Today my husband turned 52. Where does the time go? Surely it is not possible that I am only 9 months younger. It’s all a state of mind, right.

How did we celebrate this anniversary of his birth in Korea so many years ago? Well, I awoke this morning to the sound of our dog throwing up on my pillow (he was having another seizure). So, I spent the better part of the morning washing all our bed linens. And even though Terry was recovering from a migraine he had the day before, he joined Josh and I in a game of scrabble while we watched even more snow fall. Afterward since I couldn’t talk anyone into building a snowman with me (what is wrong with kids today!), I gave up and ran to WalMart for some last minute birthday cards. After a quick round of wrapping, we gathered and watched Terry open presents. Then just our family of 5 went to celebrate at Shogun’s Japanese steakhouse - his favorite restaurant. To top off the evening, we had homemade chocolate cake with maple icing that is a required element to making Terry’s birthday’s perfect. Terry likes an understated, private, simple no-fuss birthday and it must include chocolate cake with maple icing and a trip to Shogun. It was indeed a quiet, restful day. No rushing, no chores, no work, no school.

So there it is. Simple. Sweet. Perfect.

Terry is my calm, my rudder, my true north. He is my helpmate, and as well stated in the movie “Julie & Julia”... the butter for my bread and the breath that I breathe. I hope we celebrate at least 52 more birthdays together!

Year in Review

As we near the end of the year, as well as the 1st decade of the 2000’s, I thought it would be a good time to look back on the highlights of events and trends that shaped this time period - “for posterity sake” - as my dad would often say.

2009 will be the year most remembered for: The election of the 1st US African American president, the year Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, comedian Al Franken joined the Senate, Alaska’s Palin resigned, the stock market crashed, TARP bailout bill saved our banks , “Cash for Clunkers,” plane crash on the Hudson, Swine Flu, Octomom, Jon & Kate + 8 - Jon, the balloon boy hoax, and the sudden death of the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. We also said goodbye to Walter Cronkite, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Patrick Swayze, Jet Travolta, Bea Arthur, and Ted Kennedy. In sports, the Steelers won the Super Bowl, the Yankees won the World Series, Penguins won the Stanley Cup, Lakers won NBA, Jimmy Johnson took NASCAR, University of Alabama’s Mark Ingram beat Gator Tim Tebow for the Heisman trophy, swimmer Michael Phelps was busted for pot, and who could forget golfer Tiger Woods’ sex scandal. In entertainment, the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” won the Oscar, “Twilight Saga: New Moon” made vampires romantic, Chris Allen beat Adam Lambirt in 2009‘s American Idol competition, Russell Ferguson was America’s favorite dancer, British singer Susan Boyle became a household name, Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift, Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna, Letterman was blackmailed, and Miss California was dethroned.

Looking back on the first decade of 2000, we also remember events like: The Y2K bug failed to materialize, terrorism hit home with 911, tsunami killed 230,000 in South Asia, the Concorde crashed, financial crisis collapse of the dot coms, ballots were recounted and hanging chads became a political nightmare, Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming, a bodybuilder and actor became governor of California, a female became Speaker of the House, the Catholics welcomed Pope Benedict, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast, Facebook & Twitter changed the face of social networking, YouTube was created, Wii became popular, Janet Jackson introduced the phrase “wardrobe malfunction,” and Apple introduced the ipod and the iphone.

Here’s a link to a couple year in videos that capture these events pretty well. Enjoy!

Yahoo’s 2009 Year in Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMKcSJ87jCM

Decade in Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c24kzS-UX3k

Christmas in Kansas City

As I sit here in the very early hours of the morning, listening to the sounds of Christmas music by Mercy Me on TV and the snow plow outside in the cul-de-sac, in the soft glow of Christmas tree lights and a warm fireplace, I felt compelled to stay up even later to blog about our Christmas here at home in Kansas before I forgot the details that made it so special.

We decided last year after years of too much holiday travel between relatives homes, to let Santa come to our house in 2009 for a change. I think the kids were overdue and it eliminated all the rush & stress of packing, traveling, unpacking, transporting gifts, etc.. in a month where schedules are already jammed with too many activities and festivities.

We started December with a bang - all 3 kids and myself were busy rehearsing and performing in Christmas at Resurrection - 8 performances in 7 days. But we took out one night just before it began to attend the Raytown Baptist Church’s Heartland of America Christmas Pageant and that was indeed a treat. Since I’m usually in our annual church production, it’s nice to sit back and watch another church’s show for the pure joy of it. Theirs was indeed amazing. It began with Christmas and took us right through to Christ’s resurrection. Fast forward a week to COR’s opening night Christmas at Resurrection (CAR) performance and our opening night brunch after the show here in our house. I had so much fun preparing for it and, of course, had way too much food but had a great time opening our home to those who dedicated so much time to planning CAR all year! Thank you to my sweet friends Kelsey and Tracey who helped me set up and loaned me serving pieces!

