Ok - so the short, non-chalant phrase "It makes me miss y'all more than normal" from my last post really translated into "I'm backsliding into severe homesickness and can't quit crying all the time." So, I had to take a break albeit brief from reading too much blogging as I was addicted and I think added to my virtual mental life in Marietta.
I have been talking with a particular friend down here about praying together since Thanksgiving. She is a 'stay-at-home but I really work from home' Mom too so we are on the same wavelength. I finally just called and said "We have got to pray, I'm dying in a pile!!" We met 2 days later and it was awesome. Now we are meeting with one other girl every Thursday morning to walk the beach for 30 minutes and then pray on the beach together. Are you serious that this is my life and I can't get my ish together?
Totally unrelated to anything, she started telling me a story about her marriage and how a friend had reminded her that God can do instant healing. He did it all the time in the Bible - sometimes it's a slow, road but sometimes it is immediately. The paralytic, the blind man, the storm....I actually went through the Gospels this week and underlined that word immediately.
My prayer time with her seemed to jump start a great week of spending time with Jesus, exercising and eating right again, wanting to be with people and invest in new friends. I went to a community-wide 'Beloved' event Friday and Saturday. I feel great. Instead of chalking it up to another little 'high', I want to believe God is immediately healing my emotional and mental state - those severe mood swings - those cyclical mood swings that I can't seem to shake after having babies. I am believing God can heal in an instant. Will you believe that with me??!!
Sorry, this isn't so funny. Just keepin' it real. Love to hear your comments and your blogs. Y'all are the best -- even from 5 hours away.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Fridays
Apparently, Fridays seem a good day to blog in the Fritch household. This week was freezing and threatened to rain everyday but only did so once. (That would be the day after Mark spent the day raking leaves and blowing leaves off our roof.) This left us both in a funk b/c I wanted to go to the beach and he was not so happy about exerting futile lawn energy.
1. Eli has a girlfriend! For 3 weeks now, he has told us about his girlfriend but unfortunately he didn't know her name. Today, he finally asked her name! It's Lilly. I asked him if she knew that she was his girlfriend and he said, "Yea, she just guessed it." Seems that thought process starts real young with some of the menfolk. We'll be working on that in our household in the years to come. Then Asa started singing the girlfriend song:
"Eli and Lilly sitting in a tree, K-R-S-T-U & V." Haaaaaaaa! I almost fell out of the car.
2. RiverStone is in their new building. It makes me miss y'all even more than normal. Pretend I'm sitting in the back. I do.
3. Grey's - if we get back on the break-up train with Meredith and McDreamy, I'm gonna McScreamy.
4. Anybody watching Thank God, You're Here? Too, too funny. It's a cross between Saturday Night Live and The Carol Burnett Show. (For those of you old enough to remember the Carol Burnett Show!!!) Mark and I think it's pretty stinkin' funny.
5. Matt's comment made me think about something Asa said this week too. We were getting ready to leave to go see Mark at a small retreat on Jekyll and were packing our bikes and stuff. The boys were ready and I was still doing last minute things around the car. Asa says, "Mom!! We're ready to go. D - everything's in the car and A - we want to leave." Hilarious.
We're glad to see so many takers on the visits this summer! We love company!
We'll stop with 5 tidbits tonight b/c my brain is having trouble thinking clearly. Oh! The tooth is a little looser! More updates later.....
1. Eli has a girlfriend! For 3 weeks now, he has told us about his girlfriend but unfortunately he didn't know her name. Today, he finally asked her name! It's Lilly. I asked him if she knew that she was his girlfriend and he said, "Yea, she just guessed it." Seems that thought process starts real young with some of the menfolk. We'll be working on that in our household in the years to come. Then Asa started singing the girlfriend song:
"Eli and Lilly sitting in a tree, K-R-S-T-U & V." Haaaaaaaa! I almost fell out of the car.
2. RiverStone is in their new building. It makes me miss y'all even more than normal. Pretend I'm sitting in the back. I do.
3. Grey's - if we get back on the break-up train with Meredith and McDreamy, I'm gonna McScreamy.
4. Anybody watching Thank God, You're Here? Too, too funny. It's a cross between Saturday Night Live and The Carol Burnett Show. (For those of you old enough to remember the Carol Burnett Show!!!) Mark and I think it's pretty stinkin' funny.
5. Matt's comment made me think about something Asa said this week too. We were getting ready to leave to go see Mark at a small retreat on Jekyll and were packing our bikes and stuff. The boys were ready and I was still doing last minute things around the car. Asa says, "Mom!! We're ready to go. D - everything's in the car and A - we want to leave." Hilarious.
We're glad to see so many takers on the visits this summer! We love company!
We'll stop with 5 tidbits tonight b/c my brain is having trouble thinking clearly. Oh! The tooth is a little looser! More updates later.....
Friday, April 13, 2007
2 weeks later
Tidbits - that's all I really have tonight.
1. Asa's first t-ball game is tomorrow. It starts with a full-blown small-town parade with all the teams walking from the Pier to the ballfield. We're excited.
2. Pray for Mark's Dad. Spent the night in the hospital this week with headaches and hand numbness. Thought it was a stroke. It wasn't. They are 'watching him' for a week.
