Remembering

Our world stood still....we all sucked in our breath and waited to wake up from this nightmare. A friend came over to watch our boy and told us to turn on the TV. It looked like a scene from a bad movie as we tuned in to see the second plane hit. What was happening?! This was no longer an accident, a miscalculation...it was done with deliberation...it was done with hate.

I looked at my little baby...he was just about 8 months old...what kind of world would he know? What was happening around us? Would we ever really know? I hugged him tighter trying to protect him from the evil that was outside. Trying to shelter him somehow, some way from the "real world" where bad things happen for no reason to good people.

I called a good friend who was scheduled to leave that day for London. Where was she? Was she in the air? Was she safe? The lines are busy...please try again...Everyone was trying to call the ones they loved. Finally I heard from her...she was safe...she was in the states....she was at home....she wasn't leaving.

So many people lost their lives that day and the days to come. For what? I guess just so someone could make a point about how much they hated us.

Six years later and it seems like just yesterday that we all walked around a little stunned and kinda in a daze. We saw the people on the news...holding up pictures...searching for loved ones...searching for hope. We came together. We joined together in ways that only tragedy bring. We gathered in the church to offer prayers...prayers in different faiths. We were one if only for a while...if only to help each of us begin to heal.

Six years later and things are pretty much back to "normal." We go through our lives so eager to get quickly from here to there. We don't really pay attention, real attention, to those around us unless they're in our way, we want something, they are close to us.

As we pause to remember, let us pray for love. Love for each other...love that can conquer evil. Let us pray for continued healing. May the rain that fell today remind us of the tears we shed that day six years ago. And may we seek to reach out to one another...in the name of love.

What?!

The day started out relatively well....Marshall showed up in force against WVU and did a pretty good job even though they didn't come out with the win.

Ohio Northern beating Millikin at the half with a score of 14 - 0 but then I lost my internet connection and couldn't listen to them on the Bear any more. Now that I'm back online I can't find out what happened as they still have the half-time score up. Update: Just heard the score on the Bear...the score was a big 42 - 0. Way to go Bears!!

But the big disappointment today hands down has to be Michigan WHAT ARE THEY DOING?! Last week was bad enough, but I chalked it up to the fact that they usually don't do that well in their first games. But today it's like they're on vacation. Come on guys, let's go. Hoping the second half will be better.

It's That Season Again!

I'm so excited...it's football season again! Although last week's game for the Wolverines looked more like a high school team playing a college team, I am hopeful that they will redeem themselves against the Ducks tomorrow. Hopefully more folks will show up tomorrow than just Mike Hart.

Ohio Northern begins its season at home against Millikin, Illinois. The cool thing about tomorrow's game (other than the fact the Polar Bears are playing, of course) is that 100% of the money from ticket sales will go to help the areas impacted by the recent flooding in northwest Ohio. It was quite disturbing to see Findlay look like a river ran down Main Street. So it'll be fun and a great way to raise money for a good cause.

Finally, the "big game", WVU at Marshall. Now I have to admit growing up in northwest Ohio I had never heard of Marshall until I came down here...and I really didn't get the whole fan thing until I started looking deeper into the history of the football program especially in the 70s. But now with the knowledge that I have gained I must say I'm a Marshall fan. 'Course two of the guys in this house I think will be rooting the other way. Hopefully my youngest will be on "my side" he's at least going to dress like it.

May the best teams win tomorrow (the ones I'm rooting for!)

Great Weekend

Sunday afternoon I was given a great opportunity. Several months ago (I can't remember how long ago it was) I was contacted by one of my former youth group "kids". She told me she was getting married and wanted me to come back to Ohio and participate in her service. I was humbled and touched by this request to have a significant part in this new chapter of her life. It had been a while since I had seen her (I think it may have been at my own wedding 10 years ago). She had gone to college, received a PhD at Berkley and now lives in California.

The wedding would be outside something that always makes me a little nervous with the weird weather we've been having. But Sunday the weather was gorgeous. Tina made a beautiful bride and the day was really neat.

