Busy, Busy, Busy

It's been a busy 24 hours. My Dad is coming for a two week visit starting tomorrow night so I'm in full cleaning mode. It's his first time trip to visit us in NJ since we left Florida and we are all excited, especially Christopher. It is taking me a little longer to clean because a certain 4 year old likes to take all his toys and videos out and leave them here and there. Thankfully I have all day tomorrow to work on picking things up.

We have a great weekend ahead of us and we are going to be seeing some family members over the next two weeks while Dad is here. Lots of day trips planned so we are looking forward to that. I wish our townhouse was big enough to entertain lots of people at once, but that's just not the case. I love our little place and I'm just thankful that the 3 of us are living under the same roof again. We are blessed!

I'll try to blog as I can over the next 2 weeks. Enjoy the rest of your summer, which is 3 days if you live in Florida (the kids start school next week.. isn't that crazy?!)

Lullaby

Ah... how refreshing it was to be able to open up all the windows for the last few days and let a nice breeze filter through the townhouse... I can't tell you how I have missed that. We don't exactly get refreshing breezes in Florida very often. It's usually so humid down there, the last thing you'd want to do is open your window. It's more like, crank up the A/C and keep the doors closed.

Our NJ townhouse backs up to a street which provides excellent "white noise" at night to lull you to sleep. I know some of you think that's crazy, but remember...this city girl grew up with sirens, horns, loud cars and music in the background which served as a lullaby to me for years. In fact, it was hard for me to adjust when I went to college in Pennsylvania. (Natalie, my college roommate who reads this blog might remember this story). One night at the beginning of our freshman year I was lying in bed and could not fall asleep. The windows were open and I heard an annoying something, but it was not the usual car horns, sirens, etc. that I was used to and I couldn't place my finger on what it was. So, after several minutes of stirring in bed and unable to fall asleep, I called out to Natalie and said,"What is that annoying sound outside". I couldn't see her face in the dark, but I'm sure her mouth dropped open and then she chuckled... "um.. Beth..that's a bird". Yep.. a bird. I finally got used to it, but let's say I'm sleeping a lot more soundly these days now that I can enjoy the lullaby of occasional cars and sirens again.

Monday Funday

Steve has been working long days as of late, so yesterday he took a much needed day off. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with our original plans to take Chris to an amusement park. Thankfully, we had the foresight not to give him specifics as to our destination. We've learned that it's best to say we are going to a "special place" that way if the weather is a factor we can just switch the destination without Chris being disappointed.

So, yesterday we ventured over to the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA which is a short drive from our home. We had a great time playing with all the crayons, markers, and modeling clay.

Five on Friday

Five songs I've been singing around the house this week:

-Holy is The Lord - Chris Tomlin
-Made Me Glad - Hillsong
-He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker
-How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
-I Will Search - Israel Houghton (here is the link for the You Tube video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dISOZv5k0dk

One of the Perks of Being A Stay-At-Home Mom

No Bible, No Breakfast

I recently read Stephen Baldwin's book "The Unusual Suspect" in which he describes how he was radically saved not long after September 11th. It's a powerful, sometimes funny story how this Hollywood actor gave his heart to Christ. After he was saved, he met a group of Christians who introduced him to this basic principal of "No Bible, No Breakfast" . It's pretty simple... just read your bible and pray (he recommends an hour) before you have breakfast (or coffee). If you are like me, I'm lucky to get up, grab a shower and dry my hair before my little guy is up and going. So, I thought this would be really hard for me. Then I started feeling guilty because, looking back on my life, I had no problem getting up for trips, or fun with friends. For about 6 years I would wake up at 4:30 am every morning (back when I was single) to commute to the job I loved in Philadelphia. It's all about what is important to you.

This morning I was up at 6:00 am and had my quiet time. So, I'm on a quest to make this my priority and not squeeze it in sometime during my day. Will I be able to do it everyday? I don't know. But I'm going to try. How about you? Want to join in? I know it's going to change my life.

