Mt. Hope Academy

As we speak, I am in a race to post our morning at Mt. Hope Peace Academy...

On our drive to meet our new blogger friend, at an unnamed location, somewhere in one of the western states, my friend Bella and I discussed how the forthcoming rendezvous with this cyber friend seemed a bit like a blind date.

I had met this woman's mother and sister at the Poet's Garden, but I don't recall if she had ever assisted us in our trips to the garden. I have read, and gleaned information about all sorts of subjects from her blog, and was thrilled to be meeting her. 

Being so excited to meet our friend in the country, we passed her house, and had to do a quick turn around. As we went up the drive, the photos I'd seen on the blog, became real life. I had imagined what the setting was like, having grown up in a Western state, I've walked down plenty of gravel roads and played in the long grass at Grandma's house, nonetheless, Heidi's home appeared just as inviting as it does in her posts. 

What I expected of our time was true. Her sweet boy Luke greeted us as soon as we arrived, and our kids were fast friends. Heidi was welcoming and made us very comfortable. I was a little taken aback at first, as I was "cewebrity" struck at first (Heidi's photo of me reveals a slight "deer in the headlights" look on my face).

I went into her kitchen (she gave me permission) to put some lunch items away, but having a bit of a surrealistic moment, I quickly turned around to let her know that I felt like I just walked into the computer. Her house was very lovely, and presented a very high level of "mantel health". If she had those overflowing drawers, or rooms, as I do, she hid them well. If she did have such collections, she wouldn't have to hide them from me, as I have too many drawers, or rooms to count (In fact, I think one needs one of those Wilderness Permits to go in at least four rooms in my house at present!).

The boys were absolutely adorable. I do say I felt a little grandma-esk, feeding grapes and lemonade to Leif (although I might have previously heard a faint "No" from Mom). Levi gave Evander, the city boy, a run for his money, lapping the house as they played chase. Heidi's photos showed the "Gentle Giant" spirit of Luke and Leif around Wilder.... 

 We ladies talked and talked, and talked over each other, asking many questions, but not necessarily finishing our answers. Despite of our talkity, talk, Heidi was very kind in fielding our myriad of questions.  Perhaps our blogging will answer the unanswered questions... 

Our hostess, met my expectations in regards to a section of the New Testament that I recall in which the apostle Paul wrote in regards to a person being who they are in real life, not just who they are in writing. Heidi embodies this truth as a pleasant, gracious and hospitable woman, and my hope is for more "real time" together. 

Showers of Love

On Friday evening, our extended family threw a baby shower for a couple of my nieces, Tyrie and Jenny.  My mother will now have somewhere in the area of twenty-five grandchildren and great grandchildren combined!

My mom was so helpful in getting everything ready for the shower, she's no spring chicken, yet she can do circles around me(maybe because I go the opposite direction). Mom has a community room at her apartments, which was a great setting for the shower. 

I must say I love how my family is able to rally around when a new baby comes into the world. Our family is a tad mafia like in saying that we're "cousins" when we are more "relations," but I know I love these cousins. 

I also must note that my dear sister and sweet sister-in-laws have done such a good job in the past with hosting and putting on showers for the family. I haven't gotten to do as much as I live over 120 miles away. They've done a great job of sharing their homes, and preparing for such parties for many years. Lastly, I think I spent about ten minutes cleaning up, as Jan, my sister -in-law,and my sister Chris did the majority of the clean-up. I said Chris was my cleaning fairy at my birthday party last year, and so she was again at this shower...sometimes, it's good being the youngest sister. 

Also, some may know that I often call myself, "Crazy Aunt Nan." This label I gave myself, but others may just have thought it- keeping the quiet part to themselves. The first time I remember being an aunt was when we lived in Portland on 83rd street. I remember my mom talking on the phone, and me overhearing the news that Jenny was born. I promptly ran outside the house and announced in a very loud shout out, "I'm an aunt! I'm an aunt!" 

