Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Bragging Rights

Hopefully I won't embarrass my children with this post!  Most of my readers ARE my children so I ought to be okay!  After all, who doesn't like to be bragged on a little bit?

My kids make the holidays so enjoyable.  They want to come "home" and spend time together with Paul and me and with their siblings.  As a mom, that means the world to me.  I love spending time talking with them and playing games together.  I appreciate each one for taking time out of their busy schedules to make time for us during the special times throughout the year.  Hannah and Matt are both busy and involved in many things, but they make family a priority.

I appreciate Kayla and Darby as a married couple for their dedication to sharing time between us and Darby's parents.  They do such a good job splitting their time up (and that is no easy process)!  I remember the early days of marriage when we would be juggling our schedule to make sure we spent quality and quantity time with my parents and Paul's.  I just really appreciate the time and effort it takes to work out holiday plans.  This year they have done a great job again!

Speaking of Darby's parents, I just want to say how very blessed I feel to have "in-laws" (we aren't sure what to call each other) that we enjoy so much.  It has been an extra blessing to be in the same church and spend time together--not only as the kids' parents but also as friends.  Thank you, John and Debby, for sharing so willingly and for raising such a wonderful son for us to have as a son-in-law!

My kids are just the best and I feel blessed all year that I can call them mine, but the holidays are an extra blessed time for me!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Our Colorado Trip

     Paul and I just got back from a car trip to Colorado.  About half the way there I said, "Whose idea was it to drive?" (Mine)  Actually, we had a good time coming and going and having plenty of time to catch up, solve the world's problems, etc! 
     The purpose for the trip was to attend a good friend's wedding (Tommy Johnson and Emily Jorgensen for those who might know them).  The wedding was as sweet as could be...a real testament to their Christian lives.  Tears filled my eyes the entire time watching my "Little Tommy" taking his vows to be a wonderful mate for Emily.  It seems like just yesterday he was just a little bitty kid at church. Our family has been so blessed to know Tommy and his family almost his entire life.
     The great bonus to the trip was getting to stay with my sister, Kay, and her husband, Gary.  We had a wonderful time visiting and just hanging out.  We got to see Gary's most recent play, Wizard of Oz, which was a real treat.
     Another bonus was the beautiful weather.  Granted it did get into the 90s during the day, but that is nothing compared to our heat wave.  Also, it was so pleasant in the mornings and evenings.  On the way home we went from 57 degrees in Trinidad to 106 degrees in Waco!  We definitely enjoyed the break from the extreme heat.
     It was a great trip and we are blessed to have the time to go places and do things that bring us so much joy.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

A Camping We Will Go, A Camping We Will Go....

I didn't think I would be going back to camp at 52.  When Hannah asked Judy and me to go to ACU Camp as group leaders, our first response was "aren't we too old and out of shape?"  Of course, Hannah assured us we were neither and we naively believed her!

Actually, we found we weren't too horribly old and out of shape (for camp, that is).  Although I think our plan for next year (if we go), is to be thinner and in better shape, we did just fine this year.  I'm actually proud of us.  We were able to keep up reasonably well with 24-year old Hannah and definitely functioned better on less sleep.

The week was wonderful!  It wasn't perfect but it was great.  Our little "color group" (consisting of 17 sixth graders) started off a bit quiet and timid, but by the end of the week most of them had come out of their shells.  Meal times seemed to be a great opportunity to get to know the kids.  We were able to interact with them in a more relaxed atmosphere and that helped in our classroom time.

My favorite part of the week was the blessing time on Thursday night.  The group leaders write an individual blessing to each of the kids in their color group.  We included a scripture for each child that we had chosen especially for him or her.  Then one by one we read their blessings to them.  The kids seemed to enjoy hearing words of praise and encouragement.  We spray-painted little wooden boxes gold (treasure boxes) and put a "gold" one dollar coin in each to remind them that they are "God's Special Treasure."  It was a blessing for us as much as for them.

At the first of the week I might have told you I wouldn't be going back.  I was definitely out of my comfort zone working with kids older than I am used to teaching.  However, by the end of the week I was hooked and was already thinking of ideas to incorporate next year!  It's kind of one of those things where one year is just enough to really understand what it's all about and the second year would be building on that knowledge.

So, I guess I'm proof that a 52-year old CAN go back to camp!

