There's just always been something about our bed...I don't know what it is.
Of course it's special to me and Robbie. No bed has ever slept as good as ours does! The pillows are perfect (all ten of them), the sheets are soft, the cover is just right...it's just heavenly to lie down in after a long day at work or at play.
But we are not the only ones who love that bed. When our children were little, our bed was the one to come to if they were sick or scared -- or if they just woke up and wanted to. Each one was a little different.
Josh, the quiet one, would wake up in the middle of the night and ease into our room. Never one to be loud or disturb anyone, he would ease the cover from under the end of the matress and sneak up into the middle of the bed. We didn't even know he was there until we woke up the next morning! Whenever Josh got sick -- which wasn't often because he always called Nannie and Papa to come get him at the first sign of sickness from any of us-- he wanted our bed. It just made him feel better, he said.
Lauren loved our bed when the storms came -- and she was not quiet about it. Lightning would light up the sky, thunder would roll, and here she came. It didn't matter to her if everyone else was asleep...she had important places to go. We were very aware of her presence; elbows and knees and long hair were everywhere at one time. She didn't stop needing us after she grew up either. When David was working away from home or on the night shift, she was fine as long as it didn't storm. Several times Robbie would try to get her to go ahead and spend the night if a storm was in the forecast, but noooooooo. She would wait and call at 2:00 in the morning --- in the middle of the storm --- and Robbie would put his shoes on, drive down to her house, and bring her back, sometimes to just pile up in our bed and sleep with us.
Robert was never one to sleep well with any of us. He required a LOT of room. I didn't know why Josh was having trouble sleeping (they shared a bed) until I went in one night and noticed the strange shape of the cover. It was then I discovered that Robert was sleeping with a Tonka dump truck and a Ford tractor -- with the plow attached. Poor Josh! He was hanging on for dear life to the very edge of the bed. But when those migraines came on, Robert wanted our bed. He would get right in the middle, cover his head with pillows, ask for the windows to be "darked," and go to sleep. Hours and hours later, he would wake up with no headache. When he had the flu, he thought our bed made him feel better...and I think so, too.
Now we are in a different season of our lives. We don't have small children living here who are scared of storms or noises or sickness. Instead, we have small children visit and spend the night---and they love our bed, too! It's so weird...Carsyn (who rarely takes more than a thirty-minute nap) piles up on our bed and sleeps TWO hours! You should see her...arms thrown up beside her, that little bottom stuck up in the air, fists balled up, and the pacie stuck securely in her mouth. Soooooo sweet!
Grace truly believes she owns an interest in our bed. She has always slept with us, but now that she's bigger and is used to sleeping by herself at home, she takes up more room (her hair requires a pillow of its own). She finds nothing unusual about PopPop sleeping in Lauren's old room so she can have her "Big Bed" time. She goes to sleep better in our bed, sleeps longer in our bed, and is so happy that we don't even consider mentioning that she could sleep on her own bed in Aunt Lala's room.
Dylan, Daniel, and Kaylee spend the night with us about every other weekend. We usually get them on Saturday night and take them home on Sunday afternoon. Kaylee still sleeps in the baby bed, and Dylan and Daniel sleep on the queen sized bed in Lauren's room -- at first. We never know when it's going to happen, but it always does. About 4:30 or so, little feet come through the living room. Dylan is always first, and he always comes to my side of the bed. I help him up, cover him up, and he falls immediately back to sleep. And then Daniel comes. He comes to my side and I lift him up and over Dylan. Daniel usually gets tucked in between me and Robbie...and that's when I become a ZiZi sandwich. They are so sweet...Dylan will reach over in his sleep and rub my face; Daniel will say sleepily, "Scwatch my back, ZiZi." And they sleep so hard that they don't even know I get up to go sleep with Kaylee, who goes right back to sleep when the snuggling begins.
I have heard much advice on the subject of kids on the bed, but not one time that any of our children or grandchildren have come to my bed have I regretted having them there. There is a sweetness in their sleep that makes the more difficult times of the day bearable. There is love in their cuddles that they don't have time to give during their playtime. My advice to anyone with children is this: they won't be this way long, so let them sleep in the middle if they want -- the benefits will be yours.
The chorus of the country song by Billy Dean says it all:
Please, let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
My Thoughts on Black Friday
This time of year we all read and hear so many comments about Black Friday -- the sales, the crowds, the greediness, the deals. Over the years, I've developed my own ideas.
When the kids were little, there were some Christmases when getting something at a really good deal was the only way they could have some things they wanted. Somehow we always worked out a way for me to go -- usually Robbie could be home with the children since he didn't go in until later and worked into the night. One year, televisions and vcr's were the main item. I got to Wal Mart early and found the display, all wrapped in plastic and guarded by four determined Wal Mart workers. I saw no need to worry--it was just vcr's after all. And then the signal sounded...the "guards" slit the plastic...I got ready to go up in an orderly line and get my vcr...and the world turned upside down. One woman several customers behind me pushed past all of us to get to the front. She had come with a partner, and she picked up vcr's and THREW them into the crowd. I saw my life flash before my eyes! That day, I decided that I would not be going again until someone could go with me...just in case I needed someone to call 911 or something.
Fast forward ten years. Josh and Vicki got engaged Christmas Day 2002 and married in June. That year, our new tradition concerning Black Friday began. Vicki LOVES to go on that day, so Lauren, Vicki, and I made it a point to be in town at the opening time---under conditions: We would not stoop to shoving, being rude, becoming impatient, or stampeding a store. We would go with the idea that if we were supposed to have an item, God would make sure it was there when we got there. And we had a blast!!
Now, to be honest, Lauren has never gotten a great deal done on this day. She is a really good sport, but procrastination has been one of her very few flaws. She might have picked up a gift here and there, some cute wrapping paper, some clothes for herself (to use BEFORE Christmas), but not many gifts. The year she graduated from AUM, she called me the day after graduation and said, "Why didn't somebody TELL me I have only ten days until Christmas???!!!" This AFTER our Black Friday shopping trip. Last year, she had just found out she was pregnant and was studying for her CPA exam (which she passed on the first attempt). She climbed into the truck carrying her pillow and makeup case. She did not wake up until we got almost to Prattville. She did some shopping but not an awful lot. When she said that she did better last minute, I commented that I believed our outlook might change after June. Carsyn would definitely change things.
Fast forward to this year, and the Most Improved Black Friday Shopper Award goes to....LAUREN WILLIAMS SMITH!!!! This year, Lauren called when Carsyn got up for her midnight feeding. I woke Vicki up from a dream about flying and having plane trouble, but she recovered quickly and we got dressed. We picked Lauren up -- no pillow-- and headed out BEFORE 12:30 A.M. First came a stop at Greenville Wal Mart, and the crowds were so much better since no electronics were being sold at that time. Then it was on to Prattville (we have discovered a much nicer shopping experience there). Kohl's opened at 3:00, and we had to wait in the car for the store to open! Despite having to stand in a checkout line that wrapped AROUND the store, we had fun and remained upbeat. Guess what? Most of the items we bought there were -- you guessed it -- LAUREN'S!! Target was next, and we found some awesome deals. By that time, we were starving, so we went after our traditional Chick Fil A Biscuit. Bass Pro, here we come!!
In Bass Pro we always have good luck, probably because our husbands are all fisherman and hunters. I think we could all probably get everything the men in our family ever wanted in there. Robbie showed me a really nice boat that I could get for him if it was on a Black Friday sale. Isn't that so cute?? That's what I told him.
Montgomery still reigns on Old Navy and JoAnn's, so we went there next. Panera Bread was the choice of the day for lunch because they have the most AWESOME macaroni and cheese! And then, with the truck so full we couldn't see out the window and Lauren squished into one little seat like a sardine, we started home -- HOME, I tell you, at 12:30 P.M.!!! That's right, twelve hours of non-stop shopping!! We truly did have a blast, and Vicki and I were so proud of Lauren's new shopping methods. In fact, we decided we may have to take two vehicles next year. We had invited Casey this year, but she didn't get to go :( Next year she'll know there will be plenty of room. The more the merrier!!!
Fun things I want to remember about shopping with my girls:
Memory of the day--Vicki running across Target parking lot after a buggy
Perfect Moment of the day -- Sitting with my girls in Panera Bread making plans for Christmas Day
Only 363 days until we do it again...I can't wait!!
