Good For My Soul

Today was just the spiritual uplift I needed. It was confirmation Sunday at church so I had to redirect my attention to something and someone else.

As her mentor, I got to introduce her during the service, stand with her during the ceremony (for lack of a better word), and share her chosen Bible verse.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

I love that she chose the version with "darkest valley" instead of death. As she pointed out, this is important in dark times, not just times of death. "I chose it because I wish to live by it, and help others live by it. No matter what fear stares me down, I will show peace and comfort in the presence of the Lord." Very smart teenager!

As I've said before, it was awesome to get to know Ainsley and learn from her!

In fact, Pastor Cheryl shared part of Ainsley's faith essay as part of her sermon today...

I will continue to worship with other Christians, listen to God’s Word and take Communion because of how it makes me feel. There’s a comfort in being surrounded with your fellow believers as you worship your ever loving Father together. This is all something that can’t be simulated elsewhere, no matter what. As you listen to God’s love for you, eat the body and drink the blood that signifies how deeply He cares, all while around your siblings in faith; nothing can make you feel more welcomed and whole.

Did I mention how incredibly smart and deep into a personal faith journey this "student of God' already is? 

Knowing how confirmation strengthens her faith helped strengthen mine and more importantly, gave me some needed peace today. 

That and the sugary frosting on confirmation cake...

And the much-appreciated many kind words and condolences you've shared with me...

And a nice visit from Son #2 and his girlfriend. Mainly to see the patient, but it was uplifting for me, too...

And of course, there was...

Good for my soul and my SKOL!

Let's find something to uplift us each day this week!

The Transition

The trees in our yard are trying to be sneaky but I see what they're doing! They're ready to make like chameleons and change color. And it will be simply gorgeous when they do. But...

I'm not ready for the big transition. Unless it's accompanied by this lovely weather we had yesterday and today. I was outside for awhile but Mr. Deck Chair concurred it wasn't as warm as yesterday. Still, I was determined to relax on the day of rest.

We got up early so we could watch the Vikings before church. They played in London and the game started at 8:30 a.m. our time. I missed the second half while I was at church. (I did sneak a peek in the choir loft, though. Shhh.) And had to watch the ending on my phone after church. 

W for WHEW and WIN!! Ugly again, but we'll take it!

After the game was done, I met with my confirmation student that I'm mentoring. I continue to learn more from her than I can teach. It's awesome.

Then it was mostly a day of relaxing and putting my mind at rest over other transitions in life. (There's always people to pray for!) On the plus side, I'm transitioning out of my busy season. My last senior shoot is this week and before we know it, we'll be into playoffs mode for fall sports.

Mr. Deck Chair has kindly requested I make time for him at least one more time along the way! I will do my best.

That's Promising

Seeing a rainbow that's trying to be a double rainbow is a pretty good way to end the weekend. Hopefully an omen of good things to come. More of God's promises.

Although the rainbow means it obviously rained – on and off all day – there were still bright spots today.

I had my first meeting with a confirmation student who I'm going to mentor over the next 6 weeks until confirmation. We'll meet once a week and go through some guided study and, if it's like today, a whole lot of conversation. You never know how it's going to go with a teenager. This girl is refreshing. Deep in her faith already and smart as a whip. This is going to a good thing to do. I'm feeling good!

Got home after our meeting in time to see the pathetic purple come from behind to beat the Lions. Ohmigosh, the Vikes looked awful. But ugly wins till count!

Tonight I finished going through the football pictures from yesterday. A few favorites...

A stocking-footed touchdown! Second time this season, I think, that he's lost a shoe. Hey, the score still counts.

Nick is a beast of a running back. Love when he leaves defenders lying in his wake.

Gotta love it!

Manny is another tough running back who's hard to take down.

And a fan (and team) highlight...

Our 6'1" 301-pound lineman intercepts a pass and takes it to the house!! Who knew he could run that fast?! It was awesome and his teammates and the fans were loving it! Way to go, Kenny! 

Rainbows, touchdowns, victories, and promising teenagers. Find what makes you smile and hold it close this week!

Because I Knew You...

