Thursday, March 24, 2011
Grandma
Some of you already know that my Mom went into the ICU this week for terribly high blood pressure (260/160). She has been in for most of the week, but seems to be doing better now. Tom and I are going up there tomorrow for the weekend. They will need to monitor Mom's medications and find something that will reduce her BP. Please pray for her!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March in Iowa
Spring break began this past Friday afternoon, and we were blessed with wonderful warm weather for the week! Tom took the week off too, so we have had the break together at home.
Of course, I cannot survive without at least one project, and this time I am refinishing the dining room table (again). I think this is either the 3rd or 4th time. I sanded endlessly (10-12 hours at least), and now am working on the finishing part. This takes FOREVER! What was I thinking?
My Dad and Mom are coming tomorrow, and we are going to work on the wedding gowns for the girls. They need to be hemmed and Aleya's needs to be altered a bit.
We were also blessed to find another car to replace the one that Lorien totaled. We were ever so thankful for God's provision there. We were planning on just trying to make it with one less, but the scheduling was going to be very tricky.
I still have taxes to get around to ( for the girls), and FAFSA, and a few other things, but overall, aside from the table, it's been a very relaxing break!
Of course, I cannot survive without at least one project, and this time I am refinishing the dining room table (again). I think this is either the 3rd or 4th time. I sanded endlessly (10-12 hours at least), and now am working on the finishing part. This takes FOREVER! What was I thinking?
My Dad and Mom are coming tomorrow, and we are going to work on the wedding gowns for the girls. They need to be hemmed and Aleya's needs to be altered a bit.
We were also blessed to find another car to replace the one that Lorien totaled. We were ever so thankful for God's provision there. We were planning on just trying to make it with one less, but the scheduling was going to be very tricky.
I still have taxes to get around to ( for the girls), and FAFSA, and a few other things, but overall, aside from the table, it's been a very relaxing break!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trip to Belhaven
The Lord is so gracious! We had a very safe trip to Belhaven and back. We were in the car 32 hours out of 60 (whew) which I would rather NOT do again!
The trip was laughable because we were so sick. We coughed all the way down there. Kayren saw the school on Friday and went to class. We coughed all the way home on Saturday. We went to the doctor on Sunday and got some antibiotics, and are all home today (Monday) from school/work trying to recover!
Belhaven was very nice though. Kayren liked the school a lot. She was able to sit in on a math class, and see the beautiful art building. My niece Lauren showed us all around. She was preparing for an art show, so we were able to see many different art pieces displayed! We were very impressed with the quality and the imagination shown! The art building is beautiful! Kayren received her extra bonus scholarship for visiting the school, which was also good. I am not sure where that puts her financially, but we will be checking on that this week.
Lauren showed us some fun places in town. We went to Keifer's to eat. This came highly recommended by Adam Christiansen, and then we were able to go to Sneaky Beans Coffee Shop.
We got to see First Pres Church and RTS as well. Tom enjoyed the bookstore! We never made it to the RTS library, which is now HUGE! Sigh. But, maybe we will make some more trips down there and see more later.
Now we are just waiting for the antibiotics to work! Sooooo tired!
The trip was laughable because we were so sick. We coughed all the way down there. Kayren saw the school on Friday and went to class. We coughed all the way home on Saturday. We went to the doctor on Sunday and got some antibiotics, and are all home today (Monday) from school/work trying to recover!
Belhaven was very nice though. Kayren liked the school a lot. She was able to sit in on a math class, and see the beautiful art building. My niece Lauren showed us all around. She was preparing for an art show, so we were able to see many different art pieces displayed! We were very impressed with the quality and the imagination shown! The art building is beautiful! Kayren received her extra bonus scholarship for visiting the school, which was also good. I am not sure where that puts her financially, but we will be checking on that this week.
Lauren showed us some fun places in town. We went to Keifer's to eat. This came highly recommended by Adam Christiansen, and then we were able to go to Sneaky Beans Coffee Shop.
We got to see First Pres Church and RTS as well. Tom enjoyed the bookstore! We never made it to the RTS library, which is now HUGE! Sigh. But, maybe we will make some more trips down there and see more later.
Now we are just waiting for the antibiotics to work! Sooooo tired!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Days
Today is a snow day! Yea! I was thinking this morning about why it is that I like snow days so much- even when I was homeschooling. We would still do school - so what is the excitement?
