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!

Ronald likes Caleb's new braces too!

Zoom in on this photo of Caleb's new braces (on just his top 4 teeth). His dentist is trying to close the large gap in his front teeth so that the ones beside them can come in. My first grader was so brave through all the yucky impressions and glueing that I treated him to lunch afterward at his favorite restaurant. And who just happened to be there that day but Ronald McDonald himself! Caleb got an autographed picture and a high five approval of Caleb's new look! Caleb chose KC Chief's colors for 2 of the brackets and KU colors for the other two! That's my little sports fan for you!

Valentine's Day 2009!

We continued our tradition of bowling on Valentine's Day...which we had to skip last year since Terry was in Phoenix.  Half the fun of bowling at Incred-i-bowl is eating at their snackbar - best krinkle fries in town!  I just want everyone to know that for the first time in my life...I beat Terry at bowling!  I even took a picture of the score to prove it.  I can't take all the credit, though.  At first I wasn't doing too well, so Caleb offered to bowl one of my frames for me.  The competitive side of me thought....no, I'd better not let this 7 year old who still bowls with bumper guards help me.  But, I gave in because I'm really just a big pushover.  And do you know that he got a strike!  So, overjoyed was I, that I let him help me on a couple more.  A few weeks later, Caleb and I were still on a roll when we went bowling again for his school's Family Fun Night fundraiser.  We both won again!  I beat the adults in my group with a 158!  Caleb beat the kids in his group with a 104!  I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.  

Yes We Can!

Apparently the slogan for 2009, as coined by our new President Obama, is "Yes We Can." So, I'm going to use this as I catch you up on what we've done since Christmas.

1. Yes She Can! My friend, Rani, was able to get Tony Gonzalez to autograph the Chiefs jersey we bought for Caleb for Christmas! This is one happy Chiefs fan! Thanks, Rani.

2. Yes We Did! We drove my tiny Honda Fit all the way to Indianapolis for Christmas

and back: 2 adults, 2 kids, suitcases (and we all know that Terry always overpacks), presents, and .... lots of entertaining videos & games. Maverick was smart and went to the Pet Hotel. But we did it. And it was actually not bad at all. The best part was that it took almost 2 tanks of gas each way. That's 4 tanks of gas total x $12/tank (unbelievable, I know!) = $48 round trip gas cost! Wow!!!! It was a perfect "Fit."

3. Yes He Did! My husband bought Josh a BB gun for Christmas! Notice I didn't say "we" because we all know that I think he'll just shoot his eye out! It's definitely a boy thing - it's even camo. Josh had a blast (oh, maybe that's not the best word to use) playing with it in the woods near his Pappy's old house in Winona Lake, Indiana. I guess it was worth seeing him so excited about it. And, no, he hasn't yet lost an eye.

4. Yes I Can! I can sew. Who knew? I finished the sewing project I started around Thanksgiving: Since I searched over a year to find a new bed set that would fit our new thicker mattress with no luck, I decided that yes, I could sew my own! Inspired by my friend Erin's animal print pillows, I bought this great leopard designer fabric on sale the day after Thanksgiving and WITHOUT A PATTERN made a new dust ruffle, matching Euro pillows, a bolster pillow, and a small 15" pillow for our master bed. I even used cording. This was a first for me. I had already purchased coordinating sheets, blanket, and a wonderfully soft down comforter.... so now I finally finished hemming the dust ruffle and all the hand sewing that had been held together with pins. Bed makeovers are so fun, don't you think?! Maverick likes it!

5. Yes Our Nation Can! We inaugurated our first Black President on January 20th and I checked Josh out of school for a couple of hours to watch this historic event with him live. Obama may not have won my vote, but he has won my respect and support as our leader during these uncertain times. I am proud of our nation for rallying around something bigger than themselves for a change. Change can be good after all. Oh, and by the way, did you know that both Obama and I were born in Hawaii. Except I am really embarrassed to admit this, but Hawaii wasn't even a state when I was born. Yes, that means, I really am older than our President. Wow. Did I really admit to that?

6. Yes I Can! I can work and stay home! I started (or shall I say re-started) my part time job with our church on January 5th. They re-newed my contract as Development Events Coordinator, reporting to our Stewardship pastor. I'll be working on events such as the Auction & Golf Classic and the Capital Campaign. I now have office hours 3 days a week. The people are a joy to work with and the hours are flexible. That's really helpful on those days like last week when you receive a call in the middle of a meeting with your boss from the school nurse saying your 7 year old is throwing up all over her office. So, I just moved my office home for the next two days and remoted in. Technology is wonderful, isn't it. I really love my job. I'm getting paid for something I'd probably do for free (don't tell my boss). But I really need the money to replace my laptop that we just gave last rites to (one blue screen of death too many).

