Up on the Roof

Praying God's Word in Suffering (2)

2009-10-22T12:20:00.002-05:00

God of Peace,

You have commanded me to not be anxious about anything. Remind me to make my requests known to You by prayer and supplication. Help me to make these requests with thanksgiving, for You have promised to guard my heart and mind, in Christ Jesus, with your peace - a peace that passes all understanding.

Cause me to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. May I put to practice those things I have learned, received, heard, and seen, so that You, God of peace, will be with me!

Make me content in whatever situation I am in - in any and every circumstance - for I can do all things through You. Give me strength! (Philippians 4)

God of Provision,

Assist me in obeying Your command to not be anxious about my life. Thank You for examples of Your provision and care in the world around me; You feed the birds of the air and clothe the grass of the field, and You consider my life to be of more value than these. Being anxious will not add a single hour to my span of life. Increase my faith! You are my heavenly Father, and You know what I need. Above all, help me to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, and to trust You to supply my needs. (Matthew 6)

Praying God's Word in Suffering (1)

2009-08-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

Sovereign God,

Cause me to rejoice in the hope of Your glory! But even more than that, may I rejoice in even my sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Thank You that Your love has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to me! Thank You that while I was an ungodly sinner, Christ died for me, to justify me from my sin and save me from Your wrath. (Romans 5)

Compassionate Father,

I praise You for Your Spirit, who helps me in my weakness! I do not know what to pray for as I ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words. And You who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for me according to Your will. And I know that for those who love You all things work together for good, for those who are called according to Your purpose. So what should I say to these things? If You are for me, who can be against me? Who can separate me from the love of Christ? Can tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No! In all these things I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. For I am sure that nothing in all creation will be able to separate me from Your love. (Romans 8)

Learning to Trust

2009-07-16T15:12:00.002-05:00

Shortly after Audrey was born, I was diagnosed with a rare blood-clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden. This is a genetic disorder, and most people who have it are heterozygous, meaning that one of their parents has FVL and has passed on a mutated gene. Being the overachiever that I am, BOTH of my parents have FVL and I have inherited the mutated gene from each of them (homozygous). Without scaring myself all over again, I'll just say that I'm at high risk (I think I read 30-140 fold) for several dangerous possibilities, including blood clots, stroke, and heart-attack. All three of my children will be heterozygous for Factor V.

Back in mid-May, Kevin and I went to see the new Henderson baby. On the way home my arm went numb and I felt close to passing out; I felt as if I couldn't breathe. We headed straight for the nearest emergency room and hung out there for lots of tests and monitoring. A few hours later we were sent home with no answers and a hefty bill. I followed up with my general practitioner's office and was made to feel that I had experienced a panic attack, which would be very strange, considering that I was on a date with my husband when this happened! I almost believed this diagnosis until I was telling my dad about it. He kept nodding and finally said that he'd had that happen two or three times. "One time I was getting some tea out of the refrigerator and woke up on the floor in a puddle of tea!" Of course, he didn't TELL anyone - crazy man! My mom has also had a TIA and said the symptoms were very similar.

Fast forward to last night, when Kevin and I were headed to bed. I had almost forgotten about the ER trip, other than the fact that the bill is on my cork board so I can remember to pay them something. The fingertips on my left hand had felt like they were asleep for a few hours, but I thought it might be from playing bass a bit earlier. We were in bed, chatting about this and that (okay, okay, I was chatting and Kevin was saying "uh huh" and probably hoping I would hush so he could sleep) when it hit me again.

As we both lay there, alternately praying out loud, I couldn't help but be afraid. What if something really happens? My family needs me. I want to live to see my grandchildren. I fought for some time to keep calm, breathe, and not think about the possibilities.

Sometime in the night a major storm rolled through. The lightening was so awesome that it kept our room lit almost constantly. Somewhere in that loud thunder I felt that God was rebuking me.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." ~ Job 38:1-4

Does God need me? Can I add anything to His purpose? If it is His will for me to suffer, or even to die, will He not still do all that He sovereignly decrees? I have seen in the lives of dear brothers and sisters that God does, indeed, work through tragedy. I have seen His provision for those who have lost much. How small my faith must be to know these things, to see His work, and to still doubt. If Christ is all I need, why do I grasp at control? Why do I cling to loved ones here on earth as if they are all that matters? They are a wonderful gift from God, but they belong to Him. He can do with them as He pleases, and whatever He pleases to do will be for my good and His glory.

I do believe this. God, help my unbelief! I trust in you and ask You for peace in the storm. I answer You with the words of Job:

Then Job answered the LORD and said: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." ~ Job 42:1-6

Memories from the Union University Music Department

2009-07-10T22:46:00.004-05:00

A Facebook status today caused me to recall some great memories from college. Here are some favorites.

There was the time that the entire music faculty was meeting in that classroom adjacent to the hallway we all bummed around in (Brownie points for the number...or the tonic, LOL!). Sam Mizell, oblivious to this fact, stood up and walked over to the barely cracked door. "Watch this," he said. He then lifted one leg in slow motion and executed a move he could have only gotten from watching too many Bruce Lee movies, complete with a loud cry of "Hi-YAH!" His leg forcefully kicked the door open, to the surprise of a room full of people who held his GPA in their hands. CLASSIC.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Voice boards were basically final exams for a voice student. Each student would pick a song from their repitore and perform it in front of the music faculty. Then the came the dreaded part - the teachers picked the second song. One semester there was this Berlioz song called "Villanelle." Three verses in French, all different. The tempo was allegretto, in cut time, with only a two-measure intro. I just knew they were going to pick that one. Dr. Roby, with his coffee-steam fogged glasses looked at me and smiled as it rolled off of Dr. Penny's lips.

I nodded to show that I understood the pain I was about to endure. Christa Friel, my ever vigilant accompanist, took that nod to mean "GO, WOMAN!" I had exactly two seconds to start singing. I started with the second verse. Then I sang the third verse. Then....I totally and completely made up a verse.

No one ever said anything about it. I either pulled it off, or they were gracious. I passed. The End.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During an afternoon (4:10!) recital, I sang a piece that had a huge pause between part A and part B. Dr. Roby told me to use facial expressions to indicate that the song was not finished. As I was wrapping up the first verse I spotted Chris Wann. He was sitting right under a spotlight and had turned his hat around backwards; leaning forward, he had his hands held out in front of him, ready to clap as obnoxiously as possible as soon as the final note faded. I have no idea how I managed to keep a straight face as his lone clapping filled the silent room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some fast funnies to end with...

Brad Bruhn and I got paired up for a class piano duet. During the performance, I finished the piece and Brad kept playing for a good two minutes.

Ben Clark got all the Proclamation guys in trouble for loudly whispering, "MARIA!" in the wrong place during West Side Story rehearsals.

Dr. Hartley accidentally had the Ninety-Nine Nuns in the Minnesota Monastery.

Anyone have others to share?

Adventures in Homemaking

2009-07-05T16:03:00.005-05:00

Who says it's boring to be a stay-at-home mom? Where else can you see...

...a boy sleeping in his pillowcase?

...exploded potatoes (on July 4th, no less; I thought the neighbors had some incredible fireworks!)?

...a for-real shiner (he lost a fight with the side of the swimming pool)?

...a MATER cake (Happy Birthday, my big 4-year-old!)?

...kids making homemade ice-cream, and...

...eating it?

...homemade yogurt dripping whey over a sink (looks nasty but it tasted great)?

...a yogurt-eating dinosaur?

And now for a couple of pics from the Navy Lake fireworks show. Audrey and "Grandma #3," Ms. Teri:

Daddy and Audie

Daddy and Katie

Baby Shower Devotion 3 - Moses and Parenting

2009-07-05T15:01:00.005-05:00

Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23

How to Respond When Your Child Sins Against You:
A Lesson From the Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering

I. Introduction

Quote from Jay Younts in Everyday Talk:
“Moses was charged with leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. God handed Moses an infant nation that was virtually born as it passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Israel could not feed herself, she could not defend herself, she did not know how to what was right. The job of raising Israel to maturity fell to Moses.”

The relationship between Moses and the Israelites is a useful study for parents. Let’s look at some ways in which the Israelites were like our own little ones.

II. God’s Top Two for Children - Obedience and Honor (Ephesians 6:1-2)

The Israelites promised to obey - “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’” Exodus 24:7

A. Disobedience

1. The Manna Hording Incident
“And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:19-20

2. The “I Told You Not To Go There” Incident
“Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the LORD. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country. And the LORD said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the LORD, but the LORD did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.” Deuteronomy 1:41-45

B. Disrespect (via Complaining)

1. Pick A Chapter, Any Chapter
Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3; Numbers 11:1, 20:2-5

2. The Carnivorous Incident
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6

3. The Worthless Food Incident
“…the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’” Numbers 21:4-5

(Do these examples sound familiar? You might want to remind your children that these incidents of complaint and ingratitude were rewarded by plague and fiery serpents!)

C. The scriptures record that Israel was also guilty of self-centeredness and self-pity. Lack of self-control was displayed by frequent weeping and angry outbursts towards Moses. Exodus 18 records Moses’ everyday duties - giving advice and settling disputes from morning until night (sound familiar?). There is one major difference in Moses and you, though….Moses did this for forty years!

III. Our Primary Concern Drives Our Reaction

A. Moses’ Good Reaction to the Golden Calf Incident
“But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, ‘O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’ And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.” Exodus 32:11-14

“So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” Deuteronomy 9:25

(See also a similar reaction to the We Won’t Go Incident in Numbers 14:13-19)

B. Moses’ Excellent Reaction to the “Enter the Land, But I’m Not Coming” Incident
“‘Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:13-18

IV. Closing Remarks

Moses’ desire was for the honor, reputation, and glory of God. He was not concerned for himself. Of course, we know that Moses was a sinful person, as we all are. He did not always respond in a way that pleased God. You can read about Moses’ sinful reactions in the Just Kill Me Now Incident (Numbers 11:11-15) and the We’re Thirsty Again Incident (Numbers 20:6-12). That final one cost Moses the moment he had looked forward to for so long - crossing into the Promised Land.

If we truly believe that our children are sinners from birth, it should not surprise us when they sin. Rather, we should expect and plan for those difficult times. This will allow us to focus on God’s glory and our child’s need of a Savior rather than on our own hurt, embarrassment, and inconvenience. We must realize that the root of all sin is directed towards God. “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8

Finally, let these promises encourage you.

God Himself will comfort you:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17

He will be with you:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

And He will equip you:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3

Everyday Talk, Chapter 5

2009-07-05T14:38:00.002-05:00

The good folk at Shepherd Press have sent me a review copy of Broken-Down House. Of course, I haven't been moving at the speed of light around here lately, and I'm not quite in the middle of Everyday Talk. So, what to do? I think I will try to finish what I've started, then move on to the new book, praying that I'll find more than five minutes here and there to do so!

Chapter 5 is entitled "Don't Be Ordinary." This chapter had a profound impact on me, bringing me to repentance. The basic thought is that our children are born sinners. They will sin against us. So how will we respond? Jay gives several ordinary options: despair, anger, avoidance, self-pity, or ignoring the problem altogether ("just get over it"). For me, it wasn't a matter of which response I am prone to give, but more a matter of which response I will give THIS time. I am guilty of all of these.

Although I do believe total depravity in theory, I must still struggle with it in practice. Sin, in myself or in others, always catches me off guard. Of course my children will sin against me....but wait! WHY, OH WHY, did my precious BABY just sin against me? Of course I am a sinner....but wait! I am such an IDIOT to sin in that way AGAIN! (After all, I *am* better than that, you know.)

All of this is a powerful reminder that parenting is for ME. Dealing with sinful behavior, both in myself and in my children, is clearly displaying my own weakness and Christ's sufficiency. My children are also an in-your-face, all-day-long picture of the amazing love the Father has for us. Just like my kids, I repeat the same sins over and over, yet He forgives. May I be like Him!

Finally, the middle section of this chapter deals with Moses and the Israelites as an example in parenting. This line of thinking was excellent, and timely for me as I was asked to write another baby shower devotional. With all credit going to Jay (THANKS!!!), I'd like to reprint the devotional here as a separate post, as it seems I get a few visitors every week looking for this type of material.

Crazy-Good Savings for July 1-7, 2009

2009-07-02T17:39:00.003-05:00

Here are my top-favorite buys for Kroger this week. Coupons (loadable and printable) can be obtained from the links in the right margin of this blog, or from your Sunday paper. If you are using Shortcuts or P&G for the first time, you will need to register your Kroger Plus card. Kroger in Atoka will take both loadable and paper coupons for the same item!

Aussie Hair Product - $2 off from P&G Loadable

Pantene Hair Product (Restoratives or Expressions) - $1 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (newspaper)

Pringles - $.50 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (GET TWO)

General Mills Cereal - on sale for $2.19; $.55 off Shortcuts Loadable (Lucky Charms); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Banana Nut Cheerios); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Cheerios); $.75 off Kroger Printable (MultiGrain Cheerios)

Yo Plus Yogurt 4 pk. - $1.00 off Shortcuts Loadable; $1.00 off 6/7 SmartSource (newspaper)

French's Mustard - $1 off 6/21 SmartSource

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip - $.75 off 6/21 SmartSource

Nabisco Snack Crackers - 5/17 SmartSource (coupon is for buy Ritz, get Wheat Thins free)

Goldfish Crackers - on sale for $1

Northwest Cherries (fresh) - on sale for $2 lb.

EDITED TO ADD:

Next time I'll probably wait until I get done shopping to post the best buys. Here are some comments after purchasing most of the above....

Aussie Shampoo was $3.49, so I got it for $1.49.

Pantene Shampoo was over $5 so I didn't bother.

I paid $.50 each for the cans of Pringles.

Cereals - Lucky Charms was $1.64; Cherrios and Banana Nut Cherrios were $1.09 each; MultiGrain Cheerios was $1.44.

Yo Plus Yogurt was $.59.

Decided to get French's Honey Mustard for the same bargain - $.49.

Didn't get the Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip because I didn't need mayo and the coupon was for mayo only. (Miracle Whip, I'll catch you for a good price yet!)

Nabisco Snack Crackers - this was an especially good buy. The Ritz Crackers were just under $2 and the Wheat Thins were FREE.

Goldfish Crack, I mean, Crackers, are eaten in vast amounts at Casa Hinton, so I got five bags. They may last the week.

And Kevin has already thanked me profusely for his favorite, Northwest Cherries.

I got a couple of other fantastic bargains - Dr. Seuss toothbrushes for the kids (by Oral B) were $1 each, marked down from $3 each. I also had a BOGO coupon for Reach Adult Toothbrushes, which were on sale for $1.99 each.

Clearasil face cleansers were on clearance and I had a coupon for $2 off, so I got some face wash for $1.84.

Aaaaaand there you have it.

Percentage saved: 39%

$$ Saved: $88.28

Diapers and Chocolate

2009-06-20T09:17:00.003-05:00

Now that I have your attention, allow me to share two great deals!

Free Chocolate

Get a free Mars candy bar or M&Ms every Friday! Each household can get up to four.

Cheap Diapers

Click on Hot Summer Savings With Online Coupons.

Select the coupon for $3 off Kroger Comforts Diapers.

You have to install the coupon printer unless you have already done so.

You can print two coupons. They did this last month, too, so hopefully they'll keep giving out two coupons per month. At the Kroger Atoka, they will take Internet coupons up to $1 BUT this is a Kroger STORE coupon (NOT a manufacturer's coupon), so they WILL take it.

Oh, and you can only use ONE of these coupons per trip, so print two, use one now, and then use one next time.

Everyday Talk, Chapter 4

2009-06-11T12:21:00.006-05:00

Three months later.....(sorry!)

I found this chapter to be especially helpful for applying a specific scripture in a practical manner. The first concept is presented as a graphic and demonstrates how God has established parental authority. This is a visual breakdown of Ephesians 6:1-4. Our directions are, as the chapter title suggests, "Holy Directions" because they are "set apart." The directions of a Christian parent are fundamentally different from those of an unbelieving parent, primarily because a Christian has a higher authority behind him. "Do this because I told you to do it" gives way to "do this because I am your God-given authority and He has commanded that you obey me." (Now I will laugh every time I see one of those cheesy signs that say, "Because I'm the mother, that's why.") For a parent, this is both freeing and binding. Freedom comes from knowing we are leaning on God's higher authority, but the weight of our responsibility is all too clear. We must consider our commands before we throw them out there.

Next, we are asked to consider how we give directions. Do we expect to be obeyed? Of course! But I easily find myself slipping into some of the wrong examples that Jay gives. The encouragement here is to give direct, clear instruction in a pleasant tone of voice, expecting to be obeyed. So easy, so hard! I do love this quote: "God wants your children to obey you because it pleases Him and blesses them." Children MUST obey (Ephesians 6:1). In our home, I constantly tell my children that they cannot do this in their own strength, but that they can pray that God will assist them. We are then reminded that the only God-pleasing response is a pleasant affirmative (Philippians 2:14).

The author then introduces Proverbs 16:20-24, noting poetic structure that was likely employed. This was especially interesting to me and was expounded upon at the end of the chapter. This poetic structure would place special emphasis on vs. 22: "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools." Skipping ahead a bit, vs. 20-21 and 23-24 give the subject matter (listening to instruction and trusting in the LORD) and how this instruction should be delivered (with pleasant words, in a discerning manner). There is much more to be uncovered in these verses; this is just a taste of the riches found in God's word!

A few more needed insights to remember:

Cooperation based on negotiation and mutual advantage is not obedience. Obedience is willing submission to authority.
The parent is the one to blame when she does not see to it that she is obeyed the first time.
Anger, manipulation, threats, and bribes will not get the job done.
Pleasant words promote instruction!

Finally, Jay brings hope to those who despair from previous failures. He encourages us to turn to God for help, seeking His word to form our methods.

