Improvements...Finally

At the end of last winter, we had our chimney cleaned and inspected. It was strongly suggested that the lintel inside be repaired and that the chimney outside be rebuilt from the flashing up as the brick was scaling and breaking apart allowing moisture to penetrate. Before the cold winter set in, we had the lintel repaired. But how do you go about finding a mason to do the brick work? Since Jeremy's friend is a builder, we got the name of his mason who came out 3 or 4 weeks ago to look at the job. He took a sample of the brick and said he would call us with an estimate. We haven't heard from him since.

Someone demolished Jeremy's brick mail box and the same mason had performed the same disappearing act on him. So, Jeremy found someone else, who rebuilt his mailbox, then called me this morning to come and look at my chimney today. From the phone call, I deducted that he was Spanish and I was excited to try out some of my Spanish on him. After a few Spanish pleasantries he said, "Oh, habla espanol?" "Un poquito...estoy aprendiendo espanol." (a little...I'm learning Spanish) So he decides to switch completely to espanol while I stand there like an idiot with my eyes slowly glazing over. Luckily, he saw that my vocabulary was rather limited and began speaking in English again. Whew! But we did switch back and forth some and he patiently allowed me to practice. He was willing to start oy (today...not really sure of the spelling), went to buy the brick, and returned with an amigo. After a lot of pounding, they have just about got the old brick off.

Leaving quite a mess in the yard.

And I don't think we can get an exact match on the brick. But hey, as long as we can continue to burn wood in our fireplace, I'll be happy.

Yikes! They're awfully close to the satellite dish. They'd better be muy careful. Gotta have my television!

Extremes

I was busy yesterday. After laundry and dishes, I wrote several cards and letters to the sick, bereaved, and imprisoned. I showed up for my dental appointment--on the right day this time (you go girl!)--and had my semi-annual cleaning and check-up. Called to check on an elderly woman from church who has been sick and went to the pharmacy to pick up some items for her. Got her mail for her as well, since there was ice around her mail box. Worked out at the gym with Janet for almost 2 hours. Came home and made chili and cornbread for my hard-working hubby and had a roaring fire underway when he got home from work. Busy, busy, busy. Busy is my middle name. Actually, my middle name is Fern, but we won't talk about that.

Today has been somewhat different. My love affair with the internet has brought me to ruin. I just HAD to see the cute dancing video Trista sent me and make one of my OWN, but my DSL speed wouldn't allow me to see the fluid dance movements. And who knows, if it's good enough, maybe DWTS will see it and ask me to be one of their next contestants! It could happen. So this morning, after a long phone conversation with my mom, I decided to call AT&T and get some support in connecting my laptop directly to the DSL cable (which up until this time has not worked). Two hours later, I'm hooked up to the internet in the kitchen, but have no land lines!!! Erghh! Okay, so back to the office, where NOW I get internet, but it's still not fast enough for the technical dance moves. And now I can't connect through the router. More phone calls and configurations, and now we're back to where we started. I was in my p.j.'s until 4:30, hadn't brushed my teeth all day, and all I've had to eat is pumpkin bread and SlimFast. This is what happens when you're home alone all day.

If you want to see the video that started this whole day of wastefulness you can see it here.

Anticipation

The northeast got a taste of an Oklahoma winter these past few days. Watching the news was deja vu. It could easily have been reruns from the Tulsa news last December, and brought back very painful memories. This weekend, along with everyone else in the Tulsa metro area, we have been preparing for the blast that has begun as we speak...um, as I type. We set a record today with a high of 74 degrees. Driving home tonight at 8:30, the temperature was 24 and freezing rain was slapping the windshield.

Pantry stocked. Check.
Trial run on the generator. Check.
Gas cans filled. Check.
Autos filled with gas. Check.
Honda in garage. Check.
Truck moved from under menacing tree branches. Check.
Extra jugs of drinking water. Check.
Wood stacked by front door. Check.
Bag of rock salt sitting by back door. Check.

I'm sure we've forgotten something.

What Not to Wear

My husband, God love him, has no fashion sense whatsoever. Furthermore, he honestly and absolutely does not care. I have tried for 32 years to enlighten him on the Glamour Do's and Glamour Don'ts, but, bless his heart, he is totally oblivious. (In case you were wondering, if I add phrases like, "God love him" and "bless his heart" I can guiltlessly complain about his inadequacies.)

