A Chicago Review

SO here's some of what had me so busy in the last few months. The main event was a week long family trip to Chicago to see the off Broadway production of Hamilton. I almost had to sell my firstborn for the tickets but I will say that they were worth EVERY DIME. LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!

Set of Hamilton in at the PrivateBank Theater in Chicago

Bear is very into theater and was beside himself to go. We had never been to Chicago and it was the perfect place to vacation with a 21 year old and 11 year old! It was also right after Braden's 21st birthday so it was great to continue his celebration there. There was so much to do we didn't even get to everything we had planned.

We used VRBO (vacation rental by owner, now known as HomeAway) to book an apartment right in the middle of the city.  It had a rooftop pool which was very neat for us country folk! We were able to negotiate the price down to a budget we felt comfortable paying. This is the third or fourth time we have booked through VRBO and we have never regretted it. Each time we found an owner who was willing to negotiate, partly because we wait pretty close to the last minute to book (I wouldn't always recommend that lol). We chose places that have received good, current reviews and that seems to be key in getting a truly great place.

View from the apartment

In case you go, here's the list of things we visited and loved:

1) Navy Pier - Great family oriented pier on Lake Michigan with shops, restaurants, cruises, 150 ft ferris wheel and much more. They have an amazing firework display twice a week that we really enjoyed.

2) 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Amazing views from the Hancock building on the 94th floor...you can see for 40 miles. There's a glass box you stand in and it TILTS you forward so that you are leaning out over the building looking down. CRAZZZY but exciting! We all did it but Bear was not thrilled about that drop! There's also a sky deck in the Willis Building (formerly the Sears tower) if you are over that way.

3) Architectural cruises - This is something you shouldn't miss, especially if you like history. We all enjoyed learning about the different buildings, seeing the architecture and which buildings were the highest/oldest, etc. It was a beautiful tour that began around the riverwalk area not far from Trump tower. P.S.- Bear wasn't interested in the tour but I kept finding him hanging out with some teenage girls...

4) Chicago Pizza - Oh. MY. I have obviously never truly had pizza before this moment. SO GOOD! An hour wait at lunchtime but worth every minute. Our pick is definitely Lou Malnati's (OK, we only tried 2 pizza places, but Lou's.....oh how I wish I could ship that home!) While we were waiting Bear spotted an mattress store of all things. They had handmade mattresses that were $20K -$50K. He liked them because they were comfy and buffalo check (that's my boy!) but he was really annoyed with us that we would not whip out the checkbook and buy the $40,000 one that he picked out.

Bless.His.Heart.

5) Field Museum of Natural History - I'm not sure if they filmed the movie The Night of the Museum here but that's exactly what it reminded me of. In the center of it was 'Sue', the largest T-Rex discovered. It was incredible! The only thing I would NOT recommend unless your children are very young is the option for the Jurassic Park exhibition (on exhibit until January 2018). We paid extra for this and, well, it was cheesy. At one point one of the dinosaurs was a guy in a suit...after seeing Sue, the real deal, it was just unimpressive. Young children would probably enjoy it though.

6) The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park - Both of these were fun to visit. The Magnificent Mile was a street downtown with store after fancy store. Of course, we had to hit the Disney Store and see the art of Dr. Seuss, just to say we did, but there were many upscale adult clothing stores, etc that would have been fun to browse in if we had more time.

Millennium Park was architectural eye candy...with the giant silver 'bean'. There was also a classical piano concert going on which was wonderful.

7) IFly - This was not exclusive to Chicago but super fun!! The boys got to skydive in a simulator and they LOVED IT! But now I'm terrified because Braden wants to skydive for real and I'm not ready for that!!

8) Oak Street Beach! - It was gorgeous and not something I would have thought to do in Chicago. The water doesn't warm up until August, so it was a little cold but still fun to hang out and eat outside at the grill there. The staff told us that Bill Murray eats there on occasion but sadly we didn't see him this time :(.

People ask all the time about the 'patch' on Braden's arm...he's been asked if it's a ketchup packet? a nicotine patch?.....Nope! it's a wireless insulin pump!

9) Ok, this is going to show my hillbilly roots, but we were really excited to ride in a cab. It had been years for me and Bear had never ridden in one. We learned very quickly that they are not used to Southerners chatting away and they are in a BIG hurry. Like they don't want any chitty chat as you are exiting the cab, LOL. I may or may not have made one a little mad...They like it snappy!

We got to visit with a couple of friends who live there and they guided our choices, so thank you for the wonderful recommendations, my friends! 

