Mission Organization

I've decided that THIS time of year is the time that we all want to get organized - I do. All the stuff incoming (from gifts) needs somewhere to go and something needs to go out to make space! My laundry room has been driving me crazy so I called in a professional. Anne Jones. She has a knack for organizing and she wants to share that talent with all of us. We worked out a fee schedule and she went to work! I asked for a consult and she re-did my pantry, too! She had some GREAT ideas for the laundry room and she was willing to implement all of them.

We forgot to take any "Before" pictures but these are the "After." I basically stood there and threw away all the out of date stuff!

We'll be revisiting the laundry as soon as my hubby can build me some new shelves :-) Then I'll post a before and after!

Call Anne if you're feeling overwhelmed and need some direction. Call Anne if you want someone to do all the work FOR YOU! Call Anne if you're ready to make a change! (You oughta see what she can do for a garage sale!)

Maybe Just A New Paint Job

Well, I've been trying VERY hard to switch over to WordPress and it just isn't working for me. I (apparently) can't import all my hard work up until this point. This has to do with me going over to the *New* Blogger. WordPress can't import with the new Beta. I did think I might cut and paste but, paste where? Blogger doesn't cooperate with me and my desire to do different stuff (fonts, headers, style.) I can't move into a new house so I want this one to change. But, I may be here awhile longer. yeah.

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I went to see DreamGirls tonight and, yall really need to go see it! Jennifer Hudson was incredible! I can't say enough about her performance - she just was Effie. The music was terrific, too. Judy told me to save my money but, I almost just drove over to Target and bought the soundtrack.

Junk Food

Can a 4-year-old grow on Mac & Cheese, bread, refried beans, and candy? I'll let you know.

Just 2 Days Ago

I'm feeling led to say a little something about our Christmas. Perhaps the pictures weren't enough to convey the joyfulness surrounding the day. Perhaps the pictures didn't show the wonderful presents received by all. Perhaps the pictures just weren't enough for yall to see the 10 pounds I've put on in 3 days but maybe that was intentional.

Santa brought both kids scooters and, I must say, it's kinda cute the way they're riding them though the house. I know, that's a bad thing but, it's still cute. I keep thinking that they will become outside toys soon but, not yet. We went yesterday and used the (overindulgent) gift card that Uncle Billy bought them (together! What's up with that??!!) to purchase helmets. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are still living in the 70's and forgot to buy helmets. I can attest that the Clauses use seat belts in their vehicles but helmets for bike and scooter riding are still so, you know, 21st century.

Cousins Jayden and Jerron got Kenny a remote control Hummer. Santa would not have bought such a expensive thing that Kenny would promptly forget about and leave in his closet. Or that Mrs. Claus would have to constantly buy batteries for - it's not a Claus purchase. Kenny LOVES it! It has rechargeable batteries. I hear it right now. It's going all over our house and running into all the furniture and walls. Santa did buy Abbie a remote control VW for Barbie and she and Kenny play with them together. Hers only goes back and forth so it isn't as much fun. But Barbie and Kelly can ride in hers and they seem to like being in wrecks.

I have discovered that the gifts that make my kids happy make me happy. Who knew?

We also got a new member on the household, Elizabeth. ("What's her name, again?" "Well, you said her name was Elizabeth." "Oh, yeah.") Mimi and Pop got Abbie an American Girl doll that looks like Abbie. They are sold with varying skin tones, hair color and eye color so Abbie's looks like her. They also made her a doll bed and she has 3 outfits. The one she came with, one they picked up for an 18-inch doll (not American Girl,) and real, over-priced, beautiful pajamas that kinda match Abbie's. Abbie changes her clothes every day and she went with us to Target yesterday. I'm sure you will all be meeting Elizabeth soon.

You know, they make LOTS of doll clothes patterns and Elizabeth and Abbie may end up in some matching outfits. Okay, I'm a little excited about Elizabeth, too. Did I mention my discovery that gifts that make my kids happy make me happy, too?

Trust me there is alot more and, surprising, the kids seem content with all of it. Kenny's been reading some of his new books and Abbie's been coloring on her new Doodle Bear. Jim has slept with his new pillow and I have watched Devil Wears Prada. I'm saving Ricky Bobby until Jim and I can watch it together, again. Although it will be fun to listen to the commentary on that one!

Ghost of Christmas Present

Christmas Tea Party at MiMi's

Christmas morning just starting to open presents....

Abbie with her Barbie, Kelly (Barbie's little sis,) and Barbie's new remote control VW!

Christmas Eve at Southern Hills Nativity.... Abbie loved all the animals!

Ghost of Christmas Past

Santa, Real or Not?

Well, I switched over to the "new" Blogger and it looked like it would take an act of congress to get on Blogger again - it didn't. But get ready, I'm just about ready to join the WordPress family. Blogger can be a pain and maybe it's time for something else!

I've been trying to finish up with all the Christmas stuff. I sent a box to Birmingham on Dec. 21! Yeah, that's cutting it close. Just a little. Especially if you're one of the people waiting for a gift!

It's coming....

By UPS.....

I promise :-)

Have I shared here the Santa rule? Our kids get three presents from Santa because Jesus got three gifts (I know, maybe that should be for birthdays... go with it.) - any other gifts are from Jim and I. This does present some problems and I feel like I'm constantly making up new rules. Christmas stocking are from either. Santa's not wrapped. Toys are from Santa, books are from us. It just keeps going.....

This brings me to "Why do Santa?" I thought for a long time about lying to the kids and how wrong that was. I worried when they found out they would accuse us of lying. Sometimes it's hard to keep the lies straight. Then again, I grew up with Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny and I don't remember thinking my parents were liars. I turned out okay - for the most part. So Jim and I decided to carry on the Santa tradition but Kenny knows now. He asked me last year and I couldn't go on. He was 8 years old and that seemed about right. We're still lying to Abbie - all of us. Kenny is under threat of NO GIFTS AT ALL if he tells his sister. It seems to be working.

I don't know how long Abbie has - yesterday two of her friends (4 year olds) told her their mommies said that there was no Santa. One of the mommies is a teacher at our preschool and she asked me how mad I was at her when I mentioned the "telling." Abbie was contented with "Well, Santa must not come to their house if they don't believe in him, right?" How long it will last? I have no clue. Innocence is gone so fast......

What, I'm Weird?

So, I've been trying to think of 6 weird things about me. Anne had tagged me days ago and I've been racking my brain. I'm sure there are thousands and I'm just used to them. Apparently Jim is also used to them because he couldn't think of anything either!

1. I don't eat cheese. But I do eat some cheese. I especially don't like Veleeta but I'll eat Rotel made with Velveeta. I can't stand Feta, ever. When I see someone on the Food network at a cheese shop, I don't get it. I'm especially grossed out by cheese in a casserole. That's why I don't love Home Cooking mag, every recipe has cheese in it.
2. I get up when the alarm goes off. I think it's weird to hit the snooze. Why not just sleep 9 more minutes?
3. I have to have on mascara. And if I'm putting on mascara, I'm curling my eyelashes. I can crawl out of the bed and go to the pool but, only after I put on mascara.
4. I'm cold in the winter and hot in the summer. People always assume that I'm hot-natured (in the summer) and then in the winter they assume I'm cold-natured. Nope, I'm just weird.
5. I always read before going to sleep. It can be most anything but I usually have a book I'm reading. Magazines are good, too.
6. I'm fanatical about being on time. I HATE to be late. If I'm supposed to be somewhere at a certain time, I have to be there then! Five minutes early is preferred.

All other odd habits are just that odd. I, too, can make up words with any tune (just ask Tia, my co-teacher.) I remember the lyrics to literally thousands of songs. My kids think I'm a penny-pincher and my husband wishes I was a penny-pincher.

There you are - 6 things you didn't want to know about me. Enjoy your pondering. Oh, and feel free to post your 6 things on your blog or even add to my list in the comments.

