Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens, a set on Flickr.

After regrouping from a morning working on the church grounds, the husband, theKid, and I spent some time in Claremont, CA at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens Open House - free to the public (what would have otherwise been $24 for the three of us - with the Inland Empire Photo Meetup.
There is a lot of ground to cover at the Gardens and we only covered half of it. There is a great variety of California native plants there, learning opportunities, aesthetics, and along with the flora and abundance of butterflies and lizards, birds - even a squirrel and languishing cat were spotted. I suspect as the weather warms, the plants in bloom will increase. It was a good way and lovely weather to spend a first day of vacation together.

standards

In the glitter city of Vegas listening to standards the likes of Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Irving Berlin, Cole Turner - a concert off the strip in the solitide of the weekend's accommodations, I'm soon to retire for the evening.

The husband edits some photography taken from the learning event we participated in the last two days and I update social networks and blogs as I let the pieces of a talk I'll be giving float around in my head until they work themselves together.

There's an honesty, romance, and transparency to the words pouring forth in melodious syncopation I am hearing. I am thoroughly enjoying this music and thankful to the people who have set it deeply into my soul - my mom and dad, all the singers of the time devoted to the nuances of its craft, and the beautiful voice of my precious friend Paula Prince.

It's simple things that bring beauty and peace to the soul. Thankful.

March October

Just noticed how far behind the blog I've gotten - much to make up for. It's been quite a year - a God year; but then isn't every year? I will attempt to bridge the gap and be more faithful to the future.

The months that have gone by have been filled with family, commuting, and ministry. The husband and I have been heavily into photography; he has ’skilz’; most of our work is on flickr.com. (Clicking the pictures should take you to more pictures). We’ve spent time on the street where we live just enjoying our neighbors, celebrating birthdays, engagements, triumphs, losses – people we’ve known since we moved here.

There were graduations - Bridgette from UC Santa Cruz (with the colorful braids whizzing by in a sea of people), Antoinette from Cal State San Bernardino now living a while Paris, and our vivacious queen from high school heading to take Chapman College by storm! The kid had a stellar year in the 5th grade and now he’s in his final year of elementary. We had great concern when the Giant cornea was scratched; but God is good and he is healing nicely.

As pastor of Friendship Community Church, the husband performed his first baptism and it was for precious mom and daughter members whose family near and far came to witness it. We have watched our youth grow under the dedicated loving care of Mike and Norma, enjoyed the worship presence of Leon Patillo and his wonderful wife Renee, and enjoyed the love of our congregation throughout the year in trial and tribulation, as well as times of rejoicing.


The summer also was a time of more trips and reunions too. In addition to Santa Cruz, we skipped down to the Palm Canyon timeshare (pool below), and were in Ogden, UT for the husband’s family reunion the Juneteenth weekend (city celebration below), stopping at the Las Vegas timeshare for a hot minute. His high school had friends coming in from all over to descend upon The Westin Hotel, Pasadena – a wonderful weekend of fun.



We also surprised the kid in visiting the Ramona timeshare again enjoying two days at the San Diego Zoo, getting to see the Panda girls (one above) before they returned to China the very next day. We also enjoyed short little jaunts like the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Upland.

Overall while absent we have been experiencing reaffirmation, forgiveness, growth, replenishment, hard work and refreshment, His blessing and Hand in our lives … singing ‘if I Could Still I Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now.’ I’m recommitting to blogging. I’ve missed it. Thanks for sitting in.

Holiday Potpourri Weekend Bonanza

A weekend of holiday potpourri - Valentine, Chinese New Year, President's, Marriage Week - take your pick, and for us a birthday celebration for the youngest. We ended up with a five day weekend and picked the youngest after to school Thursday to head down to the San Diego area. We went to Crossroads CRC in San Marcos for the church denomination's local classis meeting. While the husband attended, I took the youngest one of his favorite eateries, Panda Express, to celebrate his birthday - it was fun finding where to eat on the GPS. I was also using it to listen to Octavia Butler's Kindred, which has me captivated; fortunately the youngest likes listening too.

The husband and I had spent the day preparing to leave. I had my hair done by Monique; Lynn is recovering from surgery - both very special ladies. The husband and I went to see the movie 'Avatar' we had attempted to see last month. That time something was wrong with the theater sound system and we ended up with re-entry tickets. We very much enjoyed the movie in 3-D, the effects, the story. Afterward we stopped quickly at Burger King, as the youngest's school was letting out.

Once the car was packed we set off east the 60 to the 215 south until it hooked up with the 15 and further. We veered off to check into the Riviera Oaks in Ramona and then headed back to San Marcos. I enjoyed seeing several of the classis attendees again - Lois Vanderpol and Mike, Neville Koch, Cor Pool; I missed the Karstens, Phil DuBois, and Al Breems - but while I met some new people too, the husband was able to meet with them all. He obtained good information about our denomination, much that would prove useful to our congregation and was encouraged. Afterward we headed back to our accommodations.

