But for the Grace of God

Food
Water
Shelter
Health
Thank you, Father

For I am blessed

Promises...sweet promises...

God didn't promise day without pain,

laughter without sorrow,

sun without rain.

But He did promise strength for the day,

comfort for tears

and light for the way.

-Author Unknown-

and I will add...

Strong arms to hold us

and Friends to share the burdens.

Our God is indeed an

AWESOME GOD

Read about my friend Rebekah....

The Homeless

I have always carried a burden for the homeless. Not the poor who live in substandard housing, but those who actually make their home under a bridge, carrying every bit of their possessions in a bag on their back. As we travel through various cities and towns I wonder about how that particular community cares for it's homeless population. When I see homeless people I wonder "where is your family?" "do you have children?" "if something should happen to you, would the police know who to notify?"

I am blessed, I have never been homeless (with the exception of 6 months when, as a young married couple we CHOSE to travel in our car --with a toddler and I was pregnant-- looking for work...we had income, we had the ability to have a place of our own...to us this was an adventure!!!) I have had a roof over my head, food for our table and a way to cook that good food. I have had friends to call and a phone to call them with. I have family who remember my birthday and homes where we celebrate holidays and share each others joys. Oh, I am blessed.

The homeless. The young (too young) couple who are hitchhiking with a sign stating they are headed to a city 500 miles away...is someone waiting for you there? The pregnant lady with the toddler in a stroller (with a torn seat and broken frame) sitting in the park...are you waiting for it to get dark so you can sneak under the bridge and sleep for the night? Who will care for that child while you take an afternoon nap? The old guy sleeping in the doorway of a closed down storefront...when was the last time someone tipped their hat to you with a "Good morning, sir"? Do your siblings know where you are?

Homeless people have always been a burden of mine. I do what I can, I could do more. Years ago my sons and I were traveling and had stopped at a fast food restaurant off the freeway for a quick bite - just stopping long enough to stretch our legs and re-fuel our systems. There were 3 people, in their early 20's, sitting at a table watching others eat. Nothing to eat at their table. Of course the mother hen in me gathered my little guys closer. We ordered, and then found a table to eat at, the 3 young adults had moved to another table, they were eating...but it became obvious to me that they were eating someone else's leftovers. They were hungry and willing to eat scraps to re-fuel, and they were not begging. I could not eat. My kids ate, I checked my pocket book, just enough to fill up our gas tank to get home-I did not have a dime to spare. After the boys were done I walked by the table they had just moved to-another table they could glean a bit of food from-I sat my tray, with my uneaten meal, down on their table and we kept walking out the door, a faint "thank you" came from one of them. I knew it would not be near enough for the 3 of them. I got the boys buckled in the car, and then cried...and cried. I am now a bit more aware and do a bit more.

Homeless people...sad, so sad.

And now, my burden has grown. I have been watching as Katrina kicks up her heels and is leaving destruction. I am thinking about all those homeless people, the ones who were homeless before this all began, those who took refuge under the bridges, behind a dumpster. They had nothing before and now they have less. I worry about the children who sleep in cars at night, and wash in a gas station restroom... where will they put their little heads tonight?

There will be help for those who own property, there will be help for those who can provide an address...I worry about those who will not "qualify" for various forms of help. I worry about the mentally ill, the throw away people, the runaway youth.

Pray with me for these special children of God. For now, I will do what I can...I am gonna go sew a quilt while praying for the individual who will someday be wrapped in the love and prayers it took to make it.

Joy comes in the morning...

Those words had been rolling over and over in my head all through the night...over and over...over and over...and then while doing my daily blog reading this is what I found....please check this out and then join with me in praise and thanksgiving. Out for a stroll! And Back

Victories, all shapes, all sizes

Please read today's post about our dear precious friend Rebekah. Her daddy was able to get video footage while she had a few moments of being the darling little girl we know is in there.

Praise and blessings!!!

Last night the family had a "breakthrough" so to speak and it is worth reading about as well. Let's find the funny, but necessary moments when and where we can.

Oh Rebekah, Mommy, Daddy and "Chi-chi" too! we are praying and praying hard. God is showing us blue sky beyond the clouds...And we are thankful!

