Category Archives: humor, hope

Three days in….

humor, hope, LIFE, Miscellaneous, Mothers, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We have been enduring a massive winter weather situation ( the collective we) because the south is on ice! I am thoroughly thrilled that it has not been too terrible where I presently live(thank you weather gods) but, where we moved from a year ago got hit pretty bad and even worse my hometown plus tragically Mississippi and especially Oxford really are in a situation! We visited Oxford a few years back( I had friends from high school attend college there so I always wanted to visit) it is a beautiful town. So I feel a connection and everyplace the ice hit I have been, do I think there is a connection? Well no of course not! I am not a winter witch… so much so I HATE WINTER! Maybe that has not been said enough l, I thought I had made that clear but here we are again. Trapped at home going on three days now, Lord Jesus send that sun!

Now that I sense the melt may start I am relieved but then I find out my last Aunt has passed. Bless her heart she has been ready for a while, all of her siblings but one have gone before her. She lived alone with her daughter, my cousin in the same house for more than fifty years, her husband passed a while ago plus one son, he was the baby! She lived a lone quiet life, I never knew her to be boisterous or loud. She was a simple homemaker who was loyal to her husband and her three children. I’m sure they have stories to tell but I never saw anything but kindness. I often wondered if this was the life she wanted, I assume it was and that’s good, she did what was asked of her and raised good humans. Her daughter is my friend, she lived there with them while working a big job at the local University, she was faithful and finally retired, so she was with my Aunt until the end … or beginning of her new life, the glorious world that she looked for her whole life, she is home. Her oldest son was my favorite cousin who I saw daily, he was fun to tease for which my favorite faraway cousin and I loved to do. He is a farmer and I think that’s pretty cool. He once said he would meet a girl and Marry her, I believe he did just that and he was wise!

The lived next door to my Granny and Papa so I played with my cousins every day until I was ten, until we moved to the big city. Those were wonderful days and my memories sustain me daily. My mild mannered Aunt would fix us snacks and I’d watch her do her chores, I was taught well by her and my Granny and especially my Mom her older sister. Not sure what she thought of her life.. I should have asked her. It doesn’t matter now but makes me wonder, I’m weird that way! My cousin told me she had to go out on the freeze of 2026, pretty cool if she planned it that way! We will not soon forget when she left for her new home, well played Aunt Lois, well played!

Soon all this ice will melt and I will be free to drive and loaf around, this is my favorite activity these days, see where the Lord takes me. People pass away, people live. We all have a certain amount of days on this earth and I believe my Aunt Lois lived hers just the way she wanted. What a blessing to have her this long, her children are blessed.

Lordy Lordy!

brothers, children, Christianity, enjoyment, encouragement, Faith, Family, GOD, home, humor, hope, kids, life, love, Miscellaneous

In the town we lived for the start of our marriage, the local newspaper would publish birthday announcements for people, the sweet ones announcing the one year birthday of precious babies or sweet sixteen! The other ones usually started out with Lordy Lordy (fill in the blank) is forty!…. Or fifty etc! I don’t live in that town anymore so that is not an option so here is my newspaper announcement for these days and times! Lordy, Lordy Will is forty!!!

My first born is a birthday boy today… I remember it as if it is happening now… he was a month late and still had a hard time getting here, pretty dramatic and eventful. We were scared but excited but this new Mom was ready to see him. Our new first baby we named Will, a strong sturdy name, his given name is so very long, he is a junior so we needed a more fitting everyday name. He was named correctly.. he eventually was tagged… “Will the pill!” because being his fathers (and mine) kid he was sure to be a pill! Later on while knocking baseballs out of the park we’d call him “Will the thrill!” After a few stink eye looks that stopped!

Birthdays are a good time to take stock, I was a mere twenty four years old, only married two years… clueless on how to walk this path but I was committed… babies gonna cry and eat and you gotta fix them. He was a joy, a beautiful baby, every one said so even strangers. That has not changed, he is now a beautiful man. He made me a mother, I made plenty of mistakes with him, he got the brunt of the learning curve, I have since apologized for that, he’s sweet and loves me even though.

My dear son was the beginning of the four babies, all came Into the world just as dramatically. They all are loved unconditionally and all endured the hardships of parents In full time ministry, parents who really had no training as parents, just kids really themselves; but we loved each other and those kids. They filled our hearts with joy every moment. This first born is adored by us all. His voice has always been strong with his pack of followers; those little younguns’ followed him through thick and thin. Thankful they all survived as friends as well as family.

