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
Monday, June 09, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Family Acitivities
Biking:
I am always trying to get a bunch of exercise and I am also concerned for my family especially my husband and 2 of my children who prefer almost anything to exercise. So I said lets bike down in Fredericksburg after we pick strawberries (by the way, do something with all the strawberries as soon as you get home-I make the mistake of not doing this every year!) on Saturday. So we stopped at Fall Hill Ave at the beginning of the Canal path and got going minus Arianna who was camping with friends. First, my tire was rubbing against the bike frame, but I just dealt. Then David's chain fell off. Finally, I was racing Elizabeth and her pedal came off. Dave had to return to the van and get wrenches and tighten the pedal. Does anyone realize how hard it is to maintain 6 bikes especially when they are not used a lot? Finally, we were able to keep on pedaling without any more stops and made it to Old Town Frederickburg and biked down Princess Anne St and back up Caroline (although not after Dave was cursed out and given an obscene gesture for being in the road and slowing some rude dude down) and then back down the Canal Path (about 5 or so miles). Then we went out to eat that night.
Eating:
This is becoming a real struggle for me. I guess I am eating too much and eating the wrong things. On Saturday we went to Maggiano's for "family style" (oh great-all you can eat of all the dishes they put on the table). I tried not to eat too much but with 10 different dishes it was so difficult. In any case, I woke up the next morning at 5am with severe stomach pain and told myself I had better get a grip with no exceptions! Of course a compassionate friend who shall remain nameless let me know he had lost 5 lbs this week by cutting down-good for you! Pray for me then!
Friends:
Sunday we went to friends house for the afternoon after church whom we had not hung with in a while. I ate tons of fresh vegies (God bless them for serving healthy) and had fish and chicken. I did have ice cream and sherbert, but felt a lot better. We had a great time with them. My friend's brother reminded me of a counselor. He was constantly paraphrasing, reflecting, and asking open-ended questions. I was impressed and really felt like he was listening and interested in what we were saying. Good model for us all, but especially for me with counseling.
Our other young friend was in the hospital-had been there 10 days so back down to Fredericksburg we went to visit him and then of course, I got the bright idea to get more exercise by doing the scavenger hunt or at least walking in Old Town. The scavenger hunt is a bit annoying to me, but I decided to let it go and not try to fill it all in. (This is a big step for me as I hate blanks and not finishing things). We saw Colby and Annie and the girls down town (biking of course-they are my inspiration). Needless to say when we returned from Fredericksbur, David went right to bed and Jonny went to a friend's to sleep over and Dave, Elizabeth and I watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets. What a great movie!
More biking:
Today we biked 9-10 miles and I got dirty looks from the kids. The other pedal fell off Elizabeth's bike and she thought we were going to leave her. Poor E. Of course we didn't and came back for her (we had been a bit ahead). The kids and Dave went swimming and I was in my bliss gardening. This blessed lady at church gave me about 30+ plants FREE (many just seedlings but still) and so I planted and watered them all. We are also keeping critters away from the garden with hair, pinwheels (or whirlygigs as some call them) and something else not worthy of blogging. Even if only a few of these plants live I will be ahead-some are perenials! I love being cheap-it is so rewarding sometimes especially if it works.
More friends:
We went to our dear friends' daughter's 2 year old birthday. I played kickball. Can't tell you the last time I did that, but I am having a lot of firsts in awhile since turning 40 (skiing, school, Carnegie Hall in NYC, etc). I had not been to Aquia Landing-what a nice park on the River and the weather was perfect. Good friends, good food, and celbrating-Wonderful.
Bugs:
Skin So Soft does not work for bugs. I was covered with them. Maybe it helped me not get bit, but it seemed to attract every nat in the area. I must come up with natural bug repellent and sunscreen. Not interested in the chemicals.
I do not think we have a free day between now and when we go away June 17th. (Friday the 13th is open, any takers? I guess we are not superstitious!) Trying to wrap up the school year and activities and finally get away!
Running:
Dave, Nancy and David II are planning to run the 5-miler in Fredericksburg on July 4th. I believe the Garmans are going to also (of course-they, as I said, are my inspiration) so I am hoping this will get us motivated to eat right or at least less, exercise more, and improve our overall health. There is a half marathon in September and of course the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I hope we do all three and any others we can fit in. I find these things fun and motivating. We also biked to all my children's schools today so next time I have to go to one of them, I think I will get exercise, save gas and bike. Wait until that new hospital gets going!
That's all for now.
