It is a joy to be in Abilene with my grandchildren. I am really loving watching them grow and change.
Each has his/her own personality and characteristics: Maddie is the artist, writer, soft-spoken (except when she screams), loves to read and is an excellent student.
Ella is our effervescent sprite with her own opinions. She is good at math, creative, helpful and loves to cook.
Sam just lost his first front tooth. He is a red-haired ball of fun who loves to run, play soccer and has lots of friends--I am told that on the schoolyard, kids gravitate toward him; he also loves to draw. And he is the sweetest, most obedient boy--I love that!
Thank you Lord for these days of watching!
Showing posts with label Sam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Remembering
Eighteen years ago last night just before midnight, a large group of people, Brandon and I were sitting on the fifth floor of Hendrick Memorial Hospital listening to the last breath of my huband Sam. He had fought a valiant 8year fight with prostate cancer, and it had won.
Although the mood was somber, we couldn't help but tell some Sam Thomas stories. Sam was a notorious prankster. After he became a principal, there was the story about his interview with a prospective, newly graduated teacher. Seems she had slipped her shoes off during the interview, and he had somehow manuevered to get them under his desk. When the interview was over, the woman realized she couldn't find her shoes. She was embarrased to ask, so just started walking toward the door barefoot, until Sam confessed and rescued her. She got the job.
His favorite thing to do was to put plastic bugs or snakes in the mail boxes of unsuspecting teachers (it didn't take long for them to catch on). The teachers could always look for candy in their mailboxes on Monday and many times there would be a personal note of encouragement, as well.
He loved stealing lunches of his teaching buddies and putting paper in the sandwich and then returning the lunch to its proper place. If we had guests for dinner, a large ugly plastic fly would find its way to the bottom of the ice tea glass, or a plastic piece of cheese would be placed among the other pieces. I couldn't do much about his propensity for fun--I loved it.
Even after all these years, I miss his sense of fun and his warmth. Love you, Sam!
Although the mood was somber, we couldn't help but tell some Sam Thomas stories. Sam was a notorious prankster. After he became a principal, there was the story about his interview with a prospective, newly graduated teacher. Seems she had slipped her shoes off during the interview, and he had somehow manuevered to get them under his desk. When the interview was over, the woman realized she couldn't find her shoes. She was embarrased to ask, so just started walking toward the door barefoot, until Sam confessed and rescued her. She got the job.
His favorite thing to do was to put plastic bugs or snakes in the mail boxes of unsuspecting teachers (it didn't take long for them to catch on). The teachers could always look for candy in their mailboxes on Monday and many times there would be a personal note of encouragement, as well.
He loved stealing lunches of his teaching buddies and putting paper in the sandwich and then returning the lunch to its proper place. If we had guests for dinner, a large ugly plastic fly would find its way to the bottom of the ice tea glass, or a plastic piece of cheese would be placed among the other pieces. I couldn't do much about his propensity for fun--I loved it.
Even after all these years, I miss his sense of fun and his warmth. Love you, Sam!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Madeline Gail Thomas
Maddie is eight years old!!! Her party was fun yesterday as I watched her and her buddies swim, decorate flip-flops and enjoy cake and ice cream.
But I sat in a haze of amazement that she is already eight. She had her bright red hair in a long pig-tail, standing in a bluegreen knit dress, freckled on her forehead, nose and cheeks--looking for all the world like she had just stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting--what a girl. And besides that she is smart,sweet, loves reading and writing, and is an artist. What more could a grandmother ask? I could eat her up! Grandmothering is such a wonderful task when the grandchildren are like Maddie, Ella, and Sam. I am thankful to God that I am still here and live in Nashville to watch them grow so fast.
But I sat in a haze of amazement that she is already eight. She had her bright red hair in a long pig-tail, standing in a bluegreen knit dress, freckled on her forehead, nose and cheeks--looking for all the world like she had just stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting--what a girl. And besides that she is smart,sweet, loves reading and writing, and is an artist. What more could a grandmother ask? I could eat her up! Grandmothering is such a wonderful task when the grandchildren are like Maddie, Ella, and Sam. I am thankful to God that I am still here and live in Nashville to watch them grow so fast.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Old Songs--Weeping or Joy?
