Have you taken a look at your kids lately? If you're like me - they are over 21, so "kids" is not exactly an appropriate label. progeny? offspring? descendants? Too cold. My two sons will always be my kids and I feel the same about their wives.
When kids are little, they tend to be clones of us ... thinking, feeling, knowing, believing only what we teach or show them. And this is the part I love ... as they become adults, I get to see the individuality in their talents, intellegence and beliefs. I got a chance to be reminded of that again this weekend at the LeadNow/Fusion conference in Dallas.
Our older son, Brian - the director of the RightNow Campaign - hosts these conferences to focus on issues to help 20/30-somethings to fuse faith and life together. Julie, his wife, is behind the scenes with hospitality. Scott, our younger son (Director of Operations at Bluefish TV), directs the event and his wife, Holley, is the stage manager. I won't go on about the event itself - click on that Leadnow/Fusion link above and see what all goes on - it's packed. I'm just going to speak as a mom.
I got to experience what we all should realize when our children become adults. They have thoughts, faith, talent, intelligence that exceed us. They are individuals beyond us and I celebrate that.
Going "to work" with my kids this weekend, I got to see Brian, speaking to thousands about his faith in God and his passion for the world and thriving on the relationships with the young people there. I got to see Julie's sweet nature - making sure all the speakers were taken care of and where they needed to be and working closely with Brian. I got to see Scott, multi-tasking by directing a live event, keeping all the media in order. And I got to see Holley - great at organizing - managing the speakers; everyone coming and going onstage and working with Scott, many times not even needing to be connected by headset, but working that well together. (This was a large team including Marc/Robin, Justin/Sharee, Lonnie, Felicity, and many other volunteers, staff and speakers, and I'm as proud of them as a mom could be.)
I am thankful that whatever torch Marty and I passed along, our kids took that and blew it out of the water (mixed metaphor - sorry). They have made their own lives with their wives and isn't that what we did? The decisions they make are not ours (hallelujah! when did we become perfect?) - some make us scratch our heads - and others make us smile with wonder. But it is the free will that God allowed us.
So, even if you have not had the privilege of going to work with your "kid," may you really take a look at them and appreciate all that is in them that is beyond you. Thank you, God.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Cry Me a River
Fishing below the dam on the Taylor River in Colorado - gold medal trout fishing - can be tough. The brown and rainbow trout are big and smart. Yes, I have to admit, I've actually had a little frustrated cry as I was sitting on the banks trying to untangle my 6x line for the umpteenth time; outsmarted by lunkers that jumped all around me. (I secretly think that river has made some men cry!)
But fishing with Marty is all pleasure. He shows me the best spots and offers helpful tips. He is the best guide!
We've fished this stretch in the winter; climbing over ice banks to get to the water and in the middle of summer. This fall day was pretty cold and damp but, as you can see, all smiles!
But fishing with Marty is all pleasure. He shows me the best spots and offers helpful tips. He is the best guide!
We've fished this stretch in the winter; climbing over ice banks to get to the water and in the middle of summer. This fall day was pretty cold and damp but, as you can see, all smiles!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Long Way 'Round
Crested Butte, Colorado is not always easy to get to; but it is always worth the effort. We were supposed to have an early morning flight to Crested Butte for a week of relaxation (with Jeff & Terri) 
combined with chores to get the house ready for missionaries for the winter. But typical to the (un-named) airline, at least once a year we have a flight get canceled and the excuse "Oh, sorry - we'll get you there in a day or two." That's not going to cut it when you're half way there. And so we start listing nearest airports and try to get in and rent a car and drive. Montrose? Vail? Aspen? This year, the closest we could get was Aspen. We've been to Aspen many times so we decided to make a day of it and have lunch and enjoy the drive into Crested Butte. As it turns out, it was a good detour this year.
After lunch at a favorite spot, we noticed a lot of activity in the Plaza. A mother bear decided that the crab apple trees were the best place for food this fall and she brought her two cubs along to teach them the best place for easy food.
We made it to Crested Butte about 6 hours later than we hoped, but we're here! And that means time with "the boys." Toby & Beau - our horses.
To make up for the lost time in August, we got in a great, long ride with friends today. We explored our own "backyard," the high meadows of Red Mountain with Steven, Lee, Laura, Dannic and Wookie the dog.
The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a picnic and then meandered our way back home.
Ahh, I feel relaxed.
combined with chores to get the house ready for missionaries for the winter. But typical to the (un-named) airline, at least once a year we have a flight get canceled and the excuse "Oh, sorry - we'll get you there in a day or two." That's not going to cut it when you're half way there. And so we start listing nearest airports and try to get in and rent a car and drive. Montrose? Vail? Aspen? This year, the closest we could get was Aspen. We've been to Aspen many times so we decided to make a day of it and have lunch and enjoy the drive into Crested Butte. As it turns out, it was a good detour this year.
