Karate ROCKS

The boys had their second karate tourney this weekend and I LOVED it! I missed the first one for my mom's wedding and I really felt guilty. I wasn't sure how I'd sit through this one - literally, SIT through it, but it wasn't so bad. As a side note, bleachers are really good for a broken tailbone, because your read end typically hangs off the back anyway! (However, the 40 minutes drive from Shawnee to Liberty almost did me in, even with the cushion!)

We got there about halfway into the registration process and there was a REALLY long line. Hmmm... turns out, kids come from ALL OVER to be at these things. There were some from Des Moines, Omaha and St. Louis! Cool! The line went really fast and we even had time to pickup the "participation" trophies and buy the boys t-shirts and patches before the intro stuff started. Joe kept saying how this was already better organized and laid out than the last one.

They did a few black belt demonstrations and then had all the kids come down to line up with the groups/sensei - there were about 8-10 kids from the boys' class (Joe said there were only like 4 last time and it was closer to home!).

After that, the kids came back up to their parents (talk about a melee!) and the wait began. They broke it into "events" and then into age groups. Each age group was then divided into belt class - whites and yellows only (2 lowest levels, so mostly younger kids like the boys). So, it went something like this:

1. Strongest Kick (kick a meter bag with an approved kick and the hardest kick wins) - 4s & 5s, 6s & 7s, 8s & 9s, 10s & 11s, 12 & up (there were only like 3 older than 11, so they were getting all sorts of trophies each time!) [essentially 5 groups per event]
2. Strongest Fist (hardest punch wins)
3. Fastest Kick (fastest kick wins)
4. Fastest Fist (fastest punch wins)
5. Escape Drills - run through a series of 4 "stranger-danger grabs" breaking away in the correct way as fast as possible. Most correct and fastest wins (very subjective however!)
6. "Walk with Danger" (explained below)

Both boys did Fastest Fist and the Escape Drill. Travis also did Walk with Danger (Thomas decided just before the event that he wanted to do it too, but it was too late to put him in).

In fastest fist, the boys wanted to use a backfist - which is a quick punch but doesn't carry a lot of 'uumph' with the boys weight behind it. the bag was having trouble registering their punches. But, Travis came in 4th (he was 2nd until the last two kids!) and Thomas took 6th. Not bad!

In escape drill, there was some controversy. We kept our mouths shut around the boys and at the event, but Joe was ticked! See, there are 4 senseis that each do a different hold on the kids as they run through the line and the kids have to perform the correct "escape". These are generally taught as "stranger danger" techniques - the 4 most common grabs used by kidnappers.

The first one is a single hand, same side grab - like a mirror image. So, the sensei grabs the child by the left hand with their right hand (or vice versa). The child then makes a fist with the grabbed hand, places the other hand around that one, steps back and spins away toward the sensei's thumb side. (It really works BTW - try it!). Apparently, this is where not only our boys had trouble but all the boys in their line. The first guy wouldn't let go of any of the boys and made them really fight to get out - but the girls got an easy out on it. 2 of the 3 top winners were girls at the 6 yr, yellow level. :( Thomas was somewhere in the middle of the line and Travis was 2nd from the end. It was really heart-wrenching to watch that happen, as they had practiced SO hard for this particular event and were so psyched about it - and so READY for it!

[For those who want to know, here's the rest of that event:

1. Single hand grab (described above)
2. Double hand grab - both hands grabbed from the outside by the sensei's both hands. Child lefts up both hands to the outside (like lifting hands to put on a hat) then brings them down in 'chop' over sensei's wrists.
3. Front choke - sensei places both hands on child's shoulders to simulate choking from the front. Child takes hands "up like a rocket" (sort of like praying hands, through the open gap) and "out like fireworks" (pushing hands off shoulders)
4. Back choke - sensei places both hands on child's shoulders to simulate choking from behind. Child clasps hands together in front of face or higher (depending on height of assailant), steps back on one foot and spins in the direction of the back foot. Clasped hands should hit the adult around the watchband area, HARD.

As a parent helper, I've had my fair share of watching these kids and walking them through the moves. Some of them could do some serious damage even when they're being nice to the helpers - I pity the person who would try to take them!

back to the tourney...]

The last event of the day for white/yellow belts was the "Walk with Danger". This is sort of a "fun" event that's almost a precursor to doing a Kata if done correctly. Basically, the kid gets up and pretends his fighting off an imaginary attacker doing whatever blocks, punches and kicks he can remember and do correctly in 20 seconds.

We signed Travis up for this one since he LOVES to pretend he's a Power Ranger with all the crazy martial arts moves and we figured he could come away with something to even him up with Thomas in the "big trophy" department (Tom got second in the escape drill back in November). Travis has been feeling really secondary to Thomas in a lot of areas lately (really seen in his report card this quarter!) and we wanted something to really boost his ego a some.

