Several years ago, I befriened an elderly man at church that was a former college professor. He participated in the men to boys mentoring program at our church. He was a very "proper" gentleman and used very proper English.(he was an English prof.). He had lost 2 wives in his 80 years and lived in many different cities. We were having a conversation around the dinner table one Wed. night and he gave some "words of wisdom" that I will never forget. He told me that life is just "one big adjustment after another" and that "if you can learn to roll with them, you will be fine." HOW TRUE THAT IS!
In the next few weeks, my neighbor and good friend Ruth will be completely gone from the house they (she and Paul-now deceased) lived in for more than 20 years. Although there is a generation difference in our ages, they were the BEST neighbors anyone could have. I have been so close to them over the years. My kids grew up with Ruth and Paul..they never forgot a birthday or Christmas. The memories are endless. Last night, Lesi, their daughter came over for dinner. We spent hours remembering funny things about the last 20+ years. She will finish cleaning out all the family things, then the estate people will begin to come in and organize a sale.
It's time for a change. There's that word again, "change"...While I always knew in my heart that this day would come, it still stings my heart to think that that will not be their house anymore. The house needs updating..a fresh coat of paint, an cleaning..I must look toward the "fresh start" for that house. In some ways, I hope that the buyer is young, just like I was when Ruth and Paul bought that house. Maybe it's my turn to be the older generation (ouch!) and befriend a young couple or single ....I hope so...I look forward to who will live there...
So......it's time for a "change"..I can't change the wind, so I'll adjust my sails.....just like my elderly gentleman advised...Ruth and Paul have been woven into my life's tapestry. No matter who lives there...the memories will always be there..
Happy Sailing......
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Remember, Live in the PRESENT
I have to keep saying it...live in the present..don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. I have no control over the future..only the present moment am I sure I have. Learn and remember the past, but stay in the present and what is TRUE for today. Find the good things in today, laugh a little, and know that tomorrow is the future and not in my control.
I am reading "the Shack" and that is what I read about last night..it's typical of God to give us what we need, exactly WHEN we need it.
I am reading "the Shack" and that is what I read about last night..it's typical of God to give us what we need, exactly WHEN we need it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
29 Years Ago...An Emotional Day
It's hard to believe that, 29 years ago, Stephen was born. His due date was October 21! I realized my water broke and immediately sat up in bed and thought,"what day is this? It' NOT October!" I had planned a last trip to Dallas to see my family, but Emily came down with the chicken pox so the trip was cancelled! Thank goodness, or he would have been born in Dallas! As it was, I woke Jim up and his first reaction was, "what do you want me to do?" I had already called the dr. and they told me to get to the hospital ASAP. Jim stayed with Emily and I drove to the hospital, praying that I would get there because there was VERY LITTLE gas in my car! I did get there and wheeled into ER and left my car there.
It was a nerve-racking day. The drs were trying to prepare me for what might happen as he was 2 months premature..3-4 lbs, maybe some breathing issues, would go straight to NICU...the list went on. I was sooo scared and I was alone. Jim could not get there until he found someone to take care of Emily. Actually, from the labor room, I started calling friends about 8:00 to arrange to take care of her. He didn't get there until about 10:00.
He was born at 3:04p.m..weighing in at almost 5 lbs! For that I was thankful. He WAS tiny, but not 3-4 lbs like expected. He was taken to NICU and although tiny, he did not have breathing problems like anticipated. I was soooo scared, terrified, and worried..I did breathe a sign of great relief when I realized he was breathing on his own.
We stayed 5-6 days, and brought him home...I was supposed to start teaching that fall, but now it would be October before I started..I was teaching at the Anthony School, so they got a sub for me and I stayed home for a couple of months.
Little did I know what would loom in later years......this was just the beginning...
But the story ends happily...because God is still writing his story. I love you Stephen...you make me laugh with your dry sense of humor! What a roller coaster we have been on throughout your life!
I LOVE YOU,
MOM
It was a nerve-racking day. The drs were trying to prepare me for what might happen as he was 2 months premature..3-4 lbs, maybe some breathing issues, would go straight to NICU...the list went on. I was sooo scared and I was alone. Jim could not get there until he found someone to take care of Emily. Actually, from the labor room, I started calling friends about 8:00 to arrange to take care of her. He didn't get there until about 10:00.
He was born at 3:04p.m..weighing in at almost 5 lbs! For that I was thankful. He WAS tiny, but not 3-4 lbs like expected. He was taken to NICU and although tiny, he did not have breathing problems like anticipated. I was soooo scared, terrified, and worried..I did breathe a sign of great relief when I realized he was breathing on his own.
We stayed 5-6 days, and brought him home...I was supposed to start teaching that fall, but now it would be October before I started..I was teaching at the Anthony School, so they got a sub for me and I stayed home for a couple of months.
Little did I know what would loom in later years......this was just the beginning...
But the story ends happily...because God is still writing his story. I love you Stephen...you make me laugh with your dry sense of humor! What a roller coaster we have been on throughout your life!
I LOVE YOU,
MOM
Saturday, August 8, 2009
PRESENT TIME: AUGUST 8, 2009
It's 32 years later. "Back then" I didn't really think about today. Today my Emily Shay is quite a woman, wife, sister, and daughter. She has 4 BEAUTIFUL girls that I adore, is an adoption social worker, takes care of a house and her family as if they were precious gems, serves the Lord with all her heart, gives swimming lessons to earn extra money...and the list goes on. I just stand back in awe of her sometimes. She is absolutely beautiful as well. Her smile is genuine. She oozes with happiness and love. How and why God chose her for me to mother, I'll never understand. I don't deserve such and incredible and wonderful daughter. She is the dream child everyone hopes that their kid turns out to be. I remember looking into her crib when she was first born and wondering what she would look like and be when she grew up. I just didn't think it would come this quickly! I love her with all my heart. She is a friend that I can call and cry on, laugh with, and share my life with.
Happy Birthday my Sweet,Sweet, Emily...I love you
Friday, August 7, 2009
TIME WARP: AUGUST 7, 1977
*****************IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!************************
Last night around 10:45 P.M. my water broke! I was laying in bed, but just not quite asleep yet when I felt it. At first thought, I thought I had just peed on myself...yuk! But then when I got up, it did it again..and I thought...mmmm...I think my water just broke!! Jim was in the den watching the Johnny Carson show and I called him in there to tell him. He was pretty calm and ask what we were supposed to do!!!???? I told him my bag was ready to go to the hospital and that we were about to have a baby!!! I sorta freaked because the ONLY way to get this baby out is to go thru labor...suddenly I sorta wanted to change my mind about havin' this baby!!!! Oh, no...too late!!!
We left for the hospital but made one stop along the way. Jim wanted to get a magazine to read, so we stopped at a convience store and he ran in. We got to the hospital and went right up to the 2nd floor of Baptist Hospital and were admitted in labor and delivery.
Labor was only rough around 6 this morning. I asked for something and they gave me demerol. It made me really dizzy. I didn't like it...so I didn't ask for any more. Soon they were able to have my epidural, so things were much better then.
I rocked along in labor until the nurse checked me and it was time to go to delivery!!!
When she was almost born...before "her parts" came out...I asked Dr. Simmons what it was...he peered over the sheets and told me that "they don't come with bows!!" what a dumb question! She, my Emily Shay, was born at 10:04. She is BEAUTIFUL! She weighed 6lbs 12oz and was 21" long. They wrapped her up and let me hold her. The dr. sent word to Jim ( who couldn't, because he didn't think he could deal with it, be in the delivery room). Soon they wheeled us out to see him and took Emily to the nursery and me to recovery.
I stayed in recovery for about an hour then got back to my room to make the phone calls!!!
They brought her to me and she already had a pacifier in her mouth! I am soooo happy. She is perfect. I love to kiss her face and smell her mouth.
I am really tired from being up all day...will take a nap now..all for now.. I already adore my little Emily Shay.
Last night around 10:45 P.M. my water broke! I was laying in bed, but just not quite asleep yet when I felt it. At first thought, I thought I had just peed on myself...yuk! But then when I got up, it did it again..and I thought...mmmm...I think my water just broke!! Jim was in the den watching the Johnny Carson show and I called him in there to tell him. He was pretty calm and ask what we were supposed to do!!!???? I told him my bag was ready to go to the hospital and that we were about to have a baby!!! I sorta freaked because the ONLY way to get this baby out is to go thru labor...suddenly I sorta wanted to change my mind about havin' this baby!!!! Oh, no...too late!!!
We left for the hospital but made one stop along the way. Jim wanted to get a magazine to read, so we stopped at a convience store and he ran in. We got to the hospital and went right up to the 2nd floor of Baptist Hospital and were admitted in labor and delivery.
Labor was only rough around 6 this morning. I asked for something and they gave me demerol. It made me really dizzy. I didn't like it...so I didn't ask for any more. Soon they were able to have my epidural, so things were much better then.
I rocked along in labor until the nurse checked me and it was time to go to delivery!!!
When she was almost born...before "her parts" came out...I asked Dr. Simmons what it was...he peered over the sheets and told me that "they don't come with bows!!" what a dumb question! She, my Emily Shay, was born at 10:04. She is BEAUTIFUL! She weighed 6lbs 12oz and was 21" long. They wrapped her up and let me hold her. The dr. sent word to Jim ( who couldn't, because he didn't think he could deal with it, be in the delivery room). Soon they wheeled us out to see him and took Emily to the nursery and me to recovery.
I stayed in recovery for about an hour then got back to my room to make the phone calls!!!
They brought her to me and she already had a pacifier in her mouth! I am soooo happy. She is perfect. I love to kiss her face and smell her mouth.
I am really tired from being up all day...will take a nap now..all for now.. I already adore my little Emily Shay.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
TIME WARP: AUGUST 6, 1977
I really got alot unpacked yesterday. I had to go to Target to get a few things and while I was there, I had one of the hardest "brackston-hicks" contractions I had ever had. I have been having them all along, but this one made me stop while walking and take a deep breath and wait a minute. In a short time, it passed, but I thought there for a minute it "might be time!"
It is sooooo HOT outside that it makes me tired. Although I got alot done yesterday, I had to stop often and rest a bit. I am "all baby!" I feel like I have a basketball weighing about 20lbs! I went over to my next door neighbor's house (Jan-she's had 7 children) and sat for a minute to ask her about thise "labor pains" that I can't ignore anymore. She felt of my belly during one of the episodes, and said, "Oh, honey, It won't be long now!" REALLY!!!! The carpet guy is supposed to be her by the end of the week...oh, no! Well, babies don't wait and will come when they will come...sooo we'll see.
Gotta go unpack boxes for now..at least the babies' room is all ready. I can't wait to smell baby lotion on him/ her, whatever! I wonder if it is an Emily or a William????
