I realize
that this is Sarabeth's dog...
But,
are these
not
two peas in a pod?
(same faces in each pic)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, January 09, 2012
A New Year-Expect God To Surprise You
I can't believe it is already January 4th 9th, 2012. Two thousand Eleven, it seems, was a year of travel, moves, and visitors. I never realized our home has a revolving door, or that traveling could be so much fun.
I took 7 trips, including the around-the-world flight.
I had kids move away or move home 7 times.
Not counting the kids and their friends, I had houseguests on 9 separate occasions. We never had more than 11 here at one time. Large groups for dinner I lost count a long time ago.
Last year's theme could be summed up as Travel To Gather With Family.
I am looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store. The theme this year: Expect God To Surprise You. I can't wait to see what God has planned. I'm looking forward to seeing where God takes each of my family members, our growth, stepping out into new territory, going deeper, and living out the Abundant Life.
I took 7 trips, including the around-the-world flight.
I had kids move away or move home 7 times.
Not counting the kids and their friends, I had houseguests on 9 separate occasions. We never had more than 11 here at one time. Large groups for dinner I lost count a long time ago.
Last year's theme could be summed up as Travel To Gather With Family.
I am looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store. The theme this year: Expect God To Surprise You. I can't wait to see what God has planned. I'm looking forward to seeing where God takes each of my family members, our growth, stepping out into new territory, going deeper, and living out the Abundant Life.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
December 29th, 2011
Barely awake, eyes still closed, Michael whispered, "Are you awake sweetie?" I smiled answering, "not quite," to which he responded:
"Happy Anniversary." Startled, I struggled to open my stuck shut eyes. I could hardly believe it. Today is my anniversary? I, the romantic in our relationship, the one who has never forgotten an anniversary and works hard to make sure he doesn't ever forget, apparently DID forget. OMG!
Twenty-eight years ago we said "I do."
In fairness to me, a lot has happened this past week. We had a snow storm,
"Happy Anniversary." Startled, I struggled to open my stuck shut eyes. I could hardly believe it. Today is my anniversary? I, the romantic in our relationship, the one who has never forgotten an anniversary and works hard to make sure he doesn't ever forget, apparently DID forget. OMG!
Twenty-eight years ago we said "I do."
In fairness to me, a lot has happened this past week. We had a snow storm,
Michael's 58th birthday,
Christmas Eve,
a niece to share Christmas with us,
and an engagement...
yes an engagement!
Christina
& Danny
The cute couple
Congrats to Danny & Christina.
Happy Anniversary Michael.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Christmas Story
I can't remember the last time our church had a Children's Christmas Pageant. It might have been 1995. Christopher played a shepherd, Elisabeth was Moses. No, that isn't a mistake, she really did play Moses, white beard and all. (It would take too long to explain.)
This morning, I watched the children perform the Christmas Story. I was a little surprised to hear Mary and Joseph sing so off key. I cringed more than once. Who cast these children in the part as the Virgin Mary and her beloved Joseph, when it was clearly a musical part? I did realize, the chosen songs were very difficult. I was distracted.
I looked hard at each of the children, trying to figure out who they belonged to. Not a one of them was familiar. I thought back to when my kids performed. I recognized each and every child or at least the family they belonged to. The choir director's daughter sang the solos, my best friend's son was the one picking his nose.
Today was different. I felt removed from the children. These were elementary students. The parents might be young, like I was-early 30's or even late 20's. I didn't know a single one of them.
Joseph began screeching....I mean singing again. I wondered how old he was. Most likely he was 10 or so. Tears filled my eyes. These are Ethan's peers. He is nine. Under "normal" circumstances, Ethan could be a part of this performance.
What I wouldn't give to watch him play Joseph and hear him singing off-key. Oh to see him dressed as a shepherd, bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, or the angel who forgot her line. If Ethan lived here, and was a typical child, I'd know these children as Ethan's friends, the kids in the choir.
