A Life Lesson and Farewell

Today, the kids were busy making plans... even before I left work I got a phone call asking about the possibilities.  I came home and took a quick bathroom break only to find an empty roll  where the toilet paper should go and a partially used used roll sitting on top of the spares.  I was instantly annoyed. Right then and there I made a decision... I finished my business, washed my hands and the kids were both anxiously waiting for me outside the door.  I announced, "I am going upstairs to your bathroom.  IF I find an empty roll on the holder and a partially used roll on the counter - all plans will be cancelled this evening."  Jake immediately tried to zip around me to make the correction.  I stopped him.  I walked upstairs and found an empty roll in the holder - an empty roll on the counter, next to an almost empty roll.  !?  Bummer.  Yep, I was disappointed but not nearly as disappointed as my two teenagers.  I encouraged them to go outside, take Suzy for a walk, or listed several other options.  Where do you think they are?  Sulking in their rooms?  Well, it may have started off as sulking but they are both asleep, and have been for about 45 minutes now.  I guess they were tired and maybe this will give them both the opportunity to catch up.

This picture is from last summer.

Annie's bed was full - Jack and Winnie.

Today, Sarah and Matt said goodbye to their beloved yellow dog.  Winnie was 19 years old. They got her a year or two before we got Suzy Q.  It seems like forever ago.  They spent the last several days spoiling her.  So many fond memories, I can't help but smile.  What a special blessing it is to have a dog as part of the family.  Like Suzy, Winnie went everywhere with them.  She is intertwined in each of us.  My heart aches at their loss.  I have shed tears but I know her time had come.  She is now at peace.  She is doing victory laps around in the big dog park in the sky.   :-)

xo

Relish the moment

A friend recently told me she went on a trip to Hawaii and forgot her camera.  She said it was the best trip she'd ever taken.  She soaked in every moment.  Through her own eyes... not the lense of her camera.  

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I know, not the best picture, but it was candid.

She would have been mortified if I asked them to pose.

His name is Astolfo... he's just a friend.

It was his first concert.

He's moving this summer.

Last night I took Annie and Astolfo to a concert in Lawrence.  They wanted to get there at least an hour before the doors opened, so we left early.  They wanted pizza from the pizza place across from the theater - so they waited in line and I brought it to them.  As the time neared they gave me money and said, "we'll text you what shirts we want."  They wanted to be as close to the front as possible.  The theater is a big space with a stage - no seats.  Had I realized I was going to get to hold their stuff all evening I would have brought my purse.  ;-) No worries.

The opening bands played... it was loud!  I came prepared with earplugs. (I'm learning)  I found a spot with a couple other parents.  As the time neared for the main band to play the place became crowded with college students.  Jam packed was more like it!  The music got even louder - which I didn't think was possible.  I could feel the bass thumping in my bones.  I can honestly say I didn't recognize a single song.  It was very interesting people watching.  It was crazy how many people were watching the concert through their phone screens - taking pictures, taking video, texting friends (I think that was the only way to communicate with the person standing next to you).  But they weren't just texting, they were checking Facebook (maybe to see who else was at the concert), Instagram ('wow, check out this picture from 5 minutes ago.' - yep, I read someones lips who said that!) or checking their email.  Yes!  There were so many people not present.  I watched as faces went from sheer excitement to... well, they could have been standing just about anywhere else, head down, focused solely on their electronics.  (I am laughing at myself right now.  I sound like an old fuddy duddy.  :-) Perspective.  shrug. ?)  There have probably been times when I could call myself out on this.  I should be ashamed.  We, as a society, are so wrapped up in not wanting to miss out on something we are forgetting to be present.  We are teaching our kids it's ok to do several things at once, not realizing we are teaching them it's ok to miss out on something very important, and precious - this moment.  Right now. (Ok, I went from fuddy dud to standing on a soap box in one quick motion.)  I'm so glad I have a captive audience.  :-)  Perspective!  

Will I take Annie to more concerts?  Without a doubt, yes.  I love hearing their chatter before and after.  I love people watching.  I will remember to wear shoes that are more comfortable.  ;-)

xo

Jake

I haven't talked much about Jake lately, here's the latest.

