Fogarty surprise family outing 10/18/08

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!

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

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!

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.

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?

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)

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!

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.

Trees and the grace of God

We have been blessed to sit on top of a hill overlooking a beautiful panoramic view of the Pennsylvania countryside. We savor and delight in its changing color and its magnificence splendor each day as we sit on our porch. A train winds its way through our town and we can see it from our porch as it snakes its way past Main Street as we listen carefully to the language of its whistle.
Several years ago, the neighbor that sits directly in front of us planted a row of Norwegian Pine trees. With growth of about 12” per year, the trees have grown to be massive, challenging the view within just a couple more years. We would no longer be able to see the train and the countryside would be blocked forever. Our view would shortly become pine trees and sky.
We have a good relationship with this widowed neighbor, so we asked her if we could chop those trees down, and put Japanese Weeping Cherry Trees in their place. She was quite agreeable to this proposal and we began the rigorous task of chopping and hauling four giant pines that very afternoon. About halfway through digging and planting of the new cherry trees another neighbor happened to stop by as he drove down the road. He informed us that the trees we just chopped down did not belong to this neighbor at all but it was the right-a-way for the man who lives in the last house on that driveway. With three of the six ($300) trees already planted, we stood in shocked silence. Well, actually it was not very silent, for I was going nuts. What were we going to say to this man was the question of the day? How were we indeed going to explain this one?
Evan dropped his tool of misdeed and languished down the driveway to meet trouble head on. He was not home but his mother said she thought he would be okay with it. We finished the job as quickly and as neatly as we could. After mulching and watering, we left the crime scene and put our tools away.
The next day we once again walked to his home to offer our apologies, but again he was not home. The other day while I was down in my garden, he drove past and gave me the friendly wave. I am comforted he has no hard feelings about our mistake, but rather as he told our neighbor “it was one less thing, he had to care for.”
Next spring we will enjoy the beauty of the Weeping Cherry trees and remember the grace God extended to us as that afternoon. It could have been ugly.

Fogarty's and Cook's meet

It feels very official now. We had lunch with the in-laws yesterday at their home after church and met the whole family. A little awkward at first, but then they brought out the guns. A weapon and a little target shooting can unite a bunch of guys quicker than anything else I know. We had a lovely lunch together and the afternoon melted into early evening much too quickly.
As we said our goodbyes to everyone Tyler turned to me and said, “Well Mom, soon I will be adding my goodbyes as well.” He had no idea how much that stung. He has been in my home longer than most, for which I am grateful, yet, knowing quite soon he will be living somewhere else where he will soon have to choose where he spends his holidays, Mother’s Day and even where he will sit in church. I will never make him choose to be here, but I will always be grateful if he chooses to be. This is certainly a bittersweet time. I have released him from my home, but I am struggling letting him go from my heart. Oh, I know he will always be my son and I am confident he will always love his mother, but it changes doesn’t it? I am blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law who loves my son and for that, my heart is filled. I always prayed my boys would marry someone who would cherish, value and care for them unconditionally. It seems to me my prayer was answered with this one. I praise God.

