Hey LOST addicts?

What's up with THAT ending?
There is a neat cluster of posts linked at Rocks in My Dryer. If you haven't seen the finale yet, this post may be a spoiler.
My family and I just started watching LOST a couple of months ago based on a recommendation by my friend Karen. We generally don't watch television, but for some reason this show hooked us! Travis came home last night, we had a quick dinner of BLT's and watched the last two episodes of LOST so that we would be ready for the finale. We were all so bummed. To kill two birds with one stone, here are my 13 thoughts about LOST!

• Nobody in my family understands why Charlie had to die. Although he shut the door to the room he was in to prevent the entire place from flooding, and to save Desmond, Desmond still had to go out the way he came in. Why didn't Charlie just go out the door and swim out together? Is it possible the door only shuts tight from the inside? Still the question remains, why not just dive in and go out the way they came? We were all really irritated that it seemed Charlie just submitted to his death without trying to survive.
  
• Obviously Ben was right about the "ship" that was off shore that they were contacting with the satellite phone. There was something amiss. However, it would appear from the (as Karen called it) "flash forward" that they were indeed rescued. What did Ben know about what would happen? What did Locke know? Why did he kill Naomi - the girl that parachuted in with the phone?
• There was a lot of gruesome killing on these last few episodes. Very cold blooded. It provided some good opportunities to talk about revenge. The best lesson was about Sawyer - that even though he finally killed the man he held responsible for all of his pain, he wasn't any less miserable.
  
• Who is on the good side? Who is on the bad side? Is Locke evil now that he seems to have joined the "others"? Can we trust Juliet now that she has confided in them, and betrayed Ben?
• Why did Jack kiss Juliet with an obvious gesture beyond friendship, and then say he loved Kate? I almost glossed over this - just thinking about situations where you can be torn between two people - but my girls didn't and I am so glad that they saw this as a chink in Prince Charming's armor.
• If the show is called "LOST" and they are rescued, doesn't the show end here? I mean I imagine they can continue on with the lives of the characters as they re-acclimate into their old lives, but the show would change so much that it wouldn't be the same.
• Was Walt dead or alive?
• If it was a "flash forward", why did Jack refer to his dead father, saying "Get my father down here and see if I'm drunker than he is"?
• Also, did anyone get the idea that they may be in some sort of secular after-life kind of place? Purgatory? What was up with Naomi saying that all their bodies had been found in the plane? They have certainly encountered apparitions of dead people on the island - but they seemed separate from the rest of them. Locke's dad (if you can call him that! I really loathe that man!) referred to it as hell. I have this unformed thought stream - thinking about how the "Others" only seemed to snatch the good people at the beginning and wondering how that all plays in together.
• What is up with Kate and Sawyer? It appears that she loves Jack, and is using Sawyer. I have started to think of them as a cute couple, however, I am liking Kate's character less and less. Who was the him that Kate had to get back to? We know it wasn't Jack.
  
• I was devastated to see the sequences of Jack "off" the island were a "flash forward" and not a flashback. I would have thought the island changed him for the better.
  
• Hurley rides in a VW van and saves the day. Did anybody see that coming?
• I can't wait for next season!!!!
  

Anyway - I am sure there will be more ramblings about LOST. I enjoyed it - but the ending TOTALLY left me scratching my head! (No mosquito bites there - in case you're wondering!) What are YOUR thoughts?

T13 Edition #9 - They're Here - Teen Girl Invasion

My girls friends arrived yesterday. If you didn't know that for a fact you could just visit my house and 30 seconds later it would be clear. We have been invaded. Welcome to teen girl world. It was so exciting when the girls got off the plane - even the stewardess that chaperoning the girls during their flight started squealing and jumping up and down with them. It was awesome. Here is the picture I took of them moments after we were all together -
Here are 13 evidences to the fact that my house has been overrun with teenage girls:

Thirteen Evidences to a Teen Girl Invasion

What you can see:

1. Books

2. Shoes

3. Jewelry

4. Cell phones

5. Make-up and assorted brushes, toiletries and hair implements - both electrical and non-electrical

What you can smell:

6. Body wash, and shampoo drifting in a cloud of steam

7. Perfume

8. Bubble Gum

9. Mouth wash

What you can hear:

10. Loud music and singing

11. Giggles

12. Squealing

13. Deep heartfelt conversations about God, boys, music, politics, etc. You name it - they're talking about it!

T13 Edition #8 Thirteen Scent Memories

The smell of these things take me elsewhere:

1. Mangoes remind me of our Cuban neighbors when I lived in South Florida in elementary school.

2. Boxwood shrubs remind me of my grandparents house when I was a little girl. I remember standing, waiting an eternity for my parents to stop talking so we could leave and sometimes burying myself in them. I also remember lying to take a nap on the front porch glider, and the air all around smelled like them.

