girl talk

It's that time again...

Ok, Pop quiz: What significant sporting event happened yesterday? Long-time readers of this blog will know the answer. Yes, you got it, it was Selection Sunday: the day when the college basketball teams are selected for the NCAA tournament. Watching this March Madness kick off broadcast is a tradition in the Mahaney home. (This year’s tournament is bitter sweet for us though, and you can read why over at CJ’s blog.)

Yesterday was an unusual Selection Sunday as CJ was returning home from the Ligonier Conference and didn’t get home until last night. So Chad had to watch the event by himself. Thanks to me, he almost missed it! I thought it came on at 7pm and was prodding him to study for a science exam with me (such a typical mom I am!). But he double-checked the start time (which turned out to be 6 pm) and science was soon forgotten.

After the selections were made, Chad emailed brackets to all the family members. “Just remember who won last year” I told Chad (in case he had forgotten, I was victorious over all!). “Mom, Florida is not in the tournament this year, so you don’t have a chance!” I reminded him that I didn’t win because I chose Florida. I won because I am a woman and I have intuition on my side. I’m good at these selection things.

But really, it’s not the winning or even the tournament that is important, is it? Traditions (yes, even sports traditions, ladies!) are a chance to make fun memories with my son and the rest of my family. But still, I wouldn’t mind having you all root for me again this year. Can I count on your support? Thank you my friends, and Go Hoyas!

March Madness: CJ, Chad & Me

I must say that being completely ignorant about sports and living with two men (my husband and son) who know everything about sports, I am taking great delight in the fact that I chose UCLA, Florida, Georgetown, and Ohio State on my brackets to go to the final four. And let me also say, these were not CJ and Chad’s four picks.

It takes me all of about two minutes to fill out my brackets while CJ and Chad take much, much longer as they carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each college team match-up, potential upsets, and whatever else they take into account. And yet, who’s winning? And did I mention that I won last year too? Wouldn’t you agree--there’s something to be said for my method?

(Now, if none of this makes sense, you can read about our family college hoops tradition in this post from last year.)

And what does all this have to do with biblical womanhood? Well, I’m not really sure. But I just had to tell...so you could rejoice with me in my sweet victory over my men.

And if you’re curious about what team I chose to win it all, I picked Florida. Why? The reason has nothing to do about my knowledge of the Florida college team. I chose it because that’s the state where I grew up. Go Florida!!!

The Nativity Story

When I go to the movies (which is rare these days due to the lack of anything appropriate to see) I have a hard time deciding which I like better--the popcorn or the movie. I’m happy to report that my most recent movie-going experience found the movie finishing far ahead of the popcorn.

Mike, Chad and I set off this past Friday night to see the new movie, The Nativity Story. My expectations were set low and I prepared myself for a complete misrepresentation of this amazing story. We waited outside until the previews were over (something my dad taught me long ago--thanks, Dad!) consuming half of our popcorn and candy before the movie even started. As soon as it was “safe” we snuck in and found our seats.

I won’t give anything away (like Nicole always does), but I will say that this was one instance where I found myself quite happy to be wrong. To borrow the words of Dr. Al Mohler from his review: “The movie faithfully presents the main thrust of the Christmas story. That is no small achievement. The movie, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, takes some liberties with the biblical accounts found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Nevertheless, the invented scenes and dialogue do not distract from the biblical storyline.”

The Nativity Story also proved to be very moving. It only took about thirty seconds before I was wiping my eyes. I found myself affected once again by the events surrounding my Savior’s birth. He entered this world with a glaring absence of celebration and fanfare: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) It’s a rare occasion when a movie provides such a sweet reminder.

So, consider viewing The Nativity Story if you have time this holiday season. I think you will enjoy what you see.

P.S. Parents, as always, please review this movie yourself before taking your kiddos.

