Born to Be Wild

My Harley Boys.

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy

Today was a big day in our house...we've known it was coming for a while now...especially when our oldest came home one day and proudly announced, "One of my teeth is loose." He was so excited because he's seen many of his school friends going around with big gaps in their mouths.

Over the past few weeks he's been wiggling and wiggling his tooth...wiggling it to the point that it was almost starting to gross me out. But it has been through this time that he's also come up with this rationale..."I know what the Tooth Fairy does with all the teeth she collects. She gives them to babies like J (our 6 month old who's growing tooth buds himself)." It's cool to think that the Tooth Fairy practices recycling.

Well, tonight our oldest was wiggling his tooth...he goes, look I can bend it really far down...which really kinda grossed me out. I was out in the kitchen not too long after and he came out and said, "Hey mom...look at this." In his hand was his tooth.

It wasn't long later that he said, "Hey mom can I look in J's mouth? I want to see if the tooth is in there yet."

Then he realized he was still holding the tooth. "Ah, that's right we still have the tooth...the Tooth Fairy doesn't have it yet. Maybe he'll have his teeth tomorrow."

Actually J (our 6 month old) has 2 tooth buds coming in...don't know how we're going to explain that unless our 6 year old gets a loose tooth real quick.

Oh, and according to J, the going rate of teeth these days range from $1 - $15 each. I have know other children to get $20 per tooth. J got $1. When I was his age I only got a quarter...must be inflation.

Going to Work with Mom

Friday our oldest didn't have school because it was Kindergarten registration and they needed their room for the registration process. I guess I had forgotten about that because I had no idea that he didn't have school until he climbed in the car and proudly announced, "Oh mom, I don't have school tomorrow." He says this from time to time so I responded, "It's not a holiday and we didn't know about it before I think you do have school."

He kept insisting and I said, "If you didn't have school I think I would know...I think you have to go to school tomorrow." He goes, "Mom, look in my folder and see." Sure enough there was a note that Kindergarten didn't have school.

Because I hadn't prepared for him to be out and had a bunch of stuff to do at the office I took him with me. We have a preschool at the church and the teachers said he could come down and play with the 4 year old class which gave me time to do my work. So, he went downstairs to play.

When I was taking him to get some lunch the following conversation took place:

me: So, did you have fun today with the four year olds?

J: Yeah, it was pretty fun. They were out of control.

me: Oh really? What happened?

J: Well, at first I thought that maybe being with the four year olds was a bad idea...they were running around all crazy like. I thought maybe I should've gone in with the two year olds. Then when it came time for them to clean up, they didn't do listen...they didn't clean up at all. That's not what you're supposed to do."

Why is it that he's so concerned about cleaning at church but when I ask him to pick up his stuff at home he just looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language?

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday to a man who has taught many to read...and many a parent to begin to loathe rhymes. I still remember my parents' stories of the countless readings of Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and the ever popular Green Eggs and Ham.

There was a man named Dr. Seuss
He has influenced many there is no excuse
For not learning to read when you heard his rhymes
A word made up from time to time.

There was Sam and his friend that got so many
to eat green eggs and ham I've still not had any.
The cat in the hat reeked much trouble...
And left the things to clean up in a double.

The Grinch and Sneeches taught us how to live...
how to get along and even how to give.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue
Has been my son's favorite book since he was two.

Thank you doctor for sharing your rhymes
we still read your books all of the time.
Because of your words children love to read
their love will continue to grow because you planted the seed.

By Carol 2007

Our Prayers are With You

Talking to my parents today, I found out some sad news. I had seen the story on the ticker, but hadn't really read it...then saw it on the news tonight...didn't know it would hit so close to home. Today, early this morning, Bluffton University experienced a devistating loss. While their baseball team was traveling to Florida for a doubleheader they were involved in an accident. Apparent something happened and the bus driver went off the overpass throwing the bus to I-75 below. Four students, the bus driver and his wife were all killed.

Going to school at Ohio Northern not too far from Bluffton I know how close of a community Bluffton is...this loss will be felt not only by the students but also the community. Please keep the family and friends of these students in your prayers.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Today I was given the privilege to spend the day with two of my valentines...my two boys. Because of the ice, there was no school and I kept our youngest at home too. We slept in a little bit and spent the day playing video games and watching Star Wars movies.

Even though we didn't get a lot of snow today and tomorrow will not be fun getting in the car because of the ice, I really enjoyed today's relaxation. I got a very cool singing gorilla and a box of my favorite chocolates...Russel Stover. It has been a GREAT Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

I Want Snow!! I Want Snow!!

I talked with my parents back home...they have feet of snow. And what do we have? RAIN...and maybe the chance of freezing rain and ice tonight.

I want some of the snow my parents have had. Our oldest really wants to build a snowman and sled...but it's hard to sled on mud. I guess he could try it but it'd bit messy.

Maybe this weekend. Until then I guess I'll suffer from what a friend of mine calls snow envy.

