CONVERSATION with JOHN THOMAS

Hi World, John Thomas Bush here! I'm still a little sleepy...it is hard work getting born!



They've had me all wrapped up in this hat and blanket ever since this morning! I'm ready to stretch out a little!



Daddy, can you help get these blankets off of me.


Whew! That's better! Now, hurry! Look, there's that nice lady.



I don't know who that old man is...but he looks nice too!


Come on, nice lady...I'm ready. I want you to hold me now.


Now, what did you say your name was? That's right...GiGi. That's a nice name.
I think I like you.


Now, I KNOW I do! I like snuggling with you!


Now, who is that old man over there watching me?


Oh, he's your Daddy...so he's my Pop! Hi, Pop! You look pretty nice, too!


It's OK, you can touch me...I won't bite...yet!


Ohhh! I like your hands! They are big and strong! I bet you can teach me to shake hands one day!



Hey Adam! That tickles! Aren't you supposed to be taking pictures?




Look! Here's a good pose for you! Now how about passing me off to the Pop. I think he and I have got some talking to do!


Yep, me and the old man are going to be big buddies...I can just tell.

THE REAL NEWS OF THE DAY

While sitting at the hospital this morning, before and after the birth...I needed something to do since the doctors and nurses obviously didn't want or need my expert advice. I decided to tell the story of my sweet grand-nephew with the newspaper and a magazine I had brought to read. Yes, some of the pics are a little fuzzy. Chalk it up to my excitement. Here, then, is the story of the day...told in words and pictures.

JOHN THOMAS BUSH
6 pounds 10 ounces
20 inches

THANKFUL

Have a fun-filled, happy, and thankful weekend!

VETERAN'S DAY/ BIRTHDAY

Today is the birthday of my middle son, Alex. I have no words to say what I feel for this beautiful gift from God. He has the most gentle spirit, and quiet wisdom. He is a source of courage and inspiration to many. He knows me, and encourages me. He is a joy. He is my sunshine.

...with brothers at Disney World...


...on the beach...


...with Mom at home...


...with cousin, Lori...


...with Don in Boston...


...with big brother Adam...


...with little brother Ian...


...with Granny and Pop at the lake...


Happy Birthday, my sweet son! My prayer is that God will bless you above all that we could ever imagine. Mom

NO SURPRISES......

After Joy and I finished our work on Pop's den, we decided to go through some more of her things that needed to be discarded. Things like make-up, and lotions, and other personal items.

This is not a fun thing to do...but it is necessary. It feels almost intrusive, though. These are the things that she touched everyday. Just little things like 48 lipsticks, and 13 compacts, and foundation...10 or 12, lotions, Oil of Olay and Nivea, and 7 curling irons with teeth and without, buttons, old fashioned hair rollers, hair clips, toothpaste, toothbrushes,combs and brushes. Nothing great and wonderful...just the normal grooming things we all use to get us through the day. I wish I had taken a pic of just how organized she had it all. She could put her hand right on whatever she needed. Everything was in its place...she always put it back in the area she created for it. (It is obvious to those who know me that this trait did not pass on to me. Oh, I can organize it, and find a perfect home for it...it's the 'putting back' I have trouble with!) She also had a drawer full of beautiful handkerchiefs, and hand towels. Some were embroidered with Granny, or Mother or some other sentiment.Here were some gifts from the grandchildren and notes from Joy and I. And, this scarf was among them.

I remember buying this for her for Mother's Day one year. It was in an April Cornell store...do you remember those? I think they have all moved overseas now...but there was such a beautiful array of 'fancy' things there that she loved.
I thought this scarf was so beautiful and pink and prissy...all the things she liked.
And the verse that was woven into the fabric was so perfect, it would not have mattered how much it cost...because it was already hers.


HOME IT IS MY MOTHER

My Home it is my Mother,
Within her heart I live.
Her love is like no other;
The sunshine it does give.
And like the spreading branches
Of a truly fragrant tree,
My Mother’s heart and arms
Have made a perfect nest for me.