It was good to connect with Tina, her sisters and her family again. The interesting thing was...years ago, when I was 2 or 3, I was the flower girl in her aunt's wedding. It's kinda a neat little circle of events there.

Congratulations Tina and Brian. Best wishes for your new life together.

Getting in Shape

I found this statistic on Dan Kimball's blog, Vintage Faith: In 2004, a survey of 2,500 ministers found that 76 percent of Christian clergy were overweight, compared with 61 percent of the general population.

Also it was recently released that West Virginia is 2nd in the nation for obesity at 29.8% just after Mississippi at 30.6%.

Both of these statistics are cause for action. The focus for our Annual Conference over this next quadrennium is stewardship. We're not only looking at financial stewardship but also environmental and physical stewardship. I'm hoping to do a better job of all of these myself...but wonder if it's because we so often try to care for others before ourselves that self-care is put aside.

As a society, we're a fast food nation wanting things really quick and eating on the run. I'm hoping to just slow down and take time to be more physically fit. It's hard to care for others when your not in good health yourself.

OK, so now my plan is to really start watching what I eat, to exercise more frequently and to try to live a healthier life.

Oh Man, Not the Jets!

I didn't think I'd ever say this, but it looks like I may be rooting for the Jets this year. While I was looking at the Northern website to get the email address of one of my former math professors who lives in Findlay I checked out the ONU athletics page.

From time to time we have had players from Northern who have made it to the pros. Stacey Hairston was the first one I knew...he was 2 years older than I was and when he graduated, he got an offer to play for the Browns. He played almost every week until he got hurt. Jamal Robertson is now playing for the Atlanta Falcons after playing for the 49ers and the Carolina Panthers.

This year, Jason Trusnik has signed as a free agent with the Jets. He'll be playing as a linebacker and will wear the number 48. Throughout his career as a Polar Bear, Jason racked up 43 sacks, and 85 tackles for a loss. He got to play in the Aztec Bowl last December leading Team USA to a victory...in that game alone he had 8 tackles, 2 sacks and was named one of the co-captains.

So, even though I'm not a big Jets fan (which could be a risky thing to say here in Herd country) I'm going to start watching those games. Congratulations, Jason. Have a great season!

Cleaning up the mud

In the news over the past week have been stories about the flooding in Ohio. The floods occurred about an hour from where I grew up. I was watching the news the other night when they showed Findlay and remembered how I frequently visited Findlay when I was in college at Ohio Northern. The street that I remember driving down to get to the mall looked like a river.

When I spoke to my parents they said they were OK but that Ottawa was really hit hard. I have several friends from college who lived in the Ottawa area.

Most of the time flooding problems wouldn't even really cross your mind living in northwest Ohio. But it can really be a mess with the terrain of that area of the state. It is EXTREMELY flat so there's no place for the water to go. As if the drought wasn't bad enough for those who farm the land in that area now they have received the antithesis...way to much rain.

Please keep these folks in your prayers as they clean out the mud and guck.

The Lead is Out

We received a note from our boys' doctor in the mail today. Our little chewer/biter is free from lead and anemia (which I guess they checked too). YEA!

Ten Years Ago

Twelve years ago July 12th I met Jim online in a chat room. We talked for a while online then continued our conversation on the phone. From that day on we talked every day. Soon it came time to exchange pictures...what would he look like I wondered...I knew I liked him, but how shallow was I, really? Would he like how I looked? Which picture should I send?

When the mail came that day, I could hardly hold my breath. I opened the envelope and was so happy to see the picture inside. He didn't have two noggins...he looked great.

By the end of the month we had arranged a face to face meeting. He would drive from Charleston to Wapakoneta where I had lived at the time. Wapak is on I-75 so I was a little concerned about meeting him because I didn't want to be some casualty somewhere. When he got into town he called me from his hotel and I got ready to meet him. Everything went wonderfully...we met and it was wild...I felt like I had known him for years. For our first date we went to a local restaurant (along with a friend of mine) and had dinner. The next night we went to see the movie The Net.