Being a family who walked through so many months and years and continue to walk a path of disease, we know how little it takes to find a victory...to others these moments of "normalcy" are just that, a normal action, normal feeling, normal-everyday-life happenings...to those who know you cannot feed a body for days on end without some - - shall we say, outcome - - when it happens...shout a victory!!! Find the victory in all things...ALL THINGS no matter what the clean up time might be. For every ounce they consume and every ounce they manage to maintain, Praise God!

During this time of "keeping tabs" on Rebekah, I have re-lived some of my son's earlier years. I wonder how the Adams family does what they do, and then I remember how we did what we did.

Like the Adams family, we did not, do not have to walk this alone. We had/have a wonderful church family, neighbors, friends and relatives that went over and above the call of duty to do what needed to be done. (Nancy(my sister), thank you for lugging 3 ppls luggage all over LA looking for a decent place for us to stay while Ryan was at UCLA...oh my I could not believe you did that, thank you seems so little, and when you left...the bill was paid for us through the rest of our stay!!!) My mom was there every step of the way. If she could not be there physically, she and dad sent money..they paid for lodging...they kept our oldest son...school clothes...mom, thank you for Bacon, Lettuce and Tomoto Sandwiches- at just the right time!...And there were those times when I thought I would have to go through a yet another particularly greuling OHSU surgery with my son alone, only to look up and find my mother or my sister walking in the waiting room. Oh, you have no idea how much that meant to me. Like Scott, my husband could not be there through it all, but when he could he was. I fear that we walked through those early years in a fog and have forgotten to tell each of you how much it meant for us to have you there with us.

Fast forward 23 years. How does this young man manage without his mommy to help him along, or his brother (only 2 years older) to alert us when something "isn't right" or intervene when the school could not get ahold of us right away, or his daddy to hold him (or hold his mommy) after a long night of working at the lumber mill? How does this young man get by each night without his "Jesus Bug" (Glowworm, who lit up and shined like Jesus does in our lives-don't ask, that is how we justified it...And BTW, Jesus Bug is packed away in a special box- not sure mommy can part with Jesus Bug yet!)

Today, our son lives 18 hrs away from us, he makes his own Dr appts, and has the gaul to not tell me word for word what is said (:-) He finds reasons to celebrate pretty much each day, he PAYS HIS OWN BILLS!!! And although he is not free from disease, he is living his life to the fullest, he is working for his Father in Heaven, he is reaching out to those who are so very much less fortunate than himself. He is making a difference in a world that is full of sadness, and he is the most positive person I know. He takes NOTHING for granted, not one second of his life. Oh, son, we are so very proud of you.

Victories, yes, they come in all shapes and sizes from a sister who is there no matter what (even being with me in LA the night before her first grandchild is to be born...in Colorado...she flew out of LA and into Colorado Springs just in time!) a mom and dad (grandma and grandpa) who loved their "Little Rowdy" enough to do anything to help ANYTHING, a brother who knew symptoms well enough to be there when mommy and daddy couldn't be, a school staff that was sorta willing to learn and be of help at various times. A church family who carried much of the financial responsibility for trips to Portland, Eugene and Los Angeles for treatments and surgeries. From victories shaped like Jesus Bug hooked up to a breathing apparatus (the only way our son would take a treatment was if Jesus Bug was taking one too!) Duck Tales...30 minutes each afternoon when mom could rest on the couch while the boys watched TV, they would NOT move an inch if Duck Tales were on.

Victories, when I look back I can see them on each and every corner. Thank you all who shared our victories and continue to do so. We know the power behind "bearing one another's burdens" and pray each member of the Adams family are as full of victory and blessing as we continue to be.

OK, I will now return from memory lane, come down from my emotional spot tonight, but will never cease giving thanks and praise for all who walked with us.

Prayer

I have been in the hospital and away from the computer all week. I am just now catching up on Rebekah's story.

I am just amazed and thankful that the blogging community I am a part of has embraced little Rebekah and her mommy, daddy and little sister, Sarah. Isn't God good!!! That isn't a question it is a full blown statement. Our God is so very good.

About the time I was able to catch up on Rebekah a call had gone out for more intense prayer for this precious angel, and she was already in and out of surgery and her daddy was posting some good news. Although I had no idea what the issue was I knew I was to pray for Rebekah, so I did, and I continue to do so.

