Around Our Table - Part 2

***This is Part 2 of a two-part post.  Click here to read Part 1.

It hasn't been with us that long.  Only 9 years.  Yet that's over half of our young sons' lives.  And as I laid in bed last night with the digital numbers on our clock seemingly brighter than usual, I saw with vivid clarity the moments and memories; ordinary and extraordinary; everyday and especially.

Our dining room table.  It wasn't too long after we bought it that our oldest son was hard at work on an art project.  He was so diligent, so proud of the picture of the mad scientist he had drawn with colored pencils.  Unfortunately, I was unaware that his stick-to-it-iveness was going right through his paper and making impressions on the table beneath.  To this day, at one end of our table is the impression of a bygone day: our son's mad scientist drawing.  And while I didn't love it at the time, today finds me grateful for the memory of that long-ago afternoon, the character it adds, and the little hands that painstakingly put it there.

And then there were all those other moments that found boys poured over their schoolwork:  diagramming sentences, working on spelling, creating crafts  Line upon line, baby step after baby step, they grew up and flourished.

I see little boys in their jammies, encircling the table with light in their eyes.  A rack of sugar cookies was just waiting to be brought to life with decorations, and they eagerly set to work with frosting and a liberal dose of sprinkles.

There was Christmas Eve Chicken Cordon Bleu and Christmas morning tea; "Celebrate Daddy" nights and a host of other themed nights.  The moments were becoming memories and making an impression on little boys' hearts...kind of like the mad scientist on our table.

Family game nights found little boys hanging off of chairs and me wondering where their unending energy came from---energy that made getting through a simple game sometimes long and difficult.  Our games evolved from Lego Creator to Clue to Life to Phase 10.  Amidst the seemingly non-stop laughter, a competitive spirit was flamed and sportsmanship was taught.

My heart warms at the thought of meetings held, visions cast, and heads bowed.  With a heartfelt longing to make much of Christ, various committees came 'round our table seeking wisdom and guidance from Him.

I plainly see my husband seated with tax papers spread out across the table each year.  My own anxious heart was in knots, but his smile was steady and sure.  Without fail, he reminded me that God was good and had always taken care of us.  Everything was gonna be ok.

I smile at the thought of our table stretched to full capacity, seating grandparents at birthday parties, friends at Christmas parties, and our high school kids for Friday morning coffee cake.  I think of the squeeze to fit around the table when filled with so many people we love.  And my heart rejoices that God's not called us to do life alone; that we get to love and serve with so many remarkable people.

I bask in the sweet memories of tea parties with my girlfriends and tea with my high school girls.  I think of our table filled with women from all walks and stages of life. Some old, some not-so-old.  The small talk gave way to deep talk.   Over hot tea and sweets, their stories came spilling forth.  And we discovered that we're much more alike than we may have thought.  We celebrated God's beautiful plan to place olden women in the lives of younger women:  teaching, training, and setting the pace.

I remember our little family of five joining hands 'round that table, pouring out prayers of thanks before meals; teaching what is and isn't appropriate at the table; opening up the Bread of Life.  I think of the days rehearsed, the celebrations had, the memories made.

And that is why I look at our table and smile.  It's the hub.  It's where our little family grew up.  And it loudly echoes reminders of God's extravagant grace.  From the little boy days to the current big boy days, our God has carried, sustained, and provided for us.  He's met every need with Himself.  And because of that, I know that even when change is looming on the horizon and everything looks different than before, this same God is over all.  As our chairs empty when sons leave our nest or as leaves are eventually added to accommodate our growing family---my trust, my hope, and my confidence is in this same God.  May the everyday occasions around our table reflect, honor, and thank Him.

Around Our Table - Part 1

So, real-life friends and long-time readers know full-well that I'm a bit...how shall we put this...nostalgic (I much prefer this to the other word that comes to mind...neurotic).  Ah, yes.  Sentimental Journey just might be my lifesong.  Case in point?

Well, there was the blog entry I wrote about our dinner plates.
Or the ode to our washing machine when it died.
Or the grief experienced upon our stove's untimely demise.

In fact, if you've spent any amount of time here at all, you've found that God teaches me a whole lot through the ordinary stuff of life, whether it be appliances or aprons or little boy costumes.  My heart and longing is not to live in the past, but to learn and grow from it.  I often reflect on the instructions God gave Joshua and the Israelites after they'd passed over the Jordan on dry ground (Joshua 4).  He told them to pile 12 stones as a memorial.  When their children asked in days to come, "What do these stones mean?" they were to tell them what God had done for them.  The stones were to serve as a memorial and a reminder of God's faithfulness forever.  You see, when we acknowledge and celebrate God's gracious hand in the past, it gives us courage for the future.

