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Wow, how can it have been so long?

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:48:46 GMT

It seems so much has happened in the 6 weeks since I have written. Where to start????

We spent a great 4 day weekend at the Cove, Billy Graham Training Center Asheville, North Carolina with friends from New Life the first weekend in October. Some color change in leaves and a beautiful weekend for a drive. Michael Easley spoke from the Psalms. He focused on the holiness of God and His promise to be loyal to His covenant promise and to His chosen people -- both Israel and Christian church. The worship leader, Marty Goetz, is a messianic Jew and much of the music was also from the Psalms. A very inspirational time.

Living Life From the Heart
with Michael Easley, October 3-5, 2008, The Psalms were the Hebrew “hymnbook,” filled with profound expressions of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, lament, desperation, and longing for Messiah.

The next weekend brought a trip to Pittsburgh to visit Aaron and Danielle one last time before they were to become parents. Little did we know when we left on Saturday night that we would return in less than 24 hours to bring Grandma and Grandpa Jones and Uncle Dave to

welcome Lydia Jane Danielle to our family. She is so beautiful.

We are in awe of how God creates life.Danielle's sister said it all when she wrote from the Air Force academy that it is amazing to be able to love someone you have never met.

Dan worked 3 days and we left again for a weekend in Baltimore to visit Mark and Kim and the girls. We had a great time taking Ella to the Children's museum and laughing and playing together while Mark finished papers and prepared for exams and Kim attended training to volunteer at a local pregnancy center.

Papa and Ella build a trolley from Mister Rogers' neighborhood and Ella climbs to the top floor of three in a rope and sectioned structure. She has no fear.

She enjoyed being the chef a the children's restaurant. and dancing with a local dance troupe after the show.

Lucy is so lovable and smiles almost all the time. What a hoot and a darling.

Of course we stopped in Pittsburgh on the way home to visit Lydia and to celebrate Aaron's 27th birthday a week early. My baby not only is 27 now, but he has a baby. Where has life gone!

While in Pittsburgh I received a call from Kari Sowers a friend at MVHS English Department. She was to have surgery and need a long term sub to cover her classes. So I spent that week getting finger printed, having a chest x-ray, and filling out paper work, as well as, clearing the other commitments in order to begin work. John and Grace spent the next weekend with us while Dave and Aimee worked on the floor of their livingroom, taking up carpet and refinishing the hardwood underneath. John and Papa went to the Regional Cross Country meet and the tournament game for the Fredericktown volleyball team. He chose China Buffet over MacDonald's. I guess he is really growing up. Grace and I had girl time. Oh how she loves books!

That brings me to today -- having survived a full week back in the classroom and looking at probably 2 more -- I'm out of breath just thinking about it all. I even have managed to make Curves 3 times all weeks but one and find it does make me feel better. I especially like the stretch at the end. I may not write again until after the shower for Danielle and Lydia on the 22nd but at least I have recorded the fun of fall for us.

Late September Happenings

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:13:20 GMT

This week brought hurricane force winds but no rain to Ohio, and we spent 24 hours on the generator, but much of the area had no electricity for 3-4 days. School was canceled for only 2 days here but other county schools missed 3-4. Before the big storm hit, the new school building dedication was completed with about 300 people in attendance. Many kind words and formalities formally closed the building process, but bids go out this week for the remodeling phase for the Administrative Offices in the former high school, now Administration Building on Columbus Road. So, for Dan, the journey continues. Still the mile stone of completion brought pride of accomplishment and gratitude for all the support. The Knox County Citizen reported the story with a Humphrey pic on the top of the front page.

On the home front, John and Grace made a visit on Thursday afternoon and evening. Papa built a bond fire with the storm debris and we roasted marshmallows to make somores. The pics speak for themselves. Dan's comment is that grandparenting is a tough job, but somebody needs to do it! What fun.

Grace enjoyed the sticky treat and

John made sure that Papa ate his share.

Is Summer over yet???

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:24:03 GMT

The weeks are running together again.

Luci sang and read with Papa, but the best toy was a cardboard box when the family visited a couple of weeks ago.