The things we picked up and held and opened up and smelled were all familiar to us. We knew these were the things she used and had for years. We knew she like Clinique makeup and her favorite home fragrance was Nantucket Briar by Crabtree and Evelyn. She had a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These things were the things she had grown comfortable with and was happy buying again and again. She did enjoy trying a new eye shadow or lipstick, though.

Nothing we have touched and moved and discarded or given away or packed away has been a surprise to us. There has been nothing that has angered us or shocked us. There has been nothing that shatters that image we have of her. There has been nothing that does not point to the little lady who had Jesus in her heart and loved to serve him. It all points to how much she adored her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her friends. There has been nothing that does not fit into the life she lived in front of us for 77 years. Just another gift from her. The assurance that she didn't have hurtful secrets or unwelcome surprises for us to learn about now that she is in Heaven. Oh, I'm sure she had her secrets that she kept...who among us doesn't? And, there are things in our lives that no one needs to know about but us. That's not what I am talking about. I am speaking of those things that would show us that she was not the person we knew her to be. (Well, to be perfectly honest, she DID have little pockets of money squirrelled away in some strange places! :))

If I died tomorrow, would my children be able to say the same thing? I hope so. I can not think of anything I would not want them to find or see. Other than the fact that they would undoubtedly complain about all the things I kept that they could not understand, I would be at ease with them going through my things as we have Mom's.

Isn't that something we all need to strive for? To have only those things around us that speak to who we really are? If there is something that I feel I need to hide...I do not need to have it. (Except maybe that mad money for my next shopping trip!) I have learned throughout these months since Mom died that death is not the end of your influence. I have learned that you keep teaching and reinforcing those life lessons you taught. I have learned that seeing that your Mother truly is the person she portrayed to others during her life on earth, is a gift to treasure. This is one of those really special gifts...the kind you hold safely in your heart. Oh, may the same be said of me when I leave this world.
(This is a tea towel I gave to her a few years ago.)

CHANGES IN THE HOUSE!!!

Today, Joy and I went to Pop's to make some changes in his house. We have been shopping and planning and shopping...and today, we put it all together.

BACKSTORY: My Mom loved to decorate. And, whatever she wanted to do was fine with Pop. He was always so indulgent of her decorating whims. One of the last things she had done was to move his recliner out of the den, and replace it with another couch. This caused them to not be able to watch TV there, and this was not Pop's favorite arrangement, but, he kindly let her do it the way she wanted. However, he was ready to have his recliner and TV moved back into the den. Now, for those of you who did not know my Mom, she was a very elegant decorator. She loved gold, and flowers, and and lots of shiny, sparkling things! She liked symmetry, and matched sets of furniture. Traditional Elegance best describes her decorating style. Now that she has moved to Heaven, Joy and I really wanted the den to be more to Pop's taste and for him to feel comfortable there. We would never want to change all the things she has done in her house. She has an absolutely gorgeous Living Room and Dining Room that we all want to stay just as she left it. Because it feels like a hug from her just to walk into the rooms...and that is very comforting.

The den has these 2 huge open areas on either side of the fireplace. So, that's what we started with. We found 2 large urns, some padded leather boxes, and a horizontal candle holder. Because we are such fine shoppers...we managed to find some wonderful silks at Pier 1. These stems were $2.60 each marked down from $8.00!
Since we bought 22 of them...it really saved us some dough! Adding some red spiky stuff, they came together very nicely, we think. So, we did that x 2.


Many years ago, I happened upon this Austin Sculpture. It features 5 children hanging over a fence...3 boys...2 girls. It was such serendipity...because that's the same as their grandchildren. It has always been one of the favorite pieces of both she and Pop, and has always been out on display. Pop wanted to keep it out, and so we worked that into our room scheme. Here is the sculpture:

We found this neat iron leaf piece, with matching candle holders, large and small. Thinking that this looked quite appropriate for the season, and for his den as well, we purchased this at a well-known chain store. And so the mantle looks like this:

Yes, I can see now that it is just the tiniest bit off center...I'll go right back over and fix that!
This then, is the finished fireplace wall. We were very pleased, Pop was jumping up and down and shouting, "Way to go, girls!" And I'm sure Mom was stopping every angel that passed, telling them, "Would you look at my girls? I taught them everything they know! Would you look at what they did for their Daddy! But they better not mess with my Living Room!" :)

To the left of the the fireplace, is the wall behind the couch. We bought this piece of art and hung it there. I still need to change the lampshades.

