What a Find!

Yesterday was a great day for many reasons. I’ve time time with my two youngest daughters…exercising, shopping, playing games, etc. We tried to help Tom with the pool but are not strong enough, which should make Tom feel good.

Tom said, “Just push it in and give a small twist.”

I failed, so muscular Ellen gave it a shot…

…using ALL of her muscles.

So we left that job for Tom and went shopping. While getting groceries we popped into a little second hand store and found a couple of beauties.

Machine pieced, but hand appliqued.

…and a brother to go with it.

Completely hand pieced.

The first two will easily fit a full sized bed so I’ll probably add a border when I quilt them to make them fit a queen sized bed. The green one will fit a twin bed. I paid $4 each for them. AHH!! Best. Bargain. Of. My. Life!

Phase 9 of Motherhood

Actually, I just made up that number. I’ve heard numerous people say things like “on to the next phase (or chapter) of your life.” So as I sit here in Lydia’s kitchen (taking a break from packing because, quite frankly, I have no idea what she needs to survive for the next two weeks. I mean, I know what I would keep but she is not me…she’ll be happy to know that.) while she is in the next room making plans for HER next phase with the love of her life.

Lydia – deciding which dishes to pack.

“Phase 9″ is actually a very odd place for me to be. I’ve never been here before. I’m not quite sure what to do or what to say. Sometimes I feel like I say just the right thing and the next thing I know I’ve swallowed both of my feet. But, because I care more about my relationship with my family than about winning the discussions (though Tom or my baby brother or sister may argue with this statement), I am willing to get the shovel and dig my feet out.

Gracie (2) – Wasn’t this just yesterday? And yet she just graduated from college!

The thing that I really appreciate about these relationships with my family is that we have a history of love and trust. So, while we might not always like what the other one is saying, we’re able to somehow muddle our way back to a place of, well, love and trust.

Ellen (2) – deciding if she wants to jump into the cold Lake Rosseau.

Nathan (2) – One of my favorite gardeners. (Sorry, I couldn’t figure out how to turn this picture. Just tilt your computer to the right, or your head to the left, and you can see it just fine.)

And from there I can actually enjoy watching my kids go through THEIR next phases. We remember the romance and the plans…don’t we Tom. We still have a few plans of our own.

My Name is Rhonda – I am a Ding Dong (Part III)

I sometimes write things that are moving, or sweet, or heartfelt…but those don’t get your attention. It’s when I (or my “adoring” children) write about my failures or my “ding dongness” that your ears perk up. Here’s proof:

Not only did this post get 91 (ninety-one) likes, it also had 34 (thirty-four) comments from all over the U.S., Canada, Egypt, Malaysia (well, she’s studying in New York but it sounded good). I’ve never had ANYTHING get that much attention…even when it’s about God!!

I rest my case. (And I’m not even letting Nathan add HIS 2 cents this time.)

Surprise for Nathan

Tom and Nathan went to Canada for a few days during spring break. I decided to surprise Nathan by redoing his room while they were away. I was so happy with how the room turned out that I thought I’d share it with you.

Big sister, Grace, stenciled the "M" for him.

Quilt from Granny

You can't see them from this picture but on his cork board to the left of the door are all of the skins that his snake has shed. That was the most disgusting part of this project.

Finished!

When You Are Discouraged…

Photo by that famous photographer Ken White.

I’ve been following a blogger, for the past couple months that I enjoy because she causes me to stop and think. Here is a quote from one of Rachael Held Evans blogs that I found particularly helpful:

“Most of the time, when I am discouraged about the state of Christianity, it’s because I have forgotten the end of the story. [...] Living as those who know the end of the story means living with a degree of righteous anger, yes, but also living with unexplainable hope, optimism, and love. So when I get discouraged, I read the Beatitudes—and instead of fretting about the lack of these qualities in others, I focus on the lack of these qualities within me. I am responsible only for following Jesus in my life, whether that brings popularity or obscurity. And I can do this with joy and with peace because I know how the story ends.”

Thankful for The River

• Warm
• Secure
• Welcoming
• Friendly

These are words that come to mind when I think about the place I have been spending my Friday afternoons for the last couple of years. You can read about The River by clicking here. I want to focus on a couple things that stood out today. The River is known for its warmth:

1. Physically – One woman walked in from the cold today and excitedly said, “I KNEW it would be warm in here.” (My Michigan family will not think that 48 is cold.)
2. Emotionally – One woman was sad today remembering her daughter who would have been celebrating her 36th birthday (if she were alive). We sang happy birthday. I don’t cry easily, but I was doing all I could to hold on through the whole song.

I hope you have a place to go that is warm – in both senses of the word. If you do, I hope you will make a place like that for someone else.

PACK Swim Meet

Thank you for allowing this mother to brag a bit about her favorite son (okay, he’s her only son).

Nathan made it to finals this weekend in two events of Saturday’s competition. As you watch his races, notice the yelling in the background…you can probably hear Ellen (and a bunch of her friends who attended) screaming for her favorite brother. Here are his two races from finals (I apologize for the advertisements before each race – one was a bit “racey”):

• 100 Breast Stroke, Lane 4, first heat – Nathan cut 2 seconds off his best time during this race (One of his close friends won this event overall in the second heat of this same link)
• 200 Butterfly, Lane 5, first heat – Nathan cut 1 second off his best time during this race

We are so thankful that PACK recorded these races via LiveStream for us to be able to share these events with family and friends who were not able to attend. We are also thankful for great coaching…thank you, Coach Chris!

