I don't know where to begin...YIKES!

So, how are ya'? It's been quite a while, huh? And, no doubt, lots has happened in your lives, 'cause it sure has in mine! Yeah, buddy...

The last post said, "Wedding No. 3!" and yes, it was absolutely beautiful to see my baby marry her Mr. Right. They are so good together...but it wasn't the end of the weddings for the year!!

Wedding No. #4!...took place in Thousand Oaks, California, on December 21st, 2011, on:
                             1. Vernal Equinox - longest night of the year.
                             2. Hannukah - last night.
                             3. OUR 36th Wedding Anniversary!
with our son remarrying (actually giving vows and such after the civil ceremony on the bow of the boat in Alaska, remember?) the raven love of his life, with ALL of the families in attendance! What a joyful time we all had together!! North Carolina meets California, with some Alaska and Washington state thrown in for good measure...and even some Connecticut to season things.

All of us: Mike and I, Kellan and Rob (newly pregnant! shhh...next part of the story.) with Missy Aubrey, AND Kiera and Jason...got to fly out to LA and join the rest of the family just before Christmas last year. The ceremony was wonderful, led by the chaplin of daughter-in-law's father's firehouse, the setting beautiful, a former resort on a lake in Agoura Hills, the weather remarkable, sunny and warm, and the reception was the most fun ever had at such an event.  We were joined by Chris's best friend from High School and partner in "crime"(?) as teenagers, Aaron and his wife, who stood in as his best man. All brothers and sisters on both sides with husbands, were the attendants, with Aubrey as flower girl, along with two cousin junior bridesmaids. We could not have felt more like a wonderfully blended family if it were even possible.

As I write this down, I am again humbled at the incredible things God did orchestrating and organizing this trip and its events. With one exception, which turned out to be the most astounding miracle of all, the whole trip went off without a blip...except on our way to the LAX airport as we were going home. Too many GPS readers in my car, it was night, and I had only driven to the airport once in our rental. And nerves...did I mention that?? My biggest fear a having a rental car in LA was having to drive it!!! Which, of course, I had to...on the way home...back to the airport. We left in plenty of time (and with plenty of tears, I might add.) to get there ahead of schedule, but the schedule did not include getting lost and going through THE trashiest part of Hollywood and also going around our arms to get to our elbows to come a directly opposite direction into LAX...with a very few minutes to: return the rental car, hop a bus to the airport, actually check in and reach our gate AND get on the plane. Only God...but we made it and left our hearts in LA, not San Francisco.

Christmas was very unique last year, to say the least.  And looking back at New Year's was a thrill of our hearts, to see so much happen in our children's lives. Chris married his lovely Jessica - TWICE! Kellan and Rob ended the year expecting a new addition (it's coming ;o+).  And Kiera and Jason, celebrating their wedding together, with an outdoor party for family and friends!

And as summer approached, Kellan and Rob prepared for the arrival of a son - Brantley Caden Vernon! He arrived August 10th, a robust 9 lbs and some, and has been growing like a weed since. What a precious big sister Aubrey is and a helper to mom. ;o) One of those helping times was one that you first panic and then smile. Mommy had jumped in the shower for the "two minute" shower, with instructions to "just sit with brother and watch TV." Brother, by the way, was in his car seat strapped in. After the 'mommy shower,' Kellan comes out to find no Aubrey and no brother Brantley. What could she have done in such a short time? Dragged brother, carseat and all, into her room so she could read him a book, while they waited.;o)
But Brantley's biggest deal was this past Christmas, 2012.  Kellan and Rob's church had a very unique Christmas program, which Kellan choreographed entirely. The biggest hit of the program was Brantley, as the baby Jesus!  He was perfectly quiet and seemed to enjoy the music and lights, even after four productions of the program. Where do you go from here?

School has been different somewhat this year. Still a lot of work and this year has added the opportunity to be involved in our school's foreign exchange program. I have a dozen or so students from China as art students. We are making our way with pictures and slow explanations and they are a joy to have. Not sure how much longer God will allow me to stay, but this year has been a remarkable one.

So, there you are...caught up, sorta'. I just hit the highlights of the big events, as I look back and see the additions to my tapestry of life...I am a blessed mom!

Wedding No. 3 !!!

I cannot adequately describe the parental rush when realizing that all three of my children are married now! Let it be here stated and known that...I AM NOT THAT OLD! Well, not as old as I feel at the realization that my kids are husband and wives!!

Two weeks ago, on a day that promised rain, rain, and more rain, we celebrated the joy of not only seeing, our 'precious little one' - the meaning of Kiera's name - join hands and hearts with the man of her dreams, but we saw God hold back the rain and give us a truly beautiful garden wedding and reception!

I have had the joy of planning with both of my daughters their special day! And both daughters chose outdoor garden weddings...each testing mom's trust in our local weathermen to the limit. The first beautiful wedding was in late June and in the late afternoon. We were blessed with a refreshing breeze to help the bridal party and attendees survive their formal attire in the heat! This latest wedding, while I decorated (and prayed) through falling rain, by the time the actual ceremony began, the rain had stopped, everything dried off, and the cool reminder of the rain was all that remained.

We are blessed beyond anything we could have ever asked for with the spouses our kids have chosen. I love and respect my young men who cherish my daughters, and treasure my beautiful daughters, from whom I have so much to learn. I feel like, in a way, our job is done, and anything from here on is blessing heaped upon blessing. Yes, I know very well that the job isn't done and mom is always mom (and she needs remind herself [often!] that her opinion now weighs less than ever before and it might even be best if not offered!) and that the position lasts until an earthly transition.

