Vices = Virtues Corrupted

Went to a "The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian - A Ministry Tool" presentation for church leaders by FCS. The movie opens Friday May 16th and I'm very excited about seeing the movie now, and excited to extol the christian themes. There were trivia questions you probably know the answer to - what name did C.S. Lewis go by? What was the name of the group of writers he hung out with? I discovered the next movie will be "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

The most important point was that this second Narnia film will be another great opportunity for ministry. FCS had an excellent video presentation; I was particularly impressed with

• gaining a more in-depth understanding of who the author was
• A segment featuring Lewis' son, Douglas Gresham
• the discussion of his late in life short-lived marriage due to her early demise and the resultant publishing of his "A Grief Observed" by his friend T.S. Eliot, an unadulterated insight into his process of loss.
• A trailer of the movie - which looks very captivating and brings familiar and new characters and places.

On May 3, Family Christian Stores (FCS) will be featuring a sneak preview of the movie, which you should take you children to. There are always prizes at these events. As a matter of fact (winking at Nicole), I left with two very good prizes from this presentation; one called "Following Prince Caspian" and the other "Believing in Narnia"!

They will be featuring Narnia and many C.S. Lewis books and materials over the coming month. There are coupons and discounts at these events and throughout the months as well. If you sign up for their mailing list, you'll receive them regularly. With a 25% discount I purchased a wonderful "Chronology of Narnia" and the Lewis work on grief. I also purchased from a varied selction, a 2" thick handbook on "What the Bible is all About" for the member price of $5.00. Membership has its privileges :-)

I encourage you to take advantage of making the most of "Caspian" for yourself and those you encounter. Gresham describes vices as virtues corrupted reminding me that when Adam and Eve were in the garden; their lives were afterward spent outside of it due to corruption. See the story unfold the faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in its characters and how those virtues can become corrupted. Then take what you receive to another level and read the other classics of and deeper works of Lewis.

Happy Narnia travels!

Fire Roasted Veggie Sausage & Meatball Yumm

Let me capture this while I can remember it. I made a dish tonight that was a grand success. I'm going to suggest it for an intimate dinner of 4; but use it as you like. I bought a little while back from Trader Joe's a 16 oz. frozen package of Fire Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Butter sauce - sounds good, huh? It consists of red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, haricots vert (green beans LOL), onions and whole mushrooms with a roasted garlic, peppercorn, spice infused balsamic butter sauce. I was moved by the description and so I bought them. Tonight it came to me - this is what you could do with them.... I actually made an intimate dinner for two, but I've adjusted this for four because it was too much food. Do the math if you just have two.

Okay, so what I did is I took four italian sausauge which we happen to keep around because we love it. But for this recipe here's the deal - use 1.5 to 2 sausage per person. What we had was frozen so I thawed it in the microwave. In a skillet I heated up some canola oil (use olive oil if you prefer) for stir frying. When it was hot I added the sausage. I seasoned the sausage shaking over the meat McCormick Grill Mates Garlic & Onion medley seasoning along with their Barbeque seasoning (we had picked these up in Hawaii), and a dash of powdered cayenne pepper. As the sausage begins to cook, I cut them in about 5 slices per link.

Then I added frozen meatballs (2-3 per person - I used the frozen italian-style heat & serve beef meatballs we get from Costco, continuing to stir fry. Near done, I add some chopped onion. With that I add 2 packages of the fire roasted vegetables. As it stir fries on high flame and nothing is no longer frozen, if you like add a tad of wine and, I sprinkled some white flour over the mixture and stirred. All the while, I'm covering with a lid in intervals to insure thorough though flash stir fry cooking. You should end up with a vegetable sausage and meatball masterpiece in a wonderfully tasty sauce.

Add to this some rice - I used left over chicken-flavored rice; you can use plain rice even; it should be fairly neutral as the dish is quite tasty, letting it simmer till warm. Serve in attractive bowls and you have a deliciously quick meal to delight the taste buds. The husband loved it and so did I! This was simply flavorably veggie yumm! The vegetables were equisitely delectable and the meat succulent. A Norman two thumbs up!

Requires:
Canola or Olive oil for stir frying
1.5-2 Italian Sausage per person
2-3 italian-style heat & serve meatballs per person
1/3 cup chopped onions
2 16-oz packages fire roasted vegetables with Balsamic Butter sauce
optional wine
1/3 cup flour
optional rice (up to approx. 1 cooked cup per person) - can be mixed in or served on top of.

