Retreat Decor

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It's Over.........

Well, one wins some and loses some. Lauri didn't like my cauliflower soup and Ken thought it was soso but he didn't want me to throw it out as I felt like doing. The banana bread and spaghetti were eaten heartily by my family here at home so I guess two out of three isn't so bad.

Last night was the dreaded science fair. I was very wary about the project Isaiah had done. I really didn't know what they were looking for and like I said prior, I am not a scientist nor have any interest in the subject. I rather loathe science fairs for that reason. Isaiah got a second and seemed to handle it quite well at school during the fair but expressed his disappointment when we got home. It was a good lesson for him though because his heart and soul were never in that project. It was good enough, whatever it was, seemed to be his attitude about it all. I told his mom later that in reality, Isaiah didn't deserve more than a second and she had to agree. I think he will take his next project much more seriously.

Isaiah's best friend also got a second so that there was a glimmer of comfort in the company of misery. On the other hand, his two girl cousins got firsts. They both did a very good job. Their dad is a science guy and though Syd did it all herself, I know the guidance of someone who knows what they are looking for helps a bit. The eighth graders did history projects. Alex did hers on some queen whose name I don't recall. She has studied everything about the woman and knew her subject very well. As Alex said, "She lived 82 colorful years". I look forward to Isaiah's eighth grade year because history projects hold an excitement for me that science projects never will. This moring there was a cleansing for both Isaiah and me as we took his board apart, and threw out the papers and pictures that had been attached. I kept the best looking of the plants to put in a spring pot and threw the rest in the garbage can. Hurrah! It is over.

Domestic, That I Am?

I have stayed at home much of this week recovering from the overload of the weeks prior. It feels good to bake some banana bread with the bananas that somehow got over ripe while I was away. Quite honestly, I have come to toss those over ripe bananas in the garbage these days but this week I felt like being domestic. This morning, I made a big batch of spaghetti and a batch of sloppy joe hamburger. Ken is still somewhat limited in his ability to chew so we have learned to make things a bit easier for him to eat. Last evening while cleaning out a cabinet in sore need, I ran across a bag of dried cauliflower. Several men from our church work for a business that makes dried fruit and vegetables for the world of food making. When they have overages, the church people benefit. This bag of dried up cauliflower had not looked all that promising to me but last night, I felt like giving it a try. I put enough water on them to hydrate them and put them on the stove. When boiling, I took the pan and set it aside. Later I added milk and onion, let the business simmer and then thickened the soup. I put it through the blender and wala......cream of cauliflower soup. It is quite tastey.

It feels very good to be at home and not have any pressing agenda. If there is one, I don't want to know about it. These four walls are a great comfort this week. The only thing coming up in the next few days is our small group Bible study on Friday night. That is a non threatening meeting where we can relax, let our hair down and be real with each other. It didn't come to be that way without struggle. I can't say we are totally there yet, but it is coming. One begins to love those that are transparant enough to admit fault and failure.

Lauri just rang me up and asked, 'Are you home?" Yes, I am home. Okay, I'll be there in a minute. That means I must go and get the coffee pot on. My girl loves coffee. If she has any vices at all, coffee would be it. I love spending time with my kids. My heart will smile as I welcome her into my door. Have a great day.

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Where Does Freedom End?

My friend, Joyce, called me on the phone from northeastern Indiana yesterday. This friend is definitely made of the same cloth from which I am made. Her philosophies are the same, her values the same and many of her experiences have been my experiences. I know and love her and I could tell she was in a bit of a panic. We have this little thing we say when what we are trying to say is, “I have another crisis”. The phrase is, “I have to tell you Chapter 56” or some other absurd number. The other one laughs and says, “Tell on”.

Joyce and I met on a trip to Korea many years ago when she was going to get their adopted daughter of seven months old. Having both adopted Korean children is only one of our commonalities. She and her husband have also or should I say are also raising one of their grandsons. This little boy is nearing nine years of age. We both tease that we each have a golden boy; she and her husband have Mikal and we have Isaiah. Children reared by grandparents have a different type of upbringing than children reared by parents. Some of it is better and some of it is probably not better. One thing is certain, both we and they are dedicated to helping our daughters rear their sons in a Christ honored environment. Both of us love our golden boys to pieces.

