A Little Thinking and a LOT of Catch-up...

Since it's Sunday, I'm going to use my Sunday Seven (plus) to do some thinking and some catch up today:

1.  I found this quote while doing some study the other day:

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” -Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

It struck me as such a powerful thought that God's grace continually helps improve who I am.  It also covers me in those times when I am SO crooked.  I love that thought!

2.  I let it come and go and I really shouldn't have!  DH and I have been married for 23 years as of last Sunday evening.  Sunday morning someone congratulated us and said, "23 years of married bliss."  I thought about that.  It's been 23 years, though not always blissful.  Sometimes marriage is just hard work and commitment.  Other times bliss abounds and you know that the hard work and commitment are so worth it.  I think THIS is what defines us and our marriage.  God is good and I am so glad to be married to this wonderful man!

3.  Teachers returned to duty last Monday.  This meant a week of learning about our new Principal and hearing how things were going to run this year under her leadership.  It will be different.  I know she made a HUGE effort to balance the week with a little fun, a little dose of her expectations, and celebration for who we are as a school staff.  It was busy, but good.  Her theme this year is "Cruisin' to Success" and everything is being built around the metaphor of cruising.  There is no question that it will be a year of learning to navigate my role on the ship.  And that's OK with me.

4.  Students returned on Friday for our Open House and "Meet Your Teacher".  Our church has formed a really neat partnership with the school and has done several servant events for the families there.  Each year, we have donated school supplies to be distributed to children without them.  This year, the new Principal gave us permission to actually set up a location and distribute them during this event.  We had 11 adults and 9 youth there distributing school supplies!

5.  This event is definitely worth two bullets in my list!  I have to say that watching it was absolutely amazing! I would check kids off a list and then a volunteer would get that student and help them choose one of 350 backpacks donated by the Rotary Club.  Then they would take their school supply list and let them go select five more things for the backpack!  I loved hearing the connections people made with the kids.  I loved watching parent's faces as they realized that the list would be met without financial strain.  It was an amazing outpouring of love!

6.  I went school supply shopping for my own kiddos this week.  I am so thankful that we have the resources to assure that our kids go to school lacking nothing.  I don't take it for granted.  I remember days when it would have been much more difficult for us and thus, for them.

7.  We had a lovely trip to see my family yesterday.  I love just visiting, sharing food, and laughing with them. Though I had a terrible headache all day long, it was a highlight of my weekend.  I am blessed that we are so close.  And I love the fact that we can just BE together with no other agenda.

7+.  And an extra blessing I received this week...was a lovely gift from Edie over at Rich Gifts.  She sent me a beautifully crafted initial "S" to hang on a wall.  (I will take a pic of it and post...my camera is dead and I can't get any pics off of it right now.)  Anyway, Edie surprised me with a note a few months back and said that she had created this piece for an Etsy shop she was going to start.  God took her in another direction and she was wondering what to do with it.  Then she said she thought of me and wondered if it had been meant for me all along.  Edie, it is absolutely GORGEOUS and I was BLESSED beyond belief that you thought of me. And actually when you did, it was a very rough time where I was struggling with WHO I am and whether God was always listening to me.  It is going to serve as a reminder that  he DOES know my name and is always there.

So, there you have it...some thoughts...and a catch-up all here on a Sunday morning.  Doing the Sunday Seven reminds me just how richly blessed I am!

OK Everybody, FALL IN!

This afternoon we got word that LG is one step closer to being ours forever. We were waiting for one more paper to be signed before we can begin our process with a great deal of certainty. Today it happened. I had her out and said, "I think Dad needs to take us out to celebrate tonight. And I think it needs to be a nice dinner where we can get dressed up." It didn't take her long to chime in and agree. (This picture is not from tonight, but I thought you'd be able to see the big brown eyes that were about to ask a Daddy for something.)

When we arrived home, she quickly announced to DH that she and I had something to ask him. He knew it was trouble from that moment! She asked me to start. So I said, "LG and I think we need to celebrate the fact that she's so close to being able to be adopted into our family." She continued, "And so we need to go out to a FANCY dinner. And you have to take us!"

He said, "Who's idea was this?" And she said, "Well....Mom thought of it and I just fell in it!"

HUH!?!? She "fell in it"???? I laughed so hard! That girl cracks me up.

Then he said, "Well, where do YOU think we should go that's fancy?" She said, "Golden Corral". Let me tell ya' the Golden Corral is NOT fancy...but where LG has spent most of her life, it IS a fancy restaurant. So we chuckled a bit and said we wanted to up the ante a bit (ok a LOT). So then she tells DH that she wants something "Da Ru Ma-ish". Let me explain. This is the name of one of our Japanese steakhouses where we spent Valentine's Day dinner. I just thought it was funny that she added the "ish" to her description.

Anyway, DH settled on The Melting Pot, which we LOVE! LG had no idea what to expect but loved each course and the whole experience!

Let me tell you...

DH suggested it and she "fell in it"...that's for certain!

Some things I'm learning with the onset of "Pink"...

