Happy Valentine's Day

What We Do

In this town, it seems that the question of what you "do" comes about two seconds into a conversation. Now, there are probably better questions (like "what is life-giving for you?"), but I'm resigned to having to field the 'do' question. I say resigned because after about 243 attempts at an answer, I still can't manage to give a good response. Part of the problem, of course, is that I'd like to give an answer that will elicit a response like, "wow, that sounds really interesting!" While I find my job really interesting and rewarding (most days), there are relatively few people in the world who would find it so (and most of them work in my building). Take for example one of the more high-profile things I work on, the FOMC Minutes. If you managed to read more than a paragraph or two just now, you probably work in my building and happened upon this blog.

But then there is the Mrs. When she mentions that she is an architect, people tend to say "wow, that sounds really interesting!" And, for good reason, the response is genuine.

This last weekend we stopped by one of the projects the Mrs. worked on for some time, Olson's Books in Crystal City. I'd heard a lot about it, but seeing it finished was fantastic. As we walked around anonymously, I felt like what an angel walking around Yosemite with God must feel. I wanted to grab people and say, "how about singing some praises to the creator of this joint you're enjoying before I smite your ass!" OK, so maybe an angel wouldn't say that, but you get the point. I managed to keep myself in check for the whole visit, absent the snapshot below that I subtley took while browsing a book.

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The studying has begun.

In August I convinced my (oh so kind!) Employer to let me work less hours each week; this would give me time to study for my upcoming exams (9 total). The Employer agreed to an arangement of 32 hours a week, so long as it worked with the schedule for my projects. Finally, mid- October I decressed my hours...32 short hours each week. The great part about this is that I not only get 8 extra hours(and all the extra over time hours), but also save about 3 hours (by not driving home in rush hour traffic) each week.

Of course this cut back in hours was just in time to finish some projects at home... before 4 recent college grads moved in with us for three weeks...then off to thanksgiving with the family... then time for christmas shopping and preparation...then time for Christmas....and then the New Year...and finally this little *intern architect* is ready to be an Architect. So now I spend those extra hours each week preparing for the Architectural Registration Exams.

I have decided to start with the grpahic division first, this is 3 of the 9 exams, I feel like I am accomplishing more by studying for more than 1 exam. (I mean I have some time to make up for!) The first day I was so excited to get started- to finish this process of education- that even these sentences did not phase me...

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"Exceptional solutions are not expected, nor are they necessary."

"...the primary goal of this exam is to produce a passing grade, not a superior design."

"...the exam experience is about taking a test under pressure -- it is not necessarily about design."

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Normally the tone of these phrases would be like finger nails on the chalk board...don't think about esthetics, just make it work...but when you are ready to ace 9 exams I will do whatever they tell me!

Back to studying...

first test date tbd

Two Sheds in Disarray

Today the Mr. had the day off...one of those Federal Holidays...which was great for him! The house has been in a state of almost done for the last few years it seems, certainly ever since I have been around. And today the Mr. created his cave. Of course it is still in process...almost done. But it was fun to come home and have dinner together and hear him describe what he did today.

"I made my cave, the front shed can be for all my tools and the back shed can be for storage. Of course I am still organizing it, but it'll be great!"

Now the goal is to put everything in the back shed that is cluttering our basement, so we can finish our almost finished basement. The fun will never end!

not so plain

It has been said that our blog is a bit plain...I am not sure if this is directed at the writing, or the links, or the topics, or maybe the colors, I don't know? But I thought maybe if we had a cool new graphic at the top people might think of us as more than just plain. At the very least maybe it is *not so plain*, anymore?

Christmas, Christmas time is here...

Growing up we listened to a lot of the Chipmunks Christmas Album (you know Alvin, Simon, and Theodore?) during the Christmas season.

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In our house the Christmas Season would begin promptly the Saturday after Thanksgiving (which is also the day we got married!!). On that Saturday my family would head out to the Christmas Tree Farm and pick out the perfect tree for our house...This meant each of us kids standing by different trees- staking our claim- until we decided which of the three trees it was going be OUR Christmas Tree. Then we would call over one of the kids who was employed at the tree farm to get on his knees and cut down our prized tree. We would spend the rest of the day decorating and listening to music....The Chipmunks Record was our favorite!
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Anyway, this song has been in my head for the last week...So I thought I would pass it along to someone else's mind if you too are a fan of the Chipmunks.

(my favorite part is when Alvin isn't paying attention and their dad/ manager starts yelling at him- very clever!)

"Time for toys and Time for Cheer"

Merry Christmas!

Update on the kids...

