Wondering Wednesday....

Occasionally I have moments of inquiry...you know the kind when you ask, "WHY?" I've been in that "mood" lately. I am a "ponderer". I ponder thoughts and ideas and questions. Many never exit my mind. Sometimes, though, you've just got to get them out. Some are rhetorical and some are not. Here's my list in no particular order:

• Why do bad things happen to good people? -- I can't, and won't, let myself fall into the "God must be trying to teach us something" or "It's God's will" trap. I simply cannot believe that a LOVING and MERCIFUL God sits up there and says, "Oh do I have something to teach HER this week.." ZAP! Nope. I think I get myself in enough trouble and HE sits there and says, "WHEN will she learn?" And/or "I can use this to teach her, if she'll listen."

• Why do I always find that no matter how short the line is in the grocery store, if I'm in it...it will become the slowest line? I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that this simply is the way it will happen most of the time. So I relax and gaze at the magazines that I will not purchase. I guess it's all how you look at it.

• Why is it that I worry when I KNOW that God is in control? I don't know if it's a "Woman thing" or a "Control thing"...but I am a "worrier". Not that I sit and fret and have the "sky is falling" mentality. I just have a hard time having the "God is in control even in the storms" mentality that I SHOULD have!!

• Why are some people who proclaim to be "so good"...so MEAN? Passive/aggressive people make me crazy. Enough said.

• Why do we always want what we can't (or shouldn't) have? I've been really dealing with "envy" lately. I DO have a tendency to look at other people, things or situations and wonder "why can't I have...?" But, what I KNOW we all need to do is look at our own situation, and things, and say..."thanks for the blessings".

• Why is it that my children can reduce me to tears (happy or sad) in a matter of seconds? I was not a "free crier" until I had a children. And the older they get, the worse it gets. I love them and watching them grow makes me cry both happy and sad tears.

• Why do I get defensive when someone questions my actions or attitude? Couldn't it be that I need to hear the question??? It's a true friend who can give you a swift kick in the rear when you need it. I have a couple such friends and they DO help me in this area...it's just hard to hear. It takes longer than it should for me to agree that they might see something that I don't.

• Why do I let so much learning go in one ear and out the other? I learn. I read. Then I forget to put important new skills and concepts into practice.

• Why does our society allow the suffering of so many? Each morning I stand in our Parent Drop Off loop and pray for so many hurting families and children. If I think about it too hard...it makes me cry!!

• Why can't we just all "get along" and "play nice in the sandbox of life"? I know we're all different personalities and we don't all have to be bosom buddies...but I can't stand it when people are mean to each other. Civility would be a good practice, don't you think?

• Why is it that I want to control so many things that really are not my business to control? I'm trying to recover from my "control freakness"...sometimes it's just a SLOW painful process!!!!

• Why can't some people (including me) just SIT STILL and REST??? Sitting still sometimes means you have to listen. And other times it translates to "idle-ness". And it's hard to believe that this is OK sometimes.

• Why (and how) do people walk around their entire lives with horrible scowls on their faces? I always wonder if they were born like that....or if it's simply the bumps of life that cause the contortion. At any rate, there are times when I wonder just how it gets that way...and if it hurts!!

• Why does society move so fast? Enough said.

• Why isn't "the way(s) we used to do things" good enough for now? Don't get me wrong. I'm all for progress...but sometimes I long for the "good ole days". I'm sure this is a pretty good sign that I'm aging.

• Why, though, do we resist change when it's for the better? I pray that I NEVER really become a "we've-never-done-it-that-way-before" human being. I know that change is often good.

Enough of my "Why's" for the day....

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!

When they Fall...

Last night, I received a phone call from my brother, Greg. His son, Z, took a bad fall onto the driveway yesterday from above the ground. The ambulance was called. He has a skull fracture and had to spend the night in the hospital. Greg said that by last night, Z was doing OK and you'd really never know he fell as he was happy and playful in the hospital. Still, they wanted to watch him to be sure there was no concern.

Don't you hate it when one of your kids is hurt? It really doesn't matter if it's the kind of hurt that bleeds or simply the kind of hurt that effects your heart....it's hard to watch. I know Greg would gladly have changed places with his son. I know that you start to second guess yourself when they're hurt. Was I watching them well enough? How did they get into this situation? Is there anything more that I could have done?

Most of the time, though, it's really one of those things that happens in a split second. I belive it's mostly a result of the will. It's that "I think I can" spirit that I think is born in all of us. It's not thinking ahead and knowing that some causes have a horrible effect. Not that I think that a 1 yr. old can reason this way....but really we're not so different. He doesn't yet know how to think through the causes and effects of life. It's not in his capacity yet.

How many times do we, as adults, fall though because we don't "think through" possible consequences of our actions?

I'm praying for little Z this morning. I am sure this is one of many bumps and bruises he'll have. After all, he IS "all boy"! I'm thankful that he's showing positive signs of healing already. I'm praying for my brother and his wife as they stand by their son and nurture him back to health.

I'm also praying, though, that the lesson of this type of thing sinks in for me. Rather than plowing through life and living solely by MY will....that I will stop and think before I leap. Because I, too, have a Heavenly Father who does not want to see me fall and get hurt.

I am thankful, that when we do hurt...HE stands by us and nurtures us back to health.

Bless you, little Z!!

I'm Alive...and the COLTS are too!!

Go Colts!!!! I am so happy for Tony Dungy and the Colts. As I told you, I really am a fan of Dungy. He continues to stand firm for what he believes in...even in a world that sometimes makes us veer off course. What a testimony to his faith!! Truth be told, though, BOTH coaches last night would have been terriffic winners. I just had to root for the Colts!!

Now, I've received several email wondering if I fell off the planet. Nope. I've been away at a Women's Emmaus Weekend...a spiritual renewal weekend. I was working the weekend and am extremely TIRED...but BLESSED!! I promise I'll be back in the swing of things either today or later this week. I want to get around to check all of your blogs. I actually found myself wondering about many of you over the weekend.

Have a GREAT week!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about SUSAN's Brother GREG Last Sunday was my Brother, Greg's birthday. There are so many things to love and admire about him. Since I wasn't able to get up there last weekend...and I didn't call (I'm sorry)...I thought I'd make HIM the subject of this Thursday Thirteen. 1. He LOVES his wife and kids! 2. He loves the rest of his family, too! 3. He is a GREAT Dad! 4. He's also a wonderful UNCLE! 5. He loves sports...and has excelled at several of them over the years. In fact, we used to spend every Friday night at the football field when my boys were little...GO Cowboys! 6. He is gentle and has a very tender heart! 7. He's loves to laugh and makes sure that everyone is happy and having FUN! 8. He's a GREAT "grill-master"...love those hamburgers, Greg!! 9. He can put together "stuff" when needed. And, usually, he's undaunted by all the pieces that come in a box. 10. He LOVES music. I'll never forget "Countin' Flowers on the Wall" or "Ya'll Come Back Saloon"---some of the first songs he learned at age three!! 11. He loves the water and all the activity it brings. 12. He's not totally complex...he loves the simple things and finds joy in them. 13. He never gives up!! I LOVE YOU, Greg! Happy (Be-lated) Birthday!! If you're visiting today, can you drop by his BLOG and wish him a HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY?

