Oops ... Missed Trunk or Treat Photos in post below!!

Tim, Sandi & Tyler beside their Pirate "Ship"

RJ

No Hocus Pocus .. Just Hodgepodge ..

How do you put lots of stuff into a few paragraphs? Just call it 'hodgepodge' and be done with it. That way, if the photos don't make sense it won't really make a difference. A couple of these photos are from Kamen's birthday party -- well, his birthday was back in September but his party wasn't until later and I didn't get these photos until Chris downloaded them onto my computer on Sunday. It was the first time in quite a while that we had gotten together -- the three girls that live near here.

I had already posted about "Trunk or Treat" which had pics of Tyler and RJ. The following are some of the rest of the grandkids, etc.

And the time is not necessarily in sequence so bear with me through my 'hodgepodge" for the day ...

Teri's girls in Winter Haven .. the two in white on the back row are Marley, 13, Regan, 12 ..
front left, Bailey, 10, Rudy, 2-1/2

Sandi, Roxanne, Shonna (the three in the area)

Teri and Rudy (they live in Winter Haven)

Rudy ready for Trick or Treat ..

Kamen on left .. not sure who is on right

Little Miss Tootsie Roll!!

She's off and running!

Now it's to my house and she's ready to pull off those shoes!

And the piano .. Ava loves the piano!!

Trunk Or Treat / Shoebox Ministry

Tomorrow is Trunk or Treat at our church. Sandi is directing it and their vehicle will turn into some sort of pirate ship and they'll hand out some goodies from their trunk! They are hoping to have quite a few cars in the church parking lot and lots of kids, too. And added treat for the kids is a 19'x40' jumper .. I think the adults may want to get in there, too!! Me? I'll stay far away!!

The kids are even more excited about the upcoming Shoebox Packing Party on November 14th. Samaritan Ministries and Veggie Tales are partnering in the Operation Christmas Child this year. There's excitement in the air and it's such an encouragement to know the kids are so excited about giving -- even more than getting the treats!! I'll be away on that day to Come to the Fire Conference in Atlanta .. but sort of wish I could be here for that, too!!

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas is right around the corner!!

Mom's Taxi

Mom's Taxi was put into service again today. Wow, I thought I had shed my taxi uniform long ago when the girls were finally able to drive. But, not necessarily so .. and it was just fine.

Tyler spends Mondays with me often as that is Sandi's primary workday at the church (Clearwater First Nazarene). Today, Tim (her husband) was also flying home from Indiana after attending a funeral there over the weekend. So, Tyler and I donned our uniforms (okay, so we were at least dressed!) and headed out. We delivered Sandi successfully to the church although Tyler had to take a bathroom break there. At least, it wasn't while we were driving across the Courtney Campbell bridge! Just as we were driving into the airport (and that is a challenge now with all the new roads / bridges), Tim called to say he had arrived and was on the tram to the main terminal.

He wasn't outside when I arrived so we took a tour of the airport basically going in one big circle to bring us back to the blue terminal which hosts US Airways. (Tampa airport is different from orlando -- we are color coordinated, they just have A and B terminals. Okay, it's been a long time since I've been there so maybe it has changed but probably not!) I didn't see Tim at first - started to dial his number on my cell phone, looked up and there he was calling me. So, mission accomplished! At least, that part of it.

Shonna called and asked if I could possibly pick RJ up from school. She had a TV repairman coming so needed to be home. Of course since today was the day for Mom's Taxi -- you may not get it this way again so grab it while you can! So, off Tyler and I went around 2:45pm headed towards Keswick Christian School where RJ is in the first grade. (Tyler is homeschooled so he will have a full four days of study this week.) RJ didn't know I was the one picking him up so when he saw my van, he came flying -- arms waving and jumping up and down, yelling, "Nana!" So excited -- and I was so thrilled to know my grandkids are excited to see me. Not that I wouldn't expect it but I know some kids who don't necessarily jump for joy when grandparents come around. For this, I am blessed ...