Orange Time

Here's Kenny with his new orange belt. He's very proud to have moved on up in the tae kwon do world. He also got a SH TKD shirt and I'm sure you'll be seeing him in it!

Thursday Observations

I took off work on Thursday and these are some observations:

1. Starbucks isn't private. Please don't carry on private conversations on your BlueTooth. I saw (and heard) a guy talking into his computer (I Site?) - he was complaining about an employee. He named the employee and told us all that she was a problem from Day 1! He later moved next to us (yes, he discussed said employee 2 table over and we still could hear) and we were able to see his company's name. I'm thinking of calling this employee so I can get half of the money she can get from her company for talking about her in Starbucks.
2. I saw a lady enrolling someone in Aflac in Starbucks (Starbucks isn't private!) - she was sitting with lots of papers and her lap top was open. In front of the lap top, she had placed a stuffed Aflac duck. It was dressed for the prom. I know I was impressed.
3. At the pedicure place, just be happy they work on your feet. Don't ask for much. There is a serious language barrier. If the one lady who speaks West Texas English is there, you may ask for something special.
4. There are rules to eating your way through Sam's. Go up one side and down the other - don't cross. Walk up and down another aisle so it may appear that you're buying something. Always say "Thank you," of course.
5. You may not go down the hall where the classrooms are until the bell rings at 3:15. Needless to say, there is very important instruction going on at 3:10.

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I've been tagged by Anne to come up with some weirdness about me. I'm not weird. I'm normal. Check back later to see if I can come up with anything.

Prettiest Town I've Ever Seen

I haven't written much about my adopted hometown. I love it! Abilene is just right for me. Maybe a few more stores but how many places do we need to spend money? I love the weather (yes, it's hot that's why we have air conditioning) and the scenery. What scenery? you ask. The beautiful sky that seems to go on forever. The wonderful sunsets that paint unbelievable colors. The gnarled Mesquite trees that hug the ground and grow in such foreign shapes. The cactus that covers the embankments and grows right up against fences.

Yes, Abilene is home to me. I pray I never have to leave it. I could live here the rest of my life.

That doesn't mean it doesn't have it's oddities. It does. I'm going to begin showing you picture of some of the weird things I see around town - cause there's lots of stuff!


This is a picture of a brick that hangs from a tree limb down the street from Thomas Elementary. It's about 2 feet from the ground. It's been there ever since Kenny started school there (I assume before?) and I have no idea its function. Why would you hang a brick from a tree limb? Batting practice?

Weird stuff. More to come.

The Artist

Did you enjoy the video? Follow this link to see more of Greg Olsen's paintings and read his writings on them.

Mary Did You Know - Clay Aiken

Now I'm singing this song all the time. This version done by Clay Aiken is the one they're playing on the radio constantly!

Abbie loves to sing along - how sweet is that?

Funny Stuff, Maynard

I'm afraid if I send you over to a funnier blog, you will all abandon me. (Ok, maybe just a little insecure.) But I must send you over to Antique Mommy. She makes me laugh - often- but today's Wal-Mart story made we laugh until I cried. Check out any Tuna post she's written, too.

Our Word For The Day

Caution: Girly Stuff Ahead

So, are you wondering what happened to the happy-go-lucky gal you've known and loved for almost a year? Where did that writer go that's always so funny even when she's fussing about her kids? Where's the humor, dadgum it!

Some of you know that my sweet hubby is working evening during the cotton season and we don't get to see him much. He typically works 10 hour days, 6 days a week. (I'll NEVER understand how single moms do it) This just leaves me and my two little ones to battle it out until bedtime. (I am currently in battle with Kenny over Bible Bowl homework.) Making every decision and inflicting every punishment (I mean administering all the discipline) wears me out.

I'm also convinced that my hormones are bottoming out and not jumping up into the happy zone like they're supposed to do. Our word for the day is Perimenopause. I'm pretty sure I'm living in Perimenopause and it's fun quotient is very low. I'm sleepy alot and down-in-the-dumps alot. I want to eat but only junk (NO Little Debbies may enter my house!) Mostly I want to lay in my bed with the covers over my head and wait until Jim rescues me. Poor Jim.

So, don't forsake me dear readers and friends. This too shall pass. The Shift Change will come along in its own time. God will provide.

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What happened on Wednesday? I dyed my hair - good bye grey roots - and Sisterly Shine came over to clean my house. They were even allowed in my bathroom and bedroom (I tried to stop them) and I can now see the top of my dresser. It's a lovely shade of brown. Laughing together is the best medicine and we did plenty of that.

Just a Little Trip

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Just a quick note! Tonight I found out I've been published on Heartlight, again. WooHoo! I hurried home to check my site meter - I just knew my incredible writing had lured many new readers to my humble blog. Yeah. Sure.

The article isn't linked to here. Typical. I'm all worried that my last depressing post was the first one folks would see and NO. God just wants me to be humble and thankful for yall - not looking over your shoulder at who's behind yall.

I'll write a follow-up to the last post soon. Let's just say I'm trying to make it to the Shift Change.

The Pit

Last Friday Abbie was invited to a birthday party at the Gymnastics Sports Center and both of my children had the best time playing. They stayed at the foam pit almost the entire time. (The foam pit is a large area for the gymnasts to land in when they run and jump.) Well, yall know I had to give it a try. It just looked like something I should get into to - so I did. It was very hard to get out for such a short landing. Kristi took some very incriminating video of me trying to get out (use your imagination.)

Lately that's how I've been feeling - like I'm stuck in that foam pit and can't crawl out. That foam pit is like my messy house, unpaid bills, Christmas decorating, Christmas shopping, the eternal laundry, and the stench in the broken disposal. It's the putting the kids to bed, making sure Kenny's done his Bible Bowl homework, loading the dishwasher, raking the leaves (worrying about raking the leaves,) fighting with Abbie over wardrobe choices, and trying to figure out what my father-in-law wants for Christmas.

Sorry if this is a little too honest for ya. I know some of you drop by here for a laugh and some of you haven't ever met me. But life is too short to pretend perfection and I'm too old to not show my wrinkles and warts (okay, the stretch marks are hidden.)

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU! BY MARIAH CAREY

I cant' get this song outta my head! I watched the movie "Love Actually" the other night and this song is featured in it. (I just found out that's it's Mariah)

May it get you in the mood for Christmas (or somthing else!)

Things We Do For Love

One song that I hate to hear and sing: Blue Skies and Rainbows

One song that my 4-year-old was singing in her bed and I sang with her: Blue Skies and Rainbows

It was worth it for the big smile on her face.

More Snow Day

How I kept warm on a cold Thursday night.

One more thing about a snow day: those d-a-m Yankees make me crazy! They're always on the news saying, "This is nothing. Where I come from we're used to alot more snow. It's no big deal." Well, do you want all us Southerners on the roads attempting to drive?!? The police are telling us to stay home! We are law-abiding citizens - we stayed home. So there.

Snow Day

Here's the front of the house this morning. Not that much snow but enough to stay home! Note the beautiful lights - my sweet hubby puts them up every year. Drive by - they look great!
Kenny thought "snow" meant "snowball" and proceeded to make them and throw them at Abbie. We went into the front yard at about 11:00 and the wind was sooo cold - I sent them to the back. Yes, the wind chill was 11*.

Now, to Abbie "snow" meant "snow angel." If you look closely (and squint) you can see the snow angel she made. On the concrete. Go figure.
My little snow angel.

Oops.....

I broke the cardinal rule of a snow day. Don't run out of milk or bread. It was milk. $2.99 at United. Check back for pictures of my rowdy kids in the "snow."

Go to this link to vote for your favorite NFL team (Cowboys, right?) and in doing so get some free soup to the food bank in Dallas.

Molly, An American Girl

Okay, so last night I watched Molly, An American Girl on the Home Front with the kids. What a great old-fashioned movie! I want to recommend it to everyone who has kids who like to watch TV. It's based on Molly, from the American Girl books, who lives during World War II. She lives in a small town in Illinois and dreams of being "Miss Victory" for her elementary school production. She deals with jealousy, loss, making new friends, and improving her work ethic all in 90 minutes. This is a movie like we all remember watching when we got to stay home from church on Sunday night and see the Wonderful World of Disney (once in a blue moon.)