Friday we spent leisurely around the place taking photographs, the likes of which we only had to go out our door. Everywhere there were bees and other insects, a variety of colorful birds in an assortment of trees and bushes, horses, cyclists, and many flowers. I only saw a rabbit once. The youngest camera and DS along to amuse him; we never even hooked up the Wii we had packed. I've begun exercising and wanted the option just in case.

We took a ride into town, Main Street, and bought some groceries at the local Staters. We bring most of our groceries with us. Riviera Oaks has a fully equipped kitchen with stove and microwave, pots and pans, etc., and a barbeque; it also has a nice fireplace. We had sausage and eggs in the morning before and for dinner rice with lousiana hot link. On Saturday, we had breakfast of steak and eggs (which was going to serve us well for the long day ahead), before checking out and heading for the Wild Animal Park. These pictures will also be posted on flickr.

It took no time to pack at all, and we were on our way by 10:30, which was just on the way back several miles. Our destination was a surprise to the youngest, as part of his birthday celebration. He had been to the San Diego Zoo on a school field trip previously; but he quick concluded, and confirmed by the end of the day, this was much better!

We were not able to cover the whole place in the time we had - we saw the bird aviaries, the monkeys, the gorillas, the elephants, the meerkats and dik diks, lorikeet, and took the safari tour of the zebras, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, etc. We still had major areas like the botanical gardens yet to see when we return. It was a very full day of walking! My pedometer said it was. People watching was phenomenal as well - observing the dynamics of how well people take care or don't of their children was another study altogether ;-)

It was a very satisfied and tired family that left, stopping at MacDonald's before heading home. The youngest said "it's going to be tomorrow before we get home". What a sense of time! We even had time to put most everything away that same evening after the husband got us there safely.

Sunday, our day of worship service, was spent with our First Love and went very well. I enjoyed the worship and the Word and seeing the saints. One of the couples had celebrated Valentines Day at the Gold Classic Cinemas in Pasadena where they had a meal AND saw the movie 'Dear John'. They said it was most enjoyable. One of our newlywed couples had just seen Avatar, the frist time they had gone to the show with each other. I watched, while I was singing, the boyfriend of one young lady enter church with a bouquet of flowers, a stuffed animal, and such, and saw her face of surprise when she saw him as she mouthed 'oh my '! One dear couple is celebrating their 21st valentine anniversary! What a blessing! I love our church!

The afternoon we got the car washed, finished unpacking and relaxed. I marinated and cooked a tip round roast, served with mashed potatoes and a mushroom steak gravy. The husband made his delicious ice tea. In the time we had left, the youngest had visits from siblings remembering his birthday. He had some phone calls before the weekend started.

The last day of our time off, we've spent accessing our sore walking muscles and doing a few household chores, slowly coming back to reality. But all in all, it's been a very nice holiday potpourri weekend - one filled communing with Creator and His creation; love and nature; peace and relaxation; fun , family and fellowship - something we must do again real soon!

pre 2010 retrospect

At the end of 2009, I think what a decade! The husband and I, married in 1999, shared the decade with our youngest and all of the total eight of the family blend. We became home-owners by the grace of God and, in a decade ending in financial crisis, we are still here, better situated than when we started, and gainfully employed. While long we have walked with the Lord as best we could, this decade has taken us to a whole new level in that walk, with God fulfilling His promise to a 13-year-old me that I would be the wife of a minister.

While we have had trials along the way and we have had our failures, and disappointments, and have some yet to be victorious over; we have come so very far. In 1999 our family may have seemed a ragtag group but, now it 10th season, it has found its way. I'm proud of each and everyone of the children and the spouses of those that are married. We have had weddings, military enlistments, studies abroad, artistic performances, scholarships, academic achievements, graduations, and the care and passing of parents.

I marvel too at all the husband has accomplished in these the years we have had together. And together we have made many friends, and some precious lasting ones. I am thankful for those friends and for family - those of his I've met, and for my brother and sister and their families and our cousins, etc. Most of all I am constantly amazed at God in our lives.

What will 2010 bring? I don't know ... but I'm in for the long haul!

Whom He has brought together ...

Roland Martin has his take on Valentine's day and I understand perfectly well where he is coming from. Having my hair done this day, I was given to think about it some - we have a God of love. I was reminded of when the husband and I met and fell in love.

My stylist Lynn was in with another stylist Cam. Cam was doing a lady's hair who is getting married tomorrow. She moved here from North Carolina, had met her man on E-Harmony and they'll be husband and wife tomorrow.

