I am such a negligent blogger but thought I would try an update.
All is well in our world.  David and I have slipped away to the mountains for a short vacation and the leaves are still pretty in some areas.
We found out yesterday our new grandbaby is going to be a boy!  That makes 5 girls and 2 boys.  This boy will be a "Courington" so perhaps with Daniel and Alex still in the running for adding additional children to the flock, the name will not die out.  There is nothing more special about the grandkids who are Couringtons, but it is nice to think the Courington side of the family tree will continue to sprout roots.
I am, once again, trying to lose some weight.  I have lost 42 pounds and David has lost almost 30.  Seems like same song, different verse!  Anyway, at least we are going down some instead of up!
The last time I tried to upload photos I couldn't- looks like this time Blogger let me.  Enjoy.

I wonder if this is like riding a bicycle?

 Somehow I can't get pics to upload...going to have to get a refresher course.  I am thinking about doing a little blogging...not sure.

Hallie Kate Courington

I do not Blog as much, obviously, but I must record the birth of our precious Hallie Kate. What a sweet, beautiful baby. Her mommy did a great job and her daddy did, too. She weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces and she seems so tiny. May God bless her and allow her many years to enjoy life and happiness on this wonderful planet. Welcome to the family, Miss Hallie Kate.....Granna and Gramps love you so much! By the way, this is grandchild #6 and granddaughter #5

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Remembering Mother on her Birthday

It is so hard to believe that my dear mother has been gone almost 13 years. Tomorrow would be her 99th birthday! I have been blessed in many ways, but I was truly blessed with a caring mother. I think of Mother often...every day. I don't guess that will ever change. I want to tell her things..and sometimes I do. I like to think she can "hear" me and at least it is a nice thought. Mother was an avid reader...do you think they have blogs in Heaven? Thank you God for blessing the Melton children with the gift of our Mother- Velma Grubbs Melton- February 16, 1912-June 15, 1998
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The Power of Smell

I have had a bad crick in my neck for over a week. Thankfully the past two days have seen improvement, but it is still not totally gone. I have taken over the counter stuff, and it hasn't seemed to help. I have thought about the Chiro, but I keep thinking since it is improving it will eventually work out by itself. A couple of nights ago David asked me if I had thought about using the heating pad (yes, some people say heat, some say ice...most of my research says heat) and it came to my mind that in a drawer in the extra bathroom there was a long, narrow heating pad that would be perfect for my neck. I remembered that it was one of the few things I kept of my mother's belongings (now I wish I had kept more, but once she went into the nursing home we had to clear her home fairly fast and I did not have anywhere to store a lot of things so most items were given away and dispersed her and there- nothing was of real value and there were no antiques or collectibles of any nature- the things she did treasure found homes among family members) and I was not even certain it would still work as it had been unused for the past twelve years. I came to my spot on the couch and plugged the pad in, wrapped securely around my cricked neck. In a matter of about five minutes I began to feel the heat and soon thereafter I felt tears in my eyes. Tears that came from some place deep in my mind---tears brought on by the powerful sense of smell. Yes, even after twelve years I could "smell" Mother. I could smell the familiar scent of Avon and Absorbine! How could something hold a smell for twelve years? But as certain as anything, that is what I was smelling. Once several years after Mother died I was in Walmart happily shopping without any thought of her in my mind, when all of a sudden I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I felt embarrassed as I wondered what in the world would make me cry in the middle of the health and beauty department. I began to look around, thankful there was no one else in sight, and out of the corner of my eye I caught the familiar gold, black and cream colored box that was my mother's face powder. Smell is powerful. I will admit stopping in Walmart on occasion and picking up a box of that powder and taking a sniff- crazy huh?

