"I Hear It's Your Birthday, It's My (1/2) Birthday Too"

Yeah, yeah, yeah - it's not all about me. So the fact that today is my half birthday is absolutely inconsequential given today is John's real birthday. (But, that's a pretty cool fact, huh - when I realized that when we were friends, I thought - this is meant to be.....)

Happy Birthday LOVER!!!! (And Happy Birthday to twin brother Jeff too......)

Tonight we plan to do a little Red Robin, a little Southtowne Lanes (bowling) - and tomorrow, John and I get to indulge in a couples massage. (I hate it when his present just happens to benefit me as well).

Sweetheart - I hope today is a day in which you feel truly honored - as you so deserve it. As each year goes on, I find more and more reasons to be thankful you are mine, and to be so proud that you are my husband. You are amazing........and I love you SO MUCH!!!!!!

On to some pictures of his birthday evening:

Random Updates

I think sometimes having a Monday off makes for an even harder "Monday-like" feel on Tuesday. But, it's worth it. I tried to prep last night to make today go as smooth as possible even though this afternoon I have orthodontist appointments (first for Mikayla) on top of piano lessons on top of basketball practice. Still haven't quite figured out how it's all going to work out.....

On Sunday, I took the kids and I to Dallas to hang with Michele and the cousins. John couldn't go with us as he did work yesterday, but we felt it was worth the drive to give the kids some time to just hang together. Of course, my ulterior motive was to be out of my own dirty house and guiltlessly hanging out in Michele's where I could spend virtually the entire time reading a very engrossing book or planning our Orlando vacation. To that end, I did get a lot accomplished.

Onto other subjects:

- This has been one of the bleakest January's in my memory. If it's not been raining, the clouds look like it's going to. The days where we've seen the sun in 2010 can practically be counted on one hand. I'm so very thankful for fun events to keep my sights on in the horizon and a little blue light that, come to think of, I should turn on right now.

- For the sake of family history, I'm going to paste a compliment we got from Brayden's teacher. I'm changing the student in mention's name, for obvious reasons, but it was a huge blessing to receive:

Also, I meant to tell you this today but I didn't get a chance. Your boy is so sweet! This week we had a whole class discussion about Ed* and what we can do to get along with him better (long story, but many students think that it is ok to bully him since he has been a bully to them before). Anyway, many kids pointed out that Brayden is really good at being nice to him, and they should all try to be more like Brayden! :) Their words, but I couldn't agree more! What a sweetheart!

(I replied to her that I appreciated her words....and "if only he could apply this to his sister"!, but really, what an affirmation that he is on the right path being in the school he is, etc....)

- On to Mikayla, she's really practicing her mothering/future classroom skills by taking care of all of her stuffed animals. There are about 28 of them, I have no idea of their names - but she knows each one - and when she hauls them all to Michele's in a garbage bag, can determine that she's remembered each one when we set off to leave. She also lays them all out in bed with her, alternating who gets the spots closest to her. It's a little over the top, but very, very precious....

- The situation in Haiti - oh how heartbreaking. If you could please consider praying for our Compassion boy, Jhonny Bab Coup. He is a year older than Brayden - and he's been part of our life for about 6 years or so. A friend did some research and it appears that he lives in an area lesser effected by the earthquake, but still no word as to his welfare.

Wishing you a good week ahead, already shortened as today is now Tuesday!

Bleacher Butt

That's what I call sitting on three different bleachers for three different events for 6 hours today!

The "rear end fun" began at Hamlin Middle School where Brayden's basketball team won another game and Brayden contributed another swisher. =)

I left ten minutes before that game concluded to catch Ali's cheerleading competition, about 4 blocks away, at Springfield High School. Her team performed within about 20 minutes of my arrival, so I was super glad I got there when I did.

