I know, I know...

It's been forever since I posted on here! It's funny, so much has gone on over the last few months that would have been perfect blog material, but I get so swept away by what's going on that I often don't take the time to stop and reflect. So - here is an extremely brief overview of my life over the last couple months (not so interesting to most, I'm sure, but it's mine and I love it).

December - I barely stopped to catch my breath! Samantha turned five on the 4th, and Jackson turned three on the 12th - we had family parties on their actual b-days and then a big joint party with their friends on the 18th. The 22nd was Brian and my 6th wedding anniversary, but now that I think about it I don't think we really did anything to celebrate. Oh, that's right, we were at Brian's dad's for Christmas that weekend.

January - Brian started back to his MBA classes, I pulled the kids out of their preschool program for various reasons. And one Friday in January was what we now refer to as "Sam's Accident". I won't go into the scary details - but if your reading this and want the full story just let me know. Sam had a bad fall that knocked her out cold. Her two top front teeth were basically knocked out - they were hanging by a thread. We spent the entire day in the ER, and then had an emergency dental appointment the next morning. It took about 3 weeks for her to fully recover, but she is fine and back to her old self now (well, except for those 2 front teeth!). Thank God it was baby teeth! It will take about 12-18 months for her new teeth to come in, but at the end of the day we are so thankful that is the only thing wrong.

Februaury - So far we have celebrated Kellye's 27th birthday! Dang, we're getting so freakin' old! Sometimes I still think of Kellye as the skinny little girl who needed me to beat guys up on the school bus to get them to leave her alone - but now she could probably beat me up! We had a great weekend-long birthday celebration at my parents' house, where we had an authentic North-African meal made by Kellye (it was weird, but really good).

Ok, those are the major highlights! Like I said, not a great adventure in some eyes I'm sure - but as for me - I am overcome with disbelief and gratitude at the amazing life God has given me. I wouldn't change it for anything.

Buy Some Books!!

Ok guys, I'm hosting an Usborne books e-show this week! If you'd like to order some books for the little ones in your life (and you KNOW you do) - just go to this link: :

www.ubah.com/HOS68263

The books will be shipped directly to you the next business day after you place the order! If you've never seen Usborne books - they're the best books out there for children - really.

Thanks!!

Baby Aaron is finally here!!

Aaron Michael Crain was born on Sunday morning, October 8th at 9:22 am! He weighed 7 lbs 3 oz, and is 20 3/4 inches long. He is absolutely beautiful, and looks a little bit like both Sarah and Jeremy!

If you can't find me anytime in the next few weeks...I'm probably in Hendersonville with them!

Edited to say - AAAHHH Sam, Jack and I have been so sick so I haven't been able to go see him...it's KILLING ME!!!

What The Bible Says About Healthy Living

It's a multi-billion-dollar industry: dieting. Every year, someone comes up with a new spin on the age-old question of how to stay fit. When I was growing up, we dutifully memorized the food pyramid. I was shocked to learn recently that the food pyramid wasn't based on true scientific research, but on government subsidy politics. So, once again, we're told to learn something new.

Thankfully, one book never changes: the Bible. That's why Dr. Rex Russell's book should be on every parent's bookshelf: it serves as a companion to God's Word, explaining in laymen's terms how to eat based on the Creator's plan.

Despite our massive improvements in sanitation, nutrition, and medical research, studies show the average American's lifespan could DECREASE by as much as five years in the coming decades. Why is that? It's because we eat too much, eat the wrong things, and we're too FAT! More than 60% of adults and 30% of children are overweight or obese, putting themselves at a higher risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and a variety of other illnesses.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HEALTHY LIVING is based on three simple principles: 1) Eat the foods God created for you. 2) Don't alter God's design. 3) Don't let any food or drink become your God. This book also has a chapter on fasting, which is a topic everyone needs to understand. You see examples of it throughout the Bible, but how many of us actually practice it habitually? I know that I for one was never taught the importance and signifigance of fasting, it was only referred to in Bible storries. It never occured to me as being something I could and should be doing.

Dr. Russell tells the case of a nine-year-old girl with severe dyslexia who was undergoing expensive therapies and treatments, yet still couldn't read. The surprise came after she fasted a few days from having the flu. She could read! Her parents discovered her learning problems were diet-related. They learned she was sensitive to sugar, corn, white flour, margarine, honey, and other frequently eaten foods.

