Day 55: My Favorite People in the World

1) Highlight of today? The arrival of my friend Sue from Wisconsin. This girl and I go way way back. She's a true blue friend and I love her so much. She didn't get in until 8:00 in the evening but we stayed up laughing and talking until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. She's one of my all-time favorite people in this world.

2) Today marks the  beginning of break! Yay!!! Breaks are absolutely spectacular--and I am going to fill these days with lots of girl-time: movies, pedicures, late-night talk sessions, chai tea and relaxation all around. My favorite kind of days.

3) It rained and rained and rained today. I haven't seen rain like that in a forever. But I love rainy days. Who doesn't??

4) Roy and I took the car to the Toyota dealership to get the oil changed today. As we were in the waiting room, several people were in there with us and we all struck up a conversation--the state of our nation, childhood obesity, the financial crunch of the middle class...They were just good people who have the same concerns as all of us. I feel like I say this a lot, but I am constantly reminded of how similar we all are--we're all just people trying to forge our way in a world that can be difficult but beautiful, all at the same time.

5) Darian made it safely to Tennessee with her friend Miranda whom she is spending the night with. They went to Miranda's grandma's house and invited Savana for supper. I love that my girls love each other--they are each other's best friend. They are so different--yet very much alike intrinsically. When I meet someone that doesn't have girls, I always feel a little sorry for them as they just don't know what they're missing. I remember watching Little Women many years ago and the mom says to her daughters something about how "the world is a better place because of you". I thought that was the sweetest thing to say but now? I totally get it. This world is a better place because of my girls. I am so proud of them and they give me endless endless joy.

Day 54: The Little Things

1) Lunch with Tammy! Tammy has been gone for quite some time as she was taking care of her parents. She came home Monday evening and we had originally planned a lunch date for Wednesday but due to a change of plans, she was free today. So we went to Brixx--our usual lunch hangout. We talked nonstop and just had a good time in general. I'm so glad that she made time for me in her life today.

2) I said goodbye to Ricky this afternoon. I can't say that was a highlight specifically but it was a poignant moment. I will miss him so much--already do. The kids were flooding in my office to hug him goodbye and beg him to stay. He seemed a little sad as I'm sure it made him realize that he is genuinely loved here. 

3) This morning as I drove home from taking Jace to APCS I passed what used to be Lena's house and it hurt my heart a little. I love that girl--and I miss her. I miss our walks and our long talks and her friendship. Lena packs a punch--she's such a gifted girl and she meets life head-on. I am so thankful for her friendship. She's a girls' dean now and my bet is, she'll be one of the best.

4) Today when Jace got home from school, he said, 'Mom, I want a haircut. I would really like it now." So I drove him in to Fantastic Sam's. The entire time he was getting his hair cut, he sat totally still and completely quiet. A couple of times the stylist tried to chat with him but he barely responded. So she said something to me about what a quiet little guy he is. Haha. I assured her that he normally has plenty to say. Anyway, as we were heading home, I said--Jace, you need to be friendlier with people. You hardly said a word to her! He said--Mom, I'm shy in the beginning. It's just who I am. -- Basically he was saying--don't try to change me. And I won't. Gosh I like that kid. He brings me joy immeasurable.

5) It's the little things in life that make the difference. They all add up throughout the course of the day to something grand. And that's how today was--lots of little moments that together created a really good day: I spent some time talking to Rick in his office--always fun, Darian went to the dorm and brought my much-loved apron home, I called my dad and though it was a rather daunting conversation, at least I called :), on the spur of the moment, I tried to facetime Dee and she answered! Yay!! So we had a short conversation--but she's always refreshing to talk to, and Darian came home and had literally fifteen minutes before she had to leave again and I managed to make supper in literally ten minutes: prime stakes, masahed potatoes, green beans. Okay--so the potatoes were instant. And everything else came out of a can. But still...

Day 53: Highlights

Here are the highlights of today!:

1) Jace was so excited to go to school. After a long three day weekend, he was ready to see his friends and have his life back. This gave me so much joy--it has been a long road to get where we are now, Jace and I and school.

