Keep Me Safe

Last night was our first thunderstorm of the season.  Around 5AM I heard Kale's little voice through the monitor say "I gotta go potty."  Immediately Justin and I wondered if he was afraid of the thunder as he hasn't asked to go potty during the night for quite some time.

 I went in his room and gathered him in my arms and we made our way to the bathroom, in the dark.  As Kale sat down on the toilet he said, "Kale scared of the thunder.  Will Mama keep me safe?"

 My mind traveled back to my own childhood remembering how sometimes in my bed, laying there listening to the thunder, I felt unsettled.

 I told Kale that the thunder was God clapping reminding us to remember Him; that it's His way of getting our attention.  Kale then said in his still small voice, "God is clapping and Mama will you sleep in my bed?"

 So together, as the lightening flitted through the window, we made our way back to Kale's room and Mama climbed in bed and had a little snuggle bug right next to me.  Though I was tired, I relished that moment in my mind and heart as he quickly went back to dreaming.

Thank you, God, for reminding me that even during the night you reign.

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

-Proverbs 3:24

(Photos by Jackee Austerman)

Easter 2013

We woke up on Easter morning at D's parents' house.  Much like last year, we'd left a trail of eggs from Kale's room to his Easter basket.

 I was glad to get a quick snapshot of Kale in his tie before leaving for church because after church he didn't want to wear it in a family photo. 

 So...we convinced Kale that Mama and Papa would each wear the tie in a picture if he, too, would.  This made for some fun laughs for the whole family.

 My parents hosted Easter for my mom's side of the family.  Lots of aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings were in attendance.  SIL Kesha provided afternoon entertainment of cookie decorating.  Awesome tasting cookies and they looked awesome to boot (Kesha-you rock!).

 We realized we'd forgotten to hide eggs outside for the kiddos so that took place late afternoon while Kale was still snoozing.  It was a little chilly this Easter day but that didn't stop Kale from looking for his green eggs...and locating a few of his cousins' eggs as well (note multiple colors in his basket!!  Fun fact: that Easter basket was mine growing up!).

It's been a special Easter in that Kale is beginning to put the verbage together with what Easter means.  In his simple understanding: "Jesus died on the cross for us."  My heart smiles and I joyfully say "Thank you, Jesus, for paying the price for my sin!"

Wildcat Alumni Reflections

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to play in an alumni basketball game at the high school I attended.  Initially I had mixed feelings about playing for various reasons, but in the end, I decided it would be a way to see some familiar faces and help raise money for the Dollars for Scholars program at the school.

 When I walked on the court it was a flood of memories...memories of PE class; band concerts; practices of track, volleyball, softball and basketball; attending basketball games there; teachers; friends; classmates; and yes, even old boyfriends.

 As the women started to warm up, I was quickly reminded of basketball practice, specifically.  All the drills; practicing full court presses; running, running, and more running; having to shoot and sink 25 free throws in a row before leaving practice; getting beat up in the post position; learning all the plays; etc.

 None of my own classmates played in the alumni womens game, but there were a handful of male classmates that made their way into the gym.  Men I hadn't seen in over ten to fifteen years.  Men that used to be boys who were now carrying little ones and wearing wedding bands and carrying "life" on their shoulders.  It occurred to me how what had once seemed so finite was just a season.  That these classmates of mine who I'd seen every day were now more mere acquaintances and that brought a certain sadness upon my heart.

 I was nervous taking the court.  Basketball was not my forte.  It was when I was starting out and the "tall one" on the team, but as I aged into high school, my body was still tall but not "muscular meaty" and I got beat up, so to speak.  Not much had changed in that department.  I got pushed around a lot this weekend, but it was all in good fun.  The highlight was playing 6 on 6.  Only a handful of us had played that magical game and had to explain it to the youngsters who had no clue what they were supposed to be doing including the high school senior boy referees!

 We shared a lot of laughs and I greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of the event.  It was equally enjoyable to return to the stands following our game to watch the men play.  My classmate Eric, has still got it.  He pleased the crowd with his signature dunk :)

So for me, it was more than an alumni basketball game.  It was a chance to remember, reminisce, and be thankful for where I came from and where I am today.  Go Wildcats!