Before we know it…it’s Monday again, isn’t it. The beginning of everything needing doing all over again! Groceries are waning, chore charts need refreshing, school tasks need attention, there are papers to correct from Friday (no I didn’t want to do those on the weekend!) and not to mention…it’s cloudy AGAIN. Sigh.

The only true remedy for all things ‘cloudy’ and dismal is God’s Word. Oh to feast upon His Truth, the timeless elixir of the universe! The secret of happiness and contentment! Sneak a coffee break and ponder this most necessary of all nourishments….here are a couple of passages I’m chewing on…

When I clicked on www.pluggedin.org to screen a new movie called Cop Out, the notes mentioned right around 100 F-bombs along with other assorted unsavory words peppering this latest Bruce Willis comedy. The previews had presented such a light-hearted sort of old-school cop show, it was a disappointment to read the content. Well, I won’t be seeing that one.

Later in the week when I came across this blurb in USA Today, it brought Hollywood’s (that’s Holllywood, CALIFORNIA, ahem!) offerings to mind. I doubt if this ‘no-cussing’ declaration is having much of an impact here in the ‘Golden State’ this week, but it was a sincere and virtuous gesture by Mr. Hatch, age 16. Let’s hope he continues to embrace his high ideals in spite of the odds against them…

…immediately begins to conjure up thoughts of size and shape and fashion – all things related to appearance. Which brings to mind going to get my hair done the other day. When I walked into the fashionable salon, I was struck by the abundance of outward beauty all around me.

Everywhere I turned there was someone with superior features. Delicious outfits, shoes, make-up, fit bodies, hair color…I imagined the investments of time and money made in coloring, exercise, plastic surgery, pricey clothing…so much effort to grab the eye of observers. It’s exhausting to try to keep up with trends and literally impossible to maintain the glow of youth forever.

Piles of magazines scream at passersby, promising more, better, at last the secret to everything a woman wants and a man could desire in female appearance. If only we could lift the veil of deception that shrouds the entire industry.

Thanks to this YouTube from Dove, we can! Enjoy…

I got a new job. I have just completed day 12. I’m tired.

What is it I’m doing? I am playing ‘dietitian’ and feverishly counting grams, cups, calories, fat, sodium and monounsaturated fatty oils among other things, I’m sure. Sometimes ya’ gotta make some changes and now is the time for hubby and I.

I knew I needed a PLAN. It’s easy to say “let’s cut back and adjust our eating,” but without a clear plan, all of our best intentions can go awry. I hate diets for the most part because they only work temporarily. I have been on so many diets in years gone by, that I completely lost all grace for ’stringent eating rules’ to abide by. So… I knew I needed a PLAN that is a life-plan, not a 3-week, fit-into-that-pair-of-pants-temporarily PLAN.

These are the tools of my trade. Yes, I am measuring and counting, contrary to my personal preference, because, for a period of time I thought it would be wise to assess portions in order to honestly see the amount being consumed. It’s easy to think, “I only ate one plate,” but it’s easy to kid ourselves, close one eye and add another scoop to that ‘one portion.’ As you can see, I’m an expert at estimating portions because I love my food! (And, for any of you wondering if my Saturday morning breakfast – February 27th Blog Post – was ‘on the PLAN’ it most definitely was! I’m workin’ it, folks…)

When we see precisely how much pasta one serving really is, well, it’s an eye-opener! My hubby really wanted my assistance because spring is on the way and he just needed a morale booster to get rolling in the right direction. So the pressure’s on because I want to make absolutely sure I’m giving him good advice and proper nutrition, along with keeping him filled up and at the same time, seeing some health gains. (pardon the pun )

At the same time that I’m studying 3 ‘diet’ books – yes, three, not counting internet searches – I’m also studying my personality – which makes me wanna go eat more chocolate. We all have annoying habits and one of mine is called, plain and simple: overkill. (And all my children said, “amen.”) My personality is always gathering new information to improve any situation, so less is never more, more is always more! It’s like this. Tonight I whipped up a ’simple’ tuna mornay. (Fancy for tuna casserole. I learned that word while living in Australia, where tuna mornay is a staple. It actually refers to a white sauce with cheese, only I go 5-10 better and also add sauteed onion, garlic, sweet yellow bell pepper, fresh sliced mushrooms if I have them, stir in the piles of grated cheese and a good lug of sour cream, sliced black olives, tuna of course, and top it all with fresh ground pepper once I’ve stirred in the imported Italian pasta noodles. Now that’s a proper tuna casserole!)

