World's Fastest Blog Entry

. . .well, maybe not. But, I've got a goal. "Big Bang Theory" begins in 7 minutes (acc. to the clock on my browser) so I've got an end-goal in sight.

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I posted last. As you can imagine, this time of year is crazy for everyone -- but music directors (heaven forbid I be called a "minister") have extra fun times on their calendars.

It's not been bad, actually. Here's a bullet-list of things that have occurred since I last posted.

1) Staff Christmas party - had my butt handed to me playing ping-pong from a 5th grader
2) Mark's work part - fun, great food, cold night. Brrrrrr.
3) Beginning wrapping presents
4) Baking marathon begun
5) Planning four, yes, FOUR services that will take place in a 6-day timespan. And yes, each one is entirely different than the other
6) Buying angel tree presents -- way fun!
7) Getting a new computer at work
8) Getting a new computer at home
(I didn't say it wasn't an expensive couple of weeks)
9) Baking Honey Whole Wheat Bread
10) Making a double batch of apple butter for teacher gifts for both kids
11) Going on a field trip with Caroline -- just this morning, actually
12) Buying myself a few new shirts/sweaters for the season (and PJs for Christmas Eve)
13) Making plans with friends over the holidays
14) Dumped boiling water on myself - burning a 4x3 area on my tummy.

Seriously, I could go on and on. But, I now have three minutes until BBT - and I don't like to miss this show, or the one that follows it on another network Castle. Really good show - check it out, if you haven't

I'm also finishing projects, wrapping more presents, buying presents, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries - saying "goodbye" to a colleague, and trying to sit still long enough to enjoy "White Christmas" or "Elf" but so far, that hasn't happened.

I'm almost afraid to type this -- but Caroline is making HUGE strides this week. She went to the elementary-age Children's Church this past Sunday, and did GREAT! My mom peeked in, as part of our disability ministry, and when Caroline saw her, she waved, and went back to singing and dancing with the big kids. I've been told she even raised her hand and answered a question in the big group.

And. . . . drum roll please. .. she has had three (3) very successful days in the bathroom side of her life. She even asked to be excused to go to the bathroom on her field trip today -- and HAD TO GO! Then, during dinner tonight, she asked to go to the potty - and big girl went!!! I'm so excited -- I told her this could be my present for Christmas. And, I mean it!

She's really growing up - and we're seeing it more and more.

Well, time for the show to start -- two minutes ago. I cannot, for the life of me, do something short-winded, can I ?

Oh well.. . . .

Are YOU talkin' to ME?!?!

When I see this face, I can't help but think of Robert DeNiro. . .

Caroline went to Build-A-Bear tonight, as a guest of her cardiologist and his practice. This is her 2nd year to go -- and my first year. What an experience! She chose a reindeer. At first, we wanted a panda. . .but then this little guy, Jacob, won our hearts over.


Having done the Build-a-Bear thing now four (?) times . . .she's pretty familiar with the drill, and did an awesome job.

I am sorry I haven't posted lately. It's been a crazy couple of days. But, having the kids back in school is helping with some of the mayhem. I knew it was time when even they were ready to go back.

I did get our decorating done for the year. I still want to do window/outdoor lights -- but that's going to have to wait until next year. I keep hoping to buy exterior lights after Christmas this year -- to get them on special. We'll see.

Until then, please enjoy some pictures of my indoor decorations. And yes - I do have two indoor Christmas trees. They're not fully pictured here because I need to get a good indoor/low-lit picture of each one of them. I'm going to work on that tomorrow. For now. . .enjoy!!

Mark got me the creche for my Willow Tree nativity this year for Christmas. . .and it seemed a shame to leave it in a box until Christmas morning. :)

This nativity set belonged to my grandparents. My grandma kept the green felt that she used to put on top of their console television with the pieces. When I pulled out the set -- for some crazy reason -- it was the felt that made me cry. I cherish this nativity set.

This is the tree in Edison's room. It has gold beads, colored lights, and his blown glass ornaments on it. It's really pretty when the lights are out.
This tree was in Caroline's room last year - but is in my kitchen this year. It's got white lights, plaid bows, and miniature gingerbread ornaments on it.
This is the tree in Caroline's room - next to Maria, one of her previous Build-a-Bear friends. It has simple pink plaid bows, and white lights. That's all.
This is the tree in my sun room. I might add that it's the non-heated sun-room, so right now, it feels like winter in there. Colored lights - gold star garland, and simple glass ornaments. Since this picture was taken, I added four stuffed snowmen around the base of the tree.

On either side of the TV in our entertainment center, I have some small trees that I have either made, or just collected.

