His Journey Continues...

I started to make a post telling about all the things I so wish I had done differently for DS 2's Graduation...you know sometimes we focus on the "would've could've, should've". Instead, I've decided to focus on the celebration that really defined Saturday for us. (And really, the celebration has continued as the kids came over for "round 2" of the party last night!)


When he walked down the aisle first with the other three senior officers, my heart swelled with pride. He enjoyed walking with his friend, L and made the most of it as he laughed with her and smiled at those he passed.
As he walked across the stage to take that diploma I knew it represented the close of yet another chapter of his life, but at the same time the start of something new and exciting!

And when he started posing for the camera from his place on the platform, I knew that there will always be a fun-loving child inside the man he is becoming!
When he stood up and gave his speech, I once again melted into tears. I know he is wise beyond his years. He knows they are standing on the brink of opportunity. He believes that it's important to stand up and make a difference in our world and he encouraged his classmates to do the same.

And later in our home when he stood, as DS 1 did two years ago, with every one of his Grandparents and his Great Grandmother for photos, I whispered a prayer of thanks for the blessing of family.
Later in the evening when the endless stream of friends came to our house, I prayed that he would be able to sift through his memory bank someday and look back on this moment as a very special one. One when he realizes just how rich his life truly is.

As I put my head on my pillow at the end of a very long day, I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving for my DS 2. I asked God to continue to bless him and direct his paths. I asked forgiveness and grace for those places when we fall and start thinking about all the things we wished we'd done. I thanked Him for a lovely way to close this chapter and start a new one...with DS 2's family and friends surrounding him. Most of all, I thanked Him for the prvilege of being a Mom to another special young man!

I love you, son!

{Edited to add: DS 2 did not wear flip flops to Graduation. This was long after the more formal attire came off. It was hot, so we let him just put on the "outerwear".}

Because we know you blog, Mom...

That's what DS 1 said today as I entered my house and asked what the "Ram Head" was doing in the middle of my entryway and what my guys and their friends were up to...

And because they know I blog, they had DH help them take pictures of today's shenanigans...so Mom and her blogging friends would not miss a thing!

I TOLD you I have a CRAZY life! Here's proof:

Somehow the high school mascot costume ended up at my house this afternoon. I don't know how or why, but when I walked in the door, there was the giant "Ram Head". Along with the Ram was a full gorilla costume. Trust me, when you live with a bunch of teenage nuts boys you just shouldn't ask! And since I had not heard anything about a hijacked Ram with his Gorilla friend, I figured all was well in our world.

Here is my DS 1 (aka Gorilla Man) with his friend K (aka RHS Ram) waiting for the bus to come.

Here's DS 3 getting off the bus and receiving the surprise attack. DS 1 and K say this is to celebrate the fact that DS 3 is "no longer a middle schooler" and is now officially a Ram.


And the fun continues....

And continues.... Until the final "bow" from DS 1 and K. Boy amd I glad to have THIS piece on camera!!

In the words of DS 1 to his brother, "You'll always remember leaving Middle School now, won't you?"

Ah, you think????

Wordless Wednesday

When 20 comes and goes...

It's hard for me to believe, but my DS 1 turned twenty this past weekend. We celebrated quietly with family yesterday. He celebrated with his friends earlier in the weekend.

As you know, our weekend was filled to the brim with activities....so his birthday kind of snuck up on me. For that matter, twenty snuck up on me!

Here's a note from a sappy emotional Mother to her first-born son:

Son,

I am so proud of the young man you have become! When I think back over the years, I remember again and again those older than I telling me "it will be gone in the blink of an eye" or "enjoy these moments" "they grow so quickly". And now, I can join the crowd of those who know just what those words mean.

I could spend time looking back, but I don't want to do that right now. I think you are embarking on an amazing segment of your life. And I'm proud to be here to see it.

I remember reading the last sermon of David Crowder's pastor, Kyle Lake, that he planned to give on the day he died in a tragic accident at church a few years ago. These words have stuck with me since I read them. They are powerful...especially in light of his situation. I hope they will do the same for you, not because I think of tragedy, but because I know life is so so precious and time really does pass very quickly...

Live. And Live Well. BREATHE. Breathe in and Breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do
not be past. Do not be future. Be now. On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day,
roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of
the sun. If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to
FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE. Get knee-deep in a novel
and LOSE track of time. If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash
well.

Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project
thoroughly completed, a play well-performed. If you must wipe the snot from your
3-year old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all…
because soon he’ll be wiping his own. If you’ve recently experienced loss, then
GRIEVE. And Grieve well. At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re
eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke.

And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven. And TASTE. Taste
every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of
Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift."

I can wish you no greater thing than that, son, as you take another step into your adult life. You are a gift from God and He has given you so much. My prayer is that you "Live and Live Well"!!

I Love YOU!!

More Craziness!!

I'm still here. I am. I really am lurking at most of my blogroll through Google Reader. I just haven't had much comment time.

The week ended as fast and furious as it started! We are winding down at school which is always crazy. The third grade reading scores for our state came in this week. This means that we have to tell parents that their children are going to be retained via state mandate if they "fail". For at least two children in my school, this means they will spend their THIRD year in THIRD grade.

It is absolutely one of the saddest parts of my job as a Literacy Coach to tell a parent that their child is "failing". I mean they are each sending us the smartest kids they have. They are not hiding the brains at home.

Please know that I am also not about simply promoting for the sake of promoting. I do believe that all children can learn to read and that it's our job to get them there. I also believe, however, that sometimes kids DO need more time to learn. If I ran the Education world, there'd be NO grade levels...only benchmarks for children to demonstrate knowledge. When they "hit the benchmark" they are ready to move to the next one. I'd divide it up in Elementary into Primary (typically K-2) and Intermediate (typically 3rd - 5th) and then explain that most kids complete these grades in 6 years, but some may need eight. This would allow those kids who do need extra time to do it without the stigma that is attached with "failing a grade".

Anyway...

Last night was the 8th grade dance for DS 3. I'm hoping to post a new sidebar picture of him ready to go. Shopping for it was a HOOT! They go pretty "casual" as far as I'm concerned...but all the 8th grade boys were shopping on the same night and checking in with each other about what they were "going to wear". It was fun.

