Nancy is thinking so watch out:
Movie Review: Last night we were able to go see Kung Fu Panda ($4 adults, $2 kids/students-gotta love the country). It was an entertaining movie with surprisingly good truths. The "master" told the panda that yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future but today is a gift-that is why they call it the present! I'd recommend going.
Running: yesterday Dave and I just walked the 4 miles around the section. His knee continues to bother him. We plan to get new sneakers (although if anyone has any suggestions as to how to go about doing that, feel free to let us know-we've paid from $30 to over $100, gone to different stores, etc. and have not come across anything that is a perfect fit), get supplements of glucosamine/chnondroitin/MSM, build up our quad and hamstring muscles, maybe go to the Doctor? My knees are fine so far but I have had trouble in the past. Anyway, today I decided to run myself and then walk with Dave later. It was very windy-up to 40mph gusts and cool, so I kept going and going until I did 4.25 miles straight!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. I had some resistance from the wind and my hair was everywhere (it blew off my headband) and the route was relatively flat, but I still was so excited and praised God for allowing my body to still work well. So while I cannot feel the fat oozing out of my body as my friend can, I did feel very healthy and alive. I hope I continue to feel this great.
South Dakota: As I was running today, I noticed (as I have before) how beautiful the plains of SD are. It has been cool, breezy, and clear here so everything is really green and one can see for miles because it is so flat. (By the way, Dave told me that a section is a square mile and covers 640 acres). The sky is amazing here because it is so big and is not blocked by anything. I can see the draw of living here although I will stick to just visiting.
New life: Here, there is a momma cat that has had 4 kittens. All live outside although they have access to the shed. The girls are in love with the kittens. We moved their home the other day by moving all the junk metal away from the side of the garage. We saw the momma and 2 kittens but couldn't find the other 2 kitties. Anyway, as we were loading a hot water heater, I believe, one kitty poked its head out of its small opening. The poor thing was scared out of its mind. I then realized we had rolled the container onto the tractor-poor kitties (there ended up being 2 in there). Finally, all came out and were sent to the shed where most of their junked home had been put and they seem to be happy. As my mother used to say, "babies of anything are so cute".
Life is sad: today Dave used the chain saw to cut down a bunch of dead trees and branches. As we were cleaning up one tree, we saw a baby bird on the ground. I put him in his nest in the stump of the tree, but he was by himself just opening his mouth for food. I thought maybe his mother would come for him, but my mother-in-law said no. I grew very sad because the bird will die. Mom suggested to give it to the kitties which was apalling at first. It is sad because life was not meant to be filled with fallenness, sadness, illness, and death, but that is how it is since sin entered the picture. But then, God reminded me of the new life above and how the kitties would benefit. As far as I know the bird is still on the stump. I couldn't bring myself to transfer it to the kitties. I hope it is not there tomorrow. Otherwise I may have to dig for worms!
More family coming: Tonight, Dave's sister, husband and 2 kids are coming to stay a night or two. That will make 12 people in the house with one bathroom. It was a nice surprise though and should be fun.
School: my last paper I have to do stressed me out the other day and so yesterday, Dave, my mom-in-law, and I went to mom's school library to get it started and do some research. The kids went to the town pool for a couple of hours and enjoyed themselves (again, gotta love the country where my kids can go by themselves to the pool!). Anyway, now I am almost done with the paper thanks to my wonderful husband and mom. Again, I could never do this degree by myself.
Memories of my mom: As we were driving home from the movie last night, my daughter was talking to her grandma about holding her hand. She then started talking about Grandma Cullum (my mom) and talked about how she often would go down and hold her hand to warm it up because it was always cold. I know my children brought my mother much joy especially at the end of her life. Arianna was home with her the longest and would go down daily, warm her hands up, sit with her, and watch "cartoons". God showed me that He provided my mother some joy and comfort that she was able to grasp at the end of her life and I myself was much comforted. But, I still cried at the loss of my mother and am glad her and my dad are with God, the great Comforter.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
traveling and other tidbits
Traveling:
Traveling with me (Nancy) is exhausting-I admit it. Even I get exhausted. Usually, however, we are all mostly grateful for my full itinerary when it is over and we realize how much we did. Dave already mentioned the zoo, beach and Legoland. We then went to the other part of the zoo called Wild Animal Park in Escondido. It was blazing hot. We realized we were in the desert that day! (over 100 degrees with beating down sun) It was really cool though-except we could barely see the Tigers-too hot for them!!!!!!!!! We managed to come home and go to the beach again. The cold water was totally refreshing that day.
