A Birthday, A Boy, and A Boffer

Yesterday, July 6th, was Caleb's 14th birthday. I think the July 5th Man Day Event post was a little confusing. Understandable. And the fact that I posted a blog yesterday on birds made this birthday celebration even more confusing. Even more understandable. I just figured I'd use the blog scheduler (because I am so technologically advanced, you know) for the bird post since we'd be out celebrating and not blog writing. And so there you have it. Today is not Caleb's birthday. Yesterday was Caleb's birthday.

Here's how the day unfolded:


The traditional smiling pancake for breakfast

This is Grandma Meme's Lemon Cake batter

Side story: Caleb gave me his birthday list sometime last week. One of the items on it said, "lemon cake batter" which caused me to ask if what he really wanted was a lemon cake. With a huge smile on his face he said, "No, I want a whole bowl of lemon cake batter!" I explained to him that several spoonfuls would be plenty since there's only so much cake batter one can eat. Right?

Here's a side story to the side story: When I was a little girl my mother made decorated cakes. You know, wedding cakes, birthday cakes, baby shower cakes. We were never allowed near the cake batter bowl unless it had been emptied into the cake pan. My mother made sure every drop of cake batter was in the pan and not left in the bowl. Try to imagine little kids sticking their heads inside a bowl trying to lick cake batter off the sides that was pretty much scraped clean. Well, one day I opened the refrigerator and found a huge bowl of cake batter. I took a step back, looked around and saw there was no one near. I grabbed the biggest spoon I could find and proceeded to scoop that cake batter so I could finally, finally, have more than a measly lick. Imagine my surprise when that big spoonful of batter filled my mouth and tasted absolutely horrible. Oh was it ever gross! It wasn't cake batter. No, it was pancake batter. Nice, huh? That's what I got for being sneaky! Sometimes as parents we make decisions for our kids based upon what our parents did or didn't do to us. Unlike my mother (although I'm sure her cake customers were very happy she didn't share their cake with us kids), my kids always have cake batter dripping off the beaters, a spatula that's very lickable, and a bowl they'll never have to stick their heads in.

OK...back to the birthday story

Caleb had several spoonfuls of lemon cake batter that I left for him in the bowl along with dripping beaters. He quickly realized he had had enough.

This is the birthday boy on the patio in front of the fabulous hydrangeas

Uh, no. He didn't get a new watch for his birthday. His birthday list actually stated "new battery for my watch." He has been without his watch for well over a year. Poor guy. So, that's why the big smile..."Hey! I've got my watch back!"

He also asked for this specific video game. Unfortunately, just after he made his birthday list, his PS3 died. As in, it won't turn on or do anything whatsoever. Mr. Wonderful and I went round and round about buying a game for our son when he didn't even have a system to play it on. Mr. Wonderful won the battle (with Rachel's support). While Caleb was happy to have gotten this game (which I might add is used and quite old), he was a little bit bummed out not to be able to play it. Not my problem, now is it?

Hmmmm. What on earth is that thing wrapped around Caleb's shoulders? Why, could it possibly be a quilt? As in, a homemade hand-stitched quilt? Yep! That's tomorrow's blog entry, Lord willing.

Here you have the birthday boy with his boffer weapon supplies!

Yes, that would be four rolls of duct tape along with several rolls of electrician's tape in a variety of colors. He couldn't wait to get started!

A few hours later, we have two boys and their brand new boffers. Caleb actually made them for Evan. As soon as he handed one to his almost four-year-old cousin, he quickly realized they were bigger than Evan and weighed almost as much! Caleb's already working on two new boffers for Evan. They are munchkin-sized!

We spent the afternoon with my sister-in-love and the kids at the pool. Doesn't it look like there are brightly colored ribbons in Rachel's hair? Too cute. It's just pool toys in the back ground.

I can't believe how much he's changed in one year. Do you see that little spot in the middle of his nose? That, my friends, is from a pool rescue. Caleb decided he wanted to be rescued on his birthday, so his loving sister swam to his side. While attempting this fake rescue, Rachel accidentally bonked Caleb's nose into the side of the pool. Ouch. All is well, and I mention it here so we'll always remember.

Grandma Meme's lemon cake (which Caleb has had on his birthday since he turned four) with five candles. You know, 1 and 4 makes 14!

