October Musings

October holds lots of celebrating for the Beatties.  Scott's birthday (October 19), Jake's birthday (October 27), Halloween + Trick or Treating, the end of Cross Country for Sam....  


Scott's celebration included dinner at Jethro's BBQ, his request, cake and gift opening with the boys.  He wanted Bose Noise Canceling Headphones and then the boys and I picked out some other small fun things to give him something to open with his cake since he did his own shopping for the headphones.  

Jake's 11th birthday was very fun.  His list was actually fairly short, but very specific.  He also wanted to open his swag at breakfast so he didn't have to wait for Scott to get home from work and for dinner to happen to open some of the good stuff.  It is not the easiest time to celebrate, but we made it happen.  We have a finely tuned schedule proctored by Scott each morning.  He wakes Sam first to get him in the shower, when he is finished, then Nick is awakened to get him in the shower.  Sam usually gets back into bed after he dries off to sleep a few more minutes.  I am awakened to make lunches and make sure boys have clothes (that match, etc) and assure that at least something is consumed for breakfast by the first two and to make sure Sam gets up again.  Scott gets in the shower, then wakes Jake up to get him in the shower.  Nick and Sam catch the bus at 7am, so when Jake wanted to celebrate over breakfast, it meant waking everyone up early.  The two non-birthday participants were not sure they were for this change.  However, I made the executive decision that they would accommodate the Birthday Boy this once and we all made it.  Birthday bacon was made and eaten by all.  Jake opened his presents and he was pleased with the results and everyone made it to school without missing a beat.  Jake's birthday "treats" were Krispy Kream donuts for his classmates.  Between not being able to bring homemade treats and with food allergies that preclude certain foods, it is an easy thing for this momma.  We then went to Olive Garden (Jake's request) for dinner.  It had been a long time since we had been there and it was nice to have everyone find something on the menu they wanted.  We were so full, we decided to wait to eat The Giant Cookie (cake request by Jake) until later.  

Jake's request for the Donut Maker made me laugh, but we got one and tried it out.  I am not sure Jake liked them as much as he thought he would, but he loves to bake and cook, so we will try some different recipes to see if any of them are tastier.  


Halloween is fun and the boys used to get so excited about finding a costume and collecting candy around the neighborhood and carving pumpkins.  I am not a fan of the "scary" side of the holiday.  I like the fall colors, pumpkins and cute costumes, but hate haunted houses or zombies or blood and guts.  I never let the boys be a scary character.  They were not always thrilled with that, but it was my rule.  Nick and Jake were not sure they were going to go out, but last minute they did and I was glad they chose "costumes" they already had laying around.  Jake was a "scientist" wearing a lab coat and goggles, while Nick was a cowboy wearing hat, bandana, and mustache (ala mom's eye liner).  Because we didn't go to a pumpkin patch this year and waited until yesterday to try to buy pumpkins, all that was left at multiple stores were white pumpkins.  Each boy had plans for their carving.  Thankfully, they are able to do much of the carving with minimal assistance from us.  Scott really hates pumpkin carving, nearly as much as dying Easter Eggs.  He did help Nick finish his pumpkin and each boy had their masterpiece on the porch in time for Beggar's Night to start last night.  Scott, Ted and I handed out candy from the front porch while Sam, walked with the other two Beggars around our neighborhood to collect candy.  


We seem to be the "go to" neighborhood for the Eastside of Des Moines.  We didn't recognize many of the Trick or Treaters who came to our house, and many of them didn't bother to tell me a joke or even say Trick or Treat.  We didn't seem to have as many Beggars this year, maybe because of the cold temps after the sun went down.  We close up the free candy store at the Beatties early because I was cold and hungry.  

Lastly, we have been studying the book "Radical" by David Platt in our Sunday School class.  I bought this book soon after I arrived home from Honduras in June because Luis Carrion one of the missionaries with WGO told me about it and I was excited to read it myself.  As frequently happens, I start a book, but I end up distracted with the rest of my life and don't finish.  The premise of the book is to ACT out our Faith and get away from the "American Dream" that permeates our society.  I have been truly changed by reading it and believe deeply that David Platt has amazing insights.  I have been a bit shocked by the group responses to some of the chapters and the discussions that have arisen during class.  I guess we each have a different perspective and are in different places in our Christian Life.  It is not to say that anyone is truly wrong, but I was surprised with the defiant comments about some of the discussion about money and what "going" like the Disciples did and how that looks today.  


