Scott & Catherine

Hayes

2011-06-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

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Mary, Mary Quite Contrary...

2010-05-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

...how does your garden grow?
It's planting season in my household...My husband never gets excited about housework, but just ask him about our basil plant and he'll light up! He loves our little herb garden more than I do...This year he's planted rosemary, leeks, basil and mint! It's actually quite convenient and cost-effective to have plenty of herbs at my disposal--I highly recommend it to friends. I wish I had a green thumb to plant tomatoes and garlic so I could make bruchetta in a heartbeat but I don't trust myself with anything live! My husband's in charge of everything outdoors...one of the reasons I love the spring/summer seasons so much is that I get to put my husband to work--mowing the lawn, gardening, grilling dinner! It's quite the turn on to see Jeff being so industrious!

Happiness = Being an Aunt

2010-05-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

You know you love being an aunt when...
Your niece asks you to take her to the "potty" and it's the highlight of your night.
You've got a mean headache but you can't stop twirling your toddler niece because she wants to dance!
You've got adult company to talk to...but you really just want to give the teddy bears tea.

I'm blessed to have the two sweetest nieces in the world (and the most darling baby nephew) and they're the loves of my life. One of my nieces kept calling me her "big sister" tonight...I reminded her that I'm her aunt (even though I may be young enough to be her sister...ha!) and what a glorious role I get to play in her life! I think being an aunt is kind of like being a grandparent. You get to lavish the little ones with love and enjoy a special bond with them...without any disciplinary demands of parenthood! I LOVE IT! On this Mother's Day weekend I'm especially thankful for my sisters-in-law who are raising the most delightful young ladies I know. And I will be calling on them quite frequently in the future to factor in some critical quality aunt-niece time. I think American Girl is calling my name...what do you say, girls?

28 years and counting...

2010-04-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU to all my friends & family who blessed my b-day with off-key singing, treats, a flood of emails & Facebook posts, and your sweet, smiling faces! I've been celebrating all week. My husband insists I'm not the Queen of All Things but you could've fooled me! :)
My mother-in-law dished up the most delicious scallops & sauteed mushrooms dinner that defies anything you could order at Jonah's...my most delightful writer's group graced me with the best melt-in-your-mouth molten chocolate mini cakes and a much-needed Starbucks card...my fabulous co-host, Scott Wheeler, blessed me with a pedometer so I can track my mileage and my own pint of pink bubble-gum ice cream!...but my husband would claim he made the biggest sacrifice of all--sitting through an entire Amy Grant concert. Truth be told, I think he snoozed through half of it...but it was one of the highlights of my life!
I'm so grateful for good friends and family...in Ms. Amy's words, "The best is yet to be..."

The Best 30 Seconds of My Life...

2010-04-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

If a mack truck slammed into me tonight, I'd die a happy girl.
When Amy Grant hula-hooped onstage into her sound check this afternoon (YES--HULA HOOPED!), about a hundred or so "Grant-heads" (as she affectionately calls her fans) leaped to their feet to cheer on this rockin', middle-aged mama who out-sings and out-gives just about every woman on the planet. Not wearing a stitch of make-up, nearing 50 and looking so stinkin' cute, you just want to throw your arms around her, Amy Grant graciously took pictures and signed autographs for her fans. (Yeah, I know I look like a corpse with this awful flash photography but isn't Amy darling)?
Amy's got this gift of making you feel like the only person in the room. She's fully present and engaged. Her tour manager made it clear she was in a rush to go but she signed "Happy Birthday, Catherine!" on my book and I told her I didn't fear aging as much because she aged so beautifully. She said, "Catherine, it's an honor to hear you say that because that's exactly how I felt about my great grandmother, Mimi. She removed the fear of aging for me. I really believe the best is yet to be." We chatted about music and life a little...her manager was just rolling his eyes, wanting to get her going. But she was awfully sweet and ever gracious. And I was so grateful. Her concert was incredible. Even Jeff thought it was pretty good and was surprised by her humor and grace. The video is taking forever to post so I'll get to it later tomorrow.

The perfect little man

2010-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Max will be the world's best husband someday.
"Can I sweep the kitchen floor?" he asked after dinner (when he finished his second helping of green beans instead of chicken). Sure! "I want to cook for my wife when I grow up," he tells me. "I told my teacher you do all the cooking and cleaning. And you work, too." Jeff protested, "I help!" Max said, "No, you just lie on the couch." He knows it! Such a sweet boy...I ran three miles today and did aerobics for an hour at the gym. I bemoaned that I'm out of shape and not fitting in my summer attire. Max says, "I think you're in shape!" Oh goodness. I'm helping to raise the perfect little man.

Before dinner we took a trip to the Build-a-Bear workshop at Northwoods Mall. Delaney had some b-day money to burn through and all she wanted to do was stuff, stitch and dress a build-a-bear. Cute place. Way over-priced. It was between that or mini fish-like frogs they sell at Hallmark. I'm so grateful she chose a stuffed animal over those little amphibians.
They wanted to sing her Happy Birthday when we walked in but she said, "No--PLEASE DON'T!" They were pretty persistent but she's a girl who knows what she wants.

A night of firsts

2010-03-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

"Will you sign my shoe?"
Come again?
"My shoe. Can you sign your name here?"
Well, that's a first. I felt like a rock star, ruining Matt's Converse high tops!
It was also my first time going to Winter Jam, the only place on earth you'll find over 9,000 screaming teens belting out lyrics to the the latest Christian songs. I'm still deaf--but the Newsboys made a new fan outta me. What do you think the odds are that Michael Tait would hire me to be his gopher? I'm submitting my resume this morning. I will fetch his water, make him the best coffee ever, and empty his trash cans. The highlight of the concert for me was hands-down Michael belting out "Shine" followed by "Play That Funky Music!"
Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by the 91.5 WCIC booth to chat with me and Scott. You made our night with your encouraging words, hugs, and some of you had some off-the-wall things to say, too--and that's ok, we still love you!
It's one of those nights where I feel blessed to have such an awesome job! Rock on, everyone!

Go Bobcats!

2010-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's with great pride & joy that 91.5 WCIC has officially adopted Charter Oak Primary School (home of the Bobcats) in Peoria's District 150!
We're just bubbling with excitement to get to know all of the 350+ kids and support staff. Our goal is simply to bless the kids in any way the principal and teachers see fit. We'd also like to create mentoring relationships for kids who'd like a little extra guidance.
The reality is that despite being slammed in the news for dwindling funds, pink slips, etc... District 150 has a lot of great stuff going on and we want to cheer on the teachers and students who are making a positive difference in the community! Instead of playing the blame game, we need to roll up our sleeves and invest in these incredible kids to give 'em a little hope.

In the kitchen...

2010-03-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Who knew the girl could peel potatoes? I don't give the kids enough credit. With some direction and a little incentive (I told Laney if she helped me cook & clean I'd take her to "Diary of a Wimpy Kid"), we made ham & potato soup in 45 minutes flat. Pretty good! I was hoping we could say good-bye to soup weather for a couple of seasons but with the mix of rain/sleet/snow we got this weekend, I was in the mood for comfort food. A couple of friends asked for the recipe since it's one of the few my entire family can agree on, so here it is.
I tweaked it to my liking from one I saw in a book:
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 and 3/4 cup diced cooked ham
4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Combine the ham, onions and potatoes in water and boil about 15 minutes or until tender in a stockpot. Then add bouillon and salt and pepper. Meanwhile in another saucepan, melt the butter and slowly add all the flour...then all the milk to create a rue--stir about 5 minutes to get the lumps out. Add the rue to the stockpot. Cook soup until heated through and serve!

From All My Girls...to All My Sons

2010-03-13T21:23:00.001-08:00

"There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."--Madeleine Albright (thanks to my friend, Jada, who shared this brilliant quote)
Sharing heart to hearts with ladies at the "Hearts at Home" conference pumped a thousand endorphins in this little brain of mine. There's something incredibly powerful about women banding together in support of one another, swapping stories & hugs, shedding tears, and loving the Lord together. Thank you, ladies, for stopping by the 91.5 WCIC booth to chat. I loved meeting each and every one of you...and especially you adoptive moms. Thanks for inviting me on your play dates. I can't wait to join the club!
Tonight the fun continued at the Peoria Players Theater where my husband and bonus son made their theatrical debut. My heart swelled with pride watching Jeff & Max perform in "All My Sons." (Forgive Jeff's corpse-like look...the stage makeup startles me every time)! I was thankful Jeff was cast for the part that DID NOT involve kissing another woman. A cat-fight could've broken out. I don't care if it's just acting. No one's touching my husband but me.
I'm blown away by Jeff's talent every time I see him onstage. At first I was nervous that the time investment involved in acting would hurt our marriage, being apart so much. But I've discovered that some time apart actually keeps the honeymoon from ending! I love that he has passions in life that don't involve me.
I hope your weekend was as fun and fulfilling as mine has been! Happy Spring forward day...

When I'm in Charge...

2010-03-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

I'm the kind of girl who considers french fries a vegetable and popcorn a health food.
My husband is scared. Very scared. Before he dropped the kids off with me to go to his rehearsal, he gave me very specific instructions:
1. Read Bible devotions to the kids at 8:30
2. Pray afterwards
3. Have them read in their rooms for quiet time but lights out at 9 for Max, 9:30 for Laney.
Of course, I participate in this family ritual every night we've got the kids...but Jeff knows when the cat's away, the mice come out to play...
As he walked down the porch stairs, Max gave me a sly look and cuddled up to me saying, "You're the best!" Delaney exclaimed, "Yeah, people think you're sooooooo pretty! Can we watch a movie?" Max chimes in, "And eat popcorn, too?" Any parent in their right mind could see through these kids. But ok, I thought, I'll bite. So I popped in a movie. And popped some popcorn. And ok, maybe I snuck in some soda, too. I got so wrapped up in the movie, I lost track of time...until Delaney screamed, "DADDY'S HOME!!!" Within seconds, the kids flew up the stairs. And Jeff stepped in the door with popcorn on the floor and kid blankets everywhere. Uh-oh.
Oh, well. I think it's ok to have fun with the kids sometimes and break some rules. But of course, as Jeff pointed out, that comes with a double-edged sword. The kids don't respect my authority very much...and it's hard for me to follow through on discipline.
I think being a stepmom is a double-edged sword in itself. You're constantly fighting the stereotype of the "evil stepmom" (thanks, Disney!) and you're not a parental figure 100% of the time. The inherent trust of a bona fide parent just isn't there.
So I just try to do my best and pray about the rest...and have my husband pick up the pieces. That's what he's for, right? :)

Running the Race

2010-03-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today I made the first step out of my comfort zone and into Shoe Carnival. I know my stuff when it comes to heels. But with running shoes? I'm clueless. So I called on a dear friend (Jada, I love you!) to help me decode some sneaker lingo. I turned in my 2006 Nike's to "Ms. All-Weather Marathon Runner" and she examined the anatomy of my shoes to point me to a pair best suited for my soles. I left the store laced up with my new lavender Asics. I was so psyched, I even hopped over to a nearby clothing store and bought myself a running outfit! Shhhh...don't tell my husband!
I can't wait to start training for the Steamboat Classic this summer. I realize in the grand scheme of life, this may not be a big deal to you. But for a slug like me, it's a lot to commit to training for a 4K race. I'm excited to challenge my body in a new way, make new friends, and whiz through scenic routes throughout the River City. Now if only spring will get here...

Building the Wall

2010-03-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

As I brace myself to enter an insanely busy season of life, I'm letting my mind reflect on the ancient ruins I so loved to explore in Italy. It's a great reminder that "This too shall pass"... Fast forward seven months and I still can't escape the graven images of the burial tunnels and buildings in my mind. The corpses that lay in the catacombs were real people who loved, laughed and worked hard. Were they aware of the legacy they'd leave? What would they think of folks flocking from around the world to see their skeletal remains? And ooohhh, the buildings and bridges...did the laborers who broke skin and sweat blood enjoy the fruits of their labor? They left a legacy of beauty that outlasted their seventy-or-so years on earth.
I don't know about you, but my greatest desire is to leave a legacy that far outlasts me. Last week I met the neatest ladies who traveled from Nashville to Normal to share their hearts on orphan care. One lady said the Lord kept prompting her to read the book of Nehemiah. He returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the destroyed city walls and enlisted the help of many at the Lord's command. It was too huge a task for any one person to bear. "What's gonna be your part in building the wall for 'the least of these'?" she asked. Everyone has a brick to lay. And they all look different. They come in an array of colors. But everyone has a part to play to help the fatherless.
That's where my heart is now...
So in the midst of my crazy busy schedule...and the crazy red tape & expense that I've got to cut through to cross the finish line of a call pressed on my heart...I'm reminded in the quiet moments between me and the Lord that "This too shall pass"... and a hundred years from now when my bones are buried in the ground, hopefully I've left a legacy that far outlasts the here and now.