After some quick pictures with the cousins, Mikayla and I took off for our third event of the day. We joined Mom at the Thurston Dance Competition. As both Mom and I are alumni of the Thurston dance team, we thought it would be worth attending. We made it to this last year, but went to the earlier performance, hence missing the co-ed exhibition performance from the Cabaret team, the alumni dance, and the advanced drill-off- all high points in tonight's event. In addition, members of the UO Dance team also did an exhibition.....wow, they can move. (By the way, Michele - that last picture is of the Dallas dance team - that did a really sweet little Aladdin performance - I can just see Ellie and Nati out there in way too short of time......)



All in all, a great day. But I gotta say, I'm happy to finally be sitting on a comfy couch vs. a plastic bleacher........

Mikayla and Pansy

A couple months ago, my mom had the opportunity to work on some horses that included Pansy the pony. The owner was commenting on how much Pansy loves kids - and how much she wished for a child to be able to ride/exercise her - as Pansy really isn't one for being ridden - or even lunged, by adults. (Oh yes, horses most definitely have personalities).

The owner proceeded to say that she had actually allowed Camp Harlow to have Pansy for the summer so she could be surrounded by lots and lots of little kiddos who were overjoyed to sit atop a horse. And, what do you know, but one of those little kiddos was Miss Mikayla. And what do you know, but she just happens to be the granddaughter or the person working on this little pony - and hence, an idea was born to bring the two of these eager partners together.

Today was the day. Mom came with us, as she will do from time to time - especially these initial visits. Tamara, the owner, offered to let us ride Pansy free if we were willing to groom and tack her. Well, of course! We taught Mikayla how to brush her, how to pick out her hooves, how to brush her mane and tail. And, then we had a little lesson with Mikayla.

It cracked me up because the whole time I walked around the arena with the two of them, holding a lead line close, (just in case) - I felt like Pansy was exasperated with me. Truly, her body language communicated, "Just let me be with the little girl - I'll take care of her, I promise...." Eventually we did let them both go on their own, and they did great. However, Mikayla (just like soccer), does need to work on just a tad more assertiveness.

I think the two of them definitely bonded. We're hoping to make this an (at least) twice a month activity. It's a considerable drive out there, otherwise I'd aim for once a week. But, what a treasure and a blessing to get this opportunity!

Going Home

I wanted to give you all an update on my friend Amy. I never got around to the follow-up post about the accident we were all involved in - sorry about that. Someday....

Anyway, Amy is doing excellent. She returned from the two weeks or so around Christmas that I didn't see her as a brand new woman. She reported being amazed what life could be like without the ever-present pain.

However, life has certainly NOT returned to normal. Through this journey of recovery that Amy was on, her mother-in-law - Mark's mom, Dianne - was on her own journey towards Heaven.

Yesterday, she went home. It was a long struggle with leukemia and the pre-cursor disease that led to it. It became clear that the only thing that would cure her was a stem-cell transplant that she didn't qualify for because of a pre-existing lung condition. Ultimately, they decided that continued chemotherapy was not worth dragging her body through. On Monday, it was determined to stop the platelet transfusions which were keeping her alive. On Tuesday afternoon, she went home.

I'd like to post parts of Stan's (Mark's dad, Dianne's husband) words here that he put up on her Caringbridge site. I think it needs to be noted that Stan is not a "writer", but truly felt the Holy Spirit dictating to him. (This passage is from the days prior to her death)

Throughout this journey, Dianne’s attitude could be well described by words written long ago by the Apostle Paul: “My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or death. For me, living is Christ and dying is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21).

So many have asked “what can I do to help”. Please continue to pray; for mercy for Dianne that her days will be comfortable and without undue struggle, for strength to see this through with courage and perseverance, that we honor God in all we do, and that his peace and joy are reflected by us.

Many of you have told me of the tears you have shed for Dianne. Let me share a few insights from the Pastor Robin visit. This present pain is real, not trivial, and we cannot make light of it. Grief is real. The tears are real. Tears are one of God’s gifts. We cry because we love someone. The shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Read on friends ---- “So the Jews said, “See how He loved him” (John 11:36). It is Jesus who has shown us that grief and tears are part of how God has made us. We are in good company when we cry for those we love.

