A Prayer for Nick

There is a young man from White Bear, MN who is missing. He is a West Point Academy Cadet. He had struggled in college and decided to join the military. He did such a superior job, his supervisors recommended he go to West Point, where he was in the top 50 of his Freshman class. By all accounts, a great kid, with a promising future when he came home for Christmas break. Here is the story

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. (AP) - Investigators said they have "nothing to go on" in the disappearance of a West Point cadet who, his parents fear, was despondent over a drunk driving arrest the night before he went missing.

Parents and siblings of Nick Rossini, a 21-year-old stand-out first year cadet at the
military academy at home for Christmas break, haven't seen the young man since
he went to bed around 10:30 p.m. Saturday at his parents' house.
Since then, teams of searchers searched door to door and yard to yard in nearby
neighborhoods in this St. Paul suburb. The search was continuing Thursday,
though authorities said it might be scaled back some.

Late Friday night, Rossini damaged his mother's car in an accident and a short while later was cited by police in Crystal for drunk driving after a night of partying with
friends. His parents said Rossini was worried the arrest could affect his military future.

"Right now, we're holding out hope that he's out there somewhere, embarrassed by his actions over the weekend," said White Bear Lake Police Chief Lynne Bankes. "But we have nothing to go on. Rossini's parents, Mark and Pat Rossini, said there had been some tense exchanges over the arrest,but said their son hugged them before he went to bed. Family members think he must have left sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
"We feel he left to clear his head, go for a jog," Mark Rossini said. "Somewhere he got a goofy idea, a plan, like 'I messed up and need to go find some space.' But this is all conjecture on our part."

Friends and family say it's not in Rossini's character to do something rash. A former star student and athlete at White Bear Lake High School, Rossini spent a year at St. John's University before deciding to enlist in the Army. He was spotted by West Point recruiters while still in basic training, and so far has maintained a 3.5 grade-point average at the elite academy - putting him in the top 50 of the 1,000-member freshman class.

There were no signs of struggle in the Rossini home. Authorities have walked the
shores and flown over three lakes near the Rossini home without finding signs of
a fall-through. Dogs haven't picked up any scents. And there's been no activity
in Rossini's financial accounts, e-mail or cell phone. "A 21-year-old man technically has the right to disappear," Bankes said. "But we want to know that he's safe."

Rossini has short blond hair, stands 6 feet, 1 inch and weighs
185 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call White Bear Lake
Police at 651-429-8511.

The Rossinis said they've talked with West Point officials who said, while Nick might face disciplinary action for his drunken driving, that he's "not in trouble."
"Nick doesn't know West Point would take him back," his mother said. "And he doesn't know we're not mad at him. He's such an independent kid, and we just want him home."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Nick is still missing.

We just want him home. It is a parents worse nightmare, a child gone missing.

The stoy has given me a new perspective in dealing with my own sons. It makes the issues and problems that we face with our kids seem so minuscule and insignificant. I can imagine Nick's parents saying to me.

"Does it really matter that your child is struggling with school? He is with you, you still have a chance."

It is easy to get wrapped up in the small stuff, messy rooms, late curfews. Don't miss an opportunity to hug your kids and tell them you love them. And most importantly, pray for Nick's safe return home.

What happened to the Christ in Christmas

I was at a recruiters networking meeting this morning and the topic was "Diversity". It seems a topic that is in the news a lot lately, companies are looking for a mix of employees, to embrace the global economy that we are a part of. Interestingly enough, age is the new face of diversity. One of the speakers mentioned that with an aging workforce, companies need to find new ways to work with the baby boomers, because there are not enough workers coming up through the ranks.

America has always been a melting pot of people, ideas and cultures. But the trend lately seems to be sliding more to the idea that we need to worry more about what minorities think and feel then the majority. The headline in this Fox News story says it all

Christmas Festival Nixes 'Nativity Story' Ads Over Fears of Offending
Non-Christians
CHICAGO AP A public Christmas festival is no place for the Christmas story, the city says. Officials have asked organizers of a downtown Christmas festival, the German Christkindlmarket, to reconsider using a movie studio as a sponsor because it is worried ads for its film "The Nativity Story" might offend nonChristians. Neww Line Cinema, which said it was ropped, had planned to play a loop of the new film on televisions at the event. The decision had both the studio and a prominent Christian group shaking their heads."The last time I checked, the first six letters of Christmas still spell out Christ," said Paul Braoudakis, spokesman for the Barrington, Ill.-based Willow Creek Association, a group of more than 11,000 churches of various denominations. "It's tantamount to celebrating Lincoln's birthday without talking about Abraham Lincoln."

