I realized this morning that some of you might not know about Tanner's upcoming trip to Qatar. I guess in the chaos of things that I term "life", I forgot about mentioning it here.
This trip to Qatar is actually one of the reason why our lives up until this semester have been so extremely stressful and hectic. Tanner has been pushing to take Plant Design from the professor that orginally counselled us to not be afraid to pursue a ChemE degree from Texas A&M. This professor, Dr. Baldwin, was become a friend and mentor to our family. This is also the last year he will be teaching at A&M. We've known this for some time, so we've packed Tanner's schedule with every pre-requisite to this class.
One of the options for this class is to volunteer for a foreign collaboration project with the A&M school in Doha, Qatar which after a great deal of prayer, Tanner decided to apply. Lo and behold, he was accepted and has been steadily working toward designing a plant with a team of students based in Doha. They visited College Station the week before term started, and the College Station team will be visiting their campus during Spring Break.
Yes, this means that I will once again be performing duties of single-mom, but never-fear, I have a faithful sidekick called Jonathan and a wonderful babysitter who filled in for the first part of last summer before Emily arrived.
For most people this would simply be a culturarl experience trip, but Tanner and I know that for him, this trip will mean quite a bit more. After all, why visit a country without bringing good news? Because of this, we are very much aware that we have been suffering just a wee bit of warfare. This has given us ample opportunity to talk to the girls about suffering, and has also given us plenty of opportunity to ask for forgiveness when we fall flat on our faces.
We are blessed to have so much support from bretheren here in C.S. that criss-crosses denominational lines with chaotic abandon. We have Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Evangelicals, Calvinists and a host of non-denominatiolists all lending their aide. It is an amazing thing to witness, and proves that we are universally bound together with blood-ties so rich and deep that we when we finally get to see God's great creation, our differences will be silenced.
May your prayers be received with favor before God.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Wheels
We've been learning a new dance for this semester. It is called One Set of Wheels. Our faithful, maroon colored car spends a lot of time driving between parking lots it seems. We're lucky that all of us work relatively close to each other. Jonathan works a half a mile from our house and about the same from where I work. Tanner goes to school about a mile from my office, so between the three of us, two bikes and a car we manage an intricate dance of schedules.
We have occasional missteps. Like the time Jonathan forgot to pick up Georgianna, or the time two girls were sick on a day that absolutely NO one could take off of work (they ended up sleeping in the cafeteria at my office), or the time that Tanner forgot that he had classes. So far, we've successfully rolled with the mishaps, and no one has crashed and burned.
A typical Monday sees Tanner dropping off the girls while I bike to work. Then he swings by my work, drops off the car, grabs the bike and goes to school. Jonathan (who usually bikes to work at about 5:00am) then walks to my work to pick up the car. He then picks up Georgianna, Kate and Reagan. They come to my office when I get off of work. I take the car home, finish making the dinner that Jonathan started and then I get ready to teach (from 5:30 to 8:00) while Jonathan walks back to his work, gets his bike and rides off into the blue yonder. Tanner bikes home if he gets out of evening classes early enough. If not, then he calls me, and I pack the girls into the car after I finish teaching, and we go to pick Tanner up.
As you can see, this requires that we all not forget where we are suppose to go. We've had a couple of Mondays that see me running/walking home so that I can get there in time to teach my first lesson (1.5 miles in less than 30 minutes requires a bit of jogging). We've also had a few Mondays where Jonathan has wandered into my office wondering where the car is. Luckily, my bike has been there and I have an extra set of keys, so he was able to bike to the car, lock up the bike and still pick up the girls.
The week does get easier as long as you count as a positive the fact that on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to bike to work and back home because nobody can pick me up because Tanner has classes at 5:20, Jonathan works at 5:25, and I teach lessons from 5:30 to 8:00. Yup, that's an easy day. At least the car just goes back and forth between home, school and A&M.
All this crazy wheel turning is making me wish I had a moped, but that won't fit 3 children, will it?
We have occasional missteps. Like the time Jonathan forgot to pick up Georgianna, or the time two girls were sick on a day that absolutely NO one could take off of work (they ended up sleeping in the cafeteria at my office), or the time that Tanner forgot that he had classes. So far, we've successfully rolled with the mishaps, and no one has crashed and burned.
A typical Monday sees Tanner dropping off the girls while I bike to work. Then he swings by my work, drops off the car, grabs the bike and goes to school. Jonathan (who usually bikes to work at about 5:00am) then walks to my work to pick up the car. He then picks up Georgianna, Kate and Reagan. They come to my office when I get off of work. I take the car home, finish making the dinner that Jonathan started and then I get ready to teach (from 5:30 to 8:00) while Jonathan walks back to his work, gets his bike and rides off into the blue yonder. Tanner bikes home if he gets out of evening classes early enough. If not, then he calls me, and I pack the girls into the car after I finish teaching, and we go to pick Tanner up.
As you can see, this requires that we all not forget where we are suppose to go. We've had a couple of Mondays that see me running/walking home so that I can get there in time to teach my first lesson (1.5 miles in less than 30 minutes requires a bit of jogging). We've also had a few Mondays where Jonathan has wandered into my office wondering where the car is. Luckily, my bike has been there and I have an extra set of keys, so he was able to bike to the car, lock up the bike and still pick up the girls.
The week does get easier as long as you count as a positive the fact that on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to bike to work and back home because nobody can pick me up because Tanner has classes at 5:20, Jonathan works at 5:25, and I teach lessons from 5:30 to 8:00. Yup, that's an easy day. At least the car just goes back and forth between home, school and A&M.
All this crazy wheel turning is making me wish I had a moped, but that won't fit 3 children, will it?
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Bikes, cars and mopeds
I'm surprised that most people don't consider A&M to have "diversified" campus. I wonder if they've ever visited the campus, because trust me we are diviersified.
Just look at the car park. We have BMW's both black and white. There are rows of Mercedes in tan and gray. We've got Harleys (mainly black, but some are definitely mixed color). We've got mopeds imported from Japan and Italy. With names like Suzuki and Vespa, it's obvious that our reach is worldwide. And then we have bikes. We've got road bikes, leisure bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes and dirt bikes. Of course they tend to have names like Schwinn, but still, it adds to our diversity. Plus we've got hybrid bikes as well, some of them have basket carriers and trailer attached to them which indicates a more domesticated rider.
So, all in all, I think A&M is very diversified, representing all sorts of nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Just take a look at the car park.
Just look at the car park. We have BMW's both black and white. There are rows of Mercedes in tan and gray. We've got Harleys (mainly black, but some are definitely mixed color). We've got mopeds imported from Japan and Italy. With names like Suzuki and Vespa, it's obvious that our reach is worldwide. And then we have bikes. We've got road bikes, leisure bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes and dirt bikes. Of course they tend to have names like Schwinn, but still, it adds to our diversity. Plus we've got hybrid bikes as well, some of them have basket carriers and trailer attached to them which indicates a more domesticated rider.
So, all in all, I think A&M is very diversified, representing all sorts of nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Just take a look at the car park.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Run, baby, run...
I often wonder if people set out to be runners, or if they often, like me, just happen to fall into the habbit. I could blame a lot of things, people and/or events for this obsession, but the truth of the matter is that I was chatting with a friend who wanted to run something called a 5k. She asked me to run it with her. I said, "sure as long as you don't mind me hobbling along because I am NOT a runner."
One smart phone, two 5k traing apps and four 5k's later, I'm still pretty sure I'm NOT a runner. Granted I've figured out how to run a mile without stopping. If you consider that I've never, ever done that, not even in my ultra-pre-child-uber-skinny years, then running a whole mile is pretty momentous. The fact that I often run two miles without stopping is also mind staggering to me. I express no confidence in ever being able to run something akin to a marathon, but I don't mind aiming for 6 or 7 miles.
Those types of thoughts make me wonder if I've suddenly turned into a runner. The fact that I find running humor funny also makes me apprehensive that I might be crossing the line from normal human being to crazed fanatical running unit. Other proof that I might be crossing the normalcy line is the fact that I want everyone to join me. I'm looking for a family fun run so that the girls can run with me. I'm impatiently waiting for summer so that Tanner can start training. I try to convince non-runners and never-have-run to try it, just for little while...pleeeeeeaaaaassssseeee!
I wish I had discovered the running bug earlier in my life. I regret missing out on all of the runs that I could have done. Then I settle down and remind myself that I am NOT a runner. I'm just a normal, human that likes to pound a little pavement and considers a short 1 mile run a warm up to a serious workout.
One smart phone, two 5k traing apps and four 5k's later, I'm still pretty sure I'm NOT a runner. Granted I've figured out how to run a mile without stopping. If you consider that I've never, ever done that, not even in my ultra-pre-child-uber-skinny years, then running a whole mile is pretty momentous. The fact that I often run two miles without stopping is also mind staggering to me. I express no confidence in ever being able to run something akin to a marathon, but I don't mind aiming for 6 or 7 miles.
Those types of thoughts make me wonder if I've suddenly turned into a runner. The fact that I find running humor funny also makes me apprehensive that I might be crossing the line from normal human being to crazed fanatical running unit. Other proof that I might be crossing the normalcy line is the fact that I want everyone to join me. I'm looking for a family fun run so that the girls can run with me. I'm impatiently waiting for summer so that Tanner can start training. I try to convince non-runners and never-have-run to try it, just for little while...pleeeeeeaaaaassssseeee!
