About three months ago, I began thinking of something we could do as a family. Our lives are busy and not many times do we get together as a whole group and do something together. Well, except perhaps soccer months when Real Random takes the floor and sweeps up on the competition. Sorry I regressed into a fit of pride and team spirit. Moving on.
A couple of months ago I started researching places we could go. My plan was coming alive. Typically, this day of fun is kept secret and everyone gets in the car not knowing how the day will unfold except me. Elea was privy to the plans so I could get her input on the day and she was excited to be a part. It was settled and our plans were firmed up and ready to unfold on the given day. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to coordinate everyone's schedule for a certain day? Ten days before launch date the weather looked like it was going to sour on us. Twelve hours before our trip was to begin my plans were nixed by my sister and brother-in-law. They thought going to see the gardens at Ludew in Phonex, MD would not be a good outing for the "boys". Panic set in for I did not have a plan B in the making. Besides asking God for beautiful weather I was now asking what on earth are we going to do. God could not have answered it more wonderfully. It turned out to be a beautiful fall day; chilly, sunny and a crisp bit of wind and a plan B in motion.
We began our journey at 8 o'clock. We piled into the car headed towards Hanover for breakfast at Bentley's at the Barn. A round of hot chocolate and coffee set the day in motion. After a lovely breakfast, we ventured towards Baltimore. With an impromptu stop at Duffy's Gun Room and more than enough time talking and looking at guns we were off again. The plan was to stop at the Fire Museum in Lutherville, however it was the decision of the group to skip this stop due to the cost to get in and look around. Once again piling into the car, we took off towards Baltimore. During our travels, a heavy and rather large pink box sat between the two front seats. Questions were asked about family life and the winner was to get the box to open. Austin and Tyler were tied for first place. Rounds of tie breaking questions were given and Austin finally came out the winner. Opening the box, he found brightly wrapped gifts for all family members.
Next, stop Fort McHenry in Baltimore. Here we climbed walls, threw a Frisbee and walked around in briskness of the late morning and early afternoon. We viewed the film of this star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812 defending the Baltimore harbor and the birth of the "Stars Spangled Banner". We had a picnic lunch on the grounds next to the harbor it defended.
Next stop was to White March Mall to view the film "Fireproof". I cannot recommend this film more highly. It made me laugh as well as cry and it was an overall great movie experience. Goodness, why cannot Hollywood make more of these decent films?
One more stop, dinner at J&P's Hampstead. Pizza and salads topped off the day. Twelve hours of family entertainment. Twelve hours of uninterrupted family time. Amusing stories filled the car and just bonding as a family highlighted our day. God not only gave me a beautiful day to enjoy with my family, he gave me a wonderful family for a whole lifetime.
As I look at the forecast for our family, there may be rainy days mixed in with the sunny ones, yet I am convinced that with God as our guide we will continue to make amazing memories together.
Hoo rah!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
China, Olympics and Taylee
With the summer Olympics on our heels everyones attention is on Beijing, China. It was nearly seven years ago on September 13 the World heard the announcement that the games would be held in that great city. As I looked out from my hotel room I witnessed a country ecstatic about being selected for the games. Thousands like I have never seen before were walking, running and biking all towards Tienanmen Square to celebrate as a country. Banners the size of buildings, were unrolled as I stood watching, a nation wild with hope. It was like ants gathering around a gum ball. People were everywhere, even on the ledges of tall buildings!
The city of Beijing is like most cities in the US. Grand pristine buildings fill the sky with modern architecture of marble and glass. Business men clothed in suits and ties, cell phones were common place and from my hotel room everything looked quite the same as the country I had just left.
I stayed in a very grand hotel not far from the Square. Yet, the very next day I would learn that within one city block was poverty like I have never witnessed. People were cooking their breakfast of steamed rolls on the sidewalk in front of extremely modest, jam packed housing.
It was the year before I was to get Taylee. I was given a glimpse of her heritage in those two short weeks. A gentle people who understood what community meant, a richness we in America have lost in our wealth and independent spirits. I was saddened by what I saw most of the time because the poverty was staggering and so hopeless to me. I felt the oppression of the false worship and the hopelessness of being lost in the worst possible way. These people had to live this way...forever. I was to go home; I could escape the paucity and deficiency of living there. I felt such an ache in my heart for these people yet they smile. They truly seemed content. Why is it, that a country so great as ours can be filled with such discontent? We have so much and want so much more. We live to get, whereas the people in China get to live and are happy about that. In so many ways, they are the richer country.
I feel so blessed to have my Taylee girl. She is the greatest gift from a great country. She was a national treasure and if they only knew what they gave away, perhaps they would have thought twice.
I thank God for China. This is a good time to remember all of our brothers and sisters who love the Lord and for God who is raising the greatest cloud of witnesses within that country.
God bless the Chinese people.
