Kevin, wake up. Kevin, wake up. I think we're having an earthquake. KEVIN, WAKE UP!
Of course, the most I got was a grunt from him... but I can officially say, I was RIGHT.
Wednesday morning at 1am England had the first Earthquake of this magnitude in 20+ years. There was a small earthquake last year (April 2007 in Kent), but I didn't feel it. I know 5.2 on the Richter scale is nothing compared to what the California coast has felt, but it was enough for me...
You know, I have lived through hurricanes and tornados but never an earthquake. As a little girl my grandfather lived in California. I remember him talking about the refrigerator dancing across the floor. Now I have an idea of what he was talking about.
I woke at 1 am (I immediately looked at the clock) to a loud bang. Then I realized the house was shaking - it seemed like a long time but "they" say it was 10 seconds. The wardrobe in my bedroom shook to the point that I thought it was going to fall over. I tried to turn the light on but the bed & the light were shaking too much. I could hear other things in the house trembling but was not willing to investigate. Duke and Daisy, the dogs came running into our bedroom and actually got under the covers. The girls (like their dad) slept through the whole thing.
A few minutes after everything settled down I walked through the house to check on everything and did not find any damage. I opened the windows to listen for any sirens or alarms, but it was unnervingly quite - like the still before the storm, but this was after the storm. There were no bird sounds, no dogs barking, nothing - just absolute quite.
First thing in the morning I turned on the tv to see that I was right - there was an earthquake. The epicentre was about 60 miles away. However, less than 10 miles from me there were some homes with downed chimneys, missing roof tiles, etc. Needless to say, the earthquake was the topic of choice on Wednesday - every where you went you could hear the conversation centered on the earthquake. But my favorite quote for the day "the British earthquake, it seems, is rather like the British summer - fleeting and mild-mannered, a pale imitation of what we experience when we head south to somewhere like the Mediterranean" (Iain Stewart).
Who knew I would travel half way across the world to feel an earthquake!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunny Fuerteventura 2008
We spent our February school break in sunny Fuerteventura (part of the Canaray Island group west of Africa). It is a very windy island, which makes for ideal wind surfing and kite surfing. There isn't a lot of vegetation until you get into the more touristy areas, because it is mostly made up of red and black lava rock. It is said to be warm & sunny year round, so we put them to the test.
Travelling around the island by car was a little tricky but we saw some great views. We found the maps not to scale. Plus they are putting in new roads (which is a good thing) but makes the maps outdated. We spent one day looking for a road that just does not exist any more. The main roads are 2 lane-paved roads, anything else can be considered an adventure (dirt road or just plain winging it). You can travel from the north tip to the south tip in about an hour and a half; which, if any of you know Kevin, that is a must (see every inch that is possible).
We stayed at the Elba Palace Golf Resort - a five star facility. Even with five stars, the staff was accommodating for Brittney & Sophie (and they were both on their best behavior the whole time). The pool is said to be heated ~ the kids enjoyed it, but the adults found it to be too cold. The golf course looks to be gorgeous but with 2 little ones in tow, we did not try it.
If we go again, we'll stay on the southern most part of the island and at a resort. The beaches around the resorts have had “white” sand brought in; otherwise the beaches are rocky. Both types of beachs (rocky or white) are beautiful and make for wonderful sand castles and wave riding. Even in February the water was warm enough to play in.
The zoo is full of all different types of animals. It is very clean and close up (while still being safe) - monkeys, zebras, hippos, otters, you name it. The walk around the zoo was filled with shade from beautiful gardens. The tropical atmosphere was mixed with a desert feel from the cactus garden. It was a great day by all.
Arriving in Fuerteventura we were greeted with 20C temperatures which would hover in the mid to low 20s the entire week - awesome! The water was warm enough to play in, and the nights were cool enough to leave our balcony doors open for a nice breeze. It was great.
Travelling around the island by car was a little tricky but we saw some great views. We found the maps not to scale. Plus they are putting in new roads (which is a good thing) but makes the maps outdated. We spent one day looking for a road that just does not exist any more. The main roads are 2 lane-paved roads, anything else can be considered an adventure (dirt road or just plain winging it). You can travel from the north tip to the south tip in about an hour and a half; which, if any of you know Kevin, that is a must (see every inch that is possible).
