Mon.-Weather forecasting blizzard for the north east. We have rain here. Nathan came this morning while mommy went to New Life. Mom and Dad called and Dad told me the story about when Phil was about Nathan's age and Ginny didn't want to burden her mother with too much babysitting and her mother said, "But I want him!" And I said, 'That's exactly how I feel.' Everything stops when he comes and little else is important. He is so pleasant and doesn't miss a thing. I love that he loves the birds. I love the way he looks at his mommy. He looks at his mommy like his daddy looked at his mommy to be when she walked down the aisle. After eating a salad for lunch my stomach was on a lurch all day. Must have been sprayed with something even though it said it was organic. Did lots of wash, exercised, worked on my drawing lessons, played the piano, and knitted. Listened to Andy Andrews-7 decisions, etc. So good. Susan had practice this eve. Everyone is home.
Tues.-Visited with Lori K. this morning then went to get groceries. It was very busy. I asked the Kroger check out lady if it was going to snow. She said it was Sr. Tuesday. How old is a Senior I asked. She said 55. I went to get the Sr. card but they were too busy with all the Seniors to wait on me. It was nice to see Lynah G. She said she reads my blog so I'm giving a shout out to one of the sweetest lady's I know. Came home and put things away and then took a deep nap. Then went with Phil to Susan's game for Sr. night. They won again. The Seniors and their parents were honored out in the middle of the court. I videotaped two of Susan's successful shots. Philip came also. Michael had a night flight and Alli and Freeman stayed home with Nathan who had a rough day of teething.
Wed.-Nathan came to visit this morning. He is so smart. One of his toys skittered under his walker and he just calmly moved his walker and got his toy. No crawling in and getting stuck or squalking because he couldn't get something he wanted. He just moved it aside and got it. Cleaned the house a little and took a walk. It's the first day I am not terribly exhausted since the trip. I even went out to town this eve and got a new hairdo and went to Dianna's class-'The Bait of Satan' by John Bevere. So good. Went to Walmart afterwards. Phil had started the tub for me and forgot about it. He raced back and caught it in time.
Thurs.-Got to talk to sis-in-law, Karen, this morning which was nice since our trip to Pa will be such a quick one. Also talked to Mom and she sounded cheerful. The guys were hammering in the background. They are enlarging the bathroom upstairs. I was walking around the circle while talking to Mom and Karen and got my walk in. Glad to be walking again. Made some molasses cooky dough and chilled it while Phil and I went to Lynchburg to get him a suit. We had supper at Golden Corral. Sheri Koenig came over in the eve with rice and fish curry she had made for their supper. A Thai dish she knew we'd like. It was delicious. Sat around and talked and drank tea and made the cookies. Susan went to basketball practice and stayed for the guys game. Philip went visiting and shared some sausage. Michael studied. Has a big flight tomorrow. (Cancelled due to windy wild weather.)
Fri.-A good day after mostly a sleepless night. Went over to Alli's and she taught me how to knit with my arms and I made an infinity scarf out of turquoise thick yarn. She made a white one for K. and attached a blue ribbon. Nathan was patient with us for a very long time. Alli said later on fb that Nathan was 'terrorizing the dishwasher' as she was loading it. Lindsay commented that Ben comes RUNNNIINNNGGG when he hears the dishwasher open. I wish those two boys could grow up side by side. Packed for Pa. Tidied the house a bit. Made some super-duper potato soup with lots of calories especially for Grandpa Hertzler. He needs to gain weight. Tommy is spending the night and going up with the boys for Katie's wedding. Phil talked with Johnny Brynan tonight. Encouraged him to come to Freedom Encounter and adapt it for Kenya.
Sat.-Was awake at 2 and finally got up at 3:45 and we hit the road at 4:50 and arrived in Pa. at 11. Spent a few hours with Mom and Dad. Brought potato soup and molasses cookies with us and had lunch with them. Philip, Michael, and Tommy showed up later and we got to visit with Bradley as well. Got ready for wedding at Joe and Karen's and then I went with Karen and Jonathan to the wedding early for Jonathan's pictures. He and David were the banner bearers. The carried a sign between them "Here Comes the Bride". The wedding was at Goggle Works in Reading. The decorations were natural and simple and beautiful. Burlap, white lights, jars, pine cones, greens, etc. I saved our name 'tags.' It was a beautiful wedding, very relaxed and meaningful. Paul walked Katie down the aisle and stopped several times on the way down, asking, I think, "Do you really want to do this?" And she would giggle and nod. We ate at the same places where we sat for the wedding. I sat beside Lynney Burkholder and across from Anne Weaver. It was evident that they gave thought to where they placed people and I appreciated it as I looked around and saw where my family was situated. We had a lovely meal of honey bbq chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and salad. There was also an ice cream bar with desserts. Phil, Susan, and I, left at 7 and stopped at a Sheetz and changed into more comfortable clothes. Taking turns driving and sleeping, we arrived home around 1 in the morning. There was a package in the mail from Lindsay and a double card full of kind words reminding me that it's been ten years since our friendship began. Besides the loving letter she gave me a necklace with a tree of life and an owl. Which are great symbols of our relationship because we give wisdom and life to each other in our own ways. She is more than a friend. She is family. And all in her household are family as well. I love you Lindsay.