It was a February my man and I met on the internet, having since blended a family, having one child with each other. He was in ministry, something I recalled was told in my early teens would be part of my life. This young lady's man is an assistant pastor. They are blending a family. Their story sounded so familiar to my own.

Lord, the marriage you created for Adam and Eve give them. Have them entwine their lives with you an invincible 3-fold cord. Bless their day and bless their lives, their children, their ministry, the fruit of their hands. May the blending of their families be a sweet aroma unto you. Amen.

Today, I was reminded that God ordained the love of a man and a woman and that he is a God of second chances - not one's of our own making, but of His choosing. Don't conform your life to the commercialism of holidays - like the festivals of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's, the Resurrection, Memorial, Independence, and whatever you commemorate, but make the way you live a holiday like these pre-programmed or spontaneous in that you celebrate meaning not ritual.

As for Love:

If I speak in the tongues of men and angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a tinkling symbol.

And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.

And if I dole out all my goods, and
if I deliver my body that I may boast
but have not love, nothing I am profited.

Love is long suffering,
love is kind,
it is not jealous,
love does not boast,
it is not inflated.

It is not discourteous,
it is not selfish,
it is not irritable,
it does not enumerate the evil.
It does not rejoice over the wrong, but rejoices in the truth

It covers all things,
it has faith for all things,
it hopes in all things,
it endures in all things.

Love never falls in ruins;
but whether prophecies, they will be abolished; or
tongues, they will cease; or
knowledge, it will be superseded.

For we know in part and we prophecy in part.

But when the perfect comes, the imperfect will be superseded.

When I was an infant,
I spoke as an infant,
I reckoned as an infant;

when I became [an adult],
I abolished the things of the infant.

For now we see through a mirror in an enigma, but then face to face.
Now I know in part, but then I shall know as also I was fully known.

But now remains
faith, hope, love,

these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

T, the blessings of the Lord be with you.

It is always a blessing to spend a morning with Lynn and an added pleasure to have breakfast at Moes; but today was a blessing indeed! And a lovely springboard to a special weekend.

procrastination, patience, premature

I thought hey, if I hurry I could get more than one post in this month. The thing about hating 'catch up' is I'm a procrastinator - and I operate well in this mode. When, I write against a deadline, it all comes together at the end. Until then, I'm in the classic 'ball up paper and toss it' mode. I like the flow of that.

When I photograph it defies my nature - it requires planning - yikes and, yet, instinct which I love. It requires patience. When I see something, I want it; but it makes me wait. God does that to me too, make me wait for His best and gives me the instinct (when I don't ignore it) to recognize when I have it. I've screwed up some shots and many a shot in life not allowing patience to work 'experience, and experience hope; and hope' which maketh not ashamed. You get the picture! Not just what you saw, but everything that take had in it. I'm learning not to settle; to get the shot. Because I've begun to learn, I have my Beloved Boaz.

My mother used to say I was 'whatever age' going on 40. There was something to what she was saying. I took some test on Facebook and it said I tested to be the age 60; YIKES!!!!! But I'm beginning the life of the curious case of Shelz. I'm learning to come to God as a child. This lesson was re-triggered in Bible study tonight. He said I am His own. He would help me walk and he would feed me. He would quiet my cares. "Unless you come to me as a one these ..." Here I come Abba Father.

Ketchup

I don't like ketchup - only on meatloaf; it is really good on meatloaf.

And I don't like playing catch up - the stress!

But here I am in January, looking at December.

I had a birthday, so maybe it's age. ;-). I have a new camera - an upgrade from my TZ3 to a FZ28. Wow! I'm really enjoying it and I still like my little one with so much capability. It fits in my pocket or purse - so I'm never without a camera. But the new one is light years more intriguing. I take some solitary walks to get some shots as well - a combo of physical, spiritual and artistic exercise. I'm enjoying this new avenue of pursuit. I take shots where ever I see them.The first day of my vacation it snowed over night. I captured this shot doing morning errands.

The husband and I go on shoots. He also goes with our yenta who also is into photography. New Year's, he came over with his lady and shared a morning with us - more photos LOL. We're plannning a getaway shoot - should be fun; I'm looking forward to it. The youngest has accompanied us on a nature shoot.

I also received Vanessa William's Christmas CD and a great workbook 'Sacred Romance'; going to get the book today so I can begin the journey.

Spent Christmas with kids in and out. We were blessed to see the Giant's wife over the holidays who came bearing the gift of kewl watch. Too we were blessed as the next oldest came down from northern California. We had 5 for dinner, and it was a very nice to have the help cleaning up. We missed the one studying in France, and the Texans, but were also blessed by all of the rest.

I usually use this time to do some cleaning and re-arranging some furniture. I made the effort this year to change our living/dining room in to what I call the conservatoire (a reading/music room of sorts) - same stuff, just slightly different look to contrast with our 'theatre' room we already have. I have much, much, much more cleaning to do.