For Sale By Owner

Ah.... after 6 frustrating months working with our realtor, we gave her the boot yesterday. Rather than enlist the help of another realtor, we decided to try to sell our Florida home on our own... at least for 2 or 3 months. I won't go into all the details of why we did not like our realtor...let's just say she just didn't seem to care if our home sold tomorrow or 10 years from now, and blamed everyone else on her staff for some major mishaps. I know it's a tough real estate market, but we have God on our side... he brought us to NJ for a reason and purpose, and as far as I'm concerned, selling our house in Florida is not a problem to big for our God...even in today's economy.

So, to all my prayer warriors, please keep the sale of our home on your list. And of course, if you know of anyone looking for a beautiful home in the Tampa area, let me know! LOL

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

I've heard of Christmas in July, but this is a little ridiculous. For some reason, little guy has pulled out his Christmas videos and has been watching them every day for the last week. I don't know why... maybe he figured he's been in the heat and hot weather long enough and is ready for some snow. This will be the first Fall and Winter that he's experienced for a full season. It will be weird for him (and for us) to wear anything other than capris and tee-shirts. Florida had a few cool days (that's 70 degrees) where we would whip out a sweater or jacket (not a joke). All I know is that if he's playing Christmas videos now, I'm going to be ready to throw them out the window come December LOL. I guess it could be worse -- at least the shopping malls haven't decorated for Christmas yet... but that will change by the end of August I'm sure. Merry Christmas!

License & Registration, Please

Yep... I've been in NJ one month and already I've been pulled over. Let me start by saying I never get pulled over. Seriously, this is the first or second time ever! I was horrified. I wasn't speeding, tailgating, or suffering from a serious case of road rage. What was my offense, you ask? Talking on my cell phone. It was so silly. I know better. I had the silly little ear piece sitting right next to me. It was literally a 10 second phone conversation. UGH!!!!!!!!!! I was really hoping the fact that I had Florida plates would help me, but then he asked if I ever lived here and of course I had to say yes because I did. He got me.. he knew that because I had lived here in the past, I couldn't get away with saying, I didn't know. I did know. I had just forgotten to put that little thing in my ear before I answered the call.

It didn't help that the officer who pulled me over was very arogant and smug. I was extremely polite and on the verge of tears because, like I stated, I never get pulled over and I'm a girl. Girls cry easily. He gave me a lecture about "hands-free" and treated me like a two year old. I took it and just wanted it to be over with already. All I'm really thinking during this lecture is:

1) how much is this little mishap going to cost and
2) how is my husband going to react to this and
3) boy do I hope that Christopher has no idea what is happening (he was in the back seat sleeping thankfully)

I am happy to report that I got off with just a warning and I have been faithfully wearing my earpiece ever since.

Five On Friday

Looking for some good books? Here are five books that I am reading this summer:

1) A Jewel in His Crown - by Priscilla Evans Shirer
2) Get Out of that Pit - by Beth Moore
3) Parenting Isn't for Super Heros - by David Clarke (this book is helpful and hilarious)
4) The Parting, The Forbidden and The Longing - The Courtship of Nellie Fischer (ok..that's three books in one series) - by Beverly Lewis
5) The Firstborn Series - by Karen Kingsbury

If you are looking for a great Christian fiction series, I always recommend Beverly Lewis or Karen Kingsbury. My favorite Karen Kingsbury series is the Redemption Series.... trust me.. you will not be able to put those books down. The Redemption Series include (Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice and Reunion). I can't guarantee that you won't cry...

Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...

Remember that little song from Children's Church? (Ok I'm dating myself). I am definitely amazed by how much Chris takes in from day to day conversations. I have 2 funny stories to share.. somewhat embarrassing, but oh well...

A few months ago we were in the Christian Bookstore and Chris instantly went to the Veggie Tale section. He played with everything there and exclaimed that he wanted this toy and that toy, etc. He already owned several of those toys so Steve explained that "you don't need them.. you already have it at home". He had to restate this a few times to Chris during that shopping excursion. After a while, Chris was growing restless, so I figured I'd take him with me to another store in the shopping strip since I had to buy a bridal shower gift for a friend of mine who was getting married. So, we went into a store and I headed over to the lingerie section. As Chris and I are wandering through that department, he loosens his hand from mine, runs over to the bra section, reaches up with his little hands...GRABS A BRA and SQUEEZES it and then turns to me and exclaims "Mommy, you don't need this.. you already have one at home." Yes... I about died from laughter. I don't think anyone else heard him, but I thought it was classic.

