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I look forward to reuniting with you!
Marianne
8.29.2016
7.29.2016
Back-to-School Haircut
If you've been checking in at the Ballpark over time, you know we have a chemistry teacher daughter who, for some reason, ends up teaching religion and forensics and math on occasion. She's open to filling whatever slot needs to be filled, so they find her if there's an open slot with no teacher.
This is why teachers need to be paid more.
Anyhoo, when the new school year approaches, our favorite teacher usually gets a hair trim, or full cut, if needed. For the past three years, she's let her hair grow, because she likes to donate her locks to kids who need wigs for various reasons, usually illness. Here's the before shot. Golden, auburny, caramel locks...
And after the first chop...
My husband and I are both dark, so we've never been sure where this reddish hair came from - we're assuming my Irish grandmother, who didn't have red hair either, but did have the light skin our girl has and beautiful blue eyes. Our teacher has green eyes, so it doesn't really fit, but that's all we've got. God has a vast color wheel, that's all I can say.
Here are the squirrel tails on their way to donation.
Cool, huh?
After a bit of shaping, here's the finished look in the sunshine.
Our girl says she feels 5 pounds lighter. How great it would be if it were that easy - hey, Doc, can you chop 5 pounds off these thighs? Sadly, that's not the way the world works. But, wouldn't it be a magical place if it did?
The sheared locks are going to CHILDREN WITH HAIR LOSS, whose motto is "covering young heads to heal young hearts." Check it out. Seeing innocent youngins who need hair is a most touching thing. After the political conventions this month, don't we need a sweet sight to remind us of what truly matters?
To all teachers out there who are heading back to school soon - I love ya! Don't forget you are in the most valuable profession on the planet. Nobody learns anything without a teacher being involved. From pre-K to Ph.D., teachers lead the way. They need more money, they need more support, and they need more school supplies, from crayons to computers. God bless ALL of you!
And God bless the little ones who will receive hair from our Goldilocks.
This is why teachers need to be paid more.
Anyhoo, when the new school year approaches, our favorite teacher usually gets a hair trim, or full cut, if needed. For the past three years, she's let her hair grow, because she likes to donate her locks to kids who need wigs for various reasons, usually illness. Here's the before shot. Golden, auburny, caramel locks...
My husband and I are both dark, so we've never been sure where this reddish hair came from - we're assuming my Irish grandmother, who didn't have red hair either, but did have the light skin our girl has and beautiful blue eyes. Our teacher has green eyes, so it doesn't really fit, but that's all we've got. God has a vast color wheel, that's all I can say.
Here are the squirrel tails on their way to donation.
Cool, huh?
After a bit of shaping, here's the finished look in the sunshine.
Our girl says she feels 5 pounds lighter. How great it would be if it were that easy - hey, Doc, can you chop 5 pounds off these thighs? Sadly, that's not the way the world works. But, wouldn't it be a magical place if it did?
The sheared locks are going to CHILDREN WITH HAIR LOSS, whose motto is "covering young heads to heal young hearts." Check it out. Seeing innocent youngins who need hair is a most touching thing. After the political conventions this month, don't we need a sweet sight to remind us of what truly matters?
To all teachers out there who are heading back to school soon - I love ya! Don't forget you are in the most valuable profession on the planet. Nobody learns anything without a teacher being involved. From pre-K to Ph.D., teachers lead the way. They need more money, they need more support, and they need more school supplies, from crayons to computers. God bless ALL of you!
And God bless the little ones who will receive hair from our Goldilocks.
7.20.2016
What Dreams May Come
Our grandson is a few days away from being 6 months old. As I hold James and envision his
life and pray for blessings to come his way, it takes me back to my own
children - how I held them and prayed for them.
My three children are now adults, and looking back, it's surprising how my dreams for them...well, let's just say I was naive. Or maybe selfish. Life is full of surprises.
When our oldest was seven, his IQ tested very high. Gifted classes followed, and I assumed he would pursue a very academic path. He quit college after two years. What he loved was art and music. (He played the violin as a youngster, the guitar as a young adult.) He was very talented there as well, so I shifted my thinking. He joined a band and moved to Arizona. He found work in a pharmacy and became certified as a pharmacy tech. Oh, medicine! I thought. Maybe he'll head to pharmacy school.
He was not the least bit interested. The band folded, but he met his future wife, who is also musically gifted, and they married a few years later. They are very happy. I thought they might have a baby soon, but they shared recently they don't think kids are for them. Okay. I clearly have no idea what God has planned for our son.
Our daughter grew up loving science, and in her senior year of high school wrote about wanting to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. She got a full scholarship to college, but two years in, discovered chemistry and changed her major. After college, she worked at a health food store. How did we go from med school plans to being in charge of produce? She dabbled in youth ministry, and then...stunned my husband and me when she decided to enter religious formation to become a Catholic sister. Huh?
God worked on my heart, and I came to love the idea. After three years, she left the convent and began teaching high school science. (She's great at it, and the kids love her.) When she was younger, I assumed she would marry and have children some day. However...in her early college years, she developed an endocrine problem that derails the reproductive system. I have to admit, I have grieved about this. But, when I see how God is using her and all her gifts, I have peace.
Our baby, who's 30, married right out of college with a history degree. I thought he would teach. He ended up working in retail for Gucci. Gucci?! We thought it would be temporary, but he moved up in the company and was there seven years. Of our three, he seemed the most ready for kids, but did not have baby James until after seven years of marriage.
He and his wife were prepared to moved to KY to a new position with the job when his store closed suddenly and he was out of work - two weeks before their baby was due! They had to move. Just hours after they moved to a new home, her water broke. Curve balls, one after another. God, what are you doing? I have wondered more than once.