2) My Ricky from ESL is leaving today. I am so sad to lose him as he has absolutely worked his way into my heart. But anyway, he's going to Seattle to live with a guardian and his little sister. So we--Ricky, Lisa, Michael and I--went to Dunkin' Donuts for ESL class as a last hoorah. It was fun--lots of laughter and talking. He will be greatly missed.

3) I drank chai tea this morning from my favorite mug. It's orange and says 'Wild Thing' on the side. Another gift from a Williams--Lillian. She is so beautiful and sweet and when I drink from that mug I always think of her. And it makes me smile.

4) Recently I bought oranges and grapefruit from the elementary school and the fruit always comes in this nice boxes. So Jace kept one of the lids and was playing in it in his room. This morning when I let Bella in, she immediately went to Jace's room, saw the box, and climbed in and curled up. She has spent her day in that box. It's rather cute.

5) I am going to bed before 10:00. I am taking my Nook and reading myself to sleep: definitely one of my all-time favorite things.

G'nite!

Day 52: How Quickly Things Change

1) We went to Sam's today for the monthly Sam's run and in the midst of the shopping adventure, they announced that their machines were down and we had to pay with checks or cash. Thankfully I had my checkbook so all was well. And then we stood in line for probably an hour. But here is the thing: I didn't even get annoyed. I really, honestly didn't. And I'm not applauding myself. It's simply the result of EBT. Love Love Love EBT. (And if anybody reads this--which probably nobody does other than my fam--they will have no idea what I'm talking about.)

2) My cabinets are filled to the brim. My refrigerator and little freezer are filled to the brim. We are so blessed to have so much--even when budgets are tight.

3) I made a huge bowl of grapefruit-orange. Oh my goodness. Scrumptious. I can't wait to dive into that! :)

4) Darian is home! I missed her and her stories and just her. While we were gone to Sam's she spent time with Jace. She's such a great big sister and he misses her so much when she's gone as well. Poor Jace. Next year will be difficult being an only child at home.

5) As we were coming from Sam's, just as we got by the church sign where we either go straight or go around a big curve, we heard loud screeching and a large truck tire bounced just in front of us, barely missing our car. It had flown off a truck that was screeching around the corner, sparks flying--and he barely missed us as well. He slammed into the ditch and we pulled to a stop to make sure he is was ok. He was shaken but fine. I'm thankful that he had his wits about him enough to keep that truck under control. And I'm thankful that we were unscathed by the whole ordeal. It just reminds me yet again of how quickly--in the blink of an eye--everything can change.

Day 51: The Gift of Ciara

Today  (though I'm actually writing this on Sunday morning as I was exhausted last night) has been a quiet, peaceful day. Here are the highlights:

1) I spent some time talking with Linda Ashcraft after sabbath school today. She is so sweet and honest and I always enjoy our conversations. I appreciate the fact that she is real and doesn't try to pretend. She is just a precious girl and though we only see each other at sabbath school periodically, I am always glad to see her.

2) All week I have wanted to talk to Trixie as her dog Lina bit a kid on campus. She's an Australian Shepherd and the boy--Tim--was running. So I know that was the problem as she bit his heel. Unfortunately, though, she drew blood, so it has turned into quite a fiasco. But I love Lina and I 'get' her as she reminds me so much of Harmony. Anyway, as always it was fun talking to Trixie and I was so glad that I could just let her know that I've been thinking about her and her sweet dog.

3) We went for a drive today after lunch and Jace said, "Mom, when I grow up I want to live at home with you. I'll bring my wife and my hyperactive children."  I've laughed about that all day. Where did that come from??? Hyperactive children?? No doubt they will be if they're anything like him. :)

4) Lori and I skyped for an hour this morning. I love our skype sessions. We talk about anything and everything and it's simply fun.

