Our Exchanged Life

Ready

2010-05-06T00:25:00.000-04:00

Every Spring, when my kids are just about to turn a year older, it literally occurs to me that they are ready to be a year older. It seems to me that they have fully exhausted their age and have earned another year. They're just..... ready.

And for the most part, I've felt ready too.

Oh, there was a time in my late 20's where I'd say to my girlfriend, "I can't believe I'm 28 and have a 4 year old and an infant!" because in my mind, I still felt 18. For a while, I'd lament the same as everyone's age increased by a year respectively.

But in my late 30's? I do not feel 18 anymore. No, I'm feeling every. single. one. of my 38 years.

Okay. 39 on Sunday, but that's not the point.

My age isn't making me feel older.

My daughter is.

There's only one reason four different people at the DMV (who are most certainly not your children) call you "Mom".

"Legal"

The State of Georgia requires you to have your Learner's Permit for a full calendar year before testing for your Driver's License. Kayley was eligible to test for her permit on March 18th, her 15th birthday (it even looks weird to type that. Is that right? 15?), but her school studies kept her from feeling "adequately prepared" in her permit studying.

(Let me just take a minute to say that I have never once had to tell this child to study. It's like she likes it or something.....)

She passed the permit test on the first try last week and will be eligible to get her Driver's License on April 29, 2011. Driver's Ed is this June, but she's been cruising the local church parking lots and neighborhood for the past week. (As long as you consider 15 mph cruising.)

(couldn't resist this photo!)

(driving "her" car)

On Monday, we were invited to attend the high school's Honors Night. That's all. We were only told that we were invited and only recipients and their families would be in attendance.

So, yeah, we went. It was reminiscent of Dana's own invitation to his high school's Honors night. He couldn't for the life of him figure out why he was there; even his friends were perplexed by his attendance. It all came together when they named the P.E. Student of the Year. Well, of course.

As it turns out, Kayley has the highest GPA of the Freshman class in World History. Ironic, because she feared her History teacher at the beginning of the year. Mr. Hazard is one of the athletic coaches (who happens to hail from Boston) and is rather intimidating. He grew on her when she learned that he roughly addresses his favorite students by their last name and she became "RIPLEY!"

(Did I mention I never have to tell her to study? Girl has earned her 6 A's and her 89% B.)

And then..... then.... a boy took notice. "I never really noticed how pretty you are...", And another. "You're waaay more attractive than she is....". And a third. "Blah blah blah..." (I can't take anymore.)

ALL IN ONE WEEK.

Took 'em long enough! Not that I'm complaining but HELLO? With a heart even more beautiful than the outside..... look at this woman-child!

WHO IS SHE??

(And is there anyway to stop this??)

Lawdy - here we go......

This will be the first year I have literally thought to myself, "I have earned this 39th year."

Back Where He Belongs

2010-04-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

We went to the airport today to greet our daddy. He was surprised and happy to see us.

I offered, but Dana wouldn't let me drive his car home. True to form, true to form.

Thank you for praying with us while we anticipated Dana's return. While some are experiencing this ordeal as a major catastrophe, Dana is grateful to have been safe and well-provided for as he made his way home. In the scope of things, a four day delay is nothing! Today was earlier than he anticipated arriving home, so he's delighted.

As the cherry on top, Prince was upgraded to first-class and so they all made the trip home as comfortably as is possible. Delta ferried an extra plane and crew in order to add this flight to their normal schedule, so the entire flight consisted of stranded travelers who had made their way to Madrid - the only airport open for transatlantic flights until this afternoon. Dana said everyone was telling their stories - and at the gate in Madrid, he even reconnected with a man he'd met in Amsterdam who had decided to make the drive.

I'm hoping Dana will post his own thoughts here about his experience. What he's told us so far is amazing!

New friends, Prince, Chichi and Isabelle

This boy needs his dad. I found them like this shortly after arriving home.

(Kayley asked not to be photographed.)

European Travel Update

2010-04-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

I just received a text from Chichi. Prince texted her to tell her they are four hours out - so with the time change, it's looking like a 7am arrival local time in Madrid?? Flight is at 11:30.

Dana is out of minutes on his temporary cell phone, so I don't expect to hear from him again unless he is able to connect via internet in Madrid. (Verizon doesn't have a Dutch partner, so he had to buy a phone over the weekend when he didn't have access to ING's lines and hotel rates were $5 a minute.) Prince's phone is low on battery. Not sure about Caroline's situation.

I don't know what the speed limit is or what delays they may have encountered, but at 6:15pm in Atlanta they still had 400 miles to go. In the U.S., that would take about 6 hours, with an ETA of 5am considering the time change. I can't account for the time discrepancy, but instead of worrying, I am choosing to trust they will arrive in God's perfect timing.

(Maybe Dana stopped for a rest? It has always astounded me that a 10 minute nap is all he's ever needed to be recharged! Hello, two hours minimum for this girl or it's not worth it!)

When he texted at 6:15pm tonight, Dana asked me to check on flight status info out of Amsterdam. It appears Delta is going to try to send their last flights to Atlanta and Detroit tomorrow. I agree with Dana's 2:00 statement that it was definitely the right choice to drive to Madrid. What are the chances they could have been on either of those flights (slim!) AND that those flights will actually be allowed to depart? BESIDES, Chichi and I agreed today that we don't want our husbands on one of those first flights, thankyouverymuch!

We may never know when they would have been home otherwise, but will rest confident in having followed God's clear direction.

Since I last posted here, I have heard from two friends about people they know who are also tied up in this mess. One of the groups said they've been told they won't get home until April 26th (!!!!!) and the other was a missions team in Romania, praying to be home by Thursday. We are so fortunate!

Saints, pray! And thank you for journeying alongside us in Spirit. May God's name be lifted HIGH!!

Trying To Get Dana Home From Europe

2010-04-19T10:49:00.001-04:00

You may or may not know that Dana was in Amsterdam last week and unable to return home on Friday due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. After rescheduling flights several times to no avail this weekend, he began to pursue ways to get to Southern Europe where airspace is still open.

The kids and I are doing quite well, by the grace of God. It's no secret that our home runs more smoothly when Dana is home, but we are fine. (No one is out of clean underwear yet.) The kids are largely independent and the biggest challenge is just getting everyone where they need to be at the right time. My main concern is my husband's safety. I'm happy to wait as long as necessary for his safe return home.

But he has been miserable. He has literally only been home for 36 hours since April 2 between our spring break trip to Mexico and his trip to Amsterdam. He just wants to be home. This volcano last erupted in 1822 and did so for TWO YEARS. Additionally, there is another volcano in Iceland that geologists are concerned may also erupt. This has the potential to disrupt air travel for weeks - even months. He's desperate to be home and has been working every angle to get here.

After repeated "roadblocks" he was feeling frustrated and discouraged, but God really had a Word for us yesterday. (Thank you, Wayne Lewis!) In His infinite wisdom, God's ways are first and foremost for HIS GLORY, but then for the best of the greatest number of those who love Him (that's us!!) for the longest amount of time. His wisdom is flawlessly perfect. (Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.)