He was about halfway through the performance list on this one - and they had mixed 6- & 7-yr-olds as well as both belt colors on this one. *sigh*. We were worried. Especially since he'd just had such a hard time with the Escape Drills and he tends to let "failures" bring him down (instead of making him fight harder). But, he really impressed us - and the judges!

He got up there and first was the only one to "rei" (bow) and then to set into fighting stance - with a loud "Kiya"! Then, he did all the things we worked with him on - X-hand block, low blocks, front knee kick, and when he forgot what to do next he did a series of middle punches. He was the only one to do "Kiya"s (yells) with each and every move. When he was done, I was so proud. Then it got better!

They immediately put him at the front of the line - he was in 1st! Two kids after him had no idea what they were supposed to do and basically froze up. Two others did OK. He was holding up there at the front. I was trying not to get too excited, as he could see me down there where I sat to take pictures and I didn't want to get his hopes up too high just in case. Apparently, after each kid was seated in order, Thomas was up in the bleachers with Joe yelling stuff like "He's still in first! Go Travis! I'm so PROUD of him!" (how cool is THAT for a twin brother??) Wish I could have been yelling too! ;)

The last kid scared us. At first he looked like he might bolt. Then he went after it hard. He was yelling like Travis had, but the moves were more Power Ranger than Karate. Very enthusiastic. There was some debate at the judges table and they went back and forth a couple times with putting him in front of then behind Travis. HUH? Eventually, he was placed behind my boy...

...until they went through for trophies. The other kid went through first, meaning he got the 1st place. HUH?

Then Travis came through with a big old grin (got a picture of THAT for sure!) and a 1st place trophy as well. Apparently, the judges had decided to tie them. OK. Fine. But, the important thing here is that...

TRAVIS GOT A BIG TROPHY! Whoo hoo!

Even better, he got a huge boost in his self-esteem that we're still living off and neither of them can wait to learn more karate. YEA! We really want them to do this for several years, for the flexibilty of the sport, for the self-defense aspect but most importantly for the self-respect & discipline they're learning from it as well.

Plus, mommy is learning a lot too! ;)

[Pictures and videos to be posted when I have more time!]

Virtuous Months

For those who don't know me well, I lead the children's worship for my church 3 or 4 weeks a month (plus a bunch of other stuff for KidStuf). It's a little scary sometimes how apropos this can be for my life - specifically the virtues we focus on.

March was 'COURAGE' and boy did I need that to survive this month. No, there was nothing overly nasty in my days, other than a broken booty. In fact, I'd have to say my month ended on a relatively high note as compared to my friend Amanda (sorry sweetie - I honestly think we switched luck at the end of the month but I would have gladly sent all the good and happy luck to you for your special day if I'd known what would happen). Breaking my booty was definitely the lowest point but it's not anything I couldn't get over!

For April the virtue is 'JOY' and I am SO ready for this month! We have great songs picked out (I can say this, cuz I set up the schedule and set list!) - very high energy and all about the joy that can be found in any situation and in Christ. Plus, I just love the sound of the word 'JOY' - it's a great word and gives an instant happy jolt when you say it. Really. Say it out loud right now. A few times. See - you smiled didn't you? (seriously - did you say it? wow - you're funny!)

Going back to Amanda, I think she already understands this 'finding joy in any situation' better than most people. Less than 24-hours after posting about her crazy wedding (and less than 48 hours from the actual EVENT), she posted this follow-up - full of the joy of her marriage and being with the right man. She is thoroughly amazing to me and I know that I will take a lot to heart from both posts to see how God can give you a crazy moment (OK - a really BAD moment) at one point but you can find joy and happiness in it if you just look. Many brides would be fuming for YEARS over one little thing gone wrong and she's already sensing that she'll be laughing about it eventually (not quite yet, but she'll get there!).

Seeing the silver lining in things - that's been really hard for me to do lately, but I know it can been done. All things happen for a reason - it's not just a platitude or cliche - it's TRUE! God has a reason!

It's funny, I can usually tell other people to look on the bright side of things and tell them all the amazing things about THEM - but I refuse to do this for myself. Maybe for April one of my goals should be to say one positive thing about myself each day (and not just the "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!" diatribe either). I'll keep you posted. :)

It's Official - March Broke Me

Well, I thought I was doing good there for a few days. After the ice cream/raffle thing, I had a good 48 hours. Positive meetings with a client, relaxing a little with my hubby, having fun with my kids. I must have let it all go to my head.

