By Day or By Night

Priorities

2008-10-16T20:48:00.006-05:00

So I see it's been two months since I've posted. I tend to stop doing a lot of things during the first few time-intensive months of school.

This year I resolved again to follow healthy priorities and adopt the Mary Kay motto: "God first, family second, career third," and I think I'm getting better at reaching this goal.

I'm attending an incredible Bible study unlike any previous Bible studies, which has given me a new perspective when reading Scripture. I crave historical background, which is exactly what this study provides. Beautiful strong, caring, and inspiring women learn alongside me (19 last week!).

Spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and baby niece during these precious months we have before their move to N. Carolina is one of my highlights. Though my heart breaks for Holly as she's separated from Sammi, I'm thrilled that I've gotten to see Holly more frequently than in the past and get to know Sammi and Tyler better. Knowing how quickly Sammi grows, I treasure my time squeezing her cheeks and hearing her petite, baby sigh. We've got 2 more weeks before they move....

I'm also being more intentional about my marriage. Every day I swear I fall in love with Lee even more. Maybe there's something special about the third year of marriage, because I thought I loved him to full capacity before, but now I'm overflowing. I think some of that has to do with praying together and appreciating each other. We've also worked on pursuing truth rather than avoiding conflict, and the result is acceptance and more authentic interaction. Something is different now, in a way I can't exactly describe. It's odd to say that when I never thought we were missing anything before, but this new depth is incredible.

Finally, I try to hang out with just myself a little bit every day. Right now I'm sitting here with a Citron and Ginseng warming mask on my face. Mmmmmmmm. Relaxing music is now part of my music library, and I've even been known to participate in that "breathe in, breathe out" relaxation from time to time. I make more frequent visits to my friends, the masseuse and the pedicurist (word?) which I believe help to reduce the frequency of my migraines.

These days, I'm working on a new goal; to let down my guard when I'm around others. I think I initially became weary of new relationships after Amy died and judgemental about what is/isn't interesting at the expense of pursuing honest relationships with others. There's also a part of me that believes one shouldn't be a whiner, which leads me to hold back when people ask how I am. It's not really fun to hear about headaches or job stresses (or at least I decide people don't want to hear about that), so I tend to downplay those things even if they're my most pressing concern. I remember accompanying a friend to the store on a night when I was slightly feverish and just out of sorts. At the end of the night I apologized for not being very funny, to which my friend told me I didn't have to be funny all the time, and that she loved me anyway. That was such an awakening, and it really got me thinking about the pressure I place on myself to be an entertainer or say something interesting. I want to just "be" with friends the way I can just "be" with Lee, my family, and myself. I'll get there...

As I work on accepting myself and being grateful in every circumstance, I'd like to share some song lyrics written by a beautiful friend of mine, Heather Richardson.

You didn't change my circumstance
You changed me from the inside

I've got no reason to stay here

2008-08-14T18:30:00.007-05:00

These lyrics struck me in a particular way as I try to leave poor habits and attitudes behind and replace them with healthy, loving ones. They reminded me of how deceptive habits and attitudes can be; comforting in such an empty way. Here's to a fresh start.
Dear Love, I'll miss you much

I'll miss your smile, and I'll miss your touch

But I've found a place where I can erase my past

Maybe someday when you're old and gray

And your hair falls out and your tattoos fade

You might see me standing hand in hand

I have to go away

I've got no reason to stay here

You said someday you'll change

But even a fool will tell you

Someday never comes

-Brandi Carlile

(metaphor)

