Switcharoo

I just checked our current and upcoming weather. The temperature is 34 degrees with a wind chill of 29 degrees. That keeps with the trend I've been watching for the last 24 hours. It has been roughly 20 degrees warmer in southern Indiana than here. Their current temperature is 58 degrees. It's an oddity really, but I will take it (and I'm sure my counterparts in Indiana will too.)

Greetings

I *am* wishing everyone a very Merry (isn't that a dreamy word?) Christmas.

I wish that all of you may create as many wonderful and whimsical memories as I have stored in my heart. My mother was (is really) amazing at creating that magical feeling on any special occasion. Christmas was especially breath taking, though. My dad had a way of making it all jolly. Even the bright lights of his movie camera, which we all exclaimed loudly and emphatically that we hated, bring fond and humorous memories.

I am sorely missing my family - the children (that absolutely includes my fantastic son-in-law), Haelley, my sisters and our parents. My grandparents, long passed, too. Oh so much love and hope for you is in my heart.

Moving a lot has allowed me to meet and cherish many wonderful friends. I am grateful for you. You bring to mind such comfort and amazing memories. I hope you *all* are going to have an absolutely satisfying day tomorrow.

This particular holiday just wraps up the year. As it does so, I am, like years past, thanking God for all He has done and has *been* to me. What a positively faithful mooring He has been during so many storms - large and small. I owe all to Him and crave His love.

Choosing a Mate

"But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the woman who is unmarried and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband." 1 Corinthians 7:32 - 34

I have been thinking again recently about what one should seek in a mate. A few years ago I had a conversation with a friend who had talked to a young woman about a man who was potentially interested in her. The young woman had expressed concern about his not being overtly spiritual. My friend told her that she needed to consider more than that. She went on to point out his qualities of dependability, loyalty and steadiness. Those were big pluses she said.

There are examples of men who are/were spiritual giants but lousy husbands/fathers. I know a grandson of a man who was well and widely known for his numerous conversions resulting from a zealous goal to teach far and wide. He wrote books about spiritual matters and was much respected. His grandson told me that none of the man's children were Christians. In fact, they were quite worldly. He was rarely home because of his busy gospel preaching itinerary. He converted thousands but lost his children. Another man has at times lost his vision for the spiritual well being of his family because he was so engrossed in teaching the Bible to others. The Bible has at least one obvious example and several subtle ones of men who were less than stellar fathers/husbands but were close to God. David was a wishy washy parent, especially after his sin with Bathsheba. The saga that follows is a tragic and disappointing picture of a man after God's own heart.

When selecting a mate one must consider all things. Spiritual maturity is much desired, but it cannot be the lone criteria. The man or woman who cannot balance his obligation to the Lord with that to the family is not well suited to be a spouse. Marriage, as described in 1 Corinthians 7, is necessarily distracting from spiritual matters. It requires that attention be divided. The good spouse can rightly discern that balance. If you're searching/waiting for a mate, watch carefully for the person who can juggle well.

The Final Word

I feel confident (and grateful) to say that Josiah's CT scan revealed that he does not have a fracture of any facial bone. He does have extensive bruising and a pooling of blood, which is causing the look of swelling. The blood should reabsorb over a long time - months. It is possible that he will have a residual calcification that may take years to disappear. I am so grateful that God protected him from a more serious injury. I am completely content with the news we got today. A few years is better than never for sure!

Thanks for your prayers!

Take Three

I took Josiah back to the doctor today because his face just doesn't look right to us. The swelling above the cut is still present - not really any different than it has been. It just didn't make sense that the soft tissue injury would still be causing swelling more than three weeks later. The doctor agreed and thinks it's time for a CT scan. She is going to consult with the ENT about it and call me with details - likely tomorrow.

My biggest concern is that if there is a fracture, there has been too much healing time pass. The ENT and reading I've done have indicated that once an orbital fracture heals there's not much you can do to correct it. Please pray about that?

James and Josiah

James went to the ENT yesterday for his third and last post-op appt. His nose looked very good. The surgery took him from 20% capacity to 70%. He seems pleased with the result.

I also took Josiah's xray to the doctor. He thought it looked just fine. That is good news!

Thank God for answering our prayers so generously!

Every Good Thing Bestowed and Every Perfect Gift

In the keeping of a joy and sorrow ledger, we must mark our trials on the joy side. God said so - James 1:2ff. Somehow, in the last weeks I have let the joy of trials slip away . I have forgotten to look up and ahead. It is a lot like Peter walking on the water, then sinking with a sudden fear and an abandonment of faith. Looking to Jesus is what keeps our minds off the water. Even when it's storm tossed water. I have had an Experience which has helped me to see in the Mirror that I have been looking down at the water.

I just couldn't believe it last Monday when I saw the tremendous amount of blood running from somewhere about Josiah down John's shirt. I knew better than to go get a band aid. I knew that we were having another go at some tragedy, although minor as these things go. I really didn't want to do it. Yet, I'm a mom through and through. Though my heart sank, more because of dread than sympathy, I jumped into action.

In the days that followed I just felt drained every time I looked at his bruised and lacerated cheek. You see what I mean, don't you? My eyes weren't in the Right Place. Friday came and brought with its lot of to do's, the news that something was amiss other than just the laceration and bruising. I worried and fretted and stewed. Guilt was my shadow.

Then, wow! What amazing blessings have come my way since my melancholy Saturday. A woman whose brother suffered a much more serious, but similarly located injury was at my house for a Bible study Saturday morning. After hearing about Josiah she shared with her brother. I have tried to engage this man in conversation before. At least to my very short sighted vision, he appeared quiet, indifferent and uninvolved. However, Sunday at church he sought me out. He wanted to encourage me. He assured me that Josiah would be just fine and described his own injuries. I was so touched and in awe of God. Just to think of the impact that Josiah's injury had! I would never have dreamed of such a result.

Today brought more blessing. Josiah was, this morning, supposed to see a much disliked doctor in our regular pediatrician's office for removal of the stitches. I have said out loud that I will never take another child to see said doctor, but it was all they had in the necessary window of time. Friday's bad news set me to the task of calling the ENT to assess Josiah. He was able to see him today and willing to take the stitches out. We didn't have to see Dr. Mean to My Kids. And you know what else? The doctor thinks Josiah is fine. He wants to see his xray to be more certain, but his examination and questions produced no concern today.

