"Say Cheese"

Sandy tagged me to "say cheese"! What does this mean?? Well you take a picture of yourself as is today (or have someone take it for you like I did), post it, tell 5 things about what we "see", and tag 4 other people to do the same. Here I am!! I really love my sister or I would never do this:) I do think this is the third time she has tagged me in something....so I am going to take the "out" next time.



1. This picture was taken by Mercedez. She did a great job:)

2. I am wearing a turtleneck ..I really hate them...but it is cold outside and my non-turtle shirt for this sweater is not clean. Note that I am not whining, crying or throwing a fit. I am wearing this because I need something on my body. C'est la vie.

3. You might be able to see my kids in the background? They are waiting for me to take this picture so we can go to Mary, Isabella and Victoria's basketball game. BTW, they are now waiting on me to type this so we can go to Michael, Ryan and Daniels ball game.

4. You can see my piano which I love, its a gift from Scott's parents nearly twenty years ago! Our friend Preston plays it (and repairs it) more than anyone else. I love listening to his talented playing! I think you might be able to see mailboxes. I forgot what was in the picture! I blogged a few year ago about the combination of the piano and mailboxes here. They still remain butted together, both still very functional.

5. You can see the cord to the projector screen(above my head) which we will be watching the Super Bowl on tomorrow night (If my John can get the wiring figured out...I LOVE you John!!). The youth group is joining us and we are really excited:)

Now, I tag ( I am so very sorry) Gretchen, Jen, Cathy and Sandi.

Basketball Homecoming

Joseph is our basketball player. Joseph has played ball all four years of High School. He escorted two Senior girls tonight in the Homecoming Ceremony. I am very proud of Joseph and his dedication to the sport. I think it has been a very strong positive in his life!

Homecoming races

Doug and Will were representing the Senior class today at the Spirit Races. They had practiced:) A lot! They had a cool running roll down to transition to the next person. They were really great. I just wish my camera did a better job on the sports mode in low light. I still think you can get the idea......

The Senior Class DID win the Spirit Week!

Thankful for Friday

I am so glad this morning is Friday. My thankfulness could be in part because of my conversation with Seth, our first grader, this morning:

Setting: Seth snuggling with Daddy in a warm toasty bed.

Mom: Seth here are your clothes, jump up and lets get ready for school.

Seth: Not going.

Mom: Not a choice.

Seth? Still snuggling.

Mom: If you go to school today I will not make you go tomorrow.

He looks ups, the thought is a little appealing, but snuggles back in to bed.

Mom: Okay, if you get up and go to school today? You will not have to go to school for the next TWO days.

Seth(from under covers): Three??

Mom: Nope, two is my final offer.

Seth smiles, climbing out from under the mountain of blankets to get dress.

Both parties satisfied...lol...mom VERY thankful today is Friday and thankful that Seth has no idea!

Negotiation. I love it. I have never minded working out a problem. School is not a problem, but getting out of bed sure is for some of mine. The part i love most about negotiation is the fact that it does require TWO parties to be communicating. I can work on just about anything if I have the other person (seemingly always a child of mind...wonder why?) talking with me.

I do not like being a Drill Sargent. I do not like barking out orders that my children KNOW. Drill Sargent's enjoy that. I do not. I get highly frustrated when I have a child (why do teenagers keep popping up??) that fails to communicate and then has a problem with "rules". Or worst, they have a problem with the fact that I breathe and I notice if they're breathing. That is pretty terrible sounding. But to live it? To have someone offended that you even care?

My perspective is so broad. I realize I have a houseful of unique people. I know that. Perhaps why I don't mind negotiating. I realize each one needs different thing. Incentives, rewards, praise, hugs, even a smile or thumbs up. I can do that. I can. I can't with a child who refuses to communicate.

I still live strongly in the "MAKE it great" world. The good things in our lives are intentional. We choose everyday and those choices reflect in our lives. We each have the power to make it great.

