American Idol finale: a thirty-something mama's thoughts

{source}

Lauren or Scotty? Who is the next Teen American Idol?

I couldn't wait to find out. Here is a random sample of thoughts that ran through my mind as I watched the show...

I don't know half of the songs these girls are singing. I'm so old.

But I think Jack Black is hys-ter-i-cal! Does that make me young and hip?

Uggghhhh...ENOUGH, Casey! No more growling!

Whatever, Beyonce! You're not the only one that can wiggle and jiggle like that. I can do it, too! Wait a minute...does involuntary jiggling count?

I bet half the audience is too young to even know who Tony Bennett is. They're probably thinking...Oooohhh! How sweet! Her dad got to play guitar with her a couple weeks ago and now her grandpa is getting to sing with her. 

Tom Jones...is that you?

Not Lady Ga Ga. The kids are in the room. Must keep finger on fast forward button.

For the love of the land, Ga Ga! Keep your foot off the stinkin' piano keys!! 

Uh oh...I may be a bit of hypocrite.

(When Joshua commented that Lady Ga Ga was "weird", I emphatically agreed. But when he said that Steven Tyler "dressed funny" and "looked like a girl", my first instinct was to yell...BITE YOUR TONGUE, JUNIOR!!!)

Oh, Scotty...you are precious! Such a good boy. No piercings. No guy-liner. Giving God the glory. Your mama must be so very proud!

Oh, no. Oh, no.

Stop trying to catch the confetti with your tongue. It's paper!

It was a good season, but still...I miss that snarky brit Simon Cowell. 

Days & Years

Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a mother and a wife and a homemaker. I let myself get so caught up in the work that I miss the wonder of it all.

At these times, I'm so grateful to be reminded that... 

Although the days may be long,

 {dishes}

{laundry}

{ironing}

{activities}

{messes}

{more messes}

{car line}

the years are short.

{May 2006}

{May 2011}

FIVE

Dear Sweet Boy,

Happy birthday, Evan! Today we celebrate you!

At 5, you love playing baseball, watching Tom & Jerry cartoons, Wii and singing in the choir at church. You adore your older brother and are always eager for him to come home from school. You are a peacemaker...quick to offer an apology when you have done wrong and even quicker to offer forgiveness when you have been wronged. Never one to turn down a hug, kiss or snuggle...you are very affectionate. You pray the sweetest, most tenderhearted prayers...often bringing tears to Mommy and Daddy's eyes. 

Not long ago, I asked you what you would like to be when you grow up. You answered, "I want to tell people about Jesus...and to be a baseball player." I think that sounds like an excellent plan, my son. And this is my prayer for you...that you love Jesus with your whole heart, follow Him in obedience and share His love and His power with others!

You are a blessing and a joy! I love you so very much!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Oh happy day! Welcome to the world, little one.

Six months old...all blue eyes and belly!

 

You're one...and too cute!

Not yet two...and already a big brother.

learning to share with your baby sister...

At two...you enjoy your first ride in Peepaw's boat!

At three...an excellent Yoda you were!

Four...my sunshine boy!

And now, here you are...5!

The only thing missing around here...

is me!

It has been four weeks since my last post. Wow.

To those of you who have sent emails asking if everything is okay...

No need to worry. All is well.

I'm not sure that I can explain my absence, but I'll give it a try.

First...we've been busy. It seems like this time of year is the craziest for our family's calendar. Lots of birthdays and baseball. Choir practice and concerts for the boys. Easter. Mother's Day Tea with Evan and Olivia's preschool classes. A family day a Six Flags. And as the school year comes to an end...it's only going to get busier!

As for the adoption...I haven't posted anything about it because there's just nothing new to report. Our dossier is where it needs to be in Ethiopia. We know approximately how many families are ahead of us for the age we have requested. But we have no idea when our referral will come...or when we'll travel...or when we'll bring our little girl home. And for the first time since this journey began, I have such peace. Although I may not know the timeline going forward, I know my God's timing is absolutely perfect. So I've let go of my expectations and I've quit speculating. When the time is right, He will bring her home.

And finally...a few weeks ago, I received the official guide for my July mission trip to Ethiopia. As I read through the information late one night, I got scared. I don't mean nervous scared. I mean terrified scared. I tried to write about my fears, but it was impossible to put into words what was so confusing in my heart. How could I have such peace about the adoption and, at the same time, be consumed with fear about the mission trip? After many, many tearful prayers (and a couple conversations with a dear friend), I'm in a much better place. More on that to come.

It's almost midnight and this mama needs some sleep! So I'm signing off, but I'll be back here...soon!