| Hope in a Boy's World

I wish it wasn't under these circumstances.....

Thursday, May 20, 2010

...isnt' that what we always say when we see someone from long ago at a funeral? Last week I had the sad but fortunate experience to pay tribute to one of my favorite childhood friends. Loretta and I met in Sister Kathleen's first grade class at St. Vincent de Paul elementary school. Her last name started with "M" and mine followed with "N" so she had to endure me as a seat mate for 9 months. As we begin our school career, we don't have enough life savvy to choose our friends--which can be a good thing. By middle school we become more choosy and particular about with whom we spend our time. Chances are that maybe one or two of our classmates will remain our friends throughout life. (A lesson I keep trying to remind my teenager of) Loretta was one of those friends who was in my circle all the way to high school graduation.

Loretta had an older half sister who didn't live with her so she was essentially an only child. The kind of friend everyone with multiple siblings needs. I have wonderful memories of camping with her family, belting out hit songs on her stereo with the microphone, slumber parties galore and sneaking out to meet boys--it was always her idea. Smile. We came of age together. I didn't know it back then, and neither did she, but Loretta had Lupus for many years before she was diagnosed. A short time ago she learned she was also suffering from Diabetes. Both diseases took their toll on her and left her susceptible to complications which eventually took her life. As many took their turns at the microphone, the phrase I kept hearing to describe my friend was "unconditional love". She offered it to everyone who crossed her path. As I listened I felt so much regret that the most we'd spoken in the last few years was only by "chat" on Facebook. Yet, I know she didn't expect any more than that for that's who she was. She loved and appreciated everyone and every day.

Sitting in the church and watching most of my former teachers pass by was bittersweet. ( Loretta's mom was my second grade teacher) Afterwards at the luncheon we reminisced about days gone by and laughed until we cried. Three hours later a few of us were still there long after the tables and chairs were loaded in the closets and her family members drove away. Our friend Terri suggested we head over to the school and take a trip down memory lane.

Terri, Laura and walked the halls of the elementary school thirty some years later in search of those indiscreet places where we scrawled our names back in the 70's; we recounted stories of our principal who was more like a dictator and concurred that she was abusive and would have truly been thrown in the slammer for pulling similar acts today. We laughed about writing naughty Mad Libs and then being busted by one of the nuns who threatened to ban us from the coveted sixth grade picnic. (We went) We traded stories about our many antics that none of us had been aware of way back when and asked forgiveness over taunting one another about our tacky shoe choices over the years. (When you wear uniforms everyday), there isn't much else to make fun of. In the moment I just wanted to transport myself back to that place of innocence and pure joy and make time stand still. A time when we were so sheltered the outside world rarely had a chance to harm us. Our parents devoted their lives to protecting our childhood and most parentingvalues lined up with one another's. Although most of us rarely correspond, other than infrequent Facebook posts and now funerals, there is a bond that can never be broken between our classmates. At the milestones of the 10 & 20 year reunions many in attendance there still had axes to grind over inane, immature memories. But once you enter 40 and life seems much more sobering and --we've all had one of those life altering events rear its ugly head and wreak havoc on our lives.Those silly little issues have faded into memories that thankfully don't resurface on occasions such as a memorial service.

Loretta, I am deeply sorry you left us so soon. But you really haven't left because that unconditional love you so freely gave has lived on in the souls of St. Vincent's and the hearts of us all. Rest in Peace, beautiful friend.

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Another Rite of Passage

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

So last week Ben arrived at one of the big rites of passage by losing both of his two top teeth. Being that it was my "baby" these events always makes me think "this is the last time I'll have this experience." I prefer to chronicle these happy times but every once in a while a not-so-happy one invades your world--just like this past weekend.

Friday night we were able to get all three boys farmed out for sleepovers. A nice dinner on a beautiful spring evening was on the agenda when the front door swings open and Ben walks in holding his wrist and the tears were flowing. His friend's dad relayed the story of him falling off the swing and added "it's probably broken. You should get an x-ray." Being that it wasn't swollen, and being that we're typically in the "it's fine" camp, we gave him a hot bath, some Advil

and a some TLC.

