Motorcycle Mama!

Well, I've taken a new step in my life. I have progressed from a motorcycle rider (safely tucked behind Paul while he drives) to a motorcycle driver. That's right, you can just call me a Motorcycle Mama! Actually, please don't call me that ~~ I am far from a smooth driving, low waving Cool Rider.

It was easy to say, "Sure, Honey, I would love to have my own motorcycle" when I don't have one. It became a little bit scarey when I actually got one. Paul always knows how to get a deal and this was no exception. Actually, he traded something he had to get me the motorcycle. What a guy!

I have to admit it is one of the items on my "Bucket List". (I'll write more on that later) For those of you who don't know me very well, I am afraid of a lot of things. I over analyze things and can talk myself out of doing things easily. Paul is my Risk Factor, as well as my Soul Mate. We complete each other. When I'm afraid, he encourages me that I can do it. When he's doing something completely crazy, I talk him down from it. I'm convinced he is the reason my life is so exciting and I am the reason he's lived as long as he has!!

We have only riden a few times and each time I get a little bit better. (The gear thing still gives me fits.) I have my own Pink Camoflouge Doo Rag! I'm definitely moving up in the world! I may have to get some of those temporary tatoos!! I'm not going totally crazy! I want to be able to scrub it off!

I guess this is God's way of reinforcing that all of our life is to be an adventure. I've got a long way to go until I'm comfortable on the motorcycle, but with continued riding and the patience and encouragement of my husband, one day I'll get there.

The Other Side of Deja Vu

As of last May 14 Paul and I have been married 26 years! Wow! That seems like forever, and yet, it seems like not that long ago! I guess that's the thought process we have as we get older.

A couple of weeks ago, our 19 year old daughter came home and told us that she was getting married! We were stunned and confused and not very happy about it. We like Ian, but she's so young and quite frankly doesn't seem to have it all together most of the time. What were we going to do?

As Paul and I talked about it, our discussion went back 27 years to a couple that was very young. She was 19 and he was 24. They didn't really have it all together. They were clueless and in love. Their parents could not even imagine how this young couple could think about getting married. How would their survive?? It just didn't make sense.

Paul and I were that couple. Obviously a God we really didn't know at the time had a special plan for our lives. So~~ that is our prayer for Beth and Ian. That this love they have will grow and blossom into something very special. That love will be enough, even when they are searching for change on the floor to make ends meet, eating Rammen Noodles for the 4th time that week, when they haven't got a clue what comes next, or when a curve ball is thrown their way. It is also our prayer that Ian will truly fall in love with Jesus and that Beth will fall in love with Him more deeply. That they will allow Him to be their guide through this journey. That they will have Faith, Hope and Love and know that the greatest of these is Love!

How weird it is to be on this side of the situation. How thankful we are that we can remember that we were those same clueless kids over 25 years ago, so that we can enjoy the moment rather than begrudge them their happiness! God always has such amazing plans for us , even when we don't realize what He's doing!

The Woods Is Calling

So many people have no idea that there is such beauty right outside of West Terre Haute, IN. It's a small burg called St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN. It even has it's own zip code! This beautiful place has always been close to home for me, but I didn't come her much when I was little. My mom took a sewing class from one of the sisters. She was wonderful and gave the best hugs. I came to the campus with her a couple of times and felt like I had been transported to a Land Far Away. After that, I rarely came through the gates, unless it was to go to brunch (which is great!).

When I went back to school, one of my instructors at Ivy Tech talked to me about continuing my education at SMWC (St. Mary-f-the-Woods College). His wife worked out here. I couldn't even dream that it was a possibility. But here I am 7 years later on the other side of graduating from The Woods. It was truly Providence.

The Woods is a place that gets into your blood and becomes a part of who you are! Or should I say, who you have become. I am blessed to be a new member of the staff at the college. I'm excited to have the opportunity to watch other women, and now men, realize who they have been created to be through this experience.

The grounds are like no other. As soon as you drive through the gate, you get a feeling or peace. You also know that all things are possible. It is Holy Ground!

Take time to walk on the grounds, pray the labyrinth, look at the art, light a candle at the Grotto, visit the tomb of St. Theodora Guerin. You will be blessed!

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!

Who is this handsome man that looks like a movie star from 1950?? That would be my dad - Joseph Andrew Anderson! Dad turns 80 on April 20th! He's pretty special!!

He has the best garden around and his yard is always looking great! He always make sure that all of us kids, and the group from the Sr Swim Club, have plenty of fresh vegetables on our table every summer!

I have been blessed more than I could ever say because of my dad! He was always there and he was one of our biggest fans while we were growing up (and he still is today)! He was at every event in my life and I could always hear him cheering me on (or correcting me) when I was playing ball. (My dad was a great basketball player!) he would be at my ball games even if he had to go back to work when it was over. His work ethic was unparalleled!

I could go on and on with stories of my dad! He's got a great sense of humor and plays some pretty funny practical jokes. He's an inspiration when it comes to frugality and his favorite food is a hot dog! (I need to be more like that!!)

Happy Birthday, Dad! And many, many more!