Jacob's 4th Birthday

We interrupt this Mexico Mission Documentary for an important news bulletin. On July 17, 2008, Jacob turned 4 years old.

My how he's grown! Four short years ago we could not have imagined what an incredible little boy he would become. The big birthday bash isn't until tomorrow evening, but today he spent his special day with Nana, Grandpa Smith and Grandma Smith. When he arrived this morning, hot blueberry bran muffins were waiting for him...one of his favorite treats at Nana's. After breakfast, we went outside and played baseball. He is able to hit the ball when pitched to him, and is a very fast runner! We were soon hot and sweaty, and he was ready to go for a swim. Nothing would do but that Grandpa and Grandma get in the pool as well. They obliged...what grandparents won't do for their grandkids! He had lots of fun swimming, shooting Grandpa with his noodle/pool thermometer gun and playing with a tiny frog he found. After lunch dishes were put away he couldn't wait another minute to go to the Aquarium. "Where is the Aquarium? Is it far, far away? They have toys there! Gwama, Gwampa, you wanna spen'a night wif me?"

After the Aquarium (and yes, he talked Nana into buying some sea creatures for him) we walked along the Riverwalk and stopped in for ice cream at the Marble Slab. He chose a cone dipped in sprinkles and vanilla ice cream with sprinkles mixed in. I got a cup of "cake and cookies"--birthday cake ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough and oreo cookies mixed in. As soon as he saw the big chunks of cookies in mine, he decided we needed to trade. Yep, we traded...it IS his birthday after all.

On the way home, we stopped at Miss Ann's and picked up Lauren. Jacob fell asleep and I carried him in the house and put him on my bed. He slept for two and a half hours--until his Mom arrived with pizza and cupcakes for supper. Presents from Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jeff and Papa & Nana were opened and he and Lauren entertained us the rest of the evening with their singing and dancing.

Whew! What a busy day. Happy birthday Sugar Bear!

Mexico Mission - Day 5...The Rock Pile

Wednesday, June 25

Day 5 of the trip--day 3 of manual labor. And I'm still able to walk upright--amazing. The whole mission team decided to start an hour early this morning and leave the site an hour early so we could fit in some good ol' tourist-type shopping.

I began the day with a little shoveling, then resorted to a relatively easy, sit-down job--removing old rusty nails from the wood of a shed that had fallen down. We were re-using the wood to use as concrete forms and the old nails were being pounded out straight for re-use. Nothing is wasted. What a novel concept! My job in the shade didn't last long and I was, again, handed a shovel. Lots of concrete work going on now and they needed buckets and buckets of gravel and sand to mix the concrete. My job--relay bucket thrower and gravel shoveler. (I'll have to update my resume.) As 5-gallon buckets were emptied into the cement mixer, they were literally THROWN to me, then I threw 4 of them back to the sand pile to be refilled, and kept 2 for myself to fill with gravel. I must say, I'm a good bucket relayer (except for the one that I caught with my knee...ouch!) and at least there was a few minutes of rest between filling to allow the cement mixers to do their thing. It was during one of those "in between" times, as I was leaning on my shovel, looking out at all the busy workers--helping each other, taking care of each other, laughing together and even some of the wheel barrow runners singing--that I found myself brushing away tears...again. Fortunately, the 100+ temperatures made it difficult to tell tears from sweat.

The "old" folks, taking a break and surveying their accomplishments.

"descanse por un momento" (rest for a moment)

As mentioned before, we left the job site early for a shopping trip. No shower...just a few swipes with a baby wipe and we were good to go. I'll bet we were the dirtiest, stinkiest, sweatiest tourists those shopkeepers had ever seen. I bought a "Monterrey" t-shirt, and a couple of bottles of vanilla, but other than that, there really wasn't much to see, want, or buy. The real excitement wasn't until after we returned to the hotel. Ted (oh great keeper of the passports and visas) had somehow LOST the famous BLACK BAG that held these precious items. He remembered having it while he was sitting on a bench outside one of the shops, then didn't think about it til we got back to the hotel. So, accompanied by the Hotel Manager, Ft. Gibson's bus driver, and his daughter, Kristen, he drove back to the market (about an hour away). As news spread throughout our group, panic also set in. I remember saying, "well, someone has hit the jackpot--13 U.S. passports--hot commodity in Mexico. There is NO WAY we will ever get them back." I was already making plans to call Neal, tell him where the copy to mine was, and have him fax it to the hotel. Then I said, "no....there is a way.....let's pray that God leads an honest person to that bag!" Within 15-20 minutes of that prayer, we saw Ted come strolling down the hallway, black bag in hand. He quickly assured us that all the passports were there, as well as money he had in the bag. Praise God!!!! He had gone to that bench, went inside the shop and the shopkeeper said someone had found it and given it to him. So it went through the hands of TWO honest people.

