The Parade Float my "Other" Kids did (My United Methodist Youth Fellowship Kids that is)
This is The Butterfly, The Lady Bug and Darth Vader
This is Brianna Ballerina and her Broken Nose
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
The Kids...
The Parade Float my "Other" Kids did (My United Methodist Youth Fellowship Kids that is)
This is The Butterfly, The Lady Bug and Darth Vader
This is Brianna Ballerina and her Broken Nose
My Other Terrific Child
I did not get to post this, But My son was a Kwananis Terrific Kid for November. He is a really good kid and I am not suprised. I am very proud of him for all the way he has come with the whole school thing. He as always exceeded my expectations for him. He reminds me a lot of me in a lot of ways. Always wanting to do it right. But this is not about him.
From before my oldest daughter/my second child was born....there was this strife between us. My son was just 8 months old when I got pregnant and I resented what would be an intrusion on this special relationship, He and I had. I came to accept, that ...if it was a boy...it was ok. I would be giving him a brother to play with and grow with and be his best friend. Only, It was a girl.
Then, I had premature labor and had my labor stopped. I could not take care of my then 16 month old son, and he was sent to stay with grandma for 2 weeks. I cried and cried. I had not been away from him. And then this almost perfect baby girl was born. Only, she could not retain her body heat, and she was so small and could not latch on to the breast good. And she could not catch her breathe on her own...and I did not want to love her because I was afraid I would lose her.
Then came a moment of clarity. On day 14 after her birth, she went to the doctors for her checkup. He rushed us to the hospital and admitted her for failure to thrive. She had not regained her body weight and was very jaundice. The whole way to the hospital I cried my heart out. Because, the unthinkable had happened. Even if I lost her, I already loved her more then I loved myself. She had snuck in to my PDD and captured my heart and I could not live without her. When she was admitted at 14 days she weighed a whole 5 lbs and 14 oz. I sat there that night holding her and crying. Waiting for God to heal my heart and heal her. We left the next day and she was doing better. We had a consultation with a lactation consultant and my princess was ok. And We came away working on the strife between us. Her to learn to nurse from me, Me...opening my heart to loving her with all I had.
At 4 months, Brianna was trying to crawl. It was a tale of what would become our daughter. She would push up on all 4's go 2 steps and lay down and take a 10-20 min nap. Then do it all over again, until she got it. I love that story, because that is my daughter today.
Last sunday in church, she got up and ran around the pews in the sanctuary during church. We were not calling her a terrific kid. The older people in the church did not help because they laughed and laughed and hugged her and then came to us and told us "I am so happy to see she feels comfortable here. That this place belongs to her." and "I am sorry, but it is so cute when it is someone elses child." She beats to her own drummer. She dances to her own music. And She loves without boundaries. She is of her own mind and never follows the crowd.
She is the child I most admire and wish I was like. I worry about her future, but I know that she will never do something to just follow the crowd. The mistakes she makes will be her own, and she will find a way to do it herself. I see great things for her future, and I am lucky to have her as a terrific kid.
From before my oldest daughter/my second child was born....there was this strife between us. My son was just 8 months old when I got pregnant and I resented what would be an intrusion on this special relationship, He and I had. I came to accept, that ...if it was a boy...it was ok. I would be giving him a brother to play with and grow with and be his best friend. Only, It was a girl.
Then, I had premature labor and had my labor stopped. I could not take care of my then 16 month old son, and he was sent to stay with grandma for 2 weeks. I cried and cried. I had not been away from him. And then this almost perfect baby girl was born. Only, she could not retain her body heat, and she was so small and could not latch on to the breast good. And she could not catch her breathe on her own...and I did not want to love her because I was afraid I would lose her.
Then came a moment of clarity. On day 14 after her birth, she went to the doctors for her checkup. He rushed us to the hospital and admitted her for failure to thrive. She had not regained her body weight and was very jaundice. The whole way to the hospital I cried my heart out. Because, the unthinkable had happened. Even if I lost her, I already loved her more then I loved myself. She had snuck in to my PDD and captured my heart and I could not live without her. When she was admitted at 14 days she weighed a whole 5 lbs and 14 oz. I sat there that night holding her and crying. Waiting for God to heal my heart and heal her. We left the next day and she was doing better. We had a consultation with a lactation consultant and my princess was ok. And We came away working on the strife between us. Her to learn to nurse from me, Me...opening my heart to loving her with all I had.