One of Neal's brothers brought a deer over last week to hang in our barn. Neal, the perpetual aid and helper, didn't think twice (or even once, I imagine) about changing clothes before manhandling this bloody carcass. The only piece of clothing he owns that has value in his eyes--a long-sleeved, white OU Sooner T-shirt--became literally "crimson & cream." In addition, his white tennis shoes were soaked in deer blood.


Now for the rest of the story....These were the shoes he chose to wear to the hospital when his Dad had surgery last Monday. Yes, you would think by now I would give him a thorough inspection before we walk out the door, but in my defense, it was 7:00 in the morning. Didn't even notice until we were in the Surgical Waiting Room. I obsessively eyed every medical staff member's sanitary paper footies they were wearing over their shoes, wanting desperately to ask if I could borrow--yea, even purchase--a pair of those coverups!

This is a typical pair of jeans that Neal will wear to church on a Wednesday night:

I will say something like, "Neal, those are stained and have a hole in them." To which he replies, "All my jeans have stains and holes." Which I assure you, is NOT true. I tell you, there is no hope for this man...bless his heart.

Tuesdays with Lauren

I concede...it was well worth it to put up the decorations this year, just to see Lauren's eyes light up as she discovered each ornament on the tree.

I also pulled out the singing, dancing snowman that I stole from Darla Fleming in a Dirty Santa exchange at BancFirst. Lauren squealed, "A PENGUIN!" I can see the resemblance.

Lauren quickly made friends with the snowman and had fun pushing the button to make him sing and dance.

She hugged him, carried him around, scolded him and even gave him a few good spankings.

And the poor little guy sang and danced so much that we had to replace the batteries!

Wow! She really does look like Jacob, doesn't she?

The temperatures dropped throughout the day today as the "norther" blew in. When we came home from Bible Study, the wind was excruciating. She insisted that I carry her from the car to the house, along with her backpack and blanket, and my Bible and purse. Did I mention that she weighs a ton? When we got to the back door, I was putting my key in the lock when she gave me the quote of the day: "Its fwiggin code!"

Tagged Again

by Bailey. Obvious revenge for tagging her. But it gives me something new to think/write about. And honestly, I like seeing my name in someone else's blog.

8 Things About Me

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. LOST
2. The Office
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. The Biggest Loser
5. Law & Order
6. ER
7. Wheel of Fortune
8. Evening News

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Outback
2. Olive Garden
3. P.F. Changs
4. Lonestar
5. Red Lobster
6. Gringo's
7. Chimi's

8 Things That Happened Today
1. Had a "surprise" charge on my debit card
2. Canceled my debit card
3. Showed up a week early for a dental appointment
4. Finished up Christmas shopping
5. Worked out
6. Went looking for Gracie
7. Blocked whole in fence where Gracie escaped with pool storage chest
8. Went to Prayer Group

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Christmas with my family
2. Hugs from Jacob & Lauren
3. The next trip to Mexico
4. The new season of LOST
5. Neal's retirement
6. Spring
7. The end of my workouts
8. Weekends

8 Things I Wish For
1. Being debt-free
2. Happiness for my children
3. Health for my family
4. Extensive travel
5. A new house
6. Hired help on the farm
7. Spiritual growth
8. An attached garage

8 People I Tag (Only if they want to!)
1. Jeanette
2. Caren
3. Mom
4. Sandra
5. Jessica
6. Jenny
7. Amy
8. Shelly

Signs of Stress?

There's a lot going on this time of year. Besides the usual holiday stress, my father-in-law is in the hospital recovering from lung surgery and waiting for pathology reports. We are planning a faraway Christmas trip that requires additional preparation. I have placed myself under further stress by putting myself ahead a week. (Who told me there were only 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year?) Jeff flies home on the 19th and I was sure that that was THIS Friday. Today, I arrived early for my semi-annual dental appointment, so I made use of the extra time to sit in my car and review my calendar. Oops. My appointment isn't until NEXT Monday. My bad. Somebody please tell me you make these kinds of mistakes!

