ADAM.....Part 1

I have shared with you the story of how our family has dealt with the medical problems of Ian, and the continuing challenges with Alex. Today, I will begin a series of posts on the experiences we went through with my oldest son, Adam.
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One bright, sunny Saturday morning, Adam woke with a fever and was ill and fussy. He was almost 3 at the time. I gave him some Tylenol, because I had a busy day planned. At 11:00, I was giving a luncheon for a girl who was getting married. It was to be held at a restaurant nearby. Mom was going to keep Adam while I was there, so I knew if he did not feel well, he would be fine with her.

I got ready to go, and dressed him. He was saying his stomach hurt now, so I gave him a little Donnatal. He had been having quite a bit of stomach trouble lately and we had found out he was low in potassium and wasn't digesting sugars correctly. The doctors had put him on a fairly strict diet, cutting out all sugars and fruits. He stayed on it very well....except for one incidence. We had gone to the grocery store, and I turned around and I couldn't find him. I began calling him and searching. Finally I saw his shoes under a table full of fruit. I pulled him out of there, and noticed a banana peel lying on the floor where he had been. "Adam, did you eat that banana?", I asked. "Yes, Mam, but see, I just HAD to eat it...I just HAD to", he answered. We had the talk about stealing, and not following his diet, and went on with our shopping. I forgot all about till later in the year.

Anyway, I took him over to Mom's. He was still whining and saying he did not feel good. Now, I was not a worrier. I was a nurse, and I knew that tummy aches would come and go often. I didn't see the need to take him in for a Dr. visit for every little thing. So, my plan was to ride this out. However, Mom began to encourage me to call the doctor. I can remember her saying that it was the weekend and if he got worse we could not see a Dr. until Monday. I did call, and surprisingly, they said to come on in right then. That NEVER happened! I almost didn't go, and planned to send Mom, because of the luncheon. However, I ended up taking him, and didn't even have to sit in the waiting room. Strange. This was usually a very busy practice, with hordes of snotty-nosed, whining children filling both waiting rooms. We went into the exam room and Dr. Williams came in. Adam always liked him. He checked his throat, and his ears and said yes, he had an ear infection and needed some antibiotics. Then Adam piped up and said, "my tummy hurts." So the doctor laid him back on the table and began to feel around on his tummy....he then tore off his diaper, and felt some more. I could see he wasn't liking what he felt. "Tonja," he said,"Feel right here and tell me what you think." So, I did, and I was not pleased either. "Please tell me that what I feel is an enlarged spleen," I said. "That's what I hope it is", he said,"But, I'm just not so sure." Well, friends, that's when the world slows down and the blood drains out of you, and you are small and defenseless in a big world full of bad things. They are headed toward you and no matter how you try, you know you will not be able to get out of the way. "I want you to go straight to the hospital...right now, I'll meet you there." It was 10:15...luncheon was at 11:00. "I can't", I said, I'm giving a luncheon in 45 minutes. It will be at least 1:00 before I can get there." He was not happy about that, but understood...and agreed.
I left quickly, and took him back to Mom's. I sent her to my house to get pajamas and diapers and such for him to have ready when I got back. And, some how I went and made nice at a luncheon for 15 girls. I stopped by and told Don what was going on, picked up Adam, and headed to the hospital. We checked in and they were ready for us. They immediately started him on a 24 hour urine collection, and sent us off to ultrasound...blood work...x-rays...the works. By the time the doctor came in to see us about 6:30....he knew what it was not...an enlarged spleen. And, he knew what it was....a tumor. Not sure what kind yet, but the urine test would let him know more. A tumor...in my little boy? Surely, something is not right. Surely, there is some mistake. A little boy can not have cancer...it is just not right. There was much company there supporting us, but they all left and went home and it was just Adam and I. He went to sleep and I was just sitting. In came the doctor. He said that he wanted to explain things to me a little better. He did, and when he left I knew that Adam had cancer and probably a very fast growing, deadly form. He said that as soon as we finished the urine test the next day, we would go to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. And that they would probably operate right away.
He left. And, I sat and let it all sink in. My baby had cancer....and may not live...in spite of all the pain and suffering he was about to be put through. And just that morning, I thought he had a case of the sniffles.

It is this kind of moment that stops your world. Oh, it keeps spinning for everyone else...but not for you. This was the moment my life changed and everything I had ever planned and dreamed of faded away, and everything was concentrated on this one little boy. That was all that mattered...that was all the world was about anymore.