Jenny was a constant playmate and friend until I went away to college. Tyrie didn't come along until I had moved away for college. She has grown to be a wonderful young women, and I do have a hard time not having been in the same town while she was growing up.  

Tyrie had her baby on Saturday, Lukas James, 7lbs. 11oz. Brother Izaac I'm sure will come to adore this little guy. 

Jenny wasn't inspired enough on Friday to go into labor the next day, but is scheduled to be induced next Tuesday. 

Jenny, due Tuesday, Morgan due in early November, and Ty the day before baby Lukas was born!

A Worthy Investment

It's Sunday. I don't have a definition of the perfect Sunday. Right now, I'm trying to do nothing. But doing nothing takes a great amount of effort. 

We started the day with our turn for childcare at church. Paul and I read a story from Matthew about the man who sold all his possessions for a treasure he'd found in a field. Jesus seems to be comparing this to how we ought to live in regards to pursuing His righteousness as the treasure. This story came to mind as I had spent time at my old Young Life leader's house on Saturday. My Young Life leaders introduced this story long ago, and taught me that the treasure wasn't within myself, or wasn't about myself, or meeting my own needs, but that the most valuable treasure, or even fulfillment, came only from what treasures God could give/be in our lives.

Our friends' beautiful and artistic daughter, Rachel, graduated from my old alma mater, GO SCOTS! These photos remind me of photos we'd take of the kids when they were little. 

I also think of the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh the Places You'll Go!"

Catch up

Last Tuesday, the kids participated in their school's "Open House". Evander displayed "The Great Wall of China" that he built with his buddy Caleb. Emma and Evander shared some writing projects from their writing class, Emma a video story, and Evander a "Fractured Fairy Tale" featuring "The Gingerbread Man." 

Evander read his book in front of the crowd of parents and adoring grandparents. Auntie, Uncle Tucker, Lily, Wilder and Grandma Judie were part of the crowd. He eagerly read his book, without the prodding of the teacher, or myself.

I don't even remember Wednesday. In fact, I barely remember Wednesdays at all. I had forgotten at least half of all of Evander's chess classes. I must have some sort of Wednesday amnesia. I can get the kids to karate, then I think I have nothing going on the rest of the day.  Perhaps it's not a good idea for me to sign up for Wednesday classes.

Thursday, was the last of the kids outside classes. Emma excelled in her Spanish class. She's looking forward to next years class, but isn't so excited that I scheduled her Tuesdays this Summer for a conversational class-at our home. I, on the other hand am so excited to share our home in this way. 

Friday, we had glorious weather for an end of the year picnic at Shotgun Creek. The kids were able to play with their buddies, and I was able to chit-chat with my fellow educators. 

I didn't want to leave the party, but this was the beginning of a busy weekend, as we were off to be prepared for a Cub Scout Campout Saturday and Sunday. We also were on our way to the graduation party for one of the old youth group kids.

Saturday, "Little boys, little boys every where I go I see little boys (sung to the tune of "Little Girls" from the Annie soundtrack). I had a good time, but really my heart was elsewhere. Our dear neighbor girl, and also and old youth group kid, had a graduation party while I was at the campout. I had committed to go to the campout before I knew it was her party. I've been told it was a fabulous party, and my sweet Emma gave her a gift of a slideshow/movie with pictures and interviews of people who love her from her community. I have yet to write something more personal for these young people who graduated this year, as they will always have a very special place in my heart, as I loved them, and loved "The Thing." 

Sunday, I helped close out camp and headed home to get ready for another graduation party, and  for the 70th wedding anniversary of our church's patriarchal family..

At the anniversary party, I was all teary when Jack had family come forward to stand with Dale and Linore to show the legacy of the Crabtree's love. There were what seemed like endless amounts of Crabtrees. What an inspiration.

Monday, Emma's best buddies from when she was three began their stay at our home. They all seem mesmerized by our computer, as I see that it's a lovely day outside. The girls woke up early to go with me to take my Emma for her seventh grade test. She claims the test was easy, as well as a waste of time.

