Picture Memories - Part II

I present my great grandparents, Oscar and Elizabeth (Groden) Melcher.  Both first generation Americans born to immigrant parents from Germany and Ireland.  I'd like to step back in time to visit with them.  She passed away when I was only two;  I have a very vague recollection of visiting her in Salt Lake City, Utah ... I remember a beautiful decorative floral tin with a little knob on top that she let me play with ... my mother said this grandmother enjoyed watching boxing fights on TV (LOL).

They were married on March 21, 1903 in Madison, Nebraska ... residing the early years of their marriage in Osmond, Nebraska.

Childhood Expressions

... I'm participating in Dr. Barbara Boucher's blog carnival over at Therextras.com.  Her theme this time around is about Childhood Expressions.  I can think of no other post that expresses Nathan ... and his unusual language ... than borrowing some good insightful info from a condensed previous post.  I give you: 

'Eyes OK'

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, cognitive and speech challenges.  For example, On Wednesday he had an appointment with an ophthalmologist which went something like this: The doctor's 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


eee-eee = said while signing to eat

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

nu-do = noodles/pasta

cut = splinter

bee off = make the (bee sting) pain go away

bee off blip = the pain is gone

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, more,
ketchup, NO, days of the week, happy, sick,

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???

Is it any wonder that I've installed a Voice4u app on my iPhone.  This application has touch screen icons with an audible 'voice' that he can scroll, tap & touch to help make known more of his needs and wants.  If you are interested, check out the website here for a demo and more information.

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

Throw Back The Covers ...

... open the window sash to spring ... in the beautiful North Woods of Idaho.

Yesterday morning was the first in ever-so-long that the heater was not turned on to warm up the rooms at the Mangy Moose Lodge.  Windows were given a good 1-2 opening .. summer furniture cushions were placed outside .. patios cleaned, and a veggie garden tilled.  It took just one day for the kefir and buttermilk cultures to set up on the counter .. instead of the normal two days.

On the movie menu was Julie & Julia (as you can see, I'm very 'current' on my flicks;) ... and from all of the work done outside, I once again for the second night in a row fell asleep during the same movie.  Exhaustion is a good feeling when one has exerted oneself from heavy labor .. instead of stress.  Saturday is our normal day for changing bed linens and bath towels.  But, no sleep was to be had on Friday night with flannel sheets and an extra blanket on me bed.  Tired as I was ... I had to muster up the strength to put on proper spring time sheets at half past midnight.  Cool, crisp percale with extra high thread count pillow cases of luxury Egyptian cotton (from the Hospice thrift store .. never used at $1 a piece;).

Today ... albeit ... spring ... finds a light drizzle watering my newly (partially) planted garden.  Free water from heaven ... hubby's motto .. 'If it's free .. it's for me." The dining room has a stack of outdoor furniture cushions off in the corner.

The coffee is getting cold ... and it's now time to get dressed for the day.

Happy Saturday SPRING greetings ... from ... a crazy old grandma ... lover of all things vintage ... that needs to go select which porch rocking chair she wants to use today to watch the world go by.

Enjoy the day God has given you.

vintage copyright free image from here

Having A Fit

... in progress.

Hubby's work hours were changed.  Him being low man on the totem pole .. is now working the night shift.  (uuuggg)  I didn't think about the consequences this would have on my daily routine until this week.  It's been years since he worked at nights.  Here's a list of my 'no can do' during the daytime:  I have to BE QUIET!  That means no vacuuming during the day ... minimal noise in the backyard ... think rototilling the garden right outside the bedroom window ... and trying to keep Nathan quiet this summer when he wants to dance to loud music in his room ... uugggH).  Waiting for permanent retirement.  Help me to find the bright side ... Pollyanna is hiding today!

Picture Memories - Part 1

... are currently scattered on top of my desk.  I have been blessed with an abundance of faded, time worn heirloom family photos ... handed down by my mother, via her parents, via their parents ...

These memories are my connection to a different era.  The past that steps so close to .. but is no longer touching ... the present.  Some memories are stored in my mind from stories told by my dearly departed relatives about their youth; though most of said memories are of when my ancestors were my age and older that I remember from years ago.  To see them as youngsters full of mischief in a different era makes me want to step through the boundaries of time ...

To possess my grandparent's wedding announcement and marriage certificate makes me long to see them again.  Time is passing all too quickly.  In the blink of an eye ... so many changes ... inventions ... modes of transportation have come and gone ... and yet, we are still connected by heart strings and family genes.  How will I be remembered by my descendants?   I hope to one day print out my blog journals and bind them with a pretty cover.  Then little Jacob's grandchildren can read about their great grandma's family and remember from whence they came.

... to be continued

Mrs. Mac's family photos:         Click on photos to enlarge

Top, L-R Maternal Great Aunt Theresa & Grandma Donna taken on their First Holy Communion day.  According to a story told to me by Grandma Donna ... Auntie was mad at her for getting to wear the pretty gold locket ... and she had to wear the old pearl necklace;) ... you can almost imagine that just before the picture was taken, they were in a tiff with each other as is evident on their pretty sad little faces.

Center photo:  Mrs Mac's Great Grandmother Myra's beautiful Victorian farmhouse parlor.  She was well off with house servants and fringe lined buggies to drive.  Great Grandma Myra had the latest modern furnishings for her era (according to my mother) ... including an electric stove before most anyone else.

Bottom photo:  Mrs. Mac's Great Grandparents, Myra Grigsby Hodges, and their family.  My grandfather is the cute little boy; the baby of the family.  He married the little girl with the pretty gold locket.  This is the same family in the new blog header .. years earlier.  It is this grandfather that I led to Christ when he was in his 70's ... (When Grandpa Got Saved)

... to be continued

On Being A Grandma

There is nothing better than having your wee grandson take hold of your hand and say:  "I luff you Nana"   ... what a heart melting moment. 

Photo of Jake ... age 3

His Sheep Know His Voice

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28 (NIV)

copyright free image from here

While The World Forgets ...

Let us remember:

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah  53:5