Funny Face

Here are some more pictures of our little man.

Doesn't he have such a sweet little face???

And not such a sweet little face. (ha ha)

He does this for a few seconds and then just LAUGHS!!!!

Here he is being a silly boy ...




And the best one yet ...

"Honey ..."

Another funny little story about Jackson.

We went to visit my grandma after service this morning and were having a good time. She loves loves loves to sing and is really good, so we got her a karaoke system for Christmas this year (all of her grandchildren and children combined--it was a little pricey). Anyway, so she really enjoys it and so does Jackson. I really think this kid's going to inherit my grandma's talent for singing. It was something I prayed for when I was pregnant with him, anyway. So we spent time letting him sing with Nan and he was so cute just "singing" away.

Anyway, so later on he tells me he has to go potty. I get him in the bathroom and up on the potty and I yell at Anthony, "Honey, Jackson's on the potty. Can you bring me a pull-up?"

Jackson sees Anthony going to get his diaper bag and yells, "Honeeeeey, I on a pottyeeeee."

I don't think my grandma has stopped laughing yet. It was hilarious.

Sorry this post is so short, but I've got to get to bed. I've got to go to work tomorrow.

G'night y'all.

Just Barely Two ... And Counting

What to do ... what to do??? I am certified to teach gifted children and have taught them for a few years now, so I've really learned who they are and what they're about. It's been an interesting journey. Gifted children are often socially challenged and are overly concerned and sensitive about issues that are way beyond their years, or where they should be in their current stage of maturation. It can sometimes lead to psychological problems or just difficulties in handling the way the world is. They're sometimes idealistic and have a hard time grasping the concept that some people can be mean. To put it short, they're complex creatures with a lot on their minds. I don't see how nonChristian parents of highly gifted children cope from day to day. I don't see how nonChristian parents of ANY children cope, but especially parents of these kids.

Well, Anthony and I have been closely observing Jackson lately and thinking back to his baby months (can't really say baby years, can ya???) and we've picked up on a lot of things that we're just wondering about. For instance, Jackson is quite crafty when it comes to getting things done that he wants to do (like pushing a chair to the counter so he can stand on top and open the cabinet for his favorite cup, etc.) His vocabulary seems advanced to me for just turning two and he's extremely observant and is sensitive when he thinks someone's been hurt. Most surprising is that he can already count to ten on his own and he is learning his colors. I don't think he's highly gifted, but I think he may be to some degree gifted. The problem is that he's our first child and I don't have anything to really compare him to. I have only taught gifted middle school and high school students, so I don't really know the proper age for the milestones two-year old kids should be crossing. Sometimes I think I'm totally off-base and while he may be a little bright, surely he's not really gifted. On the other hand, there are times when I become a little concerned that if my suspicions are right, what of those typical gifted-child problems I mentioned above will our son deal with as he becomes older?

Anyway, it's just been on my mind and I wanted to see if anyone out there has any input on the topic.

A funny story before I go. Anyone who knows my husband knows how he has a definite ruddy complexion most of the time. We were sitting at IHOP one morning for breakfast and Anthony pointed to the Sweet 'n Low packet and asked Jackson what color it was. He said, "Pink." And then he pointed to Anthony's cheeks and said, "Pink." Ha ha ha. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.

Take care, y'all. God bless.

"Woah, Horsey."

We had some ride time tonight before bed. This picture's so cute. Looks like he's telling horsey to slow down. tee hee!!

Anyway, I tried my best to get him to wear his Amish hat for the picture, but he just refused--he wanted Horsey to wear it.

So I had Anthony hold it on his head. ha!!! Mamas will find a way to win. (OK, I didn't really win this one, but I got the picture, didn't I?) Better than nothing, I guess.

THERE ARE MORE PICTURES IF YOU JUST SCROLL DOWN .......

The Tandy Tane Sucker

and look how happy he is to have it. *rolling eyes* *speaking to Anthony* "TWERP"

And this is a trip to the zoo we took last summer. We're looking at the elephants, which is, I believe, his favorite animal. He was just astounded by them. Maybe it's the trunk. And, yes, I know he needs a haircut badly in this picure. This was in the midst of our packing to move time. It got done shortly after this trip.

By the way, immediately after the tandy tane sucker, he got a bath and clean jammies. I know that Nemo shirt looks horrid--it's cough medicine spilled down the front.