Cheese, Glorious Cheese

While watching the news tonight and they talked about a new website for cheese lovers. It's Cheddar Vision. Apparently, you can 24 hours a day seven days a week watch as cheddar cheese ages. And the most exciting time is when they turn the cheese...which I can't remember what time that is.

So, if you're really bored and don't feel like watching the paint dry, you might try watching the cheese age.

Snow Day III

Well, tomorrow we have another snow day...it's actually kinda nice because they announced it earlier this evening so we don't have to get up early looking for whether they've delayed or even canceled tomorrow. Our oldest has mixed feelings about it...he likes to sleep in and play his games but he also loves to see his friends. And he hopes to build a snowman tomorrow...I'm not looking forward to telling him I'm afraid that this new snow is not packing snow, but powdery stuff.

Maybe he'll get to be pulled in the sled...that'd be fun.

Snow Daze

Today was Jake's second snow day from school. He had his first a week or so ago...and boy was he excited. I had hoped to blog about that because snow days were something treasured by me not only when I was young and a student but also when I was teaching. In fact, as many teachers know, I think the adults get just as excited as if not more excited than than the kids.

The first day we had some snow...today it was the cold temperatures and a sugar coating of snow that kept us inside. We had fun sleeping in, playing with the baby (cuz he stayed home from school) and fun playing games. Tonight the temperature's going to get even lower...not just in the single digits but the big ZERO. I'm wondering what tomorrow will hold...school or no school.

A Little Super Bowl Trivia

Every year at Super Bowl time, I bore my friends and family with a trivial fact about the Super Bowl. There is a key element of the game that if it were missing the game wouldn't even really take place. What is it? The football. One fact that I learned especially when I was in college at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Did you know that all the footballs for the Super Bowl are hand made at the Wilson factory in Ada, Ohio.

So, without those people in Ada, we wouldn't have the key element of the game tonight. Now you all know...just be prepared, next year at this time I may feel compelled to remind you of this little fact again.

Go Colts!!

Even though it's really fun to say, "Da Bears." I have to say I'm rooting for the Colts to win the Super Bowl tonight. Growing up two hours East of Indianapolis it's a no brainer. 'Course I probably should pull for the Bears cuz it seems like every team I've rooted for lately has lost. I'm hoping it'll be a good game.

Plus, if I didn't my little sissy would not be happy with me.

GO COLTS!!!

Simon Says

One of my favorite faith-filled movies is Simon Birch...the story of a young boy with a heart of God and the faith of a man several decades older than he is. Simon has a heart problem that hinders his growth and threatens his life. This movie takes a deeper look at faith and challenges some of the things that tend to get in the way of our faith. Among the thought provoking ideas this movie raises are the following:

--God has a plan for your life.

Now, when I was in seminary this statement caused problems. One of my professors said that this is a very risky statement because what if your life takes a terrible turn for the worse? Did God will that to happen? But, the way I view this statement is that ultimately God wants the best for each of us in our lives. Just like a parent, God wishes nothing but the best for us. Now, just like children, it doesn't mean that we'll always fulfill what God desires but still the same God wishes us the best.

One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Another issue that Simon raises in this movie is a question of priorities. One day in church the pastor is inviting everyone to join him and his family for donuts and coffee after the service.

--And Simon asks, "What do coffee and donuts have to do with God?"

Sometimes we get so tied up in what we think is important I wonder if those same things are important to God. Are we more concerned about preparing the donuts and coffee than we are about preparing our hearts to worship God? Are we more interested in getting together and visiting with each other after the service than we are to talk to God in prayer? Where are our priorities centered? On ourselves or on God?

--As Simon continues, "I don't think God is concerned whether or not we have a continental breakfast at church. We're in trouble if God has made the church bake sale a priority."

Another idea this movie raises is the fact that we all worship differently...Simon gets in trouble for disrupting the service with his continetial breakfast statement. During Sunday school he is stuck in the corner while his teacher reprimands him in front of the class. She asks what he's doing and he says something like I'm praying. When she asked how he could do that in a chair in the corner, Simon says,

--Faith is not in a floor plan.

One thing that I think all of us forget from time to time is that we worship God in different ways. Some need to be in a sanctuary surrounded by pews, stained glass windows and the sound of a pipe organ. Some people love to worship to the sounds of a rock band with images displayed on the screen in the worship space. Some worship God in the quiet of the outdoors where God's creation surrounds them on all sides. Some like to worship God by serving others and sitting with those in need as they together hear God's word for them that day.

Simon Birch, it's a GREAT movie that raises many different faith issues. If you've not seen it, I encourage you to check it out sometime...it's a moving, funny and at times sad movie that gets two thumbs up from me.

Thanks Linda!

Our family went down to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area after Christmas this year. While we were down there our oldest came down with the stomach virus junk that's going around. Between his bouts with the flu and sleep we looked around Pigeon Forge.

He was feeling better and was hungry so before starting home we stopped at Pop's on the River in Sevierville for dinner. Growing up I loved going to Pop's Catfish Shack...great fish by the way. We had a GREAT dinner...catfish, frog legs, steak fries and even some dessert.

