. . . another milestone . . .

Oh, my, what a milestone! Oldest granddaughter, Kitty, graduated from high school this past Sunday afternoon -- and we were blessed to host the event at our home. She requested a simple ceremony, and it is just as well! If you know our family, you know events like this are just asking for nostalgic tears and sighs. This time was no exception! Two of Kitty's sisters, Sarah and Grace, brother Peter, and cousins Callie and Mary graced the occasion with a stately all-string rendition of Vaughn's "For All the Saints". It was quite grand -- Peter even bowed the upright bass (as opposed to the usual bluegrass plucked bass).

Kitty's father expressed his joy and pride in her hard work and character growth, and he acknowledged her sweet spirit and compassion. Then Kitty took a short moment to thank her parents and others who have guided her along these years. She thanked the Lord for His hand upon her, taking her through the hard subjects and helping her to polish her gifts in her more favorable subjects, such as writing and history.

Her granddaddy spoke of his gratitude to her parents for "touching her palate" (Proverbs 22:6) with excellent things and carefully shepherding her to become the wonderful, God-honoring young woman she is today. Then he presented the diploma to her, and the festivities began. Family and friends shared in a lovely luncheon reception, with much joy and fellowship all around.

Her mother, Beth, had produced a memory DVD, which played in a loop in the family room and brought many "Oh, remember when . . .??" comments. It was played to the accompaniment of the Country Cousins music, which made it all the more poignant. Here is a picture which, to me, epitomizes Kitty's personality and spirit: spunky . . . full of life . . . curious . . . compassionate and protective of her family . . . Kitty, where did the years go? We love and and are so proud of you. We can hardly wait to see where the Lord leads you next! What a wonderful life ahead! God bless you, Sweetheart!

Kitty (in blue) with her mama and sisters Sarah (in pink) and Baby Gracie.

One More Time .. .

The lovely "Ladies' Table" at the Stricklen's anniversary party. It may seem funny to have the men and ladies split up, but Molly and the girls didn't know how to organize the seating so that those not at the "guests of honor" table didn't feel slighted. So this was their solution. And it went very well. There was plenty of interaction after the meal, so couples didn't spend a lot of time apart! The girls did a wonderful job of setting beautiful tables (please ignore that folding chair right in the forefront of this picture -- it was a beautiful setting!)

The "Men's Table" -- vintage linens and eclectic dishes made a pleasant setting.

The sweet father of my children and patriarch of our family indulges me with a fresh flower. Happy Fathers' Day, Danny!

The precious Pittman children blessed us today with their enthusiastic singing to the glory of God! "Here Am I, Lord, Send Me!"

Asking your indulgence and patience with my pityful blogging talents! Just take what comes up and enjoy the thrill and challenge of trying to put it in some sort of cohesive order!

What I meant by "Two Special Days" was 1) Chris and Molly's anniversary and 2) Father's Day. We had a wonderful time cooking out after church with the dads and fellowshipping with our home church and family. The older children took some of the younger ones to the woods and picked wild blackberries again. Then Abby and Markie made a delightful berry crisp to top off the hamburgers and hot dogs. Our visiting missionaries, the Pittmans, gave us a stirring report on Malaysia and their vision for serving God in this Muslim land. Fellowship with God's people over a good meal together, after worship, is a wonderful way to round out the Lord's day and be refreshed for a new week.

Two Special Days

Twenty years growing together in love and faithfulness for the glory of God -- Chris and Molly
Mementos of the special day.
Abby serving friends and family.

Molly and Chris celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this week, and their sweet girls planned a gala dinner party for them. It was adults only (except of course baby William), and the girls and cousins did all the preparation and serving. What a lovely evening celebrating the Lord's blessing on a godly and fruitful marriage!

More Trip Pictures

All of us at the Marine Corps museum in Quantico Va. This is a wonderful place to find out more about the corps. My daddy served his country for three years of his youth in the Second World War. He entered at age 15 and was a veteran of major Pacific campaigns at age 18. Mother was especially touched by the museum.
Mother and I took a taxi to the WWII monument on the National Mall. This isn't bad for a cell phone camera! I was surprised it came out this well. RG had the camera at the Witherspoon school that day, so I resorted to what was available. This, too, is an impressive monument.
DADDY'S HERE!! Chris greets his boys in the Metro tunnel. He flew up from FL to drive his family home. What a wonderful feeling of relief Molly had when he took over the wheel of the Excursion for her in Washington traffic! Daddies make a difference!
Four country girls having lunch in one of Washington's mega-multi-story malls. Mary used the metaphor of the blurry folks rushing by to make some "deep" comments on their blog (here)
http://www.thestricklenfamily.blogspot.com/

Well, actually, it's down quite a ways, so I will just quote Mary:

"Observe the the whiz of people in the background. The people in Washington DC move unnaturally fast, for no apparent reason--It's a plague that its residents catch after living there for more than a month. They MUST make that exact metro ride, or the whole world will stop in its tracks, even if there's another metro 3 minutes later going to the same place. Watch out, or you might get trampled.
Just a Thought--Mary"

But you will enjoy their blog, so visit anyway! I am so thankful for the opportunity to go with my sweet family to the capital. Mother had never been and had always wanted to go, and now she is ready for another trip there (when we all recuperate!) I cannot say enough about the impact the Witherspoon School had on my husband and grandson. Thank God for men of strength and integrity He has raised up for such a time as this. We, families and the church, have always needed men to be our leaders, but I am convinced we will need them more than ever in the upcoming days. Thank you, Lord, for men of vision to follow Your Word and Your ways.