I should tell you that Kenny liked it, too. It had alot of history in it - which, of course, he liked. I couldn't convince him to check one of the American Girl books out of the library though. He commented on how "respectful" all the students were in Molly's class. They have it on sale Tuesday at Target and click here to see a teaser.

Mean Mama

I read this article about young kids growing into teenagers too quickly. I know you'll join me in setting limits on our children - so they can be children! We can work together to be the mean parents that everybody hates - I'm not out to be my kid's friend, that's why I have yall.

Get Cookin

I thought I'd do something a little different and post a recipe! I'll put it on the Recipe Blog, too. This is really good especially for the cold (it'll get there!) weather.

Cowboy Pot Roast

1 1/2 t. salt, divided
1 1/2 t. pepper, divided
1 (14.5 oz) can petite-cut diced tomatoes, drained
1 can Rotel
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 T. chili powder
1 (2 1/2 to 3 lb) eye of round roast, trimmed (I use what was on sale!)
2 T. veggie oil
2 cans of Pinto beans, drained
1 can of Black beans, drained

Combine 1 t. salt, 1 t. pepper, and next 4 ingredients in bowl.
Sprinkle reast evenly w/remaining salt and pepper. Brown roast on all sides in hot oil. Transfer roast to a crock pot. Pour tomatoe mixture over roast. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours.
Remove roast from the slow cooker and cut into large chunks; keep warm
Skim the fat from the crock pot. Mash 1 1/2 cans pinto beans and add to the crock pot. Stir in black beans and remaining pintos. Add the roast pieces back to the crock pot; cover and cook on HIGH 20 to 25 more minutes. Top w/jalapenos, if desired.

Now add some cornbread - if ya know what's good for ya!

Thanksgiving Thanks

Whew, keep up!

Monday, November 20 - Thanks, Sarah, for taking my kids so I could go to Bunco! Sarah came up with the idea that she and I trade off babysitting. Our kids seem to like each other and we like each other's kids - ideal situation.

Tuesday, November 21 - I'm thankful the Jim is staying well enough. He's fighting a cold but he can stilll go to work. This time of year - it's important that's he's there. Just ask him.

Wednesday, November 22 - Thanks for a little peace and quiet. The kids went to Mimi's and made turkey cookies and Jim went to work. I was alone for 2 glorious hours. Sometimes Mommy needs to be alone!

Thursday, November 23 - Thank you, Father, for all the blessings I have. Thank you for the food that we eat everyday. Thank you for my wonderful husband and children - they have enriched my life in ways I could never have known. Thank you for the friends I have all over the country. Thank you so much for our church home. Mostly, Father, thank you for Jesus - without Him I'd be without hope or a future.

Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5, New International Version

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Well, I always make the stuffing and I certainly eat enough to BE stuffing......

What Now?

I've started working on a new project, that already had several participants, and I feel like it could be run better. The managers seem scattered and unaware of the discontentment flying around them. Being that I'm a rookie, I'm trying to get some of the older members to speak up but they are unwilling to hurt feelings. Do I keep my mouth shut? Do I try to smooth over older member's feelings? Do I stand up and be counted? I could use a little Godly advice here.

BTW, if you know what I'm talking about, please don't out it here on the blog.

Get Yours Now!

Okay two posts in one hour may be too many but this made me laugh out loud...... This site gave me my own movie line!

You talking to Denise?

That's kind of the way I've been feeling lately but right now I'm laughing!!

Weekend Blessings

Saturday, November 18 - Thanks to Riley for inviting Kenny to his birthday party! It was fun for Kenny to go play at the park and fun for mom to take a nap!

Sunday, November 19 - I'm thankful that Jim and I got to go with our kids to the nursing home. Due to scheduling problems, Jim and I were at a loss last night about what to do at 6:00. Both of our classes were cancelled and the kids were doing this great service project with the other Sunday night kids. We didn't want them to miss soooo, we tagged along. It was great for the little old ladies to see Southern Hills kids and it gave Jim and I the opportunity to teach our kids about kindness and caring for the elderly. You should hear those little kids sing Shout Hallelujah!

WAR EAGLE!

You know you've ben gone from Alabama too long when you don't know the day of The Game. I just read that today is the Alabama-Auburn game and I can only hope it's on TV. In my home state, everybody knows which channel it's on, what time it comes on, who they'll be watching it with, and what they're eating. College football doesn't get any better than this, let me tell ya!

Funny memory: Before Jim and I were dating, I invited him to Candace's house (Auburn grad) to watch the game. It was full of Tiger fans (the Bama folks were at someone else's house) and we were yelling and jumping and having a great time watching the game. Jim fell asleep on the floor off to the side! It was then I began to understand what working at night means to a body.

Thankful Catch-Up

Tuesday, November 14 - I'm thankful that Kenny got to go to Safety City. It's the highlight of all 3rd graders here in Abilene and I was concerned that he might get sick. It seems that he always gets sick on his birthday or when something exciting is going on at school.

Wednesday, November 15 - I'm so thankful for my Manna and More team! They always show up and cook their little hearts out! We all have fun doing it, too. I never have to worry that that day will be dull.

Thursday, November 16 - I've said before that putting the kids down to nap at school is the hardest part of my job. It just isn't easy. Thank you, Holly, for being in there with us every time to help us take care the the toughest one. It would take us forever if you weren't there all the time.

Friday, November 17 - Thanks to Rosie who always does a great job. Rosie won't read this - she doesn't blog - but she cuts my hair. She's terrific! She's an excellent colorist, too. She has a wonderful smile and she ain't that expensive.

The Rest of the Story

I've been trying to formula this in my head and it isn't coming together. Probably because I was a walking, talking numb person at the time - so bear with me.

When the doctor came out of delivery, it was the neonataligist carrying Kenny. This was Jim's introduction in the the world of the NICU. All NICUs are different and have different rules about weight, size, treatment, etc. This was our experience at St. Vincent's in Birmingham, Alabama. Our NICU was pronounce N-I-C-U - I know it's become popular to prononunce it Nick-u but ours wasn't that way. Jim was able to see Kenny when the doctor stopped to show him to Jim and pretty quickly in the NICU itself. Kenny started out on a c-pap for breathing (prongs in his nose,) an IV for glucose (no formula yet,) and small white eye shields (called goggles) to protect his eyes from the billi-light. He also had a gold heart placed on his heart to measure his heart rate. He was placed on an open bed (the tall bed you always see on TV) and usually just had a diaper placed around him. They didn't try to tape it up. The diapers were weighed when change to measure just how much was going in and out. Jim had to wash his hands thoughly (there were instuctions) and couldn't pick him up. Premies like a firm touch and we were asked to only touch him on his trunk, not legs or arms.

Because my blood pressure was still so high I wasn't allowed out of my room for 2 days. I remember lots of people coming to see me and my blood pressure going though the roof. I felt fine but the nurse would only let one person in at a time. I slept alot and the blood pressure cuff would inflate (and wake my up) every 30 minutes. So I would wake up n the middle of the night and ask about Kenny - Jim would tell me he was fine. I would ask Jim to go check on him and by the time Jim got back I'd be asleep! Jim knew all the nurses - roll the clock. When I was finally allowed to go to a room on the floor, I was able to see Kenny. We still couldn't pick him up. The premies had to be 1600 grams (Kenny's birth weight) and we had to wait for him to get that big. Only JIm and I were allowed to touch him and only 2 people could be at a bed at one time. By the time I got to see him, the goggles were gone (but the velcro patches on the side of his head remained) and he was off the vent.

Funny thing: I was still VERY hot. It turned cold and my mom had come to see me. I was on the floor and I had my own room. She was talking to me and I said to her to take off her coat and stay awhile. She had on her heavy winter coat! She told me it was freezing in my room. Now it was 40 outside and I still had the A/C on 50! I was shocked at how hot it was in the hallway.

