Wow!  Just miss a kid and you get all kinds of comments on your blog!  Can you believe that I missed a child?  Actually I didn't the first time around.  To my defense, I had written the previous post and it got lost somewhere in cyberspace.  So, in my rush to try and rewrite all that I had written I forgot my little Daisy.  So, she gets a post all to her own!

Daisy has glasses!  We cut her chlorine green hair, added braces to her mouth, and bought her glasses.  And, now she looks ever so grown up.  My vanilla baby is no longer a baby.  She got an auto harp for Christmas and is loving it.  

FAVORITE SINGING GROUP AS OF TODAY:  FFH

WHAT IS SHE READING?  The Borrowers

LATEST HOBBY:  Learning ASL Sign Language

So, there you go...

Boo is on her way to being a fiddler  Her Christmas/Birthday gift was a beautiful violin that we expect to hear great things from.  We have a great friend who is helping her out.  She is almost done with the 1911 dresses that she started for her and the girls.  And, she is doing well teaching her little brother how to read.  The hard truth is that my first born turns eighteen in a few weeks.  How time flies. 

FAVORITE SINGING GROUP AT THIS TIME:  Mercy Me

WHAT IS SHE READING?  Les Miserables

NEW RECIPE THAT SHE ENJOYED MAKING:  Linguine with Chicken Ragu from Everyday Italian Cooking Show

Goose is being rather diligent in his studies.  He has a goal to get through his high school and some college before going out on the road with two good friends.  He continues to enjoy his Medieval Martial Arts. 

FAVORITE SINGING GROUP AT THIS TIME:  Superchick (their music is much better then their name!)

WHAT IS HE READING?  Desiring God by John Piper

FAVORITE MEDIEVAL MARTIAL ARTS MOVE:  The Mace Mosh (Not sure what this is but it is sure fun to watch him weild a sword!)

Miss M is my avid book reader.  She just can't get enough!  If she is not working on school or doing chores she is in her room cuddled up on her bed reading the latest.  She has taken a liking to Brown Sugar which has been nice to see.  She also continues to take care of her bunny and the chickens.

FAVORITE SINGING GROUP AT THIS TIME:  Newsboys

WHAT IS SHE READING?  Mimosa by Amy Charmichel

FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL:  Math

Lil' Cowboy (formerly known as Scharffy) had a fabulous first Christmas!  We got a kick out of seeing this holiday through the eyes of a six year old boy who had never celebrated it before.  We kept telling him that Santa was not real but I guess he just didn't get it.  On Christmas Eve he insisted that he was going to wait up all night to catch Santa sneak into the house.  We spent a few minutes trying to convince him that Santa wasn't real when he blurted out "No, I mean the FAKE Santa!!!"  We just could not stop laughing.  The next day, each time he got a present he would widen his eyes and exclaim "Another one? For me?"  He also enjoyed playing in the snow:  sledding, skating on ice, building snowmen, throwing snowballs, etc.  He said "I walked on water like Jesus" when he was out on the frozen lake.  We did explain to him that Jesus didn't quite have it that easy!

FAVORITE SONG:  Baby It's Cold Outside

WHAT IS HE READING?  Anything he can get his hands on

WHAT DOES HE WANT TO BE WHEN HE GROWS UP:  A Cowboy, A Farmer, A Navy Man, A Fireman, etc.

Brown Sugar has really got us smitten.  She is adorable even when she is teething eight teeth at once.  Yes, I said eight.  She will be the proud owner of sixteen teeth in a matter of a week.  She knows twenty-one ASL signs as of today (she just learned "book") and says "yes ma-ma", "hi ma-ma", "hi da-da", and "no-no-no". 

FAVORITE SONG: Itsy-bitsy Spider

FAVORITE BOOK:  The Baby Book of Alphabets

FAVORITE PASTIME:  Emptying laundry baskets and drawers

to you all.  We have been home since the 3rd but we were priviledged to have my parents visit us for the last couple of days.  My aunt and uncle also made a quick visit to our home.  We had such a great time.   But it was time to say good-bye today and now it is time to get our house and home back in order. 

Our first project is to clean out and organize all the cabinets and drawers throughout the house. 

Next, I need to work on planning the rest of the school year and work on getting next year's schooling down on paper also.