LG has been with us now for 9 months. Interesting that she's been here the same amount of time that it would have taken for us to actually HAVE a baby (not that I want to do that!). Much like the days when DH and I were preparing for our firstborn, we have learned. Some lessons have been "system based" as we deal with the child welfare system. Some lessons have been "upbringing based" as we have noted the differences between her family practices and ours. And other lessons have been "pink vs. blue" based as we've ventured into the world of little girls when we've previously raised four young men.

Here are some of the "pink lessons" I've learned over the past few months:

LG is more "hair focused" than the boys ever were. The boys "might" look at it one time before they are out the door. LG looks at it in the morning, styles it how she THINKS she wants to wear it. And it's highly likely that it'll take on one or more transformations before we're out the door! It's almost a sure thing that it will never look the same in the afternoon as it did when she first went outside in the morning.

Girls giggle. A lot. Boys laugh, they belch, and they make various other noises with their bodies. Girls are simply giggly. I love their sweet little giggles.

My boys tended to go from one activity to another in the blink of an eye. They could plow through "things to do" faster than racehorses. Girls linger. At least mine does.

Boys get "caught" acting out and pretending. When they do, they can often be found pulling their heads into their shell a la the tortoise. Girls perform. They love an audience and thrive on the applause and kudos that is sure to follow their dance, song, or play.

Girls play in their Mother's make-up and products. I remember the boys doing this once in a great while and we'd laugh hard. LG is in my stuff almost regularly. It's not uncommon for me to see evidence that she's been exploring again after she's been in the bathroom.

They are aware when their bodies make little changes. LG is not afraid to ask about them either. We've already had some talks with LG that we didn't have to have with the boys.

Little girls LOVE their Daddies! Yesterday I came home and found LG sleeping in DH's lap. She's no small little thing, but there she was curled up with him on the couch. In some ways it appears lumbering and over-sized for him. But in so many ways, it's a perfect fit!

Girls know how to saunter through a store. LG takes it all in and enjoys the moments wandering the aisles. The boys go with a goal in mind...get in/get what you need/get out.

I am well aware that girls don't always fit every stereotype and some may be different than my LG, but it's been fun to learn the "pink lessons". I'm sure it's only the tip of the iceberg for what's in store.

DH and I figured out that by the time she is ready to leave our nest, we will have been raising kids for 35 years! 35 years! I'm thankful for each and every season that this child-rearing journey has brought upon us. From blue to pink and everything in between--it's a joy to parent five terrific kids and to learn the lessons they teach us every day!

Planning for Balance

By nature, I am not a planner. I've learned to be, and become, less spontaneous over the years thanks to my DH. I CAN plan when I need to. And some people might be surprised to hear me say that I'm not a planner by nature.

When I married my DH, it was obvious that he is our financial guru. I don't want to have to worry about it. I trust him implicitly with this task in our marriage. So over the years he's done it for us and done it well.

While he does the day-to-day finances, I am particularly referring to those long term financial decisions that every couple should be making. It's been hard for me in my 20's, 30's and 40's to be thinking about our retirement. DH loves it though.

Recently he's been meeting with a financial planner and making some decisions about our future. It's interesting to note that he started meeting with us more than 18 years ago when we were newlywed and poor and really had little or nothing to plan WITH!

As they've revisited our plans, DH has kept me in the loop---even when I only listen with one ear! He's asked me if I want to sit down with them. I don't. He's asked me if I care if he plans one way or another. I don't. (This is primarily because I know he's not going to do anything crazy or outrageous.)

These two have literally spent HOURS together pouring over the numbers, the possibilities, the options in recent weeks. It makes my head spin just to see the materials that have been produced while planning for our future. There is now a 200 page document in our house with all of it recorded for us. I glanced at it. It's pretty and colorful and, I'm sure, interesting. DH dug in, though.

Today the planner dropped by for a meeting unannounced (which I find a little funny). It appears this visit is in response to an email from my DH regarding the planners thoughts/ideas in said 200 page document. I'm listening to them rehash some of the plan and finding myself SO thankful that I don't have to "do" this part in our family.

It's another glimpse into the ways that DH balances me. We will be married for 23 years in a few weeks. 23 years. And I am still so thankful for him and his presence in my life. We could have spent more time planning our eventual lives together before getting married. We could have started out more financially intact. We could have entered our relationship more methodically. But we didn't. Still, it's worked. I'm pretty certain it's because God had, and has, a plan.

Just like I'm thankful for DH's planning, I'm even more thankful for God's plan! It simply doesn't get better than that!

As the Year Winds Down...

I know, I know...I've been off in blogging...AGAIN! Life has been so busy and I've been neglectful. I have so much to say, but haven't taken the time to say it. Soooo...here's a recap of the last 17 days in photos and words:

It was no small miracle that the trees and decorations got put up. It's such a process at our house and this year, it was in the midst of a very busy schedule.

Things were up just in time for DS 1 to come home and enjoy a moment under the tree with DS 3 and LG.
We had a day in Tampa to take pics with family. This is a picture that DS 3 took of my DH and Me.

And here's one of our family.

