Royal Holloway

We arrived at London Heathrow after our 10 hour flight from LA and there was our girl! She looked as beautiful as ever! So happy to see our Miranda. And as expected, our luggage did not made the flight. We were prepared for that to happen. Packed a carry-on with a days worth of clothes. No big deal. So we got on the bus to Royal Holloway to stay at the Hub on campus. This was my first view of the Founder's castle as we were walking from the bus stop. It took my breath away! Massively huge!



That's Miranda standing in front of Founders. Love her!



Our accommodations at the Hub could not have been more perfect for the three of us. It's an actual hotel on campus that has a real nice cafeteria that serves us breakfast each morning. A traditional English breakfast. OK, so let me get this out of the way... the food in England and Ireland is not so good. And that's all I got to say about that.


Anyway, after we settled in our room, we ordered a pizza and then Miranda gave us a tour of Royal Holloway. We saw her dorm room in the castle and then she told us the stories and history behind the school. (founded in 1879) We ended up cuddled on her pull-out couch, talking with her for hours, about everything under the sun. What a precious snapshot in my mind of our time together.



This is the traditional English breakfast we had our first morning. I know, a rather strange combination of foods... eggs, bacon (that tastes and looks like ham), sausage, cooked mushrooms, pork 'n beans, stewed tomatoes and toast. But real good coffee and hot tea. That helps.


Then we were off to our first day in London. But first we walked 15 minutes to the Egham, Surrey train station. What a quaint, little neighborhood we meandered through. I have a post planned just for the flower pics I took on that walk each morning.


Then we hopped on the train to Waterloo. Love traveling by train! Did you know that the only other time I have ever been on a train was the Royal Gorge Railroad in Colorado? Trust me when I say, I am now a seasoned train traveler!


Then we rode the tube into London from Waterloo. The tube is the London Underground. And the coolest way to travel. And I gotta tell you, Miranda knows her way around the transit system in London. We could see all the things we saw in 7 days because of Miranda. She got us where we needed to go because she knows her way around. And for that, we never got lost or wondered when, where and how. Not ever. Thanks Miranda!
Love this pic of Randy & Miranda getting ready to get on the tube. Be sure to click the pics to enlarge.
My next post will take you through our first day in London. Stay tuned.

the journey ends

I can't believe the journey is coming to an end. We have had without a doubt the most incredible adventure of a lifetime! We have covered more in 7 days than we ever thought possible. We have experienced every form of transportation... train, tube, taxi, bus, double-decker bus and airplane. I have never walked more in my life! And the best part, I had the energy and stamina to enjoy every single moment, every blessing along the journey. Randy, Miranda & I lived out our wildest dreams... by Defying Gravity! Love that song from Wicked!

I will be posting of our travels this weekend. But I wanted to leave you with a couple pics from our visit to Ireland. As we were heading back to Dublin from our BnB in the country, we came upon the oldest pub in Ireland. Seriously, surprises like that happened all the time! So, relaxing over lunch with a pint of Guinness, in a pub that dates back to the early 1800's... well, it doesn't get much better than that, now does it!
More travel adventures to come!

the journey begins

And I have quite a story to tell.
So, as you can see, Randy & I were sooo anxious for the journey to begin, that we arrived at Sky Harbor 3 hours early, which is why our gate was pretty sparse when we arrived. We were immediately told that the plane would be leaving an hour later than scheduled. No problem, we'll facebook and people-watch. But no sooner did the plane start down the runway that we noticed it heading back to the gate. My heart sank when the pilot announced that the second engine was gone and we had to get off and reschedule our flight. I was stunned. This can't be happening. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful that they discovered the problem on the runway rather than in midair. But I gotta tell you, this was screwing up our plans to get to England. But, strangely enough, I was sorta calm too.
Anyway, we were told to take a later flight to Minneapolis, spend the night and take an afternoon flight to England. We would lose a whole day with Miranda. No way. So we went to the ticket desk to find other ways. A sweet lady checked every way possible to get us there... but never mentioned going thru LA. So I asked her if she could get us to LA and then maybe we could do a non-stop on British Airways. She looked at me and said "well, I guess I could check that out." It was then that the waters parted and we witnessed a miracle!! Yes, a dad-gum miracle! She not only got us to LA on a 7 PM flight... but we made it in time to fly non-stop on British Airways to London! And get this, we were only going to be arriving 3 hours later than originally planned! Praise God! After spending 7 hours at Sky Harbor, we were on our way. We had a wonderful 10 hour flight from LA to London. I highly recommend British Airways! And we were reunited with our daughter at Heathrow and all is well with the world!!
Thank you for your continued prayers. We feel the love!

