"The Curse"

My right arm is stronger than my left.  I use it to carry most of the groceries, the baby in his car seat, the mail, my coat, and of course... my diaper bag or purse.  On my way in from the car after a whirlwind of errands, I asked Micah, "Honey, will you please help me bring some of these things inside?".  He then lifted up the diaper bag and said so sweetly, "Sure mom, I can carry your curse for you!"  My "curse"... ain't that the truth.

"Amazing Jenny"

Yesterday took my breath away.  It was one of those days where you somehow manage to accomplish more than you expect you are able to.  It was an "Amazing Jenny" day...don't we all need those days once and a while? 

 Amazing Jenny woke early with her dear, hard-working hero to chop veggies and boil eggs for a new start on the eternal battle of the bulge.  After spiritual strengthening, Amazing Jenny kissed her hero and sent him off to conquer dragons, then fed her beloved angels (ya...today they were!) a protein-packed healthy breakfast to fuel their magic metabolisms.  Off the eldest angels went in their large, yellow, blinking steed, grateful for the effervescence of love emanating from their beloved mother.  In a whirlwind of superpower, Amazing Jenny rallied the remaining troops on to the next battle...KinderKamp...arriving only 10 minutes late, making sure special care was taken to armor-up her super soldier in his gear for the battle, Codename: Pajama Party.  Depositing Magnificent Micah and Capable Cooper with their appropriate platoon leaders, Amazing Jenny proceeded to tone and strengthen the sweat-drenched muscles of her much-abused body (graphic, huh?) at the YMCA, training ground for heros.  After hours and hours of this chore (well, maybe just one), the Amazing Jenny gathered her youngest private and headed home for a quick shower, some light provisions of cucumbers and water, and then, off again...back to the battlefield to scrape up her young son weak from exhaustion.  Grabbing a healthy lunch of green salads and ham sandwiches on whole wheat, she proceeded to a planning meeting with other generals of the war on accomplishments.  These generals, friends all, determined strategies and surprise attacks which would weaken the enemy, the evil Mrs. "Icouldn'tgetanythingdonetoday".  The Amazing Jenny again then went home, to the barracks, to continue her battle.  After rallying the troops and spit-polishing the equipment, preparing the special rations guaranteed to protect against evil, and lovingly encouraging her troops through special home training (homework), she took her eldest son, to his specialized training in backcountry survival and rope-work (scouts).  Amazing Jenny waited patiently (we are always waiting in war, aren't we?) and then proceeded to bolster up her lone troop member and a comrade of his, marching them back to home barracks.  Finally, finally...gently kissing and tucking in her loved ones, the Amazing Jenny settled into her favorite chair to watch a bit of one of her favorite TV shows "American Idol", visions of microphones dancing in her head. 

The battle this day, at least, was won.

It's a new year!

I, like everyone, have a few changes I want to make to be a better person.  Using this blog as a sort of family history is a big one.  It's a scheduling issue, keeping up on it, isn't it?  Hopefully I will schedule this rather than watching the latest episode of "The Bachelor" (sshhh, don't tell...I know it is dumb...I also am excited for America's Next Top Model"...IQ points dropping).  I did see a quote recently that inspired me.  "We write to taste life twice, once in the moment and in retrospection. -Anais Nin".  I want to TASTE LIFE, to savor it!   We have so much beauty around us.  As a mother, everyday I am struck by the sweetness of my children.  They truly are so beautiful...I hope I can teach them to always taste the richness of life around them, especially the joy of the gospel and the treasure of family!