The weekend went well and way too fast. We made some plans for when we'd see each other again.

On Groundhog's Day Eve 1 1/2 later, Jim proposed. The room was wonderfully decorated...with a yellow brick road, ruby slippers, a Cowardly Lion and a little box at the end. Need I say I LOVE the Wizard of Oz? In the box there was a glass plaque that was etched with this poem:

Carol, you are wonderful.
You are funny, beautiful, smart and kind.
The love we share, I thought I'd never find.
You fill my life with a special joy,
In a way I've not felt since I was a boy.
As I've grown, and become a man,
I realize just how lucky I really am.
Each day, my love for you grows stronger.
I hope we'll be together for eternity or longer.
I have been blessed by God To have you in my life.
Now I am asking you Carol, "Will you be my wife?"

I remember reading these words and wondering why all of a sudden Jim was down on the ground. Then I got to the last line. WOW. You just can't say no to that.

So, we set the date for August 23 at 1:30. The day before when we got into town we went into the church and our good friend, Jim who was pastor of my church, asked one of my best friends, "Do you want to tell her or do you want me to?" I'm thinking what in the world is going on?! Lisa was supposed to sing for the wedding so I thought maybe she wouldn't be able to...but it turned out our organist had to work the next day and wouldn't be able to play for the wedding. I was a little upset but not nearly as mad as I was when I found out he had known he had to work for 8 weeks before, had not asked off for it, and hadn't let me know. Jim (the pastor) called my former piano teacher who had previously been our organist and had asked her to come...she agreed. Whew! That hurdle was over.

The rest of the wedding weekend went really well and very fast. The music was WONDERFUL (Lisa this means you, too) and to think our organist/pianist only had less than 24 hours to get the music ready. The cake was cool (Duff-esk before Duff was doing cakes) it was shaped like a church.

That was the day I said yes to spending the rest of my life with my best friend. Now it's been 10 years. Where did that time go?! We have two beautiful boys and have had a bunch of adventures.

Happy Anniversary, My Honey, I love you!

Getting the Lead Out

Yesterday I took our 1 year old to the doctor for his 12 month appointment. He's growing to be a healthy, happy toddler. While there he got two shots and then the doctor wrote up an order for a blood draw to check for lead. She said they were checking all of the children that came in just to be sure.

We went to the floor where the lab is and began to wait. The guy who checked us in asked if we had an insurance company we'd like to bill it to...I thought about saying, "How 'bout we bill it to Fisher Price since that's why we're having this done."

After the lady behind the counter at the lab check in asked if my "little girl" had ever been there before to have blood taken, we went and sat and waited for the inevitable.

I'd already had to hold him down for his shots, but nothing had really prepared me for this. When we had to take him to have his newborn screening redone I stood and cried as he cried. This time I had to hold his arm as they tied a tourniquet on his little arm...one woman held his arm while the other swabbed and got the butterfly syringe ready. I was trying to focus on calming him down when something caught my eye. I almost came unglued when the woman with the syringe proceeded to move the needle around until she found a vein. I don't like it when someone does that to me let alone when they do it to one of my little ones.

I appreciate the doctors being vigilant in their attempt to nip any lead problems in the bud. However, I think the phlebotomists could have been just a little nicer. The one lady just wasn't very nice.

It took me back to my childhood with the two Nancys that were nurses for our doctor. One was nice and when she gave you shots they didn't hurt. The other was really mean and when she gave you a shot it was like a bull in a China shop.

Thanks, Fisher Price, for outsourcing your labor.

Happy Birthday to My Youngest!

Today was my little one's birthday. It's hard to believe how fast this past year went. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding him for the very first time. We had a GREAT party with friends and he had a great time. A BIG thanks to those who came over and spent time with us on this special day.

Our little birthday boy had his very own mini cake that he proceeded to mold, shape and devour.

