Unseen Header

Last month, I spent a Saturday with my sisters and my mom. We went over to my Uncle's house after he had passed away and cleared out his belongings.  My mind was just reeling the whole time as we put shirts and pants into trash bags to take to Good Will.  I just couldn't get over the irony of it... stuff is just nothing.  Of course I've always known that.  But to have a visual reminder... and I was sweetly amazed by the "things" an old man kept.  It was precious little.  His room was really organized and neat.  Minimal.  But there were a few "Dad" plaques his son had given him... pictures of me and my sisters families from old Christmas cards... a large stack of valentines and birthday cards from his girlfriend of 20 years... the small new testament encased in olive wood my mom had given him decades ago.

I was reading this verse (above) this past week... thinking about how very temporary our life on earth is. Certainly, in light of eternity, it's hardly even a drop in the bucket, and we get all concerned over how many years we might get...  we think someone who got to live to be 90 "had a good long life".  And it's true, it's what we can comprehend because we are here, and we are human.  It puts "your life" into a whole different perspective... the things we allow to bother us, that we go on and on and on about... what we get upset about... who hurts our feelings... what we think we need... what tangible objects we want to provide for our children... does it REALLY matter?

Lent is again upon us.  We appreciate it.  Just like we enjoy the Advent Season and taking time to slow down and focus on Christ being born... we appreciate 40 days of FOCUS on Christ dying for us and His resurrection.  Our chosen sacrifice for Lent is not even a small glimmer of His sacrifice for us.  And it's been since Wednesday, and I've already COMPLAINED about a million times about it!  You'll be happy to know that each time I complain, a "little voice" in my head says, "Really?  It's hard for you?  Really?"

... so I came upon this verse.  And backed up to read a little more.  The backed up to read the whole chapter, which was really good, too.  I had a "catch my breath moment" over verse 17... our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  Momentary Troubles.  Seriously, the next time I am faced with something that troubles me, I need to remind myself it's MOMENTARY.  You know, sometimes when I'm reading the Bible, I have to remind myself, "This is YOUR God speaking to YOU... He knows what you need to hear" and for real, when I put it like that for myself, it really is like my own father offering me incouragement.  What a picture.

Speaking of pictures... took this picture when we were almost to Ryan's parents house this past Christmas.  We were just a few miles from their house, after driving for 2 days, and I made Ryan stop the car so I could take a picture of the sunset!  I even responded to a "where are you" text from my sister-in-law, Kristi, that she HAD to go outside and take pictures of the sunset.  Hurry!  It won't last!

... she sent me back a picture.  2 little boys.  Looking out the front door. Waiting for their cousins to arrive at Grandma's House.

It begs the question.  What am I waiting for?


Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.   2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Gasparilla Races

The weekend of February 26th and 27th, Ryan and I participated in the Gasparilla Races in Tampa.  As my Mom was delayed going to Israel due to my Uncle's passing, she was able to watch Ben and Carly for us ALL weekend (Shout Out to Uncle Steve for volunteering before we knew Mom would be home!  Are you available NEXT weekend?  Just wondering!)  I know B and C were THRILLED not to have early morning wake ups and long waits on the side of the road, just to watch their parents run!

Downtown Tampa in the early morning hours.... my pictures are ONLY from Saturday, as I didn't run that day...   This is the start of the 15K.  Ryan took on the "Michelob Ultra Challenge" which included every race offered... 15K, 5K, half marathon, and 5+3K (to Non "Fifth/Thirds Bank" people, an 8K... apparently the bank sponsored that run...).  He's so crazy.  And looking handsome before his first race.  Note the "Long Haul" race shirt...

 This is the Wheel chair Start, 10 minutes before the race started... of course, I loved this... these people are so very inspiring!  There are NO EXCUSES.  Just saying.

Ryan running by me... 

While I was waiting for Ryan to finish, I saw this group of already-finished wheel chair competitors hanging out... again, very impressive people.  

Ryan crossing the finish line for the 15K... I love that I caught him giving God thanks for a good run.  