Kenny quickly moved to a isolette and I was able to hold him for the first time 5 days after his birth. We could hold him for 20 minutes at a time so Jim didn't get a chance until 8 days after his birth. We learned about "kangaroo care" - the baby is held up against the skin. I did it behind a screen or out in the open. Yall know how good it feels to have a baby right up against you! He was taking formula through a feeding tube - his first bottle was given at 10 days old. We were told (more than once) that he wasn't supposed to be here until the end of December - so don't look for him to come home until the end of December.

I left the hospital 4 days after his birth and cried all the way home. It's horrible to leave your helpless baby with someone else! After awhile, I would go in the morning and be with Kenny until the shift change at abut 3:00. Then Jim would come home from work, we would eat something quickly, and we would both go to the hospital until about 10:00. We saw some parents that lived far away and weren't able to see their child every day. I wanted to take care of those kids, too. I was told to call anytime I wanted to to check on him. I remember calling one night at abut 3:00 and the nurse was wonderful! She remembered seeing Jim and checked on Kenny right away and gave me a report. I felt confident in their care but I wanted him home!

Kenny's heart would have bradycardia - his heart would get dangerously slow and he could turn blue. The policy was he had to go 10 days without a brady before he could go home. He would never quite make 10 days. I pumped the entire time and I was given a private room to try to nurse him. He wouldn't latch on (later, at home, he did and nursed for about 9 months) but we sure tried. I would pump, freeze the milk, take it to the hospital, and they would give it to him when neither of us was there.

It was the week of Christmas and surely, he would come home! My in-laws came from Abilene - thinking he would come home that week. He had been in the hospital for 7 weeks! Then he contracted RSV. Kenny was immediatly put into isolation. We weren't at the hospital (it was night) but the doctor called us to tell us. He was back on an open bed, face down with lots of IVs that he was trying to pull out whenever he was awake. I would just pat his bottom to put him back to sleep. That first day, I thought him might die - Jim didn't. He looked very sick and had his own nurse - all to himself. It was awful for me. We were there the next day with Mimi and Pop and his vein (?) had collasped again. The antibotics were tough on them and they kept finding new places to put the IV. We were asked to wait outside while 3 or 4 nurses tried to find a vein. We could hear him screaming and Jim and I just prayed. I had to walk down the hall so I couldn't hear it anymore. It was a memorable Christmas.

This was a dark time for me. Margaret was in the hospital down the street and I thought she was dying, too. No one wanted me to know just how sick she was but her heart wasn't doing well. It wasn't long after this that she got a kidney from her brother - it's still working well, praise God. One of the women I didn't know well at church told me that she couldn't sleep the night before and was praying for Kenny then. I was asleep. I'm so thankful others were taking care of us then.

After the RSV, he had reached his due date. He weighted less than 7 lbs and I guess they felt like "Get this kid out of our NICU!" He was 8 weeks old and allowed to come home. He had a heart monitor that he wore all the time (wires around his chest) and we had to have infant CPR. January 7 Homecoming.

Sorry this has been so long - I hope you had lots of coffee with our story. We praise God that He allowed us to have our 9-year-old and that our story can help others. I have since visited others that I don't know whose babies had to go to the NICU. (Buy them some parking passes) I really just wanted all my Texas friends to know that God can carry us even when we can't even think about anything but making it to shift change.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

"Waste Not, Want Not!"

Willard Tresler, Margaret's dad, passed away on Novemeber 14, 2006. This is the email I got from Margaret:

No more diabetes, cancer, high prices, or traffic....We are full of sorrow at our loss, but rejoicing that Dad is healed and HOME in the land of cloudless day.
Love and thanks to everyone,
Margaret, John, and Jeane

This was one funny (without intending to be) man. I admired his service to our country (Ret. Air Force,) the love he had for his wife, Jeane, and the love he had for his children. He was blessed with 2 grandchildren before he died (holding one of them.) Join me today in prayer for his family.

Aside: Ask me about "Waste not, want not."

A Teaser

Kenneth Joel Waldrop

November 11, 1997

3 lbs 8 oz

16 inches long

Picture taken the first time Mom held him at 5 days old.

In All Things Give Thanks

Sunday, November 12 - I'm so thankful to be able to sing on the Praise Team! This is new for me and still scary but it was wonderful on Sunday. I've not joined for the three years we've been here because I was nervous about it but it truly is a gift to me. To be able to sing with others is always great - even rehearsal on Sunday night makes my night. Thanks, Father, for this talent.

Monday, November 13 - I'm thankful that my sweet sister-in-law, Kathy, always remembers my kid's birthdays. Kenny was so excited to get something in the mail for his birthday - he tore the card. Like he hadn't gotten anything else!

Kenny's Birth - Part Two

As promised....

When we arrived at the OB's office we had to wait - I remember pacing the floor because I was uncomfortable and nervous. They did the routine (for me) blood draw, tinkle in a cup, and get hooked up to the fetal monitor. I would sit in a recliner and they would check on Kenny (Peanut, at the time.) I had this done this 2 or 3 times already. The doctor came in and checked on the monitor strip.

Let me take this time to tell you about my doctor. Dr. Jimmy Sparks wore beautiful tassel loafers with his scrubs. Or he had on his nicely startched lab coat with his name over the pocket. He was always professional and yet caring. I was never uncomfortable with him! I have since decided that he spoiled me for every other OB/GYN. None have been able to compare or be as wonderful. One in Arkansas failed miserably and paid the price by me changing doctors - quickly.

Sooooo, Dr. Sparks decided to prescibe me an antiacid and sent me home. Kenny looked fine - I was only 33 weeks. Go home and lie on your left side - same old, same old. Then one of the nurses came in with my chart, "Wait, there's protein in your urine. I'm sending you over to the hospital." NOW!? Ok. One of the other nurses (yes, there were many! I'm talking wonderful practice!) took me, in a wheelchair, over to the hospital. They were within the same city block by we traveled up and down and past the kitchen. It was strange and surreal. I was installed in Room 3, which I later learned was for high- risk pregnacies, and hooked up to an IV.

I still didn't get it. I knew I was high-risk (at 35) but I expected everything to be fine. Maybe we just couldn't anticipate it because we had no previous experence. I don't know.

I was filled up with magnesium and got really hot! The inside of my mouth was warm - it was weird. I had the A/C turned down to 50 and I was still hot. Jim will tell you it was freezing in my rooms for the next week! About 5 days after Kenny was born it turned cold out and my mom came to visit me and Kenny. She had on her big coat and I told her to take her coat off - we're inside. She told me it was cold in my room and she'd leave it on, thank you. Jim went to move the car and get the telephone numbers and I called Margaret. She worked downtown and I couldn't believe how fast she got there! The (wonderful) doctor came in and told me I would be delivering this baby today while she was with me. But I'm only 33 weeks and I'm not having any contractions - how can I deliver? It didn't matter - it was him come out or me get sicker.

I was sick. My blood wouldn't clot - a sign that my liver wasn't functioning well. My blood pressure was high - a sign that my arterties may close up and cause a stroke. I remember lots of people from my parent's church coming and offering prayer. I remember my mom and dad being there. I remember that Jim didn't go into the operating room with me. I was given general anaesthesia - so I had to go it alone. I was cold, lonely, and waiting for a second doctor in the OR. I was too drugged or freaked out to cry.

When I woke up, my mom was there and the first thing I said was "Is he okay?" My mom assured me he was and I started to pester her. "But is he ok?" "Yes, he's fine." "Is he retared?" (I was worried about that thoughout my pregnacy - I was 35.) "No, he's fine." "But is he Down's?!?" My mom told the nurse that I worked with retarded kids - that should explain everything.

Sorry so long. If you've made it this far, come back and read about the NICU, open beds, IVs for premies, etc.

