Looking for some feedback

So, I got this e-mail. Probably several of you did also. The original one was dated August 2009, but now it's labeled "best e-mail of 2009" I read it. I thought about it, and I'm still thinking about it. But, right now, I want to hear what you all think.

If you want to post to my actual blog site, Regina's Rants, I encourage you to do so.


TEXT FROM THE E-MAIL:

How's this for apocalyptic literature. This was written by a pastor's wife in biblical prose as a commentary of current events. It is
 brilliant.


------------------------



And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land


called America , having lost their morals, their initiative, and their


will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that


person known as "The One.."




He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He


hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you." My lack


of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my


association with evil doers are of no consequence. I shall save you


with hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the


land that he who proceeded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation,


and that all he has built must be destroyed.. And the people rejoiced,


for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised


that it was good; and they believed. And "The One" said " We live in


the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"


And the people said, "Hallelujah! Change is good!"



Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats." And the


people said "Sock it to them!" "And redistribute their wealth." And


the people said, "Show us the money!" And the he said, "


redistribution of wealth is good for everybody."



"4"

And Joe the plumber asked, " Are you kidding me? You're going to


steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??" And "The One"


ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked and publicized.


One lone reporter asked, "Isn't that Marxist policy?" And she was


banished from the kingdom!



Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and


having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with


radical terrorists?" And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with


them and talk with them and show them how nice we really are; and they


will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!" And the people


said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons


into free cars for the people!"




Then "The One" said "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes." And one,


lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes." So "The One"


said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"


And the people said, "Hallelujah! Show us the money!"


Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell


your homes!" And the people yawned and the slumping housing market


collapsed. And He said. "I shall mandate employer-funded health care


for every worker and raise the minimum wage. And I shall give every


person unlimited healthcare and medicine and transportation to the


clinics." And the people said, "Give me some of that!"


Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."


And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"



Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry and


electricity rates will skyrocket!" And the people said, "Coal is


dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part


about higher electric rates." So "The One" said, Not to worry. If


your rebate isn't enough to cover your expenses, we shall bail you out.


Just sign up with the ACORN and you troubles are over!"



Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's


grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches,


free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..." And


the people said, "Hallelujah!" and they made him king!



And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and


ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers. Others


simply gave up and went out of business and the economy sank like unto


a rock dropped from a cliff.


The bank banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a


crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.




Then "The One" said, "I am the "the One"- The Messiah - and I'm here


to save you! We shall just print more money so everyone will have


enough!" But our foreign trading partners said unto Him. "Wait a


minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have


to pay more... And "The One" said, "Wait a minute. That is


unfair!!" And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic


programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and


a second-rate power. Now you shall play by our rules!"




And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea


verily, it was too late. The people set upon The One and spat upon


him and stoned him, and his name was dung. And the once mighty nation


was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or


shelter or hope. And the Change "The One" had given them was as like


unto a poison that had destroyed them and like a whirlwind that


consumed all that they had built..



And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish,


"give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!" But it was too


late, and their homeland was no more.

“A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT, IS STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE."


Thomas Jefferson

Proverbs 11:14, NLT

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

E-mail and distractions

For those of you who e-mail me at my cox.net address, stop it. I never use it. Grab me at gmail instead.

Yeah! I have no messages in my work e-mail account presently. Hooray for me. Why is plowing through my e-mail such a big accomplishment (sad day). Jacob was awake until 11 p.m. tonight. It's 2:27 a.m., and yet my husband is still not home. I hate basketball season. I hate road trips. Tomorrow, we are going to have at least one grouchy child and two parents who did not go to bed. Great way to end the year.

Augh! Anyway, I am going to be productive next week. Tonight was part of laying the ground work. Don't e-mail me unless it's crucial. My mom used to tell us not to call her at work unless we were bleeding. I need one of you clever word people to come up with a similar phrase that would address e-mail usage.

And, no, I did not get my journal finished. I have 26 pages to go.

Library:
I take the boys to the library, and they are on the computers. Jacob told me to pick out some things he might like because I am good at that.

Christmas cards and other holiday jazz

I did not send out Christmas cards this year, but I was happy to receive a hefty pile from friends and family. Several of these cards appeared to come directly from Snapfish.com, which certainly caught my attention. After the debacle that was our family Christmas photo (we totally blame Jared for this), I am still unsure about whether I will send New Year's Cards or not.

As I spend the week home with my two boys, I am surrounded by a seriously messy house and plenty of "Christmas" that still needs to find a home. I have also decided that I want to start the new year, armed with a new journal. I am 29 pages away from finishing the one I began Aug. 18, 2007. The first sentence Jared utters every morning is "Can we play on the Wii? Please?! Please?! I be nice. We not fight today. Promise (bat big blue eyes and look at mom)."

I have two or three or maybe five journals in que, just waiting for me to write the staggering details of my life journey (lol). My grand plan for the day is to lug the boys to the Public Library to hang out in the kid section while I work on writing and picking up another book to read.

I highly, highly, highly recommend reading "Traveling With Pomegranates" by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor. I return in search of another one of Sue's book. I am going to try to stay away from Amazon.com's one click shopping (at least until February!)

Cheers.

Aaauuugghhh:

Household tip for the day. Do not turn on garbage disposal while dish rag is down the hole! And, especially avoid this when your husband is in Las Vegas. :(

Truth:
Be prepared to modify your plan. It'll be good for you.

Or so says my fortune cookie. Haha, really funny.

My friend's said something about seeing a miracle and she thinks they are related!!

Grading and Grace

I find myself in emotional turmoil as I face the grading in my writing courses. If students complete even half of the assignments in my writing classes, they have truly worked hard.

Call me nuts, but I don't know how to teach writing without making students write themselves silly while reading some outstanding writing samples for good measure.

I see the progress as I move through their final portfolios. I hope they realize the growth after they stop throwing darts at my picture.

During my college career, I fell down at the altar of the mighty GPA. As a faculty member, I find myself wanting to help students as much as I can. On the other hand, I find it extremely annoying to lend a helping hand when the student clearly has not met me halfway. It's always such a balancing game.

In the end, I wish that judging writing, dedication and true appreciation of learning was more clear cut. But then again, I am positively thrilled when a struggling hard worker produces prose that almost takes my breath away.

Equal Rights

So I was grading today. Actually that's pretty much all I did today. I was thinking about those students who go online and hunt up and/or buy their assignments.

I was wondering if faculty should not have these same perks. What about a Web site that accepted files that needed to be graded? That would be awesome.

Then as I traveled down the hall to pop a bag of microwave popcorn, I saw a schedule of events from last week, aimed to help students cope with the stress of finals. Well, I felt pretty stressed today. Where are the faculty activities?

easy thank you for the military

shared via an e-mail:

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the Armed Services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

One class practically in the books

For my senior seminar students, I have news. I am D-O-N-E grading. I just need a wee bit of time in the morning to type scores into my excel file and merge piles of paper (of course, they are already in alpha order as it's one of my classic procrastination techniques.)

