Leaving tomorrow! Whoopee!
Ever so glad to get out the suitcases, hold the mail, load up (the now healthy) dog!
I look at my weary-worn husband and know that I gotta get him out of town before he collapses!
Put my kid in a swim suit and take her out of the water long enough to bath her and put her back in the water... that is the joy of the lake vacation.
Trees. Stillness. Water. And relaxation...reading, grilling out, fishing, playing board games, sleeping in late...
The quiet life for a few days... sounds wonderful. Then after we are rested, we shall go to the waterpark for several days and get more water and more sun!
See you in a week or so!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Being the Sandwich
Picnics are the best time to enjoy the art of the sandwich. But when life is not a picnic... you become the sandwich. Or you become the sandwich when you are in the position of caring for young children while assisting elderly or frail or ill parents. The sandwich of care-giving the generation older than you while also care-giving for the generation younger than you.
Sometime last week the awareness came on me like Miracle Whip slapped onto some whole wheat bread- "I am officially in the sandwich." I was not surprised... just feeling stupid that I had not yet realized this sooner. I guess I thought the sandwich only happened with you got older not at forty-one years old.
My daughter is in grade school (bread side #1). My mother in law is fighting brain cancer and very ill (bread side #2); my mother is leaving full time work to go on permanent disability leave because of her health (bread side #3); and my father is becoming more and more limited in his physical mobility [and he'll have more needs very, very soon] (bread side #4).
Maybe this isn't just a regular sandwich, but an ol' fashioned Dagwood sandwich. Remember those from the cartoons pages?!?! That had bread layer then more good stuff, then bread again and more good stuff.
I am in a layered sandwich.
No wonder my life is crowded and feels heavy at times.
But I am hoping and praying that if the sandwich is where I am- then God will meet me in it. God's better at navigating through families and layers of generations than anyone else I know.
Sometime last week the awareness came on me like Miracle Whip slapped onto some whole wheat bread- "I am officially in the sandwich." I was not surprised... just feeling stupid that I had not yet realized this sooner. I guess I thought the sandwich only happened with you got older not at forty-one years old.
My daughter is in grade school (bread side #1). My mother in law is fighting brain cancer and very ill (bread side #2); my mother is leaving full time work to go on permanent disability leave because of her health (bread side #3); and my father is becoming more and more limited in his physical mobility [and he'll have more needs very, very soon] (bread side #4).
Maybe this isn't just a regular sandwich, but an ol' fashioned Dagwood sandwich. Remember those from the cartoons pages?!?! That had bread layer then more good stuff, then bread again and more good stuff.
I am in a layered sandwich.
No wonder my life is crowded and feels heavy at times.
But I am hoping and praying that if the sandwich is where I am- then God will meet me in it. God's better at navigating through families and layers of generations than anyone else I know.
Monday, June 18, 2012
How My Dog Spoiled Father's Day
Even though the weather was hot and dry, all the fixin's for steaks on the grill, corn on the cob and fresh cool watermelon were ready. It was going to be an awesome Father's Day Feast...
...then there came a moment in which the DOG, our Duke, trumped all the festivities with his smelly, guishy bodily fluids.
It was an ugly moment at the dining room table when vomit and diarrhea flowed with stronger force than the iced tea. Our steaks no longer looked tasty. The watermelon was left alone to warm on it's own. And who can eat desert with all the noise of puking dog in the background?! (it drowned out the US Open coverage).
Sigh.
And then after it was all cleaned up.
He did it again.
(If he is not better by Thursday, this labrador has the potential to ruin not just a holiday function but our entire vacation plans. As no kennel will board him with a temperature and upset tummy.)
As my brave husband wiped up the vomit... a realization dawned on all of us. Duke had eaten the red ribbons our daughter used to decorate her daddy's Father's Day gift.
Dumb dog. That is how my dog who-will-eat-anything-laying around spoiled Father's Day.
...then there came a moment in which the DOG, our Duke, trumped all the festivities with his smelly, guishy bodily fluids.
It was an ugly moment at the dining room table when vomit and diarrhea flowed with stronger force than the iced tea. Our steaks no longer looked tasty. The watermelon was left alone to warm on it's own. And who can eat desert with all the noise of puking dog in the background?! (it drowned out the US Open coverage).
Sigh.
And then after it was all cleaned up.
He did it again.
(If he is not better by Thursday, this labrador has the potential to ruin not just a holiday function but our entire vacation plans. As no kennel will board him with a temperature and upset tummy.)
As my brave husband wiped up the vomit... a realization dawned on all of us. Duke had eaten the red ribbons our daughter used to decorate her daddy's Father's Day gift.
Dumb dog. That is how my dog who-will-eat-anything-laying around spoiled Father's Day.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
What is not to love about VBS?
Really, what is not to enjoy about Vacation Bible School?!
Seriously, what is not to love.
It is only day three and I'm gonna miss it...
First off, the snacks are 'the bomb'! Donuts, chocolate pudding, popsicles.
Secondly, telling kids about Jesus is the coolest way to spend your summer.
Third, you get to dance, sing, laugh, and play like the kids do and you're not out of place. You fit right in.
It is only day three and I'm gonna miss it...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Musings on Annual Conference
That time of year has come around again for United Methodists to gather from across the state. Some things will be the same; lots of talking and reminiscing; terrific worship; and lots of church business to conduct. Mostly the same sorts of people ...only a little older, plumper in the middle, and with more experience.
Other things will be different like newly ordained folks, and new retirees. Our location is new this year as we will gather in Indianapolis at the Convention Center for the first time. (In between the Republican Convention and the Gay Pride Parade- what an oddity we add to that mix!!)
Not sure what to expect or how to mesasure what a successful conference would be. Only I hope to ...1) make connections with lots of old friends 2) make some new friends and 3) in the midst listen for how God is moving among and within and (often in spite of) Hoosier United Methodists!
Pray for us! As we pray to accomplish what Christ has in mind for His church.
Other things will be different like newly ordained folks, and new retirees. Our location is new this year as we will gather in Indianapolis at the Convention Center for the first time. (In between the Republican Convention and the Gay Pride Parade- what an oddity we add to that mix!!)
Not sure what to expect or how to mesasure what a successful conference would be. Only I hope to ...1) make connections with lots of old friends 2) make some new friends and 3) in the midst listen for how God is moving among and within and (often in spite of) Hoosier United Methodists!
Pray for us! As we pray to accomplish what Christ has in mind for His church.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Summer Reading!
Well, it is that time again... summer! Woo Hoo! (Although it will be two weeks shorter this year as we adjust to a balanced calendar year).
Anyway, I've got the family signed up for Summer Reading! Four programs this year! And the kiddo has been challenged to read an entire chapter book in one day... if she does, we are going to get some chocolate shakes!
So, happy reading... now gotta go hang the hammock.
Anyway, I've got the family signed up for Summer Reading! Four programs this year! And the kiddo has been challenged to read an entire chapter book in one day... if she does, we are going to get some chocolate shakes!
So, happy reading... now gotta go hang the hammock.
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