You Might Rabbit You Might

Two months is a long time. It's almost 60 days...1/6th of a year...approximately 1440 hours.

A lot has happened over the last two months and yet there is a lot that is the same. Hmmm...I could say that about this little blog - longer time frame but although a lot has happened (and been posted) the heart of it is the same. Why? Because the writer is me.

My babies are growing into independent boys and our family roles have adapted and adjusted accordingly. There has been struggles and successes in our lives and the lives of those we've loved. Sometimes I've talked about it a lot. Other times, I've held it close to my chest - maybe it was too personal to share or it was too difficult to get it into words. There have been many times that I've wanted to sit and write but I either felt like I didn't have the luxury of time to give to this blog or I just couldn't decide what to write about first. Honestly the controversy is still brewing in my head...

So there is the "problem". My solution? I'm going to take a little bit of time, attempt to capture what's been going on and then move forward.

In July I wrote in my journal (the offline one)

Thankful...this is the place my heart is. It doesn't mean that everything is the way I'd want it to be - Dad still has cancer, projects are not 100% complete and schedules are still busy - but my heart is thankful for today. I'm enjoying the now and learning to be more purposeful in the moment rather than wasting it by contemplating and planning for what happens next.

This doesn't mean I'm no longer a planner...that is still part of the way He created me. I'm simply learning how to rest in Him - enjoying the current season and allowing Him to prepare me for the next leg of the journey.

So...what have I been doing / enjoying / treasuring during this season? So glad you asked.

• Reading to my boys...love this and cannot even begin to talk about all the benefits of this!


• Listening to Barber read to me.


• Completing various projects and/or crafts with the boys


• Going to Hershey Park - riding The Great Bear with Jeter for the first time, watching Barber conquer various fears and enjoying Tiny Timbers, the Mini Scrmbler, the Airplane, Hot Air Balloons and even going down the little water slide with a smile on his face!


• Teaching Jeter how to wear contacts. Children really learn so much faster than adults!


• Enjoying having Jeter help me cook and bake. Yes, my boys will be skilled in all areas of the household...no stereotypes here.


• Working with Barber in the pool and celebrating his success of swimming the width of it all by himself!


• Making memories with my family - simple statement that encompasses so many activities and moments.


• Being introduced to organic lollipops by my sister - love them!


• Nurturing friendships with some amazing ladies - cafe time is truly time well spent.


• Flag football - this consumed more time than we anticipated this summer but I will never forget watching Jeter make an interception and run for a touchdown or Jeter's passes at QB becoming more precise and on target, giggling at Barber growling at his opponent when he was lined up on defense, and finally, witnessing my boys exhibit good sportsmanship.


• Completing the Couch to 5K Running Plan with Jeter. What an awesome feat. Jeter's endurance is definitely improved and even though he has begun school, I am still jogging my 30 minutes three times a week.


• Implementing a laundry system and staying on top of it successfully.


• Introducing Looney Tunes to the boys - which they love by the way.


• Getting more involved with my community - on the field with the boys and their families or in the classroom at their schools.


• Admiring the artistry of our Creator in the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

Okay...that feels so much better. I can write about the present without feeling like I've dishonored the past 60 days. However, if there is anything in the above that you want me to expand on please let me know (leave a comment) and I will elaborate. Promise. Let me guess...Looney Tunes right? You want to hear me quote Bugs and Daffy? I'd be happy to comply. Just let me know.

Rewinding the Week

Can you believe it...I'm actually at the computer...writing!?!

I've been working on my to-do list and one of the items is to elevate and ice my left ankle. Type A personality here cannot just sit down and elevate and ice. No way. I need to be accomplishing something. So, today...this is it. Let's see what I can tell you in 20 minutes.