Tomorrow, I'll hopefully knock out internships. Then, I'll leave the most time-intensive and grueling for the weekend and Monday. With grades due at 10 a.m. Tuesday, it's quite risky to leave things until then.

More good news. Everyone in the class earned a passing grade in senior seminar with the majority of students bringing home As if my cursory scan is correct.

funny, funny stuff

Font video

I hate e-mail, la la la

That's a new song I am writing. I currently have 14 e-mails, which is awesome. I had 400 yesterday.

So, I didn't do some things (like I need one more thing)

Some people might be wondering if I'm in a coma (I'm not)

Others might wonder why I'm blogging so much today. (Funny story. I have lots of blogs, and I have been working on updating them, too. I also set up my iphone as a blogging device. Now, I can blog directly from my phone. My only complaint is that it does not put a title on the post, and I like titles.)

It posts pics from my phone, too, but it takes forever.

mini update: day three -- no Coke. I can totally do this : O )

Add another card to the list

Pass this on to your church, co-workers, family, and friends. What do you have to lose but 44 cents, what do you have to gain ----------- more than you will ever know.

What a clever idea!
Yes, Christmas cards. This is coming early so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list.

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world..

Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.

Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude. (It's not the Christian way, you know.)

ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York , NY 10004

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". . . It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!

For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away from view. Help put Christ back in Christmas!

Jacob -- first grade

I am testing.

Grading, sick kiddo and other musings

I am surrounded by Christmas as I grade this Monday morning. My eldest son thought he would like to begin his day by throwing up at 5 a.m. Poor kid, he has thrown up at least six more times. So I am sitting in my living room with my half-decorated tree staring back at me. The stockings are hung and the table behind me is littered with ornament boxes. Yes, I keep all the boxes.

It is the last week of classes (seems surreal to me). And, as usual, I have a bit of grading to to do.

The extended break might have worked out for this purpose except that some six odd years ago, Gene and I decided to become parents. Between cooking Thanksgiving dinner and somewhat cleaning it up, hanging out with family and then doing a long list of household/Christmas to-dos on Saturday, my weekend was GONE before I blinked.

At some point in the weekend, I have made another one of my famous declarations. I am DONE with soda for awhile. Gene and I are seeing who can hold out the longest, which may end up being a small mistake.

Well, back to grading. Oh, and it seems I've sort of become a Pampered Chef consultant again. Anyone need any great gifts for the holidays?

free holiday babysitting for kids 3-sixth grade

SHARE THE WORD!

Covenant Baptist Church is providing FREE childcare so parents within the Topeka community can go Christmas shopping. The event will be Sunday, Dec. 6, 2-5 p.m.

Children, ages 3-sixth grade, will do crafts, make and wrap presents to put under the family tree, and will
hear the Christmas story.

This event is by reservation only to ensure we have enough volunteers. Call the church to sign up today, 273-2811, or contact Annette at church @ cbctopeka.com

Covenant is located at 5440 SW 37th St.

crazy

I know I am a great mom, but the daily dose of tears from my little blue-eyed boy as I leave him at preschool is killing me. Finally, I pry myself loose, telling him I have to get his big brother to school on time.

Sliding behind the wheel, I remark to Jacob. "It's a crazy life."

"Who's crazy? Me or you?"

Laughing, I tell him it's most definitely me.

"If I was going to preschool and I saw those poptarts in the lunchroom, I would give you a hug and go get me a poptart. I don't know why Jared was so upset."

OK, so maybe all great moms compete with pop tarts?

Happy Birthday to me!

We move from the ranting portion of the birthday to confession.

Amazon.com has not failed me yet. Today, after lunch, a new book arrived on my doorstep. A birthday present to myself. Yeah! It's another Yada Yada book, the second book of the second series. Yeah.

Now you can probably guess the confession part. Jacob is not nearly as demanding as Jared when he is sick. He has watched TV, played on the computer, wrote his teacher a thank-you note for his shenangins in the boys bathroom and is now reading a book as part of his daily 20-minute reading requirement.

Let's just say that I've more than satisfied my daily reading requirement, and I am shocked to learn that it is 2 p.m.!

Yo-Yo's and Fevers

Last night, as Gene went pink for volleyball, I dragged the boys to Jacob's end of season, flag football ceremony. It began at 7 p.m., so I was fairly confident it would be short. I mean, organizers are well aware that kindergarten and first grades participate.

Things moved right along and we eagerly awaited the special guest. Enter Salina native, Brent Dellinger, yo-yo extraordinaire. His tricks were quite impressive, and I was amazed more than once at what this 21 year old could make a yo-yo do. At some point, I began to tire of the tricks, perhaps after the plug for a $17 yo-yo. Or perhaps as Jared grew increasingly impatient next to me. I clapped happily at the end and was still naive to think I might exit the church with some dignity.

My boys go to bed at 8 p.m., sometimes it is 8:05 p.m. It is never 8:41 p.m. As we prepare to leave, Jared launches into his killer fit routine. My purse is heavy as it contains my camera and various other junk, but still I manage to scoop up the fireball and attempt the long journey to the car.

He does not go quietly into the night. Threats do not work. Pressure on his behind does not work. He kicks, punches, contorts and screams. I consider my options as I encourage Jacob to pay attention to the various cars leaving the parking lot. I practically drop Jared on the sidewalk and remark that he can just stay here if he chooses. Cue the sorrowful crying. OK, now maybe he will allow me to carry him in a somewhat calm matter. Ha! The little con artist resumed his torrential fit the moment I scooped him back up.

Looking back, I realize an important truth. That 8 p.m. bedtime is as much for me as it is for them. Jared is DONE. I am rapidly getting there. He requires a quick spank before he will sit up properly in his car seat. He avenges this by screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire trip home. I am surprised the glass in the car windows survive his pitch.

I am tired. My head is pounding. I am losing any commitment I might have held previously to motherhood. Enter Gene (thank you Lady Blues for winning quick!). As Gene steps into the hot seat, I fold the laundry on our bed at a feverish pace as I try to regain a piece of sanity.

This morning, Jacob comes into our room a bit before 7 a.m; he's had a bad dream. As he slides next to me, I realize immediately, as most mothers do, that my baby has a fever. But, I make Gene get up and confirm it anyway. After all, it is my birthday.

Chili anyone?

Jared (yes, the sick, feverish one as of late) is having a fundraiser for his preschool. BTW, he is feeling much better today. No fever. He is just fraught with naughtiness.

Sunday, Nov. 8: Chili fundraiser
Cost $7

It will be at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 2649 SE 45th, 11:30-2 p.m.

If you want to go, call REGINA or e-mail regina.cassell@ washburn.edu. I am supposed to turn in orders Wednesday (Oct. 21), but I am running behind as usual.

Come have chili with the Cassells. We will head over right after church.

