Update on the Boys

Things are going quite well around here! Owen likes to cuddle when he's "invited" to do so. We had a little cuddle session last night, and then this afternoon too. I'm pretty sure he's a Grandma's boy. And, he didn't even fuss about going to bed last night...that might have been because he was so very ready to rest from the activities of the day! The boys even took a short nap just prior to bedtime last night. Yes, I did say short! Tucker helped me take down the tree before Owen came the other day. Such good help I had! I am wondering how much Owen will like the neighbors celebration of the New Year??? I think I am going to do well with this Grandma thing! Aren't they the cutest???

Owen's First Sleepover @ Grandma's

Oh, yes, Owen has come for a visit! Owen spent the first couple of days while his parents are gone with his Uncle Chris, but last night, Chris delivered him to us. He arrived in his crate, in the back of a truck...didn't like the trip too much, and was pretty petrified when he got here. So, while trying to get his cage opened, and leash on, we broke his collar. Thirty pound wild dog in the street, small neighbor girl finally gains control. Collar repaired. WILD dog chase through Grandma's house as the cousins re-unite. Owen needs to eat...too busy visiting, so we take his dinner to the porch. Owen doesn't want to eat, wants to play with cousin Tucker on the OTHER side of the door and body slams the glass door. Luckily, no harm done, to the door or the dog. He eats. NOW we can get down to the playing stuff! Just when the real fun starts...Grandma and Grandpa decide to start a new rule and keep Owen off the furniture. Owen is really not sure about this visit, poor thing! But, I will say, Owen is one SMART dog and learns quickly and wants very much to please! So, everyone has a pretty good evening, and then it's bed time. Oh geez. Owen has to go in his cage and sleep alone. That wasn't really the way he wanted it, and he complained a bit, but he did very well till the sun came up. Grandma gets up with him and tries to rest on the couch with him on the floor beside the couch. At some point I woke to the thirty pound dog snoring on top of me. Well, he WAS on me and not the furniture. Good dog! He's already learned Grandma is not a morning person and can be easily taken advantage of before 9AM. Well, we just returned from running a few errands and came home to find the bottom of his cage in two pieces. Guess he didn't like being left very much and maybe did a few jumping jacks to entertain himself. Now, we just have to figure out what to do with him when we go to dinner tonight! He is absolutely the cutest thing ever-gets his lips hung on his teeth sometimes and smiles real cute at ya! For now, they have been playing real nice and things have been calm for at least three minutes! We've almost made it 24 hours! Just three more days of bonding time to go! I think this is a very good time to show you just how precious he was at Christmas! Santa found him, for sure!

Joshua's Birthday 2008

Today was Joshua's birthday. Joshua and Jen came over for dinner tonight, we had steak, and I even made a chocolate chip pie. However, as usual, we are pretty much over all the sweets and no one was terribly interested in pie. After dinner they left to meet up with friends. Tomorrow they leave and spend a few days in Michigan with Jen's family. Carissa got Guitar Hero for Christmas, and finally had a break in her schedule this evening to get it set up and practice a bit. Steve came over to help and, of course, dad got a turn too. Tucker paid very close attention!Kaylee has been staying busy babysitting over Christmas break.

Random Thoughts

I know, it's been awhile! I've had many computer issues, among other things! There's really nothing big to report on here, so this will just be random! We ended another season of "The Biggest Loser" with our favorite taking home the prize. I'm not a big TV person, but I get excited about this show. I like it because it actually means something...like a person's life is changed for the better. Somehow, watching people eat nasty things on an island doesn't do a thing for me. I really started watching this when mom was in the hospital and we would watch it together. This time of year brings back all those memories, it's now been three years. And, this is my first Christmas without Spike. He made Christmas SO fun because he loved every part of it so much! I am really dreading stockings...he loved his stocking more than any of the kids ever did! It won't be the same. Oh, I was pretty excited the other day when my friend had the opportunity to tell her four year old daughter that she was a princess! I wish I had fully understood that when MY girls were four and had been able to start pouring it in, building a foundation. Kaylee is spending the day with me today. We are going to get our nails done and shop a little. Around here the world stops for the City of Palms Tournament, so my family has been going to that every afternoon and evening. We are about ready for Christmas. I think everything is wrapped and ready! Joshua and Jen will spend the day with us tomorrow. We'll have our traditional Chicken Salad at lunch (on Christmas china, of course), go to church at 4, to our friends, the Propps, and then home for gifts. Christmas Day I'm doing a ham and we are planning to go see a Christmas movie. Friday we are meeting up with Cary's family, and Saturday Joshua will have a birthday and we'll all be together for dinner. Then we have just a couple of days, with no particular plans, before Cary and Carissa leave for Guatemala. They will be building two houses in the village destroyed by the mud slides, where we have worked before. I'm still thinking about writing a Christmas letter. Notice I said THINKING. I may do our first one by email! I've gotten a couple this year, so I think it's ok to do now! Well, have a Merry Christmas!