Sun.-Phil went to church. Susan and I stayed home and relaxed. Phil and I went to Ray and Ruth's to watch the super bowl. Guys got home just before we left. Ruth broke her leg last night in two places. Tripped over the gas hose and fell flat. Dear friend. We had a nice relaxing time at their place and it's the first time I really watched and somewhat understood any sort of football game whatsoever, although I used to play it at Camp Deer Park with First Deaf in my teens. Guys went to Chi Alpha Super Bowl Party and Susan went to the gym and then stayed home for the eve. Got to bed around 11.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Hertzler Doings~Jan. 19-25, 2015
Mon.-Today's highlight was having time for loving Nathan for an hour while his mommy made him delicious homemade organic pear puree and then watching a movie with her and Susan when she came back. Last test from Dr. came back negative. But when those natural herbs come in the mail to get rid of little inhabitants, I'm going to take them, just to be sure. Phil's dad came home from rehab today. Isaiah 35:3-8.
Tues.-Made a big pot of vegetable soup this morning. Took Phil out to get his truck in Farmville and then ran errands. Went to CVS to get photos of Thailand made. Went to Belk, Walmart, Cato, Shoe Dept., Miller's, B&M Greenhouse, and Judy's to pick up my movie. The Greenhouse lady told me that if I took hyacinth bulbs and refrigerated them for 5-6 weeks so they have a 'winter', then I could place them in vases of water and the roots would grow and then the flowers would also. I bought some that were rooted and ready to bloom at Kroger a few weeks ago and it was so nice to have all that springtime in our windowsill. Susan went to the gym and had basketball practice. Michael and Philip went to Chi Alpha this eve. I think. And Phil had a board meeting. Watched a Monk episode with Susan after we put the groceries away. Hot tub is waiting and an Andy Andrews book.
Wed.-Had Nathan while his mommy went to an appt. and he fell asleep in our bed and she snuck in and we talked a little and then she went home until he woke up about 2 1/2 hours later. What a little darling. He's doing army crawls on his tummy and likes when we hold him by his arms so he can walk. He's having a growth spurt and eating really well. I went to Dr. F. in the afternoon and then sorted through yarn, material, and patterns. I washed big storage containers and consolidated those things and have several bags for Goodwill and one for Judy. Watched two Columbo's with Phil and Susan in the eve.
Thurs.-Spent the day at Judy's with Logan while she was with her mother Pearlie, who fell and broke her hip. Stayed on in the afternoon and visited with Judy then went to Debby M's where Sara and Amber made the party of four to have supper and watch a movie and have popcorn, brownies, and animal crackers. Susan's team won again!
Fri.-Had Nathan for a little while Mommy ran out to get tires and groceries. He is just so precious. I love feeding him. He ate all his food plus over half of a banana. It was snowing for a little but then turned to rain. Vacuumed and washed the floors and am trying to organize the back room and our bathroom. Made baked potatoes and cheddar cauliflower/broccoli/squash/carrots to put on top plus veg. soup and garlic butter bagels. Michael made the garlic bagels. So good. Guys had buck night and Claire came home with Susan so Tommy and Claire were here for supper because he stayed until the eve. The guys had a great time over in the man cave and Susan and Claire watched a movie and had popcorn over here. Phil and I watched a Columbo. Slept great.
Sat.-Guys are butchering a pig today and making sausage. Nathan and Alli came over for a visit. Made apple cinnamon pancakes for breakfast. Phil's visiting Roger over at the Lawler's. Claire went home. Susan to gym. I'm about to work on the back room and put the venison meatloaf into a container. Ricky Benson came over in the eve. Susan made cheddar cheese garlic biscuits and Philip fried up every kind of sausage into patties and we had breakfast for dinner. Michael went with Meredith to her work banquet. Caught up with Lindsay on face book in the eve. They have 5 inches of snow and it continues to fall. I wish I could get snowed in with her and the family.
