how can i keep from singing?

Posted on Saturday, November 9th, 2013 by staci

I’ve mentioned that I feel really fortunate to be a part of my church’s band. We’re small, but we’ve gelled over time and have been able to share our love for music with others and, hopefully, haven’t left them too disappointed. I’ve also mentioned how it hasn’t been the same since we lost one of our favorite members, Paul, back in April. It’s honestly been very difficult to keep going without him because often, I will hear his voice (or his broken g-string). There are a few songs that only take a moment to get going before I can hear him in the background. And I’m honestly hoping it remains that way forever. Continue reading →

ctrl+z

Posted on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 by staci

Connor and I spent Wednesday together unexpectedly last week. He’s been having some tummy troubles which is even less fun because every time he says he’s in pain, we have to immediately question what he’s been eating in the event any of it may have been gluten-ified. In any event, he wasn’t feeling up to school so after some doctor visits, we were home and he decided he wanted to practice his keyboarding skills on my laptop.

Continue reading →

a grandma’s laugh

Posted on Saturday, October 19th, 2013 by staci

We were at Gull Meadow Farms this afternoon ~~trying to stay warm~~ for what’s become a bit of a tradition for families to gather and celebrate the fall season. Some of the kiddos don their Halloween costumes. Well, heck, some of the adults do as well. The fun part, though, is getting out into Pumpkin Lane and watching them (yes, kids and adults again) enjoy the activities. Continue reading →

the best worst things

Posted on Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 by staci

Anyone who is old enough to remember can recount what his or her day looked like exactly twelve years ago today. I read and heard stories from others throughout the day doing just that … a friend feeling as though all he needed to do was to get to his soon-to-be fiancée to hold her tight and a teacher having to maintain her composure all day at school because she wasn’t able to talk with students about what had happened. Others just simply shared words of encouragement or of thoughtful remembrance. It was one of the worst days. Continue reading →

significant events

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It was funny. I read the 40th day in my devotional this morning and I thought, ‘how cool? i’ve made it through 40 days. that’s pretty significant, right? yay to the me.’

It’s not that 40 is ever really defined as a significant value, but it is repeated in the Bible a few times, e.g. raining for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses sitting on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights; and it’s commonly referred to as the number of times someone has to engage in an activity for it to be a habit … hence that ‘yay to the me.’ comment. Continue reading →

clear sense of direction

Posted on Sunday, July 21st, 2013 by staci

I still remember thumbing through my parents’ atlas as a young traveler. When we would make the long hike to Florida, I would study it for hours (because what else are you going to do in a van for 20 hours (or more) besides fight with your sister or play foot races on the ceiling with one of your bffs? true stories.) always knowing what state we were in, what town we might hit next and where I’d like to travel when I grew up. Continue reading →

freedom isn’t free

Posted on Sunday, July 7th, 2013 by staci

One more celebration of our nation’s independence is in the books. I blogged about oohing and aahing over several fireworks displays and enjoying a small-town parade. But, it was a conversation I had with an old friend today that reminded me again about why freedom is worth celebrating. Continue reading →

pray-er

Posted on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 by staci

unfortunately, he may have gotten this from me.

Okay, so the photo has nothing to do with the post. It just made me giggle. And would you look at those skinny little legs?! He definitely doesn’t get that from his mother!

Anyway, when Connor and I have just a couple of days together, I always get super sad when we get home late. But, Spring means sports and sports means less time at home. That’s just the way it is. Of course I love it. I love watching Connor play soccer and baseball. I love (for roughly 5.25 minutes) when he demands playing on the playground after practices or games, and when he makes goofy faces at me because he is annoyed I’m trying to capture another photo. Continue reading →

wordless wednesday

Posted on Wednesday, April 17th, 2013 by staci

[101.365] so long, my friend

Just like last Thursday, the rain is pouring down. As frustrating as the rain can be, it can also signal re-birth and growth (although I’m none too thrilled about having left a perfectly beautiful day in Florida to see it). Our band gathered for the first time tonight after losing our friend and just like the last time we sang, I could still hear his voice and like the rain, the sound was peaceful and refreshing. Thanks for blessing us tonight with your presence, Paul.

on loss, and singing forevermore

Posted on Thursday, April 11th, 2013 by staci

In a surprising turn, I’ve been short on words this week. Honestly, I still am. I’ve felt so many emotions over the past week that I wish I could properly articulate, but I’m sure I can’t; at least not adequately.