Tell Me A Story: July 2014

Meet my

friend,

Erin

McGhee.

Erin is a wife to Joseph...

...and mother to Ethan and Alister.

I know.

They look like a normal family,

but Erin is anything but a normal mom.

She is supernatural.

Erin exhibits a supernatural love

for her God and her family,

combined with a wicked sense of humor.

I think Erin got the sense of humor from her mother.

"Mom used to call us hemorrhoids

because we were a pain in her butt! lol"

Erin McGhee

Meet my friend,

Erin McGee:

Child of the Most High God,

Wife,

Mommy Snuggle Heart,

Chef,

Tailor,

CEO/Home Manager,

Foster Mom & Future Adoptive Mom,

Teacher,

and

FRIEND.

Erin is so much like

the mom portrayed in the movie:

Moms' Night Out.

I heard Sarah Drew, star of the movie,

used events from her real life in Moms' Night Out.

Erin and Sarah would be fast friends.

They kinda-even look alike.

To My Friends & Readers in Hollywood:

Erin's life would make a great sit-com.

Here's a trailer from the movie,

"Moms' Night Out" -

followed by excerpts from Erin's facebook postings.

Moms' Night Out: Official Trailer

MOMS' NIGHT OUT is an endearing true-to-life family comedy

that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting. Starring Sarah Drew

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=A111US0&p=mom%27s+night+out

Meet my friend,

Erin McGhee.

Erin, Alister and Ethan in class at Nelson Atkins Museum. http://www.nelson-atkins.org/welcome/visit.cfm

Thank you, Erin,

for permission to share

excerpts & photographs

from your facebook postings

with the world.

To My Friends & Readers Around the World:

Meet my friend, Erin McGhee.

Erin McGhee

February 15

I love my mom!

I get my spontaneity from her.

She's always the one I call for last minute road trips, spur of the moment movie nights and weeknight Mexican food cravings.

She's always game to try hole in the wall restaurants with me downtown.

We have lots of fun scrounging for quarters to go see a movie or share an appetizer and hang out at Barnes and Noble reading magazines.

One of the most valuable things she's taught me is how to go with the flow if plans change because if you don't, you're the one missing out, not everyone else. —

June 27, 2013

Nothing like being in the middle of screaming at your four year old,

and hearing him gently saying, "Mommy, you're making mistakes."

Totally put me in my place.

A gentle answer turns away wrath.

I guess the bright side is

that my kids know their mom is in a constant state of desperately needing grace...

still learning...

Erin McGhee

January 27

"Mommy, can you drown in a pool of milk?"-Ethan
"Yes, you can drown in any liquid."-me
"Except lava. You just burn up in lava."-Ethan
"True."-me
#convoswithmykiddos

"My goal as a mom is to work myself out of a job.

I mean training my children to be honorable men

that are able to live freely of me telling them what to do

because I've trained them how to do things on their own.

This morning after I got out of the shower

Ethan ran back to my room

and told me he got Alister's breakfast and his own.

I was so proud!" Erin McGhee

Erin McGhee

December 3, 2013

You know you're hanging out with the right people

when instead of doing a traditional gift exchange,

you share a meal, and go in on renting a party bus

to drive downtown and look at all the Christmas lights.

I love my friends!

Quote of the week from Erin McGhee to Joseph McGhee:
"I'm 'bout to turn on a chick flick and make you regret ever being born."
Joe: "Bring it, honey."

Erin McGhee

February 7

This year my word is simplify.

Last year was rest.

It was a great year learning that rest doesn't mean do nothing, but do only the things that I am called to do.

It was a year of breaking my pride.

Not caring what others thought about me and focusing on my personal gifts and the talents God gave me to love Him and love others.

Being me with confidence and not trying to be someone else.

I'm not good at being you or anyone else, but I am amazing at being me.

This year I am continuing to rest and get rid of excess stuff.

Purging my home of things I don't need.

A physical representation of the spiritual clearing that happened last year with my time.

Feels good!

I encourage all of you to find one way to clear something unnecessary this year.

Whether it's a time commitment that is stressing you out, but you've been afraid to say no to because "what will everyone think" or a space commitment in your home.

In my experience, true friends support your mental, physical and spiritual health, so your friends want to see you make wise choices to eliminate feeling overwhelmed.

It is so freeing to focus on what you need to.

Seems like my life runs a lot more peacefully

and I would love for my friends to be able to live in peace as well.

Erin McGhee

March 12

"Mommy, you are the most prettiest,

most annoyingist,

snuggliest mommy

in the whole universe." -

This is what a five year olds' idea of a compliment is.

He ham-sandwiched the "most annoyingist" and disguised it as a good thing.

I'll still take it. —

"Babies are my favorite kind of human." -Alister

Cloud dough.

And yes, they are wearing the same shirts they had on yesterday.

It's summer and I hate laundry.