Tuesdays with Lauren

Lauren wasn't herself...excited, happy, cooperative...when I picked her up. She's taking the "pink medicine" for a double ear infection, which may explain the issues she was having. But with Mommy's help, we got her buckled in and were off to Bible Study. I had a Christmas CD playing (determined to get into the spirit) and she would have none of that. "No, Nana, the Bear." Meaning, the Baby Genius CD. Thankfully, we are off the Ring around the Rosy kick. Today's song of choice was "fingoos" which interpreted is "Where is Thumbkin?" Once we arrived at BSF, Lauren did NOT want to go to class. Me: "Don't you want to see Miss LeAnne?" Lauren: "No." Me: "You'll get to play outside!" Lauren: "No." Me: "All your friends will be waiting for you." Lauren: "No." Do you see a pattern? Then we had a coat issue. Didn't want to take it off. Oh well...see ya later LeAnne...have a good morning!

But when I picked her up, all issues had been resolved and she was my sweet little Lauren again. LeAnne and I had a good laugh about her new coat....tag still attached. Mommy is a very busy lady!


We made a trip to Janet's office to (as Lauren says) make "coffees" (copies). Then had lunch at Mazzios. She's a good eater and after eating some pizza and part of my salad, I got some cinnamon bread from the buffet. Ohhhhhh. That was gooooood. We both savored every bite. A girl after my own heart. The last two bites she took, she simply sucked the cinnamon, sugar and melted butter out and spit the bread in the plate. Atta girl!

On the drive home we had this conversation:

Lauren: Nana, need keenex.
Me: (reaching into console and pulling out napkin) Here you go.
Lauren: Got a booger.
Me: Okay. Put it in the napkin.
Lauren: See?
Me: (Keeping my eyes on the road.) Yeah.
Lauren: NANA! SEE????
Me: (Reluctantly looking into the rearview mirror.) OH! YEAH! That's a booger alright.
Lauren: Is gose.
Me: Yeah, it's gross. Put it in the napkin (FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!).

Don't let the angelic face fool you. The girl likes to show off her boogers.

Yes, that is a Christmas tree in the background. I couldn't handle the pressure. (Jessica and Roger) By evening it was completely decorated. You can all stop worrying about me now.

Tagged

I've been tagged by my sweet little sister. Fourth picture on fourth album on my computer. Fortunately, I periodically save my pictures to a flash drive and delete them from my computer, so this one is pretty current. Okay....you asked for it...here it is!

This is my darling, yet slightly bewildered nephew, Kenny. The occasion was Father's Day 2008. My father-in-law, Fred, received "Father of the Year" at his church, and all his sons and their families surprised him by being there to see him accept his award. It was very emotional (sniff, sniff). After church we treated the F-I-L and M-I-L to Sunday dinner at their favorite restaurant. You guessed it--Sizzlin' Sirloin. Yeah, the sky's the limit when it comes to treating our parents. I don't know if Kenny's expression is a result of just having attended church for the first time this year, getting out of bed before noon on a Sunday, or "somebody tell me what the Sam Hill we're doing at a Sizzlin' Sirloin!"

So, I guess I have to tag someone else, huh? Let's see....Jeannette, Bailey, and Jessica. No cheating...find the 4th picture of the 4th album on your computer and write a blog about it.

Thanksgiving

There's just something about the holidays. Not always in a good way. This year there was some "discussion" on where the family was going to have Thanksgiving dinner. Without going into detail, it was decided that we wouldn't shake things up and just leave well enough alone. Since we are all spending Christmas with my family this year, Jeremy & Trista wanted to spend a good deal of time with her family for Thanksgiving. I'm a good sport (I think), so...no problem. For several years now, I have cooked the traditional turkey dinner, then later in the evening, we go to Neal's folks. I usually have the same feeling after the meal...all that work for a 20 minute meal??? I mean, if I had a kitchen full of women, like I remember from the old days at home, it would be kinda fun. Even clean-up wouldn't be so bad. But to do it alone is...well...work. To be honest, I think the meal itself is more for me. I can be pretty traditional and set in my ways, and Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without turkey and dressing. Yesterday, there were three of us to eat...Neal, Jeff and me. Neal and Jeff are not traditional, nostalgic, nor are they really "into" food, per se. Sure, they both said, "that was really good, Mom." But they would have been equally happy with deer steak, biscuits and gravy. Remind me of this next year.

Jeremy and Jacob came over early in the day to help Neal find his slain deer in the woods. Jacob wanted to help me in the kitchen (maybe he'll be my reason to keep up the tradition in the future) so I agreed that he could set the table.

