This week we are on the Luecke Family Vacation.
One of fun things to watch is how faith is passed on down the generations. "Omah," (that would be my mom, but now also the grandma of four kids) is particularly interested in the faith of her most recent offspring. They routinely get things from her like bibles and videos about bible characters.
We've recently heard some things that go right to Omah's heart. "Flash" apparently woke up one night when he wasn't feeling well and just kept saying "bible, bible, bible." That's enough to make any Omah tear up.
Then there is KK (a nickname from his sister when she couldn't say his real name...which doesn't actually start with a K.) While taking a bath with Flash, the bible lover, KK hatched the following plan: "When you say God, I'll touch my bottom." That's enough to make most Omahs tear up too.
living, laughing, loving on S street
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
morning poem
My mister sent me a great poem this morning; subtle words describing pieces of life that one might appreciate more on the other side.
It turns out my mister is also a great friend, and fittingly shared the poem with at least one other person.
Who,coincidentally, beat me to the post. ;)
It turns out my mister is also a great friend, and fittingly shared the poem with at least one other person.
Who,coincidentally, beat me to the post. ;)
Monday, July 16, 2007
the color of studying
Most of Saturday I spent with this coffee mug- full then empty full then empty- and memorizing the orange flash cards, in serious prep for the next exam. The mister spent most of his day working with wood, while I read and re-read contract documents. But don't fret, we treated ourselves to a viewing of Harry Potter at the end of the day- and oh what a treat it was! (at least for me!!)
Next exam...07.21.07 @ 10:00am
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ahoy there matey!
Sunday we decided that it would be fun to hang out with some of our favorite younger friends. We conspired with the Gazelle, and decided to take them on an outdoor adventure. Since none of our guys have a great affinity for water, we kept out ultimate objective a secret until the last minute. By the time K Street turned into Water Street, though, they were getting the idea...we're going canoeing!
There was much trepidation at the start. In fact, there was some jockeying for position...to sit in the middle of a canoe where one can be down low inside the boat, not perched perilously on a seat. As we slowly left the dock, with one person barely paddling...upstream...Mr. D demanded that we slow down.
But after being underway for a bit, they seemed to relax. At a break on a little rock island, Mr. M even allowed, to the Gazelle, that he wasn't afraid any more. Of course, he wound up being so relaxed that he didn't bother to do much paddling...so the Mrs. picked up his slack.
The Termite was quite relaxed after a bit as well. He began hailing every craft within earshot with "Ahoy there matey." Most of the mates actually responded! I subsequently discovered that if I had a water-proof blackberry, we could have done the same thing electronically. Hm.
Amazingly, there were no human casualties. I did, though, heroicly save a sock that Termite dropped overboard...only to fall in myself and submerge the camera that took the pictures below. It was on its last legs anyway, and the pictures (and the sock) survived unscathed, so all is well. Good thing I left the blackberry at home for once.
There was much trepidation at the start. In fact, there was some jockeying for position...to sit in the middle of a canoe where one can be down low inside the boat, not perched perilously on a seat. As we slowly left the dock, with one person barely paddling...upstream...Mr. D demanded that we slow down.
But after being underway for a bit, they seemed to relax. At a break on a little rock island, Mr. M even allowed, to the Gazelle, that he wasn't afraid any more. Of course, he wound up being so relaxed that he didn't bother to do much paddling...so the Mrs. picked up his slack.
The Termite was quite relaxed after a bit as well. He began hailing every craft within earshot with "Ahoy there matey." Most of the mates actually responded! I subsequently discovered that if I had a water-proof blackberry, we could have done the same thing electronically. Hm.
Amazingly, there were no human casualties. I did, though, heroicly save a sock that Termite dropped overboard...only to fall in myself and submerge the camera that took the pictures below. It was on its last legs anyway, and the pictures (and the sock) survived unscathed, so all is well. Good thing I left the blackberry at home for once.
Friday, July 06, 2007
cold in the summer
Oh, Silas, you really are so cute! ...your uncle and I had a great time with you this weekend, but this cold you so generously gave us doesn't seem to be going anywhere- in fact it seems to be settling in. How much longer will the runny nose last?
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Third of July
Here at 207 we often find that partying the day before suits us better. Instead of Cinco de Mayo, we had Quatro de Mayo, instead of a 4th of July Party we had a 3rd of July Party.