Jake has decided it's time to stick his toe into the world of employment again... well, he applied for a job, anyway.  I'm hoping and praying it's a better experience than Smoke & Fire (or Smoke & Mirrors was more like it, right?)  Anyway, the company is Fat Brain Toys, which will be opening at store near 135th and Nall soon.  It's a very cool toy store.  They close at 8 every night and are open on Sunday from 12-5.  My fingers are crossed.  He wasn't able to apply in person, rather they asked for a resume be emailed.  SO, Jake has a resume now that looks pretty darn good and he has references.  

Jake is at the age where he really wants to be treated like an adult, but he still wants to act like a kid.  Oh, you want an example?  Well, you're in luck because I have a picture...

Yep, I pushed this out of Sam's Club today.

It started out as him wanting to stand up and ride in front of me, "like when I was little" and it turned into this.  The guy that highlighted your receipt at the exit didn't act like it was anything out of the ordinary.  I thought, 'Oh dear, I've turned into one of THOSE people letting my kids do whatever they want.'  Oh well.  Jake will PROBABLY never do this again.  AND I got a picture.  Ha!  Crazy kid!  Oh well.  I shrugged it off with a laugh.  What else can I do, right?  It was pretty funny watching him get himself out.  It wasn't easy.

Jack had golf, so here were my walking partners tonight...

Kinda blurry.

They were walking SO fast!

Being a teenager is hard... there's no other way to put it.  I have said it before and I'll say it again. I need to remember he's still growing, just like my preschoolers.  He needs patience and guidance and lots of love.  He needs help finding the right words sometimes.  He needs validation.  And I need to be his soft place to fall.  Someday, I will miss days like today... but today, I'm simply thankful!

xo

Heaven Is for Real

I read the book and when I heard it was being made into a movie I was very excited.  

I got to see it last Friday - Good Friday.

A friend and I met at the theater.  We got seated and settled in.  Immediately, I was smiling as I listened to the folks behind us.  Three "older" people visiting, a little louder than most. I'm guessing they were my parents age and I didn't mind a bit.  As the movie started one man inserted his commentary.  Again, I smiled.  It was sweet.  He didn't talk continuously but shared his thoughts time and again.  And he made me cry a bit harder when the tears started to fall and he blew his nose with a trumpeting blow.  I don't know why but it made the movie even more special.  The movie really was wonderful.  It was exactly what my soul needed.  It was full of assurance and hope.  

Never did I question it's validity.  Never did I think of it as fiction.  

This morning there was a segment on Good Morning America about the movie.  It was kind of a review but more-so asking the question, 'Do you believe in heaven or not?'  There were critics, calling it fiction.  There were religious experts sharing their skepticism to it's validity.  I have to say it hurt my heart a little.  If this movie does nothing more than give someone hope or comfort then I think it's a good thing.  Personally, I don't need proof of heaven's existence - because I choose to believe.  To me, it is REAL... just like 88% of the people that answered the poll on GMA.

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Yesterday, Annie went to Gardner to participate in the East Kansas League Art Competition.  I dropped her off at school at 6:25 a.m.  She said they arrived early and had plenty of time to unload their supplies and settle in.  There was one school that arrived late and threw the schedule off but it didn't seem to bother her much.  The team divided up and she started on the chalk drawing.  It wasn't her design but they all worked on it together. She asked me to mention she was only on the first crew, "I only did a bit of background on the top."  All and all, I think it was a good experience... even if Annie said, "they told us, learn and laugh, but it was more like learn and lose self esteem.  Everyone was SO good!"

BVW won best chalk drawing.

Today, there was a by invitation only assembly for Freshman.  Annie had received an invite but wasn't exactly sure what to expect.  She received two awards.  Principal's Honor Roll for last Fall and an Art Department Award.  Teachers in each department nominate the students they feel are the best and brightest.  Annie was thrilled to get an Art award!

We're so proud of our girl!

