Mom's on fire!

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-04-29T08:31:00.001-04:30

The past couple weeks have been rather trying for me. My fiance' has been struggling with some health issues, issues that might be relatively minor OR issues that might completely alter life as we now know it ... and as we ponder all the "what ifs" and "maybes" that these issues encompass, it is all too easy to focus on and worry over the "worst case scenarios" rather than on the positive ones. What is UP with that?!  We know a God who loves us, who is bigger than all of these things, who has gone before, who knows the end of the story, who is working even these things for our good, who sent His son so that we WILL one day live with Him forever in an Eternal "Best Case Scenario"!

Today, I want to remember that when we are faced with uncertainty and with struggles, with rain clouds and tears and sleepless nights and heartaches and questions that have no answers ... we do know a God who will love us NO MATTER WHAT ... and who cares and tends to us in our need, knowing always what we are needing, and being good to provide for us. We know a God who is the Answer to the unanswerable. Praise God that we can access His Love ANYTIME!!!

Paul asks the question, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:35) The answer is one that I receive with great joy, "No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39) What more do we need to know?! I mean, really?! He loves us.

I find it all too easy to slip into an attitude of fearfulness when presented with uncertainty, the unknown, change. I want to KNOW what's gonna happen next! I want predictability and stability and certainty. Arghhhh! Not KNOWING scares me! It is at these moments when I see fear knocking at the door of my heart that I have a choice to make.  I can let it in, or I can send it packing! Scripture tells me, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) As a daughter of the King, I possess the power to rebuke Fear. The trick is remembering to do so! When I do remember, it is not always pretty ... but it is always effective. In fact, if you were a passenger in my car a few weeks ago, you might have thought me a raving lunatic as I shouted over and over, "In the name of Jesus, I rebuke you, spirit of fear and of shame. You have no place here! In the name of Jesus, I rebuke you, spirit of fear and of shame. You have no place here!" I tell you what, though. When I had ranted on and on for some time, I felt the Spirit replace my fear with an outpouring of peace and love, and I am reminded, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4:18)

After my oldest son was born, I suffered from terrible, crippling post-partum depression. As part of my recovery process, I kept a gratitude journal in which I ended every day by recording at least 5 items for which I was thankful that day. Sometimes, I stopped at number two. Sometimes, I would struggle to even get started. I'd think, "I guess I could write,  1) I am alive." ... but then I'd think, "Nah ... I am NOT thankful for that today." Grrr. What a dark place. Always though, I'd come up with something ... one example from my journal ... "1) My cats who love to be near me. 2) 230 ct. sateen cotton sheets. 3) 2-minute downpours. 4) People who support our business. 5) My mom." I discovered that it became easier to come up with things as this became a habit. Approaching life with gratitude is a discipline for me ... it is not natural. Thank goodness, that as Paul noted in 1 Timothy, God has given me a spirit of self-discipline. I can, in fact, do what is unnatural to me when I am in Christ. In fact, Philippians 4:13 tells me that "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

So, this morning, I am beginning the day with an attitude of gratitude. I am blessed. God has given me two jobs that I LOVE, friends who care for me, two boys who know and love the Lord, a man who thinks the world of me, a roof over my head, sunshine this morning and dew on the grass, and unlimited access to Him through His Word and the Spirit. *sigh* Blessed, indeed. My prayer is that, as I walk through this day, my eyes, ears and heart would be open to seeing, hearing, and responding to the blessings He has certainly already placed in my path.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Obedience

2011-04-10T23:42:00.003-04:30

August 3, 2010.

That is the date of my last post on this blog.

I count off the months on my fingers. 8. Eight months. In my world, 8 months is a lifetime.

Since my last post, I've picked up a second job, gotten divorced, sold my house, moved, met a man, fell in love, got engaged ... learned a LOT. Learned more than I think I've learned in my entire 37 years to date. Also, UNlearned much of what I've learned in the past 37 years ... and am still learning. Lotsa learning and unlearning going on.

When I logged on here tonight, I wasn't sure what would happen when I put my fingers to the keyboard. I've MISSED this. ALOT!!! I've been a little afraid to resume for fear that I'd sit in front of the screen ... and nothing would happen.

Apparently, that is not the case.

Lately, I've been grieving all sorts of things. I very much grieve for the time that I no longer get with my sons. I have my boys under my roof just 50% of the time. From 100% to 50%. I've gone from having tabs on them 24/7 to having them 1/2 time ... and 1/2 of the 1/2 time, I am distracted by the responsibilities associated with the two jobs that I am juggling. I am grieving that I no longer tuck my boys in every night ... that I no longer see them off to school every day ... that I no longer find time to eat lunch with them at school ... that I no longer know all their friends. I miss them.

I am grieving regular time with my closest friends who are still stay-at-home mamas, still able to connect with one another ... I miss the flexibility I used to have - I miss the TIME I used to have. I miss having friends over for coffee or for bible study. I miss being available to minister to my friends ... or to anyone for that matter.

I miss my old neighborhood where my son's best friend lived next door and spent nearly as much time in our living room as he did in hers. Back and forth. Revolving door.

I miss blogging and ministering to women. God put these two in my heart - to encourage and inspire other women ... and to write. I'm not the most inspirational person you'll EVER meet ... and not the best writer you'll EVER read - but, nonetheless, I know that I know that I know that these are areas that God wants to use me.

And that is why I am here tonight at my desk.

Obedience.

Feeling the grief wash over me tonight, I turned to the Lord in prayer ... and was reminded that I've NOT been obedient to His nudges these past few months. Thrice in the past couple months, women have contacted me seemingly out of the blue to tell me that my blog is so inspiring to them. Truly ... out of the blue! I haven't blogged since ... August 3! Eight months!!! In my mind, "out of the blue" contacts = God nudges ... reminders that He has something for me to do besides working 2 jobs, raising 2 kids, nurturing a new relationship, caring for a home and a dog ... He has given me a special assignment.

