So We Went to Disneyland… May 14, 2008

And we had a great time together. A highlight of this trip was that my mom came along with us. All four kids love Grandma, and it was delightful to have her. She is an adventurous grandma, and went on many of the big rides with us, including California Screamin’ and The Maliboomer. One of the kids’ favorite rides was Mulholland Madness, which was also in California Adventure.

Over in Disneyland, we also had a great time. In this park, there were many rides which Noah could enjoy, too. Some that he was able to enjoy were The Mad Tea Party, Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters, and Jungle Cruise. All four kids loved the classic flying ride Dumbo, too.

One evening we took the time to watch the film Disneyland, The First 50 Years. In it, Walt Disney discusses the time he took his young daughter to a park to ride on a carousel. He put her on, and then sat on a bench eating peanuts. While he was sitting there, it occurred to him that it would be delightful to have an amusement park where parents and children could play together. The idea for Disneyland was born, and that vision of family playing together certainly was fulfilled. So many rides and shows are designed for children of any age to enjoy.

The Family Gathering and the Ballerina April 30, 2008

This past weekend I had more going on than gardening. We hosted a family get-together for my dad’s side of the family. This was very meaningful for several reasons. While I was in high school, my parents divorced. As sometimes happens, this ultimately meant that my sister and I disconnected from my dad’s side of the family. There were a variety of factors, hurtful words, hurting hearts, and a lack of communication by my dad to me and my sister about that side of the family led to us not seeing them or talking to them for years on end. In fact, in the past five years, I have seen that side of the family three times: twice for funerals and once for a golden wedding anniversary celebration.

As I have gotten older and more removed from that hurtful time in my life, God has brought healing and perspective to my heart. I have found myself longing to reconnect with this family that was a regular part of my daily life as a child. So…we decided to host this gathering. I am so glad we decided to do this! Not everyone was able to come, but a good chunk did. There were lots of cousins running around playing tag, hunting tadpoles, and laughing together. We sat on the patio and visited for hours. I saw my mom talk with my dad’s little sister-and hug her! Hearts reconnected. It was lovely!

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On Sunday after church, Caitey was on her way to being a guest dancer in a local production of Cinderella. We have been attending rehearsals for the past 6 weeks and Sunday was Caitey’s premiere. She was a lovely little dragonfly flitting about the stage for a whole 20 seconds. She was glowing the entire time she was on stage. Although I have waffled about the expense and time investment, I have to say that she was so doggone cute I find myself wanting to purchase the dvd of the production. I only got a picture of her in her costume on my camera phone, but you will have to trust me that she looked adorable. Her hair was in two little buns (a la Princess Leia) with a little headband that had tiny antennae, and she wore a periwinkle long sleeved leotard and glittering dragonfly wings. She has an additional performance this upcoming weekend, and I will try to get a picture of her, at least with her makeup and hair (we don’t get to keep the costumes).

Happy Wednesday!

With A Heavy Heart-July 20, 2005 March 17, 2008

My dear nephews are visiting us for the week. Their parents are divorcing, and my heart is breaking. Since these boys have arrived we have seen them

-flinch, expecting to get hit when in trouble

-cling to my dh, needing attention from a man

-seem at a loss, not knowing where they belong.

 

Sadly, they aren’t connected to any kind of church body, so there is no support coming from any local believers. My oldest nephew is getting his “comfort” from horrible groups like Green Day and Blink 182. My heart is breaking as I know there will be no comfort, healing, or peace without Jesus, from whom these boys desperately need a fresh touch. I know He is longing to hold them in their sadness. It is my prayer that somehow God will use us, just in this short week, to be His hands and feet for these boys He so loves.

 

I hate divorce! It promises freedom, fun, and peace, but only brings hurt, bondage to sin, and anger. Lord, please somehow use these circumstances to your glory.

 

-Nancy