I'm a Princess/Saint

Cary has been teaching on Wednesday nights about who we are in Christ, and that when we belong to Him, we are saints. First, I'll say that Cary uses the word "saint", but my word for it has been "princess". I suppose the reason for that could be the fact that he is not a princess! It has made me think that THIS is my passion, and I should probably document it in more detail than I have before. If I could, this is the one thing that I would love to be able to open up your head and pour inside. I want you to HAVE this! Understanding this has changed my attitude toward life! When I was in my early twenties, one of the pastors I worked for told me that I needed to read Psalms 139 everyday until I could believe what it said. I committed to doing just that, and I would love to know now how long I did it. It was a long while, that much I know. I have always said that when I retire, my first project is to cross stitch every word of Psalms 139. Somewhere in the process, I really did come to the point of believing that I was worthy of being loved, simply because I am His, and He created me for His glory and to make Him famous. I have purpose simply because I am His. I am a child of the King, thus I am a PRINCESS! That is a great place to start, but life happens, and I had 20+ years of the world's junk invested in me. That would take some time and healing. God used different people and books to bring that healing and so much of the process came through the ministry of Beth Moore. God has SO used her in my life to teach me who I really am. After many Bible Studies and miles together, Beth wrote a children's book called My Child, My Princess and it is one of my favorites. I love to give it as a gift. I also love a small devotional book called His Princess, by Sheri Rose Shepherd. Those are just some tools that remind me of whose I am. I was saved when I was 7, but freedom didn't come until MUCH later. I think there are many people that are saved, but maybe even never find freedom. It's two different things! Proverbs 28:13 talks about being set free from my shame. It's that freedom that changes the way I live each day. Everything else seems trivial when I am living for an audience of One. Just a child of the King! I am God's masterpiece, I am not an accident, I have value, I am unique, I have been bought with a price, and I am a beautiful princess! Cary told a story one night about an eagle that acted like a chicken because it had been raised with chickens and knew no different. That's what it's like until you find true freedom...an eagle trapped in the body of a chicken! The quality of life is so much richer when you live like you were created to! Kind of like being remodeled! When we really understand and believe how much He loves us, we are changed! It takes time and allowing Him to work in us. More than anything I know, I want you to believe you are a princess! I've mentioned this before, but this one thing is why the songs Shackles and Great is Thy Faithfulness mean so much to me. Freedom came through His faithfulness!

Moving on to Christmas!!!

On Friday, Cary and I spend a good portion of the day with a couple that was in town for the weekend. They came over for breakfast and left at about 2:30! We had a great time just visiting and catching up. Of course, we DID hit the stores then! We shopped a little, but not much, and then had dinner at P.F. Changs. On Saturday I cleaned and put away the fall decorations, then started right in with Christmas! Kaylee wanted to be in charge of the Christmas tree this year, and I was all too happy to let her! In fact, we were at the tree place when this all came up and I told her if she'd do it all I'd jump up and down. I was serious. I did it. I think it turned out wonderfully! After she did the tree, I got to put out my nativity direct from the Holy Land! It is real olive wood, made in Bethlehem, and it came with a camel. I had to beg for that part, but I won! On Sunday night we had our first Christmas party here, and yesterday I gave myself the day off! I LOVE to read a Christmas story at this time of year. In the past, I've read the whole Karen Kingsbury series, and the whole Donna Van Liere series. I had to go out on a limb this year with an unknown author, but oh, I was NOT disappointed! I just finished reading "The Paper Bag Christmas" by Kevin Alan Milne. I would say you should probably rush right out and get it, put your feet up and enjoy! I always say that, I've been pleased every time, can't go wrong with any of the ones I mentioned! Whatever you do, take the time to enjoy this season!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great day at home, our family and Mel and Nic from North Carolina. Of course there was plenty to eat, and we'll enjoy leftovers for a while. I got to open my birthday gifts this afternoon, and now I can tell you about one of those pictures that was a surprise! It's of a lady, holding a bottle to catch her tears in. Under the picture is the verse about God catching all of our tears in a bottle. I have always loved that verse, and the picture was beautiful. On my birthday, Michelle took me to lunch. We had a short visit squeezed in because they were getting ready to leave for Thanksgiving. She gave me a crystal dolphin! Loved that! Cary took me to dinner and I had tons of calls and birthday wishes on Facebook. Kathy took me to lunch yesterday and gave me a special little gift too. Last weekend we were with Cary's family, celebrating mom's 80th birthday. It was a surprise party and we had a great time with family. Tucker got a hair cut this week, so he's been a little cold and needed some covers! It's been a good week!