Joel and Justin had the privilege of choosing the restaurant for tonight's dining pleasure. They wanted "authentic" Mexican cuisine and got directions to a place within walking distance of the hotel. As we approached the restaurant, we could see carcasses hanging in the window. Are you kiddin' me? We're eating THERE???? The carcasses were goats, cooking over an open fire. As we perused the menu, everything seemed to be made of goat. The waiter took orders and when he came to me I politely said, "Nada, gracias."

The evening devotional was by the pool, as some other group had reserved "OUR" conference room. But it was still good, just a little harder to hear the speaker. After devo, we headed back to our rooms to pack up, since we're leaving the country tomorrow immediately after lunch, directly from the job site.

The Spanish phrase for today is "VIDA DIGNA" conveying the idea of "Living a Life Worthy." Eph. 4:1 says, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." "VIDA DIGNA"

Mexico Mission - Day 4...Back to Work

Tuesday, June 24

I worked super hard the first day, because I was sure my body would resist this new torture and I wouldn't be able to get out of bed this morning. Much to my amazement, and thanks be to God, I was up at 6:00 and pulling on my work clothes and looking for my leather gloves. Several of us met for breakfast in the hotel lobby, preparing for another day on the chain gang. Now that we have an idea of what our day will be like, we are not shy about eating hearty. Today, instead of digging holes and trenches, we are filling in holes where concrete has dried. Dig a hole....fill the hole, hmmmm. I also took a break from shoveling to measure and cut rebar for awhile. At about 11:00 we can small our lunch cooking--YUMMMM! Wow, that last hour before lunch is a KILLER!

Our cooks! Senoras y senoritas bonita!

Como se dice "supervisor"?

"Just a little more on the left, Janet....good job, Michelle."

After dinner at Applebees, we enjoyed a wonderful devo with Ft. Gibson & Dewey. At the end of the devo, Edgar and 4 other Mexican brothers and sisters sang for us in beautiful harmony. Even though I only caught a word here and there, it was still very inspirational and, to no one's surprise, I had to wipe the tears from my eyes...probably a combination of exhaustion and spiritual awakening. The Spanish phrase for today is "Para El" -- "For Him". After raising all the money to get to Mexico, and paying for our stay, and paying for our supplies to build a church building in Santa Monica, and giving money to keep Rick Owens' ministry successful, it could be easy for us to forget why we are on this trip, or maybe take some of the credit for "our" success. "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus..." Eph. 3:21 "PARA EL"

I'm starting to feel guilty about the 5-star hotel where we are staying. The people living in the vicinity of the job site live in--what should I call them--they're not even shacks--just some tin and wood, no running water, no air conditioning. Many sleep on their roofs to stay cool and, in fact, there is a mattress on the roof of the temporary building at the job site. Wonder who's sleeping there tonight? However, we get to take hot showers, flush the toilets and adjust the temperature in our rooms to a cool 68 degrees, then crawl between fresh, white, soft linens. Muchos gracias, Dios.

Mexico Mission - Day 3...Get to Work!