I've used all sorts of excuses to not post anything.

Well, okay ... just one excuse actually.

"Too Busy."

Its a good one. Right? Who's gonna argue with that ... I've got the endless lists to prove it. I AM busy ... but is that an excuse for avoiding what God's asking me to do?

Absolutely not.

So ... in spite of the fact that I'm beat and need to crawl off to bed here sooner rather than later ... I am obediently typing out whatever comes to my mind ... and praying that God will bless my efforts. I pray that as I type, the sweet odor of "offering" rises from the keyboard.

God, this is for you.

I love you.

"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land."

~ Isaiah 1:19

Looking forward to the feast,
Kris Ann

UFO Days

2010-08-03T18:24:00.002-04:30

I've been MIA the past couple weeks because this is PEAK season for me in Children's Ministry. My plate is never fuller than in the month of July!!!

On July 19-22, ministry leaders from 3 other local churches and myself organize a 4-day nightly outdoor adventure for the tweens in our community. We gather together 4th-8th graders, feed them, and then cart them off to a different destination each night from 5-8 pm. This year, we took them to the challenge course at UWStout, on a hiking/scavenger hunt at Menomin City Park, put them to work at Refuge Farms (a rescue for abused/abandoned horses), and then capped the week off by canoeing the Red Cedar River. I'll share some photo highlights in a later post!! It was tons of fun ... such a great opportunity to laugh and build relationship with these young people.

The following week, July 25-29, I partnered with another local church to offer Vacation Bible School for kiddos age 3 through 5th grade, also every night from 5-8pm ... and ALSO tons of fun. Kids are SUCH good soil for planting seeds. They really get God and His Love. So fun to hang out with them and participate in their spiritual growth. Will post pics from that later, too.

In between these two events was a fundraiser for my local mom ministry, SAMmy's, on July 23-24.

I just might be insane! ;-P

Anyhoodle ...

I am posting a few pics from the fundraiser. We set up a thrift sale, a snack stand, and face painting in Elmwood, Wisconsin during their UFO Days festival. Yes, UFO Days. Elmwood is the UFO capital of Wisconsin. Now you know. ;-) If you're dying to know why, here are the deets.

This was huge undertaking, and I can only take minimal credit. We had some rockin' volunteers who worked themselves silly putting this all together. Our objective was 3-fold.

To raise $$$ so that we can provide childcare weekly ... and offer scholarships to our mommies for annual Retreat in Bloomington, MN.
To be visible in the community and connect with moms who are needing the sort of fellowship and encouagement that SAMmy's offers.
To work shoulder to shoulder with our sisters in Christ. Nothing bonds us together like laboring together with a common heart and goal.

I think we succeeded on all counts! Praise God!!! :-)

On to the pics ...

Our very own SAMmy's face painting artist, S, who also serves on our Leadership Team.

S brought posters to inspire our customers.

Full face tattoo in progress.

My X gets a full tiger face.

We offered FREE ichthys (Jesus Fish) ... and had lots of takers.

Another Ichthys.

TJ and his best pal Z.

Showing off their UFO head gear.

Loved these girls who LOVED our facepainting!

How cute are they as they wait to race in UFO Days bed race?

Maybe I don't get out enough,

but this was the first time I've ever even heard of a bed race!

After the bed races, my boys and I hit the petting zoo.

Here's TJ wearing a shirt that he and his pal, Z,

decorated with fabric paint specifically for UFO Days;

it has aliens and space ships all over it.

X and I with a new feline friend.

Blessings this day and ALL days!

In Him,

Kris Ann

The D-Word

2010-07-18T01:27:00.000-04:30

Oh, how long it has been since I blogged here. Its certainly has NOT been for lack of anything to write.
Au contraire, mon frere. My life has been full of overmuch to write about. Overmuch.

The short of it is this ... I'm nearing the end of a divorce.

*exhale*

The long of it is ... a novel.

I have neither the time nor the space to share all the details. Nor do I wish to malign my soon-to-be ex. What I DO want to do ... and am so thrilled to do ... is tell you that I serve SUCH a great God. He has been an ever-present help in my time of trouble, a refuge, and my strength.

My experience with Divorce is that it is awful ... devastating. In Malachi 2:16, God declares, "I hate divorce." Though I seldom use a word so strong as hate, I couldn't agree more. I hate divorce. It is horrible, a ripping apart of what had once been joined together. It is bloody and messy and painful. I've never experienced such grief as I did in the aftermath of accepting that this marriage had passed the point of restoration save a miracle. And I believe in miracles. But to accept that no miracle was coming ... arghhh ... so painful.

Through all the suffering, though, God provided such sweetness in my life. I've never suffered more, but neither have I felt Him so close, so comforting.

Over the past couple weeks, I've emerged from a dark wood into the dawn that breaks just before the morning. I feel good. I feel whole. I feel healthy. And that is ALL God.

My husband moved out in January following a domestic incident, and later in April filed for divorce. Since the separation, I have participated in weekly counseling, leaned on my amazing friends, and submitted myself before the Lord. I was determined that if I must go through the grief and anguish of a divorce, then at the very least, I was going to emerge from it healed and whole ... and I have!

Over the course of the past year, I have kept a private blog detailing the uglier issues in my marriage and subsequent separation, and finally divorce. I share this openly with a small group of sisters in Christ - each of whom He specifically identified for me - and in turn, they have encouraged me, strengthened me, ministered to me, and prayed for me. In that blog, on December 23, 2009, I wrote the following:

The First Gleam of Dawn

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
-Proverbs 4 (18-27)

So, my journey at present has been characterized as a dark woods. When N and J prayed for me yesterday, N specifically asked that His Light might pierce the darkness. As we lifted our heads from prayer, I saw tears shining in J's eyes and she said, "I just saw the dark woods - and the tops of the trees are flooded with Light."