Friday, June 24, 2011

KAYLA AND DARBY VISIT--JUNE 2011

We had a wonderful visit with Kayla and Darby when they came to Texas recently.  We talked, played games, celebrated birthdays, got pedicures (okay, not Darby), ate out, etc.  Hannah was here for several days and Matt was able to leave his job and come up for an evening.  We enjoyed having all four "kids" home.  One of the highlights for me was watching them play Just Dance on the Wii.  I laughed so hard as they tried to mimic the moves on the screen (see pictures below).
Although it was sad to take Kayla and Darby to the airport to return to Illinois, we had a great day on the way.  We left about 10:00 in the morning and stopped by Fort Worth to see Clint and Whitney and their newborn son, Finn.  He was a precious little boy who cooperated fully being passed around and loved on!  Whitney and Clint seem to be doing well and we enjoyed visiting with them and catching up on their lives.

After a quick lunch at McDonald's (you can tell I'm a big spender), we were off to the next baby!  We went to my niece's house to see baby Samuel.  With a 4 1/2 day old baby, Amy and Matthew were still very sleep-deprived.  Little red-headed Samuel is absolutely precious but seems to prefer sleeping during the day and crying at night!  I held him and loved on him and gave him great-aunt to great-nephew advice on how things were going to work. I'm sure he gave Amy and Matthew a great night's rest after our little conversation!  Matthew and Amy are going to be great parents and I look forward to watching Samuel grow up.
Little Samuel
Finally I couldn't put it off any longer and I dropped Kayla and Darby at the airport.  We said our goodbyes and I didn't even have time to cry before I was caught up in the Dallas traffic.  It was a wonderful trip, as always.  We are so blessed to get to see them every few months and to have wonderful in-laws who share them with us so freely.

Next on my agenda is a visit from my sister, Kay, from Colorado on July 6.  Can hardly wait!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Mother's Day/Birthday--May 8

It was a great weekend!  Hannah and Matt came into town to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day, which happened to fall on the same day this year.  We had a great time visiting and playing games.  I had just seen Kayla and Darby a couple of weeks ago and we celebrated my birthday and Mother's Day when we were together.  So...I felt very loved and very special.  My cards from the kids were wonderful, especially the hand-written sentiments on them and Kayla's handmade cards.

As always, Paul made sure my birthday and Mother's Day were special.  He took us all out to eat (which is always fun) and made sure I didn't lift a finger (except when I insisted).  Paul gave me a camera to replace the one I left in Belize so I'm excited about that!

Matt, Hannah and I (and to an extent Paul), got hooked on the Monopoly Card Game.  We played many hands of it and had fun turning against one another and ganging up on anyone doing well!  We love playing games together, visiting and acting silly while we do.  It's great family time.

Sunday afternoon, of course, Hannah had to head back to Dallas and Matt to Abilene.  It always leaves a little lump in my throat to see them go.  I am so blessed that Kayla, Darby, Hannah and Matt all make special time for me!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Our Trip to Illinois

I hate flying.  I hate knowing I am in this big hunk of metal suspended in the sky.  You can talk physics all day, but I just can't believe this thing is going to stay in the air.  Add turbulence and I am an absolute wreck!  HOWEVER, when it means I get to see Kayla and Darby in Illinois...I am much more willing to take the chance!

We had a great visit.  I arrived on Tuesday and Paul joined us for the weekend.  Kayla and I had such a good time cooking, shopping, getting pedicures and talking, talking, talking. We got caught up on so much and it just felt good to be part of her everyday life for awhile. Then Paul came and we had a great weekend, too.

Darby was studying for a test and a big presentation.  He was able to join us, though, for a couple of games, a little Wii Winter Sports, and a movie.  He did great on his presentation (we knew he would).  Darby and Kayla are both working hard in school and we are proud of both of them.

We are so blessed to have great kids and enjoy the time we get to spend with them.  We are looking forward to seeing them in Texas in June and hopefully having all the kids together for a little while.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Remembering Rod

He would have been 86 this month.  It's hard to believe he's been gone for 3 1/2 years.  He wasn't just my stepdad, he was my friend.  You become friends when you spend every Wednesday together eating lunch, running errands, buying groceries and looking at tools at Harbor Freight!  You become really close when you share life's struggles.

The diagnosis, colon surgery, liver surgery, lung surgery, chemo, final stages of life.  It was a tough but meaningful time in our lives.  We shared laughs, tears, hugs and heartaches.  We celebrated victories and endured defeats.  We made the most of our time together.

I watched him slip away.  It was an intimate, sacred time.  I will treasure it always.  But I will never forget his love for life and the part of it he shared with me.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Ski Trip -- Spring Break 2011

This was our 15th or 16th year to go on the church ski trip! In Paul's devo, he talked about various ski trip memories and it's amazing how the years have played out.  One memory was of the year we decided to ski an extra day with the Gaines' and the Lamberts.  It ended up to be a bitter, bitter day but Dave, Barney and Paul toughed it out!  We didn't know that the next year we would be taking Debbie alone without Barney.  We sure do miss him.

