7 Quick Takes (Volume 282)

--- 1 ---

Kevin and the kids like to play a game after meals they have dubbed "The Food Baby Game." Basically after filling their guts they see who can make the biggest "food baby" by pushing out their stomachs. Kevin is the master at the game and never fails to bring huge laughs to the kids. He outdid himself on Sunday. We were sitting at Arby's when Drama Queen started and each of the kids gave their best effort.

Drama Queen: Okay, Dad, your turn.

Kevin produced a whopper, like usual, and the kids died. Really, you would think they were five years old! Each took another turn trying to surpass him without success. Kevin just kept plopping that food baby out there to the delight of the kids, but they nearly wet their pants when they heard a dull "pop."

He pushed his gut out so hard he popped his button off his pants! We'll be talking about this for YEARS to come. Classic.

--- 2 ---

Now for something you don't see every day. Ladies Man and his friend put their personal loves together in one video. (Email subscribers will have to click over to the blog to watch this video.)


Who even thinks of doing this stuff?!

--- 3 ---

I am worried about Elmo. He just wasn't himself yesterday. He hasn't been eating well, but I assumed it was because he was ready to shed. Yesterday I found his head wedged between his water dish and the glass of his cage. He looked dead. He wasn't, but he's been so lethargic and barely holds his head up. I did a little prodding (I couldn't just leave him that way, could I?) and found some shed remnants he needed to be rid of in places one should not mention, ahem, but getting them out did nothing for his energy level. I put him back in his cage and he immediately smushed his head back against the glass.

Is it weird to ask for prayer for my little lizard? We've been through so much together. Well, technically one should say he's been through so much, at my hand, but whatever. He may not be a soft, furry, cuddly little thing, but he's our pet. And I like him. Also I should mention it has been my personal mission to keep this thing alive for 8 years now. Leopard geckos have a life expectancy of 25 years. He's got all kinds of time! He's got to pull through! My goal is to show him to Ladies Man's kids. Who can say their grandkids have been able to play with the same pet their kids did? We must do it. C'mon, Elmo!

--- 4 ---

I'm feeling conflicted about summer. On the one hand there's less activities to rush off to in the evenings. I get to see my kids more. I can sleep a little later and the day lasts longer. But on the other hand the electric bill is higher and I hate hot humid weather. My kids stay up late and leave snack remnants all over the house. And the day lasts longer.

Do I like summer? Hmmmmmm . . .

--- 5 ---

We were having a family discussion about whether we'd want to host a foreign exchange student. The older kids were all for it. Of course it wouldn't affect them really as they'd be gone to college. Princess Dawdle wasn't sure what to think about it.

Ladies Man: You should get one from Canada, eh?

Very funny.

Me: I doubt they would send someone from Canada. That's hardly foreign.

Ladies Man: The kid that was here from Japan was pretty cool, but he spent a lot of time alone on his computer.

Two thoughts here. One, how would Ladies Man know this if he was alone? And two, it must have been really bad for another teen boy to call it a lot. Drama Queen and Ladies Man discussed different countries and Princess Dawdle remained pretty silent on the whole issue. I wasn't sure what she was thinking. I remembered she got along very well with the German exchange student on her tennis team.

Me: What if it would be someone like Marlene?

Drama Queen: Where was she from?

Me: Germany.

Ladies Man: Oh. Germans are like the pit bulls of humans.

Oh yeah. That helps.

--- 6 ---

I have spent much of my week up to my eyeballs in textbooks and debating the question of how Christians should handle archaeological finds that dispute the claims of the Bible.

Your eyes are glazed over now too, huh?

--- 7 ---

It is wedding weekend for Kevin and I. Wait, that didn't come out right. We are already married and have been for eons. What I mean is we're attending two weddings this weekend. And BONUS for me, Kevin isn't playing for either one of them. I'll actually get to sit with my husband at a wedding! This is a rare occasion, people, and two in one weekend . . . wow, jackpot. The sun may not come up Sunday morning. After two romantic weddings sitting next to my handsome hubby I may not want it to . . .



