7 Quick Takes (Volume 229)

1) I'm recruiting fellow squirrels. I've gotten at least three people hooked on butter toffee almonds in the last week! Try them for yourself and see. So, so, good.


2) A picture Drummer Boy put on Facebook nearly five years ago has been getting some activity this week. Not sure what sparked it or who was stalking him and dug it up, but it was fun to look at again. It's one of my favorites, taken in 2007 on a family trip.


I just love Drama Queen's expression here. It's similar to this one taken a few years later.


When will she learn this would stop as soon as she quits reacting? She makes it too easy. Although this picture might suggest she doesn't hate it as much as she lets on.


3) Princess Dawdle has apparently inherited my Raynaud's syndrome, except she gets hers in her toes! Can you tell which toe is numb?


4) Ladies Man and his girlfriend celebrated her birthday by seeing a production of the Lion King. I knew he was getting into it when I got a text at intermission saying, "This is awesome!" They looked pretty awesome too. RAWR! for her shoes and his tie.


That is no clip on bow tie, friends. It's a real one he learned to tie himself (with the great encouragement of his girlfriend)! That girl expands his horizons in so many ways.

5) Later, Ladies Man and his girl met Drama Queen and her boy at Prom. Get a load of this picturesque scene. Don't you love it?


She got a fancy do for the occasion which she liked, but got paranoid when everyone kept calling her "Snooki." I'll go on record as saying Snooki doesn't hold a candle to my Drama Queen. She is so beautiful, inside and out.

6) Thanks to ziplist.com, I am happy to report I am meeting my domestic obligations in a good way lately, cooking more than usual for my family. There's something about a new gadget that inspires, no? I've experimented with a few new recipes and found some keepers. The hands down favorite is Zesty Meatball Sandwiches. I'm a big fan of the Cranberry Pork Roast. The Slow-Cooker Fiesta Chicken Soup was easy and just got better through the week like chili, although my family wasn't as enamored with it as I was. I had no complaints about Chicken and Broccoli Teriyaki. The only clunker was the Canyon Casserole (thus the reason for no link). Last night I made a crazy concoction with chicken, apricots, milk, butter and green onions that you toss with bow tie pasta. Sounds weird, but was pretty tasty and how can a person not get excited to eat bow-tie pasta?

You got any new easy recipes you want to pass my way? Bring 'em. I'm gunning for Domestic Goddess status.

7) If you're looking for something to do or some way to celebrate Jesus and His big day, come on over to our church this weekend for an Easter cantata.


That's all for today, folks. Enjoy your weekend and find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Speaking Styrofoam

There was a smiley face on her cup.

Just below the lipstick marks, two dots with an upturned curve graced the styrofoam. It faced only her and I knew she put it there because the ink matched the writing flowing out of her pen onto paper. No one said a thing, but that little smiley face peered at her the whole morning.

Why did she do it? Was she willing herself to be happy? Was it a reminder of our lesson, to be content in all circumstances? Was it an outward sign of inner joy?

It was just a little smiley face on a styrofoam cup, and though I had nothing to do with it, it spoke to me. Be happy, Tami. Find joy in the small things. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

A tiny detail, unexpected and quirky, showed me how intricately God works.

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.

Psalm 67:1

More Than Coffee

A table for six.

I sat among the women around it, each of us possessing a different story, circumstances, life experience. We smiled, laughed, even teased, yet eyes hinted at heavier things resting on minds. Private thoughts swirled, but none wanted to air them. We sat together, grateful for the distraction, soaking in the presence of one another, finding respite in small talk.

Though our discussion could not be classified as spiritual, the little circle provided an oasis, forcing us to focus on something else, someone else. I glimpsed God there in the beauty of those women, in their determination to do the next thing, to move past the clouds, to set their minds elsewhere. No problems were solved, no specific cares were even addressed, but we walked out lighter.

How can sharing a cup of coffee and a few silly moments make a difference? Why should something so little lift our spirits?

It's the power of the Holy Spirit, filling and uniting, permeating and strengthening.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18:20

Without any words at all the Spirit heals and soothes, calms, lifts the burden. Do we find relief with others because we sense His presence in them? Does it matter if the topic moves deep or stays superficial? Doesn't He reside in His followers no matter what is spoken?

