The Gift of Words: Wendell Berry

It's not often that I happen across short quotes that I like. I'm drawn in the fullness of words, the totality feeling of a poem, the logic of an essay, the circling story of a novel. Wendell Berry provides all of these things. From his poems, to his essays, to his biographies and more, he's a talented writer of many things that I feel...

But today, a simple quote from a conversation he had with four visitors to his home was a gift:

“If it’s baby versus internet, you’re never gonna smile that way over the internet.”

Tonight, I think my computer will sit unattended while I giggle, tickle, and enjoy Team Two Boys.

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of good busy - Over the past two weeks we've had the NCAA tourney, a weekend getaway, our best friends having a new baby (handsome little A.J.), traveling to see my bro and sis-in-law. Now it is time for some "good lazy."

#2 - The gift of a challenge - I read a book a couple weekends ago, one I didn't completely agree with (Love Wins by Rob Bell). But the beauty is how thought explodes when it is challenged. Deep thoughts, hard thoughts, disturbing thoughts, enlightening thoughts - but all thoughts that lead to a beautiful God.

#3 - The gift of new music - In a week, I'm headed to Calvin College's Festival of Faith and Music. There are 6 concerts over three days, and only one by a band/performer I had on my iTunes. So I've been listening to a lot of the others. The Civil Wars - awesome. Matisyahu - instant Big Son favorite (plus his real name is Matthew Miller, cool name!)

#4 - The gift of our brown blankie - It's soft, it's cozy, it's filled with little fluffy feathers. I laid under it today with Little Boy, Big Boy, and as soon as I move this laptop aside, I'll be sliding underneath it with my hot Wifey to watch "The Biggest Loser." Okay, so I'll probably be falling asleep while she watches the loser, but whatever...

What's your favorite household comfort? What new music have you found this month?

The Weekend's Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gifts of luxury B & B's - Dearest Wife, our trip to G. Rap. was made even better by the luxurious accommodations of Prairieside Suites. Hot tubs, fireplaces, omelets and waffles... what a great choice for reading, relaxing, and some lovin'.

#2 - The gift of undivided attention - As a middle school teacher, I am privileged to witness to height of divided attention. But the past weekend, I was actually privileged to give my Lovely Bride my undivided attention. I learned you like asparagus risotto, heated toilet seats, and don't like tough questions (or processing them out loud). I love learning you.

On the same note, Biggie Son must have missed my undivided attention this weekend. Picking him up from Great-Grandma's, he said we should leave Little Bro there and go do something together, like play basketball. I love him too!

#3 - The gift of a lucky pick - We all make NCAA picks every year. Even little 9-month old (although he hasn't picked yet, don't tell him any of the results :) Son #1 picked Northern Colorado, a 15 seed, to make the final. So that's out. But his other pick, the Rams of VCU, well, they're keeping the dream alive. And it's a blast to watch with home. Although Sunday, when the Rams defeated the Grand Poopah's favorite (Purdue), Big Son felt bad. "I hope Poopah is not sad when the Rams win," he lamented.

#4 - The gift of a sore neck - In my attempt to answer my son's call for undivided attention, Big Son and I took a long walk today. I mean, I took a long walk and he took a long ride. Less than a block from the house, even though he was in puddle jumping boots, Big Boy wanted to ride on my shoulders. A mile and half later, I can't lean my head back.

#5 - The gift of Y-O-U! - This one's for you, Dearest. The greatest day of my life was the day we married. The next best one will always be tomorrow. I can't wait to face everything with you.

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of fear and trust - On a walk with the fam, Big Sonny ran ahead of us around the campus sidewalks. Suddenly, the tornado alarm wailed from atop the campus building right next to where he was. Petrified, mouth open, eyes wide, too stunned and scared for tears, he sprinted (faster than I've ever seen)... right into his daddy's arms.

He didn't cry, just buried his head in mine. I didn't tell him anything except that he was okay. In his moment of fear, it was a great moment of who he trusts.

(Note: He would have run to mom too! She was just holding the Little Boy!)

#2 - The gift of anticipation - Sometimes the anticipation is better than the payoff. Waiting for the basketball season is often better than the season itself, waiting for the games to start in this tournament week is often the most exciting part. With the game's starting tomorrow, "I'm excited and nervous, can't sleep in my bed." (from "Bally's Dream" by Kyle Whelliston)

#3 - The gift of anticipation fulfilled - I've been looking forward to the "Reading Weekend" for a month or more. Tomorrow it arrives. G. Rap - here we come! (Time alone with you Wifey Dear, is the best!)