My Mom gave us tickets to spend one day at Busch Gardens before the holiday. I took DSs 2, 3, and 4 and LG and some of their friends for a day up there. It was a nice day and we had a blast! DS 4 even rode his first roller coaster.

DS 3, LG and I went out one night to look at holiday lights. We found this display at a local church where the lights are synchronized to music. They had hot chocolate and cookies after you walked through their huge display.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve Service and a quiet celebration at my in-laws. Grandma was quite creative in her gift giving this year! The boys and LG loved opening each of their presents that were filled with so much LOVE!

Once again the boys indulged me and let me get them all Christmas PJ's. It is always a fun thing for me to shop for them. This year it was a little difficult because I had to also find something that would work for LG. Still...she had a blast in the mix of all these guys!

We spent Christmas Day at my Dad's house. As always it's filled with laughter, great food, and family fun!

At the beginning of this week, we loaded up DS2 and what remained of DS 1's stuff and moved them to Gainesville. Here is DH and his co-pilot LG ready to drive the truck!

DSs 1 and 2 got a very nice apartment and will be living together this semester. They seem excited to take this venture. I am reminded of when they were little...they told me they'd never be able to be apart because they were used to sharing a room. So...here they are moved in and once again, sharing living space! I'm glad they're such good friends.
After we dropped them off, DH, DS 3, LG and I went to Orlando for a couple of days. We enjoyed the Ice! Exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel. It's such an amazing thing to see and LG was simply fun to take through it!

Shoot, it was fun just having her at the hotel. She'd never been on an escalator and was THRILLED with that experience! Then, we did the glass elevator which amazed her.

While in Orlando, we met DH's brother and his family for dinner (and to pick up DS 4 who stayed with Grandma and Grandpa a couple of days). It was a lovely visit.

Yesterday, we took the family to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios. It was JAM PACKED and we ended up leaving early. There's no sense trying to get it all in when you're a Floridian and you can get up there in a non-peak season. Sooo...we dropped off my niece, had a nice dinner and headed home.

Knowing she'd never been on an escalator, you can imagine that the moving sidewalks at Universal were also a novelty for her!

That pretty much brings us here...to New Year's Eve. I had good intentions of getting Christmas completely down today, but I didn't. I have enjoyed a nap. I enjoyed the quiet. I enjoyed doing pretty much nothing.

There's no question that this has been a busy few weeks. Heck...it's been a busy life! My goal for 2010 is to learn to sit still and just enjoy some quiet moments.

I hope your December has been just as memorable and that your New Year is filled with much love and joy!!

Wordless Wednesday: Co-pilots

It might be November, BUT...

I'm celebrating MOTHER'S DAY!

What a weekend I have had! It's been one that has taken my mind to that day in May when I remember just how proud and blessed I am to be a Mother.

Friday night my entire family (minus DS 1 who is away at school) went to the David Crowder* Band Concert. It was awesome! Although I didn't get a great pic of all of us there, you can see us there seated and ready for the music to start. While watching the kids interact, DH leaned over to me and said, "If you didn't know, you wouldn't know." He's right.

Saturday, LG and I went to an appointment for her in the morning and then to the Farmer's Market. It was as natural as could be for us to be walking downtown and enjoying the fresh fruits and veggies down there.

In the afternoon, DSs 2, 4, LG and I went to the aquarium to help DS 2 get some homework done for his Oceanography class. I loved it when LG thought the eel was saying her name. Here she is mimicking the eel's mouth movement "saying her name": Saturday night we had a wonderful dinner when DS 1 stopped over. It was the first time that we ate with all five kids at the table. For me, it was a very special moment watching the natural ebb and flow of family conversation over dinner.

This morning, we went to church and LG came out afterward and handed me a card she made for me during kids' church. I have to share it cause it absolutely speaks for itself (I covered her name in the second photo:


After church, DS 3, LG and I went to lunch and enjoyed some time together. They helped me run a couple of errands.

We closed out the weekend with an evening trip to a brand new park in town. Here is one of my favorite pictures of LG and DS 4 playing there:

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We enjoyed ourselves. We enjoyed each other. The family thread was woven through each moment. For me, the Mother in our house, it was just perfect and, in the words of LG, filled with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Another Time and Another Place

It's 7:58am on my clock. I've been up for about 30 minutes. Although I know where I am and what time it is, my head is in another time and another place.

Twenty-two years apart from this time and place.

It was 22 years ago today that my DH and I said "I do." It was 22 years ago that we vowed to love each other forever and always. It was 22 years ago that my life changed forever.

I was thinking earlier this year, that DH and I have been together now longer than I lived without him if you count our friendship/dating years. That's a weird tipping point in life, in my opinion.

Many people thought we would not make it and should not get married. The counselor that did our premarital told us politely: "I've never seen two more opposite people want to get married. It won't always be easy for you." And he was right.

You know, though, I wonder what marriage is "easy" all the time. Not one that I know. It's work. It's a commitment. It's a choice.

And it's worth it!

After 22 years I can honestly say I know we did the right thing. We balance each other. We have each learned to live with those things that are so polar opposite. We have grown together. We have accomplished much together. It has been a blessing beyond what I could have ever imagined.

