All under one roof. . . .

. . .and that's the way (uh-huh uh-huh) I like it (uh-huh uh-huh). Sorry, bad 70s disco reference there.

We're all back under one roof. Both kids are in their rooms -- one is asleep, the other is going to be asleep soon, I predict. The sewing machine has been disassembled and put out of Edison's room. . . the ironing board is hanging back in the laundry room. And, they will remain in those "normal" places for the time being.

I really did enjoy the chance to hang out in Edison's room and sew while he was gone. I keep saying that I'll be turning his room into a spare room/sewing room when he goes away to college. But, I gotta be honest -- it was harder than I imagined -- thinking about him not being home in a few years.

I remember a letter my dad once gave me. I was a little older than Edison is now. I'd gone away for a weekend trip to a college in Illinois with my youth minister and a few other kids from the youth group. We spent the night (maybe two) in the college dorms, and got a taste for what "campus life" would be like.

I mentioned in a previous post about some "troublesome" years. . . this was in the midst of those years. I believe my friend and I even snuck cigarettes with us on this trip -- and for some bizarre reason, probably believed that no one knew we were smoking in the bathrooms, as we drove to and from Lincoln, IL. (I sometimes marvel at my stupidity in my teenage years)

When I got home, there was a letter from my dad, he had written it out by hand -- and there are two things about that letter. . . 1) I still have it, and 2) I'll never forget it.

In fact, I think about it every day when Caroline greets Mark at the back door. You see, my dad talked about the passage of time -- and how it seemed like he blinked and time had flown by from times when I would greet him at the door (at the age of 4) and suddenly, I was away on college visits. . .preparing to leave home.

Granted, at the time, we had no idea that we would go to college together, and eventually work together at the same church. But, for him -- watching time fly by at the speed of light -- well, that was something he was struggling with. And, I find myself struggling with the same thing.

In four years, I will have a high school graduate.
In four years, instead of thinking about buying notebooks, pencils, and highlighters -- I'll be shopping for luggage, sheets, pillows, and a mini-fridge.

Tonight on Facebook, a friend reminded me that a few years ago, I began praying for the rapture to happen before Edison became a teenager. It obviously hasn't happened--we're still here. But, that doesn't mean that I don't want it to happen before he begins driving. . . or dating. . . or choosing his college/career.

I am really trying to enjoy the now. I think one of the downsides of scrapbooking is that so much time is spent looking back at what happened years, months, even decades ago. It's very easy to get caught up looking back--and it's just as easy to get caught up looking ahead at schedules, calendars, and planners.

. . .and then blink another week, month, or year has flown by.

Holy cow -- this started out to be such an upbeat blog entry. My kids are home -- all is right with the world, and suddenly there's a mish-mash of "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Cats in the Cradle" playing on my mind's jukebox.

It's time for some Michael.
It's time for some Michael.
It's time for some Michael.



Or, if you'd prefer. . .here's a little bit o'Boz. . . .



. . if that's not enough, I'm not sure what to tell you.

Kid #51, Where Are YOU???

Okay, if I'm honest -- I'm too young to remember that classic show. I assume it's a classic. Regardless, it's something for which I am too young to remember. (And that, my friends, felt very good to type!)

#51 is now a significant number in our household. NO. . . not because of a secret alien invasion site. Although, that might explain a few things happening in our neighborhood. . . hmmmm.

Nope.

It's Edison's new football number. That's right, my linesman (defense & offense) is now number 51. It's a small school -- even in high school, they can play for both sides. (Leave that alone)

He'll be home tomorrow afternoon, after a week of practices and team bonding time. We actually spent a few minutes with him last night -- and watched them practice a few plays in the "other" field. They don't practice on the actual field. . .which, for me, makes no sense at all. But, I'm not the "athletic" type, so what do I know?

Mark went to their football camp cookout tonight--while I held an orchestra rehearsal at church. He said that he met a few families, and the coaches and trainers gave talks to the parents.

