It has been nothing but cloudy and/or rainy ever since we returned from Europe. I'm pretty sure this has been a contributing factor, along with other aforementioned incidents, to my lack of ability to recover from that melancholy, overtired, jet-lagged feeling. Of course, the Cote d'Or from MR is helping tremendously - thanks, good French friend!;-)
Speaking of Europe, we received an email today from one of the CA team members who was at conference trying to make a connection. At first, he was slightly discouraged because his past connections were not panning out. He would love to serve in Europe on a CA team and we knew this, so it was exciting for us that he was able to make a few solid connections. He wrote us saying he's received 4 invites from teams all over Europe.
After reading this, T said, "I want to be invited to go to Europe." To which I replied, "T, had you shown even the slightest inclination towards wanting to go to Europe to serve, I'm sure you would have had PLENTY of invites!" I mean really. If you are going to take your whole family on a missions trip serving families that serve on the mission field, don't you think they'd invite you if you were interested? OK, maybe I scared them all away, but at least a few could have overlooked even the scariest of women like me! :-)
We have talked in the past about serving on the mission field, but for whatever reason God has been directing us toward these party-hearty, suburban teens who need a bigger purpose in life. We both feel like the connections they made with the kids on this trip and their parents probably had the most impact on our kids feeling like it was possible for them to go. American families, living in groups/teams with children, young adults, students.... have many of them asking questions about what we are doing here. Very insightful for all of us.
Now the key here is finding a place in Europe, on a beach, plenty of sun and lots of lemonade. Can it be done?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Brevity
So, the short version is this. While we were away in Hungary on a missions trip, our housesitter hosted an underage drinking party in our basement, which our underage neighbors attended.... Then they went away on vacation and another neighbor and his friends decided to have a couple fun nights in their house. Things were stolen and somehow, they are blaming it on my housesitter and her friends.
Let's keep in mind that T and I don't drink. Ever. In fact, they are all throwing around names of different kinds of beer cans that were left in various places and I've only ever heard of Bud Light - pretty sad but true. Of course, the police are involved and we know very little. Everyone is telling the part of the truth that makes them look like the good guy and nobody is fessing up to anything felonious.
Have I mentioned how much I need a vacation?
This all brings to light a couple of thoughts for me. First, that suburban American kids need purpose in life because this apathetic boredom is creating misdirected felons. Second, where are parents these days? I don't want my kids to end up like this, and I certainly don't want to be the parents who tries to explain my own children's illegal behavior away so they don't ever get in trouble. Third, what is God trying to communicate to me, having this happen just this way? I did not need this upon returning, but here it is. Maybe it's this: educate myself and communicate to kids just how impactful their unwise choices will be on those around them. Also, make sure my kids have a bigger picture in mind so they don't need to spend endless amounts of time drinking themselves into oblivion because they have nothing better to do with their lives.
OK - party over.
Let's keep in mind that T and I don't drink. Ever. In fact, they are all throwing around names of different kinds of beer cans that were left in various places and I've only ever heard of Bud Light - pretty sad but true. Of course, the police are involved and we know very little. Everyone is telling the part of the truth that makes them look like the good guy and nobody is fessing up to anything felonious.
Have I mentioned how much I need a vacation?
This all brings to light a couple of thoughts for me. First, that suburban American kids need purpose in life because this apathetic boredom is creating misdirected felons. Second, where are parents these days? I don't want my kids to end up like this, and I certainly don't want to be the parents who tries to explain my own children's illegal behavior away so they don't ever get in trouble. Third, what is God trying to communicate to me, having this happen just this way? I did not need this upon returning, but here it is. Maybe it's this: educate myself and communicate to kids just how impactful their unwise choices will be on those around them. Also, make sure my kids have a bigger picture in mind so they don't need to spend endless amounts of time drinking themselves into oblivion because they have nothing better to do with their lives.
OK - party over.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Lists
I'm a list person, although I've outgrown making endless written lists of everything. Instead, I try to make my feeble mind retain my plethora of organized data. It's quite a task, especially when I am trying to process a cultural, missional, familial experience into something that can be communicated specifically for others who have no idea what I'm thinking! I'll give it a try here, but my guess is that I'll be frequently editing and categorizing this post, so bear with me!
Things I take for granted:
- lemonade: this lucious, refreshing drink is completely absent from the European menu. I did find that Citron Fanta somewhat quenched my longing, but even that was difficult to come by!
- square footage of living space: why we think we need bigger houses when families of 4-6 are living in less than 1000 square feet AND are happy is beyond me, but I know now that I don't appreciate my large house nearly enough.
- English: it's quite embarrassing that we only know English and just expect that we can find someone wherever we go who does as well.... we should learn more languages here!
- Variety: I find it difficult to choose when I have so many things to choose from. But having little or no choice is something I hadn't really considered until one morning when the only juice left was "multivitamin" - and that's what we had for about three days in a row.... I like choices.
- friends: I'm not sure why, but I tend to feel like I don't have any. Then I meet people who really feel isolated and friendless.... so now I know, I have friends.
- citizenship: being in America, traveling freely around the states, I forget that I actually belong to a country and have access to millions of acres of fun and I don't even need a passport to get there!
- cars: they make life so convenient, and I can't imagine how my world might close in around me if I didn't have a car to get me out. Of course, walking would do me some good as well!
- air conditioning and dehumidifiers: there wasn't one day that I didn't feel a dampness around me. That was probably one of my biggest adjustments.
Things I will miss about Europe:
- cleanliness: we are filthy here. It's quite pathetic. I'm sure there are messy places somewhere in Europe, I just didn't see any of them!
- outdoor cafes: they create atmosphere, community and just a fun place to congregate. They are also great for people watchers!
- history: everywhere you go, there are old town areas that are just incredible. Narrow cobblestone alleyways, Roman wall remains, small buildings, fountains, town centers and I would constantly find myself envisioning the sounds and sights of hundreds of years ago - horses, carriages, long flowing dresses, top hats, smoke filled streets.... it was easier to be transported to way back when.
- passport stamps: it's a reminder that different countries and cultures are so close together, just a hop, skip and jump apart.
- flowers: they were everywhere, but I most loved them in window boxes, which were everywhere. It was so colorful, fragrant and gave life to even the starkest of gray stone buildings.
- beautiful accents: I was mesmerized by Europeans who spoke in such eloquent, twisted English. They could have lulled me to sleep with their beautiful accents.
- markets: fresh fruit, fresh flowers, fresh meat.... so colorful, tasty looking and such variety. I wish I had a fresh market within walking distance of my house!
- clean bathrooms: Katie was the first to notice - not one toilet was left unflushed and most of the bathrooms were spotless.
- creative communication: on some occasions we had to be a little creative to convey our question or message. It's nice that some things, like numbers, are universal.
- smiles: when a European smiles at an American, you know you've done something right. It's one of the warmest things I've ever felt, very genuine and very authentic.
Things I take for granted:
- lemonade: this lucious, refreshing drink is completely absent from the European menu. I did find that Citron Fanta somewhat quenched my longing, but even that was difficult to come by!
- square footage of living space: why we think we need bigger houses when families of 4-6 are living in less than 1000 square feet AND are happy is beyond me, but I know now that I don't appreciate my large house nearly enough.
- English: it's quite embarrassing that we only know English and just expect that we can find someone wherever we go who does as well.... we should learn more languages here!
- Variety: I find it difficult to choose when I have so many things to choose from. But having little or no choice is something I hadn't really considered until one morning when the only juice left was "multivitamin" - and that's what we had for about three days in a row.... I like choices.
- friends: I'm not sure why, but I tend to feel like I don't have any. Then I meet people who really feel isolated and friendless.... so now I know, I have friends.
- citizenship: being in America, traveling freely around the states, I forget that I actually belong to a country and have access to millions of acres of fun and I don't even need a passport to get there!
- cars: they make life so convenient, and I can't imagine how my world might close in around me if I didn't have a car to get me out. Of course, walking would do me some good as well!
- air conditioning and dehumidifiers: there wasn't one day that I didn't feel a dampness around me. That was probably one of my biggest adjustments.
Things I will miss about Europe:
- cleanliness: we are filthy here. It's quite pathetic. I'm sure there are messy places somewhere in Europe, I just didn't see any of them!
- outdoor cafes: they create atmosphere, community and just a fun place to congregate. They are also great for people watchers!
- history: everywhere you go, there are old town areas that are just incredible. Narrow cobblestone alleyways, Roman wall remains, small buildings, fountains, town centers and I would constantly find myself envisioning the sounds and sights of hundreds of years ago - horses, carriages, long flowing dresses, top hats, smoke filled streets.... it was easier to be transported to way back when.
- passport stamps: it's a reminder that different countries and cultures are so close together, just a hop, skip and jump apart.
- flowers: they were everywhere, but I most loved them in window boxes, which were everywhere. It was so colorful, fragrant and gave life to even the starkest of gray stone buildings.
- beautiful accents: I was mesmerized by Europeans who spoke in such eloquent, twisted English. They could have lulled me to sleep with their beautiful accents.
- markets: fresh fruit, fresh flowers, fresh meat.... so colorful, tasty looking and such variety. I wish I had a fresh market within walking distance of my house!
- clean bathrooms: Katie was the first to notice - not one toilet was left unflushed and most of the bathrooms were spotless.
- creative communication: on some occasions we had to be a little creative to convey our question or message. It's nice that some things, like numbers, are universal.
- smiles: when a European smiles at an American, you know you've done something right. It's one of the warmest things I've ever felt, very genuine and very authentic.
Things I learned about Americans:
- we're rude: about the only polite things Americans do that Europeans don't is wait our turn in line. Otherwise, we are plagued by entitlement, thinking we deserve something from everyone. We need to get over ourselves!
- we're dirty: after an evening at the mall, I'm pretty appalled at how disgustingly dirty Americans are. We leave tables looking trashed, garbage everywhere, bathrooms that stink with paper towels everywhere and toilets... well, you know what I mean. It's just downright filthy!
- we like to talk the talk, but not walk the walk: Americans talk too much and take little action. Meeting all those CA families made me realize that it's only a small percentage of Americans who are willing to actually give up the comforts we have to reach a world of unreached people who are thirsty for God.
- we are arrogant: we choose to only know English, think everything American is the best, believe that others want to hear us be silly (we're too loud!), have little respect for history and it's monuments (I'm throwing this one in for TTS), are easily frustrated when people don't respect us.
I'll stop here - I know there are more lists, categories, data entries, but for now I'll just have to take a break while I organize it all in the cerebral hemisphere.
Questions
We're back, safe and sound, and just processing all that's happened while we were away. We arrived to our house looking different (I'm not so happy about that), our housesitter having had some neighborhood issues (I'm not so surprised about that!) and our neighborhood being in an upheaval about an apparent break-in. Welcome home!
On one of our last nights in Sopron, Kt asked me this question:
Altogether, this experience as a family will be one of my favorites. It wasn't without it's challenges, it's ups and downs and scary moments, but it was by far the most amazing way to introduce my own children to life outside the United States. Being around "3rd culture kids" for a week, building relationships, loving on families who are serving in some of the most darkest places in Europe and doing it in a safe environment was just amazing. When your kids are begging to go back next year, you know you've hit the jackpot!
Now we're back and trying to process just what happened here. It just reminds me that life goes on even when it feels like it should stop for us! Do I get upset when the front posts on my porch look dorky and I just paid hundreds of dollars for that?? I do. But does it really matter in life? Probably not. I'll just try not to look at them everyday when I pull up to my house.... 100 times a day! I guess we still haven't learned that lesson - don't have major work done on your house when you are going to be thousands of miles away. Once again, a lesson gone unlearned by the Sheng house! So, I wonder what will happen at our house next summer while we're away!;-)
(And it's so nice to have blogger back in English - not hungarian!)
On one of our last nights in Sopron, Kt asked me this question:
You know how sometimes you don't know someone's last name, or their favorite color or even hardly anything about them, but you can still be like almost their best friend?
Altogether, this experience as a family will be one of my favorites. It wasn't without it's challenges, it's ups and downs and scary moments, but it was by far the most amazing way to introduce my own children to life outside the United States. Being around "3rd culture kids" for a week, building relationships, loving on families who are serving in some of the most darkest places in Europe and doing it in a safe environment was just amazing. When your kids are begging to go back next year, you know you've hit the jackpot!