And now I've said too much. I am shutting this train down. I hope your weekend is glorious. To find more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary.

Power it up!

 I am a wimp.

I am. I worry about stuff out of my control and pine away for things that are completely unrealistic. I want my children's lives to go perfectly for them and the thought of life teaching them hard lessons gives me great anxiety.

I know it isn't right, that I'm supposed to trust God. And I know that's how all of us learn, through difficulties, but the thought of my babies struggling or in pain makes me feel like throwing up. With another kid leaving for college in the fall, my nerve-o-meter is way up there. How will he adjust? How will he fight temptations? How will he handle the work load? Will he take care of himself? Will he eat more than ice cream? Will he do his homework without my provocation?

Sigh.

And yet it's these sorts of situations that make me aware of how much I need God. I've done a ton of praying this summer for my son and for myself, that I would learn to trust Him more, that I would know His peace and truly put my confidence in Him, not myself or my bank account or my kid. I've asked for "a word" from Him to soothe my wimpy self. He's given all kinds of words. First He reminded me of who He who is and how He works.

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

Psalm 119:68, 71

Then He told me what to do with my anxiety.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

And then there was a word about attaining power.

And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power . . .

1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)

Wait . . . what? God protects me THROUGH MY FAITH?! Can I find power to put away my wandering, anxious thoughts with the right mindset? Is my faith--choosing to believe God no matter what--the key to peace and strength and calm?

Whoa. How can I get me some of this faith?

faith

1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something

2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof

Can I cultivate a strong belief? Can a person will themselves to completely trust?

If I'm patient and persistent, I think I can learn it. In a Couch to 5K program you don't run the 5K the first day. Likewise, I won't learn faith overnight. God doesn't take a magic wand, tap my head and give me instant faith. I have to work at it. It's a matter of choosing. Every time the fear or worry or anxiety appear I am faced with a choice. Do I believe God or not? It's really that simple.

Do you believe God or not?

Faith is not a passive activity. It requires a conscious, deliberate choice. If we believe Him, we choose to trust Him, even when we can't see how He'll work it out. When we get nervous or tense we'll choose Him again. When life wears us down, we choose to trust He's got it handled and press on. Every choice to trust brings us closer to God and His power. Just like training for a 5K, the more we do it, the stronger we'll get.

It's time to power it up, friends! It's not easy, but the payoff is worth it.

And THROUGH YOUR FAITH, God is protecting you by his power . . .

1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)
(emphasis mine)

7 Quick Takes (Volume 281)

--- 1 ---

Even with an injured wrist, Ladies Man still took his long board out for a spin. When he sheepishly admitted it to his father and I, we gave the appropriate scowls.

Ladies Man: What? I can't just avoid doing everything that might hurt me. You gotta live life.

Me: Yeah, but you can give it rest while you heal.

Ladies Man: What if I broke my hand while drawing or got really cramped up? I couldn't just not do it. That's how I'm gonna make money.

Princess Dawdle, who up to that point said nothing, was apparently listening.

Princess Dawdle: Yeah. You're really gonna break your hand drawing!

Busted, boy.

--- 2 ---

Kevin and I need a civic lesson about service organizations. We were sitting at a parade the other day when the long train of Shriners passed in their classic cars. I noticed each of the cars carried the slogan, "Cruisin' for Kids."

Me: How are they Cruisin' for Kids? How does this help kids?

Kevin: They're raising awareness?

Me: How does it raise awareness? What good does that do?

Kevin: You're aware now, aren't you?

Me: But it's not directly helping anybody.

Kevin: What kids do they help?

Me: I don't know. Burn victims?

Kevin bust out laughing.

Kevin: How did you pick burn victims?

Me: I don't know. It seems like I've seen burn victims on a float or people pretending to be burn victims, haven't I?

Kevin could hardly hold it together and his laughing got me going too.

Kevin: Yeah, that's what people are wanting to see in a parade, people pretending to be burn victims.

Then I couldn't help it either and laughed so hard the tears came. But it got better.

Kevin: Hey, here's the Serasotas. Who do they help?

