Let Them Eat Steak

Our Thanksgiving Day was off the chain. We relaxed all day long. In fact, I don't think Hannah ever got out of her jammies! It was so nice to spend quality time together, and especially nice to enjoy a good Southern meal for our Thanksgiving feast. Fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, big juicy steak. Mmmm.

Pity Party - Table for One

Bah. I'm like the Ebenezer Scrooge of Thanksgiving this year. While everyone I know is daily updating their Facebook or Twitter with the things for which they're thankful, I'm counting down the days until this month is over. Bah.

Don't get me wrong - there are many things I'm thankful for.

We've got a beautiful family.

We're all healthy.

We have a roof over our heads... for now.

We have jobs... for now.
We live in the best town ever!
We live so close to our dearest friends... who have abandoned us this week! (How dare they.)

Our church is growing slowly and steadily.

But really, I'm stuck wallowing in my own self-pity, and all of these thankful people are reminding me that I should be giving thanks right now. And I kinda don't wanna. Our family has had so much up in the air for so long, that right now I'm really exhausted with all the unknowns and getting my hopes up. I know I'm being a little near-sighted by not considering all that God has in store for the future, but it's time I say it out loud that I'm discouraged.

So for Thanksgiving this year, we're foregoing the turkey. We're having steak and potatoes, dangit. And maybe when this month is over, I'll put my big girl panties on and be a little more thankful. But for now, I'll be at my own pity party.

I Love Technology

But it’s really more of a love/hate relationship. My iPhone. My laptop. My TV. It all keeps me so connected and in the know. I’m more efficient and more task-oriented than ever. I can do almost anything from anywhere at any time. Everything is at my fingertips, and likewise, I’m completely accessible, and not to mention, transparent thanks to this social media revolution. Need to get ahold of me? Then text me. Facebook me. Email me. And if you must, call me. I think that’s what people used to do with phones… maybe?

Maybe you’ve played a part in this scene – you’re sitting in a room with a group of your friends or family, and it’s silent. Everyone is playing on their phones. It’s funny how everyone longs for social interaction, yet we settle for something so subpar.

Even my two-year-old Hannah embraces all that technology offers. She can watch Dora at anytime from anywhere thanks to Netflix instant streaming on our Apple TV, on my laptop and on my iPhone. I think somehow this is reinforcing that she can have whatever she wants with a simple command. Is that OK?

With all this great technology, my phone and computer ding and ring and buzz to no end. I’m by no means the most popular kid ever, just well-connected. And it’s really getting to the point that I’m oblivious to its sounds. The sounds are so familiar to me, seemingly second-nature, that I can barely hear its alerts.

I love technology, but it’s taking over my life. So for a little experiment, I’m seriously considering taking one day a week and shutting off everything completely. *gasp* Primitive though it may seem, I’m just curious what people did without so much technology. I imagine folks talked a little more. Perhaps they were more active? Maybe children were more patient? Who knows? It’s worth it to me to find out. So on Sundays, I’m going to be a little less connected, friends. It’ll be a fast of sorts.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love being able to connect with my family and friends and know what’s happening all over the world so instantly, which is why this little experiment will be limited to once a week. So I hope you all have a great day tomorrow, and I hope to hear all about it… on Monday.

I think Kip sums up my thoughts best.

The Battle of Wills: Beard vs. Bangs

So here's the deal: For the past four years, Chris has grown out his beard for the wintertime. He keeps a well-groomed beard year-round, which I really like. But once it begins to get the slightest bit cold, he aims to grow it out as long as possible. Against my protests, he grows this long, fiery red Yosemite-Sam-type beard that hides his handsome face. It wouldn't bother me so bad if with every kiss I didn't get a lip full of hair that may or may not have left over food in it. Yeah...

With winter quickly approaching, and the fact that we live in the mountains, Chris is already set to grow the burliest beard of all time. I mean, really?! He can suggest to me that he likes my hair longer and I willingly oblige him, but I have no say over whether or not the man grows an inch of hair on his face? That's just not very considerate.

So whether it's appropriate or not to air our dirty laundry out on the world wide web, I'm saying right here, right now, the battle of wills is on! I'm cutting my hair off. I'm starting with the bangs. Let's see how you like this, Christopher!

My New Job

This morning as I was getting dressed for my last day at work, I was thinking about how much I'm going to miss my coworkers. I feel like I've gained some really great friends working at the hospital. After all, working full time means I spend more time with them than I do my own family. So it would be an understatement to say that they're a huge part of my life. I began to wish I had bought waterproof mascara to wear for the day. I'm not a crier, but ya know, just in case!