BUT! I can here state that this parenting thing has some of the highest highs and rarely, thank God, deep lows, but the rewards are incalculable!!

Friend for Beauty

My friend, Diane, has a new business and a new blogspot! Her
business is Esthetics by Caris and her blogspot is BeautybyCaris!

I have had the wonderful opportunity to be her client and have been having signature facials and an organic face lift procedure with her for the last two months. My skin looks the best it ever has in my 'mature' (gag!) years...and doesn't really believe it belongs to me, who never has taken much care before now! I sooo look forward to my times with her and the way my skin looks!

Diane carries the Emenince Organic Beauty products line. These are the products she uses on me and they are great. Funny, I always comment on how good I smell, as well as how great my skin feels. All the products are natural based botanicals and work on all skin types. Oh, and they are non allergic!

We have talked a lot about how skin care really shouldn't be an optional thing I come for, "every once in a while" like my pedicure or a massage. She has me convinced! I guess I'm gonna' have to get better at French manipedi polishing!

Summer 2011

Wish I could say these are recent, but, alas, they are not. While we have plans ahead to visit a similar setting, we are biding our time at the homefront, with brief trips here and there.

My first "there", was to G'ville and in particular, to one Missy Aubrey! Mom and Dad were celebrating their anniversary with a surprise trip (to Mom) to the beach and a wonderful time just the two of them. Aubs and I held down the homefront, and had a great time reading books
and watching her video favs. I am so well versed in Cars and Toy Story 2 that I could quote you lines! ;o) Oh, and Aunt Kiera's fav - Nemo!! "Touch the...." well, you know!

After arriving home from being with Aubrey, my youngest and her significant other helped me build muscles, as we emptied brother's storage unit into our garage. Hmmm...that was a detour on our ''trip" this summer...but at least we are all under one roof, ah, garage, finally. Now, if we can just figure out what needs to be saved and shipped to AK, and what is junk that needs a new home, we will have reached the goal. Any suggestions as to how to ship a motorcycle and a small shed-full inexpensively, I'm open.

And then there is the time I will spend "away" in research and revision of my lessons for next year. With my school going through 're-accreditation' soon, we are refining and updating info for each of our curriculums. That's an enormous amount of work school wide and a pretty substantial amount for me personally. I need to update yearly lessons for 12 classes that I teach. I will be 'triping' to computerland in between trips elsewhere! And, that's not including the research and planning I do, to provide new and motivating projects for the new school year!
But I have a plan..."Calgon, take me away!" ;o)

This summer, we have taken on a new restoration project - us! Mike and I are reading and trying to assimilate info from the book "Eat to Live" by Joel Fuhrman, and it is going to be another trip! Ha, ha... To summarize, this is a radical but very healthy lifestyle recommendation and, while we are not ready to go completely radical, we are trying to adjust according to what we find reasonable to two old stodgies! It's a lot of raw fruit and veggies and cutting down on _____ - fill in the blank, as to what else is left in the traditional American diet. He is a cardiologist/nutritionist with substantial research into the results provided by returning to the eating habits of life before processed foods and the upside down food pyramid established by our own "trustworthy" USDA. While I am a total proponent of this thinking, I will have trouble giving up dark chocolate for anybody!!! Isn't it good for you? Antioxidants???? ;o(

I had mentioned in the "Miracle" blog about info concerning my brother, and speaking of miracles, he has certainly experienced one, as well.

Many years ago...(starts like a good story, doesn't it? It is...), when I was in high school, and he was newly out of the Army, life wasn't falling into place for my brother. In fact, it went south, he thought, with the news that a young lady he "knew" was having his child. (Bear with me now...) Our parents were very strict disciplinarians, so this was a crisis. And, the young lady's folks weren't at all happy, and well they shouldn't have been! He would tell you now, if he were relating this, that this was definitely not at all, a shining moment for him - to deny his responsibility to this young woman and his child. But, here is the miracle...three months ago, a new chapter began in his life. God brought his daughter into his life...many years have passed, but the most wonderful part of this miracle, is that it happened - now! God brought about the circumstances at just the right time in both of their lives and what joy and forgiveness invades their relationship! It's never "too late" with God...

A precious young lady, former student at our school, just posted this wonderful insight on her page, and it was so profound I wanted to share it here, along with my response to her.

"Ever notice how we like absolutes and extremes? Sometimes we take hurtful,
uncomfortable, shameful, guilty, awkward moments and let them color the
experience, until there is no good left. We find it easier to just pick up and
move on that way, not realizing that we are not leaving that negative time
behind us; we take with us the ability to make it the "worst waste of time"
or the "worst few years" of our lives. [...or the ability to choose otherwise...
my comment ;o) Hindsight is 20/20.] We need to recognize that we will
have many moments of wanting to throw in the towel, but God works all
these things out for those who love Him..." Tracy A.

I wrote back:

"This is profound. And so very, very true. But, the God of the Universe takes
those "negatives" and, as only He can, makes them the rich, dark colors that
color our lives in ways that could not have been otherwise. His tapestry of
our lives is ever changing and always in progress...."

Living a Miracle...

