Happy New Year!

I have always enjoyed New Years Eve. It is a time for reflection and new resolutions. As I look over my office I see remnants of the past year. The jar of sand from our trip to Aruba, The small glass bird I got from our exchange student Pete when he and his family visited in June, the small agate I got when Mark and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in Grand Marais...
From a work stand point I had the following successes

• Completed my first full year as CEO of NewTown - I am now part owner and have a first class staff in place Expanded my network of business friends
• Completed the ACE leadership course through the MHTA where I learned more about myself and honed my leadership skills.

On the personal side

• Mark and I celebrated 25 years of marriage (and yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat), and look forward to celebrating many more
• Ned and Ross both have grown into wonderful men. They have wonderful women in their lives who enrich and challenge them
• We have spent time with family and friends
• We discovered new places like Aruba and Grand Marais
• We have worked hard on our house to update and improve it
• We bought a boat and spent time out on the lake relaxing

We go into 2009 with concerns of the economy, Mom's health issues, and a new President. But we also are armed with the knowledge that God will continue to bless us as he has in the past and has a plan for us. "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 pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

We will see how his plans unfold over the next year. I know no matter what happens, God is with all of us. Have a blessed and safe New Year!

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Ross' roommate Josh is in Germany this semester. He asked "Why don't German's celebrate Thanksgiving? Don't they have anything to be thankful for? " He said it as a joke, but it got me to thinking. So often, when we think of Thanksgiving, we think of turkey or sales. I am so very thankful so many things, especially this year.

I am thankful for God who has continually lifted me up and carried me though out my life and who prepares a place for me in heaven.

I am thankful for Mark. We celebrated out 25th wedding anniversary this August. He has completed my life and made it so much richer and happier then I could ever have imagined.

I am thankful for our sons Ned and Ross. They have added so much to my life.

I am thankful for my parents, who taught me so much, not by their words, but by their deeds.

I am thankful for my siblings who made my childhood so memorable and who are only a phone call away. There is something special about someone who has always known you, where you have come from and what you have accomplished.

I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. Other then colds and minor ailments, we have been greatly blessed.

I am thankful for my home, that has sheltered us through the past 25 years. I still remember the first time we walked through the house. Little did I know then the changes that would take place within these walls.

I am thankful for my friends. Those who I have known most of my life and those who I have recently met. I can't imagine going through life without having people to laugh with, cry with and enjoy life with.

I am thankful for my work, which helps fulfill and challenge me.

I am thankful to live in a country where we have so many freedoms, we don't know what to do with them.

I am thankful for technology that allows me to stay in contact with family and friends with just a key stroke.

I could go on an on. What I am most thankful for is the life I have lived and the future that is before me.

55Things

1. The phone rings; whom do you want it to be?

Family or friends with good news.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
To the little corral thing? Absolutely. I’d hate to make someone chase my cart around.

3. If you had to kiss the last person you kissed, would you?
Absolutely.

4. Do you take compliments well?

Sometimes. I am better at taking complements regarding my work then personal.

5. Do you play Sudoku?

Yes, and I usually use a pen, which gets messy.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?

Yes

7. Do you like nipple rings?

Hate them.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid?

Went to Band Camp in High School. Was a lot of fun. Other then that a week at my grandparents.

9. If a sexy person were pursuing you, but you knew he/she were married what would you do?

Ignore them, and politely tell them I am not interested.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?

Could and would, but when it came down to marrying someone, I married someone with same beliefs.

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
I like to be pursued.

12. Use three words to describe yourself at the moment:
Cold, excited, harried

13. Do any songs make you cry?
"I'll be Home for Christmas" the first time I hear it for the season

14. Are you continuing your education?
Formally? Not really. But it’s a constant thing, informally.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun?
Never shot one, but it is on my list of things to do for 2009

16. If your house were on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?
Besides the kids/husband, my purse and computer

17. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?

My husband

18. Whom do you text the most?

Mark and my kids

19. Favorite children’s books?
“Love You Forever”.

20. What color are your eyes?
As blue as my politics are red.

21. How tall are you?
5' 6 ish

22. If you could do it over again, start from scratch, would you?
Nope.

23. Any secret admirers?
I am sure there are legions :-)

24. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?
Yes, hasn't everyone?

25. Where is the farthest place you have traveled?
Aruba

26. Do you like mustard?
Only on hot dogs or brats with sauerkraut

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Sleep

28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
More Dad's side of the family (nose)

29. How long does it take you in the shower?
About 7 minutes

30. Can you do splits?
Not any more

31. What movies do you want to see right now?
The new “Bond” movie,

32. What did you do for New Year’s Eve?
Usually get together with Neighbors

33. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Not that I’ve ever been told.