I am humbled. I didn't really deserve to see such blessing through this trial. I had marked it to the wrong side of the ledger. And that was an affront to God because "[e]very good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17

Amelia Bedelia at Home

It's a mildly scary thought that I have an Amelia Bedelia clone living under my roof. Though I like the books - have read them to my children - it's not been my life long dream to raise one=) The troubling evidence follows.

I am walking through the grocery store with Nancy. I want her to learn to help and to spot a bargain. I ask her to get me some canned goods saying, "These (referring to and pointing at a middle shelf) are all gone. Please get me some from the bottom." I turn to something else.

Soon I hear, "Mom, I can't get 'em." I turn, baffled, to see what could possibly be the problem. Amelia (Nancy) Bedelia is trying to pull the cans from the bottom of the stack on the bottom shelf.

A few weeks later:

Nancy is laying letter and number flash cards out in their respective orders. She is doing the letters first. She finishes with no mistakes. Yeah! I tell her, "Do the numbers now." I begin helping Josiah with a reading lesson. I look up from the lesson to observe Nancy. She is running out of room. I tell her, "You aren't going to have enough room there. Why don't you put the numbers under the letters." I take my attention back to Josiah. Looking at Nancy's work again, I don't see the number cards though she seems to be working at something. "Nancy, where are the numbers?" I ask.

"They're under the letters like you said. See?" she suggests, lifting a letter card so I can see the number card underneath.

"You're Amelia Bedelia," I say with a chuckle. (And I'm afraid it's true!)

Josiah update

We got word today that Josiah's xray, taken in the ER Tuesday, was read later by a radiologist. Some discrepancy was noted. There is an air pocket under his cheek (which I thought was just lingering swelling.) I don't know why (though I have guesses=) We were instructed to make an appointment with our ENT as soon as possible. I am hoping - and asking you to ask God - that it is not a fracture which would require repair or some other consequential invasion.

School This Week

Two pictures from the week.





The first is of Nancy's and Josiah's boats, carved from Ivory soap. Nancy's was super-carved and listed badly to starboard in the water trial. Josiah's was successful before the overzealous captain soaked the paper sails.







The second is an illustration from Joseph's creative writing. (I don't know why it's on its side. It isn't in my photos folder.) I had to laugh...

Meet Me in St. Louis

It's amazing how one thing leads to another...

We were watching the rest of "Meet Me in St. Louis" tonight. During the formal dance near the end, Nancy disappeared. When she returned, she was wearing her Cinderella dress and a (dilapidated) hat and carrying an old lady handbag. (She doesn't know the difference yet between old lady and truly glamorous.) It was hilarious to see her from the back because she didn't get her shirt tucked under the dress. It looked as if her baby blue Cinderella dress was augmented with a misplaced lime green bustle.

Nancy began to dance with Jason, the only willing partner. She was a bit animated and nearly flung him into the wall while twirling 'round and 'round. Surprisingly, he decided it was all quite fun. He found Nancy's discarded hat and put it on his head. The ham act ensued. We laughed and laughed.

Of course, Nancy saw the attention that Jason was getting by being cute with the hat. After Jason discarded it, she picked it up and attempted her own version of ham. Jason saw and promptly removed it from her head. That cause her to erupt with giggles. The whole thing was just funny.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed the live performance.

And Another One Bites the Dust

Josiah is the latest victim in our run of situations requiring medical attention. The kids and I have been reading together in the evening followed by 30 - 45 minutes of a movie. Tonight, instead of a portion, we needed to watch all of Kit Kittredge so it could be returned tomorrow, creating a later night. Josiah fell asleep during the movie, and remained so until John got home from work just after 11 PM. John woke him to go up to bed. Josiah got to the top of the stairs and began running to his bedroom. Once there, he attempted to dive onto his bed. Instead he dove into the 2 x 6 wooden bed frame. It gashed his cheek and blackened his eye. We quickly went off to the ER.

We are home now, Josiah sporting five stitches. John and I both are going to have to function with only tiny bits of sleep. Please, please pray for us. It is so hard to be and do all that is required when you are sleep deprived. Pray also for Josiah. It appears that the bony structures were unharmed, but I would still be grateful for prayer in that regard. Thanks!

Really Exciting Hope

We had a singing tonight at church. We sang the hymn, "Mended and Whole." A portion is below.

Oh how great a salvation in Jesus, that the prophets of old testified!
Even angels desire its revealing. Praise and glory to Christ crucified!
You were threatened for me. You were slandered for me.
Ev'ry thorn, ev'ry nail, ev'ry tear was for me.
Sweet the tho't that my soul may be mended and whole by my Lord who was broken for me.

Good Reminders

1. I saw this quote this morning...

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the
mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give
up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the
mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

2. Please go vote (unless you are going to vote irresponsibly for Obama;-)

If Heaven's Not My Home...

Then indeed, "what will I do?" I know crime is common and that it's everywhere. There were two little girls recently shot to death while walking down a familiar, remote country road in a Podunk, "nobody heard of it" small town of only a few hundred people. It can happen anywhere, and not any place on this sinful planet is safe. I know, I know.

Today, though, I'm feeling like crime is closing in around my family. We have so much petty theft in the neighborhood, it's unbelievable. The kids can't ride up on their bikes to come in for a drink without putting their bikes in the closed garage for fear that they'll not be there when they return. Yesterday Josiah had his big ole Nerf gun outside. It was on the ground where several were playing. A neighbor boy came, picked it up, and began throwing it to the ground in an effort to destroy it. There hadn't been any altercation, just the destruction. When I went to "take care of it," the boy (7 or 8 yrs old) just kept cussing and ignoring, while riding away on his scooter.

Child crime is rampant. The same boy tried to steal Joshua's $200+ race bike from our garage while the kids were out playing this week. A couple of weeks ago somebody dumped a stolen bike at our front door. After turning it over to the police, we came in contact with the person from whom it was stolen. She wanted to find the guilty party so she could press charges. The boy who stole it is 10 or 11. It's definitely not his first heist. Last night a neighbor boy with whom we are friendly was held up at knife point with several of his trick-or-treating buddies for a little bit of change. When their parents called the police, the police said that they had received several calls about the same children doing the same thing to others. Joshua was questioned recently by the police about several small neighborhood fires that have been set. He did know of a boy who was involved. The same boy (10 or 11) is also known for theft and making small bombs. He live a few houses down and across the street. He also shot out several windows from the two vacant houses across the street from us. When questioned by the police he accused our boys and the same neighbor who was held at knife point last night. The police never came to our door. I'm sure they know who the trouble makers really are.