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The Oldies Meme

The Oldies Meme....

I was over at Melli's Place yesterday and saw this meme. I thought I'd give it a try. The object is to go through all your old posts and pick out one favorite in each category: Funny, Serious, Ugly (or a Rant) and About Me. It was fun to go over my old posts and find those that "fit"....

For Funny, I chose Menopause the Musical-- it's about the "mess-up" that happened when I went with my two friends to see waht "other women" go through when they hit "mid-life". We had a great time...but it WAS an important lesson.

Serious posts are many in my blog. I decided in honor of Tony Dungy, my favorite football coach, that I would revisit this post written just after he lost his son to suicide last year. I figure it's one of my more serious posts and there are no comments...so maybe no one read it.

Choosing an "UGLY RANT" was much more difficult...Here's the RANT POST I chose. It's important because it's about making sure all kids are safe. This little girl is now safely adopted into a new family that loves her and cares for her. Her grandmother no longer has rights to her. I just worry about the OTHER kids she DOES continue to raise. Once this monsterous behavior is in you...I think it's hard to get rid of....

And last ... my About Me post... All I could think of was "find the 'One Hundred Things About Me' post...well I didn't call it THAT! It took a while, but I found it here under Better Late Than Never.

It was definitely FUN going through old posts. I wish some of you would try this too. Especially those of you who have fallen OFF the blogging wagon. Maybe it would wake you up and help you realize what a great outlet this is!!

Seriously, though, I'm not going to tag anyone either...Afterall, I want to be "like Melli"! If you do it, though, let me know so I can stop by and read it.

Hugs and Happy Wednesday!!

Read the Label

I tried several times to take pictures of this label. I'll write it here below for you:

MATTHEW WEST SELLOUT

Previously unreleased Independent CDfrom the artist that brought you the hits,"MORE," "NEXT THING YOU KNOW," "ONLY GRACE" and now "HISTORY"

Last night, DS 2 and his GF were going to the Christian bookstore to get a journal. I asked them to pick up a CD for me while they were there. It wasn't because I wanted the latest Matthew West CD. It was because I wanted the song, "Only Grace" that has been playing on the radio recently. I want to use it at a retreat this weekend. They came home with this CD. I glanced at it and seeing the words ONLY GRACE in red lettering on the label, thanked them. Then I turned it over to see which track it was. I couldn't find it. I "dug deeper" wondering if it was a "hidden track" on the CD. I read the label again to look for the words, "Hidden track" or "Extra" or "Bonus". Nope. Then I read the label a little slower: "Previous unreleased independent CD from the artist that brought you the hits,..." The print isn't THAT small, but it's smaller and not written in prominent red. It's telling the buyer that this is the same artist that brought you "Only Grace". See, "Only Grace" isn't ON this CD.

I told DS 2 it wasn't there. He said, "It says 'Only Grace' right there." I said "Read it slowly." It took a minute, but he, too, finally got it.

And I wonder how many times I "miss" the message that is being sent. How many times do I NOT read the label? How many times do I THINK I've read the label only to find out that I misinterpreted? How many times is the message "hidden" in some way between bolder or redder letters--or bigger and supposedly better things?

Truth is, I think this happens quite a bit. It kind of goes along with the theme of being re-molded and getting that "Do Over" (see yesterday's post)/ When I don't HEAR or SEE exactly what my next step should be...when I miss the message....then I tend to step out on my own much like my son who saw part of the message and bought the CD anyway. I might have done the same thing in his position.

Today, the song "Only Grace" means even more for me as I think about the times I "mess up" and, in essence, forget to check the label:

“Only Grace” by Matthew West
From the album “History”

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday…has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believing it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

An’ there's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believing…it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace…

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh…get…back…up…again…


There's only grace…
There's only love…
There's only mercy and believing it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only…there’s only…grace…

There's only mercy and believing it's enough…it’s enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There’s only…grace……
So get back up…get back up again…
Get back up again.

And, that, my friends, is GOOD NEWS!!!

I Do want a Do Over!!

The pastor at the church we've been attending has been talking about "Do-Overs". Remember when we were kids and we would play a game that didn't go our way? We'd say, "Do Over!" And usually the play started from the beginning (or at least some agreeable spot) again. Here's an interesting definition of a "Do Over" from Streetplay.com

Sometimes, passions were too strong, convictions too deep, perspectives too contrasting to reach agreement on a call. Still, it was understood that unless the opposing team was being absolutely unreasonable or cheating,
preserving friendships and, even more importantly, continuing the game took
precedence over a specific play. After the proper amount of heated
discussion had taken place,one of the player would finally extend the
proverbial fig-leaf by offering his opponent a "do-over", as in "you can do
it again."

The do-over was one of childhood's most powerful rites, for it exerted our dominion over the laws of space and time. The clock was rolled back, the game was restored to its exact status as before before the contested event and play was resumed. If the original play was particularly important and the second attempt was dramatically different (e.g. the player striking out instead of hitting a multi-base shot as in the original play), the do-over might be invoked again. This second invocation would give the team another chance thereby insuring that the universal forces of fair play were being righteously maintained.

Yes, it is with fond memories that we recall the do-over a divine method of resolution, and contemplate the untold blessings it could bring if it were somehow extended into our contemporary lives.

Anyway, the Pastor's point has been that we often need "Do Overs" in our day-to-day adult lives and our spiritual lives. He has been talking about many people who got to "Do Over" in the Bible.

Like many of us, I suppose, I think I am in need of a "Do Over". I prayed at the beginning of January for a "Word" for the year. My focus word was "Mold Me". It brought to mind that beautiful example of God being the Potter and me (and you) being the clay that he wants to mold.

Unfortunately, I stand again before Him a bit "cracked". See, I am a "do-it-yourselfer"...it's part of my control freak nature. It's how I'm wired. I tend to throw myself in to too many things at once and say, "Sure, I can do that!" "And that!" "And that!" I am convinced that it's when I take control and try to decide what I'll do and when I'll do it that I start to CRACK! I am, after all, a CRACKED POT!

Friday night we also watched "Click" with Adam Sandler. First of all, I
should know that almost anything with Sandler in it could be a bit on the
edge...and possibly inappropriate. I remember reading my brother Dan's Post about this a while ago. Anyway, Sandler plays a working father who is trying to "get ahead" and achieve success. He gets this remote control that allows him to control his world (something that makes a control freak like me perk up her ears). He ends up missing so many things and realizes it "too late". See, he NEEDED a "Do Over" (which he DOES get at the end). He needed to see, though, that the bumps in the road are part of the total experience. I love it when he's talking to the "angel" that gave him the remote. He explains...while we look back and wish hadn't done this or that...every click of the remote was a result of decisions that HE was making...not the remote. His decisions weren't always focused right. His priorities were OUT OF WHACK and basically, he too, was a CRACKED POT!
Personally, I think it was that perspective (the ability to look back) that
helped him see how important each decision is....