Did you know I re-sprained my ankle? Not too exciting really. Seems to be as much of a mental and emotional recovery as well as physical for me at this point. I don't like being taken out and that is what this feels like. How did it happen? I was walking out of the house to the car so that I could go get Jeter's glasses that were left at my parents house the previous evening when we picked them up. Like that run-on sentence? I'm not even going to fix it. Anyway, I stepped off the porch and felt my ankle twist. Next thing I knew, I was in a heap on the ground. Super graceful too - I'm sure of that.

Why did I need to get Jeter's glasses? Well, for one, he sees better with them. But he was also going to be part of an amateur film production. Very exciting stuff. Looking forward to seeing the final cut of the project. Anyway, Simms was with him. Barber hung out with me while my leg was elevated. Yippee. Later that day we enjoyed lunch (while watching the Giants win) as well as my birthday ice cream cake. Thank you sis for making it for me! I just have the greatest family ever - even when I have to sit on my rump with leg elevated and ankle iced.

Why were the boys at my parents house? Simms' parents came out for a visit to see the boys play soccer and then they surprised me by taking Simms and I out for a wonderful dinner and show. So much fun. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter and love. Great way to complete my actual birthday-day.

My birthday. Yes...I'm 39 now and actually think it's a great number. Why? Do I really need to display my silliness? I do have the time so I guess I will for a moment. Okay...I was born on the 3rd and both numbers in 39 are divisible by 3 and this number is also significant in many other crazy ways to me. Like the fact that we were married on the 15th which is also divisible by 3. Simms is born in the 6th month - also divisible by 3. And the boys? Jeter was born on the 30th and Barber was born at 2:30 in the morning. As warped as all this may be...let's just conclude that I was thinking 39 is going to be a great year for me. And...even now with my ankle elevated and iced, I still believe it - and I know that the greatness of the coming year really has nothing to do with the number. I just like numbers. He made me that way.

My birthday-day actually started with homemade crepes made by Simms. So delicious. I actually took pictures. Yes, I will post them...later. The boys soccer games were great - it is so fun to watch them play soccer. They both enjoy the sport so much. I love being their mom. What does that have to do with watching them play soccer. Nothing. I was just thinking about them and that made me smile and think about how much I love being their mom.

The night before my birthday I was at a women's meeting at our church. It was wonderful. The speaker shared details about her life and journey. The theme that was woven throughout her tale was that all you need to do is walk in obedience to God. There were times that I could relate to the emotion of her stories and how she and her husband have journeyed together as a team. But that isn't what rocked my world that night. There were two gifts given away. They asked whose birthday was the closest to that evening. Two of us were celebrating the next day so I won the prize. I had no idea how precious this was. I opened it to find a pearl necklace and earrings. I was a bit surprised but my breath was taken away when the speaker (a missionary) stopped by later. She asked if I opened my present and I said "yes..." and before I could say another word she said "They are from the Philippines and they are real. Enjoy them." And she gave me a hug. I don't care if this sounds silly to you or not and I'm not even going to try to explain all of the details behind this statement - for me, those pearls are a birthday present from Jesus. And, yes, I wore them the next night to my special dinner.

That wasn't my only surprise on Friday. Two special gals - Promises and Thrills, surprised me with a day-before-my-birthday breakfast. Bagels and coffee with friends. What else could a girl want - besides the balloons which were orange and purple? Two colors that I think are fantabulous. Princess agrees with me too.

Time flies when you're having fun. Or when you are numbing your ankle with frozen water. I will post pictures again and give you "all the details" on my tales in the future. Now - back to my list.

What I have been...

...singing. It is Well with My Soul is one of the main songs that I've been humming lately.

...baking. Goodness have I been a baking fiend. Spring is a busy time of year for me with the celebration of Christ's Resurrection as well as the multitude of birthdays in our family. In the last 2 weeks I've baked my Gramma's Cream Cheese Pie and Orange Bread, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes (chocolate and vanilla), and brownies. I've also made an ice cream cake and will be baking and decorating a cake for a friends baby shower this weekend.

