Pointless Worrying ~ Part II

{continued ... }

A short while later, the door opened again. Dr. Stephen came through the door with an armful of Dental Equipment and a smile on his face. He was nothing like what I'd expected, and yet he was. It wasn't the weird kind of feeling you get when you're way off track about someone you've never met.

Instead it was an overwhelming relief in my soul that he appeared to be a down-to-earth sort of individual, one that might laugh easily. As I walked back down the hall to get everything set up for our first patients of the day, I clung desperately to the hope that this man would prove abundantly patient and forgiving of my probable countless mistakes.

I had been warned, yes. Dr. Stephen had a different way of doing almost everything than I had been taught {I'm learning that about the Dental profession -- everyone develops their own technique}. I hadn't expected anything out of the ordinary when I settled against the arm of my green-blue dental chair at nine o'clock.

Listening to Dr. Stephen converse with the older man lying in the chair between us, I pulled a pair of Latex gloves over my fingers and glanced at my set-up. Everything was ready for a typical filling -- you should know these are my favorite, mostly because they're quick and ridiculously easy. Not to mention, I can set them up with my eyes closed having done it so many times.

The man leaned over, pausing briefly over my set-up. He looked lost to me, and instantly my mind raced as I searched frantically to see if I had somehow forgotten something. I shook my head, everything was just as it should be. In fact, he had two of some things just in case. And just when I began to relax, thinking all was right in the world again, Dr. Stephen handed me his excavator. "I think I'm going to need some Calcium Hydroxide."

My mind went blank. He was going to need some Hydroxa-what?! Never mind the moment of panic that suddenly overtook me, filled my senses with an electric energy. I'd find what he was looking for, if it took me half the morning. "Okay, give me just a minute and I'll grab some for you."


Thankfully, Johnna had tucked the green jar just beneath our Aesthetics {tooth colored filling material} box, and I was settled back into my green-blue chair in three minutes flat. The older man got out of the chair twenty minutes later and said, "Well that was a piece of Cake. Ya'll have a Merry Christmas, ya hear?"

And the girl just sat there in amazement. Thus, the rest of the morning turned into a whole big shebang like extractions and a surprise root canal and things that all got chalked up to a Learning Experience. So when one o'clock came around, I grabbed my coat and headed down the road once everything had been cleaned up.

It turns out that most people don't enjoy hanging out at the library on the eve of Christmas Eve, so they'd closed up shop leaving me hanging. I munched popcorn as I drove aimlessly down the road, wondering what I'd do for a whole hour. Three minutes later, I parked my car at a hole-in-the-wall building with tacky wind chimes and Cuppa Joe's in fading red letters above the door.

Whoever Joe was, I'd give him half a chance to impress me since the exterior hadn't done much. Even as I pulled the handle on the door, I wondered what kind of individuals and low-life's I'd find lingering around in the dark confines of this ramshackle coffee shop.

But then, I opened the door and my heart smiled. A long wooden counter stretched out against one wall | classy decorated chalkboard menus boasted a strange and wonderful assortment of deliciousness | pastries and cookies filled glass domes | and on the opposite wall an eclectic assortment of seating {including a hammock of all things!} and rugs invited coffee lover's to crash ... get lost in the whimsical and yes, eclectic music filling the air.

It was then, that I promised myself I would be back. I could spend hours in a place like this, sipping Gingerbread Frappe's and surfing the web. Yes, even as I watched tiny Gingerbread Men dance from my cup, I knew in my heart I would be back.

Pointless Worrying

The building was dark, boasting an eerie silence that rang in her ears. She set her leather bag & coat down on the counter, shedding her gloves and coughing once hoping to scare off anything that might have otherwise surprised her.

She flipped on the light, instantly filling the front office and hall with welcoming rays of light. There, that felt better already.   "Let's see ..." Sliding over to the desktop computer, she logged into the admin account and began the short task of getting the system going for the day. "We'll do this. And that ... and flip the compressors."

Twenty minutes later every light had been turned on | Christmas music filled the air with loveliness and warmth | and the office was all set. The girl rested her head against one hand as she tap-scrolled the length of Google's people-search. So far, the search for her new boss was proving quite fruitless. What person wouldn't want to know what they were getting themselves into? 

And Google was letting her down. The portal of knowledge; and still she knew no more than she had pieced together in the days leading up to this one. He was tall | patient | spent time in the Army Reserves | and yet, he didn't know a thing more than she did?

But, how could that be? He'd gone to school for this sort of thing ... she, well she could only boast weeks of trial and error. This knowledge made her heart sputter ridiculously, it made her head spin in wild circles wondering if everyone had more faith in her than necessary.

That girl was me, last Thursday morning. 

I arrived closer to seven-thirty than I'd anticipated and found the office empty and ever so unwelcoming. I am a great lover of peace and quiet when I'm somewhere comfortable, but a Dentist office in a town so tiny you might miss if you blinked as you drove through hardly qualifies. 

When the door opened at 8:04, I looked up from a patient's chart to find Jay standing there. He smiled, "Hey, you're here. That's great." 

Of course I was here, I had gone to bed the night before with a horrible thought of oversleeping and not being prepared. So instead, I had arrived early and left myself plenty of time to set up anything we might need. We chatted for a few minutes discussing how the day would go with Dr. Stephen, and Jay answering the handful of questions I had. 