Sitting on my desk among all the random pens and flashd rives and photos of my hubby and son is a silver-framed image of me with a special young lady.

Emily gave this to me 3 years ago after we completed our joint church confirmation project. I served as her mentor so for 6 weeks we met weekly and went through a faith journey together – including projects, homework, and service work. Oh, and lots of insightful conversations with this sweet girl. We shared many prayers, hugs, and "ah ha" moments realizing the many blessings in our lives.

I learned as much from her as she did from me, I am sure.

Since then, I have been privileged to see her regularly in church, read her hilariously written family Christmas letters, watch her perform in dance recitals and school musicals, plus take dance team photos and her senior portraits. For as much time as I sit at my computer desk, you know I am not exaggerating when I say I think of this "adopted daughter" of mine at least once a day.

And now I can't stop thinking about her.

I learned yesterday after my return from scrap camp that Emily had died earlier in the day. Shocked. Speechless. Heartbroken. I couldn't – and still can't – wrap my head around the fact that this beautiful young lady is gone. My heart breaks for her parents and sister and friends.

How she died is not my story to tell. How she lived, though, should inspire us all.

Tonight there was a candlelight vigil at the high school, where she was mid-stride in her senior year. Hundreds – mostly kids – gathered to pay respects, share a memory, light a candle.

Though hubby and I were too far back in the crowd to hear everything said, I heard enough to know that the same funny, caring girl I have come to know since her childhood is the same beautiful soul as a teenager. The teacher who is in charge of the Mock Trial team shared how Emily was the most motivating and positive student he's ever had. "She brought the team together as no one had and said 'We're doing this. We're winning this." There was much laughter, too, as friends from classes and Drama Club and dance shared special memories.

Memories.

I don't like that word because that means she's gone. And that's all we have.

At the conclusion of the vigil,  part of the orchestra and members of the high school choir dedicated songs to Emily. The song For Good from the Wicked musical has always been a favorite. Always makes me cry. And now, always will.

I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives,
For a reason.
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are lead to those,
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well I don't know if I believe that's true.
But I know I'm who I am today,
Because I knew you.
Like a comet pulled from orbit,
As it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder,
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.
 
It well may be,
That we will never meet again,
In this lifetime.
So let me say before we part,
So much of me,
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me,
Like a hand print on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have rewritten mine,
By being my friend.
Like a ship blown from it's mooring,
By a wind off the sea.
Like a sea dropped by a sky bird,
In a distant wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
But because I knew you
 
Because I knew you
 
I have been changed for good.

Because I knew you, my Divine Miss Em, I know a single smile can light up a room more than 100 candles combined. Because I knew you, my sweet girl, I have been changed for good.

God bless you.

That's My Boy(s)

I often talk about my "adopted daughters" I support at basketball and softball games and the occasional dance recital. But I do have a few extra boys in my life, too.

I am reminded of this during this whirlwind of graduation parties – especially for the boys Carter has known since kindergarten. Clayton (Clay now that he's older) is one of them.

Yup, not only did Clayton (left) and Carter go to "My Grant School" through 6th grade, they also were in Sunday School together and confirmed. They spent a lot of time back and forth between our homes on weekends back in the day, that's for sure.

When Carter switched to the Assumption Catholic School system in 7th grade, they definitely didn't see much of each other. Still, when I did see him, Clayton allowed his extra mom to give him a hug in public – even in front of his friends! I adore that kid. Well, that young MAN now.

One of the cutest things I saw at Clayton's graduation party today was a paper he did in school, maybe 2nd grade when he made a list of his best friends. There's Carter.... then, well, there are the others. Awww. So sweet!

And now they're all grown up. What? Crazy.

I don't think the real mothers or adopted mothers of either of these cuties are ready to let go. Can't they just sit down and play with their trucks and Power Rangers and Pokemon cards?

So grateful they did when they could and that I have another boy to take pride in and pray for as they squeal their tires and race off into the real world.

That's my boys!

9 Ladies Dancing

Thanks to my productive decking the halls day on Thursday, I was able to enjoy today in a relaxing and mostly festive way.

