Okay, this isn't a real questionnaire, but it's really quite funny! So, for this post, I'm just gonna share this with ya so you can enjoy a good laugh, too.... here goes...the beginning part is what was originally included in the message to make it seem real...click on the link above to check out some other funny hoaxes....ENJOY!
This was actually posted very briefly on the McDonnell Douglas web site by an employee there who obviously has a sense of humor. The company, of course, does not (have a sense of humor) - and made the web department take it down immediately. (McDonnell Douglas is one of the world's chief suppliers of military aircraft).
Thank you for purchasing a McDonnell Douglas military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.
1. [_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other
First Name:
Initial:
Last Name:
Password: (max 8. char)
Code name:
Latitude/Longitude/Altitude: / /
2. Which model aircraft did you purchase?
[_] F-14 Tomcat
[_] F-15 Eagle
[_] F-16 Falcon
[_] F-117A Stealth
[_] Classified
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5. Please check where this product was purchased:
[_] Received as gift/aid package
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6. Please check how you became aware of the McDonnell Douglas product you have just purchased:
[_] Heard loud noise, looked up
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7. Please check the three (3) factors that most influenced your decision to purchase this McDonnell Douglas product:
[_] Style/appearance
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[_] Price/value
[_] Comfort/convenience
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[_] Recommended by salesperson
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8. Please check the location(s) where this product will be used:
[_] North America
[_] Iraq
[_] Iraq
[_] Aircraft carrier
[_] Iraq
[_] Europe
[_] Iraq
[_] Middle East (not Iraq)
[_] Iraq
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[_] Iraq
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[_] Iraq
[_] Misc. Third World countries
[_] Iraq
[_] Classified
[_] Iraq
9. Please check the products that you currently own or intend to purchase in the near future: [_] Color TV
[_] VCR
[_] ICBM
[_] Killer Satellite
[_] CD Player
[_] Air-to-Air Missiles
[_] Space Shuttle
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[_] Deficit spending
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[_] Suitcases of cocaine
[_] Oil revenues
[_] Personal check
[_] Credit card
[_] Ransom money
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12. Your occupation:
[_] Homemaker
[_] Sales/marketing
[_] Revolutionary
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[_] Mercenary
[_] Tyrant
[_] Middle management
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[_] Defense Minister/General
[_] Retired
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13. To help us understand our customers' lifestyles, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis:
[_] Golf
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[_] Sabotage
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[_] Propaganda/disinformation
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[_] Default on loans
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[_] Household pets
[_] Crushing rebellions
[_] Espionage/reconnaissance
[_] Fashion clothing
[_] Border disputes
[_] Mutually Assured Destruction
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future - as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. As a bonus for responding to this survey, you will be registered to win a brand new F-117A in our Desert Thunder Sweepstakes!
Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to: McDONNELL DOUGLAS CORPORATION Marketing Department Military Aerospace Division
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Searching
"Search for the Lord and for His strength, and keep searching." Psalm 105:4
Today at our MOMS group I found out that one of the moms at our table, who is pregnant, will have to go in on Monday for a blood transfusion. Not for herself, for her baby. We were talking about making it through the chaos, and she spoke up to share some of the trials they've gone through. My immediate reaction was fear. Fear for the baby. Fear for her. Fear for her two little boys who are exactly Caleb & Micah's ages. Fear for her husband. Fear for her marriage. Fear for her faith. And, ashamedly, fear that I wouldn't have the guts to pray for her right then and there.
When I was pregnant with Caleb I worked at our church in Whittier, CA. I absolutely loved working there. In fact, I was rather sad when I had to tell Pastor Bill that I was pregnant and would be leaving after the baby was born. (Then we ended up getting transferred...I wonder if that wasn't to keep me from going back...) Anyway, in the office I was surrounded by beautiful Christian women who were Moms and liked to celebrate with me the anticipation of a new baby in our lives. One particular woman taught me a valuable lesson. Her name was Kathy and she was the Women's Ministries pastor. Every time she sat next to me, no matter where we were, if we prayed she laid her hand on my belly and I knew she was praying for the child growing inside of me right along with the spoken prayer. At times like that fear of the unknown, anxiety over what was to come, whatever pent-up feelings I had over being a Mom simply melted away and instead I was filled with the peace that passes all understanding.
I have feared for my child's life while they were in utero, and I have experienced the pain of childbirth gone wrong...personally on a much lesser level than the experience of friends I love deeply...and in times like this morning those feelings come in and they cloud over me like a heavy veil. Then I run across a verse like Psalm 116: 1-2 which reads, "I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath." There was a time in my life ~ when I was single and had no one else to talk to more often than not ~ that I went through my day in a sort of constant conversation with God. I am reminded of that now, I believe, because it's time to get back to that discipline.
Is there something you used to do that you have simply drifted away from? Is it something that would bring spark and flame back to your relationship with Christ in an area of your relationship that is smoldering or even cold? Will you walk with me into that challenge of re-discovering that habit...discipline...commitment? Right now Scott is waiting for me to finish this so we can pray over Caleb's schooling choice. In this time in our world education choices, I believe, cannot be made blindly. As Caleb nears Kindergarten and Micah nears three I find the need to return to "dating" my first love...no, to fully committing my heart and soul, future and family into His hands daily...hourly...minute-by-minute.
