My Majic Family

Signing off...for now

2006-11-30T16:03:00.000-05:00

This will be my last post for a while. I am trading majicfam in for a new blog. I hope you will bookmark us over there and join us on our journey of hope. Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from all of you while we walk this new road.

A Rockin' Good Time

2006-11-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

I feel as though I haven't posted in forever and this may be one of the last as I am finding this more of a chore than anything else.

Anyway, if you have been to my hubby's blog you saw we were in NC for the hols and let me tell you...WE had the greatest time. Remember, the familiarity blog a few months ago? It was so refreshing to be back in the saddle again.

We arrived early Thursday morning, like 3 am and of course went straight to bed only to be up by 7 b/c just like a little kid I couldn't contain my excitement to be back with some of the best friends we have ever had. We started the day with hugs and kisses all around (the kids lol) and then ate pancakes and sausage and began to prepare for our Thanksgiving feast. For the most part we sat around and relaxed, ate, played numerous games of skip bo, watched tons of junk, ate tons of junk, did a little shopping, ate some more, drank some Starbucks, jumped on the trampoline (which I am still paying for), made pancakes everyday, drank a ton of coffee and most of all...LAUGHED like I hadn't laughed in ages.

It was, without a doubt, THE most refreshing time we have had in I don't know when. It's rare in life to find people who you can go through stuff with and come out the other side better then when you went in but when you find them, hold on to them, treat them with respect and treasure them always. I pray in your walk through this world you will be blessed enough to find forever friends.

A Proud Moment

2006-11-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a very big day in the life of our teenager. He was baptized. He gave his life to the Lord when he was 7 but had never taken the "plunge" so to speak. We have been having baptism's at our church since we opened our doors and he has heard our pastor speak on the subject many times. Somehow a week ago when he spoke on it again something clicked in him and he signed up. It was interesting b/c he didn't even say anything to us until the middle of the week. I think the timing is perfect after all he has been through. Not to say he will lead a perfect life from this point on but it's a start. An obedient start. When he went up and climed into the water I was holding it together really well and then our pastor did this little mini speech. He told everyone what a great kid he was and how he is such a leader in his own right, which is true. He leads the set up every Friday night and its his responsibility to make sure it gets done. Anyway, it was just so awesome for him to have that recognition. So, the kid got dunked and we all cried like babies b/c of it. We were so proud of him. I really think he has made some great strides in the last few months and am excited to watch what God is doing in his life.

Just for fun, hey it's Friday.

2006-11-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

This was kinda cool. Put in your picture and you get to see all these people who they say you look like. Try it.

http://www.myheritage.com

I'm Lost

2006-11-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

Here's the deal...I never watched Lost before. My knowledge of the show was basic to say the least. Everyone on a plane is stranded on a deserted island b/c their plane crashed. I am not kidding when I say "I have never watched one episode." However, last night all that changed when I was out to eat and they had it on their big screen. No sound, just visual. Here's what I gathered. They were doing flashbacks of people's lives before the crash. The main focus seemed to be this very pretty brunette and her husband who I think is a cop. It showed their wedding and so on. Then it showed her in some sort of jail. Then it showed her behind some sort of plate glass talking and crying to this cute guy (he was on party of 5 back in the day) and there was a camera watching them. How in the heck are there camera's in the jungle? Next thing I know she's back in her jail and she's looking across to this other guy who's even cuter with semi-long hair. Then she's climbing like a monkey out of her jail and into his. What was the point of the jail thing if she could get out? Then they are making it like jack rabbits and I am wondering...wait, I thought she was married to the cop and what happened to him and didn't I also see her take a pregnancy test that was positive? Listen I know there are LOST fans out there so you better start talking b/c none of this makes sense and I am way curious. Someone must be able to give me the readers digest version. Please I am begging. Hook me up. Thanks.

