Good Friend, Well Met

Finally, I got to catch up with my friend, Dolly! We’ve been friends since grade school, when she came to F. G. in 4th grade, driving all the way from Mishicot every morning. One of her neighbors worked at the Court House kitty corner from the school and that’s how her brother and she got to school every day. A few years later her folks transferred them to Emmanual but we remained in touch. As she recalls it, during the summer we stayed at each other’s houses alternate weekends, including some time spent at their cottage at Little Sturgeon in Door County. Excellent memories, excellent!

Of course, we remained friends through high school, culminated by singing together for our Senior Class Night presentation. Dolly played the guitar and we sang “Take Me Home, Country Road”. We’d often talked about moving to San Francisco and opening a craft shop, but my sister, Lori, sort of pointed out that we’d need a whole lot of inventory to sell in our shop…talk about raining on our parade! Good thing she did, too, or we’d have really messed up!

After getting married and me moving to Milwaukee, we sort of drifted apart but talked on the phone occasionally and saw each other at class reunions and such. Since moving to Florida, I think I’ve seen her more than I did when we lived up here! Again, that not seeing what’s under your nose….I have a photo taken at her house when Timmy was about 2 ½ years old, and he’s attempting to pedal her exercise bike in the breezeway. Justin was born one day after Dolly’s daughter, Kristin, and they had a chance to meet up with each other a couple years ago at WELS Youth Rally in CO. That is so cool, and I’d hoped for a second generation of friendship, but it was not to be. Too different and too far apart, unfortunately.

What was such a blessing for our friendship was having Dolly call me last summer when I was in Alaska on the cruise ship, to tell me she heard “our song” on the radio and was simply compelled to call! We used to lie on the roof of the utility shed in her backyard, with a radio and Teen Magazine, and sing along to the radio. Our favorite was “Those Were the Days”, which is what forced her to dial my number (or, push my number, as the case might be!). Whenever we talked or saw each other, no matter how much time had passed, we never missed a beat. I love that!

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Her niece is serving with the Friends of China and became my source for information which was used by our Sunday school kids’ mission project for the first half of the year. Again, that 'small Synod, small world' thing!

We had lunch together at Luigi’s in ‘TRivers and then went shopping at Honey Pot. I found some beautiful glass pieces there, and will have them ship it to my home for me, in a couple weeks. I sure don’t want a box to arrive and me not be there to secure it. Honey Pot is owned by another schoolmate of ours MLHS and I love being able to aid her business, plus add to my glass collection at the same time!

Next week when I come back from Lori’s I’m going to take a DVD copy of “Under the Tuscan Sky” to Dolly’s, plus some pretzels and honey mustard dip so I can take her on a vacation without having to leave the house! She has no desire at all to travel, doesn’t have that gene, I guess, so by us watching and sharing “Tuscan Sun” it might be as close to Italy as she’ll ever get! We saw those good chips at Honey Pot but I’ll have to search for the dip….I used to get it at Cook’s Corner but they are no more, so……………………

A full day spent with a dear friend, that’s another reason I am here!

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p.s. My poor sister, Kerry, has been sick for over a week with this horrendous cough that comes all the way up from her feet. Monday she coughed so hard that she felt something go "pop!" inside, by the belly button and start to hurt. She told her co-workers what happened they guessed right--she has a hernia from coughing!!! Now she needs to see a surgeon and figure out when to have it repaired, hopefully NOT under emergency conditions, if it becomes constricted or strangulated. I wish I could be here when she has the procedure, to help take care of her, but anticipate the surgery won't take place until after I'm gone. What next?????

All Those Stairs!

This is so funny—the major purpose for my visit to WI is to avoid having to climb the stairs a couple times each day while the elevator in my building is being re-done...and, yet, I’ve been down and up the stairs at church several times now since I arrived. Somehow, it’s not the same as my house, because I am going down there for Bible studies!

Sunday, we went down and then back up, and again yesterday. Let’s see though, what did we do on Monday? Hmm, I know! We ate supper at home, and I made it! For our ladies’ dinner in March I’d made the most wonderful concoction of cabbage, carrots and corned beef for which even Justin paid a compliment. I made it again here and Lynn came over to have some. The rest is in the fridge and Jill is going to eat what's left of it. Mom and I had gone to Wal-Mart to bum around and then over to the newly re-opened Penguin Restaurant for a late lunch.