P.S. We needed a new lawnmower..went to Sears to get it..they had to put it together for me. I stood on my feet for 2 hours waiting!!! Think I'll have mexican food tonight...maybe the standing on these swollen feet plus the mexican food will send me into labor! YIKES~
It is sooooo HOT outside that it makes me tired. Although I got alot done yesterday, I had to stop often and rest a bit. I am "all baby!" I feel like I have a basketball weighing about 20lbs! I went over to my next door neighbor's house (Jan-she's had 7 children) and sat for a minute to ask her about thise "labor pains" that I can't ignore anymore. She felt of my belly during one of the episodes, and said, "Oh, honey, It won't be long now!" REALLY!!!! The carpet guy is supposed to be her by the end of the week...oh, no! Well, babies don't wait and will come when they will come...sooo we'll see.
Gotta go unpack boxes for now..at least the babies' room is all ready. I can't wait to smell baby lotion on him/ her, whatever! I wonder if it is an Emily or a William????
P.S. We needed a new lawnmower..went to Sears to get it..they had to put it together for me. I stood on my feet for 2 hours waiting!!! Think I'll have mexican food tonight...maybe the standing on these swollen feet plus the mexican food will send me into labor! YIKES~
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time Warp : August 5, 1977
August 5th, 1977
Today I am working on unpacking from the move. We moved into our first house at 51 LaFever Lane, just 5 days ago. I have the kitchen unpacked, which, to me, is the hardest...especially being 8 1/2mos pregnant! The new carpet will be laid on August
8th. I can't wait because I really don't like this old carpet. It's going in the den. It was an add-on room and they haven't replaced it since the addition. I LOVE the backyard for our dog, Luke. He is a German Shepherd mix that we rescued from the pound.
I am working today on the baby's room. We have the crib together. The crib looks sooo cute. I took a poster board to school and blew up a Mickey and Minnie Mouse picture from a coloring book and transferred it on to the end of the bed. It is a used bed and new mattress. It is white and looks soooo cute with the characters on the end. I put pale yellow sheets on it yesterday. We went shopping for a mobile. We bought a lamb one at Dillard's that plays, "Mary had a little lamb." I am going to get all the baby's things in order today. The changing table is up and I will fill it today. I only have a couple more weeks until my Aug. 21 due date!
Our new house has 4 bedrooms. One is actually very tiny. We will use that one for an office for Jim. It had a big living room and a long skinny den. The den is off the kitchen. I love my new kitchen. It is bigger than the rent house and has a built in dishwasher. I also have a washer AND a dryer. At the rent house, I only had a washer. We bought this dryer used, because, with a baby coming, I really need to be able to wash clothes here instead of hauling wet clothes to the laudrymat.
It is VERY hot and I am VERY pregnant! I am moving a little slow these days! If the baby is a girl, we will name her Emily Shay...if it is a boy it will be William Shay. My grandmother's name was Emma Leigh and Jim's mother's name is Emma...so Emliy is a family name. Shay was my little brother's name. He passed away at 22 mos old from a heart defect. William was Jim's father's name. Everyone (on Jim's side of the family) is really hoping for a boy because with 8 sisters and only 2 Benton boys, they want the Benton family name to continue. All I want is a healthy baby....the heartrate at the dr's office was 160 which is usually typical of a girl's heartrate...either one is great! I am soooo excited and nervous all at the same time. My friend, Mary, had a baby girl just 6 weeks ago. I can't wait to hold my baby!
I'm sorta apprehensive about going into labor. I know what the books tell me, but since I have never done this before, it's a little scary....
Well, gotta run unpack and get some work done around here ....need to be all organized by the time the baby arrives!
Today I am working on unpacking from the move. We moved into our first house at 51 LaFever Lane, just 5 days ago. I have the kitchen unpacked, which, to me, is the hardest...especially being 8 1/2mos pregnant! The new carpet will be laid on August
8th. I can't wait because I really don't like this old carpet. It's going in the den. It was an add-on room and they haven't replaced it since the addition. I LOVE the backyard for our dog, Luke. He is a German Shepherd mix that we rescued from the pound.
I am working today on the baby's room. We have the crib together. The crib looks sooo cute. I took a poster board to school and blew up a Mickey and Minnie Mouse picture from a coloring book and transferred it on to the end of the bed. It is a used bed and new mattress. It is white and looks soooo cute with the characters on the end. I put pale yellow sheets on it yesterday. We went shopping for a mobile. We bought a lamb one at Dillard's that plays, "Mary had a little lamb." I am going to get all the baby's things in order today. The changing table is up and I will fill it today. I only have a couple more weeks until my Aug. 21 due date!
Our new house has 4 bedrooms. One is actually very tiny. We will use that one for an office for Jim. It had a big living room and a long skinny den. The den is off the kitchen. I love my new kitchen. It is bigger than the rent house and has a built in dishwasher. I also have a washer AND a dryer. At the rent house, I only had a washer. We bought this dryer used, because, with a baby coming, I really need to be able to wash clothes here instead of hauling wet clothes to the laudrymat.
It is VERY hot and I am VERY pregnant! I am moving a little slow these days! If the baby is a girl, we will name her Emily Shay...if it is a boy it will be William Shay. My grandmother's name was Emma Leigh and Jim's mother's name is Emma...so Emliy is a family name. Shay was my little brother's name. He passed away at 22 mos old from a heart defect. William was Jim's father's name. Everyone (on Jim's side of the family) is really hoping for a boy because with 8 sisters and only 2 Benton boys, they want the Benton family name to continue. All I want is a healthy baby....the heartrate at the dr's office was 160 which is usually typical of a girl's heartrate...either one is great! I am soooo excited and nervous all at the same time. My friend, Mary, had a baby girl just 6 weeks ago. I can't wait to hold my baby!
I'm sorta apprehensive about going into labor. I know what the books tell me, but since I have never done this before, it's a little scary....
Well, gotta run unpack and get some work done around here ....need to be all organized by the time the baby arrives!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
What a GREAT July 5th!
It has been such a quiet day...I woke with the sound of rain, which, for July ...is like manna from Heaven. My garden was due to be watered, but the rains have come and I don't have to do that chore! I did go to the garden between the rains ...just to pick..I love that part! Picking is the reward for all the hard work...Today I harvested squash, cucumbers and purple hull peas. I have eaten squash 3 different ways this week! I'm sure I'll try another recipe this week because it is really "coming on." I also picked okra..not enough to cook today, but this week there will be enough..I LOVE fried okra. It's about the only thing I fry any more, so I'll get out the Wesson Oil and my electric skillet and crank that baby up and fry some okra! There is a secret to the BEST FRIED OKRA you have ever eaten, so if you want it, just comment and I will tell you!
We didn't have Community group tonight...holiday weekend and lots are out of town. Good night to stay home and listen to the rain. I am reading a mystery by Mary Higgins Clark..I love her books. She writes a great mystery..usually a "who done it" type of crime...
Well, gonna go shower and read and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops...love that sound.
Also, will include pictures of the new "covered pergola" over the outdoor kitchen. Will edit this post tomorrow with pics..my friend, Cheryl helped me build it yesterday. It was pretty comical to see the two of us building this thing...but we finally got it up and secure. Can't wait to cook in it this week...once the rain stops...more later..
It's one of those "WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAYS"..AHHHHH
We didn't have Community group tonight...holiday weekend and lots are out of town. Good night to stay home and listen to the rain. I am reading a mystery by Mary Higgins Clark..I love her books. She writes a great mystery..usually a "who done it" type of crime...
Well, gonna go shower and read and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops...love that sound.
Also, will include pictures of the new "covered pergola" over the outdoor kitchen. Will edit this post tomorrow with pics..my friend, Cheryl helped me build it yesterday. It was pretty comical to see the two of us building this thing...but we finally got it up and secure. Can't wait to cook in it this week...once the rain stops...more later..
It's one of those "WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAYS"..AHHHHH
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Summer, The Beach, My Ashley's Birthday
First, the Summer:
This summer was loooonnnnggg awaited. This school year was, by far, the HARDEST on record for me. It was a combination of case load (tooo many), the move to Maumelle Middle School because of our problems with the roof, and then............the state mandated that we make up the three days we missed BECAUSE of the roof and the move to Maumelle Middle. It was a loooonnnnggggg year. BUT, summer did finally arrive. And soon after......the beach trip!
Second, the Beach:
"Just Because" we could, my friend Cheryl and I decided to take the camper to our favorite spot at Navarre Beach....Navarre Beach Campground. Emily found this little piece of Heaven a few years ago while looking for an affordable place to meet. It has cabins ranging from very small to beach houses that sleep 8-10. It also has a pool and of course, great camping spots. It's a VERY AFFORDABLE way to spend a week at the beach, so we decided to try it. Well, although I am glad we did it, let's just say that we both agreed it would be the only time we took the camper! It was a combination of hauling that thing down there along with the heat we experienced the day we set it up...there was a heat factor of 115! Granted it WAS a string of record breaking heat for that time in June, but still...it was miserable! Our little A/C didn't have too much time to catch up with the heat until evening fell, and then THANKFULLY, it cooled down and we were comfortable sleeping. The bottom line is, the small cabins that sleep 2-4 are not very much more and we don't have to DO ANYTHING but walk in!
And finally, My sweet Ashley's "first" birthday with her family. It is a birthday unlike the first birthday of the other "3." This birthday celebrates her birth, her adoption, her new place in a family of 4 kids, her coming to live in a free country and her ability to hear the Gospel. Yet, one small part of me is saddned by the memory that her bio mother must have. Today is the day the orphanage gave her a birthday, but only God knows for sure the real day she was born. Today, I pray for her bio mom who bravely gave up her baby (probably for medical reasons) that I truely believe she loved. I pray that God give her peace that her little one is happy and loved. This time last year, we didn't have our sweet girl with us. But today, we celebrate that she is here with us and will be forever more.....
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y MY SWEET ASHLEY MEI.........YOUR NAMMY LOVES YOU VERY MUCH.........
Saturday, June 13, 2009
It's One of Those "Wonderful, Ordinary, Days"
It's time to stop and smell the flowers...it's hot out, the garden is growing, I walked my 3 miles this morning, cooked dinner in my outdoor kitchen, drank some delicious peach tea, spent time helping a friend, and am ready to read my book...nothing special, nothing worth noting, nothing exciting...just one of my favorite kinda days..."Ordinary"...soooo many days of my life I wanted just an "ordinary" day...today was one.
THEY ARE WONDERFUL AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY ONE OF THEM
Enjoy today, for it is a gift..that's why they call it the "present"
Happy June 13th!
THEY ARE WONDERFUL AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY ONE OF THEM
Enjoy today, for it is a gift..that's why they call it the "present"
Happy June 13th!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
At Almost 92, She's Still Going (somewhat) Strong!
