Scrap Book

Puppy Love
China Doll attended gymnastic camp at State College~
A sad day~ Coach Yuriy was given a good-bye party after years of coaching the Hanover team.

Yuriy returned to Russia. He was genuinely missed.
China Doll began a sport career that changed our lively hood. We all ate, breathed, slept and rode the gymnastic life for a few years. Apple Cheeks practically grew up in the gym or hotel rooms, and had plenty of new "sisters" that gave her tons of attention. A team of 12 sisters. Olympic bound maybe not.....but our oldest daughter had a natural ability to achieve the skills needed for this hard grueling sport. We traveled on weekends for meets- we met new friends- we spent a lot of money- she practiced 20+ hours a week (not including floor choreography) - we smelled scholarship????????

After an emotional decision- China Doll placed her grips and leo's on a shelf in her bedroom....walked away from the sport of gymnastics 2 weeks before the first meet of a new level season. Did I want to pull her hair out- yes. It took us some time to absorb her decision- anyone who has a son or daughter in this sport knows the hours and financial commitments behind gymnastics. Need I go on?

After learning the "true" reason behind China Dolls decision to quit- we knew of more important skills to work on now besides kips or a salto.

One of these days as parents of a teenage girl~ we will finally "stick it"!

*Apple Cheeks celebrating her 2nd Christmas
A Buddhist Nun visiting from Japan meeting China Doll. Two very separate countries come together.
April 2007 my little business officially opened to the public. This is Jeanne....she is a very close family friend.....my garden mentor.....my sign maker......a designer for my business.....and one of the sweetest people on earth!

Jeopardy

January, February,March,April.....May. By the end of May, we begin to find ourselves getting involved in activities or events at this new facility - called church. I'm open for discussion- but please tread lightly because I'm not even in the "newbie" stage- I'm in the "learning stages" of christianity.

We attend MLL which is a night out for married couples held directly in the auditorium- it's SNL "cleaned up" some. But in very good taste and I must say the performers are quite talented! The music is awesome and the crowd is just as fun. There are skits about marital spoofs, politics, sex and usually a guest speaker who finds a remarkable way to not bore the pants off of me. Football Superstar and I are pretty taken back that a "church" even has such an event.

By now- I should be aware that this just ain't the run of the mill church. For me....it's like college - again.

Because.... for me- I've been away from my "birth" religion for years. Catholicism.

Only those who attended Catholic schools and churches are able to "get it". Not all Catholic churches are exactly the same....but chances are you will find rituals of mass very similar.

We Catholics have been taught strict codes- the only religion that is "true"- other denominations don't have it "quite right". The hard part for me is letting go of what was engrained in my young mind.

For 4 months I sit and listen to a man who wears casual clothing, mostly jeans and speaks of his past life- a life not so squeaky clean. A man who is real. A man who is full of hope for his church. I like this man. He's educating me- deeply giving me an entire new perspective on christianity. But can he change my mind on Christians?

Are you a Christian? - I'm asked. Why....are you? I didn't say that...but I wanted so badly to ask what's it to ya.

I was born and raised Catholic- you know us Catholics are in a league of our own.

OOOOOhhhhh- so are you still a Catholic? No...I'm a Buddhist. Wow- I think her eyes just popped out of her head.

Here was my problem.

Why did it matter how long you were a believer? My understanding is this: it is not the TIME of how long you are a believer- it's that you are a believer. And one who walks with Christ- all the time not when it's convenient. That's it....a convenient christian. I had this category- those who fit into the "CC".

And if you were such a believer....a Christ follower.....a Christian- why would you be strangling me with how long you've been "it". And why do you feel it's necessary to inform me of what I need to do. When I just saw you a week ago- and that wasn't your wife.

MMmmm-mmm. This is where my baptist lady comes in....head shakin', arms flappin' with an echo of uuhh-uhh-uhh, no you just didn't.

I needed to stay clear out of the path of the CC population. I'm frustrated- and I whine to Football Superstar. As he informs me there are a few number of CC's that surround him during his daily business transactions, I'm to turn my back politely and remember what Pastor S* just spoke of at the last service. How is he doing this....because I'm about to spit out some major marbles- directing them at eye level

This is the politics of church/religion I do not like.

Buddhism was simple....and for the most part...those who follow Buddha rarely boast of how long they have been, well......a follower.

I know what I need and I need to get it soon.