So, while I say "Yes, Lord, I'd like a 'Do Over' please..." I also have to say, "Thank you, Lord, for the cracks." I think it's those cracks that make me KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is not ME who should be in control...but HIM...the master craftsman. They are, in essence, perspective for me. They push me to allow the "Do Over" to happen...once again.

And, this 'cracked pot' is awful glad that He's willing to keep the clay on the wheel
and remold it when necessary!!

Saturday Thoughts

We rented and watched The Illusionist last night. This was a WONDERFUL movie! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It is a beautiful love story and mystery rolled into one great movie. In fact, I want to watch it again just to see the ending!!

DH came home at midnight. This is later than normal on Fridays...he usually gets home around nine. The flights were different last night, though. I think I lifted my head off the pillow long enough to say "hi" and that's about all. He leaves again on Sunday at noon. I'm glad to know there's an end in sight to THIS schedule. I can deal with it occasionally...but entire weeks out for almost three months straight...that's a lot!

I have been in bed most of the afternoon with a horrible headache. I can't get the edge off of it. It feels like that tired...you're-burning-the-candle-at-both-ends-again....ache. But usually a little rest helps it. Not today.


That's about all I have from our corner of the world. I pray all is well in yours.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
If you could take lessons to learn any musical instrument, which would you want to learn?
I think I'd like to learn the guitar. I tried the piano as a child and regret not sticking with it. I really only have to learn the "left hand"...as I can do the "right hand" pretty well. Maybe I should take "left-hand" piano lessons!

Soup
Have you ever mistaken a person for someone else?
Yes, but I didn't let them know it.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
I am pretty good at this. I'd have to give myself a 9 out of 10. I know there are a couple of times that I've let stuff "slip"...but most of the time I can do it.

Main Course
What's the closest you've ever been to a dangerous animal?
I've only been "close" to them at the zoo. This means there's always been a wall or a moat between me and the animal.

Dessert
When was the last time you lost your patience?
Oh boy. I'm sure it was in the car...but don't really remember when. Probably last week sometime.

Wordless Wednesday--Cousins at Play

Sleep Deprived...

DS 3 went for a sleep study last night. They are testing to find out if he has Apnea or not. At 12, he is a VERY restless sleeper and usually snores or talks in his sleep. He's sick and tired of being sick and tired...so we decided to "get down to the bottom of it" and seek medical help.

I dropped him off at the sleep center (where I've been twice for sleep studies) at 8:30pm. I left after 9:00pm. They were wiring him up when I left and were planning to get him to go to sleep around 10:00pm. He told me he was tired when I left. Then I returned this morning to pick him up at 6:30.

When I walked in his room, he looked like he had been to battle through the night. He said he didn't sleep much. The tech had to ask him several times if he was OK and had to come in a couple of times and fix wires that had been torn off. I know it's not easy getting comfy with all those wires on you. But, I didn't quite expect him not to relax a bit.

The doctor came in and said, yes, he had a few apnea episodes, but no, he didn't sleep well at all. He didn't snore. He was restless. So, the report isn't "normal"---whatever that is.

So, now what???? They are going to read the report a bit more in-depth and send it back to the ENT. The ENT then will have to decide if DS 3 needs surgery or not. They don't want to try the machine because he is so young.

So, today, he's home resting trying to "catch up" on much needed rest.

I don't sleep well when DH is out of town...although I am getting better. But, I definitely like to have "all the chicks in the nest" too. When the kids aren't home, I toss and turn even more. Even though I knew DS 3 was "safe" last night...I like to know that they are in our house in their beds sleeping. So, I too was a bit restless last night. I am at work because I have a meeting this morning.

And, I'm thinking that the sleep deprived son may NEED his sleep deprived mother to be in the house with him!!

So, I'm leaving half day to go home and rest for a bit....oh, and to check in on DS 3!! YAWN!?!?!

FINALLY!!!

I've been a fan of Tony Dungy since he coached my beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers (it's hard to say "beloved" after the season they just had). He is a man of great integrity and character. And he never hesitates to share his strong faith with the community. I admire that.

For those of you who don't know about Dungy (or anything about him) and the Buccaneers, let me share a little bit. He was the head coach there for many years. He built the team into something Tampa could be very proud of. This was no small accomplishment since we spent so many years being the "losers". Now, I know there were other coaches that impacted that team...but it was Dungy who helped build the strongest defensive line that the Bucs have ever had. And it was Dungy who ushered in the "Glory Days".

He took the team to playoff after playoff. They just couldn't make the "final" game. It eluded him. And, as is true in the NFL, if you don't go all the way, you don't always get to stay. Dungy was fired and Gruden was hired. It was Gruden who got the glory for taking the Bucs all the way to the Super Bowl only one short year after Dungy left the team. There are MANY fans in Florida who think that Gruden just ushered Tony's team to the Super Bowl. And, there are those that think that Gruden was the "magic" the team needed to get there. (I would argue, though, that the magic hasn't been there since that beautiful season!)

Anyway, when Tony left to go to the Colts, I started watching them. Again it seemed that history was repeating itself as the Colts made it to play offs and just couldn't quite clinch the division title that would lead them to the Super Bowl.

Yesterday, though, Dungy and the Colts saw sweet victory!! It was a story of beauty rising out of ashes. I mean who would have thought that they could pull back and win from a 21-3 score so early in the game and WIN?


And to be able to play his friend and colleague Chicago Bears Coach, Lovie Smith--who worked with him at Tampa Bay---I LOVE IT!!

At the post-game celebration, I was reminded, again, why I am a fan of this man and his team. He didn't take glory for himself. Nope. He gave glory to God and to the team and to the fans. And so did Jim Irsay, the Colts' owner. And all I can say to that is, "WOW!"

So, there's one word left that describes the way I feel after yesterday's win....

FINALLY!!

Now let's go on that "Mission in Miami"!!

Say Hello to DS 1...

Below you'll find DS 1's "Untitled Acoustic Song" from You Tube. This is him with his friend, Z. They wrote the words and music. (Edited to add: Yes, this is my oldest son on the left--with guitar and vocals. I know the video is kind of dark. I love it that he works on learning to play and write better all the time.)