Hannah was playing on the floor around my feet while I was finishing up my makeup in a hurry, and she looked up at me and said, "Mama, hold?" I can never resist, so I picked her up and we just snuggled for a moment. Then it hit me. Perspective. I just quit my job at the hospital so I could start working the job of my dreams! As it is right now, I get to stay at home to care for Hannah as I freelance as a writer, all while in the mission field in the gorgeous state of Colorado. Really? REALLY? God certainly does exceed expectations.

I'm going to miss my coworkers like crazy. I'm going to miss working in "Crazy Town" as we have nicknamed our office in jest. I mean it when I say my life has been blessed by such great people! If only there was a way to get these people to move with me. I'd have it all!

Not To Brag...

I had 838 hits on my blog last month!

I had 569 unique visitors!

What on EARTH?

That may not be very many hits compared to most blogs, but to me, that's kind of a big deal. I don't think I even know that many people! I love that someone out there is interested enough in our little family that you're even checking out my page. You should let me know if YOU have a blog. Leave me a comment with your blog address. :)

I Heart The Huckabees

Tonight, our friends Jay and Rebekah came over with their twins Jackson and Haven to hang out. We swam, ate tacos and stayed up late watching Alice in Wonderland. Hannah was so sweet with the babies, who are eight months now, and even gave Jackson tons of kisses (don't tell Josiah). We're so grateful to have the Huckabee family in our life. Their friendship has been a blessing to us for the past 10 years and it's one of those rare, genuine relationships you'll have forever. There were tons of picturesque moments from the night. Of course, we had our hands full the entire evening and the camera wasn't always handy. But here's one of me and Haven. She's truly a miracle baby! I know she and Hannah will grow up to be best gal pals like me and Rebekah!

SWAGGER WAGON

I learned to drive in my Mom's minivan. Now after being on the road for 12 years or so, I'm thinking of returning to my roots after seeing this video. Enjoy! Happy Friday!

My Inner Child Looks Like This

There is this upbeat, overly-positive and incredibly enthusiastic kid inside me that I imagine to be something like this.

The Cat is Out of the Bag

I just submitted my official notice of resignation this week. Whew! Such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! It's been so hard not to share all about us moving to Fort Collins considering how excited I am, but I've kept our plans on the down low (on the most part) up until now. (I feel that my super secrecy has earned me the ever coveted Gold Baby award that we pass around the office, rewarding those who exhibit pure awesomeness. Behold it's glory in the picture below.) I chose not to say anything to my boss and coworkers just because I didn't want to create any added stress without having firmer plans in place. But since I know now that we're leaving in August, I felt that now was the time to give fair warning. I am grateful that everyone has been supportive and excited for us.

TMF has been a positive, yet challenging place to work, stretching me both professionally and personally. I have indeed learned so much about myself and my abilities in the past three years! Nevertheless, I will miss my amazing coworkers and friends. As the proverb says, "Iron sharpens iron..." so I leave here sharpened by this skillful and talented department.

A Wreck

Having just watched the series finale to my all-time favorite show LOST, I am an emotional wreck. Seriously, I'm sitting here bawling my eyes out, as if I've said goodbye to a dear friend. I know you say, "It's just a TV show, Randi. Get real." But for me, it's a bittersweet reminder that a chapter is coming to a close in my life.

You see, six years ago, Chris and I watched Oceanic Flight 815 crash to an Island. We were completely hooked as we witnessed the survivors climb out of the wreckage. And we anxiously awaited to see every new mystery uncovered. Week after week, we gathered to watch with some of our closest friends. I know it's just a TV show, but some of my favorite friendships have been born out of sharing an affinity for this show.

But what makes LOST more than just a pop-culture phenomenon of a television series to me -- what makes me such an emotional wreck right now -- is that it's been a constant (yes, LOST fans, I said constant) in our ever-changing lives.

In the past six years, I've married the love of my life, expanded our family and established a home, and poured my heart into the most incredible college students I think I'll ever know. As the time draws nearer for us to move to Fort Collins, I find myself searching for the constants in my life. There has been just so much change. But as the saying goes, "The only constant is change."

The bitter part is saying goodbye and moving away from our family, closest friends and the familiar things we hold near and dear to us. But the sweetness comes in the great memories we've made here in Tyler and the anticipation of what God's called us to do in Fort Collins.

A Comedy of Errors

“Am I on Candid Camera?”

“Seriously, is someone messing with me?”

