Wait! We did have one alternative to our alternator problem…prayer. So, we earnestly prayed as a family. It had been a long time since the days of only one mode of transportation. The one day I needed the car, I dropped BC off at school. Later that day, BC received a call from a friend. He told BC that an anonymous person wanted to take care of our car. All we had to do was take it to a certain auto shop. What a praise! We managed to get it to the shop by charging it several times along the way. I followed him in the suburban. It only took us one and a half hours, but we were thankful we got it there.

Two days later, we received the call from the shop that his pick-up was ready for pick up. Wow! That was fast! we thought. The owner told BC that he fixed the alternator, a power steering leak, and put in a new air conditioner. BC was amazed, and slightly shocked! We all were. A new A/C is expensive. BC had been without A/C in his truck for awhile. It had been on our list of “things to fix”. That night, when we went around the table sharing our favorite part of the day, Daddy shared about the surprise blessing we had received from the LORD! We all praised the LORD for His goodness. He not only meets our needs, but also goes above and beyond even what we might expect. God always provides!

Actually, we had an ice-maker in the first place we lived after we were married. Some dear friends of ours from church moved to California for a short while. They asked us to “house-sit” and all we needed to pay for was the electricity and water. This four-bedroom house was a blessing to us. Being a light sleeper, I sometimes would wake up and wonder what was the source of the noise I just heard. Poor BC. Misery loves company, so I would wake the soundly sleeping man lying next to me and ask him, “Did you hear that? What was that noise?” And almost every time, he would mumble out that it was just the ice-maker.

When we lived in our first apartment, I remember hearing a noise, so I woke up BC. He replied with the usual: “Just the ice-maker, honey”. But then I woke up and realized we didn’t even have an ice-maker in that apartment! He actually got out of bed for that noise! So, for the last two years, when I have occasionally heard a noise downstairs, BC has truthfully said, “It’s the ice-maker.”…and I have believed him…until recently…

Well, they say the ice-maker is the first to go…after about two years…and it was. Thankfully, we bought the extended warranty at Lowe’s. So, I called the fix-it dude out to see if he could repair or replace it. He quickly determined that he was not able to fix it because it had literally frozen up. So, he said he would talk to someone and try to order a new one, and that I would need to defrost the fridge if he could get the part in. Eh…I was a little bummed as he told me to call him in a week and a half if I did not hear back from him before then.

So, I waited, and we served our guests room-temperature refreshments. I reminded my crushed family and myself that water would freeze again someday, and we would survive. After all, it was just ice. I meant to buy some at the store, but unfortunately, I had brain fog when it came down to remembering to buy it. Just two years prior, we were making our own ice and I regretted getting rid of those plastic ice cube trays.

Ice cube trays…my mind floated back to childhood days as I remembered how we were the ice-makers! How many times had we filled the ice cube trays growing up? And how frustrated were we to find them empty. My favorite memory of ice cube trays was making homemade ice pops. First, we steadily tried to pour lemonade or Kool-aid equally into each container. Then, we tried to arrange the toothpicks “just so” (one per cube). Last of all, we carefully carried this magical science experiment to the freezer. Every ten minutes, I’d pop my head in the freezer just to see if our ice pops were ready. After watching the process (the thin layer forming on the top, etc.), it was now time to break the ice. When I was asked to perform the bending of the ice mold, I felt like I also was breaking out from the mold from “weak child” to “strong conqueror”. Seriously, those ice pops were transforming! How my heart melted when years later I watched my children concoct their own yummy homemade ice pops.

Wow! That was a major bunny trail through some icy patches there. Sorry about that. Let me get back to the story about the fridge (also called “ice box” by older generations)…

So, I got a call a week later and they (Lowe’s) wanted to let me know that I had a merchandise credit (like a gift card) at Lowe’s for the amount that I spent on the first fridge, and that I could keep the other fridge! This was a huge blessing! So, we bought a new fridge on sale. It was a little smaller than the one we previously had purchased, but it had a good ice-maker. Because of this, we had money left over on the Lowe’s card to buy fencing supplies for our much-needed backyard fence. Isn’t it marvelous how God provides solid answers to prayers by allowing things to break? We are counting our ice cubes, I mean …blessings (including the new fence posts, and the second fridge). (I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice…!)

