This has been a really good week. We kicked off another 6 week study for our women last Monday night. Living an Abundant Life in Christ. I'm excited about the prospects of this study, and the impact it could have on our lives, if we allow Christ to work in and among us!
Our staff left after Wednesday evening programming to head to Chicago/Willow Creek for the Catalyst One Day Event. Andy Stanley and Craig Groeshcel. (I may have spelled his name wrong, but he's the lifechurch.tv guy) One of our staff members was unable to attend, due to some health issues, but we were able to get it all on cd/books for him as a resource. My hope is that we can carry the 'buzz' through til Monday when we're all together to 'down load' some more! Over dinner, on the drive home, we had a lot of good discussion. To say the least, the whole day was designed to be thought AND question provoking for those of us that serve in public ministry. And, as always, I come away asking deep, probing questions about my own motivations, and asking God to continually search my heart to make certain that that motivation is because of what HE wants, not what I'd like to see happen! Huge challenge!
I'm looking forward to really good things. As I've shared before, this spring is one of great anticipation for me...on many many fronts!
Personally, Randy & I are great. He's such a great husband, and he takes such good care of us. He is a constant encouragement to me and our girls. It amazes me how very much he loves each of them. And, because we pray over them each day, we're always amazed at God's answers to those prayers! Unexpected things just happen to us! And, the only thing we can say is: that is so like our God! Praise HIM!
The younger girls recently had an 'experimental evening' with hair color. Let me just say the results were unexpected to say the least...but because it was Madison & Mallory, nothing ever is the 'expected result'...I was quickly reminded 'the morning after' of the time they cut each other's hair when they were about 2.
1/2" hair is cute on a 2 year old!--SORT OF! As is magenta hair on Madison and white/blonde on Mallory with pink stripes! --They constantly tell me 'it's just hair mom!'.
Our oldest daughter and her husband have started a home-based business that seems to be doing really well...I think that's a blessing from God. The babies are beautiful (You would think I was crazy if I didn't say that, but it IS true!)
And, then there's our second oldest. Holly. Oh, Holly. (And, btw, welcome to blogspot, Holly, if you actually chose to read your mom's blog!) We are in process of gearing up for her to re-join our family after being away for 8-1/2 months. Disney World. YIKES. But, she loves it. She's learned many things she would not have learned here, like actually cooking food, and managing her own money...and navigating city traffic to get to work on time....and making friends from scratch. She recently went to a church service. She related later that she was the youngest person in the building, and she didn't even care...she was, I think, because I'm her mom, and I know her pretty well, HUNGRY. Your soul just gets hungry for truth...And, living in a place where 'nothing is as it seems'...truth is hard to find. She's made a lot of friends...some she'll more than likely keep the rest of her life. She's like her dad in that realm. A really Good friend! This does not surprise me. She's hilarious. As are all our girls. Hilarity Rules. Is our motto around here!
Anyway, back to HUNGRY--God's word is the only thing that can satisfy that HUNGER deep in our soul. But, if we are not aware of this, we 'stuff the HUNGER with other stuff'...looking for rest and peace. Mostly, thought, for her, I'm just thankful that she calls/texts me and says things to me other than 'can you send me money?'
We are on our way to a fund raiser dinner for the youth of our church. Different couples are hosting it in their homes. The home we are going to is serving 'tacos'...It'll be fun, we'll get to connect with three other couples from church...eat and laugh...and give them some $$ that will help fund summer youth trips.
Tomorrow is a busy day. Great Banquet Team meeting in the afternoon. Last one til April 18. I could say that I'm super excited about the Banquet...but I'm super excited about April 17, Oil Belt Ladies Day...
but the truth is: I lSUPER EXCITABLE and, I LOVE this life that God seems to be unfolding right before my eyes!
He's blessing the effort, and He's putting things for us to either experience, or try. There are many things 'out there' that I will do, but only because of His power, provision and timing...can't wait to see what that looks like...what a ride! Whew!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
...anger does not bring about...James 1:20
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Anger issues. Do we all have them, or is it just me? Sadly, I can get angry pretty quick. Even MORE sad is the fact that I don't usually take the time to 'count to 10' as we were always taught to do when we were younger--which leads to many apologies later when my 'quick assessment' turns out to be wrong...For me, this is the place where God's mercy is just for me!--He loves me even though I 'lose it sometimes'...
