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Summer Shapes Up

Right after school got out, the kids and I made a list of what we wanted to do with our summer. Eli and Andi had lots of ideas right away. They passed a notebook back and forth and wrote down the list:

-go to Oceans of Fun

-play with William

-have the garden give us dinner

-make new friends at the pool

-have a sleepover at our house with Duke and Lena

-ride the 48in rides at Worlds of Fun

-win a swim meet

-do lots of water things

-play at GG’s

-doing art

-playing at friends’ houses

-Everyday we will:

  • cheer on someone else
  • poop
  • spend 90 minutes in “room time”- quiet play, reading, rest time- using “my OWN room” for all it’s worth!
  • get 30 minutes of electronics time (most days)
  • Thursdays: we will do some home school together in the afternoons

Around Memorial Day, we had noticed the kids’ demeanor’s dipping into negativity. Each espoused some entitlement or discouragement- selling themselves or some experience short. We also heard their language getting dirty- literally. Repeatedly, they would talk of poop/pee/butts or spell out “bad words” I prayed, thought about, searched for and talked to Drew about having a scripture spoken over our summer. I wanted to be a good mom, not overwhelmed or stressed out. I wanted summer at home to feed my kids health and wholeness. We wanted them to control their thought life even at this age.  In the end, we laid out that we would add,

  • Be shaped by Philippians 4:4 and 8  to the summer list! In the Message translation, it reads.

“Celebrate God ALL DAY every day. Make it as clear as you can to everyone you meet, that you’re on their side, working with them, not against them…Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”

I’m finally documenting the list about a month into summer, and am excited to report we have accomplished some of our aims- collectively or individually.

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Game face, good food.

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This guy has mastered a great dive!

Andi especially has blossomed on the swim team. She has made a lot of little girl friends and tackles the challenges of her assigned swims. She is strong and courageous, sweet, and getting more and more tan and well-read each day.

Eli has absolutely no fear of anything high, dangerous, spinney, or fast. His trips to Worlds and Ocean’s of Fun with GG have given him ample opportunity for thrills and excitement. He has devoured books and news about the World Cup in the newspaper- keeping that busy brain at work.

Oakley didn’t contribute to the list but has brought lots of joy and smiles to our summer. He is talking with intelligible words and babbling sentences. He put his first sentence together to say, “Shoot ball” and spends most of the days shooting hoops, kicking soccer balls, or tossing beach balls. He loves his “waters”, the water table toy from Maama for Christmas, and overachieves by taking wonderful 3 hour naps during his 90 minutes of room time!

Our garden is growing! What was dirt and weeds and seeds is now tall stalks and big leaves and green fruits! We have tomatoes on the tomato plants and tiny squashes and peppers popping up! photo 4 (12)photo 3 (15)

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Oakley squats for water play

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All the blueberries Oakley picked went into his mouth, not a bucket!

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Andi went with Grandpa and Drew for the Father’s Day weekend driving range trip

We of course added the arcade without even dreaming it up on the list. Our friend Melissa bought a house nearby with blueberry bushes we got to pick from last week. We’ve been able to help Laura and James with some home remodeling and Geeg and Pops with their move. We’ve laid low at home and hosted guests. I’ve started a new summer job of coaching a couple women in 1:1 Crossfit classes. Drew has started the drywall repairs of the holes in the wall and ceiling with great motivation and skill. He works all day and then comes home with energy to play with kids, mow the lawn or mud a ceiling! I’m married to a good one. We’re each getting better at fixing bikes and enjoying the kid’s ability to get places on two wheels!

Their arcade employee shirts!

Their arcade employee shirts!

It’s been a great summer so far. We’re looking forward to a Henke Family reunion here over the 4th of July weekend, an anniversary trip for our 10 years of marriage to Michigan July 7-12th, and four weekends in a row in late July and early August where we just do mostly NOTHING but stay home and hang out! And maybe,  hopefully, scrape popcorn ceiling and eat lots of tomatoes!

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Weekend Hash

A “hash” is a culinary dish comprised of a slew of ingredients in a tossed together, baked for flavor and texture maturation, yummy sort of way. In the Paleo/Clean Eating world, I’ve come to enjoy a Tex-Mex breakfast Hash and a Sweet Potato/Green Apple Hash. You gather the ingredients, cut, chop, spice and mix. It’s layery and mixy and comes out delish.

Today, I’m taking the blog into the kitchen, but not really.

Here’s my recipe for an excellent Memorial Day Weekend Hash- the ingredients and mixing instructions to cook up a really great holiday weekend in May.

This past weekend was our 3rd such weekend in 3 years, so I feel I will not lead you astray.

Feel very free to nuance the following to your own tastes.

Ingredients:

  • family (immediate, extended, and best of all- someone you love who has come from out of town- this year, we had our Maama)
  • friends (any! many! or few!)
  • some planned things, some space for spontaneity (loved having Sollars (sans Dustin) over for spontaneous Friday night dinner on our deck!)
  • equal parts tradition and trying something new (this goes for both the food/drinks consumed and activities planned)
  • a challenging bit of physical fitness (bike, hike, enter a race, or our style: complete the Crossfit Hero WOD: Murph)
  • pool time
  • grilled goodies– brats, dogs, burgers, veggies
  • eating outside
  • watermelon– cut up and cold
  • some time to get something done around your house– with a set stopping point to enjoy the 3 activities listed just above
  • a patriotic pause– engaging in the meaning of the day- to remember, thank, and honor those who have and continue to serve.
  • rest and relaxation

Compile all ingredients. Mix together over 3 days- Friday-Sunday. Enjoy every bit.

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Fireworks at Celebration at the Station- patriotic pause, tradition…simply awesome.

We went to church on Sunday which covered family, friends, and traditions. Oakley climbed atop the sign for the first time- something new.

