A Resurrected Tradition

As promised I will post the outcome of tonight's adventure. This was my status update on Facebook this morning (Saturday, December 21, 2013) :

Tonight I will be doing the unthinkable. I will be allowing my children, to once again, create a gingerbread house. Now, for those that do not understand...I may be great with cookies, but gingerbread houses have been my undoing. Our last experience was, for lack of a better word, tragic. (so much so that I swore...NEVER EVER to attempt one EVER again) I will NOT however be doing this alone. We have enlisted a couple who are highly trained and apparently very successful to assist. If you would just pray, my children are, as you can imagine, suffering from PTGBHBS (Post traumatic gingerbread house building syndrome). Pray that tonight's experience will redeem this Christmas tradition for the Engel boys. lol!! Off to purchase some supplies! (After this evening I promise to update in a blog - that will explain any of the gaps in this status update). ;P

What some do not know, is that last December, I was experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms. I didn't realize what was going on. This particular day, this day of gingerbread house disaster story was indeed my undoing and my reason for getting help. (You can read about some of this experience here: What Do You Call An Old Chicken)

It was December 10, 2012, I remember the day like it was yesterday. We had 3 kids and 5 gingerbread houses to build. I had every supply neatly organized, each boy was patiently waiting their turn to decorate. One bag of icing (which clearly is not enough) and several cute candies to place on each house. I put together one house, gave it to the Shane and started on Kyle's house. While I was trying to put Kyle house together Shane's house collapses! I put Kyle's house on hold and attempt to fix Shane's. In the meantime, Brendan sits patiently waiting. While trying to fix Shane's his candy that he meticulously placed starts falling off the roof of the house. I give him his back and attempt to fix Kyle's. This went on...way to long. Finally finished building Brendan's and Kyle's fell apart again..with almost all candy on them. I still promised two more houses, but after all the repairs. I had no icing! UGH!

At some point in all the chaos, I cry out..."I PROMISE YOU....WE WILL NEVER EVER BE DOING THESE EVER EVER AGAIN!" "I HATE GINGERBREAD HOUSES!" I had to walk away from the table a few times. Here was the result:

OK, I know it doesn't seem awful, but that is because my boys are adorable and I love them and they are amazing...but this was pure torture for me! I let my kids eat whatever they wanted immediately after this picture. I wanted nothing in my house to remind me of this. About an hour after all of this, as I was still cleaning up, I saw out of the corner of my eye, my son Brendan running away. I went to him and calmly asked..."What's the matter honey?" I noticed that he was crying. He said..."I'm so sorry Mom, I am so sorry!" What in the world! It is okay honey! No matter what it was....tell me what happened! I went real close to him and he hugged me. I was worried, I didn't know what happened. He finally walked out and showed me that one of my dining room chairs was broken. He said he was standing on the side of it and the leg snapped in half.  Calmly and lovingly I held him in my arms and said.."Hey, its ok! It's only a chair sweetheart! It's just stuff...don't worry about it!" It was that moment...that very important moment that caused me to call the Doctor the next day. I just flipped out like a mad woman over a gingerbread house that kept breaking...and now (like Jeckyl and Hyde) I was calm as a cucumber over real furniture! Something was desperately wrong with me. We laughed through tears...and I decided...promised...pledged NEVER to attempt these things again!

Tonight, I will be observing as some of the masters of Gingerbread House Building attempt to redeem this Christmas tradition that has tragically died in my house. I'll return to post pictures and write an update!
          ______________________________

I'm back (Monday, December 23, 2013)! I had to wait until the competition was over. Our friends had people vote on their favorite...and posted all 8 of the gingerbread houses that were completed by their 5 children and my 3 children.

Well, I must confess...this year's gingerbread house building and decorating was amazing. I didn't have to do one thing except operate in my love language...words of affirmation. I can do that. I'm not gifted in the art of gingerbread house building, but I can encourage like nobody's business.

The Reynold's family were all prepared (you can tell they were experts). Long table with plenty room for 8 children, bowls filled to the rim with every candy you can imagine and graham crackers...lots of them. Both families contributed to the candy stash as well as the royal icing. (Although...we had WAY too much of both - better to be prepared!) Last year...I ran out of icing that was given to us in the kit...very frustrating.