DS 4 and I came up to Orlando last night for a soccer tournament. He has a game this afternoon. We'll watch my nephew play tonight. Then we have two games tomorrow.

Right now, I'm sitting inside the picture window of my hotel waiting on DS 4 and his soccer buddies to come back with the ice bucket they took. On second thought, I better quit blogging and make sure all the other guests are OK!

Happy Saturday!

Tune In Tuesday...

Tuesday Tunes -

This is a fun meme, that I've been trying to play. Things have been so hectic lately that I've had a hard time keeping up. So, I thought I'd give it a try again today. You can find the link to the weekly meme here.

This week is word association week and it's all in colors! I'll give you a color and you tell me the first song/artist/album that comes to mind when you see it.

Pink: Although I did not listen to her music, the artist "Pink" came to mind here.

Purple: Obviously Prince or the guy formerly known as...isn't he known as that again? Purple Rain.

Blue: Blue Suede Shoes

White: Jesus Paid it All: "For sin had left it's crimson stain/He washed it white as snow."

Gold: All the Gold in California (is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills in somebody else's name...) by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.

Silver: Silver and Gold from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer...was that Burl Ives?

Green: God Didn't Make Little Green Apples (and it don't rain in Indianapolis in the Summertime) Does anyone know who sang that?

Yellow: Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I remember learning this song in my Elementary Music Class...strange, huh?

Red: Red, Red Wine....Stay close to me....

Brown: Well, the artist Jackson Browne comes to mind and his song, "Stay" which absolutely took up at least half if not all the side of his album. It's a LOOOOONGGGG song!!

OK that was fun...if you play, let me know.

The Whirlwind that sometimes is my life...

We are winding down the school year which brings it's own share of hoops to jump through. Iam preparing for next year's job changes. We are also conducting retention meetings...these are NEVER fun as it means we have to look into our educational crystal ball and try and make predictions about each child's future success. It left me little time for blogging last week.

This weekend was busy busy busy!

I had the pleasure of hosting my friend Sandy's daughter's bridal shower (along with two other friends from school) at my house on Saturday morning. We called it an "Around the Clock" shower. Every person was given a specific time of the day and purchased gifts for their assigned time. It was fun hearing what people were thinking when they selected their gifts. There were sixteen of us here for the shower/luncheon. It was great fun. Here are a couple of pictures:

Notice the blue colors. Lindsey is using blues and greens in her wedding. But DS 2's school is maroon....and 21 kids were scheduled to show up around 6:00pm....

Sooooooo, in the afternoon, my living room had to undergo a total transformation for DS 2's Prom Dinner. Here's a shot from almost the same angle as the last one.

We had Olive Garden catered in for them. I was a bit shocked when he requested it, but pleased at the same time. Here is DS 2 below (in the red tux) preparing for dinner with a few of his friends.

And here is the whole crew enjoying their food and each other's company...
After dinner, they got in a limo bus and headed out to the beach for photos. Actually, they never made it out to the beach, they only made it to the pool of this very exclusive resort in our city. There was another bus of their friends there to meet them.

They had a fantastic time at the Ritz Carlton with the rest of their classmates.

Today, DH, DSs 3 and 4 and I went out to the beach for a baptism service. Then we handed out 200 water bottles as a way of doing some servant evangelism. It was wonderful, but the sun got to me and now I'm going to bed.

Have a great week!!

Thirteen L words that describe Susan:

1. Laughter - I love to laugh and have a good time!

2. Loyal - I am a very loyal person. When I've made a dear friend, that person is my "friend for life".

3. Lists - This is not something that I do well. I actually can make the list...but then I LOSE it!!

4. Listener - I have been told that I am a good listener.

5. Lexington - My husband and I lived near and worked in Lexington, KY our first years of marriage. This was a very special time for us. It is still one of my favorite places to visit.

6. Lion - I have always loved this animal. I do NOT believe in it, but it is my "birth sign" and it was the mascot of my high school.

7. Leader - I am a leader. I tend to take leadership roles when I am involved in an organization. It's been interesting being in the church for over a year and simple "being". Now, I am ready to step back into a leadership role. I think it's where I'm "supposed" to be.

8. Learner - Above all else, I am this.

9. Legumes - Ewwww...don't really like 'em! I HAVE learned to eat green beans when they are cooked "right" though.

10. Leisure - I am not good with leisure time. My friends at work tell me that I have little people in my head that never stop thinking. They're kind of right. BUT I am learning to stop and enjoy some moments of sheer relaxation.

11. Lenses - I wear glasses. I did not get them until I was 28 and then I had to get BIFOCALS! Talk about a slap! And thank goodness for progressive lenses.

12. Log Cabin - I dream of living in one with a BIG wrap around porch in the mountains.

13. Love - This is most important for last. I am blessed to love and to be loved!

Phantom Anxiety

It’s not uncommon to hear those who have lost a limb talk about phantom pain. This is that sensation that the limb is actually there and a part of the person. It’s even been reported that amputees often feel tingling, itching and other sensations from missing limbs. There is a body of research out there that indicates that this is not always “in the head”…but that there may be some physiological reasons for it.

I don’t know about you, but I think sometimes I assume “Phantom Emotions”. They, for me, are those times when I see or hear someone else going through something and automatically assume that I “might” have to deal with the same thing someday. Quite honestly, I think it’s WRONG. The Bible tells us that we are not to worry or be anxious. I know God has the number of hairs on my head counted out. He has a plan for me. He knows my thoughts, my fears and my dreams. And He loves me. Yet there are those moments when I find myself wrestling with “self” as I panic and worry without a real cause—it’s a type of “Phantom Anxiety”. It happens almost without warning when I hear of the tragedies of others.

Today is one of those days for me.

I woke up this morning to hear the radio announcer tell the listeners that we need to be praying for a local pastor and his family. The Pastor, it seems, went to visit his Mother for Mother’s Day in North Carolina. Then, he and his 13 year old son left early Monday morning in their small plane to head to Arkansas and pick up a friend on their way to Texas for a Conference. The person in Arkansas reported that they “never showed up” and thus the search and rescue started yesterday afternoon. Today, they found the wreckage of the plane and the bodies of the pastor and his son.

My heart breaks for the wife and mother that is left behind. She has lost one of her six children and her soul mate. I can only picture what five sisters and brothers must be asking today, “Why?”

