"Sew"--A Needle Pulling Thread

Needles and thread. Fabric, tape measures and patterns. Buttons, zippers and snaps. Scissors, pins and seam guides. Shiny, sharp, dangerous, fun, these tools have always been a source of great fascination for me. By being familiar with them and their uses, I learned, at an early age about making clothes, for myself and for others.



My grandma, AnnaBelle, taught me everything I knew about sewing. I remember being 4 or 5, sitting next to her while she used her sewing machine. Fascinated by the whirring sound it made, only when she pressed her foot on the pedal that was on the floor. Watching as the thread mysteriously disappeared through the fabric, only to come up and make a real stitch because there was thread underneath the surface as well, from something called a bobbin. Fun to say and fun to consider, sometimes a challenge to fill: the bobbin!



When fabric shopping, she and I would begin looking at the fabric immediately to the left as we walked in to a fabric store, and gradually make our way through the entire store. This could take hours. Neither of us wanting to miss anything, and neither of us in much of a hurry, as we were completely enjoying this escape to our own dream world!



Touching, each bolt of fabric, and discussing how we would use it, what it could become, whether we actually ever did it or not wasn't important, we were discussing dreams and ideas and things that 'could be'--or no, this would not work at all! There was comfort in knowing that there was no one that cared but us.

On these shopping excursions, textures were always important to consider. Corduroy, or sear-sucker, it didn't matter, except we should consider the season for which we'd be using the garment, corduroy does not work in summer, nor sear-sucker in winter. No visit to a fabric store would be complete, however, without another hour or so with the stacks of pattern books. This was the place I learned about lines of the garment the difference is that there are classic lines and lines that 'date' the garment, and when you are sewing within a budget, you must know and consider the difference.

We share a love for beautiful fabric, and a unique conversational trait with each other--describing in detail color and texture and designs because we know it will interest the other. She's described everything from her friend's wall paper to the floral pattern of her new love seat, to the color and fabric of her new blouse. And, if we re-do a room in our home, she wants to hear every detail, colors we've used, or even thought about, types of curtains, and the upholstery fabric choices--down to the last tassel on a pillow.





AnnaBelle could construct clothing items without use of a paper pattern. She probably used a pattern for this, but I remember a medium blue velvet swing coat she made herself in the late 60's that was exquisite...it had large self-fabric covered buttons and was lined with soft shiny same-color satin. I loved sitting in her dining room watching her create as much as I loved nosing through the fabric stores with her. I can still smell her perfume and the steam from the iron she used to make the seams perfectly crisp...hearing the ice in her lemon tea clink as she'd take a drink...and hearing her laugh when it looked good and came together well, or stand at the ironing board and almost whine I could just cry when it didn't turn out so good.


Of course, she made most of my clothes, beautiful things, until about the time I began Jr. High. By the time I started High school, she had moved over 1,000 miles away. I began sewing for myself, a little before she moved. But I kept sewing more and more until, I loved it so much that, sewing was all I wanted to do (ask my sister!).


Finally, I'm certain as a peace-keeping measure for our household, I was only allowed to sew during the summer. If I sewed during school months, I'm pretty sure I would not have done any home work, or perhaps felt it necessary to attend school at all. I enjoyed it so much, and found such satisfaction in the process that I would dream of designing and making clothing of all kinds, evening gowns, to skirts and blouses, purses to suits, I loved all things fabric.


Probably so I wouldn't stayed holed up in our home my entire high school years, I was encouraged to get a part time job. So my first job was a checker at a grocery store, forcing me to become face to face with complete strangers and their daily food choices. (hmmmm....I see another topic to write about in that sentence!)

This job was good for me and my love for all things fabric because soon I had saved up enough money to purchase a really good sewing machine. A Kenmore, my very own, and it cost just over $700, a lot of money in 1978. Grandma coached me through that purchase through many phone conversations and continued to talk me through difficult projects and garments that I made over the next many years.

By sewing I learned valuable life lessons, grandma taught me: if the seam isn't straight, then rip it out--don't be afraid of this--always take your time, and make it right. Another lesson was about being as conservative as possible when planning and laying out the pattern pieces on the uncut fabric--measure and re-pin as many times as needed.


Both valuable lessons: one having to do with the overall appearance of the garment, the other having to do with keeping the costs low.


Lessons or not, I still have such an appreciation for beautiful fabrics and textures! I am so thankful that I was greatly loved and wonderfully influenced by such an accomplished seamstress!--AnnaBelle!

Eleven NOT Seven

Cooking a new recipe may not be a great thing to try on Christmas day, but the risk was worth the outcome. It turned out delicious even considering that I am such an novice cook. Due to my cooking experiment, I needed to wake up and get busy at 5am. Yes, on Christmas morning.



It's a good thing I love to get up early each day. On this Christmas morning gave me much time to read the Christmas story (go ahead, read it--Luke 1-2--I love Mary's prayer in Luke 1) and pray over the day. There was also time for me to think and plan all the details for the day.


A Merry Little Christmas--our family around the dining room table and a snow covered neighborhood in view through our windows. The Lord has greatly blessed our family and He blessed our table this Christmas, as well--that we were able to have all our kids and grand kids around it together...never to be taken for granted again, ever.



Laughter is a gift we enjoy when we are all together. Before one bite of food had been eaten, we laughed until we cried. On holidays, we 'toast' the occasion with sparkling grape juice. Today, I asked my husband if he was ready to toast...and he told me to go ahead and say it for Christmas. This surprised me but I raised my glass for the occasion, and encouraged everyone else to do the same. As I raised my glass, I said these words: "This Christmas as we think about 2007, we should look forward to all the..." and, that is as far as I got. My daughters were, by this time looking at me like I had said something they did not understand, and so I stopped talking. The kids started laughing, then I started laughing...then we cried because we were laughing so hard. We decided I had had enough Christmas banana punch. (and not one drop of alcohol was involved) Why I said 2007, and NOT 2011 is beyond me. I can only say that they do rhyme...perhaps that is why the word seven came out of my mouth instead of eleven. At any rate, and for what ever reason to give us laughter. Much laughter--the best gift of all!



Board games this evening, and now Christmas movies. Only the movies we haven't seen this season.


Truly, a Merry Little Christmas. During this time of year, we hear a song that has a lyric that goes something like: 'Why can't every day be like Christmas?' Good question.

I'm looking forward to putting away all the decorations and preparing for the new experiences 2011 holds. I don't know what they are and yet I'm certain I will not be disappointed. I never am. There is always something new to think about, consider, experience, or plan!

I hope you had a Merry Little Christmas, yourself--I also hope that YOU will embrace the fact that the God of the universe has had this year of your life in mind before you were born, every detail, and you can rest knowing that nothing that is happening to you, or will happen to you is a surprise to Him. He loves you, unconditionally, and He's excited to see how you will bring glory and honor back to His name through each new experience, while you wait for His return!

And, while "2007" for me must have been a really good year, my hope is that you will be blessed beyond measure in 2011!

Over Forty Years of Slumber Parties...hmmmmm...

An oxymoron, I love that word. Oxymoron: slumber party. I have always loved slumber parties. I was allowed to host my first slumber party when I was 8 or 9. This party was the beginning of my love for gathering friends together in order to celebrate. Today, I love women's retreats, attending, planning and packing for them, but most of all creating an environment to celebrate friendships--a time to let your hair down.

As I think back to that very first slumber party, I'm amazed that my mom took the risk. I remember who was there, and I remember LOTS of running--all night long--all over our house,. We did not run in or to my parent's room--it was strictly off limits--not to mention the fact that my mom was probably in there, praying for quiet and repenting for allowing such an event to even take place.

The next slumber party was much more drama-filled. This is what happens when 8-10 thirteen year olds, overloaded on sugar and sleep deprived try to make sense of their lives. My birthday is in the summer, and so, my party was always in the summer. All of us were sitting n the front porch of my house in the dark...trying to scare each other. My Grandma Sisk was sitting inside our living room with my mom. They could hear us through the screen, and my sweet innocent Grandma made a noise that made all of us scream and run in to the house in lightening speed! This was the year my friends got on the roof of our house, and I thought my mom was going to have a stroke as she prepared breakfast, thinking that this would cause our roof to leak.

When I was in eighth grade, I got to have a slumber party with only two friends. One of the girls was from out of town, and the three of us had become close the previous summer at church camp. On the first night, peanut butter and jelly became smeared all over everything in our living room, including our hair and sleeping bags. The next day my dad almost had a stroke because the three of us took a very long walk and we hadn't told anyone where we were going. Consider, this was before cell phones and beepers. My parents spent 2-3 hours looking for us. Oh my, when they did find us, glass packs on my dad's pick up were revved up. This sound was always in proportion with how agitated he might be over a certain event. This event registered: off the charts.

