The Next Step

7 Quick Takes (Volume 300)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

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300 Volumes of Quick Takes? Should we have confetti or just black balloons? How about a trip down memory lane? Here's what was happening in Volume 200 and Volume 100, back when Princess Dawdle was still Miss Innocent One. Wow, are those days long gone!

--- 2 ---

I thought I hit the jackpot when I bought a new pair of jeans for $7 a few weeks ago. But the real prize came the first time I sat down to relieve myself. Look at the great surprise hidden inside the pockets!

Doesn't that just make you feel happy? And think of how many times a day I'll get to see that? How can I incorporate these sorts of positive messages in other places of my life? The good Lord knows how much incentive I need in this area. Should I place post it notes on the inside flap of my iPad case? Better yet, on the inside of the refrigerator! Should I take a Sharpie to the steering wheel of my van? I could put a card in my purse or etch messages into my cutting board. Maybe I could write wonderful things on my shower walls which might also motivate me to actually CLEAN my shower walls some time too.

Or how about I bury fabulous messages in a Quick Takes post?

You are beautiful. You are gorgeous. You are stunning. You are sexy. You are glamorous.

Oh yes you are, my friend. YES YOU ARE!

--- 3 ---

I found a particularly soothing article on a friend's Facebook page. I've always known I have good birthing hips, and my daughters have kindly made me aware of my "big butt" (and they say it's a "good thing?!"Pssht!). But now I may finally have a reason to appreciate my plump posterior. And let's not offer any opinions to the contrary, okay? This is not up for debate, people. Let me dream a little.

Moms With Fat Bottoms Make More Intelligent Children

Yet another sacrifice this mother makes for the sake of her children. You are welcome, my brilliant spawn.

--- 4 ---

Here's one for the files of strange (and perhaps inappropriate!) spell check fixes. I was typing up the weekly Bible study update for the groups I am in and was including the verse from Jeremiah 31:3 which says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." I'm super glad I proofread it because the spell check changed it to "I have loved you with an evaluation glove." Yikes! Not quite the same meaning, you think?!

--- 5 ---

I was super touched by the kind comments and emails I got last week as I returned from my long hiatus from the Quick Takes. I had a conversation this week with a woman who was sure her life hadn't amounted to much, that she hadn't made any big difference in the world. I could totally relate and have struggled with the same feelings myself. I'm just a middle-aged woman in podunk Nebraska plunking out the silly events of my week, thinking it a good way to chronicle our family life. And yet, somehow God uses it in the lives of some of you. Crazy. That's how our God works, people. He takes the puny and makes it mean something.

In high school we occasionally had a substitute teacher I adored. A substitute! She was pretty and kind and I wanted to be just like her. Seeing her many years later spurred this post about the little things.

I guess this is a long way of saying don't ever doubt that God uses you. Don't ever think any act is too small. Few people get to know how their lives touch others. Who knows how many you have impacted without ever knowing?

Power on, friends, doing whatever it is that you do, being faithful to what God's placed in your life, knowing that YOU don't have to make it spectacular. He will accomplish His purpose through you.

--- 6 ---

I forgot to show you the fun gift Drummer Boy gave each of us at Christmas. He is a computer engraver at a trophy shop and made us all matching key chains. Each one bears a a nickname on one side and cutesy picture on the other. Here are Kevin's, mine and Princess Dawdle's.

You'll notice he got that silly meerkat reference in mine which originated in Volume 182 of the Quick Takes . That is a dancing strawberry on the back of Princess Dawdle's and you probably can't read the back of Kevin's, but I think it's hysterical and totally gives you an idea of Drummer Boy's sense of humor. The picture of a cactus with a sombrero reads, "Cinco de Mustache."

Now, even when we're away from each other we have a daily reminder of our connection in our key chains. Thanks, Drummer Boy! And yes, Ladies Man, we're still sporting your Lego additions!

--- 7 ---

Would you believe we bought a WEDDING DRESS last weekend? (You realize you'll probably be regaled with wedding stories now until the big day in June, right? It's the price you pay for following the saga of the Boesiger family.) How in the world did I get to be the mother of the bride?! I surprised myself by not crying my eyes out with every new dress, but I will admit to tearing up when she finally chose "the one." The longer she had it on, the more I thought it looked like her and it all became more real. My spunky little girl is now going to be a spunky BEAUTIFUL bride. Wow.

(I must give a shout out to my friends at Elegant Occasions bridal store in Lincoln, NE who treated us like royalty, were exceedingly helpful and made the process smooth and painless. Cheryl, you are the BOMB! THANK YOU!)

No pics until the actual day, of course, but trust me, she'll be gorgeous.

That's gonna do it this week, friends. Have a terrific weekend! For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes (Volume 299)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

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You know how life just whirs out of control sometimes? Yeah, that's about the size of it at the Boesiger house the last couple of months. SO MUCH HAPPENED! Finally the dust and my spirit are starting to settle and I'm going to attempt an update in pictures. Hold on to your hats, everyone--out of practice lady at the helm.

--- 2 ---

Our world started spinning in November when Kevin's dad took a fall and hit his head causing a brain bleed. After two surgeries and a week in ICU we lost him. His death leaves a HUGE hole in our family. We've lived close to Kevin's parents our entire married life and our kids have had the privilege of growing up with their grandparents. It's impossible to be in our house and not see my father-in-law as he completed countless home improvement projects here. His woodworking gifts are scattered throughout many rooms. I see his smile on my own sons' faces who bear the same Boesiger grin. And I'll never forget the way his charm made my heart flutter every time he asked me how I was doing.

The only thing that softens the blow, both during the crisis and now, is the love my kids displayed to us and their grandmother. I know my kids aren't perfect. They have plenty of issues. How can they not? Look at their mother! But when the chips are down, my kids are there. They know what belonging to a family is. They value it and embrace it and demonstrate it. I've never been more proud of my children than I was the week of their grandfather's passing and at his funeral. They know how to take care of each other and the people they love. They aren't afraid to show it.

So the first picture I want to show you was taken the day after the funeral. Ladies Man soothed my spirit when he wanted to snap a selfie with his mom at the end of a very tough week for our family. I don't think it's the best pic of me, but I love it because it reminds me what is really important--the people we love. Though this pic only includes one of my amazing kids, I think of each of them when I look at it, remembering the love their presence brought to a horrible, horrible time.

I adore you, my dear children. You blow me away. I am so proud of you.

--- 3 ---

The definite bright spot of the last two months was the engagement of Drama Queen and The Boyfriend who will henceforth be called The Fiancé, at least until the wedding in June when he'll be given an official name.

They took some gorgeous engagement pics. This is one of my favorites.

--- 4 ---

A week after my father-in-law's funeral the Christmas musical opened at our church. I guess in all the busyness of the time I didn't get a photo of the whole cast, but a friend posted a few pics I stole off of Facebook (Thank you, Bly!). I think this first one, taken by our little 4-year-old star, pretty much captures my weariness. I'm surprised I had enough oomph to lift my fingers.

Here's a beautiful shot of Princess Dawdle in action.

And Kevin running the ship.

--- 5 ---

The following week was Drama Queen's final Cornhusker Marching Band Highlights Concert. The kids had a little too much fun. The Girlfriend (standing directly behind Ladies Man) obviously knows the drill.

And I think The Fiancé is going to fit in just fine.

We were glad Grandma B. could join us too.

--- 6 ---

Princess Dawdle got to attend her first formal. My baby is a woman! (Cue the eye roll, babe.)

She and her dashing date I shall call The Neighbor Boy.

The lively group that accompanied them.

And my girls. I just love them!

--- 7 ---

A New Year's Eve tradition we started when our kids were young but now haphazardly observe (meaning our kids often ditch us for a better offer) is the Movie Marathon. Each family member gets to pick a movie and we spend the day (and night) watching them. Remember there are six of us. Are you doing the math in your head? This was easy when the kids were little and Princess Dawdle's choice was a thirty minute Care Bear movie and the longest pick was an animated flick lasting ninety minutes. Now we're more "sophisticated." Now we're talking at least 12 hours of movies!

This year The Fiancé and The Girlfriend joined us and eight movies in one day was just going to be too much so we decided to initiate The Girlfriend into the world of the Skywalkers and make it a Star Wars Movie Marathon, watching the entire series of Star Wars movies.

The first order of business was to lay out the snacks. (Please tell me your eye is drawn first to the veggie tray and apples. I try, people, really I do. I don't know why the Easy Cheese, or Squeezy Cheese as we call it, is so much more popular. And what's the deal with this blurry picture? Was I already on a sugar high?!)

We rearranged the furniture so no one would get a kink in their neck, pulled out a stack of blankets, and got comfy.

We started Episode 1 around 1:30 p.m. which was before everyone got there, but we were never getting through them otherwise. I think we had everybody by the time Episode 2 came on. Grandma B. came and watched Episode 3 with us and we had so much fun as she surprised us all by really getting into it. Ladies Man and The Girlfriend had to take off for a while during Episode 4, but were back before Episode 5 was over. With potty breaks and a short pause to toast in the New Year, we watched the final credits of Episode 6 roll at 3:30 a.m. New Year's Day morning. And you know what? I loved every minute of it. Even the 3:30 in the morning bit. I've never watched the whole series back to back like that before and I was really impressed with how the "old" episodes (4-6) were tied into the "new" ones (1-3) so well. Now we're all hyped up for Episode 7 to come out this next Christmas!

And speaking of Christmas, it just occurred to me that these pictures don't even include any Christmas celebrations or Princess Dawdle's school concert or Ladies Man's college Christmas Festival or the Beatrice Regional Orchestra concert or any wedding planning or our romantic getaway or my birthday! Do you see why there have been no Quick Takes for a while?

Well, this should get you up to speed and next week I'll take another crack at it. I pray your holidays were filled with the love of your people and that you're settled back into a good routine. If you've had enough of everything already, give yourself a break and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary..

7 Quick Takes (Volume 298)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000

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Princess Dawdle went to the grocery store with me and steered me into the ice cream aisle.

Princess Dawdle: I don't suppose we could get some birthday cake ice cream?

Me (thinking it a safe temptation--i HATE that stuff!): I suppose.

There was the standard Blue Bunny brand she immediately went for until I noticed the Great Value brand for fifty cents cheaper.

Me: Hey, there's this one.

Princess Dawdle (still eying the brand she's grown to love): Yeah . . .

Me: It's cheaper.

Princess Dawdle: Yeah . . .

Me: It looks like it has magic sprinkles.

Princess Dawdle: So does this one!

Just as I was ready to settle into the stare down, she relented.

Princess Dawdle: Let's roll the dice, Mom. Sure, get that one. YOLO! (meaning You Only Live Once)

It was just ice cream, right? Oh brother. This girl makes me laugh.

--- 2 ---

Last Friday we woke up to find this posted on the Boesiger Bunch page with the message "Happy Halloween Dad!!!"

Ladies Man freaked out at least one of his sisters shaving his beard into a goatee like his dad who just happened to be growing his out the same week. You know Kevin had to respond with his own post.

