She sings!

Today was the day that I went up to the preschool to get my room ready for school to start next week. I had some paper stars on the table. Lena picked one up, said "Star". She looked at it and then sang, "Twinkle twinkle little stars", with the correct tune. I guess that would be her first 4 word sentence and also the first song to sing that could be recognizable. It was sooooooooo cute!

food for the lake

Just wanted to let you guys know that I'd be happy to take care of Friday p.m.'s dinner if anyone is even going to be there in time to eat. We have a lot of flexibility on Fri because my kids aren't in school yet, so I can get there in time to cook. Just let me know what the plan is.

Anda

Remind you of anyone?

Does this picture remind you of anyone, of something she did with her sister's makeup when she was little? Lena got into my makeup today. That is eye liner on her chin, and she is putting lip gloss on her lips. I knew that little act as a child was going to come back and get me some day.

Mighty Man Math Retreat - WHEW!

Well, it's hard to know what to say about our weekend at the lake with 9 of the theoretical 12 Mighty Men. I'm listening to RB snore loudly from the bedroom right now - he's pretty wiped out. I guess it went well, but to be honest, I think we may not see how much of this mattered until we're with Jesus!! While we know that's not really true, it does feel like we're trying to run up a mountain of ice much of the time. There were definitely some improvements over the last retreat at the lake. They are growing up - there was more of a sense of dealing with teenagers who were slightly calmer this time. They ARE learning to get along with each other (although I wish I could say that was happening at a much faster rate). And I guess no one tried to get into a fight this time. There are some of them that are SO sweet that you could eat them for dessert! (By the way, Jill, did you hear that Deontay - "little d" - is one of the new MM? I think you'll be fighting several people over his "adoption") And some of them are so "bad" that you often want to drag them by their ankles for a few hours behind the jet ski! There is one in particular that I have never really connected with and don't really like that much. God gave me a sweet love for him this weekend. I learned that his dad is in prison and that this boy is very accustomed to failing. He is going into 7th grade and can hardly do his multiplication facts. He was one of the only ones who failed to get up on the knee board (he finally did and the rope broke - bummer). Anyway, I found myself longing for him to be successful...but I have 5 1/2 kids of my own and he doesn't even live in Como. There is simply not enough time to give all these boys the time, attention, education, and love that they need. Tonight they went home to their own homes. Sometimes I wonder what we think we're doing.
BUT (praise God there is always a "but") God is faithful to keep encouraging us. Randy was saying tonight that he is AMAZED at the people that God has brought and keeps bringing to help us. God really does pick some of the most unlikely candidates. And Trisha was amazing as usual! I know that there must be equally as gifted teachers out there in the world, but I haven't met many! Thank you, Trisha, for all your sleepless nights and countless hours of work on this retreat. Thanks for caring about and loving these boys. They adore you. And thanks, Ben, for spending so much time being Uncle Ben this weekend and for leading probably the best worship time these boys have ever had together (we could have really used you this a.m. - it was uninspiring to say the least! ha!). Your time and energy is equally appreciated! And Grandma and Grandpa were BIG hits again. What these kids know is that you love them and are willing to let them be a part of your family. I don't know if you caught that in Alfonso's prayer this morning, but he prayed something about "our family". The lake house has provided a safe place where they experience family in a way that they are completely unfamiliar with. Not many people would be willing to invite the MM to share in their blessings in the way that you both have. Thank you. (I'm beginning to feel like I've won an Oscar - I think I'll stop with the thanks. Ha.)

All that to say, our family sat around worshipping listening to Rita Springer's song, "Worth it All" tonight. We hold on to the truth that it really is "gonna be worth it all". The gospel works here or God is a liar. I have no other place to go with all that we're seeing.

love all of you,
Anda

p.s. Rita, we can have a race to see who will get some pics on here first. I'm betting it won't be me.

Pictures

Okay.....I'm still working on making my "Who loves Lena" book with the family pictures in it so she can learn everyone's faces with their names. I went through pictures on Mom's computer and got some from there, and then got some from the blog. I now have pictures of everyone in the family except......Alan and Holly, and Mom and Dad. I even found a picture of Larissa. If I could get pictures of those people that are needed, then Lena's book would be finished. Couple pictures would be great, but I'll take individuals too.