And, he was sleeping peacefully....that innocent, sweet sleep of children...dreaming sweet dreams of playing and running and having fun. Just like little boys should.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #11

"For. lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come."
Song of Soloman 2:11-12
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SATURDAY NIGHT ROUND-UP

Just a little round up on the family.

Ian came home last night to bring a load of stuff...I think I saw him about 5 minutes total. He is already back in Birmingham.

Adam continues to heal from his nasal surgery...not feeling too chipper, yet.

Alex is about the same, but was able to be up for a little while today.

Mom, Pop and I have been in the ER for the last 5 hours. She began having pain, not related to her surgery, this morning...and running a fairly high temp. Talked with the dr. in B'ham...he said go to ER here...so, we did. We have sat and waited there for waaaaay too long. But, I will not complain, because everyone else there was waiting too. There is too great a shortage of nurses in ER's nationwide, and that is a shame. Mom will be fine...just an infection. Thank-you, Lord. What a privilege to be able to take care of her.

Don is keeping a close eye on the new house...they poured 1/2 of the slab today. YEA!
To get to our lot you have to cross a wooden bridge over a creek. BUT, the big trucks fully loaded can not cross. So, loads have to be split up and that slows things down. Also, the truck could not carry a full load of cement...thus only 1/2
got done. But, progress IS being made.

I must say to the world that I love my dear daughter in love, Suzanne. She is a treasure! She's such a sweet wife to my boy, and she looks after him so well. I appreciate her, and I am so blessed by her!

Pop is doing such a great job of caring for Mom! Over the past few years, it seems as if they have just been taking turns caring for each other. He is devoted to her.
57 years of marriage...isn't that wonderful?

I am tired...I am so far behind on the things I need to do...but, the important things have been seen about...we are all well...not excellent, but well. God's in control...and that's as it should be. Good-night!

GRATITUDE

Now, I hope you know this is not all I am really grateful for, but some days you just can't muster up the strength to make out the big list. Been there? So for today, this will do........
Oh, yeah, I'm glad it is the weekend, too!

HE'S IN THE CAR !!!

Got this in an e-mail today and wanted to pass it along.
Click here to see this amazing story.

Who is riding with you?

"ENCHANTED, I'M SURE"

Alex and I have just finished watching the delightful movie, ENCHANTED. This is a Disney Film, and it lives up to it's illustrious name. Everything about the movie was fun...clean...and happy!

The movie begins in cartoon form, with a rather familiar storyline. But, it quickly goes in a different direction altogether. There is funny dialogue, funny sight gags, and funny situations. And the music and songs are terrific! You'll be humming them as you leave the theater.

I would encourage you to see this with your family. Any age, with a heart for a sweet fairy tale, will love this movie. I laughed out loud at some parts. Now this is not going to be a message movie, or cause you to think deeply and examine your life...nothing hard like that. Just good, old fashioned fun and laughter and song. No embarrassing parts, either.

So go...go this week,,,and take someone who likes to laugh...regardless of age. You can thank me later!

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN !!!

We got home about 5:30 yesterday, in our 2 car caravan! Joy leading (cause she THINKS she is a better driver than me)...Mom in the back seat laying down. Me driving follow-up (because like Pop said, it's a lot harder to follow than be the leader...it takes more skill!)...with Pop riding beside me. Quick stop to fuel up the cars in Hoover, then a quick stop to fuel up ourselves at Smoothie King. Joy, being the sensible, dutiful daughter drove straight on home and deposited Mom safely inside on the couch. Pop and I however, had plans of our own. We thought it would be a shame...a real sad, crying shame to drive right past Sike's and Kohn's and not stop.*****(For my friends who do not travel the roads from Dothan to Birmingham...S&K is a huuuuuge barn like building that sells jeans, all kinds, children's clothes, purses, and ladies clothes and SHOES....lots and lots of S.H.O.E.S....I'm talking thousands of jeans and hundreds and hundreds of those lovely leather foot coverings! It is a must stop if you need any kind of sports shoes, or athletic shoes or dressy shoes or cute shoes....or jeans...or flip flops...or men's underwear,...OK I'll stop.)****They were closed when we stopped by on the way up, which happened to be Easter Sunday...not that we would have gone shopping for cute shoe and jeans on Easter Sunday or anything...I'm just saying.

