Happy Birthday Boys!!

David Clay Atkins born June 19, 1991 and Jacob Benjamin Atkins born June 18, 1993 by God's gracious mercy.

Protest Songs...echoes of mercy and bravery..

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. "
Elmer Davis

It is politically correct these days, to sit around lunch rooms and parties etc and bash Bush, protest the war in Iraq. If you want to impress in the business world, you better have the politically correct thing to say around the water cooler. Candidates that spend too much money on their campaign ( because they have strong goals and visions they wish to bring to the state--such as bringing more high tec jobs here so we can keep our smart young people in Vermont with good paying jobs) are obscene. But candidates that help Vermont grow into a greater give away welfare state are humanitarian. Anyone who votes for them is concidered financially and morally discerning. It is better to give away money than work differently and harder to bring more technical jobs to Vermont. Likewise, people who sing protest songs and carry signs are also concidered merciful etc...because people die in war and that is bad of course. Let's not examine WHY the soldier sacrifices though. Then we may have to do something ourselves. It is easier to protest. Let others look outward. We only care about ourselves, right?

All these freedoms to criticize and protest were bought by others with a price. My son will likely return for his second tour of Iraq in a few precious months. As a Mom, I feel gut terror and sadness. I want the war to end and my boy to stay home. Is he messed up because he gets on a plane to go and help children and women in another country have the freedoms we take for granted? Does anyone who bashes Bush and the "war" ever care enough to list all the thousands of helpful meaningful deeds our boys have done over there for a grateful people?

I am concerned that for the bottom financial line, the political correctness of what we feel about war, and most of all, not to spill our lattes --this generation forgets what it means to stand up for something--such as helping women get the freedom to go to school. Will you just roll over and let any political force take over this country? Will you be brave and stand up for the oppressed or just run your mouth?

Jesus called me today....

Jesus called me today....in the early hours of the morning He whispered my name.

He told me to tell you that you should not be afraid....He will give you His power and love and sound mind.... that though the tears may endure the night, the joy will follow in the morning..... and that He loves you very much....

Passed By

Talked on the phone to a first class soldier the other day. Father of 4 children, great family man, done 3 overseas tours, and he got passed over for Warrant Officer. It was suppose to be a slam dunk --he had top recommendations and had "earned his stripes" so to speak. Great disappointment for his military career. He took it in stride but I could tell he was very discouraged. He mentioned also that since Warrant School wasn't in his immediate future, his second tour in Iraq would be back on the calendar in the fall. I could hear his children playing and laughing in the background as he spoke. Trying to bring some lightness in this serious conversation, I said I sort of wish the Democrats would get their way and just bring back the troops now, then he wouldn't have to go. I could hear him catch his breath and he very kindly told me that to set a time frame for troop withdrawal would play right into the hands of the insurgents and be a disaster for the Iraqi people. With his little twin girls giggling in play in the background, he was concerned for the welfare of a people far away that our country promised to help. That's the heart of a soldier---he won't pass you by without helping if he can... Take time to thank a soldier this month.... by the way---it you didn't know already, that soldier was my son Eric.

Septic-see-me-uh

Oh joy--one engineer, one health inspector (we invited over) and one excavator= equals new septic field location and new well in new location. I feel ill--good news is when all is said and done we will have our yard back better than it's ever been and things will be up to code WITH permits-something the last owner wasn't too good at.. Today I am off to see two doctors--one for Jacobs' hurt thumb (from secret rope swing Spring jump into Lake Bomoseen) and then David to Ortho for perhaps removal of old bone chip causing swelling lately. We shall see --but when you bring in the experts they all seem to want to move something or take something out!! Yikes...

Paying it Forward

Wednesdays are special because I the Nana get to spend time at my son Matt's house with the grandkids so he and Esther can go out for a few hours. This week has been something else in this area. Since the last time I babysat, a storm passed thru and Matt has lost 5 huge trees in his back yard and one lovely large pine in his front yard. Part of the roof had come off in one corner also. Not to mention days without electricity and a basement that flooded.

It's pretty devastating to look out the back window and see the trees- root end up -caving into themselves in the back yard. Monstrous trees and I wondered how Matt will remove them all. One week has seen lots of wonderful helpers show up also though. A friend, aka angel, came by to patch the roof corner in the driving rain and wind . Another angel, aka brother in law aka genius son in law came by with a generator to help Matt pump out his basement. Saturday arrived with folks giving their time to remove some of the trees for him.... more coming to help this Saturday probably.