Six women whose only common denominator was their love for Jesus proved it to me. It's true we need each other, to confide in or cry to or gain advice. But sometimes we need each other just to sit with, to pass the time.

And settle into God's Presence.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

Photo Credit: rowanf

7 Quick Takes (Volume 228)

1) My mom was telling us how her friends give her a bad time about drinking water all the time when so many other choices exist.

Me: That's okay, Mom. My friends tease me about eating nothing but nuts and leaves.

Mom: Leaves?

Me: Spinach, lettuce . . .

Mom: You eat berries too, don't you?

What?! My entire family thinks I live on squirrel food? I'll have you all know I eat WAY more than nuts and leaves and berries!

2) What does it say about you when you're sitting in Bible study trying to jot down the insightful thoughts of others and you mean to write "precious" but it comes out on paper as "pressure"? Talk about a Freudian slip! It was exactly the emotion I was trying to push past all morning. Freaky!

3) Princess Dawdle is taking after her mother. She got the melting gene. Remember my propensity to burn things on my stove? We've got hot pads marked with burned circles, melted kitchen utensils . . .


There was that popcorn disaster. And I haven't even told you about the time a few weeks back I propped myself up on the stove top to listen to my husband in the kitchen and suddenly felt my backside warming. Wouldn't you know it? I accidentally hit the knob with my hip and nearly burned my actual buns!

Now Princess Dawdle is showing her own prowess.




How in the world could that happen, you ask? Would you believe she let the cover rest on a candle burning on the dining room table like this?


Yes! Now someone else can catch the heat for a while (yes, pun completely intended!).

4) Poor Kevin's had a busy week and I hate to ask him to write me a Kevin's Korner. How about I dream up what I think he'd rant about if given the chance?

We started Season Three of Downton Abbey and it seems like the episodes are getting longer. This has been a lunch hour indulgence, but the last episode we watched stretched to nearly 1:30. How dare they get you hooked and then string you along forever!

The saving grace was the ever amiable Robert who can really do no wrong and we got to meet Cora's mother played by Shirley Maclaine who gives Violet Crawley (a force in her own right) a good run for her money. I must say though that I didn't appreciate Cora's line when she tries to comfort Robert and says, "Oh darling, you don't have to worry about me. I'm an American. Have gun, will travel." What?! What is that supposed to mean? Americans are a bunch of gun-toting nomads? The American/British jabs are sure to increase with Cora's mother in town. And by the way, did anyone else notice that Cora's mother fails to move her upper lip when she talks just like Cora?

Oh my, it's time to find a new lunch time obsession.

5) It's Spring Break this week for my college kids. Drama Queen has been in and out a lot (what is the fascination with hot tubbing in 30 degree weather?). Drummer Boy, however, has been MIA. How do we get that boy home? He's not a food junkie, so I can't lure him with delectable delicacies. He's perfectly content with his computer and drumsticks. The only draw for him might be Ladies Man, but he's still in school and has been gone three nights this week. Maybe if I left a money trail Drummer Boy would follow . . . Nah, he doesn't care much about money either. Good thing he's close enough to take out to dinner now and then. Love you Drummer Boy!

6) Kevin bought me a NOOK color last year for Mother's Day. I think it had something to do with my friend's husband buying her an ipad, but I don't care, I'll take it. Anyway, I never really wanted a reading device because I wasn't sure how much I would use it, but I tell you what, I've become attached to that thing! I love it! I'm doing more reading than I've done in years. I like how you it provides its own lighting. It sits flat on the machines at the gym and there's no fiddling with pages and keeping a book open. And since the discovery of Gospel ebooks, I've found all kinds of wonderful books really cheap. This site is geared toward Kindles, but most of the time I find the same deals being offered on NOOK books.

Publishers will reduce prices on good books for a short period of time to spur sales. This site watches and publishes the deals. I've gotten free or reduced books by Kevin Leman, Lysa TerKeurst, Brennan Manning, Josh McDowell, and Tim Keller, not to mention popular titles like not a fan, Honest to God, Unglued . . . I could go on and on. Check it out. I love it!

