You Rock, Lyle!!

It's time, once again, for Redding Christian's All-School Musical. They will be performing Beauty and the Beast at the Cascade Theater on October 23rd (7:00 p.m.) and October 24th (2:00 p.m.). If you have never been to one of their musicals, you should plan to come. They do a fantastic job!

Auditions were held last week for the musical. The auditions included preparing and singing a solo, learning a dance at auditions and performing it, and then singing a song that Mrs. Orr picked from the musical. Lyle made it through auditions on Monday and Tuesday and was "called back" on Wednesday. On Thursday, the list of characters was posted, and rehearsals began on Friday.

If you come to the musical, be sure and watch for this little guy:

Yes, Lyle got the part of Lumiere, the French candlestick. He even has two solos!!

Congratulations, Lyle!! YOU ROCK!!!!

A Picture View of our Anniversary Celebration

Join me for a view, through pictures, of how Bob and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary:
After we dropped Lyle off at school, we went to Deja Vu for breakfast:

We had never been to the Turtle Bay Museum, so we splurged and went In addition to all the fun things to see in the Museum, the had a large Lego display. Here's Bob standing next to a pencil made entirely of Legos:

They also have a special exhibit of a T. Rex named Sue, the largest, most complete, and best preserved T. rex fossil yet discovered. Sue was discovered in the summer of 1990 in Faith, South Dakota:

Can I just add something here? It is a shame that Turtle Bay charges so much. It makes it so hard for local families to go there, and it is a neat place!! Enough about that subject! I could go on and on sharing my opinion on that topic.

After Turtle Bay, we went to the movies. We saw 500 Days of Summer! We even splurged and shared popcorn and a soda. We both enjoyed the movie. Their advertisement says, "This is not a love story; it is a story about love." I won't spoil it for those who want to see it or rent it someday.

After the movie, we went to Epperson's Furniture Store in Anderson. I am dreaming about a couch I saw there (notice I said "dreaming"), and I wanted Bob to see it. We also went to Walmart in Anderson and "dreamed" about the flat screen televisions. :)

We ended the day with dinner at Cool Hand Luke's. Our dear friends, the Kesslers, had given us a gift certificate when they were here visiting to use for our anniversary dinner. THANK YOU, KESSLERS!!! YOU ARE AWESOME FRIENDS!!!

Last, but not least, check out what Bob gave me for our anniversary:

I have never had a dozen roses, and I always dreamed about getting some. Well, Bob had some help -- He went to his own personal florist (Diehl Flowers). Carmen bought the flowers, arranged them, made the beautiful bow and delivered them. They are sooooooo pretty, don't you agree?? Thank you, Carmen, for helping Bob!

25 Years of Marriage

May 10, 1983 started the best day of the rest of my life. I had my first date with Bob Jones. He prepared a picnic dinner (which we ate by the river behind the Redding Convention Center) and then we attended an All-Church Skate Party. We got to know each other more as we spent time together and shared our childhood stories, our likes and dislikes, and our dreams and hopes. Becoming best friends strengthened our relationship and grew into a love you only dream about. On November 20, 1983, he totally surprised me (he never even mentioned the word “marriage” once) with an engagement ring.

On August 25, 1984, we vowed, before God, our family, and friends, to “take each other to be my husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better or for worse (Being married isn’t always easy, and Bob and I do not have a perfect marriage. Yes, there have been many “worse” times mixed in with the “better”.)

for richer or for poorer (We haven’t experienced the “richer” part yet :), but we have certainly experienced the “poorer” part.)

in sickness and in health (between the two of us we have had 8 surgeries over the last 25 years ,and Bob’s ongoing health issues have taught us to life each day to the fullest.)

to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

And here we are 25 years later…

25 years of marriage -- This is a big milestone in our life! Happy Anniversary, Bob!! I love you bunches!

P.S. Someone said this is our "golden anniversary" because we are married 25 years on the 25th!!

A Picture View of Our Weekend

Lyle was busy working on Math and History (Thank you, Mr. Schneck, for homework over the weekend!!) :(

He also spent some time "visiting" with Kitty. Kitty misses Lyle now that he is back in school.

After all that homework, a nice swim cools you off and rejuvenates those brain cells!!

I was busy baking on Saturday,

and, of course, doing several loads of laundry!

Hilary was at a small job on Saturday morning. Ethan and Bob worked on Ethan's car most of Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Working on a car is always a bigger job than you think it is going to be.

When Hilary came home in the afternoon, she got in on the car repairs:

A special treat was an afternoon visit from one of our most favorite people - Michael Black! He brought us a nice present for our anniversary. Thank you, Michael!!!

On Saturday night, Bob, Ethan, Hilary, and Lyle went out to dinner while I got together with my dear friends I used to work with. We had not gotten together since May (too long if you ask me!!).

Sunday was church, a Women's Retreat Committee Meeting, and finishing up Ethan's car. The kids played in the pool until around 9:00 p.m., and then we introduced Ethan to one of our favorites -- Mickey Mouse Waffles.

WOW!! What a weekend!!

Celebrating With Friends

Last night, our dear friends Dick and Karen, invited us to go to dinner at Cool Hand Luke's to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. Karen invited Jim and Carmen to join us too! What a great night -- good food, good friends, and good fellowship!!

And, someone who has no brain (although we won't mention any names) forgot to get the camera out of her purse and take a picture. :(

Snail Mail

At the end of the work day, going home and checking personal e-mails isn’t always high on the priority list. But, according to the Postal Service, 98% of Americans check to see if they got any mail.

When I turn the key to my mailbox, I’m always hoping for something exciting. Amid all the bills, magazines, credit card offers, pizza coupons, and junk mail, I’m hoping to find an envelope with my name and address lovingly scrolled in a familiar handwriting. I’m not talking about a postcard from a vacationing family member or even a nice thank you (although I like those, too!). No, I’m hoping for the rarest treat of all -- a personal letter or card!!

This week I opened my mailbox to find this card from my dear friend, Becky. What a pleasant surprise, especially when you think about how she took the time to buy the card, write in it, address the envelope, and put it in a postal collection box.


Please don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against phone calls, faxes, e-mails, texts, or blog comments. I would not be able to depend on the good old postal system for all the news and information I need to exchange with others. All those electronic messages are convenient and useful, but they lack the personal touch that comes from holding a handwritten letter or card. To me, the cards and letters I receive are like the “real presence” of love and friendship.

And a letter or card can be enjoyed over and over again. Becky’s card is on my dresser, and this morning was the 4th time I read it (Yes, I am pathetic!). Every time I read it, I feel loved, special, encouraged, blessed, and uplifted!!!

You may disagree with me (and that's okay), but I think snail mail is the best!!!! I challenge you to encourage someone next week by sending a card, note, or letter through the US Postal Service. I know you will bless their heart (and you'll feel sooo good!!).

P.S. Becky, thank you for sharing your life with me and allowing me to share mine!! You are a precious gift from God!!!

Laugh For The Day

I can especially relate to the part about the children's names and the glasses!!