34. What’s the last letter of your middle name?
T

35. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
Usually 7 - 8

36. Do you like Care Bears?
No.

37. What do you buy at the movies?
Popcorn with butter

38. Do you know how to play poker?
A little

39. Do you wear your seat belt?
Always. Growing up we always had to wear seat belts so it is a habit now.

40. What do you wear to sleep?

None of your business

41. Anything big ever happen in your town?
Perhaps you heard about it - the Republican National Convention?

42. Is your hair straight or curly?

Mostly straight but a little wavy. I was always jealous of my sisters' curly hair. Of course they would spend Saturday nights in orange can curlers to straighten theirs.

43. Is your tongue pierced?
No

44. Do you like liver and onions?
Not without lots of bacon

45. Have you ever been in love?
Still am

46. Do you like funny or serious people better?
Funny people

47. Ever been to L.A.?
Yes- Disneyland years ago.

48. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Pay

49. Do you hate chocolate?
What type of question is that? I love chocolate. Especially mint M&M's

50. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
We don’t, really.

51. Are you a gullible person?
I am pretty easily sucked in.

52. If you could have any job, what would it be?
Honestly, I really love the job I have.

53. Are you easy to get along with?
As long as you agree with me :-). Overall, I am pretty easy going.

54. What is your favorite time of day?
Early mornings

55. Are you a generally happy person?
Yes. I am definitely one of those the glass is half full, hopefully with wine.

Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter

Looking out the window, I have to say we have probably seen the last of fall and will be welcoming winter snow starting tomorrow. I can't complain. Earlier this week we enjoyed sunny days of high 70's. The oak leaves outside my window that were bright and vibrant on Monday now are the muddy brown they will remain through out the winter. I am ready for the cold weather and snow. I enjoyed the mild fall we had with brilliant colors. Even enjoyed the raking of leaves this year. But now, I am ready for them to be covered up. I don't want to look outside and see the leaves on the ground reminding me of tasks left undone.

There is something freeing about the first large snowfall. It leaves the world looking pristine, a new canvas. It covers everything up as if to say "don't worry about this for the next couple of months. I can browse through gardening catalogs and have the feeling that next year will be the year my gardens will look like the pictures in the garden magazines. I forget about the weeding, the mosquitoes and bugs that are a part of gardening and instead remember the results.

Cold weather encourages curling up on the couch under a blanket, drinking hot chocolate and reading a book. It encourages us to slow down and enjoy the view, instead of thinking of all that needs to be done outside. Embrace the cold and snow. It will only be a short 4, 5 months before we are back in the hurry and bustle of cleaning up the yard and gardens.

A Proud American

Well, it is over. All the political ads, the rally's, news reports etc are finished. Once again, America has held an election which many people participated. People were able to go to the polls and vote for the candidates of their choice, without being harassed, threatened or really inconvenienced. We tend to forget what a great county we live in. Unlike Iraq and other countries, to vote, you didn't have to travel more then a couple of miles, you didn't have to worry about being shot at or injured when you went to vote. If you did have to wait, chances are you waited in a warm comfortable building.

Whether you agree with who won or not, be proud that you were a part of the process, and shame on you if you didnt' vote. Today, more then any other time, there really isn't any reason not to do your duty as a citizen of the United States and vote. Especially if you live in Minnesota where you can register and vote on the same day.

I was an election judge for the first time this year and it really drove home to me how important voting is. I loved helping the new voters not only the 18, 19 and 20 year olds, but especially people in their 40's, 50's and 60's who were voting for the first time.

I don't know what will happen with President-Elect Obama. I didn't vote for him, but he is my President and I will support him as such. I will pray for him and his cabinet every day, just as I have prayed for President Bush and his cabinet. Not because of his party affiliation, but because he is President of the greatest nation in the world.

Have a cup of coffee

I agree with Madeline Albright.

I have been appalled at the treatment of Sarah Palin by the media, by bloggers and others who despise and denigrate her just because she is on the wrong ticket. Instead of respecting what she has accomplished, they try to tear her down. Fortunately, she is a strong woman who will persevere. I was thrilled to see Shelly Mandel President of the NOW chapter of Los Angeles introduce and endose Sarah on Sunday. We women are our own worse enemy. Our daughters and granddaughters will never reach true equality in this world until we stop tearing down other women. You don't have to agree with everything another woman says, but you do need to respect the others viewpoint.