I will admit that I am not a big fan of questions at the end of chapters. I often find that the questions the author asks have typical "Sunday School" answers. But the questions at the end of this chapter were worth my time to reflect upon. In short:

1. Do I repeat commands?
2. Do I excuse disobedience?
3. What are my "hot buttons"?
4. What is the effect of angry words on my children....and on me?

2009 Sonlight Catalog

2009-03-27T14:17:00.002-05:00

Look who made page 135!

Funny Memories

2009-03-20T18:25:00.001-05:00

I love this video of Owen. He was less than a week old. In case you are wondering, he does NOT snore like this anymore.

More Rambling About Neutral Influences

2009-03-17T17:56:00.004-05:00

My friend Christie recently commented on a blog post about Everyday Talk (ch. 1). After spending some time studying the scriptures she reminded me of, I started sketching. Now, over a week later, I am not sure if this even makes sense to anyone but myself, and I humbly acknowledge it's probably all mixed up and wrong. But here is what I am thinking:

(I think I am making WAY too much of this.)

I'll try to get Chapter Four typed out soon. This high-speed thing makes it MUUUUCH easier!!!

Bananas and Catechisms

2009-03-17T14:36:00.002-05:00

In honor of my new high-speed life, I would like to submit a few videos!

This is a typical breakfast at Casa Hinton (although I usually ask the questions). By his response to "Who were our first parents?", I think Owen has been watching a little too much WALL-E.

Don't Touch the Yogurt

2009-03-17T14:30:00.000-05:00

And for all those who watched the catechism video and thought my kids are perfect angels, I give you the OTHER SIDE of breakfast.

Escape from Appleberry

2009-03-14T12:53:00.004-05:00

The night Audrey was born, Kevin and I watched "Escape from Alcatraz." This is proving to be a theme in Audrey's life. Previously, I assumed that Owen's dangerous antics would be the death of me. But Audrey is definitely in the running.

Yesterday afternoon I was busy cooking dinner for my family plus our new pastor, who is in town this weekend. Everything was (mostly) under control; after a quick peek at the kids, I made a quick trip to the bathroom. All three of my children were glued to Looney Tunes when I left, but when I returned less than three minutes later, Audrey was gone. I walked through the house calling her but didn't find her. Katie and Owen had no idea where she was. At this point I wasn't too worried because the doors were locked...and there was no way she could go out the window. COULD SHE?!?!

Panic started rising as I ran to the living room. A previous tear in the window screen was now a huge HOLE, but I kept thinking 1)it would be crazy-hard for her to climb up and out, and 2)if she did, she'd just be in the sandbox. I didn't see her through the window, though, so I flew out the carport door.

The Scene of the "Crime"

My next-door-neighbor was walking up my driveway with Audrey. She had seen her...standing in the road. Appleberry is a through-street and is fairly busy. We also have problems with people speeding and hot-rodding in front of our house. God was so gracious to watch over my sweet girl. She had apparently walked barefoot down our driveway, down the road, and then stood at the end of our neighbor's driveway until she was spotted. Although I was only in the bathroom for a couple of minutes, I had spent a few more searching the house, so I am not sure how long she was actually in the road. But do I know that it was long enough for her life to be in jeapordy, and I know that God protected her.

Owen found a huge square of screen in the floor. What a Houdini!!!

Why is there an ox on the roof?

2009-03-11T22:27:00.005-05:00

Many people have asked about my alias, so here is the story.

Le Bouef sur le Toit (The Ox on the Roof) is a 1920's French ballet written by the composer Darius Milhaud. When I was working in the music library at the University of Memphis almost ten years ago, I wanted to register for a Geocities webpage but couldn't come up with a username that wasn't already taken. I looked over at a stack of books I was processing and there it was - a hardback entitled The Ox on the Roof by James Harding. I typed in the title and amazingly enough, it was available. :-)

After using this moniker for a while, I discovered the inspiration behind Milhaud's choice of title. It turned out to be pretty funny! The story goes that there was some guy living in Paris in the 1920's who had TONS of junky yard ornaments, all around (and even on top of) his house. His neighbors got a petition together to make him remove all the junk. It is said that by the time the French legislators got around to doing something about it, an iron calf up on the roof had grown to be an OX!

Strangely enough, I didn't remember until years later that I own a book containing a chapter by that same name - Laura Ingalls Wilder's On the Banks of Plum Creek. (Laura's Ma had to chase an ox off the roof of their sod house.)

Baby Shower Devotion 2 - Psalm 23

2009-02-23T09:49:00.007-06:00

Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting

Baby Shower Devotion 2 - Psalm 23

I. Introduction - God’s word is rich! Just one chapter of scripture can bring encouragement and discipline throughout our entire life.

A. Childhood memorization of Psalm 23 (This is a popular memorization passage.)
B. Historical perspective of Psalm 23 (What do shepherds do? How do sheep act? What was the land like in that area?)
C. Psalm 23 for comfort in difficult circumstances (Frequently cited at funerals, this passage has brought much comfort to my own life in times of great physical suffering.)
D. Relating Psalm 23 to mothering (Just as the LORD is our shepherd, we are called to shepherd our children. We can gain insight from studying how God shepherds us.)

II. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Definition: want - need, lack, be without, fall short of

I will not fall short of my responsibilities in mothering if I look to Christ as the source of my strength (I Peter 1:3). My children will have their physical and spiritual needs met by Christ working through me, even when I sin or face physical challenges.

III. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
Definition: makes - causes or compels (God causes the action of rest.)
Definition: still - not or hardly moving; calm and tranquil

A. I should make my children rest, both physically and in activities (BUT, avoid legalism!)
B. I should strive to feed my family well (BUT, avoid legalism!)
C. I should keep my children safe (BUT, avoid legalism!)

Ask your husband to help you know what is the "middle ground" for your family!

IV. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Definition: restores - brings back to the original state by rebuilding or repairing; brings back to health; gives back to the original owner
Definition: leads - causes to go with one, especially by guiding or going in front of

A. I should help my children recognize their sin in order that God may bring them to repentance and restore their souls.
B. I should lead in righteousness by example, being honest about my own sin and modeling walking in righteousness.
C. All of this should be “for His name’s sake.” To God alone be the glory!

Everyday Talk - Chapter 3

2009-02-23T08:50:00.003-06:00

Last week was very busy and this one promises to be even more so....but I will make an attempt to keep this going. My pattern is to read a chapter and then blog about it, because I know if I read ahead the blogging will never happen.

Backtracking just a bit, Jay *almost* had me convinced about the "no neutral influences" until last Sunday...when our interim pastor said the OPPOSITE from the pulpit. ;-) It was humorous when Anthony made that point in his sermon; Kevin started poking me and I had to try not to laugh! I can agree that there are no neutral MOTIVES, but I'm still on the fence about INFLUENCES. There are too many examples that I would personally consider to be neutral until right or wrong motives of an individual person are factored in.

Okay, on to chapter three. The basic idea of this brief chapter is that we do not listen to our children in a God-pleasing way much of the time. Although official "parentspeak" is not the norm around here, I do find myself passively listening or nodding. The encouragement to be more attentive to my children's words was appreciated. I especially liked this quote:

"It is much easier to speak first, thinking you will listen later. But often, speaking first means loosing the opportunity to listen at all."

Now, if you have smallish children, or a particularly talkative child, there are occasions in which the talking must be silenced! Children need to learn to please God with their words. Obviously I would stop child A from calling child B "stupidhead." But I would also encourage my children to consider their listener, and to refrain from babbling all day about things of no value.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4

Some examples:

If I have a friend over for coffee, she probably does not want to hear the plot of an entire read-aloud book, or a play-by-play of a recently watched Looney Tunes episode or two (or three or four or five). A few minutes of this is understandable, but some children can go on for a very, very long time. Trust me on this one.

If the baby just fell and halfway busted her front tooth out with much screaming and blood, I probably don't care that some unicorns have rainbow tails and can fly.

Controlling my tongue is a sin that I have struggled with my entire life, and my prayer is that I can lead my children to bring glory to God with their words. I also desire for them to grow in the areas of self-control and consideration for others (kindness, love). This of course does not mean that my child is not allowed to babble about whether Spider Man could beat up Darth Vader "in real life." It just means that I want him to have some consideration for his audience.

Granted, I must listen to know when to silence.

Prayer

2009-02-11T21:27:00.002-06:00

Prayer has always been a weak area of my life, although the Spirit has been merciful to send help my way in the past few years! As I grew up, I never got beyond the thrice-daily mealtime prayers and supplication for ailing friends and family. When my friend Christi came to Unity, she began visiting my house every week for prayer time. After admitting to her that I wasn't even sure HOW to pray, she modeled God-pleasing prayer for me. It was a beautiful time that I will always cherish. (Christi, if you are reading this, I miss you!)

Then a few years ago, Kevin purchased "Valley of Vision" for me. I began praying these beautiful Puritan prayers, as well as praying through straight scripture. I studied the Lord's Prayer after an issue of Table Talk was devoted to that subject. And I also began writing down my own prayers, in short sentences, to focus my thoughts and make an attempt at giving God my best words.

This has become an important practice for me to teach my children. From the time they were very young, we prayed with them. Kevin prays over each child every single night when he tucks them into bed. After growing tired of my children's desire to chant "God is great" at every meal, I worked out this little bit:

Our Father in heaven,
Make Your name holy.
Bring us Your kingdom,
Provide for our needs.
Forgive all our sins,
Help us forgive others,
And when we are tested
Protect us from evil.
Amen.

But sometimes...more often than not...THEY DON'T WANT TO PRAY! If I tell them I will help them, they still shake their heads. The eldest is the instigator, I am certain. If this little one would be compliant, the "youngers" would follow. But I do not feel it is wise to say, "yes, you ARE praying!" Usually I do not make a big deal out of it and I pray instead, being careful to include something to the effect of, "God, help Katie and Owen WANT to talk to You."

Also, since we are on the subject, I will type out a prayer I wrote for my children based on the prayer of Christ in John 17. (Yes, yes, I know this isn't a parallel application, but I found it to be helpful in my own life since Christ was praying for those under His care.)

Holy Father,

You have given my children to me, and they belong to You. Help me to manifest (show plainly, clearly, obviously) Your name to them, to make Your name known to them, and to continue to make Your name known to them. May these little ones come to know You not only intellectually, but also with affection and commitment. Keep them in Your name that they may be one, and that by their unity the world will believe that Christ was sent by You.

Assist me in giving to these children Your words of truth. Cause them to receive these words and know in truth that You sent Christ. Sanctify (set apart for holy service) me for their sake, and sanctify them in truth, for Your word is truth.

Burden me to pray for my children. Keep them from evil, and impress upon my heart an urgency in guarding them.

May they have Christ's joy fulfilled in themselves. Amen.

Everyday Talk - Chapter 2

2009-02-11T20:53:00.003-06:00

The first thing addressed in this chapter, without actually using this specific phrase, is total depravity as applies to children. I have no problem with this. HAVE YOU READ MY BLOG? It seems some days that my children are out to prove this doctrine single-handedly.

So, moving along, it is mentioned that some parents can believe we are all born sinners and as a result move in the entirely opposite direction. These parents are rather cynical about any confession their child makes, taking the "wait and see" approach. As I thought about this, I wondered...does it matter if we, the parent, have absolute assurance of our child's salvation? This probably sounds crazy, but it seems that my responsibility to my child does not change after effectual calling. The gospel is not just for one moment in time. It is life! Every day! I need that beautiful gospel now just as much as I did the hour I first believed. Don't get me wrong - it would be nice to "know." Actually, it's a bit of a necessity for us Baptiterians. But my responsibility to point my children to Christ as the relief from the misery of sin, both in His perfect life and His atoning death, is the same on either side of conversion.

With that in mind, what a blessing to see the gospel simply presented within these pages. One can never know who might pick up this book, right? I also LOVE the section about God providing faith, and the question, "What do your children think the gospel is?" In my heart and mind I know all of these things, but my prayer is that I will put it into practice by consistance in discipline and instruction. Kevin and I are both fairly calm people (I think I've seen Kevin angry ONCE....EVER....), but I do occasionally deal with internal anger or irritation stemming from selfishness.

Next, can I delight in my children when they have poor behavior? Whew! That's a tough one. I do still love them, but I'll have to think about DELIGHTING in them. (It does provide for some humorous blogging on occasion.)

I believe that legalistic, works-based thinking is as natural as breathing, even after conversion. I do it all the time. "Why can't I stop running my mouth about things that aren't even my business?" I am so proud that I actually believe I'm "better than that." In reality, I am a wicked, sinful woman and I should be running to Christ!

Lastly, I have some thoughts on prayer, but they must wait for another post. The dishes are calling...

Everyday Talk - Finishing Chapter 1

2009-02-11T20:26:00.004-06:00

(I am quickly realizing that this excersize is much more helpful for myself than for "The Author," aka "Columbo," aka "my buddy Jay.")

First, a couple of thoughts from the comments on chapter 1:

I agree completely with the conclusions drawn from the two questions. Yes, we would certainly act differently if Christ were physically present in our homes every day. And yes, the scripture teaches that God is with us in a very real way NOW. What we should be asking is this: What is the MOTIVE behind how I spend time with my children each day and the activities I choose for them?

There are a few specific influences listed in chapter 1 to get the reader started in evaluating their children's daily activities. "Playing with friends" is one, for example. This could easily fall into the negative OR postive category, depending on the choice of the playmates. So some influences have the potential to be postive OR negative. But what about another example, "riding the bus"? Just riding the bus seems...neutral. Unless, of course, you consider WHO the child is riding beside. (There are actually some of us who think it is ridiculous to wake a four-year-old at 5:30 to catch the bus at 6:20, so they can ride around for an hour, sitting next to whomever they choose, or whoever chooses to sit beside them.)

Kevin pointed out physical necessities at possible neutral influences, but then there is the whole "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

All that being said...do you think it is possible to draw every single thing in our lives to point towards Christ, every moment of every day, at least while we are still alive in this fallen creation? What about folding the laundry? What about riding your bike? WHAT ABOUT WORD TWIST?!?! (LOL!)

Okay, enough of chapter 1. On to chapter 2!

Audrey

2009-02-10T22:56:00.002-06:00

I rarely post about my baby. Third-born children are so neglected! Let's see...

Audrey loves to make faces:

Audrey is very silly (yes, those are pants):

If Audrey is having fun, she doesn't care if she does a face-plant in the dirt:

Audrey is...FEARLESS!

Everyday Talk by John A. Younts - Chapter 1

2009-02-09T15:29:00.002-06:00

I’d like to spend a bit of time blogging through a book I am currently reading. This is not really a book review, as others much wiser than I have already taken care of that sort of thing. My attempts at sharing my thoughts are for the possible small benefit to the kind person who gave me this book, as well as for my hoards of regular readers. ;-) Apologies in advance for the sporadic nature of my posting; my crazy life often gets in the way of blogging.

Chapter 1 - Stupid Rain

Any parenting book worth its salt will, at some point, quote the Shema from Deuteronomy 6. This book wastes no time! I especially appreciated the reminder of context; this command was given at the brink of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. God was revealing the seriousness of remembering Him, reverencing Him, and teaching the next generation to do the same.

From the next section I gleaned some important questions to be asking myself:

1. What is so important to me that I think about it all day?
2. What do I talk about NOW?
3. Do I realize that I am already communicating to my children where my priorities lie by what I talk about and do all day?

On a personal note, what do my children observe when God is calling me to “love the unlovely?” Or how about my selfish demands of “me time?” Are my children an interruption of my To Do list (because we know how important it is to keep the house sparkling clean at ALL TIMES)? Do I act differently when others (not immediate family) are around to observe my words and actions?

When I first read the “stupid rain” conversation, the timing couldn’t have been better. I had been looking forward to a particular event for weeks, and our babysitter backed out at the last minute. It was a fabulous pity-party! I moped out to check the mail and this book was sitting in the mailbox. Admittedly, it perked my spirits a bit to get a gift….until I read the first few pages! After all, it was ultimately God’s fault that we had no sitter, right? My response was sending a loud, clear signal, not only to my children, but to my husband as well. I was placing my joy in something temporal.

Now for a bit of uncertainty. The author makes several references to Satan in this chapter. Acknowledging my probable lack of understanding regarding Satan, I feel that he need not waste his time on me. I do a fantastic job of sinning without any help from Satan. Even in my worst trials I have never felt oppressed enough to say that I was under attack from Satan; my oppression came from my own sin. Again, I am likely showing my ignorance regarding supernatural issues.

How beautiful that scripture compares the godly instruction of parents to “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:9)! This insight was meaningful to me in how I approach discipline and instruction. Presentation affects reception…how true!

My favorite quote in this chapter: “If you don’t spend time thinking about God, you won’t have much to say about God.”

(Side note that I observed at this point in my reading - I really like the author’s use of several translations of scripture. This gives me a fuller picture of the intent of the original writer.)

Finally, the author talks about the influences that press upon our children each day. I am blessed to say that I have MUCH influence in the lives of my children; I stay home with them, educate them, play with them, etc. But WOW! What a responsibility!

Also, I am not 100% convinced that there are no “neutral influences.” It seems that for this to be true, we would have to assign spiritual meaning to every single thing that happens all day. Granted, some things that I might consider neutral could be used in a positive way, such as riding in the van. We could ride in silence, which to me would be neutral. We could argue the whole time, which would be negative. Or we could talk about what we studied that morning in the book of Ruth, which would be positive.

But no neutral influences? And, could something that is positive for one family be negative for another (and no, I am not advocating relativism!)? For example, take this list of potential influences:

Watching an ungodly TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an ungodly TV program for a short amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a short amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program (Veggie Tales? LOL!) for a lengthy amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program for a short amount of time
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba (TOTALLY MINDLESS) for a lengthy amount of time (this could land you in a mental institution, people)
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba for a short amount of time (still not recommended!)
Not having a TV at all in your home

Can you sort these into positive and negative? Can you do this for all of your friends’ families, as well?