Although I had literally quadruple booked myself during the day, we had a great visit with Auntie Rachael and her three cherubs. These kids are really sweet, smart and cute, cute cute.

Tuesday, that was yesterday. I don't remember that. Oh yeah. We went to the U of O's Museum of Art, the Jordan Snitchzer Museum of Art. It was closed. We did, however, have a nice treat at the Marche with our grown up neighbor girls. 

The girls spent their evening with their old library friends. Their mom invited the girls over to enjoy pizza and dessert. The kids seemed to get reacquainted, as they ended the evening singing around the campfire. 

Wednesday, I taxied Evander to the first day his third grade test. I sat in the car, talked to Jodi, did some detailing of the car, and went through my  e-mail in-box. I've been moving since then, getting ready for a double baby shower up in Portland. 

Now the girls are preening themselves for a sleepover at the neighbor girls. Evander will be joining us at a rally at the 4-J school district office, as 4-J has plans to discontiue additional students to be allowed from the district to take classes at HomeSource. Let's see what happens...

And then...

I have had such a rushed week, that I haven't taken the time to blog lately.  I was able to jot some notes about the previous week, but right now they're in a "special" place.  I just wanted a new post to appear so I didn't seem too remiss in my blogging obligation (I didn't know I knew how to use the word "remiss" in the right context. Wow).

Ok, that's it. I am so tired I need to go to bed, but I have giggling teenagers in the room next to me. Emma's best friends, from when she was three, are staying with us for most of the week. So far so good. They even sweep and cook. I don't even sweep and cook. 

I have to say, it's times like these when one is really, really tired that one notices something for example, like a disc in the back may have gotten a little out of place after sleeping on the ground while camping. Or is it the throbbing I feel in my hip flexor that is a result of tripping on something in Van's room-or was it my room?

Perhaps tomorrow I'll tell of my travels to Florence, or Fall Creek, or even Coburg, but right now I'm falling asleep.

Over 1000 Views of Travelin' Nan

OK, so sitemeter says that my blog has had over 1000 views. Here are some of my own comments about this...

 I think 900 views were Jodi.

 The times I look at my blog don't count.

1000 people viewing my blog leaves me imaging 1000 people driving by my house, although

my neighbors probably think I've driven in and out of my driveway 1000 times. 

Since I've blogged, I've read the paper less.

 I've called friends less.

I've spent lots of time looking at other peoples blogs. 

I've learned how to use the dictionary feature on my Mac.

I may have made a new friend or two, I'm not sure they're real or imagined.

I've posted a few self-deprecating photos of myself. 

I've loved a few of the photos on the blog, mostly those from Bella Artgirl. 

I have traveled thousands of miles, thus living up to the name of the blog. 

Writing the blog has helped me progress on the book I've never written, but am writing.

I actually have fun sharing the mundane with someone out there in Columbia, Maryland.
 One may ask, "Why would someone put such not so flattering photos on their blog?"

Well, this is how I looked when I took my husband to the airport when his 4:00AM alarm didn't go off. It was some time around 5:15AM when he asked me if I would drop him off. Being that I had a terrible nights sleep, and wasn't really asleep anyway I said yes, and later some other things to clarify how I really felt about taking him. Although, I didn't say much on the way to the airport, but "Slow down."

Oh, so I decided this would be a good time to use the Starbucks card Jodi gave me for my birthday. I ordered a decaf mocha and was given watered down hot chocolate. I turned my car around to take it back, but realized how awful I looked, and that I was wearing my pajama top and leisure suit jacket. Vanity before coffee snobiness.

The Abundance of Their Labor

Yesterday a friend called and asked how my birthday week was going, I answered a bit snidely, "Birthday? That was so long ago!"
She seemed a little surprised by my surly response, and assured me that I did have a birthday this week. Oh. 

I suppose it went by quickly, yet seemed so long ago, with the combination of busyness, and some sitting on the couch. The excitement of the previous weekend's celebrations must have worn me out, as well as the "another year's gone by" cogitating.