Cruise Details

We went to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and the Princess private island. These were all the ports we were supposed to go to, but just in a different order than originally planned! We had a great day on Cozumel. We took a taxi to a beach, and it was quite private. It was a beautiful place, and we really never figured out why we were almost alone! Grand Cayman was gorgeous, but the beach was VERY crowded and the chairs were REALLY hard plastic! Jamaica was nice, a small beach with some entertainment. I'm not sure WHAT this lady was doing, but I got a laugh out of her. Let me tell you, when she danced to the music, that back side did some moves! They also had an area all ready if you wanted a massage. We always enjoy the private islands, but we did "run" back to the boat fearing a storm that ended up not coming our way. We just spent the rest of the day on the boat, at the pool. From the island we were able to get a good picture of our boat, the Ruby Princess. This was the inaugural cruise and we made it with no problems! One of my favorite things about Princess is the dessert called the "Love Boat"...I'm telling you, it's worth the trip! I had seven of them...one each night! And, I will say, with NO regrets! We went right from getting off the boat to Robby's wedding. It was so sweet. Robby and Cary have been close over the years, and we were big buddies when they first came to McGregor. My favorite memory was when Robby was in middle school and the movie "Twister" came out. He couldn't believe I had not seen it yet and he said "Ms. Vicki, I'm gonna have to take you on a DATE!"

Cruise Events

We made it! Just as we thought, they re-arranged our ports and we never knew there was a storm out there. We had perfect weather the whole time, very pretty. We love cruising because we feel like we are out of the fishbowl for a few days, but God seems to always have some friends for us to meet. The first night we had a Romanian for our waiter, Gabriel. That always gets me all wound up and makes me feel connected to my second home. Then, there was the morning we ate in the dining room, and we had this cute little guy from the Philippines for our waiter. He had way too much spunk (for one who is not a morning person) and he was singing his way all around us. Since it WAS in the morning, and I WAS in a bit of a daze, it took a while, but Cary and I realized about the same time that he was singing a Christian song. Cary asked where he had learned that from. Without a bit of hesitation and with all the boldness and spunk he was capable of, he said "I AM A CHRISTIAN." He stood so straight and proud, so unashamed. He told us he had accepted Christ while he was in high school, and that he has met a lot of Christians while working on the ships. Near the end of the week we sat close to a couple at dinner, close enough to talk a bit. It ended up that he was a minister in Montana and they were celebrating their 25th anniversary as well. Of course we had plenty in common and ended up spending some time with them before the end of the cruise and exchanging information. Cary's favorite "moment" was when we were in line with a couple and Cary asked where he was from. He was a heart surgeon (didn't look old enough to be such!) and was from Guatemala. He is in charge of the volunteer fire department. We ended up comparing all our Guatemala stories and experiences. Before we parted he volunteered his info and offered to help us out any way he could whenever we are down there. Reading between the lines, we are pretty sure he must be from a prominent family with influence. Those are always good people to have phone numbers for when you're down there! My favorite moment was at dinner one night, when we were sitting next to an older couple. Much older. Very old. Cary and I were talking about what we had been reading that day and basically saying how very blessed we are, how very wealthy we are-compared to SO many in the world. Wealth being defined monetarily, but not exclusively. We have seen enough of the world to know we are the exception in many ways, but we also know because of Jesus we would feel wealthy no matter where we lived. We are BLESSED, and we are well aware of it! Well, our conversation was stopped cold when a man walked up to the older couple and thanked the man for serving our country and providing the freedoms we enjoy. It was Veteran's Day. Obviously they had met somewhere along the way and this gentleman had gotten up from his table and made the effort to walk over to thank this dear old man. Tears in my soup! I was stopped cold! Cary and both had to take a deep breath. Our country and freedom was a blessing we hadn't mentioned, but the foundation of what we had been talking about, and certainly one we should have been adding to our list on such an appropriate day. All these things were really neat things that God had planned for us, divine appointments. I will save some of the details and pictures for another day, but we had a great time and met some really precious people!

