7 Quick Takes (Volume 249)

--- 1 ---

Many thanks to Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle for taking on the Quick Take duties last week. I was out of town visiting a friend and was so happy they offered. It was nice to just copy and paste their email into my blogger account. Done in about 10 minutes. Thanks guys!

They're pretty good kids, but I think there might be something wrong with them. They were getting ready to leave for school the other day when he asked her a strange question.

Ladies Man: Princess Dawdle, do you want some applesauce for the road?

Princess Dawdle: Yeah, sure. Thanks.

Applesauce for the road? He got two plastic cups and filled them with applesauce, but grabbed no spoons. I'll have you know I actually fed them breakfast this day too. I thought I should be slightly offended.

Me: You're drinking applesauce on the way to school?

Ladies Man (as if I just crawled out from under a rock): Yeah.

Princess Dawdle: We've done it before.

Something's just wrong about that, don't you think? I was very glad I didn't have to be in the car listening to them slurping that all the way to school. Ick!

--- 2 ---

We had a fantastic time attending the University of Nebraska Marching Band Exhibition last weekend. Drummer Boy has retired, but Drama Queen made it on the line again. This time she's the only girl snare drum player.




When the two guys standing on either side of her met Kevin they told him, "Yeah, we've been keeping her in line all week."

Kevin didn't buy it.

Kevin: Hey, I've lived with her all her life. I know what's really going on. You aren't the one keeping her in line.

No truer words were ever uttered.

--- 3 ---

Even though my birthday isn't until January, I'm already getting depressed about it. I turn the big 5-0 and am not too excited. Maybe that's why an encounter I had at the gym this week has been so uplifting.

I was doing my normal stuff. I assure you it was nothing out of the ordinary or at all impressive. While I was lifting a few weights I saw a guy lifting who I hadn't noticed before. This does not mean he'd never been there before. It's quite likely I was just not awake enough to remember seeing him. Anyway, he was one of these super buff kinda guys who looks like he lives in a gym. We're talking solid rock muscle, like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wasn't really paying attention to him until I went to pick up my NOOK on a bench near a weight machine he was using and Arnold struck up a conversation.

Arnold: Good Morning!

He acted as if I should know him from somewhere. I confess there are often people in church I don't get around to talking to. Many people know me because I'm married to Kevin, but I don't know them. So when he started the conversation I assumed I should know him from church.

Arnold: I've been wanting to ask you . . .

I expected a church related question.

Arnold: What is your age, if you don't mind me asking?

Me (totally taken off guard): Uh . . . I'm 49.

Arnold: Wow, that's amazing . . . wow . . . you're doing really good. Wow. Nice job.

And just like that, 50 didn't seem like such a bad number. So thank you, Arnold Schwarzenegger man! You set the tone for my whole week. On a Monday even. Super. I may be able to handle my next birthday now.

--- 4 ---

Ladies Man had a first this week one no one wants to have. He got into his first car wreck. (Wait, what am I saying?! His first? As if there will be others? Let's hope not! Ladies Man, are you reading this? BE VEWY VEWY CAWEFUL!)

I want it noted that I handled it all extremely well. You see, I have experience with these sorts of things. I've had tons of accidents, many of which were my fault. So I know how rotten an accident will make you feel, how you beat yourself up for it, how you're sick to your stomach over it. I was not about to chastise him.

When I was his age I had two accidents within 8 hours. One was my fault. One wasn't. When I tried to call my dad about the second one (in the days before call waiting), I couldn't get through because he was talking on the phone to the dad of the girl whose car I had hit the night before! I'll never forget the long wait for him to get to the accident scene, worried about what he might say.

He walked up to the car, leaned into my window and said, "Hasn't been your week, has it?"

And I breathed again.

So the night of Ladies Man's accident I remembered that. There were no stern words, no threats, no lectures. Instead he got his beloved sloppy joes for supper and a big hug.

I love you, Ladies Man. Glad you weren't hurt.

--- 5 ---

Our leopard gecko is ten years old! The life span of a gecko can be 25 years and I am gunning to get our little Elmo there. It is a miracle he is still alive as years ago our vet told us he was the kind of animal that would have been dead long ago if he lived in the wild. One year we spent months feeding him crushed worms with an eye dropper. He's had numerous infections and health issues, but he's still with us.