{ to be continued ... }

Tasteful Tuesday

This is better for a valentines treat, but when I found these I thought to myself ... How sweet would it be to show someone a little unexpected LOVE when they cut into a cupcake?

And thus, this Tasteful Tuesday post with cute Heart-centered cupcakes came to be!

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Everything from the colors, to the flavors, and the adorable heart surprise I just ... adore immensely.

             * smiles *


So enough chitter-chatter, lets get started!



           ~ I {heart} You Cupcakes ~


1. Make your cupcake batter, and divide into 3 parts.

2.  Dye a 1/3rd of the batter with food coloring. I’ve chosen pink for my hearts.

3. Grease a deep baking sheet and pour in the colored batter. They should bake up to a few centimeters to fit into your cupcake tins while still leaving room for the rest of your batter.

{ Keep testing it so that you can remove from the oven the second it is firm enough to cut.}

Once firmed take the cake out of the oven and leave to cool completely. Popping it into the fridge will speed the process up. Hows that for a nice little shortcut? * smiles *

4. Cut out cooled cake with heart-shaped cookie cutters. Set aside.

5. Put cupcake wrappers into your muffin pan. Spoon a dollop of cupcake batter into the base of each muffin cup.

6. Stand each hear shape vertically into the dollop of batter. Then spoon a dollop of batter on either side of the heart. Make sure your batter reaches roughly the half way mark of the cupcake, high enough to support the heart, but remembering that the batter will rise!

7. Cover the muffin tin with foil so your pre-baked hearts won't dry out and the rest of the batter will be able to cook thoroughly.

8. Bake as directed.

* Just as little tip *

When decorating them, be sure to create a design for people to know which way the cupcakes should be eaten. Otherwise, all you'll get is a colored shape instead of a heart!

Be Anxious For Nothing

Yesterday, was quite an interesting sort of day ... 

I heard my first alarm, the one that's more of a warning than anything. It goes off 45 minutes before I'm supposed to wake up, just so I feel as though I've slept in of sorts. Apparently, it was too much of a warning for me because the next thing I know my daddy is shaking me awake, asking me if I'm supposed to go to work.

The light above me was oh-so-bright and I'd rather not have moved just yet. But I flipped my phone to see the time and knew lingering was sure to push it, I had to locate my scrubs in amidst the craziness of rearranging my room and get to the office.

I mumbled something unintelligable to him as he went upstairs. I couldn't even remember what I'd wanted to say when I thought about it two minutes later. It was ridiculous I thought, as I dropped a few pebbles into Bentley's bowl. Being rushed wasn' something I enjoyed, yesterday was no exception.

The morning dragged by, the appointments held nothing of interest. Mainly adjusting dentures and small things like that. So on my lunch break, I headed to the library in hopes of unwinding and downing some coffee. There I sat, the office chair ridiculously comfortable; so comfortable in fact that I wanted to take a nap.

Behind me, there was a little fella sitting at the desk scrolling down Justin Bieber's official web page and whisper-singing the words to every JB song pounding through his earbuds. IF I were -- which I am not -- a fan of the suavy punk kid with a handful of piercings and a boatload of popularity, I'd say the kid behind me is pretty good. Even for whisper-singing ... but I will save the world from another Justin Bieber child, and not tell him what I was thinking as I tapped away at the keys.

There was a forty-ish something woman adjacent to me, and between her fast tap-tapping and Justin Bieber breaking it down in the background, my heart was racing to catch up. I felt as though I were in some sort of race against these people, hurrying to keep up.

The afternoon sped by with all sorts of scribbling of post-it notes as I tried to prepare for today. Already my heart has been in my throat, but thanks to Johnna and a lot of little orange stickies all over the office, I think that I'll be just fine.

In just a few shorts hours I will be unlocking the dental office, flipping the lights, turning on the compressors and scrambling around to set up for our morning patients. This of course is nothing new, I've been doing it alongside Johnna for a month and a half now? But today, Johnna & Jay begin their 4 day holiday vacation, which leaves me to assist Dr. Stephen, filling my heart with ridiculous amounts of nervous anticipation.

I'm confident  semi-comfortable with the day before me. I've had my training, and Johnna's done a really amazing job answering all my questions and showing me how things are supposed to go. But still, I'm nervous. 

I'm overthinking this, I've almost convinced myself.

But the big thing is ... I've never met Dr. Stephen. I have no idea what he looks like or how he talks, or works or what he calls various instruments and bonds. I just don't know ... the fact that fifteen minutes after meeting him I'll be working knee to knee with him is really the only thing that I'm anxious about.

Then again! The verse from Philippians 4:6 comes to mind, "Be anxious for NOTHING! But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God!"

That just gives me immense peace, and I'll definitely be keeping that in mind today as I work. I hope you all have a wonderful day and know that everything no matter what it is that God is in control!  * smiles *

Crabtree falls

"You've got to be kidding me," My breath sent white clouds into chilly air. I stared at the expansive mountains that loomed above me, a thin rocky trail disappearing into it's forest.

Mckenna's teeth chattered as she stood beside me. We all looked like we knocked old men over the side of the rocks and stolen their clothes. It was something I found quite humorous really, because in order to conserve warmth, we had donned Daddy-coats | leggings | gloves | sweatshirts & settled in for a long hike up Crabtree Falls.