Oh my goodness, did I come up with a winning recipe? Awww! What was I thinking? If I were the dahli, I would of captured it on film; sorry! It was a lovely sight as well - worthy of a potluck or special events. Me, I'm thinking finger food mid-eastern style with the husband over candlelight - yeah! Fire-side fire-roasted frivolity!

Wait...!

This is to my friend Nicole! Remember 'Somewhere in Time'. Well I don't know if you've seen the movie with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock (yeah I recall Micah doesn't like her! ;-) - its called 'The Lake House'. Gyrl you gotta see it. The book they shared. The waiting.

For the rest of you, there's some good oldies music - a nice soundtrack - songs like almost like falling in love, I wish you love. Anyways I just saw it - had a terrible day - but now I'm enchanted.

There is something about time and love that always gets me. I'm glad the each of us have a love for all time, Nicole - Sandra or no; Micah ;-)!

Guess what came on after that? Hope Floats LOL! Mommas are smart; aren't we? You know what her momma says ...she tells to her granddaughter -

about how when she was little her brother once kicked and stomped on an anthill, destroying the ants’ home. She yelled for her mother, who came right away and calmed her down. They watched as the ants scurried to rebuild their “home”. The grandmother relays that, as a little girl, that seemed hopeless in her mind; they were just little ants. But her mother had explained, “Yah, if it’s just one ant. But there’s lots of ants down there. And they’re all relatives. They’re family – just like we are. That’s what families are for. That’s why they invented families, so hopeless wouldn’t get the last word."

Whew, I really need a tissue now. Night, my friend!

Surprise! A virtual reality

Jenn and the boys from Hawaii and Micah, Nicole and Kaitlyn visited our church on Sunday. When your friends become virtual, even ones who are not far away like the Leonards, its always wonderful to see them in person. We should be seeing the Hays' in their natural habitat of Hawaii soon - but what a delightful surprise to see them all Sunday and to be able to tangibly reach out and touch a friend!

Where's a camera when you need one! Oh well, I stole this picture from them ;-)

Happy Anniversary Micah and Nicole

on life's journey, you sometimes come across some truly wonderful people you'll always be glad you met, have known and sometimes they are married to each other. Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to two such people - here's to 5 years Micah and Nicole! May the Lord continue to bless you ever so richly! Kaitlyn, aren't they the best?! !

Look at the time...

Came back from vacation all rested and my mind and body totally rejects the idea of going into drive. This did not bode well with the workload waiting for me which was only exacerbated by an abrupt absence of #1, me being #2, this now made me 1.5 - where upon I was forced into overdrive.

However, having been summarily chastised by my huge (ha ha) following or as it is said 'back due to popular demand,’ I am here to blog.

• Celebrations - My dear ‘dahli'ng friend had her birthday and I hope she was blessed with a wonderful celebration. My brother's son had a birthday as well. He's a senior in high school. I'm very proud of him.
• Speaking of relatives! a cousin and her daughter, both of whom I haven’t seen in over 10 years, came from NJ for a visit. Her two brothers live out here, the youngest of which was getting married! She and her daughter, my youngest, and I spent a lovely day in Palm Springs. They and her brothers, the groom's son, and I spent another day traipsing around Victoria Garden's having lunch at Lucille's. Speaking of which! It is impossible to be nutrition conscious there! I enjoyed a hot link and ribs with greens. Yeah, I could have had chicken but c'mon!
• Second Chance - have you seen that movie? It is well worth the watch! It will make you think about how you walk with Jesus.
• I've been praying for a lot of people, of course including of course Virginia Tech and Johnson Space Center - and online especially. The weight of people’s woes seems particularly heavy right now. Please pray endurance for me.
• In case you haven't noticed I've lost 10 pounds!
• The giant had a car accident but he is okay; however the car was ‘put to sleep’.
• Sunday the 22nd was Earth Day – check this out ‘Gen 1: 26-31

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

• Err of Imus – I think the issue here that stands out above all most common obnoxious speech aired is this was directed at specific people who came to hear and their families and friends hear this awful talk – a total lack of concern about these ladies’ feelings.
• NBA Playoffs – I love this game!

Oooo, look at the time! There is just not enough time in a day! I'm going to try to get back here real soon; the month ain't hardly wrapped up yet!

Thanks to all of you who actually read this stuff and blessings to you all.

