Down South Musings

Poppa, We Remember You

2010-01-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

(Bernie ~ 9/15/1931 - 1/25/2010)

Poppa, We Remember You
“This is a collection of our memories of Bernie,our Grandfather affectionately known as “Poppa.”
by Kristin, Jessica, Rebecca, Rachel, Sarah and Hunter (compiled by Amy )

With twinkling blue eyes and a mischievous grin, Poppa stole our hearts. We are not exactly sure how that happened since the minute one of us was born Poppa would call the baby a ‘sack of salt’ and threaten to sell him or her for fifty cents. We remember that instead of growing in value as we grew older, our worth declined until Poppa would offer to sell us for just a penny, box us up and send us around the world. But after a while he would sigh and say, “ I’d have to buy you back, though.”
We remember that his greatest joy was to convince us as toddlers to call ‘Nena,’ our grandmother and his better half’, ‘a Bum.’ But every one of us caught on to that joke and responded with “No.. you’re the bum, Poppa bum.” Which would make him chuckle and reply with, “Your all-right. I reckon I’ll keep you” Then he would point to Nena and say, “But She’s still the bum.. not me.”
We remember sleep overs with Nena and Poppa. Curled up in one of the huge recliners in the den, sipping on a ‘tiger’ cup full of ‘sugared down with love’ coffee, we would watch old Westerns. More than likely the movie would feature another favorite man of ours, John Wayne. In the evenings we’d stay glued to the set watching ‘True T.V.’ and marathon episodes of COPS. At some point during the evening Poppa would call out, “Ma, where’s my cream.” And we’d run to the kitchen to help Nena dish out the vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.

Even though Nena claims she can’t cook, Nena would make us cinnamon toast. We remember Poppa fixing us his special breakfast of “Frozen Maine Blueberries” Occasionally we’d go out to eat where Nena would eat her grits raw while the rest of us would copy Poppa and smother our grits with sugar. Eating with him could be risky because more often than not, he’d spider walk his hand across the table and try to snatch your food.
At supper time, we would hike up the hill to Derry’s where we would listen to a ‘battle between the North and the South’ at every meal. Someone, usually Bert, would call Poppa an “ole Yankee” and threaten to feed him greens. You see, while Poppa may have adopted ‘sweetened tea, grits and ‘pecan’ pie, he couldn’t abide a ‘green’ of any sort.
For as long as we can remember, Poppa and Nena would Summer in Maine. Which was okay with us as long as we got to go with them. There in ‘vacationland’ we would adopt his Yankee food, ‘bottled water’ from Poland Springs, cream of wheat, and Uncle Tink’s Blueberry Pie. And like Poppa, we found one food we couldn’t abide, Mincemeat Pie. Sorry, Aunt Arlene.
Walking the rocky beaches of Maine, touring the shipyards of ‘Old Port’ and ‘chasing the light houses’ along the rocky coastline, we wondered how Poppa could leave his native state. Until he explained to us how he grew tired of climbing out of the second story window on frigid school mornings, to dig out the seven foot snow drifts from around the front door to let his family out.
We remember being still with Poppa and watching....listening. He always kept his binoculars close by as he would watch the birds and deer come to the feeders in the back yard. In Maine, he would take his bincoulars to the beach and to the bay. He was content to sit for hours and watch the ships come in.
We remember Poppa’s hands. Gifted hands that filled our homes with his beautiful furniture. Hands that collected, sorted and archived stamps and coins, pieced together puzzels, and painstakingly built a ship in a bottle. Hands that were quick to hug, to hold and to encourage us. Hands that would hold ours as he spun us around the room with our small feet perched on top of his feet as he hummed a country western song.
Poppa, we remember you and we will not forget your humor, your love, and your lessons on life. We will remember that God let you stay a little bit longer on ‘borrowed time’ to be our Poppa and to have the chance to dance with you.

2009-08-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

From the moment I walked in the door with my iphone, my children claimed it.

If Hunter is not playing games, Rachel is snapping pictures
and downloading applications or Sarah is adding and mixing
up the ringtones. And that is where I got into trouble.

On Friday night, Sarah and I went to church for an event called Uprising 3.0

"All rising 7th Graders and family, join us for a time of introduction to the
Student Ministry of FBC. We will have a dinner prepared just for you at
6:00 in the Fellowship Hall. During this time you will be introduced
to many of the ministries, programs and activities you can be
invloved in with Student Ministry."

So... right in the middle of the youth pastor's talk...
my phone goes off. LOUD.
The ringtone... "DA DA DA DUM.... Bad to the Bone."

Yeah. It went off at least twice before I turned it off
and everyone turned to me. Laughing. Hard.

It was quite an uprising.

When we got home, I gathered the children together
and asked for a confession... "Who put "Bad to the Bone"
on my ringtone?"

"It said "Piano Riff," Mama... not "Bad to the Bone," Sarah
confessed. "What is "Bad to the Bone" anyway?"

For those of you too young to know the song..
it's a classic. "Bad To the Bone"

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Workin'

2009-08-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Austin lives for the moment his Daddy
comes home from work. If I ask him,
"Austin, are you a momma's baby?
He will sign "Daddy Tractor."
Every afternoon, Daddy and his
little shadow will find something
to do on the tractor. And who could
blame them? It's air conditioned,
has an XM radio, and it's even
equipped with a Buddy seat.

Austin prefers heavy lifting with the
front end loader. But more than likely,
they are raking, mowing, tettering,
or baling hay. Not too far into work time
I will receive the inevitable phone call,
"Come and get your son." The sound of the mower
and the vibration of the engine puts Austin to sleep.
(Workin' Hard) ;)

Keep the Faith
Amy

The Vet's Daughter

2009-08-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

(The Vet's Daughter)

After dental appointments, I decided to take the five youngest

to lunch at a downtown cafe. Rebecca, claiming

"privilege of the oldest child in the car," grabbed the front seat

while the others piled into the back. I was midturn to face the

back of the car to begin backing out of the parking lot when

my attention was caught by a small pink mark on my

daughter's neck.

"What happened?"
"Oh, I burned my neck with a curling iron," Rebecca grimace

and lightly touched the sore spot. Unable to resist taunting

her sister, Rachel hung over the front seat and said. "It looks
like a hickey!" Rebecca blushed and said, "Trust me, I KNOW,

everyone at work and church has been harassing me about the

dang burn for two days."

Rachel giggled and with a wicked glint in her eye began

sing-songing... "Rebecca's got a hickey, Rebecca's got a

love bite, Rebecca's got....."

"Ring Worm," interrupted a very droll voice.

For a single beat there was dead silence before Rachel,

Hunter and I burst out laughing. Sarah crossed her arms

over her chest and pouted at our laughter.

"That's what it looks like to ME!"

Rebecca hung her head and sighed, "Only a vet's daughter

would think of that."

(Rebecca, Sarah and Rachel)

Keep the Faith and keep away from burns

caused by hot hair implements.
~Amy~

Rebellion

2009-08-03T11:26:00.001-07:00

(Austin and a sibling trying to 'hold him down' )

It was night time and my husband walked into our bedroom with his little shadow tagging behind him. "Time for bed, Austin," he said standing at the foot of our bed. "Go upstairs and get in your bed."
Giggling furiously, Austin climbed up the foot board and somersaulted into our bed. Rapidly crawling across the mattress, the defiant child tossed pillows out of the way, pulled back the comforter and snuggled down on his Daddy's side of the bed. Rolling on to his belly, he squinted his eyes and then began to 'snore' loudly.

Hands on his hips, Hubby tried to hide his laughter and said, "Austin, that is pure-t-ugly. Get up and go upstairs to your bed. Now."
With louder snores and a few wiggles, Austin continued his disobedient mocking of his Daddy. Finally, a sister came in and rescued the pretender before he got into serious trouble.