Monday, June 23


The Gran Hotel Ancira provided a delicious, hot breakfast every morning, with the richest, most flavorful coffee I've had since Louisiana. We were up, fed, and in our work clothes in time to leave the hotel at 8:00. Everyone loaded up and began the hour drive to Santa Monica, where we would be working on the construction of a church building. Edgar, one of the locals from Santa Monica, was wisely loaned to us as a guide, just in case we got separated from Ft. Gibson's bus--because we didn't have a clue how to get there. Have I mentioned the traffic and crazy drivers in Monterrey? Apparently there are no traffic laws in Mexico...no speed limits, at least none that are enforced. If the road you're driving on has 3 paved lanes, there may be 5 lanes of cars, as they use medians, shoulders, etc. Ted tried to stay glued to the back of the bus, but whenever he would allow more than 24 inches of space, a little car would squeeze in between us. The bus driver seemed to forget that we were trying to follow, 'cause he would veer off at the last second to exit, leaving us on a road going "who knows where." But Edgar got us there in one piece and we got the first look at our mission. Holy guacamole! This building is gonna be HUGE! The land had been purchased by the church at Ft. Gibson, as well as a few other private donors. This building will be the largest so far, and will be 2 stories. Much residential construction has begun in close proximity to the property, so it is believed that once the building is complete, it will fill up fast and another will be needed a few short miles away. It is still in the beginning stages and we will be working on the foundation.

Okay, time to go to work. Somehow, I had envisioned myself in the role of "chaperone," "supervisor," "water-girl." So why are they handing me a shovel? It soon became apparent that they expected everyone to really "WORK." I was put on boundary or stem wall ditch-digging detail right away and found myself constantly hitting rock. Time for the "pickers" to come in. Some of the big, strong, young guys picked the rocky soil and we came in behind them digging the trenches. By noon the temperature was above 100 degrees and I had drank more water than I usually do in a week. Someone had been smart and brought towels that we soaked in our ice chest then wrapped around our necks. Ahhhhhh. Feels so goooood. At 12:00 it was time for lunch. The local women (and men) had prepared a wonderful meal for us and we didn't even care what the meat was.....we ate like we hadn't eaten in days. Homemade tortillas, refried beans, noodles and sauce and of course, the mystery meat. Also homemade salsa (mui picante) that burned my lips right off, but I kept going back for more. In the afternoon, I worked on stabilizing the forms for cement around the piers (more shovel work) and donned the rubber gloves to help scoop cement into the forms. Throughout the day I became acquainted with several of my brothers and sisters from Dewey and Ft. Gibson and also met Loddy (sp?) the preacher at Santa Monica, George (Loddy's little boy), and our cooks, Hilda, Elizabeth, Benny, and Rosa.

Finally, quitting time. On the drive back to the hotel Edgar (who does not speak English) worked hard to communicate and interact with us (mostly with the young girls!). Then we started singing some songs and when he recognized the tune, he would sing the song in Spanish.

Back at the hotel, I collapsed on the floor (way too dirty to get on the bed of white linens) and waited for my turn to shower. Oh, it felt so good to get the shoes off. How do toenails get dirty with socks and shoes on????


We walked across the street for a lovely dinner before meeting with Ft. Gibson and Dewey for our evening devotional. The Spanish word for today is "PODER" which conveys the idea of "power." "...according to His power that is at work within us..." Eph. 3:20


After devo, seven of us decided to take an adventure and try to find a Walmart. We had gotten directions, but when we had traveled awhile and still didn't see it, we stopped to ask directions from a motorcycle "policia". He began trying to direct us, then said "Follow me." We had a police escort to Walmart. Bueno.


Back to the hotel where we all slept like babies.