Vacation Log

Havasu Vacation 20070309 – Friday’s Fiasco:

Friday we set off while the sun was still up after making a stop at Circuit City and then Best Buy for the latest Stargate Atlantis DVD Season set at Fry’s prices. Taking the 15 Fwy at Foothill, we didn’t even get past the Falcon Ridge onramp when we heard a funny sound in the car. Pulling over, we discover the car is running hot and the husband looks under the hood to find a lack of coolant. He walks back to the Target in that shopping center to acquire some while Jonathan and I sat in the car watching people pass by looking at us pathetically, and a lady was kind enough to give him a ride back.

Traffic had begun mounting and becoming somewhat desperate as people tried to make their way; a traffic accident was suspect due to the emergency vehicles and sirens we were encountering. Temperature levels return to normal levels, but the husband suggestdc we delay until morning and get the Caravan looked over by our reliable mechanic before setting off again – so home we go as he back very deftly and safely backs our vehicle off of the on ramp to the streets again, but this actually gives us an opportunity to re-assess our packing and include items we didn’t have.

Havasu Vacation 20070310 – Saturday’s Sojourning
The Caravan was given the once, maybe even twice, over by our trusty mechanic Joe and deemed trip worthy, so we set off once again. Previously our route was to be the 15 to the 40 as a safer and not as trafficked choice, but since it was now Saturday it was revised to the 10 to the 95. I had some frustration because we were taking off later than discussed, but the husband was so pleased with the safeness of the car. Down the 10 we set off.

Later I realized that the map directions I printed showed us taking the high road of the 62 north of Joshua Tree, so I then became angry with my self that I may have caused us loss of more time. But I realized it was possible to do it the way we were going. Then, I think the husband doubted my navigational abilities and we stopped in Quartzsite, (yeah, Arizona) to get a roadmap. We picked up a few things there, looked at a few things , used the restroom, then picked up some Popeye’s, and also stopped for gas before continuing. This became much more than the quick stop I anticipated. It is not easy sucking in exasperation, but I really wanted this vacation to be a success and mired by a sourpuss. I think I did rather well.

Our coordinates were established, nourishment attended to, we were once again on our way. I oftentimes throughout the trip offered to drive, but I think the husband actually enjoys the driving – or maybe he just doesn’t like mine? The remainder of the trip was might I say delightful? We headed up to Parker City with a big rig roaring down our back and shortly after caught a glimpse of the river to full blown wonderful sights. The youngest was a pleasant passenger throughout with only a couple of “Are we close?” The red rock that made up much of the mountainside and dirt around us carved into bluffs and wind-formed architecture was impressive. Before I anticipated, we were pulling up into our vacation destination – the Nautical Inn Resort and Convention Center.



The Inn boasts to be the only such property with a Colorado Riverside beach – the state owns all other land. So while you might get near lake accommodations in Lake Havasu – we were on AND facing the lake – home at last for the next 6 days. We tend to vacation in places with kitchenettes, so we come with groceries and equipment like the husband’s smoothie maker – all the comforts of home. Our first dinner, I had a salad with chicken, mushroom, and viniagrette dressing, while the gentlemen had rice and breast of chicken that had been already cooked and brought from home. It made the first day easy and comfortable and easy to settle in. And as a remarkable sun set on our day, so it began …. That let me say is the Prologue ;-)

Havasu Vacation 20070311 – Sunday’s Sabbath
We slept soundly. It had been a warm day previously and the week promised mid-90s. We missed the meet & greet Sunday morning free breakfast, but gladly had our own of cereal and such – I finished off 2 of the last 4 pieces of Popeye's. On our patio we overlooked the lake. The place was small, opening into a bedroom area replete with Jacuzzi tub which led you through a bathroom hallway with a separate toilet and shower and area and into a livingroom kitchen area. A sleeper was in the couch there which is where the young one retired. He and I took a walk around the property surveying our surroundings. Overall we did quite a bit of relaxing on the patio, took naps, watched Atlantis episodes and we went swimming.

We had church in our room considering Psalms wherein it advised the wiseness of adhering to your parents teaching and no listening to those who would lead you astray opening and closing singing praise songs. We hadn’t done that as a family for some time; it was a very nice time of worship.


We went back to the London Bridge (we had crossed over getting to our destination), singing the child’s song and walked around the quaint storefronts and restaurants there. There is a fountain which is used as a foreground of many of the postcard shops. On the other side back in the city we went to the store for smoothie supplies and stopped at MickeyD’s on the way back. We had a very full and pleasant day – we were definitely on vacation.