So, Pop, being the kind and loving Father that he is said, "Tonja Lynn, I'm gonna be real disappointed if you do not stop and shop." Now I have tried to be a good daughter all my life...I have tried to set a good example for Joy to follow.."I do what I can."...and I have never wanted to sadden my Pop or disappoint him in any way. And I certainly did not think that today was the day to start. We were all tired...I have the same clothes on that I put on Monday morning at 4:00, they have been worn, slept in, stretched out and acquired some mysterious stains, but if there's a chance to go to S&K...I'm going. And I did. I even walked around in my sunglasses for a while and wondered why they did not turn some lights on.

Well, Pop headed to the jeans and found his size...they only had 1 pair! Out of a million pairs of jeans...1 pair in his size! So, to make us both feel a little better about the deal...I broke down and bought 3 pairs of shoes...3...and the way I figure it that averages out to 2 things each and I think that sounds very reasonable and not overboard at all! I know you friends...you agree with me...I know you do!

We skipped joyfully back to the car and proceeded on home...he, proud of a daughter with such fine math reasoning skills, and me, proud of a daddy that still likes to indulge his daughters!
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1. In the cause of full disclosure...and because I am quick to admit the few shortcomings that I have...Joy is an excellent driver,,,somewhat,,,well a lot better than me. See, she doesn't have to deal with the hardships in driving that I do. She gets in,,,buckles,,,cranks,,and drives...her one track mind focused on just one thing...driving her vehicle to its appointed destination...safely and 2 miles under the 10 mile over the speed limit speed limit.

2. I, on the other hand, must make the musical selection for the trip depending on destination and purpose. Music is very important to set the proper mood for driving,
Next, I move all the baggage I have been carrying in my SUV for a month so it would be easier to deliver it to the right place because it is already with me...back into the house in hope that the next try will be successful. Next, there has to be a blanket in case my legs get cold,,,and my ME pillow of the little girl saying "I'M IN CHARGE HERE !!! in case anyone forgets. Next, there has to be cute little lap towels for using when it is necessary to dine in the car, We must protect the cuteness of out carefully selected driving attire. Shirley and Tina taught me this tip, but I think it originated with the famous Miz Ollie, who is the epitome of Southern genteelness...also mother of Shirl...and also recovering nicely at the home of her daughter, Sue. OK, now we must make the snack selection. This is, of course different from the dining selection. Car snacks must be easy to open with 1 hand, and not prone to leave residue falling down the front of your cute driving attire. A cool, refreshing drink will fall into this category. And, it should be in a cup, with a lid and a looooong straw, so you will not have to dip your eyes to find that sucking apparatus. Luggage goes into the back-back of the SUV,,,,carefully selected Vera Bradley luggage, may I add, and is held in place by the wonderful mesh net that stretches across the width of the car, Kudos to the inventor who came up with this delightful apparatus.
Preparation complete.
Just as Joy shuts out any distraction, and carries out her assigned driving duties...I say, sadly, distractions are the spice of life. Not always a good thing,
but a reality. I wonder why that nice looking couple is driving that beat up old van. Why is that girl driving so fast...talking on her cell phone. She must be heading back to school..her car is jam packed with stuff. The girl that has her feet up on the dashboard needs a pedicure....her with her feet out there for the whole world to see. How can that 16 year old boy even appreciate that BMW he's driving? See, these are questions that are passing by quicker than I can process answers to them. Oh, but I try.

3. Merging..I do not like this. I do not like it in a car. I do not like it in a SUV. I really, really do not like it on a motorcycle. I, personally, think traffic lights are the way to go. It is very clear, then, who can go and who must wait. Some of the idiot drivers on the Interstate system think that once they get on it, they have only to think of themselves and no one else. And how can you get up enough speed to merge in while going up the dizzying circle of a ramp? I mean, those other driver KNOW people have to merge. Wold it kill them to move over a lane and let this poor driver in? I know merging is necessary...but I do not like it..at all. Joy, however, does it with no problem. Just as smooth as glass. I think Pop spent more time teaching her than me!

4.I do not always follow through with my intended plans. I planned to post this last night, but I was so sleepy, I didn't have time to spell-check.