On Friday, I decided to join my boys at their field trip to Skate City. Now, growing up I was always a really good skater and I figured this would be good. Growing up in a small town, it was truly one of the few things to do every weekend - we didn't even have a movie theatre near us! So, I figured I could go and skate with my boys and help out on the floor. No fear here.

After about 70 minutes on the floor, I was finally getting my groove back. It was hard with all those kids out there who could NOT skate to save their lives and a floor that looked more like an ice rink (all white) than a roller rink to me (I'm used to a wooden plank floor). I can do this really cool skating move where I sort of bounce on my rear wheels and roll onto my front wheels. Only this time, my really cool move wasn't so cool.

First my right rear wheels slip and I lose a little balance. Then my front left wheels slip and I feel both legs go out - right in front of me. And not slipping nicely in front where I have time to fall correctly. I fall straight down, legs in front of me. Down down down, flat on my butt. If someone had had a camera on me, I could've won the ultimate prize on America's Funniest Videos, I'm sure!

Now, I try to move and couldn't. Freaked out. Finally got myself under control with the help of some other adults and a couple of really helpful floor guards (and a few not so helpful ones!). Got my skates off and got off the floor. Eventually got back over to the group area. Had the group leader round up my kids (who were -thankfully - not on the floor but were playing video games at the time). And called my husband to come pick us up.

After he picked us up, I told him he might as well just go straight to the ER. I already knew I couldn't get into my real doctor and the urgent care wouldn't have X-Ray. I was NOT getting in and out of the car more than once! Just getting into his car (instead of my van? I'm still not sure why I had to get DOWN into a car instead of UP into the van?!?!) made me cry for 10 minutes.

After a 2 hour wait at OPRMC, I finally got taken back and checked out. They think it's one of two things - broken in one of two ways or just bruised. It doesn't feel like a bruise and it hurts whenever I move a certain way. So, I get taken to X-Ray. Yep. I'm broken. Thankfully it wasn't a lumbar fracture as they feared due to the pain radiating up my back. Unfortunately, it's my coccyx (tailbone). Yep, I broke my butt. *sigh*

According to the ER doc, it can take up to 6 weeks to heal this kind of fracture. It's not like they can truly put my butt in a sling - that really is just an expression! There's nothing they or I can do for it except rest and Percocet. Ah - drugs. Very nice if they didn't make me so sick. And being sick and not being able to bend over or sit down is actually worse than the pain without the pills. *sigh again*

I'll see my regular doctor early this week and find out how long I have to go without driving. Meanwhile, I'll be lying at my side at home trying to work on the laptop - it makes typing REALLY slow and painful. *triple sigh*

So, there you have it. March was not going well for me and it finally broke me. If it weren't for my birthday this month, I would probably detest it in the future. But, it will probably just become a long-term joke. Yes, that's me, the *butt* of the joke (and yes, I fully expect any and all booty jokes to come my way).

At least now maybe people will realize I'm not such a harda$$. =)

Reversal of Fortune?

Just a quick post about a reversal today...

Our corporate complex had an "ice cream social" in our building and a few from my office went up to get some. Yes I went along, thinking "diet is messed up this month anyway!". Only it turns out it's not ice scream. It's Sheridan's. As in Sheridan's.Frozen.Custard. Melt in your mouth and go straight to your hips delish. Oh well.

But, they also had this raffle up there. For Starbucks gift cards and other stuff. AND.I.WON!

Yep - got myself 2 AMC movie passes / free admissions. WHOO HOO!!

So - maybe a reversal of fortune? Maybe I stole some of Amanda's luck, since we got her ice cream but she didn't go with us? Maybe God just looked down and said "Here's something nice, child, cuz you need a little pick-me-up."

Whatever it was, YEA ME! And THANK YOU Corporate Woods! :)

Lost in Translation

At dinner the other night, we had another interesting family conversation. It went like this:

Me & Joe were making various comments picking on Em's "new boyfriend" (who's neither her boyfriend or new, but that's besides the point). We're all eating dessert at the time, which might have added to the confusion/weirdness.

Em: Passes me her phone, with pic of him. [Then it got weird...]

Me: You know, he's really not all that cute. [actually, he is kind of, for a 7th grade kid; I was just teasing to see what she would do/say]

Em: Yeah, he's not really.

Me: (thoroughly perplexed) Um. Really? Then why are you with him. Is he rich?

Em: well, yeah.

Joe: You are your mother's daughter. [under his breathe, mostly; remember, Em is my STEP-daughter...]

Me: No really, why are you with him?

Em: He's nice to me?

Me: (flabbergasted at the utter lack of shallowness in my teenager. Not from my bloodline, apparently...) *silence*

Travis: Let me see him. (gets phone) Yeah. he's not cute.