Scott and I are still praying for direction and are sensitive to God's leading.  We still desire to use our skills and training to further the cause of Christ whether it be here or overseas.  It has been hard to figure out why some of the experiences we have had have happened and why we are still here in Des Moines.  We truly thought we would be living in India now.  It is hard to not be able to see the Big Picture that God sees.  I highly recommend Radical.  I believe that each of us has a "job" to do in living out our Faith.  

Fall colors and cool temps

My quarterly post seems much overdue.  Today is Scott's birthday.  It seems hard to believe that 21 years have passed since our first date, which happened to fall the day after his birthday in 1990.  It was truly love at first date.  I came back and told my sister I just had a date with the man I was going to marry, and it turned out to be true.  He still takes my breath away and makes my tummy tickle when I see him across the room.  I feel very lucky.  It isn't always easy and I don't feel like I prompt the same response in him, but all things said, we have had an amazing two decades together.  Below is a picture taken two days after that first date when I received roses from my future husband.  How could he have known I had always wanted to get flowers in a box?  

I wish I had his psychic ability to "just know" what would make him feel as overwhelmed as he routinely makes me feel on my birthday.  I am not sure why, but I don't seem to ever figure out the perfect gift for him.  All of my ideas are way too expensive, or require air travel or a babysitter.....  Maybe by the time we have finished raising our children?  We went to Jethro's for dinner last night to celebrate because he has a "firm dinner" tonight.  It was a very manly experience and the boys are going to shop for something to give him after he gets home.  I wish him a very Happy Birthday, none the less.  


I am amazed at the spectrum of weather a Cross Country season brings.  Sam finished his sophomore season last week.  He made some incredible improvements and earned a pair of Oakley's that he was promised if he ran sub-24 minute 5K.  Sadly, Ted the Destroyer found them on the middle of the kitchen table (not exactly a dog-friendly location) and ate them.  YIKES!  We will have to work on replacing them......  

The first meet was originally cancelled because of torrential rains, then rescheduled for two days later, only to cancelled for heat index over 110 degrees.  That Saturday the team ran (last minute) at a meet in Pella at Central College and Sam's race was cancelled in the middle for lightening strikes in the area.  Finally, there was a race the following Tuesday where he ran his "personal record" of 23:59 to qualify for the above Oakley's only to find out that the course was not actually a full 5K.  Agonizing start to the season.  Sam has made some great friends and has developed a solid work ethic when it comes to running and not giving up, even when it is hard.  


The last few meets were very windy and he will not run in the District or State meets this year, but the team continues to cheer on the boys who did qualify just as the team would stay until the end of the meets to cheer on the varsity even though their own races were completed.  


We have set up some sessions with a personal trainer who worked with a really good runner from Southeast Polk last year to foster Sam's competitive side and to work on core strength in the "off season".  It will be interesting to see how it helps his running in future seasons.  


Nick has assimilated to Jr. High fairly well.  I was worried about his ability to have 6 different teachers and changing classes throughout the day etc...., but he has surprised me.  He is well behaved, so that is not a concern, but his ability to pay attention and retain the information from all his classes so he remembers the homework and projects was concerning to me.  He has done remarkably well with all of that and I have high hopes for his 7th grade year.  He has no interest in participating in after school activities.  We are trying to encourage him to run Cross Country, but he is not a fan, nor is he able until next year because there are no longer Jr High sports for 7th graders.  I think he would be a good runner.  He just needs to gain confidence and strength.  


Jake is having a great "last year" at the Downtown School.  I am still amazed that he is in 5th grade already.  The school relocated to Central Campus from their original location at 5th and Grand Ave.  I am not a huge fan of this move, but if I can survive the next few months, we will be finished and I would hate to have Jake miss out on the 5th grade activities he knows his brothers participated in like Springbrook and graduation.  I do love his teachers.  Ms. A and Ms. D have developed each of the boys' love of learning and social skills and I would miss them if we had decided to leave early. 


Jake decided not to play football this year.  He was not the most athletic and after breaking his arm last year, he was apprehensive to go back to the tackle league.  He did run in a "fun run" two weeks ago.  His goal was NOT to walk, but he didn't quite make that, but he did finish and realized that he needs to train before his next race.  I think he would be a good runner, too.  We will see.  