Funny. In one of the first serious talks that doctors have with parents who's children are born with an anomaly... "They" said he wouldn't be able to pretend and he wouldn't ever have a sense of humor. "Those are higher functioning abilities...," they sniffed. "Given his extra chromosome, you can't expect him to develop higher cognitive abilities." They didn't mean to be demeaning or discouraging, you understand. Parents need to understand and accept their child's limitations.

Austin's in all out rebellion to do everything they said he "wouldn't be able to do." And like the good parents we are ... we are totally encouraging his rebellious attitude against authority.

Keep the Faith and Resist Conforming to the "Man"
amy

Mars Vs Venus

2009-07-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

So. We are in this really serious business meeting discussing our 'investment horizon,,' future educational trusts, special needs trusts... serious. And the gentleman, Marc, leading the discussion decides to tell a tale on a mutual friend of ours. Seems they were out golfing one day when "Dan" swings a bit too hard with his wooden golf club and sends it into a nearby pond. So it's floating in the pond.... and Marc encourages him to go after the club. So, Dan takes off his socks and shoes, rolls up his pants legs and wades into the water. About 5 feet into the pond, Marc whistles. Dan looks back and sees his friend 'relieving' himself into the pond. The other three males in the room think the 'tale' is hilarious and die laughing. I'm looking at him like.. This is funny?

Naw. This is GROSS.

Do you think the 'male' and 'female' sense of humor is the same?

I think not.

Keep the Faith,

amy

Sweet Deal

2009-07-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

So I went to the mall today. I need camp clothes. Yes, I've officially lost my mind. Next week I'm headed to SC with a bunch of hoodlums... third to sixth grade boys and girls.

Since I'll be living in a college dorm room (oh joy) and basically sweating it out with a bunch of youngun's in various camp activities (like chasing each other with water balloons) I decided to update the wardrobe. Thank goodness the sales are outrageous this time of year. I racked up some serious threads with very little cash. It was sweet. Anyway, I found this little green top and decided to wear it this afternoon.

When I walked up to Rebecca at church, she gave me a blank look. Then she started laughing and said, "I had no idea who you were... you look twenty-ish. I was like... 'who IS THIS chick talking to me.'"

Yeah. I need to consider giving the girl an allowance.

I'm headed back to the store in the morning to buy the same shirt in every color it comes in... 'You Betcha.'

Keep the Faith,
amy

Eyes of Love

2009-07-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

One afternoon in a rare moment of 'aloneness' with my husband, I glanced in the visor mirror to check my makeup. The stark sunlight revealed every bit of my age and then some. I sighed and he asked what was wrong.

"Getting older.... it's such a mean trick," I replied. "Inside I feel the same way I did when I was just a girl. Then... I look in the mirror and I see an old woman."

Reaching over to grab my hand he said, " And when I look at you, I see the sixteen year old girl I fell in love with."

As he is not one for giving compliments, it made his words all the more special to me. I don't remember where we were going or why but.... I will never forget what he said. Truth was in his voice. And it occurred to me that he was right. When I looked at him, I saw the seventeen year old boy that I fell in love with nearly three decades ago. Time does change most things, but not the eyes of love.

Keep the Faith,

amy

Need Advice -- Quick!

2009-04-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Okay. So Older daughter #3 has been invited to two proms. One on Friday night..the other on Saturday...different dates. So the big question is this... "Does she need two prom dresses?" What say you?

Flood

2009-04-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

They closed the schools today. My children want to know if they get the day off from homeschooling. Their dad told them that the only way they could have a 'flood' day was if there was a river of water flooding the house. There are some disadvantages to homeschooling. Let's hope they don't decide to plug up the tub and let the water flow. Last year we were in a ten year drought. I guess God is storing up the water for this summer. Meanwhile, the house is mildewing outside, the garden is a muddy river and the driveway is a 'slip-n-slide.' On one main highway, next to a pond, I dodged five turtles trying to cross the road...all at the same time. Other than the fact we are considering building an ark, it's life as usual on the farm. Keep the Faith ~ Amy

Sunday Grace

2009-03-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

(Hurricane Ridge, NC ~ Rebecca's Photo)

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Fun Giveaway

2009-03-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

I love the whole idea of the these decals. And Restyled home is offering the cutest black chandelier! Leave her a comment for a chance to win!

I've NEVER won a giveaway.. have you?

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Graduate School

2009-03-25T07:44:00.001-07:00

In 2004, my husband and I went back to school. We entered the Graduate School of Parenting. That's where you learn to make wise choices about your child's health and future. The first decision we faced was made for us. When Austin's heart condition was diagnosed as critical, there was only once choice.. He would have to have open heart surgery to save his life. It was a wise choice to hand over our naked, vulnerable seven day old child to the surgery team. Within minutes after they restarted his newly repaired heart, his mouth, hands and feet were no longer blue, but a beautiful healthy pink. Within months he no longer had to take medications to reduce his heart congestion, his heart was beating perfectly even with a class 3 murmur.
Some choices are not so clear, the line between good and best is blurred. Thursday, we realized we are facing one of those decisions where you have to weigh out all the options, ponder, pray and then make a leap of Faith that you ARE choosing the best option for your child. It's never easy. It's especially difficult when it involves pain.
The nasal endoscopy both confirmed and discounted what the ENT suspected. Yes, Austin has nasal regurgitation, but no, he doesn't have a cleft palate. He has a larynx that is too large. I believe the Craniofacial expert's exact words were "His larynx is HUGE and that's the medical term for it."
This means that when he eats or drinks, some of it enters the sinus. Think of it this way. The larynx is a door way, the adenoids are the door jamb and the cleft palate is the door. The door is perfect, the adenoids are perfect but they don't fit the door way. So Austin's door from his esophagus into his sinus is always open and it shouldn't be. I asked the good doctor, "Who makes the decision about surgery, you, the ENT or the GI doctor."
He said, "None of the above, you and your husband make the decision. He's your child."
Yes, he is. And it is so hard to chose pain for your four year old son. The surgery is a step above a tonsillectomy. The surgeon will cut muscles from the inside of the throat and create a flap to narrow the 'door way.' Sounds simple. Of course, as the good doctor explained to me, they haven't done a lot of these. He can't guarantee that Austin won't continue to have sinus infections, that it will stop the nasal regurgitation or that he won't eventually sound nasal.
So why would we choose surgery? " Because, Mom, if he doesn't have surgery then I CAN guarantee that he will have all of the above. No doubt about it."
Over the next couple of months we will watch to see how the Prevacid works. The GI is scheduling a upper GI series and Endoscopy to see what else is going on in Austin's digestive track. Then ENT will ponder the results of the nasal endoscopy and get back to us with his opinion. Austin's pediatrician will also give us her opinion as she is the one who deals with all of the infections and the consequences of four rounds of antibiotics in three months on this little guy's system. She's thinking long term consequences. The antibiotics will stop working with his system. Then when he is hit with a more serious infection, there will be nothing left in the antibiotic arsenal to fire.
Thankfully, this decision to operate isn't urgent. We have time to sift through all of the information, to let the acid reducers do their job healing the mess the undiagnosed reflux made of his esophagus, vocal cords, and epiglottis. Austin has time to learn, explore and enjoy the world around him.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." James 1:5-8

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Make Time For Joy

2009-03-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have renewed a goal in my life. It should have been in place all along, but I became disoriented by an unexpected complication. I forgot to take time to rejoice. No matter what the circumstances, make time to create happiness.

