I took Little H to the park today. It was gorgeous outside and who better to enjoy the afternoon with, than an almost 2 year old. Indian summer is over and we are back to 60 degree temps (at least for now). The sky was a clear blue and the trees are finally giving way to the brilliant colors of fall. Man, I love this time of year!

Hand-in-hand we walked around the big pond; quacking at the ducks, admiring the falling leaves, running through the field , sliding down the slides, crossing the bridge, and laughing....a lot.

It's days like these that make you wish that time truly could stand still.

Tonight I made a batch of double fudge brownies.

When they were finished I sat down to enjoy these delectable baked goods along with a steaming cup of coffee...

All while watching America's Next Top Model.

What's wrong with this picture?

(And no, this is not a "fat joke." ;)

This time last week I was ooh-ing and aww-ing over how cute Little H looked in her chunky sweater. Today I found myself in a t-shirt and flip-flops. If the weather were up to me (which we all know it's not), I would do away with such craziness as "indian summers." Sweater weather would be here once and for all.

But I guess that's neither here nor there. What really matters is this...

The Cards won today! Whoot Whoot! One down. : )


(No, I don't believe that's what *really* matters, but it makes me and many others VERY happy!)

The Astros just lost.

The Cardinals are the NL Central Champs!!!!!!!


WHOO HOO!!!! The crowd erupts with a cheer.
And I...I errupt with a smile.

Wishing I was there to yell with the fans on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

A few images from my Saturday.

Little H...the apple orchard...pumpkin patch...and a rainbow.

Life is good.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVVVEEE....
ALBERT PUJOLS!!!!!!

If you could see me now, I'm actually doing a little victory dance in celebration of Albert's 3-run homer in the bottom of the 8th! WHOO HOO!!! We're back! (And YES, I DO need to use exclamation points after every sentence, because I'm oozing over with excitement right now!!!)

And God,
Since I know You love baseball the way I love baseball, PLEEEEASE let this 7 game losing streak be over for my beloved Cards. For good.
Amen.

It's official...

I'm going back to CA...very soon! Like in the next 6 weeks "soon"!

I received word today and it's funny, because although this is what I've been waiting and hoping for for what seems like an eternity, I suddenly feel a bit nervous and overwhelmed with the reality of it.

It's either that, or the Cardinals losing their last 6 games that has my stomach all in knots!!!! Come on PEOPLE!!!

They are praying.

Are you?

Ramadan (the holy month of fasting for Muslims) began today. You can go to this website: www.30-days.net to dowload great resources to help you pray with insight during this powerful month. Let's ask God to do amazing things!!!

I can't believe it's been over a week since I last posted. It's been a bit of a rough one, which would explain my blogging hiatus. It's funny because I believe that a lot of people write more when they are wrestling with something or there's stuff going on in life. I think I must be just the opposite. I'd rather shut down and hide from the world for awhile until I get things figured out. Hmmm.

Well, enough introspection for the night. Did anyone else watch "Grey's Anatomy?" I was excited to hear Mat Kearney's song on there. (Yes Trix, that's one of THE "Matt's".)

And did you watch the Cards vs. Astros game? Geez, those fans could have been a little more obnoxious at the end, don't ya think?! Poor Cards. I still love you!

I did have a "There's no crying in baseball" moment this past weekend...

On Saturday, my sis informed me that I could have their tickets for Sunday's Cards game. And even though this was last minute and I had to attend a meeting after church which would make me late for the game, I was going regardless. It would probably be my last chance to attend a game for the next year or possibly even two.

My mom went with me this time and she may have been more excited than myself. Of course on our drive over, she kept pointing out how dark the sky looked over by StL and I tried to reassure her that the game would be played and the rain would be part of the fun.

I was wrong...on both accounts.

We waited for 2 hours with rain delay (even after arriving late) and at 3:45pm they finally announced they were cancelling the game. Now, they say there's no crying in baseball, but I was pretty close.

For a consolation prize, we thought we'd go sit in the Starbucks across the street from the Stadium for a bit just to chill and not make our drive a complete waste. And lo and behold, just when we went up to the door, they were closing. 4pm in the afternoon! What?


I'm pretty sure the world was against me.
Except for the fact that we somehow managed to park for free.

Confessional:

#1. Trickie gave me a $1 to download Justin Timberlake's new song, "Sexy Back."

#2. I may or may not have listened to it on repeat while coordinating my own dance routine, reminiscent of So You Think You Can Dance.

