Just Jump

Trampolines.  They are responsible for a number of accidents each year, just ask any insurance agent.  But they can also be a source of much fun and laughter.  As a kid growing up we didn't have much exposure to trampolines.  About junior high age I had my first friend that owned one and I was in awe of their flips and their ability to jump way too high.  When I began working for Bahrns Equipment I realized that they sold trampolines.  We don't sell them anymore, but I was able to save up and buy one at a little over cost so my kids were lucky enough to grow up with a trampoline around.

We didn't experience any broken bones.  We had a few bumps and bruises, more than our share of bloody noses, but we also had a lot of fun.  I realize as I watch the grandsons jump on this trampoline that it is hard to not smile when jumping.  It is hard to not smile when watching someone jump because the fun they are having kind of overflows to everyone around them.

This picture is of Kale jumping really high, or at least that was his opinion of this session.  He was almost to the sky and having a great time.  After giving birth to three children, I am much less likely to jump on a trampoline these days, but after seeing this picture again, I am going to make an effort to take a few sessions of jumping with the boys myself next summer.

Laugh often, Love deeply and Live Life like there is no tomorrow, because there very well may not be.

Joy

Another Summer picture.  I love Summer.  I love being Grandma so I decided to post another summer picture of a grandson.  I called this one joy because seeing a kid have fun and being able to be part of why they are having fun is one of life's greatest joys.

I remember swimming being one of my favorite summertime activities.  A group of friends would go to the beach and spend the entire day.  I don't think we ever used sunscreen, but I don't remember ever really getting burnt very often.  My brother would get burnt to a crisp and he would peel and he would go back for more.  We really didn't know much about sunscreen or the terrible affects of too much sun.  Now it is habit to grab the sunscreen before doing anything else.  The grand kids stand in front of me in an assembly line fashion with their eyes and mouths closed and their arms straight out.  No one argues about putting sunscreen on, it is just a way of life.

I remember learning to swim and going off of a diving board for the first time like it was yesterday, even though it was so many yesterdays ago.  Being able to go in the deep end at the public pool where my dad lived was a big deal.  It was like taking a huge step in the growing up process.  My brother and his friends would always hang out in the deep end before I had the skills to join them.  I realize now that it was probably just a way to get away from his annoying little sister without giving me a reason to tattle on him.  I think he was probably as disappointed as I was proud of the day I made my first jump, while holding my nose of course, off of the low diving board.

I remember we would ride our bikes to the pool because we were too young to drive.  Dad and Kathy would spring for a summer pass for us so we could go every day.  The only days in the summer that we didn't go were when we were on the road at a rodeo or when the weather was bad.  I look back and realize that even when my brother was avoiding me he was always still looking out for me.  There were a few times that someone would pick on me at the pool, and if it wasn't one of his buddies he would just seem to show up and hang around until the person would leave me alone.  Getting bullied didn't happen often, but I do realize that he has always had my back.

I remember the joy I felt the first time that I had the guts to climb the high dive ladder and jump off.  It seemed like it took days before I hit the water but when I came up to the surface afterward I felt a sense of accomplishment that I can still remember.  Above is Kaden, I know when he first started going off the diving board he seemed to have that same feeling.  This summer when he finally learned how to dive, I saw an accomplished look on his face, and it was priceless.

I will always love Summer, it is my favorite season, and I will always love the memories I have.  I know I am not a fan of Winter, but without it I don't know that I would realize how much I love Summer.  If there were never bad in our lives we really wouldn't have the ability to appreciate all the good.  We all need to take the time to experience the joy, and appreciate life in general.

With Fall here, and knowing Winter is around the corner, I will reference those Summer memories and try to remember without one the other isn't so sweet.  I challenge everyone else to do the same.

The old bird dog that didn't hunt

This is Lou.  Lou has been in our family for about 15 years now and he an English Setter.  Lou was introduced to us by a friend who had gotten a bird dog that was a "little gun-shy".  I am starting to believe being a "little gun-shy" is like being a "little pregnant"...

Lou is a good dog, although a little skiddish, and he has been since we brought him home.  He likes to hunt, as long as there is no shooting going on he will hunt all day.  When the first gun goes off he likes to find a hole or dig a hole to hide in.

Why would any hunter keep a gun-shy dog around and feed him year round?  Meet our family.  We tend to take in those animals that no one else wanted and give them a home to live out their natural lives.  What did we, as a family, get by taking in this particular porch hound?  He, as most dogs, has always shown unconditional love and loyalty.  He has also fathered one of Todd's favorite hunting dogs.

In our lives many dogs have come and gone.  We have had some that haven't been around long and we have had those that have secured a place in our hearts and will always be remembered.  As for Lou, we are estimating his age to be somewhere around 17 or 18 and although he is starting to show his age most days he is still pretty full of life.

This weekend is the coveted opening day of another quail season.  After Todd and the other dogs leave for their daily adventure I will try to have a special treat ready for Lou to enjoy. I will be able to look out my front window and see Lou, sitting in the front yard looking toward the road waiting for their return.  He always looks so sad, as if he wants to hunt, but knows it just isn't possible.  As we look at another winter, we wonder if this will be Lou's last one, or if he will make it through it at all.

Loyalty is something that is often overlooked and unappreciated.  We can depend on Lou to be there, at least as long as the good Lord allows him to be.  Sometimes we think we have been put on this Earth for one reason because  we have always been told that, when in actuality maybe our purpose in life is something completely different.  This English Setter was born to hunt, or at least that was what they thought would be his main purpose, but this one was destined to be something different and in some ways something more.

Enjoy..... Really Enjoy

I have gotten very lax with my blog posts and am hoping to put it as a priority again.  I really enjoy posting and love getting feedback from those that read what I write, so I am not sure why I have let it slip down on my list of priorities, but I have.  

This picture was taken in a family member's pool.  It was a memory for me of two brothers having fun together.  They are 10 and 4 but they still, for the most part, enjoy one another's company.  This summer I got to take them with me when I went to house sit for my in-laws and had the opportunity to spend some much needed Grandma time.  

As I write this I am waiting for a call from my youngest daughter to let me know that another grandson is ready to make his entrance into the world.  I have three grandsons now and am looking so forward to another one.  Can I honestly say that I would have been disappointed if the sonogram earlier this year had shown that I was going to need to start shopping in the little girls section?  No, I would have been happy with a little girl too but I am also excited to add another boy to our bunch.  

As for this particular picture, the smiles automatically make me smile.  The days that I can sit back and enjoy, I mean really enjoy my grand kids are some of my most treasured days.  To listen to a giggle that you caused by something you said or did can make any day better and bring me out of any negative state of mind immediately.  To hear the word Grandma, or ma ma as my grandsons have called me when they can't pronounce grandma is one of the best sounds in the world.  

The ability to spend time with kids and enjoy them is a treasure that is worth more than any monetary thing could be.  If you have kids or grand kids, or nieces or nephews take the time.... really take the time to enjoy the moments you get because they won't be little long and the days that they have time for us will be only a memory.  Their lives will get busy like our lives are now and when the shoe is on the other foot we will be wishing we had taken the time to enjoy...... really enjoy them when we had the chance.  

Day 56 - Imagination

Day 56 - This is a picture of a lawn ornament my kids bought for me and it "lives" in my landscaping in the front of our house.  It has been a a fixture of my lawn for a number of years and I think it has become even more interesting with time.  If I remember right this was a gift for mother's day and I loved it.  I also got the little girl figure to go with it. She just might be a future post.  I was outside the other evening and this one happened to catch my eye and I decided to snap a shot of it.  I see when I look at it a little boy playing make believe with his faithful companion at his side.

