I'm back...

It's been way too long since I've posted! Life's been crazy and I've been treading water like a crazy lady in a plus size swimsuit!

I volunteered for VBS at our church this week and it was great. Don't get me wrong, hauling 14 four year old children around is quite a chore but they are all so sweet and eager to learn. And I'm not sure you've noticed, but I have a gift for the theatrical and it was nice to have an outlet to squirm on the ground like a worm or make my most gigantic bubble face while still trying to breathe through my nose like a lady! I taught Georgia's class and she was exhausted by the end of today. Later, she and I had a bit of a melt-down. Georgia and I talked our way through the melt-down and now we have another mommy-GiGi lesson to tuck under our belts! Whew.

Changing subjects completely...
Lately, I've been whining a bit to my husband about not meeting my needs. You know, not enough compliments, not enough this, not enough that... Poor guy. He tries so hard and has such a great heart. But ya know what? I still feel how I feel. So, I keep communicating (gently...I hope) and we'll continue to grow as man and crazy wife!

There's my news and vent for now. More frequent posting to come.... Thanks for listening.

Precious In Pink...

For days Georgia has been asking Chris to have her fingernails painted pink. It's amazing how she picks up on these things because I generally do not have my nails painted and don't really encourage her to be "beautified" but never the less she wanted pink nails. So, yesterday I painted her nails. It was such a special moment with her sitting so still as not to smudge her paint and getting so concerned over the fact that it could come off when she washes her hands. After much reassurance, Georgia washed her hands and came out of the bathroom with a huge sigh of relief!

Anyway, while we were painting nails she asked me why my fingernails weren't painted and I told her I really don't like my fingernails painted, just my toes. (Polish on my fingers makes me claustrophobic! I know, commit me now...) Then she asked why I have red polish and not pink and I told her it's because I like red polish better. (Truly it's because I need all the hubby sex-appeal I can get so I go with red to counteract the hairy legs!! I figure it's a wash.) Georgia then began to talk about how it's okay that we like different things because we love each other no matter what. I was so proud and, in with my dig-deeper tendency, I took it a bit further with a light talk about people's differences in hair color, skin color, favorite things etc. We talked about race, gender and nationality. Who knew this could all come from nail polish?!

It was a joy to breathe in the moment and look into G's eyes which were filled with a plentiful measure of joy and curiosity. By far, my favorite moment of the day.

Memorial Week Meals:

This week I shopped at Sunflower Market (primarily produce - this week's ads made it clear that SM's produce was much less expensive) and Safeway. I did buy a few convenience foods (Goldfish, Fiber-One Bars, Potato Chips)... It seems like I can really cut the budget for over a month or so and then I get burnt out on being so "homemade" and "budget conscious". So, this was a more expensive week and I spent a total of $110. This includes, however, 4 discounted deodorants for Chris and a few bulk paper product purchases that I only make every few months or so.

Anyway, here's the scoop on this week's menu:

Dinners:

• BBQ Ribs w/ Broccoli and Parmesan Cornbread Muffins
• Mango Curry Salmon w/ Rice and Artichokes
• "Oven-Fried" Chicken Strips w/ Corn On The Cobb
• South Beach Pancakes w/ Fruit and Hash browns
• Fried Chicken Legs w/ Garlic Zucchini

Lunches:

• Turkey Sandwiches w/ Potato Chips and Fruit
• Breakfast Cous Cous
• Homemade Mac'N'Cheese w/ Mickey Mouse Noodles (Reese's choice)
• Peanut Butter Sandwiches w/ Goldfish
• Pasta Salad

Snacks:

• HomemadeBanana Muffins
• Fruit and Goldfish
• Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• Fiber-One Bars and Fruit Leather
• Popcorn
• Homemade Tapioca Pudding

Baking:

• Fruit Pie
• Wheat Bread w/ Flax and Honey

Hope...

Last night Chris and I were laying in bed and just before we fell asleep Chris said quietly, "Sorry honey." I said, "Sorry for what babe?" and Chris said "Sorry for where we are." It broke my heart as I tried to encourage him that we're living an upright and respectable life and waiting on God to reveal the next phase. Chris has been working so hard doing any and everything to support us and I see he's feeling hopeless right now.

So, this morning I concentrated on the subject of hope while doing my devotion. This is the verse I have written on a sticky note and posted by his bedside. My prayer is that the Truth bring Chris hope and also bring hope to anyone who needs this verse today.

Psalm 42:11
But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. EXPECT God to act. For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all He will do. He is my help. He is my God.

We have so much to be thankful for even now and I EXPECT God to act in more amazing and wonderful ways. I anticipate greatness with a thankful heart.