Happy Birthday, Caleb! Your mama loves you very much. And she'll make lemon cake batter for you anytime. About that Bowflex you asked for. Sorry, sweetie. It was a nice birthday wish though.

If you read this blog and you are the maker of Bowflex and would like to make a generous contribution to our son, he'd be happy to help test your fabulous system!

Don't forget...tomorrow's post will be on those quilts I made. Yes, QUILTS!

Determined and Devoted

Once upon a time...


Mama Robin builds a beautiful nest and lays four perfect blue eggs. The four eggs hatch, but the very next day a predator comes along and decides to (gulp) eat those little hatchlings for lunch.

Mama Robin flies away very sad, but remembers her beautiful nest. A few weeks later, she comes back to her nest and lays two perfect blue eggs.

Mama Michelle tries to keep predators away by opening a huge patio umbrella so the hungry predators can't find this little Robin family. Mama Robin is happy. Mama Michelle is happy.



Baby Robin can't see anything at all, but knows his loving Mama Robin will be there to protect and feed him. Baby Robin is waiting for his little sister to hatch. And she does the very next day.

Just after hatching, big storms come to town. It rains and rains and rains.

The rains finally stop so Mama Michelle can peek in on Mama Robin's babies. My goodness, they have grown so much!



The baby Robins don't move while their picture is taken. They don't want anyone to know they are there. Shhhhh. We won't tell anyone, will we?



If you listen very carefully, you will hear Bold Baby Robin say, "Hey! My Mama's gonna get you if you don't leave us alone. You hear me? I'm serious!"

Baby Robin doesn't realize that Mama Robin loves Mama Michelle. Really.



The very next day, Bold Baby Robin jumps out of the nest, onto a patio chair, and listens to his mama coaxing him to a nearby tree. His little sister soon follows. Mama Robin is seen carrying worms back and forth to her little fledglings who are now learning to fly.

Just yesterday Mama Michelle saw Bold Baby Robin. He looked at her very sweetly as if to say, "Hello! I know you! Mama says to tell you, 'Thanks so much!'"

And that, my friends, is the story of a determined and devoted Mama Robin and her little family.

The End.

Man Day Event 2009

Caleb at the beginning of the ceremony

Opening his gift

The look on Caleb's face is utter disbelief

Caleb's shield is carved out of solid black walnut

The four quadrants say:

Servant King .. Provider (King's Crown)
Tender Warrior .. Protector (Crossed Swords)
Wise-Mentor .. Teacher (Holy Bible)
Faithful Friend .. Uniter (Two Hands)

The Men

A Collection of Stones

During the ceremony, I presented these stones to Caleb. In the ancient days, stones were used to serve as a sign; when your children ask, "What do these stones mean?" tell them they are to be a memorial...forever. Joshua 4:6-7


Each stone represents a significant event in Caleb's life

13 stones were presented as markers to significant events in Caleb's life: Protected, Life, Dedicated to God, New Life, Service, Independence, etc. Each man then signed their name on a stone as a marker signifying this event in Caleb's life. A journal has been kept on the specific details of each stone. Two additional stones have been added since last year...


Two very proud parents with their son


Best Friends


Man Day Event July 2009

Tomorrow is Caleb's 14th birthday. It's hard to believe that one year ago we were celebrating his first step into manhood. I thought some reminiscing was in order. I wrote the note below just after the celebration took place.

--------------------

Jerry has had this event on his heart for many years. In a way, it's hard to believe it has already come and gone. Jerry might word things differently than I am here, but the end result is the same. This event is to serve as a marker in Caleb's life to remind him to look back to where he came from (heritage), consider where he is now, and look to the future realizing that God's hand is on his life and directing his steps.

Caleb was presented with a new Bible, one whose cover is thick leather, hoping it will last his life time. It was signed by his pastor, Alistair Begg, as well as by his father, mother, and sister. Each gave an admonition: Keep On!, Walk with the Lord, Stand Firm!, and Belong to the Truth.

Taken from the book by Stu Weber, The Four Pillars of a Man, here's an excerpt:

What kind of man builds a civilization, a small civilization, that out-lasts himself? What kind of man has shoulders broad enough to build upon? A four-pillared man:

--A man of vision and character...a King.
--A man of strength and power...a Warrior.
--A man of faith and wisdom...a Mentor.
--A man of heart and love...a Friend.

