MEMORIAL DAY

Okay, okay!  I haven't posted since Mother's Day.  That's what I planned for this morning.  I've had some rough days if you must know . . .

You're right, today is the day we celebrate Memorial Day: 

General John A. Logan Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [LC-B8172- 6403 DLC (b&w film neg.)]

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee. © 1994 - 2007 David Merchant
Updated 28 April 2007

There are a lot more stories and information on the site, including the claim that it was originally called Decoration Day.  The women of the south would go on this day to lay flowers on the graves of those who died in the Civil War. You can go to this site to learn more.  I found it very interesting.

Memorial Day to me is not a day for picnics, getting drunk or for going 400 miles away from home only to race back Monday night to make work on Tuesday.  Yes, we all enjoy the days off, and picnics and trips happen, but what happens to the true explanation of the day?  For the most part it is forgotten and our children, grandchildren don't understand at all . . .

Every ounce of freedom that we have can be laid on the grave of a man or woman who gave life so that our country could be free.  It's hard to understand that just a few steps away, over the border from the US to Mexico there is a vast difference.  I lived in Mexico for 15 years.  Little by little I got used to their culture and little by little, I forgot the freedoms that we have as US citizens have.  When election time came around, I began to understand that in Mexico there is no real freedom of speech.  Christians are persecuted (especially those who went there to preach or teach the Gospel)  When I came home, I began to see what I had forgotten.  Some loud and brassy woman at the store began to tell the checker what to do politically.  In an insistent voice.  I was unhappy with the dialogue, not because she was right or wrong, but because she slowed the line down a lot.  In the car, I was so happy!  If you did that against one of their politicians, you'd be shot or sent to jail.  WE ARE TRULY FREE!!

There are young men and women dying now for our freedoms.  They are fighting against cruel dictators like Saddam Hussein and against terrorists who would see America and all Americans dead and gone.

Stop by a grave if you haven't already done so.  Say a prayer, write a dedication.  Do something to remind you what Memorial Day is about.  Teach your kids.  You will never regret it.

                    

This is my husband Robert.  He is a Vietnam War veteran.  He fought for our freedom, saw others die and came home from a war others despised.  This what is happening now.  Our brave military personnel are coming home from a war others despise.  Instead of counting the war dead, which we all do, let's start counting our freedoms.  Pray a blessing over those that have died in ALL wars and thank them and their families for making the ultimate sacrifice.

 

 

Tags: Memorial Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

                                                                    

 

Everywhere I look there are moms.  Some young, some as old or older or very much older than I.   I love to see the mommy-to-be as she walks or shops or worships.  She has a glow about her that is palpable.  I am always tempted to place my hands on her belly and feel the warmth and movement that the Lord has placed inside.  She has such a peaceful look on her face.  She'll weather all the storms as those of my generation and generations through the ages have done (well, almost).

 

I've had a hard time with Mother's Day since my own mother died some 10 years ago.  In Mexico where I lived, Mother's Day started  on May 10th and often lasted until all the moms had hit all the schools for the festivities.  I loved that the kids from the ministry made things for me and often a 2nd thing for their own moms.  I missed my mom.

 

So as we approach Mother's Day tomorrow, I want my mother's love to be a tribute to all the other moms.  My  mom's love for the Lord was powerful enough that her prayers stayed with the Lord - after her death - until all of us were returned to the Lord.  It means that when we mothers pray, that fragrance stays with the Lord forever. To all of you wonderful ladies who are raising your children now and who are great-grandma's and all in between, Happy Mothers Day.    You gals are the best!!!!   And now for the rest . . .

 

Let them spoil you tomorrow!!!

Be Pampered!!

You deserve it!!

Happy Mother's Day

with love from

Rob, Penny & Andrea

Tags: MOTHER'S DAY

TODAY IS JOHN'S BIRTHDAY

  Happy Birthday John ~ Your Mama Loves You

                    

When John was very small (he learned to read at 2 yrs old)  he knew all the answers.  At 4 yrs, he was reading encyclopedias.  When I was trying to explain to his sister about how people stayed in a theme park ride upside down, I said it had something to do with gravity and asked John to get the "G" book of the encyclopedia.  He came back with "C".  I said no - I wanted "G" for gravity and he said to me "No, Mom . . . it's "C" for centrifugal force.  See here."  He showed us what it was ~ we did an experiment with a bucket and water.  I was humbled.

All through his lower grades of school, he was really into science.  He said he wanted to be a scientist.  I was pleased.  His proficiency in science is part of what got him a scholarship for the exclusive Webb School.

In his freshman year at Webb, he had an English teacher who challenged the class to write  - I can't remember the assignment.  I will never forget the story he wrote.  I was so moved that I cried.  I don't have a copy of that story.  I do know however if I had a chance to read it today I would probably cry again.

The rest is history . . . .

I am very proud to be his mom.  And to think . . . I wanted him to be a scientist or at least an English teacher!  What the world would have missed. 

So stop on by his journal  By the Way in which he has already announced his 38th birthday . . .

                I Love you, Son.  Happy Birthday

                             Mom

Tags: John Scalzi, By the Way, Happy Birthday

Trying to Soar

                           

I am so grateful that I got my lazy Sunday the last time I wrote an entry because things around here have really changed.

