Above & Beyond — motherhood – life more than we imagined

9/11 – We Were There

by Debi on September 9, 2011

Tim and I were in Washington DC the morning of September 11, 2001.

We were given a most generous gift – a trip to Washington DC to attend David Barton’s Wallbuilder’s Pastors & Wives Tour of the Capital. Ironically, this tour was to be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Including a guided tour of the Capital to recount our rich, spiritual heritage. Hosted by our pastor and his wife – we were celebrating a decade of service to the church and launching my husband into a new ministry/career path.

Our long, held dream to visit Washington DC was coming to fruition!

With 10 children at home we rarely traveled without them. I mean rare-ly! My ‘happy place’ was home with our children. I won’t lie – this trip, even in its grandeur, was hard. I didn’t want to leave our little ones. Micah was only 15 months old. I weaned him in time for this trip. The morning of September 10, I awoke in the early morning to nurse him – for the last time – tucked him back in bed, grabbed my luggage and left for the quiet ride in the dark – to the airport. I was 41 years old and knew this would likely be my last opportunity with one so young.

When offered this trip – I wanted to go – but thought a shorter-version might fit our family’s needs. The tour was September 11. I suggested to Tim we fly out early Tuesday morning (9/11) and meet up with our friends just in time for the tour. This seemed like a great idea to me – and it would give me another night at home. He declined. I came back with my idea again, charged with emotional appeal. He could see past my feelings and knew this would be a trip of our dreams – once he got me out of the house. We both knew the kids were in good hands.

Hours later, on a warm, rainy afternoon, we landed at Reagan International Airport. Dropped off our bags in Georgetown (a stones throw from the Pentagon) and headed to The Smithsonian by Taxi. This visit was surreal. We took in every moment: the crowded subway, George Washington University, right next to our hotel, and our destination – the National Mall. It was beautiful to behold. This long, grassy mall stretched past the row of infamous museums – which house the artifacts we had only seen in history books. We ran through the rain across the wet lawn and slipped into the museum. Ever glancing up to see the ominous Washington Monument. This trip was bigger than life for me.

I love museums!

From Lincoln’s top hat to the Hope Diamond we whizzed past every treasure we could see until they made us leave.

Closing time.

The evening of September 10th – I will remember as long as I live. Like a movie you’ve seen over and over. I’ve replayed these details countless times.

Monday evening was a celebration for us. Our pastor and his dear wife had been mentors and leaders in our lives for so long we hardly remember life before their influence. Our children had grown-up and our family prospered in their humble, loving church. Tim had served by his side for years. There was a new day coming – an end to a season. We were looking back and looking ahead in thanks and anticipation. Dinner reservations were made at a fine restaurant. Everyone around us looked important. Was it our imagination or were we among greatness?

After a leisurely dinner we strolled the streets of DC together, the four of us. The moon pinpointed on this vital city – like a flashlight. The sky around it – deep blue and crystal clear.

There was a kind of ‘hush’ in the air. I had never felt more at peace - more secure.

I must confess, I’m a die-hard patriot, postured as a stay-at-home mom. I love this ‘sweet land of liberty’. I choke-up when we sing the National Anthem at ballgames – it gets to me every time. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The Pilgrims are my heroes. I told my high school classmates that I would be the first woman president. Really, I did! I love this land. To walk in the footsteps of those who forged this nation – to see, first hand, the place of its political birth – was a dream come true.

Once back at the hotel – I called to check on the kids. Tim was right – they were fine. Forcing myself to sleep, I finally drifted off. The anticipation of it all was bigger than life. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve.

All was still – all was bright. A silent night – indeed.

To be continued …read the rest of our story at Raising Patriots – my new blog!

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Forget Not

by Debi on September 7, 2011

forget-me-not

“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and FORGET NOT His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:2-5

I love this Matt Redmon song – can’t get it off my mind - 10,000 Reasons

Works for Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family

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Just Breathe!

by Debi on August 21, 2011

“Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”
Andrew Weil, M.D.

Our chiropractor recommended this breathing exercise to us some time ago and it’s been a tremendous help. My challenge: Try this for a week – and see if there’s a difference. We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

Dr. Weil’s 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is simple and versatile. Sit up straight. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth – behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through out the exercise.

