What the Crap?

It's Been a While

2010-08-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today I was reflecting on the idea of writing and toying with it as I have been for over a year now. I recognize that I write in the midst of trial and tribulation and fail to share my reflection in the time of peace and tranquility. However, I feel that peace and tranquility are but a blip on the radar in my household - the storm continues as we battle new enemies. Yet, I want to be more diligent about praising and sharing with those whom feel encouraged or just entertained by my transferring of thought to ink. If any read this today, be of good heart to know that our God is the Everlasting God and He promises that He will be there REGARDLESS. He sees your worth and considers it priceless. You are irreplaceable to Him and the value that is seen by others in you cannot even begin to compare to He WHO CREATED YOU. Know that You will not have it easy, but in the end, WE WILL FIND REST. He does promise that. He does indeed promise that.

Be fearsome today!

My Abbi and her puff

2008-06-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

No sooner than I can blink and she is already developing 2 teeth in her little mouth and the little gummy smile that makes my heart skip a beat is beginning to disappear. I believe this is the actual stage for all moms that makes us ache the most. When they roll over, we cheer. When they sit up by themselves, we cheer. When they find their hands and feet, we giggle. When they copy our noises, we rejoice. When they wave bye-bye, we are in awe. But when those little teeth start to appear, oh the obvious change that occurs and our hearts begin to break because we know, oh how we painfully know that our baby is beginning to grow up. If you do not have one, you do not fully understand. The grin and drool that covers a baby's face is so unbelievably captivating. I could work for hours with peek-a-boo and mouth popping noises just to continue to get that same result. She has THE BEST SMILE EVER and yes she is my second child. Emma has a beautiful smile, but there is something to be said for that little round face with NO TEETH and little hair. She just warms my heart.

You know what I'm talking about. The one that she has when you walk into her room first thing in the morning and you meet eyes - it COVERS HER FACE and she begins dancing in her bed because you are there. My heart is getting butterflies as I describe it. Oh, I love her smile. The little teeth, on the bottom to be exact, are slowly creeping into sight. Therefore, my time of toothless grins is drawing to a close.

Yet, I am amazed by her in other ways and I know that is a gift from above. For just as I begin to grieve this loss, I am made aware of another accomplishment for her. We recently introduced her to big girl seating at the table and she quickly informed us that she has been awaiting this opportunity and we are the ones who have been holding back.

So today, we decided to dine on Puffs as we wait on Mommy to prepare our meal. She immediately knew what to do with it. She took the small star-shaped cereal puff and placed it in her little mouth. The first few times she would get it in the front of her mouth and lean forward trying to pull it farther into her mouth - like a baby would do with a bottle being pulled away from them. It was quite funny. However, at about Puff #3 she gets it. She puts it in the side of her mouth and begins chewing on it with her gums like you and I chew our food at each meal. I was so amazed. Then she won my heart further - she smiled at me because she was SO PROUD of herself. She knew. She knew that was what she was to do with that strange thing and she did it. Do you hear the crazy Dora song - "We did it! We did it! We did it! Yeah!"

I will miss the gummy grin, but I am loving my Puff Princess.

Polka Dot Bottom

2008-05-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

Friday morning of last week, we encountered our regular routine here at the Powell house. I arose and went to run off the candy I ate the day before while Jer and the girls dreamed of their own candy. Usually while I am away for the small time in the morning, the rest of my clan also begins to stir. More often than not, it is Emma awakening and meandering into our bedroom to awaken her Daddy. However, this time, he got out of bed and began preparing for his day before hearing from her.

When he got out of the shower though, he heard a faint little cry coming from another part of the house.

"Help. Help me! Help me!" she cried.

Jeremy goes racing out of the bathroom trying to find her. In his haste, he blazes past her only to hear her redirect him. "I'm in here!"

He turns around and goes back down the hall to her bathroom to find her at the potty. -side note: we have returned the potty training chair to the bathroom because of her recent bout with accidents due to her illness. So she can go to the bathroom on her own. She just can't dispose of it on her own. - Jeremy finds her in the bathroom, pants down around her ankles. Her pull-up that she was wearing for the night is off and DRY. She has gone potty in the potty chair; wiped herself appropriately; and was now trying to attempt to put medicine on her bottom.

You see, Emma thinks that if you poop, you must apply some sort of ointment afterwards. So we keep some Balmex in a basket on the back of the toilet to sooth her 3 year old mind. This means that she went poop and waddled like a penguin over to the big potty to get this tube of Balmex and now, because of an inability to see her backside, yet a strong desire to "do-it-herself", had created an adorable polka-dot pattern of salve on her two butt cheeks trying to apply medicine.

Even Emma laughs about this one.

coming soon...

2008-05-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have loaded pictures of my girls - yes, even Abbi. They will be appearing at a blogsite near you. I was reminded with my recent trip to Texas that I am falling down on the job of keeping you all posted on the progress of my little ones. ABBI IS 6 MONTHS OLD! WOW! She is too much fun now. She laughs and giggles and yesterday Emma spent the afternoon entertaining Abbi by playing peek-a-boo and dancing around like a mad woman. Abbi would just cackle and laugh hysterically. It was such a blessing to my day. I know many of you know this small pleasure. I really see them being the best of friends. Yes, I might appear naive, but I am praying for it now and I know God will protect this desire of my heart.

Also, today we are getting DirectTV. We are emerging from the 20th century to the 21st century in a minor way. Recently, our church had 14 or so pine trees cut from our property. When we first arrived here, we attempted to have Direct and Dish come and install. Both said, "no, go" because of the trees. With this amount gone, we thought for sure, one would be able to do so. Dish says no for the second time and Direct says yes on the SECOND OPINION. So, to touch back on the trees and to give you an idea of how many are still on the property, I still have turned on our air conditioning. We are just running ceiling fans and we are having highs in the 80s here. We love it though.

One last thing, if you take a moment today, my brother is celebrating his birthday and it would be grand if you commented on his blog with a hearty cheerful greeting. He is no longer jaceonline.com, but has reconfigured his comments to thecynicalchristian.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!

Emma and the Bush

2008-01-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

One Thursday before Christmas, Emma, Abbi, and I went on a playdate with our friends the Burttrams - better known to many of you as the "other Emma". Emma's mommy, brother and Emma joined the Powells for an afternoon of outside play at one of the parks in a nearby town. A lady that I had attended church with at my home church informed me of this new park that existed in this new subsection of town that was designated simply for athletic fields and playgrounds. I thought that would be great because it would be newer playground equipment and something neither of us had done before. Many of the local parks are great, but they have playground equipment from when I was little, so some of it isn't as safe as one would like. Well, let's just be honest, you have to supervise more than on the newer parks and therefore more is required of the parent. I know, I am lazy.

So we go to this new park. All but one gate was locked and we snuck in that one gate. Nobody - I mean nobody was there. However, the gate was open and I had been told it was for everyone. So we parked and went up to one of the small playground areas that butted up against a ball field. The girls had fun and the babies slept or just enjoyed the breeze. Then it happened.

You see, both Emmas are potty training. Emma B. announces that she needs to potty and my Emma is adament that she does not. Well, Emma B's mom, being the resourceful and responsible person that she was, decides to take them both because we knew if one did, the other would need to go soon as well. The potty room was locked. Panic follows now. If we load them into the car, then we pretty much kiss the playtime goodbye. We also risk an accident in a carseat on the way to a nearby potty. There were some restaurants just down the road, but please take into account the amount of time it takes to load a toddler and a baby and to drive while missing bumps and then unload a toddler and a baby and find a bathroom that is suitable.

I do have a rather large paranoia for public bathrooms, but it is heightened all the more with a 2 1/2 year old who can (and will) touch everything. I just winced. So you also must take into account the time it takes to rationalize in my mind which bathroom will require the least amount of sanitation in the process and which bathroom do I not mind sitting my carrier down in. I am now sweatting with the cringing and stiffening of my muscles. Ugh!

So, again my very wise friend decides that we cannot dilly dally. We must find a place to relieve the girls at the park. So they did. They found a secluded area and Emma B was able to go potty. Then my Emma realizes that she too needs to go potty. She looks at me with that panic and I know we are very short on time. We go and try the bathrooms once more because someone had driven by and stopped at the concession area. NO such luck.