So while I am perhaps a bit quirky with my sentimentality, my purpose is always to point back and remember God's grace: how He provided, how He carried us through that particular season, how he lavished us with His love throughout that unique time in our family's history.

"The act of remembering...brings to the forefront of the mind the reality and faithfulness of God; forgetfulness is tantamount to disobedience, for the self and human concerns have pushed into the background of the mind the reality and claims of God." ~ Peter Craigie

With that background, you may better understand the thoughts that swirled around in my mind as I lay in bed last night.  You know, thoughts like most women have while trying to drift off to sleep:  thoughts of our dining room table.   Um...well, like I said, you might understand.  Afterall, the timing of this one was odd and unusual, even for me.  Yes, our dining room table came to mind and at once my heart started overflowing with joy and thanksgiving.

***To be continued....read Part 2 [here]

...and now, the boys' names...

P-Dub posted her top 10 baby boy names today.
I've had a little experience with this one.
These are among my faves...

My Top Ten Boy Names

1). Drew
Yes, he's our firstborn.  Yes, I love it as much as I did 18 years ago.  Our Drew is actually "Andrew," but the intent was always, always, always to call him Drew---even when he came to me in late elementary school and insisted he now wanted to be called Andy.  No, he's Drew.  Andrew means manly...brave...courageous.  That's our Drew.

2). Ryan
My husband used to babysit for a little guy named Ryan when he was a young teenager.  He decided even then that if he had a son one day, he'd name him Ryan.  Thankfully, I'd always loved the name, too.  Ryan means "little king."

3). Lucas (Luke)
A couple of weeks before Ryan was born and his name had already been decided, friends of ours gave birth to a son and named him Lucas.  In my heart, I knew then that if we were ever blessed to have another son, his name must be Lucas.  As I've often mentioned, Luke means "bringer of light," and that is what he is.

4). Jackson
My maiden name is Jackson, and I longed to name a son Jackson (Jack)---but Jack doesn't really work with our last name.  Our oldest son's middle name is actually Jackson (and no, Andrew Jackson is not in honor of our nation's president).  Jackson is a nod to so many strong and honorable men in my family...my dad, my brother---and my paternal grandpa who I look forward to meeting one day.

5). Jonathan
I've forever loved and respected the friendship between David & Jonathan in the Bible.  One of my favorite verses says that Jonathan rose up and strengthened David's hand in God.  This is my husband---my very own Jonathan.  I think of how he's encouraged me and spurred me on in my walk with Christ.  How I adore him.

6). Liam
I've had a lot of experience with boys' names, but this is one of those names I didn't get to use.  Is it ok to name grandchildren?

7). Levi
This is another one of those which was under strong consideration throughout my pregnancies (well, for me, at least).


8). Owen
When our friends were expecting their baby boy 4 years ago and received the diagnosis he would not live outside the womb, they gave him the name Owen.  "Well made."  This little guy's brief life had more impact than some who live 90 years.  Owen touched and changed all of us, pointing to the Savior's all-sufficiency and faithfulness.


9). Adam
My brother's name is Adam, so I've always had a strong affinity for it.  It's manly and strong, yet there aren't gonna be 4 other Adams in the classroom.

10). Ethan
Yes, I'm jumping on the Ethan bandwagon.  I know this is among the most popular baby boy names in recent years, but I'm still a fan.

So what are your favorite boy names?

Top 10 Girl Names here.

Because PW did it...

I'm a PW fan
(that's Pioneer Woman for all you non-fans).
Yes, a big, big fan.
Not only does her food inspire me,
but she never ceases to make me laugh with her witty commentary.
She's regularly hosting a giveaway for some fantastic prize.
And I always really, truly believe that this will be the time I win!
I adore her photography.
I love living vicariously through her life on the ranch.
And yesterday, I got a kick out of seeing her top 10 baby girl names for no other reason than fun.
It also prompted me to make a list of my own.
And so I present...

My 10 Ten Girl Names

1). Ava or Eva

They're on equal footing.  I could never decide between the two.  This was the name I'd picked out for a daughter if she ever came.  Since she didn't, I think it's amazingly cool that God still placed a darling little Ava in my life.  