For us, snow days mean that we all get to wake up slowly. After all, there is nowhere to go! We get to sleep cozily in our warm beds while the blizzard winds howl around our house, knowing that God is keeping us safe from the terrible elements.
Then, when we rise, we get to see the beauty of God's handiwork. I have always loved the beauty of fresh snow and am regularly surprised by how white it is. The drifts are gentle and flowing and make beautiful ripples across the yard, almost like water on a lake. How does a harsh wind that sounds cruel and deadly possibly make drifts that are so beautiful? I muse at the irony of God's creativity.
Ah, then I begin to think about breakfast - first breakfast anyway and especially coffee. Today will need to be a full-pot day. After all, snow days are for drinking coffee! So I pick the best smelling and most robust of all my flavors and soak in the energy that even the smell of coffee brings. Yum.
Coffee in hand, I get to ever so slowly have time to read and pray, with the light of day and the brightness of the snow.
Snow days are about God. They are about His providence, His care for us, and His greatness. I still feel like I don't have enough time to soak it all up though. The snow blowers are starting up and the sweet silence of the morning is interrupted by the gas-powered engines that are set to move the snow out of our way. Now we can leave, you see.
But really - I would rather stay!
For us, snow days mean that we all get to wake up slowly. After all, there is nowhere to go! We get to sleep cozily in our warm beds while the blizzard winds howl around our house, knowing that God is keeping us safe from the terrible elements.
Then, when we rise, we get to see the beauty of God's handiwork. I have always loved the beauty of fresh snow and am regularly surprised by how white it is. The drifts are gentle and flowing and make beautiful ripples across the yard, almost like water on a lake. How does a harsh wind that sounds cruel and deadly possibly make drifts that are so beautiful? I muse at the irony of God's creativity.
Ah, then I begin to think about breakfast - first breakfast anyway and especially coffee. Today will need to be a full-pot day. After all, snow days are for drinking coffee! So I pick the best smelling and most robust of all my flavors and soak in the energy that even the smell of coffee brings. Yum.
Coffee in hand, I get to ever so slowly have time to read and pray, with the light of day and the brightness of the snow.
Snow days are about God. They are about His providence, His care for us, and His greatness. I still feel like I don't have enough time to soak it all up though. The snow blowers are starting up and the sweet silence of the morning is interrupted by the gas-powered engines that are set to move the snow out of our way. Now we can leave, you see.
But really - I would rather stay!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Time for my Once a Month Blog
Hmmm. I guess I really only write about once a month. (Sorry college girls and lots of other family!)
Well, this is the setting. Two days ago I could feel that tickle in my throat once again, and I knew that my asthma was coming to visit. Deciding to attack it early, and upon Tom's persuasion, I thought I defeated it early, but instead, it came back with a horrible vengeance Friday night and I am now in the throes of a fully medicated asthma treatment plan. Bummer. Mostly it means lots of coughing throughout the night and then the loss of voice and being exhausted. Yuck.
Anyway, today I went ahead and went to work because it isn't contagious and I hate to miss a day as we get so far behind. So, after teaching I came home in the sleet and snow just beat. No one was home. I always come in through the garage, so I was met by the very clean and wonderful smelling sunroom. "Ah," I thought. "Kayren must have cleaned!" The sunroom is kind of her study room, so she likes to keep it up - which is very nice for the rest of us.
Well, the kitchen is next, and it was perfect, and I mean perfect. The floor, the stove, the microwave - wow! I LOVE a clean kitchen, and I have this thing about floors. What a special treat!
I went into the living room/dining room, which had also been perfectly cleaned. Music was playing, and I just sat down at the table with such a thankful heart for my girls who would be so kind to me to clean up.
After sitting a few moments, I decided to hang up my coat, since I didn't want to ruin the clean rooms with my junk. When I went into the office, it had been perfectly cleaned and DUSTED! Are you kidding? Wow!
Curious, I decided to investigate, and found the bathroom sparkling, and then - unbelievably, they had even cleaned my room! That, I must say with shame is a HUGE job! They cleaned my dresser and Tom's, my nightstand, my bookshelves (what bravery!), and my shoes! When I turned to leave the room, there were flowers on the nightstand with a wonderful sweet note from my girls! I just cried! What a precious and sweet expression of love!
I just hugged them and hugged them when they got home!
Well, this is the setting. Two days ago I could feel that tickle in my throat once again, and I knew that my asthma was coming to visit. Deciding to attack it early, and upon Tom's persuasion, I thought I defeated it early, but instead, it came back with a horrible vengeance Friday night and I am now in the throes of a fully medicated asthma treatment plan. Bummer. Mostly it means lots of coughing throughout the night and then the loss of voice and being exhausted. Yuck.