Last weekend, we all joined forces to put up the new fence. We had such pleasant weather, and a great time together (although homemade ice pops would have been cool). Check out Michelles’s blog for pics…

Around here, the rest of the family attempts to wake up before the birthday child. The first one up gets to quietly wake up the rest of the gang. The birthday child might be awake, but their eyes remain closed, possibly fluttering a bit as they listen to the nearby “shushing”. The birthday child quickly remembers what day it is as “Happy Birthday to You” begins. (It’s an unspoken rule, but they have to remain in bed till the song is finished). Mind you, I don’t think the sound quality is super because our voices haven’t warmed up, but the thoughtfulness is always appreciated.

This was tradition, and yes, it was predictable. However, on Bradley’s birthday, I could not have predicted what my boys would do (How many times have I said that?). As I peeked into their room, I thought I saw Bradley stirring, but he was all covered up in his covers facing the wall. So, I decided to quickly sing to him, and then I would gather the others later (because it was so early…we had stayed up late the night before). Well, when I got to “Happy Birthday, dear Bradley…” he sprang out of his covers and it was Benjamin! At the same time, Bradley popped his head down from Benjamin’s top bunk! Those two had switched places! They got me good! So, I said, “Let’s do this again. I’ll go wake the girls!” And they fooled the girls as well! Each new year definitely brings more smiles!

And I know what you might be thinking….C.C. is going to write a novel…it would be really novel if she posted on her blog more than once a month.:)

But seriously, we are thinking about trying our hand at “NaNoWriMo” (National Novel Writing Month) as a group effort, and perhaps individually.

Here is her email…

“I want to let all of you know about NaNoWriMo. Everybody’s busy, I know, but this could be the year that you and/or your kids write a novel. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and hundreds of thousands of adults and kids write novels in November. Yes, complete novels. If you meet your word count, you’re declared a winner — yes, a novelist. It doesn’t matter if it’s really bad or not. If it’s a finished novel, you’re a winner.

Adults have to write 50,000 words (short novel), and children set their own word-count goals. Does it sound like something you want to explore?

Check out these links:

Young Writer’s Program: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/what-is-nanowrimo

General Writer’s Program: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/whatisnano

Check it out! I’m doing this as part of a class, but it sounds too fun to keep to myself. Most people want to write a novel but can’t get started. This lets you get started — and finished — by giving you deadlines for each day in November. It’s going to be crazy fun! (I haven’t checked out the website for language, so please look at it with your kids.)”

So, how about you?

How about you? Have you ever had the convenience of using a screwdriver at your fingertips or am I the screwycrazy one?

There was nail-painting, cow hat-making, and duct-taping also going on, and 29 cows walking in and out of our house. It felt kind of like getting ready for a wedding…getting dressed up in black and white…painting nails…accessorizing…but in a different way.

The night before cow day, I found an old Nike t-shirt of BC’s that he was going to give away. That’s when the inspiration hit me…”Just Moo It!” (like the “Just Do It” slogan). So, I did it. I now have an official cow appreciation day shirt! Notice the tongue sticking out on “Air Elsie” (the cow), and the Nike symbol for her ears (BC’s Idea)…complete with a “swoosh!” by the tail! Oh, the hat read…”Incowgnito”.

Faith and I also had fun making her new ensemble this year.

This year, I thought of a new tradition. It involved having the one who graduated that year wear a black graduation gown with white spots on it. Maybe next year we will have a sign that reads…”I’m moovin’ on up!”, complete with cap and black and white tassel.

