View from the Prairie Box

At the end of a long day of kindergarten, sometimes an episode of Scooby Doo is just what a girl needs.

I am crazy about this kid.

Yes, we really do live close to our neighbors.

My niece Madeleine was a sight to behold at her four-year-old birthday party last weekend. She was wearing PINK! with FAIRY WINGS! and a TUTU! because she was now four. FOUR! Around the playground she flew as though the sun’s bright rays that day were energizing her for all the tasks a birthday girl must accomplish. She ate lunch and yummy mommy-made butterfly cake. She opened a multitude of awesome presents. She played games. She was the star of the day.

Happy birthday, Madeleine! Aunt Becca gets such a kick out of you.

The road to public embarrassment via pajamas is a slippery slope. I used to judge people who went out in public in their jammies. Yeah, I know, it wasn’t kind of me. But I couldn’t fathom how someone would go to the grocery store in their nasty sweatpants without even running a comb through their hair. As we all know, pride goeth before fall. I think I fell this morning.

Getting a kid ready for school is an interesting, somewhat rapid-fire process. I try to squeeze in every last minute of sleep that I can, and then it’s GO GO GO to the finish line at the door to kindergarten. The main objectives are as follows:
1) get kid dressed
2) feed kid
3) brush teeth, brush hair (always making sure to use the appropriate brush)
4) pack lunch
5) get to school on time

You didn’t see anything in that objective list about mom getting dressed or brushing teeth. And that’s where the slippery slope creeps in.

“Dressed” means to cover oneself. Points aren’t given for beauty in the early morning race, so there’s a wide option of how one can dress. And here you can see how I’m sliding already. Fleece jacket over pajama top (uh oh), comfy-pants-that-aren’t-sweats (at least that’s how I define them), shoes (flip flops were best, too cold for those now). I haven’t yet worn my slippers to school but I am tempted to do so EVERY DAY.

The “brush teeth, brush hair” objective seems like common courtesy, doesn’t it? For realz, how long can it take to swish some Colgate around one’s mouth? Too long some days. That ham sandwich isn’t going to make itself and those grapes aren’t just going to jump in the lunch bag. As long as I don’t get too close to the crossing guards, halitosis isn’t too concerning. Gross, but understandable, right? Right?

And so goes my morning five out of seven days a week.

But this morning, after completing the race and triumphantly climbing into the driver’s seat of my car, I glanced into the rearview mirror. And was slightly aghast. I think I brushed my hair, but truth be told, I looked like I had just rolled out of bed. Cow licks like nobody’s business. Mascara remnants under my eyes. The green fleece jacket swallowing all color from my makeup-less face. Yikes. The crossing guard didn’t need to get close to my breath, my physical presence alone could’ve knocked her over!

Clearly I have two options for the days from here on out. I can either start laying my own clothes out the night before and maybe, just maybe, wake up a few minutes early as a public courtesy. OR… I can go the full monty and walk into school in curlers and slippers in a matching pair of Hanes sweats.

I had a great time photographing the Whittle family a few weeks ago. Anita’s warm and fun-loving Southern personality constantly entertains me and it was delightful to spend extra time getting to know the rest of her family. Apparently, the fun trait runs in the family… Livia loves having Rebekah babysit and requests “Crazy Rebekah” whenever possible. Ha.

Hey friends! We’re getting closer to the fundraising events for a new van for the Allens. If you want to participate in the golf tournament, you must RSVP by tomorrow. Also, there will be a wine and cheese reception on October 9—so RSVP for that as well!

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Keep reading.

Our Goal
…It’s our hope and desire to help the Allen Family purchase a van with a wheelchair lift. As Amelia grows up, it has become more of a challenge to lift her in and out of a vehicle. A new wheelchair lift will make going places much easier for the Allens and for all the volunteers who help with Amelia.

How You Can Help
There are three ways you can particpate:
1. Sign up for the “Give Amelia a Lift – Golf Tournament”
2. Join us for the Wine and Cheese Event
3. Make a Financial Donation

Golf Tournament
When : Saturday, October 9th at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Woodland Hills Golf Course – Near Eagle, NE
Details: 4 person Scramble • $100 per person
($55.00 for the green fees are not tax deductible)
RSVP to Andrew at andrew@weekslawpractice.com or call 402.310.6269. Please make checks payable to Redeemer Church with Amelia/Golf in the memo line. – 745 ‘D’ Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.
Sign-Up: The last day to sign up is Thursday, Sept. 30.

Wine and Cheese Event
When : Saturday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rob and Carla Nixon’s Home – 3045 Van Dorn St. Lincoln, NE
The purpose of the Wine and Cheese Event is to raise money for the van, to learn more about families with disabilities, and how we can encourage and support them. There will be an opportunity to make a financial contribution at the event.

Financial Donations
Please make all checks out to Redeemer Church with Amelia in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Redeemer Church at 745 ‘D’ Street, Lincoln, NE 68502. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of the van and wheelchair lift.

You can also watch this short video by David Houfek.

Happy 40th birthday to the love of my life!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:7

I praise God for this child, for the fun of being together on a Friday afternoon and doing special things together like drinking Sonic slushies and going to the lake.

I praise God for this world He’s created—that Livia loves to explore—and for the creatures like ducks and caterpillars that bring her such delight.

I praise God for her chubby kid cheeks that will someday morph into a more slender shape. I praise God that He has given such a beautiful child to me to love and care for.

This unchanging nature of our God brings me such relief and profound gratitude. He doesn’t change. His goodness can’t be altered. Praise God.