See the resemblance? I believe this is the first post Kevin's ever made on the Boesiger Bunch page so HOLLA Ladies Man! You got him involved!

Ladies Man has since shaved the whole smack off, but who knows what he'll be sporting when we see him next.

--- 3 ---

We had a lovely evening out with Kevin's sister and brother-in-law on Halloween night but got a dirty trick played on us as we crossed paths with a couple of deer on the way home. We swerved and missed the first one, but couldn't avoid the second one. We're still waiting to hear (GRRR insurance companies!), but we're thinking it will be a total loss.

We're pretty bummed. Kevin LOVES this car.

--- 4 ---

I was reminded starkly of the meaninglessness of possessions, though, when our community lost a young man this week to leukemia. My heart hurts for the Hays family on the loss of their dear son, Colin, only 22 years old. My prayers are with you. May God hold you very near in the tough times ahead.

--- 5 ---

Kevin and I were in a fast food establishment the other day when we saw this fly stuck to the wall RIGHT ABOVE THE SANITIZER! See the black speck to the right of the no smoking sign? Who knows how long he had been there! Somehow this did not instill a ton of confidence in me in the sanitary conditions of the restaurant, but we had already ordered our food.

Can you say ICK?!

--- 6 ---

I am playing Lizard Whisperer again, or rather, Lizard Resuscitator. Elmo is just not interested in eating lately. I think I've gotten him to eat one worm in the last two weeks. So I had to force feed the little guy, smashing up worms, mixing them with water and feeding it to him in an eye dropper. When I did it yesterday he seemed appreciative. I don't know if he's just getting old or what, but we've gone through periods like this before. I'm gonna keep at it and hope he kicks out of it.

The Lizard Whisperer . . .

--- 7 ---

The highlight of our week was celebrating my mom's birthday.

All the kids and The Girlfriend and The Boyfriend were able to go which made it a hilarious time.

At some point we started comparing mouth sizes. (Don't ask me why. We just do weird stuff like this.) Ladies Man had a little tape measure on his key chain, so he actually went around and measured everyone's mouths. Mom could hardly take it she was laughing so hard!

If I remember right I had the smallest mouth and Drama Queen was a close second (can you believe it?!) The Boyfriend had the largest mouth which is hysterical since he generally says the LEAST! Despite all the silliness we did manage to get a nice pic with Grandma.

Thanks for having a birthday, Mom. We had a blast! We love you!

And that's about all anyone can take for this Friday, am I right? I hope you enjoy your weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

What do you do?

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

My heart pounds when the question is asked. I never know how to answer.

"What do you do?"

I do a lot of stuff. I'm working on a master's degree. I help with two Bible studies. I speak to women's groups and community organizations. I write and direct our church's Christmas musicals. I play in a community orchestra. I sing in worship team. I meet with people. I blog. I write. I parent. I wife.

And yet, when "What do you do?" comes, I don't know what to say. There is no succinct answer. I don't have a title or place of employment. If I start listing my activities, I worry I sound like a self-absorbed housewife (no comments from the peanut gallery, please). I'm tired of the "it must be nice not to have to work" because I think I DO work, just not for money, and my family has sacrificed because of it. I think what I do is important and though I question God sometimes, I know I am right where He wants me.

So why do I waffle with "the question?" What is my problem?! Why can't I tell people what I do? Why do I feel nervous about it? When I do mention it, why do I feel apologetic afterwards? What's so wrong with telling people the facts? What am I afraid of?

I did it recently with some well meaning women, women I grew up with and hadn't seen in 20-30 years. They asked and I choked.

"Hmmm . . . what do I do . . . I don't know . . . My husband works for a church so I hang out at church a lot . . . "

There's no need to chide me. A friend already did and she really got me thinking. What am I revealing about my worldly attitudes in not answering honestly? Do I think others won't value it because it doesn't bring in money? Do I think it has no value because it doesn't produce a pay check?! But here's the kicker: Much of my work is centered around God. Am I denying Him when I can't talk of it freely? Am I slapping Him in the face with my cavalier approach?

In not proudly stating what I do, am I dismissing God's work in my life?

Ouch.

When I minimize His work, I minimize Him.

I guess I need to rethink how I answer, "What do you do?"

How do you handle, "What do you do?"

7 Quick Takes (Volume 297)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I don't know why I didn't think to post this video last week. Ladies Man recorded another beatboxing video. I've had lots of people ask, so I'll tell you straight away he is NOT hitting the table or anything out of camera shot. ALL of these sounds are coming from his mouth or throat. Amazing!

Yep! That's my kid!

--- 2 ---

I had a very bonding conversation with Drummer Boy this week and after he got home, he posted this to Facebook:

Sometimes you just gotta go home, talk to your mom, and get hugs.

Now, who wouldn't ADORE a 24-year-old guy who isn't ashamed to write that on Facebook?! Drummer Boy, you melt my heart. I am so proud of the man you are.

--- 3 ---

I learned some more teen vernacular this week as Princess Dawdle commented on her brother's Facebook status.

Princess Dawdle: Yeah, Drummer Boy's a baller.

Yes, you read that right--a baller. She tells me basically it means he's a stud. And if you think a little bit about that, you'll probably understand the root.

But I'm not taking you there myself. That might be considered . . . inappropriate.

--- 4 ---

None of my kids' fall breaks coincided this month. Ladies Man's was last week on Monday and Tuesday, Drama Queen's was this week on Monday and Tuesday and Princess Dawdle's was yesterday and today. And Drummer Boy has phased out of fall breaks. (He's the one who should be complaining about "adulting!") At first I was kinda bummed about it because it meant the kids wouldn't be home at the same time to enjoy each other, but I did find an unexpected silver lining. I got to spend time one-on-one with them. I'm finding this to be a really a good thing at their ages because they are all learning to be adult individuals and it's pretty easy to fall back into old roles when the family is all together. One-on-one lets them each talk about what's important to them, not slip back into who they are in our family. For instance, around the dinner table when everyone is around, Ladies Man is the entertainment, Drummer Boy teases him mercilessly, Drama Queen provides the color commentary and Princess Dawdle sits back and watches. There isn't really an opportunity for talking about what they're thinking about or struggling with or hashing over. But one-on-one is a totally different story. And I LIKE it!

I'll always like the silly banter around the dinner table, but hearing their hearts is what I really crave. Thankfully I've gotten to do that with every one of them in the past week or so. I'm not sure how to be more purposeful about making those times happen, but I sure do appreciate them. Have I mentioned how awesome I think each of them are?! They have certainly kept me on my toes (and to be honest, did me in occasionally too), but I would not be the person I am today without them. The older I get, the more I see how deeply I love them.

So here's to you, my dear children, thank you for enriching my life in ways I could have never imagined. I am ALWAYS on your team.

--- 5 ---

I saw a very interesting video on Facebook this week. Don't be weirded out that it's a commercial for feminine hygiene products. The statement it makes it pretty profound.

What do you think?

--- 6 ---

Princess Dawdle finished her stint in the Wizard of Oz. The kids did an outstanding job and really gave our town some fun entertainment. Awesome job BHS Music Department! Here's a scene from Oz. Princess Dawdle is the munchkin in the front row, far left, wearing the mauve shirt, and light blue puffy skirt.

Isn't my little munchkin cute? Good job, babe.

--- 7 ---

Next Tuesday is the Beatrice Regional Orchestra's first concert of the season.

My darling husband will be doing a local radio interview this morning at 8:45 Central time if you're interested in hearing more. You can listen online by clicking here.

That's all for me today, folks. I've got a CRAP TON of stuff to do today before we and our church choir head up north to be backup singers to David Phelps. Tickets are still available if you live in our area and are interested in joining us! Enjoy your weekend and find more fun at Conversion Diary.

4GOTN

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The license plate hung at a slant off the back of the beat up little truck, a couple pieces of old wire hanging on for dear life as it swung ever so slightly. If it weren't for the word I saw there I would have thought it unremarkable, but there it hung, making this bold announcement to the world on a dented old pickup.

4GOTN

As I passed, curiosity got the best of me and I snuck a peek at the driver. He was a young guy, I'd guess not yet 25, hair buzzed, clothes too big and very dirty, tattoos gracing his sleeveless arm. He looked angry, like one of those punks on the cop shows who whip out a gun because they're scared and want to make a statement.

Except this kid made the statement with his license plate.

4GOTN

We've all known that feeling, haven't we? We feel it and maybe sigh. We brush it aside and go on with our day. But this kid felt it so strongly he paid to put it on his license plate.

4GOTN

It made me want to cry. This angry, tough-looking guy I wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, reduced to five characters giving a glimpse of the struggling boy within.

4GOTN

How many people have I passed on any given day whose hearts bear the same message? I think of the efficient checker who rarely looks at the customers and carries a chip on her shoulder ensuring you don't ask. Is she feeling the same thing?

4GOTN

What about the woman who slips into church five minutes late, sits in the back and hightails it out of there before anyone can speak to her?

4GOTN

There's the young mother feeding the infant at 3:AM, so sleep deprived she can barely work the remote, doing her best to gear up for another day of sticky fingers and fighting toddlers. Or that person whose problem is too deep to articulate, who knows their spirit feels off and has prayed for God's deliverance only to land in the same funk again. There's the family who's suffered another layoff, wondering why.

4GOTN

It's me some days too, when the phone doesn't ring or my efforts seem unappreciated, when the plumbing's screwed up and the car won't start, when the words are hard to come by, or the pain of working through the junk feels too hard. It's the days when I'm tired of the busyness, or I don't know how we're gonna pay for everything, or I am all too aware and weary of my humanness. I, feeling like a member of the 4GOTN club ask, "Why does it have to be so hard, God?"

And God simply says, "It doesn't."

. . . My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

. . . In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Weary?

Yes.

Troubled?

Yes.

Burdened?

Yes.

4GOTN?

Never.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 296)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I was a happy, happy mama as all my chicks congregated for Sunday dinner last weekend. Our parents and the significant others joined us for a rip roaring good time. I must admit, however, that I have to readjust some to the noise level when they're all home again. Do you know how hard it is to follow all the conversations going on at a table for 11? How did I live with so much commotion every day for so many years? How can I already be getting used to a degree of solitude?

And when can we do it again? Love you guys!

--- 2 ---

For DECADES I whined to Kevin about how unfair it is that he can eat ANYTHING and not worry about it. And I mean ANYTHING. I spent so many years being SO JEALOUS. Until I finally accepted it's just how it is and quit my complaining, I never made any headway in my own weight loss goals. I thought I was over it. Mostly. But this week I was reminded of the disparity in our eating choices when I stopped and looked at what we had on our plates for lunch.

Here's my lunch: leftover chicken pesto over wild rice accompanied by carrots and avocado slices.

And for Kevin? Two hot dogs smothered in chili and cheese and chased down with a hearty serving of Cheetos.

It still doesn't seem fair, but I can honestly say his lunch did NOT appeal to me. That's progress for me, right? And maybe a coronary for Kevin. Yikes.

