Duff and Baby Duff

One of my favorite chefs is Duff Goldman...this quirky guy who does these killer cakes. He's made so many neat kinds...and most of them don't even look like cakes. They are works of art and more like sculptures.






We watch his show Ace of Cakes on Food Network quite often. When our youngest was smaller than he is now...and when he didn't have any hair or at least not much hair, Jim made a comment that he looked a little like Duff.

So, we off and on called our youngest Baby Duff or Little Duff. You be the judge...just add a little goatee...

I Hate the Dentist!

I went to the dentist today...one of my least favorite things to do in the world. I'd rather have a million check ups at the doctor rather than go to the dentist once. Because I have inherited my dad's tartar tendency and I have TMJ I try to put off going to the dentist until the very last minute. And because of this I had to get my teeth really really cleaned.

Today I bit the bullet and went to the dentist. I had originally thought I was going to get a little cavity filled...but as it turned out, they had me scheduled for my last deep cleaning...I'm like great this'll be fun...NOT. I said something to the lady that was cleaning my teeth and she quickly went to see if I could have both done. Lucky for me (or not) they had had a cancellation and could work me in to have my tooth filled since I'd already be numbed to do so.

Good news is I'm done with my dental work for 3 months now...yes, I have to go back that often for a while to cut down on the cleaning time...bad news is now my teeth hurt...but I know that's only for just a little while.

Things that Make You Go WHAT?!

I have been reading Dan Kimball's book They Like Jesus But Not the Church which looks at how emerging generations view the church and our beliefs. Dan does some man-on-the-street types of interviews and offers a lot of food for thought on how we should be thinking about ministry today. Kimball states and I believe that we are living in a post Christian society where people are just not in touch with what is happening in the church or in Christianity. Sometimes we, who are inundated in the Christian sub-culture, forget that people around us might not understand when we talk of biblical characters or Christian events. It's almost as if we are like the early Christians seeking to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout a world who doesn't know much about Jesus or the Bible.

Not too long ago Kimball's premise was verified by the Jay Leno Show when Jay did one of his Jaywalking segments and asked people questions about the Bible. There were questions like Who were Cain and Abel? Who was Noah? What were the names of Jesus' parents? What did Jesus do? Some of the answers were almost laughable until you realized that these people actually didn't really know the answers. But, at the same time, this did not surprise me at all.

Today was another eye opener for me. The power company is replacing all of the poles downtown and it seems that our area is one of the next to be overhauled. Two men from the power company came into the office to arrange time for the power of the whole building to be shut off. The conversation went something like this:

power guy: We are replacing all of the poles downtown and we wanted to let you know when we were thinking about working around here. We need to cut the power to the entire area in order to do this. So, we were thinking of doing this this Sunday turning the power off early in the morning and for a lot of the day.

Those of us who heard this looked at each other in disbelief. This Sunday, for those who may not know, is Palm Sunday one of the major days in the Christian calendar. We celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem...and this Sunday begins Holy Week.

I'm thinking OK even if you didn't know what day it was in the Christian year, you should probably know that Sunday's a big day in the life of the church. (I mean there are a lot of people who think that Sunday is the only day we work.) We promptly told him that Sunday wouldn't work for various reasons: the organ, the elevator and handicapped lifts, lights, etc. etc.

So then he suggests Wednesday evening. This didn't surprise me after the Sunday comment. We talked them out of that too. So we arranged a Tuesday for them to come.

But, once again, this reminded me of Kimball's book. We do live in a culture where church is something you might do maybe twice a year...where you go when you want to get married or if you want to have a special time to remember someone special. But to assume that everyone is knowledgeable of the church, the Bible or our traditions is pushing it these days. People are searching for something to make their lives complete...maybe it's time we step out of our walls and out of our comfort zones and do something different to relate the Gospel to their lives.

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is Jim's mom's birthday. She is so much more than an "in law" to me. She's more than a mom. She's a great friend and wonderful person to spend time with.

I hope your birthday is great!! We love you, Mom and wish we could be together.

Happy Birthday!

Born to Be Wild

My Harley Boys.

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy

Today was a big day in our house...we've known it was coming for a while now...especially when our oldest came home one day and proudly announced, "One of my teeth is loose." He was so excited because he's seen many of his school friends going around with big gaps in their mouths.