Now we're back and trying to process just what happened here. It just reminds me that life goes on even when it feels like it should stop for us! Do I get upset when the front posts on my porch look dorky and I just paid hundreds of dollars for that?? I do. But does it really matter in life? Probably not. I'll just try not to look at them everyday when I pull up to my house.... 100 times a day! I guess we still haven't learned that lesson - don't have major work done on your house when you are going to be thousands of miles away. Once again, a lesson gone unlearned by the Sheng house! So, I wonder what will happen at our house next summer while we're away!;-)
(And it's so nice to have blogger back in English - not hungarian!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Short Pic Preview
In the Vienna Underground
Our Team at Sunset on the Danube River
Emily on the Danube Katie jumping into the Danube
Half Time!
We are continuing to have a great time here in Hungary! It's been an altogether amazing time meeting missionaries, their kids, and others who are here to work with these teams. I think we are each taking away some life lessons, food for thought and from what the kids have shared each night it appears a new appreciation for the sacrifices many make to reach the unreached - and the many blessings they receive in return. They see God work in ways that only those who choose to go will experience. It's really sinking in for our team.
Right now, I'm letting my laundry soak. We'd been told before we came that the hotel would be able to do laundry for us, and some of us hoped beyond hope it was true. It's taken us nearly a week to get an answer on this and now it has become apparent that #1. it will cost us, and #2. we don't have any time left to do it! Had they had this available on Sunday when we needed it, it might have made sense. Now, we are leaving in a couple days and are not even sure we'd get our stuff back in time.
Thank goodness EO'b thought enough to bring along some Tide, and even though the girls and I are allergic to it, I used it anyway! I did a full load in my tub at 11:30pm, after our full day of children - morning, afternoon and evening sessions. My back is KILLING me, and I'm swirling the laundry of four people through a wash and rinse cycle, soon I'll be putting it outside to dry.... When I finally get to bed tonight, I'll be waking up to take care of babies again.... I'm just completely exhausted! And the drama around here! Let me tell you, there is no end to it. But it's really just living real life in close quarters.
I have so much more to share, but I really must go check the weather here in Sopron to see if my laundry has any chance of drying! We could wake up to rain, in which case I might as well blow dry everything now. Don't you wish you came along?
I think I'm going to be posting this, but I'm writing on the Hungarian version of blogger, so I can't remember what I'm doing here for real.... I'm "bejegyzes kozzetetele" this post!;-)
Right now, I'm letting my laundry soak. We'd been told before we came that the hotel would be able to do laundry for us, and some of us hoped beyond hope it was true. It's taken us nearly a week to get an answer on this and now it has become apparent that #1. it will cost us, and #2. we don't have any time left to do it! Had they had this available on Sunday when we needed it, it might have made sense. Now, we are leaving in a couple days and are not even sure we'd get our stuff back in time.
Thank goodness EO'b thought enough to bring along some Tide, and even though the girls and I are allergic to it, I used it anyway! I did a full load in my tub at 11:30pm, after our full day of children - morning, afternoon and evening sessions. My back is KILLING me, and I'm swirling the laundry of four people through a wash and rinse cycle, soon I'll be putting it outside to dry.... When I finally get to bed tonight, I'll be waking up to take care of babies again.... I'm just completely exhausted! And the drama around here! Let me tell you, there is no end to it. But it's really just living real life in close quarters.
I have so much more to share, but I really must go check the weather here in Sopron to see if my laundry has any chance of drying! We could wake up to rain, in which case I might as well blow dry everything now. Don't you wish you came along?
I think I'm going to be posting this, but I'm writing on the Hungarian version of blogger, so I can't remember what I'm doing here for real.... I'm "bejegyzes kozzetetele" this post!;-)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
We Made It!
We arrived Thursday morning in Vienna - safe and sound with all our luggage! The flight was superb, but we unfortunately had little sleep. Our first day we went to our hotel - which was wonderful, brand new, and 2 short blocks from an avenue of shopping. Put a bunch of Americans in Austria, set them down in the middle of a bunch of stores and what do you have? Some happy Americans! No one actually bought anything other than food, but it was fun to stroll around H&M, even if everyone was speaking German!
Later that day, we took a bus tour around Vienna, which if you ever have a chance to visit is an amazingly beautiful city. The architecture is amazing, palaces that will wow you and parks everywhere. We had a beautiful, hot day and other than having difficulty staying awake we really enjoyed our tour. We also toured the palace where Marie Antionette was born and raised - it was just incredible! That evening, a few of our brave souls attended a sampling of the arts in Vienna while the rest of us went to bed!
Yesterday, we traveled about an hour outside Vienna to the city of Sopron. Our hotel is just outside the city in the woods. It's peaceful, quite, lush and today it's pouring rain! We had a short time to get situated here and then right to work. We have a small group of children until tomorrow when the rest of the conference starts. Our team has already fallen in love with the children who are here and I'm guessing when the rest of the kids arrive, they will be equally in love with them as well! Pray for strength and wisdom as we work through some kinks and learn how to work with the other team that we are serving with.
As a side note, I'd ask for prayer for myself and lb. We are taking care of the infants up to age two room. Fortunately, we have only 7 children at most, but nobody adequately prepared for this group/age. We've been given the center room of a suite - it's about the size of a small bedroom - and we have NO TOYS! At the moment, we have only two toddlers and last night, for only 3 three hours, we were quite challenged. When we can go outside, we should be OK, except that once we actually 7 children, I'm not sure how we will manage all of them between the three of us with outings. Your prayers would be very welcomed!!
Other requests: we have one team member who has lost her voice, fortunately not her desire to serve. She's been a trooper! Also, please pray for us and our working relationship with the other team we met here. It's been a little rocky, as one might expect, and we are seeking wisdom and grace so we can work together and provide something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives. Last night, the team was amazing! I'm so proud of all of them and very encouraged for the rest of our week.
Praises: we arrived, we have all our bags, nothing appears to be broken (craft supplies) and so far everyone has had plenty to eat, beds and as of yet, no stomach ailments. We've been severely blessed!:-)
Later that day, we took a bus tour around Vienna, which if you ever have a chance to visit is an amazingly beautiful city. The architecture is amazing, palaces that will wow you and parks everywhere. We had a beautiful, hot day and other than having difficulty staying awake we really enjoyed our tour. We also toured the palace where Marie Antionette was born and raised - it was just incredible! That evening, a few of our brave souls attended a sampling of the arts in Vienna while the rest of us went to bed!
Yesterday, we traveled about an hour outside Vienna to the city of Sopron. Our hotel is just outside the city in the woods. It's peaceful, quite, lush and today it's pouring rain! We had a short time to get situated here and then right to work. We have a small group of children until tomorrow when the rest of the conference starts. Our team has already fallen in love with the children who are here and I'm guessing when the rest of the kids arrive, they will be equally in love with them as well! Pray for strength and wisdom as we work through some kinks and learn how to work with the other team that we are serving with.
As a side note, I'd ask for prayer for myself and lb. We are taking care of the infants up to age two room. Fortunately, we have only 7 children at most, but nobody adequately prepared for this group/age. We've been given the center room of a suite - it's about the size of a small bedroom - and we have NO TOYS! At the moment, we have only two toddlers and last night, for only 3 three hours, we were quite challenged. When we can go outside, we should be OK, except that once we actually 7 children, I'm not sure how we will manage all of them between the three of us with outings. Your prayers would be very welcomed!!
Other requests: we have one team member who has lost her voice, fortunately not her desire to serve. She's been a trooper! Also, please pray for us and our working relationship with the other team we met here. It's been a little rocky, as one might expect, and we are seeking wisdom and grace so we can work together and provide something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives. Last night, the team was amazing! I'm so proud of all of them and very encouraged for the rest of our week.
Praises: we arrived, we have all our bags, nothing appears to be broken (craft supplies) and so far everyone has had plenty to eat, beds and as of yet, no stomach ailments. We've been severely blessed!:-)
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
EEK!!!
Everyone is here, downstairs.... I think we're all packed, but I'm pretty sure we've forgotten something. I'm just hoping it's nothing essential!!! I'm very nervous, my girls won't eat, not hungry. Poor babies. And it's so stinkin' hot!! I feel like such a nerd in my airplane clothes. Thanks, everyone, for praying for us. I hope to post from Hungary unless I'm just having too much fun!! Yay!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
LIFE
Today, while I was packing, cleaning and playing on the computer the girls were playing LIFE in the middle of the living room, aka ground zero! Those bags around them are the last of the duffel bags - YAHOO!! The rest of them are all piled up in the foyer. We are finally done. Now just packing the last of the girl's stuff, backpacks and then tomorrow - snacks! Well, at least that's what I'm thinking. We'll just have to wait and see when tomorrow comes!
Still Packing
So, I'm still packing... and need to start cleaning and I have a small list of things that need to get done before we leave. Like I should probably take a shower. And I would have already except that I'm expecting someone to show up here with a duffel bag so I've been waiting....
The girls are still in their PJ's. I did just feed them lunch and straightened out the kitchen a bit. They are veggin' today - TV, computer, games and relaxing. I don't usually let them go this long just hanging around but 1) they won't be doing this for a couple of weeks!, and 2) it's giving me some space to get a few things done! Again, I'd send them outside, but it's about 100 degrees (for real!) and that's making it even harder for me to pack because where we are heading, it's in the 60's/70's and rainy. Hmmm.... bug spray, can't forget that!
I made some tuna for lunch today and when I opened the can, it was the kind of can of tuna you wish you could have seen before you bought it. It wasn't bad or anything, but my solid white tuna was a different shade of white than I'd imagined. I had to pick a few pieces out and the rest we just ate. No one seemed to notice, it all tasted the same but it wasn't what I'd expected from my favorite Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna packed in spring water.
I was sort of thinking that's what missions trips are like. We have the whole package wrapped up right now - plane tickets, hotel reservations, games, crafts, connections, more hotel reservations and plane tickets - and while we can imagine what we'd like it look like or what it might be, we won't know until we open it up. Chances are, it won't be what our dreams look like, but it will still taste good and no one will notice because nobody can read our minds!
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
The girls are still in their PJ's. I did just feed them lunch and straightened out the kitchen a bit. They are veggin' today - TV, computer, games and relaxing. I don't usually let them go this long just hanging around but 1) they won't be doing this for a couple of weeks!, and 2) it's giving me some space to get a few things done! Again, I'd send them outside, but it's about 100 degrees (for real!) and that's making it even harder for me to pack because where we are heading, it's in the 60's/70's and rainy. Hmmm.... bug spray, can't forget that!
I made some tuna for lunch today and when I opened the can, it was the kind of can of tuna you wish you could have seen before you bought it. It wasn't bad or anything, but my solid white tuna was a different shade of white than I'd imagined. I had to pick a few pieces out and the rest we just ate. No one seemed to notice, it all tasted the same but it wasn't what I'd expected from my favorite Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna packed in spring water.
I was sort of thinking that's what missions trips are like. We have the whole package wrapped up right now - plane tickets, hotel reservations, games, crafts, connections, more hotel reservations and plane tickets - and while we can imagine what we'd like it look like or what it might be, we won't know until we open it up. Chances are, it won't be what our dreams look like, but it will still taste good and no one will notice because nobody can read our minds!
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
Monday, August 06, 2007
2 More Days
Only two days, actually 1.5, left and I'm just completely exhausted, stressed and to top it off, ANOTHER box arrived today from California. I am finishing up laundry, did a grocery store run for snacks, meds and other essentials and am now home to try to organize. Not easy, considering I have two children who don't really care to keep anything organized, or clean, or help with anything. If it wasn't almost 100 degrees out I'd send them outside to play!
For past overseas trips, the custom has been to pack a suitcase for yourself, one "team" bag and one carry-on. Typically, well before departure date, they have a "packing party" and fill up all those duffel bags with team items or items for missionaries. The idea? Bring a duffel bag that you can then pack in your suitcase so your ride home is lighter. It's been an awesome idea and has worked well the past two years, even with Cameroonian relatives last year dropping off a couple suitcases AND a huge trunk - that was interesting!! Also, having everything done so when everyone gets here, we check for documents, passports, luggage tags, grab our bags and go. NO TIME FOR PACKING!
This year, either because I'm completely stressed out because I'm actually going this time or because there are huge communication gaps or both!, things are not going so smoothly. For our "packing party" only the leaders showed up. Our team members have consistently been out of town for meetings and because of that not only do I feel overwhelmed at the moment, but I also feel like we aren't very cohesive. We also have oddly assorted multiple size ranged duffel bags unlike anything I've seen in the past. Half of them are nice sizes and we've filled them to the brim. Others are carryon size and the truth is, there is no way we can fit everything in them!