Merry Christmas

It is hard to believe that Christmas Eve is here once again. I love this day. Our family always opened presents on Christmas Eve, so this day is full of memories. Today I truly miss my Mother. She always worked hard to make certain we had a good Christmas. Of course my Daddy always provided the check...without ever thinking about it, he just turned it over to Mother and she paid the bills, bought the groceries, clothing, furniture, etc. She was an excellent manager, and her bookkeeping skills consisted of a pencil, eraser, and a piece of paper. We saw some hard times, but with her good management, we pulled through.
Today we will celebrate with family. Unlike many families, our sides have mingled together as our gatherings include both "my" family and "David's" family, plus some of our children's families. We get along and enjoy being with one another. Sadly it seems these events are limited to holidays, but we take what we can get.
This has not been the best year. Of course the worst part has been Addi's headaches and the battle to get her some medical care. Thankful to God that we are in a good period (headache free for 6 weeks) and we thank Him for His mercy. We know that we live in a world set in motion and that the good suffer with the bad, but it is so hard to see a child suffer. If you spend a few days at Children's Hospital, you learn that suffering takes no holidays. This has also been a tough year for David's mom. She continues to suffer from reoccurring UTI's and when she has one, they really knock her for a loop. David is such a wonderful care-taker. He diligently sees to his parents needs, and just keeping up with the business end is a full-time job.
We have been blessed with good news this year, too. We have two new babies in our extended family- Emma Grace and Enoch. Lord willing, Hallie Kate Courington will be here in the spring (May) and we are so excited about her arrival. God is good.
Well, better run. I have two dishes to prepare and I have to get everything else together.
Merry Christmas and May God bless you with a wonderful new year!
Susan

Happy Birthday, Addi!

There are just no words for how special Addi is to me. Like all the grandchildren, she is amazingly beautiful, smart, precious, and a gift from God. This has been an incredibly hard year for her, and she has really been a trooper. We are thankful for all the good days, and prayerful that the good days are going to be the norm for this 8th year of her life! The day Addi was born was a mixed bag...to think about how close we came to losing both Kim and Addi still makes me shiver, but to remember that beautiful little baby when she was placed in my arms, made me know that being a grandparent was going to be an awesome path of life. Happy birthday, angel...Granna loves you beyond words!

RERUN OF A RERUN

BLOG RRERUN OF A RERUN- HOPE YOU ENJOY- AGAIN
Thanksgiving – Dixie Style
I received the following from my sister. It was written by my actress niece, Leslie. Leslie now resides in California- which to tell you truthfully, we all find a bit unusual and exotic for our never venture far from their roots family. My sister and I often comment on how our mother would find great joy and delight in the fact that her couch now resides in Pasadena. Anyway, with the holidays not too far away, please enjoy-
Thanksgiving – Dixie StyleWhen I was asked to write a blog about my favorite Thanksgiving memory, I was flooded with so many, I had a hard time choosing what to write about. When I was younger, Thanksgiving was a time to hang out with my family and eat great food. I really didn’t think much about the holiday beyond that. I left my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama five years ago to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles, and Thanksgiving certainly carries a lot more weight for me now than it did then. No matter what, I go home for Thanksgiving every year. Now, instead of it being about hanging out with my family, it is about reconnecting with my family. While I used to enjoy eating great food, I now savor aromas and tastes I can only get when I make that 2,000 mile trek home. So many things I used to take for granted about that time of year in the South I don’t anymore: hearing the crunch of leaves underneath my feet, feeling the bristle of wind whip my hair around, watching those long red sunsets through the crisp air. Those are just the moments by myself. After spending the better part of the year alone in my little Los Angelian apartment, it is great to be surrounded by my family: loud, boisterous, welcoming, loving, and always ready to have a good time. In addition to eating all the great food (I’ll get to that in a minute), we spend the evening playing Balderdash and other competitive games like it’s the Olympics, draw names for who we will buy gifts for at Christmas and catch up on what’s going on in everyone’s life. The food, ah, the food. Like any Southern family, we have enough food to feed a small nation. It all tastes good, and it is all bad for you. My very favorite dish is my aunt’s peanut butter pie. When I tell people this, they say, “Oh yeah, I’ve had peanut butter pie” to which I quickly reply, “Oh no you haven’t!” How do I know this? I HAVEN’T SEEN THEM AT ANY OF MY THANKSGIVINGS! My aunt makes the best peanut butter pie ever. I’ve always associated peanut butter pie with Thanksgiving, and now that I travel cross-country to eat it, she makes two for good measure. It may sound silly, but knowing I will get that peanut butter pie the fourth Thursday of every November brings warmth and security to my life. I may not know how successful my acting career will be, but hey, on Thanksgiving I get peanut butter pie. I may be separated from my family for the vast majority of the year, but end of November, I get peanut butter pie. If nobody appreciates my talents and sacrifices, I STILL get peanut butter pie. I have friends who moved to LA from other parts of the country like myself, and many of them talk about how they can’t go home because of the cost of air fare, time off of work, blah, blah, blah. I simply reply, “Well, I have a date in Alabama with a peanut butter pie.” I can’t remember who it was who said the simple things in life bring us the greatest pleasure, but I couldn’t agree more. As you can see, the pie isn’t difficult to make, but I think it is the love instead of the ingredients that make it so great!From my Aunt Susan:Ingredients:8 ounces Cream Cheese1 cup Powdered Sugar1/2 cup creamy peanut butter16 ounces Cool Whip1 pre-made graham cracker pie crustDirections:In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and cool whip until well blended. Pour into the pre-made pie crust. Refrigerate. For a more peanut butter taste, use 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter.
Leslie McGuirk
Pasadena, CA

