Happy Father's Day to the BEST Dad in the world!!
I'm SO glad he is going to be in the same country as me today!!
Welcome Back Dad! I love you!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Ever heard of Christmas in July...
Well, that makes Thanksgiving in June, right??
Sweet friends of ours realized that Mike would not be able to participate in Thanksgiving this year due to work travel and decided to have a dinner just for him. We got together on Friday night for a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with the kids running around and playing while the adults sat at the table and talked through the evening.
We filled ourselves with Turkey and cornbread dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, apple/cranberry crumble and of course an assortment of desserts! The only thing missing was a football game.
Sweet friends of ours realized that Mike would not be able to participate in Thanksgiving this year due to work travel and decided to have a dinner just for him. We got together on Friday night for a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with the kids running around and playing while the adults sat at the table and talked through the evening.
We filled ourselves with Turkey and cornbread dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, apple/cranberry crumble and of course an assortment of desserts! The only thing missing was a football game.
During dinner, we started talking about a fun place to eat in Raleigh, Big Ed's. The group started talking about when we could meet there - how about tomorrow morning?? I told Mike I didn't think I could go tomorrow since I had work, totally forgetting that it was Saturday and not the day after Thanksgiving which I normally work! We really were in the Thanksgiving spirit!
We did meet at Big Ed's on Saturday and had the most amazing breakfast together! All 10 of us! I just think we might be doing this again in the near future...
We are so blessed to have friends who love and support us! Looking forward to many more fun times together.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Hidden for a time...
Wait–verb (used without object)
1. to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, or until )
2. (of things) to be available or in readiness
3. to remain neglected for a time
We find ourselves waiting for many things - some wait for the bus or payday, others wait for vacations or holidays, some wait for visitors (like my parents coming home for Stateside), some wait for children to arrive...others for children to leave. Whoever we are, we will at some point find ourselves waiting. Sometime waiting causes us to feel rejected and grieved. We do feel neglected...even to the point of thinking that maybe God has forgotten about us. But it is WHAT we doing and HOW we respond in the waiting that makes the difference.
I was reading through some familiar Scripture this morning. Scripture that has carried me through some of my own waiting. The verses are found in Lamentations chapter 3.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord." (vs. 22-26)
1. to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, or until )
2. (of things) to be available or in readiness
3. to remain neglected for a time
We find ourselves waiting for many things - some wait for the bus or payday, others wait for vacations or holidays, some wait for visitors (like my parents coming home for Stateside), some wait for children to arrive...others for children to leave. Whoever we are, we will at some point find ourselves waiting. Sometime waiting causes us to feel rejected and grieved. We do feel neglected...even to the point of thinking that maybe God has forgotten about us. But it is WHAT we doing and HOW we respond in the waiting that makes the difference.
I was reading through some familiar Scripture this morning. Scripture that has carried me through some of my own waiting. The verses are found in Lamentations chapter 3.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord." (vs. 22-26)
These verses have brought perspective back during some of my most difficult days of waiting. They have been a reminder to me that the Lord is good to those that wait. What I found this morning were verses that follow these...hidden for a time...
"For the Lord will not reject forever, for if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness." (vs. 31-32)
What a wonderful reminder that the Lord will not forget me and He has compassion on me! The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. The Lord has been walking with me through this waiting period wanting to take away my suffering...What an amazing thought!
I am so blessed that the Lord has provided for us some of the very things we have been waiting for...and has provided in abundance more than we could have imagined...but only and all in HIS timing. "For the Lord will not reject forever...The Lord is good to those who wait for Him."
So, what are you waiting for?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wakeboard Season has Officially Begun!!
...for Mike, that is! The water is still a little cold for Miriam.
We have been able to go out with our friends the Thompsons a couple of times so far and had so much fun already! We are just really ready for warm air and water temps! May is just around the corner though.
First time out - the gang - Josh, Wes, and Mike. Bianca and I (and Isabelle) were along for the ride this time.
It started out with a little game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who would be first out. Thankfully, Josh and his ingenuity has rigged up a hot water hose so they can warm up the wet suits before making the plunge. I think the water temps were in the upper 50s this day.
We have been able to go out with our friends the Thompsons a couple of times so far and had so much fun already! We are just really ready for warm air and water temps! May is just around the corner though.
First time out - the gang - Josh, Wes, and Mike. Bianca and I (and Isabelle) were along for the ride this time.
It started out with a little game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who would be first out. Thankfully, Josh and his ingenuity has rigged up a hot water hose so they can warm up the wet suits before making the plunge. I think the water temps were in the upper 50s this day.
This past weekend, Mike was able to have another good day on the lake. He had his best fans cheering for him!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A day that I will never forget...
