My Heart is in Anguish Within Me / Psalms 55
I struggle to find publishable words for yesterday’s tragedy. Like everyone, I am heartbroken and helpless. I was in my daughter’s 1st grade classroom as the news was unfolding. I fight to keep the images and parallels out of my mind. I can’t watch the news. I don’t want to know anymore than I already … Read more
The Importance of Dads
I’ve been blessed with a wonderful father and an equally wonderful father to my children, my beloved husband Bret. I can’t begin to describe the impact they’ve had on me and my children but, needless to say, I’ve tried to let them know, especially today, how much I love and appreciate them both. I want … Read more
Leadership
Over the ages, there have been thousands, perhaps millions, of books written on the topic of leadership. I’ve read a few of them and I’ve listened to my share of speeches on the subject. I wonder, though, is it really that complicated? Are the basic principles of leadership so complex that they require such study … Read more
“I Can Do What I Can Do”
Around the age of 16, a record began to play in my head, “When I turn 18, I can leave and no one can stop me.” As the day drew closer, I didn’t have it all planned out and really wasn’t ready to make that final leap into adulthood just yet. But, only a few … Read more
Thanksgivings Past
I don’t know why Thanksgiving has to be so complicated but it sure makes me miss the simpler times when Bret was in the Army and we lived far away from a lot of the drama that goes on this time of year. We were young. My goodness were we young! Since we’d only been … Read more
“Mom, I’m Bored!” ‘Twas Not Uttered
Just a few short months ago, I decided to take a leap out of the working world and into adventure. A big part of my intent was to discover just how much fun my kids and I could have in one summer before they started Kindergarten and college. I’m happy to report that our enjoyment … Read more
Mega Mega Mega Bus
Well, we did it! We took our maiden voyage aboard the soon-to-be-if-not-already-infamous MegaBus. For those who haven’t heard of it, the MegaBus is a super cheap coach service that operates primarily in the Northeast. Last November, they added a Knoxville-to-Washington D.C. route. As of right now, they depart twice a day (mid morning & late … Read more
Love is a Verb
These are some of the things I strive to teach my children. When it’s all said and done, I hope and pray that I will have lived a life that reflected these things. • Cling to the hope that Jesus (and only Jesus) gave you on the cross. This is most important at those moments … Read more
Signs of Senility
Woke up this morning and this is what went through my mind as I dashed downstairs in my socks and pj’s and out to the very back of our property where my son was sleeping: “Oh crap! It’s 7:45! He’s going to be late. He’s going to miss it. Shoot. He’s down in the shack. … Read more
Summer Re-Cap
VBS @ Calvary Baptist. Run. Vacay of a lifetime. Run. TR earns major bank @ first job and spends it on a ton o’ “fresh” clothes. Run. Cousin sleepovers. Run. Inch learns to swim. Run. Remodel bathroom. Run. Officially transition from preferring Rotel dip to straight cheddar nachos. Run, run, run!!!! I’m not cool, I’m … Read more
Grand Cayman Trip Report – June 2010
Sunday, June 13th Our flight left Knoxville for Charlotte at 9:20a.m. I so love both of these airports because they are so easy! Our first stroke of luck was that all of our planning and weighing paid off – we only had to pay for 2 pieces of luggage and the big one I was … Read more
My Daddy Can Beat Up….