I LOVE that. In the dark woods, I see only dark ... and more dark. But if I were to see outside of the woods, I would know that it is completely bathed in Light. It reminds me of Proverb 4:18 where the righteous path is lit at first with the smallest rays of light - just as the sun first peeking over the horizon pierces the dark with the thinnest laser of light. But as you continue to walk the path, the light grows until you look around and realize, "Oh, the sun is shining full on me!" The full light of day.

I see the First Gleam of this particular leg of my journey - though I've seen His Light for quite some time - and it has been my guide.

Praise be to God.

Today, I had an epiphany related to that post. Today, I feel as though I've stepped out of the woods, into the dawn, and am about to bask in the sunshine. It feels so good! SO GOOD!!! I feel unbound. I feel a joy and a peace and a wholeness that I've never before experienced.

And that is a miracle!

The following is a verse that has been such a comfort ... and a reality for me ... as I have journeyed this broken road.

The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
-Zephaniah 3:17

Friends like Family

2010-04-05T23:40:00.000-04:30

Easter Sunday, I spent the afternoon with a couple of my favorite peeps, J and N - at J's house.

These friends are family to me.

N and I.

N, holding J's little E.

N's hubby, S with Micro S.

J's Papa C carves the super juicy Easter ham.

N's Little Miss H checks on Papa C's progress.

After our tummies are properly stuffed, H and Mini S hunt for eggs in J's backyard.

Little Miss E gets in on the egg action.

H and Mini S waste no time breaking in their new bubble blowers.

Hope your Easter was as much a treat as mine was!

Blessings,

Kris Ann

Empty Tomb Rolls

2010-04-03T19:23:00.000-04:30

This morning, my kiddos and the neighbors' kiddos made one of our Easter favorites ... Empty Tomb Rolls. Some folks call these Resurrection Rolls ... and, who knows, perhaps other folks call them other things, but we call them Empty Tomb Rolls. My kids (ages 5 and 9), just LOVE to help with this project. The best part is that the recipe preparation reinforces the Resurrection story (in fact, last year - my Sunday School kiddos made this recipe during our Easter Celebration).

Here's the scoopedy-do-dah!

Empty Tomb Rolls

Ingredients:

Crescent roll dough (I use 2 tubes which makes 16 rolls)
Melted butter (I use 1/2 cup - but could probably get away with less)
Large marshmallows (16, or 1 for each crescent roll)
Cinnamon-Sugar (I mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 Tbsp. cinnamon)

The Process:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Prep the ingredients in a little assembly line. My photo is backwards. Ideally, organize in this order: crescent roll dough (separated in triangles), marshmallows, melted butter, and cinnamon-sugar.

3) Gather the kiddos! The more, the merrier!!! Start each kiddo with a marshmallow and a crescent roll triangle. Tell them that the marshmallow represents Jesus, holy and pure. The roll represents the linen wrapping that was placed about the body before burial.

4) Set the marshmallow in center of crescent roll and wrap it inside, pinching to seal tightly. The tighter it is sealed, the better it turns out. If not sealed tightly, the marshmallow goo escapes all over the place. :-)

5) Drop wrapped marshmallow in melted butter and cover thoroughly. This is representative of the embalming oils.

6) Next roll the buttered roll in the cinnamon-sugar. This represents the spices used to annoint the body.

7) Place the rolls in a muffin pan to bake. (Most recipes suggest a cookie sheet or bar pan, but I find that the muffin pan creates a nice, uniform shape.)

8) Bake in oven for 12 minutes. The oven represents the tomb in which you are placing Jesus' body. Pretend that the baking period is three days in length.

9) Remove rolls and cool slightly. When the kiddos open the rolls (burial cloth), they will discover that the body is gone! Christ is risen!!! Praise God!!!

The best part of all of this is that Christ really IS alive, but a distant second best part is that these rolls are REALLY good!!!

Enjoy ... and have a blessed Resurrection Day celebration.

love,

Kris Ann

PS - If you'd like to present this as more of a devotion, read Matthew 28:5-8 as you dine on your rolls.

Win a Whimsical Print!

2010-03-25T23:31:00.002-04:30

My Real Life gal pal, Shelly, is hosting a giveaway over at her fun and fabulous blog with all things artsy and crafty, I like the way you do ... and asked me to do a little promoting on her behalf!

And so, with pleasure, I direct you over to Shelly's world where you can help her choose new barstools for her kitchen from CSN stores. In return for your input, you will be entered for a chance to win a whimsical print from the CiCi Art Factory collection at CSN.

Here is the print I'll choose if I win ...

So, if you wanna give me a run for my money, bolt on over to Shelly's!

Tell her I sent you!!! :-)

Kid Art

2010-03-16T23:02:00.001-04:30

it's time for ...

two things i love... around my home

Kass at BacWoods Fern hosts this fun blog hop meant to remind us to appreciate the things we already have ... and to provide the opportunity to share a couple of our faves with each another.

This week (and really, ALL weeks) - I am digging on my kiddos' artwork! What Mama DOESn't love Junior's "masterpieces"?

This first one is something that TJ did last fall when he was 8. I love everything about it - starting with the colors and the composition and ending with the fact that he created it all by himself. I stuck it in a basic matte and gallery frame and ... voila' ... an original (and cheap) piece of artwork for the fam to enjoy! And - BONUS - he's pleased as punch that his work earned an actual frame!

Here's another piece of TJ's art - a ceramic fish that I think is perfectly clever and interesting. It rests on my bedroom dresser against a pic of the Maestro himself and his little bro, X. LOVE it!!!

If you'd like to share 2 Things YOU are lovin or re-appreciating around your home, take a picture of it, write a post with a link back to BacWoods Fern and link up with the mclinky so others can see YOUR 2 things.

Tootles!!!

The Yards of Our Lives

2010-03-16T00:52:00.001-04:30

There is a time for everything
and a season for every activity under heaven:
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Wise Guy himself, King Solomon, acknowledged that there is a time for everything.

