Crazier than a Pet Coon
Vera Carmichael. Although there was no mention of her on Google, she is forever in my mind leaving wonderful memories. Vera AKA Grandma Carmichael passed away this morning at 3am. She outlived her beloved by 12 years. I have so many wonderful memories of her. We used to go to her house for a surprise visit. And even though we'd call just moments before showing up, somehow she would have a feast ready for us for dinner. She'd make sure there were enough chairs for everyone, and if there weren't we, kids were delighted to dine on the kitchen floor. Then Grandma would move from her ordinary post at the head of the table and she'd fix herself upon a barstool as she watched and I am sure enjoyed everyone eating. I always wondered if she ate. But one night (it was one of those special occasions when we stayed the night) I got out of her bed to find her sitting yet again at her ordinary post at the head of the table watching her little black and white tv with rabbit ears, eating her PB&J.
It was a very fun time when we stayed the night there. I don't know why I got to sleep in her room, but I always enjoyed her silly stories and the first time I heard a Whippoorwill. At least that's how I remember. She'd mimic the birds call almost identical to the bird. I'd giggle and she'd tell me to stay quiet as she quietly giggled, also.
I've been sharing stories all day with my friends, family, and husband. Stories of our Christmas Eves when she'd put up her ever so shiny Christmas tree and crouch at the base handing out at least 50 or so gifts. All by name, all personally picked out by her specifically for that one child. Even if we all got dolls, she would make sure they were different colors. She'd hand them out to the youngest first, then delight in watching us open them. It was always the most precious doll, not because it was any different than any other doll we had back home, but because she convinced us that she had put careful thought into those gifts... those many many gifts!
I shared the story of the day we visited shortly after my mother's birthday. Grandma looked over at the calendar then surprisingly declared that my mom had just had her birthday. She probably didn't know that without looking at the calendar, but my goodness, she had so many to remember. However, it did not stop her from jumping up (from her ordinary post at the head of the table ) and running into her always stocked "Walmart" room. She returned with a gift just for mom. A toenail polish dryer. It was hilariously great!
I told about her large stash of National Enquirer. Did she really believe that woman claiming to have birthed 12 alien babies at once?
I laughed at the memory of our family trick or treating at her house one Halloween. Mom tried to trick her, trying to see if she could recognize her in spite of her Elvira costume. It didn't take long before Grandma yells out RONDA ELAINE!!!
There are so many stories I could share about this woman, but my favorite that I will never allow myself to forget was when Grandpa was dieing in the hospital. He turned to her and asked "Vera, I was a good husband, wasn't I?" Grandma didn't need to answer, she leaned over him and laid a wonderfully romantic LONG kiss on him. It was quite a long kiss... one that answered the question precisely. Although I was saddened by the news of her passing, I couldn't help but close my eyes and picture her meeting Jesus, and reuniting with Grandpa, where in my romantic imagination, she grabbed him kissed with longing passionate kiss of all kisses!
Jesus, welcome her, dance with her, enjoy her!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
You Betcha!
I'm not sure where I've heard that phrase (You Betcha) recently. I know my NaNa says it sometimes, but its been awhile since we've heard her say that. But then I remembered that there is a Veggie Tales song that says "Ya Sure, Ya Betcha" (Funky Polka). And so that must be where he got it.
Today Zech woke up from his nap screaming and crying complaining of an itch he had. As Dave investigated, he noticed he was covered in hives. We took all his clothes off to find it was covering over 90% of his body. As Dave looked for Calimine Lotion, I called his doctor. Of course, the doctors had left and I was instructed to take him directly to the Walk In clinic that was attached to the ER just in case the Emergency care was needed. So we dressed him again, and packed the bag and left. He was occupied with the Veggie Tales on the way there so there was a bit less scratching and a lot less screaming.
