I had enough!

Over the past few days, I had been growing more and more frustrated with my hair. It had been years since it was so long, and the foggy fall weather, wild children, and other factors left it a tangled, frizzy mess by the end of the day. I was always wadding it up and pulling it back. I was almost ready to pull it out. I'd had enough.

So today I went to get it cut. I told Hubby before I left that I might decide to go short. It had been a while since I took off any real length. I grabbed a coupon for Great Clips, assuring him that if the $9 haircut was a disaster, I'd call my friend/co-worker and beg her to fix it. If she weren't busy packing up to leave town and all of us (boo!) she would be the one cutting it anyway. I was a little nervous as I left; It's pretty tough to mess up a haircut with my curls, but it can happen.

It didn't, though. Actually, it all worked out perfectly. I met a fantastic (and talented) stylist, and had a great time talking with her (and I don't know about you, but I'm usually pretty awkward with haircut conversation). I found out that she lives super close to our church and ended up leaving my phone number with her in case she wants a friendly face if she decides to come on a Sunday or Wednesday. She said she'll be in touch, and I kind of believe it.

Another reason it worked out perfectly: once she started combing out my hair and we saw how long it was when straightened, I found out I could actually spare 10 inches for Locks of Love. I had enough. It was the extra push I needed to cut it all off!

I know people who have intentionally grown their hair extra long for Locks of Love. The process itself was part of their gift, their sacrifice. I kind of feel like I cheated a little, since I just had to cut off the crazy length I had let accumulate over way too long, but it's okay. I had enough, and I hope that it helps.

An added bonus: Great Clips cuts hair for Locks of Love for free. I completely forgot until she rang me up. I had enough to treat myself to some new product!

I'm thankful for being able to give. I'm thankful for a new, easy look and a new friend.

I'm thankful that God is always providing. More than enough.

An (almost free) opportunity to give through Compassion-

I got an e-mail from Doug, my Regional Advocate director at Compassion yesterday with an opportunity to touch the lives of children in Compassion projects all over the world. Here is what he said:

We can collect letters and Christmas cards for children in our projects that have never received a letter! Send them to:

Compassion International
Attn Candy Entingh
12290 Voyager Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

BUT…they have to arrive at GMC by November 23rd, in order for them to get into the system and arrive for each child to receive them BY Christmas.

There are over 1,400 children in HAITI alone who don’t yet have a sponsor! Just write out a card or letter leaving out any attempt to address a particular child by name and let them know you are praying for them and thinking of them this Christmas. Share your faith, share your words of love and encouragement – but be sure to share something! It will take just a couple minutes to write out a quick card.

Let others know and send as many as you can by this weekend!

I pulled out a box of various Christmas cards, the kind we are sent free every year from American Bible Society or ASPCA, and have been writing a simple message about the love of God and the gift of Christ this Christmas. I've said a little prayer for each child that might receive the card. When they're all finished, I'm going to put them all in an envelope and drop it by the post office. I was even thinking I'd use the $0.41 Christmas stamps I found in my Christmas Card organizer to pay for the postage on the envelope. Easy, inexpensive, but we'll never know what effect these little letters and thoughts will have on a child half-way around the world.

Will you join me?

I guess I should mention that if you want more information about Compassion or are interested in sponsoring a child, you can check out my Widget on the left, the sponsorship birthday banner on the right, or click here.

Getting to the point

Giving Challenge Catch-up

It's day 10 of the 30 Day Giving Challenge, and even though I haven't mentioned it in a few days, I have been trying to keep up.

Over the past few days, I sent some small toys to church for our afterschool program for their "rewards shop," packed some old towels and sheets in Big Sister's backpack for the county Animal Shelter, dropped some money in a Salvation Army kettle, sent canned goods to work with Hubby for another collection at church, and mailed a donation to March of Dimes.

I have to admit, there are times I feel like I'm running out of ideas. The other day, I spent a little while catching up on the paid survey invitations I had from Opinion Outpost, and I donated about $1 to the Red Cross from the "consolation screen" at the end of surveys for which I didn't qualify. I was sick at home and not really able to do much of anything else, but I know that was a stretch. Still, I decided to count it for the challenge because the continued streak of giving is a little extra motivation.

Really, though, checking something off of my list or keeping this going for however-many days in a row shouldn't be my motivation at all. My motivation should be to give to others for the glory of our generous God, the Giver of all good things. That ought to be all of the motivation I need.

