The day we witnessed a miracle

On October 3rd 2010, my husband, Jason Paul, was in a collision on I-80 with a semi on the way home from Newton, where he worked. There was an ambulance on the way back from Iowa City and a car with nurses on the way home from a conference right behind him. All four of these fabulous individuals pulled my husband out of his mangled car and bandaged him up and got him off the interstate to be flown by helicoptor to the hospital where his left arm was amputated to the shoulder. I arrived at the hospital (alone) right as he was being wheeled into surgery. I felt very relieved he was still alive, but before the 4 hour surgery they did not know if there was any brain injury or spine injury. Until my siblings arrived for support there was a very long moment of lonliness, despair and horrific fear that gripped my soul. The thought of being a widow or having a severly disabled husband was too much to bear. These moments tell us who we are as individuals. I remember the walk to the surgical waiting room very well and the "self-talk" that was going through my head. I was thinking of calling his family and how I would console them, of our children and how I would be a good mom through this and our friends and how the upcoming plans and promises would need to be broken. Our jobs, our finances and our daily responsibilies crossed my mind..my head was getting filled quickly with all the "what-is" of our future. Then I sat down, closed my eyes, dried my tears and said a prayer. Knowing that I needed help that second, I called on the only person that could help at my time of need..God! I asked for His comfort, His strength, His guidance and the 23rd psalm filled my mind...As I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will not fear, for God is with me. I gave my worry and doubt to God and told myself Jason would be fine and our life will be better in the end. I know the Holy Spirit was at work within me..strengthening me and giving me that assurance and strength. When my siblings arrived, they brought with them their faith and their hope and when our friend Cindy arrived and started praying, .I knew everything would be ok..and I genuinely felt it. As more family and friends arrived my assurance and faith gained strength with every well-wisher. Jason came out of surgery and started to heal. He had another surgery a few days later and was out of the hospital within a week. Four months later he is training for a triathlon and to me..seems to be a stronger and happier man than he was before the accident. He now has a prosthetic arm and is back to work. We were able to go to Dinsey world with my family a few weeks ago and many times I forgot he only had one arm..I kept handing him more things to carry..lol, He seems as good as new and even better!

I believe a miracle saved my husband that day. It was a miracle having all those people there to quickly respond and stop the bleeding. The fact that his artery was severed for 90 minutes and he did not loose that much blood is a miracle. His quick healing was a miracle and his positive spirit is amazing. God has carried us through these past four months in his hands..we feel so blessed! Praise God!

Auditioning at the Playhouse

What's it like to audition at the Des Moines Playhouse???

Well my daughter and I auditioned for Annie a few weeks ago and I though I'd share the process..in case anyone was thinking about doing the same. Well rule #1 is to find a vocal coach to help you prep the song. There were 175 people trying out and only 7 spots for kids..so we knew the first impression...our voices...were essential. We asked my friend and vocal teacher Vanessa Grimm to work with Emily and I a few times. Emily (7 yrs old) chose "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music and I chose "Show Off" from The Drowsy Chaperone. We both made up choreography and memorized our lyrics. ***RULE #2*** Always sing a Broadway song and never from the show you're trying out for. O-and make sure you bring an original piece of music (no copies) accompanists are always provided..make sure you've practiced with someone playing the piano part on the music so you know what it sounds like.

