Forever my baby. Born on “tax day” (finally, the day was redeemed) and during a freak ice storm in Sioux City, Iowa. She was a big baby, even though we were total vegan at the time. And she was born to applause because the doctor, at the teaching hospital there, was so impressed with how well Dave and I were handling the labor process (I’d been through it…a few times, very recently, actually). He asked more than once if they could bring the students and interns in to observe us. I said no several times, but when it got to the “really fun” part, my defenses were low and when I said yes, the room filled with 20+ observers who cheered us on and affirmed our expertise in baby making and birthing.
But even though she arrived center stage, the star of the show, and though she holds the position as baby-of-the-family, Stormie has never been the “typical” version of that. She was never an “absent-minded, friendly manipulator with a craving for the spotlight and everyone’s rapt attention,” those things commonly used to describe her birth order ranking.
Stormie Dae, born with a headful of dark hair, just entered the family quietly and sweetly, enthralled by all the activity in a home with 4 older siblings, 1 1/2, almost 3, almost 4 and almost 7 years of age (that’s right: 5 kids in less than 7 years). She brought joy and a certain sweetness. She got her daddy’s personlity: easy-going, peaceful, servant-hearted and deeply loving. She got his dimples, too. And she won my heart.
Today, Stormie Dae, I thought I’d give you words
Because words and song are how I show my love. So when I started listing my words, I couldn’t get Michael Buble’s song “Everything” out of my head, so it was hard not to turn this into a song-lyric-poen thing, but maybe that is as it should be. Because, “You Took My Heart by Surprise” and since the day you came I have wanted to be “Close to You.” But maybe none of this means anything since I have also been singing Stephen Bishop’s “Save it for a Rainy Day” for 3 days now, too?
And etc. {a mom is allowed to be corny on her baby’s birthday}
But I mean these words. And I could have gone on. Yes, I could have. But I ran out of space…
You may need to open another screen to see all 50 or 75 of them?
created at www.picnik.com (just plopped lots of words with 3 different fonts onto a photo from Stormie’s (and Steph’s) www.maydae.com blog
Love you, sweet-pea. So proud of you. Happy Birthday.
I kinda took a blogging fast after epiphany (January 6), which I was afraid to say “out loud” until later in January {wrote about it HERE}. And I didn’t know how long I’d stay gone and there were birthdays I had to mention and a few times I couldn’t resist posting something like a link or video or quick thought. But true writing/blogging, I have not done. And how I have missed it. And how, especially right now, in the midst of the greatest joys anyone could experience and in the midst of the deepest of sorrowful things for people I love deeply, right in the middle of the messiness of life and celebration-worthy rites of passage and as the tulips are becoming glorious and the daffodils stand tall and proud – I just need to be and able to break-the-blog-fast to say, and {to declare loudly}:
God is good. He is faithful. He is SO faithful.
So, I am back to write that ~~~ plus lots of silly things and a little opining, too. I will write about sunny days and my quest for joy and let you in on where I find it. I will sing songs and share the lyrics and write about life as I see it. And I am back to write because my mom thinks I am good at it (everyone should have such a cheerleader!) and because I want a written record for my familia.
One day the grandbebes will grow up and be so happy to read this thing and see their faces and know o-how-much-I-do-love them & their amazing parents (the people I adore most in the world)!
And I am back to blogging because, to shamelessly rip off 1 John 1, I am writing about the Word of Life! I have not only heard of Him, I have heard fromHim myself, and have seen Him with my own eyes and touched Him and been touched by Him. So I want to share and tell the things I have seen and heard with my own familia and the ones God has made mine by His Spirit. My “motive for writing is simply this: [I] want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double [my] joy!” (1 John 1.1-4, The Message)
May this blog be a record for the generations to come of the faithfulness of God in our less-then-perfect, ordinary-yet-unique lives. And of the great, great joy He gives.
Plus a peek into the swirling thought collage of my very heart & soul.
And now,
here are some things that happened
while I was “blog fasting”…
Dave and Tara got settled into their new home
She is an amazing homemaker and it was cozy within days. She is also very creative and organized and it is a lovely, peaceful place. There is a giant, jetted tub in the guest quarters where the grandbebes could swim laps! Their yard connects to open space (which in Colorado is guarded like gold!) and their big window views are of the crystal-clear Colorado Rockies. They are home!