Monday morning the 30th Rob had a doctor's appointment.  It was routine with the exception that the doc changed one of his medications.  At the pharmacy later, we picked up the prescription.  While I finished paying, Rob was headed out the door.  I heard a loud crash . .  . I knew it had to be him.  He was having a grand mal seizure just 20 feet away.

Guys, I've seen seizures plenty of times.  It was agony  for me to watch my husband.  The personnel at the pharmacy were great.  Before I could even think, they had called 911, brought a blanket and paper towels for me as I sat there with him.  The paramedics came and took over.  I sat for a while then allowed a paramedic to help me up.  Andrea and I couldn't ride in the ambulance.  I had to follow.  I hadn't really been at the wheel in about 6 months.  I got in the car and watched as they closed the doors on my beloved.

It was devastating to see just that last little picture in my mind.  The last person I saw go away in an ambulance was my late husband . . .

We waited 5 1/2 hours through tests, x-rays and a CT scan.  After an IV fluid bag of sodium, they allowed us to leave.  I had to drive home in darkness.  I did well.  That was a true milestone for me.   I know it was because I am always safe in the arms of Jesus.

                             Next day, I also had an appointment with the doctor.  He made some changes to my medications and we talked a bit about Rob.  On Wednesday, I had to see the Neurologist in the morning and Rob had to see his doc again at 2:15.  I also kept my promise to get Andrea to TaeKwondo on time.

Since Rob's seizure, some part of the roles here have changed.  He is going to lose his drivers license for a minimum of 6 months to a year - maybe even longer.  I do hope not.  Although I used to feel such freedom when behind the wheel, now I am uncertain about myself.  So far . . . I'm doing great.  I'm not ready to fly like an eagle, but I'm looking into how to take off.

At the neurologist on Wednesday, I got results.  The results of my MRI showed bulging of all of the discs in my lower back down to the bottom of the spine.  They weren't pushing toward the spinal column, so no surgical solution was indicated.  Next were the results of the nerve and motor conduction tests.  I'm not too happy about the diagnosis.  I have chronic Polyneuropathy.  It affects the nerves and muscles of the extremities and gets worse over time.  The letter description of the diagnosis is CIPD.

So what's next?  Someone better buy me wings because I am determined to soar like the eagles above.  "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31 

I am going to pick Andrea up from school in a little bit.  Rob and I seem to be working out what we each can do.  Share the burden as you will.  We have a deep abiding love given to us by God.  Together Rob, Andrea and I are woven together like a vine reaching upward toward the light.

J-Land is my favorite place to come.  Here I can meet new people and share my life with them.  I love youze guys - sending blessings from the Lord for you.  Stay out of trouble and I will, too. (well . . . do I hafta?)

      

 

 

 
Tags: Soar like an eagle, seizure, paramedics, doctor's appointments, results, CIPD, Isaiah 40:31

Lazy Sunday

                                  

                                Uhhm . . . aih wuz jes' fweepun'

That's what I was thinking every time I woke up today.  Rob has a cold and I couldn't move when I woke up.  I took my morning medications, hoping that a little nap more would help me stretch out and be able to get up.   It didn't help.  Feelin' sorry for me yet?  Me either.

I just haven't gotten up at all today.  Andrea made me lunch after she came home from church.  I mostly slept, got on the puter - which is so sick and slow now - sorta like me.  Well I am blessed to be able to fix that problem:

                     mine is a laptop and will be shipped in a few days!

I plan to wake up in the morning with a smile on my face, the sun in my eyes. ready to give praises to the Lord, and with less pain in my body. 

There are so many people in J-Land that are in major pain, cancer, other perilous diseases, and family problems that we all need to bless them in one way or other especially to lift them up in prayer.  I'm going to journal-hop this week to find just one journaler that needs attention.  LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU,

               

 ps:  let me know if you find another journaler to bless.

Tags: sleeping, medications, pain, Rob, cold, Andrea, bless others, cancer

Your Basic Phil the Thrill . . . NOT!!

                 

I went to visit my friend Phil and found this meme there.  I believe it was an e-mail thing that he posted.  I don't remember if I answered this one or not.  My computer and I are having serious problems, so this is easier for today. 

Welcome to the 2007 edition of getting to know your friends.

What you are supposed to do is copy (not forward) this entire entry and paste it onto a new entry that you'll post. Change all the answers so they apply to you, then post this in a new entry so you can be ridiculed by everyone you know. LOL The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends, if you did not know them already.

1. What time did you get up this morning?  8:45 am

2. Diamonds or Pearls?  Diamonds, if I have to choose

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

4. What is your favorite TV show?  CSI, eXtreme Home Makeover, Nature shows

5. What did you have for breakfast? Cereal

6. What is your middle name? none

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese, Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike?  Beef tongue, brains, Habanero chiles, etc.