I then tell her that if she will go in the bushes, she will get some ice cream. I've lost my mind, I know, but she is now motivated. We high step into the shrubbery arrangement - yes, an arrangement meaning not something secluded to the side of the park. It was an arrangement of bushes in the middle of a walkway between two ball fields. Understand, I was under desperate measures. I had to do it. I had to I tell you. It was life or death. So we walk out into the middle of these bushes that were no taller than Emma (2' maybe) and she drops trow. Then she did it! I was so proud of her. She was strongly opposed to going potty outside before and then with the help of our friend Emma and ice cream, she was able to go potty in the bush.

Here is the problem. My child had trajectory output and voided on her pants anyway. She didn't soak them, but enough that new pants were needed. I didn't care. I was just so proud that we could overcome such a dilema. Isn't it sad that I will gladly let my child urinate in a bush, but I cringe at the thought of a public bathroom. I am psycho, I know.

So I change her and we go, where else, but to Dairy Queen. Both Emma's get milkshakes and as we leave the restaurant, my Emma squeels, "let's go pee in the bush, Momma." It was so much fun, that she now desires to make it a regular activity. Oh my little Alabama girl...

Couch Phone

2007-12-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have so many new stories to share and pictures to post. I plan to get one a week maybe as the year comes to an end. I will not be more ambitious than that, but I have some sweet moments to share and some hilarities as well. We are the Powells, you know? I will begin by my absentmindedness that occurred the other day. As most of you know, I am now learning to balance two children. Please know that I will continue to commend those of you who have multiple children and work and deal with all of the other extras in life. I have 2 small ones and neither are playing soccer or softball and I am just now getting into somewhat of a groove. Whew!

Last week I was packing my things to go to my father's house for the evening and this is the event that occurred. I find that if I get Emma ready first, life is somewhat easier because she is contained (somewhat) and is also in "helper-mode" if needed for little sister. She is come along so well with the adjustment of a sibling. At first, we had your normal drama of everything being so devastating and tragic and magnified, but now she is getting into the swing of things. As I was preparing the girls and myself to leave, I loaded them strategically. I first took Emma out to the car and got her secure with a toy and closed the door. I told her that I was going to get her sister and would be back.

I ended up coming back to the car with bags and odds and ends probably 4 times, before I brought Abbi out and each time Emma would ask, "now are you going to get my sister?" I felt like a dolt, but I kept forgetting something and I would remember just as I would enter the house to get Abbi. The last time I went back into the house, it was the ever needed cell phone that I remembered I needed. We had been unable to find it earlier that day and I thought we had called it and it didn't ring. I had suspected that it was dead and I would find it eventually in a diaper bag.

With one last attempt to find it so that Jeremy could get a hold of me, I called my cell phone from the house phone one more time. The trio of Pattie Labelle, Celine Dion, & Mariah Carey singing "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" began blaring out of our living room. I jumped with anticipation because the battery was still alive. So I start seeking out the sound. It leads me to the large blue couch. I think, "Oh, it must have fallen down in the cushions out of my pocket last night."

I begin sticking my hands down deep into the recesses of the couch. Nothing! I have to call the phone again, because it quit ringing. By now, I have the cushions off the couch and I am pressing my ear against the bottom lining of the frame. Again, these divas begin bellowing from the depth of my furniture. I then slide the couch back against the wall thinking it might be under the couch. Nothing!

I wrestle with the couch for a good 5 minutes. Keep in mind that Emma is still out in the car and Abbi is in her car seat in the kitchen. Both are just waiting on Mom - as usual. I am now dumbfounded. I can even feel the couch vibrating when the phone rings. I know it is in there, but how the heck do I get to it. I then vaguely remembering something falling the night before and thinking it was the remote control, I did nothing. It was my phone and it had fallen so deep within the couch it hit the floor through the frame lining on the bottom of the couch. So now I think, I've got to turn the couch over. Then I realize, that me having this phone is not as crucial as my two children who are waiting on me to get the show on the road - literally.

So now, I call Jeremy at work and decide I will just tell him I am off to my father's house and he can reach me there later. You know, inform people of your agenda like we did in the good old days - pre-cell phone years. What an idiot I am? I call and get the church secretary who informs me that Jeremy is meeting with someone. I then request that she just tell him where I am and I don't have my cell phone. I also explain to her why.

She then says to me, "well there's another 'What the Crap?' moment." It hadn't even dawned on me how retarded this event was until she said that. I have become so accustomed to these outbreaks that they are the norm.

More later - Emma and the Bush, Dad's Sit-ups, Do You Not Know?, Abigail Jo, Barbie Girl, But It's OK Mom

Pow-Pow Powerwheel

2007-09-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

As I awakened undisturbed today, I decided to rise and begin my day earlier than usual and try to actually accomplish many things in the morning as opposed to my usual 2-3 items. I was beep boppin' along just great and got out of the house before 9:00am. That is huge for me right now. I was ready. Emma was ready -with fixed hair and cute outfit to go. There was a rummage sale going on in my hometown and I decided I needed to go scout out for some rugs. We are about to move into a lovely home with all hard flooring and I own about 3 rugs - none of which match because I am a garage sale junky these days. We had a great time upon entering the Rummage Sale, but it became time to go when people began to notice me. Why is that?

You see, before then, Emma was behaving beautifully. She would get a toy, bring it to me and we would giggle together about it and then she would put it back. Then she discovered the racks of clothes. This is a secret that she also somehow inherited from me. I LOVED to hide from my mother in clothing stores. LOVED it. Sometimes I would take her to a place of near cardiac arrest though because she couldn't find me and I was just standing there. Emma now does the same thing. God just giggles all the time at me. Three beautiful ladies from my home church came to talk with me and ask how I was doing. They were all in my mother's Sunday School class at one time. They, of course, want to see Emma. And she, of course, wants to hide and be 2. After a while of coaxing, she comes out. However, she is not going to let me live down that I have removed her from her comfort zone. She now proceeds to draw more attention to us than the hiding was doing. She whines for me to hold her. She whines about being asked to speak to the nice women. She pulls at my shirt and eventually stretches it to where she can pull it over her head and hide from the ladies that way.

I attempt to talk to her because dragging her into the parking lot for a more stern conversation just isn't right at this moment. However, I am getting there. I then check out - 3 books for Emma and a Hummingbird cake to take to the wonderful gentleman renovating my house. As we are checking out, my daughter announces to the patrons that she needs to go potty. I pay and we head back to the potty. This makes everything better in my world, because see, we are potty training. I am just elated that she told me instead of going in her Pull-Up. We get to the potty and she decides she doesn't want to go potty. She cries and whines and I am dumbfounded. My daughter has a thing for public restrooms. We have to coach her into any of them because there are one's that are out there to get small children. You know the ones - AUTOMATIC FLUSHERS. You place a tiny body on this large seat and expect the sensor to react appropriately. Not gonna happen. One too many times, I have placed her on one where she feared for her life as it flushed and appeared to be attempting to suck her down in the great unknown. So from that point on, I have to assure her that Mommy has control of the flushing mechanism and it won't get her. Regardless, no pottying.

Then she wants a brownie. They have nuts in them, and quite frankly, I don't think we have merited a brownie. She wants her juice. She doesn't want her juice. She wants me to carry her. Etc.

I am determined to not stop with my list of things to do. Emma is. We begin to head to the next town down the road that is somewhat larger and has more shopping. I have a dear friend that has a birthday approaching and I wanted to go to an actual retail store to look for her something. It wasn't open yet. I decide that I need a cappuccino. I stop to get it, but I am an idiot. I have to get Emma out to go in the store (heavens no, there is not a Starbucks out where I live people). She is still whiny and still wants me to hold her around strangers and I am 8 months pregnant and just not gonna do it. After that crying escapade, we proceed to go to the Flea Market. I figure it should be open and I can look for rugs there before heading back to the department store for my friend's gift.

I know that by this point, many of you are saying, "Why Jodi? Why would you do that to yourself?" I am thinking I can handle it. She, for the most part, minds fairly well and when we are not disturbed by strangers, we are ok. It was sensory overload though. We went into the market and got 1/2 way down the first isle and she needs to go potty again. Without describing it all over again, the results were the same. I am now severely agitated.