3. Estee Lauder perfumes remind me of my mother. She wore several different ones, but she would always leave a cloud of her current scent behind her when she left for work.

4. A fireplace with wood burning reminds me of the home of friends who rescued my friend and I with four of our children off of the Appalachian Trail.

5. Hot apple cider makes me think of fall, and leaves, festivals and hayrides.

6. Moth balls put me in mind of my grandmother’s house when I was a little girl.

7. Elmer’s glue and crayons remind me of elementary school.

8. Peaches always remind me of Georgia and turning 13.

9. Hairspray (the heavy scented aerosol kind) reminds me of my aunt and her bouffant hairdo.

10. Bubble gum and strawberry are two scents that remind me of my first lip gloss, when I was old enough to wear it.

11. The smell of the mall – perfumes, acrylic nails, cinnamon buns, pizza – all swirl together to remind me of being a teenager.

12. Honeysuckle reminds me of summer.

13. Fresh cut grass is a childhood memory – the smell of it mingled with my dad’s sweat made me feel safe and cared for.

T13 Edition #7 - Thirteen Precious Moments

13 Precious Moments - Written for my daughter, Kendra on the eve of her 16th birthday!
1. The minute you were born you looked at me with deep blue eyes that have since changed to green, and a love story began. I knew you trusted me to make your world as good as I possibly could. It was the first moment in MY life that I knew I had some worth to somebody.
2. Your first ponytail made me cry. I am not sure why, but I think it had something to do with a symbolic moment of your progression from being a baby to a little girl.
3. The day you fell on the kerosene heater and burned yourself was one of “the” worst moments of your life and mine. To hear you cry like that in pain and not be able to make it better. I know you learned something about the harshness of this life, and that you trusted me to make it all perfect for you just a little less.
4. Your Snow White “dreams come true” nightgown. When you put it on and twirled around, it was the first time I saw you know that you were pretty. There have been few moments like this since – because you don’t realize the gorgeous creature that you are.
5. The beauty pageant. Four years old, you walked out on stage all frilled up, and chomping on your bubble gum like a cow chewing its cud! I wondered how we got there. You taught me that conforming to the world’s standards of beauty, and their way of rewarding it was not for us.
6. The day you cried. You were five years old and we were headed somewhere in the car. It was in the days before airbags and you were in the front seat beside me. I looked over and saw great crocodile tears were pouring from your eyes. You looked up at me and said, “I don’t WANT Jesus to die on the cross!” Your heart was too beautiful.
7. The day you became a big sister. You had waited for months saying, “Baby sister come pretty soon!” to everyone who would listen. You surely felt ripped off that she couldn’t jump up and play with you – and it was a scary moment putting her in your chubby little hands.
8. The day you went missing at the park. I was sure someone saw you and HAD to have you for their own. I was thankful to find you had walked off with some other little girls, although I stepped right in the middle of a football game in progress to get you back, and almost got tackled.
9. Your baptism. You smiled like you had just been crowned Miss America. I was so thankful for your faith. It inspired all who knew you and still does today.
10. The spelling bee. Days before the spelling bee, we knew you were under a lot of stress about it, and you said to me, “Mommy, if I represent the Christian homeschoolers, that means I represent Jesus, and what if I don’t do a good job?” You took this so seriously. The word bolero ended your career as world class spelling genius. I think secretly you were relieved it was over.
11. Meeting your baby brother for the first time. When you walked into the hospital room and saw him, you said, “It’s like a dream come true. *sigh*"
12. The day Thumbelina died. Although she was only a small dried tree limb, in your imagination, she was your precious friend. Daddy was tried and convicted for careless homicide. I’m glad you forgave him.
13. Things not opening. You always had such an incredible way of describing things – and this was one you used when something was too tight. Your shoes were too tight, “I can’t open my toes!” Your car seat was buckled too tightly, “I can’t open my butt!”

You have been a precious light in our lives these 16 years my beautiful daughter. Life would never be the same without you. I know that there will be many more moments at the intersection of our lives that take my breath away. Knowing you’re my daughter always does! Happy 16^th Birthday baby!

T13 Edition #6 - Thirteen Sounds I Can Hear Right Now

This week I've had a hard time getting my "thirteen" list together. But alas, this evening I was finally inspired.