Ahhh...the holidays are upon us and I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends (and I am certain there will be some food involved, as well!). I am looking forward to watching The Polar Express, as soon as it is cool enough to put some logs in the fireplace. I am looking forward to buying the turkeys and all the trimmings, and I like Thanksgiving food shopping when everyone else is busy filling their buggy with traditional foods. Sometimes I like to look at what other people are buying and try to decide what they are going to cook.

I am happy that at the moment (and we live in the "moment" it seems!) that my sweet Addi does not have a headache. Her tummy is still bothering her and she will see the gastro doctor on Wednesday, so perhaps he will have some suggestions. This week she will also see her pediatrician and the psychologist from the pain center. This morning she was in good humor and we laughed and it was so wonderful. Since January I have asked for prayers for Addi and so many have prayed for her and we truly appreciate the concern. She is a special girl.

We are excited that Levi, Hannah, Lila, and Jaiden are all healthy and happy and along with Addi, will make the holidays special. We are also excited that we have a new grandbaby on the way and we are eager to welcome him or her into the mix. Grandchildren are so wonderful!

Enjoy the week and enjoy a few random photos, as well!

To My Precious Daughter

Happy Birthday, Kim! Can it be that tomorrow you will be 32? Seems unreal to me. What a joy you have been to our family. Words don't begin to measure to the love I feel for you. I want you to know how proud I am of you, especially the wonderful wife and mother that you are to Paul and the kids. This has been a terrible year, for the most part, I know. You have had to endure some really hard days, yet you have really stuck it out. You have been a true advocate for Addi, and she knows that. I know there have been days I wanted to take the burden for both of you, but that is not how life works. I hurt when you hurt, just as you hurt when Addi, Levi or Lila hurts, and I cry when you cry. Being a mother never gets easier, I don't believe! All this to say what a special girl you are and how blessed I am to be your Mom!!!

Happy Birthday, Jaiden!

Our sweet baby Jaiden will be one tomorrow. Hard to believe. She is smart, beautiful, sweet, and perfect. We can't imagine life without her. I still marvel at how much you can love the children of your children. I understand it better with each and every grandchild that comes along!

