Over at The Good Life

I posted over at Girls, God and the Good Life today:-)

Birthdays on the Brain

Cross post from "The Good Life"

Today is my daughter's 8th birthday. I think I'm every bit as excited about her birthday as she is. We actually had her party last Friday - her first sleepover party. We took some of her friends to Justice (a clothing store my daughter loves) where they all got their hair styled like rock stars and got their make-up and nails done as well. Then they came back to the house for pizza, ice cream cake and the sleepover.

We have always made a big deal about birthdays around here. To me, what is more exciting than celebrating the day you were delivered here by God Himself? I mean, that's pretty cool! My own birthday is December 30th. Tragically sandwiched between the brouhaha of Christmas and New Years. My birthday was always a bust. I always felt a little bit shafted, okay, who am I kidding, I felt completely neglected on my birthday. My own parents would forget! Oh yeah, didn't you have a birthday?

So perhaps that is also why I make a big deal out of my kid's birthdays. I am always careful to plan out a budget and stick to it, but I have found that a great birthday doesn't have to cost a fortune. It's really about making memories and celebrating with others. It's about making that kid feel special - simply because they are.

I don't know when your birthday is, and whether you get showered with love or forgotten, but you have to know that your birthday is very special. It was the day that God placed you here so that you could fulfill His purposes for you. You were created by God and that is cause for celebration. I can't even imagine the joy God has for us, because as a fallen parent, my heart is just full today as I think about my wonderful 8 year old girl. Wow, if I can feel so much for her, I wouldn't be able to contain the depth of God's pleasure in us. He takes pleasure in you. You are valuable simply because you are His.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I still have to go get one more birthday present for my own birthday girl today.

As discouragement goes

So it's no secret I've been discouraged about my writing.

And it's basically what has made me lazy about writing here - no one wants to hear me whine. I don't even want to hear me whine.

But even though I'm heading out for the day, I promise I'll be better about updating. I promise! I feel like God shared something with me last night, but since my sweet daughter had a birthday party last night, and we've had a bevy of 7/8 year olds in my house (several are still here actually and for some reason keep ending up in my little corner of the house), and well, I can't think with all the screaming and squealing:-)

And for you Totally Unfamous fans - rest assured new stuff will go up soon!

Yard Sale Day

My neighborhood is currently having a neighborhood yard sale. I like the theory behind yard sales and will likely talk a walk soon and explore other people's yard sales, but I didn't do one of my own.

And I feel a bit guilty about it.

One, we could use the extra cash. I mean, who couldn't?

Two, I have stuff that I should probably get rid of.

But I can't bring myself to do it. I used to do yard sales, but each time I did them I'd get so mad by the end of them that I would be ranting to my husband that "I will never again do a yard sale!" I got so tired of dealing with "hagglers" who, even if a price was perfectly reasonable, still only wanted to pay a dollar for anything, and the "early birds" who shove their way into your garage and poke through your stuff wanting prices on your kid's outdoor equipment or your stash of canned food.

And we always seem to get a multitude of people who don't really speak English. It can be very frustrating at 7 am in the morning to try to communicate like that. I am SO not a morning person.

So I'm inside, feeling a bit guilty and am simply planning to take all the household stuff we don't want to GoodWill. At least it goes to a good cause, and then I don't have to deal with any hassles.

I also have discovered the wonders of consignment sales. We have a well-organized, well-advertised consignment sale twice a ayear around here where I can get rid of all the clothes and toys my kids have outgrown. It's so much easier.

So guilt or no guilt, I'm still not doing a yard sale!

A Finalist!

I was thrilled to find out tonight that the screenplay I wrote last year, based on my YA series Becoming Beka, is a finalist in the Faith & Values Screenwriting Competition!

What a blessing! Even as my career seems to be sinking into quicksand, I get these occasional gulps of fresh air that keep me from slipping under.

I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord. I lift my voice in praise to the one who is and is to come.

The Decision!

So after going back and forth about what we will do to celebrate our 12th anniversary, we've made a decision.

We're going on a weekend kayaking trip!

I stumbled across a calendar of events that listed a two-day Beginner kayaking course and since it's on the James River in Richmond, it's nice and close. The first day is spent on a lake where you learn to row, and escape and all the essentials. The second-day is a trip down the river. It's not a raging river, mostly Class 2 and 3 rapids I believe, but being new to it that's just fine for us.

Over the years, My hubby and I have gone:

whitewater rafting multiple times
parasailing
scuba diving
canoeing

but we've never tried kayaking and we're looking forward to it. I love that he is up for any kind of adventure. And being the kind of girl I am, I just love trying new things.

Yeah, we could have picked out a weekend spa trip or hanging around the beach for the weekend, but I happen to think this sounds like way more fun!

So - what will you learn to do this summer?

Celebrating!!

I just wrote the last line on the screenplay I've been working on and I feel like dancing in the streets, or on the ceiling or anywhere us 80's girls used to like to dance!

The story is actually from a friend of mine so it's a co-written screenplay, but I'm bursting at the seams I'm so excited. To have a solid draft to work with is just a phenomonal feeling.

Even with re-writing ahead of me, well, that's only going to make it better.

Ah..it stinks to be this excited when it's nearly time to go to bed!