The poet May Sarton has written that she could not listen to music after age 70 because it made her cry. In Psalm 137 the writer says, "By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps...as our tormentors demanded songs of joy... and said, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.'"
On the other hand, Martin Luther wrote "I am quite of the opinion that next to theology, there is no art which can be compared to music; for it alone, after theology, gives us rest and joy...." A. W. Tozer wrote "Every Christian should have lying beside his Bible a copy of some standard hymnbook. He should read out of one and sing out of the other, and he will be surprised and delighted to discover how much they are alike."
I've been thinking about the two comparisons since I experienced this last week:
Murray Sanderson is teaching a class at 3:30 on Wed. afternoon (Isn't that a great time for those who are retired!). The title of the class is "A Vision for Worship." He often begins the class by having us sing a couple of "old songs"--perhaps because most of us remember singing them when we were younger. As we sang "In the Garden" last Wed., I watched the tears trickle out of the closed eyes of our "Miss Eva", an older long-time Otter Creeker. It really moved me and made me think of May Sarton.
On Saturday, I was pushing little Sam in a stroller through Opry Mills, our huge discount mall, trying to navigate him between the thousands of Easter shoppers. He suddenly burst out at the top of his voice singing "Jesus Loves Me." The crowd parted, people smiled and Nonnie cried.
Wonderful experiences both. Thank you God for music and its affect on our hearts.
On the other hand, Martin Luther wrote "I am quite of the opinion that next to theology, there is no art which can be compared to music; for it alone, after theology, gives us rest and joy...." A. W. Tozer wrote "Every Christian should have lying beside his Bible a copy of some standard hymnbook. He should read out of one and sing out of the other, and he will be surprised and delighted to discover how much they are alike."
I've been thinking about the two comparisons since I experienced this last week:
Murray Sanderson is teaching a class at 3:30 on Wed. afternoon (Isn't that a great time for those who are retired!). The title of the class is "A Vision for Worship." He often begins the class by having us sing a couple of "old songs"--perhaps because most of us remember singing them when we were younger. As we sang "In the Garden" last Wed., I watched the tears trickle out of the closed eyes of our "Miss Eva", an older long-time Otter Creeker. It really moved me and made me think of May Sarton.
On Saturday, I was pushing little Sam in a stroller through Opry Mills, our huge discount mall, trying to navigate him between the thousands of Easter shoppers. He suddenly burst out at the top of his voice singing "Jesus Loves Me." The crowd parted, people smiled and Nonnie cried.
Wonderful experiences both. Thank you God for music and its affect on our hearts.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
25 Things I Have Done in My Life
Again, for Maddie, Ella and Sam, here are some things I have done in my 71 years of living:
1. Traveled to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii
2. Ridden in a helicopter in Hawaii
3. Driven a go-cart
4. Written a book
5. Spoken to the State Convention of The Texas Library Association
6. Played canasta
7. Earned a batchelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Secondary Education, and certifications in Library
Science and School Supervision
8. Received awards in debate, writing. teaching and for furthering literacy and fighting censorship
9. Sung in a huge chorus for a religious event--The Gathering in Nashville
10. Learned to drive in a car with a stick shift
11. Collected movie magazines--Photoplay, Modern Screen, etc.
12. Collected items related to books
13. Donated hundreds of children's books to The Judy Thomas Collection at Abilene Christian University
14. Eaten rattlesnake
15. Met many famous children's book authors and illustrators
16. Attended several Broadway shows--My favorite: Les Miserables
17. Canned fresh vegetables in a hot water bath
18. Picked cotton
19. Was among the first certified elementary school librarians in the Abilene Public School System
20. Taught university classes, both graduate and undergraduate
21. Gone rafting
22. Sledded down a Cloudcroft N. M. hill on a huge tractor tire
23. Supervised the Abilene Public School Library System for a short term (not my favorite job!)
24. Was named "best children's librarian in Texas" by the Texas Library Assn. in 1990
25. Chaired the "Abilene Reads" campaign which invited all Abilenians to read the same book in 2002--part of a nation-wide campaign sponsored by public libraries.
And of course, there are many others things to do in the next few years.