7) If you're looking for something to do tonight, the Beatrice Regional Orchestra is having a concert. Kevin does a super job coming up with new ideas to keep our concerts fresh. Joining us on this program is the Lincoln City Boys Choir. This will be a real treat as these boys have traveled all over, even singing for the pope! Don't miss it!


And that's all for this Friday, folks. Have a great weekend and find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Stirring

It just sits there on my brain. It sits there stirring without conclusion or coherency--an uneasiness, turmoil, a sense that God's trying to tell me something, but I can't quite comprehend it. I pray about it, of course, but no clear cut answers emerge. It's hard to talk about even, difficult to put into words. God's trying to teach me or prune me or free me . . . I'm not really sure, but it's uncomfortable and I want to get it, or rather, get over it.

It has something to do with pride and humility and comparison and resting and denying myself and getting rid of wrong notions and attitudes. Since I can't figure out what to do, I read, I pray, I wait. As I do so, He brings me this gem from a book (Deliver Us From Me-Ville), taken from John Wesley's Covenant Service.

Christ has many services to be done.
Some are more easy and honorable,
Others are more difficult and disgraceful.
Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests,
Others are contrary to both.
In some we may please Christ and please ourselves.
But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ
Except by denying ourselves.
It is necessary, therefore,
That we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ.
Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:

Let me be your servant, under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.
Be satisfied that Christ shall give me my place and work.
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering,
Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
Let me be full, let me be empty,
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal . . .

O mighty God, the Lord Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
You have now become my Covenant Friend.
And I, through your infinite grace, have become your covenant servant.
So be it.

The words touch me deeply. Have I not really given up all? Have my words been empty? Do I want to follow God wholeheartedly, even if it means losing who I want to be?

Is God telling me I need to surrender, truly surrender? Is He stirring the desire in me to be His covenant friend?

What is He saying to you?

7 Quick Takes (Volume 227)

1) A sign we may be watching too much Downton Abbey? Kevin was getting dressed the other day, putting a sweater over a dress shirt and couldn't keep the shoulders of his shirt from getting bunched up under the sweater. Becoming very frustrated he finally said, "This is why a person needs a valet."

2) I had the most unpleasant experience last week. I'm not sure, but I think I may have been peed on by a squirrel. I was walking out to my van when something wet dropped into my hair. It wasn't raining. Our home is surrounded by big old trees and my first thought was a bird pooped on me. I was dumb enough to touch the wet spot and it wasn't bird poop, just wet. I looked to the sky and saw a squirrel darting down a tree branch. The only sound squirrels make is a squeaky, clicky kind of noise and he (she? how can you tell?) was making it. I imagined that pesky squirrel running to tell his friends, "Ha! Got her!"

Clearly I need a life.

3) Kevin and I went to a movie last weekend and were slightly disturbed when visiting the restrooms afterward. You know how restrooms have these signs?


Both of the restroom signs showed the stick people with missing heads! I wish I would have thought to take a picture with my phone to prove it. Both of the circles above the heads were gone! There's something macabre about going into a restroom where the heads have been whacked off the signs. Is it a special message, a warning of what may await you by the toilet? We both took a deep breath and went in anyway and I'm happy to report we got the jobs done without incident.

4) And now Kevin's Korner:

This is a very busy time of year for me. It seems there are so many extras as far as concerts, music contest and kids activities in February and March. Next Friday night I get to do one of those things I REALLY enjoy. The Beatrice Regional Orchestra has a concert with the Lincoln City Boys Choir and I am excited to be at the helm for this concert. And yes I do more than just wave my arms until the music stops… I have a stick in my hand as well. Since this is a volunteer group there is rarely a rehearsal we have everyone there. As we played through our music at our last rehearsal I found myself singing the missing parts. As I stopped the orchestra I said, "You know you are a conductor of a community orchestra when you have to sing the missing parts." It's like those "You know you're a redneck when…" No really, it is like those jokes. Ask any musician you know. As I type this I realize it does not seem as funny as it was at the time. Here's another one… "You know you conduct a community orchestra if you use a trombone player to cover the bassoon part." Okay I have to admit these are not nearly as funny as I thought they would be but trust me if you are a musician you had to chuckle at those because you know they are true. If you are in the area next Friday night and want some really good, cheap entertainment (Admission at the door is only $5) come out to the Beatrice Regional Orchestra concert. You'll be glad you did. And as a added bonus you'll get to hear the Lincoln City Boys Choir.