After two day-long visits to the Emory Children's Center with just Austin, one sibling and me, I remembered our annual pass to Zoo Atlanta. This Thursday, we packed the sunscreen, camera, and the zoo pass and headed to the doctor's visit. Austin's nasal endoscopy may have been the starting point of our day, it didn't dominate our trip. A Carousel, rock climbing wall and train became the focus. Enjoying the beautiful spring day, the glorious colors of the fruit trees and the antics of a baby panda were the memories we carried away from our trip to Atlanta.

"Preschooler tames tiger...stunning the crowd."

"Willie B goes down for the count.. must have been the 'nostril hold' that caused the gorilla to concede the fight. "

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

Paslm 33: 21-23

Keep the Faith and Rejoice,

Amy

Sunday Grace

2009-03-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Come now, let us reason together,
says the LORD.
"'Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Keep the Faith ~ Amy

*** For more Sunday Grace

Bid to Save A Life

2009-03-11T06:21:00.001-07:00

Kellsey, abandoned at birth by her family, lives in the Ukraine in an orphange. But she belongs here, with this family. And she's almost home. Help bring this precious baby to her mother and father and siblings who already adore her. God has a plan for her life. Won't you be a part of it?

" Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!" Psalm 139: 16-17

Keep the Faith ~ Amy

I See Beauty

2009-03-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

Christy owns China Garden. It's one of the two true restaurants we have in our tiny town. So we've gotten to know her. When we come in, she focuses most of her attention on Austin. She speaks to the other children, but it is Austin she loves. She always compliments him and tells us how cute he is.

One Sunday evening, Sarah, Austin and I went in to get take out. We ignored the buffet and chose to order Wonton Soup, Sesame Seed Chicken and Mongolian Beef to go. While we were waiting, Christy brought Sarah and Austin bowls of ice cream then sat down across from me and said, "He looks different."
She took her hand and made a circle around her face. I just smiled and nodded. She frowned a bit and tried again, "He doesn't look like your family."
I laughed and said, "Well he looks the most like his sister, Jessica and his father."
"No..." Clearly frustrated, she paused to find the words in English. Finally she pats her cheek and says, "He look Asian...like me."
Ah. I finally understood. "He has down syndrome," I told her. She tilted her head and looked puzzled. So I tried again. "He has an extra chromosome." Still, she looked puzzled and shook her head. "He was born with a birth defect."
Ah, now she understood. "Do you know what I'm talking about Christy?" She just nodded. Then mumbled something about checking on our food. I hadn't realized that she didn't' know. I assumed it was apparent. Not only that, Jessica used to work next door at the nail shop and saw Christy daily..
Christy came back out of the kitchen and sat back down. She told me our food would be ready in a minute.
Then she got this determined look on her face, she leaned in close and said," I love him. I don't see different, I see beauty. His eyes, his cheeks, his nose, his mouth....they are beauty to me." As she said each feature she pointed them out to me on both herself and Austin.
I couldn't speak, I just nodded. She looked at him closely then started again. "He not look like your family, he look Asian. And to us, he is beautiful. We all love him."
Finally, I smiled and said, "When I look at Austin, I don't see different either. I see beauty. But when Americans look at my child, they see different. They see Down syndrome."

Christy shook her head and began to tell me a story about a little boy she met in China when she was young. She was visiting her mother's mother and he suprised her while she was cleaning fish. The whole time she is telling me the story, she is pantomiming. She showed Sarah and I how she was bent over the fish cleaning when she heard a little boy say, "Hello." Her eyes got big and she pointed to Austin. "He look like him. His hair was dark and his skin was color like mine....but he look like Austin. He was the most beautiful boy I ever seen."
She got up to get our food and said again. " I not see different. I see beauty. If I not know his age, I'd not think anything except he is beautiful."

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." 1 John 4:7-9

Keep the Faith ~Amy

Sunday Grace

2009-03-08T10:27:00.001-07:00

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. " Luke 12 6-7

Keep the Faith ~ Amy

More Sunday Grace

No More Tears

2009-03-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Florida- 6/26/06

Friday we went to eat in a little cafe in Apalachicola, FL. Filled with tacky fish nets, it was crowded and we had to negotiate seating with the hostess. As she talked to me, she kept her eyes on Austin who was busy looking at the walls and the neon fish caught in those fake nets.

We ended up at two tables for four with Austin still in his stroller. Again, the hostess just kept looking questioningly at him and I began to wonder if she had a relative with Down syndrome.

The stroller proved to be awkward, so Becca brought his high chair over. Austin was in a great mood while he waited for his chicken fingers and french fries. So we passed the time playing pat-a-cake and 'itsy bitsy spider.' When she heard us singing, the hostess left the door and came over and stood directly in front of Austin. She watched him pantomime the hand motions with a wistful look on her face.

"My son used to do that for itsy bitsy spider." And she mimicked his motion...both hands meeting in the middle ...fingertips only. Finally looking at me, she moved in close, leaned down and said,"This is MY angel, Hunter." Around her neck was a medallion with the image of a cute two year old with light hair and round glasses. Ah, I thought, that's it. "Angel" is code in our world for a child with Ds.

"He was two in this picture...he'd be six now. But he had a heart defect."

My heart sank. I didn't want to know, but I asked anyway. She seemed to need to tell me. "So does Austin," I told her. "He had open heart surgery at a week old. What happened to your Hunter?"

She kind of shrugged and continue to watch Austin. "He had surgery at 3 months...then a pacemaker. He did great. Then one day ...he started going down hill, then he was gone." I couldn't help it. In a whisper I said, "How scary." Then a bit louder, "I'm so sorry."

We spent a few minutes more talking about the different heart defects. Then she went back to work. I couldn't eat. I fed Austin and just thought about two year old Hunter. I don't know if she had any more children.

As we finished up lunch, I thought about what I could say to her. I felt a need to let her know that it was okay to have approached me about Austin.....and that I cared about her 'angel.'

I sent the kids on out to the shops while I waited for our bill and watched the hostess roll silverware in cloth napkins. I racked my brain for something really meaningful to say. I almost walked past her without speaking. But she looked up at me and her eyes were swimming in tears. I reached out touched her knee and said, "Thank you for telling me about your son." I couldn't say anything else past the lump in my throat. She smiled and tried to speak but couldn't. We just nodded at each other as tears started to roll down her cheeks.

She wiped her face, sighed and then went back to rolling her napkins. Six days later, I'm still thinking about her angel, Hunter, and the medallion she wears close to her heart. Holding Austin tight, kissing his sweet fat neck, and breathing in that baby scent that still clings to his skin....I realize that even if my angel stays with us only a short while, I'd still choose to be his mommy. Regardless of the therapy schedules, the medical bills, and yes, even the stares, my life is better with him than without him.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away......I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21: 1, 3-4
Keep the Faith ~Amy

Kindred Spirit

2009-03-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

Before Austin began to walk, he wore orthotics called SMO's They are small braces that fit under his feet and stop just above the ankle bone. They supported his ankles and helped him keep his feet in the right position. At 18 months, his weak muscles and loose joints prompted Austin to roll his feet inward to find balance. The braces forced him to hold his feet in the right position and help train him to use the muscles properly. Made of plastic, we would occasionally have to have the braces adjusted as he grew. A technician uses a blow torch to soften the plastic then remold it to fit Austin's growing feet. It takes some time.

Locking a two year old up in a 'closet' exam room for 30 minutes or so is not easy. Several employees came to visit us to try to entertain Austin and keep his mind off the wait. As one young lady walked Austin down the hall holding one chubby hand, a young man, who walked with a slight limp and held his left hand close to his body, grabbed Austin's other hand. Off they went down the long hallway where 'Billy' was molding the braces. Jabbering away, Austin looked surprised when his new friend began imitating the sounds. Austin stopped and looked up at him. Then entranced, he reached up his arms to be picked up. Using one arm, the young man propped Austin on his hip and they continued to 'talk' to each other. Finally, with a big sigh, Austin laid his head on his friend's shoulder. Then, a few seconds later, leaned in close and gave his new friend a kiss.