So let me rephrase what I said earlier: The continued streak, the challenge to give for 30 days in a row, is not some legalistic thing I'm doing because I feel obligated. And it isn't a contest I want to win or an achievement for which I want to earn bragging rights. It's simply a way to challenge myself to get creative and keep going, a way to hold myself accountable for what I say I believe.

It is only as good as the heart behind it.


Lord, search my heart. Teach me how to give from the depths of it. Show me opportunities to give and love like You. And forgive me if I ever make it about myself. Amen.

The kind of surprises we don't like...

Little Sister was fussy this morning.

Then she was quiet and still and content to sit and watch show after show on Playhouse Disney. I knew she was very tired, but when I went to stroke her hair and ask her if she wanted to get dressed, I realized something else. And even if I hadn't, she pointed it out.

"I have a febver. You need to check it. "

So I did. And she did. 102.4 to be exact.

I can't see any other symptoms. And I can't count how many times this has happened to the poor kiddo since the first time she spiked a random temp at two months of age and we spent nearly all night in the emergency room.

My sweet baby girl is taking it like a champ. I've administered tylenol, juice, lots of snuggles in mommy's lap, books, WAY too much tv time, and rest. After the cutest little scene of head-wobbling and drifting off in the recliner (she gets that from her Papa), she is currently sleeping soundly in her big girl bed.

I'm thinking, since I don't know how long this will last, I might join her.

Oh... that...

This morning while getting the girls dressed, I turned to find Little Sister running out into the hallway. A door slammed, and then she quickly returned, looking quite satisfied with herself.

"Did you lock Keaton in my room?" I asked.

Little Sis nodded. "Now she won't poop on my bed." This made Big Sister giggle and me shake my head.

I responded with something along the lines of this: "She isn't going to poop on your bed. I just tell you not to lock her out of Mommy & Daddy's room because her bathroom is in our bathroom. If she can't get there, then she might go potty somewhere else."

"She will poop on my floor." It seemed Little Sis thought this was a good compromise between her position and mine.

Then Big Sister chimed in as I helped her put on her shoes. "Remember when Keaton pooped in my castle?" I nodded. When the cat was very sick a few years ago, she seemed to think the pink and purple play-tent was her own master bath. How could I forget something that gross?

"Hey, whatever happened to that castle, anyway?" asked Big Sis.

Feeling proud of myself and grateful for the opportunity, I seized the moment to talk about behavior and consequences. "Well, it got torn up. You threw a few huge fits and you broke it. And one day, I just took it down. It's in the attic, but I can't figure out how to fix it again."

"You could buy me a new one. Or Daddy could get some wood and build us a real one. A big fancy one." Big Sis was seriously overestimating her dad's carpentry skills, but that wasn't the biggest problem in my mind.

"You tore up the last one. You didn't take care of it, and you purposely broke it when you were angry and in time out. Why in the world would we get you another one?"

Without missing a beat, Big Sister answered. "To show grace," she said.

Oh. That.

Sometimes this kid is too smart for her own good.

Or for mine, at least!

Like a lamp on a hill...

Martyrs and Thieves
by Jennifer Knapp


There's a place in the darkness that I used to cling to
That presses harsh hope against time
In the absence of martyrs there's a presence of thieves
Who only want to rob you blind.
They steal away any sense of peace.
Though I'm a king, I'm a king on my knees
And I know they are wrong when they say I am strong
As the darkness covers me.

So turn on the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid.
To bear all my weakness, knowing in meekness,
I have a kingdom to gain
Where there is peace and love in the light
In the light , I am not afraid
To let your light shine bright in my life, in my life.

There are ghosts from my past who've owned more of my soul
Than I thought I had given away.
They linger in closets and under my bed
And in pictures less proudly displayed.
A great fool in my life I have been
Have squandered 'til pallid and thin.
Hung my head in shame and refused to take blame
For the darkness I know I've let win.

So turn on the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid.
To bear all my weakness, knowing in meekness,
I have a kingdom to gain.
Where there is peace and love in the light
In the light , I am not afraid
To let your light shine bright in my life, in my life

Can you hear me?

I've never been much for the bearing of soul
In the presence of any man.
I'd rather keep to myself all safe and secure
In the arms of a sinner I am.
Could it be that my worth should defend
By the crimson stained grace on a hand?
And like a lamp on a hill Lord I pray in your will
To reveal all of you that I can.