Today at our MOMS group I found out that one of the moms at our table, who is pregnant, will have to go in on Monday for a blood transfusion. Not for herself, for her baby. We were talking about making it through the chaos, and she spoke up to share some of the trials they've gone through. My immediate reaction was fear. Fear for the baby. Fear for her. Fear for her two little boys who are exactly Caleb & Micah's ages. Fear for her husband. Fear for her marriage. Fear for her faith. And, ashamedly, fear that I wouldn't have the guts to pray for her right then and there.
When I was pregnant with Caleb I worked at our church in Whittier, CA. I absolutely loved working there. In fact, I was rather sad when I had to tell Pastor Bill that I was pregnant and would be leaving after the baby was born. (Then we ended up getting transferred...I wonder if that wasn't to keep me from going back...) Anyway, in the office I was surrounded by beautiful Christian women who were Moms and liked to celebrate with me the anticipation of a new baby in our lives. One particular woman taught me a valuable lesson. Her name was Kathy and she was the Women's Ministries pastor. Every time she sat next to me, no matter where we were, if we prayed she laid her hand on my belly and I knew she was praying for the child growing inside of me right along with the spoken prayer. At times like that fear of the unknown, anxiety over what was to come, whatever pent-up feelings I had over being a Mom simply melted away and instead I was filled with the peace that passes all understanding.
I have feared for my child's life while they were in utero, and I have experienced the pain of childbirth gone wrong...personally on a much lesser level than the experience of friends I love deeply...and in times like this morning those feelings come in and they cloud over me like a heavy veil. Then I run across a verse like Psalm 116: 1-2 which reads, "I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath." There was a time in my life ~ when I was single and had no one else to talk to more often than not ~ that I went through my day in a sort of constant conversation with God. I am reminded of that now, I believe, because it's time to get back to that discipline.
Is there something you used to do that you have simply drifted away from? Is it something that would bring spark and flame back to your relationship with Christ in an area of your relationship that is smoldering or even cold? Will you walk with me into that challenge of re-discovering that habit...discipline...commitment? Right now Scott is waiting for me to finish this so we can pray over Caleb's schooling choice. In this time in our world education choices, I believe, cannot be made blindly. As Caleb nears Kindergarten and Micah nears three I find the need to return to "dating" my first love...no, to fully committing my heart and soul, future and family into His hands daily...hourly...minute-by-minute.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
I'm Shot!
The Bible says that a "greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends." I believe that the parental version is this: "greater pain hath no parent than this: that they have to hold down their small child for three big shots."
Now, I know...she hasn't experienced the half of the pain if that's what she thinks...but today, for me, it is absolute truth. Caleb & Micah both had Dr's appointments today. It was one of those "Oh, Lord, I hope I made the right decision about this doctor..." kind of appointments. This was the first time we've been to him and, to be perfectly honest, under my strong and confident exterior was a Mom who was really wondering on the way to the clinic if she'd made the right choice. I've been to Dr's who have not a care in the world for what the patient thinks and I find it difficult enough when it's me I'm having to defend...I can take quite a bit before I get testy ...but these are my babies we're talking about now! Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. Dr. who doesn't want to take seriously the concerns of MaMa Duck ain't getting too far into the little pond, if ya know what I mean! I'll have those little ducklings to another Dr. faster than you can shake a tale feather! (okay...enough of the cheesy animal analogies!)
SO, ANYWAY... We got to the clinic, checked in, handed the receptionist all our paperwork and sat and waited a while. (not too long since we were the first on the books for today...yea!) We went back to the little room and the nurse had some forms for me to sign and yada-yada-yada. The boys were themselves ~ active and curious ~ and I was hoping this was going to be a relatively quick morning appointment. In by 8:15...out by 9:30. yeah. right. The Dr. came in and he was very nice. (whew! Thank You, Jesus!) He has three boys of his own and is very understanding of parental concerns and questions. As we talked about Caleb's allergies and Micah's endless green nose all fears I had about the decision I made were laid to rest.
So, as I said earlier - both boys had to get shots. Caleb simply had to get his 5 year old shots (he's 5 1/2) and Micah hadn't had shots since his 9 month check up. (I KNOW! I beat myself up enough for all of us so just don't say it!) :) Thankfully at three years old you don't get any shots so he simply had to play catch-up. Caleb was first up to bat. After his eye test and all the typical checks - ears, nose, throat, etc. - on both boys the Dr. left and Nurse Meanie Pants came in with these two innocent looking plastic tubs. She carried weapons of terror in those tubs. They were long and rather innocuous looking tubes, but on the ends were needles at least 10 inches long! No, seriously. I didn't look at them because I hate needles (don't ever tell my boys that!) until she was getting ready to stab my oldest child and then it was a quick glance as I prayed desperately that it wouldn't hurt for some odd reason ~ surely God would have mercy on my child and take the pain away, wouldn't He? I told Caleb it would just prick a bit and then it would be over (was that a lie?) and then I asked him to name all the brave people he could think of. Now, I was hoping to hear things like "Daddy, Mommy, PaPa Pete, PaPa T, etc. etc. etc." However, I took it all in stride as he began his litany of superheroes..."Superman, Bibleman, Spiderman, LarryBoy..." (yeah, I have to agree...there's something odd about hearing a talking cucumber be referred to as brave...but, hey! He's five!) So, the first one went in and his lip quivered and he said "ow"a lot but he held it together. "Way to go, Bubber! You did it! You were as brave as Superman! Okay...let's look over here now...don't look at the needles...look at me. Who else is brave?" Just as he started to say "well, Spiderman is brave" she jabbed that saber into the back of his upper left arm and he jumped and started to WAIL. Oh, my. Houston, we have a problem.