--- 3 ---

Drama Queen got me hooked on old episodes of Parenthood this summer. Now that the new season has started, I miss having her around for her color commentary. She's been too busy to watch "with" me so I've been texting her my updates to let her know what's going on. Last week's "updates" went something like this.

Me: Sarah's boyfriend totally fits her . . . mumbling, interrupts with "i know" and "I mean" and nothing crap. Ugh.

If you've watched this show you know the weird speech trait I'm speaking of--Sarah's whole family can't seem to complete a sentence without starting and stopping with absolutely nothing and they end up not really communicating at all.

Drama Queen: Hahaha new boyfriend or still dopey teacher guy with a mustache?

Me: Ray Romano weird photographer guy. And Grandpa's having surgery and they're all acting like he'll never make it. Oh brother . . .

Drama Queen: Oh she's dating the photographer . . . creepy. How long are they gonna drag out the surgery? Geesh.

Me: Amber and her brother went to Wyoming to find her boyfriend, Ryan, the one she called Buddy. (Side note: How weird is that? Who calls their boyfriend Buddy?!) She told him she was pregnant and he was really happy. And Ruby (creepy photographer's daughter) shoplifted lipstick.

Drama Queen: Oh the drama!

Me: Crosby just got mad and left the hospital on his motorcycle and lost control. He's sitting on the side of the road clutching his leg.

Drama Queen: Oh for the love!

Me: Julia just told Joel she was seeing someone right after he was calling to see how she was while waiting on her dad's surgery. Last week we found out he was the one who left. Wow, a smart moment for Amber. She just told Ryan they couldn't be together. And Crosby stumbled in. Here's the surgeon. Grandpa's surgery was good.

Drama Queen: Joel left? Like just moved out or what? What was Amber's reasoning for not being with Ryan?

Me: Idk what happened with Joel. And oh brother we're stretching out this surgery business soooo long. Ryan is strung out on prescription drugs. She was gonna stay in Wyoming until her brother told her she couldn't change Ryan.

Drama Queen: Atta boy, Drew!

Me: He's got the weird family speech trait but he has a good head on his shoulders.

I could go on and on. And did. Can you say soap opera?! Yes. But it is so much fun to hash it out with Drama Queen. I don't know what it is about this show, but they manage to bring me to tears in nearly every episode, even if they are a little dysfunctional and I want to smack half of them.

Maybe they make me feel better about my own dysfunction. Let's not think about it too much.

--- 4 ---

And speaking of Drama Queen, I came home Wednesday to find this on my Facebook wall.

Drama Queen: Mom, I don't wanna adult anymore. It's dumb.

Sorry, sister. It happens to the best of us!

--- 5 ---

Princess Dawdle has inherited her father's penchant for driving me crazy leaving little bits of food that no one wants to finish.

It's hardly a spoonful! What is the point of that?! Don't they know that little spoonful is going to call my name all day? And I'll consider it because it's just a little. I'll pass through the kitchen and think, "Hey, I could finish that. It's not too much. Couldn't be that many calories." And then I'm forced to eat it and left with guilt the rest of the day.

Don't these people realize what they're doing to me?!!! Just finish the stuff off, people! Don't torment me like this!

--- 6 ---

Have you seen the new Starbucks ads? They are totally capitalizing on the "Do we know how to relate to each other anymore?" dialogue and suggesting real live communication. At Starbucks, of course. I just love it.

What do you think?

--- 7 ---

Princess Dawdle makes her debut as a Tot in her high school's production of Wizard of Oz tomorrow. Think, "We represent the Lullaby League, the Lullaby League, the Lullaby League . . . " I'm looking forward to seeing her little dance on her knees. It's super funny to think of my daughter who's a teeny bit taller than me playing a munchkin. Break a leg, babe! Show times are Saturday and Sunday at 2. Monday and Tuesday evening at 7. It should be a good time!

And with that we're calling this done, folks. I hope you have super weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

What The Kids Don't Take When They Leave

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 10:23:00 +0000

Suddenly the bathroom is all mine. The house is quiet. I can come and go as I please.

My kids are growing up and leaving me.

I never thought this day would come. As a young mother with four little kids I couldn’t imagine an hour of quiet. A full night’s sleep only occurred in my dreams. I felt destined to endless days of whining and poop and snot. I thought my life would be on hold forever.

And now my children are gradually migrating, leaving a slow leak in my heart. I just moved my third kid to college. There’s only one left. How did this happen? How am I supposed to switch gears when my life has revolved around these people? For a quarter of a century I’ve run every decision through the sieve of them and now I’m expected to just let them go?

Find the rest of the post at Deeper Waters.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 295)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I ended up spending a lot of time with Ladies Man and his girlfriend over the weekend. Woot! Woot! It was homecoming weekend at his college and they were playing our alma mater, so Kevin and I attended the game and got to see him in action with the Mighty Tiger Marching Band.

On Sunday I attended his Homecoming Concert with The Girlfriend. We enjoyed some wonderful selections and got a good laugh out of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble's performance of "Extraction Number 9" which mimicked the panic and fear one may feel in a dentist's chair. At one point in the piece a guy came out with a lab coat on carrying a chain saw and laughing like a crazed lunatic. Apparently it was all very effective because as soon as the piece got over there was a little kid in the audience crying like he was scared to death.

Later as we left the music building, Ladies Man was carrying his choir robe and complaining about his garment bag.

Ladies Man: It just broke today. I went to zip it up and the zipper just didn't work.

I wasn't really feeling panicked about his garment bag. There are such bigger things to worry about, aren't there? But he didn't let it go.

Ladies Man: I thought about asking for a really nice garment bag for my birthday.

Me (not believing what I'm hearing): Oh?

Ladies Man: Yeah, you know you're getting old when you want a garment bag for your birthday. And also when you like the fact that you own your own towels.

Ha! I was too afraid to ask why.

--- 2 ---

A woman in my Bible study asked me about the Bible app I use on my iPad and the Bible translation called The Message. I explained to her that it isn't something for serious study, but sometimes when I'm confused about a passage I like to read it to see if it sparks a thought and then take that thought back to a different Bible version to compare. When I pulled it up on my iPad she laughed at the abbreviation used.

Bible study friend: MSG! Too much of it isn't good for you, but it sure adds flavor!

Perfect. Don't you love it?!

--- 3 ---

I've been trying to get my gang here all at the same time for a family dinner. The best way to communicate about such things is on our private family Facebook page. Our little "discussion" reminded me why I love my kids so much. They are so much FUN!

Me: So . . . we have a free Friday night this Friday. How about a family dinner at our house?

Friday night was a bust, so I took a suggestion by Drama Queen.

Me: Does Sunday work for everybody?

And crickets chirped for 23 hours. No response. At all. Finally Drama Queen broke the ice.

Drama Queen: SUNDAY WORKS FOR ME SO EVERYBODY ELSE SHOULD COMMENT SO I CAN WRITE THINGS DOWN ACCORDINGLY IN MY PLANNER.

Which I DIED laughing at because this is so her--aggressive AND organized.

Me: Oh man, Drama Queen, I am dying!!

Drama Queen: #eventplannerprobs

And suddenly Ladies Man chimed in . . .

Ladies Man: #carrots

Me: So, is this a yes, Ladies Man? And hello, Drummer Boy, what say you?

Drummer Boy: Could probs do dat!

Oh my . . .

Drama Queen: I could hook ya up with a ride Drummer Boy.

Drummer Boy: Not an issue but WOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ladies Man: Well ya know I am a pretty busy and important man on campus soooooo....yea that works great.

Drummer Boy: Does dingus need a ride too?

Drummer Boy: dingus = Ladies Man

Ladies Man: Nah i think I'm coming down Friday.......maybe

I can already imagine the craziness that will be ensuing at my house on Sunday. Can't wait. LOVE YOU GUYS!

--- 4 ---

Kevin and I saw a movie trailer for Best of Me. From what I could gather, it's about a couple who fell in love as young people and then for whatever reason were separated for twenty years and came back together for some amazing love affair. I must have been feeling old and cynical that night.

Me: Oh brother. Does that really happen? Do people really pine away for each other for twenty years? Do they wait for someone that long or pursue them that long? Really?!

My husband has always been a romantic and proved it with his response.

Kevin: I don't know. I was just lucky to find the love of my life and have her with me always.

Cheesy? Yes. Did he still score points? Oh baby!!

--- 5 ---

My darling, cheesy husband has joined the Dollar Shave Club. Facebook finally wore him down with their smartly placed ads and he signed up. I couldn't believe how excited he was to get his first shipment. This company was made for men, I tell you. I want to work on their promotional staff as they must have a blast coming up with their materials. The package of Shave Butter (yes, that's really the name of it--SHAVE BUTTER) included these instructions:

1. Empty butter into palm. About a half dollar-sized amount is ideal.
2. Gently pat the butter onto your face and spread. You want a nice layer across the entire area.
3. Let your face marinate in the butter for about 15 seconds, approximately enough time to remind yourself how much ______ you're going to kick today. Now Shave.

The description on the Shave Butter says, "Dr. Carver's easy Shave Butter unforgettably transforms the dread of shaving into the joy of softly wiping whiskers off your face. Like the friend you've been missing your whole life, you'll wonder how you managed with anything else. . ."

Uh, WOMEN are dramatic?!

And then with each shipment you get the latest edition of the Bathroom Minutes which Kevin dutifully placed.

Yes, on the back of the toilet. Sheesh. I think they're really hooking men with their MEN ONLY products (hello, women shave too!) and the fact that they get a little box in the mail addressed to them every month. It reminds me of how excited I got as a kid when I knew it was almost time for my magazine subscription to come in the mail. Or school book orders. Yeah, it's like that. For grownup men.

--- 6 ---

I'm trying not to be offended, but Kevin wasn't nearly as excited when our new P90 exercise video series arrived in the mail yesterday. He's been whining forever about how he "should probably do something" in the exercise realm and being the loving, in-tune wife that I am, I simply tried to find a way to accommodate those desires. It had nothing to do with the delicious abs Kevin had a few years ago after completing P90X with Ladies Man. This is about HEALTH, people. And maybe also a little fear. I want this guy around for a while so he's gotta do what it takes to stay healthy.

C'mon, honey, you got this! Do your best and forget the rest. Remember? No fuddy duddy husbands!

--- 7 ---

Lest you feel sorry for poor Kevin with his exercise nazi wife, here's a story to prove he is dearly loved and appreciated. Princess Dawdle came home with a hankering for some Mexican food and begged to go to out for supper. I told her she needed to ask her dad. Their texting interchange went something like this.

Princess Dawdle: Playa for dinner?

Kevin: What did Mom say?

Princess Dawdle: She said to ask you.

Kevin: You both know I'm a sucker.

Princess Dawdle: Haha. Is that a yes?

Kevin: If I must be drug there, I suppose.

Princess Dawdle: Baha you must. I don't know if you're gonna survive this one.

Kevin: I might not.