On June 24, 1917, my mother was born. She was an only child and lived with a very difficult home life. She is nearly 92 and still has her "faculties" and good health. Although somewhat feeble, she manages to walk the dog everyday, fix her own lunches, take care of her personal needs, and still gets up and gets dressed (make-up included!)everyday!
As a mom, she made mistakes
As a daughter, I love her anyway.
As a mom, she wasn't so nurturing,
As a daughter, I still know she loves me.
As a mom, she had her share of heartaches,
As a daughter, I understand her hurts.
As a mom, she showed her weaknesses,
As a daughter, I have them too.
As a mom, she can say hurtful things,
As a daughter, I get over them.
As a mom, she did her best,
As a daughter, I now understand.
As a mom, she hid her tears,
As a daughter, I saw her pain.
As a mom, she was unappreciated,
As a daughter, I didn't appreciated her enough.
At almost 92, the inevitable will come. I only hope that I can show her how much she means to me and how difficult it will be someday without her. She is a strong woman that I admire and respect....in spite of it all...she is my hero.
I LOVE YOU, MOM
As a mom, she made mistakes
As a daughter, I love her anyway.
As a mom, she wasn't so nurturing,
As a daughter, I still know she loves me.
As a mom, she had her share of heartaches,
As a daughter, I understand her hurts.
As a mom, she showed her weaknesses,
As a daughter, I have them too.
As a mom, she can say hurtful things,
As a daughter, I get over them.
As a mom, she did her best,
As a daughter, I now understand.
As a mom, she hid her tears,
As a daughter, I saw her pain.
As a mom, she was unappreciated,
As a daughter, I didn't appreciated her enough.
At almost 92, the inevitable will come. I only hope that I can show her how much she means to me and how difficult it will be someday without her. She is a strong woman that I admire and respect....in spite of it all...she is my hero.
I LOVE YOU, MOM
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
"Roll out those lazy, hazy,crazy days of summer"
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH...Summer at last! Today is the first day...it's also my FAVORITE day of the summer because I haven't spent a whole day off yet...every day is ahead of me. Coffee on the deck and a nice morning was just the right combination to start the summer. "I don't have to go to work, I don't have to go to work"...my ears are ringing with that tune! It usually takes me a few days, if not a week or so, to get into the "groove" of not working. So many projects I want to do...where do I start?
My sister, Sally, and I WERE going camping in East Texas tomorrow, but had to postpone it because something came up with her church mission commitments...are re-scheduling soon. That's fine because it gives me a few days to ease into the "no work" zone.
Well, gotta run ...have ta decide what to start on first! I think a clean house would be a great place to launch the "lazy, crazy, hazy, days of summer!"
My sister, Sally, and I WERE going camping in East Texas tomorrow, but had to postpone it because something came up with her church mission commitments...are re-scheduling soon. That's fine because it gives me a few days to ease into the "no work" zone.
Well, gotta run ...have ta decide what to start on first! I think a clean house would be a great place to launch the "lazy, crazy, hazy, days of summer!"
Monday, June 8, 2009
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
This has been the LONGEST SCHOOL YEAR ON RECORD! But today............the last...
FINALLY............SUMMER IS HERE!!! Will post more tomorrow...
LOVE YOU SUUUUUMMMMMMMEEEERRRRRR!
FINALLY............SUMMER IS HERE!!! Will post more tomorrow...
LOVE YOU SUUUUUMMMMMMMEEEERRRRRR!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Courage and Bravery
Courage and bravery are words that most of us have a hard time defining. Perhaps that is so, because most of us have truely never had to muster up REAL courage and REAL bravery. These are usually reserved for those who serve in the military or do some "heroic" act to save another's life. But yesterday, I saw a little 5th grade boy muster up all the courage and bravery that most of us, would have run from.
I am so blessed to be called to teach children with special needs. They continually show me strength, courage, bravery, and unconditional love. Yesterday was the 5th grade graduation at our school. It's a "ceremony" which celebrates the ending of grade school and the beginning of middle school. There is the usual "pomp and circumstance" song playing while all the "graduates" march in two by two. Typically, this is an exciting day for all our kids. But yesterday, for one little boy with autism, it was a living nightmare. You see, little C has a VERY DIFFICULT time with loud noises. Usually he doesn't go to assemblies because of the noise level with alot of people around. I was concerned that he was going to have problems, but he seemed to take the practices in stride (not without a few incidences though). I had planned to stay with him as long as needed to reassure him that he COULD walk down that aisle. He was VERY anxious yesterday morning as he arrived at school. I anticipated he would be, and intercepted him at the door. He came into my room and read books and played a few video gamesinstead of going to his classroom, to shield him from all the excitement there.
The big moment arrived when his class lined up to walk the aisle. He clung to me for reassurance and I assured him he could do it. He was irritated. He was cranky. He didn't want anyone to tell him how nice he looked. The anxiety was getting to a fever pitch, but he hung in there. He wanted me to walk him to the "arch" and then let him walk alone to his seat. I agreed. His biggest fear was being embarressed because all those people would be looking at him.
Well...we made it to the arch and I let him go...and as soon as I let go he stiffened his arms and briskly (he was supposed slowly walk) walked to his seat. As he looked rather awkward walking down the aisle the crowd laughed....OMG he knew they were laughing at him. And he was right....they were laughing at him...no malice intentended, but they laughed. He threw his face into his hands and said loudly, "they're laughing at me"...his teacher quickly came off the stage to escort him to the hall where I was rounding the curve. He ran to his room and I followed ...I found him in a corner crying,"they laughed at me, they laughed at me..don't make me go back in there."...my heart was broken..he had mustered all the courage he could, just to walk down that aisle and he was crushed. His dad found us and he also welled up...I had to step up to the plate and be a professional..not cry, not be angry,but take control of the situation...he and his dad needed me to be the professional...
In short time, he calmed and I managed to get him back into the assembly to finish his graduation...he DID walk across that stage to receive his certificate..without incidence. WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT...
C never ceases to amaze me...he showed what courage was all about..he showed what bravery is all about..Even through the autism, C did what most of us "normal" people only think we could do...we couldn't. C, you are my hero. C, you taught me more than most people in my life have. C, I love you and will sorely miss you.
My hat is tippped to all my special needs kids, who, everyday, deal with adversities. I love you all...here's to the class of 2009.....
I am so blessed to be called to teach children with special needs. They continually show me strength, courage, bravery, and unconditional love. Yesterday was the 5th grade graduation at our school. It's a "ceremony" which celebrates the ending of grade school and the beginning of middle school. There is the usual "pomp and circumstance" song playing while all the "graduates" march in two by two. Typically, this is an exciting day for all our kids. But yesterday, for one little boy with autism, it was a living nightmare. You see, little C has a VERY DIFFICULT time with loud noises. Usually he doesn't go to assemblies because of the noise level with alot of people around. I was concerned that he was going to have problems, but he seemed to take the practices in stride (not without a few incidences though). I had planned to stay with him as long as needed to reassure him that he COULD walk down that aisle. He was VERY anxious yesterday morning as he arrived at school. I anticipated he would be, and intercepted him at the door. He came into my room and read books and played a few video gamesinstead of going to his classroom, to shield him from all the excitement there.
The big moment arrived when his class lined up to walk the aisle. He clung to me for reassurance and I assured him he could do it. He was irritated. He was cranky. He didn't want anyone to tell him how nice he looked. The anxiety was getting to a fever pitch, but he hung in there. He wanted me to walk him to the "arch" and then let him walk alone to his seat. I agreed. His biggest fear was being embarressed because all those people would be looking at him.
Well...we made it to the arch and I let him go...and as soon as I let go he stiffened his arms and briskly (he was supposed slowly walk) walked to his seat. As he looked rather awkward walking down the aisle the crowd laughed....OMG he knew they were laughing at him. And he was right....they were laughing at him...no malice intentended, but they laughed. He threw his face into his hands and said loudly, "they're laughing at me"...his teacher quickly came off the stage to escort him to the hall where I was rounding the curve. He ran to his room and I followed ...I found him in a corner crying,"they laughed at me, they laughed at me..don't make me go back in there."...my heart was broken..he had mustered all the courage he could, just to walk down that aisle and he was crushed. His dad found us and he also welled up...I had to step up to the plate and be a professional..not cry, not be angry,but take control of the situation...he and his dad needed me to be the professional...
In short time, he calmed and I managed to get him back into the assembly to finish his graduation...he DID walk across that stage to receive his certificate..without incidence. WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT...
C never ceases to amaze me...he showed what courage was all about..he showed what bravery is all about..Even through the autism, C did what most of us "normal" people only think we could do...we couldn't. C, you are my hero. C, you taught me more than most people in my life have. C, I love you and will sorely miss you.
My hat is tippped to all my special needs kids, who, everyday, deal with adversities. I love you all...here's to the class of 2009.....
Saturday, May 23, 2009
It's Been a "Zipidee Do-Dah" Day
When the kids were littel I would many times sing "Zipidee Do Dah" song to wake them for school. I know they were pretty irritated, but everyday was a new beginning and a "wonderful, ordinary, day." It's been one of those days to just stop and "smell the roses." Rocking my Lyse, kissing my Ashley, telling "mommy" stories to Avery, and remembering with Ally when she stayed here in Jan. What more could I ask for? I saw Emily's childhood friends, my good friend Kaye Smith, old friends like Lu and Shirley and REAL friends like Cindy Mac, Cheryl, and Robbie. It's hard to see anything but beautiful blue skies and and an absolutely blessed life. WOW, I am amazed at what God has given me. The BEST part of the day was spending time with MY two kids and the best son-in-law anyone could ever ask for .....all this brought together by one little girl orphaned in China.
If you stop to think about it, that one day, a mother sacrificially left her sweet baby at the gate of an orphanage in Lowdi City (probably for her little one to receive medical help) and THAT little girl is now in our family. And that ONE child brought together all of us to celebrate....mmmmmm...one BABY that CHANGED THE WORLD..kinda sounds like another story I know. God uses the smallest of us for HIS glory.
WHAT A WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAY...AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?
If you stop to think about it, that one day, a mother sacrificially left her sweet baby at the gate of an orphanage in Lowdi City (probably for her little one to receive medical help) and THAT little girl is now in our family. And that ONE child brought together all of us to celebrate....mmmmmm...one BABY that CHANGED THE WORLD..kinda sounds like another story I know. God uses the smallest of us for HIS glory.