I am in awe of his ability to deal with his own flaws and failures; to choose to help others and have the grace to love unconditionally too. He is still and will always be my blonde haired boy, I probably depend on him more than I should but we’ve been together a long time ya know! When I acknowledge his birthday I feel like I’m paying homage to my own life, becoming a mother is HUGE! A lady (Elizabeth Gilbert) wrote in a book that getting pregnant is like having a big tattoo right across your face! That is the truth, you never can cover it up or deny it, but why would I want to. To be honest I never dreamed it.. it just was what happened and I have to say, Jesus loves me extra special because he gave me this blue eyed boy… Lordy, Lordy Will is forty! Happy birthday to the man we all love ❤️

The Measure of a Man

Christianity, Faith, Family, GOD, humor, hope, LIFE, love, Miscellaneous, Parents

There is nothing more profound, than listening to the family of a loved one who has gone on to their final reward. It’s usually very sweet and sad and the recognition of their value to the people in the family is moving and reminds us to cherish our own tribe. We all can relate. Today was such a day, to give honor and respect to a person who deserves it. The cool thing was, his whole life pointed to Jesus, such a profound testimony of Gods love and providence.

I met this man, forty years ago, I married his nephew(aka..the preacherman) and at first I really did’ t know him well, he was more “reserved “ than his other uncles. Meeting this family was sort of a right of passage for us in laws, where, when it is a huge family like this, they all kinda have to see if you are up to the challenge… as others who married into the fold, I also was teased and could take their good natured fun because the joke was on them… I got my cute guy and a precious family to boot.

I so enjoyed getting to know them all and they accepted me and they never knew how much I longed for it. This particular uncle like I said was not as vocal to me. He was a little intimidating too but I loved his wife, the Aunt, she was at that time a little easier to know than my new mother In law, the fear factor was not there! She was kind and loving and they both were very sweet. But, I did’ t really know them well, until today. His wife left us too early and he was left alone for a short time and met and married a precious woman.

I had heard different tall tales about this particular uncle, but since I was not involved with him daily I just knew he was a good man. His children were my friends and still are, I secretly wanted to be a part of their branch of the family , there were a lot of them and I adored them all. The daughters all taught me so much as a young bride and I have wonderful memories. But until today I never knew the magnitude and reach of this very kind uncle. To say I’m impressed would be understated, but not so much with his humanity but with his willingness to follow God at a really young age and stick to it.

His testimony is somewhat amazing, I heard the real tall tales and they lived up to all the hype. I’m sure he was as carnal as us all, so l’m sure he spanked his children and probably yelled a time or two at his wife … I’m sure he did not always make the right choices.. but today I would be hard pressed to see the bad. His generation were not sissy’s…he married at fourteen!! And lived to tell that tale, even though his new father in law had a gun and wanted to thrash him! He had five children all before he was probably 20 and change.. whew! Finished school as well as college and went on to work so hard to become a very wealthy man.

The trick was… he committed his life to serve God… at that young age… he never wavered and the Lord used him to support missionaries world wide as well as at home, he supported his church denomination and pledged to give out of his increase, one million dollars within twenty years… for which he did in seven years!! I’d say that was just the first of millions. How can you out give God? You just can’t actually and he proved that over and over. His willingness to put the Lord first in every aspect of his life is few and far between these days, and even more he blessed his family… I don’t believe he was stingy with his love and provision for them.

So what Is the measure of a Man… just look for the signs and you will see, not the man but Jesus. Jim Hamilton, Sr. Is recipient of a greater reward that his life on earth could never compare to. But to only live with such intention to serve and be used to the greater works of the Lord on this earth, I honor him today. I only wish that I had known him more. I’m blessed though because I am a part of this family who showed me the Love of God. I will always be thankful… my preacherman was adopted into it and so was I. I can only praise the Lord for our elders who made the way straight for us.

Thank you Lord for the reminder to stay on course, be intentional to serve, and testify of the goodness of God.

……did I say thank you yet?

enjoyment, encouragement, Faith, Family, Food, GOD, humor, hope, husbands, LIFE, Miscellaneous

This weekend started with a surprise whisking away for a few days of R&R, to celebrate and take a moment to acknowledge a great accomplishment, two kids got married on this day forty years ago( yeah, that’s forty!!) and they are aware of what a blessing that is.

