THANKSGIVING

Yesterday in a phone visit with my sister, Laurel, she reminded me of special "Thanksgiving memories" during our growing up years. She recalled how our mother would teach school all day on Wednesday and then head to the grocery store when school was over so she could purchase the food necessary to begin the meal preparation for the next day. She did so much--including making all the pies--getting up in the wee hours to put the turkey in the oven--and now we think, "How did she do it all?" Thanksgiving is such a treasured time and our families have purposed to keep it that way.
Lest we forget, I believe it is imperative to reflect on those who went before us and were an integral part in our history and therefore our lives. The initial giving of thanks in l621 for God's gracious provision was followed by a time of such scarcity that history reveals everyone was forced to a daily ration of only five kernels of corn.
The first national day of Thanksgiving was declared in 1777--just one year after our Declaration of Independence from Britain. Earlier in the year the colonists had suffered many defeats, but then there was the victory at Saratoga. President Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation during the Civil War is monumental. President Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November as a day of national "Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". The date varied some through the years and finally President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill on Novemeber 26, l941 that stated the fourth Thursday of November would be our national holiday.
For me, it is so easy to get got up in "daily events and responsibilities" that I forget what I should remember. May it not be this way today--Psalms 105:1"Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon HIs name; Make known His deeds among the peoples."

MY FAVORITE VETERAN--MY DAD

Veteran's Day has been especially meaningful to me today as I reflected on my gratitude for all the veteran's past and present who have served our country--many serving with the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and others with horrible injuries both physical and psychological. As I was preparing to do this blog, I saw on the internet the heart-rendering account of a WWII veteran who finally, at the age of 84,
broke 60 years of silence on the atrocities that he and others had endured in a Nazi slave camp. It was all that I could do not to cry.
Today, I think especially of my dad who was a WWII veteran in the Army Air Corps--this branch of the service eventually became the Air Force. My dad wouldn't have needed to enlist as he and his father were farming enough acres that he could have received a farm deferment. Yet, he was so compelled to serve and do his part, that he voluntarily enlisted. When he did this, he and my mother were engaged. She was working at the draft board in Abilene and filled out the papers for his entrance into military service. Neither of them had any assurance that he would return--many did not. My sisters and I each have notebooks that chronicle the different segments of his military service. We also have a copy of a note that he wrote during this time that says, "I am happy today because in my pocket I have my New Testament and in my heart I have the love of the sweetest girl on earth."
The photo included is in the Dole building on the KU campus where they honor the WWII veterans. Donneta was so diligent to send this in and then Jason and Marci toured the building and took a picture of their grandfather.
So today I can't appreciate enough or adequately thank the veterans of our country. You are HEROES and my dad will always be MY FAVORITE VETERAN.

The Donut Lady!

A fun thing that I enjoy doing on Saturday mornings is making a "run"--in the car that is-- to Krispy Kreme for donuts. I get a dozen for Tim, Tad, and Tom and a dozen for my mom's assisted living house. This has become somewhat of a tradition and it is a fun way to make so many people happy! Now, when I walk into my mom's house on Saturday mornings, one lady calls out, "The donut lady is here!" They are all so appreciative. Last Saturday morning was especially delightful. One lady who is new at my mom's house said that it had been a long time since she'd had a Krispy Kreme; another told me how she looks forward to Saturday a.m.'s for the donut lady! My mom gets so happy and it is another chance for me to tell her how much I love her. (One Saturday when I had a schedule conflict and didn't get by, the caregiver told me that one of the ladies sat at the breakfast table for the longest time waiting for me to come.) I always say to them, "Happy Saturday"! and then explain that "The Donut Lady" needs to get back in her van and head north as her 3 sons are waiting, too! As I walked out of my mom's assisted living home last Saturday, I thanked the Lord for such a happy event. It has been so sad seeing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease in my mom's life, but my sisters and I have purposed that we will maximize this chapter in our mother's life with happiness and a "museum of memories". I'm thankful that I've had the delight and the privilege of being "The Donut Lady".

A Sunday School Teacher's Influence

The summer after I completed the 5th grade, my family began attending a Bible Church in Salina, Kansas. The number of miles that my parents drove to do this doubled--compared to our previous drives to church-- but they considered it an investment in their daughters. My sisters and I just loved the Sunday School in this new church. We would try to learn our Bible verses, study our lesson, and never miss--so that we could get a "perfect attendance pin". Each Sunday School teacher is remembered and deeply appreciated by us. Today the teacher I had (and then my sister's after me) in the 6th grade is celebrating her 88th birthday--Caryl Tucker! Sunday after Sunday she prepared and taught us. From that small basement classroom she influenced many young girls for the Lord. What she and her family need to celebrate on this special day is the exciting reality that her influence and that of other faithful teachers "keeps on going". Now her 6th grade students have children of their own and indirectly she has influenced them as well. Her influence is not only stateside but has been taken to other countries--Mexico, Turkey, and East Asia. As I think of Caryl, I'm taken by how she has always treasured God's Word. Qualities such as Faithful, Steadfast, Consistent come to my mind. This treasured teacher not only influenced 6th grade girls but she has her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who are living examples of her influence as well. So on this special day I simply wanted to say thanks to Caryl and the many other Sunday School teachers who week by week invest in teaching God's Word to students and remind you that your efforts are not in vain. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARYL!! My sisters and I love YOU!