And while I pray earnestly for her comfort and peace during this most difficult time, I confess that I tend to heap the “what if’s” into my thought life during this type of thing. It doesn’t take long until I am wallowing in a load of anxiety about my own husband and children.

This happens for me when the tragedy is something that I know could have just as easily happened to me or my own family. It surfaces when a young person is tragically injured or dies in a car crash, when a small child drowns in a pool, or when someone is severely mistreated by another. It happens when I hear about a bank robbery, a parade mishap, or a senseless act of violence. When I really dig down to find out WHY it happens, I realize that it is about control.

I know that I am not in control. I also know that sometimes awful things DO happen in our world to some really good people. While I try to cast my worry aside, it’s often easier said than done. But worry helps no one. It cannot add a minute to my life or yours.

So I must find a way to guard my heart from the speculation game and what-if’s that plague me. I must find a way to trust. And rest. And know that He IS God who can and will take away my phantom anxiety!

I cannot believe that I am the only woman who deals with worry. In fact, I would guess that most of us have experienced this to one degree or another in our lives. I don’t know of an instant remedy, but I DO know that Christians can rest in God’s promises. Because step by step and inch by inch I know I can be better today than I was yesterday. Today I choose to rest and reflect on scripture:

One I found on the church’s website: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

And the other is simply an “old favorite” for me: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:5-6

And such truth is not phantom at all!

I'm back!

A few moments ago, DS 3 (laptop in his lap) sternly called, "MOM!" I said, "What?" He answered with one word: "BLOG!"


I'm no fool. When your children are telling you "it's time"...then it MUST be time!


As I noted last week, I was at the International Reading Association Conference in Atlanta. It's one of my favorite times of the year as it allows me to connect with people that I mostly "see" only via a laptop. My friends, Suzi and Kristin, and I spoke on Wednesday. We signed books on Thursday. It is great fun hearing feedback from other educators.

The boys seemed to do pretty well while I was gone (DH was out too). My in-laws blessed us by caring for DS 4. The other boys stayed here at home. It's still hard for me to recognize that this is "OK". I am sure this has caused them to roll their eyes on more than one occasion...I mean DS 1 will be 20 in a few days and DS 2 is almost 19. I guess once you're a Mother, you're always a Mother.

Speaking of Mother...I had a lovely day with my DSs 2, 3, and 4 and my own Mom in Tampa for Mother's Day. We are blessed for sure.

Now we are in the "wind-down" for senior year. Prom is this weekend. I am having 20 seniors here for dinner just prior to the prom on Saturday. That's only after I host my friend Sandy's daughter's bridal shower here that morning. Are we NUTS or what???

I hope you have had a lovely week. I've missed you. It will take me a few days to catch up with all of your blogs. But I'll be around when I can.

Atlanta....

I'm not online much this week because I am in Atlanta at our International Reading Conference. Everyone have a great week and I'll check in when I can...

Because some readers have inquiring minds...

First off, in regards to my last post, I DO have a cell phone charger. It wasn't working yesterday because I was in DS 1's car where the fuse blew. I'm happy to report my cell phone is making its way back to normal today--since I am in my own car that has a working plug.

Now, my post on Monday apparently sent a few of my family members into a bit of a flurry of wonder. In that post, I noted:

In the meantime, there are some big decisions being made here in our house
that I cannot discuss here yet. It's nothing "bad"...only a change in direction.
Please pray for our family as we help work through what steps to take in the
next few weeks.

I received several phone calls asking if everything was OK. And the answer is "Yes"! We are not sick, pregnant, or moving! Trust me, if any of those things were happening, I'd have said a lot more in my initial post! In fact, if either of the latter two were true, I probably would have been announcing my new "straight jacket" apparel! ;-)

In some ways, it feels a bit anti-climatic to share it...but here goes (with my DS 2's permission):

M came to us on Sunday evening at 10pm (gotta love the times they pick, don't you?) and said he needed to talk to us. My heart went back to normal when he told us that he was a bit unsettled about his decision to go to school in MI. He said, and I quote, "The two most important things to me are family and friends. I don't know WHY I'd move 1500 miles away from those." He had been praying and seeking direction and determined that he wanted to stay in Florida for school.

Of course, we were shocked, mainly because six months ago there were "no good schools in Florida!" (Sorry, son, I'm the Mom, and I had to get that one in!) And because of this former opinion, he had not applied anywhere else EXCEPT the one school in Michigan! Timing is sometimes everything...because the school formerly known as "U Can't Finish" (which is here in the Sunshine State)---but now being acknowledged with the rest of the collegiate world, as "UCF," was still accepting applications. We submitted Monday night.

In another turn of events, DS 1 has not been able to ship out and may not be able to go for quite some time. So, he has decided that he also will apply at "U CAN Finish" I mean UCF and perhaps go live with his brother. In one fell swoop I was taken back to a time when they were much younger, and sharing a room, and DS 2 announced, "I'm going to have to go to college with D, because we've never been apart." And pretty much he was (and is) right. They have been "friends" since we first brought DS 1 into the hospital to meet his brother.

Now, before I go all sappy and sentimental on you, let me say thank you for your prayers. I am thankful that we have such a fantastic family and so many supportive friends both IRL and here in blog world. Mostly I am so proud of "my guys" who are growing into such well-rounded and thoughtful human beings. I appreciate your continued prayers as they both seek out the next steps in their journey and we seek to provide guidance and wisdom.

Now everyone continue what you were doing....

How Do I Breathe?

I have LeeAnn Rimes in my head today:

How do I get through one night without you
If I had to live without you
What kind of life would that be
Oh I, I need you in my arms Need you to hold
You're my world, my heart, my soul
If you ever leave
Baby you would take away everything good in my life
And tell me now

How do I live without you
I want to know
How do I breathe without you
If you ever go
How do I ever, ever survive
How do I How do I Oh, how do I live

She's been there since yesterday afternoon when I discovered that my cell phone was dead as a doornail, finished, kaput! Of course, I NEEDED it at that moment.

I was heading out to a meeting at a place I'd never been before. I printed out the directions from email just before I left work. The closer I got to my destination I began looking for the directions. I soon realized they were ON MY DESK. At work!

