Questions, questions, questions....

My friend Ruth had this on her blog. I thought it would be fun to answer the questions too.

1. Why did you start blogging?
My oldest child was getting ready to leave home and I knew my youngest wouldn't be far behind.  I had a lot to process so I guess this was inexpensive therapy for me. LOL I also wanted a way to be an encouragement for others and to share what God doing in my life and what He was teaching me.

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?
I would love to see some of the historic places in this country such as Washington D.C., Boston, Plymouth, Gettysburg, and, oh my, there are so many. I love history and have learned about these places but never been there. Then, I would also love to see more of the National Parks. I've been to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon and am always moved by the wonder of God's creation. I would love to see the Northern Lights for the same reason.  Then of course there is Israel, Great Britain, Spain (my paternal grandfather, who I never met, was from Spain). Then there is Rome, Greece, the list is never ending of what I would like to see but when you get down to it, I am very content if I never see any of these places. There is much beauty close at hand and I still get great pleasure from reading about all the historic places.

3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?
My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Polluck, was wonderful. She believed in me and inspired me to do my best. I was the quiet kid that stayed out of trouble and did average work and tried to hide from my teacher's notice and up until then I got what I wanted. My teachers really didn't notice me until Mrs. Polluck. She pushed me and encouraged me and challenged me and praised me. I went from being an average student to an honor roll student under her instruction and did well from then on.

4. If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?
Mary the mother of Jesus. I would love to hear from her the details of all that happened that are not in the Bible. 

5. Toilet paper – over or under?
Over, it has got to be over. I know it is strange but if I am in someone's house and it is under it really bugs me.  I am even tempted to change it.  LOL

6. Name one thing in your life that you would do over if possible.
Just one?  There are so many times, starting in my teens but continuing on to even recently, that I would stand for what was right instead of just going along.

7. Tell about your pets – if any.
 Right now we have two cats and one gold fish, although I am really more of a dog person. Our beautiful dog Lady passed away just a couple months ago. You can read about it here.  She is greatly missed.  Some day we plan to get another dog but we are not ready yet.

So here are our pets:
This is Spot.

Spot is a beautiful 15 year old female. She is small and delicate. She loves to be brushed because it makes her arthritis feel better. She usually hides when people she doesn't know come over but she is getting less fearful in her old age.

This is Speedy.

Speedy is a large 11 year old male. He is the clown of our home. Sometimes he sleeps in the bath tub and he likes to take showers with us. You read that right, showers. He loves the water. He is always trying to dash out of the house whenever we open a door although the few times he has gotten out without us knowing it he was terrified by the time he finally got back in the house. He just never learns that he is better off inside. He loves attention and if you are sitting he will try to climb up in your lap and nudge away whatever you might have in your hands so you will love on him.  If you are busy sorting papers or enjoying a good book or eating it can by very annoying but we love the little pest.

Tivah is our fish. Tivah is Hebrew for hope. Our son won two fish at the County Fair way back when he was just a little boy. I didn't expect them to live a week and one did die right away. Tivah, however, just keeps going and getting bigger and bigger.

8. Do you live in a small town or a large town.
A not-so-small town that still thinks it’s a small town. (Answer stolen from Ruth because it is spot on.)

Feel free to answer these questions too. I would enjoy reading your answers.

From http://happymomsramblings.blogspot.com/

How Deep the Father's Love For Us

I have been pondering this song today:  May you be as moved by it as I have been.

How Deep the Father's Love For Us 

words and music by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son 
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory 

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished 

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

If you are reading this on facebook you can hear this song on my blog at: http://happymomsramblings.blogspot.com/

Just For Fun

My son is in this.  Enjoy!


Campus Safety Chronicles Episode 5: "Moving-In Day" from Matt Sorensen on Vimeo.

If you are reading this on facebook the video probably didn't transfer. You can see it at: http://vimeo.com/14753677
or visit my blog at: http://happymomsramblings.blogspot.com/

What Can Happen In A Year

Well, our son is back at college. We picked him up at his summer job, enjoyed four short days with him and then loaded up the car and drove to So. Cal. to drop him off at college. This week he is enjoying debate camp with all his debate teammates. Classes start next week.

On the wall of one of the building's, a building where he spends lots of time because it is where the debate coach's office is and where he has many classes, is this sign:

In case you can't read it, it says, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God," Micah 6:8. That just happens to be my son's life verse. How very fitting!

Once we got him checked into his dorm and carried his stuff up to his  room, we went to the debate office and gave his debate coach a hug. She takes on the mom role for the next few months and I know my son is in good hands.She is loving but very tough when she needs to be.

Bill and I left our son with his team and got some dinner. We checked into our motel room then we went back and met our son. He took us on a night time tour of the campus. As we were wandering around we came across the auditorium where the music camp was taking place. We slipped in the back and participated. One of the university's main touring groups was leading worship.  It was wonderful to take the time to worship the Lord and refocus for a few minutes. We walked back to his dorm and then it was time to say good-bye.

Last year when we dropped off our son, Bill and I cried in the car after we left him. This time there were no tears. We knew he was in a good place, the place where God has called him to be and so there is no safer or better place for him. Of course he does crazy, stupid, slightly dangerous things with his friends in the dorms -  things that make me cringe and shake my head. In spite of all that, it is obvious that in the last year he has grown and matured in ways we never expected. He left a boy and came home a man - a godly man. What more could a mother ask for?

______________________

During the few days our son was home we went to the Bay Area to celebrate my mother-in law's birthday.  Our daughter managed to get the day off work and met us there. It was great to have one last change to see both kids before our son took off again for college.

My awesome kids!

My gangsta kids!

It was also good to see Bill's mom and two of his siblings.

Happy birthday Mom!

"Happy birthday to me!"

Make a wish!

Yep, they are all out!

Tonight is a Luau at the assisted living place where my mom lives and then I meet with my book club ladies at the Yolo County Fair.  Good days ahead!

From http://happymomsramblings.blogspot.com/