Memorial Day

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

~Moina Michael~

Thank-you to all of the men and women who've served our country,

 But especially to those who lost their lives while keeping our country safe.

 

My father-in-law served during the Korean War

These photos are of him and some of his military buddies.

I wish I could hear his stories of when these photos were taken.

 This was his graduation photo sent to his mom, from her Loving Son, Eddie.

This was in Korea, in September of 1950, standing outside the Officer's Mess.  They were part of the Mosquito Outfit, I believe formed in June of 1947.

This is the document he carried with him on over 100 missions. 

In 4 languages it says:

I am an American (UNITED NATIONS) flier.  My plane has been shot down and I am helpless; but I want to get back and fight again for the peace of the world and your country.  

If you will help me and yourselves by getting me to the nearest American unit, my Goverment will reward you well.  Help us and we will help you.

Thankfully, he made it back safely to the U.S., and lived to be 86 before he died and took the rest of his stories with him.

Eighty-Five

No, it's not the new speed limit, although I know a few people who would be very happy if this was true.  Eighty-five is the number of years celebrated yesterday by this lovely lady:

Happy Birthday, to my mom-in-law.  Thank-you for the courage it took to move to Colorado after living in Arizona for 44+ years and now sharing our home.  You've given nothing but love and encouragement the past 29 years I've known you.

I recall as a young mom you said something like, "you young mom's are so clever, I never would have thought of doing it that way."  In the back of my mind I couldn't help but wonder if you were really thinking, "boy, I would have never done it that way."  I felt you sincerely meant it.  Either way, you spoke positive, affirming words into my life.

Thank-you for sharing your son with me and for the privilege of being a part of your family.  If it wasn't for your wonderful son, you and I wouldn't have met.  Nor would I have the lovely sisters-in-law that I do.  Of course their families and the cousins are included in that.  What a blessing we share!

 "May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May He shine His face upon you and be gracious to you.  May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you His peace."

Always Learning

I learned something new today.  Not only are there black widow spiders, there are also brown widow spiders.  I saw a spider today, and it looked ominous.  I wondered if it could possibly be a brown recluse.  Those are awful spiders.  It reminded me of the way a black widows look with the round bodies, spindly legs, and I noticed a bright, distinct color on her underside.

I tried to get her picture, but she'd captured this palmetto bug (nice name for what looks like a large cockroach,) and the wind kept blowing them around, making it difficult to get a photo that wasn't blurry. Her hourglass was a bright orange/copper color.

It's good to learn new things.

Fifty Pieces Of The Puzzle

This is number eight of fifty. Explanation of the series here.  

Julee, where shall I begin?  As I reflect on our relationship, so many things come to my mind.  The first is that you are a wonderful hostess.  Your home is a beautiful reflection  of your love for family.  It is always such a joy to spend time in your home, sharing latte's and delicious food.  You do everything with beauty and grace.  When you come to my home you do the dishes!  Does it get any better than that?

My second thought that makes me smile is your sense of humor and adventure.  Thank-you for taking me to have feathers put in my hair.  

Thank-you for the times of laughter,

when I laughed so hard I cried, makeup running down my face.  I can't wait to have more adventures together.

Thirdly is your faith.  (Is thirdly a word?  I know I can count on you for knowing.)  Over the years I've watched your faith grow, your courage deepen, and your reliance upon God flourish.  I love your passion and dedication.  You aren't afraid to call a spade a spade.  (And maybe a few other choice things too, lol.)

Lastly, I so appreciate your honesty and that you aren't afraid to be real.  You share your heartaches and struggles, but also your joys and celebrations.  I think of party hats for birthdays, Santa hats for Christmas-did you convince Sue to dress up like the Statue of Liberty or was that her idea? 

I consider you not only family, but a true friend.  I love you!

A Time To Celebrate

Congratulations to Christina, who has graduated as an R.N.

Beautiful inside and out,

 she worked hard,

and kept the other nursing students laughing,

and having fun in the midst of their very serious, 

yet compassionate dedication. (I took these pics from the slideshow at her pinning ceremony.)