1. Traveled to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii
2. Ridden in a helicopter in Hawaii
3. Driven a go-cart
4. Written a book
5. Spoken to the State Convention of The Texas Library Association
6. Played canasta
7. Earned a batchelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Secondary Education, and certifications in Library
Science and School Supervision
8. Received awards in debate, writing. teaching and for furthering literacy and fighting censorship
9. Sung in a huge chorus for a religious event--The Gathering in Nashville
10. Learned to drive in a car with a stick shift
11. Collected movie magazines--Photoplay, Modern Screen, etc.
12. Collected items related to books
13. Donated hundreds of children's books to The Judy Thomas Collection at Abilene Christian University
14. Eaten rattlesnake
15. Met many famous children's book authors and illustrators
16. Attended several Broadway shows--My favorite: Les Miserables
17. Canned fresh vegetables in a hot water bath
18. Picked cotton
19. Was among the first certified elementary school librarians in the Abilene Public School System
20. Taught university classes, both graduate and undergraduate
21. Gone rafting
22. Sledded down a Cloudcroft N. M. hill on a huge tractor tire
23. Supervised the Abilene Public School Library System for a short term (not my favorite job!)
24. Was named "best children's librarian in Texas" by the Texas Library Assn. in 1990
25. Chaired the "Abilene Reads" campaign which invited all Abilenians to read the same book in 2002--part of a nation-wide campaign sponsored by public libraries.
And of course, there are many others things to do in the next few years.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Baby blessing
We had the annual baby blessing last night at Otter. It was a happy occasion full of crying, talking, and gurgling babies dressed to the teeth (lots of long christening dresses) and their loving anxious parents just hoping to make it through the ceremony without a meltdown or a blowout.
I find it interesting that not much is said about rearing children in the Bible--outside of Deut. and Proverbs. Oh, of course, Jesus called children to himself as well. In our child-centered society, one would expect more.
I do know that children who begin their lives in a loving two-parent home, surrounded by a committed Christian community are bound to be blessed in so many ways that others are not.
Former "children" of Otter testified last night about how important it was to them to have that support--although I think that sometimes they thought we were the "All-Seeing Eye" watching them.
Religious education and spiritual support of children is one way I have seen the church grow in my lifetime . The religious education part should always be alive to new educational developments and fresh approaches--sometimes a weakness. Spiritual support can be enhanced by a spiritually alive youth director such as David Rubio at Otter. He has made it a part of the training of his group to introduce them to the spiritual disciplines in the last few years. They know more about the spiritual disciplines than most of the adult parents, I think.
If all churches were asked, as we were last night, to commit ourselves to the spiritual support of their children and took it seriously, things might begin to happen that we can't even imagine.
Baby Gracie Rae was so exhausted from her trip to Houston that she was just a lump last night--but she looked lovely in her checked dress and satin socks. Yes, God bless Gracie Rae, Maddie, Ella, Sam and all the other children who are newly learning about you. May they bring this world your light and rejuvenate our pale and flickering faith.
I find it interesting that not much is said about rearing children in the Bible--outside of Deut. and Proverbs. Oh, of course, Jesus called children to himself as well. In our child-centered society, one would expect more.
I do know that children who begin their lives in a loving two-parent home, surrounded by a committed Christian community are bound to be blessed in so many ways that others are not.
Former "children" of Otter testified last night about how important it was to them to have that support--although I think that sometimes they thought we were the "All-Seeing Eye" watching them.
Religious education and spiritual support of children is one way I have seen the church grow in my lifetime . The religious education part should always be alive to new educational developments and fresh approaches--sometimes a weakness. Spiritual support can be enhanced by a spiritually alive youth director such as David Rubio at Otter. He has made it a part of the training of his group to introduce them to the spiritual disciplines in the last few years. They know more about the spiritual disciplines than most of the adult parents, I think.
If all churches were asked, as we were last night, to commit ourselves to the spiritual support of their children and took it seriously, things might begin to happen that we can't even imagine.
Baby Gracie Rae was so exhausted from her trip to Houston that she was just a lump last night--but she looked lovely in her checked dress and satin socks. Yes, God bless Gracie Rae, Maddie, Ella, Sam and all the other children who are newly learning about you. May they bring this world your light and rejuvenate our pale and flickering faith.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Marble and Mud
Nathaniel Hawthorne once said, "Life is made up of marble and mud." The events of the past few days attest to that adage.