Rebekah, close your little eyes and feel the presense of Jesus...mommy and daddy, you too. close your eyes and feel His touch. I am so thankful our God is so near, so personal, so loving and faithful.

I know there was/is a prayer vigil going on for Rebekah that Darlene has organized. I feel blessed to know that so many are taking things on and organizing and helping. Rebekah's page is full of those who live close enough to physically help out, or purchase bracelets. What a wonderful community we "live in"

Rebekah...we are praying for you sweetie. Mommy and Daddy and Sarah, we are praying for you too. All those Grandma's and grandpa's and uncles and aunts, you are being prayed for as well. God is in control, and we can be comforted by this knowledge.

She is reading my blog!!!

My sister (Nancy) and mother came for dinner yesterday, Ed fixed BBQ chicken and we ate outside, which is our only option when mom is here because we can not get her wheelchair up the flight of stairs into the house, no big deal, it was a nice evening and we enjoyed being outside.

Along with Ed and I, Nancy and momma was Meow, who is a very sociable cat, especially when something is on the BBQ! Nancy commented on the fact that Meow has more pictures on my blog than anyone or anything else...so now I know...she is reading my blog. And this pic is for you Nancy...
After dinner I took a hermit crab out for momma to see, she has seen pics of our hermies but has never seen them...so Hermie meet Grandma. She was so funny, she wanted to shake the poor little thing out of it's shell!! Which did nothing except upset Hermie, who in turned PINCHED momma...and not a little bitty pinch either!!! Momma does not talk but every now and then she will say a word or two...it was hilarious because she YELLED OUCH OUCH OUCH, and then preceded to laugh at herself. It's a bit hard to see, but I did try to get a picture of the mark Hermie left.

The comfort in faith

Faith is the conviction

that God knows more

than we do

about this life

and

He will get us through it.

Max Lucado

Friday Thoughts

Today I spent some of my down time at the office reading up on Rebekah and my heart continues to be blessed by this families faith, and broken for the pain this family feels on a daily basis. I know the pain this family is feeling, we have experienced the pain of a baby/child affected by disease. It is hard to watch and hear about it, much harder to live it day in and day out, month after month. I applaud this family for the way they are allowing others to share the experience rather than trying to do it all themselves. Bearing one another's burdens. Bless this little family for the love they share and the faith they are showing. May God richly bless you!

If you think about me on Sunday and Monday, please say a little prayer. I am headed into my 3rd surgery since donating a kidney to my brother in 2001. Donors rarely have complications, but I am a rare person, so of course I would have complications! While they do more repair surgery they will also be removing my gallbladder. I am expected to be in the hospital for 3 days so will not be posting until Wednesday at the earliest. Surgery is scheduled for early Monday morning. Although I have "gone under the knife" on several occasions, this one is a bit more complicated and I am beginning to feel a bit of apprehension. So, if you think about me...Thanks!

On a cheerier note, my brother accepted "our" kidney very well and after years of dialysis has felt like the past almost 4 years have been like freedom to him!!!

It's Friday, and I am tired! I have a really wild weekend ahead of me, my list is daunting. So much to do, so little time. Since I will not be able to lift anything over 5 lbs for about 6 wks I have a list of things for hubby and I to get done so that he does not have to do them alone. Hubby is retired so it will be nice to have him home to care for me for the next few wks.

OK, off to begin tackling that list...

Where 2 or 3 are gathered...

Please add this beautiful little angel, this child of God, Rebekah to your prayer list. Thank you...

Rebekah your Daddy in Heaven is holding you tight honey.

Just doing my best to keep you informed....

According to Burger King....

French fries that have attempted to escape from their container only to strand themselves in the bottom of the bag are called "bagglers." Bagglers are fair game. The first to open the bag and retrieve the baggler gets to eat the baggler. Therefore, it is in one's best interest to be the keeper of the bag.

Confessions of a Fortune Cookie Junkie

Hi, My name is Pam and I am a Fortune Cookie Junkie

OK, so it's not really the cookie that I am interested in...it's the fortune. I admit, from a very young age, when the waitress brings the bill with the cookies laying on top...I want first pick, leaving the rest of the cookies (and the bill;-)) for someone else. Recently while switching purses/wallets around I found a few fortune cookie fortunes in my purse. Don't ask why I save these, I don't believe in fate, I don't believe I will find direction for my life in a cookie..I believe in God and his path for my life was set long before anyone could figure out how to get a message relating to my life on a tiny slip of paper inside a folded up cookie just for me. None-the-less, we open our cookies, read them outloud for all to hear, and then laugh about how that "fit us" to a "T", realizing that it could have fit anyone in the restaurant at any given time. Then we go about our day, knowing that the only fortune we want is the one we already have been given..and we did not even have to purchase a meal to receive!