Nancy
I am always trying to get a bunch of exercise and I am also concerned for my family especially my husband and 2 of my children who prefer almost anything to exercise. So I said lets bike down in Fredericksburg after we pick strawberries (by the way, do something with all the strawberries as soon as you get home-I make the mistake of not doing this every year!) on Saturday. So we stopped at Fall Hill Ave at the beginning of the Canal path and got going minus Arianna who was camping with friends. First, my tire was rubbing against the bike frame, but I just dealt. Then David's chain fell off. Finally, I was racing Elizabeth and her pedal came off. Dave had to return to the van and get wrenches and tighten the pedal. Does anyone realize how hard it is to maintain 6 bikes especially when they are not used a lot? Finally, we were able to keep on pedaling without any more stops and made it to Old Town Frederickburg and biked down Princess Anne St and back up Caroline (although not after Dave was cursed out and given an obscene gesture for being in the road and slowing some rude dude down) and then back down the Canal Path (about 5 or so miles). Then we went out to eat that night.
Eating:
This is becoming a real struggle for me. I guess I am eating too much and eating the wrong things. On Saturday we went to Maggiano's for "family style" (oh great-all you can eat of all the dishes they put on the table). I tried not to eat too much but with 10 different dishes it was so difficult. In any case, I woke up the next morning at 5am with severe stomach pain and told myself I had better get a grip with no exceptions! Of course a compassionate friend who shall remain nameless let me know he had lost 5 lbs this week by cutting down-good for you! Pray for me then!
Friends:
Sunday we went to friends house for the afternoon after church whom we had not hung with in a while. I ate tons of fresh vegies (God bless them for serving healthy) and had fish and chicken. I did have ice cream and sherbert, but felt a lot better. We had a great time with them. My friend's brother reminded me of a counselor. He was constantly paraphrasing, reflecting, and asking open-ended questions. I was impressed and really felt like he was listening and interested in what we were saying. Good model for us all, but especially for me with counseling.
Our other young friend was in the hospital-had been there 10 days so back down to Fredericksburg we went to visit him and then of course, I got the bright idea to get more exercise by doing the scavenger hunt or at least walking in Old Town. The scavenger hunt is a bit annoying to me, but I decided to let it go and not try to fill it all in. (This is a big step for me as I hate blanks and not finishing things). We saw Colby and Annie and the girls down town (biking of course-they are my inspiration). Needless to say when we returned from Fredericksbur, David went right to bed and Jonny went to a friend's to sleep over and Dave, Elizabeth and I watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets. What a great movie!
More biking:
Today we biked 9-10 miles and I got dirty looks from the kids. The other pedal fell off Elizabeth's bike and she thought we were going to leave her. Poor E. Of course we didn't and came back for her (we had been a bit ahead). The kids and Dave went swimming and I was in my bliss gardening. This blessed lady at church gave me about 30+ plants FREE (many just seedlings but still) and so I planted and watered them all. We are also keeping critters away from the garden with hair, pinwheels (or whirlygigs as some call them) and something else not worthy of blogging. Even if only a few of these plants live I will be ahead-some are perenials! I love being cheap-it is so rewarding sometimes especially if it works.
More friends:
We went to our dear friends' daughter's 2 year old birthday. I played kickball. Can't tell you the last time I did that, but I am having a lot of firsts in awhile since turning 40 (skiing, school, Carnegie Hall in NYC, etc). I had not been to Aquia Landing-what a nice park on the River and the weather was perfect. Good friends, good food, and celbrating-Wonderful.
Bugs:
Skin So Soft does not work for bugs. I was covered with them. Maybe it helped me not get bit, but it seemed to attract every nat in the area. I must come up with natural bug repellent and sunscreen. Not interested in the chemicals.
I do not think we have a free day between now and when we go away June 17th. (Friday the 13th is open, any takers? I guess we are not superstitious!) Trying to wrap up the school year and activities and finally get away!
Running:
Dave, Nancy and David II are planning to run the 5-miler in Fredericksburg on July 4th. I believe the Garmans are going to also (of course-they, as I said, are my inspiration) so I am hoping this will get us motivated to eat right or at least less, exercise more, and improve our overall health. There is a half marathon in September and of course the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I hope we do all three and any others we can fit in. I find these things fun and motivating. We also biked to all my children's schools today so next time I have to go to one of them, I think I will get exercise, save gas and bike. Wait until that new hospital gets going!
That's all for now.
Nancy
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mercy
Mercy is a word that has been appearing to me more and more lately. From Pastor Bill's recent messages on the need to show mercy to the words of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
to this quote I found on The Rabbit Room from the 1987 movie Babette's Feast
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
to this quote I found on The Rabbit Room from the 1987 movie Babette's Feast
Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another. Man, in his weakness and shortsightedness believes he must make choices in this life. He trembles at the risks he takes. We do know fear. But no. Our choice is of no importance. There comes a time when our eyes are opened and we come to realize that mercy is infinite. We need only await it with confidence and receive it with gratitude. Mercy imposes no conditions. And lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us. And everything we rejected has also been granted. Yes, we even get back what we rejected. For mercy and truth have met together, and righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another.
I'm still processing my thoughts on mercy but I don't think it is without purpose that mercy has repeatedly shown up.
Day 4 and Day 5
They were a blur. Between soccer, dance, talent show, etc., the end of last week was a blur. It doesn't help that I usually stay up until midnight or so when Nancy is gone. We all survived and it was great to see her come home last Friday.