I had only two things on my real "to do" list: Make Christmas cookies. Go to a Christmas Dance recital. Yes, for real.

I wanted to make sure I saw Miss Emily– the girl I mentored in confirmation – dance. Plus you might say it was my "daughter fix" since I knew at least 8 other Academie de la Danse girls performing. Easily enjoyed seeing "9 ladies dancing," as the song goes!

After seeing the Atlanta Ballet perform The Nutcracker, oh way back in December of 1997 when Carter was in my tummy, I have loved that musical and seeing holiday dances and concerts in general. Today wasn't quite the same caliber but so entertaining nonetheless. Loved it and was glad I got to go.

Emily did a great job, too, and even performed one number rollerblading (figure skating). Awesome. Her mom – my "half" sister Chris –and I were both very proud.

After the recital, I made another holiday stop delivering Christmas cookies to my friend Becky. Her dad died the day before Thanksgiving so the holidays have already been stressful. I knew she wouldn't have had time to make any cookies yet so I brought her some, along with some hugs and a listening ear. We had a nice visit, considering the circumstances.

Got home in time to eat supper then beat hubby in cards. But then we played a second game and he won. Why can't I quit while I am ahead?

Did not play a rubber match. Instead Jim watched the Badgers and I went downstairs to watch a DVR'd Hallmark movie. Who do you think enjoyed their "show" more??

Carter had to work tonight and just got home. I think I'm still ahead in the "best day" department.

I might even dance about it a bit.

Being Neighborly

I apologize. After serving a free, hot meal to 331 Rapids-area residents in need tonight, my witchy attitude and all my previous complaints this week are not justified.


Not one bit.

The Neighborhood Table is a nonprofit, charitable organization staffed by volunteers who provide free meals to anyone in need every Thursday at a church downtown. At least 20 volunteers from community organizations help at each meal. We share not only a meal, but also an atmosphere of hospitality and mutual respect.

This week, my church – First English Lutheran – was the community group sponsoring the meal. The timing was perfect as my confirmation student, Emily, and I had to complete our time together with a student-mentor service project. I picked her up after school for our 2-hour shift and we were on our way to do some good.

By the start at 4:30 p.m., the tables had reached their 100-person seating capacity and there was a line out the door. At first we helped serve drinks and get whatever else the diners needed. Then, when I stopped in the kitchen, I realized they were very short-handed. So Emily stayed out in the dining area and worked there while I pulled KP.

While they had one of those automatic dish-washing machines that Carter uses at work, I was not qualified to man it. Contrary to popular belief in my house, I did know how to scrape plates and bowls and load them up for washing. There was no room for Martha Stewart or her TV cleanup crew in this kitchen.

It was hot, busy work and the time flew. We had to keep pace since there were only so many plates, glasses, etc. I knew we'd passed the 100-people mark easily, based on the full house. I was astounded later that in total we served 331 meals. That is a lot of people in our little community that, for one reason or another, needed that free, hot meal tonight.

On our way back to Emily's house, we discussed our service work.

We both agreed it was not that difficult for us to do. In other words, it's not so hard to help others so why not do that more often?? We also realize that even if we know where our next meals are coming from, having and supporting programs like Neighborhood Table is beneficial for those who don't.

As expected, we both realize we have many blessings in our lives. We are fortunate we aren't hungry, impoverished or disabled in some way.

We are fortunate there are opportunities for us to help those who are.

Opportunities to be neighborly.

BFF (Best Federal Free-day)

Happy Christopher Columbus Day! 

I don't have many federal holidays off, but my BFF does... since she's a federal employee and all. But once in awhile, when it fits my schedule AND we desperately need girl time, I make a point to take the day off so we can honor it together.

And by honor, I mean talking, eating and snuggling under blankets (separate ones on our respective couch or chair) while watching a movie.

Today was one of those days. Yay!

We both had things to get done in the early morning and since I had time, I even got in a short run before the day's rain started. Neither one of us had seen a movie in ages so anything was game. Sometimes we do funny, sometimes chick flicks and sometimes good drama (often based on previous Oscar nominations).

