Still running for the cheese (or why this blog still exists)

As my regular readers can tell, this has been a dry year for me. Just look at the number of posts this year vs. 2008! Awhile back, I had considered either shutting down the Maze, or starting a new blog that would more accurately reflect where I am in life now. Truth be told, sometimes I come here, look around, and feel distinctly hypocrytical about the things I want to write. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ever be in that kind of place.
As the time in between posts has grown longer, I came to realize something. Without the past years' material, where I am now makes very little sense. What good is the destination without the journey? As Christians, so much of the best stuff that happens to us is in the times God is molding us to His image. To throw away the evidence of that process would somehow cheapen the result, I think.
So, here we are, dear friends. I think my little mousie may just have rounded a corner finally. Some things will change around here to reflect the changes in my heart. And you know what? That's ok. As much as I typically rage against anything changed in my life, I'm learning to accept the God-given ones. My prayer is that some of you may be encouraged by what you read here. Hey, you may even be challenged. And of course, if you know me, then you know you always stand a good chance of being offended too. Not intentionally, to be sure! Just know that what you find as you wander this Maze with me may surprise you as much as it does me.

All that to say this:


Welcome to



Tuesday, September 30, 2008

File this under...

"People who probably shouldn't be famous but for some messed up reason...are."
What a file tab huh?
This post may offend readers, but probably not as much as Mr. P.'s post on the same topic. Although, if you're not easily offended by coarse language, it may give you a chuckle.
Let's have a little chat about famous people and how they got that way. Last night on TLC, the Duggar family's new series began. Mr. P. and I always have some pretty interesting conversations when it comes to 2 types of shows. Baby-related shows, and wife-swapping shows. So when I mentioned to him about clan Duggar's latest effort (take that how you will), he frothed at the mouth for a bit about how their fame is just as unwarranted as Paris Hilton's. And ironically, they're all famous for about the same reasons. Wait, Mr. P., surely you aren't equating this fine upstanding Christian family to a porno-filming, consequence-dodging, media whore? Oh yeah. Shocked
But his reasoning did make me think on this most of the night. What is it that makes people either love or hate the Duggars? Likewise, people either love or hate Paris. And really, how did these people get so famous?
With Paris, it doesn't take that much imagination to figure out the how's and why's of her fame. As Mr. P. put it, she got a record deal 'cause she knows how to blow. Not that that couldn't be said of other starlets, but let's try to stick to this particular piece of work. (BTW, anyone remember her stab at musical fame? Bwah. ~shudders~)
But then we have the Duggar family. I'll admit they are not the typical family, what with 17 kids and all. But, and this is a big but, they certainly are not the only large Quiverfull family out there. They're merely the one captured by the media most often. And if we're gonna go down that road, Mrs. Duggar doesn't even hold a childbirth record. So why the buzz over them? Is it the "J" names for the kids? Is it the throwback clothes and hair? Is it just shock and awe at the notion of a married couple never using birth control? Egads how irresponsible! I think it's a variety of those reasons. That, and people like to snoop in on others' lives. (After all, that's the meat and potatoes of reality tv. A chance to legally pry into someone else's life for an hour of so every week.)
I think I agree with Mr. P. to a point that the Duggars wouldn't have half of what they do if it weren't for their fame. Then again, their fame has also challenged people's notions of what a family is, should be, or could be. I know that it's been my friendships with QF mamas that has begun to change how I look at my own kids, and how I think of other people's families as well. I'm of a mind that a little tolerance goes a long way, and isn't a fresh outlook always a good thing?
So, maybe the truth is I'll be filing this all under "Things I haven't really figured out but will still blog about and hound Mr. P. about til that day I do clear the brain fog". Hey, that's even better tab! Let's go with that for now.

Til next squeak,

Monday, September 29, 2008

MWUHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Rise, my minions! Raise The Roof 1
ROFL!
I'm a dork and get a real kick out of the fact that now I have 4 followers of this silly lil blog.
Props go to Mr. P., Cat, and Lori! Thanks guys for making my day today.


Til next squeak,

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Who's on first???

Melanie is the first squeaker to follow this blog! Woot woot! So guess what you win? Ermmm, your own post? Yeah, that sounds good.
ROTFL Thanks for making this lil maze (and me) feel special!


Til next squeak,

So that's the difference!

