New Clothes

I can think of no better example to describe my feelings about this past year and my excitement for this new year, except to write this excerpt from C.S. Lewis's "Voyage of the Dawn Treader." Just a little background first. Eustace turned into a dragon after finding a treasure in a dragon's cave. His selfishness and greed changed him physically. He was heavy with scales. He found it was "rather dreary being a dragon." And then this happened.
"Well, as I say, I was lying awake and wondering what on earth would become of me. And then--but, mind you, it may have been all a dream. I don't know. Well, anyway, I looked up and saw the very last thing I expected: a huge lion coming slowly towards me. And one queer thing was that there was no moon last night, but there was moonlight where the lion was. So it came nearer and nearer. I was terribly afraid of it. You may think that, being a dragon, I could have knocked any lion out easily enough. But it wasn't that kind of fear. I wasn't afraid of him eating me, I was just afraid of it--if you can understand. Well, it came closer up to me and looked me in to the eyes. and I shut my eyes tight. But that wasn't any good because it told me to follow it. "
"You mean it spoke?" Said Edmund.
"I don't know. Now that you mention it, I don't think it did. But it told me all the same. And I knew I'd have to do what it told me, so I got up and followed it....And it led me into the mountains...at last we came to the top of a mountain I'd never seen before and on top of this mountain was a garden...In the middle of it there was a well....The water was as clear as anything and I thought if I could get in there and bathe it would ease the pain in my leg. But the lion told me I must undress first. Mind you, I don''t know if he said any words out loud or not. "
"So I started scratching myself and my scales began coming off all over the place. And then I scratched a little deeper and, instead of just scales coming off here and there, my whole skin started peeling off beautifully, like it does after an illness, or as if I was a banana. In a minute or two I just stepped out of it. I could see it lying there beside me, looking rather nasty. It was a most lovely feeling. So I started to go down into the well for my bathe."
"But just as I was going to put my foot into the water I looked down and saw that it was all hard and rough and wrinkled and scaly just as it had been before...So, I scratched and tore again and this under skin peeled off beautifully and out I stepped and left it lying beside the other one..."
"Well, exactly the same thing happened again. And I thought to myself, oh dear, how ever many skins have I got to take off?... So I scratched away for the third time and got off a third skin, just like the two others, and stepped out of it. But as soon as I looked at myself in the water I knew it had been no good."
"Then the lion said--but I don't know if he spoke--'You will have to let me undress you. '
I was afraid of His claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it."
"The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt..."
Well, he peeled the beastly stuff right off--just as I thought I'd done it myself the other three times, only they hadn't hurt--and there it was lying on the grass: only ever so much thicker, and darker, and more knobbly looking than the others had been. And there was I as smooth and soft as a peeled switch and smaller that I had been. Then he caught hold of me--I didn't like that much for I was very tender underneath now that I'd no skin on--and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything but only fo a moment. After that it became pefectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I'd turn into a boy again."
"After a bit the lion took me out and dressed me...in new clothes... and suddenly I was back here..."
"Makes me think it must have been a dream."
"No. It wasn't a dream," said Edmund...
"What do you think it was then?" asked Eustace.
"I think you've seen Aslan." said Edmund.

To a joyful new year.

Chism Christmas '08

The first 3 pictures are actually from the kids last day of school. It was "Christmas Dress up Day"--this was the day we had all the mishaps. Anyway, I love these pics of them.

Aaron's teacher made each one of the boys a cape with their initials on the back for Christmas

Chrismas morning

Croc boots for Alexis. I don't know--they are cuter off than on? Oh well, she likes them.

Brent and Ashlee and the boys came later that day and brought this Old School Nintendo game system . I enjoyed playing Mario brothers and remembering where all the "extra man mushrooms" were located. Aaron thought I was so "awesome" making it to level 8-3. Sam and Aaron loved to watch the adults play, but as hard as I tried, I unfortunately could not save the princess.

Aaron was my biggest fan

Aaron's new remote control car

A good Christmas.

and last, but certainly not least, The Tykster.

