Prayers

Yesterday at mass we were told that Sr. Celeste, our church's bookkeeper and all-around go to gal, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When she had a routine trip to the doctor they located a cyst (what they thought was about the size of an egg) and suggested a hysterectomy. She had a full hysterectomy last Thursday...but during that surgery they found a softball size cyst and a fast spreading cancer. PLEASE pray for her recovery as it has not been determine what type of treatment she may need, but it was very shocking for her and for our church family.

This if just a friendly reminder of how important it is to have our annual exams and mamograms. You never know when something like this will show up and it could save our lives!

First Week of School...35 more weeks to go

At the Ackerman's, we now have a freshman in high school! This past week, Kellie, Neil and I started school and we now have one full week completed! Neil started a new school and was thoroughly welcomed and loves his new teacher, Mrs. Woehler. Kellie started high school and also "loves" the new adventure that makes up high school...the extra homework, finding the many classrooms and more importantly, meeting new friends. The start of school was really good. We hope and pray for a continued great school year!

The Last Day of Summer

Today, the kids along with Roy and I enjoy the last of summer break. But what a summer we have had...we were blessed to visit with many family members; we were able to experience and be amazed by the beauty of God's creativity in the form of nature and creatures; we were able to go camping, playing and having family fun; and we were are enjoying the excitement of the Olympics. It has been a wonderful summer for all of us!

The kids and I are ready! We have all of our supplies, new uniforms and are mentally prepared for the new year. Please pray for Kellie, Neil and I as we set sail for a new school year. We each have new challenges: new schools, new teachers and new leaders. May the 2008-2009 school year be a blessing and an intellectual growth for each one of us!

The Unspectacular Quirk Meme

I had never heard of “memes” until I was tagged by sister-in-law, Kelly. So this will be a new experience for me.
The way she explained it is that I tell you 6 "unspectacular quirks" of mine, and then I mention 6 people and they have to list their quirks on their blog. Well, I can send it on to 3 as I only have that many people I know...still building!

As I have never done this before, bear with me….

1. I LOVE Battenberg cake…this is definitely one of those pleasures I truly miss from our time in England. If I could learn how to make this cake properly….ooh the poundage!

2. I am totally a morning person. Unless, you have me doing manual labor I turn into a pumpkin by 9:30 pm…how very sad!

3. AVERAGE…this is what I am labeled when it comes to height…but when your three brother border on or above six foot as well as your sister, it really makes me wonder how I got shorted in the gene pool.

4. My favorite movie is the original “Sabrina.” I love Audrey Hepburn and if I could look and act as elegant…WOW!

5. I am anxious for the beginning of band season. Our daughter, Kellie, will once again be performing with the color guard, but this year she will be adding weaponry…both rifle and saber. I am both excited by the thrill of the competition, but worried about possible injuries she may get in the process.

6. I like it when Roy and I get to take a nice quiet walk. They don’t happen a lot as he is usually working late or we have one or both kids to go to extra curricula’s. It really means a great deal to me.

And here are my friends that I hope will share unspectacular quirks: Jaime, Cami and Angela!

Marriage is like Baseball...

For our anniversary, we sent Kellie off to band camp in Ferdinand, IN and Roy & I celebrated by taking Neil to an Otters game. Now, it might not sound like the most "romantic" way to celebrate, there are many similarities between marriage and baseball. I hope you enjoy this article I found that discusses this very topic!

Baseball And Marriage

Peter Griffith
Daily Herald May 15, 1982

Baseball and marriage have much in common. Both are a team effort. You can't play baseball by yourself. You need others and have to get along with them. Marriage needs a partner. If marriage reaches a point where getting along is not possible, the marriage is over.

You strike out in marriage if you don't communicate or listen. If you want to connect and make a hit with your partner adhere to rules of communication. Don't talk to your spouse from the other end of the house or from another room. Walls absorb or muffle sounds. Speak out your spouse's name first. This sends the message that you want to talk with them, not with others in the house. If you don't speak their name at the beginning of a sentence, for all they know, you could be talking to the cat. Talk WITH, not AT your partner. Share ideas, rather than give commands. Giving criticism or directions which aren't wanted, is as effective as swinging at a wild pitch.

Always touch base. Baseball games have been lost because a runner missed touching a base. Touching base is important in marriage. Give affection and attention, in small, consistent doses. There's no point in saving all your affection and attention for the end of day, perhaps hoping to get to "home base" if you fail to provide support, compliments and gentleness during the rest of the day.

Every inning in baseball is a new beginning. The score from the previous innings remain, but things start again with the bases clear.

Marriage constantly needs new beginnings. Scores from past innings may be around but as opposed to baseball, they aren't to be counted. In healthy marriages old scores aren't carried forward. They may be remembered for a while, since we are human, but old scores can't be carried into the present. The key for doing this is forgiveness, the base on which a marriage is built, and lasts.

Marriage may be like a baseball game in many ways, but it must be played quite differently. The stakes and rewards in marriage are also much more important in your life, despite how much you may like baseball.

17 years and still growing...

Today, Roy and I celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. We have been blessed through the examples of his parents who have been married 56 years as well my parents with their 40 years as of yesterday. We have been blessed with so many friends from around the world who have helped us to love more deeply, to grow more in faith and appreciate the gift of marriage in our lives.

"May God, our Father,
continue to bless our marriage from above,
and may we always dwell within the circle of His love."

Our Artist Neil

This summer Neil wanted to go to art camp. The Evansville Art Museum created an art camp for this summer and Neil had a blast. His teacher gave him a great deal of freedom and yet challenging projects. Roy and I were very impressed with the pieces he has created. In the photo, you can see him with his favorite one, but the watercolor landscape in the background is Mom’s favorite!