Oh, but it gets better.

The city does not want to appear to endorse one religion over another, said
Cindy Gatziolis, a spokeswoman for the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Well, I am glad we got that cleared up. I was afraid that the Jews and Muslims would have to find another name for Christmas, oh, that is right, they don't celebrate Christmas. I think we have carried the diversity banner a little too far. Maybe it is time we took back Christmas as our celebration - the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

But there is hope. I found this website Not in My Town that is taking back Christmas.

Many places in our country seem to have abandoned the real meaning of Christmas.
Many American towns, communities, and even governmental policy makers have
thought it best to replace valued principles with political correctness. The
very essence and core of Christmas is about giving. We have been given the
ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ, and it is the reference to Him that some are
seeking to silence. Instead, they seek to convey a "generic" message that is
void of real meaning and purpose. The truth is, you may "dress up" this season
with "happy holidays", "merry x-mas", or even "seasons greetings", but without
celebrating the reason FOR Christmas, well, quite frankly, there IS NO
Christmas! Without THE Gift, there are no gifts!
Politics should never silence purpose, marketplace "madness" can never replace meaningful celebration, and fads can never triumph over family. "Not In My Town" is a grass roots movement dedicated to keeping the spirit of the season alive and at home in our hearts! "Not In My Town" is not a "religious, right wing" offensive expression, nor is it an abuse of our first amendment right. "Not In My Town" is really more of a relationship philosophyÂ… our relationship to the ultimate Gift, and our sharing and celebrating the life of this Gift with each other! We are passionate
about sharing and restoring the very foundations of Christmas--love, family, and
giving THE GIFT back to towns all across our country. Some may feel that
an "X" sufficiently covers the purpose, meaning, and reason for this wonderful
season. Perhaps some placesÂ…but NOT IN MY TOWN. How about yours?

Merry Christmas. There I said it. For me, no more "Happy Holidays". I was careful to pick out the Christmas Cards that actually say "Merry Christmas" and I listen to the Yahoo "Christian Holiday" station at work. Small steps, but each journey starts with a step.

Going off to college

You are going off to college. It is a day that I have been preparing for over 18 years. From the time the doctor first put you in my arms minutes after you were born, I knew we were both moving towards this moment.

There is so much I want to tell you, so much I want you to know. In the middle of the day I wonder "did I remember to add the dryer sheets to the list" and during the night I wake up wondering, "I never told him that when his heart feels like it is broken, it will be ok". I think back over the past years and pray that what your father and I have taught you about courage, and sticking up for yourself andn others, not beinig afraid to ask question and to know that no matter what happens, we will always be there for you, and how very proud your Dad and I are of you - the boy you were and the man you are becoming...

You grandmother has a cross stitch hanging in her living room that says "Good parents give their children Roots and Wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them."
-- Jonas Salk

We have given you the roots that you need to be successful, now it is time to give you wings:

A FINAL GIFT: LETTING GO
(to a teen leaving home)

Boats in the harbor are safe near shore
Far from the unknown sea,
But just as boats were made for more,
It's the same with you and me.

Those who would anchor their teen with a stone
In hopes of preventing a wreck,
Find that their fears are never undone
Andthe stone ends up weighting both necks.

So I give to you a port called home
Where your ship was built so strong,
And if you need to harbor here,
You know that you belong.

And I give to you the maps you'll need
That you may set the course
For places that I'll never see,
So go without remorse.

Tilting your sails into the wind
With hope, and vision and courage--
I kiss you once, then touch your chin
And wish you bon voyage!

-Michael H. Popkin

Helicopter Parents in the Workforce?

