A Tribute - Aunt Deane

Monday I had the blessing of attending the funeral of my great-aunt Deane. What a incredible woman; what an incredible life she lived. She never married nor had children of her own, yet she was never alone. She was like a mother to my mom, and a grandma to all of us children. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of visiting Aunt Deane on Thanksgiving. She would always spoil us with great cooking and love.

Here are some of the things that will always remind me of her:
Macaroni and Cheese with hotdogs
Seeing my drawings hanging on her fridge (I imagine some of them are still there)
Making houses and boats out of popsicle sticks
Cream on cold cereal for breakfast
Cats
'Little Miss' books
The organ (she was an exceptional organists)
Playing with milk lids
$2 bills on Valentines Day

The last time I saw Aunt Deane was nearly two years ago. Here is a picture of our visit then. I love you Aunt Deane and will miss you! Thank you for your example of love and a life a selfless serving.

Wordless Wednesday

More, More, More

We were all sitting at dinner last night - excited that Jason was home to eat with us (lately he doesn't get home until Antalya has already gone to bed). Antalya finished eating what was on her tray. I had my fork in one hand, so instead of signing and saying "more?" I just asked her if she wanted more. Of course I didn't expect a response. Even with several months of me signing and talking in two word sentences, it seemed as if Antalya was still no where closer to understanding the idea that words mean things.

So I asked her if she wanted more. Without a moments hesitation she quickly put her fingers tips together forming the sign that means more and looked up and smiled at me. Oh what a moment! I feel as if a new door has just appeared and we have stepped inside - the door to learning through language. Antalya has begun to understand language and communicate back to us what she is learning! I have always known that she would learn to sign and eventually speak words, but I am still awed at the miracle of it.

Brent Martin

Have you ever changed check-out lines at the grocery store when you noticed that the person bagging your items had a disability. Maybe it was because you were in a hurry, and you knew they would take a little more time bagging your groceries? Or maybe you just weren't sure why, but you did anyways. It saddens me to admit that before Antalya was born, I had done this on several occasions.

At our local grocery store there are two baggers with disabilities. Now when I go there, if I happen to get one of them as my bagger, I feel blessed. Blessed that my life could be touched by theirs, however small the moment is; touched by their gentle nature, their strong work ethic, and positive attitude they both portray. I think of their mothers, and how pleased they must be that their child is able to work and support themselves; pleased that their child has accomplished so much; pleased that they have had the opportunity to raise that child to an adult.

This morning I read about a tragedy that occured in the UK back in August. I feel outraged that such a thing as this could happen. To read about Brent Martin go to Chewing the Fat or click here to read the BBC report .

I know that changing the way our children think about people with disabilities must begin with us. I urge all of us to be more kind and compassionate. To teach our children to rejoice in differences - whether those differences be racial, ethnic, religious, or individuals that are just "different" than the way we are. I think as a whole we have come a long ways in equality, but the disabled community still has a long ways to go. Lets work together to educate ourselves and our children so atrocities such as this won't occur in the world our children are creating. For some great ideas visit the blog entry about Brent at Praying for Parker.

Motherhood

Women's Liberation is just a lot of foolishness. It's the men who are discriminated against. They can't bear children. And no one's likely to do anything about that. ~Golda Meir

Today at the store I ran into a good friend and homeschooling mom to four children. Seeing her and her children reminded me of a beautiful poem she has on her blog titled "They Tie You Down".

It got me thinking about how much I love being a mother. There is absolutely nothing I would enjoy more than doing what I do on daily basis. Although it is difficult to put into words how I feel, here are a few reasons why I love being a mother:


1. Little girl bear hugs which include Antalya's arms wrapped tightly around my neck, her legs hugging my waist, and her teeth biting my chin (I know she means it as a big kiss!)

2. A reason and motivation to get out of bed early

3. A shopping buddy

4. More giggles in one day than I thought were possible

5. Sticky little fingers

6. Bathtime

7. Fixing dinner with a backpack on my back a little head peaking over my shoulder

8. Caring more about someone else than I do myself

9. Early morning cuddles with all of us in bed

10. A reason to put off cleaning the house - it's more fun and worthwhile to play!

11. Excitement about the future

12. Naptime

13. It is the only job that requires 24 hours a day and 7 days a week with no days off that can bring incredible amounts of happiness, joy, and love into one's life.

I'm still here...

just been busy, busy, busy. For now here's a picture of Antalya in an outfit that I wore when I was little. Thanks Mom for saving it! You can't beat clothing from the '70's.

Life is Beautiful

Antalya had fun playing with the wrapping paper on her presents.

Mary and Joseph

The angels

The enactment of the nativity story

Christmas morning hike in the freshly fallen snow

What a wonderful time of year. I enjoyed Christmas this year, my only complaint is that it passes so quickly that there is little time to stop and contemplate the wonderful "true" meaning of all the celebrating. I am truly grateful for and humbled by the birth of a little child so long ago in a land so far away. Without Christ's birth, ministry, atonement and resurrection there would be no meaning or purpose to our life here. No hope of a better world, no hope of reuniting after this life is through.

Several days ago I was talking with a friend about another friend of ours that is struggling to come to terms with some things that are happening in her life. "Life is so unfair. " We both agreed, but I also commented "but isn't that part of the beauty of life?" My friend didn't seem to agree, which left me pondering if I really meant what I said. Is life's seemingly unfairness part of it's beauty? I believe it is. Isn't it through our tailor-made trials that we gain the wisdom and experience we need to help others? Isn't it beautiful when people come together to help lift someone who has fallen or offer an understanding heart and a shoulder to cry on to someone who is alone? I believe our lives are all knit together. Each sorrow and each joy helps to unite us as brothers and sisters. How much of life's beauty would be missed if we lived in a 'fair and equal world' where each person received the same as the last!

Christmas Card

Annual Grandkid Photos

This year we decided to take the annual grandkids photos ourselves in hopes that the kids would be a little more relaxed and willing to work with us. What an experience. Several hours later, we still didn't have one of all the kids together. At least the individual shots turned out alright. Here are the winners. What cute kids!

Christmas Time

I knew Christmas was coming soon, but I had no idea, until I looked at the calendar today, that Christmas is less than two weeks away. My favorite time of the year is almost past, and I feel as if I just barely started to enjoy it. Something I look forward to about this time of the year is all the yummy food. Here are thirteen of my favorite foods that remind me of Christmas.

1. Big juicy grapefruits
2. Pomegranates
3. My grandma's divinity
4. My mom's hot wassail
5. Almond Roca
6. Cinnamon Bears
7. Hot Chocolate
8. Peppermint Ice Cream with Hot Fudge
9. Shrimp Cocktail
10. Cheesy Potato Casserole
11. Red, White, and Green Jello Salad
12. Pecan Logs
13. Candy Canes