I don't know what the big deal is with kids...some people say they are so much work. The brown stork arrived late Friday night. Delivery took all of about 30 seconds. We signed for them, then tucked them away in their mangers (this happened so quickly, we have no cribs for beds) and no crying they made. Then Saturday we put 'em to work. Turns out the nanny is kind of loud, but also very strong. Fin, well...let's just say no ordinary diaper is gonna work for him. But point him in the right direction and he does a heck of a job. Had to stop and feed him a few times, but other than that, he just keeps on doing his business. We're mighty proud!

Triplets!

It seems that a lot of folks we know either have, or are getting, kids. While we've noticed that kids seem to be a lot of work (I hear you have to change their diapers EVERY day), the parents seem to get a lot more attention and respect from friends and family.

Craving attention, we (OK, I) decided it was time for us to start a family of our own. Since patience isn't my strong suite, I turned to Amazon for some help. The brown stork should deliver them today. So, we'd like to announce the three newest members of the family:
Brad Porter-Cable Luecke, Penny Porter-Cable Luecke, and Fin Porter-Cable Luecke. (we also got the plump nanny upgrade pictured to the right).

Super Flash

Happy Birthday to the Flash!



Over the last year your parents have indulged us with daily pictures of you...I can't believe it has been a year! Since we don't get to see you enough to keep up with your development I have started to imagine your little personality as it shines though in these images. Super Flash suits you well!



Tell your parents thanks for all the pictures!

New Life

Welcome to this world Jonathan Shields Milligan.

My dear (brave, amazing, strong, courageous) friend, has just brought new life to us. The new mom delivered this child without drugs...can you imagine that people? (I can't because I can't even imagine birthing a babe. It sort of scares me to be honest.) I am so proud of Jennie, she chose to walk into fear, and defeat it through the birth of JSM. I just spoke with the new mom, and she told me the story of water breaking at 4:30 am and a baby coming at 9:30 pm. As I heard the details of this story, I myself was gasping for breath, and trying to find a way to at least sit comfortably. But, this story fills me with JOY, just knowing that this child is here, one that we have prayed for for 9 months, and I will continue to pray for for all my years, if I am so blessed.



Congratulations to the new Mom and Dad, and welcome to your new son! Thank you already for sharing him with me!

Cheers to you, Mister

Mister has had a great week! I don't think I am at liberty to share all that has happened, but I do get to share that today we celebrate the day of his birth. (give him a call, wish him happy birthday- and maybe he will tell you how great his week has been)

Happy Birthday, Mister! Here's to many more years!

Walking Together

We have been married for just over 10 months. And today as we get ready and drive through Virginia for a friend's wedding, I remember our wedding day. I hope that every wedding I go to it will remind me of our day; the beauty of the day and the joy of being surrounded by friends and family. And how it started our life as Mister and Misses, husband and wife.

Warp and Weft of life

I have been thinking about blogging for the last two weeks, to tell you all what has happened, how life has been, and to describe the things that I have seen right in front of me. But the words haven’t come to me, at least not quick enough. And none of the words in my vocabulary can communicate the picture that I am hoping to create. Now that I have a few minutes to myself to think and write, I will try to describe to you the last two weeks of life with Mister and Misses. (though most of this is about what the Misses saw in the Mister)

About two weeks ago our friends lost their Iron Will. The phone rang at 3:00 AM and Mister answered it in a half awake voice. I leaned over to hear who was on the other end and I heard crying, then Mister said, “I’ll be right there.” Mister got off the phone and got out of bed and told me that Will had coded, and that he needed to go to the hospital.

The rest of the night was filled with sadness in the dark.

Iron Will is a child that invoked hope and now he is gone.

The rest of that Tuesday Mister was at our home with our friends. He cared for them in his thoughtful ways, with water, hot tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner, I don’t know everything that he did, but when I came home that day Will’s Father expressed to me how great it was to have Mister with him for the day.

Mister was able to share grace that day with our friends.

Then in the wake of grief, we hurried off to work the next day, and went to the National Student Leadership Forum that night, we had already committed to being there for the next 4 days. This was a huge shift in emotions and energy. We now began to engage with our group of 8 students. This is something I had done before and asked Mister if we could facilitate together this year. Mister entered into a part of my world and did it with flying colors. He engaged the students on issues of life, politics, family, Jesus, truth, service, purpose….everything. I was amazed as I would watch him with each group member and hear him talk about the heart of each of them.

We wrapped up our time with the students at IHOP with time of laughter and fun. Directly from there we went to see Will’s parents; to be with Will’s friends and family that were gathering together to grieve, pray and worship. This was another huge shift that Mister led us through. As I followed Mister into the beautiful backyard filled with Will’s friends, I questioned how this can be. How does life continue when death surrounds. Mister and I had been walking with 8 other people for 4 days that were full of life but always in my mind was the thought of death. Every thought had death as an after taste. But we walked on, into that space that itself was filled with life, green grass, running water, songs of worship, space for prayer.