I prayed that it wasn't worse than I thought, that God would continue to help him not to scratch and that there would be no wait. We got there, there was NO one in the waiting room. We checked in, walked back to triage and checked in. He got a "flashlight" on his finger to take his pulse. The nurse tried to get his temperature by putting the theremometer under his TONGUE (Hello! He's two) But he was a trooper, and she finally took it under his arm. She asked him can you keep your arm down? He says "You betcha!" Then we get to the exam room, the nurse comes in and asks the same questions. His response "You betcha". The Doctor comes in says "Can I listen to your heart?" "You betcha", he states! "can I look in your ears?" He proudly turns his head and says "You betcha!" Zech asks the doctor if he wanted any Teddy Grahams. The doctor declines. At every word Zech speaks, the doctor laughs. He explains that there could be a food allergy, or topical allergy, or it could be a result of the Upper Respritory Infection (which he refered to as URI for about 10 min until I stopped him and asked what the heck the University of Rhode Island had to do with his hives!--URI). So he gave us a prescription for Prednizone to use just in case the benedryl didn't work. So far the benedryl is working. The doctor had to ask Zech just one more question before he left. He asked "Will you take some medicine for Mommy?" Guess what Zech's response was? You betcha, it was YOU BETCHA. the doc leaves laughing. Then about 5 minutes later another nurse comes in saying that Zech is the talk of the floor, and that she had to meet him. She asks him some silly questions to hear his silly response "You betcha!"
He got to go to the store and get some cookies for being such a wonderful young man in the ER. The staff says he behaved better than most adults behave.
The hives seem to be gone, and he's been in a great mood all night. Strong Willed kids can be a wonderful delight as well... (that blog later!)
I'm not sure where I've heard that phrase (You Betcha) recently. I know my NaNa says it sometimes, but its been awhile since we've heard her say that. But then I remembered that there is a Veggie Tales song that says "Ya Sure, Ya Betcha" (Funky Polka). And so that must be where he got it.
Today Zech woke up from his nap screaming and crying complaining of an itch he had. As Dave investigated, he noticed he was covered in hives. We took all his clothes off to find it was covering over 90% of his body. As Dave looked for Calimine Lotion, I called his doctor. Of course, the doctors had left and I was instructed to take him directly to the Walk In clinic that was attached to the ER just in case the Emergency care was needed. So we dressed him again, and packed the bag and left. He was occupied with the Veggie Tales on the way there so there was a bit less scratching and a lot less screaming.
I prayed that it wasn't worse than I thought, that God would continue to help him not to scratch and that there would be no wait. We got there, there was NO one in the waiting room. We checked in, walked back to triage and checked in. He got a "flashlight" on his finger to take his pulse. The nurse tried to get his temperature by putting the theremometer under his TONGUE (Hello! He's two) But he was a trooper, and she finally took it under his arm. She asked him can you keep your arm down? He says "You betcha!" Then we get to the exam room, the nurse comes in and asks the same questions. His response "You betcha". The Doctor comes in says "Can I listen to your heart?" "You betcha", he states! "can I look in your ears?" He proudly turns his head and says "You betcha!" Zech asks the doctor if he wanted any Teddy Grahams. The doctor declines. At every word Zech speaks, the doctor laughs. He explains that there could be a food allergy, or topical allergy, or it could be a result of the Upper Respritory Infection (which he refered to as URI for about 10 min until I stopped him and asked what the heck the University of Rhode Island had to do with his hives!--URI). So he gave us a prescription for Prednizone to use just in case the benedryl didn't work. So far the benedryl is working. The doctor had to ask Zech just one more question before he left. He asked "Will you take some medicine for Mommy?" Guess what Zech's response was? You betcha, it was YOU BETCHA. the doc leaves laughing. Then about 5 minutes later another nurse comes in saying that Zech is the talk of the floor, and that she had to meet him. She asks him some silly questions to hear his silly response "You betcha!"
He got to go to the store and get some cookies for being such a wonderful young man in the ER. The staff says he behaved better than most adults behave.
The hives seem to be gone, and he's been in a great mood all night. Strong Willed kids can be a wonderful delight as well... (that blog later!)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Our Pumpkin Day
Last Saturday, we went to a local pumpkin patch (well, picked pumpkins) and spent an hour or so just being a family. I figured it wasn't even October yet, so I didn't stress over the perfect pictures... to best tell of our trip here is a slideshow... read the captions for the story...
Our Pumpkin Adventure
AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!
I am stewing...