Edited to add: I should have said "special needs kids." I was never that insensitive when I worked with that population! Just coming out of anaesthesia is one thing - now is another!

More Thanks

Friday, November 10 - I'm thankful that I can go to the doctor. I know lots of people can't afford it or don't have insurance. I'm glad that Jim is waiting at home with our children so he can take care of me.

Saturday, November 11 - Thank you, Father, for my son. My Mom and Dad thank you that I'm "paying for my raising." I can't imagine life without him. I think I'll record his birth story on his birthday.

Kenny's Birth - Part 1

As promised a little story about a not-so-little boy.....

Jim and I had been married two years and decided it was time to get pregnant. It didn't take long and we saw no reason why it wouldn't go along without a hitch! Things did go well - I craved lime (which translated to Tex-Mex in Bham) and slept alot. My blood pressure started going up in about my 6th month - I had lots of doctor visits and they drew blood every time. I have since lived in other towns that didn't have the lab right the office and I've learned what a blessing that was. I had more frequent visits that all the other mommies - the doctor was watching my blood pressure.

Just to let you know - I wasn't worried. I remember telling someone later that I had 5 sonograms and they were surprised. She told me she would have been worried! I just didn't know any better.

At about 32 weeks, the doctor put me on partial bedrest. This meant alot of time on my left side (I thought I'd lose my mind trying to sleep on my left side!) and watching TV. Mimi came to visit and attend my baby showers. We went to the mall and she made me use a wheelchair! I felt fine! I didn't need a wheelchair! It seems so silly.

One night while Jim was at work (he went in at midnight,) I started to have the worst indigestion. I got up and took some antacids and tried to go to sleep but I just couldn't. I tossed and turned and finally got up and lay on the couch. None of this is out of the ordinary for an expecting mom and I was watching for the pain under ribs that would signal a preeclampsia problem.

Jim came home early (about 6:30) and we called the doctor. I had an appointment that day at 10:00 but he told me to come in at 8:00. Jim woke up Mimi and told her we had to go! At this point I was ready to get something, anything in me that would help so I couldn't believe it that Mimi was taking a shower! I wasn't taking a shower! Mimi has since told me that she had no idea when she would get to shower again.

Off we went to downtown Birmingham....

Thanks

Wednesday, November 8 - Maybe this is a little too easy cause I'm thankful for Manna & More. Our Wednesday night meal means I don't have to cook and the kids get to hang with their friends. Abbie had so much fun with Madilyn and it's sweet to hear them giggling together.

Thursday, November 9 - Thank you, God, for just one dirty diaper! Just one doesn't happen very often and changing diapers is something I stopped doing 18 months ago - Praise God!

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I've been inspired by Shannon to write out Kenny's birth story. (It has become apparent that I have no original thought.) Tomorrow is his 9th birthday and I'll try to post later the long story.

I Love the Island

OH MY STARS!! Did anyone else watch LOST!! Please, please, tell me that someone watched that show and wants to talk about it as bad as I do! Why, for the love of all things good and holy, are they making us wait until Feburary until there's more?!

Governor Grandma

Monday, November 6 - I'm thankful for antibiotics. Can you imagine our lives without them? Abbie has strep throat and think how hard it would be to get rid of if she couldn't just get a shot!

Tuesday, November 7 - My in-laws! Today I went to work and left my daughter at her Mimi's. Abbie and Mimi are both happy about spending the day together and napping together, too. One more thing, check out Sarah's blog for her thankful reminders.....

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I'm surprised to find myself voting for an Independent (My governor is a Jewish cowboy - not really, she's One Tough Grandma!) and a Democrat. Texas politics sure are interesting, yall.

Forgiveness

I usually don't watch the news on TV - I get most of my news from the computer. I've been thinking alot about this evangelical guy, Ted Haggard. I hadn't heard of him before the story broke of his infidelity and drug use. So, his story wasn't personal to me but I have been thinking about it . What is our response to brothers and sisters that walk (we do go willing) into such public sin? How much do we forgive? Is it harder to forgive someone who leads us? Do we even have a right to judge his (or someone in our own church family's) sincerity? Do we trust our shepherds to spiritually discern someone else's heart?

This could be anyone sitting in our pews or standing on our stages on Sunday morning. The most impressive thing I saw in the news was Mr. Haggard's willingness to submit to his own shepherds. Go here to see his letter to his church family. I also agree with this guy regarding charismatic leadership. Being the kind of person who LOVES to be in front of people and perform - I completely understand understand the temptation to do whatever it takes to stay there.

I'm all about forgiveness and the grace of God - without it I could look forward to an everlasting fire. I pray for this man and his family. I pray, too, for all of us to understand what it took for Jesus to give His life with the Father for all of us.

Thanks

Well, in keeping with my Month of Thanksgiving -

Saturday, Nov 4 - I'm just thankful for a Saturday. They are always so laid back and easy. The kids and I went to Clyde Pizza House for Shepherding Group and got to hang with some of our favorite people.

Sunday, Nov 5 - Is it too easy to be thankful for my church? I've shared before how much I love it! I'm also thankful for the sermon this morning. Phil taught about worshipping all the time - it isn't just what we do on Sunday morning in the building!

Make my life a holy praise unto you.

Good Ole Rocky Top

Well, since Amy brought it up.....

Amy grew up in Henderson, Tennessee - yup, home of Freed-Hardeman University. It's a VERY small town and we went with her to visit one time. I remember it being beautiful (was it the fall or spring?) and her parent's house was fun, too. There was still a poster that Amy had made in the 3rd (?) grade on the stairwell going upstairs. (It was something about household safety - be sure to read the comments to see what Amy tells us it said.) There was a great upstairs and Amy's room had eaves - I loved it! Maybe it even rained - very romantic.

Being a small town, Amy's dad knew everybody, including the guy who owned one of the BBQ restaurants. Restaurants is a nice word, in this instance, for joint. Us twentysomething girls walk into a place that the Health Department forgot and are welcomed into the kitchen. Mr. Clifford wants us to see how they cook the pork BBQ. Apparently, in East Tennessee, it has to be pulled pork. More to come... Now, in the south PORK is the only kind of BBQ there is! Jim was the first person I had ever seen eat beef BBQ! YUCK! Dry and, well, just dry. Back home we chose inside or outside meat - sliced or chopped and it ALL had BBQ sauce. Even now I don't understand how people eat it without BBQ sauce.

Ya know, the secret's in the sauce...

But anyway, off we went into the kitchen and then through the kitchen! We went outside to the little shed where they actually cooked the pork! I had never seen this before. Where the meat gets cooked! Wellllll...... There were two long wire racks about two feet off the floor that ran the length of the shed - maybe 6 feet. They were on either side of the shed at a 90* angle. Laid out on the racks - more like grates - were two halves of one pig. Like the big guy had been sliced lengthwise and laid out! Alright then.....

But wait, there's more. More than a big pig cooking, you ask! Yep, there's a big guy, that didn't graduate from high school and had eaten more that his share of pork, pulling meat off the pig in strings! I think it was off his shoulder - the pig's, I mean. This young man was working and sweating in that little shed so all the residents of Henderson could have BBQ that day. Oh yeah, he was sweating. It was dropping off the end of his nose onto the pig! Big drops adding salt to the mix. I can still see it. It was disgusting to say the least.

Mr. Clifford was nice enough to buy a quart for us to have at home. Just in case we needed a snack.

We abstained.

November is Thankful Month

So my new blogger buddy, Melene, had a great idea that I'm going to horn in on. Every day this month I'll post on thankfulness - there's something to be thankful for everyday! I'll catch up today....

November 1 - Jim and I got to spend some time together and Abbie spent the night at Mimi's house.

November 2 - There was less crying at school today! My children are continuing to be good at night. With Jim working evenings, there's MUCH potential for too much drama and the kids are really trying to get along.

November 3 - I had the best time time at the Style Show with my girlfriends! We laughed and shopped and played. These women always make me smile.