Okay, I realize that I am WAAAAY overanalyzing this, but my crazy brain works that way. Regardless of whether or not an influence can be neutral, this chapter was valuable for providing me with tools of evaluation in my parenting, as well as fodder for “Jenny’s Crazy Theology.”

Hopefully I will have time to get rolling on the next chapter very soon.

Can I get some tots with that?

2009-01-26T17:50:00.003-06:00

Every day after lunch, Katie and Owen go with me to put Audrey down for a nap. We sing her two bedtime songs: "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" (Owen's favorite) followed by "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (Audrey's favorite). Every time we sing that last line, "how I wonder what you are," she pulls her fingers out of her mouth and sings, "Up-a bubba bubba bye" to get us to sing the last half again. This can go on for SOME TIME, as all three of my children are masters of putting sleep off for as long as possible.

But I love the kids' version of "Come Thou Fount."

Katie - "Let Thy goodness like a feather bind my wandring heart to Thee."

Owen - "Teach me some mewodious Sonic, sung by fwaming tongues above."

Exciting News!

2009-01-26T09:35:00.005-06:00

A Talented Friend

2009-01-11T23:15:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine is about to become a stay-at-home mom to a sweet little baby boy...and we have been waiting for this boy for a very long time! To assist with the inevitable income gap and to give her an outlet for her amazing creativity, her husband invested in a top-of-the-line camera. Below, and on my new profile picture, you will find just a few results from our latest sitting. If you are interested, email me and I will get you in contact with her. She is extremely reasonable - and we ALL know that I am frugal! Did I mention that she is great with kids, and comes with a husband/sidekick who takes candids during the shoot? Actually, I think that he took most of the ones below! But I'll load more when I have time.

Catching Up

2008-12-25T23:39:00.000-06:00

At some point I had wonderful posts all blogged out in my mind for the following activities. And those posts are still there - in my mind. Since most of these events took place months ago, and since today is Christmas with many more fun things to blog upon, I need to just move on. But not before a token picture and comment for the Ghost of Blog Posts Past!

First we have a trip to Valentine Park, with an autumn walk in the woods:

Soon after we made one last trip to the Memphis Zoo before our yearly membership expired. This is Audrey, who honestly believed she had escaped from me in "Once Upon a Farm."

Another highlight was the birth of Isaac, my sweet new nephew. Over 9 lbs. but supposedly three weeks early! LOL!

Couldn't pass up this cute one of the cousins!

Catching Up, Part 2

2008-12-25T23:29:00.000-06:00

Katie has a very keen sense of smell.

I promise I'm not playing favorites; Owen just does funny stuff all the time! Just like his Daddy, that boy. First, a cute one:

Next....Owen thinks he's a guitar!

And I just had to include this one. It is funny on it's own, but even funnier when you know the context. Owen got NEW SHOES. LOL!

I love this one because it is so typical! She is "screamy," but sweet.

Catching Up, Part 3

2008-12-25T23:19:00.000-06:00

These are the last of the photos I had formatted, but I'd better get busy. I have some sweet footage of my sister in a dinosaur costume and my dad in a wig. (That's how my side of the family rolls at Christmas.)

Kevin had a great birthday, complete with a blackberry cobbler (thanks for the recipe, Ms. Teri!) and an Andrew Peterson "Behold the Lamb of God" CD (if you do not own this you MUST get it for next Christmas!!!) Katie and I serenaded him with some "opera" to end his evening. (Okay, so it was "Amarilli, mia bella," which is technically an art song, but Katie thinks she's singing opera. LOL!)

We always make a trip to the Munford Christmas Parade. This year we ran into our friends and neighbors Lisa (the fantastic beautician) and Anthony, which made the evening even better!

And since Lisa and family went out of town for Christmas this year, we "cat sat." Here are my kids with Santa Screech and his brother, Nosey:

Merry Christmas to all my blog-reading friends!

Odds and Ends

2008-12-25T23:06:00.002-06:00

Katie had to write a persuasive letter for her Language Arts. She had to decide who she wanted to persuade, what she wanted to persuade them to do, and make an appeal to both emotion and logic. Here is what she settled on. She wanted to persuade Kevin to let her STAY with Grandma. Meaning, live with her. Her appeal to emotion included the fact that she loves Grandma and has fun with her. Of course this is logical, because she promised that she would obey and not ask to go shopping. Best of all, she told Kevin, "You and Mama can go on lots of dates."

After she wrote the letter, she was watching Looney Tunes and informed me that Michagan J. Frog is very persuasive. (Michagan J. is the singing frog who always stops performing when put in front of an audience.) After all, he sings, "So bay-be, come on, and tell me I'm your oooooowwwwnnnn!" Come ON! Tell me I'm your own!

And in other news, we had a crazy squirrel try to get into the house last week. He kept trying to jump through the French doors. Then he came back a couple of hours later and did it again. Weird!

Finally, in case you didn't know, Wendy is McDonald's wife.

Sure, Owen can take a photo...

2008-12-19T09:18:00.001-06:00

...but he can't cut hair. So I'd say go with Lisa over Owen.

Taming of the Mane

2008-12-18T22:20:00.003-06:00

A while back I mentioned an awkward situation with the lady who cuts my hair. Since that time, the salon she works for raised their already high prices. So I've just been letting it grow. Okay, letting it GO is more like it.

Enter Lisa. Lisa belongs to my homeschool group and recently shared her secret past. When she quit work to be with her kiddos, she was traveling around the country doing hair shows and teaching salon owners how to run their businesses. She offered her fellow mommies "bathroom haircuts" for LESS THAN A THIRD of the price of the aforementioned salon. Could it get any better? Why, yes, yes it could. Instead of taking a beeper (old salon did not make appointments!) and waiting at my mother-in-law's house until I was summoned, I could drive THREE-FOURTHS of a mile down the road WITH my children in tow and get a fabulous haircut. As a bonus, Lisa's beautiful and sweet teen daughter fed my kids lunch! Incredible.

Normally I do not care for pictures of my mug on here, but for my curious friends I'd like to demonstrate Lisa's talents. And in the usual "before and after" fashion, I made sure to look pretty nasty in the "before" shot. *giggle*

Before

After (air drying and hitting a few spots with the curling iron)

Side View

Straight(er)

(Special thanks to my photographer, Owen.)

It's Wike Apple Juice

2008-12-11T12:22:00.005-06:00

Laundry is boring, so it was a change of pace to get some entertainment while matching socks this morning. Owen came into my bedroom and informed me:

"Mama, come quick. Dere's a quicket in the kitchen. Fust, I smacked it hawd. Den, it was dead. Den, some juice came out. Den, I get two papuh towels so I can get it. Come see it!"

"Juice, huh? Is it the cricket's blood?"

"Nope. It's dah yellow part, wike apple juice. It's wike apple juice."

"Okay, boy. I'll be there in a minute."

I tried not to look as he gave a play-by-play of the disposal, complete with descriptions of cricket limbs coming off of the body.

(Boys sure are curious creatures. Katie would die before she'd even get near cricket juice.)

Dog Food and Such

2008-12-07T16:00:00.000-06:00

So much has happened since my last post. Perfectionism tempts me to remain silent until I can properly catch up, but my kids continue to provide new material. Here's a few funny tidbits until I can get back in the swing of things:

Would You Pay for This Experience?

Kevin took us all out to dinner last night at a local seafood place. My son fell asleep in the van on the way there and had about a twenty minute nap. It is never a good thing when he awakens from these short excursions into REM. I thought Davey Jones had taken the helm by the time we were seated.

The waitress was kind and tried to stop the crying. Of course, the girls could not be outdone, so Audrey refused to go into the high chair and Katie spilled a full glass of Diet Coke all over the table and floor. But the Kind Waitress prevailed by serving hush puppies almost immediately. Munching replaced the tears and screams.

When we were about to leave, Owen asked, "Daddy? May I have some more...dog...food?" (Dog food = Hush puppies) *giggle*

Smells Like a Good One!

Last week's holiday afforded some Hinton family snuggle time. One morning Katie came and got into bed with Kevin and me. After all the usual morning conversation about dreams and such, Katie informed us that she knew how she was going to pick her husband. Her plan is to "line them all up and see what they smell like." The one who smells the best will win her hand in marriage. Kevin asked what she'd do if there was a very kind, handsome man who smelled like a girl. She quickly replied that she'd just have him lift up his neck so she could wipe the girl smell off, and then she'd give him some good-smelling man perfume.

She's Gonna Love This When She's Older

So, what do YOU do if you are picking your nose in your car and discover you have no tissue? (Please, this is RHETORICAL, people.) Katie has the answer. She informed me last week that she had "picked out a booger and then put it back."

Super Hyper

*NOTE - The views expressed by Katie Hinton do not reflect the doctrinal views of her family or church home.*

Katie would NOT eat her dinner one night. I began to talk to her about how she was being ungrateful and disrespectful as her refusal was also very, ahem, vocal. To which she replied, "It's OKAY, Mama. It's okay if I eat like this." I asked why she thought it was okay for her to complain about her dinner every night. Her answer? "Because Jesus made me a sinner!" My friend Chris said she bet I was digging out that catechism book! Actually, I was so distracted with correcting her that I think she got out of eating her veggies. Don't worry, Katie honey. I am onto you!

Warning to the Wicky

2008-11-20T15:15:00.002-06:00

Catechism question #23 (Owen is currently working on this one.)

Did Adam and Eve stay holy and happy?
No. They sinned against God

Catechism question #41 (Way past where Owen is, but he's heard Katie answer it.)

Is God pleased with those who do not love and obey him?
No. ‘God is angry with the wicked every day'

So, this morning I asked Owen, "Did Adam and Eve stay holy and happy?"

He answered, "No, He's mad with the wicky ev'wy day."

Old Red

2008-11-20T14:52:00.002-06:00

My friend Shannon emailed me this week to tell me that their family dog had died. Old Red's story is pretty incredible. Shaun and Shannon got Red when they still lived in Tennessee. The dog made the move with their family to Alabama, and by God's gracious providence, he eventually made the move with them back north to Mississippi. Shannon has given me permission to share this email from January 2nd, 2003.

Hi you guys,

This is a little long, but it really happened to our family and I'm still in awe over it. I couldn't wait to share it with you.

I may or may not have mentioned to you that our dog, Red, ran away about a week before Christmas (approx. Dec. 12). We drove around the neighborhood looking for him, but to no avail. Since he still had not come home by December 20 (the day we had to leave to come home for Christmas), we guessed we wouldn't see him again.

We returned to Mobile Dec. 26, but Red still had not come home. We kept hoping that he'd return, but he didn't. So we had decided that he probably wasn't coming back. The kids and I were sadden by the loss of our dog, so we started thinking about getting a new puppy.

January 1, 2003 (my birthday) we were trying to decide what to do to sort of celebrate the day, when Shaun suggested that we go look for a puppy. I sort of brushed off the idea at first, because I had planned to give Red a couple more weeks to return. But then I decided that it was highly unlikely that he was coming back, so I agreed with my husband and suggested that we pick up a newspaper and check the classified ads for puppies for sale.

We made three phone calls as we were driving around and starting making appointments to see the puppies that were available. There was an ad for Jack Russell Terriers that peaked our interest, so we made a call to go see the puppies. It turned out to be the nearest location to us, (probably 5 miles from our house), so we decided to go there first.

The man who owned the puppies brought them outside for us to see. They were four of the cutest little puppies and we had almost decided that we wanted one of them. Then Seth, our oldest son, mentioned to the man that our dog had run away.

The man asked what the dog looked like, and I described Red to him. He told us that it sounded just like a dog he had picked up that had been hit by a car on Airport Road. He had taken the dog to the emergency vet. He said the dog had been hurt pretty badly, but he thought it had survived. He knew the lady who had taken the dog home, and he told us how to get there. We thanked the man and went to see if by chance the dog was Red.

Indeed, it was! We were so thankful that strangers had been so kind to him.

We were so glad to have Red back, but more than that, it was a great opportunity to share our faith in our Awesome God with our children. It was an opportunity to share how He cares about the things that are important to us, and that He does intervene in our daily lives. He is constantly at work around us.

Think about it. What were the chances that (1) we would decide to go look for puppies that day, and (2) we would pick an ad for Jack Russell Terriors that would take us to the man who transported Red to the emergency vet.

Needless to say we didn't buy a puppy, but we are glad to have our Red home again.

Happy New Year!

Grace & Peace,

Shannon

Turtles, Chicks, and School Buses!

2008-11-19T22:32:00.003-06:00

Last night we had a friend over for dinner. Her husband is in Nigeria on a mission trip and we thought she could use the diversion. For dessert we had Edwards' Turtle Pie. YUM! Owen's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw it...until his daddy had to go and ruin it for him.

"Owen, this is Turtle Pie. It has turtles in it. See? Those are the shells. And there's the guts."

Owey wouldn't touch it. Kevin laughed a diabolical laugh and informed us that his plan had worked. More for him!

Later, Kevin felt guilty and tried to get Owen to eat some of it. The boy kept looking at the side of it, asking, "Is dem duh tuttle guts?"

Mean ol' daddy. Of course I can't say much.

Tonight Katie asked, "Mama, why are there two kinds of chicken eggs? You know, one has some egg in it we eat, and the other has a baby chick."

I so did NOT want to go into the whole fertilization thing so I just told her, "Well, if you want a chick, you leave the egg under the mama hen so she can keep it warm. And if you want an egg to eat, you take it out from under her and put it in the refrigerator."

Bad answer. I realized this about the time Katie's bottom lip started trembling. Her eyes filled with tears...."You mean we EAT THE BABY CHICKS?!??!?!"

Niiiiice.

On a more random note, it takes just about eight minutes to get from my house to Katie's art class. Two minutes of that is spent on my street. When I turn onto the main road into town, it's usually about 2:50 in the afternoon. Want to guess how many school buses we pass during the next six minutes?

TWENTY FOUR.

Amazing. I could say a lot more about this but will skip it in leu of going to hang out with Kevin.

Sunday Morning Phone Call

2008-11-13T22:38:00.004-06:00

Anyone who has ever served as church leadership knows about Sunday morning phone calls. They are not something you look forward to.

Church pianist: "We have the flu..."

Nursery worker: "I forgot to get a replacement for today..."

Pastor: (inaudible due to laryngitis)

Kevin and I have experienced all of these at one time or another. So when the phone rang last Sunday morning, I answered it less than enthusiastically - until I found out who it was and why they were calling.

Rewind a bit to over two years ago. The property just past Unity sold to a truck driver named Joe. Joe had a little boy who was almost the exact same age as Owen (9-10 months), and Joe had just been through an awful divorce. He told us that he had a sister in Florida named Abby who urged him to visit Unity. She was a homeschooling mom of seven and attended a Reformed Presbyterian church.

Joe attended off and on. We sent clothes and food for him and his son often. I would occasionally receive phone calls from Joe, who understandably had many parenting questions. A few times Kevin also ended up chatting with him, encouraging him to find relief from his difficult circumstances in Christ alone. It was apparent that Joe did not know Christ, but we prayed for him. With Kevin's permission, I gave Joe the NIV Bible that Kevin had bought me a year or so into our marriage. My name was even engraved on the front. But I had moved on to the (in?)famous Reformation Study Bible in ESV and was happy to share. I practically wrote a novel in the front of the Bible and gave it to Joe.

Shortly after, Joe disappeared and we didn't hear from him again. Until...

His sister called me last Sunday! I could tell that the lady on the other end of the line was a bit hesitant. She explained who she was and told me that Joe had just gone through another difficult time and had asked her to take his son. Abby said that at first she said no. After all, she had seven children of her own! But in her words, God "changed her heart" and the little one has been "nothing but a joy to their entire family."

Abby went on to tell me the best part - Joe has recently repented and has accepted Christ as Lord of his life! He has apparently been wearing out John Piper CDs to the point of memorizing them - a by-product of the many hours a trucker spends on the road. The boy is still with Abby, and Joe is renting out his house beside the church, spending time with his son in Florida on his days off.

The most touching thing for me was the reason Abby decided to call me - a complete stranger. She knows NOTHING about me; I could be in some snake-handling Calvin cult. (Just go to Wikipedia, type in "snake handling," and click on the comments where I stated my opinion two years ago about THAT, lol!) But she called me because she read the note. She looked in his Bible, the one with my name on the front. The nice one my sweet husband gave me for Christmas when we were young and broke. And she read the note. Then she found my number, because Joe had written it down so he could ask things like "do I need to brush his teeth three times a day" and "how much formula should he be drinking?" And she called me.

For that, I give thanks. Soli Deo Gloria!

And if you think of it, pray for Joe and his son.

Celebration Sunday 2008 (Part One)

2008-11-13T12:18:00.004-06:00

Unity Baptist Church celebrated 20 years of worship and service this past October. We were blessed to have music by Terry Abney (our first pastor) and a sermon by Shaun Sipe (our second pastor). Stuart McCollough, our former music leader, was gracious enough to sing a duet with me.

It was a beautiful day for dinner on the grounds, and there was plenty of delicious food to go with the conversation and laughter. So if you missed out (mean ol' Kendalls, helping start a church plant is NO EXCUSE!), sit back and enjoy these photos.

I told Foozy and Bob to "act like they liked each other." Apparently that was amusing!

Lovely Ladies

Stuart was such a good music director that when he left, we retired his position! We miss him and Ashley, but it was great seeing their family take up TWO FULL PEWS! (They serve at the Baptist Children's Home.)

Beautiful Betty and "Worthy" Shaun

Bro. Terry, Mrs. Sandra, and the ever-stunning Lee Anne

Celebration Sunday 2008 (Part Two)

2008-11-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Of course, the BIGGEST talk of the day was Chris and Laura's candy apples!

Apparently, going by Owen's reaction, Blake was being weird AND loud....

It was great to see Donna and family!

I think Trish was threatening me or something here. I AM UNSTOPPABLE, TRISH! Bwahahaha!!!!