Seth left this morning, bless his heart, having chosen to make it great. He didn't have to get up, but he chose. I would have jumped in with the Drill Sargent thing and he would have gone, yet the power of choice? It's just one of the most outstanding parts of life!

That said: MAKE IT GREAT!

A long way

I have come a long way in my parenting. In the picture above Chelsea (who obviously was not a great weeder..lol) was an only child. So sweet and easy she made me want more. In truth, it seems that each child made me feel that way....until my tough guys.

The last 4 weeks have been really hard for Scott and I. We have really struggled with hard decisions regarding Zack. This morning I sat with Zack and his therapist and had to tell him that coming home was not an option. It was our belief that TN Care would stop payment on Monday. Paying $5500 a month is really not something we can do to continue placement without insurance. Our choices have narrowed greatly. Zack's behaviors and IQ seriously compromise the chances of finding another residential setting. We have really prayed....REALLY PRAYED. This afternoon the therapist called to say we were given another 4 weeks to get placement taken care of....what a blessing!!

For those who know me? They know I am not a terribly emotional person. But the last few weeks have been awful. My mental well-being has stumbled. I have gone through all the motions: graduations, surgery for Jacob, caring for my family, EU, teaching Bible class, etc. But with such a heavy heart. I cannot talk about the situation without crying.

I am asking for prayers. Prayers that God will continue to open doors, that we are able to find an appropriate treatment setting for Zack. We all need all our children, Zackery included, to be safe.

Puppies

Our "puppies" are really growing. John came in from playing with Bronte' yesterday and laughed at how big our baby was getting. Bronte' bear hugged John (and John is no peep squeak).

On a side note we are having a tough time keeping Trinity at home. She got out of the backyard and we lost her while Jacob and I were in Nashville. Scott and I both (we though rightly) accused the little kids of leaving the gate open. When we called they had her at the pound. Scott went up to see if it was her. When the attendant opened the door the the holding area? Guess who had opened her cage and was running around? Yep, Miss Trinity. Or perhaps we should rename her Houdini? Apologies and laughter followed the telling of the the pound visit. Goofy puppy! Our silly pair are not even one yet!

ARMY

Last night Scott and I sat with an Army recruiter. Caleb is really pretty firm in his decision. It is a good opportunity for Caleb:) With less than 4 months to go to graduations he needs to be making plans for his future.

Joy

I am not sure this picture did very well. Part of a bigger picture I am not so hot at cropping and keeping them looking good. Although...it is joy for sure!

I Heart Faces: JOY

What a neat website! I Heart Faces is just for pictures of faces! Check it out! It’s a contest. You have to post a picture that you have never posted before, and this week they have a theme, JOY!

Tony Blair

While at the hospital Friday Scott's dad gave me a couple of articles to read. One was the speech Tony Blair gave at Yale's Class Day 2008. It is a wonderful speech and I would urge you to read it. I sat in the Doctors office today reading it aloud to my John. John is one keen guy. Quick and savvy he enjoyed it as much as I. We stopped and talked about it. I love that part of parenting teenagers. I love the engrossing conversations and debates.

I liked the whole of the speech, yet as I talk to my teens about growing up and growing up with character, this was a particularly strong point of the speech for me:

Yale has become a melting pot of culture, language and civilisation. You are the global generation. So be global citizens.

Each new generation finds the world they enter. But they fashion the world they leave. So: what do you inherit and what do you pass on?

The history of humankind is marked by great events but written by great people.

People like you.

Given Yale's record of achievement, perhaps by you.

So to you as individuals, what wisdom, if any, have I learnt?

First, in fact, keep learning. Always be alive to the possibilities of the next experience, of thinking, doing and being.

When Buddha was asked, near the end of his life, to describe his secret, he answered bluntly: "I'm awake".

So be awake.

Understand conventional wisdom, but be prepared to change it.

Feel as well as analyse; use your instinct alongside your reason. Calculate too much and you will miscalculate.

Be prepared to fail as well as to succeed, and realise it is failure not success that defines character.

I spent years trying to be a politician failing at every attempt and nearly gave up. I know you're thinking: I should have.