Exhale completely through your mouth, making an audible ‘whoosh’ sound.
Close your mouth and inhale through your nose to the count of 4.
Hold your breath for a count of 7.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a ‘whoosh’ sound to a count of 8.
Repeat three more times for a total of four breaths.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Do it at least twice a day.

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day you can use this technique whenever anything upsetting happens. Before you react – just breathe. Plus, this simple exercise will help you dissolve internal tension and even fall asleep at night!

So, as the school year begins and life picks up a steady pace – things may not be transpiring like you envisioned. When your body feels tense and you’re about to think, say or do something you know is not profitable to those around you …. Just breathe!!

For more info on this fascinating subject – see Dr. Weil’s site, view the youtube tutorial by Dr. Mercola and study how this simple exercise effects your overall health! Keep breathing!

Please let me know how this is working for ya!

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Eat Your Greens

by Debi on July 28, 2011

Eating Greens
Bambi at MOVIECLIPS.com

As much as I love Thumper! I’ve gotta agree with his Father. Greens are a neglected gold-mine of nutrition. Physically, mentally, emotionally … it’s amazing what ‘live’ food does to nourish the body. This is a simple and effective way take care of momma.

To inspire you – here are some benefits of eating greens - just a few!

Greens are loaded with powerful antioxidants which support our immune system.
Dark greens have Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids which aide in brain function. {Have I convinced you yet?}
Greens have little to no carbohydrates {bonus!}
Chlorophyll {remember that from science?} detoxifies our blood! BTW – disease cannot live in a clean blood system.
Greens balance the body’s PH – taking your body from acidic to alkaline. Basically, saving your life!

For some of us, greens are an ‘aquired taste’. For others – eating greens are a ‘come to momma’ experience. I find myself somewhere in the middle. I love raw greens, but gravitate to processed foods without realizing my ways. For the sake of variety we saute, bake, grill or whatever is needed to keep the greens coming.

The boys and I made vegetable lasagna for Victoria’s 18th birthday dinner. Here’s my old recipe I got from a favorite cookbook, Eating to the Glory of God, by Sharon Bauer. I’ve made this recipe, off and on, for 20+ years and we enjoy it every time. Plus, it’s easy! Maybe recipes like this will help the greens go down a bit easier.

Vegetarian Lasagna

3 Tbs Olive Oil

1 Garlic Clove – minced

1 Onion – lg

2 Zucchini – med – thinly sliced

1 Green Pepper – med – sliced

1 Cup Mushrooms – sliced

In skillet, saute’ garlic and onions in oil. Add zucchini and green pepper. Cook on low heat until tender. Add mushrooms, set aside.

1 (32 oz) jar favorite spaghetti sauce

2 eggs – slightly beaten

1 (16 oz) container cottage cheese

Stir spaghetti sauce in with vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix eggs & cottage cheese in bowl – set aside.

4 Cups Fresh Spinach – washed, stems removed

1 (8 oz) box artichoke lasagna noodles (DeBoles is our favorite!)

1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese – freshly grated

Layer lasagna and refrigerate overnight. Serve the next day.

In 13×9 baking dish, layer ingredients:

Put 2 Tbs of spaghetti sauce in bottom of dish.
Lasagna noodles (uncooked)
Cottage Cheese mixture
Spinach
Vegetables sauce mixture
Mozzarella Cheese

Repeat layers in same order. Top with sauce. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese when fresh out of the oven. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

In our house – this recipe serves about 4 teenage boys. You think I’m kidding? I double or triple the recipe for family gatherings and serve with Caesar salad, garlic bread and spaghetti on the side. {for the meat lovers} I have made it alongside traditional lasagna – for variety. And like any good lasagna – it tastes even better the next day!

If you have a favorite veggie idea – please leave a comment. We would LOVE to hear!!

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Lighten the Load

by Debi on July 27, 2011

Pakeha-05

When a cargo ship is floundering. When the destination seems beyond reach – the solution may be as simple as to:

lighten the load!

The same applies to home-life. With ‘school’ looming in the distance, I feel the pressure of making the tasks ahead doable, more simplistic and clear.

So, I’m walking the deck, eyeing the crew and identifying yesterday’s goods. We won’t be going back. That’s where we came from. My eyes are on the land ahead and map in hand.

