Alone

 

 Broken Heart

 

                                        I was alone when I lost the baby. 

 

I didn’t know for sure that I was pregnant, although I had purchased two home pregnancy testing kits.  The first one said “NO”.

 

 I was saving the second test for another week.  Back then those tests were not as refined, as precise.

 

But, I was alone.  My husband and two children were visiting his brother and family.  

 

There was to be a ham dinner, and we were there when I became sick with what I 

thought was the flu. 

 

John brought me home, left me there, and went back to his brother’s house.  I didn’t see any need for him to stay home with me.

 

I had stretched out on the sofa, with a ‘throw-up’ bowl just in case.  The cramps in my abdomen would come and go. 

 

I know what you’re thinking: why didn’t I recognize the cramps as contractions. 

 

Both of my children had been delivered by C-section.

After a few hours, I was in such pain, and headed to the bathroom.

 

You know what came next.  Male or female, no descriptions need to be given.

 

After all was done, I crept into my bed with a heating pad to home against my empty womb.

 

I was two minds about the miscarriage.  I started mourning for the baby I would never get to hold.  Yet, I was also glad I wasn’t pregnant, because my son was only 10 months old.

 

Most of all, I felt an emptiness in my heart.

 

I curled up in a ball with the heating pad and a box of tissues.

 

 started crying. 

 

When the battles for abortion rights become vehement, I remember this moment.  A human being died that day, no matter what the size.   

Music Fills the Air

 Choirs! All around us, music soars.

  

Kentucky choir of 3,000 students in Hilton Hotel 

 

Ottawa children's choir

Vienna Boys' Choir singing Ode to Joy at Petra

Sunshine Sentinels, Safari Media 

 We have been fortunate to visit and hear the choirs all around. 

 Vienna Boys' Choir in Vienna...We attended a rehearsal from a balcony, where the boys were 20 feet away from us.  They were boys, teasing each other, picking noses, etc. in between glorious music.

 Mormon Tabernacle choir...Oh my. We heard it in the main sanctuary and it took our breaths away.

Choirs in Cork, Ireland...from the Cork Music Academy.  Memories.

Children's Choir groups are amazing for many reasons.  I always wondered where these precious children/now adults are. 

Goin' fishin'

 I was pregnant with our firstborn when Jaws was released, 1975.  We were at a drive-in close to the Pacific Ocean when a dense fog rolled in. It settled close to the ground, but up to our windows.  The Jaws theme song took on new meaning. 

  

My brothers and I went fishing in the creeks near our farm. I wasn't all that successful, but the memories are good. That is, if you don't count mosquitoes.

Never ever had the joy these children experienced in their fishing. To be the parents of these sweet babies and to watch them make their catch?  That would be awesome.

Swimming with Angels

 

children in the pool having a great time. 

 

Grandma, watch me

Splash and dive

Did you

See

That?

Hands in the water

Sweeping
through the bubbles

And finding

The air.

 

 

 

 

 

 Tanned arms and hands 

Droplets on eyelashes

 

 Wrinkling

Fingers,

Shouting 

Splashing

 

Grandma heaven.

 

 

Truth, the Absolute Truth

Truth is truth.  Words can be twisted and distorted, but truth is literally out there to see, looking us right in the eyes.

 This video is about 10 minutes long.  There are all sorts of parents catching kids doing something, who then deny they have done anything, anything at all. Scroll through it, relive your own moments of denial in the face of absolute evidence.

 

Beth-la-ha--ha--ham follow the star

Now, during all these shows--Scrooged, White Christmas, Christmas Story (Red Rider BBgun with a compass in the stock), Rudolph, etc.--it is time for the real story of Christmas to be heard and seen.

And, who better to do this is are children at Southland Christian Church.

Rejoice! For unto us has been born a Saviour...

Now you know what really happened.

This is a re-post from 2017 Christmas. From the mouths of children....

"She was just doing laundry and then the angel just appeared and she was really scared," 

 

 

 

Fish on the line

                                                                         

I enjoy fishing.  Really.  Catching fish is other story but I give it a good try.  One time my brother Don and I went deep sea fishing in San Diego.  Amazing. I learned to bait the hook. I laughed when it fell off and some stray mackerel grabbed it. Good memory.