I sat down this afternoon and drew pictures with a group of three 5 year old girls.  I was using unusual colors.  Sometimes I like to see what their reaction is to stepping outside the box.  One little girl looked over and asked what I was drawing.  I answered.  She looked at the others, then back at me.  "You should be embarrassed."  Hmh!?  I put my markers away and went to play with the other kids.  I think I'll stick to playing and drawing with the 3 year olds.

I haven't been sharing my progress on Reat's Challenge but today I was supposed to count how many people I made smile.  I think there were many more people who made me smile today than vice versa.  Thankfully, smiling is contagious.  

Jack and I are going to take a walk.  The day was beautiful.  Happy Earth Day to you.  I hope you were able to get out and enjoy it.

xo

Easter Weekend!!

Christ is RISEN!

This morning started off bright and early.  Annie and the other confirmands helped with the first service, so we arrived a little before 8:15 a.m.  I greeted the Pastor and he responded, "Christ has risen indeed, but the computer is dead."  It's times like this we realize how dependent we have become on technology.  Jake tried to figure it out, to no avail.  Then Jack tried, again, to no avail.  We helped make copies of the Call to Worship and a song that wasn't in the hymnal.  There were so many people there we ran out of bulletins - a wonderful problem to have on ANY Sunday!  I think the average attendance is 10 or 12.  Today, I'm guessing it was around 40!  It wasn't a problem until Communion - which is served every Sunday at this service.  They ran out of bread!  The last few people took their Holy Sacrament with danish instead of bread.  Everyone agreed it was a wonderful problem to have and there were no complaints.

Being gone for many hours makes meal prep a bit tricky but we had it all worked out... or so we thought.  Jack and I and another couple showed up to Sunday School early and were visiting.  Jack was saying how he put the ham in the oven and was a little nervous about it turning itself on at the right time and cooking while no one was home.  Our friend said she was cooking her ham in the crock pot.  Immediately, Jack's eyes got wide and he said he didn't remember putting the ham in the oven.  He was leading Sunday School, so I hit the road.  I called and asked if he wanted me to go ahead and turn it on a lower temperature. "Yes!"  That way we would know it was on and cooking and there would be no other surprises.  I arrived back at church to find the class smiling and giving Jack a hard time.  No worries, crisis averted.  

I left class right before the closing prayer.  I thought I had seen my folks walking down the hall and wanted to greet them, it was not them.  I glanced around the narthex - nope, not here, either.  I found Jake at the West door greeting people as they entered.  I walked outside just as my parents pulled in. They said they had taken the scenic route.  Mom's words were, "we got off the highway at 9:55 and it's taken us this long to get here!" - nearly 40 minutes had past.  While I was a little concerned about their journey, I was glad/relieved they had arrived.  "Oh, we figured you'd been calling and we forgot our phone at home."  I'm sure glad I hadn't called, THAT would have worried me.    

We found seats in the second row.  The sanctuary was packed!  Annie did the "I do.  I will.  I will.  I do's." - which the class decided that summed up the question and answers.  And then Pastor Howard prayed for her.

 

God Bless our girl!

We're so proud of her!

The congregation was asking to bring fresh flowers 

and created a living cross.  It's to the left in the pictures.

It was beautiful!

The service was wonderful.  There's something about singing with a hymnal in your hand that fills me.  And the music was especially beautiful!  My Redeemer Lives!  

Jack and Jake got home ahead of the rest of us.  The ham needed to warm up a little more. The potatoes and rolls needed to go into oven.   I offered to my parents car home.  Dad questioned me.  I said, "I have no doubt you could get us there.  I just thought we could take a more direct route."  Mom chuckled.

Mom had an Easter Lily sitting in a bucket in the backseat.  Now it was my turn to laugh because I had gotten her one, as well.  "We'll just exchange them!"

We had some time before dinner was ready.  We recently bought the movie "42" so we started the show.  Wow, was a inspiring movie!  Mom and Dad had seen the movie before but gladly watched again.  We paused the movie when the food was ready.  The food was delicious.  I don't know if it's right or polite to say that about the food you've cooked, but it was.  It was wonderful to have my parents here to share Easter dinner with!  Everyone continued the movie while I made quick work in the kitchen.  