Sir Paul McCartney reminded me that the first record company the Beatles approached rejected them as a band no-one would want to listen to.

Be good to people on your way up because you never know if you will meet them again on your way down.

Judge someone by how they treat those below them not those above them.

Be a firm friend not a fair-weather friend. It is your friendships, including those friends you made here at Yale, at this time, that sustain and enrich the human spirit.
John and I talked a while today. He has strep and has been home all day. I showed him this video:



Of course you cannot see this without being touched. But to watch it following the talk about human spirit and the future by Tony Blair? John and I talked about the clear concise choices about faith in God. This family uses the word "opportunity" over and over....in the midst of a horrible trial? They use it for God and His glory!

Jesus drew a line in the sand and we talked a long time about drawing those lines BEFORE trails struck. KNOWING you will always honor God, be thankful in ALL things, and praise Him!! I feel that little Abby Riggs parents drew that line. They know that our God is a God of 100% and yet yield to God's will. I think those lines in the sand apply to ALL of life. KNOW who and whose you are....STAND firm.

In this world of trails and so much sadness?? There is so much to be thankful for!!

Thank you Hannah (and parents!)

Scott's sister Julie brought this fun furniture all the way from Atlanta to share with us! Hannah got a new set and her old set is now in my guest room (awaiting further placement). It is SO cute! Thank you-Thank you!

Pajama Day

Jacob is certainly confidant. Confidant enough to wear his onesie pajamas to school:) That takes some guts....even if it IS pajama day! 6 feet of onesie is a sight to behold...lol:)

25 Random things about me:

25 random things about me....

1. I was a Political Science major and wanted to be a Lawyer...I got a little bit side tracked:)

2.I do like chocolate candy but really do not like chocolate cake (it is my least favorite right after red velvet).

3. I have 19 nieces and nephews:)

4. I (almost) NEVER do these things (unless Sandy tags me).

5. I had a mullet in high school and college. I thought it looked good...lol:)

6. I have congenital scoliosis.

7. I have the best friends in the world. For example, tonight they brought us dinner (since Jacob just got home from the hospital).We are eating, chili, vegetable soup, potato soup, sandwiches and yummy deserts all courtesy of my great friends!

8. I love reading! I just finished the book "Letters for Jordan" by Dana Canedy. Before that I read "A Box of Delights" by J. John and Mark Stribbe.

9. My favorite movies are Last of the Mohican's, pride and Prejudice, Emma, Princess Bride, the original Yours Mine and Ours (with Lucille Ball), and Sleeping Beauty (my favorite childhood movie....I loved it before it was a movie and only a book!),

10. I would like to someday take a photography class, I love taking pictures.

11. I honestly do have the best mother and father in law in the world:)

12. I am a big follower of NieNie and Abby Riggs blogs. I pray for them daily.

13. I go out to eat with my husband once night a week (and in case of emergency he goes and picks us up something special and we eat together late).

14. I have enough boys for one whole football team or two basketball teams, a whole baseball team and maybe even a hockey team:)

15. I also have enough girls to give the boys a run for their money in each of those sports:)

16. I have a passport. I've been blessed to be able to travel and actually use it:)

17. I have never broken a bone.

18. I am really good at triaging an emergency. I get very sick as soon as the Dr steps in (but no one knows that....lol...well, they didn't).

19.I have been married(22 years) longer than I was unmarried(20 years).

20. I just found facebook last Fall and I love that I have reconnected with old friends and keep up with current ones.

21. I moved alot as a child (my dad was in the paper industry) and I lived in Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky all before 6th grade. I left Kentucky and moved to Tennessee for college and have lived here ever since. Which equates to about 24 years.

22. I worked for the Christie Cookie Company in college.

23. I have a day timer and use it:) Next to my Bible it is my most essential book.

24. I don't drink coffee, or have any terrible vices..... except...... I am addicted to Coke. The real thing only please.