You know the sad thing is that these juvenile criminals are just little boys. One of them comes from a home with an abusive father, a convicted brother living under house arrest, and a mother who used to care but has given up with discouragement. Another is one of several children who have different fathers and never know if they'll have a place to go. The house is locked until somebody with a key gets home. He's been seen after dark riding his bike because he couldn't go home. Tragic. So tragic!

Joshua called from work this morning to tell us that the bank across the street from Chick-fil-A was being robbed. The police arrived and hopped out of their cars with guns drawn, evacuating the area in the process. Turns out the bank manager was held hostage overnight as part of a plan to rob the bank this morning. The story is here.

I'm glad to be allowed the grace and mercy to know God. I am so glad that Heaven is surely safe from heartache and sin. With God as the gate keeper, I know it's secure. Can hardly wait...

Riding Wheelies

I let you all know that Nancy learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. Today she was attempting "wheelies." She was pretty pumped because of her success. Please notice what our family would call the bee-bop. That's her wheelie. (Upon her request she saw this video. She looked a bit surprised. I'm guessing the truth that the wheel didn't leave the ground hurt a little bit.)

He's My Boy

These random pictures of Jason say a lot about who he is. The pictures of him sleeping while standing were taken yesterday. I went to the office, where the photos were taken, to get something, and there he was, snoring away while standing at the chair.

I really like the one of James reading to him. It was a pretty precious moment. Jason doesn't usually sit still for stories, but he sat very contented while James read to him.

Oh, and the picture atop the doll house with the blue thing in his hand? That's a light saber. He's was protecting the fam, I guess.

A Bit of Catching Up

The J Place is not a sedate place. There is always a lot going on around here. It doesn't take long of sparse blogging to get very behind in sharing all the new news.

John is still working both jobs - Safeway and Chick fil A. He is now a manager - or maybe assistant manager - after being promoted at Chick fil A. He doesn't know for sure because the owner told him assistant, then his name tag came saying just manager. The hours are the same (pretty much), the pay higher, and the responsibility is more suited to him. So yes, it's good news.

I think my mom is home now after being here to help during and after Jason's surgery. She has such a gift for serving. I always enjoy having her around and am sad when she goes. It is always nice to have someone who "talks politics," which my mom can and does. I find those conversations stimulating.

JW is waiting for the results of an MRI he had of his wrists today. He experiences debilitating numbness and loss of strength in them. Arthritis is suspected. I am hoping that he will get accurate answers, but do hope that it's not devastating news.

James is now a very proud holder of a license to operate an automobile. It always amazes me how teary that makes me. I do not have a picture yet because everything hopped along at a steady pace this morning. I hope to remember later.

Joseph gets the Hero Award for teaching Nancy how to ride her bike without training wheels. She is riding with great ease now, even weaving as if through cones. She does have trouble remembering how to brake, but at four she gets credit just for riding unassisted.

Jason is strange. I mean no ugliness by that. I am frankly puzzled by him lately. He is having recurring fever following surgery eight days ago. He turns abruptly into a little madman with no provocation and has for three or four days . He is not sleeping well, waking to display the same fits of temper. I don't think his throat hurts anymore, but twice he indicated his head hurts. I am baffled. We are going to see how he does over the weekend and call the doctor Monday if he's not better.

As of this moment you are caught up on our news=)

Smiles

Today has just been a fun day! We got together with another family to make giant cards for two people. It was fun to spend time together doing it, and definitely fun to mix up the creativity of thirteen people. The result was great. Delivering the cards was even better. One produced hugs and tears, the other a softened, sincere smile and a hug.

Now, I know the following doesn't sound like fun, but you've never (or most of you haven't) been to our dentist. Joseph and Jared had five teeth pulled between them. That wasn't the fun part. The fun came from the banter of the dentist, the assistant, and the boys. I don't think I've ever been in a medical-like environment that has such a relaxed and jovial atmosphere. For example, one recent visit included a game of catch between Jared and a dentist, with a high bounce ball of all things!

And tonight we're having jambalaya for supper. That tops it all off very nicely!

Jason' Surgery

Jason is home from the hospital after having surgery yesterday. Everything went better than expected! Only the tonsils were removed because the adenoids were not obstructing the airway. I am so grateful for that because it was also noted during surgery that his palate is pretty short. Being able to leave all of the adenoids gives him a better chance of normal speech development. He was already eating and drinking normal things yesterday afternoon, ravenously too. I can tell he is still having pain, and he is tired, but I am very, very grateful for the outcome so far. Thank you for praying. Please do so again, thanking God for His blessings toward us. (The picture was taken in pre-op with the bear he got to pick out all by himself.)

Jason

I took Jason back to the doctor today to check his lungs. They were clear! Please, please thank God! Lord willing, surgery will happen as planned on Thursday.

Commenting on "The Economy" Comments

While it is absolutely true that God should be trusted, and He has a track record that deserves that, I am still stressed about the economy. I am 1800 miles away from three of my children and grandchildren. If we get dumped into the Great Depression 2, it is unlikely that I will be able to see or talk to them for a very long time. And to wonder how they are coping - whether they are coping - would be stressful. If that comes to pass, God will have His perfect way, and if we love Him and are faithful to Him, all will be well in any circumstance.

(To be honest, I think we are going to fall into an abysmal Depression. We are too debt poor to stand much longer.)

Progress Report

James is still in a lot of pain. To me, it looks as if he's making progress. I think he is discouraged, though. He didn't expect such a painful, debilitating recovery. He has had more bleeding than expected, which has resulted in the utter inability to breath through his nose as it dried in the nose. He sees the doctor on Wednesday. I will be glad for that. I hope all is well.

Jason was so much better that I cut his breathing treatments to one medicine twice a day, eliminating the one that was given four times a day. He woke up this morning coughing again. Ugh. So, today I added back in the eliminated medicine, but only twice a day. I am still hopeful, however, because even with the morning cough, he sounds so much better than before.