Saturday morning there was no swelling so off he went to his last soccer game. This sealed the deal. An opponent got under his feet and down he went--on the same wrist. When he woke up Sunday morning with major swelling and complaining of pain, we shuttled over to the ER for a look. Three hours later they announced the ARM was broken. Huh? Although he fell on the wrist, it was a buckle fracture of the bone just above it.

Because the ER was so backed up (when is it not???) he was forced to go home with a wrap and a sling and schedule the cast for the following day. I can't recall ever spending two hours in a doctor's office of any variety and having my child in a permanent grin for all 120 minutes. A cast is a big deal when you're 8.

Here's hoping that the hot weather holds off for these next four weeks or the novelty of this lovely blue accessory will be over faster than it happened. Keep smiling, Ben!

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Toothless on Top

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Ben has passed the first grade school "rite of passage". Last week he finally lost the second of his two front teeth. He has been a frustrated late bloomer in the dental category--he lost his first tooth almost a year ago and the second one three months later. So it's been a lengthy dry spell for the tooth fairy. She had to make two pit stops here last week, and because of his patience, he had double the usual amount under his pillow. I don't think he has stopped smiling since.

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Mother's Day

Monday, May 10, 2010

Thank you, President Woodrow Wilson for signing the proclamation 1n 1914 officially making the second Sunday in May a day to honor mothers. For the past 13 years it has been my favorite holiday but particularly so once my kids entered preschool and began bringing home all those wonderful works of art stored throughout closets, cedar chests and attics.

In spite of all the many precious gifts my boys have made and given over the years, this was the very first time I was served breakfast in bed. My thoughtful Ian cooked up the idea and the meal itself. He was so darn cute and proud of his accomplishment. His brothers decided he was man enough to handle the task at hand while they snoozed away. (I'm sure they were with us in spirit). Below are some photos of the loot. I purposely did not include myself in them because, although I'm not the most vain woman around, I do draw the line at " bed head", sleep lines and sagging objects. :)

Can you tell who loves to call me "Hope"?

Hubby rocked with the PJ purchase. I wanted to wear them to work today.

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to rotate this photo. After dinner, when I tried to cash in on Ben's promise of dish duty, he replied: "I meant that I would take them out of the dishwasher. " I guess homemade cards sometimes need disclaimers.

Isn't that sweet? Ben again.

Ian "loves my cooking" which is comical because there isn't much I cook that he likes to eat. Maybe he meant "I like the processed snacks you buy at the store." The necklace he made at school. His teacher is amazing.

After breakfast we went to church then out to a "fancy" lunch at Sonic Drive-In followed by a 3 hour family mountain bike excursion. As the boys were clamoring to hit the jumps and rougher trails, Trey gently reminded them that "this was mom's day." It was the equivalent of still being on training wheels for them but they were good sports. I probably spent more time pushing my bike uphill than actually pedaling but it was a beautiful sunny day and we were all together. After dinner my sweet neighbor brought over a card with a CD of a song by Trace Adkins called , "You're Gonna Miss These Days." How very, very true.

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Girls' Beach Weekend

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Even though two of the three of us are "in our 40's" I still love referring to us as "girls." Especially when we get away for a long weekend together. I've been blessed with some pretty amazing female friendships. And this year I've gone a bit overboard with the "girls' weekends." In fact I realized that, so far this year, I've had a getaway every single month. I'm liking this trend.

This past weekend was the longest and most relaxing one so far. We were gone for 4 days and 3 nights to Long Beach, WA. My dear friend Joy's family has a cabin that has been passed down through 3 generations. Over the years it has been updated to accomodate more guests. The rest of my family have been guests down there at least 2 or 3 times but every time I've been invited something has always conspired to sabotage my impending trip. It soon became the big joke that I was the lone friend who " never made it to the cabin." So back in January when Joy suggested she, Kim and I try to get down there in the spring I half-heartedly agreed and figured something would get in the way and we'd laugh about it for another year or two. Not this time. Every little detail lined up and off we went.

