College Life - Sophomore Year

Last Sunday afternoon we moved our daughter, Lauren, into the dorm for her Sophomore year of college.

Thankfully we had lots of good help!  The boys worked hard! 

After working on their dorm room all last week, they are pretty much done!  They used coral and turquoise, along with white and black as an accent. We're trying to get Kennedy to ditch the Jonas Brothers poster! (ha ha!)  Our oldest son turned it backwards on move-in day, but she noticed it away and turned it around!  

The good thing about this year is that L & K will be in this dorm room the whole year. There won't be any moving out between semesters.  That's a LOT of stuff to have to move every few months!  And now, at Christmas, we won't have a lot of extra "stuff" around our house!

L & K came up with a great layout for the room that gave them a "kitchen" area.  

The girls showing off their room....

....and being goofy and fun!

Something tells me that this work space won't always look this neat and organized :).

Before leaving for college, Lauren made a picture collage on this "L" of she and Kennedy throughout the years.  It turned out great!

You know....leaving Lauren last Sunday evening wasn't nearly as bad as leaving her last year.  A year has changed everything!  It seemed normal for her to be leaving this year.  And she was ready and excited.  I still shed a few tears when I went into her room at home (which she left completely straight and clean!) and thought about how long it would be until she was here for an extended time, but the tears didn't last too long.  I'm glad she's where she is. And I'm glad she and her best friend are there together.

Today is the first day of classes.  Today begins a semester full of challenges and opportunities.  Our prayer is that L & K have a wonderful year, and that they both continue to grow closer to God and stronger in their faith.  We look forward to seeing how He works in their lives this year!

I Love My Daughter!

It's no surprise to most people that know me well that I always wanted four boys.  Grade school drama - partly because of my own doing - made me not want girls. I was afraid to have a girl.  I was afraid I would have a "girly" girl, a prissy, drama-queen girl....and that wasn't anything I thought I could handle.

So, when we were expecting our first child, and didn't find out the gender, I just knew it was a boy. I had always wanted a big brother (still do), and just knew it was a boy. But, about two weeks before my due date, I dreamed I had a big, "hairy" girl!!! I mean hairy as in a LOT of hair.  That might have been a clue as to why I had so much acid reflux, as the wives' tale says.

September 21st went by, and no baby.  I kept working...even on my due date.  I worked for an ophthalmologist part time. He could deliver babies.  He had in his residency. He joked that he didn't WANT to, though :).  And, he didn't have to.

On September 24th,  after being in he hospital since a little after midnight, our GIRL was born at 8:45 p.m.  She weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz., so was a big baby.  And she did have a LOT of hair - even little fuzzy hair on her ears!  My dream was right! Perhaps that dream was God preparing me.  Maybe!

This past weekend, Joe and the boys were gone skiing. Lauren was able to come home from college for a day to stay with me. It ended up that her babysitting plans were changed, and she was able to stay the whole weekend. She left last night.  We had a lot of fun together.

As we were driving home from worship, she mentioned the "all boys" thing that I had wished for pre-childbirth.  I didn't tell her that for a long time, but now she knows and has heard me say it.  What she hasn't heard me say enough is that I'm sooooooo very thankful that God blessed us with a GIRL!!!  She was not a "girly", frilly, blingy girl, BUT if she was, we would love her just as much.

We cannot imagine life without her.  She brings something to our family that no one else can, simply because she is a girl.  God knew we needed a daughter.  He gave her to us for that need.

As she grows up and grows older, this quote...that a daughter grows up and becomes your best friend....became more real.  I know that from being friends with my own mother, but it is wonderful to know it from your own daughter.

So, Lauren....THANK YOU.  Thank you for being our daughter.  Thank you for being in our family. Thank you for staying with me and keeping me company this weekend. Thank you for taking out the trash since your Dad and brothers weren't here :).  Thank you for wanting to spend time with me.  Thank you for being a friend.  I LOVE YOU MOST! :)

So Far Away....Yet So Close

I was thinking about so many people that have moved from our small town recently, all of them had been part of our church family.  The thought of them being "gone" is unpleasant. I don't really like to think about it at all.  We miss them all so much!