It's natural then to pick up the cell phone, admit to one of the sons that I'm a ditz sometimes and ask them to look in my email for the directions. But, said cell phone was out of juice.

I drove into the subdivision where I was supposed to be. I remembered the number to open the gate, but not the house number. I thought perhaps if I drove down the street I'd be "led" to the right house. But...NOTHING. And I really didn't want to do a door to door scavenger hunt to find the right place.

So, I headed out to find a pay phone. I can't remember the last time I looked for one. And quite honestly I was thinking the only place I might find one is in an antique shop! Suddenly, I saw it on the side of the local drug store. I got out with TWO quarters just in case the FIRST one didn't work. I mean my Mother did teach me to be prepared!

I walked up to that antiquated piece of technology and put in my quarter and dialed only to be met on the other end with a voice that said, "Please deposit twenty-five cents." I told my computer phone-a-friend that I DID put in twenty-five cents...but went ahead and threw the other quarter in for good measure. That's when I saw that the cost for a local call is now FIFTY cents! I found myself longing for my childhood when this would have cost me a DIME!

Even after receiving the other quarter, the computer continued her mantra, "Please deposit twenty-five cents." I hit the coin return. Got both quarters out and tried again. She just kept talking to me.

Frustrated and now 30 minutes LATE for my meeting, I went into the drugstore and asked for a phone book. I guess THAT also belongs in the antique store, because there wasn't one to be found. The nice lady at the photo desk, though, let me call home to ask for help. I think she wanted to see me admit to my teenage son that I AM a ditz!

DS 2 came through for me and found the address. And all the way back to the house, I found myself eyeing my dead cell phone and singing: "How DO I live without you? I want to know. How do I BREATHE without you? If you ever go. How do I e-ver, e-ver SURVIVE? How do I..How do I...oh how do I BREATHE?"

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen K words that describe Susan:

1. Kids - I've got 4 of 'em. I teach 'em everyday. I LOVE 'em! It seems that kids have been a part of my life since I was--well--a KID!

2. Kiss - I love 'em too!

3. Kaleidoscope - I love looking through a kaleidoscope. I think it pretty much describes my life. Multi-faceted and ever-changing and pretty colorful.

4. Kansas - I've never been there, but it makes me think of the Wizard of Oz which is one of my favorite movies. I've been known to tell people, "You're not in Kansas anymore."

5. Kairos - This is a greek word for a very special moment in time. It is the "right or opportune moment". I can honestly say I've had several "kairos" moments in my life. And I'm blessed for each one.

6. Karaoke - I love to go to karaoke! It's so much fun to listen and sing along. I've been known to karaoke with my colleagues until the wee hours of the morning!

7. Kashi - This is a cereal that I like, but I don't eat enough.

8. Kentucky - My very favorite place that DH and I have lived. It is the perfect mix of seasons. People are beyond friendly. My DS 1 was born there. It represents, for me, a very special time in my life.

9. Keeled - I know this is a strange word, but it makes me think of those who are "even-keeled". I'm not always so good at this, but I try.

10. Keepers - This is the name of my VERY FAVORITE children's book by Jeri Hanel Watts. It is not one that is often shared, but it is a beautiful story of a young boy who learns the power of passing down stories in a family and a Grandmother that learns that all people can be "Keepers" of family stories.

11. Kelly and Keven - Weird that these names would pop up...but they represent two of my chidlhood friends. I lost touch with Kelly long ago, but Keven still lives in our hometown and I see he and his family every so often when I am up visiting there.

12. KFC - I like this place, truly I do. It represents, however, a funny family story for us (a Keeper?). When DH and I lived in #8, we were driving home one time and passed a large billboard that said "Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken". I looked at my young DH and said, "I didn't know that Kentucky Fried Chicken was made in Kentucky." I must admit that after the long pregnant pause in the car, I wanted to move to #4! It's not uncommon for someone to ask me (21 years later) when we pass one, "Do YOU know where Kentucky Fried Chicken comes from?"

13. Keynote - I've been able to give several keynotes in my career. I really enjoy this. Between us, though, I wonder if that would have happened if they knew my KFC "secret"?

K was not as hard as I thought....but I'm glad there aren't 14!!

Wordless Wednesday: Summer's Coming...

DS 4 enjoyed cooling off in Grandpa's pool.

Tunes on Tuesday...

The person who runs the Music Memoirs site, lost her Grandmother this week, so I am going back and doing the Tuesday Tunes from Week 29.

Word Association Week!

Remember name the first band/artist/song/album/instrument etc. that comes to mind when you see these words.

Drum: The first thing that comes to mind when I see the word "drum" is my DS 2. He plays them with such drive. I love watching it.

River: OK, it took me a few minutes to dig this one up, but the song was called "Water Grave" and was written by Steve Chapman (not Steven Curtis...) and performed by the Imperials in the late 70's early 80's. It is the song that led me to be baptized by immersion in college. The chorus says,

I'm going down to the river my Lord,

I'm gonna be buried alive

I want to show my heavenly father

The man I used to be finally died

Sea: "Under the Boaardwaalk...down by the Seeeaaaa..yah....on a blanket with my baby..."

Sand: For some reason, Jimmy Buffet comes to mind. I can't picture an album with sand on it, but since he sings so much about the sea, I'm quite sure there's sand in there somewhere.

Travel: Definitely MY favorite 70's/80's band comes to mind...Journey

Time: If I could save TIME in a bottle...by Jim Croce.

Journey: I didn't see this one before I put "Journey" for Travel...so now I'm going to put "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by the Hollies, and later recorded by the Osmonds, which starts out "The road is long with many a winding turn..."

Number: "One is the loneliest number..." by Three Dog Night.

Theme: Hmmmm...I'm stumped on this one. Don't know why, but "Music of the night" comes to mind from Phantom of the Opera.

Magic: Two songs come to mind here: Barry Manilow's "Could this be the Magic" and CCR's "Magic Carpet Ride"

And I thought this was going to be a "mindless"...just-do-it-and-post-it-meme! It took me a over an hour to get it done. Oy!!

Weekend Window

It's been a while since I have done a "weekend window"...but this weekend, with all it's twists and turns, is one that calls for it....