Mr. P. and I love going to the movies when we have the chance. It's not too often we get to go, but we almost always agree on what to see.
Everyone I know is all a-flutter about Fireproof, which is apparently the fall's biggest chick flick. Bleck. Not my thing. I know that makes me a bad Christian, bad wife, bad woman, and probably a bad person in general that I find that movie just sappy and ridiculous.
Mr. P. and I are hoping to have the extra funds (heck, any incoming funds, but that's a different story) in October to see Saw 5. Mwuhahahahaha! I guess that's just the kind of people we are. A gory murder thriller will do more for our marriage than an uplifting little movie about saving ones marriage through God. Speaks volumes huh?

Til next squeak,

Monday, September 22, 2008

Monday Meme

This week has flown by! So you know what time it is! Meme me baby one more time!

1) If you had to exchange souls with someone you know for one day, who would you pick? Hmmm. Either Mr. P. so I could gain more insight into what makes him tick (incidentally, he's my Timex...don't ask), or one of the supermoms I know so I can see how it's done firsthand.
2) When were you happiest to come home? Probably every time since we've lived here. I've got lots of great memories of this place.
3) What is your favorite part of the yesterday? Taking a nap while the kids were with SIL and her gf. Yeah, that was good.
4) What has been your greatest accomplishment in life so far? This, right now. Ain't it grand?
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Heheheh. Someone took the time to hang up their stuff before gettin' it on. Heheheh.

Til next squeak,

Happy Halloweeners!

Welcome to the Halloween edition of the Maze! Bounce

We're one of those Christian families that actually really enjoys Halloween. Even after a few years of watching the hard feelings and division it can cause amongst people of faith, it still kinda boggles my mind.
Anyway, I decided to have some fun with my little mousy friend as the holiday season nears. He's got his wittle punkin hat, and will be sporting a new look for each holiday.
Yes, I'm a dork and proud of it.
Thanks to www.scrapblog.com for making this all easy to do!

Til next squeak,

Saturday, September 20, 2008

In the moment

Have you ever heard the phrase, "live for today"? What do you first think of when you hear it? I know that because of my personal background, living most of my life as an unbeliever, I tend to think of people who're out doing crazy stuff. Ya know, druggin', drinkin', skydivin'. Well, definitely the first 2 at least.
So now that I'm a Christian, how does my worldview change when I hear that phrase?

This morning, I was listening to Natalie Grant's song Live For Today. Funky huh, how these things work out?
Here's the lyrics:

Sittin' in my room staring at the wall
Wonderin' about the meaning of it all
Why is it this thing called life
Has got me goin' crazy
So I open up your word and let it speak to me
The purpose and the plan that you've designed
Is clear to see, and I believe

Chorus:I'm gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in your way
I'm gonna let my little light shine
Like there's no tomorrow
I won't worry about the past
I know my future is intact
So I'll choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna live it for today

You told me not to worry
About what lies ahead
So I am gonna focus on today instead
Making every moment count and counting
Every single blessing
I'm gonna set my mind on the
Here and the Now
This is what I want my life to be about

And this is How...

Good song huh? Look at what I've bolded. I think as Christians, maybe we should live in the moment a little more. I tend to think Christ did. He traveled all over the place, grabbed all kinds of people by the heartstrings, and really, who else changed this world like no other?
Think about what your day throws at you. I know mine can get beyond crazy. If we just take those moments to count the blessings, which I think is a big part of living for today, maybe we'll just find that God will douse us with an extra measure of grace to get through the day.
Think about it for a sec. What the nuttiest thing that happens where you can find a blessing? How about running out of toilet paper, "after the fact"? Yeah, you guys all know what I'm talkin' about. What if you looked at it as a few moments to praise Him for all those little blessings, totally uninterrupted, rather than a huge panicky inconvenience? Strange, yes, but worth it. If you look, you can find all kinds of moments like that in your day.
And hey, if your not a believer, still take that moment on the pot to contemplate your day! Because you never know what tomorrow may bring. It just may be that today is your last day as an unbeliever. Tomorrow might very well be the day that the one thing, one person, one event that'll change your mind will happen. And trust me, you'll never be the same again.
So let's take today and just live. You never know what may happen in the moment.

