This is what is known as "concert week" at Ashley's school. Since this is a school which focuses on music and academics, you can imagine this is a very long week. Lots of performances, lots of groups, and most kids are in two or three different groups.

Ashley had performances Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and then a special fund-raising dinner performance Saturday night. In the middle of this tiring week, they were at a location at 6:am this morning for a local news cast showing off the talents of these kids. They performed off and on for 2 hours and then went back to school for State testing. Very fun...very tiring.

These kids are talented and confident and happy. I sit back and wonder, "what more could you ask for?"

At the same time, this weekend is the "Tattoo Expo". Tattoo artists from all over the world will be here. Did you know there was such a thing? Lex, who sells custom motorcycles, will be involved in this and it will take him away for most of Friday night and Saturday/Saturday night.

Avery is working all day Saturday...

It looks like everybody has something to do except me.

I'm hoping to keep it that way!

HE'S HOME!!!

Avery arrived safely back home late last night. I haven't had much time to talk with him because he was exhausted and so was I. But wanted you to know he was safe and happy.

The trip was an amazing experience. One he will never forget.

Thank you for your prayers.

Finished choosing the soloists for our Elementary School Spring Program. Agonizing. That's the only word I can use. My shoulders feel like cement blocks, my neck is stiff, and my heart is throbbing for the ones who didn't make it.

I keep telling myself it's a life lesson for them all. You don't always get what you try for, but it's good you had the courage to try and keep trying.

Yesterday was a wonderful service. The music was God-led, the message was clear and applicable. Steve Thurman did a usual good job. We're so blessed in this place to have a variety of gifted speakers.

After class, Lex had the honor of baptizing one of the kids in his class. I watched as my husband stood in the baptistry and gently guided her through the process. I know he had studied with her and talked a few times, but the actual moment was beautiful.

You expect it...you've seen it hundreds of times, and yet, each time it's precious and beautiful and new.

God is so good.

Let me tell you about the favorite part of my day...

About 10:00 this morning, my cell phone rings. My Avery on the other end says in a very excited voice..."we just launched, Mom!"

The rocket did what it was supposed to do. The wind was whipping...I could hear it in his cell phone. It was about 45 degrees which made it cold for those California kids. As we were talking, he said..."Oh, Mom...hang on. They're about to launch another one. Listen, Mom...they're counting down!"

I could hear the countdown in the phone...8, 7, 6,

When they got to 6, Avery started counting with them. "5, 4, 3, Mom this is so cool," he said The rocket launched and it sounded like you think it should sound. A little explosion and then the sound of it soaring into the sky. Avery giggled...

"It's through the cloud cover, Mom," he explained. "Cloud cover is at about 2000 and when it comes back through on it's way down, everybody cheers. This is so cool, Mom!"

"I love you...I'm proud of you...Have fun" I said. "O.K. I love you, too, Mom. I'll try to call you tonight" he said.

It's really a little thing...but I'm so thrilled I got to experience that moment with him.

They have more tours and experiences tomorrow and then will arrive home late tomorrow night. Thank you for your prayers.

Avery called this afternoon and they are doing well. There is a little tension between a couple of team members, so you can pray for that when you get a chance.

They had a very busy day. They had to be "badged",(which Avery tells me entitles them to the coolest cafeteria without costing them any $.) They had a Space Shuttle Launch Experience, a Rocket Fair , Guest Speakers, tours of the Payload Operations Center, Propulsion Research, and tonight a US Space and Rocket Center Banquet (with another guest speaker).

The Rocket Fair was a time when all the teams set up presentations and displays involving the building of their rocket. Avery had a very cool PowerPoint presentation for this. (I got to see it the night before he left.) This was the time they got to see their competition. Avery said there are a couple of teams that are phenomenal. Very experienced...very well prepared.

Tomorrow, they load up and travel to Manchester, TN where they will begin the actual Rocket Launch. Then, tomorrow night, an Aerojet Reception/Dinner at Sci-Quest.

He's doing well. For a kid who doesn't like to be away from home, he's managing beautifully. His father, on the other hand, said there is an empty hole in his chest with Avery gone. Hhhmmm...and you all thought I'd be the wimpy one here, didn't you?

Continue your prayers for him and the entire team. These kids have come from all around the nation for this experience. It's such a wonderful opportunity.

This truly is a land of opportunity...

It is very dark...a little chilly...and a bit overwhelming as I stand at the front screen door and tell my son how much I love him, how I'm going to miss him, AND how very proud I am of who he is and what he is accomplishing.