A Little Grin

Our cousin, Bette, a plump fluffy woman from Arkansas, made herself a sandwich out of a scone, raspberry jam, and clotted cream, and told me all about her prize-winning chickens, Silver Laced Wyandottes and Buff Orpingtons. She had a way of catching her breath in little gasps and rushing on after each pause to prevent her listener from getting in a word that might divert the conversation from the subject of poultry.

Sleeping at the Starlite Motel by Bailey White

Don't ya just know someone like this?

Tootsie Roll, Anyone?

It's taken me all day but FINALLY Blogger has allowed me to upload! Hooray! These are my two Trick or Treaters - aren't they cute?! Kenny is Slim from the Hank the Cowdog books and Abbie is Sandy from the beginning of the movie. If you asked her, that's what she'd tell you. Mimi thought Kenny looked like Jim, too but I couldn't see it.

Abbie and I both wore our costumes all day at school and she got lots of candy there. Last night we went to Trunk or Treat at SHCC, where they both got more candy. I'll be sneaking it into the trash (especially Abbie's) for the next month or so. I decided that kids just LOVE this holiday and it should be about them. There was much screaming and running like someone was giving away $100 bills instead of Tootsie Rolls.

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Thanks for the comments on the previous post. More than anything I want to see my kids follow the way of the Lord and it's hard to see how to make that happen sometimes. I long for it to be more than checking off church attendence. Prayer, prayer, prayer......

The Community Front Porch

If you're a Southern Hills member, then you know all about our new vision statement. It is pretty exciting - our staff seems VERY excited. I'm not making fun of anyone and I'm happy to be part of a church that cares about moving forward.

I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Philippians 3:14

There's something to be said for having a goal. That being said - Donnie hit on the one thing that's been on my mind, yesterday, in our class. Our kids.

Kenny went to a birthday party on Saturday of one of his classmates - Jesus. Jesus (pronounced Hey-zeus) lives just around the corner from us and Kenny told me he was one of his good friends. So, off I went to get the Target gift card, and he and I walked to the party. Yep, it was different. There wasn't a cake or presents to open but there was a bounce house. I left him there worried about supervision. Kenny reported that he was glad he had gone to the party and had fun.

This is the heart of the missional church. Being in the community, being friends with our neighbors, being part of THEIR lives not waiting for them to walk in the big, beautiful building we've built. (Feel free to correct me if you know more than me - I know lots of you do.) For me, the grown-up, mature Christian, I can be Christ to the unchurched and still have a strong walk with Christ. But what about my children? They are babies in Christ, in maturity, in their emotions. I don't want to see them hurt or corrupted (Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." I Cor. 15:33.) I know that we all want to protect our children and I know that we want them to be God's people.

So, what do we do? How much is too much for our kids and how much isn't enough? How do I teach that unchurched isn't horrible just unchurched (maybe even seeking.) What happens when they get dirty?

I Have A Strong, A Perfect Plea

Before The Throne Of God

Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea A great High Priest whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me
When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me
Before the throne of God, I come Before the throne of God, I come

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb my perfect spotless righteousness The great unchangeable I Am, the King of glory and of grace
My name is graven on His hands My name is written on His heart I know that while in Heaven, He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart
One with Himself I cannot die My soul is purchased with His blood My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God With Christ my Savior and my God

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This is one of my favorite songs that we sing. I love the theology taught and the beauty of the imagery. It touches me every time. One friend said she liked to sing songs "that made me do this" and she raised her hand. I like songs that can transport me the throne room of God - take me to the place where Isaiah stood.

Listen if you like My Rhapsody Playlist

It's In The Bag

Which is worse?
a) Going to the grocery store?
b) Paying at the grocery store?
c) Taking the groceries into the house?

Hard to decide?

Wednesday Ramblings

I know, I know - I'm posting! These are things that have been on my mind lately....

I'm in awe of anyone who understands how a computer works. Lately someone said "It's the server," when I mentioned a problem. What's a server? Of course, I don't understand TVs or electricity either.

When you tell me that your child wouldn't let you do something when they were an infant, I think you weren't in control of your infant.

Cooking for Manna & More is fun but alot of work and worry. The ladies (and sometimes gentlemen) make fun. Being able to tell somebody else what I cooked is fun, too.

I saw a show with a Playboy bunny and her mom. I can't imagine teaching your daughter that that lifestyle is okay. It occurred to me that it would be easier to teach that lifestyle than a Godly one. Any time Abbie wanted to wear a bikini, it would be okay. Any belly baring (in style) shirt Abbie wanted, is okay. All the glitter and flash that she loves would be okay. Bigger and bleachier is okay.

Halloween is fun but how many costumes can one child choose?!? Yes, I've outlawed witches, vampires, Grim Reapers, and monsters at my house. Abbie would love a glittery, flashy witch costume but I tell her no. She going to be Sandy with a poodle skirt, she says. You are supposed to understand that she's not Sandy at the end of the movie.

Spencer's (I will not provide a link!) is disgusting! I was looking for a beard for Kenny and I was sooooo happy Abbie couldn't read.

I really missed sewing. I made myself a poodle skirt and it was great fun! The fabric and thread feel good again.


I'm sure there's more but that's all for now.......

Hey, Hey, Hey Goodbye

Now, on to the Homecoming Football game! this is Abbie in the 3rd quarter - she fell asleep. All that back patting at YCW came in handy!
I'm not sure about this smile. I've said before that Kenny is fascinated by all things Asian - maybe this is an attempt to get some Chinese food. I've given up on trying to match his clothing. It's a free-for-all!

Here's Abbie with Joel. Joel came to visit for Homecoming and Doc Dubose's retirement celebration. Joel was Jim's roommate in college and the Best Man at our wedding. Kenny's middle name is Joel in his honor (and the minor prophet in the Bible!)



Other Interesting Stuff From the Game -

• It's the most integrated function in Abilene. There were more black faces there than any other place I go in town. I hope that doesn't sound racist - it was interesting.
• It was packed but I didn't see a sea of purple. Any game on TV has a sea of color - not this one.
• Where were the shakers??!! Again, most college games (well, SEC) have TONS of shakers! Not so here there were just a few. Also, for future reference, shakers go back and forth, back and forth, not side to side.
• The Big Purple (band) did a spy theme ( Kenny named it) and my kids loved it. The funniest thing was the flags. On the Mission Impossible theme, the flag girls struck poses like with guns. They all ended up on the ground (except the girl in the middle - what was her story?) The funny thing is they have a guy who spins (twirl is inappropriate) a flag and he stood with his arms crossed the entire time. He looked happy when everybody else went to the ground so he could, too.
• Overheard spoken by loud girl: "He's like 80. Really old. I'm thinking 29."
• Also overheard spoken by loud girl: "My neighbor is a real cowboy. You know, with a handlebar mustache and everything. But he looks really old from riding horses and everything." She was sitting next to Joel - big mustache and Wranglers.
• ACU won. All the people around us kept talking about when they were in school and ACU never won and they never went to the games. GO CATS!

The End

I had to include this shot because I like the way the mascot (you can click on any image to see it bigger) is telling us to "GO HOME." I didn't mention that my kids got tons of candy - there were several parade participants giving it away. The cheerleaders - nada.

I'm glad someone understood the nuances surrounding the floats. Sarah put the explanations in the comments section of the previous post. Be sure to read it - you will gain invaluable insights.
Note to self: Stand by the Stirmans at next year's parade.

Be sure to come back later for the "rest of the story."

Homecoming Saturday

Yall know I LOVE parades! The ACU Homecoming parade is no exception. The students do lots of funny stuff - especially the girl's clubs. ( Clubs facinate me. There's so much there to explore.)
These girls all had on pajamas. The one on the float had on Superman pjs. I just thought they were funny!
These were my favorite. They were Dr. Suess girls - a pack of Little CindyLou Whos! Loved them! I thought they had a spiritual meaning (Oh! The Places We'll Go!) but now I'm not sure.

This is Troy driving some cool car. One of the cars in front of him had driven a circle in the intersection - we wanted Troy to do it to! He couldn't hear us telling him to.