When the kids were little, there were some Christmases when getting something at a really good deal was the only way they could have some things they wanted. Somehow we always worked out a way for me to go -- usually Robbie could be home with the children since he didn't go in until later and worked into the night. One year, televisions and vcr's were the main item. I got to Wal Mart early and found the display, all wrapped in plastic and guarded by four determined Wal Mart workers. I saw no need to worry--it was just vcr's after all. And then the signal sounded...the "guards" slit the plastic...I got ready to go up in an orderly line and get my vcr...and the world turned upside down. One woman several customers behind me pushed past all of us to get to the front. She had come with a partner, and she picked up vcr's and THREW them into the crowd. I saw my life flash before my eyes! That day, I decided that I would not be going again until someone could go with me...just in case I needed someone to call 911 or something.
Fast forward ten years. Josh and Vicki got engaged Christmas Day 2002 and married in June. That year, our new tradition concerning Black Friday began. Vicki LOVES to go on that day, so Lauren, Vicki, and I made it a point to be in town at the opening time---under conditions: We would not stoop to shoving, being rude, becoming impatient, or stampeding a store. We would go with the idea that if we were supposed to have an item, God would make sure it was there when we got there. And we had a blast!!
Now, to be honest, Lauren has never gotten a great deal done on this day. She is a really good sport, but procrastination has been one of her very few flaws. She might have picked up a gift here and there, some cute wrapping paper, some clothes for herself (to use BEFORE Christmas), but not many gifts. The year she graduated from AUM, she called me the day after graduation and said, "Why didn't somebody TELL me I have only ten days until Christmas???!!!" This AFTER our Black Friday shopping trip. Last year, she had just found out she was pregnant and was studying for her CPA exam (which she passed on the first attempt). She climbed into the truck carrying her pillow and makeup case. She did not wake up until we got almost to Prattville. She did some shopping but not an awful lot. When she said that she did better last minute, I commented that I believed our outlook might change after June. Carsyn would definitely change things.
Fast forward to this year, and the Most Improved Black Friday Shopper Award goes to....LAUREN WILLIAMS SMITH!!!! This year, Lauren called when Carsyn got up for her midnight feeding. I woke Vicki up from a dream about flying and having plane trouble, but she recovered quickly and we got dressed. We picked Lauren up -- no pillow-- and headed out BEFORE 12:30 A.M. First came a stop at Greenville Wal Mart, and the crowds were so much better since no electronics were being sold at that time. Then it was on to Prattville (we have discovered a much nicer shopping experience there). Kohl's opened at 3:00, and we had to wait in the car for the store to open! Despite having to stand in a checkout line that wrapped AROUND the store, we had fun and remained upbeat. Guess what? Most of the items we bought there were -- you guessed it -- LAUREN'S!! Target was next, and we found some awesome deals. By that time, we were starving, so we went after our traditional Chick Fil A Biscuit. Bass Pro, here we come!!
In Bass Pro we always have good luck, probably because our husbands are all fisherman and hunters. I think we could all probably get everything the men in our family ever wanted in there. Robbie showed me a really nice boat that I could get for him if it was on a Black Friday sale. Isn't that so cute?? That's what I told him.
Montgomery still reigns on Old Navy and JoAnn's, so we went there next. Panera Bread was the choice of the day for lunch because they have the most AWESOME macaroni and cheese! And then, with the truck so full we couldn't see out the window and Lauren squished into one little seat like a sardine, we started home -- HOME, I tell you, at 12:30 P.M.!!! That's right, twelve hours of non-stop shopping!! We truly did have a blast, and Vicki and I were so proud of Lauren's new shopping methods. In fact, we decided we may have to take two vehicles next year. We had invited Casey this year, but she didn't get to go :( Next year she'll know there will be plenty of room. The more the merrier!!!
Fun things I want to remember about shopping with my girls:
- Watching Vicki chase down buggies and baskets so we wouldn't be left without one
- Carrying FOUR pillow pets in two hands at Kohl's
- Rearranging the purchases in the truck after EVERY stop -- just so we could get more in
- Lauren walking into Target in flip flops and a t shirt and coming out needing rain boots and a coat -- that Arctic blast struck fast
- Having the girls help me pick out things for them and their husbands and children
- Getting to look at the little baby toys this year :)
- Having them help me find good things for Robert's babies
- Finding the special ornaments -- we give one to each child every year
- Unloading at Lauren's and realizing that she had the MOST bags!!
Memory of the day--Vicki running across Target parking lot after a buggy
Perfect Moment of the day -- Sitting with my girls in Panera Bread making plans for Christmas Day
Only 363 days until we do it again...I can't wait!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Growing Up Stories
I have no idea why "growing up" stories about my children and nieces and nephews are running through my mind., but I think I'll jot them down so I won't forget.
Casey used to count to ten like this: One, two, three, baba, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
When Robert was three he was walking around the pool with Nannie (my mama) who cannot swim. While he was leaning over to get something he fell in -- the DEEP end!! He kicked and paddled his way to the side and said, "Nannie, I fell in!" "Yes, Robert, you did." "Nannie, I swimmed out!" "Yes, Robert, you did." "Nannie, are you all right?" "No, Robert, I'm not." He never did have to have swimming lessons.
Kelly used to run in terror from the dogs, and then when she got inside the door would huff and spit and snort like she was letting them have it!
Leigh used to take control outside by saying, "Don't worry, Nannie. I'm charge of the dogs."
Once I was working on my brother's computer. His son Zack asked if people could get into his computer now since they had internet. I explained that yes, people could get in, but they would have to be very smart and know exactly what they were doing...like a genius. Zack said, "So, you could do it?" He's owned my heart ever since :)
Ashley used to want the aircon dink dink on when it was very hot.
Robert did not like the windshipers--they got on his nervous.
Josh (if you can believe it) was running around like a wild man one morning. I asked if he had lost his mind. "No, ma'am. I left it in the closet!"
Kathy, Pam, and I took our girls to a summer class in dance and gymanstics. We stood outside the door to see how it was going. The door flew open and Kelly shot out like a lightning bolt! A few days later when one of the girls asked her about it, Kelly said, "That was a long time ago. I'm over that now."
Karissa, the baby of my sister's children, used to get out of doing chores by telling her older sisters, "Leave me alone; me happy." We still say that!
Kecia's favorite elementary school game was Drop the Hanktifice.
Lauren once ran the three wheeler into a tree because she was "showing someone what it felt like to be stared at." She has the scars to prove it!
Once when Karissa was four, she sweetly asked if I would ride the golf cart with her and let her drive. After asking all the people that mattered (her parents, my parents) and getting the same answer ("If she'll ride with you, go ahead"), we hopped on. With an angelic expression, Karissa warned me to hold on ... and took me on the golf cart ride from Hades!!! She only knew two speeds -- wide open or stop...and she didn't like the stop option. I saw my life flash before my eyes!!
No matter how sick anybody else was, Leigh always had "a worse case than anybody!!!"
When Josh and Lauren were tiny, they had slept with me while Robbie worked. I got up before they woke up and was getting dressed. When they started to wake up and stretch, Josh looked over at Lauren, put his arm around her, and said so sweetly, "Good morning, weetheart." That still brings tears to my eyes.
Whether because he did not want us looking at him, or because he wanted our complete and undivided attention, Robert's unique request was ,"Turn your eyes around!"
We knew Kecia's school years were looking better when she came home from kindergarten one day and announced that it had been a "one tissue day" -- as opposed to having an entire box of tissues at her desk!
Lauren had two dreams in her early years -- to have braces and to wear a knee brace with a hole on the kneecap.
Whenever she saw a policeman, Casey would say, "Pweesem!! Hit the floor!!"
Oh my gosh, there are so many more!! I'm so thankful for those precious, hilarious memories -- and for the vocabulary we have adopted from all our babies. Those words and phrases bind us together as a family. We'll celebrate Thanksgiving at Mama's on Sunday, and I'll bet that at some point during the day, one of those "Campbell Kid" phrases will be used...and we will remember all over again.
Casey used to count to ten like this: One, two, three, baba, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
When Robert was three he was walking around the pool with Nannie (my mama) who cannot swim. While he was leaning over to get something he fell in -- the DEEP end!! He kicked and paddled his way to the side and said, "Nannie, I fell in!" "Yes, Robert, you did." "Nannie, I swimmed out!" "Yes, Robert, you did." "Nannie, are you all right?" "No, Robert, I'm not." He never did have to have swimming lessons.
Kelly used to run in terror from the dogs, and then when she got inside the door would huff and spit and snort like she was letting them have it!