There were thousands running the 5K, so I didn't try to catch a picture of him finishing that race... but he got his best times ever, so I was proud of him... you know, when I saw him at the car and he told me the good news!

Sunday morning, we both ran a half marathon.  This is a GREAT course around Davis Island near South Tampa, then down and back Bayshore Blvd... straight, "fast" course.  I was thoroughly enjoying myself until the last 3 miles, when I needed to eat more goo, but I just could not!  Needless to say, I did NOT finish strong, which I HATE, but still got 3 minutes faster than the Disney half, so in the end, I had to be happy about that.  Ryan kept reminding me (you know, because I was completely complaining!)... "You just FINISHED a half marathon!  Half Marathon!" so I had to smile about that... after a while:)  He got his best time ever, and a great time on the following 5+3K... I'm telling you, when I finished I was in AWE of him that he could even THINK about running another mile, much less 4.97 miles.  

I've said it before, and I will say it again.... I LOVE doing this with Ryan!  I am NO RUNNER, but there is something about setting goals and accomplishing them, and having the man I love completely supporting and cheering me on.  He is really, really encouraging.

We both got a really nice medal.... yeah, no picture of that.  And Ryan ended up with a medal for each race, plus a REALLY BIG one for completing the Michelob Ultra Challenge.

Random Picture #6

Carly is having her BFF, Olivia, sleepover tonight.  LAST night I told her to get her room all cleaned up and ready for the Big Event.  This is what I found today... I will take full credit for her organizational skills.

And a Formal Apology to my BFF, Sue:  Please forgive me for never scheduling Pillow Fights, or 30 minute laughing sessions when you came over.

And Mom, I did NOT put your picture there to win a few points... that's where your little darling put it.  She misses you already!

This is my Uncle...

Hillard Lee Hiner

April 10, 1920 - February 16, 2011

This is my Mom's Big Brother.  This is my Uncle.  This is my kids Great Uncle.  This is my Cousin's Father.  This is my Second Cousin's Grandfather.  This is my Father's Brother-in-Law.  This is a Child of God.  


It occurred to me in the past month just how very faithless I am. 


When I was little, my parents taught me to pray.  My earliest "Prayer Memories" were for my Grandmother and my Uncle to come to know Christ as their personal Savior.  When my Grandmother accepted Christ when I was a little girl, my prayers zeroed in on my Uncle.  In fact, the first time I ever prayed with Ryan, before we were even an "item", was backstage before a performance of The Passion Play, that my Uncle would be attending.  Ryan prayed with me for a VERY long time, and although it was 20 years ago, I vividly remember.  My very FAVORITE memory of these prayers is really my brothers... my mom was our Bible teacher at the little Christian school we attended and there was a question in our workbooks that said, "Is there someone you pray for to receive Christ as their Savior?" or something along those lines.  Of course, my brother wrote in "Uncle Hillard".  As did Scott Latour, who was copying my brother's homework.  Scott might have gotten away with it if my Uncle had been named "John" or something a little more common!  We've laughed about that for a long time.


Fast forward to the weekend before my Uncle passed away.  My mother had gone up to NH to be with him for the second time in as many weeks.  I was at Flatwoods, working on a 12 mile "run".  Praying.  The usual prayer for my Uncle, perhaps more urgently in case God wasn't aware that time was running out.  Faithless.  I added a new prayer this time around, however...  that God would comfort us if this wasn't really his plan for my Uncle.  Faithless.  It made sense to me to pray this way, as lots of times God has a completely different plan that we do.  I wanted to be open to the miracle, whether it was the miracle I liked best, or the one He liked best.  Amazingly, the next day, my Uncle received Christ as his Savior.  He even told my mom to talk to his girlfriend to make sure SHE understood too.  He told my mom, "I'm going with you now!".  Sweet words.  