The Deepest Ache

2006-11-06T06:35:00.000-05:00

I remember feeling this right after I watched my mother go home to be with the Lord. They finally convinced me to leave the hospital and Brian and I drove home. I went into my bedroom and layed down. It's almost somthing I cannot even describe. This ache went to the very depth of my being. I actually felt pain. It was as if there was no where for it to go and even settle in my body, it was somehow bottomless. It just went on and on, I couldn't even cry, the ache was so deep. The ache was hopelessness. I feel that ache this morning. Last night my mother was in dreams as real as the day she went home. I was talking to her, I was trying to get to her. I was sobbing uncontrollably and when I woke up this morning I felt pure exhaustion. The ache was back. I haven't felt it in a while and knew I would need to get a hold of it before it got a hold of me. In my quiet time I questioned God again, something I haven't done in about a year. Why, when she loved you so much and served you wholeheartedly, would you let her die? Don't you know I need my mom. I feel like I can't breathe yet somehow this will be therapeutic for me. I may for a moment feel hopelessness but it will not overtake me b/c HE is my Hope. I am not foolish enough to think times like this will cease but I do know He gives me the strength to handle it and to somehow be better for it. I will be be honest though, I need this ache to turn back to hope quickly. So, when you think of me today pray.

Let's Eat!!

2006-11-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

My new favorite past time is going to Let's Eat, making all my meals for 2 weeks and then going home and resting easy b/c I don't have to worry about what's for dinner every night. Brian and I just went tonight and made all kinds of yummy meals. All I have to say is this...if you have one of these places close to your house I highly recommend it, especially for you mom's. Brian and I go together and it's so much fun and they clean up right behind you as you work. Whoever came up with this concept is my new hero (well not really but I'm pretty impressed). The nicest thing about this besides the convenience is I wouldn't make any of these recipes normally b/c the ingredient list is way to extensive but this way I get to try all kinds of new meals I could never come up with on my own. It's great for people who love to cook or hate to cook, it doesn't matter. You'll have a great experience no matter what. Anyway, so let me know if you have one where you live and if you ever try it I would love to hear what you think.

Words Women Use...and the interpertation men need

2006-10-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are
right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes
is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes
to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and
you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing'
usually end in "Fine"

GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement
often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you
are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing
here and arguing with you over "Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can
make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long
and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your
mistake.

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say
you're welcome.

WHATEVER
It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ YOU!

Making a choice

2006-10-19T13:11:00.000-05:00

I am not too sure what happened to be perfectly honest. I know I was sick about coming to work Monday but had made a choice and would stick by it regardless of the situation or circumstances. Well, I walk in and before I know it me and the person in question were talking like nothing had ever been wrong. It was the strangest thing. It's been like this all week so far. I don't know if they made a decision also or what. I am thankful for God's repremand in my life or maybe it would have gone the other way. Life at work has been rocking all week and I am determined, no matter what to keep a good attitude and treat people the way I want to be treated. Thank you for checking back and for praying (if you did).

Not too proud

2006-10-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

Our pastor has been doing this series called Winning at Work and yesterday's title was Difficult People in the Workplace and let me tell you, it was a smack in the face. Life at work has been more than a little difficult to say the very least. I am sad to say I am not very proud of my behavior either. Here's the thing, there is one particular co-worker of mine who doesn't like me. Hard to believe I know but it's true. Anyway, we had somewhat of a run in a couple of weeks ago and that certainly didn't help any. I am not going to lie, I don't like this person either which is really rare for me. I like most people. They don't follow rules, they constantly interrupt, they are rude to everyone including residents (which is a HUGE NO-NO) and worst of all, they lie. Anyway, after our conflict I went and apologized. I didn't want to but I knew it was the right thing so I did and basically it didn't go very well which made things worse. It's not like I am the only person who has conflict with this person, everyone in the office has had major problems with them. Well, Friday they almost fired this person and when they didn't I found myself sick knowing I would have to continue working with this person. I couldn't sleep and was in a really bad mood b/c I hate conflict and knowing someone doesn't like me doesn't help. The message yesterday really slapped me upside the head and I realized God does allow people like this in your life to show you things about yourself and to grow you in certain areas. I am so ashamed of myself but I am commited to going in this morning and making a change regardless of how hard nosed and rude this person is to me. The bottom line is I cannot control anything or anyone, I can only control how I behave. I am going to be the change I wish to see in the office. B/C I figure if I don't start there, how can I possibly make a change in the world. Please pray for the courage to be a difference maker and not stoop to their level. I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy Birthday

2006-10-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!

