Shad Point Scotts: February 2008

Saturday, February 23, 2008

We're in a Mess!

Well, as you may already know, we have been involved in a home improvement project or shall I say Steve has, since January- remodelling our main bathroom. It's been a slow process since Steve was sick and then left for a week to go to Germany.

As soon as we returned, we were back to our busy schedules- Steve was in meetings the first 3 nights we were back plus going back to work so there has not been a lot of free time to finish the job. As I'm writing right now he has been trying to finish painting and laying the tile floor into the hallway. That meant moving the washer and dryer into our bedroom yesterday so now I have a dryer for a nightstand. And since they are not hooked up, that means no laundry for a few days. I know when it's all finished it will be worth the mess but right now it's not fun!!

Steve is ready for the job to be done- he's quite tired and sore from using muscles he didn't realize he had anymore! I am my usual helpful self by keeping the dogs and myself out of the way! Sometimes I feed him if he really looks weak and in need of sustenance. But he has the dog's water dish nearby, so what's the problem!

We really need to get back to normal since next week starts a very busy time- we're getting ready for the Easter Journey which has become a major outreach for Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene here in Salisbury. It began about 3-4 years ago and has grown into an all church program this year so that more people will be reached in the community. I'm pretty excited but it does take a lot of time and effort so March will be very busy. Please keep us in your prayers for the next several weeks.

Other news in the Scott family is the arrival of a new great niece- Hannah May Austin who was born Monday, February 18 to our niece, Angela and her husband Jon. Now they are a family of 5, with big brothers, Caleb and Johnny. Congratulations guys-we love you and are rejoicing with this miracle from our Lord.

Continue to keep Chris and Min and boys in your prayers. They have all been sick and hopefully are on the mend. Pray that God will direct their paths these next several weeks as they are facing some tough decisions and times.

We are always enjoying our time with Randy and Jamie each week. (Sorry, Mom and Dad Ellis) Being with them is always fun. We are very proud of them as they are continuing to pursue God's best. Pray for wisdom for them as they make daily decisions regarding the direction of their lives.

Check out these pictures:

Over 50 years of bathroom flooring to cover!

Our new tiled floor! YAY!

The following are 2007 Easter Journey scenes:

The new Scott addition: Hannah May Austin (named after great grandma's middle name May)

The other 2008 Scott Baby! Baby Will

My beautiful family the last time we were all together, July 2007

before Chris and Min andLuke left for Germany. (waiting for Baby Will)

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Welcome Home, Shad Point Scotts!

Well, we made it home a week ago today!It was a very sad good-bye to Luke, Will, and Mindy. Needless to say, I had to get out quick before I(Judy) lost it! Then we get to the airport and another sad goodbye to our son, Chris, who we may not see for almost a year and a half! I'm surprised the airplane could take off from the airport, with the "heaviness"of both Guka and Me-Me's hearts!

Once we landed in Philadelphia, it was a mad rush through customs and 4-5 other checkpoints before we could get to our gate for Salisbury. We just made it but our luggage did not- but a nice man delivered them Sunday morning so all was well! In the meantime, Judy had to try to find some old makeup around the house in order to get ready for church!

The time difference took a little getting used to this week. When we arrived home Saturday night at 5:30pm it was really 11:30pm Germany time. We went to bed by 8 and I woke up at 1:00am thinking it must be time to get up! Finally, after waking every hour, we got up at 5:00am Sunday morning. I went back to work Monday even though I was scheduled off just because I was so wide awake, I decided to save my vacation day for another time! After a few early nights to bed, I think Steve and I finally adjusted to Eastern Standard Time again.

It was great to be back with my church family. I really missed everyone and it felt good to be home. I just wish I could have brought the rest of our family home with us! Although, it is difficult to be so far from Chris and Mindy and the boys, I'd rather they be together and us missing them rather than Chris being far away from his family. I have to keep reminding myself of that perspective to keep going!

It was wonderful to see Randy and Jamie and to spend some time with them this week. I am very thankful they live close by and we can see them. Sunday dinners after church have always been our tradition- a special time of the week for our family to get together and "catch up." Steve and I always look forward to this time.

