Metta World Peace and Cuba Gooding Jr.

Oddly, the last few days I've had these two men running through my head.

You may think it's strange, and so do I. But I do have reasons.

I can kind of identify with Metta World Peace.  I am trying to hold together an image of who I am and who I claim to be , but inside I just feel like violently elbowing someone to soothe my frustration. Pray for World Peace. And for me. We are really no different. And try not to judge us.

I am also reminded of Cuba Gooding Jr.  I could be wrong about my movie reference here, because I'm not the kind of girl who remembers much about movies.  But I do recall a stunning and powerful scene in which I think Cuba starred that I watched years ago.  I think it was called Man of Honor and in it, there was a man who was called upon to do a job. That job was to save the ship by swimming down to shut a hatch or something to that effect. Anyway the powerful part was that this man knew that he would not make it out alive - that he would be sacrificing everything he had to do the right thing.  And agonized, he dove in.  Nothing in him WANTED to make that choice.

That's how I feel about moving.  There is not a shred of my being, my heart, my soul, my body that wants to make this move. Except that I know it's the right thing for my husband. So I am diving in...

I will fare much better than that character.  This was just a character.... I am living a real life under a real God who will guide us and show us his unfathomable grace and favor.  He will do more than we ask or imagine. He will carry us when we are sad and show us the way.

Today, I read this verse (from The Message):

Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple. Luke 14:33

I am willing, Lord.
Pray for peace.

The True Road To Somewhere

In the last 2 weeks...

we flew on a lear jet...

went from being eagles to salukis

gained a football team

became "Under Armour" people 

and found a probable new high school in a town of five thousand

this is kind of how I feel when I wake up each morning

or actually kind of like this

even though I really should feel like this

because I believe this!

What We Did on Spring Break 2011

Spring Break in Dallas. The Galleria....

Ice Skating! Luke and one of our TX cousins, Matt... Eating with the staff at Campisis.... SOOO yummy! Coaches kids ORU Golden Eagles Vs. SMU. Loss in overtime, but a great trip to the Big D

FAITHuary

That George Michael song keeps running through my head:
"Ya gotta have Faith, Faith, Faith, Ya gotta have Faith, Faith Faith!"

Man, I don't know what it is about this February that has changed it into my FAITHuary.
It seems to have been a rough month! Nothing MAJOR, you know... just seems like I'm putting one foot in front of the other right now.... one step at a time! Haven't felt like blogging, yet missing your blogs. Tired, busy, stressed, happy, full, blessed. I know, I am an enigma.

Despite my heart, (oh me of many emotions!) (I tell Tom I'm "emotionally sophisticated"),
it has been a month full of fun and activity!

For example...Superbowl party at Tiff's house with our friends... The Cunninghams and... The Nerones...
Lotsa ice around to play with. (Global warming... where art thou?)
Ellie received lots of Valentines! Luke has a "valentine" named Emma and Kami has a real one but she won't let me post pictures of that! (Emma's mommy is very sick in the hospital - please lift her up in prayer!)

Ellie's best bud Brooke!
Basketball and more basketball and more basketball
Luke's team at the YMCA
And of course ORU games galore! (the home games are over now, whew!)
a great game of hide-and-seek! I just love playing with my kids!

On a sad note, Cosmo has been sick. We thought he was better and he was, but the improvement was due to a steroid injection that made him seem better but he wasn't all along. The kids said bye to him this morning. It was an awfully sad moment... he is being put to sleep this afternoon. Just trying to keep it together! On another truly heartbreaking note, please remember to Pray for Kate.

I can hear the birds chirping outside... spring is coming. Cosmo will be relived of his pain soon. Basketball season will be over for another year and God himself has His Hand on our lives. I am so thankful for His presence and power in my life.

He will get me through this FAITHuary and help me MARCH on!!

The Battle

Basketball is a matter of prayer in our family.

Some people think it's just a silly game, and God doesn't care about that. "He has bigger things to worry about than your little game."

Well, I ask you, have you ever prayed your husband would win the contract he's been working so hard for? Have you ever petitioned God that more clients may walk through his doors? Have you ever asked the Lord to instill your husband with wisdom and discretion so that he may succeed at the work the Lord has given him?

Amen. Me too.