Despite how bad things seem, God is in our every circumstance waiting for us to turn to Him. Where does our help come from? The maker of Heaven and Earth!! (Psalm 121). The details are so small for Him. His greatest desire is for us to call on His name - turn to Him - and submit ourselves to His Ways.

Dana spent Sunday morning at the train station trying to get a train south, but striking railroad workers in France made training to Spain or Portugal impossible. His next plan was to rent a car and drive to Madrid or Lisbon but there were absolutely no rental cars available whatsoever.

Just as I began to get discouraged for him, this happened.

I was at church early for vocal team rehearsal Sunday morning and was struggling to want to be there. I was tired from racing all day on Saturday to have Rob at four different back to back events and literally being gone all day. Then I was up in the night with him and his wicked allergies. I was tired and began to feel discouraged.... the Enemy clearly did not want me there. (Incidentally, he almost kept me from being at rehearsal on Wednesday night as well, which would have kept me from singing on Sunday - but God had a purpose.)

As we were rehearsing, I was texting with Dana and he said, no cars whatsoever. He's pursued everything, is out of options and is stuck for real. I moaned upon reading it - feeling so helpless and stymied. A new friend from vocal team standing next to me said, "Are you alright?" I was honest and said, not really, telling her that my husband was stuck in Amsterdam. Her response blew me away. "Mine too!" Her husband has been there since April 10th and she has been home alone with their 6 month old. She needs her husband home!

Within the hour, God's word about His infinite wisdom fell on our ears and our husbands had made contact with one another in Amsterdam. Dana managed to find one rental car that would be available Monday at noon. (Supposedly. No real guarantee that it would be there though!). In the meantime, it felt like such a God thing for Dana to have someone else to make the drive with. (I mean no disrespect, but I'm not exaggerating when I say the man cannot find his way out of the mall.)

HAD I NOT BEEN AT CHURCH TO SING, WE WOULD HAVE MISSED GOD'S PROVISION THIS WAY!

The guys booked tickets from Madrid (in Dana's case, Madrid - Santo Domingo - Atlanta, home on Wednesday). However, by Sunday night, rumors of airspace reopening in Amsterdam had them conflicted. Who wants to make an unnecessary 14 hour trip in totally uncharted territory if flights are going to resume?

We prayed that God would be unmistakable in His direction and waited until morning for the latest air space info.

Our God is unmistakable.

At 6am this morning (noon in Amsterdam), I got a text from Dana that they had a rental car from Hertz and had picked up another passenger who is fluent in Spanish. Yeah. That will come in handy!! What's more they were all booked on the same NON-STOP FLIGHT from Madrid to Atlanta arriving home Tuesday afternoon. (Dana even got his first class seat he'd originally paid for).

We have this confidence. Without knowing what still lies ahead, open doors in the form of an available rental car, travel companions and direct flights from Madrid have to be God's unmistakable hand of direction and if He wills it, providence and favor.

How to pray, if you feel so led.

- Protection, obviously! Pray that they get to Madrid safely and in plenty of time to catch their flight at noon on Tuesday (6am here). Pray that their flight from Madrid to Atlanta - or whatever flight they get on - arrives home safely, free and clear of volcanic debris or any other potential hazard.

- Peace Chichi and I obviously desperately want our husbands home. But above that, we want their protection and God's will to be fully accomplished. My only concern really throughout is this drive. I wouldn't worry so much if it were in the U.S., but everything is so unfamiliar! I am so grateful for the travel companions - grateful that God is using Dana to be a blessing to Prince and Caroline in return, but I'll be glad to know they have arrived safely in Madrid. I didn't love the idea of him flying in Northern European airspace.

- Divine appointments. Dana and Prince had never met, but we attend the same church. Not sure who this other passenger is, but her name is Caroline. God has them in that car together for a reason - of this I am confident. He is going to accomplish greater things. Things that could not have happened any other way. God, let Your Will be done.

- Continued favor. There's a slight issue with Prince's airline ticket, but Caroline is Diamond medallion on Delta and feels she can get him on the flight. Both Dana and Prince are so incredibly blessed by corporate expense accounts. Thousands upon thousands of travelers are stuck without hotel accommodations, even money for food. I've read stories on Fox News about families on vacation, broke, having trouble getting funds wired, people concerned about missing work, losing pay - some not even able to get return flights until May or June. There's price gouging going on by hotels who are quadrupling room rates simply because they can. But because we call on the strong and mighty Name of our GOD, He is making a way. Pray that He continues to do so in His infinite wisdom, and that Dana, Prince and Caroline see and acknowledge our God as the Lord of these circumstances - whether they understand and enjoy them or not. As for "roadblocks", we are confident each and every one has been or will be for the purpose of God's protection or His re-direction to a better Way.

- That others affected will turn to God, giving Him the chance to prove Himself merciful and MIGHTY. Travelers everywhere need mercy. God is the source of all mercy and longs to pour it out on those who seek Him. In these end times, God is delaying His return for the sole purpose of giving people a chance to turn to Him. To seek Him, repent and find salvation. God, let it be done.

As I close, it is 9:45am in Atlanta, 3:45pm in Europe. Dana just texted and said they are in France, 2 hours from Paris. 900 miles to go. He is driving the whole way because the car is a stick shift and he's the only one who knows how to drive it!!!! (And it's been a while at that!) So add that to your prayer list. I'd thought they could share the driving..... but it looks like Dana's going to earn his first class ticket (read: sleep) after staying awake and alert for a 14 hour drive. I'm just glad he has company to keep him awake!

Caroline has a camera, so hopefully they'll get this journey somewhat documented, although they are not lolly-gagging. They need to get to Spain with all haste. Under any other circumstances, a road trip through the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain would be such a treat!! I'm sure it will be a beautiful drive while they have daylight.

I will post updates to Facebook as I receive them. If you aren't on Facebook and would like for me to email you, please reply to this email.

Thank you for interceding on our behalf. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by God's evident faithfulness! May God receive all glory and honor. He is good all the time!

What You Do In Mexico

2010-04-07T23:10:00.000-04:00

Snorkel....

Race into the ocean.....

Hide behind pool waterfalls.....

Play Bananagrams......

Kiss in sombreros.....

Sometimes work a little..... (someone's got to pay for all this fun!)

and generally make great memories.....

A Cancun Easter

2010-04-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

(Second try.... having a few internet issues here.)

It was an unusual Easter, but we didn't lose focus. Tonight we watched the edited version of The Passion of the Christ and reflected as a family on the importance of this day. He is risen, indeed!

Of course, the Easter Bunny found us in Cancun!

Trading SillyBandz from their Easter "baskets".

Mexico

2010-04-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

It always takes a few days to settle into vacation but we're working very hard at adjusting. It's just a different pace, a slower pace - one we appreciate more than ever this year. The kids' school and extra-curricular schedules have had us all busier than ever before.

We love this place. It is the most restorative place we know. We read, we play, we rest. (Both kids are on book #2!!)

Atta' girl

Atta' boy

And what is this? Dana not working? Oh wait. It's ~~Saturday~~ vacation.

(Won't keep him from working next week, though.)

Saturday in Cancun. Bliss.

THANK YOU, LORD!