... in the dead of winter.

Okay, so my feet dragged, the temperature gauge taunted me from the moment I'd woken up. Nathan had spent the night and we'd all crashed on the floor in the family room watching movies late into the night. Every so often I had woken up frozen, even my nose was cold. This is when I dreamed of getting frost-bite on the side of the mountain and losing fingers. * gasp *

It wasn't deathly cold, no. And the view was spectacular, yes. Still though, I have gone in Summer when the trees are leafy and green, the air smells sweet with sunshine and honeysuckle and really, I think I much prefer hiking in shorts & a t-shirt in warm weather. That's just me, of course.

Well ... maybe a handful of others too! * wink *

When the trail had turned into nothing but icy rocks and deep mud, I questioned our sanity. I turned around on the trail, holding on to a branch to steady myself as I looked over our rag tag little group. There was no segregation amongst the group, everyone stuck together swapping stories and sharing trail food.

Here's a picture of the some of the teens at the overlook once we reached the top. The sun was shining down, the air had warmed an appreciative few degrees and everyone enjoyed taking a breather.

While it wasn't in the top ten fun things to do on a Winter day, it was obviously a great time to bond for the youth group. And by the time we had reached the top, the view was just so amazing.

In fact, it took my breath away because it felt as if I were standing on top of the whole wide world ... Definitely worth the cold climb.
Did I just say that?! Okay yes, I did. And there isn't much doubt in my mind that I'd probably enjoy going again, if the weather is just a teensy bit warmer. But then again, there are such wonderful things called Hot Hands and they are tiny pockets of amazing-ness; little pouches of warmth that lasts for 10 hours. How do you like that?


That was two Saturdays ago and I've just gotten around to posting a few pictures. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera, thus all the pictures came from my cellphone. But really, it isn't half bad when it comes to caputring those spur of the moment finds or some wonderful memories. It's truly a handy little thing to carry around in your back pocket. * winks *

Across the Miles

I hadn't heard this song until just recently. It's one of our favorites whenever we're in the car, and it's suddenly become one of mine ...

 Across the Miles 

All around this world I've traveled

Through it all I've come to find

The ties that bind can come unraveled

I've had to face some lonely times

But when I'm tired and feeling low

Oh what a comfort it is to know ...

Across the miles there's someone praying for me

Across the miles there's someone on their knees

Lifting my name to the Lord above

In joy and pain I can feel the love

And see you smile

Across the miles ...

Life can be so complicated

Walking through it on your own

When kindred hearts are separated

It gives love a chance to grow

And even though I'm so far away

Oh I'm reminded every day...

Across the miles there's someone praying for me

Across the miles there's someone on their knees

Lifting my name to the Lord above

In joy and pain I can feel the love

And see you smile.

Thoughts On A Pricey Gift

We had a great Worship service today. I walked out of my Sunday school class with no paper, and doubted if I had a pen in my bag either. We had SO many visitors I almost felt out of place in my own church, but I was thrilled to meet them!

With next week being Christmas, it's ridiculously easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas; totally forgetting that Jesus is the REASON for the season. He's the whole reason we celebrate Christmas, and yet our thoughts center instead around what presents we must buy, which ones we have wrapped and hidden beneath the tree ...

And thus, the topic of this morning's message was centered around The Pricey Gift; God sending his Son down to us in the form of a precious little baby to become our Saviour. Sometimes, my mind wanders in that single hour and today was no exception. We looked at John 3:16 how God had loved the WORLD so much that he gave us {the world} His only Son.

A handful of notes in my Bible caught my eye ~ God loved ME before I loved Him! This has always humbled and amazed me. Because I am nothing, nothing at all and yet the Creator of the whole world loves me | gives me the very breath to breath | He loves me! * smiles *

It was the WORLD in that verse that struck me suddenly, and I thought of all those people who believe Salvation is denied to everyone. I hadn't thought of this verse particularly before, but isn't that limiting God when HE himself has offered something so great? How can you tell the Gift-Giver who he can and cannot offer salvation to? No, God gave man the choice. The opportunity to come to that point in your life when you realize you are an unworthy sinner and come to God on your knees, desiring Him in your heart and in your life.

To say that God has chosen/elected you by his Sovereign Grace is truly pride in the deepest sense. How can it not be when one believes God has chosen them over another because he can use them for greater purposes than another? Is it not pride to say God's purpose behind your "conditional salvation" is only because you had greater potential?

If that were the case, why are Calvinists not known to have impeccable character and a greater Christ-like testimony? I read several articles recently on the Calvinist's view of Salvation, and what a humbling knowledge it is that God chose to save them.

And all I could think about was, How one could limit salvation to so few? How could you, a simple sinful human, look at God's word and say that by World God meant only a few? To me, it's so very sad to think that people really believe this way.

There are countless things I love about being a Christian. I love that I can talk to God anywhere | anytime | for any reason! This among all those wonderful things is my favorite, and when my heart breaks to know people's opinions and ideals can seemingly change overnight, I go to God and pour my heart to Him. He always brings me a great peace, and a concrete answer. * smiles *

Innocent Babblings {Continued}

Tiny munchkins gathered around the kitchen table, too many to count. Mostly because no one stayed in one spot long enough, as well as the mass of tiny bodies cramming onto the benches. Every responsible individual {teens etc} held bags of Royal Icing, solely there for the purpose of helping said tinies decorate their itsy bitsy Gingerbread house with various candies and snacks.