Brave vs. Cowardly; Selfless vs. Self-seeking

2008-08-01T11:31:00.004-05:00

I'm sickened by the Greyhound decapitation, but more disturbed by the elapsed time before fellow passengers came to the aid of the victim. What if it were me? What if it were you? Wouldn't you want several passengers to join together in your defense? Regardless of their ability, they could throw purses, cell phones, anything they have to startle the attacker before charging together. Of course, there is a high risk someone else would receive stabbing wounds, but how many of us would want our fellow passengers to organize and execute an evacuation before coming back onto the bus? Don't we all want others to be willing to risk injury so that we might not be killed?
Sometimes people wait a split seconds too long to see if someone else will step up, and in this case, one person on the bus instructed everyone to get off. What would have happened if that person had yelled, "Help! Fight him!" Likely the women and children would have exited the bus once awakening and realizing danger.
I've read other blog posts this morning and do concede that none of us know what we'd do unless we were in that specific situation. Given that, there will be many unique situations to come, and I'd like to have far more confidence in mankind that even if we do not know each other, we will come to each other's aid. I believe we must demonstrate an increased level of respect for all human life, both by not killing each other and by rendering aid, even in risky situations.

2008-07-25T13:59:00.004-05:00

lyrics by Patty Griffin

Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to

Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so

"It's Botox for You, Dear Bridesmaid" -from the NYT

2008-07-25T12:17:00.002-05:00

I'm simply aghast at this article from the NYT. Is this really the direction in which brides are heading? I cannot imagine telling my mother-in-law that she'd look better in the wedding pics with a little Botox! One bride requested that her bridesmaids have breast implants (there was a 4 for the price of 2 discount, after all!), while another insisted her bridesmaids fake bake to the same shade. Why don't these brides hire models? Isn't that what they're really after?

Chillax

2008-07-22T15:06:00.003-05:00

It's time to stop and lay down for a bit, like Buddha, my new sister-in-law's brother's dog.

Life lately has been spectacularly busy and mostly wonderful. Lee & I took a vacation of pure relaxation on the white sand beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico. (If I have the time, I'll devote an entry to that later.) Once home I returned to all things bridesmaid and rehearsal-dinner related for my brother's wedding, which was Saturday. The rush up to it was so hurried, at least for me, that I can hardly believe it's over! At least things are not completely back to normal; we still have some relatives in town. Holly, Tyler, and baby Sammi are also in town. (hello, baby fat!!!)

Even though it seems like I should have all this free time on my hands, what with not working during the summer and all, I seem to be busy, busy, busy this summer, even this week. My strategy with doctor's appointments is to cram all my check-ups, etc into the summer so I don't have to take as much time off during the school year. I've been more proactive about that this summer, so that accounts for some of the business. I also became certified in two more areas, English as a Second Language and Elementary General Education.

The next thing on my plate is seeing my little sis off to Officers' boot camp, as well as inservices and the start of school. These are not exciting things, so I believe I will throw something fun into the mix...

something fun, but cheap. or just fun, but I'd sell things on Craigslist to compensate. :-)
It's time to start planning, my favorite part!

Puerto Rico!

2008-07-06T20:59:00.005-05:00

We're having a relaxing time in this undisclosed part of Puerto Rico. I have SO looked forward to the respite and rejuvenation between school years. Vacations are high on my list of blessings! More video and pics to come soon!

Marnie & Chris pics

2008-06-19T15:37:00.005-05:00

They're here!!! I finished uploaded them on Flickr, though for some reason Flickr is intent on ordering my pics in reverse. Does anyone know how to change that? Anyway, enjoy. I did the mass upload, so I haven't had time to pick and choose the best shots yet, but you're smart. You know how to peruse. :-)

Wedding pics

Living in the lap of luxury

2008-06-11T00:29:00.020-05:00

This baby's got it made, I tell you. She's got Auntie Lora wrapped around her fingers to the point where she headed to the pool with more accessories (apparently necessary for safety purposes) than I've ever had in my life! :-) She even turns Uncle Lee into an old sap. I just think back to how hard I was working a week ago today to finish end of the year paperwork, and I thank God for family. Holly's an awesome mom. Lee's fulfilling his uncle duties in nice form. Even baby Sammi's indulging us with her easygoing spirit.

I'd say her first swim was an overall success. She didn't drown, contrary to Grandpa Ross' fears. We never let go of her (of course). She frowned in the beginning out of confusion and at the end out of hunger, and that was it! Of course, we owe the success of the excursion to Lee inflating her baby cabana. :-)

Uncle Lee nervously holds Samantha for the 1st time

STYLISH UVA/UVB protection

Sweet Uncle Lee blew this up for 30 minutes

What are you doing to me?!?!?