I was floored. Austin doesn't do so well in a crowd or meeting new people. He's a bit shy and will avoid eye contact till he 'warms' up. But these two....made a heart connection.

I wish I'd had a picture of them, standing in the hallway ignoring the rest of us. There wasn't a dry eye in the office.

As Billy refitted Austin's braces, we discussed homeschooling. His wife is a high school teacher and is depressed about the number of students dropping out of school. Billy walked us out and in passing pointed out two of their employees who had continued their education even though they didn't graduate from High School. One of them was Austin's new friend. He came up to tell Austin goodbye and offer an explanation. "I was teased so badly in High School...I just didn't want to stay. But I'm in college now....married and soon to be a dad."

I admired him. I hope Austin will be like him. I hope that he will have vision, compassion and strength. Like his new friend, I hope Austin won't let the circumstances of his life stop him from achieving his dreams. That he won't let the cruelty of others rob him of compassion. And that he won't let physical frailty stop him from being strong.

^"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

Keep the Faith~ Amy

Words

2009-03-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

Friday night is date night. We spend the time talking about what has made us happy or sad over the last week. It's our time. But my husband, being the guy he is, loves to talk to the wait staff at the restaurants. They are mostly college students. By the time we leave he has usually found out what their major, GPA and future plans are. It's tradition.
One night we had dinner with 'Tiffany.' She was a local gal who attended the county school system and graduated 2nd in her class. Wow. Pretty impressive. She's attending a local community college after nearly failing at the 'holy grail' --the University of Georgia her first semester. "What Happened?" we exclaimed, ..."too many outside activities." No. It was over her head intellectually...that was her response. Then she went on to say something that absolutely broke my heart.
While in high school, Tiffany was joint enrolled. She attended honors classes in school and at the local community college. the same school she is at now. She made all A's. She had a psychology professor who humiliated her in class one day. There she was, a high school senior, and he called on her. The classroom was full of college students. He asked her about a 5 step cognitive process that children go through as they progress from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. The step she missed was: THE CRITICAL THINKING AGE. He then began to berate her and ended with..."What are you doing here? You don't belong here. You haven't reached the critical thinking age...you need to go back to middle school." He went on to tell her that she'd never make it at UGA...."You won't last a semester."
As she finished her story she said, "And he was right." Stunned, my husband and I asked if she runs into this professor at the college now. "Yes," she nodded, "And he makes a point to say to me that I don't belong in college."
There was more to her story. The semester at UGA cost her the Hope Scholarship which is why she is working. She has brought her GPA average up and will have the scholarship restored to her by Winter Semester. Good for her. We did what we could to encourage her and tell her how proud we were of her to keep dreaming and working toward her goals. But, the damage was done. It was in her eyes. She doubts her education, her goals and herself.

Our words have consequences. Once spoken, they can not be retrieved. We can either build up or tear down with our words. And you know what...it's far harder to build than it is to tear down. A few careless words can have a profound effect on someone's life...even a stranger's. But ... "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 Our words will produce fruit. It's up to us what kind of fruit they bear.

Keep the Faith ~ Amy

A Cry from the Heart

2009-02-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

I woke the children up at daybreak. "This may be the only chance we get to enjoy the beach...lets go for a walk." Amazingly enough, they rolled out of bed and out the door in record time. It was so gray that the ocean, beach and sky looked like one. But even that couldn't daunt their enthusiasm.

Hunter grabbed a shovel; Sarah grabbed a wagon; Rachel grabbed Austin and I grabbed a camera. We walked a ways, stopping every now and then to marvel at some treasure tossed up on to the beach by the storm the night before and to let Jess and Becca catch up to us. Then we came to the tide pools. Rippling sand islands surrounded by mini lakes stretched out before us and the kids squealed with joy. Jess and Becca tried to capture the perfect shot of the two of them while Sarah and Hunter waded out into the pool. Rachel, with Austin in the wagon, circled the water coming in as close as she dared without miring down in the mucky sand. Standing in the middle of the tide pool, I turned slowly trying to capture the moments with both my memory and my camera. Suddenly, I heard my name called. I turned to look at Hunter who was crouched down in the water. His eyes were huge, his mouth slack with shock as he tried to call my name again. Then, unable to do anything but cry, he sank back into the water. Before he went under, I gripped him with one hand and hauled him out. Blood soaked us both as I raced across the pool as fast as I could go holding him close and trying not to drop the camera.

I didn't know what had 'gotten' him. And it didn't matter. He called me and I had to answer.

Something cut about a one inch gash on his foot. I wrapped the bloody foot in a towel, held him head down, feet up (to his delight) until the bleeding stopped. The crisis past. Before long, he was digging up crabs and shells.

But I thought about that cry. How I couldn't do anything but run to him...to help him...to save him. The other children faded into the distance and all my attention was on the one who was hurt. I knew exactly where my other children where. I even knew what they were doing...but even so, my very being responded to that cry.

And I thought about God... how when we cry out He hears and He responds. David cried out to the Lord...'I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of my slimy pit, out of the mud, and mire, and set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth...' psalm 40:1

The moment I pulled that bleeding child out of the water, I realized that the God of the Universe would come to the rescue of a single being out of billions. For a loving parent cannot do anything but respond when his child cries out to Him. No matter how slimy, deep or dangerous the pit is, God is coming in to pull one of His own out. Have you cried out to Him? He'll answer.

Keep the Faith ~♥
amy

Not Ten Feet Away

2009-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

September a year ago, I was walking on a beach with one of my older girls. She's a junior in college and we don't get to spend a lot of time together anymore. So it was a sweet time. She was telling me about her life, her hopes and dreams for the future. The tide was out and we collected shells as we walked. Even though it was around 6:00 in the evening, the beach was still crowded. Most of the people were on the section of beach that is exposed during the low tide. It's a large area with tide pools. This coast is mild. No big waves or surf to speak of, but the currents can be strong… and the calm water is deceptive. We stuck to the coastline because I had supper in the oven and we knew our time to walk was short. As we headed towards the crowd, I noticed a couple of people were out in the water a good distance from the shore. We walked within ten feet of them. I wondered if they realized the tide was coming in and that the sand bar they were standing on would be twenty feet underwater in an hour or two. But I didn't say anything. They were adults. It was none of my business. There were warning signs posted all along the beach about the dangers.

We continued up the beach a good ways, when I realized how late it was. The sun was setting so rather than follow the shore line, we cut across the beach in front of the empty life guard stands, the closed coast guard office, and I never even looked out to sea.

After dinner, the little ones wanted to swim in the pool. As we were coming down the stairs to the pool area, I noticed a plane flying dangerously low over the sea. I knew there was an airport nearby…but this was low. He circled around and then began panning the sea with a huge light. It was then that I noticed the blue and red lights flashing on the beach down by the lifeguard stands. Soon there were boats all along the shore. I watched them for over an hour. After I took the kids back to the condo, I went back and stood on the balcony overlooking the pool and the beach. I heard a woman scream. After that, the plane left the area, then the boats, and finally the lights on the beach moved toward the coast guard office.

A small group of people walked off the beach and up to the landing where I stood. They told me a young woman had drowned. The lights....they were searching for her body in the sea. The scream....her friend who had tried to keep her afloat but failed. These two life long friends were wading in the ocean while the tide was out. When they realized how late it was and that the tide was rolling in, they headed back to shore. One of them couldn't swim. She stepped into a hole, sunk in the water over her head and the current carried her out into the deeper water. Her friend followed, pulled her head out of water and swam with them both for as long as she could. No one saw them struggling...or heard their pleas for help.

