Sunday, April 29, 2007

Giddy-Up!





The Morrison kids attended a birthday party today for Calvin Greene. They had a lot of fun and we have pictures to prove it. They each had a turn riding a horse. This was a big thrill for our kiddos. Kalen was in heaven. He loves horses. They dug for buried treasures, played with lassos, and did other cowboy things.

We have known the Greene family for a long time. Our kids have grown up with them; attending birthday parties, sports, ballet, playdates, and fellow homeschoolers. We will miss being minutes away from this special family.

Little Rainbow






~The photos are of rehearsals, Madelyn and her buddy Hattie Rose, Julian and Bryant, and Brayden and I.

Madelyn Virginia practiced her little heart out last week during rehearsals and it all paid off yesterday. She danced in a recital with her fancy tap shoes. She danced to a song called 'Boogie' and did she ever. She and her whole class did a great job. Scott and the gang, along with his parents and sister all came to watch Maddie and her moves. We celebrated afterwards with pizza and cupcakes.

She performed in The Wizard of Oz ballet show last night. She and her classmates, played the part of little rainbows. Madelyn and I were on our own after she performed, the boys stayed home. We decided to stick around and watch some more of the show. It was a special time for her and I. I couldn't help but just stare at her a few times. It's days like these that make a mother gulp and fight back the tears. The realization comes that she is truly growing, gaining independence and capable of big things. I must have told her ten times how proud I was of her and how she just looked amazing. As I was tucking her in, after a little bedtime snack, I saw her confidence and delight. She knew she had accomplished something and she knew she was loved.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

His laughter


I heard our youngest son laugh the hardest I have ever heard today. It was not inspired by my doing, not a tickle fest or a fun face. Kalen, our 3 year old, was doing this silly pretend sneeze. He would say, "ah ah ah choo!" He kept doing it over and over again as he would bend over. It cracked me up to see this. I was holding Brayden. I let it go on for a long time. The joy that brought me was simple but so pure. I am thankful for siblings. I can not say that enough. The gift is immeasurable.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Sweet Visit



My friend, Mandy, has moved back to NC and visited it yesterday. She made a huge trek acoss the US a few weeks ago to return back to her home state.

Mandy is a friend that is truly life giving. She knows me like a book. She encourages and loves me. Mandy and I roomed together in college and have walked through many things together. We have always remained close and I thank the Lord for her life.

She brought her little girl, Abby, with her and we just experienced a normal day in the Morrison home together. It was delightful.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Full Saturday




We were able to have a yard sale this morning. Scott and I woke up around 6 am, along with our early bird, Kalen. We did really well and the kids enjoyed being a part of it all.

Madelyn had dance today. Her friend Hattie Rose and her mother were able to take her on over. Mads is preparing for the big show next Saturday.

At noon, three of my best friends from back home came up to visit. We all have children now. Conversation was sweet and full of laughter. Gari Leigh was able to come even though she just had a baby 8 weeks ago! She looks great. She is a big heart walking around, very fun loving. Laurie is a friend I have had for so long. She has a little girl. She loves living back home and is such a smart cookie. Then there's Torie. Torie is one of those friends that never lets go. She is loyal and true. She is very organized and creative. Torie has a little boy named Eli. We ate, shopped and had coffee at our favorite coffee shop. It is wonderful to have friends that really know you and you have a rich history with.

Scott did great with the kids, as I was gone for 5 or so hours. I never worried. He is a fantastic dad.

The kids are all sleeping and Scott should be home with pizza and a movie.

What a nice and productive day!!

Friday, April 20, 2007

Fun photos






Just adding a few photos from the past few days. No day is dull around here.

Kalen has been learning to use the computer this week. He is doing great and is really proud of himself. He loves playing a computer game that involves painting and dressing Mr. Potato Head, totally up his alley.

I weaned Brayden last weekend. Hard to believe that season is over. Breastfeeding is truly the best! He is doing okay with it. He has been a little grumpy.

Madelyn is getting closer and closer to her Wizard of Oz performance next Saturday. She will be doing Tap and Ballet.

Julian made his first diorama this week. He made a scene depicting the parting of the Red Sea. We have been studying that within our Ancient Egypt Unit.

I just added a picture of Scott because he is my little hottie. Isn't he something? He'll surely get me after reading this.

Well, that is all for the moment. Life is full. Life is good. We have so much to be thankful for. After the events that took place in Va., it really encourages me to live each day with meaning and love.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Brian McLaren: Sorrow Can Make Us Better, Not Bitter

When tragedies like the Virginia Tech massacre occur, we all share certain questions.

Why did this happen? How could this happen? Should anyone be blamed? Should someone be punished?

Often these questions lead us to seek a kind of rational explanation - so that the irrational can be folded into our sense of order in the universe. Often these questions send us on a search for someone to blame - a person, a group, the devil, even God.

I have found that our understandable need for an explanation - often including the need to name someone to blame - springs not just from our rational minds, but also from our hearts, from levels we are barely conscious of.