Of course her life would not be complete,

without these two.

Happy Mother's Day, Christina!  

And also a very Happy Mother's Day to the Grandmother/great-grandmother to this bunch:

My Mom!

Thanks Mom for giving us an amazing family and for the love and nurture you've invested in each of us.

Thunk Thursday

I'm thinking about thunking a certain dog.

I mean really. This was a remote for our tv's sound box.

Actually, I was impressed that she was able to pull my 8 GB camera card out of my card reader without damaging the reader.  

I'm just not sure I pulled all of the pictures off before she managed to destroy it.

A big thunk to Camden

What's Going On In Your World

What's going on in your world?  May, the month of end-of-the-school-year madness is over. My second May in 26 years that I'm not living the craziness.  I feel like I'm in a Twilight Zone.  I must find my new normal.

Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoy not having every night of the week filled with scheduled activities.  The experience of going to bed late and sleeping late for an entire school year was something I've always wanted to experience. And experience it I did.  So what's the problem?  Summer is no longer the sweet anticipation it used to be.  Summer has slipped into just another season.

I used to wait for barefoot summers, when it doesn't matter if children have outgrown their shoes.  Lazy play that lasts the entire day, and into the night.  Books that are read strictly for enjoyment.  No take-home folders to sign, no coats to find. No early morning lunches to make or late night runs to the store-unless we crave ice cream.  I am already enjoying these pleasures, so what allure does summer hold?

The month of May is usually crammed full of end-of-the school activities: multiple field days, athletic events, teacher appreciation, banquets, graduations, concerts, award ceremonies, endless studying for finals...and sandwiched in their is Mother's Day.  (As if we have time to set aside to be celebrated.)

 Last year was the my first May to just enjoy the weather.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I kept feeling like I should be doing more.  Checking the calendar frantically, to make sure I hadn't forgot to bake cookies or attend an evening event, I found nothing had been forgotten. Nobody needed me for anything, absolutely NOTHING.  I was having a hard time wrapping myself around this new found lack of madness.

We are 8 days into May.  So far, so good, but I still haven't quite gotten the hang of a quiet May.  May, the month leading up to Summer, is just another month.  Summer is turning into just another season, except for a few things.

This summer we are having a wedding!  An outdoor wedding, with everyone here.

 I can't wait for Summer to begin.

Thunk Thursday

Haven't had a Thunk Thursday in awhile.

Some of you are pretty excited to see gluten free, dairy free hot dog buns.  Udi's has some great gluten free food.  What I'm trying to figure out is when they expire.  April 31, 2012???? 

Fifty Pieces Of The Puzzle

This is number seven of fifty. Explanation of the series here.  Today I want to say thank-you to Dee.

Dee, I will never forget the road trip the two of us took to Arizona.  I so enjoyed getting to know you.  I think we talked nearly the full 13 hours we drove, while we listened to a few tunes.  By the end of the trip, I felt that I could very well be looking at my son's future mother-in-law.  I was very pleased with this thought.  After hearing about Lauren as a little girl, her gifts and talents, and how she was raised, I knew that she would be the perfect companion for Christopher.  I am delighted that Christopher has become a part of your loving family.

I enjoy coming to your home for get togethers.  You create a warm and beautiful, yet fun and relaxing atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone.

I am blessed to call you my friend, and equally blessed knowing my son's extended family is so awesome.  Thanks for all you do, all you are, your prayers, and encouraging words.  I'm looking forward to a lifetime of friendship with you.  Thank-you for the positive impact you've had on not only my life but the life of Christopher and the rest of my family.  And thank-you for giving us such a wonderful daughter-in-law.  I can't wait to share grandchildren with you.

Fifty Pieces Of The Puzzle

This is number six of fifty. Explanation of the series here.  This post is for one of first people I met when I moved to Colorado nearly 30 years ago, and became a very dear friend.

Dear Cherrlyn,  It's hard to believe it's been 28 years since we met.  I remember how you welcomed me into your home.  I recall seeing your bible out on the coffee table.  I was surprised, yet hopeful.  Surprised because it was obvious you actually read your bible and hopeful that I might find answers to the struggles I had in my life.