Bizarro World

2010-04-01T08:50:00.000-04:00

I have never once seen my name used outside of the context of my person. The closest thing has been the Kidron Valley outside of Jerusalem. Until a few weeks ago.

We traveled to Peachtree City for a lacrosse game and there was a Lake Kedron there (!!!!).

Not only that, everything was named after it. Kedron Road, Kedron Village, Kedron Business Park, Kedron Medical and on and on. It was like bizarro world.

In typical fashion though, my reason (ignorant people who can neither spell or pronounce my name correctly) to not go by my full name was justified. Again.

Gah.

Take a look.

Even as I type, my spellcheck is going crazy telling me K-e-d-r-o-n is an incorrectly spelled word.

It's not impossible (because again, STUPID PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE), but at least it's harder to screw up 'Ked'.

(And don't even get me started on people reversing Dana's and my gender neutral names. It's the bane of our existence.)

Silent Auction Fever

2010-03-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

There are always opportunities for charitable giving, but the most fun kind is Silent Auction style - because if you win, you walk away with something!

Dana is on the board for Junior Achievement and is ~~required~~ invited to attend their annual black tie Silent Auction fundraiser. Last year, he took me. But this year, it was the same weekend that Kayley and I were in New York.

So he took Rob. Remember the black tie part?

And remember last year, Dana won this for ~~himself~~ Rob?

Well, this year the boys found another sports related auction, but had an unfair advantage in that Rob stood and GUARDED his bid all night. Being the only kid there - in a tux no less - he capitalized on his cute factor and by the end of the night he even had ~~drunken~~ adults pulling for him to win.

(sorry for the blurry phone picture)

Obviously, win he did.

In July, he and his dad are going to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Anaheim - tickets, airfare and hotel included.

Our second silent auction was for Mt. Paran. Each of the kids chose one auction to bid on. We told them how much we would contribute and they decided how much they were willing to pay themselves for the opportunity.

Rob chose a Round Robin tennis match with his favorite P.E. teacher - and won!

Kayley chose lunch with her Bible teacher and 2 friends at the restaurant of their choosing.

The Bible teacher lunch bidding got a little heated. There was a lot of trash talk on Facebook. Poor Scotty Valiani is still shaking his fist at 'dkkrrip' - and he doesn't even know who it is!!

Ms. Burton is well-loved and several students were bidding. (Lucky for Kayley, her mom is an eBay pro and her teen competitors were no match.)

There was MUCH rejoicing mostly because they adore their teachers and are genuinely looking forward to their time together. But honestly, there's a bit of a high when you beat out someone who is actively bidding against you.

Victory is sweet.

Annnnnd the school walks away with another $125 of daddy's money and $20 of Kayley's.

Funny how that happens.

Rob's 11th Birthday Party

2010-03-23T19:39:00.000-04:00

Nine of Rob's friends helped celebrate his birthday today at Arkenstone Airsoft Field. The boys had a blast playing refereed games and generally just firing away at each other. I don't know why boys think that's fun, but apparently it's "beast".

("Beast" is the urban slang for "awesome" for those of you older than..... well, eleven.)

Rob with his closest buddy, Avery

Happy Birthday, Rob!!

Kayley Turns 15?!

2010-03-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

I have NEVER felt old enough to have kids at the ages I do. Until this year. Something happened on March 18, 2010 that suddenly made me feel, yes, old.

Not that she makes me tired, but when I look at this beautiful woman-child and the reality of the stages in life she's in and approaching, it makes me feel my age.

This being Kayley's first year in school on her birthday, I didn't like not having her with me. We took her lunch and cupcakes at school. She didn't hate it.

Isn't she beautiful?

Thanksgiving Gobble Jog

2009-11-26T10:59:00.014-05:00

The boys ran Marietta's Thanksgiving Gobble Jog 5K this morning.... Rob's first timed race.

Even more impressive? We girls rolled out of bed bright and early to ~~hit Starbucks first~~ be at the finish line in time. It was a tremendous effort, but we're committed like that.

My goal was to snap a pic of the boys crossing the finish line together - but Rob bolted ahead of Dana to make sure he'd "beat" his dad. Rob is on the far right in the red shirt, Dana is behind him in a long sleeved white shirt. I wish the picture was better. (It doesn't help that I'm a sucktastic photographer.)

Notice Rob's time? 27:55. Dana came in at 27:56. Hey - faster is faster.

It was a proud morning for Dad! The boys had a blast running together and decided it will be an annual tradition.

We're all home now ready to settle into our traditions. I suggested eating out this year, but the kids nearly revolted. They wanted mom's home cooking, so I must oblige. We'll do dessert later this evening at John and Gail's house.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Minn-uh-soh-tah, Dontchaknow

2009-11-04T17:23:00.004-05:00

Life marches on. Sometimes it's harder than others. I'm grateful for the joy (and levity) my children provide.

Enjoy.

Our Boys

2009-05-22T17:36:00.006-04:00

Our boys have been busy this spring with their love for all things.... well, mostly sports.

Dana realized his lifelong dream by running the Boston marathon in April. He's had some trouble with his knee, but a little physical therapy and A LOT of determination saw him to the end....

------
In the name of "charity", Dana won a visit to TNT's NBA Half Time show at a silent auction for Junior Achievement.

(Want one more preposition? With Charles Barkley. You're welcome.)

His motivation is yet to be determined, but memories were made.

------
This boy loves lacrosse.

And hiking the mountain with a fellow "dude"....

But when he's worn out, there's a softer side to him.

Awwwww, yeah.

That's my boy.

Theirs and Ours Vacations

2009-04-15T19:22:00.006-04:00

The kids really wanted to go to Disney ~~with the rest of the world~~ for Spring Break.

Mama wasn't havin' it.

Good thing those kids have grandparents willing to take them.

And a daddy willing to take Mama to Mexico.

(Jose Luis took care of Mama all week while daddy worked. Grrr.)

Fun was had by all. (Except for daddy who literally had to work around the clock. Thanks for that, AMSTERDAM.)

Special thanks to Nana and Papa, daddy and of course........... Jose Luis.

Birthday Week

2009-03-23T20:29:00.005-04:00

Kayley Turns 14 - 3/18/09

Sleepover with gal pals, Nikki and Alyssa. Pedicures, Chinese food and a shopping blitz were the celebratory elements of choice.Daddy pulled rank and got Kayley her first laptop.

Nonny and Bapaw came for the weekend to celebrate!

Rob fishing with Bapaw in the neighborhood pond. Count 'em - SIX - sunnies with his new Bapaw-designed (Zebco) fishing reel. How cool is that??

Rob Turns 10 - 3/22/09

Stars & Strikes BD party - with cosmic bowling, lazer tag and the arcade. Rob with buddies Stuart and Jonathan. Not pictured: Royce, Owen and David.

Mommy "finessed" Daddy into bending the "2 Pet Limit" to FOUR - with newest addition, Delilah, a Winter White Russian hamster.
(Delilah was a "bad girl" from the Bible - who CUT. HER. BELOVED'S. HAIR.)

When we asked if he really wanted to have a hamster who could very well betray him and cut his (beloved) hair, it didn't really seem to have an impact...............

He's in LUV.

Dana and Ked Remain 25 and 24

Are we seriously old enough to have kids this old?