7. Yes I Hope I Can! Here's the part where I write down my New Year's Resolutions so that I can look back later and be reminded that I'm still a work in progress. This year I resolve to "Finish what I've started." That's it. Nothing more. I have so many little unfinished projects. I don't expect to get them all done. Maybe I will decide they shouldn't have been started in the first place. But this is the year that I'm going to tackle them one by one. I already got one done! Remember my bed pillows & dust ruffle project! Well, pat myself on the back! One down and ....hmmmm.....lots to go: Scanning, shredding, the unfinished 2009 family photo calendar, clean out that junk drawer, filling the empty photo frames, finding my lost garage door opener, mending, organize my jewelry, and the list goes on for this very skilled procrastinator. But, hey, it's all just small stuff. Let this be my year of small stuff. But what is it they say...."Don't sweat the small stuff!" Hmmmmmmm.

2008 Christmas Newsletter

Back by popular demand.... The Haines Family Newsletter. We skipped it last year and we actually had folks say they missed it. It's nice to think that some of you are taking the time to read it and share in our shenanigans. Time passes so quickly ... where does it go? Gone in the blink of an eye. Make the most of your days. You never know how long the journey will last. Have a great trip!

Christmas Photo 2008 (taken by Basement Rob)

Christmas at Resurrection

Here are a few more pictures from "Christmas at Resurrection."  Caleb as kid Jesus with "Mary," Baby Jesus (Anna), and Simon the donkey.

The Red Webs

Here is a recent family photo of "Basement" Rob and his sweet family!  Go visit their blog at www.theredwebs.blogspot.com

It's that Busy time of year!

Wow!  I must have been busy... I haven't posted anything on my blog since Thanksgiving!  Well, after Thanksgiving we decorated the house for Christmas, we got our first snow of the season, were busy with the annual church Christmas show, hosted a Christmas party for the cast, and "Uncle Rob" Webster moved into our basement.  Rob and his wife, Lauren, and 9-month old daughter, Bennett, are relocating here from Alabama and Rob is working at our church (Director of Video Production).  We've known Rob eight years and he is the mastermind behind our Christmas card this year!  We will miss him when he joins his family after New Year's and moves into an apartment (till their house sells).  I'm secretly hoping that there will be a delay and all three of the "Red Webs," as they call themselves, will get to stay with us longer.  It is a joy to have them in Kansas City!  Well, before I get back to my Christmas cards, I want to post a couple photos from "Christmas at Resurrection."  Caleb and I had so much fun being a part of this production this year.  We always meet so many wonderful friends in the cast.  Caleb was "Kid Jesus" this year!  Check out this photo of the outfit (with ostrich feathers) that I wore in Act 1 - guess that explains why they started calling me "Mary Feather."  

Happy Turkey Day!

In honor of Thanksgiving (Turkey Day), I just had to post this photo I took yesterday next to my friend's house (yes, in a suburban neighborhood) of a wild turkey. Makes me feel a little guilty about the semi-frozen one sitting in my refrigerator. It was quite a day for wild birds because last night Caleb spotted a wren flying around the living room. This morning when we woke up he was sitting on Terry's guitar. We're not sure if he's still in the house or not. I saw Terry running around with a broom this morning but no one actually saw the bird fly out of the house. This is a first for us. Since it's after midnight, Josh informed me that it's offically Thanksgiving. So in honor of all the turkeys that survived like the one in this photo and in memory of Terry's 12th great grandfather, Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower, have a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving Day!

