« October 2007 | Main | December 2007 »

November 30, 2007

In Case He Gets Lost

Czarina has posted a slew of these:

(And yes, that's how we spell "way" around here. The wha it should be spelled.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:55 PM | TrackBack

All I Want

The guys from Visual DNA have come up with a cool new Christmas feature. You choose different images that represent how you feel about the holidays, and based on that, they come up with a list of gifts you'd enjoy. I had a ridiculous amount of fun "tweaking" my list. I haven't felt this way since I was a kid with the Sears Wish Book! Now, if I can just find Santa's address...

(Here's my Visual DNA, by the way. Since you care.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:58 AM | TrackBack

November 29, 2007

No 'Poo for 5 Weeks, 4 Days

So, I'm coming up on my 6 week goal of the No Shampoo Experiment. I should post a picture, yeah? But really, there's nothing to note. It looks exactly like normal, shampooed hair. Except for the four inch bald patch. Just kidding.

This leaves me in a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, yay! No more buying products! But, it's never that simple, is it? There are some drawbacks. I really do have to wash it every day, or it just seems dull. I miss the smell of shampoo, too. All those lovely scents... lavender, rosehips, apple... those are nice smells! Also, my hair is thicker, which is good, but it was already pretty thick. However, it's also now a bit coarser. But, then again, it's more manageable.

So, hm.

I'm thinking, maybe I'll just go back to an organic shampoo... maybe once or twice a week? I dunno. I gotta mull this one over.

But in the meantime, WOW!! I made it! Come on, you didn't think I'd actually get through the whole 6 weeks, did you?

Groovy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:48 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

November 28, 2007

Quit Yelling!

Is it just my four year old that has suddenly lost all vocal modulation completely, or is this normal?

I swear, he is yelling everything these days.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:33 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Lighting a Torch to See the Sun

I've been a Christian since I was six years old, but that doesn't mean I have all the answers. Even writing that makes me laugh. There are moments when I flounder, when questions plague me, when I am fearful. There are times when I lay in bed, and I pray, Oh God, please be real. Please don't be what they say you are, just part of the mythology...

And, then: Why, God? Why make it so hard to believe? Why don't You show Yourself to the world, show them so they can't deny You exist?
And: Why do I believe? How do I know?

I don't know if I'm never supposed to wonder those kinds of things, I don't know if it's a sign of my immaturity as a Christian. Maybe it's that I haven't achieved that higher state of faith. I really and truly don't know. How long and how far must you go before those questions disappear? Do they ever, completely?

But, I do know, it's not that I don't believe. Because I know there is a God. But in a world of cynicism and disbelief, where people want cold, hard proof, faith just doesn't seem a big enough reply. Sometimes, you want for a grand display, some great, undeniable solid answer that would settle it once and for all. But God just doesn't operate that way. There are moments when I wish He did. It sure would make things easier. It would be nice to hear His booming voice from the heavens answer to the skeptics, "I am Yahweh! I Am that I Am! I am your Creator!"

I'd smile, and say, "See? I told ya so!" I wouldn't be snotty about it, either. I'd just be glad they could see I'd been telling the Truth.

But that's not God's style. And I kind of understand it. Real faith means complete and utter belief, without seeing. Without the booming voice from heaven. It's expensive, this faith in unseen things. It costs His followers much, and because of that, is more valuable and pleasing in His eyes. It is not a paltry thing, to have faith in God.

But this doesn't mean there isn't any proof of His existence. Because there is proof, everywhere. I could start in on the wonders of the earth and heavens, but truly, I have to look no further than myself to know there is a God. I know the changes He has wrought within me, changes that I could not bring about myself. He is the source of all the good things in me. Anytime I feel compassion, or kindness, or love, I am proof of the Divine. Those things cannot exist without Him. I know what I would be on my own, and it is wretched. I know that He has saved me from myself a thousand times, He has brought me from perilous ends over and over again.

I know He exists, because when I pray, He is listening. "Where are You?" I ask, and He shows me, that He is where He always has been, that it is I who moved from Him. "Help me!" I cry, and He provides, in ways I don't expect, in needs I didn't know I had. "Change me!" I plead, and He does, reaching into parts of me that I couldn't touch, and making what seemed impossible, possible.