Joy

I have no pictures to upload because I am not at my computer, but I wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone. As I sit here, watching Narnia on TV and enjoying the kids uncontollable excitement, I am finally tasting Christmas. Most of you who know me, know that I have trouble speaking from my heart most of the time. I am better with the written, yet hope to be better at the spoken one day. Know that when I write what I write it is truly from my heart. I have been discouraged because Christmas came too quickly this year, rather I was too busy this year to feel Christmas. Last night I sat on my couch and cried because I felt like I missed Christmas. I never really cared so much about Christmas Day, it was the build up and the preparation that I enjoyed. But tonight as I sit, I am reminded that no matter if I "felt" the spirit of Christmas or not, Jesus still came to this earth in human form. He lived, He lead, and He loved, and then made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. It is His Spirit that I crave. It is Jesus that I long to know more, to grasp how "wide and long and high and deep" is His love for us. I not only want the rescue He brings, but also to be changed in my "innermost being," by Him. I want to truly Believe, not with just lip-service, but with my life. So, that is what I am pondering tonight on this Christmas Eve. That, and just how thankful I am to be sitting here with family, lovin' the joy in my kids faces and this warm laptop on my tummy full of white chocolate pretzels.
Merry Christmas to you all!

A week to go

It has been a crazy few weeks. The little side business that my friend Becca and I are running has been quite the hot item for Christmas gifts. WE had to make over 50 plaques in 2 weeks. so here I am now-- no wrapped presents under the tree, no Christmas cards out yet, no christmas cookies for my neighbors made, and I have missed just about every Christmas special there is--where are you Christmas? I am determined to make this weekend and next week a great one. We had Christmas parties at the kid's school today and it was quite the adventure. Eli had some sort of allergic reaction on the way to Aaron's party at 10:30. He was itching and crying all the way there. I just prayed--it was all I could do. I prayed God would "lead Eli beside quiet waters and restore his physical body as well as his little spirit," because momma had to teach arts and crafts and I couldn't bear to see Eli miserable--not to mention the kids probably would be a little distracted. Well, the Lord answered. I put Eli in a chair with a book, and I didn't hear a peep or see a scratch the entire craft. I took Eli to the chiropractor in between parties, and then we were off to Alexis' party. Aaron was playing with a buddy and a matchbox car on the floor, when a friend grabbed me and told me Aaron was bleeding. I turned around to see Aaron's face and hands covered in blood--no tears, just blood. I rushed over to see what had happened. Apparently he was trying to "flip" his car and it flipped right between his eyes and gave him a hole in the head. Literally, a hole! We got him some peroxide and a butterfly bandaid--and I think it will be okay. A matchbox car!? What in the world! When we got back to the party I gave a very hungry Eli some apple slices. He must have been pretty hungry because he stuffed one whole in his mouth and I turned around to see him choking. He choked for a solid half a minute before he got it all out. Needless to say, I was a bit frazzled when I left. But, we are all in one piece, except for that little hole of course.
I leave you with something I wanted to write down and remember. Remember, this is somewhat of a journal for me to reflect on later. The other day Alexis came home from school and let me know that there was no such thing as Santa Claus," isn't that right mom? " I knew this was coming, because Lexi has always asked many questions. She never could wrap her little mind around the idea of a big fat man jumping down a small chimney to deliver millions of presents to little girls and boys all over the world in one night, not to mention on a sleigh led by flying reindeers. She thinks too much. Wonder where she gets that? Anyway, I stared at her for a couple seconds and knew at that moment I could not lie to her. I said, "you're right." She clapped her hands and said "I knew it!" I asked her if she was upset. "No, mom, Christmas is about Jesus. I am just glad He was born." I cried for months when I LET myself believe there was no Santa, and I was like 20, okay maybe 11. Here is this 6 year old telling her mom that Christmas is about Jesus, not Santa. I was the sad one, so was Kevin. Will she still be excited about Christmas? Will she ruin it for everyone else? We are the ones with the hang ups. Not Lexi. She knows who to celebrate. She knows who the world needs. Maybe she will actually always enjoy Christmas? Maybe she will be like the kid in Polar Express and always hear the bell. Not to worry, all of you who's children are exposed to Alexis' new secret. She promises to keep it. Aaron is not yet ready for the news either.
Here'is a recent pic of the kiddos. Merry Christmas if I don't post again before then.