Finally, we have ta long list of projects to do around the house.  We are hoping to get some done before we start back to school next Monday.

To reorganize in January is a necessity for me.  I deal with depression every year due to the mental and physical let down after the holidays, holiday eating habits, gloomy weather, and a messy home after the busy December month.  I have learned that the best way to keep me from spiraling down into a cloudy depression is to exercise, eat right, drink a lot of water, and gain control over my domain.  In other words, I have learned to become proactive in keeping my sanity during the first months of the year. 

January is a month that asks for a clean, organized life.  January challenges us to take dominion over our body and over our homes.   It also asks us to get ready for the challenges and changes ahead in the new year.  It is a new beginning. 

I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us this year.  We have a great adventure waiting for us.  And, I have a couple of cabinets that are calling my name right now. 

"Open hands should characterize the soul's attitude toward God

-open to recieve what He wants to give,

open to give back what He wants to take"

--Elizabeth Elliot

You're wandering child

You're heart is not where it should be

I've let you drift to help you see

How far you've gone away

You obey my words but only when others can see

I want your heart

I want your soul

A humbled heart is what you need

CHORUS:  Come by My side

Sit at My feet

Hear My words

Let me help you see

I want much more than sacrifice

I want your heart

Come by My side

In gentleness I tell you all

The ways you sin against My Word

But sometimes what you need is clear

A guiding hand to draw you near

You miss the point when you only obey my law

It's by my side you see a glimpse of who I really am

REFRAIN:  By my side you have no choice

But to obey and change your heart

I'll not let you go because I love you

That's why I continually draw you to My side

I wrote this song when reflecting on the phrase "Come By My Side".  I say these words to my children every so often when I see that they need some one-on-one supervision or guidance.  But, how much more my Heavenly Father says these words to me! 

My heart has not been as weak and weary these last couple of months.  I actually feel spiritually stronger after our very sanctifying year.  But, recently I have been asking God to pull me to His side.  I want to know His will and what He is trying to teach us at this moment in our life.

This is the second year in a row that we have felt that we should sell our home.  Last year would have been ideal and much easier.  This year a bit of doubt runs through my heart as I wonder if we are doing the right thing.  Last year we were faced with a budget cut due to job situation and a pending adoption.  This year we are faced with continual budget deficits and possible deployment for Eric.  Challenges are good but after two years of should-we-or-should-we-not I just want to crawl at the feet of God and ask Him what is it all for? 

I thought I was willing to sell our home and yet the prospects of not having an alternative plan is rather daunting.  If we were to sell and move to land where we would build, move to a new house, or even know that something was going to happen in the future that would be one thing.  But, these changes leave us with a not so sure feeling.  I could go into the details but really, it all comes down to the fact that I am searching for a change of heart on my part.  I am asking God to pull me close and remind me that all this is temporal.  I want Him to mold me and make me less worldly and more godly. 

I share this because I hope that someone else might be encouraged by the words of the song above. I hope that it will remind us all to voluntarily sit by our Savior's side and ask Him to change our heart. 

 And, on a side note....we will be heading to Northern Idaho this weekend to spend a bit of time with hubbie's family.  So, my next post will be January 4th. 

So, how often do you say Merry Christmas?  I take every opportunity to say it.  I love the words.  I love the meaning behind the words.  I love the reaction I get from most people.  They act shocked that someone actually used those forbidden words.  I smile while I say it so that might throw them off too.  You know, there are not a lot of happy people out in the stores right now.  So,  a polite, cheerful salutation is probably rarely heard.

What a sad commentary on our culture.  They desperately want to enjoy the "season".  And yet to get through the season they make a bed of nails for themselves.  They get to the point of exhaustion looking for all the biggest and best gifts to give and adding more to the mountain of debt from past Christmas'.   Then they  wonder what happened to the holiday when an hour into Christmas day everything is done;  all the gifst are open, the stockings are unhung, the food has been eaten, and they are still empty. 

Thankfully that is not what we experience.  Christmas, for our family, is a whole month of exciting days.  We plan out all of our yearly traditions and add a few each year.  For example, in November every child picks a name out of a hat.  That is the sibling they will buy a present for.  But, it is all a big secret and you have to figure out what your sibling wants without ever revealing that you are the one buying for them.  Then, I take each child out for lunch and shopping.  They all look forward to this yearly outing. 