Me: You mean the Sesostris?

(My apologies to any Shriners or members of the Sesostris. I am sure you do wonderful charitable work and I am a pea brain.)

--- 3 ---

Our kids had way too much fun on Father's Day. All four of them left the house together the night before at about 10:30 to go shopping at Walmart. They got Kevin's favorite treats and four separate cards. These two were my favorite.


Apparently the cards were pretty picked over.


They made a graduation card into a "DAD" card! ConDADulations?! Wow.

--- 4 ---

It's been a long standing joke in our house that the kids think Kevin resembles a koala bear. A couple of years ago they thought they were hysterical when they found this t-shirt. This Father's Day they added to his collection.

--- 5 ---

Drama Queen is hoping her new punching bag will arrive today. Yes, my little girl ordered her own standing punching bag! This is so her. I wish I would've had the foresight to get one of these when she was a toddler. We could have avoided all kinds of torture to her siblings. She could've been smacking that thing twenty times as a punishment instead of sitting on the step fuming. What am I saying? I could have been kicking and pounding that thing instead of sneaking off to the bathroom to cry when it all got to be too much.

Yeah, this could be good. I'm looking forward to the new dynamic a punching bag might bring to our house. Those of you who live near us may start hearing the "Rocky Theme."

--- 6 ---

We have a separate, closed Boesiger Bunch Facebook page where the six of us post pictures or videos only our family will appreciate. This week Ladies Man posted this and told us to fill in the speech bubbles.


I won't tell you what we suggested (there's a reason it's a CLOSED group!), but what would you say?

--- 7 ---

Princess Dawdle was getting frustrated with a craft project.

Kevin: Is that about the 30th time you've done that?

Princess Dawdle: Whatever, Moustache!

Drama Queen laughed.

Princess Dawdle: I've started calling people by one word. I've been calling Ladies Man Mohawk.

Drama Queen: What should we call you?

Princess Dawdle: Mole. (She has a mole on her face she's not terribly fond of.)

Drama Queen: Mom, we should call you Clavicle.

Me: Clavicle?

Kevin: They're all M names. Moustache, Mole, Mohawk. We should go with an M.

Me: How about I be Mom?

Drama Queen: I'd be Mouth.

We couldn't think of an M name for Drummer Boy and apparently Mom was lame, so if you've got a good one for either one of us, leave a comment!



And that's how it rolls at the House of M today. I hope you enjoy your weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

What Are You Afraid Of?

Last year at this time I was in Africa. AFRICA! It was an amazing trip I will be forever grateful for, but it's taken me a long time to understand why I had to go. It didn't spur a huge desire in me to do mission work. It didn't seem to fit with the other things God asks me to do. I didn't feel like what I did there was significant. It was wonderful and such a privilege, yet I came back feeling like I offered very little. I even felt guilty thinking I learned and gained way more than I gave. And so I've spent the last year asking God, "What was that about?"

My confusion heightened when shortly after I came home my little world started eroding. Life kicked me in the pants and my high after conquering Africa of "I can do anything with God" quickly evaporated to "God, where are You? Are You hearing me at all?" I knew it wasn't right, but I couldn't shake it. I kept praying, reading my Bible, all the things you're supposed to do, but disappointment lingered. My spirit sagged, my resolve weakened.

I realize now God was taking me on another journey this past year, a soul-searching journey for what I really believe about Him. The lessons led to one question.

What are you afraid of?

What am I afraid of? Are you kidding me?! I'm afraid I won't have enough money to put my kids through college. I'm afraid I won't live up to God's call on my life. I'm afraid of my kids struggling. I'm afraid of losing people, both to death and disagreement. What would I do if I lost my husband? How would I support my family? I'm afraid of financial instability. I'm afraid people won't respect me. I'm afraid of myself and my convoluted motives. I'm afraid of pain.

I could go on, of course, especially if it were 3:AM, but you know what? I'm tired. I've had enough. I don't want to live in fear or a constant state of stress. That doesn't sound or feel like the "abundant life" Jesus promises us in John 10:10. There must be a better way.