Here’s more from my good friend. Dying is a lot like being born. Picture yourself as a fetus in the womb. You are warm, comfortable, fed, cared for, and quite happy where you are. You have been told that you must leave now and be “born”. You’ve been told there is a beautiful world out there, that life there will be good, that there is much to do and enjoy. Yet because you can’t see it, believing it is true is a little difficult. Not only that but the pain of being born doesn’t sound all that exciting. Remember that we are born crying but are quickly held and comforted and “all is well”. (By the way --- you and I have an advantage over the fetus. God has given us much evidence both in His created world and the Bible to attest to the beauty and reality of Heaven.)

Dying for the believer in Jesus Christ is very much the same. Only we look forward to a Heaven that is beautiful beyond our imagination. If you can find a copy of the song “I Can Only Imagine” listen to it carefully. Look around dear friends ----- All the best things in this earthly life are shadows of what is to come. God has given us sunrises and sunsets, flowers, mountains, rivers, love for each other, the intricacies of His creation, Dianne, and so many other pieces of His creation to point towards the magnificence of the Heavenly home He has made for us. What amazing hope He has provided. Here it is from 2 Corinthians:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

I pray that what I have written today makes sense. Dianne has prayed for years for her relatives and friends that have not made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Her prayer through this journey has been, and continues to be, that something in her journey will open hearts to the message of the Bible, and that those she has prayed for these many years will ask Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior.

Clumsy as it may be, it has been my privilege to use this Caring Bridge sight to make this message from her loud and clear. I pray that I have been faithful in that regard and something in these many postings will touch your heart and bring you to Faith in Jesus Christ.

Dianne has had a couple of dreams, I believe they are visions of what is to come, over the past several weeks. One is a picture of a regal King in the foreground, Jesus just behind him, and a large group of God’s children standing with Jesus. She is in the crowd standing with Jesus. (typical of Dianne she is surprised she “made the cut”.)

The other is swimming in a beautiful, natural pool of shimmering water, her figure restored to a better than ever condition, breaking the surface with complete joy in the moment. Dianne describes it as a beautiful pool that she would envision in Hawaii. Heaven’s pools are better.

Dreams or visions. I believe God provides these visions to reassure her that He has her place prepared, and to reassure us that Heaven awaits her. I also believe that He provides these to us who will be left behind to comfort and reassure us in the knowledge that His promise of Heaven is for real.

One last thought on the analogy to child birth. It was uncomfortable and difficult but none of us remember it.

Although this is a tough part of the trail to negotiate every day is a blessing. Family is close, there is still laughter, there are hugs that really mean something, tears and emotions roll over me like the “sea billows roll”. Fortunately they are brief. Good friends stay in touch and send there love and prayers in a variety of ways. Most of all Dianne is a joy to care for.

Dianne and I send you a big Happy New Year. May God Bless richly bless you.

Finally, I want to post a little portion of an email that Amy sent to all of us from her sister. It just demonstrates the "ripple effect" (that I'm hoping to continue) that occurs when we seek to glorify the Lord - how He will use tragedy to bring joy.....

I have to tell you I was just in with Blake doing a nightly devotion with him, saying our prayers and reading to him (before I came in to sit down and read my email). I shared with both him and Alyssa the other night after I got off the phone with you, Amy about Diane's visions of diving into the water and coming out refreshed and about the three men standing by her bed. Blake brought that conversation back up on his own during our quiet time tonight. He was almost bursting with confidence and excitement. He is so excited because what Mark's mom sees gives him even more proof that there is a God and that we have even more reason to have faith in Him (completely his words - not mine). I'm telling you this experience was a huge stepping stone of faith for Blake and one that will remain with him.

Honored

On the night that Julie and Kaela took Mikayla out to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs", they ended up hanging out for a bit, just chilling with us and the Whites. At one point, however, Julie and Kaela kind of sheepishly ambushed me to tell me that they were going to kidnap me on Tuesday night to take me out to dinner to show their appreciation for me. With John's support and insights, they knew better than to surprise me with something I didn't see coming - and had already worked it out that John would be home in time for the kids and such.

