Sandi's 20 Year Reunion Smile Box Creation

Sandi is celebrating her birthday tomorrow but celebrated her 20 year high school graduation reunion a couple weeks ago. She put together the following Smilebox slide show which was shown on Friday night ... thought I would share it here.

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Happy Birthday, Sandi!!

How well I remember when I found out I was pregnant … thrilled beyond words since we were beginning to wonder whether that might happen at all. While as you know the pregnancy was difficult at times, anything is worth the birth of a child!! Other moms had told me that you cannot drink anything during the delivery process and I had these visions of being so thirsty I couldn’t stand it .. but since the doctor chose to sedate me throughout much of the labor and delivery, I just remember one thing vividly.. someone asking me if I wanted a drink of juice! I was wide awake!! They immediately brought you to me … and our family became a family of four!!

You were shy during those first years hiding in the folds of my skirts so afraid to talk to anyone. Roxanne talked for you – she talked early and seemed to be able to translate what you wanted into words easily. I still love the relationship the two of you have had through the years! Unlike Roxanne and Teri, you didn’t want anyone looking at you .. and might burst into tears even when Dad looked at you. You were not anxious to go to school at all … and decided not to talk at all there, it seemed. (I know, hard to believe now! lol!) After some speech therapy, I’m sure the therapist was a little shocked at your comment, “It’s not that I can’t talk, I don’t want to!” Your stubbornness there has developed into determination over the years which has carried you through many ups and downs of life!

Fourth grade was to change your life – didn’t Mr. Bellich place a portable microphone system on your desk so he could hear your answers audibly? Little did we know that his input into your life that year would change your life forever. The election … you represented Ronald Reagan and launched a pretty successful campaign in your mock election at the school. Going from class to class, you learned to project your voice through that microphone as you answered campaign questions and I think your headquarters were set up at our house .. well, sort of. Since you were all of about 10 years old, I think your vice president had to hold down his ‘fort’ at his own home but I remember the phone lines buzzing all night as you watched the real life election.

You started directing birthday parties when we lived in Greenville PA … although I have a feeling you did it long before then, too, and we just didn’t recognize what you were doing. I still remember the Strawberry Shortcake birthday party on our porch. We laughed that you had Roxanne invite her friends since you were a loner of sorts – usually only having one or two close friends. What an awesome job you did .. little did we know that you were preparing for the future when you would direct many, much larger events!

I was always amazed at your intelligence .. you listened and learned. You were a great student .. like a walking encyclopedia .. wonder where you got that from. (Not too hard to figure out!) You read the newspapers and could take in lots of data quickly. I see that in Tyler now!

I remember you and Roxanne went off to Jamaica on a mission trip with other teens and adults. I was hesitant since you were my homebody but you did well except for the one time you called me and you were quite homesick. But, what a life changing experience that was, too. Funny stuff as well as serious … didn’t you get pushed off onto the floor while you were sleeping in the van?

Tim has been in your life for a long time … if I remember correctly, you were about 12 when you became interested in him more than just a friend. (Wasn’t that around the time of the Jamaica trip or shortly after?) Even though you were apart for two of the years we lived in Salisbury, he visited faithfully and it was very hard for me to let you go when you moved to Indiana following your graduation from high school. I think I knew I was saying ‘goodbye’ to life as it had been. Since you were the homebody, you were usually at my side much of the time and we made numerous trips to the library for books. I couldn’t imagine going to the library without you … now I take you to the library as a mom taking a mom getting books for her child (Tyler). Well, then again, many of the books are for you … don’t you read like 30 books a week at times? Along with all your other responsibilities.

Since Tim loved sports, you began to study just that .. more sports stats than I could imagine and you still look at me a little oddly when you start talking about a particular player and I say, “Who?” I enjoyed watching your enthusiasm when you followed Steve Allford when he played for IU. Your room was decorated with IU stuff and the teens of West Morris Street had a high ol’ time riding downtown around Monument Circle the year IU won. (They did win that year, right? Remember, I’m a sports challenged mom!)

I began to truly realize your abilities in organization, etc., when you handled all the housing for one of the large Bible Quiz Tournaments at West Morris Street. You may have been in your sophomore year in high school and worked for me there at the church when I was secretary / administrative assistant for Don and Iris Riggs. You took a list of 250 kids, found homes for them all, and coordinated them being picked up by their host families, brought back to the church, etc. I was in awe .. that wasn’t something that didn’t come natural to me but you had it down pat. That was just the beginning ….