Fall (not spring) break

We just concluded the eighth week of a 16-week semester. Thursday and Friday marked our traditional fall break. In November, we have a three-day break for Thanksgiving, but at the moment I am lamenting my Fall Break. I worked both days (at the office). And I did not read a good book or have a garage sale. (don't ask)

I FINALLY did the dishes with some help from Gene, and I did a mountain of laundry and/or drawer switching as we prepare for cooler temps. I helped a friend out and added a couple of kiddos to my own two, took all four boys to Jacob's flag football game and froze while my 6-year-old ran around the field shivering. Then I met another friend and added her two boys to my four at Chuck-E-Cheese for lunch and some easy child entertainment (all such things exact their price, but we did have a nice visit anyway)

I'll leave you with this plea for parental support.

Me: "Jacob, find your coat and put it on. It's cold outside."
Jacob: "I am wearing long-sleeves."
Me: "I know, but you still need a coat."
Jacob (now yelling). "Only DUMB people wear a coat with long-sleeve shirts, AND I AM NOT DUMB."

As I conduct my own evaluation of his behavior, I am thinking it is going to be a long Kansas winter. Then later at church our pastor preached a very powerful message on the importance of prayer and the right kind of prayer. I wonder what kind of prayer long-sleeves fall under.

No soccer mom gene

Before I was a parent (and still knew everything about parenting), I used to cringe and force a smile when a mom would talk about having to miss something because of little Suzy's sporting event. The excitement of watching every single moment of your offspring's sporting attempts is lost on me. Completely lost.

Not only do I dislike sports, playing sports and heaven forbid, hearing about sports, but I also dislike kids sports. Even when my own kid is playing, so it seems.

I keep waiting for that magic mom moment when the planets align and the love of sports descends upon me. (Gene might be waiting for this also) Until then, I guess I'm just an old grouch who hates yet another intrusion on the weekend.

Good Deeds

Not many men would claim to be able to figure women out. Heck, I am a woman, and I can't figure myself out most of the time.

At the end of last year, I said I would be happy to record some books for my son's at the time kindergarten teacher (things went well and he's now in first grade). So, I have these 12 books all summer long. I see them every week or so and of course, feel guilt.

So night before last I decide I am going to knock out this project. I can read. I read hundreds of books to my kids, so I think I'm the one for the job. First, I hunt around for a microphone for the computer that I know I've seen in the last five years. After 15 minutes of poking around in the garage, my husband wonders what exactly I'm doing.

I tell him and he informs me that the microphone was an old way, no longer compatible with our Mac. "Good grief," I say. "Can I ever get a break?"

So he suggests using my iphone and recording the books using the handy-dandy voice memo application. Sure. It does, in fact, work, so I have my first four minute book recorded.

I think I can easily e-mail the file to my computer. Ha! It's too large. I try dividing it up multiple ways, but I just can't get it. Back this summer, my first iphone was stolen, and I have not exactly been good about getting my new one all in one spot. I did not want to synch my phone because that allows my computer's junk to go to my phone, but it erases my phone. What kind of dumb, backward idea is this? I mean seriously. By the way, this is the next day and I have now spent a good chunk of time on this project (and yes, I have PILES of other things I should be doing). I am angry and getting less reasonable as time goes on.

Wow! This rant has some length, but I don't care. In the end, my usual go-to guy is not much help (sorry, Gene). However, I ended up texting an iphone/Mac junkie who comes to my classes every now and again and makes fun of my blogs. Turns out, he had the perfect solution. So I stayed up until midnight recording the rest of the books.

And, I wonder why I was grouchy today when my kids were super obnoxious and all-out naughty as they battled (literally) for about 20 minutes in the backseat. Thankfully, my sister came to save me. The hour escape really helped, but I think my kids half-worried whether I was coming back.

funny, funny e-mail joke

We who have taught, or love children who have been taught, know this is funny!

From the diary of a Pre-School Teacher

My five-year old students are learning to read.
Yesterday one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said,
"Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"

I took a deep breath, then asked...."What did you call it?"

"It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does...



" A f r i c a n Elephant "

Making the rounds

Some people see a holiday and see downtime and relaxation. Others see an extended holiday like an invitation to cram in as much as possible.

As the wife of a man who works sports for a living, I view free Saturdays a bit differently than the 9 to 5, Monday through Friday folks. So, I decided it would be a good idea to traipse all over Missouri to see my family on Saturday after accomplishing a few chores at home first.

We saw grandma in the nursing home along with my parents and grandma's sisters. Then we headed up the road to meet a new cousins new baby girl, Isabel. Stopped by to see grandpa and headed back to St. Joe for dinner with my parents.

Then I thought we really should head over to Gene's stomping grounds as well. We went to church Sunday and headed up I-70 to Marshall, Mo., Sunday afternoon. I drove (and sinned) all the way there. For those of you who don't know, failure to obey the posted speed limit is a SIN (boo!)

Knowing our boys are 4 and 6 and hate being in the car, some might call us insane. But, if we don't spend time with our families, how will our kids convince everyone that we are related to that we totally suck at parenting? We stopped on the way home and had dinner at Taco Bueno. Our oldest was pleasant. Jared was sleepy and insisted on sitting on my lap, but he sat down and ate. Knowing once we arrived at home, it would be quick showers and bed, I was glad to spend the positive time with the boys.

Most of the weekend, Gene and I took turns being on the edge of crazy as they fought, showed incredibly rude versions of their sweet selves, out and out defied any request we made and terrorized everyone at the dinner table.

Famous last words

My son, Jacob, in his flag-football uniform. And so it begins …

Gorgeous Kansas Day

Most of the day, I spent in the basement of Memorial Union working with my publications students. I love my students this year, so this is really fun stuff.

As I walked back to my office, I was thinking there could not be a more perfect day. The sun is shining, perfect white fluffy clouds adorn the blue, blue sky.

And the temperature is just right, too.

Thanks, God.

Baby Grace Funeral

ROSENDALE, Mo. — Grace Etta Gayle Edwards, 10 days old, Rosendale, went to heaven Aug. 13, 2009, at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.

Grace was born Aug. 3, 2009, in Kansas City, the daughter of Mark and Jessica (Collins) Edwards, Rosendale, who survive of the home.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lorene Edwards.

Additional survivors: brother, Kolton Edwards; grandparents, Richard Collins, Donna (Tony) Bootka; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.

Interment: Bennett Lane Cemetery.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.

Memorial donations may be made to the Grace Edwards Memorial Fund c/o Mercantile Bank.

Online guestbook and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Baby Grace died

Today around 2 p.m. Baby Grace died at Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City.

I know Grace is having a party with Jesus and the creator of the universe, but this still sucks a lot for the rest of us. Please keep our family in your prayers.

My new favorite song

Click the link to listen to the song via YouTube. Amazing song.

