disengaging the alarm, perhaps even travel to Nannie and Grandpas.
This article of real answers gave me hope last night. Purpose to the need to 'judge'. Judge for oneself and for our prodigy what is noble and good, right and pure. 

Today, praying that I won't 'time-out.'
Thankful for firewood, windows to see, Psalm 146, the Gettysburg Address, friends, family. My husband. Lifemeds for me. Never stop counting.
Visit Ann at A Holy Experience for encouragement to consider Gratitude as the Answer.

A New Approach to History for Middle Grades

I'm still in the research mode of these particular books. However, the reviews I've personally received are exceptional. I saw one that dealt with the Middle East, specifically 'The Thousand Years War' and I'm convinced if the combination of interesting prose described by my friend, is combined with this particular region and its history, this book in particular will be a winner.
The Series of Uncle Eric Books looks ideal for thought provoking material. I'm going to research further, and consider these as a good supplement for the future, if not a spine text.

Listening to this from Andrew Pudwea again. You can find 'Nuturing Competent Communicators' at IEW.com Resources