Yippee.....

The wedding weekend is upon us!  We're headed to Michigan in an hour or so. 

Back next week with lots of stories and pictures!

What do people do in the summer?

Some people sign up for the summer reading program.

Some people go on vacation.

Some people go to summer camp.

Some people lounge around at the pool or catch the rays at the beach.

But not my people.  My two youngest people, that is.

This has been in the works for a few weeks now.  Discussions.  Plans.  Matthew's idea, Joel says.  An EPIC competition.



EPIC is an acronym - incomplete at the moment.  The boys are still trying to decide what the "E" stands for.

But the rest of it is certain:

E .......?

P inckney's

I n

C ompetition

Maybe we'll have a little naming contest.  Want to make a suggestion for the "E"?  We could come up with all sorts of great prizes for the winner and runners-up.  Front row seats at the Pool Football Match.  Autographed ball from the Tennis Bounce Race.  Dinner with the winner of Ping Pong.  Superfluous Ball lessons.  Your very own FrizCup set.  What possibilities!  Come on.  Make a suggestion and join the fun.

Twenty-first Monday

I keep saying it. What a day!

Yesterday was one of those special days when everything seems to go right.  The caps fit, the friends and family arrive, the food is plenteous, the sound system works, the speeches and slideshows are moving and funny and not too long, the music is lovely, the helpers gracious and untiring, and on and on and on.

And while one event is going on, an hour and a half away, boys are running and passing, kicking, blocking, sweating, heading, scoring penalty kicks, and one very good goalie is blocking a shot that gives the team the sweet, sweet victory.

Most days are not like this.

In the ordinary days, I give thanks for common things - flowers and birdsong, food on the table, work, rain, the cat, walks; and for hardships, too.

But yesterday was not ordinary.  It was one of those golden days, long remembered, to look back on in humble, thankful rejoicing.  I am so grateful for...

971.  the Goetls, who give Joel rides, when we can't
972.  the Stubbs, who call and text to tell us what's happening, when we can't be there and manage the team, what a full plate!
973.  Coach Kyle, who cares about character, too, and was jumping and celebrating with his team at the end
974.  sixteen hard playing young men
975.  no injuries
976.  sweet, hard-fought victory
977.  parents with hearts in their throats, watching, who told me about it today
978.  son who asks us to pray before each game
979.  Joel's joy in playing and his example of sportsmanship and integrity
980.  safety on the road and back for all the team

981.  Heidi, Teresa, Gail, Kathy, Lisa - we started planning together in January.  I sure do love these moms.
982.  Tracey, Robyn, Joy, Cindy, Charlene, Karen - co-op moms who supported and helped and kept things running smoothly
983.  Abundant and beautifully presented food
984.  Family and friends who came to support Matthew, thanks Mama and Daddy, Annie and family, Ed, Natalia, Amy, Josh, Rick, Albert, Blake, Helen, Shawn, Paula.  Their presence meant so much.
985.  Friends who aren't afraid to do something a little crazy to say "we love you."
986.  Words of encouragement, words of thanks from parents and students
987.  Smiles and a few tears
988.  Reaching a goal
989.  Dreams, goals, plans for the future
990.  Apt words

These boys of mine, together at home right now, supporting, encouraging, loving one another...

991.  Joel - the soccer player
992.  Matthew - the graduate
993.  Andrew - photographer for the day, thanks sweetie
994.  Thomas - one of the crazy ones and yes, Matthew loved it!

At the beginning of our graduation ceremony, Coty read these words from 1 Chronicles: 11-14...

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.  And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.  "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you....O LORD our God, all this abundance ... comes from your hand and is all your own.

Who am I, indeed, to be blessed with such abundance.  All praise and thanksgiving, all credit and honor belong to the Lord.

Want to see the 2010 NC President's Kepner Cup Champs?

Go here.  Joel is bottom row, second from the left.  Pretty proud of that boy and his teammates!  They came home with a stinkin' big trophy and great big medals, too.  They sure earned 'em.

Well, what a day!

Matthew graduated.

and read these words, written by Anna Waring in 1850....

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.

I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied,
And a mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

In a service which Thy will appoints
There are no bonds for me;
For my inmost heart is taught the truth
That makes Thy children free.
And a life of self renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.

While the graduation ceremony was going on, Joel was in Greensboro with his soccer team battling it out for the NC Division 1 State Championship.  They won.  Today was one day I really wanted a clone.

A few people wondered about us letting Joel miss the graduation ceremony to play in a soccer game.  But Matthew said it best, "High school graduation isn't that big a deal.  Everyone graduates from high school.  But not everyone gets a chance to play in a soccer state championship."  He was truly happy for his brother.  And I'm pretty sure no one was happier than he was to get the news (which was called in to my silent cell phone during the ceremony) that Joel's team had won.