Today we went with August: Osage County, which I remembered from the Academy Awards. The film stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and others as a dysfunctional family that reunites into the familial house when their patriarch (Sam Shepard) suddenly disappears.

Key word: Dysfunctional.

The quote above is from the movie and it quite telling. If we had a dysfunctional childhood and realized we'd have an even more dysfunctional adulthood, we might not go through with it. While the plot was a little over the top in the dysfunction department, I could identify. No offense to my family, of course.

I probably laughed out loud more than I should but that's what happens when you see possibly one of your own family gatherings play out on the big screen. Plus, it's always good to know some have it worse than we do – even if they are a fictional family!

Anyway, it was good to catch up and spend time with Christine. Got home in plenty of time to start attacking my office this afternoon. I've been gone or busy so much lately I wasn't sure what was "in box," "file" or "recycle." Made some progress on that.

Tonight I had my mentoring meeting with my confirmation student. Coincidentally, was reminded again how good we have it. How "normal" our lives are compared to those who have so little. A good reminder we are not better than them – just in a better position to help them.

Thank you, Chris Columbus, for a day of lessons, leisure and new discoveries.

Confirmation

Tonight was our night for confirming a few plans for upcoming journeys.

First we had a travel-planning meeting for Carter & Co.'s 2015 trip to Germany. Beware: A few more fundraisers on the way! The biggest news is the desire by the teacher and chaperone to NOT allow the kids to take cell phones with them.

I can understand their concern with distraction. You can't enjoy the scenery if you are looking down at a phone. You can't interact with your host family if you are busy texting people back home. That would be rude to Lukas' family, if you ask me. Of course, that means it's a two-way street and I would have no means of reaching out to Carter in his nearly month-long absence. Sob, sob. They say this will prepare us for college. But who said I am ready for that either??

After that meeting, I stopped over at my confirmation student Emily's house. We are starting our 6-week journey of faith where I am serving as her mentor. While she was officially confirmed a few weeks back while our pastors were still working at our church, we still need to complete this part of the program. Should be interesting and rewarding. Emily is a sweet girl who is already on the path to making good choices.

My hope is that God can use me and my faith and maybe some of my life story (not the scary parts) to help her on her journey. Looking forward to it!

In fact, looking forward to how much both of these young adults will grow before and during their journeys. And having them connect closer with me, new friends and God.

Even without a cell phone!

Bittersweet Sunday

The downside of this Sunday was that it was our last church service led by our husband-and-wife pastoral team who are moving onto greener pastures (we can say that in Wisconsin).

It's been a good 5-year run and they will be missed.

I especially got to know Pastor Josh last summer when I was his Wing woMan on our mission trip to the Ozarks! It was a fun-filled and faith-filled week that I will never forget. Carter got to bond with both of them during camps, backpacking and mission trips, and confirmation classes. It's just not going to be the same.

The upside of this Sunday, though, was that they decided to confirm the 9th-graders while our pastors were still here, rather than waiting until late October. That was nice of them to do. The confirmands still have to go through their month-long "final project" with a mentor this fall, then they will officially, officially be done.

I feel blessed I get to be a part of that. Emily, the daughter of my "half" sister (as in half-marathon partner) Chris, asked me to serve as her mentor.

This entailed confirmation cake before church and again at their house after the Goodbye Potluck. Oh, and I also got to introduce her today in the service, share her scripture verse and stand with her parents and family to pray over her with the pastors. It's a neat privilege and I look forward to getting to know this fine young lady even better!

We got home about 4 p.m. so no sense getting motivated at that point. I did cross the street and cooked up some essential oil salves with my neighbor. If you need anything to help with eczema or need a "sleep stick," let me know.

When I got home, hubby had left to golf with his dad and sister. Carter is out for a run. I could grab the remote right now and claim it as mine. But am I cool enough to watch the VMAs?

I could work off some of that cake trying to keep up with that "young people's music"!

College Material?

I had one of those anxious "empty nest" moments today when Carter received his first recruitment letter from a college.

And I use the word recruitment loosely.