When he jumped the nurse jabbed the needle a bit and then tried again - not good - that immunization was ruined. After what seemed like 15 minutes but was probably more like 2 he was calming down as we prayed for extra courage to finish his shots. Earlier, when we were talking about getting shots he was initially saying he didn't want any shots. I reminded him that in order to go to Kindergarten he had to have his shots. Ah! Mother of the Year Award! I said the magic words that made it all worthwhile! Well, after Nurse Wicked-Witch-of-the-West practically amputated my sons arm I reminded him of it again in the form of a question..."Caleb, do you want to go to Kindergarten in the fall?" Now, what child in their right mind would answer affirmative to that question after being stabbed? Thank God my child has a brain! His immediate response was a firm and decisive shake of the head. Take the award back...words are just words. The nurse had to leave to get a new needle of the immunization that ended up leaving two big bruises and lots of blood on my sons arm and when she came back in I was in position. She stood behind him as I cradled my left arm around his head and pressed him lovingly to me (while firmly keeping his right arm immobile) and held his left hand with mine telling him to squeeze my hand if it started to hurt again. Nurse I-have-the-worst-job-in-the-world wasn't as mean so much as she was praying she wouldn't shake as she stabbed my poor innocent baby again, and within 30 seconds both shots were in, Caleb was wailing again, and I was fighting not to join him. Ah, one down, one to go.
Micah was next. Now, before the nurse (she really was not mean at all...) came into the room I was contemplating how to do the shots. Caleb tends to be a bit more dramatic in his reactions to things (I have tried to figure out where that comes from!) but Micah is younger so I was trying to decide who could be the "tough role model" for the other guy. Well, of course, Caleb was the logical choice, but after his experience I was understandably worried about Micah's response to his turn. Thankfully his shots would all be on his left thigh and I could sit down and hold him on my lap for his shots. However, we don't call Micah "Bam-Bam" because he's a little girly-man! I was in for another fight and struggle as I put his legs between mine and held his hands in mine and wrapped my arms around him so his arms formed a make-shift straight-jacket. Nurse I'm-praying-this-one-goes-better was armed and ready and went Bam! Bam! Bam! on my little angel's leg as he cried and screamed and fought to be free. Within 45 seconds the entire ordeal was over and other than two little boys laying on the floor acting like they'd just been run over by a Mack truck and my own eyes fighting back the urge to spill forth everything was A-Okay.
I had promised the boys breakfast after their shots - their choice - so after filling a couple prescriptions we were off to Krispy Kreme. We really should have headed to Red Robin or something since it was closer to lunch than breakfast, but why not? We all just endured a traumatic moment in our lives and why not put them on a sugar high and give those immunizations something to work against? :) I don't remember the last time we had donuts and I really don't care what anyone thinks ~ those boys deserved some sweetness in their lives today. *wink & grin* And, yes, if we were in Texas we wouldn't have gone to Krispy Kreme, Aunt Mary! :)
I feel like I should go warm up the Karaoke machine with a Gloria Gaynor tune (she sang, "I will survive" for those of you unfamiliar with the disco era), but instead I think I'm going to go warm up my side of the bed. Before I go, though, remember this: You can do all things through Christ's strength ~ I'm living testimony to that today! If it weren't for Him I would've been on the floor with the boys wailing over the pain of life right along with 'em. Goodnight...
Now, I know...she hasn't experienced the half of the pain if that's what she thinks...but today, for me, it is absolute truth. Caleb & Micah both had Dr's appointments today. It was one of those "Oh, Lord, I hope I made the right decision about this doctor..." kind of appointments. This was the first time we've been to him and, to be perfectly honest, under my strong and confident exterior was a Mom who was really wondering on the way to the clinic if she'd made the right choice. I've been to Dr's who have not a care in the world for what the patient thinks and I find it difficult enough when it's me I'm having to defend...I can take quite a bit before I get testy ...but these are my babies we're talking about now! Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. Dr. who doesn't want to take seriously the concerns of MaMa Duck ain't getting too far into the little pond, if ya know what I mean! I'll have those little ducklings to another Dr. faster than you can shake a tale feather! (okay...enough of the cheesy animal analogies!)
