Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Power of Prayer

Let me start this by saying, I am still learning how to pray and to pray unselfishly and for God's plan. Anyway, in the past month, I have witnessed the power of prayer that is all of the above. You know, I don't know God's plans for me, and I know that our prayers are answered, just not always the way we want or expect. So, with that said, event number one. As many of you know, Dave and I went on a cruise on July 2nd. You may also recall that we encountered Tropical storm Cindy and Hurricane Dennis. Well, my mom and 3 kids prayed EVERY night for our safe return. Well, not only did we return safe, we had sunshine EVERYDAY and did not feel the effects of either storm. Event number 2. The stealing of Windsor (my friend's dog.) Upon learningof this, I prayed several different prayers. One being for Windsor to be returned safetly. Another one being tha tif he wsn't to be returned to Todd, that he would be kept safe and would not be used as a "dither" dog. Well, he was returned and he was returned unharmed. (Basically, he was thrown out of a white Honda, into a park. Was found bythe police and taken to Animal control. ) I am so thankful he was found and not injured.

SO, those of you on the fence about prayer, try it and try it unselfishly and with your heart leading the way. You may just be surprised:)

Monday, July 25, 2005

Rambling

Ok, ramble day. Rehearsals for Titus have been very entertaining. Who knew Shakespeare had that twisted of a mind? He could not have been sane, writing this particular show! (Even w/o the additions Todd and cast have made to the show.) I don't want to give out all the jokes and funny stuff, but let's just say, what other show cna you go to and hear / see a square dance, the entertainer, duling banjo's and songs from "Sweeny Todd?" I am not sure the show even exists - oh, yeah, it does - it's Titus and it is being put on in Aug.!!

In other ramblings, I am so upset. Someone stole Todd's dog from his yard - his FENCED in yard. How crazy is this? I think of how many times my parents have let Chelsea or Inky out, alone, in their fenced in yard. I just can't believe someone would steal someone else's dog. TO make things WORSE, his dog is on medications because of a liver problem. This may sound crazy, but, PLEASE pray the dog is safe -and pray for a safe return. The dog is a pit bull mix - so, he is worried that someone took it as a "dither" dog. (Not sure if I spelled dither correctly.) I really hope not. I just hope Windsor is returned.

MISSING!
This is Windsor Titus Turing. He is a 4 year old pitbull mix. He was stolen from the backyard of 645 South Fairview at 11 pm on Saturday July 23, 2005. He has a liver condition requiring medications, and without them, he will likely die.

Ok, the picture won't post. Sorry. He has a mostly white body. His face is split black / brindle. He has a black spot on his back. He also has hip problems, so one of his hind legs is turned in slightly.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HIS WHEREABOUTS PLEASE CALL TODD HEYWOOD AT 484-4492, OR EMAIL TODHEYWOOD@AOL.COM

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Crazy life

Since getting home, life has been crazy! Frst off,my days are consumed with taking care of my two sick cats - both have 4 meds. in the morning, doing laundry and making sure my 3 kids don't have any fights. Actually, I am enjoying the time home with the kids:) Then, in the evening, I gave been rehearsing for Titus Andronicus, with Sunsets With Shakespeare.

Now, let me tell you a little about Titus. Let's just say, we have managed to take Shakespeare's tragic play and made it into a comedy. If you want more info., I suggest you see the show:) I am playing Tamora, Queen of the Goths. This is my first atempt at Shakespeare and I am a little nervous about pulling it off. As for the rest of the show - I am thoroughly enjoying rehearsals and the cast! This is such a fun experiece and so far, I am glad I am doing it. For those of you interested in seeing it - performances are Aug. 21,22,23,24,26,27,27 - yes, no performance on the 25th at Valley Court Park, in East Lansing. (Behind Beaners) Anywa,y be warned, this show is not for the weak hearted (lots of blood) and carries at least a PG-13 waarning. Well, peace out for today.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Home

Well, after 14 days, we are home. I have to admit, "Wicked" was outstanding. Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty were perfect as the two witches. Megan was m, uch better than I had anticipated for Glinda - in fact, I almost liked her more than Kristen. (And, I can't believe I am saying that, I love Kristen Chenoweth!!!!) Shoshana's voice was so powerful. I could feel her emotions reaching into my heart and pulling i out! I LOVED the show, the cast was superb. I really want to see that again. So, if you get a chance to see "Wicked" take it!!!!!!!!!!!