On Saturday, we went to Balboa Park in San Diego city proper (Near the zoo). It was a beautiful park with museums and gardens. We went to the Science museum which was excellent except we are not impressed with IMAX shows and felt gipped. (esp since it was an environmental one on the endangered Colorado River and had a lot of spiritism in it) We enjoyed the model railroad museum where all these retired men got to play with trains all day-what a life! We saw most of the gardens, got really thirsty and left to go to Seaport Village where we had a nice meal on the water. (Karen and kids met us around 4:30pm) We shopped til we dropped in the Village, had Ben and Jerry's ice cream, then finally called it a day.
Sunday, I crashed. We went to Karen's church, came home and ate lunch, and then went to La Jolla beach to see the seals. They were lounging and swimming on the beach there with several babies-again, what a life! Dave and kids went to the beach and I took a nap. I went to the beach later, but it was foggy and cool and they called everyone in within a 1/2 hr. I proceeded to sleep all night too.
Monday, we went back to Legoland to finish off what we had missed (the best part was the use of the 24 million lego bricks to make all the figures, animals, and buildings in the park). In the center was miniland which is Lego's rendition of several cities including: NYC, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Paris, San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, etc. It was so clever. I can't believe man's creativity but then, God is an amazingly creative God. We then ate lunch at this fabulous Mexican restaurant (at least 4 sporks, Colby) and went to Mission Capistrano, a late 1800's mission started by the Catholics in CA (there are 21 of them). I couldn't help admire how they evangelized all the natives (indians) there at that time period. The Mission was both interesting and beautiful-having a church with huge gold altar area and beautiful gardens. We shopped and looked around the small town of Capistrano and then dropped by San Clement which was also beautiful.
We came home to chill, eat dinner (of which I had none being so stuffed from the Mexican) and packed. We left at an ungodly hour on Tuesday-God bless Karen for taking us to the airport and for being such an amazing hostess for the whole week) and flew out on time to Omaha, NE. As soon as we got there, they had thunder storms and flooding but we made it through (Dave really loves to go driving though pools of water so it wasn't so bad). We made it to mom and dad's around 7pm and began our visit with them.
Yesterday, Dave got the golf cart running and the kids drove around in that in between playing baseball. We did laundry and hung it on the line which I find soothing. (I also enjoy doing dishes while I am here-again soothing and no dishwasher). The girls found the momma and 4 little kittens and started a relationship with them. They are adorable but I am glad they are outside. Elizabeth started her allergies to them, and David II and I are also allergic to them so further reason for them to be where they are. So we are a little more chilled out here, but that is good.
School: I finished the group class on June 13th. I enjoyed it-got to see Julia's delightful parents and grandmother again and spend time with Annie. I am trying to get back into running and thanks to Annie, I got up to running 2.25 miles straight which considering I couldn't even do 1.5 miles before, that was great. Now I just have to do all the post work which I have completed one paper and 2 tests and just have one proposal group paper left which I hope to start today. I am quite unnerved about tests since I have started this Master's, they are stressful to me and I keep getting in the 80's on them which pulls my whole grade down. I think I need a class on test taking and studying for them. At least I can write.
Dreams: I was reading Beth Moore's book called Breaking Free on Isaiah and getting out from bondage of sin, when I came across her statement that all little girls have dreams of being 1. married (bride), 2. being fruitful which usually means having children, 3. being beautiful. I decided to ask my 2 daughters if this was true. (It certainly was true of me from the time I was 10 years old) Elizabeth: My dreams are to be a fashion designer and travel all over the world. When asked about getting married and having kids, she said she didn't have to and that is not her dream! Arianna: To have a nice house, to have kitties, puppies, to live with someone (when asked to clarify she said married), to have a job (when asked which one, she said she would like to try them all but can't afford it), to go to church, to have 1,2,3, or 4 kids. I found these answers fascinating and realized that maybe Beth Moore and I generalize too much.
Eating: Being around Annie for a week was great for eating less. She really does eat when she is hungry (sometimes starving) and takes small amounts and then stops (fancy that idea-stopping the shoveling of food in one's mouth when one is full even if there is still food in front of oneself!) So I hope I have lost a few pounds but I can't tell since I do not have a scale (unlike my friend's uncanny ability to feel 10 lbs oozing out of him). So between controlling my eating and exercising, esp running, I hope to beat this middle age spread and slowing of metabolism. I also save money by splitting meals (did so with Karen, Dave, and Elizabeth whenever possible).
Traveling with me (Nancy) is exhausting-I admit it. Even I get exhausted. Usually, however, we are all mostly grateful for my full itinerary when it is over and we realize how much we did. Dave already mentioned the zoo, beach and Legoland. We then went to the other part of the zoo called Wild Animal Park in Escondido. It was blazing hot. We realized we were in the desert that day! (over 100 degrees with beating down sun) It was really cool though-except we could barely see the Tigers-too hot for them!!!!!!!!! We managed to come home and go to the beach again. The cold water was totally refreshing that day.
