Friends and Countrymen, Lend Me Your Advice

So I need some input from my bloggy peeps.

We're finally going to start some sort of allowance system for our girls. We've never really done anything before (we simply didn't have the extra money, really) and have a few thoughts about how we want to do it. But I would LOVE to hear what you do, or good ideas you've heard about.

What we're initially thinking is that part of their responsibilities is simply because they are alive and have to take care of what we have, and won't have anything to do with allowance. But then some chores will be tied to allowance; if they don't do their jobs, they don't get the money, sisters can opt to do jobs that have been ignored or abandoned, etc. I'm planning to have them save a percentage and give a percentage before they spend.

What else? Tell me what you do!

Amar es Servir- To Love is to Serve

We're back home again in Indiana with real beds, air conditioning, satellite tv, flushing toilets, and ice cubes. And in some strange way, it just isn't as nice as in Mexico with tents, heat, dirt and dust, and outdoor banos.

I wish I could adequately communicate all that we saw and felt in Mexico. The poverty is extreme. The dirt is everywhere. The people are beautiful.

I don't know if you can go and not be changed. And yet it is so incredibly easy to fall back into my spoiled ways.

The joy and gratitude on the faces of families who received a home that isn't as large or as nice as what we store our garage junk in made me WANT to be nothing but content for the rest of my life. And yet already this morning, I've been thinking of trying to get a new washer and dryer and bedroom curtains.

The excitement of a woman who was thrilled to finally own a Bible made me WANT to never again take for granted the accessibility of the Word. I own multiple Bibles and can afford to buy several more. And yet already today I've ignored the Bible sitting next to me.

The stories of families who lost children simply because there isn't proper medical care available made me WANT to be thankful for what we have, but already today I found myself dreading dentist and doctor appointments and bills that I have to deal with.

Sometimes I really get sick of myself.

The simplicity of our days in Mexico is so beautiful. We eat, we work hard, we worship, we talk, we sleep. No errands to run, no internet or tv to distract me from the people in my life, no classes or games or parties to figure out a carpool. Simple and beautiful. Loving and serving.

So I'm a little homesick for our Mexico days.

One of our last evenings in Mexico, we were asked to share images from the week that would stay with us. Hearing people's hearts was precious, and it was a beautiful time. One moment I pray I never forget is when we were gathered in a Mexican church, singing Lord I Lift Your Name On High together. Hearing the song being sung at the same time in both Spanish and English was about more than my heart could take. I kept thinking it had to be a tiny glimpse of heaven.

Watching my own children work hard and have no thought of a tangible reward for it was beautiful. Seeing my eight year old put other children before herself and not think a thing of it was sweet. Watching groups of children gather around my husband was just like being at home.

There is a sweet bond between all of us who were on the trip. We are already missing each other and our new Mexican friends.

Short term mission trips do so much. The physical work we did there will last and bless others. The sharing of the gospel we did there will hopefully impact lives. But the bigger impact is, I believe, on those of us who went.

I can't put it into words well, but I pray I will never forget, and will never be the same.

Tide and Tears

I keep looking at the screen, trying to decide if I want to type or not. I haven't had time to think or feel or digest or recover or pray much yet, so this will be short and hopefully in a few days I can write more.

We returned back to the States from Mexico last night. Suffice it to say our trip was even more amazing and incredible and heart-wrenching than last year.

We are staying with friends in California for a few days before returning home to Indiana. It was so good to take a shower, so good to do laundry, so good to sleep in a bed. But I would go back again tomorrow if I could. I threw a load in the washer today, and simply the smell of the Mexican dirt made me get tears in my eyes. It is a strange kind of homesickness.

It is true what we keep saying... short term missions will mess you up.

Therefore, Go...

We've packed 17 bags, dropped off 1 dog, forgotten 3 things so far, and missed our plane. But we are on our way to California, and then Mexico tomorrow.

You should have seen my RUNNING through the airport. Apparently they changed the time of the flight but neglected to let us know that. We are scheduled on a new flight now and we'll actually get in an hour sooner, but will wait for our bags on our original flight.