January 28, 1986
I remember sitting with my 1st grade class in Ms. Berry's room at Blossomwood Elementary, so excited that a teacher, just like mine, was going into space. Having the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville made this seem more real...I had seen spaceships just like the one they were flying. I knew this was an exciting day, not just because we were going to watch TV in class, but because parents were there too and we had talked about it in class - how a real life teacher was an astronaut and how we were really going to be watching them lift off.
I remember seeing them lift off and then, the accident. As a 1st grader, I didn't understand what happened but I knew it was bad. I remember the teacher and parents kind of being frozen and then the TV being turned off. I remember later hearing from the teachers and principal that something had gone wrong and that the astronauts had died and that included the teacher. I remember feeling sad for her students and not understanding what would happen now.
But, I remember life going on somehow. I remember school going on. I remember still visiting the Space and Rocket Center. I remember people still talking about being astronauts and going into space.
What I don't remember - maybe because I didn't understand "big people talk" or maybe because I didn't get to watch because it was past my 1st grade bedtime - is the eloquency with which our President spoke that day, his appreciation to the ones that had lost their lives and to their families, the hope that the space program would continue, the encouragement to school children across America to continue their dreams, the knowledge that sometimes exploration ends in failure but that we have to keep their dream alive and press on.
I'm sure, like me, you too remember this day. Maybe you were one of those school children across America watching just like me. Or maybe you were at work huddled around a TV. Or you were at home watching while your small children were sleeping. Maybe you too remember the tragic event but forgot the words that were spoken afterwards. Listen and remember...
I remember sitting with my 1st grade class in Ms. Berry's room at Blossomwood Elementary, so excited that a teacher, just like mine, was going into space. Having the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville made this seem more real...I had seen spaceships just like the one they were flying. I knew this was an exciting day, not just because we were going to watch TV in class, but because parents were there too and we had talked about it in class - how a real life teacher was an astronaut and how we were really going to be watching them lift off.
I remember seeing them lift off and then, the accident. As a 1st grader, I didn't understand what happened but I knew it was bad. I remember the teacher and parents kind of being frozen and then the TV being turned off. I remember later hearing from the teachers and principal that something had gone wrong and that the astronauts had died and that included the teacher. I remember feeling sad for her students and not understanding what would happen now.
But, I remember life going on somehow. I remember school going on. I remember still visiting the Space and Rocket Center. I remember people still talking about being astronauts and going into space.
What I don't remember - maybe because I didn't understand "big people talk" or maybe because I didn't get to watch because it was past my 1st grade bedtime - is the eloquency with which our President spoke that day, his appreciation to the ones that had lost their lives and to their families, the hope that the space program would continue, the encouragement to school children across America to continue their dreams, the knowledge that sometimes exploration ends in failure but that we have to keep their dream alive and press on.
I'm sure, like me, you too remember this day. Maybe you were one of those school children across America watching just like me. Or maybe you were at work huddled around a TV. Or you were at home watching while your small children were sleeping. Maybe you too remember the tragic event but forgot the words that were spoken afterwards. Listen and remember...
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
White Christmas!
This year was our first "White Christmas". Although we were in GA over Christmas (and got snow there too!), it snowed quite a bit at our house. We got back Monday night to a winter wonderland. Polly, Blue, and I played in it a little Tuesday morning. Blue likes catching (and eating) the snowballs. Polly just likes to grab a mouthful and eat it. They both love running around in the snow! What a beautiful site, especially at Christmas!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94359&id=1059445769&l=5acde79a7d
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94359&id=1059445769&l=5acde79a7d
Guate pics...for real...
Well, kinda...I am going the "cheater" way since I have just spent a lot of time uploading them to facebook. Even if you don't have facebook, you should be able to view the albums using the links below.
#1: All of the kids flew in together on the same flight. Mom and Dad met us at the airport and after a quick lunch at the Arkansas House, we got in the mission van to head to their house. On the way up the mountain, the van pooped out on us - literally - on the side of the road. So, we had to wait for a wrecker. Since there was no other way, we had to ride in the van on the flatbed trailer...the first of many crazy experiences of the week! After finally arriving to the house and a nice chili dinner, we crashed in bed. On Sunday, we attended Mom and Dad's church and enjoyed a nice lunch at D'Marta's (cafeteria style restaurant). But no Sunday afternoon naps...we changed clothes and jumped back in the car to head to Panahajel and Lake Atitlan!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94348&id=1059445769&l=8935a0508f
#2: Sunday afternoon we arrived at the Pana House in Panahajel and settled in. That afternoon/evening we walked around town and took pictures with the beautiful sunset in the background. After a quick breakfast on Monday, we (Dad) got a water taxi to go to Santiago (one of the many towns around the lake). After a day of shopping and great lunch, we headed back to Pana for more afternoon shopping and ice cream. Tuesday was our ziplining day! On our way out of town, we ate at another local restaurant and then headed back to Chimaltenango to get ready for our next adventure...the Pacific!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94350&id=1059445769&l=711bed54a2
#3: On our way back from Lake Atitlan, we stopped by Chichoy to get coffee and pies for a snack. For dinner, we went to a little place downtown that Mom and Dad like to visit. They have an open grill and the meal consists of grilled beef, grilled onions, grilled potato, tortillas and sauce. With a drink, the total cost is about $2 US.
