My baby turns 21!

Yep, I can hardly believe that Brian is twenty one today. Seems like only a couple years ago that his sisters would dress him up and play with him. They loved having a little brother. Well he may be younger than them, but he is all grown up and towers over them now. Brian I miss you and I want to wish you a very happy birthday. I remember the times we would watch TV and we sat in the recliner together. Remember Monster House? No we couldn't share a chair then but that was not your fault. As I fondly thought of you all day, these thoughts kept roaming around in my brain:
cheesecake, snickerdoodles and spaghetti; smelly shoes, duct tape shoes and shoes under the covers; basketball, tee ball and neighborhood ball; loud bass announcing your arrival home at night and then you sitting on my bed and talking about your day. I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are an awesome guy and I can't wait to see what you do with your many gifts. God has blessed you with intelligence, gentleness, and humor and He has blessed me with you!
And this September 9th, I have a new son; Dorian. It seems only fitting that both my sons would share a birthday. I believe Dorian is 25 today. Dorian loves God and loves my daughter, what more could I want? He is giving to a fault and has an awesome sense of humor. Dorian smiles and his eyes twinkles. I am so blessed that God has seen fit to bring Dorian into my life, he is truly a gift from God. I think of Dorian and I am reminded of limes, refried beans peppers; Scrabble, Risk and dominos; preaching, studying and teaching.
Today I am blessed, I have two totally awesome men in my life and because of both Brian and Dorian, my life is a better place.

Home Sweet Home

'We made it to Lisa's yesterday evening and helped her get her new bed to her apartment, up the stairs and assembled. We had to open the bed and carry it up in pieces as it was so heavy. It really looks good now and it is the least that we could do since she kept Griswald for us. He was happy to see us, much more than we were to see him. But I think Lisa was happiest of all :) We visited Jason on the way home from Columbus and Kyle is really getting tall. He has the most innocent little smile. When we got here, we carried in stuff today for a while. I guess choices have consequences and we should not have shopped so much. Sat down and watched the Ohio State-Ohio University game and even though OU lost they were so awesome. then WVU lost to a lesser team. Who would have thought that Ohio U would be the bright spot today.
Talked to Karen online and she is good. Talked to Brian and Lisa on phone and they are good. Tonight I am glad to be home and thankful that home feels so good. Vacation was good, but home is better, even if it is with Griswald:)

Heading North

We decided to head towards home, or at least Griswald today. Will leave in a little while and head towards Columbus and Lisa's. It is another beautiful day here, it has reached 90 everyday. By leaving today we will try to stay out of the way of the rain to come. I have ate everything and anything and have probably gained bunches. I will need to tie myself to my gazelle exerciser when I get home. As I finish this vacation, I am thankful. Thankful for a job that allows me ample vacation time. I am thankful to my heavenly Father who has given us such a beautiful world that I barely take the time to look at normally. I am thankful for friends to spend time with and new ones that are gained. God is good!

Another Day in Tennessee

Didn't get to sleep in this morning, things to do being the last day here. We were in Gatlinburg at the Aquarium when it opened at 9am. It was beautiful and again was reminded at how much thought was put into each creature of the sea. Did you know there is a sea dragon? I didn't. It is similar to sea horse but it does look like a dragon. I had a hard time figuring out how to set the camera to take good pics through the glass in the dark but I ended up with some good ones but had to delete some too. I will post some pics of the aquarium. After the aquarium, we walked around Gatlinburg and I stopped at Ben & Jerry's and had a mid morning Ben & Jerry's banana split. Did a little more shopping and found some more special Christmas gifts. It was a day of pleasures, stopped by the creek and read USA Today completely while listening the water rushing over the rocks. Then we went to a new show called Miracle. It was simply the most awesome production that I have ever done. Besides the subject matter, which ran from the creation of the world to Jesus resurrection; the music, acting and special effects were outstanding! Then we went next door to Tony Romas for something to eat and all I could think of was the only other time I have eaten at Tony Romas's was in Honduras. Found myself missing Karen & Dorian big time.
After being totally full we returned to motel for some rest and relaxation. Having a quiet evening reading, snacking and relaxing. Tomorrow morning, will probably head to Cherokee, NC and then decide where to go after that.