I wish I had discovered the running bug earlier in my life. I regret missing out on all of the runs that I could have done. Then I settle down and remind myself that I am NOT a runner. I'm just a normal, human that likes to pound a little pavement and considers a short 1 mile run a warm up to a serious workout.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
This morning I woke up to fair weather and the promise of sunny, spring-like conditions. I packed the kids off to school with daddy and proceeded to get ready for the day. I decided to wait on applying makeup since I was going to walk the 1.5 miles to work. I had left my bike at work the night before, so walking was my only alternative. Let's just say that it was good thing I wasn't wearing any mascara.
Why? because it started to rain. It was a good old fashion southern rainstorm. The type that flashfloods and massive traffic pile-ups are made of. The type that remind you that you do live on the Gulf of Mexico and hurricanes are a fact of life. I shuffled my very wet and miserable way to work before realizing (after I had been walking for about 10 minutes) that I had left my phone at home. Let's just say that I was a very wet bookkeeper by the time I toddled in to work. Luckily, the rain is rarely cold and the humidity keeps the wind from chilling the skin.
At least my rain gear was at the office, so I can hope for a comfortable ride home tonight.
So, I'm sitting here at work, much drier than I was this morning and thinking of all the crazy things that we did this past week.
Kate celebrated her 9th birthday. I can not believe my baby has been with me for 9 years. I remember being 9 and loving trees and reading. I would often combine both of them by climbing a tree while clutching a book and then sitting a big branch while ants crawled alongside. I was lucky because my best friend loved books, too, not so much the trees. When we played together it was to climb a tree and read.
Tanner wasn't able to attend Kate's birthday party because he had a lot of homework to do. As a matter of fact he spent Saturday morning with the kids and then disappeared for the weekend. He did go to church with us, but left right after the service ended. I sigh a little. Even though I knew this semester was going to be hard it is still difficult to accept that this is only the third week of this semester, and he has already pulled three all-nighters. I'm starting to think I'm lucky if I wake up in the morning and find him fully clothed and sleeping on top of all the covers.
He still makes time for my running schedule which is why he stayed home Saturday morning. I ran a 5k in Huntsville, Texas at Sam Houston Univerity about 45 minutes north of Houston. It's a hilly part of Texas that I've never visited and proves that Texas is not a flat wasteland. My legs are still protesting. He is also going to take time out next Saturday to go to Houston. I've got a color-run scheduled and maybe we'll take a little mini-break and go to the zoo afterwards. Even if it's raining at least it will be warm.
Why? because it started to rain. It was a good old fashion southern rainstorm. The type that flashfloods and massive traffic pile-ups are made of. The type that remind you that you do live on the Gulf of Mexico and hurricanes are a fact of life. I shuffled my very wet and miserable way to work before realizing (after I had been walking for about 10 minutes) that I had left my phone at home. Let's just say that I was a very wet bookkeeper by the time I toddled in to work. Luckily, the rain is rarely cold and the humidity keeps the wind from chilling the skin.
At least my rain gear was at the office, so I can hope for a comfortable ride home tonight.
So, I'm sitting here at work, much drier than I was this morning and thinking of all the crazy things that we did this past week.
Kate celebrated her 9th birthday. I can not believe my baby has been with me for 9 years. I remember being 9 and loving trees and reading. I would often combine both of them by climbing a tree while clutching a book and then sitting a big branch while ants crawled alongside. I was lucky because my best friend loved books, too, not so much the trees. When we played together it was to climb a tree and read.
Tanner wasn't able to attend Kate's birthday party because he had a lot of homework to do. As a matter of fact he spent Saturday morning with the kids and then disappeared for the weekend. He did go to church with us, but left right after the service ended. I sigh a little. Even though I knew this semester was going to be hard it is still difficult to accept that this is only the third week of this semester, and he has already pulled three all-nighters. I'm starting to think I'm lucky if I wake up in the morning and find him fully clothed and sleeping on top of all the covers.
He still makes time for my running schedule which is why he stayed home Saturday morning. I ran a 5k in Huntsville, Texas at Sam Houston Univerity about 45 minutes north of Houston. It's a hilly part of Texas that I've never visited and proves that Texas is not a flat wasteland. My legs are still protesting. He is also going to take time out next Saturday to go to Houston. I've got a color-run scheduled and maybe we'll take a little mini-break and go to the zoo afterwards. Even if it's raining at least it will be warm.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Another Semester Starts!
And we're off to a roaring start this semester. Tanner is taking 15 credit hours which include Physical Chemistry (referred to as p-chem), Plant Design (including a trip to Doha, Quatar), Safety Engineering, Unit Ops and Bio-Engineering. Yuk. I don't even know what some of those terms mean. It looks like it's going to be a full 18 weeks, and I'm fully expecting my husband to drop off the radar and occasionally resurface for food and once in a while some sleep.
Speaking of food and sleep...we managed to put together over 70 meals last weekend. I still have about 30 to go in order to have all of our dinners covered for the semester, but it was certainly nice to have such a large chunk taken care of. We made teriyaki, Thai peanut, barbecue and Italian seasoned chicken, as well as twenty trays of macaroni and cheese. Oh, just writing about it makes me hungry!
Texan weather, as always, is super sporadic. We had a high of 75F yesterday, and today it 32F in the morning. I tried to go running before work, but only made it 1/2 a mile before turning around and running back home. I was too cold, and I lack a lot of the cold weather gear that most Oregonians take for granted: like parka's or ear-warmers or sock-hats. Of course, I love the crisp cool mornings, they are a welcome relief after the blistering hot summer, but the huge swings in temperature are difficult to manage.
Kate and Reagan are forging ahead with school and Girl Scouts. We start the cookie selling season on Wednesday, so if you want some...I expect a visit between now and February 22nd. Those girls make me so proud. They are both known for their academic excellence, but even better, the teachers love their attitudes. I am always super delighted to hear the great reports about their behavior and the trust that their teachers have for them. As always, we continually pray for their saftey and their walk before God.
Most of you heard about Kate's adventures with driving...if you haven't, that might be a good reason to say hello to me. Reagan emphatically declares that she will NEVER do something like that which only serves to make me apprehensive about the things that she WILL do.
Of course, Georgianna is proving to be her usual adorable self with lots of cuddles and snuggles and still very short hair. I keep wondering if it will every grow back. She is a girly-girl with a tough streak, something I find quite common int Texas. She has the strongest Southern accent out of all the girls, and every once in a while I try to correct it, but truthfully, it is so cute, I usually let it slide. My favorite phrase? "Mamma, when (please imagine the drawl on that word) are we goin' to Suhndeh Schooo-el?"
If the kids are busy, it means I've been staying busy. I'm working on my first 10k in a couple of weeks, being a scout leader, working full time, teaching violin 4 days a week in the evenings, organizing birthday parties (which thankfully are non-existent after the 27th) and trying to keep the housework under control. I consider it all in the line of duty with copious amounts of coffee.
Speaking of food and sleep...we managed to put together over 70 meals last weekend. I still have about 30 to go in order to have all of our dinners covered for the semester, but it was certainly nice to have such a large chunk taken care of. We made teriyaki, Thai peanut, barbecue and Italian seasoned chicken, as well as twenty trays of macaroni and cheese. Oh, just writing about it makes me hungry!
Texan weather, as always, is super sporadic. We had a high of 75F yesterday, and today it 32F in the morning. I tried to go running before work, but only made it 1/2 a mile before turning around and running back home. I was too cold, and I lack a lot of the cold weather gear that most Oregonians take for granted: like parka's or ear-warmers or sock-hats. Of course, I love the crisp cool mornings, they are a welcome relief after the blistering hot summer, but the huge swings in temperature are difficult to manage.
Kate and Reagan are forging ahead with school and Girl Scouts. We start the cookie selling season on Wednesday, so if you want some...I expect a visit between now and February 22nd. Those girls make me so proud. They are both known for their academic excellence, but even better, the teachers love their attitudes. I am always super delighted to hear the great reports about their behavior and the trust that their teachers have for them. As always, we continually pray for their saftey and their walk before God.
Most of you heard about Kate's adventures with driving...if you haven't, that might be a good reason to say hello to me. Reagan emphatically declares that she will NEVER do something like that which only serves to make me apprehensive about the things that she WILL do.
Of course, Georgianna is proving to be her usual adorable self with lots of cuddles and snuggles and still very short hair. I keep wondering if it will every grow back. She is a girly-girl with a tough streak, something I find quite common int Texas. She has the strongest Southern accent out of all the girls, and every once in a while I try to correct it, but truthfully, it is so cute, I usually let it slide. My favorite phrase? "Mamma, when (please imagine the drawl on that word) are we goin' to Suhndeh Schooo-el?"
If the kids are busy, it means I've been staying busy. I'm working on my first 10k in a couple of weeks, being a scout leader, working full time, teaching violin 4 days a week in the evenings, organizing birthday parties (which thankfully are non-existent after the 27th) and trying to keep the housework under control. I consider it all in the line of duty with copious amounts of coffee.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Life goes on...
We've had a tough ending to summer and a difficult beginning of the school year. The shooting of a police officer in College Station has hurt the entire community. I know, having lived in a big city, that officers of the peace aren't held in high regard, but here in College Station, they are our friends and our protectors. They are the person standing next to you in the check out line. They are the husband of the kindergarten teacher, the father of your child's best friend, cousin of the lifeguard at the pool, mother of the girl selling cookies. Our entire community is still mourning.