SO, ANYWAY... We got to the clinic, checked in, handed the receptionist all our paperwork and sat and waited a while. (not too long since we were the first on the books for today...yea!) We went back to the little room and the nurse had some forms for me to sign and yada-yada-yada. The boys were themselves ~ active and curious ~ and I was hoping this was going to be a relatively quick morning appointment. In by 8:15...out by 9:30. yeah. right. The Dr. came in and he was very nice. (whew! Thank You, Jesus!) He has three boys of his own and is very understanding of parental concerns and questions. As we talked about Caleb's allergies and Micah's endless green nose all fears I had about the decision I made were laid to rest.
So, as I said earlier - both boys had to get shots. Caleb simply had to get his 5 year old shots (he's 5 1/2) and Micah hadn't had shots since his 9 month check up. (I KNOW! I beat myself up enough for all of us so just don't say it!) :) Thankfully at three years old you don't get any shots so he simply had to play catch-up. Caleb was first up to bat. After his eye test and all the typical checks - ears, nose, throat, etc. - on both boys the Dr. left and Nurse Meanie Pants came in with these two innocent looking plastic tubs. She carried weapons of terror in those tubs. They were long and rather innocuous looking tubes, but on the ends were needles at least 10 inches long! No, seriously. I didn't look at them because I hate needles (don't ever tell my boys that!) until she was getting ready to stab my oldest child and then it was a quick glance as I prayed desperately that it wouldn't hurt for some odd reason ~ surely God would have mercy on my child and take the pain away, wouldn't He? I told Caleb it would just prick a bit and then it would be over (was that a lie?) and then I asked him to name all the brave people he could think of. Now, I was hoping to hear things like "Daddy, Mommy, PaPa Pete, PaPa T, etc. etc. etc." However, I took it all in stride as he began his litany of superheroes..."Superman, Bibleman, Spiderman, LarryBoy..." (yeah, I have to agree...there's something odd about hearing a talking cucumber be referred to as brave...but, hey! He's five!) So, the first one went in and his lip quivered and he said "ow"a lot but he held it together. "Way to go, Bubber! You did it! You were as brave as Superman! Okay...let's look over here now...don't look at the needles...look at me. Who else is brave?" Just as he started to say "well, Spiderman is brave" she jabbed that saber into the back of his upper left arm and he jumped and started to WAIL. Oh, my. Houston, we have a problem.
When he jumped the nurse jabbed the needle a bit and then tried again - not good - that immunization was ruined. After what seemed like 15 minutes but was probably more like 2 he was calming down as we prayed for extra courage to finish his shots. Earlier, when we were talking about getting shots he was initially saying he didn't want any shots. I reminded him that in order to go to Kindergarten he had to have his shots. Ah! Mother of the Year Award! I said the magic words that made it all worthwhile! Well, after Nurse Wicked-Witch-of-the-West practically amputated my sons arm I reminded him of it again in the form of a question..."Caleb, do you want to go to Kindergarten in the fall?" Now, what child in their right mind would answer affirmative to that question after being stabbed? Thank God my child has a brain! His immediate response was a firm and decisive shake of the head. Take the award back...words are just words. The nurse had to leave to get a new needle of the immunization that ended up leaving two big bruises and lots of blood on my sons arm and when she came back in I was in position. She stood behind him as I cradled my left arm around his head and pressed him lovingly to me (while firmly keeping his right arm immobile) and held his left hand with mine telling him to squeeze my hand if it started to hurt again. Nurse I-have-the-worst-job-in-the-world wasn't as mean so much as she was praying she wouldn't shake as she stabbed my poor innocent baby again, and within 30 seconds both shots were in, Caleb was wailing again, and I was fighting not to join him. Ah, one down, one to go.
Micah was next. Now, before the nurse (she really was not mean at all...) came into the room I was contemplating how to do the shots. Caleb tends to be a bit more dramatic in his reactions to things (I have tried to figure out where that comes from!) but Micah is younger so I was trying to decide who could be the "tough role model" for the other guy. Well, of course, Caleb was the logical choice, but after his experience I was understandably worried about Micah's response to his turn. Thankfully his shots would all be on his left thigh and I could sit down and hold him on my lap for his shots. However, we don't call Micah "Bam-Bam" because he's a little girly-man! I was in for another fight and struggle as I put his legs between mine and held his hands in mine and wrapped my arms around him so his arms formed a make-shift straight-jacket. Nurse I'm-praying-this-one-goes-better was armed and ready and went Bam! Bam! Bam! on my little angel's leg as he cried and screamed and fought to be free. Within 45 seconds the entire ordeal was over and other than two little boys laying on the floor acting like they'd just been run over by a Mack truck and my own eyes fighting back the urge to spill forth everything was A-Okay.
I had promised the boys breakfast after their shots - their choice - so after filling a couple prescriptions we were off to Krispy Kreme. We really should have headed to Red Robin or something since it was closer to lunch than breakfast, but why not? We all just endured a traumatic moment in our lives and why not put them on a sugar high and give those immunizations something to work against? :) I don't remember the last time we had donuts and I really don't care what anyone thinks ~ those boys deserved some sweetness in their lives today. *wink & grin* And, yes, if we were in Texas we wouldn't have gone to Krispy Kreme, Aunt Mary! :)
I feel like I should go warm up the Karaoke machine with a Gloria Gaynor tune (she sang, "I will survive" for those of you unfamiliar with the disco era), but instead I think I'm going to go warm up my side of the bed. Before I go, though, remember this: You can do all things through Christ's strength ~ I'm living testimony to that today! If it weren't for Him I would've been on the floor with the boys wailing over the pain of life right along with 'em. Goodnight...