When we came home that day, Mister started writing the homily for Will’s funeral. He thought and thought, and then thinking seemed to turn to wrestling. He asked God, what is the good news today? What is the gospel when a baby dies? Some are still asking that question. Mister spent the rest of that day and most of the night wrestling with God for words to say, for something to say that would bring the peace of the Holy Spirit over the people of Will.

And he found words to say. Mister preached that day as a gift from the Lord, but it was a gift for me too, to hear words of comfort come from the mouth of my husband. It was a sad day, but it was full of light.

We continued into the week, taking steps forward in life, with death still around us. We both went to work for the rest of the week and then got on a plane to the cornhusker state. Mister and I went home to celebrate the Old Guy’s 50th birthday. And again we were confronted with life. And again I was amazed by Mister, the way that he steps into the family and chooses to celebrate along with us.

The way that this tapestry has been weaved the last few weeks has been exhausting, but it has been very real as well. Life has been touched by death, and it seems somehow to make it more vibrant and a bit sadder. I hope for vibrant life for Will’s family as they walk into the next day … continuing to live in hope. I hope for vibrant life for the old guy as he walks into a new year. And I am thankful for the vibrant picture I have of my Mister as I think of the ways he has loved.

His Will

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
for ever and ever. Amen


With no other words to say, I give up these today.

The Doctor

Since I couldn't get his picture up yesterday...Happy Birthday Yesterday!

Friends to Celebrate

Today I think fondly of three friends. I wouldn't normally put these three in the same category, they aren't friends from the same seasons of life, and they don't even really overlap. But today I celebrate their birthday with them.

I get to celebrate with *Light Bright* all day- she sits next to me in the office. She is a great source of stories- millions of stories- every morning I come to the office awaiting the stories. Some are funny and some are sad, some just really dramatic. But through the stories I have learned of *Light Bright's* love for life, friends, and family. She has a dear heart and cares for those around her. I am thankful to have her as a friend, and excited to watch her blossom.

Happy Birthday *Light Bright*!

Now miss Claire Lise, she too is a dear friend, and even though we live roughly in the same city, I celebrate with her from afar. Claire Lise is a few years younger than me, and has a TON more energy than me, so of course she celebrates her birthday tonight at Nick's! Claire Lise is FULL of fun, laughs, and again has the biggest heart for those around her. She has creativity oozing out of her and uses this to bring people together. I love the way Claire Lise embraces life, by loving people.

Happy Birthday Claire Lise!

My Brother, my friend. Happy 30th Birthday to you. The Doctor turns 30 today- and has much to show for his 30 years, namely an amazing wife, and daughter! The Doctor too has this huge heart to share friends and ideas. He loves his wife and his daughter with a heart that makes others melt, and he voraciously learns new ways to understand our Lord. He is a teacher, caregiver, healer, and a man full of Love.

(at the moment i can't get his picture up?)

Happy Birthday Doctor!

So, as I have thought of these three friends, I realized they are similar. They each posses great character, love for others, and creativity...among other things. But as I thought of each of them this morning, I realized the smile that came to my face. Thank you friends for sharing your life with me!

Happy Birthday!

Let Your Hands be Strong

After Many games of Volleyball....

After a few cookies....

After more games....

After more Cookies and lots of beers....

Even after the Feet had been tenderized by the rocks in the sand....

WE WON!!!!!!


AIVB has been trying to beat its nemesis GGA for the last 3 years, finally this year GGA went down. What a great Victory it was! Our hands were strong on Saturday!

"Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be ye valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the houseof Judah have anointed me king over them."

2 Samuel 2:07

Go Directly to...School

We have now met The $6 Bandit three times. The first time we met, he robbed us at gunpoint. The second time we met, he was in jail. The third time, we were all in court for a sentencing hearing. Both sides asked us for input and they got the following:


Your honor, my wife and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be here today to make a statement. We would also like to thank the court for the opportunity we had to visit Mr. Hyman in jail. We understand that that was an opportunity not afforded to many people.

The first time we met Mr. Hyman, he made quite an impression. My wife and I and a neighbor were standing in the middle of our street, under a street light, wishing a good friend goodbye as she was headed off to Darfur to work with war refugees. Then Mr. Hyman approached us, wearing a ski mask and carrying a semi-automatic hand gun, and demanded money. When we moved to slowly, he threatened to shoot one of us. Our friend was able to find $6, which he took and walked away yelling at us not to call the police.