On Saturday, we went to Balboa Park in San Diego city proper (Near the zoo). It was a beautiful park with museums and gardens. We went to the Science museum which was excellent except we are not impressed with IMAX shows and felt gipped. (esp since it was an environmental one on the endangered Colorado River and had a lot of spiritism in it) We enjoyed the model railroad museum where all these retired men got to play with trains all day-what a life! We saw most of the gardens, got really thirsty and left to go to Seaport Village where we had a nice meal on the water. (Karen and kids met us around 4:30pm) We shopped til we dropped in the Village, had Ben and Jerry's ice cream, then finally called it a day.
Sunday, I crashed. We went to Karen's church, came home and ate lunch, and then went to La Jolla beach to see the seals. They were lounging and swimming on the beach there with several babies-again, what a life! Dave and kids went to the beach and I took a nap. I went to the beach later, but it was foggy and cool and they called everyone in within a 1/2 hr. I proceeded to sleep all night too.
Monday, we went back to Legoland to finish off what we had missed (the best part was the use of the 24 million lego bricks to make all the figures, animals, and buildings in the park). In the center was miniland which is Lego's rendition of several cities including: NYC, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Paris, San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, etc. It was so clever. I can't believe man's creativity but then, God is an amazingly creative God. We then ate lunch at this fabulous Mexican restaurant (at least 4 sporks, Colby) and went to Mission Capistrano, a late 1800's mission started by the Catholics in CA (there are 21 of them). I couldn't help admire how they evangelized all the natives (indians) there at that time period. The Mission was both interesting and beautiful-having a church with huge gold altar area and beautiful gardens. We shopped and looked around the small town of Capistrano and then dropped by San Clement which was also beautiful.
We came home to chill, eat dinner (of which I had none being so stuffed from the Mexican) and packed. We left at an ungodly hour on Tuesday-God bless Karen for taking us to the airport and for being such an amazing hostess for the whole week) and flew out on time to Omaha, NE. As soon as we got there, they had thunder storms and flooding but we made it through (Dave really loves to go driving though pools of water so it wasn't so bad). We made it to mom and dad's around 7pm and began our visit with them.
Yesterday, Dave got the golf cart running and the kids drove around in that in between playing baseball. We did laundry and hung it on the line which I find soothing. (I also enjoy doing dishes while I am here-again soothing and no dishwasher). The girls found the momma and 4 little kittens and started a relationship with them. They are adorable but I am glad they are outside. Elizabeth started her allergies to them, and David II and I are also allergic to them so further reason for them to be where they are. So we are a little more chilled out here, but that is good.
School: I finished the group class on June 13th. I enjoyed it-got to see Julia's delightful parents and grandmother again and spend time with Annie. I am trying to get back into running and thanks to Annie, I got up to running 2.25 miles straight which considering I couldn't even do 1.5 miles before, that was great. Now I just have to do all the post work which I have completed one paper and 2 tests and just have one proposal group paper left which I hope to start today. I am quite unnerved about tests since I have started this Master's, they are stressful to me and I keep getting in the 80's on them which pulls my whole grade down. I think I need a class on test taking and studying for them. At least I can write.
Dreams: I was reading Beth Moore's book called Breaking Free on Isaiah and getting out from bondage of sin, when I came across her statement that all little girls have dreams of being 1. married (bride), 2. being fruitful which usually means having children, 3. being beautiful. I decided to ask my 2 daughters if this was true. (It certainly was true of me from the time I was 10 years old) Elizabeth: My dreams are to be a fashion designer and travel all over the world. When asked about getting married and having kids, she said she didn't have to and that is not her dream! Arianna: To have a nice house, to have kitties, puppies, to live with someone (when asked to clarify she said married), to have a job (when asked which one, she said she would like to try them all but can't afford it), to go to church, to have 1,2,3, or 4 kids. I found these answers fascinating and realized that maybe Beth Moore and I generalize too much.
Eating: Being around Annie for a week was great for eating less. She really does eat when she is hungry (sometimes starving) and takes small amounts and then stops (fancy that idea-stopping the shoveling of food in one's mouth when one is full even if there is still food in front of oneself!) So I hope I have lost a few pounds but I can't tell since I do not have a scale (unlike my friend's uncanny ability to feel 10 lbs oozing out of him). So between controlling my eating and exercising, esp running, I hope to beat this middle age spread and slowing of metabolism. I also save money by splitting meals (did so with Karen, Dave, and Elizabeth whenever possible).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
20 years ago, part II
Another footnote to the end of the dance. On that Sunday morning, neither Nancy or I really thought we may see each other again. We had both graduated from college. She was going on a trip to Israel and then to her job. I was going to South Dakota and then off to sail on the Great Lakes. It was a sad day as I left her house that day not really sure what was going to happen.