Musing about the sudden death of Prentice Meador and the empathetic feelings I have for Barbara brought back memories of those painful early widowhood days. Days when I was getting used to the absence of my love for 30 years, the empty chair at the table, the empty space on the right side of the bed, the lifeless clothing hanging in the closet, the empty pew beside me on Sunday morning, the grieving child, and days when I wondered what life would bring next. Fortunately those feelings subsided, and life became golden again (although with spaces still missing). And mud became marble.
Marble days abound in December--I can't go into any store (even the grocery store) without wonderful memories and excitement for the days to come with Maddie, Ella and Sam anticipating Santa. I have finally finished decoraating my house with many, many, many, many things collected over the past 47 years. Phew! I do love those lights on the tree and the stories behind some of the decorations. There are two white angels on my end table that Sam brought to our marriage--still intact (though with one glued wing)--and my favorite from him--a band of musicians made out of paper and colored pipe cleaners. I believe he bought them in the 50's. And a new decoration for the tree: Snowflake wooden frames holding the school pictures of Maddie, Ella and Sam. What joy!
Thank you God for the marble and mud of this life.
Musing about the sudden death of Prentice Meador and the empathetic feelings I have for Barbara brought back memories of those painful early widowhood days. Days when I was getting used to the absence of my love for 30 years, the empty chair at the table, the empty space on the right side of the bed, the lifeless clothing hanging in the closet, the empty pew beside me on Sunday morning, the grieving child, and days when I wondered what life would bring next. Fortunately those feelings subsided, and life became golden again (although with spaces still missing). And mud became marble.
Marble days abound in December--I can't go into any store (even the grocery store) without wonderful memories and excitement for the days to come with Maddie, Ella and Sam anticipating Santa. I have finally finished decoraating my house with many, many, many, many things collected over the past 47 years. Phew! I do love those lights on the tree and the stories behind some of the decorations. There are two white angels on my end table that Sam brought to our marriage--still intact (though with one glued wing)--and my favorite from him--a band of musicians made out of paper and colored pipe cleaners. I believe he bought them in the 50's. And a new decoration for the tree: Snowflake wooden frames holding the school pictures of Maddie, Ella and Sam. What joy!
Thank you God for the marble and mud of this life.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sam and Other Happenings of the Day
Yesterday I sat with Sam briefly before he went to school. Sam is a story teller like his Poppy--he was full of his experience with the first fire drill at the school. I heard about it in detail. He was quite impressed with the whole thing. They watched an "Arthur" movie about fire and fire drills, then marched out one by one to the playground and waited silently until the all clear bell sounded. Brings back memories of corraling 5th and 6th graders at Dyess across from the school in an 80-mile an hour wind praying for that bell to blow.
Again, the weather is Chamber of Commerce perfect and there are some leaves flying--I don't know if they have let go because it's fall or because of the lack of rain.
In a restaurant I watched a black family do what all good families do as they eat--teach the children manners (there was a two-year-old boy and a younger girl--so precious.) and converse. Both the mother and father had flash cards to play with the boy-- counting cards with various animals and insects on them. I complimented them as I left, and the mother said that they had gotten the cards at a meeting for the parents of autistic children (they have another son who is stricken), but the two year old was just eating up the learning with them. I said a little prayer for those who are researching autism as I left.
Then Doris and I want to see Richard Gere that afternoon--Nights at Rodanthe. The reviews have been mediocre. We enjoyed it--guess we are suckers for romance movies. This one harked back to the old Cary Grant--Deborah Karr flicks. The photography was beautiful of Cape Hatterus and the ocean. Reviews called it treacly, and it was , but we liked it. Diane Lane is beautiful at 48 and of course Richard is beautiful at any age. (now 50, I think).
Then the evening ended with the debate. I thought the oft-described as "eloquent" Obama was slightly off his game and missed several opportunities to jibe McCain. McCain impressed with his tales of world travels, meetings with heads of state, and his general knowledge of foreign diplomacy. I think he won this one. Both were somewhat tongue-tied when it came to what they would do with the financial crisis. That does not bode well. But it was fun to watch them together for the first time and to compare.
Again, the weather is Chamber of Commerce perfect and there are some leaves flying--I don't know if they have let go because it's fall or because of the lack of rain.