The big day arrived..we got plenty of sleep and arrived 30 minutes early...I decided to look pro and buy a dance skirt (for my turns) and some character shoes (for dancing) at the theatrical shop... I least wanted to look like I had done this before (which I hadn't). We had to wait in line and fill out our audition sheet and all of our conflicts on the calendar. They took pictures of us and gave us a sticker with our # on it (145 and 146). We filed into the theatre and listened to instructions..I changed into my new shoes and was ready to raise my hand to go first...like the brown noser I am...but they proceeded to tell us we would audition in groups of 20 in the order we were numbered..it was now 6:20 and my daughter's bedtime is 8pm..wow ...this was going to be a long night. They shooed us all out and Em and I decided to go get a bite to eat and do some pre Halloween shopping to get our mind off the audition. We both had a cough...so we went and got some medicine too. We called our awesome sitter Crystine for reinforcements and she met us at the playhouse at 8:30pm. We chatted and played games...still not our turn....I reapplied the lipstick and got my dancing shoes on again..we decided to find a quiet nook and performed our pieces for the video camera and Crystine for practice. It was 9:30 and finally our turn. We walked in and sat down..we had to go up and get in line (no more than 3 in the line at a time) when it was approaching our turn. At this point I was a bit nervous. I turned to my 7 yr old and whispered..."Are you nervous?" She looked at me in amazement and said, "Why would I be nervous?" I decided to smile back and shut my mouth :) She was before me (thank God) and was amazing...she had seen from the 10 people that auditioned in front of us that the piano player was omitting the piano introductions (I'm sure time was the issue), when it was her turn...she instinctly marched up the stairs, across the stage, handed the music to the piano player...pointed to where she was going to begin, smiled..got front and center, turned to the accompanist, nodded her head, and started. I'm sure if someone would have snapped a pic..my mouth would have been agape..my eyes in amazement. I was so impressed with her confidence, pitch accuracy and beautiful singing. Before I knew it..it was my turn..holy moly..I started to shake, my palms got wet and I started to pray, as I handed my music to the guy and found my starting pose..I looked out and thought..."Who am I trying to impress?" And with that one thought I let it all hang out and let loose..complete with growling and hip thrusts..well in good taste of course :) They cut me off (they did to everyone) but I was happy with my performance and walked down with pride. I smiled and hugged my daughter and politely watched the rest of the people audition. I was glad it was over and started to feel that I was indeed getting sick...we left that night and I gave Em a little pep talk about how even though we had great auditions, we may not make the show, because they could be very picky, and maybe this is not the show we will be in. Before I got to bed I had a message on my VM..they had called me back for the next round of auditions..but not Emily. I decided I'd wait until after school the next day to tell her..the high she was feeling and the pride was just so great to watch. They gave the kids a sticker that said "I auditioned for Annie" she saved it in her sticker book so it would still be sticky the next day and she could wear it to school (how priceless!)

My callback was very fun...although I was getting very sick at that point and had taken every over the counter cold and flu med I could find...I still felt pretty crummy. I wore pants this time, but still wanted to get some wear out of those fancy new shoes (God help me not trip!). I came in and counted 30 kids that were called back and 34 adults. They gave us a little pep talk and we proceeded to audition for new new people that were not the in the previous audition (not good...my best asset is my voice..not my dance moves) They had all the kids leave to dance and and they had us read from the script. I had put down that I wanted to try out for Ms. Hannigan...I could sing all of her songs from memory already...I love the show! It became very clear that they did not want a 34 yr old Ms. Hannigan..but someone who was over 45. They had me read Grace and Lily lines and I even made the director laugh (good sign) I read with confidence and never tripped over my words...I though I did great...definitely one of the best.

We then went down into the basement of the playhouse and found this room with a wall of mirrors and met the choreographer. She had us do creative movement and tell a story through our dancing...good I can be creative..it was fun..and I got to know some other people as our movement interacted..nice people. She then taught us two different dances that we performed in smaller groups many times so she could watch everyone. This was hard and at that point I had wished I had worn sneakers. She had us leaping across the stage and I was sweating something fierce after this was all over..it was quite a work out. I was concentrating very hard and I tried my best..I missed a few hits and might not have lept as high as some of the others. I left that night thinking I was going to get another call back..the director had not even heard me sing yet.

I thought my performances at least would earn me an "ensemble" part. No dice...no 2nd call back and when they listed the cast list 48 hours later my name was not there. So sad :(

A smart friend might say..."They didn't know you..they only give out parts to people they've worked with before" or "Maybe next time.." or "Maybe it wasn't part of God's plan for you to be in the show"

A week later..my pastor talked to me and offered to pay me to help with the Christmas program. I accepted (I have to have a stressful Christmas.... I wouldn't know what to do with myself otherwise! :) Now at least I'll make money doing a show with my daughter and giving back to other children and helping them shine instead of being in the spotlight and having my daughter be sad that she didn't make the show and her mom did. I was able to then explain to her that even if you have a great audition, they still may not choose you....it was good for her to see. And I learned I'm good enough to get a callback at the DSM playhouse... and maybe I'll be in a show someday...when it's the right time.

I'm glad I did it..it was a fun memory with Emily!

Big News!!!

Hey I have some big news! I went to a children's music festival and have been motivated to write my own children's music album. I met "Funky Mama" from Kansas City and she urged me to write an album and perform my songs to kids and families in DSM. Well, I prayed about it and thought about it and I feel it is my calling.

Sooo...I'm well on my way to developing a business....
Name: Debbie Doo Wop
Website: debbiedoowop.com (not ready yet as of 10/5)
Blog:debbiedoowop@blogspot.com
My space; debbiedoowop
Facebook: debbiedooowop
or follow debbiedoowop on Twitter :)

i'm working on an album right now (writing and finding musicians)
if you ever want to give me input, please email me at debbiedoowop@gmail.com :)
Blessings..and wish me luck!