I was reading the news when I cam accross this article about Lindsey Lohan, who I guess is a successful actress. I really don't know anyhting about her, except the fact that her mother feels compelled to get involved with her career, and "defend" her poor child who made over 7.5 million during her last picture. I guess she is not alone. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, more and more parents are going to bat for their kids at the office

In interviews with a job candidate last year, Deborah D'Attilio, a recruiting manager in San Francisco for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, was surprised when the young woman brought a companion: Her dad.
Saying "he was interested in learning about the work environment," the father sat in the lobby during the interview, Ms. D'Attilio says. Ms. D'Attilio didn't hold it against the candidate and wound up hiring the young woman.
Helicopter parents are going to work. From Vanguard Group and St. Paul Travelers to General Electric and Boeing, managers are getting phone calls from parents asking them to hire their 20-something kids. Candidates are stalling on job offers to consult with their parents. Parents are calling hiring managers to protest pay packages and try to renegotiate, employers say.

This is not a new issue. Last September, the Wall Street Journal had an article about Helicopter Parents going to College. In this article it talked about a parent who called her son every morning to wake him up for class.

It makes you wonder when we will allow our kids to grow up, or if they ever will.

Hot Enough for You?

It is hot. Temps are hovering over 100° and the humidity is making it worse. I went on one of the local weather sites to see what the record was for today and ranacrosss this article of the blizzard of 1991. One of the top 5 weather stories of the 20th Century

Across much of eastern Minnesota, trick-or-treaters donned snowmobile suits as snow began to fall during the afternoon of October 31, 1991. This marked the beginning of a major winter storm that pounded the eastern half of Minnesota over a three day period. The storm dropped 28.4 inches of snow on the Twin Cities, setting a single storm record for the metropolitan area. Duluth received 36.9 inches, the largest single storm total in Minnesota history. Southern Minnesota saw an ice storm especially around Albert Lea and Austin. Highway snow removal was hindered by extremely cold temperatures that followed the storm and transportation was hampered for many days. Click on image to the right for a larger labeled line map.
Some of the Twin Cities records that were broken by the 1991 Halloween Blizzard were:
Event 1991 Old Record (1891-1990)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Most single storm snow total 28.4

24 hour snowfall in any season 21.0

Most snow on October 31 8.2

Most snow on November 1 18.5

Most snow in October 8.2

Earliest 8 inch snow 8.2

Earliest autumn below zero low -3*

All of these records still stand as of 2001.
*-3 on November 4, 1991

I remember that day very well. I had picked Ned up from nursery school when it started to snow. Light, fluffy snow, it didn't seem to be much of an issue. "Good I thought, I won't have to rake leaves this afternoon." Little did I know that my rakingreprievee would last through the winter.

I suppose it was about 5 o'clock when we realized that this was more then a dusting of snow. When we went to put the kidsHalloweenn outfits on, they were a snug fit under the snow suits. Of course, the thought never entered our mind that we shouldn't go trick or treating. Mark and I put the kids on the sled and started trudging through the snow. After a couple of houses, trick or treating lost it's appeal and we went home.

Thetemperaturess dropped like a rock and not only did we end up with almost 2 feet of snow, but also temperatures below 0°. Those were the days! What was that about global warming?

One Small Step for Man

I was driving to work today, and on the radio, they had the touchdown of the Discovery space shuttle. It is amazing to me how commonplace space travel has become. In a couple of days, it will be 37 years since Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon. I remember that evening so clearly. My sisters and I were at Grandpa & Grandma Etzler's house. We had to take a nap in the afternoon, in order to watch the moon walk. Looking back, my Grandparents probably needed that quiet time more then we did, but we laid in our beds, simmering with excitement more at the chance to stay up late then being able to watch a historic moment.

I don't remember much about the actual moon walk. The picture was very graining and static, and I was tired. I do remember the feeling of excitement and awe. At that time, the moon truly was the ends of the earth.

I remember later talking to my Grandma Bremer about the moon walk and how exciting it was. She was skeptical of the whole space mission, and especially men walking on the moon. One of her sisters never believed it actually happened. Thinking about it, I can understand. In her lifetime, people went from using horses to plow fields to men walking on the moon - in just a short amount of time.

I recently read and article that said the first moon walk marked an entire generation. I have to agree. The moon walk was an exciting time of hope and possibilities. It showed that you really could do whatever you set your mind to. We have come far in our space travel. Now, a shuttle lands like a regular airplane when it returns from space. I have to say, although it was much more dangerous, seeing the astronauts being plucked from the bobbing capsule in the sea seemed so much more satisfying and rewarding, like they really had been to a distant planet.

I hope that we never lose that sense of awe regarding space travel. It truly is one small step for man but one large leap for mankind.