If you know me you know that I have one son and two daughters.  I now have three grandsons and are expecting another grandchild in November.  Each of these six people have distinct personalities.  Two of them come to mind when I really look at the little guy in the garden statue.  Josh's imagination when he was young was incredible.  He had some of the best imaginary friends, they may have had strange names, but they were dedicated.  They were there each day as he played with his toys and they were ever faithful to him.  These friends made for interesting conversation among the rest of us. We all enjoyed the many tales of Josh and his friends that he would describe in detail.  I only wish now that I had recorded him telling those whimsical anecdotes, or at least written down the details.  I look at the man Josh has and is becoming and I see even back then the creativity of his mind was developing at an amazing pace.

Now that Josh's imaginary friends have grown up and moved on (at least as far as I know) I so enjoy watching Kale's imagination go to work.  He is fun to just sit back and watch as he creates his own world that corresponds with the one we live in but seems so much fuller of life.  He can entertain himself for long periods of time just playing with not much other than his own imagination.  When I get the opportunity to watch any child using their mind in this way it makes me smile.  It warms my heart because I hope that the child will grow up, like Josh has, with the ability to continue to use that mind in creative ways.

I think all kids have some imaginary friends, some just develop them more than others.  It is my hope that everyone takes the time to remember one or two of those places in our childhood when times were simple and we were able to just relax. I hope that this week everyone takes the time to reconnect with one or two friends that help you remember those simpler times.  Childhood is so wasted on the youth because when we are young we really don't know how good we have it.

Although in life, sometimes those that should be important to us turn out to be people that we may have been better off never knowing, but they still help form us into the person we eventually become.  As we go through life the people in it change, some of those that were so important to us as kids, like our grandparents, pass and we are almost forced to find new important people.  Be grateful for those that are there for you, lean on them when you need to and be their leaning post when they need you.

Let your imagination run free - maybe check in with a couple of those imaginary friends that helped you get through life, but more importantly keep in contact with those real ones that continue to be the wind beneath your wings and when given the opportunity, be the wind for someone else.  

Day 55 - The Sky is the Limit

Day 55 - As I left the Keller Convention Center after spending a little time at the 2015 CEO National Trade Show I noticed the sky, this cloud in particular.  I was glad I had my camera, which I normally do in order to try and capture it's beauty.  I don't think I quite captured all of it, but you can get some of what I saw.

I thought it was fitting to notice something in the sky after going through the 25 exhibits inside.  I believe the sky is the limit for the kids involved in the CEO National Trade Show.  I was very impressed with their products, but what impressed me even more was the way high school kids presented themselves in such a confident manner.  I felt like they had been in business and dealing with trade shows for years.  I believe that Craig Lindvahl has brought such a wonderful thing to the schools that are offering this class.

I have always been a fan of Craig, he was the reason Josh, a Teutopolis High School Student at the time, was allowed to be a part of the Multimedia class that was held at Effingham High School.  He enjoyed the class, learned a lot and met a lot of very talented media students.  He was so proud to be a part of the AHA film festival and to have been able to act in a number of the different short films.  I remember well when the Teutopolis band was led by Craig, it was fun to watch the camaraderie he had with the band members. T-Town still has a great band, don't get me wrong, but back in the days that Mr. Lindvahl was at the helm it was like a well oiled machine.   Watching the THS Band back then was like viewing a masterpiece.  As a spectator, it appeared that the members of the band worked hard to be good, but always seemed to enjoy it at the same time.

I guess as I left the CEO Trade Show I realized how the lucky students that have been allowed to participate in this class are.  And that because of this class they are leaps and bounds ahead of so many kids as they leave high school.  Will everyone of their businesses thrive, probably not.  But I do believe that they have a much better chance of being a successful part of this country's future due in part to the skills they have learned from this class.  If this group of young adults is any indicator of the ones that will be running our country, there is a pretty good future ahead for all of us.

So many times the troubled youth are the ones getting all the headlines and attention.  I honestly believe if we gave kids like the ones I saw this evening more press and the thugs in the world a lot less of it the world would be a better place.  Too many young kids are looking up to the ones that are causing trouble because that is all they hear about and see on television.  If the media would concentrate more on these success stories and less on the opposite the kids would see that the path these students are taking is much better than the alternative.

I would love to have had the opportunity to take a CEO class when I was in high school.  If Craig decided tomorrow that he was going to start one for adults I would ask where do we sign up because learning is a never ending thing.  No matter what our age we can always better ourselves, we can always better our situation and education is never a bad thing.

To Craig Lindvahl and all the teachers of the CEO Trade classes and to the many students that have been lucky enough to take the class KUDOS TO YOU.  Thanks for making the future brighter and I wish much success to each and every one of you.  

Day 54 - Summertime Baseball Time

Day 54 is a picture I recently took of my grandson playing baseball.  Summertime is all about baseball in the Davis household.  Since that is the current sport the boys eat, sleep and live it.  This is Kaden's first year of regular baseball.  We had about three years of t-ball and then a year or two of coaches pitching to the boys and this year it can be real exciting, or real slow, depending on the abilities of the current pitcher.  I can see how much he enjoys the sport, he looks forward to each game and takes to heart the losses and celebrates the wins.

I enjoy going to the games when I can and it is go great to see so many people watching their kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews take the field.  It is especially great when you watch them encouraging the kids and cheering them on.  At this phase there aren't as many kids out there that really don't want to be, only the occasional outfielder that is just out there praying that the ball doesn't come to them and that the game will hurry up and get over. If I had played, I would have probably been that kid.

The average baseball player is out there hoping to hit that game winning run, strike out the batter to win the game or make the game winning catch.  They have played it over in their heads a million times and dream of being the star on a major league team of their choice in the future.  It is so much fun to watch these kids interact with one another.  Kaden's team is pretty good and when someone gets out they are there to tell them that it is okay and the next at bat will be better.  I always love seeing teams that play well together.

I remember back in the days when Josh played baseball.  He only played a few years. Like me, he didn't enjoy playing the game and after only a few years of it he realized that it was cutting in to his time at his best friend and cousin, Carsen's house where they had an in-ground pool and where he had a lot more fun.  Josh makes jokes about being the kid with his mitt on top of his head and looking more forward to sitting in the dugout than being on the field.  I know that Todd had hoped he would turn into a major league player, but I can honestly say I was more proud of my son, who didn't get many hits and didn't really love the game than I would have been had he been a poor sport or made fun of the others on the team.  Yep, I remember the sighs of disappointment from a few of the kids when it was Josh's bat and there were two outs.  I also remember a few times when he would get on base and as the protective mom I wanted to say something rude to the parent or two that had muttered under their breath, this is an out...  but I didn't.

I guess as I close I only want to ask that you be supportive of the kids in your life in what they choose to pursue.  If they don't like the same things as you do, give what they like to do a try.  I can honestly say that I enjoy watching Josh on stage more than I ever could have enjoyed watching him play baseball, but only because I know that is what he enjoys and where he belongs.  If you have a child that loves a sport that you have never really embraced, suck it up and embrace it.  Encourage them to be their own person, and I believe that most times the person that they become will make you proud.

Have a great day, love those in your life and thank God for another opportunity to touch the lives of others.