Sisters and Nieces Fun Friday!

For several years my sisters and I have been wanting to schedule a fun outting that would work for everyone's schedule! Recently we were able to enjoy this. Donneta, Laurel, and I met in Abilene--our home town early one morning. We were so happy that niece, Anna, and a little later in the morning, niece, Marci, could join us. (We missed niece, Shawnee, but Arkansas is a little far to travel for a day.) We began in a store called the Cypress Bridge that had beautiful fall decorations! We must have spent a couple of hours there before venturing on to other special stores. It was so special to walk down the streets of my hometown and try to "remember" what stores had been there in "years gone by". I pointed out to everyone the steps that used to lead to a basement barber shop where our dad would get his hair cut. The window was still there that Donneta and I would knock on to wave to him as he was in the barber's chair! We went to the drug store and Laurel treated us to the soda fountain that was really unchanged from years gone by. Donneta treated us to lunch at a wonderful deli called, "The Dish" and the sandwiches were delicious! Walking up and down these streets brought back so many treasured memories. We wished that our mom could join us for these events but she is always with us in our hearts. After more shopping, laughing, and getting tired legs and feet the day came to a close. Before leaving Abilene, we stopped at Sonic and then went to the cemetery and put fall flowers on our dad's grave. Enroute back to Wichita I drove by the farmhouse where I grew up and where in the depths of my heart will always resonate as "home". We saw a sign in Abilene that said, "Home is where your story begins." I am so thankful for this beginning.

Encouraged by Others!

Over the last couple of years, I have been inspired by the Neir--extended family as they have engaged in competition--jogging, biking, and swimming. I have also had a wonderful example in the discipline my husband has demonstrated over the last couple of years as he has lost a lot of weight and is so methodical in going the the YMCA to exercise. I also thought of my mother (now in a wheelchair) who when she was my present age could run a mile in 10 minutes and outrun me--even though she was almost twice my age.

SO--with these examples, a sign at the YMCA posted late last July caught my attention. The sign said that the Y would help prepare members for Wichita's Half-Marathon coming up in late September. I thought about it for about a week and then decided to give it a try. The 7 weeks of training with Stephanie and Matt (Y employess) went very fast. They were so kind to me and encouraged me as did Tim. No one made fun of my slow ways!

Two weeks ago I completed the half marathon! Stephanie, the wonderful trainer from the Y, stayed about 6 to 10 feet ahead of me the whole way so that I would keep going. She was wonderful as she could have gone so much faster, but instead focused on helping me. When we were just about finished, one of the men on bikes said, "Your family is waiting for you at the finish line and they are proud of you!" What a wonderful site to see Tim and the 3 boys as I crossed the finish line! I was so happy and then I started to cry. The photo is one that Tim took of Stephanie and me.

I want to keep working on getting better (faster) as I have a long way to go to be able to do what my mom could do when she was my age. Yesterday, I ran in a 5K and had fun with that. Tim got a special watch for me that helped me "keep pushing" myself and I finished 26 sec. sooner than my goal--though my times are still very slow. Tim surprised me by cheering for me along the way. That helped as when I would see him I would speed up so he wouldn't realize how "normally slow" I am.

Anyway, this has been a lot of fun. I am thankful for friends and family who have been both an example and an encouragement to me.

Our High School Senior

Our oldest son, Tim, began his senior year at Trinity Academy a couple of weeks ago. His brother, Tad, mentioned that it didn't seem very long ago that we dropped Tim off for his first day as a high school freshman and now he is in his last year. His dad and I wish that time would slow down as it's hard for us to think about Tim not being around as much. He is busy this year being the Student Council president, involved in National Honor Society, a couple of vocal groups, and a small group co-leader. He is thinking of college options and right now seems to be favoring WSU. Last week I got to go with him to a WSU scholarship information meeting, and now he needs to get started with the paper work. During the last few months he's been working out with weights and seems so big and strong. A neighbor man asked him to help carry a large piece of furniture down the street that he had purchased at a garage sale! I wish that I could have seen this. (Tim told me he would never again complain about furniture that I ask him to move here in the house.) He still drives his l982 VW bus which doesn't have heat or AC, but Tim did get the windows fixed so that now they will roll up! Tim's been a good example for his younger brothers and we are so appreciative. Tim and I do have a difference of opinion on how a room should be kept! I know though that next year if his room doesn't have an occupant that I will miss the days of its present appearance!

This photo of Tim was taken at Lake Hiayaha in Rocky Mountain National Park. We love you, Tim!