Yesterday, Joyce went to get Mikal from school around 12:30 as they had early dismissal. She explained to him that she had to stop at the grocery store to get a couple of things. He fussed a bit about going in with her. He had a new toy and just wanted to sit in the car, play with his toy and wait for Grandma to do her thing. Joyce instructed Mikal to leave the doors locked and not open a door or window for anyone. Mikal agreed to the conditions for being allowed to stay in the car. Now, I must describe the town in which they live. It is LITTLE; probably half the size of De Motte, which is small. The grocery store where Joyce gets her groceries is a little one-horse store. When I say one horse, that is exactly what I mean. It is a store that caters to the Amish people in the area and the rest of the community who are rural people. I’ve been to this place with her. It is rural.

When Joyce returned to her car she found a lady standing next to it. Her first thought was that the lady had accidentally hit her car. The woman curtly asked her if this was her car to which Joyce replied affirmatively. Then she asked if this child was hers. Joyce told her that he was her grandchild. The lady asked why the boy wasn’t in school and why he was with his grandparent rather than his parent. Joyce explained that he had a half-day and that she and her husband have joint custody of the boy with their daughter because he lives with them on a full time basis. By this point, Joyce asked who she was and why she was asking all the questions. She told Joyce that she was from the Child Protective Agency and she had gotten a call that a child had been left alone in a car in the parking lot at the grocery store. Joyce could not believe her ears. The lady asked why she had left him in the car. Joyce told her the conversation they had had prior to her going into the store and that it was going to be a short visit so she allowed him to stay put. The lady informed her that he was not safe there and that Joyce was putting him in jeopardy by allowing him to stay in the car.

Now, I know my friend. I know that she protects that little guy with her life and that she had made sure he was safe. She trusted his maturity to stay in the car for fifteen minutes without her. Even with the lady’s arrival, Mikal had not disobeyed his grandmother’s instructions. The lady talked to him through the window but he did not open the doors or windows.

The woman told Joyce that she had to follow her to the agency office for a formal interview. Joyce about died. She decided she would get farther with honey than vinegar so she told the woman that in retrospect she was wrong and shouldn’t have left him in the car. Joyce explained that when they lived in the city she wouldn’t have considered leaving a child unaccompanied in a car but she has lived in this community now for five years and feels safe. The woman replied that there are child predators all over including this little rural town. The interview ensued and Joyce kept her composure even though she was about to burst into tears. Mikal was obviously upset and frightened by the whole experience.

As Joyce was telling me this story, I vacillated between hysterical laughter and frustrated anger. Where have we come to in this country? Who is to say that a parent or grandparent does not have the right to make some judgments for themselves without the government having a say. I was livid. The more I thought of it today, the more ridiculous it got. I know that young children walk on city streets to school every day. Is the school then responsible if the child is abducted? How in the world is there more safety from predators on the street than if they are in a locked car for a few minutes?

The upshot is that Joyce convinced the lady that Mikal has caring grandparents but the lady gave my dear friend a huge scare. Government cannot legislate parental responsibility. Joyce’s experience kind of fired me up. If she had left him in a locked car in 90-degree temps….that would be abuse. This was not. Grrrrrrrrr.

Science Project Gone Awry?

Isaiah is nearing the completion of a science project. The words themselves provoke a churning in my stomach. I have little interest in science and less confidence in the subject. It seems that in this household, the need for help in these matters falls to me. Isaiah decided to do a project that would show the relationship of how various living conditions of pansies affect their root growth. I decided that I could live with that because I grew up as a farmer’s daughter and love to garden so I know at least something about the subject of plant growth.

In early January, the night before we left for Phoenix, Isaiah and I rode through a rainstorm to a friend from church to receive from him a flat of baby pansies. We took those plants home with the expectation that they would grow well. In great detail, I explained everything about caring for them to this “almost twelve year old”. I told him about feeding them the plant food I had purchased, about watering them and even speaking kindly to them. Isaiah assured me he understood.