WHAT A WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAY...AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12, 2009
He (jim) would have been 59 today. I wish he were here to see his new grandchildren, the beautiful woman his daughter has become, and see Stephen finish college....When the kids were little he would always get annoyed when Mother's Day and his birthday fell on the same day! He felt cheated when that happened! I always teased him because I thought it was funny...
oh, well...You will be remembered on your birthday today. Stephen will be going to the cemetary to put flowers out. It is comforting to him when he goes to the cemetary. I will pray for him as he still misses him very much. He talks about that occassionally. I understand, I still miss my daddy very much and always will..it's been 29 years since his passing. Sometimes life is just hard...this is one of those times.
oh, well...You will be remembered on your birthday today. Stephen will be going to the cemetary to put flowers out. It is comforting to him when he goes to the cemetary. I will pray for him as he still misses him very much. He talks about that occassionally. I understand, I still miss my daddy very much and always will..it's been 29 years since his passing. Sometimes life is just hard...this is one of those times.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11, 2009 ... A Day to Remember
Tonight Stephen takes his LAST college final. WOW! What a gracious God I serve. He has been through more than many people will their entire lives. But God is not finished with him yet. "His last final, his last final" ...it's hard to believe..He has promised to call me when he leaves UALR to tell me how he feels! He already has a job, is finishing school, and now the fun begins...real life! As I said in an earlier post, I AM going to graduation, even though he isn't able to go. My mind is so full of memories. The first day he got on the bus to go to kindergarten, I cried like most moms do...but I was crying because he was ALIVE to go to school..not because he was my baby going to school.
AND NOW..........GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE.....Time to stop and smell the roses...time to be humble and be sooooo grateful to God that HE brought him to this point...He kept him here, HE is able..."God will make a way, when there seems to be now way...He works in ways we cannot see, HE will make a way for me"..
He certainly made a way for Stephen......May God be glorified and receive all the glory.....for it is only HIS to have...
AND NOW..........GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE.....Time to stop and smell the roses...time to be humble and be sooooo grateful to God that HE brought him to this point...He kept him here, HE is able..."God will make a way, when there seems to be now way...He works in ways we cannot see, HE will make a way for me"..
He certainly made a way for Stephen......May God be glorified and receive all the glory.....for it is only HIS to have...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Rain, Rain, and MORE RAIN! 'STOOOOP!"
It has rained and rained and rained for more than 3, yes, THREE weeks! I know that in July when it's really hot and dry, I will look back at these days and wonder why I wanted it to stop raining,.....but this is ENOUGH! We have had more than 7 inches of rain in MAY and it's only May 10!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL...Funny how Mother's Day works...On Mother's Day, it is expected that moms have a break from the kids, the house, the shopping, and work..but it's odd that on Father's Day, he GETS to spend the day with the kids!!!! I think a mother thought up that idea! Aren't we smart? Both on mother's day AND father's day, moms get a break!!! wooohooo!!!!
Most memorable Mother's Day was spent at my best friend's house, Lu. As usual, we spent Mother's Day together because we both had 2 kids and were both single. Sooo, on this particular Sunday, we drove to her house (she lives about 10 miles out in the country) to have dinner. For some reason (I don't remember what we fixed) but we used her electric toaster. Bad mistake. It sparked and smoked from the outlet. Welllll....we decided to be on the safe side and call the (volunteer) fire department just in case that spark had ignited something in the wall that we couldn't see...it wasn't worth the risk that a fire had started in the wall without our knowledge and we would have a full blown issue on our hands. Sooo, Lu put in the call to the (volunteer) fire dept. and we waited, and waited, and waited for them to arrive... They got there, but barely! Lu's house is situated on a curve and the big fire truck had ALOT of trouble manipulating that curve to get IN her driveway!!! It was a FALSE alarm, as there was no fire in the wall...sure the guys were happy about leaving their mother's day gatherings to come "see if there was a fire"...but better safe than sorry...we have laughed about that mother's day for years!!! It will go down in our history as being the funniest Mother's Day on record!
SOOOOOO, HERE'S TO MY MOM AND ALL YOU OTHER MOMS OUT THERE THAT ARE THE GLUE THAT KEEPS THE FAMILY TOGETHER...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL...Funny how Mother's Day works...On Mother's Day, it is expected that moms have a break from the kids, the house, the shopping, and work..but it's odd that on Father's Day, he GETS to spend the day with the kids!!!! I think a mother thought up that idea! Aren't we smart? Both on mother's day AND father's day, moms get a break!!! wooohooo!!!!
Most memorable Mother's Day was spent at my best friend's house, Lu. As usual, we spent Mother's Day together because we both had 2 kids and were both single. Sooo, on this particular Sunday, we drove to her house (she lives about 10 miles out in the country) to have dinner. For some reason (I don't remember what we fixed) but we used her electric toaster. Bad mistake. It sparked and smoked from the outlet. Welllll....we decided to be on the safe side and call the (volunteer) fire department just in case that spark had ignited something in the wall that we couldn't see...it wasn't worth the risk that a fire had started in the wall without our knowledge and we would have a full blown issue on our hands. Sooo, Lu put in the call to the (volunteer) fire dept. and we waited, and waited, and waited for them to arrive... They got there, but barely! Lu's house is situated on a curve and the big fire truck had ALOT of trouble manipulating that curve to get IN her driveway!!! It was a FALSE alarm, as there was no fire in the wall...sure the guys were happy about leaving their mother's day gatherings to come "see if there was a fire"...but better safe than sorry...we have laughed about that mother's day for years!!! It will go down in our history as being the funniest Mother's Day on record!
SOOOOOO, HERE'S TO MY MOM AND ALL YOU OTHER MOMS OUT THERE THAT ARE THE GLUE THAT KEEPS THE FAMILY TOGETHER...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I'm Going Anyway...Without Him
Where? Without who?..Stephen is supposed to walk at graduation on May 16 at 3;00. He cannot go to his own graduation because one of his boyhood friends is getting married. He cannot miss this wedding..he is in it. Sooooo....I am really disappointed that I will not see him receive his dipolma...it's been a loooooonnnnng, haaaaarrrrdddd, road. I get a lump in my throat whenever I even THINK about it, much less realize I will never see it. It may sound strange, but I'm going to the commencement exercise anyway. I HAVE TO be there....even though he will not be..I want the pamphlet that shows his name...I want to go there and sit and imagine him walking across that stage...I want to sit there and PRAISE God for leaving him here. I want to sit there and think about teachers that said that would NEVER happen and realize that he was able to overcome soooo much to get to this point. I want to cry, laugh, sing, and shout alllll at the same time. So many memories, emotions, joys and sadness all rolled into one day. I am sorry his daddy didn't get to see this day. I am sorry that Stephen will not get to experience this day. What a day of rejoining it will be!
I'M GOING ANYWAY....WITHOUT HIM
I'M GOING ANYWAY....WITHOUT HIM
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Things on My Mind
Things on my mind:
Mom in San Antonio..living with Skippy now. Skippy is struggling to make this work. Same ole, same ole..Mom is not a very positive person AND the world evolves around HER...so, there's not much room for positive, enjoyable existence between the two. How, how, how do people live like that. "It is well with my soul"..a song we sing at church..one that reminds me that whatever the circumstance, to be content and realize that you are NEVER alone, and HE will NEVER abandon you. The song goes on.."whatever my lot,You have taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul."
School...paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork..Friday was a great day because with the 5th grade on a field trip, I could sort out the MOUNDS into organized piles: CENTRAL OFFICE COPIES SCHOOL FOLDER COPIES PARENT COPIES
TEACHER COPIES (maumelle middle) TEACHER COPIES (Chems) MY COPY FOR MY BINDER..these past few weeks have been killers! It's like tax season for an accountant...at work we call it "PAPERWORK SEASON" Let's see..each student has on average about 13 forms. Multiply that by 23 kids=299 forms to prepare. When you copy that 5 times = 1,495 pieces of paper! I wonder how many trees that is...I'll get back to ya on that one.
Speaking of school...Have applied to Bryant School Dist. PCSSD is BURNING ME OUT... Will complete the necessary paperwork for Bryant and get that off in the mail by Monday..should I consider it or not??? Let's see what becomes of that.
The garden...the one thing that is a DESTRESSER! Went to the garden Thurs afternoon just to check on it...it really looks great! The purple hull peas are coming up, green beans are just beginning to sprout, tomatoes and cucumbers lookin good..just waiting for the okra and eggplant to sprout....squash is lookin healthy. I LOVE IT OUT THERE...hope I can say that in the middle of the summer. Have met some really neat people out there..Samuel, Leo, a little family down a couple of plots..they bring their 2 year old...reminds me of yesteryear when I would bring emily in her diaper out there, give her the hose, and let her get as dirty as she wanted...only regret..didn't get a picture one. The garden is the one thing right now that grounds me and surrounds me in solitude. Nature, God's perfect gift to us..a way to feed ourselves..the pleasure of the growing season..ahhhhh!
will close with that pleasureable thought...
Mom in San Antonio..living with Skippy now. Skippy is struggling to make this work. Same ole, same ole..Mom is not a very positive person AND the world evolves around HER...so, there's not much room for positive, enjoyable existence between the two. How, how, how do people live like that. "It is well with my soul"..a song we sing at church..one that reminds me that whatever the circumstance, to be content and realize that you are NEVER alone, and HE will NEVER abandon you. The song goes on.."whatever my lot,You have taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul."
School...paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork..Friday was a great day because with the 5th grade on a field trip, I could sort out the MOUNDS into organized piles: CENTRAL OFFICE COPIES SCHOOL FOLDER COPIES PARENT COPIES
TEACHER COPIES (maumelle middle) TEACHER COPIES (Chems) MY COPY FOR MY BINDER..these past few weeks have been killers! It's like tax season for an accountant...at work we call it "PAPERWORK SEASON" Let's see..each student has on average about 13 forms. Multiply that by 23 kids=299 forms to prepare. When you copy that 5 times = 1,495 pieces of paper! I wonder how many trees that is...I'll get back to ya on that one.
Speaking of school...Have applied to Bryant School Dist. PCSSD is BURNING ME OUT... Will complete the necessary paperwork for Bryant and get that off in the mail by Monday..should I consider it or not??? Let's see what becomes of that.
The garden...the one thing that is a DESTRESSER! Went to the garden Thurs afternoon just to check on it...it really looks great! The purple hull peas are coming up, green beans are just beginning to sprout, tomatoes and cucumbers lookin good..just waiting for the okra and eggplant to sprout....squash is lookin healthy. I LOVE IT OUT THERE...hope I can say that in the middle of the summer. Have met some really neat people out there..Samuel, Leo, a little family down a couple of plots..they bring their 2 year old...reminds me of yesteryear when I would bring emily in her diaper out there, give her the hose, and let her get as dirty as she wanted...only regret..didn't get a picture one. The garden is the one thing right now that grounds me and surrounds me in solitude. Nature, God's perfect gift to us..a way to feed ourselves..the pleasure of the growing season..ahhhhh!
will close with that pleasureable thought...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Garden Life....Ahhhhhhh
In the Bible, when Jesus wanted to be alone with God and with God's gift of nature, he went to a garden. Adam and Eve began in a garden..