Mom, Dad, Jake and I played a few hands of cards.  The second game Dad got a little drowsy, I think it happened about the time Jack got comfortable in his chair and started snoring.  At one point Jake changed the channel off of golf and guess what, Jack woke up wondering why.  Ha!  Of course, he was asleep again in no time.  After the second game was over I asked if Dad needed a little couch time.  "No, but I think we should probably head home."  :-(  We helped them load up and gave them our usual goofy send-off.  Annie wanted no part of it this time.  ;-)  They were back within 20 minutes - Mom had forgotten her lily.   And Dad called when they got home, safe and sound.  Love them, so much!

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Yesterday:  

Jake and I helped with the Egg Hunt and Festivities at church.  

Jake got to be the BUNNY!

He did not like making several little ones cry.

In the afternoon I got to get my picture taken... no, not my favorite thing, but it was pretty painless.  Very soon the Bringing Therapy Home website will have have all our gorgeous mugs on it.  And our name badges, too!  

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Have faith!  Believe!  Hope!  

I am very happy to report that Lisa's Mom was released today and is resting at home.  She will meet with the oncologist on May 2nd.  They are confident that her team of doctors is working toward a common goal.

Our dear friend, Cathy, from church has made the decision to take her medical issues to Mayo Clinic.  It may take 6 months or more to get in, but she has found a calmness in her heart.  She received some honesty from her cardiologist and he said, "if you were my sister..."   She is feeling more at peace with her situation now, more than ever.   

Our friend, Pam, will be running in the Boston Marathon tomorrow.   We're praying for a safe and hope-filled day!

One last request, please pray for Marlene, Dave and Dave's Mom, Corinne.  Grandma Corinne (as I've always referred to her) is having some health issues and dementia.  While Grandma was in the hospital Dave would stay with her during the day and Marlene at night.  Now that she's been released this will be a full time commitment.  Please keep all three in your prayers for health, healing, comfort and strength.  

xo

Reat's Challenge / Updates

Day 1 - I wore white.

Day 2 - I smiled because I didn't get peed on, pooped on or thrown up on.  (Woo hoo!  It was a great day at work!)

Day 3 - I am thankful for the time my family spends together at the dinner table.  (Tonight we weren't able to eat together because Annie had to babysit BUT it's usually one of the best parts of my day.)

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My posts lately have been a little scattered.  My thoughts are all over the place.  

Kansas City has been in the news too much lately.  Too much!  

By now you probably know the names William, Reat, and Terri.  Reat's Mom has stated what she wants us all to do is "keep living."  I'm still in awe of her strength.  Her grace.  Her faith.  

Terri's funeral was today.  William and Reat's is tomorrow.  

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Peggy (Lisa's Mom) is doing a little better.  Yesterday, she had a stent put in her bile duct.  Her right lung partially collapsed but is doing much better today.  She's still on oxygen but her levels are improving.  She was sitting up in a chair, was cleared to drnk ice tea and eat jello and was up for a visit from her grandsons.  They are hoping she will be moved out of ICU tomorrow.  Please continue to pray for her. 

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The kids are busy.  Chemistry is a hard class.  I wish we would have gotten better advice and had Jake wait to take it next year.  Hindsight is 20/20, right?  At this point we're just trying to help him get through it. 

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Unfortunately, I don't have anything else to add.  I have a bit of writers block.  Hopefully you think my bits and pieces are better than silence.  

    

xo

Beating Heart

This is an article from JTA - The Global Jewish News Source.  So well written I wanted to share. 

In Kansas City, targeting a community’s beating heart

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (JTA) — Every Friday at noon, my 2-year-old daughter and I rush through the doors of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City to meet my father for lunch.

We are usually late, and the JCC’s Heritage Center, catering to active seniors (and their preschool-aged guests), is only our first stop. Vivien refuses to leave until she and zayde have had a run of the entire building. At the White Theater, she chatters on about the time she saw “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.” She reads books about Purim and Passover in the library, points out the most colorful paintings hung in the atrium and chases soccer balls around the gym until it is time to go.

