Politicians From The Looney Bin

It amazes me how people get elected to public office. Take for example the following news stories about two politicians way, way, way left of center.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bavaria's most glamorous politician -- a flame-haired motorcyclist who helped bring down state premier Edmund Stoiber -- has shocked the Catholic state in Germany by suggesting marriage should last just 7 years.

And then there's the nutty senator from Nebraska that wants to sue God. I wonder if he was mildly surprised when a written response from "God" appeared on the court house counter.

LINCOLN, Neb. - A legislator who filed a lawsuit against God has gotten something he might not have expected: a response. One of two court filings from "God" came Wednesday under otherworldly circumstances, according to John Friend, clerk of the Douglas County District Court in Omaha.

I hope these people get booted out of office for such nonsense.

Have a nice weekend.

I'm Going Clothes Shopping ... Be Back Tomorrow

Well, after examining the rags hanging in my closet, I must head out to the store today and scout for some cool weather clothing. Most of my clothes are well worn after just one season ... so this might cost dh a pretty penny ;) I leave you with a few blogs to check out. First is my dear mom's site called: Life With Tiffy (don't ask), and my brother's new site full of gorgeous pictures: A Day In The Life. They are both new to the world of blogging so be nice and pay them a visit. And lastly, I was going to excite/bore you with the minutia of my yearly physical exam yesterday with a post titled "Pony Up To The Stirrups", but instead I will direct you to Katrina over at Notes On A Napkin; she's written a brilliant piece about such an exam, enjoy!

From House to Home

Seldom do I get attached to earthly possessions. However, there are a few items I have hauled around with each move. Items that hold a certain connectivity to my loved ones that are deceased, and memories of young married life. Some are nothing more than stories told over and over that I keep tucked away in my heart. But others are tangible objects that my family once used and now I use. I have painstakingly boxed up my grandparent's dining room lamp numerous times; placing each of a hundred or so prisms in bubble wrap ensuring safe travel. My new dining room was inspired by this one simple item. The wall color and window coverings echo the lamp's style and color. And the dining table and antique English sideboard were figured into the room's proportions when plans were made. The lamp reminds me of my grandparents and the dinners served underneath it. The table and sideboard were purchased when dh and I first were married. Each of our children learned their table manners while sitting in the chairs, and the old wood carries on a rich history in the very scratch and dent marks given to it through the years. The newness of my house is tempered with the old and now it is called home.

" When a man takes a new wife, he is not to go out with the army or be given any business or work duties. He gets one year off simply to be at home making his wife happy."

Deuteronomy 24:5
The Message Bible

A 'Senior' Moment

All is a buzz in our home with our new senior. Yes, she has her moments, but most have been good. For some reason the whole adult life scene has finally clicked with her and she is now taking steps to buckle down in her studies and prepare for her real life. Not that we haven't tried to get her to do so earlier on in her school career ... but some times young adults have to figure things out in their own time ... and no amount of harassing and threatening to lock them in their rooms or take away car keys can compare to them figuring it out in their own minds. A light switch somehow gets switched to the on position and the 'dance' of life, career path choices, college plans, and decision after decision are the responsibilities of young life. A fork in the road so to speak. If a parent has nurtured and admonished and surrounded their offspring with Godly foundations, there comes a time that feathers must be ruffled and baby-bird leaves the warm comfy nest and has to fly or hit the ground. Either way, mommy and daddy bird have faith that their diligence and earlier commitment will have shaped the very soul of their wee one.

"Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds."
Psalm 71:17

Photo: Ann, age 17

"Eyes" OK

With back to school having started nearly two weeks ago, We've had our share of ups and downs with all things Nathan related. Being the possessor of an extra chromosome has its advantages and disadvantages. A few of the downers are health, physical and cognitive challenges. For example, each year his doctor checks for certain changes in his blood chemistry, particularly thyroid and blood count problems. Last year his thyroid test came back screwy ... but the second test came back normal. This year his white blood count was a little low ... not dangerously low ... but low all the same. At the end of September we will have this test redone and hope/pray that it's better. Just days before his blood was drawn, he was bitten by what I presumed was a snake while playing in our forested back acreage. Needless to say, it wasn't from a poisonous snake ... and it could have even been from some huge insect that left two distinct puncture marks that got inflamed and presented faint streaks. Worry wart that I am ... as soon as the doctor informed me that the blood count was low ... and asked, "has he been sick or had an infection lately" ... I began worrying about the worst of the worst fears that I can't even bring myself to repeat. You can imagine how difficult it is to even get him to visit the doctor what with having 13 or more surgeries in his young life. I usually save the details of our 'errand' until we pull up at the doctor's office and then he always asks if a shot is involved. This past week presented even another problem. He escaped the school grounds and was making his way to McDonald's for French fries. Now I have another meeting to attend at school regarding safety issues. He has to be watched like a hawk and has a lack of safety awareness. On Wednesday he had an appointment with an opthalmologist which went something like this: Assistant persuaded Nathan to sit in the big up and down exam chair. "Please read the top line in the mirror." She had little insight that he has unintelligible speech ... but soon switched from letters to numbers. After I informed her that she might try shapes, she dug out a slide with stencil looking animals, a car, house, etc. This proved pointless and she gave up. All the while he's trying to ask her if she plans on giving him a shot. Next, in comes the doctor. He plans on putting eye drops in Nathan's eyes ... but first is asked something about a shot. "No, we don't give shots here." In go the drops and after a few minutes, the 'dance' of unintelligible communication proceeds between the doctor, Nathan, and myself. I was the interpreter, and calming force. Somehow, the doctor, with the help of his hand held lenses, was able to deduct that my child is farsighted and has an astigmatism ... but does not need glasses.

Lost In Translation:

Here is a sample of Nathan's vocabulary:

ice (said while pointing to his eyes) = he's thirsty and wants some ice water. Since ice and
eyes sound alike ... he points to his EYES.

mirror = "come here"

boom = the name he calls his 'security blanket' which just
happens to be a little plastic yellow garden spade
Ma = all things related to Mom (me)

KeeKee = (older sister)

Wowa = (older sister)

baby = nephew Jacob

Ha-nee = Holly, his dog's name

voom-voom = said while each hand's index and middle fingers
touch. Used to be said when wanting a ride in our
65 GTO muscle car. Now he says this to ride in our
76 Jeep CJ7

eee-eee = said while signing to eat

no = no (the same in every language) his favorite word

Words he uses sign language for:

French fries, cookie, please, sorry, help, water, sleep, potty, eat, chips,
baseball, basketball, soccer, book, cat, ready, play, friend, Jesus, fruit

edit: the sign for 'vagina' was used incorrectly (much to my horror) as his sign for his Playstation Game. Two acquaintances asked if I knew what he was signing ... well, we now have an appropriate sign for the word game being used. :)

As you can imagine, one has to be well trained to be his mother ;)

Did I mention he's the joy of my life???

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy
and be glad all our days."
Psalm 90:14

Photo: Nathan, age 11

Meeting New Neighbors

I enjoy my solitude, being a homebody, and not having my agenda filled to the brim each and every day. But isolation is tolerable to me for only so long ... then all work around the house must fall by the wayside and visiting with family, friends, and acquaintances takes priority. We have built our home in a "Goldilocks" neighborhood. The neighbors seem nice and willing to let me in their circle without being too nosy-esque (hard), or too uncaring (soft), but rather al dente (just right). The ones I've met have taken an interest in my special needs son (Nathan) and have given me their names and phone numbers should I ever find him "gone missing" ... escape artist that he is. My immediate neighbors have helped shut off a leaky sprinkler valve, provided dinner from their garden surplus, and have two of the nicest children that seem to enjoy playing sports with Nathan.

"Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house—
too much of you, and he will hate you."
Proverbs 25:17

What Were You Doing?

When time stood still six years ago today?













Remembering those that have fallen ... on one of our nation's darkest days.