"North and South"

Hey girls, it’s popcorn time. Not the microwave kind! No, you have to go for the real stuff. Pop it in oil on the stove and drench it in butter and salt (I like to add parmesan cheese, but I’m weird). My mouth is literally watering as I am writing this. Okay, all this talk about popcorn is really to recommend a movie. With me, things just start with food. Anyways, I wanted to tell you about a recent girly flick that we discovered and enjoyed called North and South. Not set among the Civil War as you may think, this movie takes place in England in one of the centuries before this one. It’s perfect for that slumber party or girls night. If you enjoyed Bleak House than you will enjoy North and South. So check it out! Happy Friday!

Miscellaneous Monday

The fam was going many different directions this weekend.  I checked in with the crew this morning and here’s the low down…

Dad and Mom were in one of our favorite places, Chatham, Massachusetts this past week, thanks to a gift from some friends. They are flying home today.  No, we were not jealous at all. 

Steve and Nicole celebrated their six-year anniversary on Saturday.  Congrats, y’all!  Nicole also had a doctor’s appointment this weekend, which found baby Whitacre to have a super strong heartbeat.  Yeah!

Kristin is a nut!  Yes, she is the big football fan in our family and last night the Redskins were set to play the Cowboys at 8 p.m.  Well, Kristin’s power mysteriously went out at 6:30.  Within minutes that girl was on the phone with PEPCO (our local power company).  My power was out too, but calling the company didn’t even cross my mind.  I mean, these people are all over this stuff!  But one call was not enough for Kristin.  After being assured that someone was on the way, she called again (yes, again) to make sure that he had arrived.  We all told her that she was crazy.  (Sorry, Kristin, I just couldn’t resist!)  Her precious power was restored just in time for the big game.  (Which by the way, you really have to be on top of the remote these days.  The immodesty of the cheerleaders was grieving to say the least.  Check out this post by my bro-in-law Steve for some wisdom on watching sports and the use of the remote control.)

It’s a big day for my nephews.  Brian, Steve, and the kids are making the trek to Strasburg, PA as we speak to see a real Thomas the Tank Engine.  They get to take a ride on the big blue train and meet Sir Topham Hatt.  Can it get any better?

I had a super weekend hanging out with Caly and Chad.  (Chad has been staying with us while my parents were away.)  Last night was the kick-off meeting for our children’s ministry at church, led by my amazing husband.  Great job, Mikey!  After the meeting it was Redskins vs. Cowboys (and we won’t talk about that pathetic game) with some pizza and cheese sticks on the side.  Yummy!

Before I sign off, I have a couple of links for ya.  One funny and one serious. Josh Harris posted a humorous exchange between him and my dad on his blog.  And Nicole has an article for daughters on “What Does It Mean to Obey?” at Crosswalk.com.

Enjoy your Monday…

Happy Birthday, Mom-Mom!

WE LOVE YOU!

Andrew, Liam, Owen, Jack, and Caly

 

Our Poor Neglected Sidebar

If you’ve been reading this blog for more than a couple months, you’ve probably wondered why it’s taken us so long to read the books listed on our sidebar.

No, we’re not really slow readers. We’re just really busy moms. Which means that when I have to choose between reading Make Way for Ducklings to Jack or updating our reading list on the sidebar, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard win the day.

But I’ve finally coaxed Mom, Kristin, and Janelle into giving me an updated reading list. We’ll try to keep more current in the future. The operative word here, being “try.”

Kristin is just beginning our Uncle Gary and Aunt Betsy’s new book, Love That Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace. Do you want more of the grace of God in your marriage? Then what are you waiting for? Buy this book!

 

Janelle is reading one of her favorite authors, Jerry Bridges. In, The Gospel for Real Life, “Mr. Bridges explains the gospel in simple and comprehensive terms,” she tells me. “He takes complex truth and makes it accessible to the average reader. Perfect for me. My love for and understanding of the gospel is growing through the reading of each page.”

Mom is currently rereading the best-selling organizing book, Getting Things Done by David Allen and The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. And she continues to extract relevant truth from Paul David Tripp's Lost in the Middle.

 

 Finally, as I mentioned earlier, I am currently on my tenth reading of Make Way for Ducklings. I can almost name them all as quickly and accurately as Mom: “Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack Oack, Pack and Quack!”

