Fa La La La - Ah CHOO!

Well, I am sick with a cold. Got all the symptoms: constant runny nose, watery, itchy eyes, stuffed head, wee bit o achiness, sore throat.......yay. Oh well, at least I got a great hubby and teenager to take care of me.

I was fine Monday -- even ran 2.5 miles. Tuesday it hit me so fast and I am trying to not let it get worse as we are headed to my mom's Christmas afternoon. Plus I really want to go to the Christmas Eve Service at church tonight. I always love church on Christmas Eve and have had pangs of missing my old church Immanuel in VA.

I wanted to blog earlier but I've been busy with Christmas! This past Saturday we went to Danny's family for their annual Christmas get together. Then we dropped off Michael with his mom. We won't get to see him until 1/04 which is a bummer he won't be spending our first Christmas as a family together.

I can't believe Christmas is HERE. I guess we all say it every year. I swear next year I'm getting started BEFORE Turkey Day. Speaking of turkey, I'm attempting to cook my 2nd turkey ever for dinner tonight. I LOVE turkey and since we spent our Thanksgiving with the Scudders, we didn't really get leftovers. Anyway, my plan is to make turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. We will be bringing all the leftovers to my mom's to have again for Christmas dinner. This is to ensure a safe edible dinner. Plus she will have ham. There just better not be a Christmas Peking Duck.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Top 3 Most Annoying Christmas Songs EVER:
1. Christmas Eve in Washington
I'm sorry, but is Washington, DC really "America's hometown"????

2. Christmas to Remember
Hooking up with a stranger in a ski chalet makes this a "Christmas to remember"??

3. Christmas Shoes
Such a blatant manipulative emotional use of a dying mother.

Cake Decorating Class Status:
Its over. I have learned my suedo dream of becoming a professional cake decorator was unrealistic. Too much prep work and my eye hand coordination thing isn't as good as it use to be. My teacher said I have talent, but seriously when your rose looks more like a head of cabbage than a rose, one ought stick with decorating cookies.

What I Want For Christmas:
I want everything and nothing. I had the wedding of my dreams, WHAT really could possibly top that for Christmas?
Its been a great to see Lauren exhibit the same gift giving qualities as me. Gift giving is a love language and is not always synonymous with generosity, but she has had a very sweet generous heart this season.

Christmas Cards:
We are obviously not doing Christmas cards this year. I usually do an online Christmas card, but with a blog, there doesn't seem to be a reason to "update" people. Anyway, we had one friend call us with a "Christmas Call" instead of a card. It was a financial decision to save on 100 plus stamps. Smart move! Its a sign of the times. We have only received 4 Xmas cards anyway. I'm feeling the love :)

So Merry Christmas to all of you out there who love and pray and keep up with us. Merry Christmas to all of you who have known us for years or just a couple. You know who you are, you know you're special to us and you're important in our lives. You know that our lives are richer and fuller because you are in our lives.

Philippians 1:7-11

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Say It Ain't So Joel

"Evangelical megachurch pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, will deliver the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration next month, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced today."

Well, yay.

I just don't understand. I thought Joel Osteen would have been a much better choice. Or why not even Victoria Osteen? Dr. Phil? What about Oprah?

Repeat after to me: "Moving to Canada is not an option. Moving to Canada is not an option."

My Wise Friend

Proverbs 14:1
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."

One of the things God has always blessed me with is good and godly female friendships. My female friends are indeed the jewels and treasures in my life.

Today I was mulling in my head the various struggles and issues that I am facing as a mother and a step-mother. I called my high school friend Catrina. She home schools 3 boys and has taken in a friend's teenage daughter as a 4th child. I knew she could give me a little perspective.

But it wasn't a little perspective, it was a deep well of wisdom. And I drank with much thirst. I so appreciate a wise woman. A woman humble enough to share her faults and brag about the grace and mercy and intention of God in conforming her to Christ. Catrina had a spiritual and practical answer for every one of my issues --- it was such an encouragement to me.

I will credit her husband Nate too who I know also encourages in her daily efforts to nuture, train, and grow her family. She also has to be reminded of the big picture regularly because like me, and many moms, we get distracted by the daily little "dramas" or mishaps or unscheduled happenings.

Is the life I am providing this child the best for this child regardless of seeing or not seeing "results" from this child? Am I remembering to submit to God's authority to serve and love and pour out grace regardless of this child's appreciation or lack of appreciation?

Are my eyes on the seeds I can plant and NOT looking at the soil impatiently for the seeds to finally sprout?

It came down to this: I am a farmer. I am here to plant seeds of Christ in my children. I am not here to force those seeds to grow. If they start to grow, I am here to provide the environment and relationship to nuture it. But plant, plant, plant. Its a good thing I look so cute in overalls.

