Zippers, Bumps, and Bruises

I wrote about landing hard here:My hubby and I celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary last week. Yay us!! We enjoyed a dinner date and are taking a road trip to California to visit one of our daughters. We've also finally started going through boxes in the garage and are being ruthless in our “purging”. That dusty, light blue box containing my wedding dress has been stored and moved unopened to our first apartment, first rental, first home we built, the 

tri-level, the Cape Cod, the yellow house we built, our “white” house in Illinois and the rental we’re in on Fox Island. I thought it might be interesting to take a peek and maybe even try it on.

My youngest daughter and I unsealed the box and after pulling out a lot of blue tissue I proceeded with the “try on”. What made me think I would be able to zip my what was I thinking picking long-sleeves for a summer wedding in Indiana   dress?  I should have kept in mind that I have had four pregnancies, slacked off in my work-outs, gained ten pounds since I lost fifteen two years ago and aged thirty years. I've been growing... inside and out! I shuffled in to show my husband and thankfully he said I still looked beautiful.  I packed it away and will hang onto it in case one of my girls wants to borrow some of the lace someday. Or maybe I could have it re-made if we renew our vows in the future?...

Our thirty years as a couple has had its ups and downs but we’re still “walking” in love. We've learned that married life is a journey you take together, love is a decision, and expect the unexpected.   We are excited to join a team at our church that mentors engaged couples. We were rushing across the church parking lot last Monday night, late to our training meeting and I wasn't paying attention.  I tripped on the curb next to the handicapped ramp and fell flat on my face. Did I mention the parking lot was full of people who got quite a glimpse of me face down while my dress flew up and revealed my new shape wear?   I didn't really have a chance to be embarrassed or to cry because I was shocked and thankful not to have any broken bones or teeth. I just had bloody hands, chin & knee, and sore wrists and shoulders. My hands are black and blue from the bruises. I have had many klutzy falls through the years. http://learningjane.blogspot.com/2011/09/landing-hard.html

I tend to my wounds and apply fresh bandages, but I am healing.  Despite the fact that our marriage has sometimes been bumpy and included injuries and bruised hearts, we feel thankful and relatively healthy. We do our best to honor God and each other. We laugh together and pick each other up when we fall.

Those two much skinnier kids who took their vows on a hot, humid June day in Indiana back in 1983 had no idea what the future would hold and we still don’t.

We DO however now know WHO holds our future and that He’s right there helping us through our ups and downs. Now that’s something to celebrate!

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus." Romans 15:5

Have you tried on your wedding dress lately? Maybe your zipper will zip...

In His Grip, Jane

A note to my friends, family & occasional readers, I haven’t written many posts lately due to adjusting to my new work schedule and just not having anything I felt was worth sharing. God whispered that I should “get back to it” even if I don’t have a large audience. It is my goal that something I share will touch your heart. Please let me know if it does! I also hope to improve my layout as soon as I discover who can help me with that. Thanks and Blessings!

Where Have I Been? Part Two...

Most of the time I'm home in my little Harbor town enjoying a life of routine. Sometimes though, I get to escape the Northwest and roam to other places where I pretend I'm a travel and food blogger.

Last week I was enjoying 90+ degrees in sunny Scottsdale. I love to be a tag-along on my hubby's business trips when they're in Arizona. Growing up in Indiana I remember looking at pictures in my Grandparent's Sunset magazines. Who knew I would get the chance to fly to the desert once or twice a year as an adult!

There are so many things about the desert climate that I love. The palm trees, cactus plants and flowers are so pretty. I realize the rain makes Western Washington green, but the sun shines an average of 211 days a year in Phoenix vs. about 58 sunny days in Seattle. Summer clothes and sandals are so much more fun than jackets, Fleece and Wellies.

This trip we stayed at the Montelucia Resort & Spa. It had a Mediterranean feel with three dining options and pools. While Mr. C. was in his meetings, I kept busy reading, lounging in the "adults only" pool, going to the on-site gym or visiting some of my favorite outdoor malls.

Each night we tried delicious ethnic foods and here are two examples of what compelled me to hit the treadmill each morning: cheese fondue, and Sopapillas with honey and Margaritas at Salty Senorita's.

 

Our last night we drove up to the mountainside Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs to enjoy the view of Phoenix at sunset.