So here are the results. I'm proud of my boys. They operate in a deficit because I don't really do much in the craft department with them. However, they were amazing! They went right to work...without any touch of adult hands...whatsoever! Not only am I proud, I'm also VERY THANKFUL!

Brendan's Gingerbread house and yard! 

This was Kyle's mobile outhouse. (one side of it) 

Here is the entrance to Kyle's mobile outhouse. That's a nice place to go potty I think!

And finally my Shane...A Christmas castle!

I'm pretty sure their favorite part was knowing they accomplished this tradition that we all thought was dead forever. They did it on their own and then they got to eat as much as they could when they were done! Besides the smiles on their faces, the joy in their hearts and the fellowship with some awesome friends...for me, I enjoyed watching them be creative and then eating it...so I didn't have to bring it home!

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I've decided, promised, pledged that I will allow my boys to do this again next year! Truth! They had a great time..from picking out the candy, to building and eating it!

Christmas! We have so many wonderful traditions around this time of year: our advent calendar, cookie backing, reading stories, hanging ornaments and retelling every story that goes with each one, seeing Christmas lights, watching movies and I'm sure there are some I'm forgetting to mention. So now, thanks to our friends who encouraged me to give it one more try - we celebrate a resurrected tradition! Merry Christmas to you and may you all enjoy the traditions of your family during your celebration of Christ's birth!

The Dark Place

 

Photo by tiverylucky @ freedigitalphotos.net

This week we talked a lot about freedom. Freedom because of the men and women who fought and continue to fight on our country's behalf. What about our Freedom in Christ? Everywhere I look I'm seeing captivity.  My heart is so burdened for my friends who are believing lies today. That's what it boils down to, believing lies and choosing not to renounce the words that others have spoken over them.

A few years ago, my pastor came to my home, having heard what had been done to me before he even came to pastor our church. He came to renounce the lies spoken about me, and replace the curse with blessing. Around my dining room table he petitioned Heaven on my behalf and spoke words of blessing and truth! That spoke volumes to my soul. I hadn't realized up until that point the real power behind words.

I realize now why God has been calling me to study our identity in Christ - so many people in my life are struggling right now. I just wrote "Who Am I?" a week ago...explaining the truth about how God sees us. 

Now, if we are in His Word, writing down the truth on index cards and on our hearts - repeating it to ourselves daily we will start to actually believe it. Then because thoughts become actions, our daily lives will testify what we really believe about ourselves.

Here is the truth - GOD cannot lie!! So if He says something about you....believe it!

I've been there before. I lived most of my youth believing things about me that were not true. I even believed lies as an adult, gosh....a few months ago. I probably still believe lies!! However, I have learned to renounce those words that don't line up with God's Word. I have asked God to give me the ability to recognize and believe the truth. My reality isn't necessarily God's reality! OK, so I'm most likely an optimistic person. I've been studying joy also, so I'm thinking that is helpful.

The number one enemy of JOY is FEAR/ANXIETY. Why do we believe lies about ourselves? Why do we dwell on the negative...FEAR. That is why we need to learn to pull the truth out of God's Word! I promise...it will set you FREE! 

In the past two days this is what I've heard from various people in my life: If any of this resonates with you...renounce the condemning words with truth!

I'm a failure. (Well, perhaps you have failed today at something, perhaps you got or done something wrong today, you've made a mistake)...THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU!   
You are actually God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) (He doesn't EVER fail or make failures!)
You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1)

I'm unlovable! (You think that no one wants you because you've been alone. Perhaps you think something must be wrong with you.)....THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU!  
You are actually tenderly loved by God (Jeremiah 31:3) and you are a sweet fragrance of Christ to God. (2 Corinth 2:15)

I have no friends! (You may not be going out every night. Maybe you don't get the phone calls you thought you'd be getting. Perhaps you've not been invited to hang out with "the others".) Investigate here...are you reaching out to others? ....regardless...THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU!  
You're a member of Christ's body (1 Corinth. 12:27) 
You're Christ's friend (John 15:5)...

I'm not being used by God! (Perhaps your time to operate your gifts has not happened yet. His timing is perfect by the way. Also, I've learned...be faithful in the little things)...either way...remember -  
You have been established, anointed, and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21:22) and 
You are God's coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 3:9)

These are just a few things...but enough to bring some so far down to almost depression. Listen, the enemy loves to have a field day with our minds. If he can get you to doubt...he will be thrilled!