Hurricane Paloma????

Yes, our bags are packed and we are headed to the Western Caribbean...right where Hurricane Paloma is headed! We aren't worried or even concerned, we've done this enough to know they will have it all under control! They will probably change our route or the order of our ports...or even just park at sea! We don't really care, we'll be happy no matter how it ends up! Last night Joshua and Jen had us over for dinner. Joshua fixed steak sandwiches on the grill, and Jen made wonderful mac and cheese and asparagus! We had a nice visit with them and with Owen, of course! I think I better add in a Tucker picture too...can't be partial! We'll be back in a week!

Nothing Imparticular...

I started to write yesterday about the blue jays and cardinals at the feeder, but my picture didn't turn out so well, and you've heard that before! I'm SO glad the birds visit and keep Tuc on his toes! He seems to know when it is OK for the visitor to be in the feeder, or not...like the squirrels. He takes his job seriously. We had a nice, but busy weekend. Of course with Friday being Halloween, the church was busy getting ready for our Fall Fest. Cary and I voted, and did so pretty quickly. Fall Fest was very nice, and TONS of people! I spent some of my time in the bookstore, trying to make wise decisions on the sale items, since the bookstore is closing. Cary and I decided on three pictures for the house, but I can't tell you about them since they are for birthday and Christmas, so I don't know about them yet. Saturday morning we met a young man and his mom for coffee. He was in the youth group about 20 years ago and wanted to visit with us while he was in town for the weekend. I pray I never get over the blessing of these precious ones passing back through our lives just to say they are still loving and serving Jesus! This particular family has been very special to us since we first came, and all four of their children passed through our ministry. Long after the kids were gone and had started adult lives, the parents would still remember us at Christmas and thank us for our ministry. So genuine. Mom and I still have lunch from time to time and we share deep motherly joys and burdens-always have. We rushed home from having coffee to spend some time with a couple that was in town for the weekend and wanted to see us. We pushed them out the door and got ready for a wedding and reception for a couple currently in our ministry. That was also a blessing. They did it all right, in the right order, and live to make a difference in the lives of those around them. It was a joy to be a part of their special day. We were WORN out when we got home! So, this week I have been trying to recover and also getting ready for our usual November cruise! We leave Saturday for a week on the Western Caribbean! We will arrive back and jump off the ship and run to another wedding before coming back home! The weather has been so beautiful and we've had all the windows and doors opened. It's wonderful when we are able to do that here! I guess I should mention the election...I can only say that I am glad I can trust the only One who holds the future.

Weekend Events

I've really got you wondering about my trip, so I guess I better fill you in! This week has been a little crazy, so I haven't gotten around to posting. Last Thursday morning Michelle and I left for Marco Island for a ladies retreat. We shopped all the way down there, and we shopped most of our free time! The weather wasn't the best, so we didn't get much time to just relax at the pool...be we accomplished a lot! The retreat was fun, very well done, and challenging. I won some Chanel sunglasses, that was note worthy since I never win anything! We came home Saturday and then Cary and I went to the hockey game with a bunch of our college kids. We had a lot of fun... the arena was COLD like it was supposed to be when Sarah came to town! On Sunday we had lunch with Josh and Jen and Owen got to visit for the first time in a while. THIS grandpuppy keeps growing!

TAG, I'M IT !!!

I have been tagged for a meme (no idea what this means) just trying to comply. I DO NOT normally do these kinds of things, but since I am hurting for blogging material......

Rules: Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, goes to their blogs to inform them they have been tagged by leaving a comment to read the tagger's blog, and letting those bloggers answer the questions themselves. Here are the questions:

10 Years ago I:
1. I was home schooling Kaylee-taught her to read, one of my greatest accomplishments, and probably the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.
2. Already married 15 years.
3. Living most of my life on a soccer field.
4. Had my own sewing business, making bridal veils, dresses, alterations.
5. Entered the joy of parenting a middle schooler.

