Saturday, January 23, 2010

January 24, 1970

On Sunday, my parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary!  This is especially incredible because you could not find two more different people who have lasted this long together.  My dad loves to preach the Word, my mom would rather sit in the back of the auditorium.  My dad never meets a stranger, my mom would rather visit with one good friend.  My dad enjoys hole in the wall restaurants, my mom prefers 5 star.  My dad likes to sit in front of the TV, my mom would rather go out.  My dad likes to sleep in a completely dark and silent room, my mom prefers a light on as well as the TV.  You can get the picture.  But there has been one thing in their marriage that they are in complete agreement with.  Very much like the Carly Simon song, my brother and I are the loves of their lives.  I am not bragging.  They would be the first to tell you that.  I have been thinking about what their 40 year marriage has meant to me.  Despite knowing that they are the odd couple, I owe them so very much.  Most importantly, I inherited my faith from them.  Growing up, they led by example.  A family goes to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening.  A family serves at church.  For the longest time, my dad was the Children's Minister before anyone had heard of it: countless hours driving the Joy bus, kissing a pig when the kids at our church broke the record for VBS attendance, campaigning for the children of the church to be a vital part.  My mom modeled quiet service.  Don't ignore the homeless man on the corner.  Carry a bag of groceries to give him.  Take time for your friends.  True friends will hold you when you feel faint.  My parents have always provided the soft landing when I have fallen.  They continually help me to get back on my feet.  My parents may be complete opposites, but they have found a way to fit together for 40 years.  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  Thank you for all the love that has come my way because you found a way to give me the best of both worlds.  I love you!

Monday, January 18, 2010

On The March





Parker came home on Friday full of news from his substitute teacher.  She is a zoo volunteer and told the kids about the penguins marching.  Parker sounded as if he had memorized every word she said.  Saturday morning, Parker was ready to head to the zoo.  Tony checked online and saved us from a disappointing trip.  The penguins only march on Sundays (at 2:00 and if the temp is below 50 in case you want to go).  Sunday morning, we went to church in our jeans so we could grab a quick bite and head to the zoo.  We couldn't believe how many people came to see the penguins march.  I thought all the penguins marched, but only about a dozen get to.  The zookeeper said that they don't pick the penguins.  They just open the door and see who feels like walking.  We happened to be at the beginning and the penguins stayed in front of us for about 5 minutes.  Macy is as tall as the penguins so she was right at their eye level.  She shook with excitement!  Parker was also enthusiastic as he greeted the penguins with "Hello cute penguin!  Come see Parker!".  It took us way longer to get parked and get a spot in line than the whole thing lasted.  Tony and I just looked at each other and laughed.  But the most important thing was that our two penguin lovers thought it was the best march ever!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Grandad!

My dad turns 61 today! I love my dad so much! Growing up, my dad was and still is my dream catcher. He sees the very best in me and encourages me to see things in myself that I would never see. For example, my dad has seen these things in me in his 60th year: the next great American novel, a doctorate, and a principal. Now none of these have come to pass. I am a wife, a mom of a almost six year old and a one year old, a third grade teacher, and on the list goes. But it is nice to know that someone sees all the possibilities in you and never doubts that you have the talent or the brainpower to make it all a reality. Thanks, Dad! You're the best!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Parker's turn for Star of the Week

Growing up a little too fast for my taste - wanting his picture taken with the Rams cheerleaders at the Big Bear Brunch. :)
This is more my pace - excited he broke his first piece of wood at tae-kwon-doe.

I've just spent the last three hours strolling down memory lane trying to find pictures for his Star of the Week poster. It just cannot be possible my little boy is growing up this fast. Parker really stepped up to the plate with Macy's arrival, and now I notice a lot of changes as he has started kindergarten. Yes, even some attitude. Tony and I can't believe what comes out of his mouth sometimes - good and bad. I am so thankful that God gives me redemption moments. Some days I will be thinking how did I manage to screw him up already and then Parker will zing me with some comment or action. Then I know that all is not lost. We are headed down the right path and I still have 13 more years to go until he is out of my sight. :)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

New Year Resolutions

I love New Year Resolutions! I think that is one of my many reasons for being a teacher. I get to start over twice a year. I have so many ideas bouncing around in my head that I can't even narrow it down to my top five. Of course, one of them is to do a better job of keeping you posted about the adventures of Parker and Macy! I know you find them as enthralling as I do. :) But tonight as I was cuddling Macy asleep, it hit me why I find New Year resolutions so refreshing. I fall short of God's glory in so many ways. Some of them I could freely confess and some bring so much shame, I couldn't tell anyone but Him. I love New Year Resolutions because it is an opportunity to recommit to the One who is the giver of all life and in doing so become a better person. So if you know me, please hold me accountable. Feel free to ask how I am doing remembering this rebirth in the heat of July. Here's to you and your resolutions: May God bless us all as we try to reflect the light of His love. Cheers!