Where do ya go for such a tribute? Sometimes you have to go where you have never been! Perfect…..let’s go see where Elvis was born! More southern what could be better… and the glorious Natchez Trace is a beautiful way to travel into Mississippi.

Tupelo, here we come!

We get the two and a half hours( gotta love short driving trips) check in and hit a wonderful Mexican Restaurant… so fresh and good! If you are ever there go!

….then, nothing better than a visit to the birthplace of The king! Little k, not the big K! You can’t get to Bethlehem in 2.5hrs, so we saw the little k…. Elvis! His little home he was born and his little church he attended and a huge gift shop!

Me and Elvis…
Swinging on the swing Elvis most assuredly was swinging on! True story

A beautiful drive around the metropolis of Tupelo then on to a little shopping … score…. And because I’m old now a little nap to recharge… then off to a nice dinner and plan for the next day…..off to Oxford, MS! But first…. Who wants to go to the ZOO? We do! Probably the most fun of all( almost) unless you are me and my husband of 40 yrs thinks it’s funny to roll down the window when a huge frightening Camel comes to see if I have food! It was funny and true to form but scared the you know what out of me.. but a drive in zoo is really cool.

Sloth, my spirit animal
“Kiss the girl”
Buffalo ate all the food
A little toothy but funny
This guy had a attitude
He could have rammed our truck.. go, go, go!

This was a fun detour before Oxford.. which was not only so fun and my preacherman never laughed so hard! We sure missed our kids especially our Ellie! But on to the cool little town around Ole Miss…, for which when we got there it was covered up with people.., walking .. tons of them toward the square.. where I love to look at.. we landed smack dab in a once a year Arts festival! But we forged through to drive around Ole Miss, wow that would be a cool school to attend! Southern towns and colleges are just gorgeous! Once we maneuvered our way out of the sea of people we looked for lunch and wandered upon a terrific pizza place! Best pizza since our beloved Big Eds in East Tn, and my favorite Sir Pizza in Murfreesboro,TN… it was soooo good. Go there if you are ever in Oxford, MS.

Ferngendans (I still can’t say the name!)

Next up was a tour of William Faulkner’s home-Rowan Oak ( He is the Pulitzer Prize winning Southern Author) Wowie! I loved it! I loved reading him, the house was old Antebellum and super cool. I may have stolen a few rocks (small) for remembering and two magnolia leaves to press… a very interesting place full of all the good feels, my preacherman had been there during a two weeks college tour he made of the Deep South so it was extra cool.

So on to the rest of our day, seeing the sights to see, my patient preacherman taking turns and twists wherever I wanted to go, I love big old houses, I think we have prettier ones here in Tennessee!FYI! Our evening was sweet, good food and even better company. I would be hard pressed to have better company. He spoiled me, was patient and only wanted to love me. If anyone wants to know why we have such a long marriage? Here’s your answer…. He only wants to love me, and I him. Jesus is on the center and we are normal. We aren’t infallible… we have our moments but at our core is the everlasting love that knows no fear. We will not be moved… and we look forward to many more years of just cruising around, seeing what to see. We are blessed and we know it. Happy Anniversary my sweet man. I know how lucky I am!

4/24/1982
4/24/2022

Rolling along

Christianity, Faith, GOD, humor, hope, Miscellaneous

I hate to be the one to brag, but I can not attempt to keep quiet when the Lord opens His arms and just swallows me up in His love. I say this without reservation or fear of disappointment, He always takes care of me! It seems almost crazy… I know I am not particularly special, but He loves me.. and I love Him right back.

I am not without troubles, anyone who knows me for long can testify to the ups and downs of full time ministry life. Wether it’s the typical daily turmoils we all have to endure or special events that, at times, take me to my knees, through all of it, He is always there. He has never left me to fend for myself.

This is the tried and true real life lived in God. I didn’t make it up and over the years I have been part of some pretty amazing events.. the list is long and extraordinary just as mighty as Him! I have been blessed more than one woman deserves but I will testify to His love for me particularly. I will never stop being amazed. God is good.

I will spend the rest of my life, rolling along…. bragging on Him.

A Life Well Lived

Christianity, enjoyment, encouragement, Faith, Family, GOD, humor, hope, LIFE, Miscellaneous, Mothers, Old Age, Parents, , , , , ,

To say that someone got their money’s worth is an understatement when it comes to my mother-in-law. There has never been a woman more motivated or curious in life as her. The whole concept of “let’s chill!” was never in her wheelhouse. She “got her money’s worth” out of the life she lived, and at age ninety-two, she remained vigilant until the end.