I have rented a small (25ft by 50ft) garden plot from the county extension agency. The gardens are adjacent to the river with the mountains behind it. It is truely a peaceful piece of God's gift to us. I took Friday afternoon off to work in the garden. Although some might not think that hoeing, tilling, and raking are exactly their way of relaxing, I find it soothing to my mind. My rule is simply....leave the city, its noise, its work, and busy-ness behind. I'd work a bit, then sit on my stool with a cold drink of peach tea, and just listen to the sounds of God's beautiful world. It was hot and I got VERY dirty, but it was that "good kinda dirty and sweat." I managed to plant tomatoes, purple hull peas, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, bell peppers (green, yellow and red!), and green beans. If everything "makes", I'll be setting up my own vegtable stand! This morning about 7:00, I went out there to water...what a beautiful morning it was too. I am anxious for school to be out and can go in the early morning to sit and water and take it all in.
Being alone with God in the peaceful garden, I find rest and renewed strength to go back to the "real" life.
I have rented a small (25ft by 50ft) garden plot from the county extension agency. The gardens are adjacent to the river with the mountains behind it. It is truely a peaceful piece of God's gift to us. I took Friday afternoon off to work in the garden. Although some might not think that hoeing, tilling, and raking are exactly their way of relaxing, I find it soothing to my mind. My rule is simply....leave the city, its noise, its work, and busy-ness behind. I'd work a bit, then sit on my stool with a cold drink of peach tea, and just listen to the sounds of God's beautiful world. It was hot and I got VERY dirty, but it was that "good kinda dirty and sweat." I managed to plant tomatoes, purple hull peas, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, bell peppers (green, yellow and red!), and green beans. If everything "makes", I'll be setting up my own vegtable stand! This morning about 7:00, I went out there to water...what a beautiful morning it was too. I am anxious for school to be out and can go in the early morning to sit and water and take it all in.
Being alone with God in the peaceful garden, I find rest and renewed strength to go back to the "real" life.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Marathon is Finished!
No, not a real marathon...hope all my readers actually THOUGHT I could do that, but that's not the "marathon" I'm speaking of. My oldest daughter, Emily, is 31. She has "been on her own" since she got married 9 years ago. My younger son, Stephen, is 28. This spring he will graduate from college with a business degree from UALR and this week he has landed a job! WOW! In THIS economy that's quite a feat! Congrats, Stephen...which means...the FINANCIAL nest will be empty very soon!!! The last time that happened was 1976...the year before Emily was born...Oh, My...I will get a raise! It's surreal...It's only me???? Somehow my brain can't process that! I'm sure it won't take long to get used to it...I can buy more stocks (yes, I said stocks..they are CHEAP right now and a GREAT time to buy) and sock it away for a rainy day.
I am very proud of my two kids..they are INCREDIBLE adults that I am very proud to call mine. They really "turned out" good...Praise the Lord!
I am very proud of my two kids..they are INCREDIBLE adults that I am very proud to call mine. They really "turned out" good...Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
It's Been a MONTH? Oh, My!
Wow! I can't believe it's been almost a month since I have posted...boy ...I've been busy! Spring is here and the flowers are blooming. It will be Easter Sunday this weekend. When the kids were little, we would not have a "traditional" Easter dinner, but a fried chicken picnic. After church, I packed up the potato salad, fried chicken,drinks, and kites and off we went to the park. Usually, we went to Murray Park down by the river. The kids always had a ball and it was great family time.
Enough reminiscing. Now to the present. Spring Break was spent (for the most part) in San Antonio helping to pack my mother to make the move to my sister's house. It is very difficult at her age (91) to make a move. Things are chaotic,and she is having to get rid of things that she has seen for more than 50 years. The stress is definately taking its toll on her and the rest of us... all of us except my brother, Stuart, who refuses to acknowledge our existence. He has excused himself from the thought of lifting a finger to help or encourage Mom. You can't fool her. She knows he is ignoring her and is very hurt by it. Nonetheless, "it is what it is" as Stuart would say.
I found myself mired in negativity while in San Antonio. Everyone (my mother and olderst sister) are such negative people that it is hard for me to be with them for any length of time. My life in Little Rock is nothing like that. I have surrounded myself with friends that are FUNNY, yet serious when we need to be. Lu, Shirley, and Cheryl are all funny, positive, Christians that I rely on to help me see the humor in our lives. I really didn't know HOW much I laugh, until I was locked into negative comments which bombarded me from all angles. It was constant while I was there! What unhappy people they must be. I did get Mom to laugh at herself one time while I was there...I think she actually liked it, but it was such an odd feeling, she didn't know what to do with it!
Contentment is learned and I hope and pray that as I get older, I keep a sense of humor and learn to be content WHEREVER God puts me. All throughout the Bible there were many people, like Paul, who had difficult lives, but were content because they had the "joy of the Lord." What a life lesson! It's so easy to complain about what you DON'T have instead of being grateful and appreciative for what you DO have. Although when my house burned I was very upset about the little memorabilia that I had lost, I realized that they were all just things and they meant nothing to anyone but me. They were memories ties to a thing...I still had the memories....Someone once sent me a card after I had lost a pet. I still have it because it had such a beautiful saying on it...."God gave us memories so we could have roses in winter." Kinda says it all....Well, all for now.......
Enough reminiscing. Now to the present. Spring Break was spent (for the most part) in San Antonio helping to pack my mother to make the move to my sister's house. It is very difficult at her age (91) to make a move. Things are chaotic,and she is having to get rid of things that she has seen for more than 50 years. The stress is definately taking its toll on her and the rest of us... all of us except my brother, Stuart, who refuses to acknowledge our existence. He has excused himself from the thought of lifting a finger to help or encourage Mom. You can't fool her. She knows he is ignoring her and is very hurt by it. Nonetheless, "it is what it is" as Stuart would say.
I found myself mired in negativity while in San Antonio. Everyone (my mother and olderst sister) are such negative people that it is hard for me to be with them for any length of time. My life in Little Rock is nothing like that. I have surrounded myself with friends that are FUNNY, yet serious when we need to be. Lu, Shirley, and Cheryl are all funny, positive, Christians that I rely on to help me see the humor in our lives. I really didn't know HOW much I laugh, until I was locked into negative comments which bombarded me from all angles. It was constant while I was there! What unhappy people they must be. I did get Mom to laugh at herself one time while I was there...I think she actually liked it, but it was such an odd feeling, she didn't know what to do with it!
Contentment is learned and I hope and pray that as I get older, I keep a sense of humor and learn to be content WHEREVER God puts me. All throughout the Bible there were many people, like Paul, who had difficult lives, but were content because they had the "joy of the Lord." What a life lesson! It's so easy to complain about what you DON'T have instead of being grateful and appreciative for what you DO have. Although when my house burned I was very upset about the little memorabilia that I had lost, I realized that they were all just things and they meant nothing to anyone but me. They were memories ties to a thing...I still had the memories....Someone once sent me a card after I had lost a pet. I still have it because it had such a beautiful saying on it...."God gave us memories so we could have roses in winter." Kinda says it all....Well, all for now.......
Friday, March 20, 2009
It's one of those "wonderful, Ordinary, days'
It's the beginning of SPRING BREAK!!!!yipppeeee! It's beautiful outside, a cool 67 degrees with the sun shining ever so brightly....the birds are singing. When I was younger, MUCH younger (I know it's hard to believe)...I would have considered this kind of day, "boring." But Stephen changed that outlook. When he was three and had his brain surgery for the removal of a tumor, I would curiously gaze out the window from Children's Hospital and watch the cars as they zoomed by. The hospital is on the freeway heading toward downtown. So, every morning and every evening, people were going to and from work. I'd often think,"all those people are just going to work and having an ordinary day...I want one." I was so tired and my heart was so heavy, watching my precious son go through the agony of all the medical stuff. He looked so sick and weak. From that, I learned that these "boring" days are not at all boring...they are God's gift of the present. The present that is free from sickness...from exhaustion, and free from worry. In fact, if I just stop and look at the spring time flowers, blue sky, and bright sunshine, I see God's beautiful earth that He made for me.
So, I think I'll go "sit a spell" on the deck and enjoy a "WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAY"..thank you Lord for this gift of now.
So, I think I'll go "sit a spell" on the deck and enjoy a "WONDERFUL, ORDINARY DAY"..thank you Lord for this gift of now.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Random Update
Last weekend was a fast trip to Dallas to pay my respects to my friend and mentor, Bo Smith. The celebration was very beautiful and very non-traditional....just like Bo was. The girls, Amy, Molly, and Sloane, did a beautiful job of orchestrating Bo's wishes. Thank you girls for such a wonderful tribute to your mom. I also got to see Smitty. There were times I really thought he knew what had happened and then times when he didn't. Alzheimer's is a mean thief of life.
On another note...the recession. It's depressing to watch the news anymore. Even though I feel pretty sure my job is secure, I still feel the need to be even more frugal than usual. I think we should all try to get back to the basics of being thrifty and not wasteful. Here are some ways (albeit small things) to shrink your spending and still have the pleasures and necessities of life.
1. Make it yourself air freshener: use an empty spray bottle (re-use it) and fill with distilled water. Add several drops of essential oil until the scent is strong enough for you. Shake and spray as you like!
2. For pennies you can use a small amount of ammonia mixed with water and it will clean everything BUT wood. I use the lemon scented ammonia. It's especially great to use on windows. If cleaning windows, use your newspaper to leave your windows streak-free. A bottle of ammonia only costs about $1.25 and makes a lot of cleaner.
3. For those of you who have carpet (all mine is gone), you can make carpet freshener by putting baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a sealed bag for a few days. Sprinkle on the carpet, wait about 20 minutes, and vacuum up. Your carpet will smell fresh and clean!
4. Use your crock pot! It not only saves energy, but dinner is ready when you get home from work!
5. I read the other day that Americans throw away about 1/3 of their food EVERY YEAR! Eat what you have, not always what you want! Our forefathers didn't waste anything, especially food. They ate what they had. I have really worked on this concept lately and it's surprising how easy it is if you bring it to work for lunch. If that's all you have, you eat it!
To all those who have lost their jobs, or are in danger of loosing theirs, I pray for this recession to ease. Hang in there, America..things may get worse before they get better. If you know someone who has lost their job...invite them to dinner and send them home with leftovers. They will appreciate the kindness.
All for now..
On another note...the recession. It's depressing to watch the news anymore. Even though I feel pretty sure my job is secure, I still feel the need to be even more frugal than usual. I think we should all try to get back to the basics of being thrifty and not wasteful. Here are some ways (albeit small things) to shrink your spending and still have the pleasures and necessities of life.
1. Make it yourself air freshener: use an empty spray bottle (re-use it) and fill with distilled water. Add several drops of essential oil until the scent is strong enough for you. Shake and spray as you like!