No amount of skepticism can touch that. There is no refuting what I know in my soul. The evidence is worked in me, into my very cells-- each breath I take is a proclamation of a loving, saving Creator, and I know it like I know there is blood in my body. I can't see it, but I feel my heart beating, pushing it from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. It's undeniably there, sustaining me.

I don't know any better way to say it. It's just not an easy proof for the world. I can't turn myself inside out to show them what God did in me. But I can hope and pray that they see something different about me as I walk this foreign ground, waiting to go home.

Faith doesn't mean you don't have questions. It doesn't mean you've got it all figured out. It means, you trust, even without having the answers. It means that you believe in God, even when its hard, even when it seems foolish in the eyes of others. You believe, when the world scoffs, because you know, you know, you know, as nobody else can, what you would be without Him.

***

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:41 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

November 27, 2007

Cherry Tree Dreams

"Mama, tell me a story?"

"Snuggle in, little one, and I will tell you the story of a dream. Close your eyes, so that you can see with your mind."

Continue reading "Cherry Tree Dreams"

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:06 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

November 26, 2007

Filing Away

For future reference: Yes, you CAN get blue playdough out of your baby's teeth with a toothbrush. But he will NOT like it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:48 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Outing Myself

Okay, I can't lie to you anymore. I can't live this double life! I know you think I'm fabulously academic in my book choices. Right? You do think that, don't you? I mean, I'm in a book club, and that makes me special. (Well, not anymore. But I was at one point, and that counts for something.) I was part of that elite society, connoisseurs of fine books. We wouldn't touch a book if it was on Oprah's book list. And we certainly don't read chic lit- *shiver.

But with great power, comes great responsibility. (Spiderman? Who's that? I don't sully myself with popculture, so I do not know of this Spiderman you speak of.)

Anyway. I have obligations that come with my position as Le Book Snob. I have literary principles to uphold, and I certainly can't be seen reading this:

So I've been sneaking it.

And it's sooo good. Each chapter ends with a gun pointed at somebody, or a bomb counting down the seconds to explode, or a subterranean chamber about to flood. I can't put it down! I'm so ashamed.

Which is why, Teri, I am hesitant to sign up at Goodreads. Because then you'll all know the truth. I am not quite as blue blood as I've led you all to believe. I am not sipping Earl Grey and nibbling scones as I read Jane Austin. I'm over here, gulping down Starbucks, polishing off Halloween candy, reading James Rollins like there's no tomorrow.

I hope we can still be friends.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

November 25, 2007

Rising Waters

Lately, Noah seems to keep popping in on me. We rented "Evan Almighty" the other day, about the same time I finished "Many Waters" by M. L'Engle. It's funny... I've heard the story of Noah so many times, I could tell it in my sleep. To be honest, it had become more of a children's story than something applicable in my own life. I wasn't intentionally setting out to change that, but recent entertainment pursuits landed me with a fresh look on Noah.

I rented "Evan Almighty", because I liked "Bruce Almighty", and Steve Carell makes me laugh. King Pen wasn't all that enthused, because of the over the top humor. He likes something a little more subtle, which I can understand. But, sometimes you just need something easy, ya know? It was one of those nights I didn't wanna think too hard about my movie, I wanted to veg out. So we popped it in, and it was just the ticket. But in the midst of laughing over Evan's predicaments, I found something profound. Between the silliness of an evergrowing beard and sheep in the backseat, you can see that the death of pride is the beginning of obedience. Evan was utterly, completely, humiliated before his peers, which made for lots of good jokes, but it made you feel bad for the guy. He fought God's calling, and each time he refused, he only made it worse. And when he finally did succumb to God's plan, he was mocked even more. He was the laughing stock of the nation. Much, I'm sure, as the real Noah was. Surely Noah had to care a little bit about his ruined reputation. Surely the jeers of the people had to sting a bit. Evan's humiliation may have been exaggerated for comedic purposes, but Noah's was real, and I'm sure it was painful. His pride was an obstacle he had to overcome, in order to take up the hammer. He willingly faced the mockery of the world to follow God. He let go of his pride, and walked in obedience. And look what God did with that.

In a different vein, reading "Many Waters" was also enlightening. In this book, the twins accidentally stumble into one of their father's time experiments, and end up back in the days of Noah, right before the flood. It was intriguing. It is an adult (or rather, young adult) telling of the story, where Noah and his family are imperfect but trying, where the world is wicked, where angels and unicorns and mythical beasts all play a part, where fallen angels seek to deceive and distract. It was a bit grittier than the Sunday school lessons of the past, and I found myself thinking of it for days after I finished the last page.