Thursday Thirteen #39

Thirteen Things about SUSAN'SDS 4 Since yesterday was DS 4's birthday, I decided to tell you more about him. 1. HE LOVES ANIMALS!! 2. He has a smile that could turn most frowns upside down!! 3. He loves to talk...and talk...and talk! 4. He also loves to sing and play music. In fact, I think he really personifies what it means to "keep a song in your heart" because he is almost always humming! I love it when it's songs he's heard at church or on the Christian radio station. 5. He loves to laugh and to make other people laugh. 6. He makes friends easily. 7. He's tender-hearted with other people. (This means his heart also breaks easily.) 8. He absolutely idolizes his big brothers. 9. He is athletic and loves to play most sports. Of course, right now, his favorite sport is SOCCER!! 10. He carries on very interesting conversations with adults. 12. He's a great student. 13. He's a perfect "bookend" to our child-bearing years!! He'll keep us "young" for many years to come!

He's 8 Today...

Today my DS 4 turned 8. Eight years old. It seems like just yesterday when I learned that I was going to have this fourth child. He was quite unexpected. I laid on the couch in total shock that we were going to "start over" with a little baby. I remember DH telling me, "It will be fine." As usual, he was right.

I remember his birth. It was an emergency C-Section due to some bad oxygen levels on his monitor. In the video of his birth, you can see the umbilical cord with a perfect pretzel shaped knot in it. I can still remember the doctor's words when he showed DH the knot and said, "There's no way he'd have made it through the birth canal with that." You see it would have pulled and completely cut off his oxygen source...because in addition to the knot, the cord was wrapped around his neck.

I remember thinking on that day, January 17th, 1999, "This boy is a miracle. He has a very special purpose on this Earth." I know it's true. And from that day on, we have been connected.

Sunday, the pastor at the church we've been attending was talking about the kings. He highlighted briefly King Josiah who was 8 when he took the throne. DH asked DS 4 if he thought he could be king at his age. I think DS 4 actually pondered his answer! He believes that he can do anything.

There has never been much that he didn't think he could do. He's always thought he was a "teenager" like his older brothers. I still remember his 4th birthday party when we asked him who he wanted to come and he started naming the Youth Group kids...not the 4 year olds!

I can't wait to see what God does with him. I know that it will be special, whatever it is.

Happy Birthday Son! I LOVE YOU!!

Monday Memory

Did I ever tell you about church shopping in college?

I read Melli's blog yesterday about church shopping. As I told her, I'm kind of back in that boat after 20+ years since DH is no longer a pastor. It took me back though to how we USED to do it....

When we were in college (in the early 80's), there were a bunch of us who went to church together. Sometimes it was the chapel on campus. Most of the time, though, we wanted more upbeat music and worship. We didn't all have cars, so we were often at the mercy of whoever was driving.

It was not uncommon for us to "let our fingers do the walking". This was a popular commercial for the Yellow Pages in the phone book back then that said, "Let your fingers do the walking, it's a snap!" So, one of us would open the yellow pages to "Churches" and we would close our eyes and point. Whatever our finger landed on...that's where we'd go. Believe me we found ourselves in some VERY interesting places with some very interesting people.

This is, however, how we found the church that we went to more often than not. It blessed us. We learned there. The worship was just what we wanted. The pastor was dynamic and could speak right into our hearts.

I've been tempted a couple of times this "church shopping" go around, to let my fingers do the walking. I have decided, though, that I am simply NOT that adventurous anymore!

No, THIS TIME, I surfed the Internet and talked to friends about churches to visit. At least that way, you can see more than print about a church...you can see pictures about it. You can also see more than one 3"X3" ad space.

We've gone to one church three different weeks now. It is one I found on the Internet, in a pretty "random" search. I really researched it there. We (DSs 3 and 4 and I) tried it once and enjoyed it. DH went for the first time yesterday. They are a young church (only three months old)...I do find myself thinking about a little tweak here or there that may make the experience better for visitors (I suppose cause DH now does this sort of thing for a living)...BUT for the most part, it "feels" right. Of course, I am having to get used to not listening to my DH preach (which I love)...but I DO learn from the pastor.

As I reflect on church shopping now and then, I suppose our fingers still "walk", it's just a bit different today than they did 20 years ago...instead of "walking across a yellow page", they "dance across a keyboard" and a whole world is waiting to be explored.

And, who knows? Maybe there IS still a BIT of that "Adventurer" of my past there somewhere!

Happy Monday, everyone!!

A New Word for a New Year....

Last year, my SIL Heather decided that rather than get into the whole resolution thing, that she would do as her friend Amy suggested and ask God to give her a word. Amy got this idea from her friend Marilyn Griffith. Don't you just love the "trickle-down effect" of blogging????

I participated in this in 2006...and really felt the word PROMISE impressed on my heart. It truly was a year of "Standing on the Promises" not only for me, but for my family and friends as well. When I reflect, I can see time and time again when I needed to rest in those promises and/or encourage others to do so. It was neat.

I decided that I wanted to do this again this year. So, I've been praying for a special word that I needed to focus on in 2007. Lo and behold I realized that the word that I needed to "hear" was not one word, but a simple phrase "MOLD ME".

The picture of God being the Potter--the Master Craftsman---and me being a lump of clay completely yielded to Him and waiting to be molded is so beautiful to me. I love the idea that even when we try to "mold ourselves", that He is there ready to reshape us into what He wants us to be! I need to learn to BE the clay and not try to take the work of the craftsman into my own hands!

So, this year, I am going to make that my focus....MOLD ME, Lord!

And, again, I am reminded of a great hymn Have Thine Own Way

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

Friday Feast 2/126

Appetizer

What comes to mind when you see the color orange?
Fall, pumpkins, and juicy oranges from the tree!

Soup

Did you ever get in trouble while you were in school? If so, what was it for?
Yep, I got paddled in the seventh grade! I was late to a teacher's class. It happened to be the same day a bunch of trouble-makers were late purposely and trying to make her mad. Back then, there were no questions asked. You just got marched down to the principal's office and before you knew it, your backside was STINGING! I remember wanting to cry the rest of the day and not really being able to sit without excrutiating pain!

Salad

Which topping(s) make up your perfect pizza?
I love grilled chicken, black olives, onions, and mushrooms on my pizza.

Main Course

Do you believe in UFOs/aliens/etc.? Why or why not?
No, I just can't let my mind travel there.

Dessert

What color is your bedspread/comforter/quilt?
I just got a new one. It is a dark red--almost wine color with chocolate brown and gold in it. I love it.

Happy Friday everyone!!

Thursday Thirteen #38

Thirteen Things SUSAN has (or will) cooked in the past two weeks.

You have to understand that I DON'T cook! When DH is away, it is SO tempting to order in for dinner. Especially when we're all moving in such different directions. I have vowed, though, to cook...and we have not eaten out once. We purchased a cookbook with all new recipes and here are some of them we've tried (or will be trying in the next few days):


1. Mexican Style Ravioli

2. Greek Tacos

3. Cowboy Chili (with BBQ pork and black beans)

4. Honey Biscuits (from scratch)

5. Southwest Pizza

6. Greek Salad

7. Pork and Yellow Rice

8. Pepperoni-Tortellini Supper

9. Overnight Chicken Enchilada Bake

10. Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce

11. Ham and Cheese Melts

12. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

13. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Chicken


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Wordless Wednesday...Keep Your Eye on the Ball!