Today's Best Gifts: Morning Edition

Husband's

#1 - The gift of a morning routine - Alarm at 5:15, snooze so I can wrap my warm arms around Lovely Wife, snug around your side and knees behind your knees (that's the best part of the routine ;). Into the living room, put daily Scripture up for Exodus Community, get distracted by basketball stuff, read daily Scripture from Exodus Community, get distracted by other blogs, type prayers to God, doze off for awhile, get into shower, pray with my Bride, off to work. It's a secure (and sometimes scattered) way to start a day.

#2 - The gift of breaks in a morning routine - This morning, Son #2 didn't want to sleep alone anymore at 5:30. He just wanted to snuggle. Devotions with nine month old's resting on your chest... priceless.

#3 - The gift of morning coffee - Um, any doubt that this would make the list. I know, Brother and Father, that you haven't converted yet, but for me it's not taste or caffeine or whatever, it's tradition. The smell of the coffee, the way it feels warm in my hand, the student crafted mugs I've been given, the break that it gives me from thinking or talking when I take a drink... (contented sigh).

What about the all of you? Morning is the best time, right? Do you have morning routines? Do you drink coffee? What's your favorite type? (Equal Exchange - Hazelnut Cream)

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of coming home - Today was a super stressful day at work. Lot's of middle schoolers, lot's of papers to grade, and a meeting after school. Coming home to you, Wife, and to the children... it's a relief and it's energizing at the same time.

#2 - The gift of simple tours of town - Cruisin' around town, holding your hand, grabbin' some Cinnamon and Vanilla Latte's, reading "Bob the Builder" in the front window of the bookstore, it's really a great relaxer after the hard day.

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

Lot's and lot's of fun this weekend, as well of lot's and lot's of busyness. Truth is, I'm exhausted and feel like I haven't had a weekend, but then I look at all the fun things that did happen this week and...

#1 - The gift of kissing moobies - Little Son has itsy-bitsy man boobies right now, and they are uber-ticklish. Any time I change his clothes, I love to hear his giggles.

#2 - The gift of new food combinations - Big Son got spoiled by Grandpa this weekend (taken for a swim, changing a tire, putting the "naughty" tire in "time out," getting donuts). Maybe the best was a bag of Peanut Butter M&M's. But Son #1 took it one step further, at lunch he dipped the M&M's into the cheese sauce. Nice!

#3 - The gift of new shoes and socks - I'm super hard on my shoes. My work shoes have gone through snow piles, tennis practice, soccer at recess, standing all day long, and more. So, they have no sole. Plus, I wear holes in all my socks. New shoes feel so comfy, like a pillow. Thanks for forcing it on me, Wife!

#4 - The gift of made up songs - Son #1 was in a silly mood this morning when he heard me singing to Little Bro while changing a stanky dipes. I was singing "Beautiful One" which has the line "Beautiful One, I love You" in it. As we jumped into the van to run an errand, Big Son looked at the Blueberry NutriGrain bar in his hand and sang, "Breakfast bar, I want you."

#5 - The gift of grandpa - My Darling said it best yesterday, but it is awesome to spend time with Grandpa (the Grand Poopa!) Talking basketball, being equally excited and then upset about the Princeton-Harvard game, and remembering all the fun you've had with us grand kids was great!

#6 - The gift of honesty - This weekend, my Lovely Bride, I've had several great conversations with you. Whether over the weekends plans, our relationship, or looking at new houses, I value the fact that I can speak my mind to you. I love you!

The Gift of Family: Poopa

Wife's

~In Honor of Poopa's Birthday~

#1 The gift of conversation - I'm convinced that Poopa has never met someone he couldn't talk to. When he engages you, you can't help to feel his compassion, sincerity, and affection. He's always ready to discover what drives you.

#2 The gift of play - Poopa is not your typical grandfather (or great grandfather for that matter). No walkers or Sunday drives for this guy! From his massive collection of miniature trucks to his Xbox 360, he just loves to play. And he always includes anyone in close proximity. It's impossible to escape his antics.