After lunch at a favorite spot, we noticed a lot of activity in the Plaza. A mother bear decided that the crab apple trees were the best place for food this fall and she brought her two cubs along to teach them the best place for easy food.
We made it to Crested Butte about 6 hours later than we hoped, but we're here! And that means time with "the boys." Toby & Beau - our horses.
To make up for the lost time in August, we got in a great, long ride with friends today. We explored our own "backyard," the high meadows of Red Mountain with Steven, Lee, Laura, Dannic and Wookie the dog.
The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a picnic and then meandered our way back home.
Ahh, I feel relaxed.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
North to Alaska
Before I get to Alaska, allow me to digress by talking about my first date with Marty when we were in high school. Well, not the first "official" date, but the first time we met. You see, I had spotted Marty coming into a party with his best friend, Dave. Dave was Laurie's boyfriend who was my best friend. I asked Laurie to introduce me because I thought he was cute. (he still is!)
So one night, Dave brought Marty over and we all drove around talking. Marty mentioned that he dreamed of making a trip to Alaska one day. (Our first real date was a Billy Graham Crusade ... another story. Laurie and Dave broke up, married other people and we are all grandparents.)
Here it is, after 34 years of marriage; traveling to over 40 countries and Marty and I have never been to Alaska. That is why I had a slight hesitation when the opportunity came up to go to Juneau, Alaska for a video project with author, Margaret Feinberg. How could I go to Alaska without Marty, when it has been his dream? Pretty easily with Marty's encouragement ... and it was a work trip. But even with the attraction of travel, hiking around glaciers, kayaking, helicopter ride, landing on a glacier, wilderness, creative collaboration, hangin' out with Margaret, Leif and the crew - the biggest appeal was doing this with Brian. One of my favorite memories of the trip ... Brian and I cooking dinner for everyone.
We kayaked across the lake to Mendenhall Glacier, hiked up the side of the glacier for a fantastic location to shoot the introduction to Margaret's book, The Organic God.
What a great way to explore and show the content of The Organic God than to show it with the beauty of Alaska - where Margaret wrote the book.
We're standing on about 800-1000 feet of ice on Herbert Glacier.
Long days, but lots of fun just doing life together.
For the whole slide show, just click on the picture below to use controls and see the captions. (Double click on the slide show to see the pictures individually.)
I'm ready to return ... with Marty, of course.
So one night, Dave brought Marty over and we all drove around talking. Marty mentioned that he dreamed of making a trip to Alaska one day. (Our first real date was a Billy Graham Crusade ... another story. Laurie and Dave broke up, married other people and we are all grandparents.)
Here it is, after 34 years of marriage; traveling to over 40 countries and Marty and I have never been to Alaska. That is why I had a slight hesitation when the opportunity came up to go to Juneau, Alaska for a video project with author, Margaret Feinberg. How could I go to Alaska without Marty, when it has been his dream? Pretty easily with Marty's encouragement ... and it was a work trip. But even with the attraction of travel, hiking around glaciers, kayaking, helicopter ride, landing on a glacier, wilderness, creative collaboration, hangin' out with Margaret, Leif and the crew - the biggest appeal was doing this with Brian. One of my favorite memories of the trip ... Brian and I cooking dinner for everyone.
We kayaked across the lake to Mendenhall Glacier, hiked up the side of the glacier for a fantastic location to shoot the introduction to Margaret's book, The Organic God.
What a great way to explore and show the content of The Organic God than to show it with the beauty of Alaska - where Margaret wrote the book.
We're standing on about 800-1000 feet of ice on Herbert Glacier.
Long days, but lots of fun just doing life together.
For the whole slide show, just click on the picture below to use controls and see the captions. (Double click on the slide show to see the pictures individually.)
I'm ready to return ... with Marty, of course.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Feeling loved
Last time we went to Crested Butte, all Marty and I looked forward to were some very long rides with "the boys." (Ever since Brian and Scott wonderfully married Julie and Holley respectively and ventured on to their own lives - "the boys" means our horses ... Toby and Beau.)
Marty and I talked about heading toward The Castles; a meandering ride through aspens and meadows up through the Ruggeds Wilderness into mountains that look like ... castles. Or the beautiful ride through Oh Be Joyful; a wonderful valley trail that we took an overnight pack ride with our favorite boys ten years ago. It is fun to look up each valley side and spot elk herds and bears.
But alas, it was not meant to be. Poor Beau (Marty's spunky quarterhorse) had pulled a tendon and the vet put a bandage on his leg, prescribed medicine with instructions; no riding for the week.
