I am taking a week off of blogging my life's happinesses to refocus on cleaning my house =) Don't be alarmed if my website stays the same until next week. That means I could be working instead of computering.

Thanks

I had a mediocre birthday. And I didn't blog on my birthday. For a sometimes perfectionist, that drives me crazy after the big deal I made of it, but, what can I say? The day started in a not-so-good mood and then got better, but also busier. I had house to clean, Eddy to take care of, a baby shower to go to, then straight over to choir practice, a quick bite, the church service, out to dinner with my dad, and home to bed early for more choir in the morning. Blogging was not on the schedule.

Birthdays are a big deal to me. And in the past a day like my yesterday would've broken me down and taken a long time to recover from (aside from the great dinner with Dad and his wife Linda. Thanks, guys!). But even without too much glamor, one nice thing about my birthday this year was that I had a glimmer of maturity about it (wow, where did that come from?). I realized everything doesn't have to be about me (I'm still working on that lesson).

Lately I have been thinking about missions for my church and family and about a friend in the hospital. Friday was spent devoted to Eddy, Saturday I got to shower a friend-who's-expecting with gifts and hugs and catching up, then I got to help serve the church with sincere music to the Lord. Sunday had more of the music, plus hugs and prayers for a couple with a baby loved one in the hospital, a listening ear for a friend, and group acceptance and prayer for another struggling friend. And in thinking on others I found joy! Life is not about me. Besides, I got tons of good wishes from tons of friends and family, many of which I rarely hear from! How cool is that? So I decided I shouldn't weigh others down with silly daydreams that didn't come true, and instead I should love them.

A great after birthday perspective for the good and bad birthdays of life: Love your neighbor as yourself.

My home day went great. I hauled wood onto the porch with a sled, cleaned the house, bathed, played with Eddy, read lots of books to him, Eddy helped me make pizza, we ate and watched tv together, listened to Odyssey on the radio together, and oh, the best part -- while Eddy napped, I organized! Am I the only one, or does everyone find organizing to be soothing and therapeutic? I didn't do everything I wanted to (kinda got carried away and ran out of time), but it was terrific while it lasted, and so satisfying afterward =)

Happiness is a home day.

Every minute I am home is precious these days. I know I won't feel that way in a couple months, but I do now.

Dan is out of town; perhaps I'll volunteer for a full home day with Eddy tomorrow. Cleaning, cooking, playing in the snow, reading books and coloring. Hmmm.... I'm looking forward to it already...

I just gotta add a word of thanks to someone else who helped with these cookies. Eddy's babysitter! I had a ton of dough left to bake but we had to go to Bible study. I casually suggested to Paige that if she wanted she could bake some, and she graciously agreed. I was thinking a cookie sheet now and then when she thought of it. But in I walked after Bible study and, low and behold, nearly half of the cookies were done! My jaw dropped and I couldn't believe my eyes. Cookies piled on the table and overflowing out of the large bucket that was empty when I left. I feel my thanks in person were insufficient to describe how much I appreciate the extra help. So I say it here as well:

Thank you, Paige, for saving my night with your surprising help!
Thank you, Nicki, for letting me get your house so messy and use up your entire afternoon on this!
And thank you, Beth, for jumping in to help all yesterday, and taking some home to do today as well!

We did it! I feel quite loved right now. And quite tired. Good night.

Do you have people who will get together with you with absolutely no notice and help you bake 1500 cookies? I love community!

Seeing the same people once a week to open up, learn from and help each other spiritually is so live giving! But what's more is calling or seeing those same people between meetings to have fun, hang out, eat with, share encouragement and share HELP in every realm of life. Yesterday the bulk of my baking was done (in someone else's kitchen) while giving Eddy an enjoyable change of scenery and faces, and giving me the kind of personal conversation and encouragement I need so much during stressful seasons (using that word in the most literal sense). And I don't know, but I think my friends were blessed in being able to help and sharing in the camaraderie as well.

Thank you, Lord, for everyday relationships! Let them always be there!

I've done a lot of searching for a nice template (thank you, Kara, for your excellent advice), and I found out there are a whole lot of crummy templates out there. You think you've found the most beautiful one and it turns out to be one giant image with their title embedded into it with no way to change it and no way out =) Thank goodness for thorough template sites with comments to warn of the dangers to come...and to assure safety for the well-made templates!

Here it is! What do you think?

Okay, so I've spent approximately 12 years hating McDonald's. It's about time I started liking it again =) They still have all the greasy food, mayonnaise, expensive salads, and mislaid values, but, I gotta love 'em!

Where else can I go in the winter where Eddy can have a blast for 2 hours with other kids and have a yummy lunch (complete with toy), while his mommy sits and relaxes in the sun, with a friend and a caramel frappe (light on the coffee, heavy on the caramel and whipped cream)?

McDonald's makes it possible for me to parent and be close to people. Who knew?

Early in the morning, naptime, late at night, you'll see me at my computer with a scribbled yellow legal tablet at my right and a Bible at my left, studying. I have a project and it feels good. Work that doesn't involve toys or potty or clothes or food or cleaning materials. An intellectual exercise with a purpose... and good music. Lots of good music.

