They are here!

My home is now housing kids! We have gone to our respective rooms for the night, as they are tired from their day of travel, and I am just plain tired. Our time together began right after 4 pm when Michael brought them over here, after picking them up in Orlando. It worked better for the kids to fly direct from Denver, no risk of missing connections, etc. this way, as they are traveling without an escort this year. 

Jacob, Jayson, Jackson, and Erryn were stunned by the heat and humidity, opting to go swimming instead of resting before dinner. We were going to The Club that night for dinner and Michael joined us. The dining was set up outside and indoors, but we chose alfresco seating. This buffet was really the way to go for three hungry boys and one hungry girl, plus the two adults. I was so happy to have some blue cotton candy and hand-scooped ice cream with strawberries and chocolate sauce for dessert. Just as we finished our main course, we had to dash inside The Club as it began to rain---of course! 

When it had let up a bit, we all walked back toward my place, parting company with Michael, as he was very tired from his long day of driving to and from Orlando. Doing it again the next day was not going to be a picnic, either, as they are going to Universal Studios for the day.

Rocket's red glare on the St. Johns River

When it was time for the fireworks, we all went down to the north end of the building to watch. All up and down the river were amateur and professional fireworks going off which the kids got a kick out of. Even more impressive was having the big barge pull up and blast off fireworks right before our eyes. We watched them in the rain and eventually it didn't matter. At last, the kids were cooled off---enough to sleep anyway!

The LWMS Convention

What did I learn there? As I would lie in my bed at night trying to organize my thoughts from the day's events, the words "zeal" and "gratitude" came to mind. I will return to this in a later post but now, a recap:

Last Thursday Linda, Lynn and I drove across the state of WI to LaCrosse for the convention, stopping in Fond du Lac at Schreiner's Family Restaurant for lunch. There I picked up a large peanut square and a molasses cookie which would later serve to be my morning bites the rest of the weekend. 

It was good to see Lori again and to show Linda her lovely home in Holmen. She got us squared away in our sleeping rooms and then we got to sit a bit before Linda and I had to head to the convention center about 20 minutes away. 

Since we did not know the lay of the land yet, Linda and I allowed extra time for finding the parking garage, getting from there to the Center, and then to find our seats in the arena. We did well with this plan and would park in the same stall every day of the convention. 

The opening service was incredible, an amazing and moving experience complete with the Lord's Supper being served to nearly 1700 people. The singing together was something I cannot even describe. Even before the service began, I had tears running down my cheeks as I read in the service booklet that we'd be singing "Jerusalem, the Golden" at some point that weekend. Oh my!

On the way out of the service I spotted Carolyn W., from the N. Florida Circuit of which I am part, and she took a photo of Linda and me. Later I was to see two more ladies from our Circuit but only enough to wave at. 

My phone had several messages on it including two from friends looking for Linda and me at the registration tables. We chose to register after the service so missed the two folks who were watching for us. I asked my friend, Mary P., how she knew Judy R., who was also watching for us. She said she did not know her before, but overheard Judy talking about her friend, Kim, coming from FL, and they put two and two together and came up with a shared friend! Love that!

David greeted us at the door when these two tired and spent ladies got back to Lori's house. I just love that guy! We visited for a while before heading to bed as Linda and I had to be back up again around 6:00 a.m. to get to the convention. Fortunately David woke me at 6:15 or I'd have really overslept! I had brought some bagels and cream cheese along for Linda's breakfast, plus bananas and grapes. I enjoyed parts of my peanut square and later in the weekend, the cookie for breakfast. 

On Friday we were getting out of the car in our 'reserved' spot on the 2nd level when a car came roaring (seemingly) up the ramp. Suddenly it slammed on the brakes right behind our car and out jumped Judy R.!!! She had shrieked at her driver to stop the car---"There's Kimmie Cakes!!!" The Birkholz's let her out and drove on to park the car while we hugged and hugged in the parking garage. My two lady friends finally met each other, though had been friends on Facebook for some time. This was the moment I was waiting for and it happened with such fanfare!

Linda and I would later join Judy, her daughter, Amy, plus friend Judy, and the Birkholz's for lunch. I have been wanting to meet Judy's dear friends about which I hear so much, and to spend time with Amy. I have now met three of Judy's four children, and her son-in-law, who is the recruiter for F.O.C., getting teachers to teach English in China. 

That evening we were invited to attend a special gathering to hear a Chinese woman speak, who had been reached via F.O.C. and now teaches Mandarin at our Synod college. Got to spend more time with Judy and her friend, Judy, plus the others we'd met at lunch. On the way out of the room, I was tapped on the shoulder, and there was another Facebook friend, Lou, whom I had never met in the flesh. Hugs were enjoyed. Later, Amy told me she saw me hugging Lou and said, "I can check this off my bucket list now...met Kim!" It was my honor to meet Amy and Shannon, and the others, but was tickled to hear Amy say this. 