One such trainer was the doctor who will be on the sideline for every game. His topic? Injuries. At one point, more specifically, spinal cord injuries. Yeah. . . glad I was one mile away, practicing "Rock of Ages" and "Blessed Be Your Name."

They have a great plan in place to watch over the kids and treat any injuries that might occur. And that makes me feel better. . . . sorta.

So, tomorrow, when he gets home, I'm hoping for more stories about his week -- and I'm optimistic that I'll hear some stories from his week in Cincinnati. Some of his friends have posted pics on FB from the trip -- so I hope that if I "make him" look at the pictures with me, he might share some of the stories with us. We'll see.

It will be nice to have all my family back under one roof. Caroline has really missed Edison this week. She has cried (literally) a number of times, and I think it's because things are not "normal" around here. She doesn't typically cry -- she pouts, winces up her face, and gets tears in her eyes--but she rarely cries. But this week? She's cried a number of times.

So hopefully, when order and normalcy are restored around here, we'll all be happier.

Not much else going on -- yesterday was a busy, but amazing day. I was privileged to speak to nursing students at South College again yesterday. This particular class was even more interactive than the first couple of classes were. And, one of my co-presenters was the nurse that cared for Caroline in the NICU when she was first born. She's also the mom of a girl with Down syndrome -- and I was able to talk about (and THANK) her in front of these other nursing students. I think that they could see -- in our friendship -- how important those relationships can be that they form when taking care of families with kids with Ds.

The professor stopped me on my way out the door yesterday, after nearly everyone else had gone. She thanked us for coming out and talking to the students -- and when I told her how pleased and honored I was to get to talk to them (for the third time), she said something I didn't expect. She said: "I can really see how you've grown in the past three years."

I've grown?
Really?

I mean. . . I've seen this woman (now) three times in my life. But, I guess she saw something that I didn't realize, or see.

And that? Meant the world to me.

Well. . . he WAS home!

On Saturday afternoon, my first-born son returned home from his week-long mission trip with the church youth group. Their work in the inner city of Cincinnati (Price Hill area) was very well received, and appreciated by the missionaries they were helping support.

What did he bring home with him?

Two loads of laundry
One unwashed sleeping bag (needs to be washed badly)
One camera card with lots of pictures from the Creation Museum
A questionable (bordering on obnoxious) attitude due to lack of sleep

We assume that there will eventually be stories about the trip -- and the children they played with -- and the ride to and from Cincinnati.

But for now. . .for us. . . we got attitude.

I am coming to grips with the fact that my son has entered his full-blown teenage years. With these years come hormonal outbursts, odd or obnoxious odors, sullen words, mumbled answers to simple questions, and many blank stares.

I get frustrated. I would be lying if I said anything otherwise.
I get discouraged.
I get flat-out angry.

I get the idea that this is karma.

Upon discussing this recent "activity" with my parents has uncovered this strange, oft-forgotten truth: I was the same way at age 14.

So, I guess I'm getting what I deserve. But when it's happening, I don't believe I deserve it. Surely I wasn't this bad.

And I'm right. I wasn't this bad.
I was worse.

By the time I was his age. . .

I had tried smoking -- don't worry, I was too wimpy to actually inhale cigarette smoke.
I had my first boyfriend -- not serious, but I had experienced a broken heart.
I learned, at his age, one of my friends had lost her virginity. (that was devastating)

I know these are things he hasn't yet dealt with. . . but I know they are coming. I hope that Mark and I have solid, sure answers to give Edison when these situations/questions arise. I'm fairly certain we will.

But until that time, I'm doing my best to remember that he's in a phase and it won't last forever. I'm reminding myself that -- when he's 31 and dealing with his own adult issues -- I'll be thankful that we've moved beyond these troublesome times. I'm comforting myself with the knowledge that other parents have gone through these times -- and come out seemingly unscathed.