Tween Fashion

2010-02-23T06:17:00.001-08:00

"Look at me!" squealed Delaney. As she twirled and sashayed towards me, I caught the price tag in my right palm. Thirty-nine ninety-nine? It's just a wisp of a thing. Not to mention the crazy expensive designer jeans--FOR A TEN-YEAR-OLD! "Puh-leeeeze?" she asked. "I've been gooood!" I can't believe this is the same little girl who made fun of me for liking nice things...She inherited her father's mantra that "used but not abused is just as good as new." But now she's changing her tune. She's just shy of eleven but I'd say she's officially a tween-a-donna.
I took her shopping yesterday...I'm playing "single parent" some nights as Jeff and Max rehearse their play daily since it premiers in mid-March. I like to call it rehearsal hell. It's a logistical nightmare trying to work out Max's schedule since he lives part time in another city. I don't know how on earth we'll pull this one off. Lots of prayer, that's for sure!

Friends + Fondue = FUN

2010-02-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

I find that I'm only as interesting as the company I keep. I'm so energized every time I meet a woman whose light shines a little brighter than mine in hopes that she reflects her rays on me in some fashion...I'm pretty fortunate to have made some pretty special friends in the past couple of years.
My soul exhaled a deep ahhh-men after spending the evening with some of them on Saturday night. While our guys enjoyed male bonding over game night at the church, we gals got together to chat it up with some chocolate fondue. Why on earth don't we do this more often? Amid the clamor of the daily grind and investing in our loved ones, it can feel hard to justify a girl's night out sometimes...but this weekend I realized I've just got to get together with the girls more often. It's like H2O for my soul.

Connecting Hearts Adoption Conference

2010-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

If you've got a special place tucked away in your heart to give a child a "forever home," I'd love for you to join me at the "Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten" conference in Normal, IL. It's happening this Saturday from 9am-12:30pm and it's not too late to register by sending an email to connectingheartsconference@yahoo.com. It's absolutely free but promises to offer you a wealth of great information.
When my husband and I were initially embarking on this adoption journey, we had no clue where to turn. If we hadn't connected with the "Open Hearts, Open Homes" ministry at Bethany Baptist Church, I'd still be on the fence of whether adopting is the wisest idea. It's scary. It's scary expensive, too! What's the best country to adopt from? The best agency to choose? Is it really God's idea? So many questions...so hard to know where to find the answers! Well, I'm willing to sacrifice a little sleep this weekend to find some answers to questions that've surfaced now that we're nearing the end of our home study.
And I simply cannot wait to connect with you! Thank you for joining me on this exciting adventure...

Committed

2010-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

"Marriage is those two thousand indistinguishable conversations, chatted over two thousand indistinguishable breakfasts, where intimacy turns like a slow wheel. How do you measure the worth of becoming that familiar to somebody?" --Committed, Elizabeth Gilbert
Jeff and I are in the midst of our second, most solid year of marriage. I love watching time pass on his face, I like the way he wrinkles his nose when he's silly and nicknames all the girls in his family...and I love how a thousand creative pistons fire off in his mind to string words together so beautifully in poetic form...and how he superimposes those words on a graphic so I can have a permanent visual reminder of his love for me. (What I not-so-love is how he slaps those poems on the backs of photo frames so no one sees them. He made me remove the beautiful poem he made for me...grrrrr).
We enjoyed each other at leisure in Chicago this weekend. If you trapped the two of us in a box all weekend, we could have a good time...but remind me not to plan a getaway for V-day weekend again! The hotel was so booked, they ran out of king and queen size beds. Nothing spells romance like two double-beds, right? And it didn't occur to my pea brain to make a dinner reservation until Friday...so we ended up having dinner with the early birds at 3:30! (Mind you, it was probably the best meal of my life, but still)...Nonetheless, we were love-struck by cupid and I've got a great restaurant recommendation if you need one.
Happy Belated V-Day, everyone!

Heart Healthy

2010-02-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

Seeing photos of myself circa 2007 made me realize I need to lose weight! So does my hunk of a hubby. Here's a tacky snapshot of our wedded blitz to Vegas...man what I would give to fit in that dress again! So tonight Jeff and I did what I never dreamed we'd do together: we blasted through Jillian Michaels' "30-Day Shred" DVD. Yes, she's that scary personal trainer from the Biggest Loser. We panted through butt kicks, ab crunches, jumping jacks...you name it! Nothing says romance like bicycle reps.
Jeff and I have committed to helping each other get healthy again. I'm on a slippery slope to letting myself go after marriage. Delaney reminded me the other day that I used to be "such a fancy person." WHAT HAPPENED?! I got too comfy, that's what! I hooked my man and I've got a great job that doesn't show my face. To some degree it's been healthy to shift my focus away from my appearance but I don't want my husband and kids to have a slob for a wife and mom.
I'm gonna make more of an effort to look a littler nicer and get my husband in heart-healthy shape...but first I need to treat myself to some cornbread and cookies after my turbo workout!

M.O.D. Squad

2010-02-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a M.O.D. Squad member and proud of it!
For those not in the know, M.O.D. stands for "Marie Osmond Dolls." I've been high on dolls since I was a little girl. My mom idolized Marie Osmond and often had her eyes glued to QVC, so when Marie launched a line of collectible fine porcelain dolls in 1991, my mom happily hooked me on the habit of doll collecting.
But my dolls from childhood have been tucked away in storage in Hawaii for many years...until now. My stepfather apparently wants to clear his storage space, so every day for the past few days he's been steadily sending dolls my way. Jeff is appalled. Delaney & I are delighted. I've been placing them in all corners of my home to my husband's horror. I better be careful. He threatened to sell them on eBay! No Way!

Books to curl up with...

2010-01-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

It's one of those God things.
I made a random call to thank a listener for supporting 91.5 WCIC when I happened to connect with a published Christian author who was looking for someone to join her writer's group.
Without giving it much thought, I accepted her invitation. A group of us gals met for coffee the other day and for the first time in a long time, I felt energized to share my real thoughts and heart in written form. Now I've got the safety net and expertise of a group of women I can trust to inspire me along this journey...
In the meantime, I've got to share a book that whet my appetite for good fiction. I burned my broccoli-cheese soup last night because I was so engrossed in the page-turner, "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, the stories of three very different women (two of them black maids, one of them an aspiring white writer) are woven together in a tale that brings a fresh perspective to our country's racial divide.

Jeff & I are also reading through the book, "Love & War: Finding the Marriage You Dreamed Of" by John & Stasi Eldredge. A couple of nights a week, we take turns reading through chapters out loud together. When it comes to offering a real life snapshot of marriage, they nail it. Their stories provide a great springboard for intimate discussions on overcoming challenges inherent in most marriages...and Jeff & I look forward to reading through it during our quality time together.
I hope the cold of winter provides one good thing: a good excuse to curl up by the fire (or in my case, the space heater) with a good book!
Happy reading, everyone!

Max & Cheese

2010-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

On Max's 8th birthday, he coined a new phrase: Max & Cheese.
For his b-day dinner he shoveled heaps of Mac & Cheese onto his plate (both the homemade and Kraft versions) and suggested that we call it "Max & Cheese"in his honor. It's about the only thing he eats. Aside from chicken nuggets and strawberry jell-o, which my mother-in-law also provided in ample supply.
He LOVED it.
I should've asked for a side of Tums.
Happy Birthday, Max!!!

Food is a Family Affair

2010-01-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Gender roles are shifting in homes across the country as more and more women bring home the bacon. I loved hearing from our morning show listeners this week as we discussed how longstanding gender roles in the home are challenged with an increasing number of women out-earning their husbands. Jeff & I both work outside the home full-time but it's always been a tacit understanding between us that I'd do the bulk of the housework. Well, that's become a burden I no longer wanted to bear, so we both agreed to try to equalize our domestic responsibilities.

...And we also decided to include the children in the process! Taking a cue from the Jill & Jeremy Tracey, who decided to make dinner together as a family once a week, I thought it'd be a great idea to do the same with my family.
Every Sunday afternoon once we return from church and have lunch, we get to work on creating a family meal from scratch that we can save and enjoy together on Monday & Tuesday nights. This gives me a break from cooking and teaches the kids valuable skills--like how to make homemade meatballs, how chopping onions makes you cry, and how to use kitchen devices like the food chopper and blender.
As I looked at Max the other day, I thought, "I'm helping to raise a future husband." And that husband, I hope, will someday be a co-contributor in his own home!

Recipe for Compassion

2010-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

If you’re racking your brain with a way to respond to the devastation in Haiti, Compassion International suggests that you call together a prayer group. You can spend the night praying for Haiti and make one of the most traditional Haitian dishes, Soup Joumou, which they use to celebrate the new year.
This could also provide a unique way to raise some money for relief efforts. You can ask your friends to bring $5 or $10 in exchange for the meal, and send it to Compassion International or Convoy of Hope to deliver much-needed aid.
If you're interested, here's the recipe:

Soup Joumou (Pumpkin Soup)
4 cloves garlic
1 t thyme
¼ t black pepper
1 t salt
1 c sliced green onions
1 pound of stew meat
3 quarts water
1 whole scotch bonnet or habanero pepper
1 pound pumpkin (or winter squash such as butternut), peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium turnips, cubed
4 potatoes, cubed
1 pound cabbage, finely chopped
4 ounces vermicelli pasta (or any thin pasta), broken in half
2 limes, juiced
salt and pepper

Combine the first five ingredients in a large plastic bag. Add the stew meat and shake to coat the meat. Leave in the bag for an hour. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, and add the meat and chili pepper. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours. Remove the meat and set aside. Remove the pepper and discard.

Add the pumpkin and carrots, and cook covered until very tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and carrots in the broth, using an immersion blender. Or puree in a standard blender and pour back into the pot. (You may need to do this in several batches.) Add the meat back to the pot.

Add the celery, onion, turnips, and potato to the soup, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Thin the broth with as much water as needed—it should not be too thick. Add cabbage and cook 15 more minutes. Add the vermicelli and cook until it is tender. Thin again with water as needed. Stir in the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Like Father, Like Son

2010-01-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

The acting bug bit my husband a long time ago...but now he's passed it onto his son. Jeff and Max will be appearing together in the Peoria Players production, "All My Sons." Jeff auditioned over the weekend and was cast in the role he wanted...and when the director mentioned she was searching for a kid to play the part of a 10-year-old boy, Jeff volunteered Delaney, who's an absolute ham and convinced she missed her calling as a child star. But the director wanted to see Max. So Jeff brought him in for an audition tonight and he got the part! (To Delaney's dismay, might I add).
Tonight they were running lines together...pretty cute. I'm thrilled for them but I'm kind of nervous that I won't see either of them in the next couple of months. Delaney and I will be flying solo a few days a week while the boys craft their acting skills. This could be a dangerous thing! Jeff might come home one night and find the house painted pink.

Kids Say the Darndest Things...

2010-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

-"You're fasting from Facebook? I'm fasting from homework!" announced Delaney.
-"Daddy, why didn't you name me Darn-it? It goes better with Delaney. Darn-it & Delaney!" exclaimed Max.
-"Stop kissing. We get it. Your life is a love story. We don't need to see it," said Delaney.
-"Thanks for making me do laundry," sighed Delaney. "What about Golden Boy over there? What's HE doing?"
-"Catherine, for such a fancy person, you sure don't have a fancy life! I mean, look at your car," said Delaney.
-(I was teasing the kids and asked if they loved me). "Yeah, because you spoil us," said Max. "That's not the only reason, Max!" exclaimed Delaney. "But it's the main one!" he insisted.

The kids had me in stitches on Tuesday night. I love their honesty. It's a refreshing break from the duplicity that runs rampant in most adults. Our pastor delivered a thought-provoking sermon referencing the scandals of 2009. Tiger Woods. John Edwards. David Letterman.
In a culture where image is everything, as believers who know it truly means nothing. This week I've tried to re-examine my motives in everything I did and said. I've got lots of work to do.
I've also got two kids who keep me honest.

Top Ten Games

2010-01-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Just about every night, my family clears the dinner table and lays out a board game. We flip off all the electronic devices in our home to take time to connect and enjoy each other's company without the distractions of our digital age. The kids call their Daddy the "Game King" because he's always up for a board game--but he's suspect if they're not imported from Germany. "Rio Grande" games are his favorite...you won't catch him playing monopoly.
In the past year, I've gotten quite a few requests to recommend my favorite family games. So I thought I'd list them here if you'd like to check them out. Also as I type this, Delaney is peering over my shoulder, insisting that I pretty please post this picture of her in my robe. She wants a blog, too, she says. We'll see about that...