The Morning After...Thoughts and Reflections

I LOVE football! I suppose because I was raised around it. My family all loves it. When I married, DH was also a football fan. And while I do love NFL, I really love college ball. It's just so...different than the NFL.

I am not a "one team" college football fan...although most of the time you'll find me rooting for Florida State University. Because I was born in Ohio and lived in a family of rabid OSU Buckeye fans, I think I've always been a Buckeye too.

DH is a Gator fan. It's always been fun when UF plays FSU. Actually, our house is divided pretty much in half. I have two sons who love UF and two that sit on "my" FSU couch during that game. And, while I say I am a Seminole fan, I "could" be swayed to root for the Gators in other settings (especially under their current coach).

While I now realize that I could be swayed sometimes, I KNOW I have always had Buckeye scarlet and gray in my bones. I've known the OSU fight song since I was in preschool. We had the album of "The Best #@*! Band in the Land playing all their songs when I was a kid.
I was there when my Dad decorated his house for the OSU/Michigan game. I remember watching Woody Hayes coach and Archie Griffin play. I've been to the campus, the bookstore, and know who Brutus is.

Last night, a whole different "division" took place in my house. There was NO WAY I could root for Florida. I thought for sure that OSU had this thing sewn up...in the back pocket. And the opening play pretty much made me cock my feathers and say, "Yeah, you Gator fans in this house...WHAT WERE you thinking with your orange and blue?"

Then, piece by piece, bit by bit, my faith turned to sheer doubt! By halftime I thought, "OK, Tressel, get in there and get your boys fired up! Tell them they need to be there in the second half...to play their hearts out." And it seemed at the beginning of the third quarter that maybe that's what happened. My hopes were shattered though as I watched the Gator defense stop OSU in it's Buckeye tracks.

It was PAINFUL if you are (or were) an OSU fan!! I am happy for the Gators (sorry Dad and all)...they played a good game. They came in and got the job done. I am sorry for the Buckeyes...it wasn't the team that has played this undefeated season.

And when I think to myself, "It's just a game." This game can (and does) put people on an emotional roller coaster. So, where do I stand? I'm a Buckeye Fan who happens to live in Florida...and THAT'S not pretty on a day like today!

But, you have to look to the NFL on a day like today....You see, being a Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan has taught me well....

There's always NEXT season!! Hmmm...maybe college ball isn't THAT different from the NFL after all!!
(Congrats to all you Gator fans out there!)

Monday Memory....

Did I ever tell you....

About my first date with my DH? I've been thinking about it in light of watching my DSs "do the dating thing". Here's my abridged version. Of course he wasn't my H then, he was just a guy I knew at school. We were very good friends and hung out together in a group of friends a lot.

My sorority was going to have a semi-formal just before the Christmas break. I really wanted him to go with me...but I was SO AFRAID to ask. My two friends, L and B, took matters into their own hands and asked him for me! Gotta' love friends like that.

I was looking at my college journal last night and here's what it says about "the big date"...

It's 1:00am and the "big date" is over. I don't know what to
think. He came over around 8:30 and we got to the dance around 9:00.
We stayed until midnight or so. It was nice ~~ we didn't dance, but we
still had fun.

We were coming home and we saw an accident. It was some guys from D's
section [in the dorm]. We stopped and went to check it out. One guy
needed stitches and he is a minor. D decided to go to school and call the
guy's parents and meet them at the hospital.

Needless to say, we rushed back here, and he didn't even say goodbye!
Oh well, I'm glad he's responsible, but I am worried about him. I wish he
weren't all alone.

Fast forward to today....I am pretty sure that event...set the tone for the rest of our 20 years! There have been dozens of times over the years when one of us has had to "rush somewhere" in the name of helping and have had to focus somewhere besides each other. The entry for the next day says--in part:

He called around 4:45pm and said he was sorry for not saying goodbye last
night, and that he had a really good time. I was touched!

Here's the part in the journal that I also think defined and continues to define our relationship:

Lord, I think tonight you've perfected our friendship. I thank you
for it and I receive it. I pray our friendship will continue to
grow.

I can honestly say that it is the friendship that we developed so long ago that has been our strong foundation. I am thankful that I went on that first date with my "best friend" and that we continued to seek each other even when we get distracted by other events.

I love that man!!

Tapping Resources---He "Done" Good!

This is my DS 2 and his GF-C. They have been "together" for a little over a year this past December. Before that, they were best friends. It's been fun watching their relationship grow. They are often together...but it's usually less formal.

Tonight DS 2 took C out for a "date". This was planned over the past week. He got the idea for the place to eat from a man at church. He wanted them to go out for a nice evening. After DS 2 helped this gentleman build a deck last week, he gave him money and said, "Take C out to a nice restaurant." Then he suggested one to DS 2. DS 2 asked me what I thought and I told him that it was fine with me.

DS 2 called and made reservations for tonight earlier in the week. Last night he said, "Mom, I need to get a nice new shirt. C got a new dress for our date."

I gave him money to go get a new shirt today (some days I'm just a "resource" myself). Instead of using the money, though, Mr. Resourceful did something totally surprising to me. Here's the next part of the story:

I received a call from my FIL this afternoon at the end of my workshop at school. With that, I'm-going-to-rub-something-in tone, he said, "This coupon thing has gone too far! NOW, I am a clothier! I've loaned a suit, a shirt, and a tie to YOUR DS so he can go on his date tonight. AND both your DSs 2 and 4 are eating Grandma's food!" I'm used to hearing that they've gone over there and raided Grandma's kitchen...they love it. But clothes? Call me crazy, but this clothes-thing caught me a bit by surprise--OK it caught me a lot by surprise.

I LOVE my Grandmother dearly--very dearly. I cannot, however, think of ONE time in all my 42 years when I would have gone to her and said, "Do you have clothes I can borrow for _____?" She dresses fine and all...it just "isn't done." I simply couldn't get my head around it, DS wearing his Grandfather's clothes--on purpose--but knowing that my DS IS resourceful and my FIL is..well, my FIL, I shrugged it off.

I didn't see DS before the date. Instead, they dropped by afterwards so I could take this blogging photo (they know me well). And, yes, I think DS looked wonderful---thanks, Grandpa!! It was then I heard the rest of the date story....

They went to eat at the nice restaurant near the beach. DS 2 worked out a plan with a couple of his friends. They arrived just ahead of DS 2 and C and left a rose on a bench outside. The first rose said, "L--is for the way you look at me." Then, when they sat at their table, there was a second rose, "O--is for the only one I see." He said, "C, I think someone's trying to send us a message."