Sun.-Great send off service with Pastor Alvin and Charity. Michael made homemade pizza and then around 3 some friends started coming. They are playing Quelf now in the man cave. Tommy T. and Sheri K., Ricky, Melissa, and other Chi Alpha friends. Alli brought Nathan over for a little over an hour and we passed him around and played with him. Susan went to Fisher's for a bonfire. Phil caught up with his sister Anne and told her about Thailand and how much it meant to him to be with Pastor Joi. It felt like he got to hold his brother again.
Tues.-Made a big pot of vegetable soup this morning. Took Phil out to get his truck in Farmville and then ran errands. Went to CVS to get photos of Thailand made. Went to Belk, Walmart, Cato, Shoe Dept., Miller's, B&M Greenhouse, and Judy's to pick up my movie. The Greenhouse lady told me that if I took hyacinth bulbs and refrigerated them for 5-6 weeks so they have a 'winter', then I could place them in vases of water and the roots would grow and then the flowers would also. I bought some that were rooted and ready to bloom at Kroger a few weeks ago and it was so nice to have all that springtime in our windowsill. Susan went to the gym and had basketball practice. Michael and Philip went to Chi Alpha this eve. I think. And Phil had a board meeting. Watched a Monk episode with Susan after we put the groceries away. Hot tub is waiting and an Andy Andrews book.
Wed.-Had Nathan while his mommy went to an appt. and he fell asleep in our bed and she snuck in and we talked a little and then she went home until he woke up about 2 1/2 hours later. What a little darling. He's doing army crawls on his tummy and likes when we hold him by his arms so he can walk. He's having a growth spurt and eating really well. I went to Dr. F. in the afternoon and then sorted through yarn, material, and patterns. I washed big storage containers and consolidated those things and have several bags for Goodwill and one for Judy. Watched two Columbo's with Phil and Susan in the eve.
Thurs.-Spent the day at Judy's with Logan while she was with her mother Pearlie, who fell and broke her hip. Stayed on in the afternoon and visited with Judy then went to Debby M's where Sara and Amber made the party of four to have supper and watch a movie and have popcorn, brownies, and animal crackers. Susan's team won again!
Fri.-Had Nathan for a little while Mommy ran out to get tires and groceries. He is just so precious. I love feeding him. He ate all his food plus over half of a banana. It was snowing for a little but then turned to rain. Vacuumed and washed the floors and am trying to organize the back room and our bathroom. Made baked potatoes and cheddar cauliflower/broccoli/squash/carrots to put on top plus veg. soup and garlic butter bagels. Michael made the garlic bagels. So good. Guys had buck night and Claire came home with Susan so Tommy and Claire were here for supper because he stayed until the eve. The guys had a great time over in the man cave and Susan and Claire watched a movie and had popcorn over here. Phil and I watched a Columbo. Slept great.
Sat.-Guys are butchering a pig today and making sausage. Nathan and Alli came over for a visit. Made apple cinnamon pancakes for breakfast. Phil's visiting Roger over at the Lawler's. Claire went home. Susan to gym. I'm about to work on the back room and put the venison meatloaf into a container. Ricky Benson came over in the eve. Susan made cheddar cheese garlic biscuits and Philip fried up every kind of sausage into patties and we had breakfast for dinner. Michael went with Meredith to her work banquet. Caught up with Lindsay on face book in the eve. They have 5 inches of snow and it continues to fall. I wish I could get snowed in with her and the family.
Sun.-Great send off service with Pastor Alvin and Charity. Michael made homemade pizza and then around 3 some friends started coming. They are playing Quelf now in the man cave. Tommy T. and Sheri K., Ricky, Melissa, and other Chi Alpha friends. Alli brought Nathan over for a little over an hour and we passed him around and played with him. Susan went to Fisher's for a bonfire. Phil caught up with his sister Anne and told her about Thailand and how much it meant to him to be with Pastor Joi. It felt like he got to hold his brother again.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Hertzler Doings~Jan.12-18, 2015
Mon.-Did a few things today. Exercised. Went to the Dr. for tests to see if there is a reason I don't feel good and if it has to do with Thailand. Got a few groceries. Made pureed vegetable soup. Went to bed soon after six. The end. Oh! And Naomi called and she walked to the mailbox while we were talking and the package I sent her came and she loved the cards from Nantucket. That was fun.
Tues.-Slept from 7 last night until 7 this morning and then off and on all day. The end.
Wed.-Blood work negative. Was up more. Resting on chair. Watching Columbo. Talked with Mom. Dad's still in rehab.