I didn't think so..........

What Happens While We're Gone

2009-03-08T22:13:00.008-04:00

Dana had a black-tie charitable event to make an appearance at on Saturday night.

While we both would have MUCH preferred to stay in, sometimes stuff like this just comes with the territory.

Having my hair done was fun. Buying a dress I'll likely never wear again? Not so much.

And Dana now owns a tux. Sheesh.

At least we didn't have to pay for a babysitter. Photobooth occupied our kids quite nicely.

Enjoy the free comedy. (And don't forget that you get what you paid for!)

Weapons of Mass Entertainment

2009-01-24T14:10:00.003-05:00

My ~~baby~~ child combined all of his Christmas money to get two Air Soft guns.

Who can I ~~blame~~ thank?

"They Grow Up So Fast"

2009-01-24T13:38:00.009-05:00

In preparation for Mt. Paran next year (Lord willing), Kayley added classes this semester at Cornerstone Prep. Cornerstone offers elementary classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (which Rob attends) and middle/ high school classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

She picked up Science and History at Cornerstone in addition to her Spanish and English courses at another school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Math is still at home.)

I'm in the car a lot.

Or co-teaching. On the alternating days they are home, they each have a significant work load.

So we go to drop Kayley off on her first day and as we're pulling away from the school, Rob says, "They grow up so fast, Mom."

I love that kid's sense of humor.

But yes. Yes, they do.

Dang it.

My Love/Hate Relationship with Minnesota

2009-01-17T12:46:00.010-05:00

Really? This is all I should have to say.

But that would be so unlike me.

Because there's so much more to hate about Minnesota in the winter.

Treacherous driving conditions.

Cars in ditches.

Driveways with ice thick enough to be a skating rink.

And salt that destroys perfectly good shoes. (I mean, who wants to have to buy new shoes??)

And did I mention the cold?

Of course, there is one thing that makes it all worth it.

Family. And lots of it!

Cold toes. Cold nose. Warm hearts.

SWISH!

2008-12-26T20:36:00.011-05:00

Rob is all about basketball these days.

Our good friend, Zachary, knows this.

Zachary helps us keep Rob off the edge, as far as his hair goes. No one touches the hair, except for Zach.

Same goes for Kayley.

And Dana.

We're high maintenance. I'm not gonna' lie.

But we've made this terrific friend in Zachary, who chose to SPOIL our kids this year. Kayley got a spending spree at her favorite store, Delia's.

Rob got this:

A LeBron James jersey. (The best player in the NBA.)

Fitting, since this was his big gift from us this year.

SWISH!

Thank you, Zachary!

(Referrals available upon request.)

((You won't be sorry.))

Comfort and Joy

2008-12-25T18:58:00.006-05:00

Not for a moment have I allowed myself to take this day for granted.

This day that started and will end with gratitude.

This day that was marked by comfort and joy.

Here's wishing that whatever circumstances you find yourself in, and perhaps even in spite of them, comfort and joy was yours today as well.

Merry Christmas!

Tickets to a June Red Sox game in ATL.

Both boys may or may not have teared up a bit.

Jane finally got her iTouch.

Still my snuggly boy.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T19:41:00.004-05:00

It's an exciting week at our house! Is it at yours as well?

Christmastime is my favorite time of the year to be a parent. While neither of our kids believe in Santa anymore - they both still want to. And just because he isn't "real" anymore doesn't really change the magic and the excitement.

Rob was devastated this year when Dana answered honestly about his Santa questions. He came crying to me, and all I could accuse, I mean say was "Did you LIE to my son?!"

I never believed in Santa. Dana believed until he was 8, so keeping the magic alive was important to us both for different reasons.

Funny enough, both kids got a letter in the mail from "Santa" this year. We honestly don't know who sent it. The only thing we can figure is that someone at the post office took it upon themself to answer kids letters to Santa this year. The kids still wrote their annual letter, and unbeknownst to me, put it in the mailbox a few weeks ago. This week, hand addressed letters came to them both FROM SANTA thanking them for their letter.

Maybe he's real after all........

The Boys are IN DA' HOUSE!

2008-04-06T16:10:00.003-04:00

Look who we've got for the week! Harper and Ethan!

Jack Jack! (Thankfully, they're nothing alike in personality. Harper couldn't be easier!)

Oops! Ethan already has skinned knees! Oh, the hazards of shorts-wearin' weather! Thank goodness for Spiderman Band-Aids! They almost make having an owie worth it!

And look at all the FUN we're having!

Lacrosse. This is MY sport.

2008-03-23T20:59:00.003-04:00

Rob has found his knack. He is loving lacrosse and has a natural talent for it. He announced this is HIS sport, and he intends to play year round.

Dana is thrilled that his boy found another sport he is passionate about.

American Idol Night

2008-03-23T20:41:00.000-04:00

John and Gail came to celebrate the kids' birthdays and came bearing gifts! They are both Coke employees and American Idol die-hards, so they brought the kids Coke brand gifts..... recycled Coke t-shirts (awesome!) and American Idol karaoke for Wii. Helloooooo????

The kids were thrilled - but there's some debate over who enjoyed the game more.

You be the judge.

Where Did My Baby Go?

2008-03-22T19:40:00.001-04:00

How can he be 9??

Finally 13!

2008-03-18T19:02:00.001-04:00

This day didn't come soon enough. Kayley was more than ready to hit her teens - and she's got the room to prove it. With Nick Jonas posters strewn about her walls, she's given her dad panic attacks over his baby growing up.

Mexico

2008-03-11T20:35:00.013-04:00

Sooooooo grateful for our wonderful vacation. Everyday was about the same. I was up earlier than you would even believe to get "the spot" I wanted each day. It had morning sun and afternoon sun and an umbrella for shade. It was a little peninsula so we could watch the kids swim.

Enjoy the pictures.

Pool Activities

Rob LOVED the Kids Club. There was always something going on. Too much to even list. The pirate war was water balloons in the pool picture below.

Kayley wasn't so much into the activities.... she read and did homework. (The horror!)

Dana did water aerobics more than once - mostly to embarrass me, I believe. It was him and all the grannies. The photo of me making the L for loser sign isn't just of me. Look closely in the background.

Unlikely friends
Rob met a buddy named Alex, who was from Manhattan. He was Rob's age, loved football and...... was a Giants fan. (Again, the horror!) The boys seemed to get over their sports differences pretty quickly and had a grand time together.

Night-time Activities (Dinner and Playa del Carmen)

Xcaret (pronounced Ish-car-ett)
SO glad we did this. It was an investment... but a bargain if you value the memories at a million bucks! We were debating on either a trip out to Cozumel to snorkel or Xcaret. We opted for Xcaret because we felt like it was more of a "known quantity". Boy are we glad we did! We didn't have time to do it all, but we enjoyed snorkeling an underground river, snorkeling in a bay and swimming with a dolphin (hellllooooooo!!!) to name the major highlights of the day. The underground tunnel was in fact - UNDERGROUND - with natural skylights and stretches of open area that was open on one side. The salt water was a chilly 62 degrees.... we really didn't see a LOT of fish, and I only gagged once. I hate salt water. Other than that, it was great!