Ahhhhhhh
Now THIS I could get used to...

Uncle Lee says some of my facial expressions resemble old men

Thank heavens for the impromptu pedicure last week
Excess or safety? Either way, this'll prevent wrinkles.
He really is good with me, I'm just hungry.

So funny :-)

Chris & Marnie's Wedding

2008-06-08T18:56:00.025-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites. What a tear-jerkingly beautiful wedding! I'll insert a link to my Flickr page when I post the rest of the photos.

Unbelievable!

2008-05-24T09:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the Texas Education Board threw out an English curriculum created by board-recommended teachers and education experts during the course of two and a half years. They then submitted their own version, created by 1 company, and approved it in less than one hour. The Chair refused to allow concerned board members enough time to read during a rapid-fire page by page review of the "new and improved" curriculum.

Unbelievable. Talk about egos and a lack of respect for those currently in the field. And Texas wonders why it loses so many of its teachers each year????

Texas education board passes new standard with 'no opportunity to review it'

Maria Sue

2008-05-23T14:05:00.003-05:00

Steven Curtis Chapman and daughter, Maria Sue (picture from www.shaohannahshope.org)

My heart aches for the Chapman family following the tragic death of their 5 yr-old daughter, Maria Sue. I searched for more to read online, hoping headline would change. It didn't.

Of course only God understands His plan, and while it's hard to comprehend, Maria is happier than ever in heaven.

One prayer of mine is that this agonizing loss will lead to some good. Prior to Wednesday I'd known that the Chapmans had adopted, but I hadn't known of their family story and adoption ministries. I had no knowledge of organizations like theirs, which financially assists couples seeking to adopt internationally, encourages churches to begin adoption ministries, funds an orphanage in China for children with special needs, and profiles older children waiting to be adopted.

The Chapmans have requested donations to this organization, Shaohanna's Hope, in lieu of flowers. If you would like to donate or learn more about Shaohanna's Hope, you can do so here:
Shahannah's Hope

Did the oil exec's mention this on Capitol Hill???

2008-05-21T18:43:00.004-05:00

(not my pic)
Peak Oil is a self-evident truth, if you aren’t a stickler about just when it should happen. Most experts agree that petroleum and fossil fuels are exhaustible resources. They are nonrenewable unless you’ve got millions of years to spare. Peak Oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum production is reached, after which, the rate of production enters its natural decline. In laymen’s terms, we start to run out of (cheap) oil. If consumption isn’t reduced and/or alternatives discovered and developed in time before the peak—whenever that happens, it is simple economics that prices rise, and an energy crisis will ensue.

As you might imagine, lots of variables intervene. The moment you predict Peak Oil, you’ve got a laundry list of caveats to make. But let’s consider a few that might affect things. Take consumption rates. Do you think those are coming down? Nope. Has the world’s population stopped growing? Nope, it more than doubled in the last fifty years. World crude oil demand has increased far above predictions a few years ago, driven by an insatiable need from China and India. China’s oil consumption has grown 8 per cent per annum since 2002, and its economy is still experiencing oil shortage. As huge energy consumers impact the market, they will compete for a dwindling, nonrenewable supply and hence drive up energy prices. As many other economies enter a similar stage of economic development, energy needs will skyrocket and add to the pressure.

I’m sure run-of-the-mill monetary inflation is much to blame for price increases at the gas pump, but folks you need to start getting a little more sophisticated (or at least read the big print writing on the wall!). Don’t wait for the government to tell you, much less do anything about it. The Bush administration isn’t exactly known for its candor with the American people (it’s all a state secret, or Executive prerogative); or for that matter competence and being proactive (Katrina, War in Iraq, etc.). Global oil production actually already hit plateau in 2005, when Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens predicted that we probably reached the proverbial Peak Oil point.