There's so much more to do and we just hit the tip of the iceberg! I think it was a great first 'big city' trip for our youngest who hasn't travelled as much as his older brother.  If you are considering a trip I'd definitely recommend visiting Chicago! 

Have a great day! So glad YOU like to chitty chat :) 

Love,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth doesn't get that the point of a vacay is REST....Shew...I stayed home with the sitter, thank the Lord.

Getting Busy

Too busy. 

I've been too busy to write a blog post for all of the summer because I was being a momma and wife. I didn't mean to disappear, honest. 

And now the confession comes. I've written TWO blog posts since school has been back in session and I have yet to hit the publish button.

Because they weren't what I really wanted to say. They were inconsequential and frivolous, about my favorite things and what's in the works and a trip to Chicago. And that's just not life changing, you know?

I couldn't hit the publish button because I knew in my heart I had something more important to say. Swirling around ever since our pastor said it, I can't get it out of my mind:

GOD CALLS BUSY PEOPLE. 

God calls busy people.

There it is. I thought about it and it's true. God's always calling on the ones who are already busy. The fishermen trying their best to catch fish in their nets, who dropped everything to follow Him. They were busy.

Moses, Noah, all the peeps that stand out in the Bible were busy guys.

And the irony of it, this message hit me twofold...I was busy this summer, but once school started back, I found myself with an abundance of free time, with my nose stuck to Facebook and decorating blogs. Housework was haphazardly done, my work is by appointment only and it was sporadic. Yet I was praying, God use me, open up my eyes to what it is you would have me to do. All the while I wasn't truly serving my neighbor (my family) in the way I should. I wasn't exercising, taking care of myself or truly giving my all to anything.

Get busy and I'll show you.

So, in this fall season, I'm also starting a new season. I've signed up for a diet and exercise program (whoa nelly, I know, let's not get crazy!), I'm considering expanding my career, trying to help couples stay together instead of helping them divorce (though my goal as a mediator has always been to see if they would reconcile or at least part amicably) and I'm starting a series of posts regarding marriage and tips about what behaviors to avoid in your relationship. That said, I'll still have decorating posts and whatnot but I'll be honest with you, I don't know what kind of writing schedule I'll be on. If you're patient enough to stick with me, I'll be around.

Are you busy? Have you been like me, piddling away your time, or busy, but without any concrete goals or halfheartedly serving your neighbor? Is it time to make a change? Write down your monthly, weekly and daily goals. Check yourself and see how much more you've accomplished at the end of this month, even in the little things. Don't just wash and fold that laundry - put it away. (Is there such a thing?) Plan your meals ahead of time. Get up extra early to get some tasks out of the way (really??). All the little things add up. 

Thanks for being there, who knows what we'll get into and where God will use us.

Now let's go get busy.

Love,

Elizabeth

Making sure no one else occupies this bed. Someone's gotta do it.

The One Thing My Kids Need to Know

When I left, I didn't know I'd never see him alive again.

But it was so. 

Soon after, I found a feather laying at the doorstep of my office building as if it was placed there just for me. Right or wrong, I had prayed for a sign. I had read about a woman who continually found feathers in unusual places after praying for a sign that her loved one had gone on to live in the arms of angels. I prayed the same prayer and there was that feather.  It was one of the largest feathers I'd ever seen and it was laying on the threshold of the building where I was to be the only one entering that day. I clutched onto it and claimed that as my sign that my dad was with God. On particularly dark days, I would continue to find them, on Dad's birthday, on days that I was really heavy hearted, on days that I desperately needed to believe he was ok.  I wasn't placing my faith in that feather instead of God, but I had seen it as a message from Him to me that Dad was okay. 

Months later, someone was giving a testimony of her faith in our small town. She too, had a very similar story. Her feathers she had found, her loved one that has passed away, her sign from God that all was well.

All the same. 

It was then I thought, this is silly....what am I doing putting all this meaning into an everyday object that anyone could find if they looked hard enough. Surely we couldn't all have the same story.  My faith in God never wavered, but the belief in the feather and what it represented was gone. Into the garbage can it went, that large feather I'd held onto for so long and with it the peace that my father was definitely in Heaven. 

It wasn't that he wasn't a good man. My dad was a great man, a gentle man, and he did many things for many people. Sure, he'd had his faults like any other person, but if anyone went to heaven by good deeds alone, he would be there. He literally wouldn't kill a fly. If there was a mouse in our house, he'd gently trap it and release it outside. He took in stray animals, helped people with their careers, coached little league ball teams, mentored young teens and did many wonderful things for our community. During his career as a judge he was kind and compassionate.

The kind of dad who made you feel like no one in this world was as important as you.