"Something you might not know about me is that I keep an emergency supply of chocolate in my purse. (I'm not Diabetic.) I've had lots of "emergencies" lately and this was my last chocolate. My husband laughs at this, but what he doesn't know is how happy I am to eat chocolate. My emergency chocolate might have saved us from an unnecessary quarrel or from me having to run to get ice cream. I don't know. I'm giving away my secrets to a long and happy marriage. Other people charge money for this kind of stuff. You're welcome." Copyright 2014 Erin McGhee

June 14, 2013

"Mommy, you have GOT to look at a kids punishment book. I don't like the rules around here. I feel like the rules around here are not right." - Ethan McGhee 6 years old

July 21, 2013

New Kids on the Block Concert recap:
1. Had a guy tell me he loves me on the corner of Grand and 13th street. He was probably a 20+ year carrier of an AARP card.
2. Saw a girl throw her undies two rows up and the girl that got hit proceeded to take a picture and post it immediately on Facebook. Gross.
3. Apparently when I listened to Boys II Men and NKOTB when I was 8, I missed all the sexual overtones of the lyrics.
4. It was the loudest, most crazy crowd I've ever seen at a concert. I'm pretty sure every female walking out of there felt thirteen again.

Overall it was super fun and I had a great night hanging out with my sister! Love ya, Stefanie!

Erin McGhee

April 6

Yesterday Joe and I checked into a little B&B in Excelsior Springs for a relaxing night away.

As we check in the owner casually mentions there's a hunting dog convention the next block over.

A hunting dog convention.

After sitting in our room listening to basset hounds bark non stop for 15 min,

we decided we could not stay there.

We could also hear the tv blaring, conversations the next room over,

and there was no door to the bathroom in our room.

We spent another 10 min discussing protocol on cancelling a reservation after checking in.

Thankfully, my wonderful husband Joseph, spoke with the owner and they were gracious enough to not charge us for leaving.

So, we high tailed it to the Elms, where we should have booked a room in the first place, and they had a room available.

The girl at the front desk asked us if we were there for prom.

We told her our 9th anniversary, so she bumped us up to the 5th floor royal package which included free valet, appetizers and drinks -and no barking dogs!

It was awesome.

Lesson learned, if you are going to Excelsior Springs, don't be cheap, go to the Elms.

This was my 3rd time staying there and it is amazing!

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.elmshotelandspa.com/excelsior-springs-area.htm

The Birth of Excelsior Springs—"America's Haven of Health"

The story of The Elms begins with the discovery of healing mineral waters

in Excelsior Springs in the late 1800s.

Post from Joseph McGhee: There are few things sexier than your beautiful, selfless wife EXCITINGLY explaining her homeschool curriculum and plans for the upcoming year - she's already got the 1st quarter planned and written out folks! ...I don't care where yer from, dats some real hotness right dere 😎

Erin McGhee

July 1, 2013

Homemade "Satin Hands."

This costs maybe $1.50 to make and that's including the jar!

Dollar General has the Dawn Liquid Soap in a two pack for $5.

I got the glass jars at Target for $4,

and cheap sugar on sale at Hyvee.

I have enough to make boatloads of this stuff.

I have to make my own teacher gifts since I homeschool.

Homeschool mom problems...

January 16

I asked Alister why he felt grumpy and he said, "my niceness was in the middle of my brain and a volcano and I burped and it exploded."

Love the visual.

At least he's able to verbalized his "blow up".

November 22, 2013

When your four year old comes out of his room and says, "Mommy, come look at my room."

Your first response is probably something like mine. "Do I really want to, Alister?"

So I followed him back to his room and couldn't believe what I saw.

He cleaned his room.

Without.

Being.

Asked.

At that point I felt like a real jerk for the little tirade I went on in the car two hours ago about how disrespectful they (the boys) were and how I must be doing something wrong.

It was a real Mom of the Year moment.

So I apologized for the millionth time for being mean and Alister said he didn't remember me being mean. Then I felt the peace of forgiveness wash over me.

God uses everyone- even four year olds to teach us about his character.

How he loves us despite our attitudes.

How he does things for us because he loves us.

How before we ask for forgiveness it is there.

This night has been redeemed.

My attitude has been redeemed and my relationship restored with my sweet four year old boy.

November 3, 2013

In my experience, women spend the better part of their teens and twenties(sometimes longer) looking at what other women are doing and trying to make what works for that other woman, work in their own lives.

Maybe it's just me.

Imitating haircuts (the Rachel, anyone?), wardrobes, housecleaning schedules (Martha Stewart), volunteering for the same organizations...it can be anything.

But the only thing comparing ever got me was jealous and discontent.

So the past few years, because I'm a little slow, God has been showing me the more I focus on the gifts that are mine, that He gave me. that I can use and do well using, the less I even care what anyone else is doing.

I am more confident and at peace and excited about what I can contribute to the lives of other women.

Not negativity or gossip because of my own discontentment, but true heartfelt encouragement.

And that is exciting.

October 22, 2013

"Hey mom, I'm working on your hair (as he pulls my pony tail out). You're going to look scabulous, like a real girl."