Add to that, we somehow have ended up transporting 4 HUGE boxes of stuff from the California team, the last box arriving JUST TODAY! It is the largest, the heaviest and full of T-shirts, CD's and beach balls. I've filled the very last teeny, tiny duffel bag and still have a huge pile of stuff to pack sitting in the middle of my living room. I'm stressed - can you tell??? I've even considered taking an extra blood pressure pill today! At the very least, we will have a new policy on transporting other people's things AND a deadline for when we need that stuff.
I can tell I'm being stretched. I'm a very task oriented person, meaning I find it nearly impossible to move on to another task until one is complete. Right now, I have about 5 incomplete tasks hanging around, I'm not packed, my house is a complete disaster area and not only do I need to get all this done in 1.5 days, I have to have things looking semi-clean for our housesitter. I'm honestly beside myself, which is why we went to the pool this morning. I needed to get out of here!
Pray for me!
For past overseas trips, the custom has been to pack a suitcase for yourself, one "team" bag and one carry-on. Typically, well before departure date, they have a "packing party" and fill up all those duffel bags with team items or items for missionaries. The idea? Bring a duffel bag that you can then pack in your suitcase so your ride home is lighter. It's been an awesome idea and has worked well the past two years, even with Cameroonian relatives last year dropping off a couple suitcases AND a huge trunk - that was interesting!! Also, having everything done so when everyone gets here, we check for documents, passports, luggage tags, grab our bags and go. NO TIME FOR PACKING!
This year, either because I'm completely stressed out because I'm actually going this time or because there are huge communication gaps or both!, things are not going so smoothly. For our "packing party" only the leaders showed up. Our team members have consistently been out of town for meetings and because of that not only do I feel overwhelmed at the moment, but I also feel like we aren't very cohesive. We also have oddly assorted multiple size ranged duffel bags unlike anything I've seen in the past. Half of them are nice sizes and we've filled them to the brim. Others are carryon size and the truth is, there is no way we can fit everything in them!
Add to that, we somehow have ended up transporting 4 HUGE boxes of stuff from the California team, the last box arriving JUST TODAY! It is the largest, the heaviest and full of T-shirts, CD's and beach balls. I've filled the very last teeny, tiny duffel bag and still have a huge pile of stuff to pack sitting in the middle of my living room. I'm stressed - can you tell??? I've even considered taking an extra blood pressure pill today! At the very least, we will have a new policy on transporting other people's things AND a deadline for when we need that stuff.
I can tell I'm being stretched. I'm a very task oriented person, meaning I find it nearly impossible to move on to another task until one is complete. Right now, I have about 5 incomplete tasks hanging around, I'm not packed, my house is a complete disaster area and not only do I need to get all this done in 1.5 days, I have to have things looking semi-clean for our housesitter. I'm honestly beside myself, which is why we went to the pool this morning. I needed to get out of here!
Pray for me!
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Em's Turn
My little one is just so nervous about going to Hungary. She is asking all kinds of funny questions, it's making me wonder what she is really thinking about!
In church today, we were prayed over at each service. Before this, either T or another team member would say a little something about our trip and each time they would say that Europe is a very dark, meaning spiritually, that only 3% is evangelical. So, tonight, Em asked me this:
Em: Is Hungary just very dark?
Me: Are you talking about what we said in church?
Em: Yes.
Me: No, it's light in Hungary, but what they were talking about it how many people in Europe do not know Jesus.
Em: Ohhhhh, so we are going there to teach them about how Jesus likes to help us?
Me: Yes, sort of.
Em: Oh, so are there trees there?
Me: Yes, there are trees, and animals.
Em: But, are there dogs?
Me: Yes, there are dogs.
Em: Thank goodness! Are there seals?
Me: Yes, there are probably seals. And deer, and squirrels, chipmunks.
Em: Oh, I hate squirrels. Are there elephants?
Me: No.
Em: Are there beaches?
Me: No, there are mountains and a lake, but no beaches.
Em: Then where are the seals?
She got me!
In church today, we were prayed over at each service. Before this, either T or another team member would say a little something about our trip and each time they would say that Europe is a very dark, meaning spiritually, that only 3% is evangelical. So, tonight, Em asked me this:
Em: Is Hungary just very dark?
Me: Are you talking about what we said in church?
Em: Yes.
Me: No, it's light in Hungary, but what they were talking about it how many people in Europe do not know Jesus.
Em: Ohhhhh, so we are going there to teach them about how Jesus likes to help us?
Me: Yes, sort of.
Em: Oh, so are there trees there?
Me: Yes, there are trees, and animals.
Em: But, are there dogs?
Me: Yes, there are dogs.
Em: Thank goodness! Are there seals?
Me: Yes, there are probably seals. And deer, and squirrels, chipmunks.
Em: Oh, I hate squirrels. Are there elephants?
Me: No.
Em: Are there beaches?
Me: No, there are mountains and a lake, but no beaches.
Em: Then where are the seals?
She got me!
Car Conversation
I'm taking a short break because this just totally cracked me up today. Kt asked T and I in the car today if it was OK to swear. Here's how it went:
Kt: Is it OK to swear?
T: No, it's not.
Me: No, why? Do your friends swear?
Kt: Yeah, like all the time! (very sarcastically)
Me: (you should probably not ask this, but it just came out) Well, like what do they say? (T and I kind of give each other that look of complete shock)
Kt: Well, like my friend L. She said, "I swear, if that happens I will kill myself!" And guess what? It happened and she did not kill herself.
Me: (I'm starting to laugh and under my breath say to T, "I don't think we're talking about the same thing here.")
T: (Starts laughing as well and replies, "Apparently not!")
Kt: Why are you laughing?
T: Your mother is just laughing at you! (Gee, thanks!)
Me: I'm just laughing because I thought you were talking about something else.
Kt: What?
End of conversation.... and we moved on to T distracting everyone by nearly launching the Montero over a hill while Em squealed with laughter. Good save! Could we be experiencing a small generation gap here?
Kt: Is it OK to swear?
T: No, it's not.
Me: No, why? Do your friends swear?
Kt: Yeah, like all the time! (very sarcastically)
Me: (you should probably not ask this, but it just came out) Well, like what do they say? (T and I kind of give each other that look of complete shock)
Kt: Well, like my friend L. She said, "I swear, if that happens I will kill myself!" And guess what? It happened and she did not kill herself.
Me: (I'm starting to laugh and under my breath say to T, "I don't think we're talking about the same thing here.")
T: (Starts laughing as well and replies, "Apparently not!")
Kt: Why are you laughing?
T: Your mother is just laughing at you! (Gee, thanks!)
Me: I'm just laughing because I thought you were talking about something else.
Kt: What?
End of conversation.... and we moved on to T distracting everyone by nearly launching the Montero over a hill while Em squealed with laughter. Good save! Could we be experiencing a small generation gap here?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Such a Time As This
Kt and I read Esther this morning - in it's entirety. It's one of my favorite Bible stories, along with Daniel and Ruth, and countless others. We both knew the story, but every time I read it, there's some new treasure tucked inside it. This time I found myself wondering just what was revealed to the Jews and Esther as they prayed and fasted together for 3 days. It had to be something, because Esther had a plan. A really smart plan. It's nothing I would have thought of. If the King Xerxes offered me up to half of his extravagant, powerful kingdom I might have asked for Haman's head on a platter right then and there. She didn't do that, instead the carefully crafted and executed plan went into action.
This part of the story is stark reminder to me to wait on the Lord, to follow His lead and not rush into anything. Of course, I say this as I've sent T on a wild goose chase over to the very disorganized, crazy Post Office in search of an answer to our passport dilemma. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't first pray to see if God might plant a better plan in my head. Even AFTER reading Esther! I can be so ignorant sometimes!
I must say, reading Esther also has be very excited to get my hands on Beth Moore's new study on Esther, whenever that may come out. Or even to watch that silly Veggie Tales version of the story. I'm even more excited to meet all these children in Hungary who, if they are anything like my kids, are going to be thirsty for some of God's Word. It's an amazing story, Esther is. God can use ordinary, abandoned kids to fulfill his great plan for mankind, especially when we are least expecting it!
This part of the story is stark reminder to me to wait on the Lord, to follow His lead and not rush into anything. Of course, I say this as I've sent T on a wild goose chase over to the very disorganized, crazy Post Office in search of an answer to our passport dilemma. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't first pray to see if God might plant a better plan in my head. Even AFTER reading Esther! I can be so ignorant sometimes!
I must say, reading Esther also has be very excited to get my hands on Beth Moore's new study on Esther, whenever that may come out. Or even to watch that silly Veggie Tales version of the story. I'm even more excited to meet all these children in Hungary who, if they are anything like my kids, are going to be thirsty for some of God's Word. It's an amazing story, Esther is. God can use ordinary, abandoned kids to fulfill his great plan for mankind, especially when we are least expecting it!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Passport Prison
I feel like we are being held hostage by the US Passport disaster service. Back in March, everyone lauded us for promptly applying for passports for our August 8th departure date, assuring us that it would not be necessary to expedite them. Surely, we would receive them by the end of June. Here we are, 5 days away from departing, and Em's passport is not here. We only just received Kt's and mine 2 weeks ago. It's a bit suspicious as to the mystery behind how three passports, applied for on the same day, sent in together, paid for together (with check clearing in early May!) would be processed so far apart.
We have called now three times about Em's passport. The first time, it was just starting to be processed. The second time, it was finished being processed, waiting to be shipped. That was Wednesday. Now today, Friday, it's in Passport Prison waiting to be released. What will it take for someone to stick that thing in the mail??? It's not like they send along all the documentation with it or anything. We had to wait another week for Kt's birth certificate and my old passport. My birth certificate never arrived - it's in Passport Refuse I imagine. But I can "write a letter" requesting they try to find it. I'm not that dumb, Passport Personnel. I can see the mess you've created and I'll just assume that there's no way in #@$ you will ever find that.
When we embarked on this missions thing, I knew everything was too smooth to be true, that little issues would crop up and we would soon be enveloped by uncertainty, stress, possible regret. It happens every year and it's really just the way God would have it be. So, my type A persona kicks in, Plan B(eligerant Passport Customer) will have to emerge from this situation. Luckily, Camp Lovegren is still open for business (thanks, mom), but how do we leave our sweet little Em behind while we head off to Hungary? I just don't know if I'd have the heart to do that. It would be one thing if this was some big vacation, but people are counting on us to be there, not that the prison guards even care!
UPDATE: Not in a million years will anyone believe this. OK, maybe you will. T called this morning to check on the status and was happy find out that we had a tracking number for the passport they shipped either yesterday or today. HOWEVER.... upon verifying the address, it appears that some (fill in the blank) put T's name down as the city we live in. I'm speechless.
UPDATE 2: Passport HAS ARRIVED! I repeat, it HAS ARRIVED!! Not only that, but the address is correct. Now just ask yourself, can we read? Just wondering....
We have called now three times about Em's passport. The first time, it was just starting to be processed. The second time, it was finished being processed, waiting to be shipped. That was Wednesday. Now today, Friday, it's in Passport Prison waiting to be released. What will it take for someone to stick that thing in the mail??? It's not like they send along all the documentation with it or anything. We had to wait another week for Kt's birth certificate and my old passport. My birth certificate never arrived - it's in Passport Refuse I imagine. But I can "write a letter" requesting they try to find it. I'm not that dumb, Passport Personnel. I can see the mess you've created and I'll just assume that there's no way in #@$ you will ever find that.
When we embarked on this missions thing, I knew everything was too smooth to be true, that little issues would crop up and we would soon be enveloped by uncertainty, stress, possible regret. It happens every year and it's really just the way God would have it be. So, my type A persona kicks in, Plan B(eligerant Passport Customer) will have to emerge from this situation. Luckily, Camp Lovegren is still open for business (thanks, mom), but how do we leave our sweet little Em behind while we head off to Hungary? I just don't know if I'd have the heart to do that. It would be one thing if this was some big vacation, but people are counting on us to be there, not that the prison guards even care!
UPDATE: Not in a million years will anyone believe this. OK, maybe you will. T called this morning to check on the status and was happy find out that we had a tracking number for the passport they shipped either yesterday or today. HOWEVER.... upon verifying the address, it appears that some (fill in the blank) put T's name down as the city we live in. I'm speechless.
UPDATE 2: Passport HAS ARRIVED! I repeat, it HAS ARRIVED!! Not only that, but the address is correct. Now just ask yourself, can we read? Just wondering....