We were fortunate to have the last four months with her in our home (not without a battle mind you , it only took us nine years to convince her to come). She knew when she was ready, she would come. And near the end of December 2020, she was finally willing to move in with us. We were blessed to be able to minister to her with love and compassion, as she taught us about life and death, which is still a great mystery to me (the death part, I mean). As I sat there watching her only son cry and pray, sing and worship, even during his loss, and her only granddaughter take such sweet care of her, I ponder this great mystery. It’s just a faint breath between the two – life and death, earth and heaven – but it gives me hope to know we will meet again.

We spoke words of comfort, and thankfulness, appreciative of all the lessons she taught us. I’m reminded of those last moments I was with my own Mom, nothing more precious. Watching my husband’s heart full of sadness is harder. He was a fine son, and he did his best to honor her, which he did. I feel confident when I’m at that point he will love me with as much warmth and kindness as he did his Mom.

I am honored to love a man with so much sweetness in his heart. He treasured his parents so much, and he was the best son. He gave honor to his parents, and to the Lord, for them adopting him. Now for a season, like me, he is parentless. But he is not alone; we have each other and we have Jesus. I’m good with that.

His Mom was a world traveler (seriously, she was), from Paris to Kenya, and all parts inbetween. She was an amazing quilter, embroider, and crafter. She was a good cook. She taught me the whole Thanksgiving meal, which was the first meal I had eaten with her. I was impressed! The best Angel biscuits, Swiss steak, okra and coconut cake. All my favorites! And most of all, she had the gift of hospitality. One of the fruit of the Spirit, by the way, that has been lost in the shuffle these days. She taught me that, too, but way better than me. Never a person who entered the doors of her church that did not get an invitation to her home…that day even… what?! Yes, she had the immeasurable gift to welcome strangers, and maybe even angels unaware? She is known for her commitment for people to be wanted and cared for. Her heart was for world missions, and she worked hard to support missionaries near and far. She had them to her home for meals or to stay over for the night. All guest preachers who passed through, as well as the random people she met along the way, sat around her table. Endurance was her middle name. This, all while raising two children and working as an educator to grammar school-age-kids for forty-two years! (what?) Yes, she was a go getter. She told me that she nearly died as a baby, and only after they removed her tonsils did she even start to gain normal weight. Yet she forged on and never stopped. She knew life was but just a vapor and she wanted to live the best she could.

I write this in honor of her, thanking her for the impact she had on my life. She was one of the first to plant the seed of Jesus in my mind and eventually to my heart. She was a good mother-in-law to me. And she gave a good man to love me. I pray that her influence lives on through her grandchildren and great grandchildren. If you knew her, you can appreciate the remarkably strong, vibrant woman she was – even when it wasn’t cool for us girls to be so independent. She ran that pop stand and told you your job too. She was invincible! But she always honored her husband and her Lord. She was reverent to what deserved to have reverence. Her joy was in people. She was filled with that joy until the end.

Now she is home, with her beloved Jesus, husband and the rest of her people. I’m sure she will have something to add to that big supper we all will have someday. She will at least help get it organized! God Bless her heart.

Time flies…… a good day for a wedding!

Christianity, enjoyment, encouragement, Faith, Family, Friends, GOD, humor, hope, kids, LIFE, love, Miscellaneous, Old Age, Parents, Tennessee, Uncategorized, Wishes

Way back when I was just a little girl, time was slow, really slow and steady. The thirty plus days between Thanksgiving  until Christmas were more like thirty months  and if the school year was any longer and summer break was any shorter then we would be in school full time! This is from the perspective of a child which I have found is the exact opposite when you become….middle aged. That being said, when the children that you watch be born and grow up, that are not your own seem to leap to adulthood in like a week, it makes one painfully aware that time does not stand still…it do fly!

This weekend we are a part of a wedding back in East Tennessee, the preacherman will unite in marriage a grown man and  a little girl who was just a little runt a few years back! How did this happen! I blinked. She is also a twin….a twin that although I have known them from birth…I still call…twins, as in not their real names…..because lets be real, they are twins and for the life of me I could never tell you which was which…ever…..! I mean put name tags on them, dress them differently it did not matter, I never really knew. This is not for lack of trying I was around them all the time. Their Dad is my husbands best friend and his wife is my best friend, we have a history yet I was lost. I did try, my kids knew which was which but not me.

