Seven and Standing

Legs in Love

2012-01-25T19:49:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite Christmas gifts I received was from, well, myself. I had seen a pair of fleece-lined tights in the store in December. Since I live in a frigid state, Montana not my personailty (!), I decided to go ahead and pick those up for my Christmas stocking Yes, I fill my own stocking and wouldn't have it any other way. That way I get some special goodies for myself, by myself.

It wasn't until last Monday that I put the tights on. And I haven't taken them off since. Ok, not really, but let's just say I'm willing to wear skirts to work again. They are warmer than any pants I own and they seriously feel better than my jammies!

You got legs? You got cold? You need fleece-lined tights!

Brought to you by the "Keep Our Legs Warm Society"

Hands Free

2012-01-20T07:59:00.003-07:00

I've been hearing voices inside my head lately.

I'm loving my new bluetooth. I didn't think I would, but not only am I using it in the car now (new law!) but yesterday I two-handedly put on my makeup and made dinner while chatting on the phone.

With that blue light flashing on the side of my head, I just can help but feel like a robot...or Chuck Clark.

Friends: I Have One

2012-01-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

Three years. That's how long it takes me to make friends. We've figured that out about me over the last, oh, thirty years or so. And since most of our moves were made close to the three year mark, you can imagine I have left a very slim string of friends spread across the country. Now mind you, I have 1204 friends on facebook. So sure, I know a whole lot of people. And for our 13-year-stay in Siloam Springs, I can proudly boast of lots of friends including one very bestest friend. (Hey, Trish!)

There have been several times since moving to Bozeman three-and-a-half years ago that I have whined "I wish I had a friend here." That usually happens when I have free time and no one to spend it with. I'm not really one that likes to be alone. I thought having seven children would take care of that, but most of them have had the nerve to grow up all adult-like and move out!

So this afternoon, when I realized no one would be home for dinner, I called a friend to see if she could meet me for dinner out. It was short notice. And she lives a busy life mothering the last of her six sons. So I fully expected her to be busy, but I called her anyway. And we made a date!

It felt really wonderful to sit at the restaurant and chat, and chat, and we chatted a little more. Three hours later our food was only half eaten and we were still abuzz catching up on each other's lives. Since we have 13 children, 5 kids-in-law, and 6 grandbabes between us (we have grandsons born on the same day!) there were lots of stories to tell. It was only the nervous glaring of our waitress that convinced us to bring our conversation to an end. Although her nervous glaring did diminish when we added an exceedingly large tip to our check.

As we were parting our ways in the parking lot, my friend yelled to me, "You think we'll ever get caught up?"
"Probably not", I replied.

And that may be what defines a good friend to me. Someone you never get caught up with.

How Do You Iritate an Esophagus?

2012-01-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

David has been complaining the last couple of days about his "heart hurting" whenever he swallows. Excuse me, what? Yesterday at breakfast he cringed when he tried swallowing. Last night at dinner, he all but collapsed on the floor as he took a bite of my ever-so-wonderful enchilada casserole. He excused himself from the table after that one bite, and laid on the couch for the rest of the night. I felt his forehead, checking for fever, thinking maybe strep throat? He did feel a bit warm, or maybe my hands were just cold. Some say we keep our house a little chilly. Those people wear hoodies 24/7. David went to bed feeling glum.

This morning he woke up early for basketball practice. (Please don't get the impression he bounded out of bed, ready for his day...that is never the case.) One bite into his oatmeal left him reeling off the stool. His anger flared. Maybe it was frustration. Maybe confusion. But it sure looked like anger. I don't like anger. There.

Jim was able to take him to the doc and found out that what he may be suffering, and I mean suffering from is an irritated esophagus. Meds on the counter, our eyes keeping a watch on him, and no hot or spicy foods.

Only one question...how do you irritate your esophagus?

12 in 2012

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Goals/resolutions/dreams are all hard for me to write down. Somehow I feel like if I write them down, and I don't accomplish them, I have failed. I do not like to fail. I like to win. Maybe you already know that about me. But in an effort to keep up with the cool kids, I am going to list...