Thurs.-Read the news on face book that Michael made the Dean's List! Congratulations! Took car to Bailey's to check brakes. Judy came and got me and I rested at her place. She served me lunch in Tom's chair. Incredible potato soup, chicken soup, and bruschetta. Then we watched Calendar Girl's which is a great girl movie only for those 50 and older. We cried. We laughed. She said that her sister Debby would lay an egg watching this and that she wishes she could get a copy for all of her friends. Susan picked me up and took me to Bailey's on her way to basketball practice. Brakes will be good until inspection. Got a few groceries. Came home. Folded wash. Michael's at school. Phil's taking Susan out for a date to Lynchburg. I'm hitting the sack soon. Oh, Erma Wenger passed away this morning. Was relieved for her and saddened for her family. I am sure she and mother are reveling with each other about the wonders of heaven's air. Both were using oxygen when they took their last breath here. Philip may be working on his house tonight. Not sure yet.
Fri.-A shout out to my Lindsay Lou. I still can't believe we missed them at Christmas. We were in Thailand and they were here and slept in our bed and were beloved by my boys and Alli and Nathan. I am still finding sweet notes in different places. What a fun thing to do for someone. Feeling a little better today. Dusted and vacuumed. Helped Susan with a toilety problem over at HV. Went to her basketball game tonight. They really won. We were all there. She played well and wisely with her sprained back. I love those girls on her team. And her coach. Coaches. Oh, I also put together Susan's report card for all four high school years. She has a 96% grade average for her five main courses. It will be even higher when I add in some extracurricular activities. Way to go Suz. Saw Nathan at the game tonight. Dear little guy was not excited about all the yelling and screaming and his little teeth need to appear so he's not in so much pain. So precious is he, I can hardly stand it. Uncle Ed was there tonight with Marv. Phil and I stopped at Tractor Supply on the way home and got chicken pellets and dog food. Phil's talking to his Dad on the phone. He's still in rehab. Hopefully, he'll get home soon.
Sat.-I like getting my cleaning done Monday through Friday-splitting up the chores a little bit here and a little bit there. Then, on Sat. morning, I can visit with my family, knitting, while Michael plays guitar and Susan makes breakfast. I also started a little drawing textbook because I want to paint. Everything in me wants to paint beautiful clouds right after dawn and right before dusk. Susan worked over at HV for a little today. Phil worked at the Lawler's and put a bid together. Michael studied. Philip worked on his house. Freeman and Alli had a visit from Justin and Elizabeth Weaver and their four children. Alli, Nathan, and I, went to Michelle's baby shower this afternoon at Calvary Chapel and I got to see some friends I miss. I ate cake. During my fast. But I need to forgive myself and move on. Someone else was there from our church and weighs half my weight and is also fasting and she didn't give in except to eat part of the scone her daughter couldn't finish. I excuse myself by saying that I want to celebrate Michelle's baby by eating cake so that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. God isn't disappointed with me. I'm just a little disappointed in me. Mostly because I am just starting to feel better and now I put all that back in my body. Oh well, I ate enough desserts for the next two weeks so I'm good to go. Alli and Freeman may be bringing Nathan over for awhile so they can prepare for SS class. There was a bag of apples and lots of apple cider on our front porch when I got home. Thank you Ed! Susan's spending the eve. with Jenny, Claire, Molly, and Mary. They went to a Longwood basketball game, then to Uptown for a live show. We had a nice evening with Nathan- the uncles, Phil, and I.
Sun.-Great church service. Relaxing afternoon of rest, movies, and popcorn. Philip at Prayer and Praise in eve.
Tues.-Slept from 7 last night until 7 this morning and then off and on all day. The end.
Wed.-Blood work negative. Was up more. Resting on chair. Watching Columbo. Talked with Mom. Dad's still in rehab.
Thurs.-Read the news on face book that Michael made the Dean's List! Congratulations! Took car to Bailey's to check brakes. Judy came and got me and I rested at her place. She served me lunch in Tom's chair. Incredible potato soup, chicken soup, and bruschetta. Then we watched Calendar Girl's which is a great girl movie only for those 50 and older. We cried. We laughed. She said that her sister Debby would lay an egg watching this and that she wishes she could get a copy for all of her friends. Susan picked me up and took me to Bailey's on her way to basketball practice. Brakes will be good until inspection. Got a few groceries. Came home. Folded wash. Michael's at school. Phil's taking Susan out for a date to Lynchburg. I'm hitting the sack soon. Oh, Erma Wenger passed away this morning. Was relieved for her and saddened for her family. I am sure she and mother are reveling with each other about the wonders of heaven's air. Both were using oxygen when they took their last breath here. Philip may be working on his house tonight. Not sure yet.
