Retro Book Worm

I have to thank my mother for choosing the very best stories to read to me as a child. Those books are still top today. She read every single night and nurtured a love of books in me that no Ipad/nook/kindle can replace. The stanky old library books are really where it is at. I have to thank my father too! He did not partake in the bed time "Make way for the Ducklings" bit. However he was always reading, usually at meal time. To himself and then sharing a highlight with us. The words, the images are still with me hauntingly so.

The bedtime story....I love it! It is perhaps the very best time of day for so many reason.
It makes me seem very old, but I am so sick of all the current hip songs, shows, books, marketing, food, furnishings. I have a pit in my stomach...it aches for the 80's maybe even the 70's. So tonight it was Mom's choice for story time. I usually read one time for all to listen, but on special nights (the kind when i am in the mood to snuggle in each kids bed) I hop around and each kid gets a tailor made story for them. I love those nights best.

For Gwendolyn, who reads in the car everyday, never forgets a book when going to a restaurant and laughs out loud at her comedy tales and brings a smile to my face: Lazy Tommy Pumpkin Head. Perhaps my very most favorite childhood tale. I always checked it out from the library and now thanks to mom and Amazon.com have a copy of my own to share.

For Jonah, the quiet reader that knows so much more than he will let you believe, who reads fact rarely fiction and then builds models of the things he has read about: Ferdinand. The simplest yet truest story i hold on to about just being yourself and not caring about the rest. A lesson I try to live each day with God on my side and am trusting my boy will do the same

For Piccolina, who pretends she can read sweet valley high but we all know it is a rouse. The lady that will charm you into reading the longest bedtime story but you gladly say yes because she is the best snuggler. The Giving Tree: A story i still do NOT understand and seems very sad and unfriendly and entitled and emotionally draining. However it is there, like the birthmark you came with! And you read it, spin it, try to cover it up and are so glad when it is over and its time to sing songs. Oh Phoebe...you are a light in this dark world...thank you for listening.

Question and Answer?

I must say that I have not felt compelled to write in so so long. Perhaps because at the end of the day I have already answered so many other peoples questions..that to ask myself any questions just seems down right cruel and stupid. However, it has been brought to my attention that i may need a bit more reflection in my day. In fact, not so much reflection as it would be prayer. In fact, not so much prayer as it would be me just asking God...WHAT AM I missing, Who am I, What do you want for me? I see you trying to talk to me, hitting me over the head with it...WHAT is IT?

Perhaps the only way i will figure it out is by asking and listening...the VERY things I teach my kids to do all day LONG. So here it is folks...one of the Darker yet True moments in the Cain Train Blog (check the description). Pretty sure CPS has me red flagged seeing our last 9 months of events and God is clearly trying to get it through my thick skull.  Life is NOT roses. There I said it. No matter how glorious we want it to seem..it is not. So in an effort to Pay Attention, Listen and Ask questions, I am going to commit to 15 min of reflection in the word a day. I shall report back with any Answers!

 Now all of you: Go ask someone something and see what the answer is...Perhaps someone will learn something...I hope it is me

1st Rodeo

1st Rodeo

Although many people use the phrase "Not my first Rodeo" This actually was and IS my first Rodeo. My first time being a wife, a parent, a homeowner, a grown up.  Last weekend I took Gwendolyn to her first rodeo, she rocked it and with ease. Let this sweet 8 yr old girl show me how it is done.

 As 2013 begins I find myself realizing that the only way I am ever going to rope any steer is to let go of my rope. Letting go of many ropes actually. First up and at the forefront is my 8yr old lady Gwendolyn. I am watching her turn into a young woman and while most of me is pushing hard for it not to happen...it is happening anyway. I must let that rope loose.....she will fly. Next is my home...it will never look like the pictures on pintrest so i need to stop caring. This home shall be a place of peace and warmth for our family and friends that seek comfort. While I am running around lassoing legos and pet shops I must remember that a sweet smell of dinner and comfort of music are better than spotless floors and shiny doors.

 Sigh. Last and probably the hardest rope to toss free. Time. I am a time nazi, refuse to be late. But i am seeing more clearly by being at the barn with my kids and the cowboys/cowgirls. Time is really yours, and what you make it. So while my obsession for punctuality may stick around...I am finding that it is much easier to plan less and do more. So saddle up 2013, I am ready to rope.