So, the other day, when Czarina brought up Noah for some reason or another, I answered her questions with enthusiasm, with a passion that I have not felt for this story in many years, if ever. I was surprised to realize how enouraged I am now by Noah, by the lengths he was willing to go to obey God. This story for children, of cute little animals peeking out of the windows of the ark, of a happy rainbow painting the sky-- this story is for ME. When perilous waters rise around us, it is our obedience that keeps us safely floating in the waves, safely floating in God's will. Noah's obedience built the ark, and the ark was salvation from a watery grave. It was Pride and Disobedience that perished in the flood, and I will remember that when I see the sign of the rainbow in the sky. I will remember the faithfulness of Noah, and I will be encouraged by it.

Anyway, just a few thoughts there I wanted to share. Not sure if that all came together the way I intended, but maybe I'll come back to it later. For now, the Matrix is on, and I can't ignore it any longer! Must watch.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:35 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 24, 2007

Lovely to Be

H O M E !!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:04 PM | TrackBack

November 21, 2007

C. S. Lewis says...

"Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all
entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket -- safe, dark, motionless, airless -- it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.
To love is to be vulnerable."

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:06 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 19, 2007

Oh, WonderGirl, Where Art Thou?

At my folks house after a very hectic couple of days. We got about an hour and a half into our trip Friday, and our transmission EX PLO DED.

What followed is something I'd rather not re-live. Stranded on the side of the road with four kids, in the cold, waiting on a tow truck. More than one of us had to make a potty visit to the woods. Then, a night in a hotel with a 7, 4, and 2 year old, and an 8 month old. And yes, somebody slept in the bathtub, but I won't say who. Okay, not that bad. The playpen in the bathroom, but still. The kids thought it was a grand adventure, which is a much better perspective than the panicky, what-on-God's-green-earth-are-we-gonna-do state that King Pen and I were in.

Ya know when it all hits the fan? Yeah, that's where we were. But we managed. Fortunately, we were able to rent a minivan the next morning, reschedule our meeting in Alexandria, and get on the road.

So, the job is nailed down now. He'll start Feb. 1st, which means we will not move until after Christmas. That'll be much easier than our original plan to move over the holidays, so I'm glad for it. This way we can decorate a tree and all that. Assuming that we can talk our landlord into letting us stay the extra month, because our lease actually expires Dec. 31st. We'll see.

Don't know the status of the van yet, but we're predicting doom. The transmission is a goner. Which means, sadly, so is our Christmas budget. Not that there was much of a budget to begin with, but what was there is definitely gone now. That's a bummer, but there's no sense in dwelling on it. C'est le vie.

Anyway, just wanted to give an update. I'm here with WonderMom, planning the Thanksgiving menu and just enjoying the pleasures of home. I'll blog off and on this week, but for the most part, consider me on vacation. I'm clocked out, y'all!! Literally, and figuratively.

Have a loverly day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:11 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

November 16, 2007

I Will Not Cry

Dear Family:

When you see my beautiful, red minivan pulling into your driveway this Thanksgiving holiday, rush forward and GIVE ME A HUG. Because you have no idea what suitcase packin' day is like.

Love,
WonderGirl

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

When Others Struggle

I only have a few minutes today, there is SO much to do. We're getting ready for another marathon trip- and that involves megapacking. On Saturday, we are meeting AGAIN with the future employer to nail down the specifics and hopefully get everything in writing so we can move forward with this move. Then, I'm spending a week with the kids at my parents house. So it's a busy day today.

But before I get to all that, I wanted to blog. My internet connection was spotty yesterday, so when I got up this morning and it worked, I had a lot of catching up to do. I love reading my favorite blogs as the kids eat breakfast and I drink my coffee. It's like my morning paper and a chat with friends all rolled into one. Most of the time, the news is funny and informative. Even the daily routines of other people cheer me. But sometimes, it's not a good day for news. Sometimes, the news is enough to break your heart.