And Ella explained life to Nana.

Grace visited one Sunday afternoon to take a nap while her parents helped friends with siding. Of course Papa had to read a story first, and after she woke up, she thought he needed a hair cut.

The school year began in the new building with many kudos from community members.

The old site has been completely cleared and all that remains are the memories --

Dan bought plate #7 of 10 at the Tomato show. This year's plates commemorate the passing of the Taylor Street building. http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/09/08/tomato_auction.180.jpg

The new building dedication is Sunday afternoon at 3: The culmination of nearly 10 years of planning, petitioning the state for matching funds, the community for $$$ and meeting upon meeting with contractors, officials, inspectors, etc. It will be a day to celebrate.

Visitors with "The Shack"

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:37:43 GMT

We wish many congratulations to Danielle as she graduated yesterday with her Masters Degree from Chatham University. Whichever office she decides to join as a Physician's Assistant will gain a great care giver. We are proud of you!

Friday brought Chuck and Rilla Nash, friends from Maine, to join us in hosting Ray and Barb Morrison and Randy and Carolyn Grimm for an evening laughter, catching up, and a most meaningful discussion of how pain and a "great sadness" impacts us and is used by God. The book The Shack gave us a good starting point to go deeper with each other about things that matter than we have ever done as a group before. Barb Morrison left us with the story of Blind Bartemaus and Jesus asking, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Saturday noon found Kate and Bill Brown at our table to share with Chuck and Rilla. Kate had heard from a friend that we were reading the book and so she found a copy and came prepared to respond as well. She said she found some healing as she read and wants to read again and mark her book more this time.

We shared "The Bucket List" together on Saturday evening before Nashes moved on to stay with a friend from Apple Valley. I'm sure Chuck found it to be a heavy weekend but it put much of "the sadness" on the table for sharing and responding.

Today we visited Center Pointe Church to hear from Tim and Toby Banks who work in the HOPE Orphanage in Haiti. Over dinner with them and Josh and Jenn Franks at Dave and Aimee's home (a great dinner by the way) The Shack door was opened again. All had heard about it and half had read it. We would love to hear your take on the picture of God that is presented if you have time to read and respond.

Teacher workdays begin this week and there is much flurry as the new building is readied for students. Dan finds it gratifying to hear their reactions and the community response. For pics of the old building coming down, you may want to visit Zac Grimm's facebook. He has some very good shots of the process that is taking place on Taylor Street. It has taken several weeks and may last at least one or two more before the final clearing is complete. I find it sad to watch but know it is best in the long run.

Sierra Leone Reunion and more

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:02:00 GMT

Last week found us traveling through North west Ohio on Wed and Thurs to visit the Sauder Village in Archbold -- great craftsmen and a nice hotel hide away -- too bad for us that it is so far, we'd be more regular if we could just slip away there without the drive. We enjoyed the day and met Peg and Paul Behnfeldt for dinner at the village restaurant. Life marches on for each of us and renewing friendship was good for us all.

We wondered through local antique malls and wound our way on Thursday to Flint Michigan for the Reunion of the Servants of Sierra Leone. We stopped at Cabella's on the way. Dan can now check that experience off his "Bucket List". An interesting stop for us and a must see for the campers and outdoorsmen.

The reunion gave us time to catch up with the happenings of Sierra Leone now -- some progress, but much confusion as well -- many smaller projects and little coordination it seems. Good news for the expansion of the Kissy General Hospital and a change in surgeons at the Eye Clinic. A wonderful evangelism thrust in Kono country.Friday evening brought the introductions of the 85+ in attendance in order of arriving in Sierra Leone. The earliest being in 1943. Great stories, a few tears and much laughter.Lunch with Dr. Gess and Doc and Marge Sleight, dinner and evenings with the Malcolms and meeting Aaron's new wife (happy 1 year anniversary), and more stories. The days were full and all too soon we headed back to Ohio. Doc and Marge live in Lansing. He volunteered a year in the Bo Eye Clinic. What fun we all had together during that time. Each of us agreed that the year we spent changed us more than any other time we have spent. They are 85 and 84 now and Margie has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzimers but she could still laugh and love and remember the 70's even though the events of the week end will be fuzzy before she gets home.