It seemed our little trooper was on the backside of the flu, or so we thought. He ate pretty well...then as we were getting ready to leave, got sick. With a little bit of chaos, I forgot that I had stuck the diaper bag under the table. (Complete with a bottle of expressed milk, our little one's teething toys, diapers, wipes, extra binkies and spare outfit AND the thermometer to check our oldest's temperature.

Off we went to the border of Kentucky...we decided to spend the night...when we unloaded the car I suddenly realized we'd left the bag. Jim graciously went out and got the things we needed (I had spare diapers and wipes in the suitcase) and we made it through until we got home.

From the hotel I called Pop's the next day. A kind lady named Linda answered the phone. She said she would send it back to us at no charge. What a lady! It took a little while to get the bag because New Year's was in there and Linda forgot it at the restaurant but we got the bag about a week ago...everything still in there.

Thank you Linda!! We really appreciate it!!

Anyone who's looking for a good order of catfish or frog legs...visit Pop's!! Pop's on the River is a neat location with WONDERFUL food.

Milestones

I have been lucky over the past several months. I have been allowed a very special privilege that few people are afforded...I have been allowed to bring our baby to work with me. He has been with me most all day every day since he was born...I guess even since before he was born. We have been waiting for the dayare where our oldest went to call and say they have room.

I had been waiting but not very anxious for the call to come. It came anyway on Wednesday. We went to check it out and see what had changed since we were there about 5 years ago. Some of the same teachers are there.

I know he will be we safe and well taken care of. I know that this daycare is well certified. BUT I am having severe separation issues. This is one milestone I was hoping to put off for a while.

I think I just don't like the idea of him getting bigger. Both boys were with me today and there's no school on Friday...so maybe we can ease into this.

I definitely need prayers.

Loss

Over these past few months but especially over this past week our community has had to face and seek to work in and through loss. Our congregation over these past couple of weeks has lost five members or former members. Most of these came as a surprise, but a few were unexpected.

Some in this community are still working through their loss with the release and publicity of We Are Marshall.

But this week loss was experienced in a different way...fire. Wednesday night, a friend and I were heading to church for worship team rehearsal. I had to make a quick stop along the way and am so glad we did because I think we could've been parked right in the way.

As we drove toward the church, something looked really really bad...there was smoke billowing into the air and you could see a yellow glow. I nervously said, "Well maybe we won't rehearse tonight," thinking, "Wow...it looks like it's coming from the church...but I'm sure it's not."

As we got closer and closer it became clear that it was in the very direction fo the church. I started to get more and more nervous...

As we got close to the church we saw that it was the building across the street. Talk about scarey. I couldn't believe the fire, the smoke, and all of he onlookers who had gathered. So many people were around...crowding around...and many of them were taking pictures...something that I think is kind of morbid. The fire kept flaming up then dying then flaming up again. Finally the firefighters got it out.

The good news is no one was hurt...the building is at least half way destroyed but no one was hurt.

Saturday there was another fire at an apartment building where a lot of Marshall students reside. The building from where we could see it on Sunday looks kinda normal, but this fire was extremely devistating. Nine people have been found dead so far and they are hoping that is all, but they can't be sure. One family lost 3 children...I can't imagine that. How terrible...how sad.

Our prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones, their place of employment, their belongings and their home.

How Did They Know?

I had a funeral today and while we were riding out to the cemetery I had a very interesting and God filled conversation with one of our senior funeral directors. The gentleman has been in Huntington for quite some time...and was very instrumental when the Marshall plane crash occurred.

We were talking about the new movie and he, as so many others who lived through that time here in town, began to tell me stories about that fateful time. He talked about being called upon to coordinate the funeral directors especially for those persons who were from out of town. He told me how he was one of the main resource people for the movie to make sure they got the funeral scenes correct...they even provided the caskets. And he told me he was instrumental in the placement of the memorial site for those 6 individuals who could not be identified. He talked of a former pastor of our church who recently passed away who was instrumental in coordinating pastoral care for those in grief. And then he told me the following story...

Apparently, the six individuals who could not be identified were brought to his funeral home. The pastor from the church where I now serve was the dedicated pastor to meet with the families of these unidentifiable victims. There is a large room in the back of the funeral home...a viewing room...where they covered the three walls with two caskets each. The families came in one by one. Rev. Wallace took each family around the room...and they were allowed to view each casket for as long as they wanted. Then they would have prayer.

Each of the six families came in. Each of the six families were allowed to walk around the room. Each family was given a chance to say goodbye to their loved one as best as they could. Each family came in one by one...by themselves to say goodbye.

After the families had gone through and traveled back home or wherever they were staying, Al and Bob began to talk. Al asked Bob if he had noticed anything unusual about the viewing that the families had done. Bob said he had noticed something, but wasn't sure if he had really noticed it or if it was in his head.

Both had noticed that as the families came into the room, each family went from casket to casket...and each family, as they did this, paused at one casket longer than at the other five...AND each family paused at a different casket longer than the other five. Six families came to say goodbye to someone they loved...each family stopped at a different casket.

