Expecting a Surprise

Twenty Twelve is Here!

2012-01-03T23:33:00.004-05:00

Welcome 2012!

It is time to dust off this little blog space of mine; to blow away the cobwebs and clear some space for writing. Starting tonight with some inspiration from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird (c. 1994):

"One of the gifts of being a writer is that it gives you an excuse to do things, to go places and explore. Another is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around."

Twenty Eleven is now officially just a blur in my rear view mirror. It was not the best year if you consider my mom received a cancer diagnosis, my dad encountered some health difficulties, and my husband remained underemployed for most of the year while faithfully tending a growing non-profit business. Read: living without a regular paycheck and several months without any paycheck. Life truly lurched and tramped around in my neighborhood.

But the past year also brought deeper relationships with both my parents as I took on more involvement in their medical dramas and their daily well-being. What a joy to live close enough to be "on call" and able to arrive within ten minutes time when needed.

Our little family of three adjusted to a "new normal" when, for a season, I was helping my mom in one hospital, while Frank was helping my dad in another hospital and Betsy was hanging out with generous and caring friends. We wouldn't have it any other way even with the exhaustion, the craziness of all three schedules being disrupted, and the uncertainty of my parent's futures.

Gratefully, we enter a new year with its promise, potential, and purpose. I can only hope to look closely so as not to miss a minute of what God blesses me with, in giving me breath and His reasons for living. Should you care to join me here on this blog of mine, I would be grateful for your company and will do my best to inspire and encourage you as I lurch and tramp around.

Happy New Year and Blessings to You and Yours!

A Blessing to Count

2011-07-25T11:30:00.004-04:00

This morning I have a blessing to count.

We have been journeying with Mom on her cancer road. She has so many people that love and care for her. We need a new basket for the cards and notes they send. Friends are stopping by with meals, often sharing time to encourage and listen. Several of those friends have scheduled time to help with anything we need. Even just to sit with her while Mom rests.

I'm thankful for my Mom's friends. I'm counting this blessing today.

A Beach Moment in Time

2011-07-24T14:26:00.003-04:00

This is me standing in a sand hole on the beach. My Dad took the photo and judging by my haircut, I'd place myself at about 4 or 5 years old, maybe the Summer of 1962. Chances are the water behind me is Lake Michigan, since we lived about 45 minutes from there during that time of my life.

It is rare that I am alone. My brother and sister had to be somewhere on that sandy shoreline. Back then, parents didn't take just one child out, it was always the entire family. And we only had one car so I'm sure Mom was also there.

What could be in a thought bubble over my head? "I wonder if we keep digging, will we be in China?" "I hope we get to stop for ice cream on our way home."

Looking at this photo reminds me of the safe and secure childhood that was mine. Special summer days at the beach, or along the Grand River having a picnic, or camping at Pioneer Park with other families - all are memories I treasure. What a gift to be given - a family that stayed intact, parents that did not abuse their roles, 5 people that enjoyed amazing good health for tens of years.

I am grateful.

Summer Garden Walk 2011

2011-07-23T18:21:00.001-04:00

Here's a little video montage with an invitation to join me in my garden. Thanks for stopping by for an afternoon walk with me!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thoughts of Summer Reading

2011-07-23T10:59:00.013-04:00

It's a lazy Saturday morning, cloudy and humid outside. Thankfully we have a break in the intense heat of the past week. My morning begins with a look at my eBay auctions, a peek at Facebook, then on to the task of reading un-read e-mail.

I have this thing about e-mail. I have a hard time deleting mail I want to read. But mostly I never get around to reading it. So on days like today, I warm up my fingers and the Delete key. And I try to delete what I have not gotten around to reading. Like Amazon's list of Best Teen Books of the Year 2009. Yes, you read me. 2009.

This morning I travel to Amazon.com to view each book on the List. Then I take a couple of side trips into other books. Add a few titles to my "Wish List." Skim read a few author interviews. Send a couple e-mail links to a friend. Write my list of books to put on hold @ KDL. Mentally cross off the books that elicit a "nah" response.

Halt. Wait. Stop.

Into my mind sneaks a memory. Of summer days spent pedaling my Schwinn up to the Yankee Clipper Bookmobile. Its mammoth tires rest on hot asphalt, along with the cars of customers at the Yankee Department Store. I bought my first fabric for 7th grade sewing class at that store. But I digress. The diesel fuel odor as the engine runs constantly to circulate air inside. "Was it air-conditioned?" I ask myself. Must have had a fan, at least, but I just can't remember.

Inside the bookmobile. Volumes of adventure from floor to ceiling, covering all four walls. Smells of dusty, worn pages that have absorbed the skin oil from hundreds of human hands. One of my favorite places to be as I search for new titles to take home with me. I'm in Fourth Grade for this memory. 1968. And my favorite author is Lois Lenski. I'm reading all of her titles I can find: Houseboat Girl, Strawberry Girl (her most famous). . .

(I quickly take a side trip to Wikipedia, trying to jog my memory. Lenski actually wrote 16 books in her regional fiction series. I'm sure I read all of them in the Bookmobile's collection.)

Well, where was I going with this post? Oh yes. How different life is now, compared to those days of the Yankee Clipper. I'll admit that I am so often lost in books. Still can't leave a used book sale without a stack in a grocery bag. I download them for my Kindle (free, of course). I read about them on Amazon. I place holds for them at KDL. I have read 9 books so far this summer. That doesn't seem like enough.

The experience is so vastly different today. And I guess it just struck me. A look at one book brings me links to more books, that lead to other books, and more lists, and in the middle of all this reading and typing, I recall something so vividly that I have to stop and write about it.

And I reflect. With the many different ways to access books in the Year 2011, I am still drawn to the memories of summer reading as a child. It was simple. It was free. It was absorbing. It was adventure. It was unforgettable.

*Scanned photos of my Fourth Grade Summer Reading Booklist*

Fourth of July Memories

2011-07-06T08:50:00.002-04:00

Enjoy this video montage of various images taken over the years to celebrate America's birthday!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Is This Blog Mine?

2011-06-17T12:41:00.002-04:00

I have to ask myself the question "Do I own this blog?" It has been so long since I have posted or done anything remotely related to this hobby of mine. Today I changed the playlist to summer music so I can listen to it while I clean.

Tomorrow? I might actually write something.

Johnny Teis: A Celebration of Life

2011-04-25T22:13:00.001-04:00

Help Me Live - Part Three

2011-04-21T12:16:00.007-04:00

Reading more today from "Help Me Live: 20 Things People With Cancer Want You to Know" by Lori Hope. Chapter title: "I like to hear success stories, not horror stories." Sometimes we think we are helping when we share our story or the stories of others. But we unknowingly may miss what is needed.

If you, like me, find yourself without words when spending time with those fighting disease or sitting in sorrow, you are "normal" and not alone. That is okay. We should all learn how to be silent in the face of human pain and suffering.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..." (James 1:19)

Why do we feel so inclined to blab, to drone, to share OUR stories when someone else's story has just entered a dark and unknown chapter? Do we really think our words are that important? Are we truly afraid of silence? Are we speaking to hear ourselves speak, and creating so much noise we drown out the person we are talking "TO?"

I am guilty. You are guilty. We are all guilty. Somewhere, sometime, someplace, we will speak into silence and sadly, we will somehow turn the attention from a suffering human being to ourselves. Our human egos are so powerful, they barge in at the most unwelcome times, don't they? And if you, dear reader, are thinking "That's not me..." I have news for you. It IS you. It IS me.

We are so blind when it comes to our own lack of sight. That is why I am grateful when someone loans me their glasses, invites me to put them on and see something I could never see before. Something their life, their heart, has lived that I have not. Oh, for greater humility and willingness to see what I cannot see on my own.

"My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thought never to heaven go." (Shakespeare)

Can we admit that we have a hard time being around the sick and weak? Can we learn to close our mouths, or at least say "I am sorry. I am here. I don't know what else to say?" Surprisingly, we can comfort others without saying a thing. But it is not easy. Silence is harder for us than for them.

"His need to tell the story was greater at that moment because he's still carrying the grief." (p. 44)

Much of the time we are uncomfortable because of unresolved things in our own lives, related to our pain, our sorrow, our hurts. We would all serve ourselves, and others, best if we would learn to grieve our own losses...grieve them long and grieve them well. Too often we are just too afraid to go there; to go there ourselves, to go there with others.

But if we can enter and exit our own tunnels of grief, we can be freer and more available to others in pain. When we have experienced the beginning AND end of our own painful chapters, we are not as likely to fear for others. And not as likely to speak when our silence is more appropriate.

Random Thoughts on a Sunny Thursday

2011-04-21T11:49:00.006-04:00

I am finding my way through a maze of choices.

Many things are happening that I want to write about.

There is precious little time for that right now.

So do I journal, as I have in years past, using the familiar stenographer's notebook and a blue ink pen? Do I write a note on Facebook? Do I write notes to my sister, living hundreds of miles across the ocean? Do I create a post on my blog? Do I do nothing, and live in the moment without making a record of it?

This morning I will blog.

The dishwasher is humming. The washer is churning. The heater softly blows air into the room around me. The clock ticks. The dog sighs and shifts his position. These are the sounds I hear when I stop tapping on my keyboard.

The sun is shining. The stained glass lampshade glows nearby. The desk is far too messy. The dust clings with no shame. Faces of family smile at me from the board on the wall. Piles of "stuff" remind me of good intentions to sell on eBay. These are the sights I see as I work from my home office chair.

Several miles away I picture Mom in her pjs, her water glass nearby, her glasses perched on her nose, her crossword book open on her knees. I picture Dad in the next room, his harmonica wheezing a familiar melody, the sun streaming through both their windows. Peaceful yet poignant. In their home where they belong. These are the thoughts I am thinking as I write.

Whirling around with all the other sights, sounds and thoughts, is the word CANCER. This word, this "C" word, has never before been so prominent in my day-to-day vocabulary. I may not utter it, but I think about it. Sometimes I do not consciously pull it from the back of my mind but it is there.

I have known people who are in this life no more because of C. I know their families. Their kids. Their legacies.

I know people who are fighting C this very minute. A precious little boy, gasping for what could be his last breath. A sweet little baby girl, fighting from birth. A mother winning the battle but still away from home. And my own dear Mother.

I think about all of this today. I have no closure. Nothing profound except to write this here so I can remember.

Revlamid

2011-04-19T00:12:00.008-04:00

*stock photo, courtesy of Microsoft

Today I picked up a small bottle of pills from the pharmacy. Since Mom's cancer is not yet in remission, she will soon begin her fourth round of oral chemotherapy with a drug called Revlamid.

Revlamid has a price tag. It is the most expensive bottle of pills I have ever touched in my life. Out of respect, I will not disclose the price tag because Mom has asked me not to. But I will tell you that many people would be delighted to buy a used car, or put a down payment on a house, for the price of this drug.