Wo ai ni
(I love you in Chinese)
pronounced wal-i-knee
The city of Beijing is like most cities in the US. Grand pristine buildings fill the sky with modern architecture of marble and glass. Business men clothed in suits and ties, cell phones were common place and from my hotel room everything looked quite the same as the country I had just left.
I stayed in a very grand hotel not far from the Square. Yet, the very next day I would learn that within one city block was poverty like I have never witnessed. People were cooking their breakfast of steamed rolls on the sidewalk in front of extremely modest, jam packed housing.
It was the year before I was to get Taylee. I was given a glimpse of her heritage in those two short weeks. A gentle people who understood what community meant, a richness we in America have lost in our wealth and independent spirits. I was saddened by what I saw most of the time because the poverty was staggering and so hopeless to me. I felt the oppression of the false worship and the hopelessness of being lost in the worst possible way. These people had to live this way...forever. I was to go home; I could escape the paucity and deficiency of living there. I felt such an ache in my heart for these people yet they smile. They truly seemed content. Why is it, that a country so great as ours can be filled with such discontent? We have so much and want so much more. We live to get, whereas the people in China get to live and are happy about that. In so many ways, they are the richer country.
I feel so blessed to have my Taylee girl. She is the greatest gift from a great country. She was a national treasure and if they only knew what they gave away, perhaps they would have thought twice.
I thank God for China. This is a good time to remember all of our brothers and sisters who love the Lord and for God who is raising the greatest cloud of witnesses within that country.
God bless the Chinese people.
Wo ai ni
(I love you in Chinese)
pronounced wal-i-knee
Saturday, July 19, 2008
DONE...enough
This weekend has put me back in the totally operational mode. The plumber arrived at 8:30 am Friday morning to install my sink and hook up my dishwasher. Evan took off the day to do some last minute odd jobs around the kitchen and even though we have a few more things to do, I am back. My first dinner guests will be Monday evening, where I will be using real plates and real glasses. My trash level will dramatically decrees and the environment will be given a break from all the disposable things I have been using. I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels to have my kitchen back. Come see!
More later!
More later!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Counter-top and clerks
As I write this blog, the man from the counter-top manufacture is here measuring. It is finally coming to a close. Although I still have about three weeks to do my dishes in the bathroom sink, I see the end in sight.
We still have lots of finishing pieces to put together for the job to be completely finished; we can take on a somewhat slower pace at this point.
I look forward in making many meals in my new kitchen and sharing them with all of you at one time or another.
Life is racing by and waits for no man. I cannot believe 2008 is half over.
My mom was up for a couple of days and we found ourselves shopping in Hanover. It was a gorgeous day, the kind that puts me in a great mood rejoicing that I am alive to enjoy such a treasure. While in Hanover, I had a return at khol's and looking around I picked up a sweet, summer nightgown for Taylee. As I was paying for it, the sales lady asked me if I was able to qualify for the senior discount. PLEASE tell me I do not look over 62 years old. All of the sudden, the day was not as sunny nor was my mood enhanced by her question. Yes, I have come to expect not to be carded when entering a liqueur store, but if I have to endure such abuse from a sales clerk, I'm doing all my shopping online.
Life is short and it is a precious gift from the Lord. However, if my body would only head south when the car is packed I would think better of it. Wrinkles come to soon and beauty does not last. So, live each day with the end of it in mind, cherish the people you love and create wonderful memories with family and friends. I have been learning to not waste one day with a bad attitude, a biting tongue or demanding spirit.
With that said, I guess the sales clerks can say what they will. I am not 62...YET! Lord willing one day I will be, and I will take all the discounts I can get and all the perks of being a senior. Until then, one day at a time "Sweet Jesus" one day at a time.
We still have lots of finishing pieces to put together for the job to be completely finished; we can take on a somewhat slower pace at this point.
I look forward in making many meals in my new kitchen and sharing them with all of you at one time or another.
Life is racing by and waits for no man. I cannot believe 2008 is half over.
My mom was up for a couple of days and we found ourselves shopping in Hanover. It was a gorgeous day, the kind that puts me in a great mood rejoicing that I am alive to enjoy such a treasure. While in Hanover, I had a return at khol's and looking around I picked up a sweet, summer nightgown for Taylee. As I was paying for it, the sales lady asked me if I was able to qualify for the senior discount. PLEASE tell me I do not look over 62 years old. All of the sudden, the day was not as sunny nor was my mood enhanced by her question. Yes, I have come to expect not to be carded when entering a liqueur store, but if I have to endure such abuse from a sales clerk, I'm doing all my shopping online.
Life is short and it is a precious gift from the Lord. However, if my body would only head south when the car is packed I would think better of it. Wrinkles come to soon and beauty does not last. So, live each day with the end of it in mind, cherish the people you love and create wonderful memories with family and friends. I have been learning to not waste one day with a bad attitude, a biting tongue or demanding spirit.
