Celebrate Freedom!

Hey there - I'm so far behind in posting! Got lots of pics to share from the Independence Day happenings! Wow - did lots happen! Reminded me of my DBG (days before Grace) when I was crazy busy with a very full social calendar~ What fun! AND now that I'm sitting here ready to go to bed but really wanting to get these pics up...I can't remember what all we did that weekend. Wait...it'll come to me...Friday, the VanWhye's came--Great Time! Saturday - drawing a blank but I know we did something~ oh well. Weeks later....yes, indeed Grace & I went to see CARS. I loved it & Grace loved checking out the neighboring viewer's snacks. :o)

Sunday - After a very Patriotic celebration at CLC...we had a GREAT time at Randy & Emily's place with Laurie, Bob, Larry & Amanda. Finally indulged UR in some home made butter pecan ice cream after his incessant whining how I make it for everyone else but him...blah, blah, blah (you know I love you). I don't have any pics from that get together but I must share this birthday pic that I just got back of Gracie & UR. Too cute!

Monday - Millenium Park & TASTE of CHICAGO & FIREWORKS- well, much more than a taste! Despite the rain, we managed to make it downtown to sunny skies & a smiling Uncle Bob ready for a splash in Millenium Park - our 1st time! Isn't that BEAN cool???












After several tastes (favorite was deep fried banana bites) & a ride down the white water mountain, we headed back to the Uncle Bob park, playing ourselves silly. Enjoyed a little snack at UB's place & then crawled down Lake Shore Drive for a splendid view of the Macy's fireworks display. What a day~

4th of July - lots of fun at the Beecher carnival & parade with Nate/Steph & her folks. Grace rode lots of kiddie rides & we chowed on cotton candy & funnel cakes - you know, stuff you only eat at the fair. Back to Steph's folks house for a barbeque & some sprinkler play. Whoo hooo - Thanks Mark & Maureen for a great time! The ducky bath fizzies & beachy stickers were a hit~ You are the new favorite friends for sure!

So that 'bout sums it up~ Busy & blessed! I leave with the words & hopefully a link to my new favorite worship freedom song... I AM FREE -by the Newsboys but wonderfully sang by the CLC worship team. Here it is: Newsboys - I Am Free from the album I Am Free http://pageman.multiply.com/music download it if you haven't heard it before

Through you the blind will see

Through you the mute will sing

Through you the dead will rise

Through you our hearts will praise

Through you the darkness flees

Through you my heart screams I am free

I am freeChorus: (2x’s)

I am free to run(I am free to run)

I am free to dance(I am free to dance)

I am free to live for you(I am free to live for you)

I am free(I am free)Yes, I am free(I am free)

Through you the blind will see

Through you the mute will sing

Through you the dead will rise

Through you our hearts will praiseT

hrough you the darkness flees

Through you my heart screams

I am free I am free

Are you free? I am freeChorus: (2x’s)

Re-CONNECTED

What a week - trying to get back into our routine after a week of company & two weeks of alternate child care while our Auntie Jeanette was cultivating the harvest in Peru. It's an exciting time for me considering the re-connections I've made this past month. I've enjoyed the company of my friend, Tina (& family), TWICE in one week...very NICE!

My college roommates are kicking up the dust at Jellystone Park in Eureka Missouri in a few weeks~Our first roomie reunion with all FIVE of us since...wow...how long?? 1997 or 98?? I can still remember the human pyramid right there in the middle of Val's living room! GAD~ We are so excited - to quote one of the roomies "I could just Pee!" Of course, I can't be that close to Robertsville & not see my very first non-monster college roomie- AMY! Don't you know I'll be sparkling up the Saturn for the Mr. Speakes inspection? No doubt Amy will have a list of job openings in the surrounding school districts & a couple of potential homes to check out while I'm there. Tempting...

Just thanking God recently for re-connecting with my old friend, Lauri - I've missed you & I'm really glad God restores in His own time - it's always just the right time~ Thanks for loving on Gracie the past couple of weeks. Thanks to Caitlyn & Elizabeth for sharing your toys! We'll keep working on returning the favor. :o)

It's interesting the things that bring re-connection. I got an email this week about a musician that used to play with the Servants of Praise.Paul was hospitalized for pneumonia & then decided to have some heart surgery while he was there. Paul is from Jamaica - HOW do you spell that...regardless, he's far from his family. Now, I've been in the hospital while the ocean separated me from my friends & family- that is NOOOOO fun! It's time to re-connect with that guy! Gracie is ready - we've spent our fair share of time in a hospital -so much so, it's a regular part of her pretend play. "Gracie, where are you going in those high heels & cutie purse?" More often than not, she's "goin' to the hospital." Goin' to see someone we love...so here we come, Paul! AND if we could, Tommy - we'd be strollering up to your room as well! Take good care way out there in California! We're praying for you~

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Ecclesiates chap 4, beginning w/vs 7:

The Advantages of Companionship
7 I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Let's face it - we need each other! God described the church - not the building but the people inside - as the BODY of Christ; each with our own place & role to fill. Doesn't matter how good or strong of a pinky finger I may be, if I am not CONNECTED to the other four digits...I am likely to shrivel up, unable to function properly if function at all. I'm no good to anyone, without the rest of the BODY. This, folks, is from personal experience. When you are out there, lone rangering - whether you meant to be there or not - you're in danger without the warmth or strength of companionship that will hold you accountable or help you when you fall or mount a defense beside you.

We work better together says the Creator. Remember, He fashioned us out of a heartfelt desire for companionship Himself. I believe He KNOWS lonely! I remind Him often that it was His idea that I should have a companion & thank God for my true blue friends, but ya'll know what I mean! No, that's a another blog & besides, I have very Grace FULL days as it is. But, we do need fellowship & it usually takes some effort in this busy world we live in with kids to raise, businesses to run, playgrounds to build, blogs to write, grants to write, reports to type...if you have friends, it's on purpose.

So reach out & touch someone. Re-connect with an old friend, make a new one or BOTH! Make some ice cream, grill a burger, borrow a back yard for a get together or visit the hospital. No high heels required but ya better bring your smile. ~:o)

PS~ The photos above: I had to take a picture of Gracie sleeping this morning sunny side up! & there's Gracie snuggling on baby Emily's quilt I made. :o)

PSS: Gracie said her first spontaneouslGerman words last week. As we were going inside for the evening, Gracie called "Bis Morgen" to the neighbors, meaning "until tomorrow". Too coooooool!