If I can figure out how to post our video of swimming with Nuk, the dolphin, I will. Otherwise, the (very expensive) photos will have to do. Like I said, it was an investment.

Our last day
We had terrific weather with the exception of our last full day, which was downright COLD. Being the die hard sun-worshiper that I am, I was still out there before 7am and soaked up the few rays I could get. A little later in the day, the kids took me down to show me the tide pools they'd found earlier in the week. The weather prevented Kayley and Dana from para-sailing. It was too windy most days, and too cold on the last-chance day they had.

It was a fabulous trip. We appreciate how restful Mexico is. Dana did a GREAT job not working, we had terrific weather and we're not just a little bummed that it's over. Great memories. Thank you, Lord!

Aunt Claudia!!!!

2008-02-27T20:25:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, we joyfully witnessed the marriage of Dana's brother, Todd, to the most fantastic girl! The wedding was picturesque and the whole weekend was one big party! We are so grateful to have Claudia as an official part of our family. We've all loved her for a very long time and are thrilled to finally be able to call her Aunt Claudia! (Kayley is especially pleased to be Claudia's first niece.)

Ripley Women!

Joel and Dana put together a creative toast. "Not only did you marry into the family - you married into an entire nation!" And they produced Red Sox hats for these (former) Yankee fans (Claudia and her father, Leon). I can't confirm, but I suspect there was a pre-nup to that effect.....

Good times, great memories and a bright future! Welcome to the fam, girl!

Walking Wisely

2008-02-27T20:11:00.004-05:00

I sent my baby off to her first youth retreat, Walking Wisely, last weekend. This is something she has been looking forward to for a few years. Dana has gone several times with his small group and always come home with stories of wild times and wonderful spiritual growth. This retreat is the highlight of the year for our youth group, Sublime, as it always provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to go deeper with the Lord.

The weekend did not disappoint. Kayley had a fabulous time, as did Dana. And GOD BLESS our youth staff and volunteers for doing this thing RIGHT! The investment in our daughter is not one we will take for granted!

Rock (n' Roll) Outings

2008-02-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

After purchasing Hannah Montana movie tickets eight weeks ago, the day finally arrived! On Tuesday, we went to a sold out showing of the Hannah Montana concert in 3D. Tickets for the actual concert on tour were impossible to come by, so this was a nice consolation. We went with our good friends, the Seilers, and everyone loved it, although there weren't enough songs performed by the Jonas Brothers for the girls. Even Ashley and I were, admittedly, somewhat entertained. It was mostly fun just to see the kids so pumped.

Today, we joined our home school group from church on a field trip to Vulcan Materials - a working granite quarry and mine about 10 minutes from our house. WOW!!!! What an AMAZING experience!!! Three times a week, rock is blasted from the sides of this humongous 650 foot deep pit. The rock is then transported to be crushed into one of twelve different sizes to then be made available for purchase. What an incredible process. We had seen the conveyor belts before from a higher elevation, but we had idea the enormity of what goes on at a quarry!

So, two totally different kinds of "rock" - but both were a blast, the latter quite literally!

Freakish skills

2008-02-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

You know how God gifts us all differently? One of the joys of home schooling is seeing strengths develop in my children. Sometimes they require hard work - and sometime they just seem to surface effortlessly.

Well, Rob is freakishly skilled at roman numerals.... don't ask me how, but he is. And because he is, he loves it! On review skills in math, I never require him to do all the problems. If he can do a few to stay sharp and get them correct, I let him move on. But when it comes to roman numerals - he doesn't even want to skip them.... because he loves them so much.

Crushed

2008-02-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

I cannot find a word strong enough to describe the mood here. How could the Patriots lose?? We were so hoping for a win..... there was no lack of team spirit. Even the dogs were dressed for the game!

Rob is using pretty strong language.... but he's using it appropriately, so who can blame him? He cried and cried last night - beginning with the Giants' 4th quarter touchdown.

I tucked him in last night and fell asleep beside him. He was devastated. After ripping up his Giants trading card on his bulletin board, he said, "Mom, I had faith in them! I believed in them!" I told him that the Giants might have taken the title and the trophy, but they can't take away the Patriot's undefeated season record..... and in his heart, he believes the Patriots are the better team. But in his own words, "It sucks." And he's right.

Like Father, Like Son

2008-01-24T12:58:00.000-05:00

There's a reason for mouth guards, but you don't think to use one in the front yard. Rob came in yesterday afternoon from a game of tackle football and announced, "Mom, I think I'm hurt." After spitting out the toothy gravel left in his mouth as a result of a hard hit, he decided he'd better come tell me. Sure enough - he had three chipped adult teeth.... and of course, it was after hours for the dentist. When he realized there was no blood - he was right back outside in the mix of the game.

A mouth guard could have really helped Dana as a kid - sparing him many accounts of agony and embarrassment ("Look away - I'm hideous.") - and let's not even mention dental bills! Somewhere along the line, he lost count of how many times he knocked out his two front teeth between grade school and college. He finally had them permanently fixed five years ago. Yeah - a mouth guard might have been a good idea in theory, but I'm sure he would have never lived it down to have been the kid who wore one 24/7.

I've never been so thankful to get a call at 7:30 in the morning - much less from the dentist, but we were at Dr. Buran's office by 9:45 for what was supposed to be a quick "polishing". It could have been a LOT worse. Thankfully, his two front teeth polished up cleanly, but his bottom tooth needed to be built up and bonded. The doctor told us to expect to have to replace this more than once - it's not very strong - and kids are rough. When he's full grown, it will have to be capped with a permanent crown. No more corn on the cob, ribs or apples for this guy - unless he's ready to go through this again.

In many ways, I'd love for Rob to be just like his dad.... but not this one!

World of Coke (aka Coke-oseum)

2008-01-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

It's Monday night, but I have the Sunday Night Blues. Sure have enjoyed this long weekend! Martin Luther King Day is a big deal here in Atlanta. Not all companies observe it as a paid holiday - but ING does - so we got an extra day with our Daddy.

We had a terrific weekend with Kit and Adam and went out with a BANG at the NEW World of Coke. It was even better than the first time we went this past fall. There were far fewer people, so we really got to see everything this time and enjoyed it much more as a result! Gosh - there's so much to see and do. From artifacts and the history of Coca-Cola to a 4D movie about what makes it special - Pop Culture Art to old Coke commercials - a working bottling plant to tasting Coke products from around the world - it's a full experience (one that leaves you with a bellyache from tasting all those 65+ flavors). We left with a complimentary bottle of Coke from the bottling plant I mentioned, a stroll through the Coke store and wonderful memories of a great time together! It came to an end all too soon, and we had to say goodbye to Kit and Adam as they headed home from downtown and we headed home to some schoolwork. All good things must come to an end. Back to reality....

Kit and Kayley in the Artifact Room

Boys in the Bottling Plant

Bottles and Memorabilia

Tasting Latin America Coke products

We still prefer the Coke products from the USA!

Braving the "Elements"

2008-01-20T20:47:00.000-05:00

Even the remote threat of winter weather conditions turns Georgians into freaks - the whole lot of them. So we got some snow this week - what's the big deal? The big deal is that snow is so rare in Atlanta, that even the possibility puts everyone here in a panic. And I will admit, in our 5 collective years of living in Atlanta, this is only the second time we've had snow that actually accumulated, but the first time, we missed it because we were on a trip to Minnesota.

