CJ and Me

Today marks 2 years without CJ. Being my roommate, I sort of feel a hole in my memories now at college. When I think of OBU, I think of CJ. We lived together 3 out of our 4 years there. We were instant best friends. We only fought one time that I can think of and now that I think about it, she was probably right.

Cindy went to OBU to be a pastor. She was Lutheran and they allowed that at her church ;). Of course, those good ole Southern Baptist Boys gave her a run for her money and she ultimately changed majors. I wish she hadn't.

Cindy had the biggest heart. Huge, in fact. She always had time for others. She always had time to give and something to add. I think she learned her encouraging side from her mother who incessantly filled my mail box at OBU with notes, letters, stickers and little tokens of love. Jane was the best at making you feel loved when so far away from home.

Cindy and spent a lot of time talking about boys and life and our dreams after college. We spent many late nights rambling around Shawnee. Most of my memories of hanging out and staying up, studying and living life are wrapped around her.

Today is the 2nd anniversary of her passing. It still shocks me to the core that she's gone. Although I know it's bittersweet to lose her, I can't help but think how happy she must be right now. Those of us left behind aren't any where near being that happy and never will be here on this little planet.

So today I hope to stop and think about how short and sweet life is. She'll always be there in my heart and she'll always be the one who stood by me those four years. I miss you CJ. I do.

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

An excerpt:

"Shepherd, my friend. This month, in certain quarters, people are burning the Graphic Survey because it contains a picture story on life in Russia. Photographs of farms. Windmills, whatever they have on farms. Russian cows. This incites people to bonfires."

"What do you think is frightening them?"

"Hearst news. If the paper says everyone this season will be wearing a Lilly Dache' hat that resembles an armadillo, they will purchase the hat. If Hearst tells them to be afraid of Russia, they will buy that too."

"If the hat is too ridiculous, not everyone buys it."

Artie finally ashed his cigarette, then paused to light a new one from the old, which he left burning in the ashtray, presumably for ambiance. He reorganized his S-shaped body into a thoughtful pose against the desk. "Do you want to know my theory?"

"Of course."

"I think it's the bomb."

"People are afraid of the bomb?"

"Yes, I believe that is the heart of the matter. When that bomb went off over Japan, when we saw that an entire city could be turned to fire and gas, it changed the psychology of this country. And when I say 'psychology,' I mean that very literally. It's the radio, you see. The radio makes everyone feel the same thing at the same time. Instead of millions of various thoughts, one big psychological fixation. The radio commands our gut response. Are you following me?"


This particular paragraph from this 507 paged book has stuck with me over the last few days. It really makes me want to turn off my TV.

After reading this book I am taken aback by a lot of what history had to offer during this time period. For the thinking man or woman in America, it had to be a very confusing time. Not that right now is particularly clear either.

But oh how things changed as media emerged. Fascinating, fascinating.

My Nightmare

I had a dream last night that I arrived to my first grad class and had not a clue what was going on. Not only did the material not appear to have anything to do with Guidance and School Counseling but I did not have the required materials. I was in a panic. Total panic. Then I got an assignment back and I had only done one out of the required ten pages of writing. I was floored and in deep despair.

This may not sound like a normal nightmare to some people but to me it was absolute panic when I awoke. I thought to myself, what if I don't have what it takes to pull this off now that I'm 35? What if I can't keep up with the younger people, what if I'm lost in this class and what if I don't make good grades?

But now that I'm fully awake with coffee in hand, I've calmed down. It's going to be okay and if I don't know something I'll find a way around it. Right? Right.

I loved grad school when I attended last and hopefully time I'll stick around long enough to finish. Wink wink! R would not be smiling if he caught me saying that. But heck, I can't help it, I was ready to have children and the timing was just off last time. So sue me. :)

Discombobulated

Okay, these pics are mostly in order of occurrence...well, sort of. It's been a jumbled several weeks, but here's the skinny. We spent a lot and I mean a lot of time with Aunt BB and the cousins.

E's first year to light his own fireworks, if he wasn't lighting them, he was blowing up the ones he'd already lit...this was extreme fun!

An errant paratrooper landed on the lake house on fire, luckily he chose a spot where L could get to him and douse him with water! Whew!

The twins, they hid mostly behind the glass door, but on occasion chose to run out and do a sparkler!

W was in love with this rocket. He actually took it back inside so we couldn't light it, but we found it and his response upon it taking off..."Wow!"

Here is L and I at local fireworks...this was the best pic of the bunch...we are goofing off of course and I have a severe sunburn...the mark of a good time!