Instead, this song seems more appropriate:
Silent Night. Holy Night.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What I Did Today
I awoke at 4:30 this morning. I could not get warm. My body hurt. My sinuses hurt. I must be running a fever. I struggled to fall back asleep. By 6:30 I crawled out of bed for Tylenol. Brrr...it was cold. I checked the thermostat, and even though it was set to 70, it was only 66 degrees. I went back to my bedroom; the thermostat read 56. I wasn't running a fever at all. The furnace was simply not doing its job.
My phone wasn't doing its job either. Or maybe it was the fault of the cell phone carrier. Either way, I was getting some text messages 2 hours after they were sent. One message asked what I was doing. At that moment I was waiting in the chiropractor's office. If I'd received it when it was sent, I was actually waiting in line at the post office.
Instead of getting together with Elisabeth, I chose to get my hair colored. I sent her a text: Jennifer is going to do my hair at 6. Jen is a family friend. Elisabeth & I sometimes get our hair done together. A few hours later, I notice a text from Elisabeth that said she was getting her hair done at 6 by Jen. I laughed. I started a text, "So did Jen schedule us for the same time so we could go together?" Then I realized I was reading messages from my outbox. My brain is not doing a great job today either.
I left dinner on the stove, before rushing out for my hair appointment. I was tired when I returned. In spite of my family sharing that dinner was delicious, I opted for a bag of popcorn instead. My teeth were none too happy, and my crown decided it was tired of doing its job. I swallowed the part that broke off. Guess tomorrow I'll make a dentist appointment. I hope he's doing his job better than my last dentist.
My phone wasn't doing its job either. Or maybe it was the fault of the cell phone carrier. Either way, I was getting some text messages 2 hours after they were sent. One message asked what I was doing. At that moment I was waiting in the chiropractor's office. If I'd received it when it was sent, I was actually waiting in line at the post office.
Instead of getting together with Elisabeth, I chose to get my hair colored. I sent her a text: Jennifer is going to do my hair at 6. Jen is a family friend. Elisabeth & I sometimes get our hair done together. A few hours later, I notice a text from Elisabeth that said she was getting her hair done at 6 by Jen. I laughed. I started a text, "So did Jen schedule us for the same time so we could go together?" Then I realized I was reading messages from my outbox. My brain is not doing a great job today either.
I left dinner on the stove, before rushing out for my hair appointment. I was tired when I returned. In spite of my family sharing that dinner was delicious, I opted for a bag of popcorn instead. My teeth were none too happy, and my crown decided it was tired of doing its job. I swallowed the part that broke off. Guess tomorrow I'll make a dentist appointment. I hope he's doing his job better than my last dentist.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
1st Christmas Wish List
Michael asked me what I wanted for Christmas. He asked me if I could make a list. While listening to this Christmas song, I came up with an idea.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Music Soothes The Soul
I love Christmas music! I have over 50 Christmas CD's and even more music downloaded. My favorites this year are two a cappella albums. One was playing this morning.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new born King,
Immediately my thoughts floated back to the last time I remember this sung A-capella. I blogged about it here. It was a Sunday afternoon. I stood in his hospital room. The melody reverberated up and down the hallway. None of us knew, that two days later, he would join the angels in heaven singing glory to the Prince of Peace & King of Kings. It's been almost two years since my father-in-law went on to glory.
Every time I hear this song, I'll remember that moment two days before his passing, when it sounded like angels singing just outside his hospital room.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new born King,
Immediately my thoughts floated back to the last time I remember this sung A-capella. I blogged about it here. It was a Sunday afternoon. I stood in his hospital room. The melody reverberated up and down the hallway. None of us knew, that two days later, he would join the angels in heaven singing glory to the Prince of Peace & King of Kings. It's been almost two years since my father-in-law went on to glory.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
An Airline Story
I've said it before, but I must say it again, "I love Southwest Airlines." I don't mean to offend my sister, who works for another airline. I do intend to inform Frontier Airlines that I don't plan to fly on their animals any time soon. I'll explain how wonderful Southwest's customer service is, and how not-so wonderful theirs is. (Story to follow soon.)