After dinner, they walked on the beach. DS 2 "spotted" a third rose on a bench. It said, "V is very, very extraordinary". When they were done with their walk, a fourth rose was on the car, "E is even more than anyone that you adore." (As an aside...I have NO IDEA how he knows this song!)

Let's just say HE's VERY PROUD of himself! He had to get his friends to go before him and leave the roses...I still don't know what his friends did during dinner...although there's plenty to do down there. I did hear that one of them was laying under bushes in the middle of the square across from the restaurant (this made me think I probably didn't want to know "everything").

And as DS2 and C sat in my living room just now and told me this story...and they knew I'd be telling you...DS reminded me to tell all the women out there to tell their husbands (and/or any husbands/men that read this blog) that "this is how it's done."

Although DH hasn't done the exact same thing for me...this is the kind of thing he would do when we were dating....it really took me back to that time and so many other times when he went above and beyond. It's also the kind of thing he's done throughout our marriage, though (a la New York City last week). It's the kind of thing that can speak volumes in a relationship. It's something guys need to know.

DS may be a little too proud....but I must admit that I'm proud of him too. I'm proud of all of my boys. They are learning just how to be good and Godly husbands...and as a Mother, I know that's what it's all about!

Yep....HE DONE GOOD!!

Here's the Scoop...

Some of my blogging friends have either commented or emailed me in the last couple of weeks to ask what is happening with DH and his move. I realized that I sent out an email to family and friends weeks ago explaining, but didn't ever put it on the blog.

As you may have guessed, DH's last day pastoring churches was last Sunday. He is not leaving the ministry. He's called to it. His call, however, has shifted a bit. DH will be consulting with churches full time. He has contracts with over 300 churches in our denomination and many outside as well.

It was not an easy decision to switch. But it seemed like the right thing at the right time. It was amazing to watch how quickly contracts and inquiries came in once he started "putting it out there".

His goal is to coach churches to unify on their core values, bedrock beliefs, vision and mission thus creating a permission-giving spirit and a positive ministry environment. Many churches aren't "getting it" as they have moved into this century. We can't keep "doing church" the way we've always done it.

I am excited to see what this next chapter in DH's ministry brings. I think the hard thing for me, right now, will be not listening to DH preach. He's been "my pastor" for 20 years! And, I really DO like hearing him preach.

We are not moving. We just bought our house last year, so we'll stay here which allows the kids and life pretty much to stay status quo. The major difference is that DH, DS 4 and I will have to find a new church for now. We're hopeful that, after a period of transition, we'll be able to rejoin the congregation we just left.

The new pastor (who we have known several years) and his family have been VERY gracious to permit the older boys to stay put. He also has said that they want to be very sensitive to the possibility of us being able to come back even before the entire traditional "year waiting period" is up. We're grateful that he will be taking the helm of our church...it made us leaving easier as we KNOW it's in the right hands.

So, that's what's going on in our neck of the woods. And, now you know the scoop.

Friday Feast 1 (125)

Feast One Hundred & Twenty-Five

I finally decided to jump into the Friday Feast. It's my first one. Happy Friday, Everyone!

Appetizer
Which celebrity (or celebrities) do you think will make headlines this year? Oh, probably several. I think Brittney will continue to make headlines as will people like Donald Trump and Rosie. I just don't see that changing anytime soon.

Soup
They say that good things come in small packages? What is something little that you think is great? I love small things! I suppose my latest "small thing" that I think is great, is my new flash drive. It can carry almost every file I've ever made on the computer and I don't have to lug laptops everywhere. I can just pop that that little thing in and have everything I need. Love it!!

Salad
Name a song that makes you want to dance. Oh my goodness, there are SO MANY! I love to dance. There's a song that we sing at church called "Fields of Grace" that makes me really want to "let go" when we sing it. As for secular songs, I love "Black Horse in a Cherry Tree" and oldies like "Shout" and "Conga".

Main Course
What is your favorite font? I love Comic Sans and Chalkboard.

Dessert
If you were to write a do-it-yourself article, what would it be about? Ugh, this one has me stumped! "How to drive, eat, and talk on the phone--the art of Multi-tasking" might be an article I could write!!

Thursday Thirteen #38

Thirteen Things I've learned about Heather!!

This is a special TT that Sally started for my SIL, Heather. Heather's fighting cancer right now and we're all believing that she is going to beat it. I decided to take a different angle to my list as I realize that I have learned and confirmed a lot about Heather since she started blogging (thanks again, for introducing me to this great vehicle, Heather!).
1. She loves the Lord and isn't afraid to share it with others.
2. She is determined far more than many people I know.
3. She loves her kids and works hard to give them wide experiences.
4. She loves her husband and sets an example for others.
5. Her ability to record her family's story via scrapbooking (and stay on top of it) amaze me!
6. She loves good music.
7. Family and friends are very important to her.
8. She enjoys participating and serving at church and in the community.
9. She's talented at making things (a la the dinosaur tote bags, blankets, and such she's made for my DSs.)
10. She's a life-long learner.
11. She enjoys the theater.
12. She's very close with her sisters--a special bond that many don't have.
13. She is a fighter...and I agree with Sally...she's going to beat this thing.

If you get a chance this week, would you whisper a prayer for Heather? Pray for her healing. Pray for her family as they move to Florida. Pray for her children as they watch their Mother go through this journey. Pray for strength and peace that passes all understanding.

Blessings, Heather.

Wordless Wednesday--Like Father/Like Son

DH's last day pastoring our church. DS 1 sings with the worship leader while DH (center) listens.

Is this the little girl she carried??

Do you remember the song, "Sunrise/Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof? A portion of it goes like this:

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older.
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be this tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?

Sunrise, sunset.
Sunrise, sunset.
Swiftly flow the days.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as we gaze.

Sunrise, sunset.
Sunrise, sunset.
Swiftly fly the years.
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears.

Last year, I watched as DS 1 graduated High School. It was hard. I was weepy! Heck, I'm still weepy at times as I see him taking on more and more as a young adult!

Tonight I sat with one of my dearest friends whose daughter is leaving her this weekend to go off to college. I still remember leaving for college myself! How can it be that we have kids old enough to do this? She's weepy (and for good reason)! I'm not sure I had any words to say...but then I don't think you need words in moments like these. You need to know that as the sands of time shift...and one season follows another...that there are things that are steadfast. You need to know that no matter what happens, God is in control, and that you have family and friends who love you no matter what.

I realized that DS 2 is really not that far behind my first-born or my friend's last-born. He, too, is "growing up"...it's hard to watch. And it's so true....swiftly flow the days!

I don't remember growing older, when did they?

More NYC Information

OK, inquiring minds want to know...so here's some more information about our stay in NYC. Actually, only Dan and Lynn have asked...but why not post it here in case anyone else is wondering:

We stayed at Crowne Plaza at the United Nations. This is a bit off the beaten path. But it wasn't a bad walk to the theaters, dinner, and convenient to Grand Central Subway Station.