Not to worry, there were other things to do, but this gave me a chance to e-mail Abby. I took a picture, of Beau and his bandage and my Toby watching protectively, with my cell phone and emailed her the dilemma of Beau and all the details about the vet visit. And not to leave Grant out, I asked her to explain to Grant what was going on. She thought that particularly funny. (Maybe Grant did too)
It is so fun to converse with Abby - With a 3 year old, I can be simple and direct. She loves everything I say and responds so enthusiastically.
So here is her response and a picture she took herself:
NAnna,
I took a picture of my horsey. And it has a wristband. And I hope you like
it. don't you like it? its my own pictures. I took the picture of him. I
didn't ever ever hurt him. He just fell down, I think. but, he's ok now.
But he still has a wrist band because he's still hurt. Well. Its hard to
put on, but I don't think I can, so mommy can help me.
The wristband is from the dentist.i went to the dentist for the first time
today. no cavities. Well, nanna....its still hurts the horse, but its ok,
but it still hurts. He can't stand up yet because... sometimes he can stand
up but sometimes he doesn't . he's ok now. But when he sleeps he's not
ok......
Nanna, well, it just really hurts, but I'm well. Im just a little bit sad,
but I'm not crying. But it just hurts. Our house looks pretty and we picked
up the things what we're going to the lake, I don't think we're going today,
but we're going to tomorrow. I miss you cause you're in Colorado.
Nanna, the horse is sometimes I take it off because it doesn't hurt, but
really I can't hold him. He likes me to hold him, but the doctor says I
can't. well now that's everything to say.
I love you.
Pops, I miss you pops. That's all the things what I wanted to say. No.
yes.
Love,
abby
Faithfully (kind of) transcribed by mommy.
It is so nice when someone shares my feelings!
Here is my favorite Abby video ... feel loved.
Marty and I talked about heading toward The Castles; a meandering ride through aspens and meadows up through the Ruggeds Wilderness into mountains that look like ... castles. Or the beautiful ride through Oh Be Joyful; a wonderful valley trail that we took an overnight pack ride with our favorite boys ten years ago. It is fun to look up each valley side and spot elk herds and bears.
But alas, it was not meant to be. Poor Beau (Marty's spunky quarterhorse) had pulled a tendon and the vet put a bandage on his leg, prescribed medicine with instructions; no riding for the week.
Not to worry, there were other things to do, but this gave me a chance to e-mail Abby. I took a picture, of Beau and his bandage and my Toby watching protectively, with my cell phone and emailed her the dilemma of Beau and all the details about the vet visit. And not to leave Grant out, I asked her to explain to Grant what was going on. She thought that particularly funny. (Maybe Grant did too)
It is so fun to converse with Abby - With a 3 year old, I can be simple and direct. She loves everything I say and responds so enthusiastically.
So here is her response and a picture she took herself:
NAnna,
I took a picture of my horsey. And it has a wristband. And I hope you like
it. don't you like it? its my own pictures. I took the picture of him. I
didn't ever ever hurt him. He just fell down, I think. but, he's ok now.
But he still has a wrist band because he's still hurt. Well. Its hard to
put on, but I don't think I can, so mommy can help me.
The wristband is from the dentist.i went to the dentist for the first time
today. no cavities. Well, nanna....its still hurts the horse, but its ok,
but it still hurts. He can't stand up yet because... sometimes he can stand
up but sometimes he doesn't . he's ok now. But when he sleeps he's not
ok......
Nanna, well, it just really hurts, but I'm well. Im just a little bit sad,
but I'm not crying. But it just hurts. Our house looks pretty and we picked
up the things what we're going to the lake, I don't think we're going today,
but we're going to tomorrow. I miss you cause you're in Colorado.
Nanna, the horse is sometimes I take it off because it doesn't hurt, but
really I can't hold him. He likes me to hold him, but the doctor says I
can't. well now that's everything to say.
I love you.
Pops, I miss you pops. That's all the things what I wanted to say. No.
yes.
Love,
abby
Faithfully (kind of) transcribed by mommy.
It is so nice when someone shares my feelings!
Here is my favorite Abby video ... feel loved.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Travel Buddies
Half the fun of a journey is in the planning. It is the anticipation of new places and new people and all the details ... I love it. With our passion for travel, it has been wonderful to have friends to share the journey. Marty and I love our times with Jeff & Terri, whether it is a weekend hangout or halfway around the world, we just travel well together.
We all wanted to travel a loop from Seattle, up through Vancouver Island, back down the far west coast of Washington, Mt. Olympus, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier. Beautiful part of the US. When I was in Uganda, the final details of the plans for a long awaited trip to the northwest came together - thank you, Marty, Jeff and Terri.
Here are the hightlights. First stop Seattle and Pike's Market.
From Anacortes, we took a 3 hour ferry trip to Vancouver Island.