Growth

2006-10-07T21:05:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love to see as much as I hate to see it, is my kids grow. As all the parents reading this can attest to I am sure. Anyway, about 5 months ago I decided to start measuring my kids against the wall. I know alot of parents start doing this from birth but I am just not with it in certain areas. One of the reasons I even did it in the first place was b/c that oldest child of mine grew 3 inches in 9 months and 2 and a half shoe sizes. So, when I measured him 5 months ago he was 5'6" and on Friday he was 5'7". The middle child 5 months ago was 4'1" and Friday he was 4'3" and the baby was 4'0" and Friday he was 4'1". I know they grow, it's just not as visual until you put a tape measure in the mix except with regard to the oldest. I literally watch the kid get taller right before my eyes. The reason? He insists on wearing jeans everyday regardless of the heat. The outcome? About 2 weeks ago he walks by and I was like "HOLY CRAP Jared!!!" He had on high waters. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say it's incredibly sad for a mom. What parts of your kids getting older bothers you the most?

Sticks and Stones...

2006-10-03T19:58:00.000-05:00

I know we all know it and have all said it a million times so for the millionth and one lets all return to kindergarten say STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK YOUR BONES BUT NAMES WILL NEVER HURT!!! Of course, we also know the latter part of that saying is far from true. Which I was reminded of today. I was called the most hateful thing anyone can ever be called. I can't even write it on this post. It reduced me to tears. Anyway, I am sure you can use your imagination. Why do people have to call other people names? I know I sound like I am in the fourth grade but today was an incredibly rough day before I was slandered for no reason. I literally can't even begin to tell you how sick to my stomach I felt after being called something so horrible. I know how we should always be kind and give people the benefit of the doubt...maybe this guy just broke up with his girlfriend, maybe he just got fired, maybe, maybe, maybe. I could come up with a million reasons why he was so hateful but whatever the reason you cannot convince me for one minute it is ever appropriate to call someone a name like that. Anyway, what do you think about this? Has this ever happened to you?

The ABC's of why I love him...

2006-10-02T08:06:00.000-05:00

Affectionate
Bible seeker
Computer genius
Delicious
Excellent
Fit
Gorgeous
Hilarious
Interesting
Jesus freak
Kind
Loveable
Masculine
Never gives up
Open minded
Perfect (for me)
Quick to forgive
Respectful
Sexy
Thankful
Unselfish
Vulnerability
Wacky
Xxx church supporter
Y? b/c I can
Zzz's love to sleep with him (literally)

Everytime I...

2006-09-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

make turkey meatloaf (don't laugh it's awesome) I think of my mom b/c it was her creation.
make coffee (not instant) I think of Betsy and how she loved the stuff but swore she couldn't make it right.
make pancakes or waffles on a Saturday morning I think of the Daigles b/c for 3 years we shared that with them.
re-heat my coffee I think of Kerri b/c she would re-heat hers at least 3 times before it was gone and I loved to laugh at her when she did.
make a cup of english tea I think of Jeanette since we would drink one every afternoon for 3 years in a row.
buy Life Cereal I think of my dad and it takes me back to my childhood and how that was the only cereal he would eat.
go for a run I think of my Uncle D and how I must remember to stretch and warm up properly to avoid re-injury.
we hang a picture or shelf I think of Jeff Daigle and make sure to get that leveler out for fear he will one day visit and if they're not straight he will know just by looking.
look at my life I think of my husband and kids and how they make it better everyday.
think about commitment and what it means in marriage I think of my parents b/c they were the definition of what those vows mean.

What kinds of things in your life remind you of people you know and love?

and they lived happily ever after...

2006-09-19T07:17:00.000-05:00

The weekend was awesome. I survived wearing a strapless dress, walking in 4 inch heels (and dancing) and waiting 6 hours for my plane. The wedding went off without a hitch. The bride was beautiful, the groom could barely get through his vows and the guests partied and enjoyed themselves into the night. I included a couple of pics for you to enjoy but other than that, I am too exhausted to say much of anything else.

