An Eye On London

Still writing like crazy, so I'm going to share some pics of London in today's post. The goofy pic and the panorama of London were taken while he was aboard the London Eye, an enormous ferris wheel type ride which takes thirty minutes to complete one revolution. Enjoy!

Pictures of Windsor England

Today I'm full in the throes of writing, so I'll just post a few pictures of my son's visit to Windsor in England. The queen was in residence at the time the group was there (see the flag flying). More pictures will come in time.

Knowing

Well I was wrong. My son didn't buy a sword in Germany.

He bought two.

Like I said, I know my son. Smart kid though, because instead of trying to pack the swords and carry them through customs, he arranged to have them mailed directly from the store. They should arrive in two to eight weeks.

It's so good to have him home, even though he's still messed up a bit from the time change. Waking up too early and so tired during the day. But this too shall pass.

Kinda funny - when the plane pulled up to the gate, there was a massive swarm of family and friends around the glass. I'd planned appropriately and grabbed one of only two chairs early on at the window so I could watch their approach in relative comfort.

Even though he looked tired, his eyes were bright from the experience as he made his way though the crowd.

He even reached out to hug me first. :-) Usually I'm the one having to squeeze in a hug here or there, because he IS too old now for those affectionate moments, but this time it was him initiating the affection.

What more could a mother want?

Up until about the halfway mark driving home, he chattered along incessantly about different things that happened on the trip, the antics he and the guys participated in at times, his favorite parts of the excursion, the things he didn't like - you name it.

Then suddenly the car was quiet. I looked over to see his head lolled back and his mouth wide open - fast asleep without a moment's notice.

For the next hour and twenty I had a touch of trouble staying awake but knew we'd be just fine. The Lord had answered my prayers with a resounding "yes" that he would have a great experience, he'd make some great friendships, and that this would continue the growth he's had over the past year.

Amen, and amen on all accounts.

Now if he can just get his swords as quickly as possible, he will feel complete.

He's Back On U.S. Soil

My baby boy is back on U.S. soil!!!!!!!

Their flight from Frankfurt landed almost an hour earlier than anticipated. I've turned on the cell phone just in case he tries to call and touch base with me.

At the moment, I'm sure they're still trying to make it through customs. I've never experienced such an event before since I've never traveled outside the U.S., but from what I've heard it can be quite a lengthy and drawn out experience.

I do have to admit that I'm a little concerned that he is able to get back into the country with all of his spoils. One of the shops in Rothenburg that he made his last purchases at is a decorative weaponry shop, with swords, armor, etc. Since my son collects swords and such, and his transaction was rather large, I'm wondering if the crazy kid bought himself a sword.

Only thing is he's not eighteen, and I've no idea how security and customs will respond to him bringing in a sword, decorative though it may be.

Then again, he may have purchased other things completely unrelated to swords and the like, so I may be concerned for nothing.

But I know my son.

Anyway, worse comes to worse, they'll hopefully arrange to mail the thing to me or let one of the adults claim it through customs. I've been praying that whatever he bought, he'll be able to get home with all of his plunder from the Europe travels.

Regardless, I'll just be glad to hold him in my arms again. Just a few hours remaining and he'll once again be home.

That's the main thing to be thankful for.

Feeling Frantic

Seems the closer we get to the send-off, the busier we're becoming.

Friday morning my son leaves for Europe, as if you didn't already know. Thursday we have to drive to Kansas City. Today he's finishing up his final day of rehearsals and having a big concert late this afternoon.

Last week I thought I had most everything taken care of. This week I feel like I'm running around like the proverbial chicken minus a head.

Thank God my son's Visa cash card came in yesterday! That alone was an enormous weight off my shoulders. After the concert today, we need to make ANOTHER trip to Wal-mart to pick up some last minute items.

I'm feeling quite broke at the moment, but this too shall pass.

Tonight is supposed to be church and choir rehearsal. For some reason I had the idea that we'd be able to make it. Now I'm not so sure. Instead of the "to-do" list getting shorter, it seems that for every one item I cross off, I add two new. The frantic feeling just won't go away.

I've a sense that even when my son steps on the plane, the frantics will stay with me.

Probably until his return.

The Countdown Begins

In exactly one week my son will be on his flight to Europe.

I'm feeling a teeny bit anxious.

This week we got his pounds, euros, and Swiss francs (they're so pretty!) and ordered his Visa cash card. Wish I'd have known about the cash card a little sooner. We're rather cutting it close to get the card before he leaves.

Also received his flight itinerary. They'll leave out in the morning and have to be at the airport three hours before departure. Needless to say, I've made hotel reservations for Thursday night in Kansas City.

So many unexpected expenses have arisen in regard to this trip, but it still doesn't matter. To have the honor of such an experience is something that I may have been willing to go into hock for, truth be told. I'm just glad he gets to go and that I have the ability to send him.

Sometimes there are opportunities in life that are just too important to let slide by.