Fri.-A shout out to my Lindsay Lou. I still can't believe we missed them at Christmas. We were in Thailand and they were here and slept in our bed and were beloved by my boys and Alli and Nathan. I am still finding sweet notes in different places. What a fun thing to do for someone. Feeling a little better today. Dusted and vacuumed. Helped Susan with a toilety problem over at HV. Went to her basketball game tonight. They really won. We were all there. She played well and wisely with her sprained back. I love those girls on her team. And her coach. Coaches. Oh, I also put together Susan's report card for all four high school years. She has a 96% grade average for her five main courses. It will be even higher when I add in some extracurricular activities. Way to go Suz. Saw Nathan at the game tonight. Dear little guy was not excited about all the yelling and screaming and his little teeth need to appear so he's not in so much pain. So precious is he, I can hardly stand it. Uncle Ed was there tonight with Marv. Phil and I stopped at Tractor Supply on the way home and got chicken pellets and dog food. Phil's talking to his Dad on the phone. He's still in rehab. Hopefully, he'll get home soon.
Sat.-I like getting my cleaning done Monday through Friday-splitting up the chores a little bit here and a little bit there. Then, on Sat. morning, I can visit with my family, knitting, while Michael plays guitar and Susan makes breakfast. I also started a little drawing textbook because I want to paint. Everything in me wants to paint beautiful clouds right after dawn and right before dusk. Susan worked over at HV for a little today. Phil worked at the Lawler's and put a bid together. Michael studied. Philip worked on his house. Freeman and Alli had a visit from Justin and Elizabeth Weaver and their four children. Alli, Nathan, and I, went to Michelle's baby shower this afternoon at Calvary Chapel and I got to see some friends I miss. I ate cake. During my fast. But I need to forgive myself and move on. Someone else was there from our church and weighs half my weight and is also fasting and she didn't give in except to eat part of the scone her daughter couldn't finish. I excuse myself by saying that I want to celebrate Michelle's baby by eating cake so that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. God isn't disappointed with me. I'm just a little disappointed in me. Mostly because I am just starting to feel better and now I put all that back in my body. Oh well, I ate enough desserts for the next two weeks so I'm good to go. Alli and Freeman may be bringing Nathan over for awhile so they can prepare for SS class. There was a bag of apples and lots of apple cider on our front porch when I got home. Thank you Ed! Susan's spending the eve. with Jenny, Claire, Molly, and Mary. They went to a Longwood basketball game, then to Uptown for a live show. We had a nice evening with Nathan- the uncles, Phil, and I.
Sun.-Great church service. Relaxing afternoon of rest, movies, and popcorn. Philip at Prayer and Praise in eve.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Hertzler Doings~Jan. 5-11, 2015
Mon.-Today is the first day that I felt alive in the U.S. And it's the 13th day. And they said to allow one day of recovery for each hour time difference and there were 13 hours difference between Va and Thailand. So I should have trusted the statistics instead of thinking I was sick with something foreign. Thought I was going to be a hermit forever. But today I met Jenny for lunch at Uptown, ran errands, visited Judy, and had dinner with Candi at La Parota. Came home and froze turkey special meat-having bought all 12 packages on sale. Heard a lot about the flu today and how the hospital is full. The New Life basketball team is selling donuts as a fund raiser right in the midst of the New Life fast. Maybe we should sell vegetable soup instead. Or salad. Happy Eleventh Birthday to Micah! He and Janelle will be home here Friday night.
Tues.-Went out to Appomattox and visited Walmart, Kroger, Lisa at Baine's, Village Print Shop to get my Nantucket photo cards, B and L, and Salvation Army. Kept Nathan for a little while in the afternoon. I love that little guy. I bought a little seat for him at Carousels yesterday and put it on top of the card table in front of the door window and he watched the birds. He drank water from a little sippy cup and ate a whole container of pears. I wanted to eat them but I fed him instead. Made potato soup and chicken vegetable soup and chicken drumsticks and we took some potato soup over to Travis M. They can put it in a blender since he's not supposed to chew for a month. Michael and Susan are watching old movies-Animated Peter Pan and then, Annie. Philip's been trapping. It's getting cold. Nearly freezing. Snowing in Pa and Culpepper.
Wed.-Today I caught up on M-W job list. Then I went to see Nathan. He was in a high mood, talking and yelling loudly and happily. He's begun his army crawl. He gets a little toy, tosses it about a foot away, and army crawls over to it. He loves to watch his mommy cook. In the evening, Phil and I went to church for family night. The rest of our family had other plans. (Susan went to Lynchburg Goodwilling with Shorty and then to the gym.) The church leaders lined the middle aisle and anointed and prayed and blessed families/individuals as they walked through. Then the leaders walked through. It was incredible. I was so happy that I hardly slept. Ran the water tonight to keep the pipes from freezing.