KEEP SCROLLING FOR ONE MORE POST WITH PICTURES.

Also, some of you might not have read the post about Anthony's grandpa's funeral. If you have time, it sure would be a blessing to ya. :-)

OK, so I've been a slacker with posting pictures ...

I'm just not really great at getting pictures from the camera to the computer. I think it's the evil little man in the CPU who doesn't like me, but Anthony keeps insisting it's the operator. I just cannot believe that. Anyway, I'm going to attempt this . . . but I'm not making any promises.

While I'm waiting for these pictures to upload (is that the right term?), I'll share a story.

Tonight we were sitting in the living room and Anthony came in with a Tootsie Roll sucker in front of Jackson (twerp), and, of course, Jackson had to have some. But one lick wasn't enough. He wanted to hold the sucker himself. Houston, we have hit the terrible twos. Anyway, so we reluctantly decided to let him have it. Let me insert here that he very rarely gets candy and sweets and stuff. It's limited to very occasional treats. Anyway, so he takes his first lick of the sucker and says, "Mama, tandy tane." Yes, the sucker tastes like a tandy tane, but we can't ever remember letting him have any tandy tanes, so we're wondering who's feeding him candy behind our backs. He is so very rarely out of our sight that it's got to be either one of our parents or the daycare. The daycare, I don't think, is allowed to give the kids any candy, so I'm on the lookout for the culprit . . . I'm sure it's between my mom, Anthony's mom, or Anthony's dad. I don't think my dad or my grandma would've done it. THEY KNOW WE DON'T ALLOW CANDY. Anybody else have parents who sneak things in on ya' when it comes to the kids? Anyway, the sucker doesn't LOOK like a tandy tane--it just tastes like one, so how did he know what . . . You get the picture. Argh

OK, the pictures have uploaded. *deep breath*

Here we go . . .

Here's our little cutie at his second birthday party. The kid LOVES Mickey Mouse. He picked out his own cake. Well, sort of. :-)

And here he is opening gifts. Apparently, this is serious business.

Tee Hee Hee

Lawrence Munoz asked me to proofread something for him for his state Church paper. Here's what I put on his "billing statement". Had to share.

Billing Statement for Lawrence Munoz
Charge for Labor at $32/hour (30 minutes) $16
Charge for Proofreading at $1 per word changed $47
Charge for Putting up with you (discount applied) $125
Charge for Processing and Handling $8

Total Due $196

Due Date February 5

We accept cash, money orders, or JC Penney gift cards. Please forward payment promptly to allow time for processing and handling. If payment is not received by due date, account will be forwarded to our collections department and we will call you 25 times a day for the rest of your life or until bill is satisfactorily paid. Dyer Proofreading, Inc., reports to all major credit bureaus.

Thank you for using our services.

LET'S GET HER!!!!

Angie Munoz hasn't posted on her blog since October. I say let's all go over to her blog and demand a post.

www.angieshouse.blogspot.com

I Broke Down and Made a Quiz, Too!!!!

Here's the link:

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=070120015634-631790&

What a Time in Jesus

We got back about 11:00 last night. We had to make an unplanned trip to Georgia. Pa-paw passed away Sunday night. We were so very sorry that we hadn't got to see him one more time, but the Lord knows.

I was just amazed by the funeral. I knew Pa-paw loved the Lord very much. Every time we went to see him, it was all he wanted to talk about--the Lord and how good He is, the several different churches around his home, (he used to visit them--he'd go to revivals at churches that weren't his home church just to show support and bask in the spirit of God--I'm going to remember that next time I sigh or get tired just thinking about another night of revival service), and the recent things the Lord had shown him in Scripture was another of his favorite topics for discussion. He was truly a man in love with Jesus.

He had five ministers preach at his funeral. It was apparently one of his last requests. Each one was very enjoyable, but my husband ... I was so proud of him. He was so eloquent and his words were so comforting and touching. Tears flowed from many in the congregation when he spoke, and many, many people told him as such after the service. I'm pretty sure his dad was touched. He needs salvation so very badly. He's such a good man but he just needs Jesus in his life. He said some things after the funeral that let us know he's pondering things in his heart probably even more than he ever has. Pray for him.