25. While many people think I am busy now...... I can remember a time, while we were fostering, when i was at my personal busiest. 12 years ago I had birth children 5,6,7, and 9. We were fostering and we had babies 3 months, 3 months, 7 months, 18 months and 18 months. I might have "only" had 9 children but that was my busiest time as a mom.

My guys;)

Tonight the youth led in worship. Caleb read scripture, John and Doug both lead singing. What a rewarding time. I know that our lives as Christian is not about earthly rewards. But I also know that sometimes we get big rewards anyway. Tonight, watching my boys I was really blessed. John looked over and smiled as he led "How do you explain" and you know what? I just cannot explain the love I have for that boy!! All three boys! The youth talked about our story. My boys all have sweet stories (but very not without tough times....they're real). God has been very good to them. It was a very good night:)

Hotel for Dogs

I took my littles to see this movie this afternoon. I loved it:) My kids loved it:) We cried (I do mean "we" literally...as in we all). Following my blog about adoption I was surprised to sit down in a theater to see a movie about just that. I had no idea. I had read the write up and the word "guardian" was used. The children were actually in foster care. Poor foster care at that. It was a movie about acceptance ...hummm... imagine that! It ended in a happily ever after that had us all smiling. (I sure do love happily ever afters!)

Be Nice!

This evening Seth was asking Jacob about his surgery. I was glad my camera was close by as Jacob lifted his shirt to show Seth his 6 bandages: Two from his Nuss bar removal and four (although three very small and one in his belly button) from the Gall Bladder removal. Seth pulled out a flashlight and was giving them a close looking over. He immediately said, "There's some blood". There is and was blood under the bandages. Tahsa said, "That is so so gross!" Seth still looking at Jacob turned his head to Tasha and said,"Be nice!!". lol:) I think he though Tasha's comments would hurt Jacob's feelings. Jacob continues to be doing really really well.

John 8:7

I know I am not understood by many. I know my family is not understood. I am not trying to justify it...it is what it is....a loving family...the good the bad and the wonderful...aka life...abet a very full one!

But sometimes, I do get really frustrated at others opinions. I am a pretty opinionated person, yet age has brought with it a damper to my mouth. I would like to think I also have learned a whole lot about being a Christian. I try very hard to never be critical of others. I learned a very long time ago that God, in his infinite wisdom, created this whole world and then He packed it full of people who are unique. People who in His image, infinite in personalities and gifts. I realize there are people in this world who make profound impacts! I am not offended by them...I am in awe!

I cry as I watch the story of Brenden. To this world? His impact was incredible, even unbelievable, yet He did the "impossible", he fed the hungry and he fed our spirits. While his story is amazing, he had a support group of believers. People who helped him, people who loved him, people who understood his need to help others. Awe-inspiring!

CNN named Hero's here. These people have made true impact. They have changed the world around them. They have made a difference.

Most impacting of all? Read about the person who totally changed the world! Enough said...His love is infinite.


Yesterday I listened as one of my teenage boys told me about a lady in our community (a preachers wife) who talked about our family. I am a big girl. I can take criticism. I KNOW I am not perfect. But it has to be constructive criticism. I, like everyone else, do not like being talked about negatively. This woman? She talked about how terrible it was that I had adopted. Her reasoning? I was depriving my children, my adopted children and birth, of a "normal" life. What is a normal childhood? I am not even sure exactly what I am depriving them of?

First I was terribly mad. Not at the comment, the ignorance of it. My adopted children come from horrible childhoods. DUH! So in adopting them I have deprived them of what? Abuse, Neglect, Malnourishment...How truly terrible I am!! What was I thinking? Humm...Could be I wanted them to know love. I wanted them to be with their families....to have a full life. I wanted them to be able to grow in faith and to know God.

ALL of my children understand unconditional love. They understand what is TRULY important. When push comes to shove...I will never wonder if they "get it". They do. Many people, much like this preachers wife, need to have just a little bit of understanding......understanding of God's love, God's will, God's PLAN! I know God gave us, Scott and I, the blessings we have because HE planned. HE knew ...HE knows.