2). Clare

To me, this name personifies beauty and grace and strength. True, it's the name of my heart & soul friend.  But if I could, I'd name 10 daughters after her.

3). Annie

This likely has to do with my affinity for Father of the Bride: Annie Banks McKenzie. I think it's an incredibly sweet name. In fact, I like it so much that I call my sister-in-law, Anne, Annie all the time. It's just our thang.

4). Grace

Wearing a name like Grace...wow. Grace is a daily, ever-present reminder of God's abundant grace and love and faithfulness. Love, love, love it.

5). Paige

This would have been Luke's name had he been a girl.  I'm glad he wasn't.  :)

6). Julia

Contrary to what you might think, it's not because of Julia Child...I don't think.  I've loved this name for as long as I can remember.  When I was a little girl, I had a friend named Julia.  It got implanted on my brain.

7). Caroline

I'm more influenced by movies and TV shows that I thought. This one stems from Ma Ingalls.

8). Kate

I dunno...Kate just gives me a picture of femininity with strength a little bit of attitude. She might be having a tea party in the morning and playing football in the afternoon. I love that.  

9). Elizabeth (Ella, Ellie, Lizzie, Liz)

Such a lovely name...so many beautiful options.

10). Nicole

Yes, it's my name, but I like it.  It was posted in my bedroom when I was a little girl---everyday, the reminder of a victorious heart.

So what makes the cut on your list?  

Simple Things

• wiping away tears of joy at the wedding of one who is like a son to us
• crisp early mornings with the golden hue of autumn warming the soul
• coffee with hazelnut creamer in my favorite fall mug
• our youngest ~ a fountain of information and perpetual joy
• our new freshman's face alight with excitement and confidence upon his arrival home from school
• our firstborn giving a speech before community leaders, causing me to whisper, "Thank You, God..."
• an unexpected lunch date with my beloved
• a phone call spanning thousands of miles, yet serving as a reminder that our hearts are as close---or closer---than ever
• a lunch date of hummus on flatbread with girlfriends after 2 1/2 months apart
• visiting for hours with two of our former "kids" who are strongly walking with Jesus
• daily texts with the ones I love
• reuniting with my small group girls
• praying for our high school with like-minded moms
• my "home sweet home" candle burning brightly
• reminders...big and small...of God's grace everywhere I look.

"See the Lord and His strength;

seek His presence continually!

Remember the wondrous works

that He has done..."

1 Chronicles 16:11-12a

Of Pink and Tea and Chocolate

It doesn't come as a surprise to anyone that I'm a girlie girl.
I've spoken about it often.
It's also not news to anyone that I live in a houseful of guys.
Gentlemanly (sometimes), raucous, never-a-dull-moment, what-will-they-think-of-next? guys.
I love them.  I over-the-top love, love, love them.
Yet...

God, in His goodness and grace, also placed me in close relationship with girls. 
I have dozens upon dozens (hundreds?) of daughters that have come through our youth group.
Girls I meet for coffee...lunch...movie nights; girls I get to disciple and grow with; girls I get to point to Christ.
I also have dear, dear friends with daughters; friends who have graciously shared their daughters with me and brought me into their girlie circle.

So perhaps I shouldn't have been so surprised when my dear friend, Nichole, spoke to me months ago and asked me to do a tea for her daughter's 16th birthday. 
But I was. 
I was awed and humbled and grateful. 
I was reminded that God sees me...sees my heart...sees my desires. 
And He used my dear friend to selflessly share, not only her daughter, but a milestone event in the lives of both of them.


Cake Pops, Rich Chocolate Trifles, & Sugar Cookies

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches, Ham & Apricot Pinwheels, Chocolate Chip Scones, Banana Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting, Fruit Skewers

Far left corner of the table: Chilled Strawberry Soup

 



Beautiful Mom and Daughter

 

The lovely guest of honor

 

I've had the joy of watching her grow up since she was 3. 

 

My precious friend, Nichole ~
Thank you for sharing your heart, your life, and even your daughter with me. 
It was a day I will treasure always, just as I treasure you.

The Time of Singing (and Giving) Has Come ~ Day 23

Because Tax Day is approaching
And because that tends to make me cranky
And because there's really no good reason to be cranky
(but instead a million and one reasons to be over-the-top joyful with thanksgiving)
And because I appreciate those who stop by here,
read my ponderings,
and encourage me in so many ways
(...phew!)
I'm hosting a little spring giveaway. 