Here is one of the many plaques we made. I really like this one and thought it was appropriate for the post.

Pictures and food for thought

Eli and his new truck


Aaron and Uncle Ryan



Grandmommy and Eli

Alyssa and her family

Me and Kevin

me and the kids, Lexi got tickled

the family

Kevin and Eli

me and Aaron

I went to the mall today for the first time in a long time. Aaron needed new school shoes so we decided to go to Stride Rite in the mall. As I was walking around with Aaron and strolling Eli, I took notice of all the other moms walking around with their kids, and one thing really struck me--something that I never really thought of before now. I was walking through Penney's to get to the car and as I was walking through the aisles I came upon a 3 year old little girl, sitting in the middle of the aisle with a few toys around her. As I passed, I noticed her mom at the jewelry counter, talking on her cell phone. Her little girl was just sitting there having a conversation with her mommy, thinking she was listening, while her mom was having another conversation totally distracted away from her daughter. Now, I say this in full conviction, knowing I have spent a lot of time on my cell phone. I think just about every mom with a child I saw today had their cell phone glued to their ear, and I felt sad when I left. I just wonder how our need for immediate distraction, interaction, whatever you call it, will play out in our kids when they get older? How will it manifest itself in their lives? Think about it. I left my cell phone in the car accidentally today when I went in to the mall, and I listened to my son as he chatted my ear off, and let him stop at every little thing he wanted to see. I enjoyed Aaron. He enjoyed my attention. I think I'd like to accidentally leave my phone in the car more often.

Happy Thanksgiving

We traveled to NW Arkansas for this year's Thanksgiving with my family and step-family. We got back a bit ago, and I just thought I would close this day with 10 things I am thankful for:
10) 3 children who were absolutely wonderful today
9) a husband who makes me feel 100% comfortable and safe with going to sleep while he drives.
8) gluten-free turkey ( who knew they actually inject turkey with gluten? not me.)
7) the cost of a gallon of gas right now--$1.51!
6) the little red, flinstone-style car that kept Eli happy all day long
5) home and a really soft bed that is calling my name
4) Christmas music 24/7 from now til December 25th
3) great pictures of the family that I will post when I am not so tired
2) a step-family that is gracious to host us, love us and call us their own
1) A God who is merciful and blesses us abundantly more than we deserve. Thank you, Lord.

GUWL

Yesterday we went to the funeral of our friend, Barrett. It was a tearful goodbye. I must admit that I can't understand this one. Most of the funerals I have been to have been of ones who have lived a long, good life. Barrett's life was still in the beginning. I was about 5 rows back from the family and I watched his little girl, Ruby, the whole time. She looks so much like her daddy, especially in her eyes. She is about Eli's age--20 months or so. I watched and prayed that the Lord would calm her for her mommy. God answered in a different way. About half-way through she got down off of her mommy's lap and began to play with the flowers in front of her--just lightly touching each one so sweetly. And then, she began to twirl. She giggled and twirled around and around in front of her family. It was at that moment that I got a picture of Barrett with His Lord, like this child, twirling in delight and in freedom, and I longed for the day we dance with him. There are 5 Hebrew words for praise in the bible. "Guwl" is one of them. "Guwl" means to "spin around under the influence of strong emotion; to spin like a top; to rejoice and be glad." It is most often translated "rejoice." Amazing. Ruby was rejoicing! I don't understand why this happened to Barrett. I don't understand a lot of things. But I rest in the knowledge of what the Lord knows that I don't. I can't wait to see the bigger picture, to see what Barrett Lewis is seeing this very day. Towards the end of the funeral, Ruby walked toward the aisle and grinned at all of us, and somehow I felt a great deal of peace, as if the Lord was saying to all of us, "The Lord your God is with you. HE is mighty to save. HE will quiet you with His love, He will REJOICE over you with singing." Amen.