Did they somehow know which one held the one they loved? Did they know something that modern medicine could not figure out? How did they know?

When Bob finished his story all I could say as goosebumps filled my arms was, "Wow...that is amazing...that is so God."

GO BIG BLUE!!

Well, the Rose Bowl is about to begin. I'm hoping the only thing that the only thing the Wolverines lose today is the toss. Better luck next time George Lucas. Go Big Blue!!! Beat USC.

Happy 2007!!

2006 has been a great year in our house. After a sad middle to 2005 we found out that we were expecting our little boy just before Christmas last year...talk about a Christmas miracle. Our youngest arrived on August 18th kicking, screaming and peeing and has been a joy to have with us. Our oldest started school a week later. We had a great vacation to San Diego! Common Grounds has reached out to so many people in need of a warm place to get out of the elements and get a bite to eat. Jim's job is going well and he'll begin a new focus after the first of the year.

Tonight it's low key in our house. Our oldest is recovering from a bout with the stomach flu and now has a bit of a cold. I'm sniffling and sneezing along with him. Our baby is still trying hard to break those teeth through his little gums and he and daddy are asleep on the recliner. This new years will be rung in with a hug and goodnight. A little different than years past, but I wouldn't have it any other way. What are you doing or have you done to ring in the New Year?

Happy New Year to you and yours! May 2007 be filled with blessings, safety, peace and love!

Christmas Tradition Number 10

One of our last Christmas traditions is a call or visit from Santa Claus. Two or three years ago Santa called us on the phone and chatted with our oldest. Last year, Santa took time out of his very busy night to come and see us and bring our son a gift. This year that tradition continued with Santa bringing gifts for both of the boys. Our five year old got a pirate set...one that he really wanted Santa to bring, and our youngest got a teether that Santa just knew he needed (he's only 4 and a half months old and working on teeth already).

We took advantage of the situation with Santa and took a lot of pictures.

All of these traditions are something that I hope continue. I couldn't pick one tradition I like over others. I enjoy sharing the shows I grew up on with the guys and hope that these will become favorites for them throughout the years. Baking is something that I really enjoy and with help to decorate the cookies especially for Santa is a fun, fun thing to do. Decorating the tree and remembering times past and places we have visited makes me happy. And visits from Santa are really, really cool.

All of these things are family things we can do together and help us to build lasting memories. All make the holidays a very special time!

Christmas Tradition Number 9

Christmas tradition number 9 is one of my favorites...holiday FOOD! There are several items that fit into this category. Our "traditional" Christmas Eve dinner consists of Heavenly Ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls, and some type of pie. I LOVE Heavenly Ham because it's pre-cooked so you don't have to worry about getting it done just right...and it's oh so good and sweet. (Their macaroni salad is wonderful too!) And it really makes good left overs for the next day and a few days to follow.

Christmas morning it has been our recent tradition to have a rendition of Barbara Smith's (Michael W. Smith's mother) breakfast casserole. It has eggs, sausage, cheese, bread and milk in it...it's very good. I make it the night before and bake it while we open presents. It makes a great finale to the present filled morning.

Then there's the sweets...I LOVE sweets...this year our five year old and I made gingerbread cookies...with the help of Pillsbury, that is...we got the cookie cutters out and made a lot of cookies. He then decorated them with icing and sprinkles and set them out for Santa. We had a cookie exchange at work this year...5 dozen cookies for each of us...they were/are yummy!! I didn't get one of my favorite cookies this year and have kinda missed it...I love date pinwheels. Usually my mom makes some but I forgot to ask for them this year.

Then there are the drinks. I love hot chocolate and hot cider...but the weather here has been way too hot to enjoy those drinks. Last year I thought I had missed out on egg nog because I was pregnant. I got some this year just wanting to taste that thick creamy goodness. My tastes must have changed, it just wasn't very good at all...maybe too nutmeggy. So, I stuck with Coke and sweet tea this year.

Christmas Tradition Number 8

Another Christmas Eve tradition is watching of A Christmas Story. This has been a Christmas traidition for us especially since TBS has had it on for the 24 hours of Christmas over the past few years. If you don't catch it all between Christmas Eve dinner and the several church services we have, you might catch it while wrapping the last several presents or on Christmas Day when the hype has kinda settled down.

The story never gets too old or tiresome for me or our soon to be six year old son. Who could tire of hearing, "You'll shoot your eye out," over and over and over and over again?

Christmas would not be the same without it.

Christmas Tradition Number 7

Every Christmas Eve we spend time in church. One of my favorite things about Christmas Eve is the candlelight service. I love how peaceful the sanctuary gets when the candles are lit and Silent Night is sung. I preached this year for our morning service and added candlelighting as a part of that too. This was because we didn't have a children's service and our congregation is aging so many of them don't like to travel after dark. It went well even though the sanctuary wasn't completely dark for it. It was cool!

