JPEG of the Week

~He started his 8th birthday at my house...they call me Aunt Sissy.~
~so....8th Birthday at Aunt Sissy's House for my third nephew.~
~don't know if he had fun~
~but I loved it~
~love you much, MB. Happy, happy birthday.~

Blog? What Blog?

Wow.

That's the longest blog break I've had in, uh....ever.

In the history of my blog. Which is not an exceptionally long history.

But still.

Much to my utter delight, I got a call last week from my brother and his family letting me know that they would be arriving on my doorstep within a couple of days as their cross-country travel schedule had accelerated.

Much to my utter horror, my house and calendar and fridge were in shambles.

Much to my utter delight, they arrived safely and we enjoyed a few days of cousin time and awesome discussion and conversation and fun and brainstorming.

Much to my utter horror, one of my nephews opened the door to the garage and therefore saw the debris field that had been in the house and had been transferred to the garage in looming piles prior to my bro's family's arrival.

It was a wonderful few days, too short as always, jam-packed with food and games and late night conversations.

And it's not that I didn't miss y'all.

But I exercised some laser-focus on this extended family crew that I don't get to see very often.

Oh, yeah.

And I had to take them to the Alamo.

It was 105 degrees. Not kidding.  Where my brother and his family live, the only time they see 105 degree temps is in their oven.

So I'm back. And they've left. And as soon as I rehydrate, I'll be back to my usual blogging.

'Cuz I miss you when I'm gone.

More of My Favorite People!

It is such a delight to see how SisterHood is going. It's the gathering of women in close zip codes. It's the gathering of women who come together to laugh and share and cry and eat some great food.

It's a SisterHood.

And so many of my favorite people are there.

My ministry partner/dear friend/Thelma to my Louise (or is it Louise to my Thelma?) and I hit the road tonight to take in a couple more of these gatherings and to surreptitiously raid some sumptuous hors d'oeuvres.

Denise (my Thelma....or my Louise...) is actually even getting pretty good with the camera.

Which is why I get to show up in the some of the pictures...

Maybe I need to get Denise to show up at major holidays and birthdays so that I can actually be represented in my personal photo albums.

Back to SisterHood.

If you'd like to see what our devotional thoughts were for the evening, you can check out the handout at this link, which will take you to Google Docs.

And SisterHood?

You're awesome.

Oh.

And there were baby deer at one of the hostess homes.

I know.

Way, way, way adorable.

Daddy Day

There are a couple of guys who deserve a shout-out.

That guy up there. My daddy. Holding one of my brothers and me. My youngest brother was born the next month.

And this guy...

...holding Mike, just a little while before Mike's younger sister was born.

These two amazing men raised us, taught us, supported us, disciplined us, educated us.

And we are grateful.

Happy Father's Day.

Sunday Selah

You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.

John 8:15

It was mid-morning, mid-week. I was wrapping up a long grocery shopping session, my cart piled high with supplies for my huge crew.

Although my local super store, which starts with Wal and ends with Mart, has all kinds of lanes from which a person is theoretically supposed to make their purchases, there are usually only a handful of those lanes open with checkers. I had been standing in a long line for quite a while, pondering the empty, checker-less lanes around me.

The express lanes, with their '20 Items of Less' signs lit like beacons, were doing a fast business next to my long line. There were several checkers manning those lines and folks were able to quickly make their purchases and head outside into the bright sunshine.

Not so for my fellow piled-high cart shoppers and me. We waited, leaned against our carts, giving a smile here, a word there.

After a bit, the express lanes were empty. The shoppers with briefer carts had made their purchases and left. And the checkers were standing around, waiting, as my fellow long-liners and I looked on.

One of those checkers looked over my way and took pity on my teetering cart. "Ma'am," she said, "ma'am, head on over here~~I'll get you."

I asked, glancing to and fro, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes, come on. I'll take care of you."

The express lane gates parted and I quickly shoved my cart into its waiting glory. I asked her one more time if she was sure she wanted to mess with my purchases, given the volume and she said once more that she'd be happy to.

I began to place my items on her abbreviated, express lane counter.

And then it began.

'It' being commentary from new express lane shoppers beginning to make their way toward the check-out lane.

I saw a couple of them look over my cart with disdain. I saw some eye rolls.

And then one woman harrumphed, "This is supposed to be an express lane!" as she pushed her cart into an adjacent line.

I found myself embarrassed. Flustered. And making comments out loud, like, "Thank you so much for going ahead and taking me in this line! Wow! It sure is busy today, isn't it?!" Cheeks flushed,voice a tad too bright and loud.

Suddenly a manager appeared and re-piled my cart, pulling me to another lane. She checked me out herself, all the while me telling her that I had been invited to the express lane, how thoughtful it had been of the checker to help me, but that I had obeyed the rules, it was just the express lane checker had mercy on me.

"I know," the manager said. "I know. But some of the express lane shoppers can get a little upset."