Another example is our annual Christmas Business dinner.  My husband is self employed and I teach piano and create gift baskets.  The kids are all involved in our businesses.  They are a vital part of the family.  So, we do something special with them that is holiday themed and then take them out to dinner.  This year we are going to see a Celtic Christmas concert and then dinner. 

O-kay, one more example of a month filled with Christmas traditions.  We also go Christmas light hunting.  We have a few streets that we know have incredible light displays but we also go hunting for other great lit up streets.  We used to go out for ice cream afterward but have found that ice cream parlors are few and far between now-a-days.  We might just have to fog up the car windows with the steam of hot cocoa and coffee from the local Starbucks.  By the way, this Christmas light hunt just is not the same without great Christmas music blaring from the car stereo. 

We also have caroling in the neighborhood on our list of things to do and having friends over to sing carols with.  Even getting the Christmas tree is a bit deal around here. 

So, as the world around us is frantically buying last minute gifts and trying to figure out how to get the latest and greatest we will continue to enjoy our family traditions that bring us closer together rather then tearing us a part.  A side benefit?  We rather enjoy Christmas day and are in no way exhausted when it gets here. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

I have been curious about the Jesse Tree idea for a while now.  I always have great plans to work on it during the year and yet find at the end of the year that I have not accomplished much.

This year, my dear friend Kendra, brought The Glorious Coming to my attention.  It is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written. 

Starting this tradition is important to me for many reasons.   But, the single greatest reason is that we have four bio children that need to be reminded of God's perfect redemption plan continuously.  And, we have two adopted children who know little of the Promised Messiah.

Of course, we are to teach, train, and instruct our little ones in the precepts of God's grace all through the year.  But, there is something about the month before Christmas, also known as Advent, that ripens the senses to the beauty of the whole plan.  Starting with Creation and working our way through the Old Testament, we see an incredible story unfold.  

So, the Davis household has decided to daily walk through some of the prophecies and stories of Old.  In this way, we can see clearly the plan of salvation that Yahweh had laid before the foundation of the earth.

Another new tradition of ours, albeit an old tradition for many believers, is the Advent candles/wreath.  As I was reading about the symbolism of this holiday tradition I was reminded that God often used symbolism in His Word to help us see the message behind the symbol. 

Our advent wreath is probably different then most.  We just took some fake pine garland and wrapped it in the shape of a wreath.  Then I went out and bought five candles.  I have to admit that purple is not a color in my Christmas decor so I went for a multi colored wreath.  We lit the blue candle yesterday.  

After reading what the wreath was all about we decided to

come up with a meaning for each candle color. 

 The kids all decided that blue should stand for the clear night sky that the Angels sang in and the star was seen in.

The next color is green for the hay in the manger that Jesus laid in.

Gold/Cream is for the gifts given by the Wisemen.

Red is for the redemption we would soon have through the blood of Jesus

And, white is for the purity of the sinless son of God and son of Man.

You are suppose to light a candle each Sunday leading to Christmas and then the white candle is lit on Christmas day.

We decided to keep the candle of the week lit throughout the week. This way the sweet aroma of the candle can remind us of the blessings we have in Christ. 

These new traditions are truly making our Christmas season

A Special Kind of Wonderful!

We are an affectionate family.  Kisses and hugs abound.  But, for Liberians this is not the case.  Brown sugar learned quickly how to give kisses.  She even learned quickly that she could kiss Mama and Papa on the lips but no one else.  For Scharffy it has been a longer process but quicker then we expected.  About three weeks ago Scharffy came out of nowhere and planted a kiss on my cheek.  He then quickly ran off to play.  I was absolutely shocked. 

There was even more shock when two days ago he planted my cheek with all kinds of kisses.  He was giggling while kissing but, make no mistake, this was not an accident.  This was deliberate and I was elated.  It took him hardly any time at all to warm up to us but to seal our relationship with affection was more then we had even hoped for. 

I will never forget love's first kiss. 

Last night we were greeted with very sad news for our family.  Our dear friend, Mr. McWhorter, died on Saturday night. 