Among The Thirsty - I'd Need A Savior
From the album Wonder

"How many names can I use to explain the love of my Jesus,
the life that he gave and so many times will I praise you today.
I lift up my life ‘cause you’re always the same
And my offering to you I bring

Chorus:
Your name is Jesus. Your name is Jesus.
You’re the Wonderful, Counselor, my Friend.
You’re what I hold on to; I know that you brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross you knew
I’d need a Savior.

How many songs can I sing to proclaim your wondrous love and beauty so great?
What would I say if you brought down the rain and everyday
I walk through the pain my heart would still say…

Chorus:

You’re what I hold on to; I know that you brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross you knew
I’d need a Savior.
I’d need a Savior
I need you, Savior"

First day of First Grade

Another school year has started. And, no, it's not chilly in Kansas today, but apparently Jared is cold. Jake changed his mind about what he was wearing today about six times. By now, he is in his classroom, sitting at his little desk (I hope). Jared returned to preschool full time Monday, so we are slowly getting back on schedule.

Baby Grace

My uncle and his wife had a beautiful seven-pound baby girl this week. Her name is Grace. Grace was born and originally diagnosed with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta

This dear baby girl has multiple broken bones and an uncertain prognosis as doctors try to manage her pain and promote healing. Her parents are overwhelmed with love for this baby girl and full of fear and anxiety.

The doctors do not know exactly what is wrong now because it is something they have not seen before. Her case is being studied by doctors at this time.

I am not sure how to conduct business as usual with the mental photo of baby Grace in my mind. I love God and believe he has the perfect plan, a plan that I cannot understand, of course.

Friends, I covet your prayers and support for my uncle and his wife. Pray for wisdom, protection and the meeting of needs for this family. Pray that they will feel the enveloping and real love of our Holy God each and every day.

Thank you, dear friends.

Jared's day

So today at preschool, my youngest child decided to pee in the playhouse outside at preschool!

In addition to that, he was calling his friends stupid and hitting. aauuggh!

So, we talked tonight while Jacob was in the shower about not peeing outside. Then I remembered the sage advice of telling them what they are supposed to do, not what they should not do. After I am satisfied that he knows we go potty in the BATHROOM, we move on to language.

Me: "Jared, we say nice things. Like pretty." (OK, so I was not prepared and pretty was the first nice thing that popped into my head.

Jared. "I not pretty. I am a boy. Boys not pretty."

Me: "Oh."

Jared: "I don't like pink. I like blue. I like red." (apparently pretty = pink in Jared's economy.)

Me: "Well, you can tell your friends at school who are girls that they are pretty."

Jared: "Kyra my friend. I not call her stupid. Nice things."

I swear. Those books do not cover things like this!

Monthly post, barely

If God did not want me to blog, he would not have given me Jacob and Jared. Today has been full of those "special" moments.

This a.m. Jacob and I were the first ones awake and were enjoying some time together in the kitchen. I was really enjoying the special time we were having, but how quickly things can change.

Enter the youngest son and suddenly Jacob's cheery mood and attitude has left us, easily discerned by the shove he gave Jared.

A few moments of sibling junk goes down and Jared goes off to chase something shiny.

Me to Jacob: "What happened to my sweet little boy I was spending time with this morning."

Jacob: "Well, it's your other little child that ruined it. He's been scratching me all morning."

Me: "I've been watching you the whole time, and you are the one who is being mean."

Jacob responds that basically it's his duty to do it.

Dear blog,

I am freaking out! My to-do list could stretch a literal mile in 10-point font. There's no breathing. Who has time for that?! And, yes, I'm using questions in my writing. Questions!!!!! And multiple exclamation points. Yes, I've truly gone over the edge. aaauuugggghh.

Remember the "Just say no!" campaign? Well, I never got the chance to say "no" to drugs because no one ever offered me any. And, I never got that practice of actually saying "no." So, I say yes to everything! Yes! I can do it! Sure! Why not?!

I am going to regress. I'm going back to those "just say no!" days.

Regina, do you want to … ?????

NO! I DON'T!

hello blog

My life, as usual, is a never-ending battle of tasks. My sanity lies somewhere in the middle of the whirlpool.

So last night was my son's first program. The kindergarten and first grade classes performed about seven songs in the middle school's gymnasium.

I must say it does something to a mom's heart watching her child in a group of his peers. Standing alone from his family, already more independent than a mere nine months ago.

Thankfully, he is quick to show his youth and continued need for his mother, if only for a little longer.

My mom the rockstar

My mom is a rock star. My husband took me away for Valentine's and had arranged for the boys to stay with my mom and dad. Two minutes from their house, our littlest guy was throwing up in his jacket.

Uh-oh! Instead of canceling my Valentine date, my mom shooed me away for the weekend while she washed both clothes and Jared numerous times. Sunday she took him to the doctor and learned he has a bad ear infection and is short one ear tube.

Then Monday and Tuesday, she kept him so I could continue to pound away on my relentless schedule.

As if I don't already owe this woman a huge debt of gratitude for giving me life and all. I know she's tired, and she always works hard. But, she's always right there to save the day. I guess being a mom is really a forever thing.

So today, I am just extremely thankful for mine.

By the way, I want to also note that my dad pitched in, too. And my sister Jenny whisked Jacob away from the barfy times at grandma's to fun and games at her place.

Faith

This morning when I was in the shower, I thought of Peter and Jesus.

Imagine being able to tell the creator of the universe that you wanted to walk on water, and then hear him say, "well, are you coming or not?" (yeah, it's my paraphrase, check it out for yourself)

As Peter started out, he was doing it. He was walking on water. But like so many of us, he let the "noise" of the world slip between him and the sight of Jesus.

Ooops. Game over. Of course, despite his lapse, Jesus was right there by his side to save him.

Do you have a direct line of sight on the Savior? Or like me, do you need to continually ask for it and seek it?

Merry Christmas!

Well, the photos of the family were shipped today and the boxes of Christmas cards are in sight. Now, it's a writing project as I refuse to send cards without personal notes inside.

I've decided to attempt to draw my family and friends into my social networks for the holiday season. So, if you were directed here or made it all by yourself, Merry Christmas! You made it and your comments are welcome. Please share with us any family blogs or sites of your own.

Here's the family report.

Gene and Regina:
Still working at Washburn (Gene finished 10 years, Regina is working on nine). We are busy parents, trying to carve out time for each other to keep our own sanity. We keep plenty busy chasing our children, attending our Church events and working.

Jacob, age 5, kindergarten
He's reading and writing and counting. He attends Randolph Elementary and his teacher is Ms. Hoyt. We've learned a lot about the school system this year. We thought it might simplify life a bit, ha ha.

Jared, age 3, preschool
Jared is now at Bright Circle Preschool, a fact Jacob finds most unfair. The building was remodeled and for a week, the kids were relocated to our church, Covenant Baptist Church. He loved going to "my church" and showing off everything to his friends. I must say it's most comforting when your preschool director is also a member of your church. Jared loves preschool and is in great hands.