I share all this because I've realized, since baby James has arrived, that my dreams/expectations for my children apparently have no bearing on what God has planned for them. This makes me smile.
A mom's dreams for her child are lovely and, well, "dreamy," but looking back, I see I didn't remember that my children don't really belong to me; they belong to God. I can wish all I want for my children, but I don't know everything. I don't know what God knows about them. My husband and I made them, but God made them first. His plans are going to trump mine.
God is the ultimate creator who has divine plans for each of my children - for all of us. I want only success and rainbows for my kids, but God knows their journey is going to contain disappointments and detours, because that's how we grow. My dreams for my children are to be happy. God's dreams for them are to be holy.
I wonder what my mom dreamed for me, and what my son dreams for his son. Time will tell, but in the end, God will win. And we certainly can't do better than that.
So James, my dream for you is that you love God and seek His dream for you.
REMINDER: Last week for the Christmas in July sale of my ebook "The 12 Days of Christmas Adventure." 50% off for the month of July only. Check it out HERE. Do something different this holiday season!
My three children are now adults, and looking back, it's surprising how my dreams for them...well, let's just say I was naive. Or maybe selfish. Life is full of surprises.
When our oldest was seven, his IQ tested very high. Gifted classes followed, and I assumed he would pursue a very academic path. He quit college after two years. What he loved was art and music. (He played the violin as a youngster, the guitar as a young adult.) He was very talented there as well, so I shifted my thinking. He joined a band and moved to Arizona. He found work in a pharmacy and became certified as a pharmacy tech. Oh, medicine! I thought. Maybe he'll head to pharmacy school.
He was not the least bit interested. The band folded, but he met his future wife, who is also musically gifted, and they married a few years later. They are very happy. I thought they might have a baby soon, but they shared recently they don't think kids are for them. Okay. I clearly have no idea what God has planned for our son.
Our daughter grew up loving science, and in her senior year of high school wrote about wanting to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. She got a full scholarship to college, but two years in, discovered chemistry and changed her major. After college, she worked at a health food store. How did we go from med school plans to being in charge of produce? She dabbled in youth ministry, and then...stunned my husband and me when she decided to enter religious formation to become a Catholic sister. Huh?
God worked on my heart, and I came to love the idea. After three years, she left the convent and began teaching high school science. (She's great at it, and the kids love her.) When she was younger, I assumed she would marry and have children some day. However...in her early college years, she developed an endocrine problem that derails the reproductive system. I have to admit, I have grieved about this. But, when I see how God is using her and all her gifts, I have peace.
Our baby, who's 30, married right out of college with a history degree. I thought he would teach. He ended up working in retail for Gucci. Gucci?! We thought it would be temporary, but he moved up in the company and was there seven years. Of our three, he seemed the most ready for kids, but did not have baby James until after seven years of marriage.
He and his wife were prepared to moved to KY to a new position with the job when his store closed suddenly and he was out of work - two weeks before their baby was due! They had to move. Just hours after they moved to a new home, her water broke. Curve balls, one after another. God, what are you doing? I have wondered more than once.
I share all this because I've realized, since baby James has arrived, that my dreams/expectations for my children apparently have no bearing on what God has planned for them. This makes me smile.
A mom's dreams for her child are lovely and, well, "dreamy," but looking back, I see I didn't remember that my children don't really belong to me; they belong to God. I can wish all I want for my children, but I don't know everything. I don't know what God knows about them. My husband and I made them, but God made them first. His plans are going to trump mine.
God is the ultimate creator who has divine plans for each of my children - for all of us. I want only success and rainbows for my kids, but God knows their journey is going to contain disappointments and detours, because that's how we grow. My dreams for my children are to be happy. God's dreams for them are to be holy.
 |
| Four generations - my mom, myself, my son, and baby James when he was just days old. |
I wonder what my mom dreamed for me, and what my son dreams for his son. Time will tell, but in the end, God will win. And we certainly can't do better than that.
So James, my dream for you is that you love God and seek His dream for you.
6.28.2016
Happy Birthday, America!
A few years ago, we received this homemade card from our son and daughter-in-law. Both of their fathers were Air Force career men, so they remember the sacrifices that military families make.
I pray, as a nation, we never forget the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this imperfect, but still the best, country on the planet. It's true that freedom isn't free. Today, because of those who have served, we can:
1. Grill and burn as many hot dogs as we want.
2. Fight over the last corn-on-the-cob.
3. Pellet each other with water balloons.
4. Drink too much beer.
5. Display the American flag on our property.
6. Own property.
7. Enjoy all kinds of red-white-and-blue Jello salads.
8. Raise the water bill by running through the sprinkler all afternoon.
9. Follow the town parade down the street.
10. Write our name in the dark with sparklers.
11. Spend too much money on firecrackers.
12. Annoy our neighbors with firecrackers.
13. Injure ourselves with firecrackers.
14. Sing America, the Beautiful.
15. Spit watermelon seeds at each other.
16. Vote.
17. Argue over whom to vote for.
18. Enjoy the DVD John Adams, the excellent (originally HBO) mini-series.
19. Make a patriotic pinwheel out of a paper plate, a pencil, and a thumb tack.
20. Remember that we are all created equal.
Have a patriotic day!
6.11.2016
I'm Moving. And I'm Nervous.
I'm getting ready to attempt a scary thing. It involves an arena that intimidates me and, frankly, confuses me. It's a change I have to make, but I'm dragging my feet.
I have to move to a new blog server and get a domain name email address.
See? I hardly even understand what I just wrote. I'm about as technically savvy as a worm. And when it comes to technology, I move about as slow.