2. For pennies you can use a small amount of ammonia mixed with water and it will clean everything BUT wood. I use the lemon scented ammonia. It's especially great to use on windows. If cleaning windows, use your newspaper to leave your windows streak-free. A bottle of ammonia only costs about $1.25 and makes a lot of cleaner.
3. For those of you who have carpet (all mine is gone), you can make carpet freshener by putting baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a sealed bag for a few days. Sprinkle on the carpet, wait about 20 minutes, and vacuum up. Your carpet will smell fresh and clean!
4. Use your crock pot! It not only saves energy, but dinner is ready when you get home from work!
5. I read the other day that Americans throw away about 1/3 of their food EVERY YEAR! Eat what you have, not always what you want! Our forefathers didn't waste anything, especially food. They ate what they had. I have really worked on this concept lately and it's surprising how easy it is if you bring it to work for lunch. If that's all you have, you eat it!
To all those who have lost their jobs, or are in danger of loosing theirs, I pray for this recession to ease. Hang in there, America..things may get worse before they get better. If you know someone who has lost their job...invite them to dinner and send them home with leftovers. They will appreciate the kindness.
All for now..
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Live, Laugh, and Be Happy/ A Tribute to Bo
Tonight as I sit here trying to process the news that my dear friend, mentor, and "almost mom" has passed on, I can't seem to cry. Thinking about Bo makes me laugh..plain and simple! I know that sounds pretty strange because when people leave us, we are "supposed" to cry. But Bo, no, ....her smile was contagious. She taught me as a young girl, that when in doubt, LAUGH! What a beautiful laugh she had too. There were times when I was young, that I wished that SHE was my mother...I LOVED BEING AROUND BO SMITH! I couldn't get enough of her when we were neighbors.
Bo's inner laugh was genuine. She truly exuded the laughter from deep within her soul. Bo and Smitty lived through many tragedies in their life; the most difficult of those was losing two sons in a very short period of time. Bo and Smitty retreated to the country after David's death, in order to try to cope with their loss. They took their three beautiful daughters and put their family back together. During that time of healing, Bo learned how to smile again and most importantly, how to live again. And LIVE she did! She always lived life as if it were her last day on earth.
Bo, you make me laugh, just thinking about YOUR laugh! She would always say, "Oh, Cindy, you're so pretty." or "Oh, Cindy, you're so funny." Thank you Bo for being my friend, my "mom", my example of strength. I have never known anyone else like you. You have left your heart print on mine. Thank you for loving me just the way I am and showing me how to laugh AT, and with life. You were an INCREDIBLE woman and I am so blessed to have loved you.
Before I sign off...just do me one favor, Bo ...save me a place close to you in Heaven so that I can hear that laughter for all of eternity. I know tonight as I sit here, you are forever with your mom and David and Rocky. They are holding you close and I know that that makes you laugh once again....
I LOVE YOU BO SMITH... I wish I could have told you that one more time here on earth..............When I grow up, I want to be just like you.....
Bo's inner laugh was genuine. She truly exuded the laughter from deep within her soul. Bo and Smitty lived through many tragedies in their life; the most difficult of those was losing two sons in a very short period of time. Bo and Smitty retreated to the country after David's death, in order to try to cope with their loss. They took their three beautiful daughters and put their family back together. During that time of healing, Bo learned how to smile again and most importantly, how to live again. And LIVE she did! She always lived life as if it were her last day on earth.
Bo, you make me laugh, just thinking about YOUR laugh! She would always say, "Oh, Cindy, you're so pretty." or "Oh, Cindy, you're so funny." Thank you Bo for being my friend, my "mom", my example of strength. I have never known anyone else like you. You have left your heart print on mine. Thank you for loving me just the way I am and showing me how to laugh AT, and with life. You were an INCREDIBLE woman and I am so blessed to have loved you.
Before I sign off...just do me one favor, Bo ...save me a place close to you in Heaven so that I can hear that laughter for all of eternity. I know tonight as I sit here, you are forever with your mom and David and Rocky. They are holding you close and I know that that makes you laugh once again....
I LOVE YOU BO SMITH... I wish I could have told you that one more time here on earth..............When I grow up, I want to be just like you.....
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Birthday Dinner
My sweet friend, Cheryl, called the other night and wanted to take me out to dinner for my birthday. Stephen works at Gaucho's Grill and although it is expensive, it is a REAL TREAT to go there. That's really where I wanted to go, but didn't want to impose an expensive dinner on my friend. Well, Stephen came by Friday afternoon to bring be a Cold Stone Creamery Cake...YYYYUUUUUUUMMMM! and he told me to let him know if we were going to go to Gauchos...we did go and it was GREAT! Stephen was our waiter (of course) and "bought" my dinner, so it worked out great. As a special surprise, he brought out a chocolate creme brulee ...look at the picture...it speaks for itself. I got to spend my birthday with my sweet son and my good friend..what more could you want???? I also got to hear 4 little sweet voices on the other end of the phone singing, "happy birthday to Nammy"...as Master Card says, "Priceless!"
My birthday is not over yet, though. My best friend, Lu, is coming over this morning and we are going to the garden show and then to lunch..we're even throwing in a couple of flea markets afterwards....sooooo it's going to be a really FUN day!
I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
Tomorrow, February 27th is my birthday...I will be 57, oh, my! I really don't feel any different than I did when I was 37, except for a few more aches and pains occasionally. I will spend the day at work, then get some dinner and relax. It's Friday..love that day for a birthday!
My favorite birthday party was when I turned 5 years old. My birthday party was held at home with a Marrionette Puppet show that was brought to the house for all my friends. I have a picture of my birthday cake and all my friends. It's sooo cute! Birthdays at my house growing up were never THAT big of a deal. i remember making the chocolate cake (my favorite) and everyone singing "Happy Birthday"..I felt that it was MY special day and with 5 kids in the family, "special" days were few and far between.
My mother ALWAYS says the same thing to me every year on my birthday. "You were such a beautiful baby." I was born after 3:00 in the afternoon weighing in at a smooth 9lbs. 8oz. There were no pictures taken, so I have no idea what I looked like, but according to mom, I had lots of very dark hair.
Well, Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!
My favorite birthday party was when I turned 5 years old. My birthday party was held at home with a Marrionette Puppet show that was brought to the house for all my friends. I have a picture of my birthday cake and all my friends. It's sooo cute! Birthdays at my house growing up were never THAT big of a deal. i remember making the chocolate cake (my favorite) and everyone singing "Happy Birthday"..I felt that it was MY special day and with 5 kids in the family, "special" days were few and far between.
My mother ALWAYS says the same thing to me every year on my birthday. "You were such a beautiful baby." I was born after 3:00 in the afternoon weighing in at a smooth 9lbs. 8oz. There were no pictures taken, so I have no idea what I looked like, but according to mom, I had lots of very dark hair.
Well, Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
No Regrets, Just Wishes
Every day in my reading classes, the kids come in and write in their journal. Each day I put a topic on the board that they write a little something about. Today I wrote on the board, "Sometimes I dream about...." I was thinking about what I used to dream about when I was a kid and vividly remember a few.....I was about 10 years old when my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I really like the lessons and was practicing every day like my teacher told me to. Soon I was able to play a few songs and was really beginning to let music "take me away" like Calgon is supposed to do! I an a house with 7 people, the piano seemed to take me away from all the "family" noise and let me explore songs that I just made up. I'm sure they were terrible, but to me they sounded beautiful! Summer came and off to Camp I went (I was gone for 2 weeks). Well, I am sorry to say that when I returned from camp, my mother had sold the piano because the dining room was being redecorated and the piano didn't fit the "decor." I was sooooo mad! I still wish I could take piano lessons and learn to play...but, not going to happen.
Next dream.....age 12, swimmer on the local YMCA team. I was dedicated! Up and gone to practice by 6:00 am every morning. I rode my bike to get there! It wasn't just around the corner either...probably about 3-4 miles. That was a stellar summer for me...I won "best swimmer" award for the entire team because I had accummulated more points than anyone. I also placed 4th in the Jr. Olympics in Ft. Worth. I dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion. At each of the swim meets, the first three place winners would step up on the platform and receive their medals...just like in the Olympics. I would often imagine that the stands were full of cheering crowds and they were playing the national anthem! Unfortunately, my dreams of continuing my swimming career were cut short because "girls weren't supposed to be muscular" so I had to quit the team.
No regrets, just wishes.....
Next dream.....age 12, swimmer on the local YMCA team. I was dedicated! Up and gone to practice by 6:00 am every morning. I rode my bike to get there! It wasn't just around the corner either...probably about 3-4 miles. That was a stellar summer for me...I won "best swimmer" award for the entire team because I had accummulated more points than anyone. I also placed 4th in the Jr. Olympics in Ft. Worth. I dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion. At each of the swim meets, the first three place winners would step up on the platform and receive their medals...just like in the Olympics. I would often imagine that the stands were full of cheering crowds and they were playing the national anthem! Unfortunately, my dreams of continuing my swimming career were cut short because "girls weren't supposed to be muscular" so I had to quit the team.
No regrets, just wishes.....
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Note to Self
Self, next year when I go to the rv show, "TAKE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY OFF!" We were soooo inspired by the beautiful new rvs, that we had illusions of turning our 50 year old camper into a modern, high tech machine! There were a few repairs that needed to be done first..like fixing the big bed which needed more support and we needed to vent the air conditioner better. We completely emptied the camper and went to work! Saws were buzzing and drills were humming and after 6 hours, we had completed those two jobs. We also stripped off the already peeling veneer, repositioned the refrigerator, and re-installed the frig. We went to Hobby Lobby and found new material for curtains....it is soooo cute! This weekend we will begin putting a "faux" finish on the walls. Cheryl has a car CD/radio player that came out of her trail blazer and we will install it in the camper. Camper speakers are both interior and exterior speakers...Stephen said he could help install it...We are turning "Sue E. Pig" into a beautiful "new' camper! One day (not any time soon) we will buy a 15-19 inch flat screen TV and install it on the wall. Our girl is looking "mighty fine" these days. She loves her new look! Promise to take a picture this weekend!..
Friday, February 6, 2009
'GO RVING!'