Other than groceries, I didn't really do any shopping, even though I have a few gift cards to spend. Eventually! Eventually! Went to the office parties of my and the husband's job. New Year's we've developed of having of finger foods and sparkling beverage with whomever graces our home as we wait in the New Year. That was nice. We were watching, as we had been throughout the holidays, episodes of the last dvd season of Smallville. We paused for the midnight celebration!

So now as I look back I see I've had a difficult time in getting back into school; but I haven't given up. I'm trying to manage the workload and make way for that opportunity, as well as continue in ministry and of course having a meaningful family life. Jer 29:11 reminds me God has a plan. I'll be trying to be on His page.

Meanwhile I look to the hubbi's upcoming birthday - a weekend which we will celebrate the gift of him, Martin Luther King Jr., and 44. Hoping to make the most of what will be a 5-day weekend for me.

Ketchup/Catch Up is what you make it - done well it can as enjoyable as this has been.

May God's (not the World's) prosperity bless you all this New Year.

"to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect (Hiphil) to look at or upon, have insight to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent to have insight, have comprehension 1b insight, comprehension (subst) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b the teachers, the wise to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely to prosper, have success to cause to prosper"

full of thankfulness!

A day of Thanksgiving - well can it be with so much preparation involved? Yes, it can, if you do everything with a spirit of thankfulness. With as many trips as we had made to the store over the last few days, I was thankful we had everything we needed for the meal. The turkey was thawed and I got up early to finish the stuffing, stuff the bird, and put him in the oven. Then I could rest for a couple of hours - the remainder wouldn't take long. It was nice to be surrounded by helping hands of loved ones just happy to be sharing space and time together. We even had a chance to talk to Troy, their cousin, our nephew, and few other loved ones.

The meal was completed with sweet potatoes (started the night before), green beans, greens, fried corn, macaroni and cheese, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, sparkling and mulled cider. We served our plates and sat down at the table blessing the food, each of us speaking to what we were thankful for. An dutch apple pie baked in the oven, which we ate as room became available in our tummys. We had such a lovely time this last full day of our time away. We were in the midst of the beauty of God's earth.

It seems when we take these trips we come across unusual programming. Here we saw several episodes of Dirty Jobs, another Discovery channel offering. We saw snake habitats and crocodile habitats cleaned; clams shucked or whatever you call it and more. The shows we get hooked in - oh my!

We began the packing process; who was it we were taking back as much as we brought? Check out was 10 a.m. but us Norman's had a long drive ahead; we were hoping to be home by midnight. The Rodriguezes had a bit of a drive themselves. The next day we packed up the cars and headed on out, leaving our not so Ruidoso Camelot with Crown drive above. We stopped for breakfast at the local Denny's and then went our separate ways. They would stop in the Roswell (their pics) area on their way back to Texas.

We pretty much drove straight home. Having parcelled off all of the leftovers including the carcass for soup, all of us had turkey sandwiches for the road and snacks handy. The hubbi started off the drive and took us all the way into Arizona once again. He likes to collect caps, so we stopped in two Love's to add to his collection. As we left we saw the hill with the cross on top of it commemorating the Battle of Round Mountain. We saw some of the places we missed on White Sands day, and stopped by Eagle Ranch and a local road stop for my souvenoirs.

The skies seemed emotionally clouded at our departure, even shedding a few tears of rain along our way; yet there was a rosy glow as the sun went down on our vacation. I covered the Arizona span from Tucson, and the hubbi drove the rest of the way. Hours and hours later we made it home, shortly before midnight. It would be Saturday and we had time to re-adjust to the real world. It has been a wonderful escapade.

rudimentary in ruidoso

We had a few days to ourselves before those Rodriguezes arrived ;-). They would be leaving for our parts Sunday around midnight and arriving near noon Monday. We just really enjoyed the time basking in our surroundings and each other's company. As I mentioned we had certain creature comforts of home - so the guys were playing their games y estudié el español. We brought a lot as we are in the habit of doing. We found the local store nearby - a Walmart - with everything else we would need. Amusingly enough, we made at least one trip every day - guess we're not used to not being at home; there was always something we thought we could use.

Oddly enough, I became very domestic - I made breakfast nearly every morning - hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and sausage - and kept the kitchen cleaned up. I walked around the facilities. I went over to the clubhouse every now and then to make sure all was right with the world on facebook and mobwars and the hubbi did some banking. But we also had cellular wireless connection which could be used right there in our accommodations.