Bicycle Built for Two
I've never ridden on one, but I have vivid memories of a puzzle at my grandparent's house in Pennsylvania that depicted one. I loved that puzzle, and every time we would visit I would complete it not once, or even twice, but probably a few times daily! While I would work on that puzzle, my grandmother would sit in one of her lazy chairs in a big old housedress and sing, in the shaky, broken voice of an old woman:
I can remember this so vividly because so many images would go through my mind. Things like riding to my wedding in a carriage, riding on a bicycle built for two, riding to my wedding in my wedding gown on a bicycle built for two! All my grandmother's little diddys always sent me back in time, wondering what life was like before cars or bathrooms, back when Daisy was a popular name. I would always envision my grandmother growing up like that, and she was quite happy to share with me how difficult her life was, how she never bothered to complete high school because she had to work and how unfortunate she was to grow up without her father around, something that was quite taboo back in the early 1900's.
While I loved visiting with my grandparents and I savor the memories I made there, I see that my own mother has fostered a different kind of memory making for her grandchildren. She takes them places, teaches them things, rarely talks about growing up having to take care of her mom, who didn't drive (she reserved those stories for her own children!), and rarely do my girls ever imagine how difficult life must have been when she grew up. She lives in the present with them, and their memories will be vivid and experiential. There's not a puzzle in that house they've done a thousand times because there's nothing to - quite the contrary.
I'm so thankful for my mom, and if I was going to try to ride a bicycle built for two, I'd love to try it with her!
Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle made for two.
Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle made for two.
I can remember this so vividly because so many images would go through my mind. Things like riding to my wedding in a carriage, riding on a bicycle built for two, riding to my wedding in my wedding gown on a bicycle built for two! All my grandmother's little diddys always sent me back in time, wondering what life was like before cars or bathrooms, back when Daisy was a popular name. I would always envision my grandmother growing up like that, and she was quite happy to share with me how difficult her life was, how she never bothered to complete high school because she had to work and how unfortunate she was to grow up without her father around, something that was quite taboo back in the early 1900's.
While I loved visiting with my grandparents and I savor the memories I made there, I see that my own mother has fostered a different kind of memory making for her grandchildren. She takes them places, teaches them things, rarely talks about growing up having to take care of her mom, who didn't drive (she reserved those stories for her own children!), and rarely do my girls ever imagine how difficult life must have been when she grew up. She lives in the present with them, and their memories will be vivid and experiential. There's not a puzzle in that house they've done a thousand times because there's nothing to - quite the contrary.
I'm so thankful for my mom, and if I was going to try to ride a bicycle built for two, I'd love to try it with her!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Camp Lovegren
The girls and I returned from Connecticut today. It's always bittersweet, as I feel like I leave a part of me in CT each time. I really love it there, especially being with my family. Now it's back to reality!
The girls apparently had a blast at Camp Love! They ate out, went to the beach, learned how to weed (thanks, mom!), gardened, played lots of Webkinz, worked on those summer packets and visited Gillette's Castle. Em's take on that castle was, "It was really cool, totally made out of stones. On the tour, you may not backtrack.... unless you lose a kid!" I guess there was a missing child that day - LOL!
One special day at camp, Em spent the day with mom at the Beardsley Zoo while Kt went to NYC with Uncle Doug. They took the train down to Grand Central, the subway to Battery Park (where they apparently walked by a bench full of pot smokers - what have I allowed my brother to expose my innocent children to? LOL), walked half way across the deck of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, then took the subway back to Grand Central, saw St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, FAO Schwartz, the American Girl Doll Store, Toys 'R Us and Times Square. Kt had frozen hot chocolate and loved it, bought herself a New York shirt and was dumbfounded by a $400 stuffed giraffe. Her reaction? "It was amazing! And we have a list of all the things we are going to do NEXT time we go!" Have fun with that, Uncle D!
Once mom and dad arrived, the reality set in that they would be going home. Yes, once again we spoiled alllll the fun! We did have Em's kindergarten teacher and her new husband, who moved up there, over for dinner and they brought their dog. The girls had a wonderful time with him. We hit the beach, the lake and the sprinkler and did LOTS of shopping! Last night, we had filet mignon from Stew Leonards - what a treat! Today, we drove all the way home. We are hoping for many more summers at Camp Lovegren!
I'd love to post some pictures, but they are all 4x6 prints right now. I'll have to see if I can figure out how to scan and save them on here..... someday!
The girls apparently had a blast at Camp Love! They ate out, went to the beach, learned how to weed (thanks, mom!), gardened, played lots of Webkinz, worked on those summer packets and visited Gillette's Castle. Em's take on that castle was, "It was really cool, totally made out of stones. On the tour, you may not backtrack.... unless you lose a kid!" I guess there was a missing child that day - LOL!
One special day at camp, Em spent the day with mom at the Beardsley Zoo while Kt went to NYC with Uncle Doug. They took the train down to Grand Central, the subway to Battery Park (where they apparently walked by a bench full of pot smokers - what have I allowed my brother to expose my innocent children to? LOL), walked half way across the deck of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, then took the subway back to Grand Central, saw St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, FAO Schwartz, the American Girl Doll Store, Toys 'R Us and Times Square. Kt had frozen hot chocolate and loved it, bought herself a New York shirt and was dumbfounded by a $400 stuffed giraffe. Her reaction? "It was amazing! And we have a list of all the things we are going to do NEXT time we go!" Have fun with that, Uncle D!
Once mom and dad arrived, the reality set in that they would be going home. Yes, once again we spoiled alllll the fun! We did have Em's kindergarten teacher and her new husband, who moved up there, over for dinner and they brought their dog. The girls had a wonderful time with him. We hit the beach, the lake and the sprinkler and did LOTS of shopping! Last night, we had filet mignon from Stew Leonards - what a treat! Today, we drove all the way home. We are hoping for many more summers at Camp Lovegren!
I'd love to post some pictures, but they are all 4x6 prints right now. I'll have to see if I can figure out how to scan and save them on here..... someday!
Things I Dislike about Disney
Yes, say it isn't so!! For those of you who know me, you know I am semi-obsessed with Disney. Of course, showing up for the Pirate and Princess Party this past February out of costume helped convince my husband that I am far from the Disney freak he always thought I was. The REAL Disney freaks were out in full force!!
While I do love the magic of Disney, there are a few things I don't like. Allow me to share them with you!
1) They don't have a toll free number. For a company that is so customer savvy, friendly, oriented, every time I have to call LONG DISTANCE to talk to a Disney representative AND wait on hold I cannot figure out why I have to pay to do that. Don't we pay enough at Disney?
2) When calling gets too expensive, email doesn't seem a whole lot better. The Disney email system is SO MESSED UP! We took a trip in February and had a small incident that I thought could be resolved through Guest Services. My first attempts yielded a 2 week response time, numerous phone calls but no resolution. Just today, I received another email from someone else in the company..... several months response time..... he sent me an email (NO KIDDING) that had my previous emails attached to it and said he was unable to received or see attachments so he did not know what my issue was. For real????? Is this 2007 folks?
Anyway, I had to, once again, relay the entire issue and hit reply only to realize that it is going not to him, but to guest services again. Just shoot me now, why don't you! I guess the goal for them is to drive an issue into the ground until their customer just throws his hands up in the air and screams, "I surrender!!!!" Then, there's me.;-)
3) When you are in Disney World/Disneyland, most of the Cast Members are clueless about the goings on in Disney. They might be familiar with one aspect of Disney, like the cart they man, but everything else they sort of look at you like you have 10 heads. If you go to Disney, you might want to spend a bit of time researching it before you go because these people are not going to be much of a help once you're there.
4) It's just so darn expensive!
While I do love the magic of Disney, there are a few things I don't like. Allow me to share them with you!
1) They don't have a toll free number. For a company that is so customer savvy, friendly, oriented, every time I have to call LONG DISTANCE to talk to a Disney representative AND wait on hold I cannot figure out why I have to pay to do that. Don't we pay enough at Disney?
2) When calling gets too expensive, email doesn't seem a whole lot better. The Disney email system is SO MESSED UP! We took a trip in February and had a small incident that I thought could be resolved through Guest Services. My first attempts yielded a 2 week response time, numerous phone calls but no resolution. Just today, I received another email from someone else in the company..... several months response time..... he sent me an email (NO KIDDING) that had my previous emails attached to it and said he was unable to received or see attachments so he did not know what my issue was. For real????? Is this 2007 folks?
Anyway, I had to, once again, relay the entire issue and hit reply only to realize that it is going not to him, but to guest services again. Just shoot me now, why don't you! I guess the goal for them is to drive an issue into the ground until their customer just throws his hands up in the air and screams, "I surrender!!!!" Then, there's me.;-)
3) When you are in Disney World/Disneyland, most of the Cast Members are clueless about the goings on in Disney. They might be familiar with one aspect of Disney, like the cart they man, but everything else they sort of look at you like you have 10 heads. If you go to Disney, you might want to spend a bit of time researching it before you go because these people are not going to be much of a help once you're there.
4) It's just so darn expensive!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Manicures
I've never thought manicures were for stay at home moms who wash their own dishes, do their own laundry, clean dirty bathrooms, chauffeur their children around to various activities, swim for exercise, fix their daughter's hair and cook. But I got one anyway - thanks, lb!;-)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Author's Ice Cream
A few months ago, the girls and I were here in Connecticut (spring break, I believe) and stopped by the home of my childhood best friend's mom's house. I wrote about that visit and how we missed seeing her, and upon hearing that, she invited us back for some author's ice cream. Not only that, we swam in the author's pool, played the author's piano and heard all about the author's grandchildren. It was super fun!!
Em had guessed the author might have a lot of books, and she was not disappointed! Not only that, each of the girls received one of the author's own books, signed.... what a treat. Two Emma Dilemma books, straight from the bookshelf of Patricia Hermes. Kt was quite impressed that PH knows James Howe, an author who had visited the girl's school this year. Em was mostly impressed with the fact that the book she came home with has a ferret and and cat in it. I'm SURE I'll hear more after it sinks in. It takes her a bit longer to process.
Now we just need to find a way to have Patricia Hermes come to our school as a visiting author - that would be the ultimate treat!! Well, for me it would be the ultimate treat if she brought along Jen and her two adorable children. ;-)
Are You Hungary??
Tonight, if you live in the Columbia, MD area, are planning to eat dinner and would like an easy way to support our trip to Hungary (WE LEAVE NEXT WEEK!! EEEK!) - join the team at the Dobbin Road Fuddrucker's. Our team will earn 20% of whatever you spend there. What a deal!! So if you're hungry, come support the Hungary team! Yeah!
Friday, July 27, 2007
A Dozen
We are about to head out after a nice, quite week at home. I can't say that I've accomplished what I'd hoped to, but I did have a nice week. I'm sure I'll be returning to a messy house, once again!
Tonight we are spending the evening up in PA about 4.5 miles from where my grandparents lived while I was growing up. I can't WAIT to go see it! I haven't been there since I was 9 years old, but I have the most vivid memories of that farmland, trips to the milk store while "driving" in my grandfather's lap (can you believe that?), archery on the hill in their backyard, riding on his riding mower with him and playing hours of Skipbo. What fun!
After our little tour, we will be attending the wedding of one of T's former D-team guys, then heading up to CT to get the girlies. We have cookout plans with Em's kindergarten teacher and new husband, who just moved about 4 miles from my mom - weird, but fun! Then Monday T and I celebrate 12 years of marriage. He bought me a gorgeous bracelet, but we have to return it - it's broken.... already. LOL We are exchanging it for a DVR, because that what I've wanted for a long time. I'm such a "hopeless" romantic - aren't I? hehe I just hope it arrives before we leave for Hungary. I hope Em's passport arrives!! Pray with us it does!!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Tonight we are spending the evening up in PA about 4.5 miles from where my grandparents lived while I was growing up. I can't WAIT to go see it! I haven't been there since I was 9 years old, but I have the most vivid memories of that farmland, trips to the milk store while "driving" in my grandfather's lap (can you believe that?), archery on the hill in their backyard, riding on his riding mower with him and playing hours of Skipbo. What fun!
After our little tour, we will be attending the wedding of one of T's former D-team guys, then heading up to CT to get the girlies. We have cookout plans with Em's kindergarten teacher and new husband, who just moved about 4 miles from my mom - weird, but fun! Then Monday T and I celebrate 12 years of marriage. He bought me a gorgeous bracelet, but we have to return it - it's broken.... already. LOL We are exchanging it for a DVR, because that what I've wanted for a long time. I'm such a "hopeless" romantic - aren't I? hehe I just hope it arrives before we leave for Hungary. I hope Em's passport arrives!! Pray with us it does!!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Solution?
