As we were out and about today, I saw three different signs that bugged me for various reasons:

1. On a KFC sign: “MOM WHAT IS A GIZZARD? $4 FOR A BOX. FRIDAYS ONLY.” This one struck me as too chatty.

2. On a billboard for Scheels: “gear. passion. sports.” None of these is like the others. I don’t get the connection. I thought maybe it was supposed to be some kind of progression, but that doesn’t work either.

3. At the library’s bookdrop: “Adult’s.” No, this is not the worst misuse of an apostrophe (and I suppose it could even be justified if the other bookdrop weren’t labeled “Children’s"), but anyone who works at the library should know better.

Okay, so these are not exactly worthy of FAIL Blog, but they made me kinda grumpy nonetheless.

Just a quick picture tonight—I am exHAUSted. Simon and my sister and I took a quick trip up to my grandma’s house in Laurel, Nebraska, this weekend. I think northeast Nebraska is some of the prettiest country I’ve ever seen—I especially love the fifteen miles south of Wayne on Highway 15. This shot was taken between Laurel and Wayne on our way home.

I saw this on a friend’s Facebook page and thought it looked like fun. The way it’s supposed to go is that you post your name and I’ll do all these things for each of you, but when I first read it, I misunderstood the rules: I thought that for the first commenter I would do the first thing, for the second commenter I would do the second thing and so on. So on my blog we’re going to play it my way because that sounds easier to me. Of course, I may not have nine readers, so in that case maybe I’ll play by the original rules—ah the possibilities!

Post your name and I will do each of the following:

1. I’ll respond with something random about you.
2. I’ll tell you which song or movie you reminds me of you.
3. I’ll pick a color I feel suits you.
4. I’ll say something that only makes sense to you and me (if possible. If not, I’ll say something that only makes sense to me.)
5. I’ll tell you my first memory of you.
6. I’ll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I’ll ask you something I’ve always wondered about you.
8. I’ll tell you my favorite thing about you.
9. I’ll tell you my least favorite thing about you.
No need to fear #9.

Simon’s favorite part of every meal:

If you grew up in an evangelical household (like I did), chances are that at least once you woke up, couldn’t find anyone in your family, and became convinced the Rapture had occurred and you had been Left Behind. This article made me smile.

I’m jealous. Whenever I post a plea for reading recommendations, I get a handful. And not that I’m not grateful for those, because I am, but Abraham got 134 (and counting).

Soule Mama has started a new project called Mama to Mama with the purpose of “connecting handcrafters with mothers, families, and children in need of a little handmade love.” The first project is making infant caps for newborns in Haiti.

Sarah recommends Maxed Out, a film about the dangers of credit card debt. And Jeff has started a blog with ideas about how to enjoy dining, travel, and cultural opportunities on a tight budget.

I would love to do all my Christmas shopping on Etsy. They’re kind of random, but I find these coffee sweaters charming.

The Weepies are Muppefied. I so want Muppets of our family!

I spend a good deal of time these days thinking about teeth—Simon’s in particular. I suppose it’s not that strange given the fact that he is teething again (or at least we think he is—it’s a good all around excuse for any unexplained fussiness and whatnot).

I probably think almost daily about how weird it is that we are born without teeth and that, weirder still, we eventually grow not one but two sets of them. I can see our Creator’s good reasons for it, but that doesn’t make it any less odd.

I am/was so in love with Simon’s gummy smile that I admit I had a little bit of fear that teeth might muck things up, that he might be ever so slightly less cute once the inevitable pearlies came in. (Why do I continue to admit in a public forum how crazy I am?) Of course, I needn’t have worried: so far, so good—the cuteness is still pretty staggering. (I also, more sanely, feared that he might bite, and he does sometimes, but he’s pretty good about understanding “no!” at least in that context.)

We got Simon a little toothbrush, and for some reason, having a third toothbrush in the stand is a good reminder that Simon is a whole little person—with his own personality and needs and quirks and teeth. That has always been true (except the teeth), but sometimes it just seems less abstract.

We try to get down to Nebraska City at least once every fall to look at the leaves, visit the orchards, and hang out at the Lied Lodge. We were a little late for the foliage this year, but it was a beautiful, relaxing Sunday afternoon nonetheless.

This was my favorite moment of the day—I only wish the picture came with a soundtrack. There was a slight incline, and when we let the stroller go, Simon laughed and laughed.

Marveling at how this day just flew by.
Hoping that there’s no damage from the (small) car accident we were in this evening. (No one is hurt.)
Cleaning up from a delightful evening with our Life Group.
Thinking that in trying not to overspiritualize, I sometimes don’t say things I want to.
Aching just a little bit in the head.
Humming the theme song to Greatest American Hero (and now you are too, sucka!).
Wasting time on Facebook when I should be finishing this blog entry.
Starting Christmas wish lists (I want! I want! I want!).
Praying that God would send husbands or/and babies to dear friends desiring them.
Feeling scattered.
Getting sleepy.

The difference between me and Jason:

Today as we were driving down to Nebraska City for the afternoon we were passed by a semi with several “Warning: Radioactive” signs.

Me: (Thinking to myself) We better slow down; I don’t want to take any chances with Simon.
Him: (Speeding up to come alongside the truck again) Cool! Maybe we can get Simon some superpowers!

Jason and I were talking earlier, and we agreed that even though it’s only been four days since the election, it feels like a lot longer. I don’t mind talking about politics, but I prefer to do so face-to-face. Still, I didn’t want to let this historic moment pass without any comment. The following are a few things that I found worth reading and looking at over the past few days.

Abraham and Molly Piper’s three-year-old son Orison had some thoughts about the new president. He also had some difficulty pronouncing Obama’s first name.

Over the Rhine wonders what it would be like “If a Song Could Be President”. Via

Caron always has a way of saying what needs to be said.

This permanent resident talks about what it was like to not be able to vote. The last line in her entry was especially affecting for me.

One of the things I liked about this election was that it brought about some really good conversations with Jason, some of which have spilled over onto his site.

Even if the numbers end up being more liked 53/46, this is an interesting project. Via

Rich Nathan, the senior pastor of the Vineyard Church in Columbus, sent a letter to Obama upon his election.

Even though I’m really glad that the campaign is over, I’m looking forward to reading this Newsweek article about it. Via

Finally, I love this picture of the Obamas. Via And this one, too.

Rebecca called me earlier today wondering if I had any good pictures of her. I do, of course. This is one of my favorites:

I also love the original blog entry.

I have a new favorite place in Lincoln: I try to get to Indigo Bridge as often as I can.

They are having their grand opening event this weekend. On Friday, November 7, there will be free coffee and live music for the First Friday Artwalk. And on Saturday, there will be free drip coffee 8 am to 10 am, storytime at 10 am, kids music (Jim King at 11 am, Mike Mennard at 2 pm), piano music in the evening, and giveaways all day. The best part, though, is that all profits from the entire day will support the folks from Zion and Redeemer who are headed to Peru in December. 

I love voting. I especially loved it today.

As I was getting dressed this morning, I heard Jason explaining to Simon what a privilege it is to live in a country where we get to choose our leaders. It was a gorgeous, warm fall day here in Nebraska, and it was great to be able to walk the six or so blocks to the F Street Community Center together as a family, praying along the way and stopping to admire the beautiful foliage.

It was interesting in the best sense of the word to stand for about twenty minutes in line with a diverse group of fellow voters from our neighborhood. And I was proud to be among them to cast my vote.

Whether or not we ultimately agree on the candidates or on the issues, I hope that you voted too.