Plant honesty. Plant service. Plant grace. Plant selflessness. Plant sacrifice. Plant joy. Plant patience. Plant mercy. Plant compassion. Plant dependability. Plant peace. Plant kindness. Plant wisdom. Plant gentleness. Plant forgiveness. Plant, plant, plant.

Yes, I am to plant the seeds of Christ. But I am also to grow the seeds that are already in me too. No point in planting if the seeds in me aren't growing and blooming and bearing fruit.

Thanks Cat.

Tree Trimmin'

Last Sunday we headed out to a Christmas tree farm to cut down a fresh tree. It was fun, but we didn't find any left in tact we liked enough, so ended up buying a tree already cut --- its about 7.5 ft high and smells NICE!

The kids, Danny, BamBam and I all had fun! Its always interesting when 2 families with their own personal traditions/histories of Christmas try to combine them. I was grateful when Michael insisted on colored Christmas lights b/c that's what I grew up with. I handed out the ornaments while everyone else placed them on the tree. And yes, I do believe I "art directed" as to where which ornament would look best. They kept hearing me say, "There's a hole there. There's a hole there -- it needs an ornament."

In the end, my husband, was sure to let everyone know only I would have the honor of placing the angel on the tree top. She is a beautiful white angel. I know they make black angels. Would be nice to have an Asian Angel??? She could say, "Melly, melly chlistmas!" Oh, I'm so bad.....

Studly Seventeen

Yesterday was Michael's 17th birthday. Now there are officially TWO seventeen year olds in the house. It feels like they are outnumbering us somehow despite the same 50/50 ratio.

I meant to post yesterday but between my crazy cake decorating class, and various logistics of wrapping his gifts, sneaking cards into his lunch, and sneaking his favorite pizza home from Mello Mushroom for dinner, I was lucky I survived the day!

And the irony of the whole cake decorating class thing was I played it safe and made Michael a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. The pictures will show that it is CROOKED! But boys don't care about a decorated cake at that age. They care that they can consume large amounts of cake. And Michael and Danny did so.

Tonight Michael is having about 9 other friends from school for a slumber party. I don't know why I thought having 10 teenage boys in my basement was a great idea and a cost effective way to throw a birthday party. After hitting the BJs, and gettin' wings, pigs in a blanket, six 6packs of Mountain Dew, chips, carrots, cookies.... I realized...... I haven't a clue how to take care of grown boys.

Well, happy birthday Michael from your evil step mother.

P.S. Lauren is skat and spending the night at a friends. Wish I could go!

Icing on the Cake

So its official. I've become one of those stay at home moms/wives that take a Wilton cake decorating class.

I remember my mother doing the very same thing and our birthday cakes were never the same again.

Well, we all know how Lauren's birthday cake turned out (see post). So we know the skills are lacking.

Anyway, I had my first class last night at Michael's Craft Store. I thought it was going to be learning basic techniques --- this is cake decorating, how hard can it be?

What they did not prepare me for was all the supplies I would need to purchase. I know Danny is thinking: "We better have the prettiest Christmas cookies this year!!" I am also overwhelmed that the truth is that this is no namby pamby sissy class. I am intimidated and overwhelmed by what we're expected to accomplish in this class. Who knew there were 3 kinds of icing: stiff, medium and thin. Who knew food coloring that is liquid is bad, but the gel colors won't make your icing bleed?

All I have to say is this, my pipe dream of decorating cakes professionally one day has been squashed. There is some serious work invovled in preparing and decorating a cake.

Somebody smack me when I start taking the "How to make Holiday table clothes" class or the "Perfect Easter Egg Decorating" class.

My Friend, Philippians 4:4-13

I have meant to blog for awhile, but of course with Thanksgiving travels, (the possibility of lice), the holidays starting up with tree trimming, etc. --- I can hardly keep up.

This year, as I keep saying, has been about one of so much change. I have struggled in ways I did not expect, and of course been blessed in ways I did not expect.

A couple of months ago, I was finding myself exasperated by the habits of one of the kids. It was not a moral failure or a "sin" issue. It was about training and character building, but I would get so discouraged that it would blind me to the point of not seeing my calling in this child's life. It would blind me to anything ELSE about this child and I knew that was MY sin, not the child's.

I did not know how to stop being frustrated. I would get frustrated with my own frustration. I just did not have any answers on how to deal with it --- my sinful attitude. So, at my wit's end I decided I would just memorize scripture. Specifically a portion in Philippians that says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right..... think about such things."

I figured that this could be at least one way I could stop focusing my mind on what was frustrating me, but on God's Word and something positive about the child. I know, I'm original and brilliant in my application of scripture. Stop the presses. BIG FAT DUH.