The first day I had a headache - symptomatic of high altitude as we were 7000 ft up; after 24 hours I adjusted. We watched movies - The Mist (the book by Stephen King) - without the youngest; he was playing his games. What an intense (and I mean that in the most intense way imaginable) movie! I was pacing the floor and wondered how anyone could have sat through the amped up atmosphere of a theatre with that movie. It still was a great look at the human psyche under extreme circumstances.

By the time the Rodriguezes joined us we had regrouped from our long drive, were relaxed and acclimated. It would take them about a day and half to achieve the same. We had lovely weather - nice and warm fresh air slightly thin on oxygen. In the evening it cooled quite a bit and we cuddled up in our quarters by the fireplace - every day closer to Thanksgiving was a little cooler.

When they arrived, we watched a few more movies - Traitor, Hulk, Taken and Wall-E (the hubbi and I still have yet to watch this one). We played a few games - Carcassonne, Mille Bornes, and Spouse-ology. We enjoyed all the movie selections as well as the games. The Rodriguezes and the Normans tied in Spouse-ology. It was a lot of fun testing the strength of our marriages in this competition. The youngest learned and quickly grasped Milles Bornes, a game our family has played 3 generations now. We introduced the Rodriguezes to the intracacies of Carcassone on the initial level while indicating how enhanced it can become. The winner was undetermined, as we moved pieces off the board before it could clearly be determined.

That's pretty much it for the day-to-day activities. We made a couple of extracurricular outings - and those are yet to come!

Meandering at the close of the month ...

Coming off of a nice time away at our church leadership retreat, I'm feeling peaceful, hopeful, blessed. This was our second retreat, the first occurring Spring of this year. We looked over the past 6 months and by the grace of God, it was good. It was a 2-nighter where we had a couple of brainstorming sessions and we also relaxed and broke bread together, and enjoyed the tropical air and environment of Palm Springs, returning for Sunday morning service.

Another answer to prayer has been God's response to my job situation. I actually have a hard two weeks to look forward to, but the prayers of the saints in my behalf have been answered and God has heard my cry. Those weeks won't be any different than I originally anticipated; but I will. I moved from the majority report of the weeks to come to the Caleb report. My Lord will sustain me. Not that I doubted it, but I had wearied and I so needed that sense of Him. It will be the cornerstone of my holiday thoughts tomorrow - the verse below.

I have been blessed in the surge to have lost about 6 pounds. The challenge will have been these last few days and of course tomorrow. But I've increased my walking steps and managed well my nutrition over the past several weeks. I am encouraged. I already survived the test of a birthday party for a dear friend's husband where there was so much delicious food. And today, which I'll touch upon further was our church's monthly fellowship. I'm keeping myself accountable. I will forge ahead!

The husband and I just celebrated 9 years of marriage. I was recalling today, one of our initial encounters where he had really blessed me, and in doing so touched my heart. He was the speaker today at church. We had just returned straight from the retreat. It was a good sermon. And it was fellowship sunday, so it was nice kickin' it with everyone over food and faith. Another one of his train gang visited the church today; the other came a few weeks back. I really enjoy seeing new faces coming to the church, especially those who make it home. It was especially nice today because our Japanese sojourner, the husband's namesake is back home - he had been many months in the country he had long dreamed of. He has plans for his future and is trying to set everything in place. He came with two sisters with him today to enjoy hearing their dad speak.

I've gotten caught up in mob wars on facebook. What an addiction. And just when I thought I had it all in hand, some criminal tries to wipe me out and I scramble for hours to maintain my existence. What have I gotten into. Thank goodness for loyal mob members - I nearly died! I play a bit of wordscraper too - trying to keep the brain sharp. The husband thinks I've fallen for my lab top.

We actually celebrate our anniversary for 3 weeks. We went to the county courthouse and followed the occasion with a subsequent wedding and reception.

Summer is falling into Autumn as the last holiday of its time takes place. We'll (he'll) barbeque of course and hopefully we'll be blessed by the presence of loved ones. I have some housecleaning that day and then its back to life as usual.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. _{Matthew 11:28-29}

Have a Blessed Labor Day Holiday

Time Continuum

With time being an intrigue of both the husband and mine, I am realizing just how our DVD collection with regard to time has continued to expand, not per se deliberately. What triggered this notion was the watching of the recent acquisition, Stargate Continuum. The closing words of a song, life is but a dream, comes to mind, but with merry-less intense rowing. Let me just say, even beyond the story, I found extremely enjoyable being re-acquainted with years of key characters and too what they chose to do with them.

The disc also has a piece 'layman's guide to time travel' with astrophysicist Jayme Matthew discussing aspects used in the movie such as the grandfather paradox and parallel universes. Very interesting and in the movie captivatingly employed!

I'm gathering a list of time travel movies we have not previously mentioned.

common threads of the called ...