3. My work is EXPLODING for the Fall. It's amazing. It's totally God.
4. I've been in a funk this week. I miss ATL and my friends. That's the bottom line.
5. There's been a lion's tail pulled off a costume on my bedroom floor for 2 weeks. I'm just stepping over it and pretending that it's not there. I'll sew it back on sometime. It's a good place for it until then.
6. Rock on, Zach Johnson. One of his trainers is the Dad of one of Asa's friends. We've got our eye on him to speak for The GP in the Fall!
7. Even though Asa is the one signed up for t-ball, Eli's is knocking the fool out of the ball consistently at home. It's not natural.
8. Asa has his first loose tooth. He's ecstatic but a little worried bc he doesn't want it to hurt.
9. We missed the Easter egg hunt at our church last week. So, I didn't tell the boys and just hid some eggs in the backyard. Mark likes to call that low-rent.
10. Everybody pick a week and sign up for their 07 visit to SSI this summer. We're dying to see our friends!
Didn't plan on 10 tidbits but it seemed a good place to stop. Top 10 and all.
1. Asa's first t-ball game is tomorrow. It starts with a full-blown small-town parade with all the teams walking from the Pier to the ballfield. We're excited.
2. Pray for Mark's Dad. Spent the night in the hospital this week with headaches and hand numbness. Thought it was a stroke. It wasn't. They are 'watching him' for a week.
3. My work is EXPLODING for the Fall. It's amazing. It's totally God.
4. I've been in a funk this week. I miss ATL and my friends. That's the bottom line.
5. There's been a lion's tail pulled off a costume on my bedroom floor for 2 weeks. I'm just stepping over it and pretending that it's not there. I'll sew it back on sometime. It's a good place for it until then.
6. Rock on, Zach Johnson. One of his trainers is the Dad of one of Asa's friends. We've got our eye on him to speak for The GP in the Fall!
7. Even though Asa is the one signed up for t-ball, Eli's is knocking the fool out of the ball consistently at home. It's not natural.
8. Asa has his first loose tooth. He's ecstatic but a little worried bc he doesn't want it to hurt.
9. We missed the Easter egg hunt at our church last week. So, I didn't tell the boys and just hid some eggs in the backyard. Mark likes to call that low-rent.
10. Everybody pick a week and sign up for their 07 visit to SSI this summer. We're dying to see our friends!
Didn't plan on 10 tidbits but it seemed a good place to stop. Top 10 and all.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Fellowship of the Redeemed
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:13,14
I was overwhelmed this weekend. Unexpectedly so. I went to the wedding of one our youth from Macon yesterday. This wasn't just any wedding for just any youth. You see, Anna was the first 'daughter of my heart'. As Mark and I have walked in ministry, we have been blessed to collect many youth who we firmly would include in our family. But Anna was the first.
I expected to cry a bit. I expected to be proud. I expected to be happy for her and her new spouse. But I was complelety overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the Spirit. Overwhelmed by His Grace and Mercy. Overwhelmed by His Redemption for our lives.
I met Anna 11 years ago. (Can it really be that long?) She was about to begin high school. And she became an integral part of Mark's and my life. Everytime we worshipped or met to read the Bible at MBMUMC, Anna would weep in a heap in my lap. Life had not dealt her the easiest cards. All we could do was pray and encourage and love.
We left Macon 3 years later as Anna entered her Senior year in high school. We've kept in touch periodically over the years. She sent me a letter after her engagement to tell me of God's grace, the Freedom she is now walking in, His purpose in her life.
I am so overwhelmed by Him. For many of us, we have visited the dark night of the soul. It may be for a short period, for many it may be years. Her wedding was a reminder to me that Jesus is about redemption. He redeems our love, our broken hearts, our lost time, our wounded souls. He is our redeemer. I wept. Not like a few tears. Like I couldn't get it together! (Camille and I were a mess!!!!)
As I drove home to SSI (for 4 1/2 hours!), I continued to be overwhelmed by Him through Anna's life. I wept all day!
Anna, daughter of my heart, I am so proud of you. I am amazed by your perseverance in Jesus. I am in awe of the way He has moved in your life. I am so thankful for the season you are beginning and the family that you & David now have. I am blessed to witness His redemption through you. I am overwhelmed. I love you. A
I was overwhelmed this weekend. Unexpectedly so. I went to the wedding of one our youth from Macon yesterday. This wasn't just any wedding for just any youth. You see, Anna was the first 'daughter of my heart'. As Mark and I have walked in ministry, we have been blessed to collect many youth who we firmly would include in our family. But Anna was the first.
I expected to cry a bit. I expected to be proud. I expected to be happy for her and her new spouse. But I was complelety overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the Spirit. Overwhelmed by His Grace and Mercy. Overwhelmed by His Redemption for our lives.
I met Anna 11 years ago. (Can it really be that long?) She was about to begin high school. And she became an integral part of Mark's and my life. Everytime we worshipped or met to read the Bible at MBMUMC, Anna would weep in a heap in my lap. Life had not dealt her the easiest cards. All we could do was pray and encourage and love.
We left Macon 3 years later as Anna entered her Senior year in high school. We've kept in touch periodically over the years. She sent me a letter after her engagement to tell me of God's grace, the Freedom she is now walking in, His purpose in her life.
