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...

Quiet Time

I like to find "a spot" in each home where I can go to have my quiet time. A place just for me to think, relax, ponder life and, most importantly, to have my daily devotions. Today I found my new spot -- it's the rocking chair in my bedroom. Shortly after Steve and I got married, my father-in-law gave us the rocking chair he bought for his wife when she was pregnant with Steve. It's a beautiful dark wooden chair, that has been cared for with much love through the years. It has no signs of wear on it, except for the handles, where your fingers would rest. I imagine Steve's mom stroked that handle as I found myself doing this morning because they are etched out so nicely and it's so soothing. I couldn't use the rocking chair for quiet time because it was in the living room and there was usually too much activity going on in there.

As I was rocking on the chair this morning reflecting on my devotions, I began thinking about my mother-in-law "Lola". I never met Lola because she had passed away before Steve & I reconnected 6 years ago. Even so, I feel like I've known her my whole life just from the stories her children and my father-in-law have shared with me. I found myself wondering what prayers she prayed from that chair...prayers for her unborn baby, and maybe even a prayer for me his future wife. I find comfort and a closeness to her in that chair and I pray that I can be a Godly mother for my son as Lola was to her children. I think she is smiling down from heaven when she sees me spending my quiet time in her chair. It is by far one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

Ahhhh....

The movers came bright and early on Saturday morning and worked all day moving our things into our new digs. The only broken item was a television which Steve will happily be replacing with a flatscreen in the future (once we get a refund from the moving company).

It always rains when I move... seriously. I went off to college, it rained. I moved to Pennsylvania, it rained. I moved from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, it rained. You get the picture. So, if you ever need to know what kind of weather to expect and you know I'm moving that day.... you can be assured that it will rain. (Sorry Liz if you had rain for your BBQ on Sat.)

Today I went food shopping. Ugh - I really don't like the "first" supermarket experience when you have just moved. So much stuff to stock up on and when you have a active 4 year old in tow, well, you get the picture. We made it out of there alive. Ever since having a child I have a new approach to food shopping. I always have my handy dandy list and it's a dash and run. No time to look around... just in and out before little man has a meltdown. Seriously, shopping has become a chore and something I'd rather not have to do. Not to mention that little guy still likes.. um.. I mean insists on investigating the restroom in any establishment we enter.

Well, I'm sure my shopping excursion will seem like fun compared to the unpacking that awaits me this afternoon. With any luck, I'll find some of my clothes... I feel like I've been living in the same 4 outfits for a year rather than 2 weeks.

The Move That Never Ends....

I can't believe I have to type this... but.... the move is NOT OVER!!!! As unbelievable as it is, our movers did not come today as promised. They did not even call. On Monday, the moving company called to confirm their arrival today between 8 and 10 am. So at 9:50 am, I had hubby call them just to make sure they are on their way. It was then we got the news that "they just found out" that the moving truck had some mechanical problem and that it had to return to it's home base ... IN FLORIDA! Yes... all of our things are still in Florida... 8 days after the moving truck picked it up... it's probably 20 miles from our old home. It's outrageous.

At first I was really mad... the "Ugly Sicilian" was rearing it's head. For those of you who know me well, know that it takes a lot to put me over the edge... and once I get there, it's not pretty - therefore the nickname. Actually, most of you who have seen the Ugly Sicilian have laughed at me because those episodes are so far and few between and out of character (I hope). Anyway, after a few minutes I calmed down, because I know that everything happens for a reason and that God has everything under control. For whatever reason, I don't have to stress about this. Am I disappointed that I'm still not living in our house? Yes. But, today hubby and I chose to focus on the positive like the fact that we are living in the same state and that we are all healthy and that we are blessed.

I know most of you are thinking what I was thinking --- REFUND! For now they are putting us up in a nearby hotel until Saturday. If for some reason, I am writing a similar story in my blog on Saturday... then we'll have to take some further action.

In the meantime, I'm taking a poll -- how many of you think my things will finally arrive on Saturday? Trust me.. no one is more anxious to stop blogging about my move then me.

The Truck is Coming!

Today Chris & I will travel to our new place to rejoin Steve who has been up there since Sunday night (he had to go back to work on Monday). Tomorrow the moving trucks arrive so we can finally begin settling in. It feels like I left Florida a month ago and not just one week ago. Chris is very anxious to see his toys. I have to keep reassuring him that all his possessions are on the big truck and that he will see all of his favorite things again very soon. I'm sure this move feels more like a year to him rather than a week.

Other than that, I've been trying to take it easy as I know the hard work is coming... all that unpacking and trying to find a place for all of our things. We had a yard sale before moving here, but I have a feeling we still will need to be creative in storing things. My new master closet is 1/4 the size of the one I had in Florida. That won't be so bad in the winter (because I have very few winter clothes since I spent the last 4 years in Florida).. but I have a huge summer/spring wardrobe. I'm sure it will all work out... or maybe Chris will share part of his closet with Mommy.

Five on Friday

Five Modern Day Technologies That Would Have Been Helpful When I Was In College:

1) The Internet - for research on those dreaded papers or to find movie times
2) A Cell Phone - No waiting to use the telephone or having to pull over to use a pay phone.
3) GPS - To easily guide you on our trips to Inner Harbor, DC, or Myrtle Beach... or our other favorite getaways.
4) IPod - Back in the day we had "Walkmans"
5) TiVo - This beats a VCR any day of the week. It is my all-time favorite modern day convenience. In fact, we are going to have 2 DVRs in our new place.

We Made It!

Chris & I arrived safely on Monday. Thankfully, there was only a 1 1/2 hour delay in my flight this time as opposed to the 3 hour delay last time. Chris was great and slept the entire flight! That was a total blessing because I was completely exhausted emotionally and physically. I guess I didn't remember how draining it is to say goodbye and to pack up an entire house. I'd like to give a big "THANK YOU" to my father-in-law who flew down to Florida to help us pack up our things and is driving to NJ with my hubby as I type this.

Chris & I drove to our new home yesterday and got the keys so all we need now is for the movers to show up sometime in the next week with our things. In the meantime, Chris & I are hanging out with Tio Ruben and Titi Shirley. I think all in all we are doing well.. I just wish I knew what day of the week it is.. I'm so "out of it" so to speak.

Going, Going...Gone!

The boxes have been packed and labeled with care
Our walls once filled with photos are now empty and bare

With each painful good-bye, tears are flowing
Voices echoing, "We wish you weren't going!"

Thank You Lord, for this home and the love that dwelt here
Our friends and family from Florida, we will always hold dear