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I left my house this morning, being greeted by the sounds of a bagpipe. Yes, we all need a good bagpipe morning every once in a while. "Amazing Grace" filled the air as I entered the world, as another year has gone by.

My neighbor runs a non-profit therapeutic gardening organization and holds a plant sale every  year. It seemed a bit deja-vousish, in that, last year on my actual birthday she had the sale. Last year, I was so excited for my friend Erin to come and pick me up for my surprise agenda fortieth birthday, that I was doing a bit of pacing up and down the street, wearing my blue tuxedo, of course. I didn't have the blue tuxedo on this morning, but the cars lining our street were the reminder of last year's day of merriment.

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It doesn't take much arm twisting to get me to go to Albany, as one of my favorite places is a little off the beaten path, the Poets Garden. I'd been sent a flyer that indicated that they were having a sale on herbs. Who doesn't need any more herb plants? 

The ladies were as welcoming as usual. Emma and I have made the trip enough times for them to get to know us a little, and we them. 

I must say, it's remarkable that not only are these women able to combine a gift/garden decor business with an absolutely gorgeous garden, but they are additionally willing to share the resulting abundance of their labor with we sojourners. 

Look Out Below for Nan's C's: Cooperate, Cogitate and Crazy

I didn't notice that I had posted this for June 1st, so today's blog, June 5th is really down below!

Missing Dad

A year ago today, my dad died. I never have thought about writing that sentence. You see, my dad had me convinced he was old from the get go, and I thought he would die any time. I had forty years of thinking he would die any time. Well, he almost made it to eighty-five, and I had just turned forty. 

I miss giving my dad black jelly beans for holidays. I miss his puns. I miss our theological conversations. I miss how he came to love his children, and his grandchildren. He was a man that started out in this world with little love, and went out with more love than I'm sure he even imagined. 

Kickin' In Forty Part II

 Sunday night, the last night of forty, my husband threw together a party for me.  I did not feel the need for a party, as we had a great fortieth birthday party last year. But, I certainly enjoyed myself. 

After having invited Auntie Patty to cook for me, she volunteered to make the main dish for the party. I just supplied the somewhat clean house. 

At one point in the evening, I realized how blessed we must be. I looked out the upstairs window to see that we had about a dozen kids running around the backyard, screaming, chasing, giggling and playing with happy hearts. That is a blessing our family very much enjoys. We have a wonderful community of friends and I am thankful for all the joy that comes with it. Not much could top such birthday gifts!

Photo with love from Bella Art Girt

Kickin' In Forty

Saturday night, our family went out to dinner at Cafe Lucky Noodle. As we began our dinner, I surveyed my family about what they thought were the highlights of my 4oth year. 

I would describe the highlights of the year with a letter already written-our last year's Christmas letter, but part of the letter is missing, as it was never sent. Whatever it was I did before April of last year is gone forever. I guess if I thought really hard, I could come up with it...but here is the text that was saved, seeming to start from the Half Marathon 2007...

my iPod, and Elsa. Elsa did cross the line first, thus beating me (I let her win).

Paul and I celebrated our 40th birthday, together in May. It was a harried day, with so much excitement in seeing friends, and gratitude for years and years of encouragement. My sister, Chris, was my heroine, jumping in and helping with getting the food ready. She and my brother-in-law were also there for emotional support as my father was in the hospital and the rest of the family at his bedside.

I spent the day of my birthday with some of my dear girlfriends. My friend Erin had an itinerary of fun planned throughout the day. The highlight of the day was when my friends met each other for the first time, and then it seemed like they were long lost friends by the end of the night.

My father died two days after my fortieth birthday. Our family spread his ashes at an old fishing hole where the Calawash and Clackamas rivers run together. There, my sister-in-law Lindsay has planted a tree in memory of Bob Davidson, so if you get a chance to water the tree...