YIPEEEEEEEE! The weekend is here and it's RV show weekend! My friend Cheryl and I jointly own a 1963 'canned ham' camper. This weekend we are going to the RV show at the statehouse convention center. We recently took "Sue E. Pig" (the camper's name) into Fred and Jack's trailer sales and had some work done on her. Sue E was leaking somewhere and we had that fixed. They also put in the 12volt wattage we needed to run the lights off of a battery...a new outside light, fix some dent's she had in her, and a new overhead light inside... She really likes her new fixed up look .....this weekend maybe we will find a few goodies to add to her interior. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait...allllll thoooooseee neeewwww RVS! Makes my mouth water! Will post a picture of her this weekend...she needs a bath and the weather will be just right for that...Oh, she also got new tail lights. Marvin (the REDNECK previous owner) had rigged up some new lights, but the wires were showing. She didn't look very pretty from the back...Now she has all new lights and it's b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! We are thinking of putting some new curtains in her...maybe go to walmart shopping for new curtain material...who knows! We'll get plenty of ideas at the RV SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're thinking of taking her out soon...in a few weeks.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Never Say "Never"
In May of 2009, my sweet son will graduate from college. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. The odds were always against him.....albeit, he did make some rather dumb choices at times. He was born premature, 2 months. Throughout his toddler years, we would be in the hospital about every three months for a week or so because of lung infections, 3 surgeries for tubes in his ears, and then the worst news of all...............
at age 3 years, 10 mos. and 15 days old, he was diagnosed with a "massive brain tumor in the right hemisphere" of his brain. Those were the neurologist's words...I didn't hear anything he said after that phrase.....surgery lasted 7 and 1/2 hours. Complications arose and her underwent painful spinal taps, migraines, and ultimately another brain surgery. That was followed by eye surgery and then diagnosed with a total hearing loss in the left ear. All before he went to kindergarten. When he boarded the school bus that morning, I cried.....not because he was old enough to GO to kindergarten, but because he was ALIVE to go to kindergarten. Then the real work began...grinding out school ...
Unable to write his name until 1st grade, hearing issues, reading issues...putting out one "fire" after another until............
Then, March 5, 1994. He was accidentally shot with a .22 caliber pistol....shot in the face at point blank range...the bullet hit his mouth, through the back of his throat, and landed in his spinal cord in the neck.
.ICU on a ventilator...didn't know if he'd make it...but by the grace of God....
Slowly he recovered ,with deep physical as well as emotional scars.
one day at at time...
then.............
.the day he graduated from high school finally came. As I was about to take his picture with his graduation gown on, I peered through the camera lens and starred with amazement .....a pause, then he recognized it too....we had MADE IT TO THIS DAY......instead of taking the picture, we hugged and cried together.....no words exchanged, we just knew
Soon,
in May of 2009.........
will be another hurdle crossed....graduation from college.
Thank you Lord for keeping him here with me and being our rock of support throughout the darkest days of my life.
Stephen, I love you very much..... I am VERY PROUD OF YOU.....
at age 3 years, 10 mos. and 15 days old, he was diagnosed with a "massive brain tumor in the right hemisphere" of his brain. Those were the neurologist's words...I didn't hear anything he said after that phrase.....surgery lasted 7 and 1/2 hours. Complications arose and her underwent painful spinal taps, migraines, and ultimately another brain surgery. That was followed by eye surgery and then diagnosed with a total hearing loss in the left ear. All before he went to kindergarten. When he boarded the school bus that morning, I cried.....not because he was old enough to GO to kindergarten, but because he was ALIVE to go to kindergarten. Then the real work began...grinding out school ...
Unable to write his name until 1st grade, hearing issues, reading issues...putting out one "fire" after another until............
Then, March 5, 1994. He was accidentally shot with a .22 caliber pistol....shot in the face at point blank range...the bullet hit his mouth, through the back of his throat, and landed in his spinal cord in the neck.
.ICU on a ventilator...didn't know if he'd make it...but by the grace of God....
Slowly he recovered ,with deep physical as well as emotional scars.
one day at at time...
then.............
.the day he graduated from high school finally came. As I was about to take his picture with his graduation gown on, I peered through the camera lens and starred with amazement .....a pause, then he recognized it too....we had MADE IT TO THIS DAY......instead of taking the picture, we hugged and cried together.....no words exchanged, we just knew
Soon,
in May of 2009.........
will be another hurdle crossed....graduation from college.
Thank you Lord for keeping him here with me and being our rock of support throughout the darkest days of my life.
Stephen, I love you very much..... I am VERY PROUD OF YOU.....
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
P.S. Nammyland, Final Night
All week, Lysse has been climbing out of her baby bed when she didn't want to go to sleep. I have a fear that she will tumble over the top railing and hit the hardwood floors with a bang! So, tonight when I put her to bed, she cried (like usual , but for just a minute), but when I went to look in on her, she was out of that bed! I rocked again and asked her if she was ready to get back in her bed. She promptly told me, "no!" Ususally, she agrees to go to bed with NO problem...oh, no, not tonight...she would have none of that baby bed. So.............I asked her about the big girl bed and she quickly said, "es!" I put her down, with pillows all around her (and on the floor too), and she went straight to sleep! When I checked in on her a few minutes later, this is what I saw...
She was sound asleep in the big girl bed....BYE BYE BABY BED!!!! (sorry em)Nammyland, Last Full Day!
We went to the church to play in the play-scape...we had loads of fun jumping and playing!
Today we went to Nammy's school and found Mommy, Daddy, Avery, and Baby Ashley on the map! See!
Then we had a "blast from the past"...When Emily and Stephen were little, the Big Red gas station opened and we would sometimes walk down there to buy a treat. I took the little ones down there and told them the story of their mommy and Ally said, "cool!" We bought m&ms, jelly beans, and MY favorite, Airhead (no comments please!). This is the kids on the way home enjoying their purchases..... are they cute or what????
Sorry, the pictures are in the wrong order, but I bet you can figure it out!
Tomorrow we head out for Nana and Pop's house in Oxford...Ally is thrilled to be heading home! Pray for a safe trip for us!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day Marked in History
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, you have to at least recognize the importance of this day in history. A day that will be written in the history books as a significant marker in our nation's life. Only in this great country of ours, could this day happen. All around the world there are segments of each culture that are struggling for recognition, for a rightful place of appreciation and respect in their land. For the Arab world, it is the oppressed women. In China, females are not valued (as evidenced by the orphanages full of baby girls that no one wants.) In America, people with disabilities fight for accessibility and services. While today's events do not indicate that we have "arrived", it marks the beginning of tolerance and respect. Today, my black children at school see what they "can" be. What a gift today is for the generation of school children. My children at school hold their heads up a little higher. I am so glad I was alive to see this day happen. God Bless America and May His Light Guide Our New President.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nammyland, Day Four
Day four....wow! where does time go??? We started off this morning with a few "rules" for the duration...I think my "teacher" voice is coming out! The last three days, the girls have "grazed" all day. Nothing seems to satisfy their tastebuds. Food ended up either being thrown, dropped (for the dog) or just not eaten and they were always wanting something else...It seemed like all I did all day was put food on plates then throwing it all away. So, this morning I fixed a breakfast buffet of sorts. They could have anything on the buffet they wanted: donuts, applesause, cheese toasts, grits, juice. Annalyse loved it, but my Ally would rather have "ordered" breakfast! Once breakfast was finished, I CLOSED THE KITCHEN! YIPPPPEEEEE!
Next, Ally was dying to see Snow White..and I got the VCR to work so she was in heaven. After that, my friend Cheryl came over and went with us to the nail salon where Ally was pampered with a pedicure! She was so cute in that little "bear" chair! Cheryl's job was to keep up with "rootin, tootin," Lysse. I told Cheryl to bring her lasso, but she forgot it! Ally loved the pampering. She felt so "girly!" She got to pick out her nail color and the lady painted a flower on her big toes! She has been so careful all day not to bump her feet on furniture. She really wants to show Mommy and Daddy her pretty toes.
Then uncle Stephen came over and brought us some more apple juice and 2 new passies for Lysse. She was thrilled,,,she went to bed with both of them! Speaking of bed (emily, I hope you read this)...Lysse has been climbing out of her bed REGULARLY! I hope you don't think she is going to stay in a baby bed much longer...She really wants to sleep with Ally, but maybe another night.
Stay tuned for Nammyland, Day 5! Tomorrow is going to be cold, so I think we may watch movies and make some chocolate cupcakes...yummmmm,
Nammyland, Day Three
This is what day 3 looked like from my eyes!!! One big blur!!!! "Mamma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this, my mamma said!" and she was right! Just one glimpse into yesterday.....during community group discussion (at my house) Annalyse decided she had had it with all those clothes on....yep, striped down to her birthday suit and REFUSED to let me put a diaper on her...and I mean REFUSED!... 'nuf said! Ahhhh, the joys of being a grandmother.................!!!!!Saturday, January 17, 2009
Nammyland, Day Two
I woke the kids up this morning at 8:00..I like that "early to bed, early to rise" saying....especially, that first part....anyway, I fixed scrambled eggs with yogurt and bananas. They ate like champs...then off to get dressed and head to the stores. Our first stop was Radio Shack for a new cord for the car DVD player (did you hear that Emily?)... fortuneately, we were the only ones there because the lady had to open a few boxes to make sure the cord fit the player...Meanwhile, the little ones "looked" around. The "looked" with their little hands! Yep, while I was trying to talk to the poor lady that was trying to help me, I chased Lysse all around the store. I finally gave up and just picked her up...bad, bad, idea! She arched that back like an Olympic gymnastic and wanted DOWN! "Down, mimi, down!" The lady sensed my need to split quickly and found the right one...finally!
Next stop, the Dollar Tree...as we drove up, Ally announced, "O.K. evewybody, let's say together, IT'S TIME TO GO TO THE DOLLAR TREE! On the way in, I told Ally she could get 5 things...we left with 15!...Hey, I'm a pushover! Our last stop was the accessory store. Ally has wanted a "beautiful bracelet" since yesterday, so I obliged and went in and headed straight for the children's jewelry...I wanted to put blinders on them, but didn't have any with me. We chose a bracelet and out the door to home we went!
Home for some lunch and a nap, then Stephen (God love him) took them from 2-4:30 to his friend's house (Neal). Neal and his wife, Crystal, have 2 kids.....4 and 2...great! The girls played dress up and the two little ones played in Owen's room...They had a "GWEAT TIME!" said Ally.
Busy, busy, day...tired kids, tired Nammy....lovin' this!
And the BEST part of the day. We have a routine that at night, when it's almost bedtime, we sit by the fire and read stories in Nammy's lap. The house is quiet and they are still....sittin' with Nammy....makes everything wonderful. I am savoring every sweet moment because this may never happen again......I love their little voices, their little hands, their little bodies, all snuggled up with me. It doesn't get much better than this....................................................
Next stop, the Dollar Tree...as we drove up, Ally announced, "O.K. evewybody, let's say together, IT'S TIME TO GO TO THE DOLLAR TREE! On the way in, I told Ally she could get 5 things...we left with 15!...Hey, I'm a pushover! Our last stop was the accessory store. Ally has wanted a "beautiful bracelet" since yesterday, so I obliged and went in and headed straight for the children's jewelry...I wanted to put blinders on them, but didn't have any with me. We chose a bracelet and out the door to home we went!