Long Beach is known for its cloudy, cool weather and rain was in the forecast. However, the skies never opened on us when we ventured out for a walk on the beach, hitting the trails and--most importantly--shopping. I'm ready to get the next one on the calendar!

Ahhhhhh....we're finally here.

Trying on glasses....Minnie Pearl style.

Beautiful beach.

After our 90 minute walk on the trail.

Classic.

Doing our "re-con" garbage run. It WAS a public trash can after all.

Our great finds from Ambiance and Farmhouse Funk. Yes, it all fit in the minivan.

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Happy Birthday to my Maverick Man

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Today marks 42 years since my hubby joined this world. All 5 lb. 12 oz. of him. Since he hates to be fussed over and I'm still trying to lay low since the big 40th surprise bash, I will be brief. The following quote I read at this party two years ago and it will always personify him. Happy Birthday, Honey! Love you long time.

"A man is one who finds his strength and lives it.

Who loves his wife and shows it.

Who would die for his children and they believe it.

Who serves his God and no one doubts it."

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Spring Break 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Being that we were just coming off the heels of a dream vacation, we knew this year's Spring Break would never come close to making those kind of memories. However, I knew we had to something. I've had my old/new minivan for two months now and it was begging for a road trip. That and Quinn had a soccer game in Vancouver, Washington.

On Wednesday all three boys and I set out to head from one end of the state to the other. Exit 255 to Exit 7. Knowing that plowing through in one fell swoop would make for a crabby mother and equallyunpleasant children. We broke up the first leg into several little visits along the way. First stop was Grandma's--about two hours away. Exit 143. Our nephew and cousin was on his spring break and my brother stopped in to say hello so we had a house full--which "Ma" loved. Pizza, laughter and noise ensued.

Thursday morning we continued south to Tacoma. Exit 133. My BFF from jr. high and high school is a middle school U.S. History teacher. She has recently inspired me to return to college and get my teaching certificate (this will be the next post). Her spring break had been the previous week so she invited us to come visit her classroom. We stayed for 4th & 5th periods, administered a couple quizzes and watched her in action. Quinn loved "being a student without really being a student", Ian enjoyed sitting alongside Teri and watching for cheaters during the tests and Ben thought it was super grown up and cool to drink Cokes out of her personal fridge while the middle schoolers whined about him not sharing. Just before we went to leave, I turned around to grab my camera and take some pics only to discover one of those middle schoolers had walked off with it. I was disappointed but not half as much as Teri was. She went on the hunt for the thief but returned empty handed. I tried to make light of it by reminding her of all the naughty things we did in 7th and 8th grades but she still felt horrible. I never liked the camera anyway but I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to capture what lay ahead on the rest of our trip. So the pictures that follow were moved from Facebook or other places on my computer. Telling a story involving people just isn't the same without images, is it??

Teri & me hanging out after she stopped by to gloat about her "Devo" concert. Nice hat.

When I visited Teri's classroom a year ago.

Next stop: Vancouver. Exit 7. Last spring I reconnected (via Facebook) with my bible study leader from my junior year of college, ReNai. She was such an inspiration to me and someone who really challenged me in my faith. My favorite memory of her was that she always had her purse-sized bible with her and referred to it all the time. I always wanted to be a woman of deep faith and conviction like her when I grew up. She married her high school sweetheart right after college graduation and they are both teachers in Vancouver. She teaches Kindergarten and he teaches middle school. Is there a theme here???? It was the first time our families had met one another but that didn't matter. Their son is Quinn's age and is wild about sports. Their backyard ended where the elementary school field began. Within minutes the cones and flags were in place and a full-fledged soccer game was taking place. Followed by "bump" on the basketball court and "FIFA soccer" on the Wii. Add ReNai's homemade spaghetti and meatballs and what's not to like? AFter dinner I shared my memory and ReNai broke out that very bible all tattered and torn and well loved. Unfortunately their family was not on spring break so we had to say "goodnight" and "goodbye" that evening. When we left the next day Quinn said, "we should stay here every time we play in Vancouver." I agree, Quinn.

