Tav's Picks

At Daniel's Open House I met a very interesting couple.  They happen to be one of Daniel's bestfriend's parents.  We talked for a very long time about faith, family and friends.  It was an engaging conversation that could have lasted long into the evening.  During our conversation we talked about books that have really opened our minds in the spiritual sense.  I talked about how I truly love every single one of Donald Miller's books.  I especially like "Blue Like Jazz".  I just think it is healthy to investigate different ways of looking at our relationship with Christ.  They talked about how they loved the book called "The Shack" by William P. Young.  They said that when they were finished reading it they went out and bought a stack of them to give to their friends.  It sounded intriguing, so the next day my sister, Crystal and I set out for Borders and each picked one up.

That night I had to share a bed with Crystal, something I haven't done since we were young.  Before going to sleep she opened up the book and read the Forward outloud.  I was hooked.  I read most of the book while traveling home on Tuesday.  At the airport, on the plane, in the restaurant, at the gate, on the plane again...I just couldn't put it down.  I continued reading on Wednesday during Lydia's nap time and since then haven't had the opportunity to finish the last 20 pages.  I will probably try to devour the last few savory words tonight.  I kinda don't want to finish it because there is a little bit of a let down when you get to the end of a great book, you just don't want leave the experience, maybe that's why I have let it linger for a day or so.  I have already decided to read it again when we go on vacation.  The author truly has a way with words and he challenges you to look at things with a new perspective.  I hope if you have some free time this summer you will find the time to give this book a chance.

What are you reading?  I am always looking for something fresh and inviting to read.  Let me know. 

Glen informed me this afternoon, that Bobby Downes, one of the producers from the movie Glen helped with; gave him a copy of this book before we left Florida from our sabbatical.  So we actually have two copies of this book.  Apparently Bobby had several copies he was handing out.  If you go on christiancinema.com it is actually one of only a few books they are selling on their site.  I told you it was good.  Anyone wanting to read it, we have an extra copy.

Sweet Dreams little ones

Last night it was too hot in the boys room which happens to be in the attic, so I had Jaron turn on their air up there and told them all to jump in our bed until it cooled off.  They asked if they could read, which they always do and I said yes.  About 15 minutes after I tucked them in and Lydia into her own bed, Lydia decided to join them.  This was the scene when we turned in for the night.  Buddy of course had to join them once Lydia did, there was no way in the world he would be left in her room or any room for that matter; alone!  We dispersed them back into each of their beds and went to bed as well.

Daniel's Graduation

I just got home from going to see my baby brother graduate from high school.  I had a wonderful time being with my family.  It was fun to watch Daniel at Graduation, but still managed to shed a few tears.  Sitting between my other brother Nick and sister Crystal didn't help matters because they were making fun of me for crying.  It was actually a wide array (that was for Crystal and Dad) of emotions this weekend.  We all laughed our heads off as Daniel paraded around in a borrowed hot pink unitard with a big ruffle that he wanted to wear under his cap and gown.  We laughed even harder when my father went yelling after him outside our house to get his butt back inside.(By the way, my parents threatened him within an inch of his life if he actually wore the thing.)  I almost peed my pants when Daniel fell down the steps after receiving his diploma, everyone else in the audience gasped.  Needless to say, he got $100 for the stunt from his friend who dared him to do it.  As my Dad put it several times..."It was a good day!"

LISTS!

When I was young my father would tape papers (even paperplates?) to the back of the front door with things to do (there is probably one taped to the door right now).  I would laugh at him because I couldn't understand why he couldn't remember the simplest things...take out the trash, pick Tavia up from band practice, mail electric bill, Crystal's play 7pm.  

Four children later, I rely on lists more than ever.  I'm convinced that I have lost more brain cells with each pregnancy and delivery, so what was my dad's excuse?  Did he have sympathy forgetfulness?  I recently found out that there is a diagnosis for my absent-mindedness, its called momnesia.  But I haven't rationalized that I have that "disease" just yet, or maybe I just forget that I have it like I seem to forget other things.

Recently I made a list of the things I needed at the store.  I was pleased that I had written the list before I left the house because I was able to truly think and visualize what I needed.  Usually I sit in the store parking lot and rack my brain over what I need to get.  I loaded Lydia into the car, started the engine, backed out of the drive way and headed to the store, only to get half way there and realizing that I had conveniently left the list on the bar in the kitchen.