So I started memorizing Philippians 4:4-13. It has been nothing short of the most intimate time and insight with God. I have never been one to memorize scripture (sadly and embarassingly) but there has been so much joy and reward with this experience.

But there's more. THAT was my time with God -- just His Word, this portion that I would meditate on in the morning. I would write out the versus over and over again. Each new verse had application I had never seen before, and I was experiencing God's Word as "living and active." What was the biggest blessing was it was JUST scripture and me. For the first time in my life, my time with the Lord was not about my prayers or a study book or Bible study. It changed my perspective and method of prayer, and it changed my love for God's Word.

I found that this small portion of scripture for me was sooo rich and deep and full and unending and a wealth of application to my life in so many ways beyond my original intent of memorizing to begin with. And if these 9 versus could be this powerful, why then do I not understand and grasp what is the full magnitude of power that is in ALL of scripture?! What kind of woman could God transform me into if I meditated so deeply on the rest of His Word?

I will confess, I have a harder time saying the versus then writing them out. And I seem to struggle most with vs. 11 and 12. I find that if I skip a couple of days, I am still sketchy on vs. 11 and 12. But I am still writing them out even though I am "done memorizing" them. Strangely I can't seem to let them go. And I am finding them to give me perspective specifically with the holidays.

As I look onto 2009, I am committed to memorizing Colossians 3. If you have never been convinced of scripture memorization or have believed the lies I have or been too lazy like me or whatever your excuse --- I have had them all since I was 13 --- I implore you to be challenged to find a small portion of scripture to memorize. Don't give yourself a deadline, don't expect it to take up huge chunks of time or be dull because it is repetitive. Just do it, and see God bless you in ways you could not have expected.

So here's Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV) --- may it encourage you.

4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. Let me say it again: Rejoice!

5 - Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 - And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --- think about such things.

9 - Whatever you have received, or learned, or heard from me, or seen in me --- put it into practice. And God's peace will be with you.

10 - I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

11 - I am not saying this because I am in need for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

12 - I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

13 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Happy Anniversary

Well, today is the 1 year anniversary of Danny and I "re-entering" each other's lives after almost a year of heartache previous to that.
Crazy, isn't it?

I'd offer the cliche phrase "What a difference a year makes!" but that would just not be accurate. I offer instead, "What a difference Jesus makes!"

Happy Anniversary to us and happy anniversary to yet ANOTHER way in which God reminds me that He does things His way for a reason. He does things His way in His timing for a reason.

And then I offer: "Thank GOD!"

Finally: FURNITURE

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago, but we finally got our furniture! I love it! But I made the most common mistake and underestimated how big the furniture was going to be in my living room space, despite carefully measuring the area.

Anyways, I love the colors and am excited about getting more artwork up on the walls and paint them too. Its strange how much the furniture has changed the whole feel of the room. Danny loves my selection and calls the gold/yellow ochre colored chair "his chair." That thing is so big we both can actually fit in it!

The artwork you see is of course by Holly and David Graff. You'll even notice a wedding pic in there -- Holly is the photographer too.

Oh and that cute greenish coffee mug -- a wedding gift from Catrina (her dad made that!).

So come visit and have a seat on our couch :)

Web of Murder Success

Congrats to Michael and Lauren for their hard work on the fall production of Web of Murder!

Last week was brutal. They'd get home from school at 3, do chores, homework, etc. I would have to help Lauren with her "old woman hair" -- which meant blow drying out her hair, moussing it back to put in a ballet bun and then applying the "grey" (baby powder). This was an hour process -- EVERY DAY. Then we'd all gulp down some sort of dinner (mostly sandwiches) by 5:20 and we'd all head back to school. They would be there until 9:30 or 10 ...... It was exhausting for everyone but the shows were terrific!

Lauren was amazing and really performed her part so well. So many folks came up to us and congratulated her in disbelief that this was her first performance. I'm not trying to brag, but she really was the best actor up on stage. When we get the video up on YouTube, I'll post the link.

Michael was responsible for building the set and it was gorgeous! Wish I had a pic of it, but the light was too dark.

Anyway, Danny and I were OH SO PROUD. It was great meeting the parents of the other actors. The parents and the kids are all a great group of folks. Truly a wonderful experience. But we, ALL of us, are glad its over.

Happy, happy! Joy, joy!

Happy 17th birthday to my darling daughter, Lauren! Its been hard for her to even think about her birthday as this is the week of the fall play. Tonight is Patron's Night and technically the first show. Danny and I have tried to make sure the play didn't overshadow her special day.

But even in all the craziness, she followed in her mother's footsteps and wore a tiara to school today to remind folks it was indeed her birthday. I usually make her a beautiful cake and in my over ambitiousness, I failed and made her what could possibly be the UGLIEST cake EVER!