It's an interesting experience for a big city girl. I've never experienced this type of communal grieving. Perfectly normal people have set up fundraising events for the victims of the shooting and the Bachmann family. Perfectly normal businesses contribute to the cause without asking for anything in return. Children set up lemonade stands and give all the money they earn, and trust me, nobody stops them. They aren't told to that they need permits or licensing. This type of love and help convinces me that "big city" America has lost touch with some of the basic values that small town America still has a firm grasp on, and it almost convinces me to never, ever live in a city again. Wow...did I just say that? What a scary thought! I'm not sure if I could live without opera, ballet and art museums. Like I said...almost. I think it's sad that we have to exchange values for conveniences.
Our van is decidedly on its last legs. I think the accident that we had at the beginning of the summer had something to do with it, so I am officially a biker. Not a cool one sorry to say. I've got a rusty, mountain bike that I ride to and from work every day. I've got to take it easy in the evenings when I come home because it's about 100F, so I make sure I pack a couple bottles of water just in case. So far, it hasn't been too difficult. The only thing I complain about is the uphill ride home, but then, I'm really glad that I don't have the uphill ride to work. Who wants to arrive at work all sweaty and sticky? I'm lucky because work is only 3 miles from home which is a reasonable biking distance with only a few minor uphill swings. I figure it's God's way of helping me get back into shape!
What's amazing is that Tanner's school schedule worked out really well this semester. He has classes from 9:00 until 1:00 which works perfect for a single car family. He takes the girls to school in the morning and picks them up in the afternoon, throws a casserole in the oven and dinner is ready when I get home. I gobble it up quickly and then start teaching violin while the girls clean the kitchen. Tanner usually leaves around that time to start his evening study session while I put the girls down. Then I do my schoolwork, quizzes, tests, reports, etc.. after they are in bed. Whoop! What's really nice about all of this, is that I have time to go running in the mornings since I don't have to take the girls to school, so my 5k training is going pretty well. I am panicking because it's coming up really soon, but I'll get there.
The only thing I can't figure out how to fit in to the daily routine is laundry. My laundry genie left at the end of August, so now, my clothes to magically appear in my drawers all clean and neatly folded. I really need to get me another one of those!
It's an interesting experience for a big city girl. I've never experienced this type of communal grieving. Perfectly normal people have set up fundraising events for the victims of the shooting and the Bachmann family. Perfectly normal businesses contribute to the cause without asking for anything in return. Children set up lemonade stands and give all the money they earn, and trust me, nobody stops them. They aren't told to that they need permits or licensing. This type of love and help convinces me that "big city" America has lost touch with some of the basic values that small town America still has a firm grasp on, and it almost convinces me to never, ever live in a city again. Wow...did I just say that? What a scary thought! I'm not sure if I could live without opera, ballet and art museums. Like I said...almost. I think it's sad that we have to exchange values for conveniences.
Our van is decidedly on its last legs. I think the accident that we had at the beginning of the summer had something to do with it, so I am officially a biker. Not a cool one sorry to say. I've got a rusty, mountain bike that I ride to and from work every day. I've got to take it easy in the evenings when I come home because it's about 100F, so I make sure I pack a couple bottles of water just in case. So far, it hasn't been too difficult. The only thing I complain about is the uphill ride home, but then, I'm really glad that I don't have the uphill ride to work. Who wants to arrive at work all sweaty and sticky? I'm lucky because work is only 3 miles from home which is a reasonable biking distance with only a few minor uphill swings. I figure it's God's way of helping me get back into shape!
What's amazing is that Tanner's school schedule worked out really well this semester. He has classes from 9:00 until 1:00 which works perfect for a single car family. He takes the girls to school in the morning and picks them up in the afternoon, throws a casserole in the oven and dinner is ready when I get home. I gobble it up quickly and then start teaching violin while the girls clean the kitchen. Tanner usually leaves around that time to start his evening study session while I put the girls down. Then I do my schoolwork, quizzes, tests, reports, etc.. after they are in bed. Whoop! What's really nice about all of this, is that I have time to go running in the mornings since I don't have to take the girls to school, so my 5k training is going pretty well. I am panicking because it's coming up really soon, but I'll get there.
The only thing I can't figure out how to fit in to the daily routine is laundry. My laundry genie left at the end of August, so now, my clothes to magically appear in my drawers all clean and neatly folded. I really need to get me another one of those!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
I hope I don't regret it, but I really haven't taken very many pictures of our completely awesome summer. I decided at the beginning of May to try to live in the moment instead of outside of the moment, hence, I haven't been carting my camera around very much. Luckily for me, there such a thing as a cell phone camera, so if I really see something that I just can't resist, I can still snap a picture, but my waterproof, lime-green camera has spent most of the summer sitting on my desk.
It's taken a great deal of will power. My Japanese instincts insist that a camera is as important as underclothes and a bathing suit, but I am determined to play this summer rather than record. I've had a lot of fun, and I think we've built some good memories.
We've gone to the beach a couple of times this summer, and all of the girls head straight to the water. Reagan will play in them for a few minutes, at least as long as Mommy is in the water (which is about 5 minutes tops). Once Mommy heads for the umbrella and lounge chair, Reagan heads for the sand, shovels and buckets. I've always declared that I go to the BEACH not the OCEAN, and I've finally got a kid that likes to do the same things I loved doing as a kid. Reagan and I have spent a couple of lovely afternoons together digging trenches and moats and building impossible walls.
And then there is Kate, who is the waterbug of all waterbugs. She will stay in the water until her skin is withered and wrinkly. We have to make sure she doesn't keep going deeper and deeper! If she had her druthers, she would be surfing already! She has amazing heat stamina. I start to wilt, and she's ready to run. She turns a lovely, silky brown that matches her golden eyes and hair. Most people know her as a bookworm, curled up on a chair next to mom reading thick volumes of musty paper, but Kate loves to be active, warm, sweaty and wet!
And then, I discovered that Reagan can read. I'm not sure when that happened, but it did. Sometime between the ages of 4 and Kindergarten, she figured out how to recognize letters and words. It makes Georgianna jealous, so I won't be surprised if Georgie starts reading early, too.
Emily has been a whirlwind, amazing, fun-loving, totally-awesome Auntie! She and the girls get to do all sorts of fun things while I'm stuck at work. They go swimming, do the dollar movies, hang out with other kids, go bowling, walk to the park, have picnics, visit Target. Of course, she makes them clean their rooms and pick up the house which is super nice!
We're a little concerned that maybe we're making them do too much work. Last night when we were talking about God creating a new heaven and a new earth, Reagan said, "yes, we wreck the world, so when God makes the new one, I have to remember to put my toy away before I get out a new one!"
It's taken a great deal of will power. My Japanese instincts insist that a camera is as important as underclothes and a bathing suit, but I am determined to play this summer rather than record. I've had a lot of fun, and I think we've built some good memories.
We've gone to the beach a couple of times this summer, and all of the girls head straight to the water. Reagan will play in them for a few minutes, at least as long as Mommy is in the water (which is about 5 minutes tops). Once Mommy heads for the umbrella and lounge chair, Reagan heads for the sand, shovels and buckets. I've always declared that I go to the BEACH not the OCEAN, and I've finally got a kid that likes to do the same things I loved doing as a kid. Reagan and I have spent a couple of lovely afternoons together digging trenches and moats and building impossible walls.
And then there is Kate, who is the waterbug of all waterbugs. She will stay in the water until her skin is withered and wrinkly. We have to make sure she doesn't keep going deeper and deeper! If she had her druthers, she would be surfing already! She has amazing heat stamina. I start to wilt, and she's ready to run. She turns a lovely, silky brown that matches her golden eyes and hair. Most people know her as a bookworm, curled up on a chair next to mom reading thick volumes of musty paper, but Kate loves to be active, warm, sweaty and wet!
And then, I discovered that Reagan can read. I'm not sure when that happened, but it did. Sometime between the ages of 4 and Kindergarten, she figured out how to recognize letters and words. It makes Georgianna jealous, so I won't be surprised if Georgie starts reading early, too.
Emily has been a whirlwind, amazing, fun-loving, totally-awesome Auntie! She and the girls get to do all sorts of fun things while I'm stuck at work. They go swimming, do the dollar movies, hang out with other kids, go bowling, walk to the park, have picnics, visit Target. Of course, she makes them clean their rooms and pick up the house which is super nice!
We're a little concerned that maybe we're making them do too much work. Last night when we were talking about God creating a new heaven and a new earth, Reagan said, "yes, we wreck the world, so when God makes the new one, I have to remember to put my toy away before I get out a new one!"
Thursday, July 19, 2012
July passes swiftly by
Why is it that the most poetic sounding phrases are so grammatically incorrect? Regardless, we are heading round the bend of July, and I am not prepared for the summer to come to an end. We haven't really felt like it has been a summer. At least, not a summer by Texan standards.
While the rest of the United States seems to be suffering from heat waves, drought-like conditions and all those uncomfortable things, we have been blessed with rain and mild weather. I know, sounds like the Northwest doesn't it? Of course, our rain happens when it is 82F, but it is still rain, and for Texas 82 is mighty pleasant.
Now, if I were at home with the kids, they would be allowed to play outside, ride their bikes, scoot on their scooters and the fun things you get to do in the spring, but there would be no way that they would be going to the pool, splashing on slip and slides or having water fights. It would just be too cool, and I'm sure that they would agree with me. I would have moans of, "Mommy, I'm freeeeeeziiiiing!" But, since Emily is here, the kids are getting plenty of water time, and as far as I can tell, they aren't freezing.