We went to church on Sunday which covered family, friends, and traditions. Oakley climbed atop the sign for the first time- something new.

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Something new, family, relaxation: We took our kids to Celebration at the Station this year. Here’s E at the instrument petting zoo.

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Celebration at the Station continued: Traditional food- pulled pork and orzo salad- Laura is an amazing hostess at this event! New additions of Mom and Jim and Jan who each added fun and good food to the party!

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Andi spent the first night of the weekend with our new neighbor, 12 year old Maya who can play the flute. New friends, spontaneous flute concert. Good times.

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Oaks climbed the stairs of the lawn at the Liberty Memorial (physical fitness pursuit) and ate his watermelon, pork and “chips” -his new favorite word!- outside at the Celebration. He was totally engaged and happy the whole time after enjoying a 4 hour nap (rest…check!)

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Family visits and snuggles. Oakley’s first fireworks. On Maama’s lap. Laura’s baby enjoyed them as well- on the inside!

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The movie shows Andi riding her bike on 2 wheels! Her spontaneous, physical fitness challenge of something brand new! Way to go balanced Sister Soo!

 

Woes and Wins

This might be the last post about the move, moving process, and new house. Or perhaps not. A completely new place to call home (which is actually a pretty OLD place with sneaky surprises, quirky noises, odd smells, and quaint uniqueness) impacts about every part of our lives at this point.

We’ve lived in our new house for 12 days. Our stuff has been here for 19 days but our bodies and a few suitcases, left after 4 days of living here, for a much needed, and previously planned and paid for vacation to Park City, Utah.

My mom invited her four children, and their families, to celebrate her 60th birthday by gathering in a place we’ve never been before with opportunities for connection and fun. Park City in late April was perfect. Surrounded by mountains on every side, bathed in 73 degree sunshine, spread out in an awesome condo, and playing, hot tubbing, and conversing with siblings we don’t see nearly enough, Park City was wonderful. We got to tour the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics sites and the Tabernacle. We shopped and wandered. My kids were loved on by aunts and uncles. Most of all, we celebrated my mom for her 60 years of life lived with love, deliberation, hospitality, conviction, hard work, strong traditions, deep faith, and so much service.

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I loved being away from the new house chaos for a few days. Right before we left, things got a little exciting.

 

 

 

 

 

Literally, and I mean literally, right after I hit send on the previous post about how awesome our new house was two weeks ago, I heard a drip of water drop on the kitchen table next to my computer. I looked up and saw a giant yellowed stain on the ceiling. Best I could guess, there was water coming from the master bathroom somehow. We called the plumber who did some repairs for the seller in the inspection negotiations, and he came out by 7pm. He cut the kitchen ceiling drywall which drained a ceiling full of water onto the floor. He determined the problem to be a faulty faucet in the tub upstairs. He was able to fix it quite easily and left us very apologetically for the mess and hole. We were relieved the issue was resolved.photo 2 (11)photo 1 (10)

Tuesday, April 29th was Andi’s 6th birthday; we had some family over for Andi’s birthday dinner. I cooked in my kitchen for the first time! I was overjoyed to host 9 people around my kitchen table!

After dinner, Christine went up to check out Andi’s new Barbie dream house in it’s nook between her two closets. On her way to Andi’s room, she stopped and said, “Um, Lindsey or Drew, can you come up here?” We went up to discover a hole in wall at the top of the stairs. The story came out: Andi had tripped while running down the hall, spun, and fell which somehow sent her little elbow right through the wall! Drew and I shook our heads slowly and took a deep breath. Then, we crossed our fingers, got on airplanes, and really enjoyed Park City.photo 3 (11)

Arriving back, we focused in on some unpacking, projects, and people. It feels good to have some familiar things in place:

-my fridge is covered with pictures of people we love

-the family room floor is covered in balls, cars,  books, and toys

-we have 4 squares of ice cream in our freezer

-Laura and I planted flower pots Friday afternoon

-we had a family dance party, complete with disco ball, Friday night.

We’re also experiencing all things new:

-I pulled out the tree-sized weeds from the garden on Tuesday (thanks to a surprise visit from Lauren Meystedt- a very appropriate blessing since I’ve now moved 1 block from her childhood house!), and planted seeds and small starter plants Saturday afternoon. I’ve never attempted to grow so much before. Now, it’s wait and see and hope and hopefully eat!

-the lawn mower has worked twice for Drew to mow the lawn! but elected not to work the other 3 times Drew has tried.

-we’ve met some new neighbors. The family to our left has two really sweet kids. The daughter, 13, came over to play Barbies with Andi and the son, 11, has 2 bike/scooter ramps. Eli’s heaven lives right next door- an older kid with an adventure apparatus! There were 5 kids in our front yard having a water fight yesterday afternoon. Good, clean, wet, fun.

-I do not have to stack 5 small plates on top of 8 big plates, in front of 3 bowls, when I unload the dishwasher. The cabinet space is so spacious. I’m loving it!

-Oaks can run in a circle around the first level of our house- being chased and giggling, he motors from the kitchen, through the dining room, to the living room, and wheels around through the entry way for lap 2.

-We have a play area in the basement where lots of toys and fun can live. The basement did NOT thrill me when we moved in here, but I’m enjoying and appreciating it more and more each day.

With so many great new blessings, and a few set backs, we are very grateful for our new house and excited to have people over soon!

Thankfully, no one was here Saturday night when we experienced just one more first: using a fire extinguisher to stop a kitchen fire.

Drew put nachos in the oven and then went outside to meet a couple new neighbors. I was in the kitchen working on salsa when I saw smoke in the oven. Holding Oakley, I peeked in and saw flames! I screamed, Oaks cried, and we ran to the front door. I yelled, “FIRE! DREW, FIRE!”  He came running and I handed him the extinguisher we keep under our sink (something Drew got intentional about a year ago). One short shot and the flames were out. Smoke poured out of the oven and all over our house. The neighbor Drew left mid-conversation, was at the front door, making sure we didn’t need help. Eli was asking, “But do we still get to eat nachos?” We cleaned up white foamy mess and hustled to get dinner going again. We ate outside on the deck just before dark.