What are you afraid of?

I think about the hard things I've experienced, things I've been afraid of in the past which are behind me now, things I wouldn't want to live through again--years of raising a family of six on one modest income, my biggest fear being realized when my parents divorced, a childhood epilepsy diagnosis in both of my sons, a mountain of medical bills I thought insurmountable the year Drama Queen was born and Drummer Boy began having seizures, a van purchased from a crooked car dealer, the threat of our home being claimed by the city through eminent domain. God got us through every single one.

And I think about Africa. As a teenager I nearly turned my back on God's offer of eternal life because I feared He'd send me to Africa for Jesus. I've been afraid of Africa my whole life and yet I did it. How?!

I was afraid. At first. But there were too many coincidences, convincing me it was God's plan. I knew with every fiber in me I was supposed to go. So when things didn't make sense or looked a little scary I figured God would take care of it. If He wanted me to do it, He'd help me. I followed the path laid out for me and He did the rest. Africa was something I knew I couldn't do myself. God would have to.

Why do I not view life the same way?

And there it is--the big lesson of Africa. I'm supposed to approach each day the same way I did with my trip. Life is going to be hard and I'll be pushed out of my comfort zone. It's gonna kick me in the pants again and I'll be tempted to doubt God's love, for no one lives without pain and grief and uncertainty. But if I can be convinced that anything that happens is part of His plan it doesn't have to be scary. If I can look at it and say, like I did with a crazy trip to Africa, "Okay, God. This is beyond me. You're gonna have to take care of it," I might find relief.

It's easier said than done, of course, but I've lived the other way, the way that won't allow my brain to shut off and robs my sleep and feels like it's only a matter of time until disappointment hits. And I don't like it. It's aging me and causing me to miss out on the beautiful world God's provided. I have to ask myself, which is more work--to worry my life away or accept what I cannot see? It's a toss up in my eyes, so I'm choosing the one that brings peace.

What are you afraid of?

What keeps you awake at night, friend, and steals your joy? What makes you short with your kids and churns in your stomach? What makes your heart race and tears brim? Is it so precious you can't give it up? Is it so impossible to believe God might handle it? Are you doing such an amazing job with it yourself?

Which is more work--worrying your life away or accepting God will take care of you?

One of my favorite passages in Scripture refers to Abraham believing God will do the impossible in providing him a son in his old age.

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:20-22

Abraham did not waver through unbelief. He was fully persuaded God was powerful. And I bet he slept good at night too! When I read this passage I feel like God's saying, "I dare you to believe the impossible, Tami. I dare you to believe I can handle it." I want to, I really do. And I'm shifting my energy to pursue that end. He will help me, no doubt, the same way He helped me do Africa. For God's grace and power and strength are available for more than one trip. If He can get this shy homebody to Africa and back, He can probably handle today. And tomorrow. And whatever scary thing may be ahead. Living in faith is not easy or pain free, but it's got to be better. Already I'm feeling more confident, more hopeful. Will you join me?

What are you afraid of?

I dare you to believe God can handle it.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 280)

--- 1 ---

Where has this week gone?! And what have I done with it?

I can't think of anything noteworthy or funny or interesting or even silly that has happened in the last week. Let's see . . . I sorta started sleeping better. Sorta. Which means I'm not awake for several hours at night, but still waking up lots and awake for the day pretty early. In other words, the dark circles are here to stay. Poop.

Ummm . . . I'm taking two classes for my masters degree. Anybody wanna talk about Bible hermeneutics?

Yeah. This could be very boring today, people.

--- 2 ---

I guess the most noteworthy event of the week was Ladies Man's injury. He took his long board (think really long skateboard) out for a spin on his lunch break from work and managed to wipe out. He came in the house with a trail of blood trickling down his arm and blood soaking through his sock from a cut toe (how does one do that through a tennis shoe?!), but the worst of it was his wrist that took all his weight when he fell. It's not broken, but plenty sore which puts a damper on working when your job is moving furniture. No worries. It's given him extra time for doing thank you notes for graduation. (Yeah, he's loving that.)