Shop, Shop, Stampede

Well I have had my fill of shopping. Everywhere I looked I saw another store. Three Dress Barn stores later and a zillion other stores, including Old Time Pottery and I was exhausted. So we headed to to Dixie Stampede. Not sure what I expected, but it was different than I expected. It was good though and a lot of very talented people work there. Oh and I forgot, we found a Christian Bookstore Outlet:) It was just an awesome day. There is a car show here this weekend and there are more oldies on the street daily. I saw an awesome 69 red Firebird today that I would love to have. Also visited a pottery place where they actually "throw" the pottery there. There was a huge quilt store with low prices and you could even see some sewers working at machines. But most every quilt I looked at, had a made in China tag. Some of the motels have on their signs; " American owned" And the Stampede ended with a rousing patriotic finish. We can be moved by witnessing an intense patriotic song but when was the last time I was "moved" when I thought of my citzenship with God? Do we proudly announce, "made by God" ? I just found myself thinking about this as there seems to be a real sense of American pride but where is my Christian pride? Food for thought..............................

The Smokies

We headed into the Smokies today and I am now worn out. We went through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg and then the Smoky Mtn National Park and Cades Cove. Yes Karen, Sharon saw several deer but even that was not enough for today and she wanted to see bears! Personally, I was praying that we did NOT see bears. I found the most perfect store ever today. Russell Stover outlet store. What can I say but WOW! And I saw an ad for a shop that has dolls and dogs clothes...Since Griswald said hi I might have to get him an outift. It is beautiful here but too many people. The river with rocks was so soothing. I could sit on a rock in the river for hours. Tomorrow evening we have tickets for Dixie Stampede. Not sure what to expect but I am sure it will be fun.
As I appreciated the wonderful views, I was so impressed by all that our Father had created for our enjoyment. From the wildflowers, to wild life and the majestic mountains it was impossible to not see God everywhere. I am so blessed to be on this vacation and have the opportunity to appreciate the many blessings around me. God has showered me with so many beautiful things, but I often fail to appreciate them or sometimes even see them.

Tommorrow Outlet malls here I come, it should be an interesting day. I will post a few pics from today.

Oak Ridge Tennessee

We made it to Oak Ridge yesterday evening and are spending tonight and tomorrow night here. It is a sprawling city made infamous during the cold war. We made it into Oak Ridge just in time for Sonic's happy hour so life is good. Sharon's friend Beth is a sweetheart and has an awesome sense of humor. I have sat out on the upstairs porch reading for the last hour. Acutally reading for fun. I finally got too warm and came inside to blog. Who knows I might just take a nap.
This Labor Day I am thankful for those who have fought for fair wages and working conditions so that Americans can earn a living and not endanger themselves. Growing up I thought unions were the guys that made employers pay people $30 an hour to sit around. I have now found myself being president of local 772 AFSCME and serve proudly. The best world is where unions are not needed but without the threat of unions and collective bargaining, I have to wonder how many would still treat workers fairly. So for my brother and sister unionizers of the past, I thank you for your sacrifices and hard work.
Labor Day always marks the end of summer, kinda sad.....and I find myself wondering where the summer went. Well my summer consisted of The Durbins coming home from ND and then Karen and Dorian home from Honduras and then spending time with Brian and Lisa before Brian went back to Harding. I enjoyed the many games we played and the time spent with those I love. I look ahead anxious to visit Honduras again and see Cindy, who is growing and maturing. This child has no much potential. I miss Antonio who truly feels like my grandson. and I miss the sweet face of Dilcia who has such a heart of gold. I do not know how she does what she does and still smiles all the time. I hope I will not be visiting ND in winter again. Amanda Sue has to learn to have her babies in warmer weather! I hope to use this end of summer, beginning of fall to truly live as if I were dying, because I am, we all are, we just don't know when. So, Happy Labor Day, enjoy your celebrations and family and remember to not put off until "someday" what needs done today.