Genesis 1:12 “The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
May 2007
Monthly Archive
May 16, 2007
Wordless Wednesday- Bark in Black and White
Posted by traceysolomon under bark, black and white photography, wordless wednesday[13] Comments
May 15, 2007
(Mother’s Day pic- thnx to our neighbor-all three kids clean at the same time! — however- I swear, I DO have eyebrows… nothing like straight down noon-day sun to flatter the face;) At least I now have a pic where I am actually IN IT!)
Today’s Tuesday! Don’t forget to stop by and read my post at “Laced With Grace!”
I’ve written to participate in today’s CWO “In Other Word’s Quote” Meme.
Today’s quote is by Beth Moore:
“What makes life on this frightful sod so exquisite is God’s merciful propensity
to perform divine tasks amid deeply flawed people.”
~ Beth Moore, LPM Blog ~
For more “In Other Words” Visit my Friend (and co-writer on LWG blog) Laurel’s blog! She’s our host this week!
May 13, 2007
There are toast crumbs in my bed. The dishwasher has been emptied- by someone other than me. My oldest gave me a full-on, two armed hug. We have reservations for dinner- I’ll be wearing a dress and all three sons will be wearing BOTH clean pants AND shirts with collars…. it can only mean one thing:
It’s Mother’s Day!
To all the Mom’s- and to those who love kids like moms-
Happy Mothers Day!
Memories of My Mom:
Mother daughter dresses/outfits. (especially the white sundresses with cherries on them- we were cute;)
Chicken ala Ragu, zucchini bread, stuffed zucchini, stuffed cabbage, lasagna, apple pie.
Saturday Shopping Trips
Saturday Cleaning day(not as much fun)
Mood Music- (Johnny Mathis, Helen Reddy)
Borrowing toilet paper from the neighbors (where I had my first memorable run-in with pride)
Cigarettes and “off mosquito coils” glowing on the porch in the summer- neighbors chatting long after us kids were in bed. (before everyone quit smoking)
Iced tea, especially in the pool.
Lemons on elbows.
9th grade dinner dance surprise. (like getting to go- when I was grounded.)
Hudson’s Bargain basement shopping
Sear’s Outlet.
Petting my back and rubbing my forehead.
Shoes- the funkier the better.
Cabbage Salad (Never mistake a head of cabbage for a head of lettuce- even the most beautiful salad will never be lived down;)
Leaving at midnight to drive up-north.
Going Up- North.
A gift of live chickens for our neighbors… (who’da thunk we’d be chasing chickens in a suburban laundry room? FYI- make sure the boxes have both ventilation… AND some way to affix the lids. Chickens are tricky)
Barbie doll cakes with MILLIONS of star shaped flowers all over the full skirt.
Christmas Morning. Every one.
Easter Morning. My GIANT Purple basket.
I love you mom-
ttlynn
May 11, 2007
If you don’t have anything nice to say— shut up. Or at least- say it privately, and to THAT person.
Posted by traceysolomon under randomosity, the spiritual gift of criticism[2] Comments
Nice title huh? If you’re offended, Sorry. I have a friend who calls “shut-up” the “S” word….(she’s cute- you’d like her) I usually laugh and say that’s not the “s” word at our house….But- it IS rude. Just using it to blow off steam. (Besides, it really isn’t the “S” word we avoid at my house;)
I have confession. I’m annoyed. With brother and sister Christians, actually. Not all of them– just some of them- and then- just sometimes. It seems like in a lot of places I click… criticism runs rampant. I don’t get why people have to complain about, criticize and gripe about other Christians, publicly or otherwise. Even, making fun of their convictions and their perspectives. Often times the people doing it, are leaders.
Don’t get me wrong- I’ve been known to think I have “the spiritual gift of criticism.” I know how it feels to believe strongly that something is wrong- and should be (must be) confronted. I totally “get” feeling passionately about truth. I just think you can communicate truth - without ripping people apart. I don’t have to teach my kids the right things- by pointing to other kids and saying– “See that kid? They are bad. Wrong. Stupid. Don’t act like that.” I mainly teach my kids by telling them what’s right. I think blogs/website etc are a perfect place to do that. Say what you think- feel believe- know- without criticizing others.
I also know how important it is to handle the confrontation in a way that honors God. Honestly, I’ve done it both ways. Im not proud- but let’s face it- I learn best the hard way.