My other kids tease him about having "lady hands and arms" and it was confirmed when he started wearing an old wrist brace that Drama Queen wore a few years back when she fractured her wrist. He's got 11 inches on her, but that brace still fit! He didn't care about having lady arms though, when the brace helped.

I think he's starting to feel a bit better now. Let's hope he can be back in action by Monday.

--- 3 ---

I've felt very happy for Drummer Boy this week. That drumming contact Kevin got from his trip to the composer gathering has already made a connection. I loved reading his Facebook status yesterday morning, posted during the middle of the night:

It's nights like these, where I can't stop writing that I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Capping it off with getting an email response from Jim Casella doesn't hurt either.

(To get an idea of how big this connection is, click here.) One never knows where these things will lead, but I'm super excited for him. My baby is compiling a network. Very cool. Go get 'em, boy!

--- 4 ---

I found another wonderful advantage to having older children this week. I had to be gone all day Wednesday and because I spent Monday playing catch-up (you know the drill, groceries, errands, etc.) and Tuesday at a funeral and dealing with Ladies Man's wrist problem, my house was in not-so-good shape. Drama Queen, Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle were going to be home all day Wednesday, so I taped a note to the TV saying, "I think we've had enough Netflix and xbox, so help a mother out, okay?" and proceeded to fill the page with chores I wanted done, including laundry for the girls and the dreaded thank you notes for Ladies Man.

I knew they'd probably get the job done. They've always been pretty good about that, especially since Drama Queen would be around to put the smack down. But what I didn't expect was how they seemed to enjoy themselves! When I got home they were gone visiting their grandparents! Not only had they finished the page of chores, but Ladies Man finished a project for his grandma, the girls had worked on a craft project and all three of them ran around town together doing "errands." I have no idea exactly what those were as I didn't leave any, but when they got home they were all cheerful and content. I loved it!

Thank you, guys! You are the BEST!

--- 5 ---

I have to brag on my husband again. (It's my job, isn't it?) He found out last night he is getting a choral piece published with Pavane Publishing. This is a song that won 3rd place in a composition contest at Northwest Missouri State University probably ten years ago. He's been sending it out for at least six years and it's been rejected eight times! Did you read that? After six years and eight rejections it's finally getting picked up! He's broken into THREE publishing houses now. Woot!

Perseverance pays off, baby. Well maybe. We'll see.

--- 6 ---

I have a pain in the neck. Literally. I think it's from scrunching up in a chair on Sunday afternoon for like 5 HOURS watching Parenthood episodes with Drama Queen. I kept thinking I should be doing something besides watching TV, but I just couldn't tell that cute little face no when she kept saying, "Just one more, Mom." It was Sunday, the day of rest after all, and I loved hanging out with her the way she does with her roommates. And the show is a little addicting. Somehow they managed to bring me to tears in every episode. And it's a good chance to point out to Drama Queen what NOT to do in some cases, although she already knows. That girl's got it goin' ON, I tell you.

--- 7 ---

If you've managed to read this far, you should get a prize. I don't have any, of course, which is totally in the spirit of this bore-fest, but you can feel good about yourself all day when I say, "Good job. I'm proud of you."

There. You got some affirmation. Go and be stellar today. Own this day, friends. Take charge of it and run with it and enjoy the crap out of it, okay?



If you don't know where to start, try reading more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary. Be off!

Worry and Faith

3:30 AM doesn't seem like an ideal time to work on faith.

Yet that's the time I find myself awake. Often. In my weakened, weary state, all the cares of my world come crashing down, gripping my mind, screaming for a solution. I know it's not productive to mull it over then, but my brain can't seem to get the message, and my heart beats fast and crazy thoughts, thoughts I can dismiss in the light of day, surface and take hold. I try talking myself out of it and force myself to stay in bed, all the while my body can't get comfortable, my eyes won't stay shut, and my mind whirs. I'm thankful for my husband's ability to sleep through my turning. And pillow flipping. And blanket wrangling. And sighing.

