Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
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)
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 18, 2008
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.)
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.)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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.
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!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
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=)
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.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A Favorite Picture from the Trip
Jason and Haelley looking out the front door. (No, we didn't work at all on the synchronization!)
Party Time!
Elizabeth did a great job with the cake. And God answered our prayers in the search for a Pooh cake pan. Michael even got a great deal on it.
Barbecue chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes. (The potatoes are really for her daddy. They are a staple for him, but Haelley isn't walking in his steps...yet)
A few times Haelley pinched off a little piece. None of that fist in the middle of cake for her!
Simply adorable!Grandpa and Haelley
Here is the audio-visual of the game of chase between Haelley and Paw Paw. (Haelley named John, Paw Paw, while we were there. I am not sure if this will be the official spelling, but it does give you the correct pronunciation.)
Haelley 2
These were taken while John was playing with Haelley. It was a bit of a chase game. Haelley found refuge in her daddy's legs. The is the chronological sequence of events.
Haelley
These pictures were taken on Haelley's birthday. The dress was one that John picked out and bought for her himself.
Josiah
I took some pictures in Indiana, but there was one picture that remains only in my mind. My camera was separated from me at the crucial moment. We spent our last Monday with some friends who live near a river. We walked down a very steep, long hill to the river, and later went back the way we came. I am 42 years out of shape. (I sincerely say that embarrasses me - shames me.) The trek back up the hill was not easy. Nancy lagged behind and whined for me to wait for her, to pick her up. Working with my goal not to raise wimps, I told her to keep walking, that I wasn't going to go back for her. She began begging, then crying loudly. My friend assured me that the neighbors had heard this kind of meltdown before - from her own little girl - so I fixed my resolve to require of her what she thought she could not muster.
In the meantime, Josiah told me that Nancy was crying. I told him that I knew and that she would be fine. He pleaded some more by pointing out how far behind she was. I assured him some more. His heart melted anyway, and he walked back down the hill, took her hand, and walked the rest of the hill with her. It was such a sweet moment! I really, really wished that camera weren't out of reach.
Flip side
Michael and Elizabeth bought a house on 3 acres just weeks before we visited. A sizable portion through the woods was overgrown with weeds. Three of our boys (with occasional help from Nancy) set out to "weed whack" through the overgrowth. Josiah was surely Chief Whacker. He literally worked for hours out there, enduring heat, poison ivy and stinging nettles. I didn't get any pictures of that either=(
One More Thing
Since March 2007 Josiah has owned four pairs of glasses. His vision is very poor, so they are a necessity. The fourth pair is missing and has been for at least three days. We have looked and looked, including pawing through a week's worth of trash. I have been asking God to show us where they are. If you would join us in that petition to the Omniscient God I would be so happy. (And if you have any suggestions for how to prevent this in the future, please share. Remember Josiah is not your typical child when offering your advice=)
These pictures are not recent, but they capture of bit of his multifaceted personality.
In the meantime, Josiah told me that Nancy was crying. I told him that I knew and that she would be fine. He pleaded some more by pointing out how far behind she was. I assured him some more. His heart melted anyway, and he walked back down the hill, took her hand, and walked the rest of the hill with her. It was such a sweet moment! I really, really wished that camera weren't out of reach.
Flip side
Michael and Elizabeth bought a house on 3 acres just weeks before we visited. A sizable portion through the woods was overgrown with weeds. Three of our boys (with occasional help from Nancy) set out to "weed whack" through the overgrowth. Josiah was surely Chief Whacker. He literally worked for hours out there, enduring heat, poison ivy and stinging nettles. I didn't get any pictures of that either=(
One More Thing
Since March 2007 Josiah has owned four pairs of glasses. His vision is very poor, so they are a necessity. The fourth pair is missing and has been for at least three days. We have looked and looked, including pawing through a week's worth of trash. I have been asking God to show us where they are. If you would join us in that petition to the Omniscient God I would be so happy. (And if you have any suggestions for how to prevent this in the future, please share. Remember Josiah is not your typical child when offering your advice=)
These pictures are not recent, but they capture of bit of his multifaceted personality.
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