I implore you - READ THE WORD - and ask God to help with unbelief!! Of course my friends that have mentioned these things don't read my blog. That's ok, I've already said ALL of this to their faces.

Pray with one another. Call someone to pray for you. DO NOT get stuck in that dark place of self pity and anxiety/fear. If you're thinking too much of yourself and your life (what it is or isn't)..that is another thing that will rob you of your JOY.

God is faithful. Be confident in this, that the good work that God has begun in you WILL be perfected!

My Second Chance

Yesterday was an incredible day. November isn't just the month I remember to give thanks, but yesterday is going to be a memorable beginning to our "Thanksgiving Season".

I realize that according to my blog counter my audience is minimal, approximate 80-100 hits a day when I post a blog and about 10-20 random hits throughout the weeks I don't post. OK..so I know that isn't that much, but a comment on my Facebook page in relation to the events of yesterday made me think it could possible help someone else if I described my experience. Someone had said that she wondered what might happen if a person was stung by a bee/wasp and went into anaphylactic shock or experienced anaphylactic symptoms and they didn't have an epi-pen. Well, I'm gonna share just what your experience could be like. Also, I talked with a friend on the phone last night who sadly, when she was younger watched her grandfather get stung by a bee, and die. They lived a bit away from the hospital and the ambulance didn't get there in time. This really could be very serious.

I want to preface all of this by giving glory to God. For as long as I can remember, I have had an irrational fear of bees. I even went for therapy - no kidding. You have to know, I couldn't even look at the page in my Charlie Brown Encyclopedia when I was 6 years old because there was a bee hive on the "B" page. I eventually ripped that page right out of my book. Not much has changed since then. I quit therapy after she told me I was going to have to encounter a bee eventually to get over this fear - I told her she needed therapy if she thought that would ever happen.(Well, I didn't actually speak that out loud, I just never rescheduled my appointments) I know I shouldn't have been fearful. I know perfect love casts out all fear. I know that the Lord doesn't give us a spirit of fear. OH I have heard it from so many people...just get over it. Well, today I'm not so sure it was a fear or just a little sensitivity to what my spirit man has known all these 44 years of my life. Thank you Lord! So...I never messed with bees. I never swatted them away, ok...sometimes I acted in some irrational ways (not from God I'm sure), but I did try to be brave for my kids. (I emphasize try!) OK...now...my experience:

There I was, sitting with friends at the park as our children played. Two diet sodas sitting behind us might have been the attraction to the local bees or (in my opinion based on my insentient reading up on it...I think it was a wasp). At any rate, after I felt a little tickle on my neck which I originally brushed off thinking it was just my hair, I felt it again (not hearing any buzzing) I honestly didn't think it was anything, until this burning, kind of numbing sensation was going up the side of my neck and down my shoulder. I got up and said, I think something bit me. I saw an ant on the ground and stepped on it and thought well, maybe it was that ant. Then as the pain was getting worse, I walked over to the side of the table and spotted a large yellow (bee/wasp) circling the diet coke. I don't think it registered until my friend said, "Wow, you have this rash going all the way up your neck and it looks like it is spreading." The pain was spreading to my ear and my head and I was having difficulty swallowing.

This all happened so fast. I fell to my knees, and tried to drink water. I could only get a tiny bit down and the rest started to pour out of my mouth. I was embarrassed. All my friends were surrounding me and I was dribbling water from my mouth. Nice Lisa! I started not being able to breathe and this is when I started to panic. By the way, you shouldn't panic it only makes things worse. If any of my readers figure out how to do this while your throat and lungs are expanding and you are not able to breath...please post a comment and let me know. :)

Here is where I'm so thankful that I have friends who do not listen to me. It's a theme in my life..but yesterday it came in handy. I was given benedryl three times..I thought to myself, OK, as soon as this benedryl kicks in you will be fine. Because I'm allergic to mosquitoes I know that benedryl works. My allergy to mosquitoes is usually just swelling in the sight, but at times when I've been bitten several times, I might have a little bit of a hard time swallowing. Very mild and benedryl does the trick. When my friends were insisting that we call 911 I was adamantly against it. I didn't want to make a fuss. Seriously, was sure I would be able to breathe at some point once that "fast acting melt in your mouth" benedryl kicked in.