That evening changed the way we live. He stole $6. We now pay $36 a month for a security system. We have pepper spray on the night stand, by the front door, and on my wife’s key chain, next to the panic button, just in case we are approached in front of our house again. We carefully look at who is on the block before we stop the car and get out to go inside. I work hard to get home in the evening before my wife so she doesn’t need to come in alone. When guests ask if the neighborhood is safe, we look at each other and try and figure out what to say.

The second time we met Mr. Hyman, this time in jail, he also made quite an impression. Where he had appeared violent and demanding behind a mask and gun, he now appeared meek and uncertain. He actually seemed a bit intimidated by our presence. As we talked, it became clear that this was a person who felt very disconnected from almost everyone around him. He wanted to be more than he was, but he was having a hard time doing it. The institution, namely DCPS, that was charged with spending 12 years giving him the skills to have chance at being a productive participant in society, had managed only to bring him up to first grade reading level and a fifth grade math level. He was left to face the job market without being able to read an application, or even simple signs.

This does not excuse Mr. Hyman’s actions last March. He made some bad choices that night. It was clear to us when we met that he understood that what he did was very wrong. He seems genuinely sorry for what he did. After talking for nearly an hour and sharing our experiences, he asked us for forgiveness. As people who have been forgiven many times ourselves, we offered our forgiveness to him. But in the real world, forgiving isn’t forgetting. Actions need to have consequences …and that is obviously why we are here today.

Your honor, after a lot of reflection and many conversations…with Mr. Hyman, with counsel on both sides, and with the social worker and education representative…we would like to ask humbly, but with some urgency, that today you give Mr. Hyman a chance to make something of himself. We would like to ask that for his sake, for our sake, and for the sake of the community. For his sake, your honor, because he wants to do better. And with the right help, we think he may be able to become a productive member of society. But if he does not get help very soon, he likely won’t ever get help.

And for our sake, your honor. If he does not get help…education, vocational training, and supervision…he is likely to become less productive, not more. If he spends much time in prison around hardened criminals and gets back on the street after that, we, or our neighbors, may meet him again, but that time the gun may be something more than broken BB gun. And we don’t want to see that happen.

We would like to ask, you honor, that give him a somewhat stiffer sentence than you might otherwise. But that you would suspend that sentence upon completion of closely supervised probation, and all the specialized education and vocational training that Ms. Buckingham and her colleagues can arrange. Further, you honor, we would ask that if he completes all these programs, his record would be wiped clean so that he is able face the job market with as good a chance as he can get.

We admit that we aren’t sure if he can complete these programs. But with the people in this courtroom, including us, pulling for him, and with a prison term as his next best option, we are hopeful.

So in closing, your honor, we’d like ask that you would do everything in your power to get Mr. Hyman into school, not prison, as soon as humanly possible.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
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After our statement, the judge gave him a pretty good lecture, then sentenced him to five years in prison. But he then suspended the sentence upon completion of a long list; education, training, numerous evaluations and various other programs. We're hopeful that he'll be in school soon. And that if we meet him again, he won't be wearing a ski mask or an orange jumpsuit!

Puppet Master for President!

Today the Puppet Master reached that fine age where he is eligible for being the President of the United States of America. Now that would be a fun administration!

The PM was a long-time resident of 207 and now is back for a number of weeks. He blessed us this morning with some breakfast bread he made yesterday. We added a candle and did a little singing when we discovered the import of the day.

When people live in the same house for years, they get to see all the ups and downs of each others' lives. The Lord has been doing some exalting in The PM's life in recent times, and it has been a joy to watch. And today, to the extent of our humble ability, we exalt The PM too!

1 Samuel 2:07
The LORD sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.

The Big Dig

The good news about the plumbing at 207 (if plumbing and good news can be used together in a sentence) is that it has almost all been replaced. The bad news is that the remaining old plumbing is almost all under several feet of dirt.

Over the past number of years, Mr. has snaked out the shared kitchen sink and washing machine drain close to a dozen times...and never once was this accompanied by the thought, "boy, that was a convenient time to drop everything, find the snake and the drill, and get black grime all over." Since we need to replace a big chunck of the basement floor soon as part of the basement renovation, the time for digging arrived.


Mr. D starts off the The Big Dig (TBD) with an 8-pound sledge. The floor wasn't too impressed at first, but Mr. D (aka 'Stick' to his friends) kept at it until the floor gave him a little more respect.



After much digging, it turns out the 4" sewer main was right about where we expected it to be...deep down.



It wasn't hard to see why it clogged all the time...looks like the artery of an elephant that ate bacon and donuts its whole life.



Mrs. applied the cake batter mixing technique and improved mixing time dramatically! I think she could have given Ruth a run for her money in the field...and I bet Ruth didn't know a thing about mixing concrete!:

"She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
Ruth 2:07



A few dozen plumbing parts and a thousand pounds of concrete later, voila!, stage 1 of the TBD is done.