Thankfully, insurance makes it affordable for my mom. And if she could choose, she would gladly use that kind of money for something a lot more fun. But she does not have that choice right now. Just another of her new realities.

Help Me Live - Part Two

2011-04-18T23:42:00.008-04:00

As mentioned in my last post, I am appreciative of a book I am reading: "Help Me Live: 20 Things People With Cancer Want You to Know" by Lori Hope. Tonight I continue sharing some of what I have read.

"It's all very simple, or else it's all very complex, or perhaps it's neither, or both." (Ashleigh Brilliant, as quoted in the book's Introduction)

Those words strike me as profound for someone diagnosed with a terminal illness. There are so many ways to look at it. And for the person suffering the physical ravages of the disease, and its treatment, their outlook can change by the hour. I am witnessing this with my dear mother.

I just finished a chapter in Ms. Hope's book entitled, "I need to know you're here for me (and if you aren't, why not)." Did I already mention the author is a cancer survivor and speaks from her own experience, and the experiences of many others she interviewed for this book? It is very evident, and therefore, very credible advice for those of us walking alongside a loved one with cancer.

"...it is safe to say that all of us want to know that our friends and family will be there for us when we need them most, and that our deepest fear is that they will abandon us. The truth is that people both will and will not be there when we need them most." (p.27)

" '...when our lives are threatened, when we are in a state of crisis and terrible trauma, we need relationships more than ever. Though the people in our lives can cause frustration and even pain, they also enrich us. No matter how terrible the circumstances for a human being, to feel cared about, attended to, heard, understood, and accepted is the greatest gift we can give that human being -- the only solace, the only comfort.' And our reward for giving comfort and solace is a personal gratification and joy." (p. 36, 37)

"Neglect is just as painful as harsh, judgmental words..."

Here is a link to the book, available from amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Help-Me-Live-Things-People/dp/1587612127.

Help Me Live

2011-04-13T22:39:00.007-04:00

Tonight I must tell you about an incredible book, "Help Me Live: 20 Things People With Cancer Want You to Know" written by Lori Hope, published by Celestial Arts, c. 2005.

When my mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, this past January, I found myself in a whole new world. Nothing I have experienced previously, including the death of my first husband, and years of grief ministry, is quite like this journey. This is new. And I have so much to learn.

I have always tried to locate books to help me better understand life and the challenges before me. Some call it bibliotherapy; others call it self-education or lifelong learning. I am grateful there are authors who share their lives, the good, the bad, the ugly, so that I can grow and change as I face something totally and completely foreign in my experiences to date.

You will begin to see me quoting things from this book on my blog. Already I have been marking up my copy with a yellow highlighter, finding much to ponder and much to make my own. Here are two quotes that have resonated with me tonight:

"...when someone has cancer, what is most important is to think about them, not about how you relate to them or to their disease. It is not about saying something wise or intellectual or compassionate. It is about saying what the patient needs to hear -- or not saying anything at all. He or she is facing the battle of a lifetime, and your support is needed, maybe desperately."(Hope, p.16)

"The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." (Harriet Beecher Stowe) Here is a link to the book, available from amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Help-Me-Live-Things-People/dp/1587612127.

Music Therapy for a Busy Day

2011-04-12T21:17:00.002-04:00

I believe in the power of music as therapy for whatever ails the human soul. Now today was a long day. I was tired. I had much on my mind. I opened Facebook to check on some messages and found this delightful video, shared by a friend who knew I would appreciate it.

You will recognize the tune. The instrument is really very amazing. I hope you can take a few moments to let music therapy do its job for you! (Remember to pause my playlist before starting the video.)

It's Official! Gardening Season Has Begun!

2011-04-10T22:40:00.000-04:00

Hello, shorts and t-shirts! The thermometer hit the mid '80's in our neighborhood today. It was a great day for yard work. Here are a few photos of what we accomplished in a few hours time.

Bye-Bye, Spring Break 2011!

2011-04-09T22:41:00.009-04:00

Spring Break ends tomorrow. This year found us sticking close to home for several reasons but primarily, to offer support to my parents. The Year 2011 began with my mom's cancer diagnosis on January 21.

For those of you that know her, she has never been sick. Sure, she has had a couple of surgeries over the years for common things but...cancer?! We were shocked and dismayed. Since her diagnosis, there have been frequent hospital stays for therapy including hydration, blood transfusions, IV antibiotics and chemo-therapy on an out-patient basis.

This week she will finish up her third month of chemo and the disease is still not in remission. Thanks for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers.

So back to Spring Break. We spent time watching movies on Netflix, sleeping in, relaxing, organizing, reading (I have a new Kindle!), and finished our week with an overnight "Girl's Getaway" in the beautiful JW Marriott hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, our home town!

Here are a few photos from our stay.

Johnny Teis: Cornerstone Men's Basketball Team Rallies Around Former Ball Boy Who Was Diagnosed With Brain Cancer - FOX 17

2011-02-19T02:16:00.002-05:00

Please continue in prayer for Johnny the Brave. Doctors have given him only months to live...this side of Heaven...and miracles DO happen.

Johnny Teis: Cornerstone Men's Basketball Team Rallies Around Former Ball Boy Who Was Diagnosed With Brain Cancer - FOX 17

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness

2011-02-15T12:20:00.004-05:00

February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Although some babies will be diagnosed at birth, newborns are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects (CHD). The consequences of late diagnosis can have serious, lifelong implications.

Over two years ago I met up with Bernie and her family via their CarePage. Bernie's story captured my heart. I asked her mommy for permission to post this video.

Remember to pause my playlist before watching!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow...

2011-01-18T11:26:00.004-05:00

When Betsy was just two years old, she could sing most of this song. I remember her singing it on the way back to Grand Rapids from Chicago for Bob's memorial service @ Sunshine Church. I heard it just now and post it for you, too! Ha, youtube, youtoo. Remember to pause my playlist (left of blog post) before you play the video.

An Open Letter to Health Care Providers...

2011-01-18T09:53:00.005-05:00

To every health care provider that treats their patients with compassion, true care, and dignity...

THANK YOU.

To every health care provider that remembers the patients they work with are truly loved by their families, friends, and neighbors...

THANK YOU.

To every overworked and underpaid health care provider that still bears a smile, cracks a joke, sincerely pats a shoulder to show they care...

THANK YOU.

To every person that works in a health care facility wiping spills, mopping floors, washing soiled bed linens, preparing food, answering phones, repairing equipment, ordering supplies...

THANK YOU.

Over the last two months I have watched most of you do your jobs with excellence. I have noticed you when you smile as I walk past. I have noticed the care with which you knock on patient's doors, clear their bedside tables to place a meal tray, offer to get fresh water, even a Diet Coke for a weary family member.

THANK YOU.

How I wish all of you "got it" this way. How happy I am that most of you do!! But just in case you don't, please remember that none of us wishes to be needing you. None of us wants to spend time away from our homes, our loved ones, our jobs, our meaningful lives.

We need you and that is why we come to you. We need you to carefully listen to our symptoms. We need you to carefully hear what we can't say. We need you to use your gifts, intelligence, and talents to get us back from the hopelessness we feel when our bodies, or the bodies of those we love, aren't operating like they normally do.

Please, oh, please. Just remember this.

And just in case that is difficult for you, (remembering that we are humans with fears and tears, lacking the skills you have, unable to help ourselves), please find another career. Please just find a laboratory or place of employment where your brilliance and your skills can be put to use without damaging the fragile emotional state of those you come into contact with.

Just in case you have worked too long with disease and death, take a break, a long sabbatical, or a career change altogether. Because you are not a neutral presence in the room of a sick person. You bring either healing or more wounds. You are powerful and not just because you think that.

To the doctor who felt it necessary to remind me that she had "40 other patients in 4 other hospitals and 1 other hospital yet to visit..." let me remind you that we have 1 beloved family member that needs your care. If you can't provide it, please just get out of the way and let us have someone who will.

Time for a New Song!

2011-01-16T09:48:00.003-05:00

For many years I have attended "Symphony with Soul" a special February concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. It has been one of the musical and spiritual highlights of every year I have attended. Under the direction of Duane Davis, recently retired from GRCC, the Grand Rapids Symphony Community Chorus is made up of people from our community that have a passion for singing and the time for a weekly rehearsal until the Saturday evening performance. They join the GRSO and whatever guest artist is also appearing for that evening.

It has been my desire to join that choir since first hearing them sing. Every year I wonder if I could make the time commitment and every year I have a list of reasons why I should not. This year was no exception. When my girlfriend gave me a copy of all the dates and times for rehearsals, I considered everything on my plate and thought "There is no way..." But my friend encouraged me not to pass this up another year.

I listened to her. Last Tuesday, on a very snowy evening, we met at Gold Avenue Church on the northwest side of GR for the first rehearsal. After signing in and gathering up my music, I literally ran into, and greeted, Mr. Davis, who happens to be my seventh grade vocal music teacher!! I was our choir accompanist back in those days, I can't remember if I just played for our rehearsals or concerts, too. That kind of amazes me now that I have a seventh grader of my own and consider her doing something like that. I guess I was pretty good for all the piano lessons I had logged from the age of 4...

So Mr. Davis warmly greeted me and I found my place among the sea of faces. I can't tell you what a feeling came over me, just sitting in that wooden church pew, opening my music and getting ready to sing. It brought back memories of my days singing in the Madison Square Church Gospel Choir, Sunday after Sunday. That choir, under the direction of George Davis, was like a family of faith, reaching out to me, encouraging my musical and spiritual gifts. It was singing in that choir that brought my first husband, Bob, into my life. I grieved the loss of that church and choir when Bob and I later married and moved to the Chicago area.

The first song we sang was "I Love The Lord" by Richard Smallwood. I am familiar with a lot of gospel music but this song I had not heard before. Mr. Davis (I think he is actually a Dr. now but I'm still used to the surname used back when...) played a recording of the song by Whitney Houston. The song is highly emotional and very inspiring. It brought tears to me eyes as I began to sightread the piece, singing it with as much vigor as I could.

"I love the Lord, He heard my cry and pitied ev'ry groan.
Long as I live, and troubles rise, I'll hasten to His throne...
I'll hasten to His throne...I'll hasten to His throne...
I'll hasten to His throne."

I am so grateful to be singing gospel music again! Throughout the days since that first rehearsal, this song has been playing over and over in my mind. I hope you can take a few minutes to enjoy the video. Remember to pause my playlist before starting it.

Happy Birthday, Bob!

2011-01-16T01:18:00.000-05:00

It just struck me that Bob has now spent 10 birthdays in Heaven. Seems like such a very long time ago we shared our lives together. It is very dream-like now. But we will never forget. And it is important to remember...and to celebrate...a life of meaning and purpose that ended too soon on this earth.

Happy Birthday, Bob! We remember you always.

In Loving Memory

Robert Bruce Hoekstra

Born: January 16, 1957

Died: August 15, 2000

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Therefore, encourage each other with these words."