It's 4:30 am and his Dad is taking him to the airport. I'm so good at the getting ready part, but not so good at the actual departure moment. I think I have separation anxiety from my children.

If you remember, not too long ago I had to let Ashley go to New York without me. I didn't handle that very well, either.

He went in and told his sleeping sister good bye, which, I think was more for the privilege of waking her up than the actual thought that he might miss her. Her parting words to him were "don't blow up the plane". Aahhh...how sweet they are to each other.

Avery called from the airport after they had made it through all the security checks. NASA had cleared the kids, but the carry-on boxes they were taking on the plane had black powder residue on them...explosive...and although the rocket is in sections and each of the 5 students had a section as their responsibility, it still un-nerves the airlines when black explosive powder residue is detected. I can understand that.

So, my son calls and says that the carry-on made it through the check with no problem. He, however, did not have it so easy.

He set off the buzzer. He took off his shoes. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He emptied his pockets, again. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He took off his sweatshirt. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. He took off his socks and shirt. They scanned him. He set off the buzzer. (Remember this is his first time flying...he's a little nervous at this point...and amused.)

Finally, when there was really nothing more to strip off (at least in full view of those watching), he found in the bottom of his pocket a gum wrapper...a foil lined gum wrapper.

They scanned him...he cleared.

All of you who fly frequently, I want you to feel extra safe. The black powder made it through without a hitch, but fortunately, they caught that dangerous boy with the gum wrapper weapon.

I solicit your prayers on his behalf as well as the team of students and the teacher accompanying them. We want them to be successful, be safe, have fun, learn a few things, but most of all, I want Avery's love for God to shine through.

I'll keep you posted...

Hard day...

There was a funeral for a young man (28 years old) who had committed suicide.

I found this one very strange. I've dealt with suicide issues before, but this one seemed different. He was very compassionate, considerate, and creative. Knew God, was very intelligent, and extremely handsome. Had enough...didn't want for family, or friends, or money, or anything.

There was a visiting pastor from another church handling the service...we were singing a few songs...the church was packed. Literally standing room only. Probably 800+ people there.

Finally, the pastor talked about an evil world converging on this precious young man with a tender heart. It became more than he could manage...whatever "it" is. So, in this pastor's mind, and in his message, he claimed it was a battle between good and evil...and evil won for a moment.

Do you know the "shudder", the internal tsunami, the trembling that message put into my soul?

Because as a mother, you sit and look at this wonderful mother who lost her boy to the evils of this world...and somehow, you think, "it wouldn't...it couldn't happen to me"...and then the guy says something that explodes that thought right out of the universe as he basically says...

"it could happen to anyone...given the right set of circumstances, it could even happen to you."

Holy cow...my stomach has been in knots all day. It was one of the longest funerals I've been to...and it's been one of the longest days of my life.

I guess, as always, this has to be given up to a powerful and loving God. I have to be able to say...again..."You are in control...not me"

Please pray for the Tuell family.

What an amazing morning assembly time we had together yesterday! The message was clear and powerful...From where do you get your self-worth?

One of the newest members of our Praise Team sang "Who Am I?" It was gorgeous. Ashley joined him on the alto parts and I've never heard the song done so beautifully. It was a sermon in itself.

Two of our Elders prayed prayers of personal confession...what a powerful testimony for your leaders to get up and make themselves vulnerable before God and the church they serve.

Doug Baker was absolutely anointed as he spoke yesterday. He would be the first to tell you God was the reason his message was so powerful...but Doug was used as His vessel.

Today, I'm back to "auditions" for our Spring Program. I've auditioned the First & Second grades already. Today is Third, Fourth, & Fifth...and tomorrow we'll finish with Sixth.

My very first student to audition Thursday was a sweet first grade boy named Taylor. He was very nervous and walked in, looked me straight in the eye and said, "I'm ready for my audition!" "Cool, I'm ready for you, too." I told him. "By the way, Mrs Henderson," he continued, "you look real pretty today. I like your hair. Very Pretty." Very sly, don't you think? Complimenting the teacher...

But today...oh today...I had the music teacher's dream. Casey walks in. This child is so shy I barely notice him in class. He's quiet, doesn't get in trouble, does what he's supposed to do. You never hear him...he blends in to whatever situation he's in.

The kids are standing next to my piano with a music stand so they can have something to reference as they sing. With both hands in pockets, head down, feet shuffling I asked him, "Are you ready to sing?" "Yea, I guess" he said quietly. "O.K." I gave him the warm-up he was supposed to sing and then he opened his mouth and the most angelic voice came out...on pitch, in tempo! "Let's do that again," I said trying not to make a big deal out of this...He did it again, except a little louder and more confident this time.