Don’t worry – not ruthless here. Heirlooms we keep. Scrapbooks assemble and necessities we treasure.

But extra baggage weighs us down. So … I say, ‘off with it’! {haven’t I done this post before?}

We’re clearing away the rubble from yesteryear. Items like, clothing from years before and school books no one wants to see again. With a vengeance, I hunt down the worst offender: items we MIGHT need someday. These critters have stowed themselves away in the crevices of our lives. Freebies of the past that infringe upon the present and presume upon our future.

Battling the ‘Genealogy of Junk’ these items won’t be passed down – in hopes that our children will have a better life and a lighter load.

As for the crew? It’s all hands on deck around here. Each man/woman for her own – organizing this ~~ship~~ home.

Already, I can see the binders of books we love, closet floors and containers with lids that fit! We’ve uncovered treasures and never missed what was tossed, sold or given away.

For me? This is my part of ‘taking care of mom‘. Benefiting heart and soul – I can breathe more deeply and enjoy smooth sailing.

Are you tossing cargo overboard in preparation to land this fall in a new place? We’d love to hear the details!

Summer read: Organizing from the Inside Out and that’s just what I’ve been doing.

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Water of Life

by Debi on July 17, 2011

Did you know that our bodies are 60% water? Some organs are up to 90% – like our lungs. Get this – our brains are up to 70% water in composition.

That’s my Sesame Street version of anatomy. I find these facts fascinating! Pure water is directly tied to the quality of our lives. Water is our body’s principal chemical and worthy of preference in our diets.

Tap water, although filtered, is left with a residue of chemicals, poisons and nowadays – pharmaceuticals! Yep! People flush their pills and the city filtering systems can’t quite keep up with the complexity of filtering. So, it’s up to us – the consumers – to be aware and protect ourselves from the harsh chemicals in tap water.

Pure drinking water is ideal for our bodies needs.

I began to purchase filtered water during my first pregnancy. We lived in a town, which was known for having ‘bad’ water and I didn’t want to put our baby at risk.

A few years later, we purchased an under the counter reverse-osmosis filter. One of the best things we ever did! We have moved that unit from house to house for 20 yrs. It’s serviced annually and we change out the filters. Easy! When we return from a trip away – the kids head for the filtered water as soon as we hit the door. I guess we’re raising bonafide ‘water snobs’ and unapologetically so.

How much water should we drink? Here’s an easy way to calculate - 1 ounce for every 2 pounds of body weight. Let’s SAY I weigh … 120 lbs … that would require me to drink 60 oz per day. Or, 8, 8 ounce glasses for me! Wallah! It’s that simple. You can calculate for your children too. Obviously, we drink more when exercising and less when maybe … sick.

Here’s some interesting facts about water that effect us everyday:

Water regulates body temperature.
Pure water eliminates poisonous waste by flushing them out of our system.
Air travel increases your need for water and so does altitude.
Avoid drinking water ½ hour before meals and 2 hours afterwards for optimal digestion.
Next to oxygen, water is the most important element for staying ALIVE.
Being hydrated keeps you mentally sharp!
Adequate hydration reverses the effects of water retention.
Dehydration hinders weight loss.

As moms, this is a simple way to care for our bodies – while never leaving home. DRINK! Stay hydrated with fresh, pure water to maintain optimal health. Amazingly simple, huh?

Sunshine and pure water. Add these to your day and see if they makes a difference.

Genesis 1:31, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”

“Nature is not God but God revealing the weight of Himself, all His glory, through the looking glass of nature.” Anne Voscamp – One Thousand Gifts.

Got any water stories? What type of filter does your family use? Has your life been changed by consuming clean water? I’d love to hear your stories. Please leave a comment!

I promise these posts will get to be more FUN. I’ve got to say the basics before we can go on to the extras! I’ve been out of town without Internet – this explains the delay in posts.

I’ll be back soon with more on taking care of Mom!

Joining Mingle Monday @ Add a Pinch – follow me there?

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Let the Sun Shine!

by Debi on July 14, 2011

Sunshine is medicine.

When we spend time in the fresh air and sunshine – our bodies soak in the goodness of the Creator’s powerful healer – designed for His creation. Us!

Sunshine is relaxing.