We began our Summer with close friends vacationing in Port Townsend, WA at Fort Warden State Park. These dear friends were great listeners in helping me process my grief. Not many people would be interested in spending their vacation time doing such, but these folks are exceptional saints.

Summer seemed somewhat long, as grief can stretch out the days. But I found an outlet for the grief in training for and running the Hood to Coast relay. Whoa! I ran the studder producing, imfamous first leg, running downhill from Timberline Lodge to Government Camp.

We finished our Summer and began our Fall with three trips to southern California. Paul's work led him to California, spending most of October moving Symantec's QA lab into the Culver City site. We visited with Haley Hoffmeister and her sweet boys, who live in Fullerton. We were at Universal Studios three days, Legoland two days and Knott's Berry Farm one day. We did take some short visits to the beach, as Paul stayed in an apartment close to Venice Beach. This gave the kids and I an opportunity to rollerblade at the beach, picnic and watch the surfers. One of our trips to SoCal was with a friend and her boys. The photo with the boys in on Mailbu beach, about a week before the California fires. The rollerblading photo was taken at the peak of the San Diego fires, so you might notice the haze.

Other highlights of the year include: our trip to Sunriver; the last family picnic at Roslyn Lake; Cape Lookout;  Jim Brown's raging 40th birthday party; and Bud and Kes' visit (Hey, Bud, did you ever hear of the world's greatest joke book?).

December is almost over. It's been a year to remember that's for sure. I am grateful, and yet not as humble as I should be. I have a loving husband of eighteen years, beautiful children, a caring family, and constant friends. I go into this next year remembering the quote a friend gave me, "O God of second chances and new beginnings, here I am again."

Nan's C's: Cooperate, Cogitate and Crazy

triangulatons tagged me for this blog tag challenge....
1. Write the title to your own memoir using 6 words.
2. Post it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who tagged you.
4. Tag five more blogs.
Patty
Candice
Jane Kirkpatrick
Erin
A blogger I haven't read until now, (I had to look for this one off of Mt. Hope Chronicles) Susan

It didn't take me long to come up with this title to the memoir I haven't written, after all, I was given only six words. Technically, I don't think I have six words.

Cooperate-My mother claims this to be a word I used quite often as a youngster. My family had at least seven people living in our house at the time. I'm assuming I heard the word on Seasame Street. I feel somewhat mixed about this word in the title, as it now seems this idealogical word is less of my mode of operation that some word that has to to do with doing things the way I want to do them. 

Cogitate-From someone whom has labeled herself ADHD, this sounds kind of strange. I think I heard this word from a cartoon character from television, but didn't take time to think about what it meant.  I've only recently come to use this word, but can say that I have spent a good amount of time cogitating. 

Crazy-Since I labeled myself "Crazy Aunt Nan" I thought I'd put it in the title. Why "Crazy"? Well, the word in now politically incorrect. I find myself believing, and thinking about things that are politically incorrect.

 I also have fantastical ideas, like throwing a folk concert in my backyard. 

I do things like invite myself on other people's vacations. 

There are others that would label me crazy especially when tall tales of celebrity friendships paint me as a celebrity stalker.  

I speak Spenchglish.

Since I have worked in the mental health field,  the "crazy" label might get me into trouble, but I would qualify the use of the word only if it's definition included that we are all crazy in our own special way. 

* My friend commented the other day, "We wouldn't call you 'Crazy Aunt Nan" if we really thought you were."

The Quest to Conquer the Butte to Butte Hill

On Saturday, a friend and I ran the "Butte to Butte" hill. This hill is about a one mile gradual climb to the top. After huffing and puffing my way up, I took a break before the downhill, and broke into Professor Pindell mode. My friend was kind enough to listen to my explanation of the technique I learned about running downhill. This technique is such that while going downhill, one puts their head forward slightly, while having a quick turnover of the legs. This turnover is much faster than the traditional long stride, where it seems you're actually trying to break, or slow your legs down. Well, I followed the technique, and I flew down the hill. Hence, I will call this technique The Roadrunner.