There are many characteristics that come to mind when I think about my dad. The one that stands out the most when I reflect on my childhood is “protector.” I’ll never forget the day he picked me up from school in 3rd grade. I was crying because Ms. Stovall had grabbed me and aggressively shook … Read more
…up from Indiana down to Tennessee
The kids and I loaded up and headed to Indiana and Kentucky for a few days. We spent time with some dear friends from our days in Germany who now live in Evansville. They have three adorable boys. The eldest is a mini-me of his father if ever there were one. I had the privilege … Read more
Absolute Foolishness
This is one of those days that I hope my neighbors didn’t hear me. Sadly, it’s not the first time. I could make light of it and say that I lost my mind (which is what it felt like); but the truth of the matter is that I lost control and acted like a complete … Read more
Decade @ a Glance
This year was hands-down one of the most blessed years of my life. In fact, the entire last decade exceeded my wildest dreams. If yours didn’t, I pray that the Lord will lead you towards your own decade of blessings and, more importantly, that you’ll follow. 2000Metz Trip, VOY ball, graduation from UMUC, left Germany/Army … Read more
Summer Wrap Up
I guess this is it. It’s Labor Day and summer is officially over. Ah, but it was a good one. With DH finishing up his school just before TR’s let out, we had plans to pack this summer with as much fun as we possibly could stand – and we did. We kicked it off … Read more
Sans Orange
I’ve fond memories of dining at the Alt Landstuhl restaurant when we were living in Kaiserslautern because they served one of the most amazing entrees I’ve ever had – Chateaubriand. The presentation was something to behold as it most certainly was a feast fit for a king – a medieval one at that. Surrounded by … Read more
Return to Turks & Caicos
Had another fabulous vacation at Beaches in TCI. The weather was great and the resort was even better than before with a massive expansion of the Italian Village. Lots of snorkeling, great food and drink, and the kids had a blast. Inch couldn’t get enough of the Sesame Street characters (she tackled everyone she came … Read more
Fairy Princess Party
We had a wonderful time at Inch’s 3rd birthday party today. We had it at the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum (our new favorite place) and most all of the family got to come as well as many dear friends. The theme wasTinkerbell (with a Princess cake) and Inch made the most adorable Tink! Allof the … Read more
A Good Week
TR got a stomach bug last night but he was better by noon. I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as some of the other bugs going around. I’ve got a head cold that’s slowed me down all week and was excuse enough to avoid the gym. That worked out for the better since I got … Read more
I’ll Always Spell it ‘Brugge’
A few exceptions aside, I can’t stay awake through an entire movie to save my life. It’s just another sign of aging, I suppose. Last night was one of those rare occasions that I made it all the way through a movie and enjoyed it. I think that deserves some honorable mention, or at least … Read more
Oh What a Beautiful Day!
After a week of below-freezing temps which included 2 snow days for the kids, this day is amazing! I’ve thrown open the windows and doors and it’s a breezy 70 degrees inside while it’s 65 degrees outside! Got Inch out for a bit. First went over to the Children’s Museum. What fun! She had a … Read more
2009 Goals – Live Life Intentionally
So what if we’re already halfway through January, I’m going to finish something I started. The way I see it, if it takes me through 2010 to get these done, I’ll have accomplished a lot more than I would have otherwise. By all appearances, it is an exhaustive list; however, for most goals I’ve attached … Read more
10 Days!?!?!?!
After going through an 11 week bureaucratic nightmare in order to get my passport renewed two years ago, DH just got his back in 10 days – that’s 6 business days! He simply went through our local post office and mailed it himself. He didn’t even apply for the expedited service, which, for $60 more, … Read more
Wrapping Up, Looking Forward
I’m finally getting around to closing out the old year and planning for the new. We kept busy in 2008 with DH going to school, TR wrapping up his freshman year and tackling the first half of his sophomore year with much success, and Inch surpassing more of the above-average toddler benchmarks than we could … Read more
Made My List, Checked It Twice, Time to Rest
After weeks on the go, it’s finally time to slow down and fully enjoy the season. Actually, I’ve already enjoyed some of my favorite moments. The next few days are just icing on the cake. I’m so looking forward to the excitement of having a toddler run into the living room to see what Santa … Read more
Childhood Revisited, Sort Of
Whew! What a great holiday weekend! For the first time since we were kids, I got to share Thanksgiving with one of my brothers. Good company and food. Four days later and we still have leftovers. (Mmmmmmm, carbs how I’ve missed you!) A dear friend from my grade school days came up with her family … Read more
Inch Says the Darndest Things
Life is never dull when you have a toddler. Just going to the bathroom takes on a whole new meaning. A few weeks back, while at a restaurant, Inch needed to go potty. When we got in there, she reminded me not to take her cup (a cartoon cup the waitress had given her). The … Read more
We May Not Live on Nebraska….