The Bow Brigade

I did something absolutely crazy today. I bought another Christmas present.

No, I don't usually go shopping for presents this late in the game, but events conspired against me to where I was forced to act.

I ran out of bows.

I just had to buy more to finish my wrapping. Guess I didn't plan so well this year.

Anyway, since I was in Wal-mart (planned it too to take a late, late, late lunch about 2:00 so the crowds weren't so big) to buy the bows, figured I'd pick up a little Christmas candy and stocking stuffers. Then got the big idea to go to electronics.

As part of my son's going away present this coming summer when he leaves for Europe (boy, that was a mouthful), I'd planned to buy him a reasonably priced digital camera for the trip. While in Wal-mart today, I decided why not look at any bargains available this time of the year.

Found one - nothing fancy, but it was a special that came with the camera (duh!), a case, and a memory card. Plus it can take short videos of about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Pictures AND video all in one tiny camera - what more could a Europe-bound body ask for?

Needless to say, he's going to get it for Christmas this year. That way he'll have some time to get adjusted to how it operates so he'll have smooth sailing come summertime. Figure too that by then he'll have enough money to buy himself another memory card.

Hey, I want to see Europe too - even if it is only from behind the lens.

Caesar, Take A Holiday

Tonight we received the packet of information on my son's trip to Europe next summer.

It also had the payment notices once again and the balance due. Ouch!

For awhile I was stressing about all the upcoming expenses and the upcoming large payment due for this trip. I've got the next payment due the middle of November, then we're celebrating the big family Thanksgiving. There's Christmas coming and then the unknown of the first half of my property taxes due on my new house. Not sure what to expect there.

About a month ago, I quit worrying about it. It's going to work out even if I have to put a little bit on my credit card when it's all said and done. Now those of you who know me pretty well know that I'm not a big fan of debt, especially credit card debt. But over the years, I've learned to let go of my fears of my credit card getting out of control. Having a credit card can be a good thing as long as the credit is working for you not you merely working for it.

But this trip is far too important. Even if I end up putting a bit on my credit card, it will all be worth it in the end. So I end up making a few months payments on it after the final installment. I've been through worse before. I know I'm capable of managing it and paying it off very quickly. Besides the idea is just an idea at this point. Doesn't mean I'll end up having to put something on my credit card. I just had to get comfortable with the idea and stop worrying.

Now I can enjoy the prospects of the upcoming holidays, the trip installment, and my property taxes (say what???).

Well taxes aren't my idea of something to celebrate and ENJOY - but then we are to render to Caesar what is Caesar's.

Just wish Caesar would take a holiday right about now.

The Texas Traveler Strikes Again

Normally I don't post on Sundays - it's our family day. But once again my son is leaving on another trip.

He's become the Texas Traveler. Call him Chuck Norris, if you will.

International Youth Convention is being held in San Antonio, a place that I have unfortunately never been yet to visit. They leave tomorrow morning at 4:00, at least they have to be there at 4:00 am. Oh goodie once again.

He's already been to Dallas twice this year and now San Antonio. I think he's looking forward to it. You know, another week of summer without dear old mother breathing down his neck. :-)

That's okay - I hope to get some writing done sometime in the evenings. We'll just have to see what the muse comes up with.

In the meantime, I pray for a great time, safe trip, and to come away with more awesome friendships. Gee, I think parents day this morning has already gotten to me!

Not Again!!!

My son signed up to go to International Youth Convention this summer in San Antonio. They leave in three weeks. I just received their itinerary from the youth pastor. I should have known.

Once again they have to be there at FOUR O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING.

It hurts us. It burns us. Say it isn't so, please!

This early morning stuff is getting old fast, and he hasn't even started his sophomore year in high school yet. Once again I'm wishing for the day they create the caffeine IV drip so I can program it to come on while I'm still in bed. Hey, maybe they'll make it portable too so I can take it in the car and to work that day.

What is it about school and church trips at this age that they always like leaving in the early morning hours when even God may not be awake? This is inhuman. This is insane.

I remember well the days in which we did this kind of stuff too. For some reason it was actually fun then. Only problem now is that he can sleep on the bus while I have to go home and get ready for work and then drive all the way back across town again. Oh the inhumanity! Did my parents suffer so?

When I was thirteen, I got to go on my first IYC trip with my two older sisters. It was my first big trip without my parents tagging along. We stayed up all night packing and getting ready and then my oldest sister drove us all to the church to load up the bus. Pretty sure I crashed at that point once the bus left the parking lot. The ride both ways was rather a blur but I loved the time we spent in Florida. Complete blast!

Yeah, now I remember. My parents didn't have to run me around so much when I was growing up because I had my two older sisters to take me hither and yon. I know my son likes being an only child, but I sure can hardly wait until he's sixteen and doesn't have restrictions on where he can drive himself.

Until then, I have to continue to play the chauffeur. Maybe I can talk my boss into letting me take a vacation day to recover.

Ah, Alaska

Winter has returned to Kansas this week. It makes me long for Alaska.

