Laughing and Crying

They make me laugh. They make me cry.

These children of mine are such joys to my life. It is incredible!

I am at that stage of motherhood where I spent more and more time listening and marveling. I have always been amazed by what these two beings can stir inside of me.

I have wondered if it was the 14 years of waiting for the first one and then another 4 years for the second. Is that why I enjoy them so much? Is it the huge amount of time we spend together; living, homeschooling, being? Is it just because they are two of the most amazing children every created by God? Is it because I recognize a short time treasure and "ponder these things in my heart"? Maybe all of these things work together, but it is such a blessing.




He received the most wonderful thank you notes for helping out with Cooking Camp last week. "You have a love for God and others that I know makes God very happy." *sniff* And another note said, "You have a very kind and gentle nature." * sniff* And momma wasn't around to make sure he behaved... *sniff sniff* Wow!



She had a blast at day camp with a buddy (that's what she is saying in this picture) that she has been with for the past three years, but she reached out and drew some of the others in, too. She even got to do a thing called The Big Gulp on the high ropes course. When did she get to be so big?

Yesterday afternoon as the three of us sat wasting time at our computers, I worried about teaching them slothfulness. This morning, completely on his own, he came in and said, "I really feel like writing on my computer." I blinked at him twice and said, "Okay!"

Now, we have always done our creative writing at our computers rather than on paper. But today, out of himself, he chose to do something worthwhile instead of just computer games!

His little sister came in after practicing violin, saw what he was doing, and proceeded to start her own. *sniff* They are growing up too quickly.

And they both used vocabulary that blows my doors off. Where do they get phrases to put in their own stories like, "The vast blue sky" and "he nodded enthusiastically". Okay, so spelling is always an issue, but at least the vocabulary is there. The spelling can be fixed later.

They make me laugh. They make me cry. They make me strive to encourage them more and more.

I wonder if I have to be able to keep up.

It's Friday!

In the past several years, Friday is not as big a deal to me as it is for most. But, this Friday is. My babies come home today!!!

I have seen them a little bit during the week. My girl had a yucky tummy on Wednesday, but was well enough for me to take her on out to camp to finish up the day. We had to stop by and check on her that evening and got to hug my boy, too.

Last night, the church where he is doing Cooking Camp had a concert and reception. Cooking Camp provided the refreshments for the reception. I got to hear a couple of mommas tell my boy how much their kids have enjoyed him. It warms a momma's heart. He is such a good big brother that he is able to share that with others.

I am so proud of them both and can't wait to have them to myself again. I am selfish that way. Of course, the weekend is busy and I won't get to keep them to myself only, but I get to wake up to a cuddle and a snuggle in the morning. I can hardly wait!!

Thank you, Nana, for making this week fun for them, and for being willing to let me have them back! We will do this again in about 3 weeks.

Home Alone

*sigh* This is one of the weeks of day camps this summer. *sigh*

She gets to go to her very favorite outdoor adventure camp, while he gets to be a helper at cooking camp. My children think it is so fun to go stay with Nana during a day camp week.

My house is so empty.

I've looked here....


and here....


and here....



and even here....
It's just me.

I'm glad Dad will be home for supper this evening.

But, do I really HAVE to work on that list that I thought I needed quiet to get accomplished?

Is it Friday, yet?

*sigh*

A Response to Honor Shown

I received a forward of this email.
I was so very moved that the family was blessed. And we got to be a very small part of this.

I just had to share.

****

Dear church,

My family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your outpouring of compassion during this past week. We have been so blessed by all the meals and cards that a simple "thank you" doesn't do it justice. The memorial service yesterday was a powerful tribute to our Lord and the mercies He has extended to Jacob and our family, and thank you again to all of you who attended.

It was the funeral procession, however, that was like nothing ever seen before. If you witnessed it, you know what I am talking about. If you missed it, I am so sorry, because you may never see anything like it again, but allow me to describe it to you from our perspective. As we left the church for the grave site, we had well over a hundred members of the Patriot Guard on their motorcycles leading the way, their function being to surround the church and the gravesite to protect the family from any hecklers or anti-war protesters. I almost would've felt sorry for anyone trying to get past these former soldiers to disrupt the services--almost. As we left the church escorted by these guardians, in the limo directly behind the hearse, we saw the first few groups of people honoring us as we passed, including members of this church. Our first thought was, "how sweet of these scattered few to honor Jacob this way." There were small groups of people like this all the way down Goat Creek Rd to Junction Hwy, and when we turned toward town, the number of people increased slightly, especially by Walmart, where we were amazed that a few people had even set up camp in the middle of the road, waving their flags. When we turned onto Harper Rd, there were even more people lined up on the corner by Moore's, and we were truly touched that "all of these people" had turned out to pay their respects. As we traveled toward Holdsworth Dr, the numbers went back down to a few scattered groups again, but the support was still very touching. As we turned onto Holdsworth Dr, we thought, "how amazing that these folks would do this for Jacob and our family," but pretty much thought it was over.

