Trips Fom The Past

The year was 1987, and I visited the Grand Canyon for the very first time. I was at a conference in Phoenix, rented a car and took the 4 hour drive to the south rim. I wasn't there for very long, but I was mesmerized. That was when I decided that I wanted my family to visit two places - Washington, DC and the Grand Canyon.

Growing up on a farm didn't leave time for vacations. When I was 4, my family took a long road trip to DC...I remember nothing. Other trips were to the beach after the chores were done. This was usually 2 hours in the late afternoon. That meant a dip in the ocean followed by a dinner of macaroni salad and sandwiches. My brother still insist that macaroni/tuna salad isn't the same without sand.

Randy didn't have memorable vacations either...his were to visit relatives in Louisiana or North Carolina. Later he did go some fun places with his youth group. But family trips were not necessarily of the sight-seeing variety, except to stop along the road and pick flowers/plants that his mom wanted to take home.

One of our goals for our family was to take trips with our kids. The first trip was to DC when I was pregnant with Kate. She has since been to DC...so all the kids have visited the nation's capital at least once!

Our first trip with all the kids was in 2002. Planning a trip for a family of 6 was a challenge. Most accommodations are for 4 or 5, not 6. That is when we asked our friends, and also neighbors, the Williams if they were game. Aaron would bunk with them on a rollaway! And hence, the travel agency of Nobles and Williams was born. This summer marks our 5th National Parks tour. When we started the kids were 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, & 14. Here is the Nobles clan at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. That year was the Grand Circle....Zion, Bryce and both rims of the Canyon. Hoover Dam and a flight in and out of Las Vegas.

In 2004 we visited the Pacific Northwest, and it definitely brought lots of 'ooo's and aaahhh's'. We flew into Seattle, visited Mt. Rainier (seen in the picture below).

We drove to Portland, visited the Rose Garden, then onto the Pacific coast of Oregon.

Tillamook meant ice cream and then the beaches. The beaches on the Olympic Coast are wonderful....lots of tide pools to explore. We also enjoyed the sea stacks on coast. So different from our east coast beaches & definitely cold water. That trip also included Victoria Canada via a ferry ride, and Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The bonus of Olympic is that you get mountains,beaches, and a rain forest. This trip was our first experience with snow in June, something we now look forward to! Here are all the kids on some drift wood. Emily & Brandon Williams are Stephen & Beth's children. The Williams are also Berry alumni!

As children began graduating from high school, we deemed it their senior trip. They got to choose the parks to see. Aaron was the first in 2006. It was his 3rd National Parks trip and his last. He decided he had outgrown the family vacation. Though he wishes he was going in 2010 he made the decision too late, and the reservations were already in place. This makes a group of 9 travelling, kids are now 11, 15, 16, 18 & 20...sadly the 22 year old stays home - taking a World Lit class.

The picture above is from Aaron's senior trip, Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana. We fell in love with Montana. We flew into Salt Lake City and took a LONG drive. We stopped in Butte Montana and stayed in a cabin that belonged to some family members of the Williams. This helped break up the drive. If you happen detour through Phillipsburg, Montana - just north of Butte - make sure to check out The Sweet Palace, an old fashioned candy shop. After several wonderful days in Glacier, we headed south to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. We like to stay in a parks lodge if possible, and have enjoyed many over the years. We look forward to some delicious meals in the lodges too. For a family that rarely eats out, we savor the cuisine we find on the road. One of the highlights in the Tetons was the float trip down the Snake River, which included a great dinner prepared on the banks of the river.

In the fall of 2006, we sent Aaron off to college and the other kids were old enough to stay alone, as Alyssa was driving. The four adults took off for a long weekend in October and revisited Zion National Park. Zion is in southern Utah. If you go, stay at the Desert Pearl - it's the BEST! It was quite a treat, and given the opportunity and cash we would go again!



2008 was Alyssa's choice - Acadia National Park and the New England States. We flew into Boston and did the Freedom trail. Alyssa is a huge New England Patriots fan, so we made the Pilgrimage to Gillette Stadium to pay homage to the Pats! Then off to New Hampshire and Vermont. This part of the country was very different from previous trips. The terrain was more like North Georgia...but still beautiful. Of course, Aaron wasn't along - so that made it different too. We did a couple of college tours - Harvard and Dartmouth. Alyssa had already settled on Berry, but Emily was now the one looking. At Dartmouth we were treated to a personal tour by Berry grad, Tommy Murphy. He was working at Dartmouth at the time. This trip had many stops for ice cream, including a tour and taste at Ben & Jerry's headquarters in Vermont.