#1) Settlers of Catan (Jeff's all-time favorite)
#2) Dominion (Max votes for this one)
#3) Agricola (I enjoy this one...it involves farming)
#4) Bonanza (the bean game! Great party game)
#5) San Juan (Jeff & I play this all the time)
#6) Notre Dame (Delaney's vote)
#7) For Sale (the kids could play this one over and over)
#8) Princes of Florence (Jeff likes playing this w/his brothers)
#9) Elasund (a great two-player strategy game)
#10) Ticket to Ride (another kid vote)

Out with the Old...

2010-01-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Delaney wants to say, "Happy New Year" with her hug mug in hand and her stepmom lying on the couch in exhaustion...about two weeks late! I'm sorry for not updating my blog since returning from Hawaii. The cloud of depression is just starting to lift. (j/k...kinda)!
To kick off the new year I'm fasting from Facebook for three weeks and limiting my time on the Internet at home. (BTW, if this note pops up on my Facebook profile it's because my blog posts import to Facebook automatically--I promise I'm not cheating)! It's done my spirit and family good to reduce the noise of my virtual life.

I'm grateful to be out with the old and on with the new in more ways than one. We chucked the 1972 tree that Jeff treasured for many years. We compromised on keeping the ornaments.
This year my focus is self-care. For so long I've run my body into the ground by not exercising and gorging on sweets for short bursts of energy... and I've justified going to bed late to spend extra time with my husband (and paid for it in the morning)!
Now I'm blocking time in my schedule to workout at least once or twice a week and I've penciled time in my schedule to spend with the Lord instead of sneaking in my devotional readings whenever I have time to spare... I'm also trying to get to bed by 9:45 so that I can be a little more alert for the morning show. And (gasp) I'm delegating some chores to my husband and kids instead of doing it all on my own! I'm not doing myself or my family any favors by assuming burdens that aren't mine solely to bear.
A balanced life for my mind, body and spirit is the goal for 2010. I hope you're on par for a peaceful and balanced new year as well!

Half a Heart

2009-12-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

Would you pluck a fish out of the ocean and plop it on the sand, expecting it to grow legs to survive? That's how I feel. Like a plucked fish on land. I need to exchange my sea legs for snow boots.
I spoke to my sister when I got into Peoria...She urged me to call my grandfather ASAP. "He's been crying since your car pulled out," she says. "He's not sleeping, eating or going out with friends because he misses you." Why don't you just fillet my heart?
My brain's on autopilot: Make dinner, unpack, get the house in order for the kids, et cetera. I can't let it communicate with my heart much because I'll break down.
Half my heart is floating over the Pacific Ocean, broken in a gazillion pieces to latch onto each family member I love (my stepdad [who's more like my dad], mom, sister, brother, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins)...the other is here with Jeff. It's hard to function with just half a heart!

Ohana Christmas

2009-12-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

I spent Christmas Eve re-connecting with family I haven't seen in over a decade...and also connecting with family I've never met before. Lots of hugs...game playing...and spectacular food. My heart will always be torn in two, with a portion in the Midwest and the largest part here in Hawaii. The island of Oahu will always be my home. I have mixed feelings about abandoning my island heritage and my family to plant roots in Central Illinois. But someday I'll return to Hawaii for good with Jeff and my kids in tow--even if it takes a decade to return home!

Alas, here's a snapshot of the centerpiece my mom purchased for my dining room table. I don't know why she warned me about it beforehand and made it sound scary! Her goal is to class up my house. So she bought me a beautiful candle stand & salt-and-pepper shakers from William-Sonoma, along with a red table runner and kitchen towels. She (along with my stepdad and brother) also wants to buy us a new sofa but I asked her for bedroom furniture instead. I've been doing without a dresser and bed headboard for years...our bedroom looks like a dumping ground for Goodwill. So I'd like it to be a little nicer...

Since Jeff & I are getting furniture as our big gift, we just opened a few gifts and watched my family tear open presents--it was hilarious. My mom got two designer purses and squealed, "You can never have too many purses or shoes!" Oh goodness...this is where I get my purse fetish. Jeff and I stepped into the Kate Spade store along Waikiki and my palms got sweaty. I thought, ok it's between my purse habit or adopting a baby. I guess I'll take the baby.
I hope you're enjoying lots of time with family this Christmas season! I'm wishing you lots of love and aloha from my hometown. I'm praying for ice in Chicago so that our plane is delayed!

Hungry for Hawaii

2009-12-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

Snorkeling all day in Hanauma Bay made me hungry for Hawaii's soul food--poke. World renown chefs are adapting this island specialty as their own--chopped up pieces of raw fish marinated in spices and herbs...and often mixed with seaweed and other relish. Jeff's afraid I'll get mercury poisoning because I'm stuffing my face with this stuff for breakfast, lunch and dinner! It's hard to resist when I know I won't get it back in Peoria.

The cuisine in Hawaii makes me cry, I've missed it so much. Here's a sample menu of what I've eaten today: Breakfast: bagels with guava cream cheese and pass-o-guava juice (I had malasadas yesterday); Lunch: taco poke (raw octopus pieces marinated in hot spices and onions), spam & rice, and butter mochi; Dinner: Salmon poke (raw salmon marinated in an onion relish and soy sauce). Dessert: mochi marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce. The other night Jeff pleaded, "Could we please have chicken wings or something normal for a change?" Ahhhh....normal is such a relative term.

Holiday Lights Tour

2009-12-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

If you ever plan to spend the Christmas season on Oahu, you should go on an evening boat tour of Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Navy offers free, 30-minute boat tours during three days in December featuring Christmas music...The boats glide past submarines that are decked out in dazzling red and green lights. Jeff caught his first glimpse of the USS Arizona and wandered through the museum. Hawaii boasts an impressive fleet of submarines...I didn't even realize until last night how many the island had.

Of course, the big news on the island now is the impending arrival of President Obama. There's a no-fly zone stretching over a ten-mile radius of Kailua, so Jeff and I thought we'd head to Kailua Beach before Obama's scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Lord knows how many restrictions the Secret Service will impose when he arrives! Most presidents stay at Ford Island when they visit Hawaii...but Obama's a local and I'm sure he wants his kids to enjoy the beaches and hang-outs he did as a child. Maybe I'll bump into him at Leonard's when I grab my malasadas tomorrow! (If you're from Hawaii, you know what I'm talking about)...

Surf's Up!

2009-12-19T19:03:00.001-08:00

Every winter, the North Shore on Oahu serves up some of the most impressive ocean swells in the world. For a lot of residents on the island, this only means one thing: Surf's Up! This afternoon, Jeff and I sprawled out on Waimea Beach, mesmerized by those who were daring enough to ride the waves. The month of December can bring swells of 25 feet and higher. Jeff wasn't expert enough to even attempt to get on a board there...

But he did surf at Waikiki Beach! He rented a surf board for two hours...but he couldn't quite make it an hour without quitting. Did I mention we're both terribly out of shape? Once he caught a wave, he called it good.

Waikiki Beach is renown for being a tourist trap, but it's also the spot where surfing has its ancestral roots. The Hawaiian Kings surfed there...and it's also one of the best places for beginning surfers because the waves are so rolling and gentle.

Jeff can't get enough of the water...I can't get enough of the sun. He's trying to convince me to go deep sea diving. I think I'll stick to the land, thank you!

Do No Harm

2009-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm super geeked out on LOST--you know, the most brilliant TV show ever made?! I'm thrilled that the show is filmed on my island of Oahu. While Jeff is fast asleep--can you believe I still wake up at 4:45am Hawaii time?--I'm doing some serious research to find all the LOST locations I can on the island.

And I was psyched to discover that two Christmases ago, when my family took us to the Kahala Resort restaurant as a post-wedding celebration, the same spot where we snapped photos turned out to be the exact place where Jack's flashback wedding scene was filmed in the episode Do No Harm. They exchanged vows at this exact Koko Head gazebo Jeff and I are at!!! Is that the coolest?

And here's a snapshot of Jeff at the crash site of Oceanic Flight 815--Mokule'ia Beach. When my stepdad returned home from work last night, he told me that a patient of his (who works as a teacher at Waipahu High School) got to sit through a day of filming for the upcoming season of LOST. They apparently turned her classroom into a principal's office for the final season (her scene should appear in an episode airing in February). She said the guy who plays John Locke is incredibly nice and by far the sweetest of the actors. They all signed an autographed picture for her and she made a copy for me. I'm so thrilled. It will be proudly displayed on my desk at work!
Ok I'm signing off for now to wake up my husband. I can't take it any longer! I've got the island scoped out for cool photo ops!

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

I kid you not when I say we've got the tree Jeff grew up with as a child in our home. Even worse--it's decorated with the same ornaments Jeff grew up with, too! Please rescue me from the '70's tree. I'm having an ornament give-away--for those of you interested in angel doilies and Santa trolls, please email me. It's all yours! I'll even throw in the wooden Big Bird ornament, although my husband would probably argue it's an antique.
The day after Jeff's birthday we celebrated an early Christmas with Max and Laney. My life has been spinning at 150 mph ever since this weekend. I've got at least ten things a day to do to check off on my list.

It was definitely not wise of me to accept a freelance writing job on top of my daily work and family responsibilities! Tonight I conducted a phone interview while chopping onions for my bake potato soup after flying in the door from the bank, Wal-Mart, and Kroger. I don't remember the last time I was this busy...it's a little overwhelming to get everything done by Christmas, isn't it?
It's the only time of year I wish I was a man--no pressure to bake, wrap gifts beautifully, cook and clean, pick the perfect presents...the list goes on and on. Tonight I'm taking a nice long break to try to regain some peace to celebrate the true meaning of the season amid the madness!

365 Reasons Why...

2009-12-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

37 years ago my husband wailed into the world. I'm forever grateful that my in-laws met, made, and raised such an incredible man. No one makes my heart sing like Jeff does. No one makes me laugh harder or drives me crazier, either.
Jeff restores my faith in men every day. He's so good-hearted, faithful, and FUN!
The two little loves of his life concur. Max and Delaney decorated a can entitled "365 Reasons Why We Love You," and inside they wrote on several slips of paper reasons why they appreciate their dad, so when he's having a bad day he can pull out a slip of paper and get a little lift.

I was kind of surprised by some of the things they wrote:
"You don't let us eat junk food all the time like some dads do."
"You tuck us in at night and give good hugs and kisses."
"You take time to do devotions with us."
"You play games with us."
"You're funny and teach us magic tricks."
"You love the Lord and take us to church weekly."
And my personal favorite:
"You married Catherine." (And no, I did not make them write this)!
Happy Birthday, honey! You are well loved, admired and adored!

Snuggie vs. the Softie Wrap

2009-12-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

For months, I said I wouldn't be caught dead in a Snuggie. But when the temperature dipped to zero, so did my will-power. Yesterday, as the wind howled at 45 mph, I found myself wrapped in a sensation that's swept the nation. And of course, I had to bring it to work to show it off to my co-host! Scott ridiculed my blanket with sleeves. So I had him try it on. What do you think? Is Scott pretty in pink?

Unbeknownst to me, Scott's wife purchased him a Snuggie knockoff called the "Softie Wrap." He got to try on his early Christmas present this morning! See that grin on his face? He mocks it but I know he loves it!
Did you cave, too, and buy yourself one of these for Christmas? I can't wait to wear it on the airplane! Of course, at that point my husband might request a seat a few aisles down!

...Not even a mouse

2009-12-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas season I love to hear classics like "Breath of Heaven," a song told from Mary's perspective...and "Joseph's Lullaby," which offers a peek into Joseph's heart. But have you ever thought about the birth of Christ from the animal's perspectives as they watched history unfold in their stable? Over the weekend the kids performed in our church's annual Christmas program--this one entitled, "Not Even a Mouse."

It's a story of Sarah church mouse who learned about her ancestors, Hannah and Anna, and their trip to Bethlehem to witness the birth of the Messiah. Laney played one of the twin mice and Max played the part of the donkey. It was pretty cute...and I left the play meditating on 1 Cor. 1:28: He chose the lowly things of this world. Thank goodness He did!

Christmas Caroling

2009-12-07T03:57:00.000-08:00

For some, it's an ancient and honored tradition. For others, it's a lesson in public humiliation. (Just kidding). My mother-in-law had the best of intentions when she tried to round up the family to go Christmas caroling in her neighborhood. Delaney's been begging to go and she didn't want to disappoint her. All the guys refused to participate--even my husband, who just hours before entertained a thousand church go-ers in an Elf costume! Go figure...