I am so overwhelmed by Him. For many of us, we have visited the dark night of the soul. It may be for a short period, for many it may be years. Her wedding was a reminder to me that Jesus is about redemption. He redeems our love, our broken hearts, our lost time, our wounded souls. He is our redeemer. I wept. Not like a few tears. Like I couldn't get it together! (Camille and I were a mess!!!!)
As I drove home to SSI (for 4 1/2 hours!), I continued to be overwhelmed by Him through Anna's life. I wept all day!
Anna, daughter of my heart, I am so proud of you. I am amazed by your perseverance in Jesus. I am in awe of the way He has moved in your life. I am so thankful for the season you are beginning and the family that you & David now have. I am blessed to witness His redemption through you. I am overwhelmed. I love you. A
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Ocean
I am an analytical thinker. Logical. Numbers are my thing. Puzzles.
Analogies have always helped me to understand Biblical principles. My best friend from college, Amber and I would always make up analogies in the midst of trying to understand what God was trying to teach us - everything from road maps to chocolate chip cookies. We'd always end our conversational lessons with 'You know, it's like....' and then we'd paint that picture with an analogy.
My favorite has always been the ocean. God is much like the ocean. It's huge - we can never see all sides at the same time. It never stops moving - it's huge- it's life-giving - it's always there - there are so many characteristics to the ocean - the waves, the breakers, the calm, the shallow, the deep, the living creatures above, below, and in the ocean. There are parts of the ocean that are calm and parts that rage. It is surprising and predictable all at the same time. The list could go on and on. I've never tired of pondering how much I see God in the analogy of one His creations.
Today, I took my Bible and sat at the end of the island and watched the ocean and prayed. How good is God that He has called my family to live by the one part of creation that has consistently pricked my spirit to think on Him. To listen. To wonder.
He has literally, physically moved me to a place where He beckons me to come spend time with Him. I am blessed.
Analogies have always helped me to understand Biblical principles. My best friend from college, Amber and I would always make up analogies in the midst of trying to understand what God was trying to teach us - everything from road maps to chocolate chip cookies. We'd always end our conversational lessons with 'You know, it's like....' and then we'd paint that picture with an analogy.
My favorite has always been the ocean. God is much like the ocean. It's huge - we can never see all sides at the same time. It never stops moving - it's huge- it's life-giving - it's always there - there are so many characteristics to the ocean - the waves, the breakers, the calm, the shallow, the deep, the living creatures above, below, and in the ocean. There are parts of the ocean that are calm and parts that rage. It is surprising and predictable all at the same time. The list could go on and on. I've never tired of pondering how much I see God in the analogy of one His creations.
Today, I took my Bible and sat at the end of the island and watched the ocean and prayed. How good is God that He has called my family to live by the one part of creation that has consistently pricked my spirit to think on Him. To listen. To wonder.
He has literally, physically moved me to a place where He beckons me to come spend time with Him. I am blessed.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ahhh, how we love new paint.
My goal when I moved into my new, although very old, home last year was to give myself one year before feeling fully 'settled'. Well, thanks to the undying perseverance of our very, favorite B, we reached the finish line 2 weeks before the goal!! B helps me to focus on the task at hand. She arrived Thursday night and we didn't stop all weekend!! We painted the guest room, hallway, and office bookshelves. A very tedious task. Then, we organized the poo at of my office - throwing away items that I hope KTB doesn't talk about - saving items that I hope she doesn't talk about either. It's quite a humbling experience to have someone watch you go through things piece by piece and decide if it's keep-worthy.
All in all - my office looks spectacular. If I was better at it. I'd post a pic. We painted them black with red background. We have new baskets instead of shoesboxes to hold things. It would make any clean-your-house show proud. We stored things in the attic where they should be. It makes me just want to take a deep breath. Life is just better when B is on the island. Thanks to the BB, as E would say.
As I traveled back over the causeway this week, I was listening to 'Glorious' by Chris Tomlin. I looked over at the sunshine on the ocean, the bluesky, and the green marsh. My windows were down and it felt great. I was overwhelmed to tears by God's goodness. His grace. His mercy.
Mark and I have finally hit our stride in life. What a fabulous season. His job is great, mine is great, the boys are amazing. We are making friends in a new community and beginning to feel a little bit a part of it all. We clearly feel His call on our lives, His satisfaction at our station & season in life. We are so blessed. It overwhelms me.
Of course, this doesn't mean complacency. But contentment. Paired with the desire to continue to go deeper and allow more of Him.
Thank you, Jesus. Amen!
All in all - my office looks spectacular. If I was better at it. I'd post a pic. We painted them black with red background. We have new baskets instead of shoesboxes to hold things. It would make any clean-your-house show proud. We stored things in the attic where they should be. It makes me just want to take a deep breath. Life is just better when B is on the island. Thanks to the BB, as E would say.
As I traveled back over the causeway this week, I was listening to 'Glorious' by Chris Tomlin. I looked over at the sunshine on the ocean, the bluesky, and the green marsh. My windows were down and it felt great. I was overwhelmed to tears by God's goodness. His grace. His mercy.
Mark and I have finally hit our stride in life. What a fabulous season. His job is great, mine is great, the boys are amazing. We are making friends in a new community and beginning to feel a little bit a part of it all. We clearly feel His call on our lives, His satisfaction at our station & season in life. We are so blessed. It overwhelms me.