Day 53 - The Rexes

Day 53 - The above picture was taken over a year and a half ago, but as I looked through some of my pictures I decided this one was one I wanted to write about.  Above are three important people in my life and they are all named Rex.  The one in the cap and gown is my nephew and Godson.  To the left of him is my brother and to the right is Dad.

This picture was taken before I purchased my latest camera and I wish the quality was better.  I wish my picture could even begin to show how proud my dad was that Rex had graduated and that he was able to be there.  I know he was looking so forward to Josh's college graduation and I know he would have been there if he hadn't passed away.

My parents were divorced when I was only five.  I grew up in a family with two parents that respected one another.  They agreed that they weren't happy as a married couple, but they always cared for the other and wanted what was best for one another.  My parents never talked bad about the other to us, so I didn't feel the negativity from the divorce.  When my mom passed away my dad came and stayed with us for the visitation and the funeral, it was great to have him there with us. I feel Mom would have done the same if the circumstances were the same as well.

The above graduation took place in Kilgore, Texas.  Dad, my brother, his wife and I drove down for the ceremony and stayed two nights in Texas before Dad and I drove my nephew, Rex's, truck home.  Let's just say Dad started the drive and as soon as I could find a reason to pull over for breakfast I took the wheel and didn't give him the opportunity to drive any farther.  You see Dad was a truck driver in his younger years and until the day he died he "was the better driver on the road".  I don't think he understood defensive driving.... it was all about the Offense.

I know that I often count my blessings that I am lucky enough to have and had these three men in my life  I always wanted to be Daddy's girl.  Growing up I always wanted to be the one Dad was proud of.  I think I was usually the one he was shaking his head about, but in a lot of ways I think it was because I was more like him than he cared to acknowledge.  Dad was one that could picture the way a project would turn out in his head one way and then the finished product looked a little similar, but definitely not "Pintrest worthy".  We heard (and I have said) more than once... "Close Enough".  My Dad was the first to offer the wrong comment at the wrong time.... just ask my family.... that is usually me.  When looking at a situation I am the first to get through it with humor, which sometimes isn't probably the preferred method, but I can hear what would have come out of my dad's mouth coming out of mine.  I always knew Dad loved me, but in a lot of ways and a lot of times I know that he would have changed a few things about me if he could have.

Then there is my big brother.  Rex, or JR as I have always and will always know him.  I don't know a more hard working, giving person.  He is always fixing something for someone (many times it is me).  If we are anywhere together he is always the first to see something that needs to be done and just doing it without being asked.  He is kind and giving to a fault.  He will take on projects that he doesn't really have time to take on because he doesn't want to tell anyone no.  I know he always has a project or two he is working on and a bunch of lined up behind those.  I have always believed that if JR can't fix it, there probably isn't a fix for it.  I know over my lifetime he has helped me more than I could ever repay him.  He is a good, honest man that I am so proud to call my brother.

The graduate above is and always will be Little Rex.  No, he isn't little anymore, he has graduated from college and is living the dream in the real world.  He has a great job and is doing quite well for himself.  He is a lot like his father, and if he is in his favorite places they will be outdoors.  He is an avid hunter and fisherman, and he is pretty good at it. I always look forward to seeing pictures of what they have killed during any hunting season.  Rex is a lot of fun to be around, his wit reminds me of my dad and the dimples on that boy are something else.  I am proud to have been asked to be his Godmother and he will always be special to me.  This aunt thinks he is a damn good kid and when he settles down the woman that gets him will have to be pretty special to get my approval.

The three men in the picture above are all known as Rex to others, but to me it is JR, little Rex and Dad.  They are all men that I admire and all men that I have been lucky enough to have in my life.  I hope that you have men like these three in your life because they are all good men that make the world a better place by being a part of it.

Have a great week and if you get the opportunity to be a "Rex" in someone else's life - do it because this world can use more "Rexes".

Day 52 - The Rock

Day 52 - I am behind and have a lot of pictures I have taken - I just need to sit down and catch up on my writing.  Today I decided to post this one.  Above are three amazing boys.  These three bring so much life into my life.  I am lucky enough to have them somewhat nearby and see them "somewhat" often.  I miss some games and don't see them daily, but I am one lucky Grandma because they are an important part of my world.

The three boys are sitting on "the rock" in front of the house that I grew up knowing as Grandma's house and then Dad's house.  I know a house is only a house until someone makes it their home.  I have so many memories associated with the house in the background, some bad but oh so many good ones.  My dad's mom, Frances Hiatt Emberton was a loving and fun grandma.  She was the one that didn't worry about embarrassing herself or anyone else, in fact she loved it.  When we would go to a restaurant that would sing happy birthday to you - it was always her birthday and she would sing louder than anyone else in the group.  She had such a wonderful sense of humor, I believe that it was handed down to my dad who passed it on to me and I believe that she would have absolutely loved the fact that Josh is doing comedy.  My grandma was a classy woman that could fit in anywhere but her hugs were so comforting and she always had time to spend with me.  We would bake cookies and if they didn't turn out - no big deal we would just bake more.  Her potato chip cookies were delicious.
When I walked into the house this weekend for the final goodbye I won't lie, I cried more than a couple of tears.  It's familiarity is hard to turn loose of.  My stepmother didn't like the house, she always said that she would be glad to be out of the house but I know that even she is a little emotional about saying goodbye.  This house is where Grandma was raised as a little girl, then it was sold and she moved to Salem for a job and she and Dad lived there for a number of years.  After she married her husband she moved back to Danville and they purchased the house back.  The woodwork in the home is really neat and knowing that my ancestors actually made it has always made it seem more special.  When you walked into the house the floor would creek in certain spots, they always did.  The basement is a wet, musty, cobwebbed one, it always was.  The windows are 12 foot tall with shutters on the inside, as a kid it seemed like the ceilings were 50 foot tall.

The rock above has been the photo point for so many pictures over the years.  This rock was once in the ground in the yard with only enough of it showing to cause the lawn mower blade to scrape it.  Finally Dad decided to dig the rock out expecting it to be something he could dig out with a shovel.  After much, much digging this was what was beneath the earth.  He decided it belonged in the corner of the yard and it has been there since.  As my kids came along we always used the rock for pictures.  The rock was the place for all the imaginary ventures.  It was a space ship, a boat, a castle, a great place for my daughters to dress in their wedding dresses made of sheets and take pictures.  This rock has provided so many "Kodak" moments, I hope the new tenants appreciate the potential of this rock. I also hope that they won't be offended if they look out their window from time to time, when we are in town, to see members of my family jump out of a car and climb on it for a quick picture.  I think as my kids have kids and their kids have kids they will continue to be drawn to that spot for that picture.  And I believe in my heart, that Dad and Grandma Francie will be there with them, happy that someone is still enjoying the house and the property as much as they once did.

A house is just a house, and a home can be anywhere.  Be happy you have a home, make memories to cherish wherever you are planted.  

Day 51 - Baseball

Day 51 - It is baseball season.  This is my grandson and I am so happy I could make it to his first game of the season.  Hopefully I will be able to make it to most of his games.  He loves sports and he is fun to watch play.  As the first game kicked off last night it was fun to see the excitement in the boys faces.  Each of them were ready for their first opportunity to  bat and take the field.  There were a few in the group that may not have been as excited as the others that the season was beginning, but the guy in the picture above was pumped.

