Ashes to Ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday. Many people will be giving up chocolate, sodas, and the like for the next 6 weeks. But at the Ash Wednesday service tonight, our pastor had a different suggestion. She suggested taking on something positive during Lent. Actually, 3 somethings. Something for your body, something for your heart, and something for your spirit.

Something positive for your body. Boy, where to start??? But, you know, it could be something as simple as being grateful that you are healthy. Or making those appointments for physicals, and dental check ups that we've put off. Or it could be the ever-popular eating better or working out. What positive step will you take for your body?

Something positive for your heart. Strive to be more generous and loving with those around you. Here are some thoughts she offered for this category:

Hear and Understand

Even if you disagree, that doesn't make the other person wrong.

Acknowledge the greatness in others.

Remember to look for others' good intentions.

Tell the truth with compassion.

There's some good stuff there. We can all show each other more grace.

Something positive for your soul. We could probably all stand a little work on our souls. Our pastor has suggested journaling during Lent as a soul-check. What about praying more? And remembering to take time to listen for God's response? Ask yourself that age-old question, "Is it well with your soul?"

I plan to do something active everyday (body), to have patience and take more deep breaths before speaking (heart), and read my Daily Grind devotional and the Bible everyday (soul).

How about you?

Visions of Summer

Winter is drawing to an end, but we probably still have some more dreary days ahead of us. So, here is a reminder of what's to come. These were taken in Beaverton, Oregon when visiting my amiga mejor, Kristy.

Hang in there!!!

I'm Back!!

Ugh! Between me being sick, my son being sick, and just a whole lot of feeling scattered and stressed, I am wondering where the last couple of weeks have gone! Holy cow. Hoping to pull myself back together... soon!

Yesterday, my son's class went to the Witte Museum in San Antonio. I went along with them. It was very fun. I got an extra kick out of it, because I used to be the events director years ago and haven't been back in a long time.

How many 8 year olds fit in a dinosaur footprint??

Umm... hey, guys, you might want to look behind you!!

The Sky Bike was a huge hit.

Although we didn't have time to see the Genome exhibit, this poster cracked us up...

Fun at the HEB Science Treehouse...
Don't look down!!!
Yikes!!

We made lots of new friends...

And sat on a chair of nails!!!

You know my favorite part? Even though he had all his buddies with him, he said, "Mom, I'm so glad you're here!" And as we were climbing the stairs, he reached out and held my hand. I know these moments will probably become fewer and fewer, so I savor them when they do happen!!

My Kids Rock!!!

I have been sick for several days now, which has not been fun. Some nights I dragged myself out of bed to fix dinner, other nights, I let Patrick and the kids fend for themselves with pizza or chicken nuggets.

Saturday morning, I managed to drag my coughing, sneezing, fever-y self out of the house for the pinewood derby. After that, Mom needed a nap!! When I woke up, my son asked if I felt like eating dinner that night. I hadn't eaten much other than broth for days. I told him I thought I might actually eat something that night. He said, "OK" and ran out of the room.

About 20 minutes later he called from the other room and asked if I was ready to come to the kitchen. I figured that meant he was ready for me to fix dinner, but when I came out I was greeted with...

A handsome young waiter (with a dashing mustache) and his adorable assistant!

The sign on the table read...

"From scratch. Yummy. Always Unexpected."

I'll say!

And what, you may ask, do an 8 year-old and a 5 year-old prepare for dinner? Well...

Multi-Grain Cheerios, whole wheat bread, garlic breadsticks, beef jerky, peanut butter cheese crackers, part of an energy bar, yogurt covered cranberries, banana, peanuts, and for dessert: clementine orange slices, 1/2 a guava-mango poptart and Smarties!

By the time we'd finished eating this fine meal, we had full tummies, and our hearts overflowed.