I am sitting there last night listening to Isaac relate all the tree removal stories and wire repair electric trucks he's seen this week....contemplating how thankful I am for all the folks that reached out to each other and especially to this precious family of mine.... when I pick up one musical intrument to put on the bookshelf. It's wooden with a primitive face and metal prongs for making notes. Isaac says "that's mine from Ghana.... Dad brought it home to me this time"--"Last time he brought me the carved animals."

Wow---he is casually referring to Matt's trip to Ghana when he brought something else back too---Malaria!!--my little son Matt so fragile at birth--my BABY---who went fearlessly to a very primitive country and loved it! He got cursed by a WITCH DOCTOR for trying to share his Christian faith with a temple slave girl. He was trying to free her from the bondage she was in each day--cutting herself for the demonic temple. (I kid you not) So guess what?--he went back again!! the next year. He loves it there---he helps lots of people. The hardest part is saying goodbye because he knows the work is never done there. He had to step over very sick children just to get back on the bus to go home...

A co member for the Ghana mission team said Matt will always go back. He relates to the people in a way unexplainable. Matt admits that he fits in over there better. Selfishly I am glad he comes back and only visits that country. But I can tell you the tree, generator, roof thing was not the start of the pay it forward chain. Matt had started doing that awhile ago....

Billionaires

It was reported that Mrs. Walmart died today. Her write up says much about her philanthropy and love of family. She had 8 grandchildren. Her multi billions probably don't mean much to her 3 children as they were higher on the Forbes billionaire list than she was. But her real blessings were in her family probably not all her money. So guess what??? I am richer than Sam Walmart's widow.. I have living 6 kids and 9 ---count them---9 grandchildren. The torch is passed. Only God's merciful grace.......
Maybe that sounds like false modesty or arrogance you say but some of my friends from way back when would be shocked to hear that Ellen wound up with a stable family life etc. You see one person never gave up on me.... God... He never throws anyone away......not me and especially not you!! So turn around and make a family---NO I don't mean get busy procreating. If you are single or alone make a friend and don't give up on them no matter what!! Turn to God too. You'de be shocked how much He loves you....

I was only joking!!!

Don't you just love it when someone excuses the fact that they revealed their deep ignorance and insensitivity by saying "I was only kidding! or I was only joking!" At the expense of someone elses sometimes deep deep pain. "Don't be so paranoid or sensitive." Ok--so I am going to rant a bit so get ready... I just got finished the day before reading some blog with horrific comments about how slavery needs no apology etc, buck up just look to the future etc. Yes we should look to the future but we should also take responsibility in a civilized society and make apologies and declarations to shun future acts of crimes against humanity etc. So I did my comment response on the blog and felt a bit better. Still bothered by some of the insensitive comments I had read, got on with my day etc. BAM --Imus opens his septic mouth and he was only kidding!!! Lovely articulate hard working women are verbally reduced to trash. Where does it stop?? So I am home and we get a call that one of David's very good buddies is back in town for Easter break. One of very few blacks that David grew up with and we are all excited cuz he will get to paint ball with Isaiah and friends on Saturday. It's a great day when mom is cooking in the kitchen and my two sons David and Jacob are actually getting along. They start wrestling and lots of giggling breaks out. I step in to break it up before someone gets hurt and Jacob calls David a "N". Not going to say it as it is not in my vocabulary but I went ballistic!!
Horrible name--why would you use that word? Jacob says oh mom--I was only fooling around. I would NEVER call someone that for real. Really got disgusted with ME for going off about it. Told me it's in all the songs... not meant against someone ... etc etc... They both had wonderful friendships with blacks, multi racial folks etc. Why would they think the N word is funny? My family has its roots deep in the south and we need to work harder at making sure the bigots are allowed to die off and the future generations guard their hearts very carefully. Some time ago some pale lily whites (I am lily white so I can say it) thought they were more human than the darker skins. I remember when I said to one of my very southern aunts years ago that Jesus wasn't "white". I thought she was going to keel over. Anyway--I have obviouosly failed if my son thinks N word can be used in any context that would be humorous and for that I am reminded I need to work harder to help them understand and for that I DO apologize. How's YOUR vocabulary and heart?

Houston--we have lift off!!!

Well it's been a long day but we are successful. Nana M. is no longer dial up. She is now cruising in the fast lane with the rest of the household internet cruisers. We also purchased a 10 foot step ladder today so I can see all the dust kittys on the upper window in the great room---along with all the little toys kids have thrown up there cuz they figured mum would never get up that high. Ha!!! Well Nana M is riding high on her new internet connection and I am up in space areas cleaning and hanging new chandeliers. Amy has a "visitor" this evening so we are all doing our best to also be annoying and interrupting. hehe

Larry,Bob and the gang

Tonight is special when Nana can come babysit Aiden, Isaac and Gianna. We are all watching Veggie Tales and Nana has shrewdly tapped into the wireless network her genius second son set up in his abode. All is well--the boys are mezmorized by the show and Gianna has found two tasty fingers to chew on. Life is good....