#3 The gift of legacy - Each person in one's life leaves a unique footprint. Poopa's footprint will include the living out of a powerful love, sacrificial determination, and monumental laughter.

Happy Birthday, Poopa! Love you!

Today's Best Gifts

With the cleanup of Ash Wednesday service going on about our house tonight, just onesies from each of us tonight!

Wife's

#1 The gift of ash - I love Ash Wednesday! Good friends, good food, good conversation, and celebrating what was the upcoming death of our Lord and Savior. Does it get any better than double chocolate brownies and cinnamon pecan pie shared with our stories?

Husband's

#1 - The gift of hot decaffeinated drinks - I love a warm beverage in my often colds hands, but at 8:00 at night, I don't want it to keep me up all night. Little Son does enough of that. But oh decaf goodness! You warm my heart enough to let me comfortably drift into sleep.

Today's Best Gifts

Wife's

#1 The gift of a young mind - I have to say, I was a bit amazed as the family was singing along to Denison Witmer in the car this evening and when Hubs hit the mute button, Son #1 didn't skip a beat. Oh to still have a sponge for brain...

#2 The gift of new life - Being able to celebrate a few recent births this weekend reminds us all of the blessing of new life and with it the associated sacrifices of parenthood. To all of you with new babies out there, prayers of good sleep to you. It's quality, not quantity :)

#3 The gift of Fat Tuesday - How is it that I forget about Fat Tuesday every year? And I totally saw a huge display of delicious looking pastries specifically on sale for Fat Tuesday and still didn't put two and two together. Maybe this will serve as my reminder for next year. Moving right along...Ash Wednesday here we come. May we all experience God is a new way throughout Lent. I'm just glad that I don't have to experience Him without chocolate!

Husband's

#1 - The gift of giving foot rubs - What? Well, every time you sneakily slip a stinky unslippered foot in front of my tired and droopy eyes I get to remember how much I love you ;)

#2 - The gift of "B Dubs" - Wife, you roll these pretty blues every time I mention dinner at my beloved (but overpriced) fancy chicken nugget restaurant. But tonight, Fat Tuesday was alive and well!

#3 - The (preemptive) gift of sleep - Maybe tonight Team Two Boys will sleep. Maybe there will be no nightmares, no calling for daddy, no crying for milk, nothing but sleep. Maybe...
[UPDATE: This actually happened! Everybody slept!]

How did you get your "carnival" on this Fat Tuesday? Anything you are craving like I'm craving for the pillow?

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of affirmation - I'm a sucker for a kind word. A simple "thanks for taking the lead" this morning was like water in the desert.

#2 - The gift of passion - I love March, because it's a month of passion. You see it in March Madness, you see it in people sacrificing chocolate and coffee for Lent, and you see it in people desperately yearning for spring. Here's to buzzer beaters, giving up the good, and the end of snow!

#3 - The gift of the simple - My son sleeping on my chest, a walk around the neighborhood, a best friend to watch basketball with, a wife to cuddle with, a bed that is soft and surrounding. Yes and yes.

What simple things were good to you today? How have you shown your passions this week? What kind words have been spoken to you? (If there haven't been any, know that you're special to me ;-)

The Gift of Family: Cakey Saturday

The gift of family traditions. You don't always think about how important routines and traditions are until you are older, but for Wife and I, we are trying hard to make special moments that "Team Two Boys" will remember for their lives.

Growing up, my family tradition was Sunday night pizza and a movie. Maybe my Dearest and I will take on that tradition as the bambinos get older. But for now, our sacred (and I mean that in the whole sense of the word) tradition is "Cakey Saturdays!"

What are your family traditions? What do you remember from growing up? These gifts, these routines, are such a fun thing do, and they make a lasting difference. Trust me, I saw "Hook" on a family movie night and I'll never be the same!

Food
Cakey Type: Regular
Coffee Type: Refinery Cafe's Organic Peru
Toppings: Peanut butter and syrup
Sides: Apricots and zwieback

Playlist
"Adelaide" by Anberlin
"Friday Night" by House of Heroes
"Hey Ya" by Outcast
"Choose the One Who Love You More" by Copeland
"Something Isn't Right Here" by The Juliana Theory
"I Feel It All" by Feist
"Get Better" by Mates of State
"The Luckiest" by Ben Folds
"Lung Speed, Lung Sped" by Brooke Waggoner

What's your favorite thing we did this week?
Husband - "Either watching you (Wife) giddy about your Nook or watching Son #1 dance last night (at the Minor Profits concert)."
Wife - "I forgot I got the Nook this week. That's my favorite."
Big Son - "The band with you. I'm going to take Little Bro to a band today!"
Little Son - sleepily closes eyes and grabs my chest hair... ah!