It seems that so many of my friends and family are struggling financially right now. I can feel the full weight of that anxiety, that depression, that desperate desire to trust God but not knowing how to do that in the face of such grim circumstances. Been there, done that. Or rather, AM there, DOING that. So I get it, I really, really do. And I wish more than anything that I could help. When I read about a friend skipping meals so her children have more to eat, nothing in the world would bring me more joy than to write out a check RIGHT this instant, and be the means that God uses to provide for this week. Another friend, whose husband is out of work and is trying, trying to trust God but struggling... oh how I wish I could reach out and hug her. To see these troubles, and to really "get" it, but be helpless to aid them, it's heartbreaking.

Financial worries I understand, but when it crosses into health issues, well, it certainly puts things in perspective. I read a post from a fellow blogger this morning about her husband's cancer, and how they are looking into hospices now... oh, God. I pray for comfort and peace for them... I don't even know WHAT to pray. Saying goodbye to your lifelong love, oh my heart. That hurts.

I've told them all I'll be praying for them, and I really mean it. I will be. I hope that means something to them, that it lets them know they are cared for, that they're not alone. I hope they know it means they are remembered, their problems matter, and that their names are whispered into the Almighty's ear every day.

One day, maybe I'll be able to do more. That's my prayer, that one day God will allow us to be tools in other people's lives. That He'll give us the blessing and honor of being in a position to make a monetary difference. What a joy that would be! But I am no less content with being the one to hug, because that is a calling as well.

Anyway... those are my thought today. I realize they were a bit blue, but it is what it is. Remember those who are suffering around you today. Pray that God opens your eyes to the needs of others. Minister to those He leads in your path, even if it means just offering up prayers, and pointing back to Him. Encourage one another, lift each other up...

Okay, I'll stop before this turns into Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Have a wonderful weekend, everybody. I'll be back on Monday.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:30 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

November 14, 2007

Giddyap

Guess who's walking, y'all?

He turned 8 months on November 3rd. I do believe I'm in for quite a ride with this little cowboy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:12 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

November 13, 2007

Definition Addiction

Oh, you will hate me for introducing you to this... or maybe not, since it helps feed the hungry! (Except your hungry children, who are waiting for lunch while you play word games--- you bad mama.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:19 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

Reading Rainbow

I made a mad dash to the library Sunday afternoon twenty minutes before it closed. I went to the children's section, literally sweeping the display books by the armful into my bag. Then, I grabbed stacks and stacks of primary reader books- I was determined that Czarina would NOT run out of them this week. And for myself, I got the 4th Wrinkle In Time book, and two other books just because I liked the cover. (Yes, I am that shallow!) I sped to the checkout counter, a little out of breath, with library card in hand. I waited rather sheepishly as the librarian scanned my bajillion books. I felt a little greedy with all the books I had, but with four kids, it takes a lot to get us through the a whole week! I really need a wagon to tote them all around.

Anyway, as I was leaving, I was reminded again what a blessing the library is in my life. I would be a different person if it wasn't for this institution! Growing up, we certainly didn't have money to buy books. And without books... well, how much thinking would I have missed? How many character lessons would have passed me by? How many stories of bravery and loyalty and patience and a thousand other virtues would have never imprinted themselves on my little heart? How well would I have learned to see and empathize from different perspectives? Would ballet, physics, Chinese history, beekeeping, timetravel, sailing, forensics- would any of those things piqued my curiosity outside the framework of storytelling? How much of my natural optimism comes from the thousand happy endings I've read?

So much of who I am was formed in those moments I spent curled up with a book.

So that's why I make my mad dashes to the library. It's why we pile up on HeroBoy's bed, all those warm pajama'd little bodies pressed in so tightly that I can barely see the words to read. For those few minutes, we slip into the world of Miss Spider's New Car, Traction Man, and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. They laugh at the voices I do, and giggle at the silliness of a dog on a flying couch, they jump when I do the scary parts, they say "awwwww" during the adorable bits. They are as swept into the world of books as I have always been... and once again, the library changes a generation.

Books don't guarantee anything... literacy isn't a promise for a trouble-free life. But it is soil to grow amazing things. It is a rich, fertile garden, where little seeds can sprout into giant oaks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:56 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 12, 2007

Our Most Desperate Hour

So, anybody else have a kinda blah day?

Help me, Tuesday. You're our only hope!

-sigh-

Boredom is not good for WonderGirl.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:34 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Etsy WonderLand

I do so love Etsy. It's an instant pick-me-up, like a cup of hot cocoa. All those cutesie, cozy creations... they warm my heart!

I mean, look at these- how can you not smile?