Adventures, woes, “Oh nos”, wins, “Yays!“, holes, floods, and fires…its all part of a little Osborne family homestead.

And its only been 19 days.

 

Moved by Moving

Who’s sick of hearing about me, our new house, moving, and life in chaos? I completely understand if so and yet I write on. I must record the weekend that just was. Holding onto the moments of the move is a must!

Drew and I, per tradition, match on moving day.

Drew and I, per tradition, match on moving day.

Right now, I’m writing in my new kitchen looks out a huge window to my green backyard- it’s a wonderful new “office”. I am estactic that the plug in for my computer is near, not opposite, the wall outlet! Just one of very little things  I am absolutely excited about! Mostly, there are great big things for which I’m giddy, grateful, and saying, “This is such a gift” around our new house.

We closed Friday at 11am and started moving our goods from the generous garage space at Steve and Gayle Osborne’s house. Mike and Carol Graves met us in heavy lifting clothes

Keys in hand! We were so grateful to have Judy Lane as our realtor.

Keys in hand! We were so grateful to have Judy Lane as our realtor.

and moved all that stuff all the way into the new house.

Drew and I both kind of wandered around, delerious with joy and paralyzed by the packing up that needed to be done. We picked small tasks and started in. The house was in great shape, clean and ready to go- the garage and basement were a bit spider-webby so I vacuumed and wiped some surfaces we would soon pile stuff upon. We created a label system for assigning boxes and furtniture to rooms. All rectangle stickers went upstairs to color coded bedrooms, different colors of circled dots designted the dumping into family room, living room, and dininig room. There were oodles for the kitchen “price” stickers and plenty for basement “price-B” stickers. No sticker? Stick it in the garage please.

It was double sister doings at the new house Friday night with Laura and Christine and I lining cabinets and drawers until after 11pm. The boys, Zach, Drew and James, went to the “old house” and loaded both big couches and a ton of other stuff into the truck. We went to sleep at 5408 for one last time.

Saturday brought a bounty of help and the movement of our entire life from one house to the next. We were expecting some of the blessings, but surprised by others. There were slight mishaps and some discouragements but mostly, Drew and I worked alongside the crew who gave so generously of their time and gifts to help all day in so many ways!

The truck was HUGE! The truck ramp was FUN!

The truck was HUGE! The truck ramp was FUN!

Some moving moments to mark:

  • Carol Graves came at 6:45am with coffee and bagels and help with loading all the stuff we didn’t want in the truck (clothes, toys, pictures in frames etc..). Carol’s help was constant and generous throughout the day!
  • Geeg took the kids for a day away from the craziness- offering them familiar solace and care in the midst of a huge change.
  • I met the fridge delivery men at 8:45 at the new house. They dropped off the new black frigde but said the water line was cut so they wouldn’t/couldn’t install the ice maker. Bummer!
  • Literally, 15 minutes later, Jim and Jan Bruce knocked on the door with orange scones! Without knowing they were coming, I was completely surprised by their thoughtfulness. A quick scone delivery became a 3 hour manual labor commitment as Jim offered to install the fridge water line! He worked himself into soaked pants and sweat serving us- we are so grateful.
  • The fridge was not coooling off…perhaps it just needed more time.
  • The moving truck arrived with all the contents of our house in one load. The moving crew (Poppy, Zach, James, Shane- a Park Hill YL kid, Keith (a friend from the gym), and Tom Meyer) had met Drew at the old house around 9. They loaded and then unloaded, following my stickers upstairs and down and had it all done by 11:30. There were worker bees building beds, vacuuming spider webs (thank you Dustin Sollars), making up beds (Carol) and unpacking my kitchen (Laura and Christine). Drew and I were everywhere but in the same spot. It happened so fast I am sure I’ve grossly underestimated all the help I received.

    Our muscle movers.

    Our muscle movers.

  • After pizza lunch picked up my Keith’s wife Sara, James and Drew holed up in the garage to install a garage door opener (first time for both of them!) and Laura and I headed upstairs to bedrooms. In the end, Laura and James gave 12 solid hours to the Osborne cause on Saturday…pregnant and busy themselves and yet they stayed all day . We love them and loved working with them…they must really love us too- it was a gift!
  • Jan Bruce brought a microwave by late in the afternoon that she had in her basement. We didn’t know when she dropped it off it would be the key to eating anything that night. Turns out the fridge never did get cold so we ended up with a smograsboard of what we had to eat from the fridge and a few HyVee chinese entrees. Sunday morning, Drew discovered the fridge was stuck on “store mode” so now, it’s all fine! A scary start with a chill ending.
  • I went back for one last walk through of our old house. I was struck suddenly with overwhelming emotion and sat on the floor of my empty bedroom and cried. Sad, grateful, amazed, and full of emotion. That house held our life well for almost 8 years, I brought all my babies home there, and Drew and I grew up in that space. I was leaving a lot but ready to go.
  • Kristin Sollars, an amazing women who does so many things AND wields wicked drill skills!, came to help install window coverings so we could put kids to bed that night.

Saturday night was the first night in our new house as a family. Oakley went to bed sick and sad- bothered by an ear infection we’d discover at the urgent care clinic Sunday morning. Drew suggested doing something special with E and A who had patiently been told, “No I can’t right now” for most of the afternoon. Quick thinking (and the Holy Spirit surely) gave us the idea to walk around the house and do “Blessings and Wishes” in each room.

We started in Eli’s room and said something we were grateful for about that space or what we hoped would happen there through the years. Despite it’s spontaneity, it became precious quickly as Eli and Andi dove full into thanking God and sharing silly and serious hopes.