Under the guise of a "Congratulations on your confirmation" letter, a Lutheran college in southern Wisconsin made themselves known to us. A private school? Wow we must have cleaned up good for our family confirmation picture!

While templated, it was still a nice letter "celebrating the person you are becoming"... then pointing out their mission statement and promising to be in touch "from time to time" over the next few years.

I would call it a pretty soft recruitment. I mean they sent him a key chain -- not the car to go with it.

Still, it gave me pause and I realized I am not ready for this by any stretch of the imagination.

The ironic thing is, Carter quickly proved that he isn't either. Among his homework assignments tonight he has to read 100 pages in a book... he forgot in his locker at school. Uhm...Is this kid college material? Not yet. Whew.

I'm OK with that. He gave the situation a reality check -- which this mom (who dies a little inside each time I think about my baby leaving) needed.

We'll keep the key chain, though. If nothing else, it's a reminder of what he needs to strive for and what Mom needs to be prepared for.

But let's not rush things... 100 pages down.... lots to go.

Blessed Day

Today was confirmation Sunday at our church. What a blessing to not only see our son confirmed as an adult member of our church, but also sharing it with family and close friends!

Most of this group of nine have been together since kindergarten and some bonded even more during this summer's backpacking adventure. A neat group of kids!

We had to arrive at church right after the 8 a.m. service so the confirmands could get their picture taken by a cake with all of their names on it. Cool, eh?

 

Then they had an hour to goof around and try not to get their clothes dirty. Do we really have to tell this to boys who are 14 and 15?? Apparently so!

My friend Penny and I got a nice picture of our sons. Clay and Carter have been great friends since kindergarten -- not only going to Sunday School and Confirmation together, but K-6 at Grant Elementary School. He's like a second son to me and it's amazing to see how grown up they both are!

 

Late last night my sisters Raylene and Renell arrived at our house. Raylene and husband Steve (unable to make it) and Renell are Carter's godparents. It was wonderful his two godmothers could make it. Plus, my brother Ron drove over from Minnesota this morning to attend the service. Jim's parents and sister's family also attended Carter's ceremony. Carter's family rocks!

Had to take the opportunity to get a nice picture of the three of us, too. (I should have worn heels!)

 During the church service, Carter's mentor Ted got to introduce Carter and share his chosen Bible passage -- 1 Peter 1:21: Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Pastors Jen and Josh congratulate Carter after the service. I appreciate their influence on Carter!

After the service, we held a lunch at our house for the family and mentor Ted and his wife. Plus more cake.

Nothing says God loves you quite like frosting, right? Seriously, we do feel blessed that we could share the day with loved ones and see God working through Carter already. Today we count ourselves lucky. Sure we might be saying the serenity prayer tomorrow to get through a teenage moment.

But today... we are truly blessed!

Freshman Fifteen

Typically, the "Freshman Fifteen" refers to how much weight a new college students puts on her first year. From experience, I can say it's somewhat close to the truth! In Carter's case, his "Freshman Fifteen" refers to the fact he seems to be going 15 different directions this first year of high school.

And, miraculously, keeping his sanity. (Not so sure about Dad and Mom, though!)

Cross Country had no more than wrapped up on Monday, when we had Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, followed by Confirmation rehearsal tonight! The only reason we can keep up with him is because we are the ones driving!

We were pleased to discover his first grading period went well and that his teachers find him a "pleasure to have in class." Most said he was very good about class participation, not afraid to speak (hmm, whose child is that?) and ask or answer questions. This is important to hear. Knowing our child is respectful of his teachers and classmates is just as important as good grades. We are blessed he has accomplished both. So far.

Just as his high school career begins, Carter's christian education at church wraps up with Confirmation this coming Sunday. I should clarify -- his Lutheran christian education -- since he continues to have a Religion class at Assumption every year as one of his "core" classes.

We had a quick rehearsal tonight and class photo. There will be 9 students getting confirmed Sunday. Basically we had to run through what they had to do up front, what us parents had to do and the role of the mentor and godparents. Of course, the pastor also reminded the kids not to stand and "lock their knees" so they won't faint. That's what we need is THAT idea in Carter's head! Too late. He's already thinking about it.