After CAR, we busied ourselves with Christmas decorations, shopping, several more holiday parties, holiday cards, driving around looking at holiday lights, getting lost at Longview lake (again), baking goodies, eating goodies, visiting Crown Center’s gingerbread village, Union Station’s Holiday Train display, shopping at the Plaza with its famous lights, writing letters to Santa, seeing “Little House on the Prairie” at the Coterie and more shopping.

Then, school took a break, the shopping was done, the food prepared, activities ceased for a few days and we gathered, just our family, for a quiet celebration of Jesus’ birth. Since we were pelted by an ice storm and Josh had strep, we opted out of attending the Christmas Eve candlelight service and watched it right here in our home - online. We brought the Mac to the living room coffee table and all sat around watching the service via the internet’s live streaming broadcast. We even lit candles with the congregation at the end. Then we Skyped Terry’s relatives in Indiana for the annual reading of “Twas a Night Before Christmas” followed by the Christmas story from Luke in the Bible. Pappy (Terry’s dad) closed in prayer. It was fun being able to join the two families together for this rich tradition. Afterwards, everyone opened one gift. Then Caleb helped me put cookies & milk out for Santa, carrots for the reindeer. Then everyone was tucked snug in their beds while the blizzard winds blew in 8 inches of snow overnight. We woke to a beautiful White Christmas! Santa had come. Presents were opened. Wrapping paper was everywhere. Caleb got his Gators helmet & Tebow jersey. Josh got his flip video. LookNam got her macbook case. Terry got his Garmin and Moshi. I got my kitchen speakers for my iphone. Even Maverick got a new bone. Thanks to help from Hen House, we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner followed by an evening of Christmas movies and just plain relaxing. Looking back, I’m glad we were home this year - especially since Josh got sick with 103 fever on Christmas Eve. Maverick was happy to share it with us too. But, I did miss being with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters. Sadly, however, as we get older, there are fewer of the older members of our family still with us. We lost Grandma Vi this year. Only Pappy remains as our last parent. It is up to our generation to carry on the traditions of Christmas. I write them here in detail so they will be captured and preserved in the blog book I hope to publish one day. Traditions are indeed rich and so much a joyous part of holiday celebrations.

Today, while Terry & Josh saw Avatar at the theater, I did venture out for a few post-Christmas sales but the snow began to fall again and chased me home early. At one point I was sitting in my car at an intersection listening to Mercy Me’s new song “I Heard the Bells” as I watched a homeless man begging for money on the corner. Normally I would have been irritated by this potential scam, however, today I reached into my wallet and handed him a $5 bill that I found in my wallet (everyone knows I don’t usually carry any cash). I could still hear the lyrics of the song...”Peace on Earth.” It was the right thing to do.

Thanks to the kindness of a stranger, my car (decorated like a reindeer with antlers & red nose) got a push and I (in my Santa hat) was able to navigate my way out of the Target parking lot and arrived safely home. Now we have 4 more inches of snow... measuring over a foot outside. It’s perfect. No one has to rush off to work or school for a week, so we can stay home, relax, and re-connect as a family.

In my next post I’ll write about the highlights of 2009 as we close in on New Year’s Eve and the end of the decade. But for now...it’s time for me to snuggle up in my cozy bed with my favorite dog at my feet...

What a wonderfully blessed time is Christmas. Thanks be to God for sending his son Jesus whom we celebrate in this season of giving.

A Colorado Thanksgiving

On this special day of the year called Thanksgiving we pause to reflect upon all that we are thankful for. So, this year I am particularly thankful that we could spend this holiday with my sister, Lisa, and her family (and their Thai exchange student) in Dillon, Colorado at a friend’s condo. Colorado’s scenery is breathtaking and we got to show our Thai daughters snow for the first time among the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. How cool is that! Among the highlights were: tubing in Keystone, snowboarding in Breckenridge, a delicious dinner at Spencer’s at Beaver Run, shopping the after-Thanksgiving sales in Dillon, and all nine of us watching “Blind Side” together at a local theater (best movie I’ve seen in years).

Since my husband, Terry, is a direct descendent of Governor William Bradford, one of the pilgrims who settled at Plymouth all those years ago, I think it’s also important to reflect upon our rich heritage. How times have changed. How blessed we are as a nation and a family. We couldn’t have gotten to this place without the sacrifices of those who came before us... with a little help from our friends. What a blessing!

