Thursday, September 13, 2012

20

I love the number 20. It is even and round and just a great number, especially today. Today, Keith and I have been married 20 years. Whew! In some ways, that is a LONG time, and in other ways, it seems so short. I feel like I have always been married, or at least I feel like my married life has been the most meaningful. We have had our share of bumps and victories, but ultimately, the Lord has been the glue, the duct tape and the substance that makes it all worthwhile.

Keith and I met at work in Maryland. He even remembers when I came in for the job interview with my hair in a bun, glasses on and briefcase in hand. I so wanted this job, since it was just down the road from my house. I had been commuting to Washington, D.C. for almost four years and I was anxious to work closer to home. We locked eyes a few times, but I never once thought, "future husband".

I did not believe in dating co-workers and I tried several times to explain this to Keith. I managed to convince him that we could not pursue a relationship, although it was very challenging. Keith would leave little notes on my desk (yes, I still have them) and he would continue to ask me out. I turned him down so many times, I figured he would give up. After nearly two years of this, I finally agreed to shoot pool with him, but only as friends. I made it very clear that we were not dating. We went roller skating, hiking, more games of pool and even out to a nice dinner. It didn't take long and I was sucked into his southern charm and manly cowboy boots. I knew he was coming down the hall by the sound of his boots.

I got to where my heart would flutter when I heard his boots and I knew things were going to be changing. I resisted the best I could, I promise. In as few words as possible, I am going to summarize our first twenty years together:

Chloe, my cat, and I drove to Louisiana, got married and within five months was surprised to be pregnant. Nine months after Chris's birth, another surprise pregnancy with Andrew. Twelve months after Andrew's birth, another shocker pregnancy with Michael. Deep breaths were enjoyed by all while we waited three years to have James. It felt like a whirlwind and I felt as if diapers and nursing bras would never go away.

We grieved some very important peoples' deaths, celebrated a few marriages and births and survived some very rocky roads along the way. God was good all along and we grew closer to Him and each other. We began dating each other again since we never really dated prior to getting married and we have been having lots of fun. The simple things delight us most. Coffee, shopping, hiking and just playing games together. Sometimes we just stay home and enjoy holding hands while on the couch.

I was chatting with a friend the other day and telling her how excited I was about our planned anniversary celebration. We will be staying at a B & B in Chattanooga in our favorite Art District. We go there often and sip coffee, walk the Riverwalk and sometimes get bread. My friend suggested we get bread and eat it in our bed. In a way, that does sound fun, but she was implying that the thrill is gone after twenty years. I wish I could explain it, but I will simply say that Keith still makes my heart flutter. He is my rock, my steady and my best friend.

UPDATE: We had a blast at the Bluffview Inn. We ate at The Back Inn and I thoroughly enjoyed the Icelandic Arctic Char! We walked the Walnut Street Bridge, had Rembrandt's coffee and some lovely chocolate dipped strawberries. The next morning we took a 20 mile bike ride and it was so fun! The used bikes we got last week have proven to be an excellent buy!! We exchanged heartfelt letters and I surprised Keith with a new wedding band. The one he had was showing its age. It had lost its luster, its design was rubbed off, and it looked like it had been through battle....

We enjoyed having an urban style anniversary celebration, but we are so thankful to live in the country. It was very noisy in the city!

Happy Anniversary, my beloved! The best is yet to come!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Long & Short of it

We began a new school year, as of Monday.  Last week, we took a  mini-vacation to Callaway Gardens and had a refreshing time of togetherness and leisure and junk food.  Chris had taken on a full-time day job at the beginning of summer and had a night class, so we had no opportunity to take a vacation together.  We barely squeezed this one in, but I am glad we did.

Callaway is about a 3 hour drive south from us.  The resort information made it sound like a great little getaway, and it was, although I felt like it was rather overpriced.  We stayed in a very nice cottage that accommodated us well.  The  junk we brought along was quite fun: gummy bears, pretzel M & M's, pop-tarts, pop and chips.  Yes, you are still reading my blog.  I realize it may come as a shock to you, but we do, on occasion, eat junk.  I am known to have a penchant for twizzlers and malted milk balls.  Stay on topic....  The first thing we did when we arrived was ascertain the skill level and chicken level needed in order to brave their Tree Top Adventure.  Three of us ascertained that we were chicken, while we watched in awe, the other three brave souls that zipped across the sky and maneuvered frightening obstacles, all while perched about 50-60 feet off of the ground.  The course takes about 90 minutes to complete, so it really did offer a challenge.