We go back out and I have her hold my hand. I let her stop to look at things, but keep it to plush non-fragile things. We make it up and down about 4 isles and I decide that I am tired of asking her to keep up and we should just go get the birthday gift and head home. BTW, there were no RUGS. We turn down the final isle (for us) for the day and there was a booth full of powerwheels. I was intrigued as well. Emma currently has a yellow bug that she loves and they had another. I thought, Abbi could have a matching one. Then I saw the Barbie Jeep. Oooo! Christmas!!! Great price too. However, I couldn't buy it right there. While we were looking at it, Emma climbs onto the police motorcycle next to it. I didn't think a thing about it because really, how long had they been sitting there? Apparently, not long enough to drain a battery. She hit the gas and before I could grab her, she drove it into a dividing wall between two booths. I know the entire market heard it. God was gracious enough to not let anything fall or break. I immediately jerk her off of the bike put it back and drag her out of the store. I was mortified. Sweet Lord! What could have come of that?

I have now regenerated myself and might try to get out again later. For now, the flea market is just for Mommy. I learned my lesson all you tenured parents. You go giggle with God now and we will talk later about other life lessons I have yet to learn.

BSU Choir

2007-08-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! Salvation and Glory!
Honor and Power unto the Lord, Our God!
For the Lord, Our God is Mighty,
And the Lord, Our God is Omnipotent,
And the Lord, Our God, He is Wonderful!

All praises be to the King of Kings,
And the Lord, Our God. He is wonderful!
All praises be to the King of Kings,
And the Lord, Our God. He is Wonderful!

Ha - Le - Lu - Jah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Ha - Le - Lu - jah! He is Wonderful!
Ha - Le - Lu - Jah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Ha - Le - Lu - jah! He is Wonderful!

As I was singing to my daughter while allowing her to drift off to sleep tonight, I recalled this favorite staple of BSU Choir at Samford and longed for the other parts to sing with me so we could sing the rounds as it should be. I hope Emma gets to sing it one day.

He is Wonderful!

Barney's Gone

2007-08-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I got a notion in my self to introduce you all to our fantastic and well under appreciated dog. His name is Barney and he is a black/charcoal miniature schnauzer. Barney would celebrate his 2nd birthday this November 30th, but he is no longer able to do so. Our precious four-legged friend went home to be with other doggies in heaven today as his curiosity got the best of him on an outing. We deemed his condition upon arrival to Alabama as severe sensory overload. He was just overly excited with all the new smells and new terrain here at the Anderson place and we had surrendered to chaining him up for potty breaks. However the past 3 days, he had proven to us that he could go and return without a leash and we had decided to attempt to allow him that freedom.

Barney was a great dog that we had for just over 2 years. We got him when Emma was small and had two reasons in mind. One, we hoped that his presence would calm our other dog, Scout and prevent her from harming our baby. Scout, however precious she was to us, could not handle the competition. Instead of restraining her, Barney just proved to be another threat. We let Scout go to another good home that had no children and then began raising Barney to be Emma's pet. He truly was. She was brutal with him and he graciously tolerated it. She pulled his beard and his hair and she pinned him down and shoved him out of her chair. But he loved her and she loved him. One of our favorite memories of Barney will be just before our move from Texas. Emma had crashed on the floor in the game room and Barney curled up in the crook of her legs and napped with her. I always told Jeremy that I one day saw him sleeping in the bed with her. Not today.

How is Emma? I don't think she really grasps it yet. Barney has been gone for days at a time before and she has not been confused. We shall see how it progresses. I pray this does not send her into a regression from the progress we have made in terms of her sleep patterns lately. I did not do well hiding my emotions. How do you do it Moms? I remember losing MANY animals to that road and my mother would always hold it together. I, in my pregnant state, did not do well and my daughter was distraught trying to console me. She even gave me a Dora bandaid. She will miss him greatly, as will all of us. My father raved about how good he was with Emma and was thankful for him. He feels the loss is his fault, but I assure you my ever active dog made the decision on his own.

So if you see me or talk to me over the next few days, know that I might be just fine or I might shed a tear or two. I know that it is for the best on many levels, but just the same - we lost one of our family members today. Please remember our now smaller family in your prayers.

We love you Barney!
Barnabas Aromashodu Powell
11/30/2005 - 8/23/2007

To the Zoo

2007-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

(Petrified after begging to ride the carosel)
On Friday, the Powells 3 1/2 journeyed to the Birmingham Zoo to celebrate the fact that Emma had slept in her big girl bed 2 nights in a row. I know that many of you are wondering why this is a monumental occasion, but I must preface this by letting you know the battle that we are enduring currently with our baby girl. Since Jeremy's trip to the hospital at the beginning of July, Emma has struggled with security and comfort. We decided to not really battle this challenge until we made the move and now that we have been here almost a week, we are already seeing changes for the better.
(Daddy is showing me a spider spinning a web. He still loves them.)
Emma ended our stay in Fort Worth sleeping on a palet in the floor by Mommy and Daddy's bed occassionally waking up during the middle of the night with nightmares. Before we brough her into our room, she was refusing to go down in her bed and violently fighting us as we attempted the regular routine we had maintained for 2 years before. She claimed that there was a dinosaur in her bed and would refuse to stay in her room at all, even if Jeremy and I were in there with her.

Since arriving, we are able to put her in her own bed at night, even though we have to wait until she falls asleep (about 10 minutes). I still count that as progress because we were unable to even aproach her room before, much less lay her in her bed. She went down for a nap in her bed today for the first time in WEEKS. We are still working towards the finished product and are prayerfully hoping to achieve it before Abbi gets here. So join us in that prayer.

(probably everyone's favorite exhibit - even Mommy. He really showed off for us as we had our own private time with Mr. Tiger. Daddy attempted to pet him through the glass and Mr. Tiger seemed to like that.)

In the mean time, enjoy these fun pictures with Emma and her first, of many, trips to the Birmingham Zoo.

My Girls

2007-07-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Easter 2007

2007-07-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

This Easter weekend was an exceptionally special time for the Powell/Anderson family. We will probably not forget the many aspects of this celebratory weekend for many reasons. You see, it was this weekend that my dearest friend Abby decided to not only join me in my annual tribute to breast cancer by participating in Race for the Cure. She organized a massive team of runners and walkers who all wore coordinating t-shirts for my mother. Gail Force took the streets of Fort Worth on a very cold April morning in bright teal and magenta shirts. It was truly a moving day for me in countless ways, but the truly most important aspect for all of us was that my brother and my father were able to join us and they too crossed the finish line for my mom.

We did it MOM!

Emma also strolled across the finish line bundled up quite fiercely as Papa pushed her in style. The endurance of all of the runners, not just the Gail Force team, announced to the world that this disease is something that has impacted thousands of people to the point where they desire to make a difference in fighting this awful fiend.

Since completing this race, my dear friend Abby's mother-in-law has been diagnosed with a relapse of her cancer after a successful 7 years of remission. She will get to spend some quality time with her children this coming weekend after a fantastic Alaskan cruise. Continue to pray for Vonda as she embraces what God has for her during this next phase of her life. They have decided to no longer pursue radiation treatment. Elevate the Boerger family in your prayers as the Lord works His will here. Pray that God will protect her from suffering as well as unite this family around her during this journey.

Papa and Jason also joined us for Sunday services and Emma looked absolutely as beautiful as a Southern Belle. Her Grandy sent the dress for her to wear along with the bonnet. The only think she is missing are her Easter gloves. Do you remember those? Were yours short or long? Do you still wear them on Easter? Confess. You do, don't you? It's ok. I had to really work myself out of a hat because that was what I thought you did. She is our little angel. We love her so and Nana would be so proud.

4th of July - 2007 Part II

2007-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jeremy was released to a regular room today and has had yet another successful day on many scales. He saw a physical therapist today and has also been up numerous times to move about the room for necessary procedures. He has kept all that he has consumed today down. Now, the quantity is not a lot, but we are thankful for any amount of food consumed. Continue to pray for the nausea that is plaguing him. We sat and laughed and joked about many things this afternoon and I heard him make many jabs and jokes - I heard Jeremy.

We received word from the doctor that the culture continued to grow another bacteria. The bacteria bacillus (?sp?) grew along with the staph infection that we mentioned before and they are crediting this second bacteria with the reason for the extreme high fever. That gave them satisfaction to know this puzzling answer. I had surrendered that we would not know and it would be ok.