They explained that it was because they wanted to say "thank you" for allowing them to feel like "part of our family" - and for the cookies and such that had been sent home with them (in my cookie-baking season, which sadly for the mouth, but gladly for the waistline - is not now).

Well, whatever the motivation behind the evening, if the end result was to leave me feeling very honored and appreciated - it so worked. Just knowing that they'd even put a plan in action made me feel very unworthy, but kind of giddy they would care so much to go to such lengths. No surprise, though, as Kaela and Julie are amazing.

The evening was great. I went for John's recommendation of the "best burger in all of Eugene" - I think I'd rank it at second place, but it was outstanding - and the fries.....oh yeah! I think both the girls were quite pleased with their Margharita Pizzas. Kaela said she'd never been treated finer at a restaurant which made me happy that she felt the honor she deserved to feel too.

Conversation was laced with laughs and deep thoughts too. All punctuated by a return to our house and the highlight reel of the "The Bachelor" to watch with them and John.

While it may have begun as "ministry" - Kaela and Julie are way beyond that in our family fondness towards them. They are truly very special friends, and I hope they both know how honored we all feel to have them in our lives - and truly how much they've both ended up ministering to all four of us.

THANK YOU KAELA AND JULIE!

Party On!

Talk about throwing something together at the last minute.....

We have made a point of trying to let Mikayla celebrate with her school friends at some point in January, given she has a birthday so close to Christmas. When we started to figure out that this last Sunday Michele's family would be down because Travis got all five of the boys/guys tickets for the basketball Civil War game, we thought Sunday would be the ideal day for a party. The fact that the Gymnastics NW location where Mikayla wanted to have it was available during this time was a major blessing.

So, we mailed and emailed out some invites, baked some pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, and picked up some stuffed animal "Lil'Kinz" for party favors - and there you go. The least amount of pre-planning yet for one of the kiddo's parties.

The beauty of this party was that the majority of it was run by one of the coaches at the gymnastics center. He had them running an obstacle course, doing some super-fun parachute games, and then ended the group activities with putting Mikayla in a harness and letting her get shot across the room - up high, whizzing forward - crazy fun.

She has such sweet little friends....and Sunday night was a great testimony of the fun they all have together.

Another Stolen Blog Post by Julie

"You're Eight, Will You Be My Date?"

Mikayla turned eight during our Christmas vacation, so being able to treat her to a Birthday night was obviously in order. Kaela and I had plotted this night out on the town with Mikayla for a few weeks. We finally tracked down a night that would work for us both as well as Mikayla. It was a great night. We picked up my little Koala bear around 4. Well really Kaela and I hung out with the family for a good while before we left finally after 4. Kaela and I may or may not just totally have adopted this family - whether they like it or not. We snagged up our little girl and headed off to the theater. We decided upon "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs" and dinner of her choice. It was so fun just having us three. From the car ride to just sitting silent watching the movie, it was all good.

Mikayla was adorable, in a total let me hold your hand mode. Kaela and I were cracking up the whole night, she is a great comic relief to have around. It's just fun to be with Kaela taking Mikayla out on her birthday date, she is like a little sis/daughter to us both. The movie was entertaining. I think Mikayla enjoyed it as well - to which was the purpose so that's good. It was a toss up between that and the "Princess and The Frog". Not sure which is better (haven't seen the other) but I was glad with our choice. Even though it was hard for Kaela and I not to just happen to walk int the wrong theater.. oh .. "Leap Year"? what? After the movie and Mikayla not sharing her very good looking candies (tee hee), it was off to dinner. We told her she could choose and when her choices were Dairy Queen or PF Changs we had to do some suggestive dinner date places. From those - to which only DQ was erased from, she chose BJ's.