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
-Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

A time for everything.

A time to pick up dog poo and a time to let it lie.

At my house, its a time for picking up poo!

All winter long, I let it lie ... and yesterday, I spent ALL afternoon picking it up.

It was work (I've the blisters from the pooper scooper to prove it) and not necessarily something that I enjoy doing ... but, here's the thing, I DO enjoy walking across my yard without having to have my eyes glued to the ground the entire time, hopping and skipping to avoid any mishap ... so the clean-up was (of course) worth it.

I almost took a photo of one of the two wheel barrows I filled with the foul collection, but I thought better of it ... and spared you the sight - and myself from reliving it! (Instead, I blessed you with a pic of the poo-ers.)

All this poo talk reminds me of the figurative poo in my life. (Haven't we all got a little poo on the yards of our lives?) If I let it lie for awhile, it has a way of piling up ... and then it is such chore to clean. I'd much rather deal with it on an as-it-comes basis and spare myself the blisters ... but, in the end ... whether its a 2-wheel barrow job - or a single pooper scooper job - the yard is always so much nicer poo-free.

Of course, as Solomon says,

Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before,
and God will call the past to account.
- Ecclesiastes 3:15

So, there've been 2-wheel-barrow days before ... and there'll be 2-wheel-barrow days again. There's nothing new under the sun ... but TODAY the yard is poo-free (to the best of my knowledge), and for that I am thankful!!!

I Gotta Bug ... and I Killed That Sucker!

2010-03-10T11:48:00.000-04:30

I gotta bug on a horse!

A Trojan horse, that is. All nice to look at and presented as a gift, but ... ooh, what was inside was SO not nice at all.

Let me explain.

If you had tried to visit my blog recently, you would have been redirected to some unknown suspicious site.

I fretted over what to do about this. I am so not a techie. Should I just start over? Throw in the towel? Consider this a bloggie vacay ... an extended one at that?!

I tooled through the blogger forums, finding nothing helpful ... until, "Hark!" I discovered what was the matter ... and, bloggie friends, (praise the Lord!!!), it was so simple that I was able to fix it all by my un-techie self!!!

Some outside gadgets are loaded with a bug that redirects traffic to your blog elsewhere. Often, these bugs are time-delayed ... not activating for days, weeks, even MONTHS after installation. All I had to do was sort through my gadgets ... particularly those NOT from Blogger ... and according to the info I read, when I clicked on the infected gadget, it would immediately redirect me ... and that would be confirmation that this was the bug that had to DIE ... errr ... be deleted.

Soooooo, I came back to my dashboard and looked at my layout. The first gadget that I clicked on was a blinky clock that I'd added a while ago (a month maybe?) ... and moments after opening it, I was redirected, soooo ... I thought, "SCORE!!! I've found the Trojan horse!"

And I KILLED ... errr ... deleted that sucker!!!

And I am BACK in the saddle ... my OWN saddle (not the Trojan horses)!

Low on Gas? Refuel!!!

2010-03-03T12:33:00.001-04:30

Last week, I ran outta gas.

Yep.

I did.

Actually, my big old Sub ran outta gas.

Let me explain.

My Suburban has a faulty gas gauge. I've owned it for a few years, and early on - it failed to start when I tried to start it (more than once) ... and the culprit turned out to be "no gas" even though the gas light failed to warn me ... and the gauge indicated that I had nearly a quarter tank. The dealer that it was purchased from insists that there is no problem, but ... I'm just sayin' ... the gauge says I have gas, the Sub won't start, and then adding gas does the trick. I don't know. I am as far from an automotive expert as they come, but logic tells me ... there is something wrong with the gauge!!!

Right?!

Somebody tell this sister that she's not crazy!!!

Anyhoodle, I noticed on Tuesday evening that the gauge was reading just below a quarter tank ... the point at which I've come to recognize as time to fill 'er up. I noticed this as I was driving right past a gas station ... and I thought to myself, "Self, you should really stop and fill up. You don't wanna run outta gas."

But then Self replied, "Naw. You're tired and busy. You don't have time right now. Surely, you've enough gas to get you home ... and back to a gas station tomorrow. Just keep on going. You'll be fine."

So, I listened to Self ... and went home without filling up.

So Wednesday morning comes bright and promising. My husband has taken the kids to school when I get a call from my youngest, 5-year-old X.

"Mom, I forgot my rocks at home for show-and-tell."

"Oh! Well, okay ... I'll bring your rocks right over."

One day earlier, he had dug through a tray I have sitting in the bathroom filled with candles surrounded by pebbles, shells and marbles. He discovered two half-dollar sized flat glass marbles which we claimed as his own ... and believed to be the greatest treasure ever discovered (at least, in his mom's bathroom arrangement) ... and eagerly looked forward to sharing with his young classmates.

I hung up the phone and located the precious "gems" and hopped in the Sub, turned the ignition, and ... nothing.

Nothing!!!

Arghhhhh ....

Crap!

I know what this means.

I shoulda ... coulda ... shoulda ... got gas last night.

Crap.

Our driveway is on a pretty steep incline. I decide that maybe if I get it to a flatter surface, whatever gas is left in the tank will redistribute in such a way that it would start after all. So, I flip into neutral and roll backwards into the cul-de-sac.

I try again.

Nothing.

So, now not only will my Sub not start, but I feel silly because my vehicle is sitting in the middle of the cul-de-sac, not going anywhere soon.

Can you say, "Loser!"

Before, you rush in to pat my back and tell me that I'm not a loser ... I know, I know ... but, come on ... I had perfect opportunity to NOT end up in the middle of the cul-de-sac in a vehicle with no gas ... and I blew it!

This is so much like my spiritual life.