College days: 1989

The lovely Joy family.

Friday: Since we couldn't check in to the hotel until 3, we went just across the bridge into Portland, Oregon. A friend had told me about a decommissioned Navy submarine docked somewhere in the city that was open for tours. I checked it out before we left and found the USS Blueback was at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in the heart of downtown Portland. Although the museum is incredible, we opted to just do the sub tour. We got to see the engine room, the torpedo room, the bunks and dining room. It was absolutely fascinating and worth driving there for. This particular submarine has been docked for 15 years and had been in service for longer than I've been alive. It was also used in the movie "Hunt for Red October" and as a backdrop in "Hawaii Five-O". I"m really dating myself now.

USS Blueback 581

We checked in to the hotel and about 40 of us invaded the Old Spaghetti Factory for Quinn's team dinner followed by "lights out" at 9:30.

Saturday: After the 9:00 a.m. game, we headed back to the hotel, burned some energy at the pool and hit the road for the long trek back. We stopped every hour for bathroom breaks, food and in search of the perfect athletic shoes (never found). Many times I found myself wishing one of my passengers had a learner's permit or that I had lost my hearing. 681 miles later, we arrived safe and sound around dinnertime to one happy puppy and his smiling master.

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Back to School

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Life seems to have gone from o to 100 mph in a matter of weeks and I can't remember if I'm coming or going. All I know is I'm tired. But a good-kind-of-tired.

While on our vacation, it suddenly became apparent to me that I was entering a new season with my kiddos. They shared their own cabin and came and went as they pleased. I began to wonder if they might also be able to live on their own. Although I know this is not reality, the fact that they adapted to this lifestyle with such ease made me wonder if it might be time for some changes in this momma's life.

I have loved and appreciated the privilege of being a full-time mom for the past 13 years. The minute my firstborn was placed in my arms, no job could compete with my intense desire to be home with him. Being that the other two followed in short succession, there wasn't time even ponder going back to work. That, coupled with the fact that we had no family support system around us and I never really had a "career" to speak of , made staying home a "no-brainer." As I've watched my friends juggle work and family I simply found it an area I had no desire to enter into. I never wanted to be faced with the dilemma of what to do when a child was sick or an emergency arose and I had to choose between my work and my family. I was content to keep busy with a myriad of projects and simply managing our home. Until now.

As I had time to think and journal on the two long flights home, a stirring began that wouldn't go away. Over twenty years ago, while a sophomore in college, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I went back to see my middle school English teacher and spent a week observing in her classroom. I left there thinking I would return two years later to student teach under her supervision. When the time came to see an advisor, and declare my major, I learned that secondary education was a five-year program. My parents had only agreed to pay for the 4-year plan, and not a quarter more. My sister was fast on my heels and close to entering college herself. Two college tuitions were not in the cards. As disappointed as I was, I did understand. Not having gone to college themselves, my parents were making a huge sacrifice in giving me a college education with no student loans. I didn't want to burden them anymore so I majored in communications and graduated two years later. I do believe that was the best plan for my life for who I was at the time. However, since my oldest entered middle school, that desire to be in the classroom--other than as a volunteer--has never left me. I had inquired into the process of getting my teaching certificate a couple years ago but the process seemed to arduous if I couldn't do it online. I'm such a whimp!

As soon as we returned home, I called WWU's (Western Washington University) School of Education. The lady I spoke with walked me through the process but told me I was too late for Fall Quarter because of a skills assessment test that had to be completed back in March. She took my student number and promised to get back in touch with me. Didn't happen. A week later I received a call from a gentleman in the department asking for my student number. Huh??? Again, I didn't hear a word for another week and the April 1 deadline was fast approaching.

On March 30, the young man called and spent forever on the phone with me. He was so unbelievably positive and encouraging. He insisted that I wasn't too late for Fall quarter nor for taking the West-B exam that is required for admission. All I had to do was submit a petition with my application asking them to hold its review pending the test scores and take the test on April 17. I promised to come in the next morning and collect all the necessary documents and order my transcript.

