Ramblings of PBS Kids hostage

    Tonight, I am asking myself, "Christina, why are you even sitting down to write a blog?"  It's a valid question, since there's no way, after listening to Cookie Monster, (for an hour and a half) sing "C is for Cookie" - that's right, the SAME song, over and over,  I'll be able to, in any way, communicate with adult readers.  I'm not even sure what I just typed even makes sense.
    Noah is on such a Sesame Street kick, that as I plan my decor for my new home, I forget that this is a fleeting phase that will last but a moment, and that I don't really need to match my walls to the ever present furry characters that are ceaselessly dragged about our home and yard. Yes, indeed, I think I will put in a phone call tomorrow - "Cancel my order Sherman Williams, I came to my senses and decided against the Snuffleuffagus Sienna afterall."
     May I never forget this period of time won't last but a moment.  And, may I never forget that I am indeed an intelligent woman. This tiny blip in history may a little too often leave me wondering what's happening this very moment in world news?  Am I up to date on popular action flicks? - Negative.   I could, however, go on and on about how Ricky Gervais is the funniest celebrity to ever lull Elmo to sleep.  I could tell you that Burt and Ernie's never altered sweaters are back in style.
    Tonight as I foggy headedly write this message, I remind myself that I am the same person who got 4.0s in her college courses, who's bilingual, who plays a mean game of chess, and cannot only spell and pronounce "connoisseur", but that I am one in many things non-PBS Kids.  And, I encourage moms all over the blogosphere not to lose heart and feel like you're slipping into a never-ending sweatpants and diapers abyss... but rather, embrace such a time for what it truly is, a gift.  And, if what older people tell me is correct, it really doesn't last that long, and all too soon, we'll be looking back at these clean-the-toothpaste-out-of-the-heat-vent-AGAIN days, wishing we could spend just one more moment in them, looking into the innocent eyes that trust us completely to do what is in their best interest and shape them into the prosperous, educated, and happy adults we want them to be.

And without further ado, I must tell you, as the great Oscar the Grouch would say: NOW GET AWAY FROM MY BLOG - SCRAM!

Go ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up.  Make a card for them.  Play outside with those eager littles.  LISTEN to them.  Tell your tykes that Jesus has SUPER AWESOME plans for them (Reading Jeremiah 29:11 to them is a great way to do that)... and most importantly... Take those older folk's advice and never miss a moment you can't have back.

Much, much love,

The Extraordinary Ordinary Only Sometimes Semi-Coherent Me

PS.  Teach them good dental hygiene too.  That's important.

I am not a bimbo. I am not a bimbo. I am not...

"Well, nothing was the same when you were away..." - Captain Von Trapp (Sound of Music)


     Perhaps I've never been the pinnacle of organization, but really, am I as utterly dippy as my actions as of late could lead me to believe?
     Leaving the keys in the outside door overnight?  Ok, I can retrace my steps on that one pretty well.  Arms loaded with groceries and a toddler, I approach the front door, drop a couple of bags near the entrance, take keys out of my mouth, unlock door, herd children into the living room, unzip their coats and go back to car for the rest of the bags...  enter door again to discover two-year-old is missing.  Frantically search upstairs, basement and storage ottoman (his favorite hideout) only to realize he escaped out the side door into the dark and vast snow covered yard.  Barefoot target located and held hostage, I head back into house and close and lock both exits... Grandma knocks on front door next morn, holding my keys, going on about how me being in my twenties makes her feel better about her forgetfulness at seventy something...
        Alright, so that one is somewhat understandable.  But, leaving the keys in the ignition, WITH THE CAR RUNNING AND UNLOCKED as I merrily drool my way through the aisles at  Hobby Lobby, in FLINT for TWO HOURS!? Ashamedly, I was alone with no toddler to blame... That one made me question my sanity (not to mention stand in awe of God's miraculous protection).  Searching for answers as to how such a thing could happen, I pondered  the sleepless night spent battling the possessed smoke detector (Note  - Buy the cheapo alarm.  You do NOT want the talking CO/smoke test-once-a-week-at-random-it's-better-because-it's-ridiculously-expensive detector - It's pure evil.), and the stress that comes with moving into a new house, homeschooling, running a business, and single-handedly preparing for Christmas.  But, let's face it, I've fried bigger fish before, with a respectively clear head even...
     What makes this time different? It's the grace factor.  I don't know how to explain it.  Previously, every time my husband and I have had to separate in order for the Gospel to be announced in the uttermost parts, there has been this strange sort of peace and easiness about his absence.  Sure we all missed him, but there was an excitement of "roughing it" by ourselves.  I call that peace, "the grace factor"
         Well folks, the exhilaration is gone, and I want my husband back.  Is the sacrifice worth it?  Without a glimmer of a doubt, YES.  I'd do this for five years if I knew people were getting to hear about Jesus because of it.  But, what I really feel, is that, God is moving us in a new and wonderful direction, to a place where we can travel together, as a family, making an even greater impact on the world. There's a stirring in my heart, distracting me at all times, causing me to... leave keys in the ignition, and place dirty socks in the refrigerator and the milk on the washing machine, and all the unmentioned absent minded things that I'll discover later.  It's there.  It's constant.  It's unmistakable, unshakable.  He wants us to go as a family. No financial burden will stand in the way, no excuses.  It's big, to have your family travel like that for the purpose of evangelism.  I only know one other living human who has done it (besides us, on occasion).  I say, "What the hey!" Pioneers make the way easier for others to follow in their footsteps, and I'm not only willing, I'm happy to do it. Future generation of evangelists, You're welcome!  Christina and Michael Lusk love you!

Dream big,

Christina Not Nearly As Arrogant As I Probably Sound Lusk

P.S.  This is the one other human I was referring to.  Thank you Dr. T.L. for your inspiration. We love you dearly.