I've loved being on blogger, it's a great site for beginner bloggers, which I was in 2010. Six years later, I have things I want to do I can't do here. This means several not-so-fun transitions will occur:
1. Formatting a new site. UGH. It took me six years to get this site to work as beautifully as it does. It's like my first little house. I know all the glitches, the cozy spots, and when to clean out the dugout. At the new place, I'll have to place and rearrange the furniture all over again. For a non-tech worm like me, it's kind of exhausting.
2. Moving readers. If you follow Adventures in the Ballpark now, you'll have to re-subscribe at the new site. It's not hard to do that, you just have to remember to do it. If you read a lot of blogs (as I do), it might slip your mind (as it has mine on occasion) and pretty soon, Adventures is off your radar. I hope you'll follow me to the new site, because I don't want to be over there all alone.
3. Losing readers. You might come here looking for the old Adventures, and due to some temporary cyberpsace glitch (they do occur now and then), the link to the new one won't work, and you'll just say, Oh, forget it. I pray you don't fall into a black hole during this transition. I'll tell ya - I'm gonna worry about this. I don't want anyone flailing around in cyberspace, longing for the Ballpark Brownie recipe and not having access to it, or wondering how my parents (93 and 96) are doing.
4. It will probably be a few weeks before all the kinks are worked out. I could be wrong on this, but I have NEVER known any Internet transition to be without hiccups. Sometimes big ones.Being the pessimist I am, I'm expecting the worst. I'm going to be positive about this and pray God directs the entire thing. Then any mess-up will be His problem.
So....because you guys are my buds, I'm sharing my heart about this move, which feels like I'mripping out bleeding roots off on a new adventure! This is my summer project. I'd rather be getting a root canal. I'll keep you posted here, or on facebook/twitter as to how the move is going.
If you get my newsletter, I'll keep you updated that way too. (If you don't get it, you can sign-up HERE.)
What are your projects this summer? Probably fun stuff like hanging out at the pool, making Popsicles, and catching up on summer reading.
I'm so jealous.
I have to move to a new blog server and get a domain name email address.
See? I hardly even understand what I just wrote. I'm about as technically savvy as a worm. And when it comes to technology, I move about as slow.
I've loved being on blogger, it's a great site for beginner bloggers, which I was in 2010. Six years later, I have things I want to do I can't do here. This means several not-so-fun transitions will occur:
1. Formatting a new site. UGH. It took me six years to get this site to work as beautifully as it does. It's like my first little house. I know all the glitches, the cozy spots, and when to clean out the dugout. At the new place, I'll have to place and rearrange the furniture all over again. For a non-tech worm like me, it's kind of exhausting.
 |
| Source |
2. Moving readers. If you follow Adventures in the Ballpark now, you'll have to re-subscribe at the new site. It's not hard to do that, you just have to remember to do it. If you read a lot of blogs (as I do), it might slip your mind (as it has mine on occasion) and pretty soon, Adventures is off your radar. I hope you'll follow me to the new site, because I don't want to be over there all alone.
3. Losing readers. You might come here looking for the old Adventures, and due to some temporary cyberpsace glitch (they do occur now and then), the link to the new one won't work, and you'll just say, Oh, forget it. I pray you don't fall into a black hole during this transition. I'll tell ya - I'm gonna worry about this. I don't want anyone flailing around in cyberspace, longing for the Ballpark Brownie recipe and not having access to it, or wondering how my parents (93 and 96) are doing.
4. It will probably be a few weeks before all the kinks are worked out. I could be wrong on this, but I have NEVER known any Internet transition to be without hiccups. Sometimes big ones.
So....because you guys are my buds, I'm sharing my heart about this move, which feels like I'm
If you get my newsletter, I'll keep you updated that way too. (If you don't get it, you can sign-up HERE.)
What are your projects this summer? Probably fun stuff like hanging out at the pool, making Popsicles, and catching up on summer reading.
I'm so jealous.
5.29.2016
Memorial Day - How We Can Honor the Fallen
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5.21.2016
10 Things I Needed Quiet Time to Remember
It's one of those "I'm so grateful" days. Nothing spectacular has occurred, I didn't win the lottery or anything. I simply had some quiet time this morning, and I noticed the many blessings in my life.
Do we need quiet time to recognize all that we've been given? Yes.
When life is frantic and I just run from thing to thing, my overall mode is "hurry up and finish this, there are ten more things I have to get to." That's a perfect recipe for becoming cranky and then resentful. When I can't really pay attention to the task I'm in, I'm certainly not going to appreciate what I'm doing and why it's important. Think of Road Runner's legs. Spinning and spinning, moving through everything instead of being fully present.
So, this morning, it was quiet and I read Jesus Calling (several days' worth, because I was behind.) And in the quiet, blessings bubbled up.
1. Today is our daughter's birthday. She's a blessing in so many ways, and also a feisty testament to life. As a toddler, she had a severe seizure that caused her to stop breathing. If not for one doctor, well...you can read about that HERE.
2. Grandson James. This sweet child gives me the opportunity to just stop and hold a baby. If he's fussy, or feeding, or sleeping, he has my full attention. He puts life in perspective.
3. Our older son and his wife visited recently. They drove to Florida from Virginia to meet James. We took lots of family pictures (because we're rarely all together) and I got lots of hugs. I have to say, there is nothing a mom loves more than having all her youngin's together. All the pieces of her heart reconnect. And if the youngin's don't gripe about getting numerous family photos, that's icing on the cake. Thank you, youngin's!
4. After four months of unemployment, our younger son has a job. This son is the father of James, and husband to our sweet DIL, so we all had anxious hearts about how this new little family would manage. But, our son is resilient and our DIL is supportive, so they are working it out. We're so proud of how they are growing through this challenge.