Brotherly Competition

An event that the boys enjoy on our vacation is going to Fun City in the evenings to ride the Go-Karts! The look of determination on their faces and desire to outdo the other is fun to see. Last year they had the added competition of Neis and Felbush cousins to contend with. They always wish that the "slow drivers" would stay out of their way. Another reason for me to watch from the fence.

Top of the Mountain

Trail Ridge Road is a beautiful scenic route that goes from Estes Park to Grand Lake. The Alpine Visitor Center is near the highest point of this journey. The boys liked the snack shop inside the store! Before getting anything to eat, Tim, Tommy, and I took a hike to a look out area. It took longer to get to this spot than it seemed when viewing it from the parking lot. Tommy was nice to stay with me. I think that he was afraid that I would fall! The view from the top was beautiful!

THE MOUNTAINS!

One of my favorite and loved places is Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. My parents took my sisters and me to this area for our family vacations as we were growing up. Such treasured memories come to my mind and are stored in my heart of these times. Now this has become a favorite place for Tim and me to take our boys. I hope that someday they will have the "museum of memories" of these family times as well. We got to take our family vacations to Estes/RMNP earlier this month. We had a wonderful time, but as usual, I am slow in blogging. The photo of the 3 boys was taken along the Old Fall River Road that leads to the top of Trail Ridge Road. The picture of the 5 of us on boulders was at Lake Hiayaha. We had hiked to this lake many years ago with my parents. However, I had forgotten that once you get to the lake it is surrounded by huge boulders. The boys hopped from rock to rock like mountain goats. I, on the other hand, scooted around on my bottom--scared to death! They all laughed at me. The photo of the 5 of us was taken from a look out tower in Roosevelt National Park with the Rockies in the background. We had gone on a Wilderness Tour to this summit. The Wilderness Tour is the roughest, wildest, but most fun ride I've ever gone on. We had a wonderful time that always ends too soon. I have a hard time not crying when the time in Colorado is over, but we have fun planning what we want to do the next time. More photos to come.

San Francisco Photos--At Last!

For the longest time, I couldn't get photos to load on our computer, but now it seems to be working again. A few photos that bring back happy memories of our spring break trip to San Francisco. We really enjoy the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the cable cars.

Blogging Has Resumed!

I'm back! After weeks of not blogging because I couldn't get photos to load, I have returned. Yesterday I got a couple of pictures to load and now I have the "blogging bug" again. Today when I was looking at some photos on Tim's computer I saw this one taken of our oldest son, Tim, and myself a couple of years ago when we were on vacation. My poor sons and husband as they have to put up with me. Anyway get ready to be bored as I have a lot of blogging to do. (Tim says that I need to call my friend, Mary Neir, to find out how to label pictures, etc.) So, Mary if your phone rings you might not want to answer because I am quite slow to catch on!

BIRTHDAY PIE!

BIRTHDAY CAKE and BIRTHDAY PIE!!

Tim and his brothers with his ice cream cake. His brother Tad got a birthday pie for him. They were both too good!

Our 18 Year Old--Tim

TIM TURNS 18!!

On July 8 we celebrated a new milestone in our family. Our oldest son, Tim, turned 18. A couple weeks before this momentous day he received notification from the Selective Service that he was registered. (We thought that this was something he would need to do as he turned 18.) When he called to double check--to please his mother--he was told that this is done automatically when a young man gets his driver's license. Tim has been such a joy in our lives. He was not supposed to be born until July 31, so in late June of l990 when I went to help my folks with the wheat harvest, I was "certain" that I had plenty of time??? before our baby would arrive. How incorrect I was! I was always so thankful that I didn't go into labor as my mom and I were bouncing across the field in the wheat truck!

The years have gone so very fast and now Tim is preparing for his senior year in high school. He is the student council president for his last year and in a few weeks his class will be taking their senior trip. His dad and I would like to slow things down, but realize that is not possible so we want to enjoy each day.

For the last 4 years Tim has had a small lawn mowing business called "The Cut Above". (I love to mow grass and frequently ask if he needs an "assistant", but he always declines!) Tim drives a l982 VW Vanagon. The heat and the AC don't work and this summer the front windows won't roll up. Every time it rains he (or we) run out and put towels in the windows to try to keep the inside dry. (I must add we've add a rainy summer.)

Tim we love you so much and desire for you to seek God's guidance in your future plans. (If I can ever get the computer to add photos, I will add a birthday picture of Tim and his brothers.)