Lauren (Colin's daughter), Beth and Colin (he's a brit you know)

Their first dance as husband and wife

Me and the bride

The way I looked

The bride, groom and the groom's cake (taken at rehearsal dinner)

Here comes the BRIDE....smaid

2006-09-14T19:52:00.001-05:00

I just have 5 minutes before I have to pack and get everything ready to leave. My week has been so crazy getting ready to go to this wedding. It doesn't matter how much I promise I'll never do it again, I always leave everything to the last minute. For instance: When I went to get my dress they didn't have my size at the store and that just happened to be the last day they could even order it to get it to me in time. Then 2 weeks ago I ordered my shoes and they only arrived yesterday. They fit almost perfectly. The only thing I needed to make them perfect was a heel thingy (sorry, I don't know what it's called). So, when do you think I made time to get those...you guessed it. TONIGHT!!! Plus, I needed some shoes b/c it's going to chilly at night and I don't want to wear flip flops or boots. Then, I was feeling pasty since we haven't been to the pool or beach in a while so last night I did the mystic tan thing. I also, of course, had to give myself a french pedi so, now here I am at 9 pm with nothing packed and my flight leaves at 6 am which means I have to be at the airport by 4AM!!! Wish me luck, I'll have an update and hopefully some great pics when I get back. Have a great weekend!!

Strange Laws

2006-09-12T12:32:00.000-05:00

Here's our fabulous collection of Strange Laws that can date back very far. Most of these laws remain in the books today, even if rarely enforced.

*Laws shown here have been collected from sources believed to be
reliable, however, there are no guarantees. We recommend that
you conduct further research if you plan on using any of these in a publication!

In Corpus Christie, Texas, it is illegal to raise alligators in your home.

In Miami, it is forbidden to imitate an animal.

It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State.

In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.

California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.

In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping.

In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.

In West Virginia, only babies can ride in a baby carriage.

In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.

A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.

In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.

In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.

In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.

In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.

In Ohio, one must have a license to keep a bear.

In Tennessee, a law exists which prohibits the sale of bologna (sandwich meat) on Sunday.

In Virginia, the Code of 1930 has a statute which prohibits corrupt practices or bribery by any person other than political candidates.

In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.

In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.

In New Jersey, cabbage can't be sold on Sunday.

In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.

In Singapore, it is illegal to chew gum.

In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.

In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.

In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatos in clam chowder.

In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.

In San Francisco, there is an ordinance, which bans the picking up and throwing of used confetti.

In Kentucky, it is illegal for a merchant to force a person into his place of business for the purpose of making a sale.

It is against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship.

In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.

In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on.

In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing.

In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples.

In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.

In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.

In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave.

In Texas, it is still a "hanging offense" to steal cattle.

Just when I thought I'd seen it all...

2006-09-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

I have come across the funniest things lately and thought I would share a couple of them. Since I work at an apartment community one of the main things I do is take work orders for apartments and make sure maintenance is made aware of things that need to be fixed. When they are finished with the work order they give it back to me, I close it out in the computer and call the resident to make sure everything is satisfactory. Well, last week when I was doing this I came across one that made me laugh so hard I was unable to call the resident b/c I didn't want him to be embarrassed. Here is what the work order said, I took it and remembered it well.

John Doe
Apartment 30000
Issue - Washing machine
Description - washing machine stopped in the middle of cycle and would not start again.

I remember when I talked to him he asked me if maintenance could please get out there today so his clothes wouldn't start to smell.
Here is the follow up to the work order: PULLED OUT KNOB OF WASHER AND FINISHED CYCLE!!!!

Then today we went to this antique store and I had to use the restroom. BIG mistake. I have never seen so many hand written notes. There was one on the back of the door which read :

IF YOU MAKE A MESS PLEASE USE THE TOILET BRUSH AND
CLEANING SUPPLIES ON THE COUNTER AND CLEAN
UP BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO GET ILL.
(note:they don't want to get ill but instead of paper towels to dry your hands all they provided was a regular hand towel. I guess it's ok for their customers to get ILL. I was like I don't think so, I let my hands air dry)

Then I looked at the toilet paper dispenser and read a note which said:

PLEASE USE TOILET PAPER VERY SPARINGLY AS THE
THE TOILET MAY CLOG IF YOU USE TOO MUCH AND
EACH FLUSH IS VERY EXPENSIVE.
(ok I don't think this is too bad but it still made me laugh)

Then the icing on the cake was yet another hand written note taped to an oversized mug and sitting on the back of the toilet which read:

ATTENTION BROWSERS:PLEASE PUT 25CENTS IN
THE POT TO HELP WITH COSTS AS EACH
FLUSH IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

Imagine all this fun in one week. Don't be jealous of all my excitement. I would like to hear of any funny things like this you all have experienced. Do share.