I have never tried icing/decorating a 3-tier cake. Bottom layer is chocolate, middle is yellow, and the top is white cake. In addition, I used raspberry jam between the layers (YUM!!) I had meant for the colors to be brown, dark orange/red and then light orange. As you can see, that did not happen. Oh well..... The good news is I will be signing up for a cake decorating class for the month of December.
Michael, Danny, and I got cards and gift cards and snuck them in her lunch. And when she came home she got her present --- a black portfolio for her artwork. This Sunday, she will be having "tea" with 3 of her friends at Carolina Inn (same place we got married). Also, Sue and the boys stopped by and decorated the door to her room.
And she reported that there were small gifts and cards from friends at school. I'm so glad she had such an awesome day, she deserves it. I just can't believe she's 17. What happened to all the time? It seems like only yesterday she came into the world a whopping 9.5 lbs...... about the same weight as that cake!!

What My Eyes See

Finally .... an evening that didn't require us to gulp down dinner and drive the kids somewhere. SO ... we put on a romantic playlist on the iPod. Turned down the lights. Lit some candles. Got a small bowl of munchies. Poured a nice glass of Portuguese wine.

And for the first time I did something with my husband I've never really done with him before. I drew him. Yes, I dusted off my sketch pad and dug around for my drawing supplies. As he worked on his computer, I drew him.

I can't remember the last time I drew for the sheer joy of drawing. It is both an exciting and terrifying feeling. I'm finally going to take the plunge and sign up for a community painting/studio class starting in January. I can't wait, but I'm nervous.

Well, here is my first portrait of my Danny. And its my first "work" as the artist Jacqueline Dulin.

This is my drawing.

This was my subject (but live not a pic).


I superimposed my drawing over the pic I took and was pleasantly surprised I got most of his proportions right! This means my eyes still work!

Say it ain't so Joe

Thank you God its over. Thank you God for peaceful transition and the democratic process with flaws and all.

Thank you that in the end, life will always have change, and that God never changes.

And although I voted for her, does anyone else find Elizabeth Dole creepily overly plastic surgerized???

But it was a romantical election day. My husband and I stood in line together at the fire station holding our cup of coffee huddle under an umbrella for our turn to vote. Yeah, it was weird for us to vote for the first time in our lives in any other state than the Old Dominion.

No Cat in the Hat

I don't think its hard to figure out which one of us has the best sense of fashion when it comes to hats . . . . .

Another Bo-Bo for BamBam

Your Fortune in Church vs. in Bed

You know that terrible game people play with fortunes from fortune cookies? You know the one where you add "in bed" to each saying? Yeah you do.

My darling husband has decided to "Christianize" this tradition by exchanging "in bed" with "in church."

This came about the other night during our take-out Chinese dinner. Here are some of our fortunes in church:

1. The whole world is a narrow bridge the important thing is not to be afraid (in church).

2. The architect of your destiny is yourself (in church).

3. The change you started already have far-reaching effects. Be ready (in church).

FamilyLife Conference and Marketing the Asians

This past weekend Danny and I attended the FamilyLife "Weekend to Remember" marriage conference in Durham. It was our first and although we're newlyweds we went also in support of our new friends Kegan and Kozue who are engaged. They are in our Sunday school class and Wednesday night small group.

If you're married, I highly recommend you do this as a couple as least once. (Your experience will vary from conference to conference depending on your speakers, but the material is the same.)

I would be remiss if I did not mention that Danny and I had sorta a bad attitude about going as we just did not want to give up ANOTHER Saturday. But it was a great experience and we enjoyed it so much we even showed up for the Sunday sessions.

I am usually skeptical of these types of venues --- they seem very "formulaic" and I am gifted in the area of being critical so that just went hand in hand.

I knew it was going to be a good conference when all the printed materials/audio visuals, etc. had an Asian couple. YES! I knew it all along! Asians are better at marriage and NOW FamilyLife was making it known.

Okay maybe not.

Anyway, no matter how short or long you've been married, or no matter how much you think you got it together as a couple, this conference is still for you.

My Engrish

At the beach I meant to say "above and beyond" and accidentally combined them for a new much more efficient work: be-ove.

You can use it like this:
"I love you be-ove anyone else."

I also got a call from someone who mistakenly said "Powder of attorney" instead of power of attorney. We now like to sing that 90's classic "I've got the powder!"

And on a random note: Bitty seems to be alive and gaining weight. The other day Michael and I went to the SPCA to check out the kitties --- you know, to be prepared for replacing Bitty when she leaves us. It was so tempting to adopt 3 cats but we resisted.
Bitty must have suspected something because she has been particularly loving. I feel guilty.