Keep Kicking it!

5) I finally got to see our neighborhood owl! I hear him all the time. He hoots at all hours of the day, bringing a friendly reminder of his existence that makes me smile. Drama Queen spotted him on our chimney and called us from the driveway to get a glimpse. He sat there a while and flew off majestically. Sigh.

I know the silly owl is just a big bird, but he reminds me of God in the way he is always there, always hovering, always around, making his presence known even when we don't see him. When I hear his familiar hoot I relax remembering God is like that too.

6) Speaking of Drama Queen, she informed us one of her professors told her she's the most obnoxious and sarcastic person he's ever met. "And I've met a lot of people," he added. I'm not sure as her mother if I should be happy or sad about this. Surely this says something about me, right? Isn't it always the mother's fault? Any rationales that put me in a good light are welcome.

7) Is it completely stupid that I have a favorite street in town? Yes, you read that right, a favorite street. For those of you who live in my town, my beloved road is Ella Street. A person never gets stuck on Ella. You zoom right down it. There's only two stoplights on its entire path so it takes you across town in a flash (of course, "across town" is a relative term). Trees line the way, like an invitation to sigh. Driving down Ella always makes me smile. And feel thankful. And happy to be alive.

You think there was something toxic in that squirrel urine that got into my brain?


I'm not gonna think about it too much and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather in southeast Nebraska today. I hope you enjoy your day too and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

For the Sake of Another

They were newlyweds.

He worked on finishing college, she was my teacher. I was the shy, overweight teen they took an interest in. They made time for me, spoke Truth to me, taught me what God said about marriage. Though they lived on a starting teacher's salary, somehow they scraped together enough money to buy me a study Bible that became my life line for years to come. The actual time spent in my life spanned a year and half, but the spiritual investment left a permanent mark.

Did they know their efforts would make such a difference? Did they have any idea how much the gift of their time and that Bible would shape me? Were they aware their sweet words and confidence in me would build me up so? Did they know their training would help me establish a strong, healthy, fulfilling marriage?

They made a sacrifice and I am better for it.

My mother never went to college though she wanted to. She moved away from home at a young age, got a job, fell in love, got married and unexpectedly had me when she was 21. From then on out, choices were made based on what was best for the kids and her being busy in college didn't seem advantageous for us. She never got there.

But her kids did. Because she made it so. Who can count the other ways our mother gave up to make sure our lives were better than hers?

I was on the receiving end again last fall as my friend's untimely migraine put me in a position to hear a tender word from God.

It's a consistent theme of God's, using the sacrifice of one for the benefit of others.

Joseph's rejection by his brothers, his stint as a slave, his unfair imprisonment and subsequent rise to power perfectly placed him to save the lives of the very people who put him in Egypt.

We wish the poor Israelites could have figured out their issues so they wouldn't have wandered around the desert for 40 years, but their journey left a trail that teaches future GENERATIONS. For all time. Most of them didn't enter the Promised Land so WE could be warned of the danger of disobedience.

Job suffered terribly so we would understand God is God.

The theme reverberates in movies. The struggles and sacrifices of one, which are beyond the ability to repay, benefit others in huge ways. Think Les Misérables, Life is Beautiful, Mr. Holland's Opus, Billy Elliot, A Beautiful Mind.

It touches us deeply because it demonstrates Truth. It echoes the gospel. Isn't this what Jesus' death and resurrection are about? God gave up His only Son for the sake of mankind, in hope of eternal relationship with us.

It makes me look at my difficulties differently. Is it possible God redeems our struggles, makes them truly count, not for us, but in the life of another? Will our troubles make life better for someone else? Will our perseverance in doing right, no matter how hard, show up as a positive result in the lives of people we love?

