I've had a long standing tradition to make themed birthday cakes through the years. Staying with tradition, I made my first pool party cake. It was a big hit! Of course we had a great time swimming and eating.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
From Jed in Iraq
My mom's husbasd is in Iraq for a year driving a bus for KBR. I get several of his emails weekly forwarded to me from my mom. I think it's sad for them to be apart and I tend to feel for him the lonliness that I would feel that far from home. But, every email he sends is a reminder of his ability to serve, in the smallest way, his fellow beings and his God. I continue to be inspired by his emails and wanted to share with anyone who's not recieving them a little of his strength. Since I rarely watch the news or worry about what is going on in the "world" I lead a farely sheltered life. I really like it that way. Now the war raging far away is very close to home. Thank you, Jed, for letting your light shine and for inspiring me to do the same.
I have been asked the question, (several times in the past couple of weeks), "Are you having fun in Iraq?" Even Candace has commented that sometimes she thinks I'm having too much fun... The impression I must be giving out is that I'm in Disneyland on a wild and crazy ride. It's a wild ride, all right, but it's definitely not Disneyland!
I have to say that when I write home every day or two I try to keep my letters upbeat and positive about my experiences here. I try to find humor and irony in things that, on their own, could be depressing and dark. For the most part, I lead a pretty boring existence. I work from 6:30 AM until 7:00 PM each day, either driving or waiting, and I get a half hour break for lunch.
I've worked hard over the years to become a keen observer, able to see things in a unique or unusual way, and I'm working to add listening skills in order to really hear.
I guess I could call it "fun" to be here in an offhand sort of way, but deep down it's not really "fun" to hear explosions nearby, or gunfire, or to see my bus reduced to scrap metal and to realize just how close I came to death. It's not "fun" for me to know that our soldiers are out in Mosul every day facing incredible dangers and unspeakable fears. Last night I listened to a soldier who talked about his experiences as a convoy escort. He stuttered as he spoke, and his knees bounced up and down nervously as he pulled up chilling recollections.
So no, it's not fun. But it is satisfying. I get incredibly deep satisfaction knowing that I make a tiny difference as I serve here. I find myself happy and upbeat because I look for little miracles that take place all around me every day. I hear the Spirit speak peace to my heart. And most of all, I love the people whom I serve. I love the Lord, and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I'm solidly anchored in truth. And one day all of the whirling, crazy chaos around me will become only a dream, seen "through a dark glass" in the end.
I love you all!
Jed
I have been asked the question, (several times in the past couple of weeks), "Are you having fun in Iraq?" Even Candace has commented that sometimes she thinks I'm having too much fun... The impression I must be giving out is that I'm in Disneyland on a wild and crazy ride. It's a wild ride, all right, but it's definitely not Disneyland!
I have to say that when I write home every day or two I try to keep my letters upbeat and positive about my experiences here. I try to find humor and irony in things that, on their own, could be depressing and dark. For the most part, I lead a pretty boring existence. I work from 6:30 AM until 7:00 PM each day, either driving or waiting, and I get a half hour break for lunch.
I've worked hard over the years to become a keen observer, able to see things in a unique or unusual way, and I'm working to add listening skills in order to really hear.
I guess I could call it "fun" to be here in an offhand sort of way, but deep down it's not really "fun" to hear explosions nearby, or gunfire, or to see my bus reduced to scrap metal and to realize just how close I came to death. It's not "fun" for me to know that our soldiers are out in Mosul every day facing incredible dangers and unspeakable fears. Last night I listened to a soldier who talked about his experiences as a convoy escort. He stuttered as he spoke, and his knees bounced up and down nervously as he pulled up chilling recollections.
So no, it's not fun. But it is satisfying. I get incredibly deep satisfaction knowing that I make a tiny difference as I serve here. I find myself happy and upbeat because I look for little miracles that take place all around me every day. I hear the Spirit speak peace to my heart. And most of all, I love the people whom I serve. I love the Lord, and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I'm solidly anchored in truth. And one day all of the whirling, crazy chaos around me will become only a dream, seen "through a dark glass" in the end.
I love you all!
Jed
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Eastern Caribbean Marital Magic Cruise
Ok, So... I have never before been on vacation, until now. This was the most incredible week I can remember having in a long time. We sailed out of Miami on the Freedom of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's biggest ship. I was a first time cruiser and may be hooked forever.
Rock climbing was a blast. Ross conquered his fear and went up the wall a couple of times too, but I guess I didn't get any pictures of that. Below is Ross at a Fort in Puerto Rico. He admits that if he could have swaped me out for Collin for the hour we were there he would have liked that. They've been reading all kinds of sailing books and other stories from this time period, no doubt Collin would have loved the fort. Both, Ross and I loved Old San Juan. It reminded me a lot of Spain.
Here we are sailing out on a private boat to James Island to go snorkeling. It was fabulous. We saw stingray, and many other fish.
Before we got out of Miami we visited an alligator preserve of sorts. I'm holding the baby alligator, Snappy. We also tried alligator nuggets. Anything fried tastes good, right? They were ok but chewy.
Formal night on the boat. I wish we had some pictures with some of the other couples joining us on this Marital Magic advenure. We enjoyed visiting with so many good people who participated in this event. The speakers were great. The seminars inspiring. When are we going again?
Ok, but this was the REAL highlight. Surfing! I've always wanted to surf. I still want to try it in the ocean for real but this was good practice. I guess we don't have any video of my many falls and wipeouts. I came home with a sore butt from falling so much. If you ever get a chance to try the flowrider, don't pass it by. I missed the kids at this time thinking they would really like to try this. I also knew it would be fun to have my dad, sisters and brother-in-laws. They would love this!
Rock climbing was a blast. Ross conquered his fear and went up the wall a couple of times too, but I guess I didn't get any pictures of that. Below is Ross at a Fort in Puerto Rico. He admits that if he could have swaped me out for Collin for the hour we were there he would have liked that. They've been reading all kinds of sailing books and other stories from this time period, no doubt Collin would have loved the fort. Both, Ross and I loved Old San Juan. It reminded me a lot of Spain.
Here we are sailing out on a private boat to James Island to go snorkeling. It was fabulous. We saw stingray, and many other fish.
Before we got out of Miami we visited an alligator preserve of sorts. I'm holding the baby alligator, Snappy. We also tried alligator nuggets. Anything fried tastes good, right? They were ok but chewy.
Formal night on the boat. I wish we had some pictures with some of the other couples joining us on this Marital Magic advenure. We enjoyed visiting with so many good people who participated in this event. The speakers were great. The seminars inspiring. When are we going again?
Ok, but this was the REAL highlight. Surfing! I've always wanted to surf. I still want to try it in the ocean for real but this was good practice. I guess we don't have any video of my many falls and wipeouts. I came home with a sore butt from falling so much. If you ever get a chance to try the flowrider, don't pass it by. I missed the kids at this time thinking they would really like to try this. I also knew it would be fun to have my dad, sisters and brother-in-laws. They would love this!
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