WIU Student Orientation

April 21.

(I think I'll just date my posts so I can tell when I'm up-to-date again.)

Fernando and I drove with Jacob out to Macomb, Illinois for his student orientation day.  He learned about scholarships and leadership opportunities, honors programs, and then he registered for classes.  He's definitely on his way!

Sherman Hall, WIU

The student leaders (below) gave us a tour of the campus.  They were so friendly and helpful, and the young lady told us about the Christian student organizations on campus, without us even asking.  The Lord placed her there just for us.  :)

I gulped when I saw the row of mailboxes in one of the dorm buildings.  So many students!  I hope Jacob won't feel lost.  We will be able to send him packages, despite the size limitations of those mailboxes.  That made me feel better.

Before we left, I took a few shots of Jacob on his future campus.

He is definitely grown up, and I constantly keep in mind that my time with him is short.  Three little months lie between summer and move-in day in the dorms.  Who ever said that parenting got easier the older they get??  Don't you believe it, mamas!

Time to go hug my son.  :)


Back to life,
Christine

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Another Great Number -- 800

I've played Scrabble since I was a young teenager, and have always dreamed of combining with my partner for an 800 game.  Mid-700s was all I could ever manage playing with whomever would play with me.  (Fernando and my mom are my regulars--Fernando because he loves me and my mom because she likes playing.)

Finally, one day my friend Dee and I broke 800.  I mean, really broke it.  I will probably never have another game like that.  But here's hoping!

A mere month after that epic game, playing with a son who just had his wisdom teeth out, we broke 800 again.  Two awesome games in a month's span!  Wow.  The second 800 game was almost a letdown after breaking 900, but let me tell you, it's still a thrill.  Which is why I'm posting the below.

847!

A spectacular 929 with Dee.
An awesome 819 with Danny.
A super 847 with Mom.

Sweet.


Back to life,
Christine

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His Clouds

He stretches out the north over empty space

And hangs the earth on nothing.

He wraps up the waters in His clouds,

And the cloud does not burst under them.

Job 26:7-8 NASB

Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,

The thundering of His pavilion?

Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him

And He covers the depths of the sea.

Job 36:29-30 NASB

Back to life,
Christine

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A Great Number -- 80

I mentioned in an earlier post that my dad turned 80.  He had a number of celebrations throughout his birthday week, including a special one we had on his actual birthday, April 13.  Never mind that it was a Friday.  We had some friends over, and their guys love being around my dad, so they were excited about making the evening special for a special person.

The guys brought their instruments, and my front living room turned into a jam session room.  :)

While they were playing, my mom (with my sweet friend Nan behind her) came in with cupcakes and candles.

Ooh, and a gift!!  (I plan on borrowing that CD from my dad soon.)

Happy birthday, Dad!  I love you!!  :)


Back to life,
Christine

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He is Risen!

I'm finally blogging about Resurrection Sunday!  It's so hard to play catch-up; I've taken so many photos and I want to document everything.  :)

Resurrection Sunday is so special, with starting the day at church.  This is what it's all about--Jesus triumphed over the grave!  These stained glass windows, though beautifully reflecting the light, cannot begin to show the Light of the world.

For the afternoon, we had our family over for celebration and a meal together.  Though our meal is non-traditional for Resurrection Sunday, we had a barbecue, as we did last year.  It was so nice having Fernando as grillmaster.

My sister-in-law went out to check on the chicken she brought for the grill.

Fernando dished up ribs, chicken pieces, bratwurst, and the chicken roaster.  :)

Always diligent, Fernando cleaned up the grill.

There was no time for pictures during the meal, but I most definitely had my camera out afterwards.  My dad was turning 80 (!!!) later in the week, and we surprised him with streamers and balloons, and of course cake and ice cream, and strawberries with fresh cream.

Happy Resurrection Day (very late)!  And Happy Birthday, Dad!!  Love you!

 
Back to life,
Christine

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I Went to College One Day...

I went back to college recently.  But only for a day.  :)

Jacob was taking a music class, and for his big project, he had to choose a topic related to music, and put together a presentation which he would give to the class.  He chose to research the harmonica, since he dabbles with playing it, and since his grandpa plays it.

He asked his grandpa to come with him to the presentation and play something for the class.  And grandpa, ever willing, said yes.  I got to go to Jacob's class with my dad and listen to the presentation.  Jacob did a great job with his PowerPoint.

What a blessing to hear Jacob and my dad play Amazing Grace together!

Jacob also showed the class his grandpa's Little Lady, a harmonica only about 1.5" in width.  My dad played Turkey in the Straw for the students.

Even though most of the students are used to hearing rock, rap, and other popular music (I'm not sure some of it can be called music!), they absolutely loved my dad.  They had some great interaction once Jacob was done with his presentation.  I had a great time listening and taking pictures, and Jacob's professor was so glad to have us all there.


Back to life,
Christine

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My Knight in Shining Kneepads

I love my husband.  But you already know that.   He is funny, goofy, and sweet, and he adores me.  But you probably already know that, too.  :)

He melted my frugal heart when he decided to fix the pickup truck himself.

He gave up two weekends to research online, read Chilton's manuals, purchase truck parts, and work on his truck.  I am so proud of his hard work and dedication to getting the job done.

He was able to fix most of the issues we were having, and after a nice experience with a good mechanic, the truck is fixed.

I love you, my dearie Fernando!  You are strong and brave and handsome, even with kneepads on and grease under your nails.  xoxo


Back to life,
Christine

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