You Got to Be You

Our new MOPS year started today (Mothers of Preschoolers). I'm really glad. It's been a fun summer, but I'm ready for some stimulation--mental challenges and good conversations with other adults. This is the longest I've ever gone without being in school, and my brain feels a bit mushy. Somehow it's hard to get disciplined to do the study that I want to do without getting graded on it. This year I'm a discussion group leader. I'm really excited because it's been a while since I've been involved in ministry. I was feeling a little insecure about my leadership style while we were there, however. My job is to make each person feel connected and cared for, and to make sure there is plenty of discussion. I can be a talker, but I really wanted the group to take on a life of its own while I subtly interjected conversation topics. At the end, people were asking, "Who is our leader anyway?" I think that's the way it's supposed to be, but I suddenly felt like all the other super-extroverts were probably better leaders, etc.

While we were sharing our "adventures in mothering," I learned of one mom who was diagnosed with a brain tumor this summer and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation with kids who are 5, 3, and 2. Another mom is fighting the potty-training battle with a strong-willed child. We are all moms going through life together, and I get to be in a position to care for and minister to these women. I have to trust that God gave wisdom to the committee who "invited" me to take on this role. They knew me before they asked me to do it. I'm really excited to get to know and love on these women. Strangely enough, I felt encouraged on the way home while we were listening to The Little Mermaid soundtrack. The song, "You Got to be You" was on, and I'm reminded that Stingrays got to sting, flounder got to play, I've got to lead with my own style...I got to be me...

When I was but a schoolboy I dreamed I would grow tall
And man, it made me crabby That a crab could be so small

With this I tell my teacher She say, "But don't you see?
Each and every creature Is exactly how they should be"
She said we all are special
From jellyfish to king
We all do different things
And with that she start to sing

You got to be you
I got to be me
It's simple but true
What else could you do
Who else could you be
You got your own style
Now let it come through
And remember no matter what
You got to be you

Skatefish got to skate
Stingrays got to sting
Catfish got to purr
And Sebastian got to sing
Seahorse got to ride
Flounder got to play
And whale got to make the trouble
All the livelong say
So why should you be gloomy
That you're too big or small
The sea is very roomy
And there's plenty room for us all
You heard my little story
Now let it be your guide
Just treat yourself with pride
You'll be more than satisfied

Sing it with me now...you got to be you...I got to be me...

I Want to Be Loved Like That

Tonight Little Sissy was throwing some bath toys back into the bathtub. Since she is always holding Lamby, he accidentally got thrown in too. We told her he was going to have to get a bath in the washing machine and get dry since he was all wet. At first she said OK, but then a few minutes later she started asking for him. We explained again that he was all wet, and she went over and gave him a kiss and put him back. At bedtime we told her again, and told her to pick another friend to sleep with. She picked Dora and Boots--the bath toys that had gotten thrown in with Lamby. I guess they reminded her of Lamby. I said no because they're hard--not cuddly--and asked her to pick a soft sleeping friend. She thought and thought and then..."Ummm...how 'bout Lamby."

No, how about your new monkey?

How 'bout Lamby.

How about your bear from Miss Marlene and Jessica?

How 'bout Lamby.

After many tears and throwing of monkeys out of the bed, we finally threw wet, nasty Lamby to her in her bed. "Thank you," she said, relieved, and drifted off to sleep. Flawed Lamby is better than no Lamby. I wanted to love and be loved like that.

Labor Day--Sunday

Sunday night at church we had a "shindig." We ate fried chicken and watermelon, and The Babe led us in some fine square dancing. The kids had a great time on the waterslide, the inflatables, and the treasure-filled sandbox.

Labor Day--Saturday

Saturday we went to the zoo. I didn't take any pictures, so I thought I'd share some of our best zoo photography so you can see what we usually see at the world-famous St. Louis zoo--the backs of animals. We did see the tiger cubs, though. They are adorable. They're out from 10 until noon, so you should go check them out.

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Labor Day--Friday

Labor Day weekend--Hubby took Friday off, so we got to do lots of fun things. On Friday we took the kids to get their pictures made. As always, we didn't get many good ones of all of them together, but we got some great individual shots. After supper and naps, we went to the "World's Fair" in my hometown. I didn't take any pictures there since we weren't there long, but my sister got some great shots of her kids there. Take away most of the rides except the ferris wheel, insert pictures of my kids, and add funnel cake and you can pretend they're my pictures.

Here are some pictures of my kids to insert into the B-Town homecoming scene. These are some we didn't order but they make me laugh.

The rest are ones I do like.

Things I Love

I love Sarah Palin. I was waffling, but she won me over. McCain is a smart man.

Big Sissy started choir tonight at First Baptist near our house. I love it too. It's a whole choir of just 3-year-olds...amazing. They also go to "small groups" for Bible stories, crafts, instrument time, snacks. It's like Sunday School, preschool, and Kindermuzik all rolled into one.

What else do I love?

The sound of leaves crunching under my feet.

Bonfires and roasted hot dogs and smores.

Good coffee with flavored creamer.

Freshly-waxed eyebrows.

Long walks.

Spending the night with people and staying up late talking after the kids are asleep.

Swimming.

New school supplies.

Getting new pictures of people I love.

The smell of new books, leather interiors, and clean laundry.

A clean house.

Corporate worship, good music, inspiring sermons.

Hugs.

Kind words and big smiles.

Real letters in the mail.

Family time.

Unexpected checks in the mail.

Christmas lights.

Frozen lemonade on a hot day at Silver Dollar City.

Happy Birthday, Little Sissy!

I have lots of picture posting to do to catch up on our Labor Day weekend, Little Buddy's dedication, etc. But for today I just want to wish my sweet little girl a Happy Birthday! Baby girl, you are so special to us. You have such a cute personality and make me laugh with your funny expressions, the way you mimic things you see and hear, and your loving ways. I adore you!!!

Here are some highlights from the celebrations:

The adorable monkey cake that Nana made

Pin the bananas on the monkey game

How old are you?

The balloons attached to bananas

The fun bubble machine from JJ

Monkey suckers with Asher

REALLY big Curious George balloon

Reading Pigeon Wants a Puppy with Mommy and Sissy