Havasu Vacation 20070312-15 – weekday unwinding
The rest of our days were much of the same – we swam, played badminton, made more trips into town and shopped a little, walked, hung out on the beach. The youngest made friends with a couple of families with kids and learned to swim t’boot! He went from saying he could swim to swimming both above and under water and retrieving items from the bottom of the pool. He has a collection of seashells to show for his time as well. The young one also was allowed to display his artistic abilities on the sidewalk with chalk colors. One of his highlights would be the spring breaker guys who spent time with him in the pool throwing a football. The young one had a spiral and a victory dance! Nicole I had time to read a book - Last Witness by Jilliane Hoffman.


Every timeshare use is not complete without the timeshare’s sales pitch. We went through that, actually considered it, and walked away with Lake money to spend. We ate out at Denny’s (where we had great service until we got to the abrupt cashier) to utilize some of it. Throughout the week we had waffles and steak and chicken dinners, hot links, taquitos and burritos, italian sausage and such with veggies, salad, rice or potatoes. Right now I’m going to have a lil’ dessert of sherbert.

It is difficult to say where the week has gone because it is nearly over. We depart tomorrow. I hate to see it come to an end, but we plan to make the most of it before we head back to a life all too familiar. I do know there were memories carved and precious artifacts gained beyond the young one's seashells. Now in a dually employed marriage and formerly long time single parent, there hasn’t been the pleasure of infinite hours to spend in the formation of who my children become – each moment has had to be selfishly maximized to bring forth fruit. To have the time to languish in being with the young one and developing who he is and really have an opportunity to appreciate it. Spending time with both his parents, We had conversations on our walks, he became able to know the 10 commandments, examine nature, swim, have long badminton volleys. He is a precious child. Thank you Lord.


Most precious of all was to have the husband with me. In these busy days of ministry, school, work, parenting, household, he often feels lost to me, coming home to change from one hat to another some heavier than others – often wearing severally simultaneously and interchanging as he goes – a most efficient juggler. But he came home to me this past week. We’ve committed to make more of these times. We can’t always change the commitments that are pressing on our lives, but we can make a way to find each other in them. This was our period of rest; thank you Lord.

Havasu Vacation 20070316 – Friday Finale: the Epilogue
I had a skin care clinic at 8:30 so I jumped up, ate a quick breakfast and headed over to the First Cabin Club trailer. We played with Mary Kay make-up and I left with a golden summery look that enhanced the tan my body had acquired in this 90 degree weather. When I got back to our room full-fledged packing was going on. But before getting too heavily involved in that disheartening task, I went over to the gift shop and purchased the summer dress I had been eyeing all week with the remainder of our lake dollars – something to take home with us. Then I went into a packing frenzy. We were ready in short order – a icon of teamwork. We checked out and took the long road off the premises back to highway home. Our route was the inverse of the original one – the 95 to the 40 to the 15.

We stopped in town for a few supplies and MickeyD’s for lunch on the way. And we were in California (we knew because the gas prices went from $2.59/gal. to 3.59 per gal. for unleaded) and going through the long and uneventful Mojave desert passing through Needles and Lodi and the husband noted the location for the Disney-Pixar movie Cars. We scooted from Barstow on home bringing a wonderful vacation to and end ... until the next adventure.

Signing off...the Nomads of Normandy

No waste!

Snatching a minute to blog while the youngest is getting a haircut. Yay; its not me doin’ it! Fantastic Sam’s had a coupon I’m taking advantage of. So, three days into March, I need to wrap up February.

Maybe, I’ll back my way into it…
We are six days (and 7 nights) from a week long vacation – haven’t done that in years (about four now), so I am eagerly looking forward to it – Lake Havasu to see the London Bridge! The youngest (the one getting the haircut) is off-track at his school for the entire month – so he is traversing with us. He doesn’t likely remember the trip he took with us to Orlando before he was two. Also he is getting an award at school on Tuesday (the last day); he got one last month (to our chagrin, we missed the information on that one) too. The proud parents will be there.

It’s been a busy time the last week and I’ve worked hard on weight loss (I didn’t say I’d never talk about it!); have you noticed the progress? It’s been an up and down proposition, but I think it is beginning to pay off. I’m using the trip as a quick short term goal, just because I can.