Sometimes I let my heart get away from me. I am great at remembering in my mind all that I've learned (well, most of it) And I can rationalize many things, and remind myself of the TRUTH, but today, I think my heart has some catching up to do.
I have never regretted moving here, and will never. I am so very thankful to be around family and to have met such wonderful friends, and have a town that is so kid friendly to raise my family in. I am so blessed. However, we are a ministry family. And ministry is hard. With Children's Ministry I can blame their parents. I can be frustrated that the parents are not looking at what is best for their children and they are keeping them from coming to any and all events I plan even if its against the best wishes of the child. I can understand the child's unbelief, their constant questions, and their inability to listen to long passages of scripture. However, tonight I found myself convincing my heart what my mind knows and has encouraged Dave with. My heart is tired. I am tired of listening to the sinful escapades these teens brag about. I am tired of hearing "Well, I am not going to believe in that, I don't like what the Word says about that" Do they really think that by not believing, or not liking it that it just doesn't apply to them? And the answer is YES! They actually do. They believe that they get to make up their beliefs, that if you can't see demons, they must not exist. They believe they can take what they want from the Bible and spit the rest in Jesus' face.
I remember once in our ministry grieving over their sin, and their disbelief. I remember pouring my heart out to God begging that they grasp the life He had for them so they could partake in His glorious blessings. Tonight, I was mad. I was so frustrated. I yelled at (well, in a very professional, nicer tone than it sounds) one of the girls. She states how she hates everyone at her school because they are all haters (sounds pretty thought out huh?) And that she was going to start a White Supremacy group (she didn't say supremacy, but that's what she meant... again, not well thought out). I stopped her and asked, "Are you a Christain?" (this girl claims that she grew up in church her entire life, complains about it being pushed down her throat, not realizing she's in our family and that Dave knows how she grew up... again, not thinking!) I reminded her that you can't serve hatred and love. Either you Love God and all the things that come with it (righteousness) or you decide that you are not a christian and stop claiming to be one.
So, instead of joining the bogus discussions (that go on in between the godly points Dave tries to make) I sat on the couch and tried not to chime in (they were in the kitchen).
I hear statement/questions like
"If I date a non-Christian isn't it his sin, not mine?"
"God can't expect (get this... she's telling God what he CAN and CAN'T DO!!!)... God can't expect us to be able to control our thoughts"
"I won't believe in demons unless one stands in front of me" (OH, Be careful!)
"I can't tell someone that they should believe in Jesus, its their choice"
And here's my favorite (NOT REALLY)...
"Since you can't be a Christian and be racist, I guess I am just prejudice"
ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Like I said, as I rant and rave here... I will get to better things, just bear with me... I was tired.
none of these things were ever remotely related to the actual planned topic of discussion for the night, and nothing really was able to be answered since as soon as Dave would begin to speak, they would interrupt with yet another idiotic question.
So, I revealed to Dave what God already knows. My heart needs passion for them again. I need to grieve their sin again. I need to realize we made a commitment not just to the pastor and board of this church, we committed to wherever God would send us, we'd do HIS work. We are called to "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2). That is where my responsibility starts and stops. We preach the Word, the truth of God (whether they like it, or believe it or not). We prepare at all times reading God's word, praying God's will, then we correct (whether they take it or not), rebuke (even if it ticks em off), and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction. Which is where my heart needs to come back. The rest is up to them.
I need to see their situation and turn my frustration into urgent pray. Praying that they can find true love in Jesus Christ. Focusing on Him first and foremost, allowing all other things to fall into place (including that CHRISTIAN guy to date.) Praying that they will control their thoughts in righteous obedience resulting in a habit of taking every thought captive. Praying that regardless if they believe in demons or are wondering, that they be prepared with the knowledge of their word to combat any attack that comes their way. Praying that they will speak boldly the Word of God bring others to a place where they can hear God's voice and prompting to join in His family. And praying that with their genuine love for Christ, they will in turn love those around them regardless of color, sex, or age.
I tucked my babies in bed tonight with an urgent prayer that they realize God's mighty plan for their lives (Mighty as in that perfect will God has for each of us). And that they run towards righteousness. Hating what is evil, clinging to what is good. God is Good!!!