Jeremy is still being visited by specialists, including the infectious disease doctor. We will discuss with him tomorrow about when Jeremy will resume his prior medication for the fungal infection. I would be very comfortable if they administered at least one treatment in the hospital before they released him to my feeble hands again. We will consult the NIH for when to resume this treatment as well.

He will work with the physical therapist again tomorrow and if all goes well we are going to see a release of him from the hospital. Pray for him during this waiting time. Pray for his strength to increase and his appetite to reappear. Eating equals strength and strength equals improvement and improvement equals return.

Thank you all for your calls and emails and thank you for respecting our rest at the hospital as well. Jeremy is an entertainer and would struggle not performing for an audience - no matter who, so it has been very restful for him in this recovery process. God bless you all as you minister in your own venues. Thank you for celebrating this miracle with us. We love you all and look forward to celebrating with you in person soon!

4th of July - 2007

2007-07-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had too much calm, so a storm was in store. The problem was we were not expecting it this time. I secretly pride myself in being able to adjust to situations and challenges in order to best handle them. I even catch myself working through different results of situations and analyzing what I will do if "y" happens instead of "x". I know. Kinda disturbing. If you have not yet been a part of the group to be informed of our recent challenge, than take a moment to read this Powell update. If you are in the know, than scroll down until the current date to catch yourself up to speed. There's no need for you to reread the story you know. If you are fresh to the story, than read it segments. I have not had a computer for 4 days, so I had to cram it in one email. Precious prayer warriors, God came to us in a BIG WAY again. Please understand this important message here: if you are a skeptic that still does not believe that God did not necessarily have complete control of Jeremy's medicine working "all-of-the-sudden"; that God is a God that STILL performs MIRACLES, than make no mistake. This story WILL change your mind. If you are one of those readers of the Powell Update who is not exactly sure where you are with Our Creator and at the close of this message, you need to know the God who does these things, WRITE ME BACK. I WILL GLADLY, PERSONALLY, INTRODUCE YOU TO HIM.

Monday, July 2: Jeremy comes home from work to have lunch with his girls. He shares with me over lunch that he is all of the sudden not feeling so well. I told him that I would get him some medication and he declined. He called me around 3:00 and told me that he felt feverish and was coming home to crash for a little while. We settled him on the couch with a Tylenol and he slept for about an hour. He arose and felt somewhat better, but was still sluggish. We had dinner together as a family and eventually worked our way to our evening ritual. We usually put Emma down for bed with a series of steps and then immediately begin his nightly IV infusion. The infusion takes roughly an hour. As the hour began to close, Jeremy began to complain of a fever again. He began to shake VIOLENTLY. I got our heating pad and covered him with several blankets. He eventually vomited from the shaking and fever. The fever spiked to 104.1 and then broke. I left to go to the drugstore to get some Motrin and juice. Jeremy and I both decided that he must have a virus because this came on so quickly. We alternated Tylenol and Motrin throughout the night and he maintained around a 99.5 low grade fever.

Tuesday, July 3: Jeremy awakens me at 6:30 asking for blankets again. He was chilled, but not any where near the same shaking that he had the night before. I told him we were going to the doctor so that we could have a professional assessment. His fever spiked again to 103.7, so we packed the family up and headed to the doctor. Emma got to play with Jonathan and Katelyn for the morning while Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor. Dr. David treated Jeremy with caution and we are thankful for that because she does take such care for him. She decided not to risk writing off this fever as a viral infection and to instead attack it as if it were bacterial, just in case. Remember, with Jeremy, bacterial infections can become critical. She gave Jeremy a shot in the doctor's office of an antibiotic and sent us home with a prescription for doxycyclene. If you remember back in the lung infection and early back infection days, Jeremy was on doxy as we were still deciding as to whether this infection was bacterial or fungal. Doxy has a tendency to induce nausea and vomiting with Jeremy. So needless to say, we were not looking forward to this. ON the way to the doctor, we stopped at Sonic and bought Jeremy a large Sprite. He finished this by lunch time and crashed out on the couch still alternating Motrin and Tylenol.

Emma and Mommy decided to quarantine Daddy and we set up a playland downstairs. His fever moved between 99-102 throughout the day with moments of breaking off and on. He began to feel somewhat better and went downstairs to take a shower. He went back upstairs and Emma and I followed to go through our nighttime routine. After Emma went down, I proceeded to begin Jeremy's infusion again. Again, at the close of the infusion, Jeremy began convulsing violently complaining of fever chills. I took his temperature and it was 100.8 (note the placement of the decimal). So I was really concerned because I didn't think chills on this severity were normal for such a low grade fever. Then his lips began to turn purple. I called his mother and had her agree with me that it was time to go into the ER.

I called the Alexanders at 10:15 and asked that we bring Emma by on the way to the ER. Kristina offered to send one of them to get her. While I was getting Barney out for one more time and packing my purse to go to the ER, Jeremy arose from the couch and had a series of events that began to lead to a state of incoherency. Zack arrived and ran us out of the house and took care of everything for me - this includes getting my dog inside, getting my daughter and her bag packed for a night away, locking up and alarming my house. Have I ever told you guys how God continues to minister to me through people who SELFLESSLY and TIRELESSLY love on us with the love of the Lord? Amazing.

I drove somewhat speedily to the hospital and Jeremy's demeanor and alertness faded rapidly as we approached our local hospital. I feared coma or seizure, but not being a medical professional, I tried not to alarm myself because I didn't want to make it bigger than it was.

I arrived at the ER and ran around to heave my husband out of the car. His mobility was gone. There was a cluster of people standing outside of the doors to the ER who graciously came behind me and shut my car door as I carried my soaking wet husband into the ER. A kind officer took Jeremy's other side and helped me get him into triage. It was obvious to the people that he was already in a deep state of emergency. Let me tell you, this was the first of many small prayers running through my head that would be answered. I knew that waiting in the waiting room of the ER would be detrimental. I sat in triage with my no responsive husband FILLING OUT PAPERWORK. Oh you precious medical professionals, I think I would pay the extra money if you guys would help me find out a way in the ER for patients to receive treatment while dictating all of the crap that needs to be written out on all of those papers. I know insurance companies are to blame for most of it, but it is an ER!!! The E is for EMERGENCY. Ok, enough of that tangent for now.

Jeremy's condition RAPIDLY worsened in front of my eyes. He was sweating profusely and refused to let me get his sweatshirt off. His precious brothers, Clay and Zack, arrived shortly after I did and immediately went to work for us. I am sorry, but I am welling up with tears as I stop to tell you this part. Jeremy had completely doused my passenger side on the way to the ER and Zack took my keys and proceeded to clean up my car so that it wouldn't sit in that state all night long. That is a friend. I know you will read this Zack and think nothing of it, but really. Your love for my family is a strong testimony to your love of the Lord. Than Clay joins me in triage and helps me fight Jeremy to get his sweatshirt off and holds his brother's head as he struggles to expel more liquids from his body orally. You must know that this also speaks volumes of the Love of Christ that radiates through Clay. First of all, he was ill with an infection in his eye and really needed to be home sleeping and second of all, he is a sympathy yacker. Yet, he made it through this event.

I decided to demand attention and strongly stated to the ER staff that it was imperative that he be seen IMMEDIATELY. They got him into a room and my husband was completely gone from the man that you know by now. As he fought to escape the grasp of the medical professionals and myself, they were able to wrangle him down and proceed with assessing his vital signs. His heart rate was at 200, his BP was incredibly low, and his fever had spiked to 108.0 (NOTE THE PLACEMENT OF THE DECIMAL). Did I lose it? No. I couldn't. How would God respond to a person in hysterics? How could I help my husband if I couldn't hold it together? I immediate began praying even harder. "Only you, Oh God, can restore him from this state. ONLY YOU, OH GOD, CAN SAVE HIM FROM THIS DESTRUCTION. I cannot. These professionals cannot. I give him to You and ask that you hold me through this so that I can be a tool for your use as you save him again. I ask that you not take him yet. His ministry is only beginning and we know that you have called him to do great things for your kingdom. Don't take this man of God! Don't take this willing vessel! Not for me. Not for Emma. Not for our baby. But for You, oh God! But God, if this is his time, than please, PLEASE, PLEASE don't make him suffer!"