So turn on the light and reveal all the glory.
I am not afraid.
To bear all my weakness, knowing in meekness,
I have a kingdom to gain.
Where there is peace and love in the light
In the light , I am not afraid
To let your light shine bright in my life, in my life

There's a place in the darkness that I used to cling to
That presses harsh hope against time.

Day 4 and more

Today, I gave up some kid-free time to myself to help out with a couple of things at church, one of which was Upward Awards Night tonight.

It feels weird, sitting here typing while Hubs and Big Sis are there. When we were first married and living in Birmingham, I helped with these nights right alongside him. Even after we had the kiddos and I couldn't help much, I was still there, doing whatever I could. But tonight, I stayed home and gave Little Sis an early bath and bed. She has not been sleeping well, and I think it is a case of being overtired- a vicious cycle that has plagued her since she was tiny. But it is nothing that some early nights, long naps, and a little benadryl can't fix. ;)

Big Sister has been amazing this week. Really good. Eerily good. I'm really proud of her, and yet a part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe it won't. Who knows?

Mommying can be such a guessing game, and all you can do is just give it your best, right?

Speaking of the murkey waters of Mommying, I read this blog today, and I really liked it. You might too.

Ugh. Little Sis is fussing. Even after the benadryl. Love her sleepy little heart. I'm off to rock.

Princesses (on and off the ice...)

When the girls were in Ohio, my parents wanted to take them to see the Disney on Ice princess show that was in town. But there were TONS of other things going on in town that weekend, meaning parking (and just getting around in general) would have been crazy. Plus, there were TONS of other things going on with the girls that week- they had lots of loved ones to visit! So instead, my parents treated us to the Ice Show when it came here.

We picked up our tickets at Will-Call and met our friends and their two girls, and by the time we made it to our seat the show was just beginning. All four girls stopped. Stopped talking, stopped moving, stopped scooting down the aisle so we could all find a seat- I think they might have stopped breathing for a moment. They were mesmerized. And even though we had to disrupt the enchantment ever so slightly so the grown-ups could sit down, they stayed mesmerized for pretty much the whole show.



The first half was a little summary of six princesses, featuring one or two of their songs. We saw Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, for those of you who don't speak Disney), Snow White, and Mulan.

Sidenote:While I adore Mulan's story, I'm not really sure how she is a Disney princess. Especially when they left out Pocahontas and Tiana- who actually have legitimate claims to power. But the show was so elaborate and fun, I barely had time to gripe about the way the show left out the Native and African American princesses... And the only other complaints I had were about the disturbing death scene for Gaston (a little too long on the maniacal laughter...) and the giant, awkwardly moving, possession-voiced, plush Ursula. (Seriously, does anyone remember when Marlena was possessed on Days of Our Lives? I'm pretty sure they used the same voice. Fortunately they did not use the same creepy contacts.)

The girls noticed NONE of those things. They just had a great time. The second act brought us the story of Cinderella and a lovely finale. Little Sis got a teensy bit wiggly towards the end, but a bathroom break and some M&Ms held her off for a little while longer.


Then we snapped a group photo of the girls (no idea about Big Sister's face there), went to dinner, and let our kids run out all of their remaining energy at the park.

It was a great day.

Thanks, Nana & Papa. The only thing that could have made it better: enjoying it with you, too.

Next time. :)

Day 3 of Giving Challenge

I feel kind of weird sharing these, although I do have some reasons for doing so. I want to be held accountable, for one. For another, I'd like to hear ways in which you all are giving to others this month (hint, hint... leave a comment!). And maybe, just maybe I can share a fresh idea with you as well. But the Bible is very clear about giving or praying or doing anything to impress people rather than please God.

So today, let's just say that my kiddos had an overabundance of something and I encouraged Big Sister to share with a friend. And it makes my heart smile.

How about you?




Wondering what is going on? Here's a link to my first day of the challenge.

And you can go to the official site by clicking on the button under the blogroll. Happy Giving!

Rules for keeping a Mogwai Little Sister

I had forgotten about the terrible two's.

Not that Little Sister is terrible. All the time, I mean. But she does have her especially irrational, stubborn two-year-old moments. Some of them, like when she refused to walk on Halloween and made Trick Or Treating a little less pleasant until we pulled out a stroller, are hard to anticipate.