Take this most recent game that we played on December 23rd. We were faced with playing an undefeated opponent ranked #12 in the nation with our remaining 7 scholarship players. 7 players. If you don't know anything about basketball, suffice it to say that's like playing Bunco with 7 people. Hard to do and not a lot of fun.

I was nervous. But then a sweet friend of mine who is dealing with a battle of her own sent me these verses:

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God Himself will fight for you.”Deut 3:22

“Listen! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”II Chron 20:15, 17b

They couldn't have been more apropos. So I forwarded the verses to the other prayer warriors and into battle we went, equipped with His words.

I was prepared for God's answer.... either way. Win or lose, I was not to be afraid or discouraged, because this was HIS BATTLE!!!

And then... against all odds, we won. WE WON! Big! It didn't even take a last second shot. It was our second biggest win since this this one.




Praise be to God in heaven who fights our battles if we will let him.

Blessings Galore

Blessing: Uncle Zach

When Uncle Zach comes to town, it is like the rare look at a groundhog as he comes out of his hole or a admiring a blue moon that rarely appears in the sky. We do not get to see Tom's youngest brother very often, but feel so blessed to enjoy his company when he does come to visit. He lives in New York and travels the world, in fact is heading to Rio on Christmas day. We hope he comes back to see us very soon!

Blessing: Basketball

In a stretch of a basketball season more brutal than any I can remember the last 10 years, we have lost 3, count em, THREE players for the season to ACL tears. Unheard of. We have lost 2 to broken wrists and 1 to a high ankle sprain. 1 player quit the team. Though we may get back a couple of these guys in a week or two, right now we are down to 5 scholarship players. That hurts, not only for us, but for these kids, who eat and sleep basketball. Regardless of what is SEEN, the God we serve who is UNSEEN, can do anything. And a couple Wednesdays ago, he did just that. With our "Mighty 7" - this was before we lost 2 other players - we defeated Missouri of the Big 12 in the Mabee Center with a last second shot. Scoreboard and ESPN play below. We're counting our blessings on this one, and praying for other unexpected miracles. Cause we need them right now.
Blessing: O Christmas Tree

Did I mention I love our Christmas tree this year? Oh, how I love it! It makes me so joyous. So beautiful and fragrant and the fact that it was all Tom's doing makes it that much more beautiful in my eyes. I'm trying to get the full effect of every pine needle.

A Getaway

We have been at Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico for the last 6 days.

I know. I feel guilty saying it after my last blog whine.

That blog post was typed up around 2:30 AM... just a couple hours before I peeled my kids out of bed to get to the airport by 5AM. Tom had been gone for days on end and I was reeling from a truly heart-breaking injury to our point-guard. We had gone and won a HUGE game at Stanford... it was so exciting and gave us great hope for this season. Then the very next game, the oil that makes our team run suffered a horrible knee injury.

The team that was is no more. And the season has just begun. If you are an OU fan, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Anyway, in all that drama I somehow forgot to mention that we were leaving in a matter of hours to meet Tom and the team in sunny Mexico for a basketball tournament.

I just could hardly bear to think of seeing our injured player, the look on the faces of his teammates and my husband try to hide his disappointment. It didn't seem like a Getaway when the stuff I wanted to Getaway from was not going to Getaway from me!

But I really need to start focusing on the positive, don't you think?

It of course ended up being a lovely, beautiful, fun-filled Getaway. Pictures shall be downloaded soon and include lots of beach shots, parasailing photo ops and even swimming with the dolphins. And don't forget some snapshots with our tall tree players. I will include those too.

We played two games. Lost the first one in a gut-wrenching shootout... it was sooo close. Then we won the 2nd to a poor team that is winless this season. Talk about difficult... this team left their home on or about November 15th and still has one game to play before they return! Good grief! You think the NCAA will pay for marriage counseling for those coaches' wives left at home? I have long thought the NCAA needs to do something to help preserve families. And I'm not kidding about that.

We had Thanksgiving dinner together as a family... because though I haven't mentioned it, my sister and her coaching husband and my mom and dad and mother-in-law all came along on the trip too! The dinner was an interesting mix of authentic Mexican dishes. The most unique Thanksgiving dinner I've EVER had. But the tortilla soup didn't make up for Granny's mashed potatoes.