11 years to the day

It's been 11 years to the day that we moved to this area. The Ryan girls helped us pack up the truck, the Calhoun's sent us on our way north from Walpole with a yummy casserole to enjoy when we got there. Steph Ryan rode with us to support Sara facing her new place to live. We all sat down to enjoy the wonderful dinner after lots of hard work. Years later it would be Steph's sister Julie that would marry our oldest son Eric. Both older kids, Matt and Sara thought Rutland was inhabited with retired people and sort of quietly resented the move. But Dad had received a promotion and they being loyal kids went along without lots of fuss. Within a few years both Matt and Sara met their future spouses in this area. We now have 5 grandchildren who were born here. When we moved in, I hated the ugly 70's chandelier over the stairs. So this week I finally got a very pretty replacement. It only took me 11 years. Even the kids could have kids faster than that. Go figure!! Now we still have 3 kids at home --Amy being 21 is Certain this area is only full of old people...Is it time for another casserole???

Time Travel

You haven't lived till you've driven up the mountain to Pico with Joe and David in the car. Amy in the front seat with me--as she needs a ride to work--so Joe and David are squeezed into 2 thirds the back seat with two snowboards crammed into the third seat. For starters--just picture those two sitting next to each other like a date --and most drivers going by can't always see the snowboards taking up the third seat... Ok--so we won't go there--but it does produce some funny faces as folks drive by. But the dialogue and songs sung to the radio not to mention the goofy flame orange hunter's hat with the flaps that David wears--produces some strange times. Then--let us not forget the gas factor--no not the car mileage--the odiferous fumes eminating from the two stinky boys that cause the windows to go up and down--Oh god!! ---up and down. Let me out of here!!! top that off with the ole primal golden retreiver genes in David's blood that causes him to periodically stick his whole head out of the said window so he can drool out the window and let his "ear flaps" blow in the wind like some dog going for a car ride. It's a sight to behold. Funny thing is--these two will smoke down the slopes like --as Rob (youth pastor) said "those two are somethin" else!!"
Wonder what he meant by that????? hehehe

FYI

On the high part of that life I mentioned earlier --did I brag to you all that my son in law Michael --aka DJMIKED -- gave me candy for Valentine's Day???

Here endeth the lesson....

Everything I do or think lately seems to come to the same conclusion so to speak...Maybe I need Prozac, I don't know, but when you have a family like mine a flood of emotions can come from all angles in all cirmcumstances. This produces highs and lows of emotions (why I mentioned the prozac) but seriously it's kind of scary to feel such vulnerable joy when you see the lives you may have impacted for the good. It also produces sorrow when you see areas you feel like you've messed up.
I've come to the serious conclusion that I am totally messed up lots of the time. It's kind of a comfort though, because at that moment you know for sure what you've always suspected: That you are not really in control of things anyways. That lesson screams to be lately. It's a God thing. But you know what screams louder???? That God actually loves this profoundly messed up person anyway!! Here endeth the lesson.....Thank Bob!!!

Found the white stuff!!!

Looking for the white stuff

We are stocking up on cocoa and comfort foods as we prepare to sit Valentine's Day out at home. First big snowstorm in Vermont (what did you Think I meant by white stuff?) I'm thankful that my family is excited about this--natural event--not the other white stuff that kills you. We are excited to think of sleds and snowboards. May it always be so!! Much to be thankful for....

Am I a Helicopter?

Am I a Helicopter?.... Do I Hover over my children?

~quote from new movie "Because I Said So"

Super Bowl Anticipation

Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday and you know what that means!!! That's right---all day marathon showing of my favorite show "The Closer". Someone we all know and try to love said blogs are self serving........ that's OK cuz this is all about me, me, me......

FYI: Oh! Did I tell you--the guy who said blogs are self serving?---has 2 blogs of his own --LOL!!! But we are "good little hiprocrites"....

