The One with the Muth

Wonderful snippets from the Pastor-Spouse Retreat.

Frankenmuth, MI post Snowfest weekend.

Chinese buffet in a German tourist town.

Room with a king sized bed and poolside entrance.

Seeing old friends.

Talking with recently made friends.

Making new friends.

Not being the "noobs."

Hearing a totally new perspective of Galatians 6:9.

(Do not lose heart in doing the beautiful.

You may not see the fruit of your work soon. Or ever in this life.

Speaking of fruit.

I learned Galatians 5:22-23 is about the FRUIT of the Spirit.

Not the fruitS of the Spirit.

It's not a pick and choose thing.

It's all or none.)

Worshipful music. Solid musicians.

Delicious dinner of the Western persuasion.

A Kroger run for nighttime snacks.

Pepper Jack Cheez-Its and Diet Coke in BED!

Late night trip to the adults only pool and hot tub.

Glory.

Had an...entertaining...conversation with a slightly buzzed couple.

Who then invited us to the in-house bar.

Glad they enjoyed our company and weren't deterred by our "title."

Walking around downtown through beautifully enormous snowflakes fluttering down all around us.

Buy 3 slices of fudge, get one free plus a bag of almonds.

Spending time with Dale and Pam.

Taking crazy photos. Examples to follow.

Chocolate peanut butter CHEESE?! Who does that?! NOT cool, Muth, not cool.

Coupons. Enough said.

A late afternoon treadmill date after an early afternoon nap.

Watching stoic pastors get a little crazy during a "rodeo."

Spending quality time with my husband. Different environments are surprisingly refreshing.

Catching up with Emily. What a wonderful woman. I heart her.

This is me. About to be awesome at lassoing a saddle.

My excitement displayed itself in a shrill cry of, "I got it!"

Many of the 150+ attendees got quite the laugh from that.

This is where we found our fudge.

I picked out chocolate peanut butter (fudge, not cheese.)

Kevin chose chocolate raspberry.

(eew. he's smart. knows I won't want to snitch any of it.)

walking around downtown with Dale and Pam.

Enjoying the sights of snow and ice sculptures at Snowfest.

my husband is funny.

here, he is trying to imitate this bearded dragon lizard thing.

us in front of the real life Atlantis.

NOOOO! DON'T EAT MY HUSBAND! please?

Here, I will sacrifice myself in his place.

Scapegoat if you will.

best pose ever.

Simba and Nala.

Kevin and Mel.

It's true love.

a covered bridge.

trying to be as cool as the covered bridges from my hometown.

and check out the snowflakes.

I love this photo.

It captures our silliness.

My sheer joy and laughter of being with him.

He thinks it's lame.

That it looks like I'm mocking him as he tries to kiss me.

you be the judge.

ahh, yes, the one and only Bavarian Inn Lodge.

A few of the many who got into costume for the Western Theme of the night.

I will admit it.

We were party poopers.

Or so it appeared.

But we're just not costume people.

Though I thoroughly enjoy looking at those who are.

As you can tell, we had a lovely time.

Now, I will return to my long-awaited inter-library-loan copy of Redemption.

Large print edition.

awesome.

The One where She Can't Keep From Singing

Hmm.

Things I did not do this weekend.

MckMama has quite a list of her own "not me" confessions.

Here are a few of mine.

When asked by our teens if all the brownies were gone

I certainly did not say, "Nope!" after having put away the remaining morsels of chocolately goodness to enjoy myself later on.

I wouldn't be that sneaky!

(And though the previous situation never happened, I will admit that I told two of the girls where to find the leftovers.

Boys just eat too many, too fast!)

I did not thoroughly enjoy joining forces with my husband and Pastor Dale and Pam

as we utterly embarrassed their teenage son, Chris with not-so-subtle comments of what may or may not happen behind closed doors these next two days while we are all at the Pastor-Spouse Retreat.

Nope, not me!

I would never relish in someone's red face, nor would I make mention of the marriage bed.

Never!

I have just recently been in contact with my choir director from college as I help one of our high school seniors in the audition process.

It was great talking to him again and I was touched when he included a link to this YouTube video which my friend, Britt, happened to have uploaded in 2007.

The recording is from our Spring Concert after returning from Choir Tour.