My mom gave me the tall tree in the background, my mother-in-law gave me the little tree made out of yo-yos, and the medium tree is one I made last year out of some fabric trim. It still needs a tree topper - but I like the unique look of it.

These three trees are on the other side of the TV. The button tree is one I made last year. I love it. The yo-yo tree is part of the two-tree set from my mother in law. And the biggest tree is a mini-tree I decorated with jingle bells, and homemade crocheted snowflakes from my friend, Jane. I made the little star on the top of the tree. Simple, but beautiful.

Caroline has taken on the job of putting the star on the tree. I have pictures of Edison doing the very same thing years ago. It's amazing how much they love doing that! This is the more formal tree in our office/dining room. It has our heirloom ornaments (Hallmark, family ornaments, kids' creations, etc.) It has the traditional "pickle" ornament that gets hidden each year. It has a simple gold bead garland and white lights.

Mark and I have a tradition of buying an ornament when we go on trips -- so we have ornaments from Montreal, Shipshewana, Chicago, Kentucky, Arizona. . . all on this tree. I cherish it, and the memories that it holds.

My "other" full-size tree is my first-ever THEME tree. I never thought I'd actually do a theme tree. But, I finally have enough resources to decorate it. . .so I've had fun with it. It's my "country" tree. All the ornaments on it are either homemade, or have a country (especially primitive country) feel to them. It has white lights, a precious angel on the top made from an antique dresser scarf, and red "cranberries" (wooden beads) garland. Also, from the top, it has small streamers of red and beige raffia.

I'm really proud of this tree -- and other than the fact that it has no Christmas tree skirt (yet), it's probably my favorite of all of them.

There are two other small trees -- one is in our bedroom. It's just a miniature tree in an antique crock. The boughs have fake snow on them, and the small brushed red glass balls make it a very "classic" looking tree. The other is in the hallway leading to our bedroom. Again, it's a small tree -- with brushed ivory glass ornaments, small red wooden beads, and white lights. It's really quite cute -- and I love having it in the hallway.

So, there you have it -- I have finally posted pictures, with the promise of a few more to come. I pray these days find you blessed, content, and feeling God's favor.

I'm No Lionel Richie. . . . .

"I had a dream. . . I had an awesome dream. . . "

Last night, I had an amazing dream. A dream that I am praying comes true. Wanna hear about it?

Last night, in the midst of my slumber, I dreamed that I was babysitting. That's not so miraculous, or spectacular. But here's the part that's kinda cool.

It was Beth's granddaughter. (And said granddaughter hasn't been (conceived) born. . . yet) But, nonetheless, I was walking around my living room with this precious little girl -- dressed in a striped pajama/sleeper. She couldn't have been more than 4 months old. And yet, she spoke to me. She said, "Sing." So I sang to her. (When an infant tells you to sing, you sing!)

"You are my sunshine. . . my only sunshine. . .you make me happy when skies are gray. . . ."

And, as the words came pouring out, my front door opened. In walked Beth


Melinda (the baby's mother)


Jenni


Katherine


Mary


Hannah


Emily


Now, there are more family members in their "clan," including Tony (Beth's husband), Earl (Melinda's husband), Sarah, Joel, and a host of other kiddos and family members that have become so dear to my heart. But last night, the girls -- even one that hasn't yet drawn a breath -- walked into my dreams, and into my living room.

As soon as I realized what was going on, I woke up. In fact, I think I had actually kicked off the covers at that point. Maybe I was trying to go out to the living room--to see if it was real? Regardless, I woke up -- and almost burst into tears because I wanted to go back to sleep and finish out the dream.

But, alas, it was not to be. I went back to sleep--no more dreams.

When I awoke I thought about my blessings. I am thankful for my friends and family. Grateful for food on our table, blankets on our beds, and a roof over our heads. I'm grateful for two kids that continually make me laugh (or grimace--depending on the day), and a husband that loves me in spite of myself.

I'm grateful for a Savior who loves me and forgives me on a continual basis. I'm grateful for a church family that encourages me. I'm grateful for my neighbors who, although we haven't all met, smile and wave at me during my countless trips in and out of the subdivision. I'm grateful for reconnecting with old friends via social networking (Facebook) and for the little community of bloggers that have become friends and family to me.

My heart, my head, my dreams -- they're all full. Full to overflowing with blessings. And that, my friends, is my prayer for you. I pray that today (and every day) you will be blown away by the blessings that God has lavished on each one of us. He is so good.

Happy Thanksgiving!



And yes, Beth -- I woke up believing that God was telling me that you'll be here to see your grandbabies. I remember you prayed that prayer for me -- fully believing God was going to be faithful. I also think God was showing me how precious it will be to finally hug you in person -- and all those amazing daughters of yours!!