A Colorful and Busy Fall

It’s been a particularly colorful fall this year. So enjoy these colorful photos of pumpkin patches, Halloween costume parties, and more. The field trip pictured was Caleb’s 2nd grade class to the Louisburg Pumpkin Patch. On Halloween eve we went to Deanna Rose’s Night of the Living Farm with the Websters & Alexanders. Then Kelsey and I went to the Hildebrand’s costume party and won 2nd place as Salt & Pepper (the original Spice Girls)! On Halloween we hosted game night at our house after Trick or Treating and the Huber’s won (of course)! I love watching the seasons change and the fun activities unique to each one!

LookNam and Her Busy Social Life!

Since LookNam joined us, I pushed her into lots of activities so that she could have lots of experiences and meet new friends. Here are just a few more things she’s done so far: BVNW Homecoming with Win (another AFS student that goes to Bishop Miege), modeled her Thailand dress in a Blue Valley Schools cultural program, BVNW football games; dinner at Sullivans & BVN Homecoming with Peter Tassani and 26 other friends from YoungLife, attends YoungLife weekly on Monday nights, RezLife on Wednesday nights, Christmas at Resurrection rehearsals on Sunday afternoons; the Edge of Hell Haunted House & dance party; movies and hanging out at Sonic with friends from school, Royals baseball game night with AFS, Elly Reiger ASF weekend retreat; JDFR Walk for the Cure (diabetes); and more. I think we don’t have to worry about her feeling homesick. She is already juggling a pretty busy social calendar!

Renaissance Festival

We celebrated Labor Day this year at the Renaissance Festival with 7 exchange students from Thailand! Two were celebrating birthdays and so Looknam and I baked cupcakes to share with these AFS students for this impromptu birthday celebration.

It is always fun to turn back the clock 500 years, journey to Canterbury England and share in the merriment associated with the medieval days of pirates, princesses, and wenches. The boys loved the sword battles and jousting. And who doesn’t love a good turkey leg lunch and a funnel cake. But this year it was especially fun to see how foreign students reacted to the “Old English” of the many “actors” in the park. The weather was perfect this year and it was a delightful day all the way around!

Pool Closing Party

Today our neighborhood held their annual pool closing party. The highlight was the arrival of the shaved ice truck! Even though the weather was too cool for most party goers to jump in the pool, it’s never to cold for shaved ice! It was a big hit. My personal favorite flavor was the vanilla. I wonder where we can find this truck after the pool is long closed???

Caleb's 1st Touchdown!

In the Huskies first tackle football pre-season game of 2009, Caleb scored his first and the the team’s only touchdown! Number 15 can be seen running it past the goal line right here on our website by clicking on the video tab or clicking here! Ok, so we lost the game, but hey - we were so excited by Caleb’s big touchdown that it didn’t even matter. The very next Saturday, Caleb again scored two more touchdowns in their first season game. Even though one was called back due to illegal blocking, the Huskies scored their first big win with a couple more touchdowns from his teammates! Can you tell we are really proud of our 2nd grade full back and lineman?

Want to see Caleb's touchdown on YouTube? Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfHNUCG6kYI

Welcome Looknam!

Sunday afternoon we picked up the newest member of our family: Surangkana Tornsatitkul (Looknam)- an AFS exchange student from Thailand. She is 17 and will be staying with us for the next 10 months. We had lots of fun converting our office into a 5th bedroom filled with pink things for our new daughter. She is so sweet and we know it will be a fun year sharing our country with Looknam as we also learn more about Thailand!

Back to School 2009

Backpacks packed & ready...off they went... back to school! Dad drove Josh and Mom drove Caleb to their respective schools. This marks Josh’s last year in middle school. Caleb climbed up to 2nd grade this year and has a new teacher - Ms. Sornson. Except for the lightning that struck Josh’s school and took out a bunch of pcs.... it was an uneventful day. No tears. No meltdowns. No calls from school saying, “I forgot so & so...” No one threw up. No calls from the principal. The boys arrived home on their buses with smiles, happy about their first day back (probably because neither had homework). I enjoyed the quiet inside the house and the sound of rain, but it was a bit lonely and quite different from the unscheduled lazy days of summer. All too soon activities will be in full swing, so days like today are a treasure and far too few.

Montgomery Friends Reunited

We had the pleasure of hosting dinner to catch up with old friends Darin Lightfoot and the Webster family. Darin was in town for the Worship Arts conference being hosted by our church. Five years ago we were all living in Montgomery, Alabama, and involved with the contemporary worship service at Frazer UMC - praise band, sound, drama... but we all moved to Kansas and Tennessee (Darin). It was great to spend time reconnecting with old friends and getting to know the new kid on the block: Will Webster (born July 1st) - being held by Darin in the photo. Old friends sitting around enjoying sopapilla cheese cake & ice cream - now that’s what I call a great way to spend an evening!