In Eli’s room, E said, “I can’t wait to fill up my shelves with all my books- like put Harry potter on there!”

In Andi’s room, I prayed, “She would Grow up looking in her own bathroom mirror knowing how beautiful she is in Christ every day.”

For Oakley, Drew prayed, “That Oaks would feel brave and beloved, and have space to play, laugh and grow.”

Eli prayed for Drew and me in our room: “I pray that Mommy and Daddy have lots of fun and are happy no matter what together here.”

Downstairs, in the living/dining room spaces, Andi prayed, “Dear God I hope we have lots of cheers’ here and have people to our house in these rooms”.  She absolutely articulated my dream for those rooms!

In the kitchen,  I said, “I hope we use this space to continue special traditions, and host great conversations around the table”. Drew prayed it will be a space for the kids to land after school and Eli and Andi both prayed for lots of feasts, snacks, and favorite foods.

In the family room, we were grateful we had a place to watch shows, wrestle with Daddy, play a lot and hang out together.

We ended in the basement where we marked their heights on the door frame next to the washer. I promised to pray for them, remembering how small they are, while I do the laundry. Andi has asked me twice as I’ve headed down for a load if I’m praying for her. I so wish we could have recorded it more specifically. Instead, we will count on our minds and Spirit to remind us of the dreams and prayers coming true throughout the house.


When we went to bed that night, Andi slept back on her bottom bunk under Eli instead of her new bedroom. Oaks slept alone for the first time ever, and Drew and I chose to keep our sides of the bed. We snaked around on the floor while shirtless because of these great windows in our room and bathroom!

And now for the unpacking and settling. Already I feel so good about how settled we are. There are beds and clothes and food for all. Boxes? Yes- tons. Joy? Yes- tons!

Eli's room- new desk and dresser!

Eli’s room- new desk and dresser!

 

Andi girls room!

Andi girls room!

 

The master..master closet for sure!

The master..master closet for sure!

 

The basement. Eli and Andi were able to scooter and create a stunt room down here yesterday! I've done 4 loads of laundry

The basement. Eli and Andi were able to scooter and create a stunt room down here yesterday! I’ve done 4 loads of laundry

 

kitchen with view of my "desk"

kitchen with view of my “desk”

 

The Living room...a holding area...

The Living room…a holding area…

 

Oakley's room. The rocking chair is back!!

Oakley’s room. The rocking chair is back!!

It’s all about who you know and who’s with you.

I just got back from the Midwest Division Young Life Student Staff Weekend in Chicago. Check out #YLshakinupchicago to catch up on the trending take-aways from the 260 college leaders who came to share, learn, worship, and adventure.

One part of my job with YL is to help coordinate the trip for 4 big college areas in our region. This year, two borrowed conversion vans from Lincoln, NE, a cozy mini-van from Lawrence KS (7 people in 7 seats!), a 12 passenger van from St. Louis, and a Chevy Suburban from St. Joseph carried our crew to the Windy (but a pleasant 72 degrees) City. I was in the rented 2014 Suburban with 6 great folks from St. Joe. Their leader is my dear friend and first YL girl, Sara Hare.

Sara and me

Sara and me

I was excited to spend the weekend with this group but was packing some regret and stress alongside my black puffy vest and skinny jeans. Lots of me wanted to stay home and pack up our house, hang with my kids while Drew worked tax craziness all weekend, and go to a wedding of good friends at the gym.  All good things, one busy weekend.

Bringing back some goods for my kiddos

Bringing back some goods for my kiddos

The conference was grand. We packed back up in the Suburban to leave the Chicago burbs around 11:30am yesterday which was to put us back in KC around 7pm. All was well as we lumbered down the road until the radio cut out.

I was driving and came to notice the radio cut off also included the entire electrical system. We had a fully functional car but no information. All gauge needles rested at zero. How much gas I had left or what speed at which I was traveling, became a mystery and a guessing game.  The cruise control, gas pedal, brakes and steering worked fine. The turning signals and automatic windows were moot. We drove to a gas station and shut the car off at the pump. I erroneously assumed the car would restart and the electricl system would resume normal function- like an iphone or computer might do. Instead, there was no engine function and a dead battery when we tried to turn the key. We were on the phone with roadside assistance shortly and were told we would have a new car brought within 120 minutes.

The St Joe crew

The St Joe crew

At this point, the 5 college leaders, hunkered down. They flexed. They wandered from the car to the inside of the gas station. They dabbled with their phones and conversed with each other. They bought donuts and ice cream and shared snacks. They wrestled in the back of the stalled Suburban and they NEVER EVER COMPLAINED.

I called to check on the status at the 2 hour wait mark, and was told there was now no car as promised at the replacement pick-up location. We were told it would be another 2 hours. I relayed the news to my passengers who once again, swallowed the information- thinking of their chemistry test due at midnight and their 45 minute solo drive back to school after we dropped them off at the meeting point now a whole 4 hours later that previously assumed- and they smiled bewildered smiles. They started scanning the horizon and making a plan to find this little town’s main street to stretch their legs. No one threw a fit, no one cried.

Note the smiles and good cheer

Note the smiles and good cheer

We decided to push the car out of the pump stall before we walked off to town. I tossed the keys to one of the guys and asked him to put it in neutral. When he casually turned the keys, the car started! The engine fired up and full electrical function returned. We were shocked and elated! We were on our way!!!

As we drove, we celebrated. I thanked them for their attitudes and patience. I could not imagine being in such a circumstance with many other people I know who would have handled it so well. I loved the extra time to talk to Sara and her team. I felt no pressure or anxiety from these people relying on me to make phone calls to get us back on track. I love my family, but I don’t think it would have gone as well if I had been with the very people I’m related to by blood.