I've got a few more questions for God. . . .

I have been quoted (many times) saying that I had all sorts of questions for God when I got to heaven. (Yes, we are making that assumption) Those questions range from:

"Lord, why did you create mosquitoes, really?"

to

"Seriously God, why cancer?"

Tonight, being mid-November, I'm not asking about mosquitoes. Those questions usually surface in mid-July.

Tonight, I'm asking God (yet again) about cancer.
I'm asking Him why it strikes so often.
I'm asking Him why it's striking someone I love. . . again.

I'm not going to assume anything about His answers. All I'm going to assume is that His will is perfect, and that His ways are higher than my ways.

If you've read the blog at all recently, you know that we were awaiting news on the pathology for my friend, Beth. Although I believed, and firmly held to the belief that the mass in her throat would be just that. . .a mass. I just found out that it is cancer -- two types of cancer, actually. And, the two words I dreaded the most: advanced stage were part of the diagnosis.

It's nearly 1 a.m., so I haven't called up to Canada to talk to Beth. I know, at some point, she'll be reading this. (And you know I love you more than my words can express) But, had I called -- I would've had no words. I'm amazed that words are coming out right now -- except for the fact that I don't actually have to talk. Typing is easier, because the words aren't getting caught in my throat.

I don't know when they learned the news--I just read the email within the last 15 minutes. I was at a worship team rehearsal tonight. It is comforting to reflect on the songs we rehearsed tonight. But it's funny....I remember having a thought, during rehearsal:

"If Beth gets news that isn't good news, these songs are going to be hard to sing on Sunday."

And, I was right -- they will be hard to sing. But, not because they're not true. It's because they suddenly mean so much more to me than they've ever meant:

Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering, Blessed be Your Name
You give and take away, my heart will choose to say:
"Lord, blessed be Your name!"

and

No guilt in life; no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns, or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

not to mention

On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

and then there's

You took my sin and my shame
You took my sickness and healed all my pain
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord

If pressed, I would said that I really do have questions for God. But, it would be offensive, wrong, and weak of me to ask them. What do I do instead?

I bow at His feet. . . accepting that His will is perfect. I acknowledge that He knows and sees more than I will ever know or see. I worship Him for being holy, righteous, perfect, and GOOD. I praise Him for loving us more than we can describe. I thank Him for Jesus. . . and I marvel in the joy of my (and Beth's) salvation.

Beyond that. . .I (we) have got His word. And, while here on earth, that's gonna have to be enough.

Isaiah 55:9
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 40:28-30

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Ephesians 3:20-21

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Not that I'm questioning God's will or anything . . . but I am asking Him to amaze the heck out of a few doctors. I believe (with Paul) that God has the ability to do anything--even the stuff we can't imagine Him doing. I am asking Him to heal Beth without the need for radiation, chemotherapy, or more invasive surgeries. Because my God can do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine.

And. . .I'd be honored if you'd join me in that prayer.

Pictures for Beth!

One of the things Beth has told me is that pictures are good for her healing process. And she's right, on many levels. So, for your health's sake, here are some random scenes from our life over the past three (or so) days. I had hopes for more pictures, but they really didn't turn out. Oh well. Enjoy these few pictures.



Today is "transportation day" at Caroline's school. . . that's right, we got to make her a car. Of course, with her missing nearly a week of school over the past two weeks, we were cramming to get her car done last night. It turned out fine. . . .for a first timer! And yes, she wanted to be Number 51 - her brother's football number.

Speaking of that brother. . .

Edison helped Caroline with her homework yesterday afternoon, while I worked on supper - and took pictures, of course. She had to distinguish between upper- and lower-case "N" and color the picture accordingly. She did great. Here - Edison is helping her write her name. She's getting quite good at writing her name. And yes, I am kicking myself for not giving her a simpler first name. . . Ida, Ada, Ann, Bea. . . .whatever.

The finished homework -- and one proud little girl! *and yes, it IS warm enough in mid-November, for her to be wearing a sleeveless shirt. Yikes.

The thrill of a 15-year old's birthday is hard to capture on film. *sigh*

On Sunday, Caroline wore a new dress that was came from Arizona. It was mixed in with a bag of baby clothes for her baby dolls. I nearly missed it. Thankfully I found it -- and it was warm enough on Sunday for her to wear this short-sleeved dress (with a white cardigan, of course). The foot turn? She gets that from her Daddy. I have a picture, somewhere. When I find it, I'll put the two together. It's kinda uncanny.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

It starts. . . .