MY WONDERFUL MOTHER

I had intended to write about my mother on Mother's Day so I am three weeks slow! Mom has always been one of the happiest, most pleasant, kindest individuals that I have ever known. Her wonderful disposition made our home happy. I was either in college or medical school before it ever dawned on me, "I wonder if Mom ever gets sad or discouraged?" She so loved, honored, enjoyed our dad and her three daughters. As a little girl I recall thinking, "Mommy doesn't have to belong to ladies' clubs, because she says that we are her best friends!" That reality gave me such security. She was such a hard, efficient worker--raising a family, teaching school, farming with my dad in the summer. About the only time that she ever sat down was at meal time at that wasn't for long. She hardly ever watched TV--in fact, she wasn't even certain how to turn on the television (what a blessing!). Mom taught us the joy of celebrating even the simple events of life. She seldom spent any money on herself--what she earned went for her family and the farm. She was so easy to talk to and always knew just what to say (or not say!). She would sing funny little songs and pretend that she was the "floppy woppy doll". We would laugh until we would cry. She took good care of herself--she would jog, ride her bike, jump rope--I could never keep up with her in jogging. She was so unpretentious--she couldn't tell if a car was fancy or inexpensive (nor did it matter to her)--she thought cars were the same if they were the same color!
Most of all Mom loved Jesus and His Presence in her life accomplished so much of the above. The following poem was one that I read in August 1970 just before I started college. I was so homesick and included it in my mother's birthday card. Through these many years, this was often the poem that I would include in her Mother's Day and birthday cards.

MOTHER

Never a sigh for the cares that she bore for me,
Never a thought of the joys that flew by;
Her one regret that she couldn't do more for me,
Thoughtless and selfish, her master was I.

Oh, the long nights that she came at my call to me!
Oh, the soft touch of her hands on my brow!
Oh, the long years that she gave up her all to me!
Oh, how I yearn for her gentleness now!

Slave to her baby! Yes, that was the way of her,
Counting her greatest of servies small;
Words cannot tell what my heart would say of her,
Mother--the sweetest and fairest of all.
By Edgar Guest

Everyday of my life I continue to be blessed because of my mother. Thank you, Mom! I love and admire you with all my heart. Marilee

San Francisco--Our Fun Trip!

Six weeks ago Tim, the boys, and I had a special trip to San Francisco. We took this while the boys were on spring break. (I had tried to blog on our trip previously but couldn't load the pictures so thought I'd try again.) SF has been a favorite city of mine since my sister, Laurel, and I visited in l979 when I was attending a surgery meeting. My parents and I got to have a number of fun trips here, too. They loved the cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge. Then in August of l988 Tim took me here for our honeymoon and the city became ours! As the boys are growing so fast, we wanted to share the city with them. We had so much fun and even today I think with such happy memories of our time there.

My pictures still won't load so hopefully can send them later.

TOMMY TURNS 14!!!

Tomorrow March 24 will be a very special day in our home! Our youngest son, Tommy, turns 14. How fast the years have gone. I so remember the day he was born--I had a 7:30 surgery to do and at the end of the case realized I was a little uncomfortable. I walked from the hospital across the walkway to my OB for my scheduled appt. He informed me that I was in labor, to walk back to the hospital, and get ready to have a baby! I called Tim who was at the dentist's office getting ready to have a root canal. He was more than happy to bolt out of the dentist's office, only to have the dentist run after him, saying that they could reschedule him! Tommy was born by mid-afternoon and he was my biggest baby at 8lb. 11oz. That evening Tim brought Timmy and Taddy to the hospital to meet their little brother. Taddy almost upset the bassinette trying to look in. It was basketball season then as well and Tommy and I watched KU lose to Purdue.

Tommy is a delightful son and brings us so much happiness. He is always so willing to help around the house and the yard. He keeps his room so neat and is very organized. This has been his first year in public school and he studies very hard. He has made the honor roll both 9 weeks and his dad and I get to attend the honor roll breakfast for parents. His Bible verse for the school year is Phil. 4:13.

Tommy really likes sports--his favorite being basketball. He hopes that KU can win it all this year! (So do the rest of us.) The New York Yankees are his favorite baseball team.

Tommy is so kind to both of his grandmothers and made each of them happy on Easter Sunday as he visited them. Tommy, we thank God for you and wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Changing of the Drivers

A goal that I have in blogging is so that someday our sons might have a record/memories of some of the events in my own life that had an affect on me. The following is one of these:

It was the day before Thanksgiving l975 and I was a tired, discouraged, medical student at the Univ. of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. I didn't have a car and lived in a small dorm room on the medical center campus. A day before, K.C. had a significant snow storm. The medical student that I usually got rides with didn't want to drive back to the Abilene area (which I understood) and decided to spend Thanksgiving in K.C. I called my parents to state that I didn't have a ride home. I'll never forget my dad immediately saying, "I"ll Come Get You!" (Oh, how good those words sounded and tears still come to my eyes thinking about it.) I had an idea about when he might arrive that night so I started looking out my dorm window. After a while, I could make out the headlights of their l965 Ford rounding the corner by our dorm. My dad and I were so happy to see each other! He said. "Your mother would have come, too, but as soon as she got finished teaching school, she got groceries and headed home to start getting the Thanksgiving meal for tomorrow ready." He told me that before he left Abilene for the l50 mile trip to K.C. he stoped at Holt Motor so they could put chains on the tires. I still remember that night--he pulled back onto I-70 to head for home! My dad had come for me; the car was so warm; and I had the best driver in the world to get me home. (And he did!)