-Alister's quote of the day.

Don't know where he gets this stuff...what ever scabulous is, I hope it's good.

October 9, 2013

I'm reading this book designed to help CEOs get better results from the people they lead and its helping me as a stay at home mom.

I've already started putting these principles to work and have seen amazing results.

Like my seven year old refusing to eat dinner until I calmly described the situation so he could use his brain to make the choice he needed to make to get the outcome he wanted.

Didn't have to threaten, do a time out or get frustrated with him.

I think if you are a "home manager" and you are frustrated with your "direct report's" attitude when asked to do something (like I was) this book can help!

Some favorite quotes so far: "Leadership is not dog training. It is the creation of the kinds of conditions in which people can bring their brains, gifts, hearts, talents and energy to the realization of a vision."

"Give boundaries- but check your tone."

"Be hard on the issue, soft on person."

Revolutionizing the culture of my home.

It's my mission...

Love my boys!

Especially when they call me Mommy Snuggle Heart! :)

September 27, 2013

"Alister, is your nose stuffed up?" (after I saw him wipe his nose on his hand and heard him sniffle)
"No, those are just sound effects my nose makes."
"Oh."

September 23, 2013

He sings vibrato with the best.
Builds Lego Minecraft sets like a champ.

Loves little babies.

He's the best seven year old I know.

Happy birthday Ethan!

September 17, 2013

I was explaining to Joe that I want to make a bunch of cookie dough, pie crust, pancakes, waffles and cinnamon rolls to freeze before the holidays and Ethan jumped in explaining the dangers of make ahead desserts.

"But Mommy, they will all be gone before the holidays because they are too tempting to eat."

He's such a practical child.

September 13, 2013

You know those days I feel like I "have it together" are the days I've chosen to let God just handle my situations.

I worry, over analyze and freak out over some pretty small stuff that's really not mine to carry the burden for. But when I just trust that God knows more about the person or situation I'm fretting over, I live in freedom.

I can breathe.

I have time to enjoy life and be thankful.

I get the stuff done that needs to be done because its mine to do and I'm not busying my mind with worry.

So today, make a choice.

Carry what's yours and let God handle the rest.

His yoke is easy, his burden light.

Rest.

Erin McGhee

July 28

"I dus parted dis many dimes!"

(Holds up 10 fingers)

Translation: "I just farted this many times."

-Four year old H...

What do you expect with a house full of boys???

Erin McGhee

"Anyone else spending their afternoon working on laundry? Real life. Not super mom. You should see my kitchen..."

*Big Announcement*

Joseph and I are getting licensed to become foster parents. We just finished our 3rd (of 10) training classes. When we are done with these classes, we have to get CPR trained and take a class on medicine. Then we have to do another class to be licensed to adopt. It's quite the process and we have already learned so much!

We would greatly appreciate your prayers during this time as our family is about to grow and change in so many ways.

Post from Joseph McGhee: February 17, 2014

Tonight at foster training with Erin McGhee, one of the instructors made the excellent point that children will only seek to please someone they connect with, that you will not see much progress in a child until they have begun to actually trust or connect with you.

Otherwise, you will basically be disciplining using fear tactics or threatening loss of privileges, etc. which is not effective in producing a heart change or any intimacy, at least not in the long term. Rules without relationship breed rebellion.

This all got me thinking how much this relates directly to our relationship with Father God. You do not seek to truly please Him if you're not actually connecting/bonding/experiencing Him - you are simply "obeying" because you either want something from Him or you fear His punishment.

There's about a million more things I want to say about that but I'll leave it at that... Joseph D. McGhee

Erin McGhee

April 7, 2014

Getting ready to go to our last foster training tonight.

Saturday we start adoption licensing.

It's so amazing to FINALLY be this far in this process of adoption that started with prayer over 12 years ago.

Don't stop praying for God to move mountains.

All prayers are answered, maybe not how you thought or in the timing you were hoping, but 12 years later I am more excited than ever to be this much closer to meeting the children I've prayed for for so long.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

I'll see them soon.

Dear Erin,

You are a REAL super mom,

Your mother is a REAL super mom, too.

To moms all around the world:

God promises to add His SUPER to our natural.

Here's to "keeping it REAL."

I'm praying for each of you.

In His Love,

Marcia

"One of the most valuable things she (Mom) taught me

is how to go with the flow if plans change

because if you don't,

you're the one missing out,

not everyone else. —"

Erin McGee

Erin McGhee

I walk downstairs and Ethan tells me Alister is throwing hair at him.

I feel like the natural consequences of a bad haircut should suffice in this situation.

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

Marcia Norwood

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

Erin McGee: "Orange juice Popsicles. They think they are getting a special treat. Muahahahaha! — "Coppyright 2014 Erin McGhee

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/

Tell Me A Story

TELL ME A STORY

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

MEET ERIN

AMERICA'S STORYTELLER, Marcia Norwood