In any case, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law led Max and Delaney in singing "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger" to some friends in the area...all of whom were pretty surprised when they opened their doors. No one wants to hear me sing, so I snapped photos instead!
My precious niece (who Jeff affectionately nicknamed "Beezus") kept belting out "Jingle Bells." She stole the show.
Have you gone Christmas caroling lately? I often think of it as a vanishing holiday tradition in this day and age.

J.Elf

2009-12-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

No, you're not delusional. You really are looking at a picture of Jeff in an Elf costume! He read announcements in church decked out in elf gear for comedic effect. Delaney's squeal when he walked out on stage was priceless. My family's overdosing on holiday cheer this weekend. As I write this I'm blasting Amy Grant's Christmas music while the kids are tangled in Christmas lights...they're decorating our little Charlie Brown tree and poking fun at ornaments from Christmases past.

This holiday season I'm especially grateful for the dear friends Jeff and I have made over the years. We spent all of Friday and Saturday night gift swapping, playing games, and enjoying the company of a close group of friends we've treasured over the past three years. These friendships have enriched our lives beyond measure...But I can't say the same thing about the gifts we get at our annual "Goodwill Swap." Jeff brought home two large, ceramic Chinese lions which he proudly displayed on our fireplace mantel...to my chagrin! Seriously, if anyone wants 'em, send me an email before I take them back to Goodwill! Happy Hot-Chocolate Sipping, everyone!

Teddy Bear Christmas

2009-12-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season of holiday parties, frantic shopping and Christmas programs galore. Jeff and I have one Christmas program down and three more to go to support the kids. Max and his classmates performed in a play called "Teddy Bear Christmas" on Tuesday. It was pretty cute and parents especially appreciated that it was short. Every play should have a 30 minute cap, you know what I'm saying? :) Max did a great job...

But of course his big sister, Delaney, egged him on by saying she thinks her play this Friday will be better than the one Max performed in. "I've got the lead role so I'm practically on stage the whole time," she explained. "And it's for a more mature audience." It took everything I had not to bust out laughing...Someone's gotta bring that drama queen back down to earth!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

The flu slammed our family pre-Thanksgiving so I apologize for my absence in cyberspace! Here's a snapshot of the kids on Thanksgiving Day. Jeff was in heaven as we celebrated the holiday weekend with his extended family. I don't know anyone on earth who loves his family more than my husband. He could play game after game with his brothers 'till kingdom come. Meanwhile, my idea of holiday heaven is being locked away with my husband on a tropical island, enjoying his company without interruption.
I fell in love with Jeff around this time of year three years ago...what really drew me to him was his sacrificial love for his children and family. Little did I know I'd be signing up for an indefinite amount of snowy winters once we said "I do."
This is always a difficult season for me because I'm thousands of miles away from home. I broke out in tears last night, begging Jeff to let me move back to Hawaii. I don't know if I can handle another winter storm and I long to be with my loved ones. But my husband is a loyal family guy to the core, which I both love and hate. He can't imagine moving away from his kids until they're off to college.
I love Jeff enough to make this sacrifice for now...but let me tell you, I'm counting down the days 'till Max turns 18! Then I'll be saying so long to snow for good!

Bite Back Ministry

2009-11-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

Max and Delaney are excited about doing their part to change the world. The children's ministry at our church encouraged them to raise funds to purchase nets that will protect children from mosquito-infested parts of the world where malaria is rampant. It's part of Compassion International's "Bite Back" program. Each of the mosquito nets cost $10, so Laney and her friend Alison, went around the neighborhood collecting money.

Of course, sibling rivalry came into play and Max was somehow excluded from this neighborhood effort. So Jeff encouraged him to do some chores around the house to make money...and to hit up his grandparents and other family members to help support this wonderful cause!
Collectively, the kids raised enough to purchase 11 mosquito nets!
It was a great way for them to see how they can participate in God's work.

Merry LEGO Christmas!

2009-11-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

I know we just wrapped up Halloween and now Thanksgiving's on the horizon... so maybe Christmas still seems pretty far away. But not for Max and Delaney! They were thrilled to tear open a box from their "Hawaii grandparents" with the 2009 Lego City Advent Calendar inside. My parents send them one every winter...it's a ton of fun for them to create a holiday scene made of legos for the season. Starting December 1st, they can open one window at a time which contains a Lego surprise they can assemble. With the 257 pieces included, the set includes the LEGO City equipment, mini-figures, a Christmas tree with decorations, etc. I mentioned this on the radio last year and a couple listeners asked where to purchase it. I know you can buy it on Amazon.com if you're interested...but I hear it sells out early because Lego doesn't make many of them.
Anyway, I just wanted to share a fun little Christmas tradition my parents have created for the kids for the past three years.

Fighting the Flu

2009-11-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

High fever? Yup. Body aches? Yessir! Chills? Oh boy, did I have 'em! Looks like I got the flu.
Last night was especially bad. I slept on and off but it's hard when your throat's on fire and your head is throbbing. Delaney did a cute little "Get Well Soon" jig for me. But things got a little dicey at 9pm, when my darling ten-year-old stepdaughter decided to practice her violin. Mind you, her bedroom is smack right next to mine and the walls are thin, so I could hear every screeching sound. I went ballistic when I discovered her father actually suggested that she practice her instrument in her room.
Now, I've been known to have a little temper problem. But I let it get the best of me last night. Not my shining moment as a stepmom for sure!
It's very humbling when you have to apologize to your kids for over-reacting. I had a legitimate reason to be upset but I could've exercised a little more self-control, that's for sure! And that's definitely something I want to pass on to the kids. So Delaney and I shared a heart-to-heart today. And she said, "That's ok. I still love you. I have anger management problems, too. Especially with Max." So we talked through what an appropriate response would be when we're angry and how the Lord would want us to relate to one another. We both agreed that we need to take a time-out the instant we feel overly frustrated.
I find it so funny that Delaney is not my daughter by blood because we're so alike. Tonight I promised her a girl's night out...hopefully my low-grade fever will finally go away!

Estrogenfest '09

2009-11-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

With 8,800 tickets sold, Beth Moore's "Living Proof Live" event in Springfield drew the Prairie Convention Center's biggest crowd since Elton John performed there in 1998. And let me tell you something: when you've got thousands of women (and a few brave men) banding together to worship the Lord, no musician on earth--not even the Rocket Man himself--can even come close to bringing you to a place of that kind of euphoria. (And as an aside, isn't Beth just the cutest darn thing? I must know where she gets those darling clothes...I wonder if they're tailor-made...I imagine she likes to shop at Ann Taylor like me but I wonder if her budget is quadruple mine--these are the kinds of thoughts floating through my head as Beth preached the Word of God. Yes, Lord...please have mercy).
Beth guided us through the life of John the Baptist to share the message of "preparing the way for the Lord." I can't do justice to her powerful message in a quick blog synopsis...but she encouraged all of us to listen for specific things God wants to say to us. As for me, I heard Him speak very clearly that I must not give up on making my petitions known to God even if my most fervent prayers are not answered in my timing...and I cannot dwell on the past anymore because God is doing a new thing in my life and I need to usher in the blessings of the present.

It's purely a God thing that I ended up hanging out with Debi Parks (former morning show and mid-day host at WCIC) and Jane Weinhold (fill-in office manager at WCIC). I even shared a room with Debi! I'm afraid I freaked those ladies out a little...Jane kept snapping pictures of me eating at a buffet in Springfield. She threatened to send them to Scott to share on the show! We were the last group on the bus because I could not stop eating...I'm not kidding that I can out-eat my husband...I had a steak, 3 pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, stew, fish fillets, hush puppies, cake, ice cream, salad, sausage...you name it, I threw it on my plate and wolfed it down! She was fully grossed out.
And Debi was shocked that I don't own a brush. I can get dressed and out the door in ten minutes flat. Meanwhile every other woman set their alarms an hour ahead so they could look beautiful for Beth Moore. Not me! Call my crazy but I'd rather sleep than look pretty!
All in all, my spirit was revived and I feel so blessed to have taken part in this incredible experience!

Sew Fun

2009-11-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Having seen a few episodes of Project Runway, I thought learning to sew would be fun--and a breeze! Ha! I asked my mother-in-law to teach me the basics because she's a master seamstress. I thought we could start with an apron because I need one anyway and it's supposed to be pretty simple. Well, after spending an hour pinning the fabric to the patten and cutting out the shapes, we spent another two hours tonight sewing some of the pieces together--and we're only halfway through! Man, I'll never look at an apron the same again. I have a new appreciation for clothes, curtains, sheets...anything that requires a sewing machine. It's kind of fun, though, to focus on creating something...and it's good bonding time with my mother-in-law.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T20:40:00.001-07:00

Let's hear it for Max from "Where the Wild Things Are" and the prettiest 50's girl who ever lived! The kids looked so yummy I just wanted to eat 'em up! My mother-in-law hand-sewed Max's phenomenal costume. He looked so darling, everyone who handed the kids treats thought Max was a girl! He wasn't exactly thrilled about that. Now Max has a complex. Next year he wants to be something decidedly masculine...like Superman!

We took the kids trick-or-treating for a while before heading over to a Harvest Party at Trinity Mennonite Church in Morton. They throw the absolute best party on Halloween night complete with carnival games, pumpkin decorating, crafts, candy, and tons of toys. My main incentive for joining the festivities, though, was getting a chance to see my baby niece...is she not the cutest little monkey you ever saw?
We were all having a great time until the party ended and the host announced that there wasn't enough candy for all the kids...so the children who regularly attended the church would have to wait until tomorrow to get their candy bags. They understandably wanted to make sure their guests didn't leave empty-handed. But I felt so guilty because Max and Laney each got a bag (on top of the all the candy they collected while trick-or-treating) while lots of other kids were bawling because they weren't getting candy on Halloween.
As Jeff and I walked to the car, we talked about giving the kids' candy bags away to those who didn't get any. But at the same time, we didn't want to incite World War II with the kids. And we didn't know how to distribute the two candy bags to all those children.
In hindsight, I regret not acting on my kind impulses...there was one girl in particular who caught my eye and I just wanted to grab Laney's bag and give it to her...ugh, I feel bad just thinking about it! But we all make mistakes...and hopefully her parents took her trick-or-treating to make up for it.
Alrightee...it's now time for me to make up for the lack of sleep I've been getting all week. Yay for changing our clocks back an hour tonight! Sweet dreams, everyone...

Dinnertime!

2009-10-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Making meals has become a family affair.
Between work and dealing with some personal stuff, I've been way too tired to keep up with cooking and cleaning around the house. I think Jeff got the hint tonight that he should make dinner when he found me fast asleep when he came home from work. He scrambled up some bacon and french toast tonight. The kids said it was the best dinner ever.
Meanwhile, I've been dying to make pork dumplings ever since our dear family friend, Paul, gave me a lesson in making them from scratch this weekend. It's really delish but terribly time consuming. (Email me if you want the recipe). Jeff just loves 'em...my goal was to make a hundred to freeze so that we have dinner handy in case we get snowed in this winter! I hesitated to let Max help because it gets kind of tricky but Jeff insisted he's capable and he was actually a wonderful helper once he got the hang of it.
With such capable guys in my family, I'm kicking myself for not delegating chores like cooking sooner!

The bystander effect

2009-10-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

My stomach churned and my heart ached as I read about a 15-year-old California girl who was gang raped and beaten for two hours outside her school's homecoming dance as 20 people watched or took part. Some laughed. Others took pictures.
WHY DIDN'T ANYONE CRY--OR CALL--FOR HELP?!
I'm so sickened over this...today my mind is still preoccupied with the depravity of humanity. I've spontaneously prayed for this girl throughout the day. Jeff & I discussed this story with the children last night (omitting the term "rape" and replacing it with the term "attack")...We challenged them to stick up for their classmates if they're being bullied and to stand their moral ground even if others around them don't share their convictions. If they see someone inflicting harm on someone else and they fail to say anything or inform an authority figure, they share in the guilt of the perpetrator--at least, in my opinion.
Psychology experts say a phenomena called the "bystander effect" kicks in when a large number of people witness a crime. If you're in a crowd and no one's taking action, then inaction becomes the norm. Responsibility among the group is diffused.
It's because of this detached mentality that an innocent 15-year-old girl is in critical condition, no doubt feeling used and betrayed beyond comprehension.
If you get a chance today, please lift her up in prayer.