I hope he can put that behind him, too!

So let's see, that's 3 different directions so far.... Tomorrow we'll need to give him a ride to school since the public school is off and there is no busing. On Friday he has no school and is invited to a bonfire party. On Saturday, he has a surprise costume/birthday party and then Sunday is confirmation.

When does he have time to eat and sleep??

Not sure. But at this rate, he has no chance of gaining that freshman fifteen. Let's hope no one else in the house does either!

Running Mate

With the elections just a few weeks away, I'm thinking I am not the only one who is a little tired of political ads, mud slinging and the like. But if you have your pencil poised to write in Carter Austin, don't hold your breath. He doesn't want anything to do with politics.

At this juncture.

As part of his last few weeks of confirmation, the students are paired up with a mentor who guides them through weekly lessons and does some extra "assignments." Our friend Ted has been kind enough to mentor Carter, coming over on Sunday afternoons to do their book lessons and prod him along on his faith statement (another homework assignment!).

One of their extra assignments was attending a church council or committee meeting. They took care of that tonight, meeting up at church after Carter and the cross country team enjoyed a spaghetti dinner at school. Carter and Ted hopped around to a few of the committees -- Youth & Family, Property, etc -- to get a taste of the democratic process at church.

Carter was adamant he will never serve on any type of committee. He says, "Mom, it was like planning your mom's 80th birthday party all over again!"

OK, some of you know what I'm talking about!

The one example was a Youth & Family discussion about an upcoming movie night. "They spent 15 minutes just talking about the snack. It had to be fish-shaped crackers to look like Nemo. Fifteen minutes!"

While it seems extreme, each little detail is important for event planning (we learned this through some party planning). Also, it is a democratic process so everyone can weigh in with their opinion. And, at church anyway, there's not really a time limit.

Thankfully, the guys got out of there so Carter could get home and get to his school work. Good grades are still important whether you plan to run for office or not.

Also, they can hopefully get you a job some day where you don't have to clean people's toilets or examine them for leaks. If you thought you were having a bad day today... Our poor plumber had to get up at the crack (tee hee) of dawn, come over to our house to look at our toilet (fun) and then, couldn't leave until he changed his flat tire... in the rain. Yup. I bet you didn't have such a bad day after all, did you?

Mr. Plumber does get my vote of sympathy anyway. As for Carter, I think the only running mate he'll be is my pace setter in a 5K.

Sunday Shorts

Sunday briefly...

Church-Front Finale: Got up for 8 o'clock church and had to get going early since Carter had to acolyte. I think this might have been his last time doing it since he gets confirmed in October and a new batch of 7th-grade confirmation students comes in. That's good. Carter knows what he's doing but gets so nervous. Then I'm sitting with him getting nervous for him! It will be nice to return to our back pew. Ha.

Step-Deprived: I have so busy doing nothing or something close to it, I've struggled to get my steps in the last few days. So today, when we got home from church I made sure I got a 2-mile walk in before the rain started (turned out to be sprinkling only) and before I had to get busy on projects. Now I am sitting with over 10,000 steps for the day. Finally!

Rearrangement: My "project" continues to be basement cleanup, decluttering and reorganization. Oh yes, this will take me another month, but I made some headway with my 2 days off and having time today. I've thrown out everything impacted by the flooding in our basement when the sump pump went ka-putt. Now it's putting things into plastic totes (I'm sick of wet, mildewy cardboard boxes) and organizing them logically in the basement. I'm not done getting rid of stuff, though. I am setting stuff aside for Goodwill or the spring garage sale as I work. This is long overdue but I'll be happy (in a few months, ha) when it's done.

Choking Hazard: OK I'm not talking about Brewers, who seem to be choking a lot lately. I am talking about this nagging night-time cough I've had for weeks and weeks. I end up sleeping with a cough drop in my mouth (so not a good idea) and take it out when I'm done coughing or I wake up and there's some left. I finally remembered to buy some NyQuil today so we'll see if that works any better tonight. The only problem is I might not stay awake through all my Olympic coverage. Good thing there's always the Internet!

