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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Epic Milestones

At least they are epic to us. Chris turned 18 this month, graduated from high school and finished his first semester of college. Epic, I tell you, epic. We now have three adult aged people in the house, and occasionally, one or two of us will act like an adult, but never simultaneously... That would be too dull. Chris registered to vote and got his adult driver's license all on the same day. Epic.

Andrew now has his learner's permit and is working hard towards earning his Mitchell promotion in Civil Air Patrol. This will give him the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, an officer, and will give him the epic ability to enlist in the United States Air Force as an E3, which is the equivalent to being in the Air Force for about two years. They will even register him as having served for two years, thus allowing him many benefits and privileges. Epic and honoring, all at once... at least to me.

Michael finished out his first semester of high school with great success. He is not certain what direction he wants to take later in life, and thankfully, he doesn't have to decide yet. He has really blossomed into a young man lately and is so honoring and respectful to me and Keith. He has such a good heart and still adores James in an epic way.

James is playing rink hockey (I know this is very surprising, especially if you know James) but he loves it. He has scored two goals and has some assists. I think he prefers playing defense, but is flexible and and humble enough to play where needed. We try to all go as a family and cheer him on each week. Epic.

Keith, now well into his 50th year, cackle, cackle, has the plant looking and running epically. He has changed virtually every building, railroad track, vessel, gear and all that other plant stuff over the nearly five years he has been there. If you could see all of the before and after pictures, you would be epically impressed. I am sure I have mentioned this before, but this time it looks more tangible: an expansion is on the books!!! The company has hired an architect firm and some engineers to begin the early phase of expanding. This would be epic, indeed. It would also open the door of opportunity to one or more of our sons to work with their dad at the plant. Epic.

Me? Nothing epic to report, but I do feel in my heart that I am blessed beyond epic proportions. We are all healthy, we have fabulous friends, and we are not hungry. I've made a few quilts this fall and knitted a few things here and there, but mainly I dedicate much of my life to completing this marathon of being a mom at home. Perhaps that is sort of epic, but for now I will simply call it life.

Happy New Year to all of you! I pray for health and wisdom for each of you, and if you are lucky, maybe you will also have an epic year.

WINNER!

I typed in all of the names using random.org's raffle feature. It really was quite easy if you ever need to do something similarly. The winner is Marj Thomas! Marj please e-mail me so I will know you have received this information. I have your address and will ship the quilt as soon as I get the binding applied.... I got it back from the quilter yesterday and it looks fabulous!!! I really think you will love it.

MANY, MANY thanks to all who helped me to multiply the amount I was able to give. It really is a blessing to know so many compassionate, generous people. I give all of the glory to God for equipping each of us in this loving endeavor. Let us continue to pray for this family.

God Bless you all!