Fishing went well 

  

His mom will always remember this. 

 

An outdoor boy 

 Daddy and daughter, good times.

A previous post had a 3 yr. old catching a fish, with Daddy's guidance. This is a followup.

I had surgery done on my right hand, 9/7. Please add your comments to keep me enjoying life. I love reading what bloggers write and think.

Purple is the color.

 

                                            parents and purple baby

 

 

“Here are your desk numbers…Can you find yours!?”  Ms. Tyrone threw on a chipper, oh-this-will-be-so-much fun smile.  Confusion covered the children’s faces.  The parents who clustered in the back of the room were equally confused.

Finally smart 32 # raised her hand, bold and brave.  

“Mrs. Tyrone…why do we all have just numbers?
  
And why are the numbers followed by #, % or *?
  
And, why are we all wearing these tee-shirts of “purple penguins”?  And why…”

Ms. Tyrone held up her hand.  “I am to be called ‘Ms. Tyrone’ since that will not indicate whether or not I am married…er… 32 # .  The Purple Penguins shows all that being a girl or boy or one who is not sure, we all are exactly the same.”

Oh those parents are not happy, not happy at all.

                                            Penquin parent with baby

 

Ms. Tyrone continued, sweat covering her face. “Having a number completely eliminates having your own name, which invariably would indicate that you are a girl or boy or one who is not sure.” 

Dear Lord, I hate this, I hate this…

"And then finally, 32 #, we have these symbols---  # or a * or %--- next to your number. These will help me call you up by groups, to work especially with you or to arrange the desks.” 

I wonder how long that will last…

Some parents snickered, some looked confused, and a good number looked angry.

“Well, then!  26 % , will you please read the rules on the board, and we’ll get down to all the wonderful new history we will be learning this year."

I think I am going to vomit…” which she did, on 32 #.

partyplace: nice stuff

 

"Purple Penguins" is also a computer game in which children can play with other children in a protected site and monitored by the parent.  That is all I know.  I'll ask my gr-kids. 

For further information on this issue in education, please go to these sites:

Purple Penguins,  To Help Teachers,  What if I am a red penguin?,  Journal Star

This is a huge issue in education, and will increase.  If you want to know more, access Google where both sides will be presented.  The above sites are a mixture.
                                                    And, now....

# * %... These are entirely my idea, maybe my projection into a time where this will become reality.  A bit of 1984  thrown in, followed with Attica, The Giver, Hunger Games, and with Animal Farm on the side.

Now, "Common Core" is radically changing education.  Please research this and come to your own conclusions.  And the Purple Penguins say, "Hi!"

 Twenty years ago in a staff meeting, the Principal informed us that there were some big changes in education coming in 15-20 years.  The NEA (National Education Association, one of the most powerful unions in California, if not all of the USA), along with many lobbyist and special interest groups, were promoting changes in the curriculum that would drastically change education to reflect new approaches, all of which would require revisionist viewpoints.  

I asked what-if questions:  What if the changes conflict in the teacher's  beliefs?  What if the changes eliminate or rewrite important elements of education ?  He told me (all of us), "Those are good questions."

As a teacher and a parent, I believe that math should be taught as math, not with an agenda.  Reading and writing should promote improved reading and writing skills, not a chance to indoctrinate.  History should reflect the history of our nation and world, including every single person in those events.

I also believe that any student who bullies another student should receive severe consequences.  Anti-bullying should become part of instruction in the classroom and at home.  Every child should have a safe classroom.  

What is deemed to meet these standards should be approved by independent educators, not special interest groups.

Parents should be given back the power they once had, and teach standards at home.  They must make the decisions that were/should be theirs to make.  

Source: Very Interesting

So here we are, and he was right.  I am retired.  

 

This was written in 2019, predicting what was coming in education. What Christian teachers do? Stand up for beliefs, get fired by the District school board.   

 

Bacon. BACON!

 

 There are two things I remember well, from my childhood: Bacon and Coffee.  Both should be on the Pyramid of recommended servings of the various food groups.  

But these two elements of happy childhood Olfactory memories always linger.

Discovery and enjoyment of bacon are shown below. Mostly.

 

                                  Someone needs to discuss obedience and respect to him.