Silver Bells

City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear

Silver bells silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day
Not only did we hear Silver Bells tonight, we got to ring them! (Well, red ones anyway.) Carter and I put on our Santa hats and did our annual bell-ringing stint for the Salvation Army.

When they called this year to have me sign up, the only time that coordinated in their schedule and ours was tonight and tomorrow night. Little did I know it would be the worse possible week for me to stand 2 hours at a time (lucky there's a bench there) and that Carter would have to ditch me after an hour so he could go caroling with the confirmation kids.

I still enjoyed having him with me for the first hour. It helps pass the time and people are always more willing to give when there's a kid ringing the bell. That's just how it works. We did pick the same store as last year because we don't have to stand completely outside, the shoppers are relatively nice and the guy who runs the store is an old friend of Jim's.

Despite the downturn in the economy, I observed that people still will give to someone who is even more in need. Whether it's the 50-dollar bill we saw one gentleman slip in (wow) or the 50 cents in nickels and pennies someone else dropped in the Red Kettle... It all adds up and we thanked each donor with equal enthusiasm.

Even though the second hour dragged a bit with Carter gone, I was glad he preferred to go caroling and didn't use bell-ringing as an excuse to get out of it. They had quite a group of confirmation kids go -- and some adults from the church, too. They delivered cookies and sang at several area nursing homes.

I love that the Red Kettle slogan is "Doing the Most Good." With such a little effort, we were able to spread some cheer tonight and hopefully do some good for those in need.

Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day...

Like a Lamb?

We always gauge the month of March as a Lion or a Lamb. Can't we do the same with October? I am loving the lamb these days!

I don't know if it got up to 80 today but I suspect it was close. Hubby and I took a 15-minute walk during lunch hour and it was absolutely gorgeous out! One of those days where we probably shouldn't have escaped the office -- even for 15 minutes -- because it was oh so hard to go back! Shouldn't we be golfing instead of working? Did you hear that sound? I think my deck chair is calling me!

Well, we sucked it up and went back to work.

We did get home in time for me to enjoy a nice run in the sun. I figured I better get moving since I am doing a 5k race in Amherst this weekend. Trust me, there will be no medals coming home with me this time, but I am going to have some fun, I'm sure!

After my run, I showered quick and drove Carter into town for confirmation. I was tempted to take a nice walk. (Dairy Queen is 2 blocks away.) But instead I parked somewhere to "borrow" some wireless and fired up the laptop to watch last week's episode of Modern Family. That show cracks me up. I am sure anyone driving by thinks the old lady in the CRV is a lunatic laughing with herself.

Partially true.

Now I see I still have 15 minutes before I have to pick Carter up. Do I check work email or take that walk?

Hmmm.... should probably enjoy the taste of summer before the Lions of winter return!

Just Briefly

I love being a mom -- even when it cuts into my blogging time. Tonight after grocery shopping I had to quickly cut Carter's hair so he could shower then finish his home work and next -- "when you get a moment, Mom" -- I have to go iron his shirt for tomorrow. So I'll keep this brief.

Fall Colors: Freeze warning tonight is not the only sign of Autumn today. My hair got its fall colors! Well, of course, this is the leading news story! What were you expecting?? There seriously is a freeze warning tonight as temps dip into the low 30s. A friend in Duluth already reported a snow sighting tonight, too.

Bus Route: For the first time since school started, Carter did not have football practice or a game so he had to ride the bus home. Though I am sure nothing changed since last year, he was nervous about getting on the right bus after school. Have I mentioned he's a worry wart? Well he got on the bus fine and managed to get all of his homework done (except reading) before going to confirmation, which started tonight. Gotta love our jam-packed schedule. And we wonder why time flies!

Wild Turkey: I made the mistake today of watching a fast time-elapsed video of our half-marathon course. Up until today I have been looking forward to Sunday. After watching the video, I got my first case of nerves. The butterflies were dancing like crazy in my stomach. At least I thought they were butterflies. When I went for a 4-mile run tonight, I saw 12 -- yes, a whole dozen -- wild turkeys cross the road in front of me. I thought, "Dang, it wasn't butterflies in my tummy after all. I bet it was wild turkeys!" It sure felt like it.