What band would you most want to go see in concert?
Husband - "I've got three bands I'd like to see that nobody else in the family would enjoy: My Epic, So Long Forgotten, and Dignan. But if I'm taking my lovelies then I'd love to see mewithoutYou again."
Wife - "Well, I've enjoyed MuteMath, Andy Davis... I think I'd enjoy Mates of State, but we go to concerts so infrequently that it is hard to say."
Big Son - "Umm, I'd see Jude's mom play the drums." "She doesn't play the drums, Son." "Oh! Veggie Tales!"
Little Son - rubs his hands in his eyes and looks for Big Bro...

Forgiveness Friday

My Closest Friend, sometimes I hurt you. Sometimes I do things without thinking that cause a rift in our relationship. Wouldn't it be great if each week, we could clear the air, reconnect, and ask for forgiveness?

So, I'd like to ask that you forgive me...
- for limiting my dishwashing prowess to pans only, I'm sorry that lids always evade my attention.
- for letting you fall prey to the new electronic gnostic addiction of ebooks.
- for "innocently" brushing up against you each time we see each other, although I'm blaming this on the example set by my dad.
- for watching my beloved and inept Hoosiers during your foot rub instead of "The Aviator."
- for all of our shows being reruns this week (well, actually this wasn't on me at all, but someone should be asking forgiveness for reruns... we have Hulu now, we don't need to re-air this season's earlier content).
- for the sad truth that the kissing monster hasn't properly attacked you yet ;-)
- for not-so-subtly suggesting we blow our budget on pizza and breadsticks.
- for missing our little parting prayer time this morning before I went to work :-(
- for introducing you to snappy little bands like Mates of State and MuteMath, you'll never get them out of your head!

But finally and sincerely, in the words of a classic prayer:

I confess to you,
my beloved wife,
that I have sinned through my own fault,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do.

I love you!

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of lazy middle schoolers - When you started shooting black line threes on offense and not getting back past half court to play defense, my workout intensified. Now I had to not only guard the opposing team all by myself, but I had to make sure you didn't get the ball too! "Sweat dripping all over my chest. I don't (nah) I just press... harder..." Yes, I did just quote some MC Hammer, but don't worry, it's from before you were born.

#2 - The gift of little boys building roads right up to the shower - In the shower, with my mother-in-law close by, Big Son cracked open the bathroom door and hummed his way into the room, diggers and dump trucks in hand. He was building a road, so I could get out of the shower and come play with him.

#3 - The gift of new friends (really little ones!) - Our good friends just had their second boy! Let me tell you, Son #1 and Son #2 are lots of fun. Why just last night I got to quiet a nightmare (about a missing blue-footed booby) and quiet a son (who was missing a booby). Oh the fun times ahead my friends!

#4 - The gift of your technological diligence - Cutest, you have all sorts of good looks. I thought I'd seen them all, but tonight you pulled off "techie cute" as you followed the action of the family dance party through the lens of the video camera. Too cool!

Wife's

#1 - The gift of the sisterhood of motherhood - Too much fun today trading stories of weird pregnancy practices and paranoia with coworkers. Am I really the only one that was afraid that my water might break at any second during the week of my due date? Or do I just plan for every possibility even if it's not much of a probability...hmmmm.
And you heard it here first, Prego Depends! The answer to a whole host of pregnancy issues in a neat, comfortable, waterproof package!
Apology shout out to our young, male office volunteer, who got a whole lot of TMI throughout that conversation. Hope we didn't scar you irreparably.

#2 - The gift of marital transactions - A good marriage is all about the give and take. Letting the hubs watch IU game instead of forcing him to sit through Grey's Anatomy = lengthy foot rub for me! Yipee! PS. I love you DVR.

#3 - The gift of marrying a great father - So sweet to watch you, Husband, as you actively play with our sons! Whether its piecing together puzzle after puzzle (after puzzle after puzzle) or rockin' out with Son #1 or continually plucking Son #2 out of precarious spots he crawls his way into, your engagement in our family life warms my heart. Can't imagine what they (or I) would do without you!