Friday I went to the wedding of a couple that works at my school. It was in a local mansion that sits on the water...a gorgeous setting. We had a lot of fun celebrating with them. It was, however, the second wedding of the year that I attended where the word "God" was not uttered one time. I guess it's more proof that more and more "kids" are being raised sans any faith at all. When a friend of mine mentioned God to the young bride, she said, "We don't really 'DO' the "God-thing"." So, while it was fun to celebrate with them, it was also quite sad for me.

DS 2 went to Grad Night at Disney World on Friday. They go stay all night and listen to bands and ride rides. He slept pretty much all day on Saturday.

On Saturday, DS 1 found out he could not ship out 4/28 as expected. They have been looking at his medical records and stuff and are kind of in a holding pattern. The Sgt. told him that he "might" get to go out next week. Or he may have to wait until Fall. At any rate, they are supposed to give him a "for sure" date by this coming Friday. He is quite frustrated by the delay.

Saturday we bought DS 3 a bike so we could go out on the trail. He and I rode a total of 18 miles! It was a gorgeous day and the trail was, once again, full of people and critters. On the way out we saw plenty of birds and a black snake...on the way back, there was a BIG Florida Gator sitting right on the trail! (Note: the picture on the left is a couple we found at our state park last year.) We didn't see Mr. Biketrail Gator until we were pretty much right next to him. Needless to say, we swerved to the OTHER side of the trail (maybe 6 feet away) and rode FAST! Trust me, my cardio was heightened at that point. And I was much more vigilent as we made the trek back to our house.

Saturday night, DH and I went to a LOVELY Hawaiin Fusion restaurant here in town. They are known for the Sushi and Fish entrees. I had a dish called "Hawaiin Ono". It was delicious. We also had some wonderful appetizers and salads. He and I don't get out alone as much as we'd like due to our hectic schedules...so it was nice to linger over a meal and enjoy each other's company.

After church on Sunday, I drove to Tampa to see my cousin who was visiting for the weekend. DH flew DSs 3 and 4 up there then they took my brother up for a flight. Here they are just after landing at the little airport in Tampa. I think they had a good time.

DS 3 stayed with me in Tampa and came back in the car. DS 4, however, flew back with DH to our house. DH said DS 4 was "driving" about 50% of the time on the way back...and has now decided that he'd like to take flight lessons right away. Yeah, right!

DH left this morning for Texas. DSs 3 and 4 are home today not feeling well. I am home with them, so perhaps I'll get a few things done around here that I skipped this weekend!

In the meantime, there are some big decisions being made here in our house that I cannot discuss here yet. It's nothing "bad"...only a change in direction. Please pray for our family as we help work through what steps to take in the next few weeks.

Happy Monday!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen J words that describe Susan:



1. Jesus - He's the #1 "man in my life"...and I'm thankful that He's blessed with all my other "guys"!

2. Joyful - Most of the time I am joyful. I know we are supposed to "count it joy" in all things...I confess, I don't always. But, at my core, I am joyful and joy-filled!

3. Jaunt - I love to take little "mini-trips" or jaunts out to explore. When DH and I were dating, we'd find a water tower off in the distance and then drive to see if we could find it.

4. Jabber - I think most who know me well would agree that I LOVE to jabber! I love to talk and visit with friends and family.

5. Jealous - Not a pretty "J" word...but one I admit that I wrestle with. This is something that is better for me in the past few years, but every once-in-a-while it creeps in and I find myself jealous of something. Thank goodness my #1 (Jesus) has helped me so much in this area.

6. Jazz - I do enjoy jazz music occasionally. It's not my music genre of choice, but I love relaxing to it sometimes.

7. Jelly - Grape with peanut butter please!

8. Jeans - If I chose my clothes everyday, this is what I'd wear.

9. Journal - I kept journals when I was a teen and young adult. Now, this is my journal.

10. Judge - I tend to judge situations. Again, not a "pretty J" word, but real for me.

11. Justice - I believe in a sense of "fair"...I hate to see people mistreated.

12. Jingle - I just LOVE this J word...it reminds me of little commercials and Christmas.

13. July - My LEAST favorite month!

This was the hardest list yet!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Camo No More!

Music Memoirs...

Melli has been playing this meme over the past couple of Tuesdays. It really has "my name" written all over it, since I LOVE music...leave it to me to "join" on the week we talk about "worsts" in music! Oh well, I said I was going to do it, so here goes:

It's about the worsts in music:

What's the worst song you've heard in the past week?
Hmmm...I don't know. I suppose it's "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne. I really don't "like" that song.

Have you ever bought an album thinking you'd love it, only to hate it? What was it?
Yep, I so have done this. I bought an album of 50's, 60's and 70's music (it was multi-CD's) and it sounded like it had been recorded in a tunnel! I threw it out. It was painful to listen to...

Are there any artists that you used to like but wish would just go away now?
I honestly cannot think of any. I really like old and new artists. There are those I don't listen to as frequently today, but I don't "wish they'd go away".

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Update: My floor is going in, and I'M LOVIN' IT! I can't wait to show you pictures.

Look What We've Been Doing....

DS 1 is preparing to leave for basic training. This weekend was the "surprise cammo party". Since we're getting new floors on Monday, I decided to "cammo" my carpet on Friday to "decorate". It all started with an idea...and ended with one very surprised DS 1! As he entered the house, we played the Army Song. Thanks, Aunt Heather, for the photos...and the rest of our family and friends for making it a memorable event for all of us. Enjoy!!

Thirteen I words that describe Susan:

1. Independent - And if we were on "F" week, I'd add FIERCELY to that word. Although I think this is a "good thing" for the most part, there are times that we must depend on others. It's hard to do when you think you can "take care of it yourself" all the time.

2. Introspective - I am a thinker. I am constantly "thinking about my thinking and my feeling". Again, this can be good or bad. I think sometimes it makes me seem withdrawn when I'm really not.

3. Idealistic - I put this word then confirmed it with this definition of idealism: "the tendency to represent things in an ideal form, or as they might or should be rather than as they are"

4. Interpersonal - When I re-entered the public school arena several years ago, The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was being investigated. This theory basically states that there are several ways of "being smart"...one is interpersonal, or that idea of relating with others.

5. Instructional - I love to teach and, most of the time, to be taught.

6. Imaginative - I have a very vivid imagination. I love creating things in my mind and with my hands.

7. Impatient - At times, I am extremely impatient. I hate having to wait for things that I want NOW! Still I work to improve in this area.