We stayed at the Elba Palace Golf Resort - a five star facility. Even with five stars, the staff was accommodating for Brittney & Sophie (and they were both on their best behavior the whole time). The pool is said to be heated ~ the kids enjoyed it, but the adults found it to be too cold. The golf course looks to be gorgeous but with 2 little ones in tow, we did not try it.
If we go again, we'll stay on the southern most part of the island and at a resort. The beaches around the resorts have had “white” sand brought in; otherwise the beaches are rocky. Both types of beachs (rocky or white) are beautiful and make for wonderful sand castles and wave riding. Even in February the water was warm enough to play in.
We spent three days on three different beaches, but we needed to remember we aren’t in the USA anymore. If you stay around the resorts, the most you will see is a topless woman and maybe a child without a bathing suit. But, if you venture away from the resorts, beware – the sight can be disturbing at times… One day Brittney & Sophie were playing in the water with dad when an older couple (without bathing suits) decided to come into the water right next to them. In a combined shock & childish innocence, Brittney said 'dad, they don't have bathing suits on' of course Sophie kept asking why they had no bathing suits. Kevin & I were asking ourselves the same question - you know, some things just don't need to be publisized and should be kept covered up.
We spent one day at Oasis Park – a must visit for everyone. The park is a combination zoo, animal shows, and beautiful gardens. There was a 30 minute camel ride that took us to a high point on the island. The camel ride is not the smoothest of rides, but is an adventure everyone should try at least once if possible (unless you don’t like heights).
We spent one day at Oasis Park – a must visit for everyone. The park is a combination zoo, animal shows, and beautiful gardens. There was a 30 minute camel ride that took us to a high point on the island. The camel ride is not the smoothest of rides, but is an adventure everyone should try at least once if possible (unless you don’t like heights).
The animal shows are as good or better than any you could see in the USA. They actually bring a sea lion out into the audience to interact on a limited level – so cool. For the Reptile Show they bring out a crocodile and a python – and the really brave can hold these for pictures ¬ Kevin volunteered with the girls right behind him (I was then @obligated@ to take pictures). There was a Bird’s of Prey show and a Tropical Bird show.
The zoo is full of all different types of animals. It is very clean and close up (while still being safe) - monkeys, zebras, hippos, otters, you name it. The walk around the zoo was filled with shade from beautiful gardens. The tropical atmosphere was mixed with a desert feel from the cactus garden. It was a great day by all.
On our last day we ventured to the south-western side of the island to see that the waves are made for surfing – breathtaking to watch, but no child of mine is going out in that (at least right now anyway). I was reminded of the opening scene for Hawaii Five-O. We opted to go back to the other side of the island & enjoy the water & sand.
For us, it rained periodically on the island, but it would blow through pretty quickly. The first day we decided to go on a submarine ride during the rain shower. The ocean floor is easy to see because the water is so clear. The fish swim along side the boat. My only complaint, too short of a ride. At the end of the ride we saw a short show with a sea lion and got to stroke a man-of-war (quite slimy). But the man-of-war waved good bye as we left (that's him waving below).
Well, that pretty much covers all of the trip. We spent as much time as possible in the sun and at the beach. We all enjoyed the water, and the best for Kevin & I was watching the girls have a blast. It was a great holiday... too bad they have to end:-( Sooooooooo, until next time-
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Singing
In Ecclesiates 3 it says there is a time & a season to everything in life, but it never promised that the seasons would be easy. In fact it describes good & bad times - a time to be born, a time to die; a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to speak, a time to keep silent. But it does continue with the promise that everything God does is good. There is a song and a saying, "God is good all the time, All the time God is good".
It is no secret, that I have struggled since moving to the UK. I have struggled with leaving my career; I realize now that I had wrapped my identity in my career and my "success". I have struggled with loosing NeeNee, though I was blessed to know her for 7+ years and will be the better because of it. I struggle with the daily routine of life now - how do I fill the 6 hours the kids are at school with anything meaningful. I have struggled with leaving Willow Hill and all the friends/family there, forgetting to thank God for the blessing of KingsGate and all the new friends He has surrounded me with.