Singing How Can I Keep From Singing, here is the Spring Arbor University Concert Choir with yours truly singing the soprano solo and my good friend, Stella, singing alto.

I'm definitely not rather impressed with the number of views (18k+) this video has received

and am honored by many of the comments.

I was not thrilled with the privilege to perform.

(I do, however, apologize in advance for all but the last phrase of the song. EEeeek! Stupid cracking voice.)

And it certainly wasn't me who was excited to have her long ago performance acknowledged this way by her director.

Nope, not me.

The One with a Few Challenges

I am tired.

I have been busy.

And thus more likely to prefer lounging in my big comfy chair

than on this much less wonderful desk chair.

Oh, how I miss the days I spent with my iBook.

RIP, iBook.

Our time together was sweet.

And much too short lived.

I digress.

After spending my first day on the job in the fifth grade

kindergarten was quite a drastic change.

A lovely change really.

I simply cannot resist the adorable age of five.

And I had "young fives" at that.

The little voices.

The smiles.

The hug requests.

The spontaneous tears.

The snot.

The incessant noise.

The simple forms of discipline.

The excitement.

The love.

All of it, good and not so good, was truly enjoyable.

Someone asked me my favorite part of working with the kindergarteners.

Another asked if there was crying over minuscule mishaps.

There were DEFINITELY tears.

I believe both sets of tears had to do with their "card system"--

they each start on a green card,

then if discipline is needed it moves to yellow,

then orange,

then red.

When they get red they must go to the office.

The same boy who cried when he got a yellow

bawled at the end of the day because he didn't get to choose a piece of candy

which students received if their cards remained green all day.

My heart broke at the same time I suppressed a giggle.

Oh, to be five again!

I think my favorite part (of my two days of subbing) was that I was being responsible for actually teaching them.

That's the difference between elementary subbing

and high school subbing like Kevin is doing.

At the older age, most subs are left with homework assignments to pass out and nothing else.

At the younger age, I have the same students for the entire day and the show must go on! :D

It's frightening but exhilarating at the same time.

Kind of like sky diving.

Or maybe not.

It's also wonderful to walk down the halls after dismissal and hear little voices

shouting, "Mrs. Eccles!" or "Mrs. E!"

Makes me feel like I spent my time well.

I invested it.

When I arrived home I had already stopped at the library.

After all, we have an official Friday night tradition.

Which I absolutely love.

Homemade pizza and a (library) movie night.

My wonderful Kevin had started the pizza dough for me.

And I picked out three films that had actually been on my "to watch" list.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

The Duchess.

Cold Mountain.

We chose Ben Button for Friday night.

It was long.

Quite a marathon.

But very intriguing. Very good.

And by 9:50 both of us were exhausted and ready for bed.

Glory.

And we didn't set alarms!

We "slept in" until almost 8am.

Even though I was awake at 5.

Gosh darn it.

I worked out. We had awesome French Toast.

Then Kevin came with me on our grocery hunt.

I decided to indulge his cravings for Taco Bell

and we spent a long hour there talking and talking.

I enjoyed my cinnamon twists immensely.

I then met Britt in Ann Arbor.

We had a girls day.

Much needed.

Much fun.

We visited the apartment complex she and Nick hope to get into soon.

Which would be great because it's right near the Sam's Club we frequent.

Then we found out Jennie and Nich were in the area at their "home away from home"--

the Ronald McDonald House.

Conveniently located right next to the Children's Hospital.

Where their three babies have been in the NICU for the last 130 days.

For the first time, I was privileged to visit all of them.

Touch their little hands.

Hear their tiny cries.

See pour Landon's bodies pulse with the ventilator.

Experience for a just moment the life Jennie & Nich have been living for months.

And then watch them as the reality hit them--

they were going to be taking home their first baby that evening!

Brennan is home!

And Brooklyn is just a few days behind.

What a miracle.

I am so thankful for that visit.

Britt and I spent a little more time together and then parted ways.

That evening was another one of relaxation.

I ate some leftover chili and we watched yet another movie.

Cold Mountain this time.

This was also two and one-half hours long.

But oh so entertaining.

There were great one liners in almost every scene.

And it just drew the viewer into the drama.

There was romance.

And war.

And suspense.

Every aspect of a film I enjoy.