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. grocery store
2. pay the credit card bill...this may seem really insignificant to most, but one of the dear ones that tagged me for this chore will be blessed to know these details. Kathy, are you listening??? Until very recently, I kept envelopes of money in my purse, each marked with a category of my budget. I paid cash for everything and never borrowed from an envelope I shouldn't. Now, I have a credit card. One, only one. Pay it off at the end of EVERY month. I carry no cash. At the end of EACH day, I take the receipts from my wallet and pay them off. Then, when the bill comes each month, the bill has to be reconciled to my amount of money I am holding. Maybe I should say the money has to be reconciled to the bill??? That's a big word... the money must equal the number on the bill. A few times this has not happened, and my life has near ended and I am tempted to go back to the old fashion way. So when you read this today, PLEASE pray it works out. It really messes with my life when it doesn't work.
3. Pack for a trip that will be blogged about on another occasion
4. Dr. appointment
5. church

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. chocolate
2. grapes
3. chocolate
4. chocolate
5. chocolate...I'm really NOT a snacker!

5 places I have lived:
1. San Manuel, Arizona
2. Tucson, Arizona
3. Lancaster, California
4. Fort Worth, Texas
5. Ft Myers, Florida

5 jobs I have had:
1. working in a school for handicapped children (my all time favorite)
2. working for an eye doctor (very educational)
3. banking (NOT my favorite)
4. working from home and doing alterations on wedding dresses that cost more than some houses. (more stress than anyone should ever take on!)
5. secretary

5 people I tag: (I only have 3 blogger buddies that haven’t been tagged):
1. Angela DeBoer
2. Megan Hunt
3. I COULD tag Beth Moore, but I really don't think she'd do it and if she did, I'd probably NEVER recover!
4. It's not that I don't have other friends, I just don't have any other friends that blog that haven't already been tagged!
5.

Precious Flower Girl!

I'm getting fussed at for not blogging in a while, but things have been pretty quiet around here! So, when there's a lull, I can always talk about our zoo. This afternoon the girls and I saw a HUGE bobcat in the yard. Bigger than the last one, for sure. I couldn't get a picture fast enough. My math skills tell me that probably that means there are more than one! JOY! Then, there's always Tuc. Tonight he had his back side resting on Cary's chair, while his front end rested on the table. Isn't he a site??? Never a dull moment! This weekend we went to the wedding of one of our boys that we have known for about 15 years. The flower girl, without a doubt, stole the show. She behaved very well, it's just that she was too cute to take your eyes off her! She did a great job! We have loved her mama for many years. The wedding was another reminder of how blessed we are by long term relationships! Going through thick and thin together for many years just creates an amazing glue!

Old News

This is old news because I have been waiting for a certain daughter to give me pictures! Last week, while Cary was gone, Kaylee left her lights on at school and we ended up with a car that wouldn't start. Funny how that happens. It gets funnier...she finally got someone to help her jump it and they got it started. Here's the problem...when you jump the car, the sunroof comes opened. The only way to fix it is to turn it off and jump it again, then it closes! We know this from experience! So, Kaylee called me and told me she was on her way home, but the sunroof was opened! I went into panic mode...Cary was gone, it was going to rain for the next three days, starting any moment, can't have the car in the garage in case it doesn't start again and can't have it in the driveway because the sunroof is opened and it's gonna rain! I have to make a very long story short here, so let's just say we tried MANY things to remedy the situation, and nothing worked. Finally, we decided we just had to take it into the shop and let them take care of it. The problem: It is raining and the shop is about 15 miles away. You just do what you have to do! I got a plastic tarp out of the garage and shut it in the doors of the passenger side. Then, I pulled it over the sunroof, got in the car and shut the tarp in after I had tucked myself in real good. It worked well, for at least a few minutes. With speed, rain was blowing down as the tarp was flying up. The pressure was pulling the tarp up and I was watching the tarp slowly fly out the doors where I had tucked it in. So, I'm driving, trying to hold the tarp down with my spare hand (as if I had one). It was one of those situations where there were no good answers. To go home, I had accomplished nothing. To keep going...I was already soaked and so was the inside of the car. I stopped at the church and had several helpers evaluating the situation. Finally, it stopped raining and I took off, Kaylee following behind. I was almost in tears by now, but it really was pretty funny too. We made it to the shop, they fixed it, and all is well now. I hope Kaylee remembers to turn off the lights from now on!

Missionary Visitors!