You know, we all felt totally normal, even special, when we were dressed like cows at Chick-Fil-A. In contrast, when two strangers knocked on my door, we were viewed as the strange ones, not to mention what all of our neighbors thought as we “moo-seyed” along into our cars. Later on, my friend and I were talking about the importance of who you hang around with because of the strong influence of what is perceived as “normal” by the group. Cow Day provided a very clear example of this.

Well, you know how cows just graze all day? This year, I asked the manager if it was okay if we went to another Chick-Fil-A for dinner. His reply: “Absolutely! After all, it’s National Cow Appreciation Day! You can come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!” Well, my friend did not really desire to eat a chicken sandwich twice in one day, but..when we found out we could order anything on the menu…(I later found out that this depends on the manager)…we now had options…and late dinner plans.

As we were finishing our dinner, something came over my friend (…maybe mad cow? j/k) because at 9:45 she said to me, “Let’s all go get some shakes at another Chick-Fil-A!” What had I done to my friend? She went from not wanting to go twice to initiating our third visit! So, we rushed the kids out and we were really “moo-ving” on the road to a nearby Chick-Fil-a to get delicious shakes. I just knew some of the kids would get sick that night, but all was well.

Paige’s link to cow day
And the last bit of cow news…
Our dear friends brought the famous big cow bell (you know, the one that made the news last year) for me to ring…which, surprisingly, had a damper on it! They wrapped the ringer in a napkin so it would not ring so loudly like it had last year!

Some of our friends with their families…

I saw this wig-wearing guy in the crowd when I was in the parking lot on the way into Chick-Fil-A, and I said, “Now that dude really knows how to do Cow Day!” Then, someone told me that dude was Mr. I! Wow! I could barely recognize him.

Thank you, Michelle, for taking pictures, and for letting me take some with your moovalous camera (she even put white duct tape spots on her camera straps!)

We were pretty tired cows at the end of the day! It reminded me of the time when our young Paige told me that her “cows” were tired! What she really was referring to was her calves! Too cute!

Calling all cows…next year, on the second Friday in July…save a spot on your calendar and join us for the fun. We are not sure if Chic-Fil-A will have a spot for all our spotted friends, but it will be fun trying! No cow left behind!

Twenty years ago, my dear grandfather went to be with the LORD. He was my one and only grandfather when I was growing up, as my mom’s dad died before I was born. I really missed him, and I realized how blessed we were to have him around. He was a good man who could fix just about anything, which worked out well because he had some grandchildren who could break just about anything. He loved being on the porch and especially the garage. He loved having things neat, like his house, garage, and car. His specialty (as in what he did for fun) was painting walls and houses.

He had a twinkle in his eye that told you he loved you, even if he didn’t say it too often. He loved giving us “some sugar”, which is what he called a kiss on the cheek, and real sugar, too. I remember my mom telling us how he gave all four of us chocolates one Easter morning, right before church, and we (being the little chocolate-loving beasts that we were/are) devoured them. Let’s just say that our white Easter dresses took on a completely different look. Mom said that grandpa also took on a completely different look-one that was absolutely stunned by our demolition speed!

I remember feeling his whiskers on his face and, obviously, feeling comfortable enough to ask him personal questions. Once I asked him why his nose hairs were so long, and he didn’t get too mad at me. He had a good sense of humor, although he was a bit of a prankster. Countless times he warned me about hairy-legged boys, and often told my brother to eat (fill in blank) because it would put hair on his chest. Things did seem a little “hairy” at times, especially the time when we totally embarrassed him at a certain restaurant. As an unsuspecting woman ate at a neighboring booth, we (sly little children) put pieces of hamburger meat in her beautiful hair, which, ironically, was in a bun. He nearly died of embarrassment.

Many years later, Grandpa went to be with our LORD, yet it was so hard to believe that he was gone. I remember thinking it was just a bad dream and hoping that Grandpa would miraculously come back to life. I guess I just couldn’t imagine life without him. I especially remember watching classic movies with him in the summer and laughing along with “I Love Lucy”. There is something about Jimmy Stewart that still makes me think of Grandpa.