Ken and I left the pansies in the good care of Isaiah and left for Phoenix. I was very relieved that we had that project underway and on schedule. Some days later, Isaiah’s aunt came to look at the plants to make sure all was well. All was not well. She called and said she thought they looked sick. We discussed the temperature in the sunroom; perhaps we needed a space heater to provide just a bit of heat in the room. She did that. But it was to no avail. Soon Isaiah was on the phone. “Grandma, all these plants are dead.”

“Why?” I asked with voice a bit elevated. After some discussion, we discovered that Isaiah was feeding them plant food each day instead of every two weeks. They were over fed and totally burned up. There was no hope of resurrection.

Pansies are easier to find for sale in Phoenix in January than they are here in the midwest, so I went to Lowe’s and picked up a flat to take home for Isaiah to try again. It has worked better this time, however, I still have to remind that young man to water his plants. Grandma was very busy last week with the women’s retreat and was not watching his plants. The morning after the retreat, I sat in my recliner and my eyes went to one of the boxes of pansies in the windowsill. I nearly gasped. Every last stem was lying totally limp over the side of the black box. I yelled out Isaiah’s name. When he came in the room, I asked what he saw in the window. He calmly said he saw a wilted plant. I wanted to smack him.

I truly believed this box of plants was beyond hope of revival. While he pushed water into each little section with his vial, I said, “ I think you are too late, Buddy”. He was not dissuaded. He continued to give each plant a healthy drink. In my mind, I had already adjusted the science project to be minus that particular box.

When we returned home four hours later, I again sat in my recliner. Imagine my surprise and utter amazement when I looked at the box of dead plants, which were now seemingly healthy again. I called Isaiah back to the living room. I asked him if he wanted to know what a great God we have. He supposed so. I showed him the plants and he, too, was surprised. He had been put out with me for being angry with him earlier in the day, but now a satisfied and very relieved smile broke across his wonderful face. His words were, “Does that mean you aren’t mad at me any more?”

The experience made me think of the life in me. I am speaking of the life of God’s spirit in me. There are more times than I care to admit that my spiritual life is hanging totally limp over the edge of the box. On the outside, there is no sign of life anymore. I look virtually dead. I feel dead. Revival is doubtful. Then God waters me with His living water once again, and I can feel the life come back into me just as I saw life come back into those plants. I think I have been watered again this weekend by the retreat on Saturday and Sunday morning’s service. A good portion of the water I received this weekend was also from the friends that hold me spiritually accountable. I praise God for those people who shake me a bit when I get negative. So, thanks to the retreat, the church service and to Dawn and Doreen, I feel like I drank from God’s well once again. Thank you Lord, for your living water that surprises us with revival. You are the best.

The Day After the Weekend Before

I'm off and running again. Enjoy yesterday's communication between our speaker and me.