 

Seriously, I’m thoroughly enjoying The Message of Salvation by Philip Ryken. It is an in-depth examination of the themes of salvation, but like Bridges, he is easy to understand. Today’s take away quote: “Although there is nothing a sinner can do to get right with God, God makes sinners right with himself through his own perfect sacrifice.”

   
Oh, and we’ve added two long-overdue links to our sidebar now: Together for the Gospel and the five15 blog.

Green vs. White

Yesterday, Nicole considered the inspiring topic of “The Realm of Domesticity” and the extent of our influence as wives and mothers.  Reading her post gave me fresh faith for my role in the home (not to mention my potential influence on the next presidential race).  I have to say that Nicole’s post did something else for me as well.  It reminded me of how different my sisters and I are.  When Nicole is considering the topic of her next post, look where she ends up--presidents and legacies.  We all read and leave with fresh excitement for our role as women.  I on the other hand, consider the topic of my next post and end up at ice cream.  Yes, ice cream. 

Lately, I found myself considering the difference between the green mint chocolate chip and the white mint chocolate chip ice creams.  These ice creams each have a specific purpose.  You see, the green should not be eaten alone.  It should go into an ice cream pie or sit on top of a cone.  Milkshakes are okay too.  The white kind should only be eaten alone.  It doesn’t need cones or syrup; it stands by itself in both taste and consistency.  Have you ever tried sticking Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip (the white kind) into an ice cream pie?  Disaster.  It simply doesn’t work.  On the other hand, try making yourself a bowl of the green kind with no accompaniment and your dessert experience will be less than satisfactory.

Back to my earlier point- Nicole, Kristin, and I are different, but that is one of the many reasons we enjoy each other so much.  We love to laugh with (and at) one another.  Nicole keeps me learning and I keep her laughing, and Kristin keeps us both in line.   Sisters make wonderful friends!

My favorite blog...

...is by none other than my handsome, wonderful husband, Steve. In fact, Steve started blogging before we did, and on Friday he celebrated his first year anniversary (Congratulations, my love!).

Five15—as in 2 Corinthians 5:15—is the name of the youth ministry here at our church that Steve has the privilege to lead. The five15 blog is one way for Steve to extend pastoral care and leadership to the parents and teens and model a redemptive use of this medium to teens who are bombarded by many corrupting influences on the internet. It’s also an outlet for Steve’s love for words and all things unusual.

Truth be told, one of the first things that attracted me to Steve was his love for reading and the English language. I mean, how can you not fall in love with a guy who reads The Federalist Papers to fall asleep at night and proposes with Shakespeare? So of course, I’m a little biased on this one, but I think he’s the best blogger around!

Variety is the main reason I love Steve’s blog. He posts on everything from chocolate milk and caesar salad and driver's ed advice to “This Day In History” features and “Thursday Thoughts for Parents.” His posts challenge teens, encourage everyone, and make me laugh. And while this blog is directed to the teens and parents in our church, we at girltalk think it deserves a wider audience. It’s a great resource for youth pastors, teens and parents, and the rest of you just might enjoy it too!

So, girltalk readers, I’d like to introduce you to my husband, Steve. You can meet him here.

A GirlTalk Mother's Day

It has been far too long since we have had a contest here at girltalk.  So, we have conspired, and I think we have come up with an idea that will prove to be both provoking and inspiring.  With Mother’s Day just around the corner we thought that it would be fun to have daughters submit tributes in honor of their moms.  We will choose some of our favorites and post them during the week leading up to the big day. 

Now, daughters, we are looking for moms of all ages here, so don’t dismiss this contest just cuz you are grown up already. We also want to be able to surprise your mom, so if you and mom are under the same roof, try and e-mail us in such a way that she doesn’t catch on. 

Daughters, time to start writing.  Tell us what you respect and appreciate about your mom.  We would love a picture if possible.  Just click on the “Email me” link on the left-hand sidebar. The deadline for these tributes is Friday, May 5th.