I saved his life again last week. Yes, I take full credit. Ladies Man doesn't do such a hot job of looking after the critter. If it weren't for me, he would be worm food. When I noticed Elmo was continually shedding, I knew he had some shed lodged in his body somewhere and I went to work. That guy was squirming around something awful when I found the spot. I managed to squeeze his body slightly so enough of it popped out for me to grab with the tweezer and then pulled the biggest hunk of stuff out! I couldn't believe it! I thought it was cool, but I think Princess Dawdle threw up in her mouth a little bit. Immediately Elmo stopped squirming and his body relaxed as if he took a deep sigh. Then he laid in my hand so sweetly as I cleaned the rest of the shed off him.

I used to think he didn't like me because I'm the only one who subjects him to such treatments, but this time I believe he realized I am his deliverer. I think I became his favorite human.

He couldn't have passed out from the pain, right?

--- 6 ---

We celebrated Princess Dawdle's 15th birthday this week. My BABY is 15?! Really?! I am old. Wait. Refer to Quick Take #3. Anyway, I loved the pictures we got at our celebration dinner. I do believe this is my favorite pic ever of Kevin and our girls.


The boys even took a decent shot. And that is an accomplishment!


Happy Birthday, Princess Dawdle! We're proud of you!

--- 7 ---

We've got a fun weekend planned. My friend, Kelly, who I went to Africa with, is coming for a visit. I can't wait! I think even Elmo is smiling. Woo hoo!


And that'll do it for this Friday, folks. Have a terrific weekend and visit Conversion Diary! for more Quick Takes.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 248)--The Princess Dawdle and Ladies Man Edition

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So we came home one day from school and saw a huge freaking zucchini that my girlfriend (Ladies Man's girlfriend) brought over.


THAT'S A ZUCCHINI!!!!

--- 2 ---

Starting off high school has been totally great, except one little thing... WE HAVE TO GET UP SUPER EARLY TO GO TO BAND! And being known as Princess Dawdle you could see my struggle. Pray for Ladies Man this week or for me, that I don't make the big fancy drum major late for the job.

--- 3 ---

Speaking of marching band our older sister, Drama Queen, made it back on the UNL snare line. Congratulations Druma Queen, see what we did there? ;) nudge nudge

--- 4 ---

Being the social butterflies we are, we like to stay connected with our social networks. We've recently picked up on an app called vine. If you have no idea what this is, basically you make short clips and put them all together to make a full 6 second video clip. You can imagine how thrilled dad is.. not. We have made various videos that should really be titled messing with the father.

--- 5 ---

So Princess Dawdle and I have matured SOOO MUCH that we are redoing our bathroom or shall I say the Froggy Bathroom as we call it, because that's the theme. So our parents got us a brand spankin new sink and dad installed it for us.


GOOD JOB DADDY-O!

--- 6 ---

Here's a poem/story from yours truly...

There once was a llama and his name was Steve.
He loved to celebrate Christmas Eve.
He was hungry so he ate a small flower.
It mysteriously gave him super powers.
It gave him the ability to fly.
He went high in the big blue sky.
He flew up and down and even around.
And even lost a few pounds.
You could imagine how excited he was,
But then he realized it was just a buzz
From all those flowers he ate
Now he is a normal llama to this date.

--- 7 ---

Have a wonderful Friday our little sugar puffs. Please enjoy this picture of our faces swapped.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes (Volume 247)

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On Tuesday I had the opportunity to be on our local radio station, talking about my trip to Africa. It was super fun and as soon as it was over I got texts from family and friends congratulating me on a job well done. I left feeling all glamorous and satisfied with life.

Then I went to the grocery store where I realized I forgot my wallet at home and spent the rest of the morning cleaning house.

Yeah. There's nothing like life to assure you of your place in the world.

--- 2 ---

Tuesday was a big day at our house. Princess Dawdle, my BABY, started high school. I am an OLD WOMAN!


Is it bad to say I'm sorta glad her big brother will be at school to watch out for her and "encourage" other boys to keep their mitts off?

--- 3 ---

After Princess Dawdle was done with school, we moved Drama Queen up to her new house she'll be sharing with three friends (I told you Tuesday was a big day!). Here's the moving crew (Kevin and Drummer Boy moved in the big stuff the week before.).


Drama Queen with one of her roommates, Ladies Man's girlfriend.



Why is it that leaving kids in a different home never gets any easier? This is the third time we've done this with her and it's still sad. Am I missing the let-your-kid-grow-up gene? Sigh.

Drama Queen, just know you can always come home. I love you. So proud of you. You are going to love it there.

--- 4 ---

While moving Drama Queen, we caravaned in three cars. Ladies Man and his girlfriend led the way. Drama Queen and her boyfriend were behind them and Princess Dawdle and I brought up the rear. We managed to stay together most of the way, but once we got to Lincoln, I got separated at a red light. I wasn't worried. I had been to the house before. I know my way around Lincoln, but within a few minutes my cell phone was ringing.