A Cottage by the Lake

Mark and I just returned yesterday from my sister Cindy's lake house in Northern Michigan, just down the road from Barton City. It was a great trip - beautiful scenery and the road trip gave us some time to think about where we wanted to live when we retire in the next 15 years or so. We came up with a list of what we want for our next home

Must haves:
On water - lake river, doesn't matter, but we want to be near water. Would like to have a sandy beach. If on a lake less then 200 acres (unless it is one of the great lakes of course)
Location in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan, but not too far north or east. We don't mind the winter, but would like to be in a more temperate climate. Living in or close to a small town is also necessary, but only if it has a good medical facility.
House - we want a house with 3 bedrooms, at least 2 1/2 baths and of course a garage (3 car would be ideal). We would need a hot tub with an optional sauna, master bedroom suite preferable on the main floor and a separate family room. A walk out basement would also be a plus.

Our plan is to take the next couple of years and explore possible locations. We figure there has to be a lot of small towns around Lake Michigan which would fulfill our needs. Perhaps we will take the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and see what we can find.

Happy Canada Day

To all of you Cannucks, Happy Canada Day, Victoria Day or Dominion Day, however you like to refer to it. In honor on Canada Day, I thought I would give a little history of Oh, Canada

The History of the National Anthem
Summary
"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.

Here are theofficiall Words of the Canadian Nationalanthemn (for those non hockey fans)

O Canada!Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see
thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and
free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for
thee.

Time Warp

Today is my son Ross' 18th birthday. As I was walking in to Cub for birthday doughnuts, it hit me. I am way to young to have my youngest kid an 18 year old - an adult to the rest of the world. When did this happen? As my sister-in-law Cynthia wrote to an e-mail, "Aren't we still in our 30's? It seems to be one of those alternative realities - the older my kids get, the younger I feel. I remember when I was a kid for about 10 years, I thought my Dad was 40, and that was OLD! Of course, now that I am in my mid-high 40's, 40 doesn't seem to be that old at all.

Don't get me wrong. I love the age I am now. I am feel confident about who I am, I am not afraid to state my opinions and really don't care what perfect strangers think of me. I laugh out loud at jokes, I talk to myself while walking down the street and I sing in the car (sometimes with the windows open).

I remember when my youngest brother turned 40, I said to my Mom, I can't believe my youngest brother is 40. She said "How do you think I feel". Well Mom, now I think I know.

Good Grades = Free College?

Growing up, academics were always stressed in my family. Being the "social butterfly" of the family, my grades hovered more in the low B range instead of the high A range of my three older sisters. It was not a question of if we were going to college, but rather where. OK, the where was not really a question. As my Dad told me. "You can go where ever you want for college, but I am only paying for Valpo." Which really streamlined the decision process for me.

We will have two kids in collage this fall. One in a private school (good old Valpo) and the other in a state school. I am well aware of the cost of tuition for both private and public education. That being said, I think MN Governor Pawlenty's idea to give free college tuition to the top 25% of students in Minnesota is a bad idea. Here are the highlights of the plan

Nearly all students in the top 25 percent of their high school class, or
with comparable admission test scores, would get two years free at the
University of Minnesota or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
• Two more years of free tuition would be available to eligible students who
major in science, technology, engineering or math.
• Households with adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less would be eligible.
• Students would have to maintain a B average and attend full time.

The thought behind the plan is that students will work harder if they have an incentive. I agree with the premise, just not the outcome. I feel the money would be much better spent on programs that encourage people to improve their grades - period. The SCSU Scholar Blog has a great posting on the program and how a similar plan has worked (or hasn't) in Georgia.

The Excelsior Rotary club is on the right track regarding this issue. They have a program called STRIVE, that encourages seniors in high school to study and work towards goals. The program started a couple of years ago, and this year they gave a $2,000 and $1,000 scholarship to the two kids in the program who improved their GPA over the year before. The Rotarians met with the students every other week for about an hour. The topics varied from setting goals, careers and attitude. Each session a Rotarian would speak about their particular career path, and how they have been successful. At the lunch honoring the STRIVE program, I had a chance to talk to the people who were involved. I knew how much impact it had on the kids, what I didn't realize was the impact on the adults who participated.

Ross was involved in the program and received one of the scholarships. More important then the money was the chance to interact with adults who also believed in him. Where at first, he was reluctant to go, as the months progressed he eagerly looked forward to the meetings. Not only did his grades improve, but his confidence, especially around adults also increased.