Heather...it's been a crazy day!!! I got to the church at five a m to finish repackaging the hostess sets we used for the tea. It took me close to three hours to finish the job. The after shock of having to CLEAN UP the mess and get everything out of the church for morning service is more than overwhelming. Last evening, I had convinced myself that I was done. Five years was enough....I just can't face that clean up again. Preparation is always a joy and the day itself, simply delightful, but oh the clean up. I expressed my depressed negativity to my husband on the third trip home with a packed Durango. His response was soft and precious..."Honey, it's like childbirth....immediately, one says I can't do it again and then time passes and the results become obvious and ........." I wasn't comforted much last evening. Fatigue is an enemy that can be used to our demise. I crawled into bed having taken off my jogging pants and leaving all the rest on, even my bra. I took two hot packs and put one on one each side of me. Having worked all day himself, my husband climbed in bed moments later. He lay his arm over me and that was the last I knew. When I awoke to the early alarm this morning....I pulled that jogging pant back on, slipped in my shoes and brushed my teeth. With the church key in hand, I climbed into the Durango to retrieve what would be my last load. When I returned home at eight o'clock, I decided to take a hot bath to, yes, cleanse myself of the fatigue and mental overload. I took your book in the tub with me. After struggling to keep the book out of the water rather unsuccessfully, I got out, pulled on my robe and climbed back into my unmade bed. I took great delight at your gift of words and language. You are truly gifted for God's glory. I wanted to keep reading. About nine fifteen, Ken came searching for me. I told him I thought I'd stay at home this morning. Expecting resistance, I was surprised when he said, "That's fine, you just enjoy your morning". I laughed and said, "That would feel good, but I just can't do that to the rest of the ladies on the team". I guess I was convinced God would have understood. So I drug myself out of bed with groans over sore muscles wherever there are muscles, pulled on clothes that made me feel less tired than I was and together we went to church. After the sermon, our pastor asked for testimonies of how God was changing them. He noted two things that are occurring at church right now; a six week small group study and the retreat. We hadn't done that for awhile in our services so it began a bit slowly, but soon one after another testified to God's movement in their lives. You would have been blessed as ladies spoke of the blessing your message had been to them. One gal told of how her New Year resolution was to be a better person and how much effort she had put into that goal over the last two months. Yesterday, she realized that, in herself, her efforts are futile but that God would do her changing for her when she yielded to Him. Another gal, Theresa, (I think I saw her speaking with you after the close of the day) told that she had experienced many of the same things you experienced and how healing yesterday's message was to her. An older man told that he and another man in his sixties were in the kitchen washing dishes during the afternoon session and were listening to your message over the sound system. Each of them had become widowers, one has been remarried for some time and the other recently lost his wife and is now dating a wonderful lady. They shared their hurt and pain of the past and embraced each other while shedding tears and allowing God to heal those past hurts. It was pretty apparent that the retreat is a ministry that God is using to change lives. If yesterday touched ladies in our church, I imagine that ladies from many other churches were touched as well and that God's Spirit is moving a bit more effectively in many places. Praise His name. Sometimes I worry that the retreat is just my dream come true, but today, I think I'm convinced that it is my dream because it is God's dream. Today, I feel as if I can do it again with God's help. I finished your book today. I have four people in line to read my copy. It was wonderful. I am impressed with the tasteful way you shared your story yesterday. I was even more impressed with that after reading your experience in more detail in your book. I love that you can see fullness and emptiness at the same time. I'm comforted to know that I'm not the only one that feels that way sometimes. Was your doctor's name really De Haan? My mother was a De Haan. :) Small world. Another question...Is Irene Suk the wife of John? I think he pastored at my daughter's church in Ann Arbor. Kind of fun to read a story in which the characters and culture so align with my own. Thank you for being a delight yesterday and today. Like heritage is truly a bond to be enjoyed. Give your parents love from people that don't even know them. Having an all nation family and love for the world's children is something we have in common.So, this week I'm faced with a garage full of stuff that needs to find its way back to its place and a house badly neglected from the absence of this homemaker. It is worth it all. Wishing you every blessing. Thanks again. Love, Gayle

Gayle, I’m sitting here in my living room with my kids running around and my laptop on my lap ... And I just started crying as I read your letter. I’m not a big crier, so they all stopped to stare at me asking me what’s wrong. You’ve just touched me so much, and reminded me again of how amazing God is ... that he can use people like you and me to make a difference in this world. Sometimes when we think we’re too tired or in too much pain or too worn out, God let’s a glimpse of how he’s using us. He doesn’t have to, but he does. I’m so glad you caught a glimpse of what a blessing you are, and that you let me share in that too.As for the book, I changed the name of my doctor; but Irene is John’s wife, and yes he pastored in Ann Arbor before becoming editor of the Banner. She and John attended Sherman street, and Irene was in my small group I was a part of when the rape happened. We became quite close, and even co-wrote a book together (which we ended up not publishing). John and Irene are the foster parents of my good friend Mariya that I talked about on Saturday. They are a wonderful family.\Please add me to list for next years event. I’d love to attend and to bring a few of my friends.Lots of love,Heather

PS I miss my baby. Kendra and Emerson went home with husband and Daddy on Saturday evening. Yesterday morning, Kendra's sister, Scarlen came up the stairs to the living room and whined, "my princess is gone". I feel the same way. Can you hear me whine?