Now, I'm sure I was a sight. Inside, I was terrified. I couldn't breath, I couldn't swallow and my boys where probably watching at this point. My 10 year old is already going through this phase of "Mom you're not going to die right?" All of this is going through my mind. My one friend was an ER Nurse and her daughter just happened to have gone through this a few weeks ago. She recognized the symptoms. Against my wishes, another friend called 911. I told them all..."JUST PRAY FIRST"! They did, but apparently while I was trying to grasp for air and she was praying over me...she signaled to my other friend to CALL 911. (SO THANKFUL I WAS NOT ALONE!)

Besides this rash/hive that was spreading up my neck and down my chest, I was struggling to take a breath, I felt like I was going to vomit and I surely felt like I was going to pass out. They convinced me that it was necessary for the ambulance to come, so I let them walk me back to the picnic tables. I remember going in and out like I was falling asleep or something. I couldn't keep my head up. That is when my nurse friend brought out her epi-pen. So much was going through my mind. Remember, I've never been stung before so I didn't realize what was going on in my body. My chest felt so tight, like an elephant was sitting on it, at one point I thought I might be having a heart attack. (I've never had one of those either). whew! :) So when she came at me with that epi-pen I freaked out. She said the only symptom would be rapid heart beat. NO WAY. I was NOT going to let my heart beat any faster...I was sure I was going to die. She was not happy with me and I know she secretly hoped I was going to just pass out already. (she told me so)...so she could have her chance to try and save my life the best way she knew how.

The paramedics arrived and gave me some sort of breathing treatment and oxygen and proceeded to put me in the ambulance. My blood pressure was 210/128 and my oxygen levels were way low. It was clearly an emergency. The paramedic said that he had heard that I would prefer not going to the hospital, he said he had no choice that this was more serious and I needed to go. While he was trying to put IVs in me...he was having a hard time finding a vein. He looks at me...face to face...as he was sitting on my legs and says this..."today is a day of second chances...you're friends were right to call...you could have very well died!"

Well, I didn't. In fact within the two hours of medication taking affect, I was able to breathe freely. My blood pressure went down to 115/77 (normal for me) and my Oxygen was 96. So all was good! My chest, even this morning hurts a bit, like a bruised feeling. I have my epi-pens (which by the way...are VERY EXPENSIVE! Ouch! But VERY NECESSARY. I'm going to trust God with the finances as I don't have insurance. But trusting God is easy after all the stones we have piled up over the years...it is easy to see just how many second chances God truly gives His children!

Wanted to end this long post with a picture that my friend sent to me. After they whisked me away she snapped a picture of the 35 or so children just gathering all over the pavilion in the park to pray for me out loud - all on their own - without adult prompting or supervision. My children told me all about it. Prayers of faith rising up from children's hearts. I know that made the Lord so proud. Every single one of those Moms and Dads I'm sure are also proud that their children are doers of the Word! To quote my son Shane's post of Facebook..."This was one of the most scary days of my life and the happiest days of my life. Scared that my Mom might die and happy because God healed her! I love that God does that!" Building a generation of prayer warriors and men/women of faith! Thank you Lord for starting this season of Thanksgiving with a reminder that you are a God of second chances!

Kentucky: Corn Mazes, Cookies and Catching Up (Roadtrip Series)

 Instead of taking it day by day...I figured I would condense a little and show/tell what we did while staying the week in Kentucky. If you haven't had the chance to read about our Road Trip Adventure you can start here and then go here. That should get you all caught up! Now that we have safely arrived...the meat of our trip has begun.

The best part of the trip was watching two families merge into one. We've known Karen and her daughters for probably 9 years. Karen and I have walked through some incredible storms together, holding each other as we bravely sought the face of God together and did serious battle with the enemy. When you come through something like that, well, you can't help but bond a friendship that will last for eternity.

Watching my boys, bond with these special people...is something that can never be taken from them. Immediately I knew that I wanted Karen to feel like she had family visiting, not a friend that she had to entertain. So I took to the kitchen, baked cookies, washed dishes and my boys happily did chores too. We fit right into the daily life of the Foldy family. Our time together was priceless!