With my working nearly every weekend it is hard to plan family activities, but we were able to go to some Southeast Polk high school football games and decided to get tickets to the Iowa State v. Texas football game.  The boys had never been to a college game and we were able to get "hill" tickets and "tailgate" with good friends Shelby and Tim before the game.  Sadly, the Cyclones did not fare well that night, but Southeast Polk Rams are having an awesome year.  

Lastly, we have started attending Evangelical Covenant Church instead of Valley.  It was a hard decision to make, but in an effort to have our boys make stronger connections to the kids in their youth group and to have some of those kids be school friends, as well, we made the leap.  Sam was at Covenant 45 seconds before a friend from school took him with her to the youth group.  We had been going to Valley for 13 years and even though he had grown up there, he didn't have any good friends and was always fighting the idea of going to church and especially going to Sunday School.  He has really "wanted" to go and is making some really good friends, too.  Nick is a bit slower at making a connection, but is liking the change, none the less.  Jake loves the room he goes to for Sunday School.  It has games and videos before the class time starts.  Scott and I are starting to make some new friends.  It is always hard to leave a place of comfort and good friends, but I am really trying to be open minded and have an open heart to new people.  I do miss many of the people we had deep friendships and connections to.  A smaller church family has been a transition, but we have felt welcomed with open arms by the pastor and other families in the church.  I am continuing to pray that I will not close off people who I don't feel I have anything in common with.  God is working in my heart.  


Change is never easy, but as with the seasons and cooler weather come beautiful colors that show God's handiwork in nature also appear.  I pray that I will continue to be content with where my life is now, but also be open to leading in new directions.  

R.A.G.B.R.A.I. 2011

R.A.G.B.R.A.I. XXXIX is history.  It was truly an adventure that won't be forgotten. Scott was so excited to ride.  He bought me and himself a new bike.  We trained together and rode many miles over the Spring to get prepared for the Great Bike Ride Across Iowa.  Team Lutefisk included Ann, Amy, Eric, Ben, Scott and me for the whole week and Karen, Sara and Julie for Wednesday, and then honorary members Sam, Nick, Jake, Liam, Alex, Uncle Jim and Grandpa Bob.  Shirts were designed by 8/7 Central and we were giddy as we headed out to Glenwood to start.   We loaded up bikes, tents and gear Saturday July 23 and we were off.  Traffic was thick and slow as we neared the western edge of Iowa.  Thunder clapped and tornado sirens were going off as we set up camp in Glenwood, but thankfully, the storm passed with only sprinkles reaching our tents.  

  
We ceremonially dipped our wheels in water from the Missouri River to signify the start of the trek across Iowa.  Because of the flooding in Western Iowa the water was contained in a pool at the entrance to our "campground".  Very convenient.  The photo is a bit blurry as the photographer was a 12 year old boy.  

Sunday morning we were up at 0500 to break camp and get the riders on their way.  I was the designated driver for Sunday.  It was part of my plan to avoid the worst of the hills out the of the Loess Hills.  After the riders were off, I drove to the "meeting town" of Carson, Iowa.  We quickly found out that AT&T has ZERO coverage in Southwest Iowa.  I met up with the first four riders easily in Carson and sent them off to meet up with them in Atlantic.  It was my task to find and set up our campsite for the night.  Unfortunately, I was unable to stay in contact with Ann and ended up waiting 4 1/2 hours in Carson for her to arrive.  Being unable to know where she was or to pick her up, I sat by myself in Carson and she sat by herself on the road. We finally met up and the sporadic communication with the rest of the team meant that I had all the gear and they arrived in Atlantic and tried to save our spot for our tents.  It was an excruciating day, hot, humid and very frustrating.  

We took advantage of the YMCA pool to clean off the sweat and road grime.  It was some of the best money ever spent.  Super refreshing.  Our dinner at the Church of Christ was delicious!  We were all exhausted and hit the tents around dark.  