But, I was thinking about how I still see posts and pictures from all who have moved.  They're on Facebook, and as often as they update their posts...or as often as they post new pictures....I can keep up with them.  If I didn't know they had moved, I wouldn't know they had moved!  It's like they're really here, but I won't see them at school or at worship any more.  Kind of nice that they can still feel close, but kind of strange, too.  They're far away, yet so close. Of course, that's easy for me to say, since I'm not the one who packed up and moved away.

Many see God as far away.  And, in a sense, I suppose He is. I don't know how far Heaven is.  You probably don't, either.  But, we all know that God is very near. He's in the wind. He's in the sunshine, the rain, the storms, the mountains.  He made all of those things, so He is part of those things. He's in our hearts, as Christians. He's in the Word....the Bible, His inspired words.  He's in our prayers and our songs of praise.  He's far away, yet so close.

We can know Him.  We can intimately know Him. We can "meet" with Him each and every day.  He wants us to be with Him. He wants to be with us, too.

Hello, God.  It's good to be with you!

 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8a

"Wizard of Oz" Going Away Party

Saying goodbye - especially to good friends - is never fun, but having a party is ALWAYS fun.  And this party was extra-fun because this couple (especially the wife) happens to be a HUGE "Wizard of Oz" fan!

The only person I knew that had lots of WofOz decor was my friend, so of course I couldn't ask to borrow it. I wanted the party theme to be a surprise, and it was already packed up anyway.

 For the lion's "courage", the guests at the party wrote notes of en"courage"ment to the couple.

 A "Yellow Brick Road" led the way from the entry door to the reception table.  I didn't have time to draw bricks, but my son who helped by taping down the road decided that the folds in the plastic tablecloths were brick shaped, anyway! Works for me!

After Christmas during Walmart's "day after Christmas sales", I bought some neat little plastic appetizer containers.  I used them, plus some other little plastic containers I had to make these "Over the Rainbow" Layered Jello Snacks. It took a while to do, but was totally worth the extra effort!

 I'm not sure how the kids managed to eat this tall ones, but I know they did! Maybe they had long tongues because the spoons wouldn't have gone down the skinny cylinders! Maybe they used the handle of the spoon.

 I found the Oz picture at Kirkland's! I'm so thankful I stopped by there quickly that day! The Dorothy dress is a friend's, and has been worn by many little girls over the years - even by my daughter about 15 years ago!

I saw an idea for "Melted Wicked Witch Punch", so that was really fun. I also had an antique green punch bowl that I didn't even remember I had, but fit perfectly with the punch!

 Toto's Puppy Chow is always a hit.....

 Over the Rainbow cupcakes.....

 Ruby Red Slipper Sugar Cookies....

 Munchkin Snack Mix (recipe is on my recipe blog at www.3cherrycokes.blogspot.com today)...

 The scarecrow needed something named after him so this "If I Only Had a Brain" Toffee Crunch Crockpot Candy was the perfect match....

 And these "Tin Man's Heart - Butter Cream Wafers" are my absolute favorite!

 We're going to miss you, Gray & Teresa! Thanks for your friendship and love for us and others!  May God bless you in this new endeavor!

Gray & Teresa have been houseparents at the Children's Home where my husband works. They will be houseparents at another Home and will continue to do what they do best - love and care for children. This little boy wrote the sweetest note to them. It melted my heart!  :)

QMCC Family Four Friends Retreat

Ever since camp ended, my daughter's "Family Four" group has wanted to get back together for a day. Many of them will be going to college or the military, so it's possibly the last time they will all be able to get together again.  So, they planned, and they did it!  Eight of them met up at a central location and spend the day together on Tuesday.  They ate. They talked. They laughed. They played "Hide 'n Seek in the mall, too! (haha!)  The posed with Old Navy mannequins!