Last Wednesday, my mother-in-law and I prepared to board our 5:45 p.m. flight. We were headed home to Denver after spending 8 days in Arizona for Thanksgiving and a wedding. When called to preboard, I grabbed my mother-in-law's carry-on bags in addition to mine and we walked towards check in. In passing the wheelchairs, she somehow caught her leg on a piece of exposed metal holding the foot rests. Before she even pulled her pant leg up, I knew her leg was bleeding.
My mother-in-law, Elizabeth, is 84 and on blood thinners. It doesn't take much to tear her skin. I immediately asked the attendant taking the boarding passes if there was a first aid kit somewhere and explained what happened. She said one of the flight attendants would have a bandage.
I assisted Elizabeth into the front row of our aircraft, and asked a flight attendant for help. It was obvious at this point, that she was bleeding quite a bit and needed more than a bandaid. The flight attendants were very kind, called paramedics, and did all they could to make us comfortable, in spite of a delay in the boarding process. Even the pilot came by to offer words of encouragement.
After wrapping her wound, the paramedics offered to take Elizabeth to the hospital. Just wanting to get home, she asked that she be allowed to remain on the plane. The boarding process resumed.
In spite of a nearly full flight, the seat between Elizabeth and I was left alone to allow her to elevate her leg. Once all of the passengers were finished boarding, our flight took off a few minutes late. Throughout the flight home, the flight attendants continued their compassion and helpful assistance.
At one point, Elizabeth became cold and began shaking. Darlene (or Darlena) one of the flight attendants offered her a cup of hot tea, but she couldn't find any decaffeinated. Darlene then looked through her own purse, retrieved a bag of peppermint tea, and graciously offered it.
The pilot landed the plane on time, in spite of the delay we caused. We arrived safely and were able to see a doctor close to home.
Employees of Southwest Airlines went above and beyond their normal duties with a cheerful attitude. This is a sign that they enjoy their jobs in a rewarding, positive work environment. Hats off to Southwest Airlines for making travel so pleasant.
"Treat others just as you want to be treated." Luke 6:31
Monday, December 05, 2011
Time Is Flying
It's December. Really. Just in case you haven't noticed. Except for two poinsettia plants, my home is not adorned with Christmas loveliness. The boxes marked "Christmas" are tucked away. I haven't even pulled out the top box marked "First."
Today is the 5th of December and I have not opened the first box. The "First" box doesn't contain meaningful first memorabilia inside. No special ornaments to commemorate our first Christmas together, or the celebration of a baby's first Christmas. Nope. It is marked first so that when December 1st sneaks up on me, I know which box to pull out of storage. I have time for the rest, but this one needs to be opened by November 30th. It contains the Advent Calendar.
Filled with memories of excitement and anticipation, the Calendar is showing signs of age. The edges are tattered. The stitching on pockets are torn. One of the treasures went missing 3 years ago. It's a Christmas tree with pockets. Each day, a gift is pulled from a pocket and hung on the tree. I think about replacing it every year. Somehow, in the busyness of the season, it has never happened. Many times I imagined designing my own calendar with a Nativity scene to count down the days. I envisioned making one for each of my children to reduce the bickering of whose turn it was to do the calendar.
Today is the 5th of December and I have not opened the first box. The "First" box doesn't contain meaningful first memorabilia inside. No special ornaments to commemorate our first Christmas together, or the celebration of a baby's first Christmas. Nope. It is marked first so that when December 1st sneaks up on me, I know which box to pull out of storage. I have time for the rest, but this one needs to be opened by November 30th. It contains the Advent Calendar.
Filled with memories of excitement and anticipation, the Calendar is showing signs of age. The edges are tattered. The stitching on pockets are torn. One of the treasures went missing 3 years ago. It's a Christmas tree with pockets. Each day, a gift is pulled from a pocket and hung on the tree. I think about replacing it every year. Somehow, in the busyness of the season, it has never happened. Many times I imagined designing my own calendar with a Nativity scene to count down the days. I envisioned making one for each of my children to reduce the bickering of whose turn it was to do the calendar.
