Sunday, December 10, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
Eason Christmas Letter 2006
The Easons’ 2006 Christmas Letter
Hello Friends and Family! Merry Christmas. I thought I’d defiantly say those two words since it appears that they’re getting close to being outlawed in the US. Ah well, what have the Easons been up to this year?
Well, we started our year off with a bang in January. Jack had an emergency appendectomy (and was back at work the next week…yes, his wife is rolling her eyes.)
In February, we celebrated Will’s 5th birthday at the Pavilion Ice Skating rink in Greenville. We had a great turn out and Will skated circles around everyone (thanks to a couple of 8 week lesson sessions).
Then in March, we celebrated Jack’s birthday. He tries to forget it, but we help him remember anyway. Also in March, we took off to Florida to check out Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and had a blast (pun intended) at Kennedy Space Center. We got to meet a REAL LIVE astronaut. His name is Jack Lousma and he was fantastic. He’d been in space twice and recounted his experiences with enthusiasm and even kept the kids’ interest. Then one week later, Jack and I flew off to Oahu and stayed on Waikiki Beach for a blissful week of rest, relaxation and way too much food! Holy Cow, do you know what a buffet PER PERSON costs there? Let’s just put it this way, $43 was the CHEAP one! It was actually a working trip for Jack, but we managed to go to Hanauma Bay and swim with the colorful fishies, then when we got rained out there, we went on back to Waikiki Beach. When we got rained out there, we finally gave up and went window shopping. Diamond Head was beautiful and I got some way cool video of our cruise on the ocean WHALE WATCHING…before I got seasick. I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say land never looked so good in my entire life. NO MORE BOATS. And I missed the prime rib buffet. Sometimes life just isn’t fair…even if I was in Hawaii.
April brought Spring Break and a brand new nephew. Liam Dorris was born on April 14th and is a real cutie. Lauryn is now bugging us for a little brother or sister and insists on praying about it just about every night. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
May brought the end of school! June and July brought swimming at MawMaw and Grandad’s and playing with Moses and painting at Mimi and Poppi’s. We also managed to get in a week at Dollywood. Fun, fun, fun! It was hard to tell who was having the most fun, Lauryn and Will, or MawMaw and Grandad.
In August, the kids went back to Jesse Boyd Elementary. Will started Kindergarten! I know, I can’t believe it either. Lauryn entered 3rd grade even though she was supposed to be in 2nd. They let her skip on up since she’d scored so high on her end of year achievement test. Halfway through the year, she’s still getting straight A’s and Will is getting all good reports on his report card too. (They don’t get actual letter grades in K-5).
In September, we were able to take our family vacation to Surfside Beach. We spent a week playing in the sand and the water park they had at the resort. Every day was an adventure full of fun and laughter. Not to mention the food…wow. A new restaurant every night. Needless to say, we returned to the YMCA workouts ASAP. In September, I also found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately, after a roller coaster of emotions, ranging from shock to finally excitement, I lost the baby at about 6 weeks. We were sad, but everything happens for a reason. Oh, and I told Lauryn to QUIT praying about a little brother or sister.
In November, we celebrated Lauryn’s 8th birthday with the Mad Science people. Really a GREAT party. Not only entertaining, but educational as well. The kids even got to make their own green slime. They could have made other colors, but as one friend, Louisa, put it, green is more professional. Also in November, Will got his hearing aids. We’d had him tested back in September and the test showed a definite hearing loss. A second opinion confirmed it so he got his aids. He has really adjusted well to them and I’m teaching him sign language every chance I get. (Translate that into when he’ll pay attention.)
And so now we’re into December. Jack continues to travel and I continue to sub at the deaf school several times a week. In January, it looks like I may return to work full time as a teacher in the Multi-handicapped school. They have a teacher retiring and asked if I would be interested in finishing the year. Jack and I talked it over (sort of) and decided I could do that. I’ll make a decision about next school year later.
One more bit of news. I had an editor request my newest manuscript. I sent it off and she sent it back with two pages of revision suggestions and a request for me to send it back after I finish the revisions. So, hopefully, I will finish up and send it off within the next few weeks. Soon after that, I should know whether they want to buy it or not. Feel free to check out the first chapter on my website at www.lynetteeason.com. Also feel free to send up prayers. I’ll take ‘em.
The Sound of Light is still rocking along. Jack is still writing and recording trying to finish up his next CD. Hopefully, we’ll have more information on that coming soon. Watch his website www.soundoflight.com to find out more about this big event. Also Jack is doing the music at a newly started church called New Life Baptist Fellowship in Boiling Springs, SC. This is a church full of really neat people and we are enjoying making new friends. God is so good!
We wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love, The Easons
Hello Friends and Family! Merry Christmas. I thought I’d defiantly say those two words since it appears that they’re getting close to being outlawed in the US. Ah well, what have the Easons been up to this year?
Well, we started our year off with a bang in January. Jack had an emergency appendectomy (and was back at work the next week…yes, his wife is rolling her eyes.)
In February, we celebrated Will’s 5th birthday at the Pavilion Ice Skating rink in Greenville. We had a great turn out and Will skated circles around everyone (thanks to a couple of 8 week lesson sessions).
Then in March, we celebrated Jack’s birthday. He tries to forget it, but we help him remember anyway. Also in March, we took off to Florida to check out Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and had a blast (pun intended) at Kennedy Space Center. We got to meet a REAL LIVE astronaut. His name is Jack Lousma and he was fantastic. He’d been in space twice and recounted his experiences with enthusiasm and even kept the kids’ interest. Then one week later, Jack and I flew off to Oahu and stayed on Waikiki Beach for a blissful week of rest, relaxation and way too much food! Holy Cow, do you know what a buffet PER PERSON costs there? Let’s just put it this way, $43 was the CHEAP one! It was actually a working trip for Jack, but we managed to go to Hanauma Bay and swim with the colorful fishies, then when we got rained out there, we went on back to Waikiki Beach. When we got rained out there, we finally gave up and went window shopping. Diamond Head was beautiful and I got some way cool video of our cruise on the ocean WHALE WATCHING…before I got seasick. I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say land never looked so good in my entire life. NO MORE BOATS. And I missed the prime rib buffet. Sometimes life just isn’t fair…even if I was in Hawaii.
April brought Spring Break and a brand new nephew. Liam Dorris was born on April 14th and is a real cutie. Lauryn is now bugging us for a little brother or sister and insists on praying about it just about every night. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
May brought the end of school! June and July brought swimming at MawMaw and Grandad’s and playing with Moses and painting at Mimi and Poppi’s. We also managed to get in a week at Dollywood. Fun, fun, fun! It was hard to tell who was having the most fun, Lauryn and Will, or MawMaw and Grandad.
In August, the kids went back to Jesse Boyd Elementary. Will started Kindergarten! I know, I can’t believe it either. Lauryn entered 3rd grade even though she was supposed to be in 2nd. They let her skip on up since she’d scored so high on her end of year achievement test. Halfway through the year, she’s still getting straight A’s and Will is getting all good reports on his report card too. (They don’t get actual letter grades in K-5).
In September, we were able to take our family vacation to Surfside Beach. We spent a week playing in the sand and the water park they had at the resort. Every day was an adventure full of fun and laughter. Not to mention the food…wow. A new restaurant every night. Needless to say, we returned to the YMCA workouts ASAP. In September, I also found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately, after a roller coaster of emotions, ranging from shock to finally excitement, I lost the baby at about 6 weeks. We were sad, but everything happens for a reason. Oh, and I told Lauryn to QUIT praying about a little brother or sister.
In November, we celebrated Lauryn’s 8th birthday with the Mad Science people. Really a GREAT party. Not only entertaining, but educational as well. The kids even got to make their own green slime. They could have made other colors, but as one friend, Louisa, put it, green is more professional. Also in November, Will got his hearing aids. We’d had him tested back in September and the test showed a definite hearing loss. A second opinion confirmed it so he got his aids. He has really adjusted well to them and I’m teaching him sign language every chance I get. (Translate that into when he’ll pay attention.)
And so now we’re into December. Jack continues to travel and I continue to sub at the deaf school several times a week. In January, it looks like I may return to work full time as a teacher in the Multi-handicapped school. They have a teacher retiring and asked if I would be interested in finishing the year. Jack and I talked it over (sort of) and decided I could do that. I’ll make a decision about next school year later.
One more bit of news. I had an editor request my newest manuscript. I sent it off and she sent it back with two pages of revision suggestions and a request for me to send it back after I finish the revisions. So, hopefully, I will finish up and send it off within the next few weeks. Soon after that, I should know whether they want to buy it or not. Feel free to check out the first chapter on my website at www.lynetteeason.com. Also feel free to send up prayers. I’ll take ‘em.
The Sound of Light is still rocking along. Jack is still writing and recording trying to finish up his next CD. Hopefully, we’ll have more information on that coming soon. Watch his website www.soundoflight.com to find out more about this big event. Also Jack is doing the music at a newly started church called New Life Baptist Fellowship in Boiling Springs, SC. This is a church full of really neat people and we are enjoying making new friends. God is so good!
We wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love, The Easons
Monday, November 27, 2006
Post Thanksgiving Post
Thanksgiving was once again a wonderful family affair...and way too much food. Eating with both families, my parents and then the in-laws, proved to be quite a gastric challenge. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely incredible, skillfully and lovingly prepared by mom and mom-in-law alike.
However, there's only so much room in your stomach to put everything! Not that I'm complaining. No, sitting around the table watching my mother help my daughter eat, seeing my husband cut up my son's turkey and try to force a green bean down his throat, made me truly appreciate the family I have.
We have been so fortunate and blessed that it's hard to list all the things to be thankful for. Isn't amazing how some things just don't seem that important in the grand scheme of things? I mean, so the power bill is due and there's only $2.79 in your checking account. I have someone I can call and complain to...or borrow the money from.
And so, there are times when my daughter has an attitude the size of Texas and I have to remind her of her place in the world and our household. At least she's with me to hug and love on unlike those who just spent their first of many holidays without a loved one. And so, my son has to wear hearing aids. At least he likes them! And God has equipped me to teach him how to deal with them and teach him American Sign Language for now and future use.
Yes, God is good, God is on his throne and God loves me and mine more than I can comprehend. God is so faithful to provide, teach, and discipline his children. What a joy to call Him my Heavenly Father. Now that's something to be thankful for!
Blessings,
However, there's only so much room in your stomach to put everything! Not that I'm complaining. No, sitting around the table watching my mother help my daughter eat, seeing my husband cut up my son's turkey and try to force a green bean down his throat, made me truly appreciate the family I have.
We have been so fortunate and blessed that it's hard to list all the things to be thankful for. Isn't amazing how some things just don't seem that important in the grand scheme of things? I mean, so the power bill is due and there's only $2.79 in your checking account. I have someone I can call and complain to...or borrow the money from.
And so, there are times when my daughter has an attitude the size of Texas and I have to remind her of her place in the world and our household. At least she's with me to hug and love on unlike those who just spent their first of many holidays without a loved one. And so, my son has to wear hearing aids. At least he likes them! And God has equipped me to teach him how to deal with them and teach him American Sign Language for now and future use.
Yes, God is good, God is on his throne and God loves me and mine more than I can comprehend. God is so faithful to provide, teach, and discipline his children. What a joy to call Him my Heavenly Father. Now that's something to be thankful for!
Blessings,
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Long time no chat
I don't have much to blog about today. Haven't really had much to blog about period. I guess that's why several months have passed without an entry. However, I think it would be a good idea to get back in the habit of it.
One thing I've learned recently is how precious life is. Of course, I've always realized that, but haven't had it really hit home how truly blessed most of us are in one way or another. Because Hannah Sobeski and her family belonged to First Baptist Church, our family kept up with them through their caring bridge website.
On November 9th, Lauryn's 8th birthday, Hannah was escorted home into the Lord's presence. Because we had prayed so much for her and her family, and read about her everyday, we really felt a spiritual connection with her and those who were praying for her. Hannah's life counted. Hannah made sure that before she left this earth, she touched as many people for her Savior as possible. We were discussing the amazing way God used this 18 year old girl and the impact she had on those around her when my daughter looked up and said, "I want to be like Hannah." WOW! What an incredible legacy. My daughter wants to be like Hannah because she was faithful servant of God; a willing vessel. And my daughter wants to be like that.
I'm also thanking God for the reminder to hold my children a little closer, give extra hugs and kisses and heap praise upon their heads. To teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord and to pray for them without ceasing. One day I want someone to say, "I want to be like Lynette. She really loves the Lord and gives him her all!" When I approach the throne of Christ, more than anything, I want Him to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
One thing I've learned recently is how precious life is. Of course, I've always realized that, but haven't had it really hit home how truly blessed most of us are in one way or another. Because Hannah Sobeski and her family belonged to First Baptist Church, our family kept up with them through their caring bridge website.
On November 9th, Lauryn's 8th birthday, Hannah was escorted home into the Lord's presence. Because we had prayed so much for her and her family, and read about her everyday, we really felt a spiritual connection with her and those who were praying for her. Hannah's life counted. Hannah made sure that before she left this earth, she touched as many people for her Savior as possible. We were discussing the amazing way God used this 18 year old girl and the impact she had on those around her when my daughter looked up and said, "I want to be like Hannah." WOW! What an incredible legacy. My daughter wants to be like Hannah because she was faithful servant of God; a willing vessel. And my daughter wants to be like that.