When I lay awake at night worrying about my kids and spend time in prayer for them, I may not feel much relief, but what does it do for them? Will my middle of the night pleas benefit them, bring them comfort and guidance and direction, though I struggle through sleepless nights?

How might my struggles help someone else? Will all the hard times I don't understand culminate in blessing for another along the way? Will someone be helped, warned, encouraged? The thought of my pain being useful for someone else almost makes it worth it, you know?

Are you willing to muddle through trials for the sake of another?

7 Quick Takes (Volume 226)

1) How about a vocabulary lesson for those of you with teens?

Princess Dawdle: Hey, we should make up a rap.

Ladies Man: Want me to lay down some fat beats?

Say what? I was clueless, but Princess Dawdle knew exactly what he was talking about.

Princess Dawdle: No. I'll do it. You do the words.

Immediately she broke into beatboxing, the art of making sounds like percussion equipment, that often involves a lot of saliva spraying (just my observation . . .) and gets old fast to mature ears. So "fat beats" are a teenager's efforts to sound cool while spitting on their neighbors.

To be fair, however, I must add that my kids aren't too bad at it. Ladies Man is especially good, although I'm not sure I'm a trustworthy judge as I often retreat to my office while he's practicing. Mature ears, you know.

2) Last Friday night our girls basketball team played in the state tournament and the student body was to dress western. Ladies Man takes on any challenge to be creative and decided to try his hand at making some chaps. He found a pair of "ladies pants" at a thrift store, cut them apart, attached the sleeves from an old long-sleeved t-shirt, and cut the sleeves into strips for the fringe. I was impressed.


Ladies Man tends to be a detail kind of person so he created a belt buckle with their school logo as well.


Then he added a thrift store vest, shirt, hat, boots and bandana to get this finished product. Giddy up!


3) I spent a little one on one time with Drummer Boy this week. This rarely happens as our schedules never jive and when he's available we ALL like to see him. But I was thrilled for a little time to talk about life and to make sure he ate (A mother's urge to keep her offspring fed never goes away, no?).

Later he sent me a sweet text that zinged straight to my heart. No matter how old my kids get, my heart will be tugged by them. I know lots of people gripe about technological advances taking away from real connection, but I find it helps my communication with my kids. Mothers never get tired of hearing, "Love you" in any form.

4) I've been feeling like a very lame cook lately, tired of the same old things and wanting to shun the task altogether. I used to be a good cook, really I did, but lately . . . big, fat, fail. I decided some new recipes might get me going again. I don't have to stress about what's for dinner if I plan ahead, right? I pored, and I mean PORED through recipes online and found a few we really liked this week (I was 3 for 3. BONUS!). But my biggest discovery was a site called ZipList.com. There's a "clipper" you can add to your toolbar that automatically clips the recipe from any site and puts it in your recipe box. I can also generate a shopping list (organized into food categories for easy shopping) from whatever recipes I choose and alter it according to what ingredients I already have at home. Very cool. I love this site! It may be just the thing I need to bring new life into my cooking rut.

5) Princess Dawdle participated in National History Day. She spent MONTHS working on this display about the History of Film. She presented the information as if it were a silent movie--a picture, then the caption explaining it. Very creative.


She decided to add a little pop to the presentation and made her own "camera" and screen which displayed a picture of Harold Lloyd, a famous silent screen star who happens to be from our area. She installed a flashlight to make it look like it was projecting the image.


I was proud of her hard work and creativity. Nice job, babe!

6) Ladies Man took part in a barbershop chorus workshop and got hooked. Can you see how much fun he's having in this photo Drama Queen took "like a boss"?


Although Ladies Man was completely enamored, his sisters weren't quite as impressed.

Princess Dawdle: It was good, I guess, but why did I keep feeling like it was something I'd see in Napolean Dynamite?