Short Term Memory Loss

2006-09-07T06:08:00.000-05:00

I wish I could take credit for this but can't. However, I really wanted to share it with you. I think it's a great reminder.

This was written by Leslie Snyder

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.—Exodus 20: 1

I love a mountaintop experience; I mean a real hike up the mountain that involves planning, challenge, hard work, sweat, a few stumbles, a full backpack and my favorite hiking companion. My husband, Jim, and I have covered many trail miles over the years and just can’t get enough of that mountaintop experience. Of course, we’re not talking Mt. Everest (yet), but we’ve seen some beautiful sights from mountain peaks across the country and both agree that some of our most amazing “God experiences” happen on the mountain.

Moses might agree. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses and the people came to the desert in Sinai. There the people camped in front of the mountain while Moses went to meet with God and, in essence, acted as a go-between between God and the people. After one of these encounters, Moses brought the people some instructions from God, what we call “the Ten Commandments.” However, before beginning, God reminded them of two important things: Who He is and what He did for them. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

I’ve always been surprised at how easily the people of Israel forgot the LORD and the things He did for them. The Old Testament is riddled with the phrases “and the people did evil in the sight of the Lord,” and “the Israelites again forsook the Lord.” I don’t get it! How could the very people who witnessed the devastating plagues in Egypt, who walked on dry ground between two walls of water, and who followed a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day into the promised land forget and forsake the very One who made it happen? The answer is humbling. In the same way, we forget the healing we received and return to our complaints, we forget the peace instead of pain, the restored relationship, and the endless answered prayers. God is I AM. He is our deliverer. He is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Maybe the journey from bondage to freedom causes short-term memory loss. Somewhere between the excitement of the journey and the reality of the road before us, we forget where we’ve come from and forsake the One Who delivered us. Today, take some time to re-chart your course.

All I can muster

2006-09-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

It's really been a couple of those weeks and so I don't have a whole lot to offer. Here are a couple random thoughts just so you guys won't give up on me.

Teenagers really are moody, highly hormonal and impossible to understand even if you are a "cool" parent.
Eating 6 chocolate chip cookies in a 4 hour time frame makes you feel really bloated.
I am truly sad at the death of Steve Irwin
I think I may be over the need to adopt another baby.
I almost drowned at the beach on Saturday and let me tell you, it wasn't a good feeling.
I don't care how often you go bike riding, that seat never gets any more comfortable.
It would be really nice just to sleep all the way through the night.
Life is so great and I have nothing to complain about.
I am going to be a bridesmaid for the first time, wear a strapless dress for the first time and attempt to walk down the ailse in 4 inch heels and not break my neck. Any tips?
Most young people these days have no real work ethic.
I love my little house.
I am blessed beyond measure.
I miss my friends who live far away.

I really hope you guys have a great day and keep checking back. One of these days I am sure I will have something truly interesting to read.

Perfect Timing

2006-08-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

You know the old saying timing is everything? Well, that is so true. Today, was a very rough day. In case some of you aren't aware, there was a plane crash today and there was only 1 survivor. Our really good friends mom was on that plane. We felt very thankful we were able to be there for her and help her figure out what to do next. Thankfully, her father's friend was able to fly her home on a private jet so she could go and be with her family. It was an incredibly emotionally charged day and toward the end of it we both felt very depressed and numb. Anyway, we were sitting here minding our own business when this new name on aol popped up inviting us to chat and when I clicked accept I heard sweet music to my ears. It was Betsy laughing and a bunch of other voices that made me smile. Of course no sooner did I hear that but then I saw what appeared to be someone wounded dancing. HAHA, just kidding Tonya. You are such a great dancer and wow what a gun show. Anyway, the only point to this post is how timing is everything. It was so great for Brian and I to see those familiar faces and hear those familiar voices. It was such a great comfort. So, here's to you Metromom, dad and cute kid, Lunar world, South Afrikan baldy (who looks good that way), and the ever beautiful Wes and Tonya:you lifted our spirits, made us laugh and helped our day end in a much better way then when it started. THANK YOU!!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU.

A Father's Love

2006-08-22T06:55:00.000-05:00

I don't know if any of you have seen this before but this was just sent to me and it is worth the read and then watch the video. Just make sure you have kleenex. This is such an amazing story of love and perseverence.

