On my way home from running several errands I stopped at the Country Store for some homegrown vegetables yesterday. As I was shucking corn Qavah asked me where we were going next. I told her in a very quiet voice that we were going right home because I needed to use the bathroom. She replied in a very loud voice, "Well, don't pee pee in your panties Mommy!" Oh my! I looked up quickly to see who was around and it was just as I feared. There were snickers and giggles coming from all around. But someone did look me in the eye to say, "She's adorable!"
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
More Joy for Qavah
* Our comment system is now fixed!*
The relaxer is at work and Qavah has dreams of long flowing hair.
The hairdresser had this whole process finished within an hour and Qavah was very patient.
Qavah has been smiling like Miss America with her new "do" and has thanked me at least a dozen times for taking her to Penney's.
Qavah has a brand new reason to smile. She just got a new hairdo. We went to the JC Penney Salon and had her hair straightened. I am now able to run a comb through her hair which is something she hasn't experienced before. When I comb her hair she relaxes into it with happy sighs. Today I rolled the car window down while moving in traffic and I heard a sudden burst of laughter from Qavah. I looked into the rear view mirror and discovered the reason. She had her eyes closed and said, "I can feel the wind blowing my hair, Mommy!" I could tell by her expression that she was enjoying the feeling. She has also been running to and fro. I asked her why and she said, "Because I can feel my hair bounce when I run!" It's the little things, right girls?
The before picture:
The before picture:
The relaxer is at work and Qavah has dreams of long flowing hair.
The hairdresser had this whole process finished within an hour and Qavah was very patient.
Qavah has been smiling like Miss America with her new "do" and has thanked me at least a dozen times for taking her to Penney's.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
This Fine Day
We took the family up to visit Granddaddy and Grandmom in Fishersville to celebrate the Fourth of July. Our seven passenger van was stuffed with diaper bags and baby gear. The little children got to hear the happy music that their uncles started playing. And at one point they all just started dancing. Their little faces were so happy as they listened to the music and bobbed up and down to the rhythm. We had the traditional American cuisine for lunch which included hot dogs, baked beans, and coleslaw.
It is a special day for us when we can be together enjoying holidays. There is something comforting about belonging to a family that prays when we meet together, and a family that pulls out musical instruments to play music that sets toes to tapping. We were blessed to have a heaping helping of the freedoms that are our in America.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Uploading Scripture for Days Like This
As I wrote yesterday's post I debated about whether to quote scripture in detail, but decided that I had written enough to get the point across. However, today as I reflect on a particular verse I want to record it. "And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job's life more than his beginning." (Job 42:12) I recall reading it many years ago and thinking, "Well, that's a happy ending!" But lately I've been asking myself, "What would Job say was the greatest blessing?"
Job had celebrated his early life with a house full of happy children but they were swept away in a day. All his property was taken or destroyed. His health and friendships were stripped from him. And as he spoke to God about the meaning of it all, he came to terms with the fact that God is God. He acknowledged the authority of God over his circumstances. And in the later chapters of Job, God and Job were speaking to each other. There was a friendship. There was dialogue. There was a reverence and a respect that was mutual.
I wonder if the blessing in the latter part of Job's life was not that his wealth and family were restored, but that Job knew his God. He knew his Creator stayed with him through all of his trials. Job said to the Lord, "I know that you can do anything and no one can stop you. You ask who it is who has foolishly denied your providence. It is I." (Job 42:1-3). I want that kind of dialogue with God. I want to honestly kneel before Him and accept the plan He has for me.
This morning Paul Burton came to the back door clutching his chest. He came in, sat down at the table and said, "Mom, call an ambulance." His color was white and hands were blue. He was cold to the touch. He was taken to the emergency room and by the end of the day was diagnosed with esophageal spasm. It feels very much like a heart attack, but it was not. As I waited for the ambulance to arrive I stood over Paul Burton in the kitchen praying, "Lord, whatever you have planned for this day, give us grace." I was talking to the Lord just like Job had done. I found myself able to talk to the Lord as though I could see Him sitting at the table across from Paul Burton. This is how God is blessing the latter part of my life; I have accepted His Presence, providence, and gift of peace.