The trip was great, but it is good to be home and good to see the kids. I realy missed them!!!! Their hugs today felt so great!

But, I think I learned alot about myself. Or, at least all the blessings I have and all of the material things God has granted me. I am so thankful for what I have - more than I ever was before, especially after all of the things I saw.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Belize

Bigger / nicer home in Belize.

Lost Canopy Tour


Traversing above the trees.

Lost Canopy Tour


One of the repels, Belize - Lost Canpoy Tour.

Tulum


One of the "Castles" in Tulum.

Wow! End of Cruise

First, I can't believe how fast the cruise came and went. And, we had 2 unexpected quests - Cindy and Dennis. Basically, our Captain switched our days around so, instead of Belize first and then Cozumel, we did them in reverse - thus, avoiding Tropical Storm Cindy - and having great weather in Cozumel and Belize. After departing from Belize, the Captain drove the ship at max. speed, so, we avoided Hurricane Dennis. So, in a nutshell, we got all our ports and beautiful sunny days!

So, here's the low down on Carnival Cruises - especially the Carnival Glory. The ship was awesome! I had great food, great fun and was around great staff and guests. Our servers, at dinner (Cristian and Suraj) far surpassed any servers we had on other cruises. (Disney Magic and RC Voyager of the Seas.) Not to say the others were bad - they were very good, as well. But, our servers on the Glory were entertaining, humble and very concerned that we were enjoying ourselves and the meal. (If food was left on the plate, they made sure it was because we were full, not because we didn't like it.) And, to top it off, our servers took turns doing very amusing magic tricks. During dessert, the servers / dining room always had entertainment. I LOVED dinner and looked forward to it every evening.

Our Cruise director, Mark Price, has got to be one of the funniest men I have ever seen. He made pre-shows and other shows a blast.

As for other activites, I loved the New / Not so New Newlywed game, soaking up the son, the deck parties and hitting the fitness center. The ship had so many activities, I just couldn't do them all. So, unfortunately, I missed the Hairest Man contest, the Synchronized Swimming contest, and the watermelon and hotdog eating contest.

I recommend this cruise to everyones who wants to relax and have fun. It was AWSEOME!!!!

As for the ports, I already talked about Key West. Cozumel was beautiful. However, we went to Tulum. So, upon reaching Cozumel, we took another boat to Playa Del Carmen and then a bus ride to Tulum. The ruin sites are pretty amazing. It is hard to believe these structures are built without nails / morter etc. And, the history is amazing. Going through Mexico is neat, and somwhat depressing, although Belize takes the cake for depressing.

In Belize, we had a tender to Belize city and a bus ride to our shore excursion - the Lost Canopy Tour. The tour through the town, rich and poor sections was very humbling. It made me think back to a sermon where I was reminded that if you made $20,000 per year, you were in the top 10% of the wealthiest people on the EARTH. And, if you made above $50,ooo - you were in the top 1%. These people really have very little. Our tour escorts (who in america would be on the LOW end of the pay scale) are very lucky to have the jobs. The homes were depressing. And, what floored me was the the upscale homes were in the $250,000 price range. (My neighborhood and the ones around my children's schools are basically $200,000 - 425,000, with most being around $250,000.) They consider that living like a king. Many homes were shacks built from plywood. Kind of made me feel stupid for spending money on a tour where I traversing above the trees and spending money on that. I feel very lucky to have the things I have.

So, with that said, the shore excursion was fun, but, for me, very scary. It started with getting the gear on and then hiking up a trail to the first traverse. So, after 5 traverses and 2 repels, I am still here. I will admit, I did not look down - despite the 10 year old behind me urging me to do so. Dave said we were between 50 and 100 feet above the ground.

So, anyway the cruise was a blast.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Hangin' Out


Dave relaxing at the pool.

I made it!