Til next squeak,

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Many and few

I've started and stopped this post more times than I can count in the last week. And I've even changed the title a few times as well. There's been so much on my mind lately, and so few words to express it all.
We as a family have come to a place of turmoil. Well, pick your "T" word, really. Trial, testing, turmoil, trouble. They all spell out the same thing. We're kinda S.O.L.
You see, Mr. P. recently lost his job. And it's not the easiest thing in the world to find a new one after you've been fired.
That said, I've been thinking lately about how I've always heard people of the Christian persuasion say in times such as this that they do not understand how people without Christ can survive. That their faith, and specifically God, carries them through with peace. Honestly, I've never understood that remark. I've spent only the last 2 and a half years of my life as a Christian, and I feel a lot of the time that I can relate more to the unbeliever than to "my own people". Oftentimes when I would hear such a comment, I would think to myself, "Well, you just do. It's not like there's much choice. You've gotta get by." Not Sure
In the last 2 weeks though, I haven't felt the panic that typically consumes me when my family goes through our "T times". Not to say that I haven't been concerned! But I haven't been the screaming, crying, teeth-gnashing, wailing beast that I normally turn into. I think I'm beginning to get this whole "peace that surpasses understanding" thing.
So that was what I was thinking at church last Wednesday night.
Last week was something special, fo' sho. We had the Roar Tour come through. Now admittedly, I was seriously biased toward loving this from the start. Charles Ciepiel was our church's worship leader, and boy, I miss his flair on Sundays. Mr. P., my mother, my aunt, and the boys were all able to come. Ooh I just knew this was gonna be great! Ah if I only knew just how great!
Aside from all the other things I've been wanting to talk about that I experienced that night, one thing is very mind blowing. Well, at least to me. I'm a very pragmatic sort. When I hear people talking of their personal spiritual revelations, I tend to think that more often than not, they are flights of fancy that the speaker in question wishes were true. I know, I know. One of my less endearing qualities, but nonetheless, it's true.
During one of the songs, I was overwhelmed with, dare I say, a compulsion to sit and open up the Bible in front of me. I had left my own copy at home, and when it comes to God's Word, I'm pretty inept at shuffling through any version but mine. Anyway, I didn't know what I was looking for, or even if I was looking for something specific. But, when I got the Bible out of the pew, here's what it opened up to in my hands.

James 1 (emphasis my own)

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

A lot of this chapter spoke to me about so much going on in my life lately. Not just in our family, but in my personal and spiritual life as well. Now how's that for a kick in the pants?
Despite the chastisement (at least that's what I'm getting out of it Oh Jeez ) in parts of this chapter, what really stuck out at me was "Consider it pure joy". I feel like God is about to do something with us, and I'm just hoping we're not too boneheaded to miss it. There's still so many things on my mind, and still so few words to explain it all, but at least this one thing I know. I will always consider it pure joy, whatever comes my way, because the Lord my God is with me.

Til next squeak,

Monday, September 15, 2008

Monday Meme

Looks like Cat has come up with a good one this week! I can't make any promises that my answers will be marvels of well-thought out prose because I'm still feeling quite punchy, but I'll give it my best shot.

1) Are you a leader or a follower? Ha! Neither! I'm a proud slacker, lazing about in all my scrimshanker glory. I don't have what it takes to lead, yet I'm too stubborn-minded to lead. So there you have it.
2) Who is the person you are most candid with? Mr. P. And isn't that how it should be? Lol Although I'm sure he'd say I'm perhaps a bit too candid with him.
3) What one thing in your life would be easiest to change, but you’ve never gotten around to it? Oh Lordy, pick one. Um, let's go with my housekeeping skills. Ok, so lack of.
4) If you could convince any single person to change his or her mind about one thing, who would you pick and what topic would you work on? Now this is a very hard one! I've been butting heads lately for my devilish liberal ways (can you see my eyes rolling?) so I can think of a few dozen people and a few dozen topics! Bah, maybe it's easier to say I'd change my mind!
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Heheheh, owl. Owls go hoot. Mmmm Hooters. I could go for some wings about now.

Til next squeak,

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Monday Meme

Monday meme, full of Tuesday goodness. Yeah, it's just that good.
1) What has been the most insincere expression of faith you have ever witnessed? Honestly, when I heard my dad converted to LDS (I heard this after his death), my first thought was, "Pffftt, yeah right."
2) If you could paint each room in your house a different color, what colors would you paint them? And not have to pay extra on the deposit when we move? Suh-weeet. (can you tell I'm sick of renting?) Um, I'd do some shade of green in the living room, maybe reds and yellows in the kitchen. Bathrooms I'd leave to the kids, just for fun. Our bedroom would be up to Mr. P. (NO BLACK!!) and for the boys' room? Hmmm, maybe one wall done with that chalkboard paint, and the others I'd leave up to them.
3) What is the biggest myth about sex? I'm really not one to answer this, mostly because I tend to think more like a horny teenage guy when it comes to sex. I'd say that the myth of married couples "making love" needs to go. Frankly, sex is sex. And if you can't get at least a little freaky most of the time, well, you're missing out.
4) Who is the most charming person you’ve ever met? Kinda dread answering this one. "T" is the most charming, hands down. But more in a "serpent in the garden" kinda way.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.