I have several lists going at the moment.  I am heading to Florida tomorrow for my brother Daniel's high school graduation, so I have a list of all the things I need to pack.  I'm going by myself for the first time, so I have several lists of things I need to do before I leave and lists for Glen while I'm gone.  Lists of food to buy, a meal schedule and lists of things that need to be done.    What about you, do you make lists and if so; do they seem to help?  At the moment all they seem to be doing is overwhelming me, that's why I'm sitting here writing instead of marking off the things I need to accomplish on my lists.

"You will achieve grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day / not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow.  Write them down, if you must, but limit your LIST so that you won't have to drag today's undone matters into tomorrow.  Remember that you cannot build your pyramid in twenty-four hours.  Be patient.  Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you neglect your most important goal / to do the best you can, enjoy this day, and rest satisfied with what you have accomplished."  - Og Mandino  

Congratulations Graduates!

Today was Graduation Sunday at Church.  This is always a special time for Glen and I as we get to honor our high school seniors.  Glen usually teaches and we always have a slideshow.  This year we had our biggest graduation class ever, ten students.  It was also a special year because this is the first graduating class that we have been their pastors their entire middle school and high school experience, so needless to say it will be hard to say goodbye.  It is a bittersweet time.  We have gotten to know some of them really well and grown to love them.  We are so excited to see where God will take them and how He will use them, but it will also be hard not to see them on a weekly basis.  We know that God allows us to have them for a season, but its hard to let them go.  I figure its a small taste of how it will be with my own children.  I love some of them like they were my own and I have felt honored that God has used me in their lives.  They are very special young adults and I know with God in the forefront of their lives they will do amazing things. 

Congratulations Brent, Sarah, Kristi, Tabitha, Tyler, Isaiah, Brianna, Keira, Holly and Ana Kate. 

Ethan says goodbye to Mrs. Nutzhorn

Not to steal Evan's thunder, but Ethan said goodbye to his K4 teacher tonight and it was too cute.  I asked him to stand by her to take a picture and he automatically put rabbit ears behind his own head.  We just laughed and then I proceeded to tell him that he should take a nice picture first and then we would get a goofy one, this is what we ended up with...

Evan's K5 Graduation

Tonight was Evan's Kindergarten Graduation.  He has been looking forward to this evening for weeks.  He was able to recite several bible passages, read aloud, sing songs and do math problems on stage with his classmates.  They also did a play called "Little Red Riding Hood has a Secret," where he played Little Boy Blue.  The little boy who was supposed to play the big bad wolf refused to on stage so Evan jumped into the costume and played the wolf as well.  He did a great job.  He is standing with his teacher, Mrs. Boyd.  Jaron had her three years ago and Ethan will have her next year.  We love her so very much.  Below the boys are enjoying themselves at the reception.  They really look so grown up, I can hardly believe it.  Dad just yesterday reminded me again not to blink.  I'm really trying hard not to. 

 

HAPPY GRADUATION EVAN!!!  WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

CELEBRATE LIFE...

So we just spent the last three days at Olivet Nazarene University for our churches regional Celebrate Life.  It's a yearly event where our teens go to compete in sports, music, art and drama.  We always have a great time, this year was no exception.  Glen and I enjoy the opportunity and privilege to spend time with some of our favorite people.  We always learn from them and have a lot of fun.  I have to say that we always come home more exhausted then each of the previous years, we must be getting old.  I spent an hour or so watching hundreds of teenagers walking through campus today and speaking of old, I've gotta tell you I was having flashbacks.  I saw kids with t-shirts that had big words on the front - kinda like the ones we wore in the 80s that said stuff like "RELAX."  I also saw mullets and big hair, they're making some sort of comeback I suppose.  I thought I was watching the Wedding Singer or something because several girls had that Rock n' Roll big hair.

The other thing that was making me feel old was that I was finding the mommy mode kicking in when I saw sagging pants on girls no less and girls skin tight jeans on boys.  I have forbidden any girls in my youth group to date boys that wear girls jeans.  It's just sick, sick I tell you.  