Me: But, that's OK that he's not, if he's nice to her. Although, if it's the person you love, you should think they're good looking even if no one else does.

Em: What-ever.

Travis: But you're still pretty mom. [I LOVE when he just throws that out there!]

Me: Aw - thanks kiddo! Is there anyone prettier than your mommy? [OK - fishing for a bigger ego boost - I asked for the rest of this conversation just from asking that!]

Travis: Just one. Jesus' mom. [This is the one person we've agreed is OK to be prettier than me in his eyes.]

Me: You know, there can be one other person prettier than me.

Travis: Really? I don't think so. Who?

Me: Well you can think your wife is prettier me.

Travis: Who's my wife?

Me: I don't know yet, but when you get married, she should be prettier to you than I am.

Travis: I'm not married.

Me: No, you're not. But when you DO get married, you should think she's prettier than me. [beginning to realize this is a futile conversation.]

Travis: Then, you're my wife?

Me: No, I'm your mommy. I'm daddy's wife.

Travis: Oh....so....Daddy's prettier than you?

Me: HUH?

Joe: That's right, I'm prettier than you.

Lots of laughter from everyone. *sigh*

Lesson of the day: Never try to discuss future brides with a 6 year old.

Feeling Funky

After karate tonight, Joe asked Tom why he did some strange, out of character thing (I'm not 100% sure what that was). Tom's response was classic Tom:

"I was funky in my head. I don't know WHAT I was thinking."

I love it!

What Would You Do?

ABC News is doing a limited series called "What Would You Do?" - a hidden camera type of show where they put people in questionable social situations to see how they will act. Literally, what will they do when put into a situation when there's "no one watching".

I'm thoroughly amazed by what I'm witnessing on this show. And what amazes me the most isn't the fact that people do the right thing sometimes - I have great faith in human beings - but in the justifications the people use when they DON'T do the right thing!

You can watch some of the snippets here: abcnews.go.com/Primetime/WhatWouldYouDo. I highly suggest you watch some! I won't go into too much detail as to the actual responses they have recorded, in case you haven't seen these yet and want to watch them. What I will do is pose some of the situations to you - to get you thinking. And, hopefully, talking. But, most importantly, DOING THE RIGHT THING!

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1) What would you do if you witnessed a different type of "terrorist" attack? Specifically, a form of "Islamophobia" where a woman is denied service in a restaurant based on the fact that she is a practicing Muslim (knowledge based solely on her clothes).
I have to admit that I would like to do the right thing and stand up for her. But, I don't know that I would. I'm sort of a coward in real life. I know I wouldn't stand up for the shopkeeper, I'd leave without buying anything and I would never step foot in the store ever again. I just don't know if I could personally stand up for her verbally out of fear for myself. I could probalby wrangle a little passive aggressive maneuver - maybe a call to the health department to report a "rat behind the counter "- then offer to buy her lunch at another "BETTER" place. :)

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2) What would you do if you witnessed your friend's significant other cheating? Would it matter if they were just dating? Engaged? MARRIED?
Seriously, having been on the flip side of this I would do the right thing. And I have! I've also done the wrong thing in the past. We'll leave it at that (some of you know the whole story here but I'd rather not share it with the world if you don't mind).

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3) Would you step in between a couple fighting in public if it got physical? What if it was the woman hitting the man? Would it matter if they were of mixed races - a black man with a white woman? What about a white man with a black woman? Would you wait until it got physical to step in or would you step in if it was just verbal abuse?
I would definitely step in on this; the extenet would depend on my own personal safety. If I honestly thought I would be hurt in the situation and therefore no good to the victim, I wouldn't step in personally, but would call the cops or look for a large man in the vicinity to assist me - perferably one larger than the attacker. There is safety in numbers after all! But I couldn't just walk on by - again having been on the other side!

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4) Would you speak up to a bad driver? One who damaged someone else's car and walked off? What if it was someone who "stole" a handicapped parking space?
I think would definitely speak up if there was visible damage done and there was no doubt of fault. Assuming it's not a really big scary guy - then I would just quietly do something about it (very passive aggressive approach, but not necessarily any less effective). I have spoken up to people taking handicapped spaces. Now that my mom actually HAS her tag for this, I'm even more in tune to this infraction. When I'm out with her, I'd love to carry around really large stickers that say "RUDENESS ISN'T A HANDICAP - FIND A REAL PARKING SPACE NEXT TIME" and then put them directly over the driver's side windshield - massively sticky stickers that you can't pull off easily - especially when it's cold outside. I know - passive evil is still evil but it still sounds fair to me sometimes! :)

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5) Could you be the "good Samaritan"? Based on the parable Jesus told of the Good Samaritan helping the beaten man on the side of the road. If you saw a man in the park or somewhere you're walking, and he's crying, definitely upset, with torn clothes and no shoes - WOULD YOU HELP HIM? Would it matter if he was white or if he was African-American? Would it matter if he was older (think grandfatherly) or younger (college-aged)? What if it was a woman - any woman?
The answer for me all the way around is YES. YES. and YES. If someone is obviously in trouble or need, I will step in! If I can't do it myself (again, that personal hurt thing) I will ask someone else to help me, like a bigger guy or a cop. But I won't leave a troubled person to themselves if there's anything at all I can do.