Even if you don’t buy that, and many experts don’t, we’re just quibbling over the next ten years and your favorite colored deck chair on the Titanic. At an energy conference in Houston this past month, the Peak Oil prediction was 2015. Nine of the world’s twenty-one largest fields show decline, and some fields are beginning to accelerate downward. Even more skeptical observers will concede that discoveries peaked around 1961 and have long since failed to replace the full amount of oil produced. Oil is being depleted in other words, we just can’t say how fast; the train is careening, but it may not go off the tracks for a couple more presidential election cycles.

It is important to consider what we’re talking about: Peak Oil for Le Monde, the World. We already passed it for the United States back in 1970, for North Sea oil production in 1985. In fact, Peak Oil production has been reached in almost every oil-producing country in the world, except three notables: Iraq (may not reach it until 2018); Kuwait (predicted peak in 2013); and Saudi Arabia (predicted peak 2014). Of course, I didn’t mention another big oil producer—Iran, because we don’t really know, and probably won’t get to the supply short of military invasion (which could happen). Moreover, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries have every reason to overstate their proven reserves and probably have. If you look at the frantic pace at which Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf is diversifying economies, one wonders if the United States and other developed countries shouldn’t be reducing dependency on Middle East oil at least that fast.

Hurricane Katrina initially wiped out 15% of U.S. refining capacity, which was strained and still is. This resulted in a price spike of 100% as the price of gasoline went from $1.50/gallon to $3.00/gallon in just a few days. When the Iranian revolution occurred in 1979 and crude oil prices doubled, world oil consumption dropped 15% and a worldwide recession lasted until 1982. There isn’t much resiliency in the energy supply chain, and domestic storage capacity is less than two months. And we’re really talking about a much bigger problem.

Civilization probably won’t end short of a big meteor hitting the earth, but if you’re going to do anything constructive to mitigate problems our economy will face after the world hits Peak Oil, you need at least ten years to get busy. Suggesting a bigger picture, consider that most farm equipment depends on oil and diesel, what that means to food prices and food availability. Nearly all fertilizers and pesticides are made from oil too, as well as most plastics—used in everything from computers, mobile phones, to pipelines, clothing and carpets. Metal production, such as aluminum, depends on oil; and even things like cosmetics, hair dye, ink, and common painkillers. The construction of a single car takes at least 20 barrels of oil.

It behooves us therefore to have an energy policy, unless your policy is simply to endure economic upheavals. You might want to foster conservation, R&D, transition to alternatives—particularly other liquid fuels (alcohol, esters, vegetable oils, etc.; and liquefied petroleum products from natural gas and coal). You might want to invest in infrastructure too, say, in storage, pipelines, rigs and rail transportation. You should at least want to talk about it. Now I’m not really one to run around like Chicken Little, yelling “The sky is falling, the sky is falling,” but oil production really is. Our country faces an immense and unprecedented risk management problem, yet no presidential candidate seriously addresses it. To the Republican candidate, it is probably a state secret like everything else. To Democrats, it just makes their heads hurt. Which leaves our national policy, deliberate or otherwise, essentially to suck it up: the easy oil first, and the economic consequences that follow for failure to prepare for anything else.
_____________________
Wesley Allen Riddle is a retired military officer with degrees and honors from West Point and Oxford. Widely published in the academic and opinion press, he ran for U.S. Congress (TX-District 31) in the 2004 Republican Primary. Email: wes@wesriddle.com.

***from lora*** I tried to casually slip "peak oil" into a conversation with Lee today and sound more intelligent, but he responded, "Oh, did you read Jonathan Blundell's blog, too?"

I can't get anything past that guy!

Honesty

2008-05-19T23:22:00.004-05:00

My husband mentioned that he's returned to blogging again (and I didn't even realize it!) I'm blown away by the honesty with which he writes; I'm just now getting to the point where I can be honest with myself. I don't think I'm brave enough to reveal all via Al Gore's invention yet, and I'm okay with that (just reflecting on the differences, I suppose).

