(yeah...VeggieTales.)
This is going to be a crazy couple of weeks before school starts. Don't expect much from me. I'll post when I can but I'll mostly be lurking whenever I get a down moment.
1. If alternative childcare has not been secured your children will go un-monitored through out the entire morning morning and afternoon day day and evening weekend.
2. If you have an average visited site and have not mentally prepared yourself for a spike in comments or visits you WILL get fascinated by this unusual surge in activity and will continuously check your computer throughout the day to see what the count is up to and who left the latest comment. (Admit it, ya'll! Every one of you did it!!!)
3. Your brain will explode with wonderful ideas on what direction to take your next home decorating project!
4. Finally, your heart will explode to feel yet a bit more connected to these wonderful friends in blogland.
Here is our entry, in all of its silvery-blue glory. Here is our guest bath we just remodeled. We haven't decorated it yet, but I love love the floor in there. Now, I had considered tidying up the desk space...but I'm going for the "lived in" look here. Now, our kitchen. Notice the product placement? I'm waiting for my check from "Diet Coke" to arrive. This is our living room. You'd think it would have been one of the first rooms to remodel after moving in. Nope...still there. With our original furniture from when we were married, realtor white walls, and absolutley nothing on the walls. I never claimed to be a domestic goddess. This is the kids bathroom, I like the concept and the pictures, but I'm looking forward to the actual remodel where we'll put in new floors and fixtures. Get the whole theme thing...The Frog Prince. Happy Girl and I did the pictures together. And, here...my favorite spot. I love to sit on our back deck or just look out my back windows. We have several trees in the back and I just love the peaceful feeling out there. Since we got our dog, however, we don't spend as much time out there...the land mines placed by the dog are a huge drawback. But I do like to sit on my deck furniture and enjoy the peace there. There you have it. I probably should have posted on some of the rooms that have been remodeled...the kids rooms, our entry and the guest bathroom. Hmm? Maybe I'll be back to update with those. A great BIG Thank You goes out to BooMama for hosting all of this fun. We love you!!! Now - go check out some more homes!
Welcome! Allow me to introduce you to ourHappy Home...***UPDATED*** I've added pictures of the parts of the home that ARE decorated. Being the obedient girl I only posted initially on the recommendations from BooMama (those who know me and are snickering about the whole obedient thing...stop) but after a couple of comments from visitors I'll include some rooms that are actually decorated.
This is our front door. Yup. There she is ya'll!
This is one of my favorite features of our home. I don't read a whole lot, but I sure like these shelves...and the new chandelier that my stud of a husband installed!
So, the other night we had lasagna. My son decided he didn't like it. I'm sure he didn't like it because it wasn't slathered in chocolate that night, like it was the last time he ate it (slight hint of sarcasm here, people). He choked it down that night. Come the next day to have the lasagna for lunch...he just couldn't do it.
So, being the fabulous mom that I am, I gave him a choice. 1)Eat your lunch. 2)Don't eat your lunch and wait for dinner without any snacks. I only do this because my children are SUCH picky eaters that they just need to get over it!
Fast forward 2 hours, he's still sitting at the table. He had stepped away/taken a break a couple of times but really had made minimal progress. The thought of waiting for dinner without snacks was what was killing him. I kept telling him he didn't HAVE to eat, but he knew the consequence.
As I sat in the other room I heard a bit of fumbling around in the kitchen. Next thing I knew my son was at my side with a plastic bowl.
"I frew up, Mommy."
Now, I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday - I did not hear that "frow up" make a trip to the bowl. But, this water-y, red tinted yucky stuff did leave me questioning. Not wanting to be totally insensitive, I sympathized.
"Honey, I'm so sorry!"
It was at this point that I saw the little smirk he was trying to suppress. That little turkey!!!
He just totally tried to fake me out! He's not even four, people!
Alright, this is pretty weak...but it works for me. Doggie Deodorant!
Yup. If there is one thing that I can't stand from our great little boxer is stinky sweaty dog smell. Everytime she comes in from being outside I spritz her. Ah.... 
