A Happy Ending To A Long Story

A couple of years ago, some dear friends of mine decided to begin to look into the adoption process because they could not have children of their own. Walking this road with them was an "eye-opener" for me. Adoption is a respectable decision, although not an easy one. The adoption process, while full of hope, will test the patience, values, and relationships between couples that go through it. While the ultimate goal in adoption is to provide a home for a child who does not have one, it can be a long road full of disapointment and heartache. But, hopefully in the end, it will be a story of love and coming home.

Recently, I was honored to share in my friends' "happy ending" when I was invited to the courthouse to witness their signing of the final adoption documents for a precious brother and sister that God brought into their lives. I did count it an honor to be included in their special day. As I sat there, though, I realized it was also a responsibility. Audrey used this quote on their adoption announcement: A long and challenging journey has come to an end; a new one is just beginning. It IS just the beginning, and it's my job now to pray for this family, love on them, support them, and offer advice when needed.

Signing the papers

The happy family

Congratulations, David and Audrey! Thanks for letting me part of the journey AND the happy ending!

RCHS Spirit Week

Monday: Wacky Day

Tuesday: Inanimate Object Day

(Bob made this Lego block when Hilary was in 7th Grade)

(Almost too small for Lyle, but it worked!)

Lyle won for the Junior Class!

Wednesday: Group Day
(The Junior Class was Super Mario)

Lyle was suppose to look like this little guy. Spent Sunday afternoon covering a beach ball with duck tape and then deflated it a little. Didn't turn out too bad!

Thursday: Fairy Tale Day
(Lyle, Hannah, & Jeff were the 3 Blind Mice)

Friday: Spirit Day

There are some things I will miss when my kids are out of school, and there are some things I will not miss. Spirit week is one of them!!! Only one more year to go!!! :0)

Handyman Hubby

Three weeks ago, our 17-year old furnace quit working. It was a long, COLD weekend in our home. Between our fireplace and a heater our neighbors loaned us, we were able to “camp out” in the family room and keep somewhat warm.

On Sunday, Bob did some “investigating” and thought he discovered what the problem was. After a trip to J.W. Woods on Monday morning to purchase the part, he was able to fix it. Can you imagine what the repair bill would have been?

I am SOOOOO fortunate to have a handyman hubby. Bob is definitely a “Jack of all trades”. He can do some electrical work, fix any plumbing job, possesses carpentry skills, does repairs to our vehicles (when the repairs don’t involve complicated computer systems), is able to figure out the problem and fix our computer most of the time, can do concrete work, and performs other household repairs on a regular basis! Besides all these things, he can cook, help edit an English paper, and draw incredibly well. I think I hit the jackpot!!

I love my handyman hubby!

A Special Visitor

This last weekend, our dear friend Gina came for a visit! Last time she was in Redding was when Hilary was two, so it's been way tooooooo long! Gina is one of the sweetest people you will ever met - a beautiful person both inside and out!

On Saturday we walked from the Sears parking lot to the Sundial Bridge. While we were walking and enjoying the 70 degree weather, Gina got a text from her sister Julie letting her know it was a whopping 5 degrees back home (Gina is from Michigan). Boy did she enjoy our weather!!!!

I took this picture along the back side of the trail. Couldn't believe it turned out so nice with my little camera:

Everyone who comes to Redding is so impressed with "our" bridge!! Where did we take visitors before we had the Sundial Bridge?

I saw these cool mosiac turtles by the trail. I absolutely LOVED them!

Sunday, everyone went to Burney Falls. I opted to stay home with Lyle, who was working on a major amount of homework and getting some costumes ready for Spirit Week, so I don't have any pictures to show you! :0(

Other weekend events included visiting, playing cards, eating, visiting some more, playing cards, and eating, eating, eating! We would just finish one meal and be talking about what we were going to eat for the next meal! :0)

Can't wait for Gina's next visit! Don't wait 18 years again, please!!!!!!

Who Doesn't Love Merle Haggard?

Friday night, Moma took Bob and I to Merle Haggard's concert at the Cascade Theatre. My Aunt Monda took my cousin Pam and her husband, Eddie (the one with the hat over his face; he's highly allergic to having his picture taken). We had a blast! Who doesn't love Merle Haggard, and he's a "local boy" besides! :0)

It was a benefit concert for the Shasta College Culinary Department (which Merle's youngest daughter is a part of). Merle's son, Noel, opened the show for his Dad. Then we had a 10-15 minute break, and Merle took the stage. He sang soooooo many of my favorites - Silver Wings; Mama Tried; Sing Me Back Home; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star; and, of course, closed the show with I'm Proud To Be An Okie From Muskogee. I can't believe Merle Haggard recorded his first single in 1964, and he is still SO popular today - 47 years later.

Halfway through the concert, Bob leaned over to me and said, "This is QUITE a rowdy crowd for a bunch of old people." I had to agree!! Most of the crowd were older people, and they stomped their feet, "hooped and hollered", and constantly shouted, "We love Merle!" between songs. They crowd went crazy when Merle would change the words of a song to "Palo Cedro" instead of the city in the song.

Thanks, Moma, for a great "evening out on the town"!

P.S. Just a bit of "non-essential information": My husband, Bob, did a service call at Merle Haggard's house in Palo Cedro when he worked for Enterprise Plumbing. Merle was not there, but his wife was and their son was a newborn baby. That "baby" is now 17 years old and plays in his father's band!

My Friend

Because I have a brother,

I will always have a friend!

There can be no situation in life

in which the conversation

of my dear brother

will not administer some comfort to me.
Mary Montague

My Girl

I enjoyed some "mother/daughter" time with Hilary yesterday. We had a delicious lunch at Yak's, hit two stores, and then she rode to Palo Cedro with me to get Lyle from school. Hilary has been gone much of her winter break, and I have missed her! Thanks, Hilary, for hanging out for a few hours with your Mom. It did my heart good! :0)

I love you girl!