Fast forward 25 years to 2000. My dad is now elderly and having health challenges. He had just recently been dismissed from the hospital and was still quite weak. It was time for his eye appt. in K.C. with an ophthalmologist who had been caring for him for many years. I picked my folks up at their Assisted Living Apt. in Abilene and we headed for K.C. We had his wheel chair in the back of our van. As we were returning from K.C. to Abilene, my dad was so weak that he would keep leaning toward me and I would keep pushing him back up. As we were heading home along I-70, I thought how much had changed--now I was the driver and he was the passenger. This man who was so skilled and had gotten me home in a bad blizzard, now needed me, just as I so needed him.

The older I get the more I realize how so much in life comes "Full Circle". As two of our sons are now driving, I will more and more, once again, be the passenger. But, I will always treasure the memory of being the passenger when my dad went through a bad snowstorm to get me home for Thanksgiving.

My Sister--LAUREL

It seems fitting that I should feature my sister, Laurel, on a spring Sunday afternoon because of the memories I want to convey.
It was the spring of l959 and on a Sunday afternoon my parents, sister Donneta, and I were traveling down "Old Highway 40" as we were returning home from visiting friends in Junction City. We were in my folks l953 Ford and this was long before seat belts. I moved to the center of the back seat so I could position myself right between my folks. I conveyed to them that I knew that it "took a long time for a baby" so I wanted to put my order in ahead of time so that they would know what I wanted more than anything else in the world for Christmas l959. (I recall that they kind of looked at each other with that "parent kind" of look and smiled.) They tried to tell me that I probably needed new pajamas more since mine had holes in the feet, but I remained resolute that I wanted another sister.
A couple of months later my mom came out wearing maternity clothes and Donneta and I were overjoyed!! Our youngest sister, Laurel, named after our mother, was born on December 18 and she and Mom came home on Christmas Eve! My dream and wish came true! Our growing up years together were just a treasure. Laurel was almost 6 years younger than Donneta and almost 8 years younger than me. She was so loyal to every event and activity that we were in. No one was happier for us if our softball team or Bible Quiz team won and no one felt more disappointed when we lost. When Donneta and I were in high school Laurel was in grade school but she came to every event we were in. Due to her interest, I got a high school yearbook just for her. She spent so much time looking at it that when we would mention a student's name she could (by memory) list the pages his/her pictures were on.
During Laurel's high school years she became very skilled in photography. When I graduated from medical school, she took a day off school so that she could be in Lawrence to get pictures of the event. My most treasured photos of the event are due to her diligence and expertise.
Laurel has always been so LOYAL to all of us. Once, when we were trying to think of a password for an alarm systerm, my dad suggested (thinking of Laurel) that we use "Loyal McBoyle". Many years ago during a sad time in my life, Laurel called me with some very helpful insights. I've probably never thanked her enough for what that meant.
So on this spring Sunday of 2008, I think back with much fondness to my "childhood request of l959". I am so thankful that my parents "complied" with my Christmas request because my life has been so blessed and so enriched because I have a wonderful sister--LAUREL.

MY PRECIOUS FAMILY

"Count no day unimportant when you still have each other,
For the time will come, when you would give anything and everything
For just one day--any ordinary day, you once shared together."

I do not know the original author of this statement, but my mother wrote it on a 3x5 card and had taped it to a kitchen cabinet in their farmhouse. My mother truly lived the message of these words and she would frequently remind us that good-byes and departures should always (if at all possible) be on a happy, loving note--because none of us would know in advance if it could be our last farewell here on earth.

This week I was soberly reminded of the reality of these words. Two area families were tragically affected with loss of lives in accidents. Life as the survivors knew it will never be the same. My heart aches for the unimaginable grief their loved ones are experiencing.

I've been reminded of the truths from James 4 about "our plans" and the reality that we do not know what our life will be like tomorrow. The phrase comes to mind "Only one life will soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."

So, Tim, Timmy, Taddy, and Tommy I love you ever so much. May I never minimize a day that I have the opportunity and privilege of sharing life with you and may I always have an eternal perspective on what matter most!

MY VALENTINE!!

Twenty years ago on Valentine's Day a "new friend", Tim Wiesner, made my day so special. Now these years later, as his wife and the mother of our 3 sons, he continues to be the treasured delight of my life! Together we have journeyed through life's moments--births of 3 sons, 2 miscarriages, witnessing the aging process in our parents (and ourselves!), job changes, kid's sports events, and many others.
Possibly Irving Berlin's "ALWAYS" conveys it best, Tim.

"I'll be loving you, always
With a love that's true, always
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand,
I will understand, always, always
Days may not be fair, always.
That's when I'll be there, always.
Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year, but ALWAYS!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, TIM! May we have a thousand (and more) tomorrows just like today. I love you, ALWAYS! Marilee

HAPPY #16 TAD!!

Today is a special day in our home. Our middle son, Tad, turns 16! At about this time 16 years ago I was sitting at the kitchen table, and got up to go into another room. After taking a few steps there was a "pop" and water was running down my leg! We knew that this was the day! It was also John Deere Day in Abilene so we told my parents that they might want to go in early for the meal, etc. so they could head to Wichita! Tad weighed 8 lb. 3oz. and was born with a furrowed brow. (My dad said that he was already worried about the national debt.) He had long fingers and toes and I thought that he might be a piano player, but a number of years of lessons, and his great delight to quit proved that to be wrong!