We had a system for regulating the calendar. The rule was: the first one out of bed earned the privilege of changing the calendar. December is a brutal month with kids. Evenings are filled with choir concerts, plays, parties, and other holiday activities that make for late nights and early mornings. The calendar was a wonderful motivation to get them out of bed, and ready for school. More than once I heard Sarabeth bribing Hilary, "if you get up right now, I'll let you do the calendar."
Occasionally I'd hear tiny feet, tip-toeing down the hall in the wee hours of the morning. Later when I'd get out of bed, I'd find each of them fast asleep. The moment their eyes opened, the thrill of victory enticed them from their bed. But the haze of sleepiness would draw them back under the covers.
One Saturday I walked by the girls' bedroom. I saw Elisabeth lying in bed. I was surprised. Don't all kids bounce out of bed on the weekends?
"Do you feel okay?" I whispered, trying not to wake her sisters. Raising her head slightly off the pillow, leaning closer, she whispered back, "Yes, but I wanted to let Hilary do the calendar today. I can't get out of bed yet." Hilary's competitive nature wouldn't allow herself to be handed a win. It must be earned. She had to actually beat her siblings out of bed, or somehow the thrill of the calendar wasn't the same.
I'm not sure if it was Christina or Christopher, but one (or maybe both) enjoyed being a trickster. After their younger sisters would go to bed, they'd often sneak in and switch the calendar. They'd chuckle smugly upon hearing their sisters argue over who cheated the first one out of bed. I finally wised up and would make the calendar right each night, before heading to bed.
So many memories....
I don't want to put up the Advent Calendar this year. Visions of sugarplums dancing aren't the thoughts frolicking in my head. Instead, I envision the calendar on December 24 empty; looking as if I have many days to left to shop before Christmas. No one, little or big, lives here counting down the days with stars in their eyes.
Maybe it is time to pass the calendar on to Ethan. Or maybe it's time to throw it away.
Twenty more days until Christmas.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
One Saturday I walked by the girls' bedroom. I saw Elisabeth lying in bed. I was surprised. Don't all kids bounce out of bed on the weekends?
"Do you feel okay?" I whispered, trying not to wake her sisters. Raising her head slightly off the pillow, leaning closer, she whispered back, "Yes, but I wanted to let Hilary do the calendar today. I can't get out of bed yet." Hilary's competitive nature wouldn't allow herself to be handed a win. It must be earned. She had to actually beat her siblings out of bed, or somehow the thrill of the calendar wasn't the same.
I'm not sure if it was Christina or Christopher, but one (or maybe both) enjoyed being a trickster. After their younger sisters would go to bed, they'd often sneak in and switch the calendar. They'd chuckle smugly upon hearing their sisters argue over who cheated the first one out of bed. I finally wised up and would make the calendar right each night, before heading to bed.
So many memories....
I don't want to put up the Advent Calendar this year. Visions of sugarplums dancing aren't the thoughts frolicking in my head. Instead, I envision the calendar on December 24 empty; looking as if I have many days to left to shop before Christmas. No one, little or big, lives here counting down the days with stars in their eyes.
Maybe it is time to pass the calendar on to Ethan. Or maybe it's time to throw it away.
Twenty more days until Christmas.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Catching Up
Tomorrow is Grandparent's Day...at least it is at Ethan's school. I can't wait. Just wish it didn't mean I have to wake up earlier than usual.
Last Friday I went to the mountains for a Ladies Overnight Retreat, that turned into two nights. Am I blessed or what?
Last night, Michael's mom fell. I was in the kitchen and didn't hear her. Thankfully, she was able to call out and Michael heard her, but not for a few minutes. She bumped her head, and her arm, but is doing well. Kind of scary, and wondering how to prevent this from happening again.
Michael surprised me. We are the proud owners of new bedroom furniture. It looks like a completely different room. All that's left to do is paint the walls. Hoping to do that the first week of December (after I rip down the wallpaper that's adorned our walls for more than 20 years.) So exciting!