Wild Things

2009-10-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

I chose pizza & soda for Max's sleepover dinner. Jeff chose salad. He wins hands-down for "Dad of the Year." Is it just me or is it seriously attractive when a guy demonstrates superior parenting skills? As I type this, Jeff's playing a game with the boys.
He insisted that we allow Max's friends to spend the night because Delaney has at least one sleepover a month and he's had...well, none! Honestly, it never occurred to me that boys would enjoy sleepovers! My brother never had any.
So far, so good. Only one friend could make it tonight (thanks to the flu just about every kid is down for the count) so the noise level is tolerable. We took the kids to see "Where the Wild Things Are." Their reviews were mixed. Boring and sad was the consensus. I thought the first and last 30 minutes of the film was brilliant...and an accurate portrayal of a childhood colored by loneliness and confusion. Kudos to Spike Jones for directing a children's movie about the reality of childhood.
Alrightee...now back to my reality. Chocolate-chip cookies, anyone?

Farewell, Mobile Friend!

2009-10-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

After seeing me through two boyfriends, a husband and four career changes, my faithful T-Mobile companion has called it quits. She actually drowned in a mug full of water on my nightstand yesterday. I must've flipped open the phone in the middle of the night for a time check and mindlessly dunked it in the mug I keep by my bedside. Darn!
Anyway, I so heavily relied on this phone to keep track of all my friends and family's contact info, that I don't have any way of calling my loved ones at the moment. I don't even know my own mother's number! (Praise God for Facebook and email, right)?
So if you and I happen to be friends who've exchanged digits in the past, would you do me a favor and send me an email or Facebook message with your contact info?
And I'll be changing my cell number at the request of my husband so that I'll no longer have a (617) Boston area code. He's sick of calling long distance when he's trying to get ahold of me, I guess! So if you message me, I'll send you my new # in return.
THANK YOU!!!

Home Sick

2009-10-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Poor little guy. I know Max is really sick when he doesn't want to play board games. He doesn't have the energy to do anything but lie on the couch. But he did ask if I was gonna capture his illness on my blog. Uh...sure. Why not? He's such a ham. Even when he's not feeling well. He apparently seemed fine enough to go to school today. In fact, he begged to go to school and he was fever-free for 24 hours. But his fever returned tonight. I took his temperature and it's 100.3. He refused to eat anything and doesn't even want to drink juice because he's too congested to taste anything.

Meanwhile, Delaney is dancing on the dinner table because I broke the happy news that she got the lead in our church's Christmas play. I haven't seen her this excited since we took her to Six Flags this summer! Jeff is thrilled, too, to coach his daughter to embrace his passion for acting. It's really special--and scary--for Jeff to watch his little girl develop into a young lady with an insightful mind and passion for literature and drama. Yep...we've entered the tween years. Ok, gotta bring some water to Max.

What's a Wife to Do?

2009-10-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

I spoke with a newlywed recently and we commiserated on one thing: What do you do when you and your husband have different standards of cleanliness? Case in point: Here's a snapshot of my husband's side of the room. Not a stitch of carpet in sight. Just heaps of dirty clothes...shirts spilling out of dresser drawers...I didn't touch a thing all week to see if it'd bother him. Nope. Fat chance of that! Normally I clean up after him here and there. Well, it just got to a point where I'm going crazy! I have to sleep in the room, too! Now here's the thing: I'm not the Queen of Clean. I'm super disorganized and I can be sloppy. But I've never seen ANYTHING like this. And we can't seem to reach a compromise on cleanliness standards. He embraces the mess. I'm embarrassed by it.

So what do you do?

Lover's Leap

2009-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Legend has it that an Illinois boy met and fell in love with a Potawatomi girl. Since the tribes were at war, neither chief would marry them. The lovers walked around for a while trying to find a solution. When they could not find one they decided that if they could not be married they would die together. So they proceeded to the cliff, joined hands and jumped so they would be together through all eternity. Of course, it's just a legend. If you really look down that cliff you can see it's no longer than 8 feet!

That's one of many stories told at the beloved Starved Rock State Park. I haven't been back since Jeff proposed to me at the nearby Matthiesan State Park. It's the prettiest place I've found in the state to enjoy nice, paved hiking trails. It's especially nice to enjoy the park in the fall as the leaves are changing color. And the surrounding water makes the trails much more scenic, in my opinion. It kind of reminds me of a hike I took with a dear friend of mine in Walden Pond.
Of course, Jeff and I are terribly out of shape and had folks our grandparents' age pass us by! How sad is that?
But seriously, for the first time this fall season, I've actually enjoyed the fall...the crisp air, colors on the trees, and bundling up to hike a few miles. And since we were somewhat close to Chicago we drove into the city to enjoy dinner. If you like Thai food there's a place called "Tac Quick" in Wrigleyville. The menu is very Americanized so you have to ask for the "secret Thai menu." Jeff tried pan-fried duck eggs...I had the crispy pork skin dish. Very good. And cheap. But if you're not as adventurous I hear the generic stuff is good, too. Just a tip...Facebook won't let me post all my pictures to an album which has frustrated me all morning! But I'll get it done at some point.

Sew Fun

2009-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

I asked Delaney to sew a button back onto my pants and she looked at me like I was kidding! "You're serious?" she asked. "You really can't sew?" Yes. Totally serious. This week my mother-in-law took the kids on a little field trip to choose some fabric to sew their own pillowcases! They were so thrilled. My goodness...if my 10-year-old stepdaughter and 7-year-old stepson can operate a sewing machine (with some help from their Grammie), I'm in trouble! I'm thinking of taking a sewing class this winter...I can add sewing to the list of many basic things I can't do--ride a bike, whistle, balance a checkbook! When will I find time to learn it all?
BTW, I apologize for being delinquent on blogging...my schedule wore me out and the dreary weather's wearing me down! Ugh...why is it winter in October?

Hard to Get

2009-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

This week I had the privilege of meeting Phil Stacey (a top 5 finalist on season six of American Idol) and enjoying a private concert of his at 91.5 WCIC. Our radio station rotates his hit "You're Not Shaken"...but it doesn't do justice to his gift as a live performer.
Hearing him sing "Hard to Get" (written by Rich Mullins) cracked open the door for a whole new dimension of my relationship with Christ. I journeyed through a deep valley this year and never thought I'd see the end of a dark tunnel...I also felt some pressure to have it all together as a radio personality for a Christian station. I coached myself to put on a happy face when I felt anything but happy...and felt guilty as I struggled with private doubts and fears.
So when Phil shared that he felt the same heat, it was very encouraging for me to know that even seasoned believers struggle. And at the same time, God understands our moments when we feel abandoned...and he's got us in the palm of His hand all the way. He sees the big picture while we're struggling in our flesh. So this song has become a prayer for me and I hope a source of encouragement for you, too (here's an abbreviated version of the lyrics):

You who live in heaven
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened by the hurt

Do you remember when You lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread
Did You forget about us after You had flown away
Well I memorized every word You said

Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath
While You're up there just playing hard to get

Will those who mourn be left uncomforted
While You're up there just playing hard to get?
And I know you bore our sorrows
And I know you feel our pain
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained

And I know that I am only lashing out
At the One who loves me most
And after I figured this, somehow
All I really need to know

Is if You who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free of what we've left behind

I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret
I can't see how You're leading me unless You've led me here
Where I'm lost enough to let myself be led
And so You've been here all along I guess
It's just Your ways and You are just plain hard to get

My favorite girl

2009-10-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

"A little Catherine-in-training"...was how a special little girl by the name of Maddy was introduced to me tonight by her sweet mother. I know, I know. That sounds awfully scary! :) Maddy tells me she listens to the morning show every day and she colored the most beautiful pictures for me, which I now proudly display on my desk. Meeting Maddy was the highlight of my week! And I've had an awfully good start to the week! Thank you, Maddy, for inviting me into your princess world. I love you! You've now become a part of my heart.

Yes to fashion...or deny myself?

2009-10-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

The only fun thing about fall is the fashion--at least in my opinion. Cashmere sweaters. Pull-on boots. Scarves. It almost makes the cold snap worth it. BUT I married a man who balks when I buy something I don't genuinely need...or spend money anyplace other than a thift shop! He even stretches out his contact dailies for months on end! It's been a huge challenge for me.
But it's also showed me what a huge learning curve I have in using my resources wisely. I could spend $30 on a new sweater...or send it to a child in a third world country through organizations like Compassion Intl. As a Christian I often struggle with guilt when desiring nice things. Right now I'm debating whether to purchase a new car. Is it selfish of me to want a new Mazda 5 when I could keep trying to maintain a '96 Camry? My husband wants to save our money to do something REALLY BIG for God's kingdom. His focus is maximal eternal impact.
What do you think? Do you feel bad to have more than the bare necessities?

"A" for Effort

2009-10-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Poor Jeff. I put him in charge of dinner duty this week since I'm working overtime. He was so excited to make homemade pizza tonight. He spent hours kneading the dough and letting it rise in the oven yesterday in preparation for tonight's dinner. The final result? In his words--not mine--"It's bad!" The pizza was, well, doughy. Grossly undercooked. But on the bright side, the toppings were great--fresh mozarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, mushrooms.
Jeff's now lying on the couch in defeat. He said it's his first and last time in the kitchen. Gosh...I hope not! I tried to encourage him on his effort and thanked him repeatedly for stepping up and trying to make a homecooked meal on a week where I'm slammed at work. But as we cleaned up in the kitchen tonight, Jeff said, "Catherine, this makes me appreciate what you do for our family every night." Wow. Who cares about inedible pizza? That acknowledgment filled me up this evening.

Where the wild things are...

2009-10-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Jeff & I got a little frisky at the zoo tonight! Our spirits were high as we toasted Mr. & Mrs. Radovanovic as they began their new life together. The zoo's a perfect place for a wedding celebration...How fun to traipse around wild animals in dressy clothes! Despite the rain, the kids had a blast playing hide-and-seek throughout the zoo since it was closed to the public. I especially enjoyed watching the giraffes past moonlight, munching on dinner in their cages. What gorgeous creatures...(Hey, speaking of gorgeous, is my husband cute or what?!).

When the DJ called all the single ladies to the dance floor for the bride to toss her bouquet, some locked themselves in the bathroom and others hid in the back...but Delaney and her friend were front and center--and actually caught the bouquet! It was pretty funny.
But my FAVORITE part of the evening was connecting with the bride's stepmom, Jill. Out of the blue, the Lord blessed me with a soul sister. We shared a heart to heart from one stepmom to another. Finally--a woman who truly understands my journey! I cried tears of relief after our conversation...our journeys have been strikingly similar...and she shared such pearls of wisdom, I'm spending the rest of the evening pouring all she shared into my diary.
Thank you, Jesus, for turning my no good, very bad Friday into a so good, very great Saturday!

Going to the chapel...

2009-10-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

...and going on Safari! My small group is in a baking frenzy this weekend to make dessert for our small group leader's wedding. Instead of having a single ginormous wedding cake, they asked friends to contribute their own unique wedding cake creations. According to the groom, it's a southern tradition...And I have the most fun job of creating cupcakes for the kids! Since the reception's at the zoo, I topped the cupcakes with safari animals!
It's really relaxing for me to be in the zone of baking. I woke up early this morning, spent some time with the Lord...and then cranked up some music so that I could forget about my worries and just blast that icing away. I love being creative with fun food! BTW, I made some coffee this morning, forgetting I'm out of creamer and my fridge isn't working well anyway...so I threw in a dollop of icing. Not bad! Try it sometime!

One of those days...

2009-10-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books of all time is "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." I'm having one of those days. It started at 5:00 this morning when my car wouldn't start. I woke up my not so chipper husband to take me to work. He was a little grumpy when he returned home and was able to easily jump my car and thought I just forgot to flip off my car light. Right? Wrong.
Our lovely office manager at 91.5 WCIC (love ya, Katie!) drove me home to retrieve my car and it wouldn't start again! So she graciously drove me to my doctor's appointment. I endured a painful and expensive procedure with inconclusive results. Great. When that was over, I called my husband to pick me up from the doctor's office and take me to get the car fixed.
At this point Jeff was very apologetic for being in a bad mood and was incredibly sweet. The highlight of my day? Getting a hug from my husband. Another low point of my day? Taking my '96 Camry to the mechanic who's so sick of my car problems, he doesn't even want to fix them. He advised that I buy a new car. It's gonna cost several hundred dollars to fix everything that's wrong. Is it worth it? Well, I don't have a lot of leisure time to make this decision.
I was actually planning on driving to Chicago to see my parents one last time before they leave for Hawaii. Now that's out of the question.
So I figured I should get started on those cupcakes I promised to make for a wedding tomorrow! Jeff & I rushed to the store to purchase baking supplies so I could get started on the treats. However, when I stepped foot in the kitchen, a puddle spanning half the kitchen floor pooled around my heels. Ugh...the refrigerator is broken, too!
So as I type this, I'm sopping wet from kitchen clean-up. When will this day end??? I broke down and cried for a few minutes.
I think I'll put everything aside for now, take a deep breath, and PPRRAAAAAYYYYY super hard for the Lord to give me patience and trust that even though my life is messy at the moment, He will see me through and someday everything will make sense. What I really want to do is throw my dishes at the door to vent frustration...but that'll just lead to more clean-up!

