I was going to call this "a taste of hell"

The stomach virus attacked us this week. First Will got it on Tuesday morning early. Then I got it yesterday. I haven't had anything like this maybe in decades. Last time I remember, it was in Scotland before either boy was born! And this was worse. The hell part comes in when one wants a drink so badly, yet knows that there will be severe consequences if one drinks! Argh! The Bible talks about the man who wanted Abraham or someone to touch his tongue with water to relieve his anguish. Awful thought to have that feeling for eternity.

So as not to leave you there, Will is completely recovered. I went to work for four hours today instead of five. That's four more than I was going to work. I'm supposed to make tiramisu for a dinner we're having tonight. And I'm having guests for dinner tomorrow night. First, I think I'll finish my chicken noodle soup and take a nap.

Oh Happy Day!

I have to go to bed, but I just thought I'd post this lovely picture we took on graduation day yestderday. It was a lovely day, a lovely ceremony. I still don't feel like we went through the day yet. Everything is a blur. Pictures are on Flickr of graduation celebration both at school and at our party today. Mr. Thompson, Stephanie's dad and the history teacher, was the speaker. He did an excellent job. He challenged the students to bring all of life under the authority of God. Living all of life, college and work, with a biblical worldview. It was a great message for all of us to hear, too. I'm really tired, and I'm working tomorrow. Not substituting, but at a garden center. My summer job. More later, really!

Ya gotta see this!

See the most beautiful sight. Check out the details here.

It's about the moon, Venus and Saturn. Of course, if you don't read this for a few days, all the info will have changed, but it's pretty cool for those of us who do see it!

Last night we left our friends' house around 9:15 and it was absolutely gorgeous. The sky was brilliantly clear and those heavenly bodies shining in the night sky created worship in our hearts! "The heavens declare the glory of God!" and sometimes they yell pretty loudly!

Over and Out

I think about something to say nearly everyday, but when I get on the computer, I never feel like typing. I know it's been nearly two weeks since I last wrote. The last two weeks of school for us, so it has been crazy busy. Now I'm getting panicked about open house. I talked to Celeste yesterday, and she suggested I do what I had been thinking already of doing--making pasta. She said to make three kinds of sauce ahead of time and then cook the pasta right at the last minute. It wouldn't take too long. I think I'll only make two, one white and one tomato. Have some stir-fry Italian vegetables, Italian bread, salad and the graduation cake. Sounds good. My friend is going to make some bruschetta and tapenade for little snacky type foods. Now I just have to get down to the details of it all---when to make stuff, how much....yikes!! This is not my strong suit!

Will started his job last Monday; I start it tomorrow. I'm also subbing for the last time (I think) for just three periods. My favorite class, high school history. What a way to end the year! *smile* Probably tomorrow will be crowd control, though!

Andrew went to State for shotput. He ended up in fourth place! We were all satisfied with that. His last throw was his best one, and got him into fourth place. Ah, after checking out his place all spring, he finally ended up fourth. It was exciting, nerve wracking, and a relief. It was a good way to end his four years of very hard work. He persevered and was very determined. I think he'll help the coaches next year. Right now there are no new shotputters (is that a word?) coming up. One of the coaches sons is in eighth grade, and he may work at it once he gets to high school. His sister went to state for it. Anyway, it was a good time.

Rhubarb's ready!

From garden to sink. I love this time of year. The first rhubarb. MMMM. The first lot that came up very early froze off. Here is the next batch, ready for pie and crumble. I can't wait to get it baked today. And it's a great day to do it. Dark, stormy, cool. Just right for filling the house with the lovely scent of fresh rhubarb pie....and NO strawberry in it. We love it just like it is with some cinnamon. Linnea must be missing it!! I know I did when I lived in SC. Too hot for it there, I think.

And wow! Have we ever had storms this weekend. Buckets of rain. Water everywhere. In the seven+ years we've lived here, we've never seen soooo much water. The farmer planted this field on Wednesday. Another field across the road is completely under water. It was so windy yesterday, I thought there might be white caps! *smile* When we left for church, Andrew got in his little car and said, "I hope I don't hit a pot hole and drown!"

And finally, WILL IS HOME!!!! He arrived all cramped and wrinkly, unfolding out of the stuffed car about 7:30 last night. Happy to be home at last. He brought us presents and fun stuff like a stone from the beach in Gaeta. A leaf from the tree across the street from our old house there. A stone from Scotland and sheep's wool from a fence near Inverness! All those fun things that mean a lot but don't cost anything. He even brought an orange seed from the tree across from our house in Italy. Maybe if I plant it, it will grow into an Italian orange tree!

Nice to be home today after working for two days.

One enchanted evening.

Yes, it was an enchanted evening. Perfect weather-70's, sunshine. Wow! Girls now are so fancy; boys, too, for that matter. Tuxes. Ball gowns. Andrew was so excited about it. We got the van all cleaned out the night before. He moved the bench seat up into the middle since he was taking three other people besides Stephanie. Then he got the white Christmas lights and hooked them up to the inverter so they had lights in the back. They had a bottle of sparkling white grape juice for the "limo" champagne. I guess they all had a wonderful time. After dinner they walked down by the river where there are fountains and a nice walking place. Evening weather continued great!
I took the picture before dinner, then Den and I went to the restaurant across the street where we had a great time with friends of ours. It was one of our best dinners there. We were there way after the kids left the banquet.

Spring track update

Bloggers that have little children are always writing about what their children are currently doing, their sleep patterns, sickness, new skills, etc. In a way, it doesn't stop, just changes. We no longer discuss body functions or sleep patterns (or lack thereof), but we still love seeing our children learn and perfect new skills. So I have to update you on the latest in track for spring 2007!

Saturday was a gorgeous day in the upper 70's, however, wind gusts were 35mph! Maybe the wind helped, but it was a great day for Andrew. He threw the discus 141'6"! His previous best throw was 125 something. His shot put throw was 49'5", not his best, but still pretty good. But the funny thing was, he broke the school record for the 100 M dash! As a thrower, that's funny! He ran it in 11.3 seconds. I missed all that because I was proctoring a test and got there late, but when I got there, everyone was so excited. Den got some of it on video.

Graduation is May 26, 10 am. Open house is Sunday afternoon from 1-3:30. Any of you who read this are invited. I guess I'd better think about what I'm doing for it. I have most of the announcements addressed, at least for the addresses I have. Junior Senior Banquet is Friday. More kid updates then ! Pictures included. *smile*