On Wednesday evening, enough precipitation moved through at the same time that temperatures dipped into the low 30's - and snow began to fall. Before I knew it - EVERY kid on the street was out dancing, twirling and delighting in the snowfall - like it was a cash windfall or something. The shot below is of all the neighborhoods boys laying in our front yard, watching the snow come down on them. One of them even asked me if I was going to put this in my blog!

By Friday, we had another forecast for 4"-6" of snow on Saturday. We went out for dinner that night and swung by the grocery to pick up a few items before my sister, Kit, and her husband, Adam, arrived. The bread aisle was EMPTY. I'm assuming the milk was gone too. We've heard rumors that people get crazy and head to the grocery for bread and milk when there's snow or ice in the forecast, but this is the first we've witnessed it for ourselves! Freaks!

Kit and Adam made it to Atlanta later that evening - a BIG surprise for our kids. Glad they beat the weather because the snow started up again on Saturday morning. As Minnesotans, driving in the snow is something we're all used to, but the Dept. of Transportation in Georgia and Alabama are NOT equipped for it. Couple that with southerners who don't know how to drive in it - and you really don't want to be on the road.

Sure enough, by late Saturday morning, snow was coming down again to everyone's great delight! It wasn't as much as had been forecasted, but it was enough for a street-wide snowball fight. Dana, Adam and our neighbor, Ben, took on about 12 kids on the street and destroyed the snow in most of the yards on the street - I had to apologize later to most of those neighbors. But boy - did they have fun!!! (We sure put our Colorado ski gear to good use!)

Kayley and Uncle Adam

Kayley and Katie

Pile o' boys!

Everyone get Mr. Ripley!!!!

For dinner, we hit Taco Mac for wings. We found it funny that the streets and restaurants were deserted - despite the snow having stopped hours earlier. Rob impressed us all by joining his "Aunt Iron Stomach" in braving the "DEATH" buffalo wings - the hottest you can get them. As I was taking this shot, he was saying, "Oh NO!" from behind his wing! He did it though - ate the whole thing! What a sport!

Now, that's HOT!

On the way home, we passed a neighbors house where a street party was being hosted. We'd decided not to go because Kit and Adam were in town, but when we drove past and saw PARKED CARS of our neighbors that literally live 2-5 houses away - we had to go give them a hard time. Can you BELIEVE IT???? Georgians DRIVE to a party FOUR HOUSES AWAY - when there are two inches of snow!!!! I'll say it again - freaks - the whole lot of them!

Church was canceled this morning.... I guess because it was cold. (??) It was in the teens - and it stopped snowing yesterday afternoon - but these people just don't know what to do with themselves when it might be icy out. However, we woke up to a bright, sunny day - cold, yes, but the streets were bone dry - I kid you not! And driving in Atlanta was about as easy as it's ever been! NO ONE was out!

We went to the Brazilian steakhouse, Sal Grosso, for lunch. It's a great place to take visitors - and we always try to go for lunch on Sundays because it's half-price. Basically, you have a two-sided card in front of you to tell the "gauchos" if you want meat or not. One side is red, meaning "no" - the other side is green, meaning "yes". As long as your card is green, the gauchos will come to your seat and slice meat off a skewer onto your plate. There were 14 different cuts of meat today. It's all you can eat - and we all definitely ate all we could eat!

Tomorrow, we're planning to go to the new World of Coke with Kit and Adam before they hit the road for Pensacola. We sure have had a blast having them here. I hope to post pictures from our outing tomorrow, so check back.

Something of a Move

2008-01-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

It might not be the kind of move we've become accustomed to every other year, but the relocation of four entire rooms in our home might be enough of a change to satisfy my wanderlust for a while.

I wasn't happy in the spare bedroom where we were doing school. It was a hodge-podge of sewing and school stuff that made the room feel really cluttered and just.... yuck. Plus, it's going to be Marett-Brooke's room - and part of me is wanting it to feel more like a place waiting for her. That room was the 4th place in this house we have tried to do school - and no place had been ideal. We finally came up with this grand scheme that basically affords us one whole extra room in our house (not that we *need* it, but there's something to be said for a dedicated learning room when you home school.)

So, we moved our schoolroom to the basement where the guest room was. The guest room moved to the main floor bedroom that was the office - and the office got moved to the sitting room off our bedroom. Marett-Brooke's room is in the process now of being emptied of quilting stuff (to the exercise room downstairs) and once it is painted, her crib, rocking chair and changing table will be set up - not that we have a need for it anytime soon - but that's an entirely different story.

The extra furniture from our sitting room went down to the home theater - and my next project is to decide if I want to have our existing furniture reupholstered or if we need to replace it.

Here's how the school room turned out.... isn't it great??? It's so ideal! Finally!

Our sitting room (below) is Dana's new "home office" - which I'm hoping he will have more opportunity to use in 2008. Clearly, this room is not settled yet. My project tonight is to load books and files back into the desk.

A huge, huge THANK YOU to our good friend, John Shero, for helping us move the heavy stuff on Saturday night. We owe you!

I will post pictures of the guest room, Marett-Brooke's room and the home theater as we finish them. Lots of work to do between now and then though! Stay tuned.

Brrrrr Minnesota!

2008-01-03T18:24:00.001-05:00

A RIPLEY CHRISTMAS

We were a day late for Christmas in Minnesota - but grateful to wake up at home on Christmas morning. We partied hard to make up for it - and no one seemed to mind. We spent December 26th with the Ripleys, including Nana and Papa - who forgot to bring warm weather with them from sunny Florida - so warm personalities kept us cozy instead. Among other things, the kids favorite gifts from Nana and Papa were Kayley's red plaid hat and Rob's Tom Brady Patriot's jersey. One party down - four to go.

KADIE'S HOMECOMING

I feel old. Could it really have been 20 years ago that Kadie came home to us from Korea?? Each year, we have celebrated her homecoming by having dinner at Mirror of Korea - a yummy Korean restaurant in St. Paul. It's rare that we ALL are in Minnesota every year - but this year, we were! As usual, Kadie was a trooper to try kimchi - a traditional spicy, pickled cabbage that is part of the daily Korean diet, but she was no more impressed by it than she has been any other year. The girl is ALL American!

THIS IS MINNESOTA

This is the Brrrrr! part of the trip. Actually - it was rather balmy by Minnesota standards - but we have learned that blood thins quickly when you live in a warmer climate. The temperatures were in the 20's, it snowed every day and the kids had a blast playing and sledding outside. I can further romanticize winter by pointing out how picturesque Mom and Dad's house is at Christmas time - but I honestly can't say I miss this part of living in the north.

HEART FOR UGANDA

Friday morning brought a special reunion with Kari Miller, one of my closest friends from my teen years. Kari has a heart for the people of Uganda and is moving there in February. It is a privilege to support a group of widows she ministers to, and we are all hoping to visit her someday in Uganda. In the meantime, Kari is going to try to make contact with our World Vision sponsored kids, Frank and Asiyati - who are in Kampala, where Kari will be living. Kari has a phenomenal blog, Ordinary Stories With a Divine Twist, totally worth the read at www.divinestories-kari.blogspot.com.