Welcome back, if you are reading this! This is a great journal entry for a return to blogging...don't know the cause of my not being able to write for the past year, but it wasn't because of a lack of excitement in my life! I'll start recent and go back later...and, oh, by the way, it's kinda' long. ;o)

I have had the opportunity to experience what I understand to be a miracle (the outside the conceived normal, "an extraordinary occurrence that surpasses all known human powers or natural forces and is ascribed to the Divine or supernatural causes, i.e. to God" - thank you, Mr. Webster), several times in my lifetime. My father's return to full health and long life after a kidney removal when I was a kid, his quadruple by-pass and healing later; my brother's healing after mugging injuries and later appointment to the President's Honor Guard in Washington, DC, instead the Army's Infantry assigned to Vietnam, and his later restoration to the family after a very long, self-imposed separation (more about this later...;o); my sister's loss and subsequent acceptance of the death of her first child to a car accident, and her excitement at the later birth of two daughters after this loss; my mother's continual steadfast wisdom and faith when experiencing these and many more events of life that would break a lesser woman; my own tests of trust with a diagnosis of sterility and the later birth sequentially of three perfectly beautiful children, and the continued provision and protection of our little family, in spite of nominal incomes form both parents...these are just a few standouts and vivid memories of miracles from my past.

But, the miracles that you live "in the moment," are few. I have been humbled to experience several of those, as well. The sterility diagnosis reversal mentioned above, immediate healing from a severe reaction to a vaccination to travel abroad - a prayer from my husband, provision of money from totally unexpected sources at just the right time...they are indeed humbling, when you realize the undeserved Grace that has been extended to you.

But, this blog is about a recent weekend that was another of those moments in time, in the day to day, that will forever be an "in the moment" miracle. This miracle began with a recognition of impossibility, as do most circumstances that precipitate miracles.

"Only one week to go. Juan says we should go to the wedding. What do you think?" I began to cry (not my usual reaction to questions of inquiry, by the way) as I read the Facebook note. There was no way that I could even think of attending my son, Chris, and her daughter, Jess's civil wedding ceremony in Alaska. No, let me rephrase that...NO WAY!!! and that was the reason for my tide of tears. I politely and resolutely answered the note with, "If Juan has told you to go, GO!, for both of us. You have my blessing." And, not to be put off so lightly, Jess's mom, Penni, writes back, "What's keeping you? Time, money...?" "Both, sadly. We are not allowed to take time off in May because of needed time to complete the school year. And, we simply cannot afford a spontaneous hit to our finances like this, " was my blunt answer. "Ask your superintendent anyway. Maybe he'll let you, " she says in her determination. Imagine my shock when that request came back in the affirmative!!! I could have Friday off for the trip. The miracle is beginning...

I call her excitedly to share the news and we begin to look for airline tickets...she has insisted that they have skymiles that have to be used by June 1st, and Juan, Jess's dad wants her to use them for me. (Wow, I am overwhelmed...speechless.) We, of course, must find just the right option - not only to get me to Alaska, but to get me back in time for school Monday morning. We actually found one that just fit and that done, we laughed at the ridiculousness of our plans, but we so anticipated our adventure. I am totally humbled by their generosity. The miracle continues...

The flight plan put us each arriving in Anchorage within an hour and a half of each other, but, as my plane got a tailwind and hers was a little slower, we landed within five minutes of each other at almost side by side gates at the airport - her from Los Angeles, and me from Chicago! Come on...how can things like that JUST HAPPEN??? We began our adventure arm in arm heading toward a surprise visit to our kids on the most special day of their lives!!!

After a quick lunch (dinner for me), we decided, at Penni's suggestion, to surprise Chris first, at his office. I turned the corner to meet him as he was about to leave for the day! Talk about timing! He grinned and said, "Well! Hi, mom!" Mr. Military isn't given to random outbursts of emotion, so I took that welcome as his best 'WOW! You're really here!' response. After hugging me, he realized Penni was there, as well, and hugged his soon-to-be new mom, too! He and I spent a couple of quiet hours as the afternoon progressed. Penni went home with her brother, Corey, who had, with son, Joey, come to pick us up at the airport, and had yet to surprise Jess with her arrival. A contrived plan to get Jess to their house was hastily planned and Jess subsequently gave the shriek and tears to her mom's presence when surprised! We all dined together and went separate ways, to rest for the big day (what rest that could be had, with all the adrenaline pumping and the lovely light that remains at night in Alaska!).

Saturday began with a car trip to Whittier, the harbor housing the catamaran on which the ceremony would take place. We arrived and boarded the 'Cat-a-Tude', owned and operated by Cap'n John, friend of Corey and family, from taekwondo, which was our transportation to a glacial destination wedding of a lifetime. Eighteen souls on board, we left the harbor and headed out to Prince William Sound, in particular the Blackstone Bay, and the Boar Glacier. And, oh, we had a very sweet canine seadog...a Labradoodle, on board, as well. Cap'n John said she occasionally slips overboard, and even with her own life preserver, she drops like a rock, so we were all tense, as she pranced around the deck.

After a peaceful two hour cruise out, we began to see large chunks of glacial ice in the water and concern began that we would not be able to get all the way to the glacier. Our expert captain maneuvered easily around the ice fields and got us as close as he felt comfortable, with the reminder that "10% above means 40% below." We stopped at his determination and all gathered on the deck for the ceremony to begin. With kids up on the flybridge and adults on the deck, we celebrated the transition of our own children from singles to the beginning of a new extension of each of our families. What a beautiful setting for a beautiful transition of life, and importantly, Penni and I are there!!! The miracle continues....