Yesterday was an exercise in humility and I did not like it at all. We received a summons to appear in court for not paying a medical bill totaling $74.60 over NINE years ago, count them NINE. It was a matter of principal back then that I did not pay the bill, and it has remained a matter of principal all these forgotten years. However, it was brought to my attention again several months ago when my fastidious mail carrier brought the summons to my door where he personally placed it in my hand. Letters and phone calls flew back and forth and months later, we came to an agreement. We even agreed to pay half which we did, which was apparently lost in the mail by some other persnickety mail carrier bent on causing us a great deal of trouble. The line was drawn in the sand and it was up to me to defend myself as the doctor was taking us to court. Knots began to form in my belly as I thought of defending myself. The bill was for Tyler anyway why don’t they come after him.
We were ready to do battle and if it were left to me that is exactly what we were going to do. We felt the case was in our favor and felt certain that we would be exonerated of the crime.
We happened to show up a good 45 minutes before it was our time to appear. Several people were waiting in the long hallway on wooden benches. I poked my head in the courtroom to see if we were in the right place and was escorted rather briskly out of the courtroom where I learned it was indeed the right place but the judge had some bond hearings to try and then do lunch. The lawyers came first and the rest of us would be last. Men in blue business suit were filling up the place. It was going to be a long day of waiting. I then asked a woman who was sitting outside the courtroom if she knew how these things work and to my utter amazement, it was the woman representing the doctor. I was staring directly in the face of the plaintiff.
She asked if we were the Fogarty’s and we said yes. She then asked us if we would agree to pay the bill to avoid the court scene, but my instant reply was, “I’m done with this.” Then, in comes the Holy Spirit resting squarely on the shoulders of my dear husband. Oh, brother…I’m thinking we were beginning to waffle. Short end of it, we settled out of court for half of the money and half of the court costs, $50 some odd dollars.
As it turns out, the whole thing was not about the court, or about what we owed, nor was it about winning something we thought was wrong. It was about this woman named Doris and it was about my heart. As we talked to her, we found out that her son was killed just nine months before her husband died of cancer. As she, wiped tears out of her eyes Evan asked her if she knew how much Jesus loved her and that he was there for her. I stood in shocked awe as I watched my husband put his arm around my enemy, a person God loves and was willing to die for. Evan put down our “rights box” and ministered to a woman that was hurting and lonely.
God will go to any length to get us to learn a lesson. It was I who needed to see the big picture. I watched something up close and personal and felt the love Jesus had for this woman. He used Evan’s heart and willingness to see through her job and see a person.
My daughter danced for us at the end of our day. She put on her little wedding dress and danced with delight as she looked for approval in our eyes. We need to dance before the Lord each day and also look for approval in his eyes. One day I may get it right the first time. Until then and forever, I will be looking.

The makings of a daughter-in-law

A bid deal happened last night here at the Fogarty home.
Our first-born, Tyler Kraft Fogarty is engaged to be married in September.
Tyler asked Elea Sara Cook to be his wife last night on top of a little knoll overlooking Codorus Lake Marburg, as the chilly wind tried to interrupt a very sweet proposal. Tyler had prayed about how he would ask her to marry him and came up with quite a unique plan. He had an Apple Nano I-Pod inscribed on the back with the words "Elea Sara Cook… will you marry me?" After giving her a dozen long stemmed red roses, he showed her the gift of the I-pod. She was thrilled and thought the gift was over the top. As she started to put it back into the box Tyler told her that some I-pod’s are inscribed on the back when you order them online. She turned the I-pod over and as she read the words she became wordless and stood in shock. Before she could say anything Tyler then got down on one knee, asked her if she would be his wife, and gave her a ring that belonged to his great- grand-mother Mary Ridgley Kraft.
Later, the happy couple came home where we had waited dinner, and Evan made a toast of sparkling cider and wished them a happy and joyous life together.
All the brothers gave them their blessings and the evening melted away into a bowl of cookies and cream ice-cream and the wee hours of 10 o’clock.
One down and four to go.

Easter Monday

Today is the day after Resurrection Sunday. We enjoyed a wonderful sermon by Josh Harris, and as usual, he brought out things from a relatively small section of Scripture and expounded on them in a manner that brought clarity to the subject matter. I am always intrigued that he can have that much insight and be able to communicate it in a way we can apply to our own lives. He is certainly a gifted speaker. I feel so blessed to be at this church.
Yesterday after church, we went over some friends we have known for a long time to share a meal together. We were among some friends we have known for many years and some we know only at Easter. We all enjoyed the day very much even though the weather was rather chilly. Upon returning home, we were visited by our close friends the Armacost’s. It was a surprise visit; they were looking at a piece of land near us just over the hill. It would be so cool if they lived that close.
Come on spring like temps! Is anybody else ready to get their fingers deep into the earth and start their gardens? I know I am.
Love to all

Good Friday

Good Friday. I still struggle with the term. To me it was all but good yet, it was so, for the sake of the saints, and I thank the Lord for his plan and that I am not the one calling the shots. It would have been a much different day if I were in charge, much different day indeed. Moreover, we can all say AMEN to that.
Last night our whole family attended a Seder Feast at the home of the Martin’s. If one could perhaps get past the man officiating in a red, Hawaiian shirt, it was all-good. Paul officiated from an official pamphlet called “The Messianic Passover Haggadah” where he went through many Scriptures, and foods eaten at Passover and explained their meaning.
We first rid the house of all leavened products, then, the women lit the candles. As the meal went on, we drank four cups of red wine (grape juice) symbolizing the cup of Sanctification, the cup of plagues, the cup of Redemption and finally the cup of praise. It was very good to feel the connection with our Jewish brothers and to think of what the Lord did during his time on earth.
I am so grateful to the Martin’s for their wonderful Christian hospitality. The room was ready, the table arranged and the atmosphere was set for what was to take place that evening. We all treasured the evening and it will become an especially warm memory.
NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!