What I discovered in this run, is that if  I let gravity lead the way, and let go of the fear that I might fall, I truly enjoy the experience. 
That was Saturday, and today is Thursday. I ran up the "Spyglass" hill today, huffing and puffing to the top. I didn't take a break, still huffing and puffing on the downhill. I used The Roadrunner on this hill, and it seemed scary fast. It was clearly a steeper hill. Lesson learned: My experience is that every day is a different running day for me. I kinda like this, as I wouldn't want to get bored. 
Oh, and why would such a post be interesting to anyone but me? I guess I'm wanting to express how joyful running can be, not just that I'm crazy. It's not particularly easy for to get out there and "Just Do It".

 I also ask myself about the "God' connection to running. For me, it's mostly that I CAN do it. That I, for some reason have been given the legs, and lungs etc., that get me up and down the hill, and am grateful for that, even though it is not always easy. 

I also like the camaraderie I have with whomever I am running, as we often discuss ideas regarding Christianity and Christian community. I also take time to mull over "ideas" in my head, otherwise known as cogitating.   During a run I often talk to God, but not out loud- as if I want to live up to my Crazy Aunt Nan reputation.

Whew!

Over a week has passed since I last recounted our family happenings. So, I'll summarize the events of these past few days or so...
For Evander, I'd say his highlights were: visiting with Grandma Lois, watching,  Prince Caspian, going to a friends birthday party, and playing Wii with cousin Sam.
I'd guess Emma's were having accomplishments in both Spanish and swimming. Also, watching Prince Caspian inspired her to read the Prince Caspian book.
 Princess Paul celebrated his fortysomething birthday out of town. I missed celebrating with him, but heard that he had balloons and a cake at least.
Me, well not much this week. Just kidding.
My mom came to visit and to help me put in my garden. She is a hard worker, and wore me out! We we're able to integrate fun and food into our time together. Grandma Judie joined us at the Dairy Queen, Thursday night. The two grandmas chatted and enjoyed their Blizzards.

Saturday, Patty celebrated her thirtysomething birthday. She came to our house for a visit with Grandma Lois, whom she hadn't seen for a long time. I must say, I have the greatest sister-in-laws. Patty is Patty for sure, with her quick wit and beautiful smile, and she's remained my friend all these year, dispite my anticts.  

Here's a shout out to Grandma Judie, my favorite mother-in-law!  Her birthday on Monday completes the trifecta of family birthdays all in one week. 

Monday, we were able to enjoy an evening performance of ballet. Three little girls from church, including our Lily danced so beautifully for a doting crowd.

Mother's Day

Thanks to BellaArtGirl for the photos, and Mother's Day love! The paper vase was from Lily-Boo.

The "Good Mother" hand prints were from the T girls.

I woke up earlier than my family on Mother's Day, so I went upstairs and compiled a CD entitled, "Mother's Day Love". Apparently, I had too many songs for one disk. But here is the play list:(This is to come, as my tech guy is in class)
The older I get, the more songs I like. Some of these songs are for fun, and some remind me of family times. I realize that many of the songs that I like are "inspirational" in genre. Yep. I guess I figure that this world/life can be difficult much of the time and I'll take help any way I can get it, and often look forward to Life beyond this world, even on Mother's Day.
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After the CD making, I was told to go back to bed, where I received cinnamon rolls and orange juice. Mr. P made me coffee, (Just like George does for Laura) and I read some of the March issue of Sunset magazine.  That was nice. Sweet Emma presented me with new PJ's that she bought with her own money! I had discussed this particular set of PJ's with her on one of our trips to Target, so she knew of my interest in said item.

 I also called my mom, but didn't talk too long, as she comes on Thursday to fill a supervisory position to help me put in my garden. For her Mother's Day, she went to breakfast with my brother, Doug and sister-in-law, Lindsay. Bud and Kes were kind enough to make dinner for her and my sister Chris. 