...cleaning. My downstairs. Cleaned out the coat closet. So needed! I've also springified the dining room, family room and kitchen. Much more spring cleaning needs to be done in this home but I'm trying to tackle one project at a time.

...writing. Not too much. Doing a lot of thinking and reflection but not too much has been put down on paper (or posted on the blog)...yet.

...thinking. A lot of reflection and thankfulness regarding where we are now in our lives. Thanking Him for bringing us through a lot of stuff over the last year.

...doing. Oh my! I live on such a tight schedule right now. It's necessary with the boys baseball schedule as well as the many responsibilities I have - in the home, in the yard, in ministry, with the schools, etc.

...exercising. Certainly hasn't been my body the way I was. I need to adapt my schedule to this new season. Evenings are filled with activities and we like to allot free time in the evening for family activities and working in the yard (as the sunlight and temperatures allow). So. I need to adapt and figure out a time to fit in exercise for my body. Because that is important to me. And I do miss it.

R.E.S.T.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

This is what has been going on inside of me. Rehab of sorts. Not that extreme but I was not over exaggerating about being weary. Thankfully, He does provide rest.

It has been a week of refreshment and renewal amidst the circumstances of everyday life. Regarding those circumstances, allow me to provide a glimpse into the past week as well as some of my random thoughts.

1. My Dad, who has been fighting prostate cancer since 1998, was told that there was concern that his current therapy wasn't working any longer. A CT scan was completed last Wednesday and then a bone scan was done on Thursday. Results were not supposed to be in until today and then the oncologist was considering beginning a regimen of chemotherapy. However, last Friday the oncologist called my father and informed him that the CT scan showed that all of his organs in the thoracic, abdominal and lumbar region were clean - no sign of cancer! The bone scan showed that the area on his right shoulder and right hip area had increased but other areas where it had been were apparently of low concern. Praise God!!! As a result, he is going forward with a hormone therapy to fight against the cancer and they are no longer recommending chemotherapy at this time. We are thrilled and praying for God to completely heal my Daddy this side of heaven.

2. I had an afternoon last week where I just broke. Major waterworks. Thankfully Barber and Jeter were both at school or they might have become concerned for their mama. Sobbing. I don't recall when the last time I sobbed like that. Long time ago. Words cannot describe how good it was. How comforting to be completely vulnerable with Daddy God and feel his comforting arms surrounding me, embracing me. It was the release that I desperately needed and was actually longing for. Circumstances didn't change but I felt strengthened and equipped.

3. I've been listening and soaking in worship a lot - mainly via Rita Springer's Created to Worship CD.

4. Barber has been earning back a few toys and privileges every day. One interesting factor is that he has yet to use one of his bonus days to select TV. Amazing and yet so wonderful. He hasn't watched a single TV show (except for Giants Football the last two Sundays) since Saturday the 18th of October!

5. I got my hair cut and colored again. This really isn't new - I have an appointment every 7-8 weeks. I really don't care for the look of white hair on me. I had her pull the color through so highlights are gone until December. The boys either didn't notice or decided not to say anything. Crazy thing - my mom didn't notice today either - until I pointed it out. I feel like it is so obvious. Guess not.

6. Simms has been incredibly busy at work again. Draining. For both of us.

7. Divine Connection was incredible. The atmosphere was breathtaking. Beautiful. His presence was so evident. Beautiful Grace posted some pictures - take a looksy and then come back. I don't feel like words or pictures can truly portray how so many women (over 200) were met and ministered to by their Father. I did not get to individually participate because I was on the ministry team, however it was such a blessing to see and hear testimony of the faithfulness of our God. If you participated, I would love to hear about your experience!

8. I got a cold. I don't like colds. It's basically run its course but my voice now sounds Demi Moorish.

9. Only 3 soccer games left.

10. We had such a wonderful trip to Long Island. Not talking about the traffic here - rather the time spent with family and friends. Priceless. There were definitely a number of "small talk" conversations at the reunion, but I was pleasantly pleased by many that went a bit further. It was neat to reconnect with some friends - to the point where we are attempting to keep in touch. Imagine that?