My favorite can be found here.
Now, head over to Shannon's to check out other great tips!
As I was getting ready to jump into bed last night, I shut down the computer and my husband turned off the bedside lamp. I fumbled my way in the dark and crawled into bed. I could feel a bump under my arm, and thinking it was one of Happy Girl's beads (don't we all find those in our beds?) and brushed under my arm...{shudder}...it was not hard like a bead...but...{shudder}...well, something crawl-y.
I quickly jumped up and turned my lamp on to see a nasty little black spider crawling on my sheets. {BIG SHUDDER!} Minus a leg - that I had unknowingly amputated that was laying steps behind it. {shudder} Just so you know...I really am shuddering as I type this.
Needless to say, I got very little sleep last night. I couldn't fall to sleep because I kept "feeling" like something was crawling on me. ALL.NIGHT.LONG! (This is where I hear Addie singing along to Lionel Richie)
Once I did sorta fall asleep, Happy Boy decided he should join us. So, I'm back awake and feeling crawlies. {shudder}
Again, all.night.long. If I did manage to nod off...yeah, my dreams would be of bugs.
I'm still getting creeped out about it today.
What? What is that you ask? Oh, what comfort did my husband bring last night at the point the spider had been disposed of and I kept getting shivers and not wanting to get back into bed?
"Hey, at least they don't travel in packs, ya know."
We had a VERY busy weekend. To say that my kids are "trashed" would be an understatement. By the time Saturday rolled around (yeah - this was the mid-point of our weekend...it started on Thursday) we were hoping our children would sleep in because we didn't get home until 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Of course, sleeping in at our house is 8 a.m. My children woke up tired.
Unfortunately, my daughter responds to sleep deprivation much like her mother. She was an emotional, teary eyed mess. By 11 a.m. I realized she was going to need a nap if she wanted to go to her friends birthday party that afternoon. When I told her she needed a nap she..., well, she snapped. She couldn't stop crying, and screaming and was not capable of reasoning or listening to me. It was a frustrating moment.
She kept saying, "I don't need a nap, I'm not tired. I just don't understand." And, I kept saying, "Hon, your body is tired. You're not making good choices. I know you think you aren't tired but you need to trust me. I'm your mom." Well - that was the gist of it - it was way more dramatic.
So, after she sobbed herself to sleep and got some rest. I thought and prayed. I pondered the conversation I would have with her. On the way to the party we talked.
"Hon, I know sometimes it doesn't make sense when I ask you to do certain things, like taking a nap. But, you need to trust me. You need to trust God, that he gave you me as a mother to guide you. Sometimes I do know what you need even though it doesn't make sense to you or even if you don't like it. You just need to trust me."
My heart is heavy. It has been all weekend. So many people are hurting right now. Addie posted a heartfelt summary of some of our fellow bloggers who are sharing their journey of their struggles. In conversations this weekend, I've seen and heard some of the struggles that some of my real life (for lack of a better term) friends are having. Ones who want children can't have them, those who don't want them (and probably shouldn't)...have triplets. Why?
As I was speaking with one of my friends regarding a particular situation, we pondered, Why would God allow this struggle for this person? It just didn't make sense.
Today, I'm tired. We've had a busy weekend stuffed with physical and emotional challenges. It was an awesome weekend, but exhausting. I'm reacting much the same way my daughter was on Saturday morning. I'm crying to God questioning the trials that are upon my friends, I'm hurting for my friends, I'm fearing because of what could come next.
I feel God telling me to get some rest. I think I even heard him say, "You need to trust me. You need to trust that I am your God and I will guide you. Sometimes I do know what you need even though it doesn't make sense to you or even if you don't like it. You just need to trust me."
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (NKJV)
Psalm 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? (NKJV)
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.(NKJV)
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NKJV)
Like chapter 5, I don't have much to say regarding this chapter. I'm not sure if I'm not as connected to/moved by these chapters because I've read the book previously? My husband joined a group who studied Wild At Heart and that book spoke of similar wounds and healing - just geared toward men. Maybe I sort of feel like I've already been here, I'm not sure. So, I guess I'll just point out a couple of items that I found of interest.