Last night, we invited Randy and Jamie to dinner because I wanted to try out a new recipe that I ate at Chris and Min's. Some of the other army wives brought dinner one week and this was a favorite- Shrimp and Feta Cheese Bake. You can find the recipe on foodnetwork.com
It was delicious and we had a good time!

We are sorry that it has not been a good week at Chris and Min's since we left. Chris had one more week of leave and with nice weather they were looking forward to getting out, but unfortunately, our Lukester got a stomach flu. Me-Me wanted so badly to hop on a plane and go back to help but it looks like his parents can handle it, so I refrained! But if I can find another excuse, I just might be there!

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Randy & Jamie with their Germany gifts!

Judy serving her Shrimp Bake dish to Steve

Our handsome son tasting Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Will on his first Valentine's Day

The sweet Lukester missing his Me'Me and Gu-ka!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Sad Buh Bye to Baumholder!

Well, sadly, it's our last day in Baumholder. Guka and Me-me are returning to the states tomorrow and leaving our precious, cute, adorable grandchildren and their parents. It has been a wonderful visit that I'll always cherish. To be with Luke these last several weeks, to hear him call us by name has been awesome. My heart just melts whenever Luke smiles and looks at me.

Today, it is a beautiful sunny day, which has not been the norm while we have been here. Since the day, Guka arrived, it has either snowed or rained. We rented a van on Monday and at least were able to travel around the area a little. On Monday we went to Ramstein Air Base and ate at a Chili's.

On Tuesday we drove to Landstuhl hospital for an appointment and then went over to Kaiserslaurten to shop. On Wednesday, we travelled to Trier, which is a very old German city. It was raining when we first arrived, but we were able to find a nice private dining area at a restaurant and by the time we were finished, the rain had stopped. We checked out some shops and a beautiful cathedral. It was a lot of fun and we were happy Guka was able to experience some of the local culture.

Yesterday, we stayed at home and prepared a special meal since Chris and Mindy had invited their friends, Chaplain Keith Andrews, his wife Monica and their sweet children, Mary Katherine, Elizabeth Anne (twin daughters) and another baby Will. Chris had asked Keith to perform a private dedication service for our Baby Will. It was a wonderful evening as we shared together in fellowship and prayer as Chris and Mindy vowed to teach Will to know and love the Lord.

Today, we are going to walk into Baumholder and walk around the town. Since the sun came out yesterday, we of course, had to return the van and now do not have a vehicle large enough to hold 2 baby seats and 4 adults.

Tonight, we will celebrate Chris' 30th birthday with a steak dinner and some of his favorite dishes. I can't believe it's been 30 years since Steve and I became first time parents!!

Tomorrow, Steve and I leave for the U.S. and back to normal life. There will be a big void but thanks to the internet and web cam we'll keep in touch.

The weather Guka brought!

MeME and Luke for a rare cuddling moment

In front of restaurant in Trier

Cathedral in Trier

Guka with both grandsons

All of us at Will's dedication

Celebration of Chris' 30th birthday

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Gu-ka's a Hit!!

Guka (Grandpa) arrived on Friday, 2/1/08 at 6:00am Germany time. Chris drove through a wicked snow storm (accompanied by Me-Me) at 4:45am- it was about a 2 hour drive. Once we reached the autobahn, it was smooth sailing. It was a little scary at first since there were big trucks all stopping and not even attemping to move and cars sliding down hills backwards right before we were able to get on the autobahn. I must say Chris did a magnificent job driving and I did a lot of praying!

When we arrived on Post, Luke was a little hesitant to meet Guka in person since his only recollection was on the web cam. Once Guka opened his suitcase full of gifts, it wasn't long before Luke was his best friend. He hasn't left his side since. It's so cute- he just looks with adoration with those beautiful blue eyes and repeats "Guka, Guka" over and over. Me-Me has definitely taken a back seat but that's ok.

Every night Chris and Mindy have a routine before bedtime, reading some books with Luke and praying. Last night,(Guka's first night) Luke would not participate until Guka came over and read with them! It was so funny.

During these last weeks, the funniest times were when Lukes has "time-outs." When he gets in trouble, Mindy sits him on the loveseat for 2 minutes, then explains why and makes him say he's sorry. It's all we can do to look at him while he's sitting there. We usually have to leave the room because we can't keep from laughing! I want so badly to take a picture but it would defeat the purpose of the punishment so I have to refrain! It is priceless!