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Kindergarten
Today was the Kindergarten Open House at Caleb's Elementary School. Scott and Caleb & I all went together (I'm really glad Scott's job allows that kind of flexibility in his schedule that he was able to attend...I know Caleb wouldn't have felt as confident as he did if Scott hadn't been there). After dropping Micah off at a friend's house we drove to the school in a bit of anticipatory silence. It was obvious that Caleb was excited...he was just taking it all in and looking ahead to where we were going and what was coming next. Scott and I were a bit more solemnly quiet. I don't know if we were in the same place mentally ~ I tend to doubt it but you never know.
I was in the place of thinking I wish I was one of those "on top of it" kind of Moms who knows where everything is in their house and doesn't need to take time to stop and think about where they put that so they'd know where it was when they needed it. (This is one of those times when I think Scott probably was thinking the same thing I was...he wishes I was that kind of Mom many times, too! :) Thankfully they have that in him and I can step in the for the spontaneous fun stuff ~ we balance each other well.) Yes, as you can probably guess from what I was thinking it dawned on me at the last minute that I needed another form for his registration and although I know exactly where it is I need a key to get to it...and it's the key I cannot find at this moment. UGH!!!!! So, after telling myself NOT to believe the voice in my head telling me exactly what they thought of my orginizational skills I began to think about this whole Kindergarten thing.....
I remember very little of Kindergarten except Mrs. Van der Aarte and the really cool wooden kitchen with little sink and refrigerator and shelves we got to play with. I didn't like the stove then either. :) I remember Mrs. Van der Aarte had blonde hair that she wore in a really high beehive ~ of course, I was probably all of two feet tall so it probably wasn't that high ~ and she was pretty and smiled a lot. She was really OLD, too!! I swear she was probably as old as Mom and Dad!! I remember she made us feel safe and she read great stories to us and I remember walking all the way down the really long hall in South Sioux School to her classroom feeling like I was such a big girl. And I'm almost positive I cried on the first day. I'm pretty positive I did because I seem to remember Mom putting on that strong but gentle Mom face and telling me I'll be okay and walking away before it got really hard to leave.
The strange thing is I don't remember Kindergarten being a really academic year. Maybe it was, but to me (and this is so surprising knowing how serious I am) it was just a really great time to play with my friends! Okay, if Scott were standing beside me he'd groan and say, "oh, brother!" Hmmm....I seem to remember most of my school years being exactly that ~ a great time to play with my friends and learn something in the process.
Caleb seems to be that way. He had no trouble walking down the hall talking the big student's head off; his teacher said he had a good time and had lots to share...and when we went on our bus ride after our meetings were over and the bus driver lady asked if there were any questions Caleb was the only one to raise his hand. Yup. The only one. Time kind of stood still for Scott & I as Caleb told the bus driver (and the entire bus) that "sometimes my dog likes to eat dirt." Polite chuckles and chuckles that said, "thank God that wasn't my kid!" flittered about the tinny interior of the bright yellow school bus as the bus driver smiled and lovingly responded to a child's innocent statement. Any worries I had about whether he was gonna make it kind of drifted away.
Yes, Caleb will do okay. It's his Mom I'm a bit worried about...
I was in the place of thinking I wish I was one of those "on top of it" kind of Moms who knows where everything is in their house and doesn't need to take time to stop and think about where they put that so they'd know where it was when they needed it. (This is one of those times when I think Scott probably was thinking the same thing I was...he wishes I was that kind of Mom many times, too! :) Thankfully they have that in him and I can step in the for the spontaneous fun stuff ~ we balance each other well.) Yes, as you can probably guess from what I was thinking it dawned on me at the last minute that I needed another form for his registration and although I know exactly where it is I need a key to get to it...and it's the key I cannot find at this moment. UGH!!!!! So, after telling myself NOT to believe the voice in my head telling me exactly what they thought of my orginizational skills I began to think about this whole Kindergarten thing.....
I remember very little of Kindergarten except Mrs. Van der Aarte and the really cool wooden kitchen with little sink and refrigerator and shelves we got to play with. I didn't like the stove then either. :) I remember Mrs. Van der Aarte had blonde hair that she wore in a really high beehive ~ of course, I was probably all of two feet tall so it probably wasn't that high ~ and she was pretty and smiled a lot. She was really OLD, too!! I swear she was probably as old as Mom and Dad!! I remember she made us feel safe and she read great stories to us and I remember walking all the way down the really long hall in South Sioux School to her classroom feeling like I was such a big girl. And I'm almost positive I cried on the first day. I'm pretty positive I did because I seem to remember Mom putting on that strong but gentle Mom face and telling me I'll be okay and walking away before it got really hard to leave.
The strange thing is I don't remember Kindergarten being a really academic year. Maybe it was, but to me (and this is so surprising knowing how serious I am) it was just a really great time to play with my friends! Okay, if Scott were standing beside me he'd groan and say, "oh, brother!" Hmmm....I seem to remember most of my school years being exactly that ~ a great time to play with my friends and learn something in the process.