Second scenario... Recently I was in the restroom at home and for those of you who are moms, you know that there is no privacy when you have small children, even in your bathroom. So, Chris walks in on me and sits on the floor. He grabs my hands and then exclaims "You can do it Mommy... Good Girl! It'll make your tummy feel better. Mommy... you'll get a gold star if you do poopie" I was in hysterics.. here he is encouraging me with the same words I used to encourage him while taking care of business. Too precious.

Well, there you go. More than you needed to or wanted to know from inside the trenches of motherhood.

Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

No matter where you live in the US, you are sure to encounter some type of critter... in Florida I had to deal with all sorts of insects, creepy crawly things, snakes and alligators. Thankfully, the closest I ever got to an alligator was seeing one on the side of the road near my dad's house (and I was in a car). I detest all things that creep and crawl and please don't ask me to kill it... it takes everything within me to kill a spider... just ask my husband (although I'm getting better at it).

Anyway, here in NJ I thought I'd be back to "normal". Insects that I've dealt with before (ants, spiders, deer, etc.) I guess mentally I didn't think a bear would be thrown into the equation. Well, last week, I took Chris to a little play area right inside our development of townhomes. We had been there plenty of times since we moved in and it gives him a chance to work out all that "boy" energy. So, on this particular day we were there in the early afternoon minding our own business. About 20 minutes after Chris was playing, one of the neighbors came out of his home and as he was getting into his car he called over to me. "Ma'am.. (I hate being called Ma'am...but I'll save that for another blog entry) "You better be careful. There was a bear walking around this park and these townhouses about 2 hours ago... and it was really big" Ok, Chris... we are done. Let's go home! I hightailed it out of there and have cautiously returned to the play area.

When I told my hubby about it, we started thinking.. what in the world would I have done if confronted by a bear??? I knew I couldn't outrun it, or outclimb it. I could start ringing doorbells and pray for someone to be home. I honestly didn't know how to handle a bear. So, I did some research and found out some pretty funny stuff.

How to Escape a Bear:

1) If the bear has not seen you, or if you are in bear country: Announce your presence: talk loudly, sing, or carry "bear bells" so bears have time to escape you. Anyone have a bear bell?? Can I get one for Christmas??

2) If the bear sees you, begin speaking in a low, calm voice (it doesn’t matter what you say) and retreat slowly, keeping an eye on the bear but avoiding direct eye contact.

3) Stand tall, even if the bear charges you. (Are they nuts??? )If the bear sees you and is closer than 300 feet, or if the bear is approaching you, remain calm and try to look as large as possible. (Maybe I should wear high heels to the park to look larger). Try to back away slowly—do not run—and speak softly. If the bear continues to approach as you back away, stop and stand your ground. (yeah, right.) Speak more loudly in a deep, calm voice, and wave you arms to make yourself look bigger. Keep an eye on the bear, but avoid direct eye contact.

4) Play dead if a grizzly bear makes a non-predatory attack. If the bear (other than a black bear) is attacking you in self-defense, you can put it at ease (and save yourself) by playing dead by lying completely flat on the ground. (I honestly couldn't bring myself to do this.. I'd be scared out of my mind). Do so only after the bear makes contact with you or tries to do so.

Maybe some of my more bear saavy friends have some advice for me... bring it on. Or maybe some of your former Royal Rangers... any tips?

I am attempting to find my way around my new very small town. I'm not in Queens, Tampa or even Lancaster anymore. I've lived in "small towns" before, but, with the exception of Grantham, PA (Where my college was located) this is the smallest town I have ever lived in. I seriously laughed when they delivered my new phone book to my front door. It was the size of a small novel... my phone book in Lancaster was HUGE compared to this one.

Anyway... I'm finding out that sometimes in small town America, it is hard to "fit in" with the locals. The people are generally friendly enough... but it is so hard sometimes when you are not born and raised in a place where everyone and their mother knows you because they had your mom in Sunday School... or so and so gave you piano lessons (you get my drift). I was in the library with little guy yesterday and was basically snubbed by the two ladies who work there. They were gushing over all the kids they know and literally paid no mind to me and Chris even though I really tried to reach out to them. Trust me... anyone who knows me knows how hard it is at first for me to be so outgoing.. it's just not in me. I'm a New Yorker for goodness sake. Let me sit back and observe...and then when I feel somewhat comfortable with you, I'll let my guard down. That worked for me my whole life, but I'm a mom now and my son needs me to be more assertive so I'm trying..really trying.

