Susan's Ramblings

Well, I am sitting at work thinking about all of the things I could be doing if I were not here. This is one of those “lost” teaching days. There are children here, more than usual I think, but everyone is showing movies and just praying for 2:50. I have taken down all of the Christmas decorations and have up the “Winter” stuff and the January calendar in the media center. It seems kind of funny to take down the Christmas tree before Christmas.
Yesterday was David’s birthday. Poor fellow, he has certainly been having some rough weeks. We went to Cracker Barrel and then to get Katie’s birthday present. Happy Birthday, Katie! We love you.
David was supposed to get up at 4 this morning to take his mother to UAB for a treatment. The clock did not go off. He woke up at 5:30 and went to running like he was in a race. He managed to get her there, albeit late. They did not seem to think he was late. He called and told me that MaMa was in pretty bad shape, almost non-responsive. They are talking about hospitalizing her. Please pray that she will pull out of this depression.
In other notes, for several days my Arky dog was not to be seen. Yesterday he was on the other side of the exit- something he NEVER does. He was still on that side this morning, so I don’t know what is up with him. If he is not careful, he is going to meet the great dog-maker in the sky.
I read an interesting article in the Birmingham News the other day. It was about “Baby Baubles”. It seems there is this new mentality among new mothers that their significant other should provide them with some type of diamond, or expensive jewelry for having their body go through 9 months of “agony” and for the distress of delivery. Many new mothers, according to this article, are presented this “gift” in the delivery room immediately following delivery. Have you ever? What a “it’s all about me” mentality. The only gift I wanted was a healthy baby, and thankfully I was blessed with 3. I did get roses after Kim was born, but when the boys came along we decided that the flower money could best be used to buy formula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited about the holidays. The kids are so much fun. I am excited about being with my own kids, as well. I can’t wait to see the grands riding their new gifts. I also look forward to Christmas eve and Christmas day more than I can tell.
Tomorrow is our 31st anniversary. It seems like just a few days ago- my how time passes.
Happy Holidays to my one or two faithful readers!

Update

I want to give a brief update to my limited readership, concerning our sick folks. As of last night, PaPa was much improved. The bleeding must have been coming from his esophagus, but there was no major problem when they scoped it. They put him on some medication that will coat the esophagus. He has also had blood and potassium. So, for the moment at least, things are better in his corner. Two days ago we never believed he would make it back to the nursing home, but it appears he will. He even spoke in some sentences last night, something he hasn’t done in a long time.
As for MaMa, while she is up walking (imagine that), she seems to be having a bout with depression. I suspected that the whole time, but as I blogged earlier, we could not get the medical doctor and the psychiatrist in the same picture, so in light of all of her physical problems of the past few weeks, the psychiatrist suggested we go the medical route. Now listen to this- one morning prior to her going to the hospital, she told David that there was a baby in the bed with her. When David told the psychiatrist, he said that sounded like a “physical” problem that would cause her to be delusional. I wondered about that….but I am not a medical person, but it sounded like a mind problem to me. Now, all of a sudden, she is walking again, but she is very confused. I don’t doubt she has leg issues, but I kept saying the way she was shuffling looked like a classic case of someone that was depressed. David is trying to arrange her a treatment, which is not as easy as it sounds. Her doctor has changed from Princeton to UAB in the past week, and UAB has required a whole list of test for people taking these treatments. We think she has had everything done during her hospital stay, but they have not sent them to UAB as requested. I hope that by Monday the paperwork will be in place and he can get her there for a treatment. I am certain that these tests are simply to cover liability because shock treatments are still very controversial and not done in many facilities. As horrid as it sounds, they are the only thing that has kept MaMa as functional as she has been.
So, please continue to pray for the Couringtons. God never created two better people, and to see them have to go through so much is hard.

The Trials of Life

Well, it is 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning and I am at the computer. I have had a night of coughing and reflux. I don’t know what triggered the reflux, but that added to the coughing has brought me out of the bed. I can almost count on one hand the number of nights that I have not been able to sleep for varying reasons. I guess I can add the stress of the past few days to the causes. All that aside- today will be no go to work day for me, although I feel much better since I am upright and the drainage problem has slowed. That may be the culprit for the reflux, or it could be the fried flounder from Nikkis (which was too good to be bad!). I am going to have to go by school and fax in a book order that is due today, but that is okay. I was in a meeting all day yesterday, and when I got back to school at 3, I was bombarded. I had left my clerk and Dr. Martin (my intern student) to man the ship, and they both looked like they were about to come apart when I got back. We had several teachers out yesterday so some of the kids ended up being “housed” in the library. I think it was a real experience for Dr. Martin as she has been out of the classroom for decades. And then we all know how kids act when they are under the direction of a sub, or someone they do not know! If I had known how things were going to go, I would have stayed at school. Fortunately, the principal has never before had to resort to using the library as a classroom, and she was in and out all she could be. My clerk and Dr. Martin did not even get lunch, which does happen to me from time to time.
We went to see PaPa at the 5 o’clock visit last night. He is so pitiful. As I looked at him, I realized that what is waiting for him on the other side is so much better than the here and now. It is hard to see someone as good as he is have to go through the physical trials of this life. He does not seem to be in pain, and he is not unconscious, but he is just pitiful. He opened his eyes when we came in, but then drifted back into sleep. Billy and Mary went at the 8 o’clock visit and they said he was more awake. He is scheduled to have an upper GI test (the light) today. They are going to try to determine where the bleeding is coming from. He has also had a mild heart attack, and his kidney function is not good. Unless something changes, it appears that he is on that slippery slope that many elderly people find themselves on. Pray for his comfort, because at this point that is what is important to us. Also, MaMa spent her first night at Cherry Hill last night. She was discharged from Jasper yesterday, and they let David carry her to Cherry Hill in the car. Somewhat ironic that PaPa was there the night before, and now she is there and he is in the hospital. We do not know if the placement will be permanent, but if her mobility does not improve, she cannot be left alone. She seems to be fairly clear mentally at times, but then again she has her moments. The hospital at Jasper diagnosed her with dementia. I am not certain- after all the years of emotional problems, and the treatments necessary to deal with the problems, it would be hard to say. Some things that she has done in the past few months have been out of character- such as washing dishes without any soap- but who can say. If it is dementia, I think it is an early case. While David has had to recite her medical history numerous times in the past few weeks, we wonder if anyone is really listening. There is a disconnect between the medical doctors and the psychiatrist, so we don’t know if anyone really understands. We have stated so many times in the past few months that we miss Dr. Retan beyond belief (Dr. Retan has retired- he was one of a kind). TOday is MaMa and PaPa's 61st wedding anniversary, if I counted correctly.
On another note, Aunt Marie is in the nursing home for rehab. She had to have her big toe amputated, due to infection. She has had a lot of pain, but seems to be recovering well according to Mike. She is going to have therapy. She is still sharp as a tack, and if anyone can recover, she will.
This has been a long post-
I will close with a funny. Wednesday night after church Addi told Kim that she wanted to call Leslie (her new best friend). Kim told her no, that she could not call Leslie every night. Addi threw herself on the pew, and with her most dramatic voice said- “What are you trying to do? Break us up!” We all got a good laugh over that.

Happy Birthday, Addi!

Well, 5 years ago today, our world changed forever. The birth of Addison Rae Kelsey made me a grandparent. I would never have dreamed that being a grandparent was as great as it is! Addi’s day of birth was marked with tears and joy. I think if we had known then how serious the events of the day were, we would probably have all had to been admitted to the hospital. Thankfully we have a wonderful God, and good doctors who saw us through some difficult hours and days. I can hardly believe that was 5 years ago- time does indeed fly. Our next big adventure for Addi will be starting school. It seems as if though I have blinked my eyes and the little girl with pigtails and a Rainbow Brite lunchbox has been replaced by someone very much like her! I have been so fortunate. I have a wonderful family, and the 4 grandkids are icing on my cake. Happy birthday, Addi. You will truly never know how special you are to me. I love you!!!

Thanksgiving

I am Thankful.
This time of the year is a great time to truly reflect on those things that we have to be thankful for. I have so many thankful moments. I try not to take my blessings for granted, but sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in the day to day that we forget what a blessed people we are.
Please remember my mother-in-law in your prayers. She is having a very hard time the past few days. David is trying to get one of her doctors to return his calls. He is not certain what route to take with her. When we came in last night she was laying in the hallway. When I walked in the front door all I could see were her feet and they were not moving. It gave me a scare. She seemed not to have anything broken, but she can’t walk. Fortunately the wheelchair that my mother had was at the church and David went and got it. That chair has saved several folks- and for those who knew my mother, you would know that would make her proud. We are beginning to believe that it might be her depression. Depression has so many symptoms, and it can certainly affect the physical. She is sleeping 16 hours a day, she is confused, and she can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other. David has certainly had his share of nursing duties in the past few months. MaMa had a horrible case of the shingles, and then walking pneumonia. Being the caregiver is a stressful job.
In happier news, the kids Christmas picture adventure was a success. The pics are very good, and EVERYONE was cooperative. Levi and Hannah acted as if though they knew just what to do!
I am thankful for all of you.