12 Want-Tos for 2012.

1. Bake a cheesecake with Grace

2. Make two baby blankets

3. Vacation with Jim in Glacier National Park

4. Go to Maggiano's in Chicago with Bethany

5. Paint our front door red

6. Pay off our credit card

7. Rearrange our bedroom

8. Finish Lonesome Dove

9. Find a mentee

10. Purchase new shelving for the garage

11. Exercise wisely

12. Eat more fruit

Get Away

2012-01-08T20:26:00.001-07:00

The day after the last of our Christmas guests left, Jim and I left town for a minication. We drove ALL the way to Livingston, spent the night and had a fabulous breakfast and morning drive.

Breakfast at the Beanery

Good food. Better company.

Original 1902 building that sits along the tracks in Livingston, MT.

Great customer service including free coffee!


A mountain drive.

A lone deer watching us pass.

A very big sky.

My favorite wildlife.

Runaway Bride?

2012-01-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

The bride shifted nervously on her feet. Her bouquet was getting heavy and she looked pale. Finally Jim asked "Are you okay?" She replied "I need to sit down". One of the groomsmen brought a chair to her. She sat, breathing shallowly. She got up, left the sanctuary, and Jessie whispered in my ear "Runaway bride?" I wondered if she might be right. We all sat in awkward silence as the bridesmaids left the stage to tend to Bride. A moment later we could all hear her vomiting...poor girl. As Groom nervously smiled, Jim went to check on things. He returned to tell Groom that Bride would return momentarily, "but if she doesn't come back, you're going to have to marry her sister". Groom laughed to relieve his tension. Fuzzy-haired groomsman made his way to the piano to fill the stark silence. We could all relax.

What seemed like an eternity later, Bride came back into the sanctuary waving the Queen's Wave. Someone started applause, and we all followed suit. Bride still looked pale, but determined to make it through the ceremony. And she did. And made it through dismissing the guests by aisle and photos with a forced, yet gorgeous smile.

During photos one of the bridesmaids told Jim Bride had been sick all day with the flu. Well, that would have been good for him to know.

The reception began with a 7-up in Bride's hand. A Retro 40's reception. So gorgeously simple.

Red Birds everywhere!

Jonathan and Jessie: some of our fave peeps!

Appetizer Buffet

Bride feeling good enough to flash a gang sign!

Our Caption: "In sickness and in health!"

Entry Table with Guestbook and Birdcage for Cards

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Lippy!

Looking Ahead to Less

2012-01-04T09:02:00.004-07:00

Last year I rose to the challenge of adopting a word-for-the-year. That word, strength. I even bought a ring to wear with "Strength" boldly engraved around it. Basically it was my goal to become a physically stronger person. Along with that, I knew that strength would come in handy in many areas. And that it did. I am happy to say I feel like I have become stronger physically, and without any injury! I also experienced my single most difficult moment as a parent in 2011, that which would require strength from the depths of my being, that I would not have ever known I had. Strength was a good word to focus on in 2011, and I hope to remember it's importance forever.

Looking ahead I have chosen another word-of-the-year. Less. It took about a week for me to think through what I wanted to accomplish in 2012, and less is it. Without going into tons of detail there are three areas where I want less in my life; less debt, less stuff, and the ever-present less weight. I've commissioned Christa to create a pendant for me with the word "less" on it. That should be a helpful reminder to keep my eyes focused on less.

I'm excited to see the changes in my life that less will bring.

Looking Back

2012-01-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

We had 17 for Christmas! It was a bit crowded. It was a bit chaotic. It was a bit of perfection!

After everyone left, I kept thinking of things that were unfinished.

1. We never took a tour of Emily's new home.

2. Grace never told Christa to take the flute.

3. I found one baby boy sock in my dryer.

4. A Chicago bathing suit was left in the laundry room.

5. I never got to share our Turkey scrapbook with Granny.

6. The little Keens were not shown to the Castles.

7. I never got to ask Bethany what the pack of white tablets are that are in my room.

8. Where did all the apples go?

9. So much food uneaten.

10. Clark 4-generation photo.

But if I were to list for you all that was accomplished, there would not be enough time to read it all. We had a blessed Christmas. I want everyone to come back next weekend!

Christmas Child(s)

2011-12-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this time of baby loving to wish you all a very Merry Christmas,

Duh....

2011-12-14T09:12:00.004-07:00

...apparently you are not supposed to wipe an "on" light bulb with a wet cloth. I now have one less to dust next time.