I don’t remember what we did that night but just know it didn’t require putting on our shoes and coats…probably involved something on TV, which is fine. I’d replaced my reading material at Wal-Mart so had a new book to dive into after Lynn went home. When leaving for the airport on Thursday, I accidentally left my Francis Mayes’ “A Year In the World” in my car! Nuts!! Linda gave me a neat book to read, “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering” which I managed to get through in a couple days. I won’t give away the story, you’ll have to read it yourself! It is highly recommended to read this short “course” of study….

Tuesday was an awesome morning spent in the Word, as Kathy Wedlund led the Women’s Bible study at F. G. She comes from Mishicot to lead this group, studying now Genesis. We didn’t make a whole lot of progress in the lesson however, as some of the ladies had questions regarding the previous weeks’ discussion of angels and Satan. It was an excellent give ‘n take session, just the way I like it! Even I got to throw in my two cents’ worth, probably to my mother’s dismay! That class was over in the blink of an eye. Afterwards I mentioned to Kathy about attending the Women’s Leadership Conference last summer and then going on a cruise with a relative of hers, James Humann, and that group. She commented that Vicki Humann reminds her of Vicki’s mother, who would have been Kathy’s aunt, and another lady told Kathy she is a picture of HER mother. Funny how that happens!

Mom and I went back home for lunch after which we were going to go deliver church bulletins but somehow never got back out. Mid-afternoon I reminded Mom about voting so off we went to cast her ballot and then go shopping at Shop-Ko. Love that store! I managed to find a new purse there, something I’d sort of been looking for but had to be just right. And, strangely enough, it was on the sale shelf! It will get me by until I can replace it with something really special, perhaps in Florence if I go back again! Mom and I went to Jill’s ice cream parlor to have a treat before heading back home. I couldn’t finish mine so took it home for a midnight snack. This parlor has a giant cow standing out front, can’t miss it!

For supper I made spaghetti with meat sauce which was good but really needed some cheese. Mom picked some up this morning on her way back from having blood drawn. She ran into Jill at the store, how fun is that?? We ate at home two nights in a row!

This afternoon I am going to meet my friend, Dolly, in Two Rivers and I am so ‘cited!!!! We are going to have lunch and go to the Honey Pot to look at pretty things and spend some good time together. Awesome! That shop is owned and operated by a young lady we went to high school with so it’s a pleasure to do business there in many ways. Such unique gift items….if you’ve been to my house, you’ll see several pieces that came from the Honey Pot gracing my shelves!
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Last night I had a great chat with Justin as he caught me up what’s going on in his life….love that chatting ability on-line…almost like being there! Another thing that has kept me entertained was watching “The Godfather” marathon on the AMC station over the weekend. “…you’re my brother and I love you—but don’t ever take sides against the family again, ever!!!” That is always good advice!

“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…”

…it really does feel like that to me, anyway! The thermometer might read +40° but it feels much, much colder, especially when the wind blows. My poor hands are just freezing and in need of some soothing lotion.

Regardless of the temps, the time spent here is good and already going by too quickly. Saturday began with driving out to Cleveland to meet Lynn for breakfast. The restaurant is located in an apple orchard and serves nothing but fresh-made foods. As often happens, I met someone I knew, this time a woman named Cheryl who was two years ahead of me in high school. Her first time there, and its right down the road! That often happens, can’t see it right under your nose!

On the way out to Cleveland, I managed to get a photo of syrup buckets hanging from trees near the road. Not the shiny gallon metal buckets you’d imagine, but the 5 gallon white plastic kind. Probably more efficient this way, but by far, less romantic a picture.

Buckets hanging on the trees

Jill and I decided to go to Copp’s after breakfast which turned out to be big fun. As I found a place to park at this very busy grocery store, I mentioned needing to visit Auntie Marie this time, as my last trip here she was gone to the cottage with Barb and Jim.

Copp’s is obliviously Jill’s turf as she knew so many people there, some with whom she’d worked at Sentry and others from her neighborhood or the ice cream parlor. It was just like when I go shopping in my town, always run into somebody I know! We got the good cookies, found my popcorn, another 24 cans of diet Coke, and my wonderful natural-casing hot dogs. Jill got some needed food items and we headed to the checkout.

While waiting there, I greeted the bagger at the next register, Betty, who has worked there for years, and is the mom of a friend from my youth. All of sudden, Jill spotted someone pulling into line behind us---Auntie Marie! WOW, it was so cool to see her and she was blown away finding us there. Her son, Jon, was coming to pick her up from the store so we got to say “hi” to him as well. I just love it when this type of thing happens!!!