…but according to at least one trick-or-treater, we are the “Jack Pot House!” Halloween was more fun than ever this year. Before the big day arrived, I’d already taken Inch to the city Halloween party and the pumpkin fest at Grove Center. Great fun for tots and adults alike. This year, we covered all but … Read more
Routine
Every weekday morning, I bring DH “the baby,” as he still calls her. While they are both still snoozing, I carry Inchworm into our room and put her on his chest. They both cling to each other hoping I’ll just go away and leave them be. It’s the only chance they get to spend any … Read more
Devastation in Turks and Caicos
I never paid much attention to hurricanes until Katrina. DH and I had spent our 10th anniversary in NOLA just a year or so prior and TR went on a mission trip down there after the disaster, so it was much more of a reality for me than it might have been otherwise. Now, just … Read more
The Sweetest Sound
It’s been a rather somber day. But, as I sit hear and contemplate the tragic events of this morning, I am pleasantly distracted. Inch and TR are both in bed and DH and I are downstairs doing the internet/TV/basement things that we do. The monitor is on and I hear Inch singing her ABC’s, conversing … Read more
Another Summer, Another School Year
Alas, summer has come to an end. I have to say, it was one of my most enjoyable ones yet. Kicking it off, MIL made a trip up from Texas. She spent the week treating us all to dinners, shopping and, of course, her great company. The timing was perfect since her visit coincided with … Read more
These are the days to remember
Inchworm and I enjoyed another mother/daughter day at Splash Country & Dollywood. I wasn’t really sure if we’d be able to pull off both parks in one day; but with a little planning and some luck, we did so perfectly. The great thing about this age is that her enjoyment is so pure and so … Read more
Happy Father’s Day!
When considering the fact that dads all too often get a bad wrap in our society, I am especially blessed to know so many great dads; not the least of which are my own father and the father of my children. Both are extraordinarily dedicated to their children and have a capacity for love that … Read more
Milestones
Teenrager completed his freshman year last week and not a day too soon. And while he’s ready for a lazy, non-eventful summer, I’m working hard to make that dream impossible. He’ll have a couple of days to unwind, but he leaves for a mission trip this Friday that will take him to a homeless mission … Read more
Significant Boy Moment
Depending on where you are seated, it can be one of the most exhilarating or terrifying times of life. And for a while now, I’ve successfully tucked it’s inevitability far enough back in my subconscious to avoid prematurely stressing myself out. But it hit me the other day just how much closer that time was … Read more
Passport Nightmare
If you are even thinking about applying for a passport, or simply renewing yours, you might want to read this. I’ll start with my top tips and you can read on at your leisure (it’s ridiculously long) to understand their basis. – When initially applying, know that whatever date you put down for traveling out … Read more
Tagged: Christmas Meme
I’ve been tagged by Citizen Netmom to provide a “Christmas Meme” profile, so here it goes. The rules involve tagging other blogs, but I don’t know anyone who hasn’t already been tagged. Maybe I’ll email it. Welcome to the Christmas edition of “Getting to Know Your Friends.” 1. Wrapping or gift bags? Both – except … Read more
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas! 2007 Year in ReviewJanuary – first word “Da da” blows kisses, waves “bye bye”February – Visit GraeffsMarch – first stepsApril – walkingMay – End of Middle SchoolJune – Gatlinburg with the HiggsJuly – Family Vacation to TCIAugust – Cross Country Camp; High School!September – Ear Tube … Read more
Parade People
I decided about a week ago that we’d be taking our littlest to the parade today. When I told DH, he said, “But, we’re not parade people.” He was right – I hadn’t realized it, but I don’t think we’d ever taken our oldest to a parade. Thinking back, it may have been that, for … Read more
Pessimistic, Realistic, or Eternally Optimistic
I’ve seen a lot of pain (in others) this past week. Heck, I’ve seen and experienced my share of pain throughout my life. I don’t like it, but who does? Pain results from many things, not the least of which is pure evil. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that the world is (and … Read more
Turks and Caicos Trip Report – July 23-29 2007
Our whole family agrees that this was our best vacation ever. In spite of a rocky start and a few minor inconveniences, we had a blast. The food and drink were great and always available. (We learned mid-way to stock up on yogurts, muffins and cereals at breakfast for when we wanted to sleep in.) … Read more
"All you can do is to be at every single moment as true as you can with all the power in your being - and then leave it to God to use you, even despite yourself." - Anthony Bloom
