Today I shared with Samuel that apparently the most popular topping for a hot dog is mustard. I would have guessed ketchup. I asked him what his favorite topping was and he gave it a thought, and then replied, "Bread." I was chuckling at his answer and he said, "Yes. Bread is the best topping. You can hold on to it, wrap it around your hot dog, so it doesn't fall down." Brilliant boy.

Another funny, he turned off my sprinkler for my garden today without even being asked. I was so happy I said, "You're my favorite, Samuel." I say this to all my boys, but never in front of the others. Today it slipped in front of Noah, and he just gave me a look - he knows - but he caught me. Samuel gave me a really big smile, really warmed his heart, and then he looked up at Noah and said in his own defense, "What? I am not the bad guy here."

Lord, I pray that my husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. I know he struggles in wanting to please others, and avoid confrontation. He often is tempted to take the easy way, and needs to feel your strength, your direction, your guidance during these times. Pray that he will protect me and his children from Satah's attacks (Psalms 31:24; Eph 6:13; Psalm 27:14).

Lord, I pray that my husband will continue in being a good father - disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. I pray that he also discover a mentor or an accountability partner to guide him in the many challenges fatherhood presents (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2). I pray that Mike will have a balanced life - that he will balance work and play. I pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov 13:15).

P Style

As I previously mentioned, I spent last weekend taking the ABATE course for new motorcycle riders and true to most all outside events, I was trapped in a horrendously stinky port-a-potty every few hours. This is likely the only time I ever think about what it might be like to be a man, for a day, just so I could pee standing up.

This evening I was inspired to steal a P Style from our retail cabinet and give it a whirl (well, not literally as that would be a tragic mess and defeat my intentions entirely). The P Style is a fancy little invention that allows women the satisfaction of knowing exactly what it must be like to pee like a man. Yes, this little device allows a woman to simply unzip her trousers, slip the wide part just in between her legs while standing and facing the toilet, and tip the spout into the bowl... relax... enjoy. I didn't even lift the seat! 

No mess. No leak. No dribble. Although I did consider half way through about the possibility of filling the contraption faster than it could empty and having a overflowing funnel into my pants. Even with a full bladder, the P Style stayed true to its purpose.

After I completed my mission, I returned to the package directions to discover that this device was also designed to eliminate the need for toilet paper. What? Yes, bend the knees a bit, wait for the last few dribbles, and then pull the P Style across your perineum to catch those last few drops. Dump into toilet and then wash in sink. Yep. I love it. This little gadget (mine is a beautiful lavender) is going into my saddlebag. No one will ever know what it is, but when the time is right, I'll be so grateful not to have to squat in the grass or sit my bum on a port-a-potty. 

We'll be stocking these in large quantities in our retail boutique, soon to be found at www.RedRaspberryBoutique.com.

I prayed, begged for another child after Noah. My husband had a vasectomy and more children already than he had ever dreamed. I felt hopeless. I identified with Hannah in the Old Testament, in 1 Samuel 1:27, 28. I promised Him my child if He were to choose to bless me in that way. The Lord did as He saw fit, changed my husband's heart and allowed me to become pregnant. Then He called me on that promise. I had to give up my baby Bram for His glory.

"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."

Simon rolled his window down today in the "rango" and said, "Come in birdies. Come in here. It's me, Simon."

Every day we go feed the chickens and duck he walks out there with either Noah or myself and says, "Hello everybody. It's me, Simon."

On the phone to Daddy, "No, I am not baby. It's me Simon." 

He brought me a few Legos today and asked me to build him a time machine. Two years old.

ABATE class

This past weekend, I completed my ABATE course and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I was given a little 250cc Suzuki so it was easy to gain confidence. Our instructors were top notch! I can't wait to ride my VSTAR, although after sitting on my bike again tonight, it is WAY bigger than the little 250 that I could easily manipulate, and quite a bit heavier. I'll just have to practice because I am surprising myself, and am really enjoying riding outside of wanting to please Mike.

Before my class, Mike took me to Dryer's in Indianapolis and let me pick out some new motorcycle boots. Nice. I also got two pair of gloves, one for hot days and another for cooler days. I learned in my class that because the bulk of a helmet is Styrofoam and because this is a simple chemical, the protection breaks down over time and the manufacture recommends replacing them every two years. However, unofficially, they are likely good much longer than that assuming it is treated like a crystal glass and fits evenly and snug.

We learned the importance of throwing off a dog's timing to avoid being attacked while riding. Interesting. Never would I have been motivated to do so before, but I'll admit, I am eager to read my bike's owners manual. Yes, I said it. Does my bike have anti-lock brakes (guessing no)? Are they interlocked?

Apparently there is a dirt bike class in Indianapolis for anyone six and older, and I am going to send Samuel and Noah. Those with dirt bike experience have the least amount of crashes on motorcycles, and apparently nearly half of all motorcycle accidents are simply because the cyclist erroneously negotiated a curve. Shockingly, the leading cause of two vehicle (motorcycle and automobile) crash is the automobile hitting the cyclist from behind at an intersection. Scary stuff! Most importantly, nearly half of all fatalities are related to alcohol. These facts - both boys in a good dirt bike class and strong teaching against drinking and driving - give me much more confidence about riding, and keeping the boys safe when they too begin to ride their own motorcycles.

This YouTube was shared by one of our instructors: Bike Cornering Bible and this Beginners website. After I get a few thousand miles under my belt, I'd like to take this experienced rider course with Mike.