From now through Sunday evening, April 17 at 10pm CST, leave a comment and share your favorite Easter tradition.  My high-tech system (aka Luke) will randomly choose one winner which will be announced on Monday morning.  The winner will receive a gift box of spring lovelies from me to you!

2010 Christmas Card: Bloopers and Outtakes

Considering the fact that I live in a houseful of guys who don't necessarily understand the need for the annual Christmas card picture, said guys are incredibly forbearing and understanding.

Even on cold, windy afternoons at the end of November.

Even when the Packers are playing on TV.

Even when one had been invited to a friend's house but instead found himself cheesing it up for the camera.

Part of the fun of the Christmas card photo shoot is the photos that immediately get axed; the photos that don't stand a chance of gracing the front of any Christmas card, but bring much needed comic relief for months afterwards.

I present to you a small sampling of the photos that will not be arriving in your mailbox this season:

Toy Story Revisited

My affinity for Toy Story is no secret.
It's more than a movie. More than mere entertainment.
It's a family video of sorts. memories. nostalgia.
And in a sense, our story.
Remember?
See this post.

And so, when coming up with ideas for our next youth takeover night, I was more than a little excited when our high school kids decided on a Toy Story theme.

They planned to include a very random menu of "Pizza Planet" pizza, Cheetos, and fried chicken. They also assembled the praise band, organized games, offered entertainment, and led a devotional. Without question, enthusiasm for this night was high.

My sole responsibility? Making *cough, sputter, wheeze* costumes for my family and a couple friends. Let it be known I don't sew, but I can wield a tube of liquid stitch with the best of 'em. Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue and helped out with the three alien costumes. She was the model, template, and chief ironer. And miraculously enough, my son and his buddies actually wore them---AND the costumes held together! Below are a few personal highlights from the night...

Andy: "These little dudes are from a strange alien world: Pizza Planet!"

Andy: "Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you... ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what."

Andy: "The Potato Heads: Mr and Mrs. You gotta keep them together because they're madly in love."

Unexpected Autumn Bliss ~ Day 16

If you had suggested to me two weeks ago that football would have any place in my little "Autumn Bliss" series, I would have called you crazy. For twenty-some years, I've tried. Oh, how I've tried. I've sat down and attempted to watch the game with my husband. I've brought my good and willing attitude. I've brought food. I tried to understand the plays. The terminology. The all-out hoopla at this time of year. And repeatedly, I gave up. I just didn't get it.

Until...

Last Sunday our family was invited to play a rousing game of family football with some friends. I'll be the first to admit this was not on my list of things I looked forward to doing on a Sunday afternoon. I mean, in theory it sounded fun. The cool, crisp air. The autumn leaves. Football. What's not to like? But as one who's never understood or cared about the game, much less played the game, I was feeling pretty intimidated. However, with the broad ages represented (7 on up to...well, it doesn't really matter now, does it?), I thought maybe...just maybe...I wouldn't look completely ridiculous.

My friend, Jayne, was patient in explaining the plays to me. She told me what to do. And somehow, I understood. Perhaps it was that she put it in girl terminology that seemed to click. Little by little, I understood what we were doing. And oddly enough, I began to enjoy what we were doing. Me. The pink-loving-everything-girly-former-football-hater was now playing and enjoying football. Now granted, I don't believe I actually ever touched the football during that game...but that's besides the point.

On Sunday, it was suggested that we all gather for a re-match. Everything was going well. The sun was shining. The air was the perfect Autumn crisp. And I intimidated my opponenents with the best of 'em. But standing in our team huddle, our friend, Rob, gave out orders. He said, "Nikki, this next one is for you. I want you to stand in the end zone and I'm going to throw the ball to you. It's all yours." While I tried to object and come up with every excuse in the book why that was not a good idea, he insisted this was my moment.

So with great fear and trepidation, I dodged and darted my way down the field, taking my place in the end zone. This, of course, was great strategy, as no one on the opposing team supposed that I was a threat of any kind! As I locked eyes on my teammate, he threw the ball and it came hurtling toward me. I reached out, grasped it, and hugged it tightly. And when I realized I had made the play without dropping the football, I began screaming my lungs out and jumping for joy!

Our team won 4-3. That night at bedtime, our youngest son pointed out that without my heroic play (hah!), the game would have ended in a tie. Feeling pretty full of myself, I repeated his words to our oldest who quickly chastised me with a twinkle in his eye: "There's no "I" in team, Mom."

Football...Autumn Bliss. Who knew?

Photos from our first football game...