I can quote you this prayer because I repeated it over and over again FOR HOURS. They packed Jeremy in ice and the Q&A began. You remember, my husband does not have a normal immune system. I declared this to the ER professionals immediately upon entry of the hospital. I had to explain his condition to them about 5 different times. This quickly put them on edge. I could see the fear and concern in their eyes because they knew his condition was traumatic. I had to give his medical history along with explain what was going on with this PIC line in his arm. They relocated Jeremy to an OR in the ER and decided quickly to go ahead and remove the PIC line. This was after they had poked him numerous times to try and find a vein to begin meds and IV fluids for this severely dehydrated man. (Remember that sprite I told you about earlier? He had that and a Gatorade over the course of the entire day)

I have to admit that when the removed the PIC line, I winced - not because it was gross, but because I saw the progress we had made disappear with the fungal infection. They wheeled Jeremy down the hall for x-rays and a CT scan so they could assess the damage done to his brain from the heat of the fever. We got to the X-ray when your author stupidly remembered - All of the Sudden - I can't be here. I'M PREGNANT. They than ushered me back down the hall and my heart began to ache because I couldn't be with him. He was sedated though and didn't know where I was, so I had to take that satisfaction. X-rays came back with splotches, but I told them that they really needed to compare them to other x-rays. You see, Jeremy has lots of scar tissue in his lungs from previous infections. To an unknowing eye though, they appear to be spots of infection. Here's where it gets even better. It's after midnight. What day does that make it my friends? That's right - INDEPENDENCE DAY! Hooray! Government holiday! Did I mention the National Institute of Health is a government funded facility. So to wait until the start of a workday for this information would mean to wait until THURSDAY! So once again, I had to pray to the Lord to maintain them with wisdom on how to treat him until then.

Jeremy returned and would come in and out of sedation. His fever dropped to 105.1 and then about an hour later it dropped to 103.7. Can I tell you how happy I was to see that number on a thermometer. Than God began to give me glimmers of hope. His CT scan came back NORMAL. My husband maintained NO NOTABLE brain damage from this astronomical fever. Believer? You will be.

Wednesday, July 4: We eventually get to a state where we are ready to admit Jeremy to the ICU there at Harris Southwest. Did I mention that Clay, Zack and Randal were still there and were pretty much holding it together with me through this enormously trying time. They walked my frail pregnant body along with Jeremy's frail dehydrated body up to ICU. I know that I could have done this alone, but I don't know how except for added strength from the Lord. They were the added strength that got me through this and their love for my husband is phenomenal. Believe me gentleman, I have made Jeremy very aware of your sacrifice and his heart wept with gratitude.

They had some difficulty switching Jeremy from the gurney to the ICU bed and it was best that they left me in the waiting room. After the transfer, I went by myself for a one-on-one consult with the ICU General Internist - Dr. Jennifer Alexander. Can I tell you that once more, God provided a glimmer of hope. Although she was not quite familiar with Jeremy's disease, she had taken the time to briefly read about it before our arrival to the floor. I explained everything to her once more and saw her immediately begin to set her wheels into motion about how to properly address the most adequate care for my husband. The admitting nurse was named Jessica and she took such care to make sure I was secure in my settling in this room for the night.

The boys came back and had prayer with my family for the evening and then left. Zack came back with Abby about an hour later bringing me clothes and necessities to get us through the next few days and Abby sat with me because she knew I wouldn't sleep if I was alone. Every time a nurse comes in, I sit up because I want to know what they are doing. She sat up for me so I could rest. Again, the love of Christ radiating. I slept in 45 minute increments and then decided it wasn't worth it because I was still too distressed. Doctors began pouring in and the fishbowl that we were living in was unavoidable. Jeremy was the talk of the hospital. "Did you see the 29 year old who spiked 108? He's a miracle. There was no brain damage. His kidneys have returned to functioning!" This also was accompanied by nurses passing by our room and staring at him - I am not kidding.

About 7:30am, the next nurse took her shift and came in to begin some preliminary work with him. She shared with Abby and I that Jeremy shouldn't just be brain damaged, but he shouldn't be here at all. She didn't know anyone who had survived that high of a fever. Believer yet? You will be. As we wept with that reality, she also shared with us that the kidneys that had gone into failure had miraculously began to work again. He came in producing nothing and yet being pumped full of fluids. In that short amount of time, he began producing adequate amounts of fluids.

Jeremy began to arouse around 8ish and I was able to make eye contact with him and he acknowledged who I was. I shed a tear of joy. He faded again. About 8:30 he came around again and became aware of his restraints. I shared with him that he had been a little unhappy with being there, so we had to secure him to insure his stay. I shared with him that he had numerous tubes coming out of his body and I needed him to promise to not pull on them if I let him go. He told me he would be good and the nurse and I released him.

He received numerous guests early that morning and surprisingly conversed with Steve Tigner, a church member about putting. He remembers nothing from Tuesday or Wednesday. So you precious souls who came to love on us, I have told him a few times of your visit so your time there wasn't for naught. He later that morning had a neurological examination performed by Dr. Chin and passed with flying colors. AGAIN, A MIRACLE. He responded to vision and hearing stimuli as well as physical mobility. I was astonished.

He slept on and off throughout the day on Wednesday and concluded the evening with my explanation of what had transpired the evening before which left him silenced. He had asked how long he had to be there and I told him that they could keep him until October if they wanted because they saved his life.

Thursday, July 5: A new day begins. I slept about 4 hours the night before because of visits from the nurse and Jeremy detaching himself from the IV during the middle of the night. That was an ordeal - again one he does not remember and I am glad. ;0) However, my eyes were opened widely at 7am receiving a call from a NP from the NIH. We could now start making some further progress because we could finally get access to other medical records. Dr. Alexander took great caution to outsource many of Jeremy's conditions to specialist. As of date, we have seen a neurologist, 2 hematologists, an infectious disease specialist, a nephrologist, a gastro-intestinal specialist, along with a breathing specialist and numerous other consults. The NIH was very pleased with all that Harris had done with Jeremy and did not have any further suggestions. We did start getting test results back. None of the blood tests came back positive, but the culture on the PIC line revealed staph. This explained the convulsions. Every time I pushed his meds, I pushed this infection into his bloodstream. I felt horrible, but I have come to terms that it isn't my fault. God knew and God knew he needed someone to get that PIC line out.

Jeremy and I had a long talk about his current condition as I had to explain to him what had happened and I had to explain to him the most recent test results from Dr. Alexander. Thursday, we started to see residual effects from the high fever. The kidneys had completely repaired themselves and were functioning on their own thanks to intense flushing. However, the liver was beginning to fail and revealed itself as such with extremely elevated liver enzymes. His muscle enzymes were also elevated revealing damage. So again my prayer was big and specific for God to restore his liver and to do it by his personal touch on Jeremy's body. Jeremy and I took this as another hurdle and I surrendered again to God to heal him. I knew the specialist could set him up to a road of recovery, but I didn't know how. God did.

Long day of lots of doctors closed with Dr. Armstrong, our GI doctor coming in to explain how the liver was an innocent bystander of this traumatic event. He felt fully confident that this organ can and would repair itself after the infection began to push it's way out of the body. Jeremy had many good things come about on Thursday though besides this news of hope from Dr. Armstrong. He made it through the entire day without a fever reducer whatsoever. I knew we were on our way to recovery.

Friday, July 6: Jeremy and I slept in until around 8:00 after another night of every 2 hours. I went to my doctor's appointment to visit with our baby via measurements and heart monitors. I returned to Jeremy visiting with his mother who had surprised him from South Carolina. The doctor came in and shared with us another bit of miraculous news. Jeremy's liver enzymes had dropped DRAMATICALLY and his blood platelet level was on the rise. She would most likely let him go to a room today. He also began his clear liquid diet for breakfast. Jeremy was struggling with congestion and so she prescribed a Mucinex for him.

Jeremy's grandparents arrived around lunch and we all visited. Around 3:30 they began to allow us to pack for the transfer and they had the paperwork already complete. Just before they were going to take him out of the room, Jeremy's mother found a large splotchy rash on his shoulder. There goes our exit ticket. Dr. Alexander wanted to continue to monitor him and said that he needed to stay. Jeremy took it well. In fact, he just rolled back over and went back to sleep. They gave him some Benadryl and it went away immediately. However, he is spending one more night in the ICU.