As the Georgia program has shown, it isn't much of an incentive to give kids scholarships that they really haven't earned. Let's give the money to organizations like the Rotary who will take the money and make a difference. Or, use the money to give interest free loans to kids who have shown an improvement in their grades and who really want to learn. I am not saying that kids who get good grades don't earn them, I am just saying lets give the kids an incentive to learn and to strive.

The Places You'll Go

Tonight was one of those nights that you think about off and on for years. It is my youngest son Ross' graduation from high school. It was a wonderful ceremony. The speeches were inspirational and had just the right touch of humor. The graduates (all 597) of them looked great in their royal blue gowns. As Ross walked across the stage, I thought of that beautiful September morning when we first watched him get on the bus to go to Kindergarten. Who would have thought the years would go so quickly by.

I am so proud of him, for so many reasons. He is a bright, articulate, attractive young man. Through hard work and persistence he was accepted to the college of his choice, my alma mater Valparaiso University. It hasn't been easy for any of us, but tonight I felt especially proud of not all that he has accomplished, but all I know that he will accomplish in the years to come.

One of the commencement speakers said "This class will do big things." I know everyone says that, but in my heart, I know that especially one young man is destined for great things. He has the persistence, the courage and the conviction to do what is right. He is not afraid to question, and challenge those around us.

Ross, I tip my hat to you. I am so proud to be able to say that you are my son. As you move into your future, don't be afraid to be yourself, you are an incredible person and I can't wait to see what you accomplish in the future.

Dr. Seuss has always said it best:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!You're
off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your
shoes
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll get mixed up, of course,as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life'sa Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So ...be your name Buxbaum
or Bixby or Brayor Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

Mirror Images Laura VanRyan & Whitney Cerak

It sounded like a movie of the week plot. A van of college kids are returning to campus and are involved in a horrific crash and two girls who look uncanny alike are mistaken for each other. Here is part of the article from the Star Tribune (June 1)

Families stunned by mistaken identities of Taylor University crash victims
Associated Press
CALEDONIA, Mich. -- Whitney Cerak and Laura VanRyn looked remarkably alike, both attractive young women with blond hair, similar facial features and the same build and height. They were together the night of April 26, returning from banquet preparations with a group from Taylor University, when a tractor-trailer slammed into their university van, peeling off the side and killing five people. Cerak's family was told their 18-year-old was among the dead. VanRyn's parents were told their 22-year-old daughter was alive but seriously injured and in a coma. The VanRyns kept vigil at the young woman's bedside for weeks, but as she gained consciousness, she began saying things that didn't make sense. This week, they discovered that the recovering patient wasn't their daughter at all. She was Whitney Cerak.

I can't imagine the pain the two families have been through the past several weeks. Whitney's parents held a funeral and thought they had said their final goodbye's, Laura's family had brought who they thought was their daughter, closer to home to be close by. Laura's family had a wonderful blog that documents their love and care for Whitney over the past 5 weeks. What a blessing that family is to Whitney and her family. From the blog, you get a feeling of a family that truly loved their daughter/sister, but who also have a strong faith. I pray that their faith may uplift them as they deal with the loss of their loved one, and also for the continued healing for Whitney.

Letting Go

One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to let go. I remember the first time my kids left in a car together alone. They weren't going far, just down the street to Taco Bell or maybe Target. As I watched the tail lights disappear down the street I thought "There Goes My Life" In that car were two of the things that I treasure most in my life, the living testimony of my husband's and my love, taking off in a 1987 Chevy Blazer. Several years later and I don't even think about it when they leave, other then a sign of relief that the house is finally quiet.

That wasn't the first time I had to let go and trust that God would take care of them. And it certainly wasn't the last. Dropping Ned off as school last August and waving goodbye seemed like an ending. Of course, when he came back home the next weekend, I realized that we never really say goodbye to our children, they just keep coming back.

Like the time I watched them drive off, I need to realize that they need to drive in their own direction and take their own paths. I can offer a road map of advice, give them provisions (safe childhood, good values, faith) but it really is up to them whether they keep on the road, or go off on their own.