But what I miss the most is singing! I miss singing in the Praise Band (both rehearsals and Sunday mornings); I miss singing in the car to WCIC (Christian Radio in Peoria); I miss singing with the youth & jumping up & down to crazy songs; I miss singing at Snyder Village; and I miss the occassional solo or duet opportunties.
Singing is a release for me in so many ways. It is a way for me to verbalize and identify my feelings; it is a way for me to worship & be close to God ~ sometimes I believe it brings me to the Throne Room & gives me the ability to process the experience...
It has been a long time since I brought out my performance cds and tapes, but tonight I did for a little while. Of course the constant interruption from Kevin & the girls cut short the experience, but it did give me a glimpse of what I miss the most.
I'm not sure what this particular season is supposed to teach me, but I will stand firm in the promise God is good all the time and all the time God is good. And I will ask God to put a song back in my heart...
It is no secret, that I have struggled since moving to the UK. I have struggled with leaving my career; I realize now that I had wrapped my identity in my career and my "success". I have struggled with loosing NeeNee, though I was blessed to know her for 7+ years and will be the better because of it. I struggle with the daily routine of life now - how do I fill the 6 hours the kids are at school with anything meaningful. I have struggled with leaving Willow Hill and all the friends/family there, forgetting to thank God for the blessing of KingsGate and all the new friends He has surrounded me with.
But what I miss the most is singing! I miss singing in the Praise Band (both rehearsals and Sunday mornings); I miss singing in the car to WCIC (Christian Radio in Peoria); I miss singing with the youth & jumping up & down to crazy songs; I miss singing at Snyder Village; and I miss the occassional solo or duet opportunties.
Singing is a release for me in so many ways. It is a way for me to verbalize and identify my feelings; it is a way for me to worship & be close to God ~ sometimes I believe it brings me to the Throne Room & gives me the ability to process the experience...
It has been a long time since I brought out my performance cds and tapes, but tonight I did for a little while. Of course the constant interruption from Kevin & the girls cut short the experience, but it did give me a glimpse of what I miss the most.
I'm not sure what this particular season is supposed to teach me, but I will stand firm in the promise God is good all the time and all the time God is good. And I will ask God to put a song back in my heart...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
A Tribute to NeeNee
(Written Feb 2007 ~ Revised in 2008)
How do you put into words how much someone means to you? How can you condense the love & humility of someone like NeeNee into a “short” reading…
Approximately 8 years ago an unexpected joy came into our life... Brittney was almost 2 months old and I was preparing to return to work, when the daycare we had selected called to say they no longer could take Brittney. As we scrambled for an option, my mom volunteered to stay a little longer; MeeMee Duffy retired from her job & came to stay for awhile; and then... a neighbor called to ask about all of the out-of-town license plates. She said she had an offer for us... She had a nanny that was needing more hours. You see their daughter was starting kindergarten so they just needed someone to put Randee on the bus every morning & pick her up every afternoon until her mom came home from school as well. So we were a perfect match. We talked on the phone that night with NeeNee for the first time. She offered to come over the next morning to meet us in person and to spend a day with Brittney. It was love at first sight (at least on our end).
The next morning she picked up a crying 3 month old, put her in a car seat & took off to take Randee to the school bus and she never slowed down. NeeNee was a life saver to us then and many more times. She taught the girls how to express themselves in art, in music, in dance – you name it, she taught them. But to us, NeeNee showed unconditional love. She loved our girls whether they were tired or sick, and whether she was tired or sick… she showed them patience and tolerance. NeeNee taught them to see each person as an individual with value and to treat everyone with respect.
For Brittney, NeeNee was the constant. We have moved 3 times in Brittney’s short life, changed schools 4 times, and travelled on annual mission trips – but NeeNee was always there for Brittney. She would help Brittney to remember the good times and to anticipate the new good times. Brittney shared NeeNee’s passion for garage sales and this past summer was difficult for them – we told them NO MORE GARAGE SALES. You know, those two can find a garage sale while on vacation in the middle of no-where.