11. I still haven't posted any pictures from the Giants game. Why? Because the place where I drop off my film screwed up. They had envelopes to one of their other stores (one that is an hour away from my home). I did not notice this. Why would I even look? So, apparently my film has been developed and is now very far away from me at this point in time. The fact of the matter is that they did not discover this mistake until I returned to the store 9 days after I dropped the film off. Imagine how many customers are going to have the same problem?!?Hmmm...another reason to take the plunge for the digital camera?

12. With Simms' help this past weekend, the house is finally clean. Granted I know that this doesn't mean I'm done and I'm sure it wouldn't meet Martha Stewart's standards, but I don't feel so overwhelmed anymore. It's at a point where I can maintain its cleanliness and even take on a project or two. We've also been giving the boys more responsibilities for them to complete before they go to bed.

13. Does anyone else feel like they missed Fall? I enjoy all the seasons and I feel like I blinked and we went from end-of-summer-like weather to the beginning of winter. What happened to wearing shorts with sweaters?

14. I've been getting organized for Christmas - sort of. Basically, I've made a list of presents that I already have for family as well as a to-do list. I can't further explain that because some of the receivers read this. Just trying to plan ahead.

15. Simms and I are going to a wedding in November. One of Simms' childhood friends is finally tying the knot. I just checked out the invitation again last night and noticed that its "Black Tie Optional"! It also doesn't start until 7PM. Don't know what my readers think of that because most of you are from PA. No time to go into details now regarding the differences I have observed between NY/NJ, and PA weddings. I will tell you this though - Simms and I are going to have a really great time! So grateful that Papa and Mima are caring for the boys that night! What makes it even sweeter is that Rayda is flying home to attend the wedding as well. It will be so good to see him again.

16. I have to pull MIA from the back-burner and get ready for November's meeting.

17. I need to talk to Simms and make some decisions about December - namely our Christmas open house. If we are going to do it this year or take a year off. If we are going to have it, a date needs to be set in the next week and I have to start preparing. That might sound nuts but in the past I started planning for this event 2 months ahead of time which meant the beginning of October. Obviously, I missed that mark this year.

18. Promises and I are getting together tonight! That might not sound like a big deal. You might assume that because we are close we see each other all the time. Would be nice but we haven't been able to get together without kids in a really L-O-N-G time.

19. I am so impressed that my boys are actually putting their clothes away at the end of the day or into the proper laundry basket. (darks or lights)

20. Barber is finally okay with the fact that he has to wear pants and long sleeve shirts - every day.

21. I just got the boys a pair of new pj's. The material is so00000 soft. Can they make pj's like that for me?!? I don't know if Simms would be a huge fan. Nothing like your wife decked out in racing cars?

I was trying to end this on an even number. Why is it that? I don't know. Anyway, I did determine something significant about the number "21"...it was Tiki Barber's number when he played for the NYG's. It just always comes back to the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. LOL.

Let Me Redirect Your Reading...

Busy. Busy. Busy.

That's me. I want to tell you all about the awesome time we had at the NY Giants game but I can't. No time. It will have to wait. Besides, then I can include pictures with my stories.

Perfect opportunity for me to direct you to some posts that I have found interesting/thought provoking/current/etc. I read quite a few blogs that are written by pastors throughout the country. Lately I've really been enjoying Trey Morgan who pastors down in Texas. Here are a few of his recent posts that I think you might enjoy:

• Being a Relevant Church is a post that I have read a couple of times, especially as I plan and prepare for our MIA meetings.
• Top 5 Ways Not to Invite Someone to Church shows his humorous side. I'm telling you this made me giggle.
• A Cup of Coffee with an Alcoholic is also a post that I've saved in my reader. It is an excellent reminder that the small interactions we have - things that we may deem as insignificant - may actually be life changing events to another.
• Social Christianity is another post I've saved. There are truths in there that I want to be reminded of and to teach to my sons. It's about being real and breaking down the stereotypes that prevent so many from living life with Jesus.