Their imagination was the limit, and I watched as they waved sticky fingers in the air, flinging bits of coconut and sugar over the expanse of the kitchen. It was a wonderful & noisy sight to behold. Finally, the little ones traipsed up the stairs in search of baby dolls and toy guns. And the rest of us had the chance to sit down and decorate our own houses with leftover goodies ...

The boy we named Jack came and sat beside me halfways through my project. Caleb and I were busy brainstorming ideas for our little houses -- an unspoken competition between us -- when we had finally come up with an idea for a Fruit Loop wreath and tiny little sugar leaves on the top for depth and interest.

"Know what I'm goina have on my house?" He paused from the still plain looking house in front of him. When I mumbled "hmm?" in my state of concentration, he continued. "Mistletoe."

Caleb made some sort of choking noise from the end of the table. I schooled all facial expression, shooting him a wide-eyed look. "Oh yeah? And what are you doing with Mistletoe huh?"

"Don't chu know?" he questioned me, his eyes dark with surprise. "It's for smooochin, honey."

Did I say, Aren't you a little young for that? or Seriously, child. Get a grip, I'm taken? No, I just smiled and went back to my little house. The next thing I know, Caleb's halfways choking next to me and Peter has gone down on the bench trying to keep it together, while the Backwoods Casanova is oblivious.

And by the end of the night, he had walked over to my dear Daddy-O and said, "I bet you hatee me."

My father had no idea at the time, that the small man-child had formed a crush on me from the first time he'd ever met me. But when Jack informed him, my father immediately gave him the specs { yardage. make & model of his gun if he ran a certain distance etc } * winks *

Jack thought this was quite hilarious, because he came and told me about it right away. A few minutes later, I had locked myself away in my room. Stacks of laundry and Christmas presents littered the floor, evidence that I had been in the middle of wrapping and folding just moments before rushing out the door to pick up the boys.

And now, when the girls had seen every other room in the house, they just HAD to see mine. But the girl would've died if she hadn't been given the opportunity to pack up the presents, and put the clothes away first! The moment I opened the door, the girls were all over my room like little investigators at a crime scene ...

I stepped out. After all, I was only in their way and a half a dozen people crowding into my room proved noisy and cramped. Peter had been playing pool with Luke and suddenly turned around, grinning into his plaid sleeve and somehow managing to shake his head.

"What?" I asked. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to know, but I'd gone and done it now.

"Jack." Peter couldn't hardly talk for grinning so much. "He heard you locked yourself in your room, and he came over and said, 'Whuts wrong with mah garl?' and it was just too funny."

"Oh ... my ... word."  The little fella was really full of it, between his mistletoe and everything else. "Are you serious?! What'd you say?"

"I couldn't say much cause I was trying not to laugh. But I said you were fine, and you'd be out in a little while. Then he just went upstairs to wait for you, I think. I don't know!"

Oh brother, was all I could think. But really, it was a fun night full of laughter {mostly on account of Jack's innocent little remarks} and lots of good memories, and creativity. Oh yes, and lots of food and sugar and yummy things. I couldn't help but feel kind of happy that all those sugar-overdosed little munchkins running around my house from one floor to the next shooting toy guns and hiding from one another weren't staying the night. That makes everything twice as nice, you know. * winks *

Innocent Babblings of a Backwoods Casanova

"Hey Brittany," the voice in the backseat drawled out my name. "I had the weirdest dream last night. I dreamed you and me was married."

In the darkness, I could hear Michael's smothered snickering from the passenger seat. It was something between an uh-oh sigh and a snicker, really. The little boy in the backseat had barely said a handful of words until now ...

 Michael and I had been chatting back and forth about school and like I said, { we'll call him Jack } " Jack " was nearly forgotten. But things were suddenly about to change, because the quiet child became a tiny backwoods Casanova between his house and mine.

"Oh you did huh?" Was all I could think to say. And Michael jumped in ever so quickly with a "So what sports do ya like, bud?"

But Backwoods Casanova wasn't buying. He didn't even flinch; didn't even acknowledge Mike. "Yep, and we were having all kinds of fun. Going out on dates and stuff like that."

Wow, the girl was speechless. She nearly jumped out of her seat when Mike read her mind, "You're into basketball huh? Yeah, Matthew -- he's Brittany's boyfriend -- and he's really big into Basketball. He's a great guy, right Brit?"

I nodded, ahmm. But the car fell strangely quiet for a moment that felt even longer. Jack spoke up again, this time his voice attested to the fact he was mulling it over in his 10 yr old mind. The idea that this girl had a boyfriend, "A boyfriend. Huh ... whale, he better not come around here no more."

"Yeah, he lives in North Carolina and he's pretty much amazing." I bit my tongue, Michael was cracking up beside me and burying his face in his coat. I knudged his arm playfully; hoping he was going to get it together long enough to help me gracefully change topic.

More excitement from the backseat, "No way! Noath Carooolyna, huh? Well dat's pretty good, I think I just got me a new garlfrind."