Here are a few that were in my purse:

You will be selected for a promotion because of your accomplishments.

Your smile brings happiness to others.

Others look up to you.

We can learn from everyone, even our adversaries.

Your heart is pure, and your mind is clear.

Don't give up. The best is yet to come.

These are the tid bits of insight that intrigue me:

A generous man will prosper;

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

Proverbs 7:1

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:5

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure.

Philippians 2:14

when I grow up...

....I'm gonna marry a handsome boyfriend like Uncle Boy

More Color!

Color!

My new desktop

Please Pin Me

Please place a pin on my map,

indicating where you live.

You will find the link

on my side bar.

Thanks!

What's in a Blog?

Many of the blogs I read have sevefral links to other blogs on their side bars. I am enticed by blogs with such names as One of Six... six what???...so off I go to search for answers - or - how about Shouting in My Sleep, sounds like a nightmare to me but I better check it out to KNOW why someone is shouting in their sleep - or - how does Road to Sanity sound...sounds like I could use some sanity. (ok, so this is my son, but the title of his blog fits this post so I used it anyway!)

So, I click on the link and read the latest 2 or 3 posts. If I am still interested, if I am drawn in, I do the thing that makes the most sense to me, I go to that bloggers very first post and I start reading-from the beginning, no matter how long ago they began or how many posts are on their blog.

Now, there have been a few blogs that I read the most recent postings and go back for a new link, finding that their blog title was the most interesting thing about their blog (one such blog my son and I both read, and we both STOPPED reading when it really got out of hand!)...but there have been a number of very good blogs that have really made me sit up and take notice, like What Would Jesus Blog, which, but the way, led me to One of Six. Both of these blogs I read from beginning to current and continue to read each day. These two women (who, by the way, are 2 of 6 sisters) have lots to say, I love Tinks way of boldly sharing her faith, challenging us to speak our faith, and be ready for our Homecoming-Tink and I also share a love of crafting so it was a given that I would add her blog to my links and to keep in touch with her via email. Darlene is a fun-loving-goofy mom, who readily laughs at her children's antics and has a giving heart that shows in so many ways throughout her postings. She laughs at herself, she makes me laugh at myself.

The last few days I have been reading Shannon's blog, Wind Scraps...and yes, from the beginning to current. This wife, mom, sister and daughter is full of funny tales with a twist...alot like Darlene. A couple of things caught my eye right off about Shannon...first, she is from the Pacific Northwest - and so am I! She and her husband are in the ministry, I have just concluded a 16 year ministry.

While reading through Shannon's blog I read this post, which caught my interest because the Clackamas Town Center Mall, which she refers, to is sitting right on top of the land where the first home my husband and I had once was. Shortly after we married the houses were moved out, torn down or burned to make room for the mall to be built. But I digress...the message behind her post speaks to my heart, says what I have so many times wanted to say, but didn't...judge not, least you be judged...I asked Shannon if I could re-post to my blog her June 12, 2005 post...she graciously agreed...here you go...this post speaks for itself...

Saturday, June 11, 2005

coffee at clackamas

My friend had driven four hours to see me. Not only that, when she arrived, she immediately rolled up her sleeves and helped us move a garage-load of boxes from one storage shed to another -- a job that took the better part of a day. When we finished, I asked if she wanted to go get coffee at a nearby mall.Women don't turn down trips to the mall.

We don't get that tired.

We chatted ferociously all the way to the Clackamas Mall. I hadn't seen her in months, not since we left our farm and moved south to be closer to Dave's seminary. Though we'd talked nonstop while transferring boxes to the new shed, we hadn't yet run out of topics. Away from the apartment complex, my friend had lots of questions about our neighbors and how Zac was adjusting to the new environment.

"He misses the woods," I told her, "but he likes having cement." Back home, Zac never got the chance to ride his bike on a smooth surface. It was all bump and slide and skitter as he maneuvered his wheels over our dirt driveway.