For dinner we met Lisa and her family at Timeout and I gave the boys their cute M & M backpack/rolling suitcases puchased in New York, which they adored. Gabe was still feeling a bit poorly but it was so fun to watch Manny chow down on cheese curds and mac ‘n cheese. He is just the cutest little guy! Eats like a thrasher! Gabe did manage to eat some of his food and perked up a bit when they got here to Mom’s. He wanted to play a game of hide ‘n seek, which isn’t too easy to do in Grandma K’s little apartment.

Manny eating his dinner (it's a dark photo because of my camera phone)

This morning, of course, was worship at First German, followed by Bible study in the Heritage Hall downstairs. I love that room, it’s like a museum, features the history of our congregation up to the present. Neat! It was wonderful to see Pastor Hahm and we hugged each other. I told him how much his singing edified Mom’s and the others’ worship and he thanked me and God for allowing him to do it. He sang on Good Friday, accompanying himself on the guitar, joined in voice by his wife and cousin. I understand it was quite lovely.

It was also good to see and greet the many members of FG, those I remember and who remember me. Linda and Tom are gone on a cruise with their son and daughter-in-law so didn’t get to see them today, but will get back in touch after my weekend to the Cities. Lynn, Alayna, Mom and I had a late breakfast at Warren’s Restaurant, a hangout from my grade school days, and it dates older yet than that! As Justin text-messaged me, “You can’t beat a dirty griddle”, which is what I say about the good food at Koko’s!

He sent a couple messages while we waited for our food, one concerning seeing our former Pastor, Richard Hennig, at Victory this a.m. He is the man who baptized Timmy in 1996, and for whom we built the parsonage in 1991. Well, we were building it anyway, they were just the first occupants. Justin said he had to re-introduce himself to pastor because Justin looks quite different now: big, tall, and quite hairy!

This afternoon I brought Subway sandwiches and soup to my father-in-law, Arno and my niece, Allie, giving John and Mona a needed break. They went down the road to have lunch and then to Copp’s (must be THE place to go!). Not much of a break, but a break nonetheless. Arno and I had a nice visit while they were gone with Allie keeping busy shooting baskets (in this cold weather??) and bathing her dog. She modeled a lovely black dress she’s wearing for an end-of-year party—my, what a young lady she’s become! I just love her!

While at Arno's, I got a phone call from the music director at Victory, where Justin worships. Rachel was calling to ask me to sing for a pastor's conference at their church next month but I had to explain I'd be up here at that time. Nuts! I thanked her deeply for the offer, however. She complimented me on what a good son I have, that she can hear him singing in church, and how he's faithful in his attendance. Aw, shucks.....

Mom and I enjoyed some of the wonderful hot dogs for supper, on fresh hard roll buns…..yum! Life is so good! We hope to have a better night’s sleep tonight, the tenants upstairs being quite disruptive last night, making it hard to sleep. I hope that I’m never that noisy to my downstairs neighbors. I have even suspended practicing my clogging practice at nine p.m………………….

It's cold and warm at the same time!

""Look out the left" the Captain says, "The lights down there, that's where we'll land..." That's another tidbit from Joni Mitchell, and it always comes to mind when I'm flying somewhere. Yesterday was no different, as I finally arrived in Milwaukee. We were delayed leaving Atlanta due to an equipment problem at the MKE airport, something used by the tower to guide the instrument-rated planes, as we were arriving in "freezing fog". Hmm, okay, just fix the part and let's get a move on, please..

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Fortunately my luggage followed me and my rental car was still in the garage, but did I want to now drive in the freezing fog, or stay in a hotel and try it in the morning???? I opted to head north to see what would happen. It was ugly at first, having trouble keeping my windshield clear, as it seemed more like mud than snow. By the time I got to Silver Spring Drive, the air was cleared, the stripes on the road clearer, and off I went!

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Mom was waiting at the door when I pulled in and I managed to get my luggage hauled in the house without her having to come out to help me.

She'd picked up some of the special cookies I like from Copp's so had one of those and diet Coke before heading off to my nice warm bed. The heat works quite well in Mom's place so it was a great night's sleep. Nice and cozy, snuggled in at Mom's!

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Bright and early in the morning off we went to work on the newsletter at First German. The ladies have a silent contest to see who can get there the earliest, seemingly earlier each time they meet. Linda had things all ready to go when we arrived. She and I held each other and shed a quiet tear together, for comfort and rejoicing at seeing each other again. It was great fun to work with the ladies and Pastor R., as it's his job to load the mailboxes with the finished letters. I got to extend Judy J.'s best wishes to her friend, Marilyn, who attends that church (it's a small world, smaller yet in the WELS!).