"Casey, has anybody ever told you you have a beautiful voice?" I asked still not wanting to scare him off...

"Yea...sometimes" he answered shyly.

"Do you sing anywhere? Church? Anywhere?" I asked.

"No...I've got this whole embarrassment thing going." he replied.

I proceeded to tell Casey what a gift he had and how he should have confidence in that gift. He then let me hear a few more angelic tones before I let him go.

"See...that wasn't so bad, was it?" I asked

"No...not too bad." he answered with a cute smile.

"You're good, Casey. Have confidence in your gift."

"You're nice, Mrs Henderson...Kind of breathtaking." he replied

I'm not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I do know that Casey will have a part in the program and it will be beautiful.

It's Friday...I love Friday's. Not sure why except that it is the start of what hopes to be a nice weekend.

I love beginnings...hate endings. I love preparing for...not necessarily "doing". Anybody else feel that way?

Let me give you a couple of examples:

*Preparing for a trip is sometimes as exciting as the vacation itself. The anticipation...

*Rehearsal for our Christmas Musical is so fun...the hard work, the long hours...it's a bonding time for those involved. The actual performing is wonderful, but over so quickly...the most fun is in the preparation and the relationships that developed in the process.

*A really good book...love being in the middle of it. Hate the last chapter. It's over...

I'm sure you have some thoughts of things that are most fun preparing for, or being in the process of, but sad or depressing to end.

Maybe we can internalize that although being Godly is the ultimate goal, the best part is the process by which we arrive there. The relationships we build, the anticipation as we "become", the love of being right smack in the middle of the process.

You know...it's the journey, not the destination.

So, as we face another weekend with great anticipation of what God will do, let's just enjoy the ride.

Avery had to be at school very early this morning...the Rocket Team had a video conference call with NASA. The final communication before they leave for Alabama next Thursday.

While we were driving on the more-than-usually-empty freeway, I told him a silly thing that happened this morning. He wasn't amused. I chatted a little. He didn't respond much. I checked the clock to see if we were on time...we were. (avery hates to be late)

Finally it hit me..."are you nervous?" Before he could answer, I decided to rephrase it so it didn't sound so much like it was just him but everybody. "I mean...do you all get nervous before these conference calls?"

"Mom..." he said patiently but a little irritated, "we're talking to NASA techs."

O.K. I get it. He's nervous. I guess I would be, too. Except that I know him...I know the presentation he has on PowerPoint is exceptional...not just good enough...but exceptional. I know that when the people from NASA see their presentation, not only will the information be accurate, but the presentation will be enjoyable.

I know my Avery...he is a very talented young man who not only understands the technical side of how to make it work, but the heart of the mission...how to make it cool...enjoyable...visually stimulating.

So, dropping this big kid off this morning to a school that was virtually a ghost town except for the few teachers who were already there and the Rocket Team, I watched him walk away tall and proud...and a little anxious.

He steps differently when he's nervous. I know this because he's mine...and I've watched him for many years. I like studying my kids...figuring out what's going on deep inside. (they probably would tell you I don't know...but I think I do.)

I also know that whatever he has to face today, he is prepared. His Dad and I have given him many years of love and training that has delivered him to this point. This is the year he has begun to step out of our shadows and into his own light. Although he's always been extraordinary, it is this year that has brought him to a place of individuality. Away from me, his Dad, and his sister.

The great thing is, he'll always have me, his Dad, and his sister there for him. (and he knows that)

Just as I know my kids, I would guess God knows me... studies me... enjoys listening to the "way down deep" heart that beats for Him. I think he probably has confidence in me in ways that I don't always have in myself. He probably steps back and says, "I know she will conquer and excel at whatever she faces today because she's mine. I know because of what I've poured into her...my Spirit."

By the way...Avery just called. The presentation went beautifully. NASA said they are the most prepared and accurate team they've ever dealt with.

I'm sure proud of that young man.

"Woo-Woo"

When I wrote Friday, I was waiting for Lex to "woo" me...ask me out...make me want to go...you know, the whole girl thing.

I received flowers at work/church with a card that simply said "woo-woo". The florist probably thought he was nuts. That's part of the charm...that he will look silly in front of someone else to make me melt, or laugh. Humans...aren't we a silly bunch?

We went to see Hitch. Very funny...very sweet. Then to a late dinner at a place we rarely go...Fuzio. We love it. It's kind of intimate and trendy. It was a wonderful evening. We came home late (for us) around 10:30 or so and our kids weren't even home yet! Things sure are changing fast.

