Musings

Don't worry Mads, I didn't forget. Madison, the cool guest blogger, has finally staked out her own blog space on the web. Madison's Musings. Maya Maia is right here reading it with me. Join us won't you???

Single? Who Me?

Whenever starting a day full of this much socializing, learning, and more socializing, start it off right. Biscuits and gravy baby. I only had to try two Bob Evans' to find it and Ryan.

Not sure if you knew this, but I'm single. Yeeeeeeyaaa pretty much. So when you're single, you always go to these singles retreats to learn about singleness. No not really, but some folks who haven't been around here long are starting to get that impression. Pastor Ritch, intern Matt and their wives lead our singles group for a day long retreat focusing contentment and dating. I think it was pretty good considering how many good things we were able to cover in such a short period of time.

There was, of course, a time were the men and women got separated for a topic on purity. This is where we covered what to do while watching Children Of The Corn 13 with your date and which members of your family NOT to marry...

Andrew and Bruce eagerly awaited their first shot at appearing on the blog. Here, however, Bruce did not pick up the clue phone when it rang.

Peter took the brave and successful step out into unknown game territory for our class. We usually play alot of large group activities that have been done many times in the past. With an ever changing group and the knowledge that they've worked in the past, it wasn't always a bad idea. But we definitely added some good stuff this year.

First was the spaghetti and marshmallow building competition. Self explanatory. And of course, the team with the most experienced engineer, Nan, kicked behind.



Other games were played, but the most new and original would have to be live battleship....also self explanatory. Thanks to Mooners for making the icebreaker new and exciting...and ego boosting for a certain blogger. Like he needed it.

Well, posting about the High School reunion later that night will have to wait. And posting more details about the wonderful teaching of our Pastoral families will have to be avoided. It was a great day exceeding expectations and offering up lots of things to consider and change. However, I will inevitably point out what didn't go well, like all those "didn't we just cover that" moments...and no one will enjoy that. Probably the greatest thing I've ever taken away from the teaching at this church is the knowledge that everything starts with the motive and heart attitude with which you approach anything in life. No amount of rules, lessons, habits or alternatives will ensure or should give you great confidence in how to handle situations if you do not first run it all by the test of why you are doing something, who it is/isn't for and know who's in charge. It applies well to everything from who to date to what to wear and I felt this was the groundwork for most of the teaching this weekend.





And then there was Hagrid...

Wiggle Butt

Little to report except that the red tape and details required in order to get a CDL for driving a school bus is a huge pain. In one week it will have required three trips to the DMV and two to a finger printing facility. Next week is the physical and still to come, driving test. Sheesh

I'm also proud to say that the three little dudes at my AWANA table, Jairus, Evan and Tanner, have proven to be the most productive bunch of troublemakers in AWANA. Who else could manage to finish 3 sections in one night and still manage to get negative points for behavior? All three of them.

YES! As a last minute backup, I snagged Maya for the week. She also goes by "Wiggle Butt" apparently. It's alot easier to take care of this hyper dog after taking care of two super hyper/needy ones.


And my roommate continues to amaze me as he polishes off five glasses of Dr. Pepper. The lady started bringing them out in twos eventually. Yes, he had to drive like a madman to avoid having an "accident" on the way home.

Ketchup

It's time to dangle some pics in front of you to satisfy those loyal fans who have been asking where the posts are, and to get Ryan off back!

Ryan constantly asks me where his brotherly love pictures went from Emily's outdoor bray party. Here they are.


The motivation usually just isn't there for home projects at my place. I'm more likely to get something done at the parent's place. A couple weeks ago, a plumbing job took three times as long as it should have, as usual. I was talking to a buddy shortly after about what it's like working on home projects with your father. It always reveals the impatience of the son and the experience of the father. And if you're smart the learning opportunity for the younger. Stupid faucet!


Things at the new land are going splendidly. I was long over due for some work out there and got myself on the parking lot sealing team. Bad idea for the lower back but rewarding since it's something I can see results from for years to come.


We found out for Butch's bday that in the absence of proper candles, Doritos work almost too well.


I didn't have the heart to put the hose away without satisfying Tilly's burning desire to attack the water.