I've mentioned before his tendency toward perfectionism. Each piece of flatware was spaced precisely the same distance apart, and I had to re-fold one of the napkins because he said the corners didn't match up!


I'm strongly considering NOT decorating for Christmas, for several reasons.

1. It's only 3 weeks until the big day. (Again...all that work for 3 measly weeks? Then turn right around and put it all away?)
2. I'm still tired from being in the kitchen all day yesterday.
3. We have no money to buy presents. (Poor, poor me. Do you see a pattern here?)
4. We will be traveling on Christmas Day--the one bright spot--seeing all my family.
5. No one else in my family is remotely interested in Christmas decor.

Am I just being a Scrooge? Am I having a pity-party? Do I have the Holiday Blues?
Yes, yes, and yes.

Tuesdays with Lauren

This morning went super smooth and I was running a little ahead of schedule for a nice change. I arrived at my son's house to pick up Lauren at exactly 8:30. Whoop! Whoop! Yeah me! Apparently everyone's morning didn't go like mine. Lauren was still in bed. Jeremy was still in bed. I said it was not a big deal, but Jeremy insisted he could get her ready in a hurry. Would you believe he had her dressed, hair up in a bow, and cereal bar in hand in 12 minutes flat!?! Yeah, it's just THAT important for her to spend the day with Nana.

We had lunch at Wendy's where Lauren flirted relentlessly with the manager. He asked her what her name was and she whispered shyly, "Sissy." He said all four of his daughters were "Sissy" at one time. He also thought it deserved a free chocolate frosty, which ended up on the front of her cute little shirt.

This is an all-too-typical scene at Nana's house.

After we got home I made good on a promise to let her play in the car and "drive." First she had to buckle in the stuffed puppy. Hang on little doggie, it's gonna be a rough ride!

Turning right!


Beep, beep! Come on, people, outta my way!


I just threw this picture in, 'cause I think she really looks like a Smith, here.

After I pried her out of the car, she spent a little time creating with play doh. Then when I wasn't looking she found Neal's "pipe marker" and managed to unscrew the cap, then proceeded to get red ink on her finger. "Nana, ouch, bwud! Is bweeding!"

Notice, we've thrown the cute little ice cream-stained shirt into the washer and replaced it with a more appropriate t-shirt. (She asked if it was Jeff's.)

She even had the face to go with her imaginary bleeding boo-boo. What a little actress!

I think today was the first time Lauren has noticed that there's a TV in my bedroom. She wanted me to turn it on...and could you get my blanket while your up? A little Yo Gabba Gabba (whatever that is...looked a little ghey to me) before retiring to "her" room for a long nap.

Question

As I was filling up my car this morning at QT, I heard yelling behind me. The woman at the pump was screaming angrily at the top of her lungs , "Shut the **** up! I'm sick of your ****! I hate you!" In the front passenger seat sat a little, blond-haired girl, I'd guess about 7 or 8 years old. The woman had to be in her 60's at least, so presumably her grandmother or maybe even great-grandmother. It was 10:30 a.m., so I don't know why the girl was not in school. Or some other safe place. My gut twisted into a gigantic knot. I wanted to scoop the little girl out of the car and take her with me. But I didn't do anything. Didn't say anything. I just got in my car, drove off, and cried. If she was physically beating the girl, would I have intervened? I'd like to think so. But the verbal abuse was just as bad. Why didn't I do anything? Truthfully, I was a little scared of the woman myself. But I'm a grown-up. I think I could've taken her. The rest of the day, I couldn't get the little blond-haired girl out of my mind. What's she doing right now? How's the rest of her day going? Does she have to hear this every day? I spent the afternoon at the mall and more than once broke down in tears for my lack of courage to stand up for her. I tried to tell Neal about it at supper, but couldn't get through it without weeping.

So my question is this. If you had been at QT this morning, what would you have done?

Tuesdays with Lauren

Have I mentioned how brilliant my 2 yr. old graddaughter is? It's one thing to memorize A-B-C and 1-2-3. It's another to hold a grape in each hand and say, "Yook, Nana, 2 of 'em japes." Child Genius, I tell you.

After a quick lunch, Lauren was eager to play with her babies. We looked everywhere for the powder, but it has "mysteriously" disappeared.

The rest of the afternoon she slept.

Don't know how much longer we can use the crib. Jeremy said that in the middle of the night last night she got out of her bed.