On Thursday night we had some missionary friends from Guatemala that stayed with us. We met Arlen, Ruth and Gilberto the first time we went to Guatemala, about ten years ago. During that trip, Ruth spoke little English, and Gilberto spoke none. They were much better this time, but unfortunately, Cary and I have not improved much! They are precious people, really made an impact on my trip and it was such a joy to have them in our home. Cary and Arlen have kept in touch over the years, he and his family even stayed with us once before, but that was years ago. It was such a blessing to catch up and see current pictures. Ruth and Gilberto work with the Christian schools and also work with a camp there. They showed us pictures of places where we worked that now have added second stories to their schools. It was nice to know that God has still been at work and has continued to bring other teams in to work behind us. We have so many missionary friends now and we are so honored when we get the opportunity to catch up with them and really find out what is going on in their lives.

Sarah Palin!

Sarah came to town yesterday. They started giving out tickets last week and ended up changing where she would speak, because of the demand for tickets. Appropriately, it was changed to the hockey arena, holding 9,000 people. I wanted to go, but didn't go get a ticket because we always get called at the last minute when our friends are trying to get rid of extra tickets! Yesterday was no different. I got a ticket, and just had to find a way to get out to the arena since I didn't have a car yesterday! Cary ended up coming and getting me, I took him back to work and took the car. Well, the doors opened at noon, and by the time I got all my ducks in a row, it was 2:00 when I got there. She was speaking at 3, so I thought I was still doing fine on time. The entrance to the arena was blocked with cops. All the parking lot was full. So, I went to the outlet mall right next door to the arena. I cannot even TELL you what it was like. Long story short...I had already walked yesterday morning and I got AT LEAST another couple of miles in. It is Florida, the heat is still with us, and I had dressed to go to the hockey arena...usually pretty cold in there! I was SOAKED all the way through everything I had on, literally DRIPPING WET. Finally got to the doors where there was a line about 15 people deep and it went ALL the way around the arena. I started praying for ANYONE I knew, and sure enough, one of Carissa's friends saw me. I jumped in line with her, and in no time we were heading through security where they took my UMBRELLA and I heard them say the fire marshal was fixing to shut them down. Only about 10 people made it in after me. So, I was there, soaking wet, and standing room only. And, stand we did. Lots of other political speakers spoke before Sarah ever even arrived in town. She was late. Finally, the moment I had been waiting for! She spoke! It was great to be there, but she didn't say anything I haven't already heard in the comfort of my air conditioned living room. When I left, I went and begged the secret service for my umbrella, and they did give it to me...as long as I was headed out THAT door and not coming back in! No one goes anywhere in Florida without an umbrella, and I sure wasn't gonna be happy if I had to take my NEXT ten mile hike in the afternoon rain storm without an umbrella! WHAT were they thinking??? So, I made it back to the car JUST as it started to rain. At this point, who could tell sweat from rain??? I was really in bad shape. Maybe the most eventful moment for me was seeing the group in the stands holding up the American flag. There's just something about the flag. My mom would have been really proud. I was standing close when some from the "other side" had gotten in and decided to make themselves known. Can I just tell you that you don't really want to be on THAT side of the secret service? Oh my. They were out of there! So, I will post a couple of pictures just to prove I was there. Sarah is the bright blue spot under the media's tripod. The one on the big screen is a bit better!

Still Celebrating!!!

Part of my anniversary present was a few days at Sanibel Harbour Resort for a marriage conference. We left home on Thursday and got back today. I worked hard to finish Cary's anniversary present that I didn't get done for the REAL anniversary! I gave him a scrap book of the first 25 years. We had a great time and saw MORE dolphins and sunsets! We have stayed there several times in the past, and I know RIGHT where the resident dolphin lives. Been there forever. Same place, same time of day, always there. I was very sad because I never saw him/her. But, I did see three of them, always traveling together, so I have pretty much decided that the resident one has made some new friends. That makes me feel better. We spent a lot of time at the pool and read a lot! We are always happy when we accomplish that! We enjoyed the conference too...but all the people made it very difficult for us getting to our beautiful room on the top floor! Lots of people on the same schedule overworked those poor elevators! Cary left this afternoon on a staff development trip, he'll be back Wednesday. Till then, it's just the girls! Well, and Tucker!

Walking Again!