I Thessalonians 4: 13-18

Thoughts for a New Year

2011-01-02T23:19:00.002-05:00

"The eyes of the Lord...are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end."

(Deuteronomy 11:12)

"Before us lies a new year. The Father comes near to lead us on our way... We need only to trust. It will be a good and blessed new year!

(L.B. Cowman)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T22:51:00.004-05:00

New year...new music...new blog look!

Silent Night

2010-12-13T16:46:00.003-05:00

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Mark 6:31

Rest is not some holy feeling that comes upon us in church. It is a state of calm rising from a heart deeply and firmly established in God." (Henry Drummond)

One of my favorite songs of Christmas...Silent Night.

Business Opportunity

2010-12-04T13:56:00.003-05:00

Over lunch today we talked about the new body scanning security measures at our airports. While talking, I thought of a business opportunity that could be lucrative if the right person(s) take it and run.

For everyone that is picketing airlines, complaining about the new security precautions, boycotting, etc., I have an idea. Why don't you band together, buy a couple of jumbo jets, and begin offering flights with NO extra security checkpoints. Your "rights" will no longer be violated and you can fly the friendly skies just like you used to, prior to 9/11. No delays. No "intrusive touching" by unfriendly Homeland Security personnel.

This is a free country. And a capitalistic one, at that. You can just take your business elsewhere. That is, if you can find pilots and airline crews that don't mind flying without the extra security measures that you object to. I am serious here. Anyone ready to jump at this opportunity?

First Friday Night in December

2010-12-03T20:58:00.003-05:00

So this afternoon around 3:30 pm I suddenly had this incredible sore throat. I came home from school, fell asleep @ 4 pm, woke up @ 6 pm, had some Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, and am now planted in the recliner for another hour until I head to bed.

It just occurred to me that this is a rather interesting scenario. I've got a computer on my lap, a land line phone and a cell phone within reach (and yes, both rang at the same time earlier so I had a duo conversation going using both ears) The Christmas tree is brightly shining and the Sony 5 CD-Changer is loaded with holiday music. Along with the phones, the table beside me has the remote for the receiver and the CD player. I just finished my Internet banking and am now updating my blog.

It would be a very different evening if the power suddenly went out.

Dogs Don't "Get" Grace

2010-10-02T11:17:00.000-04:00

Our dog got into something extremely gross and smelly this morning. There was no way he could escape a bath. He was patient while I scrubbed and rinsed, scrubbed and rinsed, until he was clean. He then shook himself dry before running out of the bathroom.

It's what he did next that intrigued me. He found a place on the floor and proceeded to lick his entire body...even chasing his tail to lick that! As I watched, I thought: this animal just does not "get" grace. The fact that I cleaned him thoroughly isn't enough. He has to clean himself.

Interestingly, he made no effort to clean himself until AFTER I bathed him. Draw your own conclusions. Do you "get" the concept of grace any better?

Facebook and Net Cetera

2010-09-24T21:59:00.006-04:00

On the subject of Facebook tonight...

I have found very few parents of tweens that have insisted their son or daughter follow Facebook's age policy. Now and again, Betsy brings up the subject and it usually means another of her friends has an account and wants to communicate with her. "Mom, please...please can I have Facebook?" Picture a sweet smile on her face as she awaits my response.

Gratefully, she is a good kid and she knows how I feel/think about this right now. For our family, we will follow the rules. But still, the mental debate kicks in: How can I refuse to let my daughter participate in all the "valuable networking" that happens on Facebook? How can I harm her socially by making her use the telephone or, perish the thought, talk face-to-face with friends in the same room with her? What if she never gets invited to things because everyone communicates via Facebook?

Giving her an e-mail account several years ago isn't enough now. "N-O-N-E of my friends use e-mail any more, Mom." (I think she's right on this point...) And we won't even talk about texting. That is another of my sore spots and a source of social angst for Betsy. Put simply, our family cannot afford that right now, even if we wanted it. Which I am not sure we do. Yet.

Now I understand many parents are unaware that Facebook "blocks" children under the age of thirteen from having an account. Personally, I find that reason a bit lame. One of the reasons I began using FB myself was to understand this new arena of communication before she began using it. I read the policy when I created my account.

So if a parent does not know about the policy, what does that mean? Either they give their child permission to create an account, with a false date of birth, or the child sets up the account on their own using a false birthdate without the parent knowing the policy. Those are the only two options.

I've discussed this with a number of parents and don't desire to pass judgement on their decisions. If they know their child has an account and have given their permission, hopefully they are monitoring and coaching their child as to what is/is not safe social networking. For me, I am not ready to enter this arena just yet. As a parent, I want my daughter to understand the benefits,risks and responsibilities inherent in what has become a common form of communication for her generation.

I don't know how or why Facebook decided on 13 as the age to allow users an account. What I do know is I can use that policy to legitimately keep Betsy off Facebook for another several months. (I am such a mean mom...)

For now, we are talking about responsible use of the computer, in general. I may be unpopular and "old fashioned" to some, but I do have concerns that all this "virtual relating" has the potential of being very complicated, at best, and downright dangerous, at worst.

What do you think?

Read the following link for more food for thought:

Back to School...Good News!

2010-09-10T18:02:00.001-04:00

It is Friday! Normally I am not a "TGIF" kind of person. However, as of today, our first "back to school" week is finished. Time to celebrate!

We share "Good News" at least once a day in our school. It helps us stay focused on the positive and teaches us the power of shared stories. So for today's blog post, I am going to share my "Good News" from this past week. That is certain to be far more beneficial for those of you who read, than a list of all that went wrong!!

My Good News for Friday, September 10, 2010

Betsy had a great first week in 7th Grade, with all new teachers, new locker, new lunch period, and Cross Country practice every day after school.
I have a job!! And it gives us wonderful health insurance benefits.
My mom is adjusting to her back brace and was able to ease back into work this week.
Yesterday I received two passes to an advance screening of SECRETARIAT starring Diane Lane as Penny Chenery "in the inspirational and incredible true story of the Triple Crown-winning racehorse, and the woman whose determination made it all happen." (from Walt Disney Pictures) Betsy and I cannot wait to see this movie!!

I'm sure I could list a dozen other things as good news but it is now time to enjoy the weekend!

Time Began in a Garden

2010-09-02T00:22:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Wednesday Blog Topic: Sepia Scenes

2010-09-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

I found a beautiful blog this morning and want to share it with you! My thanks to fellow blogger, Mary Tomaselli, for this great idea. You can check it out and join in, too, with this link: http://sepiascenes.blogspot.com/

One of my favorite sepia photos:
Dad and Daughter Walk - May, 2007

I love using sepia as an editing tool. Removing color from a photograph will often heighten the composition and enable a completely different focus on our subject. I believe this also translates into a valuable spiritual lesson. Vibrant color is not always the way to go. Absence of color is not to be avoided at all costs.

What I mean is, there are days when the color is drained out of our lives. You know, those "rainy days and Mondays that always get us down?" (Thank you, Karen Carpenter) Instead of longing for color on days that are gray, sepia, or downright black (those are the hardest...), train your eyes to focus differently. You will see something beautiful emerge.

Speaking of emerging, I must head to the shower so I can emerge presentable for my day.

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-08-31T23:03:00.000-04:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook, August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T23:16:00.001-04:00

I am taking part in a blog sharing idea called The Simple Woman's Daybook. If you would like to join, here is the link to the blog that started it all. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Thank you to Patricia, for sharing the link on her blog, and to Peggy, our hostess.

FOR TODAY, August 30, 2010

Outside my window...it is still hot and muggy.

I am thinking...about Hutch, Cordell and Aiden, husband and sons of a beautiful wife and mother who passed away on Saturday, only 33 years old.

I am thankful for...the great weather and fun time Betsy, her friend Julie, and I had camping this past weekend.

From the kitchen...a tasty bowl of popcorn, just finished.

I am wearing...freshly washed pjs and heading to bed as soon as I finish this blog post.

I am creating...a photo book for Mom VanderSloot who recently celebrated her 80th Birthday.

I am going...to IKEA tomorrow with Lisann. Can't wait!

I am reading...Geeky Girl: The Straight Scoop on the Well-Rounded Square (Conari Press). I found it at the Dollar Store tonight. A clever little read.

I am hoping...I can fit in everything on my "to do before school starts" list. Maybe 5 out of 10 things, at least?

I am hearing...the dryer beeping, last load done for today; the AC fan cooling things off...still.

Around the house...a pile of things to give a friend heading over to Abu Dubai on Friday. She will deliver them to my sister and her family in Oman.

One of my favorite things...our cozy little travel trailer. It's been 8 years we have camped in it, at least once every summer. Some wonderful memories and traditions...like Hostess mini donuts, flashlight campfire stories where everyone makes up part of the story, then passes the flashlight to the next person who continues...

A few plans for the rest of the week: Kerry's memorial service on Wednesday, Back to School on Thursday, maybe camping at Pioneer Park, The Princess Bride, school shopping with Betsy and Grandma Mary.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I will miss my garden in a few short weeks. The heat is taking its toll on the annuals and the day lilies are long gone.

Comforter By CeCe Winans

2010-08-30T18:52:00.001-04:00

The words of Jesus...

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter
to be with you forever..."

(John 14:16)

Remember to turn off my playlist (left column of blog, black box) before viewing this video.

Movie Monday!

2010-08-30T00:30:00.001-04:00

This week's movie topic is all about Child Actors...

Here are my favorite child actors and the movies I enjoyed them in:

Mara Wilson (Susan) in Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
AnnaSophia Robb (Opal) in Because of Winn Dixie (2005)
Taylor Momsen (Cindy Lou Who) in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Keke Palmer (Akeelah) in Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Follow this link to participate and read what others have said...http://thebumblesblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/on-movies-kid-stuff.html#links

Kerry Breathes Freely...

2010-08-29T16:33:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I learned that Kerry Hutchins did not make it to the long-hoped for transplant. She died early in the morning, after being taken off the transplant list last week because she was too weak to undergo surgery. Three long years of waiting for donor lungs that never came.

It. Is. Heartbreaking.

news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/08/sparta_mom_awaiting_lung_trans.html

We were believing God for a plan other than this. While it is true that now she has her healing and is breathing freely, 33 years is a short life on this earth. In spite of her lifelong battle against cystic fibrosis, the disease that stole her very breath from her, she was a positive, caring, giving woman: one of the strongest young ladies I have ever known and yet probably the weakest physically.

I knew things were bad for Kerry before leaving on Thursday to take my daughter and her friend camping. I will now always think of her when I return to this campground. A friend kept in touch with me, letting me know how Kerry was doing. I had a total of three messages updating me on her condition, the last one started with the words "Kerry is now home with Jesus."