Matthew 5:4~Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.


September 11th.

I'm sure none of us will forget where we were when it happened. The news that changed our nation. Our lives. The world.

I wonder how long it will take before the wounds no longer feel fresh? The memories so vivid?

My heart joins with the masses today as we remember the tragedy that took place on that day 5 years ago. But I'm not gonna lie. My heart also mourns with the people of Afghanistan... Iraq... Pakistan... Iran...Sudan...Indonesia...etc. Every life lost is of highest importance--no matter their geography. As Shane Claiborne reminds us, "The lives of the thirty thousand children who die of starvation each day is like six September 11ths every single day, a silent tsunami that happens every week."

I am grateful to serve a God who brings beauty from ashes. It's sometimes the only thing that gives me hope as I look around the world today.

And when I really think about it, I know that He used the ashes of those buildings in New York to break our hearts for those who are hurting...to hear the cries of the world (even the hard-to-reach places)...to begin to weep with those who weep...and for some people, like myself, this event even led us to the other side of the world to love on the people whose lives are affected by terrorism on a daily basis.

HE's doing it, my friends. Even as we grieve on this day, God is bringing about His purposes. He's bringing beauty from ashes....gladness from mourning....praise from despair. He's binding up the brokenhearted. He's proclaiming freedom for the captives. He's comforting those who mourn.

Be encouraged & take heart. He has overcome the world.

It's 2am and we just returned from the Sox/Indians game. Obviously I should head straight to bed, but unfortunately my mind doesn't slow down that easily. So instead I thought I'd post a few thoughts from the evening.


Randoms:
1. While the Cardinals will forever be my favorite team, the White Sox sure do know how to throw a good party. (Probably because they are "south siders." ;)

You may recall that a few weeks ago at US Cingular Field, it was "Elvis Night." Then yesterday it was "Half Way to St. Patrick's Day" where everyone dressed in green, they gave out green hats, etc. (Side Note: I love it that the Chi-town crew has such an affinity for the Irish!) You'd think that they'd have had enough of the festivities, but the fun didn't stop there. Tonight the crowd was rewarded with popsicles upon entering the park (thus adding to my "Anything & Everything Summer" cross off list) and concluding the event with a superb display of fireworks set to a medley of today's pop music. The finale boomed louder than Bon Jovi's "Have a Nice Day" playing in the background and it was all just pretty much amazing!

2. The Sox have these fun "Grinder Ball Rules" posted everywhere. My favorite is this...

" Grinder Ball Rule #315--Be realistic. Expect a miracle."

There's obviously a lot more to this than baseball and it's got me thinking. Too bad I'm too tired to really dive into that pool right now.

3. I consumed waaaayyy too much sugar. The cotton candy about did me in.
...I wouldn't have had it any other way.

4. There was a guy wearing a t-shirt that said, "I *heart* hot moms." WHAT??


Thanks Girls for another fun & memorable evening at the ballpark! Here's to a "55 Series!"

It's Friday night.

It's September.

I'm feeling antsy.

LIFE'S TOO SHORT....

Confessional: I LOVE to watch the Ellen DeGeneres show. I know some of you are sighing or growling or whatever...but I don't care. I think the lady is stinkin hilarious and every time I see her show she makes me laugh. Quite frankly, that's enough--regardless of sexual preference.

SO, with that said, Ellen has committed this season to making a "Life List." Meaning, she's making a list of all the things she wants to do or accomplish before she dies and she's working towards crossing them off. Ellen has obviously made hers and now she's asking for others to do the same. You can even send it in with the possibility that she might help you in making those things happen.

I don't know about the whole "sending it in" thing, but I actually began a list like this in college and have been adding to it (and crossing some things off) ever since. Of course, all this talk has got me thinking about it again and so I thought I'd share a few of them here.

Please Note: This in no way means that I've forgotten what an amazing and rich life I have already lived. I truly believe that, should I leave this world before another one of the following things gets crossed off, I will have lived exceedingly and abundantly beyond what most could only imagine. (Thank YOU, Father.)

So in no particular order, here's a sampling of what's on my very own
"LIFE LIST":

*Visit every continent.
*Own & drive a motorcyle.
*Learn to fly a plane.
*Get my scuba diving license.
*Write a book.
*Live in NYC and/or LA.
*Take a photography class & own the equipment needed
*Take a tour of the US by way of visiting every major league baseball stadium
*See Game 7 of the World Series when the Cardinals play!
*Learn to surf.
*Hang out with the current president--discussing life, war, etc. ;)
*Etc., etc., etc.....

