The last kid's last day of high school!

Haley drove off into the fog on her last real day of high school....she leaves for Costa Rica this evening. When she returns she will take classes at the community college, work at Chevy's, and continue her volunteer work in the music program at the elementary school, and leading children's and youth worship at her church.

I've had children in school for 21.5 years!

Jennie and Haile at 27 Weeks

Doesn't she look wonderful?

He's a boy!

Jennie and John learned today that their baby is a boy - and he appears healthy and happy in his first sonogram photo shoot. The fact that he yawned tells me that he didn't find the experience to be too exciting.

Update following Jen's medical appt. She is 26 weeks and 6 days along and everything seems fine with both mom and baby.

New Year's Resolutions

I have never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions. I don't like making promises that sometimes feel out of reach. At the same time, it's good to refocus and look at intentionally changing habits and attitudes. So, here goes....

~ I resolve to replace complaints with compliments, find joy where there has been frustration, and to seek to serve rather than be served.

~ I resolve to worry less and pray more, eat less and exercise more, talk less and listen more, to give more and keep less, and to count my blessings daily.

~ I resolve to try new things and go new places in 2009. On my list are the Highland Games in July, the Greek Festival in October, the Japanese Gardens, and Costa Rica.

~ I resolve to cook a new recipe monthly, try a new restaurant quarterly, read 6 books that are not for work, and talk to my mom on the phone each week.

~ I resolve to discontinue my habit of painting Bob's toenails when he falls asleep watching television, and to stop calling Haley "Bo Peep".


Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin


He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~ Jim Elliot