A Little Early?

No, life is too short to not decorate for Christmas early. So, last weekend we did! It didn't go quite as I had planned--ya know, carols, smiles, peppermint in the air, final Griswald light-up ceremony . Somebody didn't give the word to my kids that Christmas decorating is not a competition!!!! I think I was holding the baby Jesus when I yelled, "It doesn't matter who got to put out more sheep. It doesn't make you more special, for crying out loud!" Does anyone know a good book on sibling rivalry!? Seriously. I was always that kid that felt like Christmas decorating was sacred--you just didn't fight, way too jolly for that! I also was that kid (and still am) that could never listen to anything but Christmas music between Thanksgiving and Christmas! I think Aaron is going to be that kid, too. He loves to listen to Bing and sit with all the lights out staring at the lit-up Christmas tree, talking about the "shepharmints". But, he has to work on the "much-too-jolly-to-fight" Christmas decorating. Maybe next year (after I read the book).

Isn't he sweet?

Steady!

Lexi's favorite ornament--glass rudolph

Grandmommy stopped by on her way to see the new baby in St. Louis--btw--Congrats to my brother, Mike and his wife, Melissa, on baby Cole, who is a couple weeks old.

"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Cor. 1:5

We lost a good man yesterday. He was my allergist, he was a long-time friend to the Chism family, he was a brother and a son, he was a husband, and a father to 2 sweet girls--ages 20 months and 6. I can't help but speak of him today, my heart is so heavy for this family. 7 years ago his father died from a tragic car accident, his mother now must grieve the loss of her son, 34 years old. Unspeakable grief. I was sick with respiratory issues when I was pregnant with Eli, and he kept me afloat. He was so good to me, fitting me in when he was busy, and calling me to check on how I was doing. When Eli had an allergic reaction to eggs on the way to visit my family in Houston, it was Dr. Lewis who calmed me down and assured me that he would be okay. He was a great doctor-- he really did care about his patients. We still don't know what happened, only that he collapsed at work and they couldn't get him back. I ask for your prayers for the Lewis family. There are no words to describe the grief that they face--especially this mother of 2 small children and his mother who has allready suffered so much in this life--"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Psalm 91:4

I VOTED

***after writing this, Lexi came home from school very upset, begging me not to vote for Barack Obama because if he becomes our president he will kill all the firstborn babies!? Oh my!? After calming her fears by explaining that he has no intentions on doing such a thing, she asked question upon question about what this "little boy" told her at school. I explained it was a misunderstading, but had to go into explaining to her what I am sure the little boy meant. I could not believe I was having this conversation with my 6 year old. It broke my heart. Just a lesson to all of us that our children are listening, we must all be careful to not put fears into them, but to teach and train. I knew I would have to have this conversation eventually, just didn't think it would be at 6 years old.



Well, Eli and I voted today--took a mere 10 minutes, would have been less if I had been in the right line, oh well! Eli snacked on gold fish while I connected the arrows on the candidate I thought would be best suited to run the country. Actually, I voted for my children today. I think they will be most effected by what we do now as a country. So, for Alexis, Aaron and Eli I chose a candidate. I chose the best one I could, eventhough I have uncertainties and questions over both of them. I was reminded this morning in quiet that it is not John McCain or Barack Obama who will provide for me and my family, nor will they protect us, feed us, shelter us, give us "hope and a future," and guide us in our decisions and our choices. It isn't John McCain or Barack Obama who will hold us in the palm of their hand, and comort us in our troubles. No, it isn't either of these two men who will win my trust, just my vote. I love this country and I am thankful to live here and raise this family, and no matter who becomes president I know that the Lord will provide-- He always has, He always will. I may not be all that excited about where our money goes when we pay taxes, but I will give "to Ceasar's what is Ceasar's" and try to be good stewards of the rest. It will be up to Kevin and I to teach our children wrong from right, and raise them to be appreciative but not "entitled," help them to take care of and honor this beautiful planet and the life on it, show them how to care for the poor around the world, and be mindful of how we use our money to serve the Lord who gives to us. Rulers will come and go, kingdoms will rise and fall, but God is good and He is in control. So no matter who wins this crazy race, I will sleep peacefully knowing that God is with us and He reigns on high.