Over the past few weeks he's been wiggling and wiggling his tooth...wiggling it to the point that it was almost starting to gross me out. But it has been through this time that he's also come up with this rationale..."I know what the Tooth Fairy does with all the teeth she collects. She gives them to babies like J (our 6 month old who's growing tooth buds himself)." It's cool to think that the Tooth Fairy practices recycling.

Well, tonight our oldest was wiggling his tooth...he goes, look I can bend it really far down...which really kinda grossed me out. I was out in the kitchen not too long after and he came out and said, "Hey mom...look at this." In his hand was his tooth.

It wasn't long later that he said, "Hey mom can I look in J's mouth? I want to see if the tooth is in there yet."

Then he realized he was still holding the tooth. "Ah, that's right we still have the tooth...the Tooth Fairy doesn't have it yet. Maybe he'll have his teeth tomorrow."

Actually J (our 6 month old) has 2 tooth buds coming in...don't know how we're going to explain that unless our 6 year old gets a loose tooth real quick.

Oh, and according to J, the going rate of teeth these days range from $1 - $15 each. I have know other children to get $20 per tooth. J got $1. When I was his age I only got a quarter...must be inflation.

Going to Work with Mom

Friday our oldest didn't have school because it was Kindergarten registration and they needed their room for the registration process. I guess I had forgotten about that because I had no idea that he didn't have school until he climbed in the car and proudly announced, "Oh mom, I don't have school tomorrow." He says this from time to time so I responded, "It's not a holiday and we didn't know about it before I think you do have school."

He kept insisting and I said, "If you didn't have school I think I would know...I think you have to go to school tomorrow." He goes, "Mom, look in my folder and see." Sure enough there was a note that Kindergarten didn't have school.

Because I hadn't prepared for him to be out and had a bunch of stuff to do at the office I took him with me. We have a preschool at the church and the teachers said he could come down and play with the 4 year old class which gave me time to do my work. So, he went downstairs to play.

When I was taking him to get some lunch the following conversation took place:

me: So, did you have fun today with the four year olds?

J: Yeah, it was pretty fun. They were out of control.

me: Oh really? What happened?

J: Well, at first I thought that maybe being with the four year olds was a bad idea...they were running around all crazy like. I thought maybe I should've gone in with the two year olds. Then when it came time for them to clean up, they didn't do listen...they didn't clean up at all. That's not what you're supposed to do."

Why is it that he's so concerned about cleaning at church but when I ask him to pick up his stuff at home he just looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language?

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday to a man who has taught many to read...and many a parent to begin to loathe rhymes. I still remember my parents' stories of the countless readings of Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and the ever popular Green Eggs and Ham.

There was a man named Dr. Seuss
He has influenced many there is no excuse
For not learning to read when you heard his rhymes
A word made up from time to time.

There was Sam and his friend that got so many
to eat green eggs and ham I've still not had any.
The cat in the hat reeked much trouble...
And left the things to clean up in a double.

The Grinch and Sneeches taught us how to live...
how to get along and even how to give.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue
Has been my son's favorite book since he was two.

Thank you doctor for sharing your rhymes
we still read your books all of the time.
Because of your words children love to read
their love will continue to grow because you planted the seed.

By Carol 2007

Our Prayers are With You

Talking to my parents today, I found out some sad news. I had seen the story on the ticker, but hadn't really read it...then saw it on the news tonight...didn't know it would hit so close to home. Today, early this morning, Bluffton University experienced a devistating loss. While their baseball team was traveling to Florida for a doubleheader they were involved in an accident. Apparent something happened and the bus driver went off the overpass throwing the bus to I-75 below. Four students, the bus driver and his wife were all killed.

Going to school at Ohio Northern not too far from Bluffton I know how close of a community Bluffton is...this loss will be felt not only by the students but also the community. Please keep the family and friends of these students in your prayers.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Today I was given the privilege to spend the day with two of my valentines...my two boys. Because of the ice, there was no school and I kept our youngest at home too. We slept in a little bit and spent the day playing video games and watching Star Wars movies.

Even though we didn't get a lot of snow today and tomorrow will not be fun getting in the car because of the ice, I really enjoyed today's relaxation. I got a very cool singing gorilla and a box of my favorite chocolates...Russel Stover. It has been a GREAT Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

I Want Snow!! I Want Snow!!

I talked with my parents back home...they have feet of snow. And what do we have? RAIN...and maybe the chance of freezing rain and ice tonight.