MIRA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Mira is almost 1!!! On Friday night, we celebrated a few weeks early because we were all together, and Kai, Sarah and Mira will be back in China on her actual birthday. She was TOO cute when she ended up in just her diaper, tights and patent leather shoes. She was a little hesitant about her cake, but she is such a social little thing that she thoroughly enjoyed making the rounds at her party.

A WORRELL CHRISTMAS

Christmas morning came again on Saturday with the Worrell's. Again, EVERYONE was there and it was a wonderful time! Having added two grandchildren this year, we are at five and counting. It was fun to have babies around again - and lots of hands made light the load! The boys are all wearing matching Chinese pajamas from Kai and Sarah.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE MALL OF AMERICA

Mom and Dad gave the kids giftcards to spend at the Mall of America. We don't have a Lego store in Atlanta so, on Sunday morning, we hit the mall. Rob bought a HUGE bucket of Legos that he hand selected from the "Pick a Brick" wall - and has TONS more to build with now. What a great gift for our Lego lover!

Kayley is all about fashion these days and did quite well in the Buckle. She was a little annoyed that I was taking pictures in the store, but I got this cute one of her showing her loot to Bapaw.

LOBSTAH!

Party number FIVE was for my sister's 24th birthday. Her annual Lobster, Filet Mignon and Champagne dinner was a real treat for us to be home for this year. Mom outdid herself, as usual - and I know it was a meaningful celebration for Kit. Kayley enjoyed lobster this year - but Rob wasn't having it! Dana (being from Boston) did the honors of steaming (read MURDERING) the poor crustaceans - and Mira wasn't afraid to touch or eat them.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

No pictures from this (darn it!), but the day started with a visit with my close friend, Lisa, who is one of those friends you know you will have forever and ever! What a blessing to be together for a brief time, but feel like no time has passed at all. She is a gift from God - knows me in and out and loves me anyway.

By mid-day, we were pulling ourselves together for our 5:30am flight the next morning, which wasn't the most brilliant idea we've ever had - but worth the savings on airfare. I went to bed at 10:30 (woo hoo!) and Dana was the designated driver for the mustache-sporting "square of honor" plus Kit and Sarah. He was home at 1am in time for a quick "nap" before our car service arrived at 4am to take us to the airport. Brutal.

All in all, it was a fantastic six day trip. Very, very full - but truly full of things for which we are so grateful. Our girls were so glad to have us home - a special thanks to their new best friend, Cami, for house sitting. And of ALL things - we came home to COLDER weather in Atlanta than we had all week in Minnesota. Dare I say it?? Brrrrrr Georgia!

Daddy's Christmas "Postcard" to Marett-Brooke

2007-12-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

December 24, 2007

Dear Marett-Brooke:

There’s an unofficial tradition in the United States – your future home – that you will learn to embrace. It goes something like this: Mommy and I will take Kayley, Robby and you on a vacation to some resort-like destination – maybe Disney World, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, or Cancun, Mexico. Those are a few of our favorite destinations. As the tradition goes, we will send a handful of postcards to family and friends and we’ll write something like, “We’re having a great time, we wish you were here.”

The postcards are mailed with the very best of intentions and great affection. You see, we have an amazing extended family and wonderful friends who are praying you home on a daily basis. Even though they have never met you, everyone has found a place for you in their hearts. We are very fortunate to be supported by so many loved ones. However, what we write on those postcards is not completely, entirely and 100 percent true.

It’s true that we’re having a great time. The four of us always have a great time together. In fact, I can’t wait to relive some of our warmest family memories with you. Someday, I will hold you tightly while you mount a gleaming white horse on Cinderella’s Merry-Go-Round…and I will place you on my shoulders as we watch brilliant fireworks burst above the Magic Kingdom – you’ll have a great view from up there…and I will teach you how to ski on the bunny hills of Colorado…and we will walk hand-in-hand on the warm beaches of Cancun, picking up beautiful shells and other treasures along the way.

That’s we do on vacations – I’m sure your big sister and big brother will tell you all about it someday.

Here’s the part of this unofficial tradition that is not completely, entirely and 100 percent true: It’s not necessarily true that we wish the postcard recipient was there with us. I know, I know…that’s awful of me to say, but let me explain.

One of the reasons we go on vacation is to escape the normalities and familiarities of our daily routines. Everybody needs a little time away. As a result, that particular phrase in the postcard – which by the way, is not unique to the Ripleys, I’m just willing to admit it – has become kind of hollow. It’s just something you write. But trust me, there’s really no harm intended.

This letter to you – let’s call it a postcard – kind of defies this tradition. Because, here in Kennesaw, Georgia, during Christmas of 2007, your future family is having a great time. Tonight, on Christmas Eve, we continued our many fun traditions, like enjoying our Christmas Eve tray complete with deli meat, cheeses, fruit and a Honey Baked Ham. We’ll open new pajamas that we immediately wear (and we’ll wear all Christmas Day, too) and follow it up with a Christmas movie. Later, we’re going to pile into the car with Pixie and Paisley, our family dogs, and drive around looking at Christmas lights in different neighborhoods. By the way, we haven’t told the dogs about you yet…we’ll cross that bridge when we get there!

All of this Christmas Eve activity is a pre-cursor to Christmas morning when we open presents, indulge in Mommy’s world famous Breakfast Ring, and simply lounge around the house and do absolutely nothing except enjoy each other’s company and our new presents.

But here’s the difference between traditional postcards and this special “postcard” to you. The truth is – we do wish you were here. We really, really wish you were here. We understand that God’s ways are higher than ours and it’s not time for you to be home, but we still wish you were here, Marett-Brooke.

Christmas, in particular, is a special time for families to be together. And although you are not physically here with us, the essence of you is woven into our hearts and minds. There are so many fun things we want to experience with you. We want to show you how to leave cookies and egg nog for Santa, plus carrots for his reindeer. We want to snuggle with you on Christmas morning when everyone – dogs included – are squeezed into Mommy and Daddy’s bed. We want to here the pitter patter of your feet racing down the stairs to see what surprises Santa has left for you.

Most importantly, we want to tell you about baby Jesus and how He was born to save you. And, how four average people – with Jesus in their hearts – were compelled by the miraculous truth of the Christmas story to begin a journey to save you. And, in return, you saved us – because you gave us a new depth of understanding what Christ’s love truly means.

For now Marett-Brooke, there are five stockings hanging from our fireplace (yes, the dogs get one, too), but we wish there were six. Nevertheless…we’re having a great time, and we wish…oh, how we wish…you were here.

Love,

Your adoring Daddy

Peaches

2007-12-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

The Peaches: Angel, me, Ashley and Charlotte
A perfect gift! Thanks, Angel!

For almost two years, I have been hanging out with a few home schooling cohorts that, well.... let's just say defy the "home-school-mom" stereotype. Somewhere along the line, we dubbed ourselves the "Peaches".... I think it came from the Peachy Friends margarita recipe that has become a favorite. Anyway - these gals are priceless friends to me. (Among us is a therapist and a bartender.... that probably explains a lot.)