Caleb seems to be that way. He had no trouble walking down the hall talking the big student's head off; his teacher said he had a good time and had lots to share...and when we went on our bus ride after our meetings were over and the bus driver lady asked if there were any questions Caleb was the only one to raise his hand. Yup. The only one. Time kind of stood still for Scott & I as Caleb told the bus driver (and the entire bus) that "sometimes my dog likes to eat dirt." Polite chuckles and chuckles that said, "thank God that wasn't my kid!" flittered about the tinny interior of the bright yellow school bus as the bus driver smiled and lovingly responded to a child's innocent statement. Any worries I had about whether he was gonna make it kind of drifted away.
Yes, Caleb will do okay. It's his Mom I'm a bit worried about...
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Mommy
I am the mother of four children. Yes, you read that correctly ~ FOUR. This post is an open letter to each of them. As I look forward to celebrating Mother's Day with two of my four children I am filled with what it means to be a "Mom," and the desire to do it to the very best of my ability. At times I think I fail miserably. At times I think I should be awarded the Mother of the Year award. All the time I wonder how I could ever live my life not knowing this incredibly demanding, rewarding, frustrating, incredible and challenging time of my life.
Dear Sophie, my first child, my sweet little girl, how precious you are! For months I talked to you before you were born knowing you were going to be a beautiful little girl ~ and now I look at you and I am in wonder and awe over just how beautiful you really are. Not only on the outside, sweetie, but on the inside, too. When your Mommy tells me about how friendly you are and how you have such a heart for Jesus I know my prayers were all heard while I carried you in my tummy. I prayed continually that you would know peace and joy in your life...God is so good to give you so much of both in such abundance!
Soph, never could I imagine life without knowing you. I pray constantly for you even now ~ that you would have above all else a peace knowing you are loved by so many and that you would never doubt my love for you. The greatest gift I have been given came when I was carrying you inside of me. Without you in my life my relationship with Jesus would not be what it is today. Thank you, dear Sophie, for being the gift God used to change my life for the best. My gift to you on this day is a Bible verse that makes me think of you and that I pray for you... it just seems to fit you. :) Psalm 18: 28 - 30 "Lord, You have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection." You are strong and beautiful, Sophie and I love you, sweetheart. With all my heart I love you. I am proud to be your Tummy Mommy.
Dear Little One, the one I'll never know on this earth. The day I found out I was carrying you inside of me I wanted to sing praises, jump up and down and shout it from the mountaintops. Instead I went to Babies R Us and put together a very special package for your Daddy. I'll never forget the look on his face when he came into our bedroom and saw that Winnie the Pooh diaper bag sitting on the bed. He was so confused! And as he opened it and pulled out a bib and a blanket and a rattle and some other things it began to dawn on him that we were going to be a family. You couldn't have wiped the smile off his face if you had tried. For the next two weeks we looked forward with hope in who you would be. There are some who would say that wasn't enough time to know you and to become attached to being your Mommy, but anyone who has been through a situation like it knows that just isn't true. I look forward to meeting you one day. Until then, have fun with Jesus and your cousins and know I will never forget you and the joy you brought for a very short time. I love you. Psalm 30: 11-12 "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and never be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!" Until we meet in heaven...
Dear Caleb, My Bubber, what an incredible little man you are! At five years old I am continually amazed at how smart you are. You can wrap your mind around a difficult concept and make it make sense to Micah (and to me!) in such a way that it makes me think you are much older than you are. And yet, the very next minute you may ask me to help you tie your shoes or pour your milk and I am brought back to the reality that you are still my very big little boy. Caleb, do you know what I love most about you? Your heart. I love to hear you pray for your friends each night ~ even the friends who aren't exactly the nicest to you ~ that God will be with them and keep them safe and help them to know how much He loves them (in your words..."even when they are mean.") I never knew I could love someone so much who could bring such a clarity to all of my bad qualities! :) You bring out both the best and the worst in me, my sweet boy, and I thank you for accepting me for me. For telling me when I come to you and ask for forgiveness for yelling instead of dealing that you love me like Jesus loves me and that you won't hold it against me is a gift, Caleb. I love to watch you ~ today at the park as you rounded up all the kids and led them into the chore of picking up pine cones and filling the holes of the tree I heard you say, "good job, team! You did it! Now, on to the next thing!" and they all followed you over to the play structure where pinecones became money in the makeshift store. You will make a great leader someday, Caleb. My constant prayer for you is found in the Bible in the story of the Caleb you are named after. The first part of Numbers 14:24 tells what kind of man he was..."But my servant Caleb has a different spirit. He follows me with his whole heart..." Hold on to Jesus with all of your might, Bubber, only He will never fail you, and when you keep your heart focused on Him He will make your paths straight. I love you, Caleb ~ You truly are my sunshine!