It feels like a battle.

I can't decide which is best, to stay put or get up and distract myself. I do both. I count sheep. I pray. I check Facebook. I read my Bible. I write out the feelings. I play computer games. I learn new verses to recite in my head. I breathe deep. All of it helps. Eventually. But usually not for a few hours.

I think of Psalm 16:7, I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me, and wonder if this is some sort of training program. Is God exercising my faith? Is He teaching me to turn it over to Him? Over and over and over? Is my 3:30 AM wake-up call His way of building my wimpy trust muscles? If I can believe the Truth about God at 3:30 AM with my heart pumping and rational thinking compromised, nothing's going to stop me in the day, right?

When I ask God to give me stronger faith, is this His way of doing it?

In 2 Corinthians 6:5 and 11:27, the Apostle Paul includes sleepless nights as part of the hardships he's endured for Christ, boasting of it almost like a badge of honor, proving his devotion. I guess I'm in good company. Though I didn't ask for it (or did I, when I prayed for stronger faith?), I am being drilled.

At 3:30 AM I relate to David's words in Psalm 13:1, How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide our face from me? But if I follow the Psalm to the end, he declares, I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

God has been good to me, in sunny days AND sleepless nights. I have no choice but to submit to the training. I will keep fighting. I will endure. For worry gives opportunity for faith. Being unsettled in the middle of the night is a chance to get stronger, to ingrain what His Word says is true, to choose belief over anxiety.

Isaiah says of God, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. The trust comes BEFORE the peace. I have to learn faith. I have to learn to choose God in the most vulnerable times, at 3:30 AM, with a weary body and tired brain and the fluctuating emotions that come with them.

Faith takes practice.

So I'll thank God for those rough nights, for His favor in putting me in His training program. I'll keep at it and seek Him in the dark and choose to believe.

I'll turn my worry into faith.



Photo Credit: Dr. Wendy Longo

7 Quick Takes (Volume 279)

--- 1 ---

Happy Friday, people! It's been a strange week at the Boesiger house. Kevin was out of town for a few days which kinda upset this lady's equilibrium. As a general rule I'm not a great sleeper, but having him gone made it tons worse. I think I only got a few hours each night. I wasn't scared. I wasn't worried (well, most of the time). I was just awake. Ugh.

His time away was super productive though. He was invited by Lorenz Music to attend an all expenses paid trip to Dayton, OH to meet up with a small group of composers from across the country. He spent time with Mark Hayes, Joseph Martin, Mary McDonald and Lloyd Larsen, as well as executives and editors from Lorenz, Hope, Shawnee and Word Music publishers. I realize these names may not mean much to those of you not involved in choral music, but trust me, he was rubbing elbows with the big boys, making invaluable personal connections.


They even had a little fun, taking them to Young's Dairy Farm where they played "Udder Putter." Here's THE Mark Hayes, as some of the Facebook commentators kept asking, playing in the group behind Kevin (see Kevin in the background?).


And some general merry making with Mary McDonald at the helm.


On their last day in Dayton, they were able to tour the Lorenz facility where the music is printed. The group that went to the copy room AFTER Kevin's group got to see this:


It's a reprinting of Kevin's first piece with Lorenz! How weird they were running it the day he was there! He was bummed he missed it, but someone took a pic and put it on his Facebook wall. So cool.

SUPER PROUD OF YOU, honey. I'm so glad your YEARS and YEARS of persistent hard work are starting to pay off.

--- 2 ---

How about an informal survey?

Do Snapchat, Facetime and texting count as "activities?"

I'm having a tough time keeping Princess Dawdle busy this summer. Facetime, Snapchat and texting consume much of her days. It doesn't seem right to me. What say you?

While Drama Queen and Ladies Man are putting in some good hours working, Princess Dawdle doesn't have a job and beginning to see the need for one (Anybody need a babysitter?).  She did a week of Driver's Ed (and passed--way to go babe!) and has some mission trips planned in July, but otherwise has little to do.

My idea of "doing nothing" and hers are much different however. Is she "doing something" when she's chattin' it up with her friends?