7) We end today's takes with Kevin's Korner:

Someone shared something with me today that I found humorous but the more I think about it I wonder if it is something I should be concerned about. Our youth pastor was talking with one of our dads who told him when he goes out to the gun range to practice shooting he calls it "shooting the choir." There is a perfectly good explanation. The targets he shoots, which are in the shape of people, make different pitched noises as they are shot, so in essence I guess they "sing" when they are hit. My guess is they are made of metal and would create more like a sound an instrumentalist would make or better yet a percussion instrument. So my question . . . why doesn't he call it "shooting the drumline?" Okay Drummer Boy and Drama Queen don't jump down my back, it's just a thought. I have a feeling the drumline is much cooler than a choir so no one would dare shoot them or maybe it's just because they have that scary drumline face when they play. Any way you look at it, it can't be good. Hopefully my choir and orchestra don't play in a way that would cause anyone to shoot at us. I do think we are past that level of playing . . . yes, I am very confident we do more than simply make noise. So please remember the next time you go out. Don't shoot, I'm just the piano player!

Keep Kickin' It or should I say Shootin' it!

And that's it for this Friday, friends. Enjoy your weekend. Kick start it by reading more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Small Effort, Big Impact

I can't say I know her.

She's a lady who goes to my church, but we're not involved in the same groups or activities. She's done my mammogram a couple of times, and while that sounds very intimate, it only involves small talk while you both try to appear nonchalant in a strange situation. My limited experience with her tells me she is quiet, gracious, kind, pleasant, very sweet. She's one of those women you cross paths with and think, "She's a really nice lady," but never seem to connect with because of life circumstances.

So it surprised me when I was in the church kitchen making coffee for Bible study and she passed by saying hi, that she stopped and came back.

"I'm so glad you got all the money you'll need for your trip," she said softly.

I told her how overwhelming the experience has been already and she, in her beautiful, unselfish way, listened intently, quietly, all the while her eyes sparkling, her mouth turned up ever so slightly. I blabbed on and on and when I came up for a breath she smiled and said, "I need to give you a hug because I might not get another chance."

She wrapped me in a tight embrace, expressing genuine love in a way I found somewhat surprising, yet I welcomed it wholeheartedly.

"I'm so happy for you," she said in my ear, "There are lots of people praying for you. It will be good."

I was humbled by her sweetness, her unselfish excitement for a woman she barely knows, her desire to communicate all this to me. I was deeply touched. And blessed.

She inspires me to do that for others, to push myself to tell them I'm praying, to offer a hug of support, words of encouragement. And she makes me wonder how many people are out there who love and care about what goes on in our lives though we're not aware. I am astounded at how many people have expressed their love and prayers for me and this trip. Is it possible that we all have people wrapping us in prayer, appealing to God on our behalf if only we're willing to make our needs known? I would have never imagined this beautiful lady might be on my team, but knowing so now makes me feel loved and noticed by God.

It was as simple as a short 5-10 minute conversation and a hug with sincere words.

Thank you, friend. You move me and make me sure God sees. You motivate me to love how you do.

Who can you move this day? Who has God laid on your heart?



Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann

7 Quick Takes (Volume 225)

1) I attended Princess Dawdle's show choir competition last weekend. She sings a solo in one of their songs and I found my heart beat faster as the introduction to the song began. I got super nervous for her, probably because I knew she'd be petrified. She did a lovely job as I should have known she would since I've heard her practice it over and over and over. Nice job, babe! (And she looked pretty too, don't you think?)


2) We watched the Oscars on Sunday and it just made me crabby. I admit it was pure jealousy watching these people be recognized for creating beautiful work. They seemed so accomplished, sophisticated, crazy talented, not to mention beautiful, and it bothered me I wasn't like them. Why I want to be like them, I don't know. Kevin reminded me no other group on the planet has more awards to build their egos like entertainers. There's the Oscars, the Golden Globes, the Tonys, the Emmys (day and night time), the Tellys, the People's Choice Awards. There's even awards for commercials called the CLIOs and the Adscars. And these are just for actors. How many music awards do we have?

Where are the awards for things that really matter, like people being sacrificial and loving and consistent in every day lives?

Wait, those are called crowns in heaven, right? Our day is coming, people!