Princess Dawdle: I'll hold your hand every step of the way old man ;)

Kevin: I hear you cluckin', big chicken!

My favorite part of this scene? Her comments to me DURING the texting.

Princess Dawdle: Dad's the best. I like Dad. I'm a lucky person, you know?

Yes you are, babe.

So are we all! We love you Kevin! I hope you have a great weekend enjoying the people you love most. Give yourself a break and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 294)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

Well I missed you all last Friday. I had one of those old person procedures whose prep knocked me for a loop. I can't remember the last time I felt so icky. Thank the good Lord that time passes and for creating drugs and food.

And now let's move on, shall we? Who wants to hear about my bodily functions? Kevin will accuse me of talking like an old person again. Nope. Not. Gonna. Happen.

--- 2 ---

In the last edition of Quick Takes I was whining about missing my kids. I finally got to see them and boy was I one happy mama! We had a lovely dinner together to celebrate Kevin's birthday. As soon as I saw them I just kept ~~mauling~~ hugging them saying, "It's so good to see. I missed you. How are you? I'm so glad to see you! This makes me so happy!" I must have been bad, because Princess Dawdle told me a few days later that Drummer Boy actually asked her, "Is Mom okay?!" Well I am now!

We stayed at the restaurant over 3 and half hours chatting it up and just being us. I loved it. I've got some great kids, I tell you.

Pardon me for a second as I leave a note for my children: Save your mother's sanity and come home now and then, okay? Love you guys!

--- 3 ---

On Husker home game Saturdays, we often watch Drama Queen's band rehearsal at Memorial Stadium. There's always a bunch of people there and we often wonder if she even knows we're in the stands until we meet up with her afterwards. She assured us she does.

Drama Queen: I can always find you in the stands. I tell my friends to look for the guy talking with his hands and it works every time. Even the ones who have never met you will be like, wait, is that your dad? And it always is.

Ha! Kevin's busted!

This last Saturday Ladies Man and The Girlfriend came along, as well as my nephew. We joined The Boyfriend and another friend of Drama Queen's to watch the rehearsal. It was so sweet seeing my nephew enjoying his spot between Ladies Man and The Boyfriend.

It was an awesome day hanging with my gang (although we missed Drummer Boy) and the weather was perfect. Sigh. Life can be really good, no?

Also I have to mention that if you haven't seen it yet, you've got to click on this link to see the highlight of the marching band show last Saturday night. We've got some creative band directors.

And I love whoever handles the Facebook page for the band because they post awesome pictures like this with my daughter in action!

Thank you Mr./Ms. Mystery Facebook Administrator of the UNL Bands Facebook page!

--- 4 ---

Kevin and I did a little shopping for his birthday. He was trying on a bunch of stuff and when we met up later he showed me why hanging out with him is so fun.

Me: So, find something?

Kevin: Yeah, I'll get these jeans. The other ones fit, but they had a little too much party in the back.

Which means there was more stuff on the pockets than he likes. This guy never ceases to make me laugh. Love you, babe!

--- 5 ---

Today would have been my dad's 73rd birthday. I'll never forget this week nine years ago when the oncologist left the room and Dad said to me, "Well, I think I'll make 64, but I don't know about 65." We never could have guessed he'd be gone in less than 6 weeks. The loss of my uncle and now this birthday has put Dad on my mind a lot lately. So on Wednesday I visited his grave and left him a Butterfinger bar, his favorite. I was shocked that the cashews I left him around Memorial Day WERE STILL THERE! I thought for sure a groundskeeper would have scooped them up and thrown them away with a scowl a long, long time ago. That cemetery is swarming with squirrels too. Wouldn't you think a bag of nuts would be an easy target? But there wasn't even a rip in the bag. Weird! While I was there, a flock of geese wandered through, and I mean a FLOCK. I bet there were twenty of them. How in the world have those cashews survived?

And how many times can I leave little things like that before the grounds crew gets annoyed? How many wrappers have to pile up on a grave before they're removed?

And what in the world is my problem that I take time to think about silly things like this? Oy!

--- 6 ---

Kevin and I were discussing a dear woman who's always had a gentle, calm way about her, like someone beyond her age.

Kevin: She's always seemed older than she is, you know?

Me: I know exactly what you mean.

Kevin: Yeah, like she'll be a really great elderly person.

Me: Yeah! She's gonna really come into her own when she turns 80.

Something about that just tickled me and depressed me at the same time. Who wants to wait to be 80 to reach their prime?!

--- 7 ---

We're looking at a busy, busy weekend with our clan scattered all over the place. Drama Queen leaves this morning for Michigan to play with the band at the Michigan State game. It's homecoming at our high school tonight. Tomorrow Drummer Boy accompanies the drum line he instructs to Iowa for a competition. We're attending Princess Dawdle's marching band competition in the morning and evening, and in between scrunching in the homecoming game and parent's day at Ladies Man's college where they'll be playing our alma mater. Sunday is SUNDAY at our house which means we spend most of it at church, but this week I'll be ducking out of a rehearsal or two to catch Ladies Man's concert. It should prove to be worth it as he warns me the band plays a piece involving a chain saw. A few weeks ago there was a youtube video of his band director in a lion suit singing, "If I Were King of the Forest," so who knows what the guy may have up his sleeve. I'm looking forward to it!

It just occurred to me this proves we are a family of band geeks. True story. And we love it.

And thus ends another edition of Quick Takes. I hope your weekend includes whatever you need and that you'll take in more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Living, Leaving, and Loving

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

I've heard it said many times that death is a part of life.

I can accept that.

Until it's someone I love.

I sat through the funeral of my uncle this week, a man who occupied so many of my childhood memories, whose family intertwined with mine nearly every weekend. Of course I was sad. He was so close to my dad it was like losing a piece of my father all over again. Memories of family gatherings and fishing at Grandpa's pond and Val's pizza and animated card games flooded my mind. And laughter. There was always laughter.

It was hard to watch the slide show of Uncle Jim's life and see the faces of others I've loved who've left us, other uncles, aunts, Grandma, my dad. It made life seem like a cruel joke. We're here long enough to get attached and then people slowly leave us. Though death can happen any time, I know too well that as I get older the odds of losing someone I love increase. In the last 6 months alone I've lost a dear aunt and now my uncle, people who framed my childhood. As I flip pages on my calendar more of my loved ones will surely leave me. How will my heart ever take it?

And yet death is a part of life.

I can't change it, can't stop it. I can only endure it.

With living comes loving. I will always love those who pass on. But though life ends, love never dies. My aching heart confirms it. I wonder if that ache exists, persists, for a reason. The love that lingers long after someone exits this life whispers to my soul, "There must be something more. Surely this can't be it. You live. You die. You love. You lose. Life can't be this pointless."

In allowing us to love, in putting within us the capacity to carry love for others forever, dead or alive, is God showing us the eternal? And if God is love, is this ability to love a glimpse of Him? In letting us experience eternal love is He showing us Himself? Is the love we harbor deep within a very piece of God?

If so, the pang left in our hearts after someone we love dies is gift. Pure, beautiful, gracious gift.

That gift is God.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:7-12

His love is made complete in us. As we love.

People live. People leave. But love remains. Death may be a part of life in this world, but love transcends this world into the next.

Love is God.

God is love.

Looking for a new place to hang?

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:37:00 +0000

Hey friends!

There's a new website ~~in town~~
~~on the horizon~~
~~about to tickle your fancy~~
ready to unveil its world premiere!

Check out this new team of sweet souls.

Relationships are More than Pretty Facebook Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Facebook. The bane of relationships.

Pretty pictures tell a story, but only a part, a very small part. Smiles reveal happiness, but not the work that got the smilers there. Statuses regaling loving acts are a great way to say thank you, but not so good at giving an accurate perspective.

Relationships are way more than pretty Facebook pics.

For real relationships, real, honest, deep, abiding relationships, are made in secret, in hard words and patience and perseverance.

Real relationships require courage to reach out in tearful phone calls and compassion answering, "I'm coming over." They push aside insecurities and celebrate with others and refuse to let the awkwardness linger.

Real relationships persevere through disagreements and believe the best. They dig through the hurt to hear the heart. They realize hugs are sometimes the only answer and freely give them, especially when no one knows what else to say.

Real relationships muddle through painful conversations and gut honesty and are willing to get thin skin scuffed for the sake of growth and depth. They hold tight until the dam breaks and cry along, with or without understanding.

Real relationships love and trust enough to show the junk, the ugly, the imperfect and struggling. They hear what isn't said and share the helplessness, the worry, the fear. They cheer others on, even while fighting their own battles.

Real relationships are full of "I'm sorry"s and "I love you"s and deep breaths and bold moves and consistent presence. They are messy and uncomfortable, but willing to hang in there for the beauty on the other side.

Real relationships say, "You are important enough to work through this with." They require opening up, being available, honest and brave.

Real relationships are more than pretty Facebook pics.

So the next time you're tempted to "Aahhh" at a picture, concentrate instead on the work that may have produced those smiles, on the secrets behind joyous faces. Nothing good is ever gained by giving nothing.

What are you willing to give for real relationships?

7 Quick Takes (Volume 293)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

If you prayed for the conference I attended last weekend, let me tell you God answered every single request and THEN SOME! What an amazing day it was! The women were warm and welcoming and very receptive. We shared a beautiful day together amid God's healing spirit. I find committed, like-minded, beautiful women everywhere I go. Something about that gives me great hope.

And if that weren't enough, I spent Saturday evening with two amazing women, hashing over the troubles of life together, offering love and support and hope. It was like everything we'd talked about during the day was perfectly illustrated in the deep sharing that night. It left me floating for a few days at the beautiful plan God has designed in friendship, in giving us people to help us on this journey, to point us in the right direction, His direction.

God is smart.

--- 2 ---

And speaking of dear companions for the journey, I spent a few days away with some wonderful friends this week too. (Don't worry about my husband. He's a big boy. All this time away will make him appreciate me more, right? Besides, this time I left him some food. You should be more worried about Elmo. No one attends to that poor animal when I'm gone.)

I'd give you the highlights, but we have a sworn oath: What happens at the lake, stays at the lake.

Just don't let your imagination go wild.

--- 3 ---

I'm having an eyelash problem.

Yes, it is that serious. I have tried probably 6-10 different eyelash curlers and STILL my eyelashes don't stay curled. They're up and gorgeous for all of ten seconds and then they fall flat. Apparently my eyelash hairs did not inherit the same natural curl of my head hairs. I think they did get the coarseness though. Could it be they are so coarse that when I add mascara they are just too heavy to stay up? And don't even suggest I use less mascara. I already have one gray eyelash. I simply cannot take the chance of it being seen.

This is a problem because when my eyelashes don't stay up, my eyes look droopy, like I'm not quite ready for the day. There is no bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in this chicka. (Wait, what does bushy-tailed look like? I might have that.)

Oh, the issues of my life. Don't you feel sorry for me?