You introduced me to the most amazing friend-Jesus!  If you hadn't been such a nurturing, caring friend, I'm not sure where my life would have taken me.

How can I possibly thank-you for all you invested in my life?  You helped me become a better homemaker, wife, mother, housekeeper, and you discipled me. 

The gift of your prayers sustained me on many occasions.  I am so thankful you stood with me during Christopher's birth and on so many other times.  I learned to pray and intercede as we met weekly in your living room.

I thank God for you and think of you often.  Let's have lunch soon!

Yes, I Do Want Fries

The title has nothing to do with the rest of this post.  It's just that when I last posted, the day wasn't over.

While Ethan and I were outside hitting golf balls, a little boy from the neighborhood passed by the house.  He was 4 or 5, laying on a skateboard, arms pulling him as he swam along the street.

I was told not to write a sad post.  So I scratched what I started and will finish with the evening.  I drove back in rush hour traffic and arrived home at 5:30 p.m.  I planned to bake some chicken, when Michael suggested we just get food out.  Honestly, I was not hungry, nor was I in the mood for eating out twice in one day after my earlier experience.  After we talked and caught up our day, he convinced me to let him pick up food. I didn't even have to go with him.

Since I wasn't hungry, Noodles was the chosen restaurant.  Certainly not one of my favorites, the name alone implies oodles of gluten.  In spite of the claim that they can use rice noodles in place of any of their pasta, it is nearly impossible to avoid cross contamination.  I decided on a salad, minus the pasta, but with chicken added.  I wrote it down so nothing would be forgotten.

Twenty minutes later, Michael arrived home with dinner.  As we sat down, a look of horror crossed Michael's face.  "Oh no....they forgot and added pasta."

Although I was tired, I'd had enough of poor food service that day.  I chose to return to Noodles and make sure they fixed their mistake.  Sarabeth drove with me.  She asked me how the day had gone with Ethan and I proceeded to tell her about it.  I included the bungling of food earlier in the day, which was the reason why I was so insistent on not accepting this food mistake.  I wanted to make sure the food establishments understood the importance of handling food with regard to allergies, intolerances, and Celiac Disease.

I continued to share the mishaps, as we waited for a new salad to be prepared.  The order taker apologized, then handed us a new bag and off we went.  As we reached the car, I opened the bag to make sure the order was correct this time.  I was shocked to see a naked salad-no chicken.

Irate, I marched back into the store.  At first the guy tried to argue that the salad didn't come with chicken until he looked at the receipt and realized that once again they had screwed up.  I was not a happy camper.  I could not believe the ineptness of restaurant workers.  I was already worked up about how things transpired earlier in the day, and I'd about had it with incompetence.

Later that evening, something didn't set well.  I had this gnawing in the pit of my stomach.  It was then that I realized my error.  I had not followed one of the most basic tenets of Christianity (at least in my humble opinion.)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8  This verse is sandwiched right between these two:

vs. 7, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Which of us doesn't want peace?  If we follow verse 8, the peace certainly comes more easily than when we dwell on the negative.

vs. 9, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

That about sums it up.  Wish I'd listened to the Holy Spirit a little earlier in the day.

Do You Want Fries With That?

I spent the day with Ethan. He had an accident at school yesterday so they made him stay home today. With no one else to watch him, I drove the hour and 15 minutes to be there for him.  Something most grandmothers would do if they are available.

 Ethan always requests a shopping trip when we get together. I had explicit instructions from his mother that he wasn't allowed to have any Transformers. I was okay with that as I'd seen a really cool light saber I wanted to buy him. As before, Ethan pointed and gestured at each intersection so I'd know how to get to Target.  We arrived at his favorite store 12 minutes later.  I found the light saber!

On the way home, I asked him if he'd like to stop and get food. He signed and said the word "eat."  I suggested Chick-filet or Wendy's, knowing they both carried gluten free food.  But as we passed the McDonalds Restaurant, he let me know without a doubt, that this is where he wanted to eat.  I suggested the drive-thru, but he answered with a resolute "NO."