Through the years, slumber parties were always here. The year our oldest hosted 18 of her closest friends, also measured: off the charts! This party proved to be fun for everyone--except the parents, this party also was the time when our precious family vacation videos were 'taped' over to make way for pre-teen girls to be silly and take videos of their own made up game shows...hilarity rules, and has for many years. I remember thinking, as I was shaking from lack of sleep while preparing breakfast, I am too old for this! But, truth be told, the twins have also hosted slumber parties. I figured at some point, I have been hosting slumber parties for 40 years.

Why am I writing about slumber parties? I don't know, except I'm contemplating one coming up. Tonight, three of our girls are having a sleep over, at our oldest daughter's home. Next week, I get to meet a good friend from out of town. We haven't seen each other in a couple of years. We have much talking and laughing to do! We won't be climbing on to the roof, or running all night long, or smearing pbj all over the place, or trying to scare each other. But we will laugh and talk MUCH. And, this time: truly slumber.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Reason for Wonderful #1: The mail box is a happy place to go. Yes, they are arriving. Those cards that people send during this time of year: The Christmas Card. Not too many traditional ones any more. Many are pictures of the sender with their families, smiling from various points of interest. I love opening each one, sometimes a hand-written note is included, sometimes just the sender's name is written. I love the variety in people and the variety in the way the send their seasonal greetings. My mom--even though she isn't Martha Stewart--has started making her greeting cards. She works with card stock, a hole punched design and metallic thread. Her creations are truly gorgeous. I love receiving them, not just a Christmas, but through out the whole year.

Reason for Wonderful #2: Wrapping paper and ribbon are everywhere. Scissors, tape and a pen are all necessary tools for this time consuming but fun task. And, the mystery of what's inside becomes an added bonus to torment the girls. Helpful hint jsut for you: after Christmas sales are a great place to stock up on wired ribbon...in various colors and varieties, and it is very forgiving for package wrapping, if the present gets stacked and the bow gets smashed, the wire is easily re-shaped in to a gorgeous bow with little trouble.

Reason for Wonderful #3: Music--the music of the season, is amazing. Randy and I sat in wonder last night as we waited for his show to come on. On the PBS station, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was singing in front of 21,000 people. That choir, including children, an orchestra and dancers had around 600 members. I can only imagine what that would have been like in person. Truly beautiful. We will soon be traveling to hear the choir that a dear friend in Northern IL directs, we will, I'm certain, sit in wonder as we listen to this choir, as well.

Reason for Wonderful #4: Food and Family and Friends. I can't think of any of these without thinking of them all. All at once. Our kids are truly blessings to us, and we look forward to enjoying Christmas dinner with them. Connecting with friends during this season is sometimes hard to coordinate, but so worth it. And, food. It's fudge season, enough said.

Reason for Wonderful #5: It might snow. There could be snow days, that will help slow things down to an enjoyable level, away from the rush of our lives. Actually enjoying one of these days: today.

Reason for Wonderful, for me, #6: Books. I will begin seminary in January, so I have begun to order the books I'll need---and they are starting to arrive, one package at a time. Each one becoming a new, sweet friend to get to know. I just love paper and ink.

Six reasons. I could go on and on, siting reason after reason. Instead, I urge you to write out your own reasons for wonder during this Most Wonderful Time of Year.

Yes, Curb-Side Pick UP--Oh, MY!

No, we've had curb-side pick up for trash collection for a long time. I'm talking about curb-side pick up for our things that can be recycled. Of course, if we were living in our grandparent's time, there would be no need for this procedure, as they could find a use for just about everything!

This 'new' procedure is one more added responsibility for Mallory on the evening before 'trash day'!

Last week, Randy & I pulled up to our home just in time to see a white haired man running from our front porch to a pick up truck idling in the street! Hilarious! Small town or not, it was funny! Being Christmas season and all, I thought he was leaving us a beautiful present! Oh, no! He was leaving us a beautiful blue colored tub, a laminated calendar and instructions about the things we can and cannot include in this endeavor! Ya gotta love it!

And so, knowing myself as I do, I know that I will put things 'in the tub' if I can 'see the tub'...so it has taken a great spot in our kitchen right next to the refrigerator!

My dilemma today is: it's icy and wet outside. If I put that tub outside, it will get cold and possibly crack plus the fact that someone's jam hands from emptying it will make it grimy! Then I have to put the thing back in the kitchen so I will remember to use it...I am not too excited about the possibility of having a yukky plastic tub in sight all the time. As you can tell, I'm having some anxiety about this crazy new routine called recycling! And, it was extremely hard for me to leave our precious, shiny, clean tub by the curb.

In the spirit of helping our environment, though, it is now outside, in the cold, in the snow...waiting to be emptied by a different white haired man (who hopefully does not possess jam hands) at some point during the day!

Just pick it up, I'll dry it off! I don't like thinking that I will have to repair the inevitable cracks made from extreme out door temperatures we will encounter this winter! Can you say: duct tape comes in all colors!!!

Twelve Days 'til Christmas!--Yipee!!!

Here we are, twelve days before Christmas. Anticipation rising. So many things to do 'before Christmas.' Where to begin is always a question!

Instead of beginning, though, I just want to sit by the fire and knit or read and sip a hot beverage! A snow-covered neighborhood always helps me align my priorities!--Just give me a good book, The Good Book, a cozy afghan, a warm fire, a mug of coffee or hot tea and I'm satisfied until the next thaw!

As Christmas quickly approaches, it feels good to think that our family will be together! The laughter, the tears (there's always tears with a two year old in the mix), the hilarious and serious conversations that will inevitably fill our home--the food and the presents, the lights and the music--there will be music and dancing! It's going to be so much fun! I can get so caught up in all the preparations, though, and lose sight of why we celebrate... Why are we doing all this?

Somehow, I do not think this is what God had in mind when He sent His only Son, Jesus! I think it makes God smile, however, when families enjoy being together! It is hard to think of Jesus in everything we DO to celebrate His birth... all the traditions, all the demands on our time, all the preparations. Is HE really in all that?

Of course, my hope would be that He permeates every 'little' thing we do... but I do not want to kid myself. The truth is, we DO a lot of those things to please others, or some crazy expectation we've placed on ourselves to have the 'perfect holiday'! (my mom has a sign in her kitchen that I LOVE--it says: "OK, So, I'm not Martha Stewart--Adjust!" Go mom...I'm NOT EITHER!!!) Over the years, I've cut out considerably the things I just "HAD" to do! And, I'm thankful to continue to 'do' other things forever!

And so, without sounding cynical or condescending, I would urge you to slow down, enjoy the moment and praise God. The GOD of the Universe, who knew us in our greatest need, and met us there.

Remember, we needed a Saviour, and that's exactly what He sent us so many many years ago in His perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

Praise His Name Forever! Emmanuel, God with Us!

Here we GO!!!!

"Oh, oh, ooo-oh!" (You can't hear me singing, but try!) "Here we GO!"

That's the way "Today is the Day" starts out on the cd I have...and that's the way I'm feeling this morning!

Christmas season is HERE...ready or not...so HERE WE GO! Years ago, when we only had two kids and zero dollars, Randy and I would Christmas shop..He wearing his 'Christmas tree' denim shirt and me in my Christmas sweater and crazy ear rings. (OK, I've repented, so forgiveness, please, fashion police!)

Now, we don't plan the wardrobe so much as the list, the coupons, and the comfortable shoes and a power nap in the middle of the afternoon! (made possible with the seat of the vehicle in the reclining position!) Can you say: getting older is hilarious!

And so, it has truly begun! Christmas shopping is almost done. The children's Christmas program is tomorrow evening, and the tree is up! I have a list of zillion things to do before Tuesday evening, as that's when some holiday company will arrive for a few days. And so, why am I sitting here typing? It's early morning, the house it quiet and I can--again: getting older is hilarious!!! And, I love it, because you can, within reason, do what you want when you want!!!

I can enjoy the sunrise without interruption from children (teenagers only see these hours on rare occasion). I can brew coffee, because my husband has resigned himself to the fact that I just enjoy it! I can do Bible study, because I live in a place that is free enough that owning a Bible is not prohibited--Praise God for that! And, I can do all this while a load of laundry or dishes is being finished up by "my servant girls" named "dishwasher & clothes washer/dryer". Blessings, each one!

I'm feeling truly blessed. God has blessed us with hmmmmm--family! And, we are not always perfect and all smiles...we are humans--but we really love each other--A LOT! And, this hmmmmm family is a direct result of the families my husband & I came from! In fact, today is my mom's birthday: Happy Birthday, MOM!!! I love you. Thank you for always being faithful to lift our family in prayer. It means so much, and it is certainly one of the main factors in our sustenance in this crazy world in which we live. You have always sacrificed so much for me, probably more than I will ever know or realize, for that I am truly grateful. I'm praying a huge blessing for you today and always!! Enjoy this day!

Because today is my mom's birthday, I can always tell that Christmas will be here, before we know it! That isn't the real reason I'm feeling blessed. I'm feeling blessed because the God of the Universe chooses to love me, in spite of the fact that I'm imperfect and getting older and need a nap in the afternoon. He loves me and blesses me and sent His Son to secure my salvation--and YOURS!
He is a GOOD God! Of this, I always want to be mindful!