I need to fuel up regularly with God - time spent in His Word, in studying it, reflecting on it, even memorizing it, and praying it. I need time spent with Him just talking ... and listening. And I KNOW what happens when I don't make this time a priority, when Self says to me, "Naw. You're tired and busy. You don't have time right now. Surely, you've enough God time stored up to get you through today. Just keep on going. You'll be fine."

I do come to a point at which I say, "Crap! I've got nothin'. I'm dry."

Reminds me of a friend (maybe you're reading?) who has said, "I'd rather be sleep-deprived than God-deprived."

That's so good. So Good.

I can flounder on without sleep (don't enjoy it, but can do it) ... but I really don't wanna flounder through life without God. I've tried. It sucks. Its like having to walk everywhere when you could be driving. Frustrating.

Anyhoodle, back to me sitting in my cul-de-sac, going nowhere.

I accept the fact that I made a poor call.

I return to my house and check the two 5-gallon gas jugs in the garage. They're both empty.

I call all 3 of my most immediate neighbors. They're all gone.

I resign myself to walking the 4 blocks to the gas station (not such a big deal) and back (a bigger deal given I'll be carrying a FULL 5-gallons back). I've not any better options.

I start out ... and one block into my walk ... an old blue pickup truck slows done. The driver smiles, waves and rolls down the window.

"You outta gas?!"

"Yes!!! How could you tell?!"

I'm being facetious. Obviously, women walking down the road in freezing temps with a 5 gallon red gas jug in her hand pretty much screams, "I'm outta gas!"

He offers me a ride and I hop in, relieved.

"You're not gonna kidnap me, right?"

He laughs. I think this means that he won't.

He drives me to the gas station where I fill up my jug, hoist it into his truck ... and direct him back to the cul-de-sac where the Sub is waiting.

I thank my "angel" ... who didn't, BTW, kidnap me ... and poured the necessary liquid into the parched tank.

And then, I hopped into the driver's seat, turned the key ... and the engine roared to life.

Ah.

Dear Lord, let me remember that no excuse is valid for not taking the time to fill myself up with You.

Amen!

PS - X got his precious gems in time to share them with his mates. woot woot!

Wanna Know a Secret ... ?

2010-03-01T23:15:00.000-04:30

I just read something interesting in a little flyer I got recently from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

The headline read, A Secret about Women.

I figured that, as a woman, I probably was already in on the "secret" (whatever it might be), but curiosity is a strong suit of mine, so I read on ... and, ooh, girlfriends ... this is interesting!

Did you know that the average woman

cannot keep a secret for much longer than 47 hours?

Its true!

According to a study done in England, we don't even make it all the way through 2 days without blowing the cover of whomever has so trustingly chosen to confide in us. Apparently, we women, spill the goods to at least one other person in 47 hours and 15 minutes (if you wanna be specific.)

The study of 3000 women (ages 18 - 65) found that 40% of women are unable to keep a secret regardless of how personal or confidential the subject matter is.

Wanna know what topped the list of "spilled secrets?"

intimate issues
true cost of purchases
affairs

So, choose your confidants wisely

... particularly if you're planning to dish on any one (or all) of the above topics.

LOVE is ...

2010-02-13T19:31:00.001-04:30

I get to work with amazing children and their families through Children's Ministry. I also cannot fail to mention that I work with amazing volunteers - without whom I'd be a burnt-out failure. God 's so good to provide the best of the best.

I ♥ my volunteers ...

I ♥ my families ...

I ♥ my kiddos ...

I ♥ my God ... and the job that He's given me!

So, tomorrow is ♥ Day ... and I am so excited to see what the kiddos will do with this ...

Heart graphic from The Graphics Fairy, editing done at Picnik.

I went to a little Valentine's Ladies Night last night with a few of my besties (here we are ... just in case you didn't believe me ... tee hee) ...

Me, pal N, and pal D. Note the Table Tents ...

... and while we were visiting and snacking, I suddenly noticed the table decor. The church kids (our Valentine's event was at N and D's church) had completed the prompt, "Love is ..." on little table tents - and they were signed with name and age ... and were positively PRECIOUS!!! The only one I can remember right now (I read 3, so I'm 1 for 3 ... whatever that means) said, "Love is ... hugs from Mommy. Clayton. Age 4."

AWWWW ...

*swoon*

Come on, Mommies! Is that not Adorable!!!???!!!

Full Disclosure: I made up the name (Clayton) - but it did say "hugs from Mommy" and "Age 4." Just wanna stay on the up-n-up with y'all! ;-)

Soooo ... anyhoodle, I have copied the idea for my Children's Ministry kiddos tomorrow. I think this is something that will be ADORED by parents of ALL ages, so will distribute to all of the classes.

Whadda YOU say "Love is ..."?

I'd love to know ...

Blessings ♥,

Kris Ann

My First Friday Follow!

2010-02-12T15:18:00.001-04:30

Hello Blogosphere!

I am trying something new today!

I am participating in Friday Follow hosted by Rita @One 2 Try, Tami @ Hearts Make Families and Lynn @ Midday Escapades. Pop over to any one of these blogs for the deets and to link up!

This is a fun way to discover other bloggers ... and BE discovered by other bloggers.

Take a few minutes to poke around my blog. I am excited to visit you, too!

Happy Friday!!!

Kris Ann

What NOT to Say on the Phone

2010-02-09T19:20:00.000-04:30

"Hang on. I think my mom's on the toilet ..."

That is what Adolescent Girl (AG) shared with me when I returned a phone call this afternoon.

I don't even know AG's mom ... but you can bet that she's just become to me a faceless woman on a toilet.

I received a message on my phone last night from a mom making phone calls for my son's home room teacher. She was soliciting items for Friday's Valentine's party ... and hoped I could return the call.

So I did.

And when the phone is answered, AG very politely asks who is calling (like, I bet, her mama taught her), and then very politely asks me to wait just a moment (again, I bet, like her mama taught her) ...

But then ...

"MOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!"

