Weird Sister Moments (I Mean Weird Moments With Sisters!)

I'm wondering if any of you other sibling sets have experienced the almost eerie moments my sisters and I have known. Let me explain. Jill and I were very close during our teens and early twenties and shared many common interests. Of course we still are/do, but our lives are a little different and we live on opposite ends of the continent! Anyway. There were several instances when she and I would be in a room together doing our hair or fixing something in the kitchen or whatever. Then at the same moment, we would both burst out with the exact same tune in the exact same key! It was almost like there was an invisible wire connecting to our brains. It was very startling, to say the least. Or one would say that she was interested in reading a certain book or seeing a certain movie and the other would gasp in surprise that she had been thinking the very same thing. This sort of psychic connectedness is very useful for games, at least when we're on the same team. It's so fun to say just one word or even make a certain face and have the other instantly know exactly what you mean while other players haven't a clue what happened!

We were never ones to borrow each other's clothes or even get matching outfits, but many was the time that we'd emerge from our rooms wearing something very similar. Of course, at a certain stage in life this was so NOT cool and one of us would usually retire with a huff and change into something more distinct.

But do you think this sisterly oneness has deteriorated with age and distance? I might have said so until last weekend, when I learned that ALL THREE of us sisters had made peach pies, and all of us had had colds or sore throats. So does that mean germs and ideas are transmitted by mere relationship? Or maybe they come through e-mails and blogs and telephone calls! Ha! There is still something scientists don't know! "Whatever the dread disease was, let's just hope it wasn't particularly contagious." (My sisters will recognize this quote and will laugh because they'll know how to say it!)

In other exciting local news, I'm still sick and my cat is turning into a lion. Well, he thinks he is. He's decided to go for big game hunting. We've been finding a number of mice and shrew offerings on the back steps, which is perfectly normal, though I'm not sure if they're all from him or if the neighbor cat is partially responsible. Then a few days ago my dad found a dead rat in the side yard. Yikes! But the worst was yesterday morning when my mom discovered a very dead and partially eaten field rabbit in the rose garden! It was not a pretty sight. I couldn't believe that my cat had actually chased, killed, and eaten something over half his size. It could have been a coyote, but he'd have a hard time getting in our yard. So now I'm just wondering what's going to be next! Another cat? One of the neighbor's tiny dogs? Who would ever guess looking at his innocent, cute, furry face that Cheeky is really a nighttime killer, a veritable Jekyll & Hyde?

What I've Learned From Movies

1. Expect any phone call to have enormous significance.
2. There is no need to say hello or goodbye on a phone conversation (because you already know who's calling, right?).
3. It's perfectly natural for a woman to go to bed with full makeup on.
4. Married couples didn't sleep in double beds till sometime in the 60's.
5. It's quite normal to order a beverage or food at a restaurant and leave after taking a few sips or bites. This also goes for meals eaten at home. One bite usually does it.
6. Talking with your mouth very full gives extra dramatic punch.
7. Heroines are expected to be young, skinny, and drop-dead gorgeous, but it's okay for the hero to be middle-aged and just average looking. Rugged is the ideal.
8. If a train flattens you, don't worry -- you just peel yourself up and give yourself a shake and you're fine! (This learned from cartoons.)
9. Black sedans are always driven by the bad guys. If one follows you, scram!

Summer's Almost Over!!

I can't believe how quickly this summer has flown by! It's been one of the nicest summers I've had, I think. Just the perfect combination of restfulness and busyness. But now September is almost here and I'm realizing my days of comparative freedom are coming to an end! But actually, I find myself looking forward to fall. You see, in my book, fall starts on September 1. Yes, I know what the calendar says, but in my mind, each season is divided equally between every three months. Winter = Dec. - Feb., spring = Mar. - May, summer = June - Aug., and fall = Sept. - Nov. Regardless of the weather, I feel like I should start wearing sweaters and plaid in September. But we often get some pretty warm days. I love fall. It means a fresh start, beautiful foliage, pears, pumpkin pie, crisp air, cozy evenings in front of the fire, and the delightful anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

At my school, staff starts working Aug 29 and school starts Sept. 19. But I've already been working on selecting materials and planning my schedule. Next week it's back to work in earnest. I'm doing a Christmas musical with my first through sixth graders. I'm excited, but I'm also a little nervous 'cause I've never directed a drama of any sort. We'll all learn together, I'm sure!