Today, I’m celebrating those people I don’t have to like, but do. I didn’t know the St Joe student staff leaders very well, or at all, but can now say I truly enjoy and appreciate them as ministers of the gospel and my friends. I work with them because it’s my job, but I’d hang out with them even if it wasn’t.

I am fortunate to have relationships with quite a few people who make ordinary life transactions enjoyable. 

1. My Hyvee ladies. I love my neighborhood HyVee. More than the layout or selection of items, I appreciate my friends in the check-out lanes: Leslie, Andrea, and Deanna. They have watched my kids grow up, listened to my life, commented on my produce selection, and hit on my husband…well, just one of them who is married and 60 something…truly, her comments serve only to flatter us both.

2. My phlebotomists Cynthia and Jana. (Come to think of it, these ladies also fall into a Drew-swooning category). When we go to give blood, Drew and I are among friends. They follow our life through stories. They knew about Oakley’s ear injury and checked up on us and him the next time we were in. They are great to talk to and hear from.

3. My OB-GYN is one of the most genuine and kind people I know and I just plain really like her. She took such great care to advocate for me through my pregnancy and birthing plans with Oakley. I loved going to office visits and check-ups because seeing Lee was a time to be encouraged, heard, cared for, and often just really fun. I felt she really liked me and I absolutely return the feelings!

4. My neighbors. Beyond borrowing eggs, milk,  or teaspoons of nutmeg, my house-mates, Abbie and Delanie, are our friends. I like them as people and am in awe of their strength as a family. I appreciate their help in reminding me my garage door is ,but also like sharing conversations in our driveway and our cookie decorating Christmas tradition.

All these great people and now we are indeed moving. Our offer was accepted last week on the house we found and loved. We will close April 25th and move April 26th. The timing is amazing and we are blown away by the blessing of this gift of a home.

When we move, we won’t geographically connect as easily with our neighbors but can continue to be friends. There will be a loss in the change for both our families.

As we move in the next few weeks, I realize, we will be around new people. We don’t know the people on our new street at all, but if the story of my life continues in its current theme, I assume we will really enjoy at least some of them! Maybe my college friends from St. Joe will grow up and come live on my street!

Overheard on Spring Break

Today is back to school and real life day for Eli, Andi, Oaks and me. I flew in this morning from a retreat in Chicago that stacked upon our return from 5 days in Colorado. Drew has been back to work for a whole week now. No rest for the tax weary!

Our time in Colorado this year was momentous and relaxing both.

Here are the sound bites: 

 

I’m sending you an email about two offers. – Judy, our Realtor on the phone Saturday. Indeed, when we came off the slopes, one week after we put the sign in our yard, we had an offer on our house! We would negotiate throughout the weekend and finalize and accept an offer by Monday! We couldn’t have asked for better timing as showings would end by the time we brought ourselves and our stuff back to Missouri!

Sold!!

Sold!!

Andi did you hear that… Someone wants to buy our house.- Eli. The kids processed together and with us. They are bravely moving forward. I wonder what they think and feel and hope to give space to their emotions, thoughts, fears, and dreams.

I have nothing to hide but admit I was avoiding hard conversations. -My dad. About the news that he is getting married March 29th. The transitions keep coming and we will rely on honesty, family connections, and trust in Christ’s presence moving forward.
That’s amazing! -And it looks so real! – Eli to Andi about her drawing of a farmA super genuine compliment of her great drawing!

That was my first for real face plant. I was just on the lift and then, total face plant.  And, Mom- you can write about that on your blog.-  Eli describing his fall from the lift. He loaded with James but scooted too close to the chairs edge. He fell about 6 feet into deep snow shocking his family and the rest of the lift line. Both skis came off and Eli said his face has never been colder. Thank goodness for nimble and strong lift operators schooled in beginner lift rescues and for Eli’s toughness! Thanks for the permission to tell your story Eli!

I have diarrhea. -Everyone! Except Drew. Sickness ran through the house and family. Poor Oaks had it very severely with vomiting all day on Tuesday in Colorado. Poor brave baby!

I just threw up but it’s all in a trash can. Andi, during her sick day Tuesday afternoon.

Mom, can I have a piece of paper? –Eli to make a get well sign for Andi who had previously made one for both of her sick brothers. This was huge coming from Eli- he doesn’t slow down for art or handwriting hardly ever. He thought of her sick up in bed that afternoon and gave of himself in a way she would feel really loved!

It’s hard to get him to talking.  -Eli about us trying to get Oakley to say words. Oakley can say about 20 when he wants to!

I just love Chandler. Andi, who enjoys Maama’s house for many reasons but especially for the daily dog interactions!

This is the coldest craziest day of skiing!- My dad, who was absolutely correct! The sky changed from sun to sleet to blustery winds all day on Saturday

Wahooooo – Drew and I each after catching good lines and making epic mogul runs!

This is a handsome boy. -Andi handing me the DVD case for 8 Below.  I agree with her completely but didn’t break the news that Paul Walker has tragically died in the last year.

Okay, let’s go. -My mom who boldly loaded into the van with the kids and me to head back to Kansas City. Despite feeling ill herself, she cared for me and the kids and helped get us safely home. She then stayed to play and help while I left again and Drew worked! It was one of Andi’s highlights as she reported at school today about Spring Break, “I went to Colorado for 5 days and then my grandma, who is named Maama, came back with me for 3 days.”

Some favorite Chicago friends!

Some favorite Chicago friends!

The weekend in Chicago was a wonderful time of connection, rest, and encouragement. I loved being with wonderful YL staff women and spending a day with the Hersmas!

So now we hunker down and house hunt. We will pack up our life at 5408 and move out and on in 30 days. Where? We have no idea!

Letter to the Editor- Marijuana Legality

Two weeks ago I attended a substance abuse prevention conference put on by the Northland Coalition. I left more informed, yet discouraged, shocked, inspired, and convinced there must be deliberate, communal, educated, and diversified efforts toward protecting children from the harms of substance abuse.