Those phrases have been rolling around in my head all day. Seriously, nothing has happened as it should. For every step forward I'd take, I’d then take three giant steps backward. I’ve majorly misspoken, been chewed out, driven all over this town, paid more money than I wanted (though not as much as I could’ve) on my car and on tickets, sweat through my silk shirt (yes, I’m that gross), made less than a dent in the mountain of work I’ve got on my plate… and the list goes on. I swear. I can’t get it together today.

Then, in the middle of it all, I got a wake up call.

I was sitting in line waiting to pay my ticket - having the biggest pity party you’ve ever seen - when this lady walked in and sat next to me. She strikes up a conversation and ends up spilling her guts that her 92-year-old mother had a stroke this morning, her own health care coverage was dropped today because of her own issues, she was having some demolition done at her house that she wasn’t able to oversee because she needed to be in town with her mom, her ticket was due to be paid today, and to top things off, it was her birthday.

So at this point, I realize my day wasn’t so bad after all. In fact, I had one of those moments looking into that poor woman’s eyes where I remembered that God is in control, even when times are unbearable. I’ve seen Him work in mighty ways, and He has personally blessed me richly that I might share His comfort and joy with others. So I asked her for her name. It’s Theresa. I told her that I would be praying for her and her family because God is strong enough to take on our biggest struggles. She thanked me and we parted ways.

I don’t know what your day has been like, but I’m really sorry if you haven’t enjoyed it. I haven’t enjoyed mine much either. But I encourage you to hold on to the good because that’s where you’ll find God.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. - 1 Thessalonians 5:15-21

Lastly, I also want to ask you to pray for Theresa and her family. She’s having a rough time, and my hope is that her life will change when she sees how much God cares for her.

Check Us Out, Yo

April has been a big month. Here are the highlights:

• Chris completed his certification through Berklee College of Music for studio recording. This is a huge accomplishment that he’s been working on for about a year-and-a-half. I couldn’t be more proud.

• Hannah decided she would rather walk over any other mode of transportation. Again, very proud.

• We moved the rest of our junk out of the storage unit we’ve had for a few years. Seriously, no one needs that much junk. Oh yeah, and we cleaned out and organized our front hall closet, too. I like to think that everyone has this one cluttered place in their home that they can’t keep under wraps. Well, ours is always the front hall closet. I’m here to tell you it’s clean and organized, thank you very much!

• And last but not least, we paid off our Jeep - a whole year early! Woo hoo! Goodbye car payments.

Bring it on, May. You have a lot to live up to.

Listen Up, Thief!

I hate theft. My brand new iPhone 3GS was stolen last month along with pictures and other important personal items. Yeah, I know. Totally not cool.

Let me just say that if you're reading this and you stole my phone, it makes me wonder if you needed it for the money to feed your poor, hungry family because this down economy has left you without a job or something unfortunate like that. I really hope it helped. But if you didn't need it for the money and you're enjoying my iPhone all the while singing, "Finders keepers, losers weepers..." I still hope the best for you. I wasn't quite thinking that at first. In fact, I hoped every time you looked at the phone you would be struck with horrible guilt and maybe a disgusting bout of bowel issues.

But no more. It's taken me a month to forgive you, but here I am. I'm choosing to move on with my life because being mad about a phone isn't worth it. And though you may not be aware of it, I think perhaps you could use some forgiveness in your life just as I have. But let me also say that as a daughter of the King, it is my joy to forgive:

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3: 12-14

Live Together Die Alone

I'm not sure I've ever met a fan that likes the show LOST more than I do. I seriously take it to a whole new level. For crying out loud, I bought a bobble head figure after tonight's season premiere. And I will not regret it in the least. Call me a nerd. I can handle it.

How to Grow a Woman from the Ground

If you know me well enough, you know that I LOVE to name things. I think I would have loved Adam and Eve's job of giving names to all of creation. I hope they appreciated the task.

One thing I never took the time to give a good name was my blog. But now as you can see for yourself, it bears a new title: How to Grow a Woman from the Ground. I lifted the name from a folk song I like mainly because I agree with the singer that "... it takes forever to grow a woman from the ground." I'll keep growing until the day I die. This blog exists to document the progress.

My Calling in Life

I feel called to be the kind of wife and mom that loves and extends grace always. It’s my hope that I point my family to the person of Jesus by the way I live my life, so that they subsequently experience intimacy with God and enjoy a full life.

I feel called to be honest and real, never feigning goodness derived of my own efforts.

I am strongly compelled to show mercy to those who hurt and long for peace despite the extent of their depravity. I refuse to believe that anyone is “too far gone”, and I will gladly introduce anyone to a just and merciful God who believes likewise.