I suppose I can reveal this much: People who don't know me very well think I'm easygoing, friendly, and open. Those who are closer to me realize it takes me a long, long time these days to get to know someone well and allow them to get to know me. This process seems so much more difficult than it was in high school and college, and I'm not sure if it's because I devote so much time to work and Lee, or if I've shied away from new friendships subconsciously since Amy passed away. I do know I'm so looking forward to the summer so I can have some "me" time, and I'm hopeful I will be able to create a healthier work/life balance with my new position.

Crazy

2008-05-13T21:37:00.003-05:00

I'm thinking our politicians are just trying to pacify us by halting the oil reserve filling, thereby saving us a whopping 2 cents/gallon (according to NPR). I'd rather continue paying the measly quarter per fill-up for the reassurance that I'll have oil in the event of a national crisis.

However, I would have liked to see our congressmen and women take a harsher stance with the oil execs who pay themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses. Imposing windfall profit taxes or eliminating the huge bonuses during times like these (not all bonuses- I'm not anti-capitalism- but there is a point of excess.)

I personally wonder if we should rely on, say, 3 different ways to power cars so we don't run into extreme supply and demand issues. Currently we don't even have a majority of cars powered by ethanol, and food costs are already affected.

Any other ideas?

Samantha's Baptism

2008-05-06T23:23:00.012-05:00

Samantha was baptized and dedicated to the Lord on Sunday at The People's Church in East Lansing, MI with water from the River Jordan.

Samantha was dressed in the gown made from Mom's wedding gown.

Proud parents Tyler and Holly promised to teach her about Jesus.

Auntie Lora relished a few moments with Samantha (If you want to hold this baby, you've got to get in line!)

Dad and Tyler continued their theological discussions.

How many people does it take to change a light bulb??? (or a diaper???) 2-4, in this case.

What a weekend! Happy 6 weeks birthday, Samantha!

please pray

2008-05-05T14:36:00.001-05:00

please pray for me. I've got food poisoning and am traveling back to Dallas.

So Blessed

2008-05-04T21:51:00.017-05:00

What a great weekend! My little sister, Holly, became an Army Captain and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the same day. 2 days later Holly and Tyler's newborn baby, Samantha, was baptized with water from the River Jordan. She wore a dress Mom made using material from her wedding gown, which my Grandma Lupton had personalized before Mom and Dad's wedding.
Nana and Papa Killman drove down, and Grandma and Grandpa Ross flew up. Samantha quickly wrapped Dad around her little fingers within minutes of seeing her for the first time.
I'm thrilled to be on night duty, when Sammie Sam Sam/Squishy Face/Niecy Niece and I share quiet (and some loud) moments. After every feeding she stares up at me, trying to decide who I am and what I'm about. During my last visit, Samantha would warn us a few minutes ahead of time that she was getting hungry. Now she launches a full-on wail within 3 seconds. Tonight Holly and I heard her scream right after losing her pacifier. Boy, does she have us trained!
Sammie's also trying out new faces and some kick boxing moves. I'm amazed by the quick rotation of her facial expressions; a new one every 2 seconds at times!
So here I sit, on the pull-out couch in Holly and Tyler's nursery at 1:30am listing to Samantha's quiet baby snore, so thankful I was able to spend this time here, and looking forward to seeing my sweet, sweet husband again. This family is truly blessed.

Hiding the Evidence

2008-04-14T21:26:00.001-05:00

2,471 miles in 4.5 days

2008-04-12T22:44:00.006-05:00

My travel bug festers like a parasite until I discover a little-known place. Once I've settled on the place and sung its praises to Lee, I begin researching its ins and outs, rating the accommodations by price and location. Final decisions are based on reviews by fellow travelers, and I create a list of everything I'd like to accomplish before we leave. My practical husband, of course, prepares a folder of route options and hotel confirmations.

Every year Lee and I try to celebrate our anniversary around spring break. This year we took a road trip to Cumberland, Island, GA, a nature preserve allowing only 300 visitors per night. Upon discovering we'd be close to Savannah, we decided to squeeze that in, too. We knew this was ambitious, but we figured, "We're young, we've got no kids, and we can take turns and drive all night if we have to." This IS the girl who played in Barcelona all night and hopped/crawled on a plane the next morning, after all.