I wasn't sure I could order food that was totally gluten free, but thought I'd try anyway. While waiting in line, Ethan was searching.  For what, I wasn't sure.  It had been a long while since I'd eaten at McDonald's.  I remembered they used to have a case where the latest Happy Meal Toys were on display.  I didn't see it.  "Ethan, are you looking for the toys?"  I was pretty sure he agreed that he was indeed looking for the toys.  I hoped I could buy the toy, minus the meal.

I ordered the two of us grilled chicken sandwiches with no buns.  The girl taking our order, seemed to get it and clicked away at the register.  I asked if they still carried Happy Meal Toys and queried whether or not I could buy the toy separate.  When I was told no, I ordered a Hamburger Happy Meal, but explained that I did not want a hamburger-just the fries, toy, and drink.

"So you just want the bun?"

Was she serious?  No, I do NOT want a bun of any sort.

"So you don't want the chicken sandwiches?"

Grrr....Yes, I still want the chicken sandwiches without buns, and also another order of fries and another drink.  She clicked away, then after I paid, she handed me a cup.

"I ordered two drinks."

"No, you didn't."  I looked at my receipt.  She had not included the Happy Meal, minus the hamburger.  Ugh!

"I wanted the Hamburger Happy Meal, but not the hamburger.  Actually, I just wanted the toy, but since I can't buy it separate, I wanted the meal, with the fries, and the drink."

She rang me up again, and I paid the full price for a little toy green guy.  In the meantime, Ethan had taken the other cup and was attempting to fill it at the fountain.  I ran over to assist him, then filled my own miniature happy meal cup with diet coke.  We went back to the counter to wait for our food.

A young man, handed me a tray with a Happy meal bag with a cheerful, "here ya go!"  I showed him my second receipt with our real food.

"Oh, we're still waiting on the grilled chicken."  He remarked.  We waited longer.  Ethan was about to make a beeline for the play room, when our food was placed on a separate tray.  I grabbed the Happy Meal bag, tossed it onto the new tray and tried to catch up to Ethan.  I tried to slow him down, "Ethan, don't you want Ketchup?"  Before I could stop him, he was up inside the colorful tubes.  "Ethan, no!  We are going to eat first, then play.  Eat first, THEN play."  I repeated.

Thankfully, he came down.  I sanitized his hands and we sat down to eat.  I opened our food, and there were two grilled pieces of chicken, sitting neatly inside glutenous, wheat buns.  Frustrated, I told Ethan he needed to walk back to the counter with me, since our order was wrong.  Why would they make the play area so far from the food counter?  It was literally 2 rooms away and there was no way I could keep an eye on Ethan, let alone see him, if I walked back to the counter.  He did not want to go, but I dragged him back, coaxing him that we'd get some Ketchup.

It took a few minutes at the counter, before the young man returned with two pieces of chicken in plastic containers, with no buns.  If I had to guess, they probably just removed the bun and tossed the same chicken into a new box.  If this had been for Elisabeth, I would have made a fuss, but I just wanted to get Ethan something to eat quick.  For the two of us, it was gluten free enough.

Ethan already had a little paper cup in one hand, and was pushing the ketchup pump with the other, but nothing was coming out.  While balancing the tray in one hand, I said, "here Ethan, let me help."  I had him put the paper cup under the pump and gave it a good squeeze.  The red goo missed the cup entirely, but squirted down his arm.  Do you think I could find a napkin dispenser within reach or even in sight?  Ethan licked his arm, before giving it a good swipe down the front of his white t-shirt.

We made our way back to the table.  After I cut up his chicken, Ethan began eating.  I watched him, watching the other children play.  He didn't smile.  He just seemed curious.  At one point I noticed his hand gesture slightly.  I looked up into the brightly, colored tubing.  A young child was laughing and waving to his mama.  I think Ethan thought he was waving to him.  In that instant,  I saw the real reason Ethan wanted to come to McDonald's. It was not for a Happy Meal toy.  He wanted a friend.  He was hoping to find a playmate, a friend to share the challenge of crawling through the plastic tubing and sliding down the slide.  Hot tears filled my eyes.  Everything within me wished he had a brother or sister, so he could have a built-in playmate.  Another child to play with, who understood him, and who didn't run the other way when he tried to join them on the playground.  I was NOT enjoying this trip to McDonalds. This was NOT a Happy Meal.