What in the World?

With my fingers locked on the key board...my mind is completely blank. What does that mean? I always have something to say! Of course, whether or not it is of interest remains to be seen!

My mom likes to read what I write...my sister will read what I write, and laugh at the appropriate times. But will 'others' read and understand, or be challenged to 'do' something because I've written?

Christmas will be here in 25 days. Our grand kids are so excited. They see Santa everywhere, and become even more excited explaining all about whether or not 'this one' is the 'REAL Santa'!!! I remember thinking along the same lines when I was a little girl.

And, the question is still the same today...only not about the 'real' Santa...but about people I encounter, the question in my mind resounds and remains: "Is this one the real deal, or not?" Good question, in these days where nothing is as it seems.

How much do we really know? How much are we supposed to know? Is it really important that we 'know' what to expect. We are creatures of habit, and we want to know if our habits are going to be disturbed. Many details of life I can just look over, not give a lot of thought to, but when I consider that God is a God of details, then perhaps they are more important than I want to consider.

I, of course, am rambling. When I first started this blog, I couldn't wait to post. Now, it seems, I'm a little bit shy. I want to keep scope and perspective in mind. And, I would never choose, on purpose, to bore any one! I'll do my best...keep checking back...I'll write something brilliant, perhaps!

babies..."you're better off raisin' tomatoes"!!!

I'm not serious with that one...it's just a quote I hear from the older girls a lot. When they were growing up "Matilda" was a really popular movie/book choice for them! That is a line from it, Rhea Perlman plays the mom, and she's always too busy to see how truly gifted and special her baby daughter Matilda is! To the point that when Matilda really wanted to go to school, because she'd turned 6-1/2, her mom argued that she couldn't go to school because she was only 4!

I don't feel like I'm that disconnected from my kids...I do know how old they are, and if applicable, what year of school they are 'in'! But, with two of our kids living on their own, and the two at home are teen-agers...well, it would be really easy to be disconnected from all of them!

Not that I'm one of those mom's that thinks she has to know every detail of my kid's lives...but I love them enough that I want to be connected to them in such a way that I can laugh with them, celebrate with them, or cry with them at the appropriate times!

Alayna and her family got a puppy Collie this past summer, Max. I'm not a pet person, but their kids love this dog! So, it's the right thing for them! They do things I don't understand...but it is really OK. I do not have to understand...and I'm not even complaining because I don't understand! Actually, I'm thankful, because I think that's a sign they are building their own family, and don't 'need' me! They are independent adults!!! Praise God! They made it!!!
Understanding my role as 'mom' of a grown up daughter with a husband and two children, is key! I can operate out of my love for all them, and not know every detail of their lives...IT'S A GOOD THING!!! Trusting God to be faithful to them, just as He has been to Randy and me is an amazing, wild, funny (at times) and sad (at times) ride!!!

Holly, career girl, on her own...definitely an exercise in Trusting my King with the details of her life...I know He's faithful! And, she is doing a really good job of 'figuring it all out'!!! We are 'sounding boards' only, sometimes she takes the advice, other times, she doesn't...but key to my role with her is for her to know that I love her no matter what! My hope is that she knows this...I think she does, or she probably wouldn't call or text or come home as often as she does!

Madison & Mallory...well, my role with them is to offer privacy when they need it...alone, away from each other...and not question them to death. I've learned a package of McDonald's french fries goes a long way in opening up communication between them and me!!! (side note: The other thing I've learned about the fries is that they are the only ones that can eat them, as they make my 'maturing' stomach hurt!!! --Good lesson to learn now!)

I am not naive enough to imagine that I know everything about their lives...but from little conversations I over-hear, and things they write, they have a good foundation! One thing I'm truly thankful for for them is that the love all the girls have for each other is truly a gift. Not only are they all enjoying this freedom that their ages is allowing for them, but they truly listen to each other. The older girls are speaking wisdom to Madison & Mallory that the younger girls truly respect!

Again, my ultimate role with them is that they know that I love them no matter what! Some days I must work harder for them to realize it, but I think they know it!!!--Otherwise, they might not even 'go get fries' with me!!!

Today is the DAY!!!

Yep, this is the day...for cleaning the house, for doing laundry, for the phone to ring a lot (which was a great distraction from the cleaning & laundry--love it!) and for a visit to my favorite knitting store!

All these things today were like gifts to me! Each one really good for my soul! Even though I got out of bed at 2:30am to actually 'write' instead of laying there and 'writing in my imagination' all night long! --Don't worry, mom, I only wrote for a couple of hours, then took a nap before 7am...I'm good for a couple more hours!

Cleaning our home was actually good for me...it's almost a treat!!! Since I last wrote, our second oldest is officially 'moved out' of our home. That event put everything else in chaos around here til we found 'places for everything' and repainted the twins' rooms! The twins are doing a fabulous job of keeping things picked up, and laundry out of the way!!!

I consider sometimes: Randy & I have never had 14 year old children in the house with out toddlers/ or babies to care for, as well...so this is a new adventure for us! The freedom we have is amazing to just say 'ok, we're leaving in a few minutes' and everyone just shows up at the car, with their own 'stuff' and fastens themselves in to the car--quite a treat! And, so, I'm thankful we have laundry TO DO and a house TO CLEAN!

The phone ringing, well, it was my mom...loved talking to her...she prompted me to write here! We got caught up on what's been going on! Then Phyllis from the church called...apparently Bible study last night was awesome for more than just 'me'...because she was relating how one woman had already called in this morning--still excited that she'd attended last night! Then, another lady from Bible study called just to say how much she loved being 'stretched out of her comfort zone'!!!! That's fun! And, then my sweet husband called just to check on me!

My friend and I took a drive to our favorite knitting store, Atkinson Farms Yarn, I think is the official name for this place. My friend and I have recently learned to 'build shoes' by knitting them and then doing a process called 'felting'...so much fun! It is a place that is just good for my soul! 'Where everyone knows your name'...and if they don't, it's really ok, because they are so friendly, and super glad you're there!

The Hickory Grove Great Banquet is next week...women's week end! This is going to be a busy week til then...but it is going to be amazing!!! I cannot wait to see what God does with it!!!--Our theme song is 'Today is the Day'...I will rejoice and be glad in it, I won't worry about tomorrow, giving YOU my fears and sorrows...where you lead me, I will follow...I'm trusting in what YOU say, Today is the DAY!!!!

Hoping YOUR Today is fabulous!

Silly Bands...Nothing Boring Here!!!

Silly bands...what is it about these things that have kids going banannas over them? Actually, I should say kids of all ages...because not only Will, 4yrs, but Ally, 1yr and the girls, 14 yrs...and on and on...is it the shapes? Is it the colors? Is it the fact that they are cheap and fun? I love the fact that when you slip them off your wrist, they once again 'become' the object they were before they went on your wrist! Like, a crinkly bracelet...then it becomes, in the case of the bright blue on laying on my computer, a pig. The girls have roses, vampire teeth, a car, musical instruemnts, people dancing, shoes, various alphabet letters...what a fad. And the proverbial question: 'Why didn't I think of that?'

Hilarious!--But, enough about that!

As I sit and write this, we are in a place called National Harbor, MD. No, do not put it in your nuvi and expect to arrive here...it doesn't exist, I think!... But, someone wisely purchased 300 acres of trees, in/near Oxen Hills, MD. This place is one of the Gaylord Hotels...the Gaylord National. And, like the others that we've visited in Orlando (Gaylord Palms) and Nashville (OpryLand Hotel), gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe the place. An atrium that overlooks the harbor, with an enormous American Flag as the center piece. Lush gardens and walkways, places to eat and shop...lots of music being played in different spots throughout. There is an indoor pool, and a sun deck. A short walk, actually across the street, there are many more hotels, and shops. Live entertainment, and 'movie nights'! When we arrived, they were in the midst of a fireworks display, over the water, breath-taking!

My husband is here for an x-ray conference...so the girls and I get to hang out and be here with him! We enjoyed the sites in Washington DC yesterday, and we have a couple of more things we want to see in the city before heading home.

We are trying to enjoy this a moment at a time, and not get overwhelmed with details! The girls have tons of homework to do, so they won't be behind when we get back home! I always have a 'to do' or a 'to read' list...so we won't be bored at all!!!

Here we Go, Again!!!!

Another August, another school year begins. School supplies are in the new 'bags', schedules are somewhat memorized, and we know where our new lockers are located! The girls, Madison & Mallory, will begin their last year of middle school tomorrow! I'm eagerly anticipating it for them...they are not so excited., did I mention they are 14, and all that that means?!

Because our girls are 11 years apart in age (from our oldest to the twins), we have had a child/children attending this school district for 20 continuous years. We've seen lots of changes over the years. The buildings have all changed, the staff and teachers have come and gone, and stayed or retired. Life happens. Kids grow up! This is really good thing!

