may update

Phew, it's the end of May and been a while since I've stopped by!

Currently I am silent... literally; well, unless I slip a tiny bit. I am having problems with my voice not working, so am on a 'vocal rest' until Thursday. If it is still troubling me, off to a specialist. I do think it is slowly getting better, though. My problems began about a month ago when I thought I was getting a chest cold. I really noticed the pain in my upper chest when I was swimming and running. Then, my sinuses began hurting when swimming deep and about three weeks ago I coughed and coughed for two nights. The following day, no sinus pain, no coughing, no voice. Isn't that ridiculous! At first it was sort of a novel thing. Now, not so exciting! I am missing some good relationship time with my family... BUT, I also know that God can use this to teach me how to listen.

I am in a cool, new singing group and we are scheduled to sing in June... the kids and I are supposed to sing in a wedding next month, and Memorial wkend, we are slated to sing for Grandpa Webster's committal service. God may have some different ideas. What if I never sing? What if I were to lose my talking forever? Am I willing to follow a path I don't want and still praise and love the Lord? I want the answer to be 'yes'. In light of that, there is no room for grumbling, but I need to live this opportunity to be faithful to God's calling. I wonder what direction this road will lead? Whatever that my be, I want to embrace the forks in the road. :)

The three youngest are making up stories at the kitchen table while eating strawberry-rhubarb pie. Chris is telling a scary story, and Stephen is getting scared.... I'm thinking I need to send them to bed... soon.

School is wrapping up for the year. Ya! All of us are ready. I don't know what courses Kendra will be taking her junior year. There are some tough decisions ahead. Colleges, goals, money, majors and prep. for SATs, ACTs, etc. It's a little daunting. We soon have to decide whether or not Kendra should take AP classes; and where, and if any, how many. How hard should the work load be? Also, community service projects are desirable on a college application; so where is the balance between academics, sports and community projects. Sometimes I feel our society works people to death. Well- rounded seems like really just being an activity slave. Also, do we work for scholarships? Homeschooling makes that aspect a real difficulty. It's something we need God's direction. Each decision echoes toward the future... I need to remember to pray more about this.

Well, it's 9:19 and my kids are still giggling! So, good night. Since I'm not talking, I may come by more often!

A poetic thought

the cozy white blanket of winter is being gently folded back by the warm hand of spring.

after running on the treadmill, i went outside to cool down. what an incredible evening.... you could feel spring in the air. it was wonderful.

that's it..... my one poetic thought :)

March 13, 2009

Today we celebrated Rick's 41st birthday! YAH! We sent him lots of e-mails and had his favorite meal (tacos and corn) .... and birthday cake.... Yes, my husband is very high maintenance! lol.
We borrowed a good movie and we'll watch it together this weekend. Rick is so great. I'm so happy to have known him for nineteen years.

I started swimming this week in prep. for lifeguarding classes.... no dates yet. I was really afraid that I wouldn't be able to do the 10# weight requirement. But, for the last two days, I have practiced swimming on my back with hands in the air, and next week will start adding weight. It wasn't bad, and I am more hopeful. I have been running 3-4 miles on the treadmill, and have just added a tiny bit of core work. I really don't want to be stressed about making it into the class.

The highlight of the week was going to Kendra's indoor track awards night at Sparetime Bowling. She received the Female Coaches Award, and the JT trophy..... and her name will be engraved on a plaque at the school. This is a big deal honor. I couldn't believe a homeschooler would be given that award. Kendra has really been thinking about her priorities and the role track should play, so will see what happens.

Tonight - as we ate supper, Stephen gave me a reason to smile. We were discussing how good the food was, and Steve said he thought my food was better than McDonalds....... I'm really not sure if that is such a great compliment; but I'll take it. Well, he did add that the ice cream is better than my cooking; but since I don't make ice cream, I wasn't offended. :)

Chris and I have big projects lined up tomorrow. I'm not sure I'll be up for some of the tasks.... One is fixing a wire on the go-cart. Mechanical stuff is not my strength..... even changing the oil on the go-cart sent me calling my dad! Also, we need to fix the mailbox that was plowed over in the last snowstorm, and then fix one of our barstools. If you read this on Sat.... perhaps you wouldn't mind shooting up a few prayers on our behalf.

I think the hightlight of the weekend for Mariah will be the sleepover she has scheduled on Sat. night with her sister. It's a sweet thing Kendra is doing for a very sweet person. Mariah has a big list written re: ideas about what to do.

Time doesn't stop. When good people do fun things for my children it reminds me that I would like to do fun things with them, too! I am with them all day and have so many seconds to enjoy them. We do enjoy being together; but that extra love is just priceless.

company

What a week! Monday morning, 3:30..... Rick was out snowblowing over 18 inches of heavy white stuff. Mailbox was plowed down, power was out; no piano lesson for Kendra, and homeschool co-op ... cancelled.
Thus, a regular school day. But, Monday was really our only normal day!