I visited my mom and dad in St. Joe, MO…where is snowed and snowed and snowed…bleak!
Parsonage on the left. Church on the right. Too close for comfort.
Rocky and Jovan bought a new house, too!
There’s a lot a-lotta pink in the girlie room!
It is cute as a dollhouse and colorful and sweet. It fairly screams Rocky + Jovan + 2 of the cutest little girls = Blue and green & lots o’ pink and JOYfully Ever After!
Averi turned THREE and had a CandyLand Party complete with an Ice-Cream-Cone-Castle cake
Aren’t the presents kids get at three just the most fun? Her Grammy and Papa hosted in Frederick and it was a sunny day full of cute kids and smiles!
Love was, naturally, in the air
My sister Tami worked on the Moslander Family Reunion in earnest.
We shall gather near Chicago late June. Frontier Airlines to Midway, car-to-go, please.
I discovered Rice & Bean Chipotle Cheese Artisan Snack Chips
All Natural, Gluten Free, Zero Trans Fat, Zero Cholesterol
“Aged cheddar cheese and just the right amount of spicy seasonings create a flavor that is highlighted by the adzuki beans’ subtle sweetness. Together with its light and crispy texture, this artisan snack is the perfect better-for-you snack chip because of the adzuki bean’s natural healing and health properties.”
Thank-you Candi, for this most wondrous introduction. I shall ever be grateful…and smiling as I crunch on them.
We unveiled the Heaven Fest 2011 Vision at 4 small, joyful gatherings with our volunteers and team
The volunteers for Heaven Fest, the leadership and everyone who is part are THE. MOST. AMAZING. PEOPLE. IN. THE. WORLD. I love them. {Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, Jim Elliot School in Englewood, Northern Hills Church in Brighton and Rez in Loveland} Thank-you, people! www.stonebrookmanor.com
Dave was in Prairie Playhouse’s “Willie Wonka”
He played Grandpa Joe to the great delight of crowds of people. Stephanie had to assure her friends he did not really walk or act that old in real life, because he was so good and a local news article said the “ubitiquous Dave Rhoades” threatened to steal the show. And? Even though it was sprayed gray, he got to keep his hair (in “Annie” a year ago, CLICK HERE he was shaved bald)!
We had the coldest days of the year and also reached the 70s in mid-winter – all within a 2 week period!
That is Colorado for you. And though March is our snowiest month, we didn’t get any. Uh-oh. Watch out, May!
Joe & Robin came to visit!
Joe made red beans and rice (to-die-for, mmmmmm) and I made an ok batch of gumbo. That got better each day until it was gone.
Tredessa got a boyfriend.
Is it ok to say that here? Well she did and he is cute (Army) and she kind of adores his muscles (Norwegian from Florida). And how sweet he treats her (prophetic intercessor). We all like him. That works out well. And since I don’t think he even knows I have a blog, I can pass all the news about them on to you. Haha.
I lost an hour, but the days got longer.
I am not against Daylight Savings at all. It tells me gardening is around the corner. Every night, as the blue hours (l’heure bleu) get bluer and last measurable minutes longer, I sigh happily.
We announced our super-cool NEW Heaven Fest 2011 location!
My niece, Christiana, starred in a commercial for shopping in Aberdeen, SD.
She is “Dorothy,” which seems so perfectly appropriate, somehow! VERY proud of our little working actress!
There was a “super-moon”!
It’s a wonderful night for a moondance…
Tredessa introduced me to a positively lovely way of looking at sarcasm, a mode of communication I tend towards:
…the last refuge of modest people, when their soul is invaded.
Spring snuck up on me
One day I woke up – and there it was, spring! And I looked out the window to a sure confirmation: the garlic chives were taking over the back yard already!
Stormie bought a house. Yes, she did.
Look at all the colorful dishes waiting for Dessa to finish painting the cupboards.
A 1919 bungalow. Cute and in pristine condition. Great price. The last owner {Ruby} had lived there since 1944.