The day before worked for most of our friends too. We were delighted to open our home to a few new friends, and some old friends and to watch them interact as if they have known one another for years. In the time that Mr. and I have been married we have been praying for friends - friends that would be 'ours' rather than just his and hers, friends that are at the same stage in life and friends to step in the gap that other dear friends have left. Last night it felt a little as if the Lord was bringing people to our home and saying here is an answer, here is an answer, here is an answer.... Part of that answer was a reminder of the friends He had already given us, and part of the answer was new.
So this morning, still in my pajamas at 11:47- oh how I love days off!! - it feels a bit like New Years Day rather than Independence Day. It feels like a day to dream about the possibilities of the next year- with friends, new and old.
The day before worked for most of our friends too. We were delighted to open our home to a few new friends, and some old friends and to watch them interact as if they have known one another for years. In the time that Mr. and I have been married we have been praying for friends - friends that would be 'ours' rather than just his and hers, friends that are at the same stage in life and friends to step in the gap that other dear friends have left. Last night it felt a little as if the Lord was bringing people to our home and saying here is an answer, here is an answer, here is an answer.... Part of that answer was a reminder of the friends He had already given us, and part of the answer was new.
So this morning, still in my pajamas at 11:47- oh how I love days off!! - it feels a bit like New Years Day rather than Independence Day. It feels like a day to dream about the possibilities of the next year- with friends, new and old.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
so cute
Last weekend I got to meet these lovely ladies! Supermom and I played tag-team all day long....and I decided I don't want twins...but I think I can handle one.
Supermom, thanks for hosting me! You are doing an awesome job!
lots of love
Sunday, June 24, 2007
i passed
I passed, I passed, I passed, I passed!!
Exam Number 2....Building Technology....BIG FAT Pass
Exam Number 2....Building Technology....BIG FAT Pass
Friday, June 22, 2007
Leaving on a Jet Plane
...to Atlanta - Hotlanta! To meet these two beautiful girls.
Charlotte and Mary Lane Jerdal.
Charlotte and Mary Lane Jerdal.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day
Thanks for being such great dads! We had a great time today sharing stories about you with one another. There are a lot of great memories!
We love you guys!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Clinton, Edwards, Obama in our living room
This coming Monday (June 4) Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama will be in our living room with a group of prominent religious leaders discussing their views on faith, values, and poverty.
OK, actually they'll be at Lisner Auditorium at GW, but tickets are sold out. Thanks to CNN's live broadcast, their larger-than-life selves will also be on our living room wall from 7-8 pm.
While conventional wisdom says it is risky to talk about religion and politics in polite company, we thought it would be fun to do just that after the broadcast. What does our faith have to say about poverty? Should poverty be a political issue? Should our faith inform how we vote? Once we answer these questions, we'll move on to world hunger. And then be done by 9:30 pm.
If you are interested in taking part, please give us a heads-up so we can plan accordingly.
Details:
Date: Monday, June 4
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
Place: Our House
RSVP: to us via blog comment
Light Fare and Refreshments
For wider context on the broadcast please follow this link.
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=action.P07&item=pentecost07_candidates_forum
OK, actually they'll be at Lisner Auditorium at GW, but tickets are sold out. Thanks to CNN's live broadcast, their larger-than-life selves will also be on our living room wall from 7-8 pm.
While conventional wisdom says it is risky to talk about religion and politics in polite company, we thought it would be fun to do just that after the broadcast. What does our faith have to say about poverty? Should poverty be a political issue? Should our faith inform how we vote? Once we answer these questions, we'll move on to world hunger. And then be done by 9:30 pm.
If you are interested in taking part, please give us a heads-up so we can plan accordingly.
Details:
Date: Monday, June 4
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
Place: Our House
RSVP: to us via blog comment
Light Fare and Refreshments
For wider context on the broadcast please follow this link.
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=action.P07&item=pentecost07_candidates_forum
Monday, May 28, 2007
And now, live from Paris....
Paris and Washington have a lot in common...they were designed by French people, have a lot of political activity and museums, and have tall, well-lighted structures around which people gather. Oh, and they are both prone to violent May thunderstorms too. We thought our best chance at visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower had been rained out, but after a long dinner, the weather turned in our favor and we made it down to the tower just in time to catch the last elevator to the top.