9. Your favorite Potato chips? Sun Chips

10. What cd have you been listening to lately? James Galway - The Man with the Golden Flute

11. What kind of car do you drive?  1998 Explorer

12. Favorite sandwich?  Braunschweiger

13. What characteristics do you despise? Unfaithfulness, deceitfulness, lying

14. What are your favorite clothes? comfy casuals

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? A family cruise to Alaska's Inside Passage

16. Favorite brand of clothing? Whatever brand fits

17. Where would you want to retire? I am retired :)

18. Favorite time of day? Dusk

19. Where were you born?  Altadena, CA

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Olympics

21. Who do you think will not send this back? who knows?  It might be in a journal or two

22. Person you expect to send it back first? SEE # 21

23. Pepsi or Coke?  Do people really drink Pepsi?

24. Beavers or Ducks? Ducks

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? night person, if I can stay awake

26. Pedicure or Manicure? Expensive, but I do both every couple of months

27. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Yes!  Doggies are trained now!

28. What did you want to be when you were little? Pretty

29. What is your best childhood memory? Getting "lost" with Mom

30. Have you ever been toilet papering? Nope

31. Been in a car accident? yup

32. Favorite restaurant? Joe's Crab Shack

33. Favorite flower?  Tulips, Daisies

34. Favorite ice cream? Hagen Daaz - Dulce de Leche

35. Favorite fast food restaurant? BurgerKing - Best fries

36. How many times did you fail your drivers test? None yet.

37. From whom did you get your last e-mail? Christian tag group

38. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Catherine's Clothing

39. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? It would be cool to see other answers than mine and Phil's

40. Last person you went to dinner with?  Rob & Andrea

41. How many tattoos do you have? I leave that to others

42. How many people are you sending this to? Those who read my journal

43. What time did you finish this e-mail?  What e-mail?

44. Favorite magazine?  National Geographic

45. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Jesus, my Lord and Savior

46. If you could change your profession right now, what would you be doing? Volunteering where I am most needed 

 

I wonder why I can't change my font now - no matter what?  Hmmm - Phil . . . ?  Did you do this?  Oh well, I've enjoyed it anyway.

 

  Love and Blessings to you all, Penny

 

 

 

 

     

Tags: meme, Phil the Thrill, getting to know you, too many questions, Jesus

Ordinary Things

                    

Of course, having been dusted by a faerie isn't all that ordinary. However sometimes, just sometimes, I would like that faerie dust to be a reality.  Do you ever feel that way?

My days are only ordinary for me.  Often I sleep in, or can't move upon awakening.  Saturday  . . . or was it Friday?  Yes Friday, Rob and I (mostly Rob) cleared the sheets off the bed for changing.  The only items left on the bed were the pillows, the comforter and my red blanket.

Ordinary for me on Friday was to watch the puppies play, send most of my graphics,  pictures, etc., to my external hard drive then delete them from my C:// drive. 

I hadn't slept well and was in great pain, so I took a pain pill and lay down for a nap.  Rob came in with Rosie, one of our cockatiels - favorite and most loving.  He put her down on the bed with me.  There was light classical music on the cable music +.  It was so soothing that both Rosie and I fell asleep.  Rob came in to take her back, but she would have none of it!  She just stared into the television until she went back to sleep.  I think we had about a 3 hour nap.  That's sweet and ordinary around here.  I feel so content right now writing about our nap . . . ::big sigh::

Ordinary is also doing as many sit-down tasks as possible.  It's amazing just how many tasks there are.  More amazing than ordinary are how many tasks I can complete. 

Ordinary has changed for me in the last few years.  I'm not that old, but I have trouble walking more than a short distance or standing for more than a few minutes.  Mental illness has come into my life and it must be ordinary right now as well.  Here's the deal:  my life is great as it is.  The things I think I miss are things I wouldn't have done anyway.  I have joy in my heart and life with the exception of down days and who doesn't have those?

By the Lord's grace, I am just the way He wants me for now.  It's not a lesson in patience because He doesn't test us.  I just need to live in obedience to the Lord and to His written word.  Wow!  How cool is that?  How difficult is it for me to obey?  That's a whole other entry.

Ordinary for us is to hear birdsong throughout the day - cockatiels and little sparrows and other singing and chirping birds outside.  The chirping birds are off from here by the heat of the day, but still the cockatiels sing, whistle and call out.  Skipper gave me a wolf whistle when I reached in to give him fresh food.  I got a kick out of that.  As late afternoon comes about, we can hear the little birds outside again . . .stealing Sammy's food, drinking his water, ready to fill up for a good sleep in our trees.

Ordinary now are two Pomeranian puppies running around the house, tearing up paper, being stinkers.  The tiny little black one is Precious.  She's already a cave doggie.  Hides out from us.  Almost impossible to find with those jet-black eyes and black fur.  The brown baby is a cute little PIA. He wants to be in on it all.  If I start to give Precious attention, he pushes her out of the way (she gets back at him - she's short enough to run under his chin to steal his cookies).  He's chocolate in color with a beautiful gold ruff.  He's going to be a true beauty.

It's ordinary that this is a house of love.  It seems to rain down on us here so that we are drenched not only in God's love but filled up with love for each other and Him.  Many blessings and prayers to you all,

       

Tags: Fairy dust, ordinary, changes, Cockatiels, birds, Pomeranian pups, God's love, love