California Christmas Celebration 2015

After a fun few days with the Tegelaars in December, we boarded a Delta flight on Christmas Day! So fun to have Evy Rose meet us at the San Jose airport with her sign, "Welcome Boppa & Lita"!! Lita had talk time with Ev all the way home to Santa Cruz--she loves one on one time! We sang Twinkle Twinkle as we watched the stars, and she talked up a storm! While Hendrens were in Granite Bay, we spent a few days with Ben & Jenny--a joy to meet Abbott Kyle, getting him to sleep, calming him down. Best times: Evy requesting me to play in her "cubbie", reading to E or M at bedtime - singing bedtime songs & praying with them; Maelie crawling in bed with me one morning & looking at my phone photos; finally realizing I could snuggle with Walker & sing him lullabies after Mel nursed--so precious; going to the movies with Mel & Jenny; a wonderful get-a-way to Monterey with the girls--they were sooo good: playing in the hot tub, eating dinner at the grill, watching Nemo, going to the aquarium; LOVE LOVE when we get time by ourselves with them. Bill thoroughly enjoyed the backsplash tiling in the kitchen and getting started on the back room ceiling-he was really on guard about going into the garage, full of dust & mold-mildew. YAY! He is learning!! Funny Maelie comment--pointing to all my moles, "what this?" I respond, "beauty marks". She points to one on my chest and says, "that's an old one"!! Fun day in the forest, hiking; fun eating out on the patio at the burger place; fun walks to the parks -especially when M refuses to keep going, HA!; Days of relaxation, watching movies & sports & having dinner together. Family -- I miss them.

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grisson

Finished this book on our long flight home from California. The author wrote this from 2 different perspectives, from a slave girl who worked in the Kitchen House, behind the Manor Home; and from an "adopted" Irish immigrant girl. Those 1800's days in the south are not places I love to re-visit; however this story was gripping--Lavinia, the Irish girl, is adopted into the Kitchen House family of Papa, Momma Mae and Belle. They love her, and care for her as she mourns the loss of her family; but she is then promoted into grander plans and welcomed into a different society. Confusion, secrecy, loss --Lavinia doesn't know who she is or who really loves her. The Plantation Life --of hardship, of unkindness, of evil deeds towards the slaves, of whites turning their backs on the truth -- is a sad commentary on America; but so thankful that Grisson brings in a few characters that shine: Will, the new foreman; Mama Mae, giving the ultimate sacrifice; and Uncle, an old man continually caring for all those around him--black or white.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Another great story of redemption -- a broken young girl from the foster care system who lives with the memory of her greatest mistake, who cannot accept love from others, who feels she needs to be self-sufficient, who does not trust anyone, who doesn't know how to connect or communicate with others---uses her one learned skill, the meanings of different flowers, to make her way in the world. I loved that a few wonderful people along the way loved & accepted Victoria, without asking for her to change. Are there people that God places in my life, that I am called to love unconditionally, with all of their warts and issues---but I miss the call because they are prickly and broken, and I discard them for someone else to care for? Give me eyes to see, Lord.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Extraordinary Read. A man with "demons" from his war years, seeking to live a secluded life as a lighthouse keeper meets a joyful, energetic young lady --they fall in love; and both head to his commission -- an isolated island off the coast of Australia where they start their life together, only seeing other people every three months when the supplies are delivered. Truth is the underlying theme-- "what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive". The first step into deceit is the downfall of their lives-- Tom trying to please Isobel's greatest desire, the ensuing "finding out", the pain associated with the poor choice, the reconciliation and forgiveness required to move ahead. It causes me to ponder about what choices I would make for my deepest desires, or for someone I love. A thoughtful novel.

A Disney Adventure

The long anticipated trip to FL was wonderful! Bill & I landed in Orlando on a Thursday evening and spent the evening pigging out at Red Lobster, and resting in the hot tub--trying to shed the unrelenting colds and coughs that plagued us from the previous two weeks. The Tegelaar Fam joined us on Friday afternoon, having made the 9 hour trek in their trusty Family Vanmobile. What fun to spend time playing with the kids -- in the resort pool, on the water slides. Boppa had a ball, chasing after Zeal and Trux in the water, sliding down the baby pool and teaching them to do cannonballs. Sunday was our first full day of parks- a well planned out adventure from organized Mikkel. Only downside was the LONG 70 minute wait for "Soarin" which was a great ride when we finally got there! Boppa spent time playing with flexible, fun Trux since he was too short. The other highlight that day for Lita was the Princess Party at Akershus Hall. Zeal & Azi dressed up in pretty dresses and we met 5 princesses (Cinderella/Snow White/ Belle/Aurora/ Ariel). Zeal's little face lit up as each one stopped by our table to speak to the girls. Although Z did not like the fast roller coaster rides & dark places, we found many spots that she loved. Meeting Mickey, Donald and Goofy were extremely fun for her, as were the calmer rides like It's a Small World and the Seven Dwarfs ride. Azi & Jet were up for fast and furious and loved Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain and any other mountain!! The Tegelaars spent extra time at Epcot where Jet really loved the different cultures depicted. Azi, Mikkel & I stayed late to do a few fun Azi "picks"-- President's Hall, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, and some shopping! The kids are growing up - Azi, especially. Although 4 days was a bit exhausting for old Boppa & Lita; the laughter, delight and extra time with each one was a precious gift! It made me smile to see Mikkel interacting with strangers, engaging in conversations -- a chip off the old daddy's block!! Teg remains unflappable in stressful situations, and carries on as a true "servant husband" chipping in to complete Mik's well laid out plans. Fun, fast, fantastic, frustrating, frolicKy, frivolous, flamboyant --UNFORGETTABLE.