Thanks!

Sweet Girl

I just love this picture of Lena. It was taken right after Church a few weeks ago, and she just posed so perfectly. I love taking pictures of the cute things that she does.

Another 12 Year Old Trip Makes Wonderful Memories!!

Well, I am sitting here this morning remembering the fun trip with Allison. I know that most of you will be bored by these pictures, but the pictures help us remember what all we packed into our 9 days together.

Grandpa and I managed two 12 year old trips this summer. (I have to say sincerely that we are wondering about the summer with the "'99 crop." :) ) We had so much fun with both Allison and Emily though. One of the greatest things about the trips is just getting to know them as individuals. Both of them are amazing and I wouldn't trade a minute we got to spend with each of them.

Allison has a hard time coming up with her "favorite thing." We loved visiting our "home state" together. California is beautiful and fascinating to visit, though I think we all agree that we are glad we live in Midland.

Allison was darling and fun. We are so thankful to have her as our granddaughter.

The highlight of coming home, however, was meeting at Gerardos to celebrate Bailey's walk of victory. On Tuesday morning the doctor released her to walk and pronounced her healing "perfect." One of the amazing things he told them was that one of the reasons she had healed so well is that she still had room in her bones' "growth plates" for the bone to fill in and heal. (I think I am saying that right.) He said this was very, very unusual for an 18 year old--that normally the growth plate is done by 15 or 16 years. I believe this is another "God-thing". I am so proud of the way she has handled her rehab and healing process.

We all waited in the parking lot for Tod and Lee Ann to arrive from the airport with Bailey. We applauded as she got out of the car on her feet without her wheelchair or even crutches. I cried as she took her first steps.

I really still don't have a grasp of what God has done to preserve her life and health. I know that He has some special plans for her. She will be a different person, but I believe she can use her experiences, as horrible as they have been, to be a testimony and blessing to others. I don't know how all that will work out, but I am looking forward to see what God does in her heart. I continue to pray for her heart healing. God is so faithful!!!

I have posted lots of pictures. Sorry, but it was hard to choose. I love you all more than you can know. Every single one of you is special to me. Coming home from a trip always seems to be an extra hard Connor grieving time, but I never want to forget how thankful I am for all of you. I love you, mom/grma

We have just finished our 6th "12 year old trip". We had a fantastic trip with Allison.

One of Allison's special requests was a visit to the American Girl Place in LA. Grandma and Allison enjoyed the dolls while Grandpa took care of business.

Grandpa always manages to get some business done while we travel. He loved showing Allison the Farmer's Market even while he talked on the telephone.

Coming into Los Angeles, we couldn't resist driving by the old Pepperdine campus where Grandpa and Grandma attended. This was Grandma's dorm (although everything used to be painted blue) where Grandpa picked me up for dates and returned me before curfew. It was at this very spot on the "promenade" where I was standing when I learned that President Kennedy had been shot. The old campus brought back many memories for us.

Allison enjoyed seeing Pepperdine where her dad went to law school. We ate lunch at the Marmalade Cafe and drove through the beautiful campus. She noted that this campus was a bit different from the one where Grandma and Grandpa attended Pepperdine.

A picnic on the way to the Sequoias was fun. Crackers, cheese, fruit, water and a roll of paper towels made for a perfect lunch.

Our trip to the giant sequoias was incredible--to think that some of these trees are 3000 years old. They are simply enormous and our eyes could not fathom this part of God's creation. That is Allison at the foot of a couple of the trees. It is impossible to capture in pictures the size of the trees. We decided that Universal Studios was all about creating illusions by men, but the Giant Sequoias is about the reality of our Mighty God.

Allison and Grandma did Winchester Mystery House after church on Sunday while Grandpa took care of business on the telephone.

Driving up PCH 1 was beautiful (and a bit stressing). Allison opted to sleep through the entire drive except for this little stop where we made her get out for a picture. :)

Allison and Grandma probably enjoyed the morning at Hearst Castle a little more than Grandpa. We loved it!