Leigh used to take control outside by saying, "Don't worry, Nannie. I'm charge of the dogs."
Once I was working on my brother's computer. His son Zack asked if people could get into his computer now since they had internet. I explained that yes, people could get in, but they would have to be very smart and know exactly what they were doing...like a genius. Zack said, "So, you could do it?" He's owned my heart ever since :)
Ashley used to want the aircon dink dink on when it was very hot.
Robert did not like the windshipers--they got on his nervous.
Josh (if you can believe it) was running around like a wild man one morning. I asked if he had lost his mind. "No, ma'am. I left it in the closet!"
Kathy, Pam, and I took our girls to a summer class in dance and gymanstics. We stood outside the door to see how it was going. The door flew open and Kelly shot out like a lightning bolt! A few days later when one of the girls asked her about it, Kelly said, "That was a long time ago. I'm over that now."
Karissa, the baby of my sister's children, used to get out of doing chores by telling her older sisters, "Leave me alone; me happy." We still say that!
Kecia's favorite elementary school game was Drop the Hanktifice.
Lauren once ran the three wheeler into a tree because she was "showing someone what it felt like to be stared at." She has the scars to prove it!
Once when Karissa was four, she sweetly asked if I would ride the golf cart with her and let her drive. After asking all the people that mattered (her parents, my parents) and getting the same answer ("If she'll ride with you, go ahead"), we hopped on. With an angelic expression, Karissa warned me to hold on ... and took me on the golf cart ride from Hades!!! She only knew two speeds -- wide open or stop...and she didn't like the stop option. I saw my life flash before my eyes!!
No matter how sick anybody else was, Leigh always had "a worse case than anybody!!!"
When Josh and Lauren were tiny, they had slept with me while Robbie worked. I got up before they woke up and was getting dressed. When they started to wake up and stretch, Josh looked over at Lauren, put his arm around her, and said so sweetly, "Good morning, weetheart." That still brings tears to my eyes.
Whether because he did not want us looking at him, or because he wanted our complete and undivided attention, Robert's unique request was ,"Turn your eyes around!"
We knew Kecia's school years were looking better when she came home from kindergarten one day and announced that it had been a "one tissue day" -- as opposed to having an entire box of tissues at her desk!
Lauren had two dreams in her early years -- to have braces and to wear a knee brace with a hole on the kneecap.
Whenever she saw a policeman, Casey would say, "Pweesem!! Hit the floor!!"
Oh my gosh, there are so many more!! I'm so thankful for those precious, hilarious memories -- and for the vocabulary we have adopted from all our babies. Those words and phrases bind us together as a family. We'll celebrate Thanksgiving at Mama's on Sunday, and I'll bet that at some point during the day, one of those "Campbell Kid" phrases will be used...and we will remember all over again.
Good Sugar and ThanksLiving...
Well, it hasn't been hard this week to live thankfully!
May all of my friends and family have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving!
- We have an entire week out of school--thank You, Lord, for the much needed vacation.
- Grace cried for ME-- how sweet is that!
- Carsyn has only a cold and no ear infection -- thank You again!
- There was NO charge for having the super-duper machine reset-- that means more Christmas shopping on Friday.
- I had a wonderfully fun time sewing with Lauren and Casey last night -- I may be creating my own little monsters!
- I have a whole day of Carsyn sugar today (hence the title). We've had a bath, multiple toe chewings, and three naps so far.
- All the kids are coming tonight to decorate for Christmas--thank You, Lord, for sending this idea my way. Soup and hamburgers for supper!! (I know -- weird combination -- but remember the non soup eaters...)
- Thanksgiving lunch at Robbie's parents' house tomorrow -- ham and turkey, ummmmm.
- Black Friday shopping with my favorite girls -- this will be a stretch -- I just found out Kohl's opens the THREE!!
- Robert's babies are coming to spend the night Saturday-- I see another "no gwabity" moon walk coming.
- Thanksgiving lunch at Mama and Daddy's Sunday (all 35 of us)-- thank You, Lord, for disposable plates and cups :)
- I have an absolutely awesome hubby who comes to check out weird noises and is the light of my life (I really don't talk about him enough. Note to self: fix that.)
May all of my friends and family have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Something Old...And the Memories
Well, here it comes...that time of year when the house has to be rearranged, trees put up, and lights and ornamants dangle everywhere. For me, it's a time of cleaning and "doing away with" the old stuff that no one needs anymore. Today I've thrown away broken toys, parts of Mr. Potato Head that no longer had a head to attach to, single shoes, and one grass hula skirt...I don't know WHERE it came from, but it doesn't live here anymore!
Vicki and Grace spent the night with us Friday night. Vicki was going shopping with family early Saturday and Grace would spend the day with us. So this morning, smack dab in the middle of an all out cleaning, rearranging, pulling stuff out of the closet fit, I stopped to make up the bed they slept on...Pigo and Granny's bed, dressed in Mammaw and Pawpaw's sheets. What a very old bed it is, solid wooden posts with steel rails. And those sheets!! Soft as a fine linen handkerchief...
I could not help but stop and think about my grandparents. On both sides, I had such good examples and such fun grandparents. Pigo loved Christmas better than anyone I know. He absolutely could NOT wait...every year he slipped up and showed us a little something we would be seeing again at Christmas. Then Granny would catch him. "Now, William," she would say, "you don't want to spoil the surprise!" Bless his heart, he just couldn't help himself.
Christmas at Mammaw's was always on Christmas Day at lunch. I wish my children could remember more about Pawpaw, but he died when they were so little. Robert was not quite one year old. Josh and Lauren can remember "the man who fed us apples," but not much more. Mammaw always had a huge meal at her house. Her dumplings were absolutely manna from heaven. Oh, my gosh...they would melt in my mouth! She always did the shopping, and Pawpaw gave us his own gift. I remember like it was yesterday how all the grandkids would line up, single file, for him to give us a very impressive-looking Christmas money envelope. In a family were allowances were not the norm, the money we got for Christmas made us feel like millionaires. I always had such big dreams of what I was going to do with my Christmas money.
I truly cherish the memories of Christmases past; hopefully, my own children have already stored up memories of Christmases with their grandparents and us. I'm making it a special goal this year to celebrate thankfully and make memories with my kids and babies. Who knows...maybe one day in the middle of a cleaning spree, one of them will notice something old, and it will bring back wonderful memories.
Vicki and Grace spent the night with us Friday night. Vicki was going shopping with family early Saturday and Grace would spend the day with us. So this morning, smack dab in the middle of an all out cleaning, rearranging, pulling stuff out of the closet fit, I stopped to make up the bed they slept on...Pigo and Granny's bed, dressed in Mammaw and Pawpaw's sheets. What a very old bed it is, solid wooden posts with steel rails. And those sheets!! Soft as a fine linen handkerchief...
I could not help but stop and think about my grandparents. On both sides, I had such good examples and such fun grandparents. Pigo loved Christmas better than anyone I know. He absolutely could NOT wait...every year he slipped up and showed us a little something we would be seeing again at Christmas. Then Granny would catch him. "Now, William," she would say, "you don't want to spoil the surprise!" Bless his heart, he just couldn't help himself.
Christmas at Mammaw's was always on Christmas Day at lunch. I wish my children could remember more about Pawpaw, but he died when they were so little. Robert was not quite one year old. Josh and Lauren can remember "the man who fed us apples," but not much more. Mammaw always had a huge meal at her house. Her dumplings were absolutely manna from heaven. Oh, my gosh...they would melt in my mouth! She always did the shopping, and Pawpaw gave us his own gift. I remember like it was yesterday how all the grandkids would line up, single file, for him to give us a very impressive-looking Christmas money envelope. In a family were allowances were not the norm, the money we got for Christmas made us feel like millionaires. I always had such big dreams of what I was going to do with my Christmas money.
I truly cherish the memories of Christmases past; hopefully, my own children have already stored up memories of Christmases with their grandparents and us. I'm making it a special goal this year to celebrate thankfully and make memories with my kids and babies. Who knows...maybe one day in the middle of a cleaning spree, one of them will notice something old, and it will bring back wonderful memories.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Disappearing People and Their Prey
Hunting season starts tomorrow. Gone are the days when normal men wear attractive clothes in beautiful colors. We are now entering the time period in which most men will wrap themselves in shades of variegated greens and imitate the nearest tree or shrub. Suddenly, during this time of year, the only fashionable clothes many men wear are branded Mossy Oak or something comparable. Clothes shopping is done at Bass Pro, the hunting section at Wal Mart, Cabela's, or sporting goods stores. Women aren't even allowed to use Gain or Tide -- they have to buy special laundry detergent that covers up the human scent. Even worse, the cologne of the next few months will be premium doe pee. No self-respecting buck could possibly let all this preparation go unheeded, could he? Surely he will be willing to sacrifice himself and his harem for the chance to live for eternity on someone's wall. I surely hope so...if all our men are going to make themselves smelly and invisible, the least they deserve is a trophy for the wall.