Pictures!

We left home on Sunday afternoon, May 25, heading to Fredericksburg VA so that Danny and RG could attend the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy, sponsored by Vision Forum.

Danny told me, "come on and go with us!" So I did! My dear mother heard me talking about it and said she had always wanted to go to Washington and never had the opportunity. So I said, "come on and go with us!" So she did! Then daugher Molly said she and her children wanted to go, too, and her husband would fly up and join us for the trip home. So we said, "come on and go with us!" And they did!



What a great (though exhausting) trip it has been. Of course, Danny and RG have been in classes the whole time, and we have met up only a couple times a day to sneak a hug. But they say it has been a tremendous event, impacting them greatly for the near and far future. This has been our prayer, and the Lord is answering it.



Meanwhile, we girls (with CJ and William) have been ridin' the rails (Metro) and hiking (or hobbling) around Washington big-time. Here are some random pictures (hopefully in chronological order!) of the trip so far. We will leave for home tomorrow afternoon, the Lord willing, after the "graduation" from the "school".



Faithful RG, Aunt Molly's substitute driver when she had to take care of Wills. I think he prefers driving anyway!
Granddaddy and RG walking the streets of Richmond, looking at Confederate monuments.

Sweet Grandmother Harris and sweet Molly in front of the battle flag at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. What a wonderful place to get a little different perspective on history!

Everyone at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. Even CJ and Margaret Anne were impressed by the history they learned.

Here we are waiting for the Metro. We got pretty good at playing "mole people" -- underground tunneling, with no hope of ever seeing the sun again! Reminded me of the old song about Charlie and the MTA -- "He never returned, no he never returned, and his fate is still unlearned. He may ride forever neath the streets of Boston, he's the man who never returned!" -- and all because of the lack of one more nickel! (Hang onto those day passes, children!)

William "The Scowler" Stricklen, disgruntled Metro rider. "Hey, get that camera away from me! I have been looking cute and smiling at strangers all day long, and I have had it!"

Always touching and impressive -- the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Everyone at the front of the Lee-Custis house at Arlington. The view is amazing. It looks out over Arlington Cemetary and across the Potomac to Washington. You can see most of the monuments from here (see the Washington Monument over Abby's shoulder.) R to L: Abby, Mary, Callie, CJ, Grandmother (me), Margaret Anne, Grandmother Harris, Molly holding little Wills.

The story of how the United States came to own the Arlington property is sad and enlightening. The property had been in the Lee-Custis family for generations when the War between the States began. The law at the time stated that property owners must appear in person to pay property taxes. Of course, Robert E. Lee was behind enemy lines at the time. His wife was crippled with arthritis and tried to send a proxy with approximately $90 to pay the taxes. The money was rejected, and by default the US government took possession.

Later, a bureaucrat, whose son fought and died on the Union side, was assigned the task of finding more burial space. He immediately remembered the Lee-Custis land, and his spite motivated him to assure that the Lees would never return. The sad story of its origin is fitting for the somber nature of the Arlington Cemetary. What a good place for reflection and respect!

Mother at the Iwo Jima Monument near Arlington. What an impressive memorial! As you can see from the size of people nearby, it is huge and imposing. It is a strong visual reminder of the place where my father received major injuries that sent him home from the war. The story, as he told it from his perspective, has always inspired our family. Tales of such sacrifice and honor must be passed on to each succeeding generation. How thankful we are that someone felt strongly enough to honor those who gave so much with this reminder. More coming . . .

On the road . . .

We are in Richmond, Virginia tonight. What, you say?? The last time we heard from you, you were watching grandchildren ride the wind in Alturas?? Well, yes, sadly I have let many things slip through my mind without posting them. But, here we go . . .

RG flew back home a couple days ago because he and Danny are attending the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy sponsored by Vision Forum. He came in a couple days early, and we had a big to-do at our house on Saturday evening for his friends to get to say hi. (Pictures upcoming -- I am on my mother's computer, since mine is not co-operating on this trip!!!)

Then on Sunday, we had Brother Terry Donahue of the New Life Children's Homes come and update us on the orphanages in Burma/Myanmar. He has a visa to go over shortly and bring back a report for all those who love and support the children there. God has been merciful, both to Brother Donahue regarding his health and to the children in Burma. They lost most of their buildings but the dear ones there were saved.

We had enough food left from the get-together the night before, so we all ate together Sunday afternoon. Then Danny and I, RG, my mother, Molly and her children all left for Virginia. It was just going to be Danny and RG, but it snowballed, and we are having a good time together. Tomorrow, we plan to visit several Confederate memorials RG has always wanted to see and then head on to Fredericksburg for the rest of the week.

My mother has not been to Washington and wanted to see it before"I walk through the pearly gates". What a joy to be able to bring her with us! Of course, we won't be sprinting around the city the way the youngin's do, but we'll savor every step.

Hoping to get some pictures up when I can -- and hoping to get back here while we are still on the road. Thank you, Lord, for traveling mercies and for sweet traveling companions!

I just had to add this . . .!

Beth sent me this picture of Markie and Baby Emma riding along by wind power! Sometimes, the wagon almost got airborne, and the children had a great time sailing along!