Blogging Bullets

Blog Bullets

I know that I have been negligent on my Blog duties, and I apologize. I am going to Blog by Bullets to update-
· We had a great revival with David Powell
· David was in revival at the Oneonta Church this week. I managed to go every service. Now I am paying the price- I had to hunt clean undies this morning (is that TMI?)
· Lila is beautiful and such a sweet baby.
· Addi, Levi, and Hannah are wonderful. I can’t wait for the holidays.
· Paul did not pass his NBC this time- this was his first try. Since I am not a NBC teacher, I can’t personally attest to the process, but I do know from others that it is not a give away. We know he will make it this next time, especially since he has feedback and knows what area to key in on. We are very proud of Paul, and this is certainly not failure.
· Kim seems to be over her infection. We are ever thankful for that!
· I start a new internship class in a few weeks. I will have one student that has her doctorate and teaches at UAB. That will be interesting.
· Work is going well- it is always busy and interesting.
· I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. We should have a big crowd and lots of food.
· Addi played her last soccer game of the season last night. Her team won by a score of 3-1. She is turning into a good athlete. She really enjoys sports.
· David had to have a CAT scan, but all is well.
· I love you all!

Happy Birthday, Kim! Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Today is my daughter's 29th birthday. Bless her heart- she has been having a rough few days. She is fighting a staph infection, and of course with all of the publicity lately, that makes it even scarier. We are confident that all will be well, but we are also an impatient people that want things to be instant! I have always been the family "fixer", and when it is something that I can't fix, I feel bad. All that aside, I am thankful to God that 29 years ago he blessed me with my daughter. She is my heart. I love her so much, and I am very proud of her. She is no longer my little girl, but a grown woman with 3 children of her own, but in my heart she will forever be my first baby. I don't know how I got so lucky in this life to be so blessed. Thank you, God- You have blessed me more than I could ever deserve.
Today is also my oldest niece, Lisa's birthday. She has also been a very special part of my life. Her birth was one of my first real memories. I was so proud of her (and I still am!!!). Then when Kim was born on Lisa's birthday (Kim waited 3 weeks in order to hit the 28th!) that made October 28th even more special.
So, happy birthday to 2 special girls. May life grant you many, many years of birthdays!
I love you, both.

Cracious, Granna

Cracious, Granna- yes, I know it is Gracious, but Addi doesn’t. She informed me that she “speaks both English and Spanish”. I had the honor of taking care of Levi and Addi while Kim was in the hospital. They were really good, and overall both would have received an “A” in behavior. Levi pretty much entertains himself while he is at home. We cheated and watched some Sponge Bob, but Bob acted pretty good. Addi told me at least 50 times how much she “appreciated” me for keeping them. These accolades came in the form of:
You are the best Granna.
There’s no one else like you, Granna.
Thanks, Granna for helping us.
Thanks, Granna for washing my soccer uniform.
Thanks, Granna for fixing me some chocolate milk.
You're so sweet for doing laundry.
You're so sweet for buying me a milkshake.
The list goes on and on.
Right before Lila arrived home, Addi told me “Cracious”. I had tears in my eyes. That was the sweetest thank-you I ever received.
Lila is so sweet. I am so in love with her already. Addi and Levi have accepted her as if though they truly understand that she belongs to them. Hannah can already say her name (Hannah is an advanced talker for her age. She makes me think of Kim.). Lila will have plenty of folks that love her. How sad to think that any baby would not be wanted. Cracious, Addi, Levi, Hannah, and Lila, for being my sweet grandchildren!
Thanks, Paul, for updating my header photos!

Siblings and Family

I found myself thinking about Addi and Lila today, and wondering about their bond as sisters. Addi loves Levi, and he absolutely adores her, but having a sister is so special. Kim has brothers, and I don’t think for a minute that she would trade one of them in for a sister, but, in reality, it is different. I imagine that growing up she had moments when she would have liked to have had a sister in the mix. She has great sisters-in-law, so that is nice, and perhaps has helped to fill the sister void. I don’t know if boys have the same feelings about siblings as girls do- then again I would not know! I have a sister. She is special. I hope that Lila loves Addi as much as I love my sister. I love my brother, but I need my sister. Addi and Lila will be such great friends, I just know. Life will hold many adventures for them. Please remember Kim and Lila this week. We are on the home stretch, and things are looking great. We are thankful for an uneventful pregnancy, and this time next week we hope to be giddy in love with our newest grandchild!

Childhood Memories

Okay, if you read this, you are tagged to list your 20 favorite childhood memories. Childhood is considered age 12 and under. I had fun thinking back to some of these events. I could have listed many more. I think I had a good childhood. I had people that loved me, and that means the most.

20 Favorite Childhood Memories

1. Snow cones at decoration day at Freewill Cemetery
2. Becoming an aunt at the ripe old age of 8 (almost 9)
3. Watching the Red Mountain Fireworks in the front yard with Daddy
4. Setting mousetraps on the stove (yes, on the stove) and turning the lights out and watching for the mouse to take the cheese (using the pilot light for night vision!), also with my Daddy
5. Mother buying me a bicycle for no reason
6. Barbie Dolls and the shoe box of Barbie and Ken clothes that Patsy made me one Christmas- I especially loved Barbie’s blue corduroy coat with the little buttons
7. Chatty Cathy Doll
8. Going to Kresses in North Birmingham to buy crayons and coloring books
9. The North Birmingham Library
10. The Lewisburg Skating Rink
11. Spend the nights with Cathy or Teresa, or Cathy and Teresa
12. Going to spend the night with Aunt Willie Ross and Norma Jean
13. Fresh Air Farm Summer Camp
14. The Girls Club
15. The Fultondale Swimming Pool
16. Going cave exploring with my brother
17. Fairmont School
18. Mrs. Self reading the class, “No Time for Sergeants”
19. Getting my ears pierced
20. New school clothes and “Merry Moc” Penny Loafers from the Sears Catalog (new clothes were not an every day thing in my childhood. My first day of school dress was beautiful- a plaid dress with a yellow pinafore made by my sister. I will try to post a photo!)

The "List"

Well, it is official, Mary is on the liver transplant "list". This is not exactly the kind of list that one would want to be on, but it is a list of hope. We are very optimistic that Mary will get a liver, soon, and that she will be able to resume an active, healthy life. She has many years ahead of her, and she needs to feel good, and not have to itch herself to death!
Please keep Mary in your prayers. Add her to your prayer list at church. We know the power of the Almighty, and we are confident that Mary will be fine.

How I wish.....

In just over three weeks, the Good Lord willing, baby Lila will join our family. I am, as with the past three, excited to welcome this little one to our family. I can’t help but to think about the people that I wish could be here to welcome her, especially my mother and Lila Mae. How proud they would both be. My mother loved her grandchildren beyond words. She hung on every bit of news about their lives. She was so proud of their accomplishments, and she surely thought they were all beautiful. Mother was proud of Kim, and was so excited that she had met such a nice young man. She so wanted to be at their wedding, but that was not meant to be. The song about “holes in the floor of heaven” is a sweet song. I don’t know how Heaven works, but in my heart I want to think that Mother knows the good parts of our lives. I want her to know about Addi, Levi, and Hannah. I want so to share their cute stories with her, and yet I can’t. She would find them to be even smarter than her own grandchildren! Lila Mae loved my children so much. She would be honored that Kim and Paul have chosen to honor her by naming this new child, Lila. So, Baby Lila, Granna is waiting. I pray for your safe arrival for both you and your sweet mother. I am eager to smell the sweetness of a newborn, to hold you in my arms, and to look at the future through your eyes.

New Sister/Cousin Shirts

I am going to try to post some pics of Addi and Hannah's shirts I made. Levi's is blue, without bows, of course. I think they are cute- even if I did them myself!
P.S. After I put the photos on, Hannah's shirt looked as big as Addi's- it is really a size 2, I promise!

Art Linkletter Should Have Met Addi

Well, Paul posts all the cute sayings, but I am going to beat him on this one.
Yesterday David and myself and all the kids and grandkids met for lunch at Barnhills. We had a great time. As we were finishing lunch, Addi told Kim that she needed to go to the bathroom. Kim told her to wait just a minute, to which Addi replied that she would go by herself. Kim told her that she would not go by herself, and stated, “You can’t go to the bathroom by yourself, someone might try to get you.” To which Addi replied, “If anyone tries to get me, I will tell them that I already have an owner.” How funny.

Happy Birthday, Josh!

Happy Birthday, Joshua David Courington. It seems hard to believe that 26 years ago I was at St. Vincent’s wondering what to do with a little boy! We were so proud of you then, and we still are today. This birthday means that you are ½ as old as me- the only time that will happen unless I live to be 104 years old! Who knows????? May God Bless you with many birthdays.

Do I Make You Proud?