Dear Micah, the boy with the golden smile! How you can make me laugh, little one! At almost three years old you are the epitome of the youngest child. You insist on doing it yourself, you love to follow your big brother and do all that he is doing, you make people laugh with your wit and your antics, and you love to be right smack dab in the middle of it all. I have loved watching you grow up, Micah. Being your Mommy has changed my life ~ in so many ways. You have taught me that life is worth living even when it's not quite what you expected. And, yes, you have so much of your Daddy in you that when it's not what you expected you will make it what it was supposed to be! Today on our walk you wanted to fix all the little things you saw that were out of place. The crack in the trail...that simply should not be there, Mom! The cigarette butt on the sidewalk outside someone's house...oooh! Mom, this isn't supposed to be here! You make me think of that television character I love so much, Monk. Your shoes have to be lined up just so if you're going to put them away, but when you're playing with the bean-pot in the playroom it doesn't matter if they're all over the floor. You are so multi-faceted and as you get older I enjoy seeing the character God has made you to be. You, too, will touch many lives, Micah and I pray that the words from the Prophet you were named after will be the motto of your life, "The Lord has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. I love you, Micah ~ more than I could ever put into words, I love you.
And finally...if I could end this post with a special letter to a very special lady who taught me in so many different ways what a Mom is....
Dear Mom, do you realize how beautiful you are? I mean it. Do you know you are beautiful? You are beautiful on the outside ~ pretty smile and eyes and just plain beautiful. And you are beautiful on the inside. I remember many days growing up seeing your heart spill out your eyes as your desire to raise children who love God with their whole hearts seemed to not be working out like you wanted it to. The pain of knowing your hearts deepest desire may very well not become reality was overwhelming at times as you struggled with each one of us ~ Tami, Todd and me. And yet you never gave up on that prayer. You never stopped loving us or loving God or respecting Dad.
And speaking of Dad...I've never heard you say anything degrading about Dad, Mom. You may have shown your frustration over something he was doing, but you never put words to it. That is powerful to someone like me who is much too free with her criticism and judgements of people. I long to be like you in that area. Thank you for that model in my life.
Mom, do you realize you were a "love and logic" mom before Jim Fay or Foster Cline ever thought of writing a book? I remember fighting with Todd and you made us sit in kitchen chairs with our knees touching until we could look at each other and apologize and tell each other we loved each other...and MEAN it! You allowed consequences to be natural...and many times painful knowing they were often the best teachers. Thank you, too, for that model. You knew that out of pain can come character and wisdom...two things that really can't be taught. In my deepest pain, though, you never let me think there was anything wrong with me. (now, to back up the bus here a bit I have to say before my deepest pain you wondered many times what was wrong with me, but when it mattered.... *grin!*) When I was five months pregnant and unmarried and it was a Saturday night you did something powerful in my life that was simply you being you. You came downstairs and asked if I'd like to go to church with you in the morning. I don't remember if you verbalized it, but it was clear that you knew it would be difficult and you wouldn't blame me for not wanting to go but that if I did you wouldn't be embarassed to have me go with you. I knew you loved me for me that day. Thank you.
Mom, I haven't been an easy child for you to raise. We're so very different from each other in so many ways and yet alike enough to butt heads like the best of them. You felt pushed out many days and I felt pushed on, but today, on Mother's Day, 2005 I want to stand before all who are reading this and let them know that I am blessed to have YOU, Lucy, as my Mom. I arise and call you blessed, "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" I love you, Mom.
Love,
Trayc
Dear Sophie, my first child, my sweet little girl, how precious you are! For months I talked to you before you were born knowing you were going to be a beautiful little girl ~ and now I look at you and I am in wonder and awe over just how beautiful you really are. Not only on the outside, sweetie, but on the inside, too. When your Mommy tells me about how friendly you are and how you have such a heart for Jesus I know my prayers were all heard while I carried you in my tummy. I prayed continually that you would know peace and joy in your life...God is so good to give you so much of both in such abundance!
Soph, never could I imagine life without knowing you. I pray constantly for you even now ~ that you would have above all else a peace knowing you are loved by so many and that you would never doubt my love for you. The greatest gift I have been given came when I was carrying you inside of me. Without you in my life my relationship with Jesus would not be what it is today. Thank you, dear Sophie, for being the gift God used to change my life for the best. My gift to you on this day is a Bible verse that makes me think of you and that I pray for you... it just seems to fit you. :) Psalm 18: 28 - 30 "Lord, You have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection." You are strong and beautiful, Sophie and I love you, sweetheart. With all my heart I love you. I am proud to be your Tummy Mommy.
Dear Little One, the one I'll never know on this earth. The day I found out I was carrying you inside of me I wanted to sing praises, jump up and down and shout it from the mountaintops. Instead I went to Babies R Us and put together a very special package for your Daddy. I'll never forget the look on his face when he came into our bedroom and saw that Winnie the Pooh diaper bag sitting on the bed. He was so confused! And as he opened it and pulled out a bib and a blanket and a rattle and some other things it began to dawn on him that we were going to be a family. You couldn't have wiped the smile off his face if you had tried. For the next two weeks we looked forward with hope in who you would be. There are some who would say that wasn't enough time to know you and to become attached to being your Mommy, but anyone who has been through a situation like it knows that just isn't true. I look forward to meeting you one day. Until then, have fun with Jesus and your cousins and know I will never forget you and the joy you brought for a very short time. I love you. Psalm 30: 11-12 "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and never be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!" Until we meet in heaven...
