Just Down the Road...

I'm not very good at estimating distance, but it's not very far down the road from our driveway.
A new roadside cross.

 

M'Lynn & Erica's senior classmate's life cut short.  Silence throughout the High School on Monday.  The strange site of cars lined up and down our gravel road as the Senior class came to stand vigil on Monday evening.  Class schedules adjusted for grief, teachers and students unable to think, and a funeral so devastating classes are cancelled at the Senior High.  Our hearts ache for all the kids, and they break thinking about the grief of the parents.  We pray for understanding and for the right words as we talk with our children.  This one moment will speak so loudly in its silence.  The programs, the officers, the parents, the teachers - they were not lying.  Wear your seatbelt.  If you drink, don't drive.  It's as simple and as important as that.

May God hold us all in the palm of his hand.

Lists

It is a time of lists for me.  That's my geeky way of handling life's stresses.  I've always been a list person, and at this time in my life, I find I'm waking up thinking in lists.  So, I think I'll share a list or two... aren't you excited?!


Excitement:
1.  Twin Hereford heifers.  Healthy.  Adorable.
2.  District FFA contest accomplishments for Erica and Alecia
3.  College found for M'Lynn.  We were sweating this one.  Iowa State it will be!
4.  Erica and Dustin begin dating.  After years and years of friendship.  
5.  Brody's "Highly Superior" mark for his Tuba solo at 6th grade contest. 
6.  Stacy & Kai & Raelynn hoping to move back to the U.S. yet this year!
7.  Two of three prom dresses purchased and girl's happy!


Challenges:
1.  Chris' sprained/torn (?) MCL and coming Mayo check on his R leg.
2.  Complacency in my good habits has set me back several pounds.  Time to start anew.
3.  That graduation thing.  Planning, paying, letting go.
4.  Keeping Brody focused on *school* when he wants to *work* (on the farm)


There, see, listing is good for me.  Much longer excitement list than challenge list.  And less than half of the challenge list items that my actions can affect.  All of it can be addressed in prayer.  I'm odd in this, I know, but listing has always been good for my soul, and my perspective.  

Beautify babies

Experience the Action

and 

Parliamentary Procedure

... and signs of SPRING make me giddy