It Happens to Be

Do you remember?

…where you were five years ago today?  Probably not, unless you are like me and are celebrating the birth of your 5 year old today. Yes, this has definitely been the fastest five years of my life.  Filled with excitement, worry, laughter, tears, sweet kisses and learning experiences.

 

It wasn’t suppose to be Anslie’s fifth birthday yet (she was not due until April) but just like everything else she does, she was in a hurry to get here.  A HUGE hurry. As a matter of fact, I think she is stuck in fast forward – she runs, leaps, bounds, skips, talks, runs, runs, runs. Well, you get the picture; she does everything fast and fast makes me t-i-r-e-d.  If you’ve ever read the Olivia books, you could just pretend it says Anslie instead of Olivia.

 

Tired has its rewards though – I’ll share a few of them with you – In the voice of Anslie:

 

“Mommy, when will I be 39 like you?” (This is only said shouted in very crowded public places.)

“God doesn’t like it when you yell at me.”

“Is there anymore Spegarus?” (That’s Asparagus for all of you who don’t have 5 yr olds)

 “Can you give me some of daddy’s money”?

 “God gave us these wonderful bodies, didn’t he?”

 

Makes you smile doesn’t it?  It makes me smile too.

 

Happy 5^th Birthday Anslie!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then........

 

 

 

 

......and Now

 

 

Lord, we thank you for our many blessings.   ~Amen

I’ve got “Glitter” in my hair!

Just the other day, I was washing my hands in the ladies room at work when I glanced up in the mirror.  The light was just right and as I turned my head, a shimmer of light caught my eye. I’m thinking “how in the world did I get glitter in my hair??”  A quick replay of everything I had worked on this morning…email..copying…purchase orders – nope, not a trace of glitter in any of those jobs – Curious?

Now my vanity is 100 percent sure I have managed to pick up a speck of glitter and maneuver it to my head somehow but my realistic side says “Girlfriend!! You’ve got some gray in that mop of yours!!” Hmmpf!  Aren’t I too young to have gray? Surely gray is for “old” people and I’m not old am I?

 AM I? AM I?

A closer look and instantly my heartbeat picks up the pace. If I can see the gray in the mirror then so can everyone else!  “HARSH” reality.  Funny how gray on everyone else is either distinguished or sophisticated BUT on me it is plain old Ugly.  Now I’m not just saying that because I don’t want my hair to turn gray. My gray hairs are ugly, the course wiry kind (similar to those on a schnauzer – REALLY, just like that). You can bet, if you wind up with a whole head full of those you are in for some serious “Bad Hair Days”!! Could I get a little break here? If my hair has to turn gray couldn’t I get the beautiful silky silver hair that looks positively elegant when cut short at the nape of the neck – Oh Yeah!! That is the kind of gray I want.

I have spent the past twenty two years with some sort of artificial color on my hair. Maybe from a bottle or tube, applied with foil, pulled through a cap or artistically painted on with a brush. Whatever the method that I used to achieve a (perceived) prettier hair color, the fact of the matter is that it involved a lot of work, was relatively costly in the scheme of my beauty regimen and potentially unhealthy. So! This past year, I decided to go au natural and return to the mousy brown of my younger days. Herein lies the problem, after twenty-two years the mousy brown is being replaced by schnauzer gray.

Now all of this is distressing in more ways than one – first off, I don’t really want my hair to turn gray, second of all I often pray that God will give me the strength to age gracefully.  Gracefully I said – did you hear that Grace – ful – ly. No mid-life crisis for me. Whining over gray hair is far from graceful so I will take the high road and be grateful that they are turning gray and not turning loose!  I want to be strong enough to appreciate that each of those gray hairs was earned and that they are part of what defines who I am.  For now, I will label those “you know what’s” as strands of glitter – Shine On!!!

# 26 - Favorite Christmas Tradition?

Our family tree decorating with lots of snacks, cider, music and arguing (about who gets to hang which ornament)!