It was a great, but different, trip this year.  It was much smaller (about 25 in all).  We only had two teenagers and two elementary age children.  It was still the same wonderful time of traveling together, skiing, fellowship, playing games, etc.  We had two new families join the trip this year and I think they will be on board for next year!

I could actually tell a difference having done Jazzercise for the last year. I could climb the hill to the ski lodge and navigate the stairs without almost passing out.  However, I am still a big chicken when it comes to skiing!  I won't let myself go "fast" enough to be a decent skier. I am terrified at the thought of losing control and really don't want to fall since it takes me forever to get back up!

So....I have a few goals for next year:

1.  Take a private lesson
2.  Weigh at least 50 pounds less!
3.  Be able to move in my ski clothes without cutting off my circulation (see #2)!
4.  Maybe take along at least one of my children :-)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

RECIPE FOR FUN

Ingredients:
9 dice
score sheets
pencils
1 bell
1 Bunko crown
women (all ages)

When I had kids at home I never seemed to have time for Bunko....just couldn't make it a priority.  On the rare occasion that I did play, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I just couldn't commit to a regular group.  A few months ago I had the opportunity to begin playing again with a group of women from church.

The conversation is so lively and it is fun to hear bits and pieces of conversations from other tables.  Sometimes I have to catch up with someone and have them fill me in on the "rest of the story."  We talk and laugh and fight over the Bunko crown (ours happens to be Dora the Explorer)!

The neat thing about "our" Bunko is that it is open to everyone.  One month we may have 6...the next month we may have 16.  It is all about fun and fellowship and the atmosphere is "the more, the merrier!"  No cliques....no gossip....just great fun with my Christian sisters!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Sing Song


We had a great weekend in Abilene.  We got there about noon and went to Sharon’s BBQ with Hannah and Matt.  It was wonderful to visit with them.  After lunch, Hannah went to hang out with friends and Matt went back to his apartment to work on pressing homework.  Paul took a nap at the hotel and I got to spend some time with my sister, Lea.  I treasure any time I can get with each of my sisters.

We got to see Matt’s apartment and to my delight, it was a little better than guy clean!  Matt had picked up and cleaned up (I am assuming the apartment isn’t always in the shape that I saw it!) and I was even able to use the restroom without a terrible Mom-urge to clean.  I’d say I have a pretty good guy on my hands.  Of course, I have a pretty good guy on my hands for lots of reasons.  Sunday morning Hannah, Paul and I got to go to church with Matt and meet some of his youth parents and teenagers.  You can tell they really love and appreciate Matt and that’s a great feeling!

Seeing Sing Song through Hannah’s eyes is hilarious!  When watching with Hannah, it is the most exciting, expertly critiqued experience you can have.  She is definitely an interactive participant in the whole evening of entertainment, especially when her dear Siggies take the stage.  I am pretty sure the woman sitting next to Hannah had a unique Sing Song experience as well!

We ended the weekend with lunch at Texas Roadhouse.  I love eating out with our family.  We have so much fun talking and laughing and no one has to worry about preparing the meal or doing the dishes—just pure enjoyment. 

The down side of the weekend?  Not having Kayla and Darby with us.  Anytime we are together as a family they are missed.  It’s just not the same without them.  So…Kayla and Darby…how about Sing Song 2012?

As usual, I come away from time with my kids with mixed feelings.  There’s always a tug at my heartstrings knowing they won’t be coming home with me.  I love interacting with them as adults, though, and my heart is also full of joy and pride because of the rich, meaningful lives they are living.  I guess there will always be a part of me that wants to be the mommy again and a part of me that absolutely loves being Mom.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

New Beginnings

Well, this is my first blog post ever! I love to read other blogs and have several that I follow daily.  Let me tell you a little about myself.  I am a 51-year old (soon to be 52!) wife and mother of three adult children: Kayla and her husband Darby, 26; Hannah, 24; and Matt, 22.  I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and I was blessed to be able to do just that.  Now I find myself with no children living at home.  Paul and I enjoy the empty nest, but I am just a little lost without children under foot, their activities to be involved in, the daily excitement, etc.  I volunteer a lot at church and stay busy being a homemaker, but I have to admit I feel a little aimless without kids at home.

As I said, Paul and I are enjoying our empty nest.  We still have a lot of fun together and I'm very blessed we have stayed close over the 31+ years we have been married.  It's not easy to nurture your marriage while raising children, but evidently we did enough along the way because we are doing great now.


I am investigating some areas of volunteer work that might use my God-given talents now that I have more time on my hands.  One of them is with a Chaplaincy program.  Volunteers make hospital visits to people who have specifically asked for visits.  The purpose is to listen and encourage those who are suffering with illness.  I think I would like this ministry very much and am anxious to hear back from the program.

Well, I feel like this has been a pretty boring post but I will try to be more creative in the future!