Judging. Making assumptions. Thinking it necessary to remind me of the 20 item limit.

Assuming.

Assuming I had ignored the rules and violated the standard and had selfishly launched myself into the express lane, fellow shoppers and their near-empty carts be hanged.

Judged.

We all do it. We've all been the victim of it. Someone assuming our motive, assuming the worst, reading the book by its cover, guessing the plot.

I have people in my world, and you do, too, that we see in the express lane of life, their carts piled high. It's easy to assume that they are selfish, ignore the rules, press through the crowd. Maybe some of them do.

But maybe, just maybe, some of them have a mercy on them. Some of them have a back story. Some of them have been extended a grace. And they are simply responding to that call.

While we stand behind them in line, recounting the rules and regulations.

I'm going to give it a better try. Give grace a better try. Leave my assumptions on the counter. Take the time to learn the back story. Look for the call of the Savior in their lives, the Savior who just may have invited them to the front of the line.

I'd like the mercy sandwich, please. And hold the judgement.

Selah.

JPEG of the Week

~Someone had a birthday~

~Can you guess?~

~i love you, baby~

~you mid-forties guy, you...~

Bearded Babies...

In the midst of 1 of 8's crazy school and work schedule for summer, she's trying to take a little break here and there.

This week's adventure was a trip to the roller skating rink with several of her French friends from the university.

They strapped on old time roller skates and disco danced their way through the afternoon, chattering in French all the while.

And 1 of 8 had fifty cents with her that was burning a hole in her pocket. So she made a little purchase at one of the roller rink vending machines.

What a purchase.

A beard. Yes, a beard. With adhesive on one side. And scruff on the other.

That was fifty cents well spent. Because when she brought that beard home to us, it made for an entire evening of entertainment.

May I suggest...

...that if you are trying to limit time around the television this summer...

...you might consider investing fifty cents...

...in this all-inclusive....

...entertainment system.

Just a little idea for some Quality Family Time...

Um, Jess?

You know how we've been talking about our training schedule and how we needed to get moving again to get ready for the Chosen Marathon, Part Trois?

Thinking we need to get on it, Girl. Seeing as how we're part of the media now and all....

Click here for more info on Chosen!

Heavy

My heart is heavy today.

Yesterday, a precious friend from Oklahoma entered eternity suddenly. Shockingly. Stunningly.

My in-laws' church community is reeling. So am I.

It had been a handful of years since I had seen my friend. We had been the closest when our oldest children were little, attending the same preschool. Back in those days, we shared coffee and laughs and Saturdays when our husbands were both working long, long hours.

In recent years, we've kept up with each other through friends and family, occasionally crossing paths when I would be back in town.

And although my heart is full and heavy, there just don't seem to be appropriate words to speak or to type. Platitudes and embroidered sayings are just too trite.

So just say a little prayer, would you? For a precious woman, for her family, for a devoted husband who has lost his wife and for three boys who have lost their mom.

Just pray.

Sunday Selah

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

It's not that aren't some crazy, bad, awful things in the world.

Because there are.

And to act as if they don't exist or don't make an impact is to not honor what pain costs.

But...

But.

I wonder. I wonder why Christians are not known for their joy. Ironic joy in the face of mortality. And falleness. And hurt. And mess.

Joy.

Because of the specials needs of two of my kids, I have spent a fair amount of time in some pediatric waiting rooms. Waiting for MRIs. And CAT scans. And in pediatric neurology lobbies.

In those lobbies and waiting rooms reside all manner of illness and challenge and disability. It's wrenching. Upsetting. Unsettling.

Joy-stealing.

But every time...

Every time I'm there...

There's one kid. At least one child with some immense challenge. Some physical or neurological hurdle that will never be cleared.

And that kid...

...is the one who models joy. Laughing. Dancing. Delighted by the lights, by the fish in the fish tank, the puzzles on the floor, the books on the table. Happy and giggling, regardless of tubes and wheelchairs and braces.

Joy.

And if that kid in the lobby can model joy...

...then so can I.

Yes, as the old camp song says, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

And I hope they will know us by our joy as we wait for eternity in the waiting room of life, with our issues and challenges and hiccups.

Joy.

Selah.

Wild Side

My mom got to have herself a little rotator cuff surgery.

You know you're jealous.

When I headed up to the beloved red dirt of Okie Land last week, I knew that she would be ready to get out of the house and have some adventures after having been cooped up for a while.

And nothing speeds along the rotator cuff surgery recovery process like a trip to the zoo with a couple of five year olds. Right?

One of the things I took for granted while I lived in Tulsa was the caliber of the Tulsa Zoo. It really is a stellar facility and is well supported by the community. My older kids all spent many an hour there when they were little, visiting the elephants, watching the chimps, standing amazed at the polar bear.

But the twins were born several years after we left the Tulsa area and when we are back in Oklahoma, it's usually a heavily scheduled and rapid paced few days of racing to see friends and family scattered across the region.

