Katrina . . .The Second Time Around

There he is.

My Guy.

The Great Adventurer ~
at 21.


In the Cayman Islands for a luxurious getaway vacation.

Only it didn't go quite as planned! Gil arrived just in time for the island to be evacuated for the impending hurricane offshore . . .and no one bothered to inform him!

Imagine his suprise as he awoke from a good solid sleep upon arrival to find that NO ONE in the service industry was on duty.

Anywhere.

Alone.

For a week.

While Hurricane KATRINA ('81) stalled offshore.

Ah. Bested twice by the Beast.

Sunshine On The Veranda

How do I love you, little boy,
with such a deep, enduring love?

How is it that you capture my heart so,
topple its' defenses, and render it soft?

Why do you consistently impress me
with your thoughts and opinions that
reveal your upright heart?

Why did I look at you in amazement,
when you, unasked, bless me with
a cup of tea?

What type of strength shall you possess,
as you grow to manhood, surrounded by
goodness?

What joy and gladness will you bring the
world, the result of your character of gold?

Where shall you travel, taking with you
the treasures in your heart to share?

Where shall you make the deepest impact,
making your mark upon the world that
cannot be erased?

When shall you take you place in history
as a great and noble man?

When shall those who meet you recognize
the King that lives within?

How is it, little boy, that the sun shines on
the veranda, whenever you are near?

Simply Dell-ightful!

The Li'l Tyke is here!!

YEAH!! :)

{ahem} May I introduce you to our newest family member? This is:

Dell.

:)

Dell is approximately one week old in this photo, that I've just received from the Weaver's. I will receive weekly photo updates, until I travel to Virginia to bring Dell home. I am in awe . . .

Wanna meet Dell's parents?

This is Baylee and Sassy

Simply Beautiful!

Celebrate with me! :)

A Civil Reunion

Gil took the children to the Confederate Memorial Day celebration at Beauvior, the home of the President of the Confederation, Jefferson Davis yesterday. (The site has posted Katrina damage photos in a slide show.) It was quite poignant, he said, to hear excerpts of letters from soldiers who had written home from thier death bed. Thier words repeatedly resounded of strong faith in the Christ that had redeemed them.

How interesting a correlation, I thought. Bethany had just flown home from a 24-hour emergency-related trip to Minnesota. With a friend in the hospital, she responded with compassion and determination to share the Gospel.

While many soldiers of the Civil War never returned home, we are so fortunate to live in this day and age, where modern medicine and technology can repair most injuries. I am so fortunate, to have a daughter who lives with grace and dignity, doing the right thing at the right time.

Welcome home, Bethany.

Livin' Large and High On The Horse!

I am sooo excited I can hardly stand it!!

Can you believe how wonderful my life is?!?!

Today, I secured a facility for an upcoming event. (It was a VERY big deal trying to find a place, due to the impact of Katrina . . .I've been on the search for about six weeks . . .)

Today, I read (again!) that my new pup is here! Only a few weeks until puppie joins us in Mississippi!!

Today, I employed the Sonlight curriculum I opened last night!

Today, I get to enjoy supper out with my husband while he's all decked out in suit and tie!

Today, my oldest daughter blessed me by sharing a concern of hers. The revelation of the depth of her capacity to show compassion is amazing!

Today, my Aubrey-Girl was given a high compliment. When asked where she obtained her beauty SHE replied . . ."from my Momma"!

Today, I traversed paths of deep intellectual discussion with my dearest friend.

Today, I dropped off my dry-cleaning at a place that will have it ready in 36 hours! (an amazing feat in post-hurricane Mississippi!)

Today, I woke up to the Love of a God that carries me through the heaviest storm, and creates the brightest rainbows.

Today, I am happy. :)

{{{Snoopy Dance!}}}

In Search Of Bethany

The discovery startled me, as I had not set out to find the information that suddenly crystallized before my eyes as I read. I had gotten the book in an effort to educate myself, so that my homeschooling skills could be sharpened. I did not know that I would come face to face with my daughter ~ and finally understand.

