Grandparents Rock

Today, my Aunt and Uncle are becoming grandparents for the first time.  I can only imagine their excitement!  I have had the pleasure of knowing all of my Grandparents as an adult.  Knowing your grandparents is one thing.  Being able to experience who they are at an age when you can truly appreciate them is another story entirely. Were I to truly give them justice in this post you would all fall from exhaustion and never read my blog again.  Plus, while he has never dared say so, I know Andy Jones already thinks my posts are too long. 

My maternal grandfather called me the other day to inform me of his progress on a game I sent him a few weeks ago.  That man is sharp as a tack and loves puzzles.  Rush Hour is not to be trifled with and he completed all 40 cards.  I still remember him trying to teach me how to play chess.  He showed no mercy and success was not found in winning but rather in playing long enough he had to stretch his legs when the game was over.  I was rarely successful.  His sweet, playful, fun loving wife is a true treasure.  I can always anticipate her grabbing me by the arms and saying, "Sing to me Leah!  Sing to me!"  She doesn't care what is going on or if strangers may or may not be present.  She isn't particular about genre or the song I choose to burst forth in singing as long as she's there to hear it. This dear lady reads through the Bible every year. 

While my paternal grandfather is no longer living in this world his lineage is very much in tact.  My Papa and his brothers are constantly solving problems and continuing to discuss their outcome even though much time has passed and they are separated by many miles.  I was reminded of one of  this family's long standing traditions as I made a list of projects in anticipation of Papa's visit last month.  My Memaw is the one who married the ring leader and raised the rest.  She uses long gone phrases such as "He's not long enough in the britches" to describe a child and "all told" when gathering information.  It warms my heart each time she ends our conversations with, "Love you big!"  Last Christmas I started a wonderfully long, never ending project for this dear lady  who just keeps on keeping on despite many physical ailments.  The most annoying is Macular degeneration which has left her legally blind.  "Stealing" and reading through some of my Grandfather's old letters left me broken hearted that she could no longer do the same and spurred me into action.  Most of you have already heard my "interview" with Dick Gordon's "The Story" but just in case you haven't the last 5 minutes of this episode tells how I gave back my Grandmother's sight for little slices of time. 

Congratulations Aunt Bud and Uncle Bob!  You guys are going to absolutely ROCK this grandparent thing!  Love you both!

Perspective

I used to think the movie "UP" had a sweet story line and the ending made me cry. Other than that it didn't make much sense and therefore it was my least favorite movie of the Pixar genre.  Then I got a dog.  Now I TOTALLY get it.  I used to see dogs walking down the road and sure...I'd avoid hitting them but not without a huff and being a bit annoyed.  Now I grip the wheel with one hand, honk the horn with the other and mentally plan for action in case the pooch runs out in front of me.  It reminds me of how my Grandfather never tipped a waitress until his granddaughter waited tables. 

Last week my youngest brought home a letter informing us that he had been chosen to be tested for the gifted program at school.  When my older two were described as "gifted" or "smart" I would beam with pride.  With this youngest treasure I nearly broke down in tears. My mind slipped back in time when my sister in law suggested having his hearing checked.  She has multiple master's degrees in Special Ed and I knew she wouldn't make such a suggestion without first having much concern.  I then pictured in my mind's eye various State of North Carolina employees coming to our house twice a week in order to help Danny Mac catch up to himself.  The large 3 1/2 year old who talked non stop could not communicate.  Even I had to guess most of the time what the frustrated toddler was trying to tell me.  It took two years of Speech and Developmental Therapy but you'd never know it now.  No matter what happens after the testing is complete the fact he was chosen to be tested is HUGE!

For almost the entire month of January I was a coughing, fatigued mess.  After two urgent care visits and as many rounds of antibiotics my icky virus would just have to run it's course.  Usually a burning sore throat for weeks on end and a lack of energy that rivaled the 9th month of pregnancy would produce many sympathy seeking complaints.  Instead I was thankful to be home with my peeps and have medication that eased my suffering.  Mostly I was comforted with the prognosis of returning to my full state of health. Lest you think these positive reactions were due to a state of maturity they were not.

 Not far from me my crazy, hilarious, very sweet brother in law George was watching his big sister prepare to leave her earthly home and enter into the presence of her Savior.  I know George and his tight knit family enough to confidently assume even in much grief God's great goodness was evident.  I have no doubt the Spirit's mercy flowed through all Catrina Christoper's friends and family as the days slowly eased by.  The knowledge of these goings on turned my illness into a blessing.  I loved my children more fiercely, hugged my husband more tightly and praised the Master Healer more fervently. 

Perspective...

Love November!

I love November 1st.  Sure the multi colored leaves are pretty and my love for hot beverages makes more sense in cold weather.  What makes November 1st such a great day?  364 days until next Halloween.  It's not that this year wasn't fun...it was a blast.  Our new neighborhood goes crazy all out with fire pits, fried desserts and blow up castles.  My kids were delirious with anticipation and enjoyed themselves immensely but this holiday always stresses me out.