And when Michael shook his head, disagreeing that my boyfriend was just so much cooler and taller and a pretty cool dude, I laughed. That's when I decided there was just something very likeable about Jack. He was on a constant role, I lie not.

"My old garlfrind named Makala, she lives over there in Waynesboro. She's sixteen and we already done kissed, yes sir."

"Oh. My. Word." Michael covered his face with his hands, shook his head. Turning around in his sear, he looked in Backwood's Casanova's direction. "You know you're talking to a preacher's daughter right?"

The little man-child banged his head against the window with a long sigh. "Ohhh no. I'm in so muuuch trebble nowh ..."

And thus, my evening started off with a Flair. I'm sure I'll be able to post some pictures soon from our little Christmas Party we had here at the house tonight. But for now, I'll either go to bed or crack off another round of Backwoods Casanova tales. I don't know really, but we shall see! * smiles *

A Donkey Is A Donkey.

Just the other day, as I was sitting in the living room looking something up online and quite possibly working on Monday's post, our family had a moment. Not just any kind of moment, but rather one that was unique in and of itself.

We've grown up knowing not to repeat certain words we've heard, but sometimes I think munchkins don't always think about the way they go about putting that into practice.

The Scene:

Abigail was busying herself with something or other at the kitchen counter, and making horrible grunting noises. I guessed she had suddenly discovered the fine balance between her throat and her mouth working in harmony to make such a noise and found it all ridiculously amusing.

I ignored the noise for several minutes, just typing away at my little computer and minding my own business. She wasn't bothering me at the moment and it really wasn't SUCH a big deal. In a matter of minutes, I discovered Mckenna didn't happen to share my sentiments ...

"Abigail." Her tone was solid, and grave. "Don't do that. You sound like a donkey."

In a Walgreens world, the conversation would've ended right there. With everyone going their separate ways and the noises ceasing unceremoniously. But you know, we don't live in a Walgreens world. We just don't. And so, it was with silent horror that Abigail turned on Mckenna, jaw dropped.

"Don't say that! It's like calling someone an 'Arse'!" Clearly, she was offended. That much was obvious.

And wanted her sister to realize what she'd just done, hardly taking time to note she'd used a word that typically is only mentioned when reading certain verses in the Bible around here. * cough *

Immediately, my head shot up from behind my laptop. And with the self-same horror, Mckenna whirled around beside Abigail. Such an unlucky place to be when your big sister isn't so very happy with you. "Abigail! We don't say that word! We don't."

Around the corner, comes Sammy. Running into the kitchen with his pencil still snug in his hand, having been distracted from his Math no doubt. "Yeah, you big old Battle Arse!"

So very like Sam to get involved. So very like him to make a bad situation even worse. So very much like him in every way. Because after all, what little brother wouldn't want to give his two cents in a family over run with girls. Leave it to a little man to get something like that wrong ...

Behind my computer, the girl secretly died. It was hilarious and horrible all at the same time, I didn't quite know what to do! Of course, as soon as we had managed to compose ourselves, Mckenna & I were forced to reprimand them. Oh the joys of being responsible for little people and their twisted phrases and language. * smiles *

Tasteful Tuesday

~ Chicken Bruschetta Bake ~

This is one of my absolute favorite things to make, and to eat of course! It's ridiculously easy and so very yummy too. I'm a big fan of the Kraft Food & Family Magazine, and when we found this in there we knew we had to try it!

I wouldn't worry too much if you're not a big fan of tomatoes of any kind, you can just use half the amount they call for and it won't be a big problem. Or if you have super picky eaters, you can just use the tomato juice instead, leaving out the tomatoes. * winks *

~ Chicken Bruschetta Bake ~

1 can. (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained

1 Pkg. Stove Top Stuffing Mix

1/2 Cup Water

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

1 1/2 Lb. Boneless skinless Chicken Breasts

(cut into bite-size pieces)

1 tsp. Dried Basil Leaves

1 cup. Shredded Mozarella Cheese

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

1. MIX tomatoes, stuffing mix, water and garlic just until stuffing mix is moistened.

2. LAYER chicken, basil and cheese in 3-qt. casserole or 13x9-inch baking dish.

3. Top with Stuffing. Bake 30 Minutes, or until

Chicken is done.

 

 

 

 

 

* We also like adding extra cheese to the top, so it browns just a little.

Mistle Toe & A Moment with Martha

"The wise men followed the star, the way I follow my heart ..." I faded in and out of consciousness, catching random pieces of Christmas songs on the radio. And the longer I lay there, listening to the music with my eyes closed, something about that voice sounded familiar.

Suddenly, I was at the Cleveland county fair. Standing behind a wooden booth, slick cement floor beneath my shoes. Watching a skinny little man perform magic tricks, it was then that I realized two things ...

1) "Baby, Baby" would forever be engrained in my head, against my wishes.
2) Secondly, I could never be a squealing little fan of Justin Bieber. I just couldn't.

"I should be making a list I know, but I’mma be under the mistletoe," I knew that voice. I was seriously waking up to Justin Bieber on my radio? No, couldn't be. "With you, Shawty with you. With you under the Mistletoe."

Before I could turn the volume down, my ears already having been assaulted, the song faded out and the radio host took over. "Another Justin Bieber hit, Mistletoe. That's certainly been a popular one this year, I can tell you that."