I hope to get back to regular blogging soon.
Last Friday I went to the mountains for a Ladies Overnight Retreat, that turned into two nights. Am I blessed or what?
Last night, Michael's mom fell. I was in the kitchen and didn't hear her. Thankfully, she was able to call out and Michael heard her, but not for a few minutes. She bumped her head, and her arm, but is doing well. Kind of scary, and wondering how to prevent this from happening again.
Michael surprised me. We are the proud owners of new bedroom furniture. It looks like a completely different room. All that's left to do is paint the walls. Hoping to do that the first week of December (after I rip down the wallpaper that's adorned our walls for more than 20 years.) So exciting!
I hope to get back to regular blogging soon.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Injustice
He was excited. He hadn't been swimming in weeks. His mom, a nursing student and single, was pretty busy with homework, clinicals, and caring for him. Going to the pool was a treat.
A couple of moms sat near the pool, while their kids played. Both were preoccupied. Maybe they'd had a difficult week too. Absorbed in their own little worlds, neither looked up as the children encircled the boy. They began laughing and splashing with all of their might.
The boy couldn't fight back. He couldn't turn or swim away. He couldn't yell or call for help. He gasped for air, unsure of how to make it stop. Engrossed in her Twilight book, the one mom didn't even look up when the boy's mom yelled. The other glanced briefly in the kids direction, but couldn't be distracted from the game, flashing and beeping on her phone.
What makes kids think it is okay to bully the one boy with disabilities? The only one who can't stand up for himself?
The boy longed for someone to play with him. He was desperate for a friend. He didn't understand that the kids didn't like him. He tried to join their game of water tag. Peering over to see if the boy's mom was watching, one of the kids turned his back to her, as he whispered taunts, teasing the boy for not being able to speak.
When I heard this story, I was angry. Where is the tolerance for those who are different???
How can these mothers allow such injustice? Ethan did not choose to be disabled. This isn't a lifestyle choice. He was born this way. Parents who are too busy to take the time to teach their children right from wrong have no business having children.
A couple of moms sat near the pool, while their kids played. Both were preoccupied. Maybe they'd had a difficult week too. Absorbed in their own little worlds, neither looked up as the children encircled the boy. They began laughing and splashing with all of their might.
The boy couldn't fight back. He couldn't turn or swim away. He couldn't yell or call for help. He gasped for air, unsure of how to make it stop. Engrossed in her Twilight book, the one mom didn't even look up when the boy's mom yelled. The other glanced briefly in the kids direction, but couldn't be distracted from the game, flashing and beeping on her phone.
What makes kids think it is okay to bully the one boy with disabilities? The only one who can't stand up for himself?
The boy longed for someone to play with him. He was desperate for a friend. He didn't understand that the kids didn't like him. He tried to join their game of water tag. Peering over to see if the boy's mom was watching, one of the kids turned his back to her, as he whispered taunts, teasing the boy for not being able to speak.
When I heard this story, I was angry. Where is the tolerance for those who are different???
How can these mothers allow such injustice? Ethan did not choose to be disabled. This isn't a lifestyle choice. He was born this way. Parents who are too busy to take the time to teach their children right from wrong have no business having children.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
An Anniversary
Today marks my parents fifty-third anniversary. Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
Have you ever wished you could have known your parents when they were younger? If you'd met them in high school, would you have been friends with them? If there was such a thing as time travel, we could all go back to the future.
It reminds me of a story my dad told after my grandmother died. He was dating my mom's best friend, and they decided to go to the beach. The three of them were sitting in the front seat of his car. Back then, most vehicles had bench seats and no seatbelts so you could pile quite a few people into them.
While they were driving, dad noticed a woman following them, and weaving a bit. She honked a couple of times and was wildly waving something out of her car window. My dad remarked, "there is a crazy lady following us."
Both girls in the car looked back to see what was going on and what this crazy lady was waving out of her window. My mom recognized her immediately, sinking a little lower in her seat. "You better pull over, it's my mom."
Grandma didn't want her little girl to forget her sack lunch for her day at the beach.