Will someone please invent candles made of frosting? It would have made Butch's other cake much easier to eat. :-)


Last week was too hot and busy for Sunday volleyball. But the week before it, Ben and Jon played a serious game while some spectators we didn't know gladly joined us. It could be a great opportunity for the future if they haven't given up after we ditched them last week.


Joe (left) and I had the pain pleasure of being thrust out into the local mission field a couple years ago by our discipleship leader, Danny. I've never gotten to hear Joe speak there until this month though. On my favorite verse as well...he's so thoughtful. Psalm 37:4

It's The Little Things

There are still many birthday updates to share, but it's the small things I'll leave you with before bed. The Stubers always manage to drop off (or remove) surprises at my house. Tonight, I came home to Buster.

Or as he shall only ever respond to from now on...Bust-A-Move.

I'm A Whimp

So seriously, my boss only made us work 6 hours today, but that was enough to completely wipe me. By the time I got home my hands were still shaking and I took a two hour nap without even trying. In my defense, even my boss looked wiped. The bulk of the work was tearing up bushes and trees, putting three truck loads onto one truck. These dudes from Blackshore who brought the truck had really cool nick names, like Boomer.

I haven't figured out how this happened yet, but the B-man's are out of town this weekend and even though their dog is not around, someone else's dogs are at their house. Guess who gets to play with take care of 'em?
Maddie was terrified at first, but now I can't get rid of her. Molly is too old to care. She just does her business and gets on with life. Scooters is really jealous...

While the rest of the world was distracted at Ryan's tonight (good times, thanks Ryan) Josh and Joanne decided to have a date at the house. Upon my return, I made the usual embarrassing, "Hand Check" announcement only to find them searching for Waldo in my family Waldo books I brought home the other day. FYI, Joanne is faster.

Steak 'n More

Jennifer was easily my best friend at work when I was contracted to Cat last year. I spent many hours at her desk in front of her computer complaining about all the work she made me do for her.Times haven't changed :-) Her laptop, which turned out to be the exact same model as the one I'm typing on now, was pooping out on her. What a great excuse to try out her hostess abilities! Jimmy cooked the steaks and Jennifer made the potatoes salad and dessert, which I got to take home!!! Their daughter, Rachel, was pretty cranky, but eventually we got to play. Their dog, Macey, was extremely playful, but eventually got distracted. We even got some work done for the school as Jimmy will hopefully be the one taking care of our elevator trouble. All in all, a pretty good night.


Thank you Jennifer and Jim!!

And We're Off

Thursday morning kicked off what may be a trend for a while. A little work here, some productivity at home there, fun time or computer support with friends between. It helps to not know what's coming next because you have to be ready for it! For the rest of the week, I was needed around the school to help out with the early afternoon responsibilities. But before that, Good Kevin and I had a chance to spend some time with Evan. Evan got back from the Mayo clinic a couple of weeks ago with tumors that have been deemed untreatable. His family is trying to enjoy as much life with him as possible right now, and he's still living on his own (kinda).

I didn't take any pictures because I didn't want Evan to think I was making a spectacle of him. We played a board game and watched part of a movie before I had to leave. The other Kevin is pretty good at keeping Evan laughing. You can catch up and read about what Evan's mom has been blogging about here.

Thursday was also the kick off of the next semester of our singles Bible study at John and Sarah's house. Our gracious hosts made dinner for us and organized some ice breaker activities. About 25 folks showed up. We will be going through the book of 1 Corinthians via a study commentary by John MacArthur.

Behind Becky the dog whisperer, newbies watch as our flagship ladies explain and demonstrate the class motto for about 20 minutes. Coincidentally, we had a few new faces pop up, including some of the most patient and inquisitive listeners I've ever met. The rest of my pictures featured too many people in the process of eating, and nobody needs to see that.
Knew there was something I was supposed to tell Josh before he got back to the house. As I walked through the door back home, it hit me. MAYA's BACK. Just an overnighter, I think due to Laugherty and Stuber laziness :-) I win.

Kiddos

Christopher, one of the most recent roomies to leave the bachelor pad for a married life, was generous enough to come over and help get my rear in gear early in the morning. There are several projects around the house which need doing, and by coming over during his vacation, it got me going on one of the smaller ones, and helped with some of the decisions that needed to be made. I am not a decision maker. Very sad. Anyway, thanks Chris! We removed the door between two 2nd floor rooms, studded it and put up drywall. It will need plaster eventually.