I pictured all the little girls with their earbuds in, screeching in delight & waving their hands wildly as the girl-boy's voice flooded through their brain. Their morning had been made, maybe their whole week if they considered it a lucky thing to happen on a Monday morning as they waited for the bus.

Obviously, this didn't make the girl's morning. But instead, the radio went off and I cozeyed up in my room with my Bible and read Luke 10. The story of Mary & Martha when Jesus comes always inspires me to be better.

I realize it's a total switch of gears here, but so often I'm just like Martha. I get so ridiculously busy with everything. And I tend to stress until everything has reached some level of perfection. I was reading this morning, and it hit me how much like Martha I am. She loved the Lord, and so do I! But we both let Life get in the way of actually enjoying God, and what He's done for us and just loving the fact that I'm a Christian.

How often have we got so busy with church functions {soul winning. choir practice. rushing home from work to go to church. sunday school lesson preparation, etc} get in the way of the most important thing? Being a Christian is a blessing and a privilege, there's so many good things about having the Lord in my life. And yes, often times I just get busy in the doing and not the enjoyment of it all.

I read somewhere about a Time Fast ...

• saying no to watching a movie, or tv.
• saying no to shopping.
• saying no to time with friends.
• saying no to texting, or being on the phone.

And saying yes! to spending even a few minutes with God.

Such a simple concept, but a very good thought and one I hope to keep up. It's just a matter of putting priorities in order and making time for what is really important to you!

In the meantime, it's helping the munchkins with school work and enjoying Coffee that tastes so much like Cappuchino that it could almost become addictive. Oooh lah lah! Have a wonderful afternoon, and enjoy everything the day holds for you. * smiles *

A Little Shout Out

So with a great amount of gusto and unfathomable delight, I would like to give a big shout out to self-proclaimed misplaced beach bum, Country Chic. Also, my friend and side-kick for ages.

I haven't the slightest clue whether or not she will love me or hate me for this, but I would so much love if you'd tippy-toe on over to her   Blog   and take a look around. There isn't much going on just yet, as it's all new and getting on it's feet, but the first post went up this morning and the girl is just so very excited.

{Just for your convenience, I added the link at the bottom. You can either click on that big Burgundy button up there, or the link at the bottom. The choice is yours.}  * smile *

It's been a long time in coming, this whole idea of Country Chic starting a blog. And today, I am just so happy to know you'll have the opportunity to get to know her and her wonderful family in the upcoming weeks and months.

You'll enjoy hearing all her fun little accounts, for there are sure to be many when one has tiny munchkins running around in the midst of working on research papers and cramming one's head full of every imortant {and unimportant} detail of the human body and how it works.

She's working hard to become a nurse, and has spent countless hours studying and somehow managing to keep her schedule halfways straight. It never ceases to amaze me, and someday she's going to be an amazing nurse with a heart of gold. I could see myself calling her half a dozen times asking what to do about this and that until she finally decides to get a caller I.D. and ignore my calls. * winks *

www.pearlsandcamo.blogspot.com
         

Fortunately, {it's} Friday

• The day began with burnt popcorn smelling up the house -- my failed attempts at multi-taking so very early on a Friday morning.
• That cup of coffee I'd made? Well, that got left on the counter right next to the coffee pot. And when the girl remembered it, she was halfway down the driveway and the thought of turning around was an impossible one.
• The box of Gingerbread people I had decorated the night before had been neatly tucked into a tupperware box and the moment they hit the back room, they were demolished one by one. And a random, sweet old patient brought in a big {like, REALLY big} plate of homemade brownie squares that were to die for. And yes, this is what happens behind closed doors at Dentist offices around the country. But shhh, 'cause you didn't hear it from me. You didn't.

I round the corner, glancing at my watch and smiling to myself. The next patient would be my last, the phone having just rung and a cancelation cutting my afternoon short. Did I mind? Of course I didn't. I almost collided with Dr. Jay, Peanut Butter sandwich in hand. The office is always smelling of clove oil for temporary fill-ins & the peanut butter sandwiches half of us bring for lunch.

"Hey, don't let me forget to get you set up that CPR class for you."

I thumbed through a stack of charts, "Which class did you want me to do first?"

"Probably, well  ..." Jay contemplated for a moment, thinking of the two classes I'd be needing soon. I personally didn't have a preference, so it was up to his discretion and Johnna's opinion. "I'm thinking CPR first."

Before I could even respond or nod my head in agreement, a voice from the next room beat me to it. "CPR? I'll be your first victim, you can try it out on me!" And the girl inwardly gagged at the thought just then, because she couldn't erase the image of the man in the next room. Big and burly, and bearded and odd in every little way. Something about him unnerved her the moment he'd walked through the door and had attempted flirtiness with the receptionists.

Both women were practically old enough to be his mother, and the moment he'd looked at me and said "I don't have an appointment. I just came to hang around and help out" I had smiled politely, and walked away in short order. Very short order.

There have been many benefits of having a boyfriend, one of them being that while with them for any short amount of time, they offer endless amounts of information on the ways of man and how to avoid people, and in some cases being rude. At first, the girl was utterly and entirely horrified to think of simply walking away from such people, but the moment I did I never regretted it once.

And so, with a very indifferent attitude, I had shown him to his chair and made short order of looking his charts over. I was kind, but not out of my way kind like I was with all the older wrinkled, smiling patients that cheered me through my day. I was more civil than charmingly sweet. * winks *

Apparently, he "bites" too.