I know God will lead me to some great people here in small town USA... I just need to keep getting out there each day in hopes of meeting them.

Thanks for letting me vent.

A love story

SIX YEARS AGO TODAY....

I was sitting in church next to my Dad just as I had for the previous 3 Sunday mornings. In two more weeks, my dad would be done with rehab (from a stroke he suffered) and I would go back to my life in Lancaster. I missed my friends and I was fortunate enough that my boss was letting me work remotely for the entire month of July. My plan was to move in with my friend Missi once back in Lancaster. Life was good --- I was in a happy place.. great job, great friends and my family was finding a way to move on since Mom's death. Yep... it was just another Sunday morning and yet it changed my life forever.

"Where is Glen?" I thought as the service was just starting. My brother-in-law usually sat close by with my niece and nephew when my sister, Ruth, was playing the piano as she was this Sunday morning. I turned around to see if I could catch a glimpse of him. I saw him several rows back and he caught my eye and rolled his head back as if to tell me to look behind him. I'm thinking.. what in the world?? And then.. I see him... Steve Malave... Steve is looking right at me.. and he mouths my name.. "Beth???" Wow... how long has it been??? I do the math... 15 years!!


Steve & I met 15 years prior while he and Ruth attended NYU. They belonged to the same Christian Club on campus and he invited some friends to go to a Christian Coffee House at his church and she invited me along as well. We went to Brooklyn to pick Steve up and the very first thing he ever said to me was "Ruth said she had a sister, but she never told me how beautiful you are". I about rolled my eyes right then and there... what a "Rico Suave" if you know what I mean... Anyway.. Steve & I would see each other at these coffee houses every month for the next year and a half. We became friends and I think we each had a little crush on the other, but nothing came of it. Then, I went off to Messiah College, and he graduated NYU and moved all around the country. We lost touch... for 15 years


Back to that fateful Sunday... I'm sitting in my pew and thinking to myself.. well, I'm certainly not the thinner 17 year old he knew back then... lots of "life" has happened to me since then and I'm sure to him as well. He might not even like who I am today or even have given me a second thought in all these years. At the end of service, Steve came right over to me though and started talking and it was if a day hadn't passed since our conversations at the coffee house. As I'm talking to Steve, my brother-in-law sticks his head back into the sanctuary, catches my eye and mouths to me "Invite him over for dinner at our house"... So I did and he came. Needless to say, we were all excited on the way home that he was going to come... everyone except Ruth who, as I mentioned, was on the piano that morning and had no idea that Steve was coming to her house for a meal. When she called the house on the way home, she was more excited than anyone when she learned the news. (Ruth had seen Steve at church several times and always wanted us to run into each other).


Of course, I have to mention that my niece (Rachel) and nephew (Matthew) who were about 7 and 5 at the time, could not contain themselves that Aunt Beth was a having a "boy" over for dinner. Minutes before Steve arrived they were saying things like "If you two get married then we'll have two uncle Steves! (My brother's name is also Steve)." So I had to beg or bribe them to please not say that in front of Steve when he arrives. The first thing Rachel said upon Steve's arrival was "You changed your shirt... my Daddy said you'd change your shirt". I wanted to crawl under the table. My poor nephew was promised an afternoon at the pool (that was before Steve was thrown into the equation) so all throughout dinner, Matthew is asking Glen (in front of everyone) "When is he leaving so we can go to the pool?" Steve took it all like a trooper.


The funniest part of that day was during dessert. Steve told me he was going to stop off to pick up a pastry to bring to dinner that day. So, Glen told me if he brings a banana cream pie or a Boston Cream Pie (Glen's favorites) then this was "meant to be".. This would be "the" guy. So, Steve arrives and upon first inspection Glen is bummed because it looks like a fruit tart and some other pie... But, during dessert, Glen takes a bite of one of the pies... about drops his fork and exclaims to me "It's banana cream!" He was so excited. Steve is clueless to the whole thing and I just try to down play my tremendous grin.