Reprieve

Sweet Eli, or as we love to call him (in honor of my cherished Granmomma Greene) Tykie, was full of smiles over the last few days. It was very good to see, because for the last few weeks he has been a bit miserable. Most of you know that he has eczema, and despite our best efforts to help him, nothing has worked. We tried everything from probiotics to steroid creams to Emu oil (yes, emu oil). I am not kidding, we went every direction to try to fix his miserable itching, or at least make him more comfortable. Thurday the boy was covered head to toe in it--kind of looked like he had burns all over him. For some reason, I am just gonna call it a gift, I gave up on everything and since I stopped putting anything on him, he looks 50% better. Maybe it's the cooler weather or that his skin needed a break from all of the stuff we have tried, or maybe God just gave us a gift. Eli has made us all laugh out loud this weekend--fake burping, dancing around the house, finding him half dressed in his bed after his nap, all the good stuff that makes Eli, Eli. I have barely seem him itch, and he's sleeping good, too. This does a mom's heart good, because there is nothing harder then not being able to help your child. So for today I am thankful to the good Lord for a happy Eli.

The Toddler

This is Eli when Kevin gets home from work. He is either glued to Kevin, or he hugs Kevin about every couple of minutes, in between toddling around. Like I said before, he really reminds me of a penguin, a penguin who loves his daddy.

Jeans and Cross-breeds

Aren't these new jeans that I bought Lexi the other day cute?

I am sure that is just what all the other moms on Aaron's field trip were thinking today when they saw these jeans on, yep, AARON!?!

Note to self and any other moms out there who are rushed to get your kids off in time for school:

1) don't grab jeans in the dark

and 2) check your sons rear end before he walks out the door!

Bless his heart, the whole time we were on the field trip today, I kept yanking his shirt down as far as it would go to cover up the hearts! I saw many mothers looking at him rather strangely at times. I wanted to announce that I had "grabbed his sister's jeans instead of his," but he would have been mortified! He still does not know! This will be our little secret! I felt a little better when I saw another little boy there with pink converse hi-tops. His mom must have had the same morning I did!

I forgot to take my camera with me to go to Exotic Animal Paradise today, which was too bad, because you would have all enjoyed the pics of what they call "exotic" there at the park. We saw everything from a LIGER to a ZEDONK! Nothing like seeing animals the way the Lord intended them to be! Right? Nothing like confusing a bunch of 4 year olds, as well! But, we did get licked in the face by a camel and spat at by a Llama! As you can see, I laughed well today. God is good!

Life

Kevin calls me a "binge blogger" because I will come out with 2 or 3 in a row and then go several weeks without anything. Well, it has been a busy few weeks! We have gone to 2 of my brother's football games, which have been within an hour from us (what a blessing), had a couple visits from my mom (one of them as Ike reaked havoc on her hometown and my brave step-dad, Steve), and have been busy preparing and teaching for Aaron's Arts and Crafts class at his school, as well as preparing for the Ozarks Craft festival that my friend and I will be working in October.

The kids are great! Aaron is beginning to adjust at school and is having less frustrations at home. Right now he is quite fixated on playing "football marbles" in which he uses different colored marbles as teams and plays entire games. He uses all kinds of sound effects and even incorporates the Notre Dame fights song when a touchdown is scored. It is quite impressive! I hope to get it on video tape when he is not looking. He won't perform in front of a camera. Alexis has lost her first tooth! What a day that was! She was so excited to become a member of the "snaggle-tooth club" at school. She is having a little difficulty giving up the lost tooth, though. About an hour or so after she lost it she asked if she could have it back so that she "could spend a little more time with it." Eli is the definition of a "toddler." I will upload a video later of him "toddling" around. He moves at one speed, but walks everywhere!!! he kind of reminds me of a penguin. He is also feeding himself with a spoon--and is quite insistent on doing that by himself. He makes us all laugh, and enjoys doing it.
One note of encouragement for any one who is fearful, worried, or just plain frustrated about the world around us--it's a mess, I know--remember that God has already overcome this world and believe it or not it is still in His hands.