From planning your own wedding to Tim to managing a bridal shop to directing weddings, to running youth camps etc., your skills in not just organization but wisdom in handling personality differences has always been something I have admired. When you had to handle difficult moms of brides and even working with difficult pastors, you found the words to calm the ruffled feathers and as you told them, “Remember, all that matters is at the end of the day, you are married.” And you would grab your trusty fanny pack which had everything from needles and thread to bandaids and the weddings would come off without a hitch – as far as everyone knew. You may have soothed a brides hurt feelings, quieted a difficult mother-in-law, exchanged out candles that wouldn’t light, or told a pastor when it was time to go and “did you know your microphone is on and everything you just said was heard by all”. In it all, you did a great job with grace and confidence. Oh, the stories you could tell!!

Motherhood was not in the cards it seemed, for years. But, I will never forget the Mother’s Day celebration where you gave Dad and me a card … when we read that we were going to be grandparents in December (although Tyler came November 22nd), my mind could hardly grasp it!! Thrilled beyond words .. and your sisters said you changed! We never did send in the video of you telling Roxanne with one sister on a phone and another one in front of her … the shriek when she said, “You’re pregnant” could almost be heard throughout our neighborhood! And what a special little guy Tyler has been … you have definitely proven yourself to be an awesome mom! Tyler always surprises you with his witty comebacks and we have all learned to look up something in the dictionary or online before discounting something he has told us. He’s usually been correct. Wonder where that came from … heredity, for sure!

Your abilities in leading the conference youth camp for the Free Methodist was awesome to watch. No one knows the hours you put into planning each year – from the facility to who was going to speak, workshops, counselors, coordinating teams, dealing with youth issues that most people never even know about .. on and on … each step was thought through and prayed over and when the youth finished camp changed spiritually, you knew that God had used you and Tim again!!

It’s exciting to see what God is doing through you and Tim this summer at Clearwater First Nazarene. To watch these young people grow spiritually is inspiring!! And I’m glad I get to be a part of it .. whether taking you somewhere (since you’re not a driver, thankfully .. lol!) or helping you finish up something on the computer. I am blessed by that.

These past couple years have been filled with changes and challenges .. but one constant has always been there … your consistency .. in your spiritual walk and in your commitment to Tim, to Tyler and to us. When I would hit a low point, you would walk me through it … giving me perspective which comes from the wisdom you inherited from your dad. Each of you girls has your own strengths and I am so glad they are different .. It’s what makes truly a family.

Thanks for being a wonderful daughter … loving, dependable, trustworthy, willing to stand up for what you feel is right … I am truly blessed that I am your mom!!

Bok Tower / Gardens

This little squirrel gave us a warm welcome (a little to close for the Marley, Regan and Bailey) to Bok Tower. What a neat place to spend an afternoon or a day .. or an evening. One of our first visits was back in 1991 when Bob and I went to hear a Christmas Concert of the carillon bells on Christmas Eve. The rest of our family had already traveled north and we were leaving the next day. Of course, it was quite a change to sit in fairly warm weather and not the typical snowy evening of the north!

Yesterday afternoon, Marley, Regan, Bailey & Rudy headed to Bok Tower / Gardens for a picnic lunch. Rudy slept through lunch but awoke in time to play some 'baseball' .. he's a good little pitcher!! We also got to hear the carillon bells while we were there! What a neat afternoon .. the photos speak for themselves!

Is it time to say "good-bye"?

Two years ago, we thought might dad was going to go on to heaven to join our mother (I'm the oldest of the six chiledren). We spoke with the doctor and he gave us an overview and then suggested one treatment that might help ... it has for the past two years. He has been confined to his motorized scooter (chair) but has led an acceptable life for the most part. He's had his ups and downs but we have learned to accept where he is.

Over the past few weeks, some other symptoms have begun to express themselves -- primarily the loss of his voice. It is so raspy that we are unable to understand him when we call him on the phone - if he whispers, I can pick up some of the words. As a result, he is worn out physically ... and losing his voice has really affected his spirit. The one thing he so enjoyed doing was singing -- each Tuesday, Marian, a lady from the Spiceland Nazarene Church, would come out to Glenn Oaks Nursing Home and play the piano while my dad sang. Oh, how he enjoyed that. And then, each evening, he would make his way to several rooms where he would pray or sing with some of the residents there. We have heard from some of these about how much they appreciate what he has done for them.

He also has macular degeneration which means he really can't see anything straight on -- only periferal vision. So, when you put the two together along with his dimished lung capacity, he is struggling.

He was taken to the hospital on Thursday night ... I am so glad that Sandi and Tim were in Indy at the time -- they headed out to the New Castle hospital around 10:45pm and got back at 3:45am. Rachel and Allen were there -- I think Sandi was there for Rachel as much as anything as she was simply worn out. The doctor and the respiratory therapist basically told us that there is really nothing more they can do except to make him as comfortable as they can which can be done at the nursing home.