... Just breathe ...

Hot Stuff

It's not surprising today is by far the hottest day of the year. I mean 9 years ago on this very day it was 112 degrees. In Vegas that is. At the Little White Chapel by the Courthouse.

So for Mr. and Mrs. Austin, this 95 degree business is nothing. Of course, we're sitting in the air-conditioning just like we were on our honeymoon. But the scenery has changed. We've got a big ol' TV in the living room now and a teenage boy on the couch.

Yes, it's good to finally have our new flat screen TV hooked up and actually working -- after a week of complications I can hardly explain (yes, they're that technical) -- but it's even better to have that teenager back!

Since his camp was only a half hour from work, I went to go pick him up over lunch hour. I got there in time to see part of their closing ceremony. All the kids were singing and laughing and I could tell our boy had a good time.
I was right. The whole way back to work, I heard about new games, new songs, new things he did over the past 6 days. And although he slept in a tent one night, he wasn't really roughing it, was he?

I am so glad he had a good time and learned a little about nature, God and himself. He's plenty tuckered out, though. All that fresh air. Late night around the campfire and early mornings. Yup, it's a good kind of tired.

Tonight we had planned to watch the Twins on TV since they are playing the Brewers and we can actually see them for a change. And on HD, too. Unfortunately, there is a rain delay so Carter and I are in the basement watching Sandlot to get our baseball fix.

I wasn't even giving that rain delay in the Twin Cities any serious thought. But then my mom just called a few minutes ago and told me it got very, very wicked along the border. She said my sisters up in Grantsburg lost some trees, my twin lost her barn and possibly their cattle and all of them, including my parents, are without power. (But my parents can still call on their lovely rotary phone!)

There was no tornado warning so my parents think it was just high winds. Very high. I told my mom to keep an eye on the weather so they could go in the basement if the radar looks bad again. "We can't watch TV. We don't have electricity," she said. Duh, me. I forget how dependent we are on that! I looked up the radar for them and told them there's another line of bad storms about to cross into their area from Minnesota. Maybe going in the basement would be a good thing. Plus, it's probably way cooler down there.

Now I just need to pray that everything goes OK for them and see what we can do to help. If you're in the praying mood, there's some folks in northwest Wisconsin who could use your support. Thanks.

Campin' Carter

Anyone whose daily routine includes tucking a special someone into bed and getting a hug and kiss goodnight -- every night -- knows the reason for my loneliness this week.

Anyone who has ever gone to bed in an old sleeping bag, smelling of bug spray, campfire smoke and sweat -- but with a smile on their face -- knows my feelings are pretty selfish. Camp is awesome and I am so glad Carter is experiencing it!

Still, it's pretty quiet around here.

Going into this week, he was more nervous than I expected. That surprised me. I mean there's a dozen kids from our confirmation class going with, including his best buddy Clayton, so it's not like he's not going to know anyone. Still, he had some concerns about the "unknown" at Imago Dei Village.

I did my best to show him information online and share my own experiences as a young camper and later as a counselor and lifeguard at Luther Point. I didn't want to minimize his concerns but I couldn't help thinking: There's no way you won't have fun! Camp is awesome!

Hopefully I am right. I won't know until I pick him up on Friday.

That's been the hard part for me. Sure, he's only 90 minutes away in Clintonville. And sure, he's been on week-long vacations away from home before. But he's always been able to call every night to say hi and tell us about his day. But a week at camp means roughing it. And for teens these days that means no cell phones. And therefore, no communication with home unless they, gasp, actually write a letter!

For my part -- and this is purely therapeutic for me -- I made sure he got mail every day. I sent a card on Saturday to arrive Monday, one on Monday to arrive Tuesday, etc. Either he feels good about hearing what's happening on the home front .... or he's getting ribbed about being a momma's boy.

I don't care. He IS my boy. But I do hope he is, as they say, a happy camper.

We'll find out in 39 hours. Not that I'm counting.