Lunch at the famous Empress hotel and then we had fun touring Hatley Castle (set of X-Men movies) and the beautiful gardens
After a few days, we took another ferry to Port Angeles - on the far west coast of Washington and found a lovely house on the shore. Lots of beach to explore.
This part of Washington is a rain forest ... not exactly tropical, but lots of moss and tall trees.
Our last minute "splurge" was a helicopter ride up the valley to Mount St. Helen's (still active) volcano. Definitely worth the trip. And to "justify" the extra, we found a cheap place for the night ... it was clean!
Then on to Mt. Rainer for some hiking, picnics and the traditional nightly game of Spades. I'm sure the girls always won.
And then back to Seattle and home ... flying right over Mount St. Helens and Mt. Rainer.
We are thankful for Jeff & Terri as well as other close friends that we share our journey with.
For the entire slide show, watch this:
(Or double click on picture and view as an album)
We all wanted to travel a loop from Seattle, up through Vancouver Island, back down the far west coast of Washington, Mt. Olympus, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier. Beautiful part of the US. When I was in Uganda, the final details of the plans for a long awaited trip to the northwest came together - thank you, Marty, Jeff and Terri.
Here are the hightlights. First stop Seattle and Pike's Market.
From Anacortes, we took a 3 hour ferry trip to Vancouver Island.
Lunch at the famous Empress hotel and then we had fun touring Hatley Castle (set of X-Men movies) and the beautiful gardens
After a few days, we took another ferry to Port Angeles - on the far west coast of Washington and found a lovely house on the shore. Lots of beach to explore.
This part of Washington is a rain forest ... not exactly tropical, but lots of moss and tall trees.
Our last minute "splurge" was a helicopter ride up the valley to Mount St. Helen's (still active) volcano. Definitely worth the trip. And to "justify" the extra, we found a cheap place for the night ... it was clean!
Then on to Mt. Rainer for some hiking, picnics and the traditional nightly game of Spades. I'm sure the girls always won.
And then back to Seattle and home ... flying right over Mount St. Helens and Mt. Rainer.
We are thankful for Jeff & Terri as well as other close friends that we share our journey with.
For the entire slide show, watch this:
(Or double click on picture and view as an album)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Here we go!
Journeys. A journey can be in the world or in my mind. I would love to share photos of my journeys over a cup of coffee, but I'm thankful for technology that makes it easier to connect when we can. So I have some "geographical" journeys to share and maybe, along the way, I can share a few "mind" journeys.
The first journey is to Uganda. In February, I was privileged to travel with 4 friends from my church and meet up with a couple of new girlfriends in Uganda. Girls trip=lots of laughter! Africa holds a special place in my heart. And while I had never been to Uganda, it did not disappoint as I met so many wonderful, giving people and made new friends. There is something about the African people that I have loved on every visit I've made in the past 20 years. Even in the places of poverty - Africa is teeming with life. They are a people that value family and living in the present; and I am always reminded to slow down and pay attention. The phrase "Africa time" generally means that you are late to any event by as much as 3 hours ... and we fully defined that on this trip. While that is frustrating and rude in western civilization, it is a sign in Africa that you are present in the moment. We did not look at our watches, but learned to give our undivided attention to whomever we were talking to, teaching, or visiting with for as long as it took. And then we traveled (usually several hours) to the next place. And the people where we were heading had waited, realizing that we were paying attention (and respect) to the people before them.
So take a look at the slide show and enjoy the beautiful faces and exotic places of Uganda. You can click on the "bubble" in the lower left to see captions.
Or click on the photo below, for individual pictures, if you cannot get the slideshow.
ahh. It feeds my soul to re-live this journey.
The first journey is to Uganda. In February, I was privileged to travel with 4 friends from my church and meet up with a couple of new girlfriends in Uganda. Girls trip=lots of laughter! Africa holds a special place in my heart. And while I had never been to Uganda, it did not disappoint as I met so many wonderful, giving people and made new friends. There is something about the African people that I have loved on every visit I've made in the past 20 years. Even in the places of poverty - Africa is teeming with life. They are a people that value family and living in the present; and I am always reminded to slow down and pay attention. The phrase "Africa time" generally means that you are late to any event by as much as 3 hours ... and we fully defined that on this trip. While that is frustrating and rude in western civilization, it is a sign in Africa that you are present in the moment. We did not look at our watches, but learned to give our undivided attention to whomever we were talking to, teaching, or visiting with for as long as it took. And then we traveled (usually several hours) to the next place. And the people where we were heading had waited, realizing that we were paying attention (and respect) to the people before them.
So take a look at the slide show and enjoy the beautiful faces and exotic places of Uganda. You can click on the "bubble" in the lower left to see captions.
Or click on the photo below, for individual pictures, if you cannot get the slideshow.
 |
| Uganda, Africa |
ahh. It feeds my soul to re-live this journey.
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