5. After a head injury this week, the hubs is fine. At work, a piece of equipment hit him in the head. He needed 6 staples in his scalp, but has no other damage. He doesn't even want me talking about it, so don't mention it.
6. Mom's treatment for lymphedema is working. Her legs looked like tree trunks, but after two weeks of special wrappings, she's on the mend. Once treatment is over, she'll have to wear compression stockings, which she's not looking forward to. Life at 95 is not as much fun as it used to be.
7. Dad is getting new glasses. After sitting on/rolling on his wire frames a thousand times, they were shot. Pliers and duct tape didn't work anymore. He's getting titanium frames. Seems fitting for his titanium spirit.
8. We're getting a new dishwasher. In comparison to loved ones and jobs, this is an insignificant thing. But once the current dishwasher starts depositing rust stains on the plates, it's time.
9. My Visa bill is at 0 again. This only happens about twice a year, so I like to highlight it when it occurs.
10. I'm eating dark-chocolate malt balls for breakfast. I really have to stop this, because my inflammation numbers are up a little, and I know sugar is the culprit for me. I'm my own worst enemy. The good news is that in heaven, I won't have to deal with any more of this nonsense.
What blessings have you missed recently because life is too hectic? Make quiet time a priority (that's the only way to do it), and you will be reminded of how much God loves you.
** Don't miss my newsletter NOTES FROM THE DUGOUT.
Get a copy of my essay "Who's the Boss?" (five things I need to remember about God.)
Do we need quiet time to recognize all that we've been given? Yes.
When life is frantic and I just run from thing to thing, my overall mode is "hurry up and finish this, there are ten more things I have to get to." That's a perfect recipe for becoming cranky and then resentful. When I can't really pay attention to the task I'm in, I'm certainly not going to appreciate what I'm doing and why it's important. Think of Road Runner's legs. Spinning and spinning, moving through everything instead of being fully present.
So, this morning, it was quiet and I read Jesus Calling (several days' worth, because I was behind.) And in the quiet, blessings bubbled up.
1. Today is our daughter's birthday. She's a blessing in so many ways, and also a feisty testament to life. As a toddler, she had a severe seizure that caused her to stop breathing. If not for one doctor, well...you can read about that HERE.
2. Grandson James. This sweet child gives me the opportunity to just stop and hold a baby. If he's fussy, or feeding, or sleeping, he has my full attention. He puts life in perspective.
3. Our older son and his wife visited recently. They drove to Florida from Virginia to meet James. We took lots of family pictures (because we're rarely all together) and I got lots of hugs. I have to say, there is nothing a mom loves more than having all her youngin's together. All the pieces of her heart reconnect. And if the youngin's don't gripe about getting numerous family photos, that's icing on the cake. Thank you, youngin's!
4. After four months of unemployment, our younger son has a job. This son is the father of James, and husband to our sweet DIL, so we all had anxious hearts about how this new little family would manage. But, our son is resilient and our DIL is supportive, so they are working it out. We're so proud of how they are growing through this challenge.
5. After a head injury this week, the hubs is fine. At work, a piece of equipment hit him in the head. He needed 6 staples in his scalp, but has no other damage. He doesn't even want me talking about it, so don't mention it.
6. Mom's treatment for lymphedema is working. Her legs looked like tree trunks, but after two weeks of special wrappings, she's on the mend. Once treatment is over, she'll have to wear compression stockings, which she's not looking forward to. Life at 95 is not as much fun as it used to be.
7. Dad is getting new glasses. After sitting on/rolling on his wire frames a thousand times, they were shot. Pliers and duct tape didn't work anymore. He's getting titanium frames. Seems fitting for his titanium spirit.
8. We're getting a new dishwasher. In comparison to loved ones and jobs, this is an insignificant thing. But once the current dishwasher starts depositing rust stains on the plates, it's time.
9. My Visa bill is at 0 again. This only happens about twice a year, so I like to highlight it when it occurs.
10. I'm eating dark-chocolate malt balls for breakfast. I really have to stop this, because my inflammation numbers are up a little, and I know sugar is the culprit for me. I'm my own worst enemy. The good news is that in heaven, I won't have to deal with any more of this nonsense.
What blessings have you missed recently because life is too hectic? Make quiet time a priority (that's the only way to do it), and you will be reminded of how much God loves you.
** Don't miss my newsletter NOTES FROM THE DUGOUT.
Get a copy of my essay "Who's the Boss?" (five things I need to remember about God.)
5.17.2016
MacGyver, Where Are You?
I took a three-hour nap a few days ago. My husband was watching reruns of MacGyver while I dozed. Every time I stirred, Mac was rescuing a hostage, racing through shrubbery, or stuffing potatoes into exhaust pipes. That guy was so cool.
We need to resurrect Angus MacGyver (yep, Angus was his first name.) He could help with so many things here in the Ballpark:
1. He could rig the dishwasher to load itself.
2. Ditto for the washer.
3. He could fashion a drive way track that would guide the trash cans down to the curb and back again.
4. He could make a safe grapefruit peeler out of a razor blade and a toothbrush. It takes a long time to peel a grapefruit like an orange, but that's how we like 'em.
5. He could make a lizard catcher. We're just too slow when it comes to getting them out of the house here in Florida.
6. He could create a hanging rope that would allow me to swing down to the first floor instead of risking tripping down our 14 steps, which I did recently. He'd probably need more than duct tape to accomplish this one.
7. He could wire the kitchen cabinet so when I'm tempted to steal a piece of dark chocolate, I get a shock. Drastic times; drastic measures.