How to save time in the kitchen???

The best way, of course is to go out to eat (my fave!)...that seems to save a lot of time in the kitchen, because you're not even in it :) Seriously, I think the secret is good planning and shopping. I recently went to a moms conference called hearts at home and it was amazing. They had speakers talking about how to be a better mom and who doesn't need a little coaching? One speaker raved about making meals in advance..spending an entire day cooking and dirtying up dishes to eat for a month (approx). So i tried it...twice now..and it was great. I still prefer cooking with fresh veggies and being spontaneous, but it's nice to know I have yummy meals in the freezer when we're busy, I have a sitter or a friend needs a meal. I bought a book at the conference with some recipes and I also made of some of my favorites, but 4x as much and packaged and froze it in family friendly portions. We like to take our lunches to work so too much is a good thing for our fam. I would recommend trying interesting new recipes 1st, we still have 4 meals of sweet and sour ciobasa (not the best) and my kids just do not like homemade mac and cheese (kraft rules). So I went shopping and bought huge packages of ground beef and chicken and went to work. It was fun to do it during a lazy Saturday in the winter..when the kids would take turns with mommy (1 at a time) and the other two would play or watch movies. But during the summer months I have not had any time to cook all day..we're just having too much fun outside. So I've been doing smaller things, like when I make dinner, I make 2x as much and put the 2nd pan in the freezer or leave it in the fridge for 4 days and cook it again. Or when I make bfast...make 2x as many pancakes or cook 2 packages of bacon and just reheat for quick mornings. Left over biscuits from dinner can be made into bfast sandwiches if you cook up some scambled eggs while you're cleaning up dinner, put the bacon on top..slap a slice of cheese, pop them in a freezer bag and toss in the freezer...then just defrost in micro and minute and heat up a minute and nice hot bacon egg and cheese biscuit (yum yum). Also..i love to make pies! They're pretty easy if you have the crust ready. (beef pot pie, turkey pot pie, egg quiche, cheeseburger pie, tomato pie, fruit pies etc.) The key is the crust. I use refrigerated dough a lot..buy a bunch on sale and you can freeze them. Then always keep a couple in the fridge..then you're always ready..flaky crust is yummy...so crack an egg and whip with some milk and brush it on top of your crust before you pop it in the oven...yummy flaky crust :) You can also let the kids help roll it out or cut out shapes with butter knife or help flute it. If it's just your fam eating..what does it matter what it looks like? Also..put tin foil over fluted edges if it needs to bake more than 45 minutes..you don't want burnt edges..and keep and eye on it..reducing heat if it starts to get too brown.

Another fun way to make a bunch of meals is to get some girls together on a Sat..have daddies bbsit and go to someone's big kitchen and cook a bunch of meals and trade so everyone goes home with a new dish, recipe, and more for the month. Just google recipes or freezing tips. I love the Internet! Here's some great tips I learned:

1. When freezing foods you cook, have them cool to room temp before you seal the bag or container and it reduces ice crystals on food.
2. If using freezer bags always write on them before you put the food in and lay flat on table to get all air out and freeze flat..you can fit more in your freezer that way.
3. Freeze in different portions...(ie soup..single for lunches and bigger for family)
4. Pie Dough...use an hour on a Sat and make 20 crusts (the kids will love it) make a big batch and divide in to 20 round balls...freeze in freezer bags and pull out one or 2 the night before you will use them and they will keep for up to 1 year...i just made a tomato pie last week with crusts from last Sept out of my freezer and even my picky sis couldn't tell (remember the egg wash). I did look fabulous! :)

I also just got introduced to "America's Test Kitchen" Cook books..these people cook a recipe 100 times and find out exactly how to make it super yummy and give very specific directions. These recipes are pretty fail-safe and very good. Also a good friend from church, Stephanie, let me borrow a 30-minute American test kitchen cookbook, so not only are the recipes fail-safe, but they only take 30 minutes to prepare...sweet!

Another way I save time is planning out the meals for the week and posting them on the fridge, so I only think 1x a week, then I make sure I have all the ingredients before the week starts and get my meat out of the freezer the night before so I'm not stuck picking up an ingredient before dinner at the store or wasting time defrosting meat.

As my children have gotten older they've gotten pickier palettes, we have more activities to drive them to around the dinner hour, and nutrition is even more important. I am ultimately responsible for having them try new foods, teach them how to eat healthy and to have a healthy mindset about something I love so much (FOOD!)