And most of all, I'm remembering that deep down, inside the rough (sometimes vacant) exterior he's giving us -- there's a precious, tender heart that beats wildly with love for his little sister.

Who, by the way? Thinks the world of him. Don't believe me? Check it out. . .



And, as the title says. . . he was home for about 28 hours, and repacked his suitcases and left for football camp. This camp, however, is taking place here -- at his school. He's staying in the dorm, with one of his friends--and is "bonding" with the rest of the high school football team. That's right. . .I said high school football team.

We can go watch him practice -- and we probably will, if the weather isn't too dreadful. And, to my delight -- he'll be home on Friday afternoon. . . I miss him. I really, really do. Caroline misses him more. Believe me.



. . . maybe football camp will work out some of those attitude issues. You think?

Projects - Part 2

Just keeping it documented here, where all things need to be documented. . .


New Autumn Table Runner -- figures/pattern is actually from a thing to make tea towels. I have a 5-year old who steals towels from the oven door. So, uh, yeah. . it's gonna be a table runner.


Wall hanging made from log cabin squares I made a couple years ago. Still not quilted. . . probably will machine quilt it. Most likely will be a gift of some kind.


Wall hanging made of squares that I hand-appliqued about six years ago. These were the "leftovers" from that project. My room is red/beige/white -- but I think this will probably be a gift, too.

And then there's the quilt that I wrote about a year or so ago. . . .I finally finished the hand quilting. . .and finished the binding.

After giving it to Caroline, she declared that this one belongs to she and Mimi (her doll).


I'm glad to have this project done. I only started the crazy thing six years ago, for heaven's sake!

Happy Weekend everyone. We're greatly anticipating Edison's arrival tomorrow -- and the TONS of laundry he'll no doubt be bringing home with him.

Catching You Up

Okay. . .here are some pics to catch you up on our lives. (Commentary will run alongside or under the pictures) The first series of pictures needs an explanation, though. Here goes:

Last night, while preparing to eat dinner, Caroline helped set the table--which has become customary for her. She and Mark set the table while I prepared steak, roasted potatoes, and YUMMY dinner rolls (not homemade). I know. I'm slipping. When I came over to my place, this is what I saw. . .


She had taken one of the electronic letters from her LeapPad toy, and put it on my placemat. That's right -- "M" is for mommy. Can you handle more? 'Cause there's more.

"D" is for daddy.

Don't believe me? Look it up. It's true.

When I tried to get her picture taken, she got silly. But here she is -- adding her "place card" to her place at the table. I know that "D" is for Daddy. . . and Daniel. . .and doggie. But on this day in history. . .

"D" was for DANG. . .that girl has got it going on!!!

Okay, more pictures. . . less bragging. A couple Saturdays ago, we went to the DSAG carnival. Caroline enjoyed making crafts. . .


Sliding down the BIG slide with (and without) her big brother. . .

And, making faces. (Check her out -- back left corner) She's developed a keen sense of timing. . .and humor. I love this kid.

It was a great idea to get the kids together for a picture -- but it may take a while to get everyone excited. (Maddox decided to display his flexibility!)

Edison's mission trip is going well, or so we assume. When our youth minister called this morning, during our staff meeting, he didn't say anything about broken limbs, sprained ankles, or blown tires (remember, I miss my van as much as Edison). So, I assume all is well. Here are a few pics of the team before they left. . .


After the vans were packed, the team gathered for some information, ice-breaking, and other instructions. I, of course, took pictures. Edison, of course, appreciated my attempt to preserve tomorrow's memories. Wanna see how I know?


And then, it was time for them to go. I swear, I got a bigger hug goodbye from Rachael -- a girl I love like my very own -- than I did from Edison.


Seriously, I love this girl to the moon and back. So, I hugged her, and told her I would miss her. (Do you see my van there in the background??) I miss her, too.

And then, they were gone. . .
Okay, these upcoming four or five are my last pictures. . .I promise.