Sweet Lila

Tomorrow sweet Lila will celebrate her third birthday. It seems popular opinion says that Lila is a mini-me. I am not so sure about that because she is really a cutie pie! Lila has personality galore and is such a loving little girl. She is smart, and so articulate for a mere three years old (much like her mother at that age!). I can't imagine life without sweet Lila. Happy Birthday, Lila!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I have once again been a delinquent blogger. I want to blog, but I just don't seem to find the time. I have been teaching my usual fall class and it takes a lot of time aside from just the regular day to day obligations. The final is next week so after that I should be a little less tied down.
So much has happened since I last blogged, too much to catch up. Of course the BIGGEST news is that we are going to be blessed with another grandchild. Daniel and Mandi are expecting their first baby on May 10th. To say we are excited would be an understatement. Please pray for them and pray for the sweet baby that it will be born healthy and happy. It seems kind of surreal to think of my "baby" having a "baby"!
Katie and Josh are in Houston as I type this entry. Katie's mom, Connie, had surgery on Tuesday. Everything went well, but it was a major surgery lasting about 9 hours. I am glad the kids have been able to go and to see her. She is going to be in the hospital several weeks and then some more time in Houston before she goes home. Also, Katie's brother and sister-in-law had their twin girls last week. Maggie and Sophie were not due until later in November, so they arrived pretty early. They weighed 3-4 and 3-12 but they have had some problems with brain bleeds. At first it seemed one of the bleeds was very serious and that one was not quite as serious- then they were told that the most serious bleed was not as bad as originally thought but the less serious bleed was more serious. Talk about a roller coaster ride. Then, thank God, they were told at the end of this week that they felt the bleeds were probably not going to be a serious issue! One of the girls had a heart issue that they were told would require surgery- they did a scan yesterday and guess what- it appears to be healing on its own! Answered prayers for certain. Please continue to pray for them.
Addi seems to be feeling a lot better. She still has a headache, but apparently some of her meds had made her quit eating and become very sluggish. Kim decreased the dosage and she is much better. She had lost a lot of weight, but today she ate really well and has already picked a little of what she had lost back up-weight loss like that is not what anyone wants! She is going to the pain clinic this Thursday so we will see what they have to offer. I will be glad when her doctor gets back to America in December!
Thankfully we are seeing some cooler weather, and we have certainly been enjoying football Saturdays! War Eagle and Good Night to All!

Mothering

Last night David and I were talking as we ventured down the highway. I commented that it bothered me when I continually see and hear comments from mothers regarding wanting "me" time away from their children. I also commented that during Addi's 105 day headache, hospitalizations, doctors visits too numerous to count, pharmacy trips galore, and listening to the poor child moan and groan in pain for hours and days on end, I never once heard Kim say anything about needing "me" time. Now believe me, there were times she called me crying, but not because she wanted to go to the mall, but because she could not do anything for her child and she needed her own mother. Kim knows how to be a mother, I am proud to say. Katie is also a great mother. She takes such good care of Hannah and Jaiden and she has their best interest at heart. She has a wonderful mother herself, and I know that Connie has always put her children as a priority, and what a great example that was for Katie. What makes someone a good mother...perhaps they learn best when they have someone who has loved them and cared for them above all else. I had a mother like that. Our needs were always her priority and because of that, I think my sister and myself have done okay in the mothering department. While I know I have made my share of mistakes, I hope that I have not only been a good mother, but that I have mothered...if that makes sense. Believe me, when the kids are grown and gone, you will never remember the mall trips, manicures, shopping, dining out, being "alone"- but you will remember the time you spent mothering. Don't get me wrong- there are times we all need a break, even from our own kids, but my fear is we have a generation of parents who want a continual break. We live in a selfish world...and remember, selfishness begets sin! It ain't about me anymore once you become a parent...it is about that little one that you brought into the world, even if it was not planned. So, I guess I am saying that being a good mother is the hardest job you will ever have and you only get one chance to be successful!

The Dining Room Table

In 1977, just after David and I married, we accepted as position at the Sansom Avenue Church of Christ. We bought furniture...a bedroom suite, a dining room table (just the table and six chairs), appliances, sofa, chair, etc. Furniture at that time must have been better as a whole. We have been through many appliances in the past almost 34 years, but we still use our bedroom dresser, chest, and nightstand. And, amazingly, we still use the same table and all six chairs. Many times I have had in mind buying new dining room furniture, with a hutch and all the trimmings...but then I see my table and my heart will not let it go. Oh if that table could talk! I think of all the wonderful people who have shared meals with us at that table. I see my "babies" in their high chair at that table. I see the scratches that Janelle and Jeannettes little sandals put on the chairs when they were almost brand new...and I would not take anything for those scratches. I think of the Gospel preachers who have sat at that table...many who have gone on to their reward. David's grandparents, my mother, the list goes on and on. Many Thanksgving meals with family and friends too numerous to count or name, Christmas Open House with the table adorned and loaded with all those fattening goodies. Oh the conversations that have been had at that table. Events of normal school days, stories happy and sad, and watching three little kids grow up and bring their spouses and children to the same table. Today as I was dusting the table (yes, sadly we don't use it as much as we should), I was flooded with memories....most of them good. I am thankful that my table has been a part of this family for over three decades and although it is scratched and nicked, it is a special part of our lives.

On Mother's Day

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is this the long way?” she asked. And the guide said: “Yes, and the way is hard And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning.” But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.” Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.” And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, “A little patience and we are there.” So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, “Mother, we would not have done it without you.” And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, “This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday, I gave them courage. Today, I’ve given them strength.” And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: “Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. darkness. And that night the Mother said, “This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God.” And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide And is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.”And the children said, “You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.”And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: “We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence...” Your Mother is always with you.... She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she’s crystallized in every tear drop. She’s the place you came from, your first home; and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space ... not even death!

Temptation

On Monday Kim and I went back to Weight Watchers. It was not a minute too soon for me. I have stress ate for the past four months. I never thought I was a stress eater, but I have been lately. Add the stress to eating out a lot more and you have gained poundage! Every blooming time I loose weight, I say..."I am not going to gain this weight back", only to have it find it's way back onto my body. I stopped short, this time, of gaining it all back....but I had a good start on it. Why is it so hard?
Today was Cinco de Mayo, and our Hispanic parents cooked for us...I ate one bite and tossed mine and ate my measured lunch. We also had cake for Teacher Appreciation week....I left it alone, but I did not want to. I just want to get to the point where my mouth does not water when someone comes in with a plate of cake and offers it to me. Yes, I play mind games...like how much better I feel when I am eating right, or how much better I look, but my mouth still slobers for that piece of cake. I remember as a kid how I loved candy, and I remember thinking that when I got to be an adult I would not want candy because I did not see grown ups eating candy with the passion that I would tear into that GooGoo bar...guess what???? I still love it. But I love life more. So in light of my love of life, I will take my still good health and try to do what I can to stay that way!

God Answers Prayer

I know not by what methods rare, but this I know-God answers prayer.

I know not when He sends the word, that tells us fervent prayer is heard.

I know it cometh soon or late; Therefore we need to pray and wait.

I know not if the blessing sought, will come in just the way I thought.

I leave my prayers with Him alone, whose will is wiser than my own!

Unknown

Thank you all for your prayers. Since Thursday, Addi has been headache free! We had a wonderful day yesterday, and to see her at church this morning was just a blessing. This has been a rough patch and we may face rough patches in the future, but we will just deal with that as it comes. Addi is still a little weak, but that is to be expected. Just to see her smile and hear her giggle is like medicine to me! I cannot even imagine what she has been through. I have had some pain in my life, but nothing that has not passed within a few days...and to think of migraine pain for 105 days just breaks my heart. Now we are going to focus on returning to whatever "normal" is...although there are still some doctor's appointments ahead and adjustment to meds that may be a lifelong thing. We are just, for lack of a better word, thankful to God and everyone.

The Aliens are Trying to Return

Addi has a headache, again. Please pray. Not as bad, but at an "8" she said. She is on the new meds and Kim said they are knocking her out. Hopefully when she wakes up she will be okay. The relief was short-lived, but hopefully the new meds will help. She also saw the gastro doctor and she is going to have some stomach/gallbladder testing. She had to get up and go to the doctor, and she really wanted to sleep...but appointments are hard to get!

Aliens Have Returned Our Baby

I told someone that the past 104 days have been like aliens had abducted Addi and replaced her with a sad, sick child. Thankfully, she is back! Just as quick as it came on her, yesterday afternoon the headache went away. She also saw the new neurologist at UAB today, and according to Kim, he seems to be an answered prayer. We know that migraine is not a curable disease, but it is treatable and he said there were so many things that could be done, and it seems he is not afraid to do it, either. He is putting her on a preventative, one she took with no side effects, and he gave her prescriptions for strong medication if she even started to feel a headache. He said she might go long periods of time, and she might never have another episode of this magnitude, but there could very well be other headaches, etc. We will not borrow trouble, and we are thankful that we are pain free at the moment, but we feel such a thankfulness for a doctor and a plan!
To all of you, my thanks and love. We cannot even start to say how much we appreciate the prayers, cards, calls, and expressions of kindness. Keep Addi in your prayers!