It's a date...

...May 20th seemed like a good date for a wedding to my handsome, charming young prince. And it was.

And it still is. Seventeen years is a long time, but not in light of the rest of our lives. We're just kids in the realm of marriage. Still making silly mistakes and learning the hard way (just like most 17 year olds).

After seventeen years, I'm still feeling like the luckiest woman on the planet (99.978% of the time...smile).

After seventeen years, I've learned so much about myself, him, God, and everything in between.

Here's to seventeen + seventeen + seventeen more!
 

A fitting obsession for Mother's Day...

My latest obsession is one of these. Am I crazy? Why do I think I need to nurture an additional living thing?

Thoughts? A

The Train left the station...and we were not on it!

Um, oops.

We've had three birthdays in our family this winter that have not been marked by the usual fanfare of a Mom-orchestrated, over-the-top, birthday celebration. OK, 2 of the 3 kids don't want that kind of party anyway, but seriously...what happened to a birthday party in January for the sweet sassy 13-year old? And hey, didn't the much bigger than me, "mini-me" turn 16 in early February? The "every thing is cute when it is little" guy, turned 9! (He probably won't be as little, or nearly as cute next year :).

So, what is a Mom to do? Pull something together in April between Easter, travel to California, Cub Scouting events, and University graduation? Sigh, that doesn't sound likely.

Wait for the half-birthdays (July 22, August 8 and 18)? August is not a good time around here. Sigh.


Oh, just in case you're wondering...they did at least all get to choose a dinner-out location on their day, a birthday breakfast and gifts from us. So, not too terribly deprived.


What would you do?

A

Another Teen in the House

This girl captured our hearts thirteen years ago, and we haven't looked back. Of course, I totally love the boys, but almost every day I wonder, "what would I do without a daughter?" Of course, I'm completely blessed by all three kids, but there is something wonderfully unique and totally special about having a daughter.

Yep, she is 13. And almost all that goes with it. Cam is totally "my girl". She can be sweet, then sassy. She is compliant, then stubborn. She is a "faith, more than facts" person. Her "blonde moments" are completely attributable to my DNA at work. Her naive, yet happy, approach to life, yeah, that's me too. She doesn't look like me, but she is my mini-me.


The road to becoming a teen has been traveled exponentially fast. Have we broken the sound barrier here? There are only five more years with us at home. Lord, I pray you slow down this journey. Help us all truly live it with no regrets, love it with the ups and downs, and bring her closer to you every day.

A

To get the perfect family photo, there will be out takes!

First, a special thanks goes out to my good friend with mad photography skills, Angela Lenssen. Yes, the same one that is in my blog roll on the right. Head over to her blog to see more of her great work!

Second, anyone who thinks it is difficult to get little kids to cooperate during photo shoots, please take special note who is the goofiest Cory family member in these photos! Oh brother!

Third, there are great spots for photos all over the place. Just keep your eyes open.

Finally, this was fun! We should do it again next year!
Enjoy!

A

In no particular order, but including the "out takes":

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She was a good sister wife.

Our sweet Ellie dog is gone.

She was 11 1/2 and suffered a stroke on Black Friday. She was touch and go for several days after that, but made a really impressive recovery, until about a week ago, and then she went back down that hill. She was suffering so we had to offer a last mercy to our dear old girl. We all stayed with her until her very last breath. Oh we'll miss her.

But, like human memorial services, we often need to reflect on the life lived as a way of grieving. So, I offer her a few simple ways in which Ellie was like my sister wife, filling some gaps that I probably never could.

Ellie was:
--very loyal to John, and the kids after that.
--a good running buddy (she and I certainly part ways here) and ran miles and miles with John for more than 9 years of her life (often with strollers as well).
--a playful wrastler.
--a wonderful snuggler, in fact, she may have spooned with John more than I (get) to. Hmm. I need to discuss that with him.
--quiet and reserved. Always a nice girl (especially around other dogs).
smart and willing to learn more.

What a blessing Ellie was to our family. We found her at a shelter when she was about 8 weeks old. An adorable black fluff ball. Right, everything is cute when it is little. She wasn't a "cute" dog, she was a good, loving, sweet, loyal, playful, energetic, and silly dog.

She really was Man's Best Friend. One man in particular.

 

Missing Mom.

Today is one of those days.

No matter how old I am, there are some days more than others, that I really miss my Mom. Today was one such day. I miss her for the little things, a quick call to say hi, help with a recipe, and comparing notes about holiday plans.

