Constant streams of music....but none of it is coming from me!

Strange thing happened last Wednesday night....

I haven't been on the piano for two months now. I have had a wonderful fill in, and I am so thankful she has stepped in. But alas, she went on a trip to Florida this past week. So that left only two choices: no piano at all or I fill in for the "fill in." I filled in.

It was painful. Honestly, I was afraid I had forgotten how to play. But it all came back to me. It strained my ankle quite a bit, so we only had a few congregationals. Needless to say, I was happy to see the fill in come home!

I miss making music. At home, we have constant music. All three of my children play the guitar. A couple of them are tackling the mandolin. Every once in a while, someone will pick away at the banjo. My children are even returning to their love for the piano.

But no music from me.

On a happy note (pun intended), we now have a violin. It was a gift from my father to my eldest son, but I have a feeling my daughter will master it before him.

My middle son Jordan also got an instrument for Christmas. My loving Dad gave Jordan a hand made custom guitar. He had a friend in Vietnam make him about 6 of these beautiful guitars. These jewels are such high quality, I would be hard pressed to find one of equal quality here in the states for under $1000. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, abalone trim, wood tuning pegs; it's a real beauty. It sounds like a Martin, and it has been filling my home with endless music ever since it crossed the thresh hold.

But still no music from me.

I'm growing impatient to get back on the piano (the key here is the ankle). This ankle might as well be bionic because the surgery cost a whopping $22K. So, I really need to be careful and baby it as much as necessary. I don't think my insurance company will want to pay for a repeat of this surgery on the count of my negligence.

What's the old saying, good things come to those who wait? In the meantime, I'll enjoy the pickin'and grinnin' going on here at home.

A Busy Start to the New Year

Every year, I buy a new calender/planner. It is an absolute essential for me. I've been marking that little book up like crazy!! Here's a peek at what's coming up for me.

Jan. 5- Blood work for liver enzymes

Jan. 12-follow up with orthopaedic surgeon. I will transition into a brace and regular shoe. Yay! I'm also hoping for driving privileges.

Jan. 13-Appt. with gastro to follow up on my liver

Jan ?- Mammogram

Jan ?- Appt. to see my Rhuematologist. We've got to get back on some sort of treatment plan for the Lupus and Fibro. My liver disorder has prevented me from taking alot of my medications, but since the biopsy, I've been cleared.

Jan? Jordan needs yearly checkup with neurologist. He has to have an EEG every year. Although he hasn't had a seizure in over 16 months, his last EEG showed an incredible amount of seizure activity. He has Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. Almost without exception, children outgrow this type of epilepsy by the age of 15.

Jan. 15 Start physical therapy, which will last 4 weeks. I will have 3 sessions a week, and this will hopefully strengthen my ankle.

Feb. 23 Daniel has follow up appt. with his Rhuematologist. He has been having flairs, but fortunately he is managing very well. We had hoped he would outgrow the Juvenile Arthritis by now, but that hasn't happened....yet.

Jan-Feb- I've got to get back to the dentist. I missed my 6 month cleaning because of my ankle reconstruction.

On top of all of this, I have lesson planning to do, papers to grade, and financial info to get together for 08 tax returns.

Yes, I'm starting off this New Year quite busy. I'm hoping mid-February and March will be slow down months!

I Remember

I remember some things from this past year. Actually, I would have to say that in my time of reflection of this past year, my heart and mind go back several years. Some events are forever etched in my mind, and the lessons I learned are ingrained upon my heart. I want to share some of them with you all.

I remember the salvation of my children. Daniel was saved this year, and it was the greatest event of the entire year. My prayers had been heard.

I remember when Jordan and Savannah were saved, in 06 and 07, respectively. These memories never fade.

I remember the day all my children were baptised together, along with four other children from the church. How can I forget all those teens, tweens, and inbetweens expressing their desire to be baptised? It was monumental.

I remember the excitement of our old fashioned tent meetings. I love seeing sinners come under the tent, wanting to hear the gospel.

But I also remember feeling like giving up. I was so sure that I could not go on. In fact, last year at this exact time, I remember my husband and I talking to another Pastor. I was so discouraged, so defeated. But here I am today...because His anchor holds.

I remember feeling immense disappointment, not only in events, but people. But the Lord reminded me that I have surely been a disappointment to someone else.

I remember a hurt that made my very soul bleed. I never knew I could hurt so deeply. It could have changed my life forever, but I decided to let the Lord heal my pain.

I also remember the Lord showing me that forgiveness was the only way to victory.

Yes. I remember hurting. But I also remember forgiving.

I remember needing forgiveness, not just from my Lord, but from other people. I also learned that it feels as wonderful to forgive as it does to be forgiven.

I remember the laughter of friends that are no longer a part of my life. I know they think that I don't love them, but I do and always will. I will never forget when the times were good, and I'm doing my best to forget all that was bad.

I remember the constant pain in my body. 2008 has proven to be a year of physical trials. For over 8 months of the year, I have been "off my feet", at least to the point that I could not take care of my home, my children, my husband, or myself. Three surgeries in 08...yet I can tell you what it's like to be sustained by the Creator of the World.