No time

Have you noticed there has been no time to write? Betweeen an upcoming Saturday women's retreat and a daughter and baby in the house.......well.....there are more important things right now. Sorry.

However, I will post a few new pictures and that may satisfy my responsibilities for the rest of the week.

Lord, Send Revival in our Land

Regarding the presidential campaign and candidates; I got my head screwed on a bit straighter yesterday in my Bible study group. We discussed all the candidates and our fears and came down to this truth. Rather than take sides, when we don't know what side to take, we need to be praying, praying, praying that God will place in our government the power that will fulfill His will. With that done and trusted in, we can relax and watch God's will unfold. We already know from the stories in His word that unworthy persons are in high places at times and God uses them to His glory. He has told us that the kings and rulers of the nations are in His hand so it doesn't necessarily mean He will make it clear to us why certain people rise to such heights. We need to pray and vote according to our conscience. We are citizens of another kingdom, yet God commands us to be obedient to our government unless they require us to do something totally against His way. Governments are God's idea to rule the wicked hearts of mankind. It doesn't take reading too many periodicals or watching too many television programs before we are convinced of the wickedness of mankind. Actually, all I have to do is to look in my own heart. I praise God that He has redeemed (and is redeeeming) this heart bent on going its own way.

We also need to pray for revival in our land. When one reads the history of our nation, there have been times of sweeping revival. Those revivals of His Spirit in our people have been the salvation of our nation. Would that the Lord would be gracious and send the wind of His Spirit to blow mightily across this land for the sake of our children and grandchildren. For this we pray, Lord.

The love of God rest on each of you this day we call Valentine's Day.

Jog Down Memory Lane

Yesterday, Cindy and I drove to Roseland, Illinois to get soup for the retreat. Yes, I said, Roseland, Illinois. We picked the soup up from Dutch Farms which is right off the expressway and 111th street. When we were finished doing the business at hand and had eighteen cases of cream of potato soup and chicken noodle soup in the back of my Durango, I said, "Cindy, I would like to ride around here a bit". She was all for that so I took a trip down memory lane. I met Ken on the steps of the First CRC of Roseland in 1960 when I landed in Roseland for the first year at Trinity College. I had to search back into my mental computer to come up with an address but I did and found the church quite easily. Even after all these years, it is still a beautiful building. I took a couple of pictures for posterity and smiled with satisfaction. I chuckled when I saw the church steps. I pictured them so much bigger and so much grander. I remember very well being introduced to Ken on those stairs. I would have loved to get inside the building and see if anything has changed. It is now an African American Baptist Church. First CRC was the church that brought up my husband. It was the church of the whole of his father's family; his grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, and parents.

I drove past the house in which Ken and his parents lived. The lots were 25 ft. wide with 22 of those feet taken up by the small house; one foot on the one side and two feet of sidewalk on the otherside. Postage stamp size. Cindy and I spoke about how all those people of Dutch Reformed heritage that lived in that community were dispersed and that most of them live in a fair amount of luxury in the suburbs. I took a quick snapshot of the house for Ken's sake.

After the jog down memory lane, we returned to the work at hand and scouted for needed retreat items in Gordon Foods, Costco and Hobby Lobby. We were fairly successful and came home bushed but happy.

Even though my recliner was wooing me last evening, we bit the bullet and attended a basketball game at Covenant Christian High School. Our granddaughter, Mackenna, who is eight, had attended a cheerleading camp on Saturday and performed at the ball game. Needless to say, Mackenna felt like the center of attention which she craves, so the night was successful when she saw her family members there to watch her new skills. She is a little spit fire and will do well in anything she tries. Even though going out in the cold one more time was not an easy sacrifice, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Both the girls and the boys games were very exciting with CCHS coming out on top in both of them. Watching boys play high school ball who are children of people our children's ages is somewhat daunting but also a great deal of fun. We realize that time is fleeting.