Ah, Alaska - with the snow-capped mountains year-round, the moose traipsing through town, the wind whistling through the valleys, and the blushing flora and fauna bursting forth at a moments notice.

Okay, before I wax poetic let me come down from the mountaintop.

Both times that I've had the luxury of visiting Alaska were near the end of April and the first of May. Almost overnight the ground goes from moist gray to vibrant green with splashes of color tossed here and there like a mosaic. The ice covering most lakes and rivers cracks and begins its journey, and previously unseen waterfalls thunder down the mountainside.

My first trip to the Last Frontier was alone, but I never let aloneness stop me from exploring. That's when I discovered an oasis I had to visit again. My second trip allowed me to take my mother and son with me, and we spent the last few days nestled in my favorite hideaway in the world: Seward.

After my mother came back to reality and realized those enormous beasts roaming downtown Anchorage were not mechanical (hey look, Mom - MOOSE!), we headed down the Seward Highway to that quaint little town at the end of the Kenai Peninsula. We took a wildlife boat tour, visited the incredible Alaska SeaLife Center (that wasn't there the first trip), and ended our journey with a stop at Ray's, the best fresh seafood joint west of the Mississippi. Melts in the mouth like butter.

Two days was not nearly enough time to enjoy all that Seward offers, but business and schedules called us home. Someday I plan to go back when I don't have to mix business with pleasure. I'm thinking perhaps a graduation present for my son in a few more years. Then we'll be sure and include a dog-sled ride pulled by huskies.

Somewhere along the line I'm certain my son is part Eskimo. After college, he plans to get a job and live in Alaska. That's great! Then I can visit Alaska as often as I like - I mean visit him as often as I like.

That is until I sell my first book and buy a home in Seward. Until then, I must dream of the day I can return. Sweet dreams indeed!

Success!!!

Trips can be a great bonding experience. This one succeeded in droves.

I was a nervous wreck driving to the school to pick up my son yesterday evening upon their return from the choir trip. You see, he was severely bullied when he was younger and has struggled since that time in making friends. He tends to hang back and study people. Therefore he is labeled as shy by teachers and his fellow students. Being misunderstood can really mess with one's mind. That's why this trip was so important to his overall continued progress. We've fought an uphill battle for many years, and the outcome of this trip was key to his continued forward momentum.

The moment he came barreling from the school building (he was helping gather bags from the buses), I breathed an enormous sigh of relief. From his body language, smile, and interactions with fellow students it was quite obvious he'd enjoyed a wonderful time. When he saw me his face lit up like a lightbulb, and he ran over and gave me a great big hug right in front of his fellow students. It brought tears of joy to my eyes.

He talked non-stop all the way home. They'd had a successful raid of the awards and ended up bringing home six trophies from the competition. All three of his roommates were great guys, and he even was able to tell me their names and grades (shocker for him to remember such details). Of course, the biggest success of the trip to him was getting invited twice to sit with a table full of girls. The biggest success to me was that he'd thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

And he's ready to go back next year.

Early Morning Resurrection

I hate getting up early in the mornings. It isn't just that I hate it - I actually truly loathe it with a passion bordering on insanity. My body doesn't begin to function properly until at least 9:00, though I have to get up at 6:00 most mornings. The fact that my house has yet to burn down as I cook breakfast in a stupor is a testament to God's grace. Now if only someone could figure out how to administer coffee intravenously by my bedside.

As the school year winds down, my son is preparing for his big choir trip to Dallas. They've had two 7:00 am rehearsals already and will leave later this week. I found out Sunday at his choir performance that they have to be at the school by 5:00 - that's five o'clock in the morning. Be there at five o'clock in the morning! AM - which means we have to be up and around by 4:00 at the latest. Yes, that's right four o'clock in the morning. Why bother going to bed, eh?

Oh, what we do for our children.

At one time in his life, my son was a chipper early-morning riser. Seeing his toothy grin and hearing his babbling gibberish made the early morning disturbance worthwhile. Now that he's in the full throes of puberty, he can be pretty difficult to awaken of a morning. However, for the last couple of weeks, he's been Mr. Chipper all over again. I think he's actually looking forward to getting up at 4:00 am. Of course, it also helps that the girl to guy ratio for the trip is like nine to one.

But strange as it may be, I'm actually looking forward (in a bizzare, sick, and convoluted way) to getting up to see him off. By the time I was his age, I was a seasoned traveler, but this will be his first big trip that he's taken without me in tow - another one of the milestone moments of his life. It's very important to me that he feels comfortable stretching the umbilical cord.

Raising independent children is an important responsibility. Our job as parents is to allow our children experiences where they can explore life as we gradually adjust them to the process of leaving the nest. Then when they are old enough to leave, they will truly be capable of caring for themselves on their own out in the big, wide world. That's when we know we've done our job properly.

In the meantime, I'll continue to put myself out by being resurrected at four o'clock in the morning. Sympathy is appreciated.