But when it came time to go home, they didn't want to. They wanted to stay together! I got a texted saying, "We have a problem." I asked what it was and our daughter told me what the problem was...that they didn't want to leave.  So we invited them to come here, and they did!  We wish all of their camp family could have come, but are so thankful that so many were able to get together.

It was late when the group (minus one) arrived.  Two of our boys and I got busy straightening up, getting pillows and blankets ready, and making food.  

Our youngest wanted to be in charge of their food buffet - even made little signs saying what it was (so cute!)

One more had to leave Wednesday morning, but the others were able to stay. It was neat having them worship with us Wednesday night, but again, they didn't want to leave when it was over!  So they went to pick up some necessities from Walmart so they could stay longer...and sent me this funny text on their way home!

 It was so funny to see them all in a row each morning!  They stayed up late and slept late.

I cooked for them and enjoyed every minute of it - knowing it may very well be the last time they'll all be together here.

 There have been some fun times during this "retreat"!

Ping pong games on our dining room table (this game must have been the lazy version - short way instead of long way!),  playing spoons, playing outside, watching Disney movies, and just being together as friends.

And guess what?  They decided to stay one more night and leave in the morning. We changed the name from "sleep over" to "retreat"!!  Here are the final six out of eight that met up the first day. Pretty neat that these Christian friends can have such strong bonds and friendships.  These memories will last a lifetime.

At the end of each evening and at the end of the camp session every year, we sing the song, "God Bless You, Go With God".  And that's what we would say to these special "kids" (they're not kids, but young adults!).  God bless you.  Go with God.  Always and forever.  We love you all!

Two of My Favorite People

Tipton is very blessed with many great senior citizens.  In fact, I believe that for a small town we have a huge number of involved seniors.  They support the youth at school events and fundraisers, volunteer to help with town events, and they are active within their church family.  Today I want to spotlight one special couple who are two of my very, very favorite people.

Billy and Verna recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They are wonderful Christian  examples to all who know them, and they happen to be the parents of one of my sisters-in-law.  The two both worked at Tipton Home for almost 35 years before retiring.....but not quitting.  They are some of the most active retired people you will ever find.  They have devoted their lives to serving the Lord.

This week we had a lesson series going on at our congregation from Sunday until Wednesday.  On the three weekdays during the morning session, we met at 10 a.m.  At noon we had a meal together. It's a neat thing where even the school students are invited to eat each day.  When I would arrive with my potluck dishes, Billy would be waiting outside on the porch of the building, waiting to help me with my food.  Others helped at times, but Billy was always there....waiting.  

Billy also stands in the foyer before Bible classes and hands out any outlines/bulletins that we have.  He waits until a little after class starts to go into the auditorium to sit down because he wants to make sure anyone that might come in a little late, has the papers.  He wants to make sure everyone is taken care of before he sits down.

Together Billy and Verna go visiting the hospitals and nursing homes at least once a week....probably more most weeks.  They also take widows to doctors appointments when needed, many times several days in a row.  There is probably a lot more they do that I don't even know.  They are always willing to help with any need in the church - whether big or small.

Verna still swims two mornings each week for exercise with a group of ladies.  She has a beautiful soprano voice and uses it to God's glory.  She writes poems for many wedding and baby showers.  She wrote one for me almost 25 years ago!  She is witty and tells great stories!

Billy's exercise is his walking, yard work, garden, and I guess I could say he's my goat-loving husband's assistant shepherd!  Some of our goats are in one of the field by Billy and Verna's house.  Billy helps take care of the goats, just because he cares.  He'll give them water, get them back in the pen if the hot wire isn't working for some reason, and gets the goats heads unstuck when they need it.  Last year he took on our annual pumpkin patch - designing a PVC pipe watering system that could water seven rows at once.