In about two weeks, we get to do this again. This time it will be Annie and Nancy off together. Most activities, except for dance, will have wound down so the pressures to get everyone where they need to be will have diminished.
Thanks to all who asked what happened after day 3. Nancy and I decided to stimulate the economy by purchasing a new mattress set. The lumps from 17+ years of the current mattress will hopefully be a memory soon.
In about two weeks, we get to do this again. This time it will be Annie and Nancy off together. Most activities, except for dance, will have wound down so the pressures to get everyone where they need to be will have diminished.
Thanks to all who asked what happened after day 3. Nancy and I decided to stimulate the economy by purchasing a new mattress set. The lumps from 17+ years of the current mattress will hopefully be a memory soon.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm Back
I, Nancy, have returned from my first class on a University campus since 1988!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20 years. I am in awe at how old I am and how fast time has flown even though it seemed slow in the 80's. How did that happen.
Anyway, the class was good-I finally got to apply what I have been learning this year. I was able to counsel people in my class for 4 afternoons. On the flip side, I was counseled for 4 afternoon by them so I was exhausted when I returned home having spilled my guts so much. I did actually get some good insight into myself and some good tips to apply to my life from my fellow students.
Liberty University was awesome. I could really sense how God has blessed it and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds in our stagnated economy. They have over 11,000 residential students coming in the Fall and have 27,000 distance learners of which I am one. Amazing. They are very organized and very well run. I was impressed. I even went to Jerry Falwell's museum on the 1 year anniversary of his death.
Today, I counseled my first client besides the fellow students. I was nervous especially since it had to be filmed. We talked for over 50 minutes! And I was worried about a 1/2hour! I think I did ok-we'll see. I have 2 more sessions with my client.
I am trying to get ready for my next class on June 9-13. It is a group counseling class so another perspective for me. I've never been in a counseling group or even attended one so it should be interesting.
For those of you curious about the naturopath, she ended up being a dud-just never called back, cancelled appts and now I haven't heard from her in weeks. I wish I knew another one and could find what I was looking for, but someone told me that it is silly to think that I am going to feel great everyday so I have decided to accept that. I am still trying to eat well, exercise and take some supplements (some being the key word-I must sort through which ones so I don't take over 30 pills a day!), but if I don't feel well, I am just going to accept it and hopefully, go to bed. I did get a minor cold while I was away but it had been over 6 months since being sick, so I was pleased. I still really like the chiropractor though.
Well, speaking of exercise, I am taking a big walk because one thing about getting older, fat is your friend! (a very clingy one I might add)
20 years. I am in awe at how old I am and how fast time has flown even though it seemed slow in the 80's. How did that happen.
Anyway, the class was good-I finally got to apply what I have been learning this year. I was able to counsel people in my class for 4 afternoons. On the flip side, I was counseled for 4 afternoon by them so I was exhausted when I returned home having spilled my guts so much. I did actually get some good insight into myself and some good tips to apply to my life from my fellow students.
Liberty University was awesome. I could really sense how God has blessed it and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds in our stagnated economy. They have over 11,000 residential students coming in the Fall and have 27,000 distance learners of which I am one. Amazing. They are very organized and very well run. I was impressed. I even went to Jerry Falwell's museum on the 1 year anniversary of his death.
Today, I counseled my first client besides the fellow students. I was nervous especially since it had to be filmed. We talked for over 50 minutes! And I was worried about a 1/2hour! I think I did ok-we'll see. I have 2 more sessions with my client.
I am trying to get ready for my next class on June 9-13. It is a group counseling class so another perspective for me. I've never been in a counseling group or even attended one so it should be interesting.
For those of you curious about the naturopath, she ended up being a dud-just never called back, cancelled appts and now I haven't heard from her in weeks. I wish I knew another one and could find what I was looking for, but someone told me that it is silly to think that I am going to feel great everyday so I have decided to accept that. I am still trying to eat well, exercise and take some supplements (some being the key word-I must sort through which ones so I don't take over 30 pills a day!), but if I don't feel well, I am just going to accept it and hopefully, go to bed. I did get a minor cold while I was away but it had been over 6 months since being sick, so I was pleased. I still really like the chiropractor though.
Well, speaking of exercise, I am taking a big walk because one thing about getting older, fat is your friend! (a very clingy one I might add)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 2 - Blessings
Day 2 of Nancy away. No it isn't a blessing that she is away but I want to rejoice in some of the neat things that happened today and to glorify God through them.
- Nancy is able to take a class and learn to apply the theoretical things she has been learning. I am amazed at her capacity to learn, willingness to apply and her love for the counseling.
- Jonny saw the yard was getting tall and mowed the front yard without anyone asking. Brandon, a neighbor and older friend of Jonny, manned the weed wacker.