With that said, I guess the sales clerks can say what they will. I am not 62...YET! Lord willing one day I will be, and I will take all the discounts I can get and all the perks of being a senior. Until then, one day at a time "Sweet Jesus" one day at a time.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Musings on Motherhood
Focus on the Family magazine came in the mail today, and the title caught my eye and erected my attention. It said,"Handling the Stress of Transitions". Moreover, right on the inside cover was an article entitled "Flunking Motherhood". Those two titles sum up my feelings lately of my job as a mother to adult men living at home. They certainty do not "need" me as they once did; and I thank God for that really, but I am struggling with the fact that I have worked myself out of the job that once consumed most of my time and attention. I am in the process of truly letting go and trusting God with the decisions they make and I have held onto Phil. 1:6, 9-11. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ...".
I truly thought raising four boys was the hardest job around, but it pales at the difficulty I seem to have at keeping my mouth shut and my prayer life vibrant on their behalf. I feel like I fail more times than I succeed these days. I desire to do things much differently, but old patterns are slow to die, but die they must! With God's help and small steps I will change my pattern of reaction into patterns of pro action. God is my only hope of changing and my dependence upon him is critical in all areas of my life.
Being a mother has been the most wonderful, hardest, fulfilling job that I could ever imagine.
I love my guys and value my time with them. They are ALL quite unique and amazing.
Now, Taylee Joy is my gift and focus from God and I will enjoy her as she too, will one day put me out of work. Until then, I have much work to do, nails to paint, flowers to gather, shoes to buy, hair to braid, pies to make, dances to watch and things to enjoy. WOW, isn't God good?
I truly thought raising four boys was the hardest job around, but it pales at the difficulty I seem to have at keeping my mouth shut and my prayer life vibrant on their behalf. I feel like I fail more times than I succeed these days. I desire to do things much differently, but old patterns are slow to die, but die they must! With God's help and small steps I will change my pattern of reaction into patterns of pro action. God is my only hope of changing and my dependence upon him is critical in all areas of my life.
Being a mother has been the most wonderful, hardest, fulfilling job that I could ever imagine.
I love my guys and value my time with them. They are ALL quite unique and amazing.
Now, Taylee Joy is my gift and focus from God and I will enjoy her as she too, will one day put me out of work. Until then, I have much work to do, nails to paint, flowers to gather, shoes to buy, hair to braid, pies to make, dances to watch and things to enjoy. WOW, isn't God good?
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A light at the end of the tunnel
Something happened today that has not happened in a long time. I was actually able to work on something besides the kitchen. I cleaned out both stoves of all the ashes. Hey, I know that does not seem like a big deal but I have been looking at those dirty stoves for sometime now, and quite frankly, it is great to have that job done.
Another thing that happened today is that I can actually see the end of this kitchen job. I finished the stain and polyurethane today on the walls so that the walls are now completely DONE! We went with ship lapped siding on the walls instead of drywall for a different look. It looks and has a cottage feel and I am quite pleased in how it has turned out.
Evan has done a beautiful job putting this all together. He is an amazing carpenter, slow, but amazingly good. I marvel at how he can do what he does and how he seems to learn as he goes. I cannot wait to have you all over to sit in my kitchen. Together we will enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and I will relish at the fact it is finally done.
I think I am projected out and I do not want to even think about another job right now. Yet, it would be good to have the front porch put on sometime. However, we will not go there at the moment as I begin to relish in the fact we are on the home stretch with our current project.
Another side note. Having grown men still living in my home, I am claiming this verse as my life verse at the moment. Philippians 1:6, 9-11. I have run down the path that their lives at this point is still my responsibility. WRONG! God has begun the work in them and my role is now to champion them towards the finish line.
God is good!
Peace out!
(just for you Amy)
Another thing that happened today is that I can actually see the end of this kitchen job. I finished the stain and polyurethane today on the walls so that the walls are now completely DONE! We went with ship lapped siding on the walls instead of drywall for a different look. It looks and has a cottage feel and I am quite pleased in how it has turned out.
Evan has done a beautiful job putting this all together. He is an amazing carpenter, slow, but amazingly good. I marvel at how he can do what he does and how he seems to learn as he goes. I cannot wait to have you all over to sit in my kitchen. Together we will enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and I will relish at the fact it is finally done.
I think I am projected out and I do not want to even think about another job right now. Yet, it would be good to have the front porch put on sometime. However, we will not go there at the moment as I begin to relish in the fact we are on the home stretch with our current project.
Another side note. Having grown men still living in my home, I am claiming this verse as my life verse at the moment. Philippians 1:6, 9-11. I have run down the path that their lives at this point is still my responsibility. WRONG! God has begun the work in them and my role is now to champion them towards the finish line.
God is good!
Peace out!