My stomach rolled and a deep regret settled in my bones ... I had walked right past them, twice. If I had but known... I could have done something. Swam out with a float.... a surf board...something. But I was too busy, hurrying back home and I never saw her struggle to live.

I wonder how many other people I walk past during the day who are drowning.... and I don't see them because I'm so busy. Maybe they are not in water, but drowning in a sea of worries, confusion and doubt....struggling to keep their head above water.... I could throw them an act of kindness, a word of encouragement... something.

Do you reach out to others when you know they are drowning in their problems and fears or do you mind your own business?

Keep the faith...but share it. ~Amy
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are dong.”
1Thessalonians 5:11

Sunday Grace

2009-02-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

*Ask Kari and Kijsa post beautiful verses and photos on Sundays. I think that is awesome. So, I'm offering my own verses and praise to God this morning. This is our farm, and probably my favorite verse. ....the idea that God, the creator of the Universe, sings over us, fills my heart with joy and makes me feel humble at the same time. *

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zepheniah 3:17

Keep the Faith,
Amy

The Birds

2009-02-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

While we were resting in North Carolina this past weekend,

our resident photographer, Becca, snapped photos as she

walked around Junaluska Lake.

(in these boots )

She found a cross that sits upon the hill overlooking the lake

and an old stone church with beautiful arch ways.

She also found a duck

"Such a cute little duck," She thought to herself.

"I shall feed him, he shall be my friend, and I shall call him, Daffy."

But then he brought a few friends with him.

Becca got nervous. It reminded her of this....

So then, my 18 year old daughter ran up to the car and lept into the front seat. As we were leaving, this blocked the street.

Becca choose to snap the geese photos from the safety of the suburban.

Keep the Faith,

Amy

PS. It's a movie classic, over 40 years old. Scary. No one does scary like Alfred Hitchcock.

Celebutards

2009-02-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's the title of a book. It's the title of a website. It's a title I find offensive. And I'm not alone.

Will you watch this? And when you are finished, Please leave a comment. Tell me, how is this word not mak ing fun of my son? Tell me how you think I"m being over sensitive? Because, honestly, I'd like to know how someone can use the word retard...retarded... in everyday speech. And I don't believe that the majority of people are deliberately cruel or intending to hurt a group of people who are in large part, unable to defend themselves.

Please. Watch it, and tell me how and why you think it's okay to use the word retarded or retard, tard, celbretard or even, the short bus. Leave me a comment. I want to know.

And if you don't use these words, tell me that too. If you are teaching your children to accept all people no matter how 'different'... if you are teaching them that words can hurt, from the deepest part of my heart, thank you for making this world a friendlier and more accepting place for my son.

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Squealing Tires

2009-02-13T17:57:00.001-08:00

I spent three hours in the tire and automotive place waiting. It was way past time to replace the two front tires on my automobile. Every time I pulled into the new parking lot of the Walgreens in our one light town, the bald tires on my car would squeal.

Heads turn looking for that young hot rod burning rubber.. and instead they would see me. Their gray heads tilt to the left and a puzzled look comes over their faces. You could just tell what they are thinking.."Hrumph, ain't she a bit old to be poppin' a wheely? Not too smart either...it's broad daylight!"

After making sure I got every bit of tread off of the tires that I possibly could, I broke down and spent half the day at the tire and automotive shop. I read all of their magazines...twice. I bought a miniature pecan pie from a little boy who came in fund raising for his church. I couldn't resist, he was about 6, called me 'Mam' and looked so hopeful, I had to give him a dollar. Besides, he pronounced pecan - "pee can." The South is divided over the pronunciation of our famous trees. I say puh-con with half of my state. And the other half of our state pronounces it like an uncouth term for 'toilet'... pee-can.

Finally, the guy motions me to the desk, gives me the bill, waits for my heart attack to subside, then he goes in for the kill, "Yer battree (sounds like "baa tree" ) been givin ya'll any trouble? Cause we play the radio while we're fixin' the tires (all 3 hours, I suppose) .. and the battree went dead. Ya'll want us to put you another battree in cause that's one's bad. That there is a sure sign that its dying if the radio runs out tha juice. It'll cost ya another $100."

Shaking my head "NO" I left quickly. None of the tires squealed on the way home.

This is for your amusement... keep your eye on the grasshopper.

Keep the Faith , Amy

Mr. Astute

2009-02-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

He used to sit over at the kitchen table in the mornings. In his high chair, he would breakfast while I prepared his medications. But one day, Austin had an epiphany and decided he was too big for a high chair. Instead he climbs up the counter stool to sit at the kitchen island, the hub of all the early morning action. He can keep on eye on things better that way. He studies me, approvingly, as I pull out his vitamins. They look and taste like gummy bears.

He takes his vitamins, sips on apple juice and munches on cheese toast while I open up his apple sauce. And up until yesterday, he never had a clue that hidden in his breakfast treat was half an antacid pill.

After our new ENT diagnosed Austin with reflux, I took his prescription for Prevacid SoluTab to our pharmacist. Insurance denied it. "They want you to try an OTC first. If it doesn't work, they might approve the Prevacid." There is just one problem. This pill is coated with a hard shell, Austin can not swallow it. Desperate, I cut it in half and hid it in his apple sauce. That worked great for a few days until one morning, Mr. Astute figured out there was something in his apple sauce and lil' smarty breeches "don't play that game." (bonus points if you know what famous show and skit that one liner originated)

I tried talking to him, coaxing him, begging him before finally fussing at him. Everything I put in his mouth he'd spit back out. I tried pudding. I tried yogurt. Not happenin' Mama. Finally I gave up, changed his shirt and took him to school.

After I dropped him off, I went back to the pharmacist and pled our case. She was very sympathetic and promised to fight for little Austin's original medicine. Hopefully Insurance will come back and approve the SoluTab. In the meantime, I purchased one tab.

This little pill ...... is $9. A one month supply is $145. But.. they dissolve on contact with his mouth. He doesn't have a chance to protest the pill before it melts. It's the only acid-reducer that comes in a soluble tablet. Such a beautiful concept.. only an acid reducer in a kid size dose, fashioned as a gummy bear treat would be a better solution.

Any ideas for getting him to swallow his bitter pill if insurance continues to deny the SoluTab?

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Big Giveaway!

2009-02-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

This is really cool.
I love Jeanne Winters artwork and her blog, Inspiring Ideas. Take time to go over to her site and check out her lovely artwork, books, and advice.

Lunch ~ Day 4 of the 100 project

2009-02-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

The children finished lunch early today and were outside cleaning up the back yard when their Daddy came home. Earlier, the phone technician had circled our house and stuck orange flags in the soil outlining the phone/DSL line. Watching him walk around the perimeter of our home brought to my attention the little things that I generally ignore...things like the toys left out by the children and bits of trash blown out of the trash cans by the wind. It was a balmy day before the rain, and they were enjoying the break from our home school activities. Occasionally they would run up the back stairs to exchange teasing remarks with their Daddy as he ate his lunch and went over with me his detailed plans for the ongoing extensive gardening project.

The orange flags are to show him where the lines are buried in the ground as he maneuvers the backhoe and other heavy equipment preparing the land for garden. Otherwise.. we may be without a phone and the internet if he digs the line up.
He didn't stay long, there were patients waiting for him back at the office. As he prepared to leave, I asked him for a kiss goodbye in a loud voice and told the children to stay in the yard away from the kitchen. He laughed and knowing that the children couldn't resist disobeying that command, he picked me up, placed me on a kitchen chair and moved in for a dramatic kiss. ( I'm a foot shorter than he is.. he's 6'4, I'm barely 5'3) We laughed quietly as we heard the rapid banging of their footsteps up the wooden steps as they clambered quickly to the back door window. Pressing their noses to the window, the girls giggled while our son faked a cough and said, "Eww.. gross." Then they ran down the stairs and back into the yard to finish their chore, chattering happily to each other.... content in the fact that their world was safe and secure.