So I'm curious, WHAT'S ON YOUR LIFE LIST????

Top 10 Reasons Why I Loved Today...


1. Waking up to the roaring thunderstorm ...enjoying the sunshine and blue skies of the afternoon...and then later enjoying an evening rain.

2. The smell of my sweet cinnamon pumpkin candle.

3. Cooler temperatures--Even if Tricks is in denial, SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY OUT!!

4. Scrapbooking inspiration (complete with the company & help of Krista)




5. Washing my laundry in Tide's new "Simple Pleasures" detergent. --I've found myself with my shirt over my nose on numerous occasions since. Not to mention the joy to be found tonight in my newly cleaned sheets!

6. My beloved Cardinals won against the Nationals--continuing to secure their place in the playoffs.

7. Drinking coffee and hot chocolate (not at the same time).

8. Quiet time with our Father.

9. Having naturally curly hair.--Most days I hate it, but today I enjoyed the blessings of low humidity (meaning--no chia head) and low maintenence.

10. Wearing my favorite hoody indoors...with no A.C....and still being chilly. :)

In case you were not aware, Derek Webb is allowing you to download his latest cd entitled, "Mockingbird," for free. Just go to www.freederekwebb.com. It's not a gimmeck. Most of his songs tackle issues such as poverty, war, etc. and he wants them to be conversation starters.

The following are the lyrics to the last song on the album...


Love Is Not Against The Law
(vs. 1)
politics or love
can make you blind or make you see
make you a slave or make you free
but only one does it all

and it’s giving up your life
for the ones you hate the most
it’s giving them your gown
when they’ve taken your clothes

it’s learning to admit
when you’ve had a hand in setting them up
in knocking them down

(chorus)
love is not against the law
love is not against the law

(vs. 2)
are we defending life
when we just pick and choose
lives acceptable to lose
and which ones to defend

‘cause you cannot choose your friends
but you choose your enemies
and what if they were one
one and the same

could you find a way
to love them both the same
to give them your name

(chorus)

Love our enemies. It's a command.

I don't often talk about the deeper things running through my mind on this blog. I try to keep it light and funny. But tonight I feel compelled, as this song is playing on repeat and my heart is overwhelmed with its implications.

This song summarizes so much of what I wish to say...so much of what I wish to live.

My mind is full of faces right now who, by many, would be deemed our "enemy."
Tonight in those places there are thousands willing to kill in the name of their government, but very few willing to die in the name of love. What will it take? Who will go for Him?

The harvest is plentiful...the workers are few. I'm asking YOU tonight, Father. Raise up more workers willing to die for the sake of LOVE...willing to die for You.

It was the perfect weather (in my opinion) as a group of us joined with hundreds this evening to hear the Illinois Symphony perform a preview concert in the Park. From the babies to the grandparents, the music seemed to be a hit with all ages. It wasn't too long or too serious and I really coudn't think of a better way to unofficially end the summer season. (Not to mention that it was one more thing that I could now cross off from my ANYTHING & EVERYTHING SUMMER list!)

Sunday afternoon + You've Got Mail + Coffee = Happiness

I don't know what it is about this movie. I've seen it a million times...or at least enough to recite most lines from memory, and it never gets old.

Upon every viewing, the following thoughts inevitably cross my mind...

*I want my hair cut like Meg's.
*I should move to NYC.
*I would love to own my own children's bookstore someday.
*Starbucks sounds great right about now.
*Oh how I love Fall.
*Daisies are the friendliest flowers.

The Lunch Gang...Can you decide who's who?

A. "I CHI everyday."

B. "I like this picture because it looks like I have big biceps."

C. I'll have a half of sandwich and two pieces of lettuce please.

D. The new face of Olan Mills.

THE CONCLUSION to yesterday's post:
WHAT HAPPENEED TO "TINA?"

ANSWER: We don't know. We never answered the door....

Until Cliff arrived to the rescue.
He was definitely the superhero of the century. Even though no one was outside when he arrived, we still needed the peace of mind that came with a man calming our imaginations that had run wild.

Cliff, Here's to YOU!! Our hero...both now and forever.

This post is brought to you by J & L...

Where do we begin?

"TINA"=the universal name for all things shady.

Setting: Thursday night about 9:30pm. I'm home alone. Just arrived into Jtown...chilling at J's in the 'hood where it's been said, "People die over there."