Avery went to a friends house yesterday from the rocket club to finalize some last minute details before they leave for Alabama. The house I took him to was right next door to the house Lex and I bought when we were first married. Ashley was 16 months old when we moved there and Avery was born one month after moving in. That house has some sweet memories in it.

While Avery was doing his thing, my Mom and I took Ashley to find a Prom dress. It's amazing how fun and awful that whole process can be. But, in the end, she found a beautiful dress that makes her look like Cinderella...

So...my heart had some tugs yesterday as I dropped off my 6 foot son with a very deep voice next door to the house he was born in...and remembered having to put dead bolts on the doors up high in this house because my 17 month old daughter would try to get out to see her Daddy who had gone to work...I can see her clearly standing at the front door, (after the dead bolts were installed and she wasn't able to escape) looking at the door like she was willing it to open saying "Daddy, come home". Yes...my daughter spoke in sentences at 17 months...she's always been very clear with her communication skills.

Time flies...

But, as sad as it is, it is also wonderful because God is so good to make it all a beautiful cycle.

There were times when I thought Lex and I would never get another private moment as long as we live...and yet, in the blink of an eye, there we were Friday. Flowers, movie, dinner...

So...if I were to put a ribbon on my experiences for the weekend I would say that I figured out that where ever you are...enjoy it. Having Babies, Enjoying Toddlers (tiring but joyful), Starting school (scary but thrilling), Amazing Teen-Agers, Empty Nesters...

Whatever it is, enjoy it. It's all so good. So rich. Such a blessing.

Typically, when I've finished the "music lesson" with the pre-school children(if you can call Jesus Loves Me and Take Me Out to the Ballgame a lesson), I sit back and let their teachers line them up and take them back to class. This in itself is quite a challenge considering there are 4 classes with about 15 children in each class...(you counted right...60 pre-school children singing together! It's about as cute as anything could possibly be.)

While waiting for this long line-up process, a little girl came walking up to me (stepped out of her line which was so close to being ready to go) and asked me to tie her shoe. "Of course", I said and pulled her up on my lap, tied her shoe, gave her a quick hug, and put her down instructing her to jump right back in line.

Then it happened...a lesson I'll never forget...

I looked over in the corner and another little girl was trying to get her shoe lace untied. Obviously her mom or dad had double knotted it so it wouldn't come untied, but she worked until she managed to get it loose. Shook her foot a few times so the laces were really hanging there and then proceeded to run to me.

I picked her up, tied her shoe, and then hugged her really tight. She didn't want to let go so I hugged her a little more, rocked her back and forth a few times, and told her she was very special and I appreciated the way she smiled while she sang. That was good. Down she went into her line.

You get it, don't you?

She thought she had to have a reason...something wrong in order to approach me and get the hug. The attention and hug was what she wanted, but she couldn't just come ask for that...she had to justify the visit.

You know, we don't have to have a reason to approach our Heavenly Father. To ask, or to thank, or to praise, or to plead...those are all appropriate reasons to approach the Father, but we don't have to wait until then.

Take some time to just sit...let Him hold you...tell you how very special you are to Him...rock you back and forth...just because you are His and He is yours.

I've not learned so much in all my life as I have since "teaching" those 3 & 4 year olds.

Enjoy your quiet visit with God.

There's something strange that happens when your kids really start to grow up.

Oh, I know mine have been doing it for a few years...(Avery will be 16 soon and Ashley is 17...) but this is the second Friday in a row that they both have "plans" and Lex and I are sitting around looking at each other wondering where the time went.

My daughter is going out with one group of friends and my son will be with another. So, I called my sweet husband and said...hey, let's go to the movies or something...

The conversation twisted and turned until I decided that if we were going to go out on a date, he should ask me proper...right?

I told him I'd be waiting for him to "woo" me and I'll let him know my decision later. I'm waiting... I'm going out on a limb here, because I so badly want to report back to the blogging nation that he did a good job of "woo-ing" and I couldn't turn him down. But, you never know!

My son handed me a flight schedule last night sent to him from the people at NASA. He leaves in a couple of weeks with his team from school. He, like Ashley, has never flown before (until her recent New York excursion). So, as a Mom, I'm not only struggling with the fact that my baby is communicating with NASA...

(do you understand that they didn't send me the flight schedule...his Mom...they sent it directly to him...do you get how difficult that is for a Mom?)

but he will be flying, talking, launching, eating, sleeping, making choice after choice, away from his parents.