I want some of the snow my parents have had. Our oldest really wants to build a snowman and sled...but it's hard to sled on mud. I guess he could try it but it'd bit messy.

Maybe this weekend. Until then I guess I'll suffer from what a friend of mine calls snow envy.

Cheese, Glorious Cheese

While watching the news tonight and they talked about a new website for cheese lovers. It's Cheddar Vision. Apparently, you can 24 hours a day seven days a week watch as cheddar cheese ages. And the most exciting time is when they turn the cheese...which I can't remember what time that is.

So, if you're really bored and don't feel like watching the paint dry, you might try watching the cheese age.

Snow Day III

Well, tomorrow we have another snow day...it's actually kinda nice because they announced it earlier this evening so we don't have to get up early looking for whether they've delayed or even canceled tomorrow. Our oldest has mixed feelings about it...he likes to sleep in and play his games but he also loves to see his friends. And he hopes to build a snowman tomorrow...I'm not looking forward to telling him I'm afraid that this new snow is not packing snow, but powdery stuff.

Maybe he'll get to be pulled in the sled...that'd be fun.

Snow Daze

Today was Jake's second snow day from school. He had his first a week or so ago...and boy was he excited. I had hoped to blog about that because snow days were something treasured by me not only when I was young and a student but also when I was teaching. In fact, as many teachers know, I think the adults get just as excited as if not more excited than than the kids.

The first day we had some snow...today it was the cold temperatures and a sugar coating of snow that kept us inside. We had fun sleeping in, playing with the baby (cuz he stayed home from school) and fun playing games. Tonight the temperature's going to get even lower...not just in the single digits but the big ZERO. I'm wondering what tomorrow will hold...school or no school.

A Little Super Bowl Trivia

Every year at Super Bowl time, I bore my friends and family with a trivial fact about the Super Bowl. There is a key element of the game that if it were missing the game wouldn't even really take place. What is it? The football. One fact that I learned especially when I was in college at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Did you know that all the footballs for the Super Bowl are hand made at the Wilson factory in Ada, Ohio.

So, without those people in Ada, we wouldn't have the key element of the game tonight. Now you all know...just be prepared, next year at this time I may feel compelled to remind you of this little fact again.

Go Colts!!

Even though it's really fun to say, "Da Bears." I have to say I'm rooting for the Colts to win the Super Bowl tonight. Growing up two hours East of Indianapolis it's a no brainer. 'Course I probably should pull for the Bears cuz it seems like every team I've rooted for lately has lost. I'm hoping it'll be a good game.

Plus, if I didn't my little sissy would not be happy with me.

GO COLTS!!!

Simon Says

One of my favorite faith-filled movies is Simon Birch...the story of a young boy with a heart of God and the faith of a man several decades older than he is. Simon has a heart problem that hinders his growth and threatens his life. This movie takes a deeper look at faith and challenges some of the things that tend to get in the way of our faith. Among the thought provoking ideas this movie raises are the following:

--God has a plan for your life.

Now, when I was in seminary this statement caused problems. One of my professors said that this is a very risky statement because what if your life takes a terrible turn for the worse? Did God will that to happen? But, the way I view this statement is that ultimately God wants the best for each of us in our lives. Just like a parent, God wishes nothing but the best for us. Now, just like children, it doesn't mean that we'll always fulfill what God desires but still the same God wishes us the best.

One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Another issue that Simon raises in this movie is a question of priorities. One day in church the pastor is inviting everyone to join him and his family for donuts and coffee after the service.

--And Simon asks, "What do coffee and donuts have to do with God?"

Sometimes we get so tied up in what we think is important I wonder if those same things are important to God. Are we more concerned about preparing the donuts and coffee than we are about preparing our hearts to worship God? Are we more interested in getting together and visiting with each other after the service than we are to talk to God in prayer? Where are our priorities centered? On ourselves or on God?

--As Simon continues, "I don't think God is concerned whether or not we have a continental breakfast at church. We're in trouble if God has made the church bake sale a priority."

Another idea this movie raises is the fact that we all worship differently...Simon gets in trouble for disrupting the service with his continetial breakfast statement. During Sunday school he is stuck in the corner while his teacher reprimands him in front of the class. She asks what he's doing and he says something like I'm praying. When she asked how he could do that in a chair in the corner, Simon says,

--Faith is not in a floor plan.