One of the ministers reminded us of how much Pa-paw loved to sing. He told of him joining the choir and singing specials wherever he went and was always so very anointed. His favorite song was "I Have Somebody With Me". The young minister that told about that tried to sing the song, but he couldn't keep from crying to finish it so some people in the congregation started singing to help him. Before long, most of the people there were singing together the song that Pa-paw loved so much. It was beautiful. I never have seen such a sweet spirit at a funeral than what was there that day.

Another minister with such a meek and sweet spirit spoke on the story of Jesus speaking peace to the stormy seas and how Jesus had finally spoken peace to the stormy sea that Pa-paw had faced for so long at the end of his life. He did suffer greatly--almost completely blind, difficult time breathing because of fluid build-up on his lungs, constantly in pain, loss of a couple of fingers from the diabetes. It was rough for him, but he still had a joyful disposition and would tell everyone who came to see him how good his Lord was and he'd just cry when he'd tell them how much Jesus loved each one. But Jesus stopped his storm last Sunday and he was now probably singing with the choir just as he always loved to do. It was such a beautiful sermon.

He's gone, but I pray that each one who knew him will follow the example he left so that they will see him again some day.

ALRIGHT, YOU WEIRDOS THAT HAVE MADE COMMENTS TO ME IN PERSON ........

IT IS A SHADOW!!!!!!!!!

And that's all I'm going to say about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prayers Requested

Jackson's still a little sick but getting better. Also, Anthony's grandpa is not doing well. They're saying this may be it. We really need to figure out a way to get down there, but Anthony's having staffing issues at the hotel right now and can't leave the hotel at this moment. Please pray that God will work it out at just the right time. We'd really like to actually see Pa-Paw one more time before he goes home to be with the Lord.

Thanks so much.

OK, so I've been out of pocket

It has been super busy around here for the past few weeks. Anthony's parents came for a few days' visit at Christmas, which was really nice. I had to finish my grades before school started back up ON THE SECOND. Ugh. Well, I had to start school back on the second; the kids came on the third. There's a lot to do when one's getting back into the swing of things, ya know?

Jackson had a super "spoil-a-little-man" Christmas. Let me see ... my mom got him puzzles and a little papasan chair for his room. He got several new outfits from my sister and Anthony's parents. Anthony's parents also got him a tricycle. My dad got him a cool dump truck that starts up when you shake it, a Disney movie, and a few other toys AND he sent money for a new carseat, which we'll get when we next make it to Springfield (the town two hours away to where we have to travel for anything besides a Super Wal-Mart, a rinky-dink JC Penney, a tiny Sears, and a brand new Goody's we just got in November). We desparately need the new carseat because Jackson likes to pull a Houdini act in the one he has now. The kid can get out of the thing lickety-split. Oh, it scares me half silly when I'm driving down the road and all of a sudden, I see my little boy crawling around in the back seat. Consistent spankings have been administered, but to no avail. Any suggestions out there? Anthony and I got him a Radio Flyer spring-loaded horse (my idea) and a Superman doll (Anthony's idea). He's a real Super Cowboy now when he and Superman are going for a ride. It's so cute. We've been trying to think of a name for the horse, but Anthony and I can't agree on one (don't ask how we settled on Jackson :-), so we just call him Horsey, which is what Jackson calls him.

Actually, I'm home today because he woke up a little croupy-sounding. I told Anthony I was going to keep him home and doctor him before it turned into something worse. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

I'll post some pictures of Jackson on Horsey before long. Happy belated New Year, everybody.

By the way, whaddaya'll think about the new look?

Welcome to Blogsville, Melissa

Melissa and Dave Hendricks now have a blog, and we're so excited to welcome them to the community. Now we can read all about their exciting life in Montana and their kids and how all our friends and church family are up in their neck of the woods. www.daveandmelissa4.blogspot.com

Jehovah Rapha--The Lord that Heals

Got the call from the doctor's office. Everything is benign. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Almighty God, for your healing touch. I praise your Holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
~from Psalm 103

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ....