The Cassells
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Just take a moment to stop and reflect on the miracle of Christmas. That the creator of the universe would humble himself into a lowly manager so that we might spend eternity in his fellowship is amazing. Whether your life is filled to the brim with people and blessings or lacking a bit of each, remember Jesus loves you, no matter what.

Happy Thanksgiving

The holiday that signals the mad dash to Christmas is almost here. Black Friday looms nearer every day. Tonight I was listening to man who called into K-love, a great Christian radio station I listen to often. Anyway, he was answering a call to hear from someone in every state about his thankfulness. As he rattled off his list, he began to get chocked up about all of his blessings.

Sometimes when I look around the world, its many problems grab prime real estate in my mind. Plenty of people are lost and hurting this holiday season.

If you are one of those, I pray you are able to find some joy and hope in knowing that the creator of the universe, not only created you in love, but longs to fill your heart until it overflows with joy, peace and thankfulness.

My blessings are many this holiday season and truthfully, my burdens are light when I share them with my Jesus.One of my favorite parts of a praise song reminds me that not only do I belong to Jesus, but he, too, belongs to me.

Sisters

My youngest sister is a temporary guest in our room. She's a college student with a relatively new boyfriend. Her life is a bit different from mine. As a mother of two married for almost 12 years, I seem to lack some of yesterdays' energy.

She's a total neat freak (yes, we all blame our mother for this). She was complaining about how dirty her socks were. Taking it as an insult toward my housekeeping abilities, I gave her my famous big sister stare/glare.

"Yesterday, I had a waffle stuck to my sock," she said. Yes, Jared does help me out by carrying his plate into the kitchen. Sometimes, he gets distracted.

And, my sister has certainly put in enough time helping me out with the constant, losing battle of tidiness at home. Still I think she maybe is being a bit too harsh, and then I remember the other incident.

As I made up the room for her arrival, the boys decided they would sleep in her bed the night before. I didn't even tuck them into the bed as they preferred to use their sleeping bags on top of the quilt. I thought they were finished with their syrup-free bedtime snack of waffles. Apparently, not.

"And don't forget," my sister continued, "the first night I stayed here, I woke up with a waffle stuck to my leg."

Bedtime

No matter which toy was touched, the tears, hitting and wailing filled the room.

She sighed. After a very early morning, she was hoping to stretch the boys' bed time in hopes of a Saturday morning sleep-in. Putting them to bed early did not appeal.

Perhaps showers will calm them down. The youngest earned the first spot by smacking his brother upside the head with a car. After screaming throughout his shower, she is quickly losing home.

Then the drama king enters the scene. A fan of hot showers at 5, the shower does in fact take away the tears. However, the shower does not stop the violence against his brother.

More tears. OK, bedtime has arrived about 45 minutes early. No complaints. No one came out of the bedroom time and time again.

Oh, dear. She should be in bed, not blogging. It's going to be an early morning … for her husband (ha ha).

Celebrations

Big celebrations this week.

1) No more pull-ups! Our accident rates are way down and we have had many accident-free days since we pulled the plug on the pull-ups about three weeks ago.

2) Jacob has learned to tie his shoes. Victory is ours. He gets lots of practice as I image all beginners do. It has been alleged that I am the only family member who ties her shoes backward. Go figure.

Date Night

Some might argue it's not wise to "date" two boys at the same time, but my boys took me out on the town tonight. My regular fella had to work.

Yeah, nothing but gourmet McDonald's for me. The ambiance enhanced by those children running around like lunatics without parental supervision.

But, for our date, my boys were really good.

They managed to eat their dinner between climbing sessions. Knowing them, they probably worked off their dinner as they were eating it. Lucky fellas.

The promise of ice cream exacted a neat, scream-free retreat to the car. Oh, what a night.

Weighing In

So I skipped my Bible study last night to go to the store and bring home food for the family and to watch the VP debate. A friend of mine said my penalty was a post. I would have gotten to it sooner, but I was out buying a gigantic BOX. (another story entirely)

As I am sure most people have heard, neither one of them fell on their face. Both had good points and bad points. Sarah Palin called John McCain a maverick in the Senate about 100 times too many, so my favorite point in the debate was when Joe Biden listed in fine form all the ways and times that McCain was not in fact a maverick. He had some good points.

Palin wants to hit Obama on the surge, the war and taxes. She does not do a great job of getting their new and fresh ideas out there, if they exist.

It's always hard to pull out the "pretty talk" from the facts. If you simply pick who sounds better, there is no choice but Obama. I've yet to see McCain come close to his poise. I hated the first debate. It did not seem like either one of them said anything useful. It was a contest to see who could not answer the most questions in a straight manner. We all lost this one.

The VPs were a bit more fourthcoming, but spent too much time arguing over voting records that without the full bills in front of us are not overly useful either. Palin did a good job of trying to force Biden to agree that he has things in common with McCain. But, Biden did a good job of convincing me that McCain might look a little too much like Bush.

I am not ready to put a bumper sticker for either candidate on my car, but if the election were today . . . I would vote for Obama.

Funny faces

Building Towers

Remembering the grueling morning five days ago of picking up and restoring order to her home, she looks around somewhat dismayed.

She wonders how many toys her boys even have considering that she has pared down the toy boxes at least a dozen times this year. As she struggles to find the motivation to begin again, she thinks of her oldest son.

Aha! The frustration he feels when his little brother insists upon destroying any of his block building projects slams into focus.

Laughing, she thinks of her advice to him. "Jacob, I am sorry your brother did that to you. But just think, now you get to start over and build something new."

Exercise

Yes, I still hate it. And no, I'm not doing it. It occurred to me today as I lugged my 30-pound bag up to the third floor that I hate exercise scams. OK, so I'm just mad that I bought Turbo Jam with the highest of hopes to actually get past the first video (OK, I did that one twice and the second workout once, to be fair to myself.)

On top of that, the plan involves being online for support and planning out a new crazy menu with foods my family will simply not eat. OK, my biggest deterrent to exercise is finding the time. How is adding six things PLUS exercise going to help me out.

Seriously. It's all a racket.

Relentless

I often wonder how often I repeat blog titles. This post is very random, very end of the week, very much a post of one tired mom.

Sometimes I love typing a blog for the mere fact that it reminds of me of scenes from one of my favorite movies of all time. "You've Got Mail." I love this movie. I love the e-mails that go back and fourth. I love the story. I love the soundtrack. It's all good. I have big parts of it memorized even. Thinking of the movie makes me smile, and I need to smile more.

I'm tired. It's been a long week. A long semester, only three weeks in. How does a person who is behind EVER catch up? Can anyone answer this question? If you fall behind once in your life, are you just screwed for life? I mean does life actually deliver the lulls we say we desire?

My house is a mess. Mostly because the task of getting it organized all at once seems daunting.

I spent a good part of "my time" last night cleaning the front room. Tonight my son Jared spent a good part of "his time" reversing any progress.