Only when I promise we can always return does she let us carry her back through those large glass doors, the ones now shattered by shotgun blasts.

It’s a surreal image, those scarred doors, no easier to believe for having seen it on TV than the fact that two lives were taken in the parking lot outside.

After all, I grew up here, too. This is the place my parents first left me to fend for myself as a day camper, where I made an awkward preteen stage debut, worked summer after summer as a counselor, later helped produce a film festival, ran my first meeting and now continue to volunteer, work, work out (occasionally) and build some of the strongest relationships I’ve known.

My experience differs only in the details from those of thousands of other Kansas Citians. In the hours since the shootings of Sunday afternoon, friends — some who moved away years ago, leaving few ties behind — have written, called, posted on Facebook. One commented that it felt like an attack “inside my childhood home.”

Much has been made of the JCC as a safe place, but this is not our haven, it’s our habitat, a campus full of organizations serving those in all stages and walks of life. There is a preschool, a K-12 day school and the offices of Jewish federation and multiple other philanthropic, vocational, educational and family-service agencies, as well as the respected theater and popular fitness and sports facilities.

Nearly anyone involved with the Jewish community, even tangentially, has a regular reason to stop by — for a meeting, a preschool pick-up, a rehearsal, a lecture, a volunteer assignment, a swim lesson, a Zumba class — or knows someone who does.

A mile away, Village Shalom, the second site targeted by 73-year-old white supremacist Frazier Glenn Cross, is another community hub. It is an assisted-living facility for seniors but also houses a kosher cafe, an art gallery, a social hall for community lectures and events, and a chapel where our family’s synagogue holds weekday minyanim (and where we celebrated our son’s brit milah two months ago).

These campuses are the physical manifestation of a remarkably cohesive Jewish community. Perhaps more so than in larger communities, Kansas City Jews hold tight across political and denominational lines.

But neither is the community an island. The Jewish Community Campus serves visitors of all religions and backgrounds; in the perfect phrasing of my friend Josh Stein, who works there, it is “the living room of our community, open and welcoming to everyone.”

Read more: http://www.jta.org/2014/04/14/news-opinion/united-states/in-kansas-city-targeting-a-communitys-beating-heart#ixzz2z0sMKdTG

Home, Community, Love

Jake and the band returned in the rain.   Jake said the trip was great and he can't pick one favorite part. "It was just the whole thing.  It was great."  

Enjoying Belmont Park

(it was really high - but SO fun!)

Jake is still on cloud 9.  He's glad to be home but a little sad the trip is over.

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I am certain everyone is aware of the senseless act of violence and hit my community yesterday.  It's unbelievable.  But, in case you haven't seen the mother of the 14 year old killed and daughter his grandfather.  I would urge you to take a moment to watch and listen... Mindi Losen - what an amazing example of faith. (double clip on it, Dad.)  

We are but instruments in the hands of the Master — all credit, all honor and all glory belongs to Him and Him alone.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace

Where there is hatred, let me spread love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

Where there is sadness, joy

  Lord make me an instrument

This was posted on Facebook by one of Reat's friends.  Here are her words: "I have started a challenge for all of those in want of honoring Reat and those lost yesterday. Join me in challenging ourselves to rise to a new level of self-improvement in recognition of how Reat tried to live his every day life. Don't go to school with me? Doesn't matter. Thank you so much everyone."  

Challenge Accepted!

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Finally, I ask for prayers for my friend, Lisa, and her family.  Lisa's mother, Peggy, was scheduled for surgery to remove pancreatic cancer this morning.  The procedure was ended early. Doctors found liver disease and were unable to do surgery, fearing her liver would not be able to handle the stress of this major operation.  And disease is advanced enough there was concern about her coming out of anesthesia.  Thankfully, she awakened and they are trying to manage her pain.  At this point, the doctors are trying to determine their next course of action in cancer treatment.  Your prayers are appreciated.

xo  

Off they go!