20 Years of Friendship

Every year (for the last 6 years or so), the Wine-Price Girls and I have our annual beach get away. No husbands and no children allowed.

We all met our freshman year at JMU 20 years ago (Susan came along sophomore year). We were nicknamed the "Wine-Price Girls" because we all lived in the same dorm -- Wine-Price or aka 'The virgin vault.' That name still sticks today. The Wine-Price part.

Our friendships have gone through their seasons. And to even begin to describe the impact this group of women have had on me (good and bad) would take a book. They have loved me through some of my darkest hours and of course celebrated with me through some of my most beautiful moments. They have prayed with me, for me and in spite me. They have seen me at my best, and not abandoned me at my worst.

Thank you girls for 20 years of friendship. Here's to 20 more and see you at the beach tomorrow!!

Living Room Furniture

I'm so excited as we have finally ordered custom living room furniture that will arrive in about 3 weeks! We have been borrowing Sue's in-laws couch now for over a year and although its quaint and a lovely teal, it just isn't me.

Plus I don't want to have a heart attack every time a teenager pounces on it.

So I decided I wanted my living room decorated in warm colors --- shooting for an orange but didn't quite find a swatch I liked and am happy with red. The red swatch will be the couch. The patterned swatch will be a chair. The larger chair + ottoman is a gold but I don't have the swatch.

Can't wait!!! Holly if you're reading this -- don't you think yours and David's paintings will go well with these???!!

And I hate to be vain about this, but I'm gonna look smashing sitting on that beautiful red couch!

Lump Eck Toe Me

Last Friday I had an in/out patient minor surgery. It was a lumpectomy on my left breast. This is actually my second one. The first one I had when I was preggers with Lauren. Couple of weeks ago I had a breast biopsy that came back negative. However, recent studies show that the kind of tissue found has a strong link to "non-invasive" breast cancer. So the pathologist decided to be uber cautious and therefor recommended I get the tissue removed.

My Dr./surgeon is a riot and I can honestly say THE best physician I've ever encountered. She is about 4' 5" and full of unstoppable energy and a no holds bar attitude. Anyway, surgery went fine and I'm recovering with the help of percaset and tylenol.

I have been resting a lot and for someone who doesn't get much sleep, its been nice to get a lot of sleep lately. Its also been nice to have a husband take care of me during this time. Yeah, I know, here I go again with gushy newlywed stuff, but I so appreciate his love, tenderness and servant's heart during this.

It might not make my breast heal faster, but it sure helps to heal the rest of me. I don't care what anyone says, its always nicer to have someone you love nurse you back to health.

Jack Snead: July 1926 - October 2006

Well, we're coming up the 2nd year anniversary of my father's death, October 5. Ugh, I hate the thought that I now focus more on the day he died then the day he was born.

Due to our schedule, it turns out we'll be visiting my mom's this weekend anyway. Its awkward and I don't know how you acknowledge someone's loss in a way that shows them respect without making them feel like you're digging up serious pain. Do you get a card? Flowers? Does it just make it all feel like you're reminding them again?

Of course for my mom, it feels like it happened 2 months ago and not 2 years ago. I am always amazed how much my life changed in those 2 years. Two years. Two years and its strange to think my father has missed out on what feels to me to be some of the best years of my life to come. And isn't it just like me to turn my thoughts of the anniversary of his death into it being about me.....

I miss him, but not the man that died. I miss the man who was my childhood Daddy. I don't like to think about him, not because its painful that he died, but I get extremely uncomfortable about what I know the truth of the Bible says. Its truth and yet sometimes I can't get that reality wrapped about my brain. I don't know certain things for sure, and I couldn't and can't change things, but eventually one day I'll know.

They say that our fathers have a direct impact on how we view and perceive our heavenly Father.

I do have to say that despite his anti-God raising ways as I was growing up, there were many things my dad did that God used to show me His character. My father was a gift giver. Does that surprise those of you who have gotten a gift from me? I am a gift giver. I sometimes think I enjoy giving the gift more than the person receiving it. That was my dad. No Barbie Dream House assembly required was too much of a match for him. Perhaps he spoiled me now and then, but isn't that how our heavenly Father is? He is always, always waiting for the opportunity to bless us.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! "(1 John 3).

My father was consistently there. He went to work, came home by 5, ate dinner with us every night. I saw him as the head of the household in the very traditional way.

He loved to entertain. Shocking. He loved to throw a good party. Even costume parties. I have a great memory of my dad dressed up as King Arthur. He loved to cook. He made homemade ice-cream when we lived overseas because you just couldn't GET ice-cream in Egypt in the '70s.

He spray painted the corner of all our windows white to emulate snow during the holidays, because hey, you just couldn't GET snow in Egypt in the '70s. Or now. Maybe Al-Quada can though.

