10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Vegetables

10. Chop them up (liquefy them) and add them to other things, such as meatloaf, muffins, etc.

9. Make up new names for them - ie., broccoli = "baby trees" (note: it is NOT a good idea to call them things like Larry, Bob, or Laura Carrot. This can actually scar your children for life.)

8. Tell them they need to eat the number of bites corresponding to their age. ("You're three now, so you can take three big bites!")

7. In honor of The Wailer, there is no #7.

6. Two words: ADD CHEESE!!

5. "Hide" them behind bites of other food and sneak the offending party into their unsuspecting mouths.

4. If your kids have disturbing issues, pretend each bite is killing the veggie as it screams for mercy (a favorite at our house).

3. Suspend all talking privileges until the desired number of bites is taken. (works especially well with talkative children)

2. Bribe with dessert

1. Yell and threaten

Girlfriend Appreciation Week

Women are beautiful!!

It's not that I've never noticed this before. But this weekend I had the privilege of spending time with, and learning from, some pretty amazing girlfriends. (Men, I think you are wonderful, too, but this particular post is dedicated to the women who have lately touched my heart.)

I didn't want to go on this retreat. In fact, the thought running through my mind as we took off was, "I just want to make it through this crazy week, and I can't wait until it's over." Truth be told, I've always been a cynic when it comes to events like this, but hey, I go because it's the good little pastor's wife thing to do!

So, armed with this great attitude, I entered the first session.

Over the course of Friday evening and Saturday morning, we listened to six different women share their testimonies and challenge us from God's Word. These sisters bared their souls: they spoke with transparency, with conviction and passion. They spoke of their own disappointment, failure, fear, and pain. They spoke of restoration and healing. Most of all, they spoke of Christ.

The message came through loud and clear. It's NOT about me and what I'm doing for God (as if He needed my help!). I can make myself crazy trying to "be all things to all people" in my own strength! It's about being broken before my Savior, realizing that He alone, in His astounding grace, can lift me from the ashes of myself to walk beside Him. It's all God and Who He is and what He's done. More of Him, less of me!

And that wasn't all.

With God, nothing is accidental (not even a third child!). I firmly believe He placed my 2 roommates and I together at this very specific time for a very specific purpose. We shopped so hard on the way down that we almost missed dinner; we laughed at the dumbest things; we had one of the most gut-level honest conversations I've ever been a part of; we cried, and cried out to God, together before falling into bed around 1am (then we laughed some more).

How often does someone invite you into her very soul - unabashedly revealing the stains and the scars, and the breathtaking beauty that is there because of Christ? Every woman has a story - a story that needs to be shared. After this weekend, I just want to grab every woman I know - heck, even some I don't know! - give you a big hug and tell each of you how lovely you are.

Thanks to all of you, and to God, who created beauty in the first place.

Time for a Haircut

Here it is, folks . . . the raw, un-gelled, untamed bush we've all grown to love. As of tonight around 7:30, it will be history. So sad.

Snowbash 2006

I've grown up knowing about God's grace and unconditional love. Why, then, does it surprise me when He actually extends it to me in ways I never imagined, with gifts I never thought to request?

This weekend was one such gift. Danny spoke for Snowbash, a Youth For Christ event held every winter in Southern Ohio at Shawnee State Park. A week before the event, they called to invite the whole family to accompany him. Although we rejoiced at the the chance to be together, none of us had any idea what to expect.

We stayed in an adorable cabin, complete with fireplace and fridge/cabinets crammed with enough food to last a month. The main lodge housed a large swimming pool, a hot tub, a gameroom, and a duck display, which got Zekers all giddy. The staff, counselors and students were wonderful, crazy people you couldn't help but feel drawn to.

In ways I can't even explain, moments from this trip will stay with me always: Zeke & Rach splashing happily in the pool; reading by the fire after the kids went to bed (that part was a bit surreal!); watching snow fall on the trees outside our cabin; yes, even my hairspray freezing in the cabinet. And Rachel asking us on the way there, "Mommy, where is there no snow?" Me: "I don't know." Rachel: "Snowbash!"

I got to see Danny in several different capacities - gifted speaker, devoted father, attentive husband. We came back refreshed and relaxed . . . well, at least refreshed!
Praise God for unexpected gifts.

Meltdowns and Blowouts

These 2 stories are just too funny NOT to tell . . .

Our 3-year-old, Rachel, can be something of a "mother hen" to our 5-month-old, Karis. In her enthusiasm to help, she often ends up nearly smothering her poor little sister, who has really been a good sport about the whole thing. Until Saturday night.