It soothes the nervous system. In the old days they called it ‘sun bathing’. Basking in the sun helps heal an anxious mind and even promotes sound sleep!

With the school year coming soon and the busy-ness of fall responsibilities lurking in the distance – take a break and enjoy the sun.

During the tough season’s in life I crave the sun, God’s healing agent. Like, when our house had been on the market for some time and we’d found the home we had been praying for {the home we now live in}. The grace period to sell our existing residence was running out! During those anxious days, I’d often head to the backyard, while the kids were resting and lie in the sun. Reading the Word and praying, during one of those times, I got the phone call announcing – we had a breakthrough! The house sold within days and our lives took a turn that we had hoped and prayed for. I could tell so many stories like this. The sun really nourishes our body, soul and spirit.

When the kids were little we always had a plastic baby pool. After they were through playing, I’d have MY time in the pool. After basking in the sun and I felt refreshed to face the day. I called it our ‘suburban pool’. It worked for me. Plus, we had a 6′ fence. The neighbors had no clue.

Here in Texas, late July, it is H-O-T! I’m enjoying this sun. I try to get a daily dose – even for a short time.

When I embrace the sun, I find it more bearable. The summers when I run from air-conditioned house to air-conditioned car – I have a harder time tolerating the heat.

Here are some tips to let the sun SHINE in your life these last few summer weeks:

If you have fair skin – take in the morning sun. Actually, morning sun is better for you anyway. {before 11:00 AM}
Sun bathing releases toxins in your body. Once you sweat from the heat, shower within 20 minutes. Toss your towel in the laundry and don’t reuse it!
If you can’t get out in the sun – choose natural lighting over artificial whenever possible. Pull back the drapes and let the sun shine in.
Sunshine heals wounds. Expose the ‘boo-boo’ to the sun and watch it heal.
Take your work out of doors. I carry a basket full of ‘work’ to do while soaking in the sun.
Coconut oil is my favorite sunning oil! Aw, the smell! Plus, it’s a cure for dry skin.
The rays of the sun are a powerful germicide.
If you tend to burn – limit your time to 20-30 minutes. This will do wonders!
Sunlight enters through your eye to the pineal glad, located in the center of your brain. Healing is released for eyesight, brain, desire for food and the list goes on and on.
We can’t live without sunshine. The sun brings life!
Heather at Mommypotamus has a great post on sunscreen. Let’s just say, I agree with her!

If you embrace the sun as a lifestyle, good for you! I’d love to hear how this works for you. Please leave a comment!

See you tomorrow with more on taking care of MOM!

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Redirection

by Debi on July 6, 2011

This summer I’ve enjoyed a much-needed break.

Not just from blogging, but also from everything else I could possibly break away from.

My pace of life has slowed and I’m fully enjoying this season.

During this time I contemplated where to put my efforts in blogging.

Since I write from life experience, more than theory, I must to ‘live it’ before I tell others.

Therefore, I have a series of posts planned on -

~Taking Care of Yourself ~

There, I said it! Before you accuse me of heresy – in our world of self absorbed, divas – let me explain.

After years of mothering I can’t stress strongly enough how vital it is to steward our bodies – inside and out.

The years of having little ones will pass and you’ll want to be strong and healthy for their adult years – not to mention grandchildren!

I’m looking forward to posting a series {my first} on this topic that’s so dear to my heart.

I have no gimmicks or bells and whistles – just time-tested advice – and hopefully, some answers for someone.

See you tomorrow!

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Flag Day!

by Debi on June 14, 2011

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!

The Star Spangled Banner ~ Francis Scott Key 1812

Today, on this Flag Day, we will replace our trusty flag that adorns the front porch. I’ll head to Walmart and secure a fresh, new version to take its place. The new star spangled banner will remind us through the year to come ~ that by the grace of Almighty God ~ we live in the land of the free.

Study the flag with a great book, like – The Star Spangled Banner by Spier – chalked full of lovely illustrations and a thought-provoking read.

Joining Thought Provoking Thursday @ Some Girl’s Website - follow me there!

Educating the Whole Hearted Child is here! New revised version. Enter the giveaway @ I Take Joy!