Alrighty...that's enough of a break. Back to work! What am I doing? Getting ready for our October MIA meeting. Kind of pulling double duty since I am also speaking.

This & That

1. Barber got to meet his preschool teacher today. He was so excited - introducing them (there are high school students that work with the main teacher and two came with her today) to his animals by name. He also showed them his books. This was going on while I talked with Mrs. B. When it was time for them to go he walked them to the door and said goodbye giving them high fives all around. The countdown to his first day has now begun!

2. Barber had over 11 different things he made as he took bites of his slice of American cheese this afternoon. Imagination is a wonderful thing.

3. 7PM tonight is a super big deal in our corner. Hints:

• Today I made a special shopping trip where no coupons were involved. (So not the norm for me) I bought pizza, stromboli, soda, chips, dip, and ingredients needed to make brownies. Everything unhealthy. Sound like a party? For Simms, Jeter, Barber and I it certainly is!
• The eggplant parmesan I had mistakenly prepped earlier is now in the fridge ready for tomorrow night.
• I made fresh popcorn. Yum!
• Simms and Jeter are uncharacteristically leaving soccer practice tonight 15 minutes early.

Any guesses?

Nitty-Gritty Details...is that even a real word?

How much can you fit into a weekend? Better yet how do you keep up with everything that is going on? Well, one thing I use is a list. Surprised? No? Not really? That must mean you know me pretty well. Anyway, here is a list that updates you on what has been happening with us.

1. I got our taxes done this weekend. Yippee!

2. Jeter had coach pitch tryouts. They can't get cut at this age; the purpose is for the coaches to create well balanced teams - even out the playing field so to speak. We didn't know how Jeter would react to the uncertainty of it all. He has two friends that he really wants to play with but understands that may not happen. I was so proud of him when I learned from Simms that he (Jeter) prayed before the tryouts that God would select the team for him. Simms did say he prayed that he would be with his friends but also added that he trusted God. Wow! So proud.

3. Another moment when my emotions swelled was during church this weekend. Jeter was sitting about 6ish rows back in the children's worship room. Nothing out of the norm. I take care of the computer so I am in the back and see only the backs of the kids. Boy did my eyes fill with tears as I saw my Jeter - arms outstretched, not focusing on anything but our Lord! Simms told me he even had his eyes closed. I've had glimpses of his worshippers heart but haven't seen it like this before. I am totally in awe of our Lord and so grateful for the individual relationship that Jeter has with Him.

4. Barber and Jeter are brothers - and they definitely have similarities and differences. I just didn't realize that Barber would go through the various learning phases at the same time. Seriously. I don't know why but I thought that maybe because Simms and I are now "experienced" parents, somehow we would be able to avoid certain phases. Well, that is just silly isn't it? This weekend we learned that Barber responded to force with force; another child didn't want to share and hit Barber - and then Barber hit back. He was put on time out and was repentant (this was at church). Thank God. Simms and I spoke to him and reminded him of what an acceptable response would be. Later (when it was just the two of us), we couldn't help but recall when Jeter was almost three and responded to a little boy in a similar manner - and once again, Simms couldn't help but be secretively proud of his little boy for sticking up for himself! No doormats in this family...we just need to adjust the "how - to" of the response.

5. Simms' appointment went well - for those who are standing and praying with us on this. Next appointment is scheduled for March 6th. We appreciate your prayers.

6. Simms and I have gone "public" with our involvement in Shaklee. We still aren't the greatest sales people nor intend to improve that area of our lives - I'm just not a fan of the sales industry. But we have set up a web site that anyone can access and order whenever they want - and if you ever have any questions, we would be happy to answer them for you. I've used their products as long as I can remember - which is as early as first grade (taking vitamins) and Simms has used them since he married me! All of the products can be accessed through the general TCC's Wholesome Living site; products that deal with weight loss and management can be found here. The links are also in my sidebar.