(just for you Amy)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Flowers and democrats
Today, I was able to put my creative side to work. I was asked to do the flowers for my friends nieces wedding. Needless to say, I was a happy camper amid all those lovely flowers. Under threating rain and thunder showers I parked myself in the garage and went to work. Four hours later, which seemed like 30 minutes, I completed forty small table arrangements, three very large vases and two centerpieces. I also decorated the cake with flowers. When all was done, the place took on a magical, dreamy look.
God is so good to give us such beautiful things to work with and enjoy. And, without our eyesight none of these things could be enjoyed as I did today.
Thank you God for allowing me to enjoy the gifts from your hand.
Just a small side note, I was in the company of mostly people from either Montana, California, Georgia and Nevada. All mostly young, highly educated, very liberal, most likely democrats. I was able to consciously be a non-biased person today, just listening to their stories about the nation and their world view. I was saddened by there lack of Biblical understanding and even their disdain for religious boundaries in government. Yet, there was not one that I could dislike. All more than gracious, "good" human beings. They were all interesting and delightful yet, the best for them is the here and now. Lost in their high thinking and liberal ideals, God was definitely left out of there lives and this wedding.
I tried quite hard to see from their point of view and for a scant moment I could sympathizes and understand their journey. Deeply concerned and greatly disappointed in the state of affairs that our country finds itself. They see a mean spirited presidential campaign, a war that is "immoral", people who find others intolerant and a lack of concern for the earth.
I found myself sitting back and smelling the sweet flowers and praying most earnestly for their souls, in a totally non-judgmental way. That in itself is a new thing for me.
Peace out!
God is so good to give us such beautiful things to work with and enjoy. And, without our eyesight none of these things could be enjoyed as I did today.
Thank you God for allowing me to enjoy the gifts from your hand.
Just a small side note, I was in the company of mostly people from either Montana, California, Georgia and Nevada. All mostly young, highly educated, very liberal, most likely democrats. I was able to consciously be a non-biased person today, just listening to their stories about the nation and their world view. I was saddened by there lack of Biblical understanding and even their disdain for religious boundaries in government. Yet, there was not one that I could dislike. All more than gracious, "good" human beings. They were all interesting and delightful yet, the best for them is the here and now. Lost in their high thinking and liberal ideals, God was definitely left out of there lives and this wedding.
I tried quite hard to see from their point of view and for a scant moment I could sympathizes and understand their journey. Deeply concerned and greatly disappointed in the state of affairs that our country finds itself. They see a mean spirited presidential campaign, a war that is "immoral", people who find others intolerant and a lack of concern for the earth.
I found myself sitting back and smelling the sweet flowers and praying most earnestly for their souls, in a totally non-judgmental way. That in itself is a new thing for me.
Peace out!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Picture this
It has been a long time since my last blog but I have to write or I will go crazy.
It is a Friday late morning and as most of you know we are in the middle of a kitchen remodel job. The house is in disrepair and the cook is working extra hard getting a meal on the table. Dishes are done in the bathroom, refrigerator is on the back porch, stove(thank goodness) sits alone in my new undone kitchen. Life for me is just a bit challenging although I am grateful I do not need to run down to the nearby polluted stream to fetch my water. That alone keeps me in the right frame of mind as I work to maintain my sense of order.
Evan has logged off work today to work on the kitchen and I believe he has hand picked the three stooges working along side of him. Austin, Carson and Jesse are the best he can come up with as his helpers this day. With the radio blaring I walked out from the computer room to get my dear husband a cup of coffee and what I witnessed I was not prepared to see from grown men. One sitting on a pile of lumber sanding his feet with the belt sander and the other two vacuuming their heads with a shop vac because it feels good. Evan just shaking his head promising me that the kitchen will indeed get done this millennium. I think I feel the need to go shopping. Hope everyone likes Stouffer's meals.
It is a Friday late morning and as most of you know we are in the middle of a kitchen remodel job. The house is in disrepair and the cook is working extra hard getting a meal on the table. Dishes are done in the bathroom, refrigerator is on the back porch, stove(thank goodness) sits alone in my new undone kitchen. Life for me is just a bit challenging although I am grateful I do not need to run down to the nearby polluted stream to fetch my water. That alone keeps me in the right frame of mind as I work to maintain my sense of order.
Evan has logged off work today to work on the kitchen and I believe he has hand picked the three stooges working along side of him. Austin, Carson and Jesse are the best he can come up with as his helpers this day. With the radio blaring I walked out from the computer room to get my dear husband a cup of coffee and what I witnessed I was not prepared to see from grown men. One sitting on a pile of lumber sanding his feet with the belt sander and the other two vacuuming their heads with a shop vac because it feels good. Evan just shaking his head promising me that the kitchen will indeed get done this millennium. I think I feel the need to go shopping. Hope everyone likes Stouffer's meals.
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