We don't know what the future holds or whether it is time to say "Good-bye" ... we have told him verbally that if he wants to go on "home", he has or permission, even though selfishly we would like to keep him around a long time. But, it appears he is getting closer so we are in preparation that our final "good-bye" could be just around the corner. Then again, we have thought that before and he hung on ... "Until then ... " (which is one of my dad's favorite songs)

Parents Away .. Let's Play!!

This weekend, I'll be in Winter Haven with Teri's four kids while she and Jeff are away. Of course, she will have a list so I know what to do but fortunately, school is not going on, I don't have to take Rudy to swimming lessons ... so hopefully, it will just be a laid back weekend ... ha!! I think I remember Teri telling me that there were some options -- practice times, etc. But, maybe I'll suggest that we do some fun things since I don't see these four as often as I see the four plus Ava here. I'll post what happens here ... if I'm not too busy!! LOL!!

It's All in the Name!

(Click on the photo above to enlarge the picture)

When I was younger, I didn't particularly like my name. In fact, I didn't like it at all. I'm not sure why but I wished my name had been like Marilyn (my friend from childhood) or Marianne or something more interesting than "Linda". However, now that I am older and involved in an organization that is for "Linda's", I have decided that I just might stick with it. (Don't worry, I never had the idea of changing it!)

I spent this past weekend with 52 other Linda's at Holiday Inn Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach (up the road about 7 miles). Of course, it gets rather confusing when anyone calls out "Linda" and everyone turns to answer. So, to simplify it, we called each other by our last names. I'm sure other visitors at the hotel wondered why we would yell out, "Hey, Chapman" or "Callahan" or "Buss" ... but we definitely got each other's attention quickly that way.

The hotel had signs everywhere to welcome us as did the Tampa airport which had a sign welcoming us to our annual convention. Don't I feel special and just think, this would never have happened had I not been named "Linda".

We get the usual raised eyebrows and a "What kind of convention" response when we say we are going to the "Linda Convention"! We had Linda's from as far away as California and Toronto. Some from New York, Connecticut and Virginia. A lot from the Illinois, Indiana and Michigan areas and of course, those of us from Florida who hosted the convention.

Technically, the convention didn't begin until Friday afternoon -- however, many decided to come in early so we opened up our hospitality room on Thursday and "Chapman" and I ran a shuttle service to both the Tampa and St Pete airports. Needless to say, people knew we were in town! Yikes! Maybe that's not necessarily good? But, really not bad either.

On Thursday evening, we headed down to the restaurant (mainly outdoors) which is part of the hotel. We began to add tables -- I'm not sure how many we ended up with but probably about 5 tables (for four) all put together. The gal who waited on us did an awesome job .. she even took a stack of our credit cards at the end ... with all of us named Linda, we weren't sure if she would get the bills figured correctly -- she did! No mistakes!

On Friday, we were up and at it getting ready for the official opening when our hospitality room would be ready to go -- homemade cookies (I did that part), cute little clam desert thingies which are actually made from vanilla wafers, pink, white and black icing and a white jelly bean for the pearl. It was a pretty big hit along with orange slices ... a true Floridian welcome. We took turns 'manning' the room although Swafford sat there most of the day -- poor thing!! We handed out goodie bags which had a variety of niceties provided by local vendors and some things we had purchased.

Saturday was the "Linda" walk along the beach -- everyone in their T-shirt which came at registration. And then a lot of them hit "Crabby Bills" for breakfast (oh, they did that Friday morning, too ... same scenario as Thursday night -- just keep adding those tables!) By 9:30am, we all crammed into our hospitality suite to have the annual business meeting which was over in about 45 minutes -- woohoo, thanks "Ingold" ... great job! Short and sweet! Part of the business -- where next year's convention will take place -- Elizabethtown, Kentucky!

After that was over, everyone headed for anywhere and everywhere -- some on the trolleys down to John's Pass with a stop at the Candy Kitchen, others to the beach, some to the pool, etc. We Floridians had to get down to business and prepare for the banquet that would be held Saturday evening.

Oh, in the middle of it all, we were raising money for the charity we had chosen, "Up With Downs of Pinellas County". One of our Florida Linda's has a grandson, Jake, with Downs Syndrome -- we raised $650 to give to the local organization. Linda's daughter-in-law, Cara, came to speak to us this morning about it and brought 6 year old, Jake, with them. He was a little overwhelmed by the crowd but told us "Hi, Linda's" and then wanted to make sure we knew that "Callahan" was his grandma!!

Back to Saturday -- Door prizes for everyone, raffle prizes, setting up a DVD player / projector (which caused us some grief until we tried the third computer), etc., kept us busy until it was photo time. Okay, let's see -- where can we put 53 Linda's all together for a photo!! And believe it or not, everyone was on time or if not, only about 5 minutes late! Must be a generational thing!