1. "It might come as a surprise that Christ asks our permission to come in and heal, but he is kind, and the door is shut from the inside, and healing never comes against our will."
I like this statement, because all too often we forget to take to Christ our wounds and ask him for help. The world sees this truth. Most "anonymous" groups have programs with steps and usually the first step is to recognize you have a problem. Yeah, taken straight from the word of God. I think God does desire us to first recognize the problem and realize that we can't heal ourselves, we need him and we need to let him know that we have seen the wound and need him to heal it. After I had written this post, I started to read my fellow book study friends blog and Heather made a good point. This will only happen if you have first invited and received him into your heart. Then you can ask him and invite him to heal you.
2. "Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling..."
So often I do feel like in offering forgiveness I am saying I'm okay or it's okay, when that is not what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is not about saying it's okay you hurt me, it's about saying...I'm moving on. How Stasi put it: "I release you. I give you to God."
I've been blessed in many ways. So many ways that I might actually be able to really participate and post in a Thursday Thirteen. Eh, I could...but would I?
However, I'm only going to focus on a couple of blessings for this post.
1. I'm blessed to have a friend who was willing to take the time to purty up my blog.
2. I'm blessed to have a friend who not only is willing to purty up my blog but that jumped at the opportunity to nominate me to be blessed over at Heather's.
3. I'm blessed to have won (along with ALL the nominees) a blog makeover!
4. I'm blessed to have a brand new template made by the one and only Swank Mom!!!
TA DA!
Yeah - get out of bloglines and get over here so you can see how purty I am!!!
I haven't been around much these past couple of days because I've been helping my husband promote the mission's agency he works for at the One Way Festival. You can read about the happening here and here, and my hubby has pictures here.
The other day I was cleaning our garage out when I noticed something, a unique object - it had wheels, a tall metal "stem", and a soft flat-like area maybe for putting something on it...AHA! It was our stroller! Yes, I realized that our stroller had been hanging on the garage wall for quite some time, in fact, I can't even remember the last time we used it.
Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks, and I was overwhelmed with emotion...when did we graduate from toddlerhood? Somehow we entered the school years (albeit that includes pre-school) and I've been riding along without a blink.
I turned to my husband, trying to hold back the tears, and shared my realization. "Our kids are growing up!" And he, being the wise man that he is, started to point out all of the wonders and joys of their current stage. He's right.
As a new mom I was constantly reminded by moms of older children who would say, "Enjoy them while they are young, they grow up too quickly". I think this subconsciously put a fear in my heart.
I must say, I have enjoyed the snuggles, the bundles that I can squeeze, and the cute stage of learning to talk. Really, I've enjoyed every bit of their first years in life. It truly is extraordinary. I'm amazed at the immense amount of love a mother can have for her children.
The kind of love that squeezes your heart, you love them so much that you can feel your heart hugging theirs.
I never experienced that kind of love before becoming a mother, I really think it is a kind of love that is only reflected from mothers to their children. But, wow!, it is incredible. And it can hit at the most ordinary times.
Yes, my kids may not be riding in a stroller anymore. But I'm okay with that. I will not look back at these first years with regret or sadness that they are gone. I look back on those years with joy, amazing memories, a smile on my heart, and thankfulness to God for blessing me with such amazing little hearts. He has trusted me with them? Wow! I am honored!
My kids are "school-aged". The joys of this stage? I can share conversations with them, share our humor with each other, help each other, lead my daughter to a relationship with God! (hopefully my son will follow in the coming years), and that is only what I've experienced so far. I've just begun! I am anxious to see what sweet experiences will come with this next stage of parenthood, and I will write the memories in my heart with joy.
To any new mother out there...Yes, enjoy these years because they do seem to fleet away. But don't fear your little darlings growing - there is so much joy in each stage of life. I say, savour each stage, for each stage is beautiful in its own right. Each stage brings its own heart hugs for your children. And I tell you, share those hugs generously!