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6) Would you help a young boy getting beat up in the park by other young boys his age? What if it was girls? What if the abuse was only verbal?
This would be a harder call for me. Kids aren't as easily reasoned with as many adults. And they can be more volatile, especially in a "pack". Kids scare me more than adults - how weird is that? Especially a pack of girls. Maybe it's having been the "victim" of verbal attacks myself, I hate to get into altercations of that kind. But, I don't think I could just pass by altogether - if I couldn't say something myself, I'd find someone stronger than me [that's mentally/emotionally stronger in this case] to help out.

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7) Could you handle someone flirting with your significant other in public? Like a waiter/waitress?
Wow. No, I couldn't handle this too well - I get jealous REALLY easy. But, it would depend on how Joe would handle it to determine what I would actually do. If he was laughing it off and making it obvious he was with me, I would laugh with him at the patheticness of the gal. If he's being laid back/quiet about it, and laughing more at ME being jealous, I'd squash it - and fast! But, calmly. I'd suggest the woman find another guy to hit on, as my HUSBAND is definitely taken.

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8) Would you call out your boss for taking credit for your work or idea? What if you found out he did it by using some underhanded means of your own (like reading his email or swiping his Blackberry)?
I wouldn't necessarily call him out on it, but I wouldn't give my ideas directly to him anymore - or at least not solely to him. I'd copy others on the same level or co-workers on my level at least. Of course, Neal would never ever do this, right, so nothing to ever fear. ;)

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That's it for now. I'd love to know your thoughts. Feel free to post in the comments or add these 8 questions to your own blog with your ideas/reasoning. Sort of like a "getting to know your friends" email, but with more social significance and psychological insight than "what are your favorite pajamas?" (not that I don't love those emails - and knowing you like boxer shorts and a t-shirt over a full set of pajamas or a nightgown could be useful at some point - like for a Christmas present!).

Hard to Fight the Light

Even the Bible verses I post on my blog are out to pull me from the funk-i-tude I'm in. Today's verse (in case you don't actually GO to my blog and see these great verses!):

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

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Lord - thanks for the reminder than I need to strive to be a pure child of yours - and therefore must be thankful for all things, even when they aren't the dreams and hopes I asked You for. Your ways are not my ways, but your plans for me are to help me prosper and make me thrive. Thank you for remembering me and for caring in all things.

Why Buy Expensive Toys?

My friend Teri sent this to me and I just HAD to post it [I honestly don't know why SHE didn't! :) ] It takes me back to the days when the boys were little and played for HOURS in the big boxes some of their Christmas toys came in from Ohio. It was litke a fort for them and they LOVED crawling in and around them. Enjoy this little baby - and have a Ripping Good day!!

Man Day

Sunday morning, we had a really great family discussion around 8am (which was really 9am - forgot to reset the clocks and I was late for KidStuf rehearsal - oops!).

I was doing my hair and makeup and the boys were cuddling with Joe on the big bed. Our talk went something like this:

Tom: "I know...you're going to church. Right mommy?"

Me: "Yep - always!"

Tom: "Does that mean we need to go?"

Me: "Only if Daddy brings you, cuz I have to sing..." (looking askance at Joe hoping he'd take the bait)

Joe: "Fat chance."

Me: "So, no then." and I went into the hall to have a little pout where the boys couldn't see me.

Tom (still in with Joe): "YES!"

Me: silent, pouting at Tom as I come back in.

Tom, exuberantly: "It's MAN DAY"

All 3 boys/men: "YES YES YES. It's MAN day! We are MEN and it's OUR day!"

Me: "But...it's MY birthday..." *pouting again*

-short silence -

Tom: "Oh. Well, maybe we'll do something when you come back. But, today is MAN day first!"

Me: *sigh*

Ditto Heidi, Ditto

I read a post from another blogger recently that pretty well sums me up this past 2 weeks (you can read Heidi's sentiments for yourself if you so desire: www.heidichronicles.com/2008/03/05/drifting)

Basically, I feel at odds with my entire life - job, spouse, and definitely kids. Just a general disconnect from who I thought I'd be at this point in my life and where I can see myself going from where I really am.I thought if I put off aknowledging it it would go away, but after reading Heidi's blog I realized maybe it would be better to just get it out here and get it out of my head.