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After that project and chatting with Pastor, Mom and I came back here to rest up after that big morning. I actually took a nice nap in the chair watching TV and had a nice dream featuring colored glass, a child who looked like Timmy, and none other than Mike S. from church, who was busily cleaning up paper plates and cups at the gallery where the glass was displayed. (Cindy might know him....) Dreams never make sense, but when beautiful glass and Timmy are involved, who needs sense?

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Linda, her twin grands, and I had lunch at the Green Street Tavern so I got my first taste of lake perch in 2008 (sorry, Judy!!) and see some of my former neighbors/customers when we still built in Manitowoc. Once Linda dropped me off, it was a waiting game until it was time to leave for dinner with Lisa, Gabe, and Manny in Sheboygan, taking Jill, Danny, and Lynn along in my car. Manny learned the fun trick of rolling his eyes and crossing them high up in his head, making us laugh and laugh. Gabe was a bit feverish so she was going to give them some breathing treatments and off to bed when they got home. Poor guys feeling bad from colds...Oh, by the way, I ate perch there, too...

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Noah wants to come up here to have dinner tomorrow night with our plans to go to our favorite family place loaded with TV's and sports stuff. We like going there because they can accomodate large groups at once, plus the food is good. It's a bit noisy, which is fine when you're dining with kids, as memory serves me.

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On most Saturdays, Mom and Lynn usually go for coffee and bakery, but tomorrow Lynn has to do a presentation to a group of motorcycle instructors. When she's done, we're meeting her for breakfast at an orchard bistro to have apple dumplings or bacon and eggs. They have it all. I've been there before and it's quite charming, not too far from Lynn's school. I wouldn't mind going to Copp's in search of my hull-less popcorn or similar, maybe some natural casing hot dogs, and more sugar cookies. You have to try one of these cookies before you dismiss them as "just sugar cookies". Linda brought me some in February and they were so delicious. I know the lady who works in the bakery department and certainly she can fix me up, as they say. Cindy can't help me out with the popcorn, though, that might be my friend, Susie, who works there, too! It's not what you know, it's who you know...

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Yes, it's cold out, but so far above zero, which is a good thing. Plenty warm with the family, and friends, as well.

...and the morning and the evening were the first day!

Let's see, what else is there to do?

If you need something done, ask a Marine! Or have his grandma ask him for you....Judy's lovely grandson, Josh, a former Marine, came with her to my house tonight to put my luggage in her car so it's there for me tomorrow. Wasn't that good thinking? I'm so thankful for their help with that. Judy hauled my little bag downstairs for me, my red coat inside! All I'll carry in my tote bag is my make-up bag and a book for on the plane and in the airport.

Josh's parents are coming down for a visit in early April and I've invited them to use my home while I'm gone. Judy's extra rooms are taken up by Josh and his friend who have moved in with her for now. Why not use my place? It would be as handy as a hotel would be, they'd enjoy the view, and I'm not far from Judy's house, sounds perfect to me! It's the least I can do for the help they've given me!

Today was an active one, starting with finishing the April FlockTalk newsletter and getting it e-mailed all over creation. Whew--Done! My first stop after leaving home was Great Hang Ups (actually McDonald's for a drink) to assemble my "relief" piece in acrylic being entered in the 3-D Art Guild show at Village Gallery in April. My dear friends are taking care of it for me, making sure it gets properly framed and delivered to the Gallery. I am so thankful to them, too, for helping me out with that project and such. When done assembling, I left to pick up Barb from where she was staying and we met Justin for lunch at Koko's, right next door to Hang Ups! While there, Pam called to ask where I was and when I told her, she came to have lunch, too! How nice! We got to see each other once more before my trip and say our "farewells".

After our wonderful meal and visit, Barb and I went to Wal-Mart for a little bit as the other two went back to work. She knew I was time-pressed so we made our shopping there shorter, and cheaper, than we normally would. There are simply so many details that have to be taken care of before a trip including banking and forwarding of mail.... I dropped Barb off again and headed back to Publix to get a few things before meeting Justin for his doctor appointment. We went in separate cars to the specialist's office since he had to go to class tonight.

The doctor didn't tell us anything that we hadn't already heard, and recommended an MRI to rule out anything else going on in Justin's head. He did, however, say that he didn't think there was anything else to be concerned about, the MRI was a good idea, but not mandatory. Justin told the doctor he'd think about it, which is a good thing. At least he's not totally throwing out the idea, at least for now. In a year, he's to go back in and have his hearing re-checked, which is a very good idea. Oh well.............