5. I am not a good speller, and I do not like to see misspelled words.

4. CON'T. It is now Wednesday morning. Adam had surgery this morning for a deviated septum...went well. Ian drove home last night from B'ham ...after class...arriving at 3:30 this AM. He is looking at 2 apartments to rent, and then he is driving back to B'ham today. Does he not need rest? Yes, of course he does. And, I told him so...but he just smiled as he drove out of the driveway. I have such a big influence in my children's lives. They listen to my wise counsel and take it to heart! :)

6. This post is finished...it is already going to take me an hour to do all the spell check fixing. Why does spell check always tell me that 'Tonja' is spelled wrong? I know how to spell my own name.

I am home...God is good...All is well

MOM UPDATE

Mom, Pop, Joy and I came to Birmingham yesterday after church, and Mom had her surgery this morning. Everything went great! The Dr. said he was pleased with the outcome, and she did very well. Needless to say, we are so thankful and greatful to God for bringing her through this safely and ready to heal.

My Mom is a very important part of my life and she has helped mold me into who I am today. It's funny how sometimes when I am saying something or doing something, I'll think, "This is just like Mom!" Now, I am not like her in all ways...she's a terrific cook, and I think a kitchen is a waste of of perfectly good space! She is a godly woman and has a heart for missions and a passion for the Lord. She gives unselfishly of her time to others, and thinks of herself last. She has mentored and served as an example to countless younger women in our church. She loves to play and act silly and do silly things. Her grandchildren adore her and she treats them all as if they are the most important person in the world. She and Pop are as in love today as they were when they were newlyweds. They take care of each other so sweetly. Her children truly do..."call her blessed."

She's gonna fuss when she reads this...but I'll take my chances with her...I'm a little bigger. :) I love you, Mom...and I am proud to "take after you!' Now get well...we've got some shopping trips to take!

NOT TODAY

" In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. " 1 Peter 5:10
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Friends, our miracle did not come today. We were prepared and ready. Alex had a new shirt, tie, and pants...and they were pressed and ready to wear. However, this was not God's time, and even though we are so disappointed, we are claiming the verse above. God does not make mistakes, nor is He late to perform His works. And even though we were ready to see a great work in Alex's life, it was not in His time. Do I think we were wrong to ask and expect a miracle? No, I think we are to be ever looking and planning for Him to step in and make things better. Am I angry, because He failed to work? Not angry, a little sad. I do have a mother's heart and want so desperately for my boy to be whole. But, I KNOW this...God cares for me and my feelings, and He cares for Alex. He WILL work His plan. And Alex will be healthy. I will stand and testify to you today that God is great and powerful and His way alone is perfect. And, though I am anxious and impatient...and want healing now, His timing is always right..

I am humbled that so many of you prayed for us with tender hearts...watching and waiting with us. Our prayers were heard and are held by the Lord Himself. Thank-you for standing with us, and offering your support. God is good and He blesses us daily with the people He chooses to put in our path. Thank you for being one of those blessings.

In His Love,

Tonja

" 'Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to them; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #10

The Easter Lily has long been a symbol of the new of life of Jesus. By itself, it stands as a Resurrection symbol and is often depicted in works of art as such. The Lily reminds us that all the events of Jesus' life point to His death and resurrection. The flowers are shaped like trumpets, proclaiming the good news of the resurrection of Jesus. The lily is also a symbol of new life which springs from a bulb that seemed to be dry and dead; again a reminder of Jesus� resurrection.


"Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29b

EASTER PLANS

Well, actually, my plans for Easter include church...and that's about it. As soon as church is over, we are heading up to Birmingham to prepare for Mom's surgery, early on Monday morning. We covet your prayers for her, She should do very well and be able to return home in a few days.
I will stay with her Monday and Monday night, but plans are for Pop and I to return home Tuesday evening. Then Joy will stay until she comes home. Of course, this all depends on how well she does. Please pray for travelling safety, and quick healing for Mom!

GOOD FRIDAY WORKDAY

And this is my handiwork for the day. My friend, Tina, came over this morning and we began phase 2 of 'Operation Organize Tonja'. Today we completely emptied 2 storage rooms, then, sorted, organized, boxed, taped, labelled, and stacked approximately 150 boxes!...OK, it may have just been 15...but it felt like 150! And I forgot...DISCARDED!!!!! Yes, my friends, I have purged my storage rooms, and now they look soooooo good. And the best part is, everything that is in there now has been sorted and it moving with me. Believe me when I say, my next garage sale should be terrific.

As I shared with you before, it is very hard for me to throw things away. I tend to hold on to all the little pieces and trivia of our lives. And, there is always a good reason for keeping the things I do...at the time, but when I see most of the things again, I wonder why in the world did I keep that!?! I am trying to work on this...and I am getting better. I can really see how I have kept things that were not worth keeping, and only added to the clutter on our home.