I think many kids who are diagnosed with ADD and other disorders could be cured through cutting processed food out of their diets and getting hours and hours of fresh air and exercise outside instead of being forced to sit still indoors. Easier said than done, of course. But it's still a lifestyle to aim for. I know I see a HUGE difference in my 2 children when they are eating fresh, and whole grain foods instead of sugar and processed foods. It's not easy, though, when they go to preschool 2 days a week and get cookies and sugary cool aid or when they spend the weekend with Granny who has a stash of candy in her van!

My friend, Donna, who recommended this book to me, has been following the principles of the book for 8 years now and has literally not been sick with so much as a cold since she started! I can feel an amazing difference in how I feel after just a few days of eating all natural, fresh foods. While the physical difference is huge, the mental difference I feel has surpised me. I feel sharper, able to think more clearly, and 100% less fatigued.

Warning : read this book and you will cringe at the thought of eating white bread, or processed and sugary foods again!! But your mind and body will thank you.

We Cause Scenes

Ok, if you have never gone the Improv Everywhere website then you are missing out! I laugh out-loud - hysterically - every time I read it. This group in NYC does this crazy, random stuff in public places and it's absolutely halarious...
My favorites are "Best Buy" - where 80 "agents" went into Best Buy dressed as employees in blue shirts and khaki pants; and "Suicide Jumper" where a man is threatening to commit suicide by jumping from a 4-ft ledge.
There are lots of pictures and videos on the website - and I'm telling you it is so worth checking out. Sooo funny!
I have the link over on the right...

Colorado or BUST!

Yep, we're finally doing! We're REALLY moving to Colorado!

We hope to have the house on the market in about 2 weeks, and as soon as it sells we'll leave. We are praying for a quick sell so that this won't be a drawn out process, but if it doesn't sell quickly then we will thank God for another lesson in patience and God's timing.

We are so excited about the adventure that awaits us! I can't wait to see the kids' faces when they see the mountains for the first time, and go sledding for the first time. I have dreams of sitting around the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa on Christmas Eve with my family. Dreams of hiking up Pikes Peak in the Spring, and sitting at the top in amazement.

Don't worry, I know that moving over 1000 miles away and adjusting to a new home will not be easy, or all fun and games. I will be stressful and difficult at times. But, I am just so excited to see what God has in store for us there - including the lessons we will learn from the difficulties of moving to a new place. God never said that following Him would be easy, but He did promise it would be rewarding.

Leaving the people here that we love so much is going to be the hardest part of the whole thing. This will be the first time in my life to live so far away from my sister (with the exception of the few months she was in Africa last year). My parents only moved back from Mexico less than a year ago. And then there are the friends I've made here, who may as well be family. Saying goodbye to SarahK and SarahC in Nashville will be one of the hardest things I've ever done. And the thought of saying goodbye to my friends here in Memphis brings tears to my eyes already. Although I am excited that Cindy actually did a job search in Colorado Springs - hey Cindy - from what I hear COS is a huge biking community!! ;)

I'm so thankful for the support we've recieved from almost everyone on this "crazy" decision we've made! Whoo-Hoo...guess I need to dig up that Skiing For Dummies book Brian's dad gave me the first time I went to Wyoming...:)

"Jonathan Edwards Is My Homeboy"

Check the newstands next week for an issue of Christianity Today that is already raising controversy. From what I can tell,
the article "Young, Restless, Reformed" discusses the rise
in the number of young Christian's embracing Calvanism and
the effect that is having on the church. While I am not usually a fan of Christianity Today, I am very anxious to get my hands on this issue! The idea that more and more are adopting a reformed theology is exciting to me on a couple of levels. For now, I will just say this: it's exciting to me that the people of my generation are actually thinking for themselves, and searching the Bible for their theological ideas instead of going to their denominational guide like so many others before us have done. Based on people I'e talked to and articles/books I have read, I think that the generation that came into it's 20's and 30's in the 80's and early 90's in general didn't truly seek the Lord for theological truths. They just believed what Pastor Joe Shmoe said from the pulpit on Sunday morning, and whatever the Baptist Faith and Message said on page 165 (or whatever other denominational belief statement - the BF&M is just the only one I actually know the name of!). I just pray that John Calvin hasn't replaced Pastor Joe Shmoe. Just because someone has sound, Biblical philosophies (which he does) - doesn't mean they should replace God or his writings should replace the Word of God.
Anyway, i just wanted to give a heads-up to be watching for this issue in the next week. I'm not sure the exact date it comes out. I'm sure I'll have more to say on this after I read the article!