Our oldest wore one of the shirts he wore when his little brother was born. He is so fond of his little brother even though he sometimes tries not to act like it. I think this picture taken a year ago speaks volumes. The smile on our then 5 year old's face says nothing but "I'm a proud big brother. Our boys have a special bond each are the other's favorite people.

It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone...Happy Birthday, little one!!

364 Days Ago

I remember like it was yesterday. I was HUGE, HOT, and ready to see this little one that we'd been waiting for for a long while. Family members were in town ready to see this new addition to our family.

The house was pretty much prepared, our bags were packed and we were anxious. Our friend Betsy came over to stay with our oldest and would be meeting us at the hospital the next morning.

We woke up before the sun the next day and made our way to the hospital in the dark. I remember I was a little concerned because my chart had not arrived at the hospital (my doctor had put it in her bag and accidentally taken it home with her). So, as they hooked me up to the monitors they kept saying well we're still waiting on your chart.

Finally the doctor came in, Jim got dressed and ready to go. We headed off to the OR. Jim had to wait outside while they got me prepped.

There were many awesome aspects to this day. I went into the OR about 8 am or so...and they have prayer each morning at 8 am. The "crew" that was in there with me paused and one of them said, "That's exactly how I like to start surgery...with prayer." The next thing I know we're picking out what music to listen to during the birth. We picked out someone's (I can't remember their name) mix CD. It included the song Girl, Your Really Got Me Now by Van Halen. And away we go. After a little bit of puking due to the anesthetic I heard, "Are you ready? Here he comes."

My littlest boy was born. He came out screaming, peeing and perfect!

Wow what a day. I can't believe it's been 364 days since that early Friday morning.

Happy almost birthday!

Wet Pants - A Story of Grace

I received this story from a friend and want to share it as a story of grace seen through the eyes of children.

WET PANTS

Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks
his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat."

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered. As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is
carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. "You've done enough, you klutz!"

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too."

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good..

My Big Guy

Today my oldest had his first big field trip. He's in a summer program here in town and they took a trip to the Columbus Zoo about 3 hours away. We woke up in the wee hours of the morning (none of us are real morning people in this house) to get to "school" by 6 am. As we were on our way, he noted, "The sun isn't even up as early as we are."

There were a few houses that had lights on either outside or inside. "Isn't that nice, Mommy, they have their lights on to help us see our way."

We got to the school...he eventually boarded the bus and they were off.

When I took our youngest to "school" today, he kept looking at the empty car seat beside him like, "Uh...Mommy...I think we may have forgotten someone."

They were gone all day and got back around 10:30 tonight. We all got in the car to go pick him up. He told us stories of all the animals and all the adventures he had had. I think he had a really good time.

When we got home our little one heard his brother's voice and woke up. They shared some really great hugs. And when I put the little one in his bed, he kept staring at his brother to be sure he was still there.

It was a great and L - O - N - G day...and now I'm off to bed.

The Next Best Thing

I have been watching Scott Baio is 45 and Single lately. This show is much better than My Fair Brady...at least Scott has acknowledged he has some issues to work out before he thinks about tying the knot and is trying to do something about it.

One theme that keeps running through the conversations that Scott has with his ex-girlfriends is that he was always looking for the next best thing.

That idea has struck me. How often do we look for the next best thing? Have there been times when we have missed out on truly enjoying something because we've been looking for what is coming next? Maybe instead of worrying about whether there's something better out there we should stop and appreciate the moment we are currently in.

Who'da thought Chachi could teach us a valuable lesson.

Wow...Has Time Passed

It's almost August and I can't believe where the time has gone. I was looking through old posts and saw one of my oldest when he was having trouble sleeping in his room by himself. He looked like such a little guy then...now he's getting more and more grown up. Our youngest will turn 1 this next month...WHAT?!

We'll also celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year. I found this picture of the flying monkey with the hour glass...I thought it was cute and very appropriate. Have I mentioned lately how much I love the Wizard of Oz? It seems just yesterday since Jim proposed on the yellow brick road by the Lion and the ruby slippers.