One of my favorite scenes in the "Lion King" is where Simba starts to figure out who he is as (the future) King. As he's talking with Timon and Pumbaa, there's an exchange between the characters, and at the end of the exchange, Timon (voice of Nathan Lane) looks down, shaking his head in anguished disgust, and says, with this beautiful New York/Long Island accent: "It starts."

I would do anything to find that clip -- but it's late, I'm tired, and to be honest, it's not that crucial to the post. But, it has begun. Edison's 16th year on the planet. Like many other things, it began with a whimper, not a bang.

He's tired. He's had a busy weekend.

Friday afternoon, two of his friends came home from school with him, in anticipation of our youth group's lock-in on Friday night. Just after Mark got home from work, another friend (church friend) joined the three teenagers here at the house, and the enthusiasm increased even more.

After feeding them two full-size (homemade) pizzas, and a gallon of lemonade, they were off. My word, can four teenage boys eat, or what?!?!? (Julaine, you have my lifelong admiration!)

We dropped them off at the church at 7 p.m., and promised that we'd pick them (or an assortment of them) up at 7 a.m., when the lock-in ended. And, we did. Only this time, we brought a different friend home -- and off-loaded the other three boys to their parents.

This time, I made biscuits, sausage gravy, and scrambled eggs for Edison, Kyle, and the rest of our family. They were definitely NOT the best biscuits I've ever made -- but I was pretty sleepy. And, the gravy was good -- a little spicy -- and it needed to be thinned out a bit. Oh well. The boys ate.

Then, a sensible mom would make her kid sleep, after being up all night, right? Yeah. But, who has EVER accused me of being sensible? (awkward silence)

So, a mere hour after they finished eating, they were back down to the church to help a local missionary film a training video. I have no idea what the actual quality of these videos are -- but I keep reminding myself that once they've been translated into three or four other languages, the bleary-eyed condition of Kyle and Edison won't matter. (Here's hoping)

Finally, around noon, Edison was home, and headed for bed. We let him sleep until about 4:30, and then it was time to head out to my parent's house for a campfire birthday celebration. With his birthday in November, and the weather in TN usually cooperating, we've had campfires for his birthday for a number of years.

Now, mind you -- Caroline and Mark are still recuperating from their various illnesses. So, we kind of went about this birthday party thing on a low-key setting. And Luke, one of Edison's friends from the lock-in, was our invited guest. And, as you might imagine, he fell asleep during the opening of the presents. (Turns out, he hadn't yet gone to bed since coming home)

After the birthday hoo-lolly was done, we headed to the house -- it was just 8 p.m. With the time change, it felt like midnight, but we still had lots of time. Edison and I ran down to the church to make some last-minute arrangements for our Thank Offering Celebration (details to follow) and run to the grocery store for apple juice for Caroline.

We finally got him home, and into bed around 10 p.m. He slept. And slept. And slept.

Around 8 this morning (when I am typically arriving at church) I was able to leisurely get out of bed, take my shower, and head down to church at 8:45. Our church services normally occur at 9 and 10:30 a.m., but today, we just had one BIG service. It was a lot of fun -- it ran a bit long -- but it was amazing. My worship team outdid themselves -- twelve songs! That's right, TWELVE. But, it was good.

And, for the record, I only fell apart and started crying twice -- once was for Beth, as we sang "Mighty to Save" and the other was during the song, "When I Think About the Lord," and again, I think I had Beth on my heart. The rest of the morning, I was good.

The focus of the morning was our "Thank Offering Sunday" and we took a special offering -- just to thank God for his blessings. Last year was the first time we did one of these -- and we gave over $160,000 for last year's offering. This year, as a church we gave a thank offering of just over $90,000. Both of these offerings are going to be used to help pay down the debt on our building. We want to be free to do ministry -- and don't want to be tied down to a mortgage. It's really awesome -- and very exciting to see God moving in such a new and exciting way!

After church, we handed Caroline off to Grandma -- and headed downtown for the TKA Football Banquet at Calhoun's on the River. Now, if you're not from these parts, the name "Calhouns" doesn't mean anything. This, my friends, is the home of some of the best barbecue in these here parts. And, they served pulled pork, chicken fingers, two salads, baked beans (with the pork in it), corn muffins, biscuits. . .yeah, it was amazing.

We missed a Thanksgiving dinner at church -- but, it was worth it. And, it was worth it to celebrate a great football season with the team.

On our way home, you would think we were about at our "melting point," and you would be right. But, of course, what non-stop day would be complete without a trip to WalMart!?! So, we stopped, bought our birthday boy two new pairs of shoes, some new t-shirts, a dress shirt (he's outgrown everything he has!) and a 12-pack of Sierra Mist (free) with Cranberry. It's only available during the holidays--and I love this stuff.