While there is much in Paris that is similar to DC, there is also a lot that is different. As Woody (of Cheers fame) says, "they have a different word for everything." So, in order to compensate for the seemingly familiar feeling this little video-with-English-narrative might give you, we've rotated it to the left (they are a bit left-leaning there). OK...we didn't actually rotate it to the left, YouTube did that for us and we couldn't figure out how to undo it. But how did they know it would be so appropriate?
While there is much in Paris that is similar to DC, there is also a lot that is different. As Woody (of Cheers fame) says, "they have a different word for everything." So, in order to compensate for the seemingly familiar feeling this little video-with-English-narrative might give you, we've rotated it to the left (they are a bit left-leaning there). OK...we didn't actually rotate it to the left, YouTube did that for us and we couldn't figure out how to undo it. But how did they know it would be so appropriate?
Davies Family
While traveling, Mr and I got to spend some time with friends in the United Kingdom; Tim and Greta. They used to live in DC, and are good friends of the Mr. I hadn't really spent much time with them before our trip, but we had a lovely time with them. It was great to be with people who welcomed us in at a heart level. Friends who immediately opened their home, family, friends, food, and spirits to receive us. It seems that we all realized in our time together that the reality of life is hard to describe in e-mails, i-chatting, and phone conversations. This made it even better to be together. To see one another face to face.
Since Tim and Greta moved they have grown their family to 5 with three sweet daughters. They each have very welcoming spirits. Macy even at 3 days old was letting us take her around town.
Since Tim and Greta moved they have grown their family to 5 with three sweet daughters. They each have very welcoming spirits. Macy even at 3 days old was letting us take her around town.
jet lag
Mr. and I made it back last night. It seemed late and early all at the same time. When we landed the sun was just about to set, but it had been raining so it was also a bit cloudy. This was a good clue to the time of day we were entering; dusk. What should we do with that? Well, we should get our cars first; both parked at ArchInc. and waiting patiently for our return (in a nice safe suburban environment where thieve's do not break in and steal...I suppose that means I was storing some things on earth, I will work on that later) By time we got home it was dark, night, time for sleeping. But then the rush of being home, in a place that brings comfort and seclusion, just like we Americans need: individual space, we weren't so tired.
We opened the door expecting loads of mail in the way at the entry floor but there was just a few things from earlier that day. Ah, the Gazelle had come over and sorted some of our mail and left it nicely on the table. This clicked something in my mind, I had asked her to look for my 'passing' letter and to let me know if it came...only if it was a pass that is. (she hadn't let me know, but maybe she didn't look?) I scurried through and found the good things, you know like bridal brunch invites, cards from moms; the hand addressed stuff. Then I found it at the bottom, nicely placed on it's OPEN side and I knew at once that Gazelle had not told me. I slowly pulled out the two pieces of paper, my eyes were darting back and forth looking for that one word....oh yes...FAIL...there it was. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The letter had a little note that has the possibility to help me study for my next exam.
*interior layout
WHAT????? I didn't pass INTERIOR LAYOUT????? You are smoking crack! This is the part of the exam I felt SO GOOD about. This is the part of the exam that I do EVERY day. This is the part of the exam that I had mastered. YOU oh wise one of the freaking NCARB world are telling me I didn't pass???? AND on top of that you are telling me I FAILED over two months later when I don't even remember what was on the exam? AND you don't even give any more info than that?? Now I just have to realize I failed and start studying again...but study what, where were the mistakes, how could I do it better next time? I must of really f'd it up if I didn't pass, but I was sooooooooooooo sure.
I woke up this morning at 6:30 - which is always a serious chore...more serious for Matt than for me, because he practically has to push and pull me out of bed every morning. But not on jet lag day. Nope, mr. sleeps. I woke up thinking about my FAIL. At first it didn't really bother me. I mean I had just travelled from Paris and London, I can't let this silly little FAIL bother me. But now I am angry. Then I started thinking about how I am just going to kick the crap out of the rest of these exams.
So now, in my jet-lagged-state-of-mind, I am going to get my study material and start studying. One Fail is enough!