Boy, time has flown by...and it's been great, exciting adventure!

Have It Your Way....NOT!

Tonight we went to see The Simpson's Movie. It was really good...just like watching the series had been back in "the day". As a follow up to the movie, we decided we would go to Burger King because they are having a big Simpson's promotion. We thought our oldest could maybe get a toy or two (I guess they talk) and we could kinda continue the theme of the night.

Now let me also add that I am not the biggest Burger King fan. Every once in a while I'll get in the mood for a Whopper, but as a rule I'd rather have Wendy's or even McDonald's before BK. I'm a big french fry person and theirs are kinda gross because they at least used to have batter on them. But I digress.

So, we order our food and got a kid's meal for our son. I looked to make sure there was a toy in the bag and take it to our table. When he pulled the toy bag out of the sack it was a little tiger thing. I'm like, "That's not going to work...let me get you a Simpson's toy." Thinking that maybe they were trying to get rid of these old toys.

When I took it up to the counter the people behind the counter said...yeah we have that or an otter. I'm like, "WHAT?!" There's Simpson stuff all over the place, the bag it came in is Simpson's, the paper that my sandwich came in has the Simpsons on it. I said, "He'd like a Simpson toy please."

The girl behind the counter said, "We don't have any." I was puzzled that on the day the movie opens they're either out or have yet to receive them...always holding out hope I said, "Oh, well will you have them next week?"

She says, "No, we won't get them at all...our regional manager didn't want to get the toys...so all we'll have is the endangered species toys."

Now I'm just aggravated...but not at the girl...I told her, "That's just dumb...I'm not upset with you...but tell your regional manager that that's just not even right. You'll have more than just us coming in for these toys and you all are going to get the brunt of peoples' anger."

She kinda grinned and said, "You know if you want to complain, just call the 1800 number and complain..." She actually told me this twice throughout our visit there...

So, apparently if you want BK Simpsons toys you have to drive quite a distance to get some...the 3 BKs around Huntington don't have any.

Well, It's Almost Here

I remember when it first came out. I was in college and we made it a weekly event. We'd gather together, I think it was on Thursday nights, in one of our dorm rooms and watch the adventures of this kinda strange family. We laughed and began using their catch phrases, "DOH!" "Don't have a cow, man." and others.

It was more than a animated sitcom, it became a chance to get together, have snacks, quit studying and watch FOX. I'm looking forward to seeing the Simpsons Movie...I just hope it's as good as the hype. I look forward to hearing some more wise words from Rev. Lovejoy...he's quite interesting.

But, my favorite Simpson is Maggie...when I took the Simpson's Personality Quiz, I was Lisa...who are you and who is your favorite?

Honey I Shrunk the Kids

While we were at MGM Studios we went into this play area based on Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Our oldest had never seen the movie. Tonight we had a chance to watch it. He said he really liked the movie. It was neat to re-watch this movie and be reminded of our trip yet again. Thank goodness for Video on Demand!

What a Shame

I know I had been out of touch for a couple of weeks but didn't realize how much I had really missed while we were down in Florida. Yesterday I received what we call the "Mid-Week Bulletin" from my home church in Ohio. They have a new pastor there as of July 1 and this is his second newsletter since he began his appointment. Usually I use these newsletters to determine what kind of theology the pastor has...sometimes I have agreed with the pastor serving my home church and sometimes I haven't.

It was a breath of fresh air to read this week's letter from the Pastor as I found his comments both interesting and true. This week's topic looked at the recent declaration of the Pope that other Christians are either defective or not true churches. He continued that Roman Catholicism is the only true religion.

After all of the work that has been done to create Christian unity, this statement comes out. It's hard to think of unity when a leader of a whole religious group makes a statement like this. And it's so sad.

The community I grew up in is 75% Roman Catholic...needless to say I had and still have many friends that are Catholic. One of my dearest friends and I have had great faith discussion...in fact she's one of a small group of people that I really trust to keep me focused upon the important things. When I was in seminary we had a partnership with he Catholic seminary and the Lutheran seminary. We were all required to take a class at another seminary in order to truly experience an ecumenical education. What will that look like now?