Shalom.

Random musings

Austin is feeling better today, thank you for all who prayed for him, however; he said he feels like he was in a fight where someone hit him numerous times in the stomach. As I write, he is line at Space Mountain in Disney World, the weather is sunny and 76 degrees, oh well, someone has to do it!

I just made two loaves of raisin bread and it is rising on top of the oven getting ready to cook. I love the smell of homemade bread and in about 1 hour from now, my house will be filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread. Yeah!

Today, I am waiting for my dishwasher to be delivered and am being held captive in my house to their delivery schedule, which they say will be somewhere between ten and two. Have you noticed manufactures do not make appliances like those just 15 years ago? They figure one will need replacing every 7 years. Let me give you some good tips when buying appliances. Most have the same motors and basic features. The difference between the $300 and $600 models is add on items such as adjustable racks, colored accessories, and fancier buttons; all of which, I might add jacks up the repair costs. We bought the lower end, and we will be looking to purchase another one in about 7 or so years.

Blessings to all and Happy, happy Easter!

Prayers wanted!

Today, I received a call from Austin who is in Florida for a short vacation. He called sounding very forlorn. Poor guy has a touch of food poisoning and is quite sick. Please pray for him because he has the opportunity to go to Disney World for FREE with a fast pass tomorrow. He is discouraged slightly.
Life here on the home front is the same except the weather is delightful which makes everything else seem special. Tomorrow will be another story I understand; cold, rainy and dark. Even though the weather will be not as friendly, it will make the days that follow these cold ones even more special. Wishing you all a great and cozy couple of days. The logs are once again coming in for the night ready to be set aflame in the early morning.
Love to all from the Fogarty household.

A special note to Amy. Are you still out there?

Back porch ponderings

This morning there was a most spectacular sunrise. Red, purple and orange decorated the morning sky as did the under bottoms of the pink puffy clouds. I sat on my porch and watched the colors change before my eyes not daring to go inside for fear I would miss something. As I sat there, I was reminded how fleeting our lives on earth are and that each day, whether it is spent in routine chores or something new, is a gift to be enjoyed.
It was only when the sun poked its head from behind the tree covered hill that I gave myself permission to grab a cup of coffee from inside the house.
When I stop long enough to count my blessings, it is not hard to see life as a treasure. Not that I worship life in itself, but rather to be able to live this life and receive the blessings of the things my eyes see, my ears hear and my heart feels is truly wonderful. If I can get such a charge from this fallen world, just think of what heaven will be like!
The Lord has been putting on my heart lately to REDEEM THE TIME. In addition, the Lord is reminding me to be content in all things and to lean on him for all my strength. Sitting on my back porch, this morning was redeeming some of it and certainly being content as I relished the harmony of singing birds. I know not how many more springs are left in my life as do any of you, so I encourage you to stop and ponder the waking of this spring. Listen to the birds as if they were the first you ever heard. Study the flowers that emerge from the frozen ground, suck on a fireball and be thankful you have taste buds, and embrace a loved one and be thankful they can hug back. Is not life grand?

Last night we all went to see the play “God Spell” at church, and it was wonderful. I can hardly believe we have so many talented young people in our body. I was truly astonished and entertained. We sat with some dear friends that have truly become like family to us. We love the whole clan on that hill, and consider ourselves rather blessed by all of their lives.

Happy Resurrection week!

Happy Spring

Yesterday was one of those days you wish would never end. The day was glorious in its entire splendor. As the earth warmed, the flowers poked their heads out of the ground as if to ask if it was time. In addition, the birds were busy chirping and building cozy nests for the next generation. Over all it was a wonderful spring day. God is indeed faithful and kind as he shares with us the wonders of his creation. I LOVE IT! Spring is a delightful time of year. Dinnertime always sneaks up on me, as I get lost in the day. The out of doors draws me to take care of the things that have lain around during the winter. It is time for a “dump run” as Evan and I like to call it. We will load up our trailer with stuff that was too large for trash pick-up, stop at Dunkin’ Donuts for a cup of coffee and proceed to the dump. Believe me this is one of our favorite outings; and this Friday is one of those days.
The boys are on notice that dad is staying home from work to work in the yard and their help would be appreciated. Every other Friday they have nothing to do; it is interesting that this Friday they have big plans. We can fix that though; a 6 am wake-up call will be in order.
We will celebrate Austin’s birthday this weekend. He will be 20 and I cannot believe it to be so. Where has all the time gone his mother cries.