Alabama Vacation - Days 1, 2 & 3

For the next few days, Lisa & I will be in Alabama, touring around visiting relatives. This morning Lisa, Jenni & I drove out to see Aunt Bobbie at her beautiful new house on the farm. It was a quick visit since she was heading to the airport for a visit with daughter Varina in North Carolina. Then we enjoyed breakfast at Cracker Barrel - this is where everyone on a vacation should make at least one stop. Then Jenni went to work and Lisa and I drove on to Montgomery to visit Uncle Val. We must really rate, because he served us homemade Brunswick stew and fresh tomato sandwiches (BLT's in Southern Speak)! Stopped long enough to have pedicures with a couple of my Montgomery friends Becky & Betsy and then we were off again ...this time to Birmingham to dine with cousins Krista Gallimore & Karen Edwards. Afterwards we all stopped in to see Aunt Christine and talked late into the night. Spent Friday night at Krista & Tom's. Learned all about her lasted craze - she collects pewter (can't remember the designer's name) - and then off again - to Selma. Ate the best Southern style meal there with Aunt Ann & Uncle Bob - that means there were at least 4-5 vegetables involved - and dewberry cobbler (the best!). Can't wait to get home to make that! Aunt Pat & Uncle Winston came by too. Stopped by the old farm and rummaged through the shed looking for props for Kaley's next play on our way to see Gramps (who turns 94 in August) and I must say that he looked so much better than I anticipated. Spent time with [Aunt] Linda and helped here rearrange her knicknacks.... Drove back to Dothan to spend Saturday night with Jenni. Lisa was sad because we couldn't find a Krispy Kreme donut place on the way there. On Sunday we actually stayed in Dothan visiting all day with Jenni & Jake. We drove to Daleville & Ft. Rucker and saw the house where Lisa & I lived back in the 60's. We saw our old church (where I almost drowned being baptized...ok so I exaggerate), and even found the trailer park we lived in when Dad when to Viet Nam. We've come a long way since our days in the double-wide! We ended the day watching Michael Jackson retrospectives on TV while we digested a meal we created from the leftovers Aunt Ann sent us home with. Yum yum! I think I've gained 5 pounds on this vacation! As soon as I get back to Florida tomorrow I'll hook up Lisa's camera to my pc and add some photos from our travels to see our relatives. Today's mishaps - I left my iphone charger at Krista's and somehow lost one of my shoes (not the whole pair - just one). I'm so bummed! Oh, did I mention that Lisa finally found her Krispy Kreme hot donuts! Tomorrow we head back to sunny Florida. It's way too hot here in Alabama. Thanks to all my relatives for welcoming us and feeding us well! We have enjoyed connecting with everyone this weekend!

Florida Vacation - Day 4

Today we added "Uncle Mike" to our entourage and drove to New Smyrna Beach for our last day at the beach during our vacation. Everyone of us - adults & kids - played in the surf. The waves were wonderful - the weather even better. Even us half centurions can body surf still! After being pounded by several big waves, I finally remembered that diving through them was so much easier! Uncle Mike and the boys enjoyed tossing the football around in the surf. And finally, after a couple of hours of beach fun, we packed up and headed to Chase's - a great restaurant on the beach where we ate outside overlooking the ocean, dining on grouper sandwiches, listening to live music and watching people play in the surf. Then we hit the local ice cream joint and headed back to Lake Mary to pack up the boys and take them to the airport. On the way to the airport we learned that Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson had both died that day. This came just days after Ed Mcmahon died. Not a good week for celebrities. Amazing what you miss when you are away from electronics for a few hours. After hugs and goodbyes, Lisa and I drove 6 hours to Dothan, Alabama, and spent the night with Jenni in her gorgeous home. Jenni is the most talented decorator I know. Her homes always look like something out of Southern Homes & Garden (or better). Another great day on vacation! I'll post pictures later when I get to the camera cord.....

Florida Vacation - Day 3

On our third day in sunny Florida, we headed to Viera after a slow vacation-style start to visit with the McWains again. Viera is a new city, just south of Cocoa Beach. After a nice lunch at the McWains beautiful new home, a friendly game of Wii bowling and a swim in their saline pool (no bloodshot eyes for the kids!) we gathered the troops and took a nice driving tour of area. They stopped in to show us their new church and the first person I spotted was none other than Coach Brandon - Caleb's former basketball coach from First Family Church in Kansas. It was great to see him again. Small world. We spent the rest of the day at Cocoa Beach: We visited Ron Jon's [surf shop] of course; ate crab legs at the famous pier while the sun set; watched the kids swim in the surf. Katie found a crab. We watched a man on the pier reel in a fish. A sea gull pooped on Terry's head. It was a beautiful day and the summer breezes kept us cool. Great day! There is just something so calming about the beach. Everyone is a little friendlier, the attitudes are casual, and the pace is slower. I only wish we had more days like this to feel the sand between our toes while taking in amazing scenery in the company of friends. As we drove back to Orlando with sleeping children in the car I couldn't help but count my blessings.