Anyway, today I went ahead and went to work because it isn't contagious and I hate to miss a day as we get so far behind. So, after teaching I came home in the sleet and snow just beat. No one was home. I always come in through the garage, so I was met by the very clean and wonderful smelling sunroom. "Ah," I thought. "Kayren must have cleaned!" The sunroom is kind of her study room, so she likes to keep it up - which is very nice for the rest of us.
Well, the kitchen is next, and it was perfect, and I mean perfect. The floor, the stove, the microwave - wow! I LOVE a clean kitchen, and I have this thing about floors. What a special treat!
I went into the living room/dining room, which had also been perfectly cleaned. Music was playing, and I just sat down at the table with such a thankful heart for my girls who would be so kind to me to clean up.
After sitting a few moments, I decided to hang up my coat, since I didn't want to ruin the clean rooms with my junk. When I went into the office, it had been perfectly cleaned and DUSTED! Are you kidding? Wow!
Curious, I decided to investigate, and found the bathroom sparkling, and then - unbelievably, they had even cleaned my room! That, I must say with shame is a HUGE job! They cleaned my dresser and Tom's, my nightstand, my bookshelves (what bravery!), and my shoes! When I turned to leave the room, there were flowers on the nightstand with a wonderful sweet note from my girls! I just cried! What a precious and sweet expression of love!
I just hugged them and hugged them when they got home!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Reading blogs
I have to admit that I just love it when my bookmarked blogs highlight that there is something new to read! i get to glean all the exciting websites and posts and information that others so kindly have shared. Sadly, I do not post as much as I should, but I just wanted to thank all of you out there that do!
This week I am trying to deal with an abscessed tooth (yuck) by preparing for my classes, sleeping, taking pain killers, sleeping some more, and reading blogs. Lord willing, I will have permanent results tomorrow, but at least for today, I can catch up on some reading.
Christmas is always a whirlwind of activity, but it is such a joy to have the kids home and have family fun. Last night all the kids were gathered around the table playing games. It was great to hear them!
My girls are doing so much to help me this week, from endless laundry to cleaning out the frig (thanks Kyrie Jo!). They vaccuumed and dusted and did the dishes, made meals and cleaned up the Christmas decorations. Thank you girls!
Tom had the whole week off and we had a wonderful time!
This week I am trying to deal with an abscessed tooth (yuck) by preparing for my classes, sleeping, taking pain killers, sleeping some more, and reading blogs. Lord willing, I will have permanent results tomorrow, but at least for today, I can catch up on some reading.
Christmas is always a whirlwind of activity, but it is such a joy to have the kids home and have family fun. Last night all the kids were gathered around the table playing games. It was great to hear them!
My girls are doing so much to help me this week, from endless laundry to cleaning out the frig (thanks Kyrie Jo!). They vaccuumed and dusted and did the dishes, made meals and cleaned up the Christmas decorations. Thank you girls!
Tom had the whole week off and we had a wonderful time!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Family
This has been such an uplifting season for our family! We have been blessed with different family members coming to visit us. But the Lord has given us a new church family too. We have been blessed with such sweet fellowship with the family that the Lord has given us here in Des Moines.
Over Thanksgiving, my parents, Tom's parents and Jathan and Sonya came over, and the Luceros were able to come too. I just loved getting to sing in my living room! Isn't it awesome to have your pastor and his family join you for Thanksgiving dinner?
Over Christmas we had a wonderful time with a sweet family in the church, the Stembers, sledding and frosting sugar cookies. We had Christmas Eve at Susan Lynch's house with the Seylers, the Hindals, and the Dolinseks. The fellowship was so wonderful, and the singing was great! Tom's family came for Christmas day, and we were able to spend time with them. Then we just finished a short trip to Minn to visit Sonya's family in Luverne, and work on a few wedding details. We had such a wonderful time! They are very much family to us.
We will always miss those that we haven't gotten to see - the Robinsons, the Christiansens, the Keisters and so on, but we have been so blessed by the fellowship of believers here in Des Moines.
Christ has provided that sweet fellowship of the saints. With singing, prayer, devotions together, eating together, worshiping together, and more, we are so thankful for the family of believers!