A couple really good things happened today, besides having lunch with some of my favorite peoples. Strange as it may seem, I ran into some ladies from my old neighborhood, each one in a different store! I'd seen Taffy in February and we promised to have lunch but haven't so far, and she took my phone number so she can call me for "a date". At Publix I ran into a lady for whom we built a house in The Preserve, modeled after our floor plan. She'd given us a wonderful book when Timmy died, and I read it just this past winter. It's called "Tender Fingerprints" and its about a man's dealing with the stillbirth of his first child. My, it was good! Just think how long it took me to get around to reading that story, what I missed out on...I guess it was better now than when Timmy's death was yet so fresh. Really, seven years isn't all that long...It was so wonderful to reconnect with Mary Jane again, and we've promised to get in touch when I'm back in town. I love it, love it, love it!!

The weather improved vastly today, getting up near 70, depending upon where I was. Barb said that Harv got to wear his shorts, the mark of a successful vacation. He's had a cold since the weekend, wearing him down somewhat. The sun can only help him feel better, it does for me anyway. Tomorrow is supposed to warmer yet which is good, because they are taking a boat ride. I just hope the river is calm so no one gets sea sick!

Jill called this afternoon from Copp's Grocery Store to find out what I needed them to buy for my visit. She had already latched onto the necessary soda and was searching, perhaps in vain, for the hull-less popcorn I require. She was having trouble finding it so I may have to get along without it. Mom was on a mission to find the poppy seed-filled doughnuts I love----am I spoiled or what? I'll have to add poppy seed doughnuts to my list of "funeral foods", planning the menu for my funeral dinner. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I went to heaven around Easter time, like Linda's mom did? Tonight when Josh and Judy were here, we discussed my funeral foods, which I'm sure Josh found quite weird, and Judy remarked how it's her job, if she outlives me, to put a nice purple lining in my casket. Custom made, perfect! I'll have to remember to ask the mortician to put rose-colored glasses on my face, as well.......Wouldn't that just be a hoot???? We talk about the strangest things, don't we?

One more thought: Linda's mom's funeral was today and my mom was able to go, hitching a ride with another member from church. Mom was hesitant about driving so far out of the city limits and it worked great to catch a ride with someone and spare her nerves. Linda and I had a nice chat last night and she's doing well under the circumstances. The Easter services were so wonderful and significant, she told Pastor she considers the Easter worship to have been her mom's funeral service! "Welcome, Happy Morning"!!!!!

Pam is lending Justin a pet carrier so he can transport Lynx to Paul and Emily's house on the weekend. Paul was sad that he didn't get to see Justin at Good Shepherd for Easter so now he'll see him this weekend. It wasn't going to work out for me to take her tonight--can't you just see me trying to contain her in my arms and stumbling down the steps? Squish! and no more cat! She'd be a flat cat!

I cried and cried saying "good-bye" to Justin after his appointment this afternoon. Moms are so emotional, but hey, God made us that way---take it up with Him!

How come its so cold in Florida???

How can this be Florida? It's so cold out there, looks are quite deceiving. Barb, my sister-in-law, visiting here from WI, called me this morning and asked how I was keeping warm. It's nice and cozy right here in my window with the sun shining on me. But, step outside and bbrrrr!

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First order of business today was an early lunch with Martie, so we could say our proper 'good-byes'. What a lovely way to spend time together, before she went to work and I to the mammogram place. After several rolls of film were used, I left there, bought some gas, and then headed to where Harv and Barb were staying to pick them up. We came back to my place, climbed the steps and enjoyed the view from my river room. I had no other snacks to serve except for some leftover Easter candy which provided a tasty treat. I was still full from my lunch but did try one of the trufles that Olivia brought to me. Yummy!

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For supper I took my guests to Smokey's wwaayy out in Middleburg, for some delicious bbq in that lovely dining environment. As I said to Barb, I like going there to eat because it reminds me of Door County--not the food, but the decor. After dinner and our ride back to Fleming Island, I dropped them off again, and headed back home. Now I am waiting for the moon to rise over the water and end a wonderful day!

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Tomorrow Justin and I are going to see the hearing specialist to find out what he has to say about the situation. I only hope that the not having the MRI doesn't interfere with anything. It may be harder for me to get Justin back to the doctor again if we need to reschedule both the appointments. He doesn't want to hear any more bad news, which is sort of understandable. Not so much to me as it is to him. Prayers are most welcome and are heard!
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Happy Birthday, Dolly!!!!

