September 19 - Favorite Author?

"Life's too short to read the same book twice."

I mean really, with so many intriguing, inspiring options out there, why would anyone want to stagnate on repeat and rewind. (Except the Bible, of course. That book tells me more every single time I pick it up! Guess "the living Word of God" thing is pretty literal.) Anyway, that's my operating principle, until the day I discovered some stories become instant favorites that feel like coming home. You know those stories you melt into, becoming a different character in every scene? Those stories that draw you in, that you read fast-slow because you can't wait till the conclusion but you never want to end?

For me, this happened about 6 months ago when I was introduced to Christopher Moore. I accidentally started at the end of a trilogy with an audiobook called Bite Me. Charming, hunh? I haven't been able to stop devouring his stuff ever since! Somehow it's just the right amount of sarcasm, science, faith, geography, sex - and sooo funny! Fortunately for me, he has 12 novels out so far, and more in the works. While wit is a consistent theme, I have yet to feel bogged down by formulaic storyline.

Disclaimer: while well-researched and smart, these are probably not for higher-plain, snobby types. Not quite chick-lit, they still follow a characters-based story-line and include things like accidental vampires and Jesus' childhood buddy.


So I still have trouble saying I have only one favorite, not wanting to commit when I enjoy whatever is coming up next. However, this is one author that definitely makes my top 10 list!

September 18 - Back to School

It's that time of year again. Backpacks are stocked, alarm clocks ready, mornings chilly. Tuesday after Labor Day, thanks to our governor extending the Michigan tourist season by mandating a later school start. September 6th, the buses hit the road.

We're 2 weeks into a new school year with a 7th grader, two 4th graders (Paige & Skyler are in different schools but the same grade), & a 2nd grader. The academic seriousness has definitely ramped up a notch, but the great news is that the kids appear ready & excited about it.

See, doesn't he look absolutely thrilled?

Anyway, we're off to a good start. Two open houses done, one to go. I'm already volunteering in a classroom, since Naomi has the same teacher Skyler had for the past two years, and we kinda have a routine.We're in the early stages, in which the kids don't want to be late & are still trying to impress teachers with their homework skills. Planners are up to date, without yelling. Ah, I cherish the honeymoon phase.

September 8 - Blogworld complaints

I am beginning to truly despise this blogging interface. I haven't had nearly the mental margin I hoped for in composing insightful, life-influencing thoughts on this space. Especially since I spend summers either totally focused on kids, or depressed that they're gone and unable to do anything productive. Then, as I attempt to re-engage, having to spend 15 minutes on dumb spacing issues & font weirdness is absolutely unacceptable.

Must. Migrate. Now.
You know. In my spare time. (sigh)

I've heard good things from Wordpress users, although no one's offered to magically set it up for me. Maybe blogging is all 2009 now. Have we moved on? Are we all focused on pithy 140 character statements and e-books, with no need for the short, personal-journal style any more?

Too bad. I miss this forum, even if it is pretty much for my own thought development. Maybe I'll have time to figure it out now that the kids have moved back home and school has started.

September 6 - Scouts: a Pre/Review

It's a stormy Tuesday evening, and once again I'm yelling at Skyler. "Where is your uniform shirt? What do you mean you can't find your neck kerchief thingy?! You have to wear the belt! You cannot possibly wear those jeans with the giant hole in the knee!! We're going to be late!!"

Ah, that's just one of the joys of Cub Scouts. Here's the deal, we started late in the academic world, since most boys start in Kindergarten or 1st grade, but Skyler never showed any interest until last year. Therefore, we're already behind in the achievement options and adapting to Scout culture. We thought it would be fabulous for him, since organized sports were never a big deal and so few mentoring men options exist for boys. Plus he gets to use knives and bows and arrows, but with the stipulation of self-control and responsibility.

So again, the organizational idea = marvelous. What's maybe less-than-marvelous is the, um, actual organization with events. Because we're late to the party, I don't feel like we quite fit into the club. I am grateful that other adults have committed to walking the boys through maturing steps and setting up events. I understand in my head that they're offering their free time to do these things, and I certainly don't want to do all that every week. Somehow, though, I still end up bored and frustrated with the lacksadaisical agenda that seems to permeate everything.

Ah, good times. When we signed Skyler up for Cub Scouts at the beginning of September 2010, a lot of hurry up and wait is not exactly what I pictured. Now it's 2011, a new school year, and we're gearing up for another season. After the sweaty fun of summer camp, he's still interested in giving it a try.

So if you hear yelling on Tuesday nights... well, it's probably me.

August 28 - Going Public

Today was an A-Maze-Ing day! Today my oldest son, Seth, chose to demonstrate his faith in Jesus by being baptized. My husband, Dale, wrote a great post about it!

Now there are lots of skeptical opinions out there, about whether baptism is necessary, and how sinful the baptized remain, and the meaningless-ness of this step. But as a sinner myself, I take joy and comfort in the words of our pastor, Mark Beeson:

If you're trusting Christ with your life, if you've shown interest, enthusiasm and passion to follow him, God will teach you the rest. He has invited you to follow him, to "remain in him."

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. -John 15:3

Seth is 12, and decided about 8 months ago that he was ready. He has never waivered in this decision, even though I made him take notes in church, go to extra classes, and quizzed him about "what he learned". I admit he doesn't always get the whole picture, but really, who but God does?! He is maturing practically overnight, and I am so blessed to love and teach him on this journey.

Congratulations, Seth! We are all proud of you!