But others... well, they are becoming predictable, and sometimes even preventable. Ever since I watched a bit of Gremlins on CMT (?!) last week, I've been compiling rules to help keep my cute and cuddly Little Sister from turning into a monster.

1. DO NOT take food from her plate. This includes the usually innocent game of "Well, if you won't eat it, I guess I will..." She will not take a replacement. She will want the EXACT piece of macaroni, or chip, or apple, or WHATEVER that you just put in your mouth. Basically, short of regurgitation, there is no way to remedy this one other than waiting for the fit to pass.
2. Choose your words carefully. Do not toss out nicknames when she is cranky, lest you choose the wrong one. (NO! I'm NOT Sweetie! I'm Big Girl!) Study carefully what she calls things, and if she corrects you on something, let it slide. You usually can't convince her otherwise. Whenever you hear "No, it doesn't called..." brace for impact.
3. Keep the dogs away from her end of the table. Even if they are just sniffing- heck, even if they are just sitting- they cause her great aggravation. Oh, and keep the cat out of her room at bedtime too. Same deal.
   
4. Be careful not to get her too wound up. There is a point of no return, and you can arrive there before you know it! Incessant bouncing is a good sign you're on your way.
5. Let her do it herself. Whatever it is. No matter how long it takes.
6. This should be understood from number five, but is of such importance and urgency it deserves a number all its own. DO NOT FLUSH THE TOILET. Help her on the potty. Give her books when she's going to be a while. Wipe and help wash hands. But NEVER, EVER flush the toilet. She must do it herself, or the world as we know it will come to an end. And unless, unlike me, you are able to find a way to meet her demands to "Flush it back up!" you're just going to have to wait for the (giant) drama to subside.
7. Tickle her feet.
8. Do not give her nuts or carrots. Not because of a choking hazard, but because when she chews them up, she is bothered by the texture and will cover the nearest surface with little flecks of orange or tan. Crisp apples are a roll of the dice.
9. There is a magic window when she is tired and ready for bed. If you ever find it, jot down some notes for me. Otherwise, get used to loud, random but truly sweet conversations late into the night.
10. Enjoy her. Every minute. Even the fits. She is growing up way too fast.
    

Car Conversations

Yesterday. Mommy & Big Sister are on the way to school when they pass the Town Hall, where elections are already underway.

Mommy: Oh, that's why the traffic is worse this morning- because of the elections.

Big Sister: What are elections?

Mommy: Well, remember when we voted for the president? This time, we aren't electing a president, but we are voting for other leaders in our government: like representatives and council people and governors. We all vote for who we want to be the leader, and the person who gets the most votes wins.

Big Sister: I hope you win.

Mommy: I'm not running for anything. Only a few people are going to be up for election. And they have time to tell everyone why we should vote for them, and then people like me decide who gets our vote. And then, if they get the most votes, they will be the next leaders in our government. It's a very important thing- to choose your leaders like this.



This morning, again on the way to school. Mommy & Big Sister pass the now empty parking lot for the Town Hall.

Big Sister: Mommy, did your people win?

Mommy: (sighing, but smiling) Not really. But it's okay.

Big Sister: But they lost?

Mommy: Some of the people I voted for did not get the most votes. It's okay. It's how voting works. Sometimes your people win, and sometimes they lose. But when you vote you accept that. Someone else will be in charge. But you know what? I'm okay with it, because you know who is really in charge? Of everything?

Big Sister: God.

Mommy: Exactly. And He is in control, no matter what. And he is much, much more powerful than any leader we elect.



And how we as believers react, win or lose, is a reflection of Him. Prayers for perspective today...

While you were out: Girls' Room Edition

A few weeks ago, Big Sister had a week off from school for Fall Break. She and Little Sis went to spend that time with my parents in Ohio. They got to visit with lots of loved ones, go to the zoo, jump on a trampoline, and lots more. Mommy & Daddy got to stay home and work on a lot of projects around the house. (I was a lot more thrilled about catching up on work than he was).

The main focus of our efforts was the girls' room. Since most of my housework is done while Little Sis naps or is in bed for the night, painting and rearranging their room had been impossible. But while they were away for the week, we gave them a whole new room!

We painted the walls (and although the color is not much different, I was SO glad to see the flat paint replaced with something much more scrubbable!) and hung new curtains and artwork.


But we also painted furniture. The girls' bed is now a bright, girlier white. (Please pretend the beds are made. They were- one time.)