On the Ball

I was talking with a teacher at BUNCO last month and she mentioned that the kids in her 4th Grade class don't have chairs, rather they sit on large exercise balls. The idea is that the balls not only encourage good posture, but they also allow the kids to do what kids do naturally - fidget. The exercise ball also helps your core (back and abdominal muscles) because you're body is constantly adjusting.

I thought I would give it a try. I use an exercise ball at the gym for abdominal exercises and am amazed how a little movement is needed. I found one at Walmart for about $15. It came with a hand pump and exercises.

I am on my second day and really enjoy it. Time will tell if there is any helath benefits, but I find myself better able to concentrate with it. Here is an article on 10 Reasons to use an exercise ball as your chair.

The Disposable Child

I don't know what to think about this story about parents dropping their teenage kids off in response to the Safe Haven Law. Minnesota has a Safe Haven Law that allows parents of newborns to drop them off at hospitals etc, no questions asked if they feel they can't deal with a baby. I understand and applaud this law, I think it is a win/win situation for everyone. The babies have the chance to grow up in a loving home instead of being killed or abandoned by the birth parent.

However, Nebraska is taking it a step further and allowing parents to drop off a child of any age. The people interviewed for the story obviously have been struggling with their child, but I am sorry, who doesn't struggle with a teenager. Surely there are other programs that can allow for the parents to get help for their child without adding the additional burdon of abandonment. I can only imagine what a teenager would feel if their parent basically said, "Sorry, I don't love you enough to help you through this rough time. "

From a Fox News Report :

Todd Landry, director of Health and Human Services' division of Children and Family Services, said that in nearly every case, the parents who left their children felt overwhelmed and had decided they didn't want to be parents anymore. None of the kids dropped off so far has been in danger, Landry said.

Too simplistic? Probably. Mark and I survived the teenage years relatively unscathed. Our kids are well on their way to becoming productive (we hope) members of society. But what kind of society are we when we let people to dump their children simple because they are "difficult"

I know that this happens all over, even without a law. I believe the lawmakers had the right idea in mind, to protect the children, however, when we let government take over what should be a family and community issue are we really doing it for the kids?

A new Beginning

The 35W bridge opened today after over a year of construction. It was on August 1, 2007 just after 6 pm that the bridge collapsed. There has been a lot of controversy about the bridge. It cost too much, they built it too fast, etc. Watching the coverage on the bridge that night, I never could have imagined that in such a relatively short amount of time, such a beautiful structure could have come out of that tragedy.

The party that is for Choice, as long as your choice is the same as theirs

It saddens me when I read posts like this. Women have been fighting for decades for equal right for women. But women continue to be the worst enemy of other women. Instead of supporting each others decisions, we tend to try to pull down other women who seem to be trying to do what we can't or won't do. Sarah Palin has gotten an incredible amount of criticism for daring to serve her country while also being (horrors) a Mom.

The same party who is strident about a woman's choice seem to be the most vocal in trying to limit Sarah Palin's choice because they don't agree with her choice. They are saying she should think of her kids, that she can't do it all. Suddenly are concerned about the children.

Not just another Hockey Mom

I was in the Xcel convention center last night when Sarah Palin gave her acceptance speech. I liked her before, after listening to her speech I also respect her. Much has been made of her reference to being a hockey mom. To me, it shows another facet of her personality and what has made her the woman she is today. Speculation is rampant about whether she is qualified for the Vice President position which I encourage. The better informed a voter is, the better choice will be made. However, for the press and especially MSNBC to continually harp on her personal life and choices goes to far. Susan Estrich had a great article that speaks to this issue.

Let's hear it for Hockey Mom's!

Congratulations to John McCain for selecting Sarah Palin for his Vice President pick. Much has been made about her lack of experience. Excuse me? She is a hockey mom. What other experience could you ask for? Hockey Moms send their kids into a sheet of ice with 2 thin blades, a couple of yards of fabric between them and a piece of hard plastic that has kept thousands of dentist in business.

Hockey Mom's are tough, they encourage their kids to do more then they think they can, cheering them on while inside praying that their child completes the game without injury.

Besides Sarah's leadership skills as a Govener, her experience as a hockey mom is experience enough for me.

Saying Good-gye. Again

Once again, we said good-bye to Ross as he headed back to Valpo for his Junior year. With his departure, the house is a little quieter, a little cleaner and a little lonelier. However, we will see him next weekend when we go down to Valpo to help with Freshman move in. Actually, we will be in a tent, offering cookies, lemonade and advise to freshman parents who are dropping off their kids for the first time as part of the Parent Council.

I remember dropping off Ross two years ago. It reminded me of my mom and dad dropping me off at Valpo, just 29 years earlier. I remember sitting in the back seat, surrounded by all of my personal belongings that were all I was taking with me on my new journey. It seemed my Mom and Dad wanted to cram in every bit of advise that they hadn't thought of the previous 18 years.