Here are some of the results of our family portrait session. ***Quick Note: My daughter asked Jesus into her heart tonight! To say it was the sweetest prayer I've ever heard would be an understatement. It was a beautiful moment shared by my husband and I as we asked her questions and as she spoke of how she loves Jesus and knows that she needs him. When it came time to pray my husband was going to "lead" her through a prayer but she spoke up and just prayed from her heart. It was touching. I could hear the angels rejoicing!!! I must add here, that if it wasn't for our wonderful children's ministry volunteers I don't think she would have been quite as prepared for this moment. But our children's pastor, Brian Gann, and his team do such a great job of teaching our children about Jesus that is a joy to see her flourish in her growth. Thank you Grace Place! My husband has posted about last night's moment, too!
This past week and weekend were jam packed with activities. Last week we had Summer Break Out at my church and then we had company over the weekend. So here is a brief summary of some of what I thought were highlights.
Summer Break Out
What a blast! Kudos to the children's ministry leaders at my church who sacrifice so much time and talent to give our children a life thrilling week focused on growing a relationship with God. It was amazing. There is nothing better than hearing children say memory verses, worshiping God through song, and just flat out having fun. It was a great week.
Saturday
FAMILY PICTURES: We had family pictures taken! This may not seem like a very exciting event, but let's just say the last time we had family pictures taken my son (now 3 1/2 years old) was 2 months old. Yes, people, we really have never had a family picture. I'll post a couple of them this week when I get them.
MY DAUGHTER: We had a great conversation Saturday. For about an hour we did nothing but talk about God. It was beautiful. We talked about why we are all sinners, why God had to send his son Jesus to die on the cross, why we need Jesus, and why we give our life to him. She is ready to ask him into her heart. So, please pray for me today as I walk her through God's word and guide her in this beautiful event of asking Christ into her heart and life. I am so excited.
MY SON: Well, all I can say is that he lived up to being all boy on Saturday. My husband posted very well on my son's weekend highlights (let just say it includes a lot of gas). Please stop by his site and read up on his take of my son's highlight moments from the weekend...it's too funny.
MY COMPANY: We had a great time with Nathan this weekend. I'd link to him but I'm having problems trying to get to his site. Sorry, Nathan. Again, you can read highlights from his visit on my husbands blog.
MY HUSBAND: This is the part I'm most excited about. My husband has returned to blogging. Can you feel the link love yet? Well, he had temporarily stopped blogging due to his transition from the corporate world to his current employer, Avant Ministries. You can read about his transition here. Avant is a missions agency and it has been awesome to be a part of their organization. I'm proud of my husband for taking such a huge step of faith and trusting God during this transition. It has been awesome! Please, please stop by his blog and check out the incredible things he is doing and accomplishing.
Sunday
KIDS PRAISE: At our worship services we had the children from Summer Break Out sing a few songs, say their practice points for the week and their memory verse. It was great. There is something very powerful about hearing the children sing at the top of their lungs that they are "Following Jesus". Beautiful. I might add that my children were awesome. Happy Girl sang her heart out with all of the actions to the song done so well, and Happy Boy - well, he was just plain adorable on the stage. A great time had by all.
All in all, we had a great week and a great weekend. I'm looking forward to this week. Nothing major on the calendar and that is sweet, sweet, sweet.
Can you feel the love already?
I wanted to post this sooner - this week has been insane. But then I thought - hmmm, will it make a difference?
My best bud, Addie, is a finalist for the Best Meet for a Mocha in this years Blogs of Beauty Awards. To say I am excited about this would be a huge understatement. The reason I debated whether to tell you all to go vote, is well, because all of my ten readers come from her site. hehe. So, really, I'm preaching to the choir here.
Then, I made a crazy realization - SHE IS UP FOR THE WRONG AWARD!
Yea, best meet for mocha - you guys are aiming so low. The award would be best meet to become friends with. Shalee, you can back me up here!