I had never been there so I was game. Dinner was fun, I sorta felt like I had a daughter when I ordered her meal, she asked me to cut her pizza for her and then our fun adventure to the bathroom. I'm pretty sure the waiter that we had did too. He was looking at me odd, it cracked me up. Kaela and I were having a blast. Oh kawa wee. On our way out we saw our celeb for the night, LaMicheal James. WOOP WOOP! Then from dinner it was back to the Riley's. I always get sucked in at that house and I love it. Kaela and I were there until 11:00 and then decided they had enough of us and we best go. Tonight we revealed the "appreciation date". I can't wait. Tuesday night @ 5:30!!!!

The Joys of Getting Older

Much is said about all of the downfalls of growing older. Wrinkles, the inability to stay up late, my body being much more sore than I'd like it to be, and, oh yes - the gray hair. However, lately I've been ruminating over many things I'm thankful about that involve getting "up there" in age.

1. You get to understanding how your body works so much more. Things that used to cause me anxiety that my body does, is now something I'm used to, and therefore immune to worry. While it may be falling apart more, at least I'm used to the routine of it all.

2. Life is viewed as much less black and white. Yes, I have my values. Yes, I believe there are absolutes. But, yes, I think there is a whole lot more to any one perspective than often meets the eye. I just finished a book (fiction, of course) called FIRSTBORN. Essentially, the message behind the book is that we need people in our life that we disagree with - it keeps us humbled, constantly thinking, and aware that our point of view isn't the only point of view. I appreciate the developing of more perspective - and know I still have a long way to go in creating more.

3. This might sound weird, but there is more to feel satisfied about. I remember thinking about the "worst case scenarios" when my children were really little about "what if I died". How they may be left with not even a memory of me. But, the older I get, the more I know I've contributed - hopefully in the right way, and hopefully I'm leaving a legacy.

4. Relationships just get better and better- as they get deeper and deeper. (Especially with my kiddos- as the older they get, the more relate-able we can become).

5. The more you appreciate the people older than you - as you start to appreciate the road they've traveled a bit more.

6. For me - the confidence. No one knows my marriage, my children, my home, better than me (except John, and of course, God). In my 20's - oh, the insecurities. And not that they don't flare up here and there now, but such a different story. I am super thankful for this.

7. The wisdom gained. I can't say that it's all that intentional, but sermons, messages, and simply the stories of the inspirational people surrounding my life do start to pile up in this little brain of mine - and become more and more accessible as time goes on.

I think that's enough for now. What have you found to appreciate regarding getting older?

Thankful It's Friday?

I suppose this week is what should have been expected - but the transition back to reality is never easy. None of us have gotten enough sleep, nobody has been happy about waking up early, and not nearly enough has gotten done.

However, the interior of the house has returned to its pre-Harvest decor, and that is a big accomplishment towards embracing January vs. living in the glory days of Christmas past!

Last night was a festive time with the Whites, watching the BCS Championship game (poor Colt McCoy, but the testimony of his post-game interview, wow! What an impact he made for Christ!). It also involved some lively discussion regarding each person's expectations for Orlando - which of course, are all different. (We're already in agreement to pray for family harmony for this vacation!) In the midst of all this, I spent a lot of time on the computer, and reading - all with my neck not in its prime position. Not good.

I woke up feeling like the bridge of my nose had been punched hard. Not good. That meant canceling my volunteer time at the school and sleeping instead. For a long time, actually. Some how after about two hours of being awake, the pain morphed into a different location. By the time I'd finished some bare minimum grocery shopping, I was nauseous, my knees were shaking, and I was thankful I was able to pick up the kids at just the right time on the way home. They were troopers, unpacking the groceries, while I hightailed it to the couch. I ended up with three blankets and an icepack on my neck - and my hands were still chilled. I love the temperature fluctuations when this sort of thing hits. Clearly, the body doesn't really enjoy the strain of these sorts of events, so it does it's own special little thing. (On the way home from the grocery store, I'd stripped out of my jacket with cold air on full blast). So, now, a semi-nap and a bath later, I'm feeling semi-normal - however still quite concerned with doing anything stupid with my neck.

