Remembering Bolivia

I really need to study for a Psychology test, and I will....eventually. My dreaded enemy, Procrastination, has invaded again, and I can't seem to concentrate. That, and the library is filled with unusually loud people today. Until then, I'll blog about what's been on my mind.
Fifteen years ago, I went on a missions trip to Bolivia with a group of young people from the youth camp I attended. I was a young, immature 16 year old, at the time. I had an interest in missions ever since childhood, and when the trip came up, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to go. There was a total of 5 girls, and two unfortunate guys that went. Jen, Katrina, Juanita, Margery, Ben, Andy, and myself, plus our fearless leader, Jenny. We spent months beforehand raising money and doing deputation services at various churches. During this time, while we had all been friends before, we became closer as a group. To this day, even though we're scattered all over the US, and the world, I consider these people among my closest friends.
The trip Bolivia brought about a lot of firsts in my life. My first passport, my first airplane ride, my first time being away from my family, my first time being in a foreign country. That first airplane ride was unforgettable. 7 hours from Miami, to LaPaz, Bolivia, on a full flight. I was in the middle seat, between Jen, and a Bolivian muscian. It was night, and of course I couldn't sleep. Jen did, though, and somehow my shoulder became her pillow. Me, being the kind friend that I am, didn't want to desturb her. They had music you could listen to with headphones, and I endured 7 hours of OLD country music! Seven hours of listening to Willie Nelson butcher the song "Crazy." I felt like going crazy!! My arm was in a position that I couldn't reach the button to change the music. But, for the love of my friend, I endured! The bolivian muscian tried to talk, but his English was so hard to understand that we gave up after a few tries. Finally, when I thought I was going to lose my mind, the pilot let us know we almost there. I can clearly remember, looking out the plane window, and seeing the sky getting lighter, and viewing those magnificent mountains for the first time. From that altitude, they looked so small, but as we landed, they were huge! To this day I have never seen anything like them. As I type this, I can clearly remember getting off the plane, and seeing Bolivia for the first time. It was nothing like I was expecting. I guess I was expecting Indians, in tribal clothing, to be standing at the foot of the plane, ready to pounce on us. (don't forget, I was 16, with an overactive imagination) Instead, it was very bleak, and cold; with those beautiful mountains all around us. We had a short layover at the LaPaz airport, before boarding another plane for Riberalta. If I thought the plane I had just disembarked was bad, the next one would have to classified under TERRIFYING! The cabin wasn't pressurized very well, and I can still remember trying to get my ears unclogged. It felt like you were at the end of a huge tunnel, trying to hear everything going on around you. The advice of chewing gum; didn't work! I had to keep yawning to pop my ears. The plane hit every pocket of turbulence it could, and I thought we were going to crash. Looking out the window, all you could see were mountain ranges, and all I could think was if our plane did crash, our bodies would never be found. We had layovers in Cochabamba, and Trinidad. My first experience of trying to find the correct bathroom was embarrassing! My advice for future travelers; if you don't speak and read the language, stand back and observe before barging ahead into the restroom. If a man enters, that is a clear indication that you should NOT! I can only imagine what the nationals thought. "That poor Gringo (Gringa?)!"
Then, on to Riberalta! After surviving the dirt runway, and the very bumpy landing, we had made it! While LaPaz was cold and dry, Riberalta was extremely warm, and humid. OK, it was HOT, and humid. If I close my eyes, I can clearly see the palm trees, and red dirt. I can hear the noises of people shouting in a foreign language, and feeling the relief of seeing the Brubecks, and knowing that our trip was finally over!
To be continued.....