Thirty wonderful years

Thirty years. Thirty years of memories, thirty years of change.
I had the privilege of spending the evening with my husband of these thirty years last night. We had a lovely dinner at the Olive Garden courtesy of our son Carson’s Christmas gift card.
The dinner was rather quiet which is quite unusual for us because when we get out by ourselves we usually talk of our dreams for the further, latest projects around the house or the kids. We can never get away from the kids. Anyway, I was distracted as I sat there. I am usually a very distractible kind of person. If someone is talking to me with a speck of pepper in their tooth, I tend to zoom in on the speck and have a hard time listening to what they are saying. Believe me this flaw goes back to my school days when a teacher was lecturing. If anything was askew on their face or body, my attention span dropped to the floor.
Anyway, back to last night.
We were sitting in a relatively quiet spot when all of the sudden two couples sat down at an adjacent table. One man in particular was loud and crass, the other rather rotund. One of the wives was quiet where the other was constantly shushing her husband all the while using the Lords name in very inappropriate ways. I cringed each time. Anyway, our meal, which we split, was served, hot and delicious. I could not help but notice the food being served at this opposite table. Some kind of appetizer that looked like balls of some kind the size somewhere between golf and a tennis ball. Everything looked delicious on their table as well; and lots of it too. All of the sudden the rotund one picked up one of these balls; which I might add could have been cut into fourths for a nice mouthful stuck the WHOLE thing in his mouth followed by a mouthful of salad. Goodness, with mouth open and eyes bulging I had seen enough. I forced my eyes on my food alone and our conversation picked up a little, as did my eating. We were out of there, and onto McDonald’s for a hot fudge sundae, which we also split; extra hot fudge I might confess.
Anyway, this whole experience showed me two things. One, we American’s eat way to much and two; I still struggle with being judgmental.
Why can I not go out with me dear husband and allow him to have my complete attention. He was dressed impeccability, there were no spots to draw my attention and he is delightful company. He is worth all of my attention and I am glad God; even though at times I am a hopeless case, chooses to give me the gift of this man. In addition, why can I not see people as God sees them, pity them for being lost and pray for them right there and then. I guess I will have to bear another dinner at the Olive Garden to see if I have improved in any way. It might take several visits.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVAN!
I love you with all my heart. I promise to do better with my eyes the next time. See you at the Olive Garden.

Starting over

One of the greatest joys in my life has been to raise four boys. Wanting a girl each time yet, never being disappointed when announced they were all boys. Perhaps having all boys was the reason I was willing to go halfway around the world for my little girl. My last son has all but finished high school and I am about to embark on another 12 years of home schooling. I look at this time as a new beginning and I am filled with excitement as I think about the treasures I will be able to show her and the Biblical truth she will learn. I think about the unhurried mornings and reading chapter books. I will delight in the moments of feeling smarter than my student, at least a little while, and for being there when her world opens up as she learns to read. I think of our library trips before lunchtime, field trips with other homeschool families and on an exceptionally beautiful day, throwing a blanket outside as we work. Yes, I will not miss the bus at eight, the schedule, and the bus again at 11:30. She can do school in her slippers and I can begin in my robe. We can make visiting some of our older friends as part of our day and I can teach Home Economics in a real home environment. We can actually eat what she makes and see if we made the grade by the five men in her life. Our snow days will be making snowmen days and in-service days will be done at a mall as we meet our friend Amy for lunch.
I look forward in this new chapter and I pray God will give me the strength and joy as we proceed. I promise one year at a time; just like the last sixteen. One year at a time keeps the light at the end of the tunnel visible and bearable. What a privilege and journey this will be. Again.
Thanks to my boys who give me the courage. It is because of them that I am willing to do this all over again. You four are the BEST and I love you with all my heart. What a joy it has been to call you my sons and know I was a part of your lives. You have made my days full and rich and I have valued each one of them. I wish you all God’s unsurpassed joy as you begin this journey on your own.