Just this week, I've had to learn from my mistakes, yet again...
Today is a day that I'm thankful for, because I found some 'notes' I'd written a while back! And, because I like you, I wanted to share it here, so that maybe someone else besides me will benefit from the lesson in this little portion of the book of James, chapter 1, verses 19-27...are written at the top of my paper...the rest reads:
"We're to take note that we are to be teachable--having a teachable spirit...if we are proud or arrogant we aren't going to listen.
But, these verses say we're to be 'quick to listen... slow to speak... and s l o w to become angry.
Our human anger does not bring about a righteous life that God desires for us. Moral filth and evil that is prevalent in our culture DO NOTHING to bring about this righteous life, either...so we're to get rid of it AND humbly accept the WORD planted in us.'
Not just listening to the word, but actually absorbing it, like food to our blood stream, doing what it says! If you listen & don't do what it says, it has no long term affect!
To me, this says that we were created by our God to be receptive to His Word. It's like the 'one thing' we search for our whole life that can truly satisfy our soul.
Praise God!--not only does it (the Word) satisfy our soul...it also has the power to transform our lives...the secret things of God are contained there...rich treasures...assurance and hope...it's completely fascinating! --Gotta go read now!!!
More later!
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Anger issues. Do we all have them, or is it just me? Sadly, I can get angry pretty quick. Even MORE sad is the fact that I don't usually take the time to 'count to 10' as we were always taught to do when we were younger--which leads to many apologies later when my 'quick assessment' turns out to be wrong...For me, this is the place where God's mercy is just for me!--He loves me even though I 'lose it sometimes'...
Just this week, I've had to learn from my mistakes, yet again...
Today is a day that I'm thankful for, because I found some 'notes' I'd written a while back! And, because I like you, I wanted to share it here, so that maybe someone else besides me will benefit from the lesson in this little portion of the book of James, chapter 1, verses 19-27...are written at the top of my paper...the rest reads:
"We're to take note that we are to be teachable--having a teachable spirit...if we are proud or arrogant we aren't going to listen.
But, these verses say we're to be 'quick to listen... slow to speak... and s l o w to become angry.
Our human anger does not bring about a righteous life that God desires for us. Moral filth and evil that is prevalent in our culture DO NOTHING to bring about this righteous life, either...so we're to get rid of it AND humbly accept the WORD planted in us.'
Not just listening to the word, but actually absorbing it, like food to our blood stream, doing what it says! If you listen & don't do what it says, it has no long term affect!
To me, this says that we were created by our God to be receptive to His Word. It's like the 'one thing' we search for our whole life that can truly satisfy our soul.
Praise God!--not only does it (the Word) satisfy our soul...it also has the power to transform our lives...the secret things of God are contained there...rich treasures...assurance and hope...it's completely fascinating! --Gotta go read now!!!
More later!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
What ever happened to Real Conversations?
Technology is an amazing ever-changing thing! It intrigues me: the fact that I can type on my computer, in the warmth of my own kitchen, and chat with someone on the other side of the planet!
With my phone, I can send and receive text messages from my kids, both the ones in town, and the one far away in Florida.
We recently changed our TV from cable to dish...what ever that is and how ever that works!
Thankfully, I know very little about it! In fact, one recent night, I ventured over, and took possession of the tv remote! Yes, the really bulky one with all the colorful buttons on it!--The new one!
My generous husband had showed me just enough of the 'navigation buttons' to get me to the channels that I most generally watch.
I didn't feel good about venturing too far away from those...and then it happened: my finger slipped, and I found myself discovering all kinds of different channels, and options! I was feeling pretty good about this until:
It REALLY happened: snow. --You know, black & white dots all over the screen and NO sound except static?
I haven't seen 'snow' on a tv screen since, when we were kids--my little sister & I, would get up before tv programming started on Saturday mornings and watch the 'test patterns' until the cartoons would come on. I have NOT a clue what I did...but even the twins couldn't 'fix' it!
Of course, Randy fixed it when he got home...so it was all ok...I still don't know how to 'work it all'...but it is really ok with me!
And, so, technology, for the most part remains a mystery to me...and I'm good with that! I love the option of texting, or talking on my cell phone. I love working on my computer at home, and sending it in cyberspace to the printer at the office! Our girls 'blue tooth' a lot of things...I know this is probably a great tool for certain aspects of life, I just haven't found the aspect of MY life that blue tooth 'fits' in to, yet!