Sophie tested NeeNee’s patience and stamina. Sophie has lots of energy and lots of spunk – to some degree Sophie is a lot like NeeNee. She didn’t (and still doesn’t) like rules or quiet time or sitting still. She loves to sing, play Barbies or Poly-Pockets, and she LOVES art-time. Sophie asked me yesterday, “how will NeeNee always be in my heart? My heart is so small and NeeNee is so great.” I’m not sure that I have or had the best of answers for Sophie, but I told her that NeeNee will always be in our heart because NeeNee had so much love and our heart is the home for love…
Two years ago NeeNee went on a mission trip with us and the Willow Hill Youth Group, and she became the NeeNee of 20 more people… she never stopped showing her love. NeeNee loved that group of kids as if she had known them all their life. She calmed their fears as we entered a “different” world and she was able to educate all of us on the history of the Lakota Indians. She was able to embody the experience we were trying to share with these youth. She shared Christ with those 20 youth & with everyone she came into contact with on that mission trip.
Friends and co-workers were always asking if they could hire NeeNee. I would tell them, no NeeNee isn’t for hire – NeeNee is love. A friend of mine once said do you know I pass NeeNee every day as she is coming to your house in the morning and she always has a smile on her face. That is the NeeNee we will always remember – her laugh, her smile, her sense of humor (though we didn’t always get it), and her unselfish way of life. She never asked for a thing, she gave all she could, and she loved more than she should.
NeeNee was a prayer warrior; we always knew that our family was covered from a prayer perspective. A few years ago when I was going through a mini-life crisis, NeeNee gave me a rock. She wanted me to remember that God is my rock; He is never changing and never moving. I still keep it in my coat pocket and every time I feel it, I remember.
Another thing about NeeNee, she loved to take pictures. You know, if it wasn’t for NeeNee I don’t think we would have any pictures of Sophie’s first few years.
NeeNee has always taken care of us and we have always felt the need to take care of her in whatever ways possible. When we were contemplating a move to California a few years ago, she was ready to pick up and go with us without hesitation. How many people would do that for you? When we learned that we were moving to England, again she enthusiastically agreed to come with us. As hard as we thought the move might be for the girls, we knew it would be ok since NeeNee was coming. Then when the time came to leave for England and she became ill we were saddened and confused. "Why, God?" we asked, would you bring us all this far and then not allow her to come with us? I think in a strange way He was protecting all of us from what He knew would eventually happen so quickly. As hard as it has been to not be there with NeeNee and you all for this past month, it would have been harder on our girls to see their NeeNee in that way. Sometimes we just have to trust that God knows what He is doing.
As many of you know, NeeNee was quite a talented writer and artist. To entertain the girls (and herself) she would spend hours drawing literally hundreds of pictures on our computer of cats and frogs and other things little girls find fascinating. They really are quite amazing pictures. We encouraged NeeNee to try to get her work published and even sent her to North Carolina to a publisher’s conference. She was unable to get her work published that time, but we have not given up yet. We plan to write a letter to the American Cancer Society and tell them about what a truly amazing person she was and send a few samples of her work. Hopefully we can get her work published as a children’s book in her memory with every dime of profit going to cancer research to try to defeat this horrible disease.
Approximately 8 years ago an unexpected joy came into our life... Brittney was almost 2 months old and I was preparing to return to work, when the daycare we had selected called to say they no longer could take Brittney. As we scrambled for an option, my mom volunteered to stay a little longer; MeeMee Duffy retired from her job & came to stay for awhile; and then... a neighbor called to ask about all of the out-of-town license plates. She said she had an offer for us... She had a nanny that was needing more hours. You see their daughter was starting kindergarten so they just needed someone to put Randee on the bus every morning & pick her up every afternoon until her mom came home from school as well. So we were a perfect match. We talked on the phone that night with NeeNee for the first time. She offered to come over the next morning to meet us in person and to spend a day with Brittney. It was love at first sight (at least on our end).