My friend was impressed with the mall. It's not everyday you see an ice skating rink dropped in the midst of shops and restaurants. The espresso stand I brought her to was situated just in front of the broad glass windows above the rink.

"Let's get our coffee and watch awhile," she suggested.

As we approached the stand, my friend said, "I've been craving a mocha. I know exactly what I want."

The stand looked empty when I leaned against the counter. The structure was shaped liked a horseshoe, and I couldn't see the barista tucked around the far corner. But he heard us and came into view.

"Hi," he said. "Can I help you?" he asked, looking directly at me.

"She knows what she wants already," I said, nodding to my friend. But my friend shook her head.

"No, I don't."

That seemed odd since she'd just told me otherwise. But I didn't argue. "Well, then ... let's see ...." I scanned the menu and nibbled my lip. "Hmmm. I think I want a grande almond latte, but I don't want it too sweet."

"How about if I give you three pumps instead of four?" the boy asked.

"That sounds good."

As we settled on my order, a second barista appeared from around the corner, saw my friend standing at my side, and said, "I can help whoever's next."

My friend left me and walked around to the far side of the "U." I couldn't see her, but I could hear her giving the girl her order.

I watched my barista empty the metal, coffee-ground holder thingy and fill it with fresh grounds. He was a nice-looking boy with wild hair, earrings, a pierced eyebrow (the first I think I ever saw), and two arms full of tattooes.

"I have to ask," I said.

"What's that?"

"The eyebrow ... did that hurt?"

He grinned. "I won't lie. It did. But I got over it."

I laughed. "I almost left with just one ear pierced when I was sixteen and sitting in the back of a jeweler's store. That first one hurt so much, I didn't think I could take the second."

I watched the boy fly through his routine and listened to the birth of my latte. Click, twist, burble, drip. The slurp and splat of three pumps of almond liquid dropping into my paper cup. The "hooo-whaa, hooo-whaa" of the milk steaming to a froth. As he was sliding a lid over the milky concoction, I noticed the tattoo encircling his left wrist.

"Hey! That's Greek!" One of the perks of seminary was that I got to sit in on Dave's classes with him. For a few months, I'd been learning Greek alongside him, and while I couldn't read the word upside down, I did recognize the letters.

"You're right," the barista said, grinning again. "It says, 'Savior.'"

"Are you a Christian?" I asked, smiling back.

"Yep."

"What a great tattoo."

He handed me my latte and turned his wrist so I could see all the letters. "I know. It's my favorite. I'm going to get another on this wrist that says "Messiah" in Hebrew."

We talked for another minute or two about seminary and tattooes and Jesus, until I noticed my friend sitting by the window of the the skating rink. "Well," I told my new favorite barista, "it was nice talking with you."

"You, too," he said.

"Perfect latte. I'll remember to ask for three pumps."

"Good. And I'll remember when I see you next." He gave me a last smile and we exchanged 'God bless you's'.

Feeling very happy with the coffee and the conversation and the way God has of crossing our paths with lovely souls, just to surprise us, I crossed the floor and took a seat next to my friend.

She looked at me, looked at my coffee, looked back at the espresso stand ... and shuddered. "I nearly died when that boy asked me what I wanted. I wasn't about to let him touch anything that was going to go in my mouth." She glanced again at the cup that had paused itself halfway to my lips.

"How can you drink that?"

I didn't know where to begin.

Shannon

Flattery will get you on my blog

Paula said:

Girlfriend, you must have been a child bride because you look so young to be a grandma! I think a love for the Lord is the best wrinkle medicine/anti aging treatment there is!

Paula, you silly girl! If you have 5 grandkids you gotta look, feel and act young or get left behind and I HATE getting left behind orworse yet, getting left out!

My husband was accused of robbing the craddle, but we were young and in love...we could have cared less what others thought...28 years later, we are more in love now than ever before! God has blessed us over and over again.

Pet peeve

I know I am opening myself up to some more of the same shenanigans...but...it really bugs me when people use my comment section to advertise their business related blogs. GRRRR...good thing I can trash those comments when they arrive in my castle, because they are not friends of mine!

It's Friday....

...and that is a good thing!

This has been the longest week...not sure why, but it has. I have a busy wknd ahead of me and I wanna get started on my wknd to do list, but it will have to wait until 4:30 p.m. when I lock the office and head home, home sweet home.