Today, though, I was reminded of how dangerous technology can be to us. We are humans. As humans we have needs to connect with each other. That's one of the reasons we get married and have kids. Communicating, relaxing together, sharing life, laughing together...encouraging each other!
I happen to think married couples should talk to each other. In person or on the phone, but with real words and expressions. I am in danger here of getting on a soap box about the frustrations of dating in the 2000's with all the technology available...so I will stop this now!
Lack of communication is one of the leading causes for the break down of relationships....(insert teen agers with ear buds in and parents absorbed in what ever and you have a recipe for kids not getting along with their parents!)
Anyway, back to my thought for today...I recently saw a married couple sitting across from each other in a nice restaurant waiting for their meal to arrive...each with cell phone in hand, completely absorbed in what ever was on their screen. Were they texting each other? Or, were they playing video games? Or, were they checking messages? I just wanted to stop by the table and say: no cell phones at meal time...talk --TALK--SPEAK WITH WORDS--to EACH OTHER....
And, yet, here I sit typing away in to this machine...and my husband is sitting right beside me...I'm going to stop typing now, and talk to him! I love him too much to ignore the fact that real-LIVE conversation time is precious!
I'll write more later!
With my phone, I can send and receive text messages from my kids, both the ones in town, and the one far away in Florida.
We recently changed our TV from cable to dish...what ever that is and how ever that works!
Thankfully, I know very little about it! In fact, one recent night, I ventured over, and took possession of the tv remote! Yes, the really bulky one with all the colorful buttons on it!--The new one!
My generous husband had showed me just enough of the 'navigation buttons' to get me to the channels that I most generally watch.
I didn't feel good about venturing too far away from those...and then it happened: my finger slipped, and I found myself discovering all kinds of different channels, and options! I was feeling pretty good about this until:
It REALLY happened: snow. --You know, black & white dots all over the screen and NO sound except static?
I haven't seen 'snow' on a tv screen since, when we were kids--my little sister & I, would get up before tv programming started on Saturday mornings and watch the 'test patterns' until the cartoons would come on. I have NOT a clue what I did...but even the twins couldn't 'fix' it!
Of course, Randy fixed it when he got home...so it was all ok...I still don't know how to 'work it all'...but it is really ok with me!
And, so, technology, for the most part remains a mystery to me...and I'm good with that! I love the option of texting, or talking on my cell phone. I love working on my computer at home, and sending it in cyberspace to the printer at the office! Our girls 'blue tooth' a lot of things...I know this is probably a great tool for certain aspects of life, I just haven't found the aspect of MY life that blue tooth 'fits' in to, yet!
Today, though, I was reminded of how dangerous technology can be to us. We are humans. As humans we have needs to connect with each other. That's one of the reasons we get married and have kids. Communicating, relaxing together, sharing life, laughing together...encouraging each other!
I happen to think married couples should talk to each other. In person or on the phone, but with real words and expressions. I am in danger here of getting on a soap box about the frustrations of dating in the 2000's with all the technology available...so I will stop this now!
Lack of communication is one of the leading causes for the break down of relationships....(insert teen agers with ear buds in and parents absorbed in what ever and you have a recipe for kids not getting along with their parents!)
Anyway, back to my thought for today...I recently saw a married couple sitting across from each other in a nice restaurant waiting for their meal to arrive...each with cell phone in hand, completely absorbed in what ever was on their screen. Were they texting each other? Or, were they playing video games? Or, were they checking messages? I just wanted to stop by the table and say: no cell phones at meal time...talk --TALK--SPEAK WITH WORDS--to EACH OTHER....
And, yet, here I sit typing away in to this machine...and my husband is sitting right beside me...I'm going to stop typing now, and talk to him! I love him too much to ignore the fact that real-LIVE conversation time is precious!
I'll write more later!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Beyond Measure!
Snow today: Beyond Measuring!
Snow Days. You have GOT to love them!
Yesterday was actually a scheduled day off from school for the girls. I had intended to be at the office, but I was able to do a lot of my 'work' here at the house before the girls even woke up! The girls and I did a lot of things around the house, cooked some, sang some, played some and talked a lot!