I have not become all that familiar with taking X-rays just yet so when I do this, I'm ridiculously anal and nervous about getting everything just so. Johnna has talked me through several so I get it right, and she's a life-saver truly. But this man ... the moment he opened his mouth for me, he almost bit my finger. Can you imagine my attempts after that? Suddenly, sticking that thing in his mouth and rendering him immobile momentarily sounded like a good idea.

Glancing over him at Johnna, I offered half a smile. She read my mind, that dear woman. And within two seconds, she was working around me and swapping places to get it in quick. I had just finished developing the PA when Jay had come down the hall with his peanut butter sandwich, remembering my classes.

So there I was just down the hall from the patient that had earned himself no points, wondering what on earth any of us would say to that? Johnna popped in from the other room carrying a trash can, "What'd he say? I didn't hear him."

"Wants to be my first 'victim'." I said dryly. And Jay saved all of us from thinking of having something brilliant to say. He informed me he'd need a PA as he walked past, to which the man had reminded me that he bites. This is BEFORE the X-Ray, mind you ...

Dr. Jay grinned at Johnna and myself, knowing the guy could hear us and wouldn't really care. "Okay, so you're gonna want to get the ones with spikes on the end." He was teasing of course, and the patient thought it was so funny, he was still laughing when Johnna and I walked in there.

Of course, part of my heart secretly wonders if that's his natural defense against nervousness, but I really couldn't say! Still, it definitely made for an interesting afternoon. But we wrapped it all up with those brownies, and a few hours spent with my grandparents decorating for Christmas.

My cousin and I strung lights on the bushes in front of their house, the munchkins decorated the Christmas tree and all was Merry & Bright. Amen.

My Name In Tiny Orange Letters

 

I opened my eyes, as a thin stream of moonlight filtered in through the leafless trees outside my bedroom window. The sky was cloudy and gray, the house was cold and silent.

The light from my phone suddenly lit up my room and I squinted against it. I still had time to sleep and in the quiet I couldn't help but smile. I could sleep to the sound of the rain beating against my window, I really could.

And in what seemed like no time, Sunlight replaced Moonlight and I pushed the quilt back inches at a time. "I really can't stay ..." I groaned sleepily.

"But Baby, it's COLD out there!" My bed sang in reply. It didn't help that it was all warm and cozey, the air still cold.

Suddenly, I remembered my radio. Isn't that such a randomly convenient song to wake up to first thing? I thought so, but it got me out of bed.

"Today's gonna be ridiculously productive." I told the girl in the mirror. It just sounded like a really good idea, a good motivation to be up and going.

And thus, my Wednesday morning started off with a bang ...

• A steamy cup of Coffee and a Breakfast delivered by the golden haired child himself, a dimpled smile thrown into the mix for good measure.

• I looked at the little man for a solid minute, he had flopped on the end of my bed and lay there watching Dolly paw at my mirror. He was growing up, my little baby-cheeked munchkin man. All too quickly at that! Already he came just below my chin, and boasted of being tough and strong and wise, capable of doing the unthinkable like Captain America and Superman.

• And with a water bottle in my hand -- as if anyone would or could be thirsty on a day when the rain fell so hard and in such great abundance that people sought out Noah and his ark -- I tiptoed down the sidewalk to my little white car, realizing only then that I was wearing Uggs and while they would keep me warm, there was a 98% chance they'd be getting wet at some point. * sigh *

• Quickly, I contemplated changing them but then decided against it. I would be early today; like ridiculously early and really, I was falling in love with such an idea as that. So off to town I went, following an assumed drunk on a Wednesday morning. These people were all over the road for the longest time, and finally they hit a side road and that was the end of that.

• Later we attempted Christmas shopping in Charly, my sweet grandma & I. We walked and talked, loaded and unloaded the basket some more, until finally we looked at each other and said, "Is it New Years yet? I think we're through, right?"

• Back out into the rain we rain, sloshing through puddles that were unavoidable and shrieking when the wind almost blew the floral Van Gogh umbrella right out of my hand.

• Then it was Apple Bees, tucked away in a nice little booth where it was warm and dry. All the smells making our appetites grow by the minute. And when our food came, the Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta was a sight to behold, a delicous smell that filled my senses.

• The roads were flooded, thanks to the lovely downpour. I thought how awesome would it be to take a bucket of soapy water and a big old sponge out and do a swell job of washing the little white Honda when I got home, but alas the girl didn't need a shower so she ran inside lickety split and got all cozey and warm. Amen.

• And my mother found these amazing things in the grocery store of all places ~ Scrabble Cheezits! And thus, the girl dumped a pile on the table 5 year old style and the tiny church munchkins and I put them together and made words, new and old. It was so much FUN!

Tasteful Tuesday

~ Spicy Chicken Burrito ~

If I could snap my fingers and have anything appear before my eyes this very minute, I would snap my fingers and wish this spicy hunk of Mexican goodness. I stumbled on it today, via www.ZoomYummy.com.

It looked so delicious, it's definitely going on my to-do list of recipes for the very near future. I am a lover of all manner of Mexican foods such as this and even now my mouth waters at the colors, the smells and tastes I imagine eminate from this dish.