I was very much the apple of his eye. I think I told him I appreciated those things. I hope I did. I'm sure he knows I did love him. And I know in his last days, that was meaningful to him.

The Little Red Flag that got Bigger

Okay, I'll admit it. I was THRILLED about McCain's pick for VP Sarah Palin. But I DID have one small red flag. That was if I truly believed in God's role of the woman as wife and mother, wasn't she sorta NOT doing that? How do you have time to raise/nuture a family of 5 if, you know, you are uber busy? But I decided it was better to ignore the red flag and just be happy "my team" had an interesting VP pick. UGGGH.

Well, today I was listening to a podcast InContext with Michael Easley who was interviewing a pastor Voddie Baucham. I was so impressed with him I checked his website and then got caught up in his blog and my red flag about SP grew as I read his entry about her. I have to say I totally agree with his point about what the Biblical definition of "pro-family" really means.

Click HERE to read it.

P.S.
I also really appreciated his entry on golden boy Obama.

Bringin' Home Da Bacon

I could be a vegetarian if it wasn't for the bacon. They are seriously missing out.

Speaking of bacon, I thought I'd give a quick update on the man who brings home my bacon. And speak not of Kevin.

Danny is home full-time now. (Another reason to consume bacon in a spirit of celebration!) After what seemed forever -- F O R E V E R -- God worked out the details of the perfect job for Danny as a network design engineer. You non-tech folks will just have to remain in the dark as to what that means. He is working for the North Carolina Administration of the Office of the Courts. So basically, he's in the IT dept that helps facilitate the network for the ENTIRE state's judicial branch. Impressive!

And better yet, it takes him 20 minutes (during rush hour) to get to his office which is 8.5 miles away. That means on Fridays, I actually shower, fix my hair, put a little make-up on, drive a short 10 minutes to meet him for lunch. Seriously, this is just too nice.

As if that weren't enough, our work week schedule is as follows: we get up, walk the kids to the bus stop, say our good-byes and walk the dog an hour, have coffee and breakfast together and he's out the door by 7:45 or 8 am. Slug no more! Metro no more!

The most wonderful thing is how God has blessed him with several Christian co-workers. And he's in a job that he will continue to professionally grow in and keeps saying "I'm learning so much, my head is going to explode. These guys here are uber smart."

Thanks to many of you for faithful prayer. We also want to publically thank Rich and Darlene who let Danny "stay" with them over the summer while he was still working in DC. Hope they will always know what a blessing they were to our marriage.

GO 'SKINS!

There was chilli. There was corn chips. There was cornbread. There was veggies with dip. There was even chocolate cupcakes AND yellow cake. And to make everything taste better or make the calories worth it, there was VICTORY.

We do not care about the Panthers. We do not care about NC State OR UNC. We, WE are a Redskins family.

All gooey victory feelings aside, we chose to use this game as an opportunity to connect with couples we have recently met in our neighborhood and church. I am discovering that DESPITE my personality/spiritual gifts test results, I do have the gift of hospitality. I'm just kinda bossy about it.

I do love to open my home and prepare a "party" as a way to reach out and connect with people. And so does Danny. Its a difficult thing to do sometimes when all the pictures aren't hung up, and you don't have a living room set yet, or enough chairs for everyone. But I think there is something so vulnerable about sharing your home in a way that says, "I don't have a lot, but what I have, I'd love to use to serve and bless you with."

The other blessing in return for me was to see our family all pitch in. Michael did all the baking. Lauren helped with cleaning and set-up. And everyone was excited to be a part of the fun. Its one of those things where I think we had a successful get together. We had success in our football team. We had success in forging our new friendships. But we shared success as a family unit. Many of you already know what that feels like, for me its a brand new blessing.

PS -- I made a mean chilli :)

A Star is Born

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
to Lauren as she tried out for the school play and landed the lead female role!! This is her first production EVER and she is both excited and scared! I'm so proud of her for going out of her comfort zone and going for it! The plays is "Web of Murder" a dark comedy/mystery. She plays the role of Minerva "a forceful domineering woman in her sixties who is outspoken to the point of rudeness. Being the queen of her house, she rules it with an iron hand."

Hmmm.... wonder whose life she'll draw from to give her inspiration for this character.....

Interestingly enough, Michael is part of the Theatre Tech crew so he will be a major player BEHIND the scenes of the production. How cool is all that??!

Lauren's Idolatry: The Tour

I think I mentioned in a previous post that we got "into" this past season of American Idol. What started out as watching TV just for the sake of watching TV, turned into full-blown out obsession for Lauren. Yes, yet another example of my great mother skills.