Mexico Mission - Day 2...Crossing the Border

Sunday, June 22

I had my alarm set for 7:20. One of my girls' alarms went off at 6. I'd forgotten how long it takes teenaged girls to get ready. After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we headed for the border. At Immigration, we were met with a few set-backs. Even though we would be in Mexico less than seven days, and were DONATING our time, the Mexican authorities demanded that we purchase work visas. These are good for 180 days, so I guess if we were inclined to go back in the next few weeks we'd be good to go. We also exchanged our dollars for pesos, then began the waiting process for them to give us the green light. Since Ft. Gibson had jumped through these hoops many times before, they had warned us to make sure and have a title for the trailer that we were using to transport our luggage. Dewey was also pulling a trailer and the authorities were not happy that they had a COPY of their title, not the original. Then they found that we had a carbon copy of our van rental agreement, not the original.....bad news. Waiting....waiting....waiting...then all of us were chased out of the cool, air-conditioned Immigration building accused of "loitering." Oh boy, we get to wait this out in the hot van! More waiting...it was approaching two hours...hey, why don't we pray about this? Great idea. About 10 minutes after the "Amen" Ted came strolling toward the van. He said, "I don't know what happened, but all of a sudden they changed their minds and said we could enter." Hmmm. We know what happened. Sadly, Dewey was not allowed to bring their trailer so we unloaded their trailer and crammed their belongings into ours. Paco, the preacher at Nuevo Laredo, Mexico had left services and come to meet us at the border. He assured the authorities that he would take care of the trailer until our return. Finally, we're on our way again. We arrived at church in Nuevo Laredo in time to hear the last 10 minutes of Paco's sermon (which we couldn't understand, anyway), then sang "I Will Call Upon the Lord" and "God is So Good" in Spanish and English. Afterwards we were greeted by the congregation and tried our best to communicate. We pulled out a bag of Beanie Babies to give to the children who were enthralled--no interpretation needed. Back into the van and more driving--about an hour to a rest stop where we all ate--our group from SS made sandwiches (we're cheap) while the others tried to order food at the restaurants. By the time we arrived at the beautiful Gran Hotel Ancira in Monterrey, we were too tired to go eat and ordered pizza. Right...Dominoes in Mexico. Bueno.

The Bible study text for our devos was Efesios 3:20-4:1. The thought for today is..."Todos" --"everything" or "all-encompassing." In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul talks about the spiritual blessings that are found in Christ. He gives thanks for a God who gives us everything we need (1:23). He acknowledges the fact that we are made alive through Christ, and that without Jesus we are all dead in sin (2:5). He tells us that we are "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (2:10). Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." TODOS

Independence Day

Forty-two people descended upon our house yesterday to celebrate the 4th of July. The forecast included chance of thunderstorms, but I was thankful that the meteoroligists got it wrong again, as it turned out to be a beautiful day. The pool was the big hit for the afternoon, then grilling began around 6:00. Plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs and ribs for everyone, accompanied by baked beans, veggies and dip, chips, watermelon, cantaloupe and more desserts than I can list. More swimming and a few firecrackers before dark. When the real fireworks began, we were surrounded on all sides with beautiful displays. Being on a hill, we had the perfect view in all directions. Sorry, no pictures from yesterday, since I was busy being hostess.

Thursday night Jeff, Neal and I took Lauren and Jacob to Skiatook for their big fireworks display. Since the lake is still high, the concert and fireworks were at the airport which is just across the road from Neal's shop. So we took popcorn and juice and met up with several of Neal's new co-workers for a front-row view of all the festivities. We sat in the beds of pickups and Jacob made a new friend, 6-yr. old Colby, who had all kinds of fun toys and flash lights that he shared with Jacob (or Jake, as he called him). We left before the show was over...it was getting late...past Lauren's bedtime...and we had forgotten to take her blankie and binky. She started saying, "mama...home" over and over, so we decided we'd seen enough.

Mexico Mission - Day 1...Driving

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Thirteen of us from Sand Springs joined 15 from Dewey, OK and about 44 from Ft. Gibson, OK on this trip to Mexico. Even though Janet made the comment today--"these Texans won't let us in just 'cause we're from Arkansas"--we really are all from Oklahoma (that must have been a previous life, Janet). Knowing we had a long drive ahead of us, we voted to leave EARLY. Amazingly enough, we had the rental van and trailer loaded and were leaving Sand Springs around 4:00 a.m.

After thirteen hours of off-and-on semi-sleep, travel Yahtzee, eating breaks, "circle of life" stops (that's when you stop to go to the bathroom and buy a bottle of soda or water, which leads to another bathroom stop and more soda and water, etc., etc.) and endless adjustments of the temperature and vents, we arrived in Laredo, Texas. We checked into the Marriott, cleaned up and went to Logan's Steak House for dinner. Afterwards, some went shopping, while others opted to go back to the hotel. Since I'm rooming with three 18 & 19 yr. olds, I decided this might be my only chance at the bathroom, so I went back to the room and had a leisurely shower. I'm rooming with Michelle (18), Kiley (18) and Amy (19)--"my girls." Michelle must have drawn the short straw, as she is my bed partner. By the time they returned to the room, I was already in bed and had begun to doze off. But I still heard Michelle laughing at the wall of pillows I had built between my side and hers.