This Father does it all just for the purpose of seeing the smile on his
son's face. If you want to see the most profound reflection of the
Father's love for us that you've ever seen....watch. Time taken to
watch this is the best time you've ever spent on email..

STRONGEST DAD IN THE WORLD [From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay
for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots. But compared
with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in
Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a
wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and
pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.
Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back
mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes
taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?
And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.

This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was
strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged
and unable to control his limbs. ``He'll be a vegetable the rest of his
life;'' Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was
nine months old. Put him in an institution.

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes
followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the
engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was
anything to help the boy communicate. NO Way, Dick says he was told.
There's nothing going on in his brain.

"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a
lot was going on in his brain.

Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by
touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to
communicate. First words? Go Bruins! And after a high school
classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a
charity run for him, Rick pecked out, Dad, I want to do that.
Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described poker who never ran
more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he
tried. Then it was me who was handicapped,Dick says. I was sore
for two weeks.''
That day changed Rick's life. Dad,'' he typed, when we were running,
it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving
Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly
shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.
No way,Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a
single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few
years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then
they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran
another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the
following year. Then somebody said, Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?
How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he
was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick
tried. Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour
Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzz kill to be a 25-year-old stud
getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you
think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? No way, he says.
Dick does it purely for the awesome feeling he gets seeing Rick with
a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.
This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston
Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best
time'? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world
record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to
be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the
time.

No question about it,Rick types. My dad is the Father of the
Century.

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a
mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries
was 95% clogged. If you hadn't been in such great shape, one doctor
Told him, you probably would've died 15 years ago. So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life. Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always
find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and
compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this
Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants
to give him is a gift he can never buy.
The thing I'd most like, Rick types, is that my dad would sit in
the chair and I would push him once.''

Watch CAN!

Coffe Creations

2006-08-17T13:28:00.000-05:00

All I can is this: if I could have done this at Starbucks I would have become famous.

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!

2006-08-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Dear 13 year old,

On this day 13 years ago the Lord physically brought you into my life. In actual fact you entered my life 6 months earlier when I found out I was carrying you. Although the circumstances were far from perfect you became the only thing that mattered in my life. I loved you from that moment and waited with great anticipation for your birth. When the day finally arrived I was beyond excited and although terrified of delivery I was surrounded by the very best support system to get me through. After 6 and a half hours at 1:15am the midwife (you were born in England) placed you on my tummy for our first introduction. I will never forget it. Both your little eyes had bruises from the forceps they had to use and your face was a little squished but you were perfect. Since I was exhausted I told the midwife to hand you to your Grammy who had held my hand and gotten me through. She was ready and willing to hold her new grandson, she was so proud and told me later that it was the most precious moment she would treasure all her days. Once they finished weighing you and cleaning you up they placed you in a little bassinet by my bed. You layed there wide awake and as I looked at you I was overwhelmed by the love I felt. I wondered how it was possible to love someone so much. I was overcome and began to cry feeling so blessed but also wondering how could I be the best mother possible given the circumstances. I shouldn't have even worried. God never took His eyes off of us and less than 2 years later we met the man of our dreams. He loved you as if he had been there from the beginning and you adored him and called him "daddy" that first month. That bond has never been broken and as you are now being shaped and molded by us but more importantly by God my only prayer for you is you become the man your father is. I love you so much, there are not even the words to describe. As you enter these teenage years and life has it's many ups and downs please hold tight of the ONE who has always held you tight.
I know I won't always be cool, or with it and I know I will embarrass you b/c that's what mom's do but I will ALWAYS love you unconditionally. No matter where you go or what you do I will be here with open arms.

You are my son and I am so proud of the man you becoming.

Love, Mom

As I am sure you guessed our oldest has hit his teens. I thought I would share with you this letter I wrote him. The pics below are just some fun ones I took recently. The bottom is of him and his girlfriend. Yes, already. Believe me it still freaks me out. She is a really good girl who attends church with him and our families our really close. I feel as though now he has hit 13 time will just start flying by and it scares me a little. I remember years ago after he was first born and thinking about what I was like as a teenager I told God the rapture had to happen soon b/c I was not about to have teenagers. I would even have conversations with people and tell them it would be coming soon b/c surely God would not let me go through teenage years. What a joke, here we are and I have little doubt the rapture is coming anytime soon at this point. Anyway, enjoy the pics and leave him a comment I can pass along I know he will appreciate it.