But she seems content to stay in the crib today. I finally woke her up at 5:15.

Just enough time to watch a little bit of the Baby Genius DVD and eat her favorite snack before going home. Don't laugh...I figure she's so much like me she better start the high fiber diet early.

He Blew It

...the oboe, that is. And it was beautiful. Last night I was honored to be present at Joel Foster's Senior Recital. He is graduating from East Central University with a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music Education degree. This recital was in partial fulfillment of the requirements for his degree. Joel was one of my first Bible class students when we moved to Sand Springs. I think he was in 5th grade. I attended one of his very first band concerts in 6th grade. He's come a long way, baby. Joel was also a part of our Mexico Mission trip last summer that created a close bond within the entire group. So three of us, Terri, Janet and I, drove the 2 hour drive to Ada last night to be a part of this important event. During an intermission we discussed our previous experiences in music. Terri played the sax, Janet the flute. I recalled playing the xylophone when I was 3.

Yeah, that's a new double chin I sporting. Hope you're all happy after telling me for years that I needed to gain weight. And what's with the chubby cheeks? I even think my nose has gotten bigger! Oh yeah....we were talking about Joel....I get side-tracked.

We teased that we only came so we could see him in a tux. And might I say, he was very debonair and shy and self-conscious at the same time. "Oh come on...no more pictures."

This was Joel's concert, with a little help from some friends. These were the musicians that accompanied him on various pieces (or "movements" as the program labled them....as previously mentioned, I don't pretend to know much about music).

It was a lovely evening and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. Thank you Joel, for the invitation.

Curb Appeal...Form Follows Function

Sunday, I forced...I mean....encouraged Neal to take action on the cold house dilemma. You may remember that last year we spent a fortune on propane and I still froze. The floor was like a slab of ice. Midway through the winter, Alan educated me on the physics of air flow in the crawl space and the absolute necessity of closing off all the vents in the foundation. That helped a little. But this year I had a middle-of-the-night brainstorm to not only close the vents, but add some insulation to seal them off completely. I bought some foam insulation and got free plywood scraps from Home Depot and envisioned lining the plywood with the insulation, cut to fit the vent openings, then paint to match the house/foundation. Neal said the plywood wasn't thick enough, but I think he just didn't want to be bothered. Instead, he attached the insulation with a wire, and now I have cute pink rectangles bordering my foundation.

In the patio area outside our bedroom, he noticed there was some mortar that had crumbled away from the cinder blocks, so he neatly and discreetly stuffed those cracks with pink insulation, too.

Cute, huh?

I must say, I can already feel the difference in the temperature around my ankles. Sure hope the brown/pink combo stays in vogue.

Tuesdays with Lauren

Another fun-filled day with Lauren, beginning with Bible Study Fellowship. Even though Lauren has only been attending since her 2nd birthday on October 4, she already recognizes the scenery as we get near the church building. When we got off the expressway and turned on Yale, she announced, "We're heeere!" As always, her teachers were so excited to see her. I don't know, maybe they act that way with all the kids. I like to think they're especially fond of Lauren. Here she is with her favorite teacher:

On the ride home, we were listening to the Baby Genius CD, 'cause Lauren is a genius you know. Good genes from her Nana. When we got to the song Ring Around the Rosy she just about jumped out of her car seat. She happily sang along with the CD and when the song was over she said, "Do it again." So I surfed through the 30 tracks while trying to keep my eyes on the road and land exactly back on track 23, which didn't happen on the first...or second...try. Of course, when the song was over she repeated, "Do it again." Again with the track surfing. This time when I surfed past it, she said, "aw shoot", and the next time, "ag gummit." Thanks to Lauren's persistence in wanting to listen to the same song ALL the way home, I discovered the RPT (repeat) button on my CD player. Yeah, Nana! I rock!!!

This afternoon, Lauren was occupied with her baby.

Mostly, the powder....

And the wet wipes...

At least my floor got a good cleaning.

Then it was on to the leather ottoman.

I would've never let my own kids get away with this.

But in Lauren's own words, "It's funny."

Liam Update

I received this email from Dan and Kathy today. I started to forward it to those I know are following his recovery, but realized there may be other readers of my blog that might gain encouragement from reading it:

To All Who Have Loved Us,

Today, November 7th, is the two month anniversary for Liam’s fall and God has done amazing things. One may ask, “Where is God?” when things seemingly go all wrong. But I confess — no I proclaim — that we are never alone. He is always near.