At the end of his life he told my husband that  he knew he was ok, that he was going to Heaven and not to worry.

However, at the end of the day, I believe accepting Christ as your Savior is your assurance to Heaven, not simply being a good person. He had never discussed this with me, so I didn't know what he meant by 'he was ok'.  He never told me what I needed to know.

He had been raised in church and he said all was well, but he hadn't attended church in years and had never spoken to me about his relationship with God, ever. I never saw him read the Bible or mention anything scriptural. During my lifetime, despite being a good moral person, there was no evidence of his relationship with Christ. 

He said all was well, though I couldn't help but feel unsettled. 

This uncertainty instilled in me that I want no one to have to search for evidence of my Christianity after my death. My children will miss me when I'm gone but they will have peace. They hear me talk about God and my relationship with Him, see me attend church, read the Bible. I want to continue to live my life so that my children won't need to pray for that feather.  I want so much evidence that Christ is my Savior that there is no room for any doubt. 

No further sign needed.  

I've already told my kids the one thing they need to know.

A few days after tossing the feather, I was pretty down and out. I had so wished that the feather had really been for me. I got ready for work and walked to my car. I unlocked the door, got in and started the engine. I sat there for a minute trying to compose myself enough to drive the car. The doors were shut and the windows were up. As I reached for the gearshift, I looked down.

In my lap lay a single feather.

Psalms 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

And I believe this one was truly mine.

Love,

Elizabeth

Feathers are awesome.

A Letter To My Grown Son

Sometimes you wonder, did I raise him right? Did I teach him well?  When no one is looking, does he do the right thing?  This child of mine whose room is a wreck, who sometimes sleeps until noon, whose hair needs a little work. The child who stays up too late, leaves the milk out, who's mischievous grin means you've just been pranked.

That one who always carries his phone but doesn't always answer your texts, who leaves all the lights on when he leaves for work, the one who "is a grown-up now, MOM…."

Yes, son, yes you are.  

When you told me what you did, I was a little shocked, and thankful nothing bad had happened.  You are too young to see the danger, but what you saw was more.  

You saw a man in the rain, curled up in the corner against a building.  You didn't look away like I do.  You didn't make assumptions. You saw his suffering. You talked to him, found out his story, you took him in your car.  You gave him words of encouragement and drove him to a hotel. You put him up for a night with the small amount of money a college kid has. 

You saw him.

Maybe all that man needed was to be heard, to feel that he mattered, to truly be seen. You showed him compassion. You looked into his eyes and didn't turn away.  You saw a worthy soul despite his dirty exterior.

The years have made me callous and I wince when I think that I probably would have kept on walking. Been afraid even. Sizing up his situation without even hearing his one word.  Even with my flawed example, you have flourished and I am proud. 

'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’

You saw him.

Yes, you are now grown, my son with the pure heart.

And I truly see you. 

Don't tell him, but this kid has Elizabeth wrapped around his finger.

Love you guys!  

Love,

Elizabeth

BEST PODCASTS - a list of my favs

Hey y'all! January/February has been crazy! We've been traveling but are home now with hopes of getting back to the regularly scheduled program! We had some fun times in Orlando, Florida, ending the trip with a horrible but hysterical picture of me terrified on a roller coaster at Disney. (The kids already posted it on their Instagram. Thanks so much, my loving children).

On to podcasts! I LOVE PODCASTS!! If you haven't discovered them yet, they are like a radio show that you can listen to any time that's convenient for you. There are many different genres, you can listen to series, mysteries, newscasts, how-to, the list goes on. I'm sure there are many ways to listen, but I downloaded a free podcast listening app on iTunes. From there you can search any topic you want to listen to - also free! So wonderful to listen to when you have a boring chore hanging over your head, or you're traveling, etc.

These are the ones I'm currently listening to or have listened to, listed by topic. I'm still discovering these and adding every day, so I may update my list in a few months. So far all the ones I've heard on this list I would consider 'clean'. (If there is an 'E' beside a podcast listing for 'explicit' material, it can range from one curse word to who knows what, Ain't nobody got time for that). Also, some of these are best if you listen to them in order, so scroll down to the bottom of the feed to start at the earliest date listed.

MYSTERY/DOCUMENTARY

1) SERIAL - If you've heard of podcasts, you probably know this one. Season 1 is excellent and is what got me hooked on podcasts in the first place. It's a true series documenting a case about a teenager convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and whether or not he was wrongly convicted. I binged listened while straightening up the house and my home had never been so clean. 

Season 2, for me, was just okay. I admit, I was a little sad.

