Monthly Archives: January 2006

I hear two-parent families talk about their busy schedules, juggling the load of taking their children to and from various events, often invoking the assistance from grandparents or other family members. Tonight, one mother sat on the sofa across from … Continue reading →

Friday evening, Monte and a van full of teenagers trapsed into the house to pick up Matt for a weekend youth retreat. I was in between the Salchak lessons and Sue Branson, and I forgot to hand over Matt’s registration … Continue reading →

Chris Hetzer Last night we had dinner with the Hetzers – Bill & Kay, and their two sons, Joey and Chris, to celebrate Chris’ (and Bill’s birthday). As always, it was a wonderful time with one of my favorite families. … Continue reading →

Tuesday afternoon I learned that Pat Hill’s father had passed away. Pat is the executive director of ACTION Adoption where I adopted my sons. Pat had been very close to her father and I knew that she had spent a … Continue reading →

Tuesday evening, I taught late and was too tired to cook. I took Jose to La Rosa’s Pizza and we enjoyed personal pan pizzas which were delicious. At the end of the meal, my cell phone rang and it was … Continue reading →

A parishioner from North Riverdale Lutheran read my blog entry on our adventures at First Lutheran feeding the hungry this past Saturday, and responded with some of his own memories of growing up at First Lutheran. A few more Emails … Continue reading →

Not much here tonight… Sunday is always a blast! I cannot believe that at age 41 I am like a little kid going to an amusement park. Chris Stevens leads the class and she has become one of my all-time … Continue reading →

In the stage play & motion picture, the character ‘Ethel Thayer’ says, “Sometimes you have to look at a person and believe they are trying the very best they can.” This was on my mind as I watched the hungry, … Continue reading →

When I heard there was a movie to be released on the life of legendary country singer, Johnny Cash, I must admit a moaned a little. I just could not see why his life should be captured on film; however, … Continue reading →

The morning schedule went much smoother! The only snafu occurred as I was walking out the door – the front door knob pulled right off – and the door was still closed! Ugh! I managed to get it open and … Continue reading →

Tuesday was my last free day before re-entering the work force outside the home. Of course, teaching at Kettering Middle School did not seem like ‘the workforce’ but this is so different from the course of my life’s career the … Continue reading →

“There are two ways to make music. One is to make it yourself, and the other is to create an environment that allows others to make it.” ~ Steve Smith ~

Well, the five long days of constant running and attending events has finally come to an end. It was so hectic and so busy – but so enjoyable in many ways. In five days, I was fortunate to spend time … Continue reading →

I have always loved Andy Rooney and this transcription from a recent 60 Minutes episode seems to sum up some of my own thoughts on certain issues. I applaud CBS for allowing Mr. Rooney to speak so loudly, boldly and … Continue reading →

Photographs are fromt eh Ball State University Singers’ rehearsal, Thursday, January 10, 2006. Friday morning, I was officially up at 5:45am – having gone to bed at 1:30am (with a few unscheduled wake-ups). Jose and I left for the dentist … Continue reading →

This morning got off to a delightful start with my eldest having a meltdown because his laundry was still not completed – since Sunday. There had been daily reminders since last Friday to complete it since this coming weekend will … Continue reading →

This afternoon, I accepted a position with The MUSE Machine of the Miami Valley, working with the education department… About the MUSE Machine The Muse Machine was established on the belief that the arts can make a profound contribution to … Continue reading →

Yesterday, the boys and I attended Sunday school for the first time at North Riverdale Lutheran Church, another step in the progress of settling in a home church. The boys were skeptical about Sunday school in two previous churches we … Continue reading →

Saturday was quiet and peaceful. The boys went out to play basketball for a while and after trying a Mexican dish I created (fried rice, chicken, diced tomatoes, peppers, onions and cheese), we headed to see… ugh… The Wedding Crashers. … Continue reading →

The boys started back to school Wednesday, and it just seemed as though this past week dragged on. I just could not get into productive mode and feel as though all last week was wasted. Friday, Pastor Monte and I … Continue reading →

Before Christmas I would hear students or other children say, “I want this for Christmas…” After Christmas, especially the first day back to teaching I heard, “I got everything on my list.” For some reason, this really bothered me. I … Continue reading →

I always am interested in lists that offer domestic suggestions (household hints), and I even have a few of my own that I found in a 1964 cookbook at my mothers. However, the best I acquired were from our neighbors, … Continue reading →

O Star (the fairest one in sight),We grant your loftiness the rightTo some obscurity of cloud-It will not do to say of night,Since dark is what brings out your light.Some mystery becomes the proud.But to the wholly taciturnIn your reserve … Continue reading →

Well, it is now a brand new year! A few minutes ago, the fireworks began showering the sky, a neighbor boy’s trumpet was blasting away, people were cheering “happy new year” and horns were honking. It was quite a site … Continue reading →