It's not that I have been lazy...

It's that I've been crazy busy.

I remember that Randy told me being part of Blogland means never having to say your sorry...so I won't apologize for my long times in between postings. But I do feel guilty about it.

Somehow, my lack of blogging makes me feel like I'm giving the impression that nothing is going on. Oh my, how that assumption would be wrong!

The children of our church are learning all about the valley and the amazing crops grown here. They are learning how to plant and tend a flower garden. They planted worms one week, learning that the worms will help the earth and the flowers they will plant the following week. They are learning about the way God plants, and tends, and prunes our hearts constantly. I'm amazed at their spirits. I love their happy hearts. I learn so much from them.

They are also trying to raise $5000 to send an "ark" of animals around the world to help families in need. This is an amazing cause, and if you've not heard of it, go to www.heifer.org and read up on their mission. The children are saving their own money, as well as heading up a recycling effort in our church to help the cause. It's precious to see them so excited about helping the environment, as well as helping people around the world. Time with them is so short...

Enjoy some pics from the program...
Blessings!

Seems like Yesterday!

Lex and I went to dinner Friday night...just the two of us.

That's unusual. If either of the kids are home, we are together. Our family has spent a better part of 20 years together. Together at home, together on vacations, together at dinner, together at the grocery store, or Target, or any other shopping excursion. It is one of the main reasons it was so difficult to let them go away to college. The "together" felt empty without the one missing.

So, when I mentioned to Lex that I would just cook at home Friday night, and we could all be "together", he did something he doesn't often do. He said no.

He told me that the kids would be fine and he and I were going to dinner...just the two of us. Hmmm...sounds fun.

And it was. It was peaceful, and quiet, and yes, we talked about the kids most of the time.

Friday was our anniversary. 21 years. Some very good years, some very difficult years, lots of joy, some tears. But through it all, if given the choice to choose differently, no chance.

It's fun to look back and see the path God has taken you on. As we talked about the road we've travelled together, and the many things God has brought us through and blessed us with, I think the sweetest thing my husband said to me that night was...

"Just seems like yesterday."

Me too.

Nineteen Times

There are things we do as parents that we know our kids appreciate, even if they roll their eyes and say "Mom, please" under their breath.

They are the things that someday, many years from now, they will say to each other with fondness..."Remember when Mom used to ______________?" Fill in the blank with any number of things.

I have a personal tradition that was started many years ago. I sing "Happy Birthday" to the "birthday girl or boy" as many times as they are old.

So, today, I am singing "Happy Birthday" 19 times. I know what you all are thinking...

"She doesn't look old enough to have a 19 year old!" ;)

19 years ago today God gave me a beautiful, quiet, strong baby boy who has grown into one of the most amazing young men I've ever met.


So, I'm currently on #12...7 more "Happy Birthday" songs to be sung to this sweet young man. I always save the last one for just before bed. It used to be before their bed time, but now, it's before I go to bed. (not as young as I used to be!)

Happy Birthday, Avery.
You are a treasure and a joy to me.

20 years

Daughter and I worked for about 12 hours yesterday. She is leading a Wednesday Night Children's (Pre-School - 5th Grade) program for the church and I am doing my own work, as well as assisting and encouraging her with hers.

We limped our tired bodies in the house last night exhausted and very hungry. Went back to the bedroom to change when my son said, "Mom, when you're done, come in my room." He didn't tell me any more, but I don't miss a chance to spend time with my children, so, although I was a bit irritable and wanted to be "done", I headed back to his room.

"Sit down," he instructed me as he pointed to the bed. His sister was already on laying down on the bed so I joined her. Along came my husband, with a box of kleenex.

Avery popped an old looking cassette tape into his player and pressed play. Then, he just looked at me, watching my reaction as the taped court proceedings of my adoption played. It was old, distorted, but clear as a bell, I heard my Dad's voice answering the judges questions with "I do", "I will", "I am". Over and over I heard him speak small snippits and eventually, back at the house they lived in at the time, he gave a full commentary on the proceedings.

The words he said were sweet. But it wasn't the words that took me back. It was just his voice. It was the memory of a father who spoke Calm, Gentle, Encouraging words to me. Never harsh, rarely angry (and it was hard to tell even when he was angry.)

I realized how much I still miss him. I saw, for the first time, what a real country boy he was. My daughter asked where he was from. His speech wasn't California. It was Missouri. I really hadn't paid attention to that while he was here.

My son said, "This is the first time I've heard his voice." That made me sad.

However, it made me think about my speech. My words.

I hope, when I'm gone, people remember my speech to be sweet, gentle, and encouraging.

Even though Dad's been gone 20 years (in August), he is still teaching me.

Precious.