You may wonder how I'm spending all my "free" time (ha!) while Edison's gone. That would be reading books with Caroline, playing Little People, and watching Max & Ruby. But, after she goes to bed, this is what I'm doing with some of my free time. . .

Back in the early summer (by the way - -where is it going?!?!) I made this pinwheel wreath for the front door. So far, the colors are holding up really well -- and that door gets LOTS of sunlight.


I have been begging my friend, Janet, to look for some primitive wall quilt patterns. She thought that she had gotten rid of them, but lo and behold -- she found them. I spent nearly all of yesterday cutting pieces and making backgrounds for these three babies. The first is called "Falling Stars" and it will go in our master bathroom (colors: black, gold, red). I obviously have only begun the actual appliqueing process. But I don't expect that it will take too long. At least I hope it doesn't!


This next one is Mark's favorite -- it's a primitive pineapple (symbol of hospitality). The colors in this picture are WAY brighter than the actual wall quilt itself. I'm looking forward to this one -- but the leaves are gonna be arduous!

This next quilt is the reason I wanted to get Janet's patterns. She has it hanging in her kitchen -- and I want to do the same. I love it. . . .


The other "project" I've undertaken for the summer is a far more serious one. I am five weeks (?) into a Beth Moore Bible study on the Fruits of the Spirit. This is what you see when you enter my house. . . .



. . .not because I'm all that righteous. But, more because it's one of the greatest places to study. This Bible study is a really good one -- and I'm blessed by the ladies that are taking part in it with me. Tuesday nights ROCK!!

Well, that's it, for now. Being that I'm home with Caroline -- ALL WEEK LONG -- there will probably be more pictures in the coming days. (I know Beth -- you're wanting more pics of the girl -- I'm trying!) Our weather has been so nice -- she's wanting to go outside. I think that may be on the agenda for tomorrow.

As always. . . .we'll see!

I know I've been absent. . . .

But you've got to forgive me.

It's been a week. And, I know I've said, "It's been a week" before. But this time. . .it's been a week.

Edison got away on his first-ever mission trip with our church youth group. They are just in Cincinnati -- so they're within a quick driving distance, if necessary. I miss him. I miss him. I miss him.

Oh. . .and they took my van.

I miss her. I miss her. I miss her.

I'm driving our youth minister's wife's car -- a Mazda Protege. I like it. But, I prefer our children's minister's Honda Fit.

Of course, have I mentioned? I miss my van.

She will be home on Saturday. So will Edison.

In the meantime, I have set up shop in his room. . . no, I'm not relishing him moving out in four years. Although, I have to admit, as Mark set up my sewing machine and ironing board in there -- and moved the bed out of the way to do so -- I realized just how much room is in that room.

So, in four years, you all can read about how I miss my oldest, but I'm enjoying his room as a sewing room.

. . . like I'll still be blogging in four years!

Caroline's doing well. She's actually more disturbed at my driving Katie's car -- and Katie having our van -- than she is about Edison being gone. I'm always amazed at the things that throw her for a loop.

She and I will be spending some real quality time together this next week. With Edison gone, and my two favorite babysitters on the mission trip with him, I'm kind of in a pickle. Mark is going to help cover Monday -- my big meeting day -- and hopefully I'll be able to work some from home this week. I actually worked a lot of extra hours this past week, and in so doing, I'm ready for next Sunday already. (I love that feeling!)

So, I'm hoping and planning to get some creativity accomplished this week. . . and next week.

Oh? Did I fail to mention?

Edison gets home Saturday -- some yet-to-be-disclosed-hour -- and after what I assume will be three loads of laundry -- he'll get ready for five days of football camp. That's right -- he's leaving us again.

I've already decided that I will remove my sewing machine and ironing board. But, I'm not moving his bed for just one night.

The 2nd week sans Edison -- we'll have our babysitting girls back, and I can return to a normal work schedule. Then, the week after that, Caroline will go to a day camp designed to help special needs kids get ready to go back to school.