5) Today I am thankful for the health of my family--that my kids love each other so much, for their loyalty, and that is everybody is simply vibrant and alive. There was a day when I envied families such as my own--a day when I screamed in my heart at the unfairness of it all as I watched others with healthy children while I watched my own die. But now I am so grateful for that experience of Ciara. I learned so much. She gave me depth and understanding of the love of parents for their children--no matter whether they are healthy and whole or otherwise. She taught me that life isn't perfect and there's no need to pretend. And she taught me to hope for a brighter day when we'll be reunited. So I am grateful today for my family and that everybody is happy and whole. But I am also grateful for the day when I couldn't say that. Because Ciara made all the difference.

And I was thinking about that today.

Day 50: Cozy and Comfortable

Today has been one of those perfect kinds of days. It has been icy and rainy and blustery outside and I haven't had to do too much which translates into...well...perfection. Here are the highlights.

1)  As soon as I got up this morning I peeked outside and it was icing. When I checked the website that lists school closings, there was APCS: no school today! It was a fabulous beginning to the day. Jace was thrilled, of course. And I was genuinely happy for him.

2) As soon as I got to school I saw Kathy, our VP. She verified that the board passed having an ESL program next year which translates into a full-time job for me. Oh. My. Goodness.  AT LAST!!

3) Today is payday and I've already paid bills and figured a budget. I LOVE that.

4) I talked to my mom for quite some time this afternoon. She was chattery and happy and it was just a good conversation.

5) There genuinely isn't a single thing I can say in complaint about today. Guerin went to Southern and made it there safely so Savana is over the moon, of course. Darian is having fun at Prayer Conference. I've watched some Downton Abbey today--the most fabulous show on earth. And I cleaned the house so it feels pretty good in here. And the three of us -- Jace, Roy and me -- all ate supper together up here in the mancave. Cozy and comfortable.

January 24: Good Stuff

1) Today Roy and I drove Ricky to the airport as he's flying to Seattle to meet up with his family for a few days. And then afterwards we went to World Market as the Williams gave me a gift certificate there for my birthday. (So so sweet and generous...) Anyway, it was just so much fun meandering around that store as I haven't been there before. And then the icing on the cake is that they have this special curry paste that I LOVE but haven't been able to find since Missouri days! So yeah--that pretty much gave me lots of joy. So I bought a couple of jars which should last me quite some time. And then when I run out? I know where to find it. But the absolute best part was...everything I bought was paid for by a gift certificate. And that reminded of how generous and kind those Williams people are. I really do like them.

2) Tonight I went downstairs to finish cleaning the kitchen and such and realized that the trashcan was full to overflowing. So I gathered all of the trash together and had Jace carry it outside to the trashcan. Naturally he came back to report that it was full to overflowing so we had to take it to the dumpster at the dorm. Roy came down to help me and I assumed he would put it all in the trunk of the car as it's bitter outside. But no. He decided that we should take the trash to the dumpster in the golf cart. Why? So we could feel alive. And did I ever. Then when we got home it was a race to see who could get in the house first.

I won. (Thankfully he never reads these posts.)

3) I talked to Tami--my sister--for quite some time today. We haven't caught up in awhile. I always love our conversations. And while I'm on sisters? Lori got hired! Yay!!!!! That is spectacular news.

4) I got my google calendar set up for my students. So now I can always post assignments and due dates and such. Oh my goodness!!! I can't even say how exciting this is!

5) This afternoon when Jace came home from school, we were discussing how we all have negative issues that we have to deal with. He said, "What's my negative issue?" I said, "You're just so darned cute. Being so handsome can be a curse." He sighed and said, "Yeah. I know. But I guess I'll just have to learn to live with it." And then, of course, he gave me that sly grin.

January 23: The Worst Idea Ever

1) This morning at 7:00 Darian left for Bible Conference at the camp in Florida. So we loaded all of her stuff in the car and took off for the cafeteria. It was bitterly cold so I warmed up the car beforehand, thankfully. As we drove down the road and got to the ad building, there was Luke Vaughan--hauling his suitcase and guitar case and a sleeping bag and he had his pillow in his mouth. It was a rather comical sight as this poor kid was loaded down and freezing. So we rolled the window down and said--Throw your stuff in the trunk and hop in! And he did. He was so gracious, so thankful as I drove him and Darian to the caf (which was, of course, literally seconds away). And then, since we pulled up as the same time as the bus, we hung in the car for a bit and talked. But anyway, it was just sweet and Luke was so thankful--though it was such a minor little thing. But on this bitterly cold morning, this boy gave me joy--and I smiled the whole way home thinking about it.