As things look right now in my world, the next eight weeks, or so are going to be packed with all kinds of opportunities for me to completely lean on God's strength for the day. And, many opportunities to listen as He places in my day the things that HE intends me to do!
For most people, the tendency is to just pack 'one more thing' in to the day...but I'm trying really hard just to do the 'next thing'...there's a difference. The next 'things' on my 'Spring 2010 List' includes, to name a few:
Snow Days. You have GOT to love them!
Yesterday was actually a scheduled day off from school for the girls. I had intended to be at the office, but I was able to do a lot of my 'work' here at the house before the girls even woke up! The girls and I did a lot of things around the house, cooked some, sang some, played some and talked a lot!
As things look right now in my world, the next eight weeks, or so are going to be packed with all kinds of opportunities for me to completely lean on God's strength for the day. And, many opportunities to listen as He places in my day the things that HE intends me to do!
For most people, the tendency is to just pack 'one more thing' in to the day...but I'm trying really hard just to do the 'next thing'...there's a difference. The next 'things' on my 'Spring 2010 List' includes, to name a few:
- Teaching a Bible Study on Monday afternoons from the book of Hebrews
- Participating in and sometimes speaking for our Ladies' Monday Night Bible Study at ESCC (we're talking about steps for Spiritual Growth on Monday nights--I can talk more about that later!)
- Mentoring a 5th grade girl at our local elementary school on Tuesdays
- Leading Wednesday morning Bible study for a delightful group of ladies (8-10) that cannot make it on Monday nights--they pre-view the Monday night study...sweet for everyone concerned, actually!
- A new session of GriefShare started 2 weeks ago...this session is a smaller group...so the conversations are good
- Sundays will find me attending worship at our church...teaching the women's Sunday school class, Daughter's of the King...and then pretty quick after lunch, heading to a 'Great Banquet' Team meeting.
- The Great Banquet team is such a blessing to me...those women are truly amazing...16 different denominations are represented on that team...amazing things happen in that arena, that are indescribable...
- Peppered throughout the week, e-mails, and 'writings' and phone calls that involve the other 'project' for spring: Oil Belt Ladies' Day! The team has affectionately named themselves the DIVAS (Divinely Inspired Volunteers And Servants) and this group represent 10 different churches in an 85 mile radius. The 'Day' this spring is April 17. God's hand is on that group, and the plans they make...the DIVAS range in age from 28-around 60. single, young married, professional, stay at home mom, retired, grandmas...quite a variety of women, those DIVAS...but such hearts to serve and serve well!
I cannot wait to see what God does with this spring. Not only in the lives of the women I will meet at these events and gatherings...but just the things His Word will teach me as I study and prepare for each one.
The women that I am SO very blessed to work with: whether I'm thinking of PC & Phyllis at the church, or the Great Banquet team, or the DIVAS...or the girls who attend Monday nights, or the girls who attend Sunday mornings...or the group I get to visit with on Mondays...they each, individually, and collectively, bless and challenge me on so many levels. There's always questions, or comments that challenge me to think 'higher' or trust 'more'...great insights are usually shared that I can glean from women that have walked the path I'm on!
Life is GOOD. And, here's the reason: What I just wrote looks like 'so much'...when in reality, there's still time for me to enjoy baking brownies with Will, and watch Ally do the 'chicken dance'...cook with Madison & Mallory and talk--or listen to Holly when she calls me from Florida. And, Randy & I have time for each other...because we purpose to do just that. The 'team meetings' on Sundays are sort of 'date time' for us!
Each day is really pretty laid back...of course there are things 'to do'...but they remain 'just things'...they are prayed over, and if they are on the list because God put them there, then they get done...there's always enough time to do those things!
You see, the God of the universe knows everything about me
...how many hairs are on my head, how many things I need to do today
...what I am capable of 'recalling on my own'...and what I need prompted to remember
...He gives me strength for the day...peace for the night's rest...and JOY in the Journey!
And, above all: I praise HIM for it!
I am blessed: Beyond Measure!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Really Good Week, Even If....
Fabulous week, so far! And, just like most weeks, there's been really good things, and really sad things happen. That is the stuff that life is made of, isn't it? Good and bad...mixed together...can't really have one without the other...strangely enough.