I have been praying that God would use me and my family in some real way. I want to love people better. So, Kendra asked if we could give her friend, Kelley, a 16th b-day party Tues. She's going through a tough time and had a terrible party at her house. "Ya, sure," I said. Well, everything was going so smoothly.... until I was about to serve up dinner. Kell is pretty dramatic; and burst into tears, called her dad and asked him to pick her up! No, it wasn't the food; just a tough time in her life. Thankfully, she decided to stay, and we had a really good time.

Wednesday was a make-up school day for our co-op. We hosted the high school classes at our house; with kids coming around 2:30. Of course their younger brothers and sisters and moms were here, too. What fun! After class, people stayed for go-cart rides, sliding, ping pong, some played the piano and guitar, and then we roasted hotdogs and marshmallows around the wood stove. What a cool bunch of people!

Thursday, I had invited a homeschool mom and two of her children over because our Rec. director mentioned that this family would like to know more Poland homeschoolers. He asked if I'd call her. I did, she came, and we had a lovely time. Cindy has seven children, three grown. She and her husband attend the same church as some of our friends. They have a son Chris's age, so I really hope this could be an opportunity for him to connect with someone. This boy wasn't here yesterday, so we'll probably get together again.

Then, last night, the kids and I went to Mark and Robin's Bible study. Rick was at a late meeting with one of his reps., so couldn't be there. A man came for the first time, he attends our church, but may or may not know Jesus yet. That's one thing I love about our church, there are so many different types of people who attend; lots of opportunities. Anyway, the kids and I enjoyed the group, as well as having a chance to talk about faith, salvation, and other topics. It's a good discipleship-teaching class.

Today, I thought..... Friday, a normal day. Well, my friend, Nancy called and asked if I could watch her two boys while she went to work this afternoon. It was another chance to love people. You know, with all the activity, the kids still finished their schoolwork for the week, and we were all blessed! The crew, myself included, might be a little tired, but we are happy.

Tonight, we're wrapping up with a family movie.

Loving people is very rewarding.

activity update--Feb.13-09

I am at the library, waiting for Mariah's band lesson to finish, so thought I'd blog. The next few days, if all goes according to schedule, we will be swimming in the East Autralian Current of the Ocean of Life! Rock on, man! I need to get my house cleaned and food purchased before acceleration.... plus homeschool finished for the day!
FRIDAY
12:30-1:00 p.m - M/Band
2:15-3:30 - K/Track
6:00-8:00 -C/Basketball (coach will pick him up)
6:30-9:00 -Fireproof (movie at the church)

SATURDAY
8:00a.m.- mid-afternoon - C/Basketball tournament
8:00 -K/Track practice
4:15 p.m.-CJ/church practice for women's group
5:00 C/church
7:00 - Burgess' over for dessert
8:00 - Teen church

SUNDAY
8:30 a.m. -church (both services)
2:00-4:00 p.m. - The Event practice (Easter drama)
5:45 - friends over for supper

MONDAY
State Track Meet

I could get seriously overwhelmed..... but am not :) We will walk where God wills us in that moment. I believe it will be great!

One thing Chris has learned...... He likes basketball for fun, not for the intense competition. Next year, we will stick to Rec. games and not the extra tournaments.

OK, Mariah should be ready and I'd better get to the school.

January 31-Feb. 1

Last night, all of us went to Bates College and saw a performance entitled, "Shangi Asia". WOW- the college has many Asian students, so they put on a show demonstrating their native dances, music and costumes. Beautiful, fun and well-done. Even our 7-year old enjoyed it! Our oldest normally goes to teen church on Sats., and wasn't too happy to miss. She was glad she went, too!

College, sigh! We're thinking, exploring and praying about it.

2 years to go....

Rick update, update

For those of you who read my Rick update, I feel like I'd better update my update. Rick's cold has run its course, thankfully! So, he's full-steam ahead.

Of course, economic times haven't changed, BUT, we get to change through them. We all get to grow as people and as Christians, and my husband is growing. Work is a faith-stretching time; as well as the financial decision we have made to God. The Lord has never been unfaithful, though, SO, unless that happens, we will obey.

Just for the record, Rick and I are also growing closer as married -- best friends --. I'm thinking we're getting better with age.... TOO COOL! We've been married for 18 1/2 years! Other than becoming a Christian, it was the best decision I ever made!

That closes the Rick update.... for now :)

what's going on with Rick

What's going on? I've decided to update this journal one person at a time.

Rick is sick. He has had a terrible chest cold since last week; but with lots of sleep, hopefully, he will beat it soon.

Work has been difficult, as well. Corporate is in a tither because profits are taking a nose dive. Lay-offs are just around the bend, and leadership doesn't seem to be coping too well. Execs. seem to be intensely micro-managing. Rick does so well; unfortunately, others in the region are not experiencing success. Region 1 went from being first, to dead last in the company. Ouch. Economically, the NE. has been hit hard; but of course, there are also management flaws which contribute to the problem.