Rach, Zeke (1 1/2), Kari & I sat on the couch watching the edge-of-your-seat thriller, "Dora Dances to the Rescue." Rach, as usual, hair fully bushed out, was right up in Kari's face doing her Arial impression (if you haven't heard it, you're seriously missing out). Kari finally decided she'd had enough. As soon as Rachel backed off a little, she leaned forward slightly, spitting up directly into her big sister's lap and all over her hands, as though she had specially targeted those areas.

Now, Rachel has BIG issues with 3 things: color, (she has been known to completely melt down over having to wear a pair of socks that don't match her nightgown), smell (she also regularly cries over the scent of public restrooms), and mess on her hands. She instantly went into hysterics. Since convulsive laughter rendered Mommy completely helpless, Daddy finally came to the rescue with some wipes and a clean nightgown. *sigh of relief*

The second situation took place around lunch today. Again, trying to be helpful, Rach volunteered to check Zeke's pants because, of course, she was gagging from the stench and insisted that I change him immediately. Since I was feeding Kari, I agreed to let her check, thinking, "What could it hurt?"

Next thing I know, she's spazzing out, crying and waving poop-covered fingers in my face. Apparently, she had been right about his need for a change. We must have made a sorry sight: Kari sitting there, cereal all over her face; Rach dancing around the room, yelling and crying; Zeke standing there, saying, "Mommy, I pooped." And me? Once again immobilized by laughter. We had to wash Rachel's hands three times to appease her.

Sometimes the entertainment almost makes up for the stress!

A Clay Pot Full of Dirty Laundry

A youth pastor we met while on staff with Finish Line once told us that each time God gave him another child, his selfishness decreased, so that with the entrance of their third child, any hint of self-centeredness had been squeezed out completely. I wish I could say the same.

How can I desire so strongly to hand my life over to God, and yet fail so miserably? Why am I my own worst enemy when it comes to spiritual pursuits? This flesh is indeed weak.

Several weeks ago, I sat down with my Bible open to "the love chapter (I Cor. 13)," prepared to give myself a nice little pep talk about loving God and others. I thought I'd look over the qualities of love and check which ones need work and which ones I've got down. I began reading and comparing:

Love is patient
The character quality I've been demonstrating to my kids lately? Road rage!

Love is kind
I begrudge my 5-month-old the time it takes to feed her (Good grief, Karis, you're hungry AGAIN? You just ate 10 hours ago)

It does not envy
I want other people's houses; I want other people's minivans; I want other people's talents & abilities; I want other people's flat abs and stretch-mark-free skin . . . (you get the idea)

It does not boast; it is not proud
I'm better than most at this one.

It is not rude.
OK, getting sarcastic with the Wal-Mart cashier who couldn't add 15+21 may have been a little rude.

It is not self seeking
Actually, I do put others first sometimes. It makes me look like a better Christian.

It is not easily angered
Just ask Danny - he lives in fear.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
How many shows & movies do I delight in watching, which champion ungodly attitudes and lifestyles?

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Always? I give up!

The harsh reality: I couldn't be farther from God's perfect standard of love. I'm not looking for easy answers (as if there were any!), just expressing what's been heavy on my heart lately. Again and again I go to Romans 7; somehow knowing the Apostle Paul struggled similarly gives a small measure of comfort. And how thankful I am for Romans 8! "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . ."

Oh, God - take all this selfishness and replace it with Your love, for even the capacity for love comes from You.

A Perfect Evening

Friday night, Danny & I went out – just the 2 of us – for the first time since Karis made her grand entrance over 5 months ago. It was glorious. Not that we did anything spectacular; we ate at Friday’s (where else?), because I love their bruschetta chicken pasta. Danny, of course, had a burger. We walked around the mall holding hands, not even trying to hide our gleeful smiles every time we saw harried parents struggling with strollers, infant seats, and screaming children. We discussed life, ministry, our kids, our future, our dreams. We also talked about things of absolutely no significance whatsoever.

And we laughed. I forgot how important laughter is for a marriage. Experts are always extolling the virtues of intimacy & sex (and those are definitely essential – as my loving husband regularly reminds me), but I think shared laughter deserves a mention as well. Laughter infuses a marriage with life and wipes away months of stress. (And besides, what else can you do when you’re stopped behind a pimped-out car with a license plate that says, “QUIT H8 N”?)