In a restaurant I watched a black family do what all good families do as they eat--teach the children manners (there was a two-year-old boy and a younger girl--so precious.) and converse. Both the mother and father had flash cards to play with the boy-- counting cards with various animals and insects on them. I complimented them as I left, and the mother said that they had gotten the cards at a meeting for the parents of autistic children (they have another son who is stricken), but the two year old was just eating up the learning with them. I said a little prayer for those who are researching autism as I left.
Then Doris and I want to see Richard Gere that afternoon--Nights at Rodanthe. The reviews have been mediocre. We enjoyed it--guess we are suckers for romance movies. This one harked back to the old Cary Grant--Deborah Karr flicks. The photography was beautiful of Cape Hatterus and the ocean. Reviews called it treacly, and it was , but we liked it. Diane Lane is beautiful at 48 and of course Richard is beautiful at any age. (now 50, I think).
Then the evening ended with the debate. I thought the oft-described as "eloquent" Obama was slightly off his game and missed several opportunities to jibe McCain. McCain impressed with his tales of world travels, meetings with heads of state, and his general knowledge of foreign diplomacy. I think he won this one. Both were somewhat tongue-tied when it came to what they would do with the financial crisis. That does not bode well. But it was fun to watch them together for the first time and to compare.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dear Sam
We celebrated Sam's 3rd birthday today at the bowling alley. I was quite impressed about how bowling alleys have changed. This one (on Nolensville Rd.) was quite child-friendly. The kids had a good time. I think a birthday party off-site is a good idea.
Let's see, we did McDonalds, the Bowling Alley, the skating rink, the park several times, and a very large costume party when Brandon turned 16 at the church fellowship hall.
Having Sam has really changed the Thomas equation--Spiderman, Lightening McQueen, and Batman have joined all the pink princess dresses. Airplanes, cars, and trucks are now parked amid the doll things. It has really been fun to see the differences. Having only had one child, I had no idea how different the two sexes are FROM BIRTH and continue to be as they grow.
Thank you, God for the gift of Sam. How I wish your grandfather Sam (Poppy) could have met you.
Let's see, we did McDonalds, the Bowling Alley, the skating rink, the park several times, and a very large costume party when Brandon turned 16 at the church fellowship hall.
Having Sam has really changed the Thomas equation--Spiderman, Lightening McQueen, and Batman have joined all the pink princess dresses. Airplanes, cars, and trucks are now parked amid the doll things. It has really been fun to see the differences. Having only had one child, I had no idea how different the two sexes are FROM BIRTH and continue to be as they grow.
Thank you, God for the gift of Sam. How I wish your grandfather Sam (Poppy) could have met you.
Monday, June 02, 2008
If Only and What If
As I read the story of Eric Noah-Wilson's sister (see www.Wineskins.blogspot.com/), I had to ponder again how children in the same family can turn out so differently. Eric is the manager and general domo of the ZoeGroup and is a wonderful husband, father and Jesus-follower. He ran away from his very disfunctional home at age 16--but fortunately encountered a family that eventually loved him out of his horrible memories. His sister Kristi, ran away from home at age 11--but found no one to help her. She took her life last month.
My husband grew up in a terrifically dysfunctional family--full of alcohol, verbal abuse, betrayal, and lies. Yet those who knew him described him as God's man--an educator, elder, wonderful father and husband. His salvation probably lay with his grandparents and aunt and uncle (Ralph and Ruby). His siblings were not so fortunate: one died of alchoholism, the other of cancer and a life full of unfulfilled dreams.
Eric and Sam could have easily have said "If only" when their lives were so dark--but they forged on. And it is hard not to ask,
:What if" about Kristi, and Sam's brother and sister. Life does not give us "what ifs", but God supplies courage and fortitude to the one who is open to help. And those who could help such people must stand in the gap.
God, thank you for Sam's grandparents (Back and Granny) and for Ralph and Ruby who recognized his distress and potential.
My husband grew up in a terrifically dysfunctional family--full of alcohol, verbal abuse, betrayal, and lies. Yet those who knew him described him as God's man--an educator, elder, wonderful father and husband. His salvation probably lay with his grandparents and aunt and uncle (Ralph and Ruby). His siblings were not so fortunate: one died of alchoholism, the other of cancer and a life full of unfulfilled dreams.