Ok, I said I was going to wait, but I will add pictures from Jake's trip as I get them...

On the bus...

(not Jake's - there were so many boys 

Jake and 7 others got to ride on the girls bus.)

Jake sat in the last row on the plane, which didn't recline.

BUT he was able to sleep.

A 3:15 wake up is just too early.

They arrived safely in San Diego!

And got to spend a little time at the hotel pool.

xo

Prayers for Travel Mercies

I am thankful that we have a well traveled boy.  I am grateful for his love of music and adventure. 

Tomorrow morning at 4:45 a.m., Jake and 77 other members of the BVW band, along with their directors, and 30 other parents and/or family members will be leaving for San Diego, California.  They will be attending a concert band festival.  They have three jam packed days planned.  They will be going to Sea World, the Museum of Music Making, and tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier among other things. They will stay busy and return home Sunday evening.

To say that Jake is over the moon excited is an understatement.  We are currently watching the movie 42, in hopes of calming some of his excitement.  His suitcase is mostly packed. We will make finishing touches and pack his dress clothes toothbrush and pillow in the morning.  

I hope to give you a full report - or as close as possible - on Monday or as soon as Jake shares his tales of the trip.  (The directors have assured those of us staying home that this will not be an adventure of 'what happens in San Diego, stays in San Diego'.)  ;-)

I'm gonna miss him.

:-)

Please keep Jake and our band family in your prayers for safe adventure.  

xo  

Hello Spring!

This year I have been anxiously awaiting Spring.  It was such a joy when I saw the first sprigs of green poking out of the ground.  Then almost overnight I saw this...

 

beautiful color!

Earlier this week Annie came home from school with a letter... it read "Congratulations!" Annie was selected for the EKL Art Team and will represent her school at competition! How cool is that?  On April 21st she will get to skip school to take part in her first juried show, as well as attend a variety of demonstrations, participate in; a group chalk drawing, still life competition, an art history "game." She is one of two freshman!  We are very excited for her!

Today, Jake had Regional Solo/Ensemble Contest.  His piece was quite a bit tougher than last year and he did really well.  He did really well and received a 2 rating.  We are so proud of him!  Monday they had a recital at school and Jake struggled.  It didn't help that his director was following along on his music - watching over his shoulder.  "Mom, I was sweating like crazy!"  And much to Jake's chagrin I made a comment to her about it this afternoon when I was volunteering.  She said she likes see how kids are going to handle the pressure.  "He was only a few points away from a 1!"  He was very happy with his performance, too.

I have a prayer request.  My friend Lisa's Mom (Peggy) found out this week she has Pancreatic Cancer.  They are very optimistic because it was caught early.  She will meet with her surgeon on Thursday.  Peggy had breast cancer 18 years ago.  As I said, they are very optimistic but cANCER is a scary word and prayers are appreciated.    

xo

Wandering

I started this the FIRST Sunday of Lent (yes, 3 weeks ago - I'm embarrassed to admit it, but it's true.)

Have you ever taken out on a walk with no particular plan or destination?  I have done it a time or two on vacation but never from home.  How come?  Why am I afraid to wander? When I was little I recall being told "don't wander off."  As children we are taught not to... is it because wandering has no purpose?  Or is it perceived as squandering your time?  If so, that's a shame.

It's the first Sunday in Lent.  It's a time when many people give something up, just as Jesus fasted for 40 days.  I have never been one to give something up but instead I make a conscience effort to do something.  Devotions, random acts of kindness, reconnecting with friends, etc.  

This mornings sermon was about The Wandering Way - Temptation Mountain.  Have you ever seen the movie "The Way"?  I hadn't heard of it but Jack and I are both very interested in watching it. It's a story about a mans journey, "El camino de Santiago" or the way of St. James in Spain.  Just as Jesus wandered for 40 days, this man travels 800 and some odd kilometers.  He tells a local he is not doing it for himself, but the local man says this journey must be all about you.  As he starts his journey he heads the wrong direction... and in that moment I was captured.  How often do we wander around looking and waiting for our internal compass to direct us to our true North? 