The resort had a very nice beach, laser tag, mini-golf (let it go on the record that I won the game we played), ping-pong, kayaking, bike rentals and several lakes.  They also had some historic areas, lush gardens and a huge butterfly exhibit.  It sprawled across 13,000 acres and was very well kept.  Their golf courses looked very professional and manicured.  It was not a very exciting vaca, but we all agreed it was just right.  The crowds had dissipated and we had the place all to ourselves.   The town of Pine Mountain offered some very pleasurable shopping for me, and so my obsession began with my new Thyme's Frasier Fir cleaning spray.  I am cleaning things that don't need cleaned, just to catch a whiff of the lovely fir.

Moving on, Andrew was sworn into the United States Air Force and will be called to serve any time after April, 2013.  We are still waiting to hear how his screen test went for the radio/broadcast position.  He felt like he did really well.  The other fellow who screened with him was told to pick another career in the Air Force, so I am thinking they would have told Andrew something similar if his chances didn't look promising.  We should know in another week or two.  Whatever is in the Lord's will for Andrew, we are fine no matter what.

Chris began his sophomore year in college.  I suspect he will prove to be the Ace man again.  He makes it look so easy!  His photographic memory and attention to detail surely are assets for him.  This year, he will be taking some of his business classes since most of his liberal arts subjects have been completed.  I think he will find the business classes are much more interesting for him!

Michael has reluctantly signed up for a 3D Drafting class that is being taught by a veteran architect.  Michael does not realize it, but being in 10th grade means you need to be thinking about your future.  I am praying he will enjoy the class and see the talents the Lord has gifted him in his drawing.  His drawing abilities are very impressive and I think this class will spark a few embers that may have been burning coolly.

James continues to play deck hockey with our good friends.  He really looks forward to hockey nights and is improving a lot in only one year of playing.  It seems he has a better attitude about school this year, and for that I give all of the glory to the Lord.

Keith is knee deep, actually probably deeper than that, in that new expansion I mentioned a while back.  It is full steam ahead and he is working longer hours than usual.  I know the challenges will be many for him and his crew, but I am praying that the blessings will be more abundant than the problems.  I also pray for the safety and prosperity of all involved on this project.  I am thinking the next several months will not lack for excitement out there.  Lord, please be with them!



I got back my king sized quilt back yesterday from the quilter.  I had been working on it early in the summer and it really looks great quilted!  I still have to make and apply the binding.  It is a remake of the same pattern I used when I made Keith a wedding gift nearly 20 years ago (our anniversary is in September).  I guess if the Lord wills it, I will make another one in 20 years for our 40th anniversary.   I am looking forward to finishing it and getting it onto our bed and then on to make matching window treatments.  This was my first, and hopefully last, king sized quilt.  Queen sized and smaller are much easier to manage....  Nonetheless, I am very glad to have made it - it is very special to both of us!!

 Libby, our newest family member is really quite something!  I've never had a small dog before and I really am enjoying her!!  She trained easily and has a very affectionate personality.  Everyone that meets her, loves her!!  I feel so blessed that we were able to get her!

Yes, indeed, I am enjoying these cooler mornings!!  Bring it on!!!  Ya'll have a blessed day!!!




Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Random Randomness

I woke up this morning to a wrecked yard and some huge branches down.  Most of my butterfly bush is destroyed.  Several other flowering plants have been pummeled.  I have no idea what happened last night, but it looks eerily familiar to what your yard looks like after a hurricane.  Oh, like I say so often, it could be worse.  Yes, Anita, it could be better, but sometimes one has to settle for the other phrase.  The guys and I will get the chain saw going as soon as we can - one branch fell directly on top of one of my favorite Japanese maple trees and I want to get to it and nurse it and make sure it is okay.  Poor thing.

Chris is milking a friend's cow again this week.  He has such a great attitude about it and it makes me proud.  You can learn right here and now that milking a cow is not done in five minutes.  Well, if you have a milking machine, sure.  But hand milking?  It is an hour long job.  A hand cramping hour long JOB.  Virginia is a very sweet heifer and is very patient. 