Bon Appetite!

My Ministry of Interruptions

As a mom and teacher I have goals...I have endless lists of things that need to get done every day and week. I try to start organized and I even schedule in time to exercise, relax, and even pray. But lately..and maybe it's the time of year..I feel overwhelmed by interruptions. I have things that should only take only a hour (cleaning the house) and they end up taking 3 becuase I'm teaching my 7 year old how to empty the dishwasher, or overseeing my 4 year old mopping the floor. Or, just the other day, right in the middle of me making cookies for a church function, the 4 year old overflows the toilet and in the meantime the cookies burn while I'm stopping the flow, and I have to start all over, but I'm out of eggs, so I have to get everyone's shoes on and head to the store and right as we start to load the van, my 7 year old son tells me we should ride our bikes because it's better for the enviornment and we can get exercise (nice guilt trip). At this point my small window of time I allotted for these tasks are gone and we have to be somewhere...AHHHH! Why do I always have to get interrupted? it can be so frustrating. But as I wind down at the end of the day...I look over how it went and try to find Jesus in the day...and there He is..in teaching my kids how to do chores, spending time with them, walking to the store and laughing at the funny dog we always pass and saying hello to my favorite neighbor I never talk to becuase I'm always in a rush. As I look back at my last week, everytime I felt Jesus and the holy spirit were working through me..I was being interrupted. Yes, I enjoyed and could tell that I was doing the work of God in those moments, but I continue to beat myself up about the daily "work" that didn't get done because of those interruptions. I think to Jesus's life and how many interruptions He had. In john 4:1-26 Jesus sat down at a well to take a rest and a Samaritan woman was came over to draw water. He was on his way to Galilee, and he was just taking a break, and changed that wonan's life by the conversation they had. In Luke 19, Jesus met Zacchaeus, a tax collector. He was on his way into town (goal-oriented), and noticed Zacchaeus in the tree. Jesus asked hime to climb down so he could spend some time with him.
Ministry, for Jesus, was the person standing in front of Him: the woman at the well, a tax collector, someone who needed healing, someone who had a question for him. Ministry for you and me is the same. It's the people standing in front of us: our spouse, our kids, our family, our friends, and even complete strangers.

You never know when you're doing God's work on earth. Pray daily that God can work through you. And I'll try not to get so mad at those "interruptions".

34 is just a number!

I learned in my 20's that planning my own parties was the best way to have a fabulous birthday! I usually make a week of it..and man do I make it known..no one in family would ever forget my birthday..becuase of all the reminders I sneak in their calendars :) And Facebook! What a great invention! Mr. Facebook reminded all of my friends of my special day! I also have the kids decorate signs that I hand up in my honor (hey..i do the same for them) :) I go out to eat mutiple times during the week and I always plan an "adult party" at a place where one might consume an adult beverage :) Here are Deb's bday rules:
1. Never cook on your big day
2. Shopping is a must
3. Absolutely no cleaning!
4. Surround yourself with people you love
5. Eat some of your favorite foods
6. Hug at least 10 different people
7. Shower others with LOVE
8. Wear an outfit you look great in and are comfortable (you'll need it for all the yummy food you consume)
9. Thank God - Big Time!
10. Dance!

I thought I'd be smarter at 34...and richer :)
Thanks God for another fabulous year!

DESMOINES DADs.com

Is "Mommy and Me" a PC tagline??? Not in Tiny Tots. There is a growing culture of stay-at-home dads in the DSM area and I am blessed to know a few. Scott Wirth has been bringing his kids to Tiny Tots for about 4 years and Samantha recently "aged out" and is starting Kindergarten this fall. He has made me change words to songs and rhymes and reminds me weekly that bonding with dad is of equal importance to a child's musical growth :) He started an At-home dad network of men. They have weekly playgroups, monthly dad's night out and family events as well. They even have a website you can give out to any stay-at-home dads you know http://www.desmoinesdads.com/ Here's a little excerpt from the website...

"Being an at-home dad can be an isolating experience. There have been at-home parents from the beginning of time. Our culture, though, is still unfamiliar with men taking this role. As At-home dads, we have unique challenges in understanding our identity and connecting to other dads for fellowship and friendship. "

I believe God is at work in this great group of men and I've even run into them at the park..it's a fun sight! I heard they recently grilled out at Greenwood park one afternoon, kids were in the wading pool and they had great food and playtime. Sounds like those men are doing a great job! Please refer any at-home dads to this free Tiny Tot class!~