This travel-lover is a Midwest girl transplanted to the Northwest who loves the heat of the south. Indianapolis, Chicago and Scottsdale are ALL my kind of towns, but HOME is where my friends, church, job and family are. No matter where I roam, I'll keep returning to the Harbor. The island where I live and the smiling faces of my kids are my very favorite sights to see.

Thank you for allowing me to share my latest travels with you! 

In His Grip, Jane

Where Have I Been?

Happy Memorial Day from Sydney and the rest of the Clan on Carver Corner! God Bless America!

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my bible study topic this week is on the world competing for my attention, considering I've missed church every weekend this month due to my travels and busy schedule. The month of May is almost over and I haven’t sat down once in front of my dying H.P. laptop to write.

I've been going places: Spokane to spend Easter with our littles, the store where I work, Indianapolis, Chicago, work, bible study, Scottsdale, the store, my laundry room…You get the idea. I haven’t really been home or I've just had my I-pad which I haven’t figured out how to post a blog on it. Sydney has been left twice and she has missed her Mama!

I've spent my month doing some of the things I love most; seeing family, going to some of my favorite states, restaurants and stores, soaking up the sun and helping at the baby boutique where I work. It will take a couple posts to give you a glimpse of my month of joyful experiences and some of the reasons I need to get back to healthy eating and consistent exercise:

We went to Spokane to go to church on Easter with our two youngest. Afterwards we drove to Coeur 'd alene, Idaho to enjoy a fabulous brunch.

I flew back to Indiana to spend time with my Mom and sisters. We had fun going through lots of old family photos. Of course I had to enjoy a tenderloin at Muldoon's Pub-it's a Hoosier tradition!

Chicago was next on my Midwest get-away. I took the Mega Bus into the city to join Mr. C. and see my oldest and his wife. While my hubby attended his work conference I had important exploring to do on Michigan Avenue. Of course we had to have a deep dish Chicago-style pizza while we were there and we saw  the Great Gatsby at a retro theater near the kid's apartment. We ended our trip with a Mother's Day brunch at Dick's Last Resort overlooking the Chicago River.

When I returned home I spent several days hard at "work" at the baby boutique, Charlie Barnes. Don't you wish you had my job?

I

My busy May, to be continued...

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

In His Grip, Jane

What Do You Reach For First?

It’s morning. What do you reach for first?

I love my morning coffee. As soon as I take my vitamins I need my coffee. Starbucks or Tully's please. Dark roast with a bit of half and half and sugar in the raw.

Sydney my dog prefers grass. Yep. Many mornings she’ll skip her bowl of Little Bites and wait until I take her on a walk so she can nibble around the neighborhood. Perhaps she feels the need for more fiber? Maybe she thinks it will give her fresh breath? Does grass give her the same “kick” that caffeine gives me?...

Considering we live in Washington State, where marijuana is legal, maybe the grass makes her feel a bit like the kind sold in a little place in Tacoma I noticed the other night. I now know a new vocabulary word!

As I sip my morning cup I reach for my two favorite devotionals; Streams in the Desert  and Jesus Calling. Even if I don’t have make time to do my bible study first thing, I always need to read my devotionals. They always seem written just for me.  God’s word and promises help me begin my day in the mind-set that He is in charge of my day and He will be with me.

Sydney is anxiously waiting for her walk and the sun is shining, so I’d better go tie my shoes on. I anticipate looking at Mt. Rainier as much as my puppy dog anticipates her grass.

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you." Psalm 143:8

For those days when it’s pouring and I just don’t feel like walking her, perhaps I might introduce her to an indoor version of “Grass” that our store, Charlie Barnes sells...

What do you reach for first?

In His Grip, jane

Sending Love

It is hard to fathom what happened in Boston yesterday and I join our nation in praying for all those affected.

In His Grip, jane

I Need Reminders

I see and labeled Sydney as my baby. Then she reminds me, she’s a dog…

Most of Sydney’s belongings, (her treats, bowls, and her food can) are all labeled as if she can read. Well, apparently she isn't learning her phonics. The other night while I was gone she dug in my tote bag hoping for chocolate and found honey & lemon cough drops instead. They did not agree with her digestive system and the bonus room carpet suffered the consequences. Even though my dear friend loaned me her Spot Bot (thanks Tonja!)  it did not removed the stains…Time to call the professional carpet cleaner again!

Labels can be a good thing when used in a classroom or for organizing. My Dymo Tag label-maker is one of my favorite organizational tools. Labels for people however, aren't always helpful or accurate. 