One thing that I think all of us forget from time to time is that we worship God in different ways. Some need to be in a sanctuary surrounded by pews, stained glass windows and the sound of a pipe organ. Some people love to worship to the sounds of a rock band with images displayed on the screen in the worship space. Some worship God in the quiet of the outdoors where God's creation surrounds them on all sides. Some like to worship God by serving others and sitting with those in need as they together hear God's word for them that day.

Simon Birch, it's a GREAT movie that raises many different faith issues. If you've not seen it, I encourage you to check it out sometime...it's a moving, funny and at times sad movie that gets two thumbs up from me.

Thanks Linda!

Our family went down to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area after Christmas this year. While we were down there our oldest came down with the stomach virus junk that's going around. Between his bouts with the flu and sleep we looked around Pigeon Forge.

He was feeling better and was hungry so before starting home we stopped at Pop's on the River in Sevierville for dinner. Growing up I loved going to Pop's Catfish Shack...great fish by the way. We had a GREAT dinner...catfish, frog legs, steak fries and even some dessert.

It seemed our little trooper was on the backside of the flu, or so we thought. He ate pretty well...then as we were getting ready to leave, got sick. With a little bit of chaos, I forgot that I had stuck the diaper bag under the table. (Complete with a bottle of expressed milk, our little one's teething toys, diapers, wipes, extra binkies and spare outfit AND the thermometer to check our oldest's temperature.

Off we went to the border of Kentucky...we decided to spend the night...when we unloaded the car I suddenly realized we'd left the bag. Jim graciously went out and got the things we needed (I had spare diapers and wipes in the suitcase) and we made it through until we got home.

From the hotel I called Pop's the next day. A kind lady named Linda answered the phone. She said she would send it back to us at no charge. What a lady! It took a little while to get the bag because New Year's was in there and Linda forgot it at the restaurant but we got the bag about a week ago...everything still in there.

Thank you Linda!! We really appreciate it!!

Anyone who's looking for a good order of catfish or frog legs...visit Pop's!! Pop's on the River is a neat location with WONDERFUL food.

Milestones

I have been lucky over the past several months. I have been allowed a very special privilege that few people are afforded...I have been allowed to bring our baby to work with me. He has been with me most all day every day since he was born...I guess even since before he was born. We have been waiting for the dayare where our oldest went to call and say they have room.

I had been waiting but not very anxious for the call to come. It came anyway on Wednesday. We went to check it out and see what had changed since we were there about 5 years ago. Some of the same teachers are there.

I know he will be we safe and well taken care of. I know that this daycare is well certified. BUT I am having severe separation issues. This is one milestone I was hoping to put off for a while.

I think I just don't like the idea of him getting bigger. Both boys were with me today and there's no school on Friday...so maybe we can ease into this.

I definitely need prayers.

Loss

Over these past few months but especially over this past week our community has had to face and seek to work in and through loss. Our congregation over these past couple of weeks has lost five members or former members. Most of these came as a surprise, but a few were unexpected.

Some in this community are still working through their loss with the release and publicity of We Are Marshall.

But this week loss was experienced in a different way...fire. Wednesday night, a friend and I were heading to church for worship team rehearsal. I had to make a quick stop along the way and am so glad we did because I think we could've been parked right in the way.

As we drove toward the church, something looked really really bad...there was smoke billowing into the air and you could see a yellow glow. I nervously said, "Well maybe we won't rehearse tonight," thinking, "Wow...it looks like it's coming from the church...but I'm sure it's not."

As we got closer and closer it became clear that it was in the very direction fo the church. I started to get more and more nervous...

As we got close to the church we saw that it was the building across the street. Talk about scarey. I couldn't believe the fire, the smoke, and all of he onlookers who had gathered. So many people were around...crowding around...and many of them were taking pictures...something that I think is kind of morbid. The fire kept flaming up then dying then flaming up again. Finally the firefighters got it out.

The good news is no one was hurt...the building is at least half way destroyed but no one was hurt.

Saturday there was another fire at an apartment building where a lot of Marshall students reside. The building from where we could see it on Sunday looks kinda normal, but this fire was extremely devistating. Nine people have been found dead so far and they are hoping that is all, but they can't be sure. One family lost 3 children...I can't imagine that. How terrible...how sad.

Our prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones, their place of employment, their belongings and their home.