Can't Understand Liberal Thought

Did you watch Larry King last night? Bill Mahler was the guest and I have to say that I watched it about as long as I could and then wanted to spew the whole interview out of my mouth and mind. I don't know who Bill Mahler is. I think I have already confessed to being a television illiterate. So if he is a big time actor or a big time political analyst, I wouldn't know him. Could care less. I listened only a few minutes and was soon enlightened to his liberal stance. He was commenting on the presidential candidates. When asked about Hillary and the other Clinton, his comment was that the people that are still remembering that Bill had sex with another woman were people who didn't have sex and wish they did. Like I said yesterday, I am appalled at this kind of thinking. Does he even think about the lack of integrity that that president displayed to the whole world when he lied to those to whom he was testifying? Sometimes those that are supposed to be so smart are so dumb. It was also his opinion that if everyone that could vote, would vote, we would all be surprised at how liberal this country really is. I guess he thinks that only liberals forfeit their right to vote. I think there may scores of conservatives that don't vote either. I think Mahler might be surprised if the truth is known. I'm not so sure he is concerned about truth.

Even as I write these thoughts, I am paused to realize I know so little about politics. What gives me the right to express this opinion? On the other hand, I feel I know a whole bunch about integrity, uprightness, morality and justice..........these things we, as a people, are desperately lacking and unless this course changes, we will see a further deterioration in our nation and our culture. I base that opinion on the Word of God. That is rock solid with me.

How in the world did I get on this subject?? Time to change the course of my thoughts. I slept well during the night and feel ready to tackle the many details before me today. More retreat stuff to do and hopefully getting a bit of this house back in shape after a wild five weeks away. Things to put away and lots of dust to get up so this task done, I will get at the other tasks at hand.

I Invite You to Express Your Opinion to Me

Since I last blogged, three ladies and I spent Friday preparing 725 scones and putting them in the freezer. That is one huge job complete. Now that that this behind us, I have to calmly get on to the other tasks at hand. Last night I slept until 12:30 and was woken from a portable phone that had been left off the cradle. That was just enough to interrupt my slumber and I spent the rest of the night flopping from one side to the other. For a time I fought off the thoughts and then thought better of it and got a pen and paper and began a list. I know have reminders of the thoughts that plagued me when I should have been sleeping. I look forward to scratching each one off my list.

I left Kendra on Thursday. She seemed okay with being left by her mother. I know she will experience fatigue but I think she and Craig will develop a routine they can live with. Baby Emerson is going to work out a schedule in time. They will live.

I heard that Jim Dobson has taken a stand against Mc Cain. Apparantly, Mc Cain is too liberal for Dobson's approval. I don't have a clue. I feel as if the truth about the candidates is so ellusive it is difficult to know where to put one's support. I'm most impressed with Huckabee but he doesn't have a chance at enough delegates. However, one might be able to make a statement about morality with a vote for Huckabee and that might be worth the vote. The other two candidates are as big a mystery. One receives all kinds of garbage on the net regarding the character, religion or lack thereof of Barrack. Is there Muslim religion in him? Is the rumor that he is a born again Christian for real? As far as Clinton is concerned, I firmly believe that one Clinton in the White House who proved his absolute integrity when he did not have sex with that woman is by far enough. How much does integrity mean to the citizens of this nation? Apparantly not very much seeing Hillary has made it this far. One may challenge my assessment by saying that she isn't he, but is it not true that birds of a feather flock together? If she was smart, she wouldn't allow him to siddle up to her campaign. Saddens me. What are we coming to as a people? Pray, pray, pray that God will entervene and save our nation from the moral slide we seem to be on.

Feeling Weak and Weepy

As I readied to take my shower this morning, I was horrified to notice that I had missed the mark with Clorox spray cleaner when I cleaned the bathroom floor in the main bath in Kendra's house. I bleached a couple of areas of her elegant brown shower curtain. I was so upset with myself and all the frustrated emotions I have tried to keep under lid the last several weeks began to leak out. The worst thing was that once it broke open the lid, I couldn't get the lid back on. All those tears that didn't come when I learned I wasn't with Kendra for the birth of her baby found their way out today. I felt so bad for Kendra. Finally she said, "Mom, you have to shut off the tears, its all you've done today". How's that for a support, uh? I don't mean her to me but me to her.