Tina, is my task master...and I mean that in the nicest way. It is not an easy job to keep me on task at anything...and especially when it's something I would rather not be involved in. But, bless her, she gave up her Good Friday vacation day to labor all day at my house. That's a real friend!

We accomplished much today, even though there are about 6 more boxes I have to go through on my own. Then, after one more work day, much shorter than today...we can mark the sunroom ..."DONE!" Only 8 more rooms to go! Good thing I have 9 more months, huh?
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PS. My boxes are double this size...and all contents are neatly labelled. Not that I'm bragging, or anything...I'm just saying........

NOT A PEEP OUT OF YOU!

Each year over 700 million Peeps are consumed during the Easter season. They are the #1 selling...non-chocolate...candy during this holiday. Peeps were first made in 1924 using a pastry bag. It took 27 hours for them to get to the 'ready to eat' stage. Today they are made in 6 minutes. Peeps are sold in 35 countries, and contain 32 calories each...and 0 fat. Like that really matters to a Peeps lover!
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Suppose you don't like to eat them...are you doomed to a Peepless life? Not at all.
Following are just some of the other ways you can enjoy Peeps.

1. If you coat your Peeps with a spray sealant, and let dry...you will have a lovely pin cushion for your dresser.

2. Take multi colored Peeps and gently stab their little bottoms with a bamboo skewer. Arrange as you would lovely spring flowers...A Peep bouquet...no water needed.

3. If you are a chocolate lover...and who among us isn't?...fire up the old fondue pot. Dip the Peeps quickly into the hot chocolate...then enjoy. You can hardly taste the Peeps...which, of course, is the point.

4. Peeps which are left out in the open will dry to a hard state and may then be used for home decor. Exciting, isn't it? Try them as book-ends or even a cute little paperweight for your desk. If you have been looking for a doorstop...you are in luck!

5. Boredom over taking you this Easter season? Well, Peeps to the rescue! Take 2 of the brave little soldiers and insert a toothpick into the chest wall of each. Then place them facing each other on a paper plate and set them into the microwave. Turn it on and watch as they swell with fighting spirit and become mighty jousters. Who will win? WARNING...longer that 1 minute in the microwave with result in an explosion of peepness!

6. If you have been looking for a special piece of art to fill that vacant space in your home...believe it or not....the Peeps Rabbits can help you out. Coat the back of the rabbit with craft paint and stamp it on an appropriate background. Add as many little bunnies as you like, you may even try coordinating colors. Let dry...frame...and hang with pride. A lovely piece of original artwork. Sit back and wait for the compliments to role in!
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Now I will admit to you that I am not a Peep lover. So, I have no preference for color or species. However, my Mom...possibly the wisest woman on the planet, has this to say..."The yellow ones are the best, but if they are not available, the pink ones will do. However, do not come at me with those purple or green ones...they are just wrong, and I may have to hurt you." Wise words for us all to remember.

BEAUTIFUL EASTER EGGS

Easter Eggs have a long history. Ancient Egyptians and Persians colored eggs during their spring festivals for centuries before Christianity existed. The egg has always been a symbol of rebirth, which is why it was so appropriately tied to the Easter holiday.

In the early days of the church, eggs were forbidden during Lent, which may have spurred the tradition of exchanging them on Easter. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.

Children and adults today have their own special processes for achieving eggs designed to their specifications.. Many differing kits are widely available to suit your artistic desires.

Following, enjoy a variety of Eggs from all over the world. Bet ya can't guess my favorite!








Yep! You guessed right! And it is NOT hollow! "Death my Chocolate", indeed!

A LITTLE HUMOR

RE:EASTER MIRACLE

Please, if you would be so kind, continue to pray for our Easter Miracle.
For details....see 3/11/08 post below. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Blessings,

Tonja

LET'S TALK BARBIE

Here she is...the very first Barbie, released on March 9, 1959. This is just the first of her many incarnations.



Note how her skin tone and eyes changed in Barbie #3 and 4.

Here she is as an African American and an Asian:


Can you believe this...here she as a muslim.

But, I bet you never thought you would see her this way?

Or like this!!!

Finally, someone got tired of her skinny self and tried to show the world a different view. The Body Shop came out with these posters and print ads in 2004.
Mattel immediately sued and won...the ads had to come down!