(Though I must admit, I was quite shocked at the intimate scene. Eek. too much.)

Tonight proved to be a great time spent with our teens.

Youth group seems to be extending to three hours

now that the entire church is participating in small groups

for discussion of Max Lucado's Fearless.

Which is totally a great "problem" to have. :)

Our time of honest sharing was great.

I was thrilled to see so many of them listening intently as I shared my own personal experiences with the fear of not mattering (tonight's topic).

And to hear their answers to the question, "When do you feel significant?"

One girl said she always feels important to Kevin and I.

And that right there was proof that it's all worth it.

That's what it's all about for us.

To love them and make certain they know we care.

So that they may see glimpses of the immense concern our God has for them.

I challenged them to read Psalm 139 this week.

And not just read it but understand it.

And not just understand it but soak in its truth.

To being to know they are exactly as they are.

And I challenge you to do the same.

The One with the Subbing Newbie

Wednesday was my first day as an official substitute teaching in the calling system.

But I'm thankful I didn't get called.

As we joined many in our church conference for a day of Prayer and Fasting.

For Haiti.

For the response teams.

For the work of the Holy Spirit to be done.

For Haitian pastors.

For our sponsored children.

For the provision of basic needs.

For rebuilding and restoring.

This day-long fast was so much easier than the one we did in November.

Having totally changed eating habits has been a tremendous blessing.

I didn't even realize how I was overeating.

As if I was scared to feel hungry.

But now I've learned the beauty that is a hunger pang.

And the greatness that is a lack of uncomfortable bellies.

Now that I'm used to being hungry the fast seemed so much more natural.

Less like torture.

Allowing for easier focus on the prayer topics at hand.

I did, however, start complaining of "starvation" around 3pm.

But within an instant I was reminded

of all those people trapped in the rubble for days and weeks at a time.

No food or drink.

Sustained by God alone.

And suddenly I could complain no longer.

Thank you, Lord for your overflowing blessings in my life.

All those things I take for granted.

Clothing. And lots of it.

Clean water. An endless supply.

A dry home. With room to spare.

Cupboards and fridge filled. Never fearful of true starvation.

And the list goes on and on.

What do you take for granted?

For what should we be giving God praise?

-------

Back the "official sub" thing.

Today was my first day on the job.

I was actually able to secure the position last night online.

Which allowed for a much more planned out morning.

I taught a 5th grade classroom.

From 8:48-3:40.

And let me tell you, I was a bit nervous.

A bit excited.

But when some of your friends warn you about those kids at that school the worry factor increases.

I was determined to go in with confidence.

And I did just that.

I did my best to maintain authority and order.

However.

That classroom of thirty 10 year olds lived up to their infamous reputation.

When I spoke with other teachers they all responded, "Oh NO! You're teaching for Mrs. Reed!!"

Thanks.

The individual students were awesome.

But put more than one of them (or all thirty) together at the same time and chaos ensues.

I tried every silence tactic.

I made some up and used the teacher's tried and true methods.

But only those three students who naturally obeyed would give me their full attention.

It was a bit draining.

A bit frustrating.

But not defeating.

And get this!

The music teacher who came in to the classroom for one hour may be sending her daughter to take piano lessons for me.

AND when I asked her name I instantly remembered what my mom had mentioned to me a month ago.

My elementary school teacher/principal's brother lives in my town.

And this music teacher was his wife!

What a crazy little world we live in!

We both got goosebumps when we made that connection.

And she definitely has me on her request list for music sub jobs. :)

Tonight I missed a call while at worship practice.

I was bummed.

Then I checked online and starting clicking to secure a job.

Then my phone rang.

For the same job I was "competing" for online.

Tomorrow is a day in kindergarten!

I'm pretty excited about it.

And if any of the teachers from today's school know anything at all then it can only improve from here!

The One with Sleep Socks

Sleeping in socks.

I never thought I would be that person.

I had tried this tactic before and it was terrible.

Sure, for the first 5 minutes under the chilly sheets it was lovely.

But throughout the night as my body temperature changed

I found myself gasping for air.

It was way too hot for me.

And hot is just plain uncomfortable.

But after reading Kristen's sock sleeping testimony,

I thought I could try again.

The reason I chose to make a second attempt

lies in the temperature of our bedroom.