On our way to the Pacific, we stopped at a "travel center" to get snacks and to get Stephen a pair of swim trunks. Then, before we knew it, the heat hit us! We were able to enjoy the facilities and snacks soon after arriving. Can you say "all-inclusive"??
The sand is actually volcanic ash and is black. It looks like crushed oreos and ranges from tiny grains to small pebbles. We enjoyed the ocean and the pool - and played numerous games of volleyball. As a family, we also endured the wrath of the bucket! What a fun time to get away and have some fun in the sun...especially since it was snowing at home while we were there!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94356&id=1059445769&l=72d8035dcc
#4: After the Pacific, we returned back to Chimaltenango to spend the night. We got up E.A.R.L.Y. the next morning to catch a bus in Antigua. Our day began at the base of our hike to Volcano Pacaya. This proved to be one of the most difficult things we have ever done but one of the most rewarding!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94226&id=1059445769&l=269be7eb50
#5: After the hike to Pacaya, we came back to Antigua for lunch at McDonalds (the coolest one in the world!) and then shopping in the market. Then back to Mom and Dad's for family Christmas and packing! Wow...the week went too quick.
Sunday, we loaded up and hung out at the Arkansas House (mission house) for a little while until our flight. After a few quick pictures and teary good-byes we were on our way back to the US. Can't wait until June when Mom and Dad are back to visit for 6 months!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94357&id=1059445769&l=6186ce8829
#1: All of the kids flew in together on the same flight. Mom and Dad met us at the airport and after a quick lunch at the Arkansas House, we got in the mission van to head to their house. On the way up the mountain, the van pooped out on us - literally - on the side of the road. So, we had to wait for a wrecker. Since there was no other way, we had to ride in the van on the flatbed trailer...the first of many crazy experiences of the week! After finally arriving to the house and a nice chili dinner, we crashed in bed. On Sunday, we attended Mom and Dad's church and enjoyed a nice lunch at D'Marta's (cafeteria style restaurant). But no Sunday afternoon naps...we changed clothes and jumped back in the car to head to Panahajel and Lake Atitlan!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94348&id=1059445769&l=8935a0508f
#2: Sunday afternoon we arrived at the Pana House in Panahajel and settled in. That afternoon/evening we walked around town and took pictures with the beautiful sunset in the background. After a quick breakfast on Monday, we (Dad) got a water taxi to go to Santiago (one of the many towns around the lake). After a day of shopping and great lunch, we headed back to Pana for more afternoon shopping and ice cream. Tuesday was our ziplining day! On our way out of town, we ate at another local restaurant and then headed back to Chimaltenango to get ready for our next adventure...the Pacific!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94350&id=1059445769&l=711bed54a2
#3: On our way back from Lake Atitlan, we stopped by Chichoy to get coffee and pies for a snack. For dinner, we went to a little place downtown that Mom and Dad like to visit. They have an open grill and the meal consists of grilled beef, grilled onions, grilled potato, tortillas and sauce. With a drink, the total cost is about $2 US.
On our way to the Pacific, we stopped at a "travel center" to get snacks and to get Stephen a pair of swim trunks. Then, before we knew it, the heat hit us! We were able to enjoy the facilities and snacks soon after arriving. Can you say "all-inclusive"??
The sand is actually volcanic ash and is black. It looks like crushed oreos and ranges from tiny grains to small pebbles. We enjoyed the ocean and the pool - and played numerous games of volleyball. As a family, we also endured the wrath of the bucket! What a fun time to get away and have some fun in the sun...especially since it was snowing at home while we were there!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94356&id=1059445769&l=72d8035dcc
#4: After the Pacific, we returned back to Chimaltenango to spend the night. We got up E.A.R.L.Y. the next morning to catch a bus in Antigua. Our day began at the base of our hike to Volcano Pacaya. This proved to be one of the most difficult things we have ever done but one of the most rewarding!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94226&id=1059445769&l=269be7eb50
#5: After the hike to Pacaya, we came back to Antigua for lunch at McDonalds (the coolest one in the world!) and then shopping in the market. Then back to Mom and Dad's for family Christmas and packing! Wow...the week went too quick.
Sunday, we loaded up and hung out at the Arkansas House (mission house) for a little while until our flight. After a few quick pictures and teary good-byes we were on our way back to the US. Can't wait until June when Mom and Dad are back to visit for 6 months!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94357&id=1059445769&l=6186ce8829
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