Diverse Facts Do Not a Blog Post Make

There have been several potential blog topics rolling around in my head but when I attempted to put them to screen, it became obvious that none of them would comprise an entire post. The fact that I have just admitted I lack the ability to blabber on for a few paragraphs about absolutely nothing should serve as testimony that I am either suffering from aspartame poisoning or that we’ve just started Vacation Bible School. Or both. Yes, most likely both.

So, in an attempt to provide some positively uninspiring thoughts for your consideration, I present the Top Five Blogs I Would Write If I Weren’t So Lazy:

1. I read magazines from back to front. I’m always disappointed when I get to the back pages only to find lots of ads and other things I don’t care about so I get that over with first. My favorite subscriptions as of late? Real Simple and Southern Living. I got both for $5/one year in an Amazon Deal of the Day. Favorite reason to read magazines: decorating ideas and recipes.

2. I lack the ability to stop the gas pump on an even dollar amount. If I go over one cent, I will try to roll to the next dollar only to go over 2 cents. And don’t even get me started on those little televisions at the Walmart Murphy stations. They place those on purpose so people like me will get distracted and pump $100 while watching sitcom commercials. Or $100.01.

3. I am insanely proud of Allison Black who represented our school and community in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this past week. She was the very first speller and opened with the word ‘serendipity’. Quite fitting for a girl who is finding joy in unexpected places after losing her precious dad, Randall, a few months ago.

4. We began Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School Monday. I am co-teaching a 5th/6th grade class. Note to others working with this same age group: they will look at you strangely and with contempt if you ask them to yodel their memory verse.

5. The house is coming right along. Carpenters are framing the upstairs and we are supposed to have those thingies that hold the roof up by the end of the week. I’ve learned carpenters do not take a woman seriously who asks questions about the thingies that hold the roof up but thankfully this group of guys is way too sweet to make me feel badly because of it. I baked them cookies tonight to make up for having to talk to me on a regular basis.

I hope this week finds you well and hopefully blogging more intentionally than yours truly. It may sound like cheese, but I really do appreciate your coming ’round anyway.

Your notes make my day.

June 7, 2010 | Filed Under Girls Just Wanna Have Fun | 15 Comments 

A Mother’s Foresight

For the past two weeks there has been much gnashing of teeth as we’ve literally forced our kids – who were OVER IT by the way –  to attend school.  Thank goodness the finals are now final, the end-of-year parties have puttered out, the 6th grader has graduated and we are officially on summer break! 

This is the part where I get to brag on the McKay Children who all garnered various and sundry awards confirming their academic excellence.  What a blessed woman I am to have kids who are both beautiful and brilliant. (They totally get it from their daddy.)  I mean seriously, will you look at these guys?

Boy One aka “Einstein”:  (Okay, so this picture is in his spring training football gear but my camera battery was dead on awards day.  Loser.)

Options for Future Vocation:  Apologist/Bible professor/Marine.  

Things to Consider:  He’s a brilliant thinker who loves to study the Bible. His OCD tendencies demand he read every footnote and cross-reference of every chapter.  He wants to take German next year because he likes saying the word farfegnugen. He is gentle and honest and wouldn’t hurt a fly unless that fly is his 10 year old brother.  He takes 34 minute showers and sleeps on top of his comforter so he doesn’t have to make his bed.  He will do anything you ask of him as long as the request is doled out in concise, step-by-step instructions.    

My Prediction:   Theologian.  If I get my way he will attend Bible college at Moody.  He first balked at the idea of living in the big city but then watched the Food Network and decided Chicago food looked awesome.  He loves the idea of structure in the Marines but I’m confident he would never be able to meet the 7 minute deadline of being showered and standing at the end of your perfectly-made bunk nor have the intestinal fortitude to snap an enemy’s neck.  So, harmless Bible professor it is.

 

Boy Two aka “Squid”: 

Options for Future Vocation:   Pastor/Skateboarder/Hacky-Sacker

Things to Consider:  You can always count on this one for quippy one-liners.  The latest?  I had to take him for a haircut fresh after a workout and apologized to him for looking so gross.  Him:  “That’s okay, Mom. I look good enough for both of us.”  I’m pretty sure he meant it.  He says he doesn’t belong in the country – he belongs in L.A.  I wish I could say he doesn’t but I think he’s pretty dead on.  He’s got a smile that could light up this whole town. (Taylor!)  He loves his friends and the last time I heard, they loved him too.  He is undercover compassionate and the most likely to be caught being sweet to his little sister.

My Prediction:  Pastor.  But not just any pastor.  He’ll be a skateboarder/hakky-sacking pastor in one of those non-denominational churches that make a good Southern Baptist sweat.  I should make it clear that he doesn’t want to be a preacher.  He says it’s way too boring.  He really doesn’t know what he wants yet so it is entirely up to me to lead, guide, and direct until the Lord takes over. 

Boy Three aka ‘Bo’

Options for Future Vocation: Evangelist/UFC Fighter

Things to Consider: Firstly, I did not jack up his bangs. His hair is growing out from an unfortunate burr he requested a few months back. Bo is a charismatic kid who is both a leader and a follower depending on who had the most dangerous idea first. Loves to be the center of attention. Is competitive and totally invested in whatever sport he is playing at the time and is unconsolable if his team loses. Drinks straight from a 2 liter coke and will put it back in the fridge for the next unsuspecting sibling. Is a Mama’s boy and always wants to cuddle when he gets tired though he would die if he know I just told you that.

My Prediction:  Evangelist/UFC Fighter.   He will be able to blow in, blow off, and blow out of a church without suffering the repercussions of relationship.  If anyone messes with him or dares not believe the message, I’m warning you now:  duck and cover for he will come off the top rope on you.  Gives slain in the Spirit a whole new twist. 

And finally,

The Girl aka, “The Girl”

Options for Future Vocation: Diva, Philanthropist

Things to Consider:Extremely independent. Loves her American Girl doll because she looks ‘just like her’ which by default makes it the most beautiful one in the world. Is sickeningly fascinated with her daddy. Loves to read. Begs daily for a horse. Begged daily for a rabbit which her daddy caved and bought her and yet now goes largely unnoticed. (The rabbit, not the daddy.) Does not like to be tired, bored, or sweaty which pretty much rules out any and all outdoor activity from May through October. Has a tender heart when it comes to those who are hurting but will quickly change the subject rather than talk about it. An unfortunate trait she inherited from her mother. A nail polish connoiseur.

My Prediction: A Humanitarian – as long as that can be done in such a way as to not get too tired, bored or sweaty and in a place where manicures are readily available.   Perhaps she can just move to Chicago with her brother and keep his dorm clean and him well-fed and there meet her future preacher husband.   Or at the very least a dentist who can take care of her snaggle teeth.

I do hope you realize this was written very tongue in cheek. In all seriousness – these kids are my life and I’m so very humbled the Lord would entrust Luke and me with these fascinating individuals whose futures are already decided in the heavenlies. I can’t think of a higher place of privilege than on the sidelines watching and coaching as their precious lives unfold.

“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.”

Psalm 127:3-5 The Message

June 3, 2010 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 14 Comments 

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