7. I actually took some time yesterday to work on scrapbooking - specifically journaling. I have this great program by creating keepsakes that I love and makes the time I spend more efficient...until yesterday. My writing/typing was off on the journalettes (meaning the words were getting cut off on the left margin) and it is driving me crazy! I actually emailed the help-tech guys/gals about it. Needless to say, that was not the most relaxing/fulfilling hour that I thought it would be. Oh well.

8. I am working on another afghan...for Simms. His was one of the first afghans I made. My skill has since improved. He has requested that I make him one similar to the one that I gave to Promises and Dawson for Christmas. I have 1/3 of it completed as of this weekend.

And now...that we are all caught up on the nitty gritty of life, I need to go and wash dishes, get a load of laundry into the washer, get MIA paperwork completed, other cleaning to-do's, exercise and maybe run some errands. Thrilling stuff folks!

Monday Morning Update

What we did:
1. Papa and Mima came out for a visit from New Jersey. Mima showed me how to make gravy. Apparently, Sicilian Italian gravy is what I call sauce (pronounced sawce). What I call gravy, she clarifies as brown gravy. Anyway, it was fun and I am looking forward to experimenting and making my own.

2. Papa helped Simms reorganize the shed and pack up the summer stuff. Fall is here and the shed is now 'winterized'.

3. It was a family affair at Jeter's soccer game with Papa, Mima, Promises, Dawson and Brady joining us at the sidelines. Have you ever witnessed an entire half played without the whistle blown once (except when a goal was scored)? Me either...until this past Saturday. To Jeter's delight they remain undefeated.

4. We called KC to wish her a 'Happy Birthday' but didn't reach her because she was joining EC for dinner. (I need names guys...)

5. Papa and Mima witnessed Simms in action with the children's ministry at church this weekend. I can still see the questioning look of surprise on their faces when they saw what he was going to wear to church - jeans with a vibrant blue/yellow/green tie-dye shirt and baseball cap on backwards.

Notice what I didn't do and am therefore doing today:
1. Cleaning. I am focusing on my kitchen.

2. Laundry. You don't even want to see my laundry room right now!

3. MIA. Meeting is tomorrow morning and I just have to do a once over.

Also on schedule for today or tomorrow I am going to make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Jeter's class will be engaged in various pumpkin-related units and Mrs. M said we could provide a pumpkin snack if we were interested. These are one of Jeter's favorite muffins (and pretty easy to make). How could I resist?

Miscellaneous Monday

1. What a "winning" weekend we had...the Giants won! The Yankees won (on Sunday)! Jeff Gordon won (and Jimmy Johnson came in second)!

2. I am so glad that I wasn't the only one weepy after reading what my Simms wrote. He does this to me all the time...makes me cry at my birthday, mother's day, anniversary, etc. He is so amazing with expressing himself in words. I've tried to tempt him to blog but quite frankly his plate is quite full already. He said if he did he would probably only post once per month. So for now he says "no". I'll keep you posted...

3. Anyone take advantage of some sales today? We did. Got some great deals at Kohl's. T-shirts for $2 and polo shirts for $4. Needless to say the Campbell boys will not be lacking in shirts! (They were marked way down and then I had an extra 30% off coupon!)

4. Since I got some great deals on clothing for the boys, I felt the urge/need to purge their current wardrobes and get ready for fall. Crazy I know since it was still in the high 80's today!

5. I got a lot done today.

6. I still have SO MUCH MORE to do!

7. I definitely need to hear what Alice Winner has to say about organization at our next MIA meeting...October 16th.

8. I have a completely separate "to-do" list just for MIA.

9. I need to go eat dinner now...and put the boys to bed...and continue to tackle my to-do's that aren't truly miscellaneous.

10. EC - I didn't forget to post the pizza recipe. I just need a little more time to actually do it.