2) I skyped with Savana today during lunch and she shared with me this youtube video about a psychologist who works with elderly people who have Alzheimer's. She shares a technique that allows her to actually make an emotional connection with these people, no matter how severe their case may be. And as I watched this video and watched her connect with this little woman who hadn't spoken in years, I just sat there and cried. It was so sweet, so touching--and so very very sad. And yet again it speaks of how we all need to be loved and accepted, no matter who we are, no matter our situation, no matter our mental capacity. Everybody needs love.

3) I made my homemade chai tea mix this evening. Can't wait to drink it in the morning.

4) My ESL class was especially fun this afternoon. They are such a great bunch of kids. We played this game where they had to match pictures with the appropriate captions. So afterwards, I asked them what they would like to do for the remainder of the semester. Lisa thought for a moment and then she said, "I think we should read a book together. Then when we come to class we can write about it and discuss it!" Ricky immediately looked at her, shock and disgust all over his face. And then he said, "Seriously, Lisa? That is the WORST idea EVER!"

5) There were lots of bright spots in my day actually. Roy bopped in during my Freshman English class to bring me the car keys. It's always fun when he drops in--brightens my day a bit. Beth G. is back and that always makes life at school just a little happier. I ate supper in the caf and Beth A. came over to chat. And we did. Then we were joined a bunch of adults...and then some kids...and it was just a generally good time. And last but not least, I purchased a subscription to HuluPlus. Why? So that I can continue watching Downton Abbey. I do believe I shall conquer that tomorrow. :)

January 22: Another Day in the Life

1) So today I had to run into Barnes & Noble quickly to get a TOEFL prep book for Ricky. Roy came with me and surprised me with a soup & salad lunch at Applebee's. It was a spur of the moment thing and so fun. Unfortunately, I love eating out. (While I was at B&N I did a quick look at the New Book releases and realized I already have everything that looks interesting on my Nook. Yah.)

2) I talked to Jacque this morning. It was a rather quick conversation but as always, she makes me happy with her encouragement and insights and supportive comments. I just love that girl.

3) After several days of not getting home until 9:00 or later, Roy came home at 5:30 this evening. And stayed home. Ahhh...love that. It makes for a long evening that is relaxed and ... well, perfect.

4) I got a lot of my tax information together. I can't say I love that job but I'm so glad that I did it and that I was able to answer some questions that have been needling me. Every year I promise myself that I'm going to be more organized with keeping my information together. Gr. Maybe this year I will actually make that happen. But regardless, I feel so so so good that I'm ready to have my taxes figured! Yay!

5) Darian & I did the whole 20 seconds on/20 seconds off for 12 minutes exercise program we heard about. Definitely got our heart rates up--and laughed. A lot.

6) I finished the first season of Downton Abbey this evening. That show is absolutely addicting! Season #2, here I come!

January 21: True Friends

1) Today I am thankful for true friends--friends who don't hold grudges. Friends who work out hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Today I am thankful for friends that communicate and are genuine. Something happened today that reminded me of how very blessed I am with true friends. They make all the difference.

2) And I am thankful for tacos. I made dinner tonight--tacos and seasoned rice. We all sat around the table and talked--the five of us plus Guerin. I love dinner around a table, yet it seems to be so rare these days.

3) I am thankful for google that taught me how to get oil stains out of clothes so that Darian can return a perfectly clean borrowed skirt. :)

4) I am thankful for cell phones so that I could call Ricky and find out where all of my ESL students are in the midst of the school day and so that I can call Savana as she travels back to Southern to make sure she's safe.

5) I am thankful for Beth A. who dropped in to say hello in the middle of the afternoon. She was a bright spot today--even though she only stayed a moment. But still...