Taylor Hicks began his reign as the American Idol by singing,
”Do I Make You Proud?”, a song that he admittedly did not like, but I did. I got to thinking about my children, and boy, do they make me proud. Kim, Paul, Josh, Katie, Daniel, and Mandi….all so active for God. Kim and Paul, teaching and working with Lads to Leaders, Josh and Katie, also teaching and working with Bible Bowl and other good works, Daniel and Mandi, working with the church at Glencoe. David had the opportunity to spend some time with both Josh and Daniel at Polishing the Pulpit- because they were there. Josh had worked a hard day, yet he still found time to do something good. Daniel made the trip to Birmingham 2 days, and Mandi came after school one of those days. They have such good hearts. I know, the Lord willing, that I have sons and a son-in-law that will one day serve as Elders in the church. How wonderful that I don’t have to worry about them frequenting bars, or other places where so many other young adults find their “place” in life. I love you all.

Arky Update

As some of my 3 devoted readers may remember, I blogged about Arky, the Arkadelphia exit dog, many months ago. Arky was the big black dog standing on the side of the Arkadelphia Road exit. When I moved back to the new school, in September of last year, on the first morning there stood Arky (the name I gave him- I bet he has 10,000 names that others have given him). Well, today is August 29, 2007, and Arky is still there. How can a dog survive a year on an interstate???? He is so fat that he waddles. This morning he had pizza, biscuits (he has biscuits EVERY morning- up to 10 or 12), several containers of water (which he never seems to knock over- I guess he has learned the value of water during the drought), endless donuts, left-overs, and you name it. He goes into the shrubbery until the light changes to red, and then he comes out to see what has been left. He has become very picky, only eating what he really likes- I have noted that on bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits that he will open the biscuit and eat the bacon and egg but leave the cheese. The other morning as I came up the ramp I saw an Alabama State Trooper car pulled over- my first thought was that something had happened to Arky- wrong thought. The trooper was out feeding and watering Arky. I am amazed that some radical animal lover has not reported his hiding place to some animal organization. I hope people continue to leave Arky alone. He may get hit by a car tomorrow, but he is living the high life today. Even the grass mowers just move his water bowl and food when they mow. If you have a chance, check him out. He is truly a “Wonder-Dog”!

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Yesterday Mary had her port removed. The treatments did not help. She will go on the transplant list within the next week or so. They have told her that she has to be within 45 minutes of the hospital, and she will be on call 24/7. It is a scary time, but also a time of hope. How fortunate that we live near UAB where they are experts as liver transplants. Mary's condition is so rare, that they have only done 4 transplants for this same disease. Our family has certainly had their share of "rare" liver problems.As most of ou know, Kim suffered from AFLP (Acute Fatty Liver in Pregnancy), which is also very rare. I had a virus attach my liver several years ago, but fortunately I recovered. Obviously Mary is not blood related to Kim or me, and what Kim and I had was certainly not related, but all this liver stuff is scary.
Please remember Mary in your prayers. She is brave and strong, and that is to her favor. Also, the reality is, someone must die and donate, and that is a scary thought. Below is an excerpt about PBC.
(PBC) is a disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver. PBC eventually leads to cirrhosis of the liver. The cause of PBC is unknown, but because of the presence of autoantibodies, it is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease. Other etiologies, such as infectious agents, have not been completely excluded. PBC has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 5/100,000 and an annual incidence of approximately 6/1,000,000. The prevalence and incidence appear to be similar in different regions of the world. About 90% of patients with PBC are women. Most commonly, the disease is diagnosed in patients between the ages of 40 and 60 years.

Choosing Cheerfulness

Well, it is Saturday and I have been busy washing, cleaning, hemming pants, and mending rips.
David and I went to Polishing the Pulpit last night, and we enjoyed it. I went to 2 ladies classes, and during the second one, Becky was there so I enjoyed her company. We don't spend much time together, anymore. Melony Webster spoke on choosing cheerfulness. I needed to hear that one. I have needed it today. We are so blessed, and yet sometimes we let things overshadow all the good.
I need to go vacuum the pool, so I may do that. I have also read all my daily blogs. It is nice to keep up with everyone, and to read what they have on their minds and in their hearts. It is kind of like reading someone's diary- only one they have edited, I am certain. If not my first 2 paragraphs would have been full of much more detail, if you know what I mean.
Have a great weekend, and be CHEERFUL!

Tidbits

Well, the first full week of school is behind me, and I have spent the last 3 days in training. We have a new circulation system, and I am here to tell you that I am about brain dead from the training. We spent 3 SOLID days, and the information was OVERLOAD. I really don’t know if I remember anything. I guess it will be one of those learn as you go type things. I had to do some programming with HTML language- something I have NEVER done, so that was a challenge (and also unbelievable that it was required considering this program set B’ham City Schools back MANY dollars). Our old program was only 2 years old, but the company bailed and we were basically left with a skeletal program. Oh well, enough of that.
Tonight we went to Golden Rule in Irondale to eat. About the time we got our drinks the lights went out because of lightning. David and I had food- but everyone else was just waiting. We actually ate in the dark. David went and got a flashlight right toward the end. It was interesting. We truly could not see what we were putting in our mouths. Everyone was using their cell phones to try to see. How funny!!
We have a funeral to go to tomorrow. Some people that come to church at Sylvan Springs had a 20 year old son to die. He had a bicycle wreck and they thought he was okay. Apparently he had gone to bed and they went to check on him some time later and he was blue. They called the paramedics and when they got there he had a faint pulse. They carried him to the hospital but he died. He was their only child (not that that makes any difference), and I know this is a tremendous shock to them.
Tomorrow is also sweet, baby Hannah’s big first birthday party. That should be fun. She is getting so big. Wednesday night she was walking every where. She is still a little wobbly, but she is about to overcome that. My bed calls…..I am getting old.

Mary, Mary, not contrary!

My sister-in-law, Mary had a port put in today so that she can take some medication to hopefully relieve her itching. For those that may not know, Mary has a liver condition that is going to eventually require a transplant. We are hopeful that it might be some long years down the road, but some of Mary’s problems, and blood work numbers indicates that the problem may have worsened some since it was last checked. Mary has taken some medications that may have caused the numbers to worsen. Have you ever noted that every single drug advertisement says something like…”Don’t take this drug if you have liver problems.” Some of the drugs that Mary has taken to TRY to get relief from the itching might be culprits in making the numbers higher, as well. I don’t know if any of you out in Blog Land have ever itched- but I have. It is not like a mosquito bite- it is sheer torment. Back before the doctors realized my gallbladder was bad (anyone else out there had this misdiagnosed????), I almost itched myself to death. As a matter of fact, at one point I spent 5 days in the hospital on a Benadryl drip (boy was that a trip!). I can sympathize with Mary. While I don’t think I know what she is going through to the extent that it is, I know it is more than just itching. I also know that Mary is being very brave. She is smiling, and laughing, and well, just being Mary. What she is actually facing is very serious. I love Mary. I don’t think the 2 of us have ever had a cross word. If we have, I don’t remember it (so don’t remind me, Mary!). So, all you Bloggers, pray for Mary. She is trying to work, but it is hard. She has no sick days, and she is the “insurance” carrier in the family. Hopefully she will feel better in a few days. I love you, Mary!

So Disappointed

I am not a huge fan of reality television, but I do love "Little People, Big World." As a matter of fact, I know too much about these people. I love Amy- she is so real. I love it that she is always loading the dishwasher, and that the laundry is all over the house. The kids are so messy, it seems real. They also fuss and fight. Molly, the only girl, stands her ground with the 3 brothers. Matt's parents crack me up- especially when his dad says, "I have had it up to here with these dwarf people!" The kids attend a private, church-related school. Amy worries about money (although I believe those problems have been taken care of by the income from the show), and Matt is always starting projects (some he finishes, some he doesn't). Well, the other day, Matt was arrested for DUI. I am crushed. I feel like my cousin committed a crime. Matt- what were you thinking???? You know your little body will not tolerate much alcohol. You already have a hard time driving a vehicle- and then you add alcohol to the mix. Shame on you, little person. You have disillusioned me with your awful act. What if you had an accident and left Amy to fend for herself, or worse yet, what if you have hurt someone else! You need to be ashamed little person.....As Gomer would say...."Shame, Shame, Shame!"

I also read that this was not his first arrest- he was arrested in 03 but underwent an alcohol program.

For All You Moms Out In Blog Land

I blog hopped to this site. Check out some of the cute items. Addi, Levi, Lila, and Hannah may get something off of this site for the holidays. I liked the white with the blue snow flakes. I thought it might be something they could wear all winter, perhaps. Kim, Katie, and myself will have to look through and pick something out. It is August 1st and I am thinking about Christmas.
Also, Happy Birthday to my "baby", Daniel, who is 23 today. Poor thing- he is celebrating in Gatlinburg. Addi was worried about Daniel just being with Mandi on his birthday. She has a big party mentality. So sweet.

http://www.babyfacedesign.blogspot.com/

He fought hard....