It is upon these pillars, the four pillars of manhood, that the small civilization we call "home" will either stand or fall. You can't support a roof, keep out the elements, and shield against things that go bump in the night with one or two pillars. Three pillars might hold up a roof for a while--but the structure is out of balance and always in danger of collapse. It takes four pillars to hold up a building, a temple, or a home. And it takes four pillars to make a man. A man who will bear the weight, stand against the elements, and hold one small civilization intact in a world that would like nothing better than to tear it down.

And so the book begins...

After the day's events (breakfast with the grandfathers, skeet shooting, bowling and golf), dinner was served and the ceremony began by Jerry going back in time over Caleb's heritage. Most of you know that Caleb was a twin and is the only child to survive similar circumstances. He was then reminded that he was created in the image of God for God's purposes. We were given Caleb as a gift, but realized we needed to hand him right back to God for His safe keeping. While we have made many mistakes as parents (and will in the future), we have done our best to direct our children in the ways of the Lord and to stand firm on the foundation of God's Word.

Each man wrote a letter with his thoughts for life and presented it to Caleb. He will have these to look back on and remember and reflect upon this first step into the journey of manhood. As God would have it, both Carl and Tim chose scripture from the book of John about being fruitful...live out what you believe...impact lives for Christ.

The gifts were then presented. The ceremony ended by the men gathering in a circle around Caleb and praying over his life, commissioning him to the Lord.

This was not the end of the ceremony...it was just beginning!

And so one year later, I find myself looking at my son who has grown physically and spiritually. Somewhere between then and now his voice even changed.

I end with a letter Caleb received from a mentor-friend who was not able to join him for the day of celebration.

Caleb,

Congratulations on your 13th birthday! I wanted to encourage you, now that you are officially a "teen", to stick true to God's Word. Our culture seems to think that an official and unavoidable part of being a teenager is a "stage" of rebellion, and many Christians have bought into it as well. It is all too easy to go with the crowd, and our sinful nature makes doing what is right all the harder.

The Psalmist gives some excellent advice in Psalm 119. Why was he blessed by God? How did he obey when everyone else rebelled? By "sticking" to God's Word (vs. 31), loving God's Word (vs. 97) and having the right friends (vs. 63, 74, 79, 115).

As you enter your teenage years, keep in mind that it doesn't have to be miserable, rough, or difficult. Keep yourself immersed in God's Word, and you will find that you will appreciate it more, understand it more, and love it more! Love God's Word to the point that it grieves you when others disregard it (vs. 53, 136, 139). The Psalmist lists numerous blessings from loving God's Word and obeying it in verses 97-104. These blessings come because of the three things he did in verses 59-60 (this is not original to me, but I thought it was excellent): He assessed his ways, adjusted his life, and advanced in doing right.

If I can leave one last thought with you from Psalm 119, it is this: your spiritual life and walk with God should affect--and will be affected by--your friends. You will become like the people you hang around with. If they follow God and are obedient to their authorities, it will be easy for you to do the same. If they are crude or rebellious, it will be hard for you to stay pure and obey. The Psalmist describes who he spent time with (and who he avoided) in verses 63, 74, 79 and 115. Haggai 2:11-14 puts it in a very clear picture.

Caleb, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You are remarkably mature for a 13-year-old, and I thank God for you when I think about you. Keep it up!

In Christ,

Alex

Hebrews 4:15-16

What more is there to say? That's what I thought too.

Happy Birthday America!

Old Glory waving freely


The Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


And if you haven't seen this video...please take a couple minutes and listen to the last verse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_bP219ehQ

May God forgive the sins of America and may those citizens who inhabit its lands once again say, "In God is our trust."

God Bless America!

Blog Test Drive

This is what you call a Test Drive...ah ha ha ha ha ha!


THIS IS A BLOG TEST DRIVE for scheduling future posts in Blogger. I'm trying to figure out if I can create blog posts and have them "appear" at a chosen date and time. We'll see if this works on 7/2/10 at 1:35 P.M. (although I think Blogger time isn't the same as "my" time).

While you're here, here's a blog I check and read every single day. Along with thousands of others, I have fallen in love with this incredible family. And to think I discovered it one day while searching for a salt dough recipe!