This is what I’ve learned: (Granted- it’s nothing new. duh- it’s stuff we know- but forgetto apply sometimes;)
Being right, isn’t license to be mean. It’s a responsibility to be handled with care.
Matthew 18:15-19 gives pretty clear direction for handling conflict/correction.
1) GO TO THAT PERSON.
2) If they don’t respond- take someone else with you and then, go back.
3) If THAT fails- then take it to the church. (The leadership under whom that person is accountable)
4) Not all conflict can or will be resolved. Roman’s gives us a glimpse at our responsibility: It’s on us. Individually. As much as it depends on me- (sometimes a lot- sometimes not so much) I have to live at peace with others.
My bottom line: I think it’s wrong to blog about (or do the same, in other contexts conversations etc. ) other people. When I see it- I usually try to lovingly confront. Though sometimes, I just click away and don’t bother responding. (I figure everybody is human, and ocassionally may blog/speak before we think.) If it’s there enough times- I just. Stop. Clicking.
What we put out here on the web- is viewed by all kinds of people… how are we representing Christ, and the love of Christ, if we’re filling our space griping about, judging, criticizing, His body? 1 John 3 is a good reminder about how we’re to treat each other.
So- Why am I doing exactly what I’m saying not to do? (kind of) Because I want accountability. If you see me post something that is nasty or critical of others-(even if it’s funny) I want you to confront me. (Then probably run… cause if you’re RIGHT… I’ll probably get angry and embarrased- but I usually come around pretty quick;) You can find my e-mail in the profile section. Or-go ahead- leave a comment- tell me not to be a jerk- I’ll appreciate it- eventually;)
“Lord Jesus- It’s so hard to navigate the differences in the body of Christ- I pray for wisdom in how to handle them in a way that honors you and respects others. God, I pray for courage to say the right things to the right people, at the right times. I pray for your people to love each other- with a love that draws others to you- with a love and compassion that comes only from you. Lord- I pray that you’d be represented well-in the blogosphere- and everywhere- I love you Lord- amen.”
PS— Or should I say “PMS?” Double posts in one day are usually a pretty clear warning we’ve entered the “danger zone” of the month….. that is all. ;)
May 11, 2007
dirt. seeds. the question ? .. will they grow?
Posted by traceysolomon under Spring Cleaning, buying sheets, planting[2] Comments
Had I touched them- probably not. (I call myself the “kervorkian” of plants…. only plants who are ready to die end up at my doorstep)
But the boy? Along with his dirty nails…he’s got a green thumb. The seeds he planted last weekend- have already sprouted. They were in a “Veggie Tales” Learning kit. Cute. A great introduction into gardening. Although, try to convince a 5 year old that his BOB AND LARRY VEGGIE TALES GARDEN will be growing FLOWERS…. and he’ll announce: “That’s just wrong.” Take my advice, if you want to avoid circular reasoning. Buy the veggie kit. It’s a tough argument to win.
Best part? Noah got to practice gardening- and I didn’t have to muck up my nails. ;) (Hate getting dirt under my acrylics…sand is ok…. but dirt? HATE that.)
The Spring Cleaning Frenzy, is just about complete. Not perfect- but, boy is this place in better shape than it was.
It was also- A. Lot. Of. Work. Blah. Knitting has been slow- as cleaning has taken precedence. I haven’t been doing much writing- either- ’cause mostly- I just need to get my house in order. Balance should be restored shortly. The pendulum swings. (So do my hormones)
My experiment with the “Fly Lady” (think: flying. Not BUGS.) is successful. Annoying at times… but successful. (I’ve already admitted that I don’t like to be told what to do. And, just to maintain my autonomy- and remain true to myself, I ocassionally “defy the fly”… just cause I can. I’m THAT mature. It’s true.)
To celebrate the progress- (and the fact that I can go to bed without moving laundry off of it first) I bought new sheets- from Target. On clearance- of course. Our local Target store has them for 50% off. They are 800 thread count- and cheap as I am…(we still sleep on sheet from our wedding shower….in 1988. They aren’t in the “rotation that often- but they are- it’s true;) I have to admit I will probably go buy some more this afternoon. They are soft and smooth, as can be.
These sheets make me want to make my bed and then, lie in it. I think I’ll take a nap!