Baby Chandler lost his hard fought battle a little after 11 last night. The infection in his tiny body was just too much for him to overcome. He struggled his whole life, but had made some progress up until last week.
The family needs prayer at this time. It has been a very emotional and physically draining situation.

Baby Chandler needs our prayers

Chandler Ferguson is critically sick. They needed to do surgery last night, but he was not stable enough. He has the intestinal problem that hits preemies, and it is not good. Please pray for him.

Is God There?

In the light of the past week, with the sad events that have made many of our blog community so sad- I thought this might be good reading.
I love you all.

Is God There?
May 5, 2004
by WAYNE JACKSON
When the hardships of life take their toll, sufferers may be tempted to question whether God is at all concerned. Yet the following truths reveal that the faithful child of God is ever in the mind and care of our loving Creator.
Emma was a sweet, four-and-one-half year old girl, the utter delight of her parents. Now, she is with the Lord. Emma was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Many grieving souls, with sincere faith, struggle with these sorts of tragedies.
Does God hear our pleas when we pray for the protection of our loved ones? Does he intervene providentially on behalf of his children? If so, why do these heartbreaking things happen? Why?!
Our souls agonize with those who are subjected to such horrors. How do we assist them? It is not easy, but here are some principles that may help.
Instead of trying to make sense of individual episodes of tragedy, we need to focus upon several fundamental truths.
It is absolutely paramount that we establish our confidence in the testimony of the Scriptures. Unless we are convinced that the Bible is true, and we can trust its message, there is nowhere to go for any meaningful resolution.
We must, therefore, immerse ourselves in the evidences that build faith in the integrity of the Word of God. This will be the foundation upon which all else rests. If we desert our faith, we have solved nothing. Rather than having a single problem, we then will have two; and infidelity is of far greater consequence.
Is the Creator sensitive to out prayers? Yes. Jesus himself depended upon prayer (cf. Lk. 22:44). He prayed that if God so willed, the “cup” of suffering might pass from him; but it did not. There was a higher purpose to be served (Heb. 5:8-9).
Though Christ taught that the Father lovingly listens to us (Jn. 15:7; cf. Jas. 5:16-18; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14), that does not mean we will be immune to the common difficulties of life. Were that the case, no child of God would ever die!
We are citizens of a planet cursed by evil, and we, like all others, are heir to its hardships. Prayer will provide the Christian with comfort and the strength to endure, but it does not exempt us from trials.
Is it true that God is able to intervene in the lives of his people to bring about, in a providential (i.e., non-miraculous) fashion what is best for them? Yes.
If we could only see “behind the scenes,” we might understand that what is now perceived to be quite “bad,” from our limited vantage point, may turn out to be “good” in the final analysis.
That is why Joseph ultimately could say to his brothers, after much heartache, “And as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . .” (Gen. 50:20). The events of our lives must be measured in terms of eternity, not time.
Paul petitioned the Lord that he might he able to visit the saints in Rome (Rom. 1:9-10; cf. 15:30-32). God moved in mysterious ways to bring about the apostle’s request; it actually involved Paul spending four years as a prisoner (Acts 24:27; 28:30).
It is very clear that our Father can operate in our lives. But precisely when he is directing matters, we cannot know (cf. Philem. 15). God can intervene; but some things may “just happen.” We can only resolve to glorify the Lord – under any circumstance.
The Bible makes it clear that it is not possible for us to scrutinize the ways of our Maker and subject them to meaningful analysis. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!” (Rom. 11:33).
We are not qualified to be the Lord’s “counsellor” or to tender judgment upon what he is doing (vs. 34). This was a major lesson that Job, the patriarch of Uz, had to learn (cf. 42:1-3).
We are not the first to struggle with the mysteries of crushing blows in our lives. The early saints were similarly confronted with such hardships, and yet they maintained their faith.
During the reign of Herod Agrippa I, James, the brother of John was killed for the cause of Christ, and yet, Peter, on the same occasion was delivered from prison and spared the malicious intent of the ruler (Acts 12:1ff). Why? Surely the Jerusalem Christians puzzled over this matter.
Four companions in the gospel – Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke – arrive in the city of Philippi to do mission work. Two of them – Paul and Silas – are whipped and thrown into prison. The other two remain untouched. Who can explain it?
Why was it the case that Epaphroditus, Paul’s helper in Rome, who had become so desperately ill, was delivered from his illness (Phil. 2:25-27), while Paul himself, who was afflicted with some grievous “thorn in the flesh,” was informed that he must abide in that condition (2 Cor. 12:7-9)?
Why these seeming inequities? We do not know. But the New Testament writers record these events with no apology. We will never be able to “figure out” why some of us today appear to have it so well, while others are forced to endure agonies. We must simply have confidence that out Father is working a plan that he knows far better than we. We must wait for the clearer picture.
Based upon what we know of God’s goodness, as revealed in the Scriptures, we must conclude that whatever he does, or allows to happen, ultimately is “right” (Gen. 18:25). The life of faith is a life of trust. We are not promised exemptions from suffering; we are promised that whatever bad happens in our lives, through it all the Lord loves us supremely (Rom. 8:35ff).
Finally, whatever the difficulties and mysteries of this life, we can take hope in the fact that the trials we now endure are but a prelude to glory (Rom. 8:18ff). We will understand things much better in the “sweet bye-and-bye.”
But we are not there yet! We’re still in the hard here-and-now.

My #1 Son-in-law

My #1 son-in-law, the famous Paul Kelsey, has given my blog a much needed facelift. I am so excited- I have blinkies and everything!!!!! Paul, you did a great job. If you need a blog revival- see Paul as he may be going into the business. Just kidding, Paul. I know you don't need another job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blog Poem

I never kept a diary for more than a week,
To keep a journal I did not seek.
So what makes Blogging such a wonderful treat?
Perhaps it’s because it’s such an easy feat!

Oh that today I could look back on the past,
And see what I was doing when I was a mere las.
So for all of you Blogging parents in mass,
Be certain to save a paper copy of all that has passed!

For there will come a day and it won’t be long,
When you won’t be able to recount that child’s silly song.
But if to the paper Blog you can once again roam,
Then the memories will be relived in your present day home.

So, though the computer and blogging is today’s current art,
Remember that not too long ago we thought typewriters were a great start!
And, although you may not believe that I am this smart,
There will come a day when you will wish you had taken my warning to heart!

My List

Okay….here goes. Some of this is a wish list! By the way- there are only 50 things here.

1. I love my life.
2. I love God, and I am so thankful that He loves me.
3. I love David more than words can tell. He writes me the sweetest cards, because the ones in the store do not meet his approval.
4. I never intended to marry a preacher.
5. My children and grandchildren are my world. This includes my children-in-law. I can’t imagine life without a single one of them. I also have fears as to how I would handle anything bad that might happen to any of them. My mother also had these fears, stemmed by the fact that her sisters and brother lost children.
6. I love my whole family. While we might not be Norman Rockwell material, I think we do pretty well.
7. I need my sister, more than she probably knows.
8. I love my job. I never dread going to work, other than getting out of bed.
9. I am the “Principal’s Pet”, and have been for the tenure of 5 different administrations.
10. My life would not be complete without my daughter. She is special.
11. My “boys” are now men that would make any mother proud.
12. The day my mother died made me realize how important it is to tell those around you that you love them. She was special.
13. I like for my house to be organized, but it really isn’t. I have also learned that having a clean house is not everything in life.
14. I went back to school and received my Masters at 50. It was not easy.
15. I love teaching for the University of West Alabama. Dr. Snider is one of my favorite people, and he is my boss.
16. I love my swimming pool and cannot stand for the water not to be crystal clear with no leaves. I spend more time cleaning than swimming. No bugs, please!
17. I wish I could successfully loose weight and keep it off. This should really be like #4 on my list. I wish it were as simple as “want to”. I also hate that I have passed the ‘fat gene” along to others. Then again, someone passed it on to me!
18. I think there are 2 places in the world that are the most wonderful- 1. Indian Creek Youth Camp, and 2. Freed Hardeman University
19. I cry easily.
20. I will never live with any of my children- despite all of the nice things I have said about them. I should never say never, but let me tell you, I mean never if I have life and breath and can do otherwise.
21. My gray hair will not cover, despite the fact that the bottle says it will.
22. The day Addi was born was one of the happiest and scariest days of my life.
23. When Levi pats my back, I get tears in my eyes.
24. I love Hannah’s fang tooth. Her grin lights up a room.
25. I haven’t read a book in over a year. Pretty sad for a librarian.
26. I love to find a bargain.
27, I love to monogram with my new machine.
28. I miss having a “best girlfriend”- when Glenda moved to Georgia our relationship changed.
29. I like eating out- that is part of the problem with #17.
30. I do not like conflict. Sometimes I keep my mouth shut to keep things from escalating.
31. I wish people would do what they say they are going to do and not make excuses.
32. I wish I had more money so that I could help my kids out more.
33. I love being able to give more to the church now that I have a third job.
34. Sometimes I look for small imperfections in things, and then let it drive me crazy. For example, if I buy a new dress and it has a tiny little flaw, I will think that everyone sees it.
35. I don’t like water marks on my stainless sink. I have them, anyway.
36. I sometimes leave things in the refrigerator until it gives off fumes (seriously). When I clean out the frig, I vow to not do it again, but I do.
37, I wish I had insisted that my children take more responsibility in cleaning, and cooking.
38. I wish my mother and father could see my grandchildren. They would be so proud.
39. I am not as adaptable as people think I am.
40. I miss being alone at times.
41. I am not as kind as I need to be.
42. I love my dog, but I don’t understand people that think animals are like their children. None of my children ever dug a 4 foot hole under my steps!
43. If I could only eat at one place for the rest of my life, it would be the Fish Market.
44. I do not want to be buried. I want to be cremated, but David and Patsy are not too keen on that idea. Then again, maybe I will be here when the Lord comes and that will be a non-issue. I also want to be scattered at ICYC because it is my happy place. Just pour me off the point.
45. I think Blogging brings people closer. We all say things on our Blog that we would not say in public.
46. I need to be a better Bible student.
47. I am excited about baby Lila. I also miss Lila Mae so much. I never had anyone outside of my family that loved me like she did. She would be excited over baby Lila and have someone make her a quilt!
48. I am not going to make it to 100- so this will be 50 things!
49. When you start making a list, you realize that some things are not in the order that they should be.
50. I vowed I would never do one of these lists.