Which is the beauty of the little known 'Blessing of Rotator Cuff Surgery'. Because it meant that I kept the calendar relatively clear this Tulsa Time to focus on my mom and dad. And to take our time. And to get some things done around their house.

And to take a couple hours to go to the zoo.

The twins loved it. And I loved seeing them enjoy the same exhibits their older siblings loved at the same age, to wander down the familiar paths and to take in the beauty of a park full of amazing creatures.

If you're in the area, you can check out the Tulsa Zoo website by clicking here. And one of the awesome events they hold to support the Tulsa Zoo is Waltz on the Wild Side, an absolutely delightful evening of music and food, all to raise funds for future projects for the zoo. The annual Waltz on the Wild Side event is coming up soon, this Friday on June 15, 2012.

And don't forget the rehabilitative effects of the Tulsa Zoo, should you be recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Just sayin'.

Livin' on Cousin Time

We made a quick trip up to Okie Land this past week, shuttling some of the kids to our annual MiMi and PaPa camp and checking up on my mom, who has recently had shoulder surgery.

I kept the twins with me. Because MiMi and PaPa are brave, loving souls. But I thought that it might be a bit much to try to host two five year olds at the yearly camp bash. In addition to five of my other kiddos. And a couple of my nieces and one of my nephews.

Yea.

A bit much.

Plus, the twins are thoroughly convinced that, while most of their siblings were at MiMi and PaPa Camp, they got to go to BB and GJ Camp. And while MiMi and PaPa Camp involves the lake and boating and skiing, BB and GJ Camp involves lots of eating out and a trip to zoo and some toy purchases. Which means that BB and GJ Camp rocks.

And we got to have a little cousin time.

These quick trips of Okie Land leave me hanging. I don't get to see everyone I love. I don't get to have long lunches with longtime buddies.

But anytime we get to have a little cousin time, it's been a good trip....

What a Year

What a year.

What a beautiful, amazing year.

While my kids' dance recital was a delight this year, it meant more than ever.

This was the year that the 2dance2dream program performed for the first time. 2dance2dream one of the program of Legacy of Hope Austin, the non-profit that I am blessed to run for families with children with special needs. 2dance2dream is under the directorship of 2 of 8 and children with special needs have the opportunity to enjoy dance class and participate in performances.

The 2dance2dream kids and their 'dance buddies' were fantastic. They brought the house down.

We had a year-end party at Premiere Dance Center, the studio that has so generously donated studio space, time and resources to the program. The parents of the kids and 'dance buddies' alike came to take pictures, celebrate and eat cookies.

What a blessing. What a huge, huge blessing. The program is expanding and the number of children we are able to bring the art of dance to will be more than doubling this summer. Wow.

What a year.

What a beautiful, amazing year.

Sunday Selah

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

Situational Ethics...

I sometimes traffic in them. I bet you do too.

It's this current political season that had me reflecting on this the past few days. Not the politicians themselves.

But the public. Those on the right. Those on the left. Those in between.

All those who claim to have tremendous heart and compassion for the people of this nation. But who then verbally shred each other for different ideas on how to do that.

Whatever side of the aisle we camp on, some of the buzz words are the same. Peace for our nation. Compassion to the needy. Respect for our leaders. The need for change, for improvement, for transformation.

And then we shoot our mouths off, spewing self-righteous venom.

And we justify it.

Because of the 'situation'. And we blow our witness in the doing.

I look at the example of Moses before Pharaoh, Paul before Festus. Jesus before Caiaphas. And Herod. And Pilate.

They did not hedge on the truth. But neither were they self-righteous. Or venomous. Or hateful. They were respectful while being firm. They were willing to say the hard thing without being hard. They allowed the Spirit of God to speak through them, not trafficking in rhetoric. Not bending to the 'situation'.

They were talking about the two things we say make for poor dinner party conversation, religion and politics. They were controversial and they were politically incorrect. But their speech and their hearts were pure. Their testimonies still stand today.

Whatever our politics and concerns and thoughts and strongly held opinions and convictions, may we more strongly hold that our mouths and what pours out of them reveals the condition of our hearts. A person claiming Christ who justifies unwholesome talk because it has to do with politics shows himself a hypocrite. A person claiming Christ who verbally disrespects leaders of this country denies the example of Christ. And a person who believes that the future of this country lies solely in the politics of this country denies the saving power of a God who has foreknown this day and time before one day came to be.

Situational. Ethics. May my heart and mouth match. May they be pure. No matter the 'situation'.

Selah.

JPEG of the Week

~Been on the Road~

~5 of the OctaTribe to MiMi and PaPa Camp~

~2 of the OctaTribe at BB and GJ Camp~

~1 of 8 and Mike relaxing in the quiet of ATX~

~Me behind the wheel of the 15 passenger van~

~Summer~