I am passionate about equipping people with tools to help them become debt-free. The seemingly everlasting shroud of debt looming over the Freeman household (written with every ounce of drama I can muster) is beginning to lift, and I want others to experience the sensation of freedom we are beginning to enjoy.

I long to see the Church revived, and I feel called to be a part of developing the next generation of leaders, beginning with college students.

I am particularly passionate about guiding college-aged women in making decisions for their independent adult lives.

Professionally, I feel called to do the best I can possibly do no matter the task.

I feel called to submit every aspect of my life to God. About ten years ago, I declared myself His servant. I’ll go wherever He calls me to whatever He wants me to do.

Back To The Daily Grind

My first week back at work wasn't as hard as I expected, thanks to a lot of distraction, welcoming folks and moving into a new office. And the five days spent at work made the weekend that much sweeter with the hubs and baby girl. Now if only I could find a way to have large quantities of caffeine pumped through my system, that'd be fantastic!

My morning beverage of choice lately has been a delightful brew of Matévana tea, made by Teavana. Supposedly, Maté has a stimulant similar to caffeine but doesn't leave you all jittery like coffee can. And with Hannah's 4 a.m. wakings, I need all the help I can get. So far it's done the trick in keeping me from crawling up under my desk to sleep (makes me think of that Seinfeld episode where George's boss busts him for doing that very thing). Oh sleep, how I miss you.

Thanks For Asking

I don't know what it is about pregnancy that makes so many people speak without thinking! It's like a belly bump gives people the license to say to you whatever the heck is on their mind. Today, I went with a few coworkers across the street to the gas station for an afternoon snack. And let me tell you, I hit the jackpot. As a side note, let me just say that Dreyer's Crunch Dibs are the bomb dot com.

Anyway, as I'm walking up to the cash register to pay for my ice cream, the attendant - who looks a lot like Sanka from the 1993 Disney movie Cool Runnings (the guy on the left in this picture) - says to me, "Hey, I've got a personal question. Do you fart a lot cuz you're pregnant? Cuz I hear pregnant women fart a lot." There could've been so many responses to this, but I answered him honestly with the obvious answer being that yes pregnancy does indeed make you gassy, and we all just laughed hysterically. Sanka The Gas Station Attendant, you're the man. Thanks for making my day.

What's a Kritty Krub?

I moved to Louisiana the summer after my freshman year of college to work as a church youth intern. Looking back, I can't believe I moved away to another state to go work in a town where I knew no one. I moved in with a family I had never met. There were no college kids where I lived, either, so I was either mentored or I was mentoring. Feeling a certain calling, I ventured to Benton, Louisiana. And what started off as just a summer job ended up becoming a year-and-a-half adventure. In that time, I learned a lot about myself, who God is and how His people are called to love deeply. And I developed one of the coolest friendships.

My first and closest friend there was a 15-year-old girl named Christie Tubbs, a.k.a. Kritty Krub. Despite a four year age difference, we clicked immediately. And she quickly became my loyal sidekick -- I couldn't shake her even if I had wanted to. I could tell you some fun stories about this girl and some of the great moments we've shared. She's one of those kind of friends you make that you'll know the rest of your life. But what I'd love more than anything, though, is for the world to experience an ounce of faith this girl possesses. She moves mountains. It hasn't always been the case, though.

One of the hardest parts of leaving Louisiana was saying goodbye to my dear friend. We've kept in touch through the years, but never enough to satisfy close friends or to sustain a deep friendship -- that is until recently as we pick up where we left off. Over the five years that have passed, Christie hit a rough patch. And after only recently being pulled out of the crap called her life, she received disturbing news on her birthday -- she's got cancer.

Now 23 years old, Christie has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In a nutshell, this is a cancer that affects your lymphatic system. The good news is that it's not in her bone marrow. The doctor's say it's Stage 2. Christie says, "God's bigger than cancer." It's kind of ironic to me how she's been the comforter to me and everyone else around her. And moreover, her faith is incredible. She's an absolute inspiration. It all goes to show that God's glory is displayed no matter what -- despite our circumstances, despite who we are.

I'm blogging about her because she's a huge part of my life, and I'd just like my friends and family to pray for her and her family. She starts chemotherapy next week, and her strength is going to be shot. So start praying for peace, patience and strength -- all of which come only through relying on God.

I also invite you to check out her blog as she writes about what she's going through. I hope you'll be as inspired as I am.

http://christieblogsalot.blogspot.com/

Love and Peace!