Another tradition that I just love which didn't happen this year was during the Christmas Eve service I LOVE to hear the song O Holy Night sung. It gives me chills when it is sung well and at the evening service. I really missed that this year.

Christmas Tradition Number 6

Somewhere in the midst of the holiday season, we saw two of my favorite Christmas specials...ones that I hope the boys will continue to love even when they have children.

The first is Year without a Santa Claus...I LOVE the heat miser and cold miser...

There is also How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon one, not Jim Carey), Rudolph, Christmas Vacation and several others that we love to watch. I remember these shows from when I was little and am thankful that I can share them with my kids. Thanks to the Family Channel many of them were seen this season.

Christmas Tradition Number 5

Each year we get pictures with Santa. This year we did it a little later than normal because the crowds were so big and the lines were so long. This year both boys sat on Santa's lap for the pose.

I continued this tradition even when I was in college. I hope the boys find it as much fun as I did.

Christmas Tradition Number 4

After our oldest got his tree up, it was time for the family tree to be put up and decorated. We've had artificial and real trees in the past. I always had artificial trees growing up and Jim always had real ones. Real trees are nice but quite a bit of work...and I get tired of cleaning up needles all the time even way after Christmas. This year we got an artificial just cut tree that is prelit. It's gorgeous and does look a little real.

We always put lots of decorations on it...to some people too many (my mother at Christmas commented that we had way too many decorations) but I disagree. There's still lots of green showing through...plus all of the decorations on the tree have some sort of sentimental meaning to them. We have decorations we bought on our various trips...our honeymoon, Tampa, SanDiego, other places that I can't think of right now. When the boys were born we bought baby's first Christmas ornaments...our oldest has a train built with each year up to five. We have some of the Christmas glass bulbs that we had our first year of marriage. We have ornaments made by our oldest during school and preschool, ornaments given to me when I used to teach, and others made or given to us by family and friends. I have a few ornament that I enjoyed as a child. Each of these ornaments mean something to us...and cause us to smile as we adorn the tree. At the top of the tree is one of my favorite angels (I collect them) that lights up and holds some decorations herself.

Too many ornaments? I don't think so...in fact there could be a lot more.

Christmas Tradition Number 3

This year our oldest got to do something that I loved doing when I was his age...he got his own tree. Our friend Betsy's dad has a shop where he sells some really neat stuff...a part of the cool things are Christmas trees. J got his very own table top tree and got decorations for it. There's a soccer angel; 2 stars, one of which is a Marshall star; Star Wars characters including Darth, C3PO, R2D2, and Yoda; Jeff Gordon decorations (his favorite NASCAR driver); a birdhouse; a teddy bear; Anakin and Obi Won action decoration; Santa; a gingerbread man; and a string of M&M's. He wrapped it with colored lights before putting the decorations on it.

He then put the gingerbread house underneath the tree. Quite a neat tree, I think.

Christmas Tradition Number 2

I looked at my last 2 posts and realize that I haven't posted for quite some time. We have had many continued traditions that we have done this Christmas season. I will do them as separate posts so I can put pictures with them.

This year our oldest got to make a gingerbread house again. Two years ago he made a real one that was the manger complete with straw (shredded wheat) and the baby Jesus. Last year we made a foam gingerbread house that we can keep for years to come. He's got that one sitting underneath tradition number 3 (see next post). And again this year, I think he was inspired by our stadium cake, we made a real gingerbread house.

Jake had a lot of fun decorating the gingerbread (premade) with the icing and candies...

Tomorrow's the Big Day

A while ago I posted about not being able to go to the big premiere because the ticket prices began at $250. Well, that was before we found out that the Marquee Cinemas in town were offering tickets for that same night at $25. We are going tomorrow to see the new We Are Marshall movie and our tickets allow us entrance into the green carpet to potentially see the stars.

I'm VERY excited and can't wait to see this movie. Every time they show the preview I get chills. I wonder if we'll be able to see us in "our scene". It's the retro scene where they 're having a board meeting to discuss cancelling the football program.

The town is again a buzz...this is exciting...I can't wait to see the movie.

It's Officially Christmas Season - Tradition One

OK, usually I announce that it's officially holiday season after the annual showing of The Wizard of Oz, my favorite all time movie ever. But we were out of town when that movie was shown on TNT (I think that was the station). My oldest and I both missed one of our favorite films...sigh.

Anyway, tonight on ABC another one of my all time favorite shows was on. And this one means that Christmas is REALLY on the way....when I was little I had this show on an LP...and had about all the words memorized...

I had my boys watch it with me and they seemed to enjoy it.

A Charlie Brown Christmas...now there's a classic....and that poor tree...how cool was that?!

Their Aunt Sissy will be so proud.

Thank you, Charles Schulz for a family classic!!

Our Very Own Stadium

Yesterday, Jim got this very cool stadium bunt pan. We got a butter yellow cake mix and away we went. The "field" is gingerbread and the stadium is all cake.

Today my oldest helped to guide where the "people" went and how the field should be decorated. It was a fun and unique way to celebrate this annual battle of Michigan and Ohio State.