I'm thankful for a husband who would rather drive home for a pb&j with his wife and kids then 'lunch' in town at a fancy restaurant.

Keep the Faith & treasure the small things that make your life worth living.

The 100 project

Blog Award

2009-02-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend, Renee gave me a blog award.
the description for the award is...

"This blog is exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

So.. I get to chose eight bloggers. This is going to be hard, because I have so many I follow and love. There are friends with angels like Austin. There are friends who love to inspire and beautify their world. And there are friends who open their homes and hearts and share their lives with others.

1. C Jane Enjoy it! ~ of course, she just won a 2008 web blog award, for best major blog. But never mind that little detail... I'm sure this award is just as important to her. ;)

2. The Nienie dialogues - You'll just have to go there... She's an incredible woman and mother.

3. Kari & Kijsa - They are designing sisters who are really talented and down to earth. Love their advice. They are in the middle of a horrific ice storm right now so keep checking their blog for updates.

4. Life with Bubba, Chicky and Nika Love this family. Two angels, one adopted from the Ukraine. You'll be charmed and inspired.

5. Smiles & Trails - Ten Children and about to adopt another. Incredible family and heartwarming stories.

6. The Inspired Room Love this blog. Melissa is very genuine and inspiring! I always feel the need to beautify some area in my home after I read her blog. lol

7. The Pioneer Woman - If you haven't discovered her by now you should. I think she's won every bloggie award you an win. Go check out her frontier. She's shares hilarious stories, great recipes, homeschooling advice and photographs.

8. The Purl Bee Love her craft ideas and links... You'll come away from one of her posts looking for something to sew, kint or paste together. Maybe all three!

9. The Shabby Nest Love Wendy and her blog. Always features great ideas and links. I going to make her Valentine Wreath this evening. She's so creative!

10. Faulkner Family - Another Angel website, you'll enjoy Kristen's thoughtful posts about her life with Ethan. She's truly a 'sweet' heart.

Some of my favorite websites.. and friends that I check in on a daily basis to be inspired, motivated and charmed. I hope you will befriend them too!

Nearly Five Years

2009-02-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

They all missed it. For nearly five years... he's been unable to speak discernibly. "That's because he is developmentally delayed," they said. For nearly five years... he's been in pain. "Oh the reflux is because he's got low muscle tone. He'll grow out of it. A Gastroenterologist" What for" You don't need a referral to a pediatric GI. You don't want to go looking for trouble. You need to stop worrying so much."

For nearly five years, he's battled one sinus infection after another. "It's just the way he's built.. not enough room in the sinus cavity. He'll eventually need a adenoid and tonsillectomy. Stop worrying so much, this is just the way it is with kids like Austin.

And so I did.. I stopped worrying so much. I stopped wondering why all his friends were speaking clearly. Maybe Austin just needs more Speech Therapy. I'm not working with him enough. Maybe this antibiotic with clear up the sinus. I just need to be patient. He'll get better.
But he didn't. Because for nearly five years they've all been wrong. All of them...2 pediatricians, a developmental pediatrician, 3 anesthesiologists, 2 Ear, Nose and Throat doctors, and 3 speech pathologists... they all missed it. For nearly FIVE YEARS. They all made assumptions. And his Father and I .... well, we listened to them. I listened to them. I didn't challenge them hard enough. After all, they are experts. All 11 of them... educated, trained professionals.

Then we met Dr. Sobol. And I'll forgive him his initial reaction to my son. Before our appointment, I went to the pediatrician's office and waited an hour for all of Austin's medical records. I hand delivered the ENT notes to the doctor's receptionist. I made sure she put them in Austin's file. The ENT never even looked at them. How do I know? Because when he came in the door, I saw his look of shock when he saw that Austin had Down Syndrome. His attitude with me was defensive and snippy as I went over the latest 4 bouts of sinus infections.

Then he asked something odd.. "How do you know they were sinus infections?"

Um.. cause the pediatrician told me so? Is this a test?

A medical student stood nearby and tried to appear interested.
He came in close when the doctor leaned in to peer into Austin's mouth. And I'll even forgive the doc's question, "Will he let me examine him?" Austin just sat in my lap and looked at him with his big brown eyes blinking.. not crying, not fussing, not even wiggling. Just waiting...cautiously hoping this doc wouldn't hurt him.

It took the ENT five seconds to see what 11 professionals missed. He jumped back excitedly and called the med student over to take a look, "He's got a bifid uvula, a submucosous palate and reflux."
"WHAT?" He looked offended at my yelp. Then he grabbed some spray and shot it up Austin's nose. "I'll be back in a minute. We are going to take a closer look with a nasal endoscopy."
I looked baffled and the nurse says.. "He's gonna stick a camera down Austin's nose and he's NOT gonna like it."

Thirty minutes later, Austin, Jessica and I leave the ENT's office in shock. No it's not life threatening, leukemia or his heart... but it explains a lot and it shouldn't have been missed. The reason his nose is running is because he has reflux, there is a HOLE in the back of his throat where his soft palate is supposed to be and his the contents of his stomach is refluxing up into his nose. He isn't talking because, basically the palate is what helps you make sounds... and his isn't working. The bifid uvula.. is that "punching bag" that hangs down in the back of your throat. Austin's is split in two. How did they all miss THAT for nearly five years.

So now the appointments start again. A craniofacial expert who will examine how much soft palate Austin does have and decide if he will need corrective surgery. A GI doc who will determine how much DAMAGE has been done by the undiagnosed acid reflux that's been occurring for nearly five years. And, what if anything needs to done. Austin is on meds and already we can see a change in him.

He's happier.. more energetic. And we aren't constantly wiping his nose.

Yeah. I mad at the doctors and professionals who didn't take the time to reason out why this child was spiting up and not talking. I mad they just jumped to conclusions without really LOOKing to see if there might be a physical reason for this condition. But I'm really madder at myself.

I should have pushed them harder. I really feel like I let Austin down. Acid reflux for nearly five years. What kind of pain must this kid have been in....

Keep the Faith.

And Pray that this IS the missing key to unlocking Austin's speech.

No Martha Stewart

2009-02-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

I get a "craft a day" email from Martha Stewart. She encourages me to branch out.. be artistic.. creative.. every day. Most days I look at the craft and say, "That's cute. I should make that." I'll save it in the inbox for a few days, then delete it when I realize.. it ain't gonna happen. Now Martha makes me feel guilty... for not heeding her advice.

Then came this craft.
And I thought..."Hearts made from paper napkins.. I can do THIS!"

I bought a couple of packs of red and pink napkins, printed out the instructions, grabbed my scissors and started folding and cutting. I went through 16 pink luncheon size napkins before I finally cut out ONE complete heart doily. You have to fold the napkin ... just so... or the cut outs will just be random hearts and not a connected circle of hearts.

I should have checked the comments on the craft instructions page.. they had a hard time understanding the directions as well. "This is such a cute design. I have the magazine and it has the same directions. I can't make it work. Is there something missing in the directions. Also, I can't get the video to play. HELP! emnickgran "

Then Rachel and Sarah decided they wanted to be crafty. I gave them the instructions, the paper napkins, the scissors and then sat back to see how they would fare.

There were mishaps along the way. But instead of tossing their paper cut outs in the trash... like their momma... they saw beauty in the mistakes.