Tomorrow is anticipated transfer to room and physical therapy. I will keep you posted. Our dear friend, Judy McDonald, from Alabama asked that I sing this song to Jeremy today and I did. I believe it and I know you do to. If you didn't before, you do now.

My God is So Big
So Strong and So Mighty
There's nothing My God Cannot Do!

NOTHING!

Powell Almighty

2007-07-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

(Where it all began - the wall behind the refrigerator is this first picture. The change in paint color is where the wall is beginning to dry from the water spraying up from the hose that was on the ground. Yes, that is above our cabinets, above our pantry door)
(image 2 - Jeremy is taking a picture of the water leaking out of the foundation in the back of our house. The left non-brick area is our FIREPLACE. The wall is our living room connecting to the masterbedroom)

I realize in my random postings that I have not been able to share with all of you our destruction that has been brought upon our home. Most of you are familiar that our house was drastically remodeled on May 4th. However, many of you have not had the blessing of seeing the pictures. Let me tell you why I feel that even now is a good time to share. You see the demolition that has been done to our home in order to restore it has been left at just that. We are still in demolition mode. It is now July 4th - 2 MONTHS LATER. We have battled our insurance company to receive reasonable financial support from them. We have been through several different estimates of both construction and flooring professionals. We have written numerous letters to the company, and I will refrain from stating whom represents us because I will attempt to not be slanderous.

(This watermark is at our back door - about 15 feet from the refrigerator.)

Finally, this week, I nagged for another time and explained that we have not received any word from them in 4 weeks concerning my request for more $$ or my request for compensation for personal damage. The gentleman who is administrating the ordeal actually apologized and sent an apologetic gift to the Powell family because they had dropped the ball on our claim. I told him that I appreciated that acknowledgement, but more than anything, I just want my home back to normal.

(Our staircase leading upstairs is carpeted. You can see where the waterline was on the staircase was off of our main entryway. It is also about 15-20 feet away from the source of the leak.)

Many of the pictures you will see will be difficult to distinguish where the damage is because the water is either already vacuumed up or is hard to see. The flooring you will see in these pictures is no longer present. The majority of our 1st floor is just concrete foundation. In fact today, Emma and I spent much of our time on a picnic spread downstairs as Daddy recuperated upstairs from a violent virus. I want my house back.

(This wall is parallel to the entry way, but it is the garage side of the wall. Here you can see where the water was pouring through into our garage. It ran all the way out of the garage door. Hence why I thought something had spilled in the garage at first before entering the house)

We should be seeing some improvements in the next 2 weeks. :) We are thankful for our Noah-like experience.

It's A Girl!

2007-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today was a monumental occasion for the Powell family as we were blessed to find the sex of our new addition to our family. Below you will find the other pictures of our angel as she is growing in her mommy's tummy. All organs and limbs were perfectly proportioned and she is guestimated to be weighing in at 9 ounces right now. Unfortunately, I have gained more than that, but she needs the extra padding. Hee hee! All of her tests came back negative (for downs and such) and the estimated time of arrival is sometime between November 11-15. We were ecstatic to hear such news. As many of you might already know, a very special date falls within that window. My mother passed away on the 14 of November and now it comes full circle. Around the same time, we will add a new lady to our family that will blossom into a wonderful and loving girl.

How is Jeremy, you might ask? Fine. He says that he is already defeated. He now is whipped by 2 little girls and Mommy. The poor dog cannot count because he is no longer a true male. As long as one of them will play some sport, he will be fine. Jeremy keeps forgetting, though I may be very feminine, I spent a large portion of my child rearing in the barn, at the creek, or on the ball field/court. I think one, if not both of our girls will give him a chance to teach someone to throw and catch. If not, maybe we try for another. hee hee!

Emma tells on herself

2007-05-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

$4.32

2007-05-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

How much does that amount to you? What do you contemplate when quoted a figure of that nature? Where can you go with that value? Who can you take with you?

I will tell you what I think of when told of this number. I think of ice cream sandwiches from the "Ice Cream" man that cannot be bought. I think of baseball cards and treasures from the $1 bin at Target that can no longer be claimed. I think of a Happy Meal that is not being enjoyed. I think of giggles and smiles and little hands and ENORMOUS HEARTS. I think of Mommies and Daddies exemplifying sacrifice and love. I think of Grandmommies and Grandaddies who give without condition and show their babies how to do the same. I think of innocent love that sees things as things and people as objects of affection. I think of the shiniest penny I have ever seen in my life and the same sparkle that glistens in the eyes of the child that willingly gave it to me. TO ME! Why me?

This morning I concluded worship service with all of these wonderful reminders of who Christ is as my God. I was reminded that Moms are precious and they are why most children are the way they are. I was reminded that Mother's Day is a celebration of parenting and the job that is issued to us as we embrace these little ones into our world. Of course, this makes me very emotional because of my current state. It also is a reminder that this Mother's Day is now different for me. My Mom is celebrating with her ultimate parental guardian - her Heavenly Father who has released her of all of the trying responsibilities of being a Mom. And while I mourn this great loss, I am flooded with emotion over the amazing examples of phenomenal mothers that surround me, particularly in my church.

As I reflect on that, I am taken aback once more by finding a small envelope on my husband's desk addressed to me. I open it to find this most beautiful note.

Mrs. Jodi,
This month we are learning about endurance. Thank you for being an example and not giving up even when it gets tough. You are a mom that has endurance.
Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
All of us on Kidstreet
Mrs. Inga, Gracie Mae, Ayrianna, Andrew, Crystal, Grayson, Noah, Garrett, Trevor, Jeremy, Jake, RC, Bailey, Nick, Autumn, Audrey, Jordan, Thai, Kadyn, Colton, Chantal, Clayton, Wynter, Emily, Ashley, Chase, Thong, Myan, Binh

Enclosed in the note was $4.32. I was shocked and amazed at this most breathtaking gift. This is nothing short of a reflection of the innocence of a child's loving heart and the reflection that each of them represent of their parents.

Thank you for giving us such beautiful children and thank you for humbling me once more. I am in awe of each of them and of all of you!

Birthday Buddies

2007-04-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here's my friend Katelyn. We have such great times together.

My dear little buddy Jonathan came and played.

Fun Bethany and her sweet little sister Lauren made my day so special.

Kendall had so much fun on the group games. Doesn't she have beautiful eyes?

Natalie came adorned in her Tinkerbell attire. She's is just great!

RyLeigh and Gracie brought grins and giggles.

Bailey had a good time for the most part. I had to share with you this priceless face though.

Everybody's favorite church nursery buddy, Mr. Joe, even graced my birthday party with his presence. I love Mr. Joe.

NOVEMBER 20, 2007

2007-04-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Emma got a new shirt and a new title! Celebrate with us as we rejoice in the gift from the Lord.

Emma's Birthday Party

2007-03-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a toddler all over again! Emma and her posse celebrated the Big TWO in a Big Way! We had her birthday party at the Little Gym. If you are unfamiliar with this establishment, let me tell you a bit about it. They bring in the aspects of a gymnasium for training gymnastics, yet decorate and modify for your younger performers. There are balance beams with extensions so they are not the standard narrow pathway. There are uneven bars with enormous mats underneath to allow for big falls. The entire floor is the same as the floor on a competition gymnastic floor routine (bouncy and soft). There is tons more including an inflatable run like a moonwalk.

Basically they would let the tots run around and scream and play and climb for about 15 minutes, then they would bring them in for an organized game. After the game, we had more screaming and playing. If you have checked out Jeremy's website most recently, you will see a wonderful picture of Daddy and Emma walking the balance beam. She had sooooo much fun and I really think most of the other kids did too. In fact, I would dare to say that most of the parents had a blast as well as we ran around with our tots and just let them roll around and play. Some of the organized games caused Emma to be a fraidy cat, but that's ok. The other kids loved them. We loved parachute time, until we were wrapped up like a present in the parachute. It proved to be traumatizing. She got over it quickly though.

We had Curious George birthday cake followed by a swarming of gifts of fantastic books and clothes and games. Thank you to all of you who made this day so fun. Papa and Jason were even able to join us and celebrate Emma's big day. Jason was our professional photographer and captured most of the day on still shots while Papa helped out by video taping the big event. We had a blast. Have I said that already? If I were celebrating my 2nd birthday, this would have been the most exciting party I could have had. I got to feel young and carefree all over again as well. It was fabulous!