After picking up Caroline at Grandma's -- and discovering that we'd forgotten to pack her tennis shoes. How did we know? She and Grandma were coming back from a hike in the forest -- in her good church shoes. Oh well. . .they're just shoes, right? We were finally headed home.

Mark spent a couple hours outside - blowing fallen leaves over the back fence. Edison worked on homework. And Caroline and me? We watched Dora the Explorer and ate popcorn and apples for supper. After that, Caroline and I called Beth to say "Hi" and "I love you" before going to bed.

After we got Caroline in bed, it was time to catch up on kids' notebooks for school, field trip permission slips, fund-raising order forms (due tomorrow, of course) and re-packing backpacks and tote bags.

A quick perusal of Facebook, that wonderful (brief) talk with Beth in Canada, and three loads of laundry later, I'm ready to call it a day. An exhausting, thrilling, emotional, wonderful day.


I promised an update on Beth. She's home from the hospital. Please continue to pray -- we are awaiting news from the biopsy. It was so much fun to hear her voice -- even though it sounds a little different from the surgery on her throat. It was thrilling to hear updates on all her kids -- and to know that Hannah, her youngest, was prancing around her until she told me "hi" over the phone. (Hannah, I know you'll eventually read or hear about this -- and that just made my heart feel so good!!! I love you, sweetie!)

God did amazing things here this weekend -- and he's doing amazing things in Canada. He's doing amazing things wherever you look. Seriously -- look around, even in the small, seemingly insignificant things-- HE'S THERE, and HE'S DOING A NEW THING!!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:19

Friday, the 13th. . . Sunday, the 15th

I never really get that superstitious about stuff.

I don't walk under ladders -- um, because that's just not safe.
I don't throw salt over my shoulders -- um, that's messy.
I don't spit into the wind -- um, because that's just dumb.

So, today doesn't freak me out at all. In fact, it's a good day. It's a day where I'm not going to work. (Some would call it my "day off") I'm going to clean my house.

. . .so maybe it's an unlucky day for dust bunnies and germs. I'm just saying. . . .

But on Sunday, the fifteenth, my baby turns fifteen. That's right...we're now starting to talk about drivers permits. And yes, I would recommend you start buying stock in Miss Clairol right now -- because vanity is about to get the best of me, and I'll start washing this gray right outta my hair after the first of the year.

Edison is turning 15.
15 years ago today, I was in church -- answering all sorts of questions about whether or not I thought I would *ever* have this baby. I was preparing for a natural delivery (no drugs or surgery). I had no clue. Seriously, I had no clue.

Edison was actually due on November 14 - and was only one day late. I had no idea how or when to take my maternity leave -- so my first day of maternity leave was Monday, November 14. Talk about a leap of faith. That would take me through the first week of January -- and then I headed back to work.

After that first day of leave passed with no baby, I started to get emotional. I know. . . it's a stretch for me. I started to think that I should have worked even longer -- to get every possible minute with Edison that I would need/want.

And yes, the next morning, I woke up -- in labor. Seventeen hours later, I was nearly 35 pounds lighter -- and over ten of those pounds were HIM.

But, since that day -- yes, I'm gonna say it -- my life has changed forever. I wasn't just a wife, an employee, daughter, or accompanist. I was a MOM.

And this year. . . for some reason. . . the monumental thought of having been a MOM for 15 years is hitting me in a new way. I'm grateful. . .and humble. And suddenly, I'm even more cautious about decisions and reactions that have effects that I may never see in my lifetime.

So, please join me in wishing Edison a very happy 15th birthday -- on Sunday. He's a great kid. He's becoming a phenomenal young man. I see amazing talents and leadership qualities developing in him, and I just pray that with the time Mark and I have left with him at home, we'll be able to help hone some of those abilities & skills -- while taming down his sarcasm. (I swear, I have NO idea where that comes from. . . .)

I'm also asking you to continue to pray for Beth. They are awaiting pathology reports. They are doing some pre-emptive research and consultation -- in case the answers continue to be answers that need follow-up treatment. But, we continue to believe that God can do "immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. . . " (Ephesians 3:20)

I told some friends yesterday that when I went through my testing two years ago, Beth and I talked about "Plan B" when the first answer was inconclusive. Eventually, we wound up at "Plan C" as I had to undergo yet another surgery. One of my favorite posts she wrote was "Z for Zealous" in which she pledged to walk with me -- even if the plans lasted until we finished the alphabet.

That is a friend. That is a warrior.


That, my friends, is faith.