Anyways, if you should happen to be looking for delicious, simply recipe for supper tonight, I'll go ahead and post the recipe for you. I'd love to hear your feedback when you're through!

~ Spicy Chicken Burritos ~

8 Tortillas                                       1 Jalepeno

1 Large Red Onion                    2 Medium Tomatoes

1 C. Canned Corn                        1/2 C. Canned Black Beans

4 Tsp. Lime Juice                    3 Tbs. Chop Parsley/Cilantro

Pinch of Salt.                                1 TBS. Vegetable Oil 

3 Skinless Chicken Breasts                  1/4 Tsp. Ground Red Pepper

 

1 1/2 C. Shredded Lettuce                             1/2 C. Sour Cream

1 C. Shredded Cheese of Choice                                                       

                                                Chop the Jalepeno finely.   Dice the Onion.

 

 

                                                              Now dice the tomatoes.

                                                   Grab the canned corn and beans.

 

                                         Juice your lime. You can squeeze it by hand as well.

                       We’ll need 2 tsp for the vegetable filling and another 2 tsp for the chicken.

                       Mix all your ingredients in a bowl, add chopped Parsley or Cilantro.
                           Add 1/3 tsp Salt (leaving the other 1/3 tsp for the chicken).

                            In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

 

                        Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them into the pan.

 

                           Fry, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add remaining salt.

                          Then add 2 tsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper powder and cook for
                      another 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.


                      Heat Tortillas in a skillet so they are a little toasty and warm. Fill with your
                     Chicken Burrito mixture and top with Lettuce, Cheese and Sour Cream!

A Crafty Weekend

Dark Shadows paint the walls. The air is chilly, and voices fade in and out of existence. I'm hiding this time. The old church nursery is out of the way and very much inhabited at the moment, and the girl is feeling slightly reclusive. It's more out of necessity than anything, really ... my hiding.

There are a handful of tiny people across the hall, mostly little boys. And I'm catching the most random bits of their interesting & delightfully engaging conversation. But for now, I just want to finish up a few things since I got here early.

Yesterday we had our big lawdy-daw {aka. Craft Fair} down in Scottsville. The girl threw her sleepy self together, and carried armloads of craftiness out to the car. There were baskets of Fudge and Brownies | Monogrammed Wall Art | Christmas Tree Skirts | Jewelry | and everything got tucked into any empty spaces in the back of my car including an old chair just for props. * smiles *

Halfway there, I remembered half a dozen other things I should've packed but alas when the girl glanced at her watch, there simply wasn't time. So it was down to the Firehouse I trotted, dragging along my assortment of goodies and a prayer in my heart to have ridiculous amounts of fun and profit.

Michael came jogging across the pavement, his breath a frosty cloud in the chilly December air. He greeted me with a big wide grin and offered to help us girls carry our things down to the bays already filled with Crafty people and tables all crowding one another.

From ten to two we had a steady stream of people. I lost count of the jars of Jelly & Spicy Apple Butter we sold. I watched in fascination as two large round trays of Fresh Hot Apple Cider Donuts disappeared before my eyes.

Basically, we owe our thanks in a very big way to Sid down at the Fire House. He stopped by to chat with us for a few minutes, sampled our donuts and then walked around bragging on our table and that is how it came to be that the donuts vanished, and just about everything else that was edible too. * winks *

The man's style went something like, "Oh hey Marty! How ya doing fella? Yeah, yeah ... get you some of them donuts 'n things right there. Made with real Fluvanna water ..." and so forth. It cracked us up all afternoon. We teased him and told him we'd give him a commission when we were through!

Finally, we packed up what remained of our table and unceremoniously stowed them away in the trunk of my car. I didn't want to see another Craft Fair for quite awhile. There's something fun, yet incredibly exhausting about standing around selling things all day long, and keeping up a steady converstation with half a dozen fireman and townfolk you recognize from somewhere you can't put your finger on.

The girls and I fell asleep in the living room when we got home, and the next thing I knew my alarm was going off and Momma was calling to me from her room. Was it truly four-thirty already? I sat up and peered down at my phone. Ten minutes later, I was out the door again and all bundled up in a sweater and boots ...

"Miss Britnaaay! Miss Britnaaaay!"

I could hear the little girl screams of delight before I stepped out of my car. Diana bounced up and down on the sidewalk in her socks and a festive little dress, her sparkly Disney Princess jewelry bouncing with every move. I smiled, knowing I was in for a lot of fun | Mario Kart | Popcorn and some random Disney Movie no doubt. Usually, it's Tangled or something Barbie.

We ended up making Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches | Watching The Grinch which the girl had yet to watch this year as she's been TV-deprived ... she hadn't missed it until Christmas, btw | eating Popcorn as we played Mario Kart | played Simon Says Jumping Jack style {and no, this doesn't wear the little miss out, only the baby-sitter!} | and listened to Christmas music as she fell asleep tucked away in her nice cozey bed with the red Reindeer flannel blankie on top.

~ Happy December, Everyone! ~

Don't forget, it's about the giving. Not the taking. Find someone in need and do everything in your power to make this a wonderful, memorable Christmas for them. Keep in mind, it isn't about the presents, or the tree or that big to-do list glaring at you every morning when you wake up. Enjoy the giving, the sharing, the laughter, the memory making, and the Love!