I know part of this is just my monthly down spiral and that next week I'll probably be up again. Part of it is my upcoming birthday and I always have a feeling this time of year that no one really gives a crap to celebrate me or my birth 34 years ago (that's a whole different "pity party" post...). Or maybe it's just the weather and tired of being cooped up in the house with my kids all the time (while we good go outside in the semi-freezing temps, I really don't want to deal with sick kids).

Right now, I just don't care what is the cause behind it as I'm not really caring about anything.

What I'd really like right now is a week vacation - BY.MY.SELF. All alone, me, and a hotel room and a beach somewhere warm. A couple of books for each day, a jacuzzi tub, a weight room, NO PHONE and possibly no computer. A place where I can feel free to go out dancing for a night and then sleep the next day. Where I can do some writing and reading without feeling like I'm neglecting anyone or anything. A place where there's no laundry or dishes, no kids to get ready in the morning or meals to make 3 times a day. Where I can just me - Terese - not mom, wife, co-worker, support guru, worship leader, or any other title that's been put on me. But, for the next 12 years minimum I know I'm not going anywhere alone for more than one night and usually that's not even alone - it's either me and the kids or me and Joe...or all of them! Maybe it's all the testosterone in my house that's getting to me??

So, don't expect a lot of updates or positive feedback on anything tonight or this weekend or maybe for the next few weeks. If you work with me, I'm sorry if I bite your head off. If you're related to me, well, you're probably used to this personality. Tired of it, but still nothing new. Don't take any of it personally - it really has nothing to do with you.

Anyway, just wanted to put that out there. Enjoy YOUR night...

Moments for Myself - 06 March

I can do it...
I will persevere...
I will not blow my top...
I am important...

Do you have a motto that you repeat to yourself? A word or expression that you find yourself repeating over and over? Does it make you fee better about yourself? If so, keep it up! If not, find one that does.

- Moments for Myself, Daily Inspiration Calendar

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What's your motto, your credo, your expression? Please share...

A serious DUH moment!

I was sitting here writing calmly in my blog about nothing and wondering what I could do to add more to it. I mean, after a year of writing (year, really 1 year this month - WOW!) I should have something NEW to add in here. And, I had the quintessential DUH moment (picture me in Homer drag smacking my forehead...).

Please note a few things and I'm sure you'll see where I'm heading here...

• My user moniker is "christian mom"
• The name of this blog is "Reason and Light" with light referring to God.
• I have biblical quotes assaulting you as soon as you hit the site.
• I try to post uplifting, positive posts and requests for comments/help when I am out of my own happiness.
• Swearing is definitely not allowed in here, with the worst thing I've really said being "butt".
• Moments for Myself quotes that are usually about God or the peace of spirituality.

And, with all this in mind, you will not see a single REAL Prayer Request in this blog. WHAT?? Seriously? I do have some posts for "power of prayer" but no real, outright requests. For me, for family, for close friends, for world leaders - for anything or anyone. Really? goofy girl...

So, for my initial prayer request, I'm going to point you to my young friend Katlyn....

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Katlyn has been ill for sometime (several YEARS in fact) and will be going to the Mayo Clinic this Saturday with her mom, Tina. [Background: Tina and I worked together just before the boys were born. She and her family, especially her daughters, brought me back to God and to Cedar Ridge Christian Church, so this whole family is very important to me and my family!]

Please pray for Katlyn and Tina as they travel to Minnesota for an undetermined period of time to hopefully get answers and healing. May God bless their time together as mother and daughter as well. Also, please pray for Bil and their other children as they remain in KC and await answers from here (which might be even harder). Please pray for the doctors and nurses as well as the testing technicians - anyone who will come into contact with this amazing young woman and have a hand in her diagnosis - and pray that y at least find a REASON for her illness, if not an outright cure.

You can check out more of Katlyn's story at her Caring Bridge site. You might sign her guest log and let her know you are praying as well - even if you don't know her!

Where they come from...

So, after I posted my inspiration thoughts, I had to look up where I might have gotten some of you faithful readers. Although the referral sites were fairly common (Google, Yahoo!, etc.) I found a few of the search terms amusing. And the locations of readers is just WILD in consideration of how far-reaching they are!

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TOP SEARCH TERMS

"handbags + hygiene" - probably looking for the same original I was for my post. Hopefully you found what you needed!

"i lost my leg" - which they probably got sent to the post on my mom (which made her cry BTW, but in a good way!). I hope you found inspiration and hope!