The world needs more people like Kerry. Unfortunately, the journey she walked was more grueling and intense than anyone would volunteer for. It is hard to think about her family right now. I know something of their pain and disappointment. So many unanswered questions. So many dreams left unfulfilled. Minutes, hours, days, weeks ahead of them without her. It literally takes our breath away, just thinking about the huge void in her absence.

Now our prayers focus on her husband, Matt, and their two sons, Cordell and Aiden. We also think of her parents, her siblings, her friends, and the health care professionals whose lives were touched by Kerry as they took care of her over the course of her lifetime. It is never easy for anyone to watch people suffering.

When my own husband, Bob, died three months after his long-awaited lung transplant, we sang this song at his funeral. It has been playing through my mind this weekend:

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity.
(Edwin Hatch)

Kerry, I picture you in Heaven taking in deep gulps of the purest air, your new body full of God's promised eternal life. You can finally laugh without coughing, sing His praises without gasping for air, and most of all, live in the presence of the One who died to give you all you would ever need. We thank Him for you, we will never forget you, and we look forward to the day we are reunited again.

URGENT...Pray for Kerry!

2010-08-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

I learned today that Kerry's doctors have taken her off the transplant list. She is too sick to survive the surgery. She needs a miracle to get back on the list...to receive new lungs this side of Heaven. Her husband and sons need her this side of Heaven. We wait, and pray...for God's hand of healing upon her. Only He knows how and when He will perform this miracle...

Below is re-post from 8/8/10 with links to Kerry's story as published in the GR Press recently.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today I'm sharing another call to pray for Kerry! She has been waiting for a double lung transplant for almost 3 years now, the last 3 months she has been confined to the 8th Floor at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. On a ventilator 24/7, her lungs can no longer sustain her. She is an inspiring woman, wife and mother of two boys ages 4 and 13. Today the Grand Rapids Press featured an article on her (http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/08/lung_transplant_patient_organ.html) with two videos that I would like to post.

If you are a Michigan resident, please click here to register for organ donation: https://services.sos.state.mi.us/OrganDonor/Registry.aspx

Remember to click off my music playlist (left of blog) before playing the videos.

Waiting To Exhale

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-08-23T22:54:00.004-04:00

I am taking part in a blog sharing idea called The Simple Woman's Daybook. If you would like to join, here is the link to the blog that started it all. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY, August 23, 2010

Outside my window...it is dark, 67 degrees and noisy with the sound of pond frogs.

I am thinking...about how quickly the summer has gone by.

I am thankful for...the time I spent with my parents yesterday.

From the learning rooms...I have been clearing my shelves this summer of books we are finished with. I've sold to Schuler's, Baker Book House, and buyers on eBay. I've also donated to the Plainfield District Library.

From the kitchen...baked some chocolate chip and peanut butter chunk cookies this afternoon (you know, the kind you buy in the dairy case, ready to bake?!)

I am wearing...a pair of khaki shorts I bought earlier in the summer at Goodwill, and a blouse from Eddie Bauer that is, umm, maybe 15 years old?

I am creating...a new business plan but not ready to reveal it yet.

I am going...to take my daughter and her girlfriend for our annual August camping trip.

I am reading...The Puzzle People: Memoirs of a Transplant Surgeon by Thomas Starzyl.

I am hoping...my mom's MRI tomorrow gives us some answers for her lingering back pain.

I am hearing...Betsy and Emily giggling and chatting away. They are having a sleepover together tonight.

Around the house...things are getting organized and clutter free! It is a great feeling, and good momentum for the beginning of a new school year.

One of my favorite things...my iPod. Lately I have been picking a genre and playing music softly all day/night long. Praise and worship are best at night!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Getting ready for camping; shipping out more items sold on eBay; dental appointments for Betsy and me; Seventh Grade orientation for Betsy!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Have you been enjoying fresh, home-grown tomatoes this summer?

Splendid Table Dot Org

2010-08-22T22:01:00.000-04:00

Listened to a fun NPR radio show while on the road to visit my parents this afternoon. It's called Splendid Table, hosted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. The topic of the show was seeds; stories of seeds planted, saved, studied or just a thing of beauty all in themselves.

The show ended with a wonderful quote, and the web address. Since my car ride was not ended and I did not want to forget the quote, I did something I never do. If I tell you, you must not tell anyone. Not anyone. Seriously. Do you promise not to tell? Not to tell ANYONE?! Can I trust you to keep my secret? Really trust you?

Okay, I will tell you. (insert long pause here) I wrote while I was driving. (insert another long pause) Yes, I said that I wrote while I was driving. Wait, did I hear you gasp loudly? What, you are shocked and disappointed in me? (another longer pause)

You said you would keep a secret and... Well... Now I just have to trust you. P'leeeeeze do not tell my mom and dad. Or my daughter who will one day be a teen driver and I wouldn't want her to follow my poor example. Yes, it's the truth. I wrote while driving my car.

But wait. There is a good reason (did you just roll your eyes at me?). Because lately I have such poor short term memory, I was afraid I would forget the quote and the website. So I repeated the quote over and over while I rummaged in my purse (with my eyes on the road). When I found my notepad and pen, (my eyes back on the road) I wrote down these key words: held (watch the road) - seed (watch the road) - shared (watch the road) - flower (look at the road). Then I wrote the word happiness (eyes back on the road). Finally, I wrote down the web address http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/ (shorthand used here but still safely driving).

Whew. I feel a little better, having shared my secret with you, knowing I can trust you and that you will still respect me as a law abiding citizen and not view me as one of those irresponsible people that text while driving. Because you know that is now against the law in Michigan. And I believe it is a needed law. And you need to know that I don't even have a text plan with my cell phone so I really didn't even break the law. Well, maybe the spirit of the law. If that even counts anymore?

Do you want to know the great quote I took such a risk for? Here it is:

"Happiness held is the seed;

Happiness shared is the flower."

Thankfully I did not have to remember or write down the author of this quote because no name was given. But just in case, lest I break a copyright law (that I will not do, especially in print on the Internet!), I just googled the quote and confirmed its author is unknown.

Hey, let's visit Splendid Table Dot Org in the days and weeks ahead. It was a very fun, inspirational show.

Chicken Marinade

2010-08-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had grilled chicken breasts that were so moist and tender, they almost melted in our mouths! The recipe is from a church cookbook (Third's Generation Cookbook, Third Reformed Church, GR MI c.1991) and is so easy!

1/4 c. catsup
1/4 c. oil (I use Canola Oil)
2 to 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
6 boneless chicken breasts

Mix the ingredients. Marinate chicken breasts overnight in the above mixture. Grill until chicken is done (approximately 18 to 20 minutes), basting with sauce.

* I did not marinate overnight because my chicken was thawing! But it had a good seven hours to soak in the flavors before grilling. So very tasty!

Earlier in the day I decided to power clean the living room and switch around the furniture. After that, I drove over to Hobby Lobby for some supplies to put together a table centerpiece. Here are a few before and after pictures. Crafty is not my middle name, and I have never tried this before but I was quite pleased with the outcome!

Grapevine Wreath - 40% off w/ coupon

Sunflower Stem - 50% off

Time for the leaves

Next the flowers

Wah-lah! Our Ebenezer has a make-over!
Under the grapevine wreath is a plate with stones.
We have written names and dates on them
to remember ways God has showed His faithfulness to our family!

Deck Makeover 2010

2010-08-20T18:54:00.000-04:00

Neighbors are having a garage sale. I bought a "new" wrought iron table, two chairs, green umbrella and base. One of the chairs needs a little welding repair but we'll get on that one. Anyone know a good place to take it?

Once again, in my haste, I failed to snap a "before" picture. The old table was white, with an umbrella that would no longer close without using a hammer (it's true...), and white plastic chairs from Rubbermaid. The past two summers we have had NO extra cash for fun things like patio furniture so I had given up hope on replacing it.

Then, I found the cute little Bistro set ON SALE in Amish country. Once that was in place, the plastic was banished to the side deck. Now, it all looks wonderful and I had enough money from my eBay sales this week to cover it!

Actually, my sister and I have had many discussions over the summer about buying things brand new. Why do it when you can find and recycle something old with plenty of use left?

Friday's Rude Driver Report

2010-08-20T18:39:00.001-04:00

Had a few errands to run this morning. Heading south on the East Beltline Dragway between Five and Four Mile Roads. Yes, I said "Dragway." Does anyone drive the speed limit now that it is smooth, freshly paved and calling out "Faster...Faster...Faster...?"

Unfortunately for me, just beyond a traffic light I had to use the Michigan turn around. Used my turn signal and slowed down, preparing to enter the turn-around turn from the left lane. Seconds later, there is a car behind me in my rear view mirror, then beside me in the right lane. Whoa. Did I see that? Two young ladies in a Camry whizzed past me and the driver gave me a clear view of her middle finger, pointed straight up. We used to call that "flipped me the bird" but there is probably a more contemporary phrase that I'm too old to know.

Yep, I was in their way, too slow for their busy life, messing with their moment. Of course I watched the girls disappear in a poof of turbo-jetstream smoke, only to see their brake lights flash moments later as they found someone else to bully...uh, tailgate.

And that, dear friends, is my rude driver report for today, Friday, August 20, 2010.

Call Me Crazy...!

2010-08-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

Call me crazy but I've just spent the past 30 minutes looking through back issues of a magazine I once subscribed to: Mary Englebreit's Home Companion. Context: preparing to list them for sale on eBay. I have three full years (20 bi-monthly issues) of the magazine, beginning with the premier issue. They are in great shape, having been stored in a magazine slipcase, even surviving a basement flood in 2000 and an interstate move!

Now here, precisely, is why I have a hard time sorting and selling my own stuff but am great with other people's. All summer I've helped my sister sort, pack, move, sort, pack, store...the belongings of her four-person family. I helped her with her home in Louisville (and other homes in prior years but that is another story...), two storage units, the motor home they stayed in this summer, and the final task of packing what remained into 11 pieces of luggage for an overseas move to Muscat, Oman.

In the process, Carolyn encouraged/urged me to finally start selling on eBay. After all, I inherited four or five boxes of her eBay inventory; boxes filled with treasures found at Louisville's finest thrift shops and church yard sales. Trust me, it's good stuff!

Last month, in the spirit of it all, I began sorting through my own "inventory:" homeschool curriculum/teaching resources we no longer need, my childhood toys, Betsy's outgrown stuff, and assorted other things around here. You would think all this activity would free up space. But that has not yet happened and I question whether it ever will. I've now managed to create less home office space for myself along with a new hobby, er, business.

So back to the M.E. mags. I am supposed to be writing my auction, listing them for sale, then watching to see who will bid on them. Did I already mention I've seen auctions close at $50 for copies of this discontinued magazine? And those weren't even the first issues of a now out-of-print publication.

Here's where my craziness comes in. I've now become so immersed in memories of that time of my life when I had "all things Mary Englebreit" in my home! Leafing through the first couple of issues, I've seen a number of items I have in my "sell on eBay" boxes. The original prices are right on the pages, along with the cute ads that got me hooked way back then.

