A Sense of Accomplishment

We've started rearranging our house. 1 space at a time. But it's kind of like a Chinese Slide Puzzle. In order to do thing A, we have to make room in place B. But to make that room we'll have to shift item C to position D.... Get it? So yesterday, we were working on my Mother in Law's room. She was replacing some furniture. And we were putting a desk that was in her room downstairs. Well, to do that, we had to put the 1970's wood and glass hexagonal table (the one your parents gave you when you got married) in the garage. For those familiar with our downstairs, this is a momentous occasion. It has been no small feat to get this beloved piece of antiquity to it's rightful home among the garage detritis. But it happened. That day was Nov 17. I will remember it well. :)

What a sense of accomplishment when things finally start happening. Yesterday, it was the physical features of our house. Recently, "things" started happening spiritually with Ryan. The sense of well being and comfort that comes when we get something done is a wonderful thing to feel. Now, if I can just get Mt. Laundry under control, I'll feel like I really got something done....

Think Times are Changing???

We have no idea how times are changing. Take a peek. It's worth the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U

Thanksgiving Count Down

Thanksgiving is week away. I can't believe it! I've started the annual "food prep" e-mails with my mom. she tells me what she's planning to serve and asks for input. I tell her how much I like what she has planned and what our travel schedule is. She e-mails back requesting my thoughts on her food plan and I return with the list of likes and dislikes my family has.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday partially because it also encompasses the November Birthday Convention. My son, mother, father, and sister all have birthdays in November, with Dad and Katie's being right around Thanksgiving. So we always get to squash in a birthday party, too. (See previous post on cakes for birthday celebrations.)

Now, if we can get the car working well enough to make the 200 mile trip, we'll be in good shape. Chris is out tonight with our automobile inclined friend to fix the brake pads, AC fan, and see why the tires keep going flat. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

"Will science eventually solve all of our problems?"

Chris shared the following with our Sunday School leaders this week. It's worth the read.

I found that question laughable as I reflected on the just the last 24 hours. We were awakened last night by a screaming 3 year old. Josh woke up with one of those ear aches that for an adult would be unbearable. So we proceeded to use the wonders of modern chemistry to sooth his pain. Nothing seemed to work accept the embrace of mommy's arms.
As morning dawned we were out the door to avail ourselves of modern
medicine with a run to our favorite doctor (he's like family, ever since we put
his kids through college). More medicine was prescribed and all were
happy. On the way back I decided to stop for some fuel and the modern convenience
of a quick carwash. Halfway through the rinse cycle, I heard a pop. It was
then that I noticed that our modern miracle had ripped the sided mirror from
my car and was now using it as a battering ram on my paint job. After an
hour of paperwork, with double ear infection three year old in tow, I headed
home. Approaching our neighborhood I received a call from my frantic
mother that something was "hissing in the garage and there is a strange
smell". Arriving moments later in my driveway I immediately surmised the
problem. It was the tell tale river of water pouring from our garage that was
the major clue. The great luxury of heated water had backfired and was now
laying waste to my seriously disorganized garage. On the plus side our
ceiling got a great steam cleaning.

I told you all that to tell you this. The answer to the
question is NO! Technology and science are great and personally I like
medication, automated car washes and hot water anytime my heart desires, but the
issues we face aren't technology issues. The most powerful agents for change
in our society and our personal lives are the relationships that we are
given. There is no medicine that takes the place of mommy's touch; no car is
worth chewing out a gas station attendant, and no amount of household
breakdowns worth throwing a wrench at your family. A new house can't give you
happiness; a new car can't give us self-worth. They can give you a
warmer,dryer, easier life because that's what they are designed to do. Jesus
made it clear concerning the pursuit of happiness. Love the Lord your God
and love others.

............From Chris

What we've been up to

So, we've been busy around here. Here are some picture highlights of the last week.


Halloween was fun. Spidey and Buzz Lightyear plotted the take over of the Woodlands, promising to promote truth as they see it, school yard justice, and the Willingham Way.

Ryan's Birthday was a blast. The final party was last night. I even made it through without completely hulking out on the rugrats whose parents didn't RSVP. So our party of 16 was actually 22, nobody counts until the pizza is all gone anyway. And we had enough cupcakes. It's all good.


And Sunday was the best. Having our friends come to share in Ryan's baptism was the highlight of the week. We all had fun. And so many thanks to Papaw and Mimi for letting us continue the party at their house. Now, the awesome responsibility of training Ryan up in his faith begins. I don't know that I've ever felt less worthy to teach someone something. And it's never mattered more. I guess this is where I really start to feel like a parent, instead of just a caregiver. Praise to the Father from whom ALL blessings flow! Chris and I sure can't do this on our own.

Birthday Cakes

Why did people stop making their kids' birthday cakes?? I ordered one for the kid party on Monday, but am making the cake for the family party tomorrow. MMMMM, the smell of butter cake throughout the house just screams "IT'S SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY!" I remember that from my childhood. My mom always makes the best birthday cakes. They are unusual, creative, and never cease to amaze me with their yummy goodness. This last year, she made me a black forest cake from scratch. Who says food isn't love??

I hope my boys have happy memories of birthdays with homemade cake, their choice of dinner, and happiness.

I wonder what other people's traditions for birthdays are.

Love the Weekends!

I love weekends! This one, especially, will be great. Ryan is 7 years old today. Wow! Time really flies when you're having fun. Tomorrow he'll be baptized. Wow! Time is totally zipping by. He's already evangelizing his classmates. "Mom, I tried to tell Abigail about Jesus today. I don't think she got it." Yes, son, that's the way it goes, but keep trying.

I am so proud of my little man. He has a huge, kind heart and a wicked sense of humor. He plays with his little brother endlessly. And can make his own breakfast. His biggest want for this birthday---- an alarm clock, with Spiderman, because he wants to get himself up for school. Kinda sad, but I can see the benefits of having an older child already.

Ryan has always been outrageously punctual. He loves a routine. And he still has his "blue", a baby blanket he's had since birth. Thank you Jesus for such a sweet blessing to raise!