Best of luck Josh and David (my two very favorite hunters)!
Best of luck to all you hunters!
Best of luck to any of you looking for your men...you may not be able to pick him out of the shrubbery!
Deer Hunting Time Is Here Again
Deer hunting time is here again
And many hunters take to the woods
After months of planning with family and friends
They gather in common brotherhood
It's a freedom that fills the soul of a man
With the peace of God's nature all around
Lessons that have been taught since time began
And lifelong memories and friendships are found
Hunting is taught by tradition still yet
Knowledge passed on from man to man
And you'll learn things that you'll never forget
And respect nature more, our wildlife, and our land
So all you hunters enjoy this time
May you be skilled and have lots of luck
May God bless you as you hunt today
And may you bag that ten point buck! !
Kat West
Thursday, November 18, 2010
ThanksLiving
That's a phrase I heard the other day that got me thinking: ThanksLiving. It means to live thankfully. It's so easy to be negative about the different parts of life. Work is too hard, too far away, too demanding; the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry; people are too nosy, too distant, too needy; food is too done, too rare, too salty, too sweet. So, I'm making every effort to be thankful in my attitude, and there is so much to be thankful for.
Thankful does not begin to cover how much I appreciate the special people in my life. My entire family ROCKS. Seriously. We are here for each other, listen to each other, love each other. We give each other space without being jealous of time spent with other people. We pray for each other, support each other, and are always driven about what would be best for the others in the family. I do not see my family changing...it was the way Pam and David and I were brought up, and we are bringing up our children that way. Already I see those same traits in my grandchildren.
I am also thankful for my school, the gym, and my co-workers. The coaches at the gym and the teachers at CCA and the teachers I'm associated with through the online classes I teach are loving, helpful, and supportive. We LOVE each other and try to help one another with class problems and life problems. In each area, we work together to provide the very best. My teacher friends are AWESOME.
Next, I am so thankful for the students God has placed in my classrooms...and I know he has been responsible for the ones assigned to me. No matter how much I might wonder what sin have I commmited to deserve a time of bad behavior, the children always win me heart and soul, and I learn so much from them and their parents. I mentioned in a previous post about a student who always had to work so hard for every little point, and how much I admired him for trying so hard. That same student was the state trooper who was called to Robert's wreck and stayed at the hospital waiting for me. Oh,yes, I'm thankful for my students.
Friendship is another thing I am so thankful for. Daily I receive emails, text messages, comments on my blog, and phone calls that remind me of the many friends I have. They are so special to me and come from so many areas of life. Some I grew up with; others have moved from student or student parent to friend. Others I have developed relationships with throughout my life. I read once that if a person dies with two very good friends, he is lucky. I don't count myself lucky to have all my friends; I count myself blessed.
Most important, I'm thankful to know that I serve a living God, one who truly loves me and wants the best for me. People who do not know my God must be devastated, hopeless, and pitiful when a tragedy occurs and they do not have a higher power to turn to. How sorry I am for them during those times. How thankful I am for my God and my church.
As the holidays approach, I hope you will make a point to practice ThanksLiving. It's truly and attitude adjustment for the better!
Thankful does not begin to cover how much I appreciate the special people in my life. My entire family ROCKS. Seriously. We are here for each other, listen to each other, love each other. We give each other space without being jealous of time spent with other people. We pray for each other, support each other, and are always driven about what would be best for the others in the family. I do not see my family changing...it was the way Pam and David and I were brought up, and we are bringing up our children that way. Already I see those same traits in my grandchildren.
I am also thankful for my school, the gym, and my co-workers. The coaches at the gym and the teachers at CCA and the teachers I'm associated with through the online classes I teach are loving, helpful, and supportive. We LOVE each other and try to help one another with class problems and life problems. In each area, we work together to provide the very best. My teacher friends are AWESOME.
Next, I am so thankful for the students God has placed in my classrooms...and I know he has been responsible for the ones assigned to me. No matter how much I might wonder what sin have I commmited to deserve a time of bad behavior, the children always win me heart and soul, and I learn so much from them and their parents. I mentioned in a previous post about a student who always had to work so hard for every little point, and how much I admired him for trying so hard. That same student was the state trooper who was called to Robert's wreck and stayed at the hospital waiting for me. Oh,yes, I'm thankful for my students.
Friendship is another thing I am so thankful for. Daily I receive emails, text messages, comments on my blog, and phone calls that remind me of the many friends I have. They are so special to me and come from so many areas of life. Some I grew up with; others have moved from student or student parent to friend. Others I have developed relationships with throughout my life. I read once that if a person dies with two very good friends, he is lucky. I don't count myself lucky to have all my friends; I count myself blessed.
Most important, I'm thankful to know that I serve a living God, one who truly loves me and wants the best for me. People who do not know my God must be devastated, hopeless, and pitiful when a tragedy occurs and they do not have a higher power to turn to. How sorry I am for them during those times. How thankful I am for my God and my church.
As the holidays approach, I hope you will make a point to practice ThanksLiving. It's truly and attitude adjustment for the better!
What I'm Thankful For
- The mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
- The taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed.
- The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
- My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
- The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
- All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
- That lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
- The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
- The lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
- My huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.
- Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means that I have been productive.
- The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
- The interruptions in my life because that means I am needed.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
To The Moon And Back
What an awesome weekend! Saturday, we had a work day at the gym. Some places in the floor needed repairing, and there was some general -- and not so general -- cleaning that needed to be done. Lauren sent out an email, and we were both amazed at the response! Our parents are wonderful!! When the girls come in Monday, they'll see a new shelf full of trophies, banners hung, a wonderfully straight and springy floor, super-clean mats and carpets, and clean windows and doors. We so appreciate the moms and dads (and kids) who turned out to help.
As soon as I could get cleaned up, I went to get Dylan, Daniel, and Kaylee. We saw the tail end of an airshow, which was super exciting for the boys. Kaylee covered her ears. :) Several puzzles, ballgames, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and bubble baths later, all were sound asleep. That's a good thing, because ZiZi and PopPop could hardly move we were so sore from all the work we had done in the gym!
Sunday morning we were up and about early. Congratulating myself for preparedness, I helped Robbie put roast in the oven, cook two bags of peas, and cut up potatoes. All the kids would be at our house for lunch -- NOT. We got to church and realized we were eating at church for Pastor Appreciation!
So we ate at church and then came home to play. Kaylee went to sleep, and Dylan and Daniel and I had an adventure. They said they wanted to go to the moon, so we pretended the swing was our rocket. We had a big blast-off, went through some turbulence, and finally landed on the moon where, as Daniel explained, we could float because there is "no gwabity" on the moon. Hilarious!! It was so much fun.
At the end of the day, the kids graciously agreed to help us with the food...they came over for supper instead of lunch! It was so good to have them all here. Grace is counting by 10's and 5's and 100's. She told us about her youth hunt yesterday. She declares she will NEVER go again because you just have to be too quiet and too still, and she cannot be still that long because it hurts her legs!
I know all about hurting legs...and arms...and back. I'm off to a warm bath and Aleve. CCA is out tomorrow for Veteran's Day, so Grace and I can have a great play day until gym. Who knows...she may want to go to the moon and back, too.
As soon as I could get cleaned up, I went to get Dylan, Daniel, and Kaylee. We saw the tail end of an airshow, which was super exciting for the boys. Kaylee covered her ears. :) Several puzzles, ballgames, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and bubble baths later, all were sound asleep. That's a good thing, because ZiZi and PopPop could hardly move we were so sore from all the work we had done in the gym!
Sunday morning we were up and about early. Congratulating myself for preparedness, I helped Robbie put roast in the oven, cook two bags of peas, and cut up potatoes. All the kids would be at our house for lunch -- NOT. We got to church and realized we were eating at church for Pastor Appreciation!
So we ate at church and then came home to play. Kaylee went to sleep, and Dylan and Daniel and I had an adventure. They said they wanted to go to the moon, so we pretended the swing was our rocket. We had a big blast-off, went through some turbulence, and finally landed on the moon where, as Daniel explained, we could float because there is "no gwabity" on the moon. Hilarious!! It was so much fun.