--- 4 ---

Don't ask me why, but Princess Dawdle has always been a big fan of birthday cake flavored stuff, you know, the birthday cake ice cream (ew!) or birthday cake M & Ms (isn't that sacrilegious?! blehk!)

While I was gone over the weekend, she had a friend over and they tried a Pinterest recipe for birthday cake cookie dough. Apparently it was fantastic (I would not try it in order to corroborate!) and when she came home from school on Monday she wanted to make some more.

Me: Well, you could, but you'll have to wash the bowl you used. You didn't really clean up after yourself before and I just stuck it in the dishwasher.

Princess Dawdle paused for a long time, peering into the pantry, salivating at the birthday cake mix calling her name, but thinking long and hard.

Me: What?

Princess Dawdle: I'm not sure I want it THAT bad!

Oh brother. She ended up shutting the pantry door and starting on her homework instead. Later in the evening, AFTER the dishwasher had run, I heard the mixer going. Mmmm hmmm. Grrrrrr.....

--- 5 ---

I sat across the booth from Kevin watching him eat a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich. The fried chicken breast, the cheese oozing out on every side, the white fluffy bun--all things I don't let myself eat. And I was a little jealous.

Me: That looks like a really good sandwich.

And he laughed at me. I wanted to smack him because he can eat stuff like that and not worry about it settling on his hips, but then he explained himself.

Kevin: That's an old person thing to say. They're always talking about their food and their medications.

Then I accidentally plopped a glob of mustard on my pants and as we were walking out I had to agree with him.

Me: I talk about food and dribble on myself. I guess I am old. Sigh.

And he laughed again. I don't know why he finds me so entertaining, but I'm glad he does. He's kinda stuck with me.

--- 6 ---

My dryer has completely stopped making noises! No squealing, no chirping, just the pleasant hum I know and love. I can't explain it. Perhaps it ate a sock that roamed around the inside and got trapped around a belt or something. But where is it now? Did it just get disintegrate with the rubbing of the belt? And if that's the case, why haven't I heard that squealing before? I've had PLENTY of socks eaten by the dryer. Do you feel my pain? Ladies Man's socks are particularly prone to this malady. Drummer Boy's were now too, come to think of it. Then again, I never did any field research to see if all their socks actually made it to the hamper. I wasn't too crazy about picking up those sick nasty things with my bare hands you know. Plus the rule at my house is: I'm happy to do your laundry, but it has to make it to the laundry room. I won't go looking for work!

I fear one day, when I finally gear up the oomph to deep clean my house and clear out all the stuff my kids left behind, I'm going to find hundreds of lone socks. They will snicker at me feeling they've won the Great Laundry Battle. Sorrow will overcome me thinking of the money spent replacing socks that were here all along. Through tears I'll fill garbage bag after garbage bag of socks with no match, chiding myself for not having the patience over the years to wait for the other half to show up. The socks will mock me whispering, "ha ha ha, we got you" and I'll rack my brain for days to find ways to recycle these stray strips of fabric.

Maybe my dryer is letting off some kind of fumes as it disintegrates socks . . .

--- 7 ---

Guess who has a birthday this weekend?

Yes, this guy. MY guy. The guy I can't live without. And do you know what this means?! This means I finally get to see all my kids tonight! I'm looking WAYYYY forward to it! Hey honey, thanks for being born so I can stay in contact with our offspring.

Seriously, though, I am grateful you were born. I can't imagine who I would be if you hadn't been so much of my life. I thank God every day for you. Every. Single. Day. See how I celebrate you?! I love you dearly and love being your wife. Happy, happy birthday.

And that does it for this edition of Quick Takes. If you have a hankering for more, visit Conversion Diary.

A Text From God

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

It was a bad day.

A little thing shook me and I got upset. Not just upset. Angry. Down right mad. At God. I felt like He let me down, like He didn't care, like my efforts didn't matter, like He didn't notice or care and I just had to suck it up and do what He said.

And I didn't want to. I thought I deserved better.

But God is God and when you follow Him you don't have a choice in these matters, so I spent the day trying to move on. Without success. Every time I thought about it, the tears (and anger) came. I prayed about it, very honestly I might add (read: I let Him know exactly how I felt). He knew anyway and there was no point in hiding it. I prayed and cried and whined and pouted.

By the end of the day I knew what He wanted from me. I knew I had to do it. But I wasn't happy about it. He had disappointed me. (For those of you feeling very worried for me right now, it's okay. God is big enough to handle these sorts of emotions. Have you ever read the Psalms?!)

The next morning I was still a little upset, but resigned myself to the fact that you can't question God. There was nothing I could do about it. I mean, how do you change God's mind? If it's the plan, you gotta follow it. It doesn't matter if you don't like it.

Yeah. I probably didn't have the best attitude about it.

But that didn't stop God from dazzling, from reminding me of His love amid my displeasure. In something as simple as a text message, He reminded me that He cares.

The friend who typed the text was totally unaware of the angst, anger, and disappointment of the day before. She had no idea. Her words made me stare in disbelief.

"I dreamed about you last night. In my dream I was hugging you and you were very, very sad. I thought I better check and make sure you're okay."

How could she know?! She couldn't! I felt as if I got a text from God Himself saying, "I see you, Tami. I know this is hard for you. It's going to be okay. I love you."

And suddenly the words of Psalm 73 came to life. It was the beginning of my surrender, the start to giving in to God's perfect plan with an attitude of trust rather than defeat.

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Psalm 73:21-24

Though I was hurt and angry, He was with me the whole time. He understood. He made sure I knew He did.

He sent me a text.

What causes you to distrust God? Have you talked with Him about it? Are you willing to give it up to follow His perfect plan? When your heart's not in it, will you trust He is with YOU always?

When you're willing to get that personal with Him, you too may get a text from God.

Photo Credit: Johnathan Lyman

7 Quick Takes (Volume 292)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I may or may not be showing my age.

I've noticed my fingers are starting to get that deformed, arthritic look. The top knuckle on my ring finger of my right hand is curving to the left ever so slightly. And the middle knuckle on the finger next to it is tilting the other way. The bottom joint in my right thumb is achy all the time too.

I already have grandma hands. What are they going to look like in twenty years?!

And if that isn't bad enough, I also had this conversation with my husband.

Kevin: Is that your phone?

Me: What? Did my phone go off?

Kevin: I think it buzzed.

I checked and indeed it had.

Me: Oh, yeah. I guess I didn't hear it.

Kevin: It's just my stellar ears.

Me: These are your stellar years?

Kevin: Ears.

Me: Why are these your stellar years?

Kevin: EARS! My stellar ears! I guess we know why you didn't hear it!

Poop.

--- 2 ---

I've really been missing my kids this past two weeks and have become super sappy mom. Drama Queen's been sending us assorted snapchats every day and I just love her attempts to stay connected. Though I'm just awful at snapchat, I made an effort, because she's just so dang cute in hers. I wish I would have taken a screen shot of her shocked face.

Drama Queen: You actually responded!!

And then Kevin and I did some perfectly silly ones with she and The Boyfriend and I was reminded yet again why my kids are so awesome.

--- 3 ---

Continuing in sappy mom mode, I was texting Ladies Man about how school was going and couldn't resist telling him my feelings.

Me: We sure do miss you.

And in pure, smooth move Ladies Man fashion, he totally proved why he has his name.

Ladies Man: I'm in the same boat.

Of COURSE I actually uttered aloud, "Awwww!" and got a little teary-eyed. My husband was not as moved.

Kevin: You are too easy.

It's true.

I couldn't help myself from texting Drummer Boy as well. You would have been proud of me. I didn't even ask about guacamole. He filled my sap tank too, asking "How are you!" with an explanation point like he really wanted to know. You see how easy I am?! He also told me he's finally taking care of something he's been putting off for months and I've been ~~nagging~~ politely reminding him about. I was so happy and proud, as if he told me he was buying me a new car. I didn't say anything but my mind was going crazy. Look at you, Mr. Grownup. You are such a stud.

Yeah, I may have a problem.

As a friend was telling me about her young kids using their cute face, I realized my kids are grown and the cute face still works on me. It makes me wonder when the turning point was. I never used to cave whenever my kids smiled at me. I used to be firm and unflappable. They knew who was boss.

Or maybe I'm suffering from selective memory too.

--- 4 ---

I ran into some people I knew from high school the other day and they were asking about my family. My response gives you an indication of my current emotional state.

Me: Well, we just lost our third child.

And then I realized how that sounded so I quickly corrected myself.

Me: I mean, he went to college. He didn't die or anything!

My, oh my.

--- 5 ---

You should probably pray for poor Princess Dawdle who is suffering through all my sappy mom affection. I find myself hugging her all the time telling her how great she is. This girl should have no self-esteem issues whatsoever! So far she's been really sweet about it, telling me I'm a great mom too and stuff like that. But soon she'll be begging her siblings to come home.

Lucky her. She gets super sap queen all to herself.

--- 6 ---

We had a great time at a family reunion last Saturday. I grew up with and went to school with many of my cousins. Most live within an hour of me and at least once a year we still get the family together. Here's a picture of some of us. (Why did the rest of you not make it in the picture?)

These people were my childhood. We'd get together on weekends for pizza and fun. We'd go fishing with Grandpa and meet at Grandma's for Sunday dinner. We'd spend the night at each other's houses and hang out together all summer. This family has provided a TON of good memories for me.

I like that my kids know my cousins' kids. Princess Dawdle even went home with one of my cousins to spend more time with her daughter.

Yeah. This family is a rare and precious gift I don't take for granted. Love you guys!

--- 7 ---

I'm headed west this weekend to see some awesome people and speak at a women's conference. REALLY looking forward to it. You might say a prayer for all of us as we get deep. I plan to talk about grace, humility and vulnerability in relationships and finish it up with a talk called Getting Real With God. Those poor women may not know what they're in for, but I'm expecting God to show up big time. RAWR. Gets me going, I tell you.

I better hit the road, folks. I hope your weekend is deep and exhilarating too. If you can't handle deep and exhilarating, spend some time reading more Quick Takes instead at Conversion Diary. Adios!

No Equivalent

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The rising generation of women is getting tired of the bad rap girls take for being girls. Every woman alive knows the frustration of being dismissed by men with "it must be that time of the month." What makes them think the only reason we have an issue is because of that? Girls in my daughter's generation are striking back. Princess Dawdle and her friends have a new phrase for their guy friends who are acting moody or generally emo.

"He's on his man period."

Her father overheard her talking about it and apparently found it somewhat offensive.

Kevin: What?!

Princess Dawdle: When he gets all bossy and emotional, we say he must be on his man period.

Kevin: I don't think that translates to a man. There's no equivalent in men to a period. Is there something like that in men that doesn't translate to women?

Me: Yes. There's no female equivalent to a man's, "I'm not thinking anything."

Princess Dawdle: What? That's not possible. How can you not be thinking anything?

Me: Either they aren't really thinking anything or they're just saying that to get us off their backs.

Kevin: No! Really! We aren't thinking about ANYTHING!

Every couple alive knows this disparity in male and female brains. Men and women just don't function the same way.