Have you ever wished you could have known your parents when they were younger? If you'd met them in high school, would you have been friends with them? If there was such a thing as time travel, we could all go back to the future.
It reminds me of a story my dad told after my grandmother died. He was dating my mom's best friend, and they decided to go to the beach. The three of them were sitting in the front seat of his car. Back then, most vehicles had bench seats and no seatbelts so you could pile quite a few people into them.
While they were driving, dad noticed a woman following them, and weaving a bit. She honked a couple of times and was wildly waving something out of her car window. My dad remarked, "there is a crazy lady following us."
Both girls in the car looked back to see what was going on and what this crazy lady was waving out of her window. My mom recognized her immediately, sinking a little lower in her seat. "You better pull over, it's my mom."
Grandma didn't want her little girl to forget her sack lunch for her day at the beach.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Changes
It was 80 degrees on Monday when I attempted to capture Autumn's awesome splendor.
I don't recommend snapping photos while driving. As I was leaving the post office, I couldn't help myself.
At this time of year, it is easy to miss out on the changing colors.
The splendid array of red, yellow, and gold is short lived. The foliage quickly turns brown, and is transformed into glorious heaps of leaves, crunching beneath my feet. I resist the childish urge to throw myself into a pile of them.
As is often the case in Colorado, heavy, wet snow hastens the process.
By Wednesday, a blanket of white covered the landscape .
Beneath the weight
Of heavy branches,
Nature's colors disappeared.
So did our electricity.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Play Nice
If you can't say something nice....then don't say anything at all.
I have nothing to say today.
I have nothing to say today.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Technology-deleted
I spent the last 3 days working on this blog post. In one second, it disappeared. The automatic save button kicked in the second I hit the wrong key and saved...nothing. Ah, technology, my friend and foe.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Meeting Camden
Ethan met Camden on Saturday.
Ethan couldn't say Camden. Instead, he rocked the puppy back and forth saying "baby."
He was hugging and loving her so much, I took him to Good Times to get some lunch.
Mostly it was to give the poor puppy a break.
It's frozen custard with peanutbutter sauce and dog bones. When we got to the window, I asked. Sure enough, they still carried them. When I handed it to Ethan to hold, and told him what it was, he high-fived his grandma as if to say, "way-to-go Gramma! You always know what I mean."
Camden LOVED Good Times as much as Ethan does. I'm not sure if she was cold or was merely over excited but she shook the entire time she was eating.
Ethan pointed to his chest, bending close to Camden and repeatedly said, "E...E...E" He wanted Camden to know that the only reason she was enjoying this treat was because "E" had ordered it for her.
I think she got the message that he really loves her.
Ethan couldn't say Camden. Instead, he rocked the puppy back and forth saying "baby."
He was hugging and loving her so much, I took him to Good Times to get some lunch.
After ordering our food at the drive-though window, Ethan began pointing and saying something. It looked like he was pointing at this:
He then said "baby....dog....baby.....dog." I then remembered that Good Times used to make a spoonbender for dogs, or a pawbender.
Camden LOVED Good Times as much as Ethan does. I'm not sure if she was cold or was merely over excited but she shook the entire time she was eating.
Ethan pointed to his chest, bending close to Camden and repeatedly said, "E...E...E" He wanted Camden to know that the only reason she was enjoying this treat was because "E" had ordered it for her.
I think she got the message that he really loves her.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Texting Tuesday
Some messages encourage:
"Love U"
"Awesome thanks!"
"Omg best, spaghetti, Ever."
"Hey ma, how are you?"
"Thanks for the toaster oven."
Some discourage:
"Dad never called me."
"I think I might explode."
Some need courage:
"Yes pray for me that I have God's strength...I'm exhausted."
"Arg mom, so mad."
"Breakups are so hard."
"I'm missing a pair of jeans."
"Thanks. I've had some hard days but good ones too:)"
Some are cute:
Some are funny.
"What are you guys dating."
"Eating"
"Whoops."