Baseball, or any sport for that matter is something that can be a big part of a kids life.  Some are destined to be athletes and then there are others that just don't enjoy it or have athleticism.  I enjoyed playing volleyball in jr. high and high school.  Was I good at it?  Not really good.  I played and didn't do too bad, but I was by no means an athlete.  I see in Kaden and am beginning to see in his younger brother, Kale, a true love of sports.  These two, and I am sure their youngest brother, Keaton, will be the same, love anything that has to do with a ball.  If they are inside they are shooting a small foam basketball into the hoop on the back of the door.  If it is nice outside they are throwing into the pitch back net.

As I watch these games, I am so thankful for my grandchildren.  I have always loved being a mom.  I feel I have been blessed with the three best kids anyone could ask for and now as my kids are grown I really get the opportunity to enjoy them.  As a grandma, I love when Kaden still gives me a hug without even having to ask for it.  I enjoy watching his sports and just spending time with him.  He has already grown into such a responsible, loving boy that I am so proud of.  I enjoy Kale's wit and enthusiasm for life.  We never know what he is going to say and do, but I love everything about him.  His smile and his comments remind me of my dad and my son, Josh.  He is so full of life and as Mom would have put it a little piss and vinegar too.  Keaton is almost one.  It is so cool when I see him and he gets excited to see me.  He is getting ready to walk and is at the age where he doesn't want to cuddle anymore.  When you are holding him he wants down and when he is down on the floor he wants you to hold him.  He will be out playing with his big brothers before we know it.

Baseball is probably my husband's favorite sport.  He loves watching it, loves coaching it and used to enjoy playing it.  As another baseball season gets underway if you have someone that loves playing it like my grandson does get out and watch them if you get the chance.  If your kid's grandparents aren't nearby send them some video and pictures of the kids playing.  I know I am thankful that my grandkids are nearby so I get to witness those glory moments and be there to comfort them after a bad game.  Being a Grandparent is one of life's most precious gifts, unwrap that gift every chance you get!

Day 50 - Farmers

Day 50 - My picture today was taken on my way home from work.  This field is located on the same road as my house.  I don't know what will be grown in this field this year.  Sometimes corn is there, sometimes it is beans.

I have a lot of friends that are farmers.  Some are beef farmers, some are dairy farmers, some are pig farmers and some don't own livestock, they farm the land, but I respect all of them.  I enjoy my Monday through Friday 8 - 5 job that if I don't feel well I can call in sick.  I also love the fact that, with my job, if I have something that I want to go and do, I can usually go, I don't have to worry about the weather, or being back in time to milk.

If you were to study years of Teutopolis basketball you would notice almost every successful team (and there have been many) included a at least a few farm kids.  I know Coach Dennis Koester always told us that many of his really good players were farm kids.  He said that part of the reason for this was because they were raised knowing what hard work was.  They had no problem busting their behinds to get the job done right.  He also said sometimes that he thought that those same farm kids made sure they worked hard in practice because if they didn't they wouldn't get to play in the games and if they weren't going to play in the games then maybe their parents would feel their time would be better spent on the farm.... and farming is even harder work.

I am grateful that there are people out there willing to put out the effort to farm so we can all eat good foods.  Without farmers we wouldn't have food and the little amount that would be available wouldn't be affordable at all.  One time my dad told me a story about a lady that told him that she was frustrated with the tractors on the road in her way.  My dad told her without those farmers there wouldn't be food - she commented back, "I don't need the farmers because I buy my food from the grocery store, not the farmer."  What is sad about that statement is that there are really those people out there and they are helping us pick our leaders and they are also reproducing.

As I prepare to go to the Effingham Performance Center to watch Josh do what he enjoys, (performing for others) I know that some of my dear friends won't be able to come to the show because they will be in the fields getting their crops planted.  I do understand completely and I appreciate the fact that they are willing to be out there taking care of business.

When you are driving and you get behind a farmer please have patience, trust me the reason they are on the road has nothing to do with trying to make you late or upset you, they are there because they have to be, they would rather be in the field than on the road.  Be careful during this farming season and keep the farmers and their families in your prayers.  Farming accidents happen all too often and when they do all of our prayers can make a difference.

To all you farmers, those that are such an important part of my life and those that I don't know, .... THANK YOU for all you do!

Day 49 - Trust

Day 49 - The last couple of days when I leave work this rabbit has been sitting in the grass close to where I park my van.  Each day I have sat and watched it eat the grass as if it doesn't have a care in the world.  I decided today to snap a couple of pictures of it.

This rabbit seems completely oblivious to the many stray cats that run loose in the area and it wasn't  spooked by me at all, as if it knew that I wasn't an enemy.  I sat there for a few minutes and got my camera out all while the rabbit continued to eat.  

I have a friend that has a pet rabbit.  He has lived in her home for a number of years.  Her husband calls him Bugs, but his name is really Noah.  Noah has aged, but when he was younger he would always follow her around the house.  He has been litter box trained and has been a great pet for her.

This rabbit is like a small child with it's trust.  I could have gotten even closer to it because it seemed to trust me even though it didn't know me.  I remember well when my kids would talk to anyone about anything.  I would warn them of strangers, but they still seemed to trust everyone.  Sometimes I think this is because they were brought up in a small town setting where there weren't many that we considered strangers.  I still warned them of the dangers of those that we didn't know, and even sometimes of those we do.

The world is a wonderful place, filled with many wonderful people and things.  I choose to see the beauty in the world and continue to trust those around me until I have been given a reason not to.  I do, however, realize that there are times when we must heighten our sense of awareness and be more cautious.  I am sure the rabbit above was constantly smelling the air for danger even though he appeared to be calm and unaware.

After Josh graduates from college next week I hope that as he enters the real world that he continues to see the world in the wonderful way he always has, but with a certain sense of awareness so that he remains safe.  I know that he will encounter those that aren't deserving of his trust and I hope that he has the ability to smell trouble before it happens and avoid it like the rabbit above avoids the predators that would do it harm.

If you get the opportunity to enjoy nature in all its glory, do so and embrace the beauty of it.

Day 48 - Buddies

Day 48 - Recently I was at one of Kaden's Altamont Lions Club basketball games and I decided to take a couple of pictures of my grandson, Kale, and his best buddy, Garrett.  These two are, as my mom would have said, thick as thieves.  They are best of friends while attending Frog Pond, or at daycare during the day.  These two look for one another and usually when they are together their smiles look like they did above.

Growing up I remember some of my many childhood friends.  Some I have found on Facebook and some I consider my family because they are still a big part of my life today.  I know that all of these people mattered and came into my life at a time in my life where they assisted me in becoming who I am.  I consider myself so blessed to have a number of friends that I also consider family.  I have a few that are my lifeline when I need one.  They seem to know that I need to hear from them even before I realize it myself.  They seem to contact me for some reason just when I was thinking about them.  These people know who they are and they know that although we may not talk on a daily basis they are in my prayers and my thoughts each day.

Watching my grandsons bond with their friends, some are their cousins as well as their friends, is so rewarding.  I know that some of these bonds may not be a forever bond, but as they share these smiles, and memories they are still helping them grow into future best friends for someone, and hopefully the bond with these special people will continue.

I know that family is so important to me, I also realize that family isn't always the person that is related to you through blood or marriage.  I am very lucky to say that I feel a friendship with many members of my family, but I also feel a kinship like family with some of the best people in the world, my dear friends.