At the end of the day, the kids graciously agreed to help us with the food...they came over for supper instead of lunch! It was so good to have them all here. Grace is counting by 10's and 5's and 100's. She told us about her youth hunt yesterday. She declares she will NEVER go again because you just have to be too quiet and too still, and she cannot be still that long because it hurts her legs!
I know all about hurting legs...and arms...and back. I'm off to a warm bath and Aleve. CCA is out tomorrow for Veteran's Day, so Grace and I can have a great play day until gym. Who knows...she may want to go to the moon and back, too.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Angels Among Us
I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in angels. My Sunday school teachers told wonderful stories about angels visiting humans -- I particularly loved the story of the angel choir announcing the birth of Jesus. I not only loved the story, but the fact we were studying that section of the Bible meant Christmas was not very far away!
There is a huge difference, though, in believing IN something and KNOWING it for a fact. I learned first-hand the power of angels when I was six. I had lost my hearing but didn't really know that. My hearing loss happened gradually, and even my parents didn't know--they just thought I wasn't paying attention or was using "selective hearing" when I claiimed not to have heard them.
I was in the first grade and rode the bus to and from school. Pam and David were still at home, so Mama walked across the yard to the railroad crossing with me every morning and met me there every afternoon. But one day she was running late -- I don't know why. I felt so grown up getting off the bus without Mama there. I started across the ditch, across the tracks, and then I saw Mama running across the yard waving her arms. Really, had she lost her mind? Didn't she know people might see her? When I felt the ground vibrating, I looked to my left -- and there was the train. There I stood, in the middle of the tracks, a train looming down on me -- I didn't know what to do. And in the blink of an eye, I was back off the tracks, the train zooming by and gradually slowing down. There was no bright light or heavenly sight -- I was just OFF the tracks. When the train finally stopped -- I couldn't imagine why--the conductor got on top of the train and ran towards the back. It wasn't until he saw me standing there that he went down on his knees and I saw him crying. It was a long time later that I realized he thought he had hit me. He got up and waved at Mama, who was, to my horror, lying on the ground trying to see under the train. I can't describe anything; I only know that a power greater than I moved me off the tracks.
Years and years later, Granny got sick. She finally agreed to move in with Mama and Daddy because she needed round-the-clock care and it was too much for Pigo. She was in great pain with pancreatic cancer and was sometimes unsure of the time -- of the day, the year, or her life. One morning Daddy called and said I might want to come. Granny had been up since 4:00 begging to go home. Making every effort to grant her wishes, Mama and her sisters had loaded her into the Tahoe and taken her to her house. But that's not what she wanted. We waited on her all day. Suddenly, she wanted to sit up. It took several of us to help her because she was so weak. She started smiling and clapping -- we didn't know what was going on. She kept saying, "He's coming, he's coming!" And then her face fell. And in a soft voice full of despair, she said, "He skipped me." I'll never forget how sad she was, and I'll always believe that her angels were taking care of her during that time.
A year and a half after Granny died, Pigo had a stroke. I'll always say he died of a broken heart -- he missed Granny so much! The morning of his stroke, I went to his house to check on him -- I had had a dream that wouldn't go away. I found him sleepy and not able to talk much and called family in to help. A few hours later, in his hospital room, he said what I believe were his last words: "I need some water" and "Don't worry--they're all around me." What else would he have been talking about? It had to be angels.
Recently, Vicki gave me the book Angel Song to read. It's written by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman -- Women of Faith speakers and authors. If you like to read, get it. If anyone you are close to has ever died, read it. To be honest, I couldn't read it at first. It involved a car wreck and someone dying, and Robert's death is still very fresh for me. But I kept going back to it, and when I could read it I got such comfort from that book. A thought that has not left me since Robert's accident is that he was all alone, but I should have known better. It took this book to remind me of that. He wasn't alone at all -- angels were singing all around him.
There is a huge difference, though, in believing IN something and KNOWING it for a fact. I learned first-hand the power of angels when I was six. I had lost my hearing but didn't really know that. My hearing loss happened gradually, and even my parents didn't know--they just thought I wasn't paying attention or was using "selective hearing" when I claiimed not to have heard them.
I was in the first grade and rode the bus to and from school. Pam and David were still at home, so Mama walked across the yard to the railroad crossing with me every morning and met me there every afternoon. But one day she was running late -- I don't know why. I felt so grown up getting off the bus without Mama there. I started across the ditch, across the tracks, and then I saw Mama running across the yard waving her arms. Really, had she lost her mind? Didn't she know people might see her? When I felt the ground vibrating, I looked to my left -- and there was the train. There I stood, in the middle of the tracks, a train looming down on me -- I didn't know what to do. And in the blink of an eye, I was back off the tracks, the train zooming by and gradually slowing down. There was no bright light or heavenly sight -- I was just OFF the tracks. When the train finally stopped -- I couldn't imagine why--the conductor got on top of the train and ran towards the back. It wasn't until he saw me standing there that he went down on his knees and I saw him crying. It was a long time later that I realized he thought he had hit me. He got up and waved at Mama, who was, to my horror, lying on the ground trying to see under the train. I can't describe anything; I only know that a power greater than I moved me off the tracks.
Years and years later, Granny got sick. She finally agreed to move in with Mama and Daddy because she needed round-the-clock care and it was too much for Pigo. She was in great pain with pancreatic cancer and was sometimes unsure of the time -- of the day, the year, or her life. One morning Daddy called and said I might want to come. Granny had been up since 4:00 begging to go home. Making every effort to grant her wishes, Mama and her sisters had loaded her into the Tahoe and taken her to her house. But that's not what she wanted. We waited on her all day. Suddenly, she wanted to sit up. It took several of us to help her because she was so weak. She started smiling and clapping -- we didn't know what was going on. She kept saying, "He's coming, he's coming!" And then her face fell. And in a soft voice full of despair, she said, "He skipped me." I'll never forget how sad she was, and I'll always believe that her angels were taking care of her during that time.
A year and a half after Granny died, Pigo had a stroke. I'll always say he died of a broken heart -- he missed Granny so much! The morning of his stroke, I went to his house to check on him -- I had had a dream that wouldn't go away. I found him sleepy and not able to talk much and called family in to help. A few hours later, in his hospital room, he said what I believe were his last words: "I need some water" and "Don't worry--they're all around me." What else would he have been talking about? It had to be angels.
Recently, Vicki gave me the book Angel Song to read. It's written by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman -- Women of Faith speakers and authors. If you like to read, get it. If anyone you are close to has ever died, read it. To be honest, I couldn't read it at first. It involved a car wreck and someone dying, and Robert's death is still very fresh for me. But I kept going back to it, and when I could read it I got such comfort from that book. A thought that has not left me since Robert's accident is that he was all alone, but I should have known better. It took this book to remind me of that. He wasn't alone at all -- angels were singing all around him.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What Do I Make? The Million Dollar Question
Some days I wonder why I teach---high school, gymnastics, Children's Church. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that teaching is what God has called me to do. I remember the sheer horror on Daddy's face when I told him I wanted to teach English -- he couldn't understand why anyone in the world would want to do that. He had always operated under the presumption that I would do something in the medical field. What he really had in mind was that I would be an anesthesiologist. No worries, Daddy -- I still put people to sleep!!
I knew I wanted to be a teacher in elementary school; my sixth grade teacher scared me to death, though, and almost ended my chances of being a teacher by ending my career as a student. When I finally got brave enough (six weeks later) to go back to school, I determined that I would be a teacher, a better one--one who didn't scare students or give a lot of busy work.
Then when I was a junior in high school circumstances evolved that made it necessary for me to change schools. Transferring schools in the middle of one's junior year is a feat that can make the heart grow weak, but I did it -- and I found my role model. My new English teacher was AHHHMAZING! I had never seen a teacher handle a classroom like she did. She was unusually short, but even the tallest and biggest of the football players would have stripped naked and spun around upside down on their pinky fingers if she had said to. Oh, how I wanted to be like her. So...I broke the news to Daddy. And that's all I'm saying about that.
As I told you in previous posts, school was an adventure -- babies coming all along, jobs lost, houses burned-- but finally I had my degree and began teaching. It took awhile, but I found my place in God's world at Crenshaw Christian Academy. I had been teaching at Sylvan Learning Center, but Lauren's heart problems required me to be closer to lessen the stress on her. Until then, I didn't know that English teachers went to work and planned to die at the same school. I applied EVERYWHERE!!! No one had a position. I was "welcome to send in a resume," but the outlook was not good.
