Meanwhile in Hershey.

Morning perch.

2010-02-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

Annie perched on the radiator behind our bed, mesmerized by the "fuge" snow.

Did you say "AFRICA" grandpa?!?

2010-02-05T11:28:00.007-05:00

Annie holding her "Africa" folder.

Ever since Annie overheard her Grandpa say he would be in Kenya this August, it's set off an independently produced 24-7 sales campaign for her to be included. I'm doing little to tamp down her excitement, since it's a place I've also fantasized about visiting after weeping my way through the plight of Baroness Blixen. Annie's obsession is more recent though, ignited by an incredible concert we attended in December. Whenever anyone responds to her pleading with a generic "we'll have to see," she corrects them, "No, we need to pray about it." And when she convinces us to accept the deal to pray, she's goes happily on her way. I am quite sure this has much to do with the last major request she asked for, and we told her to pray about it:

What have we set ourselves up for?

On the trail again.

2010-02-01T23:17:00.005-05:00

We had such a fun weekend on the road with the Sam Rohrer campaign. 13 hours of Pennsylvania roads in 2 days, zero naps and two caucuses later, Annie has us convinced she's just as happy to be on the road, making friends as she is vegging with mom on the couch catching up on Bindi the Jungle Girl.

It's taken a couple of weeks to post this.

2010-01-23T17:05:00.004-05:00

In keeping with my second resolution, I offer these pictures courtesy of an unsupervised half hour, a four year old and her dog. When I went upstairs to check on Annie, the door was locked; I asked her to open it and she responded, "I don't want to" and started crying, I knew I was in for something. "Why, Anna?" "Because I was so naughty." When she finally cracked the door, she was quick to explain she "accidentally painted more spots on Perdi, and herself, too."

Gershwin at the fire hall.

2010-01-15T11:25:00.006-05:00

Tuesday, Jeff and I celebrated eight years of marriage at a fire hall rally in Kempton, PA. I was asked beforehand if this was going to be alright and, surprising even myself, I said "yes."

Generally, we plan something a little out of the ordinary, a weekend away or an extravagant meal somewhere different. This year, I just felt so thankful to be working together again, celebrating at an event we both worked on somehow sounded special. (We have both missed working together for a long time.)

I wait all year to hear Jeff sing one song, the song. He sang it to me at our wedding and he makes me wait until the 12th every year to hear it. Well he surprised me Tuesday by standing on a folding chair in the middle of a fire hall with microphone in hand crooning "Someone to Watch Over Me".

Over the past eight years, I'd say we've both done some 'watching over'. God has carried us in the most difficult of times, and smiled down on us as He's refocused our lives and filled them with joy. Of all the things I've been given, I'd have to say I'm most grateful for the experience of engaging life fully with my best friend.

Living in the moment.

2010-01-08T14:51:00.000-05:00

It was part of resolution number one and it challenges me every day, especially when my teux-deux list is full: living in the moment. I was sorting laundry today when I noticed Annie salivating over three baskets full of warm fluffy socks and blankets. I'm usually the "no honey, these are clean" mom but today I gave in and offered a basket to her. In disbelief, she buried in and lured me in to some pretty entertaining games of

"see if you can find me"

&

"princess and the pea".

Occupational hazzard.

2010-01-08T07:36:00.001-05:00

So far Annie doesn't seem to mind me working from home. There are certain phone calls that last longer than I'd like, though, and I never know what to expect when I reemerge from my office.

Back in the saddle again.

2010-01-07T14:56:00.010-05:00

December brought an exciting and intimidating change for me, I re-entered professional life. For the past few weeks I've been readjusting to working in politics again as the Field Director for Sam Rohrer's gubernatorial campaign here in Pennsylvania. Working with Jeff again (who serves as consultant to the campaign) has rocked our world, it's been a blast spending our evenings scheming on the couch, and working date nights into campaign staff meetings. But the best part by far has been bringing Annie along to campaign rallies; she loves being with the energetic crowds. The picture above: her taking a picture of the press crew shooting Sam on stage.

Since a full time job has the potential to crowd out all things personal, I took some time this week to write out resolutions, or goals for this year. I looked back to our family values for inspiration.

Love God.

Perhaps an impossible resolution to make, but I think one way I can prepare for this is by scheduling alone, quiet time in nature once a week. I resolve to live in the moment, too. Sometimes I have the tendency to wait until I get to the main thing before I stop and enjoy God. I'm also looking for suggestions on some solid, reformed, independent studies I could work through. I love Piper, Brennan Manning and Chuck Swindoll - if you know of any in that vein, I'd love to hear about them.

Relate authentically.