And dinner was served in the Key West room at the hotel. Wow, we felt pretty special! And, of course, we couldn't get by without making absolute fools of ourselves (I know, what is knew) ... Linda Burden dolled us up in some kind of T-shirt which has a bikini on it and we had to 'sing' that tune, "Itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini" ... it was pretty crazy and while I think we were crazy to do it, the cameras were 'flashing' like crazy so I guess they enjoyed it! Then, it was door prizes, honoring several who were there for the first time, three who had never missed a convention, etc. I got to give a special prize ... for the first person who realized that the bar on my Linda badge (we add a bar each year) had been put on upside down ... thanks, Siebert! She and I decided to leave it that way and see how long it took for someone to realize it was that way. About an hour later, one of our new Florida Linda's noticed it so she got the prize.

We watched a video of Jack Lawrence who was at the third Linda Convention years ago because of the song he wrote about "Linda" ... "When I fall asleep, I never count sheep ... " That year, he and the Linda's appeared on Good Morning, America! Linda Seibert, the secretary of the organization, was invited to speak at the memorial service for Mr. Lawrence not too long ago.

All of us were pretty tired by the end of last night -- so crashed figuratively speaking. The first night, some didn't get to sleep until 5:30 in the morning! Are we still teenagers?

This morning was great -- a good breakfast in the Key West room followed by a short worship time. Linda Burden put together a recipe on friendship (like she was baking a cake) and talked about what the ingredients meant relating to friendship. Although when she only put a tablespoon of flour in it and a whole handful of salt, I told her I didn't think she was getting it right ... she had everyone laughing until they cried a few times.

Since Cara was running a little late due to rain this morning, we played a song recorded by Jonathan White for his daughter, Brittany, who has Downs Syndrome, "Sometimes Miracles Hide". Needless to say, there was hardly a dry eye -- and as the last strains of the song faded, the back door opened and in walked Cara with Jake ... what a way to finish up a great weekend.

There were sad good-byes ... we make such great friendships at these conventions. We Florida Linda's meet fairly often throughout the year but some we won't see until next year. So, it is bitter sweet in a way -- it just goes so fast! Great friends and a wonderful time ... and I'll be anxious for next year to roll around again ... and I'll answer the question again, "You're going to WHAT?"

The Tampa Airport welcomed us as did the hotel, Holiday Inn Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach, FL. And (below) Crabby Bill's will never quite be the same since the Linda's invaded the place!

We made these little critters -- uh, clams -- as a Florida treat.

After the beach walk on Saturday (in the Linda Beach Bash T-shirts), we gathered in the hospitality room for our annual meeting.

Linda Young has been to a lot of conventions as you can see from her badges!!

Pennington and Burden heading for the Banquet Room to get set up for Saturday evening.

We seem to always have a new Linda show up -- this is Linda Gaddor from Alligator Alley -- complete with her "straw" hat! (She spelled it for us .. even though she pronounced it like "Gator"!)

What a neat evening -- well, most of it ... below is Chapman with her stuffed bikini!!

What a sweet photo -- little Jake Callahan ... the grandson of Linda Pennington. He was intrigued by the name badge.

Saying "good-bye" is hard to do - we become such fast friends in a weekend!

The pictures tell the story

Rachel and Allen (Southerland), my sister, her husband, and their children, spent almost a week with us recently. One sure thing while they are here is a visit to Candy Kitchen which is one of the local tourist attractions. So small it can only fit about 10 people in it if you are lucky -- but space to sit outside. Hardly any parking spaces so people may walk a ways to be there and the line snakes down the side walk next to a busy street!

The night they decided to go, I was babysitting Ava. At first, I thought I would pass on the trip since it can be a challenge if there are already a lot of people there. But, it was a little early for the nightly crowd so Ava and I joined the group along with Tim, Sandi and Tyler.

Ava decided quickly that she would like some of Tim's shake ... and then he decided to have a little more fun and bought an ice cream cone -- didn't he know that it was well into the 90's and we had to stand outside! No matter ... Ava thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream cone .. at least, as long as they could manage to keep it from dripping everywhere!

And they had to finish up with a trip to the Candy Kitchen's famous bathroom .. can't go home without a visit and a camera handy!!

Getting Ready ...

The LINDA Convention is right around the corner -- in two weeks ... and since we are hosting it here in Florida, we are busy with last minute preparations ... from trying to put together some silly skit about an 'itsy bitsy polka dot bikini' (as you can see, we are certainly improvising), to making sure that we have shuttle service to and from the airport ... oh, and putting goodie bags and door prize bags together ... it's been fun.

But it will be more fun when 50 or so Linda's get together for a weekend of fun and fellowship!