I also must say without going into great detail that God has worked great things in my heart during this time. He has reminded me of some things and taught me some things that He could not have done any other way. And for THAT, I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you All! Hope you all had your little Getaway of sorts.

It's That Time of Year Again

Once November hits, my world spins a little faster than normal.

Basketball season arrives.

If I could cuss on my blog, I would do that now.

Because (insert cuss word), it can really be tough on a family.

Yes, I am thankful my husband has a job. I am thankful I have a husband. I am thankful for health. Believe me, I am counting my blessings.

But allow me to whine for just one moment, will you? Because being married to a coach can really be (insert cuss word) sometimes.

The traveling. The losing. The injuries. The missing. The pressure. The stress. The unknown. The busyness. The absentness. The lonliness. The future. (insert cuss word)

I get this way every season. You think I'd get used to it. But it's hard to get used to your heart getting stripped dry. It is hard to get used to putting up the Christmas lights by yourself for the 14th year in a row. It is hard not to feel sad again when I turn on the radio and hear that the Golden Eagles have lost a game.

But every year, this year being no exception, God humbles me and reminds me that this is where he wants me. It is not coincidence that the dark and cold days of fall and winter are the days I am seeking His face most. It is in fact a privelege... because left to my own devices I would most certainly, certainly try to do it all on my own.

But November levels me. Reminds me.... I need God. I need Him on a very real and personal way. I need Him more than my fleeting prayers and my Sunday sermons and my quick look at His Word. I need Him like I need my next breath.

Basketball season gives me the opportunity to experience Him working in a very real and powerful way in my life. Giving me strength (and patience!) to deal with 3 demanding kids on my own. Giving me wisdom to understand that my life really does not depend on 12 college basketball players, but Him alone. Giving me more faith each and every year. I can feel it growing. It does hurt. But it's just a few faith growing pains. Reminding me that "the rock" is not that round orange ball, as it is sometimes called, but HIM.

He is my rock.

Then come the blessings. The assurance. The peace. They do come. Not immediately. Not at all immediately. Annoying slowly actually. But in His time.

I have a feeling I am not the only one. We all have the things that bring us to our knees. I want you to know I can relate. When you think you are the only one struggling with whatever. Just know I struggle too.

Deep breath.

The cussing is over for now. I am determined to trust in the Lord with all my heart and rely not on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths. I pray you do the same.

Bits and Pieces

*I have been asking myself lately when I used to fit blogging in?!! Holey Moley! This month I am lucky to find time to put on deodorant.

*Valentine's Day was lovely. Our little family had a Valentine's Breakfast, which was nice since our Valentine's evening consisted of the oh, so, romantic Valentine's Day Basketball Game. The best thing about the evening? 2 of my awesome friends keeping me company through an exciting/stressful basketball game.... AND.... ORU won! Love you too, honey- that's a great present any day of the year. (I did get flowers - below - and a very sweet card).

*Not that we had mac and cheese for our Valentine's Breakfast, but speaking of food, am I the only one who is amazed at how different Mac and Cheese seems the older my kids get? When they were little, one box of mac and cheese went on and on. It was like the fishes and loaves. Now, I stir up a pan of it and it looks like such a piddly little pile of pasta. It's just a strange feeling that I can't quite get over for some reason.

*Here is our energy-filled little boy at the beginning of his basketball game this past Saturday. At Upward games, they announce the names of the kids (Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke) and they run out and get all excited. Luke may get a little more excited than most. He has a lot of gusto.*All your comments on my last post really encouraged me, complete with the necessary round of tears. If you ever get that Loser Mom feeling yourself, take a look at all those comments. I completely intended to personally respond to every single one of them... they truly lifted me up!!! Thank you so much for your thoughts and encouragment. This is a better week. Plus I had a crazy friend who called me at 7:30 AM on Saturday just to make sure I wasn't missing our bball pictures. Ha! Nikki - I miss your Florida-living self.

*Oh, and the lesson? The bigness of God's grace and that I in my human condition need to extend that grace to all people. I need to quit looking at that speck in other's eyes when there is a log in my own. Cuz I was on the other end of that and it did not feel good.

