To Whom?

Just opened the mail. It is usually littered with all kinds of undesired crap. I can't help but hug a tree after the mail comes and wish someone would come up with a way to stop the junk from flowing. 99% of all my mail goes in the recycle bin and the other 1% requires 99% of my money. It's depressing to go to the mail box really. But today, the usual stuff was stuffed in the box and a little envelope that I didn't expect nor did I know what was in it. Curious, I opened the package and inside were two note pads with pictures of my son on them along with one of his "Colin sense" phrases. Also, the pictures on the note pads were not ones I had taken. To whom do I owe my thanks? Obviously, whoever you are, you read my blog. You really read it because you know where to find the little nuggets from Colin. And you like to take pictures. I have a few ideas but I know all you people are tricky and clever, and I don't want to assume. So, to whomever I need to thank, Thank YOU! What a wonderful surprise. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful surprise. Today, the 1% of the mail gave me 100% joy! I'm a BIG happy.

Postage Increase

For those of you who still mail your bills in, postage goes up one cent as of May 12. It will cost you .42 to mail a first class letter. 

Kitty Box

Found Tumbleweed in the drawer this morning. He knows he's not allowed on Colin's bed but I think he likes the light in the room because he begs to go in there. I have a very smart cat. He's known how to open cabinets and drawers since kittenhood. I could never figure out how to teach him how to close them. Anyway, he pulled open the drawer, crawled in and took a nap in great light today. I just love my cat. 

We Will Sing Sing Sing

The kids in the Children's Choirs sang in Big Church this weekend to plug their musical. Colin is part of the "Pint-Size Praisers" that consist of 4 and 5 year olds. The older kids are on the other side of the stage (The "Joy Jammers").  Even though Colin is still 3 he is an honorary member because I'm directing the drama portion of the musical therefore, he's at rehearsal, therefore, he might as well be part of the choir. He does remarkably well for being a 1/2  year younger than the youngest in the choir. I was impressed that he stayed in his place, sang all the words and even added motions. This morning he praised with all his heart as his Daddy led the congregation. My guess is this is the first of many worship times "together" for the father and son. He's the sweetie in the front row middle. It was a moment to remember. Priceless.

Moving Back to Texas

Ha, gotcha for a second didn't I? Seriously, we are moving but just to the Texas Track here in Simi Valley. A set of neighborhoods where all the street names are cities in Texas. I love the irony in the whole thing. We found another rental house that has a golf-course view, big back yard, one more bedroom for less money than we pay now and room enough to bring the storage back so we save some money and still have space in the garage for a vehicle and the work-out stuff. We're excited to move. Sad to leave our little house but appreciate the lessons we've learned here in how to live in a smaller space, how to get rid of stuff you're not using, how to live in such "togetherness" and still like each other, and how to appreciate everything has a place and in its place. It's been a good year but we're excited for a little change. You know my husband, he's always looking at the possibilities and that's how we found this little gem. It had only been on the market for a day and JD snagged it. I'll have him post an entry about the other little gem he's snagged recently. So, for all you who keep up with addresses, I'll send that out via e-mail soon. We'll be here at our current address until about May 24. 

Here's a little fun fact. We'll only be 1.3 miles from the Crumrines when they get here in June. Just a walk across the golf course. Ain't nothin but a thang.

Backyard View

A Princess Party

Colin recommended today that for my birthday I should have a Princess Bounce House shaped like a castle with a pink slide. I also needed plates, spoons, balloons, presents, party blowers, a cake and some friends. I think the kid has a future in party planning, what do you think? The fact that he puts me in the same category as a Princess makes me feel just like that with a little Prince Charming to boot. 

Over 40

Today I turned 41. I'm officially over 40. Over the hill. Moved into mid-life. Past my prime? Not according to Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes:

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

As women over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting. 

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a women over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. 

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you're a jerk if you're acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize for all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?' Here's an update for you: Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Thanks Andy for your insight. So, I celebrate being in my 40s. I can't even count the blessings there are so many. I love my life. I love my husband who appreciates me and loves me. I think my son is absolutely just about perfect, whose smile can feed my soul happiness and joy for hours. I live in sunny CA where there's a beach, Mickey, a great church and good friends. I have the best set of friends any person could ever ask for who think I'm good and honest, and enjoy my company. I have a family who loves me raised me well and keeps me in check. I have a God who loves me with all his heart and through His grace keeps molding me and shaping me to bring him Glory. Even through the heartaches I've suffered, I still find goodness and have learned grace, mercy, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, patience, love and joy. I have my health and even at 40-something I can still see beauty and am learning that inner beauty is what counts in this life. I have come to accept and celebrate who I am, what I was created for, and for whom I live my life. Life is good. God is good - all the time - He's so very very good. Thank you dear Jesus for my wonderful life. 

Can I just say I'm so glad it only took around 37 years to figure that out. Some people never get it. I get it and that makes me happy! Love you ALL!

C at her BEST Results

Got the results back from CBEST and Celeste passed her test. In fact, she passed with flying colors. Thanks to you all who prayed for me or encouraged me. Special props to Lauren who studied with me and who also passed. I'll keep you posted on what's next. Passing this allows me to substitute in CA in the elementary schools. With my Masters in Elementary ED, I might even get to teach without more schooling in CA. This is one of those things I'll be looking into. So for now, Hurray! On the morning of April 12, 2008, Celeste must have mentally been at her best... or at least close enough.

Ode to Joy

When Granny and Pop come it is always a joyous occasion at our house. JD and I get a break from being constant parents as they take over helping Colin, listening to Colin, entertaining Colin, serving Colin, etc. JD's stress level goes down because when his parents are here, he doesn't worry about them as much. When Granny and Pop are here, they relax like being on vacation because all their worries are still in Texas. I enjoy them immensely and am reminded how lucky we all are. We do fun things on purpose like go to the beach, to the park, and spend quality time together trying to soak up every ounce of joy that flows freely in abundance from of our cups. It's a good time. You can see what I mean when you look at Colin's face in this picture as he's playing with Pop though the hole in a tunnel at the park. They go home tomorrow. We will be sad to say good-bye and have already started planning their next visit. 

Kathi

June 3, 1974 - April 21, 2005

Today I remember my dear friend Kathi. Three years ago she went home by way of a tragic car accident. Finally, I can remember her without crying. Sometimes I see things that make me laugh and I think, "Kathi would've loved that." Sometimes, I think she's just played a joke and I get it and give her credit. But the past few days I've been thinking of her with many quiet tears. I find myself envious of God because he has her now. I miss her. I will always miss her. She was a person who filled a room when she entered. Her laughter was contagious. Her heart was warm and always open to new comers. She embraced me as a friend and kept me in a tight hug from then on. Her spirit was genuine and true. Her love was loud and big and wonderful. She looked for the good in everyone. She forgave over and over and always expected people to change to be better. She was good and honest, faithful and compassionate. I miss her humor. I miss her voice. I miss her smile. I miss her friendship. I miss her hugs. I just miss her. I can't explain the void that's always there but I can say I'm so grateful to my friends who have built a fence around the hole in my heart so I don't fall in.

To Kathi. May we learn something from her life. Let your love be loud and big and open and wonderful!