Time will tell what kind of men they grow up to be. My hope is that they become the kind of man their father is - strong, and yet gentle, patient, resourceful, successful, kind and caring. . I donÂ’t want them to ever settle for a woman whohasnÂ’t made him her number one love and priority, someone who puts his needs first, just as he will put her needs first. I want him to know he can achieve anything he wants to, as long as he sets his mind to it. I want them to be one of the men who still hold the door open for a lady, yet stands his ground. I want to protect them from all the evil that could befall them.

As my warriors go off into life, I can only protect them with tharmorur of my prayers and the knowledge that God has great plans for them

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call
upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and
find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,"

Jeremiahah 29:11 (NIV)

Finding that Perfect Fit

"Being in a job that doesn't fit is like going to work every day in really ugly clothes. No matter how hard you try, you never look or feel good." I was doing a search on the internet for a .net developer when I ran across this sentence. It really stopped me in my tracks. Since I have recently found myself in both positions - going to a job that doesn't really fit in ugly clothes (OK maybe not really ugly clothes). Which for me is hard to say. I am a recruiter by trade, and I am always telling people you have to make sure the job is a good fit for you. I knew during the interview, that it wasn't a "perfect" fit, but close enough. I made the mistake of ignoring that little voice that said "Are you sure about this?"

There are many reasons to stay in the job - good money, great location, good people to work with (for the most part). But there are just as many reasons to find something different. I was at a meeting the other day on career coaching when the instructor said. You need to find out what you absolutely have to have in a job, not just what you want. What are the absolutes for you. One good thing that has come out of this experience is that I have found that what I really need in a job (team environment, respect, communication) instead of what I want high salary, management role, short commute. I think I can combine the needs and the wants into a really good fit where I can wear some really nice clothes!

What Kind of Sports Car are you?

OK, give me a break, it has been over a year since I started this blog and you have to admit, my posts have been thoughtful, eloquent, well you fill in the blanks. I don't know if it is the beautiful spring weather, or I just ran out of ideas, but I really got hooked in these silly quizzes this evening. Thank God I am a cool car!

I'm a Lotus Elise!

You believe in maximum performance and minimum baggage. You like to travel light and fast, hit the corners hard, and dance like there's no tomorrow.
I had my husband Mark take the test he ended up:

I'm a Lamborghini Murcielago!

You're not subtle, but you don't want to be. Fast, loud, and dramatic, you want people to notice you, and then get out of the way. In a world full of sheep, you're a raging bull.

When I took the test, thinking of him, this is what came up. The description fits him to a T. Go figure, it is also his dream car.

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Take the test here Which Sports Car Are You? (Version 2.0) personality test and let me know what car you end up.
Here is the breakdown of the people who have taken it so far

• Chevrolet Corvette: (27%)
• Porsche 911: (15%)
• Ferrari 360:(10%)
• Ford Mustang: (9%)
• Lamborghini Murcielago: (7%)
• Mazda Miata:(6%)
• Dodge Viper: (6%)
• Mazda RX-8:(6%)
• Mercedes SLK: (4%)
• Lotus Elise: (3%)
• Nissan 350Z: (3%)
• Honda S2000: (2%)
• Audi TT:(2%)
• Porsche Boxster: (1%)

Are you a Talent, Lifer or Mandarin?

I'm a Talent!

I ran across this as I was doing a search on weight loss programs. As usual, I started with one thing and ended up somewhere else. Take the quiz, and let me know your results.

You're a risk-taker, and you follow your passions. You're determined to take on the world and succeed on your own terms. Whether in the arts, science, engineering, business, or politics, you fearlessly express your own vision of the world. You're not afraid of a fight, and you're not afraid to bet your future on your own abilities. If you find a job boring or stifling, you're already preparing your resume. You believe in doing what you love, and you're not willing to settle for an ordinary life.

Talent: 59%
Lifer: 36%
Mandarin: 41%

Take the Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.

Sing a New Song

I admit, the main reason I like going to church is to sing. I grew up in a family who attended church every Sunday morning at 8 am. As a teenager, I never really had a curfew at least not for Saturday night. Dad didn't care about how late we stayed out Saturday night, just as long as we were in the family pew on Sunday morning at 7:59 am. Since I really need at least 8 hours of sleep, well you do the math.

I love the old Lutheran hymns. Don't get me wrong, I do like the contemporary songs also, but it is the songs like "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" "A mighty Fortress is our God " and "I know that My Redeemer Lives" that I love to belt out in church. I know that some people connect scents with certain memories. For me it has always been songs.