Shame isn't it that millions of little girls around the world have this impossibly thin doll as a model. The average American woman in 2007 was a size 14/16. But, we give our daughters and grandaughters a doll with a body that can never be attained. If she were alive, Barbie would be a woman standing 7ft.2 in. tall with a waistline of 18 inches, a 39 in. bust, and 33 in. hips. She would weigh 125 pounds. In fact, she would need to walk on all fours just to support her peculiar proportions. Her tiny feet could never support her weight, much less walk!

Yet media continues to push that skinny is the ONLY beauty. Well, I believe beauty comes in all sizes...and all ages. We need to remember that our bodies are only a container. Who we are...our souls...merely live there.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #9

Yesterday, I went to Sonic and ordered a Diet Cherry Coke. I asked for extra cherry. I meant extra cherry syrup...they thought I meant the actual fruit. When I finished my drink, there were 14 cherries inside! Oh well, the drink was good...and the cherries were beautiful! But, I did NOT eat all 14...just 3!
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"O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8

EASTER INFO

Easter is March 23rd this year. Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st
full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of
Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify
passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier
(March 22) which is very rare.

Here's the interesting information. This year is the earliest Easter any
of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our
population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). And none of
us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228
(220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're
95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year
2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no
one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
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So the next time Easter is this early...I'll be celebrating with Jesus!

I received this in an e-mail today...thanks, Donna!

KIDS ARE FUNNY !!!

I think this must have been "funny kid" week at school...Here is just a sampling.

I am getting ready for my spring programs at school and our theme this year is Follow The Shepherd. I have a BIG stuffed sheep that stands about 2 feet high, and is a very good replica. Not cutesy at all...very true to life. When the classes come in, they sit on the floor in a circle, and I had already put the sheep next to my chair. A sweet little boy, aged 3, who happened to sit right in front of the sheep...didn't even wait for me to sit down before he exclaimed...loudly, "This sheep is freaking me out!" Needless to say, I moved Daisy, the sheep, quickly!

In another class, 4 year olds, I was explaining what the word 'twitch' meant. As in, ..."the nose on the sheep goes twitch, twitch, twitch..". How would YOU explain that word? Well, I asked them if they had ever looked at their dog and noticed how his nose would wiggle ever so slightly as he smelled of something. No, none of them had ever seen such a thing. Then a precious little boy, who has the 'southern drawl' down to perfection, said, "Well, Miz. Owens, I ain't never see'd a dog do that, but I heard about it one time!" I think he was just trying to make me feel better. Then a cute little darling tried to explain to me that a 'twitch' is a 'twin witch'. (Her mom said yes, she did have a movie about twin witches...and they were called 'twitches' so they wouldn't be 'witches'.) Oh the information you gather in a preschool!

Another 3 year old told me she knew a better song than the one I was singing. "Really?", I said, "sing it for me." And she started belting out a song about..."you look real good in your furry top boots and your apple-bottomed jeans." Well...I didn't let that one go any farther. Someone explained later, that it is a rap song...with not very child friendly words....she has a teen-aged sister...'nuff said!

And the last one didn't happen to me, but a fellow teacher. Somehow the topic of baptism came up, and trying to not offend any one's religious preferences as to immersion or sprinkling...she kindly explained that there were several different thoughts on ways to baptize. One child who obviously was well-educated on the subject said that someone he knew had gotten 'dunked in the water'. "Why would you do that?" asked a little girl. "Cause it washes away your sins," he said. Then another child popped up with the rest of the explanation. "Then you get all new sins!," she said, as if that was the whole idea. The teacher quickly moved to another activity!

FYI

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BEEN THERE?

Have you ever felt like giving a word of explanation to the next lady in line....
especially when the facilities are over crowded? Come on...you KNOW you have...

I WANT AN EASTER MIRACLE

Tonight is the weekly prayer meeting at our church for Alex. Each week, faithful friends, and family, and staff gather to pray for Alex. What a humbling thing this is. Just knowing that people care enough to go out and gather together in spite of busy schedules, is such a blessing to this mother. The group is getting specific in their prayers at this point. They are asking God to allow Alex enough strength to attend church on Easter Sunday. I remember when he was little, I used to dress he and Ian alike sometimes. I was (and still am) a believer in short pants for little boys....up to a point. They always wore the little white English sandals for church. They were the cutest little boys you've ever seen! So, in preparation for this year, I am going tomorrow to buy him a new pair of pants...LONG...and a new shirt and tie. I am believing that God is going to answer our request with a "YES!". I am claiming the promises of God! I humbly ask you to add us to your prayer lists. I want to be able to stand up and say, "Look what God has done!" I want Alex to feel what it is like to be the recipient of God's grace and mercy. I want him to know that he is standing in the shadow of the Great Physician. And I will give all praise to God!