I would say Matthew is one free young man, already living that life of self renouncing love, happy in his brother's achievement, even as we celebrated his milestone.

It was surely a day to make a mama proud and warm and happy on the inside.

On to the final

This has been a great soccer season.  Today, Joel's team won 2-1 in their NCYSA Division 1 semifinal match so tomorrow they advance to the state final.  If they win tomorrow, it's on to Oklahoma in June!  Pretty exciting stuff.

Pushing the panic button

Yesterday morning I had that awful feeling of impending panic - not full blown panic - but the feeling that I could flip over into a frenzied, frazzled, ferocious woman at any moment.  The list is long, the time is short.  We have a soccer state semi-final match an hour and a half away today, a high school graduation and reception tomorrow, and a wedding in Michigan next weekend.  A LOT in a short period of time.  And I, of course, want everything to be perfect.

In moments like yesterday morning's, when the list seems overwhelming and my dissatisfaction with my own planning and time management, as well as my desire for everyone to "jump to" and get things done to my unrealistic specifications threaten to sour all relationships and turn me into a crazy woman, words from Elisabeth Elliot provide calming direction:

Do the next thing

The next thing yesterday was graduation reception food.  Pinwheel sandwiches.  Spread the cream cheese.  Dab on the cranberry sauce, lay the turkey and cheese slices, roll.  One by one til a mountain of rolled tortillas covered the tray.  Wrap and refrigerate.  On to the next task...

Slicing the rolls made the day before.  One by one.  Sharp bread knife cutting each roll, each pinwheel placed in the container, stack by stack, the tin is full and cut off ends are enjoyed by all, making me feel pleased that they will taste good, look nice, and be enjoyed by our graduation guests.

And in the evening, a long planned women's fellowship.  How many other things could I have gotten done at home during that time??  But this is important and a car ride with a friend and a bit of conversation with women to try and understand needs and think on how to support and encourage shifts my focus from me to the larger body.  Don't we all have our own stuff?  And isn't it easy to get stuck in our own stuff and not lift our eyes to others.

This morning, an early drive to take Joel to work and an early appointment with the hairdresser that I am liking more and more each time I go.  And what did we talk about?  Paying attention.  Learning to focus on what we are doing.  The dangers of multitasking.

I am letting go of the ideal of perfection.  I do this over and over and over again.  Spotless floors are not that important.  Good food and happy conversation are remembered more.  Flowers on the table and an atmosphere of peace stay with you.

Oh, I'm not slowing down.  There is a lot to do.  That's for sure.  But I have taken a breath. 

There is, of course, a spiritual application here for me.  Not a new one, but one I revisit often.  A Mary and Martha point to be made.  I read this the other morning:

"The issue wasn't her preparations; it was her distractions.  It wasn't the many things; it was that the many things didn't revolve around the one thing that was needed." from Windows of the Soul by Ken Gire

And what it that one thing?  Sitting and listening to Jesus.  How often I have to relearn this lesson.  Put Christ at the center.  Read the Word.  Then do your work.  One thing at a time.

My friend, Tonia, writes about these things considerably more eloquently than I do.  If you are close to pushing the panic button and needing to slow down, simplify, refocus, I encourage you to read some of her less: :more posts.

And now, there is a half hour that stretches before me til time to go to the soccer tournament.  I will stop and go work in my garden where the last of the seedlings await transplanting.  That won't put me closer to having a perfect graduation reception, but it is the next thing that needs doing.  I take joy in it. 

Daughter and Granddaughter Dresses

I showed you Erin's finished dress the other day.  I told a friend that it was my sewing magnum opus, so far.  Today I show you grandbaby Clara's dress.  I think I will call it the mini magnum opus!  I am so very pleased with this little dress and can't wait to see daughter and granddaughter together in their dresses.

This sweet little thing is made from McCalls 6015.  And yes, there is a diaper cover to match!

All done but the grading

Oh, it feels good right now.  I had my last anatomy lab class today.  I am DONE with teaching for the year.  There is still grading of lab reports and finals, but no more preps, no more classes. 

Joel and I celebrated with oreo mint milkshakes. He finished his World Literature final today and has to take his anatomy exam and then he'll be DONE!

Matthew still has his anatomy exam to do, too, when he gets back from surfing in California!!!  Hard life.  His high school graduation is on Sunday.  And in the fall he heads to Bethlehem College in Minneapolis for two years of study and interning before pursuing his dream of film making.

Right now, I think we are all just ready to kick back; ready for swimming and reading and weddings and hammocks, walks and summer jobs and fresh basil and watermelon.  Summer, come on!