Eva mentions Alpha. A class that covers many areas of Christianity- God- history- doubts- the bible- for non-believers or believers- no strings attached. Okay- sign me up.

Football Superstar and I begin the 10 week class. Eva is a facilitator - but we are not placed at her table We watch a video presented by Vicar -Nicky Gumble.

We are seated with 8 other adults. We are from all walks of life. All have different views on global religion- christianity and politics. Damn, here we go.....politics.

Erasing the political views was very easy because we all respected one another as we spoke.

Yeah, I'm a talker, but I had no idea what the heck I was talking about. So, when our table facilitator would ask my opinion- I would scrunch my face up and pass. I just didn't want to offend any believers at my table....or get kicked out of class. laughing

I find myself having the same views with another woman at my table. I found S looking over at me, or I would glance over at her with my mouth open wide- ready to spit out what she was thinking. It took a few weeks before I did. Football Superstar began to speak. And why does the commercial- when EF Hutton speaks...everyone listens comes to my mind?

He's quoting, he gives an opinion, he blurts out a scripture and it's meaning. WHAT?

Where the heck did this come from?

There was another table mate- a man who had bible knowledge,a level of intellect- another Football Superstar. This was getting fun....but I am also getting slightly intimidated.

I know nothing about the New Testament. My childhood bible was in Latin. And I only remember the Old Testament.

By the time our 5th week rolled around, I find myself opening up. No more intimidation.

I feel confident to disagree or agree. Our table mates are becoming our friends.

We share so much of our past and present time that I finally see the new meaning of Christian". And I am not alone in this journey. Nor was I alone in the CC issue. My now new friend S tells me of her encounters with CC's. Her husband tells us of his co-workers and their "comic relief" hour - after he informs them of his Alpha class. People are cruel- no matter what we choose to do in our lives. If we share with them- if we dare share with them what is taking place in our lives. I do not have a tolerance for cruelty- I never will understand it.

During this time of my Alpha class- there was a lot running through my wee mind.

Tons. So much that it kept me up at night. Reading and researching. Asking mega questions to Pastor S* during class, after class, e-mails, grabbing him after service on Sundays.

I'm surprised he didn't get a restrainer order against me!

I was like a mad scientist that needed "answers".

Sometimes I would think of myself participating on Jeopardy.

"I'll take Christianity for $500, Alex" - in my snappy tone.

As Alex Trebek begins to read the answer......another contestant pushes her hand held button and states "What is Zechariah 9:9". She just won $500.

My belief is not in jeopardy- but my journey is one that I sometimes struggle to venture on.

My 10 week course is not over yet-(2009) and I know there will be other classes or courses to take -for me. But on a good note- this professor of LW has my attention which is huge.

His assistants have my attention as well. So far....no one lost me- well, I'm still there in body, my mind needs a jolt now and then.

To be continued.........

Life Lesson: Send Football Superstar to Jeopardy- will win $1,000's!

Peace&Love,

Lis

Losing my religion

Life. The Art of Living. Zen. Soul Searching. Optimism. Racism. Pursuit of Happiness.

There are books and movies for every inch and square corner of our lives.

If I wanted to transform myself into a butterfly or learn to live with wolves, I can do it with a click of my computer mouse or a book from Borders.

I've done it. I've tried them - not all of them- but some good "reads" out there.

I am not a soul searcher by name. I have walked the art of living path.

And....I have walked the pain and hatred path. I rode a horse looking for the "Pursuit of Happiness" trail.

These trails, paths, coffee shop books and zen style teachings lasted for awhile....but not long enough to keep my fuel tank filled enough. Enough is the key word here.

As my happy life continued with my marriage and children- there was something missing.

Like the old skeleton keys that I collected- they all fit the old worn locks but sooner or later something else will break into your soul. I'm sure that babble just made no sense to my readers

*******

Football Superstar and I talked "religion" one evening. Unexpected to say the least. We talked about the kids, the foundation of religion they really do not have. The "eduction" of religion. Christianity After all, giving our children the foundation will give them a better understanding when they become adults. Unlike my education on religion....where my belief was born out of fear. Or just because I was a good Catholic girl who did what she was told?