January 20: Dirt Bikes and Banquets and Television

#1: Today Roy worked on Jace's dirt bike. Jace was so excited--helped Roy the entire time. But for almost two hours, Roy was stuck as one of the jets from the carburater (look at me talking about motorcycle parts!) was plugged and he couldn't figure it out. But then he got an ingenious idea and...whattayaknow...managed to unplug the jet and get it all back together. Roy absolutely astounds me with his mechanical abilities. It seems nothing is impossible for him and everytime I see him working and thinking and figuring when it comes to mechanical stuff, I stand amazed.

#2)Jace rode his dirt bike and figured out the gears. He's been so nervous about it as he has never had to shift before. But he rode in circles out in the field by our garage and was shifting all over the place. He was so proud, and watching this boy of mine? I was too.

#3) This evening was the banquet--Disney-themed. Academy banquets are just so much fun--seeing all of the kids dressed to the nines, incredible food, great atmosphere. Everybody is happy--good times. So many kids were dressed in genuine Disney outfits--Cinderellas and princesses and dwarfs. And Savana and Guerin came too--so pretty much it was just a great, great evening.

#4) Roy was called up on stage by the entertainment. He put this carrot in his mouth and they had twelve inch blade knives that they were juggling both in front of and behind him. It was funny, entertaining, hilarious. But the thing was, Roy is a big guy to me. He's solid and broad shouldered and ... I don't know ... he's just a big guy. But up there on that stage next to one of their guys who stands at about 6'4" and is genuinely a BIG guy...well--Roy looked small. It was weird--like being in another dimension. But he's just so funny and adorable to me. So big guy or little guy...I just love him.

#5) I've heard so much about this show Downton Abby lately. So today I started the series as I have the first season on Netflix. Oh. My. Goodness. It's like watching the Biltmore house here in Asheville come alive. I'm so excited about this show--I absolutely loved it. So Beth Grissom, thank you for the recommendation. You were absolutely spot on. :)

January 19: Today's Main Events

Here are the main things I am grateful for today:
1. This morning Savana made grapefruit/orange fruit salad and Paula Deen cinnamon rolls. Delish. So when Jace got up, he was in the hallway and the only thing I heard was: "Here comes the cinnamon roll dance!" and then here he came--dancing as only Jace can! It's like he has no muscle in his body as he twists and turns and dances with no shame. It was the perfect way to start my day.

2. After church we went out to eat at El Que Pasa with the Williams fam. And Zach McDonald decided to tag along. And then Drew. And Nick. Once we were at the restaurant, another family came along that the Williams knew so they joined as well and it turned out there were 18 of us sitting as a group. It was so so so much fun. We were there for forever--at least two hours--with nonstop talking and great food.

3. The sun was shining today. After several days of rain and clouds and gray, the sun was a welcomed sight.

4. Today Roy and I were talking about life before the internet and how, if you wanted to go somewhere, you actually had to use a map rather than google. And it made me think how, even though it absolutely has its drawbacks, I am really thankful for the Internet and cell phones and iPads and just technology in general. Sometimes I have to remember to try to balance it...but? Better balance than no technology at all. I happen to love the perks.

5. I am thankful for pajamas at 6:00 and long evenings filled with things  I love such as reading and blogging and watching tv and ... well, maybe even some chai tea.

January 18: And It Was Fun

It's Saturday morning--I am definitely out of the habit of writing each day. But I wanted to highlight yesterday as it was such an amazing day. And here's why:
#1 #1 #1 #1 #1: Darian spoke for vespers. It makes me cry just thinking about this daughter of mine who gets up in front of 135 other students to talk about her love for God and what He means to her. So as I watched her up there, so assured and confident, her life flashed before my eyes. It's kind of crazy how it happens--how they go from being helpless babies to vibrant young adults in such a short time. But she sure did. She spoke about how no matter how she feels about herself; no matter how others may feel about her--she knows that God loves her and there's nothing she can do to change that. It's a message that most adults don't understand. But she does. She gets it. I can't wait to see where God takes this daughter of mine. I'm a little concerned that she's going to blaze trails somewhere--somewhere far away. Oh how I will miss her when she's gone. But she has one spectacular life in store for her. This much I know.