- The Garmans provided dinner tonight. Thank you Annie for preparing the meal, bringing it over and hanging at the Fauth house. I appreciate it so much and I know our kids had a great time playing with Haley and Darcey.
- I understand David beat Colby at Wii baseball. Colby, he is weak at tennis.
Most of the time I am so focused on the tyranny of the urgent that I lose sight of God's wonder, blessings and reminders of who He is and how He is the one in control.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Nan at School - Day 1
Nancy left yesterday for Lynchburg and arrived around 7pm. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the remaining survivors settled down to prepare for the week ahead. Following a full weekend of the Screwtape letters, serving at the New Generation ministry, Carl's ice cream and sleepovers on Saturday, the kids were wiped out. They crashed at 8 allowing me the pleasure of some Sunday Night Baseball between the Minnesota Twins and Red Sox nation. That ended around 11:20pm with a nail biting Twins victory. A little bit of Sportscenter and nighty night.
6:15 comes early but a fresh press of coffee helps out. David was up and left at 6:35 while I was ironing some clothes and preparing a crock pot meal. Around 7:00, he comes back. I'm thinking he missed the bus. Little did I know that Stafford schools were closed due to the 5 inches of rain we received over the weekend.
Ha ha, now I could get an early jump getting to work while the kids stayed home. Giving them directions not to wake Jonny and Arianna, I left only to sit in traffic for 2 hours.
One of the advantages of having older kids is that they can manage at home by themselves. One advantage of having an older girl with an interest in sewing, cooking, etc. is that things may get done that normally wouldn't.
Today while I was at work, Elizabeth cleaned the kitchen, repaired the torn cushions on our kitchen chairs, ironed the rest of the clothes and helped Arianna with her laundry. What a relief that she was able to do that. Annie, I'm sure she would do the same in Iceland.
6:15 comes early but a fresh press of coffee helps out. David was up and left at 6:35 while I was ironing some clothes and preparing a crock pot meal. Around 7:00, he comes back. I'm thinking he missed the bus. Little did I know that Stafford schools were closed due to the 5 inches of rain we received over the weekend.
Ha ha, now I could get an early jump getting to work while the kids stayed home. Giving them directions not to wake Jonny and Arianna, I left only to sit in traffic for 2 hours.
One of the advantages of having older kids is that they can manage at home by themselves. One advantage of having an older girl with an interest in sewing, cooking, etc. is that things may get done that normally wouldn't.
Today while I was at work, Elizabeth cleaned the kitchen, repaired the torn cushions on our kitchen chairs, ironed the rest of the clothes and helped Arianna with her laundry. What a relief that she was able to do that. Annie, I'm sure she would do the same in Iceland.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Random Musings
Nancy is at Liberty this week for an intensive class. I know she was nervous about it but she will do great. She drove down to Lynchburg by herself in the rain and had no problems.
That means I'm at home with 4 kids being Mr. Dad. I'll be going in late and coming home normal time, however, I'm sure it won't go smoothly.
Nancy wasn't too happy when there were tornado warnings for Stafford and I just let the kids sleep. I went downstairs to sleep as I had to get up in the morning. For some reason, Nancy couldn't sleep (hmmm..... maybe her protecting husband wasn't doing the best job). Growing up in South Dakota, those were pretty normal occurrences. Only once do I remember actually seeing a tornado. We went in the basement then and maybe a few other times growing up.
That means I'm at home with 4 kids being Mr. Dad. I'll be going in late and coming home normal time, however, I'm sure it won't go smoothly.
Nancy wasn't too happy when there were tornado warnings for Stafford and I just let the kids sleep. I went downstairs to sleep as I had to get up in the morning. For some reason, Nancy couldn't sleep (hmmm..... maybe her protecting husband wasn't doing the best job). Growing up in South Dakota, those were pretty normal occurrences. Only once do I remember actually seeing a tornado. We went in the basement then and maybe a few other times growing up.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Up for Air
It is late as I write this but I have been having blog withdrawal. So I must write some stuff before I get swamped with school again.
I was able to get an interesting blood test called a live blood nutritional analysis. Being a nurse and thrilled with biology, it has been the coolest thing I have seen in a while. The "lab guy" as he called himself, took a drop of my blood and put it under a high-powered microscope which displayed on a computer screen for me to see. I saw the red blood cells of which some were small (Vit B dificiency), some bacteria and yeast (I am now taking more probiotics), a few sugar crystals (I was starving-hadn't eaten for hours), some plaque (which he assured me was being flushed out well), and best of all, the white blood cells. These things looked like something out of a sci-fi. They were the largest and most detailed cells. They were on the move. I actually got to see them engulfing things they didn't like. I marvelled! I had never seen this before-sure I've seen a dead white blood cell, but not in action like these and not since science class in college. Then I saw the killer T-cells which are the "marines" (that's for you, Shaun) of the military white blood cell force. They are the powerhouses that fight cancer. I was told I have a good immune system which was gratifying. Mostly, I become more in awe of God who thought up everything from the microscopic white blood cell to the whole person that is me.