SCENE 1--

Knock on the door. I answer. It's "Tina." Remember, "Tina"=all things shady.

Tina: Uhh...My name is Tina. I live down the street. My car's out of gas. I have no money. Can you take me to Walmart?

L: Uhhh....Sure. Let me get my things. (At this point super hero music begins. If only in my mind.)

Fast forward through the small talk and my feeble attempts at sharing Jesus, and go straight to the part where I'm sure I'm an enabler in a drug run as I drop her off at her "next stop."

END SCENE.


SCENE 2

L: (Thoughts in my mind---Didn't I see that white hoopty of a car at Walmart? What's it doing creeping by our house?)

Dial Jenni.

L: J, when are you coming home? I'm freaked out. ...I'll be waiting for you at Starbucks.

END SCENE.

SCENE 3

Setting: 11:30pm. Back bedroom of J's house. Light knock on the front door.

J: L, shhh. I think I just heard a knock.

L: Yeah right.

DOORBELL!!

J & L run for the bathroom with phone in hand with J SCREAMING...I wish I had the phone number to my local police officer. Instead she dials for Cliff.

J: Cliff get over here now!!


END SCENE.

It's 5:oopm on a Wednesday evening and I'm sitting in my favorite Starbucks. I love it, not for the amazing coffee that i'm often given for free because I know a million people who work here or just want to buy me coffee, but because of the people who come and go from this place. Last year this was my office...and probably my second home. Now, a year later, it still feels much the same.

I'm a little weary from seeing so many people, but completely blessed at the same time. As one person stated, "You have your meetings lined up like the airplanes coming and going from O'Hare Airport." It's true, but I know my time here is limited. I'm trying to soak up every moment with these precious friends who are so dear to my heart. Lunch here. Coffee there. It does a heart good.

Does anyone else do the same?

I'm in JoMo right now. Hanging out with this person....



Having way too much fun. With a million stories to share. But no time to share them.

Soon...

Here's the BUTTER COW DISPLAY. Yes, that's all butter. Yes, it's life-size.

Apologies go out to everyone who was anxiously awaiting my concert review. Namely, Babs. :) I took a blogging hiatus. (And by "hiatus" I mean I traveled down south to the parents' home where wireless internet was unavailable--"hiatus.")

So here's the scoop...

Venue: State Fair (Note: Last time I went to a concert at the State Fair it was to see New Kids On the Block--*NKOTB* for all of you who were fans. I was going into the 8th grade, I believe. And also note: If I have my say, it will probably be that long between this past weekend and the next time I want to attend a concert at the "fair." Uggh. I'm pretty sure the stage was about 6 ft. wide and the grand stand was about 45 ft wide--with our seats being on the farthest left. (OK, I'm terrible with measurements, but you get the idea!!)

Time: 8pm-9:25pm (GGD) 9:25-9:45pm (Stage Change) 9:45-11pm (CC)
*NOTE: Total time of Goo Goo Dolls = 1 hr. 25min. (possibly longer)
Total time of Counting Crows = 1 hr. 15 min. (at most)
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??

Songs:
GGDs played all of the songs listed in my previous post. I quote Vickie in acknowledging their quality, "Are you sure they are not lipsynching?" They were that good. (Sis, you were right.)

CCs played a melancholy mix. They were far from "show-y." And while I was loving their performance, the rest of the audience seemed a bit bored. (Apart from the 2 sorority sisters standing in front of us who were dancing and singing/yelling to every song sung. Perhaps I should have befriended them? ...Perhaps not.) I'm sad to say that the only time the audience was really into the CCs was during their final song...Hangin Around. And honestly, it was the only time that the band really seemed to bring much energy on their part as well. Hmm. I'm guessing they are just a little worn from their summer tour.

Honorable Mentions:
"BFF"--This post would not be complete without mentioning our new best friend. At one point during the GGDs, this blonde-headed woman came and asked if she could sit down in front of us for a moment. She then proceded to talk very loudly to Vickie about anything and everything, as if they had known each other their whole lives. She was shocked to find out that we were as old as we were, as she believed us to be 22 or 23! (She was 38.) She spent most of the night confused as to which band was which and wondering what songs she knew. Later she moved down to make friends with Krista and I was just incredibly grateful to be sitting in the middle at that time. Apparently she and her husband were trying to "be young." I left wishing they would have tried that somewhere else.