I remember asking God, "Why?" I could not understand why He allowed me to suffer so much pain when I could hand pick 2 dozen people that weren't faithful yet always seemed to be "blessed" with health.

I remember God telling me that in my weakness He would make Himself known, not only to me, but to others.

I remember realizing that when you present yourself a vessel for the Master's use, you are allowing Him to use you as He sees fit. Submitted vessels don't dictate. They obey.


2008 held some very difficult times, but with each and every hardship and trial, the Lord made Himself known unto me. He wasn't punishing me. He had not forgotten me. He was simply molding me into His image. So, how can I complain?

Look back over your year, and if you are like me, you will see that all that has transpired has been guided by an unseen hand. And when I reflect upon that, 2009 brings me much excitement!

The 08 Update Pt. 4

And finally, Christmas at home. I had a bunch of pictures and no way was I going to post everyone of them. Here's the hightlights of everyone opening one of their gifts.

Savannah patiently waiting for us to distribute the presents.

Daniel opeing clothes, a neccessary evil at Christmas time.

I think Jordy was secretly hoping this box contained an XBOX 360. Otherwise, receiving boots for Christmas really depresses this kid!

Savannah loves perfume and is always glad to get it!

Daniel showing off the emblem of his Mont Blanc Starwalker cologne

Shock and amazment! Jordy and Savannah actually got the X Box 360 Elite they had so desperately hoped for!

Tears of Joy!

Me and one of my favorite gifts, perfume. Kevin picked out Burberry Brit Sheer....mmmmm.....smells wonderful!

Kevin and his all time favorite gift, cologne. This year I got him Calvin Klien Euphoria for men.

Kevin making good use of an empty box!

After all the fun of opening presents, I made our traditional sausage balls and sausage croissant wraps. Kevin then began to slave away on the afternoon dinner. It was much the same as Thanksgiving, enough to feed an army.




The children were thrilled with their gifts, and yes, Jordan really wept when he opened his XBOX. I have never seen a kid so shocked, surprised, or grateful in all my life. It touched my heart because so many kids complain when they don't get everything they ask for. There have been itmes the children wanted, but there was no way we could pull it off. So, they have seen lean Christmases. I have to say, my children have always been satisfied with what we have worked so hard to give them. They are even thankful for clothes. ;~>

The 08 Update Pt. 3

Here we are at Dad's house. Or maybe I should say, Dad's house when he's in the States. He does a great deal of international work, so he spends most of the year in China/Asia. It's always a thrill to see him, as it is not very often.

My brother in law, Jerry, Dad, and Kevin

Dad and all his grandchildren

Dad and his two daughters (He does have twin daughters by his second wife, but they were unable to be there at the same time we were there)

The Whole Bunch-

Hey, I'm not tech savvy, but judging from this picture and the TV's in the right hand corner of this photo, Dad is NOT HDTV ready!!

Forest City, NC-My childhood home. They really deck out for Christmas!

For such a small town, they really have a lot of lights!

Pictures don't do it justice! Every tree in the down town area was covered in lights. Not the tree branches, but the trunks. Really a sight to behold!

At Mom's house opening my first gift.

Mom and my stepdad Mel

My family posing for pix. Jordy looks thrilled.

Sandy, Roni, Melissa, and Rita-As different as we are alike!

The 08 Update Pt. 2

Well, the first part of this update pretty much covered our Christmas preparations. But we also had a lot of traveling to do. We visited Kevin's family, my Mom, Dad, and other very close relatives. I also got to see my sisters, which only happens about twice a year.

I'll try to go in order. We will start with.....

Christmas at Kevin's Grandmother's House

Aunt Linda, preparing the salad

Savannah with Uncle Tommy

Kevin's sister Stephanie, along with Jordan wearing a very fashionable faucet cover!

Cousin Wendy and her husband John dressing Elmo in the fashionista faucet cover.

The show stealer, Reiss. Uncle Kevin gave in to her every whim!

Reiss "riding" in the front seat with her fav uncle!

The 08 Update

As most year-end updates go, this will be a long post! I have had a rechargable battery problem, which greatly hindered my photo ops. I will do my best to post only the best pictures, but because the subjects are my family, I find it hard to find any bad ones!

Let's start at the beginning:

Jordan on the roof preparing to hang my icicle lights.

The finished product after the boys did all their hard work!

Me, the SAHM, putting up our tiny tree. (The big one cluttered the room toooo much!)

Here are some of my favorite ornaments:

Kevin's Linus, circa 1978



Daniel's Soccer Ball, circa 1999

Savannah's funky purse, circa 2003

Jordan's framed ornament, circa 2002

My horseback rider, from 1011 Galleria, Camden SC

The tree...it has all of Kevin's ornaments from his childhood, and every single ornament that we have received as Christmas presents over the past 15 years.

Okay. I said this would be long, but now I think I will break it up into several posts. I'll just call this Part 1.