I was talking to a 'mom of twins' a couple of weeks ago, and she was apprehensive because they will be entering first grade. She seemed saddened at the prospect of them actually growing up; however, I know that the alternative is not so pleasant, so I tried to encourage her to enjoy the transitions of life with her kids. She told me that she was really trying to do that, it just goes b so quickly!

Speaking of transitions...there's nothing sweeter than watching them grow up, become young adults, then become productive citizens with kids of their own! Our second oldest, Holly, is on the brink of launching in to her life. I'm super excited for her! And, yes, when she moves in to that cute little first apartment that we're all dreaming of, I'll miss her face! She's a constant source of laughter for all of us. And, the younger girls love having her around, and she loves the support of her older sister, bother in law and niece & nephew!

Today's 'Sunday dinner' was pretty typical...but for just a moment, before mashing the potatoes to go with Randy's grilled chicken, I stopped, stood back, just to listen. I love hearing their voices, all talking and laughing at once. Nothing sweeter, or louder or more entertaining than when they are all here, enjoying each other and catching up on details of the week, or week end at hand!

Plus the fact that there's so many of them! Randy & I began , obviously, with just the two of us, and now, we're at 9! So very much fun, each one of them, in their own unique way. I eagerly anticipate them continuing to 'grow up' and season in their lives...eventually to bring home spouses, and kids of their own...it's fun to dream about...but, as I've told you before, I must keep the perspective: 'IF the Lord Wills' for every detail of our lives! And, remember to be thankful in all things!

Legitimacy and Heritage

August is a crazy-busy month--always. That is not new information to anyone. I'm just agreeing with a general consensus and observing the way things are. Moving kids to school...registering kids for school..perhaps a week of camp squeezed in before schools starts...school starts...teachers must get their rooms ready...kids have to buy school supplies...last minute physicals to play sports...and band camp...and the heat (because where we are situated on the planet: we 'wear the heat' because of the humidity!)...finishing touches on fall programming...winding up 'summer projects'...

As I think about this, though, this has become our life, no matter what month it is--because we jam each day full of stuff!

August has always been a significant month for me. I celebrate my birthday, and the birthdays of several family members! This particular day, the 6th, has significance in my life--because I'm quirky like that!

Today would have been my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. No, they only made it to '24' years. The date, though August 6, 1960, has always been significant to me, especially during the 'questioning years', as I'll affectionately refer to them... Questions like:

Why am I here? Why was I born? Was there a reason? Was I planned, or an accident? Was I the reason that my parents married, or not?--

These were the questions I had throughout my pre-teen and teenage years--and strains of them even followed me in to my 20's...Secretly, I would look at the 'marriage date' and my 'birth date' and reason, it takes nine months to have a baby, and I was born 5 days after my parents first anniversary...so at least I know I wasn't the 'reason' for the marriage!

I know, that SO doesn't matter in 2010...often, there's a child or two born to the union before the 'wedding' has ever been considered...but for some reason it mattered to me, for my identity.
As I approach 50, some things mean more to me than ever before, and other things that used to be important, have little significance in what I consider to be the 'big' picture of my life! Funny how that works out! My mother in law always told me that, but it took til now for me to realize and appreciate those words of wisdom!

Just this week, I was able to spend a few hours with my mom and Jim...my sister and her husband and daughter. It was good.

It was a good visit. Visiting there always stirs up lots of memories, which is normal...ad, it always stirs up a lot of questions, as well!

You see, as a pre-teen and teenager, I needed to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belonged here...it wasn't an accident...but I was looking for 'legitimacy' from an earthly stand point. The bigger picture truly is:

I wasn't an accident--even if I had been born, and my parents had never married...I know this to be true because, I can trace my spiritual heritage to the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things! Also significant to me is the fact that God has a plan for my life!

As I approach another year of life, my question to my mom during this visit was, "Why did grandma (mom's mom) get the 'family Bible'? (She was the 'middle child'...and the family Bible had been given to her father in the late 1800's before my grandma was born in 1904.)

Which led to the next question: "How did Grandma come to her faith in Jesus?" (this now has more significance to me than the date of my parent's wedding, because her faith was taught to my mom...which in turn was taught to me and our children--see the legacy--the legitimacy of generational faith, passed down?) I wanted to know how it all began.

Here's the amazing answer I got; I love this story!

In the middle 1940's the little country school (called Hickory Hill) my mom attended for first and second grades, consolidated with the grade school in town. At this point, the little country school stood empty. Sunday school missionaries from Moody Bible Institute, came and started a Sunday school each week at Hickory Hill. Johnson was their last name, a faithful couple, who taught kids that lived in the country about Jesus each Sunday morning. Mr. Johnson had a different preacher from churches throughout their community come each week to conduct church services, after Sunday school. (all different denominational preachers would take turns and preach at this little country school house--what a concept!) Then, they'd all eat lunch together. Children and entire families attended, as well.

My mom and her parents, Jack & Virginia, (my grandparents) learned to love Jesus by attending these weekly opportunities for learning!

A few years passed, and the school district decided to sell the Hickory Hill building. The Johnson's wanted desperately to purchase that building. Let me remind you to consider the fact that my mom was in grade-school during this time! She remembers how fervently the Sunday school times of prayer were for the Lord to provide the funds for the purchase of this little school building. Mrs. Johnson's faith became very evident to my mom as she watched and listened to this woman pray for God's blessing and provision.

The building sold, but not to this Sunday school effort, to someone else. I don't know what happened next, except my mom did say that a little time passed, and they were told that the transaction to purchase the building fell through and the Johnson's were offered the school building at a much-reduced price, one that they could afford.

My mom attended there, and even helped with Bible school in to her high school years. But the impression that Mrs. Johnson's faith concerning God's provision of the building made an impact on moms' faith and understanding that 'ripples' even to this day!

And, for me, even to this day--I'm thankful for the Johnson's, that stepped out in faith to be missionaries! And for the fact that they were not ashamed to pray fervently for God's will and provision in front of impressionable children... experience disappointment and remain faithful when the building 'sold' to someone else...and rejoice when they were offered the building...all because the 'waited on the Lord'!!!

The following passage of scripture has two little hands outlined on it in my Bible, one for Will who was 3 at the time, and one for Ally who was 1!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:13-18 & 23-24

My assurance comes from this passage that each of my days is NO surprise to my God! And, He already knew them before I was born! My hope is that I can somehow leave that impression on my children and my children's children!

Go Ahead: Spoil 'em!!!!!!

Mondays. I love Mondays. Of course, I try really hard not to dread any day at all..they are all good! It's sort of like weather. I try really hard not to let my mood be affected by the weather...it's just well, weather. It changes all the time, usually quickly, so I figure, why waste time being upset by it. Plus, it's a great way to observe colors and textures of the clouds...or the colors cast on buildings, or rocks, or streets. Great opportunities to appreciate a different palette of colors and unusual sounds. It is a lie that Satan uses much of the time for us to believe that we have to always have 'sunny days' to be 'happy'--so, don't 'fall for that one, again'!

OK, back to today! As I've shared before, one of the things I get to do on Monday's is visit with a few ladies at a local assisted living place and talk about a book of the Bible. Right now, we're looking at the book of Revelation! (these are women that love God's word, and they love to talk about Him!)

When I arrived today, two of the ladies were updating each other on the general health condition of their mutual friends; some recovering from this 'fall' or others facing uncertain days with a new 'diagnosis'...both of them genuinely concerned over their friends' well-being.

One lady is probably around 90 was sharing about checking in on this one, or calling that one. It was inspiring, really...because she actually looks for ways to stay busy and help those around her that she can help! She also related that she sometimes gets scolded for 'helping too much'.

Then, she said something so great, she said: "I don't believe that you can spoil babies OR old people! You need to take care of both of them, so they know you love them. Because a baby is just sweet, but an old person will soon die."

Profound, isn't it? Just think what a different place our world would be, if people would just practice the things that matter most. Sharing love with those around us, by listening to them, or just being there.

And so, it was with this in mind, that I returned my grandma's phone call this evening...thinking that I'd talk to her for a few minutes, til she started repeating herself (!)...but then, I remembered what my friend had said, and just stayed on the line...and listened and talked for another 40 minutes--and laughed and laughed and laughed...Such a blessing. Such a blessing, indeed!

And, tomorrow, because of this profound advice, I'm planning to take some chocolate to my friend who fell a few days ago and broke her hip...
just because girls of all ages LOVE chocolate: it's good for the soul!

It's a Mystery, Really!

There's something mysterious going on in our house. I'm relatively calm about it; hoever, on the inside: I'm screaming in excitement and anticipation! On the outside: I try to smile, take it all in, and enjoy the moment!

I almost hesitate to write this all down, because, as quickly as its begun, it could well, just end.

A phenomenon, really, I can't explain. In all the years we've been married (over 29) and in all the years we've had children (almost 26) I've never experienced anything quite like this! This past week has been memorable. Not because anything spectacular happened, but because of the manner in which the people in this house have interacted with each other, the girls, in particular.