All us that have served in Bo (our town) at some time during there terms in SL

What would the remembering be without food! Gound nut stew, Joleuf rice, cassava leaf stew and plantain.

Some spoke of their three families -- their relatives, their mission family and their Sierra Leone family. Each one an important part of their lives over the years. We missed Helen Trebes and yet rejoiced in all she and Stan had shared together with us --- teaching us hospitality, marriage that works, hope in the face of disappointments, endurance.

Sunday/Monday found us debriefing at Maumee Bay State Park east of Toledo on the way home. What a beautiful spot on Lake Erie! Sun, beach, marsh boardwalk, nature center, and down time. Morrisons met us for lunch and following on Monday. Laughter, card games, The Shack, tears, more sharing and laughing -- Home around 11. Tired but renewed for the full week that lay ahead.

Vacation

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:02:42 GMT

First I want to say Happy Birthday Luci. Today marks the completion of year one! We are so glad to see your smile, and curiosity. Wondering what God has planned through you as you develop and add laughter to our family circle -- today and in years to come.

Has it really been over a week since we returned from our road trip through VA and MD?? Here's some of the highlights as we traveled with Dave and Aimee, John and Grace. We continue to work on pics but I am including some from the journey.

Monday found us mostly on the road to Lexington VA with a welcome stop at Lost World Caverns in WV for spelunking and exercise, then on to the hotel pool for a refreshing family dip.

Tuesday took us to Appomattox Court House to explore the treaty signing which ended the Civil War in VA. The respect given the Confederacy and especially Robert E Lee, by the Union during this time was emphasized and celebrated. The town has been restored and was historically well done yet has not been overly commercialized. While Dad and Grace were not history people, they still found things to enjoy while the rest of us steeped ourselves in the time period.

A 3 hour drive further landed us at Aunt Marie's where a warm welcome, a hearty dinner, a refreshing fountain, and happy bubble bath topped off the evening.

On Wednesday - Thursday, Marie out did herself with trips for most of us (Grace and Nana stayed behind to nap and play) to the Children's science museum, followed by dinner out near the pier and a tour of the beach area which the younger generations enjoyed to the fullest the next morning. A family beach within 10 minutes of her home was reported to have been great fun. We traveled on through the Norfolk tunnel and bridge system to Chinateague Island for the evening. Where Nana and Papa took the kids swimming. Happy Anniversary Dave and Aimee. Has it really been 9 years??? We love you for who you are together. God has blessed our family as we share life together.

Friday found us on a brief visit to the National Sea shore -- a visitors center introduced us to the wildlife of the area. We couldn't stay, for Baltimore called us on but the park area is well done and many families spend the week in the area. We did not, however, find it to be a future substitute for the family Outer Banks gatherings. We are probably spoiled by the Whalehead area. This town reminded me more of Nags head. As Aimee said, better to discover it in a one night visit than having booked it for a week long stay. It did have more variety of things to do in addition to beaching but the amenities were disappointing.

Weekend began with a wonderfully prepared and welcome lasagna meal which awaited us at Mark and Kim's. We packed in a walk to the park, a trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and family fun at Cafe Hon. Aaron and Danielle also joined us on Saturday afternoon for celebrating Luci's first birthday -- a week early -- but we delighted in being able to be together to enjoy her reaction to cake and cousins. God is so good to have blessed us with 4 beautiful, active, exploring grandchildren. We look forward to seeing the group grow to 5 in October. Sunday found us together in worship -- a special blessing given our distance and involvement. Kim and Mark extended themselves immensely to welcome us all. Thank you, thank you.

Sunday was long and we arrived home around 11 pm tired but full of good memories of the week. Were there struggles along the way -- of course, but we choose to cherish the happy times and there were many.

Currently, Dan is reading The Shack. It has impacted him more than any piece of fiction I can remember him reading. I have ordered copies so we can mark them up -- reading a library copy is difficult when there are so many things he wants to add to his moleskin. Dave promised to write "The Shed" for one of us for Christmas. Hope he follows through.

