This post may seem silly to some people.
Or surprising at best. But I cannot help but mention something my hero of a husband did last night.
He ran out to Blockbuster to pick up a couple movies (rent one, get one free Tuesday). And as he was scanning the wall for a choice flick, a worker approached Ryan and asked him if he needed movie suggestions. The guy immediately pointed Ryan's attention to a racy flick and told Ryan he thought the movie was really good. Ryan told him, "No thanks. I've heard that movie is full of nudity. I'm not interested." The guy gave Ryan a confused look, then moved on to another dvd suggestion. Ryan said, "Dude, that movie is even worse than the first. It's got a lot of nudity. I'll pass on that one too."
The confused worker looked at Ryan and said, "So what? What's wrong with nudity in a movie?"
To which my Knight-in-Shining-Armor boldly replied, "The only woman I want to see like that is my wife."
When the guy shook his head and laughed, Ryan pressed him further, "Dude, are you married?"
"No."
"That's why," stated Ryan. And walked away.
I know that in our culture it's really no big deal for women to display their assets like they are IHOP's cheap breakfast special. And men think it's acceptable, and even desirable, to be lusty, hungry-eyed participants.
But as a couple who is desperately and defiantly fighting daily assaults on our marriage, Ryan and I have decided that we will keep our eyes pure and reserved for only each other. I realize that this battle can be much more difficult for men. So I am so honored and esteemed that Ryan would choose to take the stand he did, even in a little Blockbuster store, which seems like an unlikely battlefield. I respect him so much for his strong sense of character, even when no one is looking. I LOVE you baby!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
2nd Annual Brody Turkey Bowl
Roughly twenty competitive boys playing flag football in 32degree weather, refereed by some dedicated, fun-loving dads, followed by some warm, tasty cookies and hot apple cider served up by Mom.........Mmm, mmm! That's the recipe for another very successful Brody Turkey Bowl!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Julia Juggershnaut
Today in Kid's Connection, Ryan and I led the Jungle Room (2nd and 3rd grade) service. After worship, I put some crazy glasses on my nose, and transformed my personality into "Julia Juggershnaut," a geeky, clumsy girl who finally got the chance to put on her own show on the 'Food Network.'
So, I got up on stage and introduced myself to the kids, naturally drawing lots and lots of laughs at my crazy, clumsy, geeky character. Then, after choosing two volunteers from the audience, I went about teaching the kids how to make bread. We went thru the ingredients, taking a special moment to explain the yeast. As we mixed and kneaded the dough, I humorously explained how such a small amount of yeast will transform that dough into a large loaf of bread.
Afterward, Ryan came up and tied it all together with today's theme: that even a small amount of faith can be used by God to complete GREAT things! It was super fun. And the kids had a blast. Last week the lesson was about DIRT. This week it was about YEAST. Hmmm...wonder what they'll have us pull off next week. xoxo
So, I got up on stage and introduced myself to the kids, naturally drawing lots and lots of laughs at my crazy, clumsy, geeky character. Then, after choosing two volunteers from the audience, I went about teaching the kids how to make bread. We went thru the ingredients, taking a special moment to explain the yeast. As we mixed and kneaded the dough, I humorously explained how such a small amount of yeast will transform that dough into a large loaf of bread.
Afterward, Ryan came up and tied it all together with today's theme: that even a small amount of faith can be used by God to complete GREAT things! It was super fun. And the kids had a blast. Last week the lesson was about DIRT. This week it was about YEAST. Hmmm...wonder what they'll have us pull off next week. xoxo
Friday, November 14, 2008
This week...
This week was quite a roller coaster ride for Mommy and Daddy!
(Starting from the youngest) Little Marina learned that shoving mini lego pirates' gold pieces up her nose nostrils is very unpleasant, makes her nose hurt, and makes Mommy very upset and anxious. In the process, she also learned how to blow her nose, with her mouth shut. (Thank the Lord, that's all it took to get those things out!)
Sweet Reese learned how to write the letters 'z' and 'w.' He also learned that, if he pulls a chair from the table to the counter, he can climb onto the counter, stand up, and reach just high enough to pull the big blue bowl off the top of the refrigerator. (That is, the big blue bowl that holds the remaining Halloween candy). Hmm...little Sneak!