All this news about two girls who grew up to be superstars, lived lives that we'll never understand or experience and are now just completely wasted. Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan - two Disney princesses who have fallen from grace (were they ever even graced?) and have ended up where we should have expected them to all along. Paris Hilton, while not the mouseketeer type, falls in this same category. Is there a solution for them? Will they ever be able to live lives worthy of their following? or will they eventually just not have a friend to speak of??
Honestly, I'm totally against jail time for these bad girls. My solution? Take away all their stuff, money, worldly possessions and make them get real jobs, manage their own money, find a roach infested apartment to live in, have enough clothes for a week, and make them live in the real world. Until they are accountable for everything, they will just continue to live like they are the only thing in the world that matters at all - the ultimate alternate reality. It's just crazy, and frankly, I'm tired of reading about them!
Honestly, I'm totally against jail time for these bad girls. My solution? Take away all their stuff, money, worldly possessions and make them get real jobs, manage their own money, find a roach infested apartment to live in, have enough clothes for a week, and make them live in the real world. Until they are accountable for everything, they will just continue to live like they are the only thing in the world that matters at all - the ultimate alternate reality. It's just crazy, and frankly, I'm tired of reading about them!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Quietville
It's quiet here in Quietville,
all the kiddies have gone north to play.
The usual sounds of whining and complaining
are distant, on delay.
It's silent here in Quietville,
all the parents are getting a break.
They aren't cleaning up as much as usual
because the kiddies no messes do they make!
It's peaceful here in Quietville,
the normal ruckus has turned to still.
You could almost hear a pin drop
if the dogs barking wasn't so shrill.
It's lonely here in Quietville,
no Kt on Webkinz or swimming.
No car questions or home spa days
No cyclone Em MP3 singing.
I'm enjoying the climate in Quietville
but it makes me shiver to think
What kind of place would Quietville be
without my kids? (wink, wink!)
all the kiddies have gone north to play.
The usual sounds of whining and complaining
are distant, on delay.
It's silent here in Quietville,
all the parents are getting a break.
They aren't cleaning up as much as usual
because the kiddies no messes do they make!
It's peaceful here in Quietville,
the normal ruckus has turned to still.
You could almost hear a pin drop
if the dogs barking wasn't so shrill.
It's lonely here in Quietville,
no Kt on Webkinz or swimming.
No car questions or home spa days
No cyclone Em MP3 singing.
I'm enjoying the climate in Quietville
but it makes me shiver to think
What kind of place would Quietville be
without my kids? (wink, wink!)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him....."
This is one of those verses that I sometimes wish said something different. How I REALLY want it to end is "because he can make all the bad things go away forever" or "and he'll fix it" or even "so you'll never feel anxious again!" But it doesn't say any of those things. Instead, it simply says "because he cares for you." I should do that because he cares. Because it matters to him. Because when we cast our anxieties to him, it's a practice of our faith in him, our belief that the God who created all things cares about our anxiety. For real, that's bigger than him just taking something away, fixing it or helping me not to be anxious again. He could do any of those things and not care, but he cares. That's big.
This is one of those verses that I sometimes wish said something different. How I REALLY want it to end is "because he can make all the bad things go away forever" or "and he'll fix it" or even "so you'll never feel anxious again!" But it doesn't say any of those things. Instead, it simply says "because he cares for you." I should do that because he cares. Because it matters to him. Because when we cast our anxieties to him, it's a practice of our faith in him, our belief that the God who created all things cares about our anxiety. For real, that's bigger than him just taking something away, fixing it or helping me not to be anxious again. He could do any of those things and not care, but he cares. That's big.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Reconnecting
Over the past week, I've had the pleasure of reconnecting with some old friends. Sometimes, this is not so pleasurable, but in all three cases I'm so glad I did! First, I called an old playgroup friend who lives really closeby. She works now so we don't see each other at all, but I think it was wonderful talking to her and look forward to getting together for lunch. Second, T and I spent the afternoon/evening yesterday in DC with my best friend from college. We were Connecticut buddies, travel partners and just really had a lot of fun together. Yesterday was no exception. I just love Eli and her family and it was awesome to spend some time with her. Finally, tonight we had dinner with a really special couple. They were one of the first families I met here in Maryland and we instantly connected because they grew up and met in Trumbull, CT, right near my home. It was amazing reconnecting with them, sharing stories old and new and just hanging out. I miss them all... and really wish I had more friends like them all here. Reconnecting can be so refreshing, until you have to say goodbye again!
2/3
We received two of our three passports yesterday!! Looks like Em will have to stay home alone while we're away.:-( Poor thing! How will she survive.... LOL. Anyway, if we get hers today, that will knock one thing off my list of things to do this week.
Apparently, my mom got the car questions she was hoping for yesterday on a long ride to Connecticut. The first one was a lengthy discussion on tatoos, if they hurt, why most of them are blue and how much they cost. This should be interesting. The second line of questioning was more like what I get - the questions we can't really answer.... Will the earth ever run out of trees, why do plants need carbon dioxide and we don't..... My mom said she finally understands how I feel as I'm driving along, no internet, no books, being asked questions I'd have never thought of in a million years. Yay, mom! Good luck with those!
I'm sitting around today carless. Of course, on my week of freedom the first thing that happened?? My van won't start. We figured that out yesterday, called someone to come look at it and we're still waiting..... I'm ready to have the thing towed and fixed, but instead I'm sitting here in my pajamas because I have nowhere to go, nothing to do, except clean. Yuck!
Apparently, my mom got the car questions she was hoping for yesterday on a long ride to Connecticut. The first one was a lengthy discussion on tatoos, if they hurt, why most of them are blue and how much they cost. This should be interesting. The second line of questioning was more like what I get - the questions we can't really answer.... Will the earth ever run out of trees, why do plants need carbon dioxide and we don't..... My mom said she finally understands how I feel as I'm driving along, no internet, no books, being asked questions I'd have never thought of in a million years. Yay, mom! Good luck with those!
I'm sitting around today carless. Of course, on my week of freedom the first thing that happened?? My van won't start. We figured that out yesterday, called someone to come look at it and we're still waiting..... I'm ready to have the thing towed and fixed, but instead I'm sitting here in my pajamas because I have nowhere to go, nothing to do, except clean. Yuck!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Quiet
Other than T listening to Paramore downstairs, it's soooo quiet in this house. My mom and the girls left at 5:30 this morning for Camp Lovegren. I've never spent a week without my girls in this house, so it feels weird. I'm excited for them because they've been looking forward to a week without parents - hehe! I have what is amounting to a full week of swimming, doctors stuff, visiting old friends and trying to clean my house without being followed by a cyclone!! I will admit, I felt a tinge of sadness last night wondering what I'd miss this week. It always feels strange not to have my girls around, but I'm sure we'll have just as much fun! Right?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Accomplished
That's not really a word to describe me, but it's something I can say I've done today. I've accomplished:
-doing an insanely ridiculous amount of laundry - and I'm hoping to do small laundry bits in the next three weeks so I'm not doing it all the day before we leave!
-surviving an entire summer day inside with sick children - make that two!
-nothing else.
I can think of a bunch of things I wish I'd done today, but our delivery came of the faux wood our friend is putting on the front of the house, I've been asked to score Webkinz points for both girls today and that's entirely too much fun, I've been taking somebody's temperature all day and am glad to report that she's feeling better - for now, I've been chatting on the phone with a few old friends today - a bit of relief and I did clean up the mountain of shoes that have been piling up in the mud room - but I would not count that as an accomplishment since I SHOULD have made the culprits do it!;-)
Here's what's left on my list:
-reorganize our pantry
-clean all the bathrooms
-file away the girls school papers that I'm keeping
-throw the rest of those papers away!
-clean up the toys all over the back yard (again, someone else should be doing this one!)
-change the sheets on the beds
-wash the kitchen floor
-vacuum the whole house
-clean up my bedroom
On top of that exhaustive list, I need to clear off the front porch so our friend can get started tonight. Why me? Because T is off having fun with the middle schoolers and that was going to be our dinner tonight until Em decided to get sick. NOW I have to figure out what to do about dinner. With no food in the house. It's a glamorous job, but someone's got to do it!;-) I'm not feeling so accomplished anymore!
-doing an insanely ridiculous amount of laundry - and I'm hoping to do small laundry bits in the next three weeks so I'm not doing it all the day before we leave!
-surviving an entire summer day inside with sick children - make that two!
-nothing else.
I can think of a bunch of things I wish I'd done today, but our delivery came of the faux wood our friend is putting on the front of the house, I've been asked to score Webkinz points for both girls today and that's entirely too much fun, I've been taking somebody's temperature all day and am glad to report that she's feeling better - for now, I've been chatting on the phone with a few old friends today - a bit of relief and I did clean up the mountain of shoes that have been piling up in the mud room - but I would not count that as an accomplishment since I SHOULD have made the culprits do it!;-)
Here's what's left on my list:
-reorganize our pantry
-clean all the bathrooms
-file away the girls school papers that I'm keeping
-throw the rest of those papers away!
-clean up the toys all over the back yard (again, someone else should be doing this one!)
-change the sheets on the beds
-wash the kitchen floor
-vacuum the whole house
-clean up my bedroom
On top of that exhaustive list, I need to clear off the front porch so our friend can get started tonight. Why me? Because T is off having fun with the middle schoolers and that was going to be our dinner tonight until Em decided to get sick. NOW I have to figure out what to do about dinner. With no food in the house. It's a glamorous job, but someone's got to do it!;-) I'm not feeling so accomplished anymore!
Phoebster
I figured since I'm stuck at home I'd do a Phoebster update. It has been 8 months since Phoebe was diagnosed with Renal Disease, which she was born with. In that past 8 months, she shows little to no sign of being ill at all!! When she was originally diagnosed, she was given 2 months to 2 years of life, and since then has passed her very first birthday.
Phoebe is an exact replica of Pavlov's dog, although her "triggers" are always associated with people, unless, of course, the opening of cans is involved! She has a funny whollop of a bark when she wants something. She drinks quite a bit (part of the kidney thing - but her big brother shares her passion for agua) and whenever anyone goes to the refrigerator for an ice cube or water, she begins to whallop. Really, though, it's just because she knows someone will play with her.;-)
A regular playmate in her life is Calvin, who had life breathed into him by her. You would never know it, but he really loves her despite his constant yapping and nipping of her. She is such an instigator, though, that we know she loves it! Those two truly have a love/hate relationship - they love to play and hate to be apart! Her second favorite playmate.... it's a toss up between Em and T. Kt would be a close favorite as well!
Phoebe is a very gentle, playful, affectionate and compliant dog. She comes when we call her (wish she'd teach her big brother that trick!), runs at the speed of lightening (or maybe faster!) and will find any way out of her boundaries just to be with someone. We rarely remember that she has a life-threatening condition because she is just so full of life!! When we do remember, it's hard to imagine life without her. I'm sure if she could speak, she'd say she loves life just the way it is - only with more canned dog food!
The Way Kid's Minds Work
Well, today has been interesting... and it's only a little after noon.
Em's fever is gone, but she woke up with a killer stomach ache. T took Kt to swim lessons and I went with a sick little girl to pick her up. Of course, we were barely out of our neighborhood when she vomited in the convenient bucket we brought along. Fortunately, she felt much better afterward because we had to keep truckin'!
Once she was feeling better, she asked the question that had apparently been on her mind all along:
I told her the first number that came to my head - 13. I sort of figured that was the end of that conversation, and while she felt much better she was still looking a bit ragged.
We made it up to swim lessons, I shot pictures today because Kt was diving like a champ! She had a great lesson and it was difficult getting her out of the pool. She, of course, asked to sit in the front seat when we got back to the car - what is the obsession with the front seat, I wonder? She was none too happy to be relegated to the back seat with her sick sister. First question out of Kt's mouth: Will Em be able to go to Connecticut?
After a nice little chat about how we have no idea who will be going to Connecticut until everyone is better and how we ought to pray that everyone is healthy enough for Camp Lovegren..... we hit the road. Here's how that went:
Kt: So I learned some rescue techniques today with Tricia.
Me: That would be a great summer job someday - being a lifeguard. Don't you think?
Kt: Dad said that now that I'm a preteen I have to get a job. (HUH?)
Me: Well, there are child labor laws, you know. You'll have to wait until you're about 15 to get a job. Of course, you could babysit when you're 13.
Em: AND you can also ride in the front seat when you're 13.
Yup, that was out of nowhere. So that child was obsessing about the front seat for over 30 minutes.... silently.... or the brain of a child can make much faster connections than the brain of a 37 year old. It's likely both of those!
Katie made some snide remark to Em about being sick (I'll spare you the conversation Em had about her vomit - way too descriptive!). Em said this to Kt: Well, could you AT LEAST pray that I get better??? I'm in for it today.