Please, Call me by name!

In February, when we attended the Freed Hardeman lectures, we attended church on Wednesday night at the Estes congregation. Tom Holland always speaks on Wednesday night, and it is always a treat. When they made their announcements, it was announced that one of the members had just been diagnosed with colon cancer. I could tell it was someone who was a faithful, active member, simply by the way the announcement was made. As we were exiting the building, there was a lady standing in the back. Everyone was crowded around her. She looked to be about 50 years old, and she was crying. I could tell by the conversation that I was hearing that she was the lady in the announcement. Everyone seemed so concerned. One man stated- “We are praying for you.” The lady kindly replied, “Thank you. Please, call me by name when you pray! I don’t need generic prayers right now.” In other words, she did not want to be clumped with all of the other sick- she wanted her name brought before the throne of God. She wanted God to know that people were praying specifically for her. I don’t know the lady, or her outcome, but I do know that she understood that prayer is powerful. Will you help me as we pray for this people- and call them by name?
Melody Ferguson
Chandler Ferguson
Denese Billitz
Phillip Hammock
Chad Vernon
Bayley Maddox
Teale Yielding and Baby
Betty Garrison
Wayne Courington
Virginia Barnes
Eva Gaither
Would you like to add others to this list?

Blog by Bullets

Due to Bullet #1, I am going to sum up the past few weeks by using bullets

• I have a summer cold. The first cold I have had in several years, much less a summer cold.
• David and I had a great week in Destin. It was beautiful- the place we stayed was beautiful- and the workshop was A+.
• I had a great week at camp. We cooked 15 meals ranging from spaghetti, biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, grilled pork chops, cheesecake, banana pudding, and you name it!
• Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will know if my Blog title will be Addi, Levi, Lila, and Hannah's Granna, or Addi, Levi, Carter, and Hannah's Granna.
• Baby Bayley is thriving. Yesterday she was up to 3 lbs. 6.8 ounces. I have not had today's update. She might come home in 2 to 3 weeks barring any set-backs.
• Baby Chandler is fighting an infection. He is still below 2 lbs. He needs our prayers.
• I am working this week at school. It is very low key. The 5th graders are coming for orientation for 2 hours each day. I get paid for the day, so that is good.
• My UWA classes are going well. I am teaching 2 sections of Childrens/Young Adult Literature. I have 30 students in each class. I also have a new internship class, putting me well over 100 internships in progress. Thank goodness for folders in my inbox! I will be teaching Cataloging in the fall. This is a huge honor as Dr. Snider always teaches the cataloging class. Cataloging to a librarian is like learning the language of the books. It is vital to understanding classification.
• Did I mention I have a cold?

Mother

I started thinking about anniversaries- some are good, some are bad, and some are sad. It is hard not to think about certain things on certain dates. December 20th, my anniversary, October 28, September 6, August 1, December 1, January 20, August 23, all important and happy dates to me. Today is an anniversary date, as well. My mother passed from this life 9 years ago today. Mother was 86, and by years that is a long life, but it did not seem like it was time for her to go. My heart felt as if though she had some more living to do, but I guess that is as it is with all who pass on. Of all my great fortunes in life, having a good mother has to rank way close to the top. Mother was somewhat of a unique person. She was private, yet very public with her love for her family. She was so proud of every family member. In her “nursing home” journal, which was like a Blog before there were Blogs, she wrote about family. I am going to share some of her entries just as she wrote them-
“Charles, you walked at 1 yr, + 1 mo. We lived in four large rooms in a house in Sayreton. You were born at Carraway Hospital, November, 1946. You (before you turned loose to walk by yourself) you went round and round catching to furniture, finally you turned loose, took off, and never fell. You were a big smart boy. You and Patsy had so much fun at night, playing on the bed, wrestling, and giggling.”
“Lisa and Norman are like a light to me.”
“David is the wind beneath Susan’s wings. She could not have done for me all she has done, without him.”
“Thank you, Patsy, for all your help.”
“Daniel is so good looking, and his skin is beautiful. I love Daniel so good. As he left he told me that he loved me. That was so sweet, and precious to me.”
“I love Leslie and Laura.”
“As Lisa and Norman were leaving Thanksgiving Day, after doing so much for me, Norman put both arms around me with such feeling. I’ll never forget as long as I live, the love I have been shown. I love, Norman.”
“Today Kim came to see me, I was so happy to see her I bawled (cried). Kim looked so good. Love becomes her, she is so very pretty.”
“Josh will be back from vacation tomorrow. I miss him talking with me and his visits.”
As you can see, family meant so much to mother. She loved us all, and one of the last requests that she made was to “keep being a family”. I think she would be proud of us- while we might not see each other that often, we all know that we are there for each other. We are in harmony, and that means so much. I think if any of us had a need, the others would rally to their cause. So, on this anniversary, I want to tell all of you how much I love you, because Mother would want me to do that, and not just because she would want me to,but because I mean it.

Granna's Brag Book

Following Addi’s game on Tuesday night, I made the comment to David on the way home that I though Addi loved playing softball more than any of the other girls in the whole league. I told him I guessed I was just prejudice, and maybe everyone else did not see it that way, but she was just having such a great time. She has even patented a little dance when she gets on base that I heard one of the coachs refer to as “The Addi Dance”. If grins are any indication of happiness, she has had one on all season. She has had so many people come to see her play, probably more than any of the other girls in the league. She developed a Miss America wave that she would wave at the stands as she went to bat. Everyone soon fell under her influence and would look for that wave. We worried that she might have a hard time learning to hit the ball at her age- wrong. I don't know what her batting average was, but I will say this much- it was higher than some of the girls that made All-Stars. Next year if her fielding catches up to her batting, she will probably be an All-Star. She was, even if she is my grandchild, a definite crowd favorite. Well, last night proved me right. Addi received the award for Most Outstanding Player in the Sweeties League, 2007. All of the coaches voted on this award. The commissioner gave this special 2 or 3 minute speech (little did we know that Addi was about to receive the award) about all of the wonderful attributes that the winner of the award had- then they called Addi’s name and a little red-headed girl came running in from the outfield, grinning from ear to ear, to the applause of everyone in the crowd. I teared up. She was so cute, having not a clue as to what she was receiving, but loving every second of getting a medal. I hate that Paul missed it- who would have guessed that one of the very few 4 year olds in the whole league would win this honor. After the ceremony she proudly showed her medallion, telling everyone that it was very special. Am I proud- you bet! If she never wins another medal, ribbon, trophy, or award, last night was a crowning moment for her Granna. What fun it is to have grandchildren!

New Blog Name

Okay- I am faced with a dilemma. My blog has had the perfect “rhyming” name- “Addi, Levi, and Hannah’s Granna.” With the arrival of baby Lila (or at least we THINK baby Lila), I am perplexed with what my new blog title should be. I have had the kids in chronological order, but I am tinkering with Addi, Levi, Lila, and Hannah’s Granna. The Hannah and Granna just have such a good sound. What do you think?

Granna, he usted to know my name….