Kevin and Jason look mighty impressed.

(Stay tuned for more church photos; I still have to format some great ones from the hayride, a double baby shower, and a baptism!)

Quick! Give me a drink!

2008-11-11T17:17:00.001-06:00

In case some of you didn't catch this over on Justin Taylor's blog:

Hinton Men

2008-11-10T09:26:00.005-06:00

About a month ago Kevin and I took the children to Valentine Park. This photo, originally taken only to adjust camera settings, has become one of my favorite pictures of Kevin. It seems to reflect much about his character and personality.

Kevin loves to play, so the setting is certainly appropriate. He is looking down at his children - watching over them, protecting them, and enjoying the three little gifts he has been given. The solitude of the photo reflects his quiet strength and thoughtful nature. God's glory, displayed in the majesty of the afternoon sky above him, reminds me of Kevin's position as a child of God.

So keep climbing, little Owen. You have years and miles to go, but I pray that some day you will sit up by your Daddy and watch over your own family. For now, though, go play and have fun!

Frugal Friday

2008-11-07T08:55:00.002-06:00

Well, friends, my mind is just BLANK this morning. It has been a crazy, long, emotional week for me. So to reflect this mood I give you today's offering of frugality.

Be content. It is amazing how frugal you can be if you will just follow what is commanded in Scripture. Be content in the small things, be content in the large things. Give thanks for all you have been given, realizing that you deserve none of it.

"Therefore I tell you,do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:25-33

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ~ Philippians 4:11

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ~ I Timothy 6:6-11

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ~ Hebrews 13:5

Humor Amid Sadness

2008-11-05T22:10:00.003-06:00

My grandpa, George Oakman, died Sunday night from a swift and intense struggle with cancer. He had been blessed to live in mostly good health for two years beyond an inoperable aneurism when it had been predicted that he would not make it through the night.

I have a few special memories of Grandpa. My favorite is from the year that I was a big Duke fan. Notice I said "year," as I am sporadic with my sports fanaticism. Grandpa went out in the beginning of an unusual April snow storm to get a Duke jacket for me for my birthday. Why? Because I connected with him when I talked basketball. It gave us a common ground.

Ole Miss. Sardines and mustard. The newspaper. Barney Miller. Underwear bands recycled as sweatbands, great for mowing the lawn. I have actually seen him water ski AND dance the jitterbug. Not too shabby for a grandpa! We will miss him.

But I had to share a funny story. Hopefully this won't be taken as irreverent, because I am sure that Grandpa would have laughed.

My niece and nephew came up to the front, near the casket. My niece, who is nine, looked in and loudly announced, "Look! He's wearing a suit!"

Nephew, age seven, was hesitant. He wanted to see but wasn't so sure about getting close. So he just stood where he was and got on his tiptoes. Then he backed up and looked at me with a smile on his face. In his best southern drawl he asked me, "Did he die lookin' like that?" I wasn't sure what he meant, so I said, "Like what?" Nephew answered, "Did he die in that suit?" I tried to keep a straight face and told him no, that they had dressed him up so that he would look nice. He said, "Nice, like all these people here are lookin' nice?"

"Yes, boy, like these people are lookin' nice...and like YOU are lookin' nice."

Girl Talk

2008-11-05T13:36:00.005-06:00

I usually do not lack for funny stories about Owen. He is a fountain of perpetual amusement. He did say something funny a couple of days ago but I didn't write it down and it just flew out of my head. So tonight I'll just have some "girl talk."

Our homeschool group had a Presidential Hall of Fame and Election Day. My job was to make ballots. And like a good citizen, I made sure that our ballots listed any candidate who made the national ticket. I showed my finished results to Katie:

"Look, here are all the people running for president. Tomorrow you will get to decide who you think should lead us and cast your vote. Do you know who you would like to vote for?"

"I'm voting for Bob Barr because he has two B names."

"Um, okay. Bob Barr is the Libertarian candidate. Do you want to know what he believes?"

"No, I just like his two B's."

True to form, when Katie went in to vote she did not even let Teresa finish explaining before she had made a big "X" for Bob.

For several weeks, Katie has been ending many of her sentences with "....that is." Today she was telling me about something and said, "...and it was red. Red like a rose, that is. Mama? Why do some people say, 'that is' all the time?" I don't know, girl. You tell me!

One last Katie story. I am not sure what to do with this because it is really weird. Katie "sees" different keys (music) as colors. She told Kevin that he was playing a song in yellow and that she wanted it in red. Kevin and I rolled our eyes at each other...until she was turned away from the guitar and could fairly accurately tell us which "color" Kevin was playing. (If anyone has heard of this, I'd like to hear about it!)

And finally, Audrey. She just roams around the house all day, seeking what she may destroy. She pulls clothes from drawers, dishes from cabinets, books from shelves - all in a matter of ten minutes!

Today she was SO funny. During breakfast we go over the catechism. Katie is on a question somewhere in the 60's. Owen is closing in on 20. Audrey? Well, she knows the first one! If you ask her, "Audrey, who made you?" she answers, "Gaaaaah!" This morning I pushed it a bit further. "Audrey, what else did God make?" Her answer? She looked very serious, straight into my eyes, and said, "Grablah plamba blab." I went on to the next question and she responded straightfaced with more gibberish. Katie and Owen were laughing so hard! Here is a picture of Audrey with a bad hair day. (I suppose I need to do something about her mullet sometime, huh?)

Baby Shower Devotion 1 - Warning Against Idolatry

2008-11-01T23:39:00.006-05:00

Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting

Last week my friend Mary made the mistake of asking me to "say a few words" at a double baby shower at Unity. Okay, here is what I do, people. I sing. I can sing in front of people all day and never be nervous. And although it has been a long time to serve in this area outside my own home, I teach kids stuff like Children's Choir and Bible Drill.

My experience in speaking to anyone over the age of twelve is limited and slightly out of my comfort zone. But I swallowed my uncomfortableness and started studying.

For three days.

Did I mention that I am CDO? (That's OCD, but you have to have it in alphabetical order.)

After three days, I had enough material to teach a six-week study on motherhood. Somehow I knew this wasn't what Mary had in mind, so I had to cut some stuff. I tried to focus on what would have been the most beneficial to ME, SPIRITUALLY, as a new mom. Then I typed out a nifty outline and made copies for everyone.

Overall, it was fine. (Under 20 minutes! They had to cancel the shower games because it was getting late!) But as Kevin said in retrospect, "They probably expected to open cute pink outfits and eat cake, not get a lesson on idolatry." He was not saying that I shouldn't have done it, just trying to give me something to consider for later.

Assuming that I'll be asked again! *giggle*

So if you need a lesson on baby idolatry, check out the outline below. I'm open for booking and don't charge very much. ;-)

New Babies: Blessing, Warning, and Encouragement

I. Babies are a Blessing!

Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

II. Warning Against Idolatry: “Our hearts are idol factories.”

A. Graven Images
B. “Bad” Idols (materialism, vanity, etc.)
C. “Good” Idols (gifts from God that twist into idols - especially firstborn children!)

(Can you think of times when you idolized your children?)

III. Encouragement in Difficult Times (James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7)

(When do we depend on God the most? What causes us to grow?)

A. Labor
1. Painful labor is part of the curse that resulted from the Fall (Genesis 3:16).
2. God is making all things new, but this has not yet been completed (Romans 8:18-23).
3. God has promised that He will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:8), and He has given us means to bear the pain (mediating on scripture and music, prayer, and your HUSBAND!)

(Do you have a testimony of God’s peace and mercy during your labor?)

B. Sleeplessness
1. Feeding your baby in the wee hours of dawn can be a special bonding time.
2. This is your first baby, so get a nap during the day when they do. Housework can wait!
3. GET SOME HUMILITY AND ASK FOR HELP! It is a blessing for others to help you.

(Do you have a special FOND memory of the “psycho-tired” days? How did others minister to you after the birth of a child?)

C. Parenting Advice
1. God’s wisdom is perfect (James 3:17). Man’s wisdom is flawed by sin (Proverbs 14:12). Praise God for wise men and woman who have written encouragement, but be careful to not place them on the level of scripture.
2. Although we can’t give Gary Ezzo a call at two in the morning, we can pray to the King of the Universe (James 1:5)!
3. God has graciously surrounded us all with godly help. Seek the advice of your husband first. You can also ask an older (not necessarily OLD!), godly woman for her wisdom and insight. (Ephesians 5:23; Titus 2:3-4)

(Have you tried to legalistically follow a human plan for raising your child? Or have you been blessed by the wisdom of your husband or a Titus 2 woman?)

From Valley of Vision:

Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory. Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven…enriched with the trees of righteousness of thy planting, for thy glory.

Happy Reformation Day!

2008-10-31T09:56:00.001-05:00

THE REFORMATION POLKA
by Richard Gebel
(Sung to the tune of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious)

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck,
I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, Saint Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books
While gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katie, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Frugal Friday

2008-10-31T09:41:00.003-05:00

Three Quick Tips

1. Always check clearance areas of your grocery store. In my local Kroger there is a bakery clearance area all the way in the back by the milk. I will often grab a bag of wheat rolls for that nights' dinner for less than a dollar. The Atoka Kroger also has a general clearance section at the front, by the pharmacy. My last good buy there was a box of Organic English Breakfast Tea (one of my favorites) for less than $2.

2. Find out what day your local grocery store marks down their meat and produce items. If I shop Kroger on Friday night, I have a wide variety of extremely cheap produce to choose from. I've noticed that the marked-down produce is anything expiring before the following Monday, so we even have a couple of days to eat it. Last week I picked up two of those large plastic containers of Organic Spring Mix salad for less than $3.

3. And for those who are weary of grocery tips, here's a cleaning tip. The cheapest and best cleaner for my tub and shower is Suave Shampoo and a scrubbie sponge from my kitchen. This works well since my tub needs cleaning just about the same time that my sponge needs to be replaced.

Everyday Providence

2008-10-29T13:15:00.002-05:00

Katie

Background: This afternoon, Katie was “skiing” on the kitchen floor in her socks. She abruptly ran into Owen’s room…

K - Owen, do you want to ski with me?
O - No, I don’t.

(Insert more attempts at convincing Owen, escalating into louder and louder conversation. I‘d type it but I was trying to ignore it at the time.)

K - Owen, you are going to grow up to be a BAD MAN and no girls will marry you because you are SO SELFISH!

(Katie then runs into the living room to persuade me to help her get her way.)

K - Mama, Owen does NOT love God. I mean it! He does NOT! You need to go in there and talk to him about it!
J - I don’t think that Owen said that, Katie. Go back and work it out yourself, the RIGHT way.

(Katie returns to Owen’s room, speaking sweetly but urgently.)

K - Tell me if you really hate God. Just tell me. OWEN! Do you hate God?
O - No. I wike God.
K - If you love God, would you please ski with me?
O - I wike God, but I do not want to ski.

(She finally gives up.)

Owen

Background - Owen loves Looney Tunes, especially the one where Yosemite Sam is in the desert, riding that camel. “Whoa, camel! Whoa! When I say whoa, I mean WHOA!”

Owen, to Audrey, who was grabbing his Hot Wheels cars: “No, Audrey, no! When I say no, I mean NO!”

You know it’s bad when…

I saw the lady who cuts my hair in Wal-Mart last weekend. As she checked out, she gave me a big smile and said hello. I returned the greeting, then told her it was about time for me to come in for a hair cut. She then abruptly turned to the cashier and never did look back at me. At first I thought that she must have been in a hurry. But back home, after catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realized the awful truth. SHE WAS IGNORING ME BECAUSE SHE DID NOT WANT ANYONE TO THINK SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WAS GROWING FROM MY SCALP.

What do you do when you’ve had stick-straight hair your whole life but after baby #3 it turns into a frizzy, curly mess? And don’t tell me to stop washing it. I already tried that and it just became a frizzy, curly, dirty mess. Although I will say that through that little escapade I realized I was washing it way too much. Still, I think I had better dig in my heels and keep growing it out. It does need a trim, but maybe I can hold out until Herbal Essences sends me my free haircut voucher.

Frugal Friday

2008-10-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

Three Shopping Rules to Make Saving on Groceries Simpler

I've had two friends tell me that they want to become frugal at the grocery store by starting with a price notebook. This is a little notebook with a list of specific food items and their fluctuating prices, recorded for the purpose of comparison. True, if the idea is to stock up when items are priced at rock-bottom, you must know the definition of rock-bottom. And if you haven't noticed already, I tend to be a little CDO (it's like OCD but in alphabetical order). So it stands to reason that a price notebook would appeal to me. All of those neat, orderly columns of food items I routinely purchase, with precise prices listed beside them...color coded by department...

Okay, I am back from my daydream now. So let's get real. We only have so much time in a day, forcing us to prioritize. Unfortunately, keeping Audrey from standing on the kitchen table is pretty far ahead of that nifty price notebook. What I need is an easy rule of thumb to keep me on the right path without having to memorize sales prices for the whole store.

Many things that you will purchase will be under two dollars. These items will add up if you put enough of them in your cart, but the expense will be compounded by higher-priced items. For those who want to do the most damage with the least amount of work, I offer you three easy steps.

The Two Buck Rule

Let's make a list of things I try NEVER to pay over two dollars for. All of the following are name-brand items unless noted:

Produce, per pound (including those yummy bagged salads)
Meat, per pound (and we eat very little "cheap" meat like ground beef or chicken legs)
Bread, per loaf
Cereal
Granola bars
Packages of cookies
Boxes of crackers
Packages of lunch meat
Bags of chips (large)
Frozen vegetables (large)
Ice cream (We DO like Kroger's Private Selection brand!)

Note that most items not on the above list are either inexpensive or rarely go on sale/have coupons (canned items, dried beans and pasta, staples, condiments, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.).

Now, for any items that you regularly purchase for more than two dollars, try to have an idea of what you are willing to pay. Hopefully you will not have too many items on this list! I creatively call this...

The "Over Two Bucks" Rule

Here are examples from the Hinton family:

Canned Coke products (Kevin likes to take one for lunch with his FRUGAL leftovers!): Four 12 packs for $12 or less.

Diapers (of course): $7 or less for a Jumbo pack. In this case, Kroger brand works GREAT for us, but I will occasionally get Pampers or Huggies for $6 with coupons and ecoupons combined with a sale.

Laundry detergent: $6 or less for about 50 loads. We aren't too picky about brands here but we do not use the VERY cheap stuff. I cannot stand nasty-smelling dish cloths!

Milk: You just have to buy it no matter the cost, BUT be sure to check the gallons against the half gallons! Last week the half gallons were $1.50 and the gallons were $3.38. We get Kroger instead of Turner.

Cheese: Again, you just have to buy it. Kroger brand is fine with my family.

Finally, I pay almost nothing - or NOTHING - for many toiletries, cleaners, and miscellaneous household items, simply by combining sales with coupons or taking advantage of Walgreens Easy Saver Rebates, which are now entirely ONLINE! (Just hop online once a month and get every bit of what you payed up front for free items loaded straight onto your Walgreens gift cards. No mailing things in, even.) These items seem to ALWAYS be on sale and ALWAYS have good coupons. They do not go bad and you should stock up when they are on sale. I don't know what to call this rule so let's just say...

The "I Got This Really Cheap or for Free!" Rule

Toothpaste - I have about eight free tubes of various, expensive, name-brand tootpaste in my linen closet.

Deodorant - This is generally purchased for about $.50 or less; again, I have a bunch stored away.

Makeup - I recently acquired two free foundations (L'Oreal and Jane Be Pure) and two CG mascaras originally totaling $14 for $3.84.

Windex, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Fantastic - All were less than a dollar at Walgreens with a coupon plus rebate.

Trash bags, light bulbs, etc. - The ones I "purchased" most recently were actually free.

I hope this will help and encourage some of you who are intimidated by trying to know a wide range of prices for every item you regularly purchase. Happy shopping!

The Tastiest Planet and Other Adventures

2008-10-23T16:31:00.005-05:00

Aggravation!

Here is a common sight on a Friday night at Casa Hinton. After a sing-along accompanied by both guitar and bass and multiple bedtime stories for the little ones, it is time for a bit of fun. It's about 10:00 and the coffee is brewing. The smell of delicious (previously frozen) peach cobbler lingers in the air. Friends Roger and Elisabeth now sit with Kevin and me at our homey kitchen table. Roger says....."Kill her!"

WHAT?!?! No, we are not into some new cult. We are playing Aggravation, known to some as Texas Hot Seat. The game board was a wedding gift from my grandpa. The main problem is that Elisabeth and I have not been "providentially blessed." I might dare to use the term "unlucky" for something this serious. I can't even keep track anymore....the guys probably lead by over twenty games.

So, Elisabeth, I have come up with a possible solution. I am teaching Katie and Owen to play. We can probably cheat our way into a win without them even knowing. Bwahaha!!! Seriously, though, the kids really like this game. I counted it as school, since it involves lots of counting and logic. And dice rolling. All good Baptists know how to cast lots, right? (R and E, you can easily see Owen's logic...bring 'em ALL out at once!)

Growing Pains...for ME

Audrey has been walking for about three or four weeks now. She immediately followed this up with climbing the bookshelf, climbing up on the kitchen table, throwing Katie's socks in the trash, playing in the toilet, and this:

But I don't want to take a nap!

(I wonder if Owen will still be sleeping with Spot dog when he's married?)

Pee B and J

Owen woke up on Tuesday, walked into the living room, and announced the following: "Fust I'm gonna get cwose on, den eat wunch, den go spen da night at Gwanma's house." He then proceeded to dress himself. I went to get Audrey up and dressed. When I came back he was standing in his Little Tykes chair in a puddle of pee, eating a heel of bread. He had the knife, peanut butter, and jelly out for making his "wunch." After his bath he insisted on the sandwich, so after chanting my current mantra of "choose your battles" I told him to go for it. Here he is licking the peanut butter, wet hair and all.