Monday morning found us rising before dawn to get ready for the ride to Carroll. Ann was driving and I was riding.  Sadly, my plan to avoid the worst of the hill came back to bite me.....  It was agonizing.  I compared it to being in labor.... Hill after hill looked a lot like contractions on a "strip" on the map that showed the route.  Scott stayed with me and was really a great buddy, encouraging me to keep going. I tried my first smoothie and found them to be the only nourishment I would need the rest of the week.  I was so tired by the time I made it into Carroll.  Only an hour after the rest of the team.  It was our 19th wedding anniversary and may be one of the more memorable.  Or at least one I will not soon forget how we celebrated, tent camping and all. We went to swim, again and then hit Godfather's Pizza for dinner.  The buffet was delightful.  We even "dog sat" for a sweet puppy named Lady for our tent neighbors who were in to ride from San Diego.  

Tuesday, Scott was the designated driver so he could complete a phone deposition.  Ann and I rode together and planned to ride to the meeting town of Churdan and re-evaluate whether or not to ride the rest of the way to Boone.  It was a fun ride, not too many hills and we wished it would have been longer, but "Twister Hill" just outside of Boone made us decide to stop.  Really, the wisest decision we ever made.  We had a great ride in the morning and we were pretty sure we would have wept openly if we got to the ginormous hill in Pilot Mound. Granted, we might have seen Lance Armstrong zoom past as we pushed our bikes up the hill if we'd kept going, but we opted for a happy ending to the day. Again, we rode on smoothies and sweat. We saw guys from Adaptive Sports pull in.  Their coordinator is Mike Boone, Sam's XC from 7th grade.  They are truly an inspiration.  There were 24 members on their team, some pedaled with their arms, one girl was blind on a tandem, I was truly amazed!  We all pulled into Boone and then had the luxury of staying in A/C at Scott's cousin Julie's home.  A real shower, laundry and dinner out at a yummy Mexican cafe in Perry.  So wonderful and generous!  

Wednesday, Boone to Altoona!  Definitely the MOST FUN day of riding!  We finally had AT&T coverage, so my photos were taken with my phone.  (see facebook)  Ann and I rode together and took our time, enjoyed the day and took lots of pictures. We had smoothies, cupcakes and more smoothies.  Not too many hills, it did get hot in the afternoon, but it was so much fun.   It was "africa hot" that night, so we were very blessed to be able to sleep in our own beds and enjoy the A/C, again.  Dinner in the park was fun.  Altoona did an amazing job of hosting R.A.G.B.R.A.I. overnight.  

Thursday we were off to ride to Grinnell.  Scott was my riding buddy, again.  As we rode out of town, Altoona had posted a sign stating "66 hills to Grinnell".  I threw up a little in my mouth.  I really did NOT need to know that.  I didn't think it was going to be that "hilly" of a day.  I was so wrong.  We rode through Mitchellville, first.  So fun!  SEP marching band and a "banana tree" super creative!  Mount Colfax was the first of many intimidating hills.  My bike didn't want to shift well, so I had to walk up Mt. Colfax.  Scott adjusted the gear thingy and made it possible to shift to my lowest gears.  I would come to need them desperately later in the day.  I equated Thursday riding with labor, again.  It was super hard, I didn't want to talk to my unusually chatty husband as we rode and it seemed to never end.  I did make it to Grinnell, though.  I felt a sense of accomplishment, but I was completely exhausted.  I did feel better than the day I rode into Carroll.  We decided to ride back home to sleep, again.  The idea of camping wasn't appealing, at all.  I was very thankful that Scott decided to ride with me.  I know he likes to jump on "trains" with fast riders, but he stayed with the slow people all day.  


Friday, I was the designated driver, again.  The ride to Grinnell and the fact that we didn't have room for all the bikes made me thankful to be the driver.  I met up with Team Lutefisk in Merango and Ann decided to ride the rest of the way to Coralville, so I was on my own to find our campsite.  I found one of the few shaded spots at Northwest Jr. High, I set up the tents and met my team all by myself.  I felt another sense of accomplishment that it was all done when the riders arrived.  We went swimming, again to cool off then headed for the mall to sit in a/c and have dinner at the food court.  38 Special was the evening entertainment, so Ann and I went over to hear a few songs. It reminded me of 1982.  We were still tired, so we were in bed at 9pm.  


Saturday, I had to head back as the riders took off so I could be back in Des Moines so I could be at work at 3pm.  Ann and I did go get breakfast at Village Inn, I dropped her and some gear at McD's for her to meet Jim and I headed West.  It was bittersweet for me not to ride into Davenport.  I really think it would have been fun to complete the last day of the ride.  Scott said it was fun and he dipped his tires in the overfilled Mississippi River for me.  He and Amy rode home together and then Ann, Jim and Eric kept heading back to Ohio and Sara, Karen and Ben were off to Chicago to take Karen home and to help Drew and Alison move.  Life never completely stops.  


