"Flat Liz" & "Flat Stanley"

My North Dakota cousins, Cassie and Abbey, visited us during Spring Break.  Their mom, Liz, wanted to visit also, but her work schedule didn't allow it.

In order to include her mom, and inspired by the children's book, Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown, Cassie created "Flat Liz." Later, Cassie compiled a digital book about their Texas adventure with "Flat Liz."

"Flat Liz" flew to Texas with Cassie and Abbey. Flat Liz's Lone Star State experience included:

 Galveston Island



 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

 

 Corndogs & Fried Pickles

 

Johnson Space Center

 

and a Blue Bell ice cream tasting party!

 

"Flat Liz" also went on a road trip to San Antonio where she visited The Alamo, strolled along the River Walk, and met more cousins.

 

There's no denying "Flat Liz" had a fun-filled and memorable trip to Texas. But, all good things must come to an end. Tucked safely away in Cassie's purse, "Flat Liz" returned to North Dakota.

 

"Flat Stanley" did not remain flat, and neither did "Flat Liz." After being flattened when a bulletin board fell on him, Stanley Lambchop returned to his real shape. And "Flat Liz" returned to hers.

 

Arms that embrace...

Words that encourage...

a Heart full of Love...

a new Name...

 

GRANDMOTHER.

 

Becoming a grandmother. It still overwhelms me. Congratulations, cousin! Grandparenting is one of life's most wonderful seasons. There are so many fun things to do with the grandchildren...laughing, dancing, singing, praying, listening, playing, and reading.

 

Dr. Seuss, Ramona, Amelia Bedelia, and Flat Stanley. But above all these, may this little one, born in the image of God, grow to know the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ.

 

 

Stanley Lambchop accomplished much as "Flat Stanley." He became a kite his brother, Arthur, flew. Stanley's family mailed him to visit friends. See Flat Stanley for additional ideas. It's a great way to chronicle your children's school year or summer.

 

Where would you take "Flat Stanley"?

 

 

 

 

 

 





Beach Vows

After reading an article about weddings in Seventeen magazine, I decided I wanted to get married on a beach at sunset. Jeans and bare feet would suit me fine. Somewhere. Someday.

I never let that dream go.

Fast forward the calendar thirty-five years. Our 25th wedding anniversary was about 18 months away. It was time to make my teenage dream come true. To celebrate our silver anniversary, we would renew our vows on a beach.

The destination- Oahu, Hawaii. Seven days. With our son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

We planned and saved for over a year. We determined to stick to a budget. Going into debt was not an option. That's not how we roll.

I chose Oahu, because I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial; and I've already been to Maui and Kawaii.

I selected Aloha Forever Weddings as our coordinator. Rev. Mark and Diane Yasuhara have been married over 40 years, and performed with Billy Graham crusades.

Our vow renewal ceremony was a Waialae Beach Park. It's a secluded and quiet beach, located near Honolulu. Accompanied by the autoharp, Rev. Mark sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song, and prayed in Hawaiian and English. Placid waves provided soothing background music. After the ceremony, Rev. Mark sang "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" also in Hawaiian and English. I splurged on a photographer and videographer to record our special memories. It was a lovely experience. Rev. Mark made it so, and by the time we said good-bye, he felt like family.

 

 

 

During our visit, we went to Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, Halona Blowhole, Kailua Beach Park (my favorite beach), the North Shore, Haleiwa, and Hanaua Bay. We attended a luau, and watched fireworks on Waikiki Beach. One day, we had lunch at Rainbow Drive-in. This eating establishment specializes in Hawaiian plate lunches, and was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

It was a trip of a lifetime, and enjoying it with my family was more than teen-age self ever hoped for!


What's your "trip of a lifetime" destination? Why?

My Summer 2014 Bucket List

I love the movie The Bucket List. It's the story of two terminally ill men who accomplish things they want to do before they die.

I decided to make my own "bucket list."  Projects I need to complete. Places I want to visit. Plans for personal development. Some are fun. Others, not so much.

Here's my summer 2014 list:

1. Visit Houston's Holocaust Museum.
2. Explore Houston's tunnel system.
3. After six  levels, graduate from waltz. Woo Hoo!
4. Paint our home office.
5. Declutter my closet.
6. Host 3rd annual "Mimi & Grandpa Camp."
7. Plan my mom's 80th birthday celebration.
8. Complete Influence Bible study (Precept Ministries).
9. Publish 18 blog posts (between May 26 - Sept. 1).
10. Finish ABC Scripture albums.
11. Compile a family photo album for my son.
12. Write a biographical sketch about an ancestor.

Twelve items. That's plenty of productivity. Besides, a girl needs time to take afternoon naps occasionally.

Here are ideas for Houston area moms: Summer 2014 Bucket List



What is one item on your summer "bucket list?" My mom always wanted to visit Norway, the home of her ancestors. We went in June 2008.

First Friday Intercession: In Honor of Mothers

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of mothers- both physical and spiritual. We are grateful for mothers who lived faithful lives, trusting You in all things. May we, as mothers and grandmothers, be diligent to pass the legacy of faith we inherited to our children and grandchildren. Bless all mothers with strength and wisdom. We ask for your divine protection over their families, provide for every need, and fill their homes with Your peace. Give each mother and child, a heart that seeks You. May every mother speak with wisdom and give faithful instruction to her family. May each mother manage her household wisely.  Bless mothers with patience, and fill  their hearts with Your love. In the Name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord... amen.

 

Happy Mother's Day!