I remember as a child my friend Mary could never attend anything at my church. We had neat youth group trips...awesome youth activities and she could not ever come with me. In fact the only time she stepped foot in my church was the day of my wedding. I didn't understand why she was never allowed to come when I was a child. We were friends who both believed in God and in Jesus as our savior...why couldn't we worship together from time to time?

All I can say is what a shame.

When You Use Your Cell Phone at Dinner

One of my favorite places to eat at Disney MGM Studios is the 50's Prime Time Cafe. You enter into "Mom's" house and inside this restaurant there are different rooms that look like a 1950's kitchen. They have great food (fried chicken just like grandma used to make, meatloaf - not my favorite but our oldest loves it, and YUCK! greens) and even better desserts (the S'mores dessert is to die for.) Along with great food they have rules:

1. No elbows on the table
2. You must at least try your veggies in order to get dessert (much to my dismay as I was force-fed (with airplane noises I might add) greens before I could order my S'mores)
3. No cell phone use at the table.

If you disobey these rules you could get called on it, corrected or forced to make restitution in front of the whole "kitchen". This is what happened when Jim was checking email on his cell phone.

Happy Father's Day!

Issues to ponder

Today was the last day of business at our Annual Conference. All in all it's been a pretty good conference. Some decisions that were made do not line up with how I feel, but for the most part the conference has been less volatile than in previous years.

Starting next year our new quadrennial focus is on evangelism. I have some concerns about how these next several years are going to go. I have been at meetings where folks sit around and talk about the "good old days" where you just had to have a great preacher come in for the revival and this would compel people to devote or re-dedicate their lives to Christ and our churches would be filled again.

That may have worked back in the day, and I don't want to limit God, but at the same time I really don't think that's how we reach out to those (as Dan Kimball calls them) outside the bubble. If we truly want to be about spreading the Gospel, we need to go where the people are and minister to them how they are. There are way too many things vying for people's attention...and we need to find an authentic way to draw people into the presence of God.

Yesterday there was a presentation in which someone made the comment that they were talking with someone about the lack of young people in our churches. They continued that if this trend continued then after several years, even decades, our country would be atheistic. This conclusion really caught my attention. Just because someone does not attend worship or come to functions at a church does not mean that they automatically don't believe in God. Many believe in a higher power and are searching for the pieces that are missing in their lives.

The key to reaching out to people is to somehow touch them where they are, offering them Christ. If we reach out in love as Jesus did, then maybe, just maybe people will come that are looking for that missing piece in their life.

Our Bishop really has a handle on ministering to people outside the Christian bubble. He has talked about getting out of the church walls, walking down the street, getting in touch with those around the church as well as those within the church. And isn't that what Jesus and John Wesley did? They went out to those considered outcasts and offered them truth... relationship... and love.

It's not about the number of people who "find God" in our midst, but rather it's about relationship.

My Young Reader

Today my oldest received a medal for reading. He had to read several books and then discuss them with a volunteer. And he's already looking forward to next year when he can read then receive a trophy at the end of the year.

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone...it won't be long until he's in the first grade. My boy is sure growing up.

Finally!!

I finally got to do the sermon illustration that I've wanted to do since seminary. One of my friends talked about how on Pentecost Sunday he did a visual illustration with fire and water. He talked about how he started out talking about baptism with water...and then began to talk about Pentecost and how the fire came down and rested on the disciples.

He told me how I did it and ever since then I've been wanting to try it sometime. Well, today I got my chance. I used this illustration for our Children's Moment thinking that the children would like it and thought it would be something they would remember.

After a little nervous start (I couldn't get it to light) we finally got the fire to begin burning. It was very cool! Our lay leader got this picture of it. Thanks Kim!!

I think that this is probably an illustration that will be used several times again.