Lori, Lynn, and David came to meet us for dinner in LaCrosse where we ate at 4 Sisters Tapas and Wine Bar, not too far from our convention center. Lori and Lynn had been set up in a park selling Lori's jewelry in LaCrosse so it worked out perfectly. She should have set up at the park across from the convention and sold to the ladies of the LWMS! Guess that was not an option for her, however.

Over the course of the convention, Linda and I talked to many people, some we knew, but most we did not. We also attended three workshops and six worship services, some of which were devotions. We witnessed the presentation of the flags of nations served by our missionaries and missions, a moving parade. "Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, 'til all the world adore His sacred Name."

More another time!

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!

I have access!!!

Here I am at First German, borrowing a cup of Internet with Linda J.!!

The time is going by but not necessarily quickly. More like normal days some of which are action packed and some of which are more restful. Just the way I like it! My family and I have been eating out, eating in, cooking out and cooking in for our meals. We have done some shopping and plan to do some more!

Later this week my friend, Linda J. and I are attending the LWMS Convention at Lacrosse. My sister, Lynn, is riding along for fun as we are staying with my sister, Lori, in a nearby town. I just know we are going to laugh and laugh, meet and greet, and get filled up with the Word while we are at the Convention and with my family 'out west'!

The weather has been not ideal, at least for my intent and purposes. Some of my sisters suffer from heat and humidity but Mom and I do not. This makes for a battle of the wills and a battle over door open/door closed plus the placement of fans around the room. It will be nice to be home and warm again, through and through. I just wish Mom could come with me so she could enjoy it, too.

Lisa's boys were being cared for by Lynn, their grandma, and we went to the Lighthouse Inn for breakfast on Wednesday. They are so well behaved for her, and we were glad to have them at our table. Later we went to the ice cream parlor for a treat!

I made it!

Justin stayed overnight at my house Monday night so we could hang out together before I left. We enjoyed some Ming Moon delivery and watched a couple news programs---just like old times! Most of my packing for the trip had been completed so the time was available. After I put his laundry in the dryer, we each went to our rooms before 10:00 pm. He said he hits the hay these days by 9:30 “like an old person!” he declared. I had had a short night Sunday and he was tired from a hot day at work. The rest was needed, for both us!

Tuesday morning he was going to make sure I was up before he left for work, but I was awake before he was. I got to hug and kiss him prior to his leaving for work. I carried the garbage down to the bin and went back up to get my luggage and shut everything down for the next couple of weeks. Because I needed my ‘driving down the road’ glasses from the car, I went down earlier than I needed to be. Just as I exited the lobby, Judy C. pulled in. Perfect timing!

She told me about the terrible traffic situation we were facing and we made the decision to go on I-295 and take our chances on the detour rather than trying the downtown route.  A car had gone the wrong way on the freeway and struck a bus loaded with a minor league baseball team. No one on the bus was injured but the driver of the car was killed. The freeway was closed northbound with traffic re-routed for a ways. We managed to follow the few detour signs and got back on the freeway again. Took us just over an hour to get from my house to the airport. Judy was glad we had left when we did! Me too!

Linda collected me in MKE and we stopped at Perkin’s nearby to have a quick bite. I had not eaten in either airport (I was holding out for Auntie Annie’s pretzels sticks in Atlanta and didn’t find any). We shared an appetizer of assorted treats, just enough to hold us over until dinner. Mom was standing on her porch when we pulled in at her building and she buzzed me in. So good to see her again! Later Lynn came over and brought me some sugar cookies. That was so kind of her! She also stocked up the supply of Diet Coke---isn’t that great??!! 

I had a good night’s sleep in Mom’s guest room, finding my legs freezing this morning due to the drop in temperature overnight. When I went to bed I had no covers on but by morning, with the window open, I needed my Barbie blanket over them. Only in the 60’s today but the temps are expected to improve as the week moves along. I will be in the minority of those who enjoy that! Instead of long pants today I opted to wear capris and take my chances!

After I dropped Jill off at work, I went to church to help Linda and talk to people. It was good to see a few of my favorite folks, Larry and Todd, and meet the new pastor, Chris Hoppe. He and I were already friends on Facebook but to meet in the flesh is excellent too. We got to sit and talk a while before he had to get to work and I had to leave. Mom and I were going shopping at Festival Foods and we timed our arrivals back at her place perfectly! She jumped from her friend’s car into mine for our shopping trip. Mom had been at breakfast with friends this a.m. Busy people!

                   

Tonight Lynn and I are going to Linda’s house for dinner and ‘girls night’. I am making taco salad and Lynn is bringing shrimp. Linda is making a fruit fluff recipe she found on Facebook. Good times in store for us!