Last week, Missouri State Legislators entertained a bill proposing the legalization of marijuana in Missouri. Laura and her coworkers drove three hours to sit in on the committee hearing. Their side was out numbered in testimony air time, financial backing, and bodies in the seats, yet they spoke boldly on behalf of what they believe is best for the state, especially for the future members of Missouri’s adult community.

In response to a communal urging to write a Letter to the Editor of the newspaper, I submitted these 200 words to the KC Star:

As a parent, advocate for area teens, and Colorado native, Missouri’s consideration of a bill to legalize marijuana raises concerns. The “facts” come from many sides. There’s confusion and delusion around marijuana’s medical potential. Lay citizens encourage the comparison of marijuana to alcohol and the relaxation of control laws. The loudest voice comes from the propaganda of big pot lobbyists. “Big marijuana”  money has a loud voice and a list of lies. Purporting legalized pot will increase tax revenue and cut down on muddled drug legalization, are weak allegations with grave consequences for young people. The scientific data affirms danger and devastation for developing brains: losses in IQ, memory, attention span, and learning abilities, as well as increased risks for mental illnesses and heart attacks. Near my childhood home in Colorado, today’s marijuana, containing unprecedented concentrations of THC, is sold in strip malls, baked into brownies or laced in candy. Casual, inviting, and available, legal pot finds its way into the hands and heads of kids. Increased availability has led to increased illness, accidents, addictions, and deaths. We cannot afford to lose the heads of MO teens. Legalized pot will injure the development of our most precious resource: kids.

Despite my intentional attempt to sound off, I know very little of the facts. I’ve asked Laura to write with her most convincing evidence to clarify the confusion and encourage Missouri to move with wisdom and care for kids!

Here is Laura-

I’ve worked in the field of prevention for the past 5 years. Those who know me are familiar with my ongoing passion and desire to protect area kids from the unforeseen dangers of underage drinking and drug use.  Even with this intense passion, I used to shy away from conversations about marijuana, preferring to avoid the airing of strong opinions in heated arguments.  After spending the last 2 years digging in the research, hearing from national experts, and seeing the effects in national trends and data, I’ve crossed over from “l don’t want to  ruffle feathers” to “I need to tell everyone.”  Below I share three tenets of truth that highlight dangers of marijuana’s rapid mainstream movement.

·         The pro-marijuana movement is a multi-billion dollar business.  Marijuana investors and companies, through greed and commercialism, are swooping into communities and neighborhoods and making money off of an addictive and harmful substance.  In Denver, there are more marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks.  Cannabis food and candy, like “Ring Pots” and “Pot Tarts” are marketed to children and sold through vending machines.  A former Head of Strategy for Microsoft has said that he wants to “mint more millionaires than Microsoft” with marijuana.    I’m not concerned of simple pot possession or use, but I am concerned about a multi-billion dollar industry selling a dangerous product. 

·         Marijuana now is much more harmful than it was at Woodstock.  In the 60’s, THC (the chemical that makes you “high”) levels in marijuana were between 4-5%.  Now, marijuana found in Missouri is packed with 15%-30% THC…and it’s just getting stronger. As a result, 1 in 6 youth who use marijuana will become addicted, 1 in 10 adults will become addicted. Marijuana use has been shown to be significantly linked with mental illness, especially schizophrenia, psychosis, depression and anxiety.  Legalization laws don’t protect about potency either.  This winter, school resource officers have found marijuana they believe to be 90% pure THC (see dabbing)

·         More kids are using marijuana. While rates of underage drinking and tobacco use among high school youth is decreasing, marijuana use is increasing.  In a survey of high school students in Colorado in 2011,  22% used marijuana.  In Missouri only 8.6% of our kids use.  Because kids hear the messages that it’s not harmful (“it’s medicine”), along with increases in availability, use will and is going up among our kids. The price kids will pay in their brains and their futures is steep.

Thank you for listening in.

 

 

Loose Ends

Monday was our umpteenth snow day so I enjoyed a full day with kids at home and inside- we played “Bring me something thatis orange, you got for Christmas, you’d like to give away, is Daddy’s, you used when you were a baby…” scavenger hunt, ran a biathlon competition round the living room (with wood slat “skis” and “Nerf” guns obviously), watched Cool Runnings to keep the Olympics alive a bit longer, and enjoyed sibling togetherness. No blog composition however so I’m scribbling away now. And while I write, Oakley is keeping busy…the price my purse pays for a few moments of occupying my busy little bee…photo (27)

1. An update on the clunky and awkward platelet donation…

I went ahead and successfully gave platelets on Thursday, February 20th. It went really well despite my nerves and I was so glad I conquered my fears, embarrassment and hesitation, and was able to give something that cost me so little to someone who needs it so much.

Then…you’ll just never believe this. I got a call Monday, mid-lunch prep craziness, from a blood center guy saying my platelets were tested and shown to contain an atypical white blood cell antibody. Of no consequence to me, the existence of the antibody can cause harm to donation recipients- afflicting them with TRALI disease.

I am NEVER to give platelets again…whole blood, still fine. After all the questions, intents to give, wondering if it was worth it, re-giving and believing, “Yes! I’m in!“, turns out, I’m OUT.

Sometimes, plunging into something clunky and awkward, despite best intentions and pureness of heart, things are just not meant to be.

2. Per “tradition”, (this was year 2), Drew and I attended the AMC Oscar Showcase over the past two weekends. We saw all 9 Best Picture nominees and enjoyed  engaging story and sitting next to each other.