Marky-Mark has had the roughest week of all. On Wednesday, he fearfully came home and showed me a behavior slip that stated he was to serve a silent lunch the next day...for spitting from up on the monkey bars. Not a huge crime, but still disrespectful and against the rules. So he accepted responsibility and served his punishment. Thursday, he came home from school visibly shaken, with yet another behavior slip. This time, he did something much worse. In an effort to make kids laugh, he had held up his snow glove, and pushed all the fingers down except the middle. I had to read it a few times to let that one soak in. Not MY kid!!! Not at a CHRISTIAN school!!! I told Mark I was going to let Daddy handle this one when he got home from work. And Mark said, "Oh no! That's the worst!"
He started giving me excuses, but I cut him off right away, saying, "Mark, if you start making excuses, you are only going to put yourself in more trouble! You know you were wrong. Just accept responsibility, Man-up and serve your punishment, and then move on knowing that Daddy and Mommy still love you!" So he quietly endured the agony of awaiting Daddy's return home (and inevitable punishment).
Being the wise father he is, Ryan had a very good talk with Mark. We realize that Mark doesn't understand the gravity of what that gesture means. So, I guess you can add that to what Mark learned this week...that sticking up a middle finger is like swearing at someone. He looked appalled when we told him that! He'd known it was a bad gesture. But didn't know HOW bad. Then Ryan reminded him that everyone in the 4th grade will probably hear about this little stunt. And Mark was equally appalled (and humiliated). Today, Mark intends to go apologize to his teacher, as well as his circle of friends, for not setting a good example and for doing something so wrong.
And Mommy learned that she should never think, "My child would never...." because you just never know. What's most important to me is that my kids would know they can come to us when they screw up. Even when they screw up big time. And we will hold them accountable for their actions....but we will also stand behind them and love them no matter what. I hope this instance can be the beginning of that kind of relationship with our eldest son.
Phew! Thank goodness it's the weekend!
(Starting from the youngest) Little Marina learned that shoving mini lego pirates' gold pieces up her nose nostrils is very unpleasant, makes her nose hurt, and makes Mommy very upset and anxious. In the process, she also learned how to blow her nose, with her mouth shut. (Thank the Lord, that's all it took to get those things out!)
Sweet Reese learned how to write the letters 'z' and 'w.' He also learned that, if he pulls a chair from the table to the counter, he can climb onto the counter, stand up, and reach just high enough to pull the big blue bowl off the top of the refrigerator. (That is, the big blue bowl that holds the remaining Halloween candy). Hmm...little Sneak!
Marky-Mark has had the roughest week of all. On Wednesday, he fearfully came home and showed me a behavior slip that stated he was to serve a silent lunch the next day...for spitting from up on the monkey bars. Not a huge crime, but still disrespectful and against the rules. So he accepted responsibility and served his punishment. Thursday, he came home from school visibly shaken, with yet another behavior slip. This time, he did something much worse. In an effort to make kids laugh, he had held up his snow glove, and pushed all the fingers down except the middle. I had to read it a few times to let that one soak in. Not MY kid!!! Not at a CHRISTIAN school!!! I told Mark I was going to let Daddy handle this one when he got home from work. And Mark said, "Oh no! That's the worst!"
He started giving me excuses, but I cut him off right away, saying, "Mark, if you start making excuses, you are only going to put yourself in more trouble! You know you were wrong. Just accept responsibility, Man-up and serve your punishment, and then move on knowing that Daddy and Mommy still love you!" So he quietly endured the agony of awaiting Daddy's return home (and inevitable punishment).
Being the wise father he is, Ryan had a very good talk with Mark. We realize that Mark doesn't understand the gravity of what that gesture means. So, I guess you can add that to what Mark learned this week...that sticking up a middle finger is like swearing at someone. He looked appalled when we told him that! He'd known it was a bad gesture. But didn't know HOW bad. Then Ryan reminded him that everyone in the 4th grade will probably hear about this little stunt. And Mark was equally appalled (and humiliated). Today, Mark intends to go apologize to his teacher, as well as his circle of friends, for not setting a good example and for doing something so wrong.
And Mommy learned that she should never think, "My child would never...." because you just never know. What's most important to me is that my kids would know they can come to us when they screw up. Even when they screw up big time. And we will hold them accountable for their actions....but we will also stand behind them and love them no matter what. I hope this instance can be the beginning of that kind of relationship with our eldest son.
Phew! Thank goodness it's the weekend!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reese's Prayer Tonight...
"Jesus...Have a good sleep.
And help us be safe...And Jesus is wiff us.
And we have school tomorrow. Amen!"
And help us be safe...And Jesus is wiff us.
And we have school tomorrow. Amen!"