Sunday was Mothers Day and I had the joy of spending time with my children. Daniel called, but he was preaching so I did not see him. We had celebrated earlier with a wonderful meal that Daniel cooked. I love my kids, and they were very kind to me on this special day. I had a moment of thought about my own mother and I could not even start to write about how wonderful she was, or how much I still miss her after these almost 9 years.
After lunch, David, Kim, Addi, MaMa, and myself made a trip to the nursing home to see PaPa. It was after lunch and PaPa was sitting in the TV room sound asleep. We shook, and called his name, but PaPa was out of it. Addi got in front of him and started yelling,
”PaPa, PaPa!” Finally David helped him get on his feet and he looked down at Addi and for a brief second, there was a smile. Addi asked Kim, “Why doesn’t PaPa know my name?”
I took Addi for a walk to the front hall to see the bird atrium. As we were walking Addi asked- “Why do these old people like me?” That was a simple answer- you are cute and they don’t see many kids. Then she said, in her absolute sweetest voice ever, “Granna, he usted to know my name.” This, of course, was in reference to her PaPa Courington. Yes, he “usted” to know all of our names, but now that is no longer the case. Sometimes he smiles like he recognizes that we might be somewhat familiar, but hardly ever a name. Addi does not understand Alzheimer’s , nor do I. It is a sad disease. It is a cruel disease. It is indeed, the long goodbye. So, we have to remember when PaPa did remember our names, and hold on to those memories. It is hard to watch someone that you love turn into someone that does not know you. But, he has no control over this disease, for if he did he would argue it down and overcome it! We love you, PaPa, and we know that your heart knows us even if your mind does not.

Let me tell you about my children.....

Let me tell you about my children……

Okay, I told you about my grandchildren on the last post, so today I will write about my children. I have 6 children- Kim, Paul, Josh, Katie, Daniel and Mandi. I only gave birth to 3 of them- Kim, Josh and Daniel. The other 3 are children by adoption- through marriage.
I will start with Kim. What can I say about the best daughter a mom could have? Could I say that I adore her? I do. She is just the best. She is a great wife and mother. She has my heart- as do her brothers. I would be lost without her, to say the least. I look forward to her calls and to hearing about her life. I am proud of the woman that she has become. She certainly has given us a lot of joy in the past 28 years. And then she found a young man that has to be the best in the world. Paul is part of our family, and I count him as my own. He has to be in the top ten of Dads in the world. He is such a hard worker and a good provider. He is shaping lives at school and at church. I am thrilled that in this whole wide world, Kim found Paul. I don’t know how God works in everything, but I do feel he had his hand in Kim and Paul’s meeting and marrying.
My middle child, Josh, is certainly special. I can’t imagine having a son any better. Josh has also brought an incredible amount of joy to our family. His excitement about life is contagious. I don’t know where he inherited his love of the outdoors, perhaps from my Indian heritage? Josh has always been such a hard worker and today he continues to rise early, work late, work extra jobs, and go the extra mile. He is such a fine Christian man. His prayers are so meaningful and sincere. He has taken to fatherhood, and Hannah adores him. His turkey calls are her greatest delight and I am certain that in time she will be in the woods with her dad. Josh added Katie to our family, and what a blessing. Katie belongs with us, I know. She has such a wonderful attitude about things. Katie is a great mom. She watches after Hannah so carefully. I have always been a little paranoid about certain things, and I can see the Katie is not going to make me nervous. I know that Hannah will not be allowed to walk through the parking lot without a hand to hold! Katie is a great daughter and I thank God for her.
My baby, Daniel- where to begin??? We kid a lot about Daniel, but what we would have missed if we had stopped short of #3! Daniel kept life interesting for us when he was younger. He was such a smart little kid (and still is), and now we are proud of where he is today. I know he is still finding his niche in life, but I think he is on the right track. Daniel has excelled in everything that he has tackled. Daniel’s love for God and for the church makes me the proudest. I know he is going to do great things for the Kingdom. He is my baby, and I love him dearly. My dear Mandi is my newest child. She is Daniel’s heart, and it thrills me to see what a great match they are. Mandi, like Paul and Katie, is a special member of this family. Being an only child, Mandi inherited a lot when she got this bunch. Mandi always has a good story to tell and she is interesting to talk with. Mandi loves Daniel, and I thank her for that. Mandi cares for people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. I feel that we have had her all of her life.
Okay, so now I have told you about my children. They are special, aren’t they?

Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren

I used to see a car tag that read- “Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren”. I haven’t seen them around as much as I used to in times past, but on occasion I still see one. I never understood being a grandparent until a little over 4 years ago. In reality, I thought most grandparents had flipped a cog or something. I had an aunt, whom I dearly loved, and she would carry a framed 8X10 photo of her granddaughter in her purse. I thought that was a bit much- but I do understand it more than I used to! I truly adore my grandchildren. Addi, Levi, and Hannah have brought such joy to our lives. I am certain that baby Lila or baby Carter will do the same. Yesterday Addi came home with us after church. Her greatest joy at my house is to watch Dish TV and to see cartoons that are not on PBS. She crawls up on our bed and becomes a literal couch potato for hours. Yesterday David and I both got in the bed with her (we took a Sunday afternoon nap) and I think it made her year. She just smiled from ear to ear at both of us being on either side of her. We got hugs and kisses and “I love you Gramps” and “I love you Granna” until we were about hugged out. Addi is at that age where she asks LOTS of questions. Last night on the way to Jason’s Deli to eat after church, these are some of the questions we were asked:
What is the devil’s last name?
Was the devil ever 4 years old?
Was the devil always bad?
She also thinks that God only made one little girl with “whed, tuly, hair”- interpreted- “red, curly, hair”. She thinks he made kids with red hair, and he made kids with curly hair, but not red, curly hair.” So last night when we got to Jason’s we noticed a little girl with red hair that had a little curl in it (after I looked I discovered the curl was minimum to say the least, but a little on the ends). As we discovered, she was sitting with people that we knew, so we introduced Addi to the little girl. We are going to look for some pictures of red, curly headed kids so that she will know that she is not the only one.
Levi is busy being busy. He is full of hugs and always acts as if though you have been out of the country, even if he has just seen you. He runs with outstretched arms, and pats you on your back. He is talking like a 5 year old. He is very smart, perhaps too smart. He loves his family, and seems to especially love “Henna” as he calls Hannah. He is very sweet with her. Levi has a lot of energy, and his saving grace is that he is a great sleeper! He does not sit still too much, although he likes to watch cartoons.
Hannah is growing daily. Her smile just brightens a room. She is very smart and has an excellent memory (like Addi). She does not forget anything that you are trying to hide from her. She has such a pretty skin tone and is going to be very blonde, it seems. I think she might be an Indian blonde- darker skin and light hair. Her mommy and daddy are taking very good care of her. She pulled up yesterday for the first time, and is also saying “Da Da”. She laughs hysterically at her Daddy’s turkey call and at her cousin’s antics. She is a joy to all around.
Now, have I told you about my Grandchildren, lately?

Being Sequestered

I have had 2 MRI's and during both I thought I was surely going to die. The feeling of confinement was just too great. As I read about the jury for the Winkler trial, I thought- I don't believe I could stand this! I would feel like I was the one in jail, while the criminal is out walking the street. Can you imagine how the nights and weekends will be for these people. Unless you like to sleep- a lot- then some of these people might just flip a gasket. No TV, no telephone, no newspaper, no contact with the outside world. I know these things are necessary, to some degree, but come on- could they not play a video game???? I guess I would catch up on my reading- surely they can do that. Listed below are the rules for the jury. Also, if you will link to my prior post, you can see the jury break-down. This is all too sad.

9PM The jurors, chosen from McNairy County, were sequestered. Their lodging, food and transportation is provided. The Judge ordered them not to watch tv, read the newspaper or get on-line. He told them not to discuss the case and expect to work long days so they can get through the case as quickly as possible. The were also given a Juror Information Sheet, here's what's on it.
Juror Information Sheet
Prepare to stay no less than two weeks.
Provided in each room will be: Iron, coffee pot & hair dryer
All meals will be provided to you
If you have special dietary needs, please let us know.
WHAT TO BRING:
Clothes (enough for two weeks)
Toiletries
Snacks (Snacks will be provided, bring only something specific wanted)
Cigarettes
Money
Games, CardsMedication (enough for two weeks)
YOUR LUGGAGE AND BAGS WILL BE SEARCHED
WHAT *NOT* TO BRING:
CELL PHONESRadio
TV
Videos
Video Games
Computers
Alcohol
Beepers>Jewelry (anything of personal or monetary value should be brought at your own risk.)
Reading material that in any way pertains to the subject matter of this trial. Court officers will review all reading material.
Reminder: You may be away from home for at least two weeks. Arrange for mail pickup and pay any bills during this period.
(end juror information sheet)