Oh yeah! I’m stopping by the grocery store – tonight is tree decorating night and we are having a Snack Dinner. Those are the best, we don’t just have them at Christmas time but they are certainly more elaborate on this particular night.

 

I wheel my shopping cart around humming the Little Drummer Boy with a bit of spring in my step. Some tangerines, a chunk of havarti…sharp white cheddar, summer sausage bites, wine, jumbo shrimp, cocktail sauce…pa rum pum pum pum…Isn’t it amazing how much more pleasurable grocery shopping is when your only getting the “fun stuff”?...Pepperidge Farm entertaining collection, Rocher chocolates, melon.  A new born King to see…..pa rum pum pum pum

5:40 p.m – I need to hurry. Rounding the corner to the register I note that there is not a shard of nutrition in this shopping cart – that’s okay though because we’re having a great time at the Ollis home tonight.

I call home to let them know I’m on my way – you guys be ready to help with the groceries and preheat the oven to 350 – make a pot of coffee too.

 

Finally inside, I have the Christmas cheer going, I’m building pigs in a blanket, slicing cheese and arranging crackers.

 

 

The boys have turned on the Christmas music and I have this nostalgic warmth enrobing me.  This is my favorite holiday tradition...pa rum pum pum pum..The kids are opening the ornament boxes, excited to get started - WAIT guys! We have to eat first then decorate. Help me set the table.

 

    

 Ready! Come to the table!!

Anslie and Dad ask the most beautiful blessing, I almost cry. Within a matter of minutes we have gobbled up our snack dinner and moved on to the tree.

 

 

We have some dancing.....

 some ornament history....

some decorating....

 

 

and last but not least……….we have some arguing….

 

What's your favorite Holiday Tradition? If its making memories like these, I know it must be wonderful! ...pa rum pum pum pum..

One of a Kind

Now every mother thinks her child is “One of a Kind”, we just can’t help it.  When it comes to describing our children, each one is special. What is really exciting though is when others acknowledge the traits and talents that make your child who they are – an individual.

Society believes that childhood is an idyllic time: carefree, filled with lazy days and contentment. No pressures, just toys, television, perfect playmates, summer vacations and the likes of which are publicized in skads of parenting magazines and assorted media around the world. The truth is – childhood is HARD. Sure children typically don't have the worries of high gas prices, food shortages or the multitude of most other adult problems, BUT they do worry and they do have stress. A lot of childhood stress comes from the pressure to be like everyone else – that’s where being “One of a Kind” can sometimes be painful, very painful. As a child it is impossible to see how being different can serve you well in life. “Mom, if I don’t look, dress and talk like the rest of the group they make fun of me”. That sentence makes me want to cry because I know the truth in it.

As a society we have conditioned our youth to believe that clothes, cars and money define who we are. Shame on us!!! I mean that.  What is wrong with us when we no longer value the true qualities that make people special? When you take off those expensive clothes, step out of that fancy car and federal regulators shut down your bank, you will still be that same special individual – minus the fluff.  That’s what I want my children to learn.  I want them to appreciate their friends for their kindness, humor and intelligence, the stuff on the inside.  I also want to appreciate my children in the same manner, to be able to realize that each one is different and treat them as such.

Speaking of which, last week Jordan (my 10yo son) participated in drama camp which culminated in a Friday night performance. All week he practiced his lines and talked about which parts he was playing and when I should be watching for him. This is one of my favorite things to do – watch him perform.  He is oh so dramatic and funny.  He can sing, dance, act and improvise at the drop of a hat.

Great talents for any ten year old but, especially so since he is mine! (I know bragging is not becoming of a lady – today I choose to be unladylike).

