Daughter #2 and famille made it to town in the driving rain on Saturday morning and then it was party central for the rest of the weekend. What fun! We didn’t get to do any driveway sittin’ or drive the miniature raptor, but the good times still rolled. We celebrated our birthdays…
We had lots of primo cousin time…The twins set a good example in church on Sunday and the prairie girls did great.
We went to the boy’s new house after church and had a fabulous time plus a gourmet lunch served up by daughter #3.
Is that a chocolate Westie?!!
An indoor Easter egg hunt was a big hit!
(Katie’s great-grandmother–after whom she is named–made this English smocked dress, which I wore c. 1964.)
It was a super fun weekend and I am super tired! It will take me a few days to recover!
I did watch the second half of Ben Hur on Sunday night–the perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Bonus: The ensemble at church sang this on Good Friday. I cried.
I hope you are feeling the joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart like this little angel and that you had a good weekend!
Daughter #1 and I had a super fun roadtrip down to southwest Missouri where we were adventurous and checked out the Top of the Rock on our way to Branson. She even drove us in a golf cart around the Ozarks Heritage Preserve…
…through a cave…
…and over bridges…
…and waterfalls…
It was really very cool! We saw a lot of natural “table rock” formations…
The museum there is also very well done–lots of collections of arrow heads and ax heads and Indian clothes and baskets and pottery, dinosaur bones (Terror Birds! Hell Pigs!) and Ozark history.
It was all very well done–beautifully displayed and curated–I was impressed.
My daughter says I look like Sasquatch
After that we checked into our hotel–the Chateau on the Lake resort in Branson where our DAR State Conference was being held.
The view from our balcony
I didn’t take many pictures at the actual conference. Just imagine over 400 older ladies wearing patriotic scarves and jewelry and sashes.
DAR celebs
When daughter #1 and I were having a glass of wine in the hotel bar Thursday night a man came up to where we were sitting and asked us, “What is going on here? I’m the only dude in the whole bar!” We explained the situation and he headed out.
We played hooky on Friday morning and drove down the strip in Branson where we saw the Titanic!
…and King Kong! And John Wayne! And Elvis!
It is really quite the place. The twins would be in absolute heaven!
We came home on Saturday afternoon. As you can see, the weather was glorious the whole time–just perfect for exploring our beautiful state.
I was gone two nights and three days and, thank the Lord, the OM did not burn the house down. (He did the taxes in peace and quiet.) We made it to church Sunday morning and got to hear the Children’s Choir (including the twins) enthusiastically sing “To the King, Sing Hosanna”. We had three baptisms! It was lovely to be back.
Now I have a very busy week ahead. And it is darling daughter #2’s birthday today!
We can’t wait to see her this weekend and celebrate her birthday with the whole fam! And Easter!
Rain, rain, go away! 🌧️🌧️🌧️ Well, it did finally stop on Sunday but then it was freezing cold! Not exactly perfect weather for watching lacrosse, but I braved the overcast skies and windy 40-degree temps to do so. The other grandparents were visiting from Florida and had to stop at Kohl’s on the way to the game to buy winter coats! The bud was great in goal! He played half the game there…
…and half in midfield…
…and part of the time, hanging with his lacrosse bros…
This was all, of course, after going to Sunday School and sitting through church and a sermon on Hebrews 12:18-29! Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God isa consuming fire! The twins do so well now in church, sitting quietly and with a minimum of wiggling and squirming. I guess they want that thumbs up/A+ from Mamu, right?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me!
–Charles Wesley
(One of these days I’ll make it to one of Lottie’s game, but she was rained out this weekend.)
Besides that excitement, I had a quiet weekend, mostly because of the weather. I went to our DAR meeting and I was the stand-in Chaplain so I had to open with a prayer before brunch. I gave them this:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The old BCP (1979) is such a lifesaver. I always have to tell people, no, I didn’t come up with that myself–it’s from the BCP!
The Big News of the weekend was that Lottie scored a goal. You go, girl! She is small but mighty…
I also cleaned up the Florida room on Friday and moved a lot of plants out there. It is ready for spring happy hours. Daughter #1 and I kicked off the season on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday morning the OM and I went to a memorial service for a longtime member of our church. We sang Abide With Me and It Is Well With My Soul and I was done in. (Luckily I had a paper towel with me.) There were Remembrances and Readings by the numerous family members–much love expressed and many tears and why not? There were prayers and our pastor preached on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10:
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on[a] we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
I always loved the Episcopal service for the Burial of the Dead (Rite I)–it is a beautiful service, but, indeed, rather impersonal. I have to admit, the more personal Presbyterian service is all right. And, of course, everyone–and I mean the whole congregation turned out–sings with gusto. The reception was in the Fellowship Hall with cookies made by the deceased.