I guess I have deprived my children. I have taken away the hunger, the cold, the uncertainty. I have taken away the empty hearts. I have taken away all the bad I can. I will never be able to remove it all. We live on this earth. It will always be a place that cannot make promises. Everything on this earth is fleeting. All will waste away..... our bodies included.

But,Gods love is eternal. It is His love I have to remember in moments of frustration. HE loves us all. HE understands my heart. HE is with me, this crazy mom of 21 who strives to GIVE her children to Him. God knows that.

This teen wanted to "talk to" this woman. I sat him down. I explained that I was not offended. How can I be by ignorance? This woman, to my knowledge, has not adopted a single child and given them a "normal life". THAT speaks loudly to me. It reminds me of something Jesus said(John 8:7), "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone....". Even Jesus did not condemn, He had a heart of forgiveness and understanding. We will strive to be like Jesus.

Happy Birthday Doug!!!

Friday was Doug's 18th Birthday!! I seem to always say "I can't believe that he(or she) is that old!". Frankly, it always seems to apply! Doug is a wonderful young man. He is looking at options for college and I am very proud of his desire to make good choices:)

We celebrated this afternoon so everyone could be here:) Doug spent his money on an ipod and an adapter for his jeep.

Jacob's surgery

Jacob before surgery.


Jacob and Pa in the holding area.


Jacob after surgery. After subway, chips, and a Dr Pepper (all while texting). Doing very well!


The only issue with being in a children's hospital was the length of the bed for my 6 foot 1 in guy(they measure in class this week).


Chelsea and Jacob as we left the hospital this morning.


Jacob had his Nuss Bar (or pectus bar) removed, along with his Gall bladder, Friday at noon. We made it to the hospital around 9:00 am. Pa Bill came and spent the day with us(thank you Pa!!). Two really nice men from Scott's parents church came and visited with us, praying with us before Jacob's surgery. I love that! I cannot think of anything that meant more than them being there and supporting our family that way. What an example for Jacob. THIS is how Christianity should always be!

Jacob's doctor also let him keep his Nuss bar. Jacob was most interested in the price of titanium (that is my recycling guy thinking). Dr Morrow also took pictures of Jacob's gall bladder as they did the surgery and gave Jacob a CD with the picture. VERY nice! We love Dr Morrow!

We were also blessed to have a 7pm-7am RN who was going to the Nashville School of Preaching. He knew many wonderful men we knew and we really enjoyed him being there with Jacob. He went way beyond the expected. Once again showing Jacob (and Chelsea who came up to stay the night with us) a brilliant example of Christian behavior. We had several friends call and we were thankful for their thoughts and prayers. Janet and Gary both came by and stayed for a good while last night. Janet had had a long week flying to Ben's Graduation and she still made time to come by! She is a gem:)

Jacob did so well! He did not even take any pain meds until we were half way home and that was for his shoulder (not at all part of his surgery). I think perhaps it was put in a bad position during the bar removal. He took one Tylenol and one Advil. He has been doing great since. He is a very cool trooper!

Ben's Graduation

Seth Caleb and I, along with my sister-in-law Julie, drove to Lawton Oklahoma to Ben's Graduation at Fort Sill. We were able to be there for family day on Wednesday and spent the day with Ben. Thursday morning we went to his graduation. I am so very proud of him! He is such a good example of discipline, honor and respect. I love that!! I love Ben:)

Caleb was able to spent a lot of time talking with Ben. They were thick as thieves in their talks....or rather...."Army thick" as they talked about their futures.
Seth just loved watching Ben:) Great examples are just that....Great!

We made it home from Oklahoma at 12:01am Friday morning. Julie got up and headed back to Atlanta and we headed to Vanderbilt. I am so glad I was able to make the trip and be there with Ben! Also with my great sister-in-laws, Julie and Janet, and my loving mother-in-law Nancy! And my two guys Seth and Caleb:)

I have to add a very special thank you to my friend Gretchen who was my "sub" while I was away. She took children to school and picked them up, staying until Scott was home. She also took three children to the Doctor and had two home with her. She was an EXCELLENT friend! Thank you!!