We got rid of one of the couches, bought a new rug, a recliner and a new lamp with red shade. The boys helped him get a new TV, and get it set up. Next we are tackling the kitchen...But, not this week!

THE VISIT

I had a visit this week from a lady that has been a major influence in my life as long as I have known her. My mother loved her, and they had a special relationship. Mom always thought she was the epitome of good taste and decorum. I can hear her saying, "JK says that this is the way to do it." Or, "I asked JK, and she said it was perfectly alright!" She left details of my wedding up to her, because she trusted her so. I feel sure she did Joy's also, but I don't remember that...I had moved away by then.

She used to have a very elegant gift shop and bridal registry in our town. It was always a pleasure to shop there. I remember once, when we had moved into the home we lived in for 30 years, I had a fireplace for the first time. I went to her, and she helped me figure out just what I could do to decorate the mantle. I bought 2 paper mache carollers to put on one end, and she told me just how to fix the other end with candles and some garland. It was Christmas, and she was very busy, and I was certainly not a shopper who could spend much money. No matter...she saw to it that I knew exactly what to do to fix up my mantle! She knew it was important to me, and therefore, it was important to her. My tastes have changed over the years, and as I aged, I became more confident in my own choices. I still have these, though...and they are among my treasures. I have never forgotten her kindness to me then...and through the years, it would come back to me. Only later did I begin to learn the lesson that it taught. And, I have tried to do the same for younger women I come in contact with. It is all about finding out what is important to someone, and helping to meet that need. It may not always be material things, it may just be time. Or it may be cleaning house, though that is not an area I excel in...I can still do it! Or helping someone plan a party, or helping them decide how to decorate their house. If we have talents in certain areas...it is because they are God-given. We didn't create them...they are a gift. Now we can certainly improve our talents, but to not use them at all is not an option. That could make an excellent parable, don't you think? Hmmmmmm...At that time for me, it was about decorating a pretty mantle in my new home. She met my need. I still have the carollers...and I still have the memory...and I still try to follow that example.

She became very instrumental in my boy's lives and Adam, especially, has always looked to her as being full of wisdom and a wise and Godly council. Alex and Ian think her very dear as well. She has always been a person I could count on as a strength and support thru whatever crisis I was in at the time. At this point in my life, especially since losing Mom, her friendship means even more. She was part of our 'family' at Mom's funeral.

SO...she came to see me last week, along with her SIL, and brought me a house warming gift. I think she had to do some 'sweet talking' to be able to purchase these. But, I do not know who could resist her sweet smile. Here is a picture of the ornaments she brought me.

Aren't they beautiful? I can hardly wait to put them in a special place on my tree. But, I didn't want to put them away, so I looked for a place to hang them in the mean time. AHA! My eyes lit upon my manzanita branches. Now, I have been told by several 'friends' and family to "Please, get rid of those spiky trees!" Don't plan to, though, I love the structure and architecture of them. I have, however, found a place for them in the library, that is out of the way. So, if they bother anyone where they are now...it's your own fault! I took my acorn ornaments and hung them on these branches. And, I love to see them hanging there. Looking out the window, it is evident that fall is here, and inside, these little acorns carry that theme as well. However, as soon as I get a tree, they will move over and grace it with their beauty.

Because I did not ask permission, I will not use her name. But, she knows who I am talking about...and she knows she is loved by this family. She has been blessed with many gifts that she shares selflessly. Her gift of encouragement has blessed me more times than I can count.

Friends. There is no greater blessing, or joy. Thank you, my friend, for your visit, for the beautiful ornaments...but, most of all, for your friendship. I treasure you and the love you have always shown to me and my family.

THE GIFT OF A TRIP

Will you just look at these boys...excited and ready to set off on an adventure. Adam has a photographers meeting in New Orleans for the next few days, and Friday, he asked Alex if he would like to go with him. It is always hard to plan for things like that with Alex because he never knows if he will be up to it until the last minute. Complicating things was the fact that Alex had a Dr. appt tomorrow. These appts. are made 3 months in advance, are are very hard to reschedule. Also they are timed to the refilling of his meds, which he can only do on a monthly basis.