Eating Mercury

Katie took almost an hour to help me make gray salt dough and then sculpt her model of Mercury. Audrey took less than two minutes to climb on the table and make a crater of her own. Mmmmm.....Salty Mercury. (Kevin, there's a Simpsons reference for ya!)

When Worship Becomes Consumerism

2008-10-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

Mystery Worshipper

This Wall Street Journal article blows my mind. If you want to be sure that your pre-worship lattes are hot enough and that your band's lead singer doesn't have pitch problems, just hire someone. For $1,500.

Perhaps a better idea would be for the church body to have a servant's heart and take the initiative to change the light bulbs themselves. Also, when visitors are in attendance and the church is less than hospitable, shouldn't the leadership should do some evaluation and admonition themselves? It would save them $1,500. (Did I mention that this guy charges $1,500?)

The part that bugged me the most was that this former pastor "had a cover story just in case..." The last time I checked, God hates a lying tongue.

HT: Justin Taylor

Frugal Friday

2008-10-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the first edition of Frugal Friday. Each week I will share a tip that I have found to be useful in my own life.

Here is one of my all-time favorites to kick us off!

I love my Swiffer Wet Jet but hate paying the price for refills. The Swiffer folk get you twice, as you have to continually purchase bottles of cleaning spray AND disposable pads. My solution? For the pads you can use old washcloths, or even purchase a pack of new ones because you'll be saving in the long run. Attach them with two rubber bands, then toss them in the washing machine (sans fabric softener to increase absorbency) when you are done. I actually prefer the washcloths to the pads.

As for the bottle of spray, this was a bit tricky to figure out. The top cannot be unscrewed without tearing up the bottle. So I tried poking a hole in the bottom of the container. The plastic is a bit thick, so it took a bit of effort...but it was well worth it! I started the hole with a box cutter and then shoved my knife sharpener in to make it round, just a bit bigger around than a pencil. Now I can just pour the cleaner of my choice into the small hole. Originally I tried to figure out a way to stop up the hole, but because I only refilled the bottle halfway I had no problem with water coming back out.

Another plus is that I can refill my bottle with my choice of cleaner, so for those who like to be "green" this can be a great option. Just beware of using water and baking soda or anything that might clog up the works.

One last thing. If you mop your kitchen and fifteen minutes your floor looks like this...sorry, I can't help ya. I've been there and about all you can do is pray for some self-control and thank God you are on the fast track to santification.

Take Me To the Fair, Part One

2008-10-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

We ended up taking two trips to the Mid-South Fair this year. This was the last year for the fair to be held in Midtown Memphis. For me, this meant bidding farewell to old childhood memories, as well as making a few new ones for my own children.

Our first visit was a gig, in a very loose sense of the term. Susan, one of our church pianists/keyboardists, hooked our praise team up to play in the Creative Arts Building. Kevin and I were amused when Cindy, our fair contact, refered to Sue as our "Promoter." Very funny.

We left in two mini-vans because bands have to haul stuff. Pretty appropriate for our gang, though - that's how we roll. After a wrong turn and plenty of lighthearted banter, we made it to the parking lot and waited on Cindy to show up on her golf cart.

You may never see Todd driving one of these babies again, so enjoy. He looks thrilled, doesn't he?

Roger thought he was cute to sit on our luggage rack with his legs hanging over the back, so Kevin turned on the rear washer/wipers. This is Roger venting his wrath.

The gig itself went well after a bit of trial-and-error with the sound system. Most of our fans were in attendance - Mom, Trish, Katie, Elisabeth, Roger's parents, Allison and her dad. All in all, a great time.

A week or so later, Kevin and I returned with the kids. Mom came along, too, although we couldn't persuade her to ride anything. At least she got her caramel apple, and even tried funnel cake...FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! (I can't believe that.)

Kevin and Owen on "The Bee Ride"

Katie and Mama Stuck in the Maze

This is just one funny thing to watch. Kids just run smack into the glass constantly. I can't say much for myself, though; I came out right behind the guy who sits at the front and makes sure you are tall enough, instead of upstairs!

Hi, Grandma! (Don't be mad that I put you on here!)

Take Me To the Fair, Part Two

2008-10-13T21:58:00.004-05:00

My kids are fearless. They rode everything they were tall enough to ride. Katie even went with Kevin and me on the double log ride and a mid-sized roller coaster! Here she is enjoying what I would call the "Whiplash Cars."

Owen's favorite, by far, was one of those rides with the rope bridges, obstacles, and the big slide at the end. He went on it almost TWENTY times. Mom and I just sat on the bench and rested while he played and Kevin took Katie on some bigger rides. Here is my boy, and this is his Fierce Sliding Face:

And what's a good fair without some totally unhealthy fair food? Corn on the cob, dripping with butter, and a big ol' slice of pepperoni pizza:

When it was time to go, I got an extra-special surprise....

In the days of my own childhood, we only went to the fair a handful of times. But we always went with our friends Mr. Harold, "Miss" Dianne, and their boys. I have such fond memories of riding all the rides and can still hear echoes of the adults' conversation. All day long I had a flood of memories wash over me. As we sat on the bench waiting on Kevin to bring a funnel cake - our last hurrah - who should I spot but Mr. Harold? He probably thought I was crazy to chase him down, but I just had to say hello. It was such a fitting end to the night, and to the Midtown Edition of the Mid-South Fair!

A Veritable Hotbed of Viral Disease

2008-10-12T11:28:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week, my friend B.J. at Blind Man's Fancy posted some thoughts regarding Communion. I read it eagerly with the anticipation of partaking in the Lord's supper today. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to church. There has been a major stomach virus traveling around this community and my family was not immmune.

Apparently, Unity's fellowship meal last Sunday evening was one that will go down in church history. I have only spoken to some our church family this week, but the percentage of sick Unity-ites (started to type Unitarians...THAT would get some rumors flying!) is staggering. Let's see. Paul, Alex, Hunter, Heath, Daniel, Dalton, Joe, Trish, Krystal, both of Kevin's parents, Kevin, myself, Katie, Audrey, and some of Dax and Christi's family who were in town for a visit. Todd tops the list by having to go in and get IVs, although some of that might have been from the test tubes of protein he's been living on. Could it have been a germy football? Contaminated Legos in the boys' class? Whatever it was, we will just call it the PotUNLuck. (Yeah, yeah, I know; we don't believe in luck. But Pot Providence just doesn't have the same ring to it.)

As for my own family, Kevin woke up sick in the middle of the night on Monday. He missed Tuesday and half of Wednesday at Guardsmark. Audrey was sick on Wednesday and was recovering on Thursday. I got sick on Friday morning and recovered on Saturday. Katie woke up with it this morning and has thrown up six - scratch that....SEVEN - times in about three hours. (I feel especially badly for her because she had fever and croup last week.) Owen has been spared so far but I predict he will get it Tuesday, just when Katie wraps up. He did wake up with his first cold sore this morning but I'm not sure if that means anything. Kevin went on to church this morning but we decided to keep all the kiddos home today, just in case.

So blogging has gone by the wayside, replaced by spraying Lysol, squirting Germ-X, emptying trashes, cleaning toilets, washing bedding and other contaminated laundry, changing lots of diapers...and of course, dealing with my own battle for two days.

Reflecting on a quote from B.J.s article:

(Might serving one loaf and from one cup help us better celebrate Christ?)

Unity had better stick with shot glasses this week!

Flashback for Amy!

2008-10-02T22:08:00.002-05:00

One time in college my roomate Amy and I went to Wal-Mart. We were listening to DC Talk on the way ("I wanna be in the light, as you are in the light..."). We bought a whole bunch of stuff, including groceries and toiletry items for our dorm room.

When we were ready to leave, we got to the parking lot and Amy unlocked her car. We loaded all the bags into the back and climbed in. She cranked the car up and put it in gear, then stopped, looking incredibly puzzled.

The radio was playing some alternative rock music. NOT DC Talk. She said, "Where's my song?" After a few more seconds we realized that we were not in her car. It seems that her key UNLOCKED AND CRANKED someone else's car!

We flew like the wind to get out, unload the groceries, and lock the car back before the owner came...then we got OUT OF THERE!!!

Sonlight's Customer Service

2008-09-30T09:26:00.000-05:00

Last year was our first year of homeschooling. As with most things in my life, I overthought the whole process of choosing curriculum. Now I am glad that I did.

For the majority of our subjects we use Sonlight. Surprisingly, the article 27 Reasons NOT to Buy Sonlight is what sold both myself and Kevin. I will admit that I was nervous about using something beyond the traditional ABeka textbooks that I was raised on. However, the liturature-based format has been an adventure that our whole family has enjoyed.

Aside from the academic benefits, I just wanted to mention how impressed I am with Sonlight's customer service. Last year we ordered Katie's Handwriting Without Tears through Sonlight. One of the methods HWT employs involves a small slate. The top left-hand corner of the slate is SUPPOSED to have a smiley face so that the child will know where to place their chalk. Supposing that I was required to provide the smile, I got out a permanent marker and drew one. Imagine my surprise a few weeks later when I received a smiley face sticker, note of apology, and a coupon for $2 off my next order!

Fast forward to a month or two ago. We were about eight weeks into the school year and had been using Sonlight's Markable Map, never noticing that Hawaii (and a few other islands) had been omitted. First I received an email letting me know of the error; there was also a link to a PDF file that I could use "in the meantime." Meaning that Sonlight sent everyone who purchased that map a BRAND NEW one. Mine came about two weeks ago. The reality of what they had done hit me when I saw Luke's post about the map on the Sonlight blog. WOW. Now that is customer service! It was just Hawaii, after all. (HAHAHAHA!!!)

Kevin as My Example

2008-09-29T23:43:00.001-05:00

About a month ago I was feeling discontent. For those not in the know, caring for small children and homeschooling is monotonous:

Wake up
Make bed
Fix Kevin breakfast
Get dressed
"Quiet" time (not usually quiet!)
Herd the children (get them dressed, hair, beds, etc.)
Breakfast and children's Bible time
Daily chores (dishes, trash, laundry, thaw dinner)
School
Lunch
Finish school
Weekly chores (bulletin, groceries, bills, etc.)
Dinner
Clean kitchen
Hang out with Kevin
Bed

I can type this from memory because it's what I do. Every day. Even on the weekends, I have to do the majority of these things to manage my household. The main variations of this include cleaning up the four drink spills that Owen creates at every meal, and Shouting out those unpleasant stains that come from Audrey eating too many grapes. So sometimes I get discouraged.

When I get discouraged, I look to Christ. Pray. Read God's word. But this time I also needed something tangible, so I prayed for just that! And God answered me by directing my attention to Kevin.

My husband is a faithful, dependable person. He goes to his workplace every day. He isn't exactly figuring statistics for the NFL (his dream job), but he never complains. He leaves, he does tuition reimbursements and service awards, he comes home, and he declares that it was a good day. What a godly example for me to follow!

This month (notice this is a monthly problem? HAHAH!!!!!), I need an example in "Keeping My Mouth Shut So Nothing Sinful Will Fly Out Of It Before I Have A Chance To Choke It Back Down." Some of you know what I am talking about. If this is you, I suggest you talk to Kevin. He excells in this area as well. Of course, he CLAIMS that he isn't thinking of anything at all, so there isn't anything to fly out...but I know better. ;)

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. ~ I Corinthians 11:1

Carving Tree

2008-09-29T23:04:00.003-05:00

My parents own fourteen acres of wooded land. Most people would consider it worthless land because it is a series of gulleys and steep hills. The house I grew up in is on top of the biggest hill, with a creek running as a property line around the back and side of the lowest point.

These woods were my home. When we would finish our school for the day, Mama would let us go play to our hearts' content. I could often be found up a tree with a book! The only warning was for us to watch out for snakes. Mama HATES snakes.

Any visitors to our woods always stopped at the Carving Tree so that they could add their name to the impressive mass of jumbled carvings. This tree was on the side of a small bluff overlooking the creek. In the "olden days," one could (on a dare) walk around the tree, hanging precariously to the roots that were exposed on the bluff side. These days that would be more than foolish, as erosion has taken its toll.

My friend Elisabeth is to be thanked for this photo full of memories. She is also the artist behind the family photo slideshow at the top of my blog.

And what were our husbands doing during our excursion? Apparently, practicing for the praise band!

Random Homeschooling Pictures

2008-09-24T23:22:00.004-05:00

Little Bookworm

Fairy Ring

"Who cares that the magnifying glass melts the chocolate. Just give us the chocolate!" (AKA Science for the Homeschool)

Katie and Eleanor at Swim Class

One More

2008-09-24T01:15:00.001-05:00

One more picture, because a mom just can't resist:

This and That

2008-09-24T00:43:00.005-05:00

I warned you all that I post in spurts. Kevin is off work tomorrow so we can take Katie and Owen to the Mid-South Fair. So I am just staying up WAY too late and posting to my heart's content! I'm sure the kids will make me pay when they get up earlier than usual tomorrow. (That's how they roll.)

Congratulations to my friend Teresa S., who tried my grocery tips and saved over $90 at Kroger last week. Her prize is a package of Soleil disposable razors that I got for $1.99, since Teresa had some issues with redeeming the combination of manufacturer and store coupons for said razors at the Millington Walgreens (should have gone to Atoka!).

It was so cloudy last Friday that Katie informed me that it was a "dimsal day." Meanwhile, Owen announced that "Gran-ma is gonna haf a bay-be." When I asked him if it was in her tummy, he said, "Almost!"

Unity's basketball team won last week. Here's a pic of Kevin leading the halftime devotional. I think he spoke on Supralapsarianism vs. Infralapsarianism. (Just kidding!)

Seriously, the devotional was about loving your wives. Chris looks mighty interested. Todd looks....well, like he has a light saber sticking out of his scalp.

Chris in action....

....and John.

Ridin' the pines. And checkin' the odor.

Post-game commentary. For the record, Jason just wanted to go eat!

(Yeah, I am dangerous with this Photoshop thing....time for BED!)

Illegal Activity

2008-09-24T00:09:00.005-05:00

....be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23

Let's play a game. Guess what the white things are in the following pictures:

Did you figure it out? It's FORKS, people. Plastic forks.

Apparently it is a great prank to "fork," and in my case, also "spoon," someone's yard. (My criminals happened to be creative and didn't limit their scope to one category of cutlery.) Now, the perpetrators couldn't do much damage to the beautiful landscaping of Casa Hinton, so I wasn't mad. I was a tad bit concerned about the results of Mr. Eddie's mega lawn mower running down some of the overlooked clear forks. Which DID happen.

I had suspects. At the top of my list was Melissa and Abby, my deliquent sisters. They were followed closely by the lovely Kara Bright, although I have heard she has a penchant for pink flamingo-ing instead of forking. (Classic!)

In the end, I was able to drag it out of Melissa. She's easy to break. The "alleged" criminals were my top two suspects; they are also guilty of contributing to the deliquency of two minors (Ivan and Jesse). And Abby's boyfriend came along for the ride as well.

But it's all good. At least that crew isn't doing anything SERIOUS. Like, say, allegedly breaking into the email account of a high-profile politician. ;-)

Katie's Art

2008-09-23T23:00:00.005-05:00

Two things of note have happened in the Hinton home recently. The first is my husband's purchase of Adobe Photoshop for yours truly. This was a thoughtful gift as I'm the "webservant" for the church, and he also knows I like to blog.

The second exciting news is that Katie has "graduated" from sketching to oil pastels in art class. She loved art class before. But give the girl some color and she is beyond happy!

So, tying these two together, here are some of Katie's recent masterpieces. This fall picture was the last of her sketch projects. I do not know how much help she had with it.

This beautiful sunset was her first pastel piece. The teacher said she had to outline some of it for Katie, but that Katie had done the fill-in and detail work:

And finally, her picture from today. Her teacher told me that Katie drew this herself. Great job, sweet girl!

Edited to add:

Katie also won first place at the Mid-South Home Educators Art Show, which in turn sent her work to the Mid-South Fair. Although she is aware of the fact that she was the only Kindergartener who participated - a win by default - she was still very excited to see her house and barn sketch up on the wall at the fair!

Olive Branch, Mississippi

2008-09-20T15:27:00.003-05:00

Okay, Olive Branch, I think I know who you are. :-) Come on, post a comment! Or I guess I can just wait and meet you tomorrow? LOL!

The Revenge of Chef Boyardee

2008-09-19T09:12:00.003-05:00

Anyone who reads this blog on even a semi-regular basis knows two things. First, I have a lot of current posts and a lot of really old posts, with a "great big honkin' huge" gap in the middle (thanks, Owen, for that really cool phrase). And second, I post in spurts. I may go a week or so without posting and then have a spree of four or five in a row, as I have previously pointed out.

The Big Update is coming. That's the one where I finish moving my old hermit blog out into the light of day. Because I know you are all just pining away, whishing you could read about the time Kevin C. accidentally prayed for Mel Brooks during the worship service.

And as for my extended silence, you can thank a nasty stomach virus for that. Although I would never wish to repeat this experience, I did learn several life lessons:

1. I should never eat Beefaroni if I feel even slightly nauseated. Or, I should never eat Beefaroni again. Ever.
2. I'm thankful that I married Kevin, because he's really good at taking care of the weak and sickly. He's a great dad and the kids barely noticed I was missing. Plus he is an ordained elder, so if it got really bad he could annoint me with oil or something.
3. I am thankful that I married Kevin, because his mother is a gift from God and always comes to help. She even washes the clothes and dishes while she's at it.
4. Contrary to Katie's overactive imagination, I will NOT die if I skip two meals.

Here is what Kevin did with the kids while I was out of commission:

See you all soon!

Free stuff! Get your free stuff!