Today I cancelled all lessons because I'm feeling like I'm getting a cold. Nothing horrible yet, but I've got a little sore throat and I just generally don't feel up to snuff. So I'm using the quiet time to work on school prep, study, probably practice, and write boring blogs. My mom is still pretty sick with food poisoning so I'm kind of taking care of her, too. I haven't seen her this sick in a long time. Nasty stuff. Watch out for that food on cruise ships!

I take it everybody must be out enjoying their last moments of freedom, because blogging has been mighty sparse this week! I expect a full recovery from you shirking bloggers! Hop to it!

Seek Ye First...

You know the verse: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." This verse has been a compass for me so many times, and I've found myself meditating on it again recently. In one way, I've kind of interpreted it to mean that we need to seek God Himself first and foremost. Not religion, not principles, not a ministry, but the very person of Jesus Christ. But in another way, I see it to mean that the whole kingdom of God -- encompassing the Christian walk I guess -- should take precedence over the pursuit of those "other things" like earning a living and pursuing happiness however we can. But I'm again finding myself a little puzzled as to what *exactly* it means to seek the kingdom of God. What is the kingdom of God, and how do we seek it? Should we seek God's kingdom that we may gain those "other things" we deem essential to this life? I thought I'd throw out some of these questions to see if you guys/gals have some insights on this verse. I'd love to hear your comments.

In other local news, my poor mom is down with food poisoning acquired on the last day of her cruise! She hasn't vomited, but her stomach and intestines have been in a lot of pain. Please pray for her rapid and complete recovery. Thanks! Now I must go make dinner. Anybody want some lasagna and garlic bread and salad? Mmmm....:-) Don't worry -- my mom's having chicken soup!

Birthday Pic

Here I am with my birthday gift! No more fuzzy scanned pictures! Ha ha, it almost looks like a camera ad. :-)

Green Hands

Many years ago, I was the family lawn mower, believe it or not. Meaning that I mowed the lawns, NOT that I was the lawn mower itself! Just thought I'd clarify. Somewhere into my teens it became an increasing burden as I grew busy and developed a distate for the whole unladylike business. Mowing the lawn wasn't so bad, but our spidery yard was. Our old house had a yard with many trees and bushes around the lawn -- a spider's haven. By July and August, their webs would be strung up everywhere and walking around was hazardous, especially if you hate spiders as much as I do (or Jill or Lori). I just didn't appreciate walking into a faceful of sticky web. So I'd go through this ritual before mowing, when I'd walk around the perimeters of the yard with a rake and clear away any traps. We had some pretty hefty spiders there who were spinners to be reckoned with. My family thought my pre-mowing antics were hilarious for some reason. So anyway, my parents hired various guys to mow the lawn, and then since we've been in this house, my dad has done the mowing.

Well, since my parents have been gone for the past week, and the lawn hasn't been mowed for a couple weeks, I took it upon myself to mow the lawn this morning. Actually, jungle might be a more apt term. I was proud of myself for remembering how to run a lawn mower, and actually kind of felt kind of fondly reminiscent. That feeling wore off pretty quickly. The grass was very long and wet and I changed the grass catcher about every minute. As I labored away, perspiring in the warm sun, I thought wistfully of the neighbor's riding mower. I think we should get one. It took me nearly two hours to mow the front and back lawns! It'll be fine with me if it's another ten years before I mow again. When I got done my hands were very green and my face was very red -- all ready for Christmas! But I must say in spite of my griping that it does look lovely now and I'm glad my dad won't have to tackle that just after getting back.