Ladies Man: Mom, do you know where you're going?

Me: Yeah. I was just there last week.

Ladies Man: Well, we're turning left on 27th.

Me: Yeah, I can see you. You're only a few cars ahead of me.

Ladies Man: Ok. Cool. Just wanted to make sure you knew.

Me: Yeah, I'm good.

As soon as I hung up with him, the phone rang again. I didn't even have to look. I knew it would be Drama Queen.

Me: Yes, I know where I am going.

Drama Queen: Wow. Just making sure you know how to get there.

Me: I was just there last week. I know.

Drama Queen: Wow. Okay. Geez. Sorry for checking on you.

I suppose I should be happy my kids are looking out for me, but given the day and my feelings of oldness, I was annoyed they think I'm an idiot.

--- 5 ---

On Wednesday Ladies Man started school and being the superb mother I am, I forgot to charge my stupid camera and was forced to use his ipad for his first day of school pics, which apparently I don't know how to use very well. I must not see well either as the only picture I took of him alone has his eyes shut.


Princess Dawdle joined him for some pre-school (or is it preschool? oh brother) silliness. They kinda look alike in this pic.


Love Princess Dawdle's hair in these.


Proof they are siblings.

--- 6 ---

I'm not a big Ashton Kutcher fan, but I found this clip that's been circulating on Facebook very interesting and refreshing.

--- 7 ---

I think I'm gonna go out and "build my life" now. Wait, it's Friday. Maybe I'll start that Monday. Or is it that attitude that's got me where I am?

Whatever. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 246)

--- 1 ---

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband! We were married on this day 27 years ago. I always assumed I wouldn't marry. My high school years were not filled with interested suitors, if you know what I mean. I would look at myself in the mirror and wonder how any man would want me (Before anyone comes down on me, you should know I was 30-40 pounds heavier throughout high school than I am now. I was ever the girl with the "pretty face" which I took as code for "it's too bad she's fat."). I hung my hat on God's Word which said, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) I figured if I committed myself to God (aka delighted in Him), either He'd give me a husband or change my desire for one and either way it was win-win. I prayed for a man who loved me for ME, not the way I looked.

Kevin was my miracle. Still is. I got what I prayed for and then some. The past 27 years have been the happiest of my life. We're celebrating God's great goodness to us by going away for a few days to a new place off the beaten path we've never visited before. Looking forward to some time away with you, honey!

--- 2 ---

I had to laugh when I got this text from Drama Queen.

Drama Queen: I just cut out a few coupons . . . #officiallyanoldlady

She has been feeling very domestic lately, preparing to move into a house with a few other girls. She's gone wild buying towels and dishes and kitchen supplies. I suppose the coupons just sent her over the edge.

She did get to do something very fun this week, though. She spent Tuesday filming a Pepsi commercial to be aired in Memorial Stadium on game days. She and a few other drum line kids played Pepsi bottles all over the stadium. And got paid to do it!

Don't worry, babe. You're not old until you your children tell you you're slipping and your hearing is going.

At least that's what I'm told.

--- 3 ---

For this year's Christmas musical, Kevin and I are writing a fairy tale. We have been completely immersed in it for the last month and the language is seeping into our every day conversations. The other day I went to the gym and wasn't back before he left for work, so I sent him a text.

Me: Good morning, dear husband.

Kevin's reply text: Good morrow, fair wife. Have a blessed morn.

Yeah. We're kinda dorky. But I sure do love him.

--- 4 ---

Princess Dawdle hung her head out the car window.

Princess Dawdle: This is amazing! Why have I never done this before?

Me (truly feeling end of the day fatigue): Cause you might look like a dog?

Princess Dawdle: This makes me want to ride a four-wheeler right now. Why don't we live in the country so I can do that?

Me: Because it costs a lot of money to live in the country and we've never had a lot of money.

Princess Dawdle: Wow. That's not sugar-coating it. That's straight up.

But she couldn't take the chance of offending me, so in pure Princess Dawdle form she had to add.

Princess Dawdle: That's okay. I'm perfectly content where we are.

Me (tired of meeting any needs whatsoever and not caring anymore): Good thing, because it wouldn't matter much if you weren't.

--- 5 ---

We haven't seen much of Drummer Boy lately which has this mama feeling a little sad. He's been consumed with band camps. Last week he worked for Beatrice which kept him home, but this week he's at Waverly High School and sometime yet this month he heads to a college in North Carolina to instruct a drum line. I've gotten used to his presence around the house again this summer and kinda like it.