I want those little critters to come live with me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:08 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Words Float By

Today's thought cloud... (thanks for the reminder, Dolly)

Strangely, it's almost identical to the one I did last year. What's up with that? Am I being repetitive or something?

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:59 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

November 11, 2007

Bleck! No More!

Okay, I can NO LONGER have this Halloween candy in my house. I'm chunking it all, I mean it, first thing tomorrow morning.

(Never mind that I already ate all the good stuff out of it.)

So, who's with me? Today, right? No more junky food, no more putting off the cardio until tomorrow? Let's go!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 10, 2007

SHH!

My kids got NO respect for Saturday morning. -sigh-

I remember Saturdays when I was a kid. Friday night, my mom had breakfast bowls and cereal boxes on the table for the next morning. We kids would wake up at an indecent hour to watch our lineup, and tend to ourselves for the morning. We got our own breakfast, and settled our own disputes. We knew better than to break the cardinal rule: Do NOT wake up the parents. Not because so-and-so took your seat, or it was YOUR turn to pick the cartoon, or because you want to know if you can have that 4th bowl of Captain Crunch. And heaven help you if you intruded upon their slumbering sanctuary over the cereal prize. Heads. Would. Roll. You better be bleeding and needing stitches if you dared to break that sacred silence in the back of the house. Nothing short of an ER visit could justify poking your head in that dark, fan-whirring sleepfest.

And oooooh, do I get that now.

Right now, King Pen and I take turns on whose Saturday it is to sleep in, although I do it less in general. He has to get up earlier every day for the work week, so I don't mind letting him sneak in a few extra hours.

Hohum.

You better believe I'm counting down the days till my kids are old enough to handle a morning on their own, though. Oh, sweet, sweet day.

Okay, I'm off for more coffee. At this point, if you can't beat 'em... join 'em.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:52 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 9, 2007

Last Confession of the Week

I think I may be abusing the comfort and convenience of yoga pants.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:11 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

November 8, 2007

All is Flux

One thing I noticed after having four children is an increased tolerance for kids. Yeah, yeah, don't be a smartypants. What I mean is, for extra kids. It is a rare day when I don't have a few extra knuckleheads running around my house. It just doesn't seem to phase me anymore! As a matter of fact, I'm happy to have them here because then my children are occupied, and I can keep my eyes on 'em at the same time. Everybody knows that at 5:30, it's time to go home, and there's no fuss over it. They know they'll be welcome back tomorrow.

This is not a skill I was born with. Seriously. The idea of being in charge of half a dozen children at one time was slightly horrifying. I babysat a lot as a teenager, but that was for money. When you're sixteen and convinced that social extinction awaits the unfashionable- yeah, you'll put up with a lot to get those Guess jeans. But it was never my "calling". It was more a matter of necessity than anything else. I'm not even sure I liked kids back then.

Gee, that sounds bad.

Anyway. So, that's why this whole new, kid lovin' me is surprising.

I've changed.

Wha? Again? For some reason, it never fails - change always shocks me! I always think I'm done, I'm finally all of who I'll be in this life. And I never am! You'd think I'd get that by now.

I remember being in my early twenties, and feeling quite smug with myself, so sure that I had finally "arrived". I had it pretty well figured out. Well, imagine my surprise by my late twenties, when lo and behold, I had changed again! Turns out I had NOT learned everything there was to know at 21. I laughed fondly at that silly girl, quite smug AGAIN in my late-ish 20's, thinking, well, NOW I've got the goods on this whole thing called Life. I've got it pegged for sure.

But, no. Hello thirties! More experiences, more changing. Looking back (with wise eyes, no doubt- ha!) on my twenties, I see how far I've come. So now... what do I do? I think surely THESE are the years I will finally achieve Me-Dom!

*rolling eyes

I'll never learn. The thing is, you're never done. You never stop changing, you never get the "whole" picture... because we live life one chapter at a time. Who knows what and who I'll be when I get to the end! There are so many years ahead, so many changes waiting in those unturned pages.

But that's the fun of it, isn't it? Surprise endings are always the best.

Anyway, those are just some random thoughts on a Thursday night. Time for Leno... and a dip into the Halloween bucket.