Speaking of marvelling, the spring is amazing this year to me. My favorite season is usually fall, but I tell you, this spring has caused me to rethink. Perhaps we are getting enough rain or maybe it is just that I do not get out much now. Anyway, take some time to look at all the color out there and the smells (if you can get your noses unclogged enough to smell-warm salt water up the nose works like a charm). God has outdone Himself if that is possible. It makes me get excited about heaven which will be way better than this!
I am in the 6th week of this stats and research couse and I am preparing for the next course which is a one-week intensive at Liberty in May. Hence why I have not blogged much. This is a difficult course with a challenging paper, but today I felt sorry for the instructor because I bet there are not too many people that enjoy his course and probably wouldn't take it if they didn't have to. God is using it to teach me to be more positive. You will have to ask Dave if it is working. I hope so by the end. And Annie, don't freak out over it. We will help you and I am too uptight!
I just got rid of not one, but 2 huge garbage bags full of clothes from Jonny and Arianna's rooms. Yikes. How do we get so many? I feel like I've had a cleansing. We even got rid of 16 stuffed animals-I am proud of Arianna.
I was in NYC with my son, David's, marching band on April 10-14th. It was amazing. I really love that place. I hope I get a chance to live there if for just a little part of my life but not alone. I am not quite confident to live there alone. My brother was great and found us great, cheap restaurants and sent me home with bagels (best in the world), black and white cookies for my friend, and with fond memories. We toured lots of places-some of which I hadn't been to such as Madame Tusseau's wax museaum. We met the assistant conductor for the Broadway show, "Wicked" as well as a violinist and french horn player from the same show. We met a swing from Mary Poppins (one show we saw). A swing is someone who must learn all the music, singing, dancing, and positions of all members of a show except the principles/primaries. So in Mary Poppins, he needed to know all the chimney sweeps, all the people in the park, all the statues, the people in the bank, and many more. I admired him. We also saw the off-Broadway show, Stomp which was so great and reminded me of Jonny. Aparently there is a movie of it if you can check it out. These people had rhythm and were always making it with anything they could find. No speaking, no instuments, just ordinary, everyday items including trash. I even saw one of my brother's friend's play (or dance on) the large piano in FAO Schwarz toy store. What a bonus!
Nancy
I was able to get an interesting blood test called a live blood nutritional analysis. Being a nurse and thrilled with biology, it has been the coolest thing I have seen in a while. The "lab guy" as he called himself, took a drop of my blood and put it under a high-powered microscope which displayed on a computer screen for me to see. I saw the red blood cells of which some were small (Vit B dificiency), some bacteria and yeast (I am now taking more probiotics), a few sugar crystals (I was starving-hadn't eaten for hours), some plaque (which he assured me was being flushed out well), and best of all, the white blood cells. These things looked like something out of a sci-fi. They were the largest and most detailed cells. They were on the move. I actually got to see them engulfing things they didn't like. I marvelled! I had never seen this before-sure I've seen a dead white blood cell, but not in action like these and not since science class in college. Then I saw the killer T-cells which are the "marines" (that's for you, Shaun) of the military white blood cell force. They are the powerhouses that fight cancer. I was told I have a good immune system which was gratifying. Mostly, I become more in awe of God who thought up everything from the microscopic white blood cell to the whole person that is me.
Speaking of marvelling, the spring is amazing this year to me. My favorite season is usually fall, but I tell you, this spring has caused me to rethink. Perhaps we are getting enough rain or maybe it is just that I do not get out much now. Anyway, take some time to look at all the color out there and the smells (if you can get your noses unclogged enough to smell-warm salt water up the nose works like a charm). God has outdone Himself if that is possible. It makes me get excited about heaven which will be way better than this!
I am in the 6th week of this stats and research couse and I am preparing for the next course which is a one-week intensive at Liberty in May. Hence why I have not blogged much. This is a difficult course with a challenging paper, but today I felt sorry for the instructor because I bet there are not too many people that enjoy his course and probably wouldn't take it if they didn't have to. God is using it to teach me to be more positive. You will have to ask Dave if it is working. I hope so by the end. And Annie, don't freak out over it. We will help you and I am too uptight!
I just got rid of not one, but 2 huge garbage bags full of clothes from Jonny and Arianna's rooms. Yikes. How do we get so many? I feel like I've had a cleansing. We even got rid of 16 stuffed animals-I am proud of Arianna.