Kristen...riding backwards and reading...I'd be sick as a dog.

Dare-devil Terri risks her life after Joel reads a warning on her pillow, "Do not use for sleeping purposes. For decorative use only." Oh, Terri, you're a brave, brave woman!

With very little room to stretch out on the seats, Kiley takes to the floorboard.

The Lord is My Strength

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms....If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11





Although I've read this verse a multitude of times, it has never meant so much to me as it does today. I have always mentally translated the word "strength" to mean an inner strength, emotional strength, spiritual strength. Last week God provided me with physical strength to serve His people in Mexico. For the past month or so, my herniated disk has been causing more and more pain and debilitation. Two weeks ago, I seriously contemplated backing out of the mission trip, thinking to myself "what am I doing, I can hardly walk, much less do construction work." What a mistake that would have been. What limitations we put on the power of God. Each day God was put to the test, and each day He blessed beyond my imagination.



I grew up in the mission field. My dad spent many years growing the church in Canada. I know that he and Mom have made a difference. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have made a difference. Me. I'm no longer a missionary's daughter. I am a missionary. The Mexican people have a place in my heart. I will return.

A day-by-day summary of our trip will be posted in the next few days.

Bapa's Girl

Friday night we had a sleep-over with Lauren. It was Trista's highschool reunion weekend and Jacob had made plans to stay with his uncle. So Lauren had us all to herself. The evening (and morning) confirmed my suspicions that she is definitely Papa's (she says it with a B) girl. I had hoped that she simply gravitated toward him by default. Jacob is always the first in the door and makes a b-line for Nana. With Nana's arms full, I assumed Lauren's second choice was Papa. This time the sibling competition was absent, and she STILL glued herself to "Bapa." Saturday morning, when she began to stir, I went in to say "good morning" and brushing the hair from her eyes and squinting up at me, her first words were "where's Bapa?". We had tons of fun with her, taking her to Pizza Hut, playing outside, endless book-reading, pretending to be Gassy (her name for Gracie--which may be a more appropriate name for the basset). She was ready for bed around 9:00 and asked for her mi'k, then her bankit and binky. Slept right through until about 9:15 Saturday morning.

Photography Plug

I'm a little slow. Last month Jeremy's family had portraits done, and when I saw the proofs, I scanned 3 of them and posted them on my blog. Ooops! That probably wasn't the most ethical thing to do, as they really weren't mine to post. Please forgive me Jenny. In order to try to make good from my honest (really and truly) mistake, I must just tell you about this amazing photographer. She took Lauren's first professional portraits at 2 weeks old. They were adorable and I still display my 10 x 14 and two 5 x 7 black & whites proudly on my mantle. Her specialty is babies and children, but I know she also does weddings and families and probably whatever event you desire. The awesome thing is that SHE comes to YOU. How convenient! She is ever so patient and stays as long as it takes to get the shots you want. Lauren's first photo shoot includes "awake", "asleep", "alone", "with brother". She is also very reasonable in her prices. So, here is the information:

Jenny White Photography
918-313-9587
jwhite723@aol.com

Remember her for your next portraits. Thanks Jenny, for not suing me!

Grandkids

I'm beginning to appreciate the joy my grandchildren show when they visit Nana and Papa (or "Bapa", as Lauren says). I know they are probably still too young to actually be storing up memories yet, but maybe soon. Here are a few pictures taken Thursday. There is a baby bunny that we can almost always count on seeing at the barn. Jacob loves trying to catch him and knows just where he'll exit the barn when Jacob is in pursuit. Lauren likes to get up on the trailer and spin around and dance. Now that the weather is hot, they have to at least put their feet in the pool, and they are always curious to see what might be in the skimmer basket. Thursday they were intrigued by a baby grasshopper that was missing a leg--but could still hop a great distance. Jacob helped Papa escape-proof the dog fence. Papa was pretty brave to hold the pin while Jacob hammered.