Some are cute and funny:
Here are a few of my favorite text messages from this week:
"Can we meet for lunch today?"
"Mom, check your FB. You will be so proud of me."
"I'm going to be in Denver tonite. Just checking to see what you are doing."
The last one was from my sister. I got it this morning. I'm so excited.
"Love U"
"Awesome thanks!"
"Omg best, spaghetti, Ever."
"Hey ma, how are you?"
"Thanks for the toaster oven."
Some discourage:
"Dad never called me."
"I think I might explode."
Some need courage:
"Yes pray for me that I have God's strength...I'm exhausted."
"Arg mom, so mad."
"Breakups are so hard."
"I'm missing a pair of jeans."
"Thanks. I've had some hard days but good ones too:)"
Some are cute:
Some are funny.
"What are you guys dating."
"Eating"
"Whoops."
Some are cute and funny:
Here are a few of my favorite text messages from this week:
"Can we meet for lunch today?"
"Mom, check your FB. You will be so proud of me."
"I'm going to be in Denver tonite. Just checking to see what you are doing."
The last one was from my sister. I got it this morning. I'm so excited.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Thinking Of You
I thought of you today. Cruising down the highway, my hair blowing in the wind, I felt the warmth of the Colorado sun beaming down on me. I smiled.
It wasn't because it felt like a beautiful summer day, that I thought of you. You love Autumn's gentle breezes and cooler temperatures. I thrive in the heat of summer.
It wasn't the melodies I sang, as the tunes reverberated through my car. Although music soothes and satisfies the rhythms of my soul.
It was delight. It was pleasure. It was joy in my heart that I thought of you today.
Rich and full, I cannot imagine life without you.
God's creation is magnificent; His plan for family genius. Marriage is a wondrous relationship and I wouldn't want to experience it with anyone else.
It wasn't the melodies I sang, as the tunes reverberated through my car. Although music soothes and satisfies the rhythms of my soul.
It was delight. It was pleasure. It was joy in my heart that I thought of you today.
Rich and full, I cannot imagine life without you.
God's creation is magnificent; His plan for family genius. Marriage is a wondrous relationship and I wouldn't want to experience it with anyone else.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Interesting Day
Bright & early Tuesday, very early, the phone rang. The last time this happened was Thursday and Sarabeth called to say she'd been in an accident. I don't like phone calls when I am tucked so cozily in my bed, dreaming happy thoughts.
This phone call was urgent, but not scary. Ethan was sick and Christina had no one to watch him. She could not skip out on her clinicals. I said I would come, but at that moment I could not compute how long it would take me. The drive normally takes 1 hour and 5 minutes if all is well. If there is traffic or bad weather the leisurely drive becomes very long. This estimation does not include actually getting out of bed, and becoming coherent enough to get myself together. Five hours of sleep is not nearly enough for me.
Upon arriving, Ethan seemed to be doing quite well thanks to a dose of Tylenol. Unfortunately, it was the last of it, so I figured in a bit, we'd go to the store and buy some more. I told Ethan that we would go to Target and get him some more medicine, but I didn't no where the store was located. He immediately picked up a picture of a Transformer.
"Ttttt..." and he pointed to his chest, "E...e...e..." I understood.
"Ethan, grandma doesn't know where the Target store is. I will look it up on the internet and see if I can find one. IF I can find the store, and IF they have the Transformers Autobot Rachet, I will buy him for you."
I couldn't remember my daughters address, but was hoping the one I picked was the closest. It's hard to google directions without an address. When I tried with the street name, the directions claimed to take over an hour to get there. That couldn't be right. We got in the car and I hoped Ethan might know the way, haha.
At the end of his street, I thought I should turn right to get to the main road. "Ethan, which way do I turn to get to Target?" He immediately pointed to the left. He again repeated his plea for, "T...t...t" and I assured him we'd look for Transformers. We wound around a few roads, and at every turn, Ethan would sit up straighter in his seat and begin pointing.