2008-09-15T12:10:00.005-05:00

Several friends have asked about the items I get for free. So read on if you are interested:

This is a list of the items I got for FREE (or tax-only) in the past MONTH:

Two boxes of Corn Pops
Two boxes of Frosted Mini Wheats
Two boxes of Cereal Straws
Two boxes of Eggo Nutri-Grain Waffles
Two packages of Keebler Cookies
One bottle of $7 shampoo but it turned out it was not for white people hair but hey it was free and it smelled good and I can give it to a friend
Two large boxes of Walgreens brand kitchen trash bags with drawstring
One package of Walgreens light bulbs
One bottle of $7 hair shine serum which does nothing for me but looks fantastic on Katie
One bottle of Revlon nail polish, my choice of color
One large bottle of Nivea for Men body wash which smells GREAT! ;-)
One stick of really cool LypSil chapstick
One bottle of Jane Be Pure liquid foundation which I really, really like
One medium-sized bottle of Crest Pro Health mouth wash
(Almost forgot those last two...)

That's just the free stuff. There were other very awesome buys, as well. For instance, I got two boxes of chocolates - Russel Stover Private Reserve and Whitman's Soho - for a buck each. They retailed at $10 each.

My friend Nancy says that I'm basically working for these items so I'm not really getting them for free. This is a great point, and I agree. But here is how I think about it. Normally I suppliment our income by teaching voice lessons. This involves driving, getting Grandma to babysit, figuring out how to work the lessons around homeschooling, etc. And let's not forget the fact that I've never fully recovered from those two pink lines I saw almost two years ago which resulted in someone who is currently throwing my manicure set all over the living room floor. So it IS work, but flexible work. I set my hours. If I can't get my work done, no one is out anything except for my grocery bill.

One other thing about the free stuff...most items I get free from Walgreens are free after rebate, which means I have to buy them in the first place. But Walgreens' rebate program is super-easy. Once a month, you check the items you bought off of their little rebate form, write your Walgreens gift card number on the form, stick the form and your receipts in an envelope, and mail it. When Walgreens receives your rebate form, they add the amount to your gift card...PLUS TEN PERCENT. So you end up not even paying tax. Then, you take your loaded gift card in and use it to "buy" the next round of free stuff. They have a new list of rebate items every month in their EasySaver catalog, found at the front of their store.

Join Me On the Roof!

2008-09-09T22:17:00.003-05:00

Blogger has this cool new gadget called "Followers," which I have renamed "Rooftop Friends." It is my understanding that it works a bit like a friends list on MySpace (or, in my case, crashMycomputerSpace). Now, please don't get me wrong. It's not about how many friends I have or don't have. It's more about the fact that I am nosey and want to know who some of you are!

With the Feedjit gadget I can see locations, and some identities of my visitors are obvious. My cousin Michelle lives in Joplin, Missouri; the Sonlight people are in Colorado; I've become reaquainted with friends in Killeen, Texas; my sister-in-law lives in Knoxville. Then there are those people who pop in once by accident, never to return. A marketing company overseas. Someone in London who Googled "underwear pictures." (I'm sure they were shocked by Justin and Owen!)

But there is this other group that falls somewhere in the middle. WHO ARE YOU?!?! Who lives in Ohio and comes to visit from Kara Bright's blog? Who keeps coming by direct link from France? Cordova, Tennessee...are you my cohort Lee Anne? There is also a returning visitor north of Jackson, near Kevin's first job as mathematics teacher at West Carroll High School.

So try the new gadget. Or don't. I'll still be up here having my coffee, wondering who you guys are!

Symmetrical Underwear

2008-09-05T15:18:00.006-05:00

For some reason, Justin Holtzmann (of the Sonlight Mathtacular DVDs) has a fondness for his heart-patterned boxer shorts. Now, the Hintons are not the type of family likely to magic marker A Child's Book of Art or Usborne Children's Encyclopedia. (Okay, so I have been guilty of snagging Kevin's basketball and football magazines and using a big fat Sharpie on them...but that's another issue...). So I found the boxers to be humorous. But they became even more so when Owen ran to his room and brought back his Mater underwear! He stood right in front of the television and tried his best to fold his "draws" just like Justin. (This program isn't even supposed to be FOR Owen, who is only three years old.)

After the underwear episode, I laughed myself silly at "Wayne, the World Famous Economist," and "Phil, Another World Famous Economist." With every close-up of Wayne lifting his eyebrow I got more and more tickled. And when I thought it was all over, he reappeared in the dream sequence. Classic.

At the moment, Justin is working some math problems (Time Flys) to the beat of some rockin' music and my dancing children look like they belong in a mosh pit. We are supposed to be BAPTIST, people! Corruption. Pure corruption.

Saving Money at the Grocery Store

2008-08-27T23:07:00.006-05:00

(This is a copy of an email sent to my homeschool group. A dear friend requested that I share my tips, so here they are!)

***Edited on 12/29/10 to update content.***

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a coupon junkie. Let me spill my secrets...

Coupon Mom

I suggested The Grocery Game a while back, but just last week I found another site that does the same thing (matching coupons with sales). FOR FREE! It is CouponMom.com. Now, the way this service is provided for free is that the website has lots of advertisements. When you register on the site, you have to say "no, thanks" to page after page of e-newsletters. But that's a one-time thing. It wasn't too bad for me and I have dial-up. After that initial registration, you will see banner ads here and there. The site is a bit messy for my taste, with lots of links to click. STAY FOCUSED! LOL!

The two main things to check out on this site are Grocery Deals By State, and Grocery Coupon Database.

Grocery Deals By State

Forget about scouring the sale flyers! This site does it all for you. Pick your favorite store and you will get a list of all sale items for that week. If any unexpired Sunday paper coupon (RedPlum, SmartSource, and Proctor and Gamble, and occasionally others) exists for any of the sale items, it is listed with the date and initials of which flyer it is in. On the far right is the percentage that you will save, based on a history of prices for that specific item. [Update: Initially I was very excited to see a list for Wal-Mart. Since then I have realized that Wal-Mart does not have sales. It has "everyday low prices." So all Coupon Mom does for you is match the coupons with the "everyday low price." In my opinion, I can save much more by shopping at Kroger. And the Atoka Kroger has much fresher meat and produce - but again, that's my opinion.]

You do not have to cut any coupons until you actually need them. This is HUGE, people! Keep your Sunday paper coupons intact; write the date on the front of each coupon flyer. Check your list of Grocery Deals for each store you want to shop at. Check the items you want to buy and view only your needed items list. Finally, cut only the coupons that match your list for that week.

Personally, if something I use a lot has a deal of 50% off or greater, I stockpile it. I buy as much as I can if it is non-perishable. If the deal is less than 50%, I only buy it if we really need it. As the weeks go on, my stockpile grows and there is less and less on my "have to buy at any price" list.

Grocery Coupon Database

Use this to find coupons for "have to buy at any price" items. It is a list of ALL non-expired coupons from the Sunday paper, searchable by keyword. Of course, it's better to save the coupon for sale items, but if you have to buy it, you have to buy it.

Why I Love Kroger

I have found that I can consistently save the most by shopping at Kroger. Wal-Mart has too many distractions. I end up spending way too much time and money in there. And here is a really awesome new-fangled thing to try.....

If you go to Kroger.com and register your Kroger Plus Card, you can LOAD COUPONS DIRECTLY ONTO YOUR PLUS CARD. Yes, read that again. You load coupons onto your Kroger Plus Card and when you buy the item and scan your card, the coupon value is automatically deducted from the item price. This idea is just now catching on and growing, so paper coupons may soon go the way of eight-tracks. You can load coupons at:

Kroger
Proctor and Gamble
Shortcuts

There may be more, but these are the three I know about and use. Even if you don't want to cut paper coupons, it only takes a few minutes to fill up your Plus Card with a bunch of coupons. I've ACCIDENTALLY saved money this way! Also, for some items, Kroger lets you redeem a (doubled) paper coupon AND a loadable coupon, making for some cheap groceries.

Kroger also has some kind of extra deal every time I am in the store. This time it is for Nestle products (spend $20 and save $5 off your total order). It's almost always the same deal, just different products. One time I was about to check out when I realized that if I went back for a box of Tide, I'd get it for free. There are usually tally marks on the side of my shopping list so I can make sure I bought enough of the bargain items.

And of course, Kroger mails you monthly coupons in a little booklet, PLUS mails you custom coupons every few months or so. The custom coupons are awesome, like "save $20 off a total of $200 or more."

And don't forget the gas discount. Gas is 10 cents a gallon less than whatever they have marked if you regularly shop there and scan your Plus Card before pumping.

The $2 Rule

It's good to have an idea in your head about how much you will pay for a certain item. I've noticed that for many items, $2 is a good price to stay under.

Meat is usually your highest priced food item. Plan your menu around what's on sale. I try to never pay more than $2 per pound for meat. STOCK UP. I have a TON of meat in my freezer; for example, Kroger had Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey in the 1 lb. "sausage tubes" on sale for $1 each. I bought ten. That's way better for you and much cheaper than lean ground beef.

We liked bagged dark-leaf salads, but I never pay more than $2 a bag or box for them. Kroger's produce mark-down day used to be on Friday, and I would go that day to get some great fresh items.

I also try to stay under $2 for: a box of cereal, good-quality bread, cookies, snack crackers, big bag of chips, etc.

My Savings

My Kroger account shows that I have saved almost $700 since January at Kroger alone (info from 2008). We budget $300 every two weeks for everything grocery related (paper goods, diapers, cleaners, pharmacy, etc.). I usually spend $200. For maximum fun, wait until the end of checkout to scan your Kroger Plus Card and coupons. It's like winning the lottery, only better! Yes, this all does take SOME time, but not much more than I'd usually spend getting a list and menu together. Kevin said he considers it to be like a part-time job for me and he is very grateful - to the point that I *never* have to remember to get the Sunday paper. He is on a mission to get it for me every week! Oh! Don't forget to peek into the paper and make sure no one has stolen your coupons. Sigh. [Update: I've never saved less than 25%. I've never saved more than 51%. I'm usually in the 30-40% range at Kroger.]

Pure Blogging Excitement!

2008-08-27T13:33:00.003-05:00

I really had to work up the nerve to move this blog out into the open. I'm relieved that it's been so much fun!

This week I had visits from Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Japan, and Bombay!

I've also had a couple of brushes with fame. (If you don't think this is fame, you have to understand that I don't get out much.) I accidently stumbled into an email conversation with Jay Younts, author of Everyday Talk), and now Luke Holzmann of Sonlight just commented on my blog. Of course, Katie wouldn't be impressed unless Justin commented. She thinks he's "Mathtacular!"

So now I have caught up to my friend Teresa, who had to stalk Linda Hobar before she could hang out with her.

Be careful what you ask for.

2008-08-25T18:56:00.003-05:00

For all of you who are amazed at my posting spree, this is what my brain is like. I think of all these things I want to put on here but I have to keep pushing them back because I don't have the time to type them out. Then my brain fills up and just spills over. Okay, so maybe it isn't that dramatic. But one last post for today.

There are five people who live in this house. Four of them use the toilet. But only one of them changes the toilet paper. So it is a good thing that the one person who changes it is vigilant.

However, it seems ironically unfair that although I am that one person, I got stuck on the toilet with no paper last Saturday. Kevin was home. I thought I'd be cute, so I yelled, "FAMILY!!! I need some toilet paper!!!"

Katie went to the other bathroom and brought me....one square. Her generosity is so evident, even at her tender age. (Thankfully, her daddy was behind her with a roll. And he didn't even peek in, although he threatened the camera.)

Now, Owen wipes his own bottom. Katie is too much of a perfectionist. This fact is one of my current pet peeves. So, to be cute, I said, "Katie! Thanks for this toilet paper! Do you want to come wipe my bottom?" She responded with a characteristic "EEEEEWWWWWW!!!! No way!"

From the living room I could hear fast little footsteps, and Owen's helpful cry. "I will, Mommy! I wipe you booty!!!"

I love that boy. He makes me laugh!

My Little Secret

2008-08-25T18:46:00.001-05:00

I'm not a very good cook. My secret is that I befriend good cooks, they give me their recipes, and I make those recipes often. "My" two most requested recipes really belong to my friends Mary and Camille. Beware! If you make either one, you will eat it ALL!!!!

Mary's Southewestern Salsa

2 cans black beans, drained
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 red pepper, chopped (sometimes I also use green, yellow, or orange)
1 sm. purple onion, chopped (or 1/2 lg. onion)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (scissors work best!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (jarred kind works great)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can Rotel
1/3 c. lime juice
1/2 c. olive oil

Mix canned and chopped ingredients together; sprinkle with seasonings, then pour liquids over and stir. Ingredients can be adjusted to taste. Chopped ingredients can be prepared in the food processor but the result isn't as pretty. Mary serves hers with lime flavored corn chips but we like Tostido Scoops. Keep in tightly covered container (unless you want everything to smell like salsa) in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Camille's Apple Pie

unbaked pastry for 9" pie (Oh, just go ahead and just pick up a frozen one! This pie is so good no one will notice.)
4 large tart apples (I use Granny Smith)

1/2 c. sugar (or Splenda works okay)
1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. sugar (or Splenda)
3/4 c. flour
1/3 c. butter (Smart Balance is a healthy alternative)
1/4 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (Camille says they are optional. HA! No way, woman!)

Pare apples and cut into slices.
Mix 1/2 c. sugar with cinnamon; set aside.
Mix 1/2 c. sugar with flour; cut in butter until crumbly and stir in nuts.
Arrange apples in pastry-lined dish, layer by layer. Sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture over each layer. Sprinkle sugar-flour-butter-nut mixture over top to form crust.
Bake until apples are tender - about 1 hr. at 375.

Occupying Toddlers While Trying to Homeschool

2008-08-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

(I've had a couple of people inquire about the article I had published. This is the version I have saved in email, before the editor took care of my wordiness.)

The best way I have found to occupy busy toddlers is to include them! This means you must plan for your toddler just as you plan for your school children. Jot down a list of things your little one can do in the areas of taking care of himself, chores, and school. Even play time can have a little structure. Also, never underestimate what a young child can do. They will certainly surprise you if you spend some time instructing and training them.

In our home, we have a chart on the refrigerator with a small picture of each task in the order I would like for them to be done each day. You can use your own digital pictures in a Word document or just cut and paste from a magazine. Above each picture is a simple description; for example, "Brush your teeth!" has a picture of a little girl brushing away. After about a week of walking my children through the list they can do it by themselves, with my five-year-old daughter helping my two-year-old son just a bit. Meanwhile, I can nurse my baby or get breakfast ready.

For personal care, our list includes going potty (my son is potty training), getting dressed, putting away PJs, combing hair, and eating breakfast, which is when I teach the children from the Bible. Our Bible time includes a "hymn of the week" and learning the Apostle's Creed; more on that below.

During chores, my children make their own beds. No, they do not do it perfectly, but they do their best! Then they can pick two chores each from a list of four. The first chore is emptying the bathroom trashes into the kitchen trash every day, even if they are not full (put a rubber band around the liner so only the trash dumps out). Next, I bought a Dustbuster for cleaning crumbs from under the table each morning, and for cleaning up hair from the bathroom floor. Two-year-old boys generally LOVE noisy chores like this one! The other two chores are sorting silverware from the dishwasher and helping with the laundry. You would be AMAZED at how many laundry steps young children can accomplish with a little instruction! (Think of a preschooler throwing wet clothes from the washer down to your toddler, who stuffs them into the dryer....)

Now we are ready for school. School in our home is known better as "fun time with Mama!" Both older children participate while my baby naps. At the table, my son can do sticker books, color, sort "counting bears," write on the slate or dry-erase board, or even just play with a toy. Reading time is all-inclusive as well, and my lap can be quite full, especially if it's time to nurse again! We use a literature-based curriculum so this might not work as well for those using traditional workbook-style curriculum.

Finally, remember that hymn of the week and creed? We teach our children these things so that they will be able to PARTICIPATE in worship on Sundays. How lovely to hear little lips singing God's praises, and reciting what they "believe!" Our prayer is that as they grow in maturity, they will understand these beliefs more and that God will reveal to them who they are and Who He is. During the sermon, I do allow very young ones to draw or color quietly, but they must participate when they are able to do so.

Once again, plan for your little ones, include them, and never underestimate their abilities. A little work on the front end will save a lot of work in the end!

Pregnancy Sickness

2008-08-25T18:35:00.003-05:00

(This is the second article I submitted. I won't know for a few months whether or not it will be published.)

My husband and I desired children early in our marriage, knowing that they are a blessing from the Lord. After three years of infertility and a miscarriage, God miraculously granted us the beautiful sights and sounds of a strong little heartbeat on an ultrasound monitor. I thought the hard part was over, not knowing that one of the most difficult seasons of my life was about to begin.

I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarium - severe pregnancy sickness. Nothing would ease the constant nausea and vomitting. With that first pregnancy I was desperate and would try anything suggested to me, but you can only take so many ginger pills, saltine crackers, and peppermint tea. Not knowing how to manage the sickness, I just stopped trying to eat since I knew it would come back up anyhow. This landed me in the hospital twice, followed by a few weeks on IVs at home. I tried to deal with everything myself, rarely asking God for help. After all, He had caused me to have so much trouble conceiving; shouldn't he owe it to me to have an easy, happy pregnancy? The sickness never completely abated but did ease some in my late second trimester. My beautiful daughter was born in September of 2002. The awful sickness slowly became a distant memory, replaced by the joy of her little face.

Surprisingly, my husband and I both hoped to have a second child only a few months after my daughter was born. Although we knew that conceiving might be difficult due to our earlier experience, we were encouraged when we were blessed almost immediately. But once again, we went through that sad, sad time of losing a little one when our firstborn was barely a year old. Fourteen more months passed very slowly.