Shortly after he died, I married BC and inherited another grandpa: BC’s sweet Paw Paw. We were blessed by him. Although he tried to fix lots of things, the family lovingly refers to some of his “fixes” as “Paw Paw-rigged”. He was very kind and easy to be around. His high voice and sweet character reminded us of the grandpa on the “Waltons” (played by Will Geer). One time, I felt so comfortable with him in the room, which was filled with only ladies, that I said, “It’s okay, we can talk about that. Paw Paw is just one of the girls!” And he was so tickled to be included. So, when God called him home in 1999, it sort of felt like losing my grandpa again.

Many years ago when G.G. remarried, we had another man that came into our lives that also took on the role of grandpa. Charles, or “G.P.”, could always make us smile. More importantly, he brought the smile back to my sweet grandma’s face. One of the things I love about G.P. is his life stories; they are very entertaining! I also admire his writing. We are blessed to still have G.P. and G.G. with us. (By the way, G.G. is doing so much better, and we can’t wait to see them this summer!)

Our Neighbor Bob

All three of these men desired to be helpful, and they were. Sometimes in life, you find a “grandpa-like” person right down your street. We were blessed to know and love a wonderful and helpful man named Bob. If I could give an award out to the “best neighbor ever”, he would probably win it. He was always kind and thoughtful to us, and not just us, but everyone in the neighborhood. He’d come by early to check on our family if BC’s car was parked out front on a school day…sometimes so early that I know I probably scared him with my “early morning look and attire”, but thankfully he never laughed at me. I know he noticed because he was a very observant man. As he helped us out when things would break (which happened more than once), he was a great example of a servant. He was like an emergency dad down the street. He helped my husband fix our cars, lawnmowers…multiple times. He had just about every tool made, and…he knew how to use them.

I remember one time he stayed up all night trying to figure out what was wrong with our riding lawn mower, and he actually found a solution! His mind’s wheels were constantly turning. That next day, he excitedly tried to explain to me the inner workings of the engine, but I have to admit, I was slightly confused. It’s not really my world; however, I admired his knowledge and listened. I loved his mindset, which was also present in our grandparents and their wise generation, that considered trying hard to fix a problem and find the answers. Sometimes, I have easily be tempted to say: “Well it’s broken, maybe we should just buy a new one!”, but Bob has encouraged me to try to fix things. A few days ago, I fixed the leak in the air mattress. I know BC has learned quite a lot from him, as he helped him with all things mechanical. He also helped us fix our washer and dryer and they even let us use their washer and dryer while we were in limbo.

They were truly wonderful neighbors. His spic and span garage was the place he loved to be, or maybe it was in the yard…by the tree. Speaking of trees, he was one of the neighbors who helped me plant the trees in our front yard. He planted many trees in his yard, too. A few years back, we were so sad to hear they might be moving, and then so glad to hear it was just around the corner. He always made us feel welcome in his home, and brought candy to our kids. One Thanksgiving, he brought over an extra turkey they had. They really were so generous. They gave us some nice furniture, too.

Bob loved to fish, and he loved to talk. He really didn’t keep it pithy, but he always wore a hat that read: “Keep it pithy” (which is an SAT word meaning: short and sweet!). When I saw him in the hospital, I asked him if he was keeping it pithy. He half-smiled and coughed as it was very difficult for him to speak. As he went to be with the Lord on May 22, I am happy that he is now pain-free and able to speak once again. Or will he even be able to find the words when he views our sweet Savior and heaven
(as the half has only been told). I’m pretty sure words will come, along with his charming smile.

When this former Navy man was nearing his last days, we know his “ship” did indeed come in. We also know that we have a Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the “Captain of our salvation”, and He called Bob home to the beautiful shores of heaven. Unfortunately, he went sailing out to sea, and his sweet wife, Barbara, is left waiting to meet him on that beautiful shore. They will be reunited someday. Below, I included a blue-grass song that we plan to sing at his memorial service. I’m pretty sure a Christian will see Jesus first (as I included the other song), but nevertheless, in our humanity…in our journey as husbands/wives and parents/children we surely know that love is strong and death can be quite difficult.