These folks are from the Christian Village (Where ACU Retires) and I just wonder who did up their stuff for them. There were two older gentlemen carrying their sign - walking!- in front of them. Several older ladies were handing out ACU paw prints to put on your car antenna - we got three!
I didn't know what this was about but I liked all the purple. The Dr. Pepper sign was turning, too. Impressive.

This is the winning float. I didn't understand it either but, hey, I'm not an alumni.

Torn Between Two Lovers

I've been sick so I'm asking that you talk among yourselves.
Who should Lorilei end up with: Luke or Christopher? Who will she end up with?

While we're on love triangles - what about Kate? Should it be Jack or Sawyer?

Discuss.

Free Indeed

I love my church! This picture was taken 2 weeks ago at our church picnic. That's Abbie and I going down the big inflatable slide. If you're still worshiping where folks make a list and check it twice, get out while you can! Christ saved us for freedom - not checklists!

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Goodnight Ladies

Back when I had my 2nd child, I was determined to have a co-sleeper. Number 1 had slept between Jim and I for 5 months and I really didn't want to roll over on this one. I thought I would sleep better if #2 wasn't in bed with us. So we got a co-sleeper and it was cool! I could nurse her and roll, put her in her own space and not worry about smothering her! I was very happy for a (short) while.

Kenny was quiet in bed with us and moved very little. Abbie, on the other hand, made all kinds of noises! It took very little of these noises to wake me up. I believe that if the Mommy is sleeping - the baby can be anywhere. In Mommy's bed, in baby's crib, on Daddy's chest - whatever works for your family. Well, I wasn't sleeping!

It wasn't long until the sweet baby went in her own crib (across the house) and her monitor had to be turned down L-O-W. When we moved here, Abbie was 16 months and I had to put her monitor outside her door or the noise would keep me awake.

Conclusion: Abbie is a noisy sleeper.

Now come to today - Abbie is 4 and sleeps in her bed with her door closed. She is afraid of the dark and has her closet light on and the door open. It works for our family for now. But lately ( you knew this was coming) she has been coming in our room at night. She has a pallet on the floor and she can just lie down if she likes. She talks. It wakes me up. Last night, after throwing up 3 or 4 times, Jim put her on her pallet. It was fine. She went right to sleep with her dishpan (that thing they give you in the hospital along with the cheap water pitcher) by her side. About 4:30 she screamed/yelled in her sleep, I sat straight up and yelled, too. It didn't wake her up but Jim rolled over. I'm trying to accept this as a small thing.

Conclusion: Abbie isn't ready for any sleep-overs.

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Do people say "pallet" anymore? Do you say "pallet?" Did your grandma?

Baby Got Back

There's a new "Activity Fee" at Young Children's World - it pays for Stretch and Grow. It's some kind of exercise, healthy eating, naming muscle thing that I think Sarah would be interested in.

Abbie came home on Thursday telling us she was sitting on her "Booty Maximus." Not just yet, sweetheart.

Alien song

It's an oldie but a goodie! We need a little disco on a Friday!

Friday Fun Zone

I'm posting two funnys I've been sent lately. Both of these crack me up! Enjoy a smile or a grin today!


The Alabama preacher said to his congregation, "Someone in this
congregation has spread a rumor that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. This is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this.Now, I want the party who did this to stand and ask forgiveness from God
and this Christian family." No one moved. The preacher continued, "Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression." Again all was quiet. Then slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop traffic rose from the third pew. Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, "Reverend there
has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of
the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets." The preacher fainted, and the congregation roared!

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A man walked into a very high-tech bar. As he sat down on a stool henoticed that the bartender was a robot. The robot clicked to attentionand asked, "Sir, what will you have?"
The man thought a moment then replied? "A martini please."The robot clicked a couple of times and mixed the best martini the manhad ever had. The robot then asked, "sir, what is your IQ?
"The man answered "oh, about 164." The robot then proceeded to
discuss the 'theory of relativity', 'inter-stellar space travel', 'the latest
medical break through, etc.......

The man was most impressed. He left the bar but thought he would try adifferent tact. He returned and took a seat. Again the robot clickedand asked what he would have? "A Martini please."& Again it was superb.The robot again asked "what is your IQ sir?"
This time the man answered , "Oh about 100". So the robot starteddiscussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball scores, and what toexpect the Dodgers to do this week end.
The guy had to try it one more time. So he left, returned and took astool.... Again a martini, and the question, "What is your IQ?"??This time the man drawled out " Uh..... bout 50".The robot clicked then leaned close and very slowly asked ,

"A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e g-o-i-n-g t-o n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e H-i-l-l-a-r-y-?????

Just 15 Days

I mentioned the other day that I always liked to have a project to work on and I'm currently without. Blog writing usually doesn't count - it's so easy. It doesn't require too much thought (you're all thinking "Yeah, I've noticed.) So when I read that my old buddy, Amy, was embarking on 15 Days of Creativity - I decided to join up!

I'm not as artsy/crafty as Amy so I've changed up my personal challenge a little. I'm committing to work on a creative project for 30 minutes daily for the next 15 days. I'm excited about picking up my sewing again. I'm ready to see something come from my hands. I'm looking forward to writing something for the Coffee Group site. Maybe I'll try something new! Take some photographs, do some bead thingies at Friendize, try a new cooking technique, plant some flowers - anything to spark some creative juices!

I challenge you to try something creative! Make your own commitment in your own way. I challenge you to post in the comment section for accountability on your commitment (were you listening to Phil yesterday?)

How Beautiful

Last night was one of the sweetest weddings EVER! Jamie and Geoff Carroll are now married and they have truly dedicated themselves to the Lord. They have both been in Israel for Hebrew school (grad school?) and the wedding itself had some interesting Hebrew traditions included in it. I won't go into those here - just ask me when we have time.

I really wanted to tell yall about the purity rings. Both dads did the ceremony and first Jamie's dad talked about the purity ring that her parents had given her. How they had taken her out and given her this ring as a symbol of her promise to purity. Then the dad gave the ring to Geoff. I was so teary. Then Geoff's dad (Mr. Donnie our children's minister) talked about he and Lisa taking Geoff out and giving him a purity ring to remind him of HIS promise to remain pure for his future wife. Then Donnie gave Jamie Geoff's ring. Such a beautiful symbol of commitment to God and their future lives.

What a powerful testimony for all of us (me first) to raise our children with God at the center of their lives. To not bow to the world's view of normal and "okay." To seek God first and to follow His path for their lives.

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psm. 34:11

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This photograph was taken by my very talented friend, Tammy Marcelian and I lifted it off her Photography Blog. Maybe that wasn't nice :-)

Does Anybody Really Care About Time?

I acknowledge that I like to have a current project. I seem to always have something on the front burner that demands my attention. It may be sewing, smocking, writing, speaking, cleaning (ok, NEVER cleaning,) or something I haven't envisioned yet (but I'm excited just thinking about it.) It seems to be my pace.

Last night, while I was working at Dittos for Kiddos, one of my new friends commented that I tired HER out and made HER feel guilty with all my goings. I was surprised that someone would see me as busy. She doesn't even know about Praise Team, Sunday morning class, Beth Moore study, bunko, Abbie's dance class, Abbie's speech class, Kenny's TaeKwonDo class, etc. I'm thinking she doesn't even read my blog and yall know that makes that me sit down and compose thoughts.

If she knew everything I truly do, maybe she would lie down and take a nap.

Sometimes I feel too busy - sometimes I feel that this is the way it's supposed my life SHOULD function. I think about next year without a job (presumably) to go to 2 times a week and how that will be. I'm writing this on Saturday morning without anything to do until this evening and I'm feeling free. Well, I have a pile of laundry, messy kitchen, pile of hand-me-downs to take care of - maybe I should get busy......

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Did anybody recognize the song? Are you going to sing it all day?