If I were to assign an overall theme to the lot of nominees this year it’d be “Slow(er) and Heavy”. FROM the dehumanization of humans as property, the debilitating havoc of a socially unacceptable sickness, the debauchery of a numbing obsession with money and power at the expense of everything else, and the devastation of losing what’s most precious to you without getting say, TO the illumination of our deep desire for real connection outside conventional definitions of reality, or in spite of false promises, the will to live and survive and encounter others and oneself in the guttural soul stripping environments of fear and near death, the journey of each movie illuminated the human spirit to keep going, to fight, to wake up and move.

My top 5: Philomena, Her, Dallas Buyer’s Club, 12 Years a Slave, Captain Phillips

3. We are in week 7 of the clean eating challenge at Crossfit Northland.

I’ve seen such great progress with people at the gym- weight loss, athletic improvement, muscle toning, increased energy and greater success on “goats”- movements with which one typically struggles. Personally, I’ve lost 3 lbs and not seen much increase in performance at the gym.

However, I feel successful and grateful for what the Challenge has given me in the form of increased discipline with food choices, greater variety in recipes, little to no cravings for desserts most days (this is a miracle!) and greater energy. Coincidence or clean eating- I haven’t had a sinus infection or any congestion to speak of all winter. Still deciding for myself and in negotiations with Drew on what to do after March 15th…on which morning we will be having donuts…that much is settled.

 

 

Rice and Water

Rice!

Rice!

There are stories of Thanksgiving feasting a plenty. My kids both came home last Tuesday with thoughts of pilgrims and native people, and turkey feathered headbands with small scrawls of people and things for which they are thankful.

As long as I can remember Thanksgivings, I remember, Rice and Water. My mom came up with the idea to limit ourselves in observance of others on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Aware of the great excess with which we lived as Americans, Mom wanted us to realize most of the world survived on rice and water, or even less. While we would spend the next day sitting around a feast of orange rolls, green bean casserole, turkey and cranberry sauce, many would toil, fall ill, go hungry, or die. I’m very grateful now, she fought to help us enter into the experience of others, even if only by empathetic eating.

Mom would cook rice and offer minimal toppings- some spices, cream soups, or simply salt. We would eat the rice and drink water for dinner. That was it. Just rice in a bowl and glasses of water. The four of us kids would whine, moan, complain, and get creative. Undaunted in her pursuit of bringing mindfulness, compassion, and meaning into our holiday, Mom would indulge our ideas as long as we didn’t change the menu. There were years we ate with chop sticks, sitting on the floor, with no silverware at all, added hot tea as an option, or invited friends into the experience.

After “dinner”, we would usually head out to a church event. Which, for some reason in the Evangelical Covenant tradition, was a pie social after a service of Thanksgiving. We would wander around a room full of Christians and crispy crusts, salivating and feel sorry for ourselves. I cannot remember cheating, sneaking, or taking food later into the night on Rice and Water Wednesdays. I do remember moving bed time up earlier so the hunger was put to sleep.

As adults, we have carried this tradition into extended family gatherings. My aunt added ritual content to the meal and asked us all to research a country who ate rice and then pray for that country throughout the year. At giant adult thanksgivings with my family, Wednesday night has usually been pie making night. Oh how tempting to taste test! Different family members feel different levels of commitment and enjoyment. All gluten free members rejoice! Last year in Colorado, we ate on the floor of my mom’s living room in a circle. Drew and Eli ate with their shirts off, just like people who eat rice, in warmer climates?!

This year, wanting to make sure we marked the Thanksgiving week with memories and experiences friendly to a mostly adult family group, but also hospitable to shaping the lives of my kids, I offered to host “dinner” at our house Wednesday night… I did it, I had pitched “Rice and Water” to the in-laws.

Rice and Water doesn’t thrill folks outright. Upon reading my email invite, I think many members of the Osborne family probably grumbled and checked their schedules, hoping for a really busy Wednesday night. Excited about it or not, the whole gang was willing as they often are to indulge my ideas- I am very lucky to have gracious, flexible, thoughtful in-laws! They offered to bring something or help but I had it under control. The meal was really JUST rice, and water. I did at the last minute, borrow Korean chopsticks from our friends the Meyers which added to the authenticity of the engagement.

As people showed up and gathered in our kitchen, Eli remarked, “This really feels like a party Mom.” When asked why we do Rice and Water, Andi said, “Because a long time ago there were people who had to only eat rice and nothing else.” She is a little confused between the “long time ago” stories of Thanksgiving and the right now humanitarian plight. However, both knew it was a time of thinking of others. Oakley loves a good gathering of people and practiced his walking during the living room dinner- sharing big smiles and laughs- joy and simplicity right in front of us.

The gathering was refreshingly different, simple, relaxed, and meaningful. We ate in the living room, slowly with the chopsticks, and didn’t eat a whole bunch. The bulk of the night was conversation. Drew and I asked sharing prompts and people shared- with honesty, conviction, hope, and hurt.

Eli and Andi went first in answering a sharing prompt.

Andi, How would you feel if you didn’t have enough food every day?  …”Umm, not healthy and sad.”

Eli, What should every kid in the world have the chance to do? …”Get exercise, eat, go to school.”

As adults, we discussed around these thoughts:

Tell about a time when you’ve experienced a limit or simplicity.

How do we live in excess at the expense of those with much less? What do we do?

Tell about a time you spent in a foreign country without resources such as food and clean water.

What place in the world tugs at your heart? What needs/agony in that place can we lift up in prayer?

Who is someone you know personally who suffers currently? How can/do you enter in?

How do you love an enemy?

By the end, after we prayed, my heart was heavy for the needs and the pain of people and places who suffer. My heart was also full after sharing a night, quiet, simple, and vulnerable with people I love. I really do think eating rice in my house can make a difference in the world. We left a little inspired, and a little hungry.

 

 

 

Quality Camping

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Applefest cider and parade candy spoils. Yum!

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Harper in the driver’s seat…is it legal to drive with shoes on the wrong feet? With that smile? YES!

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Packed up to pack out…full trailer, full hearts, can’t lose.

