Living in Plan B

It was a Plan B type of week.

As in Plan A simply didn't get the memo, took off on vacation, and left no forwarding address.

Whatever the reason, life lesson "go-with-the-flow" whistled in the breeze and rose with the sun, consistent and daily.

Life: Our youngest came down with a morning fever {did I mention our kids are rarely sick?} which resulted in my tardiness to a work meeting.
Plan B: Snuggles galore with this little boy typically too enamored with life's adventures to stop for a mere second and hug his mother!

Life: A sushi date ~ two patio seats basked in summer dusk and inviting us to sit, and the Viva Las Vegas Roll calling our name, only to receive word that our oldest son had a 102 fever!
Plan B: Our next date night location and menu selection already anticipated {make that two Viva Las Vegas Rolls}, and the 45 minute drive to pick up the boys from their doting grandparents gifted us much-needed quality conversation.

 

Life: In celebration of Tanner's 4th birthday, Mimi and Papa planned a surprise outing to Zoomar's Petting Zoo {if you are an Orange County local, check it out here}, but had to hit the pause button when the Birthday Boy's stubborn fever insisted on lingering on/off for several days.
Plan B: Quality grandparent time at home ~ movies splurges, puzzle creations, and yes, ice cream cones... 'cuz what birthday is complete without ice cream?

Life: Not enough room in our small bedroom closet.
Plan B: Eying blouses, sundresses, and sandals I haven't worn in a year, a bag full of fabulous finds for any gal in want of a new wardrobe awaits!

Life: Reality reminder from the Anxiety Bug gnawing at financial worries: my 6 week temporary job  has come to a fruitious completion.
Plan B: God's provision in the form of being asked to write a monthly article for TRU, my contribution geared towards encouraging parents. Hello!
Learn about this incredible spiritual parenting ministry, TRU, here.

 

Life: Piecing coolers, smores ingredients, beach towels, and EZ-UP canopies Jenga-style in the Pathfinder, beach-bound to celebrate our now healthy, 4 year-old's birthday in true bonfire fashion, only to discover that not a single beach-pit was vacant!
Plan B: Updating the fam on Birthday Bonfire's new location ~ The Pogue Cottage! Being that Tanner's only wish was to celebrate with his cousins, he was just as excited! Everyone pitched in to create backyard summer magic, and my sister-n-law saved the day by bringing their killer water slide and portable fire-pit! An impromptu makeshift Spiderman banner, blue Ball Jars overflowing with Red Vines, mini Rolos Smores, and clean bathrooms made it the perfect Bonfire Party! Without sand!

Plan B.
It's a looser, hands-open, faith-focused place to live.
Years have taught me that while it's wise to make plans, it's my mindset during the process, the potential changes and shifts in those plans, that directly effect the outcome.
Life doesn't take orders, our calendars only have so much room, and our plans aren't always His plans.
The "go-with-the-flow" approach has carried over from friends I admire, a city oozing with a kick-back vibe, and an unwavering desire to rest confidently in the center of my My Heavenly Father's plans.


Try it.
Go with the flow.
Be flexible.
Be surprised.
Be amazed at how often Plan B grows you in ways Plan A wouldn't.

Just watch, it may better than anything you could have planned!

Oh Happy Day!

Taking a Strengthsfinder pause to celebrate two very special occasions today.

First off, it's my Dad's birthday.

And my dad is simply THE BEST!

On a free day, you'll find him at the beach, possibly perusing an old car show, green ice tea in hand {unsweetened please}, and stopping to eat at El Ranchito or In-N-Out.

With my dad, what you see is what you get. He doesn't play games; he's a straight-shooter. His objectivity and discernment gift him in professional and personal settings.  His ear for piano-playing and passion for music have pleasantly rubbed off on my two boys, who, when with their Papa, request "Sweet Baby James" {aka James Taylor}.

The older I get, the more I desire to emulate my dad. I admire his calm demeanor, and steadfast faith. His loyalty to my mom and our family is unwavering. He's consistent. When I close my eyes, I play the Dad reel and see him chuckling, shoulders rising and falling, taking off his glasses to wipe away the laugh tears. Oh, his laugh!

And his wisdom. When he speaks, my inner ears perk forward to catch each word, even those unsaid. To this day, I can recount his take on the following topics...
on failures... don't look back, move forward.
on family roadtrips... we'll be there in 15 minutes!
on dessert... it has to have chocolate either in, or on it!
on people that are hard to love... just love them!
on life... love God, love your family, and do your best!

So it's no wonder, he used his noggin' and got married on his birthday, thus celebrating today's second celebration... my Mom and Dad's Anniversary!
41 years to be exact!

41 amazing years of  joy, commitment, serving God together, modeling love and friendship, and exercising compromise!
I'm amazed after all these years, how much they enjoy spending time together. Because they do it often. Like every day! Get up together, drive to work together, work at the same Middle School together, and encourage the same group of teachers together. Every Tuesday night their home is open to their Church Care Group, praying for others and soaking in life with old and new friends.

Beyond the fact that they are still married after all these years, the kicker for me, is how much they stinkin' love one another. After four decades, they've coursed through career changes and simultaneous jobs, miscarriages, and room additions. They've shared sorrows in burying one or both parents, while rejoicing at the birth of their grandsons and grand-daughter. Legacy-builders is what they are. And they do it with class!

Oh, Happy Day, Dad {Pops}! and Happy Anniversary to you and Mom! Today, I gift you with a Prayer of Blessing. A blessing is what you both are, and may these words ring in your hearts as a reminder:

Father, bless Mom and Dad today. Bring boundless episodes of shoulder-raising laughter. Renew in them a sense of their calling, both individually and as a team~ a calling not of doing, but of being. Whisper peace to their hearts regarding the concerns they don't voice, and surround them with people that are life-giving and encouraging. May you multiply their years ahead, and continue to open opportunities for them to share You with their neighbors. Remind them they are loved. They are valuable. They are priceless~ to us, and You. Bless them today Lord, and every day that follows.