Hey all, if you're anywhere near Goshen, Indiana, you should go to First Fridays tomorow. Our friend Andrew Hauser is playing with his band, The Minor Profits. They are as rad as cheese-and-mustard sandwiches (or at least that's what Wife says!)

So what's your favorite marital transaction? What was your favorite lunch during elementary school? What other random questions should I ask?

The Gift of Words: Day by Day

"Love (that is) strong, lasting, is not casually given or received but is forged by keeping one's promise to love - day by day - for a lifetime." - Sandra Fribley from "The Mennonite"

Last night, I rushed home from a coffee shop meeting and arrived just as my dearest wife was cooking up some bacon strips (turkey bacon actually - yea for health!) to throw onto our corn chowder. I quickly changed into some comfortable clothes and returned to help Son #1 into his "big boy seat" and pull Son #2 over to the table in his high chair.

What was about to ensue was a typical household meal.

Son #1 refusing to eat because he's so intent on playing and talking. He would cycle through his lift of excuses:
1. I don't like it ("Bud, it's filled with cheese, corn, bacon and potatoes - what don't you like?!")
2. I'm tired ("Okay, then let's go to bed.")
3. I'm done daddy ("No, umm... there's still a full bowl of soup in front of you.")

Son #2 would eat ravenously, but then cry at the top of his lungs until someone would hold him. He'll run his hands through his hair, rub them in his eyes, strategically placing bits of food in places that are the hardest to clean (behind an eyelid, up his nose, twisted into the hair behind his ear).

But before this routine of craziness began, we prayed:

Come, Lord Jesus
Be our guest
And let these gifts to us
Be blessed

These gifts to us? Which ones? The soup getting cold as Lovely Wife bounces the little one so he'll stop wailing? The continuous insistence of a three-year old on having his own way? The bath that we have to give every night because the boys can't keep their food-lathered hands out of their hair? The punishments threatened, the time-outs given, and lack of time to connect? Which gifts?

These gifts. These common gifts, born out of common prayer, that we forge our love out of. Sitting down at the dining with two healthy and lovable boys is a gift, even if they won't eat for an hour and a half. Making dinner with my Beautiful Bride is a gift, especially when songs are playing in the background, and we get to dance or sing! Maybe we'll steal a kiss!

One of my favorite poems inspires me often, it goes like this:

Make routine
a stimulus. Remember
it can cease. Forge
hosannahs from doubt.
Hammer on doors with the heart.
All occasions invite God's
mercies and all times
are his seasons.
- From "What My Teachers Taught Me I Try to Teach My Students " by Maura Eichner

The common. The gifts of routine that we so often miss. Day by day we receive these opportunities. I believe we can either let them fade into nothingness, draining us away and lulling us to sleep. Or we can use each day of ordinary history to forge love.

Dearest, may we choose love.

Today's Best Gifts

Husband's

#1 - The gift of March
It's the first day of March and you know what that means
They'll play and they'll play 'til there's only one team
From towns and big cities they all come to dance
And at the beginning each team has a chance!

Tournaments start today in the Championship Fortnight, now the madness has begun!

#2 - The gift of apocalyptic theology - Oh Revelation! John, what we would do in coffee shops if we couldn't talk about beasts, the whore of Babylon and the end of the world. Probably just peacefully drink Shamrock Mochas. (But at least we all agree on the ending, we end up in God's arms!)

#3 - The gift of developing an insider vocabulary - Sweetest, our innocent text conversation about sweet onions has me looking forward to our future times of perusal together!

Wife's

#1 - The gift of family dance parties - There are only a few things better than spontaneously breaking it down with my boys. Have to demonstrate their excellent taste in music, play video.

#2 - The gift of aging gracefully - After sitting at the dinner table for an hour and a half, a half finished bowl of soup still lingers at Gid's spot. Thank the Lord that the "threes" don't last forever! Until then, may we all have grace, grace, and more grace.

#3 - The gift of weekly duality - It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for ice cream while watching The Biggest Loser with the hubs! It looks like those contestants are working so hard, maybe I can break a sweat by eating...faster? *Spoon to mouth, back to bowl, repeat*


What inside words do you have with your "Sweetest"? What songs make your family dance?