And then one day, Robbie called from work and needed me to look up a number. When I flipped through the phone book, one number literally jumped from the page: Crenshaw Christian Academy. I had no idea there was such a place! And I was positive that they did not need an English teacher. But I could NOT get that number from my mind.
Finally, I threw my hands up. "All right, God! I'll call. But you KNOW they don't need an English teacher -- if they're even a REAL school!" I put conditions on the call, though. Call me Gideon, but I agreed to call as long as I could put my "fleece" out there. The answer to my call had to be absolute -- no questions.
So I dialed. And hung up. And dialed again. With heavy heart and very negative attitude, I told the secretary who I was and wondered if, by chance, CCA needed an English teacher. Here's the response: Oh my gosh! Don't hang up. I have to get Mrs. Johnson! Hold on, now. You're not going to hang up are you! I'll be right back!
As I held on, I thought, "Well, okay God. That was pretty clear. Good job." And so I began teaching at CCA almost twenty-one years ago. During those years, I have often been reminded that I could make more money somewhere else -- and that's right. And sometimes I get really aggravated at the students who don't seem to care -- the ones who don't appreciate the wonderful opportunity they've been given -- the ones who, despite my best efforts, seem to know absolutely nothing about anything I've done in class. And then a breakthrough comes and my spirit is renewed.
So, today, I'm reminded of a something I heard once. For anyone who wonders what I make, here goes:
I make characters and stories come alive. I make words make sense. I make children who thought they couldn't believe they can. I make a way for children to get to college. I make students think. I make big jobs seem "do-able." I make students be accountable. I make myself available to my students and their parents. I make my room a safe, warm, and inviting place. I make people like Huck Finn and Tom Walker seem real. I make unloved children feel loved. I make it okay to ask questions. I make doctors and lawyers and firemen and teachers and engineers and dentists and policemen.
What do I make? I make a difference.
For a long time I have known that my students would not really appreciate me during high school. In fact, they probably won't like me at all. But one day, probably in college, they will appreciate my efforts. And I can wait. A very hard-working but struggling student and his parents wrote a note and gave it to me the night he graduated. The line I will always remember is "We will love you far longer than you remember us." That's my goal -- to be the one "loved far longer." I make a difference, and that's much more important than the amount on my paycheck.
I knew I wanted to be a teacher in elementary school; my sixth grade teacher scared me to death, though, and almost ended my chances of being a teacher by ending my career as a student. When I finally got brave enough (six weeks later) to go back to school, I determined that I would be a teacher, a better one--one who didn't scare students or give a lot of busy work.
Then when I was a junior in high school circumstances evolved that made it necessary for me to change schools. Transferring schools in the middle of one's junior year is a feat that can make the heart grow weak, but I did it -- and I found my role model. My new English teacher was AHHHMAZING! I had never seen a teacher handle a classroom like she did. She was unusually short, but even the tallest and biggest of the football players would have stripped naked and spun around upside down on their pinky fingers if she had said to. Oh, how I wanted to be like her. So...I broke the news to Daddy. And that's all I'm saying about that.
As I told you in previous posts, school was an adventure -- babies coming all along, jobs lost, houses burned-- but finally I had my degree and began teaching. It took awhile, but I found my place in God's world at Crenshaw Christian Academy. I had been teaching at Sylvan Learning Center, but Lauren's heart problems required me to be closer to lessen the stress on her. Until then, I didn't know that English teachers went to work and planned to die at the same school. I applied EVERYWHERE!!! No one had a position. I was "welcome to send in a resume," but the outlook was not good.
And then one day, Robbie called from work and needed me to look up a number. When I flipped through the phone book, one number literally jumped from the page: Crenshaw Christian Academy. I had no idea there was such a place! And I was positive that they did not need an English teacher. But I could NOT get that number from my mind.
Finally, I threw my hands up. "All right, God! I'll call. But you KNOW they don't need an English teacher -- if they're even a REAL school!" I put conditions on the call, though. Call me Gideon, but I agreed to call as long as I could put my "fleece" out there. The answer to my call had to be absolute -- no questions.
So I dialed. And hung up. And dialed again. With heavy heart and very negative attitude, I told the secretary who I was and wondered if, by chance, CCA needed an English teacher. Here's the response: Oh my gosh! Don't hang up. I have to get Mrs. Johnson! Hold on, now. You're not going to hang up are you! I'll be right back!
As I held on, I thought, "Well, okay God. That was pretty clear. Good job." And so I began teaching at CCA almost twenty-one years ago. During those years, I have often been reminded that I could make more money somewhere else -- and that's right. And sometimes I get really aggravated at the students who don't seem to care -- the ones who don't appreciate the wonderful opportunity they've been given -- the ones who, despite my best efforts, seem to know absolutely nothing about anything I've done in class. And then a breakthrough comes and my spirit is renewed.
So, today, I'm reminded of a something I heard once. For anyone who wonders what I make, here goes:
I make characters and stories come alive. I make words make sense. I make children who thought they couldn't believe they can. I make a way for children to get to college. I make students think. I make big jobs seem "do-able." I make students be accountable. I make myself available to my students and their parents. I make my room a safe, warm, and inviting place. I make people like Huck Finn and Tom Walker seem real. I make unloved children feel loved. I make it okay to ask questions. I make doctors and lawyers and firemen and teachers and engineers and dentists and policemen.
What do I make? I make a difference.
For a long time I have known that my students would not really appreciate me during high school. In fact, they probably won't like me at all. But one day, probably in college, they will appreciate my efforts. And I can wait. A very hard-working but struggling student and his parents wrote a note and gave it to me the night he graduated. The line I will always remember is "We will love you far longer than you remember us." That's my goal -- to be the one "loved far longer." I make a difference, and that's much more important than the amount on my paycheck.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
20+ Years in Children's Church
Our church blessed Robbie and me with a sweet service this morning that honored the development of Children's Church. It's hard to believe that it's been over twenty years since I started teaching the children during worship service. The children have taught me as much as I ever taught them -- and in a much funnier manner! I just thought I would share some of the highlights over the years (in no particular order):
1. When I asked Zack and Jordan to explain why we should have Thanksgiving, they hurriedly put all their wordly and biblical fourth-grade knowledge together and said: Because the Pilgrims were hungry, and Squanto brought them two fish and five loaves of bread!
2. While reciting Psalm 23, Leigh got to the part "He restores my soul," but instead said, "He will steal my sword."
3. While we were acting out the story of Moses and the Red Sea, Zack was playing the part of Moses and Karissa was an Israelite woman. As Zack held his hand out over the blue "water," Karissa crossed the "sea" and then looked back. With horror on her face, she said, "Huwwy, Gack! The Gyptians are coming!" Zack: "Don't wowwy, Kwissa! I'm coming!"
4. When I asked Will what he had learned in school that week, he told me he now knew just what to do in case his house caught on fire. "All I have to do is just shake, rattle, and roll."
5. Julie always talked about wanting a brother or a sister. After the story of Samuel's mother praying without ceasing for a baby, Julie said, "Well, just call me Hannah."
6. After our dog had puppies, Robert couldn't stand the thought of leaving them at home while we went to church...so we took them (and their mom). Robert beamed as all his classmates watched the puppies, and with all the confidence in the world, said, "Don't pick them up yet. They're too little. They still have to eat from their mama's kidneys."
7. Karissa raised her hand in church one Sunday when we had gone out for the song service. When the preacher asked her what she wanted to pray for, she batted those long eyelashes, shook back her waist-length hair, and sweetly said, "Please pray for my mama that she will not be sooooo mean." Pam almost died!
8. Josh asked if Jesus lived on a farm, or how else would he know what all to put here for a farm?
9. Lauren asked if she could have chicken strips in heaven, because how else could she never be hungry again?
10. Gabby cried one Sunday when her daddy picked her up early to go to a family reunion. He decided to let her stay when she wailed, "You're taking me out, and we haven't even learned about God!!"
11. Once in the middle of snack (quite possibly the most important part of Children's Church), this conversation happened:
Bailey: Y'all, I've got to quit eating. I weigh thirty-seven!
Blake: Thirty-seven? That ain't nothing!
Morgan: Yeah, my mama weighs more than that.
Bailey: Well, my mama's older than your mama.
Morgan: Uh uh. My mama's the oldest of all.
Gabby: No, Morgan, my mama is older because she is your mama's sister and she's older.