And then. . .it will be time for school to begin. I find it hard to believe that -- one month from today -- Caroline will have completed her second day of Kindergarten. . .and Edison will have completed his seventh day of high school.

Nope. They're not on similar schedules. But, I heard from a friend of mine on Facebook -- and last year, her four kids (4) were on three (3) different school schedules.

I'm blessed. Really, I am.

So tonight, I'm signing off with the prospect of getting some fabric out and doing some cutting! :) I love that part -- and I love the sewing part. I've got project stacked up that will be finished -- somewhat easily -- and others that will be launched during this blitz of sewing.

I'm looking forward to sharing pictures with you -- unless we're talking about presents. I hope you understand.

Again, I apologize for the length between posts. But, if I promise pictures in my next post, I'm hoping you'll be gracious and forgiving!!

Who Needs Michael?

When you can listen to this girl sing, you really don't need Michael McDonald. . .





Sorry it's only a small part of the song. As you can see, she lost interest halfway through the chorus, and started to giggle. We'll get the full version one of these days! Oh, and if you have trouble sleeping, try counting sheep. Need some help? Oh, allright. . .



We had a great time out in the yard today. I got a few great pictures of the kids. . . wanna see?








Have I mentioned lately? I love my kids!

She Doesn't Just Sparkle. . .

She SHINES!

On the fourth, we bought a couple boxes of sparklers for the kids to play with while watching fireworks. We learned that my aunt & uncle's front porch (overlooking the river) provides a phenomenal view for fireworks -- you know, the homegrown kind. We saw at least four families setting off hundreds of dollars worth of explosives. It was beautiful.

In between the sparkles and booms?


Caroline danced. I mean she was shaking what the Good Lord gave her -- and just delighting in herself. Sheer, utter delight. It was wonderful.

Then, there was this. . .


I thought it was pretty cool.

But there have been other memorable pictures this summer. Like this one. . .


In which Caroline decided to grab Edison's bolt pillow and his string backpack, and "run away." Actually, I think she said she was going to Grandma's house. Big surprise. Seriously -- I think the child would choose Grandma's house over Disney World.

The other thing I love about this picture? She has these blue plaid shorts. Every time I put them on her, she says, "Baby Carson's shorts," because he has a really cute pair of "golf" shorts (plaid) that he wore for his birthday (I believe). Maybe it was Easter. Regardless, these are her "Baby Carson" shorts.

One day, I found her doing this. . .

Singing to herself in the mirror on her closet door is one of her favorite things to do. . . along with singing to herself in the oven door, or the dishwasher door. And, the little stinker is good.

Her new favorite song is "Shout to the Lord," and we usually sing it together. But often I'll find her singing it to herself, or one of her babies. My favorite part? When her southern accent kicks into high gear.

"I sing for joy at the work of your hay-and; forever I'll love you, forever I'll stay-and."

I'm not kidding.

This is one of my new favorite pics -- it's about to become my new profile pic on Facebook. . . .

Me and my girl at the Smokies game a few weeks ago. I just love our expressions. . .and if you know me, you know that's a rare thing for me to like a picture of myself!

Okay, so I guess that's about it. Oh. You want another one? A video, perhaps? Okay.



Granted, this video was taken in France. . . last year. . .but I can honestly say it's become one of my favorite "covers" that he does. And, let's be honest, it wouldn't be a true "Angie" post if there wasn't some mention of Michael, now would it?

Mommy, What Happened? (edited)

Mommy, what happened?

Mere seconds ago, I heard this from the other side of Mark's recliner. It's the only 'barrier' between Caroline and me, as she is watching Max & Ruby.

Side note: My friend, Caitlin, refers to Max & Ruby as the "parentless bunnies" and she would be correct. This is one of the strangest, yet sweetest shows on Nick, Jr. (or Noggin). Caroline owns three, maybe four Max & Ruby videos -- and a handful of books about the appropriately-named "orphaned" bunnies whose thoughtful grandma lives next door. (And I marvel how she "just happens" to arrive when trouble is afoot)

I guess that side note was for anyone who wasn't current on children's television shows. Like we are. Like we'll be for a long time. Sigh.