Sorry this is so long.. but I get excited every time I think of this special day so long ago. It was the answer to years of prayer. God knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it. I thought my life was great the way it was... but God had something greater in store for me. By the end of that night 6 years ago, I knew Steve was the man God had for me. I didn't tell him that of course (you don't want to scare the guy away).

Happy "reconnect-a-versary" Steve. I'm so glad God brought you back into my life six years ago today. I love you.

Weekend Memories

This weekend we had my sister-in-law, Shirley, and my father-in-law, Domingo, at our new place. We always have a great time together. My favorite memories of this past weekend:

1) Leisurely drive through the Delaware Water Gap
2) Playing Chutes & Ladders and Candyland with little guy
3) Grilling Steaks and Sausage on the deck
4) Ice cream stop at Dairy Queen.... yes, I had the Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard
5) Taking Chris to the playground

We went to church today and Pastor Ireland spoke on Isaiah 40:31.... (see my previous blog)... God is doing some amazing things! He already answered us in a big way this weekend regarding one of the things we were waiting on... more on that some other time.

Enjoy the rest of your weekends!

xoxo

Queen for the Day

I just have to take a minute and gush about my husband. Today is not mother's day... or my birthday... or any "special" day for that matter. But this morning I was greeted with breakfast in bed... "just because". Is that awesome or what??? Chris helped too by bringing up a napkin for me (ok.. he threw it at me, but that counts).

I love you Steve!

xoxo

What Are You Waiting For?

As I mentioned before, I'm a fan of "Jon & Kate Plus 8". This show follows the lives of the Gosselins, a Christian couple that have twin girls and sextuplets. One of the things I love about this couple is that they show their Christianity where they can (because I'm sure the network will not allow them to openly talk too much about their faith). Kate has scripture verses posted on her kitchen cabinets and, in the last few weeks, Jon and Kate have been sporting a tee shirt that has Isaiah 40:31 on it. This verse says:

"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." In my study Bible, it goes on to explain that "waiting on the Lord" should entail confident expectation and active hope in the Lord - never passive resignation. Wow -- did that hit me. How many times have I "waited" for an event or something in my life with dread as opposed to confident expectation? Countless times! It's just a reminder that God has great things for us and we can wait with a positive outlook instead of a "whatever" approach or expecting the worst.

I am waiting for a few things in my life today... but at least I'll be waiting with a better outlook and excitement. How about you?

Five on Friday

Five Favorite Household Products:

1) Glad - Press N Seal -- no lid for your tupperware - no problem. Love this stuff

2) Purell -- germs be gone

3) Swiffer - Even the little guy can help clean the floor with this

4) The Spot Bot -- Best investment EVER.... especially if you have light carpets. This machine zaps out the spots (and pee). You can choose manual or automatic settings. The manual setting allows you to scrub and spray the spot yourself. The automatic lets the machine do all the work for you. Just place the little machine over the spot, press a button and 5-6 minutes later it's done. Awesome. Wish my whole house could be cleaned by pressing an automatic button, don't you?

5) Rubbermaid Easy Find Lid Storage Containers -- I just bought these and love them... the lids actually snap onto the bottom of the container. It takes up so little space and you'll never have to search for a lid again. Love it!

What products do you love? I'm always interested in new things that make my life easier.

It's a Tent !

Chris is the proud owner of a Tent. He picked it out himself at Target the other day. He was so excited he could barely contain himself and has spent countless hours inside the tent, taking small treasures and toys inside as well. Sometimes, he even invites Steve & I inside to join him.

I don't know about you, but we didn't have room in my childhood home for such a tent. (Not that I have much room in our current rental for it either). Growing up, my brother and I would wake up early on a Saturday morning, race downstairs to put on the Smurfs, Tom & Jerry or Scooby Doo, (yes, I'm dating myself) and then we would grab two chairs from the dining room and a sheet or blanket. We would build ourselves a glorious "tent" out of that and would spend lots of time there... just hanging out, watching tv, etc.

I think one of the coolest parts of parenting is watching your child enjoy something that you loved to do as a kid. It doesn't get better than that... well, maybe being in the tent with a bowl of your favorite ice cream would be better.... hmm.. getting hungry.

xoxo

What Is It?

It's red and black and has taken over my living room... more later...