I'm also thanking God for the reminder to hold my children a little closer, give extra hugs and kisses and heap praise upon their heads. To teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord and to pray for them without ceasing. One day I want someone to say, "I want to be like Lynette. She really loves the Lord and gives him her all!" When I approach the throne of Christ, more than anything, I want Him to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Monday, July 03, 2006
The Perfect Manuscript
Is there really such a thing? Probably not, but as writers, we strive to come as close as possible to the thing. A few months ago, I entered a partial manuscript in the Genesis Contest and was really bummed when I didn't even final. Now, after reading the comments from the judges, I realize they were right. I have taken their critiques and revised and edited and learned much. And guess what? I have a MUCH better story in the works. Contests can be really great if you get a good judge...and extremely disheartening if you don't have thick skin.
The fact that I finaled in the Touched By Love Contest was amazing and uplifting and cause for celebration. And pretty weird since I entered exactly the same thing as the Genesis. Atlanta is coming up this month and I'm going. I don't expect to win--would love to, but don't expect to--and I know it's going to be a great experience. I just wish they had their hands on the manuscript that's been edited and reworked several times over. But that's the world of contests and writing. Usually by the time the contest is over, your current manuscript in no way even resembles your original entry...ah, the joys of revision.
Blessings,
Lynette
The fact that I finaled in the Touched By Love Contest was amazing and uplifting and cause for celebration. And pretty weird since I entered exactly the same thing as the Genesis. Atlanta is coming up this month and I'm going. I don't expect to win--would love to, but don't expect to--and I know it's going to be a great experience. I just wish they had their hands on the manuscript that's been edited and reworked several times over. But that's the world of contests and writing. Usually by the time the contest is over, your current manuscript in no way even resembles your original entry...ah, the joys of revision.
Blessings,
Lynette
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Touched By Love Contest Finalist
Hey all, I finaled in the Touched By Love Contest. How cool is that? One judge, the published one gave me high marks...a 149 out of 155! Whoo hoo! So, now I've headed off into the final round where three other judges will decided if they like it or not. Then in July, it's off to Atlanta, Ga where I will be sitting at the luncheon where they announce the top winner.
Blessings to all!
Blessings to all!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Didn't Final in the Genesis Contest
I don't consider myself the best writer in the world, however, I have studied the craft, honed my skills over the past several years and felt like I had entered my best work in the Genesis Contest.
I got the news yesterday that I didn't final. Boy, that was crushing. I was extremely disappointed. I even decided to quit writing. Yep, that's what I told myself. "I quit. I'm never going to be good enough. I've had enough of this rejection stuff to last a lifetime."
Then I decided to give it to God. Who am I writing for anyway? Oh, sure, I like the accolades when someone compliments my writing. It does my heart good. But, I have to remind myself that writing is a talent and when I decided to write for God, that means I have to wait on His timing when it comes to the publishing aspect of the craft.
And if I didn't final in the Contest, there has to be reason why. And too, these are only human beings that are "grading" my work and they may not even LIKE the topic - Suspense. So, I suppose everything is subjective, including the judges opinions, but it's still a bummer that they didn't like my work well enough to "pass" me...and move me on to the next level.
But I have to remind myself that everything happens for a reason and God is in control and as long as I leave it in His hands, success isn't measured in the number of books I publish, but in whether or not what I've written has pleased the Master Author.
I got the news yesterday that I didn't final. Boy, that was crushing. I was extremely disappointed. I even decided to quit writing. Yep, that's what I told myself. "I quit. I'm never going to be good enough. I've had enough of this rejection stuff to last a lifetime."
Then I decided to give it to God. Who am I writing for anyway? Oh, sure, I like the accolades when someone compliments my writing. It does my heart good. But, I have to remind myself that writing is a talent and when I decided to write for God, that means I have to wait on His timing when it comes to the publishing aspect of the craft.
And if I didn't final in the Contest, there has to be reason why. And too, these are only human beings that are "grading" my work and they may not even LIKE the topic - Suspense. So, I suppose everything is subjective, including the judges opinions, but it's still a bummer that they didn't like my work well enough to "pass" me...and move me on to the next level.
But I have to remind myself that everything happens for a reason and God is in control and as long as I leave it in His hands, success isn't measured in the number of books I publish, but in whether or not what I've written has pleased the Master Author.
Monday, April 10, 2006
The Upper Room May/June 2006 Issue
Hey, check out my devotional in The Upper Room devotional book. It is in the May/June 2006 issue and is June 27th. It is very cool to see you name in print like that.
Also, keep checking back because soon I will have information about my current work-in-progress up for you. Hopefully, it will have a publishing home soon and I can let you know when you will be able to buy it.
Come back soon!
Also, keep checking back because soon I will have information about my current work-in-progress up for you. Hopefully, it will have a publishing home soon and I can let you know when you will be able to buy it.
Come back soon!
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