I miss her for the big things. Laughing with her. I miss providing her with updates about the kids…she loved them so much. I miss asking for her advice and having an honest conversation about just about anything. I miss the harmony she brought to my extended family. I miss that she would ask how I am …really and know when I’m not 100%.

I could keep going, but you get the idea. It’s December. Her birthday month. Christmas. And she’s not here.

Sure, I'll see her again. Perhaps she is watching over us. But it isn't the same as here. And that's why I miss her.

A

Christmas Past, Present and Future...you be the judge.

This picture is confusing, right?

For my blog followers that have known me the longest, there is nothing confusing about this photo. Except that sofa. What was that about? Some bad decisions were made.

If you know me now, mother of one handsome 6’1” green eyed brunette, you might be very confused. Look again. Spencer did not get a perm in his hair, nor is he likely to be holding any small baby any time soon (age 3 and up are his forte). And given that his body temperature runs as hot as a werewolf with great abs, he would never wear footie pajamas!

Ha! I do have a kid that looks just like me. I’ve thought it all along, but this photo is hard evidence.

And such a fond memory. When I look at this photo, I see a Mom who lovingly and painstakingly made every birthday, Christmas and Easter a very special day in our lives. Handmade gifts, store bought gifts, candy, etc. She loved loving us.

This year, I have time to think, breathe, be still, and reflect. I’m so grateful for the loving family I was born into, and the great opportunity and blessing to be loving the one I’m raising now. I hope my kids will see me in their photo someday.

Enjoy.

It all starts there and ends up here.

Do you ever look back at your life and note similarity between your journey and the storyline of If You Give a Moose a Muffin? I do.

Here goes:

If you grow up in a rural area and find yourself needing a college education but no money to fund it, you go to community college. There, you do crazy things like cheerleading and pageants. Oh, and take a couple of classes.

When you transfer to the “big college” in the “big city”, you live in the dorm to meet people. And you do. You take a couple of classes. What girly, girly, sorority girls you will meet.

Later, you realize those girly girly girls, really have something you would like to have, lasting friendships. You realize they’re not all snobby McSnobbertons, nor are they Richie Rich’s little sister. Perhaps you could be one of them.

And you join. Chi Omega. And you make friends, and have fun. Oh, and take a couple of classes. Then, you Flourish more than you ever thought possible. Later, you realize that instead of counseling college students away from their figurative (and sometimes literal) ledge, you could invest and engage in the lives of college students that are members of fraternities and sororities.

And you do.

Thank you to my sister (Paige) for inviting me to dinner and rekindling this lifelong relationship of sisterhood.

A

This is going to hurt, and leave a mark. In two days.

Yeah. Here is a little nugget of truth I'm slowly learning. If you get sucked into your email, TV, Facebook, and blogs, late on Sunday night you are doomed to a day of dog-tiredness on Tuesday.

Right. Here I am. Reacquainting myself with Heather's blog . Her sense of humor reminded me of how much I like this blog . Then I remembered that my friend Shelle was a guest blogger on SCL, so I had to go looking for that post. Then, I remembered the lovely and friendly ladies Angela and I met at the Adorn It booth at CKC in Bellevue this weekend, and that they have a blog(s) . Then I remembered other "famous" Utah women, and had to check in on this inspiring woman .

Wow. I just had a flashback to roughly one year ago, when I was equally distracted by email, TV, Facebook, and blogs, late on a Sunday night when I should have been reading the latest dribble on leadership, fraternity stuff and sorority junk, then quoting it in my proposal (and later my dissertation).

So, I've come full circle. This time... the only consequence is how much I will really need a nap on Tuesday right about when I am supposed to be an engaging and dynamic professor for a leadership class for Greeks.

Life is so good on this side!

Enjoy!
A

To Blog, or not to Blog. That is the question.

Now that I have more time to read and follow blogs, I have noticed a sad trend of my friends blogging less. Truthfully, I have been blogging less too. What is up with all this? I miss reading their blogs and hearing interesting tidbits from their lives. I miss documenting my own life in this way as well.

So, my 26 followers, I'll get back on this old horse soon. I am pondering, scheming, and cleaning up the saddle.

See you here...soon!
Anita

The end of summer...or is it?

Even though the weather has been warmer the last 2 weeks than it was most of the summer in Pullman, I submit the following evidence that summer is indeed over, or rather, evidence of things we did this summer!
Long road trip to Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa!

Cam played goalie in the Palouse Cup Soccer Tournament.

Vacation Bible School - Harrison attended and Camryn helped with the crafts.

Last day of school shenanigans in June.

The end of summer...or is it (part 2)?

And even more summer "evidence"...
Spencer learned to row.

Harrison played baseball...again.

Harrison finished his first year in Cub Scouts.