In that light and in general, I’ve been struggling with discouragement – you may have noticed in my last post. I’m basically a positive person and feel like my atmosphere has been an increasing reminder of negativity. I was reminded today however that God doesn’t waste anything – so there’s a purpose for everything – that’s the positive. I looked high and low for that and He gave it to me today.

I haven’t seen my brother since before the new year – who lives what – an hour away – but where is the time to travel into traffic and return in traffic with so much stuff going on – meetings and engagements - so many plans gone awry. It’s hard to get off of a moving carousel. However I decided to take the award day (above) off and kill two birds with one stone. I should be able to spend time with my brother and still get back before traffic escalates.

Had my second 9/80 day off last Friday and I spent that one trying to kill other birds. The eye doctor’s office informed me it had been since September since I was supposed to pick up some contacts – that one’s off of my ‘to do’ list. Tried to make use of a gift card on trip essentials, but didn’t see anything of value. May have to fit that in later this week – it was an excuse to go back to Victoria Gardens.

Missed my friend's Gold Canyon candle party, but I have some goodies ordered! Cathy and Lee have been battling her life threatening disease and by God's grace they’ve won; praise God. That was so good to find out. Talk about renewing leases – the lease on life is the most profound. As believers, its nice to be able to approach it knowing that the equation is going home or finishing His work here. I'm continuing in prayer for her job. God is good! The Ace was able to get her son into the preschool program she had waitlisted an year. By the grace of God she was the last one in on a first-come/first-serve 6AM enrollment call. Yes, God is good. And her husband is able to be back at work for which we’ve all been long praying. I know the re-adjustment may be hard. But for God, there’s no waste; everything is for a reason. The prayer list seems partiularly long these days, but no prayer is wasted with God. In that vein, we are continuing in prayer for my husband's life-long friend's wife who's diagnosis of cancer does not look good for their family of four little ones and for all those who we know have family battling this disease and those unknown. God be with them all!

Our women’s study has started a new book and we are all excited. It’s Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life – the cover has two beautiful short haired lab like dogs lazing on the couch. If we are peculiar people, certainly an uncommon life should accompany us. There is a workbook that we are making our way through. Our group is going to kick off a monthly Saturday study in April as well and the First Place study is seriously being considered; I’ve ordered the group starter kit to initiate it. There is much to look forward to.

Most of all I am sooooo looking forward to our vacation. The place is right on the water with beach and pools, lots of activities in and around the area – gotta talk to a man about buying a bridge ;-)

My, he looks handsome with his haircut; time to go!

Brown do for me???

William! William! William! That's the name of our Team Brown guy UPS said was assigned to deliver the Weider.

Okay, my dear friend was blessed for her patience with an answered prayer; so I am not about to blow mine (patience or blessing) now. But check this out -

• Thursday UPS tracking reported our package was out for delivery. The giant stayed home and waited. In response to the husband's call, the center stated it wasn't on the truck; they'd have it put on that night and it would be delivered the next day.
• Friday, UPS tracking reported our package was out; would definitely be delivered. The giant stayed home and waited - didn't happen; possibly, they stated, wasn't even on the truck.
• package dropped at front door with no indication of delivery although the giant was there, package box marked fragile is damaged, parts falling out of it. William!?!!! Okay, *sigh*!.

So now UPS (you think it will happen today as stated?) is picking up the package - they wanted us to repackage it - responded "this is what you delivered; this is what you pick up". Costco, who we purchased it through (and for an excellent price), has already arranged for it to be replaced.

So, we wait; but I'm still excited! Meanwhile, I'm watching what I eat and, by the way, that weight gain spurt I mentioned is going down. God is good!

odd; who' da thunk?

My sista blogger commented on how weird it was that we both used the phrase "who'da thunk it " in a post on the same day. Certainly, isn't that odd? I'm not sure why, but I'm feeling a little Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure now. Where's that guitar sound? Scary!

Still I found that thunk usage is more popular than I thought.

spa goes! a long time comin'...

in a lil bit (when I finish this post), I'm going to join the husband in our long-awaited spa - it all started in a mental galaxy far away as an idea that gave way to the hope of financial reality. We began by replacing the fencing around our house with a block wall, leaving a large gated opening to accommodate bringing a spa in. We thought we were going to be able to remove one from the yard of some wonderful friends (parents of the dahli family). So began the preparation of the yard for a pad to put it on and the extending the electrical from the house to it. But as it turned out, regretfully, we couldn't come up a feasible way to get the spa out of their yard.