Jess's aunt Jen was the marriage officiant, having been given the authority by the state of Alaska for the day, and she made every second of her presentation poignant and as serious as the situation required. (The second picture above is the background we saw, as the kids said their vows to each other! ) The ring ceremony brought special memory for me, as Chris used Jess's engagement ring with my mom's diamond and Jess used my dad's ruby ring that he left Chris after he passed away. And with Jen's pronouncement of "you may kiss your bride...ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Minguez!" Cap'n John brought out champagne and sparkling apple cider and we all toasted the new couple with chunks of glacier ice in our cups!! Only in Alaska... ;o)

Aunt Jen was not only the officiant, but was the 'hostess with the mostest' by having Chris and Jess's favorite cupcakes along for the 'reception' and they shared bites of Kaluah chocolate and lemon cupcakes together. The trip back in was delightfully shorter and we stopped briefly across the harbor at a rookery of local birds that numbered in the thousands. At the foot of the cliffs, on an outcropping of rocks beside a stunning waterfall coming off the mountain with melting snow runoff, a bald eagle enjoyed a repast of one unfortunate former member of the rookery. We continued back in to the harbor past the Diamond Princess Cruise Line, a ship that dwarfed every boat in the harbor, and then we began the reverse of our trip.

After dropping the newlyweds off at their dinner destination on the way home, we went on further to the resort where Penni had secured the honeymoon suite, to the most beautiful ski resort in Alaska. It did not disappoint! We left there, heading back in to Anchorage and a quick bite of dinner, before hopping back on the planes and heading for home. (FYI...the first picture above is from our trip back to Anchorage that evening.)

The plane ride home was not as long as it seemed on paper, as I left Anchorage just after midnight Saturday. My first stop was Seattle three hours later at 5:00am Seattle time, and 25 minutes later, we began the three and a half hour trip to Houston. Arrival at 12:00 noon Houston time and an hour stop there, we began the last leg of the journey back to Raleigh with a two and a half hour trip, to bring me home at 5:00pm Sunday afternoon! Not bad for a weekend trip to the top of the world and back!

Living the miracle...many, many times during my two-day adventure, was I reminded that I was smack dab in the middle of a big hug from ABBA, just because He knew how much I wanted to be there to witness my young prince take his princess to wed. And, just as obvious to me, was that He gave me that hug through one friend, Juan, and his precious wife, Penni. If that isn't LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY...I don't know what is.

Thank you, forever thank you, Juan, for your generous persistence, and letting my 'sistah mothah' and I have such a memorable surprise adventure together. The things you do for your children...;o) Joyfully.

Appears to be working...PTL! Next up, the weekend of a lifetime!!

Having difficulties...

This is a test, AGAIN, to see if my site is working. I have been blocked from posting and I want to know why.

One thing I discovered is that a church somewhere has the 'every other possible' title of Rivertree taken and perhaps is hoping to get this one, too.

I hope not. This site has been a precious journal of our lives for the past four years. Hope to keep it that way.

Testing, testing...

Just wanted to see if my blog still worked...

Thanks!

Free at last!

Thank you, Dr. King..."Free at last...thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" to coin a phrase.

This parting from my job was more joyous than usual and more needed than in years past. I love my job, my students, my freedom to instruct...but I realize that, as the distance gets farther and farther from what I was brought up to know and put in practice, this must be what it feels like to be a relic - a dinosaur, if you will.

There are not many of us left that know that the word "respect" involves a sacrifice of personal opinion accompanied by no vocal offerings. That the word "obedience" requires instantaneous movement and effort - not a choice of ambivalent participation. That "entitlement" comes with actually being born to authentic royalty - not an expected outcome of being a child with one or more working parents (or God-forbid, not working...).

I MUST reacquaint myself with the dictionary before I return next year and make posters with these definitions on them...

We have a perfectly timed gift from precious friends who knew of my plight of being the last thought where transportation is concerned (we only HAD one car...) and graciously gave us another car!!! Yay!!! I won't be left behind again...see it pictured in this post. Thank you, Emmaline and Jeff...you are treasured friends.

And so begins the summer - what to do now that I don't get up at 5 am anymore? That will not be hard to figure out... ;o)

My men and Memorial Day,,,

This Memorial Day has provoked some unusual and nostalgic thoughts on the servicemen in my family - my life in particular.

PBS had a wonderful Memorial Day celebration program on Sunday after we came home from spending time with Missy Aubrey and her mom and dad. They first showed a documentary on "Honored Gardens" - the cemeteries of American soldiers who died serving their country in overseas conflicts. Our overseas neighbors who live near these remote gardens find solace and comfort in taking care of our honored dead as a way of thanking the United States for bringing freedom to their countries. I found this particularly touching when realizing that our own country has seemed to become somewhat ambivilent to this holiday and, as with "other" holidays, have given a "new" reasoning to the celebration - the beginning of the summer holidays.

The next program was a concert dedicated to honoring the fallen soldiers AND widows of service personnel from all recent wars. It was held on the grass in front of the Capital Building and was very stirring.

The thoughts that swirled after viewing these two shows reminded me of the incredible Providence of God in the lives of the men in my life. I am the daughter of a Korean veteran, Captain Warren F. T., a chaplain stationed active duty US Army in the conflict prior to my birth. I am the sister of a Vietnam veteran, Sgt. Warren F. T., Jr., stationed as a member of the US Army's President's Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. I am married to Sgt. Ralph Michael M., US Army veteran of the same conflict in which my father served - Korean Conflict. The most current evidence of this overshadowing protection is that I am the mother of Sgt. 1st Class Christopher M. M., US Marine Corps, an Iraqi War veteran.

"O Lord, You have searched me and know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts afar off. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely. You hem me in - behind and before; You have Your Hand upon me...All the days ordained for me were written in your Book before one of them came to be." Isaiah 139:1-5,16.