Anyway, I heard, this "Mommy, what happened?" and decided to investigate. She was merely reacting to the latest trials of Max, the 2-year old bunny with a propensity for adventure (trouble). During their trip to town (which required a bus ride) the two bunnies found themselves shopping for a birthday present for Grandma, but ran out of money when Max needed a snack, and got candy squirter juice all over his clothes (which required a trip to the laundromat)

I had to explain that Max needed lunch. I also explained that Max had made a mess. Which Caroline acknowledged.

Then, I looked across the room. Sigh.

The HUGE pile of clothes, towels, socks, and shirts that I had just folded?

Hastily piled (unfolded, of course) back in the laundry basket from whence they came.

Caroline, what happened?

"I put them back in the basket." Yes, my sweet. You did. You really did.



Edited to add: I forgot to give a follow-up from last week's post about the "power of three." But, I didn't fail to do it on purpose. Edison *did* have a slight accident on the ATV on Friday. There's a longer story, but suffice it to say that he's fine. A few bumps, bruises, and abrasions. His confidence is intact -- he says he'll ride again. (Mine? Not so much) He's my tough teenager -- but he still needs his Mama from time to time -- and I can live with that.

The Power of Three

Just butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. That's it.

Back in the day. . . back when my son was not taller than me. . . I would make him Rice Krispie Treats. It was an easy way to give him a (sort of) healthy snack without heating up the kitchen. I actually made them so often, I no longer needed a recipe.

It's kinda funny. . . I'm like that with recipes and music. Once I've made a recipe a unspecified number of times, I know it. And, once I play a piece of music -- or sometimes, after just listening to it -- I know it, too.

Now, mind you -- I don't do a lot of baking by this method -- there is an exact chemistry to baking, and if you mess it up, you've got a mess. . .or a brick. So, unless I have committed a cake, bread, or muffin recipe to memory, I pull out a recipe to make it.

And, in the same way, I don't use the "think method" when playing music -- especially in front of people. But, I think you get what I'm saying.

My honey whole wheat bread can almost be made by "feel" as can my "regular" scones. I still check the amount of baking powder on the scones, to be sure. But, when it comes to casseroles, main dishes, and even some desserts -- once I've made them, I've learned them.

Rice Krispie Treats -- no recipe? No problem.

And. . .back in the day, I remember feeling a sense of pride that I could make them without a recipe. I know it's weird. But, I guess because I knew that my making them brought joy to Edison -- and that I'd done it so often, it just happened naturally -- well, that made me feel like "one of those moms," and I took pride in that.

Looking back, that was kinda silly. But this afternoon, as I hastily threw a batch together, while Mark was cooking hamburgers on the grill, I laughed at my ability to throw one stick of butter in the pan, and just add marshmallows & Rice Krispies until I got the right consistency. (I also had a half-bag of marshmallows to use up, and 1/3 of a box of Rice Krispies to use up before opening the new packages) Measuring? Pah! I'm the "Mom Who Makes Rice Krispie Treats by Heart!"

I realize that was a frivolous way to begin a post -- but it was on my mind. . .and you come here to read what's on my mind. So, who's the silly rabbit, eh?

We began a new Beth Moore study at church a couple weeks ago -- and I'm really liking it. It's based on the Fruits of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22 & 23. The first two weeks are somewhat foundational -- getting a sense of who the Holy Spirit is--and what role he plays in our lives. But this coming week -- we're hitting the fruits head-on. (It sounded good in my head)

Of course, the first one is love and I'm anxious to read and learn more about it this week. Fruits I'm not looking forward to? Gentleness and Self-Control.