I have been reading Monster by Frank Peretti. It is very different than any of his earlier books, the jury is still out about this book, I am not sure what I expected when I started reading it. I have about 30 pgs left, so a trip to the library this wknd is in order.

I am desperately behind on sending out cards. Need to get a few cards made and sent this wknd.


Going away picnic/party for a young family in our church on Sunday.

I need to finish 7 more blocks for a raffle quilt project. The blocks are going fast, even if the pieces are only 2'' and can not be strip sewn and cut. Here are the three that are finished thus far:


Bills to pay, flowers to water, laundry to do, dusting bunnies calling my name. Just one of those maintenance type of wknds.

Sending wonderful Friday Blessings to my blogging buddies - and my still lurking family ;-)

Wrap Them in Love and AMOR

For approximately 6 years I have belonged to Wrap Them in Love (aka WTIL), quilters who make quilts for children around the world who are either in an orphanage or are otherwise in need. There are groups of WTIL quilters all over the USA, the group I started here, The BoBo's, in our little town has approximately 12 members. As a whole WTIL members have made thousands of quilts which have been delivered to thousands of beautiful children.

My son works for AMOR, a mission organization whose primary ministry is building homes families in Tijuana. Most of the quilts that The BoBo's make go to AMOR and are distributed in Mexico.

Last year in May I was fortunate enough to spend 2 wks volunteering in the office at AMOR, what fun it was to work beside my son...it was 100% non-stop fun, living and working with young adults, what a blast!

One day we took 100 quilts to King's Kids Orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. Oh boy, what an experience. We played with the children, put on a mini vacation Bible school, hugged alot, laughed alot and generally loved these kids as much as we could. I was the only one of the 9 of us that did not speak spanish (I do know taco, burrito, and enchilada...but my son says that doesn't count!) but there were no walls, these kids loved me anyway!

Here are some pictures of my trip...

Oh how I wish I could have brought these 2 darling girls home with me.

This little guy followed my son...he was so short and had to crane his neck back

to see my son who is 6'4''...it was fun watching my son with these children.

This little angel and her sister were as sweet as sweet could be.

This is Tito, one of the gals from AMOR, Lydia, has a puppet ministry.

Lydia is the one who arranged for us to go to King's Kids.

Thanks Lydia, I loved watching you share the love of Jesus with all these beautiful children.

Quilts!

A request to post some of my quilts has been made...so here you go...a cyber quilt show.



The Dandy...my 2005 Quilt By The River Project, borders not yet attached - as you can see the borders are a bit labor intensive!!!


Whirling Geese, left over blocks from Welcome To My Garden, shown on July 11 blog post, this is just a lap size quilt...but will be just perfect for some one to cuddle with while reading a book on a cold winters evening.

Stack and Whack Stars...we raised 2 boys, when our oldest son married I had a blast creating a more feminine guest room.


Card trick quilt made for our youngest sons then girl friend
This quilt went to Mexico, where some little angel is wrapped up in it. More about this in a future post.


Ah...my favorite fabric, those beautiful 1930's reproduction prints....My mother bought me the fabric to make this quilt rather than making it for me because "You can quilt so much better than I." Which is totally NOT the truth...I would have loved to have had her make me this quilt. She did, however make me several wallhangings that I treasure.

If you are not yet bored...I will post more.

I love you, Momma

My mother is a stroke victim, she suffered a massive stroke 4 years ago today, on August 10, 2001. Since that day our lives have changed drastically. Complete right side paralysis has striped her of her independence. Her body is broken...her mind hasn't changed a bit!! She can think, reason and express herself. She no longer talks and can only babble non-sensical terms that are not real words, the professionals have termed it "word salad", we call it "mom talk".

Sunday is always a "mom day". My mother lives in an assisted living facility near us. Three or 4 days/evenings a week my husband and I go visit her. Somedays I go alone, like I did this past Sunday.

On Sunday we always take her dinner, Tai Dynasty-the best Chinese food ever, Los Dos Amigo-the best Mexican food ever, or simply broccoli-cheddar soup from Quizno's. After we had lunch on Sunday (Quizno's, broccoli-cheddar soup and chicken salad) she and I embarked on a project that I have been promising to do for her. Since all of my siblings and their families live a minimum of 4 hrs away her main contact with other family members is pictures. She has a bulletin board by her liftchair that is covered with pictures and no room to add more so I purchased a scrapbook album and dug in my (and her) supplies and we began the process of getting some of those pictures into the scrapbook.