Apple Picking

2009-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

My parents took off about an hour ago. Sniff, sniff. Sigh. I'm sad to see them go. It was kind of bizarre to invite them into my Midwestern world. After taking tons of pictures of our adventures I realized that I failed to include them in even a single snapshot. Darn! Anyway, the kids and I took my (step)father to Tanner's Orchard on Monday. My mom had a stomachache, so she stayed behind. The kids had fun racing through the orchards to fill our bag with apples.

My apologies to the orchard if kids aren't allowed to climb trees! It was Max's favorite part of the experience...Of course in hindsight, I thought, "Gosh, Max was the only kid climbing trees at that place. Maybe it's prohibited." I'm not always the most thoughtful, what can I say? I enjoyed watching the kids roam around farmland, breathe fresh air and sample the caramel corn and apple cider.

The highlight of Delaney's day was catching a caterpillar she named Tiger. He's a darling furry creature who resembles fuzzy wire. As I type this I'm watching him crawl around a glass vase we cleaned out for him. The kids made me promise to give him fresh grass when they're away from our house. It's their pet. Isn't that pathetic? I'd like to get them a dog or something to really love on!

To cap off our day, we went swimming in an outdoor pool--in 60 degree weather and whipping winds. Delaney insisted we take advantage of my parents' hotel accommodations. Not the brightest idea! Of course, I jumped in the pool with the kids because they pleaded with me to play with them. Again, not the brightest idea. Oh, well. We made some sweet memories together.

Lazy Sunday

2009-09-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to enjoy my lazy Sunday morning but I've got pangs of guilt. I skipped church. As a matter of fact, my entire family did. It took a ton of arm twisting of my husband to agree to this. But I plead my case: (a) I've got a migraine. (b) My week's been crazy busier than usual and I need a break. (c) My parents are coming into town today.
Now just to be clear, I'm not an advocate of making church-skipping a habit. As a family we benefit tremendously from fellowshipping with other Christ-followers, worshiping the Lord in a corporate setting, and hearing the Lord speak through our pastor. And it's especially important for the kids to learn about the Lord in their Sunday school classes.
Jeff was kind of disappointed when the kids let out a resounding, "YAAAAAYYYY!!!" when I said we wouldn't be going to church today. But I don't think that means they don't enjoy church. I just think that--like me--they enjoy a change of pace and one day of unstructured time together as a family...with no expectations and no rushing around and getting dressed by a certain time to be somewhere.
This is the first time we've missed a church service as a family. And probably our last. So why do I feel so guilty? We engaged our Bible study small group on Friday night and served with other small group members on Saturday...But Jeff feels especially bad for missing Sunday service.
Oh, well...we'll still make time to honor the Lord in what we say and do today...I've got 91.5 WCIC's "Call to Worship" blaring in the background as the kids are engrossed in making a "Welcome Back" banner for my parents. Oh, and did I mention I'm pulling the children out of school tomorrow to pick apples with my parents? :)

Dominion

2009-09-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Every night is game night in my house. So for our anniversary I purchased a card game for Jeff called "Dominion" and WE LOVE IT!!! I especially enjoy it because I beat Jeff four times in a row! Tonight we taught the kids how to play and we're now addicted as a family. It's a great game for just two adult players or a family of four. So...I'm just dashing a quick note to enthusiastically recommend a fun, family-friendly game you should try!

Pumpkins galore

2009-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin season's in full swing. Max was given the school assignment of decorating a pumpkin...Of course I thought, "Let's make it a Hawaiian pumpkin!" Palm trees for eyes...flowers for hair...a lei for a smile. I MISS HAWAII!!! I get terribly homesick this time of year. I can't wait to go back home. I'm excited that my parents are coming in from Hawaii next week for a few days. Now I've gotta think of how to entertain them. Maybe pumpkin picking at an orchard?

Speaking of pumpkins, I actually had fun walking in the Morton Pumpkin Festival. I was dreading it because I fear public speaking and the thought of waving to thousands of strangers as I passed by with the 91.5 WCIC station van made me break out in a sweat. But my mother-in-law and cousin-in-law (pictured w/me) graciously agreed to walk by my side for moral support. Thanks, ladies! It was also nice to see our wonderful listeners enjoying the festivities and cheering on their support. You guys are the best!

Pain in the Back

2009-09-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

I got a frantic phone call from my husband yesterday afternoon (just as I was ready to slip into bed for a cat nap). He asked me to send over pain-killers for a bad back pain. I guess he felt the pain shoot into his lower back at noon and it's been pulsating ever since. He called in sick for the first time today. Jeff won't see a doctor...but does insist on cookies and milk in his bed-ridden state. Some things never change no matter the pain! But seriously, I'm concerned that it could be an ailment that deserves medical attention. If you have any ideas for treating back pain let me know!

730 days and counting...

2009-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today Jeff & I are celebrating our two year anniversary! My deliciously adorable husband surprised me in the 91.5 WCIC studio this morning with flowers and breakfast!
I like to count our marital investment by days (730) instead of years (2) because it seems much weightier. Two years is a toddler. It's an associate degree. It implies something in the beginning stages. But I feel like our marriage has been seasoned by depth from the moment we said "I Do."
As a blended family, the adjustments were instant and huge. We fought. We laughed. We cried. But most importantly, we loved each other and the Lord so hugely, that we stuck together and got stronger...and better for being together.
Jeff has enriched my life infinitely with his companionship, humor, and faith. And it's the greatest honor and blessing of my life to be his wife.
Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Pet Caterpillar

2009-09-15T07:25:00.001-07:00

Jeff would sooner fly to the moon than get the kids a pet dog. So in desperation to have some sort of pet in our home, Max and Delaney trapped a caterpillar in a jar and now spend lots of their spare time feeding and caring for this creature.
His name is Luna.
The problem is, we don't know what on earth to feed Luna. Leaves? Grass? Lettuce? We don't want our little pet to die before he turns into a butterfly!

Back in the saddle again...

2009-09-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

Reality bites. I returned from Italy with a stack of bills piled higher than a tall stack of pancakes. What I miss most, though, is having my husband all to myself. I thought we'd drive each other nuts but actually without the pressures of every day life, we got along better than we ever had! Ok, minus one hissy fit from me! Give me a break--it was a hundred degrees and I didn't have air conditioning! Our trip re-energized our marriage in a way I was not anticipating.

We're celebrating our two-year anniversary a week from today. Last night I was lying on the couch, make-up-less and whining about being overly exhausted...My sweet husband came over to hug me and said, "You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you so much. Thank you for everything that you do for our family." Isn't that precious? I just love my husband and am excited to celebrate another milestone in our marriage.

Ciao from Venice!

2009-09-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

Some people love lighthouses...others love monuments...but I love bridges. So I've fallen in love with Venice where delicate and small Renaissance bridges interweave throughout the city. It's pure magic, like stepping into a postcard. I was afraid the City of Love wouldn't live up to the hype but it actually surpasses it. The bridges crossing the Grand Canal are so spectacular, it's impossible to take a bad picture. The photo I posted isn't the best but I'm in a rush with very spotty Internet connection so I chose the first picture that popped up! We also toured Murano Island yesterday, renown for its gorgeous glass...Jeff and I watched a glass master make a stallion. It was perfecto!
It's our final day in Italy (sniff, sniff). We enjoyed a wonderful adventure...I'm not ready to go home but Jeff sure is! I laughed hysterically last night when Jeff announced, "I'm ready to get back to my 9 to 5 job. My every day life is more relaxing than this vacation!" It's true...we've trekked miles a day on foot and it's exhausting to interpret another language and culture. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was the greatest adventure of our lives so far.
I'll c-ya soon back in the states! We (sadly) leave before the sun rises tomorrow morning.

Italian Riviera

2009-09-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

We explored a piece of Paradise yesterday: the Cinque Terre. It was pure heaven...a rugged portion of the Italian Riviera. It's comprised of five villages with vibrantly colorful buildings. Part of its charm is that you won't find modern conveniences out there...cars are not allowed. You need to take a train to La Spezia and then transfer on other trains to explore the villages. It's a wildly charming magnet for hikers to trek from village to village.

It's unbelievable that one place can contain such lush beauty, great cuisine and fragrant aromas. Frankly, my lungs were tired from inhaling all the pollutants of the cities of Rome and Florence. When we arrived in Cinque Terre, I deeply inhaled the sea salt spray of the ocean and the faint aroma of coconuts in the air. Magnifique!

Jeff had to pull me back onto the train to leave because I didn't want to go! Before we departed, we walked the "Via Dell'Amore" or "Lovers Walk" which gives you the most breathtaking, panoramic view of the coast. Miles and miles of ocean are outstretched before you to see the varying hues of blue. It was gorgeous. I cried a little when we left...we took a late night train to Venice, which we'll be exploring today. I'm excited to see this new place but I miss Florence and the Cinque Terre. It made me homesick for Hawaii...

Handbag Heaven

2009-09-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knows me understands that my heart skips a beat when I see a good handbag. Florence is the mecca of leather and you can find beautifully crafted, genuine leather items for a price that you can't beat in the states. Hustlers sell hundreds of handbags, belts, wallets--you name it--everywhere you turn on the streets...My husband says I can pick just one, so my indecisiveness is driving him crazy! Hmmmm...Jeff is napping now as I type this, so maybe I'll sneak out and get a purse!

I just had to snap a photo of the best pasta I've ever eaten. It's called "black truffle fettucine" and it's amazingly decadent. Apparently, Florentines like to dress up their pasta with black truffle oil--I wanted to purchase a bottle to bring back to the states but it's about $30 dollars for just a few ounces, so I decided against it!

Jeff and I eat a very light lunch so that we can splurge a little at dinner. With all the gelato and pasta we're consuming you'd think that we'd gain weight on this vacation but I think I'm actually losing weight. My pants are loose. I wish I tracked our walking with a pedometer. I'll bet I walked more in the past week than I've walked all year! This is my favorite picture of Jeff, lying splat on the ground in Siena Square. It's been a tiring but wonderful time...We want to hop on a runaway train and not return to the states for another year!

Under the Tuscan Sun

2009-09-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you're just so grateful to be alive? I enjoyed one of those days yesterday. My senses were thrilled by the lush, rolling hills of Tuscany. It's an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees in every shade of green you can imagine. Our bus also took us to the city center of Siena and to the beautiful town of San Gimignano. It was by far my favorite day of the trip so far. Had I known how gorgeous Tuscany would be, I would've skipped Rome & Florence and rented a villa in Tuscany. Next to my hometown of Hawaii, I think it's the prettiest place on earth.
I feel a pang of guilt for enjoying an overseas vacation while our economy is in a recession...so I feel compelled to explain why we're taking this trip: My grandmother blessed us by financing this dream of mine. Jeff & I never had a wedding or a honeymoon...and since we're financially supporting his two children, we live very frugally in a tiny home in a low-income neighborhood and drive ancient cars that are falling apart! I've always longed to experience Europe with someone I loved...and I regret not making travel a priority when my life was simpler.
So I seized the chance to take Jeff to Italy...It's been great for our marriage to fall in love all over again in such a romantic city and pretend to be bona-fide newlyweds...and to create memories that'll last a lifetime. Jeff has never traveled overseas before so it's especially adventurous and eye-opening for him to engage another world-view. Since I'm a bi-racial blend myself, I find this terribly important.
My internet connection is spotty in Florence so my posts will be less frequent. Hope you're enjoying yourself wherever you are!

O Holy Sights

2009-08-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

The faithful flock here in droves every day. St. Peter's Basilica remains one of the holiest sites in Christendom. It also stands on the very site where the apostle Peter was crucified and buried. His tomb is under the main alter and other popes have been buried there as well.
It's hard to describe the grandeur of the church. The dome was designed by Michelangelo who became the chief architect in 1546. Until recently it was the largest church in the world with the capacity to seat 60,000. Every bit of space on the walls is designed to reflect the most ornate monuments and artistry money can buy. It's also amazing to see a place that's so familiar to us thanks to television.