SNOW

We had snow and accumulation! The kids were so excited. You can see the results of an "all night flurry" on my van. Needless to say, school was not called off.




Today was so so so cold!! John was up really early in the cold and off to his HOSA competition. John was in the unprepared speech competition. He placed third!! John will be moving on to the State competition in March. YEAH JOHN!!!

Doug was nominated for Student of the Year and the finalists will be chosen in the morning. He has worked on his resume this afternoon (he only found out he needed it today!). Doug will not be going with us to Ben's graduation:( If he is chosen in the morning he will be attending, along with Dad, the Chamber of Commerce dinner Thursday night! We would not make in back in time. GREAT honor DOUG!

Seth will be going with Caleb and I to Oklahoma, along with my sister-in-law Julie who is coming from Atlanta to ride along with us:) I am so excited, Julie and I never get to spend that kind of time together. We just might be caught up by the time we get back home:) Seth is getting to go because he made the highest grades in my elementary school bunch. It is a very big privilege to be allowed to go.

I will be gone for the next 3 (likely 4) days. Early Friday morning Jacob and I will leave for Vanderbilt and his surgery. His friend Jeremiah is going with us and we will be staying at least over-night.

The next few day will be full of fun and not so fun (in Jacob's case). I will be back and blogging sometimes this weekend.

Blessings to all:) To my children? Make it great!!

Love

"I must ask, how do you pass around the "love" to all your children? Mine are so demanding at bedtime. They all want to be read to and not necessarily all together, either."

I had someone ask me this question. It's such a common question and I hear it often. I have several approaches, several things I can say, there is a basic simple"Love IS, it isn't passed around" answer and a complex answer that explains the dynamics of our family. I find that for many...either answer doesn't satisfy. For some, they see that love in action. I do think seeing is believing, but even then some doubt. I believe in unconditional love. If a person doesn't understand that kind of love? I can't explain it. It;s lived!

My children do not just have a mom or dad to look to for all their love. We have a strong focus group, a team, a support group, more commonly known as a family. Within our family there are many ages, many personalities, many dreams, many gifts and many people to share with. I may walk through the living room to see Sarah and Victoria being silly. Doug playing a game with Ryan. John and Mercedez talking music. Daniel helping Chelsea put clothes away. Isabella and Samuel cleaning the kitchen. I think the thought behind not "passing love around" is the notion that I would have a child who is alone, lost, sad, unhappy. Well, frankly I WILL have a child who feels that way, but not because they feel unloved. Perhaps the opposite, because I DO love them there are rules and limitations to the freewill of children.

Scott and I are blessed to have the ability for me to be home. I wake children up, I feed them breakfast, I help them get ready for school, I drive then to school, I take them to appointments, I pick them up from school, I fix them a snack, I help with homework, I begin dinner, I read with them (an hour ever evening...and sometimes we read the same thing, most times everyone read separately or in pairs). I get them to bed. I am ever present. I am a constant. I speak to each child everyday. I make eye contact and truly converse. Sometimes over homework, sometimes over a pot in the kitchen, sometimes while doing a science project, sometime while washing dishes or in the laundry room....location is not important...connection is.

Scott is the next notch up when it comes to our teenage boys. He takes a spiritual lead always having some book or devotional for them to read. He talks to them about it. Scott has a puzzle table in the big boys living room (which their bedrooms open into, most of them). He sits there in the late evening(as they are settling down..lol..or not which is why he is there) doing his puzzle and talking. He is THERE for them. He will watch a ballgame in their living room with them, not always because he love the teams playing...but he loves the boys watching. Scott is so wonderful at waiting. He gives the boys opportunity to be great. I love that! But even more important? He holds them accountable. He has expectations for them. He is a great dad.

I have talked to people before about adoption. About incorporation. I can tell you that sharing the love is truly sharing my family. I have had children immediately forge a bond with a new sibling before me or Scott. It's sometimes easier for them to do that. It simply tells me if they can have a good bond with a sibling? They can forge one with me...when the time is right. I see those bonds strengthen every year. That's family.