After coffee and conversation, we were then off to church, as we were in charge of the kids in Van's age group. We read and discussed Proverbs 31, you know, the good part about a strong woman and other great attributes of a God reveren' woman. The kids weren't as into it as I was, but it was an attempt to send some love home for the mamas.

I'll skip the part about no one showing up for hike I had planned...

We spent the afternoon watching, "Becoming Jane". I'd love to say it was a great film, but unfortunately, I fell asleep. It's a mother's prerogative to do as she pleases on Mother's Day.

Grandma Judie, Patty, Dan and Sam joined us for dinner. My family prepared the meal-Honeybaked ham, Caesar salad, and one of the foods in my top ten faves-mashed potatoes. It was delightful to share the evening with two of my favorite moms...Although the highlight of the night was when my nephew Sam gave me an unprompted puppy dog hug, while greeting me with, "Happy Mother's Day."

Movement

Heidi and I ran the Butte to Butte today. We were the only ones doing so. Oh, that's right, it's not until July 4th! Well, we ran it because I suggested starting to practice for the downhill portion of the run. I must say when we arrived at the start of the course,  I had my own bit of fun knowing she did not know the route.  The beginning of the race appears to be a little stretch of road, then a little bump of a hill. In actuality, it keeps going up and up until there's such a steep part that one can walk more easily than run. Then it's down and down the hill. Mind you, it's not very steep, but I have to "pace" myself because I am someone who gets side aches on the downhill easily (Oh, I would love to practice my new technique of running like the roadrunner-quick turnovers barely touching the ground-it's fast. But my side aches remind me to be conservative). So I survived the hill, and now I want to know how fast(or should I say how much more than slower) I can go down the hill without keeling over. 

That was this morning, well, early morning. This Saturday, was the last day of Spring soccer for the Family Soccer Organization. Our friends came up with the idea of playing as "families" rather than individual family members playing on various teams, needing to practice more than once a week, all throughout the city. It's simple. A parent from each family plays soccer with the kids. Instead of just sitting on the sideline chatting, we join in. Now, sometimes I mix chatting and playing, but today I mostly played, and what fun!

{I'd love to show some photos from today's soccer game, but when I went to take some video of the event, I realized that I broke the video camera's battery at Disney World. It was a tight fit for the video cam and the digital cam to fit in our camera case, but if I took the battery off the video cam, it fit quite nicely. Well, we had pulled it out once to film, and when I was manipulating everything to fit, it kinda sorta fell on the ground. It was dinged, and looked OK, but it didn't work. I'd forgotten my faux pas, and only brought the video to soccer today}. 

So I just have to randomly describe what happens on the field...

The play looks a lot like swarm ball, especially if the adults get in the thick of the kids to try and get the ball away from them. It's not quite fair, but it is fun to get into the swarm, let them kick it back and forth between you and the kid, and then see who gets the ball. Mind you, 99% of the time, somehow the kid gets the ball. It wouldn't seem fair that the 40 year old always took the ball away from the little kids.

Then there's the comments from the kids, "Oh, you kicked that funny." 

 I said to one of the girls, "Hey, you're guarding me?" She replied, "Yes, I am" with a "Bring it On" attitude as she darted back and forth before our throw-in.

Tegan, as kids coach running down the sidelines, "That's it, that's it, that's it."

Then there were the random plays of the adults trying not to squish the kids. That's interesting trying not to run over a child, especially when you start running from behind them, and they come to a sudden, unpredictable stop. I had some near misses during the season, as one of the boys liked to slide tackle. Today, I tried to actually kick the ball with some umph, for the goal, but kicked it straight on into one of the smaller, say five year old's, chest. He didn't cry though.

Neither did I.

What's also fun is watching the adults try and hold back when they have a clear shot of goal. We have a three touch rule, as the adults team has to kick it three times to each other before they can shoot the goal, and they have to start the count over if a kid kicks the ball. Well, it takes some effort for the adults to do so, as the kid's team had twelve today, and we had about six. 

With this being our third year(?) at this, I encourage all families to forgo paying all those sports fees, and give their own FSO a go.