Of course, this doesn't mean complacency. But contentment. Paired with the desire to continue to go deeper and allow more of Him.
Thank you, Jesus. Amen!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Gorgeous Beach Day!
It would appear from my recent blogs that I am obssessed with the weather. I am not. However, today was beautiful!!!!! And as a mother of 2 preschool boys who have excessive energy that exudes every fiber of their being - outside is a must for a thoroughly good time. So, yesterday and today we hit 70* and we took advantage of every minute! Yesterday, we took a picnic to Epworth and taught the boys how to play Frisbee Golf. They were totally taken in and wanted more.
Today, (after we skipped church and blamed it on the time change) Mark suggested we go to the beach. Did you all catch that.... MARK SUGGESTED it!!! For all you MBMUMC Choir Tour alumni, you know.....Mark hates the beach. Sand...sweat .... he wishes it were paved - but that's another blog entirely. There is something so sweet about a day spent with your family at your husband's suggestion when you know he doesn't really want to do it but does it b/c you do!!! (Did you catch that?!) He confessed afterward that he didn't mind b/c it's technically Spring and he didn't think he'd get that sweaty. He did have a minor seizure every time one of our boys face planted or rolled around in the sand though. All in all - a GREAT day at the beach.
When we got home, Mark wanted to know if I felt like helping out with a good garage cleaning! I love garage cleaning! It's the ultimate 'straightening job'. You aren't really 'cleaning'. I mean, who actually can 'clean' a garage? I hate cleaning. I'm no good at it.
So, bear with me a few minutes as I ponder this. So, I came back in and began unloading the dishwasher after folding laundry and realized: I love doing laundry and dishes. I hate cleaning my house. I love straightening the houe. But I hate cleaning my house. I love painting my house. But I hate cleaning my house.
Here's what I think I realized: I love laundry, dishes, and painting b/c YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED. Laundry is done when there are no more clothes in the hamper and they are all in your drawers or closet smelling sweet. Dishes are done when there are no more in the sink or the dishwasher. Painting is done when you look around and all the walls have new paint on them.
Cleaning. Cleaning in my mind's eye is never done. Let's take the bathroom for instance. You clean the obvious: the toilet, the bathtub, the mirror, and the counters. If I'm feeling exceptionally clean, I mop the tile. But there's always more, you could take a toothpick to the goop in the faucet. You could take a toothbrush scrub to the tiles on the floor AND the shower. You could wipe down the walls. You could dust the molding around the floor. You could clean every nook & cranny of that nasty toilet b/c 2 little boys tend to look around while they pee thus sending drops of you know what into unwanted places. Seriously... the bathroom is NEVER DONE. I haven't even begun on other rooms. This is just one room. And I have 2 bathrooms!!!!!!!!
Now, I know some of you are thinking my laundry is never done either. I have a friend. I won't name any names. Her initials are CB. Her last name rhymes with Wedingfield. God love you, CB. I'm not sure her laundry is ever done. Despite her large, lavish laundry room, there are times I can't even sort out the clean from the not-so-clean. Some of us love laundry. Some don't. I can accept that. But somehow, in my mind's eye - for me, that chore seems like I can finish it. And know it's done. Even though, before bedtime hits, there more dirty clothes in the hamper.
What does this say about me? I'm not sure. I want to know the task is completed. I cannot tolerate the nagging sensation that more could be done when in fact I do not enjoy the task one bit to begin with. It's just going to get dirty all over again. Does this even make sense? Is anyone out there?
So, today I enjoyed the beach and then realized I'm crazy. Nice.
Today, (after we skipped church and blamed it on the time change) Mark suggested we go to the beach. Did you all catch that.... MARK SUGGESTED it!!! For all you MBMUMC Choir Tour alumni, you know.....Mark hates the beach. Sand...sweat .... he wishes it were paved - but that's another blog entirely. There is something so sweet about a day spent with your family at your husband's suggestion when you know he doesn't really want to do it but does it b/c you do!!! (Did you catch that?!) He confessed afterward that he didn't mind b/c it's technically Spring and he didn't think he'd get that sweaty. He did have a minor seizure every time one of our boys face planted or rolled around in the sand though. All in all - a GREAT day at the beach.
When we got home, Mark wanted to know if I felt like helping out with a good garage cleaning! I love garage cleaning! It's the ultimate 'straightening job'. You aren't really 'cleaning'. I mean, who actually can 'clean' a garage? I hate cleaning. I'm no good at it.
So, bear with me a few minutes as I ponder this. So, I came back in and began unloading the dishwasher after folding laundry and realized: I love doing laundry and dishes. I hate cleaning my house. I love straightening the houe. But I hate cleaning my house. I love painting my house. But I hate cleaning my house.
Here's what I think I realized: I love laundry, dishes, and painting b/c YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED. Laundry is done when there are no more clothes in the hamper and they are all in your drawers or closet smelling sweet. Dishes are done when there are no more in the sink or the dishwasher. Painting is done when you look around and all the walls have new paint on them.