The back drop is this very awesome watercolor that Jim got today...how cool is that?!

Even though the Wolverines didn't win, at least we got to eat some pretty good cake.

You Have to Admit It Was a Good Game

Well, it's over...three lousy points and it's over. You never know exactly what's going to happen when the Buckeyes and Wolverines step onto the turf. It was a great game...just as I'd hope it would be. There were a few of coulda woulda shoulda calls that Michigan made but at least they held OSU to only 3 points.

I'm exhausted now...going to cheer for Cal and Rutgers and see how that goes....it's not gone well....

I Have No Nails Left!!

OK...this is a great game, but I have no nails left...3 point game, less than 2 minutes to go.

GO BLUE!!

AARRRGGGHHH

Well, it's half time at the Horseshoe and Michigan is behind by 2 touchdowns. It's getting hard to watch...U of M gets a break then they go backwards. Come on guys, let's get back in this. Let's go!!!

Go Blue!

It's Go Time

Let's Go Blue!!

Goodbye Bo

Today we heard some sad news in the life of Michigan football...in football general. Bo Schembechler, U of M icon, passed away today at the age of 77 after taping a show about tomorrow's big game where the Wolverines travel to the Horseshoe to take on the Buckeyes. Bo was the greatest coach in Big Blue football. How sad it was to think of this great loss especially on this weekend where the national championship would very well be the reward.

Bo bled the maize and blue...and was filled with the Wolverine spirit. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.

So the focus is on the top two teams playing tomorrow at the Horseshoe. I am excited and nervous about the game. Will the Big Blue show up in force and squash those Buckeyes? Or will their hearts be somewhere else? Hopefully the battle will be hard fought and the Wolverines will come out on top.

Come on, guys, let's win this one for Bo!!

Good Bye Audio A

Last week the group Audio Adrenaline played one of its last concerts in Charleston. After 15 years, the group is going their separate ways. And to end their time together are doing a type of farewell tour. Charleston was one of their last stops to say goodbye.

This news was a little saddening to me as Audio Adrenaline was the first concert that Jim and I went to when we were dating. They played in my hometown of Celina, Ohio which is something unusual in and of itself, but Will McGinniss' (guitar player) twin sister had set it up.The Lutheran church in town was having a youth rally and Audio A was just getting its big start after their hit Big House. It was an outdoor concert and it was really, really fun.

A few years later, when I was in seminary, I saw them again in Columbus and got to talk to them. I thanked them for coming to Celina...they not only remembered the concert but said it was one of the most fun concerts they had ever played.

If you've never heard them I encourage you to listen to a couple of my favorites...Big House, Hands and Feet, If You're Happy and You Know It (watch yourself on the head banging part), Don't Censor Me, and Never Going to Be As Big as Jesus. Their other songs are good too, but those are my favorites.

Farewell to a great band who carried the Gospel message to so many people.

Fun in the Leaves

1. Getting Ready








2. The Big Leap

3. A Soft Landing

My Favorite Season

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love football, cooler weather, the fall food and the fall smells. A couple of evenings ago I opened the back door and the crisp cool air hit my face. There was a faint smell of burning wood in the air too. These are the smells that I just love!!

I love everything about this season except raking the leaves in our yard. Our yard is great in the winter...it's huge and shady thanks to our pin oak in the back. It's the same tree that I hate this time of year as the leaves continue to fall.....and fall....and fall.....and fall.

To raise funds, our youth group volunteered of their time to help rake yards this year. So, Jim and our oldest had some help with the yard this year. J had his little rake and was helping to gather some of the leaves together so they could be mulched or bagged.

I think he had a lot of fun in the leaves once they got raked. He ran and jumped in them. He even posed with his little
brother.

The days are getting shorter, but the chill is in the air, the colors have changed into bright oranges, reds and yellows. The smells of the fall are in the air...the crunch of leave are under our feet.

Happy Fall!!

We Are Marshall Movie Poster Released

Today the new movie poster for the We are Marshall movie was released. It is so cool looking...Matthew McConaughey looking over Huntington. Now to just figure out how to sometime get a copy of the poster for the boys' room. They have the We are Marshall game poster that's been around town.

The time for the movie is swiftly approaching. It's getting more and more exciting. I can't wait to watch it to see if you can pick us out in the crowd.

The clock is ticking...and the excitement is growing.

Below is an alternate movie poster that the Herald Dispatch blog had...the picture is from the Green and White game...maybe we're in that...we'll have to look.

May the Force Be With You This Halloween!!

Halloween is a special time at our house. Every year our oldest picks out what he wants to be and it becomes the theme for us. Each year at church, we have an event called Trunk or Treat. The kids from our children's choir dress up along with some of the children from the neighborhood. Sometimes the youth join in by dressing up and having a party for the kids too.

The past couple of years I haven't been able to dress up because I've taught Bible studies and had worship team rehearsal. One year when our oldest was about two, he went as Mickey Mouse, I went as Minnie and Jim went as Goofy.