I find it perplexing. Their differential attitude that is, not the fact that they aren't freezing.
I can tell that the weather has been mild because the girls are the same color they were at the beginning of summer. No tan lines. No sun burns. All in all, I'm thankful for the no sun burns part. Emily is unhappy with the no tan lines part. I'm relatively certain that things will start heating up pretty soon. After all, August is coming...right?
While the rest of the United States seems to be suffering from heat waves, drought-like conditions and all those uncomfortable things, we have been blessed with rain and mild weather. I know, sounds like the Northwest doesn't it? Of course, our rain happens when it is 82F, but it is still rain, and for Texas 82 is mighty pleasant.
Now, if I were at home with the kids, they would be allowed to play outside, ride their bikes, scoot on their scooters and the fun things you get to do in the spring, but there would be no way that they would be going to the pool, splashing on slip and slides or having water fights. It would just be too cool, and I'm sure that they would agree with me. I would have moans of, "Mommy, I'm freeeeeeziiiiing!" But, since Emily is here, the kids are getting plenty of water time, and as far as I can tell, they aren't freezing.
I find it perplexing. Their differential attitude that is, not the fact that they aren't freezing.
I can tell that the weather has been mild because the girls are the same color they were at the beginning of summer. No tan lines. No sun burns. All in all, I'm thankful for the no sun burns part. Emily is unhappy with the no tan lines part. I'm relatively certain that things will start heating up pretty soon. After all, August is coming...right?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
4th of July
I couldn't let the opportunity pass to share our 4th of July. We slept in late. Translation: till almost 8:00a.m.! I think Tanner woke up a bit earlier than me because while I was tottering around in the kitchen trying to figure out how to make breakfast, he came waltzing in with a cappuccino from Starbucks. I never did get breakfast made...
We wanted to give Emily a break from kids and stuff, so we piled the kids in the car, swung by Home Depot for one of those pump sprayer thingy-mums and then found some breakfast tacos. I tell you what (please imagine a deep Texan drawl at this point), the whole darn city shuts down on the 4th of Jewelye! We couldn't find an open fast food restaurant to save our lives! Took us almost 20minutes to find a place to feed the kids.
Well, then Jonny called us and told us that his work was having a 4th of July party, so why not come over and hit the pool and have some hamburgers and hot dogs. We did. We had a lot of fun, and I finally got rid of the office pasty white that has become my usual skin tone. Unfortunately, I had planned hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner, too! But that was okay, because I had planned a truly northwest experience. Turkey burgers and chicken hot dogs, so it was different.
We decided to do the rooftop parking again rather than go to the George Bush Museum for the show. I just didn't feel like fighting the crowds this year. The girls played with glow sticks and made funny animal shapes with them. My favorite was the panda face they made.
Speaking of pandas, we got onto the subject of Kung Fu Panda because the girls and I made chocolate ice cream for after the fireworks. Emily was gushing about how delicious it tasted, and Kate said, "that's because of my secret ingredient!" Well, of course I had to be a proud Asian mamma at that moment, and as we were talking about it, Tanner started laughing as he remembered the duck's confession about there being no secret ingredient when we were all expecting him to confess that Po was adopted. Kate said most emphatically, "Well, I knew he was adopted!" Tanner asked, "Really? How did you know?" We all expected her to say something like, "Ducks can't have pandas" instead she said, "Because I saw Kung Fu Panda 2!"
Okay, back to pre-fireworks...So the girls climbed on to the roof of the van with Auntie Emily so that they could have a good view. When the fireworks began, the biggest racket I've ever heard those girls make assaulted my ears. Woohoos! Whoops! Aaaaaah! Screech!...all sorts of noised and shouts. They were the loudest group on the rooftop. I felt like I was in 7th grade again, saying, "I don't really know them." At least they had fun.
We wanted to give Emily a break from kids and stuff, so we piled the kids in the car, swung by Home Depot for one of those pump sprayer thingy-mums and then found some breakfast tacos. I tell you what (please imagine a deep Texan drawl at this point), the whole darn city shuts down on the 4th of Jewelye! We couldn't find an open fast food restaurant to save our lives! Took us almost 20minutes to find a place to feed the kids.
Well, then Jonny called us and told us that his work was having a 4th of July party, so why not come over and hit the pool and have some hamburgers and hot dogs. We did. We had a lot of fun, and I finally got rid of the office pasty white that has become my usual skin tone. Unfortunately, I had planned hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner, too! But that was okay, because I had planned a truly northwest experience. Turkey burgers and chicken hot dogs, so it was different.
We decided to do the rooftop parking again rather than go to the George Bush Museum for the show. I just didn't feel like fighting the crowds this year. The girls played with glow sticks and made funny animal shapes with them. My favorite was the panda face they made.
Speaking of pandas, we got onto the subject of Kung Fu Panda because the girls and I made chocolate ice cream for after the fireworks. Emily was gushing about how delicious it tasted, and Kate said, "that's because of my secret ingredient!" Well, of course I had to be a proud Asian mamma at that moment, and as we were talking about it, Tanner started laughing as he remembered the duck's confession about there being no secret ingredient when we were all expecting him to confess that Po was adopted. Kate said most emphatically, "Well, I knew he was adopted!" Tanner asked, "Really? How did you know?" We all expected her to say something like, "Ducks can't have pandas" instead she said, "Because I saw Kung Fu Panda 2!"
Okay, back to pre-fireworks...So the girls climbed on to the roof of the van with Auntie Emily so that they could have a good view. When the fireworks began, the biggest racket I've ever heard those girls make assaulted my ears. Woohoos! Whoops! Aaaaaah! Screech!...all sorts of noised and shouts. They were the loudest group on the rooftop. I felt like I was in 7th grade again, saying, "I don't really know them." At least they had fun.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Just keep swimming
Wow, we've had some hot weather the last few days. Heat indexes as high as 117F. Yup. Now that is hot! Not as hot as it was last year, but we got a wave of muggy, hot heath, thanks to Debby. Looks like things will cool down in the next few days and we should be hovering right around normal all the way through the 4th of July.
The first part of every week passes in a fuzzy haze for me. I get up early, work late and sleep for the first half of the week. I am so thankful that Emily is here to help with making dinners, because I think the kids would end up going without that last meal for at least Monday and Tuesday. It would make for an interesting weight loss program, but wouldn't be one that I would suggest or endorse. And don't get me wrong, Emily is not slaving away in a hot kitchen all day long to make dinner. She just reminds Jonathan to do it. :-) As long as he has someone to remind him, he stays pretty consistent! On Monday he made an out of this world chicken breast ala Jonathan and on Tuesday it was a delicately flavored salmon (even if it was from the Atlantic and YES there is a big difference. I miss my Pacific salmon). Emily made a very tasty Mediterranean leg of lamb on Wednesday with homemade hummus. Wow, after writing that, I'm just not sure if I'm gonna let Emily leave!
Lest you think that I'm just coming home and gorging myself on all sorts of delicacies, please remember that I work until 8:00pm on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I consider my light work day because I finish at 6:30pm. So, yeah, I am spoiled, and I love it!
Emily has been taking the girls to swimming lessons this week. I haven't put much hope in them for the two little ones, so you can imagine my surprise when they started swimming last night at the pool. I was very impressed. Both Georgianna and Reagan bob and stroke and do all sorts of lovely little tricks, all under water! Woohoo! So, a three year old is NOT too little to learn how to swim. It's so nice to know that if one of them did take a running jump into a pool during some ungaurded moment, I would have a few seconds of grace to get in the water. Kate is turning into a strong swimmer, too, and I'm contemplating on enrolling in a second set of swim lessons for all of them.
Kudos to my mother and father-in-law. You did a great job raising Tanner. He is such a caring father. He knew that last week I had a hard time with Georgianna. She broke down in tears last Thursday because her daddy was all gone, so he determined, without telling us, to show up once again on our doorstep midweek. Georgi was already asleep, but I rousted her out of bed because I knew the trip was for her. She was so excited and ready for her daddy snuggles! She sat on Tanner's lap for a good hour, and only left it to brush her teeth. Then when we tried to put her to bed, she promptly snuck into our room and crawled into bed with us. Super cute, and I didn't have the heart to tell her no, so I spent an uncomfotable night. He had to leave at 4:30 this morning, but Reagan made him promised to wake her up even if it was in the middle of the night so that she could give him a goodbye kiss.
It does feel like the week is surmountable, now, and next week will be even easier. So, perhaps this weekend requires a trip to the beach...
The first part of every week passes in a fuzzy haze for me. I get up early, work late and sleep for the first half of the week. I am so thankful that Emily is here to help with making dinners, because I think the kids would end up going without that last meal for at least Monday and Tuesday. It would make for an interesting weight loss program, but wouldn't be one that I would suggest or endorse. And don't get me wrong, Emily is not slaving away in a hot kitchen all day long to make dinner. She just reminds Jonathan to do it. :-) As long as he has someone to remind him, he stays pretty consistent! On Monday he made an out of this world chicken breast ala Jonathan and on Tuesday it was a delicately flavored salmon (even if it was from the Atlantic and YES there is a big difference. I miss my Pacific salmon). Emily made a very tasty Mediterranean leg of lamb on Wednesday with homemade hummus. Wow, after writing that, I'm just not sure if I'm gonna let Emily leave!
Lest you think that I'm just coming home and gorging myself on all sorts of delicacies, please remember that I work until 8:00pm on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I consider my light work day because I finish at 6:30pm. So, yeah, I am spoiled, and I love it!