The kind words from friends on Facebook when I lost each of my parents are still considered dear to me.  The kind & loving conversations I have had with those close to me when I needed a shoulder to lean on have helped me survive some dark times in my life.  When I was sick those that were there to encourage me throughout my healing helped more than I can ever express.

If you have a friend or many friends that are family to you, count your blessings.  Those in your life that you choose as family are special, appreciate them and let them know that you do.  To all of you, and you know who you are, that have been and/or are that friend to someone, including me, Thank You.  Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you.

Day 47 - Busy as a Bee

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Day 47 - This picture was taken outside of Bahrns Equipment.  I have enjoyed the blooms of this plant each spring for a number of years, but I guess I never took the time to notice the bees that were working so feverishly to pollinate this and many other plants.  A co-worker mentioned the bees so I thought I would try to take a picture of one of them.  This was from a distance but as I watched them go from bloom to bloom never staying in one spot for long I was impressed with their work ethic.

As a person with self diagnosed Attention Deficit I can relate to this bee.  I go through my average day with a number of projects on my desk and trying to force myself to finish each one before allowing my mind to fly off to something or somewhere else.  I realize that if I finished one thing before changing gears I could probably accomplish so much more, but this is the way I have went through life in general.  Like this bee, I do get a lot of things done, but sometimes it is hard for others to follow my progress.  This bee didn't sit still very long so I took a number of shots before I got this photo.  It is in no way a picture that is of the quality of many I have seen, but it is an attempt and it is one of the better bee pictures I have ever gotten.  I will admit, I haven't tried many times before, but I will assure you it won't be my last attempt either.

If you are a person that has everything in life figured out and planned down to the moment, more power to you.  I do admire that trait in people.  I will have to say, though, that my life, filled with spontaneity and free spiritedness, is kind of interesting as well.  Our family does a lot of last minute planning.  This has allowed us many fun memories.  My goal is to be a little more organized and my challenge to those friends of mine that are always on time, always have their life planned out and organized is to be a little more bee like and see what memories can be made.

Have a wonderful day and be happy with yourself.  Give yourself and those you love some slack and enjoy the outcome.

Day 46 - Serenity

Day 46 - This picture was from an evening I noticed another pretty sunset. I had to stop and take a few shots of it.  When the sky turns these beautiful colors it is a shame to not take the time to really appreciate it.  I can remember a time not too long ago that I wouldn't have even given it a second look.  I may have glanced in its direction without really noticing it.  But today it actually caused me to stop my van and really look at it.

The photo above is what I see as serenity.  It shows the beauty in simplicity.  An evening sky, a tree and an empty field turn into something beautiful when nature takes control.  I know I shoot a lot of sunrises and a lot of sunsets.  I just seem to feel close to those that I miss when I look at the beauty in the sky.  As a kid I always loved lying on the green grass and watching the clouds form.  We would see a dog or a horse, sometimes we would lay there for hours.  We didn't have a worry in the world then.  The problems we did have were so minor.  As I stopped my van to look take this picture I just sat there and enjoyed it for a few minutes.  In those few minutes it was easy to stop thinking about any issues of the day and just enjoy the view.

In the real world we live in there is so much day to day stress and sadness.  We learn to block it out and go through the motions to survive without feeling too much of the pain.  Watching as one family and many friends deal with the loss of a young mother to cancer and another family buries a new baby is sad beyond belief.  On the other hand, the happy memories those same people have of their loved ones are like the beauty in this sunset.  Isn't it incredible how a happy memory can bring a person from despair to a point of serenity.  I know that remembering something happy about one of my loved ones can bring me to a place where I can't help but smile.  When I remember a funny joke that Dad had said or a genuine hug from Mom I sometimes still feel their presence as if I haven't lost them at all for a moment or two.

As the spring and summer months arrive, I wish everyone has moments of serenity and when those moments arrive that we all take the time to stop life for a few moments and really, really notice them.

Day 45 - Future

Day 45 -This weekend we celebrated the engagement of our youngest daughter to her boyfriend.  These two have been best friends for a long time and a little over a year ago they officially began dating.  Kevin had asked Todd's permission to marry Jill back in January so we knew it was gonna happen but just didn't know when or where.

I think these two make such a great couple, and I think that the fact that they knew one another as friends for so long only makes things even better.  I see them together and they have a lot in common, but one of the best things I see is that they are themselves in front of one another.  They have seen one another at their best and at their worst and still find one another attractive.

Marriage and relationships are tough, my kids have seen the good, the bad and the ugly.  As I have said many times our family is who we are - we don't pretend to be something that we aren't.  My kids have seen a few times throughout their lives that weren't the best, but they have also been a part of so many happy memories.  They know that we are in this for the long haul and that Todd and I have one another's backs and will be there for one another through the bad times as well as the good ones.  I have always told my kids that marriage isn't easy and it isn't something to go into lightly.  It should be something that you go into only when you are ready to sacrifice and put another's needs in front of your own.

I have also told my kids that you can't expect another person to be responsible for your own happiness.  If you can't be happy with yourself, you will never find happiness in a relationship.  I am a firm believer that each person in the relationship should have their own hobbies and friends as well as things and people you have in common.  There have been many times that Todd and I do things together, but there are also times that we enjoy doing our own things.  Todd is a bird hunter and that is something that doesn't appeal to me.  I am glad he enjoys it and I don't mind cooking the birds he brings home, but to get up on a sub zero morning to go out and hunt them doesn't sound fun to me.  I, on the other hand enjoy a houseboat trip with some of Todd's siblings and a friend of mine because he has no desire to join us.  I think our marriage is good because we are both fine with that.

When someone finds the person that they plan to spend the rest of their lives with, it is a special thing.  I am excited for what the future brings for this particular couple.  Kevin and his family have been like family to us for a number of years.  His dad and Todd were very good friends, and we think the world of his mom.  I have always felt like the Koester family is just an extension of our own, now as we plan the upcoming wedding they will officially be a part of our family soon.

If you have found the person in your life that makes you smile, that is there to support you when you need it and enjoys celebrating the good times with you as well, take care of the relationship.  If you are dating someone that doesn't do this for you, before you commit to the rest of your life make sure that you will be as happy waking up with that person 40 years from now as you when you marry.  Make sure that person supports who you are and who you want to be so they will be happy to ride along in the game of life.  Make sure that you aren't attracted to just the way they look but also who they really are inside.  If you look at that person and you feel that they are okay for now, but not what you see yourself with for the long haul don't continue in the relationship because it isn't fair for you or for them.

I believe that the things that irritate you a little when you are dating have the potential to drive you crazy when you are married.  Sometimes those things that you find adorable when you are dating become major pet peeves when you are together every day.  It is important to marry a person that you find beautiful on the inside, because if you are only attracted to the outside appearance you will be so disappointed when those looks fade.

Most days I feel so very lucky to have found Todd.  Some days I am sure he wonders what the hell he was thinking when he married me, but I can assure you that as we grow old together we both know that each of us are better people and we are better off because we have one another.  I can't imagine the past 30+ years of life without Todd by my side.  I thank God every day for my family and all the happiness they bring.  I enjoy each memory more that they may ever understand.

Day 44 - Storms

Day 44 - This morning there were storms rolling in and as I waited at a stoplight I thought this was an interesting photo.  It shows the storm clouds above but in the distance, but not too much of a distance is St. Anthony church.  The oncoming traffic with their lights on added just a little something to it for me.