 

 Some of my most favorite times were early in the morning. Shane and I would wake up and have our coffee before Karen and Anna would be awake. We would sit and pray together and talk about how much we loved being right where we were.  

Here are a few of the things we did together:

We visited Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary where Karen and Lauren (and Mark) all work. What a beautiful campus, and beautiful facility!

We did a Civil War Corn Maze. So much fun. Took a hay ride out to the corn fields that were shaped as the confederate states in the Civil War. Our mission was to get through the maze and find clues by reading about the battles and facts about each state. I'm glad I'm writing this, because now I can remember that we may not have done any "official" school while we were gone for 10 days...but we did indeed learn!

 
 Here is Anna, reading out loud before we enter Virgina! We laughed, got lost and were freezing, but we loved doing it together! Plus, really we were all a little competitive so between having 2 former teachers and a teenage with technology...we were going to get back to base with all the answers for sure!

 Kyle would run ahead and try to blend in with the corn...such a cute scarecrow! So we decided that we should be a scarecrow family!

 

When we got back to the base, we had to answer a few questions. If we got the questions right we could shoot from the corn gun! YES...that was fun. What was more fun was watching the golden retrievers run and retrieve the corn and bring it back!

 Lots of awesome photo opportunities for sure! We watched a pig race, saw all kinds of animals, and even stopped at a quaint little country store on our way home. This is where the boys got their treasured boxes.

You know, the boxes were only $3, but the sentimental value is priceless. Karen bought the boys these boxes to thank them for doing chores around the house. Made from a rugged tree, these boxes hold memories on the inside and out!

 We also had an opportunity to visit the Alliance Church that the Foldy/Reyes family all attend. Surprisingly my boys went straight to Sunday School as if they had been going there their whole life. WOW! So proud! After church we spent the afternoon at Mark and Lauren's home.

Enjoying the view from their beautiful property. We had a wonderful time catching up, having a delicious lunch (I brought cookies...because..that's what I do)...the boys played with Moxey and Lewis (the dogs)....

 Karen and I had a few pictures taken...

 

And yes...the highlight for the boys was the intense Nerf Gun War with Mark. Lots of property equals lots of ways to tire out all the men!

 What a wonderful couple of days. We still have Shaker Village, Raven Run, and High Bridge to cover before we head home from Kentucky. Stay tuned.....
 

 ...and hang in there like Butterscotch...we'll be back with more reflections of our road trip!!

When We're Wobbly

I haven't skated in over 30 years. Last week was the first time and I had the time of my life. I'm still waiting to fall although I pray before I go out there that I don't. Tonight my husband actually joined us on the floor, I'm so proud of him.

As I skated around today (I haven't remembered how to stop, actually it is quite possible I never learned how to stop!) I noticed a few things that made me smile.

My children are so courageous. I know they are boys, and they are young, but really, I'm so proud of them. They really are my superheros! They all put skates on for the first time last week and now look forward to going every week! Watching them is part of the fun for me! All so different in personalities.

Shane, my youngest and most athletic, he is so incredibly determined to conquer this. Last week was his first time EVER on skates. This week he could go around the entire rink in 40 seconds. Wobbly? Yes! Did he fall? Lots! Did he get back up?...YES! He is amazing! It won't be long...he'll be out skating his Mom!

Kyle, who didn't walk until he was well over year old, still holds on to the wall quite a bit, but for it only being his second week...he was seriously doing great! He has totally conquered the carpet and could have kept going even after an hour and a half of skating! He is so proud of himself..and that makes me smile! I couldn't be more proud. He and his sweet friend Reese skated around together and encouraged one another! I could eat them up they were so precious!

Then there is Brendan. He is my tallest child and my most cautious! He only fell once tonight. He wanted to give up, but I'm proud to say he didn't! He skated until the very end. One of his best friends is such a great skater, he is one of the reasons why we go on Tuesdays now. Brendan misses his friend Chase! I watched the two of them tonight. My how they have both changed since kindergarten - in some ways, but in some ways not (that makes me smile!)! I love these boys! Chase was so sweet to skate with Brendan and they caught up and talked (the benefit of Chase being such a good skater is that he can skate backwards and carry on a complete conversation)! I just love everything about it!

Then there is the reason I skate every week now.