I am encouraged by G.G. and G.P. who made it when their spouses had to journey on. We are thankful that God in his mercy allowed us more time with them, even though we lost a dear loved one. Nana also has encouraged me. It did take some time to heal. Someone recently told me that the grieving process takes a month for every year you were married. I believe it! Please say a prayer for sweet Barbara and another dear neighbor, Margie, who also just recently lost her husband of 49 years, Pat. We went to Pat’s memorial last Saturday, May 21. We are singing at his graveside service today. In May 2011, these two dear neighbors went to heaven. They will be missed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwxL9ekKtbU&feature=related\"Far Side Banks of Jordan\"

\"My Savior First Of All\"

Staying nearby, we were also comforted. We stayed in the Dallas area with my parents one night, and then Brad and I enjoyed a romantic stay at their hotel the following night, but we saw very little of them. Our main contact was through texting. I will let them tell all about it (hint, hint) when they decide to blog. I know I have no room to talk as I have been absent from the blogging community for a record-long time. They did have a wonderful, and safe time.

We also extremely enjoyed spending time with my parents and brother. Interestingly, we went with them to a park and attempted to fly two kites. As the string was loosening, I was struck by the fact that I was loosening the reins/string with my two daughters who were now flying solo, yet together, in that cloudy sky.

We did have the privilege of hearing them perform with the SMU choir on their Encore Youth Chorus Tour. Here is a short clip I found on youtube of the girls (Paige and Michelle) singing. Enjoy!Encore Youth Chorus w/SMU

I specifically recall one adventurous time when I was shopping with Paige (my eldest), who was three years old (and I only had two children back then). We were at a Christian book store, and her hands were wanting to touch everything. One phrase I seemed to always be repeating was, “Look with your eyes, not your hands.” But ah… then came a teachable moment. Paige spied a shiny, gold-plated bookmark with words engraved on the top. She knew the letters were words and sweetly asked me what those words said. I told her, “Paid…in…full” (being a teacher, I was speaking slowly and running my fingers underneath the words).

Then, I went on to explain how salvation is a free gift to us, and how Jesus paid for it when He died on the cross. Well, in all my explaining, and poor usage of the pronoun “it”, I failed to communicate very well. My error became pretty obvious to me when I returned home and she took out her bookmark to show Daddy her free gift. Well, being the cute “free”-year-old that she was, we all had a good laugh, and then we returned it to Scripture Stall.

As we entered the store, I shared the story of our first (and last) shoplifting experience, which became quite a spirit-lifting experience! This was definitely a “happy return”. In my few experiences with returning items, I cannot remember a single time when the service desk people gave me a laugh (yes, sometimes I received service with a smile-albeit, a possible fake one). Well, audible laughter trickled out of the patient clerk who was behind the counter at Scripture Stall that day!

God’s salvation is a free gift. It cost us nothing, yet cost Him everything!

Here are the words to a favorite hymn that our choir has learned at co-op:

“Free, Free, Free”

(Author and composer unknown)

(vs. 1) Hark! sinner, hark! we have tidings so true,

Tidings of pardon and blessings for you!

God, in His word says that Christ on the tree,

Died for guilty sinners, and “Salvation is free.”

Chorus:

Hear the news, sinner, free! free! free!

Why not believe it ? ‘Tis good news for thee.

Jesus the Just One has died on the tree,

Died for guilty sinners, and “Salvation is free.”

(vs. 2) Guilty you are, yet you know very well

Jesus has suffered to save you from hell;

Tho’ now condemned, justified you may be,

Jesus paid the ransom, and “Salvation is free.”

(vs.3) Trust not in “doing,” it cannot avail.

Good resolutions and works  can but fail;

“Grace, grace alone,” is the saved sinner’s plea,

“Not of works,” the Scriptures say, “Salvation is free.”

(vs.4) Trust not in feelings, your heart is depraved.