"olivia sharma" - if you're looking for info on my boss' kid, you're in the wrong place - go here www.celebratingolivia.com for more recent updates on the cutie-patootie (and she IS adorable!)

"the red ball" + "kimmy" - HUH? well, hopefully you got to the Red Ball site and were able to attend by going from my site on to that one!

"kidstuf songs" - I can't direct you any where specific for that one, but there will be lots of posts where I mention KidStuf! I lead worship for this children's church service at Cedar Ridge (www.cedarridge.cc) and I LOVE IT!

and my absolute favorite search terms...

"RICE KRISPIE TREATS" (and variations on that theme). OH My Goodness - I'm SO sorry if you were looking for good, HELPFUL information on those cuz I have nothing but DISDAIN for making those goofy things! :) But, they are SERIOUSLY yummy!

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WHERE YOU COME FROM

From my Clustermaps overlay, I see I have readers mostly from the KC area - duh! But, there are a good number in Ohio (thanks family & extended family) as well as all around the US. Weird, but it gets weirder in that there are some from South America, Europe (including who I'm guessing is Heidi in the UK) and even AUSTRALIA. Seriously? WOW!

My Google analytics says there's only those in the US, some in Canada and 1 each in France, Germany and South Korea (really - Korea?? WOW!). However, I did start my Google stuff long after my cluster maps, which might account for the varying locations?

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Regardless, wherever you are and however you got here - WELCOME! It might be a bit messy at times and I may not always be 100% happy and positive, but I am glad you're here! Come in, sit a spell, have a read and a good laugh. Then return to your day a mite happier - that's all I ask in return. Have a WONDERFUL day!

FOOTBALL...in MARCH???

As of this evening, my boys are now enrolled to participate their 5th sport. We've done wrestling (one season and they don't show any interest in returning now), baseball (will reprise this summer we hope), basketball (just finished first season), karate (in second season now) and, for the fall...

FOOTBALL

I'm not sure why, but the Kaw Valley football league out here in KS has sign ups for fall ball in March. Yeah, crazy, but there you go. We had to convince the boys that they weren't PLAYING football yet, just that if they want to in 1st grade they had to sign up now. It took a good 30 minutes of explaining and cajoling to convince them to go sign up. *Sigh*

For those of you who don't know, my husband is a Texan - born and bred. That's football country folks. And he was born in DALLAS - THE Football town. And he of course cheers on God's team - the 'Boys (at least he's religious about SOMETHING!!!) For 14 years he coached these little league football teams and he only gave it up when his job required work on Saturdays. However, he has volunteered to be a coach should they need one. Whoa. I know the boys will be taught right, but not sure how his patience will work with them long-term like that. But, if it works and brings them closer, well...can I get a HALLELUJAH??

Anyway, I'll post more about football in the fall. I'm not ready for that insanity yet!

Inspiring others leaves me inspired

I started a blog after reading my coworker Ramsey's blog (www.acrosstheboardblog.com) and wanting do something a little more "positive". [No offense meant Ramz! I love your blog, there's just some 'controversial' items on there that got me wanting to throw out something more positive to counter-balance occasionally!]

I currently get further inspiration from Amanda for my health and mental state (runtothefinish.blogspot.com - look for her 'attitude of gratitude' thoughts!), from Cara for looking at kids and life in a POSITIVE light (allaboutthelittlethings.blogspot.com - I love the little "What Tassie ate today" bits) as well as well as from the insanely up-to-date world of Heidi (www.heidichronicles.com - be sure to read backwards sometimes as she WILL back-blog to keep things up to date!). I also just found a bevy of blogs from the moms at my church that I am finding SOO informative, enlightening and just down-right funny (look on my blog for the list of "mommy blogs I read" if you want all their links).

Now, originally, my blog was just going to be my world and a private "journal" type thing. I honestly didn't think I'd ever really share it or have *gasp* followers. But, I DO! 17 at least, according to my feedburner thingy. WOW - who ARE you people?? :)

And, because of my accountability blog (2008accountability.blogspot.com) I have apparently inspired two close friends of mine to blog as well! Not just as team members on the accountability blog, but also on their own, about their kids, hubbies, job and lives. WOW! So, I gotta give call-outs to them here:

Teri (theknedlerclan.blogspot.com) is my oldest friend. I don't mean she's old (she's my age, sheesh!) but that we've known each other for a VERY long time - since 2nd grade (that's 26 years for those who want to know). We've been through SO MUCH in those years, and I'm sure you'll hear more about them here and there through these blogs and posts from both of us. We did lose contact for a good 10 years between high school and growing up (that's an even LONGER story) but she found me and we've been close again ever since! It only bums me out that she lives all the way in Ohio and we NEVER get to see each other!