A few times one or all of them have actually approached me to see if I needed any help with what ever the day's 'chores' were! I do not remember that ever happening--ever!! Laundry, cooking, packing up stuff, cleaning up their rooms, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, what ever it was, there were willing hands, and pretty decent attitudes!!!!

Maybe, just maybe they are growing up! Sweet.

In order to identify why I'm so thrilled, please consider: when the older girls were in Middle school, we had toddlers! When the older girls were in high school, there were toddlers & a newborn! Now, though, we have middle school-ers and grand kids that come & visit. Which translates as, the house can stay relatively picked up...this is a new concept for me!

Oh my, perhaps we've finally arrived at a 'new normal'!!!! Over the years, though, our lives have changed so rapidly, we always had a difficult time defining 'normal' or 'routine' for our family! So, this could, in reality, based on past experience, prove to be a just a phase! I sincerely hope not, though, because I'm really loving the maturity that the girls are displaying these days--it's really fun! And, well, just plain good!

My hope is that this is permanent, not just a phase or a phenomenon!!! I'm eager to see how the next few years unfold, as we boldly approach adulthood for the 'second go-around' with our children. I eagerly anticipate really good things!!!

Funny thing happened on the way to work today...

Funny things happen, they just do! Sometimes I get funny e-mails from people. Sometimes, I get comic pages through e-mail. Sometimes, I just think funny things! I sometimes see funny things on TV! And, sometimes funny things happen to me, or people around me.

This morning, I left our home at 8am. As I backed out of the garage, I noticed that Holly's car was not in our driveway. I instantly became indignant, thinking, "where is her car?, why, I bet she didn't come home last night.." Then, I remembered, Holly had left our house 10 minutes before me...to go to work...it gets better: I had watched her eat her breakfast, and had a conversation with her before she walked out the door!

Is it a sign of stress Or age, that I didn't remember all that instantly? OR, does our mind do things like that to keep us humble? OR do things like that happen to us in order to give our day some laughter?

I'm discounting the age & the humility reasons, and going with the laughter reason! I'm sure there's some deeper truth that I'm supposed to 'get' at this point! But, truth be told, a lot of really funny things happen, every day!

It really is true? Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone!

Lisa. And, Don't forget to Mark the Day!!!!

I'm itching to write. My fingers are literally shaking in anticipation of touching the keys of my keyboard with purpose and speed. They try really hard to keep up with what pops in to my brain...sometimes, it's really hard to keep up! (Of course, you know this, if you've ever had a conversation with me--like following a bouncing ball, they tell me!!!!)

I'm ready to write something, though! Something funny, or bright, or encouraging, or truly profound. Because there are so many things I could write about, I've started this post about 5 times.

Yesterday was one of those 'mark the day' days in our family. There wasn't anything special about the date, July 24...or the day of the week, a Saturday.

But, for us, a part of our past met our present, and we eagerly anticipate the future!

Flashback: 1983.

Randy and I had only been married a little over two years. We had bought a house, anticipating the family that God would eventually bless us with! We were youth group sponsors at our church. He also taught the high school Sunday school class. There were 'youth group' kids at our house much of the time. Good times. We were very young, and were able to devote time to listening or encouraging, or just hanging out with our youth group kids.

One day early that summer, I was home for lunch and one of the girls came walking up our drive way. She had found herself with no place to live, and didn't know where to go, or what to do next. Long story short, she stayed with us for the next few months.

Lisa. She was a lot of fun...of course, most high school girls are fun, and funny. I remember a lot of laughter! She worked hard, and tried to obey the zillion rules we placed on her. (remember, I said we were young)

Eventually, she moved out of our home, on with her life, and away from our town.

Fast forward 26 years, to yesterday!

Now we have available to us a social network with 500 million people in it called Face Book. Lisa 'found' me on face book, and over the past couple of months, we've re-established our friendship! And, eventually, we made a plan to 'mark the day'...and have a meal together!

Yesterday, Lisa brought one of her daughters and came to our home for dinner. It was fun to visit and hear about her life. We got to talk about things life has brought to each of us, through the years. She's become a very sweet lady, a lover of kids and a confessed chocoholic...She's happy in her life, and loves her family very much. Our kids thought she was great, and loved meeting her & her daughter.

Before she left our home, she shared that she especially remembers the holidays that she spent with us. Thanksgiving & Christmas in the 80's were crazy times for Randy & me, we'd go to all parents, and grandparents...and she made all those trips with us! I think we even spent Thanksgiving in TX that year!

And, so, I"m feeling very sentimental...sort of 'old'...and VERY thankful! I know it is true: you can't separate your past from your future. I don't know what that means to this situation, but I can see us becoming good friends.

And, for that, and the chance to get to know her better now that we're older, is something I didn't expect, so I'm truly thankful! And, so, I'm looking forward with great anticipation!

Mr. Griswold, It's Your Birthday!

July 22. That's today.
This would have been the day my dad turned 70.
It is hard to imagine him at 70. He died 17 years ago, at almost 53.

I could say many things about my dad. His name was Fred Griswold. Yep, Griswold.

He drove a truck (usually a conventional cab, Peterbuilt, or International or some other huge variety) for his entire life...(actually from the time he could stand on the floor-board, on the driver's side of a truck and work the pedals, he would 'drive' the trucks in the fields, at harvest times)

When I was really young, he hauled grain & phosphate...as I got older the freight changed to what ever could be hauled on a flat bed trailer. Then, eventually, he drove a refrigerated unit across the country. Actually, I've forgotten more than I knew about the details of keeping a truck on the road.

I do, however, remember all the trucks he drove. Lots of chrome. Always an attached sleeper with a closet. An Air-Horn. A cb radio. Lots of lights. Lots of miles. He wasn't home much, and when he was home, there was always chrome to polish, oil to change, tires to change or repair...and other responsibilities to keep the truck, both 'drive-able and live-able'...remember: he was on the road more than he was at our home!

Before e-mail, text messaging, cell phones...before answering machines and DVD players. When phones had rotary dials, and you actually spoke to a real-live operator on the line when you dialed long-distance...my dad would talk to people all over the country...I cannot even imagine how much that cost way back then, but, if he did nothing else, he stayed in close contact with friends and family by phone! That, for some reason, is amazing for me to consider!

It would also have been a really good trait for me to have inherited from him. Instead, I got the not-so-great-traits from him, which I will not enumerate here...

...One thing, though, he did have a way about him; he made friends easily, and he loved to laugh.
I'll focus on that ONE: laughter. I love it. It's good for your soul, and it makes great lines on my face...but when laughter fills the room, it puts people at ease....so laugh. Laugh!

Laugh out LOUD!!!--

Til YOUR Sides HUrt!

And, if your birthday is today: Happy Birthday!!!

Church camp...hmmmmmmm.....

Tomorrow, the younger girls leave for church camp, they'll attend almost a week with my sister's church group! They are so excited. They will be completely in their element, meeting new friends, lots of kids, singing, laughing, and all the great things that happen at camp! They would probably stay away all summer, if it meant camp!

I'm excited for them! They've been packed for almost a week! And, now, they are counting down the hours!

Also, it's exciting for me to contemplate a few days in a quiet house. I don't desire 'quiet' all the time...but once in a while...complete quiet is just good for your soul!

There are a lot of things that are good for your soul...quiet times, times with friends, times with family...time spent reading a good book, or just time to think.

So, I'm looking forward to this week being great for all of us! We have a fabulous week end planned for next week end, I'll fill you in on those details, later!

Don't Waste Time

Taking time. Spending time. Saving time. Keeping time. Summer time. School time.

Yep, it's almost school time. Summer time is almost over, and it feels like it's only just begun. Time happens...it marches on, it never 'stands still'...and we can't ever 'make more'!

All we've got is right now, this minute in time.

This summer I've become very aware of time. Goals contemplated, goals set, goals met, goals re-thought, and goals re-set!

Real time, right now: I've been 'fighting' a head ache for two days. This afternoon, I came home and needed to just rest. During this 'rest time', I became very sentimental...so, I went to the quiet place in our home, where I keep lots of treasures.

And, this is what I discovered: during seemingly 'searching' times in my life, I've done a really good job of documenting feelings and events in journals. Which is a really good thing, in case I ever want to 'write' something truly meaningful!

Seriously, though, I mustered the courage to read some! A lot of priceless things about parenting are contained in one journal in particular...the first many pages of that book are tied with a gorgeous white ribbon...none of my children should read that portion til they are about 25...they may not even 'get it' til their children are 17-20! It was written at a time when we were celebrating potty-training successes and an engagement ring in the same week with our children! This journal was the one I wrote in 2003. The summer after Randy's mom died, the summer PaPa moved in with us, and the summer I became women's ministry director at our church! Busy times! (...and if you're counting, it was the summer before we lost Macy Jo.)

One morning, in that summer of 2003, I was writing and studying, while the house was quiet, Macy quietly came down the stairs...there was nothing like cuddling her when she'd first wake up. And so this particular morning, she sat on my lap while I finished studying and writing in my journal. But then I did this magical thing...I traced her tiny hands on facing pages in my journal, and then had her sign her name, with her 3 year old scribbles, and then I wrote what we were talking about as we drew and laughed! Such a precious memory and now what a precious treasure for me to keep and 'remember' while I'm still here!