Our final project at the lake house...L and I spent two weeks up there, mostly L doing the work but this was my main contribution. We hunted those plates down at various locations one of which I swear belonged to a hoarder in Grove...I kid you not. It was a bit scary.

Lake Thunderbird...the wind was so high it was like being at the beach.

Smo's (yes, Smo's, not Smores) in L's backyard

W at the Jenks Aquarium, we found Nemo

W with shoes in place, Lake Thunderbird

The Twins

Being The Twins

June (and the first part of July) has been a whirlwind of activity. We did go to Branson but the trip was book-ended (did I just make up new terminology) with trips to Grand Lake and then a little local fun at Lake Thunderbird.

L and I had a blast taking the kiddos on these little excursions. We work quite well as a team. When on our own she takes the morning and I take the evening. I sleep late, she goes to bed earlier. I cook dinner, she handles breakfast. Man, what a team!

One thing I hope as I look back on June/July of this year is that our kids have wonderful memories to recall some day of their childhoods. L and I were reliving some of our favorite summer memories that centered around fireworks, the water and traveling with our Mom and Aunt Nancy. They've burned happiness and joy into our childhood memories. We hope we've added some more to our childrens' lives this year.

I feel so blessed and at times am so overwhelmed with the gift of L living close by and our children getting to grow up together. So many of their memories are wrapped around each other. God is so good to us.

Steal Your Dollar

C driving the Duck aka DUCX

Captain E

Duckies

Ready for Silver Dollar City

The Lost Mine, this is very serious for R and he did score the highest

S and the kiddos...ready, aim, fire!

C and Z first coaster...C was hooked afterwards!

We got to go to Branson this year on a last minute trip with some of our good friends....what a blast! Silver Dollar City was the highlight...the two 5 year olds out of the bunch got their first taste of roller coasters. C is now officially hooked!

We played at an indoor water park, visited the fish hatchery and the dam, rode the Ducks, and did Silver Dollar City two days! The big boys went fly fishing for a couple of days and had a blast!

What a treasure we have with this family...they are very special friends and our boys do so well together. It was a wonderful time had by all!

Bucket List

The four of us bravely entering Finland

Well, this particular photo is the only one I caught this weekend. I finally did something that's been on my Bucket List. I went to Buffett!!!

Now granted, I had actually just planned to tail gate with my friends...but lo and behold the Buffett spirit granted me a free ticket to the concert! (Actually, a good friend arranged it but still I didn't  know at the time)

We had a great time although the absolute craziness that ensued in this massive parking lot due to alcohol and the general "Margaritaville" attitude you found made this one visit probably enough to last a life time.

But that's okay...I got to sing with Buffett and truly enjoy the music I grew up on. He sang several of his older songs which I found I still knew every word to. At times I was the only one singing near me...guess I was sitting with some Johnny Come Lately fans. ;)

Back to Blogging....May 2011

C's graduation rehearsal

E's Baptism

Me and Elefante camping

The Tent

I haven't blogged in a long while and I really miss it I've decided. Plus, the days are floating past with no record of what's been done with them.

Some day I hope to publish all these blog entries as a journal to hold in my hands or for my children to hold in theirs. Until such time, I really need to stay on course documenting what's been going on with us.

I've really fallen down on the job. So short entries of just daily comings and goings are a must.

Sometimes I wax poetic on here but having nothing profound to say shouldn't stop me.

Above you'll find pictures from the end of May of this year. C graduated from Pre-Kindergarten and we couldn't have been prouder. He made such good memories this year. His teacher, Mrs. Robin, was absolutely wonderful. I was able to help out every Friday and see him in action. I also got to know Mrs. Robin fairly well and what a treasure she is! C seemed to really enjoy school and became quite good friends with Mrs. Robin's grand nephew, Sam. They were inseparable!

E was baptized Memorial Day weekend. R and I were extremely proud of him. He did such a great job in front of everyone and was very adamant that he wanted to do this. He actually accepted Christ at an earlier age in my opinion but we waited until we felt confident he understood what he was doing. We are so blessed to not only call him our son but now our brother in Christ. Hallelujah!

We celebrated by going camping. Still my least favorite thing in the world to do. Once again, I ended up using the restroom outside in the middle of the night and not sleeping a wink due to the noise of the wind and in my opinion unsuitable lodging. I just can't help it...it's not my thing. Sure I love the cook out, sure I love being outside...but can't we just go home and sleep in our houses with beds and plumbing afterwards???

I baby sat Elefante (C's doll) while they set up the tent...the four of them managed quite well if you ask me.