We shared with Tad this morning, for the first time, that some blood work early on in my pregnancy "indicated" that there might be problems for the baby. (I can't remember for certain but possibly spina bifida or Downs syndrome. We would have never thought of ending the pregnancy as our love for him was unconditional.) We were so thankful that he didn't have these challenges, but possibly this knowledge will be a needed reminder to all of us to make the most of what has been given to us.

Last night it was fun to see Tad be the point guard for his freshman team. They won 58-51 and he was able to score 12 points. (His younger brother, Tom, thought that Mom was cheering too loudly at the end as it was a come from behind victory--but maybe that is what Mother's are for.)

The photo is of Tad carrying the ball after he had made an interception. He loves football and just the day before his favorite pro playing Brian Urlacher with the Chicago Bears had made a similar play.

Happy Birthday Tad! Please always remember that "To whom much has been given much will be required." We pray that to honor the Lord and always do your best and try your hardest will burn within your heart and soul.

Our Oldest Son--TIM

In a previous blog I had stated that I wanted to tell a little about each of our sons. We were so blessed on July 8, l990 with the arrival of Timothy Joseph "Timmy or Tim"! I had been helping my folks with the wheat harvest just 9 days before he arrived. His due date was July 31 so I "thought" that we still had a little more time. Tim has been such a joy in our lives. He is now a junior in high school at Trinity Academy. This year he has been especially busy as the junior class president. We were happy for him last fall when he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Tim enjoys music and is in several singing groups at school--though he refuses to sing for us at home and barely moves his lips during singing at church! He drives a l982 VW bus that doesn't have AC or heat so he and Tad have "cool" rides to school in the a.m. There was a time in his life when he thought that we were way too conservative and told his dad and me that living with us was like living with the Amish. He may have reconsidered that statement! I should also credit him for helping me with the computer and he will probably need to help me get these pictures of him loaded. We love you so much Tim and thank God that we have the privilege of being your parents and sharing life with you!

INFLUENCES

Last week I had the fun of helping at the Book Fair at our son Tom's middle school. When I saw the sign "Scholastic Books" I remembered how one of their books had influenced me as a 9 year old. Even back then we got to order books and one that I chose which had a great impact on me was "The First Woman Doctor". The story told of Elizabeth Blackwell and all that she had gone through to accomplish her goal. I was so taken with the book that upon completing it, immediately went to find my mother and announced to her that when I grew up I wanted to be a doctor. She was so kind, stopping what she was doing, and acknowledged that if this was my desire, she and my dad would always try to encourage me. (It took me years to fully appreciate what her validation had meant to me.)

Possibly the book was meaningful to me because two years prior, my parents had taken me to the Hertzler Clinic in Halstead and Dr. Ruth Montgomery-Short took my tonsils out. I recall, as a 7 year old, thinking that I had never met someone like her--she took tonsils out during the day and had 3 daughters at home as well. She took time to talk to me and made quite an impression! (About 20 years later, after I had completed medical school, I got to meet her, thank her, and establish a close friendship.)

After these two events, I had other goals and didn't really think about medicine for almost 10 years. When the dream was "reborn" in my mind and heart I only had nerve to share it with my parents. The long years and nights of preparation can be shared for another day, but mainly I've had delight remembering these two profound influences in my life which happened at the ages of 7 and 9.

For those with children who may read this--please never minimize their dreams and goals and always remember that you may be the very one who motivates them to pursue a great challenge that has "their name on it"!

60 YEARS AGO

February 8 will always strike a special meaning in my heart as this was the day that my parents were married. On February 8, l948 Laurel Leckron and Vincent McBoyle were united in marriage by Rev. Ralph Manchee at the First Baptist Church in Abilene, Kansas. Classes at the University of Kansas were resuming the next day so late at night (after having wedding portraits taken in Salina and stopping by the farm so that my dad's grandmother Sexton could see them) they journeyed to Lawrence. Their first home was a small trailer house. They got locked out as they were carrying in gifts and could only stand out in the cold and look inside to see their keys on the dinette table. The locksmith who came was nice and didn't charge them. He said it was his wedding gift to them!

It is with tremendous love and devotion that I write about my parents and their lives together which my sisters Donneta, Laurel, and I were a part of. The older I get the more I appreciate them and ALL that they represented and did for me/us. So many things come to mind but to name a couple--they drove thousands of extra miles for a number of years so that their daughters could be in a strong Bible-believing church. (At the time I did not appreciate enough the extra time and financial implications this put on them, but what an eternal benefit in our lives.) I also remember how they kept using old handed down furniture so that the money could be used to buy a nice saxophone for me. Now I wish that I had listened even better when they talked of WWII--my dad being in the Army Air Corps and my mom working at the draft board and filling out the papers for her then fiance. Now I better understand why they would sit on the edge of their sits to listen when TV documentaries on Pearl Harbor, Battle of the Bulge, Normandy Invasion, and others came on. They understood and had lived through those guarded days.