A week ago, my good friends called me to say that one of their father's was having a really serious health issue...I found out at the beginning of this week that he did pass away. So so sad that he is gone...he'll be missed by many...however, what a reward he's experiencing now! He loved the Lord, and he's now seeing the object of his faith, face to face!
This past Monday night, we began a ladies Bible study...large group, then moving to smaller groups for discussion and prayer time together! This format gives the ladies really good opportunities to get to know each other! Several of them have expressed that they actually felt "energized" when they got home!
That's the work of our Great & Mighty God, isn't it? Giving us energy--JOY--when we work to be obedient to His call on our lives!
Today was a good day. I've made several friends, just today! We are in process of starting another session of GriefShare. This will be our 4th cycle...grief is real...and we learn it is like a really 'unwelcome house guest.' It is really important to 'feel' when you are grieving and not stuff emotions, or numb your pain. Those are just a couple of things we learn in the first session. It takes courage to grieve. There's a lot of 'unknowns' and anxious moments....where fears can creep in, and stay if you aren't guarding against them, and seeking truth. Seek truth. And, you know what I'm going to say next: Scripture is that source of truth...Your efforts in seeking truth in scripture will be blessed--richly blessed!
The twins have had a good week...they are funny. They are also doing a really good job in school this year, according to their teachers! And, because the girls are 'the girls', their school secretary and their school nurse are becoming my new best friends!--As, I talk to them pretty frequently--so funny!
See what I mean: life...good with the bad...good with the sad...In this world, you will have trouble...but take heart, I have overcome the world!--Jesus said these words, accroding to John 16:33. There will be trouble here because this is NOT Heaven.
A week ago, my good friends called me to say that one of their father's was having a really serious health issue...I found out at the beginning of this week that he did pass away. So so sad that he is gone...he'll be missed by many...however, what a reward he's experiencing now! He loved the Lord, and he's now seeing the object of his faith, face to face!
This past Monday night, we began a ladies Bible study...large group, then moving to smaller groups for discussion and prayer time together! This format gives the ladies really good opportunities to get to know each other! Several of them have expressed that they actually felt "energized" when they got home!
That's the work of our Great & Mighty God, isn't it? Giving us energy--JOY--when we work to be obedient to His call on our lives!
Today was a good day. I've made several friends, just today! We are in process of starting another session of GriefShare. This will be our 4th cycle...grief is real...and we learn it is like a really 'unwelcome house guest.' It is really important to 'feel' when you are grieving and not stuff emotions, or numb your pain. Those are just a couple of things we learn in the first session. It takes courage to grieve. There's a lot of 'unknowns' and anxious moments....where fears can creep in, and stay if you aren't guarding against them, and seeking truth. Seek truth. And, you know what I'm going to say next: Scripture is that source of truth...Your efforts in seeking truth in scripture will be blessed--richly blessed!
The twins have had a good week...they are funny. They are also doing a really good job in school this year, according to their teachers! And, because the girls are 'the girls', their school secretary and their school nurse are becoming my new best friends!--As, I talk to them pretty frequently--so funny!
See what I mean: life...good with the bad...good with the sad...In this world, you will have trouble...but take heart, I have overcome the world!--Jesus said these words, accroding to John 16:33. There will be trouble here because this is NOT Heaven.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Never too Old to Learn Something New!
One of my most favorite things in life is when I can walk in to our local 'discount store', (you know the one) when they are offering cut flowers (also one of my favorite things) on 'clearance' --marked 1/2 price!
It has been SO 'grey' outside this week, either raining, or looking like it's going to rain any minute, all week...I have the most gorgeous bouquet of pink tulips on my kitchen table. They make me smile! It makes me feel sort of smug: having that cheerful greeting sitting there, with the view of 'grey', just beyond, outside our kitchen window!
Tulips are just sort of wispy to me, not so formal as the other favorite flower of mine: roses...of course, that's about the extent of my 'flower' knowledge...pretty limited, I know!
At present, my wonderful husband is playing "Mr. Fix-It" for the second Saturday night in a row! Hilarious, to me, because he would be the first to admit that just isn't his 'thing'...what can I say?
Last Saturday, we took a quick trip to get a front-porch light fixture, and came home with 7 (yes, seven)...of which, he installed 3 before bed time that night! Front porch light--looks fabulous...of course, you can see all the way down the block now!!!