Lydia's Party by Margaret Haskins

“Sumptuous . . . a repast that’s alternately uncomfortable and soothing, weepy and jubilant, evocative and realistic. Party host and art teacher Lydia is having her annual dinner for her women friends. . . . In a quirky, impossibly magical and sweetly charming twist, Lydia helps guide them all to forgiveness.” —Publishers Weekly A great review on this book; Lydia wants to believe in her friends and in the past comaraderies they have shared, each with their own struggles and idiosyncrasies. Each friend coming to her home on this blustery Chicago evening has thoughts to share about the others in the hours leading up to the party; but Lydia's courageous announcement changes everything. They walk forward together in a compassionate and accepting manner. This is real life, and it so reminded me of my sister, Amy, and how she was about building bridges with her friends: a final act of grace and mercy before her death.

Found by Micha Boyett

In the midst of a busy, a bit overwhelming summer - I ordered this book, after reading an article by Micha on Ann Voscamp's website. I fell in love with her heart, opening her feelings and failures to her readers. The book is a story of her search for a vibrant living faith, without the "shoulds and oughts" that were a part of her Southern Baptist background. In marrying a Lutheran believer, her mind was opened to a deeper faith that gave her a love for weekly communion, and the richness of liturgy. She also was searching for her "old" prayer life when she had more time to minister and lead young people. Now with a new baby who demanded her time and strength, she finds that her prayers are found in the everyday moments of her life. As I have been learning more about the old spiritual disciplines of the Roman Catholic Church (lechtio divina/prayer labyrinths/ prayers of imagination); I was struck with how my journey has mirrored hers. Here we are in a church that celebrates the Lord's Supper on a weekly basis, and where a prayer workshop introduces liturgy--yet always hanging on to the grace filled salvation of Jesus and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit at our weekly gatherings. I find that I am wanting more of Jesus, more of praying His Word over my family, and a deeper searching of how that will play out in my next phase of life.

June Ramblings

A bit exhausted, my mind is rambling over the past several weeks: my mom's mild stroke with hospital and rehab stays, then home for 24 hour care; my dad's emotional and physical need for her while home alone, thus causing his own hospital and rehab stay. I am wondering why it takes so long for children to fully appreciate and understand their parents. As a younger and "wiser" thirty-something, I could appreciate their support and visits --but laugh at their idiosyncrasies with a shake of my head. This past year has held more visits, more care-giving, and more insight into who they really were and are. My mom is delighted that I would take an interest in her younger years--and I? I am so surprised at who she really was: adventurously joining the Navy, perfectionistic in her way of washing, canning, choosing clothes, crocheting, and working so hard to "remember to do it right". Our Talons Out Flight to Washington in April truly opened my eyes to "see" from my mother's perspective and feel - oh so proud of them. Now, as my siblings and I (minus two) proceed to determine end of life care for my dad -- I am sad and nostalgic for all they have gone through in their 92 years, and in their almost 69 years of marriage together. How do we choose a care facility? How do we separate them, knowing my dad will quickly decline? What should he take? Are meds truly necessary for him now when he is not interested in living this way? What is best for each of them? Is God loving him as Zephaniah 3:17 says-- taking great delight in him, quieting him with his love, rejoicing over him with singing? If that is true, why am I so sad? It is the journey of life, to love and engage with people -- and then to watch the kids and grandkids take your place, as you prepare to be with Jesus. Help us to walk well with him in these last months.

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

I was excited to read this book because of all of the hype, but it left me "flat". A rather intricate rambling storyline about the Whitshank family, both the patriarchs Junior and Linnie, and the parents, Red and Abbey--and their kids. The story felt dis-jointed. I am guessing that the author's intent was to introduce characters and the history of the family, then let the reader pull all the pieces together -- which I could not. After the death of one of the main characters, I failed to see the "spool of blue thread" weaving throughout. The ending was bizarre--with a concluding scene on Denny rather than Red.

The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery

Book Club chose a "fluffy" story this month, easy read. The story chronicled 3 women in very different stages of life who each were faced with challenges to overcome-- its themes were friendships, relationships and loyalty. My criticisms were in the actual writing --or possibly lack of editing. Many typos and missed words, and right from the opening chapters -- some repeated thoughts/conversations that had already been written. The worst was when the 2 friends went to visit the third when she was in her grief stages; the author had already had them visit prior to this; but this time she wrote as if they had never been there. Wierd. Possibly the publishing firm, MIRO, which I had never heard of.