They were always the twins, scary little mystery girls that I was never sure about what they were up to. Twins are a special secret club, they have a language…a underlying knowing that is a little creepy. I never felt like I could ever get the upper hand, even me an adult, I felt as if those two heads put together would always out smart me….and I was right! I have spent a lot of time with them in many situations and they were equipped with this sly grin that reminded me to be on my guard. My own sweet little daughter was one of their dear little friends…she always knew which was which….and she always came home a little wiser, sitting under the tutelage of these two masterminds. They have  extra jolt of energy and mischief than other kids, always up for fun and anything that is exciting.

They are for sure a rare breed and as time does fly, they are all grown up. One of them, Amber has already been in the Army and served our Country (thank you for your service Amber!) and now finished school and knocking it out of the park with a great career! The other one, Aubrey is  walking down the aisle tomorrow, she also has finished school and began her own successful career, raising a beautiful little boy and has found her one true love. This little girl has before our very eyes…grown up, along with her twin and her oldest sister, Ariel and her little brother, Lee. The original Ellis brood. There is a baby brother, thrown in for good measure, the extra blessing, Jeremy. I think they had to “one-up” us, WE…. Praise the Lord stopped with four kids!

These “kids” are making lives for themselves, I am proud of them and the job their Dad and Cheryl did with them…..they say it takes a village to raise kids these days, I would like to think that I had a tiny piece of influence…maybe. If nothing else I hope they see Gods grace and commitment to Him which is the only way to survive the flying of Time and the ups and downs of marriage especially. Congratulations Sweet Aubrey on the day of your marriage ceremony and I pray for many years of love and laughter. They are equal parts that are needed….but that is how you were raised so I’m not worried. Best wishes on your special day, Aubs….or is it Amber?

Much love from all of Us “indoor people”who love you!

 

 

Hands extended

Alzheimers, Faith, Family, GOD, humor, hope, Miscellaneous, Mothers, Old Age, Parents, , , , , , , , , , , ,

My Mom looks at her hands constantly….she touches them, rubs and worries over them, she will even comment that her hands look so bad. I beg to differ with her…I consider them the strong symbols for a life lived, proof of her endurance.

wpid-photo-2.jpgYet she, seems surprised by the look of them….I know why, it is a daily reminder of the days lived, her age can’t  be hidden from her hands. All the beauty products in the world can’t conceal the well worn years, lipstick and blush can paint in our youth but, our hands reveal our true self.

Now that she has been overcome by the perils of Alzheimer’s, her life has shifted, she no longer is …”I am woman, hear me roar!”, a pseudo strength that propelled her to raise kids and work after divorce when not everyone was so understanding of her independence…she is although, still somewhat the master of her domain even within the realm of her small world now, it is baffling and yet touching to see these hardworking hands lend comfort to her new friends.

She extends kind words and a soft touch, holding the hands of those precious souls who have her same disease, maybe a little farther gone but, still in need of a friend. I witness hands that once cooked great food and that held my hands across my life, now helpful in the lives of others. She is showing kindness and love and actually ministering there in this home where she lives. I asked her once about her relationship with God, she quickly set me straight….”……..how do you think I ever got through my life without trusting in God!!!!!!!!” Special emphasis on the exclamation marks….she set me in my place! I will forever have hope that was her testimony and now her hands are His hands extended there in her world.

Although she frets the aged-ness revealed in her hands, I enjoy the touch of her gentle hands, the mother’s love that I long for, for which i felt I didn’t always get as much as I wanted, I am blessed to receive now. I find myself noticing my hands more, a few age spots….dang Sun worship.…now I know why Southern Belles wore those cute white gloves….should have thought that one out…oops. I am learning how important it is to connect with people, be present at the moment, especially now when the few moments I get to sit with her are running low.

Life is a gift…..our parents are gifts…..our children and grandchildren are our joy…..Life goes full circle. (I feel like I am about to break out singing The Lion King …….and no one wants that to happen!!!!)
But, I will say one line from an old song…..”put your hand in the hand of man that stilled the water…” and in the hand of someone who needs it. Thanks Mom for holding mine….still.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Put_Your_Hand_in_the_Hand

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My kingdom for a cracker!

enjoyment, encouragement, Exercise, Food, humor, hope, Miscellaneous, Old Age, Tennessee, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

It has been twenty four hours…..only twenty four hours, since my death sentence or should I say, fear of death sentence and gee I am pathetic…..YES, I WOULD TURN STATES EVIDENCE FOR A CRACKER!
If only I had any evidence of anything, what a time to be without “the goods” on anyone.