*One thing I am so busy with right now (besides life in general) is being in charge of Teacher Appreciation Week for our school in April (220 people). The theme is JEE Faculty and Staff: YOU ROCK! We are incorporating a rock and roll theme and it is going to be so fun! Though right now it feels like a full time job. Having meetings, organizing activities, contacting people, getting donations, being creative and just thinking it all through. Woh!

* I sure miss reading your blogs too! I just haven't. been. able. to. :( I miss the bits and pieces that you share. You know me, always getting inspired by you! Miss you!

*Oh, and Elle Belle who is always taking pictures, grabbed my camera and took one of herself. I love the crumbs on her cheeks and how her freckles pop. So Ellie. I love that little girl. I love her to pieces.*Good night, my friends! Blog and non-blog! I know you are out there. XOXOXO.

This is the Stuff Headlines are Made Of

Setting: 5th grade girls basketball tournament, high school gymnasium, Championship game
Time: 6 o'clock Sunday, 1 hour delayed start time

Situation: Tight game, competitive little girls, intensity on the court.

Dialogue:

Coach #1 yells at the referee, protesting that a foul wasn't called on the opposing team:
OVER THE BACK, REF!!!

Coach #2 laughs and shakes head, not seeing the foul, then questions loudly:
OVER THE BACK?

Coach #1 gets angry and yells at Coach #2:
ARE YOU MOCKING ME? ARE YOU MOCKING ME? I WILL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER MOCK ME AGAIN. I WILL COME OVER THERE AND KICK YOUR A**. MOCK ME AGAIN. MOCK ME AGAIN!!!

Coach #2 stunned, comes back with:
WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THIS IS A 5TH GRADE GIRLS GAME. AND YOU WANT TO FIGHT? (thinking I haven't been in a fight since Elementary School)

Coach #1: YEAH! I'LL BEAT YOUR A**! COME ON OVER HERE!!!!

This is the point where the headline could have been made. You've seen em before.


Asssault on Coach Stuns Colleagues
Parents Assault Rugby Coach During Game
2 Coaches Fight, Expelled From League

And you wonder how in the living world such a thing could happen. How could grown men come to blows over 10 year olds out there playing a GAME of basketball?

This, friends, is how it happens: Coach #1 has so little of a life that his significance rides on the outcome of this game. Or maybe that person is just an angry person in general. Or maybe he's just having a bad day. Whatever the case, he throws down the gauntlet.

And then Coach #2, being a man with God-given testosterone flowing through his body, feels the primal need to protect himself and BOOM, you've got yourself a bloody fight right there on the hardwood.

Thankfully, Coach #2, being the level-headed husband of mine, just said, YOU ARE CRAZY and turned away. His wife thought she was going to vomit for about an hour.

Blogging and other Things on My Heart

How I do love to blog.

I look at it as something I do for myself.
Like taking a hot bath.
Or getting a pedicure.

That's how much I love it.

It's my opportunity to express myself, record my memories and be creative all in one.

I get to write poems, (try to) be funny and extract those emotions that are running rampant inside my heart.

One other bonus: your comments! I love reading them. They make my day sometimes. Did you know that?

I also love, love, love to read your blogs. I'd like to name all my favorite blogs here, but I don't want to leave anyone out... because your words really make a difference!

They influence me.
They make me laugh.
They make me think.
Your blogs are truly wonderful and delightful.
They inspire me in many different ways.

I have this habit of thinking in terms of blog posts. I'm sitting there actually experiencing a moment, thinking... boy, I'm gonna have to blog this. Sometimes, the title jumps right into my head at the very moment.

For instance, today, I was itching to get to the computer to blog about this picture... My wild child daughter decorated herself with a fancy mustache, unibrow and chest hair. Don't ask me where she gets this stuff.



I also have wanted for a long time to share with you about our two aquatic pets: a red eared slider turtle and a catfish. I mean, who has a pet catfish? We even have a stocking for him. I also wanted to tell you that I try to be real careful in the mornings not to wake turtle up. If I come in to the laundry room (where he stays), and I can see he's all tucked up into his shell, I just cannot turn on the light and jolt him into his 10 gallon aquarium of reality. I mean, that's not how the sun comes out, instantaneously, and I guess out of respect for mother nature, I try to tread lightly around turtle in the mornings.