Acadia was the only National Park during the 2008 trip, but it was wonderful. We stayed in Bar Harbor Maine, and explored the park on foot, car and went sea kayaking! That was an adventure, but fun....well, don't ask Randy - he got stuck with Kate who didn't really do much to help their kayak tour!

Most of our trips include several states and/or several parks. All of our trips include lots of planning, saving, laughing, fun and songs. We often have a trip song. In the Pacific NW, it was "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". In 2006 it was a the "Long and Winding Road", plus our own rendition of "These are a few of my Favorite Things".

Next week, we take Emily's senior trip. The west coast again - Northern California. We already have our trip song - "This Land is Your Land"! We fly to San Francisco, then drive up the coast to the Redwoods, over the Lassen National Park - where they still have LOTS of snow & cold weather! Then we drive to Yosemite for an adventure of sleeping in tent cabins.

I hope our family inspires you to explore the National Parks, spend some time with family and friends in God's beautiful world. I'll see you when we return.

Graduation it happens every May

Graduation at Berry College took place on a lovely spring Saturday. The weather was perfect, sun with just enough of a breeze. I had no plans to attend the ceremony until Mr. Musselwhite asked me to play the piano for 2 graduating singers. I had a great seat to view the pomp & circumstance. The band played the pre-game show (prelude to graduation) with some fun tunes, then the grads entered to take their place and receive their degrees.

My plan was to play for the two singers, and get the heck out of dodge. Randy & I had been invited to another graduation party that started at 3, obviously not a Berry student! Mr. M brought me some much needed water as I waited in the warm sunshine. Alyssa arrived to help me with my music...remember the breeze that was blowing! After a brief introductions it was time for tenors Drew & Stephen to sing. They both did a great job, and then I left to attend the aforementioned party. Here's a picture of me with Stephen.

The plan was for Randy to pick me up at Krannert. As I walked from the lawn of college chapel to Krannert I was rewarded with the new & beautiful Kilpatrick Commons. Some fun college friends had decided to be festive, so you will note the water is extra sudsy in the pictures.

I also found these two guys hanging out over at Krannert. Greg & Stephen were December graduates, both music majors. They told me they would both be attending grad school beginning in August. I'm glad they have plans!

So, graduation happened and the students whooped and hollered. The parents said Praise the Lord they finished! Now what? For the students it means starting to work in the real world, searching for a job, or the ever popular answer - grad school! I wish them all the best, but I will miss them.

It happens every May, students that I have come to know and love - leave. There have been past years when I would get really depressed. It's hard when you are accustomed to seeing and talking with these vibrant young adults on a regular basis. We have them in our home, we feed them, we learn about their dreams and plans. We pray for them, and with them as they seek the next step in their life. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. Some of the students become my kids during their time at Berry (and sometimes Shorter!).

In 2004 we had a bumper crop of students that were very special, and it was so hard for me that May. I missed that daily or semi-regular communication with them. I could call them or email them, but it wasn't the same. They weren't on campus, they weren't at church, and my dinner table was not the same without them.

That was the year that I realized that just as I missed them and our daily talks, the Lord misses us when we don't communicate with Him on a regular basis. God made us to be in relationship with Him, and He desires to hear from us daily. He wants us to be in His house on Sundays. He wants us to be at His table, to hear His voice.

Here is a picture of one of our recent graduates, Chad Rowell. Chad was a faithful member at Calvary during this last 3 years at Berry. He worked with the youth, sang in the adult choir his senior year, and was a tremendous blessing to the Nobles family. Chad heads to Dallas/Ft. Worth this fall to attend seminary.

All the best to Chad and the other recent graduates, we hope to stay in touch and hear your voice. We pray that you will also keep your relationship strong with the Lord and listen for His voice.