Benefits of having Addie as your friend:
1. Her awesome laugh that she shares generously.
2. Great sense of humor to make you laugh generously.
3. She has an amazing listening skill.
4. Her supportive nature - this woman has been one of the greatest supporters for me while starting up my business this past year. She has taken my kids way more than any sane person would be willing to. But she is that great of a friend. Oh, and do I need to mention that she spruced up my blog and then nominated me for a blog make-over at Heather's and asked her large reading pool to vote for me? Thanks to her and you I will be receiving a makeover by SwankMom.
5. She has a great outlook at the working of God in her life - you've all already witnessed that in her writing.
6. She the sober one. Meaning - when, oh let's just say "somebody", gets wacky ideas like, oh let's just say following strangers at a zoo and jumping in their family pictures, she's the one who keeps your brain in your head.
7. She is just plain fun to hang out with.
Alright, I know I could keep going - but frankly, I need to head out to Summer Break Out.
I hope I've made my case. We need to nominate her for Best To Meet To Become Friends. What? That's not a category? Alright, let's just settle for Best Meet for Mocha. Let's go vote.
Ad, I love ya, girl!
Hence, I have created Toy Purgatory. Okay, here's the beauty of the system. Take the said item (our past items range from tape bubble gum containers, to macaroni art, to toys that annoy parents) and place them in said purgatory when child is not looking. I usually give items a few weeks in purgatory, but when the time comes (usually the morning of trash pick-up) if said item has not been requested or mentioned or missed...it's gone! Bwhahahahahaha!!! Should the item ever be in purgatory and child is looking for it...you say, "Hey, go check under your bed and in your room, I'll look around downstairs." Run, grab, then (as the heroic mother you are) holler out, "I've found it!!!" Saved the day again. Works for me. Check out other Works for Me entries at Shannon's.
I have been caught on more than one occasion "accidentally" having placed an "important" item in the trash. Yes, I get the how-could-you? look followed by a request to clean such item from the wet coffee grounds that it has been buried in. So, I give the how-on-earth-did-that-get-there? look back as I snag said little item and restore it.
Nestled high above the little one's sight line, there rests a home for toys whose fate will soon be determined.
I've been tagged by Melissa at Breath of Life for this ABC Meme. Its been a while since I've been tagged so on with the fun!
Accent: Nope, not at all.
Bible Book that I like: I love Song of Solomon. I would love to write a devotional on it someday, who knows.
Chore I don't care for: Any cleaning. ANY CLEANING. Just in case you didn’t catch that, ANY CLEANING. But if I have to name the one at the top of the list…poop scooping. Eeeeeww.
Dog or Cat: Dog.
Essential Electronics: Computer and cell phone.
Favorite Movie: While I enjoy chick-flicks there’s nothing better than a comedy. Elf, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers are the first to come to mind, but really anything that makes me laugh.
Gold or Silver: Silver
Handbag I Carry Most Often: Right now, it’s a Liz Clairborne leather flap satchel.
Insomnia: On occasion.
Job Title: First and foremost are wife and mother. I am a real estate consultant, (here comes my shameless self promotion…) please give me the opportunity to become Your Personal Real Estate Consultant for Life!
Kids: 1 girl – 6 ½ years old, 1 boy – 3 ½ years old.
Living Arrangements: Two story in suburbia.
Most Memorable Moment: I had heard so many parents talk about the first moment they “felt” like a real parent and after having my first child I kept looking for that moment. A few weeks after having my baby as I was getting ready for bed I was thinking how this whole mothering thing felt so natural…I just felt like a mom – no big moment. Aahhh. As I laid myself in bed so proud of my smooth transition into motherhood I heard a loud squeek and a squishy toy pushing into my back. It was at that exact, very ironic, moment I first felt like a mom.
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: Wow, can that be narrowed down to just one? Hmmm, I guess it would be when I colored my very first mural on the wall with crayons. After being disciplined and made to clean the wall, I colored on it again. Disciplined, cleaned. Then I colored on it once more. All in a day’s work I guess.
Overnight Hospital Stays: Only with labor.
Phobia: Loose wiggly teeth.