Oh! I was putting some gas in when I recalled an incident that happened when I was probably around 13. I had been mowing the lawn and needed to put some gas in. The can had been sitting in the side yard with the nozzle up, leaving me to wonder if the liquid in there was water or gas. Being the brilliant girl I was, I decided to find out by pouring some on the concrete and then throwing a match on it. It was gas. Heh heh, the adrenaline kicked in and I stomped all over that fire like I was possessed! Nope, I didn't try that again.

Later this morning, I went out to run some errands. I got in the van, turned it on, wiped some fuzz off my shirt, briefly checked my left mirror, and slowly backed up. THUD!! What in the world? There hadn't been a car in the driveway a minute ago, but there was now and I'd just hit it. A lady had just driven in to drop off something for my dad. She'd been looking down so she didn't see me coming. I was horrified, but fortunately there was no harm done to either vehicle. I felt a little shaky and dumb at the same time. Thank God for protecting us from ourselves. :-)

Back in the USA

I'm back! I had a pleasant time up in B.C., but it's good to be back on home turf. I drove up on Monday evening to visit my friend who lives just over the border. Kristin and I met almost three years ago and were instantly attracted to each other because we're both tall and we both sing! Actually, she's so tall that I look petite next to her. She's 6'2 1/2"! I'm "only" 5'10", which is tall enough, but 6'2" is even tall for a guy. Craig and Chad, can you imagine looking eye level with a girl?? Whenever we go out in public, people kind of stare at her, but either she doesn't notice or she's quite used to it. Her brother and dad are also very tall and thin; I think they're around 6'6", so I feel very small at their house!

Kristin also has a lovely soprano voice, and we've done several concerts together. She sings harmony very well, and our voices blend so perfectly that sometimes people can't distinguish who's singing what. I'm plotting a Christmas concert, but we shall see...

Yesterday she and I set out to explore Vancouver, the biggest city in western Canada, and a major international hub. I'd been there a couple times before for harp exams, but never to sightsee. One of the first things I notice when I'm there is the huge Asian population. They're everywhere, which explains why some people have dubbed the city "Hongcouver." There are also a lot of East Indians. Being summertime, there were quite a few tourists around of every ethnicity. The city has its own unique and modern flavor, no doubt influenced by the many nationalities.

One of the first things we did on a whim (after I found Starbucks) was go to the Vancouver Art Museum. They were showing a large Rodin exhibition, which I thought would be interesting. The whole first floor was full of his bronze sculptures, and they were indeed very interesting. The next two floors were showing extremely weird and modern "works of art" which were anything but art in my book. Some were downright disturbing. I think these "artists" have serious issues. But the top floor had a native Vancouver artist's works which were still somewhat modern (mid-20th century), but much more palatable. The museum had a delightful little cafe where we ate lunch out on a terrace surrounded by lovely plants, tall buildings, birds, and classical music.

The rest of the day was spent hunting for our parking garage, exploring Stanley Park, and then walking around Granville Island, where we eventually got dinner. I feel like we walked 10 miles! I will spare my friend's reputation by skipping details, but we were lost a good deal of the time, which gave us occasion for either more exercise or more driving time! I was doing the driving because her car was being used. Driving in a strange city is always an adventure. And then so many pedestrians were everywhere (many of them jaywalking), that I wasn't sure I was going to survive the day without killing someone! By the end of the day I was tired and hungry enough to find the concept somewhat inviting.

We were exhausted by the end of the day, but overall, it was a fun journey. I made the three hour trek home this morning, quite happy to cross the border and see the beloved stars & stripes as well as miles instead of kilometres!