May 10, 2007
Going Blonde. One hair at a time…Or maybe, I’m just getting old.
Posted by traceysolomon under dye, getting old, gray hair, randomosity[4] Comments
I’m going blonde. Not intentionally, it just seems to be happening on it’s own.
One. Hair. At. A. Time.
It started years ago- one “blonde hair” would pop up- literally. Straight up. In a crooked way. With a strange wirey texture. Since it didn’t “match” the rest of my hair, I’d pluck it out. (The all things Must Match rule- one of these things doesn’t belong… weird hairs must GO!)
Now- I should have been suspect- that my hair color could shift. As it has changed drastically throughout the years. (Not always through a dye bottle) When I was little- I was sunshine- blonde. As I got into my pubescent years it got darker- well, until I found “Sun-In”- then-BANG (Big, permed eighties bangs- actually) insta-blonde. (Or insta- orange, depending;)
In the late eighties— I got my first bob. I was teaching preschool- so, decided to go with the fairy tale theme. I went very dark….Disney Princess Snow-White, dark. I wore ribbons and bows. (? Yeah- I know. It was a phase. I even dressed as Snow White for Halloween one year, didn’t need a wig. )
At some point in the early nineties- I decided on red. Yes- an Italian/Welsh redhead. (That’s NATURAL. Shut up. I mean- shush. Please. It’s a look. I like it.) Anyway, since then, I’ve varied from Mahogany to an accidental- clearance purchase of “Eggplant”. (a lovely- blackish purple, after which, my kids wanted to have me take them into school so everyone could see my COOL, PURPLE hair. Boys. Only boys think their Mom’s hair is funny, girls would have been mortified. FYI- NEVER buy hair dye on clearance. Spend the extra $3.00- you’re worth it. )
I dye my own hair, (because I’m cheap- and lets face it- I have this one day a month- where I MUST dye my hair. IMMEDIATELY.) Anyway- I pay pretty close attention to “the root” of the problem. The problem currently- is my GRAY Hair. AKA: individual blondes. They are not compliant. Not only, do they stick up weirdly- but they DO NOT want to take the dye. They want to remain white. I mean, blonde. Kind of like highlights- only, not so much.
Instead, they are just weird. Worse yet? They are concentrated right in the front. At the hairline. Can’t even hide them. Hate that.
So- I’m going blonde- one hair at a time. Kind of. I keep dying them. Red. I haven’t given up. I will conquer. There are stronger dyes.
Like “RIT ” If all else fails- I could try that. Maybe, I could even put a bunch of pony tails in and tye-dye it.
We will not discuss the weird, white eye-brow hairs. Or, anything else. That, would be wrong.
Getting old, isn’t bad- it’s just well- WEIRD.
Hair care- it’s in the Bible.
BTW “long” is a relative term.
Age is also a relative term, in the Bible- see Methusaleh
Wanna pick you’re own red?
May 9, 2007
Wordless Wednesday- "Nesting" Robin’s eggs
Posted by traceysolomon under eggs, photography, wordless wednesday[15] Comments
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ” Matthew 10:29-30
May 8, 2007
The Day My Fat Pants Died.
Posted by traceysolomon under Laced with Grace, fat pants, flickr, randomosity, the end of a legacy[2] Comments
It’s not because they didn’t fit. (Sadly- they do) It’s not because I don’t like them. (I LOVE my comfy fat pants- sweats) It’s because it was simply, time.
The elastic waist band (two inches of perfectly comfy wide- waistband that sat perfectly on my hips- at one time) had broken through it’s fabric casing. The velour was thread bare in the back end and knees. (That’s attractive) The gaps created by the elastic breaking through the waist band had become dangerous. (No teenager wants his moms pants to fall down- even if she ONLY wears them at home.- It’s just plain disturbing. ) There were small holes at the ankles where a certain BAD DOG liked to try to drag me around by the ankles. (If nothing Sami is gutsy)
I think my husband was sick of them- and too kind to say it. (Let’s face it- if I thought of them as “fat-pants” how “hot” could they be? —I only wore them at night-sexy? NOT)
So it was time. I couldn’t take a picture- because my eyes were “sweaty” ( My DH’s code for tearing up) Ok— I didn’t actually cry… but you know- they were “special.”
We shall now have a moment of silence for my fat-pants.