G'night, ya'll. Sleep tight.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Needing

With Christmas coming up, I know I'm not the only one praying, very specifically, for some moolah. With four kids and a large extended family, this is a difficult time for us. So I break it down for God- just how much we need for bills, for gifts, and this time, for relocating. Ya know, in case He's not entirely sure. He's got an itemized list of WonderGirl's financial needs. The Winter 2007 Budget Proposal is presented daily, with hopeful, and oft times, desperate, fervency. I've even worked up a PowerPoint pitch, complete with graphs and colorful clipart.

But last night, it occured to me that I'm doing an awful lot of praying about material needs and not much about my spiritual. When is the last time I asked for wisdom? And kindess? Compassion? Discernment? Gentleness, contentment, humilty? How about a prayer to curb my tongue, to see the good in people, to love my enemies? To be encouraging, to be hospitable, to be productive? There are so many deficiencies in my spiritual condition, and these are things for which I need to daily approach the Lord - with fervency, desperation, and hope.

Material needs are important, and I do believe that God wants us to ask for those things. He cares about them and He will provide. But there is no doubt, He is more concerned with our hearts than our bank account.

Colossians 3:12-17 says:

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

I don't know if we will ever have an abundance of material things, though that would surely be nice. But truly, I am coming to care less for that, as God reveals the spiritual abundance to be found in Him, if we will only ask.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:45 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 7, 2007

Confession

Sometimes, I vacuum my kitchen table.

Does that make me a bad person?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:48 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack

Trixy Time (Updated)

When did two and a half get so big? Oh, lovie. Don't grow anymore, or you'll make your mama cry.

And now a few Halloween pix...

Continue reading "Trixy Time (Updated)"

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:18 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

November 6, 2007

In My Kitchen

"Bread is the warmest, kindest of all words. Write it always with a capital letter, like your own name."

Continue reading "In My Kitchen"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:53 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Case of the Missing Title

Fall has crept up in my backyard, and it's so pretty. I love the changing of the seasons in B'ham. Although, we have not relinquished Summer altogether-- it was so warm yesterday, I wore a tanktop! It felt all wrong, but it was honestly hot enough for it. Today is a bit cooler, though, so maybe we'll settle into Fall for good soon.

Let's see... what have I to say this morning? Not much, really. Sorry, guys. You came all this way for nothing! Nada. Zip. Zilch. Listen, I'll make it to ya, okay? Meet me here, in say.... three hours. I'll have something for you then, honestly. Something brilliant. Witty. Relevant. On the house, mkay?

How about a picture of a cat before I go? Would that make you feel better? This one amuses me:

Now, see? Better already.

Okay, see you in few... careful out there. Don't forget your kitty.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:54 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 5, 2007

A Wind in the Door

I just finished the sequel to A Wrinkle in Time (M. L'Engle), and the ending of this book was so beautiful, I nearly cried. The metaphor for repentance is so very obvious, I'm surprised that I didn't remember it even from way back when.

Meg and Calvin are trying to convince Sporos, a mischievous microscopic creature, that it's time to Deepen, time to fulfill his purpose in life. And he's rebelling against it because he thinks he knows better, he thinks he will be limited and trapped if he complies with his destiny. He is believing the lie of the Enemy. He doesn't know that it will mean his death if he doesn't Deepen. He doesn't know that joy and freedom beyond all measure await him if he'll just follow the course before him, if he'll just Deepen. Liberty, not imprisonment, waits for him in obedience, but he cannot see it.

Oh, Sporos. Blind, decieved little creature. When we turn away from our central purpose in life, when we scorn our Creator and His design for us, we walk a path to destruction. We believe a lie, that we don't need God, that we will find greater happiness within ourselves. We reject God, and embrace Death. We have a million reasons, a thousand justifications... we blanket ourselves in thick layers of lies, of defiance, so that our ears can't hear the Truth. We muffle out the call for repentance, we silence the summoning of the Spirit. All for the love of our flesh. But if we serve our flesh, we die by it... forfeiting the spiritual life that exists beyond the here and now. We trade in an eternity of joyful feasting and celebrating, for a few mere moments of empty pleasure and gratification. Because we seek after our own hearts, we will perish, and we will extinguish the glory God had planned for us forever.

The Enemy does not rest, he beckons and tempts and lies without ceasing. He distracts and discourages and distorts. He knows you, knows your weaknesses, and he tailors his strategy just for you. Refuse him, deny him! He holds death in his hand, wrapped up prettily, waiting for you to take it for your own. Leave him holding his own condemnation, and instead, seize the salvation God has for you. Embrace that to which you are called.