Hollyhocks

They're back. My beloved heavenly Hollyhocks are back in all their glory.
You see, these Hollyhocks were planted many, many years ago after coming back from a trip to California. I harvested a pail full of dried Hollyhock seeds from this beautiful college campus that Randy was singing at. And when I got back to Phoenix, I threw the seeds in the ground and never thought about them again till months later when they began to sprout upwards to 8 feet tall before they began to bloom. And bloom they did... profusely!


I was stunned. Every color and variety of Hollyhocks bloomed that year. I couldn't believe my eyes! I'd wake up every morning wondering what shade of pink, purple, red, yellow or peach would bloom. I even had several black hollyhocks. They were such a deep, dark purple that they called them black hollyhocks. I was so afraid that my very favorites wouldn't reseed for the next year, that I harvested, bottled and labeled every variety that I wanted preserved. Which was like all of them!



Well, I ended up packaging a lot of those seeds and giving them away as gifts because they ended up reseeding year after year anyway. But I still find myself harvesting the seeds each year... because, well, you never know.


The above photos were taken over the past couple years and the one below was taken this morning. Who knows what color or variety will await us when we return from England. And just maybe I will find some unusual Hollyhock seeds from England or Ireland to bring back and add to my seed collection. You see, all my plants and flowers have to tell a story. So, why not plant some memories from our travels abroad.


Oh, I redesigned my blog today. And I love it! And just in time for Spring!

this 'n that

~ Shawn & Nicole and my precious granddaughter are coming over tonight for dinner. (Princess Emolyn made her Disneyland debut last weekend!)

~ I just survived my first case of the stomach flu. I know, hard to believe. And the best part of being sick? When it's all over and you realize how precious your health is. I will never take it for granted ever again!

~ Randy & I will be with our daughter Miranda in England at this time next week!! SOOO EXCITED!!

~ I painted my toes last week for the first time in months. My finger nails can look horrid... but painted toes are the ultimate in femininity.

~ I watched American Idol, The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars the other night, all at the same time. And I do it with quite the panache. Unless my emotions get the best of me on Loser and I miss an entire song on Idol. Not a happy camper.

~ I just bought the coolest long sleeve black t-shirt on clearance at Target for $2.00. It says "Ireland" on the front! Everyone will think I bought it in Ireland. Oh, didn't I tell you, we're going to Ireland too!!


Shawn & Nicole were so excited for Emolyn to have her very own Mickey ears.


But Disneyland done tuckered out The Pretty Princess.
Oh my gosh, and to think she was born with no eyelashes!

Marriage Retreat

One of the highlights of our year is teaching at the A TIME FOR US Marriage Retreats. So Friday morning we headed up to Kohl's Ranch near Payson, Arizona for the Level 1 retreat. We stopped in Payson for a quick burger and I noticed an older lady (and her twin sister and husband) sitting at a picnic table outside Burger King with a Wisconsin t-shirt on. So naturally I had to ask where they were from. She said they were from Black River Falls. I told her I grew up near there and that my Mom was the former Leona Steinke. She immediately got all excited and said "oh my gosh, your Mom was the Valedictorian of the class of '49 and your aunt was the Valedictorian of my class of '50 and I know them both!" What a small world! We had more fun talking about all the people we knew in common. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I ask someone where they are from... but invariably we know someone mutually! Happens all the time!


So we arrived at Kohl's Ranch, we set up, settled in, went to dinner and then waited for the 12 couples to arrive. WE, being the teaching team. Randy & I just love teaching with Tom & Marcia and Nick & Kim. And we love connecting with the 12 couples and watching them respond to the truths.




These gals are so dear to me. I love that they model for me a heart of serving others. Thanks Marcia and Kim!


OK, so the teaching is great and all, but come on, let's cut to the chase ... the food is awesome! Nick & Kim serve us the best meals... made from scratch soups and salads and the best strata dishes along with delicious desserts! But my favorite... Kim's Cranberry Orange Scones!! (click for recipe) Oh my gosh, fresh baked, served hot from the oven! THE BEST SCONES EVER!


I love watching Randy teach. He is so gifted at communicating the various topics... meeting needs, forgiveness, strengths and weaknesses, the affects of unresolved issues and acceptance. It never fails, I always come away having heard something that hits home. Randy & I are committed to doing all we can to strengthen our marriage. And I can honestly say, the past five years have been the best years so far! And it's because of what we keep learning at these retreats.