Check it out. Is there a stud in here....besides me? LAUGH!!!


Well, today was the long awaited day dedicated to hanging out with the cousins. Actually, 1st cousins once removed. Thank you Jerelyn! :-) My cousin Melinda and her husband Don have three cute and very fun 9-year old triplets, Grant, Erin and Kira. The kiddos are staying with Grandma and Grandpa for a couple of weeks, and I snagged 'em for a day. Sadly, Erin could not join us because she broke her hand this weekend and went back home with her parents to St. Louis :-(

Ice skating was the only thing on the agenda originally. Their aunt took them last year and they had alot of fun. I like to think of things on my own, but never can when I'm trying. It's kinda like stressing over big decisions in life. If you just let go and be patient, you'll be surprised at how many things fall in place. I'm learning alot about that this year. With things falling together last minute, we ended up with a VERY busy day!

Cookies!

They were sent to me with a cookie recipe and ingredients. Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. It was a very easy recipe. During the 10-minute baking breaks, we checked out my blog (they're famous now!) and watched their favorite scene from the movie "Cars". Back in the kitchen, I see that their modest portions worked out nicely, whereas my monster size dobbles turned into one huge cookie. I never learn.




Puppies!!

Remember how Jon and Joy needed some dog watching help this weekend? A last minute request last night turned into fun today. We went down the street to play with the dogs and let them out. The extra hands actually helped out alot since the tiny ones have to go separately.

I just stuck this in here to show you what a safe driver I am. And that I still have SarahK's tradition exchange gift in my car. Sorey!


McD's

The triplets FAVORITE place to eat is McDonald's, and it was their Mom's idea to send us there for lunch. However, it occurred to me as Chris and I were working this morning, Jerelyn could probably have lunch with us! She runs alot of promotional stuff and training for the area's golden arches and is GREAT with kids. Thanks for meeting and enjoying my awesome cousins Jere!


The kids introduced me to a special drink called a "suicide". From Jerelyn and my roomie's reactions, I'm apparently the only person in the world who DIDN'T know what this was. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I'll keep their exact measurements a secret until Jerelyn can tell us how they make the Big Mac secret sauce.

Ice Skating!

The main event - ice skating at Owen Center. We got there a little late, but that worked out because none of us had the footsie endurance for more than about 30 minutes total on the ice.


Another sweet thing falling together was running into some church friends, Craig, Debbie Jo and their family. Such an encouraging and entertaining (I want my book back Craig) couple. They found us while the ice was getting cleaned (an extra long cleaning for some reason) which gave us a ton of time to catch up and for Debbie Jo to get to know the kids. We have to work on how Grant explains his new internet popularity in public...




This is Grant falling....maybe.


Hammer Time

Before leaving the house, I showed them our punching wall. Chris and I didn't have time to take it down this morning so it was fresh on my mind. One whack at the wall with a hammer, and they were hooked. After coming back from ice skating, I think we got 1/3 of the wall demolished. Who woulda thought that the highlight of the day would be whacking holes in a wall with a hammer. Grandpa is going to be on edge until they go back Friday, making sure that they don't turn his walls into swiss cheese.






Special Delivery





Last but not least, the kiddos helped me deliver Jed and Julie's Christmas present to their doorstep.





I am legally obligated to tell you that Grant is cool in order to fulfill my payment for a piece of gum.

My cousins impress me so much. They are SOOO smart and observant. While I was tying their skates and thought we were having a conversation, they were figuring out if the lady at the snack machine was getting ripped of from the amount of change she got. You can especially tell that Kira is thinking hard in the back of her head about everything you say. Their conversations are really interesting to hear too. Since they share so much time and so many experiences together (ie school), they communicate really quickly. Many sentences are only half said because they know what the other half is. And they remember everything you say, so be careful!

You guys were so much fun. Thank you for coming over. I missed you Erin!! I wish I could sign your pink cast.


Capped off he night with small group time a few hours later. It was great meeting with the discipleship guys again after a three week winter weather hiatus.