Words I thought I'd never hear.  Faithless.  When my mom shared this story with me, I was beyond overjoyed, as you can imagine.  But my very next thought was, "I never thought it would happen!!!" Faithless.  There was a nagging part in my head that reminded me that sometimes people don't get cured, sometimes people lose their job, sometimes people don't arrive safely, sometimes babies don't come, sometimes life doesn't go "well"... no matter how hard you pray.  It occurs to me, especially when I have these thoughts, that this isn't what prayer is about.  It's not about giving your shopping list to God and asking Him to pick up everything on His way home.  It's about communicating with Him.  And believing that He's got your best interest in mind, even when it seems YOUR idea of your best interest is somewhat different than His.  It's about Trust.  


Ryan always reminds me that God isn't surprised by anything.  He knew on the day my Uncle was born that for 90 years he wouldn't believe, but that 3 days before he died, he would believe.  Anyways, I love this story.  I love that chapters of my Uncle's life are essentially still being written.  I love that he is in an Amazing place, and that he is a "whosoever" (that is for YOU, Ryan!).  I love that we will see him again.  


So, MY UNCLE!  Really more of a Grandpa to us, as he was 23 years older than my mom, and their father passed away before we were all born.  I always loved the fact that he LOOKED so much like our grandfather's pictures.  He always called me "Honey", in his rich, gruff voice.  He was with us for so many important events in our lives, and just KNOWING he was there, made me smile.  He could be opinionated and cranky, but I kind of liked that about him... always made me laugh!  He was such a sweet Big Brother to my mom, who he adored.
My kids will always remember the day we dragged him to see Madagascar with us.  Torrey and Tracy were visiting and we trooped the kids and Uncle Hillard up to the TOP row of the movie theatre, balancing soda's and popcorn!  We sure laughed alot, and HE sure laughed alot. 

Tracy and I flew up to NH to be with my mom.  We were hoping to make it before Uncle Hillard passed away, but we did not.  Laurie was already with her, and we did our best to help Mom with arrangements and just being there to love her!  We made her laugh some, so I think that was good for my Mom!!  We had a memorial service that was exactly what my uncle would have loved... in the Community Center of the retirement community where he lived, where he played cribbage and cards!  It was a big living room type setting, and many people stood up to talk about him, which was really great.  


We are going to miss him.  But we WILL see him again.  Amazing.


This is the obituary Laurie wrote: 


GOFFSTOWN -- Hillard Lee Hiner, 90, died Feb. 16, 2011, at Concord Hospital after a period of declining health.

He was born April 10, 1920, in Boston, the son of Joseph E. Hiner and Helen (Germer) Hiner.

He served in the U.S. Army for three years in the European Theatre duringWorld War II, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earning the Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

Mr. Hiner worked for B&M Railroad and later as an operator of heavy construction equipment.

He was vice president of the Tri-State NH-ME-VT Battle of the Bulge Chapter 17. He was a member of the VFW and Danbury Grange.

He is survived by his partner of 21 years, Florence McLaughlin of Goffstown.

The family also includes his son, Robert L. Hiner; a daughter, Sandra Morrison of Canton S.D.; a sister, Judith G. Melton of Tampa, Fla.; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A memorial service is Friday at 6 p.m. at Medford Farms, 96 Partridge Road, Goffstown

Spring burial with military honors is planned for May. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army 121 Cedar St. Manchester 03101.

"For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish

but have eternal life."

John 3:16

Fabulous February 12th

Well, he's 12.  It is so very hard to believe, and certainly 12 years ago at 9:24pm when he was first handed over to me, it was hard to fathom 12.  We've been blessed. 

We celebrated Ben's Birthday the way he wanted... in Orlando, going to the Lego Store at Downtown Disney, eating Where he wanted, and Going Where he wanted.  Such Power for a 12 year old!  Our first stop was the Lego Store... we got a little nervous as there were enormous barriers all around it, but fortunately, there was a tent close by where you could still purchase items (only Disney would make sure you can STILL spend money!).  Please excuse the odd yellow glow on the boys... the tent was YELLOW.  We found some GREAT sales, so he was able to purchase many items.