The Shack

With VBS over, I had time this week to read The Shack by William P. Young. Notes at the end of the novel suggest the reader take the time to comment on the book in various ways so I'll "review" the book on my blog.

Before reading the novel, I was under the impression that it was based on a true story. Although many truths are contained therein, it is obviously a work of fiction. Nevertheless, I was intrigued from the beginning and it was definitely a quick read. Without revealing the plot, I will just say that it is a unique experience in the theological mysteries of God and His desire for relationship with us. I found myself--even at the busiest times of my day--being drawn back to the book, most likely due to my desire for that relationship. It was absolutely captivating. I didn't want to stop reading, because I didn't want to leave the intimate presence of God. Whether Young's opinion of the interrelationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is competely accurate, or simply his opinion, I feel I have a better understanding of the Trinity. I definitely came away with a greater peace about the chaotic world we live in and the presence of evil because of our choice of independence.

I recommend the book for open-minded, Bible-literate, Christians. It will leave a lasting impression on me.

Are You Smarter Than a VBS Kid?

That is the theme of our Vacation Bible School this year. Tonight is the last night--a cookout for the kids and their parents. I would say this year's VBS was a success. Though nothing is ever perfect, over the years we have worked on fine-tuning every detail. For the first time since I've been at Sand Springs, we broke the 100 mark...twice. Two nights we recorded 101 KIDS in attendance. At least one Bible study has been set up with parents and many have been invited to come worship with us on Sunday.

Every night we had a game show in the final assembly. An adult contestant, with the help of 4 students, grades Pre-K through 6th and the Host of the Show, Bob Fitzworthy. The kids were amazing as far as what they had learned and retained throughout the night. The lessons were on the Ten Plagues of Egypt. Lee Smith was a better Moses than Charlton Heston, and Neal's Pharoah wasn't too shabby. The first night, they learned quickly to "tone it down" for the younger ones, as one little 3 year old in tears had to be removed. But there were some priceless moments, such as when Moses was telling that the water would turn to blood and 3 year old Gage gasped, "Oh nooooo, that would be BAAAD." And on the third night (plagues 5, 6 and 7) when one little girl asked Moses, "Do you think if I give Pharoah a hug, he'll let the people go?"

Fried Green Tomatoes

We've been up to our necks in VBS this week....expect a post and pictures soon...but I took time this morning to mow the yard and the "dog run." Too windy to mow the pool area--I'd spend the rest of the day skimming grass out of the pool. I stopped to take a water break, sat on my lovely new deck and to my surprise I spotted these green tomatoes on my vines!!! Just had to take pictures and show them off. The first picture is regular "beef steak" tomatoes and the second is grape tomatoes. Soon we'll be eating delicious, juicy, "farm raised" tomatoes. I can almost taste them now. Yummmmm! That is, if I can keep Neal from picking them green and frying them up artery-clogging, country-style.

Disappointing Progress

Our church is divided into "shepherding groups" with an elder (shepherd) for each group. Our group planned a night out last night and several of us trekked a good 45 minutes to an hour to eat at an Amish kitchen. I had been to the same place a couple of years ago and knew what to expect. I warned Neal to dress cool...wear shorts...because they have no electricity, therefore no air conditioning. The lights are actually oil/propane/kerosene? lamps that add to the heat in the room. But worth it to experience life at a slower pace and go back in time. What a shock when we arrived to find they had come a long way, baby, in the last two years. Electricity AND airconditioning (Neal's knees were cold) and two SUV's in their carport. The "Elder" of their little Amish community sat with us two years ago and we grilled him on all of their traditions, rules, peculiar ways. Last night he stood for a few minutes and told us about some miracle oil for sore joints they had for sale--$10 for a 2-oz. bottle, then was interrupted by his CELL PHONE. What!??! You're kiddin' me! The whole experience would have been a complete disappointment except that the food was still as wonderful as ever!

It's a Done Deal

Today we signed the papers, handing over our beloved Tulsa home to the Hendricks. It's the easiest transition we've ever made in buying or selling a house. Basically, Jonathan did all the work. Doesn't hurt that he's a loan officer. We don't have the usual anxiety about strange people living in OUR house. It gives us great peace and comfort in knowing the loving family that will inhabit what was once our home. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have living there. The Hendricks brought a sweet "thank you" gift to the closing today. And I really mean SWEET. A box of chocolates from the famous KoKoa Chocolatiers. Didn't take me long, once in the car, to dive in and sink my teeth into a dark chocolate truffle.