This woman came into my life seven years ago, when our boys were in kindergarten together. I have to say, it has been a God inspired friendship, and I'm so thankful for the blessing it has been. We both have boys, she gets to have a bonus girl on occasion, you can see her blog at My Blended Recipe, but I love her so much! Our boys have been special friends all of these years and we've been able to walk through each others storms, and miracles, one after another. Watching the Lord work in this woman's life has been such a blessing to me - I have watched her faith walk grow by leaps and bounds in the past 7 years..it has been such an honor. We have so many many memories of times of prayer together...WOW! We've called each other for encouragement in homeschooling we just do life very similarly...I'm so thankful I get to have her in my life.

I watched her skate with her boy today and as she held his hand, I was reminded that that is what we're called to do for each other. Sometimes, we get wobbly legs during our faith walk...those are the exact moments when a sister can come along side and take your hand. I do hope that I am that way to others. I feel like part of who God has called me to be is someone who loves enough to stand next to you, cover you a little until you get steady enough to find the next person to help. Discipleship. I love that there are women in my life to help steady me, to pray for me, to love me right where I'm at! To remind me of who I am in Christ and to encourage me in my walk. Whatever the walk! Homeschooling, weight loss, parenting, faith...whatever the walk we're walking, it is always good to have someone to come along and encourage you once in awhile.

I have that with my weight loss journey too. There are two pretty special women in my life that I drive to Weight Watcher with (and one that meets us at the meeting). I wouldn't want to do this without them. Last week, we sat in our meeting missing our friend Ann who just broke her knee a few weeks back. Michelle took a picture of Beth and I to send to Ann to show her some love and let her know we miss her! You know what I love about them...it is the same thing I noticed about our boys tonight...there is no competition, just flat out encouragement. Even while some are succeeding faster than others (or can skate better than others) there has never been a feeling of competition. Competition has its place, but when we're walking these kinds of walks, its better just to have a non judgmental, loving friend to stand beside you and encourage you on your walk! OH I love it!

Who can you encourage today? Be mindful of the fact that just because someone seems to wear a smile and "have it all together", does not mean they don't need a word of encouragement too.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder (Day 5)

It is Day 5 without my superheros. We all felt it this morning, especially Dodger. Just look at that face. Here he is on Shane's bed. I think because he got a little taste of kid action last night with our friend Chip..he really misses his boys. Tomorrow we pick them up! It has really been a wonderful week. I've done some of the things I wanted to do, not all of them. Today I really focused on relaxing.

My friend Becky and I got together this morning (this was the only reason I got out of my pjs!) and she cut my hair. I was so desperate. I love this woman. So she cut my hair and we had a sweet time of prayer too. How great is that? On my way home from her house..my soul sister Lorrie said she would color my hair. (Mr. Incredible tells me I've got it made...he is right...my girl friends are amazing!!) Since I spent some time getting pampered I decided to go home and finish the job. This is something I rarely do. (Possibly because I'm do busy doing laundry..not sure.)

I painted my nails...and look...yes...it is PINK! I am really changing. Never been a pink kind of girl...but now I carry a pink bag and have pink appendages.

 I knew we were gonna need some of this for dinner tonight...so I took a picture. (you thought I was going to say cut some right? lol! no...Mr. Incredible is in charge of the herbs...and the food.) ;)

He came home from school and wanted to go for a walk on the beach. YES! We missed saying..."Come on Kyle...it's getting late Kyle...can you walk a little faster buddy?!" Kyle is our "attention to detail" kind of boy..so when we go for walks...it takes a LONG time. We stopped in a few shops on Flagler Ave. (You know...a coffee shop, Go Fish...ummm...well, maybe that is it...oh no Manzanos too..to pick up Mr. Incredible's pay check.)

We stopped and stood, feet in the water, silent. It was glorious. Holding hands, thanking God for such an amazing backyard..just look at that! Ahhh!!!

Came home and Mr. Incredible made this. Caprese Salad. OH my goodness. A little olive oil, a little balsamic vinegar...some fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato and of course..basil.

Can't let him outdo me. Not that I'm competing but dessert is my thing. I made lots of waffles (considering my superheros are coming home tomorrow..and how cool would it be to have some homemade waffles and ice cream tomorrow...they'll be glad they're home). So I tested it out and shared a sandwich with my man (in case you're watching your weight..these are lo-cal...that there is fat free frozen yogurt..1/2 cup..and we split it. Anyway, I think I was supposed to sprinkle it with powdered sugar..that's how they do it "down the shore" in New Jersey!