I was in NYC with my son, David's, marching band on April 10-14th. It was amazing. I really love that place. I hope I get a chance to live there if for just a little part of my life but not alone. I am not quite confident to live there alone. My brother was great and found us great, cheap restaurants and sent me home with bagels (best in the world), black and white cookies for my friend, and with fond memories. We toured lots of places-some of which I hadn't been to such as Madame Tusseau's wax museaum. We met the assistant conductor for the Broadway show, "Wicked" as well as a violinist and french horn player from the same show. We met a swing from Mary Poppins (one show we saw). A swing is someone who must learn all the music, singing, dancing, and positions of all members of a show except the principles/primaries. So in Mary Poppins, he needed to know all the chimney sweeps, all the people in the park, all the statues, the people in the bank, and many more. I admired him. We also saw the off-Broadway show, Stomp which was so great and reminded me of Jonny. Aparently there is a movie of it if you can check it out. These people had rhythm and were always making it with anything they could find. No speaking, no instuments, just ordinary, everyday items including trash. I even saw one of my brother's friend's play (or dance on) the large piano in FAO Schwarz toy store. What a bonus!
Nancy
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Iceland - One year later
It is hard to believe that a year ago, we were coming back from 10 days in Iceland. Now we are looking forward to Colby, Annie, Haley and wild child (hair wise)* Darcy going there later this year.
*At times it appears to me anyway that Darcy has this 80's big hair action going on. You would almost think she was from New Jersey.
At the time, I didn't realize how the kids would be affected by the time there. They still talk about it and have fond memories of it. Both David and Jonny aren't fond of the heat and hot weather of Virginia's summers. When we talk about where they would like to live someday, Iceland is a place that comes up frequently. Hmmm. Nancy and I are praying that God would be working in their hearts and develop a passion for ministry and missions.
*At times it appears to me anyway that Darcy has this 80's big hair action going on. You would almost think she was from New Jersey.
At the time, I didn't realize how the kids would be affected by the time there. They still talk about it and have fond memories of it. Both David and Jonny aren't fond of the heat and hot weather of Virginia's summers. When we talk about where they would like to live someday, Iceland is a place that comes up frequently. Hmmm. Nancy and I are praying that God would be working in their hearts and develop a passion for ministry and missions.
Slugging Stories
I slug to work most of the time. It's free and usually I get a nap on the way home. Plus you get to encounter all sorts of things. For example:
- On the way home, Mark Stratton in a Hawaiian shirt. What is up with that?
- On the way in today, a driver pulls up with his trunk open and he doesn't realize it. What's up with that?
- Again today, my driver has the radio on but she is listening to her walkman with headphones on. Huh???
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Bean...An expensive bean....
For those thinking of a potential gift for either Colby or Pastor Bill or maybe even Clint, I leave you with this....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=558540&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=
From the review is "It wasn't too bitter and the earthiness really came through - probably because of where the beans have come from. "
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=558540&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=
From the review is "It wasn't too bitter and the earthiness really came through - probably because of where the beans have come from. "
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Time to brag
As parents, we get to brag on our kids accomplishments. Two recent brag-worthy events are:
1. David tried out and was accepted to Brooke Point High School's Wind Ensemble. He is one of 3 saxaphone players that will be in the group next year. Didn't try out for jazz band but maybe next year. He does want to buy a soprano saxaphone. If anyone wants to contribute, I'm sure he would be happy.
2. Arianna wrote an essay on pets that her teacher, Ms. Carr, entered into a Free Lance Star Pet story contest. Surprisingly since we don't have pets, she was one of six children chosen for first grade entries. Her winning entry will be published in the Town and Country Magazine section of the paper this coming Saturday, April 12.
1. David tried out and was accepted to Brooke Point High School's Wind Ensemble. He is one of 3 saxaphone players that will be in the group next year. Didn't try out for jazz band but maybe next year. He does want to buy a soprano saxaphone. If anyone wants to contribute, I'm sure he would be happy.
2. Arianna wrote an essay on pets that her teacher, Ms. Carr, entered into a Free Lance Star Pet story contest. Surprisingly since we don't have pets, she was one of six children chosen for first grade entries. Her winning entry will be published in the Town and Country Magazine section of the paper this coming Saturday, April 12.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter
We wanted to read the Bible as a family pertaining to Christ's death and resurrection to thwart some of the notion that Easter was just about the Easter bunny, eggs, and candy. So we did read it all together as a family today and I asked the children that perhaps they could remember Christ's awful death when they are tempted to do wrong.
Then Arianna piped up that she knew what Easter was all about:
"Easter is about Christ rosing from the dead!"
I am so grateful for Christ's rosing and for the enthusiasm of my daughter when speaking about it.
Nancy
Then Arianna piped up that she knew what Easter was all about:
"Easter is about Christ rosing from the dead!"
I am so grateful for Christ's rosing and for the enthusiasm of my daughter when speaking about it.
Nancy
News from Nan
Another Ariannaism: Contar. Can you guess what that means? Keilan plays it. It is in many rock bands.
New book: The Art of Growing Up by Veronique Vienne.
This book goes along the lines of my musings (and bordering panic) regarding getting older. I bet the author is in her 50's b/c she references this age group a lot. Here is a brief outline with some quotes I enjoyed or found helpful:
1. The Art of Beginning
How old would you be if you didn't know your age? Begin anew by throwing out old things...there is no need to hold onto what's obsolete. One never loses what one throws away.