Our first night in San Francisco Allison and Grandpa insisted on a trip to Chinatown for Chinese food. It was certainly a cultural experience. It was one of Grandpa's favorite experiences as a boy with his family, so much of it was nostalgic for him. Grandma was along to take pictures.

Looking out over the San Francisco Bay--listening to the seagulls, watching the sailboats, viewing Alcatraz and the famous bridges. San Francisco is a unique place with much to see and experience.

One of our very favorite sights at Fisherman's Wharf was the sea lions--hundreds of them sleeping in the sunshine or fighting for "king of the mountain" position like the two in the middle of the picture. They are quite noisy and we laughed a lot at their antics.

Allison found her a new hat on Fisherman's Wharf. The sights and smells were quite a cultural experience for all of us.

We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge. It still is a marvel of gigantic proportions.

A trip to Alcatraz was fascinating.

One of our last "sightseeing" activities was to ride the old cable car up the hills of SF. Hanging off the side is the prime spot. Allison and Grandpa thoroughly enjoyed our last adventure.

It is time for the reality of packinig to go home. It has been a great 12 year old trip!!

We couldn't keep up with Allison as she ran through the airport to get to her awaiting family.

Allison had a fan club waiting for her arrival.

Allison's family seemed quite happy to see her.

When we got home, everyone met at Gerardos for a celebration. Everyone gathered in the parking lot for Bailey's arrival. She had quite a fan club awaiting her first steps for us out of her wheelchair. Everyone was clapping and rooting for her.

Watching Bailey take her first steps for us was a precious and exciting moment. Praise God! I don't think we will ever fully realize what a miracle she is!

My favorite things

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that you just can't get out? Well there's a song in my head about some of my favorite things, so here they are. Watching the way Katy lights up when she gets to be with her mom. Seeing Trisha laugh with my kids. Listening to the sound of Trisha reading books to Elijah. Watching Trisha hold Olivia as she's falling asleep. Watching the way Trisha teaches Katy and reminds her that she's a princess. Marveling at the fun ideas & games Trisha comes up with to play with Alex.

You may be noticing a theme here, eh? That's right, my wife is one of my "favorite things"--if I can borrow the song. I'm glad to celebrate her birthday this past weekend--and Katy's 6th too!

"Pray?"

That seems to be one of Lena's favorite words now. That and "Amen!". I think we pray maybe 3 or 4 times at meals. She just loves to pray. Sometimes, in the middle of the day, she comes to me and grabs my hands and says, "Pray", and bows her head. So we sit there and pray. I lose count at the end of the day of how many times we prayed during the day. It doesn't get annoying, but instead she is inspiration to me--to pray more. Here I am, the parent, trying to make sure that I lead a good example and leave a legacy for my child, and she is the one showing me the example. I guess I did something right. It warms my heart every time she wants to pray. At dinner, (Sat. night), she said, "I pray", so she gibbered a couple of words for a prayer, and then Daddy prayed. It was sweet.

Allison's 12 year old trip update!

Well, the three of us are having a great time. We got home very late from Universal Studios last night. so I am trying to blog a few pictures while Grandpa and Allison snooze a bit this morning. We are off to the American Girl Place, Pepperdine, and The Apple Farm today. (We drove by the old Pepperdine campus yesterday, bringing back many memories for Grandpa and I.) So far the weather has been spectacular. Allison is hanging with us as long as we feed her regularly. We walk a lot so we are earning our calories. The Zoo and walking on the beach at sunset have probably been the highlights, although everything has been fun and it would be hard to choose. Today we are planning to have lunch at the Marmalade Cafe in Malibu. Allison thinks Los Angeles is a very large city.

I posted quite a few pictures and I hope I haven't bored everyone. (Believe me, there are many more I could have posted.) We miss everyone, but it is such a fun time to get acquainted more with our delightful granddaughter. She is always full of joy and smiles. We are truly having a great time with her!!

Love to you all. Grandma

And the day finally arrived! We are off on Allison's 12 year old adventure with Grandma and Grandpa.