So I served this to my two sons who are not on a diet because if I put them on a diet, CPS would certainly knock on my door, haul them away and take them to the nearest In-N-Out for rehab. These boys of mine are, uh, fit and lean. They would prefer to gain some weight, rather than lose. (I’ve never known that predicament.) So my fifthborn says, “oh, mama, ya’ know what would be good on this? [besides the 12 ingredients I already used?] Some fresh diced tomato and basil. I can imagine if you took….” Yep, he’s got my gift, too. Always thinking of what could make it even better! Which makes for a very messy kitchen during an often very long preparation time…

If my husband ran the kitchen it would be like this: lunch: meat and cheese and mustard slapped on two slices of bread. Done. Dinner? The same. He is very streamlined about food preparation if he’s the one in charge. But he’s not the one in charge in the kitchen for this diet! It’s me and I can’t possibly stop gathering new information about super delicious lean mean ways of cooking.

Pesto, olives, spices, yogurt, fresh herbs, salt-free seasoning….my mind is at work on this night and day. I began a Victory Meal Plan notebook detailing every morsel of food consumed in the last 12 days. Sick, I know. Hubby says, ‘keep it simple, Babe,’ but it’s almost more work for me to think simple than complex?!?! If I keep it simple, it might be bland, boring….and unsuccessful.

Well, now you know what I’m up to. Besides the usual mothering, home schooling, homemaking, exercising, God-seeking, book business stuff, writing….yawn. Nite nite.

To Be Continued…

Fresh ground coffee, eggs, bacon bagel melt and baked beans!

YUM!

And yes, it’s universal…every kid still loves getting drenched in the downpour while fully clothed! At my age, that just doesn’t sound like fun anymore…

Dictionary Definition: Serendipity – “The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.”

Denise’s Definition: Serendipity – “Happy surprises from God!”

Katie wrote me to say:

“So, I’ve stumbled upon your site by accident this morning, searching for an *artist…. and I read this post (“Keeper At Home.” Titus 2:5 February 15, 2010) and it brought tears to my eyes.  It’s so true that you did have an awesome day and while your to-do list was left untouched, you did SO much!!!  Aside from all the things around your house that you did, in fact, do, you also did so much for everyone around you.  It goes unnoticed, sometimes, by others (and by ourselves, too) that I think this is a great reminder of all that we do during the day that may or may not be on our to-do list!!”

"Laundry...always begging to be a part of every day!"

And Marti, also, was searching for a sculptor. She writes, “Hi Denise, Some time ago I connected with you, hoping to reach your brother, David, regarding one of his metal artworks, which now hangs in our home.  Having heard from him, it’s been a delight to further discover what all was behind this particular piece … and, too, to share with him my side of the story.  Anyway, many thanks for your help. In addition, I enjoyed your blog … an awesome site!  Being a former homeschool mother, it amazes me to see what all you accomplish in one day … bringing back memories of how full my days were!  Coming across two of your recipes, they’re now on my hard drive:  Runzas … looking oh so yummy!!! … and your Ambrosia Salad.  I’ve searched for that recipe before, but it never seemed to be like the one my mama made years ago.  If not the same, this one comes close to it!  So, thanks, too, for your recipes.  Blogging … a great way to journal one’s life!   Perhaps I’ll give it a try some day. God bless!!! Marti, Omaha, Nebraska

I love God’s happy surprises! He leads us to people, places and, yes, blogs, to be encouraged and to encourage others. Fun stuff!

(*The artist they were both searching for is David Belitz, my brother, who is featured in the March 21st, 2008 post entitled “David Belitz-Master Sculptor”

)

…is causing problems in the Mira household. When I wrap myself in this amazing Costco find – I’m warm and toasty no matter what the temperature! My family continually teases me because, yes, it’s hag-wear, but it’s my new best friend this winter. We have this ritual – we turn the heat down to 64 degrees when we head to bed because we sleep better in the cool air under a nice down blanket. Then, first thing in the morning, we turn it back up to 68. Well I’m often the early bird and I’ve been forgetting to adjust the thermostat.

My son darted down today to start his math, shivered and said “I gotta get a sweatshirt – I’M FREEZIN’”! Then my husband’s voice bellows down a flight of stairs, “Turn up the heat!” I started to laugh and said to my son, “I always forget to turn up the heat in the morning because my robe is just so warm and cozy!

All my adult life I’ve read that an easy way to save on heating bills is to simply put on a sweater and it is SO TRUE!”

“Well” he says, “Yeah, but who wants to wear all this stuff? It’s like I’m in the Arctic Tundra!”

"ALL BUNDLED UP FOR BREAKFAST!"

"A ROBE WITH ATTITUDE!"

Today I had big plans. I would attack my to-do list with a fervor. I would move mountains! First I made my coffee. Always first! Then I began to read my Bible and pray for the many things on my heart.

Then the phone rang. And rang. And rang again. It was hubby and he needed some stuff. Not a call I will ignore He is priority. So, I began again.