Emily has been taking the girls to swimming lessons this week. I haven't put much hope in them for the two little ones, so you can imagine my surprise when they started swimming last night at the pool. I was very impressed. Both Georgianna and Reagan bob and stroke and do all sorts of lovely little tricks, all under water! Woohoo! So, a three year old is NOT too little to learn how to swim. It's so nice to know that if one of them did take a running jump into a pool during some ungaurded moment, I would have a few seconds of grace to get in the water. Kate is turning into a strong swimmer, too, and I'm contemplating on enrolling in a second set of swim lessons for all of them.
Kudos to my mother and father-in-law. You did a great job raising Tanner. He is such a caring father. He knew that last week I had a hard time with Georgianna. She broke down in tears last Thursday because her daddy was all gone, so he determined, without telling us, to show up once again on our doorstep midweek. Georgi was already asleep, but I rousted her out of bed because I knew the trip was for her. She was so excited and ready for her daddy snuggles! She sat on Tanner's lap for a good hour, and only left it to brush her teeth. Then when we tried to put her to bed, she promptly snuck into our room and crawled into bed with us. Super cute, and I didn't have the heart to tell her no, so I spent an uncomfotable night. He had to leave at 4:30 this morning, but Reagan made him promised to wake her up even if it was in the middle of the night so that she could give him a goodbye kiss.
It does feel like the week is surmountable, now, and next week will be even easier. So, perhaps this weekend requires a trip to the beach...
Monday, June 25, 2012
The weekend...
which leads me to my next point. Triple digit temperatures. Really? Last week we were freezing at 80 degrees. This week we're being threatened with triple digits. Come on. It's not July, yet. I blame Debby. She's hanging off the coast of Florida and really messing up our lovely June weather. At least she has decided to visit our Atlantic friends rather than our Gulf Coast friends. It means perhaps a beach trip is in order this coming weekend. I'm thinking of Stewart Beach, a picnic and lots of sun!
Are you wondering why I haven't described our latest weekend? That's because all we did was shop! I became obsessed with finally getting a new espresso machine. I was tired of coffee, coffee coffee! I've been muddling through life without my morning I.V., and I was just tired of it. It seems like I dragged the kids to every single store in the mall. Even when they started to complain, which usually signals my immediate departure, I made them tough it out. I really don't think I've ever done that.
I looked Tanner square in the eyes and said, "We're not going home without my espresso machine." He just nodded, grim determination settling in around his eyes. He knew we were in for the long haul. I can't tell you how many times we've gone to look for a new machine and made it it one or two stores, and then the kids start to get bored, so we head home. This was not going to be the case. I had been sacrificing my well being for almost three months. The girls would have to sacrifice for 3 hours.
It was worth it. I emerged from the cavernous, air conditioned mall with an espresso machine. Purists would be reviled, but when your options are limited, as they tend to be in a smallish town, then any 15bar espresso machine is considered gold. You cannot imagine my excitement and utter satisfaction. The feeling was better than a satiated salted dark chocolate craving.
Needless to say, we were all exhausted and barely managed to scrape together something resembling dinner. We went to church the next day, took naps, had lunch, puttered around the house and generally did nothing remarkable except get Daddy ready for this coming week.
Oh, and Emily and Jonathan killed a cockroach.
Did I mention that I am super lucky, blessed beyond all measure to have such great siblings? I am so glad that we all get along so well. I continuoulsy pray that we will always remain friendly. I know way too many families who "get along" but couldn't stand to be with each other for extended periods of time. I can't say thank you enough to my parents for raising us in a way that would help us to be friends, to enjoy each others company, to accept our differences and revel in them.
Makes me curious to see if we can do the same with our girls...
Are you wondering why I haven't described our latest weekend? That's because all we did was shop! I became obsessed with finally getting a new espresso machine. I was tired of coffee, coffee coffee! I've been muddling through life without my morning I.V., and I was just tired of it. It seems like I dragged the kids to every single store in the mall. Even when they started to complain, which usually signals my immediate departure, I made them tough it out. I really don't think I've ever done that.
I looked Tanner square in the eyes and said, "We're not going home without my espresso machine." He just nodded, grim determination settling in around his eyes. He knew we were in for the long haul. I can't tell you how many times we've gone to look for a new machine and made it it one or two stores, and then the kids start to get bored, so we head home. This was not going to be the case. I had been sacrificing my well being for almost three months. The girls would have to sacrifice for 3 hours.
It was worth it. I emerged from the cavernous, air conditioned mall with an espresso machine. Purists would be reviled, but when your options are limited, as they tend to be in a smallish town, then any 15bar espresso machine is considered gold. You cannot imagine my excitement and utter satisfaction. The feeling was better than a satiated salted dark chocolate craving.
Needless to say, we were all exhausted and barely managed to scrape together something resembling dinner. We went to church the next day, took naps, had lunch, puttered around the house and generally did nothing remarkable except get Daddy ready for this coming week.
Oh, and Emily and Jonathan killed a cockroach.
Did I mention that I am super lucky, blessed beyond all measure to have such great siblings? I am so glad that we all get along so well. I continuoulsy pray that we will always remain friendly. I know way too many families who "get along" but couldn't stand to be with each other for extended periods of time. I can't say thank you enough to my parents for raising us in a way that would help us to be friends, to enjoy each others company, to accept our differences and revel in them.
Makes me curious to see if we can do the same with our girls...
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Country Music
I discovered that Emily likes to listen to country music. I think it's funny because I live in Texas and rarely tune in to the country side of things, but now, every time I get into my car, country music is playing. I am impressed with my level of knowledge about all things country. I was able to explain some of the lyrics to her -- like the reference to "gigging frogs". I'm tempted to introduce her to King of the Hill just so she gets a thorough education. At least then she'll be able to listen to the lyrics and know what they're all singing about.
We are so blessed to have such a great family. There are people that just can't imagine any of their siblings coming out for a summer to help, but I can and I do! Kudos to Mom and Dad who raised a bunch of kids that like each other and want to help each other out. Having Emily here for the summer has really lowered my stress level. I feel such great support, and I know that even when I pull a really long work day, the kids will be sane and even bathed!
Of course, all this non stress makes me want to go and play, so last night we headed to Target and bought every imaginable bad snakc food, carried our plunder away in high fashion and then settled to down to a cozy movie night. It sort of replaced my running schedule, but since I've got shin splints I guess I have an excuse! Please, don't remind me that I should have done some cross training!
The weather has gone a little nuts on us. We've had thunder and rain for the past couple of days. No big storms, but I think it would be cool if Emily got to experience at least on wild Texan rain storm. Don't worry, I'm not praying for it. For some reason, God seems to like to answer my prayers about the weather, so I have to be careful what I ask for!
We are so blessed to have such a great family. There are people that just can't imagine any of their siblings coming out for a summer to help, but I can and I do! Kudos to Mom and Dad who raised a bunch of kids that like each other and want to help each other out. Having Emily here for the summer has really lowered my stress level. I feel such great support, and I know that even when I pull a really long work day, the kids will be sane and even bathed!
Of course, all this non stress makes me want to go and play, so last night we headed to Target and bought every imaginable bad snakc food, carried our plunder away in high fashion and then settled to down to a cozy movie night. It sort of replaced my running schedule, but since I've got shin splints I guess I have an excuse! Please, don't remind me that I should have done some cross training!
The weather has gone a little nuts on us. We've had thunder and rain for the past couple of days. No big storms, but I think it would be cool if Emily got to experience at least on wild Texan rain storm. Don't worry, I'm not praying for it. For some reason, God seems to like to answer my prayers about the weather, so I have to be careful what I ask for!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Mmmmm...it's a Texan summer again. One of my favorite times of the year. The sun is heating up, and the air conditioner, even when it is set at 80F never goes off. The quiet neighborhoods are disturbed by the gentle hum of air conditioners on overdrive.
Did you know that you can identify the type of air conditioner by the sound it makes? Now, I'm not as adept as some, so I can tell you the brand, the make, the model, but I can tell when a big unit is running or a double unit or if someone is running a 220v or just a humble 110v. I'd say that you should try it, but I'm not sure if it would ever get hot enough in the Northwest.
I remember groaning over the fact that I couldn't cool my house down when it hit 90F. Now..I consider anything under 95 running, picnic in the park, time to throw open the doors and air out the house kind of weather. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm wearing shorts and tank tops through the whole thing, well, unless I forget to change out of my sweats and t-shirt.
I promise! It's the truth. Just ask Emily. Take yesterday. Em was down to a cute little summer dress. You know, the kind that doesn't have a back, is light weight and takes advantage of every tiny breeze. Anyway, that's what she was wearing. On the other hand, I was wearing a pair of navy blue sweats and a blue and white striped t-shirt. I had to add all those colors in there just to sound impressive. Not that other people weren't wearing summery clothing, but there were others just like me or dressed even more warmly than me. After all, there is nothing that says "Texan" more than a pair of Levi or, better yet, Wrangler jeans. It's weird, I know, but it's also the truth. Pinky promise.
Did you know that you can identify the type of air conditioner by the sound it makes? Now, I'm not as adept as some, so I can tell you the brand, the make, the model, but I can tell when a big unit is running or a double unit or if someone is running a 220v or just a humble 110v. I'd say that you should try it, but I'm not sure if it would ever get hot enough in the Northwest.
I remember groaning over the fact that I couldn't cool my house down when it hit 90F. Now..I consider anything under 95 running, picnic in the park, time to throw open the doors and air out the house kind of weather. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm wearing shorts and tank tops through the whole thing, well, unless I forget to change out of my sweats and t-shirt.