The One Who Leads

This inspiring poem was in a birthday e-card I received:

The One Who leads you makes no mistakes.
The One Who guides you has the right directions.
The One Who counsels you has the wisest answers.
The One Who provides for you has the greatest resources.
The One Who blesses you brings the greatest joys.
-Roy Lessin

My parents called this morning! They'd just docked at Ketchikan and had cell phone coverage. The ship sounds amazing. They walked miles around it just checking it out. There are 13 floors, several restaurants, and lots more, I'm sure. The weather is nice up there and the trip was very restful and beautiful.

I'm taking off this afternoon for a couple days up in B.C. to visit a friend. We're going to visit Vancouver tomorrow. The weather right now is beautiful, so I'm looking forward to the scenic drive up there. I'll also look forward to catching up with all the scads of blogs and comments upon my return! :-D

Mouse Saviour to the Rescue!!

Jill will groan when she hears that I just labored not to slaughter but to save a poor little mouse. I was in the living room this evening when I first heard Cheeky my cat make a funny little yowling noise. Usually means something's up. A little later I heard what I thought was a bird, but it was kind of an odd sound. So I stepped out back to see what was up. Sure enough, there was Cheeky crouching on one of the stepping stone next to some little hapless creature. He always leaves his victims on concrete areas where we're most likely to see them. His victims are usually shrews, so I was surprised when I looked closer and saw it was a tiny little field mouse. Of course Cheeky, being the well fed puss he is, merely plays with a creature till it stops moving and offers no more amusement. I groaned in sympathy as I saw him bat the poor thing around. At first I was going to leave it to its fate, but something in me decided to take mercy. He looked like he was still in pretty good shape but scared stiff. So I swooped him up and he huddled terrified in the palm of my hand. His eyes were closed tight and he looked like he was just waiting for the next claw to strike him.

I held him for awhile and tried to reassure him all was safe. Gradually his eyes came open. When I put him in a box I discovered his right hind leg was broken or something and he was dragging it behind him. It made me want to cry! When he suddenly made a scramble out of the box and nearly escaped into the kitchen, I decided he was well enough to put outside (sudden visions of an escaped mouse in the house ran through my head!). I released him and watched him hobble cautiously off, and yes, you can laugh, but I prayed for his safety and long life! Then I made sure Cheeky was inside to give the poor critter a chance to get to safety. So I guess I'm a hero to someone tonight, even if it's only a wee little mousey!

Holding the Fort

Today I took my parents to Seattle to board their cruise ship. They're taking a week long cruise to Alaska on the Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship was enormous! I can't believe anything that huge can actually float. Anyway, I assume they got off alright 'cause I didn't hear from them again. They were pretty excited. My dad has dreamed of going to Alaska for a long time. It's his "last frontier" -- the only state he hasn't been to. My mom's not as thrilled about the Alaska part, but she did get more excited about the cruise itself! If you think of it, please tuck in a prayer for their safety and a wonderful trip.

So here I am holding the fort. I had the opportunity to go with them, but I declined. Alaska doesn't hold a lot of appeal for me, and threesome vacations just don't hold the same attraction when you're 26. But then on the way home I was wondering why I didn't go with them! I mean, how many more chances will I have to go on a cruise or go to Alaska? Expenses paid! So besides missing my parents and being lonely, I'll probably wallow in regret all week.

I played at an outdoor wedding this evening. It was a beautiful, warm day, and the location was perfect. I didn't know it was going to be an outdoor wedding till I got there. They changed their minds due to the weather. Well, playing the harp outdoors has a sort of romantic charm to it, but I'm never real crazy about it. For one thing, I was on the grass under this huge tree. Great, that means dropping bugs and stuff. When the spider crawls up my harp toward me or the ant skitters across my page, it simply isn't proper to jump and scream. One must continue playing without a hint of concern. Just swat off the trespassing vermin between songs. I played the longest bridal processional I've ever played because the bride was coming from a distance. Must have been about three minutes (to infinity and beyooooond!!!). Sometime during this foreverness, a creepy crawler (hopefully an ant) found it's way up my leg and was tickling behind my knee. Aaagh! Then the breeze occasionally got a little frisky and turned my page for me. I was so nervous that would happen during the bridesmaid processional, but it didn't. Phew!