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
You begin to grow up when it dawns on you that all your alleged setbacks are in fact opportunities.
Some birthday wishes: lifetime season tickets to the symphony (ballet, opera, plays, musicals, all culture), clean windows every day, a huge dog, like a St Bernard, as a pet, a social secretary, housekeeper, cook, spiritual understanding-getting closer to my God, the time and money to start an art, dance, (fill in the blank) school-and be a student, a good relationship with your children, access to smart people, a pain-free body, the courage to give up the past, unexpected joy. The things one wants the most are not things after all.
2. The Art of Changing
Define progress as taking 2 small steps forward for every step back.
Don't exaggerate your weaknesses.
Remember late is never too late.
Stick to the schedule.
Continue what you've begun.
Don't seek closure.
Think of being up in years as a novelty.
3.The Art of Changing
"Fools that we are-we pray for a long life but fear old age" Chinese proverb.
The best age-defying beauty tip-SMILE!
4. The Art of Knowing
"Nothing was so unfamiliar and startling to me as my own thoughts" Thoreau.
Repeated self examination is a matter of survival.
A quiz for you: What do these expressions really mean? (answers on a future post):
A face that launched a 1,000 ships
An Iliad of woes
The last infirmity of a noble mind
In 2 shakes of a lamb's tail
Knee-high to a grasshopper
Quicker than hell can scorch a feather
To fiddle while Rome burns
To flutter the dovecote
To walk the chalk
To wear callouses on your elbows
To know a hawk from a handsaw
To syncopate the long hand
*For each new word we learn, we create a 1,000 mental connections.
5. The Art of Shining
Become visible by stepping out of other people's blind spots. Don't age typically-be radical, be different: play soccer with the kids, go to a rock concert with teens, etc. We have to replace the old cliches about aging with brand new concepts that don't relegate any of us to invisibility.
To be an adult is to be on one's own.
Love your age, stand your ground, refuse to be labelled.
Never apologize for your age.
The secret of eternal youth-cultivate the art of not complaining.
6. The Art of Inspiring
Inspiring someone can be as simple as listening.
Love is an incentive for reaching beyond our usual capacities.
Plans are one thing, life is another-Claudette Colbert
7. The Art of Choosing
Bless the day when you discover that good is good enough and excellence is onerous.
Life is sweeter when the best is yet to be.
We can choose our mistakes and in doing so we can take full credit for the inscurtable prospect of tomorrow.
Personal differences can be shared in unison.
One way to save the world: Stash it away in your mind. Be the eyewitness of all you see. don't miss a thing. Be there when nothing can console a crying baby. Stay put even though a friend offends you. Don't look away when someone needs help. Be the designated observer of grief and wonder. Take an imprint of all moments and hide them where only you know, then take very good care of yourself.
Nothing is lost. All that you have ever seen is always with you.-Henri Cartier Bresson.
8. The Art of Succeeding
Celebrate others' successes.
New Rules of glamour:
Treat others as you want to be treated (sound familiar?)
Figure out what you do best and do it.
No meetings over 30 minutes!
Wearing off-rack clothes as if made for you
Wearying of generalizations
Replace youth with mystery
9. The Art of Laughing
Make them laugh by keeping a straight face. Laugh at yourself.
10. The Art of Becoming
We grow up one day at a time without ever being able to study the master plan (but we can know the Master!)
Don't look back to find out where you are going-the answer is ahead of you. Become someone you haven't met yet.
We are always the same age inside.
My own revelation: One thing I have learned about myself. I experience and think about everything that comes my way to the fullest. Perhaps this is why my mind is so crowded most of the time and why I am frequently on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The good parts are that I am very rarely apathetic and will probably have no regrets in the area of experiencing life to the fullest. The bad: those who know me have labelled me anxious, "spazzy", and emotional. My response: It is better than being bland or dull.
Enjoy all the existential writings.
New book: The Art of Growing Up by Veronique Vienne.
This book goes along the lines of my musings (and bordering panic) regarding getting older. I bet the author is in her 50's b/c she references this age group a lot. Here is a brief outline with some quotes I enjoyed or found helpful:
1. The Art of Beginning
How old would you be if you didn't know your age? Begin anew by throwing out old things...there is no need to hold onto what's obsolete. One never loses what one throws away.
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
You begin to grow up when it dawns on you that all your alleged setbacks are in fact opportunities.
Some birthday wishes: lifetime season tickets to the symphony (ballet, opera, plays, musicals, all culture), clean windows every day, a huge dog, like a St Bernard, as a pet, a social secretary, housekeeper, cook, spiritual understanding-getting closer to my God, the time and money to start an art, dance, (fill in the blank) school-and be a student, a good relationship with your children, access to smart people, a pain-free body, the courage to give up the past, unexpected joy. The things one wants the most are not things after all.
2. The Art of Changing
Define progress as taking 2 small steps forward for every step back.
Don't exaggerate your weaknesses.
