'Twas one week before the week
and all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a backyard deer or mouse
And Pa in his skivvies and Ma visioning Sherpa cozies
were just waking up from a long night's nap
And all of a sudden there arose such a CHatter
it was time to arise, for many a matter
When what to our wandering thoughts we recall
memories of the year, eager to share with y'all
and we realize how true the insightful saying is
and we realize how true the insightful saying is
The years goes by fast, but each day seems long
 |
| Jeff walks, on water? |
February 26th, a week prior to Jeff’s departure for a spring break Bolivia missions trip, in the home office Diane spun a half circle; and, like she was on ice but not, fell kerplunk and broke her dominant wrist. Within days she solo and basically one-handed journeyed 3-1/2 hours up north, to accompany Nana in her car for 5-1/2 more hours, to attend an already-planned youngest Grand's birthday party. She would not miss the "everything-princess" party for a broken wrist, or for the world. The next 8 months were spent visiting doctors, physical therapists, the chiropractor, and performing flexibility exercises. She has blogged enough about that challenging life experience, and is ready to carefully slide on as it continues to heal.
Jeff’s annual missions trip was filled with treasured re-connections. He loves Bolivia, and his heart is with all of the people he has known there for over a decade. And this year included visits to cool places like Salar de Uyuni, Potosi, y Sucre. Students experienced the deep joy that comes from giving and living an adventurous life.
Mid-July we flew to sunny Florida. Snow-like sand, waves, Vitamin Sea, fine foods, and jazz music were just what this year's wish-list requested. Nothing can beat 5k walks on the booming beach and many chats with our dear friends in restaurant settings.
The loss of our beloved Greatest Generation family member, 92-year-old Spunky Aunt Ketra, became a celebration of her life. Jeff’s Mom was able to attend the funeral, plus three extra generations, to learn more about a giving woman's love of life. Our Grands enjoyed hotel swimming and observing aunts, uncles, and silver-haired treasures. Middle little was particularly curious about heritage relationships.
Some in our peer group are beginning to talk Medicare, semi-retirement, Social Security benefits, and Hallmark Christmas movie-binging. Surely we are too young for any of that, but I guess not! One of us plans a daring visit to Springfield's busy Social Security Office soon.
Diane is morphing into a semi-homebody. Rather than 5 or 6 trips to littles' country, she managed only two 2018 trips up north. Her heart is always with our far-away Grands. So, November and early DeDe-cember included 12-Days-of-Christmas outlet mall and thrift store adventures. One never knows what unusual, seasonal, or comical finds will be at the thrift store. The Grands will be here soon...
This Elf Elf chimes:
A "magical" Christmas, indeed!
Jeff’s annual missions trip was filled with treasured re-connections. He loves Bolivia, and his heart is with all of the people he has known there for over a decade. And this year included visits to cool places like Salar de Uyuni, Potosi, y Sucre. Students experienced the deep joy that comes from giving and living an adventurous life.
Son Nathan’s promotion scores a grade A++. It is a blessing with many increases. Prior to his new AAA job, paid vacation, sick, and holiday time were dreamy Santa wishes. Working from home as an insurance adjuster works well for him. Nathan sadly lost a "family" member, sweet boxer-mix Jersey, but soon gained a new pooch… weimaraner-mix Koda.
Diane's wrist felt mobile enough by June to co-host, with her sister-in-luv and our mega-helpful daughters, a first-ever family reunion in Libertyville, Illinois. Temperatures tied records for sweltering heat; but does that matter when indoor, air conditioned, alternate Plan B is available for the rare opportunity to eat and converse with so many beloved family members?
On the heels of the reunion was Nana/DeDe Camp. Two of the "littles" bravely journeyed away from the familiarity of home, Mom, Dad and little sister to travel afar with JJ and DeDe on a 9-hour-long summer "sleigh ride." They re-experienced our adventurous camp setting in Springfield for the ideal balance of time: Too few days for all of us to still long for their return, yet enough days to wear us out with fishing, swimming, super-duper bubble baths, and just plain playing. Then, we drove them back up to St. Louis for educator-and-field-trip-extraordinaire Nana Camp.