Cynthia Tobias' book, The Way We Learn, discusses a person's learning styles. I quickly identified myself, my husband; peered inquisitively into the books pages for a grasp of Aubrey and Israel; Tiffany, well, elusive is the best word! :)

The star of the show was Bethany. Clearly imprinted in black and white. The Creative Random Learning Style. Oh, that I had known this YEARS ago . . .when she was yet young. So much struggle could have been averted. So many unexplainable events understood.

Like the time she was sent to the principal's office in KINDERGARTEN? I simply could not understand my child's seemingly defiant response to a simple request from her teacher. The list goes on and on. Time after time, Bethany responded to her world within the boundaries of the design in which God created her.

"CR's are intuitive, quick-thinking, curious, and resourceful. The concrete part of their nature makes them very "hands-on", but their random ordering process causes them to be somewhat unpredictable. The CR's often fight structure and routine, preferring to keep all their doors open. Life usually goes by at a breathless pace with CR's because they are constantly looking for new challenges and untried doors. If something becomes routine or boring, CR's simply drop it and go on to the next, more exciting prospect."

Time after time, I honed my response. After all of these years, and struggles too numerous to mention, did I ever get it right?

Somehow, I believe I did.

She smiled at me Sunday.

In a way only Bethany can.

Strong.

Independent.

Loving Life.

Free.

Meeting The World Head On at a Breakneck Pace ~

On Her Own Terms.

Hello, Bethany. I am your Mom. How nice to meet you.

The Interstate, The Bird and Gram's Birthday

Of course, I was up most of the night.

I had to get The Project to a stopping point. Once the week starts, there would be/is very little time to get it done, in the mail, and delivered. The big day is Friday. Mom's Birthday.

How many times has it slipped by, unnoticed? She's never complained, really. But, the memories of Angel Food Cake and her best efforts to make my day special resound within me. So, this year, a very special treat for Grandma.

(I'd love to show you now ~ but I cannot risk Grams getting on the blogosphere and peeking. It would ruin the suprise . . .I am certain you understand!) :)

N-E-Ways . . .I couldn't sleep. Had to finish The Project. It was quite warm when I crawled into bed in the wee hours of the morn, but I wasn't very focused on the temperature. I knew if I didn't sleep, I'd be worth next to nothing in the morning.

I evidently drifted off effortlessly . . .but certainly was unprepared for the intense clatter and squeaking and goings on that followed at o'dark thirty . . .was that Gil?

Yep. Sure enough, it was a picture right out of The Night Before Christmas, where the Papa runs to the window, 'lifts up the shutter to see what was the matter'!

Windows were squeaking and popping into place throughout the house. What a racket! It introduced a crisp breeze, though, so it was welcome. I still felt warm.

Once the noise settled down, the blackness of the night enfolded me and I was off to sleep again. . . .and then it happened.

First it was a car. Then the neighbors' dog. Then . . .hmmmm . . .something indistinguishable . . .but THAT ~ THAT noise was unmistakable!!

Right out of the Jungle Book! A squaking bird from across the way . . .and a noisy one, too! Sigh. I guess a deep sleep would elude us this night . . .

As dawn cracked the day, and Gil prepared to go repair the air conditioner, he said, "Who needs to worry about an Interstate coming through here? That would be welcome, over this BIRD!"

LOL! Well, yes, you are right Gil . . .but how about we just fix the air conditioner?!

Snoopy (er, or is that Schnauzer) Dance!!

WOOOOHOOOO!! I've just gotten word that the PUPPIES have ARRIVED!! YIPPEE SKIPPEE!! Ooooo Boy! The Snoopy Dance today ~ !! What an EASTER happy . . .

My heart is overflowing! Bethany and Tiffany joined us for a hearty Easter meal, and all is well. What better way to spend the day, then in a state of tremendous gratitude to the Lord for life, liberty and happiness? It is truly a banner day, indeed.