Billy and Verna are avid Tipton Tigers supporters, attending volleyball, football, and basketball games in town - and maybe even some that are out of town. They make food for others, send cards, encourage, and always have something kind to say.  Oh, and they smile and laugh....a lot!  They're funny and fun!  They are genuine.  They are examples of Jesus.

Lauren & Kalli - Friends Forever and Always

When my daughter was born I was working part time....three days a week.  I was fortunate to have my mother-in-law take care of Lauren (and later two of her younger brothers) the majority of the time.  My mother-in-law also took care of three other children whose parents were both school teachers.  Their oldest two were twins and were two years old, then a baby girl named Kalli.  Kalli was exactly a month older than Lauren so it was almost like having two sets of twins to care for!  Not a problem for my mother-in-law who had six children (plus 15 or more others when they were house parents for a children's home) - the first two being twins!

Fast forward 18 years.  Recently Kalli celebrated her 18th birthday and Lauren will be 18 in a few weeks.  You see....Lauren and Kalli were best buds from their cribs.  They're actually more like cousins than just friends.  Their friendship has lasted, grown, and even changed and blossomed over the years.

Kalli moved away after 3rd grade, but the girls have remained very close.  Thankfully they've been able to enjoy many activites together, even though they live two hours apart. For Kalli's birthday, Lauren made her a special scrapbook.

Since my goal is to eventually print out a book for each of my children with posts from this blog about them, I wanted to share the book with you.  Here is the slide show of the book.

I hope you enjoy looking at the adventures of Lauren and Kalli!  At the end there are a few pictures of the inside of their "A-Z Designs" book.  Not sure when they made that book, but I remember it!  So cute and special!

I am GRATEFUL for this special friendship between these two girls.  What a blessing to have such as special friend!

To see what others are grateful for on this GRATITUESDAY, visit Heavenly Homemakers!

CLICK ON BOOK SLIDESHOW TO MAKE IT LARGER!

Back 2 School Youth Rally

The Tipton church held its first EVER youth rally this afternoon and evening.  It was a "Back 2 School" theme, and many of the activities and talks focused on ways the teens to take God/Jesus to school.  Many youth from Oklahoma - and a few from Texas - attended the event, plus our own youth. There were about 75 teens in all, with lots of adults in attendance, as well.

The first activity the teens were asked to do was to write down things that kept them from taking God "Back 2 School".  The most common answers were "friends" and "peer pressure".  Those things were discussed throughout the event as adults talked to teens about ways to combat those obstacles.

Several "teamwork" themed games were played.  This one involved moving a cotton ball down the group line by sucking it in on the end of a straw.  It was funny to watch!

Another activity was a spoon/ping pong ball relay.  Of course the goal was to NOT drop the ping pong ball and be the first group done.

My brother-in-law is our minister and he did an interview with one of our nephews, who happens to be a HS/JH coach and teacher.  Since many of the teens knew him from our church camp or school, it was perfect for them!  Travis answered questions about what he saw at school - in the hallways, the good and bad of teens standing up for what's right/wrong, things that he feels get in the way of the teens taking God to school....etc.  It was great!  He's a GREAT role model for the teens!! 

A side shot of the teens.  The singing was BEAUTIFUL!!!

Of course, with teen events, there must be food!  Here my son and nephew are having a little "cousin time" eating their grilled hamburgers!

The ever-important desserts!  There were LOTS!

My husband spoke on the topic "Choices".  He gave the teens some practical ways they can make good decisions as they go back to school.  They CAN take God/Jesus "BACK 2 SCHOOL"!!  Here he wasn't speaking, though.  He was getting ready to demonstrate how far he can blow a ping pong ball out of his mouth.  Teens need to know things like that, don't they??! :)

The neat part about the youth rally was that many of the teens in attendance go to camp together. This special group of girls are able to get together many times throughout the year, though they live in four different towns.  What a special thing to have Christian friendships that will last FOREVER!

The youth rally was a definite success!  Unless Jesus comes back before next year, I'm certain there will be a 2nd Annual "Back 2 School" Tipton Youth Rally!