On a lighter note, I have been telling everyone that this year's missions trip, our first together as a family, will probably not be an annual thing. Of course, for years T and I have dreamed of being able to go to Australia. Just this morning, someone we don't even know messaged T about going to Melbourne, which is where we have a college student serving AND where our friends began a Campus Crusade for Christ. On the way home, Kt asked me if we could go on another missions trip anywhere, where would I want to go. I said Australia and Em said, faster than I could have taken a breath, "I need to go there to see some kangaroos." Nice to know that all our prep meetings have prepared our daughter for a life of mission - to animals!!
Kt wants to go to South Africa - probably because when we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge this past February we heard a presentation from a girl from South Africa. Also, that child has been passionate about Africa since she was 5 years old - God is placing something on her heart. I'm just not sure what.
On an even lighter (or heavier?) note, T wanted me to tell everyone that he just taught Kt how to start a car. Just shoot me now!
Em's fever is gone, but she woke up with a killer stomach ache. T took Kt to swim lessons and I went with a sick little girl to pick her up. Of course, we were barely out of our neighborhood when she vomited in the convenient bucket we brought along. Fortunately, she felt much better afterward because we had to keep truckin'!
Once she was feeling better, she asked the question that had apparently been on her mind all along:
How old do kids need to be to ride in the front seat?
I told her the first number that came to my head - 13. I sort of figured that was the end of that conversation, and while she felt much better she was still looking a bit ragged.
We made it up to swim lessons, I shot pictures today because Kt was diving like a champ! She had a great lesson and it was difficult getting her out of the pool. She, of course, asked to sit in the front seat when we got back to the car - what is the obsession with the front seat, I wonder? She was none too happy to be relegated to the back seat with her sick sister. First question out of Kt's mouth: Will Em be able to go to Connecticut?
After a nice little chat about how we have no idea who will be going to Connecticut until everyone is better and how we ought to pray that everyone is healthy enough for Camp Lovegren..... we hit the road. Here's how that went:
Kt: So I learned some rescue techniques today with Tricia.
Me: That would be a great summer job someday - being a lifeguard. Don't you think?
Kt: Dad said that now that I'm a preteen I have to get a job. (HUH?)
Me: Well, there are child labor laws, you know. You'll have to wait until you're about 15 to get a job. Of course, you could babysit when you're 13.
Em: AND you can also ride in the front seat when you're 13.
Yup, that was out of nowhere. So that child was obsessing about the front seat for over 30 minutes.... silently.... or the brain of a child can make much faster connections than the brain of a 37 year old. It's likely both of those!
Katie made some snide remark to Em about being sick (I'll spare you the conversation Em had about her vomit - way too descriptive!). Em said this to Kt: Well, could you AT LEAST pray that I get better??? I'm in for it today.
On a lighter note, I have been telling everyone that this year's missions trip, our first together as a family, will probably not be an annual thing. Of course, for years T and I have dreamed of being able to go to Australia. Just this morning, someone we don't even know messaged T about going to Melbourne, which is where we have a college student serving AND where our friends began a Campus Crusade for Christ. On the way home, Kt asked me if we could go on another missions trip anywhere, where would I want to go. I said Australia and Em said, faster than I could have taken a breath, "I need to go there to see some kangaroos." Nice to know that all our prep meetings have prepared our daughter for a life of mission - to animals!!
Kt wants to go to South Africa - probably because when we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge this past February we heard a presentation from a girl from South Africa. Also, that child has been passionate about Africa since she was 5 years old - God is placing something on her heart. I'm just not sure what.
On an even lighter (or heavier?) note, T wanted me to tell everyone that he just taught Kt how to start a car. Just shoot me now!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Packing
I guess I need to start a packing list for Hungary. With Em being sick today, I started a mental list in my head that looks something like this:
Tylenol
Advil
Allergy meds
Inhaler
Prescription meds
Bandaids
Neosporin
ear thermometer
snacks (even the missionary is worried that there will be no kid food - EEK!)
lemonade packets for my bottled water
earplugs
Somebody, please, don't let me forget my clothes!
Tylenol
Advil
Allergy meds
Inhaler
Prescription meds
Bandaids
Neosporin
ear thermometer
snacks (even the missionary is worried that there will be no kid food - EEK!)
lemonade packets for my bottled water
earplugs
Somebody, please, don't let me forget my clothes!
Diving In!
On the way home from swim lessons, Kt asked me this:
You know that feeling when you are proud that you did something, but you still feel a little, eh....
Me: wiggly, or still shaky and nervous?
Kt: Yes. That is how I feel!
With all of us watching from the side of the pool, Kt did her first dive off a diving board. She told me on the way this morning that she had decided to do that today, but I didn't realize how much fear was involved. On her first attempt, when I had my camera phone ready to go, she backed out. I had to coax her back out to do a big cannon ball so she felt comfortable on the board. After that, she went back out and stood in position for another few minutes, encouraged by everyone and then did it - a perfect dive! And I didn't take a picture. The pressure was just too great with mom standing by with her camera. I promise, I'll get it tomorrow if I can convince her to do it again!
Em has a fever, so she didn't go in the pool today. Instead, she sat on the sidelines "encouraging" her sister with these words I remember my own siblings yelling to me at times:
"Oh, come on, Kt!"
Now we're home, preparing for the girls exit for Camp Lovegren on Sunday. They are very excited and we're hoping Em is feeling better by then. Mom returns tomorrow evening, so we have a little time, especially being stuck here.
As for me.... I don't know if I'm nauseated from changing my blood pressure meds or from the 700% increase in the cost of all my meds. T's old job had incredible benefits, which have been difficult for me to give up. This new job, not so great. We chose the most expensive insurance coverage so I could keep my doctor but our prescription coverage on that plan is practically nothing. In fact, they have paid NOT ONE PENNY for any of my meds. It's really just nauseating. So this morning sickness feeling in the pit of my stomach today.... could be anything, but it's NOT morning sickness!!
You know that feeling when you are proud that you did something, but you still feel a little, eh....
Me: wiggly, or still shaky and nervous?
Kt: Yes. That is how I feel!
With all of us watching from the side of the pool, Kt did her first dive off a diving board. She told me on the way this morning that she had decided to do that today, but I didn't realize how much fear was involved. On her first attempt, when I had my camera phone ready to go, she backed out. I had to coax her back out to do a big cannon ball so she felt comfortable on the board. After that, she went back out and stood in position for another few minutes, encouraged by everyone and then did it - a perfect dive! And I didn't take a picture. The pressure was just too great with mom standing by with her camera. I promise, I'll get it tomorrow if I can convince her to do it again!
Em has a fever, so she didn't go in the pool today. Instead, she sat on the sidelines "encouraging" her sister with these words I remember my own siblings yelling to me at times:
"Oh, come on, Kt!"
Now we're home, preparing for the girls exit for Camp Lovegren on Sunday. They are very excited and we're hoping Em is feeling better by then. Mom returns tomorrow evening, so we have a little time, especially being stuck here.
As for me.... I don't know if I'm nauseated from changing my blood pressure meds or from the 700% increase in the cost of all my meds. T's old job had incredible benefits, which have been difficult for me to give up. This new job, not so great. We chose the most expensive insurance coverage so I could keep my doctor but our prescription coverage on that plan is practically nothing. In fact, they have paid NOT ONE PENNY for any of my meds. It's really just nauseating. So this morning sickness feeling in the pit of my stomach today.... could be anything, but it's NOT morning sickness!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Nerd Factor
No surprise.... T's nerd factor is wayyyy higher than mine. I'd even rank Kt as higher than me on the nerd factor in this household. I would come in third and Em would not even rank - seriously. She has no interest in anything involving learning. Case in point....
We went to swim lessons today and her ADHD (undiagnosed, but quite apparent!) kicked in right away. The girl's teacher hopped in the water. Em caught every other word as she bobbed in and out of the water. Trish had to ask her several times, "Em, did you hear me?" She would look right back at her and say, "What?" At one point, she said to her, "Um, can I just go over there and play?" as she lay on her belly on top of a kickboard with her arms and legs up in the air, somehow balancing her body, asking to be excused from her lessons after less than 5 minutes of instruction. Somehow, one year of full day kindergarten did absolutely nothing to improve her extremely limited attention span. It's just, well, embarrassing.
After a few more minutes, I called her over to me and told Trish to work with Kt for a bit and I'd "take care" of Em. That means we have a little speaking to while appearing to be working on our frog kick. Here's what I said: Em, we're here so that Trish can TEACH you things about swimming We are not here to "play" with her. (Em is nodding her head, bobbing up and down, and saying "I know!") When she is trying to talk to you, it's your job to listen and practice the things you need to learn. What did she teach you that we need to work on?
Em: Well, I can't do that chicken, airplane, torpedo thing. It's hard.
Me: Let's practice it. (Try it once, frowny face to me.)
Em: See. I can't do it!
Me: Do you want to try it again?
Em: No.
Me: Em, that's what we're here for. Do you want to take lessons?
Em: YES! But can I just swim?
She then exited to the bathroom, returned to "practice" some more - kickboard surfing, that is - and then I sent her off to learn how to tread water and dive. When she arrived at the other end after asking me if she could join Trish and Kt, Trish said, "We're learning how to tread water. Do you want to try?"
Em - as matter of factly as you could imagine: No.
She did it, but I did tell Trish not to even ask her anymore. Just tell her what you're doing because 9 times out of 10, Em will choose not to learn. No interest. There is not even a baby nerd in there, so I might as well stop looking for one!!
We went to swim lessons today and her ADHD (undiagnosed, but quite apparent!) kicked in right away. The girl's teacher hopped in the water. Em caught every other word as she bobbed in and out of the water. Trish had to ask her several times, "Em, did you hear me?" She would look right back at her and say, "What?" At one point, she said to her, "Um, can I just go over there and play?" as she lay on her belly on top of a kickboard with her arms and legs up in the air, somehow balancing her body, asking to be excused from her lessons after less than 5 minutes of instruction. Somehow, one year of full day kindergarten did absolutely nothing to improve her extremely limited attention span. It's just, well, embarrassing.
After a few more minutes, I called her over to me and told Trish to work with Kt for a bit and I'd "take care" of Em. That means we have a little speaking to while appearing to be working on our frog kick. Here's what I said: Em, we're here so that Trish can TEACH you things about swimming We are not here to "play" with her. (Em is nodding her head, bobbing up and down, and saying "I know!") When she is trying to talk to you, it's your job to listen and practice the things you need to learn. What did she teach you that we need to work on?
Em: Well, I can't do that chicken, airplane, torpedo thing. It's hard.
Me: Let's practice it. (Try it once, frowny face to me.)
Em: See. I can't do it!
Me: Do you want to try it again?
Em: No.
Me: Em, that's what we're here for. Do you want to take lessons?
Em: YES! But can I just swim?
She then exited to the bathroom, returned to "practice" some more - kickboard surfing, that is - and then I sent her off to learn how to tread water and dive. When she arrived at the other end after asking me if she could join Trish and Kt, Trish said, "We're learning how to tread water. Do you want to try?"
Em - as matter of factly as you could imagine: No.
She did it, but I did tell Trish not to even ask her anymore. Just tell her what you're doing because 9 times out of 10, Em will choose not to learn. No interest. There is not even a baby nerd in there, so I might as well stop looking for one!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Pre-life Crisis
So, our car question today was quite interesting. I was not even backed out of the driveway when it started:
Kt: Mommy, how does it feel to be a double digit?
Me: Wellllllllll, uh, I'm not sure. What do you mean? What is a double digit? and how would I know what they feel like?
Kt: You ARE a double digit.
Me: And you are a single digit?
Em: (has to put in her 2 digits!) What is a digit?
Kt: It's a number, and mommy is two of them and I am one.
Me: But not for long.....
Kt: Right, so how does it feel to be a double digit?
I guess we'd call this pre-life crisis? How many of us double digits remember life as a single digit? I never realized turning 10 could be so life-changing, stressful and dramatic. Of course, she still has 5 months left until this life-altering event. Someone, pass me some Advil.... please!
Kt: Mommy, how does it feel to be a double digit?
Me: Wellllllllll, uh, I'm not sure. What do you mean? What is a double digit? and how would I know what they feel like?
Kt: You ARE a double digit.
Me: And you are a single digit?
Em: (has to put in her 2 digits!) What is a digit?
Kt: It's a number, and mommy is two of them and I am one.
Me: But not for long.....
Kt: Right, so how does it feel to be a double digit?
