Wisdom is proved right by her actions. Matthew 11:18, 19

What really is wise?

Lots of things come to mind that require wisdom. There is always nuance. When we are planning to have children we have a lot of answers. When we have children we have lots of questions. Raising children, because there is no book that addresses your child in his or her specific circumstance. It’s no easy being cheesy, but God does say when we lack wisdom we need only ask Him. (James 1:5) He gives GENEROUSLY and without reproach.

This promise, of course, applies to other areas of our life, too. Like mental health. What a funny thing that we shy away from discussing our needs in the psychological and emotional realm. We seem to be able to grasp our intellectual capacity, performance standards, and productivity results. But emotions ... scary territory.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let her show by her good behavior, her deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. James 3: 13

Wisdom is gentle. Hmmm. So can we be sure that when we are harsh, unkind, but truthful, abrasive or any other negative manifestation that we are NOT being wise? When I think about what corrects me, what motivates me it is almost always not the abrupt, stiff rebuke, but rather the firm, controlled, in-my-best-interest corrective comment.

I guess the content of what is being said is also important. Have you noticed that almost everyone knows how to give instruction on the other guy’s job? We seem to know how his/her job should be done and yet not much public comment is made to others about how I should do my own job.

Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17, 18

Peace making seems to be a big deal to God.

Connecting

It’s funny how we stay connected. Sometimes in person – I like this best with really good friends – that’s when you see, hear nuances that can be missed when there is no visual contact. Other times it is electronically. Now this is truly modern. I think of my grandparents who communicated only by letter writing when they returned to their respective homes during their summer break from Berkley. Long times between words, but you could re-read those words over and over again.

I like email. I like blogs. It’s fun to read about details of others life, to see the images of my loved ones as they eagerly live out their days.

Sometimes connecting is doing something. I do that with Cody on my weekly visits to his house. My Mamaw came to visit once a week and she helped my mom get caught up on household chores and they would go shopping and have lunch out (during the school year I tried to be “sick” on that day so I could stay home and somehow when it was time to shop/eat I was feeling a whole lot better). She also brought chocolate donuts.

Cody likes chocolate donuts.

He’s coming to my house this Friday.

Big Events

The last couple of weeks have been highlighted with some big events. Beginning of July brought Leah and Noah for a visit from Chicagoland. Andrew drove out from Virginia. Tom and Joanna celebrated their marriage. Tyler was born. I went to Las Vegas in July. And Nathan and LeBechi Hovestol celebrated their marriage. That’s the chronological version. Here are some photo highlights.

Noah and Leah stayed at our house. Noah is the great pretender. He pretends to be sleeping, snoring and all.

Lots of laughter, splashing in water (bath time with Cody).

We spent a couple of days that the rec center. There were some hot days. After swimming we would walk around the grounds, hoping to wear out the boys.

Andrew arrived on Tuesday (I think). Since he was driving I wanted him to text me each time he arrive at a new state. It was a good way not to worry and I'm sure he was pulled over to the side of the road to send the text.

4th of July means parade in Niwot.

Civic minded leaders provide decorations for kids of all ages to decorate their bikes, wagons and other means of transportation.

Now Niwot is a small town with a big parade. The only problem is, there are more people in the parade than watching it!

Uncle Andrew and Jack were among the watchers. Someone took a picture of me -- proves I was there.

After the parade we made our way to the marriage celebration of Tom and Joanna Shattuck. Joanna was a BEAUTIFUL bride.





Lots of pretty girls at the celebration.

Well we were hoping for Tyler to born while Leah and Andrew were here but it was not to be. Tyler made his debut on July 8 just after midnight. He looks just like his brother Cody.

Patricia has her hands full, but she is doing GREAT. Cody is the best big brother!

So I was free to join my BFF in Las Vegas.

Boy McCarran has really changed over the years. I remember running to catch a flight in the 70s and it was more of municipal airport then. Liz picked me up in the convertible.




This is the view from our hotel room.





It was HOT, 108 degrees a couple of days. Vegas is different when you are there working with Recovery ministry. Liz won't let me eat, just like Leah. So I'm still trying to figure out how I gained 2 lbs. (lost again already)


Today we celebrated with the Hovestol family. Nathan and LeBechi were married on July 5 in Atlanta, GA, honeymooned in Mexico and then briefly stopped in Longmont so we all could congratulate them.

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Busy week. I worked on Monday, ten joined friends for SATC at the after 8 pm. showing. Pretty impressive in my opinion since that means I was not home until after 11; stayed awake for the whole movie, too.

Tuesday I was the delivery person for GAW. Now delivery as a job is not what I would call hard; not intellectually taxing nor physically taxing since I was delivering micro greens not pianos. But stressful it is. There are a LOT of people out there delivering product so we can consume them and there are “rules of the road.” Rules I did not always know (flip flops do not meet safety standards at Shamrock Foods) or follow (oops, forgot to put the money IN the meter—no ticket however).

Wednesday I took the day off and don’t really remember what I did, but I did have sushi for dinner. Did I mention Mark was in Grayslake for the week?

Thursday I took an Excel class. Very good instructor; he was funny, he taught off the book and he answered questions directly. I learned that I’m a beginning intermediate and I will be hoping to achieve intermediate status before the end of the year. It’s hard to know if this is achievable since I really don’t use Excel on a daily basis, but it’s worth a try.

Friday Mark came home and Patricia had a doctor’s appointment. I went with her since Cody had one too.