2) THE WAY I HEARD IT | MIKE ROWE - If you are old enough to remember and love the radio announcer Paul Harvey, you will be thrilled with this one.  Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs, tells an interesting little mystery or little known fact in a Paul Harvey, 'And now you know the rest of the story' style. It's a short, 5 - 10 minute listen and I have loved every one of them.

DECORATING

1) THE CHRIS LOVES JULIA PODCAST Super cute married couple/bloggers talk about decorating their house while giving tips and tricks and giving us little peeps into their lives. Their friend Preston is the commentator. This trio is light and funny, my favorite of the decorating podcasts so far. ***Edited to add -their latest episode has a tiny off color moment in there. Just wanted to give you a heads up that's not the norm!

2) YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HAS A PODCAST Again, a married couple/bloggers who started a podcast from their very popular blog about decorating their home.  I've been listening to them about a month and I like their topics.  I admit that they play this little quiz game that I wish they'd skip, but it's very short. :)

3) DECORATING TIPS AND TRICKS This one is a brand new podcast, by....you guessed it, more bloggers! If you've ever heard of these blogs: Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Stone Gable and My Soulful Home, then you'll know these ladies. I love a french, farmhouse, industrial style and they are all over that. I've only heard three episodes but I've really liked it so far.

MOTIVATIONAL 

1) THE CHARLENE SHOW This powerhouse, Chalene Johnson, (and if I'm not mistaken, the original creator of the Beachbody phenomenon), gives productivity tips for every issue under the sun (not just exercise related). Upbeat and motivational, Chalene talks about nutrition, family and relationship issues and success tips in all areas.

1a) BUILD YOUR TRIBE If you are interested in the business side of things, Chalene also has a second podcast with the same upbeat positive message including topics like 'How To Balance Family and Business' and 'Facebook Tips Every Business Owner Must Know'.  No matter the topic, I love her because she talks to you like an old friend.

2) LAUGH OR GO CRAZY Okay, you know how you have that one friend that you have to prepare people for ahead of time, like...I have this friend, she's really great, but she has some quirks..LOL. This is that friend, disguised as a podcast. This is a podcast featuring a conversation between two friends, both teachers, focusing on how to live their best lives. They started out coming together after the death of a mutual friend, somehow taping messages to each other, which gradually turned into the podcast. I don't even know what's quirky about them, or what draws me in, but I listen every time!? Apparently, they've been taping for years, but you have to buy a membership to get a hold of the oldest episodes. (Booo, I haven't committed to that so far).  They also have a book coming out this year.

SPIRITUAL

1) FOCUS ON THE FAMILY These guys have outdone themselves, because they have a daily inspirational podcast, a marriage podcast, a parenting podcast, an international podcast and the list goes on! I've enjoyed the daily one, but have just discovered the many others. Topics include episodes like 'Practical Help for When You're Overwhelmed' and 'Cherish Your Spouse, Change Your Marriage'. 

2) MUD STORIES I literally just stumbled onto this one today, so give me a little leeway, because I have just listened to one episode. 'Mud' stories are interviews about how God got people through their difficult times. I found it because the host interviewed Edie Wadsworth. Anyone who interviews Edie is an instant friend of mine. If you don't know Edie, she blogs at lifeingraceblog.com. She doesn't write on the blog as much as she used to, but she is an AMAZING writer and there's years of material there to read (she also just came out with a memoir that I'm kicking myself for leaving off of my booklist post, called All the Pretty Things).  I loved Edie's interview and can't wait to download more episodes and check out this podcast.

WRITING

1) THE WRITER FILES If you are interested in becoming a writer, this features a great 10 minute interview with a different author each week. Each writer gives their tips and talks about their habits. There are many, MANY writing podcasts out there, but this is one of two that I have stuck with.

2) THE HOPEWRITERS PODCAST I love this one, a trio of authors talk about how they write about giving hope to others. Hosted by the blogger known as The Nester, her sister and their father.

RANDOM

1) THE CARSON PODCAST I'm again showing my age here, but I hope you know who Johnny Carson was (the most incredible late night talk show host of all time). Listen to interviews from frequent guests that were on the show. I am young enough that I don't recognize all of the guests names, but some of them have a neat twist, such as the man who was interviewed on behalf of Lucille Ball (she had taken him under her wing, even though they had no other connection than him just being a big fan). Other interviews include Michael J. Fox, Steven Wright, Drew Carey,  Florence Henderson (2014), Brooke Shields, Larry King, Pat Sajak, Bob Saget, Carol Burnett (LOVE HER). and the list goes on.

