Tuesday, August 25, 2015

School Starts

Rachel starts college classes tomorrow at Concordia University in Austin, Texas.  Her grandfather Leonard taught theology and religion there for 30 years.  He'd be proud of her tomorrow as she begins her college career.

Monday, August 24, 2015

More on Transitions

Paul left for the army; Rachel moved out-of-state for college.

Vacation ended; we came home.

Summer is ending, school is starting.

All of the above cause regressive behavior in our younger children.  Yikes!



Sunday, August 23, 2015

Transition Needed

Yesterday, I played organ for a funeral at our church.  The soloist sang some lovely pieces, and the whole event was dignified and beautiful.  It was also primarily an adult event.

For an hour after the funeral, I ate lunch and "transitioned."  Then Jonathan and four of our kids picked me up to celebrate our 10th adoption anniversary.  After some Dairy Queen treats, we saw the movie "Mission Impossible" in IMAX.  Between our kids and the movie, it was a rambuctious and youth-centered event.

I'm glad there was at least an hour in-between.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

First Day of School

Today I received an electronic newsletter from the principal at Walther, where Sarah and David attend high school.  The principal posted three photos of students on the first day of school (August 19), titled "Smiles, Smiles, Smiles."

David is the blonde sitting in the left foreground in the middle photo.  Sarah is standing on the far right in the right photo.


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dorm Life

About two hours ago, Rachel moved into her dorm room at Concordia University Texas.  She's been preparing for this moment for a long time, and is extremely excited.  We dropped Rachel and her luggage off in Austin during our vacation.  Since we have since returned to Chicago, our extended family members in Texas have been helping her get ready for college.

I'll keep you posted as Rachel journeys through this important transition in her life.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Friends

Paul is posted at an army base near Seattle, about 20 minutes from the naval base where his good friend Neal is serving.  They saw each other last weekend for the first time in a long time.


Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Milestones

25 years ago today, Jonathan and I married.
10 years ago today, we became parents.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Acronyms

We returned recently from Paul's graduation from boot camp at Fort Benning, Georgia.  I hope to write in the next days with more details about the ceremony and our activities in Columbus.  But for now, here's a tidbit about army life that you might enjoy:

During the orientation session for guests, the commander explained that the infantry recruits do a lot of marching.  One reason is that the military is trying to save funds, and buses cost money for fuel, equipment, and salaries.  He told us that the best means of transportation in the army is the "LPC."

The commander grinned as he explained the acronym: "Leather Personnel Carriers" (BOOTS!)

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Mantra for Border Crossings (Peter and Me)

Goodbye Illinois
Hello Missouri

Goodbye Missouri
Hello Arkansas

Goodbye Arkansas
Hello Texas

Goodbye Texas
Hello Louisiana

Goodbye Louisiana
Hello Mississippi

Goodbye Mississippi
Hello Alabama

Goodbye Alabama
Hello Florida

Goodbye Florida
Hello Alabama

Goodbye Alabama (several times)
Hello Georgia (several times)

Goodbye Georgia
Hello Tennessee

Goodbye Tennessee
Hello Kentucky

Goodbye Kentucky
Hello Indiana

Goodbye Indiana
Hello Illinois