Adam Duritz--Has anyone else noticed how much he's aged and umm....gained weight? Seriously, didn't he use to date Courtney Cox or Jennifer Aniston? Apart from his still-crazy cool hair, this guy would have fit right in at the fair. I know I have no room to talk and I'm probably way too harsh, but I was just a bit perplexed by the whole thing. He can still sing though and my favorite is when he plays the piano. I guess what I'm saying is that if he asked me out, I wouldn't decline. :)

Overall though it was a good night. I'm grateful to V & K for accompanying me to this event. I know that you both knew like 5 songs the whole time, but I love you all the more for it. It shows what amazing friends you are!

I'm sure I've held your suspense long enough. The answers to today's musical quiz....

COUNTING CROWS & GOO GOO DOLLS

Good job to everyone who knew without looking at the comment section! I don't really have a prize for you, but I'm pretty sure you already knew that to begin with. :)

And since I gave you the lyrics, I thought I should also give you the song titles.

COUNTING CROWS:
1. Rain King
2. Sullivan Street (it was given in the clue!)
3. Raining in Baltimore
4. Round Here
5. Long December

*Bonus Clue: Mr. Jones (my personal fave)

GOO GOO DOLLS:
1. Slide
2. Black Balloon (also given in the clue!)
3. Sympathy
4. Iris
5. Here is Gone

Have I mentioned that Counting Crows is my all-time favorite band? Because they are. Just like some people are avid U2 fans (who I like as well) or Rolling Stone fans (for the older peops, perhaps?)....I'm a CC fan!

I love them. I love them. I love them. I've wanted to see them in concert FOREVER and now the day has nearly arrived! Unfortunately I'm not allowed to bring a camera in--which is a complete bummer, considering I'm sure to be called up on stage for being the band's most amazing fan ever!

Stay tuned for details....

A summer concert is on tap for the weekend. I can hardly wait!

Let's see if you can guess who I'm going to see by using the following lyrical clues from some of my favorite songs...(And if I told you already, you CAN'T guess!)

1. I belong in the service of the queen.
2. I take the way home that leads back to Sullivan Street.
3. I need a phone call...I need a plane ride....I need a sunburn...I need a raincoat
4. I step out the front door into a fog where no one notices the contrast of white on white
5. It's one more day up in the canyons...and it's one more day in Hollywood...it's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should.


And if you haven't guessed it yet, here's a bonus clue...
**We stare at the beautiful women....she's looking at you...no, no, no...she's lookin at me

DOUBLE BONUS POINTS if you can guess who will be with the aforementioned group:
Here are a few lyrical clues--
1. What I feel is what you are and what you are is beautiful.
2. Baby's black balloon makes her fly...I almost fell into that hole in your life
3. Stranger than your sympathy....this is my apology....
4. You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be and I don't want to go home right now
5. I want to get free...talk to me...cause I can feel you fallin'

Any ideas???

It's over.

Another season of "So You Think You Can Dance" has come to an end. Wednesday nights will not be the same. And while I refused to comment on the show last week, this week my silence is broken.

Benji--I knew you would win. Your tears at the end were a bit dramatic, but I understand. It's been an emotional ride. I almost cried myself. But just think, you now have plenty of reasons to smile.
1. A year's contract in Celine Dion's show in Vegas (although, I'm not quite sure if this should make you laugh or cry)
2. $100,000
3. A new car
4. Your girlfriend...err, dance partner, Donyelle--(Are we the ONLY ones to sense that there's more going on behind-the-scenes than we know???)

And to the judges...
Mary--I'm going to miss your screams
Mia--Even your speech says, "I AM ART"
Dan--Why'd you get married?
Brian--Thanks for getting your hair cut this season! I was much less distracted!
Nigel--Another wonderful season! THANK YOU!

And to Cat Deeley (the host)...
Please don't renew your contract!


OK, that's all I've got. Except to say...


Watch out judges, we've got ourselves a star! And these are just a FEW of her signature moves! :)

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

I just went to this site and created a map of all the countries I've spent time in. The number is now 22, which according to this, is only 9% of the world. Man, whoever said it's a small world afterall?

**Correction: I've actually been to 23. I forgot about Turkey. That brings the percentage up to 10%. And as you can see, Africa is on my list for the future...that and Australia and Antarctica (even though I've come close to going there before). Then my desire to travel to all 7 continents will be complete. :-)

Hot dogs...cold beverages...funnel cake....flying "Elvi"...the national anthem...tail gate parties...summer skies....baseball....perfection.