The Trial Begins

Only if you have lived on a desert island, would you not know about the murder of Matthew Winkler and the trial of his wife, Mary. It is all so sad. While I was not privy to what went on in the Winkler home, I can hardly believe it included physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Regardless, Matthew is dead, three beautiful children are now parentless, and parents have suffered such a tragic loss. I can already tell from some of the hype that the defense will try to include brainwashing. I am sad that the Church of Christ name is going to be voiced negatively over and over again. I truly believe that Mary Winkler is troubled- obviously more troubled than anyone knew, even those close to her. I can imagine that the financial situation that she had put the family in had probably caused Matthew to be critical, and perhaps she regarded that as emotional abuse- If I wiped out our bank account (what little there is) and gave it to someone in Nigeria, I believe that David might be a little upset with me, as well.
Please pray for all involved. I saw those three precious little girls this weekend, and they do not deserve this. Their lives have been forever changed through no fault of their own. The grandparents lost a son they loved, and have know been left to raise young children- something I know that they are doing willingly, but how hard it must be. I found a link for live updates of the trial-
http://community.myfoxmemphis.com/blogs/MaryWinklerTrial

Happy 100th Birthday, Daddy

If my father were still alive, he would be 100 years old today. I lost my Daddy when I was 18. He has been gone since 1973- almost 34 years ago. Loosing a parent is never easy, but I really felt cheated that I lost my Daddy when I was so young. I wish my husband, my children, my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, could have known Pat Melton. He was a unique individual. He was quiet, and very smart. He could fix anything. He loved us- a lot. He was a good provider, and he cared for our Mother. While not a man of many words, when Daddy said something, it was usually something worth hearing. Daddy was a hard worker- spending many years as a coal miner. Daddy was very sick from the time I was 14. He had a lung removed the year I was in eighth grade, followed by radiation, and other procedures. For a short time, we thought he might overcome the cancer, and then it came back in his throat. I don’t guess any sickness is a good one, but this was a particularly ugly way to die. I graduated from high school at the end of May in 1973. Daddy was in his last days at that time. He would ask me every week how many more days until graduation- I did not realize that he was using that as a goal to live to- I know now that he felt that seeing me finish high school would mean that he was not leaving a child behind. I understand that mentality now that I have had my own children. There comes a point when you feel that they are no longer your dependents and your role changes. Daddy died on June 29th at the age of 66. Today, 66 seems almost “middle-aged”, and too young to die. But, then again, we don’t choose our time, our place, or our method, do we? I feel sorry for people that do not have good parents- I had 2, and I am thankful they loved, provided and cared for me and Patsy and Charles. Thank you Pat Melton, for loving me.

Cheating at the Nursing Home!

As a teacher, we are trained to look for signs of cheating. I will admit that cheating is no longer what it used to be. With the new technology, students have so many ways of cheating. I read an article the other day from a high school teacher. He now has to have a different test for each of his sections of classes (I think he was a math teacher) because the kids are making pictures of the test on their cell phones and sending it to their friends in other sections. Technology has certainly changed cheating. But, that is not what my Blog is about today- I am going to tell you a story about cheating in the nursing home, of all places.
The other day I took MaMa to visit PaPa at the nursing home. He was SOUND asleep, and I could not even get him to wake up. I left MaMa sitting on the sofa in the T.V. room with PaPa and I walked across and sat in the dining area. The physical therapist came in (I believe that was her position) to visit one of the other residents. This gentleman is almost stooped over double, and he shuffles in baby steps when he walks. Anyway, the therapist gave the man a piece of wood that had nuts and bolts in holes. She told him that she wanted to see how many of the bolts he could remove from the piece of wood. She then left him, telling him that she would be back in a few minutes. The little old man waited until she had cleared the doorway, got up, shuffled across the floor to an elderly lady in a wheelchair, handed her the board, waited until she had removed the bolts, and then took it and shuffled back to his chair, smiling all the way. Do you think I was going to tell on him???? No way- I actually thought that he was pretty smart for an Alzheimer’s patient! Nursing home humor, you got to have it to survive.

The Wedding of the Century

Okay, I know my multitudes of readers are anxiously awaiting my post on the wedding of the year- or should I say CENTURY??? Anyway, the wedding was- let me say, an event. The funny thing to me is that it was treated just like the wedding of two twenty-five year olds- all the traditions were in place (except I don’t think there was a garter- or at least I hope there wasn’t!). Aunt Marie would not allow Paul to see her on the wedding day. Aunt Marie was giddy- and Paul, well, Paul was in love. We all liked Paul. He is a very nice man. His family seemed to be very nice, as well. They certainly turned out to support him. Many of his relatives drove in from New York, as well as some of his co-workers. The church was packed- at least 200 in attendance. I was drafted to be a “bridesmaid” because someone got sick. It was an experience. I proudly walked the aisle, something I haven’t done in decades. The photographer told every one to smile, while he was taking pictures- that he wanted to see teeth- of course I could not resist and blurted out- “You mean dentures?” The reception was lovely, with a delicious cake. It is just too hard to tell the whole story on a blog- it would take something like a book, I think. Oh yes, Paul took Aunt Marie 4-wheeler riding on Wednesday before the wedding. She said they went all up and down the trails at his son’s house. I asked if she wore a helmet- she said, “No, but I needed one!”

Big Black Dog Syndrome

At the first of October, when I moved back into this building, I changed my route to work. I had been going through Bush Hills to get to the Lincoln building, but now that we are back at Wilkerson, I get off on the Arkadelphia Road exit. The first morning that I came back, when I pulled up to the light at the exit, sitting to my left side on the grassy medium, was this really cute, big, black dog. He (it looks like a "He") had curly hair, almost like dread locks, and huge eyes- I said, and yes, I said this out loud in the car by myself- "You better find you somewhere else to go little doggie, because if you stay in this place, you will be dead by afternoon." That was 5 months ago- guess what, "Arky", as I refer to him, is still happily living on the green grass at the Arkadelphia Road exit. I can hardly believe it when he is there every morning. He has stolen my heart, along with the hearts of many kind people. He is fed every morning by at least a dozen or more kind people (and, yes, I add to that on occasion). When I pull up to the light I take inventory on his food. Some mornings he has bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits from McDonald's, some mornings he has traditional dog food, lovingly placed in a pan. One Monday he had the left-overs from a wedding, or funeral- not certain as there was no cake. Needless to say, Arky has gained about 25 pounds since I have been watching him. I am not certain if he would come to you or not- and I have discussed "rescuing" him, but his fate at my house would certainly not include biscuits and gravy from McDonald's. People that take the Arkadelphia route to work have learned to watch for cars pulling over to feed Arky. You know, I guess TEARS would come get him, but his little doggie life would not be as happy. I fear that one morning I will pull up and Arky will be gone, or worse yet, dead in the road. Watching him has been one of the highlights of my drive to work. So, if you are ever bored, take a trip to the Arkadelphia Road exit and check on Arky. He will make you smile.

P.S.- The title of the post came while I was searching for a picture of a big black dog (I could not find one that had hair like Arky). Did you know that big, black dogs are the least likely to be adopted from a shelter- interesting.

Happy Birthday, Patsy and Welcome Baby Maddox

Tomorrow is my sister's birthday. I won't tell you how old she is, but she was born in 1942. She is almost 12 years older than me. My sister married at the old age of 18, meaning that I can't even remember life at home with my sister. All that aside, I can't imagine life without my sister. I guess the reason I am saying this is because this week we found out that Brian and Tina Maddox are going to have a baby! Needless to say, this was a surprise to all of us. Tina has kept the "secret" for 17 weeks, due to the fact that she has had some on again and off again problems. The doctor seems to think everything has settled- so we get to enjoy a brief for us, but long for Tina pregnancy. How does this tie in with Patsy? Well, Brian and Tina have 1 child, 13 year old Sydney. Baby Maddox and Syd are going to be separated by about 14 years. Will they be close?-well, Syd will find great joy in baby, and then Syd is going to do all of the grown-up stuff, and baby will probably be a nuisance. Then Syd will grow up, and baby will grow up, and they will develop a bond that only siblings can know or understand. They may not share some of the things that children born closer together share, but that is okay. They will have a different relationship, one not formed in the sand box, but one formed in the heart. So to Patsy, Happy Birthday, Sister, and to Sydney, congratulations on baby Maddox. I pray that you will have the opportunity to share many happy moments.

The Big Wedding

For those wanting to catch up on the BIG family news-

Check it out-

http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2007/02/13/altavista/news/news12.txt

I Love My Job

I just thought that I would tell everyone that I love my job. I don’t like getting up, but I like my job. I don’t even mind the drive, because I get to listen to Rick and Bubba. Once I get to work, I like my job. I like my co-workers, I love the kids, I love the “new and improved” building, and I especially love the library. I have always liked my job (well, after year one), but in the past few years, especially since moving to my position as librarian, I love my job. Today I dealt with over 100 eighth graders working on projects. The questions never end. If I heard “Mrs. Courington” once, I heard it several hundred times- but, I still love my job. I love helping with research- I think working in a research library would be cool- but I could never leave my sweet middle school children. I have a job where no two days are ever the same. Some days are smooth, other rough- but, I love my job. How about you- do you love your job????

Girl-Boy- Girl or Boy??????