But the most annoying thing was this teenage boy that leaned against the tree near me and just stared. He was there when I was tuning and setting up. I glanced over and there he was staring at me. I pretended I didn't notice and ignored him. I really didn't know what else to do! He stayed there for most of the prelude and then wandered back after the ceremony. Occasionally he took a picture. It was really unnerving. I didn't know if he found harp music totally enthralling (he looked more like a drum fan) or if he thought I was the most beautiful specimen of womanhood he'd ever seen. Ha! Most probably the harp. His dad casually explained afterwards that his son was a musician. Ah. On retrospect, I should have smiled and said something friendly to the poor kid, but at the time, I was a little annoyed at being stared at.

Oh, well, another day in the life of a musician.

A Stowaway!

On Thursdays I travel to a few homes to teach voice. One of these families has quite a few animals, including cats, dogs, chickens, and various other farm critters. I had left my window halfway down so it wouldn't get hot in the car. Done it before, never had reason to doubt the wisdom of this cooling method. Well, I'd just left and was driving slowly up their long gravel drive, when I was startled to feel something soft and furry down around my legs. What the...?! Their orange cat darted out with a look of sheer panic! He dashed from the seat to the dashboard to the back of the van, then started meowing pathetically. I had to back down the driveway and let him out the back door. He shot out of there like a cannon ball and had a most perturbed expression on his little feline face! By then I was laughing so hard I was almost crying, and I continued laughing for at least 10 minutes. Just what I needed.

At another house they have a Siamese kitten who's about 8 or 10 weeks old. She's so cute! I asked to hold her and she settled down quite cozily on my lap while I was teaching. She was what I call "liquid kitty" - the kind that melts in total relaxation. Her little motor was going and I was petting her with one hand while playing the piano with the other. She looked a little annoyed when I was patting my left hand in rhythm and started patting her instead of my knee.

As you can tell, I'm a total cat freak. If you've seen Evan around pugs, well, I'm worse around cats. The only kinds I don't like are the Himalayan types that look like they ran into a wall and never recovered. And super long hair is not attractive. But otherwise, I gravitate toward any cat in sight and become their obedient, driveling slave. Kittens are especially my undoing, but my supersensible mom won't let me get one because I already have a cat. :-( Once I and my puss are gone, she's washing her hands of the whole four-footed species. I think she'll secretly miss them, though. Something about a cat makes a home. Coming into my room and seeing my kitty all curled up and cozy in his little bed makes me feel so homey and happy. :-D Okay, that's enough sappiness for one night!

Birthday Report

Many thanks to those who sent birthday greetings my way yesterday! Those who didn't have been put down on my black list for future reference. Just kidding! I had a very pleasant day. I started out dutifully with exercise and a bike ride, but my bike was having issues and the weather was kind of cold, so I wimped out after a couple miles and turned around. One shouldn't have to exert one's self too hard on one's birthday, should one! The rest of the morning was spent preparing for my noontide tea. I set the table quite fancy with china finery and then made little tea sandwiches and scones. Four dear friends came over around 12:00 or later and we had a merry time partaking of all the delicacies and laughing heartily over just about anything. Five girls, many cups of caffeine, and chocolate is a potentially dangerous combination! Another girl and I were both wearing dresses with ribbons that tied around the waist; we laughed so hard the bows were undone!

Later on, my parents and I went to the Olive Garden for dinner. By then, I wasn't feeling too great from all the caffeine and sugar, but I still enjoyed the yummy food. Oh! My parents gave me a digital camera for my birthday!! I was really hoping for one, and they quite outdid themselves. It's a Nikon 5600 and way more complicated than my 8 year-old Canon point-and-shoot specialty. But I'm sure I'll have fun figuring it out. Thanks, Brad, for the recommendation! My mom got it at the local Kits Camera. I came home and felt like watching a movie. I'd just bought "Return to Me" at the library for a dollar (!), so I decided to watch that for the hundredth time. Such a great movie. The end.