There is no magic potion that spreads me and my love to my family. It's a God thing. God has never limited my ability to love. He has given me so many blessings. He loves my children and he loves me. I believe if my children understand that love they will have a very full life, one filled with love.

I know my limitations. I cannot be everything to everyone. I do not serve on the PTO, I do not coach a ball team, I do not belong to any organizations, I put first things first and guard them carefully. The things we do over-extend for? They are GOOD things....EU and other church activities. If there are exceptions? They have to be good ones. I am currently co-teaching a ladies class on Wednesday nights. Yes, it is time consuming, but it is good for my children to see that love and faith in me. It is good for them to see me study extra-hard. In the same context it is good for my children to see Scott and I taking time for each other. We go out to dinner once a week (as much as possible) and we take one trip away together each year. It is crazy trying to make plans for their care while we are gone. ALMOST to the point I had rather stay home...almost:) But, they need to see our commitment to each other. I think it only strengthens their understanding of our love for each other and for our family. If a mother and father are happy .....a family is happy.

I think it is easier to say this: I love my children. They know I do. Its very simplistic, yet Love will transcend all the worries and will strenghten the base of our relationships. Love alone is not enough, but the love shown as I give my life to my family? It is enough to prove intent. I intend to love my God and my husband and my children with all my heart until my dying day. THEN I intend to spend eternity loving them again!

Basketball Girls

My three elementary school girls had their first game tonight. The game ended in a tie:) They were all super excited!

Impact

One bad apple or one good apple. How does our lives impact others? Which are we?



Impact:

1. The striking of one body against another; collision. See Synonyms at collision.
2. The force or impetus transmitted by a collision.
3. The effect or impression of one thing on another: still gauging the impact of automation on the lives of factory workers.
4. The power of making a strong, immediate impression: a speech that lacked impact.

How do we ever gage the impact our life has on others? I do think in this world we can see the negative impact. A recession, an unfaithful spouse, a tanning bed (that is for my girls...lol...and boys),a drunk driver, an abusive parent, a bad attitude, and hate, to name a few. SO easily we can see the immediate impact (and the far reaching) of bad choices and sin.

How wonderful it would be if the impact of goodness was just as immediate and just as far reaching. Well, it IS. It does reach out to others, but goodness doesn't always scream in its passing. Why not? I believe the answer is simple. A negatively behaving children screams and all hear him. Yet a well-behaved child is quiet and respectful....you just do not hear good. UNLESS you are really listening.

It hasn't been to many years ago that I heard someone comment "It used to be that bad behavior stood out for all to see, but now? A well-behaved child is hard to find.And when you do they just shine". I think people look for those children. I sure do. I look for them so I can offer them praise. We all love to praise a well-behaved child! Sad to me is the thought that they are a rarity. I even read about it today in this post by CJane.

When Chelsea played basketball on the middle school team she was ridiculed a little. I didn't know about it until much later. I was told when Chelsea walked into the locker room a few of the girls called her "Preacher". They were making fun of her Christian faith. I questioned Chelsea, so worried about her self-esteem as a young Christian and as my sweet kind-hearted daughter. When I asked her she replied with, "They call me Preacher but I don't mind. Some of the girls cuss and say things that aren't nice. And yes they tell everyone I am coming when I enter the locker room." With a smile she finished, "But mom, they stop cussing and talking bad when I'm there." Impact! I know Chelsea was well liked. She was Student Council President while in Middle School. Chelsea lived her life like she talked it....positively. Impacting others in a good way. When Chelsea talked Scott and I into letting her home school after 9th grade I had a hard time talking the County Home School Coordinator at the school board into letting her stay home. Why? Because he was the Principal at the middle school when Chelsea was there and he wanted her in the school. He wanted her impacting others. We had to make a choice. Chelsea and her desires came first. I felt she had many more years to impact in different ways....and she has:)

Everyone impacts the world. I just want my family, my children, to impact it positively.