However, through all of this, I find myself still thankful for the life I have. I read Heather's post today - wow, so well written. Very impactful. Then, reading that Sara is having to say good-bye to her daughter leaving for college again, oh yeah, that's not an easy way to spend the day. I also received a phone call today detailing some reconciliation taking place to folks that I care a lot about that has been fervently prayed for. What a praise.

So, just as Colt McCoy praised the Lord despite the fact that he was taken out just five plays into the biggest collegiate game there is, I praise God for the way he works. Even when it involves a little pain.

So, that was my Friday. How was yours?

Our Not-So-Resident Artist

Julie thinks her tan has already faded. Hmmmm, I don't think so. That trip to Maui she took with her family over Christmas is still pretty obvious to me!

While she was over visiting and catching up with us, we coerced her to redo Mikayla's "Upcoming Events" Chalkboard. Christmas and Sunriver are over, afterall.....=(

So, because nothing is really set to happen worth getting super excited about in the next couple of months - we asked Julie to design the board with our Orlando vacation in mind. I don't even bother to suggest ideas, as I know what Julie will come up with on her own will exceed anything I'd imagine.

Isn't this amazing?! It's so fun that Mikayla's room decor now celebrates something we have planned and anticipated for over 3 years. Julie, your artistic skills are so impressive!



It's also pretty clear just how comfortable Sydney feels with Julie.......

Waking Up Is Hard to Do!

Back into routine today - and the title says it all.

This will get easier again, right?

And, getting the paper outside, oh, it was so dark. We've had the Christmas lights on up until now, so I hadn't been aware of just how dark.

It's gonna get better, right?

I'm typing with the "Go-Lite" on though, (SADD artificial light) - just in case!

Good luck this week!

Christmas with the Riley Family

Another fun adventure with the Riley side of the family! This year, we all traveled down to Medford to Mary Beth, Ali, and Andie's new home to celebrate Christmas. Her home is very cozy, the big fireplace and double set of Christmas trees - along with the delicious chili made for a fabulously festive time. While I think our "Smiles" picture turned out quite nice this year, I think the Riley family actually appreciates group photos more like this one more:

Andie is so sweet (she is just two months younger than Mikayla) - and she loves to cuddle.

And, for anyone who asks where Mikayla gets her blond hair - this is the man - John's twin brother, Jeff. His hair was exactly the same color as hers growing up.

It is way too far and in between that Laura (Jeff's wife) and I get to hang out.

Ali, Mikayla, and Andie - Mary Beth and I got cut out of this picture because eyes were closed....

The proud men representing the Riley family (John's oldest brother, Tom, wasn't here).

With Brayden wearing his glasses on this day, he and Grandma Leona matched.....

This hat was given to Mikayla by Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura - even though it's a fuzzy picture, I just love the look!

All three of the girls got hats (though I have to say, I totally love Mikayla's the best!)

Following our festivities at the house, our little family of four headed to the local Fairfield Inn to spend the night (we decided there's been just way too much coming and going, and thought we'd give ourselves a good "family time" - and opportunity to really sleep in). The cousins and Mary Beth ended up joining us at the hotel's pool to swim and play for about an hour last night. Great for lots of smiles from the kids - and some great conversation time among the adults.

Thank you Mary Beth for hosting such a fun and much-needed family day!

2010

Will this be the year.......

- That I get to swim with dolphins? (A life long dream?)
- That I manage to go for more than a week without a headache?
- That Brayden begins middle school? (Say it aint so!)
- That I attend a 20 year high school reunion? (I think it's planned for the last weekend in July...)
- That Mikayla gets braces?
- That John and I simultaneously reach a point we are both happy with our weight?
- That I actually "catch air" when jumping a wake (wakeboarding)?
- That the dogs give up digging at the same hole in our backyard?
- That we have a phenomenal "dream-come-true" four family vacation in Orlando?
- That our garage stays clean longer than a week?
- That I substitute teach more than just one day?
- That I stay consistent with a Quiet Time plan?
- That we paint the outside of our house? (That would be so great!)
- That I get a new vehicle? (My transmission is failing fast!)

Who knows...I can have high hopes though - it's a new year! Welcome 2010!!!!