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!