I just loved visiting with them, and it seemed that we never ran out of things to talk about. As I was older before I got married, we were able to take fun trips together. They were delightful to travel with and so appreciative. So many funny things would happen that we laughed at not only at the time but everytime we remembered the event!

A neighbor lady once commented that they were such "a good team" as they worked together. She was correct and this observation meant so much to my parents. My husband, Tim, commented on how much they enjoyed each other and how much fun my folks had together. A few weeks before my dad died, a caregiver in their assisted living home heard my dad tell my mom, "Laurel, you will always be my Miss America." (I believe that they were watching the Miss America pagent on TV at the time.)

As an adult daughter the joy of this and these memories gives me untold joy and happiness. Many people start the journey together, but to see a couple finish so well and so beautifully is a profound testimony!

On the gravestone where my dad is buried and where my mom will be buried replications of their signatures--Vincent and Laurel--TOGETHER FOREVER. There is the Bible verse from Lamentations--"GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS"!

So it is with great thankfulness to God and His Great Faithfulness that I say, "Happy Anniversary" to my parents that I love and adore. Marilee

Lessons From a Basketball Game

Kansas State University made history on January 30 as they defeated No.2 undefeated Kansas by 9 points! The celebrating was phenomenal to watch. Being so impressed by KSU I purposed to watch them "win again" on February 2 against Missouri. Well into the 2nd half this seemed to be a given as KSU had a 14 point lead. Then the "unthinkable" happened--KSU turnovers and excellent play by Missouri--making Wednesday night victors, Saturday afternoon losers. This reminded me of a quotation I had recently read by Dwight D. Eisenhower-"When you are in any contest, you should work as if there were--to the very last minute--a chance to lose it. This is battle, this is politics, this is anything." Personally, I believe KSU "thought" they had the game won, let down, and lost. More importantly I believe this is what was on the Apostle Paul's heart when he stated "I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. ICor. 9:27" and Phil.3:13b "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." I also thought of the times in the Bible where great victories were followed by humbled defeats--example victory at Jericho followed by defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin, (though Ai was eventually defeated.)

Yes, victories and "good days" whether in the spiritual arena, sports, academics, family life need to be enjoyed and appreciated, but also received with much humility and the awareness that these are also times that make us extra vulnerable. Prov. 16:18 states "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling."

I learned some other things from that game about not "giving up" when all seems to be lost, but I will save that for another blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNETA!

This is a special day for me as my sister, Donneta, celebrates her birthday. Donneta is still quite young as she is 2 years younger than I am! During the "era" that she was born, mothers stayed in the hospital for almost a week after a delivery. I was not quite 2 and stayed with my grandparents. When my parents brought Donneta home from the hospital they said that I was so thrilled to see my mom, and I exclaimed, "Mama did come home! Mama did come home!" Then I realized that Daddy was carrying a bundle and I exclaimed again, "A baby! A real live baby!"
The memories that we shared growing up were so many and so special--just to name a few--the years that we played on the same softball team (she was the catcher and I pitched)--the two years that we were in high school and the shared activities (even when she beat me in the finals of the ping pong tournament and won a trophy that I so desired!), the many nights that we would stay up late talking and Daddy would call up the stairs "Go to Bed". (I should add that Donneta, Laurel, and I continue to make treasured memories together.)
I always felt that Donneta was so much like our mom. In photos of each of them in their "younger years" there is a strong resemblance. They both love their husbands and children, work so hard, love the farm, have great smiles, were/are teachers, and have such a love for the Lord Jesus. I could go on and on but let me close with a poem (author unknown to me) that reflects my deep love for both of my sisters, Donneta and Laurel. (Laurel, I realize that I "dropped the ball" on your birthday; don't hold your breath; but I will get to it. This is why my boys call me Slo-Mo which stands for Slow Mother.)

Sister, sister
Take my hand
and we'll go back
as far as we can,
Back through the fields
of memory
To the long-ago you and me.

Childhoold was home,
and home was light
and love and warmth
on a cold, dark night,
and there at the heart
of home were we.
The long ago you and me.

We whispered secrets,
laughed and cried,
Ran wild outdoors
or stayed inside,
Held safe in the arms
of family
The long ago you and me.

We were little then
Now we are grown.
But I LOVE YOU STILL,
My sister, my own
and still at home
in my heart are we.
The long-ago you and me.