Ross found his place at Valpo just as I had. He is half way (almost) through his college experience. I have seen him grow from a nervous boy into a confident young man. I am excited for who he is and who he will become.

Saying Goodbye is hard to do

In her post on Career Hubs blog "Letting Go" Billie Sucher talks about saying good bye to her son who is a second year law student. It made me think of all the times I said good by to my kids. The first time they got on the bus to go to Kindergarten, the first time they took off in the car by themselves and when they left for college.

It does become more difficult to say good by to our kids, especially as they enter their 20's. As young adults, they are just more fun to be around. They are entertaining, they help out (sometimes) and are not as self absorbed as teenagers. As they (and we) grow older, we also realize how short time can be, and how important it is to enjoy every moment together.

Fish - not just for dinner anymore

Ok, I love getting pedicures, but having fish nibble at my feet no matter how great a job they do, is just something I can't (won't) do for beauty

Now I can See!

My sister Cindy is in Guatemala for a mission trip the next couple of weeks. They have collected used eye glasses and are having an eye clinic. Since I have such bad eye sight myself I can only imagine the joy of people who are now able to see possibly for the first time. God bless Cindy and her trip mates as they change the lives of others with new sight and the message of God's love and grace.

Little Brother, Big Brother

Chad at Frater Libertas had a great post about brothers. It was 20 years ago today, that Ned entered the world of "little brother" when we brought Ross home from the hospital. He was enchanted with his new two for about 2 weeks when he came to me and asked "When are we going to return him." He was used to library books that you enjoyed for a couple of weeks and then returned for more literary treasures. Little did he know that he would be followed and challenged by his little brother for the rest of his life.

We were recently in Phoenix to visit Mark's family. Mark and his younger brother Dave still traded insults, tried to hand wrestle and all the things they have been doing for over 45 years. Wow, said Ned. Guess things never change.

No More Teenagers!

Our youngest son Ross turned 20 yesterday. As Mark said "You are no longer a teenager, you are an adult." He has matured so much, especially over the past couple of years, but I still see that impish smile he had as a toddler when he thought he was getting away with something. It is great to get to the point where you can talk to your children on the more even footing as adults. It seems like every phase they go through I have enjoyed and I know I will enjoy this phase of getting to know my children as competent, christian men. I look forward to the journey.

Pete's Back

Pete our exchange student is here visiting with his family. I have posted a few entry's on my blog The Third Son

Happy Birthday Ross

I now longer have teenagers in the house. Ross our youngest turned twenty today. It is hard to believe it has been 20 years since he has been born. The happy, active baby has turned into a happy active young man. He has successfully finished two years of college at Valpo has good friends and enjoys being with his family. When your child is born you have so many hopes and dreams for them. Ross, we are so proud of the man you have become and the person you will be in the future. Happy Birthday and may God continue to bless you.
Love,
Mom

Moving on

I was reading Liz's post on Blonde moment. She is in her last weeks of pregnancy. It made me think of when I was pregnant with Ross about this time 20 years ago. I remember lumbering around in the heat and humidity extremely uncomfortable. I was ready to star the next phase of my life. Come to think of it, when Ned left for college I was ready for him to go to college because he was making it very uncomfortable to be around him. Guess that is God's way of preparing us for our next phase. We become uncomfortable and ready to move on. Someone once said that the pain of remaining the same becomes greater then the fear of change, that is when change happens. I have found in my life that I am becoming more and more comfortable with change because I have learned that I can't control most things anyways, so I might as well embrace it.

A Dad's Dad

I found this article by Kevin Helliker very moving and scary where did he get that picture of my parents wedding? But the similarity's don't end with the picture. He could have been writing about my Dad or Mark's Dad or any other Dad of the Greatest Generation. As a child, I was scared of him, as a teenager I baffled him (flit flit) and as an adult I admire adn respect him.

Dad intimidated not only his children, but nieces , nephews and any other child who wandered in his path. My children figured out far earlier in their lives that beneath that gruffness was someone who loved them for who they were , not for what they did (or didn't do). His gruff and loud voice would reverberate across the room until my Mom would hush him "Bob, your scaring the grandkids." I suppose we came by our exuberance naturally. We were all mystified when my sister Cindy reported overhearing a friend's Mom say "Those Etzler girls are nice, but they are so loud." Us we thought, loud? It wasn't until years later when we were at a family reunion and my son commented "Boy Mom, your family is sure emotional". Yes, I thought we are, we tend to

My Dad is Civil Engineer I graduated from college with a journalism degree. I never had a math course I liked (in fact I was able to graduate from college without taking one math course), my father lived to work with math. It was orderly and made sense. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my math book on one side and Dad on the other. "Let's see..." he would mumble. Then we would be on the rollicking journey of logic vs. emotion. He would clearly lay out the problem and I would struggle to follow along. The story problems were the worst for me. I had trouble grasping the concepts of train A and train B. I would tend to get more wrapped up in what did Mr. Brown bring back from Chicago then the miles per hour etc. Dad was frustrated that a child of his could not grasp simple math concepts. These sessions usually ended up with him raising his voice my crying and my mom offering ice cream to settle down both of us.