Do I trust him? More than I trust myself...and that is the absolute truth. This is an honest, good, trustworthy, dependable young man. He will be a fine servant all of his days...

I'm so grateful God gives us opportunities that MAKE us let go of what needs letting go. I would never make the choice to send my kids on if it were up to me. I would keep them close forever because I adore who they are.

O.K. enough of the letting go talk. Apply it however is best for you. I am, however, eternally grateful that God didn't hold His son close and protect His every move like I would do mine if they let me. The sacrifice is so hard for me to fully embrace...

So...have I mentioned I teach the elementary and pre-school music at Mountain View Christian School?
(they are a ministry of the church...so I don't have to go far to teach...just down the hall)

Today was one of my favorite days. Pre-school day. These kids are so very cute...and honest!

I was teaching them a new song. "Create In Me a Clean Heart" hooked with "We Are Children of the King". Complete with sign language and everything.

They're priceless to watch and listen to. There's a line in the "Create" song that talks about serving God...so I asked, "does anybody know what it means to serve?" They had a few good answers and when I felt they had a pretty good understanding of it, we sang it a few more times.

Finally, one little 3 year (almost 4 year old) said...

"enough serving! I want to do something else!"

I'm sorry...maybe this should have been a moment of teaching and slight disciplining, but there was no way I was going to be able to talk over my laughter.

I don't care who you are...that's funny.

I feel just like her sometimes!

I'm an angel...good as gold...doing, doing, doing,...serving, serving, serving, and then all of a sudden, I short out and basically say to God...

"Enough serving! I want to do something else!"

He let's me...that's what is so cool. God is so very patient with me. He knows when my frail spirit just can't handle it any more and He gives me rest.

So...I asked the kids...what should we sing? We have time for one more song...

What did they say? Jesus Loves Me? If You're Happy and You Know It? I'm Gonna Tell the World about God's Love?

No Way...

One little voice said loud and clear...

"TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!"

Oh...that is so gonna be in the Spring Program!

The weather has been absolutely beautiful!

I went out in my yard on Saturday and found roses and lilies to pick and put in the house. What that really means is that I cleaned the house in a more determined and deeper way than usual...my Mom used to call it "spring cleaning".

She was more disciplined than I. I think she did it on a regular basis...she may have even had it marked on her calendar. I, on the other hand, have to "feel" like doing it. You never know what's going to trigger that "get this house cleaned up after winter" feeling.

Sometimes it's company coming over...but this time, it was flowers. You see, I couldn't bring in those exquisite flowers without preparing the place I was going to set them. One thing led to another, and what do you know...I've been "spring cleaning".

Driving my sweet son to work yesterday, he was very quiet. Sometimes he talks the whole way about things I have no idea about. When he talks to me about engines, or rockets, or building design...I've learned to say "that's great", or "cool", and always "I'm proud of you". You see, that way, I'm in the conversation...he knows I'm listening, but I don't have to talk intelligently about things that I don't understand at all.

But yesterday, he was very quiet. As a mom, that sometimes triggers a red flag. So, I let it go for quite a while and then finally said..."tell me what you're thinking..." He looked at me kind of startled like I'd snapped him out of a deep thought. I was thinking..."oh, this is deep...I hope he's o.k....obviously, he's got something heavy on his heart."

"What are you thinking?" I asked again.

"Oh..." he said. "Butterflies!"

"What?" I asked

"Butterflies" he said again "look at all the hundreds of butterflies! This is the time they all come out. They're all over...just look, Mom. They're everywhere!"

He was right. I hadn't even noticed.

That was it. That was all he was thinking about. The butterflies.

Flowers and butterflies.

Isn't this a wonderful world God has created for us?

O.K. One more story about New York.

Ashley was telling us about these girls who decided to sneak out of the Hotel the kids were staying in and meet some New York guys at 2:00 in the morning. The point of this meeting was so they could give the guys money to go buy alcohol for them...which they did...and took it back into the hotel. Proceeded to get drunk, and of course, get caught. ( Let's not even think about how dangerous this was for these girls!)

Ashley's school is very small...and thankfully, the drug and alcohol scene is not the "cool" thing to do. Unfortunately, the sex thing is...gay or straight.

Our kids have so many things to deal with every day. There are many times when they are away from us and there's a good possibility we would never know what happened. So it comes down to choice...every day. Who are we? Who are we going to represent?

I know this is elementary, but it's good to be reminded that every day, we make the choice to serve God...or not.

I'm so proud of Ashley. I know she has a strong confidence in who she is and who's she is.

I hope today it's clear to every one around you who you belong to.

Have a great weekend, bloggers!