The next morning she picked up a crying 3 month old, put her in a car seat & took off to take Randee to the school bus and she never slowed down. NeeNee was a life saver to us then and many more times. She taught the girls how to express themselves in art, in music, in dance – you name it, she taught them. But to us, NeeNee showed unconditional love. She loved our girls whether they were tired or sick, and whether she was tired or sick… she showed them patience and tolerance. NeeNee taught them to see each person as an individual with value and to treat everyone with respect.
For Brittney, NeeNee was the constant. We have moved 3 times in Brittney’s short life, changed schools 4 times, and travelled on annual mission trips – but NeeNee was always there for Brittney. She would help Brittney to remember the good times and to anticipate the new good times. Brittney shared NeeNee’s passion for garage sales and this past summer was difficult for them – we told them NO MORE GARAGE SALES. You know, those two can find a garage sale while on vacation in the middle of no-where.
Sophie tested NeeNee’s patience and stamina. Sophie has lots of energy and lots of spunk – to some degree Sophie is a lot like NeeNee. She didn’t (and still doesn’t) like rules or quiet time or sitting still. She loves to sing, play Barbies or Poly-Pockets, and she LOVES art-time. Sophie asked me yesterday, “how will NeeNee always be in my heart? My heart is so small and NeeNee is so great.” I’m not sure that I have or had the best of answers for Sophie, but I told her that NeeNee will always be in our heart because NeeNee had so much love and our heart is the home for love…
Two years ago NeeNee went on a mission trip with us and the Willow Hill Youth Group, and she became the NeeNee of 20 more people… she never stopped showing her love. NeeNee loved that group of kids as if she had known them all their life. She calmed their fears as we entered a “different” world and she was able to educate all of us on the history of the Lakota Indians. She was able to embody the experience we were trying to share with these youth. She shared Christ with those 20 youth & with everyone she came into contact with on that mission trip.
Friends and co-workers were always asking if they could hire NeeNee. I would tell them, no NeeNee isn’t for hire – NeeNee is love. A friend of mine once said do you know I pass NeeNee every day as she is coming to your house in the morning and she always has a smile on her face. That is the NeeNee we will always remember – her laugh, her smile, her sense of humor (though we didn’t always get it), and her unselfish way of life. She never asked for a thing, she gave all she could, and she loved more than she should.
NeeNee was a prayer warrior; we always knew that our family was covered from a prayer perspective. A few years ago when I was going through a mini-life crisis, NeeNee gave me a rock. She wanted me to remember that God is my rock; He is never changing and never moving. I still keep it in my coat pocket and every time I feel it, I remember.
Another thing about NeeNee, she loved to take pictures. You know, if it wasn’t for NeeNee I don’t think we would have any pictures of Sophie’s first few years.
NeeNee has always taken care of us and we have always felt the need to take care of her in whatever ways possible. When we were contemplating a move to California a few years ago, she was ready to pick up and go with us without hesitation. How many people would do that for you? When we learned that we were moving to England, again she enthusiastically agreed to come with us. As hard as we thought the move might be for the girls, we knew it would be ok since NeeNee was coming. Then when the time came to leave for England and she became ill we were saddened and confused. "Why, God?" we asked, would you bring us all this far and then not allow her to come with us? I think in a strange way He was protecting all of us from what He knew would eventually happen so quickly. As hard as it has been to not be there with NeeNee and you all for this past month, it would have been harder on our girls to see their NeeNee in that way. Sometimes we just have to trust that God knows what He is doing.
As many of you know, NeeNee was quite a talented writer and artist. To entertain the girls (and herself) she would spend hours drawing literally hundreds of pictures on our computer of cats and frogs and other things little girls find fascinating. They really are quite amazing pictures. We encouraged NeeNee to try to get her work published and even sent her to North Carolina to a publisher’s conference. She was unable to get her work published that time, but we have not given up yet. We plan to write a letter to the American Cancer Society and tell them about what a truly amazing person she was and send a few samples of her work. Hopefully we can get her work published as a children’s book in her memory with every dime of profit going to cancer research to try to defeat this horrible disease.