Today, we just stopped in the place where we purchased our kitchen sink, and asked about a problem we were having...they told us we could pay someone about $80 or they could sell us a few tools and the part we needed to fix it ourselves (and suggested a web-site to answer questions!--ya gotta love technology!). The first 'phase of that project is already finished. I'm so proud of him! Trying new things...learning new things...hilarious!
Speaking of learning new things. I was challenged last summer to learn to knit...One of my friends at a local assisted living facility told me to buy and read a 'how to knit book' and she would encourage me and answer questions as I learned...
So, I purchased a book called, I thought, appropriately: The Cool Girls Guide to Knitting, (because I'm just so cool!)...it is a great book, my friend did exactly what she promised...answered my questions, and encouraged me!!!
It's official: I have a lot of fun knitting! And, I'm learning new things with each 'project'. My friend, my encourager, recently passed away. I miss her. I just miss her...this happens...but she helped me a lot!
And, yesterday, I met a new friend. This lady owns a yarn store! A good friend of mine recently took up knitting as well. So, we can share this hobby together--shopping for yarn, and listening to 'knitting jokes'--hilarious to me! But oh, so much fun... and oh, a sort of stress-release with benefits! I look forward to the places this new found source of fun will take me! New projects to consider, new friends to make, new colors and textures and patterns to experiment with...I think it's time for me to stop typing and go, pick up my knitting needles!!!
Till next time--I'll put out a challenge to you, my friend, learn something new...and have FUN learning!!!
It has been SO 'grey' outside this week, either raining, or looking like it's going to rain any minute, all week...I have the most gorgeous bouquet of pink tulips on my kitchen table. They make me smile! It makes me feel sort of smug: having that cheerful greeting sitting there, with the view of 'grey', just beyond, outside our kitchen window!
Tulips are just sort of wispy to me, not so formal as the other favorite flower of mine: roses...of course, that's about the extent of my 'flower' knowledge...pretty limited, I know!
At present, my wonderful husband is playing "Mr. Fix-It" for the second Saturday night in a row! Hilarious, to me, because he would be the first to admit that just isn't his 'thing'...what can I say?
Last Saturday, we took a quick trip to get a front-porch light fixture, and came home with 7 (yes, seven)...of which, he installed 3 before bed time that night! Front porch light--looks fabulous...of course, you can see all the way down the block now!!!
Today, we just stopped in the place where we purchased our kitchen sink, and asked about a problem we were having...they told us we could pay someone about $80 or they could sell us a few tools and the part we needed to fix it ourselves (and suggested a web-site to answer questions!--ya gotta love technology!). The first 'phase of that project is already finished. I'm so proud of him! Trying new things...learning new things...hilarious!
Speaking of learning new things. I was challenged last summer to learn to knit...One of my friends at a local assisted living facility told me to buy and read a 'how to knit book' and she would encourage me and answer questions as I learned...
So, I purchased a book called, I thought, appropriately: The Cool Girls Guide to Knitting, (because I'm just so cool!)...it is a great book, my friend did exactly what she promised...answered my questions, and encouraged me!!!
It's official: I have a lot of fun knitting! And, I'm learning new things with each 'project'. My friend, my encourager, recently passed away. I miss her. I just miss her...this happens...but she helped me a lot!
And, yesterday, I met a new friend. This lady owns a yarn store! A good friend of mine recently took up knitting as well. So, we can share this hobby together--shopping for yarn, and listening to 'knitting jokes'--hilarious to me! But oh, so much fun... and oh, a sort of stress-release with benefits! I look forward to the places this new found source of fun will take me! New projects to consider, new friends to make, new colors and textures and patterns to experiment with...I think it's time for me to stop typing and go, pick up my knitting needles!!!
Till next time--I'll put out a challenge to you, my friend, learn something new...and have FUN learning!!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Hilarity Rules!
I want to write about our recent trip to visit our daughter in Florida, but I can't seem to get the images to upload...I had a short conversation with her tonight. I feel relatively safe writing about her, because she doesn't read this blog:D She knows me pretty well, though, and she's a lot like me!
We did have a really good visit with her during the time we were in Orlando. It was really cold though, so we got to purchase really good looking gear to walk around the parks in!