Cleaning. Cleaning in my mind's eye is never done. Let's take the bathroom for instance. You clean the obvious: the toilet, the bathtub, the mirror, and the counters. If I'm feeling exceptionally clean, I mop the tile. But there's always more, you could take a toothpick to the goop in the faucet. You could take a toothbrush scrub to the tiles on the floor AND the shower. You could wipe down the walls. You could dust the molding around the floor. You could clean every nook & cranny of that nasty toilet b/c 2 little boys tend to look around while they pee thus sending drops of you know what into unwanted places. Seriously... the bathroom is NEVER DONE. I haven't even begun on other rooms. This is just one room. And I have 2 bathrooms!!!!!!!!
Now, I know some of you are thinking my laundry is never done either. I have a friend. I won't name any names. Her initials are CB. Her last name rhymes with Wedingfield. God love you, CB. I'm not sure her laundry is ever done. Despite her large, lavish laundry room, there are times I can't even sort out the clean from the not-so-clean. Some of us love laundry. Some don't. I can accept that. But somehow, in my mind's eye - for me, that chore seems like I can finish it. And know it's done. Even though, before bedtime hits, there more dirty clothes in the hamper.
What does this say about me? I'm not sure. I want to know the task is completed. I cannot tolerate the nagging sensation that more could be done when in fact I do not enjoy the task one bit to begin with. It's just going to get dirty all over again. Does this even make sense? Is anyone out there?
So, today I enjoyed the beach and then realized I'm crazy. Nice.
Monday, March 5, 2007
New Shoes & LA pics
Asa sleeping in his new Nikes.
Mark and Asa went shoe shopping yesterday. Mark loves shoes, you know. It's quite the thrill to buy new shoes, even if for your 5 year old. Not a cheap thrill, but a thrill nonetheless.
New shoes make you run faster. Did you know that? And, sometimes you might need to sleep in them to make sure they fit right. So that's exactly what Asa did last night.
Thought you might want to know.
I don't even know how to turn this picture the right way!!!
It took me long enough...I know. Here's the blond hair - thought I uploaded a pic of us and Kirk Cameron and his wife. I have SERIOUS issues with uploading pictures. It takes forever and I am no good at it. So, Aaron - take a good long look at these - they might be the only ones I post for the next 6 months.
Hope all is well. Our marriage retreat went awesome. We meet for the next 4 Tuesdays. Keep praying! Eli spike a fever the night before we started - he showed no symptoms before bed or even after he woke up. We prayed all night. He was hot as fire! He's fine now. He was fine the next morning actually.
It's freezing here. The end.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Gorgeous Day
I'm not an avid weather watcher so I don't know if the warm weather is here to stay but! Wasn't today GORGEOUS!? Eli and I took the morning and headed to the beach. We made roads out of dried up reeds, houses out of dried up seaweed, cars out of seashells, and stop lights out of feathers. What a great day!
We need prayers! Mark and I are leading a 4-week Marriage course that kick off this weekend with a dinner & all day in-town retreat at Epworth on Saturday. We always tend to feel a little pressed down right before God moves! This is no exception!
We'll let you know how it goes!
We need prayers! Mark and I are leading a 4-week Marriage course that kick off this weekend with a dinner & all day in-town retreat at Epworth on Saturday. We always tend to feel a little pressed down right before God moves! This is no exception!
We'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Los Angeles Baby!
Wow!! First, before I get started, I must say it is going to take me awhile to catch up on everyone's blogs! I surfed everyone's and got so excited that there is much to catch up with. Then, I got to KTB's. I am a little bit intimidated by her minute-by-minute recount of their ski trip. Not sure my trip to LA can be that detailed. But I can give you the broad strokes...and you will like it!
Ok...Wow!! LA. WOW! A couple of weeks ago, we got a phone call from a family who live on SSI and support The GP. They support a ministry in Hollywood - MovieGuide.org. They promote and reward movies that promote moral, family, and/or Christian values - movies that inspire and propel you to live better. Ted Baehr is the founder. So, they had their big awards ceremony last night. We flew out to LA on Sunday morning after dropping our kids off in ATL with our ol' faithfuls - the B-fields and MD. That night we checked into our hotel....The Beverly Wilshire!! Yep. Right at the end of Rodeo Drive. Yep. We spent 4 days hobnobbing with the rich and famous and I'm ashamed to admit that we were a bit intoxicated by it all.
Upon our arrival, we passed Bruce Willis exiting the same door we were entering. What a thrill. The next morning, Mark and I got up roamed around town in our little rented car - driving up into 'the hills' checking out hotspots. We got out and walked through the Kodak theater as they were hanging red drapes and spreading out the red carpet for the Oscars. We drove Mulholland Drive, saw the for-real-Brady Bunch house (apparrently an unspoken life-long dream for Mark), read all the handprints/footprints at the Mann's Chinese Theater, drove Sunset Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd, and of course, everyone was truly a 'buzz' about Britney's new do.
That afternoon, we met up with our crowd back at The Wilshire to head out to the Jay Leno show. While we waited, we watched Dixie Carter stroll through the lobby to lunch. We had just watched her the night before on DH. Wild. Jay Leno was Monday night's taping - the American Idol's fab 4 were there - Randy, Simon, Ryan and even Paula. Leno was funny - funnier than I thought. Tiki Barber was there and then some obscure local band from LA who has been on the radio recently. What fun!!!
The next day we toured Columbia/Sony Pictures. We got to see the Wheel of Fortune studio. Really tiny.. hate to disappoint all you WoF fans. Walked through lots of the sound studios where they make films - saw no famous people. We did see some big boat they are making for Brad Pitt's new movie. I don't think we were impressed.