I try to exercise. I start out fine, then I lapse. I usually get sick (someone says because being healthy helps your body expel all sorts of bad stuff from your body, which can make it icky in the process. -- another reason to jump on the treadmill).

Being healthy is just too damned trendy for me. I can't even buy a pair of shoes for heaven's sake. AND I AM TIRED OF BREATHING and expecting the world to just flutter into its place around me.

And money. I suck at money. I have been credit-card free for practically one year (come October). Shocking for this former addict (see former posts, geez). Wish the debt were gone. Wish a FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION did not cost so much. Wish I learned my lesson about money the first eight billion times I screwed it up.

Are you still reading this? Seriously? I need to go to bed. aauuggh.

clutter

It's everywhere.

In my home, in my office, in my schedule. aauugh!

Truth

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Isaiah 60:1-4 (NIV)
My friend, hear the truth God wants you to hear.

Sleeping Rockstar

Breathing

Silence creeps over her house as she has sent its occupants to bed. A mile a work looms before her, but focus will not come.

The day's frustrations along with an unyielding schedule and various life crises seem to circle her mind like a vulture looking for its victim, finding only her mind.

Slipping away, she thinks of her boys and her husband. Tries to count her many blessings.

Taking a deep breath, she reaches for her Bible study. Work will wait. God knows what she needs.

Internet

It's a vast and often unforgiving expanse. It has literally changed the culture we live in. It has brought the world closer, given access to millions and put the market at anyone's fingertips.

For all its pearls, there lurks within it a powerful potential for downfall. From online predators to rampant victims of the pornography market, even simple online friendships can lead down paths undesired.

Like anything else, the online world should be approached with caution and respect, lest you fall into its snare.

"Three Cups of Tea"

I've assigned my feature writing class to read this book, and I am rereading it along with the class to assemble assignments along the way. Even going back over the intro to chapter five, I am immediately pulled into and amazed by this book all over again.

You see, I've always believed in education, fiercely in fact. But, if anything, education merely points out one's ignorance in the larger world. There is no "done." There is no graduation from learning.

Just when you think you have put it all aside or arrived at your final world view destination, in comes something that the mind simply cannot erase.

Read this book. Expect to be changed.

F#$%! Insert Expletive Here

Can I just tell you that I HATE, HATE, HATE the freakin' computers at work? HATE them.

I try to encourage my sons not to use the word "HATE," but I HATE going to work every day with the reasonable expectation of accomplishing something only to be denied by the lunatics who think it's a good idea to put Macs on the network that clearly does not plaly well with actual programs we need and use. OK, so Adobe is also a big old pain in the ass.

Bright, shiny computers should not take five minutes to load a Web page. Some of my students cannot log into machines. They are working on the problem. Big flipping deal. Do they realize that I get roughly 30 class sessions to teach basic design theory and orient the students to software some of them cannot even access? Do they stand at the front of the classroom looking like a total dumbass when something does not work. Nope. Insert me for that role. I am angry.

And, NEVER use questions in writing unless you are super pissed!!!! Yes, multiple !!! are annoying and taboo also. I no longer care.

I could totally become a kick boxer or something because I'd like to kick the crap out of something.

One of my dear, dear friends from college used to delight me (and scare me a bit as well) by her famous fury when driving. She put the "rage in road rage" - -to keep up with my trite and ridiculous attempt to break as many rules as possible. No clichés if you can't keep up. (awww, that wasn't nice either. hmm, still don't care!) I fear I am going to turn in crazy girl every time I log into my wuad account.

On a totally unrelated note. I have a friend who has a good reason to be angry, but is showing more grace than anger. Normally, I support this tactic, but not today.

However, I was thinking of her when I saw this quote in the Barnes and Noble Bookstore (ahh, happy, happy place. Love the bookstore).

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" Or so says Mary Anne Radmacher, who incidentally is a writer/artist who does not believe in capitalization.

By the way, a few Web types display this quote without giving any credit. Jerks! Yeah, we've swithced back to angry. Anyway, I should go back to my room and do my Bible study and give this nasty anger straight up to God. I might have to preface that step with a prayer that goes something like this. "Father, God. I am mad. I am mad. I am mad. Please place in me a desire to let go of this anger in your prescriptive manner. Amen."

Blah, blah, blah

There is much noise in the world today. Long lists of things to do and little time to play.


Choices steal moments away as she wonders whether to blog or actually write in her journal. Perhaps her Bible study requires her attention. Lists of things are not much fun.

Her boys tucked away in bed, her husband out on the softball field. Heavy eyelids, but laundry calls. If her house were clean, maybe this would not be such a sad song.

Garage sales, schedules and other things

I am having a garage sale. Thursday and Friday. I don't want to do it Saturday, but I just might.

So far, I am negative $4. I paid $29 for my classified and then sold my two car seats for $25. Yeah.

It's hard not to look around and see "STUFF" that you would like to banish from your life. It's hard to imagine the variety of people one needs to attract to a garage sale in order to sell all your stuff.

And, my schedule sucks. Or rather, I suck at my schedule. Or I can't manage to schedule myself. Whatever it is, it SUCKS.

Other: I HATE TOADS. Am desperately afraid of them actually. And, twice this month I have seen one in my yard. In TOWN. Completely unacceptable. I already hate being outside, now who will protect me from the scary toad? Gene already grows weary of the post.

Why tornados and the media are not a good mix

Last week, the "media" (yes, I do train aspiring young journalists as part of my job in higher education, but let's not stray from the point here). OK, so "the media" goes on and on all day long about a storm to end all storms. Everything is in place for one heck of a tornado. Whatever a storm needs to be a BIG concern, well as far as the media was concerned it was all there.

And, what happened, exactly? NOTHING! I'm all for advanced warning, but not the all-day, play-by-play weather. As if sports are not already out of control in our society, we are now turning our weather casting into a sporting-like event. Yuck. We get the before the event, the event and then the wrap-up of why the before the event stuff was WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

I have to think God gets a good laugh out of the the people on the media's weather team, especially ones who work for TV.

So then a few days go by and a serious storm pops into Kansas again. Not so much hoopla, but I guess the storm got the last word after all.

Freedom!

To do what I want and when I want. Ha. Like such luxuries actually exist.

I want to enjoy a 3-day pleasure trip where I have nothing to do hanging over my head. Hanging over and sucking the very life from my body.

Clearly, it's time for a Coke : )

Jury Duty

So, I've finally been summoned for jury duty in my 34th year of life. So far, this has meant having my schedule held hostage. Trials for Monday and Tuesday have all settled out of court, leaving me to check the schedule come 5 p.m. today.

I would rather know, yes I am serving or no, I am done with this. I have things to schedule.

Oh, well. I would love to tell you what my week looks like, but I do not know. I do know that I had better finish up a project I have been putting off.

Cheerio.

My fellas

Bubbles

June 2, 2008

I am sitting here in my office looking out my big windows. It's a dark day in the capital city, storms a coming. The lights have flickered. Some counties have reported baseball-sized hail. A good way to start the week, eh?