Post-er Boy

Israel has been taking increasing interest in computers. His latest venture?

His very own blog.

http://the-adventures-of-me.blogspot.com

Reindeer Dog . . .

Ok ~ it was just too wierd.

I looked out the livingroom window ~ an amazing sight stood before me: a small deer, a doe, who was grazing in the morning light, nibbling on the dewey, tender grass. I was so suprised to see her so close to the house, that I reached my hand through the window, in an attempt to draw her near. She lifted her muzzle gently, but did not budge.

I then called to the children to please bring me some peanuts. A full handful was tossed to her, and then another . . .she really seemed to enjoy them! Her defenses down, the doe continued to come closer and closer to the house, until she pressed her nose against the siding, and entered my home?!?!

Without care or concern, she began investigating everything. The closer I looked at her, the more I realized that she wasn't a deer at all . . .no, she was a DOG with a set of toy antlers strapped to her head! What the heck?

She followed the children dutifully, and played lovingly with them. Assured of her friendliness, I dismissed myself from the room.

Then it happened. Pseudo Deer got her jaws on my only tube of CopperMine Lipstick (you know, the one that Dede asked me for yesterday ~ ) and proceeded to mash the contents of said tube all over the ottoman . . .

AAAGGGHHH!!! As I stood peeling this concoction off (which had now turned to an unusual plastic substance) I then heard water running in the distance . . .now what?!

My eyes fluttered open. The sunlight poured in. I heard Gil in the shower.

Oh. It was only a dream.

Whew! :)

If I Had Another Husband . . .

If I had another husband
life would certainly be
bland
and boring
and twiddle-de-dum
'cuz my husband
is fantastic! He is full of fun!

His verbose ways complete me
His humor never ends
And if it does he's sleeping ~
(the dawn-bird at days' end!)

If I had another husband
the children would be at lack
no structure
no lecture
and no playmate
'cuz my husband
is amazing! He keeps my back!

His parental skills exceed him
although he would never say ~
Modesty proceeds him
in a most unusual way.

If I had another husband
my heart would be empty
of love
and of life
and of sweet nothings
'cuz my husband
is a romantic! He keeps our love zany!

He thinks of everything
and then some
No detail escapes his watchful eye,
It's a rare moment indeed,
when his chivalrous acts do not make me cry.

So, if I had another husband
I suppose I would have to try
to see if I could exchange him
for this superior model ~
this incredible Gil guy. :)

Prince? Or Prisoner?

The anticipation of our new arrival has finally reached the children. They are suddenly captivated with the wonderings of 'what color is it going to be' and 'can it sleep in my room'? Everyone seems to have an emotional reaction to this new creature, before it even arrives. Yet, I cannot help but consider how our newest family member will adjust to us . . .

Global Developments

Visionary: one who is able to perceive something not actually visible, as through mental actuteness, the potential of an idea or dream in it's state of completion, fruition

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going . . .

The lyrics resound in my mind as I traverse distant memories of childhood camp, singing around the fire, roasting marshmallows.

How true the statement.

How much impact have I had?

What sparks have flown from my life and relationship with the Lord to ingnite another's life and relationship with Him so as to intensify their search for purpose and desire to become more, do more, experience more?

The answer is not far. No, it is as close as the next prayer I express.

Then another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; and a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people, to offer upon the golden altar before the throne. And the perfume of the incense mixed with the prayers ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Revelation 8:3-4 LB

Oh Boy! Oh Boy!

It's becoming official ~
You know: like the moment you purchase a new car and suddenly you see nine hundred cars of your same make and model that you never noticed before.

It's happening. :)

Today, on the Golf Course (my husband???) Gil met a group of girls, sisters, who lived on the sixteenth hole. They had a family pet with them.

The breed?

A Schnauzer.

Then, I visit a friend's home. There were many guests. One of the gals owned . . .yep.

You guessed it.

A Schnauzer.

Much like the portrayed face of our canine friend here in this blog, I keep wondering,
"Is it here yet?"

The waiting continues . . .