The humbling part of this whole senario is that God's Hand so providentially protected each of these men in my life so that I would be able to be...who I am - daughter, sister, wife, and mother. I am blessed, Abba...thank You.

Tomorrow's another day...

And that rough day has past and one moves on...

It is days from the end of school, and this is a very odd ending. I have only one senior this year. He has been so faithful to come to the 7 am class every day but didn't accomplish as much as I would have hoped. But, maybe our time together wasn't totally about AP Art. He is a great young man with a very good head on his shoulders and seems to be a man after God's own heart. I pray that he will remain steadfast...

I have made a rather drastic response to my "very bad day" at my place of work. No, I didn't quit...I have no where else to go when God says stay. I just began a purge - of anything that hadn't moved in the last four years. It was a good thing really. I feel good about what I threw out AND what I found in the process. And I now am surrounded by my "stuff" and what was once clutter is now vanished.

I find the stress of the last weeks of school difficult to stomach sometimes...no, everytime. Some teachers are overloading with tests, the admin is stressing over letting the staff know what their jobs entail for the coming year, and, "oh, yeah, by the way, did I tell you that you will be teaching five new classes of canoe repair and basket weaving to attention deficit children?"

Yes, I still am a little touchy...but isn't that what blogs are for? To spill your guts to the millions of those who could care less - let alone my five faithful followers? Happy almost summer, you guys, and you know who you are!! And blessings, of the best kind...

Rough day...

It was a dark and rainy day...no, wait. It was sunny and beautiful finally, as the weather finally broke. But the weather was just an opening.

I don't usually give in to things that jerk my chain, but yesterday was just one of those days that if any stray straw was headed in my direction, my camelback would have split in two! There must have been a memo sent to the world (at least to the small world around me) that this was the day to put me on their "poop" list, and make sure that I knew it.

Try as I might, in the midst of the struggle (and I do mean struggle!), to ask God to "help me keep my head about me, while all around me have lost theirs" I gave in to the resolve that I no longer wanted to be on their "poop" lists, and the proverbial "they" could cross me off their life list, too! My day of 'doormat' had come to a shouting match end (in my head, of course! A lady doesn't use those words out loud. ;o), and I was not laying down again!

There come times in a person's life, where even the good that they do, is:
1. never seen
2. misinterpreted and therefore
3. misunderstood
4. unappreciated because of self-absorption of the receiver
5. used as ammunition by an intimidator
6. seen only by the One who "stores our tears in a bottle"to reward jewels
for another day.

Please do not misunderstand. I am not about gaining pity, recognition, appreciation, or any other thing to draw attention to myself. Not the point of the above diatribe. It was just a crappy day and, I found myself here and just thought I would share it, in hopes that my five readers (hah, hah!) might identify.

After the argument in my head subsided, hours later, I was able to sort out some benefits of the struggle, and realize that sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you. And I was still able to go to sleep last nite knowing that I answer only to Abba, and HE LOVES ME - eloquent potty mouth and all...after all, a lady never says all that out loud. ;o)

2010 Mother's Day

Wow, it's crazy that I haven't written on this for so long! But, it is the nature of my job to be crazy wild in the spring and the "roller coaster" is one that you just jump on and hang on 'til the wild ride is over - or at least slows enough for you to see normally.

Today has been special - for some reason an especially poignant reminder of the privilege I have had to be the mother to three pretty extraordinary people. Maybe it was my first Mother's Day as a "Gamma" that caused the introspection, but realizing that MY CHILD was now a mother herself, brought out the awesome thought that I have three amazing kids, that have grown up to be people I'm glad to know, let alone be their mom.

Life has funny moments that cause the "water in the face" awareness that time marches on and sometime seems to run away with some treasures of moments never forgotten and always held close to this mother's heart.

I love you, Chris, Kellan, and Kiera. It is my greatest gift from my Father to be your mom.

Birthday memories!

By this time (11:30am) thirty-0ne years ago, I was a very tired, but incredibly proud mom for the first time. Six and a half hours earlier (5:12am) I had delivered an 8 lb. 15 oz. beautiful son with a full head of dark hair and his father and I were euphoric to realize what God had just given us! A son! A beautiful, perfect healthy son...now least you let the "every parent says that..." thought cross your mind, this was no ordinary situation.

We are all young and stupid as 'teenagers' - you know, that stupid age where we know everything and we are invincible to anything bad happening to us, and this thinking we will avoid any consequences from risking life and limb (Mike - life, me - limb, hold that thought). I was invincible as a college senior, totally in control of the lithe body that did gymnastics with ease. Then, in a freak moment of stupidity, a hip joint popped and then life changed. In going back in to place, the joint pinched surrounding tissue and thus began a tumor that grew to the size of a grapefruit surrounding my left ovary and compromising chances for pregnancy. Surgery eventually corrected the situation after removing the tumor, ovary, and part of the other one as medical belief was that this was caused for another reason. Needless to say, our thought of conception was not foremost in our future.

Miraculously, just six months after the corrective surgery, my husband tells me that God told him I was pregnant. Not that I don't trust my husband hearing from the Lord, but I was very skeptical, to say the least. Sure enough, this barren 'Hannah' had conceived and after an unremarkable and delightful pregnancy, was delivered of the aforementioned miracle baby boy.

My standout thoughts on those remarkable times of our son's first hours, days, and years before the arrival of his sisters, are treasures that I am sure every first time parent feels. But two stand out as I write...the departure of my mom after spending a week with us, and a quiet moment just between Chris and I.