And then I remembered my youngest would wake soon to go and walk a widow’s dog on the next street over. “I think I’ll make him his favorite hot cereal so it’s ready before the dog walk.” So I did. Then we chatted before he left to walk the dog.

He finished his job, came home and I got him started on his Algebra assignment. Then an important message came in by phone and email. I knew I had to respond. This included a website search and two phone calls, plus the need to create an email. Then I had a technical difficulty, so I had to email my website guy. 30 minutes later my feat was accomplished.

Then it was almost lunch time and I had two hungry teen-aged boys to feed. They were famished (of course). I began to prepare their lunch. Hubby called with one more request. I was drowning in dishes, phone calls, paperwork and a to-do list that had not been touched. It was 11:45 a.m. I was beginning to sense a downward spiral coming on…

The boys finished their meal and headed out to take a bike ride (recess) in the sunshine and pick up a smoothie. (I guess the meatloaf sandwiches, macaroni and cheese and peas didn’t fill them up ) Then I began to put away the food and clean up the kitchen.

Then I noticed the fridge was filthy. So I cleaned it. And the freezer needed attention too. Then I polished the terribly smudged stainless steel appliances and door handles and noticed my spray cleaners needed to be refilled – all through the house in each bathroom plus the kitchen of course. (Sidenote: I could barely get up and down the stairs the past two days because my muscles are so sore from the ultra-exercise class I attended on Saturday – a whole ‘nother story!) In-between grabbing the ingredients to mix the cleaner, I began to spot-clean the laundry and start a load.

By the time I had the kitchen sparkling and all the pots washed, I had been praying for my daughter and son and she was sticking like glue to my heart so I had to call her.

"Sticking like glue to my heart."

It was a serendipity – she had time to talk, and she is a busy girl. When I said “good-bye, I LOVE you,” it was 2:55. The boys walked in and re-engaged in their separate tasks and I looked out the window at the gorgeous sunshine and blue skies and said, “boys, momma is going on a bike ride. I’m not taking my phone.”

I put on my headphones, listened to Colossians and Thessalonians and prayed while I peddled. It was a glorious buzz about town. When I walked in about 3:45, it occurred to me that I have a family to feed! Again! My to-do list sat on the countertop begging for attention, but I had to ignore it. I looked in the freezer and to my utter amazement it appeared that I had a rather large bowl of leftover (frozen, of course) Mexican chili fixin’s. I quick-thawed it on top of the stove, added a few ingredients, boiled some pasta and served the chili mixture over the noodles, topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream and avocado. Mmm. Very nice!

After dinner I fixed my broken sandals, prodded my son to finish his lingering homework and realized…It’s been a perfect day. I got to be a mom in so many ways today and it is such a privilege. My boys around me, fed, happy and healthy; many tasks accomplished, my heart filled with God and His Word, my youngest son typing his essay, my other son watching a cooking program and my to-do list still untouched. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day!

…my new ‘unsubscribed’ existence all week long (See the last two posts). Of course I kept my favorites, but they don’t bug me much – just for important things.

The week flew by with a family birthday dinner (to the left, see the birthday pants  Daddy picked them out and they were perfect!), a big school week and then another birthday celebration including friends this time. It was actually a double-party since two boys were aging at the same time His dear Dad ran all the competitive group play and is probably exhausted, with very sore muscles today after all the fun he had yesterday – ha!

Here is my leaping birthday-boy, and the group flag football fun and the basketball play-off. A daddy and a park surpasses any expensive ‘fun’ you can buy at formal party place!

Then after all the normal stuff like errands, meals, homework, chores, writing…before I knew what hit, it was Sunday all over again. It seems there hasn’t been a moment to blog because other, more important things, were calling my name all week long.

Sometimes we have to turn off the gadgets and be with the people we love, to serve them in a special way or just be completely available to them. I began to type tonight, but my boys called me into the living room to see the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.  We’ve been recording all of it on the DVR so we could watch it when we had the time. Tonight was the night.

Well, one thing led to another and we were laughing and talking as they commented on various aspects of the ceremony, fun facts about the athletes, etc., and I realized – TIME OUT –  we were really enjoying each other’s company. Blogging would have to wait.

Everywhere I go these days, I see moms and their little ones. Walking in the park, playing at the pool, shopping at the grocery store. One consistent pattern is this: Mom is on her cell phone chattering away and the children are doing whatever they find to do. They’re not interacting, or noticing the butterflies or choosing vegetables together. Mom is in her world and the kids are in theirs. I walked past this pair over and over again through the trails in our local park. Mom’s phone never left her ear. The little girl chugged along in her boots, all alone for miles it seemed, yet right next to mama.

I’m so glad cell phones weren’t common when I was raising my little ones. I could have missed so much while looking the other way. Our electronic tools are powerful distractions with a strong pull from what’s often most important. Let’s try to do better.

Make it a great week!