Our first few days there will be spent setting up our camp; our tents, the kitchen, supplies for VBS, etc. The rest of 150 members will arrive on Saturday. I'm so excited about that part! Already I am so impressed with the new families who have decided to join this mission trip despite tough things this year like the economy, swine flu, and the reports of violence. We are confident we'll be safe and I'm confident these new families will never be the same again.

We will build five houses in four days. They will be smaller than my living room, and will hold entire families. The houses are not even as nice as most people's garages, and yet you should see how THRILLED these families are to receive these houses. It is definitely hard to reconcile next to our desire for more, more, more in our own homes.

For three days, we will offer a VBS for the area children. We're praying the children will understand that God loves them, and that we do, too.

We are excited, and maybe a little bit nervous. We will be sore and tired and uncomfortable. We will be hot and exhausted and without running water or flushing toilets or couches. And yet somehow I know we will be richer there and maybe even more sastified than we are here in the states with our air conditioning, ice makers, and internet.

If you think of us, please pray for our hearts to never be the same, and for our health and for those receiving the houses to see God through us.

Just Wanted To Say...

I am finding Crystal Lite Raspberry Ice delightful. Not as good as a cold diet coke, but...

I keep thinking about what someone once told me... your child will treat you at 13 the way they did at 3. If that is the case, Cassie will be a breeze, being funny and smart. Shelby, however, will be throwing screaming fits every single day, several times a day and I will be crying several times a day.

I'm making cookie dough pie to take to a friend's house for dinner as well as a sugar cream pie. One pie crust was a complete failure. Both crusts came from the same pile of dough. What is up with that?

Remember how I mentioned that we were SEVERAL hundred dollars short for our trip we leave on in a few days? God is so good. In one day, a friend who didn't even know we were short said she and her husband had already decided to give us her overtime pay. That woman works a LOT of overtime. At my garage sale yesterday, a woman I hadn't seen in years and barely know at all said she wanted to contribute, and I thought she wrote the check for $20. When I opened it later, it was for $200. God is good, and so are His people.

I'm not sure my children have ever been on my ever-lovin-last nerve as they have been today.

I just wanted to say all of that...

ABC, Do You Remember Me?

I was hoping to have had five posts up by now, but somehow the beginning of summer is just as busy as the end of the school year! Some hilights; ABC style:

A is for AWARDS
My girls RAKED in the awards at the end of the year! The three oldest all had straight A's all year long, and Cassie was in the top 10 percent of her graduating class! Jenna will start receiving letter grades next year; she had check pluses and pluses (plusses??) this year. She received a special award for how far she has come and how hard she worked. I'm so incredibly proud of them all.

B is for Believing
We are still several hundred dollars short for our mission trip that we leave for in one week. But unlike last year, I am not stressing too much. Partly because of how my God SHOWED UP last year. We're having a garage sale this weekend, hitting our candy route, doing some crafts, and hoping to bring in tons of quarters! :)

C is for Cassie
My firstborn baby turned 13 last week. I can't believe it; it wasn't very long ago at all that she was a chunky little baby wearing Winnie the Pooh pjs and slobering all over me.
It has flown by.
If I ever see her wear Pooh again, I will fall over. And if I could find an ounce of chunky on her now, I'd faint. She is a beautiful girl, and so smart and funny and kind. She has a wisdom that impresses me, and is making wonderful choices when it comes to situations and opportunities and issues. I couldn't be more proud of her.
D is for Diet Coke
I am trying to wean off the blessed drink since we will be on our mission trip next week and will have no access to my addiction. This week I've also been off chocolate and bread and all sorts of things, and I am surviving!

E is for Exciting Summer
Already, we have packed in a lot, and the girls have only been out of school less than a week! We hit the drive in (Night at the Museum 2; loved it), had a slumber party, went to Holiday World (birthday surprise for Cassie), had a cookout and invited friends, hit a few graduation parties, been swimming and to VBX. We have more to look forward to- time in California with friends, a potential trip to Niagara Falls, church camp, and hopefully some more trips to the DQ!