She screams this away from the phone, but I assure you, she couldn't possibly have muffled the phone one little bit. Eek! My ears were ringing!

"MOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!"

Oh my word! I SO remember doing this when I was AG! Maybe you do, too? Anyway, I am now making a mental note to instruct my sons (who, thank goodness, will never be AGs, but rather ABs) to refrain from this barbaric insult to the ears of the caller.

Then, AG is speaking again to me, and is very politely instructing me to, "Hang on. I think my mom's on the toilet."

Ach! TMI! TMI!

Note to self: Instruct sons to not share potty info on the phone either! I've no desire for other poor unsuspecting folks to be picturing moi' on the pot!

So, there's the beginning of my list, "What NOT to Say on the Phone" which I intend to share with my sons ... tonight!

Don't scream for me from the phone - come find me, or take a message.
IF I am on the toilet ... or in the shower, for that matter ... or doing any other unseemly thing ... simply say, "She can't come to the phone right now. May I take a message?"

I'd love to avoid future embarrassments! If you've other phone etiquette for kiddos to add to my list, please, please, help a sister out!!!

And, oh ... just for kicks ... I found this pic while searching for "toilet images" on Yahoo!

You're welcome!

Repurposed Decor on 2 Things 2sday

2010-02-09T14:58:00.000-04:30

I love all things related to home decor, so I love to play along with Kass at BacWoods Fern on her Tuesday bloghop in which you share two things that you are just LOVIN' around your house!

You wanna play, too - or just snoop aroung and see what everyone else is lovin' around their house today? Take a little trip over to BacWoods Fern for all the deets!

And now for a few of MY favorite things ...

I love all sorts of objects around my home ... and I REALLY love when I find a new purpose for some of my favorite objects. This week I am sharing two of my favorite items at home that I fell in love with some time ago - and then fell in love with all over again when they were given new purposes.

The first is this coffee cup from Anthropology, that I adored as my coffee receptacle, but enjoy even MORE now that it sits in front of me every morning at my computer desk as a caddy for pens, pencils, crayons (I didn't put them there, but SOMEBODY did ... I have 2 suspects), scissors, hole punch and a cute little ladybug stamp.

And this (below) was purchased as a dog dish holder. I've always loved it, but was no longer using it when pooch Sophie died last fall. I couldn't bear to part with it, but felt a little silly having a useless dog dish holder sitting around. But then, I had a brilliant (at least it felt brilliant ...) - I would use it not as a dog dish holder, but as a potted plant holder! Voila'!

Sunday Funday ... a little getting-to-know-you action!

2010-02-07T15:15:00.001-04:30

Join in the Sunday Funday Fun with Getting to Know You questions courtesy of Keely.

Wanna play?

It's easy!

Just grab the questions ...

copy them onto your blog ...

answer them ...

head over to Keely's at MannLand5 ...

enter your link ...

and let the Sunday Fun begin!

1. How many piercings do you have?

Six - all in my ears. 2 in the right lobe, 3 in the left lobe + 1 in the cartilege.

2. I love the sound of.....?

Rain on the roof, surf coming in, waterfalls crashing ... I guess I've got a water Thang!

3. Favorite city?

Sydney, Australia. Beautiful - love the ocean, the architecture, the birds, the shopping, the markets, the people, the smells, the sounds ... an eye candy city.

4. Colts, Saints, or could care less?

Well, I could really care less ... since my Vikes aren't playing! :-( If pressed, I'd say Saints.

5. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?

Ice cream. I went through a frozen yogurt phase because it is healthier, but just never enjoyed it the same! What I am REALLY into right now, though, is gelato! Yummy!

6. Favorite appetizer?

Calamari! Forsure!!! The fresher, the better!

7. What item in your closet currently makes you the happiest?

I store all my jewelry in my closet on a corkboard - and this is my favorite. The sentiment is very meaningful to me - and it goes with everything - whether I'm schlump-a-dinking around the house or dolled up on the town.

Front

Back

8.Favorite facial moisturizer?

I've tried all sort of moisturizers at all sorts of price points and containing all sorts of exotic ingredients (I used to have a boutique specializing in everything for your skin - lotions, scrubs, cosmetics, potions ...), and my favorite is the first I ever tried from the local drugstore - Oil of Olay for sensitive skin. Go figure!

5QF - Fears, Flat Irons, Phones, etc.

2010-02-05T16:59:00.002-04:30

It's 5QF (that is Five Question Friday for the uninitiated!) - and we've got some great questions to answer care of Mama M. at My Little Life. Make sure to visit her if you'd like to play along - just click on the 5QF button above!

On to our questions!

1. What are you most afraid of?

I am most afraid of dying before my kids reach adulthood.

Just to be clear, I am NOT afraid to die. Oh, no, no, no.

However, I do believe that my kids were uniquely matched with me by the ultimate Matchmaker - and that I've a task set before me to train them up in the way they're to go. My kids need their Mommy!

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

I use a curling iron as if it were a flat iron! I slide it down the length of my hair and then very subtly flip the ends either in or out.

I'm sure you're sitting before your screen right now shouting, "GENIUS!" - and it is, but alas - not my idea. I borrowed it from a real genius in one of my chic mags.

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?

Phone to the ear - forsure.

I like to think that I'm as multi-tasky as the next modern woman, but really ... I can only focus on one thing at a time, so hands-free is just plain pointless and silly for me.

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?

I do indeed! However, I DO find that mismatched sets are often very charming.

This is the bed and set of drawers (to right of bed). Matching bureau with mirror is on wall opposite headboard - just couldn't fit it all in! As you can see, pic is from a couple years ago

- before we moved to our present home - so not the room we have now - but is the furniture!

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?

I guess that when I hear the word "paranormal," I immediately think of ghosts, poltergeists, haunted houses and the such, BUT because I tend towards being very literal, I looked up the definition for "paranormal" which is (according to Merriam-Webster) "not scientifically explainable." Based on this definition, I very simply DO believe.

