Tuesday, January 20, 2009

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?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

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?

Sunday, January 11, 2009

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.

Friday, January 2, 2009

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.