I promise! It's the truth. Just ask Emily. Take yesterday. Em was down to a cute little summer dress. You know, the kind that doesn't have a back, is light weight and takes advantage of every tiny breeze. Anyway, that's what she was wearing. On the other hand, I was wearing a pair of navy blue sweats and a blue and white striped t-shirt. I had to add all those colors in there just to sound impressive. Not that other people weren't wearing summery clothing, but there were others just like me or dressed even more warmly than me. After all, there is nothing that says "Texan" more than a pair of Levi or, better yet, Wrangler jeans. It's weird, I know, but it's also the truth. Pinky promise.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Haphazard
In true writing fashion, I tried to figure out the main point of this post. Small little things kept flitting to my mind that I felt compelled to write about, but none of them would be sufficient for a single blog post. In true Noelle fashion, I canned the whole formal writing equation and decided to post my little tidbits in all of their haphazard fashion. In doin so, I think I inadvertently came up with my main point...
God has truly blessed us with a great babysitter/nanny. The girls love her. She is kind and considerate toward them, and she is always looking for fun things to do with them. They are so much happier and content after she has watched them. This morning she made bannan pancakes with them. Seriously. Not pancakes with a bit of bannana in them, but bannana with a bit of pancake. The girls smashed and mashed bannanas and whisked some eggs, and made a glorious, gooey mess. But...I didn't have to deal with it because they cleaned it all up!
When I came home at lunch time to teach a lesson, the girls all started complaining. They wanted me to go back to work so that they could finish their day with their babysitter. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that they were getting ready to go swimming!
Another great day at work. I have excellent bosses who give me enough work without over-taxing me. I am blessed beyond measure, and I hope to bless them in return. I'm working on setting up a better facebook profile and maybe design a couple of brochures as well as the bookkeeping/bill paying/general faxing and go to stuff that "Administrative Assistants" are suppose to do. Super fun with lots of different stuff, so my ADD is completely satisfied.
I've discovered that Kate is a lot more like me than I had previously thought. She squirrels money away in little bits, and then "bam!" she suddenly has a lot of money with all of her loose change and odd dollar bills. I also discovered that she is saving up for a car. Not a real car. Whew! A Barbie car. She wants one of those motorized kid cars so that she can drive up and down the street! I'm not sure how I feel about that since I'm pretty sure the batteries have a high cost to pleasure ratio.
On another tangent, every had an 8 year old ask you about dieing? It's one of the hardest questions to answer. She's worried about death. Will it hurt? Is it scary? Will I be alone? Will I feel Jesus when I die? What about Reagan? Will Jesus let Georgi go to heaven even though she hasn't accepted Him into her heart yet? Will I be naked in heaven? Aah, the complexities of a little mind. Needless to say, I went to bed VERY late last night. Those aren't questions that you can answer quickly. Well, except for the one about being naked in heaven. At least that one I could say that the bible says we're "clothed in robes of righteousness." Whew! Always knew all that scripture memorization would come in handy.
Reagan was aghast to find out that her sin was the reason Jesus died. She burst into tears on Tuesday. Oh, soon, very soon, I think I'll get to rejoice that another of my babes follows Jesus.
Kate has been having interesting conversation with her friend at school. Her friend is Muslim and tried to explain to Kate that there are two angels on her shoulder. One recording all of the good things you do, and the other recording all of the bad things you do. Kate just couldn't understand why people would believe in that. She told me, "I just know that I do WAY more BAD things than GOOD things!" I love talking to her about things like that. It gives me an opportunity to tell her the old, old story of Jesus and His love, and I know that in her own way, she is starting to tell her friends the story as well.
God has truly blessed us with a great babysitter/nanny. The girls love her. She is kind and considerate toward them, and she is always looking for fun things to do with them. They are so much happier and content after she has watched them. This morning she made bannan pancakes with them. Seriously. Not pancakes with a bit of bannana in them, but bannana with a bit of pancake. The girls smashed and mashed bannanas and whisked some eggs, and made a glorious, gooey mess. But...I didn't have to deal with it because they cleaned it all up!
When I came home at lunch time to teach a lesson, the girls all started complaining. They wanted me to go back to work so that they could finish their day with their babysitter. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that they were getting ready to go swimming!
Another great day at work. I have excellent bosses who give me enough work without over-taxing me. I am blessed beyond measure, and I hope to bless them in return. I'm working on setting up a better facebook profile and maybe design a couple of brochures as well as the bookkeeping/bill paying/general faxing and go to stuff that "Administrative Assistants" are suppose to do. Super fun with lots of different stuff, so my ADD is completely satisfied.
I've discovered that Kate is a lot more like me than I had previously thought. She squirrels money away in little bits, and then "bam!" she suddenly has a lot of money with all of her loose change and odd dollar bills. I also discovered that she is saving up for a car. Not a real car. Whew! A Barbie car. She wants one of those motorized kid cars so that she can drive up and down the street! I'm not sure how I feel about that since I'm pretty sure the batteries have a high cost to pleasure ratio.
On another tangent, every had an 8 year old ask you about dieing? It's one of the hardest questions to answer. She's worried about death. Will it hurt? Is it scary? Will I be alone? Will I feel Jesus when I die? What about Reagan? Will Jesus let Georgi go to heaven even though she hasn't accepted Him into her heart yet? Will I be naked in heaven? Aah, the complexities of a little mind. Needless to say, I went to bed VERY late last night. Those aren't questions that you can answer quickly. Well, except for the one about being naked in heaven. At least that one I could say that the bible says we're "clothed in robes of righteousness." Whew! Always knew all that scripture memorization would come in handy.
Reagan was aghast to find out that her sin was the reason Jesus died. She burst into tears on Tuesday. Oh, soon, very soon, I think I'll get to rejoice that another of my babes follows Jesus.
Kate has been having interesting conversation with her friend at school. Her friend is Muslim and tried to explain to Kate that there are two angels on her shoulder. One recording all of the good things you do, and the other recording all of the bad things you do. Kate just couldn't understand why people would believe in that. She told me, "I just know that I do WAY more BAD things than GOOD things!" I love talking to her about things like that. It gives me an opportunity to tell her the old, old story of Jesus and His love, and I know that in her own way, she is starting to tell her friends the story as well.
TGIF
I must have a short in my brain somewhere. I don't know what possessed me to agree to haul 4 children, all by myself, to the Houston Zoo for the morning, then take them to the airport to pick up a very much missed Auntie, then drive to Sugarland, then drive to San Antonio, then go to Six Flags. Oh, wait, confusing modifier there, I only did the Houston Zoo/Airport Pick Up by myself. But still...did my parents forget to teach me some basic math principles?
I have to admit that it was fun, and it did prove that I am capable of corralling and nurturing 4 warm bodies. We saw lions and tigers and bears, oh, my! and quite a few other animals before visiting the splash park at the zoo where the kids got dripping wet. Did I bring towels? No, but I wasn't worried, and I'm glad that I didn't. It took about 15 minutes for their clothing to dry. Now, that is hot weather!
It was great to watch Kate walk a little a head of the group with her friend. So many happy memories of being on outings with friends...I was happy to be making some of those same memories for Kate. We munched on Dippin Dots, went through an entire box of CapriSuns, 6 bottles of water and 4 glasses of lemonade before we had to pick up Emily.
I will not bore you with the details of airport traffic. Suffice it to say, it was a beast. Luckily, the much missed Auntie was still standing in the pick up area when we arrived. Everyone was grateful that she hadn't decided to catch the next flight home! We drove through Houston to Sugarland and spent the evening playing in the pool, eating dinner and finally crashing for the night with the expectation of an early Saturday morning.
Six Flags! That was what every single one of the kid kept asking for all the next morning as we drove and drove and drove. Of course, you must also insert pit stop, pit stop, pit stop because two cars filled with girls will not make it more than an hour on the road before someone has use the restroom! Luckily, we knew where the best places were, and it was only the very last time that things got a little desperate, but we made it to Six Flags in time to wait in a very long line for parking.
We managed to find parking spaces, tickets, sunscreen and all those wonderful things. We decided to split up for the day, so Tanner grabbed the three oldest girls an took them on the "car" ride. I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit since they had all been anxious to get OUT of the car just a few minutes before. Emily and I took Georgianna and went on the log ride, the baby car ride, and a couple of other kiddie rides. I finally convinced Emily to go on at least one daredevil ride which didn't seem to have any line, so she did while Georgianna and I waited in the shade. Afterward, Emily said that I could go, too.
I smiled and shook my head. "I come to Six Flags for two reasons," I explained, "the first one is Kate. The second one is Tanner." Yup, that's the truth. My job at Six Flags is Georgianna entertainer and bag watcher. I just don't do rides. Well, I did go on the Ferris Wheel (which Emily can attest that I had a white knuckle grip on the metal caging the whole time) and the Log Ride, but I think other than kidde rides that was it.
I enjoyed the next day much more. We all hung out together and the kids did the teacups, swings, haunted house and rides like that until we got too hot and then we headed to the water park where we floated on the lazy river and played in the wave pool until we discovered Kiddie Water Land, and then I grabbed a lawn chair, put it in the shade and took a nap!
Anyway, I'm super happy to have Emily with us. She keeps reminding me to chill, breathe and enjoy. I hope I can remember to do more of that.