3) We celebrated Drama Queen's 20th birthday this week. I don't know why this made me so nostalgic, but it did. My little girl is growing up. This shouldn't really bother me, as some things never change, like what happens to my boys when you get the camera out--creepy eyes and constipation.


Drummer Boy having too much fun with the camera. This is why Drama Queen loses patience with her brothers.


Eventually we got some good shots, although the lighting was less than desirable in the restaurant.






And lest you jump to weird conclusions because of these pictures and the conspicuous absence of Kevin, rest assured he and my mother were there too. They were just smart enough to steer clear of the camera.

4) Here's a sign Princess Dawdle is growing into a woman. She is experiencing irritation with the male persuasion. A commercial came on the other night for Manwich, you know that stuff you mix with hamburger to basically make sloppy joes. The scene presents it as a male rite of passage deal, as a dad feeds it to his son in a tender moment.

Princess Dawdle: Oh my . . .

Me: What?

Princess Dawdle: Manwich? I'm a manly man. I'm gonna eat some Manwich. Oh brother.

A few days later she found another "oh brother" product.

Princess Dawdle: We heard on the radio today about a new yogurt for men called Brogurt. What, yogurt is a feminine food? But it's okay for guys to eat if they call it Brogurt? Brogurt makes them a man? It's like Manwich. Pssht.

I see that she's not the only one thinking it's ridiculous. Check out this article at MSNBC.

5) I'm still in mourning about my favorite coffee shop closing, but I did have a nice experience at a different place this week. I ordered a vanilla latte (because they couldn't do a butterscotch one, sniff, sniff!) and when the waitress brought it to me she said, "I hope I spelled it right. You're Tami Boesiger, right?" When I looked down, she had written my name in syrup in the foam on top. How sweet is that?

The friend I was with gasped and said, "See? You ARE a celebrity! Everyone knows who you are!" But I had to burst her bubble and tell her the waitress was a lead in the community theater show I'd played for the weekend before. I was surprised she knew my name though. We never spoke and I was always backstage. So thank you, new coffee place girl, you made me feel the love and think perhaps a new place is possible (especially if you get butterscotch syrup!)

6) Now it's time for Kevin's Korner.

Tuesday was Drama Queen's birthday so we went out to eat as a family. Drama Queen picked Grandmother's restaurant (which happens to be one of our favorites). The hostess asked if we needed any kids' menus. My quick reply was "no", after all our youngest is 14. My mother-in-law asked if she could order off the kids' menu and then Ladies Man asked for one and before you know it we had three kid menus complete with colors. Ladies Man did the word search and complained how it was too easy. Go figure . . . a kids' menu word search was too easy for my 17 year-old junior in high school. I guess maybe he is learning something in school. Since he was bored with the word search he began doing a cartoon portrait of me on the back of the menu with a red crayon. Needless to say the waitress was impressed. I decided to have him take a picture with my phone and make it my wallpaper. I also have a portrait he did of me on my iPad as the background. I must be a little narcissistic. Take a look at these two pics and see which one looks more like me . . . oh boy, I am narcissistic! The red one was done with crayon and the blue one was done on the iPad itself. I have to give him props. This is something I could never do.




Keep kicking it!

7) I was whining about having to go exercise. Kevin complained about going to work. There was all the Oscar crabbiness on my part and I've been envying a blogger with a best-selling new book. Kevin's ability to consume any kind of food without repercussions, I mean all the junk you can imagine, has been eating at me (yeah, pun intended).

Suddenly it occurred to me if someone was a fly on our wall they might find us ungrateful. And stupid. Plain nauseating.

Me (feeling guilty): Are we just crabby people?

Kevin paused for a while, then sighed.

Kevin: Sometimes we are.

So let me dispel any illusions you have that the Boesiger house is all fun and games. We are crabby sometimes too. And stupid. And ungrateful. And perhaps nauseating. Lord, help us.


It's another full weekend. Princess Dawdle is participating in the district competition of National History Day. Ladies Man has a show choir competition. Luckily they are in the same town, but the times of the events are not quite jiving for us to all go to both. Somehow we'll be splitting forces. Hope your weekend is full of good things. Take some time to enjoy more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.