More tears today

The day started early, reading e-mails before Dee arrived to repair some glass for me. Several people sent "Comments" to my post from yesterday, sharing their experience with "...Redeemer Lives" and I was moved to tears by them. If you don't usually read the Comments, please do so in order to find out what I am referencing. When I spoke to Martie earlier and she asked how I was, my answer was, "I am in a high emotional state." Oh yeah.........

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Linda shared her story of how she was managing to get through "Redeemer" until she spotted Pastor Hahm wiping away a tear...he said he was fine until he saw Mom and Kevin, the principal, wiping away their tears....."He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears, He lives my mansion to prepare, He lives to take me safely there..." I hope that's right, I did it by memory. Oh, here is Timmy's service folder, I can check it out--oops, I got it wrong, borrowed from several different verses: "He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart". There's not one single "insignificant" verse in that hymn, which made it tough for Mom to pick the ones to use for the funeral. Good job, Mom! As Timmy would say, "You done it!" Kevin also has a little one in heaven so we share special hugs when we meet each other. I look forward to seeing him this Sunday at First German!! And Linda, too!!! And my peoples!!!

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On Saturday morning as I was leaving to go to church for communion preparation, I saw a box sitting outside my door. A baby??? Nope, better than that---a lovely circular glass art piece made by the same guy that made my other "manipulated" glass pieces. Dee had dropped it off in the dark of night (or morning) as a surprise for me. She told me last week she had a gift for me that I wouldn't want to accept but she'd make me take it, and that's how she did it! Leave it on the doorstep and run away. The bad news was it had a crack in it, sort of swiveled like a hinge about half way down.

I called to thank her for the present and then asked if she knew it was cracked. She was sad it was broken and said it had been mended once before, must have re-cracked on the climb up the steps! So, she came this a.m. with her glass glue in hand and we performed surgery on the piece. We glued some glass marbles I had on hand, flat on one side, which we used as "band-aids" on the back side, in the same colors as in the piece. I'll take a photo of it when it's done so you all can see what I'm talking about. "Dr. Roberts" makes house calls, twice climbing my stairs because of beautiful glass!

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After she left I did, too, heading for Bible study, my last one with this group for a month! Judy C. joined us today, as she quit her job last Friday, just up and quit! It was nice to have a new face for the study and for lunch. Our time together at Longhorn was lovely and the farewells tearful. Pastor had suggested putting a picture of me on the table where I usually sit to make it seem like I'm there, but, it would be quiet then!!! I said the quiet part, not him. Tonight are Visitation calls and then that's it for church activity. I will have to drop off some shingle, exterior, and soffit color selections for Cliff, but that gives me a chance to say good-bye to Carol, "auf wiedersehen ", until we meet again!

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Lisa called last night to share some Easter stories with me, putting tears in my ears--again! She told about Lori, Lynn, Alayna, and her singing with the choir, nothing less than the "Hallelujah Chorus" , accompanied by the pipe organ and orchestra. Lisa said she was trembling with excitement about singing it, and was holding Manny in her arms as she sang. He was clinging to her for dear life, probably expecting her to shake him right over the railing! She said he sang, too, throwing out a single "hallelujah" with the choir. Just prior to time for the song, Gabe leaned over and asked Lisa, "Is it time to sing Jesus now?" That's what he calls the Chorus. I love it that her little boys know and love that song! They sing that one in heaven, I just know it!!

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She also told about how they pick a song to sing before bed and Manny picks the one he calls "so". She had me guess what song it was and it took a second to come up with "...the Bible tells me so". Oh, my heart! She knew that would get me because my boys sang that also, with Timmy's being sung in bass! Gabe likes the song "Zaccheus", about the wee little man up in the tree. "Zaccheus, you come down! I'm going to your house today!" At church Easter morning, Paul was telling me how my goddaughter, Sarah, walks around singing "Oh, Christ, Lamb of God" continually. The preschool and young Sunday schoolers sang it in the service a couple weeks ago, and she'd sing it every week if they let her. I told him that was evidence of what wonderful parents she has, if that's what their daughter is singing. Gabe, Manny, and Sarah---our little missionaries!

Lucas and Sarah watching "Jeopardy" while standing in the toy box!

Time to get ready to go to the booty shop again, this time to get my silver removed and a trim, and then over to church for Visitor calls. Time is getting closer and closer for my trip to WI and I'm getting so 'cited!!!