HOW TO GET A NEW BIKE

Little Lisa came into the kitchen where her mother was making dinner. Her birthday was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her mother what she wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Now, Little Lisa was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Lisa's mother asked her if she thought she deserved to get a bike for her birthday. Little Lisa, of course, thought she did.

Lisa's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why she deserved a bike for her birthday. Little Lisa stomped up the steps to her room and sat down to write God a letter.
***********************************************************************
LETTER 1:
Dear God:
I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for my
birthday. I want a pink one.

Your friend, Lisa

Lisa knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year, so she tore up the letter and started over.
**********************************************************************
LETTER 2:
Dear God:
This is your friend Lisa. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I
would like a pink bike for my birthday.
Thank you,
Lisa

Lisa knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.
******************************************************************************
LETTER 3:
Dear God:

I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a
good girl if you just send me a pink bike for my birthday.
Thank you,
Lisa

Lisa knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother she wanted to go to church. Lisa's mother thought her plan had worked because Lisa looked very sad.

"Just be home in time for dinner," her mother said.

Lisa walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked around to see if anyone was there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary, slipped it under her jacket and ran out of the church, down the street, into her house and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down and wrote her letter to God.
*******************************************************************************
LETTER 4:
I GOT YOUR MAMA.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.

Signed,
YOU KNOW WHO
********************************************************************
I hope this does not offend anyone, but I thought it was hilarious!
Hope you did, too! Thanks for sharing, Lisa!

DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS????

So, I woke up feeling refreshed this morning and early enough not to have to rush to get to church. I always arrive about 30 minutes before Sunday School, because as the Preschool Director, I want to get sheets on the beds and doors opened, lights turned on, and music playing. I like for their "church" to be a welcoming and happy place to come to. Sometimes I even tie helium balloons outside to make them smile. I also have a very big problem with a child arriving before his teacher. Every child deserves to be greeted at eye level, by someone he knows and trusts. We have 7different age groups on Sunday mornings going through kindergarten.
Anyway, I got ready this morning and had plenty of time to sit down and thumb through the paper, which I did. Then I left, and decided since I was still so early, I had time to stop by K-Mart on the way and pick up the snacks we would need for the next month. Found a beautiful Easter basket, and some grass, and some pretty eggs, so I got those to put on the welcoming table in the foyer, where the children enter. I could not find a "real" looking rabbit, though. So, decided I would get that later. Started on to church, and passed by Rite_Aid Drug Store. They may have a rabbit that looks real..so I'll just run in there and see...it's only 3 blocks from church and I have plenty of time. Nope, none there, I could go across the street and try the Family Dollar..but, no it's getting close to the time I want to be at church...it will have to wait.

YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS GOING, DON'T YOU??????

Here I am, pulling up at church and someone is in my parking place, there's usually only 1 other car there before me...but...there are NO parking places by the Preschool Building. They must have had a Men's breakfast this morning and they all parked over here because it is close to the kitchen. I gathered all my bags of food and goodies and baskets...and go in. Who turned the lights on? Why do I hear voices? Why did all these children come so early today?-------------------------
IT TAKE ME A LITTLE TIME TO FIGURE THINGS OUT SOMETIMES....BUT, GIVEN ENOUGH CLUES I WILL EVENTUALLY GET IT!!!! And I felt so dumb!!!!!! Thankfully, the teachers just jumped in and carried on.....wondering where in the world Tonja was and why she didn't call someone??? Now, I know why Tara called me at 7:00 this morning to tell me she and Will could not be there....it was 8:00!! My secretary also was not there...I haven't heard from him...he's probably hiding his face and thinking I am going to fuss. :) Oh, well, apologies all around...plenty of laughs... a good day to be in the Lord's House...whenever you get there!

THAT"S A BEAUTIFUL THING...#8

Aren't they beautiful? When I see one of these creatures, I always feel like spring is surely near!

WE WERE CHILLIN' !!!