This year, since I'm still on maternity leave, I was able again to dress up with my guys. Our theme this year was Star Wars. Our oldest went as Anakin Skywalker; our youngest was Yoda; Mitchie, our dog was Darth Vader; Jim was Obi Juan Kenobi, and I was Leia.

Later tonight is Trick or Treat...and barring rain we'll be out in force (or out in "The Force") again.

Happy Halloween!!

PS And when you're Trick or Treating, our oldest says you need to say,

"Trick or Treat,

Smell my feet,

Give me something good to eat.

If you don't,

I don't care,

I'll pull down my underwear."

He continued, "Mom, those girls got it wrong...they said:

'Trick or Treat,
Smell my feet,
Give me something good to eat.
If you don't,
I don't care,
I'll pull down your underwear.'

That's just wrong...it's MY underwear, not YOUR underwear...they don't have it right at all."

Here's wishing you lots of treats and no tricks.

Say Hello to Scarecrow Jake

When we were on our way home from our Ohio trip a couple of weeks ago, we saw that this one farm had a build your own scarecrow part. By the time we got there, however, the things had all been put away. I was sad cuz we couldn't make that cool memory together.

But when we were on the way home, the guys decided that we could make a scarecrow at home instead. So, Thursday night they put together this little guy. Complete with his smiling face, jeans, shirt and Braves hat.

We hung it on the sign on our front porch. Jake's so proud of his new little friend. I hope he hangs around for a long time.

What Has Happened to the Bears?!

The season started pretty good...they were nationally ranked 9th. We knew that the big game would be against Mt. Union who once again was nationally ranked 1st. But we had beaten them last year and stopped their record breaking winning streak. I was excited, even ESPN mentioned the game on their pre-game show. I thought another upset might be at hand, but they beat us 49 - 7. Our rating fell to like 12th.

It was with that loss that the Polar Bears seemed to lose their steam big time. The next week was homecoming. The Bears hosted number 4 Capital. It was a good game, but the Bears came up short losing 10 - 17...thus dropping to 20th place nationally.

This week ONU traveled to Marietta. It seems that the losses from the past 2 weeks still have their hold. Marietta won 16 - 6. We've dropped to 3 - 3 for the Ohio Atheletic Conference...this game was for 4th place in our conference.

The numbers are there for the possessions and the yardage, but it seems as though no matter how far we get, we just can't score.

Next week we play Baldwin Wallace there. Come on guys, lets get back in the game and finish the season with some passion and wins.

Shots Stink!!

Yesterday our youngest had another well baby appointment. This is one of the doctor visits that I just hate. He had to receive 3 shots and an immunization by mouth. I hate when the boys receive shots. When our oldest was a baby I wasn't prepared for the shock of listening him scream and cry when the shots were given. My husband held him down while I started to tear up.

Then there was the time he fell and cracked open his chin at Universal Studios on our vacation to Florida. He had to get a shot in his chin before it could be sown up. I know all of these shots are for their own good, but it makes me sad to hear them in pain and scared. I can't even watch them get the shots because it upsets me.

I hated shots when I was their age, but think it's harder when it's your children that are on the receiving end of the needle. It's hard to take when your child is in pain.

I wonder if that's the way God feels when we are hurting or scared. I wonder if it makes him upset to see us cry. I imagine that he wants so much to comfort us and hold us close. All of this out of God's great love for us. After all, God is our ultimate parent and isn't that what parents do?

More ONU Pics

The Pass, Punt and Kick contest

Enjoying the Pony Rides.

Not a Great Game, But a Good Day

This past weekend we made our first road trip with the little one. We went back to my old stompin' grounds for Ohio Northern's homecoming. This year's theme was Gone Country. It was a nice day...a little chilly, but if you know anything about Ada, Ohio and the tundra of ONU, you understand completely how chilly it can get. It was sunny and no snow in sight.

There were rides for the kids, big and small. Our oldest rode rides upon rides. He started out on the pony rides then moved on to the canoe rides. He was excited that all the food in the carnival area was free...including caramel apples and cotton candy. There was a lot of cool free stuff...banners and a cowbell.

After a lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers at the tailgate party, we headed over to Dial Roberson Stadium for the game. We even got to see Klondike and get a picture with him. I wish I could say it was a great game...it was good, exciting at times, but unfortunately we lost. That was disappointing.

Anyway after the game, our oldest went down to the field to participate in the pass, punt and kick contest. He won first place for the 5 year old division. We were so proud.

Even though the bears lost, we had a great time. And I think everyone had fun.

Sigh, I Guess I Won't Be Going

Today the prices were released for the world premiere of the We Are Marshall movie. I had known the tickets would not be cheap and I was right. The cheapest seats are $250 which are probably in the balcony. Then there are the $500 tickets where you can be closer to the stars...probably on the floor. There are the $1000 tickets where you can be in the front with the stars and attend a gala reception with the stars too...and there are premiere sponsor tickets for $10,000 - $500,000. Now the proceeds from these tickets go to good causes...Marshall University and the Keith Albee restoration fund, but come on. I guess you have to be rich to associate with the rich and famous.