One Week and Counting

2011-12-13T09:32:00.002-07:00

In one week the first of our Christmas guests will arrive; The Castle Family. There are no words to describe the joy and anticipation I am feeling. The best part is I also feel ready; gifts bought, wrapped, freezer full, pantry stocked. (That might explain my absence from blogging for awhile!) There are still rooms to be cleaned, pack-n-plays to be borrowed, menus to be planned but that will get completed this week. And here is a sneak preview of why this mama's heart is about to explode!

Devan and Henry

Winter Storm

2011-12-01T07:43:00.001-07:00

Jim: "Looks like that snow storm missed us".

Me: (Grinning sheepishly) "Huh."

Day 30

2011-11-30T07:13:00.001-07:00

30 Days of Thanks

This has been a profitable exercise in finding things to be thankful for. It has caused me to stop each day, and to find something different for which to be grateful. I think this sums it up well.

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: you give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings) and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances)."

~ Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling"

Day 29

2011-11-29T06:04:00.001-07:00

Homework Done

I have one that does not see the benefit, reason or necessity of doing homework. Last night, he spent time at the table with his books. I can't tell you the last time I saw that. I am thankful that he is learning to make better choices about the things that are good for him.

Day 28

2011-11-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

Uncle Carlton

I am thankful for easy communication. Being able to pick up the phone and talk to loved ones makes living in Montana doable. Saturday I called my great-uncle, Carlton. I haven't seen him in over two years, but his voice immediately transported me to his back porch in Moorefield, WV. He has been a constant my entire life; always there, always pleasant, always positive. Believe me, I've tried to get him to give up the family dirt, but he won't talk! However, he does talk about his life-long friends that have been more like family to him, the newest minister at his Methodist church, his travels, and he always asks about Jim and the kids. I am thankful the Lord has granted him a 90+-year life. He has served so many people well, including this grateful great-niece.

Day 27

2011-11-27T14:48:00.001-07:00

My Job

Today I am thankful for my job. You don't know how hard that is to say. I didn't want a job. But I needed a job, and that is why I can say I am thankful for my job. I work for a great company, with good people and I even get amazing benefits for being a part-timer. Maybe some day I won't have to work. But for this time and in this place I am glad to have my job.

Day 26

2011-11-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

Day 26

Today I am thankful for a day at home, cleaning, straightening and preparing to put up our Christmas tree tonight. Oh, and today I am also especially thankful that Baby Henry was able to go home from the hospital.

Day 25: Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T07:43:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday was a wonderful day of reading in bed, preparing a turkey with Jim, watching the kiddos make the rest of the meal, curling hair, burning candles, eating delicious food, napping, having guests for Dessert and Games, and talking on the phone with the babes that weren't here. What a great day! Hope you had a nice celebration!

Day 24: Children

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

These two have a shared experience that no one else can enter into.

A wonderful journey of shared heartbeats that progressed to the culmination of, what docs are calling, a traumatic birth. I would dare say most births are traumatic. But so are most births followed by the inexplicable fascination and undying devotion of mother and child. I am even more enthralled with my daughter as she is becoming more captivated by her son.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 23

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Word

The last 48 hours have been bathed in prayer for Little Henry. When I had no more words, I was thankful for the words written so long ago, that fit perfectly into my life.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you:

because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? Genesis 18:4

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

What amazing power the words of God have on my life, thousands of years after they were written.

Amazing.

Day 22

2011-11-22T06:48:00.001-07:00

Henry

I am thankful that after 36 hours of labor, our third grandson was born.

Enough said!

Day 21

2011-11-21T06:32:00.001-07:00

Doug and Danae

After being at the hospital for over 28 hours, the Castle's are still waiting on Baby to make his/her arrival. I didn't think it was "possible" to be in labor for so long, after the water broke. I am thankful, I think!, for medical advances that have enabled her to keep laboring, trying to get to that magic number, 10! I am also thankful for the perseverance of a daughter and son-in-law to do what is best for their baby. I am thankful that they are going to be great parents!

Day 20: Birthday

2011-11-20T07:04:00.001-07:00

Birth Day

I am thankful that my grandchild will be born today.

I am thankful for the advances of modern medicine.

I am thankful for the miracle of new life.

I am thankful for cell phones and text messages.

