More photos from our amazing weekend!

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Georgetown Cupcakes - better known on television as DC Cupcakes!
Kristina INSIDE the butterfly exhibit! Absolutely amazing exhibit!

Washington, DC

Kristina and I arrived in DC at approximately 2 pm Saturday; a little later than I would have liked, but fine. After getting lost a couple of times, we found our lodging and headed straight to the Metro! Jumped on board (after purchasing our tickets, of course) and got off at Federal Triangle-the heart of DC! We were IMMEDIATELY immersed in science! Absolutely amazing! Too many exhibits to ever visit in one weekend - over 1500!


We got to see a portion of a REAL ice glacier shipped from Alaska by ship/ground transportation; the TOP DOG from NASA - no kidding! He was riding a bike in a NASA speedo outfit! I would have never known who he was, but the NASA team asked to be photographed with him and were glowing like the stars after he left. I asked who the man was and that's when they told me; I couldn't believe it!

We didn't wander far that day, as we had another mission to complete before returning to our hotel! We HAD to go to Georgetown Cupcakes to pick up our order of cupcakes! OH MY GOSH! What a drama-but well worth it! We got off the Metro in Rosslyn, but the "Circulator" (bus) never came; so we walked. We were shocked to see THEY WERE FILMING!!!! Not only were the cameras in the front of the store, but when you order/pay on-line PRIOR to visiting, you jump right to the front (which made SEVERAL visitors a bit unhappy - I couldn't even see the end of the line)! We were right next to the cameras and crew! Not only that, Kristina and I were within steps of the DC Cupcake sisters/owners! It was so fun! After we received our order, we went outside and watched through the beautiful glass windows of the shop as they talked over their next scene. The younger, dark haired sister, waved at my Kristina! She was so excited; a life-long memory! We walked back to the Metro and settled in our room at about 9:30 pm to enjoy the most amazing cupcakes I have ever eaten in my ENTIRE life!
Sunday, we slept in, headed to breakfast, then returned to the world of SCIENCE!!! After exploring a bit, we ended up a little...okay, LOST (AGAIN!). We looked over at a group of people taking pictures and that's when I realized, we were in front of the White House! The home of the President of the United States of America! It just gives me goose bumps; to think we live so close to our Nation's capital!
Next, we stopped at the Natural History Museum and spent the remainder of the day enjoying the under-water world (on the little screen and the IMAX screen), gems and the butterfly exhibit (which was breath-taking)! What a remarkable trip.

I am posting a couple of pictures now, but many more to come soon!

Washington DC - here we come!

FABULOUS

Although I never received "official" permission, I don't think Adam Sabados from Tyndale House Publishing will mind....

Reflection

For those OLD friends, you'll remember this photo (and what it means). Reflection changed my life - in numerous ways! Mostly the two women that joined me on the journey! These ladies are the most wonderful friends in the world - OH my, the memories we shared (and continue to share)! I think I'll list a few brief highlights.....

1. "Luv Ya"- thanks Malcolm!
2. Debbie's Porch in Elizabeth City
3. Santa FINGER
4. Speeding Ticket
5. Tara's SICK!
6. Debbie's COOKING!!!!
7. Deb's FINGER
8. Tara's prep in the AM (BEFORE kids!)

These are not listed in any particular order...all very fond thoughts!

Ladies, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!

Don't Look Back - by Lynette Eason

There were numerous things I liked about this book – the first (and most important to me), is that I finished it! As a matter of fact, I couldn’t put it down! Most books tend to lose me rather quickly. If the book is non-fiction, I keep reading because I KNOW there HAS to be at least one priceless jewel hidden deep inside that will teach me something! But with fiction, if it’s not exciting and I’m not INVOLVED and ENGROSSED, I put it down and promise to finish it later (which I never do!). This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end! I absolutely LOVED it! As a matter of fact, I immediately noticed this book is the second in a series (Women of Justice Series), now I HAVE to go buy the first one (and her other books that I found on her web-site: http://www.lynetteeason.com/books.html)! Even my eleven year old daughter (I summarized the story leaving some of the details out) wants me to read the first book (and provide details WHILE I read it)! She loves to watch NCIS with her daddy (not something I enjoy or support, but it’s their thing – some times you just have to LET IT GO!).

I adore the way the love story develops and the tender relationship they share throughout the book. I also love the detailed descriptions; allowing me to create graphic pictures in my mind of the individuals and the situations while reading. And I would have written the ending the exact same way! I didn’t think the story was too long or too short – I was fully engaged throughout.

Another thing I really loved about this book-as a Christian woman and mother, was how Jamie WALKED THE WALK of her faith. She didn’t try to SELL her faith to the man she was attracted to; she just LIVED her faith – and she lived it so well. Not only did he notice (and observe the calming effect only the Lord can supply), but he WANTED it! That’s exactly what my mother did; she was the most amazing woman I ever knew – and I wanted what she had (although when she passed away I was 18 years old) and didn’t even know what it was. Praise God, He carried me for miles and years until I found it - HIM!

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The most amazing revelation!

Yesterday, while reading Navy leadership presentations on-line, I came across something that really struck me (because it’s something I do when I teach – but didn’t realize how important it was): If you lecture for 2 ½ hours, but tell a story that lasts 2 minutes – everyone will remember the 2 minute story; NOT the 2 ½ hour lecture. In teaching children, I have tried desperately to get their attention using real life stories to help get the point across. I know I modeled this approach after all the fabulous leaders I have listened to.

This morning, while listening to a daily devotional CD on the drive to work, the teacher was explaining one of Christ’s parables in the Bible when it dawned on me….maybe THAT is why Christ taught with parables (stories)! Because He knew we would listen/remember/learn by applying the lesson to our lives.

HE never ceases to amaze me….