It was all of these things and more as the Sox took on the Tigers at US Cellular Field Friday night. The fact that it was mid -August and the temperature was in the 70's with little-to-no humidity was nothing short of a miracle. It was my first time to a White Sox game...oh wait, excuse me..... at the WORLD CHAMPION White Sox game and I was not disappointed.

As you can see from the pics below, it was "Elvis Night" at the stadium. And let me just say, he was everywhere! From the little kids to the old beer-bellied men, after a night like this, I'm convinced that Elvis is alive and well!

My voyeuristic tendencies were in high gear, as there was a plethora of "interesting" people to watch. There were the flying "Elvi" (note: we say "ElvI" because there were more than one) and all the other people dressed up like the king...the anorexic italian ice selling guy...the european beer selling guy...the guy that sat next to us reading his paper all night guy...the guy who checked out every girl who walked by guy....the high five lady....and oh yeah, there was baseball!

The Sox won 5-0 and afterwards there was a great show--the dancing dads (a.k.a. dirty old men), some kid who knows every Elvis song ever written, and to top it all off--fireworks.

It was a night to remember as the fans chanted their favorite "Let's Go White Sox" cheer while walking back to their vehicles beneath the light of the low-hung moon. Everyone was happy and I must confess...I was too. This definitely qualified for a check on the "Anything and Everything Summer" list.

Thanks Babs & Trix!! What a wonderful evening!

So You Think You Can Dance....

Yes, I love the show. But I'm not going to talk about it. :)

After watching last night's episode, I figured it was time to put my money where my mouth was (since I seem to think I should be a judge) and show off some of those "moves people have never seen before."

At about 9pm a small group of us headed downtown for Salsa night. Our bom-boms were shaking and our hips didn't lie....we are white! But, oh did we have fun!

Have I mentioned how much I love to dance? Maybe I missed my calling?

So I was just listening to a sermon on "God's Will" that I had downloaded a while back. It was playing through my iTunes library and immediately following the message, Alanis Morrisette's "Head Over Feet" began. At first I wondered if that was what they played at the church, but I quickly realized it had just moved on to the next file in my library. (Blonde moment)

But then I thought about it.
Maybe "Head Over Feet" could describe our relationship with God (minus a few parts)?

I had no choice, but to hear you.
You stated your case time and again.
And I thought about it.

You treat me like I'm a princess
And I'm not used to liking it.
You ask how my day was

Chorus:
You've already won me over...inspite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it, it's all your fault.

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You're so much braver than I gave you credit for
And that's not lip service

Repeat Chorus

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

Blah, blah, blah.....

Move over worship leaders. I've got some ideas!

Confessional:

*I've watched enough Gilmore Girls as of late that I may actually believe that I live in Stars Hollow. (Thank you, Family Channel, for your Sunday 8-hour marathon and twice daily showing of my new addiction. Side note for all who are concerned: I did not watch these all in one sitting.)

*I've been feeling the need to create, so along with watching the aforementioned television program, I've been working on a new scrapbook...so much so, I've almost forgotten to eat.

*And along with my need to create & lose myself in mindless fictional television characters, the city girl in me is dying to get out. Lucky for me, a trip to "the city" is on tap for the weekend. Baseball...concert in the park...art...shopping....it's just what the doctor ordered!

*On top of all this, I think I made the mistake of placing this picture as my desktop screen. It makes me miss these little ones something fierce!

Quote of the Day (brought to you by "The Gilmore Girls"):
Q: Do you like coffee?
A: Only with my oxygen.

Dear Summer,
I wish I liked you more. But the truth is, I don't. In fact, I'm quite bored with your heat index and humidity percentages. I'm ready to open the windows...wear a sweater...drink my extra-hot coffee outside...and frolick in the autumn leaves. I'm ready for a change.

And maybe, Summer, you're not to blame. Maybe this change has little to do with the season and everything to do with me.

So while you tarry on, I will do my best to find joy in each day. May my heart and mind be attentive to every moment, every opportunity, to bring praise to the One who is-I AM.

Yours For All Seasons,

L

It's been a few days and I've been in a bit of a funk. I haven't really felt much like leaving the house, much less leaving my pajamas (although I did both...after 3pm each day...for fear of becoming a complete bum). I guess I've just needed some down time after my summer "tour, " so it's been good. I apologize to all of you to whom I owe emails and phone calls. I promise to rejoin the rest of the world shortly.