F is for Family Camp in Mexico
Our trip to Mexico last year was amazing. We'll be at a different site this year; one that will probably be MUCH hotter, so any prayers you can offer up for me not overheating, no migraines, and no sun poisoning (like I did last year) would be greatly appreciated! We'll be building a house and running a VBX for local children. This year I'm taking on some more responsibility and am a little nervous about it. Scott and I are called the "directors," which I really hope doesn't mean much; I'm helping lead worship, and helping to head up the VBS.

G is for Girlfriends
I seriously miss my blogging friends. :( I have got to get back on the bloggy train! Please don't write me off yet. I'm planning a comeback!

So what have your ABCs been? Fill me in!

Just So You Know...

I am still alive.

I have intentions of blogging on a regular basis again.

I have several blog post ideas.

A couple of them might even be decent ideas.

I miss blogging.

I miss my bloggy friends.

I hope to see you back here again real soon! But for now, it is off to yet another softball game followed by many rounds of laundry, letters to write to amazing teachers, last day of school tomorrow, goodbye party for a favorite person, birthday party for a favorite daughter, cookout for 50 people, secret birthday traveling, and maybe take a shower somewhere in there.

Idol, Out

I have been sadly delinquent in my up-to-the-minute coverage of American Idol. Partly because I've been crazy busy (really want to go off on a tangent here; remind me to do so later) and partly because I've been a little bored with my friend American Idol this season.

But here we are at the final finale, finally.

This post may be disjointed; I'm live blogging and using the ever-popular stream of consciousness technique. Bear with me.

I do love this night, although (and I think I said the same thing last year) it is not as much fun when it is two guys and there is no pretty girl with several different fancy dresses. But I love the flashbacks to the weird auditions and the teasing of the judges and the all-white outfits and all the has been stars.

Paula beats Kara on the outfits.

The videos making fun of the judges is always fun. My fave was the me, you, you, me Randy clip.
Golden Idols- sometimes dragged out, but always memorable. Remember the all yellow lady last year? Or THE BEST ONE EVER when that boy was singing and FLIPPED OUT when Clay Aiken came out singing? Hee hee hee. Norman Gentle did not disappoint this year.

I'm very happy that two of the first three songs are some of my Jazzercize songs. I feel stronger just feeling like a Rock Star wanting to start a fight!! And now Jason Mraz is singing and I feel my six pack abs tightening up. (Even though during the Jazzercise songs tonight I'm being lazy on the couch, the music still surely has some magical fitness power.)

I heart Keith Urban and country music in general.

I do not heart freaky maze mime people and boom boomness. Shelby said, "It was something about digital spit, and that is disturbing."

Ryan's line about bikini girl was THE BEST!!! And Kara upstaging her made. my. night.

I heart Cyndi Lauper. (People used to call me Cyndi Lauper, of course.)
I heart Kris's parents. So cute.
I double heart Danny Gokey. I miss him.

WHAT is Adam wearing? He looks like a flying monkey. Cheddar is bothered by KISS. We all are, a little. But I think I've figured out how to hide my aging skin. When I turn 30 in a year or two, I'm going to start painting my face white.

I'm happy to see little Polly Pocket and Megan Joy again. And Steve Martin!! The saddest day of my life was when Steve Martin died. (Anyone?)

I heart Rod Stewart. I double heart his plaid jacket. I triple heart the song Maggie, so I am very happy.

We are the Champions is the perfect song for Adam.

Ok, here we go... after the nationwide vote, the winner of American Idol is....

And there is SCREAMING in my living room!!!!!
I heart Kris! Look how cute he is crying. I refused to vote for him last night because he said, "me and him, " but I forgive him now. Adam is so gracious. Very impressive.

Well, people, that is it. All that is left is the cheesy finale song. Here's hoping next season has more pretty dresses, less Tatiana, more OOMPH after the big announcement of the winner, and a cameo by my pretend BFF.

Well? What did you think??

That's What They Said

Some favorite quotes lately while subbing:

Kindergartener:
Yes, I've been to an aquwarrium. No, it wasn't the one in Tennessee. I think it was on our way to Holland. Maybe it was in Amsterdam.

Sixth Grader:
Mrs. Newland, you didn't tell [our teacher] about us, did you?