Is it faith to understand nothing, and merely submit your convictions implicitly to the Church?

WOW - That hurt!!

Ok, speaking as someone who has had 2 c-sections and has had mastitis a total of 10 (yes, TEN) times - I KNOW real pain up close and personal. Well, today I experienced a new kind of pain I never even knew existed...

The kids and I were playing with the dog in Jack's room, when Sam and I decided to come into the living room. For what, I cannot remember for the life of me. So, we were walking down the hall when Sam says "whoa, be careful mom there's a..." "OOOOWWWWW"....Too late, I had already stepped on the screw sticking up on the floor - and it was already halfway through my foot. Oh the pain, oh the blood, oh the screaming children...

I plopped down on the floor and start working on getting the darn thing out, while trying to calm the kids down at the same time. There is nothing quite so disconcerting as seeing a big 1 inch long screw sticking out of one's foot. And i'm not talking about a dainty little screw either - i'm talking mega screw - like you could drill into a concrete wall!!!

I ended up having to un-screw it from my foot, one little bit at a time. Oh the pain, oh the blood, oh the screaming children! I finally got it out and have a very strange looking hole in the bottom of my foot. I managed to hop around to put in a video for the kids and pop some popcorn.

So, here I sit feeling a bit nauseous just from telling the story! Thank God we went to Blockbuster today and the kids have Peter Pan and Lion King to watch this evening!

Melanie

Sam and Jack's Quotes of the Day -

Samantha -
"Mom, there is something vaguely familiar about this Veggie Tales..."

Jackson-
"Let's change Shelby's name to booger, I like that better."

Samantha-
"Jack, you're such a riot!"

Jackson-
"We can't move to a new house, I would miss my toys."

Aaah, these really are the best days of my life, aren't they?

I miss International Friends...

The time is getting close for International Friends to start meeting again. Without me. I'm so sad. These ladies have grown to be like family over the years, and it brings me such joy to see them go from barely being able to say hello to speaking English well enough to find a job or to talk to their child's teacher. I hate church politics. I hate that we have to leave our church that we love so much, and that I have to give up this position with International Friends that I love so much.

No one really knows what a big deal it is to me, I mean REALLY knows. Except maybe Brian. It's strange to me that I was involved with International Friends for over 4 years, and no one ever came to see what it is that i did, what it is that got me so excited. And now it's too late for anyone to see even if they wanted to, because I won't be going back.

Blech. I know that God has plan in all of this, but in the meantime I sure hate going through it. I wish that the men and women who are celebrating their "victory" in this whole church battle would realize what it's done to the little people like me. I know, I'm being selfish and pouty...but it's my blog! Besides I'm pretty sure Kellye is the only one who reads this. Which if fine with me, it's more for myself really.

My Little Video Game Junkie...

Jackson has a new love...Super Mario Brothers! He has beat me twice now at Mario Kart (of course Brian and Kellye can attest to how "good" I am). He also loves Mario World, and is surprisingly good at it. Sam's game of choice...Zelda! She's definately the thinker in the family.

A few years ago I would have scoffed at the thought of my 2 and 4 yr olds playing Nintendo. But you know what...they're using their brains! Instead of sitting in the front of the tv like zombies on a hot Memphis day, they're developing cognitive skills as well as hand-eye coordination.

so there!

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join Em!

I've never been a big follower, not really a leader either...just like to do my own thing. So, when half my friends and family joined Weight Watchers I wasn't the least bit interested in joining. Maybe it's my rebellious nature, I just don't like to do what everyone else is doing - even it's a good thing! I wasn't about to jump onto one more diet bandwagon.

Well, after watching my friends get smaller and smaller I thought - I thought "what have I got to lose?" (I know...40 pounds). So today makes day seven of my Weight Watchers journey, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with the rest of America - Weight Watchers really IS the best way to lose weight! I can see that this is not really a diet, but a lifestyle change.

Tonight is my first weigh in since starting WW......

to be continued....

My Ballerina...

Samantha decided she wanted to take ballet lessons, so we signed her up for ballet camp at church. She is going every day for 2 weeks. I love that she is so into it, and wanting to the girly thing - but still doing it with her own personal style and twist...