I (with help) created large raised flower beds in the backyard.

Oops...I almost forgot I have a blog.

So where was I?

Oh right...catching things up. You know what is funny? My 3.4 blog followers know I love to scrapbook. They also know I don't commit photos to paper in chronological order...I create as I feel led, and then place them in order in albums later.

So why can't I seem to do that here...on this blog?

That is a bigger question for another day. So, continuing in the "I only blog in chronological order" practice, please, for now, think of this as mid-May. That way this post would be "right on time".

Ta - Da! I finished! I wrote 250 pages of absolutely riveting and fascinating research about the leadership identity development of fraternity and sorority students. And the powers that be (i.e. my committee) accepted the "dribble" and allowing me to graduate in May. There are pictures to prove it, and a very surprising, surprise party to top it off! Surrounded by friends and some family, we celebrated! Yahoo! But...like all doctoral graduates, my diploma folder had a nice letter in is saying "congratulations...your official diploma will be sent later". I couldn't help but think, "what if they made a mistake, or I forgot to turn in a form and I didn't really get this degree?"







OK, pretend it is July again. The official diploma came in the mail. I guess it really is official.

You can still call me Anita, but my business cards now say, Anita J. Cory, PhD.

Sweet.

A

Shout to the Lord....

What a lovely and blessed weekend I just had. Crafting with friends, good talks with the kids, time at the river with friends, and the best of all...this morning's worship at church.

Yes, this is a departure from my usual more superficial prattling about my kids, spouse, life, etc.

The message I heard today was loud and clear. I am made to worship. You are made to worship. God loves us and loves our voices lifted up to Him. I was so convicted today by the pastor's message. If we are more concerned with what others think of us than what God thinks of us, we are missing the mark. God spoke right through him into my heart. I felt God's presence like I never have before while the faithful lifted their voices to Him and I wept with joy for the love and sacrifice Christ made for me.

Why am I posting this? Psalm 100 speaks to me today live never before; "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness: come before Him with joyful songs. ...enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise: give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

THANK YOU GOD!

Pre-Doc Overview - Long Overdue

Whew! Most of the last six months are a blur, populated only by a few important events and dissertation writing. Sure, the kids had the usual sports, music, and school activities, most of which yours truly attended in a fog of distraction and disengagement. Writing my dissertation was like birthing a baby…it was exhausting, but oh so very worth it. I offer you a glimpse into the brief “pauses” of regular life and experiences outside of writing that “little” paper during this last spring.

Enjoy!

A

Pre-Doc Overview - Awards, Honors, & Other Stuff

It's hard not to be proud of my kids. Camryn was the April student of the month for the Kiwanis Club of Pullman. She was nominated by her classmates as a kind, helpful, loyal, and cheerful friend. Smile. Oh, yeah. She also got braces. Harrison finished his third book in AWANA and got another Sparky Award this year. Spencer wore my Save the Hooters (breast cancer awareness) shirt for "Wear Pink" day as school and wasn't even a smidge embarrassed about it. I'm so lucky to have good kids!

Pre-Doc Overview - Make a Joyful Noise

Camryn's first year in band went well...she enjoyed playing sax, but wasn't to keen about getting up early twice a week for jazz band. Spencer continued playing his sax in jazz band this year, but learned to play the trombone for the concert band. Sadly, he won't be continuing in band next year...too many electives to take to prep for college and not enough hours in the day. Harrison had his opportunity to sing his little heart out during our church's kid's musical, Life School Musical. They really worked hard and in the end shared the gospel with everyone that attended.

Pre-Doc Overview - Easter

After conducting a lovely graveside memorial for Nate, our pet squirrel of 5 days, we came home and dyed Easter eggs. Nate's story will have to be told another day...consider this a teaser.

On another note, what on earth do colored eggs have to do with the Messiah? People (us included) are weird.



Not only are colored, hard-boiled eggs "weird", but so is the idea of filling plastic eggs with candy, hiding them, and turning dozens of frenzied kids into a grassy space to pummel one another with colorful baskets. In our egg hunt tradition, kids also learn about the real reason for easter, celebrating Christ's resurrection and our opportunity for salvation through Him. Thank goodness for Christ, and kids' opportunity to hear about Him.


Although the kids love finding the goodies left for them by the EB in their baskets, thankfully they know and appreciate the real reason for this day. Thank you Jesus!

Pre-Doc Overview - Winter/Spring Sports

All three kids play (and love) soccer. Camryn plays goalie quite a bit, Harrison plays whatever position is moving the ball (Ha!), and Spencer would play defender IF he could not hurt his back and actually be able to play. He has been fighting a chronic back injury since last fall and only suited up for a handful of games all year. Bummer for him.

