My Little Schoolhouse: February 2008

2.19.2008

Stuff you've always wanted to know about me

Tami, tagged me for this meme and since I'm always up for talking about myself, I decided to go for it. But first - Meme - what kind of word is that? I'm guessing French. Here is one definition. Meme -An idea that, like a gene, can replicate and evolve. Not sure that really clears it up for me.

1. Were you named after anyone? Nope, my Mom and Dad just liked the name Paula.
2. When was the last time you cried? last night
3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes, when I take time to write neatly.
4. What is your favourite lunch meat? Ham
5. Do you have kids? You bet I do - Emma is almost 6 and Ethan is 1 1/2 years old.
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Most days:).
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes
9. Would you bungee jump? I don't think so.
10. What is your favourite cereal? Vanilla Macaroon Granola
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes
12. Do you think you are strong? In most ways... physically I'm losing it.
13. What is your favourite ice cream? Homemade cinnamon
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their eyes.
15. Red or pink? Pink
16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? I talk too much.
17. Who do you miss the most? My Mom!
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Blue jeans and navy moccasin slippers .
20. Have you ever re-gifted? You bet I have! I also like to read the books that I give as gifts, just ask my Dad.
21. What are you listening to right now? Rick is watching some World War II documentary.
22. If you were a crayon what color would you be? a nice blue color.
23. Favorite smells? Morning coffee and the faint scent of a flower garden.
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Stacy, our receptionist at the office.
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I sure do - I'd love to meet her in person!
26. Favorite sports to watch? Ice skating.
30. Favorite food? Peanut curry from our local Thai place.
31. Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings.
32. Last movie you watched? Miss Potter
33. What color shirt are you wearing? White oxford
34. Summer or winter? Summer, but probably more spring
35. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
36. Favorite dessert? Tiramisu
37. What book are you reading now? Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern World and Where My Heart Belongs
38. What is on your mousepad? Rick and Emma in Mallorca on Emma's 1st birthday.
39. What did you watch on tv last night? I didn't watch TV last night.
40. Favorite sound? Milk frothing and my kids giggling together.
41. Rolling stones or Beatles? Beatles
42. What is the furthest you have been from home? Poland
43. Do you have a special talent? Brewing a great cup of cappuccino - that's not my only talent, just my special talent.
44. Where were you born? Nebraska

I'm tagging Marie, Kristen and Kristen. They are all smart girls - maybe they know what meme means.

2.17.2008

The Goal of Parenting

This morning I was not feeling well and stayed home from church. For three quiet hours I read, thought and worked on my proverbs study. As I was doing some research for the proverbs study, I came across this interview of author Mary E. DeMuth (you can get to it by going to her blog here). I was especially interested because her book, Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture, is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Her words caught my interest and I found myself connecting with what she had to say.

Mary talks about the ideas in her book, Building the Christian Family You Never Had. It is true that I grew up in a christian home with Christ-loving parents. I have a solid foundation and Rick and I have spent much time thinking through ways to teach our children about God and help them fall in love with him. Still, many days I am so clueless as to what to do next. I often don't feel smart enough to be a parent. Mary's word brought me hope today.

Just past half-way of this interview, Mary spends a few minutes talking about the goal of parenting and inside out parenting, if you can only spend a short time listening, this is the section I recommend. The whole interview, however, is worth your time. Sorry I don't have a synopsis for you, there is no way I could do her words justice.

I'm now anxious to read her book. Maybe, I'll start it tonight.

2.13.2008

Please don't feed the bears!

2.11.2008

I am a friend of God

Betsy-Tacy, Emma's February book club read, opens with this telling first line.

"It was difficult, later, to think of a time when Betsy and Tacy had not been friends. Hill Street came to regard them almost as one person."

Oh, to know so fully and be known so deeply.

Abraham believed God, and he was called God's friend. (Jason 2:23)

You are my friends if you do what I command... Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you. (John 15:14, 15b)

I am a friend of God because he calls me friend.

2.07.2008

Have I got a deal for you!

If you have a little space in your freezer, you might want to check this out! Today I spent $29.55 for $159.55 worth of groceries. Yep - sounds too good to be true doesn't it?! If you are willing to spend an hour or two in the grocery store and buy five items at a time , you too can have this deal. This deal expires February 10, so run to your nearest Safeway store.