7 Quick Takes (Volume 256)

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Princess Dawdle got her learner's permit in August. I wish I could say I was one of those cool moms who is super chill about it, but I can't. That would be a big fat lie. Since one of our last adventures ended with her in tears and me feeling completely frazzled, Kevin said he'd take over the driving lessons. I haven't ridden with her in weeks and I wasn't too upset about it, if you know what I mean.

But last weekend we were riding home from Lincoln alone and she asked if she could drive. We had been gone all day. I was tired and not sure I had it in me to handle the emotional stress. Plus I've never seen her drive over 35. She pressed me by pointing out the highway is a straight shot and it was late enough that there weren't any cars to worry about hitting. Her cuteness wore me down and I hate driving so I pulled over and switched seats. Princess Dawdle knew my apprehension.

Princess Dawdle: Don't freak out, Mom. This is trust building.

Mmmm hmmm. Says the inexperienced person behind the wheel. But she must be learning something in her driving lessons with her dad, because she didn't do too bad. My blood pressure stayed normal until we got closer to town.

Me: Now, eventually you're gonna want to be in the left lane. You can change here or later, but there may be more traffic once we get into town.

My daughter stole a glance in the side mirror, checked her blind spot and moseyed into the left lane.

Princess Dawdle: Look at us, Mom. We changed lanes with no tears shed.

I'm not sure who she was more proud of--me or herself.

--- 2 ---

I had a proud moment myself when Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle sang together at the high school's pop concert. They did a super job.

--- 3 ---

I've been taking a psychology and counseling class and learning all kinds of interesting tidbits. For instance, did you know that biting on a pencil engages your facial muscles which simulate smiling? Sustaining that position for a period of time can actually lift your mood.

So next time you're feeling down, just bite on a pencil til you feel better!

--- 4 ---

Tuesday brought a Beatrice Regional Orchestra concert. Usually I'm in the group, but other commitments have prevented it this fall (see #3). It was fun to sit back in the audience and hear how the orchestra really sounds. Nice work, friends!

An added plus was Drummer Boy and Ladies Man playing in the orchestra. All my guys on stage together. I liked it. If only I could snap better pictures. Grr. Here's the best one I got. Notice Drummer Boy in the background mesmerized by his father's comments (or something like that).


(This is why I always give Kevin the camera or steal photos from Facebook. Pssht.)

--- 5 ---

When the orchestra concert was over, Kevin asked Ladies Man to get the ladder and take down the banner attached at the back of the stage. Because she teases her brother about being a giant, Drama Queen had a better idea.




Goofy kids.

--- 6 ---

Ladies Man had his senior pictures taken yesterday and had a great time. Thank you, Kathryn, for humoring him and taking some wonderful pics. I love these sneak peeks. I can't wait to see them all.

--- 7 ---

We've got lots of activity this weekend. We're taking Ladies Man on another college visit today. There's the last home football game of the season tonight. Tomorrow the kids have their final marching band competition. We're excited that the group Drummer Boy's been working with will be performing shortly after our band. But we'll miss Drama Queen as she's headed to Minnesota with the Cornhusker Marching Band.

And hey, if you think of it, pray for my warmth. Spending two evenings in a row outside is sure to keep me shivering all weekend. Brrrrr.


And that's all for today, folks. Take in more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 255)

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After working out last week, Kevin and I were in the drive-thru at McDonald's (don't anyone dare say anything!) and I was jabbering away.

Kevin (out of no where): You're cute.

Me (wondering what planet he was living on as I was sweaty and grody, wearing no makeup and going on and on about nothing): I'm cute?!

Kevin: Yes.

Me (still doubting his sanity): Okay. I'm glad you think so.

Kevin: Am I affirming you yet?

And I just bust out laughing. He is so funny, isn't he?

--- 2 ---

And speaking of my funny husband, we were super excited to find out this week that one of his choir anthems is being published by Hope Publishing. He has a lot of anthems published with Lorenz but has found it difficult to break into a new publishing house. He's been working at it for years. Though he says not to get too excited because we'll probably be lucky to make twenty bucks, I am still very proud of him. Your perseverance and work are paying off, babe! Congratulations!

--- 3 ---

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, our local high school had a "Pink Out" at a volleyball game. Ladies Man chose this ensemble.


It takes talent to tie a tie that short! I am really gonna miss this kid's goofiness next year when he moves away to college. Sniff.

--- 4 ---

I was rather impressed with myself the other day as I successfully took apart my vacuum and retrieved a sock out of its motor. The sock suffered little damage and I even got the vacuum back together and in working order! Mmmm hmmm. Go ahead and say it. I am a stud.

And yes, I am purposely ignoring the fact that I vacuumed up said sock in the first place, so let's not steal a girl's thunder and mention that, okay?

--- 5 ---

Princess Dawdle and Ladies Man have been practicing a song for a high school vocal concert on Monday. I was in the kitchen cleaning up dishes the first time I heard it and thought they were playing along with a recording. Soon they wandered into the kitchen to sing it for us and I discovered it was just them. I know I'm biased, but they sounded GOOD! I can't wait to see them perform it for the audience.