These are women who I can be real with and I am so grateful for the authentic relationships that have sprung up between us. We not only share a vision to raise our children from a Biblical worldview, to prioritize not religion, but relationship with Jesus Christ and to nurture God's individual call on their lives..... but together we can let down our hair, laugh, cry and pray together.

Peaches - it was a blast last night! I love you all!

Christmas at Tullie

2007-12-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

Original Tullie Smith Farmhouse

I could live this way.... I think.

Kayley, Alissa and Kayli watching a demonstration

Could you make these toys, Rob?

Chickens!

We're taking a week off from our normal schoolwork to enjoy and focus on the Christmas season. It's a week to cozy up with our Christmas and Advent reading, finish our shopping and wrapping, do a little baking - and Kayley is busily sewing little gifts for her dolls.

Yesterday, we joined friends from our home school group on a field trip to the Atlanta History Center, where their re-creation of an 1860's farmstead (complete with original house) was bustling with activities from the times of old.

Old fashioned toys, candlemaking, butter-making and corn husk angels were just a few of the hands-on activities, and we enjoyed touring the blacksmith, dairy, smokehouse, chicken coop, gardens, and main house and kitchens, which were separate from the house itself. Everything was decorated very simply with greens and berries (my favorite) - and I could have, quite decidedly, moved in. Now, I am a city girl - so I don't know how long I would have lasted, but there was something very appealing about the simplicity of it all.

We had a wonderful time together and thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the past. I learn as much as the kids do on trips like these, but yesterday was more than education. I look around at all the stuff in my own house and think - how much of this do I really need? Does it all have purpose enough to justify having it.... or is it just crowding out any hope for simplicity in my life?

Peace in the Season

2007-12-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel,
announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Acts 10:36

Jesus came to bring us peace... and 2,000 years later, on the other side of the world from Bethlehem, it looks like anything but peace as people race around preparing for Christmas - a remembrance of the coming of the Prince of Peace. Ironic, isn't it? But I am determined to preserve and protect it, at least in our home.

Maybe it was the headstart... maybe it's that we've learned to let some things go... maybe it's just the culmination of our consistent choices to not be busy.... but there is peace in our home and in our hearts as we prepare ourselves for Christmas. And for that, I am thankful.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, ........ and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Makeover!

2007-12-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to Danielle (www.blogsbydanielle.blogspot.com) for our terrific new look! I love that our blog looks like "us" now! No more generic templates!

One blog down - one to go. Marett-Brooke's blog is next!

Elfed!

2007-12-07T09:32:00.000-05:00

When the brothers in my family get together, things get a little crazy.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1209151339

*No alcohol was consumed in the production of this jingle. Apparently, you CAN have this much fun without the Captain!

Thankful Weekend

2007-11-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Making butter - Dana won the 1st piece of pie! Paisley literally licking her lips as Daddy carves the bird

Thanksgiving Feast

Falcons game

Nerf Wars

What a terrific Thanksgiving weekend! Kit and Adam were here for the long weekend, and Kit and I enjoyed making our traditional Thanksgiving dinner…. not quite how Mom does it… but pretty darn close. We joke about a jello mishap at Thanksgiving three years ago when we lived in Denver. Kai and Sarah were in town and somehow, in trying to transfer the Cherry Cinnamon Jello from the mold to the plate, it wound up all over the countertop, the floor – it even stained the white dog. Kai’s immediate response was, “Ohhhhhh – that’s not how Mom does it………” – and ever since, the phrase has kind of stuck. The important thing is that we had a blast together and managed to get most of the cooking done “the way Mom does it”. Mmmmm.

The boys went to the Falcons/ Colts game on Thanksgiving night – and Rob really enjoyed his first NFL game. Not being from Atlanta, he has no real loyalty to the Falcons, so the expected loss wasn’t a disappointment to him. The highlight for him was seeing Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy in person! Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the big foam finger. (Wish I had a picture to show you.)

Friday night, we went to the Casting Crowns concert, and were blessed to see John Waller, our worship pastor in Denver who was originally from Georgia, open for Casting Crowns. John and his family have also moved back to Atlanta – but this was the first chance we’ve had to see them. We both say we live in Atlanta – but it’s so big that we’re about 60 miles away from them. (Wish I had pictures from the evening, but I didn’t want to haul my big camera along. Going to ask Santa for a little “point and shoot” camera for quick jobs like this.)

The rest of the weekend, we stayed up late playing games, slept in, hung out in our pajamas, and ate leftovers and turkey soup. Kit and the kids got some mean Nerf wars in and Adam impressed us all with his disco rhythm in mastering “Bunnies Like to Dance” from the Wii game, Raving Rayman Rabids. Overall, wonderful memories were made. Good food, good fun and good company will do that. It was a Thankful Weekend.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2007-11-18T19:15:00.001-05:00

Voulez-vous Francais?

2007-11-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

It's France week in our Geography studies! Today we ditched our paper and pencil work and headed out for some hands-on learning.... and tasting! We started with breakfast at La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe .... Kayley had Crepes Romanoff and Rob ordered the French Country Breakfast. They both enjoyed French fare, and proved it by neatly finishing almost everything!

After breakfast, we headed downtown to The Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum. We took in a play titled "Degas' Little Dancer" and learned a little about Edgar Degas. Afterward, we enjoyed meandering through the Impressionist collection and two floors of artifacts on loan from the Louvre Museum in Paris. Of course, we were not allowed to photograph anything inside the museum, but we did get a shot of a larger-than-life still-life sculpture outdoors.

It was a fun day to immerse ourselves in French culture - even if just for a few hours - and we all agreed we'd like to visit Paris for real someday. Mais, rendre a l'ecole demain. (But, back to school tomorrow - although I'm sure I conjugated something incorrectly.........)

My "Chinese" Niece

2007-11-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Meet my "Chinese" niece, Mira. Many of you know that my brother, his wife and their 9-month-old daughter, Mira, just moved to China. They will be living in Shanghai for two years while Kai establishes an Asian operations office for Worrell Inc. - the industrial design company my dad started 35 years ago.

This photo of my sister, Kasey, holding Mira was taken at Worrell Inc.'s Asia party, shortly before they moved. Don't you just love Mira's traditional Chinese dress?? It kills me!

We are managing to stay pretty well connected to Kai, Sarah and Mira - thanks to Skype. We get to see Mira a few times a week on the video cam, but nothing replaces hugging and holding her. Fortunately, we will see them at Christmas time in Minnesota.

13,839th Place Never Sounded So Good!

2007-11-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

We're home from a terrific weekend in New York - where Dana ran the 2007 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday. 39,000 runners, 5 bridges, 5 boroughs and 2 million spectators made the race one to be remembered! Finishing in 4:07:01, his time was not quite what he'd hoped for, but he was running with a leg injury that slowed him a bit.

Great weather, food, entertainment and company made for a terrific weekend - but of course, the highlight was watching my man cross the finish line in Central Park!! I'm so proud of him. Despite the pain he's in right now, he's already thinking about running again next year.

Enjoy the slideshow below! (Move your cursor over the photos for captions.)

ING New York City Marathon

2007-11-06T13:07:00.001-05:00