My problem is that I'm so frustrated because so many of the support group at home are sick with this or that. Lauri has two kids home with the yuk and another went back to school today. Her youngest has a fever so we don't want to spread that around. That means I have to leave Kendra and Emerson here. I guess they will survive but I know how tired both of them will be I'm know how tired I am. (probably another reason the tears flowed today over nothing very serious).

The outcome of it all was that Kendra began to confess things she did to my house when she lived at home. After a few minor confessions she said, "Okay, this one I've never confessed this to anyone. You know that dent in the garage door? I did that when I was wriggling the car out of the driveway one day". For years we wondered how in the world that garage door got den ted. It was fairly new and very to find it dented. Nobody was guilty. Now we know though she asked that I not tell Dad. I told her she didn't have to do all this confessing just to make me feel better. She said, "I know, but I'm feeling better all the time!" Twas kind of funny.

I think I'm over it now but I would like to make a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond to see if I can find a replacement for the shower curtain. It was such a stupid and careless mistake. When I told that to Kendra she reminded me that neither of us are functioning on more than three or four hours of uninterrupted sleep so we are bound to make stupid and careless mistakes.

Which Is It

Baby had a tough day today. I think she may have reacted to the garlic dressing Kendra had on her salad last night. We didn't give it a second thought, only that by making a homemade dressing we were eating more healthy. Win some and lose some. Emerson has calmed down now after some drops to break up gas and a nice warm gel bag on her tummy. There is silence in the house once again. ecause Oops....maybe I spoke too soon. Kendra is currently reading a book about sleep patterns in babies and just read to me that babies born early have that many weeks more to become sleep adjusted. We both looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders. What can one do but deal with it. I did tell her that I hate leaving her alone. She shook her head affirmitively and said I could come back once the retreat is over. We will see what happens as the future unfolds. One thing is sure, we are learning we have to sleep when we have opportunity. The plan tonight is to hit the sack by eight o'clock. Yea, go ahead and laugh...on the other hand...you could come and help us. :)



The bad weather is already hitting...sleet on the windows and snow promised through the night. It will be interesting to see if there is school for Craig in the morning. At the rate of cancelations this year, they could be going through June.



How about the political race? I wonder what your thoughts are. I'm not sure who I will vote for in the primary. I know which side of the aisle will get my vote for president, just not sure at this point where my vote will be the most beneficial for our nation. I will be on the same side of the aisle as Elizabeth from The View come November.



Today is Super Tuesday and Fat Tuesday all in one. If I'm not mistaken, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. I wonder which of these events will get the most attention. I'd like all the followers of Jesus to turn their attention to Him who truly matters and can do more for the nation than any of the leading candidates. Let's rest in His plan for the US. What is that verse again?




2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.



In reality, God's reality that is, Fat Tuesday and Super Tuesday pale. After watching television more in the last three weeks than the last three years, it has become more apparant that we as a nation have much to humble ourselves over. Also much to repent of. God have mercy.

Rain, Snow and Fog, the Order of the Day

The weather has certainly been interesting the last few days. First we had the heavy snowfall of Thursday. Then once everyone had dug themselves out of that fix, we had another few inches last night. I know because I spent the time listening to bobcats pushing snow on the streets in this subdivision and those smaller machines used to clean the driveways here. On and on it went with the engine noises. I was sure the place would be cleaned up by morning and it was. The only real evidence of how much snow came down was the amount on my car. A couple of inches is my estimate. Then when I was sitting by the windows holding a two week baby in my arms, lightening flashed through the glass and thunderous noise followed. Now it appears to be extremely foggy. Can't say that the weather is boring. The weather lady on television promised the next few days will be interesting also. Oh, you gotta love winter.

My family at home is sick; Ken is sneezing and coughing, Scarlen has a cold and Isaiah has a sore throat. I don't think I want to go there. My advice to them on the phone was to get yourselves well and THEN I'll come home. I've been gone too long, albiet necessary. Our scheduling was found lacking but that wasn't all our plan. God has His way with us. Kendra's baby coming five weeks early really rearranged everyone's life. The only thing that has suffered is my involvement with the retreat. The plan is to be home for Friday's scone making marathon. Last year we made 750 scones in one day. We make the dough, shape it and put it in the freezer to be used on February 23rd. It is quite a work of love but worth it. After Friday, I can get back into the swing of things there.