While I'm reflecting and thinking back today...I'm looking forward to the NEXT 22 years with this man that I know God planned for me!

Happy Anniversary, hon, I LOVE YOU!

What a Weekend!!

This was quite a busy weekend! Although it was busy, it was also fulfilling.

Friday night I went with three friends for a "Girls' Night Out" as we went to see the musical Wicked! Our seats were fabulous...and we treated ourselves to a great dinner at PF Changs before the show. We laughed and enjoyed our "Estrogen Only" evening! We decided we are going to do it more. Our next adventure will be to see the new "Menopause the Musical" type show called "Waist Watchers" in Tampa. I CAN'T WAIT!!

I got home from the show around 1:30am and enjoyed a little middle-of-the-night conversation with my DS 2. He's a night owl and was up playing Nintendo at a friend's house. He came home about the same time and we visited for a bit before I really called it a night.

Saturday, DS 3 and DH went to an airshow. They love doing this and this is the month when there is one (or more) happening every weekend in our state.

DS 4 stayed home with me. He couldn't decide WHAT he "wanted to do"...and after going outside for just a few moments, I knew we HAD to be outside. It was absolutely GORGEOUS out! So, he and I headed to the beach. We stayed and played and relaxed for three hours out there. The weather was perfect.

I have to say I have crossed a new threshold in my life. Before we went to the beach, I needed to stop and get sunscreen and restock a few "beach essentials". For the first time EVER in all my 44 years, I bought a floppy straw hat to protect my head and face. I was sitting on the beach with my hat and my sunglasses thinking, "Wow...this must be a sign of aging." Oh well...I'm not burned and I was quite happy under my hat!

DS 2 met DS 4 and I later that afternoon for ice cream. It was a nice little treat on a beautiful day.

Yesterday was a great service at church and a lovely lunch with DS 3 and I. I love spending 1:1 time with my kids! Then, I pretty much lazed around the rest of the afternoon.

It was the perfect weekend to remind me just how blessed I am to have a wonderful family and a fabulous place to call home. Have a great week, everyone!!

Saturday Snippets

This has been a weird week!! I thought I'd give a few snippets about it:

aMost of you know that I have been at meeting after meeting after meeting at work this week! At one point I thought poking myself with a stick in my eye would be more enjoyable. UGH!

aWe are gearing up for state testing at school. I really don't like this time of year. It's stressful for kids AND teachers---even when you try to take it lightly.

aDH and DS 3 flew to DS 1's Boot Camp Graduation in Missouri on Wednesday of this week. They flew our airplane--which meant I spent about 8 nailbiting hours tracking their flight! DS 2 had his wisdom teeth out the same day here at home. Poor thing has looked pretty chipmunky ever since!

aDS 1 graduated from Boot Camp on Thursday. He called me a few times during that day and was so happy to be moving on to AIT at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. He got to "hang out" with DH and DS 3 until 9:00pm that night. It sounds like they had a nice time.

aDS 1 left on a bus yesterday morning for a 12 hour drive to San Antonio. I can't say I'd have been excited about that.

aDH and DS 3, in the meantime, got "stuck" in MO! It was too cold with clouds too low for them to take off for most of the day. They DID finally get to leave around 5ish last night and went to Austin, TX where DH is working all week this week. DS 3 will now fly home today

a DS 2 and I watched an EXCELLENT movie last night! It was The Debators with Denzel Washington. If you haven't seen it, get it---you won't be sorry!

a This morning I cleaned the garage...BIG TIME! I took one giant load to Goodwill and have a ton to throw away with the trash pick-up this week. I love that feeling.

a The weather is gorgeous here today! We have all the windows open, so it's a perfect day for a little Spring Spruce-up!

a Tonight I'm going to a "Girls' Night In" at my friend Kelly's house. Several of the girls from work will be there for an evening of fun. Some are spending the night. I am only going for a while. Should be fun!

There you have it: "Saturday Snippets by Susan"! Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!

It was a blip on the screen...

If you've been reading my blog for any time at all, then you know that my DS 3 and my DH have both been learning to fly small airplanes. DH is much further along in the process and recently got his instrument rating so that he can fly in clouds and such. In addition, just before Christmas, DH bought a plane to use for his business travel.

Yesterday, DH began his busy travel season. And, instead of flying a large carrier, he flew his plane to Texas. Now, in case you don't know, I DON'T like flying much at all. I can do it...and I do do it....in big commercial planes. These little things just are NOT for me. But they like it and I'm happy for them. I'm not going to pretend that I don't worry about them when they are airborne, however.

Shortly after DH left yesterday, DS 3 introduced me to a flight tracker. I know you can do this because I've "followed" his big planes home before on the radar. It's kind of neat. And, actually, for someone who doesn't like flying, it's a good thing to look and see just how MANY successful flights are moving across the US at any given time. It is a good way for me to be more rational in my thought life---which can be quite irrational at times!