This Sunday, the husband is preaching, and I always look forward to his message. Our little church is doing rather well, as we try to seek where the Lord is taking us. The leadership is working its way through Break Out Churches, discerning the qualities of leadership that are key to not church growth, but to thriving ministry - "It is a sin to be good if God has called us to be great...". It is very enlightening.

Communion Sunday, we are looking forward to hearing from a former member. Both he and the husband and Louis Migneault (who has come on board to serve with us), not necessarily concurrently, have completed the ETP (Evangelism Training Program), our denomination local body’s way of developing and fostering ministers. The book above, was one of their reading assignments. We often have guest speakers who have evolved through this program including Benton Mulder and Rick Roeda. Keep the program and its teacher, the pastor of the Moreno Valley church in prayer – it is an invaluable program. I, myself, as a ministerial wife too gained much by mere association.

Andrew, since completing the program, is now in ministry at the CRC church in Riverside, Hope. He since also married (his wife also attended our church) and has a son. Andrew is fondly remembered by those who were members then for his good nature, humor, and penchant for gadgets. He is most remembered for his love of Christ and heart to reach the lost. His last name is Holybee (busy buzzing about Jesus) :-). See you next Sunday, Andrew.

Summa Daze

It's been really really hot. The weather has been of note all around the world over the past months. We are in the midst of the 2nd summer holiday, Independence Day, watching the movie of the same title. Our home is especially low key this year. We have two of the four girls, one staying with us for a little vacation and the other bringing her friend Jake. The husband's namesake is in Japan right now; wonder how it feels to be away on July 4th. When I was an AFS summer exchange student, I spent a July 4th in Denmark. But, back to the subject on hand. Our dogs take fireworks as a personal attack, so I usually spend much of the evening soothing their sensitivities. It has overall become a pretty low-key holiday for me. The husband is cooking ribs that I of course marinated. They should be succulent soon.

For memorial day the cousins got together. My mom's sister's sons were here with 2nd cousins too. I believe on the east side (U.S.) my cousin's sister's crew was getting together with my sister's family along with more family. I needed the ability to cam in away that we could all see each other at the same time; but alas. Too, I very much regret I didn't get in contact with my brother's son. I understand he and his girlfriend spent the day at his mom's, and his girlfriend is very lovely. I hope to meet her soon. We watched the game between San Antonio and the Lakers - I'm not a fan of Duncan but, considering the alternative of Kobe, I was a Spurs fan that evening and routed for Tony Parker. It was nice to spend time with my one cousin's new wife and with my cousin's crews in general. There were crew in the age range of the youngest too, so they spent most of the time upstairs having fun.

The next holiday is Labor Day, and we'll be on a retreat. So we use holidays to enjoy family, relaxing, and getting away - but most importantly to remember the reason for the day and count our blessings.

The youngest is off-track before beginning the 4th grade - we are spending the next week on vacation for some family time. He has already enjoyed Wall-e. With the gas prices and all, we have some localized day trips planned; won't be too far away from home. I'll let you know how these things go. Have a blessed holiday and a blessed summer.

an HP relay

Last night ended a series of Harry Potter viewings. We have a nice little clasped case that holds five years, an interactive game, HP bookmarks, bonus DVD and more. Prior to this I had only seen most of one. We still have to go through the 'extras' on the DVDs.

The husband came across "Harry Potter and the Way of Jesus" in the Banner, published for the CRC by Faith Alive Christian Resources, a member of the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association. I confess although I linked it here for reference, I haven't read the article yet. According to the husband however, as part of his sermon this past Sunday, the author J.K. Rowling is a christian. I wasn't aware of that. I recall all the hoopla about the books not to long back and the question of whether christians should even entertain this fantasy around sorcery. I leave that for a christian grounded in the Word, like myself and the husband, to decide for themselves. I know that some so grounded would conclude differently than I, some aligning it with the stuff one should flee. I constantly examine the issue, aware of how seductive things of darkness can be, especially for the children. If in fact you cannot prepare or arm, protect! FLEE!

While the husband and I participated in the relay, we waited until the youngest was indisposed to view it. Of the mind that we should not so much shield our children from this world, but arm them for it, we nevertheless feel that he'll need to reach a certain age of readiness to prepare him for all that the realm of sorcery entails and how its role in this 7-book series. Probably before the final two years become films, he will be ready.

So the two of us watched years one through five - The Sorcerer's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, and The Order of the Phoenix. As the story follows Harry Potter in these years at academy, like his age they become increasingly sobering. They deal with loss of loved ones, of aloneness, of friendship - the bond and its strengths and its struggles, of abandonment, of responsibility, of the triumph and trump card of love, and the usual good and evil, and so many of the things a child may experience as prepares for an adult life. There were some intensely spiritual moments. For these reasons and because it was so very well done, I thoroughly enjoyed the DVDs. Each one always captures your attention in the opening segment of the story. The serial does an excellent job of maintaining characters and introducing new ones, developing a story that is consistent while intertwining into the lives of this array of people in Potter's world.