As I reflect I wonder, am truly listening to my heart and headed the right direction?  I think my path too frequently looks more like this...

it's a map of Highway 40 - near Berthound Pass in Colorado, it goes this way and that with switchbacks.  

I know, it's a random location.  I found it because of a recent avalanche in that area.  BUT can you imagine driving on this road without a map or walking on this path, looking for markers, unsure you're headed in the right direction?  I would certainly be convinced I was not on the right road and I would most likely lose all sense of direction.  For some reason, I have a strong desire to travel this road.   

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That's where I left it until a week ago yesterday Monday... (I think) 

  
Wandering has been a topic on my mind most of this week.  The sermon last Sunday still referenced The Way but wrestled with are we walking our own path or one that we were lead down.  Again, the father referenced not walking the El Camino for himself, but his son. I know people who have gone into a career, not by their own choosing but because they were following in their father or mothers footsteps.  While I have often thought it was noble to go into the "family" business, of sorts, I wonder how often they life with regret or anger or disappointment.  

When I was in Girl Scouts we took a field trip to Kansas Neurological Institute, and then later, The Capper Foundation.  I'm not sure at what point I felt in my heart that I was supposed to work with individuals with special needs but I did.  I wasn't sure how I was going to get here.  My path was crazy... but I'm here.  Do I regret not going to college and making my path a bit straighter?  No.  I don't think I would have the same appreciation if I did.  I not saying my days are full of sunshine and rainbows, they are not.  My oh my, that is far from the truth.  Jack doesn't like hearing that I deal with violent little ones, but they are learning and growing and there is often resistance, but there is also progress.  I always keep in mind that we can only control what we know and see and there is ALWAYs a lot going on outside of my time with them.  It's crazy to say but I have a lot more patience and tolerance for little ones with struggles than I do our peer models (typical kids).        

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And now it's Sunday, March 23rd.  I probably should just leave it wherever I'm at and start a new post, but that hasn't happened.  Lots has happened.  I guess I will start with the current topic and then bring you up to speed on our goings-ons (yes, I may have just made up a new word, I'm not sure.)

So, today's sermon continued on The Way.  It focused more on the lines of "we were expecting you."  Ok, confession time.  I would LOVE to have my house in order enough that if someone decided to drop by unexpectedly I would welcome them with open arms and have snacks at the ready for just that moment.  BUT I live in a state of organized chaos... that's probably over-exaggerated.  I live much closer to organized chaos than say Martha Stewart.  

Regardless, in the movie (The Way) the main character is exhausted, his feet are hurting and he tells his fellow travelers he's taking a break and they can go ahead.  He goes around a corner and finds a family eating dinner.  The father stands and welcomes him saying, "Welcome Pilgrim!  We've been expecting you!" and invited him to join in their meal.  Wouldn't that be amazing?  And just think that there is a heavenly banquet waiting for each of us... I don't know about you, I CAN wait that day but it's something to look forward to.  

There are talk about watching The Way together after Lent is over.  I would enjoy that.

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Now, I'm going back to Spring Break (I don't want to say how long ago that was).  On Tuesday, Annie and I went to Topeka to meet up with my sister and get Jake.  He had gone over the previous Thursday.  He had a good visit; shoot some guns, played some cards, ate anchovy pizza, explored the woods and broke in their new computer.  All things a teenage boy enjoys.  We also got to visit with my folks and see my great nephews, Isaac and Sam.  Always enjoyable!

Wednesday was a crazy day.  I am a champion at procrastination.  We finally had our new carpet scheduled and needed to get furniture moved, carpet, pad and staples removed from the family room, stairs, and hallway.  No worries, it all got done.  And I was SORE!  My fingers, hands and knees ached for days but I'm not complaining.  

 

We pulled up the carpet and pad everywhere but the living/dining room.

We saved a few bucks but they did it SO much faster!

 

Annie LOVED the acoustics!  

She sat at the top of the stairs and played for quite a while.

The whole ordeal made Suzy terribly nervous.

 

<-- not without complication.  He wasn't sure there was enough carpet.