Twentieth Monday

954.  Early morning on the porch
955.  Rain
956.  Naps on the porch
957. Cool enough to curl up under a blanket
958.  Dinner on the porch
959.  Candlelight
960.  Owls and night sounds as we sit....yes, on the porch

961.  Cleaning, done!
962.  Cushions, done!
963.  Labs, done tomorrow!

964.  Sweet little silk dress in the making
965.  Sweet baby girl to wear a silk dress

966.  Safe travels for Matthew
967. Shane, teaching him to surf !!

968.  Promise of summer bounty, unripe berries that I pass on my walk
969.  Garden almost in
970.  Scent of gardenia

It's a busy week as we get ready for Matthew's graduation, travel for Joel's state soccer semi-final, and finish final preparations for Jonathan's wedding. I was reminded this morning of the importance of slowing down, noticing, giving thanks.  I don't want the joy of these milestone events to get lost or the little gifts of each day to go unnoticed in a frenzied rush to get ready.  So, I stop for this Monday ritual of recording the gifts and give thanks, again, to Ann, who got so many of us started...

A little end of the day story

I drove all over creation this evening.  Picked Joel up from work, took him to soccer practice, enjoyed a half hour reading Hannah Coulter in the car in the parking lot before driving to pick Andrew up from work and then back to the soccer field for a player evaluation meeting with Joel and his coach and then....home. Finally. Whew!

When we arrived, there sat Thomas and Kay in the hammock down by the pool with a lovely fire going in our little outdoor fire pit.  We all brought chairs and sat and talked and enjoyed an hour or so of peaceful conversation and a few funny stories.  I had a cup of tea.  A very nice contrast to the running around earlier and a sweet ending to the evening.

Here's one of the stories.  This happened to Thomas today...

While waiting in line at the Goodwill Store this afternoon, he just noticed out of the corner of his eye, a car pulling into a parking space at the front of the store.  As the car pulled in, all of a sudden it accelerated and CRASHED through the front wall and window of the store.  Fortunately, no one was standing right there.  And amazingly, the elderly woman who was driving the car was unhurt. Everybody was pretty surprised though and the cashier was a little rattled.

When the car crashed through, the cashier said, "This is the second time that's happened since I started working here.  Only last time, it was on the other side."

Another woman said, "Is it a Toyota?  Those cars have the devil in them!"

Funny thing...it was a Toyota, but not one of the recalled models.  And the little lady who drove it through the window kept saying, "I'm sure I put my foot on the brake."

Thomas was later getting home than I expected and I had called to see where he was.  When he told me that story over the phone, I thought he was making it up.  He said, "You'll never believe what just happened!!!"  And I didn't - at first.  I thought he was just pulling my leg.  He's good at that and enjoys a good yarn from time to time.  But nope, it was true.  If you live close by, you can stop by and see for yourself.

Good idea..

for those of you with little ones who don't want to keep using plastic and need a little spill proofing...

Try Mason Jar Kid's Cups

Added to the morning basket

I started this morning enjoying a Mother's Day gift from my sweet husband.  This book will join my Bible and other books in the basket for morning reading on the porch. 

Nineteenth Monday

 
933.  Peonies on the windowsill
934.  Learning the birds by their songs
935.  Porch mornings and evenings
936.  It fits!
937.  Less than three weeks til the wedding

938.  Candlelight dinners on the deck
939.  Germaine and a happy birthday celebration.
940.  How we laugh with those Tshamala girls and Angie!
941.  Heart to heart

942.  Fun times with these little people
943.  Time with our dear Sneads, on their way back to China tomorrow
944.  The starfish story - "it made a difference for this one"
945.  Babies and little ones dedicated in church on Sunday, gifts of God by biological birth and adoption
946.  Aprons and flashlights and capes and gingerbread necklaces and little one's happy faces

947.  Music from these hands
948.  A college decision
949.  Finishing up
950.  Boys home

951.  Fence done
952.  Good work in the garden
953.  Scent of honeysuckle on a morning walk

Happy Mother's Day...

To my very special, beautiful mother whose never failing love and support have been expressed in countless ways, large and small, my whole life long.  I think like most people, the older I get, the more I appreciate the sacrifices, generosity, and example of my mom.  I am so thankful for you, Mama.  Happy Mother's Day!

And to my precious daughter who is an amazing new mom.  It is one of the great joys in life to see your daughter become a mom and to see her blossom in nurturing her sweet baby.  I feel so incredibly blessed to have such a wise and loving daughter.  Happy Mother's Day, Erin!

And to my mother-in-law, whose kindness and support have made being a daughter-in-law easy.  Thanks for the way you raised your son and for all the ways you constantly give to your big extended family.  We are all blessed.  Happy Mother's Day, Grammie!

