Heather Hodges

This past weekend I was able to travel down to Abilene, Texas to care for my Grandma Ola who is nearing the end of her life.  She has colon cancer, but is inexplicably in no pain.  She is very anxious to “go on home” and is ready to leave this earth.  I fought back tears as she told me this because of the pain it was bringing me.

She has been the most spiritually influential woman in my life.  During my years at ACU, she and Grandpa lived in Abilene and I would often go over to eat a home cooked meal and do laundry.  We would paint and talk for hours (she was also my art teacher.)  She would tell stories, give advice, scold, pray over me and love me unconditionally.  She always spoke wisdom wrapped up in love.  It stung sometimes, but it was always what I needed to hear.

It won’t be much longer until she goes home.  On Sunday afternoon when it was time for me to leave, I sat on her bed with her and finally cried the tears I’d been holding back for 3 days.   I told her how much I loved her and we prayed one more time, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed me your name….Lord if it is your will, take my Grandma home soon.  Hold her at peace in your arms.  Amen.”

I can’t resist any longer, I have to write something about Sarah Palin. I feel so fortunate to live in a time when we are witnessing the most dramatic presidential race in U.S. history. Not only do we have an African American on the ticket, but now there is a woman. Most of the country has met McCain’s veep choice by now. She’s been called a few choice words and buckets of mud from the Democratic camp is landing around her, but it doesn’t seem to be sticking. She has an 86% approval rating as governor of Alaska, and “more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined” says Rudy Giuliani. She has hockey moms, and special needs moms behind her, and the vice presidency in her cross hairs. Most of us know her resume and family affairs, but what do you guys think of her? Any thoughts?

Well, the day finally came when I got to take both of my children to school. Leading up to today I’ve been talking with Elijah about going to kindergarten. He said he was excited but not nervous and hoped he would make a lot of new friends. Which, if you know Elijah will not be a problem at all. Caleb was just pumped to get back to school and see his friends.

Caleb first day of 2nd grade. Elijah first day of kindergarten.

The handsome Hodges boys.

When we were about ten feet from the classroom door, Elijah said, “Mom, I guess I am a little nervous.” It didn’t last long though. By the time he stepped inside the classroom he was all confidence and charm.

I apologize to the grandparents for the lack of Caleb pictures. He wasn’t excited about mom taking pictures on the first day of school and wouldn’t let me go to his classroom. My babies are growing up

In an effort to provide better nutrition for my family I picked up Jessica Seinfeld’s new cookbook “Deceptively Delicious.” What a great resource! It is chocked full of recipes that hide nutritive rich vegetables in every day kid food. Last night I gave the boys macaroni and cheese that had 2 yellow squash pureed in the cheese. This morning they gobbled up French toast with pureed sweet potatoes in the batter. For lunch I’m going to try grilled cheese with carrot puree. Wade even tried the mac-n-cheese and decided he liked it better with the squash. I’m feeling a little sneaky, but not one bit guilty about tricking the kids. Tonight will be brownies with spinach, apples and carrots. YUMMMM !

We just had our tax free weekend here in Oklahoma.  All clothes and shoes were tax free and a lot of stores were having huge sales.  Wade and I braved the crowds yesterday after church to buy Caleb and Elijah new shoes.  They each need two pairs, one for every day and one for gym.  After only a few minutes in Shoe Carnival we both agreed we would rather pay tax than fight the crowds.  It was a zoo !!!!  Was anyone else out in that mayhem?

The Oklahoma economy should be sufficiently stimulated now.  I think next year I’ll wait for the sales after the tax free weekend.

When we lived in Destin, Florida as a kid, one of the most fun activities we did was play putt putt golf.  We had the chance to introduce the boys to this little game while we were in Gulf Shores.

The pirate ship.

Elijah during his hole in one shot.

And then here is grumpy Wade.  Please feel free to comment on his expression and attitude.  He was mad that he was winning and I didn’t seem to care. (I did care, I just didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.)  What is marriage coming to these days?

One of the coolest things we did on our vacation was to visit the U.S.S. Alabama a WWII Battleship and the U.S.S. Drumm a WWII Submarine in Mobile, Alabama. It was a very interesting and educational time for our family. If you are ever in Mobile, Alabama, I highly recommend spending a few hours here.

All my boys monkeying around on the battleship. It’s a wonder the thing is still a float after my crew was done climbing over every square inch.

Elijah at one of the anti-aircraft guns.

There was also an impressive collection of warplanes, including this Stealth Peacekeeper. Very cool!

Wade at the guns of the USS Drumm. This WWII era submarine was deployed in the Pacific. One of the interesting things we learned on this trip was that submarines made up about 2% of the US Navy’s fleet in WWII, but they were responsible for sinking 65% of enemy ships.

Inside the submarine.

Wade helps Elijah look through the periscope of the USS Drumm.

My family has just returned from a fantastic 2 week vacation.  Over the next few days I’ll post some pictures of our travels to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The view from our condo at the Surf and Racquet Club.

It all started 12 years ago this week. My brother, Houston was coordinating a mock crucifixion scene for Camp Kadesh at Abilene Christian University. He asked Wade to portray one of the criminals who would hang on either side of “Jesus.” I was part of the angry crowd who yelled, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” In the late afternoon, all the actors drove to a hill outside Abilene to reenact the crucifixion scene for a group of high school campers. It was a moving experience for everyone involved, especially for me. Not only did I get to participate in a portrayal of the most important day in the history of the world, but I also noticed for the first time the man who would become my husband - one of the criminals on the cross. We had our first date two days later and four months later we were married. The significance that our relationship began at the foot of the cross has not escaped our notice. We want above all things for our relationship to reflect the grace, love and sacrifice of our Savior. It has been an incredible 12 years full of joy, laughter, pain, tears, renegotiation, forgiveness, and love. Thanks Wade for the adventure that is our life. I love you.

Wade as one of the criminals, I’m in the top right corner.