I'm feeling overwhelmed these days. Writing is calling me, my adult children and their spouses have become fun adult friends to hang out with, baby James is around, allowing me smooches and snuggles, and my parents are becoming more fragile every month. And then there's all this stuff MacGyver could be helping with.
I love the people in my life, and I want to be available to them, so I'm thinking something has to change.
Therefore, I'm creating a newsletter.
HA! It sounds like lunacy, but I believe it will streamline my writing, which will free up some time to love on the people I love, peel grapefruits, and catch lizards. (Doesn't look like MacGyver is coming anytime soon.)
I'll keep blogging, but less frequently, and the newsletter will alert you as to when a new post is up. There are so many things I want to write about and touch on and research...my newsletter will have quick updates, inspirational morsels, links to projects/recipes/news items, my favorite books, and more. I hope you'll sign on, so we can stay in touch.
I promise it will take less time (because you probably have grapefruit/lizard issues too) to read my newsletter than to read a blog post. You may want to click on enclosed links, or not; I'll just make them available to you. My goal is to bring practical, grace-filled, substantial, and humorous treats into your life. You might be overwhelmed too, and just need an encouraging face in your inbox.
I value your input and would also like to know what topics bring you to the Ballpark - the caretaking issues, my faith journey, DIY projects, chasing wellness, or whatever (even the ex-clown.) If you want to hear my thoughts on something new, write that in the box. We'll take this journey together!
As always, thank you for sharing in my life.
I just did some research and discovered MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is 66 years old now. He's probably tired of saving the world, so I guess I'll have to let him off the hook from helping me out around here.
I do think he could make a grapefruit peeler while he's plopped in his recliner though.
We need to resurrect Angus MacGyver (yep, Angus was his first name.) He could help with so many things here in the Ballpark:
1. He could rig the dishwasher to load itself.
2. Ditto for the washer.
3. He could fashion a drive way track that would guide the trash cans down to the curb and back again.
4. He could make a safe grapefruit peeler out of a razor blade and a toothbrush. It takes a long time to peel a grapefruit like an orange, but that's how we like 'em.
5. He could make a lizard catcher. We're just too slow when it comes to getting them out of the house here in Florida.
6. He could create a hanging rope that would allow me to swing down to the first floor instead of risking tripping down our 14 steps, which I did recently. He'd probably need more than duct tape to accomplish this one.
7. He could wire the kitchen cabinet so when I'm tempted to steal a piece of dark chocolate, I get a shock. Drastic times; drastic measures.
I'm feeling overwhelmed these days. Writing is calling me, my adult children and their spouses have become fun adult friends to hang out with, baby James is around, allowing me smooches and snuggles, and my parents are becoming more fragile every month. And then there's all this stuff MacGyver could be helping with.
I love the people in my life, and I want to be available to them, so I'm thinking something has to change.
Therefore, I'm creating a newsletter.
HA! It sounds like lunacy, but I believe it will streamline my writing, which will free up some time to love on the people I love, peel grapefruits, and catch lizards. (Doesn't look like MacGyver is coming anytime soon.)
I'll keep blogging, but less frequently, and the newsletter will alert you as to when a new post is up. There are so many things I want to write about and touch on and research...my newsletter will have quick updates, inspirational morsels, links to projects/recipes/news items, my favorite books, and more. I hope you'll sign on, so we can stay in touch.
I promise it will take less time (because you probably have grapefruit/lizard issues too) to read my newsletter than to read a blog post. You may want to click on enclosed links, or not; I'll just make them available to you. My goal is to bring practical, grace-filled, substantial, and humorous treats into your life. You might be overwhelmed too, and just need an encouraging face in your inbox.
I value your input and would also like to know what topics bring you to the Ballpark - the caretaking issues, my faith journey, DIY projects, chasing wellness, or whatever (even the ex-clown.) If you want to hear my thoughts on something new, write that in the box. We'll take this journey together!
As always, thank you for sharing in my life.
I just did some research and discovered MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is 66 years old now. He's probably tired of saving the world, so I guess I'll have to let him off the hook from helping me out around here.
I do think he could make a grapefruit peeler while he's plopped in his recliner though.
5.07.2016
93 and Counting...
Dad is 93 years old today. I can't believe I just wrote that.
I've never really known anyone who was 93 years old. I can't fathom all those years. So much history, so many lives encountered. So much laughter, and heartache. Here he is in the Navy, a period of time he loved, with a buddy. Dad is on the right, with the big smile.
My dad has lived a full and energetic life. He has lived longer than his father did; he has outlived five of his siblings and one child. He has seen this country change in ways that make him disheartened.
He wants to be 25 again. He believes, somehow, some way, some doctor will make that possible. He is eternally optimistic about this. His doctors tell me that's why he is still with us: he has hope.
I have never met anyone with such unflagging faith that heart disease can be turned around and Parkinson's can be cured. It's just a matter of time. And he'll be here when those discoveries occur.
I'm a bit ashamed to admit I'm not that optimistic. About anything. I pretty much think life is one ridiculous stumbling block after another, and at some point I'm going to wear out and be ready to be done with all this foolishness. So much of what we do here on the planet isn't that important (how many movies can we watch on Netflix?), so I'm not that attached. I'm already tired.
Then, I spend time with Dad and feel a bit guilty I don't wholeheartedly embrace every day, every hour as an adventure. I don't know how he does it, gets up every day, looking for the next fun, exciting, miraculous thing. He fights the aging process, the fatigue, the disabilities. I have to think, as a child, he was probably a handful. I bet his mom was tired.