On Sunday nights we now gather for dinner after evening worship. Sometimes it is small, and sometimes lots of folks stay, but we are able to eat and visit with brothers and sisters in Christ, and really get to know them. It really is family, sharing food and stories, discussing theology and movies, and encouraging each other for the upcoming week.
The Lord knows our needs! He provides for us in such wonderful ways!
Over Thanksgiving, my parents, Tom's parents and Jathan and Sonya came over, and the Luceros were able to come too. I just loved getting to sing in my living room! Isn't it awesome to have your pastor and his family join you for Thanksgiving dinner?
Over Christmas we had a wonderful time with a sweet family in the church, the Stembers, sledding and frosting sugar cookies. We had Christmas Eve at Susan Lynch's house with the Seylers, the Hindals, and the Dolinseks. The fellowship was so wonderful, and the singing was great! Tom's family came for Christmas day, and we were able to spend time with them. Then we just finished a short trip to Minn to visit Sonya's family in Luverne, and work on a few wedding details. We had such a wonderful time! They are very much family to us.
We will always miss those that we haven't gotten to see - the Robinsons, the Christiansens, the Keisters and so on, but we have been so blessed by the fellowship of believers here in Des Moines.
Christ has provided that sweet fellowship of the saints. With singing, prayer, devotions together, eating together, worshiping together, and more, we are so thankful for the family of believers!
On Sunday nights we now gather for dinner after evening worship. Sometimes it is small, and sometimes lots of folks stay, but we are able to eat and visit with brothers and sisters in Christ, and really get to know them. It really is family, sharing food and stories, discussing theology and movies, and encouraging each other for the upcoming week.
The Lord knows our needs! He provides for us in such wonderful ways!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Only a moment
I only have a moment, so I am really writing for my college girls who would like me to keep this undated better than I have been. Sorry girls! I am getting ready to head over to the school to pick up Lorien and Aleya. Lorien is working today at HyVee, and Kayren is already there.
I am closing out my classes at last - giving last chapter tests and trying to prepare students for finals.
I accepted a part-time position at DMACC as a math tutor, which I am excited about. I hope that it will help settle things down around here.
This morning, we read a snippet from Elizabeth Elliott about homeschooling. I have missed it. It was such a joy to get to be home all those years and be part of the children's school. The Lord has given our family lots of precious times.
I am closing out my classes at last - giving last chapter tests and trying to prepare students for finals.
I accepted a part-time position at DMACC as a math tutor, which I am excited about. I hope that it will help settle things down around here.
This morning, we read a snippet from Elizabeth Elliott about homeschooling. I have missed it. It was such a joy to get to be home all those years and be part of the children's school. The Lord has given our family lots of precious times.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
One down, four to go!
Yes, it has been nearly six weeks since I last blogged! The class that has been consuming major blocks of time is now finished! Can I even begin to express how excited I am about that?! I am sure that my students are as thankful as I am that it is over. The accelerated pace made it grueling for all involved. Anyway, the final is over and the grades have been submitted!
I am hoping to pick up lots of pieces of life that have dropped along the way, including trying to find place tickets to get Kyrie home for Christmas, working on some of the music for church, getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner and holiday, and of course, cleaning the house.
I am looking forward to evenings with the family again! I do not want to have another semester like this one. The price was too high.
The kids have youth group tonight at our house, though Tom and I will be going to Bible study at the church. We have lots of fun things going on in the next two weeks. We will surely miss Kesse and Kyrie Jo for Thanksgiving, but hope they have a wonderful time!
I am hoping to pick up lots of pieces of life that have dropped along the way, including trying to find place tickets to get Kyrie home for Christmas, working on some of the music for church, getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner and holiday, and of course, cleaning the house.
I am looking forward to evenings with the family again! I do not want to have another semester like this one. The price was too high.
The kids have youth group tonight at our house, though Tom and I will be going to Bible study at the church. We have lots of fun things going on in the next two weeks. We will surely miss Kesse and Kyrie Jo for Thanksgiving, but hope they have a wonderful time!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
We had a wonderful Bible study tonight on Ephesians. I love the blessing of a mid-week study that refreshes my soul in the middle of chaos. Ephesians has such a beautiful passage on the mercy and grace of God, who saved us because of His love for us, and not because of our own works. In the middle of a messy week, what a relief and encouragement to know that I am not on trial for all the failures I've already committed.
We talked about God's precious mercy and patience, and while we definitely do not understand all the mysteries of God's election, it is so comforting!
We talked about God's precious mercy and patience, and while we definitely do not understand all the mysteries of God's election, it is so comforting!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
October is here!