Well, I know they are cute now, but they grow up to be heavy tanks that will mow you down if you are in their way. I know this for a fact, having helped with herding them to the chute which will take them to St. Louis for their final destination. A farm girl can handle it.

                                                             Eight min. long

 We raised hogs. Bacon is a natural by  product of these animals.   It is said that they are intelligent.  No, they are evil. Mean.  I know. I have looked them in the eyes, and see their deviousness. They will run you over if you lose concentration and fear them.

Bacon? The odor of coffee and bacon always remind me that my childhood was mostly great.

So, the kids above and comedian express their feelings about bacon.

Many do not eat pork as it is against their beliefs.  Bacon is one of the only pork products I eat. The other is barbecue shredded pork.

Little Children praising the Lord

 

Teach your children.Teach your children.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 | NIV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Children's children are the crown of old men;
and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 | KJV

 This was originally  published in 2015.. This past weekend, we spent time with 4 of our 7 grand-kids, when our progeny held a 50th wedding anniversary with family.  It was incredible. Being with children shows us that we did a good job raising our own children.  We are so blessed by our God.

. 

 

 

Let the Little Children Come

Teach your children.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 | NIV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Children's children are the crown of old men;
and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 | KJV

Road Trip to Bethlehem

 

Christmas is on a countdown and children in places around the world know the numbers.   When our progeny were young, that meant bathrobes, aluminum foil stars, white sheets on angels, and parents in the audience. There were no cell phones, no heavy duty cameras, just parents in folding chairs watching their children sing carols and shuffle along.

 

 

Rough times, for sure. Could we do what Mary did? How could we do anything like this? Unless God tapped on our shoulders and told us what to do, magnificence would be happening on that one single night? 

 

One single night changed the world.

 

 

This a re-post from  2015, I think. Explains  Bethlehem in a way one does not normally see.

Thankfully, God is in Charge

 

I am.

Who's in charge here? I have heard that question in so many voices, situations. 

Sometimes I am in charge, good or bad. I gladly ceded that responsibility now that I am retired. For twenty years and six-hundred students, I was in charge. 

Parents, we were/are in charge. For feeding, clothing, and all sorts responsibilities for our children, we were/are in charge.

Paying bills, having the oil changed, finding lost items, etc.--we adults: we're in  charge.

Given all that, some of the most amazing I'm in charge here people are children. They have no power, no reason to believe that they are in charge. 


Even though you and I know that a child should not be in charge in critical areas,  they are in the sweetest and most amazing ways.

(The longest video is the last one. The others are less than a minute )

I have shown them before, but darn it, they are so cute.

A three-year old taking charge here, maybe

Expressing himself to one he loves

Helping mommy 

Who in charge here?  Both.

There are many elements in all lives when exasperation leads to a  real question:  Who is in charge of me?

He is.

We are traveling to Switzerland to see our gr-sons and their parents.  I won't be posting anything for part of the time in early October.  I know, it hurts. But it has to be done.  I am not super human, not sub human, just me.

I will be gone until mid October. Please continue to comment, since I will repost a few semi-good posts.

This is repost from 2019 April. 

Needs of the Day

 

Children and tantrums

At one time or another, very young children need to express themselves, using their words, while other children throw themselves on the floor. The dropping to the floor and high wailing is irritating , if not infuriating. But we are the adults. We are the ones in charge.

These future adults are honing their skills in action and in words.

This video is 6 minutes long, worth every second!  This man is very wise.

From America's Funniest Video, about 1:30.

I wonder what became of this boy?

Remember: you are an adult. You do not throw tantrums. You do not stomp off and slam doors. You do not throw yourself on the floor.  You control yourself.  How is this working out for you? Oh, go ahead, cut loose!  

Methods of Getting from one place to another

 How to get from one end of town to another when you are carrying cargo is the question for today.

1955 New Zealand

                                                   The following photos can be found at AMORQ

Well, these methods seem to work just fine. 

Been there, done that

no questions needed

spain

Saves money?

Irish Children have the gift of gab.

 

                                                                        quality of life

Ireland. Ireland, oh you are magnificent.  The country, the green, music, literature, and, most of all, its people are magnificent. 

Our time in Ireland was only a few scant years where our memories are still are vivid. Our planned visit this year was shelved until the world heals and recovers.