I must end tonight's blog with a shout out to some wonderful people that helped make the weekend possible and that would be Jay and Janeen Harding, Carol and Jeff Barbee, and John and Rhonda Flack.  They took care of our children while we spent time with other people's children.  Thank you for everything you do to make our family feel valued and special.  You guys are the best.

Evan got to come Friday and Saturday and spend some fun time with Glen and I by himself.  You'll have to check out his thoughts on "the funny things my kids say" to see what he thought about the campus cafeteria, cracked us up.

  

Hard to Believe its been Thirteen Years...

Seems like it was just yesterday that I fell in love with Glen, then I look at our wedding album and then look in the mirror and realize it wasn't.   I'm glad it wasn't yesterday because 13 years and four kids later I love him more now than I ever have.  It is pretty funny how we've changed over the years.  We even laugh about how our love song has changed.  Danced our first dance to "I swear" and now we dance around our house to "Everything."  Linger awhile and you can hear how we have evolved.

Honey (H3), Happy Anniversary!  I love you - you are the one my soul loves.

Happy Birthday Ethan!!

Yesterday Ethan turned five years old.  He has been pretty excited about the whole prospect of being five and we have been reminding him daily for the last couple of weeks that he only had so many days left of being four.  On Saturday night Jaron told him that he only had a few hours left of being four and Ethan simply said, "well then I better enjoy them."

Above he is looking very serious about the boat that Papa and Gramma picked out for him.  He was thrilled even though you can't tell by his facial expression.  He keeps asking when we can go try it out, but we haven't had a chance yet.
Above is the basketball hoop cookies I made for his Sunday School class and K4 class luncheon party.  They are sugar cookies with white icing on half to look like a backboard. There is a mini cupcake for the hoop and a chocolate basketball.  I thought they came out pretty cute.  I made the icing and orange decorating gel myself.  Ethan got a real kick out of them.

Some Days you just never forget...

There are some days I will never forget, like the day I met Glen.  I can still remember what he was wearing and what he was doing.  I clearly remember the days I brought each of my children into the world, not because of childbirth; but because of the feeling I had when they were first placed into my arms.  

There are days I wish I could forget, like the day I got into my car accident or the night I told my family I was moving 1100 miles away.

I guess being the oldest in my family I also have very fond memories of my siblings.  I remember sitting on the hospital bed with my parents and naming my sister.  I remember the day I found out my parents were pregnant with my brother Daniel...not one of my proudest moments.  I was 16 and of course I was only concerned about how it was going to effect my life.  But then I remember meeting him and falling instantly in love with him.  He was the third boy I had loved in my life.  My daddy had come first and then there was Nicholas Aaron.  

My mom had previously had two miscarriages before she got pregnant with Nick.  I was young and didn't totally understand but was old enough to feel a loss.  Not until I went through my own miscarriage did I completely understand what my parents must of went through.  Needless to say, when my parents got pregnant with Nick we were thrilled and a little nervous.  It was the first time I learned about praying over children in the womb; a tradition I carried on with all of my children.  My parents prayed over Nick and called him an "overcomer," a name he has lived out his entire life.  

I remember the day Nick was born like all the other days that are engraved on my heart.  We were getting ready to take a walk down by a park near the hospital to help my mom's contractions get stronger.  She went to the bathroom before we left and the next thing we knew an ambulance was coming to get her.  The umbilical cord had come out and Nick was in distress.  They rushed her to the hospital and my mom had an emergency c-section.  They were so quick to save Nicholas, that when they cut my mom open they also cut the bottom of Nick's baby foot.  The cord was around his neck and if my mother hadn't responded as only a mother would have known to, he would have died before they had gotten to the hospital.

I can still place myself at the nursery window with Ann Herndon holding my hand.  I remember the nurses holding him up so I could see my baby brother.  I remember how my prayers and the prayers of so many were answered.  The second boy in my life to love was healthy and whole.

Since then I have my very own boys to love, four to be exact.  I catch glimpses of Nick in my three boys.  A look from across the room or sounds of fire engines and sword fighting. Un Nic, what Lydia calls him; resonates through our home on a regular basis.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Nick.  Thank you for being one of the treasured days of my life.  I love you.