Well, it's been awhile, dear friends. Give me some love if you read this : )

Yesterday our pastor shared with us a 14-day challenge. Our goal is to live with these three truths in mind.

1) Each second of each day is a precious gift from God.
2) All of my abilities and talents are from God.
3) Everything I own belongs to God. I am the manager, not the owner.

Well, this manager likes to blog. And it makes her happy. And God has given her the talent to blog, and so she must.

My poor, neglected blog

I miss you, dear blog. Perhaps we can reunite in May?

A Servant's Heart

In the middle of any crisis friends can fall into a variety of categories. First there is the one, typically like myself, who care deeply yet stand around not really knowing what to do and often, not always, end up doing nothing. Then there are friends who completely vanish until your life is back on "track."

Finally comes the friend who rolls up the proverbial sleeves and comes to work. Suddenly, it's like Jesus himself is ministering to your needs in a very tangible way. I love the idea of being Jesus to someone. Now, not to confuse the issue. Jesus is always King, Lord and God. There is no equal, but He does share his glory with those who choose to plug into his life code.

I have been having a horrible few months. Emotionally I am battle weary and my heart has been broken. There have been times when I needed a confrontation, and I have received it. Times I just needed a listening ear and I got that, too. This week though, I really needed something I can't even name.

Tonight I got it and I feel like I glow with blessing. My troubles are far from over and my life is just a bit messy right now. But, I have a wonderful friend with a servant's heart. And, oh, what a difference that makes.

Experiment

This past Sunday my husband and I decided to "fast" from the television for one whole week.

The ban was family-wide, and we had explained to Jacob that sometimes God asks us to do things and we have to be obedient to him. I told him we wanted to spend more time as a family, thinking of our blessings and what God has planned for us. He was agreeable and has not asked to watch TV all week.

We began this journey Monday, not knowing Wednesday would bring a snow day and a day home in the middle of the week. Instead of watching movies, we constructed blanket forts in the living room.

On Friday night we had some friends come over for dinner. Jacob was eager to greet our guests, so he yelled "Hi!" from the front porch. And then, "We can't watch TV because we are thinking about God."

I love my son so much, and I realized that if you ever really want to keep a promise you've made, tell a preschooler because there is no going back.

1,000 Words

My husband, my hero

It is 12:15 a.m. and my husband is at work. No, tonight it's not sports-related. My husband is at work because I managed to jam the copier pretty badly at work or I was rather the unfortunate soul who happened to be making copies during the copier's meltdown.

And, because I have class at 8 a.m. and am generally freaking out about the whole thing, Gene took my copies to his office to copy.

I love this man for so many reasons. We've been married almost 11 years (Gene says it rounds up to 11 as we're past the 10.5 mark.

Thank you God for such an awesome spouse.

On Simplicity

For years, I have been promising myself a leaner, meaner schedule, all the while coming up with several new and better things to do.

I teach three classes this semester at work and advise two award-winning publications. My days are filled with meetings, mostly with students. We are revising our curriculum and trying to hire a new faculty member, both of which mean more meetings. I am the second vice president for the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press, which means I have to plan the conference in April. Early April. I will be in New York City for one week this March working the registration area for the national College Media Advisers group.

I am the 2008 VBS coordinator at church. Let the countdown begin. I also teach a 13-week block of Sunday school and semi-facilitate a weekly women's Bible study.

I am a member of the Shawnee County Reserve Medical Reserve Corps because I have this idea I should contribute beyond my church and work duties.

I freelance for the Topeka Capital Journal, which you can visit and search for my name if you want to see what I have written for them.

I am a wife to a man with a crazy job and we have two boys who are 4 and 2, close to being 5 and 3. Our youngest sees a wonderful speech therapist twice a month at 8 a.m. I took him to the doctor six times in a month and a half before the holidays. (Please note this list is not in order of importance, obviously)

I am also a child of God. He loves me and wants me to spend my life loving him and allowing him to love me back. He wants me to be FREE, even though this control freak (me!) is not allowed to be in control. Nope. That's God's job, too. Love him. Spend time with him and his Word daily. Love his people as myself. All people.

My friends also insist that I must give up control of certain things around my home, too. If I give a job to my husband, I thereby relinquish all rights and control of said job. As another one of my tasks is to maintain our home, I must honestly say giving up all control of any household tasks just isn't on my to-do list today. Don't I have enough to do already? Geez! : 0 )

The Naughty List

I am pretty sure my pastor does not read my blog, and that is fine by me, especially today.

I am a multi-tasker, so today as I semi-listened to his sermon intro, I began to think about my faith in Jesus and my life in Christ. Our church is on the move and believe movement happens when fellow believers start by living revolutionary lives for Christ. As he marched through his intro, I was thinking about my current Bible school lesson and my women's Bible study. On a tear of some kind, I began rewriting some of my notes.

As he approached the meat of today's sermon, I did check in and gather the highlights. In case he does read my blog, today's sermon was from Joshua 24 and pastor calls this chapter a call to rededication. Joshua is addressing Israel and imploring the people to embrace God fully — heart, mind and soul (my words, not his). He goes on to suggest that he would rather they choose God completely or at least be honest about who they will choose to serve. In other words, if they won't agree to his terms, just say so and move on. Note that this is not what he desires for them at all.

As soon as we got there, I was really excited because it matches up so closely with the various verses I am trying to memorize for my other study. So, I began writing out each of the verses in my new notebook I have placed in my Bible bag.

I finished writing them all out as I sat in the bathroom while my youngest was in the tub. He's only 2, but as I read each of these verses aloud to him after I had scribbled them down, he locked his sweet baby blue eyes on my face and gave me his complete attention each and every time. Then he would give me a big grin and continue splashing around in the tub.

Just wait until he can understand what these words mean.

Frazzled

I absolutely resolve to stop writing phone numbers down on small pieces of paper that I proceed to lose on a very regular basis. This will save me a lot of stress, I think.

Just think, I won't have to rant and rave for however long it takes to find said piece of paper how irresponsible I am. Or how much I just want to jump off a building for such irresponsibility. (Yeah, I have a small flair for drama.)

My poor husband will be spared the rantings of a lunatic as well. There's no good place to stand when cornered by a ranting lunatic, especially if you had the misfortune of marrying her.

I've asked Gene to come up with five things he wants to change or think about changing in his life this year. They do not have to be earth-shattering things, but I want to drag him along on the ride. We've been married 10 and a half years, so it's not like my behavior is all that shocking to him, I suppose. One of mine is absolutely to stop writing things on those darn pieces of paper.

I suppose if I knew where my cell phone was, I could always plug numbers into it …

Quotables

From a sign my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas: "Mothers of little boys work from son up til son down."

From my oldest son after hearing a short kids sermon on how God does not take problems from us, but he walks us through them. When asked what he learned, he says, "God lets us keep our problems."