My Name is Rhonda. I AM a Ding Dong. (Part II)

Here we are, the dynamic writing duo, to bring you another episode in the “Ding Dong” series. (I have agreed to help my mom with this blog because, obviously, i make everything better.)

If I had a picture of myself crying, I would definitely submit it with this blog.

As "eye" see it...

Biology has been my biggest challenge, so far, in my return to college full time – after 34 years. Heading into my final exam, I was hoping for another “B” in part two of Biology. (Right, she takes her mid-term exam and nails it – and i am annoyed with her. High and mighty mom gets all  A’s, but her mind only goes so far.) My calendar was all up-to-date and I had two exams to finish…one on Tuesday and Biology on Wednesday. Monday afternoon, after studying for both exams, I logged on to Facebook to stalk my children when I saw a post on my wall by my friend, Mary: “Rhonda, is everything okay? We missed you in Biology this morning.” WHAT???!!! (Probably her memory loss acting up again)

My children often accuse me of  “freaking out,” when I am actually quite calm. (She is actually never calm about school. She usually starts to have a panic attack within…2 minutes.) I can definitely say at this point that I was indeed freaking out. (She was actually going psycho on us.)

I had simply written down the wrong date in my calendar…plain and simple. (Once again, memory loss) And for some reason, I hadn’t heard anything up to this point to make me question the date I had written down.

This particular story does have a happy ending: My professor allowed me to come in and take the final in his office and I ended up with an “A” in part two of Biology. Though I think the “freak out” I experienced BEFORE I got to the happy ending cost me a couple years of my life. (haha -  couple of years…the way she was acting, it probably cost her 20 years)

To see our previous blog together, click here.

Another Fun Year – Memories of 2011

“Time flies when you’re having fun.” Maybe we should think about not having so much fun so it will slow down a bit. Can you believe it’s already the end of 2011? It took us a few tries, but we finally got a decent photo. (Thank you, photographer Philip)

Merry Christmas 2011

Highlights:

• Tom completed another semester of studies toward his Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. He also learned all the hoops one must jump through in order to complete Certification. He divides his time between The Journey and Pastoral Counseling.

Tom finished re-staining the house this year. Rhonda couldn't watch the last wall.

• Rhonda completed another year of college courses toward her degree in Social Work and transfers to a four-year university (ETSU) in January – six classes and an internship to go for her BSW.

All of our weirdness, now focused on one child.

• Lydia is one semester away from graduating with her Masters in Counseling and began an internship at a play therapy clinic in Cleveland, TN.

Lydia met this South Carolina guy, Philip, in Honduras. They seem to be spending a LOT of time together.

• Grace has completed all of her coursework for Elementary Education and begins student teaching January 2nd. She and Brandon graduate in May, 2012.

Tom's cousin Mikey (bottom right) and her friend Maggie (left) visited us for the first time. Had a great visit. Grace and Brandon (who also spend a lot of time together) are standing behind them.

• Ellen completed another year in her studies, amidst her very busy social life with the Volunteers for Christ. Ellen worked on crew at Cedar Campus for the first time – and plans to return this summer.

Ellen began her Christmas break by taking a trip to Washington D.C. with seven friends from Volunteers for Christ. BONUS - dinner with cousin Austin and Lauren.

• Nathan successfully completed his first year of high school AND has not only outgrown all of his sisters, but has also beaten all of their swim times…which he is happy to point out at every opportunity.

My sister and her son vacationed with us in Canada for the first time in ten years.

2011 has been our year of “trusting when we cannot see.” God is faithful to meet all of our needs and every day we are amazed at just how He meets us right where we need Him most.

We pray that you and your family are met by God’s faithfulness and are reminded that He is not only the one who provides all you need, but He IS all you need.

Ode to My Favorite Mother on her Birthday

Mom having a little fun...at Tom's expense. He had no idea.

I feel it’s important to start this sacred blog out with the TRUE Mrt. Yes, “Mrt.” Her name is really “Merla,” but I think she got tired of writing five letters, so she shortened it. Plus, how many people can say they have no vowels in their name. This photo is here just so my Tennessee friends understand why I am the way I am.

Let me make an account of some of her many attributes:

• Wife for over 50 years…TO THE SAME GUY
• Mom to three kids…the oldest being her favorite, I’m sure
• Gifted with hospitality (and if they couldn’t get to our house, she brought them food)
• People lover…someone always in our home
• Devoted to Jesus…she and my dad still host a bi-weekly Bible study
• Master craft-woman…seriously! She can knit, crochet, or quilt ANYTHING

Lydia, as the oldest grandchild, received the first quilt. I can't remember the year mom made this for her.

Grace's quilt - a gift for graduation. Notice that Granny made sure to match Grace's WILD room color.

This is Ellen's quilt from "Granny." It has little dolls all over it and my sister made Ellen a rug with a matching doll. In the far corner is a cupboard that "Papa" made for Ellen. It used to house little dishes but now is a home to photos and other treasures.

Nathan's quilt - Christmas gift 2009 (It was a Christmas we couldn't go to Michigan. When Nathan pulled it out of the box and the kids were helping him unfold it, Lydia said, "It smells like granny's house" and promptly started crying)

One October, mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas. JOKINGLY I said, well you’ve never made me a crocheted table cloth. I would love that. . . NEXT Christmas. She had it finished that same year!

Last Christmas, she found a scarf pattern in late October that she liked and decided she was going to make them for all the females (EIGHT of us) in the family…and finished them before Christmas!

So, mom, thank you for ALL that you’ve taught us…from caring for people to creating for people. We love you and are so thankful that God chose you to be our mom.

Happy Birthday!

Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary