Tag Archives: Family

Spring Break: Of Doorkeepers and Gardens

wpid-wp-1426385085975.jpegSpring break was absolutely amazing for the sole reason that I didn’t have to go to school. I got a break from the drudgery of lectures and a butt ton of work. I never had to set my alarm. It was amazing. Of course, going down to St. Louis to visit my sister and bro-in-law was also a delight. One of the things I was most looking forward to over this particular trip to St. Louie was a visit to the Thaxton, a speakeasy downtown complete with 1920’s decor, a live band, back alley entrance, and a good time. Or so I’m told. Nowhere on the website did it say 21 or older, nor had my sister and her husband ever been carded when they went. But when we all went, there was a different doorkeeper, and he asked for IDs. Thanks Mr. Doorman. I just want to dance. All dressed up and nowhere to go. So we all journeyed back to the much smaller St. Charles where my sister resides and went to a coffee bar for a late open-mic night.

Although I tried not to think of it as school, I had to go to some place environmental for my science class. So I went to the botanical gardens. Let’s just say, I want to live in a rainforest dome. Think of it. Just heading over to the bamboo grove to cook some dinner or curling up in a hammock surrounded by trees covered in orchids.  Perfect. It’d be like a Swiss Family Robinson paradise. (fyi, that’s one of my childhood favorites.)

1920's

 

Thanksgiving

Here’s a few photos from a lovely trip to St. Louis. Let’s just say it’s weird going to your sister’s house. That she lives in with her husband. When did all this happen?

Comprendo español, ¿no?

Hola! Me llamo Samantha. Yo soy estudiante en Rock Valley College. Soy de St. Louis pero vivo en Rockford con mis padres. Tengo dieciseis años. Me gusta bailar y cantar. Bailo en su mayoría swing y lindy. Yo he comenzado a ensenar swing el año pasado en escuelas. Canto en la banda llamada Jacquelyn. Mi asignatura escolar favorita es psicología. Trabajo en la librería de mi universidad. Tengo una hermana, Allison, y un hermano, Nate. Mi hermana vive en St. Louis con su esposo, Daniel. Mi cunado y mi hermana se conocieron en la universidad. Mi hermana tiene veintiun años. Mi hermano vive en la universidad de Whitewater en Wisconsin. Su compañero de cuarto es nuestro primo, Eli. Mi hermano tiene diecinueve años.

Good-Bye Brother

Last Sunday my brother left for college. He is honestly the dumbest smart person I know. It really takes talent to not study and get A’s, let me tell ya. You’re such an amazing, kind-hearted guy, Nate. I’m going to miss you a lot. but more, I’m going to pray for you a lot. Live up to what you were created to be. I know you can do it.

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I’m reminded of a song, a prayer, I wrote for the young men in my life over a year ago:

Father, teach him to be a man
Father, teach him to be strong
Father, teach him humbleness

Teach him; teach him
Father, teach him

Jesus, show him compassion
Jesus, show him forgiveness
Jesus, show him sacrifice

Show him; show him
Jesus, show him

Spirit, fill his heart
Spirit, fill his mind
Spirit, fill his soul

Fill him; fill him
Holy Spirit, fill him

Lord, train him to lead
Lord, train him to follow
Lord, train him to serve

Train him; train him
Lord, train him

Let him see you
Let him see your glory
Let him see the glory of your love

Teach him
Show him
Fill him
Train him

Love him