Quote: "No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home."-- David O. McKay
Religion: Boomama said it best: “I am a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Siblings: Older sister.
Time I Wake Up: Somewhere between 6:15 & 7:30, depending on my schedule and how late the kids sleep.
Unusual Talent: Not a one.
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Vegetable? What is this vegetable you speak of?
Worst Habit: I can not remember people’s names for the life of me. I’ve tried all the little name tricks in the book. I believe all people should tattoo their names on their foreheads for me.
X-rays: Nope.
Yummy Stuff I Cook: Kielbasa burritos. Hey, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Oh, and chocolate chip cookies. Yum.
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Lion.
I tag Sarah, Michelle and Michelle. Unless you've already done this or just don't want to do it. And then if there are any others who want to join in drop then drop a line in the comment section. Or if your name is Michelle I think you are automatically tagged and don't have option to opt out.
Two great conversation I've had. HB: Know who I'm going to marry, Mom? Me: Who? HB: You, Mom!!! I'm going to marry YOU!
1. With Happy Girl as we are walking outside in the front yard:
Me: Boy, I need to water the flowers, they're looking pretty sad.
HG: Well, that is your responsibility, Mom. We can't work as a team if your not doing your job.
Yea! She does listen!!!!
2. With Happy Boy held at least 2-3 times a day and anytime I've made him particularly happy:
I love that little boy!
This chapter didn't stir too much in me. Mainly because I feel like the wounds I carry are more self-inflicted or caused of others than my own parents. One thing I did note for the sake of my daughter was on page 61, Women learn from their mothers what is means to be a woman, and from their fathers the value that a woman has - the value they have as a woman. If a woman is comfortable with her own femininity, her beauty, her strength, then the chances are good that her daughter will be too.
I never really became comfortable with being feminine until my daughter was born. Even right after she was born I tried to avoid dressing her in pink or anything frilly. I just wasn't comfortable with it. As she has grown, I have too. I'm so thankful that she is girlie. She loves all shades of pink, glitter, and manicures! I've come to embrace my femininity because of her, and I pray I can repay the blessing to her as she grows and matures.
What a day!
God's timing always amuses me. I had been asked to share my testimony, so earlier this week I shared a bit about growing up in El Salvador as an MK. Ironically (wink, wink) my parents just so happen to be in El Salvador this very week speaking at a conference. God just knew that sharing my testimony would make me miss so much about ES. My parents got back in town last night, shared a bit with me about the trip and then came by this morning bearing great gifts! God was very sweet to coordinate this just so.
Here is my loot
Earrings and necklace set - a tradition my mother has is to purchase jewelry for me on her travels.
Gomitas and Goma Pino - all I can say is...Jujyfruits, eat your heart out!
Salvadoran art painted on a bird feather. Now that's talent, people.
Semita de Pina - An awesome Salvadoran original pastry - YUMMY!
Gourmet Salvadoran Coffee
And a NEW MUG! My parents new I was needing a favorite mug for the home.
I was able to see their pictures and reminisce about old friends and places. Here are my parents with some long time friends.
And this was their view from their hotel, this is how I remember ES
Hehehe, I laugh because I know I'm gonna get it for the whole MamaSaada thing. Hehehe, but I just can't help it!
Notice anything different? Yup, Addie loves me!
I've been mentioning to Ad that I want to change my blog but I just don't want to mess with trying to learn how to do it. I know, you say it is easy but I say it is a hassle. Anyway, here is a glimpse at a portion of our conversation:
Ad: So what do you want to change?
Me: I dunno. Everything. I was thinking of keeping the same colors it has now.
Ad: Which is the color you like? The green or the gray?
Me: None. I guess is just might be good.
This is the point where the pity began to set in...
Ad: Oooookay, what about a graphic?
Me: Oh, whatever. I guess something happy. I'm Happy Mom.
I didn't actually get to see her expression at this point, we were on the phone, but I'm pretty sure she rolled her eyes and followed it up with her head banging on the wall.
Ad: I'll help you out if you want.
Me: Really?
Ad: Of course!