Trust only Jesus, who now lives to save;

Tears of repentance, tho’ real they may be,

Ne’er can purchase heaven, for “Salvation is free.”

Nine years ago today, Paige was diagnosed with cancer. I continually praise the Lord Jesus Christ that he saved her from a deadly disease. I also praise the Lord for taking our eternal life-threatening disease, which is sin, and giving his life to pay for the penalty of our sin in order that we might live with the Lord Jesus, the only One who conquered death and the grave, forever.
Here is a song that I recently heard and enjoyed…
Christ Is Risen By Matt Maher

Last Wednesday evening, Paige had a low fever, and her breathing seemed labored. Last Thursday (morning), she was having a hard time drawing a deep breath, and her fingernails had an unnatural “blueness” to them that warranted a speedy trip to the Med Clinic (thank you, Google search), and a not-so-speedy wait (four hours). The chest x-rays revealed that she had pneumonia. She was prescribed two antibiotics and an inhaler. They were ready for pick-up in the late afternoon.

I had just given Paige her first dose, when we all heard a loud sound…like a explosion! I thought the boys might have broken something, but the girls said it sounded more like a gun shot in our front yard. Well, normally, that would not inspire me to go outside, but our good scout, Faith, peeked out the window and said there was smoke. So, out I hobbled. And what exactly did my wondering eyes see? A burning bush…in my front yard! Yikes!

I quickly hurried to turn the hose on, and a nice man, who just happened to be driving by, pointed out two other fire sparks in my front yard and doused them. He told me he saw some guys run off across our field, (after they had set off a firecracker in the street) and asked me if he wanted me to try to get them. I said (with fire in my eyes): “Yes! Bring them to me!” I was incredibly “not happy, Bob…not happy!” (quote from The Incredibles)

So, there I waited, dousing the rest of my yard with the hose, looking for more fires to put out! I’m quite certain the people who drove by wondered why I was outside watering my grass in mid-winter. It was freezing outside (I had no jacket or shoes on), but I was fuming. It had been one of those days that your momma always warns you about!

Thankfully, my spirit did “cool down” as I remembered a verse…”It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) God was amazingly merciful to us. The kind man in the truck returned to inform me that the guys were coming, and that he told them I was calling the police.

Three law-breakers slowly walked, heads down, across the field. I was still mad, but God told me to show mercy (quench not the Spirit). I told the boys my sad song about how I had just arrived from picking up prescriptions for my daughter, who currently has pneumonia, and my knee is messed up, and that it was not terribly easy for me to play firefighter. I continued lecturing these high-school boys by informing them how incredibly irresponsible they were to just run off and leave, and how thankful I was to be home. They kept on apologizing. I told them I was going to show them mercy and not call the cops, but that I hoped and prayed they would never do anything that stupid again.

Maybe you don’t agree with my letting them go, but I had another fire to put out. This fire was the one inside me: the anger, and frustrations of the day. I also was reminded how I was a law-breaker too, and God had mercy on me by sending His own Son to save me from eternal fire! I don’t think the Lord was speaking to me through that burning bush, but He does continue to teach me through many things. He is still with me in every trial, and I am repeatedly leaning on His everlasting arms!

My knee is still hurting and inflamed; however, when I hurried to put out the flames that day, I heard some pops (my knee, not more fireworks), and now my range of motion has greatly improved. Please know that I am not advocating fireworks or setting lawns ablaze for a “sure-fire” way to improve a sprained knee. Just saying…

Thankfully, we also were blessed to have some friends drop by some essential oils and two diffusers/humidifiers that seemed to help as well. I was willing to try anything! It takes your breath away when you witness your child struggling just to draw a breath. Totally scary. Praise the LORD that she is doing so well! “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”(Psalm 150:6) Paige is doing much better, but Bradley came down with it on Monday. I think the three (Benjamin, Paige, and Michelle) are on the mend (still coughing, but no fevers). Four of us haven’t been touched by “it”…yet! Please pray for continued healing and protection.