Uncle Jim took great care of our boys.  They enjoyed Adventureland and going to Taco John's more times than usual.  I am glad they had a good week.  I am convinced I was not hill ready for the ride, but in retrospect, I am glad I stretched myself and rode the days I did.  Scott is already looking into renting a RV so we can ride, again.  

June ~ A month of extremes

June 3 a dear friend, Gailen entered Heaven after an agonizing fight with cancer.  I knew Gailen after serving together last year on the Honduras Mission Team.  I am always amazed how after experiencing a week of Evangelism and ministry in Tegucigalpa we become so close, even when we start the week as acquaintances, but end the week as family.  The Veurinks decided to come as a family (except Sarah) because Grant, at age 11, had voiced a desire to be a missionary when he grew up.  After the week of washing hair, loving on the Honduran children with stuffed animals and even helping with concrete, Grant voiced that he was SURE he wanted to be a missionary.  Gailen and Stephanie fostered his dream and even before Gailen knew he was sick, he was living INTENTIONALLY!.  I tear up even now because I can hear Grant's sweet voice during a time of sharing about how our week affected each of us personally.  His sensitive spirit was evident even at that young age.  

In God's perfect timing, Gailen was ushered into Heaven the same week I was leaving for Honduras with another team.  It was hard to believe all that had transpired in his life in one short year.  It was hard for me not to cry when I thought of serving the least of the least in Teguc with a new team.  But God is Good ALL of the time.  He brought a new team of strangers together to work together as Jesus' hands and feet and become like family, again.  I am always surprised how seamlessly he brings new teams together.  We touched 1814 people both physically and spiritually and we welcomed 116 new Christ-followers into our forever family.  Even though it was a hard week knowing that the Veurinks were grieving, it was also a week that I felt that we were making a difference even though I felt less than valuable.  God still uses people like me, to share his love and salvation story.  

Sam celebrated another birthday in Honduras.  I was thrilled that he wanted to go back again.  He had such a great experience last year, but he wasn't sure that this year could live up to his expectations.  I think he would say that it did.  He was up playing "spoons" and Texas Hold 'Em with 6 boys between 13-17 years old.  He took the tournament one night.  I think it was when they played with goldfish and pretzels.  The next night they broke out the chips.  It was a bonding time and life skills were learned.  

Warms this momma's heart to see him make friends and have adults comment about his mature attitude during the brigades.  More than once he spoke up about how he was more comfortable sharing his faith because of the trip.  I know he will have life-long memories from these two years.  I pray he is really able to live out his faith in a way that his friends see he is different because of going to Honduras.  


Jake finished his 4th grade year at the Downtown School last week.  It is hard to believe we have had a student in the school for 10 years.  It is also hard to believe that he only has one year left.  It truly seems like yesterday that he was in preschool and would go with me to work "lunch duty" in Nick's class and was mistaken for a student.  Time does fly by without me even noticing.  Jake brought home a Pre-Algebra book that was being thrown out with the school's move to Central Campus.  He can't wait to start his summer work with his new book.  He is very funny.  I am pretty sure he will learn the entire book by the end of summer.  


Summer has officially started, but the weather has been more like Seattle + nightly storms.  Nick still has a very real fear of storms and focuses on the radar on his iPod weather app.  I pray he is able to not stress about this in the near future.  He finished 6th grade with all A's and one B.  I am so very proud of him!  He transitioned well even when I was concerned that he would struggle.  He has made some good friends and I hope that he continues them in Jr. High in the Fall.  


Scott and I are supposed to ride RAGBRAI in a month.  I am pretty sure I may actually die.  The first two days are SUPER hilly and I am not sure it will end well.  I have enjoyed riding to get into shape, but it hasn't included too many hills.  I am still not sure what we will be doing with the boys, but now that the Honduras trip is in the history books, I can focus on planning the rest of the logistics for that week.  


As my monthly entry comes to a close.....  I am sure I have forgotten to include some important happenings, but at this point I am not remembering them.  Work has been crazy busy the past few weeks, so I am going to be working a bunch of hours, so I expect to be exhausted.