The Sewing Room

I haven't had a sewing room since I used Gabriela's nursery back in '99. We didn't even live in that house for a full year, so it was a brief privilege.

Some nice family member unloaded a box and tossed some fabric onto the shelves for me to organize. Thank you, Person.

When we first saw this house and walked upstairs, Craig took one look through the little French door and said, "Your sewing room!"

Have I already said that I'm really glad to be married to him??

When we moved in a few weeks ago, I began to despair of ever getting around to organizing my work space. There was such a huge mess, and we've had so much fun visiting with relatives and helping out where Craig works, that it's taken a WHILE to get to it.

I've tackled it in stages, and it's coming together.

Wait a minute! How'd SHE get in there before me?!

Don't try to look all innocent!

The story continues in a future post...

A Very Full Weekend

We had quite a few bits this weekend. Our "baby", Gabriela, turned eleven on Friday. Time does fly. I cherish every moment that I see her playing with dolls or coloring or building a Playmobil town.

With a little help from the Master Manipulator (no need to mention any names), she settled on going out for a sushi dinner. (Score!) After dinner, we returned home for an old Carey Grant movie a la download.

On Saturday, Henrik came to give Craig Grayson and Caelyn a scuba lesson. He's getting them ready for the upcoming open-water dive. Sadly, we learned on Sunday that Craig Grayson's asthma will prevent him from continuing. This was very disappointing news for him. It actually made me cry, as I know that this is a big goal of his. He has worked very hard preparing, and he does really well.

I can't imagine what it's like for him when he has an attack and can't get enough air. The thought of this happening 18 meters underwater -- and the danger of ascent under such conditions -- is really frightening. I'm sad that he'll be unable to reach his goal, but as Craig said, "It wouldn't be right for us to say, 'He died doing something he loves.'" It's just not worth the risk. Maybe he can become my mountain biking buddy when we return to the States...

Doesn't he look cool in his get-up?

Caelyn, too, is really doing a fantastic job. Some of the things they have to do would scare me, but she's handling it all very calmly, keeping her goal in sight.

On Saturday evening, we had a farewell dinner for Mindy and her family. We've said good-bye to five families in one week. Very sad days these are.

The children and I prepared French dip sandwiches, carrot salad, Greek salad, roasted brussels sprouts, and the best part of the meal: chocolate chip brownie pillows. What would life be like if Southern Living had never been published? Really? I talk a lot about eating nutritious food -- and I mean it! Still, it's nice to get naughty with food occasionally, and southern people really know how to make that happen. Who else would think to squish brownie pieces into the middle of chocolate chip cookies?

After dinner, we watched the US vs England "football" match. I must say that I certainly hope that no American spectators in Johannesburg will take the vuvuzela back home and start a trend there. It would change sports as we know it in the Mother Land. Imagine constantly feeling as if you're being attacked by a giant swarm of killer bees. I don't think the commentators would stand for having to compete with such an awful sound. It distracted me for the entire game and made me want to leave the room. Please do click the above link and prepare to lobby against it.

Gabriela wore the World Cup shirt that Henrik gave her for her birthday... all weekend long!

Was Craig praying here? If so, I wonder if he mentioned the screaming tantrum he had already performed.

I will miss Mindy so much. She has helped me through my times of culture shock, assisted in the red tape of crossing the border, loved my family, prayed with me, translated for me, shown me where to get the best deals, and reminded me of the importance of accessorizing even when the environment seemed to suggest otherwise. She's been a good friend. And her tortilla soup is the best ever!

The most exciting part of the weekend for me was celebrating 18 years of holy matrimony with the best person I know. Sunday was our anniversary, and although we didn't do anything out of the ordinary to celebrate, I felt every bit as excited to be Craig's wife! Sharing life with him has been the biggest blessing, and I look forward to as many more years as the Lord will give us together.

See how others spent the weekend here.

Beating Him At His Own Game

I've never been technologically savvy, and it has taken me years to understand Craig's fixation with electronics. So, when the iPhone made its debut a few years back, I had lots to say about the "suckers" who would fall for it. Craig lasted a few weeks until he couldn't take it anymore. He was one of the customers who ended up receiving a $100 credit from Apple once they came to their senses about the price. (Yeah, right.)

When it was time for me to have a new phone, I couldn't decide which one to get. They're all gaudy and excessive, if you ask me. At least, that's what I thought then. Just weeks after Craig bought his iPhone, and after three frustrating and unsuccessful visits to the phone store, I threw up my hands and told Craig, "YOU pick a phone for me. I don't like any of them. I just need to call people, OK?" Ha! Boy, did I eat a lot of crow after that decision. Just call me "sucker". I, too, ended up with a $100 credit, which I used for a phone case and a sport band to strap onto my arm so I may listen to music on my phone while running.