I will take a couple of entries to try to enter all the pictures. Jason and Jeremy did a great job of capturing the day.

Quasi-Haircut

2007-02-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

I cut her bangs. They were jagged and wispy. I cut her bangs. And guess what, 3 times after that she has STILL BEEN MISTAKEN FOR A BOY. I left the curls in the back. I dress her in pinks and purples and reds and yellows. I need to shape the rest of her growth, but I am afraid to touch it for fear she will always be mistaken for a boy until I have a french braid reaching her hiney. I cut her bangs. I am not sorry I did so, but I am sorry she still gets mistaken. I will post a picture this weekend. To me she just looks more defined, not grown up, just defined. I know, I'm goofy. You all love me.

"Myself"

2007-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

We all see little parts of our history reappear from time to time and when that happens we experience the joy of reminiscing or the fright of reliving a disaster. Jeremy and I find time to do this often in our life - even more so now that we are seeing parts of our lives reappear in the form of a 2 year old. Yes, that's right. Emma will be 2 this month. We cannot believe it and I am sure that most of you are feeling similar, both about Emma and about your own children. Our parents were right. The time does just fly by.

My most recent moment of history reappearing was with Emma at the dinner table about 2 weeks ago. She is becoming rather independent with numerous things that she is determined to be stubborn about. She wants to try everything that she sees Mommy and Daddy do. "I do it! I do it!" We find it rather cute and most of the time oblige because we would like for her to practice most tasks.

However, the phrase changed to eerily familiar sound for me the other night while she was attempting to feed herself with a fork. She added a pronoun at the end of the phrase to make sure that I completely understood who was going to do it.

"I do it, myself!"

You see, most of you will find that adorable and laugh about it. However, I must give you the background. You see, this phrase has haunted me all of my life. My mother had spent the majority of my life reminding me that I proved to be a challenge for her in my upbringing because of my determination to accomplish tasks on my own. (aka stubborn) The way in which I would let her know that I was seeking to perform a said task without assistance resonated in my head through the voice of my daughter.

"I do it, myself!"

It began the same way. It is happening. My daughter is becoming me - not just in appearance, but in demeanor and attitude as well. I am almost positive that my mother is having a giggle fit about this in Heaven. I also think this won't be her last giggle fit either. I love you, Mom!

This Is Barney the Wonder Dog

2007-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

You have read about him and heard about him, but we haven't given this dog his own introduction into the Powell Fame. He is a wonderful dog that has stolen our hearts. He turned 1 in November and is still very puppy-like, but the best part of all is he is puppy-like with our little one. They play with each other so well and he is very gentle with her. We are constantly amazed at new things he does. Now, don't get me wrong - he is still a dog and gets into trouble, but we are glad to have him. Isn't he a cutie? I foresee this little critter eventually taking a spot in this bed he is posed by and become Emma's real live "Puppy" to snuggle with at night.

Walkin' in a TX Winter Wonderland

2007-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

For months I have been going on and on to Jeremy about how I miss the snow we got to see when we lived back East. I had surrendered that we would only get to introduce Emma to this wonderful white fluff when we were in Kentucky for Christmas sometime. Low and behold, the Lord decided to prove his power over the weatherman's predictions once again! Don't you love that? God gets a big 'ol chuckle at man's desperate attempts to predict his creation. Ever so often, He finally says, "that's what you think!" We were not suppose to see snow AT ALL in the Metroplex today, but we had snow! It was a beautiful blanket of winter bliss. Now it didn't make a thick blanket, but it was enough to introduce Emma to this wonderful creation from above. She and Mommy had a blast! Daddy ran the video camera and laughed at the two of us a lot. We made snowballs and attempted to throw them at Daddy. She even got hit with a few and just laughed. Even Puppy got in on the fun. You can see he got put in safe keepings after a while (in Daddy's pocket). Then, before we went in, we performed an Anderson tradition. I took her down to the heaviest coverage in our yard and we made SNOW ANGELS!! Yea!! We are expected to get more sleet this weekend, but who knows. It is great! Enjoy our pics of our baby. One more layer of clothing and she would definitely say, "I can't put my arms down!"

Too Big for Mommy

2007-01-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, Jeremy strongly encouraged me that we transition Emma into a "big girl" bed. I know it is time, but my hesitation was two-fold. You see, Emma's room is at the top of 16 stairs with Mommy and Daddy all the way at the bottom. All of the worse case scenarios travel through my head - tumbling down the stairs, being the primary one. Jeremy assured me that we could just put the baby gate up at her door and that would keep her contained if she got up.

During dinner, Jeremy adjusted her bed for toddler mode. My darling daughter is a wiggle worm, so my other worry would be her falling out of the bed at some point. The toddler bed that we have only has a slight lip on it, so after allowing her to play on her new bed, we quickly realized that she needed a bed rail for the first few months of this transition. As any red-blooded American family would do, we were off to Wally World to make that purchase.

Most of you "good" parents know bed rails are not to be used with toddler beds, but Jeremy found a way to modify the contraption to work on our little sleeper. He even got in the bed with her a time or two. The evening quickly came to a close and my baby girl climbed into her "big girl" bed with giggles and grins of pleasure. She was quite pleased to have a "new" bed and seemed very excited about this change. Mommy kissed her goodnight and quickly went to the monitor to watch. Amazingly, she transitioned very well. She made it through the night and woke the next morning as she usually did and waited on Daddy to come and get her.

As the days go, we are finding new challenges and humor. She still fights us for naps here in her bed, but naps for everyone else at school and sitters. She is exploring getting down out of the bed and running around her room. We also enjoy hearing her conversations with Puppy and Baby and Poop (Pooh - she won't call him the correct name). It is a great time in our lives. We are truly enjoying our toddler and forsee quite an adventurous 'bout with the Terrible Twos.

Nap No More

2007-01-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

I don't want to! - that is her new favorite phrase. She says especially at nap time these days.

Is it a phase? Will it be permanent? Will we endure? Are we adjusting again? Help me people! Our precious daughter has decided over the weekend to drop her nap. She napped fine on Friday for our dear friend Samantha, but Saturday - Monday has been NADA! She will lay in the bed and cry, scream, talk, play, anything but sleep. So, we warned the school today, but I don't quite know what will happen. They are on a schedule and all the other little children will sleep. What will my child do? I must inquire about this with my father. My mother said that I dropped my naps pretty early, but I don't know if that was 4 or 2. Eeek! Be prayerful for us as we adjust. It isn't so much that I mind her not napping, it is that she will probably reek havoc at school for the teachers. She has tended to show "Terrible Two's" signs over the weekend as well. She has the temperament of her mother and father - God help us all!

Skunk De Pew

2007-01-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

So, this was not what I was intending to update you guys on as I was pondering my next entry, but it must be shared. I arrived at school this morning in the Texas Arctic chill - that is Northern for moderately cold. I opened my car door and exited only to be welcomed by a wave of fragrant odor. Being a good ole country girl, I identified that smell immediately. Skunk! My first thought was that someone had hit one on a road nearby and the smell was traveling over our little hill. As I approached the building, the pungent stench was increasing. In fact, the entrance way near my door was as if it has been sprayed directly by the frightened beast. I was only more overjoyed to discover that this nauseating foulness was lingering in my room because I am lacking windows to help ventilate the problem. I am usually not a complainer, but I quickly printed off my material and made my way to the office to voice my concern fearing that class would not be conducted in an organized manner because of the punishment both student and teacher would endure. They quickly got me a fan to extract the smell and gave me some candles to burn to assist. I also learned that it is quite possible that our angry or scared little rodent was still somewhere in the building, probably the ventilation system. So, if you thought your "Monday" (we were off yesterday) started off to a bang, try this one out.

My students have rose above the occasions and presented projects despite of the stench. I applaud them all. Whew!