Florida Vacation - Day 2

Tuesday - Day 2 of our vacation started with sleeping in late, eating breakfast, and packing up the car bound for the beach! After all, this is a beach vacation isn't it? Loaded with suntan lotion, towels, chairs, umbrella, and Crunch-n-Munch.... we were off to famous Daytona Beach - only 55 minutes away. It was a gorgeous day - not nearly as hot - even slightly overcast! We drove past the famous Daytona Speedway, then across the bridge to the Wyndham Oceans Walk resort (next to Daytona Lagoon water park). We made a note to talk our friends (the Hubers) into using their Wyndham time share points there next summer for a return visit and joining in on their fun. The resort is also adjacent to colorful shops, including Bubba Gumps, where we ate lunch and had shrimp, of course!

After lunch we hopped in the car and drove right onto the beach (they charge $3 for this experience now). We parked, hauled our gear closer to the shoreline and hit the surf. The wind was blowing such that we had some great waves and all of us swam out to the sand bar and dodged waves for quite a while. And you know how some folks "catch a wave"? Well, we "caught a fish"! Yes, a small fish surprised Lisa, Caleb & I and flopped up on our raft! "This is the best vacation ever!" squealed Caleb. There was one hysterical moment (as it turned out) that I must share. Right after one of the larger waves slammed into us, Caleb started crying and had such a look of fear on his face. So, Terry lifted him high above the waves to calm him. We all thought he had gotten scared because of the size of the wave that caused him to go under water. So, as Terry is taking him ashore for a break, he yelled back to Lisa & I that he knew why Caleb had gotten so frightened. Just before that large wave hit (and almost caused Mary to lose her favorite $5 Premier Designs sunglasses), Lisa had been telling us about the TV special where some expert said that if you pee in the ocean it would attract sharks. Are you figuring it out now? Yes, Caleb had just peed in the Ocean right before Lisa told us this harrowing piece of news! Lisa and I laughed so hard that I almost attracted some sharks myself!

As we drove out of Daytona, sandy and slightly sunburned (suntan lotion works better when you actually put it on), Terry pulled into the Krispy Kreme amid cheers from everyone in the car. Today's mishap: My favorite Casio Exilim camera broke! (Pam F. can I buy yours?) Right after we took the Bubba Gumps photo above, sand must have gotten into the lens because it won't open or close. Thank goodness Terry grabbed our old camera right before we left our house in Kansas. Too bad though that he left it in the car at the Kansas City airport. Guess I'll be borrowing Lisa's tomorrow. I couldn't help but notice how much nicer Daytona is than the somewhat seedy memories I have of the area from my days in college. I had also forgotten how nice the waves are on the East coast. Great beach. I'll be back. We rounded out the evening with the reality-addicted adults watching the premier of "America's Got Talent" and the kids swimming with Kaley in the salt-free lighted pool. Another perfect end to day 2 of our Florida Vacation 2009. Tomorrow we're off to Cocoa Beach!

Florida Vacation - Day 1

Yesterday was Father's Day and we spent most of the day packing and traveling to Orlando where we arrived at 10:01 pm. Just one week ago I discovered this great deal on AirTran ($49 one way flights) that was too good to pass up so we put the wheels in motion and planned a beach vacation. The plan is to stay at the "McLean" resort in Lake Mary (my sister's) and take day trips to different beaches each day. Being in Kansas we couldn't be farther from a coastline and this former Florida girl misses the sounds of those waves! On Thursday night my sister and I will drop the "boys" off at the airport and drive to Alabama to visit relatives for several days while the boys golf or camp or do what boys do. I'm secretly hoping that us girls (all 3 of the Twilley sisters) will get a chance to hit one more beach on the panhandle of Florida before I head back to the land of Oz.

So, on Day 1 (Monday) of our vacation we reunited with our former Kansas cul-de-sac neighbors, the McWains, who joined us at my sister's Lake Mary "resort" for a pool party & cookout. Caleb was so excited to see his buddy Andrew who were inseparable all day. It was a very hot & humid day, but if was a wonderful day of fellowship with old friends. After a slight mishap with some burned popcorn and a certain 8 year old boy, we headed to the local Japanese steakhouse to escape the charred smell and closed out a perfect beginning to our Florida Vacation with a wonderful meal. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, that we were also reunited with Abby - our puppy that we gave to our niece, Kaley, on her 16th birthday last year! Even the McWains enjoyed seeing Abby because she was living with us when they stilled live in Kansas. So ends, day 1. Tune in tomorrow for Day 2 of Florida Vacation 2009. By the way, I would have added a photo here but I was having so much fun that I forgot to unpack my camera!