Thirteen sounds I can hear right now:

1. An irritated barking dog
2. The repetitive rhythm of an unattended Nintendo game cube
3. The whoosh-whoosh –whoosh of the ceiling fan
4. Feet coming up the porch stairs
5. Unhurried cars passing by
6. The screen door creak as it opens
7. Water running
8. Children running outside around the house
9. The zing of a firing BB gun
10. Girl-talk as Kaitlyn and a friend approach
11. The pop of an opening soda can
12. The shuffle of flip flops on the tile floor
13. Laughter

Ah, it’s a Friday night in a small town!

T13 Edition #5 - Thirteen Movies for a Deserted Island

If I were to be dropped on a deserted island, and the only thing I could have is my personal DVD player (equipped with several extra battery packs – okay suspend disbelief for a minute would ya?) and only 13 movies, here is what I would take:

1. The Passion of the Christ - when I need to remember Jesus’s sacrifice

2. Little Women - when I need to remember the value of family

3. Facing the Giants - when I need encouragement to “keep going”

4. Spiderman - when I feel like climbing a wall – or a palm tree – whatever!

5. Return to Me - when I lose heart

6. The Titanic - when I feel like I’m sinking in a cold world

7. Tuck Everlasting - when I faint at the thought of growing old

8. Oliver! – when I feel like nobody loves me

9. Cheaper by the Dozen – old version - when I think I have too many kids!

10. The Astronaut Farmer - when I need to remember how to dream (Okay – I know it is not on DVD yet

11. The Prestige – when I am bored and need to stretch my brain a bit

12. Gone With the Wind – when frankly my dear I don’t give a – oh yeah this is a family friendly blog!

13. The Sound of Music OR Fiddler on the Roof – when I feel like singing!

This list could have a few variables on any given day – but this seems to be a good mixed list of movies I’ve seen recently and ones that I’ve loved for a long time.

T13 Edition #4 - Thirteen Things I Would Do With a Million Dollars

This T13 list is actually inspired by the movie The Ultimate Gift. My kids and I saw it yesterday. I didn’t know it was put out by “Fox Faith”. It was a great feel good, family kind of movie.

13 Things I Would Do With a Million Dollars

1. Send a large check to some of my favorite missions organizations, including personally to any missionaries that I know.

2. Release my husband from the 9-5 daily grind, to free up his creative energies to do things he’s always wanted but never had the time or resources to do.

3. Plan a family mission trip to an impoverished country.

4. Pay for my mother-in-law and both of her sisters to have their homes and property maintained, or help them in any way needed.

5. Get my hair done by a hairdresser with ears. (Refer to previous post!)

6. Set up savings accounts for my children to use for college, a down-payment for their first house, have full body tattoos, or whatever they would choose to do with it that would make them happiest.

7. Buy an RV and make it homey to use on semi-annual visits to see friends in WV, and family in NC.

8. Take a cross-country trip with my family to see places like Yellowstone, Laura Ingalls Wilder exhibits in several locations, the Grand Canyon, DEFINITELY the Badlands, the Rocky Mountains, etc. including every beach, mountain range, plain and forest.

9. Go to Walt Disney World in Florida.

10. Use it lavishly for random acts of kindness.

11. Enroll in Bible college and immerse myself fully in word study, theology, etc.

12. Build a library in Baborigame, Mexico and stock it with good books written in Spanish.

13. Move my house to a more secluded piece of land, and buy our whole family 4-wheelers.

The truth of the matter is, regardless of how hard I stretched my brain to think, none of the things I could do with a million dollars would really make the world a better place. I would not be a better wife or mother, a more loving friend, a more faithful follower of Christ. I could not buy my dad a new back, or heal my mom's mind and heart. I know I wouldn't be any happier.
In the end, the only thing that truly touches the world in an attempt to make it a better place is an abandoned giving of self. The message I got from the movie, one I’ve always known, is that the best things in life aren’t things, and that what you gain when you give of yourself is far more valuable than what you can obtain with money.
It was fun to think about anyway!

T13 Edition #3 - Thirteen Things I Should Be Doing Instead of Blogging

1. I should be sleeping. My eyelids are sticking to my contacts, which are begging to be taken out for the night.
2. I should be reading the book I can hardly put down, once I pick it up that is!
3. I should be making a meatloaf to drop off at the church for tomorrow.
4. I should sweep the kitchen floor.
5. I should go into my daughter's bedroom and pry the secret her friend just told her from her sealed lips!
6. I should work on the homeschool co-op's newsletter - but at this stage in the game it is probably best that I don't.
7, 8 9, & 10. I should let the dog in, turn off the porch light, lock the front door and force my night-owl children to bed.
11, 12 & 13. I should tidy the living room, straighten the pillows and start the dishwasher.