March 31st: I couldn't believe how intimidated it felt to walk across campus where I spent four years of my life. I felt so old. But as I stepped on to the cobblestone walkway toward Old Main I decided that everyone would probably just assume I was a professor. Ha! The Registrar's office told me that they typically need two days notice but they could have my transcript ready by 5:00. (Thank you, God.) Next stop: Woodring College of Education where I met my savior, Matt face-to-face. He walked me through the entire application process and sent me on my way. Walking back to my car, was stunned to read the requirements (which would be due TOMORROW) included TWO letters of recommendation and FOUR essays!! Gasp.

It was a no-brainer. I grabbed my phone and texted good ol' Teri Lynn. She's a middle school teacher and my BFF from ages 13-18. The one who talked me into going down this crazy path. "No problem. It will be in your inbox by 4:00. Which email address?" YES!! The second letter was to (preferably) be from a university professor. Being that 20 years had passed since I sat in a college classroom, I was perplexed. "Hello, Matt?? An employer or someone who could vouch for my organizational and communication skills would suffice. I stopped in at the elementary school and saw my most favorite teacher there who I worked with the most on PTA projects and events. She gladly agreed and even offered to print it on school letterhead if I came by the next afternoon. Whew! Nothing like cutting it close.

I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. composing essays that would hopefully convince the "powers that be" to welcome me into their post baccaleaurate teaching program. The next day I started my new job (a later post), went by the school and picked up Allison's glowing letter. After reading it I thought to myself: "Wow, I like me. Who is this person she described?" I then dropped off Ben at Trey's office, drove to campus, picked up my transcript, made a copy and turned in my admissions packet to the university. While waiting for my copy a familiar face walked around the corner: turns out the elementary school PTA President is one of "the" official admissions people. Talk about confirmation and God's favor. She piled on some more encouragement and sent me on my way to the last stop: Woodring. Just as I went through the door, who do I bump into but.........you guessed it....... Matt! I reluctantly relinquished my application--I'd become quite attached in the last 24 hours--and wanted to give everyone in the room a big celebratory hug! I guess I can save that for when the acceptance letter arrives!

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Come Alive Tour 2010 starring the BFF's

I have wanted to post these pics on here for the last 3 weeks but a million things and continuing my never-ending Disney novel has been preventing me from doing so. My BFF, Lacey, has a childhood friend who moved to Nashville a couple years ago to pursue his dream of playing guitar and writing music alongside some famous Christian artists. Well, lucky for us, Brian's dream was recently realized when he was asked to join the "Come Alive Tour" with Point of Grace and Mark Schultz. In late March they were playing an hour up the road from us in Vancouver and Brian had three VIP tickets and backstage passes waiting for Lacey and two of her friends. I got to be one of those friends!!! We thought we were so very cool. And we were. :) I happen to love both of these artists and seeing them live was an incredible treat. Meeting them backstage was even better. They were so incredibly down-to-earth, about our ages and practically as glamourous. (Ha!!).

They would soooo be friends with us if they lived here--or vice versa.

Our backstage passes

Lacey tries out one of Brian's many guitars.

Mark and his amazing vocals.

Shelly--she was my favorite. Her nickname is Boss Hogg. Loved her.

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Day 9: Homeward Bound

Monday, April 5, 2010

All good things must come to an end. Today was that day. Papa Jim dropped us off at Universal for one last hurrah and we went back to ride as many rides as possible in four hours. Everyone went to their favorites and we all met back at this globe. We unanimously agreed to grab Chick-fil-A, go back to the condo and pack then head to the airport. Sniff. Sniff.

What a once-in-a-lifetime experience this was. I never thought we'd have an opportunity to ever take this kind of vacation and I still can't comprehend all we packed in over 9 short days. I still can't believe we really did it. These few pictures only capture half the fun, excitement and memories we will always treasure. Thank you, Mimi and Papa Jim!!