#2) I had my students write a list of things they are grateful for. And they did it. And they shared--honest, real things. They're such great kids.

#3) After the vespers program last night, I hung around waiting for Darian because I wanted her to be able to talk to everyone as much as she wanted--yet I wanted to walk home with her so that we could share about her talk. And so little Lex came up to me--this sweet bubbly freshman of mine--and introduced her mom. And we simply hit it off. We stood there and talked for probably 45 minutes but the conversation just flowed. Lex is absolutely a carbon copy of her mom. But anyway--it was fun adult conversation. We shared, we laughed, we were honest. And it was fun.

#4) Zach McDonald came to the house. Savana & Guer went out to eat dinner with him and there was a little bit of time before vespers so he came and we talked. Zach is only 28 and the youth pastor at Foster--but my goodness, this kid is simply spectacular. I loved him from the first moment I saw him--he's just that way. So cool, so artistic, so unique, so insightful. He's a rare gem and I'm so glad he came to our home.

#5) I made chili and cornbread for supper tonight. Normally my cornbread is absolutely delish. But I left out a key ingredient: sugar. So....eh. Not so much. But the chili was excellent. So Jace, Darian and I were just sitting down to eat when Roy happened to walk in. He and Ed went to the bookstore together so I wasn't necessarily expecting him home anytime soon. But anyway, his time was absolutely perfect and so the four of us enjoyed dinner around the table for the first time in a forever. We laughed and talked and ate and simply enjoyed each other. Raved about the chili and dogged the cornbread. And I loved it.

#6) My house is clean. Dusted. Mopped. Vaccuumed. Picked up. Sparkling countertops. Such a great feeling to have a clean house before the weekend.

#7) I got the Simple Abundance Companion. I can't wait to get started. (Thanks, Roy.)

Pretty much? Today was a great day.

Jan 17, 2013: Rare Jewels

For the past two days I have heard a lot about gratitude and the importance of counting off each day the things we are thankful for. And of course it reminded me of this blog...and once again I am inspired to try this again.

So today I am thankful for:
1) the fact that Savana came home for a long weekend. Gosh I miss this girl when she is gone. And she's in such a good place that she is just plain content and all good things these days. So having her home is a breath of fresh air. She is in the kitchen cooking or laughing at funny videos on her computer or chatting it up with Guerin or ...well, a million things. When she's here, it just feels a little more like home.

2) the fact that it's rainy and blustery and icy outside and so nice and homey and warm in my house. It's a perfect night for reading and blogging and sleeping. Love that.

3) I am completely caught up at work with all of my receipting and letter writing and all of that stuff. Ahhh. I've been trailing behind a bit since Christmas break but as of today? That's no longer true. And I am so very very glad. Tomorrow when I walk into my office, it will be a fresh start. Yay!!

4) Roy sold his trailer. I wasn't too concerned about it really. He's been wanting to sell it now for a few months as he has a new agenda that he's planning to invest in. (But that's a different story for a different day.) But anyway, he got a call out of the blue last night from a guy he's never heard from and he's not even sure how he discovered the trailer. And after lots of questions and discussion and such, the guy emailed Roy this morning and told him to consider the trailer sold. So Roy is ecstatic, feels a little lighter. But here's the thing that I'm grateful for out of this story. It just seems that when the timing is right, everything falls into place. No need to worry and fret and get bent out of shape. We just need to hold on, try to keep that inner calm and trust that, in the end, it will all work out as it's supposed to. And I really like that too. It helps me remember that yes, life is difficult and we all struggle and cry at times. But in the end God has my back.

5) I talked to Jeff--a good good friend from high school days -- this evening. He called to tell me that in fact he's sending the money for Darian's mission trip this next week so he hasn't forgotten. And then we just chatted for awhile. He's one of those friends that we can go months, even years, without speaking...and yet we go right back to where we were when we were eighteen. Nothing has changed. I mean--of course everything has changed. But where it counts--at the heart of things--we're still us. Still friends. And true friends are rare jewels.