Thurs.-Nearly 0 degrees. Michael is cutting firewood. Guys are over at Lawlers. Phil is going to check out a job about 2 hours away with his cousin's son-D. Susan will go out this afternoon and meet her team and go for a game in Richmond. (They won again. 8-0 wins/losses now. Lady Lions Unbeaten.) Danny F. brought her home after midnight. Guys game afterwards. Janelle and Micah are flying home. Will get here tomorrow eve. She's hoping the snow in NY doesn't cause a delay. Guys went over to Bethany's for a little get together for her while she's home from the ministry in Georgia.
Fri.-So tired today. Perhaps I shouldn't have eaten that bag of chocolate yesterday. I knew it would be a temptation during the fast coming up so I eliminated the temptation. Why do I do things like that? Did wash, looked up some stuff on-line-(Hoagies/Gifted Information)-a lady who teaches the gifted sat next to Phil on a flight and she gave him the hoagie website, exercised and watched a Columbo with Susan before heading out to get her car at Bailey's. It let her sit on her way to New Life yesterday. It needed a new radiator, etc. She then went to basketball practice while I went to the PO to send some packages, stopped in at Carousel-the new and great thrift store in Farmville-went to Judy's and snuggled with Logan because he was so snuggly after his nap. Tom and Sammy Jo both got home while I was there. Had some more chocolate to help Judy get rid of her temptation. Went to Walmart and bought fruit and vegetables. Came home. Got in the tub and talked with Lindsay for awhile. Always so good to talk with someone from our side of the family. Susan got her warm up suit today. Her initials are embroidered on the suit and she looks sharp in navy blue. She seems to have a cold. Philip, Michael, and Jordan, headed to Pa for Eric Weaver's wedding tomorrow afternoon. Jordan is going to stay and visit with Travis while the guys are with family. They left around 5:30 and should be there by midnight. I think they're staying with Aunt Karen, bless her heart, and are hoping to have breakfast with Grandma tomorrow morning. I talked with Phil's dad Wed. night. He was still in the hospital but he sounded wonderful and I've stopped being so weepy about him. He's going for some physical therapy and then will be home. Thank God. It was in the 40's today. Felt like I could get a tan compared to the frostbite I could have gotten yesterday.
Sat.-Guys are in Pa for Eric's outdoor wedding. Lots of bonfires all around. They went to see Grandpa H. at rehab. Susan is fighting a cold. She went to the gym to work it off and then later to Noel's birthday party. I made Philip's camouflage fleece blanket, vacuumed and washed the floors, and wrapped myself in a blanket and sat in a chair out in the sun. I think I am ready to go to the doctor next week and whip whatever smuggled themselves back within me from Thailand. Phil and I drove to a mile up the road to babysit Nathan while his parents went out to eat. We watched a high action movie and Phil worked his charm on Nathan and he was happy in his arms as he danced about during any movie music. He is just adorable. There is nobody like him. Nobody eats sweet potatoes and applesauce like him. Nobody looks at my face like he does. Nobody says, "Numnumnum" while he eats like he does. Nobody smiles at his mommy and daddy like he does. Nobody throws his toys with the quickness and strength that he does. There is nobody like him and I am in love.
Sun.-Rode with Alli and Freeman to church this morning. Nathan fell asleep on the way and he was all cuddly with me during the SS hour. His parents are teaching a class from the book 'Anonymous,' and Philip and I will be watching the little guy. Church was great. We redboxed some movies and both were really strange. The first one was 'Transcendence' and the second one was 'Noah.' I kept thinking that Noah couldn't get any worse but it did. The guys got home from Pa. They had a nice time at Eric's wedding.
Tues.-Went out to Appomattox and visited Walmart, Kroger, Lisa at Baine's, Village Print Shop to get my Nantucket photo cards, B and L, and Salvation Army. Kept Nathan for a little while in the afternoon. I love that little guy. I bought a little seat for him at Carousels yesterday and put it on top of the card table in front of the door window and he watched the birds. He drank water from a little sippy cup and ate a whole container of pears. I wanted to eat them but I fed him instead. Made potato soup and chicken vegetable soup and chicken drumsticks and we took some potato soup over to Travis M. They can put it in a blender since he's not supposed to chew for a month. Michael and Susan are watching old movies-Animated Peter Pan and then, Annie. Philip's been trapping. It's getting cold. Nearly freezing. Snowing in Pa and Culpepper.