Father's Day 2009

Today is Father's Day and I just wanted to pause and reflect on the importance of Fathers. I am so fortunate to have such a great Father to my two sons, Terry Haines. Terry is a giant when it comes to integrity and loyalty. A man like that only exists because of the influence of other great Fathers in his life. Terry's father, Paul W. Haines, is one of those men. And Terry's father is also a reflection of another great father, Paul W.'s father and Terry's grandfather, Paul E. Haines. These career missionaries embodied the pioneer spirit and unselfish character of true servant leaders. All three of these men are godly men of strength and character. I too was blessed with such a father, LeRoy G. Twilley. Although he passed away 15 years ago, his influence remains and will continue to positively impact the lives of those he touched. The common thread that binds these exemplary role models together is their love of the most famous Father of all - our Father in heaven. So, for all you Fathers out there who want to make a positive impact on those you care about and hold dear, nurture your relationship with your heavenly Father first. Because it is through that relationship that you really learn what it means to be a father. God bless all the Fathers out there - the ones who paved the way before us and those we are raising up to be Fathers in the future!

Caleb's football birthday

Today was the last day of school AND Caleb’s 8th birthday. So, I got creative this year and quickly organized a football birthday party. I rented the Blue Valley Northwest high school stadium (synthetic turf, bleachers, and a guest celebrity) where we’d have enough room to invite not only his entire flag football team but his 1st grade classmates as well. Everything was perfect, right until we drove up to the stadium and it started to drizzle. The kids had so much fun though that they didn’t seem to care. The flag football coaches organized a scrimmage and the girls learned some cheers from the coach’s daughter. Anthony Davis formerly with the KC Chiefs & Panthers stopped by to show the kids his Super Bowl ring and offered encouragement to the kids and the coaches. Then there was cake and presentsI What a great way to end the school year. And yes, that’s a signed Tony Gonzales jersey in the smaller photo. Too bad he left the Chiefs. The connections I made while working on the COR Auction paid off for our young sports fanatic. I think he’ll remember this birthday... what do you think?

A Fond Farewell

On Monday night (May 11th) we got a call that our sweet Grandma Vi passed away.  She was in her 90's and was recently moved into a nursing home after a bad fall.  Just this week she fell again, this time breaking her hip and suffering a heart attack.  It was too much for someone so frail.  But she was ready to go and is now at peace.  Terry has taken off to Indianapolis to celebrate her wonderful life with his siblings.  Vi was the 2nd wife of Terry's grandfather (one of the first missionaries into china) and served as secretary of OMS (Oriental Missionary Society) for many years after serving in Columbia as a missionary herself.  I often teased Grandma Vi about her Canadian accent and enjoyed her many stories she shared during holidays over a game of Scrabble.  Haines holidays just won't be the same without Vi's pies (she shared her French Silk Pie recipe with me!).  We will miss you Vi.  Godspeed.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Branson

In May, my sister Lisa (2nd from the left) flew in from Orlando and joined my girlfriends Kathy, Kelsey and Pam on a weekend getaway trip to Branson. Kelsey had Wyndham timeshare points to burn so we cashed in on her generosity and had a great time shopping, dining, Riding the Ducks, winery tour, and seeing “Spirit of the Dance.” Lots of girl time to talk, talk, and talk some more. Considering how different we all are, everyone got along so well. There is just something special about being with girlfriends. But after all the fun, it is always good to come home again. I missed all my boys!

Resurrection Auction & Golf Classic a Big Success!

I've been crazy busy these past few weeks on the Resurrection Golf Classic and Auction which were held on May 4th & 8th.  We had great weather for both.  The golf tournament was sold out and we had record attendance at the Auction (1132)!  Just looking at gross proceeds from the Auction we took in over $116,000 (about $20,000 more than last year)!  Even the little auction donation puppy we kept for 3 weeks sold for $1900!  We'll miss little Murphy, as we so affectionately called him.  In a year defined as the worst economic downturn in the 14 year history of these events, we had a banner year.  It appears that folks are keeping their priorities focused on the needs of others and cutting back their expenditures at home instead taking away from the downtrodden.  That's such an encouragement.  I was so proud of our church for supporting these events in a big way...largely in part due to a last minute appeal by our senior pastor.  It was quite exciting!  Even the entertainment added much to the evening (a 50's singing group called the Taffetas).  I'm glad it's behind me so now I can catch up on my sleep and finally get my household re-organized.  Whew!  And to think.... it will all repeat again in less than 360 days!

We'll Miss you, Uncle Buddy!