I was a little discombobulated when I had to get up and go back to church on Sunday morning–at 8:30–we are back to lacrosse season timing. The bud had a game at Noon! But we all made it there and to Sunday School. Our pastor gave a good sermon on Hebrews 12:1-17–throwing off sin, enduring discipline. I also made it to the game which was played at my old school stomping grounds. Nice astro-turf!
It was very windy, but pleasant to sit in the sunshine with daughters #1 and 3 and watch the young cubs play. The bud, I am proud to say, has all the moves and was playing pretty aggressively.
He was the Man taking face-offs!
“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet…” (Hebrews 12:12)
Woohoo! And the anticipated storms mostly passed us by. Have a good week!
We had quite a storm on Friday night–wind, rain, hail–the whole nine yards. Luckily for us, there were no tornadoes in our immediate area.
Our internet was out, so we couldn’t watch our local TV weathermen, which was troubling. We never really knew if we needed to go to the basement. But we had a text thread going with our three children…
Anyway, we are all right. Spring storms are par for the course here, although you never really get used to them. When I was driving over to daughter #1’s house on Sunday afternoon, I had to detour around a large tree that was blocking Price Road!
The further excitement of that stormy evening was when I was awakened at 4:00 in the morning by a dog howling outside. I thought how odd, but went back to sleep. Then at 4:30 a.m. I heard it again. I got up to look out my window, and lo and behold, there was a large coyote in my front yard! He ambled across the street and disappeared behind the neighbor’s house. Zut alors!
Well, it was a very busy weekend besides the weather, indeed, with lots of activities. The twins earned an A+ for behavior in church. But for now, I will leave you with a reminder that it is St. Patrick’s Day today, so it’s time to watch The Quiet Man (1952)…
I love this Simpson’s version of the famous kissing-in-the rain scene with JW’s yellow skin showing through his rain-soaked shirt.
In other news, I have my semi-annual cancer check-up today as well, and an infusion, so Fun Times. Onward and upward.
*William Williams, 1745, Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah
How was your weekend? Mine was routine–an estate sale, happy hour, DAR meeting, church–and that’s the way I like it. [At the DAR meeting, when we recited the preamble to the U.S. constitution, I thought of Barney Fife.] Also, the OM accompanied me when I took my car to the carwash. Usually he does this for me, but I wanted to take my new car myself–so, very exciting indeed.
I picked up the twins and took them to church and Sunday School where they had a good time learning about the Great Commission. The service was long, but this week they got an A for effort despite the fact that the bud brought his new Stikbot with him to church. He knew I would take it away if he misbehaved, so…
…maybe that helped. The bud said the Apostles Creed unprompted and from memory and they both held up their hands during the benediction like good little evangelicals. I was so proud. After church we went to the Sunny Street Cafe for pancakes and daughter #1 met us there. I had to drive them back to their Dad’s store afterwards, but I don’t mind since I always hear lots of interesting stuff emanating from the back seat. Such as: the bud went to his first rock 101 class (in addition to drum lessons) wherein he plays with a band! Zut alors. Girls and boys lacrosse also has started outside. Lottie plays with 10 year-olds.
Meanwhile Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana is my favorite new Instagram follow:
Have a great week!
P.S. The picture at the top is a drawing Katie made of her sister Ida, complete with pigtails and an “I” Illinois orange t-shirt. Brilliant.
Is anything more stressful than having tech problems? Yes, I can think of several things, but still you understand what I mean…My email account was locked for three days and it took three attempts and finally daughter #1 mediating for her elderly parents with Vijay in India to get it fixed…
But fixed it is and, praise Jesus, I am slowly regaining my composure.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul.
We had a lovely, sunny weekend. After reaching 70 degrees on Friday (not a record) when everyone was out and about and a parking place in downtown Kirkwood was not to be found, the weekend was much colder. On Sunday we picked up the twins and brought them to church. (Lacrosse season is about to start and their Dad’s store was a madhouse over the weekend.) They enjoyed Sunday School, but their depravity self-checking during the service earned them a B- from me. C’est la vie, they are eight and the sermon was a long one on Hebrews 10:26-39. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
After depositing them back with their Dad at the store, we went to lunch at the house of our “fold” leader with two other couples. It was very nice–and the conversation was excellent. Then we headed home to meet daughter #1 and Mr. Smith, who stayed with us overnight so I could take him (again) to the kennel this morning. Daughter #1 had to get up early and head to Colorado for work.