Tredessa moved out of her apartment in Arvada.
She will live with her baby sister.
My lover turned 52
Sorely missed at the celebration were the Powers fam. Another celebration will have to ensue.
You have to see this {all the way through} to believe it!
Yep. That is Wrex. The Birthday Singer.
“Baby Belle” (better known as Amelie Belle), turned ONE!
And? God is still faithful! And we have lots to talk about. :)
I see in my mind’s eye a big healthy baby – 9 pounds, 10 ounces. Two weeks past her due date, she arrives: peacefully, happily. She settles in as the newest and final addition to the home of love being built by my lover and me. She is the object of affection and delight to her four older siblings. She is a reward and gift to her mommy and daddy.
Chunky at birth, she elongates into a tall-for-her-age, skinny pre-schooler who uses her voice, sweet and syrupy, to melt us and get everything she wants.
She is 5 with a tiny heart-shaped face and big, expressive eyes. There is a big yellow bow in her tightly permed hair and she twirls in a polka-dot skirt. She doesn’t just like school, she looooooooves school!
She runs, during the elementary days, to keep up with her brother. If he is playing baseball, so is she. If he is madly roller-blading – she will keep up. Though we fear her tiny frame may snap from the pace, she is ever just an “nth” of a step behind Rocky.
As a teen, she follows Jesus with all her heart. She prays her sister, with tears, back from the brink. She becomes a stained glass artist and stars in the school play. She learns to drive while worshipping her head off in the car with her mama. She is a blessing.
Age and maturity reveal one of the kindest people I have ever known. She serves and cares and quietly sets things aright. She is 23 now. The baby is 23. And I love her.
I don’t know where the years have gone, Stormkins, but I cherish every moment you have been mine. I love you so deeply, my sweet baby girl. All 23 candles on represent a wish I have for you this year.
Twenty-three Wishes for Stormie on Her 23rd Birthday
I wish for you to “prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 Jn 1.2 nkjv
I wish an unending smile for your face – so your dimples will deepen and delight will spread over your whole head.
I wish the warm and cheerful feeling of yellow flowers to surround you no matter where you are, regardless of any circumstance.
I want your heart to be in peace.
I want you to always and forever know what it means to be free in Christ, totally, completely free! And I rebuke the enemy. I rebuke Satan from even trying to enslave you in any way.
May God’s will be done in your life, all the days of your life, as you bring Him glory – on earth as it is in heaven.
I hope dad and I have given you what you need to be everything God intends. If we have forgotten anything – you know where to find us. It’s not too late!
Never forget how many people adore the stuffing out of you! You are loved-like-crazy by me and dad and Tara and Dave and Hunter and Stephanie and Tristan and Gavin and Guini and Gemma and Rocky and Jovan and Averi and Tredessa and Elise and all the cousins and all the aunts and uncles and don’t forget Grandma and Grandpa Moslander…
“Be-member, mama, we like to ‘shnuggle.'” I will never forget those words nor your voice when you were 4 telling me that. I wish for you to remember it always, too, because I am still happy to ‘shnuggle’ with you!
For the man. The one. The right time. I wish him for you, Stormie. I am praying for him, too.
I wish for you a bunch of cute little Stormies. Oh-even if you only get one like you, she will make you so happy. I guarantee it.
I wish for you to reap all the seeds of godliness and generosity that you have sown. I wish for the bread you have cast upon on the waters to now be found! May it come back to you.
I pray for the heavens to open and loud, clear-cut direction and guidance for your life to be announced with trumpets and singing. I pray you will never wander aimlessly.
I am believing for continued favor on your life.
I remind God about showing you mercy and gracing you mightily (empowering you to be everything He created you to be; empowering you to do all He has called you to do!).
My wish is that you will be full (all the way to capacity and running over) of the Holy Spirit.
I wish for you to always walk in truth.
I will always believe in you. There has not been even moment I have not loved you fully, madly.
I wish you could see what I see when I look into your eyes. There is eternity behind them – there is joy and love and life and lightheartedness – so much life. You’re barely out the starting gate…
I wish for you to have no heartbreaks or sorrow. But if you must, I wish for the LORD to be your comfort (your keeper and the Lover of your soul) so you’ll look back and say, “I would not trade the pain for how I know Him today. It has been worth it.”
