GUILTY

It is difficult to come up with something creative and clever for every birthday, every anniversary and every special occasion. But I wanted to do something for our anniversary yesterday that was sort of different and fun, but didn't cost much. I bought six greeting cards and planned for Allen to discover them at different times of the day. I had left one in the morning on the medical floor where I knew he would be doing rounds. I stopped in the afternoon to have the staff put one on his desk. I left the card on Clinic D and walked out of the building. My next plan was to find his car and place another card in it for him to find as he made his way home.

I got in my car and started to comb the parking lot. I found the spot where he usually parks. No car. I went back and forth down each aisle and couldn't find it anywhere. Strange. I drove around for about five minutes to no avail. As I sat pondering this oddity, I noticed a car coming up the street that looked suspiciously similar to Allen's car. The closer it came, the slower it went. It eventually came to a complete stop right next to my car. I could now see very clearly that Allen was sitting in his vehicle slurping down a DQ... something. The look on his face was priceless. He obviously wasn't expecting to see his wife (of 25 years) at 3:30 in the clinic parking lot. It appears as if I had caught him red-handed! After all these years of believing that he works so hard from dawn to dusk, I was beginning to wonder if the wool had been pulled over my eyes. I thought better of it and realized that there must be a good explanation. The incriminating look of guilt quickly turned to a smile and we both started to laugh. Once in a great while, Allen has a gap in his schedule. Today was one of those days and he had decided to run an errand while he had a few extra minutes. Since he was out, why not make a quick stop at DQ? That would all be fine if his wife didn't keep him on such a short leash. Too bad that today was the day I was out looking for him. Oh well... I thought it was a funny story worth telling. He had nothing to feel guilty about. It is just the kind of person he is! Actually, we were both sneaking around yesterday and we both got caught!...and it's all good. He can have a DQ any time he pleases...even at 3:30 on a Wednesday afternoon!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, ALLEN!!

Today is the day! Twenty-five years ago today, Allen and I tied the knot! The wedding took place at 1:30 p.m. in Worthington, MN. The weather was beautiful in the morning, but became windy with a few sprinkles in the afternoon. (It ruined my hair!!) I don't really remember much of the day other than it was REALLY fun! I loved the fact that both of our families had deep roots in the area. It made the day sort of a "community" event! It was a great way to start our life together!

It scares me to think I have been married for 25 years. I don't feel old, but 25 years sounds sort of... oldish! Oh well, no matter! I have a son starting kindergarten this fall. That automatically makes me... young, right?! My parents said last weekend, "Wait until your baby celebrates her 25th wedding anniversary! Then you will have a reason to feel old!" I guess it is all in your perspective.

I am a very happily married person. God blessed me when he gave me Allen. For anyone who is interested, our courtship began back in high school chemistry. Go figure! We dated all through college and then had a LONG engagement. So, we have known each other for about 30 years.

I was at a wedding shower last night. Someone asked the couple, "What are you looking forward to most about being married?". They both said that they were excited to live life together . They hit the nail on the head! That is exactly what I love most about being married - living life together! Of course, it helps to have a husband that is really easy to live with... but sharing your life with someone you love...it's the best! I don't know what God has in store for Allen and me in the next 25 years, but I'm ready to start down that path - together.

REMODEL UPDATE

Well, we are almost finished with our new rooms! The carpet is in and some of our furniture was delivered yesterday. There is still painting to be done, the mirror and shower door to be installed, and much more decorating to do. But overall, we are feeling good about the new space we have created for our new kids. The first room you see is going to be a "quiet" room with a couple of bookcases and lamps. (We have another big family room with TV, piano and game table-a "loud" room.) As you can see, the boys will have beds that are side by side. I have ordered bed quilts with American and National League logos. (That is definitely a FIRST!...Boy decor!) The bathroom is small, but very cute, and I LOVE the tile! A friend of ours is going to help us with closet organizers. Now THAT is right up my alley!! I can't wait! What a relief to complete this project. I've always heard that remodeling is a very dusty, disruptive and long process. Ours lasted less than two months. That's not bad. The worst part was (and is) the dust. I'm sure that with time, even that will settle down.

BACKYARD WILDLIFE

We have a few deer that have been wandering around the house this spring. This morning, one of them walked to within 20 feet of our house. These animals are so beautiful and graceful. It is fun to just sit and watch them move. Bernie thoroughly loves watching the wildlife in our backyard. You can't tell in the picture, but he gets pretty worked up about these visitors...or, in Bernie's world...these imposters.

MORE WILDLIFE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Last week my Bible study group had a brunch to finish off the year. We usually all bring something good to eat and always leave stuffed to the brim! I was the first one to arrive last Tuesday. My good friend, Sherri met me at the back door. (We are next door neighbors.) As I walked in, I noticed the ghastly look she had on her face. I immediately thought that something REALLY tragic had happened and braced myself for the bad news. The news was not bad, it was just extremely gross and a bit unnerving. As Sherri reached into the sink to finish up a few dishes, she grabbed something soft and...mysterious. It was a dead mouse and I do believe that Sherri almost had a heart attack!! Somehow, with great courage, she managed to put her hand back into the water once again to pull the plug. That was when I entered the picture.

Since I grew up on a farm and kind of pride myself in being adventurous, Sherri thought I might not mind disposing of the mouse. I did grow up on a farm and I do consider myself a bit daring, but this chore was not one that I had on my "to do" list. I would have done it, but thankfully, I came up with a better plan. The painter had just arrived at my house so I ran over to recruit his help in the matter. He gladly took the mouse out and had a good laugh. He even took a few pictures on his camera phone.

Poor Sherri! It just about did her in! A word to the wise...Never let your dish water sit unattended. You never know what might crawl in. (The poor little fellow was kind of cute, don't you think?)

LUNCH AT MY HOUSE!

On Thursday, I invited all of the administrative assistants that I work with to have lunch at my house. Although I work at the high school just one day a week, I have come to appreciate each of these ladies and consider them good friends. It is so fun for me to be a part of this great team! In spite of very busy days and difficult situations, these ladies consistently show patience and kindness to every kid that walks through the door. They make the climate at CIHS warm and sunny!

At school, there is rarely time to stand around and talk. So, on this day, I was glad to have a few minutes to just sit, relax and eat chocolate! Thank you to my administrative assistant friends. You help to make the high school a great place for kids to grow and learn. I will see you in the fall!!

CHILDREN'S SHELTER OF CEBU

Our new children will be making a HUGE transition in a number of weeks as they move to the US. Three years ago, they had to make another big transition to the Children's Shelter of Cebu. As I think about the environment that they have lived in these last few years, I am SO grateful that they have been in such a loving and supportive place. When our family visited CSC in January, we saw a place where children are nurtured and challenged to become everything God created them to be. I can try tell you what a wonderful place this is...but it might be better for you to look at the shelter's webpage. It is a very special place to us and I think it will give you a good idea of what it is all about. The website is www.cscshelter.org.

As you enter the website, there will be pictures of kids that fade in and out. You will notice a boy with goggles and a red swim cap who looks kind of silly. That's our Romeo! It's a great pic of him.

There are a lot of things you can look at on this website but if you don't have a hour or so to kill, click on the video titled THE ROAD TO CSC or A DAY IN THE LIFE. These videos are about 5-7 minutes long and will give you a nice glimpse into what CSC is all about.

Lastly, there are some videos of a recent talent show. Click on the one with Roselyn's name on it. You can see her singing!

I can't say enough wonderful things about CSC! I am so appreciative of their ministry to orphaned children. I hope you get a chance to check it out.