Friday is October 1 which means lots of different things. Fall is well underway, and the temps are dropping nicely to warrant sweaters and light jackets, coffee and hot chocolate, and more rain. Iowa has such beautiful weather in the fall. The colors are striking and the crispness in the air is a fresh relief from those hot summer days.
October 1 is also Lorien's and Uncle Max's birthdays. I won't mention Max's age, but Lorien will be 16! Wow. She will be able to drive and work. Kayren took Lorien out for dinner at the Olive Garden, and they stayed in to watch a movie together tonight. Sisters celebrating! It is so sweet to my heart to watch our children love and care for each other.
My fall/winter cold is settling in. Bummer.
October 1 is also Lorien's and Uncle Max's birthdays. I won't mention Max's age, but Lorien will be 16! Wow. She will be able to drive and work. Kayren took Lorien out for dinner at the Olive Garden, and they stayed in to watch a movie together tonight. Sisters celebrating! It is so sweet to my heart to watch our children love and care for each other.
My fall/winter cold is settling in. Bummer.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Satisfying Saturday
This is the first Saturday in ages when we didn't have very urgent and important matters to attend to. We rose lazily after sleeping in (yea!!!) which is a favorite "activity" of mine. We read things, drank coffee and tea, and mused about the day. We ended up accomplishing quite a bit, for which I am thankful, and I didn't crack a math book today. What a wonderful break!
I did get to experience the laundromat. What an interesting place! It's a whirlwind of activity, with special understood rules about who goes first, and which machines are off limits. Of course, I didn't know any of these rules, so Tom had to instruct me in laundromat etiquette. We were able to get 10 loads done in 3 hours, which was great, but I was just exhausted from the experience! Our washer is in need of a special gasket that won't be arriving for a couple of weeks. So, we will get to do the laundromat a couple more times.
Tonight, we grabbed a couple of the girls and wandered around the mall looking at things. It was such a nice family day. I missed our college girls, and Jathan was attending drill. Kayren was working too, but it was nice to have some time together with those who were home.
Tomorrow is the Lord's Day, and we are so looking forward to it! We are praying for Adam and Mary Kathryn this weekend! They are candidating in Iowa. I can hardly believe it. I can't tell you how excited I would be if they were able to move back!
Well, off to bed.
I did get to experience the laundromat. What an interesting place! It's a whirlwind of activity, with special understood rules about who goes first, and which machines are off limits. Of course, I didn't know any of these rules, so Tom had to instruct me in laundromat etiquette. We were able to get 10 loads done in 3 hours, which was great, but I was just exhausted from the experience! Our washer is in need of a special gasket that won't be arriving for a couple of weeks. So, we will get to do the laundromat a couple more times.
Tonight, we grabbed a couple of the girls and wandered around the mall looking at things. It was such a nice family day. I missed our college girls, and Jathan was attending drill. Kayren was working too, but it was nice to have some time together with those who were home.
Tomorrow is the Lord's Day, and we are so looking forward to it! We are praying for Adam and Mary Kathryn this weekend! They are candidating in Iowa. I can hardly believe it. I can't tell you how excited I would be if they were able to move back!
Well, off to bed.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Blessings of babies
This afternoon I had the beautiful honor of holding a very sweet, tiny little baby boy, born less than 24 hours ago. He was sleepy, but was making lots of very cute faces - pouts, smiles, kisses, and raised eyebrows. He was trying so very hard at one point to open his eyes, but just couldn't bring himself to get them open. What a precious and sweet reminder of God's goodness to us! I was remembering the days when my children were so small. There are some things in life that God has given us that fill our hearts so full that we cannot even begin to explain it.
How I have loved watching my own children grow and change and by God's grace become what they are today. I will pray for little Xander Lynch to know Christ and live for Him.
What a blessing!
How I have loved watching my own children grow and change and by God's grace become what they are today. I will pray for little Xander Lynch to know Christ and live for Him.
What a blessing!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Rebuked by my daughter
I have been rebuked by one of my daughters. She claims that I no longer blog. I would try to defend myself, but the evidence is overwhelming. So, here I am - finally. Sorry girls!