I guess we'd call this pre-life crisis? How many of us double digits remember life as a single digit? I never realized turning 10 could be so life-changing, stressful and dramatic. Of course, she still has 5 months left until this life-altering event. Someone, pass me some Advil.... please!
scc blog
I know it's been a while since I've blogged - it's my summer blogcation! T sent me a message this morning that Steven Curtis Chapman has entered the blogging world. SCC is, by far, my favorite Christian artist. He is just totally passionate about putting God's word and mind down in music, committed to his family and he's a great musician. I know I'm going to enjoy reading his blog!
The truth is, up until I met SCC my junior year in college via one of my roommates, the only Christian artists I'd ever heard of were (seriously) Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith - that was IT! Coming from Connecticut, where there was no Christian radio and bookstores were even far and few between, might have had something to do with that. So, that junior year, I was totally blown away by some of this new music I was hearing, and I just latched onto SCC. This roommate of mine, Eli, met up a couple times after college in various East Coast locations for concerts. We haven't done that in a while, but SHE went and met him in person at an event down south, for Shaohannah's Hope, after adopting her son - sweet little thing that he is! I'm meeting up with her in a few days, not for a concert (boohoo) but for a visit after several years of not seeing her at all. I can't wait to tell her something about SCC that she doesn't know (or maybe she does... oh well!).
Anyway, welcome to the world of blogging, SCC!
The truth is, up until I met SCC my junior year in college via one of my roommates, the only Christian artists I'd ever heard of were (seriously) Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith - that was IT! Coming from Connecticut, where there was no Christian radio and bookstores were even far and few between, might have had something to do with that. So, that junior year, I was totally blown away by some of this new music I was hearing, and I just latched onto SCC. This roommate of mine, Eli, met up a couple times after college in various East Coast locations for concerts. We haven't done that in a while, but SHE went and met him in person at an event down south, for Shaohannah's Hope, after adopting her son - sweet little thing that he is! I'm meeting up with her in a few days, not for a concert (boohoo) but for a visit after several years of not seeing her at all. I can't wait to tell her something about SCC that she doesn't know (or maybe she does... oh well!).
Anyway, welcome to the world of blogging, SCC!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Happy Birthday, Bro!
My "little" brother is now 32.... I always used to tease him that he was born on Friday the 13th. LOL! In fact, we still do tease him, quite a bit. His nickname was french fry, because of his petite stature and probably due to his position as youngest in the family. Not only was he the youngest, but he was also the only boy. He doesn't believe it, but those two things combined provided A LOT of perks for him!!
My little brother is an avid car enthusiast, percussionist who dabbles (for a living) in architecture. He has a sense of humor that is rivaled only by..... well, no one. My girls have always been enthralled by him, his Ducati motorcycle and his XBox 360. If I had to boil it down to one word that describes my brother, it would have to be infuriating! I say that with the utmost of love in my heart.
From the time he was young, my brother has always walked to the beat of his own drum. No one else will be drumming for him. I can remember dropping him off and picking him up an hour later from a sleepover party at the ripe age of around 12. His friends has decided to add drugs and drinks to the party, and he decided it was time to go home. While he remained friends with these guys, he pursued his passions of cars and drums instead. Now, these two things did not have anything to do with academics!
It was in high school that my brother had to learn the fine art of brown nosing. You see, he was not at all passionate about school, unless school involved his drafting class. He had decided early on that cars and drums were going to be his entertainment, and to fund these hobbies he needed a "real" job. This job would be architecture. He excelled in drafting, paid attention to just enough math and for everything else - "Where There's a Will, There's An A"! He poured himself into those videos, which taught him just enough to squeak by in all other classes he deemed a nuisance. When it came time for college apps, we were all thinking he was dreaming. His dream? Virginia Tech School of Architecture. Of course, having your sister bring your recommendation form to your guidance counselor the DAY it's due is not a great start!
It was my first mother's day, Kt all dressed in her VA Tech outfit at 6 months of age, that we attended Uncle D's graduation from VA Tech. I'm not sure how he did it, but I have to admit, I'm quite certain things would not have worked out so well for me! He went on to land a job in CT that he has loved from day one. As usual, everyone there believes that everything he touches turns to gold. It's really.... well, sickening!
There's a lot more to this story, but we'll leave it at that for now, and wish him a very Happy Birthday. Thanks for making life look so effortless (his wife helps him with that, or his dirty clothes would give him away!), fun and like an adventure waiting to transpire. Uncle D, you are just plain fun (and infuriating!).
My little brother is an avid car enthusiast, percussionist who dabbles (for a living) in architecture. He has a sense of humor that is rivaled only by..... well, no one. My girls have always been enthralled by him, his Ducati motorcycle and his XBox 360. If I had to boil it down to one word that describes my brother, it would have to be infuriating! I say that with the utmost of love in my heart.
From the time he was young, my brother has always walked to the beat of his own drum. No one else will be drumming for him. I can remember dropping him off and picking him up an hour later from a sleepover party at the ripe age of around 12. His friends has decided to add drugs and drinks to the party, and he decided it was time to go home. While he remained friends with these guys, he pursued his passions of cars and drums instead. Now, these two things did not have anything to do with academics!
It was in high school that my brother had to learn the fine art of brown nosing. You see, he was not at all passionate about school, unless school involved his drafting class. He had decided early on that cars and drums were going to be his entertainment, and to fund these hobbies he needed a "real" job. This job would be architecture. He excelled in drafting, paid attention to just enough math and for everything else - "Where There's a Will, There's An A"! He poured himself into those videos, which taught him just enough to squeak by in all other classes he deemed a nuisance. When it came time for college apps, we were all thinking he was dreaming. His dream? Virginia Tech School of Architecture. Of course, having your sister bring your recommendation form to your guidance counselor the DAY it's due is not a great start!
It was my first mother's day, Kt all dressed in her VA Tech outfit at 6 months of age, that we attended Uncle D's graduation from VA Tech. I'm not sure how he did it, but I have to admit, I'm quite certain things would not have worked out so well for me! He went on to land a job in CT that he has loved from day one. As usual, everyone there believes that everything he touches turns to gold. It's really.... well, sickening!
There's a lot more to this story, but we'll leave it at that for now, and wish him a very Happy Birthday. Thanks for making life look so effortless (his wife helps him with that, or his dirty clothes would give him away!), fun and like an adventure waiting to transpire. Uncle D, you are just plain fun (and infuriating!).
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Connecticut: the New Hollywood??
Tonight I was chatting with my sister-in-law. After reminding me that tomorrow is Friday the 13th AND my brother's birthday, she started filling me in on local news, in CT. Here's part of our conversation:
J: they have been filming a movie down the street from our house
J: they have been filming a movie down the street from our house
me: really????
wow!
how fun! and annoying!
who is in it? what movie??
J: they have been filming on and off for about 2 weeks
me: maybe you can be an extra - just go jogging one day
J: I finally yesterday decided to find out.
me: is it raiders of the lost ark???
have you seen harrison ford?????
you lucky duck
J: I did yesterday (jog), but there were cops all around. I could not find much as a definite answer, but I thought I would ask the landlords when I saw them. They are home all day and know everything!
no, better, girly!
me: oooo
J: I asked Arnie today...He could not quite remember the name of the movie, but thought it had to do with 4 girls in long pants....
i was laughing so hard
i might not have been able to figure out what he meant if it were not for my internet research yesterday...
Sisterhood of the Traveling pants 2
ohhh, to be an old man
me: REALLY!
now I have to see the first one!
wow - that's pretty cook
cool
J: I think I own the first one (she does, I've been meaning to watch that!)
I thought so, D just said oh.
me: you should go across to FFLD and see if they are filming on the water at all
J: I believe they will be back soon. Kate Winslet and Leo DeCaprio are filming in Trumbull
or at least they just did
me: WHAT???
J: at the YMCA and that area
me: Fairfield County - the new Hollywood
J: funny huh?
me: it's crazy!
and some big movies, too
J: I told D to look out for Harrrison, but he never saw him
he did say that he and J were returning from lunch in downtown one day and had to take a big detour to get back to the office.
There were all these extras dressed in period clothing...
Robert DeNiro and Sean Penn were filming at the BPT movie theaters
mostly inside shots
me: Man- I've got to move back to CT
J: can you tell I am star stuck and I have not seen any stars
me: poor you - at least your odds are better than mine!
J: you do, we can go on a star search
I am not sure if I want to see anyone or I just like knowing they have been to my city!
Crazy! They were filming Raiders of the Lost Ark 3 in New Haven, where my brother works. Now all this??? My mom is in L.A. so all the stars headed to Connecticut I guess!! LOL Of course, by the time I get my bottom up there they will all go home!
Potpourri
Once a week, I see people posting these "potpourri" posts. I'm not sure if this is some "official" type of blog post, but I've come upon a week that this word seems to define. It's been somewhat of a mixture of ups and downs, crazy and normal, fun and disturbing, exciting and scary. I'm not sure how much of it to share, but I'll start with a car moment.
On the way to pottery camp today, Kt asked, "Why do cars have so many windows?"
Em answered for me today, "Because we need to see where we are!"
I was kind of thinking to myself, it's nice to see all around me most of the time - a little bit of where I'm going, some parts of where I've been and being transported in my own little comfort zone. Of course, our little zone is a complete mess!! But I won't share THAT part of my week!
I'll keep this brief for my cousin, S, who doesn't like me embellishing my daily tasks! LOL In a nutshell (full of potpourri):
1. Spent Sunday at the little Presbyterian Church where the girls attended VBS - interesting.
2. Monday morning, signed up the girls and dropped them off at pottery camp - who says we aren't spontaneous!
3. Monday morning - offered a job at the little pottery place starting this fall - took it. Again, we are a bit spontaneous.
4. Monday afternoon - doctor's appointment, where once again I'm a mutant patient. Wrongly thinking I was there for a blood pressure lecture, it appears that I have some kind of liver disorder. We are now in the process of diagnosing this. This discovery was a little too spontaneous for me - I'm going to have to rethink the benefits of trying to be flexible!!
5. Tuesday morning - the wedding rehearsal dinner invitations lady came to pick up her envelopes - thankfully!! She only dropped them off on Friday, and was so picky I raced to get them done. 100 invitations.... to a rehearsal dinner on Cape Cod. I was tempted to write one up for myself! They probably wouldn't even notice that nobody knew me!
6. Tuesday morning - my mom arrived for a 32 hour visit before heading off to California with her sister. She was a nice distraction from my newfound obsession with liver disorders!
7. Tuesday afternoon - went to see Ratatoullie (?) with my mom and the girls - great, great movie!!! I will buy that one!
8. Tuesday night - Cheesecake Factory - had to do something really bad for myself before I'm too sick to enjoy it!!
9. Wednesday morning - Breakfast with my mom, shopping with my mom, lunch with my mom, sending her off..... I really do wish she lived here because I miss her a lot when she leaves!! Oh, before she left I had some lab work done - 8 vials, must be bad! EEK!
10. Wednesday evening - saw Beauty and the Beast performed by a summer theater group - it was fabulous. It's a show and movie I could watch multiple times and still love!
11. Today.... picked up half of my prescription and had to pay for the whole thing. Our new insurance doesn't like my meds, so $54 for the first half and they never received the second one from my dr. I'm scared to ask. It's really expensive having "medical conditions." A little depressing.... but then I picked up my kids!
12. Spent the afternoon with my children working on their summer packets. What a crazy thing - summer packets. And of all the ones we've done, we've never seen anyone even check them. Why are we doing them??? I don't know, but it's been good for Em. For Kt, it's just busy work... really!
The scent that is holding my potpourri together is a sweet reminder that God is in control, He's driving my car with lots of windows and revealing only what I need to see. This week, He's really asked me to leave it all to Him - the passports (not here yet), the fundraising (still don't know how much we have or how much we need to pay), the liver thing (a dreadful thing that I know too much about), my control freakiness (which has gotten a little out of control this nice, summer week) and all our trip details. Tonight, I'm actually feeling a bit relaxed because, well, I just don't really know. Sometimes, it's nice to be riding up a hill and not really know what's over that bump. I feel like I have a breather.....
Tomorrow is our last day of pottery camp, my last day of freetime (until the girls go back to CT with my mom! Yay!), and I just want to enjoy it! My potpourri container will be full!!
On the way to pottery camp today, Kt asked, "Why do cars have so many windows?"
Em answered for me today, "Because we need to see where we are!"
I was kind of thinking to myself, it's nice to see all around me most of the time - a little bit of where I'm going, some parts of where I've been and being transported in my own little comfort zone. Of course, our little zone is a complete mess!! But I won't share THAT part of my week!