I can just see his eyes rolling back into his head.

Never mind, Drummer Boy. I love you. Can't help it. Hope you had a good week.

--- 6 ---

How about something a mother never wants to hear? Ladies Man went to use his grandpa's power tools to construct a double sided ping pong paddle whose use and advantage I do not understand. Basically the guy was killing time, I think. As soon as he got back I heard this.

Ladies Man: Don't freak out, Mom. I kinda shredded my thumb.


It must not be too bad, because the first thing he did when he got home was play his guitar and then switched to a keyboard where he made up annoying songs.

For the sake of my sanity and my son's health, I think it's time for school to start.

--- 7 ---

Anyone in my area should tune into KWBE 1450 AM on Tuesday morning at 8:30. I'll be on air talking about my Uganda trip. I'm not sure why it's news, but the anchor who'll be conducting the interview said, "It's not every day someone goes to Africa." It will be a whole new experience for me. Looking forward to it!


And that's all for today, friends. I hope your weekend is fantabulous and you enjoy whatever you like, including reading more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 245)--The Kleenex Edition

--- 1 ---

I spent a lot of time crying this week. My dear friend, Amanda, moved away and while I keep telling myself the woman isn't dead, my heart must not be getting the message. That girl got into my soul, I tell you. I know we'll be connected forever, but not being able to bop over to her house whenever I want is a huge loss in my life.

It's one of those times I don't understand what God is thinking. Neither of us was looking for a friend when our relationship sparked and now I can't live without her. Why would God give what I did not ask for and then when I got totally invested, take it away? I don't know, but as the song goes, "My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be your name."

(I love you, Amanda, and miss you SO much.)

--- 2 ---

Yesterday I spent the afternoon shopping with Drama Queen for things she'll need when she moves back to Lincoln in a week or so. I loved hanging out with her and we use the same reasoning when making purchases which is fun, but it reminded me she's leaving soon too. This is one of the hazards of having older children. They're in for a while, out for a while, playing yo-yo with your emotions.

I have to keep reminding myself I am super proud of her and excited to see what's in store for her life. She is an amazing woman. I often wish I were more like her.

--- 3 ---

And then I have another child becoming a senior in high school. We're about to start Ladies Man's year of lasts and the accompanying stress of guiding him where to go and what to do. I face another break-your-heart day as we move him out in a year. One less plate at the table again . . .

Good grief this is depressing!!!! How about I post the first picture of his senior year? (Thanks to my lovely friend, Edie, for her patience and determination in getting a good shot!) Yep, that's my kid. Isn't he cute?

--- 4 ---

Let's talk about something happier, shall we? My kids have participated in Band Camp this week. Drummer Boy helped with the drum line kids. Ladies Man is the senior drum major and Princess Dawdle is having her first go around in marching band as a freshman. (Uh oh, another thing to be sad about. My baby is now in high school. How did I get this old?) Drama Queen went over to help on her day off too, proving we indeed are a family of band geeks.

All of them praise our new band director. I'm anxious to see them in action at tonight's exhibition. 7:30 at the high school in the football stadium, if anybody's interested.

--- 5 ---

I was super excited when a friend from Uganda posted this picture of us on Facebook. Sam was one of the young Ugandan men who traveled with us and I found him to be intelligent and a deep thinker, qualities I adore in a person. He's also charming as you can see.


I don't know what it is about the pictures from Uganda. They just get to me. Every time I look at them I am stirred and I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe they symbolize God's great gift to me in that trip. I'm not sure. I hope that feeling doesn't fade though. I find it bleeds over into other areas of my life. If God can get me through a trip all the way to Africa, he can get me through anything. Mmmmm . . . God is good.

--- 6 ---

A friend of Princess Dawdle took this sweet picture of her on missions trip last week.


Both she and Ladies Man came back with all kinds of stories and a renewed sense of their need for God. I pray it sticks with them too. All of my kids have experienced this trip now and each one would call it the highlight of their summer. Thanks to our awesome youth leaders, Sam and Becca, for making it happen.

--- 7 ---

I'm looking forward to a Saturday at home this weekend. I've got TONS of writing to do on our Christmas musical (prayers are most appreciated!). My house is a mess (from ignoring it for the said Christmas musical) and I haven't done laundry since Monday. It will be busy, but there's something about being able to stay put at home that makes my spirit sigh.

I hope you have a relaxing or productive or whatever kind of weekend you long for too and take some time for more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!