. . .not that I'm opposed to either one. But, I have this notion that those are going to be weeks where I struggle with myself. And trust me, I'm sure the other seven fruits will hit me squarely between the eyes, as well. (Yes, I know. . . that sounded better in my head, too)

One last thing. . . over the next two days, I'm taking a small leap of faith. Or, rather, I'm allowing my children to each take leaps of faith -- and I won't be with them when they do. . .

Tomorrow, the children's ministry of the church is taking an adventure trip on a hike in the Smokies. It's supposedly an easy trail -- something Caroline should be able to manage with limited assistance. Edison, and one of Caroline's favorite babysitters (Caitlin) will be going along -- and their primary responsibility will be Caroline. Now, our children's minister, youth minister, and at least one of their wives will be hiking -- as well as Baby James' mom, Kathy. So, I know Caroline will be cared for -- and I think I scared Edison nearly into not going because I wanted him to understand the (enormous) amount of faith I'm putting in him--taking Caroline on this guided hike. (There will also be a handful of other preschool moms with their kids--so she will be totally safe) But, I needed him to understand how focused he needs to be--and how much kindness and gentleness he needs to demonstrate with Caroline.

I'm sure they'll be fine--and as I learned at Bible Study tonight--I'm praying that God will absolutely STOP her from going, if this is a bad decision. The adults that are going on the trip seem confident that she'll be allright. So, I'm basically giving the Holy Spirit permission to have her puke -- even all over me -- if that's what I need to receive to keep her home tomorrow.

I'd go--but I have a lot of work that I still need to do, in order to take Friday as a day off. It's a holiday--so I'm going to take it. But, I've got a somewhat short to-do list that is going to demand my attention tomorrow.

So. . . I have got to show some faith--and let my baby girl start to grow up, some. (To say nothing of my baby boy who is gaining all sorts of new responsibilities)

Then, on Friday, Edison is "cashing in" on one of his Christmas presents. My cousin's fiance is taking him 4-wheeling.

[Side note: You know. . .when I got my hair cut today, I should have had Susuan (spelled correctly) count the gray hairs, because I am convinced that there'll be more of them by the end of this week than there were today.]

Edison is going 4-wheeling with Tom.
Edison is going 4-wheeling with Tom.
Edison is going 4-wheeling with Tom.

Nope--no matter how many times I type it, it's still tough to swallow!

Tom has asked Edison to be one of the groomsmen at their wedding in October -- and the two of them have some special connections besides Tom becoming part of our family. The two of them share an interest in paintball, 4-wheeling, fireworks, and football.

'POP' another hair just turned gray.

So, although I'm certain Tom will keep my (big) baby safe -- I'm a little nervous. I would send a camera with him/them, but I'm fairly certain it will come back either covered in mud. . .or not at all. So, I'll just have to picture the "fun" in my mind. (Yeah, that's what I'll do!)

So on Friday, while they're out risking their lives--Mark, Caroline, and I are going to pick up a new U.S. flag for the church, and then we're going out to lunch at Puleo's Grille. I've mentioned on here before how much I love this place! We've got a gift card -- which is big enough that we may even get to share a dessert. Yum!!! Then, after lunch, and flag-retrieving, we may stop in at HomeGoods, just to see what amazing deals they've got going on!

Basically, we're going to do whatever we can to keep my mind off of the fact that Edison will be out riding big vehicles in lots of dirt and mud with my cousin's fiance.

So there you have it -- the power of three. Three unrelated topics that surfaced out of my brain. Three ingredients to make a delicious treat. . .or a somewhat lengthy blog post. References to three of my passions: cooking, music, and family.

They say things (good and bad) happen in threes. Graphic artists and interior designers also talk about grouping things in three -- or seeing a page layout in thirds. And then, of course, there's the Trinity. Another set of three that is pretty awesome, to say the least.

Hopefully, you found this post to be as calming and balanced as a professionally designed room; and as delectably pleasing as sweets made with cereal products; and as comforting and awe-inspiring as. . .well, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

Amen. . . and amen.