8. Inquisitive - I love asking questions and looking for answers!

9. Inspired - Children, nature, music...these things inspire me.

10. Intense - Some people might tell you that I am a "driver". When I get something in my head that needs to be done, I am often intense as we move into the project. However, I am also NOT a detail person, so I can become intensly bored and thus, distracted at times as well.

11. Involved - I love being involved in organizations and causes.

12. Intinerant - When DH was a full time pastor, we were in an ininerant system, this meant we moved every so often.

13. Implications - I LOVE this word! It's one of my favorite to say...and to think about "what are the implications of __________?"

Wordless Wednesday--Go Rest High On that Mountain

My friend Susan in New Symrna Beach, 1976.

Susan with my brother, Greg, and me at Redington Beach, 1977. And from the paper today...

Weekend Recap

This past weekend was a busy weekend with both emotional ups and downs.

Friday, my boss and I talked at length about the changes in my own job next year. Of course, as I noted before, we are going to lose support personnel at our school. In essence, this means the team I work on will be somewhat disbanded or altered greatly. Some roles that are currently there will not exist at all; others will change drastically. Mine is a job that will change as two jobs are rolled into one. Our talk was very candid. I am thankful that I work in a place where I can be who I am and state my opinion. I know the job will change drastically next year…and I feel confident that, at this point in time, I am making the right decision to continue to hold the position.

Friday night was our school carnival. This is a really fun event with rides and games. It is fun to see some of our families who simply don’t get to do this sort of thing, come out and spend time together.

Friday night was also the time that I found out about the loss of my friend, Susan. It shook me up for sure. Her funeral is this Wednesday. Please say a prayer for this family if you think about it.

Saturday morning and afternoon was spent making arrangements for several things. By late Saturday afternoon, I was ready to do something different, so DS 1 and I went and bought me a bike. I have to say riding through Target on a bicycle (when I haven’t ridden for 20+ years) was a hoot! He and DS 4 and I rode on the new bike trail by our house. We went 13 miles total. It was a beautiful way to spend an evening with my boys. I plan to ride again as soon as my own “seat” recovers!!

Sunday was church with an awesome sermon. I am hoping to recount some of it here as it was one of those “makes you think” sermons. Sunday afternoon was LAZY! I even snuck in a little nap.

Last night I went to DS 2’s GF’s house to see their “senior pics”. She has a relative who is a photographer and went around our beautiful town taking several shots of them both individual and together this weekend. There were more than 600 photos when it was all done! They are gorgeous. I cannot wait to get the CD with some of them so I can share.

That’s pretty much the recap. I pray that your weekend was a blessing!!

Fingerprint Friend

I believe that every person who crosses the path that defines your life and mine leaves a fingerprint. Some are more welcome than others. In some cases, the fingerprints fade over time. But they are there.

And in some cases, those fingerprints become an important part of our defining moments. Those moments that create WHO we are, and WHY we are, here in the present.

Last night, I learned that one such person who impacted my life left this Earth unexpectedly on Thursday evening. We really haven't kept in great touch over the last 22 years. But she is no less important in my mind or in my heart. We did have the opportunity to visit last year at the 50th anniversary of our childhood church. Looking back, I only wish I had had more time to sit and talk with her at that event. Or that I'd made the time afterwards.

Susan and I became BFFs before "BFFs" were all the rage. We met each other at church when we were 11 and 13 years old...although we had been going to church together since we were 4 and 6. Her Mother was our church organist (and still does the job there). Her Father was an usher and a trustee. Their family were charter members of the church.

When I entered the UMYF (Youth Group), I met Susan. We instantly clicked. Of course, it wasn't uncommon back then to meet "other Susan's", but we liked comparing the things that we had in common starting with our names. We each had younger brothers. We loved our families. Our Dad's worked for the same company. As our friendship grew, we shared EVERYTHING with one another. And I recall many times before one of us could drive, that our parents would drive us back and forth to each other's houses (almost a 30 minute drive) so that we could "hang out."

Our faith was being formed during those years. We talked hours and hours about God and who He was to us. We talked about what was right and what was wrong in the world. We sought out our purpose for existing here. We experienced many wonderful spiritual services in and through our church at that time.

As I reflected last night about all those memories I shared with Susan, beside our "faith talks and development," music was probably the biggest thing. We LOVED to listen to records...real vinyl ones...for hours. When 8-track tapes came in style, we listened to those too. Some of our favorites were: Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Cat Stevens, and Billy Joel.

In fact, a few years ago, I was driving to Tampa and listening to the 70's station. On my way there, they seemed to play song after song that dredged up memory after memory of this time in my life. I remember driving up and down the beach to hear the Buffett album in it's entireity while eating Frosty's from Wendy's!! I remember choosing songs from these albums that made us think, and using them at our Youth Group meetings. I sent Susan and card shortly after that day to tell her what a neat walk down memory lane it was for me. She and I emailed with one another and "caught up" a bit after so many years.

And there were books. We shared a love for reading. She, for the more deep/thinking type books. I, for the more sappy/human-relationship type books. Still, it was because of Susan that I read Flowers for Algernon, The Hobbit, and a nonfiction book by Hugh Prather, Notes to Myself. It was also because of Susan that I tried to read the "monster book", Watership Down. I quickly got lost in the rabbit warrens and had to put the book down.

I also learned a little more about TV (and movie stars) during our friendship. We loved to watch Starsky and Hutch and Saturday Night Live (Mr. Bill and Roseanne Rosanna Danna). I remember going to the movies together to see The Way We Were, A Star is Born, Silver Streak, Smokey and the Bandit, and GREASE! In fact, I think we saw Grease more than five times in the theater that summer.

In addition to music, entertainment and books, there were trips with the Youth Group, working around the church, and weeks at their condo on the beach, vacations with my own family, just to name a few. Over the years, we laughed together and cried together. We fought. We became friends again. All of these things make up the fingerprint that this very special person had (and has) on my life.

