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The best days of our life

August 13, 2014 / Michele Minehart

While I ran out the door this morning for a check-up, JJ got the kids dressed and out the door so we could meet for a family hike at Charleston Falls. We ate our trail mix amid the towering trees overlooking the falls.

I took Lady C for a little downtown shopping trip and a treat from the candy shop. Grand total of our date: $0.20.

JJ took H boy on his first golf outing and neither regretted it. They played for free, thanks to a rain check.

I tilled the garden while JJ mowed the yard. Mr. M successfully navigated the deck stairs without falling and crashing his head into the patio. He proceeded to root around by the swing set until his socks were black with dirt. Setting the pace for the next 18 years, I’m sure.

Dinner consisted of restaurant-quality barbecue ribs, homemade french fries and cole slaw from our own back yard. H Boy and Lady C both offered to carry my plate to the sink for me.

I took Miss M on her date to the candy shop attached to a bookstore – chocolate and books are our favorite things. She asked me if she could get a book instead of chocolate. When she knocked something off a rack, she immediately picked it up and rehung it, without even being asked. The grand total of our date: $2.

The combined number of times any of my children told me “I love you” hit a minimum of 17.

In isolation, these type of events are nice. But the weave together to create an image of one of my most favorite days to date. Let me be reminded once again that I don’t need to give my kids everything they want to be happy. I need to give them what they need: quality time with their family, gratitude for the space we inhabit and consideration for others (all with eyes to Jesus, of course). It comes together quite gloriously.

Sing me a Song for my Daughter

August 2, 2014 / Michele Minehart

I know, it’s not a clear shot, but I had to prove the arm motions that happen.

Miss M sings her heart out. Mostly in the back seat of the van, she rocks out – complete with arm sways and eyes closed. I love to watch her. I love to see her connection through music, a way of expressing the inexpressible.

She favors the music of the real emotion, the music of story instead of the songs of silly. Our kid songs CDs just don’t always cut it. Frozen, though about a cartoon, carried deeper themes and I’m okay with it being her favorite. If I’m going to have my little girl belting out about love and life, I prefer she does it in regards to things like family and sisterhood and self-acceptance. That is, if she’s not signing about Jesus.

Which brings me to a problem: I don’t enjoy the sugary-sweet K-Love. Honestly, Christian music isn’t my fave (save for the Honorable David Crowder and select others). Something about the production seems so fake and contrived, as if they have a hidden motive behind it. I remember reading a Relevant article once making reference to “prom songs for Jesus” and it has continued to shade the way I hear the genre. (*Note: don’t get me wrong, there is some good Christian music out there… I just don’t think my local Christian radio station plays much of it.) Also, Miss M strongly prefers the female voice, which I believe is largely underrepresented in the Christian music circles, and most of what is present seems to be angsty-teenage-love-turned-toward-God stuff. (Or perhaps that’s because we have a Bethany Dillon CD from when she was 16 in our regular rotation, which I will not remove, thanks to her song Beautiful).

When we take a TV-time out from Frozen, and K-Love blasts White Flag for the 10,000th time, I turn to old school radio. Which, 76% of the time is like playing a game of Russian roulette. Through these gambles, Miss M has developed quite a love for Katy Perry and can sing Roar nearly verbatim. The girl’s got some catchy beats and very girl, you can do it themed songs. Sometimes, perhaps, a bit too much – I’m not sure KP is exactly the role model I want to keep in front of her. (Or maybe she is? Disagree with me, I’d love to be persuaded to an approach that doesn’t require me to change my habits, because I’m lazy like that).

I’m now on the active lookout for good music, preferably with a female voice, that I can feel good putting in front of my daughter, that isn’t by a cartoon character. Does this exist for you? Meaningful and honest lyrics, catchy beat, empowering with a hint of self-control and double-word score if done in the name of Jesus. Where do I find it? (Triple letter score if you include a link!) What do you listen to in the car that isn’t Wheels on the Bus or Birthday?

Curves and edges

July 29, 2014 / Michele Minehart

My body bore me 4 beautiful, healthy babies, in rapid-fire succession. When I get out the door, it runs a solid 3 miles – perhaps more if I had the gumption. On the mat it will twist, bend, open and stretch.

It tells me when I’m hungry so I can taste and enjoy 3 daily meals and numerous snacks. Each morning I can gaze at the orangey-red sunrises while listening to the birds play their song.

I can chop an onion, carry a load of laundry and decorate my toenails in a bright, happy red hue.

I cannot tell you the last time I was in physical pain. There’s the childbirth. And the time last June I dropped a bowl on my toe and thought it was worse than childbirth. But when I walk up the stairs, pick up another dozen sandals off the floor or lift a sleeping baby, I don’t hurt.

God, I’m simply not thankful enough for my body.

It serves me well. More than well, given the crap I love to feed it and the way I ask it to work overtime, nourishing a little one at the same time as it keeps up with routine maintenance on a 30-year-old body.

This hunk of flesh and blood deserves more than criticism for the decreased bra size after it served as the sole source of sustenance for 4 living, breathing beings. The pouchy midsection, a remnant of 5 constant years of pregnancy, isn’t a “problem area.” I should appreciate it like a runner does the pair of shoes that carried her across the finish line of her best race. Perhaps there’s a bit of tatter, but what a run. It was worth it.

When I step back, my critical attitude and my outright indifference toward these bones doesn’t make sense. This is the vessel in which I’ve set sail. It’s got some dings and nicks and perhaps it’s as fast as the newer models, but in order to keep it pristine, I would have to leave it at the dock.

I will see its beauty when I treat it with love, care and respect.

(This post was inspired by an article that has rattled around in my heart.)

Michele Minehart

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The best days of our life

Sing me a Song for my Daughter

Curves and edges

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