When Kevin & I came to England in November 2006 to pick our new house I asked NeeNee what she was going to do with her week off… she said – “well, I guess WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO, DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO.” In these last few weeks and days, I found these words to be even more true… when I am overcome with sadness and don’t know what to do, I do what I know – I cry a little, I remember a little, I laugh a little, and I just keep living one moment at a time. That is what NeeNee would want!
We miss you dearly and will always love you.
-Your Family in England. Kevin, Cathy, Brittney and Sophie
We miss you dearly and will always love you.
-Your Family in England. Kevin, Cathy, Brittney and Sophie
UPDATE: As I was just reading this to the girls, Sophie said "when we get to heaven we will see NeeNee again. I am going to run & give her a big hug" - wow, what a love & understanding at 4.
More memories to expand on...
Summers at the Farm Park
Art Time
Brittney's ornament eating - first birthday
Story Princess
Pool side on the driveway
Sophie
Lake vacation with NaNa Krueger and girls
Toys in the backseat of the cars
Staying at the house for Sundance & then Butch
Bananas in Pajamas and many other stuffed animals
Reading ~ books ~ Junie-B
Pictures - photo albums - Mother's Day gift
NeeNee to me & Kevin
More memories to expand on...
Summers at the Farm Park
Art Time
Brittney's ornament eating - first birthday
Story Princess
Pool side on the driveway
Sophie
Lake vacation with NaNa Krueger and girls
Toys in the backseat of the cars
Staying at the house for Sundance & then Butch
Bananas in Pajamas and many other stuffed animals
Reading ~ books ~ Junie-B
Pictures - photo albums - Mother's Day gift
NeeNee to me & Kevin
Monday, January 21, 2008
I'm a believer
For over 13 months I have been determined to make do with my 2 vacuum cleaners that we purchased when we first got here. The Eureka was a second hand purchase but is actually the better of the two. I keep it upstairs to clean the bedrooms. The one we purchased our first week is a piece of junk (I mean that in the nicest way of course). The belt breaks after just a few vacuums and the suction is almost non existent...
So in a fit, I went to Currys today and purchased a Dyson. Of course I had to take out a second mortgage on our house back in Illinois to buy this but let me tell you, it can suck up the dirt. Some say you can feel the carpet lifting as you vacuum. I'm not sure about that, but I can tell you when I would go through a path of dog hair it was obvious where I had vacuumed and where I had not - it created that line that I remember seeing on old vacuum commercials back in the states. I even found myself enjoying vacuuming. I think that is because it actually was working. You could tell I had vacuumed when I finished - what an amazing thought.
I cannot believe I have blogged about this, but hey, it is a chance to brag about Dyson (do I get a kick back for this...). Happy Cleaning!
So in a fit, I went to Currys today and purchased a Dyson. Of course I had to take out a second mortgage on our house back in Illinois to buy this but let me tell you, it can suck up the dirt. Some say you can feel the carpet lifting as you vacuum. I'm not sure about that, but I can tell you when I would go through a path of dog hair it was obvious where I had vacuumed and where I had not - it created that line that I remember seeing on old vacuum commercials back in the states. I even found myself enjoying vacuuming. I think that is because it actually was working. You could tell I had vacuumed when I finished - what an amazing thought.
I cannot believe I have blogged about this, but hey, it is a chance to brag about Dyson (do I get a kick back for this...). Happy Cleaning!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
What to do...
What do you do when you are bored? Brittney has played with her Barbies, her Polly Pockets, her playdoh, and she has played school, played the piano a little bit, played with her sister, played with her Nintendo DS, has colored in her new coloring books... she can't go outside because it is raining (of course), mom won't let her have a friend over because then Sophie would be left out...
She doesn't want to read, her room is cleaned up, no more movies to watch, and mom won't take her to Activity World (only because her birthday party is there next weekend).
So, what is a bored 8 year old to do - just pester her mom I guess :-)
She doesn't want to read, her room is cleaned up, no more movies to watch, and mom won't take her to Activity World (only because her birthday party is there next weekend).
So, what is a bored 8 year old to do - just pester her mom I guess :-)
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