Ten years ago I didn't like to leave those two alone in a room together fearing what they might do to each other if they got mad and now as teenagers they're choosing, without my knowledge I might add, to sing a duet together in public?

Wow. A miracle. God does GREAT work.

--- 6 ---

I unexpectedly had all my chicks and then some in the nest last night for supper. At first I panicked thinking I may not have enough food for everyone, but later I wished I had kept my big mouth shut. There was plenty and it was a lively time. Plus it makes me warm and fuzzy inside to think kids feel comfortable dropping in.

My kids like to razz each other, especially in front of others, and last night was no exception. I guess I forgot how crazy things can get and I realized our dinner table without everyone there is much calmer as a general rule now. Kinda made me miss the "good ole days" which is completely dumb since they were all there!

There is one thing I can live without though. In the presence of his older siblings and guests, Ladies Man reverts to his exhibitionist ways and Kevin had to pull out what used to be a standard phrase, "Put your shirt down!"

Maybe it's okay to grow out of some things.

--- 7 ---

My brain is weary and my eyes are sore and I'm calling it quits here, folks. I hope you enjoy your weekend. Pray for me. I'm taking Ladies Man to a college open house tomorrow. Sniff, sniff, sigh. This birdies-leaving-the-nest thing never gets easier.


That's all she wrote. Visit more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!

Having a Thing with God

Everything familiar to my dear friend is stripped from her. Moving took it all away. And there's not much I can do about it. I stay in contact, text, call, visit even, but each day she gets up in a new place and does it alone. I can't be there to help her. Though her husband is, and cares deeply, he can't fix it for her either. She continually makes a conscious choice to be content, to push herself out of her comfort zone, to make it work, though her heart is elsewhere. No one can do it for her. She does it alone.

We all have things like that. This summer I went to Africa with a group of people I didn't know. No one close to me can share the feeling I get when I look at my pictures. No one knows the stirring in my heart as I tell of my experiences there or remember how God showed Himself strong. They can be interested, but they can't really get it because they weren't there with me. I did it alone.

I do some speaking engagements and while I have people praying for me and supporting me, I still have to stand before a bunch of strangers and talk. I'm the one agonizing over what to say. I'm the one who deals with the butterflies. They can't do it for me. I do it alone.

No doubt you have similar experiences. Maybe you're fighting an illness or struggling with a child or facing financial difficulty. Maybe you're in a funk you can't get out of or confused about the next step to take. Maybe your job is stressful or your relationships taxing. Those around you can be loving and supportive, but they can't do it for you, can they?

Why is that? Why does God give us things we must do alone?

He's jealous for us.

That's right. He's jealous for us. He wants us all to Himself. He wants the opportunity to make it His special thing with us.

You know how a married couple has intimate moments they share only between themselves? These things, besides the sexual union, bind them. Think about having a child, of witnessing the birth of a new creation together. That child, a piece of each of them, ties them together forever.

We share intimate moments with family and friends, conversations that are personal and precious, actions that speak louder than words. We feel close because we've shared something special, something not all are privy to.

And so I wonder if those things we "do alone" are God's way of grabbing special time with us. If we are alone, the only thing we have is Him, right?

No one understands the flood of emotions that grip me when I walk up to a podium. But God does. He knows it and He fills me and He knows how I feel when He does. It's our thing.

I can't adequately retell my experience standing under a mango tree in the Rwenzori mountains, listening to a group of women praise God in a foreign tongue. I thought my heart would burst with God's goodness. I can't explain it to you, but God gets it perfectly. It's our thing.

I don't know what it's like to wake up in a different community every day and start my life over like my friend has to, but God does. He loves her so much He wants her all to Himself. He wants to be her only source of strength and comfort. He wants a thing with her.

Are you doing something alone right now? Could God be drawing you to Himself? Could He be wanting personal time, a chance to build intimate memories with you? Don't see the aloneness as a curse. Look for the blessing. Find Him in it.

Start a thing with God.



Related post: Some Things You Have to Do By Yourself

Photo Credit: Christolakis

7 Quick Takes (Volume 254)

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Hello all of you lovely people! Princess Dawdle here, taking over the quick takes for this week! Please enjoy the goofiness and possible grammar mistakes to follow.

--- 2 ---

As some of you may know, the Sound of Music was recently put on by the high school and the fabulous Ladies Man was Captain Von Trapp. I did the light cues so it was kinda cool to see him do his thing every night. And not to make this sappy or anything, but seeing Ladies Man up on stage made me realize how much of a talented and cool brother I have.

--- 3 ---

Talking about Ladies Man and his activities, he was also in top five nominees for homecoming king! Holy exciting, right?!!

--- 4 ---

So the other day, my dad had to go in a store to buy a mower battery. Now I know Chief Gray Hairs Sweatpants has a few gray hairs here and there, but when he went up to buy the battery the worker asked him if he was over 55 so he could have a senior discount. SENIOR DISCOUNT? Nuh uh worker lady. He's not that old. Sorry Papa. Don't let it get to you. I think you look absofruitly amazing. :)

--- 5 ---

Drama Queen and Drummer Boy have been gone due to school and other schtuff and oh my goodness I miss them! It's so much more fun here with all four of the crazy kids in the house. (No offense Mom and Dad). And here we go again with all the cheesy stuff so I'll stop now before you all start to gag.