I had a lot to say about this decision. If we and thats a huge if we were going to start attending a church "for the kids" then I want to make sure there are the following:

1. No church politics

2. No gossiping women ....what's she wearing?

3. No church politics

4. No confession boxes

5. I will not join the choir

6. NO church politcs

7. Don't preach to me if you are not the pastor or minister

8. Did I already say no church politics? Yeah...I did...and yes I am a Democrat!

Okay then....where do we go? A small community church? A Methodist church? A Southern Baptist church? hey, been there and they are fun! A contemporary church. no, hear they are like cults

So we begin our "shopping". We visit. And we leave. I either fell asleep or I was under dressed.

Geez, this is hard. I want and demand diversity! What....no people of color in Hanover???? There's a small Mexican Catholic church in Oxford we can attend. no Catholic churches remember

Football Superstar surprises me with the religious knowledge he apparently had hidden in his boxers. ? where is this knowledge coming from honey? Thought you didn't believe? Or you were Agnostic? Or was he in the; I'm -in-the-process- of-analyzing-and-reading-researching-and studying phase?

Where I'm in the; needing-my-incense-and buddha loves peace-and there better not be any guilt trip -I'll stare your "Oriental daughter" down stage. PS: she's Asian not an oriental carpet you idiot.

Phew! Thank goodness Eva comes to the rescue because another field trip like this and I was about to call it quits.

Eva and I were on the phone when I was babbling and huffing about this church shopping. As she calmly informed me that shopping was the best thing for us to do. We shouldn't just grab any church for the sake of "attending church".

Now, I have heard this statement from other people from time to time. "I think we'll go to church....it'll do us some good". Oh, like I need to lose 10 pounds....it'll do me some good.

Eva invites us to visit her church- some Sunday. Not any particular Sunday- only extends the invite. Sweet and gentle words. No pressure.

Now...how great would that be, because I LOVE MY EVA and being with her every Sunday would be nice.

But what are the chances of us really liking this church? It's contemporary. It's open denomination. It's large.

It's known for the large gathering of friendly happy people. I've heard rumors about this church. And so has Football Superstar. One rumor in particular is that it's only for rich people. laughing, I know Eva would laugh too

Another rumor...it's cult like. Like the bad cult from the 60's cult? Geez...can't picture my Eva attending a Charles Manson like......church?

Let's go.....we'll visit and see what this church is like.

Why is everyone smiling at me???? What? They are taking their coffee cups in the.....the....auditorium.

Jeans...some folks have on jeans. Again, what's with the smiles....come on people what is in your coffee?

What is that music? Is there a rock concert and we forgot to purchase tickets? Holy toledo the band is good!

Where is the holy water? Oh, yeah...they would need bins of it for a service of 800 people

I'm the only person forming the sign-of-the-cross after hearing a prayer - sinking in chair...sinking in chair. Hey, at least I remembered how to do it!

Who's this guy? Why does he have jeans on? He's the....the...Pastor?????????? What's up with that?

We went back for more.

Life Lesson: Don't judge a book by its cover and do not listen to idle gossip!

Peace&Love,

Lis

Scrap Book

Godparents* Eva&Doug
Auntie Gracie & Uncle Kevin
Pop Pop
Grandpa Ice Cream

Aunt Lisa & "Pen Pal Uncle" Sheldon
Heidi- Mae the Nanny
Apple Cheeks with Sam *Flock of Seagulls hairstyle!
Where have I seen this before? Oh, yes Pop Pop! *4/17 post
We stole this from Williamsburg- it now sits in our backyard
Pool time

Almost up to date with This and That.

I"m almost up to date here!

Apple Cheeks was born July 19th, 2006.

And thanks again to a spectacular team of players- my recovery went well. Minus a few issues upstairs in the recovery wing of the hospital. One, having the nurse from you know where. She tried every trick in her book to intimidate me.....and it would have worked if not for Football Superstar! He stayed with us the entire time while Apple Cheeks and I stayed in the hospital.

China Doll and Freckle Boy came to visit daily. They would go to the pool with Grandma- Mrs. Ice Cream and pop in to visit us bringing an armful of goodies for me to snack on. Soggy soft pretzels from the pool snack bar.....or a chocolate chip cookie that was made on July 19, 2004. ? hopefully the cookie wasn't that old...but it certainly didn't taste fresh! I know...it was the thought of love that counted!

Apple Cheeks had plenty of visitors during our stay at the hospital. My father/Pop Pop, aunts and uncles, friends and cousins.

My mother wasn't able to meet Apple Cheeks until we arrived home. And my father-in-law, Mr. Ice Cream wasn't able to either....he was ill and in the hospital months prior to learning of our newest news.