One particular street was more like a highway, with the speed limit of 55. No stores were visible and as I drove along, I thought there was no way this could be the right way. We were headed to no-wheres-ville. Up over a hill, Ethan sat up, jabbered something and pointed. Sure enough, there was Target.
As I turned the car off, Ethan said something resembling "good job" and high-fived me. What an exciting day! We did find Autobot Rachet. I received another high-five.
I should have remembered the way home, but we came in on a one-way street. Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke, I started to turn back the way we came. I was immediately corrected with gestures and verbal cues. Ethan had to direct me back to his house. I was pretty excited about this. He fooled me into believing he doesn't pay such close attention to details.
This phone call was urgent, but not scary. Ethan was sick and Christina had no one to watch him. She could not skip out on her clinicals. I said I would come, but at that moment I could not compute how long it would take me. The drive normally takes 1 hour and 5 minutes if all is well. If there is traffic or bad weather the leisurely drive becomes very long. This estimation does not include actually getting out of bed, and becoming coherent enough to get myself together. Five hours of sleep is not nearly enough for me.
Upon arriving, Ethan seemed to be doing quite well thanks to a dose of Tylenol. Unfortunately, it was the last of it, so I figured in a bit, we'd go to the store and buy some more. I told Ethan that we would go to Target and get him some more medicine, but I didn't no where the store was located. He immediately picked up a picture of a Transformer.
"Ttttt..." and he pointed to his chest, "E...e...e..." I understood.
"Ethan, grandma doesn't know where the Target store is. I will look it up on the internet and see if I can find one. IF I can find the store, and IF they have the Transformers Autobot Rachet, I will buy him for you."
I couldn't remember my daughters address, but was hoping the one I picked was the closest. It's hard to google directions without an address. When I tried with the street name, the directions claimed to take over an hour to get there. That couldn't be right. We got in the car and I hoped Ethan might know the way, haha.
At the end of his street, I thought I should turn right to get to the main road. "Ethan, which way do I turn to get to Target?" He immediately pointed to the left. He again repeated his plea for, "T...t...t" and I assured him we'd look for Transformers. We wound around a few roads, and at every turn, Ethan would sit up straighter in his seat and begin pointing.
One particular street was more like a highway, with the speed limit of 55. No stores were visible and as I drove along, I thought there was no way this could be the right way. We were headed to no-wheres-ville. Up over a hill, Ethan sat up, jabbered something and pointed. Sure enough, there was Target.
As I turned the car off, Ethan said something resembling "good job" and high-fived me. What an exciting day! We did find Autobot Rachet. I received another high-five.
I should have remembered the way home, but we came in on a one-way street. Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke, I started to turn back the way we came. I was immediately corrected with gestures and verbal cues. Ethan had to direct me back to his house. I was pretty excited about this. He fooled me into believing he doesn't pay such close attention to details.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Terrorism Drills
Today in Denver, a terrorism-based emergency response exercise was executed. First responders from 100 different agencies tested residents with loud noises, simulated weapons, smoke, emergency and other actions. In addition, the area hospital emergency rooms were filled with mock patients.
These drills are important. It's encouraging to believe that in case of a disaster, our emergency personnel are well prepared.
The only downside to these drills, is if someone happens to have a real emergency. Or your daughter has an accident on the way to school and is taken by ambulance to the hospital. When that happens, a parent is not allowed to go back to see their injured child, as the ER is too busy with pretend emergencies The parent is left to wait 3 hours in the waiting room. No hugs, no reassuring words of comfort-only text messages.
It wasn't her fault. Traffic was stopped on the highway. The driver behind was not paying attention, or was on her cell phone, or....
The only downside to these drills, is if someone happens to have a real emergency. Or your daughter has an accident on the way to school and is taken by ambulance to the hospital. When that happens, a parent is not allowed to go back to see their injured child, as the ER is too busy with pretend emergencies The parent is left to wait 3 hours in the waiting room. No hugs, no reassuring words of comfort-only text messages.
Even though SB was stopped, her car was forced into another car. Thankfully, aside from bumps and bruises, and having to wear a neck brace, she is okay. Her car didn't fare as well.
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