Ogretta aka Meanist Mom in the World

Just had to post that to give my friend a laugh. You know who you are!! :P
But seriously here is my effort to meet the 100 things about me challenge:
1. I was born mid century in Milford, CT.
2. I am of Irish, English and Creole French ancestry.
3. I collect small ceramic pitchers.
4. I am brunette ( sort of :P)
5. I am first born of two girls.
6. I am mother of 7 children, 6 living.
7. I am grandmother of 10, nine living.
8. I grew up in a strong Italian/Polish community ( none of which I am)
9. I remember what class I was in when President Kennedy was assassinated.
10. I saw his assasin Oswald shot by Ruby on the TV News.
11. I collect a deck of cards from every far away city I visit.
12. There's part of Monk's OCD behavior that I can relate to.
13. I love formal dances.
14. Flowers speak to my soul.
15. God will take my soul to heaven when I die.
16. I believe chocolate is medicinal.
17. I am a New York kinda girl.
18. Camping to me is choosing Econolodge vs Hyatt.
19. I flunked my first driving test.
20. When I was little I wanted to be a scientist or a reporter.
21. I am old enough to be impressed with cell phone convenience.
22. I am a diehard Yankee fan.
23. Fall is my favorite season.
24. I used to have a cat named Bachelor.
25. My father was a master carpenter.
26. I love to walk around a hardware store.
27. When I was little I would jump in bed in the dark so the alligators under the bed couldn't get me.
28. One of my uncles was in the FBI.
29. I homeschooled 4 of my children.
30. I have read every Nancy Drew book.
31. I've always loved mystery books.
32. Four of my children have been in four different missons trips in 4 different countries.
33. My oldest son father of four recently got back safely from Iraq.
34. My mission in life is to raise wonderful God-fearing children.
35. I have wonderful God-fearing children.
36. I hate Okra.
37. My dream is to relax on a tropical beach under a palm tree sipping some fruity drink.
38. Two of my children were born in my 40's after a tubal reversal.
39. My favorite verse is Romans 8:28-29.
40. I was saved by grace at the age of 27.
41. I try to live free in Christ.
42. I love my family above anything else.
43. I love God above my family.
44. My first car had horseshoes on the upholstery.
45. My children will change the world around them.
46. Every July 4th jets fly over my home.
47. My husband's birthday is July 4th. You do the math..
48. I can see ice fishing shacks on the lake from my window.
49. I teach womens' Bible studies.
50. The Turtles played live at my college freshman dance.
51. I was a cheerleader in 7th grade.
52. My sister in law was the deputy Mayor of San Diego.
53. All my children were Army brats.
54. My husband retired out of the Army.
55. I audit calls at the Vermont Country Store call center.
56. I used to smoke 1 1/2 packs of cigarettes a day about 29 years ago.
57. I remember when soda was in glass bottles in wooden soda crates.
58. I love to travel.
59. I live in Vermont.
60. I've been to the New York World's Fair.
61. I spent many happy years in 4-H.
62. I buy (vs grow) my nails.
63. I remember clamming on Milford Beach in CT with my grandmother.
64. My maternal grandfather owned a hot dog stand/restaurant in the 50's.
65. My paternal grandfather owned orange trees in Florida.
66. Both my parents were born in Baxley Georgia but met in Milford Connecticut.
67. I've been in a meatball fight.
68. At 21 I concidered suicide.
69. I've worn pill box hats to church.
70. I went to Ansonia High School class of 66.
71. I hate liver.
72. I've installed a hard drive in my computer.
73. I've lived for a week on macaroni salad.
74. I've had 6 C-sections.
75. I've almost died in two childbirths. (Jennifer and Matt)
76. They were both worth it.
77. I am very thankful I didn't commit suicide.
78. I love Santa and the Easter Bunny.
79. As a teenager I often sewed my Easter outfit.
80. My highschool love was Richard Eriksson. We did more talking than kissing.
81. I'm known for my quirky sense of humor.
82. My sister and I had matching desks and bulletin boards made by my Dad.
83. My best friends in High School were Marianne Benassi and Camille Ferla.
84. I married a man in an Army uniform.
85. I love to write and teach.
86. I love walking in snowy woods.
87. Chrismas Eve is magical to me. I always light a candle.
88. My favorite bird is the Chicadee. (right Eric? )
89. I've done a cooking demonstration at the Big E.
90. I drive a Honda Accord.
91. I wear contacs.
92. I own a coffee cup from the Louvre.
93. I am a devoted fan of CSI Las Vegas and The Closer.
94. Half my blood is probably coffee. :P
95. I am a hopeless romantic.
96. I believe each of us has something important to do for God.
97. I've air- boated in the Everglades.
98. My favorite animal is the Bengal Tiger.
99. OK-- so sometimes I still jump in bed fast so the alligators won't get me.
100. I spend too much time on my laptop!

Healthometer

Today was full of meds and ginger ale, but snow bird David will recover from his "horrific neck spasm" (Doc's word) Tomorrow Jacob is back to school and he has his regular snowboard lesson on Pico. Yikes!! Yet another opportunity to say hi to my friends at Rutland Regional.... most of all I am looking forward to my postings getting off the medical update theme. Set your clocks--good news!!--for all you non Super Bowl women--starting at 11am on Sunday is the much anticipated marathon showing of my favorite TV show--The Closer. Be there---