>>> CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDESHOW <<<

She fell in love with Jason Castro (seen here), who by the way is a Christian although since he is a dread-head is accused of being a druggy ditz. But we all know it is David Cook ("Cookie") who won. All those in contact with Lauren all spring and summer were bombarded with American Idol this or David that, or Cookie this or Archie that..... It has been an endless detailed conversation of every and ANY detail about them, the tour, and on and on.

As a belated Christmas gift, we got tickets to see the tour in Charlotte. She got to bring a friend. They camped out at the venue at 11 am and got to meet the idols on tour --- got pics, signatures and talk to them. She even got to give Jason and David Cook T-shirts that she and her friends made them. A serious highlight of her summer. But then we swore her to "Stop the Idol talk!" rule immediately after the tour.

It was understandable for a 16 yr old girl to get all "crazy fan girl," but what was most disturbing was watching the 40 plus yr old females acting the same way. Hopefully, Lauren won't be like that at 40!!!

The tour was fun -- all idols are very talented and great in concert/person. The only thing that was cheesy was the low budget light show. But its obvious American Idol could have just had 1 cheap spotlight and the girl fans would still show up. Even the 40 year old ones.

Gardner Clan and Organized Chaos

>> CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDESHOW <<

The middle of August we made a visit to the Gardner's in SC. The purpose was to see their new domicile and pick-up their 4 kids to take back for a week in Raleigh. This would give Zoe and Stuart some time "alone" -- it was our thank you gift for all of their hard work in our wedding. Plus we just LOVE those Gardner kids.

There is Josh (12) the cool eldest, Macala (11) the prettiest one, Luke (9) the creative sensitive one, and everyone's favorite and least favorite, the famous double jointed mouth, "Bear" (6).

The original plan was that Danny and I would spend time with them. Well, Danny was still working in VA, so it was just ME and the kids. I have a new appreciation for ALL you multiple children families!!! Even with this great kids --- and I do not lie --- they are TERRIFIC kids --- I barely survived the week. We had a blast from going to the lake, the pool, making forts, playing air guitar, baking cake, computer games, movies...... Truly there is no doubt: I AM the *fun* aunt!

Can't wait to play with them again next year!!!

Summer Love

Summer lovin' had me a blast
Summer lovin' happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days driftin' away, to uh-oh those summer nights

Uh Well-a well-a well-a huh
Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more

. . . . . . . . . HEY! This is a family blog. Sorta. . . . . . . . . .

This summer we got to visit the Gardners. BamBam joined us and well, fell in love with their beautiful chocolate lab Espy. And you can tell why...... that girl is HOT!

July Four + Chinese Five Spice Chicken

We spent our first 4th of July together as a couple at a free concert at the Cary Ampitheatre (a wee bitty version of something similar to Wolf Trap).

We got rained on and missed fireworks. But the best part was a new recipe I tried on chicken drumsticks. Its now a favorite for Danny and I. Its got a killer "kick" to it but it gets dipped into a creamy cilantro sauce. SO GOOD!!

Click here to go see the recipe.

Honeymoon: Duck, NC: June 8-14

>> CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDESHOW <<

WARNING: There's some SKIN showing in some pictures!!

Danny rented a house for us at Duck, NC and it was less than a 10 minute walk to the beach. Weather was amazing. We had a wonderful time. Started a mean game of gin rummy that lasted all summer. Yes, I won. My score was over 8,000 points.

We would get up and head to the beach by 8:30 and stayed until a little past lunch. Water was so nice. Got to go parasailing......TOO FUN! And surprisingly quiet and peaceful once you're up there.

Beth was traveling thru and met us for dinner. That was a blast!

Anyway, my hubby did PERFECT for spoiling me on our honeymoon. This was the first honeymoon for the both of us. : )

I'm Back

I know, I've been MIA for 3 months. The longer you go without blogging, the more you think you will get back into it..... Well, the summer was crazy fun and I will post various stories/pictures to get you all caught up.

Here is a picture of me and my new personal trainer. Since gettin married, I have put on a couple of happy married life pounds....

Vows: Pledges: Convenants: God's Way

Many of you have asked for copies of our vows so I've put them online.

DANNY:
My Darling Beautiful Widget,

I love you. I love you completely, endlessly hopelessly. I love you with all the strength, passion, tenderness, courage and honor that God has blessed me with and more.

Song of Solomon 4:9 “You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes . . . How delightful is your love! How much more pleasing is your love than wine . . .” 4:3 “Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely.” 1:15 “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.” 2:2 “Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens.”

Your love is much more glorious and beautiful than any sunrise or any sunset. The Lord has provided me with so many earthly blessings, but if I had nothing else but you my Jacqueline, His blessings would still be far greater than any earthly imagination.