Tyler and I, still in our uniforms (lol), delivered RJ safely to his home although he was not one bit amused that he wasn't making a stop at my house. "Why am I not going to your house today?" That happens about once a week when I am home so he wasn't too amused that we were not going there today! We delivered him safely to his mother and were on our way once again.

Tyler and I headed to the grocery store -- he informed me on the way that he would love a comic book -- I told him I really didn't want to buy one today. He explained, "No, we pick one up when we get into the store and I look through it and put it back when I am done -- you know, sort of like going to a library." (Which he loves to do -- he inherited his mother's love for books!)

We shopped, he read .. well, I shopped and he read .. he had about two pages left when we got to the front and he had actually read quite a lot of it. He's a fast reader! We left it there and went home to throw something for dinner into the oven. Don't you just love that description -- like we actually 'throw' anything into the oven. Of course not! But, I did make a meatloaf, put it into a pan, carefully placed it in the oven and made sure the temperature was accurate.

Since that was done, Tyler and I headed out once again -- and I thought how I hated (disliked a lot) that the gas prices are a little higher -- maybe a lot higher -- right now. But, we headed back toward the church to pick up Sandi since Tim was working a little later than usual today -- because he had gotten in mid-morning rather than starting his day early as he would usually do. Okay, so that's not important information here today but I was typing as I thought and just included it. I'm sure you are now rather bored by it all ...

We've had dinner, the dishes are not done yet (well, since we used paper plates, there are not many to do) and I am seated comfortably at my computer typing this ... and now I am running out of things to say -- and anyone who believes that can stand on your head for a while -- but I will stop! Right now ... really!

By the way, where did the phrase "you can go stand on your head" come from? I have no clue!

Cousins ... brothers ...

I love grandkids .. and they have some of the funniest things to say! Tyler usually comes up with some really funny stuff -- you just have to listen closely. I commented about a Tyler (not him) who had a fiance and our Tyler said, "I don't have a fiance. I'm too young!" He's the same one who told Sandi and me after a homeschooling session of reading, "I've talked so much my uvula hurts!" I asked him if he knew what that was and he assured me he did. "It's that thing that hangs down at the back of your throat." Okay then ...

It's always interesting when one of the other grandsons comes to our house. Each of our girls has one boy. Since Teri lives in Winter Haven, it is a mix of the three boys here -- Kamen, 11; Tyler, 9; RJ, 6. This week, it was Tyler and RJ. They love each other .. love to be together -- most of the time. However, after about an hour or less, you will usually hear some sort of conflict between them .. oh, my! It seems like a typical brotherly spat!! It will last for a little while and then things are great -- and they hate to leave! Oh, well ...

Special thanks to the Sproles Family ...

I wanted to say a special thank you to the Sproles family who handled the funeral arrangements for my dad. We were blessed by the comfort they extended from the initial meeting to the cemetery where they were in the rain a good part of the time.

There were a couple 'beyond the call of duty' things that stood out (although it's difficult to list just one). During the visitation, they went to the store to get milk for our grandson, Rudy. What funeral home do you know that would provide that kind of personal service?

Also, Paula Sproles delivered breakfast to Rachel and family on the morning of the funeral. Evidently that is something that she does ... and quite a delightful surprise to families, I am sure.

Something else they do that is unique is their folder. Funeral homes typically have a small folder they hand out but nothing quite like this. Thank you again, Tom and Tommy and family!!! We were blessed.

Click on photos to see them enlarged -- also, the photo of the family on the right is the "crazy" photo that we always have done!! Mother's expression said, "I know the are doing something -- I just don't know what!"

Heard by a certain 9 year old (Tyler) ...

Okay .. out of the mouth of a 9 year old during homeschooling session today ... "my uvula hurts because I have had to talk so much today"! Sandi wasn't sure he really knew what "uvula" meant but he said, "you know, that thing that hangs down on the back of your throat!"

