Old Enough to be the Mom of a 17 Year Old?

It's hard to believe that 17 years ago Tim and I were preparing for the birth of our first child. We didn't find out the sex, and neither of us had a feeling as to if Cody was going to be "Cody Edward" or "Alisha MaryAnne".

I will never, ever forget the joyful moment of Cody's birth at 1:52 PM on November 18, 1991! I read once that before you have children, you can never imagine what your life will be like after you have them . . . and after you have kids you cannot remember life without them. I agree! Having children has been one of the greatest joys in my life and I'm sure Tim agrees with that.

It has been amazing to watch our children grow and change. I pray that the way Tim and I have raised Cody and Morgan will ultimately make a difference in the world . . . to someone . . . I don't know exactly how, but I'm confident that with the gifts and talents both of our children have, with God's help and guidance, and with the encouragement of those around them, they WILL change at least their little corner of the world for the better.

Cody hasn't decided what he wants to do for his birthday. I know it will be a family thing . . . perhaps we'll eat at our favorite restaurant, and as an alternative I've offered to make him the meal of his choosing if he'd rather stay home. We're not big cake eaters, so I'll probably get him an ice cream cake for dessert.

As a 17 year-old, it's difficult to figure out what to get him as a gift for his birthday. Today, however, I had a brainstorm of something I can make him that I think will be PERFECT! On the off chance (waaayy off chance!) he reads this blog (or someone who reads it and would share the secret with him), I'm not going to post what my gift to him is, until his birthday. Suffice it to say it combines one of his favorite activities with my favorite hobby.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

Great Minds Think Alike

I was talking to my mom on the way home tonight (it was a country road; I'm very careful when I'm driving and talking on my cell phone!). It was almost sunset, and I was just thinking to myself that the sunset was beautiful, when my mom gasped and said, "Wow, the sky is beautiful here!"

I find it amazing that mom and I were each looking at a beautiful sunset, even though we are hundreds of miles apart!

Mom suggested that I post some of the pictures I've taken of sunrises and sunsets. These are from this spring and summer. I am humbled when I think of the love our God must have for us to give us such beauty to gaze at . . . if only we take the time. I was doubly blessed tonight to be able to share that beauty with my mom! I hope you enjoy the pictures as well.

Many Hats

I think all moms wear many hats (dads too, for that matter), and I'm no exception!

This morning I started with my "mom" hat. Tim and the kids are traveling to Kentucky to a cattle show this weekend, and I was running through my own checklist with the kids this morning, asking if they'd remembered pajamas, underwear (Cody rolled his eyes at that!), shampoo, and so on. Since they're flying they were working to minimize their luggage as much as possible.

After a few "looks" (anyone who has or has ever had teenagers knows the "look") and eye-rolls from the kids, I concentrated on preparing to wear my nurse hat for my shift with my private duty patient. I enjoy my patient and her family and I am so blessed to have a job that fits into the other aspects of my family and life so well.

Tim picked the kids up at school so they could go to the airport, and since I had errands in Columbus anyway I met them at school for one more hug (Cody checked to be sure none of his friends were watching . . . Morgan was generous with long and tight hugs, and so was Tim!) and to wish them a safe, fun, and successful trip.

Then I put on my "errand" hat and did a few things around Columbus (see next post for details on what I shopped for).

My mom called as I was on my way home, and it was so nice to talk with her and catch up with what's happening in Missouri, where mom and dad and grandpa live. As an added treat, my dad called later! We don't get to talk very often so it was great that he called.

By the time I got home it was time for the "feed the animals" hat--namely, Morgan's sheep and the dogs.

Now, it's finally time to put on my "newspaper publisher and editor" hat! I'm working on some records and writing and mailing a Christmas letter to all of the advertisers, subscribers, and sponsors. I love reviewing our year and writing a Christmas letter, and this year was FULL of changes and momentous happenings.

If you are interested in the Nebraska Family Times, or this blog, please e-mail me (at shelly@shellyburke.net) with your name and address. I'll send you a sample issue of the paper AND our Christmas letter.

I am blessed to have the time and opportunity to wear so many hats! And I hope you enjoy your own hats as well.