More pictures

Here is Linda sitting in Lori's kitchen on Saturday morning. We had to leave before 7:00 a.m. in order to get to LaCrosse and ensure getting our parking spot. Every day we parked in the same stall! A lady showed us a shorter route to get from the garage to the convention center, seemingly taking off a few steps for us. The roaster on the counter behind Linda was cooking beef roasts to be used for hot beef sandwiches for a party Lori and David were hosting that night. 

 A bit difficult to make out, but the man on the jumbo-tron is Mark Vance, speaking to the Convention attendees. He is presently in charge of the WELS Relief arm of our Synod but when I first knew him, he was in the Navy, serving on a flight crew. At one time, his missions were to intercept aircraft flying out of Libya. Those were scary times! Now he is handling relief/rescue efforts of WELS members around the nation, and beyond.

The flags of the nations being served by our Synod missionaries and missions are being removed from the arena at the close of the convention. 34 different flags were carried in at the opening, and then taken back outat the close of the convention, with a description of the efforts offered as each flag was presented. Very interesting stuff, and quite moving to see and hear.

So much to talk about!

My hope is that this computer allows me to do my thing without going all blue screen on me! This is my relatively new laptop, purchased right about two years ago when the first group of VBS young folks were here. The big blue gas-powered Alienware machine of Justin's which I was using had given up the ghost and needed to be replaced. I hope the anti-virus programs I ran this afternoon did the trick and I won't have troubles with this. Did a massive back-up, too, in case something untoward happens with it.

I am going to use some photos to tell the story here, if you don't mind. Please forgive me if they are repeats. Only today did I get them loaded on this computer.

 My first night in town, my family went to eat at The Green Street Tavern. I had perch and fried cheese curds, enough to share with the table.

 Lynn treated me to delicious sugar cookies from Hartmann's Bakery. 

One night when my sister, Kerry, was in town, we had a fry out at Mom's. Kerry cooked brat patties and hot dogs which we enjoyed on wonderful fresh baked rolls. Plenty of meat leftover for a few more meals.

Mom treated Lynn, me, and Lisa's boys at The Lighthouse Inn for breakfast one morning. They are such little sweethearts!

 Sunday before she headed back to college in Madison, my niece, Alayna, stopped at Mom's to say "hello" and "good-bye" to me. Both ladies are sporting orange, as was I!

Mom's pretty porchrail box, with the flowers intact, prior to the hail storm with tore her plants to pieces on Thursday afternoon.

This is a photo of some of the good-sized hail stones which assaulted the southside of Manitowoc. Mom's flowers were torn apart and a screen ripped on her bedroom window. She also has a few dings in her car hood and roof, but not enough to warrant repairs. Kerry came on Saturday and fixed the flowers right up again, replanted and replaced them as neeed. Good as new! 

Other folks did not get off as easily, though, as the various insurance companies set up claims tents and trailers around town to take care of their clients' problems. Mom said she was absolutely terrified and froze in place standing in her living room. In all her life, she never saw anything like that, and I hope she never does again!

From my friend, Jennifer P.

I read this in the airport waiting area this a.m. and was moved to tears. Read it and see if you can figure out why...


Promises from a mom to herself:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.

3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.

5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.

6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.

8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.

9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.

11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.

12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments.

13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.

14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.

16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.

17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.
19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.

20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.

I definitely wish I had a do-over for my boys!