My prayer is that you’ll have joy and rejoicing in these early twenties: “in the days of your full-grown youth.” (Ecc. 11.9 Amp). I hope you will relish your youthful vigor and live fully from the heart, seeing and pursuing whatever brings you happiness and pleases the Lord.
“Oh how sweet the light of day, and how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour…Live footloose and fancy free. You won’t be young forever.” (Ecc. 11 The message)
May the LORD bless you and keep you, my Stormkins. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the smile of the LORD be on your life and may you bring Him joy and be His forever.
Happy Birthday, my baby. Twenty-three years ago today was such a blessed day in my life. I didn’t even know how much at the time, but, wow! God was so good to have given you to me! I love you, babykins!…mom
NOTE TO SELF: Take Stormie to Anthropologie for her birthday. Buy her something sweet.
pictured: I was trying to find a good pic of Stormie’s eyes because I love them. This was as close as I could get; Stormie on 4/15/86 with her daddy just a little while after her birth.
We got together over the weekend to celebrate Stormie’s birthday, just the fam. She didn’t know it, but we decided we’d do a Twilight – themed party since Stormie loves the books and movie by Stephanie Meyer so much.
There were pepper, onion and roast-beef stuffed chimichangas along with cilantro-lime rice and all the other fixings. Tara made her excellent guacamole while Rocky and Jovan served us sizzling sausage and cheese-stuffed jalapenos, “poppers” as they should be. Food everywhere! No special cake, but as Stormie requested, her usual fruit pizza.
The movie soundtrack provided the musical backdrop, and naturally the flick was playing continuously for ambiance. There were red apples (see the book cover), red ribbons and chess pieces (Stephanie-the-daughter is in to the details), quotes everywhere (oh, how our family loves movie quotes!), and Tara painted a black sheet with the title. We used it as a backdrop for some silly pictures.
A Twilight-Movie Party Game
I “invented” a Twilight-Mad-Lib kind of thing. I asked each person to give me a noun, a thing of any sort AND to name a characteristic or physical attribute of Stormie’s. They didn’t know why, but then I used the line from the movie: “Your scent is like a drug to me…” and filled in people’s responses for Stormie. She got stuff like:
Your love is like a picture frame to me. (Cousin Elise)
Your heart is like an egg to me. (Nephew Hunter – reference to the Easter eggs he had just colored with his daddy)
Your chameleon-like hair is like a golf ball to me. (dad)
Your beautiful smile is like the Eiffel Tower to me. (Dave/DP)
Your buns are like the D-Note to me. (said by a certain ornery brother; the D-Note is a very hip indy-style restaurant where they do live music in Olde Town Arvada)
I wish I had thought to also ask them to name their own secret obsession, too, because I could’ve added from the rest of the quote: “Your scent is like a drug to me, my own personal brand of heroin.” Then Hunter’s might have read, “Your heart is like an egg to me, my own personal brand of candy.” And Jovan’s would probably have read: “Your eyes are like a shoe to me [which she really said]…my own personal brand of Edward Cullen!” Which, if you keep up on Jovan’s blog – you know she actually has her own personal brand of Edward!
Feel free to use “my” invented game at your next party! :]
Scenes from Twilight
A couple of the girls re-enacted their favorite neck-biting scene from the movie and everybody held an apple in their hands like the cover of the first book of the series, referenced then in the movie when Edward is talking to Bella at the school cafeteria salad bar. She accidentally knocked a very red apple down and he, with lightening-quick reflexes, kicks it back up, catching it in his hands. Fun!
Gavin fixed his own hair to look just like Edward’s and is already talking about being Edward for Halloween this year. Gemma thought if they were handing her an apple, she may as well eat it. Stephanie got shy about the neck-biting.
There was Easter stuff, too
There was an Easter-egg hunt for the Grand-bebes.
There was some Karaoke
No. Don’t even ask. I will not share the video of Dave and I reprising one of our greatest wedding-singing hits ever: Always by Atlantic Starr!