Most importantly, I have an issue from February, 1998, the month of Betsy's birth. I'm saying to myself, "Doesn't she need to have this issue to look at someday and remark...'That was the year I was born!' " Here's an even better reason: save it so she can show her children what a magazine looks like since they may never know, let alone hold one in their little hands.

So. Like I said. Call me crazy but I'm holding on to these things for a bit longer!

Holland State Park

2010-08-17T12:44:00.002-04:00

Last night was a perfect evening to hang out at Lake Michigan with our great friends, Lisann and Megan. We grabbed Subway, ate on the beach, the girls swam and we all enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Pure Michigan!

Here's a video montage I put together. Remember to pause my playlist (lower left side of blog) before watching since the video also has music!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Remembering Bob Today...

2010-08-15T11:11:00.001-04:00

In Loving Memory

Robert Bruce Hoekstra

1.16.57 - 8.15.00

To get rid of the annoying "Super Poke! Pets" border, click the gray circle with the X in it, on the right of the border. If you want to view these photos on your entire screen, click "View All Images" and you will have some tools that allow you more control of the view and pace.

Amish Heritage Trail Slideshow

2010-08-14T16:23:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I went to Shipshewana, Indiana, with Tracy Flanders, one of my great friends. Here's a slideshow of the photos I took on the Amish Heritage Trail.

Bye Bye, Barbie Uno!

2010-08-13T18:18:00.001-04:00

This summer I spent many fun times with my seven-year-old niece, Anya. Along with giving her a few piano lessons from the Music for Little Mozarts series I used with Betsy, we also enjoyed playing Barbie Uno!

Today I looked out into the sunporch and caught sight of the card game on my wicker table. We will have to find a new game to play together now that she's 6,324 nautical miles away!

Map of Oman

2010-08-13T18:09:00.001-04:00

For those of you wondering, here is a link to a map of Oman, the country my sister and her family have relocated to for the next two years.

[Google] Map of Oman - Oman Map Search Engine

Off to Oman!

2010-08-13T17:49:00.003-04:00

Wednesday we said our goodbyes to my sister and her family. They are off for a two-year teaching assignment in Muscat, Oman. I'll be including her blog in my list of favorites when she gets the new site up and running. She's a great writer and, time permitting, will provide some interesting narrative and photos of their life along the Arabian Peninsula. For now, their top priorities will be (and not necessarily in this order):

getting a telephone and Internet access. This may be easy or difficult...
recovering from jet lag. This, too, may be easy or difficult...
for Doug, beginning the school year teaching high school social studies
for Carolyn, making their new "villa" a home by unpacking the bags I (hopefully) packed so well on Tuesday! Fingers crossed that nothing broke. I haven't heard yet whether all eleven bags arrived with them but I sure hope so!
for Justin, making new friends and keeping his blog updated
for Anya, making new friends and writing in her many notebooks

Here are a few photos taken at the airport before they left!

Doug and Carolyn
with the last of eleven pieces of baggage to check in!

Justin and Betsy, BCF's (that's Best Cousins Forever!)

Anya Irina, our favorite Czarina!

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Hallelujah Anyhow

2010-08-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

Any rivers you think are uncrossable today? Remember, God hasn't changed. This video is such a visual reminder of His great power and faithfulness.

**Turn off my playlist (black box on the left of my blog) before starting the video**

Another Musical Memory

2010-07-30T13:57:00.002-04:00

It's Friday and I'm bummed that I missed "Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin" this week (http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?p=31,1). Well, I did hear it today and that is why I am bummed! It was a great program, with Bill playing movie theme songs and giving the listener a chance to recall them before he revealed the movies at the end of the show. He did this all week on the program and I'm hoping I can locate the previous broadcasts via the Internet to hear what I missed.

I grew up in a home where going to movies was a rare and very special occurrence. Goodness knows, we never even got to watch televised Walt Disney movies on Sunday nights because...you guessed it, we were IN CHURCH! So, imagine my delight today when I listened to some great movie themes from the 1930's to 1960's and recognized more than half of them!!

While we might have been "deprived" (seriously, NOT) as children, my parents more than made up for it in the recorded music arena. I have fond memories of crackly record albums playing through a home-made speaker planted on the stairway while the three of us fell asleep in ONE ROOM! You heard me, all three kiddos slept in one room during those early years (no, not one bed...you can exhale now...).

I recently located one of our childhood record albums on iTunes and downloaded all of the songs. It was a true explosion of musical memories! It seemed like all my senses aligned themselves to transport me back to those days living at 2330 Fuller NE, EM1-7641. See, I can even remember my address and phone number from back then. Funny thing, how music does that.

So today I say "Thanks, Bill" for opening another door to my past with the movie themes on your show. I walked right through that door, even called my dad from my cell phone (did I mention I was driving in the car listening to NPR?) and told he and Mom to tune right in, right away, so they could also listen.

And while I am at it, "Thanks, Dad and Mom," for all the music...all the time...while we were growing up. You expanded and broadened our world in a manner that fit your budget and gave us a rich cultural heritage without leaving our home!

Voice Quilt Web Site Link

2010-07-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to share the link for a very unique and cool product called "Voice Quilt." It is a way to record wishes and greetings for loved ones and give them a keepsake they can "hear." Check it out!

http://www.voicequilt.com/

Day One: Mud Obstacle Course

2010-07-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

West Virginia Junior High Trip, Day One: Mud Obstacle Course. Found this video at the ACE Adventure website. Minimum age is 12...whew. Glad my daughter is 12. I think.

It Takes a Village?

2010-07-17T14:12:00.002-04:00

We've all heard that phrase, uttered in the heat of political debate, that "it takes a village to raise a child." Not all would agree with that sound bite or the spirit in which it was first delivered. Me? I would say "Depends on the village. Depends on the child." I happen to like the Facebook "Flair" button - "I've seen the village and I don't want it raising my kids."

This morning I have been thinking quite a bit about that phrase. You see, I have just released my daughter from my care, and into the care of "the village" for the next seven days. My twelve year old daughter has only been away from home and her family overnight once, just this past May, and that was only a mere 20 miles (or so) away for TWO whole nights.

I'll admit it, that camp thing stretched ME but despite my concerns, everything went well for us both. She came back. In one piece. All her gear, too. With a pleasant attitude and some newly born independence. That "village" was her sixth grade teachers, classmates, and some camp counselors at YMCA's Camp Manitoulin. Talk about fun, Betsy had a blast! I was proud of how easily she adapted to being away from home, on her own. (Well, sort of...) So far, so good. Cool village. Cool child. No problem.

Fast forward nearly two months to another "releasing" or "launching" pad in our church parking lot this morning. I'm told nearly 70 junior high students (maybe a couple more) and nearly 50 leaders (maybe a few more) filled the east parking lot with duffel bags, backpacks, pillows, water bottles, guitars, snacks, books, games, well, anything non-electronic. That stuff needed to be left at home; none of that in this "village."

Eventually, after signing in and giving their goodbye hugs, kisses, nods (or glances) in the direction of the parent figures, the kids and leaders all climbed aboard three noisy, diesel-engine buses, found their seats with at least one familiar friend by their side, and drove off down the road toward Interstate 96. Their destination? Ace Adventure Resort http://www.aceraft.com/ in "Wild and Wonderful West Virginia." (Yeah, if you just can't wait, take a minute to click on the link but then come back and let me finish, okay?)

Have a look yourself...here they go...

Wait...stop...hold everything. Part of me wanted to shout "STOP. THAT. BUS. I'm not READY yet. What is wrong with 'Pure Michigan?' Why 'Wild and Wonderful West Virginia' for crying out loud?! They are only KIDS, are they not?" At least I had the good sense to not embarrass myself (or my husband and daughter) so I was the only one hearing those shouts as I walked through the suddenly clear and quiet parking lot with Frank.

The silent dialogue continued. "You have got to be kidding me. These kids are really now in the hands of 'the village'... And most of their families will be nowhere in sight, not even accessible by cell phone? Whose idea was this anyway? And who picked THIS time in Betsy's life to whisk her away to a place of adventure...mud courses, team building, CLIFF JUMPING (oh, my heart), rock climbing, repelling, an overnight hike in the forest with a huge backpack on her back (Lord, why did I ever read The Shack?), AND WHITE WATER RAFTING wearing a HELMET?" (You should see the waiver I had to sign on that one...s-c-a-r--y...repeat after me, SCARY!)

Within minutes, I reminded myself of something. Something very important. The "village" my daughter just drove away with is the next best thing to family. In fact, my family belongs to a village known as "the community of faith." Those three buses (and two vans) are carrying kids and adults that believe life is one great adventure when lived with spiritual depth and integrity. In fact, the REASON for this trip is to help these young people (okay, not SO young but still young) have their eyes and hearts open to what God has for them in His Word.

Over the course of this week they will not only experience all the adventure and challenge of new experiences (named above), but they will have times of personal devotion, small group discussion time, worship and daily evening meetings with skits, stories, speakers and prayer. They will be "diving into the book of Ephesians...so that they may 'grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."

I can't think of a village I would rather have help me raise my child than the families, pastors, youth leaders, and other servants at Blythefield Hills Church. Thank you for watching over my child, not only physically, but socially, emotionally, and, most important of all, spiritually. We are praying for all of you this week!

Mr. and Mrs. Alex Cruz

2010-07-11T22:27:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago today, we had the privilege of attending a wedding out at the Felt Mansion in Saugatuck. Alex and Elly's special day began with thunderstorms and continued with more rain predicted. As we drove to Saugatuck, we were under a thunderstorm watch and we could feel the temperature drop. Surely this outdoor wedding was going to be rained out.

Everything started on time and there was a sense of urgency many of us felt as we looked at the overcast sky and felt the wind pick up. Their pastor was calm and collected, but he wasn't long winded. I'm sure he was doing his best to make sure the ceremony moved along without delays.

Just after they said their vows, or exchanged rings (I can't remember which...), the sun broke through the clouds, the clouds blew on their way, and there was clear blue sky for the rest of the afternoon. What a beautiful work God did for those two! We all enjoyed the sense of His favor upon them!

I had fun taking some photos that afternoon, some of which I will post now. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Cruz! May you have a long, blessed marriage full of God's rich goodness and faithfulness.

Cherry Trees!

2010-07-10T23:19:00.001-04:00

While looking for low-priced annuals today, I found two cherry trees that were already laden with cherries! They were 40 % off, with a one year guarantee. We cleared more of our yard this spring and have room to plant them. And what do you know? There were enough cherries to fill one cereal bowl. How exciting is this?!

Missing my Grandma Amburgey

2010-07-09T10:24:00.001-04:00

2005

I've been missing my Grandma Amburgey lately. During her last years, she lived with my parents so I saw her often. She died at the age of 92 and, therefore, was the oldest person alive that knew all my history. That's pretty special.