Oh, I wish you could have seen the sparkle in her eyes as we added picture after picture. She has the use of her left hand only (but was righthanded prior to the stroke) so she is unable to do anything like this on her own, but she does have an opinion!!! So I put the tape on the back and she placed the pictures, the stickers and other embellishments. We worked on this for over 2 hours, the longest she has managed to keep her mind on anyone thing in a long time.

My mother is the craftiest person I know, I learned to express myself through various forms of art (sewing, ceramics, jewerly making, etc-) because my mother is an expert. My sister got the green thumb genes, she can grow anything and keep it healthy...I, on the other hand, will receive a healthy plant and kill it in mere hours! As we were working on momma's scrapbook I would sneak a peek at her...her face was lit up, many times I would see a grin on her face...she was so enjoying participating again. Joy to my heart! Watching as she used her left hand and her lips to peel a sticker so that she could place it on the page, doing all she could to create again, the more she did, the more I took a back seat and just watched her work her magic on the pages.

I have tried to engage her in simple activities before, like cutting the thread after finishing the binding on one of the quilts she started but did not get a chance to finish. My sister and I tried to get her to do some ceramic paintings - she wasn't having any part of it!!!

The simplest things in life...we take so much for granted! The lyrics, "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone" ring with such truth. The simplest things in life can be stolen from us in the blink of an eye and life will change forever.

We have lots and lots of pictures yet to put in her new scrapbook, and she left me plenty of supplies (another of her talents...shopping!!!) in which to make her scrapbook beautiful and fun.
Don't take life for granted, don't take the use of 2 hands working as one together, don't take speech for granted- say I love you, say I appreciate you, say thank you, say take care as often as you can.

Momma, I love you, thank you for making me who I am...

When I Grow Up...

...I wanna be a rock climber like my daddy.

Behind the Smile

The office I work at is between the county court house/jail and the building that is used to store paper goods and etc for the court house. Once or twice a week we see a guard and 2-3 prisoners walking between the two buildings, usually to haul supplies back to the court house. The prisoners always behave themselves, they are usually laughing and chatting it up. They are ALWAYS smiling.

So I wonder...what has put that never ending smile on each of their faces? I can only imagine it is getting out of the locked doors that they live behind 24 hrs a day, 7 days a wk. I can only imagine it is breathing fresh air, seeing people, being free from bars and surveillance cameras. When people see me smile, do they wonder who freed me? Do the wonder what bars have been removed, and who removed them?

What are the locked doors keeping you from a perpetual smile? Freedom in Christ really is FREE.

In no particular order...

A few of my favorite things:

Listening to my youngest son laughing

Elevator kisses

Cuddling with KatieBug

Shared secret messages with Maddie

The look on my sons face when he looks at his wife

Hearing Macaroni say "I love you Auntie Pam"

Mocking with MOTF

Seeing the twinkle in Tristan's eyes

A good mystery novel

Freshly washed sheets on a hot summer evening

comments posted to my blog Y

Russian Proverb

If you don't have time

to do it right,

you must have time

to do it over.

Blessed Respite Care

This dear little angel comes to visit from time to time. Her momma is not well and at times is unable to care for her so she comes to our house. How blessed we are to have this little angel in our home.

This evening we received a call, could we take Kylie for a few hours so her momma could go to the hospital for some IV meds that she needed. OF COURSE WE CAN!!! So, Ed drove over to get her and bring her back.

Normally I am the enemy. Kylie doesn't much care for me, she prefers Ed over me. That's really the pits, but I deal with it by talking to her and trying not to get too close. Tonight she walked in the door and came right over to me, curled up in my lap and promptly fell asleep...Oh how wonderful is that???

We welcome prayers for Kylie's momma. She is not well and that is complicated by the fact that she is expecting in October. The baby is taking a toll on her already weakened body and her illness is eating up any strength that might come along. We don't know the outcome of the whole situation but we do know that we are in this together with Kylie and her momma and we will do what needs to be done no matter what that might be.

Ryan & KT

Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Jeni Hume (plz click pic)