squished banana in my pocket

When I picked up Jarod this afternoon from school, he informed me that he needed to tell me something. I said, "Okay, what is it?" I, of course, was expecting something serious or something about one of his classmates. What I got was: "I have a squished banana in my pocket." I asked him to repeat himself because I know that I didn't hear him right. "I have a squished banana in my pants pocket." "Why do you have a squished banana in your pocket?" I asked. He told me that he didn't eat much at lunch and the cafeteria lady asked him if he wanted to save his banana for later. He said he did. Well, I still couldn't figure out why a banana was in his pocket., especially since they eat lunch at 11:30. So, I asked again, "Why do you have a squished banana in you pocket?" "I didn't have time to eat it," he told me. By this time, I was starting to get the giggles. I thought, "My son has been walking around school with a banana in his pocket all afternoon. That is so gross!" Then Jarod told me that he needed to change his pants when he got home. My mind was going crazy: Was he dripping banana? Did he smell of banana? What was he thinking?

When we got home he told me that he actually threw away the banana in gym class, but that there was squished banana in his pocket. "But I wrapped it in a paper towel, mom!" he said. I was still pretty confused. So, he changed his pants in the laundry room and I very carefully picked up his pants. I wasn't sure what I would find in his pant's pocket. All that was there was a wadded up paper towel with just a smidgen of squished banana. So, he probably had just a couple of bites left and wrapped it up in a paper towel to keep it "safe".

So, I guess the moral of this story is never, ever put leftover banana in your pocket. It could get squished.

Pinewood Derby

On Friday night, Jarod paricipated in his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. Jarod and Eric worked on his car for several weeks. Of course, Jarod wanted his car to look like a train. So, they designed it after a model train that Eric got from his recent trip to Tawain. Jarod place second in his division. When he got home that night, Jarod was not very excited about coming in second. He said he just wanted to throw it away. However, after a good night's sleep, the next morning he was proud of his accomplishment and couldn't wait to show off his trophy and car to his family and friends. Jarod is already thinking about what kind of car he wants to make next year. He wants it to look like Lightening McQueen from Cars. Eric told him to wait until November to make his final decision. Smart man.

The other night we had a family game of basketball. It was a lot of fun. Andrew did a great job of releasing the ball for a slam dunk and would just giggle everytime he made a basket. I think Eric's shoulders were sore that evening, but it was worth. Jarod looks to have good form. (Not so much in this picture, though) Maybe we should sign him up for Upwards at some point.

Change

I went to a workshop last night on change. Here's what I came away with:

1. I hate change. Period. I have never liked it. It makes me uncomfortable and stresses me out. I try to avoid it as much as possible; except for the occasional moving around of furniture. But I know I need change. I need it because it allows me to seek the Lord and put all my trust in Him. So, I guess in a way I am thankful for change.

2. I was thinking about all the changes in my life that are here or coming. I need to make sure that my reaction is not a poor acceptance of change. This was very convicting to me because I am such a people pleaser and I don't want to make waves. I tend to say, "I don't like it and I don't think it will work, but I'll go along with it" and "But if so-and-so is for it, it much be ok." So, how do I get out of this mind set? I was asking God this question as I was driving home and the song, Change My Heart, Oh God came to mind. The song goes like this:

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

I was struck with the fact that I have to change first. I need to allow the Lord to change my heart and be open to change before I can accept change.

3. Having feelings about change are not right or wrong. It's okay to have feelings and that we can not and should not be judged by those feelings. That is freeing for me. I can express my feelings about the change and then ask the Lord to help me deal with them.

4. In the changes that are coming with MOPS, I want to make sure that the vision of MOPS is reborn and can continue to serve more moms. I don't want this ministry to die. We could get to that point if the new leadership doesn't have a vision and can implement it.

5. I was challenged last night. As I look at the changes coming: stepping down in MOPS leadership, saying goodbye to a dear friend, potty training a special needs child, starting again with small group, I need to remember that it's a heart change first. I need to be focused on the Lord and in the Word.

Change is a good thing. Thank you Lord for changes.

Merry Christmas

Here are some of my Christmas memories from this year:

Jarod and me at the Hansen's on Christmas day. We got many things, but it was just nice to be with family.

Heidi and Tony playing What If? This was a new game that Ryan got. We laughed alot1

The best news this Christmas was that Curt and Jill announced that they are expecting! I am going to be an aunt again!

This is the Christmas picture we decided on for our card this year. It turned out well.

The day we arrived in Indy to celebrate with the Peterson side, my dad and Eric took Jaod to see the Polar Express at the IMAX theatre. it was in 3D and Jarod loved it! They also got to visit the White River Gardens where they had trains on display.

This is Sharie and Trent opening presents.

Andrew's turn at the Peterson's. He was actually more interested in the bows and paper than the actual presents. All the sensory imput I guess.

We also had a wonderful time visiting with my cousins and Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dave. They just remolded their kitchen and it looks beautiful. It has been so long since I have been in their home. It was a blessing to be with everyone again!