See You at the Top

Amazing Grace

Just when you think you are at your ends rope, Amazing Grace ties you a knot so you can hold on for one more day. Amazing Grace happens to be the loving HARTS and the helping hands of my parents.   They have served me the whole of my life--even when I was on top of the world, they had a way of finding that little something to make my life even better...but now when times are tough for many, and the Golden Years have greeted them, I find their service even more endearing. It is I that should be serving them.

On more than one occasion, the cupboards have been bare, the pantry scarce, and the fridge lonely and cold, yet we have known no want for food. Amazing Grace arrives in the nick of time and a grocery cart of food finds a place on our empty shelves.

Amazing Grace places extra dollar bills in the strangest of places-- a bit of cash here and a bit of cash there. Sometimes it is slipped in the wallet, sometimes in a book or a card and sometimes...well, it is like magic. Noah is my living testament that Grandpa can blow a coin out of your ear and a credit card out of Grandma's ear:) If I hadn't seen it myself, I never would have believed it.

Amazing Grace appears on our doorstep, "We were just wondering if the Groendykes would like to join us for a bite to eat..." It is always an adventure and every act of kindness is served with a warm smile.

Amazing Grace has filled up my gas tank, wiped my counters, purchased medications, helped me can peaches, paid for appointments and dusted my TV.

Amazing Grace has provided the very books in which bring about such joy and distraction in moments of challenge. So today, Noah and I are busy doing homework. I haven't had a chance to shower yet and the table is still cluttered. I sigh and think to myself "cereal or top ramen?" Noah leaves the table and I am kind of annoyed. I just want to finish up with school work. I hear an interesting noise brush against the carpet. Noah appears with a styrofoam box.Yes, Amazing Grace had been at our door yet again. When Noah opened the box, he shouted for joy "Grandma and Grandpa sent me my very own set of knives." (He has a fixation with sharp objects--eek!!!)  There was a a knife set atop several frozen Omaha Steaks and Hamburgers, Gourmet Hot Dogs, and Potatoes too. Who knew that one could even receive such dignified, classy and quality frozen dinners in such a clever fashion? All I know is that because of Amazing Grace, my manly man will get a manly man's dinner of steak and potatoes...

I bring this up for one reason and one reason only, that Amazing Grace (my Father and Mother) will see and know the delight of their service and so that we, as the receivers of such kind deeds, can be Amazing Gracious.

What we have learned:  Amazing Grace is my Father and Mother...Noah's Grandma and Grandpa Hart...our dearest friends.

In a Galaxy Far, Far, Away

Long before Noah was Darth Vadar for Halloween, he knew he wanted a "Star Wars" themed birthday party. What can you do for a Star Wars Party?? Finally it came to me--visit the Planetarium. That was the family party and Rick suggested bowling at "All STAR Lanes"for celebrating with friends.  Somehow we'll be able to tie it together. I can't believe my little boy is six years old. He is getting so grown up and says the darndest things.

I was amazed at his bravery. A few weeks ago, Noah went to hit golf balls with his dad. I was at home catching up on my domestic duties. I decided to run to the grocery store. When I returned home, Noah tearfully came and gave me a hug. "Mom, I'm so glad your home. I've been praying to Heavenly Father." It was evident that he had been shaken up. He told me his dad had dropped him off and he was sent in the house to be with me--thinking I was still home. I called Rick and asked what time they finished and my poor boy had been home alone for 45 minutes!!!! I was sickened. For 45 minutes he had to wonder when one of his parents would be coming home. He wouldn't wait inside because of creepy noises and so he stayed outside with Da Vinci. It broke my heart and makes me still sick to think about. Five minutes is a long time for a six year old...but 45 minutes??? How sorry I felt. I might just have well been in a faraway galaxy.

Yep! He's my growing boy. Grandma and Grandpa came from far, far away to celebrate Noah's special day the day before. It was short and quick as they have back to back birthdays in three states. We went to Noah's pick for dinner--Cafe Rio. He was dressed as Darth and set the table with napkins and cups.  I had made a birthday cake for him with Darth's dark face. It's always a party when Grandma and Grandpa come and it's always not a party when they leave.

As a family, we went far away from our home in South Jordan to enjoy the Clark Planetarium. I was in awe of our Creators magnificent hand as I tried to make sense of such wonderment. How many boys get to say they leapt on Mars, walked on the moon, and had a 3D sea lion give him a kiss on the cheek on their birthday--it was a fabulous idea.

We love our boy more than words could ever express. He has brought so much life and light into our lives and marriage.

What I've learned from Noah: He is a very brave and resourceful boy. I've learned how much I feel joy at his happiness and sorrow at his pain and fears. He also wants to play on the computer so I'll wrap this up. Happy Birthday Noah. You are still the greatest gift I have ever received!!!! I love being Noah's Mom.

Where are Your Manners?

A welcomed visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hart meant the piles of laundry are no longer on the bed and the Christmas tree has found it's resting place and Noah gets to play "Hide and Seek" with Grandpa. Grandma and Grandpa have a motto, "Leave a place better than you found it,"and they always do. They surprised us all for Rick's birthday, although it should not have been a surprise since they are always surprising us. Noah loves his grandparents and shares a special bond with them.

This particular visit Noah had a list of DVD's for us all to watch. After "I Robot" he put in "Mamma Mia."Rick having seen it recently departed to his office. It wasn't long before Noah approached his dad, "Dad are you going to come in and watch 'Mamma Mia' with us?" "No son, I saw it a couple of days ago." "Not with grandma and grandpa though and that is rude and you are not being very entertaining."

Following "Mamma Mia,"Noah put in one of his favorites "Sahara."I took one look at the clock and said "Absolutely not! You have school tomorrow."After much persuasion, Noah agreed to go to bed, but he was concerned that grandma would have to suffer because of his bedtime. "Grandma, I put 'Sahara' in for you. Just put it in the case when you are done."

Noah and I went up to his room. He could hear the music from the movie playing over and over again. Grandma did not know how to get the DVD to play. He said, "Mom..." and I knew he was going to pull "a get out of going to bed"move saying he had to press the play button for Grandma. I told him I would take care of it and he needed to hop into bed. Over my request and in a louder voice he said, "MOM, MOM, let me be a gentleman. I want to be a gentleman for my Grandma."With that said, my heart melted all over the floor. I could not resist his offer--he wants to be a gentleman.


What I learned from Noah: We need to honor our parents and that though he is five, his insight goes beyond his years. Every mom hopes their son will be a gentleman and I didn't even have to ask.