Day Nineteen

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Grocery Shopping With Jim

I enjoy when Jim and I get to grocery shop together. It adds a whole new dimension to the routine task. I am thankful for a cohort that knows how to make the most mundane into the most amusing.

We stopped at Rosauer's for bread, but were delighted to find the finishing touches for our Thursday meal.

Black Olives .50/can

Swanson's Chicken Broth .59/can

Celery .39/lb

Turkey .49/lb

Jim was not so excited about the black olives; he even mentioned to the cashier that those could be the one thing that would finally break our marriage. That and the fact that I didn't think we needed the celery he threw into our cart. How in the world have we made it this far?

Day 18

2011-11-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

A Warm Bath

After being on my feet for 3 hours at the end of a work day, in heels, talking to people I didn't really know, clearing tables, handing out parting gifts at our bank-sponsored Business After Hours I was thankful for a tub full of warm bubbly water.

Day 17: It Takes A Village

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Devan

Today I am thankful that Charles Devan joined our family. But let me tell you. It took a lot of us to get him here. I don't know if Christa would agree, but just take a look.

I got a call from Christa at 8:30am saying that the hospital had called, and they had "an opening" (what is this? A hair salon?) if they wanted to come in. So they were on their way. I emailed the ladies at work at 11:30:

"So I texted Jason to ask how things were going. He replied-

“So far so good. Iam updating things on my facebook page as they happen”.

Oh, brother…I can’t access that until after3:00. So I asked him to throw me aline every once in awhile!

Waiting…waiting….waiting….."

This was the response I got from Kasarah...

Wheeoo!!! Keep us updated! ….if you want you can check your facebook on my phone lol ( I won’t tell)

To which I responded...

Thanks, I think we have a system figured out. My other daughter will forward me on any facebookupdates through my email here.

So Danae proceeded to send me emails when Jason or his dad would post anything on facebook.

Simultaneously, Jason's mom took on the responsibility of texting me with each update.

Danae sent me a photo of the L&D room with Christa and Jason. This was wonderful, because I opened that photo several times and prayed for the delivery, for peace, and perfect health, and wisdom for the doc. It was almost like I was there.

I got updates from Dana about the water being broken, about the epidural, and finally one text that said "9". I thought 9? What does that mean? NINE!!!! Was she dialated to 9? Then I got an email from Nae...

She is a 9! Only a fewmore minutes!

It was at this precise moment that things got very busy at my desk. Customers needed attending (the nerve!). A visiting group needed a trash can and liner (On this one I walked to Ryan's desk and asked him for a favor "since I was about to have a baby") Several Coke and wine deliveries were made for our Business After Hours event. My doc called with blood test results. Ack!

At 2:20 I got this from Nae...They are calling in the Doctor now...any minute!

To which I replied...I have no more fingernails…..

To which she replied...I am the same. I keep refreshing the facebook page...

To which I replied...I know, I’m frozen at my desk, and will NOT leave until I hear.

I sent out an email to the bank ladies (I don't think the guys had any idea that I was about to give birth to a grandbaby!) to which one replied...Hurray!!!! How exciting! This same gal kept asking me "Kim?" every three minutes to see if anything was happening.

At 2:45 I got this from Nae...I have to go to the bathroom...oh no! Should I wait or just run for it? :)

To which I replied...Run! No wait, WAIT!

She ran anyway, and Kristi said "Kim?"

Dana texted me and said "Head delivered" .

Danae got back from her potty break and said..."I ran...nothing has happened yet!"

Kristi..."Kim?"

So at 2:58 I got the two texted photos of our newest family member. I teared up, at my desk...real professional! The courier walked in and said "What's new with you?" I wiped the tears from my eyes and said "I just had a grandson!" And within seconds I was able to show her a photo of Baby D.

Welcome Baby D...we are ALL so glad you are here!

Day 16

2011-11-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Good Role Models

In a large family, I guess it comes naturally that the older children are expected to set a good example for the younger children. I'm so thankful that in our family that is exactly what has happened!

Doug and Danae

Nick and Grace

Day of Thanks #15

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling At Home

I am thankful for the feeling that you finally get after being in a place long enough to know people. Last night we went to a Winter Sports Meeting at BHS. When we walked into the cafeteria we were greeted by numerous parents of boys DK has been playing ball with. It was nice, to not still feel like the new kid. We have traveled all over MT (and Spokane!) this past year with some of these families. Good families. Nice people. It's good to be known. It's good to feel at home.