Harrison also played basketball (first time ever...and loved it!) The key to Harrison liking a sport is how much running and constant motion the game involves. The more the better!

Pre-Doc Overview - The Little Boy's Birthday

My little guy thinks it is great to be eight! He salivated over a Pizza Pipeline Colossus pepperoni extravaganza, and invited friends to Zeppoz for bowling, cake, and ice cream! Good times were had by all...including me, who "took a break" from dissertation writing for this little shin-dig!

How in the heck has time gone this fast?!

Pre-Doc Overview - The Big Boy's Birthday

We almost always celebrate our kids' birthdays on their actual birthday at home with a "Birthday Breakfast" which usually consists of the a VERY large, and very unhealthy pancake (made by John) including birthday candles and singing. We had to hurry through this tradition with Spencer (he had a zero period class (7:15 am), so I quickly grabbed a Lightening McQueen candle. Ha!


Jacqueline came over to decorate Spencer's room with a clever poster, streamers and balloons! He was so surprised...and she is so sweet!


Alas, I missed the actual "birthday party" for Spencer. He and his buddy Jamie share a birthday and this year each brought friends and their Dads out for a rousing paint ball war. This is the only photographic evidence I have of what the boys did to celebrate. Sigh. He's growing up...

Where to start?

I'm done PhD-ing, so you would think this blog would be blowing up, right?

No really.

Mid-life, regular, some boring, some interesting stuff has been happening. Come back soon. I'm working up a pithy, clever, and hopefully entertaining update.
A

The REAL light at the end of the tunnel...

Most of my days since the last post were spent working on my diss (yes, the four-letter word for dissertation). Most of the days since the last post, I was 99% sure the light at the end of the tunnel was indeed a huge train that was going to just run me over.

After very stressful revisions and rewrites going back and forth between my chair and I and at literally the last possible minutes of the last possible day to file forms that would allow me to defend my diss and graduate in May, it all came together. I will defend on April 25th and unless something goes horribly wrong, I will be Dr. Cory and walk through commencement ceremonies on May 7th! Yahoo!

I guess, the light wasn't a train after all.

A

The light at the end of the tunnel...

I have written and submitted 180+ pages of fascinating dribble to my chair. She has marked it up and provided good, but challenging feedback. I have re-written 30% of the paper in the last 8 days and will turn it in for another round of review tomorrow. Then wait.

Yes, there is a light at the end of my dissertation tunnel...I just hope it isn't a train.

If the next round of feedback sounds anything like, "you're getting close, but you need to re-write ___________", then yeah, the light is on the front of a huge train carrying the "you probably won't graduate in May" message.

Ugh.

A

A simple call.

If you follow this blog, you know that I feel blessed in many areas of my life. I usually blog about family and friends, but today, I must share how blessed I am by the WSU fraternity and sorority students with whom I share my life every day.

This just happened.

Phone rings. Sigh...I'm not getting as much writing done today as I had hoped I would. The IFC President is on the other end of the phone...I hope nothing is wrong in St. Louis where he and several other students are for a conference.

I answered and found out everything is a-ok. He was just calling to thank me.

"What?" I said.

In a nutshell, he said,

"Thank you for all you do for us. I have learned so much at this conference and realize that we are so lucky to have you at WSU and we are so much further ahead in making our Greek Community great because of you and how you've been with us through so much and never given up".

I thanked him...and asked if that is why he was calling.

"yes...that is about it. See you Monday!" he said.

Seriously. How lucky and blessed am I? I get to work with college students and make an impact in their lives...there isn't much else worth doing.

A

videos...milestones and markers....

Scroll down and read the next post first. Then, if the photos don't give it away...this will.

Enjoy!
A

Milestones and markers...

There is a little bit of my kid's birthdays that is actually torture to me. With each passing birthday of theirs (and mine) I become more and more aware of my own mortality, and my precious limited days with them in my home and me in their life on a daily basis. Gloomy, yes.

Nonetheless, this melancholy realization does spur me on in unusual ways. Feeling that "I'm missing it" is a huge motivator for me to finish writing my dissertation. I would really like to return to my "regularly scheduled programming" of doting on my kids, loving on my husband, and making this house a home.

We recently had a birthday in our house. I "took off" about half a day to participate and then had to spend twelve hours the next day catching up! Sigh.

Yes, my baby girl has had another milestone. Not only is she 12, which really seems much older than 11, we had a very "girly" party and we relented and she received the birthday gift of her dreams!





Enjoy!
A