Tragically, my uncle Henry died this week. Sadly, I could not fly to Alabama for the funeral because it was too close to my ear surgery. So, I spent a little time looking over some old photos of my mom's brother (just 2 years younger than she) and found this one. Whether you called him Henry, Buddy, or Big Henry, or just "Big", he was an uncomplicated Southern man from a small town with a big heart and warm smile. He loved his family with a passion and we will miss him dearly. My cousin told me today about this Alan Jackson song that just describes him to a T. And yes, I have to agree. Check out the video from YouTube (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5675415937808124856 ). Here are the lyrics:

"Small Town Southern Man" by Alan Jackson

Artist: Alan Jackson
Song: Small Town Southern Man
Album: Good Times


Born the middle son of a farmer
And a small town Southern man
Like his daddy's daddy before him
Brought up workin' on the land
Fell in love with a small town woman
And they married up and settled down
Natural way of life if you're lucky
For a small town Southern man

First there came four pretty daughters
For this small town Southern man
Then a few years later came another
A boy, he wasn't planned
Seven people livin' all together
In a house built with his own hands
Little words with love and understandin'
From a small town Southern man

Chorus:
And he bowed his head to Jesus
And he stood for Uncle Sam
And he only loved one woman
(He) was always proud of what he had
He said his greatest contribution
Is the ones you leave behind
Raised on the ways and gentle kindness
Of a small town Southern man
(Raised on the ways and gentle kindness)
(Of a small town Southern man)

Callous hands told the story
For this small town Southern man
He gave it all to keep it all together
And keep his family on his land
Like his daddy, years wore out his body
Made it hard just to walk and stand
You can break the back
But you can't break the spirit
Of a small town Southern man

(Repeat Chorus)

Finally death came callin'
For this small town Southern man
He said it's alright 'cause I see angels
And they got me by the hand
Don't you cry, and don't you worry
I'm blessed, and I know I am
'Cause God has a place in Heaven
For a small town Southern man

(Repeat Chorus)

Happy Easter

Christ has risen indeed!  I just had to post a few pictures of Easters past that I ran across today. The black & white one is from Easter 1964.  Yes, that's me with my sister, Lisa, at my grandmother's house in our Easter dresses, hats, & purses made by our mom (that poor cat!). Then there are the cute ones of the boys when they still enjoyed Easter egg hunts and playing with bunnies rather than trying to shoot them with bb guns.  Where does the time go?  

Update

I can't believe I haven't written anything on my blog since my surgery.  Well yes, I can.  Healing from my ear surgery hasn't been fun - too slow - and I hate not being able to hear.  I hate feeling like I have an ear infection every day.  Now my doctor says I also have burning tongue syndrome.... probably caused from the trauma of the surgery and my taste buds are impaired.  Something to do with the tympanic nerve?  Since I can't hear well, noisy places are confusing... so I've been retreating to my quiet space in my bedroom.  Discovered a new great book by Francine Rivers (Voice in the Wind) about Esther - which happens also to be the Bible Study I just finished by Beth Moore.  Hearing impaired people can still work, so, I've also been working hard on the Resurrection Golf Auction.  I have an unpainted playhouse now in my garage and will be picking up a puppy next week (won't Terry be surprised when he comes home from his trip) - both are auction items on May 8th.  Want to know more about the Golf Auction?  Check out the website at www.cor.org/auction .  There's a picture of the puppy there too under "partial listing of items to be auctioned off."  

Thank You Sisters!

Yesterday I had ear surgery so today while Caleb was at gymnastics camp and Terry was driving go carts with Josh and his buddy, I sat around watching Oprah and was enjoying being lazy.  The doorbell rang and a man handed me the most incredible bouquet of daisies, complete with a Get Well Balloon from my sisters.  When I opened it up, these daisies were sculpted from pineapples with mellon centers and dipped in chocolate.  Flowers you can eat!  How fun is that! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Top o' the morning to ya!  And a beautiful one it was indeed.  It was sunny and 80 degrees.  Can you believe it snowed just two weeks ago!  My friends, Pam, Jen, and I, headed downtown with our kids for the big parade.  It was awesome.  The last float we saw were the IHOP (International House of Prayer) folks who even had one of their Irish guys giving an altar call of sorts and singing praise music.  What a perfect end to the parade!  Then we ate a picnic lunch at Brown's Market & Deli which is one of the famous Irish hot spots in KC.  Outside the market they set up inflatables for the Wee Irish and invited Mr. Stinky Feet to perform.  I even got to be a backup singer.... well sort of.  He needed help with the motions on his Noah's Ark song.  I do a pretty mean alligator!  Who knew? Then we headed to nearby Crown Center where we toured the Wizard of Oz exhibit and ate dinner at Crayola Cafe.  Even the fountains were on.  We closed out the day with Sheridan's frozen yogurt.  Today was a good day!