Earlier in the day we visited the Sistine Chapel, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. You have to crane your neck to view its renown ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Unbelievable. I think any other art museum I visit in the states will be a huge disappointment compared to this. You could spend hours enjoying the artistry of the Sistine Chapel if you have a keen appreciation for it.

Unfortunately, a lot of this stuff is lost on me! I like to zip through the museums but Jeff likes to listen to all the audio commentary and take it all in. I'm lucky he's here to guide my way. I'm terrible at reading maps but he takes us from one place to another with ease even though he's never traveled overseas before.
Ok, time for a nap. I hope you're enjoying the beauty of your surroundings, too...wherever you are!

Re-connecting in Rome

2009-08-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Buon Giorno! & Grazie! are the only Italian phrases I've mastered. I say them both several times a day. Today Jeff and I had the pleasure of visiting the Catacombs--burial places for Christians who died in ancient Rome. It's quite haunting and rich with Christian symbolism, which functioned as a secret language for early Christians.
I'm learning a lot during my stay here. I love being immersed in another culture and enjoying the best life has to offer in Rome (art, beauty and history) and also seeing the underbelly of a bustling culture that thrives on tourism and allows graffiti artists to defile its architecture. It's sad to witness such ugliness in such a beautiful place.
For example, tonight I was thrilled to re-connect with old friends from Champaign...What are the chances we'd be traveling half-way around the world together, right? We met in the trendy Trastevere district in hopes of enjoying a nice meal. Well, first of all, graffiti lines the walls of this darling district. And secondly, the restaurant we chose was run by dishonest people trying to rip off tourists with mediocre meals and ridiculous charges. (If you're in Rome and see a quaint restaurant near Trastevere Square with orange tablecloths--run)! They tagged on a charge to the bill that made no sense and to Jeff's disbelief, I argued with the manager until she removed it. I mean, really...to take advantage of people--that's just low!
But it was fun to dine with friends for fun and familiarity...We're making lots of special memories together. And I think we found the perfect place to enjoy each other's company tomorrow night--the Ponte Sisto!

We stumbled a stretch of restaurants and outdoor shops under a bridge as we walked back to the bus stop. It's like a continuous fair by the water all summer long...Here's a snapshot of folks watching soccer (a national obsession) by projecting the picture on the arch of the bridge. And lastly, here's a dim photo of me and my honey winding up our third day abroad. Arrivederci!

Bella Notte

2009-08-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

We're off to a VERY LATE start this morning! We were out late last night at the Campo de Fiorni, a mecca for restaurateurs. Naturally, I forgot that Italians like to eat very late. We tried to grab a table at a place called the "Cul de Sac" at 9 o'clock, but it was booked. We walked an hour to find a decent place that'd serve us. So we ended up eating dinner past 10pm and by the time we dragged into bed, we were so wound up from walking and sight-seeing, it took several hours for us to fall fast asleep. We're eating a lot here but walking everything off...Jeff took this picture during our nightly stroll. I have no idea if it's of any significance but I just found it breathtaking. I find myself sucking in my breath ooohhing and aaaahhhing over every structure we pass.

We eat gelato every day for a snack. It's cheap and very tasty. Why don't we have more gelato places in the states? It's creamier than ice cream and has a lot less fat! You'd think we'd catch onto that...maybe we should start a business when we return home! I had to laugh when I took this photo because Jeff's expression reminds me so much of Delaney when she smiles. We're missing the kids but it's so nice to get away for a romantic vacation! If only we could force our body clocks to cooperate with this new time zone!

When in Rome...

2009-08-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

For art lovers, history buffs, and food aficionados, Rome is sensory overload. After sipping cappacinos and snacking on chocolate croissants, Jeff & I toured the Colosseum this morning--the greatest example of Roman engineering. Built when the Roman empire was at its peak, it represents the city at its grandest. I loved touring the ancient ruins and imagining what life must've been like when gladiators fought way back when.

I especially enjoyed touring the city today...we dragged in yesterday morning, exhausted from 24-hours of sleep deprivation. Thankfully adrenaline kicked in and we walked from our hotel to the oh-so-romantic Spanish steps, teeming with artists and lovers strolling hand-in-hand. The Trevi Fountain was pretty impressive, too...and a great place to re-fill our water bottle! Italy is a country that likes to conserve electricity...despite its blistering summer heat, you'd be hard-pressed to find an air-conditioned place (aside from your hotel room)...and drinks aren't served with ice. We're so spoiled with luxuries in the states!

And I've got to add that the Pantheon is mighty impressive, too. We briefly toured the doomed temple complete with marble statues and elegant paintings before heading off for the best pasta dinner of our lives. The bruchetta here is pretty pricey (2 Euro for one slice) but it's so savory. The olive oil is lighter and tastier here and in every dish you can taste toasted garlic. Yum! I just ate pizza but dreaming of last night's dinner is making me hungry again...Ok, I've gotta wake my husband up from his nap. He's softly snoring in the background but there's so much more to see...Ciao for now!

Bedtime with the Bible

2009-08-26T03:49:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I'll look at Jeff and wonder, "How on earth did I get such a great guy?" Don't get me wrong--no one could send me to the loony bin faster than my husband. And it's safe to say I drive him equally nuts! But he's just so darn sweet. And such a good daddy. Every night before the kids go to bed--it doesn't matter if it's a weekend or school night--he sits them down to read Bible stories and say their prayers.
Of course, last night when Jeff announced to the kids, "Since we're going on vacation you won't be getting bedtime devotionals for a while," they shouted, "YAY!" But I really think the seeds Jeff is planting in their hearts night after night with his ritual of sharing Bible stories with them and talking to the Lord together will pay off hugely in their adult lives.

Meet the Teacher Night

2009-08-24T18:11:00.001-07:00

Tonight was "Meet the Teacher Night" at Max and Delaney's school. But for my husband, it was more like "Reunion with Childhood Teachers Night." Max inherited Jeff's first-grade teacher! Isn't that wild? Now here they are...thirty years later. Mrs. Seaton exclaimed, "Jeff! I remember you being so much shorter!" I just HAD to get a picture to commemorate the moment.
It was nice to get a tour of the kids' classrooms and to meet their teachers. Jeff has peace of mind that they're in great hands. Mrs. Seaton did such a great job instructing Jeff the first time around, I'm sure she'll do just fine with Max, who's like Jeff's "mini-me."

Special friends

2009-08-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I've got to tell you about the special friends I made today! My heart is brimming with joy just thinking about them. I had the absolute privilege of helping keep score at a bowling competition for the Special Olympics today. Judith is pictured with me here--she's one of the top bowlers in her division and quick to point out that I was initially getting everything wrong! By the time the second game rolled around she exclaimed, "Ms. Volunteer, you're finally getting the hang of it!"

I was especially proud of my special friend, Mary, who exclaimed with glee every time she hit the pins. She even bowled a spare! I can't even do that on the bowling edition of the Nintendo Wii. Mary was ever excited whenever she or one of her competitors scored well...and never complained of being tired even though I was tempted to at one point because my feet ached from standing for hours. But I wanted to keep to my feet to encourage my friends and cheer them on.
I'm no athlete by any stretch of the imagination...but the joy of being involved in the Special Olympics is infectious! I simply can't wait to volunteer again. If you're looking for a meaningful service experience to enrich your life, I promise this will bring you such pleasure! The athletes have amazing stories and they'll stretch your heart. One girl broke my heart when she said her parents don't visit her anymore (she's placed in a special home) but she always has the Special Olympics to look forward to. Now I do, too!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-08-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

As of today, my mother and father-in-law have been married 38 years! Last night we enjoyed a dinner party in their honor to celebrate this blessing. Their love of the Lord, each other and their family has left a lasting legacy of faith, family loyalty, and fun!
I'm always blown away at how my in-laws raised four such exceptional men who attracted equally exceptional women. They say it's hard to find a good guy and boy do I believe that's true! But my husband and his three brothers are all incredible men of faith, consistent character and devotion...and they're all great-looking to boot! They were raised as a by-product of their parents' love and devotion to one another and that security has seen them through a lot of life's uncertainties.
I can honestly attribute all of my husband's wonderful qualities to his parents. I never question whether Jeff will be faithful to me because he was raised to do the honorable thing at all costs and honor the Lord with his marriage covenant. That's why Jeff was especially heartbroken when his ex-wife left...He was raised to believe divorce is never an option.
His parents are an incredible example to us of how a Christ-centered marriage works and we're both grateful to benefit from the blessing of their union. Happy Anniversary!

First Day of School

2009-08-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for Max & Delaney. Aren't they cute in their new outfits? (Thanks to my mother-in-law for taking them back-to-school shopping).
Delaney couldn't understand why I couldn't leave the morning show early and send them off to school. Well, their father did a fabulous job as always in making sure they had everything together for their first day of school.
I find it hilarious that Max will have the same second grade teacher that Jeff had about 30 years ago. I believe it's Mrs. Seaton. Max was like, "How can she still be alive if she taught you?!" I was scratching my head on that one, too.

This is a picture taken last year at the start of school. My how time flies. I forget how fast the kids are growing until I compare their pictures from years past. Gosh, they seemed so tiny then. I'm proud that they're growing up to be interesting, kind-hearted and intelligent people who are fun to be around. It's kind of sad to say goodbye to summer and hello to another season of life...But it's all about embracing change and looking forward to the future.

Good-bye Jessie!

2009-08-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Nothing says I love you, thank you for being a part of our lives, and farewell like a picnic and football, right? Yesterday I joined my small group in saying good-bye to Jessie, an amazing young woman with an equally amazing story. She came to America from China not long ago to earn her master's degree and intern at Caterpillar. She learned the language, immersed herself in our culture, and became a Christ-follower during her time here. We were just celebrating her baptism, so it seems sudden to be saying farewell to her so soon. She's returning to China to work for CAT--she's so smart that even during this recession, she found a job working for CAT in her homeland. She taught us all a lot about embracing differences, working hard to achieve your goals, and following Christ no matter the cost. We will miss her greatly and wish her the very best. God-speed, Jessie!
ps--For those of you who listened to the morning show when I solicited advice for a good-bye gift, we decided on a matted picture of our small group so that we could all sign the matting with messages...and a devotional book to encourage her daily walk with Christ.

Walk on the Wild Side

2009-08-15T13:07:00.001-07:00

My church rented out the Peoria Zoo's Africa exhibit to kick off the start of a new season for our Women 2 Women ministry. Watching the animals roam once the sun set was an awesome experience. They're much more frisky when they're out of the hot summer sun. I was really impressed with the Africa exhibit. I've only gone to the zoo when it nothing more than a petting zoo...they did a terrific job with landscaping and you really feel like you're in an African desert.

What made the W2W event special was not only being a voyeur to the exotic creatures...but really getting a chance to fellowship with women I only see in passing at a Sunday service. And I so appreciated hearing the real, authentic hearts of the women who spoke (one of whom was my dear friend, Jada). More and more, I think women are searching for relationships with other women that's the real deal--none of this fake, superficial, sugar-coated exchange of niceties that passes for fellowship. I love that our church is moving in the direction of what I believe is the true heart of the Lord.

Special Olympics

2009-08-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

The world lost an incredible woman this week in Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She not only mothered five fantastic children who went on to dedicate their lives to public service, but she herself dedicated her life to serve those most overlooked in society. I could only hope to be a tenth of the woman she was! Her legacy lives on with the Special Olympics, which infinitely enriches the lives of the intellectually challenged.
Jeff & I are excited to participate in a Special Olympics Bowling Meet for the Heartland Area on August 22--next weekend. It's happening right in Peoria at the Landmark Lanes. I just spoke with the woman in charge of the event and she said there's a desperate need for more volunteers to help man each lane the bowlers will be playing on. They'd love to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants and without enough volunteers they just can't pull it off!
If you'd like more information on volunteering you can contact Katie Herriott at 888-2551. Lunch and T-shirts will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Hoosiers

2009-08-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

Last night we promised the kids popcorn and a movie, so we cruised through the aisles of Family Video and the kids kept grabbing films like "the Sandlot" and "Bridge to Terabithia," but Jeff wanted to resurrect his childhood and insisted we either see "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "Hoosiers." So...Hoosiers it was. To the kids, watching a black and white flick is like Chinese water torture!
Hoosiers is an old (I mean, my husband saw it when he was a kid) basketball film but I actually enjoyed it. It's really a story of second chances, defying odds, and the value of teamwork. And I really enjoyed the cinematography of the Midwest. It actually made it look...well...beautiful. And it's rated PG, so it makes for a good family-friendly film.