Waiting

≈ This week I spent sleeping. I suppose I needed it for my recovery after the half marathon. My running partner has been awake. She's ready to take on another challenge, while I try and nap...
I am waiting for the beginning of the big garden clean-up tomorrow. Today, I was in the house, as I haven't really tackled chore duties since the "Mountain of Laundry," so one can imagine the time it's taken just to clean the first layer. The first layer is good enough, so I'm hoping the gorgeous weather will hold out for a couple more days in order for me to get started on the garden. Tomorrow, we have the end of FSO (have I written about FSO?), onto the garden store for the kids to help pick-out my Mother's Day plants, then hopefully, I'll have time to plant them.
While I was waiting for my garden to be planted, I thought I'd show some pictures of what was happening in my yard, that perhaps, I was taking for granted.

Love Is What Matters

Today, I am lying in the hammock and reflecting on the past two days...

Emma and I just spent some time reading outside in gorgeous weather. This school year, she and I have been reading, "Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl". There is so, so much life in this book. I am moved by this life. The "realness" of her writing puts me, as the reader, right next to her in the annex.

I wish I could say I have put all my thoughts together after reading this book, but there is so much that comes to mind when reading an entry to her diary, so I will only share some of my scattered thoughts. Like today, one of the passages we read reflected a day, weather wise, that was probably similar to this day, however Anne didn't have the frivolity of such leisure time. She was not free.

Also, reading this book, I am presented with the dichotomy of  Anne's angst/imprisonment, and the freedom that we experience as modern Americans.
One of the more remarkable things about Anne was at her age, she is more educated than I will ever be.
There is so much richness to this story she tells, yet she did not live to tell her story. Her story is a short story, on which I have spent some time cogitating and having an ongoing "discussion" with God.
...................................

Yesterday, after the half marathon, my husband graciously made the "Breakfast of Champions" with the help of my sister-in-law Patty, and my mother-in-law Judie.

Fellow half-marathoners Heidi and Maricel joined me and our respective fan clubs for breakfast.

 I'm hoping the pictures of folks spread throughout the house will tell the story, but what they won't say is that this race is a reminder of my pre-forty experience of self evaluation and self reflection that lead me to the conclusion that my life is to be about gratitude, foremost, to God and to all the magnificent gifts He gives me each and every day.

At one moment as I sat amongst my friends chatting about this and that, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for these friends being the love and support that is here for me, big race or not. My eyes got a bit teary, and I noticed the song that was playing the the background. It was a Carrie Underwood song (Yes, sounds so "pop" of me) entitled, "So Small". The lyrics of the chorus are so true,

"Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
What you've been out there searchin for forever
Is in your hands
Oh, When you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh it sure makes everything else
Seem so small"

Lag

I made it through post vacation mode, only to set myself up for pre-party mode. I've given myself a couple of days of rest that don't seem very restful. I'm beginning to get over jet lag, and beginning to have cleaning lag. Tomorrow is the Eugene Half Marathon, which I'm running at 7:00AM. I guess everyone else is running at 7:00AM also.
The men connected to the ladies that are running are cooking a "Husband Breakfast" for their lady champions. I am looking forward to breakfast as much as the race. So, I expect I won't be walking much tomorrow so expect the play by play tomorrow...

Tired Dogs
It's about 10:30P on Monday. I just walked around the world, at least once. We spent the day at Epcot, all eight of us that is. I didn't think to stop and get a picture of the eight of us. I would like to go on and on about what we did but I'm too tired, a good tired mind you. I told the kids my favorite ride was Test Track. They didn't let me answer, “Lunch”. Our lunch was at our favorite Italian restaurant in our known world. We went to Disney World six years ago, and ate lunch there. We loved the food. Unfortunately, I drank a big bottle of Italian water, so I could not eat my entree. This time I had no trouble eating my entree. This was a good time with our adult friends as Emma took care of the kids while we ate lunch. That was quite a gift Emma gave us. Thanks Emmers!
More later...