] One of our kitchen windows.

Sarah finds Martha facinating while Rachel finds her felonious. Martha was her hero. Rachel loved watching her show. She would pour over articles in Living magazine then urge me to help her try out a recipe. Now, every time she sees the magazine or runs across Martha on TV she narrows her eyes and whispers, "She spent time in jail."
Sarah shrugs and says... "I bet she got a tattoo." When Rachel glares at her.. she'll snicker and say, "She probably redesigned the uniforms, decorated her cell and even cooked candle light dinner for the fellow prisoners."

Regardless of where they got their instructions, the two sisters were successful and ended up making enough doilies to decorate eight tables for a Valentine's Dinner tomorrow night. And the kitchen looks Valentiney!

Keep the Faith and Be Crafty!
~ Amy

PS. Sorry for the delay in posts. Austin went to see a new doctor last week...and he gave him a new diagnosis. One we've never heard of before. I'll explain later... still trying to understand it all.

Life With My Special Ks: Hello From Florida!

2009-02-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Life With My Special Ks: Hello From Florida!

I lived the 80's .... super sweet!

2009-02-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

You Are "Time After Time"

If you were transported back to the 80s, your life would be all about reflecting.

You're a serious, earnest person - and you couldn't help but think a lot about how things were back then.

You'd spend a lot of your time writing, researching, and learning.

You would either become a social anthropologist - or a crazy guru with a knack for predicting the future.

What's Your 80s Karaoke Song?

True Love Story

2009-02-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

Thirty-Seven Years --

"Is it really just about the dating?" asked my daughter, Becca.
"What do you mean?" I replied.

"In the Movies... it's all about falling in love... they never show afterwards....Do you stop having fun and playing around once you are married?"

"Well, when you are dating... you aren't focused on 'making a living...taking care of children... you are only focused on each other. But... you should still try to be your husband's girlfriend... and he should try to be your boyfriend... that's why we have date night. Besides, romantic movies are.... Hollywood."
Becca looked doubtful so I told her, "I'd be lost without your father, Rebecca. If anything happened to him, I'd be devastated."

Later that afternoon, I took my VCR/DVD player to this little mom and pop shop in a nearby town. I'd been taking my sets to the tv repair shop for years and the owners recognize me. Jerry fixes things, Janie runs the front office. TV's spill out of the front door of the crowded shop onto the parking area. The VCRs, Flat Screen TVs, DVD players, computers, stereos and combo sets are on ever spare square inch of the building. Janie had a desk, a phone and a computer at the front window with a sliver of floor space to work.It was close quarters. More times than not, Jerry was peeking over her shoulder with his magnifying glasses propped up on his head. Jerry and Janie were a good team. As the technicians carried in your equipment, Janie would write up the ticket and Jerry would chime in a few words of advice about what to buy and what not to buy in the rapidly changing world of electronics.

It was late when I got there.. nearly closing time and I noticed Janie was missing. A young man wrote up my ticket and chuckled when I told him my name, "We know you."

"Yeah, usually it's my combo set for the kids school, but this time I've got my DVD player. You guys just need to teach me how to fix this stuff myself."
Jerry leaned over from tinkering on a circuit board and said, "We could hire you as a technician, but If I did anything it would be to get you to answer the dang phone. I can't get anything done."

"You wife does that.. hey, where is she?"

Everybody in the cramped shop stopped to turn and stare at me. Jerry, his blue eyes filling with tears blurt out. "She's dead."

"WHAT? What are you talking about... was she sick?"

"No... she had an asthma attack...died in my arms at 5:00am in the morning on September 11th."

He went on to tell me about the morning.. ever detail. His concern at the rapidity of her breathing....his helplessness to stop the attack... his efforts to get her to the car... his fear when she fell ...and his anguish as he heard her take her last breath.

We were both crying by the time he finished.

Jerry looked around at the cramped office and his technicians' worried faces before he said, "I just didn't realize how much she took off of me around here. I'm lost without her. We were married thirty-seven years. Have you got a minute... I want to show you something."
I walked over to the ancient computer that he'd 'souped' up to get DSL. He opened a file with her name on it.
"If you've got time.. I wanna show you a poem a wrote for her."
I just about lost it. I read the poem and he showed me her picture 'ad' he'd placed in the paper on her birthday in November. "That was the worst of it, her birthday. But once I put this down on paper.. and I wrote it all out, I felt better."
It was a sweet tribute to the woman he loved.. 'his lady of class.'

Later that evening after dinner, the my whole family ended up in the den watching a movie. Becca was taking up half the sofa while her Daddy took up the other half. I asked her to move so I could sit next to him and tell him about my day. After much complaining, she plopped over in a chair and huffed. When I finished telling them about Jerry and Janie, my husband looked at me and said, "He wrote her a poem." Then he shook his head, cleared his throat and reached for my hand.

Becca wiped tears from her eyes and said, "I guess romance can last longer than dating... theirs lasted thirty-seven years."

She didn't mention the sofa again.

Keep the Faith,
Amy

2009-02-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

My friend Renee posted this on her blog and I wanted to share. If you haven't met Renee and her Special K's than check out her blog. You will be blessed.

Keep the Faith,
Amy

2009-01-30T05:51:00.000-08:00

I received an email from my MIL this morning. It included a website for Beanstock Apparently he's a first cousin of my husband and he raises exotic animals.
Take a look...

One of his baby zebras is a celebrity;
he tours with Jack Hanna Show.

Nilgai are a large antelope from India.

We all know what this is.. lol
Look at 'joey' peeking out at the camera.

Miniature donkeys.

Funny thing, Hubby and I were just discussing the allure of raising wild animals. I stumbled across The Daily Coyote a blog about a young woman in Wyoming who is raising a coyote. When I told him about her adventures, the only thing he said was, "Hrumph."

"What does that mean? " I asked.

"At some point a wild animal, no matter how domesticated returns to what they know. He will eventually revert. He still thinks like a wild animal."

I guess we all really know that... but it doesn't stop people from wanting to tame the 'wild.'
I hope she succeeds and that Hubby is wrong. But even our cousin posted a warning on his website about the Nalgia, the antelope from India.

"Bottle-fed babies become very tame. While babies can be alot of fun for children, the grown animals, especially bulls, should not be considered children's pets."

And he warns that the Zebras are 'wild animals' and should be respected as such.

Yeah, well. I don't care. I want a zebra. I think Chuchu needs a companion, Don't you?
.

Keep the Faith,
Amy

*A new post on 100 project coming up.. We've all had the cold/sore throat/flu... *sniffle, cough, cough*

Don't you love Giveaways?

2009-01-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

One of the fun blogs I follow The Shabby Nest is opening a shop on Etsy! For her grand opening she's offering a giveaway! So head over to her site and enter for a chance to win her darling necklace.
Good luck!

Two for One

2009-01-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

In My Eyes

I went to see an Ophthalmologist today. They couldn't find my record. Now this wouldn't be too odd considering most of my life I've had better than 20/20 eyesight and I think the last time I had my eyes dilated I was around 8. . However, the Ophthalmologist happens to be my father. Wish you could have seen his receptionist's face when she asked me to fill out the forms.

I have VERY dark brown eyes. Did you know that dark eyes are difficult to dilate? So they popped me with two drops in each eye to do the job right. I'm glad I coerced Rebecca into going with me.. no way I could drive after the eye exam. Funny thing on the way back to the house, we ended up at Barnes and Nobles.
I think it's impossible for that child to go to 'tha city' and NOT stop for a white chocolate mocha. I was so blurry-eyed, I had no idea where we were until I saw the green sign on the building. She just giggled, hopped out of the car and ran into the building before I could protest. Well okay, I did have a Caramel Macchiato.