We have been frantically working on our house in getting it ready for an appraisal. The interest rates dropped again, and they are so low that it was worth it to try and get our home loan refinanced at the lower rate. The misery of course is that we have to get the house in tip top shape first, and our basement just recently flooded again! We had ten days. I am sure that my college girls are VERY glad that they weren't here. However, the basement is beautiful now! We hired a friend to come and cut the trim. He is a professional and he was able to trim the basement in about half a day. It would have taken me weeks! Anyway, we have doors and trim, painted rooms, new floors, and light fixtures instead of light bulbs sticking out of the walls. It looks finished and lovely. Lorien and Aleya are excited that they get to live down there now. It is really nice.
Appraisals are opportunities to fix all those little things that have been hanging over your head for a long time. I painted endlessly. Whew. Anyway, the appraisal was today and we won't hear anything about it for a couple of days.
I started my ten-week algebra class today. It is such a difficult class to teach. It is way too much information in such a short period of time. The students get frustrated quickly because they don't have the time to assimilate the information. I will do my best, but it is a very fast class.
Lorien and Aleya are enjoying school very much. They have good classes and lots of hard work. Aleya gets to start band tomorrow and she is very excited about that. She will be learning to play the flute. She was inspired by my cousin Rene and her daughter Jenna who played this past summer at the 50th anniversary party for my parents.
We are so thankful for God's goodness and mercy to us these days. We are thankful for our church family, and for Jody's preaching. You can hear him online at our church website - providenceurc.org.
We have been frantically working on our house in getting it ready for an appraisal. The interest rates dropped again, and they are so low that it was worth it to try and get our home loan refinanced at the lower rate. The misery of course is that we have to get the house in tip top shape first, and our basement just recently flooded again! We had ten days. I am sure that my college girls are VERY glad that they weren't here. However, the basement is beautiful now! We hired a friend to come and cut the trim. He is a professional and he was able to trim the basement in about half a day. It would have taken me weeks! Anyway, we have doors and trim, painted rooms, new floors, and light fixtures instead of light bulbs sticking out of the walls. It looks finished and lovely. Lorien and Aleya are excited that they get to live down there now. It is really nice.
Appraisals are opportunities to fix all those little things that have been hanging over your head for a long time. I painted endlessly. Whew. Anyway, the appraisal was today and we won't hear anything about it for a couple of days.
I started my ten-week algebra class today. It is such a difficult class to teach. It is way too much information in such a short period of time. The students get frustrated quickly because they don't have the time to assimilate the information. I will do my best, but it is a very fast class.
Lorien and Aleya are enjoying school very much. They have good classes and lots of hard work. Aleya gets to start band tomorrow and she is very excited about that. She will be learning to play the flute. She was inspired by my cousin Rene and her daughter Jenna who played this past summer at the 50th anniversary party for my parents.
We are so thankful for God's goodness and mercy to us these days. We are thankful for our church family, and for Jody's preaching. You can hear him online at our church website - providenceurc.org.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Summer Vacation
This year we were able to travel east across the country and visit family. These trips always seem to go too fast.
We stopped at Arne and Debbie's first. They are our hotel along the way. They welcome us at all hours, feed us, give us a wonderful place to sleep, and don't get mad when we are only there for a very short time. We love going to worship with them. Dave's sermon was really good.
We did get to see Mama and Papa Robinson in Brevard, which is always a blessing. We got to sit and chat for a bit and catch up on what they have been doing, as well as talk about the wedding. Papa is already making plans! :)
Adam and Mary Kathryn were getting ready for their trip to MS, but graciously took us in for a few days. Adam cooked - which is always interesting, complicated and yummy. He cooks all those things that I bypass because it takes too long, or needs constant interaction. We sang around the piano, and enjoyed Peter and Philip's bass and tenor voices and Mary Kathryn's beautiful soprano! We relaxed and solved the world's problems on the couch or outside in lawn chairs. We love going to their house!
Then we went to Max and Anne's in Renick, WV. They have a beautiful blueberry farm there with lots of animals. It has the peacefulness of a farm with all the commotion of 13 cousins. Faith and cousins and Marshall and cousins all came to visit as well. So, we also gathered around the piano and sang. Max and Marshall sing parts, and all the kids love to sing. Some of them sing parts as well. So, from the living room of a farmhouse rang out praises (in parts) to our Lord. You can just imagine the music floating over the countryside. Everything we ate had been grown on the farm - meat, milk, cheese, veggies, fruit. Aleya got to milk the cow and feed the calf from a bottle. The girls fed the chickens and picked berries and tomatoes. One night all the cousins slept in the barn with a strange cat and bats (hmmm). The next night they all slept in the field under what would have been stars had it not been overcast. They woke up drenched! It was great!