If you are curious, check out The Baker's Dozen. You are guaranteed a smile, a cry, or an "Oh, my!" almost every single day! Just a little FYI, they might need to update their blog name since they just had baby number 14 whose name just happens to be Apollo XIV.

Do you remember this post right here? Well, that's why I'm doing some testing and trying to figure out how to do a little more fancy stuff. I have felt like a complete moron from time to time, but I recently discovered there must have been a lot of "dummies" out there just like me! I still haven't figured out how to post a video, but I'm hopeful the dummies link will help me figure that one out soon!

Thanks for participating in my blog test drive post!

Honey Chicken Wings

Harvesting honey at Adam's carriage house

Here's a great recipe a friend shared with me a number of years ago. I am posting her original recipe, but as usual, I like to make changes so, you'll see that in my note below.

Honey Chicken Wings

What you will need:

3 pounds chicken wings
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons catsup
1/2 clove garlic or 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place wings, single layered, in a shallow foil-lined baking dish. Mix all other ingredients together and pour over wings. Bake uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Turn wings several times during baking to coat with sauce. If the wings are done baking but the sauce isn't as thick as you'd like it, remove the wings and bake the sauce for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Michelle's Note: This is a great recipe to make with chicken legs. Follow the same directions above except pre-bake the chicken legs seasoned with salt and pepper at 350 degrees for an hour. Drain off any fat. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees (honey burns!) and bake an additional hour, turning chicken legs every 20 minutes.

I have been known to use this sauce for shrimp stir-fry too!

Enjoy!

Being Amused at the Expense of Others

Bumper cars are just a little too tame for this girl

We recently went to an amusement park for some amusement. Everyone who knows me knows I just go along to watch since I can't ride rides. In my younger years, I loved to ride rides. Although I will confess the taller the roller coasters, the less I would ride them. I am terrified of heights, you know. I can't ride rides because I get a screaming headache. I have told my kids that it's because my brain has shrunk. When I'm jerked around on rides, my little brain rattles around inside my skull. Hence, the headache.

I don't mind really...going to an amusement park and just walking around, watching people. Plus I love to see my family having fun together. And it's really fun to hear Rachel scream. I can pick out her scream over all the noise in the entire park! She is our resident dare devil. Any ride. Any height. 100, 200, 300 and yes, even 400 feet high (although Mama won't let her ride on the biggest one because she's convinced she'll fall out). But it doesn't matter. The scarier for her, the better. And the scream, I think she does that just because it's fun.

I have to say, for as much fun as amusement parks can be, I was somewhat taken aback by some of the sights and sounds. I don't think it was always this way, was it? I don't know. Maybe when my kids were younger I wasn't paying as close attention. Or maybe things have gotten worse.

Maybe it's because I'm getting old. Yep, that's it. I'm old.

I just couldn't believe some of the clothes people were wearing. Or should I say, weren't wearing. Honestly. What on earth are some women thinking? And how on earth do they keep it all in when they are going upside down on a roller coaster? Or, in some cases, just strolling through the park. Yikes.

Then there was this gorgeous Asian woman. Long shiny black hair all the way down to her waist. She was the tiniest thing ever with very beautiful legs topped off with a pair of very short shorts. Her feet were adorned in 4 inch stilettos. I kid you not. At an amusement park. You know, where you walk around for ten hours? I wanted so badly to take a picture of her feet. But I figured I'd best not draw too much attention to myself. 4 inch stilettos at an amusement park? And I thought my brain had shrunk! She looked good though.

Oh, don't think there weren't tons of boys (er, young men) walking around with the waist of their pants held on with a belt...just under their rear end. Yes, that's right. Their belt was fastened not at the waist, but under their rear. Yes, of course, their underwear was showing. I think that must be the part of the "look" they like most because in most cases they had on fancy underwear. They have to walk with their shoes about five feet apart in order for their pants not to fall off. One guy kept his hand on his belt, with a constant tug. Can you even picture this? Although at this point, I think everyone has seen this "look" just about everywhere. I just have one question. Why?

And why do people who choose to use nasty language have to talk so loudly? Is there no shame? Now there's an old-fashioned word you don't hear too much these days. A little dose of shame goes a long way.

It really was a fun day though. Really. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect. We needed it...a fun-filled day. We were able to forget about life for a while. Sometimes it's a good thing to be amused. And we were certainly amused. At least I was. Even if it was at the expense of others.