Day 14

2011-11-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

Creativity

Anticipating 17 people for Christmas has me both very excited, and very earnestly seeking handmade Christmas gift ideas. I've started on a few, and I am thankful for the sense of satisfaction I receive when I am being creative. There is something wonderful about spending time and effort, one stitch at a time, on a special gift for someone.

Day 13

2011-11-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for a day of rest...if that's what you call it when you're the Pastor's family. But it is a day like no other, and I think that is what the sabbath is all about. I always look forward to a nap on Sundays, the only day I nap. And the weather is white and chilly, so it should be especially delightful to snuggle down under the covers this afternoon.

Day 12

2011-11-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I am thankful for a wonderland of white that has kept me indoors. No running around, no trying to get everything done, no playing taxi. Oh, and I don't have a car. That probably has a lot to do with it. :) But I am joyfully nesting....for myself, and for my two expectant daughters! If they are going to have everything clean and organized, shouldn't I, too? After all, they will be visiting with babes in arms in nearly six weeks! I better get that pantry in order!

Day 11

2011-11-11T05:00:00.002-07:00

A Clean Kitchen

This may be more of a "Things I Love" or "Things I Want" kind of a post, but in all reality, a clean kitchen in something I AM thankful for. I read the following on Beth's blog and had to agree, this is totally me.

*I don't know if I can properly describe to you the relation between my resting blood pressure and the amount of dirty dishes piled up in our sink at any given time. I just breathe easier when things are fresh and clean in the kitchen. It feels like I can pour myself a glass of water without nasty germies climbing up out of the drain and contaminating my cup. Not to mention, I am much more in the mood to cook when I have a fresh space to work with -- rather than having to clean up before I begin a new meal... I don't know how to fully explain what a gift a clean kitchen is to me. Even if I'm in a completely different room, if I know there are dishes in the sink it stresses me out a bit. Like having homework hanging over your head on a Saturday. You're trying to have fun, but you can't totally relax and enjoy until that stuff is crossed off your list."

I even had the privilege of delivering the "please-clean-the-kitchen-after-you-use-it" speech at dinner the other night. That was prompted by a train wreck of a morning scene of leftovers, pans and dishes strewn around my "it-was-clean-when-I-went-to-bed" kitchen. Let me explain; I have absolutely no problem with anyone fixing a little snack, or even a full blown meal, or in this case, both. I have ever only had One Request. Uno. I should NOT be able to tell what you fixed. No dirty dishes, no leftovers left out, no pans in the sink, no crumbs on the counter. Does that sound like more than one request? I have carefully constructed my One Request to fit with my Clean Kitchen Obsession. If you're not willing to clean up magazine perfect, drive to Taco Bell and get a snack! Unless you're David. Then you can long-board.

Day 10

2011-11-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

This Crazy Life

Last night in LRW group we were asked the following:

If you can, share an example from your life where you stepped out in faith, "did it afraid," and God came through for you.

So the question was basically, have you ever done anything that appears to be crazy, stupid or foolish while being just a little scared, and God totally made it all come together for a good reason?

Welcome to my life.

My mind began to think back through some of the "did it afraid" moments in our lives. Starting with the most recent, moving backwards....moving to Montana, sending our teenage son to Kenya for 6 months, leaving our home of thirteen years to pursue a doctorate, living in a 900-square-foot campus apartment with 4 children still at home, moving to Arkansas, having seven children, moving to a Mormon community to start a church, Jim finishing college while working full-time, moving to Arizona to find work, having our first baby 10 months after our wedding, getting married after only knowing each other for nine months.

And that's just to name a few. As I shared, I couldn't help but shake my head and smile at all the "ridiculous" things we have done in our lives. But I just can't imagine it being much better either.

I really am thankful for this journey I am on. Just can't wait to see what "crazy" thing comes next.

30 Days of Thankful: Day 9

2011-11-09T05:00:00.001-07:00

Phone Calls from Chicago

I talked to Bethany while she was doing laundry and I was working on a Christmas present for Bailey. With Facebook and blogs and texting, we always seem to know what is going on with each other. But there is nothing quite like talking to one another to really hear the how of what is going on with each other. I love to hear her voice. And from what I've read, maybe she likes to hear mine, too!