Alright. Here is my confession. I didn't do any school work, women's ministry work (except a few phone calls), I didn't work on Bagels & Blessings, I didn't clean my house (I didn't have to really), I didn't mow my lawn (very necessary by the way). Nope! None of it!

I did however, spend extended quiet time, read a book (still reading it), paint my nails, hung with some friends, talked with my man, held his hand, kissed a little (well maybe a lot) walked on the beach, walked on the river, baked some cookies, relaxed, did some shopping, watched Netflix, missed my superheros like crazy, and totally enjoyed every single bit of all of it! I can't wait to see them, and hug them...I can however wait to smell them. I'll be back to tons of laundry tomorrow.

Truth: I probably needed this time for many reasons...they probably did too! I've learned a lot..and yes..absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tomorrow we'll see how they feel about that!

No Interruptions (Day 2)

It started with a very difficult night of sleep for me and....the dog. Me, I tossed and turned, partly because the smell in my home is making me hungry. Mike is making the absolute most amazing sauce for some lasagna and it has permeated my entire home...smells of garlic, pork, beef, tomatoes, basil....this makes it difficult to sleep. To be honest however, I was probably thinking mostly about things like, are my superheros going to wear deodorant, take showers, brush teeth...will Brendan give Kyle his "stuff". I packed all of their things in one suitcase...Kyle probably won't remember anything I told him...so its up to Brendan..who I think actually enjoys smelling like an Italian sub with lots of onions. Needless to say I did wake up often..said a little prayer and tried to go back to sleep. Dodger, well he was like "Goldilocks", he tried sleeping in every bed of the house. I caught him in Brendan's bed at one point. Finally, he came back to my room and moaned. Oh I think he misses the noise too.

My morning started out much like any other morning. Quietly ensconced in my spot, with a blanket and my Bible and coffee. The only difference was...there were no dishes to empty from the dishwasher. We didn't run the dishwasher. Probably has something to do with 3 people missing. (Little lump in my throat!) Oh this is  going to be good for me.

Off for my workout. I'm supposed to be training for a triathlon. It's not going very well. Fear of the ocean and the rip current is mostly what's been holding me back. I'm working on the courage. Don't know if I'll actually compete in September, but I will continue to train. So I ran 3 miles and biked 8 all within 60 minutes. Not bad for getting back into the swing of things.

So my friend Lorrie, who by the way was my first friend in Florida. I moved here in October of 2003 and she and I became instant friends in November. She is like family to me...loves me just the way I am..no expectations...just genuine love..and the feeling is mutual! I totally went on a little bunny trail there...she has been to IKEA and loved it..and wanted me to experience it with her. I really can not afford to buy anything, but we can all afford to dream right?

So we rarely go anyplace together without lots of laughter and fun!  Here are just a few of the silly things I noticed and did while we were together, exploring IKEA...

I noticed the carts were WAY cool...how the bags fit in just so! I loved that. We didn't need the cart...we had enough space in our heads to fill with dreams..no need for a cart.

This was the sign in the ladies room stall. Interesting...flush up for liquid waste...flush down for solid waste. Wow! That is really all I can say about that!

 I found the little pencils and measuring tape so adorable. Yes we had lunch too. What a great place.

 There she is my Blandy girl!  B - For Blandy!

Yes...we were looking good..and having fun. I thought to myself, as we get older I can understand why our children wouldn't want to hang out with us much. I'm gonna work on that. I think I'm a cool middle aged woman (and so far my superheros do too)...shhhh don't tell them otherwise!

I just wanted a moment in the shower stall. Every trip (if we can possibly manage it...must end (or begin or both) at a Starbucks. So that is what we did!

 There are my two favorite girls!

Well, I did walk away buying just a little something. We have inherited this new table and I homeschool so I didn't want it to get ruined. Already I can see etchings of fine writing samples dug into the wood..so I was planning on covering the wood before school starts again. Well, we found these fun place mats (which are over-sized and hard enough to be a writing back for my boys to use for school...all the while doubling as  place mats. Then of course Lorrie had to hook me up with some flowers and a cute little rectangle vase.