But I'd rather be blogging!

T13 Edition #2 - Thirteen Wonderful Birthday Surprises

Yesterday was my birthday. My children did so many things to make it extra-special to me. Read on:

1. 6:30 am breakfast, complete with the Happy Birthday song, and a back rub!
   
2. Hugs around every corner – and an abundance of birthday wishes!
   
3. The kitchen made a secret shroud as the children laughed and played music, and commenced baking
   
4. A gooey chocolate-chocolate chipped birthday cake was presented just before dinner.
   
5. Hand-made embellishments made for the cake – a #37, a birthday cake and a small gift.
   
6. Chocolate covered blueberries and a pretty necklace from my younger daughter.
   
7. A hummingbird feeder from my son so that we can watch the birds together.
   
8. Decorated pamphlet presented for a "spa night"
   
9. A hot bubble bath, with candles all around, floating "flowers", homemade "Clementine" bath salts. 15 candles lit, and my favorite instrumental CD – the soundtrack to 'Little Women' playing – (There is no way to describe this that does it ANY justice! It was incredible. Not only did they run the tub and light the candles, but Kendra scrubbed the bathroom today and made it shine, then they cleared away every shampoo bottle and razor so that there would be nothing but bubbles, flowers and candles!)
   
10. Eucalyptus body wash and banana body butter, gifts from my older daughter.
    
11. A long massage – back, hands, feet, head
    
12. Facial complete with mud mask
    
13. Hot tea and precious company to watch my favorite movie, 'Little Women'!
    

This was the BEST birthday of my life! The pampering was enjoyable and precious – but the hearts of three children who love me so much, to give such a selfless gift of time, and energy was overwhelming. It is good to be so loved!

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T13 Edition #1 - Thirteen Scarcely Known Things About Me

1. I can say the entire Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, even though I've always thought it was weird to pledge allegiance to the US flag in a foreign language!
   

   Juaramenta a la bandera de los Estados Unidos de America……. Don't make me prove it!
   

2. I talk on the phone sometimes while I use the bathroom. (Okay so maybe some of my good friends know this – but don't let on! Thanks for the discretion!)
   
3. I used to have an OCD issue with writing words on the back of my teeth with my tongue. It started when I was in high school. I had a whole routine about how I would do this – if the word had an even amount of letters I would split them up evenly on those two front teeth. If any words had an odd amount of letters, I would have to put the odd letter in the slight space in the middle of my front teeth – but it would have to be the letter in the EXACT center of the word. I promise – I seriously used to do this people, I couldn't make this stuff up.
   
4. Three of my closest friends have birthdays in January, and four of my other closest friends have birthdays in November.
   
5. I smoked from the time I was 14 until I was 26 – except when I was pregnant or breastfeeding. I am the worst kind of ex-smoker - it makes me sick to be around it - I can't stand the smell of smoke on clothing or furniture, OR in the air.
   
6. I have moved over 30 times in my life - and attended 16 schools growing up.
   
7. My left ear is pierced three times, and my right ear is pierced twice – and even though as a teenager I thought I would always wear tons of earrings, I never wear more than two.
   
8. When I sneeze, sometimes air comes out my right lower eyelid. (I asked my Pastor once if that ever happened to him, and he stepped back, looked at me like I was a freak and said, "No.")
   
9. I want to be a missionary when I grow up.
   
10. It is important to me that a book "feel" right before I buy it. I prefer paperbacks to hardbacks, and can reject a book strictly because I do not like it's cover. I absolutely loathe dust jackets.
    
11. One of the highlights of my life was meeting the missionary women that had been held captive in Afghanistan when they appeared at a Women of Faith conference. I met them when I got my Prisoners of Faith book signed that my friend Kate bought for me. One of the other biggest highlights of my life was watching her get all nervous about talking to them when it was our turn! She is one of the most confident people that I know – and this was an absolute role reversal for the two of us. I lurched out with a comment about a intestinal worm story – and Kate stuttered and stammered.
    
12. I take shorthand at about 90 wpm.
    
13. I sing in the shower – loudly and without reservation, and have passed this genetic trait on to my three children.
    

So now that you know a little bit more than you probably ever wanted to about me – how about you?