Therapy

I have done some things over the last two days that have been surprisingly refreshing. I didn't choose them because I thought they would have therapeutic value, but they sure did. Last night I worked on a 1000 piece puzzle with Jared. This morning I spent well more than an hour sorting pictures of my kids, my "growing up family," friends, etc. I was searching for some specific photos and decided that sorting them all would be the easiest way to find them. It was so relaxing and peaceful to walk through the past, and it sure felt good to have that job done after so many years of neglect. This evening John and I took most of the children to the big park here. The weather was beautiful - refreshingly cool actually - and it was just a relief of stress to run and play with the kids. Who knows what's around the corner, but for today, I feel so much better.

The Economy

As if I didn't have enough stress already, I have really been eaten away at by the economy crisis. This article caught my attention.

James

James is home from the hospital after surgery this morning. Surgery went well. He is in a lot of pain and is light headed. All is as it should be, though. Thank God!

Jacob

Jacob's CT scan was fine. It didn't even reveal a concussion! Again, wow! I have never seen an eye/cheek swell quite like this. The swelling is actually down but shifted to the eye this morning.

Thank God for His mercy!

Wow! When It Rains, It Does Pour!

I mentioned earlier that I took Jason to the doctor today. That was unplanned, and the results were unexpected.

I picked James up from the airport before taking Jason to the doctor. That went fine. (Thank God he's home safely!) On the way home we got him something to eat because he hadn't had much. About 45 - 60 minutes later he was home and in the shower. Great, right? Well, it would have been except he passed out in the shower for unknown reasons, scraping his foot and bumping his head and side. Five hours or so later he was still complaining about his side hurting. He mentioned that he wondered over the weekend if he was getting sick. His surgery is supposed to be Wednesday. I am mystified over the fainting spell and a little unsure of what to do regarding surgery. It seems a bit overkill to take him to the doctor, but if there's something going on...

I let four of the boys go to the park with a couple of neighbor boys to play tackle football this evening. During the game Jacob got clobbered just below his left eye! I have never in 23+ years of parenting and eleven children - 8 boys at that - seen anything like the swelling that occurred. He had a golf ball where his cheek bone used to be! He did pass out when hit. John decided that we should take him to some medical facility to make sure that the bone(s) are okay. They went to Urgent Care, where it was recommended that they go across the street to the hospital emergency room for a CT scan. He was then moved to the pediatric emergency room in the same hospital. Now - 3 1/2 hours later - he has just had his CT scan, and they say the results will be another hour in coming. Poor John is with him, and will not likely get any sleep before beginning his long work cycle all over again on Tuesday.

I should mention that God is just amazing! He knew what we were going to need in this season of life. We have great health insurance right now. (I am earnestly hoping it will not be ripped away with the election of a new president. Universal health care is not a good thing. Our friends in other countries have testified to that!) Please, it must not be forgotten in my little parenthetical soapbox to thank God and praise Him for blessing us so richly! (James 1:17)

I will let you know how all three children progress. Thanks for praying in the meantime!

Pray for Jason?

Making a long story short: I took Jason to the doctor today to recheck his lungs. They were worse than they were Thursday, even with the breathing treatments every four hours. The plan is to add another medicine to his breathing treatments and to start an antibiotic (because he has swollen lymph nodes and chronic eye infection.) If his lungs are not clear early next week, we will have to postpone his surgery. My mom has already purchased her tickets to come and help during that time, and Jason really needs to overcome his apnea. Will you please pray about this? Thanks!

How it All Comes Together

Life comes together because God is good and trustworthy. Period.

The last two weeks have been a mix of victory and hopelessness, of frustration and peaceful satisfaction. They have brought good news and bad, distracting sadness and happy relief. Some days I wanted to quit and leave the planet and others brought resolute, purposeful strides. I have laughed out loud. I have cried. I have hoped in hurting and consuming desperation that things were different. I have been so proud of my children I that I wanted to group hug 'em to death. I have found surprises and the expected, seen gory and beautiful.

Now, I know what happens next. Everyone is trying to figure out what events are tied to all these things. Don't. I daresay, there are few who would even have a chance of accurately assigning events and things to my descriptions - even here in my own house. Sometimes it just is good to know that people you love know where you are in your life.

Well, we didn't make it through last week without any medical appointments. Jacob (now listen carefully - this really happened) got his index finger caught in his bicycle sprocket while riding on Wednesday afternoon! One of the pokey things punctured the finger and then ripped through the top of the finger. Yes, it was as gross as it sounds. Truthfully, I wasn't terribly worried about it until it swelled a lot 24 hours later. That made me wonder about the bone. Friday we went to the doctor and to radiology for and x-ray. It was fine. In fact, this morning it looked very good.

Jared had the two upper canine (dog!) teeth removed on Monday. He did fine and is back to normal.

Jason saw the doctor today for his 15 month check up. His weight was still below the 1 percentile. His height had inched up to the 1st percentile. And guess what!? The pediatrician was unconcerned because he's still growing, albeit slowly, and has a nice (little) curve going on. I was prepared to have to defend our reasons for not wanting to investigate his slight stature further, and was very relieved not to. His lungs were not good. He diagnosed him with RAD (reactive airway disease) We started breathing treatments at home today, which didn't go over so well with him. I set my goal to have him well for surgery on the 16th.

The children decided to get their schoolwork done in four days this week. They succeeded, and so we are having an unexpected day off Friday, in conjunction with John's 1/2 day off from Safeway.

The pictures are just because. I let Jason go out back with Nancy one day when I was going to be right by the door. The yard is mostly dirt, which, if you look closely, is covering and infiltrating Jason's diaper. The haircutting cape picture was taken one day when I was giving haircuts. One of the boys got down from the stool, and Jason came running for his turn. I put him up there and got him ready like the others. I pretended to cut his (still short) hair, satisfying his desire to fit in.

For the Sad at Heart

Sometimes...
Life just hurts - a whole lot.
Joy is indescribable.
Desperation is tangible.
Feet want to stomp
in protest.
Wishing is absolute futility.
Praying is more than earnest.
Dreams shatter - utterly.

All Times...
God does love - a whole lot.
Perfected peace follows grace.
Hope lies in the bosom of Christ.
The truth prevails
over wrong.
Dawn follows night; day follows dawn.
Wickedness perpetrates harm.
Jesus wins - supremely.