I think that everyone has to survive the storms in their life in order to enjoy the sunshine.  The dark clouds sometimes are merely the negative thoughts in our minds or the people that bring drama into our lives.  I believe that these storms, like those that nature brings are purposeful.  The storms of nature knock frail branches from trees, and the rains cleans the dust and dirt from the area.  The storms in life help us appreciate the good things when they arrive.  If every day was full of sunshine and warmth would we really appreciate it after a while?  I tend to believe that eventually it would become boring and we would no longer smile at the sight of it.

This year my father passed away.  When I think of that day, it is still hard to deal with.  Seeing Dad there with a breathing tube coming from his mouth when we arrived at the hospital.  And watching even after they removed it as he took each breath wondering if that would be the final one.  As I rubbed his head, which when he was alive irritated the hell out of him, I just wanted him to open his eyes and tell us all he was okay.  I knew that wasn't going to happen, the doctors had been very clear about what the outcome would be.  This particular storm in my life was really dark, but it also allowed our family to stop and take time to remember all the sunshine that Dad brought into our lives. We all have so many memories of good times and fun things we did with him.  Be it an inappropriate comment or just a smile and a hug.

In the picture above although the storm clouds are lurking above the church ahead it lit up as if to guide the way.  I believe that through the storms in life if we allow the light into our lives it will help make the storms more bearable.  Some of nature's storms have destroyed entire communities, taking peoples homes, businesses and even lives.  I know that currently a young local mother and her two young boys are in the midst of a storm that has been relentless.  She has shown strength through this storm and is being protected as much as possible through the prayers of the whole area.  Like a community that is preparing for a hurricane by boarding up windows and making sure things are ready for the high winds, everyone that knows LeAnn or knows anyone that knows her has her surrounded by prayer. I feel that although she has already endured more than anyone should and as she prepares for whatever the Lord has in store for her she has shown amazing strength and faith.

Sometimes the storms bring damage that can't be repaired, and we have to deal with the devastation as best as we can.  If we can look beyond this devastation, as hard as it sometimes is we can see the light and the beauty of what is ahead for us.  I believe in my heart that although I miss my parents in the day to day life here I will be reunited with them in another place.  I also believe that they no longer deal with any pain or suffering.  I believe that the afterlife is our sunshine after the storms we endure here.

If you are in the midst of a storm, find shelter in others and in your faith.  If you are constantly under a dark cloud because you allow those negative people and things into your life do something to change it.  Try to be the light in someone's life and bring positive thoughts to them. Before you speak, stop and think about what you are about to say.  If it isn't something positive, maybe you can try to change your thoughts and change what it is before sharing it.  We not only have the power to help change the world for the better, we have the responsibility to do so too.

Day 43 - April Showers

Day 43 - I am so happy to see something like this on my car windows rather than the white frozen stuff.  There are so many sayings about rain.  There is the April showers bring May flowers. Or, Dolly Parton said, "If you want to see a rainbow you have to put up with some rain".  "Into each life some rain must fall", was said by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  Denzel Washington said "You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too".  All wise statements and it helps see the rain as a good thing even when there is no sunshine to go with the drops.

I am happy to see these drops, I love the sound of rain hitting the window, and absolutely love the sound of thunder rolling in the distance. I even enjoy the lightning lighting up the sky at night.  Note I enjoy all this most when it is at a distance away.  We all know that we need rain and without it we wouldn't have the beautiful flowers and life that it brings.

I remember as a kid we loved playing in the rain.  We would run and let it drench us as we played without a care in the world.  We really loved it with the area ditches would fill up with the water and we could play in it.  We didn't worry about getting dirty or getting hurt.  Heck we would pull an occasional leach off of ourselves afterward but we always had fun.

As I looked out my car window through the drops of rain on this morning I noticed how the things in the distance kind of blur.  I realize that so many times we allow the rain that falls to blur what is important in life.  We allow the rain to dampen our happiness and instead of embracing it for all the good things it brings we instead sit and pity ourselves because it isn't what we wanted.

Sometimes I think we ask for something and in our hearts we really believe that is what we need.  The plan that is our life may lead us entirely in a different direction.  We can't see the big picture because we aren't looking past the raindrops in our life, instead we are trying to look through them.  As we sit and worry about what we missed we are many times missing out on opportunities that are still right in front of us because they don't look exactly like what we wished for.

I challenge us all to try to make out what that blurred picture ahead is.  Try to see the sunshine in the drops of rain that fall into our lives.  If you have been praying for one thing try to see that maybe it will be delivered to you in many small packages instead of all at once.  Realize that although the life you have may not look exactly like the one you dreamed of, it may still be a work in process.  Maybe it is something that you wanted but some assembly is required and you have to get your tools of life out to help put it together.

My parents always said that if it comes easy, it probably isn't worth as much as those things that you had to really work for.  So make sure that your life is something worth working for and make it worth the effort.

Into all of our lives some rain will fall.  I hope that each of us take the time to dance in it and remember what it is like to enjoy life.  Put your worries aside for a moment and be grateful for those drops of rain and the beauty it will bring behind it.

Day 42 - 22 years

Day 42 - Today is a picture of Josh performing.  I know I have written in the past about him making me laugh.  Today is his 22nd birthday so I decided today's post would be about him.  He is the baby of our family and in many ways he is the typical baby... He has been spoiled, not only by me, but probably even more so by his two big sisters.  Growing up he has been the one that doesn't worry about much.  He not only doesn't sweat the little stuff, sometimes even the big things are just minor inconveniences for him.  He almost always finds a comedic twist to a situation.  Josh is full of life and if possible he is going to do whatever it takes to make you laugh.  Much of his comedy is aimed at himself because he has always been one that was able to take himself lightly.

I always enjoy watching Josh perform.  It doesn't matter if it is stand up or in a theatrical performance.  When I see him on stage I can see that he is doing what he loves.  He has never had a problem with being the center of attention.  We have come across some old home movies when he would continue to find the camera and find a way to be in front of it.  Watching him talk to others after a show is always gratifying to me too.  He is sincerely appreciative of everyone that comes to see him perform.

When Josh was born, the expectations for him were high.  Todd, being the big sports nut imagined his son that would play basketball and baseball.  He was given the nickname J.T.  and the phrase that went with it was JT for Three..as we imagined all the three point shots he would be shooting.  Todd would pitch to him and teach him to pitch in hopes of watching his baseball career blossom.  As he got older it was apparent that he had no interest in playing sports (kind of got his athleticism from me).  At first Todd was disappointed, but over time he came to realize that Josh's passion was something that we could enjoy as well he was really okay with it.  After watching Josh, as a freshman in high school land the lead of Robin Hood in the spring production we knew that he had found his calling.

Recently the Alestle did an article on Josh where he commented "I'm quite the attention whore".  I laughed when I read that and when I read the wonderful things that a couple of his SIUE professors/directors had to say about him I realized that he really did make the right choice for himself when we decided on Theater Performance studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  They have helped him develop into a confident, and talented performer.  We are realistic in what the future holds for Josh.  We realize that although he is talented and really enjoys what he is doing we know that the opportunities for him to be successful in the entertainment industry are not huge.  He is willing to sacrifice a lot.  He knows he will not be able to marry or start a family for a long time if he wants to work at his career.  I just know that when you are as passionate about something as he is, and you enjoy doing what you're doing like he does that you would be crazy not to make the attempt to be able to do that every day.

Josh has brought me 22 years of happiness.  Don't get me wrong there have been some times in the past 22 years that haven't been as wonderful as others, but I can assure you that I wouldn't trade any of my kids for anything.  I will support him, whichever direction he decides to go and I hope that he always keeps his view of life, because I believe that this world would be better if all of us had a little more Josh in them.