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Fall afternoon paddle boat ride (here might be a good place to note that despite the lack of adults in these photos- no child was actually allowed to operate or drive a moving vehicle…photographic purposes only)

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Andi girl in the driver’s seat…with a roasting stick seat belt…a safety paradox I let slide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drew and I spent last Friday evening trying to get low…as far down into our house as possible, seeking cooler temperatures and less humidity. The thermostat in our house mocked us with its 83 degree interior temp…it was only 78 outside at the time (8:18pm) and also outdoors, a breeze! We couldn’t bring the wind inside so we plugged in a fan and sat as still as possible.

Why? you ask, did we not just turn on our AC? We didn’t turn the AC on Friday night because we knew a change in weather was coming. We went to bed windows open, without a sheet, and sure enough, woke up clamoring for blankets and furiously shutting windows at 4am. The temperature Saturday morning was 35 degrees cooler- God had turned on the AC out of doors.

All of this is just to say, drastic temperature changes and a sneaky head cold that stole my voice but would not thwart my fun, could not stop us from a wonderful weekend adventure: Weston Apple Fest and Fall Family Camping with the Sollars.

We sweated through the pack-up Friday night, digging out winter clothes bins for all three children, while sweating in shorts and a tank top. I packed gloves, hats, and extra socks for kids who haven’t spent a day out of shorts and Crocs since last April. We prepared and packed and panicked a bit but were ready and on the road in the crisp cool sunshine of that 50 degree Saturday morning.

At 9:15 Saturday morning, we dropped Oakley off for a Castaway reunion with Michelle, the Nanny, Graves, and Miss Carol. His crawling, eating off the ground, small, immature body-temp regulating self, was going to have to sit out the camping and enjoy a weekend indoors with people who love him dearly.

By 10am, we were parked in Weston, MO piling on whatever warm clothes we’d managed to dig out,  and walking towards the warm, friendly, nostalgic stage that is downtown Weston on AppleFest weekend.

We found a spot along the parade route; the kids readied their candy bags. Bands, flags, shiny old cars, colorful old tractors, and friendly old people, shared candy, waves, and goodwill for almost an hour. Cups of apple cider, buns of brats, dogs, and pulled pork, and the epic apple dumplings with ice cream filled our bellies and expectations of greatness. Eli and Andi had great memories of Applefest 2012 (which happened to be my due date for Oaks and a cold cold day spent with Maama and James and Laura), and were once again overjoyed to spend the morning in all things fall and apple with friends.

We left Weston and headed north to St. Joe, to the land of Peaceful Valley and the hopsitality of Jim and Janeen Burnham. The fourwheeler was hitched up to its trailer and the ponds shimmered with sunlight. We had everything we needed (except pillows! which Ginny Orf would heroically provide within the hour) and the day before us.

The camping overnight was wonderful. Very relaxing to have kids in open space with no worry of disturbing camping neighbors or running into the campground road. They played freely and creatively with all nature had to provide- pulling mussel shells out of the pond, riding in the paddle boat or kayaks, and swinging the hatchet at any available, unsuspecting stump.

We ate yummy black forest ham, provolone cheese and apple butter sandwhiches toasted over open flames for dinner, had 2 smore’s each at night fall and awoke to eat eggs, sausage, bacon, and pancakes with coffee and cream (or OJ (Drew) and Capri Suns (kids)) for breakfast.Everyone slept cuddly in the cold and all the way until 7:15am! Brave and giggly, Harper Kate and Andi Girl had their own little tent and needed no interventions all night! Way to go girls!

I love camping and the trip this past weekend is up there with some of the best I’ve experienced. As one who has camped for over 30 years of my life, I offer this recipe for camping success to anyone interested in adventuring.

A Great Camping Trip:

Ingredients:

family
friends
gear
a site with trees
open space on the calendar
a willingness to work- before, during and after

Essentials:

-tent
-sleeping pads (we love our Thermarests)
-sleeping bags and pillows
                                                                           –camping box components:                                                                                                                           propane stove, propane, pots, pans, plates, silverware, cups, napkins, ziploc                                                                                                       baggies, dish soap, tongs, spatula/turner, large spoons, one sharp knife, simple spice                                                                                      collection, PAM spray, foil, bungee cords, dish towels and wash cloths, clothesline,                                                                                          table cloth, large mixing bowl, mugs, tea kettle, dishwashing plastic tubs, lighters,                     french press for coffee

food-gathered from a strategically planned list
**first shop the list, then prep as much as possible at home, then make another list of everything you carefully bought and prepped that needs to be grabbed out of the fridge and cabinets and put into a cooler!
drinks– of all varieties for all ages and times of day- more is more!
camp chairs– one per camper at minimum and arm rests with cup holders are best
wood and fire starting kindling
fun– books, games, footballs, frisbees, bocce ball, boats, bikes, hammock, etc..
shoes for hiking and slip-ons for anyone going in and out of the tents
teamwork- as a husband and wife team especially, and between families as well
flexiblity – intentionality – playfulness – grace -stillness – ways to mark the moments

 I was blessed to be exposed to camping as a kid (Colorado style- still the best!) and love the memories of my family camping trips- just the six of us Sustads or the whole Sustad/Buchan and Grammy and Granddad shebangs!

Here’s to camping “vacations”! – as in vacating modern conveniences such as toilets, mattresses, stoves, microwaves, and sinks, and grabbing a hold of gifts: less noise, having nothing else to do, family time all together, quality conversations with friends, laughs and hugs, walks and wood chopping, going to bed without washing your face, and waking up sore, still sleepy and so grateful to be outside, under the expanse of blue sky.

Girls...just an afternoon of chatting lakeside.

Girls…just an afternoon of chatting lakeside.

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Boys 1- Stump 0 Dustin’s rule: You must be twice as long as the hatchet you wield.