In an effort to save on sky high winter utilities

our bedroom's vents are closed.

Thus our room is approximately 55 degrees.

Which isn't that drastic considering our home thermostat

is set at 62.

Dear Guests, we apologize.

In any case it takes an impressive balance to keep my body

temp happy throughout the night.

Wearing light pajamas and my socks to bed equals perfection.

I'm only cold for 2 minutes rather than spending the first

thirty minutes in bed trying to warm my feet.

On my husband.

He's not thrilled about that arrangement.

But I'm pretty sure he's liking the sock thing.

I know I am.

Also.

Bread Machine.

He and I are best friends.

Seriously, you all need to invest in one of these kitchen appliances.

Making your own bread is much cheaper than buying a loaf.

Not to mention being able to count the ingredients on one hand.

Versus reading pages of additives.

Just throw in the ingredients.

Select settings.

Press start.

And you're just hours away from fresh warm bread.

Nothing beats it.

I would recommend a machine with a horizontal baking insert.

Like this one.

(Though I would recommend shopping for a better price.)

So that your bread looks more like a real loaf.

And has fewer hard/dry edges than if you use a vertical variety.

Like mine.

But seriously, you can't complain when it was found for $2 at a rummage sale.

This is why I used the bread machine to make the dough.

Then turn it out.

Roll it up.

Let it rise.

And bake in my own bread pan.

Perfection.

Check out more tips at the We Are THAT Family.

The One with the Spontaneous Nap

I'm a huge fan of snow, right?

I love winter.*

Which is why I would never be a little bummed to see the snowflakes whirling around today.

After yesterday in the upper 40s.

Nope. I would want to savor winter for all it's worth.

I'm definitely not ok with an early spring.

*MckMama totally loves winter too. Especially after her cruise I'm sure.

While talking with Britt this afternoon I definitely did not keep talking to her after my phone had unexpectedly died.

Nah. I certainly would have noticed right away when a call was dropped.

And then when my phone literally would not turn back on even when plugged into a charger, we wouldn't rush it to the Verizon E.R.

Only to find out we could have removed the battery and rebooted the darn thing ourselves.

No, I totally would have figured that out myself.

I'm smart, after all.

Right?

ehhh.

And when the solution was so easy there wouldn't be even a moment of frustration leading down the anger road.

Nope, I always handle unforeseen circumstances with grace.*

*Lucky for me, I have a husband who instantly reminded me that this wasn't a wasted trip.

We got time out of the house together.

And that was nice.

When my husband walked through the kitchen I wouldn't throw his wallet at him.

The one I never would have pick pocketed.

Nope.

And when it fell to the floor and he bent down to pick it up, I certainly wouldn't jump on his back.

And not let go as we tipped abruptly to the ground.

Never. I always think fast on my feet (err...on his back) and would have kept either of us from getting injured in the collapse.

But after said mishap we definitely would not take the next 30 minutes to chill on the kitchen floor.

The perfectly clean kitchen floor.

Isn't that where everyone takes a nap?

No?

Well, neither do I.

The One with All the Cheesecake*

A good Saturday.

The perfect kind.

Did nothing.

And loved every minute of it.

Didn't feel guilty.

Not one little bit.

(Which is totally a big deal for me.)

Woke up at 8am.

Went for a brisk run.

Made a French Toast brunch for me and my husband.

That was scrumptious.

Sat in my comfy chair for the next two hours watching Friends.

*One of the episodes was the infamous cheesecake saga.

And paged through The Pioneer Woman Cooks again.

Realized I hadn't done the breakfast dishes yet at 3pm.

Headed out on an ice cream date with Kevin.

Went to the Independent Dairy for the first time.

It was totally worth it.

Peanut Butter Mackinac Island Fudge.

Glory be!

Sat and talked in the quaint little parlor for the next hour.

Came back home and watched more Friends.

Talked to Britt on the phone about blog stuff and getting together.

Our kitchen smelled like Mongolian Barbeque tonight.

Made my own version of Stir Fry.

Watched Away We Go.

Definitely entertaining but not at all virtuous.

Wouldn't recommend it.

Read my husband's blog post.

His second in a week!

It's really quality.

You should read it.

Made brownies for youth group tomorrow night.

Watched more Friends.

Put on sweat pants.

Relaxed after doing nothing.