We feel grief at the loss, pain for our neighbors who suffer, confusion at the irrationality, and anger at the injustice of it all. Sometimes all of these emotions seem to coalesce in a kind of vague rage that simmers inside us, building up like steam in a closed chamber.

We hope that the pressure can be released and the rage relieved by finding an outlet in explaining ... or in naming, blaming, and shaming someone for being at fault.

There is certainly a time for seeking explanations, including investigating fault.

But I find we make a mistake in believing that explaining and blaming will help us escape our pain. Pain in times like this, I believe, is not simply something to be escaped, resolved, fixed.

Instead, it is something to be suffered, something that must, in a sense, crash over us like a wave or knock us down like a fever, shake us so that we truly feel our feelings and name them; so that we can speak of them and share them and feel an exchange with others of sympathy, empathy, common grief, and common sorrow.

This kind of sorrow doesn't make us bitter; it makes us better. It doesn't make us smug at having an explanation; it makes us humble as we understand our shared vulnerability. It doesn't make us put up walls of blame; it tears down walls as we feel our common humanity. In so doing, it teaches us wisdom - wisdom that, in the scriptures, is often associated with pain and struggle. It softens us, makes us more sensitive to the pain that others suffer but we often ignore. It forms compassion in us.

We often are tempted to run from this softening process, which is understandable. But as we all share in this experience of tragedy, as we walk through the un-rushable process of feeling and then healing, may we allow the spirit of God to form us into more gracious, compassionate, and wise people. Doing so will raise other questions:

How can I help? Who around me needs to talk? What question can I ask that will allow my neighbors to share their pain, their fear, their anger, their sorrow? How can we open ourselves to the healing presence of God so we can walk together through "the valley of the shadow of death" - so that, even in great sadness, we "fear no evil?" (Psalm 23)

I found myself looking back today on other moments of shared sadness - the terrible assassinations of the 1960's, the loss of the space shuttle crews, the terrorist attacks of recent years, the outbreak of wars, the 2004 tsunami, Hurricane Katrina ... there have been many. I find myself now praying that our current shared sadness will do in us what it can and should. We're all in this - all of us, all of this - together. Lord, have mercy.


Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net) is an author, speaker, Red Letter Christian, and serves as board chair for Sojourners/Call to Renewal. His next book, due out in October, will be called Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope.

Fred Rogers on grieving

Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge our anger, and sometimes more strength yet to curb the aggressive urges anger may bring and to channel them into nonviolent outlets. It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it.

- Fred Rogers
from "The World According to Mr. Rogers."

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Sick feeling

Today, I have been quite preoccupied with thoughts concerning the tragedies that occurred yesterday in Virginia. I do have a sick feeling about it all. Honestly, I want to have that feeling. I do not want to feel guilty for living but sad that life has ended for those involved in the shootings yesterday. I do want the rest of my day and life to be affected by this.

I gathered the kids around the table, as usual, this morning for prayer and a little chat. I told them that something really sad happened yesterday. Knowing I couldn't go into detail, I told them that thirty or so people got really hurt yesterday in Virginia. I told them that we needed to pray for each of their families. My children didn't know that so many had actually died. Their prayers were hopeful. They prayed for the people to be healed and fixed. They prayed that their families would be okay and happy. Whew.

It is depressing that something like this could happen. As a mother, I honestly am fearful. I am trying to think positively, but it is hard. I read Psalm 121 this morning to the kids. It speaks of God giving help and protecting. I want to believe that and trust in it for this day and time.

Lord, I know that you know us. You see what surrounds us. Please bring comfort, peace and restoration. May these events spur us on to think purely and act as you would want us to, loving our neighbor. In Jesus, Amen.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Before the snow






Friday, we all enjoyed being outside for a change. We knew we were going to have cold weather, maybe even snow, so we wanted to take advantage of the sun time. Scott mowed and the kids just played and played. Brayden and I did some packing inside. He had fun with the boxes. I went outside once and found Kalen relieving himself in a natural area down by the woods. Cracked me up.

Now, we have some snow and high winds. One of my favorite things in the whole world is sunshine. I am really ready for some warmth and extended time in the sun. For now, I'll enjoy some warm chili, our logs burning and some cozy times with the kiddos. Not so bad.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Prayer

Prayer leads you to see new paths and to hear new melodies in the air. Prayer is the breath of your life which gives you freedom to go and stay where you wish and to find the many signs which point out the way to a new land,. Praying is not simply some necessary compartment in the daily schedule of a Christian or a source of support in time of need, nor is it restricted to Sunday morning or a as a frame to surround mealtimes. Praying is living.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen
from “With Open Hands”

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Honey at home

This week has been so wonderful to have Scott home. If you have read The Five Love Languages by Dr. Chapman, you will appreciate me saying that I am such a quality time person. Scott has been on Spring break. His sixth graders will return on Monday.