The fact that we are standing here about to become man and wife is a true testament to the power of the Holy Spirit that is within you. His grace and mercy is limitless and it is evident in you. You know the true meaning of forgiveness and grace and I am humbled by your love for me.

Proverbs 12:4 says “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” As God and all of you as my witness, I confess with all my heart, mind and spirit…My Jacqueline is my Crown.

I stand here before God, our friends and family and I wish to make it completely clear that I recognize God’s authority over my life which is exercised from his loving heart. I also recognize God has blessed me with you and has entrusted to me your life as a free gift that I have not earned nor do I deserve or will ever deserve.

Although my love for you may be feeble compared to the love of Christ our Lord, it is still immeasurable. Not one earthly creature could proclaim more love for anything than I have for you.

So, let me express my commitment to you through the promises of my heart:

I promise to love you as my wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy. In this same way, I will love you my wife as my own body. I will feed you and care for you just as Christ does the church.

I promise to live first unto God rather than others or even you and I promise to encourage you to do the same.

I promise that I will continue to lead our lives in a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus.

I promise to love you with God’s love, to provide for your needs through His enablement and to lead you as He leads me, as long as He gives us life together, regardless of the circumstances.

I promise to always try to bear the Fruit of the Spirit especially patience, self-control, goodness, kindness and gentleness.

I promise to lead our family to Ephesians 6: “…pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all saints.”

I promise I will be a faithful, honest and honorable husband.

I promise to protect you to my death.

Although I am the leader and the head of this family, I promise to always take heed your words and value your gift of discernment.

I promise that every fox in your vineyard is a fox in My vineyard and therefore I promise to Song of Solomon 2:15 “catch the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyard,” no matter the cost.

I promise to cherish every time we hold hands, every little smile, funny face, every hug…every kiss like it’s the first time.

I promise to try to provide you a life that has very few tears but when there are some…I promise to kiss them away.

I promise to show you patience and grace.

I promise that I will have unlimited amounts of forgiveness for you.

I promise to serve you no matter the circumstances no matter the cost.

I promise to take care of you no matter how healthy, no matter how sick…there is no distance I would not travel…no lengths I would not go to in order to fulfill this promise.

I promise that I will never intentionally cause conflict between us but if conflict arises, I promise to always fight fair.

I promise that I will always try to find us new experiences and adventures for us to build memories on.

I know that I can fulfill these promises because as Philippians 4 says, “…in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

As we enter upon the privileges and joys of life’s most holy relationship, and begin the adventure of continuing to grow our Christian faith together, I will 1 Peter 3 “live with my wife in an understanding way . . . and show you your honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that our prayers will not be hindered.”

Song of Solomon 5: let me now, “come into my garden, my sister, my bride…gather my myrrh with my spice…eat my honeycomb and my honey and drink my wine and my milk.”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JACQUELINE:
So, thanks for following me to Raleigh. That’s really worked out well for me.

I don’t know where begin. We have an interesting history and the road we’ve already traveled, has lead us to this day, this moment.

I stand before you with a humbled heart. I am humbled by what Christ has done in my life. I have done nothing to deserve his love and faithfulness. And I have done nothing to deserve YOUR love and faithfulness.

I am also humbled by what Christ has done in your heart and life. A work that needed to be done and a work done without me. And a work that has also prepared us for this day and all our tomorrows.

I am grateful for Christ’s timing in our lives. Grateful that today is the day our lives, families, friends are united. Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I’m grateful today is the day we begin a new chapter in the story of our lives together.

I am so proud of who you are and have become. I am so proud of the man you are in Christ and the example you set for me almost daily. The example that loves me like Christ loves me, with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I am so proud to become your wife. If my father were here today, he would be proud to give me away to you. And I know our heavenly Father is proud of the work He has begun in you.

I know you moved to Raleigh to start a new life with me, but you should know something. I would and will follow YOU anywhere. As the verse in Ruth 1:16-17 says:

“…Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

I cannot be anywhere else but beside you, next to you as your wife, lover and best friend. It is the most dangerous and the safest place to be. I love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. You are my dream come true and I promise to spend all the days of my life being yours.

May the LORD bless us and keep us;
May the LORD make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
May the LORD turn his face toward us and give us peace.

My vow, my pledge, my covenant to you Danny is to love you always for the rest of the days of our lives.

The Day I Became A Dulin

If you were there, you know it was perfect (despite the weather). If you were there, you helped make it perfect.

If you missed out, it was the most beautiful day of our lives. If you were a woman, you surely shed some tears. If you were a guy, you're grateful not to be writing your own vows in the future.

Pictures could never capture all the most profound, beautiful, delicious, and ridiculous moments we shared privately, publicaly, and spiritually. Until I get the official wedding pix, these are some Ginger took.

CLICK on the image to see full size.