At my high School Concordia Lutheran "Crown Him with Many Crowns" was our school anthem. I can't sing "Beautiful Savior" without thinking of my Grandpa Bremer. The song "I'm But a Stranger Here, Heaven is my home" has been sung at every Lutheran funeral I attended. What great comfort it brings for us to remember that this is not our home.

whether songs of praise, sorrow or joy, there is something about a rousing hymn that cleanses the soul. Sometimes, it is easier to sing your feelings then the say them.

He has Risen! He has Risen indeed

As I was sitting in Church yesterday on Easter morning, I started thinking about my Aunt Phyl who died a couple of months ago. I thought of her as we were singing I Know that My Remember Lives. I thought of how her voice was joining the throng of angels singing in heaven, and what a comfort it was that she was free of pain and had joined her many friends and relatives in heaven.

I also realized that most if not all o my relatives have died in the Spring. The first I remember vividly was my Grandmother Bremer. She was a no nonsense german women who loved her Lord and her family. I was a sophomore in college, and had been home visiting over Easter break. "We can dance at Pam's wedding" I teased her as I was leaving. My cousin was getting married in a month. The next day, I got a call from my Mom saying that Grandma had a massive stroke and died. At her funeral, the pastor talked about how the message of Easter Christ dying on the cross for our sins so that we could have everlasting life with him, was such a comfort to us, since we knew she was in heaven with Jesus.

In subsequent years, my Grandma Etzler, Grandpa Bremer, my dear father-in-law, Aunt Mag, and various other friends and relatives have died in early spring.

What comfort we can take in knowing that there are so many people waiting to greet us at the gates of heaven!

Keeping the Blinds Open

A friend sent this to me via e-mail. I don't know who to credit, but it really makes you think.

"YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO
DO IT ALONE!"

This story is so true, not just for our country but, especially for our friends and family that ENDURE SPOUSAL ABUSE physical or verbal, that we take a stand. More power to ya!

The other day, my nine year old son wanted to know why we were at war...My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our Country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation.

My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window. He said "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?"
"I see trees and cars and our neighbor's houses." he replied.
"OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush."
Our son giggled and said "OK."
"Now son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country" my husband said.
"OK Dad, I'm pretending."
"Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and pretend you see Saddam come out of his house with his wife, he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death.
Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are screaming and crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and they are afraid of their father. You see all of this, son....What do you do?"
"Dad?"
"What do you do son?"
"I'd call the police, Dad."
"OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations. They take your call. They listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then son?"
"Dad.......... but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine.
"They don't want to son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it," my husband says.
"But Dad...he killed her!!" my son exclaims.
"I know he did...but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children."
"Daddy...he kills them?"
"Yes son, he does. What do you do?"
"Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him." our son says.
"Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him," my husband says.
"But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!"
"WHAT DO YOU DO SON?" Our son starts to cry.
"OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next son?"
"What Daddy?"
"He walks across the street to the old ladies house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then...he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?"
"Daddy..."
"WHAT DO YOU DO?"
Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I'd close the blinds, Daddy."
My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him: "Why?"
"Because Daddy.....the police are supposed to help people who needs them... and they won't help.... You always say that neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either...they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid....I can't do it by myself daddy.....I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and...and.....do nothing...so....I'm just going to close the blinds....
so I can't see what he's doing........and I'm going to pretend that it is not happening."
I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine year old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husband's questions and he says... "Son"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Open the blinds because that man.... he's at your front door... "WHAT DO YOU DO?"
My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, without hesitation he says: "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!"
I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs our son to his chest and hugs him tight, and says... "It's too late to fight him, he's too strong and he's already at YOUR front door son.....you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife, and his children and the old lady across the way. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone, before its too late." my husband whispers.

THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq. When good men stand by and let evil happen son, THAT is the greatest atrocities in the world won't affect him.
"YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!" BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!! SUPPORT AMERICA SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS..."

This should be printed in every newspaper and posted in every school in America. Of course that won't happen so we'll use the internet. If your blinds are closed do nothing with this email. If they are open I do not need to tell you what to do.
GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!!