A Christmas Carol

It's Thanksgiving Eve and we just came back from our annual trek to see "A Christmas Carol." This year we saw it at the Kansas City Repertory Theater near the Plaza. It is perhaps one of the best productions we've ever seen. Amazing talent. Incredible sets, costumes, and it even snowed (in the theater). The Feldmans joined us this year and took this photo for us. As you can see, both boys got haircuts today. Doesn't Josh look so grown up? He's actually 2 inches taller than I am even though this photo doesn't look like it (my secret is in the heels). We came home to see the Christmas lights all aglow in front of our house that I slaved over this afternoon. My hands and nails look horrible, but it was worth it to see how the lights magically mark the arrival of Christmas. OK... tomorrow is actually Thanksgiving, but after seeing the play, I'm filled with the Christmas spirit. In two weeks we kick off our big annual Christmas production at COR which runs for 4 days (5 performances) and both Caleb and I are in it again this year. Since I'll be so busy with that (including hosting the opening night after show brunch at our house for the production team) I was hoping to get a jump start on the decorations during this quiet Thanksgiving weekend. I'm glad we are staying home this year and cooking for just the 4 of us. (Turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Sister Shubert rolls, corn, apple pie & cinnemon ice cream, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie ... ok, so we love desserts!) Friday is my day of shopping (crazy but oh, so fun). Saturday is the Iron Bowl (Roll Tide Roll)! Then Sunday brings Rob Webster and Shane Segars all the way from Alabama. Rob is starting his new job at COR on Monday and, well, Shane is along for the ride. Did someone say "road trip?" We are so excited that Rob will be staying with us until he, Lauren, & Bennett move into their rental house in January.  We were all part of starting the Contemporary Worship service at Frazer UMC in Montgomery together 8 years ago and it going to be great to be together again.   Well, Happy Thanksgiving and "God Bless Us Everyone!"

Confirmation

This photo was taken after Josh's Confirmation ceremony. He went to classes every Sunday for 10 weeks to prepare for this day. Now he is officially recognized by the church as an adult. Wow. Where did the time go? He had a lot of great experiences during the 10 weeks and met several new friends. There were 176 confirmands! And that was just the fall class. Highlights were Metamorphasis weekend, Harvesters Mission project, and the Confirmation retreat. They even started a new Vibe service on Sunday mornings in October for the young and hip. So, of course we go there with Josh now. They haven't kicked us out yet! We are blessed to have such a great church.

Let's Dance!

Today after I read my GPS (Grow Pray Study) guide that I receive each day on my iphone, I surfed on over to one of our blogging pastor's site for his response. It was on Jeff Clinger's blog (www.changingtobringchange.wordpress.com) that I was really inspired by his comments on November 7th - Contagious Energy - Organizing Community - Starting Churches? . I had somehow missed the story and internet fame of Matt. If you missed it, please click on Jeff's blog and watch the videos. Jeff is right. If this guy can influence that many people with his silly dancing, then how much more can we do if we connect a worthy purpose with all that fun. I want to be a part of a greater purpose and see it spread like an infectious virus around the world, don't you? I'm ready. So, any ideas on how we can do this?

Are you ready for some Football?

    
Caleb's first season of flag football has come to a close but that hasn't stopped him.  He's already gearing up (literally) for next year when he'll be old enough for tackle.  Just last night he was playing football in the basement while watching Monday night football.  Did San Francisco win?  Hope so... I love their coach Mike Singletary (Da Bears!).  Thought you'd enjoy a couple photos of our major sports fan at his Bulldogs' end of season pizza party!  Here he shows off his Trophy with friends & classmates, Tyler & Jake.  On the right are Tyler & Jake's dads and our Bulldog coaches, Brian & Bob.  Great season Bulldogs!

Did you vote?

How did you celebrate election day?  Did you get your free star shaped Krispy Kreme donut for breakfast, then drive by Starbucks for a free "I voted" coffee, and wait in the long line for the free Chick-Fil-A election day sandwiches after you waited 2 hours to cast your ballot?  Well, Terry & I mailed our votes in early, so instead, we celebrated election night in our traditional way - watching the returns while eating Chinese food in front of the TV.  Even though hopes for a Republican victory were dashed when they announced Barack Hussein Obama's victory in my old hometown of Chicago's Grant park, we couldn't help but be inspired by the speeches of both McCain & Obama.  The world reaction to Obama's win was amazing.  Now the media is comparing the Obamas to the Kennedys because they are young, good-looking, and Democrats.  But, doesn't anyone remember how that one turned out?  Well, anyway.... he definitely has his work cut out for him.  Forget his health insurance plan....I just hope he can fix the stock market!  The scariest part of my day is opening up my statements from Lincoln Financial and TIAA Cref.  Well, now that the election is over, I already miss SNL's political skits with Tina Fey, Sara Palin, & John McCain.  What will I watch on Saturday night?  Oh well, there's always the Corbert Report.  But there's more!  I can just watch the exciting news stories about how Michelle Obama is going to re-decorate the White House and house train the new puppy!

Trunk or Treat!

This year we had a lot of fun decorating my new car for "Trunk or Treat" at the ATA Taekwondo Halloween party.  Spiders, skeletons, and webs... oh, my!  What you can't see in the photo are the enormous spiders that were crawling all over the car.  We even had a "misty" cauldron & creepy sound effects.  Caleb dressed up as a ... oh, how did you guess... a football player!  That's me sawing off Josh's head with his chainsaw.  And you thought the Adams Family was creepy...