For Sale:

3 bedroom 2 bathroom home. Has been filled with lots of love, laughter, tears, and silliness*. Many important life lessons taught and learned. Perfect home for a young family to learn the ropes of home ownership/repair. One child and a dog have been added.

Entry hall suitable for basketball or bowling. Expect an annual visit by a lost turtle from a nearby pond scratching at the front door. Dining room has experienced innumerable dinner conversations, homework assignments, and craft projects- eventually completed. Updated kitchen has seen its share of casseroles, Cincinnati Chili, tacos, pulled pork, and chocolate chip cookies. Family room great for hosting birthday parties, Family Home Evenings, movie nights, games, piano practice, and dancing to the "demo" button on the keyboard. Spacious Master Bedroom ideal for discussing important decisions and problems... and other marital stuff. 2nd Bedroom perfect for designing and displaying Lego creations, reading, looming bracelets, and athletic dreams. 3rd Bedroom can be converted from sewing room to baby's room when your prayers are finally answered. Has seen many sleepless nights. Currently used for role playing cooking and baby care, reading, and playing with princesses. Both bedrooms have harbored personal growth as well as growth spurts. 2 car garage provides extra storage and will allow husband to work on projects- usually completed- including 2 Pinewood Derby cars. Most importantly, it will protect you from the rain when you get home. This will never go unappreciated. Lawn has been expertly maintained and is the source of much pride. Spacious, fenced backyard provides clear view of beautiful orange, purple, and pink sunsets. Perfect for playing catch, batting practice, hours of swinging/sliding, and housebreaking a puppy. Beautiful laurel oak provides generous shade and beckons for children to climb. Adequate dirt for digging and making "pies". Yard contains (2) square foot garden boxes when you attempt to grow a vegetable garden- can be converted to a butterfly garden.

Quiet street with friendly neighbors. In the evening, enjoy soft breezes and beautiful starry skies, frequent calls of Canadian geese flying overhead, the faint sound of cheering from the neighboring soccer park, and if you're lucky, a whippoorwill.

* Individual circumstances will influence your experience in this home.

He is Risen! Let the Whole Wide World Rejoice.

Playing 'Possum

The other day I was digging in a planter and unearthed a millipede. He scrambled around and then rolled up into a pitiful ball and lay still. A few minutes later he wriggled to life and went about his business as if nothing had happened. I smiled at such a pathetic response and superiorly thought, "How silly to play dead at the slightest disturbance. Humans meet their challenges head on." 

But then I wondered if playing dead until the coast is clear is a tactic that might have some value, and if it could be worth experimenting with in my own life: I get pulled over for speeding. Play dead. I'm asked to play the piano at church last minute. Play dead. The weekend has left me with a mountain of laundry to do. Play dead. My child remembers they have a huge school project due the next day. Play dead. I have unannounced company and the house is a wreck. Play dead. My kids ask me what's for dinner. Play dead. The possibilities are endless!

Ultimately, I decided it would not be well received. Too bad.

Speaking of playing 'possum, here is one of my favorite commercials.

Geico commercial - Pet Possum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvVCHzJQXic