A Trip to DC

Where did I leave you last?  The moving from the rental was complete and we were settling in our new home.  Right?

Before I even figured out where all the light switches were, WGO and I flew to Washington DC.  He had a conference to attend and I went along for the ride.  We flew out on Saturday (a 6:30 flight from Wichita International) and his meetings were scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday.  Since neither of us had ever been to the capitol we extended the trip to do a little sight seeing.  We stayed in the historic Willard International Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave just a stone's through from the White House.

Another couple from Wichita attended the conference and we had a great time seeing the sites with them.  We bought a 48 hour pass on a "hop on, hop off" tour bus.  Although our hotel was very close to most of the attractions, the bus saved us a lot of steps.

Highlights of the trip for me included the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery,  seeing the Constitution at the National Archives,   touring the Holocaust Museum, and dining at the Library of Congress.  We happened to be walking by the White House as the president was leaving so we got to watch his helicopter, Marine One, land and take off.  Sunday afternoon we also just happened to be walking through Lafayette Park as a Pro-Life/Religious Freedom Rally was getting underway.  I stayed and listened to several speakers while WGO went to the opening session of the conference.  We spent Monday and Tuesday afternoon visiting the offices of our legislators.  Since Congress was not in session we only got to visit with staff members but it was interesting to get a glimpse of how it all works.

I was amazed at the size and number of the Federal Buildings.  It gave me a different perspective at the size of the federal beauracracy  and how many people it must employ.   No wonder our debt is out of control.

On Saturday, WGO's sister and her boyfriend came down from Philly.  We ate at the Indian Museum and viewed the exhibit that her company had made.  Then we went to Alexandria and walked the quaint downtown area and enjoyed a beer together.  We had dinner with WGO's aunt and several of his cousins.  It was a fun and memorable last evening of our trip.

Our flight home left at 6:00 a.m. We left the hotel at 4:00 and arrived in Mulvane before noon.  I won't bore you with all the details or all the pictures of our trip.  But here is a sampling.

Marine One landing on South White House lawn.

Dave and WGO outside Mr. Pompeo's office.

View of Capitol at Night

The Library of Congress

The Washington Monument

The Lincoln Memorial

The Changing of the Guard at Arlington

Van Gogh self portrait at Art Museum

A Visit with Smokey Bear

The National Cathedral

At the Natural History museum

Melinda, Alan and WGO at Indian Museum

Aunt Donna and cousins (and Alan)



I am blessed!  God is good!

Wow, What a Week!

I have several excuses for my absence from the blogger's sphere.  One, Kayla had her baby and I have been spending time in Rose Hill bonding with Hadley.  Two, we moved.  And three, we haven't had an internet connection!

Hadley Ann Lackey made her appearance on Thursday, September 13th at 4:45 p.m.  She weighed in at 8# 5 oz and measured 19 1/2 inches long.  She is just about perfect in every way.  This grandma was much relieved that labor and delivery went very smoothly.  It was great getting periodic text messages from the Lackey's updating us on the progress of the birthing process.  My, how times have changed!
Thursday evening WGO and I made a dash to Wesley to get a quick peek at Baby Girl Lackey.

I took Thursday afternoon off to pack but ended up running last minute house errands with WGO.  We made another decision (but probably not our last) concerning mirrors and a shower door for the bathrooms.  So Friday,  I packed fast and furiously.  When I had most of the boxes packed, I joined WGO at the new house cleaning.  We crawled into bed at about 10:00 anticipating the move the following morning.  WGO misread the clock and headed to the house at 4:00 a.m.  I, on the other hand. forgot to set an alarm so woke up 45 minutes before the "moving crew" was set to arrive.

The move commenced at 8:00. My friend Mickie and her husband David were GREAT help as were two of our mission trip teens, Hannah and Elizabeth.  Junior Pauly came with a trailer and Dan came with the three grandchildren in tow.  The girls helped me clean and Raph hung out with the guys.  Lucas showed up just as Dan was needing to leave.  Tyler, Laura, and AJ were also on hand to help in the afternoon.  I especially enjoyed AJ's help in getting the kitchen organized.  Megan and Chad and baby Grady came into town Saturday afternoon.  WGO and I were too pooped to join the family at Dan and Myle's for dinner.  We had a very quiet, thrown together meal at our new island in our new house.

This week I have tried to spend as much time as I can with Kayla and the baby.  When I wasn't holding and admiring little Hadley I was cooking and cleaning and doing laundry there.  Kayla felt good enough for an outing on Wednesday to her place of employment and Target.  On Thursday we went to my mom and dad's to check up on Dad who had surgery on Monday and to allow G. G. to hold her 14th great grand baby.

I was blessed to have such great siblings who came to help dad and mom through this week.  Three of my brothers came on Monday to help Judy with surgery day.  Mary came on Tuesday from Michigan and she will stay until Nancy comes from Louisiana.  It was a great relief for me to know that mom and dad were well taken care of while I have been preoccupied with house and baby. 

There are many more boxes in the garage whose contents need to find a permanent home.  I am sure there will be some rearranging over the course of the next few months.  And it may be a while before I can talk WGO into putting nails in the walls to hang pictures.  But for the most part this house now feels like our home.  Stop by and see us some time!

I am BLESSED.  God is good!

The Lackey's hours after Hadley's birth.

WGO cleaning the kitchen.

The Rental in packing mode.

Thank you Hannah and Elizabeth!

Thank you Junior and Lucas.

Grady and Papa
Hadley and Grandma

Sweet Baby Girl

Hadley's first trip to Target.

Spinning Plates

I really should be packing.  Yes, you heard that right.  I should be packing but I thought I would send a blog your way while I have the computer and the rental to my self.

Kayla still has not had her baby.  And the house still isn't finished.  But both could happen this week.
Kayla's due date is September 11th and her doctor said because it was her first she should really consider the 16th as the actual date.  I'm thinking what he means by that is that they won't discuss an "exit strategy" until after the 16th.  Kayla is hanging in there, working each day and trying to get those last minute things done--just in case.  Her craft projects are complete and waiting for Mr. Lackey to put some nails in the wall.  (Unfortunately, he doesn't have nor understand the word "nesting".)  I spent yesterday at the Lackey's doing our laundry and getting some meat prepared and in the freezer for easier meals once baby is in the house.  We cooked 10 lbs. of ground beef and cooked and deboned two chickens.  We froze boneless chicken breasts in meal ready packages.  Her mother-in-law brought down several casseroles last week so meals should be pretty easy.

A lot of progress was made at "the house".  The painter finally finished (except for touch ups).  The electrician is making progress and the plumber is about finished.  The tile guy is done.  WGO and Mr. Lackey have laid the hard wood floor.  Carpet is coming on Monday.  And hopefully our trim carpenter   who was recently injured in a motorcycle vs. deer accident will be able to come and finish the trim in the great room.

WGO and I  went out to the house last night to check out the outside lighting, now complete.  It was weird walking through the house that soon will be our new residence.  It almost seems real now.  I don't think I will really believe it is our home until I sleep there, cook a meal there, and do our laundry there.  Even after we move in there will be lots for WGO to do--finish the bar area, build a mantel in the basement, and get cabinets or shelves in the craft room.  So, I still won't have my husband back but he will be closer.

Have you ever seen a performer spinning plates on top of sticks?  Well, I think if is a good imagery to describe my life right now.  I spent two mornings this week with my mom and dad.  Dad is still dealing with his kidney stone and added a fainting incident to health issues we are dealing with.  Until we figure out what is causing his dizziness he is not driving.  At work, each plate represents one of the ministries that I am involved in, Adult Faith Formation, K-6 FF, Youth Ministry including Mission Trip and Confirmation,  and Stewardship.  Another plate is just trying to keep meals on the table and clean clothes in the drawers.  Add cross country, new babies and new house and there are many plates I am trying to keep from crashing to the floor.  Please don't think I am complaining.  I know I am blessed.  I am blessed that  I can still spend time with my folks.  I am blessed with being able to work with such wonderful people at St. Michaels.  I am blessed to have great kids and a great husband working his tail off to build us a beautiful home.  God is good.

Ready for the freezer.

The floor.

Looks like a toilet!

The kitchen has lighting, sinks, and some appliances.

Light fixture in the dining room.

Ceiling fan in the master bedroom.

About Baby Showers, Birthdays, and Baptisms

Last Sunday we celebrated the imminent birth of Baby Lackey with a Baby Shower.  My sister, Judy and my daughter-in-law Myle were the hostesses of the affair.   There was a full house at the Second Hand Ranch as friends and family gathered to shower the new mom with gifts for the new baby.   It was great seeing so many of Kayla's high school friends.  Some brought babies of their own.  Where in the world did the years go?

In the past year I think I have been to 10 wedding or baby showers.  What a great tradition to gather as women to give support to the next generation of wives and mothers!  It is not only the generosity of the much needed gifts given but also the stories told and the encouragement spoken.  It is as if we are saying, "We have been where you are now and even though the trials and the challenges inherent in being a wife or being a mother are many, we do not regret the life that we chose.  We wish you great happiness!"

the quilt

"I love you to the moon and back"  made by Aunt Megan

a gift from a girlfriend

Kayla surrounded by love.

Thursday was my birthday.  When I came home from church Wednesday night, totally wiped out, I fell down on the couch.  Immediately I smelled the aroma of something baking.  WGO had a cake in the oven.  I can't remember the last time someone made a birthday cake for me.  (It was probably my mother.) And I am pretty sure Gregg had never attempted to bake a cake.  Thursday dawned a new day.  Unfortunately life goes on even if it is your birthday, so I went to work as usual.  AJ had a cross country meet in Clearwater.  It was nice to have Kayla accompany me to the meet.  Afterward we picked up some KFC and took dinner to WGO and Mr. Lackey who were laying the wood floor at the house. We picnicked on the deck.  I said that I wanted to celebrate my birthday at the new house and so I did!  About the cake,  as I served it to our guests (the plumber stopped by to chat) I realized that it was very dry! Gregg was served last and as soon as he took a bite and declared it uneatable the rest of us put our forks down!  Come to find out Gregg didn't put any water into the mix.  We had a good laugh and as they say, "It is the thought that counts."  WGO did hit a home run with the gift--a gift certificate for a manicure and a pedicure.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my birthday buddies in this post.  I got to celebrate with Monica on Friday evening.  We had pizza and cake, a really scrumptious homemade pumpkin cake.  Tyler and I exchanged gifts in Topeka on Sunday.   What a blessing to share my birthday with a son and a granddaughter!

AJ running.

Before the cake was cut.

Today WGO and I left the rental at 5:30a.m. to make a quick trip to T-town.  Today was the day of baby Grady's baptism.  It took place during the Sunday morning liturgy at St. Matthew's Catholic Church.  It was a beautiful day for a beautiful celebration of God's love and grace.  I am reminded of the time Jesus said, "Let the children come to me".  He then blessed them and embraced them.   Today he blessed and embraced Grady Mack Beisel!

Grady with his Godmother and Godfathers!

The Baptismal font Grady was immersed in.

Grady with his proud parents and Fr. Jerry.

We stopped by Ty and Laura's apartment.  This is there new table.

The newlyweds--they already of pictures of their big day hung on the wall.

Random Thoughts

I had another busy week, as I am sure all of you did too.  "Busy" seems to be the word used a lot to describe our lives, our society.  I worked a few extra hours at my part time job/ministry getting ready for our first Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) activity and my first class with my new batch of 8th graders.  I am always amazed at how many hours it takes to get ready for an hour and a half program.  We had a great turn out and everyone seemed to have a good time!

Thursday, I left the rental at 4:15 a.m. to get to Wichita in time to take my dad (and mom) to Kansas Medical Center (a physician owned hospital) for his outpatient procedure.  His urologist was attempting to blast his kidney stone so he could pass the pieces and be done with the thing.  After the procedure, the doctor reported that the stone was "very big" and in a "very bad place".  He blasted it at the highest power and as many times as was safe but wasn't sure it was going to do the trick.  Dad is to set an appointment in two weeks time to have it x-rayed to see if  this procedure was successful.

While I was sitting in the waiting room I wrote a list of ten random thoughts.

1.  Here are a few things I am looking forward to at the new house:  a garage door opener,  an ice machine, a deck to sit on, a refrigerator with a light,  a washer and dryer*,  a bedroom big enough that I can open my nightstand drawer,  being done with the building of the house.  Boy,  do I sound spoiled or what?

*We gave our washer and dryer to Kayla and Lucas because we are getting new ones for the new house.  I couldn't stand to watch Kayla drag her laundry here every week during the last month of her pregnancy.  This was the first week since the first year of our marriage that I had to haul the laundry out.

2.  Holding a sleeping baby has got to be one of the simplest pleasures in life.

3.  God knew what he was doing when he created pineapple and bacon.

4.  What is the deal with all the big screen tvs in public places, restaurant, lobbies, hospital waiting rooms.  They are never on a station I want to watch.  Am I allowed to change the channel?  What is the proper etiquette?  You always come into the middle of a show/movie.  What is going on?  Can I ask someone who is in the room?  If there are two shows on two different tvs, which one do I watch?  The volume is usually just too low to hear it but two high so as to be distracting to conversation or an attempt at reading.  Really, can't we all go a few hours without that visual stimulation in our life?  Just asking?

5.  Why do people post.... "that moment when..."  Did I miss a secret message some where?

6.  That moment when you first know you are getting a cold...

7.  At the risk of offending someone, I am going to ask, "Why would we have an exception to the abortion law for rape?"  Is that child not a child?  Should that child be punished for the sins of his/her father?  Does committing the violent act of abortion heal the woman of the violent act of rape?  Granted,  it would take an enormous amount of courage and grace from our God to carry a baby conceived in the act of rape to full term and give him/her up for adoption.  I heard a speaker once who was adopted.  She never met her birth mom but knows that her mom was raped. It was an amazing story that kind of got me thinking.

8. Here are a few undeniable truths:  No one likes to be crabbed at.  Everyone likes to be appreciated.  No one wants to be inconvenienced.

9.  The favorite part of my job/ministry is working with all the wonderful catechists and youth ministry volunteers.  They are a great, fun-loving and flexible group of people.  Each of them inspires me in my faith.

10.  A rumbling  thunderstorm is one of my favorite sounds.  Vanilla is one of my favorite smells.


An update on the house:  The trim carpenter has left the building!  The painter is finished staining and varnishing the woodwork.   (The fumes are so bad right now I get a head ache just walking in the door.)  WGO and Tyler finished the steps to the deck.  WGO and Mr. Lackey have begun laying the wood floor.

WGO and Mr. Lackey installing washer/dryer.

No more hauling laundry out!

The stairs on the back deck.

The stairs another view!

CYM:  Swimming on land relay!

Transferring water with a sponge relay.

Fun with a water balloon toss.
(Okay that afternoon filling all the balloons with water  by myself wasn't all that fun.)

Baby-q

Another week, another post.   It was one of those weeks in which WGO and I weren't home together very much.  He had a meeting on Tuesday.  I drove to Megan and Grady to meet Chad at Matfield Green.  (Does anyone know what happens when you turn around on the turnpike?)  Wednesday night I had a meeting at Church.  On Thursday,  both Gregg and I had a meeting--but not the same one.   When we gathered together for Fiesta Friday, complete with Coronas, we enjoyed a relaxing evening watching the Olympics and doing laundry. (When did I start doing laundry on Friday night?)  Ty and Laura, in town for a wedding, stopped by for a short visit.  The down time was short lived as AJ and I headed up to the Church for a youth group wedding cleanup at 10:45!

Saturday morning, WGO and I head north for a baby-q for Kayla and Lucas in his hometown.  "What is a baby-q?" you ask.  It is a combination between a bbq and a shower.  The Beisels joined us for the trek  north to Seneca, Kansas.  Lucas' mom and dad hosted the event.  Alice had prepared a great spread of food complete with a dessert buffet.  After the meal, the women headed inside for the opening of all the cute gifts for baby Lackey.  Some of them, but not all, were pink.  

We spent the night with the Beisel's.  In the morning we went to Mass and out to breakfast and then headed home.  What I really enjoy about road trips, is the time it affords us to converse as a couple.  After a week of meetings it was just what the marriage ordered.

Grady in his new kicks.

Baby Grady

Aunt Kayla

Not too much pink.

Too Cute!

Hadley's first pair of jeans.

For the newborn pictures.

Her first purse!

The shower part of the babyq.

A quilt from Hadley's great aunt Nancy (on the Lackey side)

the bbq of the baby

Lucas says he is READY.

The expectant couple.