Cat tails & God

This is Rowdy, he is almost a year old. He is a fun and crazy cat. Like most cats he comes and goes on his own terms. Sometimes he wants attention, other times just leave him alone. Occasionally he still likes to play with his tail. It just amazes me that he will suddenly start chasing his tail. He will spin round and round trying to "catch" his tail. Now, he must know that it is his tail - it follows him everywhere. Most of the time he doesn't pay attention to his tail, but on occasion he can't stop chasing it. Then just as suddenly he stops, and wanders off to eat....tail forgotten.

While watching Rowdy this morning, I begin to think that we are often like this with God. He is always there, but much of the time we ignore Him. We can go days or weeks without even noticing God, then all the sudden we have this crazy pursuit of God. Many times it's a struggle or trial that sends us pursuing God. Other times we may realize our need for Him, and there we are trying to catch Him. But, of course, He has been there all along....just waiting for us to run toward Him. Just like Rowdy and his tail.

"O God, Thou art my God, I shall seek Thee earnestly;
My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee,
In a dry and weary land where these is no water.
Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary,
To see Thy power and Thy glory.
Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life." Psalm 63:1

Kate's Tri-athalon

Kate is a swimmer, but decided to do a kids tri-athalon. This was the 2nd year for the event in Rome. She did little training for the biking and running, mostly due to her allergies. She has severe allergies in the spring and it's difficult for her to spend time outside. She already has plans to participate in the tri-athalon next year and promises to train before March! The pictures tell the story, but the details are SWIM 100 yards (no problem) BIKE 4.8 miles (it's hot and there is a head wind), RUN 1 mile (problem!). She finished in 41 minutes...but SHE FINISHED and wants to do it again next year. For those who can't remember, Kate is 11.

Kate and her friend Sarah.

Kate is first out of the pool in her heat!

Running to the bike area

Strong on the first biking loop.

This was the "look" on the 2nd loop of the bike route.

Kate did a lot of walking during the run.

On the track, she jogs to the finish.

Exhausted after 41 minutes on a hot May afternoon.

Sarah & Kate with their medals. All finishers got a medal.

The tri-athalon was a fund raiser for the Boys and Girls Club in Rome.

There were over 250 kids that participated (ages 7 - 14) on the Darlington campus.

April weekends

April has been a busy month for the Nobles family. Numerous events have brought old friends (college kids/alumni) back to Rome. Here are some of the highlights:

Katharine & Scrap got married in March (ok, I know I said April...I lied), and it was great to see numerous friends at their wedding. The award for traveling the longest distance was Rachel Floyd. She flew in from Portland Oregon and brought her fiancee, Bradley. It was fun to visit with Rachel and meet her new beau! She & I got to play together at the wedding. She didn't fly her cello, but Drew Landis was kind enough to loan his. He said his cello had never sounded so good!
The weekend of April 16 was the 25th reunion for the Winshape College program at Berry. No, I'm not a Winshaper. The program didn't begin until after I had graduated. Alyssa is a Winshaper and we have known and loved many a Winshaper over the years. When Aly Slade told me she was planning it, I gladly volunteered to help when the event arrived. What a blessing to see old friends and catch up with them. It's always fun hanging out with my college friends, even after they have graduated.
Joe & Abby were the first to arrive. They were able to enjoy some time without the kids, thanks to grandparents in Atlanta. During college they were our adopted students, helped out with youth at church, loved on my kids and encouraged me in more ways than they could ever know. They also happened to fall in love on my couch in the fall of 2003! Here they are with Kate. She was 2 when they were freshmen!





The Winshape College program started in 1984Andy Craddock was a music student that I taught in the late 80's. He was a great tenor & a super guy. It was good to see him. He's endured a few personal trials over the past few years, but still remains strong in his faith.







Grace Cowan Powell was Randy's student teacher. He is always happy for a chance to visit with Grace. She was definitely one of the best student teacher's he has ever had. Currently Grace is a stay at home mom to Samuel...who is adorable! Thanks Ryan for sharing your precious family with us.







No reunion would be complete without babies. Michael Van Sant and baby Sadie, along with Matt Knowles and baby Addison. The girls are 5 days apart. They will have many Mountain Days of growing up together!


Chick-fil-A doesn't just serve delicious food, but it's a fun company too. Here's Doodles, he's not as famous as the cow. Doodles used to be a regular at the Dwarf House in Rome, and Carrie was petrified of him. She was happy to see this picture of her "friend."