What are your favorite podcasts? Give me some new ones to try!

Y'all, Elizabeth DID NOT take me to Disney.  Therefore,  I think it's only fair that I share her rollercoaster pic. Shhhh. 

PIN FOR LATER!

What's on my bedside table...A Book List and Review

Happy New Year! I've missed you! My Christmas decor is still up, Bear is snowed out of school and I haven't tried out the new exercise equipment I got for Christmas. Not once. I just hate for the newness to wear off or anything...Starting off with a bang!

Are you guys all snuggled in for the winter? With cold weather and snow here, for me that means more time at home curled up by the fire with a good book. If you are looking for something to read, here's what I've been reading and what I plan to read...Over the last month I've gone a little crazy and have been a reading fiend. I'm really leaning toward biographies and other nonfiction lately so there's only one fiction book listed, however, my friend has recommended a few fiction books she liked that I have on my 'Going to Read' List that is included at the end. 

Here we go:

FICTION:

1) Orphan Train by Christina Baker Cline. I admit I listened to this as an audio book on audible.com instead of reading, (so great to listen while I do the dishes!) but I think that counts. I really enjoyed this one about an unexpected friendship between an aging out foster child and an elderly Irish immigrant who years ago was orphaned in New York City.

NONFICTION:

2) Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs...I am in the middle of this one, it drags a bit but I would love to finish it because I truly believe it has such an important message on strengthening your marriage from a 'what men need vs. what women need' scenario.  You can order a workbook to accompany it and I would love to participate or even lead a Bible study on it since it is biblically based. 

3) Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.  Interesting memoir, especially if you are from the hills of Kentucky/Ohio. It kept me reading and comparing my Kentucky upbringing to his. Description reads - "From a former marine and Yale Law School graduate, a powerful account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America's white working class."

4) Call Me Tuesday by Leigh Byrne...another audiobook listened to on audible.com. Heart wrenching story about childhood abuse. Why do I do this to myself?? Reminds me a little of 'A Child Called It', if you are familiar with that one.

5) The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino.   Y'all know I love Chip and Joanna Gaines from the HGTV show Fixer Upper, and this book did not disappoint. Great to read about their faith, how they met and how their business began. 

6) Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill.  I loved it. It's an account written from the point of view of the secret service agent who was assigned to Jackie Kennedy during the presidency of JFK. I do think the agent was in love with Jackie O. Wasn't everyone in love with Jackie O?

7) Still Points North by Leigh Newman. I had never heard of this, it was just a new one sitting in the library so I gave it a try. Not the most profound story in the world, but not terrible, I'm still reading but almost done. A true account of a child growing up in Alaska and the difficulties of her parent's divorce. One I wouldn't pay for, but a free read from the library is doable.

8) The Gospel of Mark -  Lisa Harper. This is a Bible study I'm participating in. I can't tell you how much I fell in love with the author of this study (there's an accompanying video available also if you like to do it in a group setting). She's so relatable, so funny (and she LOVES chocolate, hello?) She's one of those people who teaches with such ease that you forget you are learning. Adore her and getting deeper into the book of Mark. If you like Beth Moore, you will love Lisa.

Edited to add: 

9) I somehow left off a book written by one of my favorite persons on earth, Edie Wadsworth. Her memoir, All The Pretty Things, describes how she faced the hardest moments in her life, from growing up in poverty with an alcoholic father to facing her own demons and finding her faith.

RECOMMENDED FICTION (on my list to read soon):

9) All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.  (Reviews say it's better to read than to listen to on audiobook). A French blind girl and a German orphan cross paths during WWII. 

10) Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Description reads - A baby is washed ashore in a boat on an island where a childless couple lives. Against the husband's judgement, the couple claims the child as their own. When she is two, they return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

11) Cross the Line by James Patterson - The Alex Cross series- action/mystery. (I haven't read this series in a long time, but I usually love all James Patterson books, as long as he is the only author. Not always crazy about the ones with a co-author.)

A FEW OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE READS:

Diary of Anne Frank Anne Frank

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. 

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer.

By the way, there's always a book or two out there that's really popular that I just don't get...this one is a few years old, but I tried it and couldn't finish: The Shack by William P. Young.

Don't hate me if you loved it, but anyone else out there not like it, or was it just me?

Please let me know your favorite book list in the comments! I would love to add to my 'Going to Read' list for this year. I also would like to post on favorite Netflix shows and podcasts, if you'd like to comment below or email your favorites to elizabeth@ellieandelizabeth.com, I'd love to hear them also!

Love,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth got exercise equipment. for. Christmas. As a gift.

I can't stop giggling.