Our hopes sank as our minds looked at the possibilites. But we took up the search again early fall to find the spa of our dreams that would also fit in our pocketbook - you picturing that? The husband and I actually enjoyed interneting and visiting spa retailers even going to the fair. We really enjoyed talking to Diane, the salesperson at Sundance Spas - top of our list - she was a straightshooting and likeable seller and we were confident of her product; not so with CalSpas and the salesperson we met there. The fair was quite a hustle. Then I saw a place, Spas Plus, off of the freeway. We fell in love with one of their models.

We suffered setbacks after we ordered in the financial area that tried the soul. Finally that was resolved and arrangements were made for the delivery and subsequently a few color corrections. When it came to delivery they were able to drive right up into the back yard to the area set aside for the spa. However, come to find out, the electrical is not right for this spa. We have to undo it. The husband with the Giant worked out those technicalities. After delays waiting for the availability of the contractor, yesterday the electrical was completed, not without complications. A few parts later, we were given a thumbs up. The engines were started and 'yay' it worked. We started the water, and now the spa is full and running.

Thank you husband, giant, Gil, contractor, dealer and everyone who has made this possible. There's a spa in the backyard for my birthday! It's not my gift - but, if you understand - it is a wonderful gift to just have it there. So, for now, it's time to dawn the suit and christen the spa.

Living Large with Little

It is encouraging to watch the Kids (the eldest and her husband) make their life together, riding through the storms of health, finance, moving, stressful schedules of school or work - they grow stronger all along the way. They just became homeowners of a 'fixer-upper' proudly struggling with all the surprises behind the once secured door. Oh, the water heater doesn't work; oh, the flooring allowance is a pittance compared to what is needed; oh, I really didn't need the car to break down now; oh the money for the refrigerator coming from the payoff of a credit card disappeared into the top end of the house financing itself; oh, that's where the bugs go when you fumigate. But hey, they have gotten their degrees at UCLA (fight, fight, fight!), survived apartment living in 'the Jungle', moved out of state, employment adjustments; and they have remained humble (guess that was inevitable - smirk) and thoroughly enjoyable people with an enviable host of caring, 'come-through' friends. I don't hear them gripe, whine, or see them give-up - and beyond their human-ness, they keep praying, keep planning, keep pushing forward, keep communicating, and counting their blessings. They're like that drill on Armageddon, they just keep pushin' their way through to the target. They're are one of mine (blessings) and a source of encouragement in my own trials. No matter how little they have, they make much of it. Such beautiful memories they are making store of.

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

The son-in-law has a birthday this month - and well let me just say I am proud of him and so glad they found each other. He's OK and has performed a KO on her heart and, as the song says, 'nobody does it better'; no one came close; he's no Ishmael or pretender to the throne. So Son as you look upon these day, hold you head up high and be proud. You're a good man Charlie Brown in heroic porportions and we love you. Eldest, when it comes to you, words run to the farthest regions of the Netherlands. I was saying just tonight, 'the tangible can be taken away, but the intangible - you cant touch this'. Eldest, I love you and I am so proud. May the Lord continue to bless you, and all who care for you while you are so far away. Hugz to you Kids-MJ (together they are MJ, Superman's sweetheart in the movie) - a love of heroic porportions!

P.S. they make me think of the dear dahli lama family - oh to be young again *smile*

All in Love is Fair?

About.com did a bit about fighting fair in marriage - its worth a read. The bit also references a video that shows couples fighting - presumably were it a competition they would have been way over the penalty allotment.

Claire Cleary

Wedding Crashers (Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson as John below) is a movie that is quite funny for the most part, somewhat bawdy in places - definitely not for the strictly wholesome viewer. However, Vince once again evinces his own peculiar charm and Owen is endearing.

What I liked about the movie is a character (especially watching her expressions), played by Rachel McAdams also outstanding in The Notebook, that reminded me of a friend - the movie's winsome Claire Cleary is always good-natured, ready to laugh, giving the gift of a smile away as if she had an endless stash, always looking to the good. Here, quoted from imdb.com, is clearly a Claire moment:

Claire: What is true love?
John: True love is your soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another.
Claire : It's a little cheesy but I like it.
John: I read it on a bumper sticker!

I tend to gloat upon this friend of mine because she doesn't see the rare iridescent jewel that she really is - not just some useless bauble but something/someone who brings light to every life she touches and even brings life to the inanimate through her many many talents. She is a blessing from God - if you knew who she was, I would say ask anyone who knows her. Hopefully, she'll knows who she is!