As we got settled in for the performance, the director came on stage to introduce the camp theme and give an overview of the week.  She also handed out camp awards – Dear Lord, I can feel that lump appear in my throat out of nowhere. It’s as if I’ve been harboring a fugitive toad in my stomach and he has decided at this very moment to relocate!! Don’t laugh, every parent knows the feeling – “will my child get an award”? So, I patiently waited and smiled as campers crept from behind the curtain to collect their acknowledgements. As I waited, the stack of awards got smaller until there was only one award left – oh, I hope that one is for Jordan! Then the next sentence out of the director’s mouth made the frog in my throat do a double back handspring triple somersault.

“This last award is the ‘One of a Kind Award’, it goes to a camper who, let us just say, made a lasting impression on us and is truly one of a kind”. (OH NO, I change my mind, please Lord, don’t let it be Jordan).

"Our One of a Kind Award goes to Jordan Rhea, come on out Jordan”! (uuugh!  Hooray!!)

(Applause here!) And in an instant with his perfectly bright smile and gracious stage presence he appeared to accept his award.  A brief handshake, slight bow to the audience and he disappeared behind the curtain.

I slumped ever so slightly in my seat. Are people looking at me? Muttering about the kid who is “One of a Kind”? Wondering if he was out there? What kind of impression did he make that would be so lasting? Stop It Renee!! You are paranoid, nobody is looking at you and nobody thinks anything.  He went to camp and showed who he was; his individuality.  Dear Lord, please forgive me for thinking the worst. (Remind me sometime to tell you about my “Nosey Award” at Girl Scout camp – I believe that frog has been hanging around ever since.) To my relief the lights dimmed and it was show time.

As I sat there watching the performances of these 30 or so young actors and actresses I realize that I put too much emphasis on what I expect my children to be and not enough emphasis on who they truly are.

All of these participants are brave beyond belief.  Each one revealing their individual style, creativity and talent to a group of total strangers – that’s impressive. As many times as I have read chapter one of the Purpose Driven Life I still forget that my children are exactly who they are supposed to be.  God made them for his own purpose and carefully planned out every detail of their physical and spiritual being.  I am thankful that He has enough faith in me to entrust three of His precious children to my care. I am proud of my three “One of a Kind” children for who they are.

Today I’m especially proud of Jordan for his ambition, talent, humor, kindness and his heart of gold. He is so special and truly one of a kind. I know that God has great plans for him.

I can’t wait to see his next performance - this one was FABULOUS!

Each new child brings the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.  ~Tagore

Uniquely me,

~ Renee

If I were 13

No parents, no chores, the beach, lots of friends girls – wouldn’t that be the life for three whole weeks if you were a 13 year old guy. Sounds like the perfect way to while away your summer before heading off to high school if you ask me. Stuart thought so too – and for three weeks this summer he studied Coastal Ecology at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC through the Duke TIP Program.

Although his parents weren’t there, he was under the excellent watch of some fabulous teachers, assistants, RC’s and staff at the Marine Lab. Despite the picture I have painted, this trip was not all play – it was equivalent to a semester course in college. (No, really- I'm serious, one semester of college crammed into 3 weeks!)

That meant no sleeping late, lots of studying, lots of hands on lab work and even doing your own laundry.  (ummm, that was a nice break for me J). Class six days a week and evening activities kept them busy. Needless to say, between the hectic schedule, mud fights and a broken cell phone (scowl) we didn’t hear from him too often.

Fortunately for me, Dr. Phil

did an excellent job of documenting the adventure by means of digital photography – and I THANK him!! This year we actually get to put faces with all the names of this new group of friends. What a wonderful "life experience" to have.

I'm totally awed by, and jealous of the whole experience - I wanted to go too, let me show you why.........

Aren't they amazing? They are the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. They are from spanish descent from around 400 years ago. And if that's not enough, look at what they had for lunch one day - HA! Only kidding! Neat though, huh?

For details (since I only got bits & pieces myself - Stuart is 13 afterall) you will have to email him directly at stuartrhea (at) bellsouth (dot) net. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photographs.  You can see more of them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ithappens2b/ 

Happy Whatever Day

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, this appears to be your average, everyday, roadside mailbox, but it is so much more than that.