So, in spite of our fruitless search, both for Once Upon a Child and for kids’ educational software for Mac, we came home relaxed and energized. We stopped at our favorite gas station (where Danny bought Propel and I bought possibly the worst cappuccino I’ve ever tasted), and we sat in warm, blissful silence most of the way home.

Jason & Jodi, after an evening with our little angels, were completely worn out. We owe them BIG.

The Wright Family Takes a Final Bus Ride

Danny is pumped about raising a family of Steelers fans . . . of course, those who know me shouldn't be at all surprised when I say that this is the closest I will ever come to posting on football.

A Crash Course in Thrifty Shopping

Frequenting thrift stores is one of the best ways I have found to make our money stretch. I proudly admit that I have been an avid thrift store shopper since my high school days; it is both cheap and fun! On the other hand, it can also present a daunting challenge for the novice thrifter, so the following are some helpful tips I've filed away over the years.

1. Know what you're looking for. In many larger stores, there are huge sections of jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, etc. and if you don't know where you're going, you can waste hours wandering aimlessly with a semi-dazed look on your face.

2. Skim for color and texture. Often similar colors are grouped together, but you will shop much faster by browsing each aisle and scanning for the shade you're after. Grab part of any item that catches your eye and feel its texture. (All this can be done as you're walking!) If it passes your inspection, check the size and pull it from the rack.

3. Wear tight-fitting clothing under your regular clothing so that you can try things on. This is a must. Because many large thrift stores have no fitting rooms, I wear a ribbed sleeveless shirt and spandex shorts, so I can plop my potential purchases down near a mirror and try them on. I can't tell you how many times I've grabbed a cute pair of jeans that look like a perfect fit, only to find I can't pull them past my knees! (This happens with alarming frequency after having 3 kids)

4. Many thrift stores offer discounted prices on certain days. Find out when these days are!! Goodwills across the country sell almost everything in the store at 50% off the last weekend of each month. Other stores offer 25% off every Monday. Others offer a percentage off certain colored tags on various days. Why pay full price on Monday when you can wait till Friday and pay half?

5. Do not take your kids with you!!!!!!!These stores can be like a maze - which equals great fun for your munchkins and a heart attack for you.

6. Take a Claritin before you go. The price I pay for this kind of shopping is not being able to breathe for the rest of the day. Many of these clothes have probably been sitting in an attic for several weeks or months and can be dusty.

7. Be picky; be very, very picky.There are lots of clothes, and lots of good name brands to choose from. Don't settle for something you don't absolutely love. Some of my favorite outfits have been thrift store purchases; other times, I've thought, "It's only $1.50 - what the heck, I'll buy it," and the item sits in my drawer or closet until one of the kids pulls it out and tries to flush it down the toilet. Be sure to check every item for stains, holes, snags, etc. These clothes are non-returnable.

There are few things as rewarding as coming home with 2 giant bags full of clothing for less than $50. The only thing better than thrifting is garage saling! (more on that later)

If you are an experienced thrift store shopper and have any other good tips, let me know. If you'd like recommendations of specific stores and their locations, I'd be happy to provide them.

Walking on Broken Glass

I think this house must be jinxed. Or maybe it's just an old fashioned lack of coordination on my part (most likely the latter). About every 2 weeks, for the past several months, some large glass object ends up on the floor, in about 6,283 pieces. I'm not kidding - these incidents occur with alarming regularity.

It all began the night we had friends over for dinner and someone (not me) set the glass baking dish containing our dessert on the front left stove burner, which just happened to have been left on (by me). As I discovered this and began sprinting toward said stove, the dish literally exploded. Shards of glass flew throughout our kitchen and dining room. Fortunately, none landed in or on any of the five children present, and we had already eaten some of the dessert, so it wasn't a total loss!

Then there's the large glass popcorn bowl which fell all of 1 1/2 feet onto a carpeted floor and broke into at least a dozen pieces. And my favorite stoneware mixing bowl which disintegrated when I attempted to sit another glass bowl inside it. And the ceramic piggy bank I found in pastel fragments on the floor of Rachel's room after she'd spent the morning playing with 2 of her friends. And the juice glass I started to wash until I realized a huge chunk of it had broken off in the sink. I could go on . . .

So if we have you sign a waiver at the door the next time you stop by, you'll know why. And be sure to wear thick-soled shoes.

Welcome to my blog! This is the only recent picture of me, and it just happens to be with my beautiful Kari Bou. An actual post is coming soon, I promise. . .