My mother was the most together person I have ever known. To describe her as wise was to say that the Grand Canyon is big - well, yeah, duh? How did she know all this stuff and when would I ever know a fraction of what she does - about anything, but especially about babies and what all needs to be done for them? And then she just ups and leaves..."time to go home, now" and the "love you, mean it, good luck with this" was implied. I stood at the back door and watched her drive off back home to NC (we lived in West Virginia at the time), and leave me with this living breathing, pooping, crying, being that needed to be nursed seemed like every minute and that I was now responsible for. "Wait!!!!" I scream in my mind..."You forgot something!!! Take this with you! I don't know what to do with it!!! HEEELLLPPPP!!!" What have I done now? And thus, began the miracle of my becoming a mother to my son, who made it seem so easy, as I remember.

And then one precious mom-moment happened during one of our bonding times after eating, that I took his little hands in mine, looked him in the eyes, and made him promise me that he would never bring me a snake in those precious, little busy hands. He never did...at least not in the slimy, slithering, crawl on the ground kind. A few of his friends turned out to be slimy, creepy crawley snakes, but then, they showed themselves to be so to him, too.

And the years between then and now, well, from the "carrying this child around at seventeen months because he won't walk yet" to the standing at RDU airport, sending him off to the woman of his dreams who lived in the land of his dreams (which was the last time I have held him in my arms), he has not disappointed us - in anything his (then) little hands found to do until now, when his almost Boppa-sized hands are finding their way in the life Abba has already "written" the days of before any had happened.

Thirty two years have passed since the miracle that became my son, Chris, started. They have passed all too quickly, as they will when he stares into the eyes of his first "Chris" or whomever. But I can without hesitation say, "Great is Thy faithfulness; Your mercies ARE new every morning and fresh every evening!!" Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my son, because of the gift of Your Son. (P.S. And thank you, Lord, there were no snakes in his hands... ;o)

Birthday Blessings!

How appropriate that I choose today to blog again! It was a month ago that I last posted :o(

Anyway...today is my @)(%$*&# th birthday and I thought I'd share about my day! Actually, about my weekend.

Aubrey brought her mom and dad to visit Thursday night so her Daddy could go be a Civil War soldier Friday morning for a group of students at a nearby school. Yes, the South will rise again and there ARE those who will be ready when it does. ;o) Rob is a Reenactor and has the complete outfit and set-up (tent, etc.) and the shotgun, too! Kellan used to go with him before Miss Aubrey made her appearance, but I think the opportunity doesn't come as often anymore. So this outing was fun, I think.

Rob and Kellan are doing this crazywild workout video and diet (that puts the rest of us to shame! Go, guys! Looking good...) and she fixed us all pizzas that were in their diet and really good! Yay, diet junk food.

Saturday, she fixed us this amazing omelet with portabella mushrooms, spinach, cheese, and fresh tomatoes cut up on top! Good stuff...bet you're sorry you weren't here for my birthday! Ha!

Then Kellan and I went for pedicures and "tickle feet" at the mall. We actually wore sandals in thirty degree weather! Better cold pretty toes than warm messed up ones!!!

After that, they went to have "6 month" pictures that I will post later and Mike took me to Caribou to get my birthday Mocha Latte' and it was the best one I have ever had!!! DARK CHOCOLATE mochas, yes! It just went too fast...

Dinner was a wonderful pork loin roast with orzo lemon pasta with spinach and green beans. Topping the dinner was a beautiful fruit tart compliments of my sister Martha and some frozen peach wonder from my NEW NINJA!!! YAY! Does this sound like all I care about is food???

Guests at dinner were, of course Aubrey, her mom and dad, Mike, Aunt Judy, Kiera, Nate, Ashley, and Andrew. Mindi and Nicholas came for dessert and brought cupcakes. More food!! Yay, again!!

Did I mention that interspersed throughout all of the celebrations were three dogs???? Seriously, it was a good time had by all. Thank you, all my celebrants for making my day special and sharing your love with me. I am a blessed woman...and that was just the day BEFORE my birthday.

Today, Sunday, the REAL day, has been bittersweet. We are now alone from visitors and cleaning up the leftover mess I made in my kitchen by dumping at least 10 GALLONS of water out of a cooler on to my floor when the lid came off as I was lifting it....all under my cabinets and appliances (hopefully, not down to my downstairs neighbor's apt.). All the towels we used to clean it up are chugging away in the washer.

And I am here, basking in the blessing of a wonderful life and asking Abba to "abundantly bless above all they can ask or think" all those precious people who make my life a joy!!! I love you all.

Back in the Saddle, again....

Once again, work has captivated my time and energies. We are barreling toward the busiest time of year for me, as festivals and competitions, art gallery displays and showings, all require much attention to detail.

Our in school festival is Feb. 11th, and there is much to do to prepare for this evening of arts for the students in our school. And all the badgering I do as a teacher to demand participation from my own students wears me out...can't they just want to participate? There's that pesky "Can't I (we, they, you...) just..." phrase again. I despise that combination of words coming from one of my students! At least once (really several) time a year, I explain patiently, (while seething inside) that when one asks the question that way, one is translating, non-verbally, that one doesn't want to do whatever the question involved, and, more specifically, are saying that one is too lazy to do what has been asked, and one is trying to avoid doing what is found to be undesirable. Needless to say, my comment about their question stated that way, is also found to be undesirable. Then...I raise myself to my highest 5' 3" height and say, "May I please remind you that you exist, in this particular room, as the subject of a monarchy - a queen, and a benevolent one, at that. The element of democracy will not be recognized and all subjects will be "drawn" (ha!) and quartered, if adherence to all mandates is not completed."