Music was a language we all understood. All six kids played a musical instrument and my mom sang in the choir. Dad was a frustrated piano player, he always regretted stopping lessons when he was a child. After unsuccessfully trying to mold my younger brothers into young Bach's he took up piano lessons himself. His weekly lesson with was Mrs. Wahnwitz (sp). I think they spent more time talking about world politics, and current events then piano. Dad was diligent about practicing every day. He found playing the piano relaxing although somewhat jarring for the listener.

When he retired, he never slowed down. In 1995 he was recognized by the NE Indiana Engineering week Citizen Engineer of the year which recognized not only his professional but also his civic leadership. He continutes to volunteer at the local grade school, church and social areana. He is an inspiration to all who meet him. I have no doubt that when God calls him home he will hear "Well done, good and faithful servent."

Out on the Farm

This blog article by Penelope Trunk, made me think of summers when I was a kid visiting my grandparents farm. I loved going out to the farm; although my cousins, who lived next door could never understand why. When I was about 11, my parents allowed me to ride my bike out to the farm, which took about 45 minutes. I would go out almost every week even though my grandmother scared me. She had a lot to do, and didn't need someone jsut hanging around. She wasn't afraid to shoo me out of the house if I was in her way (which was most of the time).

If I went out on Saturday's especially in the morning I could take part in the bread making ritual. She would bake 10-12 loaves of bread and coffee cake every week. If there is anything better the melted butter on a piece of warm homemade bread, I don't know what it is. She also made strawberry jam, applesauce and apple butter.

I loved the farm because there were so many cool places to hide and read a book. I could go down to the apple orchard and climb one of the trees, or sit on the swing on the front porch. I could go out the the barn and play in the hayloft or run through the fields with their dog Queenie an old collie. Going through the old smokehouse or summerhouse always were treasure troves. The best part was going down to the river in the spring after it flooded and finding arrowheads. I once found a musket ball.

There was plenty to explore inside also. The basement was always dank and dark, full of spiders and mice. The upstairs closets held party dresses from my Mom and her sisters. And of course the mounted deer head that was always looking down upon us in the front bedroom closet.

It was a time of exploration, and fun, but also a time to just curl up and read. My cousin John lives in the old farmhouse now. He has bee a good steward of the house, that holds so many memories for my sibling and I.

Happy Graduation Pete

Pete, our 3rd son, graduated from High School today, and had his graduation party tonight. He sent an e-mail inviting us, but the best part was his parting line "I will see you soon, that is so much fun for me to say." It is fun for me to hear. At the end of June Pete, his brother Henri, sister Mari and his mom and dad will be in Minnetonka for several days.

I am excited to see him. We have kept in touch via e-mail, exchanging pictures and news, but there is nothing like seeing someone in person. His sister is finishing a year in Washington State, so the Repo family will start their journey on the west coast, first picking up Marti and then going to Northern California to visit Mrs. Repo's exchange family (she was also an exchange student in high school). The five of them will come to Mantegna; Pete will stay with us, Henri with his host family and parents and Mari at a hotel. They will spend the 4th of July in NYC.

Pete has his law test for University the day before they leave and the day after they get back from the trip, he starts his mandatory 1 year military service.

It will be a whirlwind trip for them, but hopefully a memorable one for all of us.

Happy Mothrer's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Mom's in the world!. I am especially thankful for my Mom who taught me so much about being a mother myself. I am thankful for my husband's Mum who brought him up to be such a thoughtful, loving husband and father. I am thankful for the long line of strong women and mother's who have gone before me.

And most of all I am thankful that God has blessed me with two wonderful sons who have grown into wonderful men. Being a mother has made me a better person.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Check out the date - Saturday, April 26th. Spring right, April showers bring May flowers. I would love to see some April showers right about now. Instead I woke to a winter wonderland of snow. Yes, I should be thankful I am not in Northern Minnesota where they are getting hit with 12 -18 inches of snow, but really. Living in Minnesota makes it really hard to believe in global warming.