When it comes to being real with people, my practical resolutions are this: people matter more than things or to-do lists. When people collide with my schedule, I resolve to put my work aside and welcome these divine interruptions. Also, when my doorbell rings, I promise to answer it every time, no matter the state of my home - or my appearance. : ) I purpose to guard against old habits, like stressing over the importance of 'presentation'.

Practice hospitality.

Have friends and neighbors over for dinner or coffee each week.

Live with simplicity.

Construct a budget and cut down on discretionary spending; identify projects / ministries we can more aggressively support. Plan family date nights that involve 'simple' fun like nature hikes and family games.

Engage the culture with courage.
Investigate various foster parent opportunities, see if Anna and I could volunteer together with an after school program in the inner city. Schedule a culturally enriching activity each month with Anna, such as museums, galleries and the performance arts. Write a reading list of classics I've never read and work through them each month. And last but not least, Sam Rohrer for Governor!

All I want for Christmas is ...

2010-01-07T13:11:00.001-05:00

... my two front teeth! We spent Christmas Eve in the E.R. after Annie had a minor accident at our church service. She calmed down rather quickly, the doctor said she must have swallowed them, as we couldn't find them anywhere. It was definitely a Christmas to remember, but if I hear another joke about song ...

Since I was basically a wreck on the drive to the hospital, Jeff reminded me of something our pastor asked in a sermon a few weeks ago: "Do we want our kids to be safe or brave?" It helped put things in perspective for me.

Christmas catch up.

2010-01-06T16:52:00.002-05:00

Pop whipping up his famous and heart-healthy pancakes, sausage, bacon and ham.

Sweet view (and conversation) as everyone enjoyed their Christmas pancakes.

Every year, Jeff and I say we won't exchange gifts but it never quite works out that way.

Anna playing with one of the first "girlie" toys she's ever requested.

Mrs. Gleason indulged Anna in a dinner-long tea party.

Dear friends, Lee and Leena.

Miss Janine Gleason with significant other, Master Joel Coleman.

Serving ginger cake, in the coolest apron ever - a gift from my gramma.

The whole crew, after eating a-l-l day.

Thank heaven for little girls.

2009-12-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

... and visits from best friends.

Our newest addition!

2009-12-14T20:54:00.002-05:00

On the move.

2009-12-11T15:33:00.004-05:00

Took 3 days to end this at our house.

2009-11-04T15:33:00.001-05:00

What are your core family values?

2009-11-03T12:18:00.008-05:00

On Sunday night, our Life Group from church was asked to report back and share the five core family values we had come up with for our family. Have you ever done an exercise like that? Here's what we came up with; I'm considering having ours framed so we remain cognizant of where we need to focus.

Seek to know and do God's pleasure.

As a family that's spent so much time in politics, we're especially aware of the tendency to put on a happy face and hide any personal vulnerabilities.

When we open our home, we most see what a joy it is to serve others.

Outwardly more simple, inwardly more rich.

Engage the culture with courage. "to act justly, and to love mercy ..." Micah 6:8

Trick or Treat!

2009-10-30T11:42:00.002-04:00

Annie was a cat last night, she dressed herself and asked for help with the face. She's never cared for cats until Hattie adopted us, ever since she thinks they are amazing and scary at once. Whenever someone would say, "Oh, look at the cutest little kitty!" she'd answer, "Oh, it's just a costume. See my people face?"

Future Secretary of State.

2009-10-23T16:07:00.004-04:00

Check out the deal she struck with Jeff when it came time to wash her hair:

Ain't she purdy?

2009-10-12T17:29:00.005-04:00

Jeff picked it up as a surprise! I've been wanting a vintage typewriter for the longest time; I think it'd be so fun to type out little notes to send to friends and make labels for baked goods. He also brought home a working 8mm video camera:

with which he follows me around the house until I give in and blow kisses, wave to the camera and point to my pretend pregnant belly. There's an eery Zabruder-esque quality to it all.

My cutest thing he found, though, is this pink cheese cover, which matches Anna's kitchen set perfectly. I think it'd be really cute to use at a kid's birthday party.

Lots of questions here lately.

2009-10-12T11:11:00.003-04:00

Annie and I have been enjoying a wonderful book together, Leading Little Ones to God. After one of the chapters, she told me she wanted Jesus to live in her heart and so prayed, all by herself, while I listened. There have been a few points that seem to really stick with her lately; the idea of constant love no matter how we behave, the idea that God can help us do things we don't feel like doing, and the joy of being grateful.