You may have guessed that we came home a bit tired. We also came home more knowledgeable about ourselves and each other. Traveling in close quarters, even with the person you know best, can help you get to know them on a new level. Regarding myself, I learned that by having a list of everything I want to see, I can set myself up for disappointment if things go awry, which they almost always do on vacations.

I've been meaning to post these pictures for awhile, but I felt it would almost be duplicitous to do so and pretend it was the beautiful vacation it appears in images. It wasn't. Sometimes painful stretching and growing occurred, and I did not capture that on film.

So view these with a grain of salt, but please enjoy them. There was plenty of beauty in Georgia, and we would love to return someday. Next time, we'll learn from the past and take our time, savoring the beauty.

The Cumberland Lady transported us to the island

So contemplative

A typical Cumberland Island path

We had trouble sleeping, so we took a stroll along the beach, no flashlight needed.

3 new Junior Park Rangers take their oaths (and very seriously, I might add)

When was the last time you saw someone with this pipe contraption?

The quintessential cabin, which belongs to the volunteer Park Rangers. I thought this was the last thing I'd see as we pulled away on the ferry...

But then I spotted the cutest older gentleman sporting, well, you check it out! That is one hip outfit! He even had a cane and handkerchief to boot!

Precious

Beautiful Girl

2008-04-07T22:01:00.012-05:00

1.5 days with Samantha were not enough, but I feel so blessed to have shared them with her. I would fly back in a heartbeat if I could. My favorite part of the visit was tending to Samantha during the night so Holly could get some sleep. Samantha and I shared some quiet (and some slightly louder) moments. Her cry is a quiet plea; really quite sweet. Always one for modesty, she despises diaper changes.

I attempted to replicate one of those cute newborn photo shoots where the newborn is in their birthday suit, laying face down. I took Samantha out of her onesie and diaper when Holly and Tyler were at dinner, thinking, "Oh, good, her diaper is already wet." Alas, the beautiful, white furry blanket sported a wet, yellow spot within 30 seconds, and Samantha was NOT happy! I chalked it up to a lesson for an amateur photographer. She seemed to prefer the dress and diaper outfit to the "neked" look.

I love incorporating this new responsibility- Aunt- into my identity. It occurs to me that one can have a profound effect on a child or be a relatively distant aunt. I can teach her about the Lord and model His love for her. Throughout my life I made plans for parenting, but never "aunting". I've recently considered the importance of turning to my sister and brother-in-law for guidelines in how they want me to interact with Samantha, amount of time spent visiting, types of gifts that are welcome for her, etc.

That was a bit off track. Back to the star of the show, Samantha Ann Killman, at 1 week and 5 days of age.

She's Arrived!

2008-03-25T18:52:00.006-05:00

Our niece, Samantha Ann Killman, arrived this morning at 10:31, weighing 6lbs, 12oz, and measuring 20 inches. Though she was on oxygen for a time, she is breathing fine now. Thank you all so much for your prayers!

Mom will fly to MI this weekend, and I'll fly up the following weekend. We wish we could be with them right now, but TAKS season and vacation time do not get along, especially when we'll fly up later for Holly's graduation.

I'm so proud of my little sister for becoming a mom!

Rising Waters

2008-03-19T09:16:00.004-05:00

The flash floods yesterday caused quite a stir. The man in the truck next to me said the waters had risen 1 foot in 30 minutes. Needless to say, I decided not to stick around very long in my small car. As I was driving away, I saw an extensive gathering of emergency vehicles on the bridge above the park. I assumed they were there for a car accident, but there was no car. Today I read this in the AP:

"Emergency officials in Mesquite, Texas, searched for a 14-year-old boy apparently swept away by floodwaters as he and a friend played in a creek. The friend was able to swim to safety, authorities said."

That could've been it.

Flooding at Exall Park in Mesquite

Then I happened upon THIS on 635 N, not 2 minutes later. Poor driver...