Memories

It is amazing what boys can do with a few nails, some boards, and a lot of imagination. My backyard now boasts of two forts, and piles of ammunition. To another's eye, it may look like a pile of dilapidated rubble, but to four little boys, it is Fort Sumter. There, the brave armies of the Patriots, and the Yankees are battling it out for victory. I know, some of you may be wondering about the armies. Different time periods, and all. The boys couldn't decide which army to be, and no one wanted to be the Confederates, so they compromised. The battle raged on until the general (also known as Dad) called a cease fire, and peace was achieved so school could start. It's going to be interesting to see what the state of world peace will be when I get home. I love watching my boys play, especially when they're all playing together. It reminds me of Christy and I when we were little. We would play for hours on end with our dolls and Barbie dolls. The best friend you can ever have is a sibling, because you never lose touch with them. Some of my fondest memories are of us playing, and on rare occasion, Rachel would even join in. I had a wonderful childhood, and want the same thing for my boys. We were surrounded by love, and imagination. Christy and I traveled the world over, and had all kinds of adventures while we played. If I remember correctly, we were mothers of at least 15 or 16 children; whom we raised all by ourselves. Our children came from all sorts of different races and species. I think we had some teddy bear children, a monkey or two, and a lovely chipmunk named Alvin. We had birthdays for them, but they never grew any older. Life was wonderful. Too bad life wasn't like that in the real world. There is a saying, painted on the wall at work that says "Live in the moment, and make memories too beautiful to be forgotten." I have tried to do that in my own life, especially here lately, because I see how fast my babies are growing up. We can not stop the aging process, nor slow it down. We have to make an intentional effort to live in the moment, and capture those memories. Just about every lady I take care of work speaks of their childhood, recalling those memories clearest. It puts life in perspective, and makes you stop and think about what's really important; dirty dishes, or a hug from your kids. My advice today: Go out and add one more golden memory, then store it away to treasure forever.

Tis the Season (well, in a few months)

Now that midterms are over and life is back to it's crazy, normal self, I can now look ahead to the next phase of life. CHRISTMAS!! I've already completed a couple presents, thanks to Lucy (my ever present companion, my laptop) and am totally in the Christmas mood. Last night is what put me there. It was Arkansas's version of a bitterly cold night. (45*) I froze all night even though I was huddled underneath Phil's huge jean quilt. After laying there, shivering for a few minutes, I turned over to a tiny fellow, and said those magic words, "Come here, Buddy" and Aaron came running from his toddler bed. He knows that he can't sleep with Mommy and Daddy, but when we give him permission, he's in heaven! We laid there, snuggling, and I felt his little head go limp, and knew that he was asleep. I realized, laying there with him in my arms, that these times are going to get fewer and fewer. He won't be my precious little boy forever and I need to cherish each moment. I put him back in his bed, and finally went to sleep. I woke up three or four times literally shaking with the cold. I think Phil finally turned the furnace on, because when I woke up in the morning, the house was slightly less chilly.
I'm at the library now, getting ready to work on my Computers homework. I passed all my midterms. Got a 94% in math, 90% in Computers, 100% in Psychology, and 98% in English. Pretty good, for a middle-aged, scatterbrained lady!:) On my way over here, I stopped by McDonald's and treated myself to a Carmel mocha cap. (forgot how to spell it.) Yes, my Dear Loved Ones, I actually bought, with my own money, a beverage containing coffee. (or some coffee, I think it was mostly milk). I was listening to Alabama's Christmas CD, and dreaming of Christmas. It warmed me up, and I think I'm getting a caffeine high. I can now drink French Vanilla, Mocha, and Carmel Mocha Cappuccino (sp?). I'm pretty proud of myself.
Well, my textbook is calling my name, and I'd better get busy. I've got a lot of work to do the next couple weeks. I have to write a 2000 work research paper on whether or not our Founding Fathers meant the phrase "all men are created equal" literally or not. Take care everyone, and remember that each one of you are loved very much!