As most of you know, we are going to be blessed, Lord willing, with another grandchild. They just keep getting better as they come along. We hope and pray that all goes well with this pregnancy for Kim and the baby. Levi was an uneventful pregnancy, certainly compared to Addi. I don’t like to think about any part of that, except the beautiful outcome.
We are excited about the possibilities for this little one. I know his/her parents will do a great job raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I am thinking GIRL- just to break the cycle of girl-boy-boy. Kim thinks boy because I went girl-boy-boy. Josh has a girl, so we will see where their pattern goes! Of course Paul is from boy-girl-girl. His older sister has 1 boy, and the younger has girl-boy. My sister has girl-girl-girl, and my brother has girl-boy-boy. I am from girl-boy-girl, and David is from boy-boy. Charles and Genie are from such a tribe that I could not start to analyze that crew. So what do you think? Girl or boy? Of course healthy is all that matters, but it is fun to speculate!

Lectureship Week!

Tomorrow I will be going to the annual Freed Hardeman Lectures with David. The first full week in February is a week that I look forward to for several reasons (other than being off work). I love being around so many Christians. I love to hear the lectures. They are almost always enjoyable. I, for some strange reason, love to attend the Mission Forum. I enjoy hearing the missionaries tell about their work. There are so many good men willing to go to places that I can’t and won’t go to- I am thankful for them. I love seeing old friends, some from college days. I enjoy seeing how everyone has aged, and yet I have remained untouched by age (of course I am looking at them through bifocals!). I love being at Freed Hardeman University. A piece of my heart still lives on campus. There is just something about being there that makes me feel like I am in my 20’s all again. I love how familiar it feels, even after these 30 years since I graduated. I love the memories- walking hand in hand with David across the campus. While things have changed to some degree, many things remain the same. I love seeing all the young people that are students. I think of their parents, and the sacrifices many are making to provide them with a Christian education. This year will be a little different for me. For the past 9 years we have had one (or two) of our children at Freed. Lectureship week always meant getting to see them as students, with their friends, going to class, attending chapel with them- all things that I did at the same place. I will miss looking for one of them to come into chapel and to share the snug little seat beside me. I hope that one day I will get to sit with Addi, Levi, and Hannah in chapel at a Christian university. I want to be there to share that moment with them, just as I did with their parents. Hey- I will only be 66 or so when Addi starts college! I think I can make that. Pray for us as we travel.

The Saga of the Unwanted Library Shelves

I haven’t had much to write about lately, so I thought I would share the saga of the shelves. As most of you know, I am in a wonderful new library facility. I have EVERYTHING I need, and almost everything I could WANT! Now has is that for an inner-city school? My book collection is probably my only weak link- and I have just spent a hunk of federal money to update that, so in a few months those thousands of dollars of new books will grace the shelves (although not the shelves referred to in this blog). Who would have thought that the most talked about, debated over, discussed, and touched item would be an empty book shelve. Let me try to give you guys some background- I have 6 sets of floor shelves- too many for the size of the library, and too many for the collection size. When I first began to unpack, it was obvious that I not only had too many shelves, but that they had been placed on the floor willy-nilly (no set amount of space between them). Let me preface this by saying, that even empty, my piano-moving self could not move these shelves. Then I also realized that the shelves were not placed up to handicap code- too close does not give access for wheelchairs. Okay- I thought I would contact the director of Media Services, my dear friend, Sadie. Sadie, who is quite a mover and shaker, came, looked, and also realized that the shelves needed to go. That is where the fun began. I cannot begin to relate all the fun it has been trying to get these shelves out of here. The Paris Peace Talks were certainly less complicated. There have been at least 15 groups of people come and look at the shelves, scratch their heads, and say something like- “We will see what we can do”. Since it has been over 3 months, I had pretty much decided to live with the shelves, until the handicap issue becomes a problem (we do not, at the present time, have any students or faculty in wheelchairs- but we have in the past, and I am certain that we will in the future). While the shelves are bare- they do serve as a prop for book displays- but I really would like for someone to adopt them. This week, 2 men, who gave the appearance of being the founding fathers of 2 men and a truck (they were pretty old guys) showed up to move the shelves. I was so happy. As they began to make preparation to move the shelves, I asked where they were moving them? They looked at one another, and then looked at me, and the younger of the two (about 65) said- “We were going to put them out in the hall.” Now keep in mind- these shelves weigh a ton and are about 10 feet long! I said, “No way. They have to go somewhere besides here,” to which I received a blank stare. So, the 2 men scratched their heads once again, and disappeared. I wonder how many more people will come to check on my shelves this year? I think I will start keeping count.

Three Simple Words

The other night, after I had gone to bed, the telephone rang. David was in the living room watching television, and I was half-watching the television in the bedroom. I muted my television to hear David answer the telephone. I can always tell by the tone of his voice whether or not the call signals a problem, a simple conversation, or some church issue. Once I determine that no one is injured, bleeding, or dead, I usually hit the mute button and continue my television watching (just so you will know I do not eaves drop!). I soon realized that it was Daniel calling to ask his Dad about a dishwasher problem. I started to drift back off to sleep when I heard the 3 words that Kim, Josh, or Daniel say to us in every conversation, or the 3 that David or I say- “I love you”. I know they are simple words- but they mean so much. I am so proud of my children. I am proud that they tell us they love us, and I know they mean it. Useless words are just that- useless. Now I have Addi and Levi to say, “I love you”, and soon Hannah will follow. I could not be more blessed. David always tells me he loves me, and I never tire of hearing it. Have you told someone you love them, today?

Does anyone else see the irony in this picture?

Daniel and Mandi bought David and me tickets to the Jim Brickman concert last night for our Christmas and birthday gifts. Mandi had a reflux flair up, so Josh went in her place. The concert was wonderful, and I truly enjoyed it, as did David, Daniel and Josh. I could not help but to note the $22.00 mixed drinks that were in so many people's hands. It was a rather upper crust crowd to some extent. The irony- Brickman was playing O Holy Night, Silent Night, and other traditional religious Christmas songs. A glass of alcohol in one hand, and O Holy Night in the heart. Something seems amiss with the picture.

Happy Anniversary, David

Today marks our 30th wedding anniversary. Time has a way of moving by, and it seems unreal that we have been married 30 years. The day we married was headlined as the “Coldest Day of the Century”- but my heart and my feelings for my sweet husband were certainly warm. No, things have not always been perfect, and yes, we have had moments when we did not see eye to eye, but, in reality, it has been a truly wonderful and exciting time. I awoke to a wonderful card this morning- one not created by Hallmark, but by David. I did not get poetry, but I did get wonderful sentiments that I knew were from his heart. When I told people at work that today was my anniversary, most asked, “How long?” When I replied, “30 years” the reaction by many was- “To the same man!” How sad that this world does not think you can remain loyal and true to just one person for a lifetime. I hope that God grants us many more years to enjoy one another. I love you, David.

In Memory of Lila Mae

Many people have touched my life through the years, but Bill and Lila Mae Hand have to rank very close to the top. When David and I moved to Maytown to begin our work with the congregation there, we were the ripe old age of 23. Looking back, we were so young. Bill, who was one of the elders, and Lila Mae, took us into their lives just as if though we belonged to them. There was never a time that we called on them, that they were not there. Bill always had the right tool that David needed to borrow, and Lila Mae always had eggs and sugar. But our relationship was truly more than tools, eggs, and sugar- they were our support system. As our children arrived, all 3, there was never a birthday or Christmas that there was not a gift from the Hands. I think Lila Mae must have bought more Christmas presents than the Queen of England. She never forgot anyone. She always told others that they had "raised us", and I guess they did.
This morning when I received the call that she had passed, my heart was so sad. I cried like I have not cried in a long time. Although Lila Mae's health had been poor the past years, her spirit remained optimistic. She was such an encouragement. Her Christian light was so bright- at home, at church, and in the neighborhood. I have taken a lot of kidding because I always insist that when we prepare food for a funeral, that we prepare as if though an army was coming- I had good training. Lila Mae would not have dared to fix a small bowl of anything- everything she did was big-big bowls and big love. So, while my heart is sad, I am so thankful that her suffering is over. I am thankful that one day I will see her and Bill again. I am thankful that they loved David, me, and our children. As I helped Billy pack up the hospital room, I opened her cosmetic bag and there amidst the Vitamin E Oil, the Raleigh Salve, and her lipsticks, was a picture of Addi, Levi, and Hannah. She loved them, too, and I am sad that they will never know her. I am certain that if Heaven has a kitchen, that there is a new "Head Cook". I think I smell the cinnamon rolls, even now. Lila Mae, I love you.

URLY GURD

My beautiful,wonderful, and intelligent granddaughter, Addi, turned 4 today. There are no words that could be penned that would tell anyone how much she means to me. She makes my life, “Urly Gurd” as she would say- translated- “Really Good”. I know that eventually all of her words will be correctly spoken, but I am not really all that eager for that day to come. She can say “Youses” so sweet- as in- “Will youses turn on some tartoons in youses room?” Gramps is no longer “Namps” and I am no longer “Anna”, but Granna. Addison Rae Kelsey- I love you!
Granna