Granddaughter and Her New Puppy

Haelley has a new pet. (Isn't he cute?) He's an eight week old puggle. Haelley is sure changing. I am looking forward to my trip to Indiana in January. It will be fun to play with the girl (and see the new boy!) I told her we would make cookies together. Doesn't that sound like fun?

The Week

John is going to Canada tomorrow for a couple of days. Nancy was so sad tonight and asked me if I was too. I told her I wasn't sad but would miss him. He has functioned in high gear with very little sleep on weekdays since starting his 2nd job. I'm hoping this business trip will be a little vacation of sorts. Maybe he'll get to sleep eight hours at night.

Right now we don't have any medical appointments this week. That is rare and has been for over a year now. Weeks without even one appointment just don't come very often. The last time we potentially had one, something happened and we didn't after all. I'm hoping that we can actually accomplish it this week. (I will be calling tomorrow to schedule Joseph and Jared's extractions. If they have openings this week, I'm likely going to protect our little break and put it off another week or two.)

We moved Jason out of our room and into Nancy's on Saturday. His nap schedule wasn't meshing with John's. Since sleep has been scarce for John during the week I wanted to remedy that glitch. The first two nights went well, but nap time today did not. Hopefully this week will take us through the transition and on to smooth sailing.

A couple of times now there has been a sign affixed to a light post down the street. It reads, "grag sale." It makes me laugh because I really, really wonder if it has been generated by a non-English speaking person who simply spelled what they heard us English speaking people say for "garage."

That makes me think of a thought I had earlier. I have some pet peeves that bother me. (No that wasn't redundant. It bothers me that they are pet peeves of mine, but they do so grate on me.) "Probably" isn't "prob'ly" and especially not "prolly." "Supposedly" isn't "supposably" or "sposably" either. There is no such word, "nother," as in "That's a whole nother matter completely." It is "other." "Good" modifies nouns only and "well" verbs. (Though I do have to admit that I frequently answer "How are you?" with "Good." It grates on my nerves then too.) Female dogs lose their reproducibility when they are "spayed" not "spaded." And "pneumonia" is the respiratory illness, while "ammonia" is the cleaner. Perhaps these things shouldn't bother me so much. It doesn't really matter, I guess. (You know, I think my mom is to blame. She's picky about correct pronunciation too. So, Mom, you're guilty of hindering my ability to forgive such foibles=) Oh, and I know that I probably bug others too at times with inconsequential faux pas. I guess we just need to laugh (but not at each other;-)

I hope your week is grand!

Nancy

This is an old picture - probably a year ago or so - but I found it tonight and thought it was pretty fun.

Stacey

Stacey now has power too! Last I knew the town in which she lives was under a water boil advisory, but at least she can now boil water=)

Chick fil A and Jason

Traditions often start accidentally. Such is the case with Joshua and Jason's ritual. Joshua frequently brings home chicken strips, waffle fries and barbecue sauce from work. There was a first time when he shared with Jason, but they pretty regularly do it now. It has become a tradition.

Jason especially loves the sauce. One night I gave him some french fries and an open single serving container of Chick fil A barbecue sauce. He dipped a fry then licked it, over and over again until the fry was soggy. He then set the soggy one aside and moved on to another.

Sept. 17, 2008

The article in the Corydon Democrat today.

More about the Storm in the Ohio Valley

The storm that rattled southern Indiana and northern Kentucky is being called a dry hurricane. Apparently, it's a very unusual occurrence. Typically, a hurricane diminishes after making landfall, as Hurricane Ike did. However, as it moved northeast it regained strength (the unusual part) and was creating sustained winds of 70+ mph and gusts up to 105 mph. The midwest is prone to tornadoes, but they follow a path. The hurricane covered a much larger area than a tornado typically does. That is the reason for the widespread devastation in the area. It effected everyone, unlike a tornado, which is much more erratic in its targets. It certainly has been interesting.

JW now has power too. Stacey does not, as of this afternoon. Apparently gas is in short supply. Prices, last I knew, were $4.20 - $4.50/gal. One water company was threatening to shut off the water because the pumps were too quickly draining the generators which have taken over during the power outage. While things are improving, there is much yet to regain and clean up.

The article about which I posted last night has a photo gallery link to which more photos have been added. A friend, who lives near Corydon, posted videos of the storm on her blog. Amazing. The wind, without rain, was tremendous. I think the only time I've seen that kind of wind is in media coverage of hurricanes. (Maybe that's because this *was* a hurricane;-)

Article

Here is an article with pictures from the Corydon Democrat. This is the county seat of the county in which our kids live.

Good News - Joseph

I posted a while back about Joseph's new glasses. I was very, very hopeful that they would be the answer to his reading deficiency. When he was evaluated last winter his reading level was end of 2nd grade (in the middle his 4th grade year) Tonight a new evaluation revealed a reading level at the middle to end of 4th grade! That means that he is reading nearly at grade level!! I was so excited - so grateful - so relieved. Thank God, Who has been asked many times to bring Joseph to this point!

The Interruption

As John was getting ready to nap before going to work his second job, Nancy announced that she had inserted a BB into her right nostril. We've dealt with this before. Just blow. Or not.

In trying to retrieve the BB herself she had pushed out of our view. John gave up his nap, and I abruptly put school on hold to take her to the doctor for foreign body removal. Thankfully, since it wasn't in there long before the doctor got to it, it was easily removed. In fact, when it was all over Nancy said that it tickled coming out. I am grateful that it was easy.

Update

Michael and Elizabeth have power already! The power in the city closest to where they live came back on in the middle of the night. Thank God! All the food in their refrigerator was spoiled, but their house and property was completely unscathed. Apparently, other houses near them had significant damage. A wonderful thing about their good situation is the ability they now have to help others. There are still many without power and likely will be for some time.

Article about Indiana Storm

This seems to be the lonely article about the devastation in Kentuckiana. As the article notes it's the worst they've seen in 30 years with 60% of LG&E (greater Louisville) customers without power.
http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=9006205&nav=menu31_2

Drawing a Blank

I don't have any school work to correct tonight (which is what I've been doing with my evenings) so I thought I'd blog. I'm kind of in the mood to do that. However, I cannot think of a single thing to say that sounds interesting. I think I might just ramble a bit. You can read if you want - especially if you're ready for a nap. If you need to be energized you'll have to look elsewhere.