Payback is H*ll

I cannot pass this by without a comment! My sweet husband has pulled a groin thingie and is on bedrest. That's not the funny part. One friend said that finally a husband has some issues with HIS private parts since it seems that all the mommies have had problems previously. That's not the funny part. Today dear hubby had to have a sonagram. It was done by a woman. Just think of it as payback for every OB/GYN that said "Scoot down a little bit more."

This post was approved by my dear hubby.

Edited to add: The sonagram showed they are HUGE and made of BRASS! And that he should be up and around soon.

I Was Drunk The Day My Mama Got Outta Prison

Monday 3:05 pm: Riding in the car with Abbie and the radio is on a country station.

First song: "She Ain't Much Fun Since I Stopped Drinking" Abbie asks "Why isn't she any fun anymore?"

Second song: "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" Abbie says "That's a funny song."

Monday 3:12 pm: I turn the station to Christian music.

True Confession #1

I've been outed. It's true - I'm a SciFi fanatic. It started at a young age when the original Star Trek was on and my family always watched it. I have 2 brothers and a dad that controlled the TV so it wasn't long before we all fell in love with the original Battlestar Galacticia. I've always LOVED any time travel movie (Somewhere in Time, for the girls) or book (the Outlander series) and read alot of fantasy (that would include JRR Tolkien) when I was younger. I hit the SciFi channel every day to watch Stargate SG-1 and I've printed a picture of Samantha Carter so Rosie can cut my hair like hers. Any Star Trek on the air - I will watch. Seen 'em all. I was so excited when Phil used the Phage in a sermon over the summer! That's some serious sci fi!

Last night Jim and I watched the season finale of both Stargate SC-1 and Stargate Atlantis and I can't believe they are making us wait to find out what happens in, what, 6 months? All the dedicated fans would have tuned back in anyway! Why make us wait??!! I do have to say that the time traveling Dr. Who has always left me uninterested. I watched the new one last year and it wasn't appealing - too British, maybe?

None the less, life goes on. For me it's going right to Battlestar Galactica! It begins in 2 weeks and I'm beside myself! These are not your daddy's Cylons - these are BAD guys. Or are they? They believe in a god that created them. They have more faith than the humans usually. The humans believe in multiple gods that are fashioned after the gods of Greek mythology. History has shown us that all peoples have a creation mythology - why wouldn't robots? And what happens when robots and people procreate? Because on Battlestar Galactica they are. There's also an interesting contrast between how we do government and they do government. How much is the military in command and who commands it? What about religion in the presidency?

A rather long confession, I know. The link will take me forever but feel free to follow them. I've even put Galactica's webisodes link on here because they have original little tidbits! If you follow the 2nd link it's a 3 minute re-cap so you can join me in my addiction. Have a great weekend and May the Force Be With You.

Best Week Ever

Whew, it's finally Friday! I have lived though the Best Week Ever! I must say that ACU Lectureship was great. Being on the program was great but so was the whole experience. The weather was fantastic and all the people working with the program were so helpful. Tuesday was the best banter day we had. It flowed and rocked at the same time - Donna and I flowed and rocked, too. Tammy hit a home run on Wednesday - there were fewer tears shed than last time. All in all EVERYBODY should hire us for their next Ladies Retreat - we are good! Tammy has already suggested that when we speak at next year's Lectureship (of course they'll want us back!) it will be on "Loving Our Husbands." I'll be doing the portion for people who are grown and hubandless - it will be on living God's plan. It seems to be my recurring theme.

Teaser: So many women are unsure what their guy wants or how to make themselves happy. So many women talk about thier husbands like he's an idiot! How can we make our marriages something God intended? Let's learn from over 70 years of marriage what works for these ladies.

Would you come?

See some pictures on Sarah's blog....

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Abbie's ready for dorm life. She's missing MawMaw and PawPaw and wishing they were here. She said she'd be happy if ALL our family lived in an apartment together. She mentioned Aunt Margaret and Sadie (MiMi's dog) and then all our friends! She's a social butterfly like her Mommy.

Good Day

We did it!!! We actually got up on stage and "did" Coffee Group! I can't believe the first day is in the can! Apparently we weren't loud enough, my dad didn't come because he thought he'd be the only guy, and I was sweating (or glistening, maybe.) Judy and Sarah were GREAT and my mom said she smiled the whole time.

Tommorow Donna and I will stand up and declare that God is faithful. Be in the Fulks Theatre at 9:45 for the grin to get your though your day!

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Sidenote: Kenny just completed his homework and there was NO DRAMA! This includes Bible Bowl - 10 questions! He just told me that all that screaming just made the work take longer! Then he went outside to ride his bike! Let me tell ya, that's a good day.

Bama MawMaw in West Texas

Bama MawMaw: "Denise, how do yall keep your hair from blowing all over the place?"

Me: (laughing) "Mom, it just blows. It just blows." (more ironic laughing)

Top Ten Memories of Harding U

So, some of you out there didn't know I was a Harding girl? I'm one of the few and far between that live in Abilene but didn't go to ACU. There's a handful of us and we look GOOD!

1. Pattie Cobb or Heritage? I did both during my time there - Pattie Cobb did have more of a smell but what can you expect? The place was 40 or 50 years old when I was there.
2. Singing in Pattie Cobb - Pattie Cobb was much looser and had talent night every once in awhile. It was actually my first public solo and my friends were (happily for me) rowdy and in front. I sang "Walking After Midnight" by Patsy Cline and it gave me the confidence to do it again.
3. Hell Week and Rough Night - Did we really call it Hell Week? I'm pretty sure. My class was one of the last to have a TRUE hazing experience. That year somebody didn't wash off the stuff they had painted him with and his parents sued HU. That's when we all learned the phrase in loco parentis. IDIOT! Ruin it everybody, will ya? I personally was sooo nasty when it was over and I continued to find feathers in my hair (from the "tar" and feathers) for weeks afterward.
4. Bible At 8:00 - I was the most naive Freshman EVER!! My first semester I had Bible 5x a week at 8 AM. There was a very strict attendence policy for Bible classes and I had to be there everyday!
5. Fall on Campus - It's the most beautiful campus! Lots of trees that turned beutiful colors in October - just lovely.
6. Spring on Campus - Then in the spring the dogwoods would bloom. They are so gorgeous! There was a huge pink one near the library that I can still see in my mind.
7. Cathcart, Stephens, and New Dorm - I lived in all three and I think I liked Stephens the best. It just fit me. The Dorm Mom was some grumpy woman that thought those rules were the Ten Commandments or something. I would say "Get a life" but it's too obvious. They did rename New Dorm while I was there so I lived in both New Dorm and Sears.
8. Bible 206, Bible207 - Okay, it's hard to believe that this makes the list but it does. My freshman year (ONLY!) two guys would advertise the campus devos during chapel by singing those 2 words over and over. It was always hysterical and we all loved to see them coming on stage. One of those guys was Monte Cox - currently on faculty at HU.
9. Playing softball - I ended up in a jock club. Harding had a very elaborate system so everyone got invited to join a social club. I was accepted into my 2nd choice and it had lots of jock girls in there. I was NEVER a jock. My junior year they put me on the field because I was early to watch the game (insert athletic supporter joke here) and they needed one more person to field a team. I'd never thrown a ball or hit a ball or been on the field - yikes! I walked one and struck out one. My boyfriend taught me to catch after that. I do want to say that I loved my club, Kappa Delta Kappa, and those were some of the best girls to hang with ever.
10. Getting my diploma - I wasn't an outstanding student and I had finally learned to study by my senior year - so I was happy to get out! Cliff Ganus handed me my diploma and my entire family was there - it was a good moment.

It's hard to believe that moment was 20 years ago but it was. This is my reunion year and they don't even have my address anymore. I usually read in alumni magazine that Pop gets (Class of '59) and see if anyone I know is listed. I've run into some people over the years that I went to school with and how can we not be friends? It's a small college and it was a wonderful experience.

Memories, light the corners of my mind Misty watercolored memories of the way we were.....