It's not only cold ... SNOW and SLEET are ...

... in the forecast here in Indiana. Why is it that we seem to bring out the cold weather when we come up here. I take that back -- it's supposed to be 47 here on Monday so I guess that will be a heat wave. But, until then ... yikes!! I do not like to drive in the snow at all -- it's like I feel the car feels safer in a ditch where I cannot drive anywhere at all. I was so sure that the snow would start earlier this afternoon when I was out in Spiceland visiting my sister, her family -- and my dad. Since the weather system was coming from the west, I figured by the time we got back to Indy, the snow and sleet would have me paralyzed with fear! But ... even after watching my nephew, Jimmy, play a game of basketball (where the game was delayed because a ref either forgot to show up or thought the time was later than scheduled) .. it was just windy but no hint of snow! But, who knows what the morning will bring!!

We did have a great day today -- Roxanne and I, that is. We stopped by to see Shara at her job at the The Oak Store -- and, of course, Roxanne and her humor took over and before you knew it .. voila! We were in cowboy hats and she was grabbing a lasso or rope or whatever it was ..

Then it was off to Rachel's and Seth Mark met me at the door -- anxious to show off his latest Lego creations which are quite awesome -- and ready to share his latest stash of our favorite candies!

Lunch with my dad was a highlight for Roxanne and me -- what was neat, also, was to hear him sing for a couple there who recently celebrated 74 years of marriage. "I Love You Truly" was the song he sang to my mother each night .. what a special treat to hear him sing to them.

The evening finished with Jimmy's basketball game (he's #30) -- that is, before we got back to Bob's mother's home where she had homemade soup waiting on us! We are truly blessed!!

IT IS COLD!!!!

Okay ... I grew up in the north and I thought people were absolutely nuts who said that they had developed thin blood after moving to the south!! I'M A BELIEVER!! Of course, it's probably because I'm accustomed to the warm weather of Florida -- but when I got off the plane here in Indianapolis today -- and it was 22 degrees, it was a rude awakening!! And a memory of days gone by ...

Roxanne is with me and she became a chronic complainer within about five minutes after arriving ... she said that she just realized that she is true Floridian -- she just isn't adjusting well. Then again, when she arrives home next Tuesday evening, her complaint will be ... HEAT WAVE!!

Watch out, Stephen "Steelburg" ...

Tyler is already a movie maker. He is quite convinced that someday perhaps he and Stephen "Steelburg" (as he calls him) will collaborate on one! On Saturday, he thoroughly enjoyed checking out www.luckycharms.com where he was able to make a movie!! He knew exactly what to do and with a click of the mouse here and pulling a slide there -- he had it done in no time and proudly showed it off to me!! I think he's off to a great start -- not bad for a 7 year old!

I am heading for Indianapolis this week -- and I think I must be a little crazy after I checked the weather forecast. Our forecast is for the 70's -- theirs is for in the 30's or so although today and tomorrow are warmer for them. Of course, they would give us a cold welcome. After all, we usually give Hoosier's a wet welcome -- it seems that the rain always follows them right down here. Wish we could take along some warm weather .. however, I don't think that will happen. Hopefully, my driving skills will be acceptable and I won't end up in some ditch somewhere. Last year when we arrived in Indy, they were preparing for the Super Bowl. This year won't quite be the same but that's okay, too.

Last night, RJ spent some time with me. He was coughing a little and I asked him if he was okay. He said, "I am. I'm still happy!" You just never know what will come out of the mouths of babes -- like on the cell phone when I missed a call and realized that it was just Rudy calling! Pretty funny to have a 10 month old baby calling you on a cell phone .. all I usually hear is deep breathing.

Chris, Rox and the kids just returned from Sea World yesterday after a couple days of competition for Kasi in competitive cheerleading. I believe they came in second with an invitation to go to "World" -- I'm not sure what all that means but it must be pretty good!! I'm amazed at all the energy expended in one performance that only lasts a few minutes! Chris sent me some photos from Sea World as Teri and her kids came and met them there.

While they were all over there, Tyler spent time with me while his mom and dad directed the Conference Youth Day "Reality Check" at our church. What an awesome day it was for all of them. On Saturday, Sandi and Tim directed a conference youth event for the Free Methodist Church. Together, they have directed four summer youth camps, a leader training event and the event on Saturday, Reality Check, which will be the theme of the camp this summer. (I'm sure I've missed listing other events!) I have asked her to write up a synopsis of the event which hopefully she will get done soon. But, I thought I would pass along a few photos which tell part of the story -- like "Are You Smarter Than a Bible Quizzer" -- the Bible quizzers challenging the Youth Pastors! Or Fear Factor -- and I won't tell you what all they had to try to eat -- Sandi said the smell was enough to make you gag! Of course, the most important part was to worship their Lord together -- whether through times of music and prayer -- or workshops -- or fun.

Shonna and Ron were in the mix at Sea World so all the kids were busy on Saturday. I had a grand time with Tyler on Friday night and Satuday and RJ last night ... they can operate a computer almost better than I can!! Yikes!!

So, better go find some warm clothes!!