The Last Dance

On Sunday, I sat in the Dakotah! Ice arena and watched my son play his last game of hockey as a Minnetonka Hockey player. His team was in the Championship Game of the Minnesota State Jr. Gold B Tournament. Finishing out at the big dance. I never have understood the whole dance thing. Most guys I know would rather be anywhere but at a dance. And yet, the phrase has become synonymous with Championship. I did a quick goggle search on Big Dance Hockey and came up with over 112,oo hits, all in less then 3 seconds no less. You know, I guess guys do get it. Pardon for the stereotype, but women often talk about the "big dance". They describe what they wore, who they saw...The dress, the date (OK, maybe not the date). But just as women look back over the years and talk about what they wore, who they saw etc at the big dance, men do the same things when talking about the big dance, especially if they have had a part in one.

I know that through the years, my son will do the same, it was after all an awesome game - discuss the big saves, the ones that went in, but most importantly I hope he remembers the guys that were there with him - Pete, Ross, Nolan, Evan, Danny, Adam, Alex, Boots, Harry, Peter, Chris, the dwarf, Zach, Brandon, NJ, Skipper, Coach DeAngelo, Smith and Aannanson...

Oh, what a way to close out a final chapter. Being in the championship game for Minnesota State Jr Gold B! As the boys skated the runner up trophy over to the fans, I couldn't help but think back over the years to all of the other championship celebrations that I witnessed. The times when the trophy's were so big and the boys so small they could barely carry it. Some of these boys started hockey together, how appropriate that they were able to end it together. It was a magical season. Who would have thought when that rag tag team got together for the first practice that 3 months later they would be a well oiled machine. They supported each other and worked together as a team. Sometimes the miracles don't just happen on the ice.

Snow Day!

"I love this country!" That is what Pete our Finish exchange student said on Monday when I told him he could go back to bed that school was cancelled because of snow.
There hadn't been a snow day for years. It didn't seem to matter how cold or snowy it was, the Minnetonka school district seemed determined to show the world what hardy stock we were made of. When we heard the weather report on Sunday night predicting a foot of snow, none of us believed it. We had been led down that path way to many times this winter. 48 hours before we had been basking in the warm sunlight with temps in the 50's.

There is something special about a snow day. Like an unexpected gift, the joy was in the unwrapping of the present. Our first hint that a reprieve was in sight came on Monday morning at 6:10 am when the phone rang. "Hello" I answered apprehensively, no good news comes before 7 am. The tinny voice recording of the Superintendent informed me that school was delayed two hours. I got out of bed and looked outside - sure enough, there was about 6 inches of snow, and it was still falling. Turning on the TV, the weathermen were positively giddy - not only had their prediction actually come true (an event that happens about as often as a blue moon) but THEY HAD A WEATHER EVENT!

I gave the kids the good news, that they had another couple of hours before they had to get to school. My eyes glued to the scowling bar on the bottom of the TV I watched as more and more school districts made their decision, falling like dominos into the abyss of a snow day. Tension turned to glee as we got the call that school was called off for the day - Oh what joy! Especially since several of the neighboring schools (who often had snow days when Minnetonka didn't) never got the call for cancellation.

It reminded me of when I was a child. Growing up in Indiana, we could count on at least 5 snow days a year. Let the snow fall more then 5 inches ro the temp fall below zero and it was guaranteed to wreck havoc with the roads and the schools!

We hunkered down and watch TV. Feeling adventuresome we all piled into the truck and went to Chipolte for lunch, skidding and sliding our way home.

Oh what a day!

It ain't easy being a Mom

Sometimes I feel like being a mother is the hardest thing I have ever done. (I can just hear my Grandma saying "what ever made you think it would be easy). I have known for years that being a mother is a full time job and not an easy one, but it has only been the past six months or so, that I have really started to question how I am doing.

My kids are 19 and 17, a freshman in college and a senior in high school. I feel like I am treading in deep waters, way over my head. Where do you draw the line in supporting your child and letting them sink or swim? How do you know when to give advice and when to hold your tongue?

I guess it just comes down to prayer - praying that God gives you the knowledge to know when to step in and when to step back, and most important the prayer of release - the knowledge that although you can't always be there for him, God will.

Just Think

Just Think
You're here not by Chance
but by God's choice
His hand formed you
and made you the person you are
He compares you to no one
You are one of a kind
You lack nothing
that his grace cannot give you
He has allowed you to be here
in think time in history
to fulfill his special purpose
for this generation

By Roy Tessin