What a wonderful day. Yes, I talked about my kids. I'm pretty sure I didn't shed a tear today however. I did think about them a lot. I'm really really enjoying my time with my husband. Uninterrupted time...it has been wonderful. I think today was a success. I'm learning a lot about myself. (By Saturday....I'm going to be desperately needing a superhero fix!) Tomorrow Mr. Incredible and I have some quality time planned in St. Augustine...first I have a book that needs to be read from cover to cover. Catch you tomorrow.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

This would be our court jester...he is a hoot!

The traditional fanfare playing in the background...

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Sir Michael & Lady Lisa of Willow Oak Castle

Cordially invite the Sir Zack & Lady Susan

and the entire McDonald Family for a Medieval Feast.

We will be celebrating on the 29th day of January in the 

2012 Year of our Lord.

This is in fact how it all started. Completing our homeschool studies on the Medieval Era only warranted a celebration. So in fact, we worked together as a family, as a classroom,  to make something special. My only rule was that Sir Michael had to cook within a very strict budget and my children had to come up costumes on their own. We chose to celebrate with our friends who are like family to us..the same family we celebrated Christmas Eve with...living life with the McDonalds is always special & packed full of fun!! Indeed we had a blast!!

First they had to prepare. Brendan researched Court Jester, found some really great jokes too. Like..

Who built King Arthur's round table?....Sir Cumference! He made a great Court Jester.

Kyle wanted to be a Wizard..& convinced we can do anything with construction paper!

Shane loves this cape - he wanted to be a monk. He loves Jesus after all! 

Look at their finished projects...I'm so proud...they did an amazing job...with no help from Mom or Dad. In fact, they even made our costumes. 

The Monk, The Court Jester and the Wizard...we off to a good start!

Now we wait for our friends to arrive...

and did they ever arrive in style! 

We took a moment to hug, laugh and then of course start our photo shoot. Yes, people were staring as they drove down the street, but isn't that all part of the fun!

This woman next to me is Susan and I'm eternally grateful for her friendship. She has been a wellspring of encouragement to me for almost 8 years. Kindred spirits she and I share. Grateful for her wisdom especially when it comes to homeschooling. Always cheering me on..always reminding me of the important things. 

Here are our precious kids! Just look at them all!! Bravo kids...bravo!

Oh and then there is Zack! Apparently young Zack in the above picture didn't want to be the only boy with stockings...so his Dad was kind enough to oblige. So glad he didn't get pulled over on his way to our house.

He is always ready to strike a pose!

Zack with oldest daughter Riley...she was the brains behind all of their costumes. I've watched this girl grow up, and you know as a teenager, she could have been anywhere else on a Saturday, but she chose to be with her family and not only enjoy the festivities, but be a pivotal part of it. It blessed my heart to have her here with us. I love this girl!!

Now onto the menu. So glad that Susan decided to make some authentic Medieval food. I don't think our food was quite authentic..it was more for the fun...here is what we had for our feast.

Sallet of Lemmons

The lemons would be our appetizer and pallet cleanser. That was probably my favorite dish and Kyle's too.

We did smoke turkey legs...for the first time...

 & Baked potatoes...which I don't think was authentic, but it had that rustic 1500s feel about it...and they were delicious.

 Mr. Incredible's favorite was what Susan made....

Pottage of Turnips with Powder Douce.

 This was Applemoyse...yum! Apples, cinnamon, ginger, egg yolks, sugar...yum!

So we feasted until we were full. We laughed and the court jesters were there to entertain us with riddles and tricks. The children all tried the food....they didn't all like it, but they tried it! 

After we feasted..we sat by the fire pit and roasted..shhh...don't tell...marshmallows...just because we all like that and it was fun! Not very Medieval however! 

Then I popped tons and tons of popcorn..and we watched...

and we laughed and laughed and everyone enjoyed this film so much! What a perfect ending to a perfect night!! Now..we move on to the Renaissance...learning about famous artists...I'm thinking maybe an art show of some kind when we are done with that. It might be kind of fun to have some fun appetizers and invite friends to display their art work..make like an open house...ooohhh...my wheels are spinning.

Hey, if you want to host your own Medieval Feast and are curious about the recipes we used...leave a comment and I'll be happy to send them to you.