My Cup Runneth Over

Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

I was sitting in my quiet living room a few minutes ago. I was replaying each minute of the last 2 hours in my mind. I found myself going over and over a couple of them. As if rewinding my mental DVR (I have upgraded my internal player from video tape.)

I see the smiles, I hear the beautiful singing. I see the hands in the air. Those hands. I have kissed each one of those fingers.

As I sat, I thought: What am I doing? I don't remember the last time I was so overwhelmed with love for someone as to sit still and reflect on something so repeatedly. That is when the verse in Luke came to me. I was treasuring all the things and pondering them in my heart. In only the way a mother can. I felt each snuggle I had just received through the very pores of my body. I remembered each movement of those sweet lips as if they were my own movements.

We had closing ceremonies for Nathan's first ever participation in Vacation Bible School. He went with his cousin Jayden to his church for the last 3 days this week. It was exciting and scary and slightly shocking that I could drop my sweet boy off (who looked really reeally tiny in that big room of even bigger kids) and come back a few hours later and he would have had snack, made a craft, sang songs and learned more about the Jesus he hears of at home. I loved the time with Lucy Joy but I missed my boy. And no amount of creative questioning could retrieve the information I so desperately wanted: What did you DO today, Nathan?

I was told one day that Nathan didn't miss me because he had Jayden. But Iam missed me. That was nice to hear because I missed Iam.

Nathan had an iron on transfer we needed to put on a white t-shirt for tonight. I did it because I love doing iron ons and I thought maybe, just maybe Nathan would want to go to the church. We loaded up in the car, armed with video camera, and headed off for this cute and adorable "baby" church that had taken such good care of my boy this week.

He sat with his team.
He was handed a hat.
He put the hat ON.

And then, the music started. Pirate Ben called the song leaders to the stage and Nathan walked up. He nestled himself into a comfortable place on stage (where he was NOT supposed to be) and faced the crowd with a smile and he did the hand motions. He sang the song.

Mommy started crying.

He received a goodie bag, certificate and picture of his team. We picked up a really cute craft that is now hanging proudly in my home. Grandparents were called and recounted the story of the night.

And now, a few hours later, I sit in my living room chuckling to myself how ordinary this story is. How all over America, mothers like me are proud of their children, for even more exciting things than simply completing 3 days of VBS (or "PDS" if you ask Nathan.) I can honestly say I don't care how simple and mushy to some this moment may be. For tonight I am filled with more love than I have ever felt for my son. It is a love that is part hope, part delight, part enrapturement into this world he entered for a few days and the rest is the satisfaction of seeing his true and rightful Nate the Greatliness.

Clean.

Dear Madam,

I wanted to write you to express my delight upon visiting S&S Edwards House of Showers Sunday night. I was greeted promptly at the door by a lovely young lady and a very sweet four legged beast who I can only assume is the mascot of your establishment. He was kind enough to allow me to scratch him behind the ears.

There was very little chit chat and after being directed where to go, I was able to take a very enjoyable shower in veritable peace. (This is a pleasure I do not often receive!)

Upon entering the beautiful, clean shower-free of standing water and soap scum as I have been experiencing in my own home-I unpacked all my personal products and began to shower. When it came time to wash, I passed over my own product and opted for the delicious and fragrant shower gel placed in there for the use of your guests. When I was done, I smelled like cinnamon buns (and, I daresay, I was a little hungry.)

The whole experience was a delightful one and I was pleased with the excellent service I received. Your House of Showers came highly recommended to me by a dear friend-I believe you know her-and I was not disappointed. Upon my leaving, I was wished a lovely evening and encouraged to return should my own personal shower continue to be out of service. I can promise you, that will happen again.

I found it interesting that even though I had never used your premises for this explicit purpose, I left with the distinct feeling of comfort, peace, and, if I may, friendship. Although a shower is a simple thing, it can clean more than a body, it often also cleans a spirit and renews it.

Most Warmly,
Bethany J. Zabrosky.

No, I'm Not Thirsty. I am a 21-Century Modern Woman and I Am Completely Hydrated

You always hear the negative news stories these days about how Americans are so unhealthy-we are overweight, sun burnt, and addicted to carne asada fries from Cotijas (or is that just me?)

But look around you, what do you see? People walking around carrying drinks everywhere they go. Water in bottles, Starbucks, sodas. We are a society focused on the transportationability (OK, that is a rockin' word I just made up!) of our beverages.

It is because of this phenomenon that I charge the news people to accentuate the positive and talk about how, as a society, we may be fat and addicted to junk food but we are the most HYDRATED society thus far!

It's a Nice Day to Start Again

It is 7:15pm and both kids are in bed.
The Hubby and I should totally be making out on the couch right now but we are so exhausted from our weekend we can barely play footsie.

Weddings are so much fun and we both were involved in a great one this weekend. My dear friend from high school drama class, Sara Jones, got married. I sang and David was the videographer (assisted by second unit Dodo Cook). This was not your normal affair in that the bridesmaids walked down the aisle to Billy Idol's "White Wedding" and the bride walked down the aisle to a Beatles song. But it also was clearly a wedding of two people who really did want to marry each other. They were relaxed, both stunned that this was actually happening and happy to cling to each other for strength.

The reception was a total party and we were seated with another high school drama friend and her husband who live near us. (Give it up for Pow-Way!) It is funny, we seem to have the most fun at wedding receptions where we hardly know anyone. Maybe we just enjoy the company of strangers?? Regardless, we walked away with some fun memories and new Powaegian Best Friends and Lovers of the Great BBQ. I can't wait to hang out with them.

Super Shusher Now Recruiting Team Members

Follow this link. To this I say, Amen.


**Bookmark this blog from the writer and creator of "Hoodwinked" one of the more hilarious animated films on DVD. I highly reccommend it-both the blog and the great movie.

I Have a Friend.

I have a friend who loves me the way I am but who also longs to see me grow as a Woman of God. She has taught me to take more pictures, capture moments and dream big.

I have a friend who knew me inside and out the instant she met me. She can calm me with simply a touch. Her sharp wit brings laughter to my life and sharpens mine as well.

I have a friend who knows everything. Every step, moment, mistake and victory of my past. She has been my rock through my toughest times and been present to experience the best of them as well. I know she will always be there no matter what.

I have a friend who compliments me. She is my better half and we understand so much of each other. I haven’t fallen into step with someone so quickly and each day we become closer-even if she makes all the phone calls.

I have a friend-she is my newest friend and I can tell we are kindred spirits already. I look forward to knowing her better each day.

I have a friend who is my bosom friend. She shares my passions for literature, drama, family and a good dare. The hurt we have walked through has drawn us closer and the healing we share moves us forward. She is the light of my life.

I have a friend who teaches me generosity in a way I have never experienced. She makes amazing cookies and is ready to share her wisdom whenever I may call. She loves my kids and frankly her sweet dog is the best dog of all the dogs.

I have a friend who makes me laugh. And laugh and laugh and laugh. Her personal journey towards self improvement and spiritual growth encourages me to follow that path.

I have a friend who has known me every day of her life. I have only lived 388 days without her but even that was too many. Simply put, I do not breathe without her. I wouldn’t want to try. I will love her forever.



May you be as blessed as I.