June 2008 trip to Arizona

We just returned from a week-long visit to Glendale, Arizona. The main purpose for the trip was to get to meet the newest addition to the Vaughn ADAM Van Liew family, third child/second son, Isaiah Cole, and to spend time with the rest of the family.

Jonathan meeting Isaiah Cole with Papa (above left) and Nana holding him (above right)

At the last minute we decided (after we got permission) to take along our daughter and son-in-law's oldest son, Jonathan - 21 months, because getting to know him was something we hated the rest of the family to miss AND he only travelled for free for another 3 months.




Cousin Hugs



The joys of little boys!


Vaughn was right when he told me (over & over again!) that this trip would NOT be relaxing and refreshing. OH BOY, was he right! Along with having complete care of Jonathan, we volunteered to care for Adam and Amy's oldest two children (Aidan; 25 months and Katelyn, 13 months) for them while they went to California with their church's college group. Thankfully, they took Isaiah with them, so at least we didn't have a newborn to add to our responsibilities.

We didn't get to see everyone we hoped to get to see; there NEVER seems to be enough time! But, here is a picture of Auntie Pickle with Jonathan showing their soccer moves in Cyndi's front yard.



And Vaughn, Aidan & Jonathan along with my Cousin Sissy's beauties, Rachael and Alexis in Cyn's front yard.

Papa & Jonathan eating at Chuck & Brenda's



Amy, Irene holding Kate, Papa holding Jonathan and Aidan

Papa playing with the boys at the Ogle's home (upper right) Papa with Katelyn, Jonathan & Aidan (below)

Jonathan & Aidan loved playing with their Papa!

All in all, it was a great trip - one we are glad that we took

and one from which we are STILL recuperating!

UGLY

I made a resolution today. Now, I know that most people do this sort of thing at the first of the new year, however, I witnessed a lot of ugly today. Let me explain.

First of all, let me explain that the online dictionary gives the 1st definition of ugly as: "very unattractive or unpleasant to look at; offensive to the sense of beauty; displeasing in appearance." I am not talking about appearance here. I had the unfortunate experience of having come face-to-face with the 2nd and 5th definitions today - disagreeable; unpleasant; objectionable and mean; hostile; quarrelsome. What people here in the south call "being ugly."

I went to the post office. A man had just left who has been ugly. He got angry and actually threw his package across the counter into all of the clerk's supplies making a mess. THEN, the woman in front of me was terribly rude and bossy to the other clerk on duty. Is there a full moon tonight?!

I was appalled at these people's actions. It was good for me to witness this, though, because it caused me to NOT want to be ugly. I left there and went to the grocery store. I went in smiling. I spoke to the 2 ladies helping check me out. They responded as I hoped they would; I was referred to as being sweet and told to have a blessed day by the other. How simple that was! Most of the time I don't even pay attention; don't get me wrong, I am cordial and say my please and thank yous to those waiting on me, etc. But this is more proactive than that. It is intentional. Then another thought came to mind... (this is a red letter day!!! heh heh heh)

This is how I should act AT HOME, too. I usually let my guard down at home. I am loved there and I am not worried about impressing my husband, etc. That is the wrong attitude! I put on my best "face" for those whom I may never even see again and I neglect and even treat poorly the very ones whom I love the most in the world. Sad, but I am thankful that I "woke up."

My resolution - to NOT be ugly and to be intentional about it!

This is not earth-shattering and may not even be a problem for you, but it has been a shortcoming for me and I have already done something about it!