At 4 months, Brianna was trying to crawl. It was a tale of what would become our daughter. She would push up on all 4's go 2 steps and lay down and take a 10-20 min nap. Then do it all over again, until she got it. I love that story, because that is my daughter today.
Last sunday in church, she got up and ran around the pews in the sanctuary during church. We were not calling her a terrific kid. The older people in the church did not help because they laughed and laughed and hugged her and then came to us and told us "I am so happy to see she feels comfortable here. That this place belongs to her." and "I am sorry, but it is so cute when it is someone elses child." She beats to her own drummer. She dances to her own music. And She loves without boundaries. She is of her own mind and never follows the crowd.
She is the child I most admire and wish I was like. I worry about her future, but I know that she will never do something to just follow the crowd. The mistakes she makes will be her own, and she will find a way to do it herself. I see great things for her future, and I am lucky to have her as a terrific kid.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30" Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30" Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.
God Bless and keep them.
God Works In Mysterious Ways (M)
Coming back from my trip to Maryland (and my grandma's funeral) Something happened.
During the funeral, I think in a lot of ways, I was not hurting as bad as the rest of my family. One of the big differances was, Although I was grieving...I knew my grandmother was ok. I have great faith that she is not hurting and in a place where she is filled with joy. Before she died, she and I talked a great deal about our faith. She loved God. But she had been hurting for so long. When my mom died and then my uncle just 3 years later, My grandmother was hurting so bad. You are not suppose to outlive your children. She became so depressed. I did not want her to feel that hurt anymore. My heart hurt for her grief, more then my heart hurts with my own missing her. I would rather she go home to be with my grandpap, her parents, my mom and my uncle...and most of all the God that loves us. I wanted her to be happy again. So, Although my heart hurts with missing her...I know she is in a better place and I will see her again one day. I think of that old gospel hymn "When we all get to heaven."
My sister, in her grief shared with me a story. My grandma a few days before she died, said to Johnna. "Your hands are so warm Johnna. Grandpap Nick was here last night and his hands were so cold." My grandpap Nick died in 1986. And Johnna kept telling her, "No Grandma...Grandpap has been gone a really long time." And grandma insisited that Grandpap was there. I believe in my heart, He came to take her home. In the almost 20 years since his death, she never dated again. The idea of marrying again never occured to her. And now they are together again.
On the plane on the way home, the 2nd leg of my trip from Housten to El Paso, I got on the plane and sat down in my seat by the window. I was hurting. I wanted to be alone with my grief. When two young twentysomething males sat down next to me...looking very..disheaveled, My only thought was "Oh Great." I smiled said "Hi." and went back to reading my book. I had passed judgement on them being troublesome young men. Half way through the flight, God sent me a message. It came in the form of a young man about 21. This young man beside me said, "I feel like I need to give you a message. God loves you and wants you to feel surrounded by His love." I cried. This young man, who I had passed judgement on...was sent to share God's love with me. I told him, that my grandma had just died..and that I was coming back from the funeral. When the other young man returned to his seat...he told me he was a youth pastor. We ended up talking a lot about the work we both do with teenagers. They have thier own praise band, and have volunteered to help me with my interdenominational youth Confrance and workshops for teens. God is so merciful and good. He gives us what we need when we most need it. His love. I feel so blessed to be loved by God. I feel His hands in my life, guiding me....sometimes pushing me when I resist. Always, always gently holding me close.
God has a message for each of us. He loves us. He wants us to love Him. And then...When we all get to heaven...
During the funeral, I think in a lot of ways, I was not hurting as bad as the rest of my family. One of the big differances was, Although I was grieving...I knew my grandmother was ok. I have great faith that she is not hurting and in a place where she is filled with joy. Before she died, she and I talked a great deal about our faith. She loved God. But she had been hurting for so long. When my mom died and then my uncle just 3 years later, My grandmother was hurting so bad. You are not suppose to outlive your children. She became so depressed. I did not want her to feel that hurt anymore. My heart hurt for her grief, more then my heart hurts with my own missing her. I would rather she go home to be with my grandpap, her parents, my mom and my uncle...and most of all the God that loves us. I wanted her to be happy again. So, Although my heart hurts with missing her...I know she is in a better place and I will see her again one day. I think of that old gospel hymn "When we all get to heaven."