Another Year

Since I'm not sure I'll have time to write tomorrow, I'm writing this tonight. Twenty-six years ago tomorrow, I was a big tummyache in my mom's tummy until the evening of that momentous August 10. My mom had strong indications the time had come, so in we went to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA. Things were going well until I decided to be contrary and start with my feet instead of my head. Oops! Bad idea. Doctors don't like that sort of attitude. My mom was rushed into surgery for a caesarian (sp?), and out I came, fine and healthy!

My dad likes to say, "I'm glad you decided to come and stay with us!" Well, I am, too! Glad, that is, that God set me into such a wonderful family. I have been so blessed with awesome parents who have loved each other and brought me up "in the fear and admonition of the Lord." I was a bit of a handful at times, but with patience they loved me, disciplined me, and gave me wonderful opportunities for spiritual and mental growth. I'm thankful for two beautiful sisters who put up with me and are so supportive and caring.

I'm grateful for God's miraculous protection in several near-death instances. When I was around 2 years old, I struggled to breathe one night. My concerned parents took me into the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with epiglottitis. The usual treatment was a tracheotomy (I'm guessing at these spellings!), but they were able to treat me another way and saved my life. If I'd had a tracheotomy, I might not be able to sing like I can now. There was the time when I was about 6 and I was pushed into the deep end of a pool. I remember going down to the bottom of the pool and somehow going from there to the bottom of the shallow end, where Jill rescued me. I think an angel might have been involved there. At 18 I was swimming in a lake, when my bloodsugar went wacko and I quickly lost strength while in the deep part. I weakly cried out to my friend who was near shore, and she made haste to rescue me. Those are just a few examples of God's faithfulness in dangerous situations.

What a peace and joy there is in being right in the middle of God's will! Just knowing He has a wonderful purpose for my life and He's orchestrating every day. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." I like that verse, 'cause it reminds me of the meaning of my name: "Follower of Christ."

Blog Paralysis

Do you ever get those long stretches of time when you can't think of anything interesting to blog about?? For several weeks I had to restrain myself from blogging several times a day, but now I've got a major brain cramp that's preventing the creative juices from flowing. Aaagh! Does anybody else suffer from this malady? I know I'll have something interesting to write in a few days, but for now, my readers will have to seek green pastures elsewhere. (Does that fit? Sure.)

Mummy pill, anyone?

I came across this interesting tidbit while reading about Egypt: Because it was believed that Egyptian mummies gained magical powers after their extensive funeral rites, European physicians began offering "powdered mummy" as a panacea to any human ailment. They had the mummies imported in from Egypt and ground them up, wrappings and all, then sold the powder to desparate patients. Of course this led some crooks to manufacture "ancient" mummies. Fortunately, this weird practice was banned in the 16th century. Can you imagine? "I've got a headache, I better go take a mummy pill." Not that the pharmaceutical companies never do anything shady these days...

Road Trips

Summer reminds me of the numerous road trips our family would take when we kids were growing up. Road trips were a part of life for us, partly because we had so many relatives on the East Coast, partly because my parents were in ministry, and partly because my dad just loves to travel and see new things. My earliest memory was when I was about 3 or 4 years old. I think we were driving across the country to visit relatives in Maine. We drove a pickup truck with a shell on it. My two sisters and I were back there with little benches and table. I remember being excited about the little personal sized boxes of cereal my mom got for us. I think she knew that the right food on a long trip has a huge effect on the happiness of all concerned. The other thing I remember about that trip was leaving home in the middle of the night (or maybe it was returning) and being groggily aware that my dad was carrying me. Oh for those days when I didn't have to contribute to any preparations, but could just go to sleep and wake up on the road!