Chris is also taking one summer class at college.  He needed to reach 30 credit hours in order to qualify for HOPE scholarship funds.  It is so nice of the State of Georgia to treat home schoolers in such a discriminatory manner.  I loved knowing that all of the government schooled kids get immediate access to HOPE funds.  Why is there no outrage over this BLATANT discrimination???  Don't get me started.  But, he is taking it like a man and doing so well in college!!!

Andrew is getting closer to the date of his advanced pilot training classes in Del Rio, TX.  It should be very fun and educational.  He will be staying on the Laughlin Air Force Base and should get to fly the slick little E-1 if he plays his cards right.  When he returns, we plan on meeting with the recruiter and getting the ball rolling on his Air Force career.  He is hoping to get into Dalton State this fall and take about 15 credits to help him get into the Air Force....  Please, pray for this for us. We need all the prayer we can get!

Michael finished the year with all A's and one B.  He is the typical middle child.  Easy going, go with the flow and pretty much, he stays out of trouble.  He is always quick to apologize for any offenses and he is always the fastest at trying to right any wrongs.  I can remember when he was very young, he used to tire me out, but in his teen years, he has been an absolute ANGEL.  Thank you, Lord!!!!

James is my constant.  He can ride the waves, go with the flow and just be constant through it all.  Although he is doing well in his school work, he tends to skip things and avoid things.  I have to stay on top of him and really check his work....  Such a weasel.

Keith is still hoping this expansion at the plant is going to happen.  The company has invested huge amounts of money in the pre-expansion.....  We are only days or weeks away from the final decision.  If it be His will, we say bring it on.  This would surely open up the opportunity for one of our sons to work there, and of course it would make Keith's plant very attractive.  They would be making a newly marketed product that promises to be a profit maker.

I am finally working on our king sized quilt.  We've had the same quilt on our bed for almost 19 years and it is showing its age.  Our 20th anniversary is in September and so I am doing a remake of the quilt I made for Keith as a wedding gift.  I think it is going to be very pretty and will be sure to post a picture once it is completed.

Ok, I've got to get busy - we have Keith's sisters due to arrive tomorrow and there are lots of last minute things to do.  I love how deeply cleaned I get the house when people come in to stay!!!   Keith and Chris painted our front porch banisters (ARGH, was that a long, tedious job!!!) and we're ready for the glove test!  LOL!  I am really looking forward to visiting with them!   Safe travels, ladies!

Ya'll have a blessed day!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

A Mom Worth Remembering

I feel so blessed and so fortunate to have had a fantastic mom. She was the most selfless and hardest working person I have ever met. Although she has been gone over 22 years now, not a day goes by that I don't think of her. Just about 5 feet high, beckoning brown eye and had one of the best senses of humor on the planet. She and my dad both loved to laugh, and I guess they passed that love of laughter onto their twelve children, because that is how I remember all of our gatherings. Full of laughter. Some people might say she never worked a day in her life, since she never held a paying job. We all know how false that statement would be. I rarely saw her sit down, and she was always the last to eat. She would handwash the dishes every night with no help. Nope, not even from me. I honestly thought she enjoyed it and I rarely offered to help. The kitchen was her domain. I would often cook and bake with her, but cleaning up? Nah. Sorry, mom, I figured you wanted it done your way and by the way you would often sing, I figured you liked it.

In my early years, I remember my mom wore mostly dresses and fancy white gloves. When she started wearing pants, it was the topic of conversation until we were all used to it. Poor thing had to have all of her pants hemmed since she had such short legs. She was always reminding me to sit like a lady and would give table manner lessons to me and my nephews. Good manners were important to her and I can remember her saying often, "you are never too poor, or too rich to have good manners and a good sense of humor." Brilliant.

 Mom was a true "stay at home mom". She never obtained a driver's license, which I think probably saved us on car repairs and auto insurance..... That's all I'm going to say about that. But being at home every day was her calling. She loved taking care of the home, taking care of our dad and putting good food on the table. I am sure she complained occasionally, but I simply don't remember much complaining coming from her. Yes, I tend to memorialize her with only the good memories, but to me, she was nearly perfect. She had an easy laugh and a devilishness about her that I have never seen in any other person. To this day, no one has ever come close to being as special as she was to me.