And I found a chest and dresser for $50 at a yard sale (actually, the $50 included two twin head/footboards and a mirror, too) and painted them for the girls, too.


I had a lot of fun, even if they do look a little amateur.

As you can see, I also hung a curtain rod with ring clips to display the girls artwork. I got this idea from a friend, and I'm so glad I did! My fridge thanks me, too.

I also got a little pegboard hanger for $.50 at the same yard sale. I painted it and put it up for dress-up clothes, next to a mirror we bought from Cracker Barrel when we got the girls' quilts (we also got the little shelf next to their closet- it was all in the clearance corner!)


The crib finally came down, but I left the changing table in the room. It now holds the dress-up accessories and toys that used to be all over the room, except for the ones in the pet net that Big Sis had been so anxious to hang up. Now there is a cute little cuddly corner for the stuffed animals.


One of my favorite additions: the rain gutter bookshelves over each girl's bed. Both of my girls like to accumulate books and "guys" (what we call stuffed animals) in their beds until there is barely any room to sleep! Now those things have their own spot, and the girls have more room to rest. They also have a place to put the stickers they earn for staying quiet and in their beds at night.

I still have to make valances for the windows, but other than that the girls' room is completely redone. They were very excited to see it when they got back from their (awesome) visit with my mom & dad. I sat on Little Sister's bed because she (surprise) was not quite ready to settle in to bed, and she kept saying, "Mom, do you see my beautiful room? Isn't it beautiful?"

I hope so. It's for two beautiful little (big!) girls.

Day 2 of the 30 Day Giving Challenge

Today, while bringing out our winter wardrobes, I cleaned out closets and got together a bag to take to Goodwill. It's not a very big bag because I do this fairly often, but I did find myself finally getting rid of some of those "hesitation pieces" that have stayed stashed away in the past. The truth is, we're blessed to have much, much more than enough. The question I'm trying to ask is not "Could I wear this?" but rather "Do we need this?" I'm not very good at it. It's tough. But I'm trying.

I know there are many other organizations in our area that accept donations for resale and community programs. Sometimes we take things to America's Thrift Store or the local Baptist Association project. But I seem to default to Goodwill, without thinking. So today I reminded myself of their mission and impact. Good stuff. Important stuff. You can read it here.

How about you? How are you giving?

Election Day Disclaimer!

Just so you know:

I am responsible for nearly everything on my blog. I chose the picture and the title and the little subtitle. I add my friends' blogs and my favorite "big blogger" blogs to my blogroll. I put the pictures and buttons and widgets on the sidebars.

BUT...

I do not get to choose the ads that Google Ads posts on the bottom left of my blog. Those come up based on site content, your browser, location, cookies, etc. In fact, I am contemplating deleting Google Ads altogether since I'm not good enough at this blog thing to make any money from them. Especially after my Dad just pointed out that when he viewed my blog in Ohio, there was a politcal ad. For the state of Ohio. For a gubernatorial candidate. For the Republican party.

So, yeah... I'm responsible for most of the content on my blog.

But not all.

At least until I delete those blasted Ads.



But I DO encourage you to inform yourself & vote today.

I'm me, and I approve this message. ;)

Giving Challenge

I'm joining other bloggers and social media users and accepting a challenge to give in some way every day for the month of November. It might be a monetary gift or donation, or it might involve the gift of service or time. It might be huge, or it might seem insignificant. Whatever it is, each day, it will be done to bring glory to God, the Giver of all good gifts.

Today is the first drop-off day for Operation Christmas Child at our church. Big Sis just got home from school and is enjoying a snack and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but when she is finished, we're putting together our boxes. I've been looking forward to this since last year! I've even been planning for it when I buy (read: get free & stockpile) toothpaste and toothbrushes and other toiletries with my couponing. So far, we've got two boxes to fill: both for young girls like Big & Little Sister. They'll contain toiletries, hair accessories, hard candy, a jump rope, a stuffed animal, a small fleece blanket, socks, other small toys, art/writing supplies, and more. I've gotten most of the things over time, but the girls will get to pick out a few special things themselves, too.

So that's Day 1. Twenty-nine more days of giving to go. Want to join me? Share in the comments what you're doing to give this month. And check out the 30 Day Giving Challenge site, including their lists of ways to give and of other bloggers who are participating.

Happy giving!