But! Tuesday night was soooo fun!! The MovieGuide Awards. We met Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble, Shirley Jones (Partridge Family Mom), met the President of Disney, met Bill Bright's son from Campus Crusade, saw Bruce Willis' mom, met the husband/wife team that wrote CARS. We heard Brian Littrell sing 'Welcome Home' and another song.
The biggest thrill of the night for me was meeting Chris Gardner. He is the man that the movie 'Pursuit of Happyness' was written about. He was the most genuine and humble man we met all week. He won a special lifetime award.
We went to bed exhausted (in the Beverly Wilshire, did I mention that?) and woke up this morning to travel home to see our babies.
LA, like NY, was a great playground - a place I'd love to visit on more than one more occasion but definitely not a place I'd ever consider living. The streets were so clean in Beverly Hills that we thought we were at DisneyWorld.
Who knows what will become of the trip? We fell in love with this ministry and what they are doing in the movie market for good moral films. I'll blog another day about the stats he gave out during his presentation (definitely wouldn't be a funny blog, that day.)
I'm about to fall asleep. You probably are too after this long epilogue. monologue? mono-blog?
Ok...Wow!! LA. WOW! A couple of weeks ago, we got a phone call from a family who live on SSI and support The GP. They support a ministry in Hollywood - MovieGuide.org. They promote and reward movies that promote moral, family, and/or Christian values - movies that inspire and propel you to live better. Ted Baehr is the founder. So, they had their big awards ceremony last night. We flew out to LA on Sunday morning after dropping our kids off in ATL with our ol' faithfuls - the B-fields and MD. That night we checked into our hotel....The Beverly Wilshire!! Yep. Right at the end of Rodeo Drive. Yep. We spent 4 days hobnobbing with the rich and famous and I'm ashamed to admit that we were a bit intoxicated by it all.
Upon our arrival, we passed Bruce Willis exiting the same door we were entering. What a thrill. The next morning, Mark and I got up roamed around town in our little rented car - driving up into 'the hills' checking out hotspots. We got out and walked through the Kodak theater as they were hanging red drapes and spreading out the red carpet for the Oscars. We drove Mulholland Drive, saw the for-real-Brady Bunch house (apparrently an unspoken life-long dream for Mark), read all the handprints/footprints at the Mann's Chinese Theater, drove Sunset Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd, and of course, everyone was truly a 'buzz' about Britney's new do.
That afternoon, we met up with our crowd back at The Wilshire to head out to the Jay Leno show. While we waited, we watched Dixie Carter stroll through the lobby to lunch. We had just watched her the night before on DH. Wild. Jay Leno was Monday night's taping - the American Idol's fab 4 were there - Randy, Simon, Ryan and even Paula. Leno was funny - funnier than I thought. Tiki Barber was there and then some obscure local band from LA who has been on the radio recently. What fun!!!
The next day we toured Columbia/Sony Pictures. We got to see the Wheel of Fortune studio. Really tiny.. hate to disappoint all you WoF fans. Walked through lots of the sound studios where they make films - saw no famous people. We did see some big boat they are making for Brad Pitt's new movie. I don't think we were impressed.
But! Tuesday night was soooo fun!! The MovieGuide Awards. We met Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble, Shirley Jones (Partridge Family Mom), met the President of Disney, met Bill Bright's son from Campus Crusade, saw Bruce Willis' mom, met the husband/wife team that wrote CARS. We heard Brian Littrell sing 'Welcome Home' and another song.
The biggest thrill of the night for me was meeting Chris Gardner. He is the man that the movie 'Pursuit of Happyness' was written about. He was the most genuine and humble man we met all week. He won a special lifetime award.
We went to bed exhausted (in the Beverly Wilshire, did I mention that?) and woke up this morning to travel home to see our babies.
LA, like NY, was a great playground - a place I'd love to visit on more than one more occasion but definitely not a place I'd ever consider living. The streets were so clean in Beverly Hills that we thought we were at DisneyWorld.
Who knows what will become of the trip? We fell in love with this ministry and what they are doing in the movie market for good moral films. I'll blog another day about the stats he gave out during his presentation (definitely wouldn't be a funny blog, that day.)
I'm about to fall asleep. You probably are too after this long epilogue. monologue? mono-blog?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Post Office
Got a call yesterday from Asa's school. Scared to pick up b/c I immediately imagined one of them had thrown up in the middle of their classroom, I answered. It was the director telling me they needed one more Mom to drive on the 'field trip' to the post office (which is all of 2 miles away from the school) today. So, this morning E & I go pick up some of the preschoolers for the big day at the post office. Asa's teacher has already pre-warned me on the playground yesterday afternoon that this is the worst trip they take. What does that mean?, I think to myself.
While it certainly wasn't the worst trip, the female postmaster (if you will) who paraded us around the bowels of our government's mail industry had a soft voice in a warehouse style building. We could barely hear her and she used words like 'carrier' for mail man...the 'LLV" for mail truck. She had kids tell them their address and she told them what route number they lived on. At one point in her discussion, our buddy Davis raises his hand and says, 'She's cutting!' Our kids had no idea what she was talking about.
It was a great hour.