Attitude

I thought as I typed the name of this blogging, "I think I have used that title before?" But like many good things in this life it can be used many times!

This morning I was checking my email and later a few blogs I love when I came across this poem:

The Weaver
by Benjamine Malachi Franklin

My life is but a weaving,
between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.

Ofttimes he weaveth sorrow,
and I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper,
and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent,
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas,
and explain the reasons why.

The dark threads are as needful
in the skillful weaver's hand
As threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planned.

The blog? My friend of more than ten years, a friend I have never seen, a fellow adoptive momma, a wonderful lady who has so very much faith in God! Her blogs name? Faithful Promises

Cindy is the one who for nearly all the years I have known her had this quote under her signature on every email:

The Bible calls children blessings and debt a curse. Yet in our society we apply for curses and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture.
Doug Phillips (Vision Forum)

Cindy is battling cancer. She is so together... So in charge of her life.... so much a Christian! Attitude. It truly is gift from God, you give God your all and He will give you His all.....eternity! Such a good deal:)

A day of thanksgiving.

Sunday came following a late Saturday (early Sunday morning) bedtime. Waking brought a day of thanksgiving. I cooked for my kids at home and my guests, we had chocolate gravy, sausage and biscuits(pop tarts for non-biscuit eaters). My big boys all dressed and came home to eat too. We had a fun morning (the kids sure did) visiting and playing with our "girls". Above is said "girls":) One with just the Madison group and one with some of my little ones. I cannot tell you how great these girls are. I listened to a friend tell Chelsea at church this morning "my house is trashed!". Mine isn't. These girls leave everything as they found it....and in some cases (or rooms) better than they found it!




Carlton came home for the weekend. Scott picked him up Friday night and he was able to go to EU with the youth group. This afternoon Stuart took him back to the Ranch. He also dropped John off at work on their way out of town. I snapped this picture as the boys were headed out the door.

Today was such a wonderful day of worship! We had 1870 people worship with us today. The singing was beautiful!! It was indeed a wonderful day to worship! How very thankful I am to have such a wonderful Christian family! And today ALL the cousins were here:)

What a great day!

My feet hurt and I am satisfyingly tired....but what a great day! Up early this morning we had banana bread and blueberry muffins for breakfast. The fun part was visiting with ladies and girls, some new to my house and some not so new. It is always so much fun. The girls were off by 8:15. I began making cookies we were to have for dinner. We got tables out and put on table clothes. Scott picked up chairs for us:)

Stuart so sweetly drove me to the grocery for the billionth time to get last minutes things for tonight. Sarah so sweetly babysat too. We brought back chicken strips for lunch quickly changing to hear to Ryan, Daniel and Michael's basketball game. They had a great game.




Scott left the game with Michael. My dad had offered to take Michael hunting this afternoon. So Michael spent the afternoon and evening with Papa and Clara Ruth (who is recovering from foot surgery). After arriving home Scott grilled 100 hamburger and 100 hot dogs for our group tonight.

While grilling an acquaintance by phone and email, Mandy, came by to visit with me. She stirred brownies and washed dishes! We talked and had a nice time getting to know each other. She is an adoptive mommy and is in the middle of adopting baby number 2(which will make her child number 3). I always love talking about building our families. There is nothing more incredible than the hopes and dreams we have for our lives and then the sweetness of Gods will as our families grow before our eyes!

While Mandy was here my niece Katie and her friend Natalie came for a visit. It seemed all my visitors were working today:) Katie and Natalie helped with the condiments. (thank you girls!!)


My kiddos were all home before our visitors and quickly ate dinner so they could help! At 6:00 we had about 60 visitors (plus my 22 and Jacobs two friends), all together we fellowshipped and ate ....all 84 of us:)


The Madison group is ALWAYS so sweet to bring a gift for the whole family. It's so very easy to love this group of young people (and their leaders too).

Everyone is back at EU for the evening session. My dishes are washed, tables put away, floors swept,and kiddos watching Robin Hood. My little ones are anxiously await the return of their "girls".

All in all? It was a such a great day!