So, DS 3 shows me how to find DH's plane on the radar and I start watching it. It updates every 4 - 6 minutes. Can you see where the green line turns "left" up there at the Florida panhandle? During the flight, there is a little green airplane to mark the plane's actual coordinates. I "saw" DH's plane make the left turn to kind of shave off a bit of the coastline and head out over the Gulf a bit. The tracker tells me that he is flying at 10,000 ft. Suddenly, the little green plane goes away, and a message appears on the screen: "No data for this flight."

WHAT???? I didn't go into full-blown panic at first. I know technology isn't always good. BUT, after I waited 45 minutes, I started to get nervous and let my imagination run wild. DS 3 tells me, "Mom, it's FINE! It's not the FAA website. It's probably just switching control towers. Or he stopped somewhere."

Whatever! I hate it when the 14yo is so calm and logical! All I could see is this green line that showed a flight path that appeared to stop over the water. And I found it hard to trust at that point.

DH WAS fine. He made it to Texas in the time that he expected to do so. And I was once again reminded that there is NOTHING that my worry can do to change anything. It doesn't add one single hour to anyone's life. And, from all the research probably shaves a few minutes off of my own.

It was a blip on the screen that set my fears and feelings into motion....

The truth is...I was looking at the wrong radar! Listen to this:

• Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7


• The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1


• So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31


• Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Over and over again, the word sends out a beacon of light to those of us who wrestle with fear and anxiety and any other life issue. Over and over again I have to be reminded that THIS should be my FIRST response, not a second or third. Today, at church, I was reminded of a piece of scripture that is just so beautiful to "rest in" and "grow from". And so I am going to leave you with this beacon from God's radar that I am going to be using this week from Ephesians 3--I highlighted and bolded my favorite part of this scripture:

16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Coffee Give Away

Many of you commented about our church's Black Friday Coffee Give Away. Let me sum it up in one word: AWESOME!

Here's how it worked:

First of all, my family gave so much to the project. My DSs 2 and 3 got up with me at 2:15am to go pick up the coffee from Starbucks. DH and DS 4 met us in the Best Buy parking lot, to fill out our crew of 16 coffee distributors. We set up two carts and a table and moved along the line offering FREE coffee. People were blown away.

We had handed out coffee for most of the people in line when we decided to send a crew over to Circuit City. They handed out coffee there to very thankful shoppers.
It wasn't freezing, but it wasn't hot either. Eager, yet tired, shoppers were happy to have a little warmth at that hour. Some had been waiting in line for two days.

It was so neat to see our crew, which spanned the generations get out there and work together! Along with the coffee, we had connection cards that said, "The Coffee's on us! It's our way of saying 'God Loves You!'" It included the church website. It was simple, yet powerful. And non-threatening.
We even had the opportunity to take coffee down to shoppers at JC Penney at the mall! In just about four hours, we handed out about 375 cups of coffee and talked to many many people. While we were at the mall, the manager of JC Penney came out and said, "Wow! This is so cool! You guys are welcome to do this anytime you'd like."

The general reaction was one of unbelief that it was FREE, thankful surprise, and general gratitude. Some of the conversations were simply amazing from people who were out there receiving coffee. I am continually moved as we are out in the community by the general disbelief that there might just be some people out there being kind for no special reason.

Our next project promises to be just as exciting (without sleep deprivation). On December 21st, we will be assembling "treat bags" during our church service with simple prepackaged snack items in them. Then, we will ask everyone in the service to caravan down to our mall where we will deliver treats to several stores in the mall as a thank you for the hard work of the employees. Currently we have over 300 people who will be receiving a holiday treat from us.

One thing we keep reminding people is that kindness doesn't have to be huge or even cost a lot of money. It's simply getting out there and "being, doing, or giving" to another.

Happy Monday!

My Head is Here...My Heart???

Do you ever feel like you are just marking time? Going through the motions? That's pretty much how it's been in my world since the last time I blogged. Now, I don't want anyone to think I'm in a total "funk", because I'm really not. I can just tell that my head and my heart were in two different places for a few days.

So, to catch you up...if you're still reading:

DS 1 hasn't contacted us yet. I understand from my "Military Moms Support System" (which is a total unofficial group of women in my world who've "been there/done that") that this is completely normal. He DID call us to tell us that he arrived in St. Louis and was getting on the bus to head to the base. And that was it.

I cannot hardly walk into his room. I accidentally dialed his number the other day when I wanted to call a friend that's right next to him in my cell phone directory. It choked me up to hear the answering machine.

I know all will be fine. And life absolutely goes on...

So, it's in that vein that I am writing the rest of this post:

DS 2 played in an Ultimate Frisbee Match at a local University on Saturday. He and his team WON the entire event. I can't remember how many games of frisbee they played before it was all over. Suffice it to say that it started at 10:30ish in the morning and we got the final "update call" around 9:00pm. He was pretty sore on Sunday, but loved playing and being part of that.

DS 3 stayed somewhat busy this weekend with the football game on Friday and church set up on Saturday along with all his "other stuff". He and DH are working on negotiations to purchase a small airplane, so I know he's one excited young pilot!!