Our dinner on night one was at San Martin on 49th St. It was GREAT food. I had the Petti di Pollo alla Mostarda or Chicken Breast with Mustard Sauce. It was wonderful. This is where DH had that huge steak that you see in our pictures. I think it's called the Bistecca alla Viennese.

Night two brought us to Montebello on 56th St. I had the Chopped Salad or Cioppatina. My main meal that night was the Lobster Ravioli with Champagne and Shallots in Light Aurora Sauce or Ravioli di Arogosta. YUM!! I don't remember what DH had that night.

Our final night in NYC we ate at Osteria Laguna . I know I had a yummy tomato soup there. I can't remember what I had for dinner that night. I can tell you that it was also
a GREAT meal!!

I can't tell you what the deli's were (there seems to be one on every corner). I can say that the one deli was right across the street from Ground Zero. We watched the work to rebuild that property while we ate.

I actually found myself thinking, "Oh, I don't want to BORE people with my NYC stories." Then I remembered, "It's my blog and I'll write what I want to!" Seriously, though, I'll try to get a new topic very soon.

Hugs to all!!

Here's our pictures from NYC!

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I'm Home, Physically...

But "I left my heart in New York City"...oops, wrong tune, isn't it????

Seriously, DH and I had an AMAZING time in the Big Apple. I'm going to recount some of it here and I'll add pics once I get them uploaded.

First of all, I am a total baby when I fly. I'm OK when I get up there; it's the take-offs and landings that make me a wreck. The thought of flying with my dh while the kids are on the ground, makes me even more of a wreck....I know, I know, it's a bit of a "sickness" called "CONTROL"! I told DH that I would fly to help me get over my issues....and I'm SO GLAD that he followed through on it. Having him next to me was much better than flying alone...which is what I usually do.

It took us TWO hours to make the 30 minute trip into the city from the Newark Airport on Wednesday afternoon. I had to face another one of my issues as we inched our way through the Lincoln Tunnel on a bus with other buses, taxis, cars, and tunnel walls only inches on either side of us. Again, not so bad with DH by my side.

DH told me that most of the shows had been sold out and some right up through March. He asked if I wanted to know "Plan B"...and he brought out the tickets for three shows. I LOVE the theater...and was totally excited about this part of our trip.

Wednesday night, we ate a magnificent meal and then we saw,
Monty Python's Spamalot a 2005 Tony Award Winner. Now, I am not a Monty Python fan, but this show WAS funny!! I enjoyed it. We walked to our little "home" on 42nd Ave. and 2nd St. It was quite a ways...but what a view as we passed through Times Square, Grant Park, and Grand Central Station.

Thursday, we went down to Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty. The line to get tickets for the ferry stretched forever. So, we skipped waiting all day in the line, looked at the Statue from the shore and walked down Broadway. We saw Ground Zero and went into a deli across from the former South Tower. AMAZING! We also enjoyed walking through a mini-museum that has been created at the site. It was sobering to see artifacts from that horrible day. People were so quiet. Some cried. No one was loud. And no one moved fast. It was just a stillness in that place.

We saw Canal street....it was PACKED with people. We enjoyed visiting a local pub to rest our feet and people watch. We got back just in time to prepare for another MAGNIFICENT meal and head to The Producers starring Tony Danza. It was even funnier than Spamalot (in my opinion). I hadn't seen the movie and only sort of knew the music. It was GREAT fun!

Yesterday, we bought a bus tour for my sore tired feet. I wore new shoes the first night and I totally DO NOT understand how people walk around in their Prada shoes on the streets of New York. (And, Heather, I totally know how your Mother broke her leg there!!) So, to give my blisters a break, we took the tour. Anyway, we saw all of Uptown and Harlem, Downtown Manhattan, and Brooklyn on this. It was quite informative and a great way to cram a lot of "sites" into a short amount of time.

Last night, we ate at a great restaurant (dh did a GREAT job planning dinners)! It was another quaint restaurant with fantastic food. Then, it was on to the most coveted tickets we had....for WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have the CD for this show and LOVE the music.

It was stunning! I was riveted throughout. The scenery, the vocals, the theater....it was all....well....PERFECT!!! In fact, I want to go grab tickets to see it in February here (C, C, and Mom, let's stop talking about it and DO IT!). There simply was no way to stay in your seat after it was over....it screamed ovation. WOW!!

As with most "dreams" it all ended too soon...but probably right on time. I have a little head cold and definitely noticed the place getting more and more crowded in preparation for the Times Square festivities tomorrow. There is NO WAY I would be caught dead in that crowd. Walking through crowded Times Square two nights ago and imagining that number magnified by thousands, again confirmed that to me.

If I didn't say it before, I'll say it here...DH and I never really had a Honeymoon. We have not really gone on a true vacation together alone in 20 years. After these glorious three days, I know that we will not wait another 20 years to do it again.

I love you, hon!! And, to quote another song,

"Thanks for the Memory!!"

Start Spreadin' the News....

I'm going to be a part of it..............

New York, New York!!

DH whisked me away to New York City. We will see three Broadway Shows in three nights. Our days are pretty open so we can explore this city. Last night, we saw Monty Python's Spamalot. Tonight we will see The Producers....And tomorrow night???

WICKED!!!

I am so excited to see all these shows. I have no idea HOW DH got tickets to all these sold-out shows...but I'm glad he did!

I've gotta' go....I'll blog more later...and maybe post some pics when I can.

Where AM I Going????

DH is taking me away for a few days. The kids are all nestled in with the Grandparents...OK maybe not nestled...but it seems like the right word for this time of year. And actually, only DS 4 is "nestled in" anyway. DSs 1 - 3 are scattered from pillar to post with their friends...and will be using Grandma and Grandpa as "home base".

Now, the BIG question is: WHERE AM I GOING?

I have no idea. We leave in less than 10 hours and I STILL do NOT know where we are going. DH took me shopping today. I have almost a completely new wardrobe. I must admit, I was SHOCKED when DH didn't pack ONE pair of blue jeans in his suitcase. Nope. Only suit coats and pants, nice pants and sweaters, and his new overcoat. He's wearing ONE pair of black jeans tomorrow to travel in...other than that, it's pretty much Docker type during the other days.

I must say I am a bit perplexed! I am starting to think there may have been an alien abduction. But, who am I to judge?

I'll blog tomorrow and let you know where we end up...although I am thinking that information will only be the tip of an iceberg.

We are wearing "classy casual" during the day and "dressy" at night. I have three nice "dressy" outfits and jewelry to match. I have been told the "high" is 50 and the "low" is 30...so I got a new coat, too.

So.....where do YOU think I'm going???? Hmmmm??????

The good news is...we'll have a laptop with us so hopefully I'll be able to blog and let you know the answer soon.

Merry Christmas

Merry Merry Christmas!! To friends online and friends and family near and far, I pray that your Christmas is filled with special times with your loved ones. God bless all of you! Susan

Zoo Fun....