 Some of the attributes she had that I am most thankful for are: her humility, her sympathy and her listening and compassionate ear. She never tooted her horn about what she could do, and she would give graciously to others, never asking for anything in return. It seemed like she would listen to me ramble for hours and really listen. And she had this amazing ability to feel your feelings alongside you. In many ways, since I was the youngest, we were so close I often felt as if we were one. Nothing really mattered to me until I shared it with her, even the simplest thing was such fun to share with her. I remember the day I got that dreaded phone call that she had died, I immediately knew my life would never be the same. And it hasn't been. I do praise God, however, that He blessed me with my hubby and four sons. They give me a measure of hope and delight that I could have never known. But, nobody loves you like your mother, and I knew this to be true all of my life.

I praise you, God, for the many gifts you gave me through my mom. She taught me what real, unconditional love was and it lead me to You. I pray for all of my friends whom are mothers and I lift them up to your throne for a special measure of blessing that moms need. Happy Mother's Day, Ya'll!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Life on the Bleachers

Typically, I don't go very deep on this blog. I like to chronicle a few things, for the sake of my sons. One day, they will treasure this blog and when that day comes, I hope they also learn a little bit of stuff that will touch their hearts. Most of you don't know this about me, because I keep most private things to myself, but I had arthritis as a child. I had it fairly badly, and I had to sit most of my childhood days on the bleachers. I was in and out of doctors' offices and was admitted to the hospital several times. To my knowledge, they never did determine how I contracted it, but they theorized it may have come from a virus. They were also able to diagnose (I have no idea how) that I would most likely outgrow it when I reached my teens. In my mid teens, I started noticing that I could walk more easily. It came on gradually, but I did notice, nonetheless.

I remember my second grade teacher sent a note home for my mom and wanted to know why I was limping. That's when the fun started. I went to the doctor and he would contort my body this way and that way looking for range of motion. I remember crying my eyes out from how painful it was. He sent us to Pittsburgh for more advanced medical care and I stayed in the hospital for about a week. My roommate taught me how to play 500 Rum and we would play all day, since I was not allowed out of bed. I can remember teams of interns poking on me, getting EKG's and having many tests run. The wheelchair was great fun, though, and was one of my best memories. I learned to not dread the blood tests, the x-rays and the mercury thermometer.

When I returned home, I really wasn't told much, but I would listen to my mom tell her sisters that I had arthritis. My mom was a very empathetic person, and I could tell that she was very worried for me. It was at that point that I decided I would try to hide my pain as much as I could and I would lie to the doctors and act as if everything were okay. I had seen enough in my life from my eleven siblings, and I did not want to be another person making my mom upset. I was only eight years old, so I was not exactly a good actor, but I did decide that I would act as normally as I could. I remember practicing trying to walk without limping, but it hurt so badly, I would often fail. Adults were always asking me why I was walking so funny, and I would shrug them off. I so wanted to be invisible. All of my major joints were affected and I can especially remember that my shoulders, elbows and hips hurt the most, and especially my knees.

In the winter, it seemed to be at its worst. I can remember many snowy mornings, my mom would tiptoe into my room and tell me to stay in bed. She would say I could have the "blue flu" and we would bake cookies and watch Julia Child. I will never forget how soft her voice was when she would come to me in the morning.

Many simple tasks were very challenging for me. I used to hate when my teacher would gather the class to sit on the floor and read stories. Getting on the floor was the worst, and my bones were simply not able to sit "Indian style". I wanted to blend in, not stick out in the crowd. I always made sure I would sit next to a desk so I could use the desk to lift myself up from the floor. I always felt like I was looking around, trying to see if anyone saw how much trouble I was having. If no one was watching, I would feel victorious. Raising my arms to put on a shirt was also on my "worst" list. I made sure I never let anyone see me, especially my mom, putting on a shirt. I am certain it looked very strange, because my arms just could not lift very high. As I recall, those were the two most painful things that I had to deal with, but walking up and down stairs was also quite painful. I would come down slowly so my mom couldn't hear my wincing.

Even though I hated being singled out on the bleachers, I look back on ALL of these things and I am thankful. In fact, I am glad I had arthritis. It taught me so many things, and all of them have proven to make me a much more empathetic person as an adult. I don't dare to think that had I not had arthritis, I might not be as sensitive to others' pains. I am also thankful that I was unable to run like a normal child and do all the things that kids do, because when I was raising my young sons, I would always get out there with them and play. I would get on the slides, swings and climb trees any chance I could. In many ways, I felt like I was being a child along my own children. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the park and climbing all of the great play structures, often for the first time in my life.