We were so excited when we found out we were again expecting! I was full of hope. Maybe the first pregnancy was a fluke. This one just had to be different. But it was not. I was so sick that we had to move in with my in-laws because I could not care for my daughter at all. I was a complete vegetable for about four months, most days not even being able to care for myself. I was weak and dehydrated but managed to stay out of the hospital. One thing I did learn through this pregnancy was what a wonderful woman my mother-in-law is. She cared for me and for my family, never complaining. But I am humbled to admit that I cannot say the same for myself. I was full of complaints. I cried and cried, exclaiming that I would NEVER be pregnant again. It was too difficult. God had promised that He would never give me more than I could bear, but I was certain He was wrong! Yet again, the light at the end of the tunnel came when my bouncing baby boy appeared after only three hours of labor in July of 2005.

This time the memory of the sickness didn't fade as much. I remembered how awful it was and knew that I had no strength to go through that ever again. But apparently God had other plans. He still had more to teach me about relying on His strength instead of my own. He changed my heart and my desires, and after only three months, we discovered that we would be having a third child. This time there was no false hope. We knew from the beginning what we were getting ourselves into. But this turned out to be one of the most growing experiences of my Christian walk. Allow me to share just a few quotes from my journal...

If I really believe that children are a blessing, and I am willing to endure something this bad to have one, then I need to trust God to take care of me and my family during this time. I believe this verse applies to my hyperemesis: 'I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.' - Romans 12:1

Ten weeks of misery results in a 'soul that will never die.' THAT is why I am doing it. It is very hard not to feel sorry for yourself and let the hyperemesis be all you think about. I mean, how DO you think about anything else?

Today the nausea has been almost constant. It's like this...I know that if I actually vomit I will NOT feel better and will probably feel worse, because I will get dehydrated. So I fight it. All day.

An example of a day: I wake up off and on while Kevin gets ready for work and I lie as still as possible. Kids still sleeping. My sister is here, asleep on the couch. Try to get up to go to the bathroom but end up dry heaving for several minutes. Go back to bed shaking, stomach and throat are sore and head aches.

Finally around 9:30 the kids and my sister get up. My sister starts feeding them and getting them dressed. She makes me toast and ginger ale. I struggle to get it down, then immediately lie down. The next two hours are a fight to not vomit. The kids run around me and hug me; I try to respond as much as possible.

Eat lunch which I cannot even make for myself. Fight once again to keep everything down. That is what my existance boils down to...eat and then fight.

Try to nap...I have been getting about 1/2 hour before someone or something wakes me up. Spend time meditating on scripture or hymn lyrics (strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside, great is Thy faithfulness, all I have needed Thy hand hath provided.....He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.......His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.......kyrie eleison, christe eleison, kyrie eleison.....).

I cannot say that I did not have moments of depression during my third pregnancy. But I was much more aware of God's presence, and was able to rely on Him for strength to endure. And I am learning that it is this way for all of life, not just pregnancy sickness. We are weak and sinful creatures, and we need to depend on God for everything. My youngest daughter turned one just this past week, and I cannot imagine life without her. I praise God for His gift of three beautiful children!

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

2008-08-25T18:08:00.004-05:00

I'm in the depths of frugality despair. You see, I'm always on a mission to save money. Kevin works hard for our family and I can't stand to see his work be wasted. My first project was lowering the grocery bill. I made everyone go on a diet of saltine crackers and ketchup. JUST KIDDING! Seriously, I've made a major dent in that area. Each week I save somewhere from 30-50% off my total.

My second project started about a month ago, when the electric bill came in. It was just over $200. So I got my game plan: do some research to see what is causing the most damage, make drastic cuts for one month in ALL of those areas, then evaluate my efforts.

The first part was fairly easy, thanks to Mr. Electricity, aka Michael Bluejay. I'd give a link but the guy is a little nutso and I'm not sure what ELSE you'd find on his site. But he knows his stuff about kilowatt hours. So what were the Hinton Family Electricity Hogs?

1. The pool pump was running 24 hours per day, costing an estimated $78 per month. That was about 40% of our bill.

2. The stove is a wattage mammoth. Not only does it cause my meter to spin at the speed of light, it also heats up the house, meaning the a/c has to be turned down to keep up with it.

3. Ditto the dryer.

4. I assume the a/c is bad. I can't tell for sure because our attic stairs broke and Kevin screwed the opening shut so heat wouldn't pour out of the gaping hole. Okay, well, he KINDA screwed it shut, but that's a different story. Either way, I wasn't going up there to read labels.

Although I secretly hoped that the X-Box was a money sucker, it was not.

Now I was armed with information, and we all know that information is power. Or, rather, information results in less power being consumed. So for an entire month, I went outside every morning and turned the pool pump on. Every afternoon I turned it back off again. I cooked with the stove only once or twice, favoring my big Bobo George Foreman grill, Crock Pot, and stovetop instead. I hung almost every load of clothes out on my deck to dry. (Our undies were stiff enough to walk alone!) And I cranked the thermostat up to 82......thank goodness for ceiling fans in almost every room!

Today my electric bill came in. It was....$195. I couldn't believe my eyes. So, wallowing in self-pity, I went directly inside and threw some clothes in the dryer. And then I turned the a/c down. May as well be cool while I pout.

At least I won't have to hear Mom complain about the heat anymore. She's from Kenosha, dontcha know.

Fellowship With Grace Church

2008-08-20T08:00:00.012-05:00

Our fellowship with Grace Church was like a taste of heaven to come. Thanks to someone's suggestion of name tags, I had the privilege of saying hello to everyone. What a joy to hear so many conversations centered on Christ as I walked around; to see our children - and men! - playing together; to witness Grace members ministering to Unity's children (and vice versa). May God receive glory from our continued partnership in spreading His name!

(All of these photos have been uploaded in full resolution, so if you would like to download any of them, just open the full photo and save away. Apologies if I got any names mixed up; I'm going on memory. And the babies didn't get name tags so I don't remember their names! Maybe next time.)

Susan "Queen of the World" plays on the new playground with the kids....and Roger!

"The most beautiful sound that I ever heard.....Maria....."

Benji and his little one

Bryan and Angie's sweet baby

Paul and Bryan playing ball

More Fellowship Photos

2008-08-20T07:45:00.000-05:00

Josiah cooling down with a frozen treat (GREAT IDEA, whoever brought those!)

The Grandma Club

Janet, Bucky and Chris in serious conversation

Brandy, Gina,and Amy watching the babies...and the football game...

Although I can't remember this baby's name, I DO remember his daddy was at work! LOL!

Final Fellowship Photos

2008-08-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Another sweet Grace Church baby (and I've heard there are SEVEN more on the way!)

Football Game (Tell the Tucker guy that I have video of his touchdown. LOL!)

Football Fans, including "Miracle Mike"

Rachael and Lissa enjoying the new slide (and some girl talk)

Pigpen (Oh, wait....that's my son under all that dirt and ice cream!)

The Youth Group That Wasn't

2008-08-19T22:02:00.005-05:00

Excerpts from another email to an inquiring friend:

We don't really have a "youth group" like most churches. Almost everything at Unity bypasses age restrictions. Let me give some examples.

Kevin teaches the boys' class, ages 6 and up (!). They have two teachers and could split, but the boys want to stay together. They had a lock-in two or three weeks ago. First they played basketball at FBC gym from 6-10, then went back to Unity and had pizza and snacks. Everyone brought gaming systems and they had play-offs. I'm not sure what else they did because I don't ask about those things. LOL! But I do know that the youngest boy there was seven and the oldest was nineteen. Three of the men were there, one who doesn't even have children yet. Any fathers who wanted to come were invited.

When Kevin was working on the playground, four of the youth boys showed up to help and did hard, manual labor alongside the men. The project covered several months and the boys continued to come (when they could be there) up until completion. The girls serve, too. One lovely young lady, who is 16, usually prepares the elements for the Lord's Supper. She also sings with me on the praise team and faithfully attends practices. The nursery rotation includes several of the girls (ages 9 or so and up).

There are also all the "little things" that I see from week to week. The boys' class has a "special handshake" and during the greeting I watch from the platform as boys of all ages go around greeting each other. When a new boy starts attending, I've noticed almost immediate inclusion, so it is not a "clique" sort of thing - more of a male bonding.

About a month ago at a fellowship meal, the youth were all outside, sitting and standing around in a circle (surrounded by chatting adults and running children). All of them who had cell phones had them out and were punching numbers. I asked, "What in the WORLD are you guys doing?!?!" They shouted at once, "Trading numbers!"

And of course, the older boys play on the mens' softball team (I'm sure it was just a coincidence that we placed last!)....and they all go out and play football and softball at the fellowship meals...and I watch as an eighteen-year-old hoists Owen on his shoulders and runs around with him...or as another older youth shows a little guy how to swing a bat...or as several youth girls play a board game with some of the seniors. It's just like that. Not really a youth group. More like a big family.

So what fun are YOU having?

2008-08-14T09:03:00.001-05:00

My life is so fun! When's the last time YOU wrote "Australia" on a piece of toilet paper and slid it under the bathroom door? You should try it sometime.

One Year Ago Today...

2008-08-12T23:55:00.002-05:00

Here is an excerpt from Audrey's birth story. I'll get the rest copied at some point, when the rest of my journal is moved:

At first lots of people were in the room - Kevin, Mom, Daddy, Mama, and Abby. Somewhere around 1:00 and 4 ccs of Pitocin, Tom, Stacy, and both of their kids came in. Daddy decided there were too many people in the room and took the kids and Tommy out. I really didn't know what was going on. Just like with Owen, I started out by meditating on scripture or hymn lines or just praying through contractions, focusing and breathing to the rhythm of the words. But Pitocin is EVIL and things got really hard and out of control fast! I lost my reputation of being a peaceful, quiet laborer and started crying out. First I told Kevin, "I can't pray!" Meaning I couldn't focus enough to pray through the contractions. The two Moms thought I said "I can't cry!" and started saying "Go ahead and cry!" Mom Hinton was even suggesting the epidural because she knew how high my pain threshold is and it was so odd for me to be that loud. I spoke quieter to Kevin between contractions, "No, I can't pray anymore, it hurts too bad! Pray FOR me."

Kevin was incredible. First he was stroking my hair and face so I could focus on that. Then he was whispering to me between contractions and encouraging me during them:

"I am praying for you and I am not the only one....everyone at Unity just got out of church and they all know you are in labor. They are all praying."

"That was a good one! I bet you are already in transition, at least 6 cm by now."

"You are doing a great job. I love you."

"God is with you. He will get you through this."

"It can't be much longer now."

The nurse checked me at some point after I was up to 6 ccs of Pitocin. I had gone from an unmoveable 4 cm. to 6 in just minutes. Only a bit later I told them I felt like pushing. She checked and I was 8-9 cm. Seconds passed and I told her the baby was COMING OUT without me trying to push at all!!! Everyone started moving fast. A nurse I hadn't seen before stood just inside the door but left when the doctor arrived - I think she would have delivered. I had to wait 20 minutes on the doctor and the nurses all encouraged me to blow through, just like with Owen, but it was MUCH more difficult! My body was just doing it involuntarily. Finally the nurse got the brains to turn the Pitocin drip off - LOL! That made it a bit easier to wait.

The nurse came in and I started barking commands! HA! "Don't touch my ankle when I push, it hurts." Etc.

I pushed ONE TIME. Two if you count that I took a quick breath between head and shoulders! She was small and I was DONE, shaking and hurting..........

They put her on my stomach just like they had done with my first two babies, but this time I took my time rubbing her down and talking to her. They had to ask me if they could have her! She was just beautiful, so tiny, with a little dark hair. She cried some but not as loudly or insistantly as Owen.

I nursed her a little when they were done with her, but then she had to go visit everyone - she had about 25 visitors that first day! That's what happens when you have a baby on the weekend. It was like that with Katie, who was born on Sunday. Owen was born on a Thursday and hardly anyone came. Although I love company, I was thankful when everyone was gone because I hadn't slept a wink in over 36 hours and had been laboring for about 12 of that.

Katie and Owen came up for a bit that evening. It was really sweet to see them with their new sister. Katie was in love and couldn't stop smiling. Owen didn't seem to get it, but since then he has become quite a protective, loving big brother.

When everyone was gone, Kevin and I just about collapsed from exhaustion. But we had our sweet baby, and I felt so much better I was in tears - not to mention the fact that I ate two dinners within about three hours...plus frozen yogurt AND ice cream!!! LOL! We sent Audrey to the nursery for a few hours, and when I had gotten my nap, I was ready to snuggle and kiss her. I am so thankful that God has entrusted us one more little life, and I pray that we will bring glory to Him in her training and care.

Happy Birthday, Little One.

2008-08-12T23:20:00.013-05:00

Audrey Rebecca is now my big one-year-old! She is such a joy. She is trying to walk and talk, and occasionally has Katie and Owen cracking up with her special sense of humor. It is difficult to make myself believe it has been a year since I held her in that hospital room, surrounded by...half the church! LOL! This year has really flown by.

Our birthday custom is for Kevin to take off work. Then we spend special one-on-one time with the birthday child, followed by cake and ice cream - and presents, of course!

When Audrey woke up this morning, Kevin brought her to our bed so we could all snuggle together. Audrey crawled in and out of the sheets, babbling and pointing. After breakfast and morning nap, Katie and Owen went to Grandma's house. Then just the three of us headed to McDonald's and the park. Audrey loved the slide and the pea gravel, but HATED the swings! It was a beautiful day, a bit cooler than last week, with such a blue sky. I also will remember this as the dragonfly year, as they are everywhere! Such a blessing as this means fewer mosquitos.

Back home, Audrey had her second nap while Kevin wrapped gifts and I finished her cake. I always make cakes for the kids. This time, Katie designed Audrey's cake! It is a "Patty Cake," marked with a "B" and decorated with frosting cherries and smiley faces.

Audrey got to ride in a front-facing car seat to Grandma's house, where we had dinner and a very small party. (I've learned from experience that one-year-olds don't care so much for HUGE parties that mommy and daddy tend to throw for them). Audrey seemed to enjoy her cake and presents.

Audrey, you are such a blessing to us. Your daddy and I pray every day that you will learn to know and love God, to enjoy Him forever, and to bring glory to Him in everything you do. We love you!

Confession

2008-08-11T17:36:00.003-05:00

(These thoughts come on the heels of Nathan's sermon from yesterday. His preaching has been such a blessing to everyone at Unity.)

I do not find my joy in Christ.
I look for it in the behavior of my children.
I expect my husband to provide it for me.
I seek it on a crossed-off to do list.
So foolish. Temporary, fleeting joys!

Children sin.
My husband is NOT a mind-reader.
Things happen, plans change, people call or drop by or have needs.
To do lists get longer and longer.

Seeking my joy in any place besides Christ alone is idolatry. Oh Lord, keep me from it!

"One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple." ~ Psalm 27:4

A Snapshot of My Life

2008-08-11T17:08:00.004-05:00

We are riding back from Kroger. It's about 4:30. I'm tired from pushing one of those car carts, three kids, and a load of groceries. The back of the van is piled high with sports equipment, a guitar case, and of course, the groceries.

Owen is screaming. "IT'S TUMMIN OUT!!!! POO POO IS TWYIN TO TUM OUT WIGHT NOW!!!!" He is inconsolable. His voice has an odd edge to it, like any minute he might proclaim, "I am Legion!" There isn't anywhere to pull over, and what if I do? Should I let him do his business on someone's lawn?

Audrey is looking at him calmly. Her hair is sticking up like a perfect, feathery mohawk. Katie licked her hands in the store and styled it that way.

Katie has a book that has a little keyboard attached. She's playing "Silent Night." And awaiting the spanking she will receive at home for disobeying and climbing into the FRONT of the cart with Audrey. She's lucky she didn't fall and break something.

"My joy is in Christ....my joy is in Christ....my joy is in Christ...."

I'm Back!

2008-08-09T14:03:00.008-05:00

It's good to be back. Sort of. I had 103 emails to either read or delete. Honestly, I was in total withdrawal for about two days. After that, the time I had devoted to being online was absorbed by other things. With or without the computer, I end the day with things still not crossed off my to do list. You make time for what you want to do, I suppose.

Highlights of the past week include, but are not limited to, the following.

I told Owen that he couldn't play with his food. He screamed, "You are EVIL to me!" Knowing that his daddy has been letting him watch Star Wars, I replied, "Do you mean I am evil, like Darth Vader?" Owen's face went from angry to contemplative. "Yes, Dark Vader is MAD."

Audrey is terrified of the vaccum cleaner. The really bad part is that she won't crawl away from it - she wants ME! She crawls right to me and hangs on me until I pick her up. So the next time you are vaccuming and thinking how tired you are, just imagine doing it with a kid on your hip.

I took my last prenatal/postnatal vitamin. I've been on those babies for years now. CRAZY! I suppose my hair will fall out. Maybe it will be an improvement.

Owen loves coffee. Ms. Teri got him started on that when he was the only kid in the nursery. For the Sunday School hour they would share biscotti and coffee. So a few days ago I made him his own cup (1/4 coffee and 3/4 milk). He was sitting at the table, watching me rush around to get breakfast going. Then he pulled out the chair beside his and patted it, asking, "You want to sit by me and drink coffee, Mama?" How can a Mama say no to THAT?!?!

Kevin is reading "The Apple and The Arrow" to Katie at night. She likes to act out the parts. So when William Tell was about to shoot the arrow from Walter's head, Katie was stretching her arms out, too. Kevin read, "Tell stretched the bow out before him, with muscles rippling on his brown arm." Katie squinted her eyes and stared at her arm. Hilarious. (Guess you had to be there.)

Mom Hinton got her hair cut. When Owen saw her he exclaimed, "Grandma! You comb you hair?!?!"

Frugal deal of the week: I went to Kroger and bought two boxes of Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats, two boxes of Kellogg's Corn Pops, two boxes of Rice Krispy Treats, two boxes of Nutrigrain Eggo Frozen Waffles, and two packages of Keebler Fudge Shopppe cookes - for $11.54. Then I went home and ripped of the ten UPC codes and mailed it in for a $10 rebate check. FREE FOOD.

Random thought for today: It is my opinion that there should be two versions of nutritional content for Cheetos Puffs - one for the top of the bag, and one for the bottom.