Third Grader (in a card):
I don't really know you, but I was at Brynne's Birthday party. And you tought our class in P.E.... Anywho when you did tech us and at Brynne's Birthday you seemed really nice.

Fourth Graders:
Are you our sub today? YEAH!!!

Sixth Grader:
I didn't take my medication today. I need my medicine to be calm and stay focused. I'll probably be crazy! Get ready!

Second Grader:
I watched Beer For My Horses last night. Raise your hand if you seen dat movie Beer For My Horses.

It's an entertaining life. :)

Words to Live By

Jenna made this list tonight:

Do not poosh/hit/Punch.
Do not kick!
Do not be anoying.
Be pacont.
Be thotful.
Do not Be a Bolie!

I love her so much. I could eat her up.

Latest Faves

Thought I'd share some of my new favorite finds with you. The danger of now getting an occasional paycheck is that I SPEND it! But it is money well spent, I assure you.

Dinner Out- seared (raw-ish) tuna with wasabi sauce. I've had something along these lines at three different restaurants, and all were incredible.

Book Series- Shadow Children (juvenile fiction)... intriguing and well-written

Snack- Just discovered this tonight, but it counts as a fave... DARK chocolate Reese's cups!!! God is good.

Dryer Sheets- Downy Vanilla and Lavender almost makes me enjoy doing laundry. Well, ok, I am completely lying. But it smells pretty good.

Chocolate Treat- Dove Dark Chocolate Tiramisu (yes, I know I have two chocolate things on my list. That's me.)

CD- Lady Antebellum (after my pretend BFF's, of course!)

DVD Rental- Battlestar Gallactica (I can't believe it; I made fun of Scott for watching it, but then he rented Season 1 for me and I'm liking it!)

Flip Flops- Reef (Sandy version). These are SO comfy and the sole is nice and padded. LOVE them. Apparently so did Cheddar, remember?




Any new latest faves for you?

Coffee, Tea, or Me?

I'm taking the night off from reviewing American Idol. It is my birthday today and slacking off on pretty much everything is my birthday present to myself. Maybe if I'm inspired I'll come back and chat about AI.

I've been celebrating my birthday big time! I've been very spoiled with sushi twice in two days, four AMAZING homemade desserts by friends, a couple of surprise get-togethers, and lots of hugs.

One of my favorite parts of my 29th birthday was the card from Scott. He had me open my gifts... a cool water bottle I'd been wanting, pomegranate rimming sugar for margaritas, and a Keurig single cup coffee maker. Do you notice a theme? This is part of what he wrote:

We drink water to stay alive, soda and coffee to stay awake.
We sip cocoa to stay warm and lemonade to cool off on a porch on hot summer days.
We grab drinks with friends to enjoy one another's company and clink our glasses together to toast an accomplishment or event.

Just as a drink can be so many things and fill so many needs, you are my"drink."
You are my nourishment, my refreshment, my warmth, my good times, my celebrations.

Happy Birthday, my sweet cup o'Cindy

I like that boy.

I also loved, loved, loved Brynne's card written in beautiful cursive with hearts everywhere:

Dear Mom
Happy Birthday! I love you so much! I'm soooo glad you are my mommmy! If you weren't my mom I would live a nightmeir! Have an AWESOME Birthday!
Love your sweet girl,
Brynne
P.S.
Your Great!

Facebook and Blogger Go Together Like Horse and Carriage

So I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I have not been good about blogging lately!

I've been swamped with life, and my brain cells can't be creative for more than a few seconds. And a few seconds is all it takes to post a status update on facebook.

That is why facebook is now my #1 webby friend while blogging has been bumped to #2.

So, because I wanted to get a post up today but have nothing great to say, I thought I'd give you my latest facebook updates here and count it as a blog post. My blog, my rules, right?

So welcome to the merging of facebook and blogger... (And I don't know what is up with the font changing. Can't fix it.)

*Cindy... has snausages for toes. They are so swollen today. They go well with my Cankles, though. Our air conditioning is out and that is not helping.

*Jenna told me that the boy in the Hannah Montana movie has freckles. "But I don't know how many. I didn't count them." I love that girl.