Calvin beseeches the imperiled creature, "Deepen, Sporos, that is where your reality lies. That is how you will find your place, and how you will find your true center." It is not only Sporos who needs these words.

**

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

This is our purpose, our reason for being, and in it we will find not only our salvation, but also our greatest joy... our Deepening.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

I Just Gotta Know

Continue reading "I Just Gotta Know"

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:22 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

November 4, 2007

I Took My Hair to the Movies

Okay, so I'm on Day 15 of No Shampoo, and I have to say, it looks kind of fabulous. No, seriously. I had a rough few days this week, when the back was balancing out, and I was really rethinking this whole hairbrained idea! (OH PUNNY ME!!) But now, well. Lemme tell you. It's pretty rock'n! It's thicker, shinier, lusher. Maybe a bit coarser, but I could use some conditioner if I had to. It's definitely healthier looking, and holds a style really well. Here's a picture I got King Pen to snap of the back of it:

This hair deserved a night on the town. So, Friday night, I met Dolly and Sarah (no link, because she doesn't blog, HINT, HINT!) for a coffee catch-up. Afterwards, it was still early, and my hair just wasn't ready to call it a night. I was inclined to agree. King Pen had kid duty, so I whisked my hair off to the dollar theater just for the heck of it. We got there with time to kill, so I took some random shots. If anyone thought I was weird for taking pictures all by my lonesome, they were quickly distracted by my gorgeomous hair and didn't say a word.

Check out the boots. How could I NOT take a picture?

Not a bad movie for a buck:

I tried to win Spongebob with the claw game and lost. He didn't take it well:

Yes, I spread napkins out on my seat. Wouldn't you?:

Movie ticket: $1. Fountain drink: $18.50:

Me, at a girl movie, missing WonderMom and the WonderSisters:

So that was that.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:38 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

For Grandpa

Go Saints!

With a cheering section like that, how could they lose?

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:18 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

November 2, 2007

The Weekly Wrap-Up

Friday, thank the stars!! It's been a doozy of a week. Having a huge kid holiday in the middle of the week can really throw things off kilter. I'm looking forward to a nice, mellow weekend, starting off with a Girl's Coffee Night tonight, with Dolly and Sarah. Yay!

How about a hair update? Or, how about not. You may not want one this week- it's been a rough couple of days. I'm on Day 12 of the No Shampoo Experiment. The front of my hair is balancing out, but the back was really heavy and oily this week. Gross. I tried not to put it into a ponytail too much, because I felt like it needed the fresh air. Ew! It's much more manageable if I blow dry it and straighten it. It's still also quite cumbersome to wash. It's hard to get my fingers through it when it's wet, but I wash it once, sometimes twice a day. Anyway, I had a moment yesterday when I absolutely LONGED for some shampoo in my hair... but I didn't do it. I perservered. It smells okay. It's an indefinable scent, I guess it's more "animal" than normal. More like fur. That sounds just lovely, doesn't it? Not like stinky wet dog... but like a soft, rabbity fuzzy smell. Yes, I promise a picture... I'll get King Pen to take one of me tonight before I leave for the Coffee Night. Maybe some dangly earrings will distract you from the questionable 'do!

Moving right along... I had a bit of a breakdown yesterday. Nothing huge, just a normal, run of the mill, "I've-got-four-kids-and-am-I-doing-anything-right?" meltdown. They usually come up on me when the house gets unorganized, and I start to feel overwhelmed by the big picture. I am also battling a cold, and feel worn down physically. I think with moving on the horizon and the holidays and all that, it just all got to me. I have guilt issues, silly ones, and it's a constant struggle to sift the good, healthy urgings of my conscience from the negative, unhelpful guilt that comes from ridiculous expectations of myself. But this is a whole blog post in itself! I'll save that one. Anyway, a good cry followed up with some reassurance and a hug from my husband went a long way to fixing it. I feel much better today. Much more in perspective.

Anyway, I'm off for a little while. We're going to the library this morning, so that means I've got to get out of my pjs at some point.

Happy Friday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Mr. Thumbkins

Ow! I slept on my thumb weird. How is that even possible?

That's not all I'll blog, but I have a bottle to give now. (If I can figure out how to do it with a now non-opposable thumb.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:00 AM | TrackBack