Eric and Sam could have easily have said "If only" when their lives were so dark--but they forged on. And it is hard not to ask,
:What if" about Kristi, and Sam's brother and sister. Life does not give us "what ifs", but God supplies courage and fortitude to the one who is open to help. And those who could help such people must stand in the gap.
God, thank you for Sam's grandparents (Back and Granny) and for Ralph and Ruby who recognized his distress and potential.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
New singer in the wings
Putting the grandchildren to bed last night took a while. Sam was the last to go down. He hummed his usual little ditty for a long time and then broke out in full-scale song. He sang "Jesus Loves Me", "Jingle Bells" and "Happy Birthday." We had just had a little family birthday dinner for Ella, so that song was fresh on his mind. I just stood and listened from the hall, not wanting to stop him; he eventually wore out and slept.
Maybe someday Samuel Scott Thomas will follow in his parents' footsteps and be a singer!
Maybe someday Samuel Scott Thomas will follow in his parents' footsteps and be a singer!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Sixteen Years
I have been without my "Hon" for sixteen years today, and of course am missing him. One never gets used to such a loss, one only endures and goes on.
But he is not gone--I see his charisma in Brandon, his red hair and sweet heart in Maddie, his impish sense of humor in Ella, and the little boy inside him who never grew up in Sam. He still lives in my heart and memory, and besides that, we have a thousand pictures and videos to enjoy.
Thank you God for memory, good times, and the promise of being with you and the ones we love forever.
But he is not gone--I see his charisma in Brandon, his red hair and sweet heart in Maddie, his impish sense of humor in Ella, and the little boy inside him who never grew up in Sam. He still lives in my heart and memory, and besides that, we have a thousand pictures and videos to enjoy.
Thank you God for memory, good times, and the promise of being with you and the ones we love forever.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Grandparenting
You know you are a grandparent when:
3 little munchkins (a redhead, a honey blonde, and strawberry blond )ring the doorbell to your heart and come in to stay.
You keep Juicy Juice in the fridge.
You make certain there is always sugarfree gum in your purse.
You buy things like frozen Chicken Nuggets ( which you would never touch) because the kids like them.
You save the little packets of sauce from Chick-Fil-A because the kids like to dip their CN in them.
You have a basket of toys in your closet even though your son is 37.
You are always on the look-out for Christmas stocking stuffers.
You buy holiday decorations that children would like (the current talking tree at Hallmark which plays the Adams Family theme.)
You send cards for Every holiday with cash inside for use at Target's 1$ bins.
You maintain a stock of crayons, water-colors, washable markers, drawing pads and coloring books on a small table in the kitchen.
You have children's games on your list of computer "Favorites."
You have returned to displaying children's art work on the fridge.
You don't have room for all the photos you would like to display.
You have a copy of the High School Musical Tour CD in the armoire along with The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Curious George, Annie and others .
You keep the ingredients for a tea party in your pantry including sugar cubes, along with Half and Half in the fridge.
You know exactly where the Polly Pockets displays are in Wal Mart and Target.
You keep a stock of inexpensive cards available for the kids to sign and send to parents, friends.
You buy three new pairs of pajamas for each season (Summer/Winter) because the kids like to change into them when they visit.
You save all the mints you get at restaurants and stash them in your purse for the kids to find.
3 little munchkins (a redhead, a honey blonde, and strawberry blond )ring the doorbell to your heart and come in to stay.
You keep Juicy Juice in the fridge.
You make certain there is always sugarfree gum in your purse.
You buy things like frozen Chicken Nuggets ( which you would never touch) because the kids like them.
You save the little packets of sauce from Chick-Fil-A because the kids like to dip their CN in them.
You have a basket of toys in your closet even though your son is 37.
You are always on the look-out for Christmas stocking stuffers.
You buy holiday decorations that children would like (the current talking tree at Hallmark which plays the Adams Family theme.)
You send cards for Every holiday with cash inside for use at Target's 1$ bins.
You maintain a stock of crayons, water-colors, washable markers, drawing pads and coloring books on a small table in the kitchen.
You have children's games on your list of computer "Favorites."
You have returned to displaying children's art work on the fridge.
You don't have room for all the photos you would like to display.
You have a copy of the High School Musical Tour CD in the armoire along with The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Curious George, Annie and others .
You keep the ingredients for a tea party in your pantry including sugar cubes, along with Half and Half in the fridge.