The End!

Chocolate & Antiques!

2010-02-01T00:18:00.002-04:30

Last Saturday, the boy-ohs and I took a little excursion right in our own little downtown.

First stop was Legacy Chocolates - a puveyer of fine artisanal chocolate - truffles, cocoa, cake, and the drool-worthy Love Potion No. 9, billed as "the elixer for chocolate lovers" which indeed it is (I bought 14 oz. and am rationing it out carefully - I serve it warm on good vanilla ice cream)! Legacy also serves the finest in homemade soups and sandwiches - the reuben I ordered was nothing short of heavenly - only God Himself could do better! No kidding!

Gripping the Love Potion!

Ha! He looks grumpy - but actually this was his attempt at a "silly face"!

2 thumbs up - and 2 smiles

(3, if you count the one on the other side of the camara) for Legacy!

My beverage favorita - in a Legacy mug! Mmm - mmm.

After Legacy, we wandered down the street to Town & Country Antiques, a 2-story antique & vintage emporium. As we walked, I snapped a few shots of the buildings downtown. Some beautiful old architecture and materials.

The historic Mabel Tainter theater - the whole fam enjoys taking in local productions here.

Town and Country Antiques

The boys enjoyed pouring over the treasures within every bit as much as I!

I LOVE that the antique store promotes antiqueing as another form of recycling!

Which it IS! I'm shopping AND helping Mother Earth! hehehe.

J'adore this! *sigh*

These are the 2 goodies that I brought home with me.

Pewter alphabet mug (TOO cute - will use as pen holder)

and OLD cow bell - will paint monogram on this & hang outside.

It was sprinking outside. Beyond the trees is the lake.

XL found himself a treasure at the antique store, a Howdy Doody gun!

Parting shot of the local college campus before ducking into our car.

THE END

S.W.A.K. ...

2010-01-27T15:52:00.001-04:30

It's Wordless Wednesday!

For more Wordless fun - or to link up and share your own Wordless piece,

head over to 5 Minutes for Mom right here!

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo,

kris ann

2 Things 2sday - My 1st!

2010-01-26T18:33:00.000-04:30

I love all things related to home decor, so I couldn't resist playing along with Kass at BacWoods Fern when I saw that she hosts a Tuesday bloghop in which you share two things that you are just LOVIN' around your house! I have LOTS I love around my house - besides the fam and the pooches.

You wanna play? Just write a post showcasing two things that you are lovin' around your home with a link back to BacWoods Fern where you can link up with the MckLinky!

So without further ado ... here are just two of MANY things I love around my home ...

My spider plant had 2 babies ... so I ~~needed~~ wanted to create a cute little still life with the babies while they soak up water and sprout roots! This is a food pedestal from Southern Living. The lid and bowl were a 25 cent thrift sale find ... and the fishing lure is a golden oldie from my FIL. Cute, right?!

And this teapot - LOVE!!! Clearance at TJMaxx ... $5.00! J'adore!

Thank you, BacWoods Fern!!!

The Sunday Seven - Breakfast foods, Dream Homes, Olympic Sports ... and more!

2010-01-24T20:13:00.001-04:30

It is Sunday Funday ... and Keely over at MannLand5 has 7 questions lined up for our answering/reading pleasure. Hop over to Keely's if you'd like to link up and hop along - or feel free to answer any of the questions right here!

Happy Sabbath, Y'all!

1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast?

I like 'em all! I'll eat 'em all. I've even made 'em all - though I never make waffles anymore (unless Eggo counts) and only make french toast once for every 10 times I whip up panny cakes.

2. Dream home..What would it look like?

My "dream house" is ever changing, so ... ummm ... I'm not sure - but it would definitely have perenniel gardens, lots of trees on the perimeter of the yard - a view of water. It would be cozy - not too big (I've done big, and its overwhelming - not for me). I gravitate towards contemporary country/cottage style - color and character - and certainly eclectic. I like what I like - and I'm not concerned about fitting into a specific mold. I "am" the mold! It would be the sort of house that is a feast for the eyes - and invites you to kick up your feet. And, oh - I almost forgot ... windows!!! Lots and lots of windows! LOVE lotsa God's natural lighting!!! :-)

Something like this from http://www.bhg.com/ is what I'm hankerin' for right now!

3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics?

Snowboarding!

4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself?

Blessed.

5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts?

Usually pants.

Sometimes skirts.

Occasionally dresses.

Because I'm so tall (5' 11"), it is hard to find dressed that fit me right in the torso. I do have a few empire waist bohemian gowns that I really love, though.

6. What is your favorite time of day?

9pm - 1am.

Everyone else in the house is sleeping.

Quiet.

And I'm awake.

7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer?

Ohhhhh ... do I HAVE to choose! I love 'em both!!! If hard-pressed, I would go with beach - but a private beach - not one covered from here to there with other people. A quiet beach. The best vacay EVER that I've been on was a year before becoming a mama. St. Barths. That's where I'm dreaming of.

8.Will you watch the Super Bowl?

That depends on whose playing - I am NOT a football fan ... but would watch and root for my home-state Vikes! So, we'll seeeeeee ...

The Butterfly Circus

2010-01-24T01:22:00.003-04:30

I just viewed a video that I LOVED!!!

I don't often take the time to view videos that are posted to me on FB - or emailed to me en masse, but as luck would have it, I did just that tonight!

I almost didn't.

I was tagged on an FB post. I'm sure I'd never even have notice this post, but someone commented on it, simply "Wow!" and this showed up in my email box. (BTW - did you know that email is officially not cool with the younger folks? I just learned this at a ministry conference. Its become outdated!!! What?! Even FB is on its way out - Twitter is where its at ... for the next month or so anyway!)