The news came via his oldest daughter whom I have met a couple of times.  I did not recognize her at first but when it "clicked" I just knew what the message was that she was delivering to our doorstep. 

Mr. McWhorter was 86 and he lived a full life to the glory of God.  We met him a few days after we moved into the neighborhood.  He introduced himself as Mr McWhorter, the man who has four children just like there are four quarters in a dollar.  He was full of stories.  He walked down to our house weekly with his dog Bandy.   The kids would play with his hat and his cane.  And, after a few stories of the past he would ask if I would play the piano for him. 

The Old Rugged Cross, Take My Life, It is Well With My Soul, Finlandia, The Church's One Foundation.  These were his weekly requests. I had the honor of playing these for him recently and to see the smile on his face and now I will have the honor of playing them for his funeral. 

This man became our family.  He became our Grandfather and Great Grandfather.  We shared a mutual bond as believers but we also shared a love that went beyond being a neighbor.  We thank the Lord for all of the time that we did have with him.  And, now it is time to say good-bye.

We truly are as happy as we look

Boo, our oldest daughter is seventeen almost eighteen.  For our Reformation party she wanted to sew a new dress.  So, my Mother-in-law spent time with B helping her do everything right. 

The dress turned out beautiful and it sparked an interest in B for sewing.  Wow!  I did not see this coming.  B went down to the library and checked out all kinds of books on sewing, alterations, and how to make your own patterns.  She has spent time going over different patterns and just can't wait to get started. 

Boo is also interested in learning how to play the violin.  She has had this interest for quite a few years now but it has become even more intense as she is around many who are learning.  Hubbie and I went to see Natalie MacMaster, a professional fiddler from Nova Scotia, and I was hooked on the piano/fiddle duets.  So, Christmas and Birthday (which are very close together) mean violin instruction books and a violin.

Boo has also decided that she really does like piano.  So, she has started to pick out pieces that she loves and has really taught herself.  In some ways, this is just too sad considering that I am a piano teacher!  But, she is motivated to do it now and is learning quickly due to that motivation. 

Then there is the opportunities that God has given Boo to challenge and encourage other young ladies.  After reading So Much More she has been able to share it with others and encourage them to travel down the Godly, and yet sometimes lonely, path that they have been called to. 

Yesterday I was listening to Dr. R. C. Sproul Jr.'s Training up Children.  It is basically everything that I read in his book When You Rise Up. But, it was a great reminder that our primary goal is to teach our children godly precepts.  And, for the Davis family this means Life is School.  When you rise up, when you go to sleep, when you walk on the path, when you read the Word, when you sew a dress, when you know your math facts.  When they are ready their interests will merge with those godly precepts.  All to the glory of God. 

to bring you Brown Sugar at her best.  As Hubbie was reading the Word and a portion of Table Talk to us all, Brown Sugar was doing all kinds of things to distract her Daddy from reading.  She was cuddling against him and say "ah".  Then she would blow kisses.  But, when that did not get his attention she just stood up on his lap and started kissing him over and over again.  In between the kisses she would start babbling. 

I love baby babbling.  She sounds like she is saying blehba-daba-doo.  Having her walk throughout the house "talking" is such a pleasure. 

So, throughout family worship, we all chuckled under our breath so as not to encourage her but to still enjoy the moment. 

Take time today to enjoy each beautiful moment your children bring into your home.  What a great way to glorify God.

This entry has been deleted.  I have been convicted by another Christian sister that my comments were not kind nor loving toward the women that I wrote about.  After reading her message to me I admit that even though I do lead a much different life then the women at table two I did not show love towards them. 

Thankfully this comes at a time where God has been already working on my heart.  Softening it to be more like Him.  Loving one another is the greatest commandment next to loving God.  As I was teaching my children that loving your brother or sister shows that you love God I was not being a great witness to them on how to do this. 

I have said this before but I am beginning to see more clearly how true this is:  Homeschooling, family integrated, reformed, adoption, quiverful, etc does not make one greater then another.  For the Davis family it is the way of life BUT it is all for naught if we do not have love.

Eric has been reading I Cor. 13 nightly for us.  It has not only sunk in but has become much more then just a passage read at a wedding.  "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbol.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

So, Table two (you know who you are) please accept my sincere apology for not loving you as Christ would have me to. 