When she opened a popsicle, hoping for a green one, and saw it was indeed green, she yelled, "Thank you Jesus!" When she wiggled free from Jeff's hand in a parking lot she began to cry in the backseat when we delivered her consequence. In between sobs, she asked, "Did I sin?" At bedtime that night, she said she could pray by herself, and she began: "Dear Lord Jesus, please clean up my heart. (Long pause) Thank you very much. Amen." And when we read the chapter on the holiness of God, Anna stopped me mid-sentence in her bubble bath and prayed, "Dear Lord Jesus, make me holy. (Again, long pause) Thank you very much."

She's very confident in when she prays, a good example for her me. One time, I remember asking her if she loved Jesus and she answered truthfully, "No. I don't love Him." I suggested we could pray about that and she took the lead, praying right then and there. After the amen, she opens her eyes wides and says, "I love Him now!" She cracks me up.

In case your didn't know.

2009-10-12T07:46:00.001-04:00

from retrotogo

Morning at a Farm Market.

2009-10-09T16:17:00.008-04:00

There aren't a lot of things prettier than an open air market in autumn. Annie and I met some new friends from church at just such a place this morning.

Besides the gigantic spider, Anna was well pleased with the large wooden sandboxes filled with soybeans, and the hay maze, too.We are attending a new church now, New Covenant Presbyterian. It has been an incredible change for us; this church was so welcoming right from the first Sunday. The change has had a major impact on my life - rather than feeling somewhat isolated in a large congregation, we now look forward to seeing new friends throughout the week at small group and get-together's. Sunday mornings are even happier in our home, there's an excitement about going to worship. Ever think about how motivating it is to start the week out by being challenged, I mean really convicted about surrendering your life?

The other thing I love about it is Annie gets to be with us all through singing. It's something else to be holding her little hand as she's singing with us, or to have her resting on my shoulder and hear her singing her favorite song to Jesus, even though we're singing something totally different.

Along with Bible stories, there's an intentional incorporation of practical theology into kid's lessons, even for three year olds. On one of her take-homes, I was reading the question, "Why wasn't Caleb mad about being put on the same soccer team as Daniel? It was followed by, "What is the word that tells us God is everywhere, He is all powerful and in charge of everything?"

Finally, as someone prone to making checklists and having a plan in place, here's something from Sunday that's been challenging me all week:

Ours is not a call to greater self will, but greater surrender.

Happy Birthday, Amazing Grace.

2009-10-08T16:07:00.010-04:00

Over one year ago, Annie told us she wanted a real fishing pole. Since she was only two at the time, I explained she could have one when she turned four. Well guess who just turned four and never forgot that promise?

Over time, fishing became the theme of the party in her mind, with a few minor additions so that the final invitation read, "Please come to Anna's Turtle-Fishing-Ladybug-Dalmation-Mermaid party."Grandpa showed up to give lessons, but it didn't take long before she was hooking the worms herself. The real trick, though, would be to actually have her catch a fish, she had hinted we couldn't leave until we did so I think every adult was trusting in Divine Providence to provide hungry fish. I don't know who was more excited when she got her first nibble - that little cutie pie reeled in her very own fish! Amazing.

The day was really quite beautiful. Slow paced and surrounded by family, doing something Anna's been dreaming of for such a long time. It's astonishing to think how fast four years have flown. She's such a fun little girl to be around, life would be pretty dull without her. I feel so grateful to have had such a sweet day celebrating her - the best birthday gift.

We've been busy.

2009-10-08T15:20:00.005-04:00

But hasn't everyone? Anna's had plenty of practice as a four-year-old school girl now, we've taken a handful of trips together, and just as the leaves were warming in color, a sweet but malnourished tabby adopted us.

Preschool is fun. And not just for Anna. Parents take turns providing snacks and volunteering at parties, so we [Annie and I] have been having a ball baking cookies and thinking up clever ways to present snacks like cheese and vegetables. I'm warned the joy will eventually wear off, so I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

Then about 6 weeks ago, a scrawny, partially hairless, orange tabby was dumped in our neighborhood. Not being a cat person, I wasn't particularly wishing that she stuck around, but after waiting for a month, she's here to stay. Jeff and Anna have convinced me. Her name is Hattie, the Cattie. It was given to her by a preschooler fascinated with rhyming, wanna guess who? I think it was probably just an evolution from a Dr. Seuss favorite.

We celebrated Anna's 4th with such a fun family event. But there are so many pictures from that fun day, I think it will get its own post. Happy Fall!

Oh, Oscar, My Love.

2009-09-17T21:07:00.005-04:00

Yet another spring collection I had to see from online instead of the inside of a Bryant Park tent. The shots from Oscar's show are so bright and alive though, that it feels like I touched them. It is a bit cruel to show us gowns (or designs) we can't wear until we've suffered through winter, though, isn't it?

2009-09-09T11:01:00.003-04:00