DH took DS 4 to a fishing show on Saturday before the soccer game. DS 4 raked in fishing "stuff" at the booths there. He had me take him to our sporting goods store to get new line for his rod and reel on Saturday. Now THAT was a trip! He was convinced that he needed GREEN line cause the fish might "see" the other stuff in our pond. And he wanted a lure that cost more than the line...Keep in mind he fishes in SMALL lakes and ponds!! I was utterly impressed that the nice young man in the fishing section explained to him that the "cheap lures are much better" cause it's hard when you lose an expensive one. So, my young fisherman and I left. Sure enough his line was in the water for a very short time when he made his first catch.

We had a lovely lunch yesterday after church with some friends from there. These are not "new friends", but it was the first time we had some social time outside of weekly services. It was great fun and a nice distraction for me.

Now, we're gearing up for our big Thanksgiving Feast on Thursday. We are hosting 23 - 25 people at our house. I'm praying for good weather so we can spill into the outdoors without too much trouble. We are renting tables and chairs and planning to set up like we did for DS 2's prom dinner last May. It will be fun having family around and enjoying one another's company on that special day of thanks.

We are also getting ready for our big Black Friday Coffee Distribution at church. I have been able to coordinate with Starbucks and we will be taking 450 cups of coffee to the Best Buy Parking Lot on Friday morning at 4:00am. The store opens at 5:00am. We will be giving shoppers free coffee as part of our servant evangelism/kindness program. We have 13 people who will be meeting at the store at 3:30am to set up and distribute coffee. I am 100% excited about this. I think it is going to blow people away that we are giving the stuff that people pay so much to drink...for FREE!!

I am so sorry that I haven't been around to visit your blogs. I want each blogger who regularly visits to know that I miss you very much when I don't "connect regularly". You are one of the things that I am most thankful for! I promise I'll be around soon.

Random Family Update

We've hit November running around here and once again I am finding it hard to get my blogging in with any regularity. Here's the latest from my neck of the woods:

* DS 4 just finished his first soccer game of the season. His team won. I am continually amazed at the audacity of parents on the sidelines! I often wish they could hear how their comments sound to the rest of us!

* DS 3 and DH flew out early this morning to go to an air show across the state. They weren't sure they were going to get to go due to weather...but it was beautiful today. They'll be back later on this evening. I guess DS 3 was a sight at the high school football last night...he painted himself up and was seen hanging out with tons of kids throughout the night. I'd have never dreamed he'd be "Mr. Spirit"...but I'm glad he's having fun.

* DS 2 and DS 1 are really into the whole "Ultimate Frisbee" thing. They've been playing quite a bit lately.

* DS 1 is preparing to leave on the 19th for basic training. He packed stuff up in his room this week. It is hard for this Mother to look at all those packed boxes!!

* Our nephew is staying with us today and tomorrow. His Mom and Dad are in TN this week and he's staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We are watching him while Grandpa goes out of town for a couple of days.

Soooo...I'm thinking a viewing of Madagascar 2 is in my near future!

Have a great weekend!

Book Review: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name

I brought plenty to read while I've been here in Alaska, but shifted my focus when a local Haines Resident shared this book title with me: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende.

First, let me tell you a bit about Haines from my point of view. DH and I went to Haines on a ferry from Skagway. From there, we were taken by Larry, the bus driver out to a small fish camp where we took a scenic river boat tour of the valley.

In our 30 minute drive out to the camp, Larry told us about life in Haines. It is a small town in Alaska that has 2400 "locals"...Apparently there are about 900 people who live in the city area. They have no postal delivery, so they meet at the post office to pick up their mail. It's quite a social affair. This is a subsistence community, which means people there rely on what they can hunt, grow, or catch to sustain them. Haines is listed as one of the top ten places for people who are millionaires (and need no other income) to move, because it's "one of the most perfect places on Earth".

Larry explained what life is like during the long winter months. He told us how neighbors have to care for neighbors. And he told us that this is a place that you "have to love to live in". He even told us about his wife who is a member of the "Ripinsky Rippers", a quilting club that meets regularly in women's homes...and his wife doesn't quilt! She just likes to be with the ladies.

And Larry mentioned that there was even a book written about Haines.

Ever intrigued by the small town life and finding out that Heather Lende and her husband, Chip came to Alaska to visit on their honeymoon and never left, I made a mental note to find that book. Heather is a columnist for the Anchorage Daily News and writes the obituaries for every Haines resident who passes on.

How pleased I was when I was in an independent bookstore in Sitka that featured books written by Alaskans. DH and I both finished the book in the past three days. And I have really fallen in love with Haines, Alaska (no, I don't intend to move and never go home). The book is a sweet picture of life in small town America with the wilderness of Alaska thrown in the mix.

I was even more excited this morning to open up the Anchorage Daily News and find an article by the author herself. A sidebar noted that she has a second book coming out soon.

If you like memoir, reading about real life in real places, considering the convergence of belief systems, cultures, and/or environment, then you would love this book.

We spent a very wet rainy day rafting down the river between icebergs and below a glacier today. It was still simply amazing. Tomorrow, we head up to the Denali, or Mt. McKinley, area via train. We will be in Talkeetna for the day, then leave on a red-eye flight tomorrow night.