I have to admit that it was fun, and it did prove that I am capable of corralling and nurturing 4 warm bodies. We saw lions and tigers and bears, oh, my! and quite a few other animals before visiting the splash park at the zoo where the kids got dripping wet. Did I bring towels? No, but I wasn't worried, and I'm glad that I didn't. It took about 15 minutes for their clothing to dry. Now, that is hot weather!
It was great to watch Kate walk a little a head of the group with her friend. So many happy memories of being on outings with friends...I was happy to be making some of those same memories for Kate. We munched on Dippin Dots, went through an entire box of CapriSuns, 6 bottles of water and 4 glasses of lemonade before we had to pick up Emily.
I will not bore you with the details of airport traffic. Suffice it to say, it was a beast. Luckily, the much missed Auntie was still standing in the pick up area when we arrived. Everyone was grateful that she hadn't decided to catch the next flight home! We drove through Houston to Sugarland and spent the evening playing in the pool, eating dinner and finally crashing for the night with the expectation of an early Saturday morning.
Six Flags! That was what every single one of the kid kept asking for all the next morning as we drove and drove and drove. Of course, you must also insert pit stop, pit stop, pit stop because two cars filled with girls will not make it more than an hour on the road before someone has use the restroom! Luckily, we knew where the best places were, and it was only the very last time that things got a little desperate, but we made it to Six Flags in time to wait in a very long line for parking.
We managed to find parking spaces, tickets, sunscreen and all those wonderful things. We decided to split up for the day, so Tanner grabbed the three oldest girls an took them on the "car" ride. I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit since they had all been anxious to get OUT of the car just a few minutes before. Emily and I took Georgianna and went on the log ride, the baby car ride, and a couple of other kiddie rides. I finally convinced Emily to go on at least one daredevil ride which didn't seem to have any line, so she did while Georgianna and I waited in the shade. Afterward, Emily said that I could go, too.
I smiled and shook my head. "I come to Six Flags for two reasons," I explained, "the first one is Kate. The second one is Tanner." Yup, that's the truth. My job at Six Flags is Georgianna entertainer and bag watcher. I just don't do rides. Well, I did go on the Ferris Wheel (which Emily can attest that I had a white knuckle grip on the metal caging the whole time) and the Log Ride, but I think other than kidde rides that was it.
I enjoyed the next day much more. We all hung out together and the kids did the teacups, swings, haunted house and rides like that until we got too hot and then we headed to the water park where we floated on the lazy river and played in the wave pool until we discovered Kiddie Water Land, and then I grabbed a lawn chair, put it in the shade and took a nap!
Anyway, I'm super happy to have Emily with us. She keeps reminding me to chill, breathe and enjoy. I hope I can remember to do more of that.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
We had a tough Monday. The girls had a hard time adjusting to not having Daddy. When we left Sunday night, Georgianna told Tanner, "I don't like you anymore." When he asked why?, she said, "Because you leave me."
Sniff. Plenty of tears over that one!
So, our Monday was awful. Mommy ended up walking up and down the street in front of our house, taking deep breaths, trying to stay calm. It didn't work. I kept bursting into tears.
Kate, bless her tender heart, just held my hand. I am so glad that God has given her a compassionate heart. She has great, deep love. It's not always expressive, but it is permanent. I think it is the best kind of love.
Of course, I was also missing Tanner terribly, but being the mommy, I was working hard at not making the girls more miserable. I finally went back inside and decided that maybe it was time to just snuggle, so we all snuggled. Then the girls got ready for bed.
I was checking email for the last time when someone knocked at the front door. I assumed it was one of Jonathan's friends, so at first I ignored it and waited for Jonny to open the door until I realized that he was in the back room. I sighed and trundled over to the door, yanked it open and gave the intruder a blank stare.
I blinked.
Tanner said, "Um, is it okay if I come in?"
Then I burst into a fresh flood of tears.
He said, "I figured you were gonna have a hard time tonight. I'm just sorry I didn't get here sooner."
Now, how romantic is that? I tear up just thinking about it. Ten years of marriage, and I've still got a Prince Charming!
Sniff. Plenty of tears over that one!
So, our Monday was awful. Mommy ended up walking up and down the street in front of our house, taking deep breaths, trying to stay calm. It didn't work. I kept bursting into tears.
Kate, bless her tender heart, just held my hand. I am so glad that God has given her a compassionate heart. She has great, deep love. It's not always expressive, but it is permanent. I think it is the best kind of love.
Of course, I was also missing Tanner terribly, but being the mommy, I was working hard at not making the girls more miserable. I finally went back inside and decided that maybe it was time to just snuggle, so we all snuggled. Then the girls got ready for bed.
I was checking email for the last time when someone knocked at the front door. I assumed it was one of Jonathan's friends, so at first I ignored it and waited for Jonny to open the door until I realized that he was in the back room. I sighed and trundled over to the door, yanked it open and gave the intruder a blank stare.
I blinked.
Tanner said, "Um, is it okay if I come in?"
Then I burst into a fresh flood of tears.
He said, "I figured you were gonna have a hard time tonight. I'm just sorry I didn't get here sooner."
Now, how romantic is that? I tear up just thinking about it. Ten years of marriage, and I've still got a Prince Charming!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Jellyfish
I was apprehensive about this last weekend. Houston had been seeing huge thunderstorms, and this was the weekend we had slated to visit Galveston (a.k.a. same weather). A lot of people don't realize that Houston is on Galveston Bay, so when we say that we're going to Galveston, it means traveling through Houston to the island of Galveston, and whatever type of weather is happening in Houston, it's probably happening in Galveston or has just finished up with Galveston and is now hitting Houston. So, huge thunderstomrs, they type that shakes houses, made me hesitate to visit Tanner. I considered asking him to drive up here, but in the end, I packed the kids in the car with half the house, and headed for Sugarland.
Did you hear about Reagan and Sugarland? Tanner told her that he was living in Sugarland for the summer. She looked at him very seriously and said, "Daddy, I don't believe in Sugarland."
Tanner was taken aback for a few seconds because he had taken her to see his apartment and to visit Sugarland at the beginning of the month, so he asked, "Why not?"
Reagan frowned as she thought over what she wanted to say. "Well," she said slowly, "People can't live in Sugar Land. It's not good for people to only have sugar. It will make you have tummy aches and your teeth will fall out."
We arrived safe and sound in Sugarland even though we drove through a storm. We saw sheet lightning and bolts of lightning, and thunder shook the car, we had hail and big splatters of rain, but by the time we pulled into the parking lot, the sun was out, the air was musty from all the evaporating rain, and we had the promise of a beautiful morning. We actually took the girls to the swimming pool that same evening.
We drove to Galveston the next morning and parked on the seawall. That's where we met the jellyfish. The girls darted out into the ocean way too fast. I had just sat down to take a look at the currents, and they were already splashing in the water. I didn't say anything because Tanner was with them, and after a quick glance, the water seemed pretty safe. Unfortuantely, they didn't last more than five minutes. Reagan started crying, and Tanner brought her to me. I realized almost immediately that it was a jellyfish sting, so I told her to pee. I had my hands cupped and everything, but Reagan just cried even harder. Kate joined us, and I tolder her to pee. She looked alarmed. Then Georgie came running out of the water crying, and Tanner followed her. I told Tanner to pee. They all just stared at me in horror! I was laughing by then, and I gave up. I dried Reagan off and took her to the car. I knew we'd just have to wait for the sting to go away since no one could pee for me!
So, we drove to the mini-golf course and the girls putted around for a couple of ours. I lasted for about an hour before the bugs started to love on me and covered me with bites. Each of the girls managed to get a hole in one, so I take it the golfing session was a success. We were going to drive back home, but when we started to drive along the seawall, I noticed an area that had two life guard stations and a bunch of people out in the water. I knew that there couldn't be that many jellyfish in that area or else the beach would be littered with kids crying, so we piled out of the car and had our day at the beach anyway. (Not to worry, I only let the girls go wading. Kate was allowed to go up to her midcalf.)
We came home tired out but happy and made dinner, took the girls to the pool, baths and bed. Sunday was much more relaxing. We went to the movies, ate popcorn, candy and more candy. Had a nap, went to the pool, ate pbj's for dinner, packed, drove home.
We're getting ready for Emily. I'm thinking I need to clean house...
Did you hear about Reagan and Sugarland? Tanner told her that he was living in Sugarland for the summer. She looked at him very seriously and said, "Daddy, I don't believe in Sugarland."
Tanner was taken aback for a few seconds because he had taken her to see his apartment and to visit Sugarland at the beginning of the month, so he asked, "Why not?"
Reagan frowned as she thought over what she wanted to say. "Well," she said slowly, "People can't live in Sugar Land. It's not good for people to only have sugar. It will make you have tummy aches and your teeth will fall out."
We arrived safe and sound in Sugarland even though we drove through a storm. We saw sheet lightning and bolts of lightning, and thunder shook the car, we had hail and big splatters of rain, but by the time we pulled into the parking lot, the sun was out, the air was musty from all the evaporating rain, and we had the promise of a beautiful morning. We actually took the girls to the swimming pool that same evening.
We drove to Galveston the next morning and parked on the seawall. That's where we met the jellyfish. The girls darted out into the ocean way too fast. I had just sat down to take a look at the currents, and they were already splashing in the water. I didn't say anything because Tanner was with them, and after a quick glance, the water seemed pretty safe. Unfortuantely, they didn't last more than five minutes. Reagan started crying, and Tanner brought her to me. I realized almost immediately that it was a jellyfish sting, so I told her to pee. I had my hands cupped and everything, but Reagan just cried even harder. Kate joined us, and I tolder her to pee. She looked alarmed. Then Georgie came running out of the water crying, and Tanner followed her. I told Tanner to pee. They all just stared at me in horror! I was laughing by then, and I gave up. I dried Reagan off and took her to the car. I knew we'd just have to wait for the sting to go away since no one could pee for me!