By the time Ethan finished eating, the other families had left.  After removing his shoes, he climbed up inside the maze.  I quickly cleared our table, placing the rest of his fries and toy in his not-so-happy-meal bag.  I took it with our drinks, and set them on the table closest to the play structure so they'd be easy to grab when we were ready to go.  Two times down the slide and Ethan looked tired.  He headed for the table for his drink.  "Ethan, here you go, I moved our drinks over here."  Except when I turned to get them, they were gone.  Since when did McD's become so efficient at clearing and wiping tables???

I went around the corner and caught the woman cleaning up.  "Did you just clear that table?" I asked, louder than I meant to.  Before giving her a chance to answer I let her know that my grandson's toy was in the bag she'd thrown away-the toy that cost me the price of a Happy Meal, along with his fries and our drinks.  Amazingly, the toy I couldn't purchase by itself was magically replaced for "free."  Not sure why they couldn't have given it to me in the first place, since the meal I purchased for Ethan cost much more than a silly Happy Meal.  And it would have been a much happier meal.

Fifty Pieces Of The Puzzle

This is number five of fifty. Explanation of this series here. This goes out to my son's father-in-law.

To Rick: the life of the party.  Haha, maybe why my son Christopher likes you so much?

 Seriously though, one of my first impressions of you was a man of integrity.  This came from Christopher.  Way-back-when, we were talking and he was telling me how much respect he had for you and how impressed he was.   I think his words were, "Mom, he is like the most godly man I've ever met.  He lives his faith."  You had just given him the book by John Ethridge, "Wild At Heart." At that time, I hoped that this godly man would become my son's father-in-law.  When it actually happened, I thanked God for you.

I love that you aren't afraid to talk to anyone or invite invite them into your home.  You listen when others talk and let them know you care about what they are saying and where they are in life. You are accepting and welcoming of everyone.  No wonder so many love coming to your home or going out with you.  You are a true friend to so many.  Of course it doesn't hurt that you also enjoy having fun.

Thanks Rick for walking in the gifts that God has given you.

No Burning Here

Quit burning your bridges, and expecting  friends and family to rebuild them.  One day you will  exhaust the building materials. There will be no more bridge building. You will be up a creek, without a paddle, with no boat or bridge in sight.  Then what?

"He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart." (Proverbs 11:29)

Three Days

Amazing the difference a couple of days makes.

One day Jesus hung dying on the cross. His disciples surely were confused.  Their teacher, the King of the Jews, whom they believed was setting up His Kingdom, was brutally put to death as a common criminal.

Discouraged, their hope died with Him.

Yet, not long after, they found His grave empty.  He had risen from the dead. He appeared to them.  The Good News was here.

Amazing the difference a couple of days makes.

Happy Birthday Christina!

Christina, my firstborn, you gave me the gift of being a mom 31 years ago today at 5:04 p.m.  Gazing into my tiny 5 pound 6 ounce newborn's beautiful blue eyes, I wondered who you would be.  What would your personality be and how in the world was I going to care for you and help you to become all God intended for you.

You were as perfect as a baby can be.  I had no idea how compliant and accomodating you were, until your siblings came along.

You were a quiet, helpful, reflective child who nurtured and watched out for all of her baby sisters and brother.  You set the standard high for them to follow after you.  Thank-you!

As a toddler, you were tough, keeping up with your cousin Michael and earning the nickname "BamBam" from Uncle Larry.  Your strength and courage have continued to grow as you encountered obstacles and tackled life's challenges.

 

As a mom, you've achieved a new level of what it means to walk in grace, 

to stand strong, 

and go where no man has gone. (Okay, slight exaggeration on that last point.)

You bring balance to life and joy to my heart.  I love you and am so proud of you!