You know exactly where the Polly Pockets displays are in Wal Mart and Target.
You keep a stock of inexpensive cards available for the kids to sign and send to parents, friends.
You buy three new pairs of pajamas for each season (Summer/Winter) because the kids like to change into them when they visit.
You save all the mints you get at restaurants and stash them in your purse for the kids to find.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
The three musketeers
I got to baby-sit Maddie, Ella and Sam for a while Friday night. What a treat! Was I tired at the end!!!!!!!! It was like having a hive of busy bees invade.
But I got to hear from Maddie about a friend of hers seeing Brandon's picture in a "magadazine" (ACU Today). I watched Sam absolutely refuse to play with anything girly (does that start in the womb?) And Ella loved playing my waitress in a restaurant complete with books to read while I waited for the food. It was so much fun.
But I got to hear from Maddie about a friend of hers seeing Brandon's picture in a "magadazine" (ACU Today). I watched Sam absolutely refuse to play with anything girly (does that start in the womb?) And Ella loved playing my waitress in a restaurant complete with books to read while I waited for the food. It was so much fun.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Emotion of Music
Regarding my comments yesterday about "Nearer Still Nearer" and the emotion I feel in singing it--here is Shakespeare:
The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
The motion of his spirit are dull as night
and his affections dark as Erebus:
Let no such man be trusted.
Perhaps we need to pipe in some Beethoven over the fields of Iraq--maybe that would help.
I am so thankful my grandchildren are growing up in a household where music is heard everyday and appreciated greatly. I do hope they are singers; I don't know how they could miss genetically. It is fun to hear Ella make up her own words and music, and to hear Maddie pick out songs on the piano. I haven't seen any evidence from Sam yet, but I know he will soon be singing his rite of passage song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little
Star"--which was the first one the girls picked up. When he is sleepy, he does hum some unknown tunes.
Thanks you God for music, writers, and singers, and players, and the music of the spheres that surround us.
The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
The motion of his spirit are dull as night
and his affections dark as Erebus:
Let no such man be trusted.
Perhaps we need to pipe in some Beethoven over the fields of Iraq--maybe that would help.
I am so thankful my grandchildren are growing up in a household where music is heard everyday and appreciated greatly. I do hope they are singers; I don't know how they could miss genetically. It is fun to hear Ella make up her own words and music, and to hear Maddie pick out songs on the piano. I haven't seen any evidence from Sam yet, but I know he will soon be singing his rite of passage song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little
Star"--which was the first one the girls picked up. When he is sleepy, he does hum some unknown tunes.
Thanks you God for music, writers, and singers, and players, and the music of the spheres that surround us.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Blink of an eye
In our last stint with Anne Lamott, we discussed the chapter "The Blink of an Eye" in which she writes about how fast life goes. That is no new thought--the Bible is full of such reminders. But just that day, I kept the grandchildren, and I was hit again with the truth of it.
Sam came flying in with his beautiful hair combed, in a T shirt with an alligator that said "Chomp" and his little khaki shorts and I knew when I saw him that I was seeing Sam at 17--good-looking, preppy, going full-blast. And he is only two years old!
"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses
itself in the sunset." Last words of Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator
Sam came flying in with his beautiful hair combed, in a T shirt with an alligator that said "Chomp" and his little khaki shorts and I knew when I saw him that I was seeing Sam at 17--good-looking, preppy, going full-blast. And he is only two years old!
"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses
itself in the sunset." Last words of Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator
Monday, July 02, 2007
Things
I have a little plaque in my bathroom which says, "The best things are not things." And that is so true--the intangibles are what really make life full and rich. For me recently, some of these things are:
Meeting someone new and discovering that we have mutual friends and love them
A call from #1 son just to talk
Watching movies we both like with a new friend
Attending Sunday classes and finding one that really speaks to my soul
Noting Sheryl holding Sam and seeing that their hair is absolutely the same raspberry-honey blonde color
Anticipating the new Zoe recording
Hearing that wonderful "bulfroggy" cicada sound of a southern night
Having long-legged Maddie curl up in my lap for a few "I love you's"
Learning how to make an Orange Julius at home
As Melodie Beattie wrote, "Each moment in time we have it all, even if we think we don't."