Today, it was the vehicle for my joy. Instead of seeing a pile of bills, junk mail or wasted paper – what I saw when I opened the mailbox door today was JOY!  I had a surprise. You can always tell when there is something extra in the box.  It may be a little larger than the rest or maybe a different color envelope or even bear the now extinct handwritten address. YEP, ink pen is a sure sign that you have gotten something extra in the box! I immediately felt my heart leap. It’s not my anniversary or birthday or anyone else’s in our family for that matter so who was getting the “extra” envelope today?  Thump-thump, thump-thump, I could feel the excitement building as I reached into the box.  Sure enough, in neat black ink the address read, Mrs. Renee Ollis – it’s for ME! I just got a letter, I just got a letter, I just got a letter – wonder who it’s from?

     

There was a return address that I didn’t recognize but no name. Now my heart was really starting to pound.  Somebody has been thinking about me and I don’t even know who it is. I couldn’t wait to open it. As I tore open the envelope and pulled out the card, I knew this card was special.  This card had been handmade especially for me. Someone had spent hours hand cutting and decorating this card with meticulous care and love – All just for me! Imagine as I’ve been going about my routine this week someone had stopped everything they were doing – JUST FOR ME!! I am so lucky. So loved. The card read “Happy Whatever Day” – with the Chinese symbols for love and joy.

Beautiful, yes the card - but even more beautiful is the person who painstakingly created it for me.  This friend and I had recently had a conversation about the importance (my view) or unimportance (her view) of sending cards through the mail.  She wanted to know why an e-card wasn’t as good as a card in the mail since the thought was all the same.  I think there is something purely wonderful and thrilling about the unexpected receipt of a card in the mailbox and I wasted no time expressing this. Thank the Lord she is patient and tolerant (oh! so, so tolerant). She let me have my say, and since we had briefly had the conversation before, I knew her view. No matter, this week she stepped beyond what she thought because she puts others before herself – she sent me an envelope of joy.

I admire her. She is one of very few people that I know who lives what she believes and believes what she lives. She is good and kind and honest. Rare. The most intriguing part about receiving a card in the mail is not knowing that you are in someone else’s thoughts or even the element of surprise, It is knowing that you are loved enough for someone to sacrifice their time for you.

Happy Whatever Day to you too Marcia.

Soft Sounds

One morning last week my husband and I found ourselves sitting at the table sharing coffee before work. Mind you, this is extremely out of the ordinary for us. Our mornings are usually crammed with alarm clocks, hair dryers, closet rummaging, and noise levels teetering around the 100+ decibel mark. But as we sat there unrushed, with our children indulging in summer sleeping hours; my husband looked at me and said, “I miss soft sounds”.

Oh! I had been so busy basking in the glory of this simple time together that it hadn’t even occurred to me how truly quiet our house was that morning.  Not silent. Just Calm. Quiet. Soft sounds – you know, the ones that you have to be paying close attention to hear. Like the clink of a wedding ring on a coffee cup, tinkling wind chimes on the deck, the chirp..chirp…chir-oop of the finches on my bird feeder. Pleasant, soothing sounds.

 

I never asked him to clarify soft sounds but it was these things that flooded my mind as I tried to appreciate the statement he had just made.  It seems to me that far too many days go by that I don’t appreciate the “soft sounds” in life. Always rushing; frantically searching for last minute items, hurrying children into car seats, rushing through the yellow light to make it to the next destination – all on hyperdrive. It was only because of the conscious decision to get up a bit early (this was my precious husband’s idea) that I had the opportunity to reflect on how hurried, rushed and LOUD my life is.  I’m so grateful that those two words helped me re-focus, if only for a short while; and pay attention to the less obvious, softer sounds in my life.  They are many, mostly pleasant – I might make getting up early for coffee with him a habit!

Renee