The first day, we rode roller coasters and 'fun' rides all day. A band that plays in the 'back lot' of studios helped the twins celebrate their birthday by calling them up front and then they sang to them...only a little embarrassing when you're 14! We stopped by Magic Kingdom in the evening to see the castle (my husband's favorite view is from Main St. looking toward the castle!). It was decorated for Christmas with a gazillion little tiny lights all over it...and the lights shining 'on it' changed from all colors of icy blue to lavender to purple...GORGEOUS! And, because it was Madi & Mal's 14th birthday, we ended the day at their favorite place to eat: Olive Garden. funny!
The next day, not so cold, we went to EPCOT...had lunch in Mexico, a mid-afternoon snack in France and supper right before the fireworks in England. You've got to love going to each of those country's displays...it's all so so so so, well, Disney!
Our last day together, we got to see her apartment, shop for groceries for her and a few other things...ate some more, too!
Mostly what we did the whole time we were together was laugh our heads off! We took her her car...and then flew home, so before we got there, she asked if we'd bought her a gps. Her brilliant father told her 'yes'...and so, his gift to her was a 2010 Wal Mart edition of a Rand McNally road atlas and some high lighters! She was less than thrilled! Until later that evening when she actually opened her Christmas presents and there was a really gps...nuvi ( I think)...now she can get where she needs to be, and someone is telling her when to turn!
She really loves living there. Meeting lots of people. Weather is nice. It's a city, so there's lots of things to do...not to mention she can come and go in the parks on her days off, if she chooses! So, moving back home is not something she really wants to think about right now...but in my heart, I know she misses our family.
Our girls are pretty close, even though there's an age difference...(the older girls were 9 & 11 when the babies were born) they are becoming really good friends. They are also 'growing up' and 'maturing'...but together, the four of them have been through a LOT of things--hilarious things (I always say: Hilarity Rules!), some ordinary things (day to day) and really tough, emotional things (like the population of our household shrink by 1/2 in about 6 months time).
They've shared experiences that only they can talk about, that's true of most families, I know...I just feel like I've got a front row seat to watch their lives unfold! To watch them become really good friends, to depend on each other and do life together! How exciting!
Truly, truly blessed!
We did have a really good visit with her during the time we were in Orlando. It was really cold though, so we got to purchase really good looking gear to walk around the parks in!
The first day, we rode roller coasters and 'fun' rides all day. A band that plays in the 'back lot' of studios helped the twins celebrate their birthday by calling them up front and then they sang to them...only a little embarrassing when you're 14! We stopped by Magic Kingdom in the evening to see the castle (my husband's favorite view is from Main St. looking toward the castle!). It was decorated for Christmas with a gazillion little tiny lights all over it...and the lights shining 'on it' changed from all colors of icy blue to lavender to purple...GORGEOUS! And, because it was Madi & Mal's 14th birthday, we ended the day at their favorite place to eat: Olive Garden. funny!
The next day, not so cold, we went to EPCOT...had lunch in Mexico, a mid-afternoon snack in France and supper right before the fireworks in England. You've got to love going to each of those country's displays...it's all so so so so, well, Disney!
Our last day together, we got to see her apartment, shop for groceries for her and a few other things...ate some more, too!
Mostly what we did the whole time we were together was laugh our heads off! We took her her car...and then flew home, so before we got there, she asked if we'd bought her a gps. Her brilliant father told her 'yes'...and so, his gift to her was a 2010 Wal Mart edition of a Rand McNally road atlas and some high lighters! She was less than thrilled! Until later that evening when she actually opened her Christmas presents and there was a really gps...nuvi ( I think)...now she can get where she needs to be, and someone is telling her when to turn!
She really loves living there. Meeting lots of people. Weather is nice. It's a city, so there's lots of things to do...not to mention she can come and go in the parks on her days off, if she chooses! So, moving back home is not something she really wants to think about right now...but in my heart, I know she misses our family.
Our girls are pretty close, even though there's an age difference...(the older girls were 9 & 11 when the babies were born) they are becoming really good friends. They are also 'growing up' and 'maturing'...but together, the four of them have been through a LOT of things--hilarious things (I always say: Hilarity Rules!), some ordinary things (day to day) and really tough, emotional things (like the population of our household shrink by 1/2 in about 6 months time).
They've shared experiences that only they can talk about, that's true of most families, I know...I just feel like I've got a front row seat to watch their lives unfold! To watch them become really good friends, to depend on each other and do life together! How exciting!
Truly, truly blessed!
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