We opened the door expecting loads of mail in the way at the entry floor but there was just a few things from earlier that day. Ah, the Gazelle had come over and sorted some of our mail and left it nicely on the table. This clicked something in my mind, I had asked her to look for my 'passing' letter and to let me know if it came...only if it was a pass that is. (she hadn't let me know, but maybe she didn't look?) I scurried through and found the good things, you know like bridal brunch invites, cards from moms; the hand addressed stuff. Then I found it at the bottom, nicely placed on it's OPEN side and I knew at once that Gazelle had not told me. I slowly pulled out the two pieces of paper, my eyes were darting back and forth looking for that one word....oh yes...FAIL...there it was. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The letter had a little note that has the possibility to help me study for my next exam.
*interior layout
WHAT????? I didn't pass INTERIOR LAYOUT????? You are smoking crack! This is the part of the exam I felt SO GOOD about. This is the part of the exam that I do EVERY day. This is the part of the exam that I had mastered. YOU oh wise one of the freaking NCARB world are telling me I didn't pass???? AND on top of that you are telling me I FAILED over two months later when I don't even remember what was on the exam? AND you don't even give any more info than that?? Now I just have to realize I failed and start studying again...but study what, where were the mistakes, how could I do it better next time? I must of really f'd it up if I didn't pass, but I was sooooooooooooo sure.
I woke up this morning at 6:30 - which is always a serious chore...more serious for Matt than for me, because he practically has to push and pull me out of bed every morning. But not on jet lag day. Nope, mr. sleeps. I woke up thinking about my FAIL. At first it didn't really bother me. I mean I had just travelled from Paris and London, I can't let this silly little FAIL bother me. But now I am angry. Then I started thinking about how I am just going to kick the crap out of the rest of these exams.
So now, in my jet-lagged-state-of-mind, I am going to get my study material and start studying. One Fail is enough!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
It is a rainy day today!
Paris
Light showers 54d
London
Scattered Thunderstorms 50d
Washington DC
Scattered Thunderstorms 72d
A good day to travel, I think?
Light showers 54d
London
Scattered Thunderstorms 50d
Washington DC
Scattered Thunderstorms 72d
A good day to travel, I think?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Back in Paris
The last two days we have traveled the French countryside. What a beautiful place! We got our car...and started driving. We made it to Vezeley, Ronchamp (to see Notre Dame de Haut by Le Corbusier), Chablis and a lot of Burgundy inbetween.
We are back in Paris and have a great hotel room. We took a walk to the Louvre and stoped at a little bistro for dinner (a cheeseburger and a lovely Bordeax).
Lots of Paris left to see. Check out some of our photos down to the right.
We are back in Paris and have a great hotel room. We took a walk to the Louvre and stoped at a little bistro for dinner (a cheeseburger and a lovely Bordeax).
Lots of Paris left to see. Check out some of our photos down to the right.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Paris
It turns out that when you log in to blog in Paris, Blogspot automatically translates its website into French. So if this message gets translated into French, please know that it is not my translation, wee, wee?
So, seeing as how we are in Paris, we have better things to do than blog, so...adios...or a voyer.
Next stop...Ronchamp.
So, seeing as how we are in Paris, we have better things to do than blog, so...adios...or a voyer.
Next stop...Ronchamp.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
at long last
Finally, the arrival of this young lady will let us put our travel plans into motion!
Way to go Greta!!
Welcome to the world Macy!
See you all on Saturday.
Way to go Greta!!
Welcome to the world Macy!
See you all on Saturday.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Two Truths and a Lie
Just the other night I got to thinking about cooking something new, so I thought up a cool new recipe that would involve some tasty ingredients...then I whipped it up and surprised Mrs. with my creativity and culinary prowess. I called it sausage shepherds pie with sweet potatoes and squash. Now that's a unique idea if I do say so myself.
The meal was fantastic! There was a wide variety of distinct flavors, yet they each complemented each other exceptionally well. It was like Julia Childs went to an Irish Pub and took over the kitchen...I mean the resultant dish, not what I looked like while cooking.
I am a lucky man to have the Mrs. around..we get to enjoy some fine cooking!
The meal was fantastic! There was a wide variety of distinct flavors, yet they each complemented each other exceptionally well. It was like Julia Childs went to an Irish Pub and took over the kitchen...I mean the resultant dish, not what I looked like while cooking.
I am a lucky man to have the Mrs. around..we get to enjoy some fine cooking!
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