That, my friend, is why I think every moment is important. Time is precious, and, as I found out soon after the hand tracing morning, sometimes moments like that are the 'only' chance we ever get to just enjoy each other!
...so whether we're keeping time,
spending time,
making time
or saving time...
we never, ever should waste it--it won't come back!

Max! What a Cute Puppy!

Our very sweet grandkids, Will and Ally, got a new puppy today! That's the big news in our family for a summer day! He is the cutest, 9 week old, collie puppy! Will is trying his best to do it all right...treats, food, water, throwing the random tennis ball and playing with the puppy. Max is the puppy's name! (During our recent visit to Randy's brother's, Will fell in love with Uncle Rod's dogs--one was named Max--he came home and talked his mom and dad in to a puppy--so he borrowed the name from Uncle Rod's dog!)

Ally, of course, is scared to death of the puppy. She'll call his name randomly, smile about him, and look at him from afar...but she really doesn't want to touch him, or pat him, or really even be near him! I do think that after she gets used to him, it'll be fine.

It was so sweet today watching Will try to encourage Ally to pat Max. She just wasn't interested, but Will kept trying. I get so much pleasure watching Alayna & Wes parent. I think that's one of the most fun things about getting old...watching our child's family do life! Sometimes: Hilarious!

They will, as a family, figure this puppy thing out, I have no doubts. They will also figure out lots of things together, that's what families do! Change. It's the only constant! And, in families it's all about adapting to the changes of our lives. A puppy certainly adds responsibility, work, clean ups and random 'chewing challenges'...but also, a lot of companionship for little kids, loyal friendship for the family...and hours of entertainment for the ones who care to observe!

Randy & I have been through many 'changes' in our lives. In fact, we've spent more time adapting to the 'new experiences' than we have ever had things remain the same! And, as we get older and older, we find ourselves adapting to all kinds of changes! The most recent challenge for me, (aside from the physical growing old stuff, which I refuse to discuss here) has been learning how to actually use the remote control to the TV in the family room. It is really intimidating, and does things that no other remote in our house does, plays, records, flashes the TV guide up on the screen, and changes channels...I missed the official tutorial, so I only use the bare essentials of this device.

Back to the puppy...not much has changed in the ways of adapting to a puppy in the house. One major reason that Randy & I do not intend to have one live with us! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We don't do livestock. Any kind...not even fish!

However, I have great appreciation for people who actually enjoy their animals...and take good care of them... Go Rykers! They will always have our blessing...but I will enjoy the 'crazy moments' the challenges of kids/and a puppy present in a household...even if I have to come home and 'laugh' in private!!! Hilarious. Just Hilarious!!!

And, by the way: I eagerly anticipate the next 'change' in life!!! The unknown can be so exciting to contemplate!

Family; Chicago and the Fourth of July!

Fireworks!

I love fireworks...Hope your Fourth of July was fabulous, as you celebrated Independence Day!

This year, Randy planned for our family to spend a few days in Chicago together, so we arrived there on the 4th! And, so to sit in Millennium Park, with our kids and grand kids and watch fireworks being displayed over Lake Michigan was amazing! (and, of course, a little hot!)

The Palmer House was our hotel destination that evening, as always, we were not disappointed!
The next morning, we took an 'architecture tour' on the Chicago River...in a speed boat... Hilarious!

All I can say is: hilarious!!! Randy booked this tour thinking the kids would love 'going fast'...not taking in to consideration how potentially 'wet' we'd get!!! We were on Lake Michigan for approximately 5.7 seconds when the entire population of our vessel got drenched! I was on an aisle seat, smugly thinking I might get a little 'over spray'...and Whooosh....the water just rushed over the edge of the boat, the entire upper half of my body looked like I'd just gotten out of the shower!...hilarious!!

All I could do was scream and laugh...the kids in front of me were as wet as me, and laughing just as much...Randy looked hilarious with water just dripping off his glasses!! The girls were sitting on the outside...so they were completely soaked, as well!

While I was laughing and considering how ridiculous we all looked, I heard screaming...

Can you say: Terrified?

Ally, poor little thing, was terrified...they were directly behind us, and when the water & laughing & screaming began, she was so scared, all she could do was scream and cry:(

Alayna got her some what calmed down...but we continued to 'get wet' until we entered the locks that connect Lake Michigan & the Chicago River! From that point on, we learned a lot and were in the sun, so we dried out! And, little Ally fell asleep, which was a good thing:)

We enjoyed Navy Pier the rest of the afternoon, rode the giant ferris wheel and Alayna & Wes took Will & Ally to the Children's Museum, which they loved! In the evening, we took a short walk to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and took the SkyDeck tour. We ended this day at the 'Bean' and the 'fountains with the random faces', again at Millennium Park...the kids had so much fun playing in the water!

On Tuesday, we enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo--the flowers, the trees, and water elements there, with the city sky line as a back drop are, for me, breath taking!

On this day, we changed hotels (don't ask--it's a Randy thing) on purpose, moving to The Drake. After a quick check in and a dinner reservation secured, we walked the short block and a half to the Cheesecake Factory for a light lunch and cheesecake. We ended this day at the huge Borders book store just across the street from Water Tower Place. I love getting lost in there! And, I wasn't disappointed! I found a fabulous book! (I'll share more about that later!)

Today, we slept in a little and had a late breakfast in our hotel. SO much fun! Two times per year, the Drake has an emergency evacuation for their employees. Two times per year. As we were being seated for breakfast, it was ONE of those two times...and so, emergency speakers and alarms were going off for 10 straight minutes. Employees had to evacuate the building, so we got to sit under the alarm while we 'waited for their return'...I'm telling you hilarious!
The view from that dining room was fun, it over looks the walk way and beach area of Lake Michigan.

One of my favorite buildings to look at and ponder is the water tower. I think it is gorgeous....I think I love it so much because it was one of the few buildings that survived the famous Chicago fire. Longevity!


Which makes me remember something my brilliant grandson asked me this morningwhile we waited for our breakfast to arrive. Will says, "G-mar, I was looking at your wedding pictures and you and Grandpa don't have the same faces, where did those faces go?" Longevity! I tried to explain that his face looks 'different' from when he was a baby...I don't think he was impressed!!! I also tried to explain that I was old...still unimpressed...then his eggs came, and it didn't really matter any more! Hilarious! Just hilarious!

Fun times. Great memories! And, of course, Randy's already planning the next place to go!

I Praise God for One Way Streets

On my recent vacation, or road trip adventure with my sister, there were many experiences, sights and sounds that not only took my breath away, but helped me to see this world in a little different light and perspective.

I usually try to 'find the lesson' during unplanned experiences. This adventure was no different, in that respect.

First of all, you must know, LaDonna is a fabulous navigator...she got us where we needed to be, with the help of 'Gert', our trusty GPS, and her atlas! (As much of a techno-geek as she is, LaDonna didn't 'just trust' Gert's micro-brain, so we had to stop and purchase an atlas--of course, at this stop we also purchased a dictionary, for her to use while she quizzed my on GRE vocabulary words...that's how much of nerd I AM!)

But, that isn't what THIS is about!

I don't really have LaDonna's permission to share the entire story here, but let me just say that I think she'll understand, after she reads this entry and why I felt compelled to 'share'!

I recently met a woman that was on the wrong path. By wrong path, I simply mean that she may have never been taught anything about the living God of Heaven and Earth, or if she has been taught truth from holy scripture, she's chosen not to believe it, or live it. I know this because she is pursuing and listening to whom the Bible would call false prophets. People who would take a portion of the truth of scripture and corrupt with their own ideas and purposes. This encounter broke my heart on many different levels. Intelligent people and not so intelligent people are pursuing truth, and trying to make sense of life. The Father of Lies is right there, enticing and telling them things that 'tickle their ears'. Beware.

That's the way of life, isn't it? choices...

My 'new friend' has a choice to believe what she's being taught as truth, or to drop it, and pursue God. Unfortunately, the enemy is sly, and he preys on those that are seeking but are not seeking in holy realms. The 'filter' my friend is using is not scripture, which makes distinguishing between truth and untruth impossible.

Life choices...Sometimes we choose to follow and live by God's precepts, we fall down, we get back up, repentance & healing happen, we're restored.

And, others choose to reject holy scripture completely...all the choices we make culminate with whether or not we are 'lost' in the end.

One evening, while on a walking explore, LaDonna and I found ourselves 'far from our destination'. We thought we were prepared enough: comfy shoes, we'd lighten our bags and had our bottles of water in hand.