Later on, many trips were taken in a red and brown 70's vintage station wagon. I never see those things any more! The must have evolved into the mini-van and SUV. Anyway, we probably had several in a row, but I just remember maroon leather seats that would get beastly hot in the sun. In we'd all pile, after my dad had scientifically packed the luggage and studied the map, and my mom had strategically placed the snacks. Lori would get one window seat, Jill would get the other, and I was stuck in the middle. My feet would be confined to the little dividing hump on the floor, and woe betide me if a foot strayed to one side or the other, or if my little arm bumped some older arm! When I was small enough (which didn't last very long), I would sometimes sit between my parents or stretch out across their laps. One time my dad got pulled over for speeding, but when the officer saw my cute little sleeping form, he had a change of heart and let my dad off with a warning! On long stretches of road with no civilization or car in site, my dad would let me stear, and boy, did I feel SO grown-up! I was sure that I was ready to get my license -- all you had to be able to do was stear the car!

But back to the back seat. We girls were always on the tall side for our age, and it wasn't long before our perimeters narrowed dangerously. Being the family clown, I was either annoying someone to death or keeping everybody from boredom. One time, I demonstrated how a dog scratches his neck with his hind leg. Unfortunately, my extended knee collided with Jill's newly acquired ice cream cone, much to her consternation! I was in the dog house after that. Hee hee! Ah, sweet memories. Despite the sibling squabbles, we did have a lot of fun.

"So where do you want to eat?" my dad would ask. But do you think we'd all choose the same place? Noooo. One would want Taco Bell, another MacDonald's, another Wendy's. Finally my long-suffering dad would just drive into one place and declare it was either that or nothing. I was the odd one in our family in that the hungrier I got, the crazier I got, whereas my mom and sisters would get quieter and grouchier. Maybe God sent me into the family to bring a little balance to the mix. :-)

"Who has to use the rest area?" Children up to a certain age seldom understand the workings of the bladder. If you don't feel like you have to go, then why go? So if we got ten miles beyond the rest area and I merely stated that I needed to go to the bathroom, I simply couldn't understand the inevitable "Why didn't you go at the rest area?" "I didn't have to go then!" I would wail. Duh. Now I teach elementary school and I'm the one asking, "Why didn't you go at recess?" Some things never change!

Despite these normal little incidents, we made some very happy memories. Traveling is such a great way for kids to learn history and geography! I remember visiting such sites as Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, the White House, the Badlands, Great America, Little Big Horn (Custer's last stand), and a bajillion other places I can't recall at the moment. I just wish I had been older to appreciate and understand the great sites we visited. We'd visit my grandparents in Maine and New Hampshire, attend church conventions and homeschool conferences, and see anybody else we remotely knew or shared blood with.

In 1989 we graduated to a van conversion. Wow, did that change life! Jill and Lori each had a captain's chair and I had the WHOLE back bench to myself! Aside from the occasional car sickness, I had it made. We each had room to put our 50 pounds of stuff and nobody's hip was touching anybody else's hip. With this van we made the move from California to Washington in 1990. Our bigger stuff was in a moving van, but our small and personal stuff, plus the cat, were in the van. Traveling with a cat was great fun once he stopped glaring at us from underneath the bench and actually ventured forth to explore and cautiously peer out the windows.

Ah, the stories could go on, but this is already way too long. Our last major trip was in 1995. Lori had married in 1993. The four of us left visted Chicago, Knoxville, Virginia, and New York before heading home. Our enthusiasm for long trips had waned considerably as we'd gotten older, and that trip had lessened the charm even more. In 1998, we went to a conference in California, and that was the last family trip we took before Evan snatched Jill up that Christmas. Now we reminisce about those good ol' days, forgetting, of course, the unpleasant parts. But someday, I want to pack my kiddos into the mini-van, throw in the snacks, and see the States! Nothing like it.