Liam’s fall severely damaged his kidney, lacerated his spleen, most likely bruised his pancreas, and most definitely broke both his arms. He fell because he reached too far without really thinking about what he was doing. Falling just under 20 feet, he landed with his head inches away from life-threatening rock and concrete. He sustained no external injury.

Liam vomited the majority of his thirty-one days in the hospital – some days continuously and several times pure blood. He endured countless pokes, prods and invasive procedures, and continuously battled with the “fairness” of it all. “Why me?” “Why did I have to jump?” “It’s not fair!” His mental and emotional anguish was as hard to endure as his physical – extremely hard for a father and mother to witness. Couldn’t we have his pain?!

Liam faced death one night. Physically, he was having an anxiety attack. His body seized to point of near suffocation, and with gasping breath he said, “I feel like I’m slipping away. I don’t want to slip away.” His nurses’ quick reaction made his slipping away highly unlikely, but for Liam – and for his dad – it was a very real, emotional, and spiritual moment of reckoning. What if I die? What if he dies?

So where was God in all this? Paul says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28) Do we know?

Here’s what I know...

1. Liam is still alive and in my life. A few inches and he could very well have been gone, physically or mentally. I believe God protected him as he fell.
2. Liam received and is receiving excellent, knowledgeable, skilled care from the many wonderful people who give their lives everyday to help those whose lives, for however long, are going all wrong. I believe God has called these people and given them a special love in their hearts, whether they recognize Him or not.
3. Everyday our clothes were clean, our house was clean, and there was warm food prepared, all waiting for us at home by the hands of loving brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe God was using those who would allow Him to demonstrate His love through them to tell us He was near.
4. Get-Well-Cards, posters, letters of love and even money to cover meals and gas came almost daily. I believe with each one God was sending His message to us, “Hold on. I’ve not left you.”
5. As the bills started coming in and thousands mounted upon thousands with no insurance to help, SoonerCare cards and promise of help from St. Francis’s charitable foundation came in the mail. I believe God has told us once again, “There is nothing too big for me.”
6. Liam’s arms are healed. His spleen is almost completely whole again, and his kidney’s are healing ahead of schedule. I believe God has heard the thousands of prayers lifted up for Liam and answered resoundingly.
7. Liam will one day die, and so will I. I believe because of Jesus I will see God. And I’ll be able to say thank you...for everything.
   

All things don’t happen because of God. Sometimes things happen because we reach too far, too sure of ourselves. But, I know that in all things God works. And I know this because I believe.

Thank you for allowing God to use you for His purpose. We have seen Him through you.

With His Love,
Dan and Kathy

Middle-Age Spread?

Okay, so I've gained a few pounds in the last 6 or 7 months. Not enough to be alarmed, but enough to make my clothes very uncomfortable, hence my new love for bulky winter clothes. I've come up with several excuses...er...reasons, for this gradual expansion.

1. I am 52 years old. For some cruel reason, as you get older you have less energy and a bigger appetite. Why Lord?

2. Maybe I have a thyroid problem? Thyroid conditions do run in my family, you know.

3. The beginning of my weight gain coincides EXACTLY with the time that Neal moved home to stay. That means LESS calorie burning outdoor chores for me and MORE home-cooked meals. It also means that I don't have the intense desire to go to the gym five days a week out of sheer boredom or the need for daily human contact.

In conclusion, I think it's Neal's fault.

Yesterday I had the choice of going to the gym to work off some of these extra pounds OR shop the J.C. Penney Big Sale (emphasis mine) and buy some "more comfortable" clothes, i.e. "bigger" clothes. So I went to Penney's. In particular, I was looking for pants. Are you with me here, girls? Oh, and I needed a new bra--not because "those" had gotten bigger (another cruel joke...it's always the bottom half that expands) but because mine are getting old and worn out (not the ta-tas...the bras). When I got to the fitting room with my armful of try-ons, I realized that it was all blouses, jackets, and sweaters. Seems that even though I've outgrown my pants and skirts, I still can't shop in the grown-up stores. I'm going to have to either go to the junior department or succumb to trips to Gap or Old Navy and try to find pants that don't show your underwear and skirts that...well...don't show your underwear, to find my size. I hate those trips. I can see the wheels turning in Hannah Montana's brain as she tries to figure out why a grandma is shopping in her cool teeny-bopper store. If I have to talk to a sales person, I say things like, "I'm shopping for my daughter, and she's about my size...can I try this on?" It's really embarrassing.