Before I hooked up with them I had a hair appointment with Mary who was leaving for San Diego as soon I was finished. Even though I’m sure she was anxious to get going she did a great job on my hair.

Well Patricia’s appointment went well. Dr. LaVigne is the perfect doctor for PJ.

She is not drama driven, but wisely cautious and as such she wanted another ultrasound of baby Craig. We went to lunch at Panera (yes, again their salads are GOOD). We arrived promptly for the 1:30 pm. ultrasound appointment and still had not been seen by 2:30 pm. So I said maybe she should re-schedule as I was going to the opera that evening.

Well they got her in in less than 10 minutes so I got to see baby in utero. Amazing.

The opera, Nixon in China, was terrible. We had a light dinner before at Tamayo a new Mexican cuisine restaurant on Larimer with a balcony setting – lovely. Since my companions Gil, Helen and Helen’s neighbor Carolyn thought 10:15 pm. was too late for dessert we did not stick around to discuss the pluses (few) and minuses (numerous) of the opera.

Saturday was hot so I joined Liz for lunch at Jill’s (St. Julien’s restaurant).

With the floor to ceiling windows open we looked out onto Pearl St. and we could have been thousands of miles away. The food was good, inexpensive and the afternoon was delightful.

Sunday was a baby shower at the Craig residence, small but very fun. Guests were from Jason’s work

and they are a hoot. We played the obligatory games, ate good food and watched Cody play.

After the guests left PJ and I took Cody for a haircut.

He is one doll baby. And he kisses me, too. One cool dude.

All in all a good week off of work – it seems like forever since I sat at my desk.

No Camera

Well, my camera isn't working. I think my posts are more interesting if there are photos, too. But here goes another musing without the photographic proof.

Last week I looked after Cody while his mom had a doctor's appointment. We walked over to a school playground where he had a great time. He slid down the slide -- holding a basketball! -- it was fun to watch, that first expression of confidence and then a moment of terror and finally a successful finish.

He sat on my lap at lunch and nuzzled in. I love him.

Gil came over for dinner to practice his Piaget presentation. It was interesting, emotions and the developing pattern for children. He has a much better title, but I did learn something and I hope he has a great time in Quebec.

The bathroom remodel progresses. The sink is out (I hope the marriage can survive sharing a sink--it's been several years). The serious plumbing re-configuring happens in a couple of weeks and it is a huge improvement over the 80's footprint. Larger, more open, private, and it will be beautiful. Lots of fun surprises in store. You will have to come over to go potty in a couple of months!

My bedroom closet is updated, too. There is so much more room. I have more room for clothes and shoes. So pay day is next week and I will do my part to fill it up.

Saturday is anniversary day. I found an old card/book from my children celebrating 25 years. It's hard to believe it's 33. Whew! This might work out after all.

Graduations

This was a weekend to shop for and celebrate some of the graduations of friends of mine. I like to give jewelry. There’s always the possibility I can borrow it at some time.

Kristin completed her Masters Degree. She is a therapist now – officially. There are few occupations that you want your friends to have, car mechanic, massage therapist, hair dresser and I would add to the list therapist. Think of the money I will save.

Anyway, Kristin celebrated with a party on Saturday. Her mother made fajitas that were delicious. I’m so glad I’m on a new diet plan – see how much one person can eat before they explode. So far I have come close, but there’s still room for more. Her parents, David and Ginger are DELIGHTFUL. No wonder Kristin is great – she comes from a good family.

Kacey graduated from UNC on Saturday the 9th. So exciting to finish the work and move on. Although the ensuing week was a little rough for her – a possible bunion in her future – she (and I) are ready to work out as soon as we get medical permission.

One more HS graduation to go. Maybe I’ll have pictures of that.

Grayslake is NOT Chicago

I went for a visit to see Noah last weekend. When I tell people I’m going out of town I usually say “Chicago.” Interestingly those from Chicago do NOT consider Grayslake, Chicago. When I asked a news seller at the airport if he was voting for Obama and he did not commit I said, “But he’s from Chicago!” I was firmly told he was NOT from Chicago, maybe Springfield, but not Chicago. It’s funny to me but then I’m not from Chicago.

Noah was a blast. There’s the spontaneous break out into Tomorrow in a Broadway-style performance, the horsey-man you tube requests and Curious George IN the toilet that surprise and delight. He really is growing up – potty training, definitive tastes (vinegar water is not in the top ten) and activities like the riber (the lake outlet) where we throw rocks and sticks.

Mimi went to Boogie Baby Dance Class at the Community Center. I’m still pretty good, but Noah is really doing it. Jeenie combed his hair – the faux hawk is totally stylin’.

Dancing with the worm (ribbon) was a highlight of the class.

The worm travels your body, sails through the sky and even hides behind your back. Miss Judy is VERY patient.

We made the mandatory stop at Starbucks (note product placement). Noah however was tired, unusually tired. But when he woke up we finished our snack and then headed over to the nursery where we came in contact with the gray cat. Apparently Noah is scared of cats -- he wanted to be held. My back is still recovering.

Sunday was Mother’s day so Noah had some great presents for his mom. Jennie helped him get some tulips. Mimi helped Noah serve his mommy coffee in bed, along with a very pretty card.

The train ride to Golf Road had its own issues. I probably will NOT be traveling to Europe alone, but just remember I did what was necessary to get the job done.

All in all worth the $138 round trip air fare.