A Little Bit of Everything

Ah, tis the season for pumpkins, candy, falling leaves, and midterms! Yes, Loved Ones, midterms are here. I take my last two tests Thursday, then I'll be home free. I'm afraid my straight A average has fallen. I'm getting an 89.95% in computers. I was a little disappointed, but realize I have the rest of the semester to get it back up to a 90 or higher. I've always been a lot harder on myself, than other people. If someone else was getting all A's and a B+, I would think they were doing awesome, but with myself, I feel like I should have worked harder. I goofed off so much in school, that this is my time of redemption. My wise-beyond-his-years husband says to just concentrate on keeping all my averages above 60%, but I can't seem to do that. I want perfection, and it's hard accepting anything less.
Now, on to pleasanter topics. Deer Season is here again, and in my neck of the woods, that is a National holiday. It ranks up there with Christmas and Thanksgiving. Phil went out this morning with Jason, and again this evening with Steven. I'm still hoping for a deer head for my wall, and a freezer full of meat. After muzzle loaders, then comes some other kind of gun, so we have a while to go. Some people might have a problem with eating Bambi, but my philosophy is Bambi is cheaper than beef, and on a pastor's salary, beggars can't be choosers. I have ways of fixing deer meat so you can't even taste the "wild taste."
Jason and Steven are now in 4-H as well as Cub Scouts. They went to their first meeting Monday, and loved it. They've picked electricity and fishing as their projects, and starting in January will be a part of the Shooting and Archery Club. They will also advance up to a full fledged Boy Scout in January as well. Who ever said that homeschoolers lacked socialization obviously didn't home school their children. We could have them involved in things every night of the week if we wanted to. Timmy finally earned his Tiger Paw and was presented with it Monday night. He was so proud of himself. Several more boys have joined his troop, so he's making friends. This is a huge deal for him. He's so shy. Luke is doing wonderfully in Kindergarten. He's reading and writing very well now, and is racing through his math as well. The rate he's going, he'll be through with his Kindergarten work by January. Aaron is progressing as well, just not as fast as Mommy wants him to. We had a conference with his teachers last week, and found out he's met 6 of his goals so far. They've added occupational and physical therapy to his plan as well.
Well, now that I've caught everyone up on what's going on around here, I'd better get off. Psychology midterms wait for no one, and mine is coming up. Better get back to studying!

My Men

I don't have the time for a long post today. I have too much school work to do, but wanted to take the time to let the world know how much I love and appreciate my men. Yesterday, while I was at the gym, Phil and the boys cleaned the entire house, and did laundry. I honestly don't think there is a greater group of six men on the planet. Timmy is even getting in on the action and doing extra cleaning jobs. Luke still needs some coaxing, but what can you expect from a 5 year old? I sometimes feel guilty for not being around more, but know that it is for a good purpose. Everything I do is to give them a better future. I love my boys, and each one of them is a great blessing from God.

Library Etiquette 101, and Luke

Ok, class, what was the first rule we learned about going to the library? The one that every Preschooler should know? When we are in the library we are to....anybody?.....BE QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So why is it, that a college-aged guy, sitting not more than five feet away from me can not be quiet?! He is sitting there with his laptop opened in front of him, laughing hysterically, every few moments! It is so annoying! Maybe I should get up and say something, or not. I wonder if thinking vicious thoughts about him would transport themselves into his brain? I need to be working on English, but I'm having a hard time concentrating. Writing on this blog doesn't help either. I really should log out and start studying.
Luke, my five year old, was hilarious in church the other night. He got in trouble for talking, so I made him sit in the front seat while I was playing the piano. He sat there quietly for a few minutes, and I thought he had learned his lesson. He gets very embarrassed when people look at him. The singing ended, and I sat down in the pew behind him. His dad stood up and started preaching, and I noticed that all of a sudden Luke started shaking. Almost as if he was having convulsions. He stopped and was still for several more minutes, then started the shaking again. I started watching him closely, and noticed he was looking toward the wall. The crazy kid was making shadow puppets with his hands! One hand was a dog, and it was eating whatever the other animal was! That was what the shaking was! I started laughing until I cried. It was too funny! Like I've said before, only a preacher's kid!!!!! I guess the pastor's wife laughing like a looney person in the second seat doesn't set a good example! Oh well, a sense of humor goes with the job!

The World is Coming to an End

To all of you who know me, may have heard that I have a love-hate relationship with coffee, and all coffee products. I love the smell; hate the taste. Tonight, my wonderful husband took us to McDonald's for supper. It was freezing outside (60) and he ordered a mocha. It smelled delicious, and through the lid, I could see the whipcream and chocolate. He asked me if I wanted a taste, and at first I turned him down. I can't stand the taste of coffee. I thought about it again, and tried a little sip. It wasn't bad, so I tried another, and another. He finally told me that was enough, and wanted it back. I think I could learn to like it. Today mochas, tomorrow, espressos!!!! Maybe I shouldn't get ahead of myself.