I'm looking forward to coming home and sharing more stories and pictures with friends and family.

Another Alaskan Check-in (and a Correction)

Hello Everyone!

I must have had too much fresh air because the last time I wrote, we were leaving Ketchikan and heading to Juneau. Today we are in Skagway. The temperatures have been pretty good...about 50 most days and only one day of rain so far.

Yesterday, our visit to the glacier was simply amazing! We actually flew there by helicopter, they put us on the top of it with a guide and special shoes. We walked and looked at the crevices and water falls. Incredible! We went whale watching. I can't wait to show you some of the pics my DH shot out there. He actually got the perfect "tail shot"! Then we topped it off with an outdoor grilled salmon bake at an old gold mine. Can you say YUM????

Today we cruised in an eagle preserve and nature hunt in the valley of the Chinook (sp?) mountains outside of Haines Alaska. It, again, was simply breathtaking. Even breathing is something special as you can tell how fresh and clean the air really is up here. It's also fun talking to to the "natives" as they tell us what life is like when there aren't all these cruise ships coming and going. They actually have to learn to hunt meat, fish, and harvest berries on their own in order to make it through the long winter months. We ended our boat trip with a hot dog cookout beside the river. We didn't get to see moose or bear, but another group did see bear on their trip. They're out there...that's for sure...cause we at least saw their "droppings"!

Tonight is our second formal night on the ship. Ship life hasn't been quite as great as our past cruises, but it all pales in comparison to the nature show that goes on around us each and every minute.

Currently the sun is up for 18 hours a day. That's something to get used to as well.

Tomorrow we go on an "otter tour" in Sitka. Can't remember just what all that entails, but I'm sure we'll have more to share soon. Sitka is also known for it's "Reindeer Hotdogs" that are sold on the street corners. I'm planning to give one a try.

Then it's on up to Whittier/Anchorage where we'll leave our ship and take two days of train trips and another glacier tour.

Hope you're all well. I PROMISE I'll check blogs as soon as I get home. Right now, Internet is costing us 40 cents a minutes, so time online is quite precious.

Hugs from the North!!

When the Glacier Melts...

For those of you who have been following our "pre-Alaskan Adventure", you may be surprised to learn that things took a new twist this morning.

DH made arrangements for our "Plan B" of travel. He rebooked airline flights, planned several daytrips, extended our hotel stay in Anchorage. I, on the other hand, took the kids to the Science Museum--determined to do some little "staycations" while we awaited our departure next week.

On my way to the museum, DH called and said, "She called, and we have a spot. Do you want to go tomorrow?" The glacier was melting, the only thing we had to see is if we were willing to CHANGE back all of our plans to "plan A" with the exception of finding a new flight, since , according to the original plan A, we'd be part of the way there by the time we found this out.

DH called her back to be sure we'd have a balcony and that the plane would work. When he looked online it looked like there is a flight leaving tomorrow morning at o'dark hundred, but it was pretty full, so he wanted to be sure I'd be OK not sitting together.

Now, are you ready for this?

The upgrade for our room is ONE UP from the original one I made that caused all this trouble to begin with and is LESS than the original upgrade cost. OK...it's m--eeee---llll--tt--ii---n--ggg.

The plane fare was able to be charged to DH's mileage plan at no cost...and he's able to have a credit for a future flight...much better deal than paying the high price to switch itineraries last minute. m--eeee---llll--tt--ii---n--ggg...

There are two seats together on all flights. AND we don't have to do the little prop job that he had originally booked. Rather than THREE planes to get there, it's only going to take two. (I think this is more than "melting"...it's like HUGE CHUNKS of ice falling right into the water.)

AND...he was able to get the hotel stay at the end of the trip, before we do the now infamous train ride, on points as well. MELTED!!

We're booked...we're leaving tomorrow...God is good...

And I'm thanking HIM in a big way!

Just a Glimpse

If you've read my blog for any time at all, then you know that my guys have a bent toward music. Until he left full time ministry, DH played in the worship band at our church. DSs 1 and 2 played in the Youth bands there as well. The picture above shows DS 1 and another music leader at our former church playing for DH on his last Sunday there.

The boys also have played in neighborhood bands. Times have changed and now none of them are playing at church regularly, and any neighborhood jamming happens sporadically at best, thus I don't get to hear them too often.

That changed today.

DS 2 was asked earlier this week to fill in on drums at church since the regular drummer was going to be out of town. DH received a call yesterday from the Pastor (who also plays piano) and found out that the worship leader was very ill and his wife was in the hospital. He (the Pastor) wanted to know if DH could help with worship.

Now, remember that DH has not really done much "music" since we left our last church more than a year ago. When I came home from running errands yesterday, every guitar in our house was in the middle of our living room. DH was sitting with his music and DS 3 was kind of supervising things as they discussed possible songs that would "work" last minute. They went for a mini-rehearsal and planning session yesterday afternoon.