Blake: Well, this is the truth: My daddy is the oldest and if you don't know it, look at his head. He has GRAY hair!
12. Over a couple of years, we had some Mexican children who were just learning to speak English. Robert was helping me one Sunday and Emir was learning our names. Every time, he got everyone right until he got to Robert -- Emir called him cinca. At first it was funny, but soon Robert couldn't figure out why Emir wouldn't say Robert but called him cinca instead. And then we found out. Emir stood up, poked Robert right on the chest -- where his jersey had a big number 5 on it -- and said in a way that meant business, "CINCA!!"
There are so many blessings I've gotten from Children's Church. I've had the special privilege of teaching all three of my children and all seven nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins and church family children. For years, I was known by all the children as Aunt Lisa. Now, it is not uncommon to hear the children call me ZiZi. Robbie has been such a huge influence once his work schedule all owed him to partner with me. He is PopPop to all the children.
As I told the church today, the Bible passage that is my guide for this ministry is in Acts chapter 8. It's the story of Phillip approaching the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. When Phillp asks if he understands, the Ethiopian replies, "How can I understand, unless I have someone to teach me?" That is my mission -- to help the children understand not only the stories of the Bible, but the plan of salvation as well. I look forward to many more blessings as I teach the second generation of Chilren's Church.
As the service closed today, Allen presented me with a framed document that we had given Bro. James Owens, the pastor under whom Children's Church was established. The event was his twentieth anniversary in the ministry. Bro. James (also known as Bull) had preached at homecoming and had brought it back saying that it seemed that he thought it belonged at Sweet Home. The document had been presented by Children's Church, and had been "signed" with the fingerprints of all our little ones. How sweet to see all their tiny fingerprints. How touching that Robert's was one of them. How kind of Bro. Bull to offer it to us. How thoughtful of our church to have this service today and present it to Robbie and me. How blessed we are to be a part of such a loving and warm church family. My cup runneth over. I hope my saucer can catch it all!
1. When I asked Zack and Jordan to explain why we should have Thanksgiving, they hurriedly put all their wordly and biblical fourth-grade knowledge together and said: Because the Pilgrims were hungry, and Squanto brought them two fish and five loaves of bread!
2. While reciting Psalm 23, Leigh got to the part "He restores my soul," but instead said, "He will steal my sword."
3. While we were acting out the story of Moses and the Red Sea, Zack was playing the part of Moses and Karissa was an Israelite woman. As Zack held his hand out over the blue "water," Karissa crossed the "sea" and then looked back. With horror on her face, she said, "Huwwy, Gack! The Gyptians are coming!" Zack: "Don't wowwy, Kwissa! I'm coming!"
4. When I asked Will what he had learned in school that week, he told me he now knew just what to do in case his house caught on fire. "All I have to do is just shake, rattle, and roll."
5. Julie always talked about wanting a brother or a sister. After the story of Samuel's mother praying without ceasing for a baby, Julie said, "Well, just call me Hannah."
6. After our dog had puppies, Robert couldn't stand the thought of leaving them at home while we went to church...so we took them (and their mom). Robert beamed as all his classmates watched the puppies, and with all the confidence in the world, said, "Don't pick them up yet. They're too little. They still have to eat from their mama's kidneys."
7. Karissa raised her hand in church one Sunday when we had gone out for the song service. When the preacher asked her what she wanted to pray for, she batted those long eyelashes, shook back her waist-length hair, and sweetly said, "Please pray for my mama that she will not be sooooo mean." Pam almost died!
8. Josh asked if Jesus lived on a farm, or how else would he know what all to put here for a farm?
9. Lauren asked if she could have chicken strips in heaven, because how else could she never be hungry again?
10. Gabby cried one Sunday when her daddy picked her up early to go to a family reunion. He decided to let her stay when she wailed, "You're taking me out, and we haven't even learned about God!!"
11. Once in the middle of snack (quite possibly the most important part of Children's Church), this conversation happened:
Bailey: Y'all, I've got to quit eating. I weigh thirty-seven!
Blake: Thirty-seven? That ain't nothing!
Morgan: Yeah, my mama weighs more than that.
Bailey: Well, my mama's older than your mama.
Morgan: Uh uh. My mama's the oldest of all.
Gabby: No, Morgan, my mama is older because she is your mama's sister and she's older.
Blake: Well, this is the truth: My daddy is the oldest and if you don't know it, look at his head. He has GRAY hair!
12. Over a couple of years, we had some Mexican children who were just learning to speak English. Robert was helping me one Sunday and Emir was learning our names. Every time, he got everyone right until he got to Robert -- Emir called him cinca. At first it was funny, but soon Robert couldn't figure out why Emir wouldn't say Robert but called him cinca instead. And then we found out. Emir stood up, poked Robert right on the chest -- where his jersey had a big number 5 on it -- and said in a way that meant business, "CINCA!!"
There are so many blessings I've gotten from Children's Church. I've had the special privilege of teaching all three of my children and all seven nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins and church family children. For years, I was known by all the children as Aunt Lisa. Now, it is not uncommon to hear the children call me ZiZi. Robbie has been such a huge influence once his work schedule all owed him to partner with me. He is PopPop to all the children.
As I told the church today, the Bible passage that is my guide for this ministry is in Acts chapter 8. It's the story of Phillip approaching the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. When Phillp asks if he understands, the Ethiopian replies, "How can I understand, unless I have someone to teach me?" That is my mission -- to help the children understand not only the stories of the Bible, but the plan of salvation as well. I look forward to many more blessings as I teach the second generation of Chilren's Church.
As the service closed today, Allen presented me with a framed document that we had given Bro. James Owens, the pastor under whom Children's Church was established. The event was his twentieth anniversary in the ministry. Bro. James (also known as Bull) had preached at homecoming and had brought it back saying that it seemed that he thought it belonged at Sweet Home. The document had been presented by Children's Church, and had been "signed" with the fingerprints of all our little ones. How sweet to see all their tiny fingerprints. How touching that Robert's was one of them. How kind of Bro. Bull to offer it to us. How thoughtful of our church to have this service today and present it to Robbie and me. How blessed we are to be a part of such a loving and warm church family. My cup runneth over. I hope my saucer can catch it all!
Friday, November 5, 2010
My Three Jobs...and Updates
It's an exciting day for three of my jobs: Crenshaw Christian Academy hosts the first round of regional playoff games tonight. My goodness, spirits are high today! You should see the students decked out in their camo (it's camo day) and their blue hair -- that is NOT a typo! I wish the team all the luck in the world tonight. You know it's easy to get nervous when the game is not a "normal" one. This team certainly deserves to go on, so I hope they play well.
And tomorrow is another big day -- Greenville Gymnastics will travel to Tuscaloosa to compete in the Bama Rama Meet. I'm praying each girl has an awesome meet. I hope Anna's foot doesn't bother her -- I still can't believe her horse stepped on it! What I really want is for each girl to remember all she has learned and focus. They are all so talented. And Lauren and I are super excited that we have all our girls there on ONE day! It'll be a long day, but we still have part of a weekend this way.
Most importantly, my firstborn had a birthday this week, and we will go to their house tonight and celebrate. I can hardly believe Josh is twenty-eight years old. It seems like only last week that the nurse brought him to me; a few days ago he was counting to 100 every time we got in the car to go to school; only yesterday he was graduating from high school. I am so blessed to have my children and family. What an awesome "job" it is to be a mama!
I'll try to post pictures after these events!
And tomorrow is another big day -- Greenville Gymnastics will travel to Tuscaloosa to compete in the Bama Rama Meet. I'm praying each girl has an awesome meet. I hope Anna's foot doesn't bother her -- I still can't believe her horse stepped on it! What I really want is for each girl to remember all she has learned and focus. They are all so talented. And Lauren and I are super excited that we have all our girls there on ONE day! It'll be a long day, but we still have part of a weekend this way.
Most importantly, my firstborn had a birthday this week, and we will go to their house tonight and celebrate. I can hardly believe Josh is twenty-eight years old. It seems like only last week that the nurse brought him to me; a few days ago he was counting to 100 every time we got in the car to go to school; only yesterday he was graduating from high school. I am so blessed to have my children and family. What an awesome "job" it is to be a mama!
I'll try to post pictures after these events!