What do I miss about her?

The way she spoke my name. As a child, she and my Grandpa Amburgey were the only two people that called me "Laurie."
The handwritten notes she wrote to me. I've been sorting through boxes of saved memorabilia and I've reread many a note in her penmanship.
The way she used a tablecloth whenever I stopped by for a meal; always had a plate of homemade cookies, some taken from the freezer and thawed but always homemade; canned some of the best fruit even during the time Grandpa was diabetic.
Laughing over the antics of "Anne-Girl," the heroine in the L.M. Montgomery series, Anne of Green Gables. She and my grandpa read the entire series aloud to each other, several times. Anne was like a friend we enjoyed together. We all watched the movies, too, but were very critical of the liberties taken by the producers when the story line did not match the book.
Slowing down to spend time in her glider rocker, listening to her re-tell some of her favorite stories...over...and over...and over...again.
Leaving her home with a fresh homemade dishcloth and several crochet-topped kitchen towels with hand-crafted buttons made from yarn-covered plastic. In fact, I'm down to just two of those wonderful dishcloths, and three of the towels. It makes me sad to see another hole appear, knowing the supply will never be replenished from the work of her hands.

If you have a grandma who is living today, take a moment to share your gratitude with her. Grandmas are gifts that should never be taken for granted.

Found My Keys!

2010-07-08T00:07:00.001-04:00

Today we had some of our extended Bettig family over for lunch and the soccer game. Having guests in my home is great motivation for cleaning and clearing the usual clutter. I normally manage that quite well, especially during the summer when I am not working full-time. However, this morning I noticed other things I wanted to accomplish outside and that is how I "lost" my car keys.

Let me just list the tasks, as I remember them, with approximate times so you get the feel for how this all went down.

8:40ish - Betsy leaves with Uncle Doug and Justin for Civic Theater Day Camp
8:45ish - Load of laundry dumped into the washing machine
8:50ish - Facebook/E-Mail
9:15ish - Take card to the mailbox; unlock car in driveway and open windows; water plants in the front/side yard
9:30ish - Vacuum, dust; put laundry in dryer/hang on drying rack; unload dishwasher; reload dishwasher w/ dirty dishes; wipe counters; clear clutter from dining room table
10:00ish - Put table leaves in; locate tablecloth, silverware, napkins, items for centerpiece; set table
10:30ish - Start dishwasher (whoops...need one more plate); feed Sport; make our bed
10:45ish - Head back outside to sweep deck; scoop dog doo in the yard; pick up sticks in the garden; pull a few weeds; water plants; scrub two bird baths and fill w/ fresh water; notice more poison ivy and wonder if I should clear that (nah...)
11:30ish - Chat a minute w/ Peter; rearrange deck furniture; remove glider cover; water plant on deck; put tablecloth on deck table
12:00ish - Decide to wash up the baby swing for Conner (14 mo. old great-nephew); hang the swing
12:15ish - Unload dishes from dishwasher; set one more place @ table; take care of laundry in dryer
12:40 - Hop in shower (guests to arrive @ 1 pm!)

We had a wonderful lunch together and most of the family watched the soccer game. Carolyn called to say Doug would pick up J & B from Civic so I did not need to use the car until my 6:00 pm "Tea Party" at a girlfriend's house.

I laid down for a power nap around 4: 15 pm, then awakened in time to check Facebook/Email and get ready to leave. Imagine my surprise when...

I could not find my car keys anywhere!!!

It was 5:45 pm and no keys. "Where could those keys be?" I checked and rechecked my purse, the key basket by the door, then walked out to the car. "Whew." There they were in the ignition. Now comes the reason for the timeline. If you followed it, you may remember that I used the keys to open the power windows around 8 hours earlier.

Oops. Dead, really dead battery. "How in the world...I never leave keys in the ignition...oh no..." Not only did I leave the keys in the ignition, but I left them in the "on" position so the battery was completely and totally drained. It wouldn't even respond to our neighbor's battery booster.

I know. You don't need to say it because I already have. "How careless of me!" Of course it is true. Sigh.

As I write, Frank is still charging the battery with a charger his brother loaned us. Hopefully by the morning it will be back in operation.

Thank You For Visiting!

2010-07-07T01:02:00.001-04:00

Wow! You guys are wonderful. I just checked my blog stats for Tuesday and I logged 51 visits! Several of you left comments that I gave permission for publishing but something is wrong in Blogger so they have not yet appeared. Hopefully when they fix the glitch, we will see them.

I so appreciate all of your visits and will try my best to have some fresh, fun, interesting blog posts in the next couple of months. My goal is to update daily so check back often. Thanks, again!

Beach Snackin'

2010-07-06T15:50:00.004-04:00

I highly recommend the following for beach snackin'...New Cheez-It Duoz (Smoked Cheddar/Monterey Jack flavor), fresh, chilled blueberries, Regular Pringles, and Strawberry Twizzlers. Don't forget some cold, refreshing water! What are your favorites for summertime at the beach?

Plant Abuse

2010-07-06T11:16:00.003-04:00

It's embarrassing to admit this to my blog readers. I abused a plant. There. I said it and take full responsibility. But I am NOT a plant abuser. Ask my friends and neighbors. They can vouch for me. Still, I did abuse a plant and I am going to 'fess up.

One month ago I drove to my favorite place for plants and flowers, Saentz Farms in Sparta, Michigan. I bought several hanging baskets that day so I "qualified" for a free tomato plant. This year's gardening plan did not call for the growing of anything edible but, reasoned I, "It's free so I'll take it."

Frank was excited about the prospect of fresh, homegrown tomatoes. I may have even asked him to plant it but I should not blame him for what happened next since my memory of that conversation is not clear. I took care of the hanging baskets and placed the tomato plant into a container sans soil. There were days I noticed it, looking rather forlorn in its temporary home. "Tomorrow I will get to that one" was my thought as days turned to weeks.

Yesterday in the ninety-degree heat of July, I noticed something that shocked me. Three...not one or two... but three tiny tomatoes are growing on that plant! Unbelievable. Incredible. Amazing! My abused little tomato plant is refusing to die. Despite the heat, lack of soil, lack of attention, fruit is growing in the worst of conditions.

Of course this leads me to reflect on more than a nearly dead plant. I think it is a principle of life that living things MUST grow, despite the obstacles. It is really what we are all programmed, by our Creator, to do. Granted, there is lush, healthy growth when conditions are ideal. But even when they are not, growth happens.

See for yourself!

I must right this wrong.

Favorites from the 4th

2010-07-06T00:56:00.000-04:00

I spent a few minutes tonight editing photos from last night's fireworks. Here are several of my favorites. More to come...

Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin

2010-06-25T12:07:00.000-04:00

Last night Betsy and I went to the Chris Tomlin/TobyMac "Hello Tonight" concert at VanAndel Arena. I am so grateful for musicians like these guys and their bands...they are bringing the message of Jesus to upcoming generations. And in the process, this 50-something mother of a special tween-ager had a BLAST. (Or was it felt a blast...of bass...the entire evening?!)

Enjoy this high-energy video of one of Chris Tomlin's worship songs. Remember to pause my playlist (left of blog) before clicking on the video. Warning to my conservative friends: This is not your mother's hymn sing.

Oh, where are my Blog posts?

2010-06-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

I've been off school for one complete week now and STILL have not made time to post on my Blog. I write in my head while I'm cleaning or driving about town but can't seem to find time to sit at the computer. Even when inside during the stormy weather, I can't risk frying my computer when lightning is splitting the sky in half.

I have photos to post. And things to say.

Perhaps tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary, Greg and Deb!

2010-05-24T00:04:00.000-04:00

May 24, 1980

Laura, Greg and Carolyn

It's my 200th post and time for something extra-special and newsworthy! Today, May 24, 2010, my brother and his wife celebrate thirty years of marriage! Happy anniversary, Greg and Deb! Wishing you at least thirty more years together! Love you both...

Living Proof Live

2010-05-23T00:22:00.001-04:00

I had the incredible privilege of attending "Living Proof Live" with Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell on Friday evening and Saturday morning at the VanAndel Arena right here in Grand Rapids. Found this video on Travis's website just now.

Living Proof Live - Grand Rapids from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.

Wacky Wednesday?

2010-04-14T23:39:00.000-04:00

Before spring break we had Spirit Week at our school. One of the days was "Wacky Day." Students and staff had fun putting together funny, strange, ridiculous, and wacky outfits. Some wore mismatched socks and shoes, backward and inside-out clothing, whatever they could come up with. Lots of fun, for sure.

Fast forward to today. Jimmy and I were working together on his reading. He gave me a sideways look and, while staring at the colorful scarf I had looped and tied around my neck, asked "Is it Wacky Day today?" Smile.

Keeneland Outrider

2010-04-12T20:45:00.002-04:00

I took this photo at Keeneland last Wednesday during my first horse race EVER! I think I may have found the spectator sport I can actually sit still long enough to watch...ha ha! I have an incredibly short attention span for sports although I do enjoy playing golf, just not watching it on television.

Imagine my surprise when my sister-in-law, Cindy, was in Lexington, Kentucky at Keeneland Race Track the day after we were there. She sent me this youtube video of a friend of her's, an outrider. It's very interesting. Remember to turn off my music playlist (left of blog) before watching the video.

Morning Has Broken!

2010-04-12T06:53:00.001-04:00

Woke up with this song on my mind...looks like a beautiful spring day in store. Enjoy it...give thanks...God is good!

New Links for Grief Resources

2010-04-11T23:56:00.000-04:00

Today I spent most of the afternoon and evening reviewing websites that offer information for those who grieve. I have created a new section on my blog with some of those links. It is by no means exhaustive. There are many things available now that help people learn more about grieving and how to cope. Articles abound as do links to more information than I had time to read.

Over the next month I will be sharing this information in different settings. I am grateful for the opportunity to use what I have learned to help others.

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day Today!

2010-03-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Today, March 21, is designated as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The date was chosen to signify the relevance of Trisomy 21. This day also marks the 51th anniversary of a research publication by Jerome Lejeune, the professor who wrote of the discovery of the extra copy of chromosome 21 which causes Down Syndrome.

In honor of my friends with Down syndrome and their families, please join me in celebrating the gifts they bring to our lives. Remember to pause my music playlist (left) before opening the video.

For more information, visit the following link: http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

New Month, Updated Blog!

2010-03-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

We have had an amazing week here in Michigan. I really did not do the math but we have had a number of days with beautiful sunny blue skies! Snow is beginning to melt, 40 degree days have felt like 70 degrees! People are emerging from their dens, shedding boots, scarves and mittens...stretching their limbs and waking up to the promise of spring!

Truly something is missed when you live in an area where the four seasons have no distinct difference. I once spent a year living in Brasil, South America, and remember how I missed the visible change in seasons. Here in the midwest, we get the best (and worst) of all that those seasons offer.