Then we got to go back to Arne and Debbie's and stayed a little bit longer this time. We were able to worship with them again. Dave's sermon was good (I hear), but I accidentally took a sleep aid instead of Motrin in the morning, so I was really fighting sleep all day. They knock me right out, so I can't believe that I wasn't lying down in the pew, but Tom managed to keep me upright. We are hoping that Arne and Debbie can come for Thanksgiving this year!
Vacation is about seeing our wonderful family, singing and eating with them, and enjoying the beautiful scenery in all the wonderful places we get to go. We are so thankful for all that the Lord has given us. Don't forget guys - you can always make the trip to Des Moines too! You are welcome anytime!
We stopped at Arne and Debbie's first. They are our hotel along the way. They welcome us at all hours, feed us, give us a wonderful place to sleep, and don't get mad when we are only there for a very short time. We love going to worship with them. Dave's sermon was really good.
We did get to see Mama and Papa Robinson in Brevard, which is always a blessing. We got to sit and chat for a bit and catch up on what they have been doing, as well as talk about the wedding. Papa is already making plans! :)
Adam and Mary Kathryn were getting ready for their trip to MS, but graciously took us in for a few days. Adam cooked - which is always interesting, complicated and yummy. He cooks all those things that I bypass because it takes too long, or needs constant interaction. We sang around the piano, and enjoyed Peter and Philip's bass and tenor voices and Mary Kathryn's beautiful soprano! We relaxed and solved the world's problems on the couch or outside in lawn chairs. We love going to their house!
Then we went to Max and Anne's in Renick, WV. They have a beautiful blueberry farm there with lots of animals. It has the peacefulness of a farm with all the commotion of 13 cousins. Faith and cousins and Marshall and cousins all came to visit as well. So, we also gathered around the piano and sang. Max and Marshall sing parts, and all the kids love to sing. Some of them sing parts as well. So, from the living room of a farmhouse rang out praises (in parts) to our Lord. You can just imagine the music floating over the countryside. Everything we ate had been grown on the farm - meat, milk, cheese, veggies, fruit. Aleya got to milk the cow and feed the calf from a bottle. The girls fed the chickens and picked berries and tomatoes. One night all the cousins slept in the barn with a strange cat and bats (hmmm). The next night they all slept in the field under what would have been stars had it not been overcast. They woke up drenched! It was great!
Then we got to go back to Arne and Debbie's and stayed a little bit longer this time. We were able to worship with them again. Dave's sermon was good (I hear), but I accidentally took a sleep aid instead of Motrin in the morning, so I was really fighting sleep all day. They knock me right out, so I can't believe that I wasn't lying down in the pew, but Tom managed to keep me upright. We are hoping that Arne and Debbie can come for Thanksgiving this year!
Vacation is about seeing our wonderful family, singing and eating with them, and enjoying the beautiful scenery in all the wonderful places we get to go. We are so thankful for all that the Lord has given us. Don't forget guys - you can always make the trip to Des Moines too! You are welcome anytime!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Reformed Youth Conference
Kayren and Lorien left last night to go to Oregon. Oregon - wow! They get to go out to the beautiful state of Oregon with 700 other teenagers, and attend a Reformed Christian Conference out there. I have to admit a little bit of jealousy. Tom and I really enjoy going to conferences and I hope that they will have as much fun as we do when we go.
Kayren called last night from Kansas City. While she was taking a shower at the hotel, the bathtub overflowed, as well as the sink and toilet (yuck). So, they had to move to a different room. Exciting adventures await, I am sure.
They called today to say that they had made it safely. Now they will give up their phones and electronic toys and spend the week listening to godly men teach them from God's Word. How exciting!
Kayren called last night from Kansas City. While she was taking a shower at the hotel, the bathtub overflowed, as well as the sink and toilet (yuck). So, they had to move to a different room. Exciting adventures await, I am sure.
They called today to say that they had made it safely. Now they will give up their phones and electronic toys and spend the week listening to godly men teach them from God's Word. How exciting!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mid-Summer Rest
Ahh. The 50th's are over. What a joy and blessing it was to participate in those celebrations, but it is nice not to be so busy for a moment. We have some tremendous photos of both, taken by our good friend Amanda, who very kindly gave up lots of time to make these special occasions last on paper.
I have three more weeks of school, and then we are hoping to get back over to the east coast and visit family there. I do need to call and see if they are going to be home when we can come :)!!