**********
Ok, time for updates. To put it mildly, this weekend has felt like fruit basket turnover. Grace and I left school a few minutes early so that I could drop her off and pick up the doughnuts we had bought from Daniel for his fundraiser. Just as I was loading them up, Lauren called to tell me Vicki's daddy had been hurt at work and was being taken to UAB. For those who haven't put together how this could upset the fruit basket, Vicki is Josh's wife -- and the one planning Josh's birthday party. After it was decided that we would go ahead with it while Vicki went to the hospital, my plans changed a little. I came home, picked Robbie up, and went to Josh's to help with the setup.
That's when the apples really started to roll (I'm simply continuing with my fruit basket metaphor). Daddy called to see what time the party would start and said he would be on in a few minutes. I thought that a little odd, so I asked about Mama. That's when I found out that my sister-in-law Kathy, who I knewhad become ill Friday morning, had gotten sicker during the day, and had been transferred by ambulance to Mobile. Mama and Daddy happened to be at the hospital, and Mama had gone with David to Mobile.
Well, of course we were worried about Papa Greg (Vicki's daddy) and Kathy, but we had a wonderful time with Josh. He had grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and Vicki had asked Lauren to pick up his birthday cake, which was beautifully decorated for a proud Alabama fan. Kenny & Pam, Kelly & Kevin, Kecia, Stephen, & Tyler, Karissa, Casey & Travis, Grannie and Grandaddy, Papa, and Robbie & I played with babies and ate wonderful food and wished Josh many more birthdays -- all while giving Vicki directions to the UAB parking deck by phone.
And THEN, I came home to check facebook to get updates on my Cougars -- and they LOST!! Fruit basket turnover??!! Heck, the basket was upside down! They should have won!! Oh my goodness!!
Finally, the clock went off at four this morning and Lauren and I drove to our gymnastics meet in Tuscaloosa. The Level 3 team placed third as a team, Becca was by herself on bars, and Anna Blake scored three 9's. Poor Mary Avery got sick right after arriving and had to go home. The meet was awesome -- Bama Bounders always hosts a great meet-- but of course Lauren and I were worried about our sick ones. I kept in touch all day by text, but we were glad to get home and make sure all was all right. Papa Greg was released this afternoon, and Kathy is having tests run and is feeling some better. Thank you, God, for answering prayers!!
Despite all the "upsets" of the weekend, I realize how blessed we all have been. At a time when it would be so easy to focus on the negatives, I am finding lots and lots of positives: Our team has had a 10-0 season; the doctors were quick to see that Greg got the help he needed; Kathy is getting state-of-the-art care and is getting better.;Greenville Gymnastics is making its name known, thanks to some very talented girls; and Lauren and I had a ONE-DAY meet and made it home safely.
Now to set the fruit basket right again...tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It's a Conspiracy
There is something working against me at my house. That's the only explanation for the way the past several nights and mornings have gone.
Each night I go to bed so tired I can hardly walk. My eyes begin to close on their own. I get in the bed, get my pillow fixed, snuggle under the cover, and wait for the bliss of pure, uninterrupted sleep -- and then I get hot. Or the pillow has a wrinkle in it. Or my back itches. Or the light from my alarm clock keeps me awake. Or the dog barks. And all this goes on until two or three IN THE MORNING! When I finally fall asleep, it's time for Robbie to be getting up. And then I doze off and wake up late.
Ugh!!! I hate waking up late! Nothing goes right. Have you ever noticed that the days you wake up late are the days that your hair MUST be washed? And the pants you want to wear are playing undercover agent? And the shoes you need are in the truck, because you changed into tennis shoes after gym? And the keys are not to be found ANYWHERE??
There must be a conspiracy to keep my day from going well. But just at the point that I'm about to scream (that usually happens when I realize the I need to get gas before going to school), I remember the lesson Grace taught me just the other day--one she is learning in kindergarten where Ms. Daun uses a traffic light for behavior. "If you want to have a good day, just stay on the green. If you talk to much or do bad things, you might get on yellow or red. If you get on yellow, you can be real good again and get back on green. But if you get on red, life is not good. The best thing to do, ZiZi, is just stay on the green."
So I'm working very hard to stay on the green, because no gremlin conspiracy at my house is going to make me get on the red!
Each night I go to bed so tired I can hardly walk. My eyes begin to close on their own. I get in the bed, get my pillow fixed, snuggle under the cover, and wait for the bliss of pure, uninterrupted sleep -- and then I get hot. Or the pillow has a wrinkle in it. Or my back itches. Or the light from my alarm clock keeps me awake. Or the dog barks. And all this goes on until two or three IN THE MORNING! When I finally fall asleep, it's time for Robbie to be getting up. And then I doze off and wake up late.
Ugh!!! I hate waking up late! Nothing goes right. Have you ever noticed that the days you wake up late are the days that your hair MUST be washed? And the pants you want to wear are playing undercover agent? And the shoes you need are in the truck, because you changed into tennis shoes after gym? And the keys are not to be found ANYWHERE??
There must be a conspiracy to keep my day from going well. But just at the point that I'm about to scream (that usually happens when I realize the I need to get gas before going to school), I remember the lesson Grace taught me just the other day--one she is learning in kindergarten where Ms. Daun uses a traffic light for behavior. "If you want to have a good day, just stay on the green. If you talk to much or do bad things, you might get on yellow or red. If you get on yellow, you can be real good again and get back on green. But if you get on red, life is not good. The best thing to do, ZiZi, is just stay on the green."
So I'm working very hard to stay on the green, because no gremlin conspiracy at my house is going to make me get on the red!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Fun with the Babies
What a fun weekend we had with all our babies! The fact that Daddy was still in the hospital was a damper, but we love to be able to play with all the kids and make memories with them. Josh and Vicki offered to take the "kids" on the hay ride for treats. Wow, at the "kids" that turned out! I think there were as many grown-ups as chidren! We took pictures before the big send off. Robert's children spent the night and went to church with us on Sunday.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
All my superheroes, angels, and dancers
The Mighty Trio
Dylan had a great time on the bike on Sunday
Daniel : "geddin' bedda with my wunnin"
Grace was a disco dancer for her school party
My girls -- can you tell Kaylee is sleepy?
Dylan was so proud of his tower in Children's Church.
I don't know why some of the pictures look blurry, but one thing is as clear as day: God has blessed us richly!
Psalm 127
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Wizard of Oz kind of day
Yesterday was a day of "weirds." Lauren and I have joked about that some words cover A LOT of ground. Weird is one of those. First of all, an unusual event on the way to school. Now, my kids (students and biological) are accustomed to my saying, "Guess what? On the way to school today I...". They have become adept at filling in the blank with "hit a _____." Sometimes it's a deer; other times dogs commit suicide by using by truck. I hit a herd of pigs on the way home from dance practice with Lauren (she just reminded me of that.) Once I bumped an emu. Really. He flared his wing at me and I bumped him. Robert got nearly hysterical once when I hit a turtle because it "darted" in front of me, but it truly did!
But yesterday, nobody got the blank right. Grace and I were on our way to school when I saw what appeared to be an accident -- maybe a motorcycle or small car. The sun glinted off of blue and silver "metal." Then I got closer and, to my great joy, I saw the "victim" emerging from the "wreckage." Except there was no victim -- or wreckage. A man in a blue and silver helmet and one of those suits your REALLY have to like yourself to wear waved at me as he emerged from his PARACHUTE! A parachute! At 7:30 in the morning! On a Monday! Who does that?
But that did not end my day. On the way to gymnastics -- and I was running late because of computer techs and personality conflicts and printer problems -- we were slowed to a stop because a HOUSE was in the middle of the road! A house! In the road! On a Monday! Who does that?
Grace said, "ZiZi, what is going on?" All I could think of was Dorothy saying , "We're not in Kansas anymore."
Yep, it was certainly a weird day.
But yesterday, nobody got the blank right. Grace and I were on our way to school when I saw what appeared to be an accident -- maybe a motorcycle or small car. The sun glinted off of blue and silver "metal." Then I got closer and, to my great joy, I saw the "victim" emerging from the "wreckage." Except there was no victim -- or wreckage. A man in a blue and silver helmet and one of those suits your REALLY have to like yourself to wear waved at me as he emerged from his PARACHUTE! A parachute! At 7:30 in the morning! On a Monday! Who does that?
But that did not end my day. On the way to gymnastics -- and I was running late because of computer techs and personality conflicts and printer problems -- we were slowed to a stop because a HOUSE was in the middle of the road! A house! In the road! On a Monday! Who does that?
Grace said, "ZiZi, what is going on?" All I could think of was Dorothy saying , "We're not in Kansas anymore."
Yep, it was certainly a weird day.
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