I've been fighting the urge to just hole up and hide away from humanity lately. This pic sums up where I'd rather be. Wonder if they make bumper stickers to that effect?

Til next squeak,

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Feelin' sentimental, or maybe that was just mental?

After reading a lovely post of Mrs. Anna T's, I've been feeling rather sentimental all week.
Today, Mr. P. and I celebrate 6 years of marriage. While it hasn't always been tea and roses, it has been the best years of my life. Hands down! One thing we've been talking about lately has been that our years together (9 years as a couple! Yowsa!) have created in us a bond that truly cannot be broken. We've been through so much, and come out the other end. Mr. P. and I both have always had this image in our heads during the hard times. The 2 of us, back to back, against whatever may come. Honestly, we wouldn't have gotten this far if that weren't a true picture of our marriage.
No marriage is perfect, and our's perhaps less than others. I think only by the grace of God are we still getting stronger each day. Well that, and He smacked us both upside the head when we really needed it the most. Smile
The thing that often amazes me about us is the very simple fact that we have been married for 6 years and are only in our late twenties. I was 21 and Mr. P. was 22 when we married. That's awfully young in this day and age. When we look at those we know who either married around when we did, or at least moved in together, as far as we know, we are the only ones still married and growing in love.
Because we married so young, we have had the chance to grow together as people, not just as a couple. We celebrated our 21st birthdays together. We laughed and rejoiced over new jobs and promotions. We teased each other and cried a bit over first gray hairs. (gasp!) We've grieved together and healed from our pasts together. We've gone from silly teenagers to slightly less silly adults.
Marriage is so much more than just sharing a name or a home. It's the bonding of lives and hearts. Really, if that bond is to last and mean something, you've gotta be willing to fight for it, and to forgive when the hurt seems insurmountable.
To Mr. P.~ After these 6 years as your bride, I can honestly say I will always fight for what we have. I promise to try my best not to screw up like I have in the past. I will love you no matter what we face, and we will forever face it all together.

"This is my lover, this is my friend."
- taken from Song of Solomon 5:16

Til next squeak,

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sometimes I revel in it

Only in the ghetto can you get away with this at 9am.
I'm sitting here, laughing maniacally while blasting some seriously bouncin' tunes from a few years ago. Yeah!
Sometimes I revel in it. Just thought I'd share.

Til next squeak,

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Voting Shmoting

Well, no friggin' surprise here at all to those who know me.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?


Your Issue Profile: 56% Obama, 44% McCain
Truth be told, you're not really satisfied with either of the candidates.You could vote for either of them. You are the typical coveted swing voter.
You may want to narrow yourself down to a particular set of issues in order to pick your president.Or start looking at third party candidates. One of them might suit you better.

Til next squeak,

Monday Meme

Since there was no school yesterday, I thought it was Sunday. Oops. Here's another of Cat's Monday Memes done on Tuesday. Only 'cause I'm smooth like that.

1) What would you change about your workplace? ~Well, since I'm one of them there keepers at home (yeah, so I'm unemployed...) I'll just answer this one and #4 as if my home were my job.~ I'd give myself some modern conveniences! Like a dishwasher, a washer and dryer for the laundry, a freakin' car! Ya know, stuff like that. Welcome myself into the 21st century.
2) If, for the good of mankind, you could reverse one scientific discovery, what would you choose? Hmmm this is a toughy! Geez Cat! Maybe gastric bypass. You'd think a fat-ass like me would be on the "slice and dice my guts" bandwagon but I'm not. I think too many people use it because they're too lazy to get off their flabby butts and get to the gym. And guess what? I have the right to say that, seeing as I am a 300+ lb woman at the gym at least once a week, watchin' what the hell I shove down my pie-hole, and seeing some results. So, nyah. (ok off my soapbox now. LOL)
3) What is the dumbest thing people do to make themselves better-looking? I don't know about the single thing people in general do, but the single person who scored the highest in the "making myself look better seriously frickin' backfired" scale was definitely Michael Jackson. Yowsa.
4) If you worked with one person with X-ray vision, who would you least like for it to be? My youngest son, Tank. Oh Lordy. A 5 year old with X-ray vision who never stops running his mouth? Can you picture it? Just try. Ah. You're there, and it ain't pretty, is it?
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
My kids are crazy when it comes to cards. Playing cards, Pokemon cards, Yu-gi-oh cards, baseball cards and random cards that no one has ever heard of. Doesn't matter to them. They loves them cards. And my living room floor often looks like this. Spilled over with cards.
Til next squeak,

 
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