24/7 prayer

So, what is 24/7 Prayer? Well, check it out HERE. What a great site! It will answer all your questions. Anyway, this the 3rd year that our church has been doing 24/7 Prayer. And what a week it has been! I am serious, if you live anywhere within the great state of Arizona, you have got to come!! NOW! Get in your car... get on the light-rail... hop on your bike... stick out your thumb (kidding!)... you will not be disappointed! Click HERE for map and location. Our 24/7 ends Friday, Mar.27th.


Here are some of the many prayer stations that help facilitate as a visual, a tool to take you from crazy, busy to a place of quiet meditation. I can't even begin to describe the prayer stations that gifted artists have put together. I am instantly drawn to the Lord and I am able to shut out the world and be with Him. The tears start flowing and I am calm and peaceful.



If you'd like to read about other 24/7 experiences from this past week, then check out our ODFprays blog.

mommy & daughter day

I had a little photo session with Nicole & Emolyn yesterday at Amy's bridal shower. It was the perfect day to celebrate Amy and to share it with these two pretty girls.
Emolyn loves giving kisses and climbing all over her Mommy in the grass. She is without a doubt the happiest, most contented little girl I've ever seen. She smiles all the time.


Miranda wished me Happy Mother's Day on facebook over the weekend. Yes, it was Mother's Day in the UK. Randy & I can hardly wait to go see our daughter in 18 days! Trip itinerary coming soon.

a walking inspiration

I love that my sister Ginny walks her dog everyday. Not because it inspires me to walk my dog... or even inspires me to walk in general. No, I love that she walks her dog because that's when she calls me on her cell phone and inspires the heck out of me!! Seriously, she is a walking, crafting, sewing sensation! And I'm the recipient of such creative genius.
So yesterday she called and told me about something she saw in a magazine and I was reminded of my old cast-iron pan and well, this became my version of what she was telling me about. Love the mixed colors and textures. But don't think for a minute it will remain this way. I have yet to dig out my very favorite buttons. No, my creative juices have only just begun~ to flow. But that's what I mean, Ginny just oozes with ideas galore every time I talk to her and my to-do project list is overwhelming to say the least and when will I ever find the time to do them all! Mmm, someday I will. When I'm living in my cozy cottage in the woods. But first we have to win the lottery and or something.


Ginny made me the pin cushion in the middle. Too cute. But you have got to the see her latest pin cushion creation... unlike anything I've seen so far! She's got me going to thrift stores on the look-out for 100% wool sweaters to felt. She's teaching me when she comes for a visit in May. Can't wait! You'll love em.


Thanks Ginny, for turning me on to thread catchers... bags... and pin cushions. You are so generous in sharing your many gifts and talents. And I am blessed to have you as my sister and friend.


Btw, I can't tell you how many times Ginny called this winter and she's walking Lacy in below 0 temps... like waaay below 0 temps! And she's alive... and functioning. You see, she lives in Wisconsin... and that's what you do. 'Nuff said.

Tyler & Emy

I love watching my sons spending time together. They have so much fun. And they are each others biggest fan. Randy took these two out in the desert on Tyler's birthday. With guns and ammo. And a cooler filled with Gatorade, Symphony bars and beef jerky. Not my idea of fun. But then, they didn't ask. And who cares anyway, cuz I got to spend the day with this little munchkin! She's my idea of fun!


Uncle Tyler is one of Emy's favorite people in the whole world. And she is his. So it's understandable that her presence was his favorite present.



Nicole had to work so the guys left Emolyn with her Grammie and well, as you can imagine, I was in heaven. Emy loves jewelry and cell phones and books and Cheerios. She loves watching her Aunt Miranda sing to her on Skype. And she waves at her the whole time. Too cute.


Love this image of her little shoulders and tiny foot peeking out... ahh, pint-sized perfection to the max.

Tyler's 20!

Happy Birthday Tyler!
My baby is 20! I am no longer a Mom of a teenager. And I gotta tell you, I'm sad about that. And I'm not sure what that's all about. Anyway, all three of my kids are in their 20's now. And Randy & I are grateful every single day to have had the privilege of being their parents. I get all weepy just typing those words. What an honor to see God use us in the lives of our children.
Anyway, after we had Shawn and Miranda, we wondered if we'd have another baby. I mean, we had our boy and girl. But I had always wanted 3 kids. And I wanted the 3rd to be at least 4 years after the 2nd. And that's exactly what happened. And I thank God every day that we had Tyler. You see, we had every reason in the world to rethink having a 3rd... money being the main reason. We were living on very little and we were committed to me staying home as I had with Shawn & Miranda. We trusted that God would give us the wisdom to make wise choices and live within our means and He did and we did. We look back now and marvel at the ways He proved Himself faithful and provided for our every need.
It was actually about the time that Tyler was born, that Randy took the job as janitor at our church. He had been the high school director for 4 years and needed a break. He was still doing concerts, but it was during those couple years as janitor that he took the necessary steps in forming Randy Thompson Ministries. He would go full-time with RTM in 1990 and that would change our lives forever. But that will have to be continued on another post.
So, when I think of Tyler turning 20, I am so aware of all that has gone on in the past 20 years since we embarked on this faith journey... and well, no wonder I'm so emotional.


Anyway, Tyler is a gifted musician and we're so proud at what he has created on his myspace music page. Hope you can take a moment and listen to one of his arrangements. My personal favorite is "I'm Yours".

And who do you suppose would make Tyler's birthday extra special? His extra special niece Emolyn of course... the prettiest girl in the whole widest world... as he always calls her. He adores her.

Oh and check out Miranda's post and pics all about her brother Tyler. She couldn't have said it any better. She adores her little brother.

*** The top pic was taken by Kelsie Pinkerton Photography. Thanks Kelsie!

cows... coos

Cows.. coos... let me explain.
Miranda recently spent a weekend in Scotland and had the pleasure of meeting Hamish. Hamish is a famous heilan' coo... a highland cow. And well, I was instantly smitten with the disheveled, shaggy coo.


I have always had a soft spot for cows. Having grown up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, I have seen my fair share of them. But Hamish beats all. She's a looker all right.


Several years ago, my brother Ron had a rather unconventional cow living amongst the traditional Holsteins. I believe she was a Guernsey cow. Anyway, this particular shot was taken from the top of the 90 foot Harvestore that Randy climbs every year before we head home to Phoenix. I don't know about you, but I find this photo rather troubling. I mean, who knew that Holsteins could be so... well... prejudice... intolerant... discriminatory. I mean, can't we all just get along?!


But thanks to my nephew Aaron, he captured an amicable shot of them coexisting. I knew it was just a matter of time. You go girls!

love this watch

Have I told you that I love watches? Well I do. I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I do wear watches and have acquired quite a collection of them over the years... from yard sales of course. Who doesn't come across a pile of watches at every sale. And usually the seller doesn't have a clue if the watches work, so they let em go for a quarter. As was the case yesterday. So this morning I went to Walmart, got myself a $4.00 battery and ta-da, a new watch AND one that I can actually see without my glasses on. I love a watch with a big face. I love this watch! (enlarge to see the exquisite detail)

Emolyn's toophers

Oh how she loves to show off her toophers! And a mighty fine set of toophers I might add. Emolyn had her developmental assessment the other day and good news! She is a totally normal 1 year old! No deficit, no "based on gestational age"! Those very words were taken from Nicole's blog. We're so grateful. Be sure to check out her post on Emolyn's 1st year. Her pics and moving journal entry made me cry.


Isn't she a button! And she is the sweetest, most mild-mannered little girl!


She loves to pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. Or is it patty-cake, patty-cake... or padda-cake, padda-cake...Mmm, rather confusing because every one of those showed up when I googled the old nursery rhyme.
Anyway, I love this little cutie pie to pieces!

good day!

Hey everyone! This is all I got from the wedding I coordinated over the weekend. But I can assure you, it was one beautiful wedding! But my camera decided the memory card was full and I was limited to a cupcake pic. But what a fun weekend! I love weddings. And I can honestly say, I have never been a part of such a devoted, loving group of friends and loved ones with the one goal of making Todd & Krisanna's wedding both magical and memorable. And it truly was.

In other news, I was saddened by the news of Paul Harvey's passing. I have vivid memories of listening to the rest of the story as far back as I can remember. We always had a radio on in the barn growing up, and I have fond memories of listening to Paul Harvey's rest of the story while feeding the baby calves their daily milk. And now that I think about it, my love of storytelling was most likely influenced by his unique style and delivery. And no one delivered the news like he did... who can forget- stand by, for news! and page 2!

I remember many years ago thinking that one day the world will be without Billy Graham, Bob Hope and Paul Harvey. I mean, think about it... what do I love more than Jesus, laughing and storytelling! These men deeply influenced my childhood and were loved and respected by my parents. I'm telling you, no one could make my Dad laugh like Bob Hope. So now Bob Hope and Paul Harvey are gone. And one day Billy Graham will go home and we'll be without the one that God used so powerfully... those of us that choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That will be a sad day for us, but a great day for him.
So, I will leave you with Paul Harvey's classic cliche... good day!