What if you or I are mislabeled and people keep rooting around trying to find the evidence that you are what others have named you to be?

Are you known as the smart one, the funny one, the pretty one or maybe the shy one?  Who gets to decide what your label is? How long will the label last?

Last weekend, instead of serving in my comfort areas of hospitality or the prayer team at our Women’s Retreat, our group needed someone else on the “fun team”. My new label was one of the “Fun Commanders”. 

Despite forgetting some of my lines and thanks to my teammate’s talent, the women laughed and seemed to have fun. Some women who had “labeled” my friend as quiet and shy were surprised when she didn't seem at all like the label she’d been given.

Yesterday a group from our church left our safe little Harbor town and headed to Guatemala for a mission trip.  The people of Guatemala won’t care what their “labels” are in our community; they will just know that these men, women and even two children came to love and serve them.

Sometimes God takes us out of our usual comfort zones and lets us try on a new label.

Lessons Learned:

1.       Store my tote bag up high.

2.       My phonics teaching skills are never going to help my dog learn to read.

3.       All the labels we have been given over the years don’t really matter. Jesus ignores our man-given labels and reminds us who we are in Him.

I love the song by Jason Gray called, Remind Me Who I Am.  Check it out on You Tube.

Have a great weekend friends and join me in praying for our Chapel Hill Guatemala Mission team this week.

In His Grip, jane

Then and Now

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Have you ever thought back to things about your childhood that are still true today? Times change, and technology changes, but despite the increased number of birthday candles on our cakes we’re still that little girl who God treasures. He created us and he knows the desires of our hearts. God patiently allows us to grow up in our faith and learn how to use our passions and gifts.

I've grown up a lot since I was in Kindergarten and first grade. That’s probably a good thing, since it was 48 years ago! Really?... I’m that old?! I don’t feel old and I certainly don’t usually act old. My oldest sister is having a milestone birthday today; the big 6-0. Now that’s old! (Love you Ann, Happy Birthday!)

Here are some facts about me that haven’t changed much in 40+ years...

·         Then: I was easily embarrassed- I vividly remember trying to hide my head in my desk when I was scolded by my 1^st grade teacher.

Now: When I screw up or am aware of mistakes I want to hide.

·         Then: In kindergarten I was on the teeter/totter and my “partner” on the other end wouldn’t let me down…I was SO scared! I also got trapped climbing a tree once and had to be rescued.

Now: I am SO afraid of heights and falling! No roller coasters or gondolas for me!

·         Then: I always tried to be a good girl and please my teachers. (If I didn’t, the word would get back to my Mom!)

Now: Still a recovering people-pleaser, but am now trying to remember my goal is to please God.

·         Then: I had an accident in 1^st grade requiring my Mom to deliver fresh panties, a change of clothes and a hug.

Now: Occasionally wish I was wearing Depends.  When I sneeze I usually cross my legs…

·         Then: In my childhood diary it states that pink and purple were my favorite colors.

Now: I still LOVE purple and like pink, but have added Aqua to the list of color favorites.

·         Then: My hair was always cut in a pixie by my neighbor who had a salon in her home.

Now: My hair hasn’t been short since my parents finally said I could grow it out in 4^th grade. I still get it styled by a friend in her home-salon.

·         Then: I loved books and imagining. (I learned with the Dick and Jane series of course!)

Now: I get to belong to a book club, read on my Kindle and imagine my dream house and vacation on Pinterest!

·         Then: I enjoyed playtime with friends.

Now: My friends are SO important! I meet friends for meals or girl’s night out, spend time praying and studying God’s word with them, and keep up with far-away friends on Facebook.

·         Then: I always played with dolls.

Now: I was blessed with four children to dress and love. God also knows my love of babies and the excitement of expectant Mommies. Not only do I get to hang out and encourage young mothers as a Mops Mentor at our church, but I get to “work” part-time at Charlie Barnes, a baby & kids boutique. (I can’t call it “work” since I’m having so much fun!)

Then…the disciples of Jesus watched in horror as he died on the cross.

Now…We know the story wasn't over and Easter morning is coming!

Our God never changes. This weekend we are given the opportunity to look back and look forward as we celebrate the gift of life given by the death and resurrection of his son Jesus, if we believe.

To all the other grown-up-little-girls: may you experience the joy of knowing and believing in the living God and have a very Happy Easter with your families.

In His Grip, jane