He began calling this morning at 8, and finally got to talk to someone about 30 minutes ago. They were able to reschedule, so Adam came and picked up Alex...and they are on their way!

We packed his wheelchair for him. Since he has such a hard time with his balance, walking really tires him out quickly...even with his cane, he still has to have an arm to hold on to. But, if someone pushes him in a wheelchair, he can hold out much longer, and have more fun when he gets to where he's going. And, let's face it...when you get to where you are going...you don't want to be too tired to party!
I am asking God for His mercy to shower Alex while he is gone. I am asking Him to keep his pain at bay, and grant him a few good days to spend with his brother. I am asking God to grant Adam clear vision as he drives, and a strong healthy body as he goes about his conferences. I am asking for a wonderful time for them both...a time of fun, a time of bonding, and a time of relaxation.
This is a gift from God, my friends. Alex so rarely gets to go off and enjoy himself like this. We pray for it often, and we are so thankful when God answers our prayers. Alex is mostly homebound...and what 28 year old would enjoy that for very long?

Here in Dothan, we have The National Peanut Festival every fall. It includes contests, and a fair, and parade and concerts, and all that goes along with a celebration. Ian has always enjoyed going and every year comes home for it. He came home last weekend, and he and Alex were able to go on Saturday night and take in a concert. They decided to rent a wheelchair when they got there and had a blast on the midway. Brothers..enjoying each other's company. What a blessing.

And, now a chance to spend time with Adam! God is good! We thank Him and we praise Him! This is a wonderful day!

TURKEY TALK

Because my Mom always cooked a Butterball Turkey, so did I. Every year for as long as I can remember, I have been the one assigned the task of cooking the Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey. Maybe she and Joy just figured that I couldn't mess it up too bad. And, I never did. I became quite adept at fixing up that ole bird. Mom would always call me the night before to be sure I had not forgotten to put it in the oven. I heard all the old ways of getting him ready to cook...like putting it in a paper bag and turning off the oven...never tried that, though. Same said thaw, some said don't. I did. I usually just put it in a large roasting pan and basted often...and in later years, I began to use the large cooking bags. Don even bought a huge cooker and we deep fried it one year. I really didn't like that. Tasted more like chicken! I would cook it and Don would slice it for eating. We pulled out our electric knife one time a year or twice...just for the turkey. Probably the only consistently used wedding gift that I received back in 1972.

HOWEVER, I now know a better way. I was telling my aunts about this when we visited recently in NC, and they had never heard of these. But, this Not Very Good Cook is here to tell you...this is fabulous! I found these at W*l=M*rt several years ago,and now I will not buy anything else. It is just as easy as the ad says it is. Open the package, put it in a pan, put it in the oven, figure out the time it will take to cook, take it out, have hubby slice it, and rake in the compliments! Really, it is the moistest turkey I have ever cooked. I can promise you will not be disappointed if you give this a try. I have since found it at other grocery stores so I am sure you can find it easily. There are several seasonings available also. Even the packaging you carry it home from the store in has a handy carry handle. And, just one more tip: if you purchase one of those big disposable roasting pans to cook it in...you can throw the whole thing away after lunch! Easy-Peasy!



FROM THE BAG and WEBSITE:
Oven Ready Home Style Whole Turkey Oven Ready™ turkey from Jennie-O Turkey Store is the only whole turkey that goes directly from your freezer to your oven with no thawing, no cleaning—and no worries.


Premium turkey, fresh-frozen and ready to cook
Goes directly from freezer to oven - no thawing
No handling of the raw turkey, no preparation - turkey is already cleaned and seasoned
Comes sealed in our Fool-Proof™ cooking bag with pop-up timer for moist, tender turkey every time
Preseasoned with a Home style flavor
Comes with a delicious, simple to prepare home style gravy packet.


For additional info, you can go to their website listed here:
http://www.jennieo.com/products/OvenReady/OvenReadyHomeStyleWholeTurkey.aspx

PS...I know you are going to thank me, so "You're Welcome!"