It makes me think of God and the way He works, not at all like humans. His plan doesn't always make sense. The path He lays out for us is often strewn with pain and we don't get it. We wonder what He could possibly be thinking. We doubt Him and our disappointment breeds distrust. How could a God who loves us let us suffer like we do sometimes? We forget a fundamental truth.

There's no human equivalent for God.

Of COURSE it won't make sense to us! How can it?! His ways are higher than ours. He sees the whole picture. He knows what is required to make us more like Him. We have nothing except our own minds to compare Him to and we know ourselves and our flaws. We can't fathom a different way of thinking.

"Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

Isaiah 40:25

No one is His equal. No one. So the next time you find yourself questioning God's goodness, the next time you're tempted to think you're forgottten, remember it's not God sticking it to you. You just aren't gettin' it. You can't. You have nothing or no one to compare it to. He has no equivalent.

Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:6-9

Photo Credit: Trey Ratcliff

7 Quick Takes (Volume 291)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

Princess Dawdle has been driving for over a week now and I've been proud of my carefree, relaxed attitude about it. Well I was til she announced this:

Princess Dawdle: Don't freak out Mom, but . . .

Do they not understand that "Don't freak out" is not softening the blow, but jump starting the panic?

Princess Dawdle: Don't freak out. Mom, but I almost t-boned a car this morning. I guess I shouldn't eat and drive at the same time yet.

You would have been proud of me. I said NOTHING. Really. I nodded and smiled, choosing to be happy she figured it out for herself. Plus we shouldn't forget the ALMOST.

I will survive these children, I will survive these children, I will survive these children . . .

--- 2 ---

We spent our Labor Day doing some WAY necessary outside work. Our yard was starting to look like Hobo Joe lived here. The weeds were so high around our trash cans it was hard to take the trash out. But not now. Now we're looking sleek and sexy.

Well, that may be stretching it some. I have noticed Herb is no where to be seen. I think this is because Kevin decided to put our poor bean plants out of their misery and pulled them out. So now I suppose Herb ran off into the sunset with Peaches. Lucky bunnies.

Truly I need a life.

--- 3 ---

My dryer has made a miraculous recovery. And I didn't even lay hands on it OR anoint it with oil (although maybe that would have been a good idea)! Suddenly the squeal is gone and there's only an occasional chirping noise. A teeny little "chirp" every now and then I can handle. That squeal made me feel like I was in the middle of the Psycho movie all the time.

--- 4 ---

Ladies Man has a professor that is German. Remember his commentary on Germans this summer? His opinion hasn't changed.

Ladies Man: She's bulldog. You know Germans.

He seems to forget he is at least 3/4 German himself. And really, what makes her so ferocious? Is it the German accent with its vowels that come from the gut and those sharp, staccato T sounds that compel you to stand at attention? Why didn't I employ my German heritage YEARS ago with this kid? I just needed to get my German on and I could have saved myself TONS of frustration.

But then again, I was no pushover. I remember reminding him in his early teens that I could still take him down. And I meant it. And I could have! No sassy big kid is gonna get the best of me! Even though he's got 10 inches and 60 pounds on me, there was one time last year I got so mad at him he honestly looked scared to death.

Hey, maybe I've been using my German all along and didn't know it. Ja!

--- 5 ---

I gave Drummer Boy his guacamole kit last week and totally pulled a stupid mother move. I opened the lid and explained everything like he was 5 all over again.

Drummer Boy: Yeah, yeah. Mmm hmm.

He's always been good about humoring his mother.

Me: Now, do you know HOW to make guacamole?

Drummer Boy: Yeah, sure.

I was skeptical. I mean, c'mon, his idea of making dinner is running through the nearest drive-thru.

Me: You have a recipe?

Drummer Boy: Yep.

Obviously he wasn't really listening to me. And I wasn't listening to him either as I continued to list all the ingredients he'd need.

Drummer Boy (still humoring me, with that boyish smirk I can't help but love): Mmm hmm.

Me (giving it up): Whatever. You have no idea. Good luck.

He smiled, happy to have me off his back, but probably also a little proud he can still charm his mother. How do these kids do it? It's not like they have irresistible chubby little cheeks anymore or those big expressive eyes that beckon you to hold them. Why do I still melt when my boys grin in my direction? I want to hug the stuffing out of Drama Queen when she sidles up and says, "Hey, Mom." And even though I know she's buttering me up, every time Princess Dawdle ends her text with "Mamasita" I can't help but smile. Sigh. Maybe I am a pushover.

But Drummer Boy, don't get cocky. I'm gonna call you on your guacamole skills. I will. Start practicing.

But here's one of the cruel jokes of motherhood: If he does get it I'll be happy. Even though he proves me wrong. Poop.

--- 6 ---

For some reason Drama Queen likes to send us snapchats of her food. I don't think it has anything to do with my constant reminders to my kids that they should eat. (Isn't that my job?!) She must imagine me awake at night praying my children aren't wasting away. Or maybe she's trying to rub it in Drummer Boy's face that she actually DOES prepare food. Whatever the case, it makes me smile every time. It's super sweet she wants to stay connected with us in her every day like that. I love it.

I'm also very excited my family has FINALLY gotten into the spirit of the private Boesiger Bunch Facebook page I started years ago. It took a while, but now everybody is adding stuff. There always a new video someone adds for us all to comment on. It's almost like we're watching TV together in the same room.

Who says technology is bad? I like the many avenues it gives me to stay in touch with my kids, even when they're grown.

--- 7 ---

To round out today's Quick Takes, Princess Dawdle and I would like to wish you a very happy weekend!

And I'm out for today, friends. For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 290)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

Happy Birthday to my BABY! Princess Dawdle turned 16 this week. I still remember these days.

I was worried her birthday was going to be a downer for her now that she's the only kid in our house, but I shouldn't have been. She has some really sweet friends. One girl surprised her by decorating her car.

I was a little nervous watching her take her maiden voyage alone to school. She pretty much captures what I was feeling.

Celebrating with our family was as silly as ever.

--- 2 ---

The night before school pictures, Princess Dawdle piddled around for HOURS trying to decide what to wear. This girl is no morning glory, let me tell you, so I knew she had to get it decided that night, yet I heard her chatting it up with her friends. At one point she came in with a pair of skinny jeans, while on face time with a friend.

Princess Dawdle (obviously poised to make a point): What color would you say these are?

Kevin: peach

Me: peach or orange

Princess Dawdle (to her iPod): Did you hear that? Peach or orange. NOT pink!

Me: You STILL don't know what you're wearing? What is taking you so long?

Princess Dawdle: The struggle is real, Mom.

Oh brother. You think she's about ready to inherit her sister's name?

--- 3 ---

I got the kids' guacamole kits done. I think they turned out pretty good.

A special touch was cutting boards made and signed by their grandpa.

Remember me telling you how Ladies Man wanted to start guacamole night in his dorm? When he found out his roommate is a big guacamole fan, he made some his very first night. He's been there one week and already some girl has challenged him to a "guac off."

I think this means I should get some credit for his social success, right?

--- 4 ---

Every day my iPad gives me a little message from dictionary.com about the word for the day. Normally I don't click over and look at them unless it's a particularly strange word I've never seen before. I HAD to check it out on Wednesday when the word was pulchritudinous.

pulchritudinous: physically beautiful; comely

Now there's a word you can sink your teeth into! I'm a woman who loves specifics. When my husband tells me "you look nice" that does nothing for me. What does that even mean? The pillows on my couch "look nice." I told Princess Dawdle her new steering wheel cover, "looked nice." When I actually clean my house I think it "looks nice." Do I fit in the same category as a couch pillow? (Wait, maybe I don't want an answer to that.)

But if he were to say, "Oh honey, you are absolutely pulchritudinous today" that may turn my crank. Obviously it would mean he had put some thought into it. And it would probably require some extra work learning how to SAY it which means he went the extra mile for me. Plus I love a man with good vocabulary.

How do you suppose I get the dictionary.com app on HIS iPad?

--- 5 ---

We attended Drama Queen's band exhibition last Friday. I don't know why I get such a kick out of her being the only girl on the snare line, but I do. Here's this year's crew.

Proud of you, babe!

--- 6 ---

On Saturday we went back to the University to watch The Boyfriend's exhibition as part of Big Red Singers, the show choir at the University of Nebraska. I couldn't believe HOW MUCH DANCING they did! By the end of the performance they were bushed. They literally panted through their last song. You can tell by this picture how taxing it was.

That poor guy was a total sweat bucket! But boy can he dance! He da man!

--- 7 ---

After the concert, we got a little camera happy. Here's one I love of my mom, me and the girls.

But then things just got ridiculous.

Now that I have sufficiently frightened you, I'm calling it a day. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 289)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I had a twinge of sadness (that may be putting it mildly) as Ladies Man moved to college yesterday. The week was SO BUSY taking care of last minute things he would need, making sure he was set to succeed, at least as much as it depended on me. We got it all done and moved the boy in and even though he lives less than an hour away it still hurt my heart to leave him there. These kids and what they do to us! I'm so proud of who he's become though and am excited for his future. RAWR, Ladies Man! Go get 'em!

--- 2 ---

It was bittersweet watching Princess Dawdle and Ladies Man this week. You could see them wanting to make the most of their few days living in the same house. Every time Ladies Man had an errand to run, he'd ask her to go along. And for some reason he was really big on leaving her in good shape with the old car. First he bought her an early birthday present, a steering wheel cover.

Then there was a fob for the old car which broke in the spot you attach it to a key ring. He hasn't been using it, but decided to fix it so she could by drilling a tiny hole in it. Now everyone in the family, except ME, has a fob for remote locks and I have the newest car!

He must have gotten a little drill happy because then he started drilling tiny holes in Lego bricks and making key chains we are all supposed to use.

No worries, Ladies Man. There's no way we'll forget about you, whether we have Legos on our key chains or not.

--- 3 ---

Kevin and I had a super fun time with Drama Queen and The Boyfriend at a wedding reception last weekend. They got there before us and waited around to sit with us! There were all sorts of kids their age and they wanted to sit with us. I felt so honored.

--- 4 ---

Drama Queen ran off to see a few friends here and there, leaving her phone sitting at the table. We tried and tried to remember her pass code so we could take a selfie and make it her background. We had the right numbers, but not in the right order. Finally The Boyfriend gave it to us and we got in, but she caught us in the act. We thought we were funny. She thought we were lame, especially when she had to tell us how to make it her background. I guess that makes us old, but we're kinda cute. Kinda. Aren't we? (I've had an emotional week. Just say yes.)

--- 5 ---

You may have noticed a little change in the blog this week. I'm playing around with making it fresher, cleaner. It desperately needs an update. I stink at this sort of thing and despise doing it. It involves decisions and ugh, don't get me started. I think I may hate it worse than cleaning which is saying a heap ton. It's a work in progress, people. Any good that comes is only at the hand of my beloved husband who patiently endures me saying things like, "I hate that. No. I want something like . . . I'm gonna look like a hack. Too frilly. I've just wrecked everything. No. No. I don't know. This is totally stressing me out!"