Today is full of the energy and promise of new birth. We know winter is not really yet gone, and more snow may indeed cover over the brown-green earth we are beginning to see. Yet even with a March or April snowstorm, we know it won't be that long before spring comes to stay.

Champions and Their Winning Words

2010-02-22T23:01:00.001-05:00

Champions and Their Winning Words

Posted using ShareThis

Winter Olympics!

2010-02-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

We've been pretty busy with Betsy's rehearsals and family activities this past weekend. We are still trying to catch as much of the winter olympics as we can. The stories of individual athletes are often inspiring and heartwarming. Their dedication, especially after previous defeats or disappointments, reminds me that God has given many of us great strength of spirit. This may be why I am drawn to these events.

During the 2006 Olympics, Betsy drew this photo for me. She was 8 years old at the time. I love all the circles for the audience, with the AHHH's and Ohhh's for effect. I also enjoy the "That's me" label for the skater. :-)

Happy Heart Day!

2010-02-14T01:38:00.002-05:00

My gift to you this Valentine's Day...a playlist with some of my absolute favorite songs of love and happiness. The blog is open to all today so grab a nice cup of tea, hot chocolate, or latte, and let the playlist run while you relax a bit. There's nothing like music to put a snap in your fingers, a spring in your step, a smile in your heart.

May your memories be sweet should your Valentine be far away or forever gone from this world. If your Valentine doesn't yet know how special you are, I'm wishing you patience today for all your hopes and dreams. If your Valentine has grown familiar and frumpy, may you find joy in the commitments you are keeping and a new spark to kindle a flame grown dim.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just Today...

2010-01-24T11:23:00.001-05:00

(This is a writing exercise I've seen on other blogs. )

Outside my window... it is gray and wet.

The time is... 11:01 AM.

Today I feel... quiet and reflective.

The weather here... is 42 with light rain.

I am thinking... I should clear my desk and make a cup of hot tea.

At the moment, I am thankful... for the person(s) that slipped an envelope of cash into our mailbox yesterday. Amazingly, it was equal to the amount we had set aside to give to our church this morning. It really is one of those "we didn't have it to give but we gave...and God gave back to us!" stories.

I am going... to finish undecking this house of Christmas today.

I am wearing... brown Eddie Bauer tights, denim skirt, rust colored EB sweater with a green/rust print scarf.

I wish... I could quickly clear up the clutter in my office.

I am working on... a free Snapfish photo book I "bought" with Coke Rewards points.

I am hoping... for more grant money for EaRN, Frank's new business.

I am hearing... the squeaky springs in my desk chair.

Around the house... it is quiet and peaceful.

I bet you didn't know... I was known as "Sister Boogie Woman" in college.

One of my favorite... quick meals is a quesadilla (had to spell check that word) made with spicy refried beans, black olives and cheddar cheese. Top with salsa and sour cream. Yum!

Joseph Rehearsal Photos

2010-01-21T23:43:00.000-05:00

Frank has been taking Betsy to most of her rehearsals but I took her last night. It was fun to feel the energy of these kids and adults. Parents are not allowed in the rehearsal hall but I asked Dirk if I could take a couple of quick photos from the doorway while the Children's Choir was vocalizing.

Why I Like Picnik!

2010-01-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

What did we do before digital photography? I continue to have fun editing my photos in Picnik, a free web site at http://www.picnik.com/ . For Project 365, I am enjoying taking at least one photo every day and working with it to make it something memorable.

Here's an example of one photo I took today and edited in Picnik. Our dog, Sport, is a handsome beagle mix mutt we rescued in 2006 from the Kent County Animal Shelter. He's a great pet...so much fun. But not very easy to photograph because he's "busy, busy, dreadfully busy..." (to quote our friends the VeggieTales). But with editing software, I ended up with a great portrait of him taken just this afternoon on our deck.

From this...

...to this...

...to this!

Coming Soon...Girl Scout Cookies!

2010-01-18T23:23:00.001-05:00

Today our Cadette Girl Scouts reviewed their 2010 Cookie Sale information and made plans for this year's sale. Two new cookies will be featured, one of which is pictured here: Berry Munch (made with cranberries!).

They cannot begin selling until Saturday, January 23. Look for more information in your e-mail if you have already purchased cookies from Betsy before.

Troop #2158 is smaller this year. The girls are getting older and more involved in after-school activities. Eileen and I are enjoying working with them another year. Here are some photos of the girls.

An American Songbook Afternoon

2010-01-17T23:51:00.000-05:00

Today Mom and I enjoyed an afternoon concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. What a delight to be in Row D, stage left, with a full view of pianist Ted Rosenthal (http://www.tedrosenthal.com/) as he played "Rhapsody in Blue" along with the entire symphony orchestra. It was technically perfect and brilliantly performed. Such marvelous music from composer George Gershwin's brief life, written when he was just 26 years of age (he died of a brain tumor at the age of 38).

I could have left the concert hall right then and been pleasingly "full" having feasted on "Rhapsody..." alone. But there was more music to come and it was just as delicious. Pop/jazz Diva Ann Hampton Callaway (http://www.annhamptoncallaway.com/) amazed us with her vocal talent. I don't believe I've ever listened to a singer use her voice as a trumpet, and succeed in mimicking the finest brass instrument around during her rendition of "Lady Be Good."

I've always wished I could scat like Ella Fitzgerald. Alas, I just don't have that talent. But Ann Hampton Callaway does! Her vocal range was impressive and she "scatted" through the highs and lows like she knew no boundaries. She also entertained us with a "romantic love song" written just for Grand Rapids, improvised on the spot with words/phrases shouted from the audience. What kind of love song would YOU write given words like potholes, Meijer Gardens, furniture, and Yesterdog?

Here are a few photos from our enjoyable afternoon. Great friends, Tracy and Charlie, sat one row behind us.

Great day...Great Memories

2010-01-16T21:35:00.001-05:00

Betsy and I spent some time together today remembering and celebrating Bob's life. First we had lunch at Lickety Split, one of our favorites spots for a yummy vegetarian scrambler (me) and just-right chicken strips (Betsy). I asked her many questions, just wondering what she remembered. It was rich conversation. I am so glad God has blessed her with the ability to remember. He has also helped me as I've purposely been intentional with many things relating to Betsy's grief journey over the past nearly 10 years Bob has been gone.

Some people really do not understand. I've written about this before. I have drawn some conclusions about this.

Grief must be intentional. It doesn't just happen. Over the years I have taken time to identify my losses and the impact they have had on who I am. I believe that helps me reach out to others with freedom and proper motivation.
I've noticed that many people, especially Christians, are not willing to admit they hurt. They don't want to hurt...for themselves...and they don't want to see other people hurt. They do not give themselves, or others, permission to feel pain. They want to soften, sugar-coat or speak solutions to life's deep wounds. People like this may try to snuff out the flames God uses to refine us in times of sorrow or suffering.
It is not the good things in life that reap the richest benefit. Jesus himself was "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." The book of Psalms records some of the most purposeful lamenting known to man. We do well to learn from both praise and pain.
Children need help on their grief journey and there is no "end" this side of heaven. The smallest child, even an infant, will be affected by the loss of a parent or person special in their daily lives. They need to be given words when they have no vocabulary, emotional or intellectual, for what they feel and experience. This is an area where God's Holy Spirit has worked in my life. Were it not for His help, I would have done many things differently or not even at all.

Today's photos for Project 365 show a happy, confident kid who still loves to hear stories about her daddy. We don't talk about him every day like we did for many months after his death. But we talk about him frequently with mostly smiles and glad hearts for all he gave to us while he was here.

At Lickety Split

Betsy is modeling some of the special things I've kept for her in "The Daddy Box." She is wearing one of Bob's hats...could even be the same one pictured in the photo of him! She's also wearing an Eddie Bauer sweater he was wearing the night we met; his sunglasses; and one biking glove!

Basketball Boys

2010-01-15T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today Jimmy and Kelton enjoyed some basketball moves together. The photos say it all. My favorite is the first one...

Can YOU program your VCR?

2010-01-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

Frank has been taking Betsy to rehearsals every night this week. I have been home working on projects around here. Because the spelling bee was breaking news last night, I saved this photo for tonight. Here's the story behind it...

Frank and Betsy were on their way out the door when she asked me if I would tape American Idol so we can watch it together tomorrow. Sure. No problem. But wait. There is a problem. The Wii is connected to the downstairs TV with the working VCR. Sigh.

Can't take the time to reconnect everything (no front jacks on this television...) so I decide it's time to learn to program the VCR in the living room. Ha. We have had that VCR for at least five years, if I remember correctly. It has never, I repeat, NEVER been programmed, not even to set the clock.

The time is now 6:30 pm. Idol comes on at 8:00 pm. This won't take long. WRONG, Two manuals and three remotes later, I think I have it working only to later view a tape that is completely blank. What did I do wrong? Still not sure but Frank will have a look at it this weekend.

Betsy and the Bee: 2010

2010-01-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

News Flash! Today Betsy participated in a spelling bee at her middle school. Congratulations to Betsy and Carly, first and second place winners of the North Rockford Middle School Spelling Bee. Both girls competed at least 10 rounds together before Betsy emerged as the winner.

It's just the two of you now...

Betsy returning after a quick "drink" break.

Great job, girls! We enjoyed watching you tackle some very hard words that many (most?) of us watching could not spell or even pronounce. We will be there cheering you on when you represent NRMS in the Regional Spelling Bee coming up on February 23.

Winter in the Garden

2010-01-12T23:25:00.003-05:00

My photo for today was taken in my garden. Can you see the green vinca vine still clinging to my wrought-iron trellis? I might have missed this, were it not for Project 365! Imagine my delight in getting several more minutes of daylight now for taking photos outside.

Along with this image, let me share with you some winter poetry.

"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June."

- Jean-Paul Sartre

"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...

a seed waiting to sprout,

a bulb opening to the light,

a bud straining to unfurl.

And the anticipation nurtures our dream."

- Barbara Winkler

"How can those who do not garden,

who have no lot

in the great fraternity of those

who watch the changing year

as it affects the earth and its growth,

how can they keep warm their hearts in winter?"

- Francis King

"Green thoughts emerge from some deep source of stillness which the very fact of winter has released."

- Mirabel Osler

Post-Christmas Photo Shoot

2010-01-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Tonight I took my camera and wandered through the house taking pictures of our Christmas decorations before I "undeck" the halls. This "Project 365" photo/blog project is very inspiring for me. It is "forcing" me to take some time each day to think about creating a photo, a blog post, a memory. It's been eleven days now and I'm just getting warmed up.

I'll need to do some editing before posting some other photos but I'll share just one for now. I used my editing software to create a reddish matte effect because it makes me feel a wee bit warmer. The cold whites and blues of some earlier photos I've worked with are just too chilly for tonight.