After school today, I drove the kid's over to Jekyll Island to see Daddy's big party for tonight. I was also helping decorate tables. On the way there, we hear the song 'Take Me Out'. For all of you Guitar Hero novices, this is only one of the best songs on the game. For me anyway. I say Hey boys, listen to this!!. And they both yell Guitar Hero! Asa shouts from the back Crank it up, Mom! Seriously. He said that. Then, ALL 3 of us start playing our air guitars with fierce verocity. We want to win! Now, side note. I really was playing some of the for real notes in my head. I can be a little autistic that way.
When it was over, both boys said, 'I won!' Then they proceed to argue about what percent they played correctly. I got 40%! Well, I got 50%! Again, for all you novices... this is particularly important in the scoring of GH. Then, they want to know which other GH songs are 'in the radio'. They were sorely disappointed with the next selection.
There. That was a little funnier...I just needed some material.
Big plans tonight. The GP fundraiser... pray on, my friends.
While it certainly wasn't the worst trip, the female postmaster (if you will) who paraded us around the bowels of our government's mail industry had a soft voice in a warehouse style building. We could barely hear her and she used words like 'carrier' for mail man...the 'LLV" for mail truck. She had kids tell them their address and she told them what route number they lived on. At one point in her discussion, our buddy Davis raises his hand and says, 'She's cutting!' Our kids had no idea what she was talking about.
It was a great hour.
After school today, I drove the kid's over to Jekyll Island to see Daddy's big party for tonight. I was also helping decorate tables. On the way there, we hear the song 'Take Me Out'. For all of you Guitar Hero novices, this is only one of the best songs on the game. For me anyway. I say Hey boys, listen to this!!. And they both yell Guitar Hero! Asa shouts from the back Crank it up, Mom! Seriously. He said that. Then, ALL 3 of us start playing our air guitars with fierce verocity. We want to win! Now, side note. I really was playing some of the for real notes in my head. I can be a little autistic that way.
When it was over, both boys said, 'I won!' Then they proceed to argue about what percent they played correctly. I got 40%! Well, I got 50%! Again, for all you novices... this is particularly important in the scoring of GH. Then, they want to know which other GH songs are 'in the radio'. They were sorely disappointed with the next selection.
There. That was a little funnier...I just needed some material.
Big plans tonight. The GP fundraiser... pray on, my friends.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Where have I been?
I think I've had bloggers block.
Mark and I went on a wonderful leadership retreat with several other pastors this weekend. It was a much needed rest, prayer, and share time for us together and with a few other friends. Oh! It was our 11th anniversary while we were away!
We are getting ready for our big, community-wide event tomorrow night. Mark is still there working to audio check, put up lights, & practice skits. There will be around 700-800 folks there. Pray for a big fundraising!! Bobby Bowden is the guest speaker. It should be a great night!
THEN, we are gearing up for a big time in Los Angeles!!!!! We are going to the awards ceremony for the Christian Film and Television Commission. Details after we get back!!
The boys are doing great. Business is getting busy for 'hiring' season.
I'm having trouble being funny. Must still have bloggers block.
Mark and I went on a wonderful leadership retreat with several other pastors this weekend. It was a much needed rest, prayer, and share time for us together and with a few other friends. Oh! It was our 11th anniversary while we were away!
We are getting ready for our big, community-wide event tomorrow night. Mark is still there working to audio check, put up lights, & practice skits. There will be around 700-800 folks there. Pray for a big fundraising!! Bobby Bowden is the guest speaker. It should be a great night!
THEN, we are gearing up for a big time in Los Angeles!!!!! We are going to the awards ceremony for the Christian Film and Television Commission. Details after we get back!!
The boys are doing great. Business is getting busy for 'hiring' season.
I'm having trouble being funny. Must still have bloggers block.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Warm Weather & Bike Rides
You've waited long enough. It's time for another blog. It's alot like dating, you know. You don't want to call too many days in a row. They might think you really like them.
It finally warmed up here on the island. We're looking at sunny ol' 65* today! Met some friends at the park after I picked the boys up at school this afternoon. It's the best thing about living here. When it's a good day for the park, people just know and everyone shows up unnannounced at the park. I love spontaneous playdates!
KTB has prodded a story of Asa's version of rock, paper, scissors last week at the dinner table. He and I were playing a simple version (during dinner)- we had already played about 10 rounds - it was a pretty even score, but who was counting. In our house, you say, 'Rock, paper, scissors, shoot' and on 'shoot' you have to throw down your decision. Well, this time on shoot, Asa threw his arms in a wide span and said 'I win!" And I said 'What is that?" He said 'This is Jesus and he beats everything." He's right but who expected such philosophy in a game of chance?
We've been riding our bikes around the neighborhood this week. Asa has had a 20" bike for the past year that was too big for him really. We finally broke down and 'downsized' his bike to 18" for his Christmas present. Well, here we are 3-4 weeks after Christmas and he's now riding his 20" bike and 'given' Eli his new 18" bike. Now for those of you who these numbers mean nothing: The 18' bike comes up to Eli's neck. Now, I am well aware that we all realize how freakish both the boys can be when it comes to co-ordination. But you need to know that Eli can Flintstone- start this bike, ride without training wheels, AND STAND UP ON THE MIDDLE BAR while riding down the street. He casually says to Asa, "Hey! Look what I can do, try this!"