Kim (berlygirl.blogspot.com) is one of my dearest friends - one of those friends you may not talk to for long periods of time, but as soon as either of you really need someone, they're there. We've been friends since we worked at Mac Tools in '94, so 14 years. (just did that math for the first time and WOW!). She was my maid-of-honor and was stunning in black and I got to wear a yellow dress down the aisle for her (SOOOOOO not my color, but anything for the bride). I will state that I taught her all she knows about customer service and phone support. (j/k) and she taught me how to eat pretzels and people watch at the mall. (that one's true!) That Ohio living thing gets in the way with this friendship as well. :(

[OH - BY THE WAY GIRLS - I'M COMING HOME IN JUNE FOR MY COUSIN'S WEDDING - WE NEED TO PLAN SOMETHING!!!]

Now that I have these gals blogging I feel like I have to keep up and keep writing about my mundane life. I have no fascinating journey as Kim will hopefully be sharing with everyone nor do I possess a truly graceful wit like Teri. Yet I have followers and friends. So, for those who are living vicariously through me, I truly wonder about you, but I will try to keep you entertained. Please LEAVE A COMMENT and tell me who you are and WHY you read this blog, so that I can continue to feel inspired! Know that I appreciate each and every one of you and I'll try to be more fun from now on! ;)

duck, duck, GOOSE

Yesterday was an amazing day at the Babcock household - and in Kansas in general. Somehow, for the first weekend in March, we had beautiful 75 degree weather. Yes, 75. That's not a typo or written in some weird non-Fahrenheit degree or anything. 75 degrees! As Jim Carey said "b-e-a-uuuu-tiful!"

To truly enjoy this weather, we all had to get our butts dressed and out the door. Not so hard for yours truly, as I had already been up at 7, up to the church by 8:45 (late again!), singing and shaking my booty at 10:15 for KidStuf and through a great church service at 11:15. I picked up lunch on the way home (sometimes I feel like a bad mom for this one, but it makes everyone happy when I do it, so maybe it's not that bad!) and back home 1pm. After we ate I told Joe - "we need to get outside and moving before the rain hits or I'm taking a nap." - knowing that this would leave him in full stead of the insane tornadoes, he got everyone dressed and out the door by 2pm!

We went to SMP (Shawnee Mission Park) and tootled around there until we found the geese. There's always some there, we just had to find the right little pond. With a bag of stale hamburger buns (why do we buys these? we never eat them!) we headed in for the boys' first (memorable) endeavor with these goofy geese.

I showed them how to tear up the buns and throw them out into the pond. It went on as expected - geese fighting over the pieces,pieces not quite making it to the pond, etc. Then, the geese got bold...

Em & Joe were at one side of me and the boys to the other. The geese came up by Joe and walked around behind me to the boys. I was trapped - and laughing hysterically. Thomas kept backing up, saying "I don't have anymore bread gooses. Go away. Don't eat ME!" and Travis just had big "deer-in-the-headlight" eyes. We convinced the boys not to run away, the geese don't eat little boys and just to keep throwing the bread. Travis tried to recover a piece from the ground a goose let him know it was HIS by throwing out his wings and squawking. Travis just stared at him and backed up. Joe & I were still laughing. Emily was flashing back to her own first time and getting chased by a goose - who was trying to get her butt.

Eventually of course, we ran out of bread and the boys were a little worried. Once the geese saw we were done however, they started back into the water. We wandered off, the boys taking a big lead, butting lots of ground between them and the geese. Joe snuck up on them and pinched a fanny - I've never seen Travis jump so high! For the rest of the day, we kept trying to see who could "goose" each other.

After the geese, we wandered over to the "beach" and threw rocks into the water- I think Emily actually held the distance record and I threw out my LEFT arm since I couldn't grip with my right hand. [I hate getting old!]

We got back in the car to go home just as the rain started. We drove around in the rain, just enjoying the semi-quiet and non-fighting that was occurring. We drove to McDonald's and got shakes for the kids and cones for the parents - I forgot just how yummy Mickey D's ice cream is! Also, it was much cheaper than Sonic, Dairy Queen or Sheridan's!

When we got back home, Travis decided he HAD to take a nap and wanted me to lay down with him. Since Em & Joe were watching another of her CSI: Miami Season 4 DVDs, we laid down on the family room floor with pillows and blankets. Tom joined us and was the only one to actually take a nap [after insisting he didn't need one!].

We topped it off with a dinner of hot dogs and mac & cheese (seriously, sometimes the easiest things really ARE the best!) and some serious snuggling/reading before bedtime.

All in all - it was a good day to be us. And now, it's back to winter with 35 degree weather. (sigh...)