So, we drove to the mini-golf course and the girls putted around for a couple of ours. I lasted for about an hour before the bugs started to love on me and covered me with bites. Each of the girls managed to get a hole in one, so I take it the golfing session was a success. We were going to drive back home, but when we started to drive along the seawall, I noticed an area that had two life guard stations and a bunch of people out in the water. I knew that there couldn't be that many jellyfish in that area or else the beach would be littered with kids crying, so we piled out of the car and had our day at the beach anyway. (Not to worry, I only let the girls go wading. Kate was allowed to go up to her midcalf.)
We came home tired out but happy and made dinner, took the girls to the pool, baths and bed. Sunday was much more relaxing. We went to the movies, ate popcorn, candy and more candy. Had a nap, went to the pool, ate pbj's for dinner, packed, drove home.
We're getting ready for Emily. I'm thinking I need to clean house...
Lazy summer nights...
Sitting on the front porch, sipping a glass of lemonade, watching the kids dart in and out of shadows as twilight falls, I can't help but sigh with contentment. This is the time of year when fireflies wink in the bushes, and you can hear scattered shouts and squeals as kids play tag or basketball or, more than likely, football. This is the time for popsicles and dixie cups and water guns, the time when parents pull out the lawn chairs and barbeques, and the true American family spills onto the front lawns of the neighborhood. You hear, "howdy's" and "evening ma'am", sometimes the clink of a spur if someone has just come off the ranch, but more often the roar of motorcycles as people start pulling out their summer toys.
The smells of a Texan summer evening waft in and out of the trees. Sometimes they linger if the wind dies down, but more often they slip by. It's a peculiar scent filled state. Gasoline mixes with exotic tropical flowers, the scent of sweet fruits mingles with bug spray and sunscreen, and of course the faintest smell of damp sweat. It's a nice smell. The smell of hard work, determination and success.
I miss having Tanner in the chair next to me. I find it funny because it's not as if he ever really sat in the chair when we would come out here in the evenings. He would be the one chasing the kids, or he would be chasing the squirrel, cat or dog or any other stray animal he happened to see.
The smells of a Texan summer evening waft in and out of the trees. Sometimes they linger if the wind dies down, but more often they slip by. It's a peculiar scent filled state. Gasoline mixes with exotic tropical flowers, the scent of sweet fruits mingles with bug spray and sunscreen, and of course the faintest smell of damp sweat. It's a nice smell. The smell of hard work, determination and success.
I miss having Tanner in the chair next to me. I find it funny because it's not as if he ever really sat in the chair when we would come out here in the evenings. He would be the one chasing the kids, or he would be chasing the squirrel, cat or dog or any other stray animal he happened to see.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
All is well on the home front
Girl Scout Day Camp. I never was a Girl Scout. I use to envy my friends their good luck at getting to be a Girl Scout, so I really enjoy watching Kate do Girl Scout things, and Reagan's excitement at becoming a Daisy. I finally found the courage to let Kate go to Day Camp this year. On Sunday we registered, found her campsite and the latrines. Good old-fashioned latrines. Not the deluxe port-a-potties, but those wooden structures that we all remember as kids.
The volunteers at the camp couldn't stress enough the importance of preparing our girls for latrines. I kept hearing stories of girls having accidents at the end of the day because they'd "pretend" to use the latrines, but actually keep holding it until they couldn't hold it any more. I don't think Kate will have a problem. She peered into the hole with a great deal of excitement. I'm glad to say that I think she'll do just fine.
Day Camp is quite a bit different here than in Oregon. First of all the two most important pieces of equipment are a water bottle and sunscreen, followed closely by bug repellent. I don't ever remember needing any of those things when we went to Kids Camp at Wind River. I'm pretty sure I just had a change of clothes and a toothbrush. We had to get a substantial sun hat for Kate as well. What is most interesting is that they don't do anything with water until the very last day of camp, and then it is balloon tosses and soakers.
Kate was ecstatic yesterday because she got to pet a millipede, and she let a walking stick crawl on her. I'm pretty sure I would never have survived to Girl Scouts. Now I know why my parents never signed me up. I would've been traumatized. Last night I stepped on a cockroach with my bare foot. Jonathan was laughing so hard because I started to cry and then proceeded to wash my foot for about 15minutes. I still get the creepy crawlies every time I think about it. Yeah, my parents knew what they were doing when they didn't encourage Girl Scouts for me. All I can keep thinking is, "I hope Kate washed her hands and sanitized them."
Of course we're having gorgeous summer weather. I'm getting a bit tired of reporting on it. Of course it is sunny. What else would it be? Sometimes the morning start out cloudy and cool. Cool being about 80F. Then the clouds burn off by about 8:00am and we've got crystal blue skies with that big yellow ball scattering super bright light everywhere. Emily asked if she should bring jeans and a sweater just in case it cooled down. My reply: if you can imagine wearing them when it is "cool" outside, aka 95F, then yes, bring them. If not, leave them at home.
The beach is beginning to call us. I realized that we hadn't taken a beach trip yet. The girls love Galveston and Stewart Beach Park, so hopefully we'll be able to make a trip down soon. The sand is great at that particular section of the beach, and as long as we have an umbrella and water, the girls do just fine. It's strange that the waves look so murky in all of the pictures that I take, but when you're there, the waves are clear and sandy. I sometimes wonder if I have the settings on my camera incorrect. Of course, the water isn't anything like Hawaii, after all we're on the Gulf of Mexico host to oil spills and port traffic, but still it is a nice mini-vacation for the family.
All reports from Tanner indicate that he is relishing his job. I'm scared that he's already looking for housing and schools and has figured out how to move the entire family. I guess I've grown fond of small town life. I like the fact that police officers are friendly, kind and filled with integrity. I like that fact that you can talk to your mayor without an appointment. I like the fact that you run into people you know all the time, no matter where you go. I guess small town life has it's good points. Of course, I miss big city amenities, like French restaurants, Asian-fusion cuisine, grand opera, ballet, symphony, concerts in the park, Shakespeare, art museums and Whole Foods. We will see what God has in store for us. He holds the future in His hands, and I am so glad that we can trust Him for all sorts of goodies to come!
The volunteers at the camp couldn't stress enough the importance of preparing our girls for latrines. I kept hearing stories of girls having accidents at the end of the day because they'd "pretend" to use the latrines, but actually keep holding it until they couldn't hold it any more. I don't think Kate will have a problem. She peered into the hole with a great deal of excitement. I'm glad to say that I think she'll do just fine.
Day Camp is quite a bit different here than in Oregon. First of all the two most important pieces of equipment are a water bottle and sunscreen, followed closely by bug repellent. I don't ever remember needing any of those things when we went to Kids Camp at Wind River. I'm pretty sure I just had a change of clothes and a toothbrush. We had to get a substantial sun hat for Kate as well. What is most interesting is that they don't do anything with water until the very last day of camp, and then it is balloon tosses and soakers.
Kate was ecstatic yesterday because she got to pet a millipede, and she let a walking stick crawl on her. I'm pretty sure I would never have survived to Girl Scouts. Now I know why my parents never signed me up. I would've been traumatized. Last night I stepped on a cockroach with my bare foot. Jonathan was laughing so hard because I started to cry and then proceeded to wash my foot for about 15minutes. I still get the creepy crawlies every time I think about it. Yeah, my parents knew what they were doing when they didn't encourage Girl Scouts for me. All I can keep thinking is, "I hope Kate washed her hands and sanitized them."
Of course we're having gorgeous summer weather. I'm getting a bit tired of reporting on it. Of course it is sunny. What else would it be? Sometimes the morning start out cloudy and cool. Cool being about 80F. Then the clouds burn off by about 8:00am and we've got crystal blue skies with that big yellow ball scattering super bright light everywhere. Emily asked if she should bring jeans and a sweater just in case it cooled down. My reply: if you can imagine wearing them when it is "cool" outside, aka 95F, then yes, bring them. If not, leave them at home.
The beach is beginning to call us. I realized that we hadn't taken a beach trip yet. The girls love Galveston and Stewart Beach Park, so hopefully we'll be able to make a trip down soon. The sand is great at that particular section of the beach, and as long as we have an umbrella and water, the girls do just fine. It's strange that the waves look so murky in all of the pictures that I take, but when you're there, the waves are clear and sandy. I sometimes wonder if I have the settings on my camera incorrect. Of course, the water isn't anything like Hawaii, after all we're on the Gulf of Mexico host to oil spills and port traffic, but still it is a nice mini-vacation for the family.
All reports from Tanner indicate that he is relishing his job. I'm scared that he's already looking for housing and schools and has figured out how to move the entire family. I guess I've grown fond of small town life. I like the fact that police officers are friendly, kind and filled with integrity. I like that fact that you can talk to your mayor without an appointment. I like the fact that you run into people you know all the time, no matter where you go. I guess small town life has it's good points. Of course, I miss big city amenities, like French restaurants, Asian-fusion cuisine, grand opera, ballet, symphony, concerts in the park, Shakespeare, art museums and Whole Foods. We will see what God has in store for us. He holds the future in His hands, and I am so glad that we can trust Him for all sorts of goodies to come!
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