To God Be The Glory

My recent blog about the loss of femininity in our culture today has led to me to reflect on my attitude toward my own role as a woman, wife, and mother. There are so many days when I don't act like the crown of God's creation that I am. And there are days that I don't appreciate who God has created me to be, or the role He has called me to play. It is evident when you look at my messy kitchen, or the stack of laundry in the hallway - I am not living up to the what God created me to be. As Brian's helper, it is my job to lighten his load - but I fear I often just add to it. I should be showing my love for Brian (and God), by making my home a peaceful sanctuary where he can rest. That's not easy to do with two children and a dog, but isn't it my job to try? This needs to be a home he longs to be in. He should be able to walk into the house after a long day at work and not have to worry about if there will be any dinner tonight, or if he has clean clothes for tomorrow.

Even if Brian wasn't the wonderful husband that he is, all of this would still be my "job" because when it comes down to it - it's all about God, not Brian or me. That's Ephesians says "submit to one another as to the Lord."

I should be running a better household just for the pure glory of God!

Ok, I'm off to put on some dish gloves and get to work! :)

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

--C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Not In Vain

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

EMILY DICKENSON

Femininity Lost

I've been involved in an ongoing discussion with a group of moms in my area concerning the website www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com. The women who contribute to this site are really articulate writers, especially considering that they advocate girls not needing an education. While on a VERY basic level, I agree with them, their views are extreme.

I don't conider myelf a feminist in the least, and I think the feminist movement has contributed to taking away something very precious - our FEMININITY! Woman is the crown of God's creation. It was the the 6th day, and everything was perfect - but God said "it is not good" without woman! Creation came to a finale with woman, and I personally think we should bask in that and enjoy what God created us to be.

Woman was created in God's image, just like man. That means that not only are the things that make us women ok, they are reflections of God himself! We are sensitive because HE is sensitive, we are jealous because He is jealous, we long for adventure and romance because God does too!!

I don't want to be a man, or anything like a man. I think it's pretty cool that the world, in all it's perfection, was incomplete without ME. Creation reached it's zenith in me! We're pretty darn special girls, why would we want to give that up?

Now, was I created to change diapers, clean and cook dinner for my entire life? NO - thank God for that because I would lose my mind if that was all there was for me! Proverbs 31 clearly explains that woman has been called to do so much more, including providing for her family financially! As a SAHM, it is my job to keep the house clean, etc - that was my choice when I decided not to work. But I also conribute to my family financially through selling on Ebay. I also enjoy studying languages, and just learning new things in general.

So, while I appreciate these ladies' conviction and agree with them on the surface- I think they are way on the extreme side of anti-feminism. This site encourages women not to get an education past high school, and that they need either a husband or parents to take care of them. What about relying on God? I know some very strong, independent, Christian, single women who live on their own and still maintain their femininity. And I can submit to and serve my husband joyfully and still be a strong, intelligent woman.

God did not call us to be weak and desolate, but strong in Christ.

If you're reading this and this topic interests you at all, I recommend reading the book Captivating by John and Staci Eldridge - it has rocked my world.

HOT HOT HOT

What is it about the Memphis heat that gets to me? I've lived in/visited places where it gets much hotter. The thing about Memphis is 1)it's so humid I feel like I'm suffocating and 2)there is NOTHING fun to do to keep cool. Yeah, we could go to the mall yet again - but then I would just buy something, and God knows I don't have the money. Yeah, we could go see a movie AGAIN - along with everyone else in town. If we had a pool, I would definately be in it right now instead of sitting under a fan guzzling diet coke.
At the same time, I am kinda thankful for a day at home with the kids. They've been really good today, too, except for when I talked on the phone for a little too long and Jack got bored. So, he decided to paint his toenails...pink...along with the rug and the couch. Yeah, I worry about that boy. The scariest part is that he did a pretty good paint job, especially for a 2 yr old. Maybe I'll get him to paint mine for me when he wakes up from his nap.
Tonight is "daddy date night" for Samantha. They're going to have dinner at the American Cafe, and then walk around the mall. She's pretty excited about it. I may let Jack decide what him and I will eat...I'm sure we'll have a McWonderful time.
Wow, this may be the most boring blog ever written. If you've stumbled upon this site, I'm sure you're thinking "good grief...get a life!" - that is if you've even made it that far. Some of you have forgetten than you were even reading anything, and are watching tv or talking to the person in the cubicle next to you.
Well, if you want to, bear (bare?) with me. I trully can be quite interesting. Just wait until I start rambling about minivans, Dragon Tales, and scrapbooking...now that will be gripping!