I'd love to tell you that a week ago, I was running up to my sister's door (it was COLD!) and tripped and fell HARD knee-first on the edge of her concrete step. I don't think my knee will ever be the same, but what is really bothering me is that I put a hole in the one pair of skinny jeans I have. Ok, I am not skinny; however, they are the closest thing to a skinny jean I will ever have... they look good tucked into boots and with my BFL diet, I was actually feeling semi-cute in them... and then, the only pair of true designer jeans I own... ripped. I have seen pics of celebrities in ripped jeans, but I guarantee you they paid money for special rips. Sigh.

I'd like to share with you that we're having a rough basketball season. It hasn't been this rough in quite a few years. I guess that's something to be thankful for -that our last few seasons have been good ones-, but it is H.A.R.D. to watch your husband and his players lose game after game. It's difficult to listen to his voice on the phone when we just got whipped and he won't say it... but I know that all he wants is to come home and see his family. It makes me anxious when we start losing so much, but ironically, it's the one thing that consistently gets me on my knees - right where God wants me.

Which brings me to my last point. As much as I love blogging -and tend to obsess-, I am going to take a bit of a break. I am feeling in my heart that as much as I love it (and it's ok to love it!), I need to take a step back from it and focus on the One who makes it All Possible.

I wonder (because of YOUR blog posts)... am I truly helping my children focus on the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas? Am I giving them opportunities to serve others? Am I spending enough time with my King? That's what I'm going to focus my heart upon right now - the birth of Christ - my Father, King, Savior, Protector, Rock. Have a peaceful, relaxing, lovely and wonderful Christmas!!!

God is Good, So Good So Good

A blogger friend of mine, who I just adore, has started a meme with her sister. On Sundays, bloggers are encouraged to share a story of how we’ve seen God’s mercy at work in our life or in the lives of others and then link to her blog.

Believe me, I have no shortage of ways that He has taken up my slack and watched out for me. I can be pretty much a walking disaster at times, if not for His amazing mercy and grace. Seriously.

He has given me unmerited mercy by helping me with stuff, both big and small. For example-

Big: He pulled me out the dark and frightening corner of fear and worry that I had worked myself into a few years back.

Little: He helps me find my keys everyday. I am serious about that.

The one I want to talk about today is a pretty big one that has occurred over the last few days.
It has to do with that maddening, orange sphere called a basketball.

More specifically, game day in the basketball arena.

As I was driving to the ORU vs. TU game a few days back, I began to feel that familiar gush of adrenaline that does wacky things to my heart, head and bowels. It is unbelievably unpleasant and if the game is a big one, can truly feel like an out-of-body experience.

And then I asked myself, WHY? Why is this happening to me?
I told myself....

We are driving to the game.
Nothing is even happening at the moment!
Why do you feel like you are a squirrel staring down a Mack Truck?

And then it hit me.

Pavlov.

I am a Pavlov dog. Show me a basketball game: my body responds (and not by drooling.)

It was at that moment that I began a sincere and desperate plea to God to help me handle these games with more poise and spiritual maturity... with the peace that passeth understanding. I had a few friends pray. I thought about this verse:

You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

And then... my friends, his mercy came like a wave.

Two games down, absolutely no anxiety.

None.
Zilch.
Nada.

And that... that... was a major mercy. It was NOT of myself. He provided peace and assurance for me throughout those 2 games!

Check on me again on Tuesday when we play Louisiana-Lafayette at Louisiana-Lafayette.
and then again next week when we play Missouri at Missouri.
and how about in December when we play none other than the number 1 team in the land, North Carolina. AT North Carolina.

I could certainly use your prayers and more of His Daily Mercies.

Has Anyone Ever Said These Things to You?

"Gee, the productivity in your husband's business has really gone to pot!"

"Tomorrow, I think your husband should fire his colleague and go out and find someone who can really do the job!!!"

"It's going to be a really hard year for you and your husband! His effectiveness has taken a major turn for the worse."

"The employees of your husband's business are rude!"

Or my favorite-
"I really hope that the competitors beat the heck out of your husband's business tonight!!!!!"