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Education Defined

by Debi on June 4, 2011

Noah Webster

EDUCA’TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

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Remembering Joplin

by Debi on May 28, 2011

Since we live in the South – the impact of this disaster hits close to our home. Relief teams are being assembled, churches are gathering goods, construction companies are rearranging business to help a community begin to assess the damage.

Lord, assemble Your people to come to the aide of the hurting and broken. Remind us how close you are to the brokenhearted – teach us Your way, give us undivided hearts – Your heart for the broken. Matthew 25

As moms at home we can pray – and pray we will do. Remembering the fallen – binding up the broken hearted and proclaiming hope in Jesus’ name. Luke 4:18-19

International ALERT Academy are first responders who will be one of the many organizations offering trained help. A worthy group to support financially in this endeavor.

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Giveaway!!

by Debi on May 23, 2011

“Silver and gold, I have none – but such I have – give I thee.” Acts 3:6

I offer to you – my friend - the best gift I can give away. May you take 1,000 Gifts and enjoy it fully. But, it comes with a warning: readers are known to be transformed and ruined for the ordinary. This book is fresh and new, yet timeless. Poignant, while laying bare the soul. My life has been touched … tampered with … by Ann Voskamp’s book. Healed, by gratitude – the eucharist.

This giveaway is different from the others. You may enter up to 6 times. Each entry/comment must be a thanks. Tell us what you’re thankful for in a comment. It’s that simple. To help develop this habit – come back here every day and leave a comment telling us what you’re grateful for. You can do this up to 6 times – but they must be one each day! Tweet and Facebook this offer. If you already have the book – enter to win one to give one away!

This giveaway is closed – the lucky winner is Heater @ The Mommypotamus!

I’ll start by continuing my list of 1,000 thanks:

88} Change … yep, I’m thanking God for change

89} The smiles of my children – old and young alike – their smiles are windows into Heaven for me

90} Grass – green grass – especially under my bare feet!

91} Coffee in the morning

92} Watching my kids help eachother succeed

93} Songs of praise ~ water to my soul

94} The color blue ~ it must have been the first color created

95} Hot sauce – well, I guess it would originally be hot peppers

96} Listening to our kids giggle in bed at night (when they’re supposed to be asleep)

97} Piano recitals – the fruit of hard labor

98} Spending the day with my Dad on his birthday

99} The ability … to remember

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Texas Caesar Salad

by Debi on May 16, 2011

We had friends over for a meal yesterday and I knew exactly what I wanted to make. The way I look at it, the meal needs to fit the atmosphere – right? With this refreshing spring weather, green trees returning to life, skies of blue and the absence of pesky summer bugs – Texas Caesar Salad is a perfect fit! This meal is a longtime family favorite. The recipe came from my friend Ginny, was adopted by my other friend Kaye and eventually published in our church cookbook – the rest is history. It’s called Texas Caesar Salad – because it has the qualities of a Caesar with the punch of Tex/Mex. The green dressing is one of the best I’ve ever known! We can never make enough to have leftovers. And like any good recipe – it’s enjoyed by guys and gals, old and young alike!

Tip: You can print this right off the blog, save it on de.licio.us – or come back here for it anytime – this recipe is guaranteed to please a crowd – or a just a few! Also, I think it tastes best when eaten – outside on pretty days just like this. Let me know if you try it – I’d love to hear what you think.

Dressing:

3 cloves garlic 2 green onions

2 anchovies (optional) 2 fresh jalapenos (seeded)

1 cup olive oil 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup Romano cheese 1 egg yolk

1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp lemon juice

1 bunch cilantro

Process dressing in blender or food processor {warning to germaphobes, this is finger lickin’ good!}

Salad:

3 heads romaine lettuce 3 bell peppers (orange, yellow & red)

3 ears of corn 1/2 cup tomotoes

1/4 cup Romano cheese Grilled chicken, sliced

Chop lettuce, cut peppers in cubes or strips, combine and toss well. Top individual servings with croutons and dressing.

Croutons:

1 loaf of bread cut into 1/2 inch cubes 2/3 pound of butter (melted)

2 tsps chili powder 1 tsp cayenne pepper

2/3 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp salt

Add spices to melted butter. Toss bread cubes in and mix. Once saturated, place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees. Croutons are worth the effort! {also good with garlic added}

Also posted on Add a Pinch – Mingle Monday and Works for Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family – join me there?

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