Today is an amazing day, because Dad will be embarking on his 94th year. There will be so many opportunities for more adventures. We are giving him a gift card to Home Depot, so he can buy some new plants (gardening is one of his loves) and tickets to choral concert (music is his other love.) We cancelled the big Hershey bar, because he was told by two separate doctors this week that he needs to give up sugar.
Dad told me recently he thought it would be great to make it to 100. I asked him why. He replied, "I'd sure get a lot of attention." Then, he grinned. Dad loves people, he's an extrovert to the core. Life is one big party that he does not want to end.
I'm so grateful God gave my Dad to me. He has always been a wonderful father, a man of conviction and great humor. It is very sad to see him decline, and I know someday the party will end. I pray daily that it will be quick, and that he will be in heaven before he realizes the door is closing on this gig.
Here's a picture of Dad on his 90th birthday. Can't you just see the five-year old in there?
I've never really known anyone who was 93 years old. I can't fathom all those years. So much history, so many lives encountered. So much laughter, and heartache. Here he is in the Navy, a period of time he loved, with a buddy. Dad is on the right, with the big smile.
My dad has lived a full and energetic life. He has lived longer than his father did; he has outlived five of his siblings and one child. He has seen this country change in ways that make him disheartened.
He wants to be 25 again. He believes, somehow, some way, some doctor will make that possible. He is eternally optimistic about this. His doctors tell me that's why he is still with us: he has hope.
I have never met anyone with such unflagging faith that heart disease can be turned around and Parkinson's can be cured. It's just a matter of time. And he'll be here when those discoveries occur.
 |
| Dad with my brother, who had a broken arm. |
I'm a bit ashamed to admit I'm not that optimistic. About anything. I pretty much think life is one ridiculous stumbling block after another, and at some point I'm going to wear out and be ready to be done with all this foolishness. So much of what we do here on the planet isn't that important (how many movies can we watch on Netflix?), so I'm not that attached. I'm already tired.
Then, I spend time with Dad and feel a bit guilty I don't wholeheartedly embrace every day, every hour as an adventure. I don't know how he does it, gets up every day, looking for the next fun, exciting, miraculous thing. He fights the aging process, the fatigue, the disabilities. I have to think, as a child, he was probably a handful. I bet his mom was tired.
 | ||
| Dad with our daughter, who is now a science teacher. They are very much alike. They have a weekly date. |
Today is an amazing day, because Dad will be embarking on his 94th year. There will be so many opportunities for more adventures. We are giving him a gift card to Home Depot, so he can buy some new plants (gardening is one of his loves) and tickets to choral concert (music is his other love.) We cancelled the big Hershey bar, because he was told by two separate doctors this week that he needs to give up sugar.
Dad told me recently he thought it would be great to make it to 100. I asked him why. He replied, "I'd sure get a lot of attention." Then, he grinned. Dad loves people, he's an extrovert to the core. Life is one big party that he does not want to end.
 |
| Dad with one of his 8 great grand children |
I'm so grateful God gave my Dad to me. He has always been a wonderful father, a man of conviction and great humor. It is very sad to see him decline, and I know someday the party will end. I pray daily that it will be quick, and that he will be in heaven before he realizes the door is closing on this gig.
Here's a picture of Dad on his 90th birthday. Can't you just see the five-year old in there?
5.01.2016
BOYS TO MEN
My two boys have birthdays every summer, about two weeks (and 9 years) apart.
We were all together recently (which is rare) and took this picture.
Our oldest, on the left, used to be bigger than our youngest, on the right. And the hubs (in the middle) used to be bigger than both of them. James, the baby here, is in the 100 percentile in height for others his 4-month age. Everybody's growing.
When did that happen?
Our oldest son used to look like this. He was three when lava lamps were cool.
Our younger son used to look like this.
He wore vests and bow ties and Redskins caps on Easter.
The older one is no longer blond. The younger one has not been seen in a bow tie since this picture. Both boys loved baseball, Legos and macaroni and cheese. Those things are still true.
Now that we have a grandson, I'm reminded of the days I changed diapers on and gave raspberries to my own sons. When I was home with my children, the hours seemed long at times, but looking back...they are but a wink of one eye.
Somewhere along the line...boys turn into men. They work through challenges, try to figure out women, change jobs, move, try to figure out women, make mistakes, mostly figure out women, and settle in to the game of life.
They begin to resemble their father, their grandfathers, their uncles. Not physically (although sometimes), but in action and habit and character.
It's supposed to happen, of course, that they grow up and onward, but it kind of happens when you're not looking. And then...one day...you just see it.
With my sons, it was choosing marriage that added a new depth to their lives. They both met women who sparked in them a willingness to be vulnerable, to sacrifice, and to commit. These are honorable - and sometimes rare - traits in a man.
It's heart-warming to see.
My sons are not little boys anymore, but strong, hairy adults who give me great bear hugs, which I love, love, love. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in tender-heartedness, courage, and conviction.
Because life will continue to throw them curve balls now and then.
I want them to know we will always been in the bleachers rooting for them.
We were all together recently (which is rare) and took this picture.
When did that happen?
Our oldest son used to look like this. He was three when lava lamps were cool.
Our younger son used to look like this.
He wore vests and bow ties and Redskins caps on Easter.
The older one is no longer blond. The younger one has not been seen in a bow tie since this picture. Both boys loved baseball, Legos and macaroni and cheese. Those things are still true.
Now that we have a grandson, I'm reminded of the days I changed diapers on and gave raspberries to my own sons. When I was home with my children, the hours seemed long at times, but looking back...they are but a wink of one eye.
Somewhere along the line...boys turn into men. They work through challenges, try to figure out women, change jobs, move, try to figure out women, make mistakes, mostly figure out women, and settle in to the game of life.