--> so he had to recut it in the driveway!

The best part was on Thursday afternoon the guys told me if I could get all the "little stuff" moved out of the living and dining rooms they would move the big stuff and removed the carpet and pad and get it all installed in one day!  Woo hoo!  I called Jake and his buddy to come over and help with the little stuff and it didn't take long at all.

 

Success!  And they finished in one day!

It's gorgeous!  

Friday, I spent much of the day purging.  We made Isaac, Sam, and Addy each a pile of books.  We filled a box of books to sell at Half Price Books.  Annie had been wanting to go, so this was perfect timing.  I started a new bag for Goodwill.  It's still a work in progress but it feels good.

I got to watch the sun rise, in the rear view mirror.

Saturday (March 22nd) I was up and out of the house before 7 a.m. and hit the road.  I picked up my folks and we headed to Marion, Kansas.  My Dad's hometown.  He has been diving into genealogy.  He's not just filling in the branches on our family tree but going back generations.  In an effort to fill in a few more trees in our grove he called to his cousins - second, third maybe some fourth, I'm not sure.  I believe there were 12 people that gathered. My Dad was joined by his three sisters; Virginia, Marilyn and Carmen and brother, Max. Max had a new computer program that, as Dad put it, "is going to do must of the work for us."  Believe it or not, I think he was a little disappointed when he came to that realization. He has been pounding it out of his computer for... gosh, I don't know how long... years maybe.  It was a successful day.  As we left for home we drove past the old homestead.  It has been sold and is sitting in wait.  

 

<-- Hayen Farmstead.  The fence is gone the but gate still stands.

--> Youngtown Church.  It closed in 2001.  I love that they kept the sign.

The land is being farmed but I'm not sure by whom.  We drove past Youngtown Church, which closed and has been remodeled into a home.  We stayed on the gravel road and followed Dad's request going on another mile, then crossing the highway and going back so-and-so's old place.  I really wish I could remember their names.  Dad was taking us down memory lane.  It was amazing to hear these friends had walked to church and school (it was miles!).  Then after a few turns we popped back out on the highway next to the "Can-of-peaches" place.  No, not their name.  There had been a family named Kegobean (I have no idea how to spell it) and I don't know how we renamed this particular homestead the "Canopeaches" but it was a running joke and was a landmark I looked at for a huge chunk of my life.  :-)  

While Dad was having his family meeting Mom and I did a bit of antiquing around town. We ventured out to The Copper Shed and ate lunch in Hillsboro.  I'm pretty sure I'd never been there before.  I had heard about the red barn and was intrigued.  Turns out it used to be the old alfalfa mill and was down a junk haven.  It was fascinating.  Although neither of us bought anything there, if I ever want to buy a bunch of wooden chairs or a bench or anything made of metal, I will definitely go back.  

 

Bearly Makin It Antiques

The Copper Shed (isn't the banister amazing!?)

 

more treasures at The Copper Shed.

Mom and I enjoyed our day wandering around the Flint Hills.

The Old Alfalfa Mill

(another Bearly Makin It Antiques location)

 

<-- Need an old door?

--> Or a set of old time school desks?

Or... LOTS of other stuff?

I stopped by to check on my Uncle Dave.  There is a lot of construction going in his apartment building and I knocked many times before I got to see to eyes.  He only opened the door a crack.  He was feeling under the weather and although I asked if he needed food or company, my offer was rejected.  I had hoped to play a few games of cards but he was not up for the challenge.  Hopefully I will get down there again soon. 

We weren't on the highway long and Dad was out - exhausted.  

He happily woke up in Emporia for dinner at his favorite...

And treated himself to a cherries and cream shake and got a pint to take home.  By the time we arrived at their house we were all exhausted.  

Ok, it's been over a week since then.  Work is crazy and exhausting.  I have lots to catch you up on but I want to finish this one before I start another... I'm hoping to have it posted by the weekend.  I will try!

Tomorrow (April 2nd) is Paula's (Jack's Mom) birthday.  Happy Birthday, Paula! 

xo