The Travel Bug

 

Quote of the Day:  Taking a page from my own photo album (circa 1988).

 

Here I am having a snack at the airport/train connection in Frankfurt, Germany, during my study abroad experience. I wrote: The starting point of a one month tour of Europe.

(My early days of "blogging!")

Top picture: Me at the Frankfurt station.

Bottom picture: Me and Ric at the Munich train station, heading to Italy.

 

Last year, I posted this picture of my First Born, graduating high school, here in Minnesota, and heading to Texas Tech University for school.

 

Bobby who says, "Texas or Bust."

 

This year's cake (if we'd gotten one) would say, "Spain or Bust!"

Yep, he's taking the summer semester in Spain. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Again, I can only blame myself. I spent a full semester in Germany, January-May 1988, and added one more month of travel before I came home. It's an experience of a life time.

 

Bobby, ready to board the airport shuttle to start his European Adventure!

 

I sent a text message to his dad after I wiped a tear from my eye: He's off on the Lakes Express.

Reply from his dad: I am a combination of nervous and excited for him.

Me too, I wrote back.

 

What an exciting time of life, to be 19 and have the world at your feet. I feel so many emotions. I wish I could be there with him to make sure he gets safely to his destination and connects with the group. I'm proud of him for braving it on his own. I want to experience it with him, but know that it's his journey to take. So, with a tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek, I sent him off by saying, "I love you. Have fun, and be safe."

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  Write about your own grand adventures, or sending off a loved one. (I don't know how the military moms survive it. It's tough enough sending them off for an education.)



 

Alive

Quote of the Day:  Life is what we are alive to... Be alive to ... goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God, and eternal hope. - Maltbie D. Babcock (still quoting from Bobby's travel journal)

I know I've been MIA this week. I'm still recovering from the fabulous Grad Party for #1 son! Plus, the kids are home and the summer schedule is busy! Trying to find a little creative space for myself. It takes some effort at the start of summer.

"We" embraced the Texas theme

with decorations and the best food this side of Texas!

Thanks to a couple fabulous friends who went all out for our party.

The spicy guacamole was the hit of the party.

We celebrated on a hot, summer day.

A few great friends helped me clean up (actually, did the clean up. I was exhausted). All in all, it was a great day.

Feeling grateful.

I'll have a guest here on this blog on Friday, and I've been invited to hang out on the Journaling Woman's blog that day.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What have you been feeling grateful for lately?

Savor the Moments

Quote of the Day:  Savor little glimpses of God's goodness and His majesty, thankful for the gift of them:  pathways through the woods, a bright green canopy overhead, and dappled sunshine falling all around. From the Travel Journal I found to give Bobby on his Graduation.

I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. Proverbs 4:11

A new path lies before us; we're not sure where it leads; but God goes on before us, providing all our needs. Linda Maurice

I think I'll use this sweet Travel Journal as guest book for Bobby's party.

Favorite Photos Friday: BHS Graduation, Class of 2012

A long line of graduates dressed in blue wound its way down the hill and onto the football field.

The speeches were well delivered and meaningful to the Graduates.

It was a gorgeous night to throw your hat in the air and celebrate!

There he goes.

Hatless and happy.

I didn't think I'd find him in the crowd, but he found me.

Go. Create. Inspire!

May we always find each other in the big crowd of life.

Journaling Prompt:  Write about your graduation.

2012 Graduates Honored at Lord of Life

Quote of the Day:  from Quote of the Day Archives

If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.-- Bruce Barton

Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he or she was born in another time.-- Rabbinical Saying

It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.-- Frederick Douglass

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

From little pumpkin

to

Graduate

in 18 fast years.

High School grads were honored this past Sunday at Lord of Life church. They shared memories, gave them blankets, and blessed them as they go on the next road of life's journey.

I didn't cry. I am amazed at my grown son and how willing he is to spread his wings and venture out into the world. He knows he needs to carve his own path and is doing so with enthusiasm. That's nothing to cry about. I feel blessed.

Thank you, God, for my strong and daring son. May he always have the courage to...

Go. Create. Inspire!

Amen.

Journaling Prompt:  Are you feeling brave enough to journey down a new road? I hope so.

College Visit

Quote of the Day:  For the pathway that lies before me, my Heavenly Father knows - I'll trust Him to unfold the moments just as He unfolds the rose. Unknown, found in a travel journal.

Favorite Photo Friday:

First college visit with first-born son.

We had a great day together. He talked to me the whole way home about his career, school, my education, education in general, teaching, life. It was great. A moment I treasure.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Describe a time where you stood at the crossroads. Which way did you go?

Brand New Smile

Favorite Photos Friday

Quote of the Day: You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe, shine like gold, buzz like a bee...oh, you make me smile. lyrics from Smile by Uncle Kracker

When his young lad was 13 and a half years old and just about to enter the 8th grade, he got his braces on.

Four year, two months, 20 days, and a few major life changes later, he got them off.

Now, he's a senior in high school, 17 and a half years old, and applying to colleges for Engineering.

Next up, Senior Pictures.

(*confession* When I listened to that Uncle Kracker song and started writing, I shed a few mom tears. What can I say, my first-born, my right-hand man, is growing up and moving on. Send Kleenex, graduation day will come way too soon!)

Journaling Prompt:  Did you ever have to wait a really long time for something to change? And, even though it was for the better, you had to go through some discomfort to get there?  If any of your chicks have left the nest, please send advice. Thanks.

Go. Create. Inspire! and Smile!!



B is for Bobby and Bravo!

Letter of the Day:  B
B is for Bobby, my first-born son.
B is also for Bravo, that shout of praise at the end of a performance.  Did you know that Bravo is the praise word for a man, and Brava is the word to use for a woman?  My sister Joy, who is learning Italian and is also a performer - singer, actor, all that jazz (also sings jazz), gave me that quick lesson.  If the performers are mixed, then Bravo is fine.

B is also for baby.  This is a picture of Bobby, my first-born, holding his new baby brother when he came into our lives 13 years ago.  Bobby is offically a Robert, but he was Bobby as soon as he flashed me those baby blues!  When his little brother, Zach, was born, he felt him grasp his finger and he asked, "Is he as strong as Superman?"  As soon as we brought him home, he said, "When can he wrestle?" 

A few years later, twin boys entered the picture. Now, I'm a MOBO, mother of boys only. And, oh, boy, can that be a blast!


Bobby is a great older brother.  He is a defender against bullies, and loves to play games.  He'll graduate from high school next year, and plans to be some kind of engineer.  I can see him inventing new games.  Bravo, Bobby!


Journaling Prompt:  Do you have brothers or sisters?  Write about your wild rumpuses!