*Favorite movies of all time by Cindy... Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice (A&E), Gone with the Wind, Better Off Dead, Father of the Bride

*Cindy... got more freckles while being shown up by my kids at Frisbee Golf. Fortunately a caramel frap evened things out.

*Cindy... got my first report card in years. I got an "A" on my math course! Wohoo! I think that means I can slack off a little on my last couple of papers for my current class, right???

*Cindy... had a crazy busy day, but it DID actually end eventually. Wasn't sure it was going to. Now I'm hoping to spend some quality time with Hurley and Sawyer. Oh, and my husband.

*Cindy... is mourning the loss of yet another cute pair of black flip flops. Rotten puppy.

*Can I get a what what?

Won't You Take Me To Funky Town, American Idol?

Disco Night with the Top Seven

Really hoping all four judges get to talk this week. It was just not the same last week when Simon didn't get to attack each and every contestant. I even missed Paula's jaberwocky a little.

This night would be complete if SOMEONE could sing Everybody Was Kung Fu Fightin. Or at the very least, the judges could do some YMCA.

A girl can dream.

Lil Rounds-I'm Every Woman
Hmm... she's no Mandisa. I feel badly for her... she is really talented, but just has never won the judges over with any of her performances. But since she has the guts to strut like that while wearing a Catwoman's skin tight leotard, she gets
two Shikkowakkas from me.

Kris Allen- She Works Hard For The Money
Wow. Who'd a thunk that song could sound like that? Loved it. I love him. And he loves me. And he loves me for loving him. And I love him for loving me. And we love each other. And that's cuz neither of us got enough love in our childhoods. (oops- sorry...sidetracked)
Five Shikkowakkas.

Danny Gokey- September
This song makes me think of Windexing the display racks at my high school mall job while the Saturday radio show was 70s music. Danny did a great job, but didn't wow me.
Three Shikkowakkas.

Allison Iraheta- Hot Stuff
We saw a 16 year old sing this song at the American Idol Experience at Disney World. The thought then is the same as tonight. That song is WAY too old for a 16 year old. Second thought...I had a friend in high school who used to wear trashbags to bed in order to sweat and lose weight. Looks like Alison is wearing an Extra Tuff Hefty Bag around her waist.
Two Shikkowakkas.

Adam Lambert- If I Can't Have You
His song started and Cassie whispered, "He scares me still." Loved the arrangement, loved his voice. Did not love the snake ring. Paula is moved to tears (surprise). Two judges have talked and Paula is still catatonic. "It's as if you tore your heart out and left it on the stage," Paula says. Eeek. I wish she wouldn't have said that. It might give him ideas for next week.
Four Shikkowakkas (only 4 because I could not shake my groove thing with that arrangement)

Matt Giraud- Stayin' Alive
Now with THIS song I can get shake my groove thing. I actually really liked it; he made it his own yet was true to the song. (Maybe I can get Paula's job if I say things like that and just add a few nonsensical adjectives and phrasing here and there.) He was true to himself as an artist who we are only beginning to recognize the richness of the way he embraces the stage and all who are blessed to see him use his artistic artistry for the betterment of art. (How was that?)
Four Shikkowakkas

Anoop Desai-Dim All The Lights
What? Anoop is still on this show? I keep waiting for Jack Bauer to tackle him and prove him to be a fraud. I'm not happy with his outfit. Or his facial hair. He has a great voice, but eh.
Two Shikkowakkas

Rats. Nobody sang Kung Fu Fightin. Maybe it will be the group song tomorrow? Maybe the judges will surprise us and pull out some kicks that are as fast as lightnin. That would be a little bit frightnin.

Macho, Macho Man- Kris Allen
Super Freak- Adam Lambert
Last Dance- Anoop, Lil

Um...

Um... Cassie? You're a funny, funny girl.


Um... Fever bug? Thanks for making my girls so cute and snuggly for a couple of days.


Um...Mr. Sign Designer? I'm no professional, but I'm thinking there might have been a better way to do this...Maybe make "Prevention" a little more prominent?

Um... Cheddar? Back off my flip flops. Or you're going to be Shredded Cheddar.