Cookie Monster

2009-08-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

After a rough start to the week, I needed a scoop of heaven to rev up my engine. Since we had Max all to ourselves tonight (with Delaney at a friend's house for a sleepover), it was a great excuse to do something special with him. Jeff voted in favor of taking the family to Cheddar's for a "Cookie Monster" dessert. If you've never had one, you've gotta try it! A made-to-order chocolate chip cookie skillet with scoops of french vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whip cream. Yum!
Chedder's has sentimental significance for me. The first time I laid eyes on Jeff interacting with his kids was when I peeked into the restaurant with my then-work crew to get a seat and a co-worker pointed to a guy in the corner with two darling kids, eating a "Cookie Monster" dessert. Jeff was a single dad at the time...and every time I bumped into him from then on out, he was always tending to his kids...bending down to tie their shoelaces, taking them to swim lessons, making crock pot dinners. I was very taken with this very tender-hearted man and thought whoever left him was crazy! Now that I'm married to Jeff I'm even more enthralled with what a fabulous father he is and now I get to experience his sweet heart--and sweet tooth--firsthand.

What on earth is this?

2009-08-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last week as I pulled out of the parking lot at 91.5 WCIC, I heard a weird scratching sound and saw Jeremy Tracey (from Doing Life with the Tracey's) wave wildly for my car to stop. So I did. He then motioned me to pull forward. A part of my car apparently fell off! And I have no idea what it is or whether it serves an important function. All I know is that my car is falling apart. So, if you think you have a clue about this car part, give me a call tomorrow on the morning show at 7:41 at 888-691-9150. I wonder if this is a sign that I should finally turn my car in?

Here Comes the Bride...

2009-08-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jeff & I had the pleasure of watching our friends, Bryson and Danell, get hitched! For those of you who listened during the morning show on Friday I bemoaned whether to wear an oh-so-cute white dress to the party...so I'm posting a picture of myself here to show that I wore the exact opposite color--black!--so as not to detract from the bride...Not that I could've because she was so beautiful...Danell looked like a princess who stepped out of her castle in time for her big day!

You know, I'm not much of a wedding person myself, which puzzles my husband. I'm a romantic, I enjoy interacting with people, I love my friends and family...But the idea of orchestrating a huge production that's hugely expensive and only lasts a few hours but causes months of stress doesn't appeal to me! That being said, I still appreciate a beautiful wedding and this was one of them...

In fact, I learned a few things: #1. The Electric Slide. When did this dance come about? I need to brush up on my moves in time for another wedding we're attending in October. #2. The Toilet Paper Roll Contest. The bride and groom each had to unravel a toilet paper roll and whoever did it the fastest wore the pants in the family. Did I hear the bride won? :) Max collected the TP. #3. The Dollar Dance. What a great way to make some extra cash! Maybe Jeff and I will throw a party sometime and line up folks to dance with us for a dollar. Jeff gave Delaney a dollar to dance with Bryson. It was pretty cute. Didn't whip out my camera in time for that one, though!

And finally, I'm reminded yet again how darling my husband is and I wish he'd get into fashion. A couple of church friends teased me that I should hit on the cute guy in the tux. During wedding ceremony, our pastor reminded me that I need to "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ" (from 1 Peter) and give unmerited favor in a marriage that will grow by the grace of God. He challenged us that our greatest acts of grace will be words like "I love you"..."I'm sorry"..."Please forgive me"...wise words from a veteran to newlyweds whose love we pray stands the test of time.
Congratulations, Bryson and Danell!

Luau time!

2009-08-09T07:11:00.001-07:00

On Friday night, Scott & I hosted a "luau" to thank our fabulous listeners who gave so generously during Sharathon this past spring--specifically during the Morning Show's Hawaiian hours. It was a lot of fun! A special thanks to Chef's Catering in Washington for donating all the food and even roasting an actual pig--the poor thing. Her name was Matilda and she didn't look really happy! And thank you to the 4Hope Foundation in Morton for pitching in to take care of all other expenses--you're the best!

Of course, a luau wouldn't be complete without hula dancing, right? And it was the challenge of my life to find someone in the Midwest to help entertain people! Well, I finally did. Her name is Johnette Palumbo and she teaches hula at the Twin Cities School of Dance right in Bloomington! She brought a couple of students with her and they tried to teach Scott, Donovan, and whoever wanted to some moves. You can check out a brief clip here:

Daytrippin' to St. Louis

2009-08-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

The kids are back from camp, so Jeff & I celebrated their return with a day trip to St. Louis. Our first stop? The Magic House! It's hands-down, slam-dunk the best children's museum I've ever been to. It offers kids almost hyper-stimulation--they can construct a firehouse, climb a three-story beanstalk, try out the president's desk, analyze codes and fingerprints...

It was fun to see Max sitting on the judge's bench...The Star-Spangled Center is like a mini White House for kids. The kids were running around so much, at one point Jeff & I split up and I took Delaney while he followed Max around.

Laney loved the "Kids TV" center, which allows kids to sit at a fake anchor desk and read a newscast...and be televised! It was especially fun for me to experience that with her since I worked in television. If Laney got into broadcasting, I'd get such a kick out of that!

We ended the day on a high note by touring the St. Louis Zoo. I LOVE this zoo...especially because it's free! And the wide array of animals is really impressive. My favorite exhibit houses the puffins and penguins. I could watch them dive all day. Again, it was fun to see the kids "Oooooo" and "Aahhhh" over the animals...the pythons, komodo dragons, giraffes, and sea lions. They've never been to the St. Louis zoo before so it's always neat to experience a first time with them.
I've got to hit the hay now with my husband because after six hours of walking and five hours of riding in the car I feel like a worn out dish rag. I'll post all 70 of my photos to my Facebook page. G-night!

Grass is Always Greener Syndome...

2009-07-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

I'm guilty of suffering from the "Grass is Always Greener" syndome...No matter how many things I've got going in my favor, a part of my mind fixates on what I lack, not what I have. I believe that most women, if we're being really honest with ourselves, would say we're naturally discontented. And it's especially hard to feel satisfied in a culture that promotes a "more" mentality...and a "me" mentality to boot!
I met with a group of women this past winter who also happen to work in radio...we chatted about our marriages, children, and radio trends...and then one woman piped up that she's been hearing more and more of women leaving their husbands out of pure boredom and dissatisfaction. Another woman echoed that she's witnessed the same phenomena. Women are prone to abandon their marriages because the grass looks greener on the other side.
I think for a long while, men have gotten a bum wrap for having affairs and leaving their wives...but the tables have turned in this generation. With so many opportunities available to both genders in our over-indulged society, it can't be assumed that when a marriage goes sour, it's always the guy's undoing.
I'm doing a Beth Moore study with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things"...about arming yourself with God's power in the age of seduction. She writes that "since our hearts are deceptive in their natural form, sometimes our feelings tell us we're less satisfied than we really are." The anecdote to such an obedience problem is to ACTIVELY GIVE THANKS. So that's what I'm going to do...write out things to be thankful for.
1. I'm grateful that Christ loves me when I'm unlovable.
2. I've got a husband who adores and appreciates me...and is wholly committed to our marriage.
3. I've got a fulfilling job that breathes incredible purpose and fun into my life.
The list goes on and on...and let me tell you, I've got to remind myself to continuously do this because my mind is so prone to wander!

Marriage Advice

2009-07-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

I cherish this photo above all the snapshots Jeff and I have taken in the (nearly) two years we've been married...Not only because I enjoy the way my hair looks (I can't remember the last time I've been to the hairdresser's!)...but because it captures the passionate intensity I so value in our relationship. I've always felt very emotionally and spiritually connected to my husband...We've had our shares of ups and downs...And our situation is anything but easy...But I will never love anyone more than I love Jeff. This morning our listeners called in with marriage advice. One woman said as her father walked her down the aisle, he reminded her that "love is a decision. It's not a feeling." Another guy called and said during an argument, you should "attack the problem, not the person!" Ummm...that's easier said than done! And finally, one woman called and said her marriage was horrible until her husband initiated praying with her daily. Only then did her marriage turn around. I concur with all the advice above and plan to take it home tonight to my hubby!

The Games We Play

2009-07-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've learned to appreciate playing games since joining my husband's family. Jeff especially enjoys visiting his grandparents in the summer and playing a card game called "pinochle." Have you heard of it? I'm terrible at it, but got lucky this weekend with two runs and "double pinochle." I wish my family played more games with us when we were growing up. We didn't do much except sit around the television together, which fails to facilitate conversation or connection. Nowadays the kids are really into a card game called "skat." I hear it's the most popular card game in Germany...you should look it up and try it with your kids sometime. Some people like to play with dice...we like to play with chocolate chips and whoever wins gets the whole pile. Pretty sweet!
Jeff & I are enjoying lots of game nights with our friends this week since the kids are away at Camp Good News! They were so excited to leave...and Jeff & I are excited to get some quality alone time together to unwind.

Chris & Conrad Visit

2009-07-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

The singing duo "Chris & Conrad" surprised Scott & I with a visit this morning. What a treat to hear them perform "Lead Me to the Cross" live! It gave me chills...and their upcoming single, "You're the One" is especially beautiful, like a love song to our Savior. I asked Conrad what inspired him to write the lyrics and he explained that he was so overcome with emotion for his wife, it naturally spilled into his writing. But in the song-writing process, it dawned on him that Lord shows him love that's infinitely greater than the love he shared with his wife. What a powerful realization and great inspiration for another tune that's sure to be a hit.
These guys made my morning...and were my bright spot in a day that included a bleak dentist appointment. Oh, why do we need to have teeth? They just cause problems! Apparently, my teeth are soft and I have a ton of cavities despite my incessant brushing and flossing. Just my luck!

Interview with Compassion Child

2009-07-23T04:14:00.000-07:00

The highlight of my week was interviewing a young man by the name of Tony Beltran, who went through the Compassion International program in the Dominican Republic...He gushed with gratitude for every privilege his sponsor gave him with his monthly support so that he could enroll in the Compassion program as a kid. He explained that before Compassion, his family was so poor, he had to work to help support them, which didn't allow time to study. When Compassion intervened, he was able to get three meals a day, have clothes, and learn how much Jesus loves him...and even eat meat and ice cream on occasion! That just slayed me. We take so many things in America for granted.
And through Compassion, Tony was able to discover his passion for computers. The Compassion center had the only computer available in his village and the technology captured Tony's imagination. He went on to go to college to study computers and now he's at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he's training to be a youth minister someday. His dream is to return to the Dominican Republic and show kids that the way out of poverty isn't through crime--it's through education and extending God's love to others.
Jeff & I have the privilege of sponsoring a 10-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic...and after talking to Tony, I want to sponsor more! What a great program...it really changes and saves lives in the name of Christ.

Drama Queen Delaney

2009-07-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight my hot date night with my husband consisted of watching Delaney perform in a musical called "Bugsy Malone"--the story of two New York City gangs in the 1920s. She certainly inherited the acting gene from her father. Jeff likes to write and act in dramas for our church...and even moved to L.A. straight out of college to try to make it in the business. I wouldn't be surprised if Delaney followed in her father's footsteps. Unfortunately, Jeff's acting dreams haven't come true...but it's fun for him to see his daughter enjoy something that brings such pleasure to his own life. I thought this was her best performance yet. In case you missed it, here's a little clip for your enjoyment:

Girl's Day Out

2009-07-15T19:39:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed a pretty sweet girl's day out with Delaney this afternoon! I picked her up from rehearsal and we drove to Washington to go to Holland's Mercantile. I was in heaven! So was she. What a fun hang-out for kids and adults alike. It's like stepping into a candy store in the 1960's...you'll find Wax Lips, Charleston Chews...every imaginable candy you ate as a kid...and best of all, they even pick out the marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal--you can scoop them out and buy 'em by the pound. Brilliant! There's even a kid's store in the back with magic tricks, sock puppets, ant farms...you name it, they've got it! For lunch Laney had nachos, chocolate ice cream, and a Pepsi. I also ordered shaved ice with Blue Raspberry syrup. I highly recommend this outing for families! I can't wait to go again and try their frozen hot chocolate!

Congratulations, Max!

2009-07-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight Max celebrated the end of his baseball season with his team. His fabulous coach, Barry, threw the kids a pizza/pool party and praised each child for their accomplishments during the season as they came up to receive their trophies. He said Max was "consistent with every game, making solid hits and contact with the ball." He did a great job and learned that he's a leftie when it comes to batting...and that it's important to be a good sport.
I'm glad the kids enjoyed their summer activities but I'm kind of relieved as they're winding down for the summer...Delaney's got a million rehearsals for an upcoming play this weekend, but once that's over, we can really relax and just enjoy unstructured free-time in the summer-time!