Scotland!

Today was a bit more relaxing as we ate a simple, but leisurely breakfast at "The Snooze" this morning in Liverpool (home to the Beatles). Liverpool seems to lack the charm of other English cities. There is an older area, but overall the town seems to be attempting a "a new image" which seems more modern. The skyline is beautiful and we enjoyed pizza by the bay this evening. The football stadium was next door and we looked at tickets - over $100 just to attend! Guess not this time!

We've enjoyed meeting other travelers, the couple we had breakfast with this morning was from Canada. (Interesting to here all about the "Common Wealth Nations.") A trip to see another country is more than just seeing the sites, but learning and enjoying the people there. So while we may not have seen every site planned or traveled to every place we hoped, we have enjoyed sitting and talking with those here and visiting some of the local sites they send us as well.

That happened today on our way to Edinburgh. Stopping at KFC for lunch we were set off to find a small lake set in the English countryside. It was a nice diversion and we were supposedly the first Americans the  young gal had every had the pleasure to serve at KFC!

The road trip up to Scotland was fairly uneventful. We are still learning the round a bouts and some of the other terminology used for directions. Thankfully, our car has a GPS system and "Cozette" as we refer to her has truly been a darling! :)

Whether enjoying the scenery, singing to Sovereign Grace, sharing memories or discussing various parenting concerns it has been a pleasure to share the trip with good friends.  We are blessed.

Good bye London...

Yesterday morning we said good bye to London. There was still so much to do and see; this trip is really a cursory look at a country one could enjoy for months. As much as I enjoyed London, I am anticipating the travels through the country. I'm just a country girl. :)

Sandy and I prayed much as we drove out of London. PDave kept up with the affirming "stay left!" and Paul was a champion driver. It was a bit unnerving at times, especially when we hit a downpour near the Cotswolds in Burmick.

We first headed to Oxford and spent quite a bit of time learning the history and city. While we were rewarded with seeing Latimer, Cranmer, and Ridley it continues to be astonishing that the English have no clue about their reformation history - or don't agree with it.

At Wycliffe Hall we found the students don't study him as they study to become Vicars of the Church  of England...interesting conversations. I don't have time now to expand as we are packed and ready to head through the Lake District on the way to Edinburgh.

We did have a lovely lunch at the Eagle and Child pub where Tolkien influenced Lewis, who later became a Christian. As fans of their literature, it was a treat to dine in the Rabbit Room in a traditional pub style with new friends from England, Finland and Ireland.

Coming into Liverpool was different - the city is pretty but lacking the charm of England noted other where. Our stay is brief and really just a bed to sleep in before leaving for Scotland - home of John Knox.

It is now Friday and almost a week into the trip. I miss the kids like crazy and wish to squeeze Miri! But traveling with good friends makes the trip even more enjoyable and a blessing as we are likeminded.

More to come.

London to Cambridge

After enjoying some pizza down in the kitchen area, it was off to bed! Thankfully, I seem to be sleeping every other night:). So, slept hard and felt refreshed this morning. We ate quickly and headed off for the bus station. Today we spent the bulk of the day traveling to Cambridge. It was nice taking the bus and the transportation systems are so much better here. It gave us time to see a few more sites around the city and get a taste for the country where we'll be spending the next few days driving.

It was neat to see the Olympics center from the bus. Wish we could have gotten a tour, but just not enough time.

Cambridge was a fascinating place - full of colleges and universities. We enjoyed a tour around the town and walked a lot, too. One highlight was coming across a small Baptist church founded in the 1624. The sanctuary was redone in 1903, but it was lovely. The gas air vents, umbrella holders on the pew, gas lighting and all the stain glass and wood made it unique. The highlight was discovering William Carey's chair and getting to sit in it!

We toured an old pub called The Eagle where DNA was discovered and many famous people stayed. I'll have to add names and photos to all this later! Milne was one who would enjoy the pub (known for Winnie the Pooh). It was a very neat place.

 Sadly, the only thing left of White Horse Tavern (where the Greats who sat and discussed Luther's reformation) was a little blue plaque at the end of an elaborate building at King's College. It was amazing really. All around this island no one seems to know or remember the heroes of the Reformation. Little is mentioned and one has to hunt to find them. Sadly, down the street there is a huge garden complete with a life size statue of Charles Darwin, who also attended school there. How different Heaven will be! The things made great in the world will suddenly be gone. . .and the righteous will receive their reward.

After arriving back in London, there was only a few minutes for a quick change. We ate at an English pub (PDave even got fish & chips!) and then hurried for the tube to get to Queen's Theatre. There we were treated to Les Miserables - my favorite play. It's been running for 8 years in London and was a fun night out on the town. London is different at night.... 

Like my kids, I'm always keeping my eye out for money on the ground. London picks up her change! I've heard America is one of the only countries where you can find coins on the ground that no one is willing to pick up. So far, I've only found 4 coins. My kids would be sadly disappointed here!

It's late here, so will try to write something tomorrow. Cheerio!

London, Day 3

The days are long and full. Especially because I found myself up at 3am this morning unable to sleep! It was a nice time to read and I am enjoying a historical fiction book on John Knox by Douglas Bond. It's nice to just take the lift (elevator) downstairs and have breakfast ready for us. While it is the same each morning, it is plenty and enjoyable. There is a lot of breads (croissants, danishs, regular breads), hard boiled eggs, cheeses, yogurt, cereals, spreads, juices, teas and coffee.

Today we caught the bus and enjoyed the magnificence of St. Paul's cathedral and Westminster Abbey. However, more enjoyable than the eloquence of the Catholic church was finding a small graveyard tucked into the skyscrapers of London - a place even the locals don't go - and seeing the graves of John Bunyan, John Owen, Susannah Wesley...among others. It was a treat to be given a personal tour by the undertaker there.

Tom seemed to fit the part of caretaker (dirt under the nails, carrying a knife in his hands, pallid. . .) and with the dreary London weather it was a perfect day to plod around a graveyard. He took time to show us a catatomb that had crumbled and we could see the decayed coffin and bones way down in the ground.

Puritan John Owen

John Bunyun's grave

Sandy and I together still did not match Susannah Wesley childbearing! Sadly, more than half of her babies died in infancy so I think I match her in child rearing. Still, that's a LOT of pregnancies and deliveries!

Across the street we found the home of John Wesley and a Methodist chapel behind his home containing Charles Wesley's organ and authentic John Crapper toliets. Interestingly enough, Wesley's site was listed on the local map while the cemetary containing such Greats was not! We enjoyed seeing Wesley's memorial and acknowledge him as a man of God who was also used in many ways. Unfortunately, he will be always be coupled with a very liberal and often heretical religion, Methodism. I doubt that he would recognize it as his today.

We then headed to the Museum of London which was a wonderful museum and very interesting history and artifacts, many that could be touched. The only disappointment was the lack of coverage of the Reformation. The reformation was really reduced to King Henry's desire to institute a new church that would allow his divorces. It was fascinating seeing the history and changes of London - from early Roman rule through the Great Fire into the World Wars and to the present.

 A trip to London is not complete without a picture of Big Ben in the background. I always thought the tower was named Big Ben. Found out today that it is only the clock that bears the name. I forget the name of the tower and bell....probably Victoria or Elizabeth:).

 Although it was a bit rainy, we were still able to enjoy a boat ride down the Thames. Stopping at the Eye of London (basically a big ferris wheel), we then took off on an adventure of finding Memorial Tabernacle - made know by Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers. It was neat to find it, but unfortunately it was not the thrill of the Westminster Chapel which remained untouched. The Tabernacle had been destroyed during the WWII and the rebuilding of it was very modern and a bit disappointing. However, the book store was fantastic and it was very encouraging to see the great books offered there. I wonder how many know that that little treasure of a bookstore is there?

Needing to catch the bus by 5pm, we made some fun memories walking/running madly about trying to find the bus stop! Nothing like old people running. . . we were thankful to make it and enjoy a ride back to the hotel.

Well, the others have freshened up and it's time to go find a bite for dinner. PDave is wanting pizza. . .so we're off!

London, Day 2

It's hard to believe we just arrived yesterday afternoon as we have seen and done so much. There is so much more to see and do, but we are pleased with what we have done. We definitely aren't the typical sightseers, as we are more interested in visiting the graves of the martyrs than the crown jewels!

So much for a quiet evening acclamating! We did walk over to Buckingham Palace, view the statues, gardens and the changing of the guards.

But the highlight was worshiping at Westminster Chapel yesterday evening. Following the service the pastor (Greg Haslem) was kind to take us on a personal tour. We know from experience the long hours a pastor works - then to stay late after service and chat for almost two hours. . . more than we could have hoped for! Paul got to wear Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones preaching robe (we discovered he was a very small man!), hold his preaching Bible and stand by his lecturn in the grand sanctuary. Estatic doesn't say it all:). We heard many stories, learned a lot of history, and enjoyed fellowship with a Brother across the pond.

The chapel remains the same as when it was filled with 3000+ to hear the Dr.

The lectern from where the small, but mightly preacher thundered!

Wearing the Dr.'s robe!

Dr.Martin Lloyd-Jones preaching Bible

Monday marked our first full day here in London. The bulk of today has been on top of a double-decker bus touring the city. It's been a beautiful day full of sunshine and breezes. The locals tell us that last week was rainy and 7 degree C....so we are thankful.

Taking the advice of many, we took the "Red Bus" tours. The hop on/hop off set-up was helpful. Staying on for the loop allows for an overview of many of the sights and history of London.

The afternoon was spent at the Tower of London. It was amazing seeing the history we've read about before us. Hearing the accounts of the executions, murders and torture of so many. You can see the markings in the prison walls prior to the executions and so many etched Bible verses. . .Bloody Mary was truly bloody!

Inside the Tower of London

The tour provided by the Royal Yeoman was very helpful and entertaining

It was here that Latimer, Cranmer, and Ridley waited in the dungeon waiting for their execution. Bloody Mary killed more that 280 Christians during her reign.

One of the torture methods

Other martyrs included Lady Jane Grey and Queen Anne.

Where the beheading (the more merciful executions) were held.

There is also a big soccer match here - so saw some crazy mobs of fans and lots of excitement.

I've been a bit surprised at the difficulty I have understanding the British accent. I find we all rely on Paul for getting us around and ordering food, etc.

PDave did find something a bit like home:)

Many things that are normal in America are luxeries here. Places are very small and crowded - personal space is as well. Hotels are small, too. It is difficult to find wi-fi and it usually isn't free. So many times we went to Goggle something and remembered that there isn't (free) access just anywhere. Everything seems more expensive because it's all sold in small increments and individual sizes. There are very few children. We have only seen families with two children - no more! I only saw two babies all day today and one pregnant woman. . .so strange not to see children around. Perhaps this is just city life.Pedestrians do not have the right of way and fortunately, we have been looking opposite so have fared OK. I'm amazed how the bus drivers navigate around and pull into very small looking places. . .

Enjoying the time but missing you kids!

London

We have arrived! After a whirlwind week, we left for the airport around 11am Saturday morning. We boarded in Fresno around 1pm and headed to LAX. After a bumpy, but uneventful flight we landed. After shuttles and a hike, we made it to the international terminal and found British Airways. Then came the line for security checks. For some reason, Dave and Sandy who were just in front of us disappeared quickly. My bag toppled over and Paul and I righted it, turned back around in the line and they were gone! We were pointed down a row and had no wait at all and walked easily through security. On the other side, we realized Dave and Sandy had been directed to a different, very long line and were still waiting. We had plenty of time and were sitting and waiting when Paul realized his passport wasn't where it should be. I had been holding the passports, until we got up to the check and then I had handed it to him. He hadn't handed it back and I didn't realize it. Fortunately, the security check had it - it had been left in the bin. Heart stopping. The trip wouldn't have been the same without him! Lol.

The Micus and Parkers heading for Heathrow!

We boarded for Heathrow and the journey continued. It was lovely to fly straight. The plane was packed and didn't not seem nearly as roomy as I remembered from prior international flights. We made acquantances with several along the way and received some travel tips and sights to see. The flight was also bumpy and long, but uneventful. I was hoping to sleep, but it has been eluding me now for a couple days. . . .hoping to crash hard tonight.

Close plane flights cause one to be grateful for American hygiene. We have our faults, but we tend to smell nice:). I wasn't sure if I'd make the flight without throwing up, but the Burt's Bees Wax on the upper lip helped immensely.

We landed on time but had another long wait in border crossings. Then, to figure out the Tube and what kind of rail pass we needed. After a ride from Heathrow into London, we arrived at Victoria Station and headed toward the hotel. We walked past Buckingham Palace and saw Churchill's favorite dining spot. There are many nice little pubs and cafes and we found a quaint one and enjoyed an afternoon lunch/supper.

The Tube became our mode of transportation in London. Leaving Heathrow enroute to the hotel. Paul and Dave made the call to only bring carry ons. . .definitely a plus when hopping on/off public transportation.

The hotel is clean and small, but nice. All are resting except for your truly! Anyway, we are due to meet soon to go to evening service at Westminister Chapel. We had hoped to make the morning service, but were way to idealistic in that thought! Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was the preacher at one time and we look forward to worshiping in this place where he heralded the Gospel. After that service, we plan to make the later service at Spurgeon's Church. Perhaps a walk along the Thames and by Big Ben on the way back and we'll call it in a night here in London!

Missing my babies - big and small! The first stewardess was the oldest of 10 so we talk about them a bunch. And pray more.

I hope to figure out how to add photos soon. . .until then good-bye!

In front of the hotel...they are everywhere and very quaint. Hopefully with the cell phone England will still keep these around. They make a great photo for tourists. . .Saw more tourist in them than locals!

Sweet 16!

Sweet 16. It's hard to believe that precious little bundle that we so proudly brought home from the hospital is now sixteen. Knowing that today would be a little crazy to celebrate with friends (leaving for England tomorrow), we actually hosted a BBQ last week.

Paul put together a "photo scavenger hunt" of sorts which resulted in lots of fun pictures for Sarah to have to remember the special day. The pictures all have themes. . .

Yep, the kid in the air is Bekah!

Sarah and Annalise, friends from birth!

Sarah. It was an exciting first pregnancy and first grandchild on my side. These were the days before cell phones, so Paul took out a "baby pager" - remember those?!? I was due on May 22. The day came and went. So, the next morning (Friday, May 23) I headed off to the gym. Not at 4:30am in those days! I'm not sure what time exactly I got there, but I will never forget the feeling of something running down my legs while I was on the transport machine! In the movies, when the "water breaks" it's like a big gush. I was very nervous that I was just losing bladder control... but I got to call the baby pager :) which made Paul's day. After going to the doctor it was confirmed that my water had broken but was just trickling due to the baby's head.

We tried to stall a bit, went home and got ready to head to the hospital. Nervous, jittery new parents. Unfortunately, I knew I wasn't having much happening in the way of contractions. I really wanted to have a natural delivery, but that unfortunately went out the window when the doctor wanted to start pitocin around 7pm. By 11:30pm I was hurting and not sure if I could make it without some kind of drugs! The nurse who checked me added to the discouragement with the prophecy that the baby probably wouldn't arrive until morning. As the pain grew more intense, I decided it was time to break away from the "desired plan" and figure out Plan B. Paul called the nurse back in to tell her I wanted to try the epidural. She checked once more and was amazed that I had gone to an 8 in the last half hour! I remember being very thankful. I also remember being hungry and not getting food. Paul had been eating Taco Bell and get breathing in my face to "push" and was counting.  I didn't want to be rude, so I kept asking him to brush his teeth. He kept ignoring me since he was intent on helping me breathe:). Finally, I couldn't take it. He says my eyes rolled back in my head as I grunted out "goooo bruuushh yooouuur teeeeth!" He said that at that moment all the nurses starting popping breath mints! LOL. It wasn't the easiest delivery, but I was thankful not to push long. Unfortunately all the pit make me throw up while pushing:( but it was worth it. Paul was all set up to cut the cord, but after Sarah arrived the doctor told him there needed to be change of plans. The room became very intense and it seemed forever before that little gray girl let out a bellow. The there was a collective sigh as her color became more pink and the cord was removed from her neck. 6 lbs. 10 ounces. Beautiful dark hair and red lips. She was perfect. I had seen enough newborns to keep my expectations on appearance in check - but she really was pretty. From Day 1, she was alert and observant. She seemed to study everything and be interested in taking it all in.

Now, in a blink, she's a woman. Sometimes at church Paul and I look around the upper room for her and can't find her - she blends in with the young adults. I am so thankful that God gave me a daughter, especially not knowing that 8 more would follow! Sarah is my right arm and I tell her frequently that I couldn't do it without her. She is so much more mature, gracious, and smart than I ever was at 16! I am amazed by her.

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Convictions

A few weeks ago, while hosting a family, Paul made an off-hand comment the jist being "you live by your convictions, but you can't make others live by your convictions." I've been mulling this over a lot. How many times are my frustrations the result of wanting others to live my convictions? Biblical truth can drive us in many ways, according to convictions, and be very opposite of each other while still embracing the same truths.

Conviction never replaces biblical truth, it acts on it. Our theology will drive it. Therefore, not all convictions by all people are equal. Persons may be equally passionate and convicted, but there are wrong convictions. If I believe that God is a loving God who exists to make me happy and my marriage no longer makes me happy - then my convictions can and will lead me to divorce. Wrong. Plug in any thing if your theology is one of personal happiness void of God and it will lead toward wrong convictions and wrong living. I, too, believe that God is a loving God who desires my happiness. However, it is not a happiness void of God, but one focused on Him as the only Source of all joy and pleasure. Desiring to know Him, and Him crucified, will drive our marriage, children, careers, money, retirement, and even our death.

Then we can live out our convictions with full joy without comparison or compromise.

Baby Girl

Some various shots of our little girlie who is growing up too quick!

 According to Josh, Miriam loves playing video games! She looks comfy.

Josh took this shot this morning. What in the world?  We have plenty of toys!

The change one year makes! Just as kissable!

Mother's Day gifts. . .

I've been wanting to transform the large, brown wall in the kitchen. With a door opening to enter and narrow passage with fridge and island, it's not an ideal picture place. I considered chalk paint and other creative endeavors, of which I am limited. Finally spotted this idea at Target and Sarah took on the project:).

Sarah hard at work! The top piece was a verse (from Kohls) that did NOT work....

The finished product! I love it!

Happy Mother's Day, 5.12.13

 While Sarah was working, we had the door locked to keep the traffic flow down. Except for nappers, most of us were all in the yard getting ready for the tribe for Mother's Day. My son was intent on being let inside and insisted that someone hear him. I told him to go around because the door was locked. . .stubborn won. Well, here's a mother's day gift from a son:

It's actually the first time a kid has broken a window. Hope it's the last.

I won't mention which son, but the only thing saving his behind was the new door is here and ready to install. So, Jon won't have to pay this time. Oops, now you know.

Mentioning sons. . .well.  I better save that story for later!

Officially a Californian?

This cute picture of my niece popped up on instagram yesterday; born two days after my 22 birthday we are linked by name and birthdays. I was telling the kids that she was the first niece born after I arrived in California and was "hanging out" with her Uncle Paul. She's known me all her life.

It dawned on me at that point - I've lived in California for more than 22 years now. I've lived in California longer than any other place, including my home state South Carolina. Does that make me a Californian now? I know, some argue you must be born there to be considered authentic - I'm from the South, I know about lineage and ancestry. But I think I am a Californian now. I must say I love this state and have enjoyed living here the majority of my life!  Of course living in the "Bible Belt" of California helps. . .

Happy Birthday, Amy Louise!

Creative Kids

Jonathan kept himself busy during soccer games with his art work. He even gained an audience!

Hannah loves the young adult women visits because she gets to try out new hair styles! Hoping she'll be doing my hair in a few years:)

How many hideouts do you think the Boxcar Children books have inspired?!

The girlies - ready for a party

Hannah and Naomi demonstrated their handwashing system in their home

What a better place for a hideout than in an overgrown tree? One of the reasons I wanted a sister all my life. These girlies have too much fun together.