There are many things that I treasure in life on this earth:  reading the psalms, a very dry cappuccino, rain, reading a book to my little ones, playing the piano, the sound of the ocean waves, snuggling with Hubbie, anything with butter and garlic on it, listening to incredible music, the smiles of all my children and the list goes on and on (and in no certain order). 

I have a new one to add to the list:  holding my black baby.  I am astounded at her beauty.  Her skin is so soft and smooth.  Her smile melts my heart daily.  I love little fingers already but little black fingers are so cute.  She pats me on the back when I hold her.  She gives me kisses and cries when I leave the room.  I love it when she lifts up my shirt to reveal my very white skin.  It is funny to watch her expression go from questioning to laughing at the differences.  

This morning as Hubbie and I were preparing for him to leave for a couple of days on church business I heard this little voice from our room, the crib to be precise. "Ma-ma, ma-ma".  My heart leapt.  I look forward to every new day to spend with my children.  And, I am so grateful to be able to add Scharffy and Brown Sugar to the mix.  Being greeted by all six children in the morning is another latest treasure that I am adding the ever increasing list. 

As my list increases I am realizing that more of my thoughts are filled with a gratefulness and gratitude for all that I have.   Cultivating a heart that is thankful for the little things in life helps us focus on those things that are more important then what the world deems worthy.   And, hopefully molds our hearts into being more like Christ.  That is the ultimate treasure.

I have had two websites and domain names through Go Daddy.  But, I found out recently that the company has decided to promote overtly sexual behavior and porn through their commercials. 

I found this out through a friend who works in the industry.  I went to the website and I was shocked.  I have really enjoyed working with Go Daddy but I  have decided to take steps to close my websites and ultimately lose my domain names.   Not a fun decision but one that had to be made. 

I called Go Daddy to let them know of my decision.  I am sure that one voice is not going to change the world but I have to, for my own conscience, not be affiliated with this company. 

I wanted to post this so that we can all be aware and not use this company.  There are other options out there that choose to not promote their business in such immoral ways. 

We are cleaning up the trailer, packing clothes, and making all kinds of goodies for our trip.  One of the greatest parts of living in California is that it is overflowing with incredible places to visit.  The terrain is so diverse.  We have beautiful beaches and great rocky shores.  We have several Redwood forests that contain the oldest trees on the planet. We have incredible lakes and waterways: the San Fransisco bay, Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, the Sacramento Delta, etc.    We have huge cities and quaint little towns. We have some of the best skiing in the U.S. and every other sport you can imagine.   We have the highest peak, Mt. Whitney, and the lowest point, Death Valley, in the continental U. S.

We try to get away in the fall as a holiday kick-off and a break from the normal.  This time it is to Morro Bay.  We love Morro Bay state park because it is absolutely beautiful, it has hook-ups for a low cost, and the campground is deserted. There is so much to do there.  We ride our bikes everywhere, visit the local museum, walk out to Morro Rock and look for otter out in the bay.  We fly kites and go for long walks along the swamp where we can see the most incredible birds like blue herons and cranes.  It is just an all around relaxing get away.  I still have to fix all the meals and we still have to do dishes but we are getting away Davis style. 

There is something rather fun about living in tight quarters for a week.  We have never fit eight people into our 24' trailer but everyone is really excited about how this is all going to work.  We play games and read a lot.  I am goin to work on some geneology info this time around.  We eat brownies, pies, apple crisp and lots of other homemade goodies.  Hot Chocolate with marshmellows is a must.  It is our fall S'mores.  Can you tell that I am looking forward to this time away from home? 

So, off we go tomorrow.  I will have internet access but I probably won't use it.  Why spend the time when there is so much playing to do? 

When Eric was in Liberia, he stayed with the Sheppards, a missionary family who also are a foster home for Acres of Hope.  While he was there he met baby Dorcas.  Dorcas was very tiny.  Eric has pictures showing her leg to be the same size as his finger.  I can't remember how old she was at the time but she was definately under weight.  Medically she has many problems but most can be solved or helped in the U.S. 

Eric was very worried that she would never be adopted and really fell in love with her.  Her chances of survival in Liberia were slim.  I wrote about her and told of her plight on a blog in July. 