--- 3 ---

A severe storm literally blew through our town Tuesday night. I wasn't at all scared or worried, thinking it no biggie deal. I did take the kids down to the basement when the tornado sirens went off but wasn't panicked in the least. We sat down there about 20 minutes. I listened to Kevin on the phone tell me about the events of the day in Dayton and thought it only a little blip in the evening.

But the next morning I was in my office as the sun came up, and noticed all kinds of debris on my neighbor's roof. Wondering what in the world it was about, I looked out our own doors to see junk everywhere.


We lost a pretty big branch off a tree in the front yard.


And we got off easy. Some friends from our church had a tree fall on their car! A building was completely demolished north of town. Up the street a few blocks from us, a tree landed on a house. Surrounding towns reported tennis ball sized hail that damaged windows and vehicles. Our whole area was a mess!

And I was completely oblivious the night before! I'm blaming it on sleep deprivation.

--- 4 ---

While Princess Dawdle is whittling her life away on technology, Ladies Man has been very busy. On Wednesday we had orientation at the college he'll be attending in the fall. I wish I could say I am one of those strong, confident women, undazed by the changes in life, but alas, I am not. I hadn't slept much the night before (see #1) and sucked down the coffee (and I mean guzzled!) as soon as we got there, but as the hours passed with an overwhelming amount of information being thrown at me, I got a little tense and edgy (I know what you're thinking. It had nothing to do with the massive amounts of caffeine in my bloodstream).

I've been through this college thing twice before at two different colleges, yet this is still different, a different school, a different kid, a different way of doing things. Dollar signs danced around in my head and my fears of the unknown played tricks on my tired psyche. Add to that having to think about this great kid leaving my home . . . it was a little much for this fragile old lady. I wanted to bury my head in the sand and pretend none of it was happening, but I couldn't. I had to put on a smile and muster up some excitement for my son who was getting "jacked" about everything.

You may want to start praying for me now. I hate this letting go thing.

--- 5 ---

Thankfully, Kevin arrived home that evening, though his flight was 5 hours late. All the kids were able to meet up with us after picking him up at the airport and we enjoyed hearing all the stories.

It was especially fun watching Kevin and Drummer Boy "talk shop." Drummer Boy writes drum and marching band arrangements for local groups and dreams of being published himself. He had three drum pieces picked up by a publisher this year, but it's a slow process. It can get so discouraging.

Well, would you believe that someone at Lorenz is personal friends with a major drumming publisher?! They were going to email their friend and let them know Drummer Boy may be sending them some stuff. HUGE! You should have seen he and his dad talking and talking and brainstorming. So cool. He works as hard as his dad when it comes to writing. When he's not at his job, he spends every waking moment writing and writing. It doesn't surprise me. He used to do it as a teenager even.

Proud of you, Drummer Boy. Keep at it. It will pay off some day.

--- 6 ---

And now for something completely different . . . Escalators.

I hated them as a kid. The up escalator was fine, but the down escalator scared the bejeebers out of me. You know how people dream of falling off cliffs? I used to dream about falling down escalators. Really. There aren't too many scary cliffs in Nebraska, you know, but those escalators were the next best thing in my little girl's eyes.

And now I'm a 50-year-old woman whose heart still flutters when I have to step onto a down escalator. I'm not kidding you. The other day I was tempted to shush my kids while stepping onto one so I could concentrate better.

Don't laugh. You just wait. One day when I'm very old and balance is out of whack (or when the sleep deprivation completely takes over), I'll fall down one of those things and break my neck. The paper will read, "Bleary-eyed Woman Dies in Tragic Escalator Fall" and people will leave flowers and teddy bears at the bottom in my honor.

THEN who'll be laughing, huh?

--- 7 ---

As if he hasn't given his mother enough to think about, Ladies Man decided to do something bold this week.


Yep. That boy got a mohawk. That kid really knows how to live. I'm deciding it's a sign not to take life so seriously. There's a message I desperately need to get.



That's it for me today. Hope you have a great weekend, friends. Find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.