. . . . Christmas

Well, here's our tree and you can see part of our table decorated. We're not quite finished with either one. The table needs a few finishing touches. It's a new one and there are a few things I want to add to complete the look. Then there's the tree. I'm sure you noticed it's missing a topper. I've been looking for a topper for a few months now to no avail. I even went to a HUGE arts and crafts show a couple weeks ago with a Christmas tree topper my only mission, but only a few of the booths had tree toppers, and the ones that did only had a few each. I didn't like any of them either. It's got to be just right, you know. If anyone is considering starting a career in arts and crafts, I think a booth with Christmas tree toppers would sell like hot cakes, and it's apparently something no one does because this show was spread out in five different convention center-type buildings; I mean, it was huge. There were vendors there from all over the country and I looked at probably 70% of the booths. I was really shocked that no one sold tree toppers.

As for the Jackson-with-the-Amish-hat pictures, I've been trying to transfer them from the camera onto the computer, but something keeps goofing it up. I thought I had the problem solved, but I think Becky's evil computer dwarf decided to pay our place a visit. I tell ya, the little twerp better watch it because I'm probably not as nice as Becky is. :-)

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, I'm officially recouperated and back in the saddle!!! The surgery went well and we're awaiting lab results, but I'm not worried because I just feel God's everloving protection and care.

The light at the end of this cave I've been thrust in to is just beginning to twinkle and I am sooo ready for Christmas break. My house is almost back in order after my few days of repose and I'm working on getting caught up with my school work. It'll happen soon. I can feel it.

Despite my pleas with the Lord not to allow this day to come and my attempts to shut myself up in denial about the fact that my baby's growing up, Jackson turns two today. He's such a "corker," as our pastor calls him. He's the happiest child and such a little ham, well, show-off might be a better descriptor. Any time we're out in public, be it store, restaurant, or park, he always finds someone who will give him his full attention and he goes all out to put on a no-holds-barred entertainment session for as long as he can keep an audience. It's really embarrassing, and we do try to keep it to a minimum, but he just has this magnetic personality people are drawn to. We're scared he might want to be a politician when he grows up or, worse, some kind of showman on Broadway here in Branson or something. Tonight we went out to eat (had a long workday; didn't get home until quarter to six) and he had this elderly couple in stitches. He would turn his head slightly and slowly roll his eyes to look at them and then just giggle, and then he'd spend time "talking" to them with such expressive chatter and gestures with not just his hands, but his entire little body. They were eating it up and egging him on. I tell ya', we've got quite a challenge on our hands for the next sixteen years.

We're having his birthday party this Saturday. That's why I've got to get my house back in order. But like I said, it's coming along ... slowly, but surely. He loves Mickey Mouse, so that's going to be the theme decorations and cake. We're looking forward to that; he'll get to play with his cousins, so that'll be fun.

Our church was supposed to have a revival last week, but it was cancelled because of the snow storm. We need a revival desperately, so please pray for us that it'll come soon. It's not been rescheduled yet because the evangelist didn't know when he'd be able to come, but hopefully it won't be too much longer. I'm trying to plan a time for the ABM service; Anthony's the ABM leader. We're going to try to have one at our house soon, which is another reason I've got to get this house ship-shape fast. Oh, pray for me, ladies. Between work and regular chores at home, it's hard to get to those "back-burner" jobs. It'll happen, though. I'm optimistic.

Well, I guess I'd better get off here and go to bed. I have an evaluation tomorrow by my principal in one of my classes and need to do well on it. Take care, all. Good night and God bless.

By the way, I do have pictures of our tree and of Jackson in his Amish hat; I'm just having a little trouble right now with our camera uploading onto the computer. I'll try to get Anthony on it soon--he's the techie at our house--and try to get those pics on here. :-)

Well, it looks as though a minor surgery will be able to clear this problem up AND the doctor is fairly certain we'll be able to have another baby after this. :-)

I go in the 29th early in the morning. It's an outpatient surgery, so nothing major, but surgery is always a little nerve-wracking. However, I know the Lord's got it all under control. Thanks to all for the encouraging words on my blog here and, most of all, for praying. I really appreciate it. Please remember me that Wednesday.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. God bless.

Still Aren't Sure

The doctor will be running more tests next Monday to see which of his theories, if any, are correct. I send those emails after that. Until then please keep praying. Thanks to all who have been praying. I really appreciate it. :-)

Please Pray

I have a doctor's appointment Friday and while I can't divulge on the blog due to the possibility of mixed company, I am a little nervous about it. Anthony and I are trusting Jesus. He's in control of the situation, we know. Just please be in prayer.