We are grateful tonight that the "attack" Paul Burton experienced was not serious. But several years ago he told me that if he were to die, he knew with certainty that he would be going to Heaven. He believes that Jesus was sent to the earth for the remission of the sin that separated him from God. He has received the free gift of forgiveness and grace by Christ's death on the cross, so that even in death we know we will be together again to celebrate the peace of Heaven and the joys that await for all those who believe. What better way for children to bless the latter part of their parents' lives than to tell them, "If anything happens to me, you will know that I am with God."
I would like to thank our friends and family who knew of the situation and prayed for Paul Burton today. He is resting comfortably tonight.
Job had celebrated his early life with a house full of happy children but they were swept away in a day. All his property was taken or destroyed. His health and friendships were stripped from him. And as he spoke to God about the meaning of it all, he came to terms with the fact that God is God. He acknowledged the authority of God over his circumstances. And in the later chapters of Job, God and Job were speaking to each other. There was a friendship. There was dialogue. There was a reverence and a respect that was mutual.
I wonder if the blessing in the latter part of Job's life was not that his wealth and family were restored, but that Job knew his God. He knew his Creator stayed with him through all of his trials. Job said to the Lord, "I know that you can do anything and no one can stop you. You ask who it is who has foolishly denied your providence. It is I." (Job 42:1-3). I want that kind of dialogue with God. I want to honestly kneel before Him and accept the plan He has for me.
This morning Paul Burton came to the back door clutching his chest. He came in, sat down at the table and said, "Mom, call an ambulance." His color was white and hands were blue. He was cold to the touch. He was taken to the emergency room and by the end of the day was diagnosed with esophageal spasm. It feels very much like a heart attack, but it was not. As I waited for the ambulance to arrive I stood over Paul Burton in the kitchen praying, "Lord, whatever you have planned for this day, give us grace." I was talking to the Lord just like Job had done. I found myself able to talk to the Lord as though I could see Him sitting at the table across from Paul Burton. This is how God is blessing the latter part of my life; I have accepted His Presence, providence, and gift of peace.
We are grateful tonight that the "attack" Paul Burton experienced was not serious. But several years ago he told me that if he were to die, he knew with certainty that he would be going to Heaven. He believes that Jesus was sent to the earth for the remission of the sin that separated him from God. He has received the free gift of forgiveness and grace by Christ's death on the cross, so that even in death we know we will be together again to celebrate the peace of Heaven and the joys that await for all those who believe. What better way for children to bless the latter part of their parents' lives than to tell them, "If anything happens to me, you will know that I am with God."
I would like to thank our friends and family who knew of the situation and prayed for Paul Burton today. He is resting comfortably tonight.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Upgrades
Our family is in the midst of upgrading computer systems and software, therefore I haven't been on the computer for a few days. Kathryn has managed most of the upgrades for us. She has been transfering files and downloading software while Paul and I have been creating new office space and taking care of other things around the house.
In this time of reprieve from the girls' physical trials, I'm upgrading my home. I have cleaned closets, washed windows, made window treatments, and attended to unfinished projects that I started over two years ago. My "to do" list has several things crossed off of it after this past weekend. And as I was attending to all the things that have had to wait, I was considering how much fun it is to do the simplest things. I have enjoyed every moment I've had to create and remodel. It's my way of celebrating the "normal" days. A completed project gives me something tangible to look at as a remembrance that there are days of rest from our trials. I love observing the girls when they are having good days, and that was certainly true this past weekend. Their smiles and contentment are also a reminder that God is strong and able to do exceeding beyond what we ask.
Finally, I just started a new Bible study and feel as though my very soul is being upgraded. I'm "uploading" scripture for my heart to ponder, and "filing" new data into my heart for the days to come. I believe there are going to be times ahead of us that will require more of us; more faith, more patience, and more perseverance. And I'd like to head into those times with a clean house, a working computer, and a heart full of courage.