Comin' home

I'm getting pretty excited. My boys are coming home. Both Thomas and Andrew finished exams today and will be home tomorrow. Yeeeehaaaaa!

That means more laundry, more cooking, more cleaning, more trips to the grocery store, more stories, more laughter, more ping-pong, more noise, more visitors, more shoulder rubs, more hugs, more jokes, more music, more, more, more!

Yeah, I'm pretty excited.

Thomas is finished with his junior year and is transferring to our local university. After a summer at camp, he'll be back home for his final year in college.

Andrew is finished with his sophomore year and will be home for the summer before heading to Brussels for the fall semester.

It's a sweet thing to have sons return home.

*Sew 'n Tell

 I've been doing a LOT of sewing lately.  Here is Erin's bridesmaid's dress for Jonathan and Kandyce's wedding.  Made from an Indian silk sari, using Simplicity 2648, View C, with modifications, which included:
-lining the entire dress (not in the pattern!)
-narrower straps on the scoop neck
-a completely different skirt. As I mentioned in the previous post on this dress, the skirt we substituted is an A-line I drafted using instructions from this wonderful book.
-using the sari border embroidery for a waist band and bottom border which is attached to the lining fabric under the silk skirt.

The dress needs a good pressing, (Erin read this before you do it!), but it's done and tomorrow it goes in the mail.  It just better fit!  If we made the adjustments from our sample dress correctly, it should.  It doesn't quite fit me in the places that Erin and I are different, so I'm hopeful!

I love the waistband.

Another little project completed before Easter was this little sweater and dress for Clara.  The little dress is made from Simplicity 3808. I added the ruffle at the bottom.

The sweater is Elizabeth Zimmerman's February baby sweater from her wonderful little book, Knitter's Almanac.  It also has mess-ups modifications, which mainly include tweaks to the gull pattern of the body of the sweater.  I must remember to keep a paper and pencil handy to write down completed row numbers when I'm working on a pattern that is more than a two row repeat.  Otherwise, I end up with ...er ... modifications.

Next on the sewing agenda:
-cushion covers for the veranda seating at the wedding reception
-a dress for Clara to wear to the wedding using the left-over sari silk and this pattern, which is kind of like her Mommy's dress.  I anticipate some cute mother-daughter pictures!

_____________________________________
*Thanks to Thomas for suggesting a better title.

Eighteenth Monday

It is rather dark this morning.  It feels humid and warm. As I sat on the porch early, a small breeze rang the chimes and whispered promise of rain to come.  And then, a little while later, it arrived, a few big drops at first and then a more gentle constant shower.

On a morning like this, I rejoice that I can hear...

917. the rain, as it begins to fall gently on porch roof, hitting dry oak leaves on the floor of the woods, and pattering on the red-tip leaves just beyond the screen.

918.  the rich, liquid, flute like song of the wood thrush, heard early this morning. Scroll down on the link if you'd like to hear and enjoy.

919.  quiet morning sounds, boys moving about, getting started on their day

920.  sweet morning greetings

921.  the cat's meow

922.  the roiling, bubbling of kettle water at a full boil

923.  the whir of the coffee grinder

924.  the knock of a moth's wings against the front window (which also makes me chuckle remembering this story we read aloud and loved).

And I'm thanking God, too, for the gift of smell and the scent of ...

925.  roses and jasmine

926.  rain

927.  coffee

928.  garden soil

929.  homemade bread, toasted

And eyes to see...

930.  peonies

931.  rhododendron blossom

 

932.  abundance of roses

These old hymn words come to mind...

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

-from the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848

RSVP

Seems some people don't know what those four letters mean so here's a little refresher....

"R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, "répondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." The person sending the invitation wo­uld like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day. (italics mine)  For hosts who are planning a dinner party, a wedding or a reception, this is important from a practical point of view, because they need to know how many people to count on and how much food and drink to buy. More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend." 

To read the rest, go here.

Why this post?  Because I currently know two brides-to-be who are rather frustrated that invited guests have not responded to their wedding invitations.  How hard is it, really, to fill in the blank, check the box, and slip that stamped reply card in the mail.

Along the same lines, I've had conversations with younger friends lately who bemoan their generation's reticence to commit to things - outings, dinner invitations...relationships.  One young woman's assessment of this state of affairs is that people are waiting for the next best thing to come along.  Refusing to commit allows wafflers to keep their options open.

I am feeling very thankful for the young men I know lately who have stopped looking for the next best thing and taken the bold step of proposing marriage to one young woman.  They have decided that for better or worse, this is the woman with whom they will spend the rest of their lives.  God enable them to honor their commitments.

And by the way, if you happen to know any of these young men and have been invited to their weddings, do them and their brides and families a favor....RSVP.