Currently it's 10:15pm on a Friday night as I write this post and "Full House" is playing on the t.v. DJ and Kimmie are singing along to "Blame It On the Rain" and "Straight Up Now Tell Me." To all of you who are reading this, I'd just like to say: PLEASE don't hate me because my life is sooo exciting. ;)

And...whatever did happen to predictability? The milk man? The paper boy? And evening t.v.?
These are just a few of the pressing questions on my mind!

So besides the questions and the mindless t.v. viewing, I actually managed to find time this evening for a killer game of tennis with the Warrior Princess. And while it may have only been 30 minutes long, we managed to send the Indians running. GO TEAM! Now if it weren't for those "blasted nets" we could take on the world!

A New Proclamation

Although I once stated that 2006 is the "Year of Clarity," what I meant to say was that 2006 is the "Year of the Cardinals!" (There Trix, it's in writing!)

And while my beloved team seems to be on a losing streak once again, I just wanted to say....I STILL LOVE YOU! (Now start winning!)

And now to summarize my summer:

4 weeks of camp....Rewarding

2 conferences focused on CA...Refreshing

2 family weddings...Precious

1 family (well, someone else's family) vacation...Amazing (like Quik Trip) ;)

1 girl's weekend in the Lou...Fabulous

1 set-up and another random date...Umm...Memorable?

Numerous moments of shared laughter, conversation, dreams, struggles, hopes, and love with people very dear to my heart...PRICELESS


Now I find myself sitting here thinking: there's still a few more weeks left of summer!

Whatever will I do?

Words to melt my heart...as said by the sweetest 2 year old boy I know:
"Bobby, Wee-Wee."

Translation: "Thank you, L"

Little C,
You had me at your adorable, little 2 year-old face, ok?!

My 2nd week of 3-5th grade camp is complete...one more to go!

As I was talking to Trix the other day, I said, "Man, where did our 'Anything and Everything Summer' go?"

She cleverly responded, "Well, yours went to summer camp."

Ain't that the truth! ....But just look at these faces....It's soo worth it.

"Later...I remembered the seasonal showers in the desert,
how potholes in the rocks fill up with rain.
When you look later, there are already frogs in the water, and brine shrimp reproducing, like commas doing the macarena; and it seems, but only seems, that you went from parched to overflow in the blink of an eye."

~Anne Lammott, "Plan B-Futher Thoughts on Faith"

It's the middle of July as I type and with 90 degree temps and 80% humidity at 11:20P.M, I know that I am a long way off from the desert. (If there was any doubt in this matter, you should have been with me yesterday as I ran from my car to the store during the monsoon torrential rains of KY!...You would have thought I bathed fully clothed!)

But I digress...
Have you ever had that feeling? The "parched to overflow in the blink of an eye" feeling?

I know I have. It seems like over these past few months I've done a lot of wandering in the desert (even though I blatantly claimed 2006 as "The Year of Clarity!"). There have been periods of dryness...sun scorching heat...living...being...and then, all at once...the floodgates of heaven opened up and poured down rain so hard that in seconds, those desolate potholes were overflowing with water and life.

This week His "showers" came in the form of a group of 3rd-5th graders who so willingly gave of their snack shack money (even when it had been won as a prize)....who proudly introduced me to their parents as the "m" who lives in CA...who blessed my heart with their worship and memory verses...and who gave me tangible proof of a God who's in the business of changing hearts and minds and the world with His love, no matter the age!

So as the weather forecasters are predicting another squeltering week of sun and humidity (of which I'm going to do my very best not to complain)...I personally am looking forward to the rain.

I leave for another 3 weeks of camp in the morning. I think I'm beginning to understand why I'm drawn to the nomadic peoples of CA. While I'm a long way off from the camels and tents of that dusty landscape, I sure do seem to be "one" with my luggage and car. That, and my iPod.

And since music is such a vital part of any travel, I thought I'd give you my very own "Celebrity Summer Playlist."

1. Summertime--DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
2. Crazy--Gnarls Barkley
3. Put Your Records On--Corinne Bailey Rae
4. Turn Your Lights Down Low--Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill
5. MmmBop--Hanson
6. Dusk & Summer--Dashboard Confessional
7. Flake--Jack Johnson
8. Nothing Left to Lose--Mat Kearney
9. Colorful--Rocco DeLuca
10. Soak Up the Sun--Sheryl Crow
11. Life is a Highway--Tom Cochrane
12. Hangin Around--Counting Crows
13. Greatest Day--Bowling for Soup
14. Over My Head (Cable Car)--The Fray
15. Single ('06 Remix)--Natasha Bedingfield
16. These Are the Days--Jamie Cullum
17. Gone Going--Black Eyed Peas (w/ Jack Johnson)
18. Swallowed in the Sea--Coldplay
19. Beautiful--Shawn McDonald
20. High--James Blunt

Whew! I'm tired and need to go to bed. I'll try to write my reasons for these selections at a later date. Check back later!