Before There was Color

My oldest got his yearbook yesterday. We were looking through his pictures and he was pointing out himself on every page he was on. He'd gleefully go, "Look mom there I am again...and there's me and there's me..."

I was upstairs today looking in the closet and found a box of my old yearbooks from elementary school. I brought them downstairs to show him.

I pulled out my kindergarten yearbook and had him guess which one was me. It took him a couple of tries but he found me. We pulled out my first, second, third, fourth and fifth grade books. He got better and better at finding my picture.

He asked me questions about my teachers like "were they nice? what were they like? was your principle nice? was he smart?"

Finally when we looked through my first six years of school, he said, "Wow mom...that's pretty cool so they had yearbooks when you were in school too?"

"Yes, just like you had."

"Yeah, but that was before they had color, right? Cuz all of these pictures are in black and white. Everything is in black and white."

Yes, J, I lived before there was color...gee do I feel old.

My elementary school is pictured above...it's not super colorful but you can see it's definately not black and white.

Look Out, We May Be Choosing the Next Lineup

Yes, it's official we are a Nielsen Family. Jim got a call some time ago and signed us up to record what we watch from early this morning through next Thursday.

Watch out, if we have our say the main shows on TV will be Yes, Dear; Still Standing; Power Rangers; Law and Order; Sheer Genius among other shows.

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Days like today can draw us closer to God as well as closer to each other. We are blessed that we can gather together on a day such as this in a public place with people of other denominations and other religions and pray together.

Goodbye Scarfish

Last night was the school carnival. And once again this year our oldest won a fish at one of the games. I remember from my times in school that "pets" won at carnivals and the such do not last very long at all.

Last year's fish, Nemo lasted forever. Maybe it was because we didn't actually "win" him at the carnival but instead "won" a certificate for a free fish. We took our son to the pet store to pick out his prize. Nemo lasted forever...I thought we'd only have him a short time but I think we had him for a few months.

Well, last night we brought home a new member of the family. He was "won" and this year they didn't run out of fish but I have no idea where they got some of these. Our son had this huge goldfish but with a big gash in his tale. So, he named the fish...Scarfish.

This evening we were getting ready for bed and I noticed that Scarfish was doing the backstroke in his bowl. Already?! So, we had this talk about death and the life of fish. I think it could be because he was already injured...I'm expecting a funeral tomorrow...then sometime soon we'll go look for a new fish.

Goodbye Scarfish

So Sissy, Did You Play Your Coconuts?

I saw on the news tonight that in London yesterday they celebrated St. George's Day by showing the "Holy Grail" and having fans gather together for the Coconut Orchestra. Now I know you said you had a "conference call" but I bet you were playing your lovely bunch of coconuts, weren't you?

And I know you do like Spam-a-lot!
: ~ )

Yes, I think I see you!

Miss you!

Which Way to Go?

This Sunday I'm preaching on the conversion of Saul. I am focusing on how Saul had to lose his sight in order to more clearly see his true calling in life. It was only when he was blinded to the hatred and persecution he was perpetuating so that he could truly see the Christ in his midst.

With everything that has happened this week, I'm trying to figure out how to relate the two topics to one another.

One of the hardest Sunday's I have ever preached was on September 16, 2001. That was a rough one too. I trust that God will provide what words need to be shared with our congregation.

So Very Sad

It's been a sad day in our country as students, faculty and friends of Virginia Tech gathered to pay respects to fellow students. It's hard to know what to say after something like this happens...sometimes it's hard to know what is going on in our society...where God is in all of this.

I remember how I felt after Columbine...how sad I felt for those who'd been injured, those who had died way too young.

The Sunday after 9/11 I was scheduled to preach. I remember thinking, "What in the world do you want me to say, God? Where were you? What can I say to let people know you are near?"

The Good News in all of this is that God does walk with us through this valley and will continue to offer us God's presence, grace and love.

Hope You Had a Wonderful Easter!!