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Thursday Thirteen #37

Thanks to Amy for the TT header!

Thirteen Things SUSAN Still Has to Do BEFORE Christmas....

1. Finish those pesky Christmas cards!! If your last name starts with V-Z (and you're on my list) I haven't mailed yours yet.

2. Finish shopping.

3. Take the kids to Busch Gardens--thanks, Mom for the free tickets.

4. CLEAN my house!! I took a whole van full of STUFF to Goodwill yesterday. DS 4's room is the only one that is ready right now.

5. PLAN the menu for Christmas dinner....does everyone always have turkey? We're trying to be different this year....it's hard to break away from tradition.

6. WRAP presents...I don't know how we lived without gift bags.

7. Before I wrap, I need to take an inventory of what I got everyone so that I can be sure I haven't missed or skimped on anyone.

8. Bake cookies.

9. Take my mentee out to the movies. I promised her I'd get her over the holiday...she missed going to ICE with us due to the adults in her life. I'm getting her tomorrow to "hang out".

10. Get my hair and nails done----just a moment of indulgence for me.

11. PACK for a trip going to somewhere I don't know....DH is taking me away after the holiday. He only told me he'd tell me WHAT to pack.

12. WATCH my FAVORITE Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life"....probably alone since no one in my family thinks that ANY movie should be black and white.

13. Attend all the Church services on Christmas Eve. DS 2 will be playing in several that day. I believe DS 1 will be doing the 11:00pm service.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Wordless Wednesday

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year...

Where in the World has Susan Been?

The past few weeks have gone by in a blur. The flurry of activity around my house has been absolutely unbelievable. Our pace seems more quickened than ever. The kids are all busy...but they are ALL going in four different directions. I've checked in on blogs, responded VERY little if at all over the past couple of weeks...and have only now taken the time to sit down and update my OWN place in cyberspace!

What is it about our world that makes it so frenzied? Did our Mothers sense the same overwhelmed feeling when we were growing up? How about their mothers before them? I am sure there was a "busy-ness" and "hustle bustle" that came naturally with the season and preparing for it...but I also think it's more complex now.

Remember when you could only shop 6 days a week? And remember when the shops ALL closed at night (no 24 hour stuff)? Remember when families really stayed at home in the evenings and watched Cronkite with or after dinner? Remember when sitting at a table didn't seem like an "event"?

There are so many things I wouldn't trade about my life. I love my boys. I love their activities. I love my job and all the activity it brings. One moment to just sit and reflect, though, it seems priceless to me. One quiet moment to breathe and enjoy everything and everyone.

I had a bit of that yesterday as my family took the day to go to the ICE! exhibit at The Gaylord Palms hotel.

The "ice" part wasn't quite as big as I expected, but we made a day of it and enjoyed each other's company. Here are some of our pictures:


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I'd say "THIS is what the season is all about, Charlie Brown!" I'll be back soon!

Clarifications and Conversations

First of all, I need to clarify that my DH is not leaving the Pastorate against his will. God has simply taken him in a new direction that extends to the church as a whole. He is coaching churches in transformation around the country. This means he helps them look at their organization and think about how to bring it into this century and meet the needs of their local communities. (I am sure that he'll think that oversimplifies it....but it's close.)

Last night DS 4 and I attended the Spaghetti Dinner and Book Fair at his school. We sat down to eat and a young man (fourth grader) sat down next to us. He seemed alone. He started speaking to me. I was struck by his articulate conversation. He asked me if I worked at the school. I told him yes. He asked what I do. I explained. Then I asked him if he was new. He said yes. I asked him his grade level. He said, "I'm in fourth grade. I'm supposed to be in the Fifth Grade. The only reason I had to stay back is because I wasn't ready to go on. I had to repeat the grade. I am pretty sure that if I had been here at this school, I would never have been held back. Those other schools weren't good for me. This place has been wonderful."

Wow. What a compliment by a young person!!

I asked where his family was. I meant only where were they last night, I was not asking about his family history--but I got the history and not the location last night. He took a deep breath and continued, "My Mom and Grandma are here. We live together. I have lived in (this city) and (this city). I wouldn't have been kicked out of my last school except that someone hit me and I hit them back. It was HIS fault though, not mine. I'm glad I got kicked out though, because I got to come here. But you asked about my family....I have family from Ireland, England and Cleveland." I must have looked puzzled as I am now thinking he is pulling the wool over my eyes. He continued without missing a beat, "My Daddy lives in Cleveland. His family all lives there. I was born there. Actually, he's incarcerated in the jail up there. He is on the sex offender list, but then that is really none of your business. I came down here and we do not see him. And....now I forgot what you even asked me to start with." Then he took a deep breath as he stopped to think about what started our conversation anyway.

You don't get these kinds of conversations just anywhere! In schools like mine, though, you DO hear them. And you have to non-chalantly keep eating, breathing, smiling, (or whatever you are doing) and say something like, "It sounds like you really know now how to make good choices and are on the right track." He said, "Yes, I am." And off he went.

And as I reflected I thought, I am so blessed! I get to be in a place where children are allowed to be who they are and are helped everyday to grow to their potential. I know I am called to the work I do and there could be no better confirmation of it than a child trusting you to listen as they reveal who they are.

Our Weekend Happenings

It's been a busy weekend. DS 2 had a soccer game on Friday at 8:00pm. His GF came up for it. It was COLD...OK it was COLD for Florida. We all had blankets, but we were pretty cold when we got home. They lost the game....but DS 2 played very well.

Yesterday, DS 4 had a game. This was the final weekend of his season, so they ended up having to play today at 12:00. This is hard because our church is a 35 mile drive. I thought about going to the second service (we usually go to the third), but decided that he and I (and DS 3) would go up here. So, I set out to find a church to visit last night.

For those of you who don't know, my DH will no longer be appointed to a church come January. This will be the first time in almost 20 years of marriage that we will have to look for our own church AND that my DH won't be my pastor. It's a strange feeling...especially when you LOVE listening to him. We will be looking for a new church where we can worship. DH will also continue traveling around the country coaching churches in transformation.

I had my eyes on a church about 30 minutes north of us. But somehow I ended up on the Internet last night and found one that is right in my backyard!! It is literally less than 10 minutes from my house. DSs 3 & 4 and I went to visit this morning. I am blown away!! This church is ONLY 8 weeks old. It is meeting in a school cafeteria...but it reminds me of our current church in so many ways...and I felt so at home.

Could it be that it is going to be "that easy" to find a new church? Amazing.

Today, I called three people I know that are looking for a church in the area and invited them to go to this one. I know so many people who are looking for a church in our area...our current church is just a HUGE drive.

DS 4's team made it to the final game. They lost in that game....but they played a GREAT game. It was evident that the parents were far more into it than the kids....but isn't that the way it goes sometimes?

Now, I am trying to gear up for the last week of school before our two week break. I am READY!!!

Have a GREAT week....