Of course not! No! People don't do that kind of thing. Unless they are a social moron OR your husband happens to be a coach.
You'd think after 10+ years in the business, I'd get used to it. But maybe I never will.

Since my husband makes his living coaching a GAME that people are able to watch, I guess that people think it's just fine to make whatever stupid comment comes into their minds.

You know, I've heard that if you can't take the heat, then stay out of the kitchen.

And I have 2 problems with that.

#1 - I had no choice in this. God gave me this man, and He gave Tom this job, and I am here faithfully believing that He is going to bless us. Even when the point guard screws up. Even when we didn't land that top recruit. Even when we have a 5 game losing streak. He is with us, and He has a purpose for us. And YES, He cares about basketball games, even though people tell me He does not.

#2 - There is something called politeness. Your husband's job is very important to you. My husband's job is very important to me. I won't make dire predictions about what is going to happen to your husband's job and you don't do the same to me. I will sincerely wish you and your husband the best when it comes to his job. I'm hoping for a promotion for you, not that he gets beat out by the others (even if I happen to know the others and like them very well.)

You know, I try to tread lightly. I try not to be easily offended because in my heart, I think people just really don't get it. They have an opinion on every other game on TV, so why not have an opinion on my husband's game? And for the most part, I move on through life thankful for where God has put us and thankful for the friends (they are precious to me!) He has put in our lives who do understand and are sensitive to our situation. Some friends even put away their colors and wear ours for a game! Wow!

But at the most recent game pictured above (THAT WE LOST, by the way,) I had one "friend" walk up to me wearing opposing colors and begin complaining about the 30 person cheering section for our team: "They are so loud and rude!" And then another one, who at half time, thought he would come tell me how bad our team looked: "You guys are looking pretty terrible so far."

Maybe it's just that I'm approaching 40 or something, but it didn't slide off my back this time.

What about common courtesy?

That felt good. Thanks for letting me vent. It's been comin' on for oh, about 10 years. :)

Dancin' in Denver....

.....but home too soon :(

Note: if you want to turn off the music, click the speaker button in the bottom left hand corner of the slideshow.

The trip was Wonderful; the Game was Woeful!!!!

The wonderful: We had a charter flight to Denver. Charter. No airport terminals, no x-ray machines (though there was a light security table. Everyone had to be waved over with a metal detector - even the kids! It was funny to see Luke standing there with his legs and arms spread). It was special. I haven't taken a whole lot of charter flights in my life, and I could really get used to it. The weather in Denver was nice. Really sunny and crisp and pretty. The mountains, of course, were gorgeous. I'm sure people who live there get used to the scenery. But for me, mountains are always an expression of God's power and awesomeness. The hotel (though under renovation) was nice enough. The kids LOVE going on vacation and staying in luxurious hotel rooms. They ate this up! My dad's sister, Aunt Anne, who I was named after, and her daughter, our cousin Ashley, live near Denver. The only condition we see them under is pretty much.... Oklahoma! So it was fun seeing them in their territory, and they were so amazing to come pick us up from the hotel and take us to Cherry Creek Mall, especially considering Ashley has 3 year old Andrew and 5 month old baby Ryan! AND they came to our game in downtown Denver. We all appreciated their enthusiasm and love and we are considering going back this summer for a visit! Another great thing was just making memories with family and friends. Going to the NCAA tournament is a really fun experience!!!

The woeful: This is our third NCAA first round game. And don't get me wrong, I was thankful to be there. I am glad we made it to the tournament!!! Let me say it again, I am glad we made it!!!! (Here comes the but), BUT oh my goodness, we got our tails kicked. After coming out sharp for oh, about 5 minutes, the rest of the game was like a nightmare. I kept asking Kim, "is this a bad dream?" Down by almost 30, (yes 30) in the first half. We weren't expected to WIN, but we were expected to play well, you know compete. And we DID NOT DO THAT. And it hurt. I was sad for our players, who I love. I was sad for our coaches. I was sad for our kids, whose disappointment wasn't quite as masked as everyone else's. Kami said after the game, "mom, I really thought we'd win this game, because in fairy tales, the 3rd time is usually the charm." Good point, Kam. Maybe that's why, deep in my gut, I thought we'd come out on the winning side of this one too. But this is not a fairy tale, and God's ways are higher than ours.