Spring Break

Today is the first day of "Spring Break."  Of course, it was too cold to do much outside... no flowers are blooming... it certainly doesn't look like Spring.  But the kids are home from school and happy for this break.  I'm actually happy for this time when everything sort of shuts down - activities temporarily halt.  I just may be able to catch up with myself who is usually running here and there - somewhere between church or school or the grocery store or orthodontist....  Terry is even taking some time off starting tomorrow.  So, where are we going to spend this glorious week and a half of vacation?  Colorado skiing perhaps?  Orlando or the beach?  Hiking in the Grand Canyon?  No.. none of these.  This year we're NOT going to spend our economic stimulus check and are staying home.  Caleb is signed up for a couple of gymnastic day camps.  But I'm sure he'll be spending most of his time outside (he doesn't think it's cold) with his new soccer ball, cleats, and shin guards that I bought today.... practicing his soccer "moves."  Soccer starts right after Spring Break.  Josh will "hang" with his friends and text night and day.  And then all of us will certainly watch the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Kansas City next Tuesday - it's supposed to be 65 degrees and sunny by then!  There is hope for spring after all!  Even the grass is starting to green up... my flowers are just starting to peek through the earth...  Then next Wednesday I'm going in for repairs.... ear surgery to patch a hole in my eardrum.  My 5th ear surgery.  Oh, joy.  While I recuperate I plan to catch up on things around the house.  I'm starting to get Spring fever - must be time to clean out those closets.  Yes... I can tell that Spring is just around the corner!  

Happy Anniversary

Here's a photo of the guy who stole my heart 36 years ago!  And then just 18 years later, Terry and I "tied the knot", "got hitched", "took the plunge", "pledged our love for each other", "took our vows", .... in other words.... got married!  Has it really been that long?  When you have something really, really good, I guess it goes by in a blink.  So, as I reflect on this anniversary of the day we eloped - 2nd photo- (hey... wouldn't you elope if you'd waited 18 years for him to ask!), I can honestly say that it was the best decision I ever made.  No doubts, no regrets... ok, just one:  I wish it had been sooner!  What makes our marriage so successful, you may ask?  For us, it's our strong spiritual beliefs; our personal relationships with Christ.  This is the rudder that guides our ship and keeps us on track.  Every major decision we make as a couple, as a family, is prayed over.  We seek our wisdom from above - not leaning on our own understanding.  Without our faith, we could easily sink.  Jesus taught us:  Love God.  Love others "as yourself."  In other words...put others first.  When we're doing that...everything is smooth sailing.  When we get selfish... not so much. Randy Pausch gave great relationship advice to help us deal with our imperfect and selfish nature in his now famous "Last Lecture" which included something like this:

1.  Learn to say "I'm sorry"    

2.  Learn to say "It was my fault"

3.  Learn to say "How can I make it right"

ALL three are important, not just #1.  We're all flawed.  So, take responsibility.  Learn to forgive.  Love is patient.  Love is kind.  I married a man who lives this.  He's a great man, from a long line of Godly men.  I'm so glad he took a chance on me and allowed me in his life.  I look forward to growing old with him; my best friend.  We're not perfect.  But, we're perfect for each other.  My husband keeps me on track.  He knows just how to cheer me up when I'm down.  He really is my true north.  I love you, Terry.  Happy Anniversary!

We have a teenager!

Happy 13th Birthday, Josh!  Where has the time gone?  Gone are the days of Barney, Big Birthday Parties and Balloons. No more trips to Toys R Us.  This year it was all about the phone.  A Blackberry and unlimited texting.  Wow.  Things have really changed.  You're taller than me, your voice is deeper, and Dad bought you a razor & shaving cream for your birthday.  But I'm relieved to know that under all that tough exterior, the boy in you is still there... like when you cut your lip trying to shave tonight.  You will always be my first born, my baby.... no matter how tall or cool you get.  I love you, Josh, and am proud of you.  I pray daily that you will grow into a man of character, just like your dad.  There will be rough sailing ahead, but a good captain will be able to guide his ship into the calm waters that will be waiting for you one day!  As I used to sing to you: "I'll love you forever.  I'll like your for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." Godspeed, my son. 

Snow Day!

Today I awoke on this quiet sleepy Saturday morning to a beautiful blanket of snow.  We haven't had a decent snowfall all winter and here it is... a day away from March...a day away from my oldest son turning 13....and we have 3 inches of the white stuff.  It's God's way of hiding that dead look of winter.  What a treat.   Soon everyone will be up and the coats, gloves, boots, and snowboards will be flying everywhere.  Even though it's a chilling 22 degrees, the boys will break the silence of the falling snow with their squeals of delight as they take to the hills for some winter fun.  So, I have to enjoy it now, while it's still peaceful.  It's good to wake up early sometimes to experience the beauty of a new fallen snow and quiet stillness.  This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!