The stress started when my daughter was a baby and we had no idea how to handle Halloween.  Each year we oscillated the spectrum from not dressing up but still handing out candy to throwing a Reformation Day party with friends.  If I ever had the realization that I have no clue how to parent my kids it was experiencing the contrast between this year and every year previous.  This year I demanded that my 14 year old go trick or treating.  She was a bit insecure about asking to go with her new friends and I insisted she ask to join them or come with us.  Kick that bird right out of the nest.

I'm sure we will walk the neighborhood again next year and end up with pounds of candy that will either get eaten in one fair swoop or be doled out in mind numbing monotony.  However, until then I won't have to think about costumes or candy or my children running around dodging headlights.

Parenting 101...you have no idea what the heck you're doing. Happy Holidays!!!!!

Community

  One of the greatest aspects of the deep south is a sense of community that is ingrained in the hearts of it's people.  It's impossible to meet a stranger.  The inhabitants living south of the south won't allow it.  I like to run around a little track located at the Baptist church close to our house.  It's short and I have to run around it 8 times to meet my 3 mile goal.  In the past, I didn't like crossing paths with other people on my running route.  It's a tricky business...do you say hello, wave a finger, try to think of something clever to say, act like you are lost in endorphins and you don't have time or energy to waste on another human being?  I don't have to debate with my inner self on this little patch of GA.

The two retired farmers who walk every morning have deemed me "War Eagle".  One always wears his UGA hat and the other dons a crimson A.  You can imagine how I acquired my nickname.  We have developed a rapport that consists of momentary "good mornings" and carefully formulated quips.  They're delightful.  I'm often tempted to slow my pace and walk along side them to hear about their gardens and tractors and all they plan on accomplishing during the hours before sundown.  Yesterday, I came across an older lady walking her very large dog.  It was obvious the pooch wanted to travel a bit faster than her "pet".  She asked if I would mind holding the leash as I ran so the pretty pup could be accommodated.  Derma the dog was sweet and stayed right by my side.  Remarkable!  The owner felt comfortable requesting that I run with Derma because she knew that regardless of my feelings, my response would be kind. Had I not wanted to hold a leash or if I was afraid of dogs I would have found a way to compliment her and her canine and refuse her request all in one happy notion. 

My favorite experience on the track involves a dozen cherub faces.  During the summer months I would run just about the time the preschoolers would come out for a walk.  They would be instructed to step to the side of the track and let me pass.  That didn't stop them from giving me high fives and hellos.  Some would even sneak in a little jog beside me.  It was quite delightful.  Now I run a bit earlier after dropping my kids off at school so I usually miss the preschoolers.  One day last week I was late and finished my run just as they were coming out to walk.  Two or three of them recognized me right away and ran towards me!  All of a sudden the entire preschool class was at my feet wanting a big sweaty hug.  It was truly a magical moment.

The culture of this region makes it difficult to develop and maintain true openness even amongst believers. I have often found this frustrating.  Those who know me best know how I fight for continued honesty as I interact with others...especially those close to me.  However, the sense of community found in these hills on the Tennessee Georgia border is steeped in the tradition of politeness and general respect of others.  Most days, I find it refreshing.  

Long Awaited Day

We have survived the longest summer known to man.  After dropping all three chicks into their respective new worlds I was filled with pride in each one of them.  Watching God remove most of their familiarity and fill their lives with new systems and relationships has been nothing short of remarkable.  They are all extremely extroverted so we know it would be easier for them than some kids but they have surpassed our expectations.

Emma has had the most difficult time adjusting.  To be fair it has seemed uncanny how few kids we have come across in her age group.  I'm so thankful for her very sweet friends Winston and Caroline for being a constant source of laughter and companionship from afar.  A wonderful reprieve came when we found an affordable tumbling class that could help her prep for cheer leading tryouts.  FINALLY, she was with girls her own age from her high school with similar interests.  After one class the coach suggested she join the Intermediate class rather than stay with the Advanced class.  She had a choice.  She could hang with the girls her own age and pretend to have the same abilities they have or tumble with the younger crowd and develop the skills necessary to tumble in her age group.  Pretend to be good or ignore how you are perceived in order to actually get better.  She has worked very hard and made great strides with the Intermediate class and is still working her way up to her age group.  I don't know that I've ever been prouder.  She has also joined the stunting class where she puts her safety in the hands of girls who all know each other very well to perform stunts she is just learning to perform.  My daughter is such a special young lady. 

Eliot has jumped into Middle School football with both feet.  He is one of the smaller guys on the team but always wants to get there early and pours his being into running fast and not getting pummeled.  He runs in the middle of the pack which isn't bad considering half of them are 8th graders.  It's amazing how he fits football practice and air-soft guns into his eating schedule. 