Last night, as I was reminiscing, I pulled out my journal of "sappy teenage poetry" that I wrote back then. It also includes a collection of quotes that touched my teenage heart. She added some quotes from Hugh Prather in her own handwriting. Here are two that really struck me:

"Next time I will... From now on I will... --What makes me think I am wiser today than I will be tomorrow?" And the second, "I am what I started with, and when it is all over, I will be all that is left of me." And the third, "No one is wrong. At most someone is uninformed." (To which she added her own words, "I am never wrong!") Oh to be so young and naive again!

In there, I also found a letter from Susan to me. She wrote, and I believe these are HER words, "A friend is someone you can go to when you're scared and lost. Someone you can depend on, always." I thought, "Yeah, that defines my "take" on friendship still today." I think I learned what it all means to "be a friend" in those formative teenage years...from the fingerprint of my very best friend at that time.

And for that, I am forever thankful.

Friday...Feeling Fine and Frustrated

I'm feeling "fine and frustrated" all at once! I am "fine" on the homefront, actually I'm ecstatic because I found my floor!! I ordered it and hopefully it will be in over the next week to ten days. Pray it gets installed by next Friday for me, will you? If not, then it will have to be the week after which isn't the "best timing" for me....but still better than May!

It's a very cool story, because when I "let it go" the other day, there was suddenly an entire new vendor added to the store that I have been using. She called me. I stopped by and I loved not ONE but FOUR! I was able to bring it home...felt one was a perfect match...AND it was cheaper than the one that we originally were going to select. God is good!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm frustrated because our county is going through HUGE budget cuts that will result in teacher lay-offs. There are people in my school who will not be able to work in our school next year. There are also people whose jobs will change drastically in the next year. I don't know how this will impact me or my job...but suffice it say that it WILL impact. It's hard, because I love my school and I love the people there. We are family. Please pray for this situation.

Specifically I am praying for peace for the administrators that have to make these huge cuts (at the district's direction). I'm praying for those who may not have a job next year--our youngest teachers. I'm praying for those whose jobs will change drastically next year and thus may choose to do something totally different.

Have a great Friday!

Thursday Thirteen - H

Thirteen H words that describe Susan:



1. Hang-ups: I have 'em. Who doesn't? I loved the poster that was popular when I was in college--"I have a hang up for the one who was hung up for my hang ups."

2. Helping: I love helping other people. I've told you before that I dream of being a philanthropist. This is why the band is in the corner of my blog "Help Make Poverty History". We can ALL do something to help with this. For information, visit One.org. Please consider helping!!

3. Hands: I am a "hand person". I notice them and actually it's one of the first things I noticed on my DH when we met.

4. Home: I love being at home. Although I am not so domestic, I DO love to be in my house and visit with people there.

5. Healthy: I'm relatively healthy in that I've really had no long term illnesses or any such thing. I'm working on getting healthier as I'm still working out with the trainer twice a week and other times beyond that.

6. Hugs: I love to give and get HUGS!!

7. History: This was not my favorite subject in high school, but now I LOVE reading historical work and visiting historical sites.

8. Hope: I live each and every day knowing that my hope is in Jesus. This makes those moments when I am "sweating small stuff" really insignificant because it is He who sustains me.

9. Husband: I have the BEST husband in the world. He continues to dream big and pursue his passions. I am so very blessed to have him in my life.

10. Held: I love this song, by Natalie Grant. I posted about it as Hurricane Dennis approached the coast in 2005. The words are amazing. You can read more here.

11. Heart: I pretty much think from my "heart" all the time. I'm a sap and I know it. I let my emotions get the best of me sometimes. Although that can lead to real hurts, I'm not sorry.

12. Heaven: I am 100% excited that I'm going to spend eternity in Heaven! I love reading about those streets of gold and mansions waiting for those who love Jesus there.

13. Hostess: Even though I am not domestic, I do love entertaining. I enjoy having people over and visiting with them.

14. I had to come back and add two more "H" words after posting the original 13. HALLELUJAH...HILLSONG United's Shout to the Lord was the finale on Idol Gives Back.

{Despite ending up with 14 words, I think "H" was the HARDEST--a good "h" word---so far!}

Some Days I DO "Sweat the small stuff"..

I try not to, truly I do, but some days I do sweat the small stuff. I know you're not supposed to do that. I know that it's not productive. I know that it only breeds stress within. I know. I know. I know.

But I sweat.

This floor is about ready to drive me crazy! I have yet to find one that I really "love". I bring home samples. I put them under each different piece of furniture to check for compatibility. I have all the other eyes in my house look and give their opinions. But I haven't found it yet.

I wanted to get it done before my DS 1 leaves for Basic Training. In my haste to "meet this deadline", I narrowed it down to two floors that that I could "live with". I got the estimates for both. Then I brought both samples home AGAIN to hem and haw around about it.

Last night I realized that I was "sweating". I dreamed about flooring!! I tossed. I turned. I weighed out the two options in my sleep. And this morning I woke up tired and more confused than ever. So, I did the thing that perhaps I should have done to begin with....

I prayed.

Now I know that God's got bigger "issues" to deal with. I know that floors are not high on His list of priorities. But I know that He doesn't want me to be in a state of confusion and chaos. I know that He doesn't want me to be so focused on a floor that I miss some opportunity to be the person He needs me to be.

As I prayed, I thought "What are you thinking? When you find it, you'll know. When you are certain, this will be fun and not the drudgery that it is now."

So, I called the new flooring store that I am working with. I assured them that I WILL make a decision. I just explained that I need to really consider my options so that I can find that one that jumps out at me and says, "Take me, I'm yours!"

And I'm happy to report that tonight, thanks to my little talk-it-out-session, I'm "Sweat Free"!

I KNOW I have Expensive Taste...BUT

I almost passed out when I found this darling pair of strappy sandals in our local Department Store. They had the "bottom" of the first pair and the strap of the second pair shown on the left. I turned the shoe over and the price tag was $380! I had to ask myself, "FOR WHAT?" I mean, there's hardly anything to them!

Then, I left that store and went to one of my other favorite stores to do some clothes shopping. I tried on a cute little skirt and wanted just a simple little tank and cardigan to go over it. The lady went out and brought me the set pictured at the right. Now, let me tell you this is nothing more than GAUZE. It's completely see-through and as light as you can imagine. The cost? Just the little flimsy cardigan is $138! The tank underneath it is $68!

I liked it. Truly I did. And even though I know my taste is expensive, there's NOT A SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN (you know where) that I'd pay those prices for either one of these things.