Anyway...I came home with new underwear and shoes.

God Still Performs Miracles

And in a million years, you could never convince me otherwise.

In 1964, the Smiths (that's me) met the Buntings. It was a match made in heaven. Our families...well at least the grown-ups...decided that we would move from Texas to Canada, where my Dad and Bill would co-minister a church in St. Thomas, Ontario. We were so much a part of each others' lives, it was like there was no distinction between the two families. Alma was like a second mom to me, and had a tremendous influence on my "formative" years. When Neal and I got married, I wanted my Dad to walk me down the aisle, which left Bill as the natural choice to perform the ceremony. Tragically, Alma was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year and the disease was already Stage IV. On March 1, my birthday and Bill & Alma's 50th Wedding Anniversary, we made a trip to Texas where they now live. Alma was not good. The doctors were trying everything, but the Lymphoma was advancing quickly. I was sure this would be the last time I would see my sweet Alma.

This summer, Alma seemed to be feeling better and she and Bill made a final trip to Canada. She is originally from Canada and there were people and places she wanted to see again before she left this world.

Last week another doctor visit and more blood tests. ABSOLUTELY NO CANCER CELLS. NO SIGN OF LYMPHOMA. What an amazing and awesome God we serve! Nothing is too hard for our God. Let's shout it from the rooftops!

My Two Moms

Stormy Night

Last night's 70 mph straight winds and quarter-sized hail pretty much took care of the last remaining leaves that were still hanging on for dear life. Probably did a number on my new roof, too. I'm afraid to look. Luckily there was plenty of advance forecasting and I had wisely parked my Pilot in the garage. The cold front that pushed the storm through left our temperatures very crisp and Fall-like this morning. I doubt we'll see 80 degrees again for several months. Now comes the battle of keeping the cold OUTSIDE and the heat INSIDE. I stocked up at Home Depot yesterday on all sorts of weather stripping and insulation. I'm determined to be cozy this winter without cashing in my IRA to buy propane.

Tuesdays with Lauren

I was up early this morning. Being the patriotic, good citizen that I am, I decided to vote before picking up Lauren for Bible Study. My polling place is just a couple of miles from their house, so I gave myself 20 minutes. After all, it was after 8:00 and most early voters would already be at work, right? And for pete's sake, I live in the country, how long could the line be? Answer: Too long. I debated whether to turn around and go straight to get Lauren, or take my chances that the line would move quickly. Twenty minutes later, I'm calling Trista 'cause it's time for me to be there and I still have 20 people ahead of me! So Trista brought her to me, and she got her first taste of democracy in action. The nice lady gave her an "I Voted" sticker, which she refused to put on her clothes. No, she wanted to stick it to my ballot. To appease her, I dug through my purse and pulled out a couple of "get well" cards that I planned to mail today. She happily stuck the sticker to the back of one of the envelopes. No harm done...either Roy or David will know that I voted today. She watched as I slipped my ballot into the machine that slurped it right out of my hand. Cool. She decided to try the same thing with the "get well" cards. No, no, no, no!! Whew...that was a close one. I can see the headlines now, "Voting Comes to Halt in Oklahoma--Illegal, Under Aged Voter Sabotages Machine--Grandmother to Blame."

After all that, we were still only a few minutes late for BSF. Lauren's teachers were so happy to see her. Did I mention that she's the only girl in a class full of boys? I think she gets a lot of special attention.

After her nap, Lauren begged to watch the Bear DVD. It was Jacob's favorite when he was her age, and she loves it just as much. It's a music DVD, with children singing and acting out the songs. She sings along with it, but when I sing she says, "No, Nana, don't sing." She must have a good ear for music.

Relaxing on the couch.

Singing "Wheels on the Bus"

See the foot? Don't ask me how this is physically possible.

Her favorite saying right now is "I do it...by mahself." You have to be very innovative to distract her enough to get her buckled into her car seat. Otherwise you could sit there for hours. She is quickly learning good manners and now not only says "Thank choo" but follows it with "You wecome."

Lauren loves Gwacee and Otis and likes to stick her hand through the fence to let them lick it. Gracie pretty much ignores her, but Otis is very cooperative.