Every year Berry has Mountain Day, and there is a competition between the dorms in a type of field day. Each dorm has a t-shirt for the occasion. At the reunion the alumni shared some of the old shirts. This is one of my favorites. The front said "Friendship Rules." You have know something about Winshape to appreciate these rules!












This past weekend, Kate had a swim meet in Dalton. Here is a video of her swimming the 50 Freestyle. She is in lane 4. Listen and you will hear them announce her name as she wins her heat. She finished 6th overall in her age group. Her coach thinks she will eventually be a middle distance swimmer...think 4oo or 500 yard events! She does love the water. In June she will attend swim camp at Auburn.

At the same time that Kate was swimming in Dalton, Carrie was primping for the prom. She's only a sophomore, but snagged a date with a fellow trumpet player. The Nobles are budget conscious (thrifty, cheap...call it what you want!) so she borrowed dress, shoes and clutch. We weren't at home to see her off for a night at the ball, but Alyssa was the family photographer. It stormed on Saturday, so the usual pictures at Berry were out. They took pictures at a fancy bed & breakfast in town where they charged $20 for the photo op. Carrie's date, Mark, is a senior - but he doesn't drive, so they doubled with some other band friends. After the photos they drove to Kennesaw and ate at Steak-n-Shake!!

This upcoming weekend we are hosting a cookout for the Calvary college crowd on Saturday and I've invited my piano pedagogy class for dinner on Sunday evening. Kate is participating in a Kids tri-athalon on Sunday too. We love the opportunity to share with those that God brings into our lives.

Easter 2010 & a new record!

At the Nobles home it is tradition to take an annual Easter picture. I don't always have cooperative children. The eldest complains because that means he has to wait to change out of his Sunday clothes. I usually take it outside in front of the azaleas, but they are late to bloom this year. So, this year the picture is in front of the red bud tree by the street. Alyssa (20), Aaron (22), Carrie (16), Kate (11).The two cats in the picture are Charlie and Rowdy.
This week I also set a new record. I love to cook, and have cooked for crowds at my house of up to 40....always college students! The past few years Michael Van Sant has asked me to help with Disciple Now. Michael is a great organizer and I have help from the church family in preparing the food on Friday night. This year our church hosted DNow for 7 churches. I prepared baked spaghetti for about 225 youth and leaders, definitely a new record for mamanobles! It was a new recipe, but it is sure to become a favorite at the Nobles household.

Death

OK, so this isn't what most people enjoy talking or reading about, but as my husband says "you have a 100% chance of dying." Lately I've been thinking about why God chooses to take his saints home and why others stay longer on this earth.

Our church just went through the "One Month to Live" study by Kerry & Chris Shook. During the course of the study one of our church members died while training for a half marathon. He was a fitness guru, and owned a workout facility called Pro Performance, known for grueling boot camps to get into shape. Scott was 48 and left behind a wife and 3 kids. Why Scott? What is God teaching us through this sudden homegoing? Why did Lisa and kids not get the chance to say goodbye?

Today, another young saint went to be with the Lord. Shane was diagnosed with an unknown cancer in November, he was 39. His family has watched him suffer the past few months and prayed for healing. God who can raise people from the dead, and cause the earth tremble could have healed Shane, and He did. It was heavenly healing. It's the family that is left to grieve.

Two godly men, two families to deal with the sudden loss. God chose to take Scott and Shane to glory. Yet, the Trammell family has watched as their mom & wife have suffered with cancer for 8 years. Why is she left here on this earth to suffer? Why hasn't God called her to glory yet? And while we are asking why, why has God blessed my family with good health? My parents are still in relatively good health in their mid-80's.

I don't have answers but I do know the ONE who does. The choir sang an anthem a few weeks ago called "You Can." The composer is Rodney Griffin, and you can listen to a clip of the song here. I pray that the words will encourage those who are struggling.

Sometimes I get caught up in wondering
When my stormy circumstance will end.
Forgetting that the hand I've been holding
is the precious hand of My all knowing friend.

Who sees beyond the veil that I am facing.
Past the unknown mystery to come.
Though I admit I can't see where I'm heading
I'm holding to the only One who does.

You can
explain all the wonder
You can
erase all the fear.
You can
dispel all the darkness
see a new day is dawning just a few miles from here.

When I can't see a purpose or plan
Lord, You can.

As you grieve and mourn cling to this "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4