We're talking about going to the red carpet with camera in hand to see the stars and be a little a part of the big event. On the news tonight they said that there might be another showing of the movie with tickets going for $25 a piece. That's a little more of what I might pay to see it during the big hoopla.

Oh well...maybe there will be some kind of contest...watch the movie and sit with the stars stuff. That'd be cool...yeah, I'll hope for that.

What Do You Mean No Pie?!

Over the weekend we went to the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival. We haven't been there for a few years...I think our oldest was a baby the last time we were there. It has really grown since then. The ground was muddy from the week's rains but the atmosphere was great. There was the exhibit of large pumpkins including one that was over 900 pounds, there were arts and crafts, and there were some pretty cool concessions.

You could get about anything you wanted pumpkin. Pumpkin clothes for yourself, your children, your pet, your lawn animals; pumpkin candles; pumpkin cutouts; pumpkin coffee; pumpkin chips; pumpkin butter, pumpkin bread and pumpkin doughnuts.

Now with all of these selections you would think they'd have plenty of my favorite fall treats...pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie especially if it's warm with a lot of whipped cream. While the boys and I stood in line to get hot dogs, Jim went to get food and dessert. But when he got to the pie stand they were out. OK it was the evening...so I thought they just were really busy...but they had run out at like 10 AM that day...they said they'd have more the next day, but you had to get there by 9 or 10. Are you kidding me?!

The Pumpkin Festival with no pumpkin pie...unless you want it for breakfast. Just disappointing. On the way home, we stopped at the grocery and the guys got me a pumpkin pie. And boy is it good!!

Amazing Grace

Over the past several days I have been shocked and saddened as well as amazed and awed by what has been happening in the news. The most troubling to me was the shootings in the Amish country in Pennsylvania. It made me so sad to hear of what had happened. Any time children are harmed by people, my heart aches. I think of how I would feel if someone hurt my boys or if someone had hurt "my kids" when I was teaching.

The Amish are a unique people. They pride themselves as being in the world but not of the world. They seek to live their lives in peace with those around them. They are known for not fighting...but rather for turning the other cheek when it comes to conflict.

This senseless act of violence was especially sad because there were mostly young children and young adults in the schoolhouse.

But through this terrible tragedy there has come a wonderful example of grace. Those who had been effected by this horrible event the most have begun the process of healing and forgiveness. They have forgiven the man who took loved ones from them. And through this have become an example to us all.

I don't know if I could be that grace filled this early in the grieving process. I would hope to show God's presence, God's grace and God's love, but if someone hurt my boys I think that grace would not be the first thing in my mind. Through this awful incident we have the opportunity to see God's presence and God's grace.

What Have We Learned - 5 Years Later

It's hard to believe that it's been five years since the terror attacks. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I had a pastor's meeting in the morning, Jim was getting ready for work. We were waiting for the sitter to come be with our then 8 month old son. When she got to our house she told us that something terrible had happened. We turned on the TV just as the second plane hit. I thought it was so terrible it must be some kind of horror movie trailer that they were showing. But we soon learned that it was all too true.

That day was surreal for me. The downtown ministers went ahead and met...searching for some way we could be strong for each other as we sought to be strong for those who would come seeking some kind of answers...some kind of reason for this unthinkable act of violence. Many of us were on the phone with loved ones...one of which was scheduled to leave that morning for London.

People walked around in a daze...not knowing exactly what would come next...what would happen next. Many were glued to the television and radio listening and watching for some explanation, some kind of guidance, some source of hope.

As we look back, there are many things we learned in the past five years. Here are three of those lessons...

1. We should never take things for granted. Each day spent with those we love should be lived to the fullest so that those we care about know how much they mean to us and so that we suck the marrow out of each moment that we live.

2. No matter what might divide us from each other, when others are in need, we all can come together to help in whatever way we can. Things changed for a while after that day. People let down their guards to be kind and courteous to each other.

3. There are those among us who will offer up their time, talent and their vary lives to rescue those who are in danger or those in need. There were many that day and even the days, weeks and months to follow who offered of themselves so that others might be saved or comforted.

There are many other things we have learned since then...but these are the ones that really stick out in my mind. May we continue to learn new things about ourselves and our faith.

My Favorite Season

Even though Fall has not officially started, the feel is in the air. Since I haven't been out of the house a whole lot, I have been under the impression that the heat wave continued. But when I stepped out of the house to hang our Marshall University flag out, I realized that fall has arrived. There is a little chill in the air...boy, it feels like football weather.

And so today's real beginning of the Saturday college football season seems so appropriate. The good news is that Michigan won...but so did Ohio State. Then there was the Marshall vs. WVU game which WVU won.

Our little one was disappointed that Marshall lost...he had worn his We Are...Marshall onesie in hopes that the Herd would be victorious. Hopefully they'll do better last week.

The Ohio Northern Polar Bears take the field next week. Good luck to all of our favorite teams.