Wow - after walking all the way down US route 1 - I made it to ZERO!!!!!

We made it!


At the southern most point - can you tell?

Spencer's request

Spencer, here's the slide:)

2nd cruise day

2nd cruise day


Loat of fun. At Key West. Got to see Hemingway's house and his descendants of Snowball - 60+ cats! Hot and humid, bu had nice weather. I am so glad:) (And, so grateful.)

Carnival GLory ROCKS. The staff and crew has been great - and, so has the food. SO far, I would do thois again.

Ok, TIme for pics. for the kids.

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Cruise Day

Cruise day, YEAH! I'd be much more excited, hwever, we didn't get much sleep last night. We got to the hotel around 9:45. (Not bad.) Looked aroun and then headed back to the room. I posted to the blog and was going to go to bed. Well, I kept hearing this wonderful "ding" every 10 seconds. I was like, "Dave, is that the elevator?." He said he didn't know. Well, we got lucky, when we checked in. The didn't have any king bedrooms left, so, we were bumped to a suite - great. (Actually, it is very nice.) Well, the draw back is it is close to the elevator and the bedroom wall shares the elevator wall. Well, needless to say, something is wrong with the elevator. After someone uses it, it stays on that floor and the door continues to open and close - with a bell going off every time. Dave called the front desk and they thought they had it fixed - no luck. After the second attepmt, they shut it off. (Thank goodness.) But, this was after midnight, and those of you that know me know 11pm is pushing i for me. The hotel made good, and this morning we were treated to the breakfast buffet, for free:)

I am very tired, but, oh, well. I'll get over it. Now, we are on to the Carnival Glory. I am hoping for not much rain, and lots of fun.

If the kids are reading this - Hi Bailey, Spencer and Emma. I love all of you very much and I will see you soon. Help Grandma and Grandpa around the house. And, visit Camille - so she sees family face:)

Friday, July 01, 2005


Bailey and his towers.

Picture of Dave and I that Bailey took. (Thanks Bailey:) )

Emma and. I

Dave and Spencer.

The Lego Dino. is getting me.. HEELLLLLPPPPPPPP!

The Gang:)

L-R: Me, Joran, Grandma, Uncle Mark, Marietta, Pal Maartin, Aunt Turid. In Disney Market Place.

Second Day

Well, he drive yeserday was our longest, so far. Went from Kentucky to Tifton, GA. Once again, we were treated to the "housekeeping gift list." Yup, you guessed it, $15 dollar wastebaskets, $30 lock radios. Guess they must have alot of guests who just love the items in the rooms.

Today, we drove into Orlando. Stopped for lunch at Dave's favorite place - Chick Fil-A. He LOVES that place.

We met up with my relatives (from Norway.) It was nice seeing all of them. What freaks me out is I can' believe how they have all already grown-up. I still think of them as the way I first saw them - 1 1/2 - 5 years of age. Now they are 15, 17 and 18 - it FLOORS me. I keep thinkining it isn't far off until my kids are that age. WOAH!!!!!

I have to admit, I love my kids, but I am enjoying not having to worry that they have run off somwhere. It has been mice being able to talk to Dave without all of them trying to get our attention. I sure miss them though. At night, the quietness is strange. I am, however, enjoying our daily phone converations. They are so cute, yet so "grown-up, on the phone.

I hope things are going well with Shannon, Danielle and Camille. I know Shannon took Camille to work with her yesterday. She works at a petgrooming salon (Bathe and Shave, I think.) And, I am sure Camille was in dog heaven!!! (Although, she had her nails trimmed, so she probably didn't enjoy that, oh, well - she NEEDED it.)

Ok, not much left to say. We get on the boat tomorrow!!!!

Oh, yeah, the Space Shuttle is on the pad and getting ready to launch - July 13. Exciting. But, the LAST time the shuttle launched, Dave and I were here about 2 weeks proir. We took pictures form Kennedy Space Center. Well, as you know, it exploded on re-entry - 30 days after we saw it. So, hopefully it won't happen that way again. See, we also saw the World Trade Center 30 says before 9/11. AHHHHH> Ok, I am done.