We'd taken a map of the area...we'd listened to wise counsel (a local person gave us instructions)...yet our first turn should have been RIGHT, and it was LEFT.
Here's the thing:

• this happened EVEN with a map in our hands, it wasn't a great map, but it was a map.
• this happened after we'd received verbal instructions from someone we could trust, a 'local' who knew the area well. After careful consideration, and recollection of the conversation, she could have actually been telling us exactly what we needed to 'do and when to turn and which way to turn' but her verbal instructions were not 'in order'...they were random ...'you could turn here, you could go here, OR you could turn this way, and go there...OR you could make this turn, turn again and find yourself over HERE'...confusing, at best.

And so, my lesson from this experience: Even with the word of God in my hand, as my road map, looking at it on my own, with the enemy lurking, I can 'figure it out on my own', and make a mistake...unless I seek Holy Spirit counsel (we serve a Mighty, Wise, Good God that is ready and available to help us see truth IN His word, no matter how 'lost' we might be on our own!)

Also, we can be confusing in the way we talk to people about God's word. We sometimes can give them too much information (like our local guide) and do more harm than good, for the kingdom!--If LaDonna & I had stayed on our 'path', we'd have eventually wound up in some random person's living room begging for dinner...for the gorgeous things we had set out to see and experience were completely in the opposite direction of the one we were headed.

That's the way it is with the life God has chosen & planned for each of us...sometimes the beauty He has in store for us requires us to completely TURN AROUND from the things we are pursuing, and SEEK HIM instead!

He is faithful...He LOVES you...If you are seeking Him, He may let you wander for a little bit, but if you're truly seeking HIM, He knows it and He will draw you back to Himself, a place of beauty and peace and rest!

There was a man of 'truth' on the path my sister & I were on! I knew immediately we could trust him as someone that would possess the truth we needed, and he would give us sound advice, because: he drove a white van with red & blue stripes on it, carried a cloth bag, talked constantly on his cell phone, and was very busy doing his job...but he took the time to talk with us, direct us and encourage us!

And so, with great arm gestures, this man of truth (we now refer to as our version of Brad Pitt) said to us, "Turn around, go back the way you came, See?--It's ONE WAY, the cars are going DOWN town... go that WAY!!!!!"

You gotta love that, I know I'll think of it and laugh for years to come!

Because here's the hilarious thing: Our choice at the beginning of our walk was SO wrong, it should have been obvious to us: we were walking the 'wrong' way down a ONE WAY street!!!--This bit of information should have been a clue when we turned left instead of right...but we were too busy pursuing our confusing instructions!

On vacations, we take incorrect turns, follow incorrect instructions, and listen to Gert (or what ever you've affectionately named your own GPS), but the fun part can be finding the lesson. You can usually recover from wrong turns in traffic, part of our adventure was the fun in watching Gert's head spin around...and the 'pink line' where the car should be, turn in to a round coil! Hilarious. Just Hilarious.

That's a great thing about our God, as well. He's there, waiting for us to hear the call of His voice on our lives. He's there, with truth! Remember this, though, there's only One Way to God...and that is through Jesus Christ!

I don't know about you, but LaDonna & I are so thankful for One Way streets! God, in His infinite wisdom knew our greatest need was a Saviour!...and, that's what He gave us out of His love for us.

Take a listen:

"It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone the builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10b-12NIV

Home...Oh, But it is GOOD to be Home, Again!

My own bed, my 'stuff' put away (not in a suitcase) and Internet access!
Just a few of the things I appreciate about being back home from my road trip with my sister!
Oh yeah, and it's been really good to see Randy...my awesome husband, and father of our children...and the kids...all of them, including grand kids! They are all so much fun! All talking at once, all telling me about their week 'at once'! Holly, Madison & Mallory were at church camp all week. Mallory had done a pretty good job at a softball game that she came over to play in because the team was going to be 'short' a member. And, a tree actually fell on a house in front of our hospital...and it looks to me like the house is a loss...but I'm not an adjuster. Will & Ally are getting their first puppy next month, and Will had gone to 'visit & name it' yesterday afternoon. These were BIG news items last night & today! It was fun to hear all their stories from the week!
But, I wanted to write about finishing up my trip:

• LaDonna & I had such a good time together! She's a great trip navigator & planner. She always has a plan, and she's easy going enough that if the 'plan' changes, she's OK with that, too! So, to say we had an 'easy trip' is a huge understatement! I drove most of the miles, but we spread it over all 9 days, so that was a good thing!
• We both really enjoyed Graceland, much to our surprise! Well done, and well thought out displays. I could go on and on, but as I said earlier, there are web-sites devoted to Elvis & Graceland!
• And, we, of course enjoyed our visit with family in Odessa. Grandma not only looked great, but she seems busy in her life, making friends, encouraging those around her and still laughing a lot! Our aunt & uncle were awesome hosts, making sure we were comfortable, feeding us, laughing with us, telling us great stories, and encouraging us on the next portion of our journey! I'll write more about that visit in another blog, as I'm still contemplating much of this journey in my brain!
• We both really enjoyed the drive between Odessa, TX & Sante Fe, NM. There was actually a stretch of road, (90 miles or so) that we only met 10-12 cars. nothing else was around. I mean nothing. just land, and in the distance striated hills that turned quickly in to mountains! Speed limit through much of that portion of the journey was 75-80mph. I love driving my car...and I love driving it fast...so this was a perfect day for me! During this portion of the trip, we stopped in Roswell, NM, just for fun! Remember? The claim to fame for this town is that a UFO landed there in 1947. The girl at the gift store told us that a person 'through' there recently, told her that he was one of the ones the space ship left. She congratulated him, and went on...she shared with us that 'she meets all kinds of people' in her job...let me just say this: I'll bet she does!
• Sante Fe was everything we'd hoped for--and more! The people were so friendly, and helpful. We kept our visit, because it was 'short', to the historical/downtown attractions. We stayed in the 'Pueblo Bonito Bed & Breakfast', down town: highly recommended! The inn keepers were there to make sure our questions were answered, that our room was satisfactory and that our visit was great!
• Among the attractions we enjoyed the most were the Loretto Chapel, and the Bell Tower at the LaFonda Hotel.
• The chapel, was breath taking. This chapel is famous because of the story of it's winding staircase. Two complete 360 degree turns in it, and it was built only using the wood, a little water for the curves, and three tools...almost 400 years ago! This was a school for women, so a staircase was necessary for them to have access to the choir loft. It was only accessible by ladder before, and women didn't climb ladders back then, apparently.
• The tower,because of the view! They don't even open til late afternoon, and it's a fabulous place to watch the sunset. LaDonna loves to take pictures...lots of pictures...and so this was a fabulous opportunity for that!

Today, fittingly, is Father's Day. God blessed my children with the most amazing 'daddy'...now known as 'dad'...but he's so good to all of us...If he weren't, I would not have been able to share the above story. He cherishes each of us, and we feel loved by him...so thankful that God blessed me with him as my husband!

Reminds me of that song, you know the one: "Oh God, You've been SO good to me!"

Day 7...Sante Fe

Sante Fe. Wow. We have had such a good time exploring and experiencing 'the west'! Last night we had a wonderful dinner at an outside bistro, complete with live music! Then we just walked around and window shopped!

So far on this adventure, we've learned a few vocabulary words (!), visited with each other, visited with Grandma & our aunt & uncle. Explored 'old family pictures' with the family, and heard all kinds of great 'old' stories from grandma. Lots of memories, lots of laughter and a few tears.

With mixed emotions I pulled away from Odessa yesterday. Excited to explore New Mexico with my sister, and experience the wind in our hair on the open high way while we took in all the dessert scenery; yet, sad, because the reality remains, this could be the last visit with Grandma.

The amazing thing about our relationship has always been the closeness, even across the miles. I can always hear her voice, and see her hands move as she tells a story. I can always picture the way she puts on her makeup and does her hair--even at 87 years old--and nothing is 'out of place', on her person, or in the place where she lives.

We arrived to say our good byes early yesterday, she wasn't completely 'ready' for the day, yet, so we talked while she finished up her makeup & hair. LaDonna even took a few pictures of her doing this! Those are the pictures I will probably cherish the most. Those moments 'before' pictures growing up, and there were many!

We must move, because it's still 'cool' outside...must explore!!!

I'll write more later!

Day 2...Graceland & Texas!

We made it to Texas...we're about 7-1/2 hours from Grandma; we'll finish that leg of the trip in the morning! Today we started with an early tour of Graceland & the museums they offer in their Platinum package! This is a picture of LaDonna & I in front of the outdoor pool at the mansion.

We loved the tour. It was an amazing display of a 'larger-than-life' life.

When I was a little girl, I was a huge Elvis fan. I loved his music and his movies! As I got older, I had an appreciation for his talent, but wouldn't say I was a huge fan. For today, I was a fan, again--and thoroughly enjoyed the moment!

I could go on and on about this, but I feel certain that there are web-sites dedicated to JUST Elvis details...so I won't bore you here with those! I would recommend this experience to anyone going to Memphis (or, as in our case, anywhere NEAR there--hilarious!)!