I DO believe that you "get what you pay for" in some cases...but the more I thought about it today, the more I thought "My goodness, the Emperor is riding around our mall with NO CLOTHES." Can't anyone see the obvious here? There's nothing really special about either of these items. Someone somewhere thought his or her design was worth ridiculous prices and so they put the tag on it.

And someone with MUCH MORE expensive taste than I will walk into these stores and purchase these items because they can.

I've learned another "secret" though. In a few months when "she-with-ridiculously-expensive-taste" gets tired of her strappy sandals or gauzy cardigan, she will throw it into a bag and send it off to our local thrift stores. It is there that I "might" see it and spend a whopping $4.99 (or less) for it! And sometimes, I can go in there and find these designer items with store tags still attached because they've NEVER BEEN WORN.

So, yes, I KNOW I have expensive taste, but I know how to feed it. Because I also LOVE nothing more than a good bargain.

Update...

DS 2 went to the doc and he only has pulled ligaments and tendons. He also has several bone bruises. The doctor told him to start putting weight on it gradually and gave him anti-inflammatory meds. This is good news as it will mean a shorter recovery time. Here he is playing drums for his GFs church band last night at Arts Night. You can see he's wrapped up at both knee and ankle. So, really, it's just another "event" in the life of an athlete.

Thank you all for your prayers.

{This is for Sandy...the "big ball" in my post below is Epcot at Disney.}

Some Photobucket FUN...

I'm finally falling in line with all my blogging buddies and doing this meme on my own blog.

I've had fun reading them, so I decided to play too.

Here are the directions:
1. Go to http://www.photobucket.com/

2. Type in your “answer” to the question in the search box.

3. Use only the first page!

4. Insert the picture on your blog!

1. What is your current relationship stat?

2. What is your current mood?

3. What is your favorite movie?

4. What is your favorite band/singer?

5. Where do you live?

6. Where do you work?

7. What do you look like?

8. What do you drive?

9. What's your favorite TV show? (Currently)

10. Describe yourself.

11. What are you doing today?

12. What did you do last night?

13. What is your name?

We Interrupt TT....

I was working on my "H" list when my DSs 1 and 2 called to say that DS 2 has been injured in the indoor soccer game tonight. They think it could be his ACL...DH is on his way to meet them at the hospital (an "ugly" H word) and I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please pray for my DS 2. He's had more than his share of injury this year.

Hugs,

Susan

(Update: The ER sent DS home and told him to see a Sports Med person if he's still in pain in a couple of days. Seems to be soft tissue.)

Can you hear me SCREAMING??

If you listen real close, no matter where you are in the world, you might hear me scream! Actually, it's not quite that bad, but I AM frustrated.

You might remember I wrote that we were going to put wood floors in our house back at Christmas time. Well, we decided that was a bit crazy to try and do all that and decorate and entertain and remain sane. So we put the project on hold.

Now, here I am three months later and ready to move forward on the floors. I went to the flooring store on Saturday and the guy once again gave me the price on the heavy duty laminate that I liked. The guy I talked to is actually their "installer" whom I had not met previously. He told me that he'd lay it for 50cents less per sq. ft. That's a bit of a savings, so I invited him to come out yesterday to do the formal measuring and give me a bid.

Let's just say, based on our Saturday conversation, we figured one price and by the time he left and revealed all the "other stuff" we'd need to buy, our cost was almost double what we were thinking! Grrrrrrr!!!

I immediately got in my car and went to all the competitors in the area...explained that I wanted to know the rock bottom...no surprises. I brought home MORE samples and am now more torn than EVER about what to do. They are all in the same ballpark, but I must say that I am leaning toward the other stores that were up front from the beginning.

The other thing I noticed yesterday is just how DIFFERENT something can look when you see it in the store vs. in your home! Right now, I'm waiting for a call from one of my new "flooring best friends" to tell me when they get their brand new hot off the press samples in the store.

I hope to make a decision by tomorrow so we can put this little project behind us. And I'll try to keep my primordial noises to a low roar so as not to disturb any of you!!

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!

Thirteen G words that describe Susan:

1. Girl - Well...duh! But you know what? I must tell you that while I like all things "girl", I don't like "girl drama". Yesterday I was talking to someone who has friends that are in their late 40's acting like they are teens again with all the drama. I can't stand it.

2. Give - I LOVE to give things to other people. If I could "be" anything, and had the right resources, I'd love to be a Philanthropist. It blesses me to be able to give to those in need especially.

3. Graduate - I have a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Education. I'm toying with the idea of going for the EdD or PhD. We'll see.

4. Getaway - I love to get away from the norm once in a while. I'm so excited because I just found out that I'm going to get away with my cousin and some friends this summer for a Caribbean Cruise! It's going to be great fun!

5. Goals - I would not have called myself "goal-oriented" in the first 20 or so years of my life. Now, however, I have some goals and dreams and I find myself working a bit more with my goals in mind.

6. Goalies - While we're hovering around the word "goal", I cannot help but think how many times my boys have played this position on the soccer field. As a mother, and a spectator, it can make you VERY nervous! (I'm sure DH would tell you that this is because of my #1 G-word, I am a girl.)

7. Grateful - I have so much to be grateful for! God has given to me richly and abundantly and I am 120% (Yes, FIL, I know that's not possible) BLESSED!

8. Glare - I am pretty certain that those who know me best would tell you that I have a glare when I am frustrated, mad or angry. In fact, my boss once told me that he'd love to play poker with me because of it. I wear it on my face, no doubt.

9. Glow - I love the glow of a fire or a candle. It makes me warm inside and out. And it makes me peaceful.

10. Going - I love to go places and be on the go. It's fun to find new and exciting places to visit and learn about.

11. Grace - I am 100% saved by Grace. When I think about God's grace, it leaves me speechless. It's so mindblowing to me!

12. Grammar - I hate finding grammatical errors in written work. When I published my first book, the word "rhythm" was spelled "thythm" in like 20 pt. font. I was absolutely MORTIFIED! I had to learn that it happens to authors all the time.

13. Grandma - I am so blessed to still have one Grandma! She's a blessing to me. I love hearing from her via computer and when I get to visit with her. And someday, I hope to follow my "Grandparents" footsteps when I have my own grandchildren to love.