Light snowflakes swirling in the breeze over a valley of slopes, your honey, and friends. Hats and mittens, and lifts and skis on a couples' romantic getaway.

We all met at our house after church, put the equipment into one car, and the rest of us snuggled in the other on our way to the hill. We got there, got set up and hit the slopes together, all smiles and jokes and expectation. Up we go and on down the hills at every speed and style imaginable, but all encouraging and helping each other along the way.

By closing time we were a bit tired and mostly cold, so we warmed up in the chalet, put our gear away, and relaxed to a Mexican dinner in Wabasha, with plenty of happy conversation.

A long, dark, snowy ride home made most of us pretty sleepy, yet we talked into the night, in subdued voices, until, contented and satisfied, we split up at our house and waved goodbye to the homegoers.

Eddy was a sleep, our things were laid out to dry, and the fire was ablaze. Our day was complete. A Valentine's success.

God sure does work in mysterious ways. We're called to draw close to him, talk to him and study his Word everyday, but praying and reading for the sake of saying we've done it leaves us lower and farther from him than ever before. We know that nothing we can do can change God's perfect plan, but on the other hand, doing what God tells us to do affects how we feel and act toward others. And prayer works.

Some things are just beyond my comprehension...but not beyond my obedience.

Dan & I have been enjoying evening prayer meetings where God teaches us to be sincere, open, honest, united, dependent, trusting, caring and full of faith. God answers, leads, and most significantly, he reveals himself to us.

Happiness is... prayer.

How exciting it is to be a mother and watch my son grow! Daily achievements for Eddy right now include pedaling a tricycle, remembering 3 words to a song, praying, turning a round doorknob, putting pants and hats on, reaching high enough to turn lights on and off, guessing the right color, going on the potty all by himself, wearing Thomas the Tank Engine underpants, washing dishes, making toast for himself, and regular leaps in communication skills.

Phrase of the week: "Yes, Daddy, I know!"

This too shall pass.

True of everything in life and just as sobering as it is encouraging. There are many times and circumstances I look forward to, but I try always to remember the importance of RIGHT NOW. More kids would be nice, but how I need to appreciate this semi-relaxed time with my only son first. I would like warm weather, but I have to admit, this snow creates some great opportunities. This time in our business is significant and a blessing. This time in Eau Claire is precious, since I don't know where I'll be a few years from now. As passing as most friendships are, it's nice to appreciate the ones I have now.

My family, my age, my location, my job, my schedule, my church, they are all significant, important opportunities and wonderful blessings I get to enjoy right now. Never forget it.

I love randomly seeing familiar faces and hearing from friends! After a later-than-usual swim at the Y today I noticed someone on the treadmill and I did a double-take. Amanda? And indeed it was. We had a pleasant and unexpected chat at a place where I very rarely see people I know. Apparently our workout schedules are inconsistent enough that even though we come often, we'd never seen each other there.

I picked up Eddy from childcare and we went off to buy groceries. I fumbled in the car a few moments, then got out to help him out of his seat. In the corner of my eye I spotted an older looking man staring at us (kinda freaked me out). Out of motherly protection I glanced over and, oh! Dad! We hadn't seen each other for a couple months, but he just happened to be driving by and saw me pull into the parking lot. We strolled the aisles a few minutes catching up before he had to get back to his day.

I decided to cancel my other errands when the weather started turning bad, and Eddy and I hauled our groceries home. I picked up the mail at the mailbox, then drove in. Since Eddy was fast asleep by this time I decided to peruse the mail before going in. A letter addressed to me from an unfamiliar name in Chippewa Falls. Was it an advertisement? A baby shower! An old friend who'd long moved away was being thrown a baby shower by her mother-in-law right in town! I can't wait!

These winters can SEEM isolating, but it's only an illusion. Good to know there really are loved ones all around.

I was able to go outside by myself today at dawn, and God corrected my view on the world. When I get too focused on myself--my desires, my actions, my perspective--I get down. But just standing out in a field of snow, surrounded by distant woods and hooting owls, under a pink and purple sunrise, first my insignificance overwhelmed me. I am "but a breath...lighter than a breath" (Psalm 62:9). Then, gazing at the beauty and power of God displayed in His creation, I began to see things from God's perspective--the truth.

God showers us all with blessings everyday. We walk amid thousands of trees and plants being grown and raised up by God's finger simultaneously without our notice. His love permeates our lives, and all His acts of love have purpose. In His love He became man and died for us, to restore our fellowship with Him.

In His relationship with me, He has ultimate plans for my life and character, and His plans never fail. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). He has given my life great purpose -- great not for anything in me, but because He is great, and all His works are great.

Nothing I can do can take away from His plans, and "...[he] is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

Okay, so I'm kinda being a copycat (lukasvandyke.com) but my brother had a good idea (and can I help it if I'm 1,000 days ahead of him?). His celebrating 120 years of marriage will probably be written off by most as the natural action of a newlywed, but why can't we oldlyweds be just as celebratory?