Meeting someone new and discovering that we have mutual friends and love them
A call from #1 son just to talk
Watching movies we both like with a new friend
Attending Sunday classes and finding one that really speaks to my soul
Noting Sheryl holding Sam and seeing that their hair is absolutely the same raspberry-honey blonde color
Anticipating the new Zoe recording
Hearing that wonderful "bulfroggy" cicada sound of a southern night
Having long-legged Maddie curl up in my lap for a few "I love you's"
Learning how to make an Orange Julius at home
As Melodie Beattie wrote, "Each moment in time we have it all, even if we think we don't."
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Wonder of Imagination
I got to keep Sam a little while yesterday. Watching him play was so wonderful.
He had a Fisher-Price safari set that Brandon played with. The jeep, trailer and animals are far superior to any such toys today. They will probably last to see Sam's children.
Sam was taking the animals on a ride in the sky--they were flying, yes, flying tiger, giraffe, and lion. Every now and then, he would take one out of the air, land it and say "Hello!" Of course the animals had to eat with him, and they enjoyed his chicken nuggets. Later in the day, we were at a Thai restaurant, and I watched him say, "ready, set....and then he would baptize his plastic horse over and over in his water glass. I just wish I knew what was going on in his imagination. May he never let play become mundane.
Thanks Sam for a lovely day.
He had a Fisher-Price safari set that Brandon played with. The jeep, trailer and animals are far superior to any such toys today. They will probably last to see Sam's children.
Sam was taking the animals on a ride in the sky--they were flying, yes, flying tiger, giraffe, and lion. Every now and then, he would take one out of the air, land it and say "Hello!" Of course the animals had to eat with him, and they enjoyed his chicken nuggets. Later in the day, we were at a Thai restaurant, and I watched him say, "ready, set....and then he would baptize his plastic horse over and over in his water glass. I just wish I knew what was going on in his imagination. May he never let play become mundane.
Thanks Sam for a lovely day.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Singing in the auditorium
I know my Sam would have loved following Zoe and attending their concerts, as I did this weekend.
The principal of a school never gets his/her work done while there is still anyone left in the school building. Someone is always coming by for advice, chatting and chilling. So my Sam would spend almost every Saturday morning at school finishing up the week. Most of those Saturdays he would take Brandon with him--how boring for a little tyke, you might say.
No, Sam would set up the mike and a radio on the school auditorium stage and let Brandon "perform" all morning. Sam had the intercom in the office on so he could hear him. Frequently janitors and teachers who were working in the building would come by to listen.
Thus, Brandon has always been comfortable in front of a mike and on a stage. One more gift of his father.
The principal of a school never gets his/her work done while there is still anyone left in the school building. Someone is always coming by for advice, chatting and chilling. So my Sam would spend almost every Saturday morning at school finishing up the week. Most of those Saturdays he would take Brandon with him--how boring for a little tyke, you might say.
No, Sam would set up the mike and a radio on the school auditorium stage and let Brandon "perform" all morning. Sam had the intercom in the office on so he could hear him. Frequently janitors and teachers who were working in the building would come by to listen.
Thus, Brandon has always been comfortable in front of a mike and on a stage. One more gift of his father.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Laughter
As Father's Day approaches, I think more and more of my Sam. He was a wonderful father, although he had no role model for fatherhood. His father was caught in the chaos of alcoholism for most of Sam's growing up. When he was sober, he was kind and sweet; but when he was drinking, he enjoyed abuse(physical and verbal) and thought nothing of letting the neighbors know how dysfunctional the family was by doing all sorts of crass things outside the house, yelling, screaming, cursing. One of the favorite activities of Sam and his siblings was finding their father's stash of liquor and hiding it in bushes around the house where he could not find it.
Sam, on the other hand, somehow developed a model for fatherhood that has been copied by his son. He loved playing with Brandon (actually, I think that Sam never grew up inside), he abhorred abuse of any kind, and reveled in the accomplishments of his son. Yes, I would say that he passed down very good models. I pray that Brandon's Sam will carry on the new tradition.
Sam, on the other hand, somehow developed a model for fatherhood that has been copied by his son. He loved playing with Brandon (actually, I think that Sam never grew up inside), he abhorred abuse of any kind, and reveled in the accomplishments of his son. Yes, I would say that he passed down very good models. I pray that Brandon's Sam will carry on the new tradition.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)