This past week was, overall, a good one. We got all of our school work done before Friday night rolled around. It was wonderful not to have any leftovers for the weekend. I planned a rigorous school year, so we have been spending much more time completing everything. Though this is what I wanted - definitely what I wanted - it is nice to do something else over the weekend.

Southern Indiana got pounded with high winds today. All of our children there - and little grandbaby - are without power. It is not anticipated that it will be back on sooner than one week because of the widespread damage. I am so grateful that they are all ok! I have tried and tried to find news/pictures online about the situation there, but I think it is certainly eclipsed by the exponentially harder hit areas of the country. I do wish I could do something to help them. It's a helpless feeling to have your children in need and be powerless to help. It is comforting to know, though, that God will be present in their lives, bringing good things.

Joseph and Jared get their space maintainers this week. Joseph will have one on the bottom and Jared both top and bottom. After those are in place I can schedule their teeth extractions with the dentist. I am anxious to get them over with (though they are not=). If all goes normally, they shouldn't need to see any oral doctor for five months after extraction. Hopefully the adult teeth that are now prevented from erupting will come in quickly after making a place for them.

I am sleepy. It's 11:00 o'clock, and I am so sleepy that my eyes want to close. That is unusual for me. I may go to bed and succumb. That will make the sound of the alarm at 5:30 tomorrow a bit easier to take.

Hope you have a great week!

Mom to Anyone

My blog identity was chosen because I have long had a dream to create a home where kids, in particular, feel welcome. So many children today have little parent time. They go home to empty houses and are comforted by the TV or iPod when they are sick or down. I think that is so sad. Kids need to talk, to feel wanted and needed, to know there is access to help if they need it. That said, some of the neighbor kids have been calling me "Mom." It means the world to me. I want them to be truly at home here and to find a place where they are valued. I do come to love them, to worry about them, and to hope for them.

Yesterday, one of them really let us down. He brought words and ideas into the minds of our children that I didn't want there. I cried. I just really grieved - still am. What to do? He needs direction as much as any child does, and I like him. He's a good natured, smart kid with enough tough stuff to be respectable. I don't want to shun him, but I do not want to risk our children either. John is going to talk to him. He will explain what the boundaries around our children are and that the consequences of violating them will be expulsion from our family circle, in which we've allowed him to walk.

If you know me very well, you know I don't like having neighbors. I fall in love with their kids and then have to figure out how to manage all the baggage that comes with loving them. It's much simpler to just never have or know neighbors. But it violates one of my life's goals to look the other way when there are children who need a bit of mothering.

Boys

I only had time to skim this article, but it and many others are speaking (I think largely unheard) about an issue that I am passionate about. This author has it right, I think, and other thinkers do too, but very few people are willing to change what is working for them, regardless of what is happening to our boys.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/157898/page/1

Prayer

I just read this prayer - a favorite of mine. It is mine this morning for those of you who love the Lord and live to serve Him.

Colossians 1:12

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thank to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!

Have you ever had your eyes fill with tears over what looks to everyone else like a small thing? I did today. In the scope of things, this was a little thing. However, God answered a fervent prayer of mine (and perhaps of yours), and that is never, ever small.

I took Nancy to the doctor today, and HER EARS WERE BOTH NORMAL!!!!!!!!! Instantly, I had tears and was thanking God. It was such a relief to know that, for now, we don't have to have another specialist appointment (and hour's drive away) or another surgery added to the queue. I know ear tubes are minor, but we have had (and do have) so many, many medical things that the news today was a HUGE blessing to me! Humbly, sincerely, deeply (and with tears welling up again) 'PRAISE GOD!'

JW's Car

Last year JW bought the car you will see here. He had a performance engine put in it, and recently put a new exhaust on it. You can see and hear that here. He sent picture and video message to John and I on our phones so we could see (and hear) what he'd had done. I was so glad that he shared and wanted to pass it on to you=) Oh, and I got to drive it in May. Well, that is I backed it out of its parking spot and moved it to an adjacent one. It was enough to say I'd driven it=)

Jason has taken a leap in to being a big boy. He is trying his hand at many things he sees the rest of us doing. One of his latest passions is "doing" the computer. You can see him here doing what everybody else does.

Jason now has a place on our Wall of Babies. His 12 month picture was put in the frame that has been there waiting for several months. I think he's happy to be there.

Look Down

Just thought I'd let you know that I posted a second installment of "The Birth of a Belief," but it is clear down at August 17. I had originally worked on it that day and saved it to complete later, so that is the date that it appears to have been posted. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thinking

The alarm will go off in five hours, but I wanted to share just a bit of my thoughts tonight. I watched the movie, "Guardian" while going through and correcting the kids' schoolwork tonight. I had expected to like it - had wanted to see it. I did like it. I'm so tired, so won't be much good at putting into words all my perceptions. I just want to share one. It is my goal to be tough and to raise tough kids. I am frustrated by my weaknesses. Oh it is not for myself that I am frustrated, but it is for others. You see, we are only as helpful to others as our strength will allow. (Yes, yes God can and does work in us, in spite of us. His strength is perfected in our weakness. But we can achieve far more if we are girded for the task. Our vessel is up to us.) Could I be strong enough to "save" somebody? In any way - not just physically. Am I stout in body, mind and soul? If not, then I might lose somebody that I might have otherwise saved. That's just not acceptable.

Apparently, there is a line in one of the Star Wars movies that goes, in part, like this: "...There is no try." The point is that success only occurs when our state of mind is resolved, toughened to accept and be victorious in any challenge. We cannot settle for trying; we must determine to reach our goals and muster the grit to do so. Period.

The movie certainly portrayed that well. I'm glad I watched it. It was inspiring at a time when my goals seem so necessary but so lofty. Not lost, though, is the need for help. God is my help, and He has helped me much, but the valley of the shadow of death must still be traversed. His help does not remove the task or trial before me, it only calls me to press on with calm and peaceful assurance.

Responding to Higher Gas Prices

I know it seems odd to write about high gas prices when they've come down nearly fifty cents a gallon. However, our response took a little while to implement.