But shortly after arriving home, Apple Cheek's other grandparents who were anxious to meet, hug and love her finally had their chance.

Our household was busy for weeks.....we had non-stop company. I don't think I ever felt this popular since I brought China Doll home from China! laughing!

Heidi Mae and Sam bonded with Apple Cheeks almost immediately. Sir Clementine could have cared less. "Feed me and leave me be"....that was his motto.

Heidi began to bond the most with Apple Cheeks. well, it's probably because she moves around more- Sam prefers to find a nice spot and sleep - but he did admire this squeaky little bundle of joy!

Apple Cheeks would look for this oversized stuffed animal named Heidi. She would follow the clicking sound of the dogs nails on the wood floor as she would pace.....listen for the barks or whines......listen for the sniffing sound around her tiny little toes.

Apple Cheeks would let out a loud squeaky laugh whenever Heidi sniffed her tiny toes, always ending up with a case of the hick-ups due to her entertainment. This was the beginning of a very tight bond....one that I've seen before. China Doll and our Aurelia. Aurelia would sleep under China Dolls crib....and became my "baby monitor" when even the smallest sign of my little Chinese wonder stirred in her crib.

Heidi was becoming my four legged Nanny. I know...I know....those readers who are not animal lovers may feel I'm nuts, yeah, I am....but I am a firm believer than animals tune into us humans- when we allow them too.

If I was cleaning or attacking laundry- Heidi would tune into the baby monitor before I would hear a peep. She would stand at the bottom of the second floor stairway and look at the door.....look at me....back at the door....then bark. Nine times out of ten, Apple Cheeks would be awake head poking up like a little bird looking for her friend. Or a meal.

Snuggle time usually consisted of me and Apple Cheeks and Heidi. No, not both on my lap. Heidi at my feet as I rocked Apple Cheeks. This normally "Nervous Nelly" of a dog- became a calm female warrior. The natural instinct of her breed brought many memories back to me of another four legged Nanny I once had the pleasure to live with.

What is this dog thinking? Why does she look at my baby in such a way? She can't see in color.....she can't "do" anything for this little baby as she would a puppy.....she can't even play with this little baby girl, so what is going thru this K-9 brain of hers?

If God created such a creature- what did He give them in order to create such a bond with a human?

this is me thinking out loud- it's really not a question

Or was this mans doing? The German general who bred the first German Shepherd Dog. The noble, intelligent and protective breed. Did he give this dog- who is generations after generations after generations bred down from the highest of all nobel breeds the "gift" of __________?

again, thinking out loud

This post wasn't to be all about Heidi Mae's Flash of New York State. It was about a tiny little baby girl who glistened when a large and loud dog came into view.

Months later, as Apple Cheeks begins to crawl and explore....it wasn't only our family members who trotted after her it was Heidi. Protectively placing her body in between a little body and a door way. This dog was NEVER trained...how the heck she know to do that???? We can't even get Heidi to stop eating cat food, how did she get so darn smart? I always say to Football Superstar- it's because she was born in New York! ha ha ha ha ha! Yeah, okay be real Lis.

What ever it is....this bond continues to grow and grow. I share things with Eva....and my doggy lovin' friends and family.

If anything, it's the coolest of moments to watch. Video and pictures to share with Apple Cheeks when she gets older.

And right now...as I type this- Apple Cheeks is sitting at her table coloring a picture for Pop Pop- while Heidi sits right by her little toes.

Sir Clementine passed away a year ago. I missed having a cat sitting on our window sill. But I didn't want to rush out and adopt one or even pick up a "free kitten" from a farmer.

One day I noticed a Maine Coon rescue page and there was an adult male in need of a good home. I was a day too late- he was adopted. Sharon has a Maine Coon and Baxter is a gorgeous cat- and sweet.

I decided to wait and contact the Humane Society. And this is where we found and fell in love with our newest addition- September Moon. Thank you Football Superstar for my sweet cuddly gift!

So now our household is made up of 5 humans and 3 furbabies. It's busy, and chaotic and you may find large hair balls floating across the creeky pine floor or trip over a squeaky toy or maybe sit on a miniature doll house accessory. But it's our fun chaotic home- filled with kids, critters, love and a dash of humor. We are real. We have teens now and one toddler. I have a lot of chocolate - it helps me deal with my teens! ha ha ha!!!!

We are on a journey....... together.

It's This and That which helps me to be thankful.

Life Lesson: Stay on the path.....

Peace&Love,

Lis