I'll keep this brief for my cousin, S, who doesn't like me embellishing my daily tasks! LOL In a nutshell (full of potpourri):
1. Spent Sunday at the little Presbyterian Church where the girls attended VBS - interesting.
2. Monday morning, signed up the girls and dropped them off at pottery camp - who says we aren't spontaneous!
3. Monday morning - offered a job at the little pottery place starting this fall - took it. Again, we are a bit spontaneous.
4. Monday afternoon - doctor's appointment, where once again I'm a mutant patient. Wrongly thinking I was there for a blood pressure lecture, it appears that I have some kind of liver disorder. We are now in the process of diagnosing this. This discovery was a little too spontaneous for me - I'm going to have to rethink the benefits of trying to be flexible!!
5. Tuesday morning - the wedding rehearsal dinner invitations lady came to pick up her envelopes - thankfully!! She only dropped them off on Friday, and was so picky I raced to get them done. 100 invitations.... to a rehearsal dinner on Cape Cod. I was tempted to write one up for myself! They probably wouldn't even notice that nobody knew me!
6. Tuesday morning - my mom arrived for a 32 hour visit before heading off to California with her sister. She was a nice distraction from my newfound obsession with liver disorders!
7. Tuesday afternoon - went to see Ratatoullie (?) with my mom and the girls - great, great movie!!! I will buy that one!
8. Tuesday night - Cheesecake Factory - had to do something really bad for myself before I'm too sick to enjoy it!!
9. Wednesday morning - Breakfast with my mom, shopping with my mom, lunch with my mom, sending her off..... I really do wish she lived here because I miss her a lot when she leaves!! Oh, before she left I had some lab work done - 8 vials, must be bad! EEK!
10. Wednesday evening - saw Beauty and the Beast performed by a summer theater group - it was fabulous. It's a show and movie I could watch multiple times and still love!
11. Today.... picked up half of my prescription and had to pay for the whole thing. Our new insurance doesn't like my meds, so $54 for the first half and they never received the second one from my dr. I'm scared to ask. It's really expensive having "medical conditions." A little depressing.... but then I picked up my kids!
12. Spent the afternoon with my children working on their summer packets. What a crazy thing - summer packets. And of all the ones we've done, we've never seen anyone even check them. Why are we doing them??? I don't know, but it's been good for Em. For Kt, it's just busy work... really!
The scent that is holding my potpourri together is a sweet reminder that God is in control, He's driving my car with lots of windows and revealing only what I need to see. This week, He's really asked me to leave it all to Him - the passports (not here yet), the fundraising (still don't know how much we have or how much we need to pay), the liver thing (a dreadful thing that I know too much about), my control freakiness (which has gotten a little out of control this nice, summer week) and all our trip details. Tonight, I'm actually feeling a bit relaxed because, well, I just don't really know. Sometimes, it's nice to be riding up a hill and not really know what's over that bump. I feel like I have a breather.....
Tomorrow is our last day of pottery camp, my last day of freetime (until the girls go back to CT with my mom! Yay!), and I just want to enjoy it! My potpourri container will be full!!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Slow Down!
Kt's question of the day was:
"Mommy, why do you slow down for those (speed) bumps in the road?"
I was pondering whether or not I should just demonstrate for her why we slow down, but thought better of it considering I need my '99 Toyota Sienna with 150,000 miles on it to last a few more years! Instead, I just answered, "Why do you think?"
Speed bumps are constantly interjected in our lives in many forms and variations, all with the same result: we must slow down! I guess when we refuse to do this ourselves, God throws a bump in the road our direction so we must stop. It's a good reminder, but I wish I was more receptive to listening to him so I could just zoom along unhindered!!
"Mommy, why do you slow down for those (speed) bumps in the road?"
I was pondering whether or not I should just demonstrate for her why we slow down, but thought better of it considering I need my '99 Toyota Sienna with 150,000 miles on it to last a few more years! Instead, I just answered, "Why do you think?"
Speed bumps are constantly interjected in our lives in many forms and variations, all with the same result: we must slow down! I guess when we refuse to do this ourselves, God throws a bump in the road our direction so we must stop. It's a good reminder, but I wish I was more receptive to listening to him so I could just zoom along unhindered!!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Car Question
OK, today was Em's turn, on the way home after picking the girls up from VBS. I don't know if she's been reading my blog or something or if her sister is just rubbing off on her.
Em: "Mommy, so what's new?"
Me: "Uh, what do you mean? Do you mean in the car?"
Em: "I mean what's different at home. Anything new?"
Me: "Well, not in the last 3 1/2 hours that you were at VBS, no, nothing new!" I'm sure I had some funny face or smirk on.
Em: (laughing) "YES there is. There is NO MORE VBS! That's what's new!"
Me: "Oh, of course, how could I not know!" Feeling quite foolish and outsmarted.
In her heart, I know she's mourning a great loss!
Em: "Mommy, so what's new?"
Me: "Uh, what do you mean? Do you mean in the car?"
Em: "I mean what's different at home. Anything new?"
Me: "Well, not in the last 3 1/2 hours that you were at VBS, no, nothing new!" I'm sure I had some funny face or smirk on.
Em: (laughing) "YES there is. There is NO MORE VBS! That's what's new!"
Me: "Oh, of course, how could I not know!" Feeling quite foolish and outsmarted.
In her heart, I know she's mourning a great loss!
Remember Me
Remember me
In a Bible cracked and faded by the years
Remember me
In a santuary filled with silent prayers
CHORUS:
And age to age
And heart to heart
Bound by grace and peace
Child of wonder, Child of God
I'll remember you
Remember Me
Remember me
When the color of the sunset fills the sky
Remember me
When you pray and the tears of joy
fall from your eyes
CHORUS
Remember me
When the children leave
their Sunday school with smiles
Remember me
When they're old enough to teach
Old enough to preach
Old enough to leave
CHORUS
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
Remember me
Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God
~Mark Schultz
Today was the girl's last day of VBS at a beautiful little Presbyterian church up the road from ours. I'm sad our church has never had it's own VBS, but I'm so thankful we've been blessed by this one. Em's favorite thing about VBS was "the workers", who have been warm, welcoming, loving and just crazy for Jesus - it just totally shows in all they did. Kt's favorite thing was craft, probably because those "workers" just bragged on how creative she was, and it made her feel totally special.
I enjoyed VBS because I had a little time to myself. I have to admit, I felt a bit guilty dropping my children off to be ministered to, then running off to swim laps or run some errands. It always feels strange to me that I'm not part of making something happen, but I did enjoy it! Today I finished up a bit early and was sitting in my car and this song came on. I've heard it at least a thousand times, and I love the melody, the harmonies, it's a beautiful song.Today, as I listened to it and sang along (aren't you glad you weren't there!;-)), I was seriously overwhelmed by the idea that the joy on the faces, in the dancing, while blowing bubbles, skipping rope and all the other various activities my children enjoyed this week, were all a reflection of the joy of Christ, of knowing Him, loving him and being blessed by Him. "Remember Me, when the children leave their Sunday Schools with smiles...." As I walked up to the little church to pick up my kids, I took extra time to notice and remember Him in all those smiles, in the laughter, the hugs and their goodbyes.
"I'll remember you. Remember Me."
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Not Sure about This One
I'm hoping this is true of me, but I think I'm really a little more type-A than this!
| Your Travel Personality Is: Easygoing |
 When you travel, you're looking for a lot of downtime. Vacations are your chance to recoup. All you need is a scenic spot and plenty of time on your hands. You'll figure out the rest. You're not one to make lots of plans when you travel. You just follow whatever path seems right. |
Vegetables
Em and I are just those today. It's been nice! We are literally sitting around vegging. Kt is at a friend's house. We are doing a little laundry, straightening up here and there, but mostly just sitting around, looking through books, watching a bit of TV (it's kind of rainy out), play dohing, just "chillaxin" - it's nice!
Of course, we could be pondering Kt's most recent car question.
"Mommy? (she always waits until I respond, even when I'm looking right at her.... so annoying!) Is it true that the smaller you are, time will pass faster?"
My inadequate answer: "No, time is the same for everyone. It doesn't change based on time."
Kt: "No, I mean, like, animals."
Me (completely confused, making my "I'm not making that connection" face): "Uh, I have no idea what you are talking about."
Kt: "Well, like for an ant, isn't a month shorter? And then for a bigger animal, like a dog it's longer? Does it take longer for them to do things? Oh, just forget it."
After that, I just totally ignored the "What's that middle lane for?" question, because there was no middle lane and I just wasn't in the mood. Since I'm bigger than her, I was hoping the trip to her friend's house would be shorter for me!
Of course, we could be pondering Kt's most recent car question.
"Mommy? (she always waits until I respond, even when I'm looking right at her.... so annoying!) Is it true that the smaller you are, time will pass faster?"
My inadequate answer: "No, time is the same for everyone. It doesn't change based on time."
Kt: "No, I mean, like, animals."
Me (completely confused, making my "I'm not making that connection" face): "Uh, I have no idea what you are talking about."
Kt: "Well, like for an ant, isn't a month shorter? And then for a bigger animal, like a dog it's longer? Does it take longer for them to do things? Oh, just forget it."
After that, I just totally ignored the "What's that middle lane for?" question, because there was no middle lane and I just wasn't in the mood. Since I'm bigger than her, I was hoping the trip to her friend's house would be shorter for me!
Widows
CNN has a heart-wrenching piece today on widows in India. I must admit, I knew little about the plight of a widow in that country, but I'm so thankful the same cannot be said about widows in this country! The life of a widow is not easy at any stage of life or in any country, but to be shunned by all, unable to marry again or earn a living.... it's really just a sad state. I really believe that this is another form of bondage created by a false religion. I hope this article heightens awareness not only about an injustice far away, but a reminder everywhere that we need to better minister to widows and orphans in our own corner of the world.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy 4th of July!!
Packing up beach stuff, cooler full of food, red, white and blue, friends, family, beach, sun, Penfield Pavilion, sunset band concert, LI Sound full of private yachts, walking the beach, sunburn, big feet painted in the street, digging out loungers in the sand, fun with friends, cheese whiz, fireworks, big booms, vibrating ground, smell of burning explosives, boat horns, ooooo, ahhhhhh, preppy fireworks, sparkle fireworks, naming all the fireworks, finales, long walk back to the car, traffic jam in downtown Fairfield......4th of July!
Of course, there were those years we didn't make the beach trip to the fireworks and my dad would take us up to the church (two doors away!) and we'd watch what we could see from just under the bellfry. Or the time we actually make the trek down to Washington, D.C. for a crazy trip to the mall!
Today, we had the red, white and blue, (VBS!), food, friends, rain....... yup, and one tornado in Columbia, MD! On our way home, despite a raindate, we discovered that rain soaked, lightening laden, tornado blown Columbia went ahead with their abbreviated fireworks show. We stopped along 29 and watched from our car through the windshield wipers! They were beautiful - all 5 of them.
Of course, there were those years we didn't make the beach trip to the fireworks and my dad would take us up to the church (two doors away!) and we'd watch what we could see from just under the bellfry. Or the time we actually make the trek down to Washington, D.C. for a crazy trip to the mall!
Today, we had the red, white and blue, (VBS!), food, friends, rain....... yup, and one tornado in Columbia, MD! On our way home, despite a raindate, we discovered that rain soaked, lightening laden, tornado blown Columbia went ahead with their abbreviated fireworks show. We stopped along 29 and watched from our car through the windshield wipers! They were beautiful - all 5 of them.
Happy Fourth!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
And finally....
| You Are A Pistachio Ice Cream Girl |
 Funky. Surprising. Wild. |
I was just thinking today that I haven't done this for while!
Brain Pattern
| Your Brain's Pattern |
 You have a tempered, reasonable way of thinking. You tend to take every new idea in, and meld it with your world view. For you, everything is always changing. Each moment is different. Your thinking process tends to be very natural - with no beginnings or endings. |
I'm Blue
| Your Brain is Blue |
 Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life. |
Oh Where, Oh Where....
(to the tune of, well, you know!)
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, where can they be?
We applied on time for a June arrival
Oh, where, oh, where can they be???
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, where can they be?
You would think they'd arrive here at the given time
For such an exorbitant fee!
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, are they kept?
At the bottom of the pile in the passport office
Where all the other missionary's passports collect!
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, where can they be?
We applied on time for a June arrival
Oh, where, oh, where can they be???
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, where can they be?
You would think they'd arrive here at the given time
For such an exorbitant fee!
Oh, where, oh, where have our 3 passports gone?
Oh, where, oh, are they kept?
At the bottom of the pile in the passport office
Where all the other missionary's passports collect!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)