Ah, the life of a teacher...queen of the misfits, the "m.a.d." students, as one academic teacher calls us. And if I could remember what that stands for, I would tell you, but I am having a "blank slate" moment. Will write more later...after the hubbub has subsided...you know, the twelfth of never, as it looks right now...ttl!

Honest Scrap!

HONEST SCRAP!


Here are the rules:

1. Must thank the person who gave you the award and list their blog and link it.

2. Share "10 Honest things" about yourself.

3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4. Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

Okay, here are mine!

1. I was sent this by Aubrey's Mom, my firstborn daughter, who is an amazing mom herself. From her birth, Kellan was all about life and getting on with it! Two pushes, she was here, wide-eyed, and ready to live life and not miss a thing! Watching her grow up and become the determined spirit that she is, as a middle child no less, has been amazing and breath-taking. I never thought I'd be a mom, a good one anyway, having had the most excellent example to follow. My three amaze me always, and seeing Kellan become a mom has been a joy beyond measure. God did good, again, Aubrey!

2. 10 Honest Things about me:

a. I REALLY don't like talking about myself!!! Not a good start...

b. I am married to a movie star!! Yes, Mike...I use this as an ice breaker when we have to introduce ourselves to new people! In the days when the Dixieland Jazz group that Mike used to play with regularly did every job available - car wash openings, political rallies, etc. - Hallmark movie company, then based in Wilmington, NC, contacted his group about being in a period movie called "The Summer of Ben Tyler" starring James Woods. The group had a two second debut for which we receive a check every year from SAG (Screen Actors Guild, for the uninitiated ;o) for a whopping $.02!! We have framed them!! It costs them more to mail them than the check is worth.

c. I am a rabid reader...voracious reader...love to read! My time is not as free as should be for absorbing a good book, so almost in defense, I have become a speed reader. Thankfully, I do absorb it even at those speeds. I can (have to) finish a well-written novel in a couple of days. Ya know, I need to alter this some, too. I also collect books - eh, yeah, I don't ever turn in used books unless they aren't worth reading a second time. I collect children's books for the artwork and the quality story line...more to read to my grandchildren!

d. I collect teacups. Once upon a time, my reading led me to a very special story by Emilie Barnes called "If Teacups Could Talk..." and I was hooked. All of her cups have a story, and now so do all of mine. When I am lucid, I can tell you most of them... ;o) I am blessed with friends who have added to my collection from as far away as Russia, Lithuania, England, Alaska - to name a few.

e. My artistic bent first began in Middle School with a desire to study Interior Design, and an uncanny ability to draw any and all cartoon characters that I wanted. And these two things ended up combining to my becoming an Art Teacher??? Who knew? I still have my first architectural design that was entered in an art show for which I won a second place.

f. I used to think this was an artistic thing, too, but my closet is arranged according to the color wheel, like colors together. You can call it OCD, if you want, but it occurred to me at some point in my life, that there were very few things that I could keep organized in my family of five, but my supplies and workplace AND my closet were ones that were all mine! Teachers at school will come to me and ask, "Do you have a ____?" and I can smile and say, "Yes, let me get it for you." Call it OCD if you want, but organization has always been a quirk of mine.

g. I have a "wall" if you will, in my art. Runners come to their walls and must break through to get to be that person of length that they need to be. I do not finish my pictures. Very few of them are actually completed to a desired end. I am always afraid that the next thing I add will ruin it. Not a good thing for a teacher to be "walled in" by. I do not teach about this as it would certainly squelch my credibility, but I do admit it to my Advanced Placement students who seem to suffer the same malady.

h. I have ALWAYS wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler! In my early driver years, my family had a hankering to drive sports cars - Dad had several MG's, a Mustang, a Camero RS, and my brother brought home a battered MG that I appropriated for a time. Now I DO know that a Jeep is not a sports car in the original sense, but it IS a sports car, if you go 4 x 4ing! Call it the "Wild at Heart" in me!

i. I envy my hairdresser's mother! There...I've said it! My hairdresser and her mom are in business together; Mom is a professional photographer, doing weddings, sittings, families, etc. She has a neat little shop attached to her daughter's hair salon (who does the bride's hair, and makeup) and they each love what they do! And she (the photographer) has awesome equipment and her time is her own. My dream job is to be in business with my girls in a wedding consulting business.

j. I have written a children's book. I think, above all, if the wedding consulting thing doesn't fly, I would love to be a published children's author/illustrator, not with the book I wrote so long ago, but to come up with a story, character, or series that might become a classic like "The Hungry Caterpillar," or "The Mouse and the Big, Red Strawberry," or "The Quiltmaker's Gift," or "Corduroy" - memorable, one and all. But, then, I will definitely need to "scale the Wall", won't I?

There are my ten things. This was hard but fun. Share yourself with seven others who may not know those 10 things. We all have such wonderful gifts we hardly ever share with someone else let alone tell them TEN things about us! Do it...they will be the blessed.

3. My seven people who influenced me or I love their blog, are:

1. My mom...who is no longer here, and thus has no blog, was the single most influential person in my life.
2. McMama...a wonderful blogger Kellan turned me on to, who
has absolutely no time to respond, but I wanted to credit
3. Chris...my son, who has such gift for writing and will see "it" in his hands
someday, when he gets published.
4. Jessica...my son's significant other, also, likewise gifted in both writing
and articulation.
5. Kellan...my daughter, who started this blog thing AND sent the Honest Scrap.
6. Nancy Ray...another of my blogs to follow about photography - again someone
too busy to send this to, but is fabulous.
7. Judy...my sister...who is only marginally computer involved, but has been
THE most influential person in my life next to my mom.