 

Coca-Cola Coca-Cola (Photo credit: DeusXFlorida (3,602,616 views) – thanks guys!)

 

I am trying to decide if this headache is a no carb headache, I drink caffeine filled unsweetened tea, I have conquered that battle long ago. Being a southern girl I have gone against my raising…but, it wasn’t so bad and NO “co_colas” (the real name in case there is any question) for a long while also! I think I just have a headache…and I am hungry..again!

 

It feels as if I am eating all the time….but I am not, although I am feeling my hunger zone(Gwen Shamblin would be so proud) and I think that my body is weak and sad or maybe I am just hearing the yelps that couldn’t get through the barrier of starches built up; a forcefield of flour that sticks like baby powder all over the bathroom.

 

This may become the most ridiculous post if I don’t stop……but everything within me struggles with the introduction of meat and cheese and a lot of it….well more than usual for me and the lack of crackers/bread etc. filling me up is weird. But I will forge ahead, dragging my headache head along, looking forward to FREEDOM!

 

In case I do get any “goods” on anyone…someone have the white bread at the ready!

 

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…”how do you solve a problem like….”

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One of my husbands, (yes, I am ratting him out!)… all time favorite movies is The Sound of Music!

The Sound of Music (film)
The Sound of Music (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For all the years I have known him, he has rallied all the kids around to watch it …ONCE AGAIN! at Easter time, only to be compared to the ritual of watching The Ten Commandments, (“…so let it be written, so let it be done!”). You have to be impressed with his loyalty and dedication! But, in the Sound of Music there are many, many songs to sing with (for which we(HE! DOES MOSTLY)do and lately without the whole family only  because the kids have gotten older and they choose not to endure our festivities….spoil sports!

Movie poster of The Ten Commandments.
Movie poster of The Ten Commandments. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my favorite songs is…..How do you solve a problem like Maria…lalala! This brings me to my point in writing today…(ya knew I would get there eventually, right?) And it is a stretch so hang in there….but….this song is one that reminds me of my beautiful Bethany. Tomorrow is her birthday and because I enjoy writing about my kids if only to completely humiliate them…..(paybacks rule!) here I am once again attempting to let her know how important she is to me.

Back to the song…it is about this NUN who is just a little too human for the rest of the NUNS which makes her perfect for God….. if you ask me. She is always getting into a pickle and causing a ruckus….full of opinions and speaking her peace! So goes part of the song…….

…..When I’m with her I’m confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She’s as flighty as a feather
She’s a darling! She’s a demon! She’s a lamb!

She’d outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! She is wild!
She’s a riddle! She’s a child!
She’s a headache! She’s an angel!
She’s a girl!

Yep, that about explains it all! My Bethany is all that and more…I prayed earnestly for her, picked her out and described her to GOD. HE picks this one time to answer my prayer…exactly! He is cute like that…..and awesome and she is my only girl and for that she had to be something special!

Her birthdays come every year, like clock work, like us all and she would sell her soul for a white cake and white icing-STORE BOUGHT CAKE….for which is the worst ….I say…wedding cake kind is her fav! I have attempted to make my kids their cakes ,but the love is lost on this girlie….so I will give in and succumb to my loss of tradition…..she is just that worth it! No matter what goofiness or literal pain in the heart she can be, I adore this kid.

And so I have to respond with these lines from the song:

……Many a thing you know you’d like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?(BETHANY)
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

She is the heart of my heart and so much like me I feel sorry for her…..she has grown to side with her daddy WAY TOO MUCH which is disturbing when I am odd man out but never a day goes by that I don’t praise the Lord for her and her spirit. She keeps me praying and I know that her future is HUGE with all kinds of exciting twists and turns.

20120228-193313.jpg
….then (my favorite pic!)

307549_10151190120057592_1745377602_n
…now! (what a doll!)

Happy Birthday my sweet Bethany Rose!….a problem I will never solve because like Maria, even if those strict NUNS acted like they were mad…they loved her and like Maria, my Bethany  is a joy. You are never a problem and without you I would be lost….

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