Diane's wrist felt mobile enough by June to co-host, with her sister-in-luv and our mega-helpful daughters, a first-ever family reunion in Libertyville, Illinois. Temperatures tied records for sweltering heat; but does that matter when indoor, air conditioned, alternate Plan B is available for the rare opportunity to eat and converse with so many beloved family members?
On the heels of the reunion was Nana/DeDe Camp. Two of the "littles" bravely journeyed away from the familiarity of home, Mom, Dad and little sister to travel afar with JJ and DeDe on a 9-hour-long summer "sleigh ride." They re-experienced our adventurous camp setting in Springfield for the ideal balance of time: Too few days for all of us to still long for their return, yet enough days to wear us out with fishing, swimming, super-duper bubble baths, and just plain playing. Then, we drove them back up to St. Louis for educator-and-field-trip-extraordinaire Nana Camp.
Mid-July we flew to sunny Florida. Snow-like sand, waves, Vitamin Sea, fine foods, and jazz music were just what this year's wish-list requested. Nothing can beat 5k walks on the booming beach and many chats with our dear friends in restaurant settings.
Thanksgiving in our home, with 14+ of the Fulks clan, gave opportunity to re-connect and laugh and cook with family, including a fine chef from Europe, knowledgeable scuba divers from the West Coast, and gifted renovators from the good old Midwest. And, we became better acquainted with Grandpup Koda. The littles will meet Koda at Christmas time, but might keep their distance since she is almost the size of a reindeer-in-training.
Jeff continues on faculty at Evangel University, runs most every morning at the nearby lake, loves watching sports of all kinds, and is ready for winter to come and go. Diane's part-time position in the Housing Office keeps married and older students affordably sheltered. We try to stay a predictable step ahead of unpredictable students, but who knows the unusual or outrageous that will present itself next!
Icons like Fiery John McCain and Steady George H.W. Bush will be missed. Diane's Dad and "41" were members of the Greatest Generation (both born in 1924). Instead of sky-sleighing like St. Nick, brave young pilots during WWII H.W. (Navy) and Dad (Air Force) served our country and/or fellow persons. They grasped a higher call which is something, in one way or another, all of us can strive to do.
Icons like Fiery John McCain and Steady George H.W. Bush will be missed. Diane's Dad and "41" were members of the Greatest Generation (both born in 1924). Instead of sky-sleighing like St. Nick, brave young pilots during WWII H.W. (Navy) and Dad (Air Force) served our country and/or fellow persons. They grasped a higher call which is something, in one way or another, all of us can strive to do.
Some in our peer group are beginning to talk Medicare, semi-retirement, Social Security benefits, and Hallmark Christmas movie-binging. Surely we are too young for any of that, but I guess not! One of us plans a daring visit to Springfield's busy Social Security Office soon.
Diane is morphing into a semi-homebody. Rather than 5 or 6 trips to littles' country, she managed only two 2018 trips up north. Her heart is always with our far-away Grands. So, November and early DeDe-cember included 12-Days-of-Christmas outlet mall and thrift store adventures. One never knows what unusual, seasonal, or comical finds will be at the thrift store. The Grands will be here soon...
So now, time draws near
One thrifted Elf Elf sweater to don
Paired with mega-sparkly and bell-clad Elf Elf slippers
(That were swiped, playing a white elephant game, from a friend's son)
(That were swiped, playing a white elephant game, from a friend's son)
One customized and snow-like white Frozen Lego Winter Wonderland
Hypnotic twinkle light walks, and, weather-permitting, S$$$C after church Sunday morn
Hypnotic twinkle light walks, and, weather-permitting, S$$$C after church Sunday morn
And, of course, the reason for the season, Baby Jesus in a manger
On Christmas we celebrate... it wasn't fake news... He really was born
Holiday moments can be magical
So, to all... who live far off or somewhere in between
Merry Christmas and loving sentiments to all
Wishing you a more than blessed 2019
Merry Christmas and loving sentiments to all
Wishing you a more than blessed 2019
 |
| July 2018 Family Reunion & (Posted to this writing after-the-fact) Family Christmas photo 2018  |
A "magical" Christmas, indeed!
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