My sweet friend was here at 7:00 this morning to carry on with Garage sale...day 2.
We did pretty good, in spite of it all. Several of the regular shoppers told her that most of the regulars were not out today...too cold. So, we are not discouraged. We just moved what was left inside the garage and will continue with the cleaning out. There's LOTS more to add to the pile...so next time will be warmer and more profitable, too.

Weather was in the 30's and 40's here and windy. That's cold for us...especially since we have been wearing shorts a few days ago! Oh well, at least the weather keeps us guessing!

Hope it's not too cold, or too windy, or too snowy, or too rainy where you are today. Have a great rest of the week-end!

Blessings!

PLEASE DON"T RAIN ON MY GARAGE SALE!

But...it did! We were able to do some business, though. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear, but cold!

BLOCKS!!!

Look! We have blocks up now! If the weather will cooperate, maybe they will be able to work more than 2 days a week! It has rained here a lot..not that I'm complaining...we really need it!

BLESSED BY A NEW AWARD

Thanks to my sweet "B" Club buddy, Kat, for blessing me with this award. I really do feel blessed when what I write or share with you makes a difference . My prayer is that Gatherings will be an inspiration, a source of new ideas, and a chance to laugh. I thank you for inviting me into your home...well, at least into your computer! I am, in turn, blessed by so many of you daily.

I pass this award on to Tracey, at Show Me...State of Mind. I gave her sort of a hard time this week for not posting in...FOREVER!!!!...Tracey, IT MAKES MY DAY when you post! Am I forgiven?

THANKS, SON

Just to let you know, this is one, fine young man...if I do say so myself. He has spent all afternoon helping me make a picture, fix it all up with his magic, put it all on my site, and fix the title, and colors. Isn't it beautiful? The thing about Adam is, he's a perfectionist...so it has to be just right or he is not satisfied. I wonder who he got that from? Thanks, my sweet son...I love you for many things...but today, for giving me your time and talents...just to make me happy. I am blessed that you are mine! And, thanks, Suze, for sharing him with me this afternoon.

(By the way, he said if you are not seeing my new picture, you need to 'refresh your cache'...don't know what that means...but am passing it along.)

GARAGE SALE...#1

Well, this coming Friday and Saturday will be the first garage sale since beginning to rid my life of clutter. I am so blessed to have 2 friends who love me in spite of the fact that I have kept so much "stuff" that I really do not need. Now, I'm not like those people on Oprah who can't walk through their rooms, but it's true I have a hard time getting rid of things I might just need later. And I am very sentimental about things, too. Especially if it was one of my boys. Well, the Lord has been dealing with me about all this stuff. I have too much. And what I have could be used by lots of other folks. So, my friends Tina and Patty have helped me start going through and getting rid of things that are cluttering up my life. Patty came over one morning and took everything out of my kitchen cabinets and we decided to keep just what I needed, and sell the rest. Folks, we have 2 huge boxes to sell. I don't know if you know this or not, but Gladware and Ziplock plastic stuff actually multiplies in the dark! I can not believe how much of that stuff I had accumulated and had pushed to the back of the cabinets. Well, Patty was a tough task master, and we got through it. That was over a month ago and I have not missed one thing we took away!
Tina and Patty have helped me several times start going through storage rooms and closets...and throwing away what needs to go.
FUNNY STORY: Don got a huge trash bin delivered to our house so he could clean out the garage...so we would have somewhere to put the stuff we were going to take with us when we move. Patty decided to work with him, because she saw him throw away things she knew I would want to keep. She found an old suitcase, that I got when I graduated from high school...good old white hard side Samsonite...remember that? And a matching train case? Anyway, Don said to throw it away...but Patty said she better look inside first. Don said to just throw it away...it was junk. Patty looked inside anyway, and tucked inside that little pocket in the back was quite a lot of junk all right...and a $100 bill! Of course, that gave Don plenty of ammunition to talk about how I don't know the value of money! :) It had probably been in there at least 20 years!
SO.....Patty is coming tomorrow and going to take charge of the garage sale..oh, she told me to call it a MOVING SALE instead, so that is how I listed it in the paper.
And, the money we make is going to all go to the World Changers Youth trip our kids at church are going on this summer. Patty is in charge of that...and will drive the bus. This is just the first in a series of MOVING SALES, I'm sure. We have been working in my sun room and studio...craft supplies and scrap booking stuff and paints...something else that multiplies in the dark! Wish us luck!

CAN I GET A WITNESS ???

And I just don't know if I am ever gonna get it back!!! :)