Duff and Baby Duff

One of my favorite chefs is Duff Goldman...this quirky guy who does these killer cakes. He's made so many neat kinds...and most of them don't even look like cakes. They are works of art and more like sculptures.






We watch his show Ace of Cakes on Food Network quite often. When our youngest was smaller than he is now...and when he didn't have any hair or at least not much hair, Jim made a comment that he looked a little like Duff.

So, we off and on called our youngest Baby Duff or Little Duff. You be the judge...just add a little goatee...

I Hate the Dentist!

I went to the dentist today...one of my least favorite things to do in the world. I'd rather have a million check ups at the doctor rather than go to the dentist once. Because I have inherited my dad's tartar tendency and I have TMJ I try to put off going to the dentist until the very last minute. And because of this I had to get my teeth really really cleaned.

Today I bit the bullet and went to the dentist. I had originally thought I was going to get a little cavity filled...but as it turned out, they had me scheduled for my last deep cleaning...I'm like great this'll be fun...NOT. I said something to the lady that was cleaning my teeth and she quickly went to see if I could have both done. Lucky for me (or not) they had had a cancellation and could work me in to have my tooth filled since I'd already be numbed to do so.

Good news is I'm done with my dental work for 3 months now...yes, I have to go back that often for a while to cut down on the cleaning time...bad news is now my teeth hurt...but I know that's only for just a little while.

Things that Make You Go WHAT?!

I have been reading Dan Kimball's book They Like Jesus But Not the Church which looks at how emerging generations view the church and our beliefs. Dan does some man-on-the-street types of interviews and offers a lot of food for thought on how we should be thinking about ministry today. Kimball states and I believe that we are living in a post Christian society where people are just not in touch with what is happening in the church or in Christianity. Sometimes we, who are inundated in the Christian sub-culture, forget that people around us might not understand when we talk of biblical characters or Christian events. It's almost as if we are like the early Christians seeking to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout a world who doesn't know much about Jesus or the Bible.

Not too long ago Kimball's premise was verified by the Jay Leno Show when Jay did one of his Jaywalking segments and asked people questions about the Bible. There were questions like Who were Cain and Abel? Who was Noah? What were the names of Jesus' parents? What did Jesus do? Some of the answers were almost laughable until you realized that these people actually didn't really know the answers. But, at the same time, this did not surprise me at all.

Today was another eye opener for me. The power company is replacing all of the poles downtown and it seems that our area is one of the next to be overhauled. Two men from the power company came into the office to arrange time for the power of the whole building to be shut off. The conversation went something like this:

power guy: We are replacing all of the poles downtown and we wanted to let you know when we were thinking about working around here. We need to cut the power to the entire area in order to do this. So, we were thinking of doing this this Sunday turning the power off early in the morning and for a lot of the day.

Those of us who heard this looked at each other in disbelief. This Sunday, for those who may not know, is Palm Sunday one of the major days in the Christian calendar. We celebrate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem...and this Sunday begins Holy Week.

I'm thinking OK even if you didn't know what day it was in the Christian year, you should probably know that Sunday's a big day in the life of the church. (I mean there are a lot of people who think that Sunday is the only day we work.) We promptly told him that Sunday wouldn't work for various reasons: the organ, the elevator and handicapped lifts, lights, etc. etc.

So then he suggests Wednesday evening. This didn't surprise me after the Sunday comment. We talked them out of that too. So we arranged a Tuesday for them to come.

But, once again, this reminded me of Kimball's book. We do live in a culture where church is something you might do maybe twice a year...where you go when you want to get married or if you want to have a special time to remember someone special. But to assume that everyone is knowledgeable of the church, the Bible or our traditions is pushing it these days. People are searching for something to make their lives complete...maybe it's time we step out of our walls and out of our comfort zones and do something different to relate the Gospel to their lives.

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is Jim's mom's birthday. She is so much more than an "in law" to me. She's more than a mom. She's a great friend and wonderful person to spend time with.

I hope your birthday is great!! We love you, Mom and wish we could be together.

Happy Birthday!

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.