Well, there is the Honest Scrap of my life...and now who to send it to?? Seven people don't even follow my blog!!! :o) Here you are great internet land...scrap 'o me!

Happy New Year! 2010 wow...

Blessings, friends, of all the hope of the coming new year! May God bless each one of you, abundantly above all that you could ask for or think about; May He make Himself so visible in His blessings that you will see His graciousness; May He give that peace that gives you all the understanding that your heart and mind so desperately desires. Amen!

New Years are like 'startovers' - sort of 'freebies' - to try it again, especially if it didn't go well in the past one. Yes, all the resolutions are often temporary, but there is always hope. "With no hope, the people perish..." We hope that the sun will come up tomorrow and we will have another try at this 'life' thing. We hope that we are leaving some sort of mark in this life, and that our lives count for something. As those who are 'in the Beloved', we are hoping for the life following this, where it all makes sense.

But, while we breathe, this life has our attention. Now, what, pray tell, will we do with those things which demand our care? Will we succumb to apathy when our beliefs are challenged or ignored? Or will we, having done all we can, stand firm and speak the Truth? Yes, these are the heady things of life, but, many of us never get past the tyranny of the urgent...cares of immediate need - food, bills, clothing, entertainments - you know, those 'can't live without them' things. I certainly am not saying ignore them, but keep them in their place.

Our culture is not used to looking beyond the immediate for goal resolution. It is more about the now, and from it, what satisfaction is gained. Legacy is ALL about beyond the now, but involves how we live in the now. What kind of legacy are we living in front of those we come in contact? "It's all about now!" or "The past is prologue" ?

May our new 'startover' give us a reminder, to pay more attention to the influence of goals farther out than the next new thing that captivates our minds. And may we keep our goals of standing as a legacy, not a stumbling block - as we await the passing of yet another year. Blessings, all!

Holidays 2009

I have often thought that the holidays were the worst time for funerals. Not so sure that I've changed THAT much, but this year, with several of these under my belt, I have had to change my thinking some. Surely, the loss of a family member at a time of celebration is never a happy thing, but one will surely remember them as they celebrate in the ensuing years. And one can hope, remember them celebrating...not leaving.

This year has brought two losses of friends for each Mike and I, with us being able to attend one memorial service - his friend. The fabulous musician was asked (and rightly so) to offer a musical rendition of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Amazing Grace" at the site, as the friend was an avid follower of his Jazz playing around here. After having asked the Lord to glorify Himself through his horn, it was beautiful, and the wife thanked us profusely. This writing, however, is prompted by another person we had the pleasure of meeting. Pastor Molly...an Episciple pastor who led the service.

Now, I have to explain myself here. I am from a long line of not particularly supportive of women pastors. I believe Scripture to address this and I will leave it at that. However, Pastor Molly was the first of said pastors I've seen who was really herself in her pastoral robes, and not a woman trying to prove herself in a man's role. Her service was totally Scripture based and full of hope of eternal life, evangelical in outreach, and very reassuring of God's care at such a difficult moment. I found myself asking God to bless her ministry as He so chose, for she was all about offering Him glory. Hmmmmmm...won't we all be surprised at the tightly held belief system that we ascribe to here on earth, being altered when we all "see as we are seen" by the One in Whom we believe!

Celebration of holidays is after all celebration of hope - recognizing the past joys, and looking forward to those in the future. While I know losing a loved one during these times seems like a tragic event to focus on, being brought together again as family, whether related, or the family of man, should cause us to remember with deep joy the time we have been allowed here with those we have loved - to redeem the time we have yet, with thanks to the ONE WHO LOVES US BEST.

Rite of Passage...

Today, we attended grandbaby Aubrey's baptism. Yes, we are Presbyterian by birth and upbringing, Calvinist in our doctrine, and Baptist in our church attendance. And, oh yes, we have a beautiful Jewish/Christian blended new branch in the family from Chris's Jessica! So, the outreach in our spiritual walk has many labels, but a heart of the love of God.

The baptism was held in her other grandparents home church, with the relatives from Texas in attendance, too! The charge to raise Miss Aubrey in the nurture and admonition of the Lord was to us all, from NC to Texas, to Alaska, and wherever else God flings the family! I'm sure the "longest distance" family was watching with pleasure, as well.

My father was a Presbyterian minister for 50 years, and had the delight of baptizing ALL of his grandchildren before God called him home. My children have bemoaned the fact that both grandparents are gone and that they left before their "big moments." Trust me, guys, when I tell you, no one misses them more than I, especially at your "big moments." It was, however, perfectly appropriate that your new granddaddy, Coach, held you and charged the congregation to pray for Aubrey and to encourage her growth in knowing God everytime she comes to their church to visit! The pastor was a mission-minded young man who gave a great message on loving audaciously and stepping outside the comfort of cautious caring.

And another wonderful serendipity that my son-in-law explained to me (speaking of Boppa, my pastor father)...the beautiful Maori melody hymn "Spirit of the Living God" was written in this same church back in the 1960's by a precious friend of my father's, Dan Iverson. Right there...in all of our celebration of family at Aubrey's baptism, the circle of our respective lives got a little smaller. Abba, You are awesome...the "long distance" folks really were there. ;o)