So, in the spirit of randomness and love, I'm committing to celebrating this day of marriage in the most elaborate and caring way I can on such short notice =)

I hope I can make your day so much brighter and smoother, Danny. Thank you for always being there for me, and for all you provide for our family.

I'll start by doing the dishes...then perhaps make some much-coveted egg bagels (yum!)...
Tonight is a little sketchy because of a possible group nightskiing outing so I'll just play that by ear...There's sure to be some fun on the spur of the moment...

Thank you, Lukas & Suzy, for being so in love and proud of it. You remind me of just how good I have it. And to the rest of you married folks, show some spontaneity and rejoice in the time you have together!

In Southern California it's beautiful green spring, in Northwestern Wisconsin it's a bright winter wonderland, everywhere else has its own flavors, and every year is different as well. No two Februarys are alike. But it never ceases to please me.


I know I'm childish and probably immature about my view of my birthday, but that doesn't change the feelings of delight I get as soon as the calendar changes to February 1st. Only 27 days left until my birthday! Ah, February 27. I love the word, I love the number, I love everything associated with it. I take note of the 27th of everything I do and see, and I appreciate anything I get in February.


Today, February 3rd, my family and I experienced lovely winter wonderland weather. A fresh snowfall last night covered all the tree limbs with fluffy white which shimmered in the unusually sunny day. Eddy and I played and took pictures a long time in the snow, then Dan came out and we even got family photos!


A great winter February day.

There's something bright and cheerful about a sunny snowy morning coming through the window from where I lie in my bed, between a sleeping husband and cuddly sleepy toddler, both breathing very heavily around me. They're so loud I can't go to sleep and I can't get up because I'm so tangled in blankets between them, but that's okay. Thank goodness for heavy breathing boys on a lazy winter day.

I planned on sharing today the joys of knitting and Februarys (my newfound hobby and the month of my always loved and anticipated birthday, respectively), but there is something even better.

I don't know how many of you currently have friends you had while you were kids. Perhaps it's commonplace for you, perhaps not. In my experience, long-lived friendships are rare. Maybe it's because of this fact that I find so much jubilee in what I have. What work it is to make friends, to step out and meet people, to get to know them, to become familiar, and sometimes it never comes to fruition. But, an old friend who knows you and is open with you, who accepts you and is relaxed with you, who lets her kids play with yours, and who never gets offended at your slip ups, is a haven...dare I say a treasure?

I had never known true happiness in relationships until I cultivated them for over 10 years...my family...my husband...and a select few of others. Sure, I had great times with people, felt a fondness for some, became close to some, but they were fleeting and in that way were disappointing. In retrospect they become just events, rather than assets, because they didn't endure Time. However, friendships over time are seen in all their shades, for they witness the change of each other and their circumstances, and react accordingly. Finally they come to know each other's true person, underneath their age or trials or joys or hindrances. And finally the masks are set aside.

Then can you drink of the sweetness of memories together, you can speak truth and encourage, effectively. You can just spend some time resting without the stress of appearances! That in itself is a treasure.

Friendships come in all shapes, sizes, colors and flavors, and some are more involved than others, but my statement still stands. Rest is in lasting through time and torment, and remaining friends.

The last two days have been rather difficult for me. I originally started this blog to see the positive aspects of my life, but I couldn't bring myself to say happy things on a day when I felt so down and incapable that I spread despair to those around me. The blog would've become an alternate reality for me, and entirely lose it's use. So, I resolved to wait until something lifted me from the pit.

That time has come.

Friday was a bit of a disappointment, which led me to think of several other disappointments, difficulties, and unknowns on my plate. That is how Saturday began. My mood deteriorated quickly. My family started to notice. Soon unattained goals, frustrated expectations, fears, and unsatisfied longings were whirling around in my mind. Productivity stopped. My family suffered. I tried desperately to pick myself up, but felt no strength. By Sunday all nerves in the house were raw and untended. A good reminder of God and fellowship at church, but all too much activity for a heart that needed time to resolve so many problems. Conflict was inevitable. Everything inside vied for attention, and all came out together in an unintelligible mass of confusion and heartache (it wasn't a good night). FINALLY, I had enough, I sought solitude and threw myself down in my black hopelessness...

In a tiny voice I cried for help. A tiny help came. I gained courage to speak, and found one word: "prayer". I reflected on this gift, then began all my sorrows and questions and regrets to pour out in what appeared an empty room. I was embraced. I was spoken softly to. I was heard. I was known. I had nothing to prove and nothing to lose, so my fear just scampered away. In short, I had an overdue heart-to-heart with God. He reminded me He is the sensitive person I need when I'm sad. He will love me no matter how insufficient I feel, no matter how much I fail. In a life where I feel like I'm always in a precarious job interview, He will never deem me unworthy for my job. He knows the worst of me, more than I do; He really will work out everything for my good; and He really will finish the work in me that He's started.

I don't need to haul heavy burdens of Try everywhere I go. I need only to listen to His soft voice, His gentle requests, and take another step. He will make sure I have what I need after that. Now just one step more. He won't leave me alone. Feeling better already, one step again. He is healing me even now.