I hope that you have a chance to read the article, I know I'll get around to it, and to enjoy the the Harry Potter series in one form or another. For me, its similar to the likes of the Lord of the Rings lore, and Lewis' Narnia - I love good storytelling. For the sure-footed who enjoys fantasy genre, this is 'good stuff'. I look forward to sharing it when the young one develops feet of doe. Meanwhile, we'll settle for the Prince Caspian premiere in a few weeks.

Let the games begin ...

Ever since the eldest and SIM introduced us to Settlers of Catan, the husband and I have been on a tangent. They having also given the youngest The Settlers of Canaan, we've acquired a taste and penchant for this type of game. Reading up on all of these games, we took a chance on Ark of the Covenant and were delighted. Ark does not have add-ons and, because of that, leaves you wanting still to play. It ends far too quickly.

We researched more and found ourselves wondering about the source game. These games were fashioned after Carcassonne, a game with many, many add-ons as is Catan. At boardgamerevolution, I found the bundle of a lifetime and the husband quickly maneuvered to get it as soon as possible - the basic game and river expansion as well as the four major expansions: Inns & Cathedrals, Traders & Builders, Princess & Dragon, and The Tower - for nearly half of the going price, needless to say far less than buying each separately. If you like board games, check Carcassone out. If you like this type of strategy game, the add-ons expands the appeal to whet many gaming appetites. We are looking into getting even more expansions. You can't beat what Boardgamerevolution offers.

The husband and I played this weekend starting with the base game and the river. Wow! We added inns and cathedrals. Woah! Then we added the princess and the dragon, and played that one with the youngest. The only one we have left to play is the tower. The game is designed for 2-6 players age eight and older. Finally so far we added traders and builders. Each expansion adds new dimension and playing time to the game. It requires intensive concentration but not beyond the abilities of an eight-year old. It has the element of chance as well as mental challenge. It whiled away hours in which I was experiencing unrelated physical discomfort. It was a delightful if not sometimes exasperating diversion. It was great to be able to put my mind on something else.

We've become passionate Carcassone addicts! We'll be playing for years to come! If I'm not blogging, answering my emails or phone, I'm probably gone ... deep into the roman and medieval southern french city of Carcassonne!

For tonight though we'll be pottering away at our Harry dvd collection. Stay tuned for the update. Toodles.

Please keep our friend in prayer. Her husband and mine have been friends since childhood; they have 5 children. She is courageously walking in faith in a valiant battle with cancer.

Hi Dearest Ones,
How are you enjoying life in this gorgeous season of Spring?! I am drinking in the warmer weather and smiling at every flower and little hummingbird I see. God's creation is magnificent and it is all around us.
I am happy to report that our GREAT GOD is continuing to graciously heal me! I saw dr. today and my cea count registers at 1.4 which is normal for a healthy person. He calculated how long I have been 'in remission' and it is 9 months!! I asked him if he could start weaning me off of the chemo. and if that was a wise thing to do. He said at this point it is very hard to know what is wise because we are in 'uncharted waters'. He then said in light of the 9 months of negative PET scans he would like to give me a 'chemo. vacation'. WOW!!! He said the results of this next scan will be huge and will indicate what we should do next. This scan will be next Friday, April 18 soooo please pray, pray, pray for me. I am confident in God's mercy and firmly believe this scan will prove HIS healing power. I can't even imagine how it will feel to not be on chemo. drugs after 14 months of taking them. Needless to say I am very excited about that possibility :)
Though the dr. says we are in uncharted waters, I know my God is the captain and He is charting my course through these troubled waters. I am not afraid as I have learned to trust HIM in new and deeper ways. 'I will fear no evil for thou are with me...'Psalm 23
Thanks a million for your steadfast prayer support!!! The prayers of the righteous are very effective and I am blessed to have soooo many righteous people praying for me.
Praise God with me! Love always, Barbara

_{The war she wages is found at caringbridge.org}

TX trippin' - the final stint

Heading out of San Antonio, a week ago Saturday, we stopped for breakfast at the eldest's highly recommended Cracker Barrel - it was a restaurant and store - quaint and folksy. The husband didn't like 100% maple syrup - go figure ;-). I really liked the spicy sausage.

Then we seriously hit the road. We made our way much better than the trip south as we had very nice weather. The eldest pointed out for me in Dallas where the grassy knoll was from the freeway and other sights along the way like where athletes play ball. All and all, however, we were quite tired by the time we reached Denton.

The original plan was to take them home and then start on our way back to California until we made a stop for the night - at one point and time we had hoped to stop at the Grand Canyon the following day. But by this time that hope had faded in fatigue. Instead our stop for the night was once more their home, which was nice and cozy and familiar. It was a good decision.