As a parent it is right to dream of a wonderful future for your children.  It is good to think about what your hopes and dreams for that child are, but it is also important to remember that they will be their own person.  Their interests may not correspond with yours.  They may be a Cubs fan even though you have raised them, rightfully, to be a true Cardinal fan.  You may dream that they be a doctor or a lawyer and they may choose to be a cowboy or a mechanic.  All I know is that when you see your child grow into what they dream to be and you see them happy doing what they love it should be what dreams are made of.

Happy Birthday Joshua Todd Funneman - I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 22 years and I so look forward to what the future holds. I can't wait to see you performing at the Effingham Performance Center on May 8th.  You continue to make us proud as you continue to entertain the world with your talent, your wit and your ability so see the brighter side of life.  Stay true to yourself and I truly believe you will go far.  Thanks for making my world better by being such an important part of it.

Day 41 Like a Mother

Day 41 is a picture that I didn't take today, I took it at my grandson's birthday party last month.  This evening I didn't take a picture, instead I attended a memorial service for Todd's cousin, Joe Chisler.  I didn't know Joe real well, but the times I was around Joe he was always friendly and had a great attitude.  This was exceptional, especially considering that he was in a car accident in the 90's that left him paralyzed from the waist down.  He still showed the love he had for family, and lived a pretty independent life.  He was remembered tonight by a lot of people with some really great memories.  I wish his family much peace and I hope their many memories will help them through this difficult time.  I believe that he is now again healthy and able to walk and hunt and fish like he did so many times before the accident.

I thought I would look through my memory card in my camera to find a picture to write about.  I came across this one.  I know that I have already posted it on Facebook, but I didn't get the chance to comment on the three wonderful ladies that are in the picture.

My step-mother, Kathy, is the one on the left.  She has been in my life since I was five years old.  She married my dad in 1969 and was a wonderful wife to him for so many years.  She has always been willing to let Dad spend time with us and quietly take the backseat when we were around.  I know that she had to sacrifice so much over the years because she always tried to make sure that Dad could do what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it.  Instead of spending money on wedding rings when they first got married, the funds went to buy Christmas bikes for JR and me.  She continued to allow him to come and visit whether the extra money was there or not.  I don't know that I really appreciated all that she did until just a few years ago.  Kathy never tried to take my mom's place with us, maybe because no one could have done that, but I think it was more than that.  I have been lucky to have her as a step mother over the years and I know that Dad was also lucky to have her as his wife.

In the middle is my mother-in-law, Babe.  This woman never ceases to amaze me.  Her mother died in childbirth when she was only two years old.  She was the baby of the family, which is where she got the nickname Babe.  Her father, or "Daddy" as she calls him, was an older dad, but he made sure she was raised right and knew she was loved.  I am always amazed at how well she raised her own kids without having a mom to help or show her the right way.  She was raised Catholic and remains very strong in her faith to this day.  She is the mother-in-law that I want to be.  The kids all want to be around her, the grand kids and their friends all love being around Grandma Babe.  She loves her family and is always the life of the room.  Babe lost her husband when she was in her early 50's.  She never dated after because she always felt that her kids and grand kids were enough to fill her life.  My mom considered her a friend and enjoyed being around her.  She has one of those personalities that kind of draw a person in and when that happens you become like family.

The wonderful lady on the right is my ex-mother-in-law.  Grandma Bette, she is one of the sweetest ladies around.  She would give you the sweater off of her back, even if she was freezing.  I wasn't her daughter in-law for long, but I feel like she is still my mother in-law to this day.  I always look forward to a "Grandma Bette hug" or to hear "Well hello sweetie".  She is always trying to help someone and I remember well when she would way overspend on Christmas because she just loved to make others happy.  No matter how many times everyone would tell her not to, come Christmas morning there was always way more than there should have been under the tree.  She knew she would have to work overtime for months to make up for it, but she didn't care.  I always looked forward to the holidays when I would go to pick Heather up from her house because I knew I would get a few minutes to visit with her.  She was a good friend to Mom, they worked together at World Color Press for a long time.  I know Mom thought a lot of her.  No matter what is going on she has a way of making you feel like one of the most important people in the world.  When I mention her name to others, I always hear, "She has the heart of gold" and it is so true.

I think my three grandsons are so very lucky to have these wonderful people in their lives and to be able to call all of them Grandma.  I hope that when they are grown that they appreciate these ladies like I do and I hope that I can even begin to walk in the Grandma footsteps that they have made, because although their shoe sizes aren't extreme, those are some pretty big shoes to fill.

Be kind, love those who are important in your life and be happy!

Day 40 - Dads

Day 40 - I guess I am cheating on this picture, of course I didn't take it because I am in it.  It was taken by Larry Banbury of Montage Photography on July 4, 1987, he took all of our wedding pictures.  I decided to post this picture today because it includes two important people that aren't with us physically anymore.  Our fathers are a big part of who Todd and I are.  I only knew Ralph for about five years, but I see a lot of his qualities in Todd.  He could talk to anyone, he didn't mind being the life of the party and he was a man that when he knew something was the right thing he stood by it.  My dad taught me to laugh hard, love harder and live life to the fullest.  I miss these two guys a lot.  The world and my life are much better because they were a part of it.  I am happy that I have a good mix of my mom and my dad and Todd can say the same about himself.

I have some good friends that have parents that are in poor health.  I feel for them because in a lot of ways they have also lost their parents.  Sometimes a person that is still here physically can be lost because mentally they are not themselves.  I have said so many times that although I miss both my parents more than I could ever have imagined, I also feel lucky because I didn't have to experience watching them suffer.  Todd's dad, Ralph, passed in his sleep with no suffering.   I know that when a person passes this way there is a lot of unanswered questions, no chances of hearing their final thoughts or hearing them tell you that they love you, but I also know that my memories of all of them are good.   They died knowing that they were loved and I know that they cared about those that loved them.

The picture above was one that both Dads wanted taken after our wedding.  They didn't know one another very well here on earth, they didn't get many opportunities to hang out, but I hope they are hitting it off in Heaven.

If you still have your parents here with you be thankful and show them all the love you can.  If you haven't talked to your parent(s) for a while, please call, or even better go and visit.  Be thankful for what you do have.  I also realize that there are many people who would love to have a relationship with their parent or parents but there are circumstances out of their control.  I feel for those that didn't have the chance to love or be loved, because everyone deserves to feel important.  If you can relate, please do what you can to stop the circle of abuse if you can.   If your parents didn't know how to express love to you, or if you haven't felt like you could do anything to please them I hope that some day you will find that although they didn't show it, they did love you and the way you were treated isn't because of anything you did, it is possibly because they just didn't know any better, maybe they were treated the same and just didn't know how to love and be loved.  These people are the ones that I feel the most pity for.  I can't imagine not being able to let my kids know that I am so very proud of them, that I love them more than life itself.

If you don't have kids of your own, you can still share love with those around you.  I have some very dear friends and family that don't have children.  I know they probably get tired of my mindless rambling about my kids and grand kids. I hope they know that if they weren't so important in my life I wouldn't share these details with them.  I have some dear friends that are more like sisters to me because they have been there for me through so much and I feel like I have the opportunity to share parts of their life like a part of a family would.  These friendships are such an important part of my life.