Legoland
Some pictures from today's adventure in Legoland...
Hanging out at Legoland
Kyle and Jonny after getting wet
Kyle, Julia and Arianna getting ready to ride the boats.
Nancy and Karen
David intently watching the younger ones drive around the track.
We had a fun, busy day at Legoland. Everyone enjoyed it and they all ended up with some Legos at the end of the day. They weren't quite tired out so we headed back to the beach and the kids hit the waves for another hour.
Now they are watching Madagascar and mellowing out.
Hanging out at Legoland
Kyle and Jonny after getting wet
Kyle, Julia and Arianna getting ready to ride the boats.
Nancy and Karen
David intently watching the younger ones drive around the track.
We had a fun, busy day at Legoland. Everyone enjoyed it and they all ended up with some Legos at the end of the day. They weren't quite tired out so we headed back to the beach and the kids hit the waves for another hour.
Now they are watching Madagascar and mellowing out.
20 years ago today....
20 years ago today was Nancy and my date to my senior ball at King's Point. It all started a couple of months earlier when I called Nancy up and said "I need a date." Amazingly she accepted and we had a great time. We went to New York City afterwards and took a carriage ride in Central Park. Arriving back at Nancy's house around 3am, I had to be back at the academy around 10am for church services (an hour away). Man I was tired that day.
I have a picture from that night and that I'll try and scan in later.
I have a picture from that night and that I'll try and scan in later.
Back from the zoo
It is about 10:15 California time. Back from a full day at the zoo and stopping by Coronado. Here are a couple of pictures:
Cami, we did see several monkees, other than our family. We also saw three pandas which were really cool.
Nancy's luggage came in tonight. David said that at least a part of mom made it to England.
Tomorrow we are off to Legoland.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
San Diego
Arrived in San Diego yesterday for our week with Karen and the kids around 10am. Nancy's luggage decided to go to London so we are hoping it decides to join us later today. Went to the beach at Camp Pendleton yesterday. Heading out to the San Diego zoo today.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Day 2 - Musings
More tidbits:
1. 95 degrees in Stafford. 54 degrees in Reykjavik.
2. Elizabeth tried to make a cake with Smart Balance instead of butter. Didn't work out to well.
3. David stayed home and got the remaining kids off to school on time.
4. Garman kids were over during deacon's meeting. No beds were harmed.
5. Karen Doheney is questioning my ability to make flight arrangements. In one week from today, we will be in San Diego having a great time.
6. It's 10:30 at night and I have no idea what we are eating for dinner tomorrow as we have youth group and Jonny has soccer try outs.
1. 95 degrees in Stafford. 54 degrees in Reykjavik.
2. Elizabeth tried to make a cake with Smart Balance instead of butter. Didn't work out to well.
3. David stayed home and got the remaining kids off to school on time.
4. Garman kids were over during deacon's meeting. No beds were harmed.
5. Karen Doheney is questioning my ability to make flight arrangements. In one week from today, we will be in San Diego having a great time.
6. It's 10:30 at night and I have no idea what we are eating for dinner tomorrow as we have youth group and Jonny has soccer try outs.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Random thoughts
Nancy is back at Liberty U this week for another intensive in group counseling. Annie is with her so it should make for some interesting stories. Such as Annie's description of Nancy's driving.
Other thoughts/tidbits:
1. Hung out with Colby and Robert Steed trading college prank stories. No, I never went to Walmart at 2am and played with shopping carts.
2. It is hot here. When the pool feels good in mid-June, you know it has been hot.
3. Only one more week before we go to San Diego to see the Doheney family.
4. While at the Garman's, Darcy's bed fell down to the floor. I'm sure the Fauth kids were involved somehow.
5. Thinking about migrating to the Mac clan with the Garman's, Keilan, Burke's, and possibly Kristen.
df
Other thoughts/tidbits:
1. Hung out with Colby and Robert Steed trading college prank stories. No, I never went to Walmart at 2am and played with shopping carts.
2. It is hot here. When the pool feels good in mid-June, you know it has been hot.
3. Only one more week before we go to San Diego to see the Doheney family.
4. While at the Garman's, Darcy's bed fell down to the floor. I'm sure the Fauth kids were involved somehow.
5. Thinking about migrating to the Mac clan with the Garman's, Keilan, Burke's, and possibly Kristen.
df
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