So remember what Frederick Buechner said: “In everything,” Paul says, they are to keep on praying. Come Hell or high water, they are to keep on asking, keep on thanking, above all keep on making themselves known. He does not promise them that as a result they will be delivered from the worst things any more than Jesus himself was delivered from them. What he promises them instead is that “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Amen, brother.
And here is a talk Anne gave last week wherein she asks (among other things) “Where Are We Going, and Why Are We in This Handbasket?”
Well, the sun came out and it warmed up a lot here in flyover country. Everyone was out and about on Saturday. Daughter #1 and I ventured out to go estate sale-ing and drove all over but we were not very successful–got a couple of books and said ‘hey’ to Lamar. We were more successful at the Joann’s fabric store going-out-of-business sale. We went out to lunch, which we had not done in quite awhile, and got pretty silly thinking about Steve Gutenberg and his faded stardom. “The stonecutters aren’t doing their job.”
It was our Missions weekend at church so the OM and I were there twice. On Friday night we went to the banquet where we heard an update on the missionaries we support. There was more about that on Sunday morning during Sunday School and in the sermon. We picked up Lottie and brought her with us (the bud was busy doing something) and she went to Sunday School and then church with us. She seems so grown up these days! We went to the Sunny Street diner after and that was fun. Then we went home…
…and after the obligatory jump in the Beanie Baby mosh pit, we found all my old Barbies etc in the basement and got them out. She entertained herself while we talked to her Dad for awhile when he came to pick her up. Then they left to go to Lacrosse practice. Busy, busy.
Shortly after that daughter #1 came over to drop off Mr. Smith who spent the night with us, so that I could take him to the Kennel this morning while she left bright and early to go to Indiana for work.
In other news, back in the fall I got the idea of bringing some pelargoniums inside for the winter from @carlosgarciainteriors and I’m glad I did. They are doing great inside!
They are even blooming!
This is what I call exciting in my life!
And here’s a song I like:
Have a good Monday!
O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.
Well, I made it up to Champaign-Urbana and back again–through fog and mist–and my new car did great! The Countryman has been broken in! Although stressful, it was well worth it to see darling daughter #2 and the Prairie Girls, not to mention DN who gassed up my car and cooked a yummy dinner. And I can report that, although she was barely speaking at Christmas, Ida is talking a blue streak (and in full sentences) now. She has quite a vocabulary!
On Friday, while Katie went to her pre-school Valentine’s Day party, Daughter #2 and Ida and I went to Costco. Ida insisted on pushing the cart.
We also went to an estate sale in Monticello and daughter #2 found the one thing in the house worth buying. I was very proud of her. She and her sister have both developed a ‘good eye’. On Friday night I babysat while the lovebirds went out for a Valentine’s Day drink. Easy peasey. I went home on Saturday because of the threatening weather and I’m glad I did as it snowed some more and was very windy on Sunday.
Meanwhile daughter #1 went to her church’s women’s retreat and Mr. Smith had a sleepover with the twins. I hear it went very well and he was a good dog…
They watched Lady and the Tramp. Daughter #1 picked him up after her retreat, and they stopped by at our house for happy hour. Then they went home where Mr. Smith mellowed out and watched a Woody Allen movie.
The OM (who did not burn the house down while I was gone) and I watched Bullitt (1968) as is our Valentine’s Day tradition. I enjoyed it very much per usual. 😍😍😍
We braved the elements and went to church on Sunday, along with most of our stalwart fellow church members. We heard a good sermon on Hebrews 10:19-25 where we were reminded “to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” We had a ‘fold’ meeting during adult ed time which included a zoom meeting with some missionaries we support. It’s always good to be back in the fold!
My faith has found a resting place, From guilt my soul is freed; I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.
How was your weekend? I went to my DAR meeting on Saturday morning…
…where we had an excellent program on genealogy (that was kind of over my head). And then I watched an auction online back at home. I didn’t bid on anything–I was prepared to swoop in for a rescue, but that proved unnecessary. I practiced restraint.
On Sunday the OM and I reversed our usual schedule (which was quite discombobulating) so that we could pick up the twins at their dad’s store–he had to work–and then go to Sunday School first followed by the 11:00 service at church. Having been to Sunday School (after which they usually go home), the twins were not thrilled to have to go to the church service. I had to give Lottie stern looks several times and during the sermon I had to sit with my arm around the bud. At least they still respond to a stern look! I gave them a B+ for keeping their depravity in check. We delivered them back to their dad’s store, which was hoppin’, and went home.
We watched some pre-Super Bowl stuff and ate some dips. We saw Lauren Daigle sing. But I just couldn’t get excited about the whole thing. I mean I hate commercials!
Meanwhile, the week was wild:
And now we are supposed to get more snow! C’est la vie!
dual personalities 