--- 6 ---

Being the productive girl I am, I picked up on a new show lately called Merlin. And oh man is it addicting! I got started in the fifth season not really knowing the whole story, so back to the beginning season I go! If you're wondering, Merlin is sort of like a fairy tale kind of thing along with some crazy drama. The credit goes to Dad though, since he was the old senior citizen who introduced me to the show.

--- 7 ---

Sensing this is becoming a tradition when Ladies Man and I do the quick takes, please enjoy this week's random picture! I know the poor kid looks terrified, but it cracks me up! Have a wonderful day friends!!



And that's it for today. For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes (Volume 253)

--- 1 ---

You may have noticed I've been MIA on the blog lately. My September was a killer and something had to give. I must say it did my heart good to have a few people ask, though. Ladies Man told me his girlfriend snapchatted him last Friday with a sad face saying, "No Quick Takes." Hey thanks, girl! Anyway, for the three of you still reading, this bone's for you.

--- 2 ---

I've been saving this pic for a few weeks. It's Princess Dawdle's debut in her band uniform. They performed at a clinic we didn't attend and I loved that Ladies Man thought to take a picture. They really look alike here! I just love it.

--- 3 ---

Drummer Boy is playing for his dad in the Beatrice Regional Orchestra this fall and found this at rehearsal the other night.


That's a towel TAPED to the bass drum. Apparently it's not uncommon to dampen the sound of a bass drum with a towel, but usually you hold it to the head yourself, not permanently attach it. Drummer Boy, in his trademark way, had some fun with it and after removing the towel, left a note from the "Percussion God" as to its proper function.

Will this start a whole new kind of joke? You know you're in a middle school band room when . . . ? Go for it. Give me a doozy!

--- 4 ---

How's this for a strange contraption? Drama Queen's boyfriend bought her a t-shirt folder, because, you know, t-shirt folding is so complicated, unlike this weird gadget.


I guess the good news is she's getting the job done without me. More power to ya, babe!

--- 5 ---

So I went through the McDonald's drive thru the other day to pick up a latte on my way to Bible study. I must have been slightly crabby as the perfectly cordial man handing me my latte annoyed the snot out of me.

"Thank you, ma'am. Come back again please."

Now I know that's a reasonable, nice thing to say, but when he called me ma'am, he shouldn't have added the come back again part. Whenever somebody calls me "ma'am" I hear "old woman." So what I heard was:

"Thank you, old woman. Come back again please."

What woman would want to come back after being called old?!

Yes, I recognize my abnormal sensitivity to the word "ma'am." It's just that in college I worked as a grocery store clerk and with every customer I made a judgment call on their age. The younger women I called "miss" and the older ones I called (wait for it) "ma'am." Now I'm the older woman! ACK!

Truly I am making progress in my worries about age, really I am, but it reminds me of the boxes you check for your age on surveys which irritate me too. The categories go something like this:

15-18 years
19-24 years
25-32 years
33-109 years

Have you noticed the age span in each category gets a little bigger with every step? What? After 32 you're just plain old?!

Maybe I haven't made as much progress as I thought. Poop.

--- 6 ---

It's homecoming week at our high school and the kids have been dressing up all week. Here are a few of my favorite pics.

On USA day, Ladies Man donned this garb and called himself Game Show Host USA. You should be impressed. That's a real bow tie he can tie himself.


Wednesday brought Character Day. Princess Dawdle joined a friend to be Thing 1 and Thing 2. (Many thanks to Thing 2's mother who made their shirts. Nice work, friend!) I'm not sure if you can tell or not, but her hair is blue.


Ladies Man was part of the Three Muskateers.



He's so intimidating with that stick horse and foam sword!


On Thursday (you can probably guess if you do Facebook at all) it was Throwback Thursday. Ladies Man donned the Michael Jackson jacket he got for a middle school show choir gig (how does it still kinda fit?) and Princess Dawdle wore my sister's letter jacket (mine was WAYYYYYYYYY too big--I was more than a tad larger in high school than I am now).

--- 7 ---

Ladies Man has a super huge weekend ahead. Tonight is the Homecoming game at the high school. He's up for Homecoming King so we'll stay afterward for the crowning ceremony. Saturday morning we'll watch he and Princess Dawdle in a marching band competition in Lincoln, then it's back home for the high school musical where he'll be Captain Von Trapp. (Shameless plug--Come see The Sound of Music at Beatrice High School, October 5th at 7:30 and October 7th and 8th at 7:00.)

It's so exciting to see him do his thing. We never imagined he'd be the outgoing guy he is today. As a kid we had HORRIBLE struggles getting him to school or any kind of activity. Now he's into everything. I'm so proud of the way he's pushed himself out of his comfort zone and found enjoyment along the way. God does good work!

And that's all for this Friday, friends. Have a super weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.