Serene Saturday

Today went by quickly......we start the day rather slowly around here. The clock reads noon so soon. It was noon before I had my shower, what is wrong with me? This is not the why I live. It is a good thing this is a temporary situation for all of us. Around one o'clock Craig came home after his coaching duties and agreed to take the baby while we ran to Costco and Trader Joes.



Our big thrill of the day was sampling at both stores. The sample offers were generous the day

before the Superbowl Sunday. From meatballs to chicken wings, burritos and gucamole, fancy cream cheese spread on yummy crackers, these were a few in which we endulged. Actually, we called it lunch and hopefully saved a few calories from attaching to our hips.



The baby has slept the whole day so one wonders what kind of night we will have. I firmly suggested Kendra take a nap today. When we were navigating the aisles in the grocery stores she commented a couple of times about how tired she was. Sleeping only an hour or two at a time takes its toll. She managed to nap about an hour and then decided it was time to get up again. Hopefully, even an hour more sleep will help her catch up. I among several other well wishers are telling her to enjoy the moments because this too will pass. She knows its true from watching all her siblings with their kids and seems to be doing a good job of enjoying being a new mom.

It was good to see the world has gone on after the snowstorm in which I was held hostage just two days ago. Hopefully, the trip home will prove more pleasant.

I'm Finally Here

We have finally met......two weeks, and one day after she came into the world. Ken and I were on the road at 3:45 yesterday morning to manage arriving home in time for me to turn it around and come to Algonquin, usually a two hour drive. I decided to drive through Chicago since that is the path I know best and I thought I was early enough in leaving at two oclock to miss the beginning of the rush hour. My drive into the city was a breeze....one hour and I was just south of downtown Chicago. Just prior to my arriving here, the snow started to come down and the cars slowed down to a crawl. Bumper to bumper. , we drove at two miles an hour, once in awhile we managed to get to five miles an hour. I was on the large bridge just south of the circle and the sign over head said, "Forty minutes to the circle". I called Kendra and told her to expect me about six or seven o'clock. She laughed with unbelief. It took a total of five and a half hours for me to drive a two hour trip. All the major highways were in gridlock. The only good thing I could think was that the risk of an accident was rather small considering we were all going so slowly.

The wait was worth it. Emerson Mary Chatham is sweet as sugar. A newborn feels good, sounds good and smells good (most of the time). I am enjoying playing the grandma part of hugging, feeding her a vitamin bottle (yuk) and I even enjoyed sitting up with her until one a m when I finally passed her off to her mommy for a feeding. She hasn't gotten the hang of nightime just yet and doesn't like being laid down. She wants the comfort of a human set of arms around her before she will rest. I tried every thing this mom knows and nothing changed her need for huggles and snuggles. During the day, she seems content and sleeps restfully. It is just a matter of time before she catches on to the routine. I believe most of this has to do with her tiny size. She is just a little mite at around five to five and a half pounds. Needless to say, one sleeps with one eye open when one is on duty. Kendra kept her from one to six thiry and then passed her off to her daddy. He was successful in keeping her content until we all got up around nine. This schedule is so far from my usual fare. I certainly am feeling the loss of sleep from the night we traveled so many hours and from last night when I stayed up until one a.m. I'll catch up. I can't imagine how Kendra and Craig feel.

I certainly do not understand why the timing of Emerson's birth and our trip coincided. Somehow it doesn't seem right that Kendra's mom wasn't with her the last two weeks. I do trust though that God makes no mistakes and that His plan is much, much higher than mine. The important thing is that I am finally here in safety. I'm so grateful. Grateful that my daughter is healthy, grateful that my new grandaughter is well and progressing well. She is just beautiful. Of course that is what a grandma is supposed to say, right? May be true but pictures don't lie. Take a good look and you will agree.