Early in our marriage we tried to hang wallpaper in a stairwell. I think that was worse than this venture. I think. In the end we survived it and we're older and wiser now, so we should be okay. As long as I keep breathing and quit overthinking it all. It's a work in progress, but Kevin assures me we'll get there. Thanks for your help, honey!

--- 6 ---

Our local high school is working on their fall musical. This year they'll be performing The Wizard of Oz. Princess Dawdle has been cast as a tot.

Princess Dawdle: Tots are the ballerina girls that sing "The Lullaby League."

Me: That's good, isn't it?

Princess Dawdle (rolling in her eyes): I'm in there with all these dancer girls. I'm gonna look stupid.

Me: You'll catch on. You do show choir. It's not like you can't dance at all.

Princess Dawdle: That's just a bunch of popping your hips and smiling big. It's not ballet.

Me: You'll be fine.

Princess Dawdle: Ugh. I'd rather be a tree.

--- 7 ---

We're headed to Memorial Stadium tonight to watch Drama Queen march in the Cornhusker Marching Band Exhibition. She's the only girl on the snare line with eight other boys this fall, but I have no doubt she can handle it. We were texting about it earlier in the week.

Me: Keep those boys in line.

Drama Queen: They got a little tough love yesterday.

Me: What?

Drama Queen: The boys on my side got yelled at a few times yesterday.

Me: Yeah, you can put the smack down all right. RAWR!

Drama Queen: Haha they aren't that scared of me yet.

Me: They should be!

I have home movies that prove that girl was pushing people around at 2 years old. If those boys know what's good for them, they'll stay in line. Drummer Boy can probably corroborate. Right, son?

And thus concludes another saga of the Boesiger Bunch Chronicles. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 288)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

It's been a big week at the Boesiger house. Change is brewing, my friends. Drama Queen moved out on Monday. (Sigh. Remember, my dear daughter, you can always come home. Just ask Drummer Boy how many times he's heard that phrase.) Princess Dawdle started her sophomore year of high school. And by this time next Friday, Ladies Man will be moved to college too. You ever have a weird uneasiness knowing things are about to be different? Yeah. That's me right now. It's going to be fine and we'll all adjust and go on to live productive, enjoyable lives, but right now it feels ew.

--- 2 ---

Congratulations to Ladies Man who bought his first car this week!

I was proud of the way he searched vehicles out by himself and contacted the owners, setting up times to test drive vehicles with his dad. After the purchase, I went with him to the courthouse to walk him through the registration process and I wish I could have captured the look on his face when he was all done.

Me: How's that feel to see a title with your name on it? You now own a car. You have an asset!

He just smiled and nodded his head in his charming way. Priceless. I'll never forget it.

--- 3 ---

While we were at the courthouse, we decided to get Princess Dawdle's driver's license. Yes, my BABY will be a licensed driver in 12 days! How did this happen?!

Even Ladies Man seems a little nervous about the proposition. As she was driving us around town the other day he was giving her unsolicited advice. As the youngest she's used to this sort of thing and didn't really respond, but I came to her defense.

Me: She's gotten a lot better. She's going to be fine. She'll be FINE!

Princess Dawdle: Are you saying that because it's true or are you trying to convince yourself?

Busted. Even though I've done this three times, watching her take that first trip without me is gonna be tough. Be safe, Princess Dawdle. Don't forget to look behind you. Flip your hair around AFTER you get to school, not on the way there.

--- 4 ---

Now that Ladies Man has his own car, Princess Dawdle inherits the school car he's been driving. The rule at our house is that we'll provide a car for our high-schoolers, but it stays here when they go to college. I love that my kids are not picky when it comes to wheels. Princess Dawdle is thrilled to have her "own" car now even though it's an old Buick LeSabre whose paint is peeling off the trunk. It was super cute when we came home from the courthouse. Ladies Man said his birthday gift to Princess Dawdle would be a full tank of gas. He checked the oil and the tires, and then recruited her help to clean it out (because HELLO! she contributed to the mess in there over the last year). They were having a blast together getting her car all shiny and clean. After I saw it I wished I would have put them on detail for my van!

One thing Ladies Man took from the LeSabre for his own car was a little plastic dinosaur he kept on the dash. They kid that he is a guardian angel of sorts, watching over them as they go from place to place. He and Princess Dawdle have joked around about this thing all year, ribbing each other about who gets to keep "Brock." Ladies Man won out and has already placed him in the new vehicle.

Princes Dawdle found her own, bigger dinosaur and named him Melvin. I don't know what it is about that name, but somehow Melvin doesn't instill as much confidence in me as Brock. Brock is manly, solid. Melvin is . . . well, Melvin. Nonetheless I think it's sweet she wants to perpetuate the tradition and be reminded every day of her brother in that silly dinosaur on her dash.

--- 5 ---

Thanks for all the anniversary wishes. Kevin and I had a wonderful time hanging out together all day. We went to a charming little movie called The Hundred-Foot Journey. As we entered the theater I pondered the nature of movies.

Me: Why is it that life seems more impressive or meaningful on the big screen? Is it because there's a musical score?

Kevin: Yes, that's true, but I also think it's because it's not your life. People say they'd love to be a fly on the wall in our house, but it's only fun because it isn't their normal.

Yeah. He can be kinda smart and profound at times. He's also a talented composer which makes me think he should write me a musical score for my life. Don't you agree? Suddenly this average homemaker's life would be full of substance and depth. Everyone could sense it in the change of melody. Surely people would laugh and cry and maybe even cheer! How exciting could my life be?!

Hey, get on that, would you Kevin? It would be awesome.

--- 6 ---

This was the first year since Drummer Boy was a little guy that we've only had one kid in school. Do you know how much easier it is to fill out those first week of school forms when you're only doing it for one child? I got 'em done YESTERDAY, people! Piece of cake, I tell you.

As is tradition in so many families, we had to take a first day of school pic. I flashed back to last year at this time when Princess Dawdle said, "Next year's gonna suck," wondering if it might be an emotional moment, but she was fine and humored me. Look how pretty by baby is getting.

When I took this picture, Princess Dawdle expressed a concern.

Princess Dawdle: What are you gonna do when I leave, Mom? Will I have to send you a selfie?

She's not my only child worried about my sanity after they're all gone. Drama Queen was so sweet on Monday, sending me a text later in the day saying, "I love you!" And she asked her dad to buy me some flowers. Drama Queen, that was so, so sweet. I love it. But I hope you get your money back, because he never bought them. You get all kinds of daughter points for thinking of it though. Your dad, however . . .

You know that Neil Diamond/Barbra Streisand song, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Any More?" Yeah. That is my husband. He doesn't even bring me flowers when his daughter asks him to do it! (Is the guilt trip working, honey?)

--- 7 ---

Ladies Man keeps talking about how he's "adulting" which I guess is shorthand for becoming an adult. If he's adulting what are we? The only word that comes to mind is aging. No. I refuse to go there. Not. Gonna. Do. It.

If you think of it, say a prayer for this mama next week as we have another chick leave the nest. I don't care how many times you do it, each one is a unique loss.

But he'll be fine. He'll be FINE!

Yeah. I saw what I did again. Shhh. A girl's gotta cope.

That's it for today, friends. Have a terrific weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 287)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

I've been fairly confident that I am handling the aging process pretty well, but apparently I carry a little sensitivity to my advancing years. Normally I'm a fan of K-Love radio, but this week they kinda ticked me off. The announcers were asking people to call in with any stories about "older people doing great things for God." I found myself talking back to the radio. "What do you mean 'older people'? What qualifies as older? What are you saying, that you have to be in your twenties or thirties to have enough energy to serve God well? Of COURSE older people would be better at doing great things for God. They're smarter and have more experience. WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!!"

Yeah, no defensiveness in this "older" chicky, huh?

To be fair to K-Love, they did qualify it later that they were talking about people 65 or older, but I still found it offensive. I don't know too many 65-year-olds who act elderly by any means. Sounds like an idea hatched by a stupid 25-year-old.

But I'm not bitter.

--- 2 ---

My girls and I have become big fans of Clif bars this summer. They are so quick and easy for breakfast or a midday snack, packed with nutrition and very satisfying. (Hey, any Clif bar executives out there? I could write you a good commercial!). Kevin has steered clear of them. I can only assume it's because he thinks they are a "health food" and thus out of his comfort zone. I have learned the hard way to leave him alone concerning his food choices. At restaurants he generally orders the same dish and no matter of provocation on my part will cause him to expand his horizons. Instead I always manage to annoy him. So when it came to Clif bars, I decided he'd just be missing out.

Imagine my surprise one morning, then, when he pulled out a chocolate chip one for breakfast.

Me: You're eating a Clif bar?!

Kevin: Yeah. So?

Being the in tune individual that I am, I didn't press further. He unwrapped the bar and scrunched his nose.

Me: What?

Kevin: It looks weird.

Do you know how hard it was for me to NOT to mention the purple jellyfish marshmallow Little Debbie snacks he consumed that don't even look like food?! I shrugged and pretended not to watch. He took two bites and let it sit. I exercised enormous amounts of self-control stifling my questions and waited to see how long it would take for him to have another bite. Finally, I couldn't take it any more.

Me: You don't like it?

Kevin: It tastes like what I imagine poop would taste like.

Me: What?! You're crazy.

He just scowled and shook his head. Being the gracious person I am (um, honey, you don't need to comment), I let it go. Later that day, Ladies Man, without knowing the interchange I had with his dad, told me he'd tried one too and hated it. What is wrong with the males in my house? Pondering it today over a chocolate brownie variety, I think I finally saw the problem.

Kevin may have some validity in his poop comment.

--- 3 ---

I am going crazy this week listening to my clothes dryer. Suddenly it's developed this squeaky squeal noise. At first I thought those pesky birds were back, but it's a belt thing, I think. Ugh. It's taking longer to dry clothes too. I'm thinking we'll have to invest in a new one. My ears and nerves can't take much more of that icky, icky sound.

--- 4 ---

Drama Queen and Princess Dawdle spent lots of time at band camp in the last two weeks. Princess Dawdle has the weird tan to prove it. Can you guess what instrument she plays?

That strange white patch on her neck is from her neck strap on her saxophone. Good thing she can leave her hair down to cover it up.

--- 5 ---

I dropped a crap ton of money in Lincoln the other day shopping with my kiddos. And you know what? I've evolved, because I really didn't care how much I spent. I just kept thinking, "My kids are so great. They don't ask for much." The only downer was the stuff we bought for Ladies Man--dorm stuff--reminding me he'll be leaving us in two weeks. Sigh.

--- 6 ---

Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle sang a duet in my mom's church last Sunday. Lucky for me, I got all my tears out of the way listening to them practice throughout the week. Drama Queen shot this video of them practicing before the service. I think they did pretty good. (Just ignore the ding dong who forgot they were being taped as she tried to move cords.)