Anyway, back to the story. I saw the "Wow!" and my curiosity piqued. I just happened to have a little quiet time all to my little, old, outdated self - and decided I'd just take a peek. Anyway, I needed to come up with something to share with our junior high kiddos at Sunday School tomorrow and thought, MAYBE this flick has some spiritual content (which is DOES!) and maybe I could use it (which I WILL!) ...

But then, when I got to the video, I almost didn't view it again. It's 20 minutes long. I don't know ... maybe its just me, but 20 minutes seems like a really long online view. Still, I wanted to know what the "Wow!" was all about ... so, I hit play - reminding myself that ... BTW, I CAN stop watching if I don't care for it.

Anyhoodle, I LOVED it. Really loved it. So, I'm sharing it here - in case, you've 20 minutes to devote to "Wow!" ... and then I'll share it again on the morrow with my lucky youth crew.

The Butterfly Circus. Click HERE.

The limbless dude in The Butterfly Circus is Nick Vujicic whose testimony I've seen before and know forsure that I LOVE (you will, too). In fact, watching that for the first time (about a year ago) was a "Wow!" moment for me. In case, you've another 10 minutes ... (sure you do ... ), I'm posting his testimony below!

Praising His Name in ALL circumstances!!! Woot, woot!

5 Questions - Money & Trash & Dreams & Instruments & Stores ... Oh my!

2010-01-22T15:15:00.001-04:30

And our questions are ...

1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?

Ummmm ... what kind of question is THIS?!

Okay, okay ... just kidding.

I know exactly my answer. I would rather grow old without the dinero. I think youth and money is a dangerous combination. Too often, Youth + Money = Foolish. My level of joy, peace and satisfaction are not directly linked to my bank account; they're directly linked to my Heavenly Father.

2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?

Well .... whoever remembers - which too often is NOBODY.

Monday night is trash night ... and it seems that we only remember every other week! On week 2, we CAN'T forget because every time we leave the house, we're reminded by the overflowing piles outside the garage door entrance. On the weeks we forget, the trash isn't full enough to overflow - so apparently, we operate in an "outta sight - outta mind" mentality.

Just last week, I put "Outgoing Trash" on a chore list for my boys. I'm hopeful that they'll be more on top of the task than their Mama and Daddy!

Hope springs eternal!!!

3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?

I rarely remember my dreams anymore - but I used to.

I used to have flying dreams as a kid - or the ability to leap from tree top to tree top. I LOVED those dreams.

Two other themes that are less fun and more unsettling:

I am trying to see things more clearly. I'm nearsighted in real life - and in my dream, I'll suddenly realize that everything is blurry - and I'll frantically search for my glasses or contacts. Often, I'll find my contacts and try to stick them back in my eye - only to discover that they are about 4x to large for my eye - and I wake up with an image of myself trying to shove a saucer-sized floppy contact lens into my regular-sized eye. Weird, right? I know there's a message here ... I can almost "see" it ... haha.
I am in a house - and I can't find my way out. I'm walking from room to room and there appears to be no exit anywhere. Some of the rooms are fascinating and I'll linger in them - and others less so. It's disconcerting not having the option of leaving. The lower I go in the house, the eerier it is. I know there's a metaphor here. Psychoanalyze away! ;-)

4. Can you play a musical instrument?

Well, I used to play both piano and clarinet.

I feel quite certain that I'd very nearly need to start from scratch on the clarinet, so I don't think that counts anymore - and I always hated the taste and sensation of the wood reed, so I'm not interested in a refresher, thank you very much.

And the piano ... well, I can still pick out a tune, but after 12 YEARS of lessons imposed on me against my will ... I maintain (as I did from the first lesson at age 6) that a musician, I am NOT!!! If there were a maestro in me, I think that 12 years is MORE than adequate to have coaxed it out.

5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?

Well, this one is EASY PEASY for me!! I used to own 2 retail stores, and would totally do it again ...

My hubby and I (though he was not my hubby at the time) opened our first retail store at the young and carefree age of 20. We rented a mall kiosk in St. Cloud, MN where we made and sold beaded and macrame jewelry - casual, earthy stuff, most of which we made by hand. Later, we opened additional outlets in Duluth, MN, then Appleton, WI and finally Eau Claire, WI where we settled for 9 years.

When we became parents, we chose to close our out-of-town locations and focus on the local shop and our family. Besides, I had suffered from serious post-partum and was not a very capable partner in business, marriage or parenting at the time.

When my little one turned one, I opened a local bath boutique in addition to the jewelry kiosk, specializing in mid-range bath products with an emphasis on quality and natural ingredients. I loved everthing about this store ... the smell of the fresh cut soaps, the natural perfumes and candles ... ah, I MISS it!!! We lasted a year - sales were increasing, and the store looked marvelous, but we lacked the funds to see it all the way through ... AND I was missing out on the formulative years with my 1st-born. In light of the fact that we wanted more kids, we closed up shop, cut our losses - and I stayed at home, while my hubby moved on to car sales.

Anyhoodle ... I would SO do either a bath or jewelry store again - OR gifts in general. Hmmmm ... pardon me while I continue to dream!!! :-)

Happy Weekend!!!

And feel free to let me know YOUR thoughts on Money, Trash, Dreams, Instruments and/or Stores, too!

Down the Trail ... Around the Island ... On the Ice ... And Back Again

2010-01-20T12:46:00.001-04:30

Our home overlooks a little bay. Our backyard is wooded and a trail winds down the hill to the bay. In the winter, the leaveless trees give us a view of the fishing shack littered bay and "Cemetary Island" which is exactly that - an island designated as a cemetary ... and refuge to the local deer. The island separates the bay from the lake beyond - and this past Saturday, the boys, the dogs and I all headed down the snow-covered trail to the frozen bay and took a walk around cemetary island. What a marvelous feeling to walk on water - the very water in which we fish and boat in the summer. The kids particularly liked looking for - and inspecting - old ice fishing holes. The weather was perfect - the sky blue, the ground white, the sumac red, and all beautiful.