*************sigh*************weep*************wipe a tear***********move on********
If you were stopping by for something a bit “more” today- Please stop by “Laced With Grace”
You can read my take on Todays’ CWO Quote:
“When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open and stay that way. God
has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords.”
~
Chuck Swindoll~
May 7, 2007
Extreme Home Makeover, Playscape Edition
Posted by traceysolomon under building project, little tikes, playscape[2] Comments
Rental truck- $19.99
3 Trips to Meijers- including praying for missing pieces to turn up- $10.00 *gas is up:(
Half -price (gotta love that) clearance sale “Little Tikes Endless Adventure Playground”
Dinner at a local restaurant to pay-off the teenaged help-$50.00
Misc Sunburn care products for the very PINK sunburned daddy contractor- $20.00
A trip to Marshalls for new towels for my clean bathroom- (And to get me away from the project, because NO ONE wants to hear me give advice on building….) $20.00
our own ” extreme home makeover- playscape edition”
PRICELESS.A very happy boy playing in his very own back yard
PS- for once- the boxes were not more interesting than their contents-;)
No injuries- NO trips to Home Depot–a very busy (like 6 hours of building- busy) weekend!
May 5, 2007
Hi Ho! Cherry-O…. compete much? What a loser.
Posted by traceysolomon under games, loser, parenting1 Comment
“playing games”
I am not much of a “player.” Not because I don’t like playing. But, because I don’t like to lose. Friends have heard me often say: “I only play games I can win.” Nice, huh?
“Hi ho cherry -o? ” while mostly luck- I feel like I have a shot. Euchre? Not so much. I don’t get it- can’t play-it. Don’t want to try. Scrabble? Yes. Boggle? Absolutely. Risk? Not a chance. Chess? Depends on who I’m playing.
I like to win. I like to compete, as long as I’m pretty sure I at least, have a chance to win. (This is totally contrary to my experience in Cross-country as a teen… I loved it- but was the loser of losers;) You can read about that- HERE.
When it comes to playing games with kids- winning (or losing) isn’t the point. It’s not even really “how you play the game” it’s playing, together, that counts. Thursday night was a good reminder of that for me.
The other day- I was playing “hi-ho cherry-o,” for the third straight game… and I started to wish I’d actually win. Yes- against a five year old. My five year old. I wanted to kick his little cutey-booty.
For the record- he was talkin’ quite a bit of trash.
“I am the cherry-o master!” and “In your face! Take that!” , “Bring it on, Momma!”, “Uh huh… I’m the man” He was taunting me. Worse yet- he was beating me. Mostly- without cheating.
I started to lose focus on just enjoying playing together- I started to TRY to win. (Yeah- at hi-ho cherry o—- try coming up with a strategy for that one- without cheating!) I started talkin’ trash. “Bring it! Little guy!” “I’m the momma!”
It was not exactly, one of my finer parenting moments. Competing in a caged death match game of Hi-Ho Cherry-O, rarely shows up n the top ten list of best advice for parenting. It amazes me how quickly I lose focus, and what starts out as a “good mommy moment” degrades into future fuel for my kids’ therapy sessions. (”My mom used to talk trash and beat me at hi-ho cherry-o, do you think that’s why I’m such a loser today?” I can see the therapist’s notes
already…..saving for college? yeah- but I have separate accounts for their therapy- too!;) )
After the carnage was cleared. (I lost- fairly and soundly.) I retreated to my corner of the couch to lick my wounds. Noah climbed up into my lap. He put his arm around my shoulder, and said “I love you Mom, even if you’re a loser.” My eyes welled up with tears.
I thought I felt Jesus put his hand on my other shoulder- and say “Me too.”
I make loads of mistakes as a parent. I say stupid things, I do stupid things. Trash talk. Yell. Things I know better than doing. The bottom line? I love my kids-and I communicate it to them, in all kinds of ways. (yes- even playin games- I don’t like, or can’t win) They love me, too.
And- no matter how much I mess up- so does Jesus.
I told Noah I was sorry for talkin trash. He patted my back. “I like you, Mom”
“I like you too, Noah”
“Dear Jesus- please help me to keep focus on the things I do- help me to remember how short my time is with my kids, and to savor the moments I have with them. God- change me- make me more like you- create a new heart in me- one that is full of your love- a perfect love without competition- full of grace. I love you Lord- amen!”