Rick is still teaching Sunday school, too. The 4th graders love him. He is Ranger Rick to them. He does a terrific job.

I believe next week, Rick and I are going to step out in faith re: our money...... This is a big deal for us. We are going to try to be obedient to God, so will see what happens.

OK, that's about it for the #1 guy. He's great and cute, too. What more could one ask for?

thought

Once in a while, I have a thought worth thinking about.

"If you run from failure, it will define you-
If you face your failure, you will succeed."

Being back in the teen world; via homescooing co-op; Atmosphere, track..... can bring back many feelings and memories. Well, one of the most unpleasant experiences has to be seeing some other kid live the same mistakes I have lived. Ouch!

Too much false pride, an inability to acknowledge failure, and rationalization of that failure, sure does make for a tough way to live. Eventually, if one is a Christian, God will get to him or her..... but until then, deep down, it doesn't make for much peace; and it's hard to watch.

Having been there.... I have to think that getting to the bottom of oneself; praying and making oneself accountable; not only to God, but others is a beginning for change. Also, to be loved unconditionally through failure has to be the last missing ingredient. Being cared about, no matter how much of a whackadoo one is; gives people the freedom to be open about failure and learn how to change.

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?

Grandpa W. and Peter

It's late, but I want to give an update.

Sunday morning, 1-04-09; 6:45 a.m., Grandpa Webster died. He was 100 year old and is now born into eternity. Wow. Of course, there will be things that will remind me of him; camp, especially, also, his bedroom in Georgetown at my in-laws, also, holidays, because Grandpa W. always prayed before the meal. But, mostly, I am glad for him. He was such a godly, loving man. Grandpa lived well and now goes to such a better place.

Grandpa Ws funeral was on Thursday. He inspired people to run their liferace well and gave us a great example to follow. The message and eulogies were so memorable. David titled his, "Are You Ready?" He pointed out that Grandpa W. was ready to die because of His faith in Christ and the life of obedience he lived. Grandpa was ready; are we? Excellent.

The kids and I sang "What A Day That Will Be", and I played piano for the service. It was a privilege, and I was so thankful to keep my mind on serving.


We left of Georgetown the Monday after Grandpa's death. So, Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to drive Peter to his radiation and chemo treatments. Peter showed me around the facility....state of the art. The radiation room looks like something from NASA. No one can be in the room while he's being "radiated", and the actual machine looked something like a rocket!

The chemo room he was in was large and had seven recliner-type chairs. Pete is being given one of the strongest chemical combos available. However, he also takes a cocktail of drugs to prevent side effects. Miraculously, so far, his only complaints are fatigue and hiccups! :) I was so thankful to have gone with him. Everyone there is kind and professional. I really appreciate the insight into his treatment.

OK, it is very late, and I have to get up early tomorrow morning. I'm afraid I'm not as prepared to teach my history class as I'd like. SOOOOO, had better catch some zzzzz's so I can work and smile at the same time.

January 2 entry

Today marks the last day of school vacation! The kids are so happy at the thought of getting back to school. I'm not ready. I still have alot of planning to do for the spring semester. I'm seriously thinking of going with a school text curriculum next year. Yes, it's a bit on the lazy side, but also, I want to make sure I am catching teaching holes. I've been doing this homeschooling thing for a while, and could be blind to deficient areas. A new approach might bring those to light. If you think of it, please pray for wisdom. I need it.

Yesterday, Rick drove to Anne Jaques Hospital. We think Grandpa Webster will soon be going to Heaven. The family is so sad. Many have gone to say goodbye. The children and I have not.
Rick doesn't seem to think any of us need to go. I'm not sure how I feel, or if the kids will regret it. Also, I wonder if Rick's family will be hurt if we do not go down. I can't help but think that they will.

Rick can be so funny about things like this. I'm not sure if he is worried about gas money, or he is being selfish; thinking only he should go, or if he just doesn't think it's a big deal. If I bring it up to him, I'm not sure I'll get an honest answer anyway. Guilt over what one thinks one should say can sometimes alter the truth. ug.

Kendra ran indoor track today. She ran the 1 mile--5:40--second place, the junior division 400 -- 1:07 -- 1st place, and the 800, 2:3o something--second place. This was the first true meet of the season and she was happy with the times considering the distances she was running.

Yesterday, all of us went to the Kindred's for a meal which was attended by the Twombly's, too. They are such great people. Rick and I consider ourselves to be wealthy in knowing incredible friends.

Sometimes during the holidays, I feel a little sorry for myself, thinking that I don't have many friends. It's not true, but that's how I felt. Well, a few days this week were just plain fun. Julie Landry came over; we had a great time together. Then, the kids and I went to Bernice Ray's for a cool visit. After that, the New Year's party at Robin's; well, it's been a good week. I am so thankful that God has given me some really good friends. Feelings can sometimes be just that; feelings.

Happy New Year, to my family and friends.