Aleya turned 10 yesterday, and Kesse turned 21 today. The twins will be 32 on July 12th too, and Johanna, my niece has a birthday on the 8th ( I think). Busy month of birthdays!
The Lord has indeed been gracious to our families!
I have three more weeks of school, and then we are hoping to get back over to the east coast and visit family there. I do need to call and see if they are going to be home when we can come :)!!
Aleya turned 10 yesterday, and Kesse turned 21 today. The twins will be 32 on July 12th too, and Johanna, my niece has a birthday on the 8th ( I think). Busy month of birthdays!
The Lord has indeed been gracious to our families!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Busy week
This week we are looking forward to family coming in and spending time celebrating my parents' 50th anniversary. We have a few things planned, but mostly, it is so fun to have family come and spend some time together. I am really looking forward to it.
Of course we are going to need to put the house back together after the basement flooding again! Bummer. This time, we were more prepared. We were able to pull up the floor and put the furniture in the garage, and suck the water back out rather quickly. We put a sump pump in and we went from 4 inches to dry in 12 hours! Yea!
Of course we are going to need to put the house back together after the basement flooding again! Bummer. This time, we were more prepared. We were able to pull up the floor and put the furniture in the garage, and suck the water back out rather quickly. We put a sump pump in and we went from 4 inches to dry in 12 hours! Yea!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Summer
Summer is already swamped!
This week, I begin a new semester at DMACC with two classes. We are trying to get ready for Tom's parents' 50th Anniversary party on Memorial Day. It looks like 80-90 people are coming.
My parents have their 50th this summer as well, so we are planning a 50th for them on July 3rd here in Des Moines.
Kesse is working for HyVee and looking for other work. Kyrie is working a LOT at Cracker Barrel. Kayren is planning on babysitting and working at HyVee, and Lorien is planning on babysitting. Aleya will probably just play!
I took a class today on electronic gradebooks, and was excited about the Excel program that DMACC has set up, however, it didn't exactly fit my grading program. The lady who was teaching was trying to help me with my program, but finally she just laughed and exclaimed, "You have the most complicated grading system I have ever seen!" After quite a few hours now, I think I've got it! Finally! Now - I hope it works.
I can't believe that May is almost over!
This week, I begin a new semester at DMACC with two classes. We are trying to get ready for Tom's parents' 50th Anniversary party on Memorial Day. It looks like 80-90 people are coming.
My parents have their 50th this summer as well, so we are planning a 50th for them on July 3rd here in Des Moines.
Kesse is working for HyVee and looking for other work. Kyrie is working a LOT at Cracker Barrel. Kayren is planning on babysitting and working at HyVee, and Lorien is planning on babysitting. Aleya will probably just play!
I took a class today on electronic gradebooks, and was excited about the Excel program that DMACC has set up, however, it didn't exactly fit my grading program. The lady who was teaching was trying to help me with my program, but finally she just laughed and exclaimed, "You have the most complicated grading system I have ever seen!" After quite a few hours now, I think I've got it! Finally! Now - I hope it works.
I can't believe that May is almost over!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Summer
We are in summer mode now, but it doesn't really feel like it. Two of my girls are still in school, and right when they get out, I start again. My college girls are home and working as many hours as possible in order to make enough money to get back to school in the fall. Also, May has been very cold for Iowa. It is nice because we aren't running the air conditioner, but it is just so unusual! Everything is green and growing, and beautiful. My flowers are thriving this year. I always forget how busy the summer is.
This year we are celebrating Tom's parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary (on May 31), and also my parents' 50th (on July 3). It is remarkable that both sets of parents would be celebrating their 50th in the same year. The celebrations are quite different - one with almost 100 people, and the other just with close family. But, we are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate with them an occasion that is not common anymore. God has been very gracious to our family!
We are hoping to take another trip out east this year, but haven't had the time to think about when to go. We are hoping to see Robinson family in August!
We are very thankful for our church, and learning a lot through the preaching and teaching there. It has been a constant encouragement to us.
This year we are celebrating Tom's parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary (on May 31), and also my parents' 50th (on July 3). It is remarkable that both sets of parents would be celebrating their 50th in the same year. The celebrations are quite different - one with almost 100 people, and the other just with close family. But, we are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate with them an occasion that is not common anymore. God has been very gracious to our family!
We are hoping to take another trip out east this year, but haven't had the time to think about when to go. We are hoping to see Robinson family in August!
We are very thankful for our church, and learning a lot through the preaching and teaching there. It has been a constant encouragement to us.
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