Daniel is just happy to be involved.  As he continues to stretch beyond our imagination his goal to keep up with big brother is increasingly more and more attainable.   Recently the doctor informed us that one day he will look down at us all from a height of 6 feet 2 inches.  For a family of vertically challenged individuals this is hard to fathom.  This morning we pulled up to his school to find the parking lot filled with parents parking their cars and walking in with their elementary students.  My kid INSISTED that I drop him off.  He assured me that he remembered where his classroom was and could make it just fine on his own.  Burned into my memory is a snapshot of him just before entering the building as he turned around to reassure me with a wave and a blown kiss.

God continues to faithfully bless the Jones family.

Long awaited baseball post...

Finally right?  I know you guys have been waiting on pins and needles.  The short story is Braves lost 4-1 but Danny Mac and I had a blast.  The long story is as follows...

The little man and I were so excited to head to the Ted.  We tried to leave early enough to catch some BP and maybe get an autograph.  To hear Daniel talk he was going to march down to the fence where J-Hey and Uggla would pop out of the dugout and say, "Hey Danny Mac, let me sign that t-shirt!"  After fighting traffic and bad weather we arrived at Turner Field just in time for the rain delay.  While the grounds crew worked on the field we bought a t-shirt, took a turn in the batting cage, and made a pit stop.  Daniel was mortified that I made him use the ladies restroom but in this crazy world I was not willing to let him enter a public restroom alone.  I was curious which type of "bathroom" we were needing to use so I peeked under the stall door.  I was resisting the urge to try and talk Daniel through lining the toilet seat with toilet paper to avoid sharing a potty with all of Atlanta when I was greeted with a surprise.  Not only was my boy placing his bare cheeks on a public potty but he had promptly removed his shoes before doing so.  Why I ask...WHY!  I stayed silent and pondered just how many public restrooms have been walked in barefooted by Daniel.

As we headed to our seats Homer, Braves mascot, was walking along the fence signing autographs.  Not getting a player's autograph was disappointing but Homer is the next best thing.  We made it to our seats just in time for the rally girls to walk around with the t-shirt gun.  They blasted one a mile above us and it fell right at Daniel's feet.  As you can see he was ecstatic!

Despite the rally cap Braves couldn't pull it off.  Daniel kept telling me, "Mama, it's not about winning. It's about having fun."  Oh how I wish I could believe that.

So sad the Braves lost but we had a magical night regardless.  I absolutely love baseball and I love even more sharing it with my boys.  Wednesday night, it's LT's turn...hoping for a WIN!

There's a Mountain Behind the Clouds

Our wonderful summer has continued to roll along.  Andy's family joined us for a 7th Birthday celebration and then my Dad, Stepmom and beautiful Memaw joined us for Independence Day.  It's such fun spending time with family.  Early July found most of us at two different beaches.  Emma joined the Peace Sr. Highers at Laguna Beach for RYM while Grammy hosted the boys and I in Orange Beach.  Fun was had by all!

As soon as we returned to our new home it was time for Emma's Freshman Orientation.  The first day I had papers to drop off so I was able to go inside with her and make sure she found where she was supposed to land.  The second day however, I had to sit in the van and watch as the building swallowed her whole.  My daughter being an independent extrovert who loves adventure made the week exciting and packed with potential.  Emma has a soft heart for awkward outsiders and had two specific circumstances to show how God loves the unlovable.  There is nothing like the privilege of seeing God's goodness seeping through the lives of your children.  We are prayerfully attempting to get Emma enrolled into the Honor's Program at her High School.  If she isn't able to make it this year she can enter next year but we would really like her to be accepted immediately.  God knows His plan for her and we are resting in His sovereignty.

We've also had tons of fun with friends.  The so very special Peterson crew (sans Jared and AK) came to visit!  Such fun to soak them up and share with them our new home.  We ventured down into the very deep caves of Lookout Mountain and saw a beautiful waterfall.  One of us freaked out a little and almost had to claw her way back to the surface PRONTO but the kids did just fine.  Beth and I were able to get away for a quiet dinner and a long walk over the TN river.  How I miss this dear friend.  I felt like I was drawing a deep breath of fresh air after hours in a dark humid cave.

We have had two opportunities to spend quality time with neighbors this week.  We are finding our neighborhood has a sweet sense of community and we're looking forward to digging deeper.  Moving is always a lonely time but especially when you move during the summer.  I was praying during my morning run about our new life and trying to release any sense of discouragement.  As I headed back home I glanced toward Lookout Mountain only to find it hiding behind big puffy clouds.  I realized our new life is like that mountain.  We can barely see it due to all the clouds but it's there.  We see glimpses here and there and we've seen it before.  One day we'll look up and we'll see it all again.