About halfway down Holdsworth Dr, we were stunned to see that the K-ville Fire Dept.'s ladder truck had extended its ladder over the road, with a huge American flag hanging down from it, and again we were deeply moved at the gesture, but again we thought that that would probably be the end. When we turned onto Sidney Baker, we were shocked and stunned beyond words--thousands of people, it appeared, were lining the sidewalks and streets on both sides of the road, waving flags of every size, many of them crying, but all of them showing the utmost respect and honor toward Jacob for his sacrifice and service. To say that we were absolutely blown away by this would be the understatement of the year. The vast majority of these people had never met Jacob before, but they were all so touched by his story that they endured the blistering heat in order to honor him as his body passed by. I have never been so proud of this city and its people, and I know that many of you were in the throngs that lined the street as well. I can't tell you how much that meant to me and my family, and we will never forget it. What should have been a five-minute drive turned into the most amazing hour-long drive I have ever taken, and thank you all so much for being a part of it. I know there will be difficult days down the road for us, as we continue to adjust to the loss of Jacob, but we have all been permanently touched by this support.

Eagerly awaiting our Lord's return,

Jonathan

Honor Where Honor is Due

Our small town was the hometown of the 1,000th soldier killed in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago. It is a tragedy that any of them have had to go, much less give the complete sacrifice. However, people who knew Marine Cpl. Jacob Leicht say that is was his life dream to be able to serve the United States of America as a soldier. How many of us can say that we have fulfilled our life's dream?

As part of the funeral arrangements, the city provided information for those of us who desired to assemble along the route of the funeral procession as he was taken out to the local cemetery. My mother, myself and my children dressed in our red, white and blue joined hundreds of people to line the streets. It was impressive as we waited 2 1/2 hours in the blazing Texas June sun to see people gather with their flags. They even continued to wait when the appointed time came and went. When the funeral finally came past with the 100 motorcycle Vets as Patriot Patrol Guard in the lead, the city was silent in respect.

I hope the family and the Marines had a chance to understand that we really do appreciate the commitment these people give for us. We are so blessed to have them ready and willing. For those who have served and for those serving now (like my precious nephew who is in Afghanistan right now), Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Honor was due, and honor was shown.

Now on a lighter note, but still the same. The closest big city did a short news story about the funeral for Marine Cpl. Jacob Liecht. The link is here.

http://www.kens5.com/news/Marine-Funeral-95698659.html

It is impressive, but more than that, if you go back the second time to see it and pause it at 1:18, you will see Nana, My girl (complete with red, white and blue puffles), my boy and myself. My boy is quite thrilled to find out that he was on TV and didn't know it.

27 Years

Happy anniversary to us!

Last Friday was our 27th wedding anniversary. That sounds like a long time, but it hasn't felt that long. On top of that, in just a few weeks we can say we have known each other for 32 years. Whew! Someone else must be old, 'cuz I'm not that old. Am I? Hee.

Way back in 1983, they didn't use as many fancy color words. Our wedding colors weren't periwinkle and cream, they were baby blue and white. Honey's best friend really HATED his baby blue tux he was asked to wear. We also didn't have digital photos so I don't know how to share my two favorite wedding pictures with you. Maybe some day I will find out.

Honey was 19, had hair, and was just oh so handsome. He is still very handsome in my book.

I was 18, thin, and anticipating the adventure. I am still enjoying that adventure, but all the rest is gone.

We really didn't have that many hopes and dreams yet, because we were too young to see past college graduation and what that could hold. We have had more hopes and dreams fulfilled than we could have ever hoped for.

The secret to 27 years? Trusting in someone bigger than Honey, knowing that Honey isn't going to change because I whine and beg and complain, and trusting in someone bigger than me to bring my peace and my joy.

I am blessed to be married to one of the great guys. Maybe he doesn't fill that in other people, but it doesn't matter. He is MY great guy and I am so thankful to have had him for 27 years. He has brought joy, comfort, and richness to my life. Not always, but plenty enough to make those other moments worthwhile.

Thank you, Honey!! I look forward to lots more years with you!

Raisin'

Kids nowadays have no respect. Kids nowadays don't care about anything. Kids nowadays don't know how to behave.

What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.

On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.

My answer to her was, "Moms!"

She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.

Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.

I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.

Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.

How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.

There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.