--- 7 ---

Tomorrow is mine and Kevin's anniversary. 28 years!!! I am the blessed woman who's been loved by this wonderful man for 28 years. Wow. God is SOOOOO good.

I love being your wife, babe. Thanks for this terrific life we share. I love you. Forever.

And with that, this mush fest will end. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 286)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

Drummer Boy is a man who requires very little. He isn't one to seek after any sort of "thing." He's very content with the basics. Usually I find this quality admirable and even noble, but sometimes it seems a little freakish to me, like the time he told me this summer he hasn't had a pillow since he moved out in March! "There might be one in the trunk of my car," he said. What?! He doesn't even need a pillow?!

When he moved to his apartment (in March, remember), we couldn't get his box springs out of the old place without removing a stair railing and we didn't have the right tools with us at the time. He told us not to worry about it. He'd take care of it later, and meanwhile we put his mattress on the floor of his bedroom. This arrangement didn't disturb him in the least, but it drove his mother crazy. Who doesn't want a box springs and frame and headboard for their bed? While moving Drama Queen's stuff last week, we recruited Drummer Boy for help and decided to take care of this troubling situation.

Over the weekend he was planning on coming to B-town to visit, but texted at the last minute saying he couldn't find his wallet. He spent the evening and next FEW DAYS searching for the thing with no success. He was convinced he must have thrown it away by accident. We had a few texts about replacing the contents of his wallet and I thought we were done until I got this text that evening.

Drummer Boy's text: Found. My. Wallet. Stuck between my mattress and apparently necessary headboard. See what it's already done! hahaaaaa

Oh my gosh! I laughed so hard! You got me, Drummer Boy! Not every traditional convention is necessary, I guess. Even a headboard!

--- 2 ---

We have a rabbit that seems to be living in our back yard. I'm sure it's responsible for chomping on the 6 bean plants that managed to come up in our garden including the 10 beans hanging on them. It doesn't seem to have a penchant for any of our other produce (to be fair, if you saw our "produce" you might not have a penchant either), but often nibbles on the clover in the yard (Yeah, we're all green thumbs over here.). Seeing him every day made me think he should have a name. The kids noticed him too and must have read my mind, as the other night over dinner, they pointed him out.

Ladies Man: We should give him a name.

Drama Queen: He has a name--Chester.

Ladies Man: I named him Herb.

They each named him without consulting me?!

Ladies Man: He eats herbs so he should be Herb.

So it's official. There's a rabbit named Herb occupying our back yard. He's pretty tame and hardly moves when we walk up. He likes green beans and the assorted "herbs" in our yard. I noticed he had a little friend this morning. Shall we call him Peaches? (Are any of you old enough to understand that reference?) And Peaches better be a him. We don't have enough beans left for a family!

--- 3 ---

Drama Queen and Princess Dawdle have been participating in band camp all week. Those of you who AREN'T band geeks might be interested to know they actually tie nail bags around their waists to hold their music and pencils or any other assorted stuff they may need like valve oil or reeds. Princess Dawdle and her friend decided to spruce theirs up a bit last night, painting on Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy in such a way that if they stand next to each other they make a scene.

Pretty snazzy, huh? Although their band director may think their time would have been better spent actually practicing the music!

--- 4 ---

I may be a tad anxious about Ladies Man starting college. I've been trying to prime him for the tougher academic challenges of higher education.

Me: What's your plan for studying in college?

Ladies Man: Do it.

Me (not impressed with his "plan"): And if you're even a little bit stuck don't hesitate to ask for help.

Drama Queen (sympathizing with her little brother): He can probably figure it out.

Me: You just have to stay on top of it.

Ladies Man: I've got a lot on my plate . . .

Me: I know! That's why I'm worried!

Ladies Man (barely letting me finish): . . . but I have a big appetite.

Dang it! He got me too!

Boesiger boys--2, Mom--0

--- 5 ---

A friend posted some pictures from the recent Esprit tour that Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle were on. She captured this great pic of their duet I just love.

Sigh. My kids have sure gotten under my skin.

--- 6 ---

I've been doing a lot of reading this week, both for my classes and my own "enjoyment." I say it that way because it's sparking in me a reflective, gotta-figure-this-out thing which is sending my normally active brain into hyper drive.

Who says reading is good for you?

--- 7 ---

All this reading means I'm talking my poor husband's ear off, which we totally have time for because it seems our kids have ditched us nearly every night this week. But it ain't all bad, folks. We've felt like newlyweds again strolling through our neighborhood, stopping for ice cream and enjoying all kinds of things we normally couldn't at dinner time with the kids around.

This empty nest thing might be okay in a few years.

Unless it gives me more time to read. You may want to pray for my husband.

For now I'm giving this brain a rest. I hope you enjoy your weekend and take in more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 285)

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

--- 1 ---

Thanks to the few brave people who responded to my post on needs and God not being American with either an email or comment. (The rest of you get an emphatic PSHHHTTTT!)

This line from a friend made me ponder a bit--" . . . there is a line between having faith that God will provide and expecting Him to do so." One man wrote, "God doesn't hate wealth or the wealthy" which I thought was a good distinction to make since there are committed, wealthy Christians who know how to use their money to God's good.

Another woman proposed that God does not change and therefore His ideas about needs don't either. I can buy that, but found myself thinking it doesn't mean He relates to all people the same way. A crude example would be a diabetic who NEEDS extra insulin. God would supply that need, but that doesn't mean He'll give ME insulin. God hasn't changed, but relates to people individually.

A couple of people suggested God only promises to supply the BASICS, like food, clothing and shelter. Another said "God supplies OUR needs," again driving home the fact that God makes personal calls for individuals.

Matthew 6 talks extensively about God meeting our needs, and specifically addresses basic needs like food and clothing (See Matthew 6:31-32). But in verses 7 and 8 I see that personal, individual element again. Jesus said, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

If He knows what I need before I ask, He is intimately aware of me, right? And if He's intimately aware of me, He knows what I lack which may not be what you lack and therefore is a need for me but not you. (Did you get any of that?)

I suppose the best way to say it is the way this reader did: "He will provide what you need to fulfill the purposes He has for you." That will mean different things for different people. This reader added, "if He wants you to witness to Donald Trump He might give you millions! :)"

I've settled with the idea that needs ARE subjective. Our basic needs are the same, but what I need is different than what you need and since God is a personal God, we can rely on Him to meet our distinct, individual needs beyond the basics. He knows what they are more than we do according to Matthew 6:7-8. When I wonder whether a want is truly a need I can ask Him for it and let Him decide if it is a necessity.

Clear as mud?

--- 2 ---

Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle have been gone all week on a missions trip. It's been awfully quiet around our house. Drama Queen has been here, but she's working. At first we were like PARTY TIME!, but now we kinda miss those boogers. They come home tomorrow. YAY!

But one advantage to having kids gone is the little cleaning that needs to take place as a result. Shoes aren't scattered all over the kitchen. No books or electronics are left laying around in the living room. I've saved money on groceries and don't have as much laundry.

But still . . . they're not here . . . sniff. How in the world will I have enough material for the Quick Takes?!

--- 3 ---

My mother-in-law gave me some furniture polish. It does a remarkable job of bringing out the beauty in the wood and even seems to repel dust. My only problem is it has no smell. Nothing! I have a hard enough time mustering up the oomph to actually clean, but when my house doesn't smell clean after I've exerted the effort, well, it just doesn't seem worth it, you know? I want to walk in the door and smell the clean and therefore have proof of my work.

Ugh. Now I have a new dilemma. Do I go for beauty and cleanliness or for the impression of clean in the aroma?

Yeah. I have a hard life.

--- 4 ---

Nothing says you're old like, "You're due for a colonoscopy." Guess who got to hear those words this week? Yeah. Ick.

--- 5 ---

Can anyone tell me where the term "pair of pants" comes from? It doesn't really make sense to me. Yes, it is a pair of pant legs, but they're not separate. You can't buy one pant leg. You have to buy the whole thing which is really just one article of clothing so why do we call it a PAIR?

--- 6 ---

I've been making a lot of guacamole at home lately and Drama Queen and Ladies Man asked if I could get them the same tools I have so they can make it themselves when they move to college. I was happy to oblige, but got to wondering if maybe Drummer Boy might want them too. He's the quintessential bachelor who eats one meal a day and Drama Queen thinks he subsists on fast food, never ever cooks and could care less about making his own guacamole, but I decided to ask him to be sure.

Drummer Boy (in pure DUH tone): Yeah! I'd like that. I'm trying to eat more organic.

Which is super funny since the first thing we saw when stopping at his apartment was a box of Captain Crunch, but I'm taking him at his word.

I already got your avocado slicer, Drummer Boy. Prepare to show your sister what you can do!

--- 7 ---

Soon the migration of my peeps will begin. Sigh. We already moved Drama Queen into her new place with my mom, though she won't actually live there for a couple weeks. Princess Dawdle starts school August 13th and we move Ladies Man to college on August 21st. I'm starting to think my house is going to be this quiet all the time. Princess Dawdle will still be here, but she's been known to disappear into her bedroom for hours at a time.

We're seeing a big change on our horizon and it's weird. Not terrible. Just weird. I've spent nearly a quarter of a century with kids (and LOTS of them) in my house. I've had more noise than I ever thought I could tolerate and now it's crickets and stillness. Again, not terrible. Just different. It's gonna take some getting used to.

So, come home and see us, my darling children! Don't let your mother become a cat lady.

(And if you've read this far, you're begging them to give me some fodder for these weekly updates too, aren't you? Kids, my readers need you. OBVIOUSLY.)

And that's all I got today, folks. Enjoy your weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

God isn't American

noreply@blogger.com (Tami) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

I've been contemplating wants versus needs lately. Which of my desires are truly needs and which are just things I want? It's an important question to consider because Philippians 4:19 tells us "God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." If something is truly a need, God promises to provide it.

I am bothered by the idea that needs are subjective. What I consider a need may not be considered so by someone else. I feel it a need to send my kids to college, yet the women I met in Uganda last summer would find that a luxury. They only needed to keep their kids fed. Can I count on God to provide funding for college? Business owners in America are told they need to have a website and internet presence to make it, but can the same be true of businessmen in Haiti? We Americans tell ourselves we have to "look the part" and maintain a certain image to succeed in our world, necessitating things from manicures to expensive clothing to state of the art facilities. There is some truth to it. I follow the reasoning myself. I buy new outfits for speaking gigs to look my best so I will be taken seriously. I color my hair so as not to be dismissed as old and out of date.

I want to believe that my American ideas are truly needs (and therefore things I can count on God to provide for me), but one thing eats at me.

God isn't American. Does He account for culture in determining needs? Does He view needs the same for all people? Does He consider where I live in His assessment of my needs?

I ask the question because I want some comfort when I have anxiety over money. I want to trust God will meet my needs, but don't know what qualifies as a need. Because God isn't American, does He view needs the same way I would?

I have no answers, friends, but would love to get your thoughts. Let's start a dialogue, people. What do you think?

Photo Credit: Denise Krebs