John has been riding a motorcycle to and from work. He runs short, simple errands with it too. Savings: 37.5%
He has also gotten a part time job at Chick fil A where Joshua works. He'll be working the afternoon/evening and weekend hours. Thankfully, they are closed on Sunday. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us - and likely not a pleasant one. However, drastic circumstances (gas for nearly $4 a gallon) call for drastic measures. I am grateful that God provided the second job for him. It should help to balance our budget (which was just fine before gas prices soared)

Nancy-isms

I shared a snack with Nancy earlier. I told her to stay in the room while she ate so that she didn't make anyone jealous. A little later Jared came in, and I shared with him too. Nancy said, "Stay in here, Jared. You don't want to jealous anybody."

Not long after that little cute thing, I overheard her saying, "Family friendly" over and over. I asked her where she'd heard that. She answered, "It's how we be nice to everybody." Well said, even if it does bring a chuckle.

Vision

Jacob and Joseph both got new eye wear yesterday. Jacob got contacts for the first time. He's been asking for quite and while, so we decided that he was ready to handle the responsibility. He loves how they improve his vision, which is very bad. He is worried about whether or not he will ever get the hang of putting them in and taking them out. I assured him he will.

Joseph has had vision problems that just seemed to not ever be resolved completely. This has led to delays in school and frustration. I hope we finally are on the way to a total solution. A prism was added to his lenses to correct strabismus (turning of the eyes). Joseph's turn inward as he looks at things, worsening, of course, with shorter distance. This causes him to see things, not double, but overlapped vertically. The long story short is that continuity of care and some other misunderstandings have led to a delay in this more aggressive treatment. I am grieved that he is almost eleven and just getting this corrected, but hopefully it will make a big difference this school year and allow him to catch up to grade level.

Need to go. Joshua's loses his wisdom today as his teeth are extracted=) I need to get ahead in my day.

I Wasn't Going to Do It, But...

I just couldn't help myself. If projected events occur, and nothing more, we will have experienced seven surgeries, six stays in the hospital and countless (unless I spend much time going through calendars) medical appointments and procedures in 21 months. It's really a bit dizzying. I had been tempted to count these things before but decided it wouldn't be emotionally healthy. After today's doctor's appointments, however, curiosity got hold of me.

Joshua is having his wisdom teeth surgically removed on Wednesday. James is having his deviated nasal septum fixed this fall, and Jason is having his tonsils removed near the same time.

I do have to chuckle to (at) myself. For somebody who long ago chose to philosophically and practically debunk mainstream medicine in the United States, I am sure being thoroughly steeped in it. Things do have a way coming (and going) 'round, don't they?

How am I feeling about all this? Ok. Really ok, except for a pretty heavy sadness for Jason. He is doing so well right now. He is not what he was before his April hospital stay, but he is sure closer than ever before. Thinking practically, I am absolutely on board with his upcoming tonsillectomy. His tonsils have increased a lot just in two month's time. His sleep apnea is worse than any sibling before him, except Elizabeth. The doctor was concerned about swelling during the normal course of an upper respiratory infection because the tonsils are already obstructive. This surgery is necessary, and is so soon. My heart breaks, though, for him. This will be the third surgery in his young life and the fifth hospital stay, excluding outpatient. I fear that he will be so panicked, and that we will lose ground with his emotional and social well-being.

One of Joshua's wisdom teeth is dramatically misplacing the molar in front of it. Removal is necessary. James' septum is quite deviated and just adds to his already allergy compromised nasal space. He is nearly seventeen and chose this for himself. I am rock solid emotionally with these guys. They are big enough to go in with reason and understanding, and to come out without emotional scars.

Adding a post script that should have gotten its own post, but now is a sort of afterthought: Nancy has one ear with fluid behind the eardrum that won't drain. John was able to convince the pediatrician to hold off sending us to a specialist (who is predicted to recommend a tube) 30 days longer than he wanted, but that time will end in two weeks. I really do NOT want to put a tube in her ear. She has not had ear trouble before, and the tube just seems too dramatic. However, her hearing is impaired right now, and I know that somehow that ear needs to drain. If you have faced this, and have a great suggestion, please let me know. (Susie, if you are out there, I'm sure thinking of you on this one.)

The Birth of a Belief Part 2

**I wrote a while back but have not gotten back to it for completion. I decided to send what I had and do the same with further snatches. I hope to write more about the clothing requirements for old testament priests and the possible dangers of over dressing. I think some rebuttals of arguments for wearing our best for Sunday are appropriate too, but you will have to wait. (Don't hold your breath. We started school today.) Oh, and please, please, please address anything you think is biblically wrong. God is worthy of our efforts to get things right after all that He is and has done. His extension of grace should never be haphazardly or greedily grasped and taken for granted It is a dear, generous gift.**

It was not long after the beginning of time people put on clothes for the first time. After they became aware of good and evil their first action was clothing themselves (Genesis 3:1-7). God aided the new practice by providing even more adequate clothing than what Adam and Eve made for themselves. Thus the need for covering our bodies began.

When I considered what God had to say about what we should wear, I observed that the Bible had little to say about what to wear, in both the old and new testaments. There were some guidelines given, but they were few. In the old testament the clothing for priests was meticulously specified, and men and women were told not to wear clothes meant for their counterpart gender (Deuteronomy 22:5). In the new testament women were told to dress with modesty and discretion in addition to a warning not to emphasize outward finery of dress, jewelry and hair (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3). Beyond those things, I was unable to find more references about God's desire for our clothing.

I discovered some general principles, though, and some necessary implications from which to draw conclusions. The first, and likely most important principle, to impress me was the theme throughout the Bible that God looks upon the heart, not the outward man. God plainly stated this when Samuel anointed young David as king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:7). The contrast of David with Saul, the first king of Israel, is stark. Saul was the king that the people begged for against God's will. Though David didn't impress Samuel as particularly "kingly," Saul was the perfect picture (to man's eye) of a valiant warrior king (1 Samuel 9:2) The men were vastly different in character, though. Saul was whiny, selfish and rebellious. David was humble, obedient and devoted to God. Jesus gently corrected Martha's misplaced focus as she sought to provide for Jesus' physical needs while her sister chose the greater things, listening to "the Lord's word" (Luke 10:18-42). He also required that the wealthy ruler sell all his possessions to give to the poor so that he could trade that life for one of following Jesus (Luke 18:18-23). Over and over are examples of this principle recorded in Scripture. I concluded that, beyond the very few requirements stated earlier, Jesus is not concerned about what we wear. In fact, He encouraged us not to worry about what we will wear, eat or drink, but instead to seek spiritual things first, trusting that God will supply the meager physical things that we need. It was clear to me that great emphasis on any physical thing is wasted emphasis, but seeking the right heart is of great value. Though little was said about what we put on our bodies, much was recorded about what should be put on. Rom. 13:12-15 - put on “the armor of light” and “Jesus Christ,” leaving no provision for the flesh and its lusts. Eph. 4: 17 -24 - discontinue our walk of sin and “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.“ Eph. 6 further encouraged us to put on the spiritual armor because our battle against sin is not of this physical realm. Phil. 3:2-11 warns us not to fall prey to false teaching and tells us who we have become: those who worship God, putting no confidence in the flesh. Paul goes on to tell how he has counted all his former earthly clout as rubbish. Colossians 3 warns us to no longer walk in sin but “as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other...and beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.“ (vss.12-14) Many things were written for us to “put on,“ but none included adornment of our physical bodies.