So why in heaven's name was I on the road during a flash flood?
1) Necessary errand for school kids (yes, I know it's Spring break)
2) Prescription
3) Shipping French horn to Taiwan (I'll miss you, horn)
4) Pre-vacation stops
5) Haircut (finally)
Ever so careful, I made it home safe, sound, and wet.

Audra's Bridal Luncheon

2008-03-17T21:13:00.005-05:00

My future sister-in-law, Audra, hosted a luncheon for the bridal party, allowing us to get to know each other before the wedding. Her mother chose exquisite decorations and provided excellent food.

This is how "warm" feels

2008-03-16T17:48:00.008-05:00

My in-laws, who are visiting from Michigan, said it felt like they got on the plane in Detroit (34 dgrees) and got off in heaven (70 degrees). They may be thoroughly enjoying our company, but I think they're loving the balmy weather, as well.
We found ourselves at the Arboretum for the Dallas Blooms Festival on Saturday, and of course I couldn't pass up the
opportunity to snap some pictures.

If you look closely, you can see a Bluetooth phone in the hayride driver's ear!

Oooh...I like that one!

2008-03-13T22:11:00.008-05:00

One of my hobbies includes studying architecture, or at least admiring it. Thankfully I married a man who enjoys taking walks where we look at pretty houses and discuss the architectural style. On this particular walk Lee informed me that the Wilson Historic District homes were moved from a block away, and that the Meadows Foundation, which began the district, was funded by an oilman. Flickr includes more pictures, and my night shots will improve when I purchase an external flash, but here's a sampling. :-)

Stages

2008-02-28T20:46:00.008-06:00

3 incredible women in varying stages of their pregnancies

Marry You All Over Again

2008-02-26T21:22:00.005-06:00

in honor of our upcoming anniversary...

I wanna marry you all over again
I wanna meet you and I wanna be friends
I wanna chase you all the way to Tennessee
I’ll meet your parents at the airport bar
I’ll take you out in my rental car
I wanna court you on the record label’s dime

come on baby let’s go back to the start
take it back sugar then gimme your heart
don’t you know baby I would do it all over again

I wanna buy you an old upright
I wanna accidentally stay all night
I wanna read the Bible and I wanna make out
I wanna marry you all over again
I wanna fall in love and say we’re just friends
I wanna race you all the way to Kansas City

by Derek Webb

We can live somewhere pretty! Or not.

2008-02-21T17:14:00.006-06:00

Today I read a newspaper article that had me so excited I fired the article off to Lee and then breathed a sigh of contentment; I had found the puzzle piece that would fund the housing portion of our future ministies. (AND I wouldn't have to live in Uglyville, USA)

The article describes a way couples living on modest to $150,000 can receive mortage subsidies in places like Jackson, Wyoming and Telluride, Colorado.

When I got home and prepared to jump up and down together, however, Lee burst my bubble, saying, "You do realize that's almost always for public employees, right?"

D'oh.

Maybe it'll work for one of you. :-)

Football Version of NCLB

2008-02-21T16:57:00.005-06:00

For those frustrated with No Child Left Behind, or those who don't know much about it but who DO understand football, here's something tacked onto the teachers' lounge door.

1. All teams must make the state playoff and all MUST win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable. If after two years they have not won the championship, their footballs and equipment will be taken away UNTIL they do win the championship.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time even if they do not have the same conditions or opportunities to practice on their own. NO exceptions will be made for lack of interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of themselves or their parents, including paralysis and blindness. ALL KIDS WILL PLAY FOOTBALL AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL!

3. Talented players will be asked to work out on their own and without instruction. This is because coaches will be using all their time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited physical ability, physical disabilities, or whose parents don't like football.

4. Games will be played year-round, but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th, and 11th games. This will create a New Age of Sports where every team is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimum goals.

Moral to the story: If no child gets ahead, then no child gets left behind!

Who's in the chair?!

