Arriving in Zion....or Hume, VA

I rode up to Hume, VA with Deb F. on Saturday to pick up our "pioneers" who had been on a three day pioneer trek with their handcart. This took place at the Marriott Ranch, an unbelievably beautiful spot on this earth. It's rather close to DC, but if you ignore a telephone pole here and there, you could almost believe it was the mid 1800's. There were quite a few families that came to "welcome them into Zion". As far as those of us waiting for them, many of the children were dressed as pioneers as well as quite a few of the adults. We waited for almost an hour... the children playing pioneer games and the adults renewing friendships. Then we saw them coming over the hill. They were in their "family" groups. We cheered them on. When they came in, Josh's family was the first to arrive. If you look closely at the family coming in, Josh is right behind the boy on the left, although you can't see Josh's face in this picture. (you can always click on the picture to make them bigger)

They were tired, hot, and glad to be back. We began hearing stories right away of challenges and blessings they encountered on the trek. I really thought about this.... how they were welcomed home by loved ones, and so glad to be back, but grateful for their journey and what they had learned. They felt a kinship to those pioneers who traveled west by way of handcart in a way they never had before. But.... it was much more. Blessings and challenges along the way... the importance of the family unit... the thrill of "coming home", and the knowledge gained along the way. Kind of makes my "trek" through his part of my life make a little more sense. There IS a bigger picture. I can handle a blister or two.

Dog Day Afternoon

I think you've got the right idea, Sloopy.
Mind if I join you?

Pushing Handcarts in 2007

The youth going on the Pioneer Trek met at church this morning at 7:15. I think Josh looked super. It was wonderful weather and should be nice the whole time they are gone.....maybe a little rain tomorrow. Six of our Young Women that were going ended up not going at the last minute...for one reason or another, including Megan. I wish she could have gone. I really wanted Josh to be able to share ONE youth conference with a sibling and I know she'll miss out on some great stuff, too. But her knee is still bothering her from her wreck last week, and the trek is just so strenuous, she didn't think it would be a good idea to push it. They are going to the Marriott Ranch, about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of here. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Some late night reading with Josh....

I am finally going to bed. My plan was to hit the sack rather early tonight. I'm trying hard to exercise some each day, even if it's just gardening and puttering around the yard. I am also making sure I''m eating mostly healthy foods including skim milk and fresh fruit and veggies. Part of the plan is to get a little more rest, too. Also, I'm popping some potassium, calcium, and a JuicePlus capsule that Deb C. says will hit my circulatory system. (in good ways). I figure that if I have to keep having blood transfusions and they're not sure why, I might as well try and do my part to be healthier. The part of this plan I'm having the most difficult time with is the "more rest". I just have too much I want to do. For example.....tonight I was just about ready to go to bed, but thought I'd put another load in the wash. (We had stripped some of the beds today) I was in the utility room when Josh said, "Hey, Mom....wanna help me put sheets on my bed?" "Sure." "Wanna read in my room?" (ears perk up) "Read?.....sure!" So...after helping him put his "formula" of six different sheets/mattress pads, etc. on his bed in a particular order (he says it makes it perfectly comfortable.......I say it makes for a lot of laundry), we settle in to read.

We have this thing down. We've been doing it since he was just a little guy. Back then, he'd climb up on my bed and we'd read together. He would listen to me read whatever book he had picked out with great interest and attention. It was great, because with him being the youngest of six, it was a quiet time I could spend with just Josh....(not to mention the fact that I could lay down!) This has gone on ever since.....sometimes we'd read almost every night....but lately, it's every 3 weeks or so. Nowadays I get comfy in the overstuffed old chair in the corner of his room, then he covers me up because I'm always cold and fixes the lamp so I can see my book. Then he climbs in his bed, covers up with his down comforter, calls Sloopy to jump up on the bed with him....and then....all is quiet. We just enjoy being together, each reading silently. Every once in awhile, he'll say something about something....and we will talk a little. Or a lot. And sometimes, there's that moment....late at night, when I get the tidbits. The stuff you have to listen hard to hear. Especially when your son is almost 14. And then, sometime later, we are both nodding off, and I know it's time to come upstairs, and wait for the next time.
And I'll be ready, Josh....no matter what time it is.

Happy 4th.....from Georgia

Michelle married her high school sweetheart, Andrew, and they now live in Griffin, GA. They were finally blessed with their little miracle last June when Toby came into the world. Michelle wasn't sure how he'd do with the fireworks...but he actually loved them. As long as he could watch them all snuggled with his mommy (see bottom row, third picture). He is so sweet, and his smile and eyes are addicting. His Nana misses him so much. These are great pictures Michelle sent.....and I'm so glad Toby enjoyed the celebration. He especially liked waving the flags. Way to go....my Yankee Doodle Boy.

what a "crack"-up!

I just had to share.....
About two weeks ago Jessie made this collage of pictures of her little boy. Jessie is married to her best friend, Ammon, and lives in Mt. Airy, NC. Noah will be a year old in September. Such a handsome and fun little guy. His Nana is crazy about him.
I love these pictures....of him naked and playing with his car. (so cute when he's 10 months old....in 15 years or so, him being out playing with his car...naked....well......maybe not so much.)

bonnets, aprons and chocolate....

Yesterday I went over to Deb F.'s house, as she was working on clothes for the Pioneer Trek the youth of the Church are going on this week. I brought the things I've been working on with my group of girls so we could work together. She has been sewing her little fingers off for a few days along with some of the girls from her branch and their mom. I was working on pinning the pleats on Megan's apron.....for the moment alone in her sewing room...and in walks Deb. She puts a cold bottle of flavored water on the table in front of me....and this chocolate bar from Belgium. Now I know these are like gold to her...and she gave it to me. Yay! (she's shared her chocolate with me on several occasions before, too!) Anyway, biting into this particular truffle was nothing short of amazing. Not like anything you'd buy on "this side of the pond". A party in my mouth, that's for sure. I lingered over each bite, letting the sweetness melt slowly into every corner of my mouth, and simply enjoyed creating and working with my friend. Thanks, Deb....for everything. .......and I hope your hubby brings you some more chocolate from his trip to Antwerp. By the way.....ummmm......when does he get home???