Big Plans...

M: When I grow up I'm going to make the world re-acknowledge Pluto as a planet.
Me: That is your goal in life?
M: One of them.
Z: My goal is to be an animal trainer. That way I can teach real animals how to be pokemon animals and bring the game to real life. I'm going to go to the North Pole and start on the penguins, unless Mrs. M will let me borrow her turtle...

Ya, just say NO Mrs. M!!!

No Thank You, Nook...

I don't care how heavy they are. I don't care if they supposedly kill trees. I don't care if they don't have a well-lit screen. Nothing beats the smell of printed paper and leather, and the tingle in your fingers when you turn the first page of a new book. You can't smell a Nook.

So Guess What...

On Friday I'm taking the kid's to Honormommy's house. We are so excited! Yay for blog buddies!

Dear Dunkin Donuts...

Having the slogan "America Runs on Dunkin" really isn't helping our image.

Sincerely, America

Philippians 4:8...

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

There is a person in my life who has caused a lot of hurt. Whether intentionally or unintentionally I can't really say. All I know is that for the most part not thinking about said person is the easiest way to deal with it. I'm not angry, not bitter (although I've had my moments). I gave that to God a long time ago and now when those feeling arise it is easier for me to lay them at Jesus feet and leave them there. But after reading this verse I think I'm handling our relationship all wrong. You see, I don't think about this person at all until something happens that opens up that wound again and then I pray and meditate on God's word until I can forgive and move on. I wonder if I choose to meditate on the positive things NOW would the negative affect me as harshly? Would it be easier to forgive, or even possible to not be hurt in the first place? This isn't about me reaching out to them, it is about me reaching out to God. And so I made a list of positive things. Things that are praiseworthy. And I'm changing my prayers about this relationship. Instead of praying for this person, I am thanking God for the lovely, admirable things I have witnessed. I don't know how this will pan out, but I can tell you that I feel a peace that comes from obeying God. Of all the advice I've been given over the years I'm thinking Paul's may be right on the mark.

Z's Graduation...

Well, we survived kindergarten. The graduation was darling. I have video, lots of pictures and I only cried a little bit. When they handed the kids their "diplomas" they also announced their future aspirations. We had several ice-cream truck drives, a ton of police and fire-fighters, one future president and one future princess. Plus two cowboys because that is what Z and Red have decided to be when they grow up. The good news is that the Stallion and I won't have to pay for Z to attend college in another country. The bad news is that we may have to pay for horseback riding lessons...

Dear Internet Explorer...

You sucked. I updated you. Now you suck more. I am switching to Firefox. I'm sure you won't miss me. The feeling is mutual. Sincerely, Me.

Isaiah 45:2-3...

"I will go before you... (I will be in that chemo room before you even arrive at the clinic.)

...and will level the mountains... (I will bring to mind scripture that reminds you of My strength and My protection and bring you to the minds of other Christians so you will be covered in prayer.)

I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron... (I will provide medication for your healing, friends to care for your children and a husband who will willingly take on the tasks you normally do.)

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places... (You will discover how sinful and weak you are and I will use that to build you up and mold you into the woman you were meant to be.)

...so that you may know that I am the LORD, the GOD of Israel who summons you by name"... (I created you and I love you. You are never out of my sight or beyond the reach of My arms. You are so precious to Me, Joanna, and daily I am blessing you through this experience.)

Z's "Lifelong Friend"...

Z refers to Red as his "lifelong friend", mostly because he doesn't remember a time when they weren't best friends. Today M had a pool party to attend along with Red's sister, so I picked up Red and the three of us went to the splash park and out for ice-cream. I think I had as much fun as they did. I don't get to watch my children interact with their friends as much as I used to. My mommy heart was overflowing as I watched them laughing and splashing. On the way back to Red's house I overheard them talking about their future...

Red: When we grow up we should live together.

Z: Ya. When we go to college.

Red: What's college?

Z: Its grown-up work. You have to use a laptop.

Red: Okay! I want to go to college.

Z: Great, but we'll have to stay in this country. I hear its expensive to go to college in other countries.

For the record, we haven't actually talked to Z about his future plans, so I have no idea how he found out the cost of a college education in a foreign country. After we dropped Red off he talked a bit more about their future...

"Me and Red are unique because we don't have all the same favorites, but we are still best friends. We are always going to be best friends even when we are grown-ups. In fact, when I get married I am going to tell my wife, 'I'm only marrying you because Red is a boy and its not okay for boys to marry other boys.'"

Hmmm...okay then. I pray every night for Red and his friendship with Z. It is as unique as they are.

AJ vs. Doggie Door...

Seriously...this was designed for a 11 pound dog, not a 25 pound toddler!