Well, through that blog she met her family.  I can not tell you how thrilled we were to meet this family.  Many of you know them.  They blog on this site too.  Homeskoolmom has become a dear friend and yet I have never personally met her.  I've talked to her on the phone and you would have thought that we were long lost friends! 

Well, Auntie Heather (as I am priviledged to be called) is proud to announce that Dorcas is coming home!  The long awaited passport has been signed and she will be home in the next week or two. 

I have tears in my eyes as I realize that this darling baby, that I have not met either but have continually prayed for, is going to be finally held by, cared for, and loved by our new friends. 

Welcome Home Little One! 

We do have the best dentist in the world.  Most of you know him or know of him.  Dr. Mango is not only our dentist but also a friend of our family.  And, sometimes friends help out in ways that you would never expect. 

For instance, Dr. Mango has stitched up our older sons head after a lovely back flip into the side of a pool.  He has given me a beautiful smile through dental implants on my two front teeth.  And, then there is the latest incident.  Scharffy and Goose were wrestling and Goose's hand ended up in Scharffy's mouth.  Oh bummer! 

Scarffy started bleeding profusely but amazingly was in no pain.  Hubbie filled me in on the happenings and said that Scarffy's tooth was broken.  I looked at his mouth and commented that I thought there was no tooth at all.  (And this coming from a woman who is going blind!).  At this time, Goose walks in with a huge tooth in his hand.  It had been on the floor.  Time to call Dr. Mango and figure out what to do....oh, by the way, it was 9:30 PM.

To make a long story short, Hubbie and Scharffy left for Dr. Mango's office with a cup filled with saliva and one big, permanant tooth.  Dr. Mango then proceeded to put the tooth back where it came out of and wire it to a couple of teeth.  We are not sure if it will take but we are praying it does.  A crooked tooth is better then no tooth.   

The problem?  Both Scharffy and Brown Sugar suck their tongue for comfort.  They have pushed their teeth close to the front of their gums.  Scharffy has a tongue as long as a giraffe. Not sure how he can keep it all in there.  So, we are just hoping that he does not lose any more teeth.  But, Brown Sugar is only a year old and so we are doing something I would never recommend doing.  We are trying to break one habit by giving her another one:  the pacifier.  I am hoping that she will just not be interested in either tongue sucking or the pacifier.  We will see what happens but for now we are hoping that our diligence and perserverance will help keep Gabbie's teeth from having similar problems. 

So, THANK YOU Dr. Mango for your time and effort.  Some hot, home made choco chip cookies and cold milk are definately coming your way soon. 

It has always been hard for me to say good-bye.  And, today was no different.  Our dear friends are leaving Wednesday morning to head back to Quebec where they are missionaries to a very remote island. 

I held back the tears this time but it was not easy.  I have said good-bye to so many friends over the years.  On one hand it is a wonderful blessing to have friends all over the world.  On the other hand, it can sometimes feel like I am destined to another hard good-bye if I do develop a close relationship with someone.

This time the good-bye is bittersweet just like the first time that we said good-bye to these friends over two years ago.  Bitter because we have so much in common and we cherish our coffee dates with them.  Sweet because we know that they are doing exactly what the Lord has called them to do.

And, we are doing exactly what the Lord has called us to do: stay.  We stay because we have been called here for now.  In staying we get to spend time with those who come and visit.  Since time is precious during these reunions we get straight to the point challenging each other and talking about how God is working in our lives.

But, staying means good-byes. It also means looking forward to the next time we meet again. So,to our friends, as they journey across the U. S.:  grace and peace to you.  May the Lord bless you and keep you on your travels.  And, we pray that the Lord will bring us back together again to enjoy great fellowship and even a coffee or two. 

O-kay, well, he has been home for over a week.  He came home a week ago Sunday instead of Monday when we thought he would be coming home. 

He called me on Sunday while I was at church.  I was sitting with other ladies, knitting, while our kids were playing out in the field.  My phone rang out "I'm Already There" from Lonestar.  It is the ringer that I have given for Eric's phone number.  Kind of ironic, huh?

I think I jumped up three feet!  As one of the ladies in our church said, I was giggling like a newlywed.  I can not tell you how thrilled I was to here his voice.  And, then to know that I would see him in a few hours gave me the chills.  Yes, even after twenty years he still stirs my heart!