We wrapped up Kaylee's week of celebrating yesterday. We went to Olive Garden for lunch (Joshua and Jen weren't able to make it) and Kaylee decided we really didn't need a DQ cake since we had several sitting around already! I think she quite enjoyed her freedom over the weekend, and she was very good to check in with us and keep us very aware of where she was AND that she was all in one piece! This morning she drove herself to school for the first time! So far, so good! I started back walking this morning. Have not walked since early June because of an ongoing cough and medicines, and Dr visits. I was finally feeling like I could do it, and I was thrilled to be able to start back! I have missed it SO much. I was also able to go a whole hour earlier, since Kaylee drove herself to school, and that meant it was cooler too! So, at this point, all is well at the Robinson's!

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, Kaylee!!

Yep, she is 16! We've had a day! We all got up early (you can tell by the goofs in the early morning picture) and went to Perkins for breakfast before school. This was our only time as a family that was in the plan, so she opened presents at breakfast! Cindy waited on us and got to pose for yet another Robinson birthday picture! Now, let me tell you about our ride from Perkins to school. This is to document Kaylee's last practice run before going for her license. Seemed like we were going 60 through the school zones, but all of us were able to remain calm and quiet, biting our tongues, holding on for dear life. Then, out of no where, a man on a bike coming right at us, weaving between cars...Cary yelped, we all thought we were done for. Notice I DID NOT say that was a WISE man on a bike coming right at us! Then, a right hand turn over the curb, pretty sure we lost a hubcap. At this point, we are laughing like crazy, tears and all, and Cary says "THIS IS NOT FUNNY!" Please understand, that was not anything to do with any of us nearly being killed, simply he was not sure if we had lost a hubcap or not. Somehow, things got even funnier then...OK, so we made it to school, signed her in late, did a hubcap check, and when it was just us in the car, I said "If she doesn't get her license, she's driving alone anyway, because I'm NOT riding with her ANYMORE!" Carissa and Megan made her a cake and took her lunch and roses, then we took her for her test. She passed! So, we left her there, with her car and a bunch of plans for the evening and a FEW instructions. Then, Cary and I drove off and hid, and then met up with her at the first stop light. Cary had a FEW more instructions there! And, since then, she has checked in several times, as she was instructed to! So far, so good! She had to go visit her little boys she babysits, a friend, have dinner with friends, then a ball game and ice cream after. So, we will wrap up all the birthday celebrating on Sunday with a family dinner! I think we just might survive it all!

Events of the Last Week

I have some catching up to do! Last week I was consumed with helping to plan a funeral. It was on Saturday, and long before it was planned, Claire's 5th birthday party was. I knew I was going to be running full speed all day, from one thing to the next and hopefully not too late for anything! The funeral went well and I actually got done a little earlier than I thought I would. That just meant that I had time to grab something to eat on the way to the party. I pulled in at McD's, thinking it was just convenient, but soon realized that God had snuck in a little blessing for me among the hectic schedule of the day. You know how it is when you are just running full speed, no time to catch your breath. I was quickly trying to organize my food and start back on the road when I looked up and had an unexpected surprise. A field of goats. Yep. And I was forced to take a deep breath and regroup for a minute. We have been in Ft. Myers for almost 24 years, seen a lot of changes, but the goats, well, that was something WAY too familiar. I was looking at a little "farm store", that's what the kids always called it. It is a shack, at best. Family owned, then and now, selling food from the family farm, and they also have goats. Each one of my kids stood many times at the fence and watched the goats. And, each family member stood and watched my kids grow up watching the goats! It was cheap entertainment, and a regular part of their lives. It is simply a part of who they are! So, there I was, rushed at best and yet taken back to many years of taking time to stand and watch the goats play. And, I looked over and there in the seat of the car was my camera, I thought because I was headed to a party, but I also think it was an divine appointment, to record part of history for my kids! So, I got out of the car, zoomed in as close as I could, and captured the moment of memories that came flooding in. Life is busy, and complicated, and for just a minute, God gave me permission to take a deep breath and remember times of simplicity. It was a gift, and I knew it right then and there! Well, then on to Claire's party! They had hair done, nails done, and dressed up for a walk down the run way! Yesterday was the official day, she is now 5! I think the girls started babysitting her when she was just a few months old and she has provided much entertainment and joy for all of us! And, on Sunday, we started celebrating Kaylee's 16th! We gave her a card with tickets to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater to see High School Musical II. So, off she and Hilary went to celebrate! Oh, the celebration isn't over...stay tuned, Friday is coming!