Before we got there we had dinner at 'Raising Cane' - they have a entirely different spin on Chicken fingers - and were delicious. They had their own sauce which I liked - it was on a peppery bent from other finger sauces. The eldest however always takes her own barbeque sauce, as this is one sauce they don't offer. We really enjoyed the food and we saw the apartments they had lived in before they had bought their house. Then to their house we went with the setting sun. The snow that had chased us away was still upon rooftops and all around.

We awoke with a teary youngest in the pre-dawn of the morning to get on our way. With the earliest glimpses of sunlight, we packed the car and slipped out. Already we had lost an hour - it was daylight savings time Sunday. And so we headed home.

Despite all of our calculations, we didn't complete that trip until 3:30 the following a.m. Still, it was a good trip. I have to apologize to New Mexico - the landscape is b-utte'iful. I really enjoyed the countryside especially after the long flatlands of the Purple Heart Trail in Texas. I had hoped to get pictures of Arizona's landscape but it was becoming dark as we came upon it.

The greatest trooper of them all was the husband - he drove an endless amount of hours during the whole vacation - especially in all directions the drag of the final hours to each destination. He took us, by the grace of God, to and from safely. Thank you dear for a wonderful vacation. At 3:30 in the morning, man our bed looked great! House, we're home!

TX trippin' on the Riverwalk - remember the Alamo!

River walking is highly recommended. We found our way to downtown SA area after a bit of wifi banking and breakfast at McDonald's - the Texans had the no where yet to be found in Dallas El Pollo Loco. It was a beautiful Friday. Thanks to the navigational skills of my Beloved and SIM, we undertook and surfaced from the riverwalk right by the Alamo where there was a bevy of activity. There were advertisers of the Circus Soleil walking around on stilts with tiny, tiny shoes and a Mary Poppins I believe. The clowns talked with the youngest, one bestowing upon him a 'special' small clear stone. Miss Mary chatted with him and gave something to brighten his face - a clown nose! We initially found public parking near the Greyhound station and entered the subterranean world of the Riverwalk by Convent Street near St. Mary's, traipsing along the meandering pathways at a leisurely pace taking in all the sights and sounds. It was also possible to traverse the river by water. It was rare eye candy - simultaneously colorful and bustling while sumptuously serene.

At one point, SIM broke out in a round of The stars at night are big and bright(clap, clap, clap, clap), - pausing for response or effect - Deep in the heart of Texas, which had us all laughing.

Learned 2 things in particular at the Alamo

• One of the men who died there - John J. Baugh of Virginia - might have been a distant relative.
• Texas was called 'God's garden' (hmmm...).
  I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here - _{Alamo hero Davey Crockett}

The giant wasn't going to be free until after late, so afterward we weary walkers found our way back along the riverwalk to where we parked and headed back to our revised accommodations.

TX trippin' two-step

You know you're on vacation when you have nary a worry. The husband and I are relaxed and loving it; we walked into town to Blockbuster and used his Christmas coupon to buy 4/$20 DVDs - we got The Last Mimsy, Facing the Giants, plus two others. We racked up 10,000 steps in that trip. We saw two snowmen, a horse grazing, a voting area surrounded by democratic candidate signs - mostly Barak, and one republican one with mostly McCain. Here, the caucuses were called the 'Texas Two-Step! At the end of the day, HRC won TX, OH, not Vermont but also RI (the difference between them remains about the same) and McCain clinched his party's nomination. And the battles rage on.



The husband and I familiarized ourselves more with Catan, but the eldest and SIM gave Canaan to the youngest for his February birthday. We played that today - it has nuances that are quite enjoyable, but that version can end rather quickly. I received the Jane Austen collection and an ornament that identifies the eldest as my favorite! She's been holding our gifts hostage until we got here ;-)

She and I went over to Mardel Christian - a very comprehensive and inexpensive store. I spent $11 on 4 books. The husband barbequed ribs and chicken at the end of the day; now every one has retired (except me) in preparation for tomorrow's trek to Lackland AFB in San Antonio to visit the giant. He probably won't have time for us until Friday evening - so, there'll be sights to see. Although it was a nice sunny day; tomorrow is expected to threaten snow once again. Since we are traveling south, I am not sure what we will encounter. But God is in charge and we are excited. We have reservations for the Travelodge Suites with a kitchenette. The eldest has made spaghetti and we have snacks for the road - can you say Roadtrip!

She's been playing Scrabulous on Facebook. I haven't looked at Scrabble online in ages; I was immediately re-hooked. Signed myself up outside of Facebook so I can enjoy in the future. This vacation 4 days in has been filled with fullness of family and fun = what a blessing. Going to get some shut-eye myself. C'ya!