When I look back on all of this, I can honestly say, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for teaching me that suffering for a time is nothing compared to how so many people suffer their whole life. You cured me and you made me even better by making my heart softened. You taught me to get out there any play with my sons and enjoy them. And I also thank you for showing me that physical suffering is nothing compared to spiritual suffering."

What I want most for my sons to learn from this is simple: we all have choices to make. Even in adversity, you can choose joy. God has placed challenges in our lives for a purpose:

"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. " Romans 5:2-4

God bless each of you in your afflictions, and may He give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Monday, February 13, 2012

A Friendly Game of Tag

Tag, you are it! I thought it would be fun to make a top 10 list and tag a couple of my blogging friends for them to make a top 10 list as well. Jowanna might need to get a new password because she hasn't blogged in years, but maybe she could just make one top 10 list for us to enjoy. Keep it simple, light-hearted and enjoy! You can make as many lists as you want, but, please at least make one. I really would love to know a top 10 list you hold dear!

Oh, and I tag the following bloggers: Sam, Susan (come out of the cobwebs!), Michelle O., Jowanna (surely you can make one little list), Dale (yes, you can!), Jimmy, Kris B., Joe, Jill, Journee and anyone else who needs to lighten things up a bit. I can't wait to see what you wrote!

My Top 10 Female Actresses:

1. Meryl Streep (she captivates me)
2. Judy Dench (Oh, my, she just has it)
3. Betty White (I like her devilish side and she reminds me of my mom)
4. Andy McDowell (she personifies the girl next door)
5. Sally Field (go ahead and watch Places in The Heart again, you'll see)
6. Julia Roberts (old Julia, not her new stuff)
7. Keri Russell (The Magic of Ordinary Days)
8. Dolly Parton (I know she's not much of an actress, but when she acts, I love to watch her)
9. Renee Zelweger (before all the plastic surgery)
10. Kathy Bates (she ain't purty, but she can act!)



Top 10 Actors

1. Skeet Ulrich (The Magic of Ordinary Days, and you will be hooked)
2. Steve Martin ('nough said - he's genious!)
3. Harrison Ford (he makes every movie what it is)
4. Johnny Depp (I know, he is a bad boy, but I like his acting abilities)
5. Liam Neeson (no one can resist that accent and his tallness)
6. Tom Hanks (he is just a great actor, but don't care for his politics)
7. Jon Voight (just for his political views, I had to add him; plus he's a good actor)
8. Gerard Depardieu (I just loved him in Green Card!)
9. Cuba Gooding, Jr. (He was superb in Radio and Snow Dogs, as simple as it is, was very fun to watch)
10. Charlton Heston (HIS VOICE!!! Oh, my, that voice!)

If I get time later, I will add a few more lists. I've got to get to school. I hope some of you will play along and I look forward to reading your lists! You can make any list you want!

Have a blessed day!

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Winter of our Discontent

Winter, if you could call it that, has been a huge let down for me this year. Last year we had roughly nine snowfalls. I love winter. I anticipate the possibility of a flurry or even some accumulation. I search the weather channel daily, hoping to see a little snowflake emblem. When we lived in Louisiana, I would often call home to Pennsylvania to live vicariously through my family and friends. I wanted details about how much snow they were getting, how much was on the ground and how much were they expecting. In some ways, it was euphoric. It reminded me of days long ago when I would spend the winter sledding and sliding and frolicking about with my dear friends. Hot chocolate, warming your mittens on the heater and rosy, red cheeks were the daily norm. This winter has been strange. It has been grey and dreary and thundery and WARM. Last night the wind was whipping about and flashes of lightening lit up the room. The storms sent Levi, our dog, into a panic and kept me awake.

As I lay awake, listening to the storm, it dawned on me that spring could very easily arrive early and then we could get hit with some frost, thus killing our any new greenery. I really hope that doesn't happen, because that would mean we were not only robbed of our winter, but may also be robbed of our spring.

I know you can't control the weather, but this is one time I wish I could. I would send a blustery day, full of large, wet snowflakes. I want to make some snowballs and some snowmen. I want to slide down our hill at least once. Just once, that is all I ask. There is still hope, but if we Georgians get slighted, we will look ahead to next winter with hope.

I hope you are enjoying your winter time! Here's to gumbo weather for all!