39 Years -- So blessed

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:21:00 GMT

Saturday July 12 marked our 39th wedding anniversary. Dan had made dinner reservations at the Alcove and even had a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to the table. I am truly blessed to be so well cherished. Our years together are a gift from God. The famous line from the movie Rocky tells much --"I've got gaps, she's got gaps and together we fill gaps." God transforms it into a wholeness that nourishes us both -- Isn't His plan beautiful!

We hope He is blessing each of you as well.

July flys by

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:14:00 GMT

The first 2 weeks of July have disappeared and we have no idea how it moved so quickly. Highlights included seeing Honk on the 4th and Mid Summer nights dream on the 10th at the Weathevane Theater in Newark,

dinner and crib shopping with Danielle and Aaron at Easton on the 6th, Here's the preferrred stlye only probably in white or dark wood.

and the New Life Elder retreat in our home on the 11th and 12th.

GRADUATION and more

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:11:09 GMT

We spent several days this past week in Kentucky with Mark, Kim and the girls. The time was full with Nana/Papa/girl time and total family meals and adult sharing as well -- all squeezed in before the dinner and diploma event. We swam on Friday morning and took walks where we found a playground.

We celebrated Kim's birthday and

found ourselves proud beyond expression as Mark honored Dr. Jones (who arranged and accompanied the trips to Belize) and received his diploma from the Family Medicine Residency Program - University of Louisville.

Here he is sharing the moment with Kim. An explanation of what he just said or is doing is probably TMI.

Both sets of parents watched as Ella said good-by to her friends -- both young and older.

Alex is one of the children of another resident and

here we find Dr. Jones as the girls' pediatrician.

Dr Wright was honored by the class as the #1 Residency Director -- He makes it a practice to wear sweater vests, so the class added to his collection.

It was good to see the group function as a family for each other and share laughter and tears together on this special night.

We left on Saturday afternoon about 3 P.M. eastern time and were able to stay between the storms arriving home about 9:30 with a couple of stops to stretch the legs and feed ourselves and the car. A great celebration of a quality time of life.

Mark begins at Johns Hopkins tomorrow with orientation for residents. A new adventure begins!

Happy Birthdays Bring visits

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:10:59 GMT

When we celebrate birthdays we are really saying "Wow, I am so glad God put you in my life!"

We had the opportunity to do just that for both Dave's 32 years and John's 4 years this past week. The kid party seemed to dominate--- Sorry Aaron, it just seems to happen. Get ready.

John made 2 wishes (in secret of course) before the singing and eating began. The cake he requested was cupcakes so Aimee arranged the number 4 and a collection of balloons on the picnic table at Sockman Lake Park in Fredericktown. Dessert - 4 pies, the cupcakes and homemade ice cream -- was followed by gifts and then swimming for the children. It was a relaxing afternoon and the weather held off rain until we arrived on Hyatt road for naps, supper and adult conversation and time together.

Auntie Danielle traveled from Pittsburgh to join in the fun while Uncle Aaron prepared for final exams in his current Carnegie Mellon class.

Nanas, Papas, Great Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends made up a group of around 30 - 40 to enjoy the day.

Dave and Dan did get in an hour or so of heart-to-heart and hot tub time and the girls found time to share stories and laughter after the children were in bed. John and Grace spent the night and sent Auntie off on Sunday after church and lunch together. (Thank you so much for coming and spending time with us. It was great to see you and Peanut and to hear the plans and hopes and struggles of this time of your life.) We do love both of you birthday guys -- our lives are richer and deeper because you share yourselves with all of us.

In the quiet of Sunday evening, Dan and I watched "The Ultimate Gift", a movie we'd love to discuss with any of you. Perhaps there will be a time when we can view it together and share; until then, I'd recommend it as a good borrow from your local library or video store. I do plan to buy it for our collection. Dan saw himself, his dad, and the need to dream for the next part of the journey as we laughed and cried our way to the end. A must see.