The Birth of a Belief

When I was little - younger than 11 - my mom made a decision that she told me about many years later. At that time we traveled about thirty minutes to church one way. One Wednesday night it was blustery cold, and I believe there was snow on the roads. My sisters and I were told to dress in pantsuits. (Now, there's a term from the past!) That was quite a deviation from the normal skirts or dresses which we always wore to church. However, my mom was concerned for our safety should we have car trouble or difficulty with the winter driving conditions. She wanted us bundled just in case. She took a risk in making her decision, though. One woman in the congregation believed strongly and publicly that women (and girls) should only wear dresses. (I think perhaps she believed that for all times, but certainly she did believe it was the only correct attire for church. Mom, you can clarify this point if you want.) By telling my sisters and me to wear pants, she risked being ostracized and rebuked strongly. When my mom told me that story in my adult years, I think it was the first time I ever knew that some people felt so strongly about what to wear, especially to church.

Later, in 1991, I grew frustrated with the frequency of lesbianism and feminism in the news. I didn't understand why women were so unhappy with being women. It just seemed obvious to me that women were different than men, and that, as a result, they were better suited for different roles. Certainly, God intended it to be so.

I wanted to respond to the identity crisis that plagued so many women in this country. I decided that I could very publicly, but quietly, make a statement about embracing femininity by choosing to dress differently. I went to the thrift stores and bought a whole new wardrobe of skirts and dresses. I determined to wear them exclusively when in public and even at home most of the time. I did so for many years.

During our years in Indiana I noticed many women dressed much like me. I wondered about them because there were a lot of them - women and young girls alike. Finally, I discovered that they were part of a specific denomination that teaches that women must dress in dresses, have long hair and no jewelry or make- up. I went to the Internet and discovered that this denomination also teaches things that are clearly condemned by God in the Bible. It troubled me that my appearance might associate me with them and the false teaching they were known for.

The message that I wanted my choice of attire to send about femininity was negated by the prominent presence of this group in our area. I went to the thrift store again, this time buying jeans. I had not worn jeans more times than I could've counted on one hand in more than a decade. It was odd to put them on again, but it was what my conscience required.

Many people had never seen me wearing anything but a skirt or dress. In fact, even after making my change, I continued to wear a skirt or dress to church. I knew there were some who strongly preferred that for the women, maybe even required it for themselves as a matter of conscience. I didn't want to offend anyone.

One busy Wednesday, I was running late to be ready to leave for church. When John saw that I was going to take the time to change my clothes, he stopped me and said, "That's fine," referring to my jeans and simple shirt. I felt very strange walking into church in jeans after so many years of not. Apparently it wasn't strange to just me. One person commented that, "of anyone in the group he never expected to see Karen wearing jeans," expressing his displeasure.

Since that time I have decided to look at what the Bible has to say about how we dress. It has been an interesting look - and a challenge of my traditional thoughts and practices. In upcoming posts, I hope to tell about my journey through the Bible on this topic.

Jason and the Shopping Cart

A month ago or so I went to Walmart to get a few things. I took Jason with me and a couple of other children. On the way out Jason got to push the cart - with Nancy in it! His size has certainly not hindered his physical development. He can climb to precarious heights, get into plenty, and even is strong enough to push a cart with 30 extra pounds or so!

Jason's New Hat

JW bought Jason a new hat. You can't tell in the picture, but it is an official New York Yankees hat. The first picture is my favorite of all the hat pictures I took. The second I chose because (around the peanut butter and recent sore) you can see his repair well.

Hair Cutting Story

This story may have been left untold, but someone has requested it three times! (You know who you are=) It's not a beautiful story. It's a "what if" story, and "what ifs" are so grating.

Our neighbor's 13 year old son had longish hair. It begged to be cut, you know? I had offered a couple of times to cut it if he ever wanted me to. One night, he and his 16 year old sister were over. I don't remember how the haircut idea came up, but I offered again to cut it. Well, he got brave enough (with some serious prodding from his sister) to give in. Sister assured me that Dad doesn't like it in his eyes and hounds Mom about it, thus Mom would be thrilled to get Dad off her back. I cut his hair. Not too short. He didn't want drastic (though I would have loved to cut it much shorter.)

After I got done they went to show their mom. She was NOT happy. It started a big deal in their household, for which I felt awful! John urged me to go apologize and offered to go with me. We went, and I gave my very sincere, teary apology. She accepted but said that they had been wanting to see how long it would get and now they wouldn't get to see. She was also worried that her husband would be mad at her for letting it happen - and she'd had no say in the matter. Also, she didn't like the cut - too poofy on the sides. (My thought exactly, but he didn't want it shorter.)

A little later he came back over sporting a "buzz," given by his mother. It looked great - just what I would've chosen for him. He looked so much older, cleaner, just better. But that didn't really matter. I cut someone else's child's hair without seeking their approval. That was a huge lack of judgment!! I would have been unhappy too - even if I liked the result. To be overridden as a parent is not cool!

So, to my Requester, that is the story. Maybe you can post the moral of the story=)

Found!

Josiah's glasses were found after several hours of searching. Thank you for praying - and thank God for showing their whereabouts!

Pointing Out...

that I posted about Josiah before all the Haelley posts. The number and length of posts pushed Josiah's post to the previous page. It's worth checking out.

A Favorite Picture from the Trip

Jason and Haelley looking out the front door. (No, we didn't work at all on the synchronization!)

Misc. Haelley

The dog cage was quite an attraction.
































Haelley and Elizabeth in their front yard.