My sister, in her grief shared with me a story. My grandma a few days before she died, said to Johnna. "Your hands are so warm Johnna. Grandpap Nick was here last night and his hands were so cold." My grandpap Nick died in 1986. And Johnna kept telling her, "No Grandma...Grandpap has been gone a really long time." And grandma insisited that Grandpap was there. I believe in my heart, He came to take her home. In the almost 20 years since his death, she never dated again. The idea of marrying again never occured to her. And now they are together again.
On the plane on the way home, the 2nd leg of my trip from Housten to El Paso, I got on the plane and sat down in my seat by the window. I was hurting. I wanted to be alone with my grief. When two young twentysomething males sat down next to me...looking very..disheaveled, My only thought was "Oh Great." I smiled said "Hi." and went back to reading my book. I had passed judgement on them being troublesome young men. Half way through the flight, God sent me a message. It came in the form of a young man about 21. This young man beside me said, "I feel like I need to give you a message. God loves you and wants you to feel surrounded by His love." I cried. This young man, who I had passed judgement on...was sent to share God's love with me. I told him, that my grandma had just died..and that I was coming back from the funeral. When the other young man returned to his seat...he told me he was a youth pastor. We ended up talking a lot about the work we both do with teenagers. They have thier own praise band, and have volunteered to help me with my interdenominational youth Confrance and workshops for teens. God is so merciful and good. He gives us what we need when we most need it. His love. I feel so blessed to be loved by God. I feel His hands in my life, guiding me....sometimes pushing me when I resist. Always, always gently holding me close.
God has a message for each of us. He loves us. He wants us to love Him. And then...When we all get to heaven...
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessèd
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Refrain
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Refrain
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
Refrain
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
If Roe V Wade is overturned?
If the court were to hear a case, or hear the origional women that Roe V Wade is based on case...and decided to overturn thier decision...What would happen?
Well obviously, it would go back to the states to make laws on. This is what I think would happen...
3-5 states would have what it is now. Unlimited abortions with out any exceptions. (those that are currently with 20% or less that are pro life
5-7 states would out law abortions out right...and they would be illegal all around. (those with currently the 50% or higher that are pro-life
and the rest...that have between 20-50% that are pro-life would see limitations put on abortion. such as in the case of rape, incest, mothers health.
Women could still drive to get abortions in those 3-5 states. But the limitations would at least be a start in the right direction.
To me, that does not seem so bad. I know this will not end abortion, but it is a great start. Education is what will end this act. Every women who has an abortion should have to have counceling and an ultrasound done to show her excatly what she is killing. That too would help limit abortions. They should be given the truth about the risk to future children and to thier own health by having an abortion. The risk of breast cancer and future miscarriages and stillbirths.
And all of this is just a start. But if Roe V Wade is overturned by our new court...we are at least taking a step in the right direction.
Well obviously, it would go back to the states to make laws on. This is what I think would happen...
3-5 states would have what it is now. Unlimited abortions with out any exceptions. (those that are currently with 20% or less that are pro life
5-7 states would out law abortions out right...and they would be illegal all around. (those with currently the 50% or higher that are pro-life
and the rest...that have between 20-50% that are pro-life would see limitations put on abortion. such as in the case of rape, incest, mothers health.
Women could still drive to get abortions in those 3-5 states. But the limitations would at least be a start in the right direction.
To me, that does not seem so bad. I know this will not end abortion, but it is a great start. Education is what will end this act. Every women who has an abortion should have to have counceling and an ultrasound done to show her excatly what she is killing. That too would help limit abortions. They should be given the truth about the risk to future children and to thier own health by having an abortion. The risk of breast cancer and future miscarriages and stillbirths.
And all of this is just a start. But if Roe V Wade is overturned by our new court...we are at least taking a step in the right direction.
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