Because that's the kind of friend she is!!! And she has, she found the graphic for me, she came up with the color scheme, and even sacrificed her own blog's links all for the sake of my little blog, and also logged in as me to upload it - I'm such a geek! And if that isn't enough...she even nominated me for a FREE blog make-over over at My Midlife Moments. Now that is a friend!
So, stop by Addie's and let her know how great she is!
I know, it's supposed to be thirteen - I'm just too lazy. Bonus: (This is for all of you shaking your head at me for not coming up with thirteen) 4. Thursday Thirteen. Thirteen?, come on people. Three ryhmes too, ya know. I just don't get it.
Three Things I just don't get.
I've been asked to share my testimony. I avoid long posts mainly because I am an awful writer. I try to write sentences the way I speak - jumbled, long run-on sentences, and with tons of punctuation! This makes it very hard to read what I write - but very entertaining - or should I say annoying? - for all the true writers out there. But, this will be my weak attempt at it.
I was an ordinary child of God living in an extra-ordinary situation. My parents moved to Central America shortly after I was born. That never really amazed me until I had children of my own. I now see the immense sacrifice and step of faith they were willing to take for the sake of furthering the Gospel. They were in their early 20s when they headed to Costa Rica with a 3 year old daughter and their newborn daughter (me!). After a year in Costa Rica they moved to Nicaragua for a year and then on to El Salvador for eight years. I, obviously, don’t remember much of our stay in Costa Rica or Nicaragua but my time in El Salvador is the root of my first memories as a child.
When I think of my childhood, now as a mother, I’m speechless. My parents managed to live in the midst of a country’s civil war (BY CHOICE!!!) and not once make me feel unsafe or like it wasn’t the norm. At a time when missionaries were heading back to America my parents desired to stay and show the Salvadorans who their real Savior was.
So, when I say I was an ordinary child – I truly feel like I had the normal experiences of most children. I played with Barbies, Atari, went to the movies (The Gods Must Be Crazy for some odd reason was one of my childhood favorites -although I can remember watching Star Wars when it first came out in E.S.), swimming, and all that other childhood fun. I also had the ‘normal’ experiences of children who live in El Salvador, making fun out of catching rats, fireworks at Christmas/New Years like you wouldn’t believe, buying food and snacks from street vendors, weekends at the beach, and so on. These are my stories that people find awfully entertaining.
I also have memories of the extra-ordinary situation I was in. I have memories of bombs shaking our house, bullets whizzing overhead (a few actually making it into the house or our car), earthquakes, and the not-so-fun-to-talk-about spiritual warfare. These are the stories that fascinate people, and sometimes shock them.
Hmm…I wonder if some of those stories could be individual posts? Aha! I’ve been inspired. Check back, I’ll think about that a bit more and let you know what I come up with. I’ve sidetracked…
I remember the night my parents sat us down and gave us the news that we were moving to Kansas City, we all cried. We moved back to the USA in 1984 when I was ten. It was culture shock for me. All I had known was El Salvador and to “return” was very overwhelming. It took several years before I felt comfortable in this country. I struggled with thinking in English, I remember one day walking into school with a friend and I just started talking, when I noticed she was giving me a strange look I paused and then I realized I had been telling my story in Spanish. As an adult I probably could have laughed it off, as an insecure child – it was humiliating. My clothes were different, my accent was different, my mannerisms were different, and I felt awkward. I went to the extreme of wanting to rip everything in my past away just so I could fit in. I refused to speak Spanish anymore with my parents, and I tried not to talk about my past. I thank God for my mother’s prayers, they protected far more than I can imagine. She prayed for me to gain friends, adjust and even prayed that I wouldn’t loose my Spanish – for which I am very thankful because that skill has afforded me many wonderful opportunities!
This, in a nut-shell, was my childhood as an MK.
Like I said, I'm not an eloquent writer - I'm a performer. Hmmm, maybe I should start a vlog instead??? (That's a video log for those of you scratching your head). Okay - so I have two great ideas from the post...hmmm?...stay tuned.