Next, we walked around Downtown Disney and took a few photos... watched a Show Choir from NY perform... went in a few shops.  Made Ben get his picture taken with Cinderella.  When he was about 2, he LOVED this statue.  I mean, REALLY LOVED it, but as you can see here, he is OVER his Cinderella Fascination.  For now.

And a picture with Buzz, outside the Once Upon a Toy Store...

And you can see why I made them take this above photo... here they are in 2004!!

also, 2004...

Ben's pick for dinner, Planet Hollywood.  Because Ryan took him there for his 6th Birthday, after they had spent the day at Disney Quest.  He remebered it was his 6th, not us.

Afterwards, Ryan treated us all to Birthday Desserts at Mama's Favorite Candy Store... My parents will appreciate the humor.

Checked into our hotel, where we sprung for the Kids Suite, which was REALLY smart of Ryan and I since the kids stayed in JAIL the WHOLE evening. 

The next morning, we started a VERY fun day at the Magic Kingdom, Ben's Choice.  We took away his Where We Go Power when he started telling us his plan to attack the park:  Space Mountain, ThunderMountain, Speedway Race Cars, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean... now I don't mind all those rides, but if you have ever been to the MK, you know this Plan of Attack has you criss crossing all over the park!  We helped him get better organized... 

We DID have to stop by to see Ben and Tracy's Birthday Buddy, Abe Lincoln at the Hall of Presidents.  The Boys yelled out "Happy Birthday!!!" when they called Abe's name... hilarious.  They did the same thing last year:)

This picture is for my parents:

In line at Thunder Mountain... the adoring Little Sister.

I'm never going on Splash Mountain again.  That's what I said 3 months ago.  And I stuck by it.  No matter how much Carly begged.  It's her fault I'm never going again, anyways.  THEY had fun without me.  I'm ok with that.

I DID, however, brave Space Mountain.  It is scary.  It made me laugh.  And cry.  Mostly because I had good memories while riding it of when my sisters made me ride it (and I cried), and the times I rode it with my BFF, Sue, and we laughed and laughed... ANYWAYS, I took this picture, well, you-know-where, and immediately screamed, "CAROLINE!!! Put your hands down!  Don't you know the tracks are really really close together and you will get your hands cut off if you put them up?!?!?!??!" oh yes I did.

So, another Fabulous February 12th.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Sweetest Boy, and to my Sweet Sister!  and Honest Abe... and while I'm at it, Pa Bridge!!!  What a GREAT day to be born!!

Swim Meet in Clearwater

Ben and Carly had a Swim Meet in Clearwater, FL.  They did so good!  My Dad was able to come over to watch (Mom is out of town) and he took some pictures for us.  The one above is, of course, Carly WAVING to us as soon as she got up on the block to start.  We were all the way across the pool and in the second level bleachers, so pretty nice zoom!  The very fun part is that he just happened to catch my friends daughter and husband in the background!

Carly's 50 FreeStyle times:  46.57 Previously   46.34 TODAY

And Carly's 50 BackStroke:  55.83 Previously  55.14 TODAY

We were surprised she didn't get a DQ (disqualified) for this race as she didn't touch the far wall,  and a Line Judge was standing right there, but apparently they didn't notice.  Not sure if that is Good, or Bad as far as "counting" this time.... but it did occur to us that she would have been FASTER if she had pushed off on the wall, so I guess we will take it.

Pictures from Ben's BackStroke race... getting ready to start, and below, his impressive form.  He's had trouble with his Stroke Count (the strokes they have left after they see the flags across the pool, you know, so they don't smash into the wall), but this time he got it down perfectly!

Ben's  50 BackStroke:  39.76 Previously  38.51 TODAY (a B time!)

Ben's  50 FreeStyle:   31.89 Previoulsy  31.77 TODAY (a B time!)

The excellent part about this meet was that Ben was FINALLY able to bring his 50 Free time down!  It's been over a year, and he finally broke it!  We were so happy for him.  I know it seems insignificant because it's "just" a tenth of a second, but that is a pretty big deal! 