In this time of reprieve from the girls' physical trials, I'm upgrading my home. I have cleaned closets, washed windows, made window treatments, and attended to unfinished projects that I started over two years ago. My "to do" list has several things crossed off of it after this past weekend. And as I was attending to all the things that have had to wait, I was considering how much fun it is to do the simplest things. I have enjoyed every moment I've had to create and remodel. It's my way of celebrating the "normal" days. A completed project gives me something tangible to look at as a remembrance that there are days of rest from our trials. I love observing the girls when they are having good days, and that was certainly true this past weekend. Their smiles and contentment are also a reminder that God is strong and able to do exceeding beyond what we ask.
Finally, I just started a new Bible study and feel as though my very soul is being upgraded. I'm "uploading" scripture for my heart to ponder, and "filing" new data into my heart for the days to come. I believe there are going to be times ahead of us that will require more of us; more faith, more patience, and more perseverance. And I'd like to head into those times with a clean house, a working computer, and a heart full of courage.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Days are Just Packed
As with Calvin and Hobbs, the days are just packed with adventures around here. We've had parties, house guests, projects, and more. The days that Kathryn feels good are increasing. Qavah is also doing well. So this is the time for celebrations and getting things accomplished. It has been fun for Qavah to have Nehemiah and Annelise visit this week as well. All the children like to spend time on the swings and when naptime rolls around they all fall asleep very quickly.
Today I have been researching and calling hospitals around the Country looking for more information about bone marrow transplants. I am getting packets of Qavah's records ready to send out to Seattle, New York, and Minnesota, in the hopes that someone will take an interest in Qavah's case. St. Jude's turned us down because Qavah's condition is so unlike the blood disorders and cancers they normally see. However, they did give us some leads on other transplant facilities.
We have been praying about a bone marrow transplant which is something some of her doctors wanted us to think about from the beginning. That is a huge step, and one that requires faith. We know that God has a wonderful plan for Qavah. Now we are looking for every possible means to give her the best medical help. Please join us in praying for the doors to open if a bone marrow transplant will indeed put her disease at rest. We also pray that if that time comes we will all have the faith to walk through those doors.
Today I have been researching and calling hospitals around the Country looking for more information about bone marrow transplants. I am getting packets of Qavah's records ready to send out to Seattle, New York, and Minnesota, in the hopes that someone will take an interest in Qavah's case. St. Jude's turned us down because Qavah's condition is so unlike the blood disorders and cancers they normally see. However, they did give us some leads on other transplant facilities.
We have been praying about a bone marrow transplant which is something some of her doctors wanted us to think about from the beginning. That is a huge step, and one that requires faith. We know that God has a wonderful plan for Qavah. Now we are looking for every possible means to give her the best medical help. Please join us in praying for the doors to open if a bone marrow transplant will indeed put her disease at rest. We also pray that if that time comes we will all have the faith to walk through those doors.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Weekend Celebration
The girls have both been feeling well. That is cause for celebration right there! But we are also celebrating Father's Day, my birthday, and Nehemiah's birthday all in one weekend. The sweetness of celebrating these events with the family has made for a joyful weekend.
After dinner last night there were birthday presents to open. I opened one gift to find I had a pedicure and manicure scheduled first thing this morning. Then I opened a gift certificate for one of my favorite antique stores so Paul and I went "antiquing" this afternoon. After an evening walk with my friend Linda I am settling in for the night feeling very blessed. This has been a very special day from beginning to end. I am now another year older. I find that with age comes wisdom and I wouldn't want to give up all I have learned by turning the clock backwards. So this year I plan to view wrinkles and graying hair with more acceptance. I plan to laugh more.
One night last week I emptied out my blue jean pockets before getting ready for bed. I had several dollar bills stuffed in one pocket; change from the grocery store that I had forgotten to put into my purse. So I left the money there until morning. The next morning while showering I heard Qavah fly into the bathroom shouting, "Look Mommy! Look what the tooth fairy left on your dresser!" She was holding a fistful of dollars in awe of what she thought the tooth fairy left for me. While contemplating the acceptance of gray hair and wrinkles I sincerely hope that I will keep my teeth for as long as I need them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