Sometimes I let my heart get away from me. I am great at remembering in my mind all that I've learned (well, most of it) And I can rationalize many things, and remind myself of the TRUTH, but today, I think my heart has some catching up to do.
I have never regretted moving here, and will never. I am so very thankful to be around family and to have met such wonderful friends, and have a town that is so kid friendly to raise my family in. I am so blessed. However, we are a ministry family. And ministry is hard. With Children's Ministry I can blame their parents. I can be frustrated that the parents are not looking at what is best for their children and they are keeping them from coming to any and all events I plan even if its against the best wishes of the child. I can understand the child's unbelief, their constant questions, and their inability to listen to long passages of scripture. However, tonight I found myself convincing my heart what my mind knows and has encouraged Dave with. My heart is tired. I am tired of listening to the sinful escapades these teens brag about. I am tired of hearing "Well, I am not going to believe in that, I don't like what the Word says about that" Do they really think that by not believing, or not liking it that it just doesn't apply to them? And the answer is YES! They actually do. They believe that they get to make up their beliefs, that if you can't see demons, they must not exist. They believe they can take what they want from the Bible and spit the rest in Jesus' face.
I remember once in our ministry grieving over their sin, and their disbelief. I remember pouring my heart out to God begging that they grasp the life He had for them so they could partake in His glorious blessings. Tonight, I was mad. I was so frustrated. I yelled at (well, in a very professional, nicer tone than it sounds) one of the girls. She states how she hates everyone at her school because they are all haters (sounds pretty thought out huh?) And that she was going to start a White Supremacy group (she didn't say supremacy, but that's what she meant... again, not well thought out). I stopped her and asked, "Are you a Christain?" (this girl claims that she grew up in church her entire life, complains about it being pushed down her throat, not realizing she's in our family and that Dave knows how she grew up... again, not thinking!) I reminded her that you can't serve hatred and love. Either you Love God and all the things that come with it (righteousness) or you decide that you are not a christian and stop claiming to be one.
So, instead of joining the bogus discussions (that go on in between the godly points Dave tries to make) I sat on the couch and tried not to chime in (they were in the kitchen).
I hear statement/questions like
"If I date a non-Christian isn't it his sin, not mine?"
"God can't expect (get this... she's telling God what he CAN and CAN'T DO!!!)... God can't expect us to be able to control our thoughts"
"I won't believe in demons unless one stands in front of me" (OH, Be careful!)
"I can't tell someone that they should believe in Jesus, its their choice"
And here's my favorite (NOT REALLY)...
"Since you can't be a Christian and be racist, I guess I am just prejudice"
ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Like I said, as I rant and rave here... I will get to better things, just bear with me... I was tired.
none of these things were ever remotely related to the actual planned topic of discussion for the night, and nothing really was able to be answered since as soon as Dave would begin to speak, they would interrupt with yet another idiotic question.
So, I revealed to Dave what God already knows. My heart needs passion for them again. I need to grieve their sin again. I need to realize we made a commitment not just to the pastor and board of this church, we committed to wherever God would send us, we'd do HIS work. We are called to "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2). That is where my responsibility starts and stops. We preach the Word, the truth of God (whether they like it, or believe it or not). We prepare at all times reading God's word, praying God's will, then we correct (whether they take it or not), rebuke (even if it ticks em off), and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction. Which is where my heart needs to come back. The rest is up to them.
I need to see their situation and turn my frustration into urgent pray. Praying that they can find true love in Jesus Christ. Focusing on Him first and foremost, allowing all other things to fall into place (including that CHRISTIAN guy to date.) Praying that they will control their thoughts in righteous obedience resulting in a habit of taking every thought captive. Praying that regardless if they believe in demons or are wondering, that they be prepared with the knowledge of their word to combat any attack that comes their way. Praying that they will speak boldly the Word of God bring others to a place where they can hear God's voice and prompting to join in His family. And praying that with their genuine love for Christ, they will in turn love those around them regardless of color, sex, or age.
I tucked my babies in bed tonight with an urgent prayer that they realize God's mighty plan for their lives (Mighty as in that perfect will God has for each of us). And that they run towards righteousness. Hating what is evil, clinging to what is good. God is Good!!!
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