A Noisy Hodgepodge

1.  Did you do anything 'memorable' this past weekend?

Yes. I nearly had a nervous breakdown on Saturday as my honey and sons began installing the upper kitchen cabinets.  Being a foreman on a remodeling job is not the kind of stress I can handle. I'm actually NOT the foreman; I'm just the debris manager who never stops wearing the mama hat.  I hold the broom with one hand and the phone with the other, with the 9-1 of 9-1-1 already dialed.

Circular saws, nail guns, heavy cabinets hoisted overhead, shoelaces untied, potential dehydration, sawdust in the eyes...I thought of every occupational hazard.

But, come Monday, when I was the helper, I was more calm. By the end of the weekend, all of the upper cabinets were in place. 

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you're a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

Ronald Reagan was one of the best presidents ever. Certainly one of the most eloquent since our founding fathers. I agree with his quote; freedom is not in our bloodstream. The very fact that we as Americans take it for granted like it's running water, says something of the DNA-like attitude toward freedom that we have enjoyed. I grew up with a profound sense of patriotism, but it was not until I visited Russia in 2007 that I understood and truly appreciated the freedoms we have here .As one of my Israeli friends said when I asked her about America, "You can FEEL the freedom here. People are happy, they hold their heads up, they smile, they come and go as they please from state to state."  

As a parent, I've tried to instill patriotism through thankfulness for it, by attending parades, by thanking soldiers in public whenever I can in front of my children. I fly the flag at home.  I've sent care packages to soldiers overseas who are in harm's way, to say, "We're thinking of you, praying for you, grateful for your service."

3. Loudest noise you've ever heard?

A 200-foot tree falling to the ground behind our house. We had it cut down because it was dead and threatening to fall during every storm. 

 I was only prepared for the loud sound of chain saws. But wow! The giant "VOOM!" of that oak hitting the floor shocked me. 

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered 'junk food'? Did you enjoy it?

Hot McDonald's fries yesterday. Yes, I sure did enjoy them.

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt 'packed in like sardines'?

On May 15th our school's annual music and art show drew quite the crowd. The art is displayed on the hall walls, and the halls are narrow--or at least feel that way when you're elbow-to-elbow with other gawking parents and grandparents and a gazillion kids.

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

I'm organized, but I don't make a list weeks in advance. Maybe two days in advance. I am neither a conservative packer nor a shoestore packer. I guess I'm moderate. My honey would disagree. When we pack together in one big suitcase, you see the 80/20 split on full display. 

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

An Orioles game a few years ago when my brother-in-law was in Baltimore.  I don't remember whether we won or lost, but it sure was fun having the gang together  and hearing the roar of 30,000 fans on a beautiful night in Camden Yards. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Please add a 38-year-old woman named Alice to your prayer list. I just found out about her in Bible study yesterday. She has Stage 4 breast cancer which has gone to her brain and  is in her lungs.  Her only family in the States are her husband, eight-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.  She is dying, her husband is in denial, and her children have limited understanding of what's happening to their mommy. 

They are Christians so she has hope of eternal life with Jesus, but she absolutely does not want to leave her children. She needs a miracle. 

Our Bible study ladies are rallying g to make food that this Nigerian family would enjoy. Alice, as self-conscious as she is about being bald and too sick to be much of a hostess, has agreed to let me come deliver the food on Friday. Please pray for a miracle.