Wed.-Today I caught up on M-W job list. Then I went to see Nathan. He was in a high mood, talking and yelling loudly and happily. He's begun his army crawl. He gets a little toy, tosses it about a foot away, and army crawls over to it. He loves to watch his mommy cook. In the evening, Phil and I went to church for family night. The rest of our family had other plans. (Susan went to Lynchburg Goodwilling with Shorty and then to the gym.) The church leaders lined the middle aisle and anointed and prayed and blessed families/individuals as they walked through. Then the leaders walked through. It was incredible. I was so happy that I hardly slept. Ran the water tonight to keep the pipes from freezing.
Thurs.-Nearly 0 degrees. Michael is cutting firewood. Guys are over at Lawlers. Phil is going to check out a job about 2 hours away with his cousin's son-D. Susan will go out this afternoon and meet her team and go for a game in Richmond. (They won again. 8-0 wins/losses now. Lady Lions Unbeaten.) Danny F. brought her home after midnight. Guys game afterwards. Janelle and Micah are flying home. Will get here tomorrow eve. She's hoping the snow in NY doesn't cause a delay. Guys went over to Bethany's for a little get together for her while she's home from the ministry in Georgia.
Fri.-So tired today. Perhaps I shouldn't have eaten that bag of chocolate yesterday. I knew it would be a temptation during the fast coming up so I eliminated the temptation. Why do I do things like that? Did wash, looked up some stuff on-line-(Hoagies/Gifted Information)-a lady who teaches the gifted sat next to Phil on a flight and she gave him the hoagie website, exercised and watched a Columbo with Susan before heading out to get her car at Bailey's. It let her sit on her way to New Life yesterday. It needed a new radiator, etc. She then went to basketball practice while I went to the PO to send some packages, stopped in at Carousel-the new and great thrift store in Farmville-went to Judy's and snuggled with Logan because he was so snuggly after his nap. Tom and Sammy Jo both got home while I was there. Had some more chocolate to help Judy get rid of her temptation. Went to Walmart and bought fruit and vegetables. Came home. Got in the tub and talked with Lindsay for awhile. Always so good to talk with someone from our side of the family. Susan got her warm up suit today. Her initials are embroidered on the suit and she looks sharp in navy blue. She seems to have a cold. Philip, Michael, and Jordan, headed to Pa for Eric Weaver's wedding tomorrow afternoon. Jordan is going to stay and visit with Travis while the guys are with family. They left around 5:30 and should be there by midnight. I think they're staying with Aunt Karen, bless her heart, and are hoping to have breakfast with Grandma tomorrow morning. I talked with Phil's dad Wed. night. He was still in the hospital but he sounded wonderful and I've stopped being so weepy about him. He's going for some physical therapy and then will be home. Thank God. It was in the 40's today. Felt like I could get a tan compared to the frostbite I could have gotten yesterday.
Sat.-Guys are in Pa for Eric's outdoor wedding. Lots of bonfires all around. They went to see Grandpa H. at rehab. Susan is fighting a cold. She went to the gym to work it off and then later to Noel's birthday party. I made Philip's camouflage fleece blanket, vacuumed and washed the floors, and wrapped myself in a blanket and sat in a chair out in the sun. I think I am ready to go to the doctor next week and whip whatever smuggled themselves back within me from Thailand. Phil and I drove to a mile up the road to babysit Nathan while his parents went out to eat. We watched a high action movie and Phil worked his charm on Nathan and he was happy in his arms as he danced about during any movie music. He is just adorable. There is nobody like him. Nobody eats sweet potatoes and applesauce like him. Nobody looks at my face like he does. Nobody says, "Numnumnum" while he eats like he does. Nobody smiles at his mommy and daddy like he does. Nobody throws his toys with the quickness and strength that he does. There is nobody like him and I am in love.
Sun.-Rode with Alli and Freeman to church this morning. Nathan fell asleep on the way and he was all cuddly with me during the SS hour. His parents are teaching a class from the book 'Anonymous,' and Philip and I will be watching the little guy. Church was great. We redboxed some movies and both were really strange. The first one was 'Transcendence' and the second one was 'Noah.' I kept thinking that Noah couldn't get any worse but it did. The guys got home from Pa. They had a nice time at Eric's wedding.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Nathan's Pavilion
Nathan has taken a nap on my bed for two days in a row.
I gently touch him and say in a slow soothing rhyme,
"Nose....toes. Lips...hips. Eyes...thighs.
Chin...shin. Ears...hear. Sweet...feet."
He may even be crying and as soon as I start stroking his little nose
he stops mid-wail,
and in a minute or two,
he is sound asleep in my arms.
We stay like that for awhile because there is nothing like snuggling
with your very own grandbaby.
Then, duty calls, and I gently disengage my arm from his sweaty sleeping head.
I put pillows all around, leaving plenty of space for him to breathe and roll over.
He is secure in the little pavilion I've made him;
able to look out but not able to fall off.