It has been refreshing for him to just be present during the day. Not only has he been present, he has helped. He has served me a cup of coffee now and then. He has stepped in, allowing me to take an earlier than usual shower. He has helped Julian with Math and Madelyn with reading. He has been the fun loving presence and comic relief that is so needed in this family. I am so thankful for a husband that enjoys being home. He truly loves spending time with his wife and family. I think sometimes I take for granted the family man that Scott is. I love that about him.

We have been productive this week. We knew it would be a great chance to begin the packing process. It is interesting to be living amongst so many boxes. We figure everyday we can be doing something. Yesterday and the day before were books. Today is picture day. We are taking down all pictures and boxing those.

I am really excited about our move. I think we have a lot to be hopeful about. We have family support behind us. Scott is pursuing a life long dream. The kids and I will be moving into a more spacious homeschooling environment. We have so much to be thankful about.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Let the fun begin


Call us crazy, but we have already started packing boxes! Seven or so weeks left here in Boone and we are on the ball. I have been advised by my good friends Laurie and Emily to start ASAP. So, girls I'm doing you proud here and I have proof!! Hee hee.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Happy Easter



Enjoy your day and remember the hope and peace that has been given to us.

K Man




Kalen Alexander Morrison is turning 3 today! Yes, his birthday is the day after his older sister Madelyn. We are celebrating this lively little boy with some of his favorite things; french toast, his favorite music, presents from all of us, church, special pb & honey sandwich made especially by Dad, chocolate cake, and a movie.

Kalen cracks us up everyday. He is so colorful! He has a way with people, a real charmer. His smile melts my heart, oh and those big blue eyes are amazing.

Kalen loves the color green. He really likes books and playing his Leapster. He likes music and dancing. He likes to spend time with his brothers and sisters (it's a good thing). Kalen loves sports, especially basketball, baseball and soccer.

Thank you Lord, for our special and unique little man. He is a true gift.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Birthday Girl




Today, April 7th was our sweet Madelyn Virginia's birthday. She turned five!

We enjoyed a day with some of her favorite things; chocolate chip pancakes, playing games, time with Grandpa, Nana, and Aunt Shanda, lunch and a smoothie at Angelica's, cupcakes, and a movie. She was truly honored.

Sweet Madelyn is such a breath of fresh air in our home. Her laughter is such a comfort, as is her willingness to be a helper to all the members of her family.

Madelyn is still into ballet. She enjoys painting, reading, playing with her brothers and eating!

We are so thankful for this little ray of sunshine.

Friday, April 6, 2007

We have a winner!!!

Whew . . . we have a house! Virginia called us last night. The offer finally went through. Hooray! More to come . . .

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Still Hunting






The house that I last wrote about was a no go. Scott and I revisited it yesterday and we realized that we overlooked several things.

We did view two other homes, one of which I am showing you pictures of. It has a ton of square feet, compared to what we now have. It was built in 1998. It is a nice home with everything our family needs. It needs some touch ups but really doable.

We are waiting to hear from our trusty real estate agent, Virginia. She is working with the owner to get our offer accepted. However, there seems to be a bidding war going on. I shouldn't make it sound bad. Let's just say numbers are being tossed back and forth. We are hopeful. We know the Lord knows what is in store for us and we are confident he will provide.

Scott's mom and dad have been extremely supportive, day in and day out. Jerry is being extremely generous with his time and money. It is evident, everyday, that he is such a loving, supportive, and involved father to his children and grandchildren.

Tea Party




We had a tea party for Madelyn today and invited two of her best buddies over. Ella Jane and Hattie Rose joined us for a birthday playdate and tea.

Julian and Kalen joined in the fun as Madelyn sat with her friends and enjoyed some Chamomile tea with cupcakes. It was so cute to see them sipping tea together. Our family drinks tea daily. We enjoy several different kinds; Chamomile, peppermint, green, raspberry, bedtime teas, along with others. Madelyn's favorite is the Chamomile.

The kids all painted a picture for Madelyn and played dress up. Madelyn received gifts from the girls. Hattie Rose gave her a book and Ella Jane gave Mads a headlamp. Yes, a head lamp. You would be surprised at how excited she is about this gift. Currently, she is lying in her bed looking at her new book with her head lamp on. How cute is that?

Madelyn turns five on Saturday, April 7th. We are so thankful for this delightful child!

Monday, April 2, 2007

Merry Go Round


I do feel like I am on a merry go round. What a ride! We keep looking at the same homes over and over again in our minds and on the computer. We keep asking ourselves, "which one is best?" There is so much to consider. We have viewed ten homes. It is exciting and ,of course, a little stressful.

Eight weeks til the big move. Guess I should start packing. I have gotten some great ideas from my friends. I emailed them asking them for wisdom concerning our move. All of them have moved, some of them several times. I love knowing that they, too, have ventured into a similar season of life.

I am posting a picture of a home that we may put an offer on this week.