They begin to resemble their father, their grandfathers, their uncles. Not physically (although sometimes), but in action and habit and character.
It's supposed to happen, of course, that they grow up and onward, but it kind of happens when you're not looking. And then...one day...you just see it.
With my sons, it was choosing marriage that added a new depth to their lives. They both met women who sparked in them a willingness to be vulnerable, to sacrifice, and to commit. These are honorable - and sometimes rare - traits in a man.
It's heart-warming to see.
My sons are not little boys anymore, but strong, hairy adults who give me great bear hugs, which I love, love, love. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in tender-heartedness, courage, and conviction.
Because life will continue to throw them curve balls now and then.
I want them to know we will always been in the bleachers rooting for them.
4.17.2016
Three Super-Cool Things This Week!
Life is exciting these days!
1. There's James of course, who is the light of my life. Here's a picture of this sweet boy, in case you've missed seeing him lately.
He's the coolest thing since sliced bread. He's actually way cooler.
2. My sister is visiting this week and we're staying up late and laughing like we always do. We often wonder how long we could be together before we're "talked out." Hasn't happened yet. If you have a sister, you know what I mean. Here we are just yesterday.
OK, maybe a few years ago, but we can still fit into these dresses.
OK, I don't even know where these dresses are.
Our smiles are the same. And that's the truth.
3. My ebook, THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE has been chosen to be part of an "e-bundle" of very creative and colorful resources for homemakers!
Look for this badge over the next two weeks. I'll be talking about this in more detail starting this Tuesday, the 19th. I made a one-minute video about it you'll see soon as well.
This is not the video link, just a still in the video of yours truly wearing Christmas gear in April. There's always something kooky going on here in the Ballpark.
I hope your week has been as super-cool as mine! And if not, just scroll back up and look at baby James. How can you look at that face and not smile?
1. There's James of course, who is the light of my life. Here's a picture of this sweet boy, in case you've missed seeing him lately.
He's the coolest thing since sliced bread. He's actually way cooler.
2. My sister is visiting this week and we're staying up late and laughing like we always do. We often wonder how long we could be together before we're "talked out." Hasn't happened yet. If you have a sister, you know what I mean. Here we are just yesterday.
OK, maybe a few years ago, but we can still fit into these dresses.
OK, I don't even know where these dresses are.
Our smiles are the same. And that's the truth.
3. My ebook, THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE has been chosen to be part of an "e-bundle" of very creative and colorful resources for homemakers!
Look for this badge over the next two weeks. I'll be talking about this in more detail starting this Tuesday, the 19th. I made a one-minute video about it you'll see soon as well.
This is not the video link, just a still in the video of yours truly wearing Christmas gear in April. There's always something kooky going on here in the Ballpark.
I hope your week has been as super-cool as mine! And if not, just scroll back up and look at baby James. How can you look at that face and not smile?
3.22.2016
What Standard Guides Your Life? (You might be surprised.)
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3.14.2016
Ten Things I'm Thankful for This Week
1.
Those big eyes. Those smoochy cheeks. That soft, flyaway hair. That's actually three things.
2. Neither of my parents have been in the hospital this month. Or last month. I cannot tell you how much easier life is when they are both living in the same place.
3. The batch of organic greens that was delivered to the house this week was particularly good. The kale was fluffy, but not too toughy, cukes were big and smooth, Romaine was sturdy. I can't remember what else we received because it was all good and disappeared quickly. I love having organic produce dropped off at our house every other week. If you'd like that too, and you live in central Florida, check out SPACE GIRL ORGANICS.
4. I'm thankful I finally have enough sheets for all the beds in the house. For years, I've had mismatched, worn sheets. After 40 years of marriage and three youngin's, this is to be expected. Over the past two years, I've slowly restocked the sheets shelf in my linen closet. I now have complete sets and enough sets to spread around.
5. My Visa card balance is 0. I'm sure this won't last.
6. I had enough leftovers in the 'fridge over the weekend that I didn't have to cook once. I'm going to stretch that into three days by having cereal for dinner tonight.
7. I happened to see this guy today.
Mr.
Rubio himself stopped by a small local diner not far from my house this
afternoon. My son and I got pretty close. I like Marco, even though he
will likely not go further after we Floridians vote tomorrow. Maybe
he'll just come back to Florida and hang out at the local diner.
8. I love my aqua-fit class. I've been exercising for 30 years and I'm still fighting the same 15 pounds. When I got sick two years ago, I was carrying 20 pounds in addition to that dogged 15. Through aqua-fit, I shed the 20, so I'm really just back to square one, but I have to wonder...what kind of weight would I be carrying had I not begun shaking my booty in the water four days a week?
9. I'm grateful for cinnamon raisin Ezekiel bread. I've adjusted to the mulch-like consistency, and it satisfies my carb craving. I've really come to enjoy Ezekiel bread. Toasted. With cream cheese.
10.
Oh. I already mentioned him, didn't I?
He's on my mind because I got to babysit the boy this past weekend. I held him and rocked him and sniffed his soft head and sang to him. We had a date. And it didn't cost either of us a dime.
2.14.2016
Our Newest Valentine
This is what has my attention this weekend.
James was blessed with a full head of hair.
It's similar to the color of his Aunt Sara's hair.
James is three weeks old and almost 8 lbs. this Valentine's day weekend.
He wasn't due for nine more days, but he was eager to meet his family, so he poked his water sack and announced "I'm coming!" His parents had moved to a new home just hours earlier. They thought they'd have a month before James appeared, but I guess he didn't want to miss anything.
So, today we have a new Valentine to celebrate. He's sweeter than any box of chocolates.
In three weeks of being a Nana, here are some things I've learned.