I leave my bedroom door open so I can hear his little call when he wakes up.
I thought about Nathan's bed nest when I read Psalms 27:5 today.
"For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock."
A week or so ago,
I was in Thailand
visiting a group of church people
along with my husband, daughter, sister-in-law, and nephew.
We met in a pavilion, sitting in a circle on mats on the concrete floor.
I had been in this same pavilion over nine years ago.
It was under this shelter that I gave a letter of forgiveness to the man
who had killed Phil's brother in a drunk driving accident
on a Sunday morning in July.
Johnny had been riding his motorcycle to preach his first sermon in Thai
to these same believers gathered under this same shelter
who were anxiously waiting for him to show up
with a simple explanation for his tardiness.
It was under this shelter, that as I drank the communion juice
from a little glass, the YES team member next to me whispered,
"These are shot glasses from WW11."
"How do you know?" I whispered back.
"There are red swastika's etched on the bottom."
And sure enough, there were.
And it was in this pavilion that I experienced the miracle.
I felt God's love spread all through
my heart towards the man who killed Johnny.
I was afraid I would attack him; hit at him blindly.
But then, there was this miracle.
This complete surprise.
And the letter I had struggled so hard to write
was sticking white and rectangular out of his jean shirt pocket
as he later stood by the bank of the pond
watching the baptism.
This pavilion in Thailand,
and Nathan's pavilion on my bed,
and the pavilion of God,
serve as protection from the sun, the heat, the elements,
and our own propensity to wander,
but allows freedom to see all around.
Freedom to feel warmth and breezes.
Freedom to hear voices nearby and beyond.
Freedom to be the cared-for-one
in the refuge of someone stronger.
And what is this 'secret place of His tabernacle'
where He hides me?
Every place in the tabernacle is accessible to others' eyes
with the exception of the Holy of Holies, where God dwells.
He hides me in His Holy Place;
in His holiness;
in Himself.
How wonderful this place of freedom and security.
This open pavilion.
This holy secret place.
This resting nest of God.
I gently touch him and say in a slow soothing rhyme,
"Nose....toes. Lips...hips. Eyes...thighs.
Chin...shin. Ears...hear. Sweet...feet."
He may even be crying and as soon as I start stroking his little nose
he stops mid-wail,
and in a minute or two,
he is sound asleep in my arms.
We stay like that for awhile because there is nothing like snuggling
with your very own grandbaby.
Then, duty calls, and I gently disengage my arm from his sweaty sleeping head.
I put pillows all around, leaving plenty of space for him to breathe and roll over.
He is secure in the little pavilion I've made him;
able to look out but not able to fall off.
I leave my bedroom door open so I can hear his little call when he wakes up.
I thought about Nathan's bed nest when I read Psalms 27:5 today.
"For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock."
A week or so ago,
I was in Thailand
visiting a group of church people
along with my husband, daughter, sister-in-law, and nephew.
We met in a pavilion, sitting in a circle on mats on the concrete floor.
I had been in this same pavilion over nine years ago.
It was under this shelter that I gave a letter of forgiveness to the man
who had killed Phil's brother in a drunk driving accident
on a Sunday morning in July.
Johnny had been riding his motorcycle to preach his first sermon in Thai
to these same believers gathered under this same shelter
who were anxiously waiting for him to show up
with a simple explanation for his tardiness.
It was under this shelter, that as I drank the communion juice
from a little glass, the YES team member next to me whispered,
"These are shot glasses from WW11."
"How do you know?" I whispered back.
"There are red swastika's etched on the bottom."
And sure enough, there were.
And it was in this pavilion that I experienced the miracle.
I felt God's love spread all through
my heart towards the man who killed Johnny.
I was afraid I would attack him; hit at him blindly.
But then, there was this miracle.
This complete surprise.
And the letter I had struggled so hard to write
was sticking white and rectangular out of his jean shirt pocket
as he later stood by the bank of the pond
watching the baptism.
This pavilion in Thailand,
and Nathan's pavilion on my bed,
and the pavilion of God,
serve as protection from the sun, the heat, the elements,
and our own propensity to wander,
but allows freedom to see all around.
Freedom to feel warmth and breezes.
Freedom to hear voices nearby and beyond.
Freedom to be the cared-for-one
in the refuge of someone stronger.
And what is this 'secret place of His tabernacle'
where He hides me?
Every place in the tabernacle is accessible to others' eyes
with the exception of the Holy of Holies, where God dwells.
He hides me in His Holy Place;
in His holiness;
in Himself.
How wonderful this place of freedom and security.
This open pavilion.
This holy secret place.
This resting nest of God.
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