2008-01-04T22:29:00.004-06:00

My sister and I rushed to the computer, then stopped 10 feet away in shock. "Who, WHAT, is that?" "Is is Mom?" We gingerly stepped closer... "It's a puppet!" "Did Dad put it there to make fun of Mom?" (who looks rather short in this chair)

But when we spun her around, we became even more confused,
and we doubled over in laughter.

"This doesn't look like Mom! What's with the curlers and big lips?"

Alas, this little beauty was a prank passed down from
Margie to my Mom, who actually intended to trick
my dad. Nice going, you two!

Fun with our youngest cousins (& some grown-ups)

2007-12-31T13:15:00.002-06:00

Christmas in Michigan

2007-12-31T12:17:00.003-06:00

Nice bird shots, Lee. :-) Way to brave the cold.

I see you hiding behind the tree!

My handsome husband

Pat and I knew little about "A Christmas Carol", and
I have a dislike for the movie, but we were good sports,
weren't we?

Beautiful decorations, Linda.

A Michigan Christmas

2007-12-31T11:05:00.002-06:00

?????

Father and son play in unison.

Steve plays a little ditty.

To: Steven From: Santa

Grandma and Grandpa Allison watch the birds respond
to the bird call book.

Lee and Grandpa Allison share a few laughs before hugging goodbye.

a quiet moment before parting ways

Disco Beauty

2007-12-16T20:38:00.003-06:00

Disco Beauty
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

How Neiman Sets a Table

2007-12-15T09:28:00.007-06:00

How Neiman Sets a Table
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

How do I look?

2007-12-15T09:28:00.006-06:00

How do I look?
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Wintry Shadows

2007-12-15T09:27:00.003-06:00

Wintry Shadows
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

from a Neiman Marcus flagship store window in Downtown Dallas

Provision

2007-12-15T09:26:00.003-06:00

Provision
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Genesis 18:4
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.

Enter My Garden

2007-12-15T09:25:00.005-06:00

P1010043
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Genesis 28:17
..."How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven."

Lay Me Down

2007-12-14T21:58:00.003-06:00

Lay Me Down
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

such a comfy bed, and when the lights are off, the shadows from the tree branches reflect on the ceiling...

Provision

2007-12-14T21:57:00.007-06:00

Provision
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Genesis 18:4
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.

Stairway to Eden

2007-12-14T21:57:00.006-06:00

Stairway to Eden
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

Garden of Eden

2007-12-14T21:55:00.005-06:00

Garden of Eden
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Genesis 2:8
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.

Enhanced View

2007-12-14T21:54:00.005-06:00

Enhanced View
Originally uploaded by Lora Owens

Eden's Gate

2007-12-12T14:18:00.002-06:00

A romantic guesthouse in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Vieques and San Juan, Puerto Rico

2007-12-08T12:11:00.003-06:00

The caves of private, pristine Red Beach

Outside the caves of Red Beach (Vieques, PR)

Esperanza

San Juan storefronts

San Juan Fort Lighthouse

Shy???

2007-12-08T12:02:00.002-06:00

"Look! There's the 'Green Building!' "

2007-12-05T19:09:00.003-06:00

It's Christmastime in the City

2007-12-04T23:40:00.002-06:00

SF Christmas Party

2007-12-02T21:58:00.002-06:00

Newlywed Christmas

2007-12-02T21:46:00.004-06:00

The Unexpected

2007-11-25T22:02:00.003-06:00

Photo Shoot by Familial Obligation

2007-11-24T22:33:00.001-06:00

Finishing Touches

2007-11-24T12:38:00.001-06:00

Lee, who sings Christmas songs throughout the year, inspects his work as he ponders the correct placement of the garland.

Innocence

2007-11-24T08:47:00.001-06:00

I love these kids...

(I took these with a point and shoot.)

The Day After Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T23:55:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, after much saving, we purchased the Digital Rebel XTi!!! I reassured Lee when he felt nervous in the store, and he reassured me when I felt nauseous afterwards.

Learning how to use this masterpiece is a thrill, especially as I documented one of Lee's favorite activities- decorating for Christmas.

Lee's design of our initials