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.