Dear Caleb, My Bubber, what an incredible little man you are! At five years old I am continually amazed at how smart you are. You can wrap your mind around a difficult concept and make it make sense to Micah (and to me!) in such a way that it makes me think you are much older than you are. And yet, the very next minute you may ask me to help you tie your shoes or pour your milk and I am brought back to the reality that you are still my very big little boy. Caleb, do you know what I love most about you? Your heart. I love to hear you pray for your friends each night ~ even the friends who aren't exactly the nicest to you ~ that God will be with them and keep them safe and help them to know how much He loves them (in your words..."even when they are mean.") I never knew I could love someone so much who could bring such a clarity to all of my bad qualities! :) You bring out both the best and the worst in me, my sweet boy, and I thank you for accepting me for me. For telling me when I come to you and ask for forgiveness for yelling instead of dealing that you love me like Jesus loves me and that you won't hold it against me is a gift, Caleb. I love to watch you ~ today at the park as you rounded up all the kids and led them into the chore of picking up pine cones and filling the holes of the tree I heard you say, "good job, team! You did it! Now, on to the next thing!" and they all followed you over to the play structure where pinecones became money in the makeshift store. You will make a great leader someday, Caleb. My constant prayer for you is found in the Bible in the story of the Caleb you are named after. The first part of Numbers 14:24 tells what kind of man he was..."But my servant Caleb has a different spirit. He follows me with his whole heart..." Hold on to Jesus with all of your might, Bubber, only He will never fail you, and when you keep your heart focused on Him He will make your paths straight. I love you, Caleb ~ You truly are my sunshine!
Dear Micah, the boy with the golden smile! How you can make me laugh, little one! At almost three years old you are the epitome of the youngest child. You insist on doing it yourself, you love to follow your big brother and do all that he is doing, you make people laugh with your wit and your antics, and you love to be right smack dab in the middle of it all. I have loved watching you grow up, Micah. Being your Mommy has changed my life ~ in so many ways. You have taught me that life is worth living even when it's not quite what you expected. And, yes, you have so much of your Daddy in you that when it's not what you expected you will make it what it was supposed to be! Today on our walk you wanted to fix all the little things you saw that were out of place. The crack in the trail...that simply should not be there, Mom! The cigarette butt on the sidewalk outside someone's house...oooh! Mom, this isn't supposed to be here! You make me think of that television character I love so much, Monk. Your shoes have to be lined up just so if you're going to put them away, but when you're playing with the bean-pot in the playroom it doesn't matter if they're all over the floor. You are so multi-faceted and as you get older I enjoy seeing the character God has made you to be. You, too, will touch many lives, Micah and I pray that the words from the Prophet you were named after will be the motto of your life, "The Lord has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. I love you, Micah ~ more than I could ever put into words, I love you.
And finally...if I could end this post with a special letter to a very special lady who taught me in so many different ways what a Mom is....
Dear Mom, do you realize how beautiful you are? I mean it. Do you know you are beautiful? You are beautiful on the outside ~ pretty smile and eyes and just plain beautiful. And you are beautiful on the inside. I remember many days growing up seeing your heart spill out your eyes as your desire to raise children who love God with their whole hearts seemed to not be working out like you wanted it to. The pain of knowing your hearts deepest desire may very well not become reality was overwhelming at times as you struggled with each one of us ~ Tami, Todd and me. And yet you never gave up on that prayer. You never stopped loving us or loving God or respecting Dad.
And speaking of Dad...I've never heard you say anything degrading about Dad, Mom. You may have shown your frustration over something he was doing, but you never put words to it. That is powerful to someone like me who is much too free with her criticism and judgements of people. I long to be like you in that area. Thank you for that model in my life.
Mom, do you realize you were a "love and logic" mom before Jim Fay or Foster Cline ever thought of writing a book? I remember fighting with Todd and you made us sit in kitchen chairs with our knees touching until we could look at each other and apologize and tell each other we loved each other...and MEAN it! You allowed consequences to be natural...and many times painful knowing they were often the best teachers. Thank you, too, for that model. You knew that out of pain can come character and wisdom...two things that really can't be taught. In my deepest pain, though, you never let me think there was anything wrong with me. (now, to back up the bus here a bit I have to say before my deepest pain you wondered many times what was wrong with me, but when it mattered.... *grin!*) When I was five months pregnant and unmarried and it was a Saturday night you did something powerful in my life that was simply you being you. You came downstairs and asked if I'd like to go to church with you in the morning. I don't remember if you verbalized it, but it was clear that you knew it would be difficult and you wouldn't blame me for not wanting to go but that if I did you wouldn't be embarassed to have me go with you. I knew you loved me for me that day. Thank you.
Mom, I haven't been an easy child for you to raise. We're so very different from each other in so many ways and yet alike enough to butt heads like the best of them. You felt pushed out many days and I felt pushed on, but today, on Mother's Day, 2005 I want to stand before all who are reading this and let them know that I am blessed to have YOU, Lucy, as my Mom. I arise and call you blessed, "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" I love you, Mom.
Love,
Trayc