My Baby ~ #3 of 100 project

She was three weeks late. During delivery the OB patted me on the tummy and said, "Lets hope this baby makes 7 pounds." I hadn't gained much weight with her... the entire second trimester was spent in the hospital with kidney stones, kidney infections, pneumonia and 105 degree fevers. The doctors were worried.... lots of x-rays, tests, drugs, sonograms, and several head-scratching meetings with the urologist, OB and pulmonolgist huddled at the foot of my hospital bed. There were dire predictions of a possible miscarriage... warnings that the medications and treatments used to 'cure' me were dangerous to the baby. Then they discovered that with a low dose of antibiotics every day, all my troubles went away. The third trimester was so wonderful, that the baby decided she wanted to stay... then she ran out of room. Kristin weighed 9 pounds and 6 ounces. Did I mention that I was 22 years old and weighed all of 105 pounds?

She made up for her tardiness by only taking 3 hours to be born. Short, intense, natural labor... I'm not sure I could recommend that to anyone. She never even cried. She just looked around the room with those dark eyes of hers until she heard her daddy's voice...twas love at first sight.
I saw my husband grow up the instant he held her in his arms. She waited for him to come home. That summer, he was working extra tours with the Army National Guard. They don't let you go home for such routine events as your first child's birth. Kristin politely waited till her Daddy could be there. My usually calm husband lost his way to the hospital... the same hospital he was born in 24 years earlier in the same town he'd lived in all his life. But she was patient and made sure everyone had enough time to arrive at the hospital to witness her birth. Her grandfather cut her umbilical cord even as he wondered at the alertness of her steady gaze.. much different than the overly medicated babies he'd helped deliver as a young intern forty years earlier. The OB breathed a sigh of relief when he looked her over. He had worried the most over her well-being. While the other doctors focused on getting me healthy, he focused on keeping her alive.

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."
John 16 :21

The OB need not have fretted, for God was busy answering a girl's prayer to be a mother. God knew that Kristin, named for HIS son, was the one who would best teach this young couple how to be parents.

I am thankful for the miracle of Kristin's Birth and the joy of being her mother.

Even though her hubby calls her "His Baby"
She'll always be "Our Baby."

Keep the Faith and count Your Blessings.
Amy

My Better Half ~ Day 2 of 100 Project

2009-01-25T02:31:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful that after 25 years of marriage and seven children, he is still the one that makes my heart beat faster.

"You're still the one that makes me laugh; Still the one that's my better half; We're still having fun, and you're still the one.
You're still the one that makes me strong; Still the one I want to take along; We're still having fun, and you're still the one.
Changing, our love is going gold Even though we grow old, it grows new -
You're still the one that I love to touch; Still the one and I can't get enough; We're still having fun, and you're still the one." (Orleans , Still The One)

Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15 (NIV)

Keep the Faith,
Amy

The Challenge

The 100 project

2009-01-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Currently Reading
The Hundred Dresses
By Eleanor Estes
see related
The 100 Project

I found this delightful blog called tollipop . Kirstin is an artist who paints the most charming designs.

Kirstin's mother died recently and painting, creating and sharing her work is a balm to her heartache. In October, she began the 100 Dresses Project based on the children's book by Eleanor Estes.

She then challenged the blogosphere to create 100 somethings to share with others.

Well, I'm not all that crafty. And my painting is limited to the 'by tha numbers' kind. I can sew a bit... glue gun a little and scrapbook like mad.. but the idea of 100 photo albums made me shudder. So...I pondered what 100 creations I could bring into being... and then a thought came that wouldn't leave. Why not count your Blessings and share them? Since I'm not a true artist, I could illustrate my Blessings with photographs.

When the child of my heart, Miss Kennedy, was going through Chemotherapy to battle Leukemia, her mother Renee updated daily on a Care Page. The updates could be very painful... another harrowing procedure, a wound that wouldn't heal, or a setback for Kennedy or one of her precious friends. But everytime she posted, without fail, Renee would list one thing ... sometimes more.. for which she could give thanks. What a testimony. So, challenged by Kirstin and inspired by Renee ... here is number one.

I am thankful for the gift of God's Grace.

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV

January

2009-01-22T17:42:00.001-08:00

So... January is almost over. Did you set any resolutions this year? I tend to avoid that... it's a nasty habit anyway.
But I have been trying to improve one little area of my home every day. This goes beyond cleaning. I couldn't possibly only clean one little area. My home would become a sinkhole.. quickly.

But. I have been organizing and de-cluttering and sprucing up a bit. I tossed around the idea of a yard sale. Then tossed that idea into the bag with all the clothes that I dropped off at Goodwill. Can't see charging someone for my outgrown clothes and stuff. I'd just end up buying something else that someone would out grow or have to dust. Instead, I felt the need to give it away. One rather big box of clothes made it to my 'kindred spirit' friend. She has a little girl a couple of years younger than my Sarah. It was full of jackets, dresses, skirts and a few jeans..too small for my youngest girls.

We are hard on clothes around here. The only articles of clothing that I'd feel comfortable giving to someone else's child are those reserved for Sundays and special occasions.

A working farm produces clothes that are mud and grass stained remnants of once cute clothes. We soon learned to divide the children's clothing into... 'city clothes' and 'country clothes.' Trust me, only the city clothes made it to little Claire.

Do you know... my friend wrote me a Thank You note. A Thank You note.. to your best friend... for cast off clothes. Made me cry. And kick myself for not sending her more things earlier. Such a small thing really, sharing what you have with others. But at the right moment, when they might need it most, sharing what you don't use or need with someone else can be a Blessing - to you both.

Keep the Faith,
Amy

Don't Tell the ACLU

2008-07-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Austin prayed in public School . Not only did he pray, but his Daddy did too!
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Austin's preschool class at the church sings a little prayer. We started singing it as a family at Dinner time before we say a blessing on the food. Austin will bow his head, clasp his hands together and he 'sings' with us.

Well, after observing his class Tuesday, I asked his teacher, "Does Austin talk to you?"
"NO," she said. "He signs, but no words."

I was so dejected. I told Hubby that Austin wasn't talking to his teachers at all. So the next morning, Austin and his Daddy bowed their heads, folded their hands and, to the amazement of his teachers, sang this to the class.

"God our Father, God our Father,
We thank you, We thank you,
For food and friends and family
food and friends and Family
and Your Love,
and Your Love!"

So my three year old with Down Syndrome just witnessed to his public preschool class, teacher, aid and student teacher. Do you think Austin is part of a government conspiracy to establish a religion in the public school system??

Keep the Faith

Down South Musings

Poppa, We Remember You

Workin'

The Vet's Daughter

Rebellion

Mars Vs Venus

Naw. This is GROSS.

Do you think the 'male' and 'female' sense of humor is the same?

I think not.

Keep the Faith,

amy

Sweet Deal

Eyes of Love

Need Advice -- Quick!

Flood

Sunday Grace

Fun Giveaway

Graduate School

Make Time For Joy

Sunday Grace

Bid to Save A Life

I See Beauty

Sunday Grace

No More Tears

Kindred Spirit

Words

A Cry from the Heart

Not Ten Feet Away

Sunday Grace

The Birds

Celebutards

Squealing Tires

Mr. Astute

Big Giveaway!

Lunch ~ Day 4 of the 100 project

Blog Award

Nearly Five Years

No Martha Stewart

Life With My Special Ks: Hello From Florida!

I lived the 80's .... super sweet!

True Love Story

Don't you love Giveaways?

Two for One

In My Eyes

My Baby ~ #3 of 100 project

My Better Half ~ Day 2 of 100 Project

The 100 project

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The 100 Project

January

Don't Tell the ACLU