I'm trying to multi-task on this 'vacation'...hours driving in the car lends itself well to sing alongs, lots of conversation & laughter...but also, LaDonna has been quizzing me on GRE vocabulary words...we even stopped today (very quickly) to purchase a small dictionary so she could tell me the derivative & pronunciation of each word...I know, I know: we are such geeks...but, at this point in time, that's a really good thing.

Seriously, as we drove in to Texas, the temperature rose about 6 degrees! It is really hot where we're headed...so, we'll have the top down in the morning, early, as we travel through Dallas! By the time we hit the dessert in the afternoon: not so much! I'm pretty sure we'll want the a/c on HIGH!!!

We ate dinner with an old friend from high school tonight. That was fun, he'd moved to a town in Texas in the middle 80's ...so it was good to re-connect with him. (this 'reunion' was made possible thanks to facebook!)

Other-ness for today: In the Great Adventure reading this morning, from I Kings: the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, and 'the 1/2 had not been told' to her concerning his vast wealth. No other king lived like him, neither 'before or since.'

...I can't even imagine that kind of wealth. Especially, considering the display of wealth that I witnessed where I started my day today!

What a display!

What a perspective!

What an era!

Road Trip to TX--Day 1...

Funny. Too funny--for my sister and I to travel by ourselves is just too funny! We've never done this before, so everything is a 'new experience'!!! Of course, we've traveled together, our whole lives...lots of times...this time; however, we've left our families, our husbands and our 'other responsibilities' behind and are focused on the 'day ahead', and our eventual destination: Grandma's place!

Our first stop was to get 'art & craft' supplies so that we could take 'fun' pictures...like someone named Flat Stanley, and a few other, more familiar faces!

Then we drove...listened to Elvis...of course, because we're cool like that...and sang along.

We did an overview of the trip...made plans for along the way...and LaDonna 'quizzed me' on vocabulary words...that was fun--NOT!

We had a great time in the traffic...not a lot of rain...and made it safe & sound!

We did a walk-around the neighborhood...got a recommendation for a good place for dinner. We knew we were in the 'right place' when we walked in and there was a huge poster of the 'Drive-In's, Diners & Dives' guy had been there! Great food, great service and SO much fun. There was a guy singing Elvis tunes in the corner, and one of the patrons actually was dressed like 'The King of Rock & Roll'...and was standing up leading his family in the sing-along...it looked just like a movie set...HILARIOUS!!! It was fun...lots of laughs!

It's kind of hard to be away from everyone...but it will be so good to see Grandma. She's really looking forward to the visit! My husband, bless him, was almost as excited about this trip as I am! He's just really so supportive, and he loves to travel, so the planning of this trip was almost as fun for him as for us!

There are so many things I want to 'do' this week. And so, I must get busy!

This morning, as I read in I Kings 8....the verse there, verse 11 says: And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple. ...it just took my breath away... What a picture, the Lord's glory, filling the temple!!! What a Mighty God we serve, to give us such blessings: Beyond Measure...Filled and Overflowing.

Truly Blessed, that's me! Praise God!

AnnaBelle.

I just spoke with my grandma. She's my hero. If you know me, you probably already know that.

AnnaBelle. Named after both her grandmothers. She has a way of laughing through tears. She also has a way of telling a story through the laughter. I've heard her do this my entire life, so I understand everything she says. To the untrained ear, which is most of my family, they just hear laughter!

(Unfortunately for them, I do the same thing...laugh & talk at the same time...which makes the 'story not so funny'...sorry!)

Grandma & I always have so much fun, whether we're together physically, on the phone, or through our letters (snail mail; I don't think she's ever been around a computer!) She doesn't write much any more....I only write a 'real pen & ink letter' once in a while, to accompany the occasional card to her.

She moved almost 2,000 miles away from me when I was in 8th grade. She & I were close before she left, so the 'move' was especially hard for both of us. She also moved away from her parents, and her siblings (she is the oldest of 6).

But, it had to 'be'. Jobs. Health. The other 1/2 of their family lived 'there', as well, so she & my grandpa could be closer to them. While I understood all these things...I just missed her.

She was very creative. She kept up with my sister & I even over the miles, before cell phones, skype and internet...and did a great job of remaining close to all of us!

I would consider her a master seamstress. She instilled & encouraged a love for fabric in me at a very young age...that carries through to this day! She & I could spend hours looking at pattern books, and 'lines', of garments, and then spend even more hours touching & imagining & planning fabric. Her love for fabric & thread & texture are amazing gifts for her imagination. She taught me a lot before she left, but even through the miles, she continued to teach me what she could. Even now, when I talk to her by phone, she'll give me little 'garment tips'. Now, the only sewing she does, is to occasionally hem a pair of pants for a friend.

The thing I love the most about her is her attitude. She's trusted God through everything she's faced.

Devastating health issues with my grandpa, left them forced to move from our area; but, looking back, the move was a complete blessing for their lives.

She lost both of her parents, and grieved for them 'far' away from home & her siblings. She trusted God.

She grieved the end of my parent's marriage...and eventually the death of my dad, her son. Later on, she & grandpa came to my house, spent an entire month to help us through the loss of our little daughter.

A couple of years later, I watched, as she cared for my grandpa to the end of his life on this earth. His death was so hard, they'd been married for about 68 years, her entire adult life. A little later, when the grief was so overwhelming, she moved to assisted living, leaving everything behind that had been her 'life' for about 30 years.

Never, never did her faith wane. Never, never did she allow the circumstances of this life to make her question God's faithfulness to her and to her family. She always looked for the good, the blessing, and because of her faith, she found it! We would cry together, and then in a few minutes, we'd be laughing at the memories. She would end the conversation with a 'good memory' of the person or time, that we were mourning.

Yes, she's taught me a lot about life, living well, and trusting an almighty, faithful God! I'm thankful to have had her as a part of my life this long...

This probably would have been more appropriate for Mother's Day, or Grandparent's Day...but today seemed to fit for me...she was just on the phone with me. She was excited because they are remodeling the dining room where she lives, and they were going to get to eat lunch in there for the first time today.

My sister and I are driving my car out to see her. We leave in 7 days. She's so excited. There's a lilt in her voice I haven't heard for a while...she told me, "I haven't felt this good in a long time." The truth is, she has something to look forward to: our visit! She's always loved having her 'bunch' around! Each one is so precious to her. Even now, she can't always remember 'all their names'...but she loves them just the same.

I'm afraid I haven't done her 'justice' in writing such a short entry about her. I haven't even talked about her marriage to my grandpa. Or the way she is with her friends. Or the way she can rebuke in love, without being harsh (this one I have not mastered, yet, unfortunately)

I could write a book about the things she's taught me. Once, I wrote down one words of wisdom she's given me over the years. Some are so practical, some are hilarious...but most line up with Proverbs...amazing how that works!

What are YOU doing This Week End?

"Memorial Day" week end. It means lots of different things...

One thing it IS: a time to honor soldiers that have fallen while serving our country.

There are moments that take my breath away...watching a waving flag as our National Anthem is played is one of those. Regardless of whether the President is in attendance at Arlington, or not (apparently he's leaving on vacation?)--the fact remains...people throughout the life of this country have indeed, bled and died in order for me to be able to write this blog, and attend the church of my choice, and, and ,and...I could go on and on!

Freedom. I'm not certain that we take our 'freedom' as seriously as we should.
THAT really isn't what THIS is about, though!

My husband's dad, affectionately and forever is known here as PaPa...(he served in the US Navy during WWII)...to him, it didn't matter what 'week end' of May, Memorial Day fell on, it was always 'the 30th of May!'--and that's when he celebrated it!

He was quirky like that! Hilarious stories would just come out of him, we would laugh til we ached...and when our family is together, remembering him, we still laugh!

But, to PaPa, 'the 30th of May' was a day to 'remember' all that had passed, a day to put flowers on each grave, and to sit at the cemetery in Raleigh, and visit with people that 'came home' to do the same! I don't know if it still happens, but they used to have a community celebration on this week end called 'Raleigh Days', complete with a parade, food, and entertainment. He & Nita loved that time of year, people they'd grown up with would travel just to be there for the week end, to visit! Do people do that any more? That may be a real thing of the past! Papa's biggest fear before he died was: 'no one' will remember to put flowers on mine & Nita's grave'... he could see that 'remembering' might not be as important to those coming after him!

At our house, it's the first official week end of summer--phrases I hear a lot are things like: 'YES, the pool opens' and 'when do I get my new swim suit'.
...these are of little concern to me...but with two 14 year old girls, these are important!!

There are Memorial Day Sales and Parades and Picnics...losing sight of the reason we are to 'remember' is easy in our busy, 'fun-filled' , action-packed lives...even as I write this, I'm thinking of all I must do to get things ready for all we have planned for the week end.

Let's see: a wedding (Congratulations: Ben & Jessica!), church, a baptism service (Go, Clint!), a cook out, PaPa's 'branch of the Bishop's will be together and lots of laughter...yep that about covers it!

I think just 'because'...I'll stop by MaMa & Papa Bishop's graves in the morning early, and yes--I'll most likely take flowers--Just Because!