I've spent a quiet, relaxing evening at home, thanks to Frank. He offered to take Betsy downtown for her three hour rehearsal. I'm so very grateful for some alone time to "re-charge my batteries." Let me share with you today's quote from my daily calendar:

"He raised up for them a deliverer." (Judges 3:9)

"God is continually preparing His heroes. When the opportunity is right, He puts them into position in an instant. When the finishing touch has been made on the sculpture, it will be easy for God to put you on display." (A.B. Simpson)

And They're Off...!

2010-01-10T21:43:00.001-05:00

Rehearsals for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" began this afternoon at GR Civic Theater. We arrived in plenty of time to find a parking place downtown - not an easy task when the GR Children's Museum and Ryerson Library are open. Betsy practically skipped/ran her way from Park Congregational Church to the Division Street entrance for the rehearsal hall. I "heart" this girl's enthusiasm for life. Really!

After some preliminary info on tickets, volunteering, scheduling, and so on, the large cast got right to work with their music director, Charles Hutchins. Parents waited in a nearby lounge exchanging greetings, introductions and kid info. I could hardly believe my ears when, within minutes of the start of rehearsal, a powerful, rich, full sound of vocalizing filled the air. It was magnificent! I'm not sure of the exact numbers but the Joseph cast includes 15-20 children (ages 8-14) and 30-35 teens and adults. WOW.

I've been taking Betsy to live theater, ballet, Broadway and symphony performances since she was 2 years old! She and her cousin, Justin, have staged umpteen "shows" with costumes and props from the playroom since they were tiny. To see the two of them continue their love of acting and singing in community theater is something very special.

We can hardly wait to see this show. If you are interested, we were told to order tickets ASAP! The first Sunday performance is already 50 percent booked. "Joseph..." is scheduled to run from February 26 - March 21. They have added two additional Saturday matinee performances that are not listed on earlier GRCT fliers. Check out their website @ http://www.grct.org/ for more information.

This photo is Day 10 of my Project 365 "2010 in Photos."

Great Friends...Great Time!

2010-01-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight we had our small group over for football and Catch Phrase. We couldn't be more blessed by the friendship of these couples...Tom and Dawn, Steve and Sherry, John and Diane. My favorite phrase of the night was "Spanking Boat" (someone's guess for "Paddle Boat"). Thanks for a great evening, you guys!

Ram Spirit Day @ NRMS

2010-01-08T21:28:00.000-05:00

Today was Ram Spirit day at Betsy's school. Kids were supposed to dress up as celebrities or teachers. Betsy assembled an outfit and went as a celebrity. I'm not even going to post her name here because we don't find her to be a great role model for young girls. However, it made for a fun costume, I'm told the wig came off by second period because it was "too itchy."

Day Seven: Project 365

2010-01-07T21:35:00.001-05:00

Call me strange. Call me crazy. Call me weird. But I love the snow we have had so far this winter. It has been one of the most beautiful seasons I can remember in such a long time. Too often our Michigan winters are cold, brown and dreary. But the past month has had some truly spectacular weather...for winter!

Beauty aside, here are a few more reasons the snow has been great:

It's great for our Michigan economy (read "SKI RESORTS" and jobs for plow crews)
Snow days have helped our school budgets (and we all know they need the boost)
Some of our personal budgets were helped when we decided to stay off the roads instead of venture to the malls with our cash, debit or credit cards
The creation of new potholes keeps money flowing through businesses such as Discount Tires, auto repair and body shops, maybe even forcing some of us to trade up our reliable "old" vehicles for something newer and (hopefully) made in America
More evidence that the theory of global warming is just that...theory. Just ask them in Florida (unless they are all missing from work tomorrow due to a snow day)

So I say, "Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!" For about another month...then I will be ready for spring!

Oh, and please drive carefully.

Day Six: Project 365

2010-01-06T17:12:00.004-05:00

I've been especially tired this week after school. I felt myself nodding off several times during last night's Bible Study. There are two loads of laundry waiting for me and several other projects I would like to tackle tonight after dinner. It's always a great day when our evening meal is ready with minimal effort. Let's hear it for slow cookers!

My photo today is of my trusty crock pot. As you can see, it is "vintage" (like me) and still works like new. Tonight's meal is bubbling inside - a beef chuck roast in thick mushroom gravy. Yum. Can't wait!

Day Five: Project 365

2010-01-05T22:24:00.001-05:00

Over the years our family has spent many hours working on jigsaw puzzles. Betsy was putting them together when she was less than a year old, starting with the chucky wooden variety with knobs to help her grab the pieces. I remember a 100 piece Ravensburger puzzle she was given when we moved into our Belmont home. She was three years old at the time and it didn't take her long to put that thing together.

This Christmas we put up the card table and assembled various puzzles during our break from school. The puzzle in this photo was started last week during a family gathering. My niece, Erin, and I started working on it. My sister, Carolyn, and Betsy worked some more. One afternoon I even spent four hours working on the skaters and crowd of people. It was more than challenging...it was downright difficult!

Forest Gump might think life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you'll get. I think life is like the most difficult puzzle you can imagine. Sometimes the pieces just don't fit. Sometimes it takes the longest time to figure out where one single piece belongs. Sometimes you feel like giving up when the task gets confusing or overwhelming. Sometimes pieces are lost or broken and the puzzle will never be the same.

This puzzle has been very challenging. Even after a week, it remains incomplete. Every time I walk past the table, I wish for another block of time to focus and get it finished. Perhaps tomorrow.

Project 365: Day Four

2010-01-04T19:22:00.006-05:00

As they say, all good things must come to an end! So this morning in thousands of homes across America, school-aged children were awakened, lunches were prepared, boots, snowpants, hats and mittens were donned, and Christmas break officially ended. Today's photo was taken during the first hour of school in the second grade classroom where I work.

My friend Jimmy was less than enthusiastic, as you can see in the first photo. The rest of the class were in various states of attention in the middle photo. And the third photo shows Jimmy beginning to get that smile back in his eyes!

Welcome back to school, everyone! It was a fine "first" school day of 2010.

Project 365: Day Three

2010-01-03T15:09:00.006-05:00

I meant to take my camera along when I went to church this morning. I forgot. I also forgot that I can take photos with my cell phone. Oh well.

Today's photo was taken at home. Since it was only 5 degrees out this morning, I've added a frost frame to give you a feel for how cold it is in Michigan. Now here are three words we can all live with in 2010.

Project 365: Day Two

2010-01-02T17:42:00.009-05:00

I slept in this morning until 10 am. THAT is a luxury I rarely afford. Betsy came in to join me under the warm covers for a few minutes until I asked her to quickly fetch my camera. My inspiration for today's Project 365 photo came as I lay in bed looking out my bedroom window.

There is a sequence of three photos. The first, from bed. The second two, taken closer to the window. I have the unbelievable treat of seeing trees as my backyard view!

Project 365: Day One

2010-01-01T18:19:00.006-05:00

Here is my photo for Day One of Project 365. We enjoyed "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" today with Uncle Doug, Aunt Carolyn, Justin and Anya. They will be leaving tomorrow to return home to Louisville, Kentucky. We always enjoy their company!

Safe travels, Hart's! We love you!!

Project 365

2010-01-01T17:29:00.004-05:00

Today my Creative Memories consultant sent me an e-mail inviting me to participate in "Project 365" this year. While I do not typically make New Year's Resolutions, I do enjoy thinking about the possibilities of a new year and wondering what I might do differently, beginning on January 1!

Here is what Sue sent me...and just in case you do not have a Creative Memories consultant and are interested, feel free to contact her. She has helped me over the past eight years...and is not only a wonderful business woman, but a friend as well!

It's a whole new year...take one picture each day...and you've got Project 365!

We are all photographers in one way or another, whether you own a big SLR, a point-and-shoot, or simply a camera phone!
Attached you'll find information directed at the picture-taker in your family!
Please, take a moment to read the details..

Make 2010 the year you tell the story of your life through just one photo each day!

Along the way,you'll improve your photography skills and realize what's important to you...

I'm going to try it...why don't you join me!?! Any camera will do!

Let me know if you're "in" and I'll add you to my Project 365 Club to keep you connected with others who are doing the same! I think after the novelty wears off, we're going to need some encouragement and accountability to keep going! But the end result will be sooooo worth it!

And you're going to want an album to put your 365 pics in - there is a special offer this month from Creative Memories - "The Resolutions Bundle" - it will be available starting January 4 on my website (details for logging in are below). You can get Memory Manager software and our Picfolio 'pocket-style' album (plus some freebies that are perfect for this project) for just $99.95 in January and February. If you already own the software, you'll just need an expandable picfolio (available in black, chocolate and cranberry on January 4!) and a three packs of multi-pocket inserts. Ask me to hook you up, or shop online yourself.

Okay...don't delay! January 1 is the start of a year of fun photos! Go get your camera and let me know you're going to try it!

Say cheese!

--
Suzanne Fedewa
989-593-4290 (H) or 616-204-1225 (C)
713 N. Main St. PO Box 22
Fowler, MI 48835
www.mycmsite.com/suzyqcrop
I'd love to help you make a Storybook! View my Ireland trip: http://www.cmphotocenter.com/sbpreview/StorybookPreview.aspx?StorybookID=407965&CustomerID=38144

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Happy Anniversary, Dad and Mom Alley!

2009-12-30T23:30:00.003-05:00

Wow - I blew it. The entire day passed from morn until night with me thinking it was December 29. Alas, it was December 30 and my parent's 54th wedding anniversary!! Normally I remember to send a card, in years past even a small gift, but always a phone call to congratulate them and let them know I was thinking of them.

But this year it seems I'm either a day early...or a day late...with almost every birthday, anniversary, or other days of commemoration. When I realized my error, it was already after 11 pm and much too late to call. So I'm posting a "Happy Anniversary" message along with several photos of my parents, Harvey and Janet Alley.

They have given our family a rich heritage through their commitment to each other for the past 54 years! That is two years more than my age and I have a pretty good idea of how that time has been spent. It's been spent working hard at life...learning through the good times and the bad...keeping their word...helping others...making music...fixing things that were broken and shedding more than a few tears when what was broken could not be fixed.

Thanks, Dad and Mom, for loving us well and forgiving us when we've been careless. You are both examples of God's grace expressed through deeds large and small. May your days continue to be full of His blessing as you bless us with your presence.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

2009-12-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite carols of advent is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." I heard it sung this afternoon by a baritone from Hawaii...Leon Williams. The deep richness of his voice, the emotion of his interpretation accompanied by the instruments of an orchestra, lifted my heart toward the heavens.

I imagined what it will be like, someday, to be part of a choir from every tongue, tribe and nation...voices and instruments joined in praise and worship to the King of Kings, born in a manger, raised from the dead, even now preparing a place for all His children. All His children, many of whom are literally groaning under the weight of sorrow, suffering, persecution and heavy burdens. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

May the lyrics of this advent carol be an encouragement to you today. Remember to click off my playlist before starting the video.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
-Latin Hymn