Here are some pics of the last few weeks:

Aaron and his cousin Ryder, before uncle Ryan's football game

Me and Eli at the hottest football game ever! Don't ENVY the shades--I got them at the gas station right before the game. That's what they were called "Envy"!

Aaron watching every minute and learning way too much about what football players say off the field. Yes, things were repeated during football marbles! All you football players out there--these little ones are listening!

Alexis and her nachos

My sister, Alyssa feeding Eli a snack--he loves her likes she is me--I think he might think she is

Aaron about to cook with apples at school, wearing his Johnny Appleseed "pan"

stirring the muffin batter

This is basically where Alexis sat for 2 days until her tooth fell out

The "snaggle tooth" girl with our neighbor Elsie, The cutest and sweetest English bulldog ever! We got to dog-sit briefly this past Sunday.

Lexi would really love to have Elsie--sorry, hun, $1500 for a bulldog is not in the budget!

I think Kevin even loves her

And, last but not least, another great look from our boy, Eli

My heart is heavy with the loss of a dear family friend. Sharon Lewis, a good friend of my mom and little brother, died last night. She was at home with her family when she left this life to begin her new life with her Lord, whom she served whole-heartedly while she was on this earth. I will always remember her with a smile on her face and as such a wonderful mother to Ashley and Kyle. I know their hearts are broken. May God wash over this family with the comfort of His people and give them peace.

Pure Talent

This is just one of the many "shows" my kids put on weekly. Much preparation went into this show. This is one of the many songs they performed for us that night. Can you tell which one prefers the spotlight? Sorry it is so dark--it was taped by my camera.

***To turn off the music, just hit the pause button on the playlist!

Good, Bad & Ugly

Okay so here is the good:

1-- We closed on our land today and now we are officially the proud owners of 3 acres. The process was painless--thank you Lord! Not one issue--that is a first for us! WE love the previous owners so much, and the realtors were so wonderful. Their realtor even bought Kevin and I a gift--a beautiful wire basket full of ivy--real ivy. I love it.

2--second good: Eli's skin is looking so good. The eczema is actually healing. I haven't seen him scratch in 3 days! Praise God for that. I'll show you a picture later.

Here is the bad (not really so bad, though)

1--We are not going to move the farmhouse. After much prayer and lots of professional input, it would cost us more to move that house over and restore it than it would to build a new one. Just to move the wires it would cost us around $12,ooo. We can't in good conscience spend that much money for 3 companies to take down 12 wires for about a half an hour. Wasteful? I think so! So we are going to begin building as soon as our house sells. I was a little sad over it, but excited to build something that we will live out our lives in.

(that's all the bad)

Here is the UGLY--

REady? I put Eli down for a nap today and he never quite went to sleep. About a half hour later I heard him talking and fussing. I peeked in the door to find him half naked. And then I smelled it--oh, no. How did he get his pants off?! He was sitting with his diaper in one hand and a fistful of, yes, you guessed it,
C-R-A-P in the other (I won't dress it up and call it something less gross). This is a first for me. I have never had a baby take off his dirty diaper and play in it. I thought my children were above that sort of thing! He just sat there and laughed as I stood there gagging and wondering how I would touch him. His shirt was covered in it. I somehow got his shirt off without getting it in his hair, and managed to stick him in the bathtub without getting anything on me. As I was giving him a bath he stood up and just as I was about to make him sit back down he peed all over me and the side of the tub, and even tried to grab the pee to play with it, laughing in the discovery! Nothing like soaking in a warm bath full of your own filth! Right ? So, that's the ugly.

Sweet "E" with healthy skin and quite happy!

.

I particularly love this picture--"it's just a little pee, mom"

Here are just some random pics of the kids, etc.

Breakfast at the Chisms

waffles with berry artwork--lexi's cross surrounded with hearts

Her beautiful, berrilicous butterfly