And...I added a couple of new Bad Church Signs, below right.

That is all. I have no time to be witty. Carry on.

Eight to Ten Working Days

2008-07-30T22:30:00.004-05:00

That's how long I'll be without my computer. So if any of you want to reach me, you have my digits. Of course, I don't answer during school hours. I would tell you all what school hours are, but they seem to vary. Take today, for example. School started at 11:00, after I mopped up about eight ounces of orange juice. For the record, orange juice has a high sugar content and is quite sticky as it dries.

So, if you have just finished pouring milk over four bowls of Frosted Mini Wheats and you hear a splash, and you have to decide to eat cruchy cereal in a puddle of orange juice or soggy cereal in a clean kitchen, you might want to second guess yourself. Or even be willing to throw the soggy cereal out and get some fresh (usually unthinkable). Because the effort to get dried OJ up will not be worth your time. Trust me.

Of course, I should be grateful it was only orange juice. Yesterday the bathroom was covered in poop while Katie and I were engrossed in the Industrial Revolution.

You know, the ironic thing is I just had an article published in a mothering magazine - an article on keeping toddlers occupied while homeschooling. Physician, heal thyself!

Lord's Day - Sweet Fellowship!

2008-07-28T12:40:00.004-05:00

After having the guest preacher over for lunch, Kevin and I invited, well....the whole church (!) to our house for an evening fellowship. We have done this in the past, before Audrey came along. In fact, we used to do this once a month all summer long. We'd generally have two or three families show up.

I didn't count last night, but there were a lot of people in our 1200 square foot house. Let's see....there was.....

Betty
Jim
Mary L.
Gracey
Paul
Emily
Alex
Mom Hinton
Dad Hinton
Trish
Todd
Krystal
Pam
Greg
Tony
Cathy
John
Elizabeth
Dave
Mary S.
Janelle
Jenna
Kristin
Kegan (I think?)
another Mary (I think?)
Chris
Roger
Elisabeth
plus my clan of five!

We were a little squished but it was so much fun. And now I'm a bit less worried about hosting part of my homeschool support group's progressive dinner. LOL!

Unity Baptist Church

2008-07-25T23:14:00.002-05:00

It seems that every month or so I type an email similar to this in answer to questions about my church. So I thought it would be easier to compile a few emails I've sent out previously and post them here on my blog. Of course, it is not possible to cover everything someone would want to know before visiting or becoming a member of a church - so come and visit us. See for yourself! I'm not trying to proselytize, but if you do not have a church home, or if you just want to come visit a sister church, you are most welcome!

Unity Baptist is my church. I love it. I joined on January 19th, 1997, the day after Kevin and I married. Kevin has been a Unity member since middle school, when his military dad moved his family to Millington.

Unity is a Southern Baptist church, part of the SBC and the Mid-South Baptist Association, but we are “Reformed.” We teach Reformed doctrine and also have elder rule instead of congregational rule. The elders abandoned our former constitution, which leaned towards legalism. Instead, they prayerfully decided to adhere to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. You can find that entire document on the Unity website, listed here on my blog.

We had five elders. One retired from his work and moved to Mississippi (he was actually Unity's first pastor). One is about to retire and is building a house in Alabama, so he went inactive. Then Dax Hughes, our pastor, announced that he had been called to be associate pastor of a church in Kentucky, which puts us at two current elders. My husband, Kevin, is one of them. We are currently searching for a “preaching elder.”

A former Unity member, Nathan Sawyer, is one of three pastors who have started a church plant for John Piper's church in downtown Memphis. He is preaching all but one Sunday a month. (His home church is Grace Church Memphis, listed on my Blog Roll Call). The Sundays that Nathan is absent are times to hear prospective pastors. So far we have had five, with one to three more on the way. Jim and Kevin are both VERY methodical, intelligent, and thoughtful, so the process will likely be slow - but there really is no need to rush with Nathan helping. I thank God for his willingness to help and have been blessed so much by his preaching and teaching. If you can believe it, we’ve actually grown in this time without a pastor. We have had a family recently join and three more families who are “unofficial members.” None of these four came until we were pastor-less, which is amazing to me.

Let's see....what else? Our service is variable. If you took a poll of the congregation, you would probably find paedobaptists and credobaptists (although the official church stance is credo), pre-, a-, and post millennialists (no official stance here). We are casual in dress but recite the Apostle's Creed together weekly. We have home schoolers, private schoolers, and public schoolers. We have piano-led, traditional hymns but also have a worship team with guitar, bass, keyboard, piano, and drums. I've heard the drummer is very handsome! (It's Kevin….he's probably the only Baptist elder drummer on the planet.)

There are age-appropriate Sunday School classes but we do almost all activities together; young boys were playing on our men's softball team (okay, so what if we lost every game?) and teen girls came to the women's luncheon. Another example - Kevin teaches the boys' class.....ages 6-18. They have two teachers and plenty of students, so they could split into two groups. But the boys don't want to be split! I enjoy seeing them all giving each other their “official boys’ class handshake” during the greeting time.

Unity is also extremely hospitable and we love fellowship meals, which is why we bought a commercial playground . We don't have a bunch of children's programs, but the kids can all play outside while we visit. After a Sunday morning service, it is not unusual for people to still be sitting around visiting at 1:00, when the pastor finished at noon!

I always forget to add that our facilities are beautiful, because it always seems to be such a superficial thing. But when I read the Old Testament I am reminded that God put emphasis on beauty in worship. When we were considering what type of building to construct, the leadership decided that our main focus should be on the worship of our Almighty God. And so our church is beautiful. My own prayer is that the church body will reflect that beauty in our thoughts, words, and actions.

And…..we are STILL GROWING. This last part is important. There will always be a few things for the elders to hammer out. But we pray that those things will be handled with grace and love.

I thank God every day for my church family, and hope that He will grow His church in His time, both spiritually and physically.

Jenny's Computer Woes

2008-07-25T16:33:00.000-05:00

After spending over an hour on the phone with Apu from HP (NOT a Simpson's reference, that was his name), and trying all sorts of computer gymnastics such as unplugging everything and holding buttons in for so many seconds and replugging everything back in WITH the kids howling and climbing all over me, etc etc etc, I have been informed that there is a "serious problem" with our computer. Yes, this is our NEW computer. For some reason I can get online sometimes, so here I am.

They are sending a box for me to mail the CPU off and I'll get it back with everything fixed....and wiped clean. Again. Fortunately I can still log on to Windows and see all my files. Unfortunately my CD-RW drive is toast and reads all CDs as ROM only. That's computer-speak for unless I figure something out, I cannot back up all those lovely files, including video of Audrey pulling up for the first time and Owen's trip to the zoo for his birthday (waaaaah!). And let's not forget all the recently retyped and reformatted church files.

SO! I will not be available (in this format) for a week or two. You can pray that I'll figure out some way to back up files. And don't junk up my inbox while I'm gone. LOL!

The Greatest Act of Service

2008-07-24T23:21:00.004-05:00

Yeah, you think this post is going to be labeled under "Jenny's Crazy Theology," don't you? Well, think again.

Unity has a mascot. A "church cat." Because every church should have a cat. She wandered up a few months ago and we've all been feeding her ever since. She's really nice, too; she lets the kids drag her around and never claws or bites them. I think someone named her Roger, but I'm not sure why.

Last Saturday I drove by the church to run the bulletin. That cat had puked right in front of the door! I really wanted to just ignore it. But then my mind wandered.....what if visitors come? What if they get there before anyone else and have to step over cat barf? NOT GOOD. I really, really, really did not want to clean it up. But after the bulletin was on the copier, I went back out with some scrap paper to scrape it up.

That cat.....had eaten.....a SNAKE. A small snake, yes, but IT WAS A SNAKE! And as I scraped it up, it was looking straight at me (because of course, the entire head was intact).

I later told Kevin that I was DONE. My service to Unity Baptist Church had ended. Someone else could take over the bulletin and sing with the praise team.

Kevin said he thought I could do more.

The Great Crash of Ought Eight - Continued

2008-07-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I told everyone about my blog. That afternoon my 55-day-old computer crashed. After some investigation I've determined it is not a virus. After all, here I type. But I type fast, with breath held, because you just never know when it will black out again. Hey, this could be fun! Like a game. "Beat the Crash." If you lose, you get to be on the fast track to sanctification.

Keep in mind that it is only 55 days old because of the Great Crash of Ought Eight, wherin I lost all my Unity files (bulletin, music schedule, nursery and reader schedule, text to all the music we sing, website files, etc.) and three months' worth of pictures. (I usually back up once a month but we were at Mom Hinton's house for two months....) I was able to use backups for my Unity files but had to reformat them from Word to Works. Sigh.

I suspect the crashing has something to do with the fact that some idiot designed this computer with a bright blue button that lights up when the computer is on. And that said button is right at eye level with a certain someone who has mastered the art of pulling up on things and pushing bright blue buttons. A computer, even a new one, can only take so much.

The CPU fan runs so loudly it sounds like it might take to flight. Then I either get a blank screen, or I get an error message saying that the CPU fan is broken and that the computer will now shut down to save my CPU from "permanent damage." That sounds VERY BAD.

Hmmmmm.....I wonder if this also has anything to do with the fact that I keep it 80 degrees in here because my current "thrifty" project is to get my electric bill down? Maybe that fan is trying to cool the house down.

Anyhow! I need to go get Audrey up and then start school. Thanks for all of you who read and comment - what fun! And if you have emailed me I will try to answer between crashes until I figure this out.

Let's Go Krogering

2008-07-23T09:49:00.003-05:00

If any of you are interested, Kroger has some fantastic deals this week. They have a list of items on sale for $1.50, $2, $2.50, and $3, and if you buy ten of these items, you get $5 off your total. An example - a pint of Dove chocolate ice cream (which, btw, is covered in a shell of Dove chocolate!) is $2; buy nine other deals and get it for $1.50; add in a newspaper coupon for $.50 to make it $1.00; Kroger doubles coupons to make it...FIFTY CENTS. Can't beat it!

On a healthier note, my kids like Kroger apple juice and after all discounts, one large bottle is only a dollar. I might have to get ten of just that!

My Recompense is With My God!

2008-07-23T09:18:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I often have ladies confide in me about marital issues. I take this very seriously and be sure to search the scriptures before I spout off advice - I wish I did this for everything I'm asked about! Over time I've found myself saying the same thing over and over. YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR HUSBAND. Only God is in the business of changing hearts. Focus on your own heart. Do what you are called by God Almighty to do, and pray for your husband.

Then today, as I was reading from Isaiah and thinking about OTHERS, the Spirit spoke to my own heart. Doesn't this same principle apply to my own struggles? I train my children. Oh, I DO train them. Over and over. In the same areas. Until I think I might lose.....my......mind!!! Why will these children not LEARN? Do they not understand that my consistancy will not be lacking (okay, MOST days!) and that they will continue to reap the reward of their sin?

I told Kevin last week that I have HAD IT UP TO HERE and we'd better get a tent put up because someone needed to GET SAVED. I told him that the unregenerates had me outnumbered and I didn't like it ONE BIT.

Then this morning I heard that echo of what I've told others. YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR CHILDREN. Only God is in the business of changing hearts. Focus on your own heart. Do what you are called by God Almighty to do, and pray for your children. (Then beat them. HAHAHAHA!!!! Oh, yeah, wait...this is a public blog....don't call CPS!)

And what *am* I called to do? I am called to love my children. I am called to train them in righteousness. I am called to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit in showing them their sin and their need for Christ. I am called to point them to the cross as their only means of salvation. And I am called to teach them that they can do none of what I ask of them by their own strength, but that there is hope in Christ.

(Side note - obviously my role as a mother is different than my role as a wife when it comes to pointing out sin! LOL!)

In my scripture reading today from Isaiah 49, I read this verse:

"But I said, 'I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God.'"

It is possible to feel that everything I do is in vain, even when I am obeying God. But my recompense is with my God!

Everyday Providence

2008-07-17T13:23:00.003-05:00

Katie

Yesterday I caught her staring at herself in the bathroom mirror, with her head tilted back. When I asked her what she was doing, she said, "Don't move me, Mama. I see my nose hairs and I'm looking at them."

Owen

I was making PBJs and Owen was beating Katie up. I told him to stop, but he continued. As I walked over to him, he yelled, "Don't cut me, Mama! Don't cut me, Mama!" (I suppose the spreading knife looked dangerous when combined with the look on my face.)

Audrey

When she doesn't get her way she crawls away from you and then throws her legs and arms out, landing hard on her stomach. This is accompanied by what I assume is an infant cuss word.

I Knew They'd End Up Killing Each Other

Last night I told the kids to play outside. That lasted five minutes. So I took homemade cookies out to them. Another five minutes. Okay, so strip down to your undies and get in the baby pool. Five minutes. By this point I had to join them outside (with Audrey) because the water requires a bit more supervision than watching from the French doors.

Audrey just crawled around the deck (and up and down the stairs) in her diaper, but Katie and Owen wanted to get in the big pool. I sent Katie in for Owen's float suit and told them to go for it. Then I called Kevin, who had to work late (he got home at 11:20!!!).

Audrey was about ready for bed, so I decided to get everyone out. First I stuck Audrey inside. She smashed her face against the glass and screamed at me. Then I turned my attention towards the pool.

Katie, who can touch the bottom if she submurges herself to her eyes, was not wearing a float suit and had swam over to Owen on the other side of the pool. They were several feet from the edge, and Katie is a beginning swimmer. Owen decided that it would be a good idea to ask Katie to catch him....and so he JUMPED on her. She went under. Then she crawled up his body - and float suit - dunking HIM under. They began to take turns pushing each other down. I was still on the phone, yelling for Katie to turn Owen loose and swim to the side, but they were both too panicked. So I said to Kevin, "They are drowning each other, got to go." Click. Then I jumped in with all my clothes on.

Of course everyone was fine. Audrey was still howling at the door (naked at this point). WHAT A NIGHT!

Losing My Mind!

2008-07-08T23:11:00.006-05:00

Due to slight miscalculation, I seriously thought we were expecting baby #4. Surprisingly, I did not go to bed and lock the door, but I will admit that it wasn't a "happy thought." Not because I'd dislike another baby, but because I have no idea how I would care for Katie, Owen and Audrey for the next four months of barf-fest 2008. I'm blaming this on my friend from church who had me convinced that Father's Day was on the eighth of June. For offertory that week she played "Faith of Our Fathers" and mixed me up completely.

And if that wasn't enough, I put a nice, new tub of Country Crock Omega 3 spread in the microwave and nuked it for two minutes. Sure, I bought it with a coupon and on sale, but four bucks is still a bit pricey. If Kevin didn't have choleserol problems I'd probably just buy something with an entire day's worth of saturated fat in one tablespoon.

I suppose that will teach me to save leftovers in butter containers because I thought it was baked beans leftover from the church fellowship meal.

Kid Speak

2008-07-08T18:42:00.002-05:00

Owenisms

“I mean…..”
Ex. “Owen, please get your First Thousand Words book.”
“I mean this one?”
“Yes, Owen, I mean that one.”

Panyo - piano

He also uses the word “hilarious.” “Mama, Tommy Jerry is hi-wa-wi-ous.”

And he is in love with Kathleen Fisher. He calls her Baby Taf-a-ween.

I told the kids to do their morning chores and Owen said he was done. Then Katie said, "Ooops! I need to brush my hair!" He said, "Me, too!" and ran off. When he came back he said, "Mama, you look me han'some?" And gave me a huge, cheesy grin.

Yes, Owen my love. I look you han'some.

Katie

The Best Part of Wakin’ Up

Katie likes to sleep late. She told me, “Maybe I should get a drink of coffee so I can wake up better.”

Who Knew You Could Get So Much from One Commercial?

Katie: Mama, Family Matters is sooooo funny, isn’t it?
Me: Did you watch it or just see the commercial?
K: Just the commercial. The boy on there is named Erick-al. He calls the girl “Angel Lips.” Isn’t that funny, Mama?
M: Yes, it is!
K (with her hand beside her mouth, whispering, like she’s telling a secret): Erick-al wants to be her BOYFRIEND! (hand down, out loud) But she doesn’t want him to be her boyfriend.
M: Why not?
K: She just wants him to be her FRIEND, but not her BOYFRIEND.
(K thinks a while….)
K: Erick-al is kinda clumsy, you know?
M: What does he do?
K (long, long sigh….) I just don’t know!
(K thinks a while….)
K: But he has a cowboy outfit and then he puts his hand on the fake door and it falls, and that’s kinda clumsy, right, Mama?
M: Right!

Giant of the Reformation
Katie is studying Martin Luther. The first page has that big head picture of Luther with the title, “Martin Luther - Giant of the Reformation.” When I turned to the page, I noticed Katie’s eyes bugging out. So I had to explain that he wasn’t a REAL giant. When Kevin came home, Katie told him that Marvin Luther got struck by lightening. Then she sold Kevin an indulgence for a dollar.

Happy Birthday, Boy!

2008-07-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

For Owen's third birthday he chose a trip to the zoo. Even a big three-year-old boy can still fall asleep in the van, but it didn't take him long to wake up when we got there!

We had lots of fun seeing all the animals and riding the train. One special treat was the pandas. Every other time we have been to the zoo, they have been asleep. But for Owen's birthday, they got up and paced around, even coming up to the glass to say hello!

Of course, Memphis is super hot in early July, and we were baking on all that pavement. So the zoo workers let all of the children swim in the pool at the entrance. Obviously, Owen loved this! Here he is with a mouthful of nasty zoo water - ICK!!!! I hate to think of what was in it!

The day ended with a party at Grandma and Grandpa's house....and of course, a Spiderman cake. The boy had never seen Spiderman before so I have no idea why he asked for this, but he certainly was happy to see that cake! I'll never forget his breathless, "Oh, THANK YOU!" when he walked into the room.

Owen, you are my favorite boy. I love you so much!