Remember late is never too late.
Stick to the schedule.
Continue what you've begun.
Don't seek closure.
Think of being up in years as a novelty.
3.The Art of Changing
"Fools that we are-we pray for a long life but fear old age" Chinese proverb.
The best age-defying beauty tip-SMILE!
4. The Art of Knowing
"Nothing was so unfamiliar and startling to me as my own thoughts" Thoreau.
Repeated self examination is a matter of survival.
A quiz for you: What do these expressions really mean? (answers on a future post):
A face that launched a 1,000 ships
An Iliad of woes
The last infirmity of a noble mind
In 2 shakes of a lamb's tail
Knee-high to a grasshopper
Quicker than hell can scorch a feather
To fiddle while Rome burns
To flutter the dovecote
To walk the chalk
To wear callouses on your elbows
To know a hawk from a handsaw
To syncopate the long hand
*For each new word we learn, we create a 1,000 mental connections.
5. The Art of Shining
Become visible by stepping out of other people's blind spots. Don't age typically-be radical, be different: play soccer with the kids, go to a rock concert with teens, etc. We have to replace the old cliches about aging with brand new concepts that don't relegate any of us to invisibility.
To be an adult is to be on one's own.
Love your age, stand your ground, refuse to be labelled.
Never apologize for your age.
The secret of eternal youth-cultivate the art of not complaining.
6. The Art of Inspiring
Inspiring someone can be as simple as listening.
Love is an incentive for reaching beyond our usual capacities.
Plans are one thing, life is another-Claudette Colbert
7. The Art of Choosing
Bless the day when you discover that good is good enough and excellence is onerous.
Life is sweeter when the best is yet to be.
We can choose our mistakes and in doing so we can take full credit for the inscurtable prospect of tomorrow.
Personal differences can be shared in unison.
One way to save the world: Stash it away in your mind. Be the eyewitness of all you see. don't miss a thing. Be there when nothing can console a crying baby. Stay put even though a friend offends you. Don't look away when someone needs help. Be the designated observer of grief and wonder. Take an imprint of all moments and hide them where only you know, then take very good care of yourself.
Nothing is lost. All that you have ever seen is always with you.-Henri Cartier Bresson.
8. The Art of Succeeding
Celebrate others' successes.
New Rules of glamour:
Treat others as you want to be treated (sound familiar?)
Figure out what you do best and do it.
No meetings over 30 minutes!
Wearing off-rack clothes as if made for you
Wearying of generalizations
Replace youth with mystery
9. The Art of Laughing
Make them laugh by keeping a straight face. Laugh at yourself.
10. The Art of Becoming
We grow up one day at a time without ever being able to study the master plan (but we can know the Master!)
Don't look back to find out where you are going-the answer is ahead of you. Become someone you haven't met yet.
We are always the same age inside.
My own revelation: One thing I have learned about myself. I experience and think about everything that comes my way to the fullest. Perhaps this is why my mind is so crowded most of the time and why I am frequently on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The good parts are that I am very rarely apathetic and will probably have no regrets in the area of experiencing life to the fullest. The bad: those who know me have labelled me anxious, "spazzy", and emotional. My response: It is better than being bland or dull.
Enjoy all the existential writings.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Hope
I could listen to this over and over...
...especially the lyrics:
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
While not normally a fan of fiction books, Andrew Peterson has written a captivating, amusing, wondrous tale for all ages. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darknessreally captivated my imagination and kept me wanting to know more about the wonderful, imaginary yet almost real world of the land of Skree.
In the quiet land of Skree, the Igiby children—Janner, his younger brother Tink, and their crippled sister Leeli—stumble upon the lost jewels of Anniera and determine to return them. Unfortunately, the scary-bad Gnag the Nameless seeks the jewels for his own evil ends… and so our band of friends, accompanied by their trust dog Nugget, must escape with the help of their mom and grandfather (who happens to be an ex-pirate). Their journey takes them through an inventively fantastical world of wonders, complete with memorable characters (like Gnag’s evil minions the Fangs and Peet the Sock Man), fanciful creatures (like sea dragons, snickbuzzards, toothy cows, flabbits, and bomnubbles), and captivating places (like the Books & Crannies bookstore, Shaggy Tavern, the Dark Sea of Darkness that divides the land of Skree from Anniera, the Glipwood Forest, Ice Prairies, and the Stony Mountains).
Through fast-paced storytelling, little ditties, songs, and poems, side-splitting asides, sensory descriptions of time and place, and characters rich in heart, courage, and smarts, Andrew Peterson has created a wondrous tale you’ll enjoy and treasure—just like those lost jewels.
As I read this, I wanted to know what happened in Anniera, who was the Sock Puppet man and how did he get like that, what were the family secrets and what were these jewels. Through rich imagery, funny stories, and rich descriptions, my mind painted a wonderful rich story.
I can't wait to read it to my children and see their faces as they follow the excitement of the Igiby children.
For another great review, read this review.
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