1. Parents with thick, dark, abundantly curly hair can have a child with light, straight, silky hair. God loves to surprise us.
2. Things that seemed important before James arrived - like cooking and cleaning - are suddenly on the back burner.
3. Holding James makes me think of my parents (who are 95 an 92.) The age span and the contrast of new life to old - it's very philosophical.
4. Our son and daughter-in-law are naturals at caring for a newborn. I'm sure they have moments of being unsure, but they handle James with tender, unhurried confidence. It's a beautiful thing to witness.
5. Having a newborn in the NICU for a week allows the nurses to get Junior on a schedule. This has turned out to be very beneficial for James and his sleepy parents.
6. I can't express how much I love and adore this little boy. It came immediately, like the rush of a waterfall. When I snuggle him close, the worries fade, and life is perfect. He is so tiny, yet brings big joy to my heart.
For Valentine's Day, my husband and I got each other the Willow Tree grandparents statues.
We are so grateful for the gift of James.
James was blessed with a full head of hair.
It's similar to the color of his Aunt Sara's hair.
James is three weeks old and almost 8 lbs. this Valentine's day weekend.
So, today we have a new Valentine to celebrate. He's sweeter than any box of chocolates.
In three weeks of being a Nana, here are some things I've learned.
1. Parents with thick, dark, abundantly curly hair can have a child with light, straight, silky hair. God loves to surprise us.
2. Things that seemed important before James arrived - like cooking and cleaning - are suddenly on the back burner.
3. Holding James makes me think of my parents (who are 95 an 92.) The age span and the contrast of new life to old - it's very philosophical.
4. Our son and daughter-in-law are naturals at caring for a newborn. I'm sure they have moments of being unsure, but they handle James with tender, unhurried confidence. It's a beautiful thing to witness.
5. Having a newborn in the NICU for a week allows the nurses to get Junior on a schedule. This has turned out to be very beneficial for James and his sleepy parents.
6. I can't express how much I love and adore this little boy. It came immediately, like the rush of a waterfall. When I snuggle him close, the worries fade, and life is perfect. He is so tiny, yet brings big joy to my heart.
For Valentine's Day, my husband and I got each other the Willow Tree grandparents statues.
We are so grateful for the gift of James.
2.01.2016
Baby James - a Month Early!
Hope everyone is having a good 2016!!!
Since Christmas, I've been wanting to spend some time blogging, but life has intervened. We've had a job loss, a move, a snow storm and THIS precious event...
Baby James arrived one month early!!!
By the hand of God, he was 6.15 lbs. upon arrival, so he was not in any danger, but he was wheeled into the NICU anyway, because, well...he was a month early! He spent five days there under a blue light with nurses getting him on a wonderful schedule, and his parents holding him whenever they could.
I WAS STUCK IN MARYLAND IN THE SNOW BLIZZARD!
I can smile about it now, but at the time...my heart was breaking because I so wanted to be here to see our first grandchild arrive. I figured traveling a month before James' due date to see my sister, I would be fine. James had other ideas. The best laid plans...
I met James the night I came home. We drove straight to the NICU from the airport, where I got to cry over this beautiful child with a full head of hair. He was wrapped up like a burrito and as warm as a baked potato. I think he winked at me in our time together, but I'm not positive.
I looked at our son, who was now a father, through tears, and I cried as I embraced our daughter-in-law, who did a marvelous job of handling labor (she pushed for only about ten minutes before the boy was free - who gets that?!?)
I don't even have words to describe our love for this child, who is now home. Every grandparent knows the feeling. I'm now in the 'I'm nutty about my grandchild' club, and yes, you'll have to tolerate photos now and then of this sweet boy.
A side note - I had a great visit with my sister, even once the snow began. I've not seen snow like this in 25 years. It was beautiful, I must say. And we had fun digging out.
It was an emotional week. The day James Daniel was born in sunny Florida, even the skies in Maryland celebrated, raining down two feet of angel flakes.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Since Christmas, I've been wanting to spend some time blogging, but life has intervened. We've had a job loss, a move, a snow storm and THIS precious event...
Baby James arrived one month early!!!
By the hand of God, he was 6.15 lbs. upon arrival, so he was not in any danger, but he was wheeled into the NICU anyway, because, well...he was a month early! He spent five days there under a blue light with nurses getting him on a wonderful schedule, and his parents holding him whenever they could.
I WAS STUCK IN MARYLAND IN THE SNOW BLIZZARD!
I can smile about it now, but at the time...my heart was breaking because I so wanted to be here to see our first grandchild arrive. I figured traveling a month before James' due date to see my sister, I would be fine. James had other ideas. The best laid plans...
I met James the night I came home. We drove straight to the NICU from the airport, where I got to cry over this beautiful child with a full head of hair. He was wrapped up like a burrito and as warm as a baked potato. I think he winked at me in our time together, but I'm not positive.
I looked at our son, who was now a father, through tears, and I cried as I embraced our daughter-in-law, who did a marvelous job of handling labor (she pushed for only about ten minutes before the boy was free - who gets that?!?)
I don't even have words to describe our love for this child, who is now home. Every grandparent knows the feeling. I'm now in the 'I'm nutty about my grandchild' club, and yes, you'll have to tolerate photos now and then of this sweet boy.
A side note - I had a great visit with my sister, even once the snow began. I've not seen snow like this in 25 years. It was beautiful, I must say. And we had fun digging out.
 |
| TWO CARS BURIED |
 |
| MY FIRST MESSAGE TO JAMES FROM MARYLAND |
It was an emotional week. The day James Daniel was born in sunny Florida, even the skies in Maryland celebrated, raining down two feet of angel flakes.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
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