Since we've been in Moz, I abandoned the use of my phone case. This proved an unwise move on my part. I'm normally very careful, as the cost of a new phone is ever on the forefront of my mind. I'm not known for my frugality, but I do tend to think of dollars spent in terms of how far they could have gone in, say, Ann Taylor or Sur La Table. Well, in the end, I've dropped my phone four times here. Craig has warned me that it won't be long before I'll have to replace it.

Enter the marvelous timing of the iPhone 4! Yep! Dear Husband, do the words "Me first!" mean anything? You've created a monster, my generous darling. Happy Anniversary to me.

A Good Sign

I am so much like my dad, it's scary at times. He insists on having everything neat and organized. If anything is out of place, it bugs him until something is done about it.

When our oldest daughter was old enough to use the bathroom and wash her hands without assistance, I would go behind her in the bathroom to tidy up after her. This usually involved straightening out the hand towel and shining the faucet with my shirt so that absolutely no water spots were visible.

Although I've allowed myself to release a bit of that neurosis, I still find it stressful to see things out of order. In fact, I've drastically lowered my standards in some areas. One aspect, in particular, took years for me to accept, but grace has definitely been needed for this.

My husband travels with some degree of regularity. When he comes home, it may take him days or even weeks to completely unpack and organize his things. There was a time when my opinion was that he should be more responsible for his things, as I had plenty to do to keep our home running smoothly. Over the years, though, the Lord has patiently taught me to see this situation from a biblical perspective. As his helpmeet, his interests have become more of a priority for me. After all, while I enjoy a great deal of latitude and autonomy by being a keeper of the home -- I love determining my own schedule! -- I shouldn't be so consumed with my own agenda that I don't take time to make things easier for Craig.

Years ago, I would become incensed about his leaving things lying around. I recall the turning point in our marriage in which I made a conscious decision to stop complaining about certain annoyances and joyfully serve him, instead. One day I walked into our bathroom and found his boxer shorts lying on the floor. Some hateful, unnecessary thought entered my head about being "sick of it" and "... never again...". I could feel the Lord's gentle rebuke in my heart, and He reminded me what a gift it is for me to have a husband, and these little annoyances were really just signs of his presence in our home. I determined that day to pick his boxer shorts up for him, no matter how often he'd leave them on the floor. I was amazed to find that within a short time, I no longer found them lying around! Apparently, my quiet help moved him to take charge of his dirty underwear.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a joyous reunion when Craig returned from an eleven-day trip to the US. At one point, I tip-toed upstairs with the camera to capture the evidence of his return. What an annoyingly tidy week-and-a-half I've had! I was so pleased to trip over his suitcase that was left in the middle of our bedroom floor. (Oops! I should have been watching where I was going.)

So, what kind of man leaves his suitcases and clothing strewn about the room, causing his wife to lose her footing? I'll tell you that it takes a man who is committed to ministering to the hearts of his wife and children. First, upon his arrival, there was the scramble to distribute all of the special treats he brought back for each of us from the States. Then, he was anxious to hear from all of the children how their time has been since he was away. At dinner, he resumed his normal practice of sharing a passage of Scripture, as well as a passage from a book he's been reading on the subject of grace. Of course, before AND after all of that, he had multiple questions to answer. There was no thought of bedtime, as we had plenty of catching up to do.

Beneath the bathroom sink isn't the ideal place for his boots, but how lovely to see them there! It means he's returned to us safely!

Oops! Are those my Chacos peeking out from under the futon? Heh. Heh.

In my book, toiletries do NOT belong on the bathroom counter, unless stashed in a proper receptacle. But last week, it was pretty boring to only ever see the hand soap.

I won't mind one bit going through these items to put away or send to the laundry pile.

OK. I have to come clean again. I have at least two, possibly three, articles in this bunch.

Thank you, Craig, for all you do for our family -- including, but not limited to:

* Working hard to provide for our needs

* Often delaying your own comfort or gratification in order to bless one of us

* Encouraging me to stay at home with our children

* Delighting in showing generosity to us

* Cheering us on in all we do

* Being a wonderful listener

* Helping us to see the bright side of otherwise seemingly unpleasant situations

* Maintaining your commitment to gently and biblically lead our family

* Loving laughter!

* Showing affection