What's In a Name?

"Now, what is your name?" That might be the first question my dad would ask those who were taking care of him at Glen Oaks. You see, he would tell them, a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. (He was quoting Dale Carnegie and always give him the credit for that statement.) So, because of that, my dad really knew no strangers. It wasn't long after he learned their name that he also knew their children's names, etc. And he did not forget that information.

It is amazing how important it is to someone when the question is asked, "How is your daughter (name) doing?" The first answer was usually, "You remembered!" As my dad's eyesight began to dim, he learned the voices and associated the names with their voices. I would be there in the room with him and one of the staff at Glen Oaks would come in. Dad would listen for a moment and then say, "Is that ??" And almost always, it was. Then he would make sure he introduced me as his oldest daughter and then turn to me to share something about the person he was introducing. Oh, he always found out what was important to them and perhaps a prayer request.

Today, I listened to a tape of my dad. When we were cleaning out his room at Glen Oaks, I picked up a few tapes and one of them was entitled, "New Book Introduction" (3-15-05). I was fairly certain I knew what might be on the tape but also hopeful that it was my mother whose voice I would hear. But, it was Dad's instead. (Not that I am disappointed to hear Dad's voice -- I always enjoy that!) However, my mother had wanted us kids to write a book about our family.

We tried to remind her that we were just a normal family like anyone else and doubted that there would be much interest -- other than to other family members. She didn't seem to be too put off by that .. she was truly a "Stubborn Swede" at times. I also encouraged her to write the first couple chapters telling about her life growing up .. and also reminded her that I had some of that same "stubborn Swedish" blood flowing in my veins as well. So, if she wrote .. we would then write. She didn't finish those chapters before she went on to heaven.

But when I found the tape I mentioned, I was hopeful that it would be her voice. The writing on the outside of the tape was hers - but the voice was my dad's and while it was yet strong. He was writing the introduction. I listened as he described each of us children - and told about the day we were born, what we looked like and in his typical style, told how important each of us was. He didn't have to be reminded of our full name, our date of birth, our time of birth, our weight at birth ... oh, he could recite all of that easily! We might not remember quickly but Dad did!

Dad remembered all of our names in his prayer time. I was in their apartment at Berkshire several times during an evening (while visiting). He would let me know that I could go into the other room for a little while as he needed to talk to his heavenly Father. If I listened carefully, I would hear him share evey name in the family in prayer. I didn't want to intrude but I think there was a special comfort knowing that Mother and Dad carried us daily to the Father in prayer. If he knew of particular needs, he might mention those although I was careful not to listen to closely. We are a very close family but I was sure there were prayer requests shared with Dad and Grandpa that were for his ears only. And he didn't fail to pray for them.

I think the cutest story (and I think I have told this recently) about my dad and a 'name' happened on Thursday, September 17th. Little did I know that just 2 weeks later, Dad would be making his heavenly entrance! We sat together in the library at Glen Oaks. Some of Wayne States' family was there, too, as well as John and Paula Maynard, longtime family friends of the States family and of our family as well.

I introduced Paula to my dad and as usual, he made sure he understood her name clearly .. and again, explained how important a person's name is. We sat and talked for a while and then it was time for Dad to head back to his room as I was going to leave. As Dad 'drove' his scooter passed Paula, who was sitting near the door, he said, "Bye, Rose." I thought .. "Okay, Dad has never failed in remembering a name -- at least, not that I can remember." But, I thought perhaps his mind was failing a little but still very puzzled. I was so taken back after Dad had made such a big deal about a person's name that I said, "Dad, her name isn't Rose" .. he didn't stop. He just smiled and said, 'I know!"