From Jared every night as he does his breathing treatment, "Bob. Bob. Bob. Bob. Bob." We've watched the same Veggie Tale show for five days now.

From me as I realize I am going back to work tomorrow. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

the doctor's office

Jared and I have spent a lot of time in the Doctor's office lately. I do with this were not so. Check out this schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 14: We see Dr. L for an ear check up. All is OK with ears and tubes.

Thursday, Nov. 15: Jared has a temperature and is coughing himself silly

Friday, Nov. 16: We see Dr. P to see what's going on with the continued fever and coughing. Chest is clear. No redness in ear. He wonders if ear tube in one ear is still working. No drugs. We think it's viral.

Monday, Nov. 19: Jared OK in the a.m., goes to daycare, has fun, wakes up with high fever.

Tuesday, Nov. 20: Back to the doctor's. Now we see Mrs. B (nurse practioner). She says definite ear infection. We get 3-day Z pack.

Friday, Dec. 7: We go back to Dr. P for a recheck of ears. All is fine.

Thursday, Dec. 13: Another fever at daycare. Coughing persists.

Friday, Dec. 14: Back to Dr. P. We have a new ear infection. 10-day antibiotic.

Monday, Dec. 17: Jared coughs pretty much all night long. And, I do mean all night long. Scary stuff.

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Mom calls Dr. P AGAIN. I love his nurse, Candy. She recognizes my voice. We think maybe he has asthma? We start taking a steriod twice daily for five days.

Thursday, Dec. 20: Back to Dr. L for the ears. He thinks ears look fine. It's the throat that is terrible. Jared refuses to cooperate at all with hearing test. This is problematic. Dr. L wants to continue antibiotic for 20 days total.

Gotta love this ride we are on!

Christmas Joy

As I was in worship service today with my son Jacob, we were singing Christmas carols. I always try to tell him as many of the words as I can so he can learn them.

The Bell song is waaay too fast for that. I was singing "merry merry merry Christmas" at mostly the right time. And Jacob was singing "give a give a give a 'garden.'"

I was trying to figure out why as I'm telling the story to Gene, who immediately realizes Jacob is singing the commericial for the Garmon, that new GPS thing.

Now he's walking around my front room saying "Every kiss begins with Kay."

No Christmas cards

There's absolutely no way I a going to even get them started before Christmas.

How does everyone feel about Valentine's cards? (And, yes, I know that's a question.)

In case you care …

I am done grading the content of the blogs. yeah! Only a few students lacked the magical 16 posts. Come great posts out there. All in all, I would like to give some shouts out. I will keep their blogs linked on mine until January or so. After that, anyone who stops posting gets cut.

My favorite overall blogs: Josh R., Jeannine and Josh N.

My favorite off the wall posts: Brandon

Poets: Danielle, Christie

Best mom stories: Tricia's messy milk story and Michelle's battle of the language

Most news: Nick

Most like fiction: Caleb

Fall Pics of the Fellas

It's 8:52 p.m.

As I type, I hear a rhythmic thump on the other side of the wall. It's Jared, throwing his football up against the wall.

He's supposed to be sleeping as I put him to bed at 8:08 p.m. He's managed to figure out how to turn on the bedside lamp all by his precious little self. What a blessing. Now, he throws a fit whenever I turn it off and then promptly turns it on again.

Jacob is sound asleep on the top bunk, so I'm not keen on getting my little one going by removing the light entirely. I should be grading …

Blogs

I have just finished reading all the comments my 18 students in feature writing posted on their classmate's blog. They were supposed to comment on one per week, with a total of 16. Take themselves out, and they should post on everyone's blog except one.

Several of them missed the mark. Only one lone blog had the attention of the entire class. The comments were insightful for the most part.

There was a lot of good writing in the blogs this semester. If you have a chance, check some of 'em out.

Santa

A photo of the boys with Santa and no one cried this year.

"Momma, can we please go see Santa today," pleaded Jacob.

"Go ask you dad," she replies knowing he has to leave at noon. To her surprise, he's up for it.

No line at the Mall. What a year!

Jacob approaches Santa, catalog in hand. She tried to tell him that Santa is magic. He listens to what little boys and girls want, but he makes the final decision based on how well he really knows the kid.

"No he doesn't momma. I am going to show him the picture of what I want, and he's going to go back to get it from his workshop and bring it to my house."

Surprise!

Thinking of the week he had survived, she slipped a partial package of mini Snickers into his coat pocket.

Days went by and nothing was said. Losing patience, she inquired to see if the gift had been discovered.

Discovered and devoured was the reply.

As she put on her coat to head back to work, she pulled out a surprise of her own from her coat pocket. He might not be too thrilled if she told everyone what it was …

I don't wanna …

• Grade, but there are stacks of it. If it were sound, I'd hear a stereo version.

• Clean, but my girlfriends are coming to my house for Bible study tomorrow

• Cook, but my family is expecting dinner tonight

• Exercise, but I hear it's the only way to shed those pounds.

• Work, so clearly I'm bloggin'

Recovering from grandparents

Disclaimer: I love my parents. I love Gene's parents, too. And, I absolutely want them to be a part of our children's lives in a real and significant and un-mandated sort of way.

****
It's true when they say there is no such thing as a "free lunch." Last Friday, I eagerly drove the hour or so to Kansas City to collect my fellas after they spent a week at their grandparents.

Our oldest has wanted to visit Marshall, Mo., for several weeks now and he made sure to emphasize several times that he wanted to take the trip ALONE or without his little brother.

My mom, clearly only looking out for MY best interests (she would steal Jared for life if she could get away with it), decided she would spend some time with my baby in KC as well.

I should have jumped in the car the moment after I got my hugs and fix of mommy kisses, but I wasn't fast enough. All of Friday night and most of Saturday, my boys slugged it out, which generally lead to hysterical crying by our oldest. The crying only seemed to inspire the youngest to greater heights of torment.

Sunday was the day of no naps. Sunday naps are a tradition in the Cassell home. A long-standing tradition minus the brief interruption of Jacob, who refused to sleep at any convenient time until he was 4-months-old. I went to bed grumpy and with a headache and got up (no 'waking' to be had) grumpier and throbbing only to discover no amount of rummaging or swearing would produce a bottle of ibprofen. Alleve just does not get the job done, folks.

Sunday night, Jacob told Gene he wanted to return to Grammy's house because she was nicer to him than us. Jared refuses to go to sleep unless I am in the room with him. Neither Jacob nor Gene will do.

You know, in a lot of cultures, the grandparents DO raise the children.

No, I suppose transition is hard for all of us. It's nice for them to experience being the one and only for a week here and there. Every time I think Jacob has told all there is to tell about his week with grammy and papa, he comes up with something new.

Jared does not say a lot, but when pictures of my mom or dad roll past on the computer, he jumps up and down and laughs.

What a blessing to know you are loved so completely by so many people. Still, a week of peace (and or a hectic work schedule) does exact its cost.