I "borrowed" this photo from one of Jessica's blogs, since my hard drive crash a few months ago obliterated all my photos. I hope they enjoy many years of happiness in this house.

Stop the Madness!

Last night Neal & I attended our nephew's 6th Grade Graduation. Now, just how many graduations must we endure these days? Granted, Kindergarten graduations are kinda cute. But at this rate, by the time they finish college, no one will want to go to these monotonous rituals. Last night's event dragged on for almost two hours, sitting on bleachers in a sauna (aka gymnasium). Our nephew, Hunter, was one of three valedictorians, and gave a short speech--the main reason we attended. Awards were doled out like cupcakes....Masonic Award, American Legion Award, President's Awards, awards for straight A's in 4th, 5th & 6th grades, awards for A's & B's, awards for straight A's in a certain subject throughout 6th grade, service awards, personality awards, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure every student got at least one award. Then a video of each child--baby and present. During the video, the students presented a rose to their parents (how sweet...is someone getting married?). The principal is moving on next year to another town, another school. So we had to say 'so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye.' The school board President as well as both 6th grade teachers had to give long speeches on the greatness of this man and how he will be missed. I think I counted 4 poems written for the occasion. Awards and plaques were presented to Principal the Great. Almost over right? Au contraire! Another video! Interviews with each student saying goodbye to their teachers and fellow students as they move on to "the next chapter in their lives--middle school." Now, this doesn't mean that I won't attend ALL my grandchildren's graduations because you know I'll be there. I may even stay for the cookies and punch.

Signs of Summer

Technically, summer is over a month away, but it's officially summer now at the Blevins' house. This afternoon I went for a dip in the pool, just up to my waist since the water is only 76 degrees. With temperatures soaring into the 90's today, the air conditioner was finally turned on. The herb garden is in full bloom as well as the potted arrangement on our new deck. Hello Summer!

Early Morning Serendipity

Yesterday, I was up at 6:00 to drive to the hospital for my stress test. I'd had a very restless night. We were in Jeremy & Trista's bed, Jacob sleeping between us. Did I mention he inherited his Great Grandpa Smith's restless leg syndrome and his Papa's teeth grinding? Plus, I did not take my sleeping pill, for fear I may have to get up with one of the kids and needed to be able to be alert on cue. Oh yeah, and Neal didn't bring his C-Pap, so he was snoring. I really dreaded the early morning appointment, but was rewarded richly for my effort. As I drove down Highway 97, I could trace the Arkansas River by the heavy fog sitting over it. What a magnificent sight, and at the same time very eery. Then, onto 412 heading east toward Tulsa, the remnants of fog were beginning to lift and hovered over the trees, creating what looked like photo enhancement. As I neared Tulsa, I saw what appeared to be something on fire coming toward me on the opposite side of the highway. Before my very eyes the radiant orange billows of fog dissipated and cleared the way for the sun to rise. It was breathtaking. I don't mean that figuratively. I literally gasped when I saw it, taking my foot off the accelerator and slowing to watch in amazement. In the words of Bruce Almighty (to God), "now you're just showing off."

Is There Such a Thing?

I've been in a funk this last week. My stress level is high, my hormones are low, and I can't seem to get enough sleep. I cry often. In April I had an episode that I thought was a heart attack. It began just before my phone call from Neal and he insisted I call Jeremy to come over. Jeremy came, Trista called in a panic, wondering if she should call 911, Kenny & JoAnn arrived shortly thereafter (Trista had called them). The symptoms subsided, but my father-in-law encouraged me to have it checked out. I've also been experiencing periods of "heart fluttering" (probably not the medical term) that Janet thinks are panic attacks. Anyway-----I had an EKG last week that was normal, but the doctor wants me to have a stress test, which will happen on Friday. Last night Neal had the audacity to say "what have you got to be stressed about?...you live a stress-free life." Grrrrrrr! Is there such a thing? Aren't we all under a lot of stress? When I started listing my stressors out loud, they didn't sound so daunting. Maybe it's just that I've been out of my hormone balancing cream for over a week. Neighbor Susan (Super Alan's wife--what would we do without them?) to the rescue. She happened to have a new bottle at home. Janet also had an extra, which she offered. What kind of Arbonne Consultant doesn't keep a reserve on hand!?!? Hope it starts working soon since we will have the grandkids Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning. Jeremy & Trista will be going to Las Vegas to attend Trista's brother's graduation. Neal has Friday off, which will make it possible for me to keep my appointment for the stress test. Speaking of Jeremy & Trista, here are some of their latest pictures:

Ahhhhh....Life on the Farm

For the past week, I have been doing a lot of work outdoors. Last Saturday, I cleaned out one of the beds and planted tomatoes. Yeah, that's me, Mrs. Farmer Brown. I also pruned the hydrangea and rose bush and pulled a few weeds. Monday I cleaned the dead leaves out of the herb garden (I know, this may be too much for your brain to process) and pulled out some of the sage that's taking over the garden. Yesterday, I dug grass out of the flower bed inside the pool fence to prepare it for planting. Throughout all this digging, weeding, etc., I was constantly alert to the fact that there may be snakes lurking about. Actually, last Saturday, I did see a few (3 or 4) of the small garden variety...more like over-sized worms. After the digging yesterday, my back was screaming for rest, I was hot (it was over 80 degrees) and thirsty. Needing to return a couple of phone calls, I took the phone and a tall glass of ice water to the front porch swing for a little relaxation. Here is what awaited me on the porch by the swing:

Now, I've heard that there are some black snakes that are actually "good" snakes, i.e. non-poisonous, eat rodents and other snakes, etc. I'm hoping someone can tell me if, in fact, these are "good" snakes. The carpenter who is working on my back porch nudged them with a piece of lumber and they didn't strike, so he thinks they're okay. Jeremy and Neal looked at this picture and confirmed my suspicions that they were mating. Oh goody, more little ones on the way.

Adjusting

We knew there would be an adjustment period when Neal moved back home. So far, things are going pretty smoothly. I give in a little...he gives in a little. I let him choose the tractor--as long as it wasn't a Kubota (Kubota's are orange which would totally clash with my red barn!). He let me choose the replacement windows. We're still trying to adjust our time schedules. He insists on getting up at 4:30 a.m. so he can go to the gym before work. I like to sleep until at least 7:00, which I do, but then he's ready for bed by 9:00. I don't wind down till at least 10:00 or 10:30. (Yes, if you add that up I need more sleep than he does.) But the biggest problem we've come up against is the Sudoku puzzles. He wants to "help" with puzzles I've started, but messes them up!! I accuse him of putting in a wrong number and he says that he put that number in because of another number I had filled in, which must have been wrong. Now we don't know who to blame. So the only solution seemed to be separate puzzles. I write my name at the top of mine and his name at the top of his. He is not allowed to interfere with my solutions. Problem solved. Some things just can't be done "together." I am having to get back into cooking. I really enjoy cooking most of the time, but the past 4-1/2 years I've done very little. It's a challenge to plan meals again and TRY to have a good dinner waiting on him after work. The good ole days of Monday Lean Cuisine, Tuesday Burrito Night, Wednesday Breakfast Night, Thursday-Saturday...whatever drive-through suited my fancy, are over. I asked him what he wanted for his lunches. Besides the typical sandwiches, he also wants fresh fruit. He laughed the first week when I brought home 4 bananas. I'm just not much of a fruit eater and typically fruit spoils before it's eaten at my house. Now I'm having to load up on grapes, apples, oranges, and bananas every trip to the store. When did he turn into such a health nut? The honeymoon continues.......

I think he's starting to understand the overwhelming and never-ending chores that must be done to keep this place going. Janet hit the nail on the head when she said, "you have to decide if you want to live like you're in the city or live like you're in the country." Problem is, I want the best of both. I want a place that well groomed and pristine, but that's not always feasible in rural Oklahoma. I want the yard I had in Tulsa, but I want it out here on our 20 acres.