Home for some lunch and a nap, then Stephen (God love him) took them from 2-4:30 to his friend's house (Neal). Neal and his wife, Crystal, have 2 kids.....4 and 2...great! The girls played dress up and the two little ones played in Owen's room...They had a "GWEAT TIME!" said Ally.
Busy, busy, day...tired kids, tired Nammy....lovin' this!
And the BEST part of the day. We have a routine that at night, when it's almost bedtime, we sit by the fire and read stories in Nammy's lap. The house is quiet and they are still....sittin' with Nammy....makes everything wonderful. I am savoring every sweet moment because this may never happen again......I love their little voices, their little hands, their little bodies, all snuggled up with me. It doesn't get much better than this....................................................
Welcome to Nammyland!
They're here, they're here! We all made the trip from Memphis without a hitch. Day one we hit the floor running and I mean running. Two year olds run until they drop!
Alleyisms:
While driving back
Ally: Stephen, when we get to Nammy's and we finish the tea party, can you marry us?
Stephen: You want me to marry who?
Ally: Me and Annalyse and Nammy!
We had the tea party but because Lysse only slept about 45 min in the car, it went south in a hurry. My phone rang and Stephen was left as the tea party hostess. Ally walked into the living room where I was with all the dishes in tow and reported, "Nammy, we cannot have a tea party, it's a vewy bad tea party. Lysse is NOT being vewy nice!"
Annalyse was in FULL MOTION. She was running on adreniline trying not to fall on her face from being so tired! She managed to rearrange the living room except for the couch(only because it was too heavy to move) and drag every toy out of the bedroom. She pranced in here like she owned the place! She went to "her" room and promptly pointed to the crib and said "lysse bed"...then to Ally's room and said, "ally bed"...
As soon as the tea party was over, Ally wanted to paint. I got out the "paint with water" book (God love who ever thought of that idea...what a genius!) and we painted with q-tips. Nammy forgot to get paint brushes, so that is on our dollar store list for today. We are going to the dollar store this morning. Ally wants a "purse full of money, just like Avery has in China!".....will post later with pictures (having a tech. difficulty with my camera and pics)
Alleyisms:
While driving back
Ally: Stephen, when we get to Nammy's and we finish the tea party, can you marry us?
Stephen: You want me to marry who?
Ally: Me and Annalyse and Nammy!
We had the tea party but because Lysse only slept about 45 min in the car, it went south in a hurry. My phone rang and Stephen was left as the tea party hostess. Ally walked into the living room where I was with all the dishes in tow and reported, "Nammy, we cannot have a tea party, it's a vewy bad tea party. Lysse is NOT being vewy nice!"
Annalyse was in FULL MOTION. She was running on adreniline trying not to fall on her face from being so tired! She managed to rearrange the living room except for the couch(only because it was too heavy to move) and drag every toy out of the bedroom. She pranced in here like she owned the place! She went to "her" room and promptly pointed to the crib and said "lysse bed"...then to Ally's room and said, "ally bed"...
As soon as the tea party was over, Ally wanted to paint. I got out the "paint with water" book (God love who ever thought of that idea...what a genius!) and we painted with q-tips. Nammy forgot to get paint brushes, so that is on our dollar store list for today. We are going to the dollar store this morning. Ally wants a "purse full of money, just like Avery has in China!".....will post later with pictures (having a tech. difficulty with my camera and pics)
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Momma's Love
Today was Gotcha Day! Today, we all saw Ashley Mei Hao Flynt for the first time! Today, Emily got to "feel" her dream. You see, a momma's love for her children, begins in her heart, long before she ever lays eyes on her baby. It's irrelevent whether you give birth to a baby or adopt, babies are born in a momma's heart. It's a momma's heart that nurtures, loves, warms and touches that fragile life "within" you. When I was a little girl I would dream of becoming a mommy. Emily did as well. Years of preparing our "mommy" hearts we thought of our babies and longed to hold them close.
This mommy's heart gave birth today to a beautiful little girl. Your mommy has longed to craddle you, sing to you, feel your warm little body close to hers. You, Ashley, were born in your mommy's heart a long time ago and today she got to love you in her arms.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The MOMENT Is Fast Approaching
The moment that we have longed for, for soooooo long, is within hours. No one knows what the day will bring, but I can't WAIT to see the "birth" of my new grandbaby! The moment that she is brought in to meet Emily, Jay, and Avery will be overwhelming to us all. I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight or not. They will call and video the computer as soon as they can, but maybe, just maybe they will call me as well. What a day to remember....next post...pictures!
Friday, January 9, 2009
The "Eagle" has landed, Houston!!
It is true! They have landed in Beijing! Stephen and I tracked the flight online through a flight tracking website and watched in REAL time, the plane inching towards Beijing. WOW! They flew over the Artic Ocean at the top of the world!! Emily called this morning about 5 A.M. to say they had arrived and were settled into the hotel. They are exhausted, but will go to bed for the night. It is about 7 PM Friday night there. Will post more later...oh, p.s. Talked to Ally and Lysse last night and they are doing GREAT! They made cookies with Cyndy and played all day. They were getting ready for bed and were excited about going to Nana and Pop's house and then on to Nammy's. Thank you Lord for all you have done ...for safe travel, for the little ones and their ease of seperation, and for all the things you are doing to prepare our little Ashley to join this family. All for now.....
Thursday, January 8, 2009
One Day Closer to Ashley Mei!
They are leaving today for China! Stephen decided that while Emily is out of the country, he doesn't need to go hunting....just in case something were to happen..God forbid...After a looooonng plane ride they will land in Beijing to start their unbelievable adventure to bring home our baby. You can follow their trip on http://www.journeytoashleimei.blogspot.com/
LOVE YOU GUYS AND AM PRAYING FOR A SMOOTH PLANE RIDE! Avery, you will NEVER forget this trip and will learn soooooooooooo much while you are gone.
LOVE YOU GUYS AND AM PRAYING FOR A SMOOTH PLANE RIDE! Avery, you will NEVER forget this trip and will learn soooooooooooo much while you are gone.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Prayer for My Family
This was posted on Ashley's blog today. It was an email sent to Emily and Jay...
Dear Travel Group 142,
The day you have long been waiting for has finally arrived! You are about to meet your precious child face to face! The America World staff shares in your joy as this day quickly approaches. Like most incredible life experiences, your trip to China will be both amazing and challenging. As Paul encouraged the Romans, so we also encourage you with this verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)Please know that you will be in our prayers throughout your time in China. We look forward to talking with you upon your return, and hearing all about your trip. If you will be posting pictures or updates to a blog while you travel we would love to have the link and follow along. We are thankful for the blessing of walking alongside you throughout this journey. May God bless this final chapter of your adoption process!
Dear Lord,
As I sit here tonight anticipating the "birth" of my fourth grandbaby, so many things are going thru my mind. I realize that all the anxiety I have about the trip, about keeping Ally and Annalyse, about mine and Joanns travel should all be given to you. So, with a humble heart I come to your feet Father and ask for many things. I pray for safe travel for my precious family, as they leave the comfort of the USA and travel to a distant land to pick Ashley up. I pray that the flight is uneventful and without unexpected delays. I pray for the weather to give them a smooth ride and landing. I ask you Father to keep Avery, Emily and Jay in your safe arms.
Because Emily is leaving Ally and Annalyse with Joann and I, I ask that she have a complete peace about it. I ask you Lord that the seperation will be smooth and that Ally and Annalyse will be comforted by their family while their mommy and daddy are gone. I also pray for Joann and I that while the little ones are in our care, that they remain healthy and happy.
I ask that You prepare Ashley's little heart to know that the mommy and daddy she will be leaving China with, were hand picked by You. I pray that her little heart will not be broken when she is not around the people who have loved and cared for her for over a year. I pray for Ashley's foster parents that they will rejoice in her adoption and be comforted by Your hand as I know it will be very difficult for them. Thank you Lord for their gift of love that they have given to Ashley throughout the whole time they have been caring for her. I also thank you Lord for the birthmother. I know that leaving her at the orphanage gate was the most difficult day of her life. I ask that you give her a sense of peace that her baby is loved and well cared for. What a gift she has given to our family.
Lastly I give You all the praise and glory for such an incredible gift of Ashley. It has been thru You, that "all things are possible." ....even when no one knew how or where all the money was going to come from or who our new baby was going to be. How humbled I am to see Your Hand in all of this adoption process.
In Your Son's Holy Name I pray..
amen
Dear Travel Group 142,
The day you have long been waiting for has finally arrived! You are about to meet your precious child face to face! The America World staff shares in your joy as this day quickly approaches. Like most incredible life experiences, your trip to China will be both amazing and challenging. As Paul encouraged the Romans, so we also encourage you with this verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)Please know that you will be in our prayers throughout your time in China. We look forward to talking with you upon your return, and hearing all about your trip. If you will be posting pictures or updates to a blog while you travel we would love to have the link and follow along. We are thankful for the blessing of walking alongside you throughout this journey. May God bless this final chapter of your adoption process!
Dear Lord,
As I sit here tonight anticipating the "birth" of my fourth grandbaby, so many things are going thru my mind. I realize that all the anxiety I have about the trip, about keeping Ally and Annalyse, about mine and Joanns travel should all be given to you. So, with a humble heart I come to your feet Father and ask for many things. I pray for safe travel for my precious family, as they leave the comfort of the USA and travel to a distant land to pick Ashley up. I pray that the flight is uneventful and without unexpected delays. I pray for the weather to give them a smooth ride and landing. I ask you Father to keep Avery, Emily and Jay in your safe arms.
Because Emily is leaving Ally and Annalyse with Joann and I, I ask that she have a complete peace about it. I ask you Lord that the seperation will be smooth and that Ally and Annalyse will be comforted by their family while their mommy and daddy are gone. I also pray for Joann and I that while the little ones are in our care, that they remain healthy and happy.
I ask that You prepare Ashley's little heart to know that the mommy and daddy she will be leaving China with, were hand picked by You. I pray that her little heart will not be broken when she is not around the people who have loved and cared for her for over a year. I pray for Ashley's foster parents that they will rejoice in her adoption and be comforted by Your hand as I know it will be very difficult for them. Thank you Lord for their gift of love that they have given to Ashley throughout the whole time they have been caring for her. I also thank you Lord for the birthmother. I know that leaving her at the orphanage gate was the most difficult day of her life. I ask that you give her a sense of peace that her baby is loved and well cared for. What a gift she has given to our family.
Lastly I give You all the praise and glory for such an incredible gift of Ashley. It has been thru You, that "all things are possible." ....even when no one knew how or where all the money was going to come from or who our new baby was going to be. How humbled I am to see Your Hand in all of this adoption process.
In Your Son's Holy Name I pray..
amen
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