He was having fun as he had over the years. He had such a great sense of humor and if you had heard him preach, he always incorporated humor into his messages / sermons. About the time you had laughed until you cried, he brought a point home that had a great impact on us all! What a memory to have of his spark of humor coming out even though he didn't feel well. I can assure you that if my dad ever knew your name, he remembered who you were. And each person was important to him.

I want to keep that legacy going .. that I pay attention to people, that they know I care -- and that I will not forget their name. Okay .. please don't give me a test quite yet ... lol!!

The True Measure of a Man

I've been thinking quite a bit back over the past few weeks and especially my dad's funeral service -- I don't necessarily like the word "funeral" .. rather 'celebration' as it was truly a celebration of his life. I thought how while tears flowed, there was also much laughter as we remembered special times with Dad.

Dad had struggled over the past few years wondering if he done everything in life for the right reasons. He used the word "self-engrandizement" and wondered if he had indeed fallen prey to that. And, if so, had he hurt people along the way. Since he spent much of his time alone over the last three years, it allowed him to think .. sometimes a little too much over those things and he would call one of us. I would chide him sometimes .. and he might complain to Joel and Rachel about that .. but I wanted to remind him that those things he had committed to God and he needed to focus on how God had helped him to grow through these times.

I will never forget the time the six of us kids (just the six .. no spouses) arrived at Berkshire to surprise Mom and Dad. Oh, what a surprise that was for them -- almost too overwhelming for Dad. It was just the eight of us as it had been when all of us were younger and I was not yet married. We gathered in the living room and instead of Dad and Mother praying for us, we began to pray for Mom and Dad. It was probably one of the most precious times we have had as a family. We laughed a little -- we went out into the hallway for photos -- those photos were on the handout given at the viewing / funeral service. One serious photo and in keeping with tradition, one crazy photo! I mean .. really ... would you expect them all to be serious!! My mother's expression on her face told it all .. she knew that behind her were six kids making absolute fools of themselves -- except for Joel. He keeps us all in balance!

As we gathered for the funeral service, we realized that although Dad had impacted so many lives across the years .. his service to Bible Colleges, his role as pastor and evangelist, and in the work place, the greatest impact of his life was on those sitting in those first several rows at the church .. his children and grandchildren.

He had shared the requests he had for his funeral -- it didn't include a special guest speaker, preacher, etc. He asked that his son-in-law, Allen, share two of his own (Dad's) sermons. He trusted his family to share his heart .. he had entrusted his to us fully and he trusted us to share it with others. We had entrusted our hearts, our cares, our concerns to him and he had not failed us either!

Six children -- twenty grandchildren -- not counting the spouses, the greats and the great-great! We gathered together to do what he had done for us but in a different way ... he had given us all his blessing -- he had prayed a blessing on each one of us a few years ago at a reunion. Now we were here at this service to rise up and call him blessed. No, perhaps not the Proverbs 31 style -- but to call a man who loved us unconditionally -- blessed. Did he make mistakes? Oh, yes .. we all do. But, one of the greatest reasons I respected my dad so much -- and especially in the later years -- was his willingness to say, "I'm sorry. I made some choices I regret." He felt like some of those choices had negatively impacted his children and that grieved him greatly.

He loved us and prayed for us daily and and always when we were ready to leave after a visit. My last memory with dad was a few weeks ago when I was leaving Glen Oaks, he said, "Can we pray?" He began to pray but I knew he was failing when his voice trailed off and I finished the prayer for him.

So, what is the true measure of a man? Is it because of all those he has ministered to across the years? Is it the number of books or articles he has written? Is it what positions he holds?

While all of that is good, my answer is 'no'. For iin our family, it was shown by his children and grandchildren getting up and saying at the 'celebration service', "He loved us! He prayed for us! He played with us! He lived his life for us! And we are blessed!"

And, as far as I am concerned, that is the true measure of a man! And I am indeed blessed!

Finding Shoes! (Forget "Finding Nemo"

Finding shoes ... so what is there to write about that? Well, take four little guys and Saturday nights growing up in the Boynton household. My dad was a stickler for shiny black dress shoes -- no matter what age you might be. Glad for shiny patent leather shoes for me, huh?