No matter what might be passing in all countries, Irish children have a grasp of language that is peculiar to their country. These ginger haired children have a way of refocusing what is important comparatively.

So, that given, let's all go to the pub, sing some songs, take off pj's and put on clothes, argue with parents, and above all, be amazed at what a child can do at such a young age.

Fire in the Trees

How to survive a Maine winter
We lived in Illinois, thankfully.

When cold blows in from Canada, pushed up by warm wind from Texas, snow happens suddenly and furiously.  Only older siblings, big enough to sink only to the knee and then leap into the snow face first, could rejoice.

For two small children, enjoyment was peering out through icy panes and wishing.  Mom…Mom…Mom…Can we go outside, too?  Mom? Mom?  Mom relented only when Mom became unbearable.

Two and four years old, Mary and Bill were wrapped, bundled, booted, and mittened, then given instructions:  Stay on the porch.  Both nodded solemnly.

Mom stood at the kitchen door, staring through the lacy ice crystals at five children enjoying the snow.  Then Bill launched off the porch into deep white sea. Bill, she sighed. 

Stomping out the door, Mom grabbed him by scruff of his coat and pulled him up.  Then Mary whispered, “Mommy!  Mommy!  Look!  Fire in trees!  Fire in snow!”

Fire in the trees?  In the snow?  She beheld glorious cardinals perched in bare trees.  Fiery cardinals with black masks.  Brave cardinals in frigid air.

Fire in the Trees

Mom hollered, “You kids get in here.  Been out long enough!”  But she continued to watch until fire became scarlet birds winging over snowy horizons.  

For those bloggers in the beginning of a long winter, this story is about the snow of 1958, which has been called the mini-ice age.  Keep warm, enjoy the beauty as much as you are able, and Merry Christmas.

In Your Face

YouTube birthday at restaurant

This is my last day at this restaurant. LAST day. This thought ran through her brain as Meg poured a cup of coffee, as she delivered a children's meal, as she beamed at a generous tip left by an older couple. Those were the moments she would miss: the people who smiled at her and she smiled back.

And then there were the moments when she clenched her teeth as a ten year old threw ketchup-covered French fries on the floor and on Meg. The Mom said nothing. 

The final moment came as the last minutes ticked to a close: birthday time.

A few other waitresses brought out the requisite blue-icing covered cupcake with the requisite candle to the French fry table. Okay, let's get this over with. Here, Meg, this is your table.  Meg was handed the cupcake, lit it and they headed to ten-year old French fries table.

They sang the requisite hellish song as Meg glared at the boy. At the last moment, Meg blew out the requisite candle and smashed the blue icing cupcake onto the surprised face. Smeared it real good.

Taking off her apron, Meg sauntered away from the French fry air. The cries of the boy were tip enough from that table.

manners

Christmas: What Really Happened.

We love you, baby Jesus.

Nothing is no more honest and forthright than a child's view of Christmas. Forget about Santa Claus--they nailed Rudolph with the red nose and the Grinch, having seen displayed Christmas with toys, trees, and stockings since August.

But, what do children know about Christmas, aside from the commercial presentations?  

Well, they know a lot and can tell all in their own simple words.

YouTube has great kid views of Christmas.

We just need to listen.

Measure of a Man

Hold my hand, daughter.

God, history, and hormones arranged how each gender performed in a family unit. Who did what? Man and Woman with their progeny struggled to survive in a sometimes harsh life. 

Man=hunt, impregnate, and kill. Woman=give birth, care for children, gather. Pretty straightforward, wouldn't you say? 

Some would say that there has been a radical turn-around. While many parts of this mixture remain solid, others shift around a bit. Given the changes in society and its needs, change in inevitability is natural.

Whether there is a dad or a mom in the home does not change a primary focus:
their family.

Mother's Day

Men walk through a mall carrying a pink diaper bag.  Women wear combat fatigues when walking their children to school. Men return from work on a motorcycle. Women take the cycle and head out. Men make quilts while women repair pipes. Men and Women both cook. Some better than others.

Things change, things stay the same. 

  It takes a real man to feel safe in his role, whether it has changed or not.

It takes a real man to accept what he will do, what he can do.

It takes a real man to be the husband or partner to his beloved while both hold onto their family unit. 

And, it takes a real man to change a diaper.