Why is it that even though I seem to be ok with my singleness, those around me are not in agreement?

Is it really coming to this?

I've had two instances this summer that have made me stop and rethink this whole "contentment" thing. The sad thing is that if I tried to change my status, I wouldn't be doing it so much for myself, as I would be for others to leave me alone!! Uggh.

And if you are wondering what has led me to draw these conclusions, allow me to expound...

Scenario #1--Picture me being drug out onto the dance floor of my cousin's wedding to catch that STUPID bouquet, with my great aunt (the one who was dragging me) yelling the entire time, "We have to get YOU married off before 37!" Upon arrival, I looked around to find that I was the only "single" girl over the age of 13 in that entire joint. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? It's me (age 31) and a bunch of girls 13 and under, waiting and hoping to catch that bouquet so WE could be the ones to marry next. Riiigght. (FYI--I've caught bouquets AT LEAST 10 times before and it still hasn't worked!! GIVE IT UP!! Brides, don't put your single friends through the torture!)


Which leads me to...
Scenario #2--Picture me sitting in church this morning, when my mom passes me a note. (I figured this would be good, since I can't remember the last time she wrote me a note during the service. She usually just leans over to point out who's there or not.)

The note said this: "I should introduce you to this guy from work and his wife--and their cousin."

My Response: "WHY?"

Mom's Reply: Smile.

My Response: "Would this cousin, happen to be male and single?"

Mom's Reply: Smile.

At this point I automatically got a stomach ache.

Fast forward with me to the end of service...
Mom: "I really need to introduce you to this guy."

Me: "No Mom. Really that's ok." (Looking for an exit out, as I noticed these people walking towards us.)

What follows is somewhat of a blur, but I know that there were the introductions, small talk, and then "the cousin" asking, "So do we want to go to lunch?"

Me: "Ummm.....Mom, weren't we going to go to the movies this afternoon."

Mom: "Well, we could just go to lunch and skip the movies."

Me: Speechless and out of other options for escape....so I politely excuse myself to go see some other people...leaving plans up to mom.

I knew what mom's plans would be, so I found out that a huge group of people were going to the mexican restaurant in town and said, "Hey, let's all go there." (Knowing full well in my mind, that there's safety in numbers!)

We get in the car to head that direction and the dialogue went something like this:

Me: "Mom, why do I feel like I'm being set up?"

Mom: "Well..."

Me: "Did you know about this before hand?"

Mom: "Not exactly."

Me: "What did you know?"

Mom: "Well, they asked about you and said they should get you two together. I told them you would only be at church this Sunday and they said they would see what they could do. (Side Note: "Cousin" is from out of town).

Me: "So he came down here just to meet me?"

Mom: Smile


Me: Proceed to have increased stomach pains


Lunch wasn't that bad, thanks to my reinforcements. "Cousin" was nice, but I SERIOUSLY hate being set up...especially when I'm the only one out of the loop on the whole thing!!


And so I end my night with this question,

IS THIS WHAT BEING SINGLE IN YOUR 30'S LOOKS LIKE?

If so, my response is this...
Come Lord Jesus, come.

I just returned from a week of family vacation.

OK, so the "family" wasn't my own, but they invited...and I went! To express in words the fun I had would be too difficult. But to give you an idea...my original plans were to leave on Wednesday. I had a lot to do and the responsible side of me kept saying that I should get back to work. But we all know that the sanguine side of me often outweighs the responsible side, and since there was so much laughter and merriment of which to partake, I couldn't tear myself away until Friday afternoon.

So...I'm a bit behind on the "To Do" list and I'm feeling a bit sleepy as I type. But honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the world.


MEMORIES THAT ARE MAKING ME SMILE RIGHT NOW:
Racing on the jet skis...laughing so hard and thinking we were going to die
Waking up next to one of the twins every morning
Late night conversations
Amazing Quick Trip pit stops
Road trips--starting a "Thumbs Up" revolution and returning at 4am
Family worship
4th of July fireworks
Boat rides...lazy river...screaming competitions on the water slide


Below are just a few random pics from the week...