So on Saturday night, you would hear my dad calling to us, "Let's get your shoes shined" and then he would line the shoes up by the front door ready for Sunday morning. Only problem .. there always seemed to be at least one shoe missing! Always .. I'm not sure which boy's it was only that there was one person who would have to look for it ... "Linda, we need to find shoes!" And off I'd go to look for shoes ... and believe it or not, I would find them! And I would usually find them in plain sight!

Of course, once I got to thinking about this memory, others flooded my mind so perhaps you can bear with me as I become a little nostalgic .. okay, maybe a lot ...

I've shared before how much my dad loved being a dad -- so much so that he promised my mother that while she took care of us all day, he would take care of us all night. It was my dad who sat by my bed when I couldn't go to sleep or had a bad dream. He has reminded me even over the past months of conversations we had. I think he may have reconsidered his promise to my mom the night of my 16th birthday when we all had pizza and obviously, it was not good ... we were all sick and he was racing from one bedroom to another!! He didn't complain ...

However, when he was teaching me how to drive, I think he may have wanted to take out the parent contract and re-read it. He grabbed for the dashboard more than once! Which brings me to the last trip I would make with my parents a few years ago .. wow, I started out talking about shoes and end up taking my parents to church! (I know, I've been known to ramble a lot .. I admit it1)

It was a Sunday morning about five years ago and my parents were anxious to visit their home church, Southside Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis. I was going to drive them there -- imagine that. Dad was going to trust me to drive! Actually, he had no choice and he hadn't driven in quite a while. My mother had but that is another story in itself.

The only problem was that Mother and Dad couldn't agree on one thing and that was, "Where are you going to drop us off before you park the van?" It was a 20 minute trip to the church and most of that 20 minute trip was discussing the pros and cons of every entrance to the church -- while there are probably only two or three, we took enough time discussing it that there may have been 10!

My dad wanted to go around the back, I believe, but my mother said there were steps and since he was in a wheelchair, that wouldn't work. Okay, maybe there weren't steps - couldn't remember for sure. I interjected that I thought I would drop them off at the front door where it was easiest -- they ignored me and continued discussing.

So my frustration level was a little high that morning .. I admit it! It was a challenge to get them both into the van and with my dad's physical challenges, we had to take along an extra bag of necessary items. (Won't go into detail there.) So, I had gotten all that done but was a little weary by this time -- and their bickering (okay, my parents didn't bicker -- they 'discussed') was getting a little wearisome. And I was sure I was going to have to say something .... soon!

Finally, I told them I where I was going to drop them off ... at the front door, period!! No argument, that was what it would be. So there .. I had done it politely, didn't raise my voice so they would have reason to chide me ... but ... my mother was so funny. Actually, she didn't think what I said was funny but she made some kind of a noise akin to a snort and said, "Well, who do you think you are?"

My answer was simple .. "I'm the one with the keys!" She said, "Well" .. and that was all!

And ... I dropped them off at the door with no complaint .. it worked well, there were greeters to help, the church actually had a wheelchair and all was good! And they never mentioned the conversation again!

Little did we know that it would be the last time they would be able to attend church outside their assisted living facility. (There were Sunday services there at Berkshire where they worshiped and also took part in the services every week.)

Back to shoes .. it was a little sad this past Wednesday night when we were cleaning Dad's room and I looked at his shoes that were going to be thrown away. They were well worn, not the usual sleek ones he wore as a young man but ones that were more focused on support and comfot. Back in the day, he would have looked at those shoes and said, "Oh, these shoes need a good shine."

Then I reminded myself that he has a brand new pair of shoes now -- ones that will never be lost again and will never need to be polished!!

Finding shoes? Oh, he's found his new ones!! And I wonder if he'll remember those days of long ago ... sweet memories!