DS 1 spent the week away on a National Guard drill weekend. I mentioned to DH that it was a shame that DS 1 wasn't home since I know he'd love to come play with them. DH said he talked to our son midday and was told, "Dad, I'll come play if you can OK it with the Sergeant."

Call me a pessimist, but I wasn't looking for the ARMY to let our son leave their planned drill weekend so he could go help bail out a church with a limited praise band. Once again, though, I was amazed to find out that the Sergeant did, indeed, agree to let DS 1 leave drill for the service. He was going to have the Specialist drive him to church in the morning and we would return him to the armory after the service.

Fast forward to this morning's service. I only wish I had a camera to show you the gift I was given today. Once again, I got to hear and see "my guys" help lead worship! I love listening to my DS 1 and my DH sing and worship. And I love watching DS 2 play those drums. AND they did one of my favorite songs, "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. DS 3 even helped with the song and service slides.

I'm so proud of each of my guys. They are a joy to me. I love watching them use the talent that God has given them, for Him. It was bittersweet, though. DS 1 will leave in less than a month for the Army. DS 2 will leave in August for college. So, when the pastor spoke about trying to "force God's hand" rather than "walking in God's perfect plan" and letting him "direct our paths", I knew I needed to hear it. I am, afterall, a control-freak who would love to continue to direct each of their paths. I know, though, that is not my role at this juncture of their lives.

Instead, as I watched them play the final notes of today's service, I whispered a prayer, "They're yours, Lord...thank you, again, for the blessing that they are to me." And then I thought: "I don't know what their futures hold, but I KNOW WHO holds each of their futures."

And, THAT makes all the difference!

I'm Flattered AND Seeing 'Pink'!

Today I received a call from my DS 2 and he said, "I showed people your blog today."

My reaction? "Um, why?"

He replied, "You know the post you wrote about the bagger? It brought tears to my eyes when I was reading it. So I showed it to my teacher, Mrs. B."

He continued to tell me how cool he thought that event was and how he shared my blog "around". I thanked him and agreed that the grocery store event was pretty neat.

After I hung up with him, I thought: "How many 18 year old BOYS (especially boys) would a) read their Mother's blog AND b) share it with their teachers and friends despite its faith elements and the fact that it shares our crazy lives?"

I am fairly certain the answer is "Not many."

So, I'm flattered.

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On another "raising males" note...tonight all my boys and DH were in the living room having a conversation. DS 2's GF was there as well. Remember I just live here sometimes.

Anyway, DS 1 started asking very scientific questions about seasons, the Tropic of Cancer, Earth's axis, and such. All the guys got into the discussion and I listened a bit, then I looked at E (DS2's GF) and said, "Do you and your sisters sit around and talk about this kind of stuff?" She said, "Absolutely NOT! We talk about clothes and colors and stuff like that." Then she started talking to me about the latest celebrity news.

I told her "Now you know why I need want my pink room!" She and I continued to discuss (and plan) my room while my guys discussed Global Warming.

You've gotta love having a little more estrogen around here!

Sunday Seven....Getaway Edition

DH and I are back from our getaway and I thought I'd share seven things that made it special.

1. DH and I hadn't really been away together without the kids for any length of time until we went to NYC after last Christmas. It was a wonderful time and one we knew we wanted to repeat. This year, we decided to stay in Florida for our time...especially knowing that we have Alaska coming up in June.

2. We ate many wonderful meals while we were away. It started with the lobster meal I featured above and we also enjoyed Japanese food in Epcot. The chef just happened to have a brother that opened up a Sushi restaurant less than two miles from our house. We'll be visiting soon.

3. We ate lunch yesterday in downtown Celebration at the Columbia restaurant. The Columbia is a restaurant that features authentic Cuban food. We enjoyed walking in "downtown" Celebration and driving around looking at the decorations later yesterday.

Our last dinner before going home was at my favorite restaurant in Orlando. This was a treat for me as I have been there several times with different publishers and book reps, but never with anyone in my family. It was very special for me to go there with my DH. At this restaurant the entire wait staff are classically trained musicians. They sing a variety of songs from Opera, to Broadway, to old classics. It is like walking into the middle of a musical and I love it.

4. You might think all we did was eat. That's not true. At Epcot, we had the pleasure of hearing Rita Moreno narrate the Candlelight processional with full orchestra and an amazing choir. This show told the entire Christmas story in a very powerful way. I couldn't really get a clear picture of her, but that's her on the left hand side.

5. As I mentioned earlier, DH started our time away off with a surprise one hour massage for each of us. He surprised me yesterday with a half-day Spa package for two! We each got a facial, massage, foot scrub, and parrafin wax for our hands. It was delightful. No, I do NOT have a facial picture for either of us...but I DID get this picture of our hand and feet treatment. We loved it!

6. The lights were beautiful as we were out and about. It's a nice way to end the holidays.

7. Of course, the best part of all is just being able to spend time with each other and knowing that the kids are OK and well cared-for. I am convinced that these times make us better when we return to the daily grind. And while I don't need to leave my home to know how blessed I am....spending time away with someone you love is just the best!

Thanks, Hon, I LOVE YOU!!