Thanks for the pictures, Dad, and for coming along for the fun! 

iTunes Prayer App

So, interesting story.  A few nights ago, Ryan and I were startled by excessive crying and wailing coming from Carly's room... Now, keep in mind:  Drama Queen.  So we call her down and ask her what the issue is, and she is just hysterical.  "I accidentally bought an App for my iPod!!!!  And I deleted it already, but I bought it.  I bought it!!!" 
I reminded her that she could NOT have bought an App without us first putting in the password for iTunes, and that we were SURE she was mistaken... I rolled my eyes (oh yes, I did) and went along with her story, and said oh-so-nonchalantly, "What App did you buy?  And why are you so upset, Drama?".  Her reply?

"I don't even know!!  I deleted it, but it was $349.99!!!!"

"Sweets, I don't think there is an App for that much money.  And I don't think you could buy an App without my password..."  says her Super Smart Mama.

"It never asked for the password!!!!"

So, (remember: Super Smart Mama) I asked Ryan to pull up the bank account online and verify to Carlita that no such charges have occurred.  Off he heads to the computer. 

Tap tap tap.  Silence.  Silence.  "Are you kidding me??"  then "Why, why, why is there an App that costs twice as much as the iPod?!?!?!??!?!?!!??!?!?!??!!?!?"  More crying.  (Carly, not Ryan... well, perhaps Ryan.) *sigh*.

Ryan quickly sent an email off to Apple to the Trouble Shooting App Section, complete with it's own department for "I accidentally bought this item from the App Store".  Carly was sent off to bed (with her iPod safely out of reach on the top of the hutch... we are not idiots.)

I couldn't bear the sniffling.  I couldn't bear by girl having a broken, worried heart.  I went into her room.  "I'm so sorry, Mom.  It's so much money."  I reminded her that is was just money.  No one was dead.  We hadn't lost anyone (yup, those were my comforting words)... and that while I would certainly enjoy having my $349.99 back in my bank account safe-and-sound, if it didn't happen, we would survive.  She said in such a quiet voice, "Isn't there anything we can do?"  I told her that her Dad had sent an email to iTunes, explaining the situation, and that there was even an option for "I accidentally bought this item from the App Store" so that led us to believe this must happen occaisionally and that they might be able to fix it. 

"But there is something we can do...  we can pray for whoever is reading the email that they will just know that we are telling the truth and that they will show you some mercy and reimburse your Mama."

Such a fervent prayer followed that I'm certain it brought tears to my eyes.  Who am I kidding, it would have brought tears to my eyes if it wasn't fervent!  Who doesn't love to hear their little one hand her burdens over to the Lord? 

When we got to "Amen", she let out the sweetest, most content sigh... flopped onto her tummy and went to sleep.  Peace enough to sleep.  God's Peace.  Love that.

We spent several days discussing this with Carly, the fact that we would keep praying for "mercy", and peace about the situation.... and that there was a very real chance that they might say "No".  They are, afterall, a business, and they very clearly state in their fine print that all sales are final.  I have to say, I was so proud of her when she told me that she told her friends what she did, and that she prayed and prayed afterwards and that God made her feel so much better and less worried that she was able to fall asleep! 

Any-who, it took a few days, and a few email updates stating such information like "We know how frustrating it can be when you Accidentally Buy an Item From Our App Store" and "We are going to Investigate this matter..." (enjoy looking at McGregor App Buying History, complete with every Free Game known to man, and 99cent Apps for flashlights and Mood Scanners)... but tonight we got an email from iTunes that they will be reimbursing our funds in 3-5 days. 

They also said, "This is a One-Time Exception".  Which really got me thinking.  And breathing a complete sigh of relief.  I mean, what if when we prayed to GOD for mercy and forgiveness HE  took 3 days to consider and investigate our case, only to finally say "ok, but this is a One-Time Exception".

Thankful for a Teachable Moment (and most thankful that said Moment did NOT cost me $349.99 in the end) and especially thankful for One More Thing to be thankful for... no "one-time exceptions".