His next feat came when Asa decided in the middle of our bike ride that he needed to ride his 'new' 18" bike again. So, Eli hops on the 20" bike BY HIMSELF and rides down the street. It's as if the bike is being held still by an invisible something while he gets on and then he gets going. It's amazing really. THEN, to dismount this monstrosity he swings his legs over, lays on the seat with his head hanging on one side, legs on the other, hands still on the handlebars, STILL RIDING DOWN THE STREET, and leans in the direction of his feet and gently 'falls' on his feet. He never falls, nor does the bike. I really should get this on video.
Asa, of course, is equally talented in other athletic areas. But bike riding belongs to E.
Hope all is well. Glad I got to blog today. I feel connected. Maybe the longer we date, the less time I'll have to wait to do so.
It finally warmed up here on the island. We're looking at sunny ol' 65* today! Met some friends at the park after I picked the boys up at school this afternoon. It's the best thing about living here. When it's a good day for the park, people just know and everyone shows up unnannounced at the park. I love spontaneous playdates!
KTB has prodded a story of Asa's version of rock, paper, scissors last week at the dinner table. He and I were playing a simple version (during dinner)- we had already played about 10 rounds - it was a pretty even score, but who was counting. In our house, you say, 'Rock, paper, scissors, shoot' and on 'shoot' you have to throw down your decision. Well, this time on shoot, Asa threw his arms in a wide span and said 'I win!" And I said 'What is that?" He said 'This is Jesus and he beats everything." He's right but who expected such philosophy in a game of chance?
We've been riding our bikes around the neighborhood this week. Asa has had a 20" bike for the past year that was too big for him really. We finally broke down and 'downsized' his bike to 18" for his Christmas present. Well, here we are 3-4 weeks after Christmas and he's now riding his 20" bike and 'given' Eli his new 18" bike. Now for those of you who these numbers mean nothing: The 18' bike comes up to Eli's neck. Now, I am well aware that we all realize how freakish both the boys can be when it comes to co-ordination. But you need to know that Eli can Flintstone- start this bike, ride without training wheels, AND STAND UP ON THE MIDDLE BAR while riding down the street. He casually says to Asa, "Hey! Look what I can do, try this!"
His next feat came when Asa decided in the middle of our bike ride that he needed to ride his 'new' 18" bike again. So, Eli hops on the 20" bike BY HIMSELF and rides down the street. It's as if the bike is being held still by an invisible something while he gets on and then he gets going. It's amazing really. THEN, to dismount this monstrosity he swings his legs over, lays on the seat with his head hanging on one side, legs on the other, hands still on the handlebars, STILL RIDING DOWN THE STREET, and leans in the direction of his feet and gently 'falls' on his feet. He never falls, nor does the bike. I really should get this on video.
Asa, of course, is equally talented in other athletic areas. But bike riding belongs to E.
Hope all is well. Glad I got to blog today. I feel connected. Maybe the longer we date, the less time I'll have to wait to do so.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Culture of Funny
Ok - now I might be a little obsessed with the whole blog thing. I love being able to 'listen' to friends while miles away.
I've been taking great observation with many of the posts and found that I sorely miss the 'culture of funny' that is so obvious in our midst. I love that life can be light-hearted, that people don't take themselves too seriously, & that when a fun little jab is thrown, we are all secure enough in our relationships to know it is out of love. None of us want to be knocked out - but being pushed around a little is just plain funny. And you all are just plain funny.
When I was making a list of 'traits' for my husband long before I met my Mark, 'Christian', of course was at the top but following a close second was 'Funny'. I'm not even really sure there were others. If there were, they paled in comparison. God was gracious enough to grant me all the extras I got!! Living among a culture of funny is just important.
Be thankful for the humor in your midst. That's my admonition for the day.
I've been taking great observation with many of the posts and found that I sorely miss the 'culture of funny' that is so obvious in our midst. I love that life can be light-hearted, that people don't take themselves too seriously, & that when a fun little jab is thrown, we are all secure enough in our relationships to know it is out of love. None of us want to be knocked out - but being pushed around a little is just plain funny. And you all are just plain funny.
When I was making a list of 'traits' for my husband long before I met my Mark, 'Christian', of course was at the top but following a close second was 'Funny'. I'm not even really sure there were others. If there were, they paled in comparison. God was gracious enough to grant me all the extras I got!! Living among a culture of funny is just important.
Be thankful for the humor in your midst. That's my admonition for the day.
Friday, February 2, 2007
First Blog Ever
Ok...so it's 11:34 and I've spent the past hour or so building my new blog spot. I couldn't quite do facebook or my space but somehow this seems ok.
So...KTB and Emily Smith are visiting for a long weekend - lots of Guitar Hero - I think I hit a mid-life crisis about time they pulled in the driveway. Last night, we dyed my hair blonde. Tonight, we dyed it even blonder. I mean, really blonde. A hint of strawberry blonde - hilarious.
That's all really. More to come.
So...KTB and Emily Smith are visiting for a long weekend - lots of Guitar Hero - I think I hit a mid-life crisis about time they pulled in the driveway. Last night, we dyed my hair blonde. Tonight, we dyed it even blonder. I mean, really blonde. A hint of strawberry blonde - hilarious.
That's all really. More to come.
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