I miss my parents, I know I have said that many times and will probably say it many more times in the future.  My challenge today is that no matter who it is in your life, a parent, a sibling, a cousin, aunt, uncle or just a friend that means a lot to you, say a prayer for them, touch base with them if you have the opportunity to let them know that they are important to you and remember we are all fighting our own battles.  Some of us are struggling and others are winning the battle at the moment, but everyone can use a smile and a kind word.

Have a great week!

Day 39 - My Son

 

Day 39  is a picture of Josh.  Well it is Josh and another SIUE student, David Zimmerman, in the midst of performing one of the many "one-act" plays during the SETO Uncapped Theater.  SETO stands for Student Experimental Theater Organization.  I have been to a few of these over Josh's time at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, but this will most likely be the last.  Is it the last because I don't enjoy them? No.  I am just being realistic that had my son not been a part of them over the past few years I wouldn't have known about nor probably taken the time to go and see them.  If I lived closer to Edwardsville I would probably attend many more shows there because the ones I have seen have been good.

As for this years Spring SETO show, Josh played many different parts.  He opened both acts with some of his standup.  Most in the audience appreciated his comedy, a couple didn't seem so impressed.  Heather and I noticed one gentleman sitting a row in front of us that didn't seem to enjoy much of the show at all.  We laughed at the funny skits and when the deep, sad ones ended we took a moment to stop and think about it. From the way I understand it the students write, direct and cast the different plays which is what I find very interesting.  Was Josh's satirical portrayal of Jesus my favorite role he ever played, of course not. I enjoyed it because I realized it was a role he was playing.  A few in the audience were less than impressed with the play in general and one or two probably left the theater  not liking different students because of the characters they had portrayed.  I felt each of the actors did a great job with the different parts they performed.  I also feel that it would be easy to take only the roles that you want to be associated with; that the challenge in acting becomes playing someone completely different than yourself.  

As I close I want to again give a standing ovation to all of the theater students at SIUE that I have had the opportunity to watch on the different stages there.  You have all impressed me.  I have watched some plays that made me laugh a lot, some have touched my deepest thoughts and one or two that made me step out of my comfort zone and really think about them in order to appreciate them.  I can honestly say that I have enjoyed them all.  

As Josh's college career winds down I find myself getting more and more emotional.  After each performance I can't wait for him to come out afterwards so we can take a few pictures and talk about the performance.  I haven't made it to every performance of every play, but I have tried.  

If you have kids that enjoy sports, or anything for that matter embrace it.  Go to support them.  I have been lucky that my three all participated in different things.  I had a cheerleader, one that played basketball and ran track and cross country and then I have my actor/comedian.  I have enjoyed each event and am proud of all three of them.

Enjoy the day and if you have the opportunity to help make someone else's day better please do so. 

Day 38 - Under Construction

Day 38 - Today's picture is of the crew that is working on the new building that is going up for Bahrns Equipment.  This building will be an addition to the building that we already occupy and will be more for warehousing than anything.  I have worked for the Bahrns family for over 25 years and  they have been in business for a lot longer than that.  As for this project, I was amazed to see the construction crew out there working in the mud when the snow was still melting and there wasn't a dry spot to be found.  I didn't know that you could pour concrete in those conditions but they showed me that I don't know anything about concrete.

Construction is always exciting.  Whether the construction is a new building or changing something about an existing structure, it is always new and different.  Stan designed this new project, just like he did our main building.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  We were doing business at 913 E. Fayette and he drew up the plans for what was going to be our new building on Banker.  Each day he would come in with a new idea for where our offices would be located, or where the bathrooms would be.  Each day was something new to discuss, it was great planning and picking out all the new colors and furniture.  We have been at our "new location" for over 22 years and I still think Stan did a great job designing it.

Construction isn't just for buildings.  In some ways, our lives are constantly under construction.  As we grow up our parents are like the architects in charge of developing the blueprints to help build us into responsible adults.  During the teen years there are plenty of redesigns and remodels that are necessary.  The picture of the finished project in our parent's heads many times isn't how we turn out at all.  As adults, it is our turn to redecorate and rearrange things to make the life that we dream of for ourselves.  Once we have grown up we then have to take responsibility for the maintenance of our lives.  At that point if we don't like the way we have turned out we have to step up and be the one that changes the floor plan.

I think if we aren't developing we are withering away.  Each day is another opportunity to learn something new, improve on the person we are, or help another person in some way.  I think that these are ways that we are always under construction.  Every day we are alive and able to do good deeds is a good day.  Allow yourself the opportunity to help others and when needed be helped by others as well.

As I closed today's blog, I want to ask for prayers for a local mother of two young sons who is battling for her life.  She has been an inspiration to many and has many close friends and family in the area that are all hurting as they witness her fight.  I hurt not only for her but for her boys, her parents and all that care so deeply for her.  They are all in my thoughts and prayers tonight.  I know there are many out there fighting this terrible fight.  Show those you love that you care, be the best you can be to yourself and those you love.  Be thankful for what you have and live each day as if it were your last.

Day 37 - Good Morning!

Day 37 - This picture was one that made me stop my van on the way to work because I just loved the colors of the sky at sunrise.  This is actually facing south so it isn't really of the sunrise, but the sky was just so pretty.  It was a good morning.  This time of year I consider any morning without anything frozen on the ground a good morning.  It was a wonderful spring morning.

Every morning the alarm goes off and the list of things that have to be accomplished starts rolling in the mind.  The tempting snooze button is right there so big and easy to touch to make the very annoying song of "Good Morning - Good Mooorning it's time to wake up now, good morning good morning to you!" stop playing.  If I take the first alarm I will have time to get up walk on the treadmill for a few minutes or go up and down my steps a few times before jumping into the shower..... but if I allow myself to touch that snooze button that is so inviting I can allow myself nine - yes nine more minutes of some of the best sleep of the entire night.  I'm not going to lie to you, and if you know me it won't be hard for you to figure out which is the norm for me.  Yep, snooze it is.  Todd always reminds me that if I just set the alarm for when I really need to get up we could both enjoy nine - yes nine more minutes of really good sleep, but there is always the chance that this morning is going to be one of my get up on time mornings, I refuse to give up the hope.

Anyway, whether I am walking, climbing or snoozing it has become my goal to first take time to give thanks for another day of life.  Then I give thanks for the fact that I do have a job, am healthy enough to go there.  I then give thanks for my family and friends and pray for their health and the health of those they love.  I didn't always do this, I used to just wake up, go through the motions and really not take the time to appreciate all that I do have.  I went through a good part of life being jealous for those that made more money, were thinner and prettier than I am, had the big houses and fancy cars and not even realizing how good I really had it.  After getting so sick back in 2007 and 2008 I made a promise that if I survived that illness that I would not take those things for granted again.  I realized that by being envious of all the things that I didn't have I had completely under-appreciated all that I did have.

Is my life perfect, no not by a long shot, but is is perfect for me, I really do believe it is pretty darn close.  Does this mean I won't dream of being in great shape, making more money, being debt free and having a newer vehicle?  No, those will still be thoughts, but before I am envious of those that seem to have so much more than I do, I will take inventory and realize just how lucky I am to have what I have.

So Good Morning/Afternoon/ or Evening to you.  Please take inventory, say thanks for what is there and work on what needs improved a little at a time.  Realize that sometimes those that seem to have it all together aren't any better put together than those of us that show our faults.  At least I am gonna believe that as I take my next nine - yes nine minute snooze.