Happy Birthday, Donneta! I love you so very much. Marilee

Our Son--TAD

In my blogs I want to tell a little about each of our 3 sons. This blog will feature our middle son Tad. Some people ask what "Tad" is short for. His given name is Thaddaeus and this has been shortened to a variety of names--Thad, Thaddy, Taddy, but most often "Tad". His middle name is Vincent--namesake of my father. Tad is a freshman at Trinity Academy and enjoying this first year of high school. (At Thanksgiving, my sister Donneta, asked us each to write down one thing that we were thankful for. Tad wrote, "Trinity Academy".) A highlight of his freshman year has been playing football. (He seems to be following in the steps of cousins Jason, Levi, and Alex.) He especially likes playing defense! In these photos he is wearing his new letter jacket which didn't make it here in time for Christmas. Presently, he is the point guard on his freshman basketball team. We are thankful that he is studying hard. He is trying to read his Bible each day and find direction and instruction from God's Word. Currently he is working hard to keep his room cleaned up each a.m. so that he doesn't get his cell phone taken away! Tad is quiet and thoughtful. (I know at times all of his mother's questions must be a source of irritation!) He is a joy and when he smiles I feel so happy. We love you so much Tad and thank God for you.

A Kind Grandson

Today when Tommy heard that I was going to visit my mom, he said, "Would you like for me to go with you?" Of course, I would! So off we went. First we stopped to see my mom (Grandma McBoyle). Many of you know that my mom has advanced Alzheimer's. She really smiled when she saw Tommy! Her speech is quite limited, but before we left, she was saying, "Tommy, Tommy" and this made all of us smile! From my mom's assisted living home, we journeyed over to Tim's mother's assisted living home. Grandma Helen was so happy to see Tommy! I told her about his good grades and how much he helps me around the house! Both of the grandmas were doing so well today and Tommy and I left each house so happy! The photos show Tommy with each grandma. Thanks so much Tommy for you kindnesses to your grandmothers. You touched their hearts and lives today and your dad's and mine too.

Mistakes Made--Lessons Learned

In early November our van was broken into and my purse was stolen. Here are some reminders so that hopefully anyone reading this can avoid my mistakes.

#1 If leaving your purse or valuables in your vehicle--keep it out of sight. (My purse was probably sitting on the front seat in plain view.)

#2 Don't carry your social security card in your billfold. (Why I had it there I don't know.)

#3 If at all possible--KEEP YOUR CHECKBOOK AT HOME. (I had heard on Money Matters that people will spend less if they pay cash than if they use their credit card--because this way they sense more the cost of something. This was a big part of my rationale for carrying a check book in my purse. Unfortunately I was carrying 3 checkbooks in my purse--one of which was my mother's as I often buy supplies for her. All three had just had new fillers of checks put in them.

Here's the reality--within less than two hours of the break in, the credit card companies realized that there was "unusual activity" on my cards, called our home#, and put a hold on the cards. Though the "break-in" individuals had amassed about $1500 of activity in that time period, none was charged to me. It was so simple to get the credit cards stopped and new ones with different account numbers reissued.

We closed out accounts at the three banks and new accounts were reissued. (My mom's account was with an Abilene bank, so my sister Donneta had a lot of work to do because there were direct deposits/withdrawals that had to be changed.) However, though accounts at a bank are closed this doesn't keep thieves from still writing on the existing checks. Many times a week I receive letters from collection agencies about these "returned checks". Each one requires me filling out an avadavit and having it notarized. A couple of businesses here in town have even accepted checks with a different name signed on them than my printed name on the check. (When I checked with the police detective he said that the name they are using on some of my checks is the name of another person whose vehicle they broke into. This poor individual have extra vehicle keys in her purse so they came back a couple days later and stole her vehicles.)

Both the banker and the police detective have told me not to carry a check book, so now they remain "at home". We have put fraud alerts on my name with the credit bureau and will do the same for my mother.

I have not had to pay anything for this other than a new van window, new purse, new billfold, etc. But many hours have been spent doing "damage control". Possible this reminder will help someone else avoid this disappointing event.

My next blog will record a happier event!

Thought For The Day

My sister, Donneta, and I enjoy using Franklin Planners to help us organize our days and time. We have fun at the beginning of each new year putting the new planning pages in our binders. This year I decided that I had to thin out some of the pages that I had been carrying around in my planner for years. One of these sections was "quotations" that I had copied. I was reading through a couple of these just now and want to include one that I had read by Stanley Tam and had entered in my planner page on 12/19/93. This may have been taken from his book "God Owns My Business". Mr Tam states the following:

"I can understand the plight of being average in mentality or in physical endowments--because I surely qualify in both categories--but I do not understand why so many Christians read a Bible abounding in promises to make them something beyond themselves and yet settle for a spiritual vitality so mediocre as to seem virtually non-existent."

I really thank the Lord for this reminder as I so need it. Later this week my mom and I go to wound and skin at Wesley Medical Center for their ongoing assessment of a wound she has that won't heal. We go about every 4 weeks and God is always so faithful, but I always start to worry ahead of time and "anticipate" all the "what-ifs" such as--what if the transport van doesn't pick us up on time, will the lift work at the hospital, what will the Doctor say, will home health keep coming and the list goes on. I love being with my mom but I so want to do the right thing by her and I wonder how much these trips accomplish.

I am glad that the Lord allowed me to read this quotation by Stanley Tam that I had copied a number of years ago. I will decide to focus on God's abounding promises and not the "what-ifs".