Who'd We See Part 8: Friends

2007-01-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

Jeremy and I have so many wonderful people that we long to see over our trips home and somehow we are never able to squeeze in all of the visits we desire. We literally spent 2 1/2 days in each town and technically 1 of the 2 1/2 days in Birmingham was spent on the road to Gadsden and Anniston. During our triangle trip, we were able to visit with some of the following special people. We were able to see Janet and Jimmy and catch up with them on the latest and greatest of building a new house. We were also able to visit with Karenina in our brief stint in Birmingham in between her crazy late night shifts and the numerous visits she made to all of her families for the holidays. Thanks guys for taking time out of your family time to share with the Powells3. You are all very special. We missed seeing Jodi, Amy, Ken & Gail and the rest of our beloved Enon family. Emma and Mommy will be in the 'Ham for our spring break. We hope to see you then. During our trip to Hopkinsville, we are able to steal away some time to see Emory, Megan (by chance being at the church), and the ever faithful "CREW". Jeremy has a group of friends that consist of a core. They have been great buddies since high school and have all gone their separate ways in school and life and yet still maintain a friendship that is unshakable. The other ironic and blessed gift from this bond is that we have also been able to make a tight relationship with the immediate family of crew member Duncan Cavanah. We LOVE THE CAVANAHS! They always open their home to our group and make us feel like we are part of the family. These are some of the only pictures we do have of friends visiting. Duncan's sister, Grey, has 2 babies - Lilly and Tyler. They, along with CREW member Philip's son Will are seen in these pictures. Thanks CREW for making us feel like we are one of the family.

Who'd We See Part 7: MomMom & Grandpa

2007-01-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, the beloved title of Jeremy's grandparents on his mother's side is MomMom & Grandpa. They LOVE Jeremy and therefore, they LOVE Emma. So our visits with them are always pleasurable. Grandpa is a retired military official who spends his time now constructing porches, patios, and ramps for those in need in their beautiful community of Hopkinsville. They both have such giving hearts who so many benefit from, but especially their families. For Christmas this year, Grandpa made Emma a table and chair set. (I must also remind you that he made her first cradle that she used when she was brought home.) He is an extremely talented craftsman who also wears the mask of a musician in a bluegrass band and a animal whisperer as he entertains a multitude of the local residential wildlife with peanuts and gospel hymns. Make sure to note the squirrel escaping in one of the pictures. It just took a peanut right out of Emma's hand. We got the biggest laugh out of watching her amazement with these small creatures and watching her attempt to mimic Grandpa call the squirrels to the porch. "C'mere squirrel!" WE LOVE MOMMOM AND GRANDPA!

Who'd We See Part 6: Jason

2007-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Make sure you read that name correctly. It isn't as it appears. It is pronounced with an elongated "A" sound that can drag out for 5-10 seconds before being followed with the "sc" sound like in science then the "-un" sound. Or at least that is how Emma says Uncle Jason's name. She is quite fond of him, but I am sure you have gathered that. He too assists with the "whatever you want" world that Emma is growing in. What do we do about it? Absolutely nothing. Being her favorite uncle, he tends to dote on her ever so slightly and seems to find it irresistible as well when she says "please" and rubs her belly. They have a beautiful relationship. She always tends to play bashful with him the first 24 hours of our visits and then, almost immediately, he cannot leave the room to even take a shower without her crying or asking, "where's Jason?" He made sure she had tons of fun toys to play with from Uncle Jason/Santa on Christmas morn. Best of all, my bachelor brother even bought Christmas lawn ornaments to celebrate the holiday for Emma and myself. Yes, I too enjoy the decor for the holidays. He is a great uncle and super brother and wealth of knowledge found at jaceonline.com. Did you know he has many hidden talents? Yeah, he has written and produced a small screen film. He is a published cartoonist. He is an unrecognized talented photographer, who is also published in various forms. He is a multi-degreed scholar and platinum artist. OK, not platinum, but he can play numerous instruments. Best of all, he is Emma's uncle and we love him. Jaaaassson!

Who'd We See Part 5: Papa

2007-01-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

Probably the easiest name that Emma has learned aside from Mommy and Daddy is PAPA! She calls for him without reservation and he is often her imaginary friend on the other end of her phone conversations. Her love for him is quite obvious and she probably knows that whatever she wants can be easily had if she just asks and says please. At least I know this fact because he has shared it numerous times - whatever she wants.

Our visit with Papa was cherished and precious. We adapted our Christmas observance this year and held our special family time at Jason's house. It made the absence somewhat easier to endure, but did not eliminate the anguish that comes when your mom/wife/Nana is no longer near. I would probably be safe to say that Emma provided medicinal benefits for all of us, but most of all for her Papa. She loved on him and welcomed his affection in return.

Papa has become a wonderful cook over the last few years and never passes up another opportunity to prepare "geen geens" (green beans) for the baby. He helped with the Christmas dinner by making her a batch of geen geens and cornbread for the dressing - a very special touch since the recipe is my mom's.

Papa also provided Emma with another set of fun gifts. She received her special bed from Papa and Nana, which she loves along with some adorable clothes.

One of our favorite interactions with Papa was watching him kiss her hand. He would ask to kiss her hand, and our darling little princess would stick her hand out like the queen. She knows. She knows that she is the queen of the men in her life. Oh the trouble I have before me.

At the close of our visit with Papa and Jason, we made sure to visit Nana as well. Mother has been laid to rest next to my Mama Lola and Papa Jay (my Dad's parents). It is a tradition for me to take fresh flowers when I visit these important people in my life and I wanted to incorporate Emma into the very cherishable moment. We are never too young to begin to learn about the respect and reverence of these moments and I want her to be aware of this from this point forward.

Who'd We See Part 4: Nana and Granddaddy

2007-01-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

During our visit to Birmingham, we made a day trip to the factory driven town of Gadsden, Alabama to visit my Nana and Granddaddy. It was a unique visit that was rushed because of the many things we all have to do in such a short time. Next time, we hope to spend a longer visit with my grandparents and enjoy their stories and their love.

Emma took some time to get warmed up to the new surroundings of my Nana's house, but in soon, she was loving on Nana and trying to talk to her. My amazing grandmother would get down in the floor with my toddler and entice her to play. It was beautiful. They took care of us with gracious hospitality, as always.

Was it hard to be there without Mom? Definitely. Will it ever be the same? No. But why would we want it to be? There is a pillar missing from the front porch and there is no longer symmetry. However, our constant prayer is that the remaining beams will withstand this storm and remain connected and strengthened in our time of newness. We have a very loving family that are a joy to be around. We will continue rearranging the dynamics of our bond so we can provide the love and support needed for our journey here.

ALA - SABAN

2007-01-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

Can you hear it? I do! It is the transformation of the beloved ALA - BAMA cheer that is a resonating sound in Bryant-Deny stadium. It is the transformation of a program under an EXTREMELY well-paid individual. Welcom Nick Saban! Welcome back to college ball, where players play for you because they want to please you and not endorsements. Welcome back to the SEC, where there is no great competition and no greater tension between conference members. And yet, there is no greater comraderie as we all respect the standard that each aspires for in order to be affiliated with such excellence. Heck, even Vanderbilt has been trying lately and did you all take note that KENTUCKY WENT TO A BOWL THIS YEAR! Yeah, SEC BABY! Welcome to Dixie! It is the heartbeat of America. It is the greatest tradition in all of football. It brings about the best trash talking and purest Southern charm blended into one pot. You tasted it at LSU and knew you had walked too soon. Now you are back and we are ready to see you work. I am pumped! Roll Tide BABY! Ramma Jamma

Who'd We See Part 3: Grandy

2007-01-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

After our visit to Gadsden, we were able to join up with Jeremy's mother in Anniston, Alabama and celebrate a Christmas visit as well. All were happy to have some Outback, but I must testify that our service was not exactly the best. I am a product of the food services industry, therefore, I have the right to be critical. Emma took longer than usual to warm up to everyone. She did seem to be intrigued by Nicolas, Jeremy's brother though and spent a large part of the evening eying him from across the table. Grandy brought Nicolas over to visit and that was the aide needed to get Emma to release from her Mommy-grip.

Grandy (Cindy/Jeremy's Mom), Jeff, & Nicolas joined for an after dinner nightcap at the ever famous Starbucks where we stole a corner of the establishment to share in our own festivities. Grandy is a champion shopper and assists in decking Emma out in some of the most stylish of fashions. This year, since we are beginning to get hair, she even added matching bows for each outfit. I will post those pictures when she wears her new outfits to school. School clothes are show-off clothes. You moms out there know what I am talking about.

Grandy and Jeff also gave both Jeremy and Emma some of the most beautiful handcrafted pieces from Khazakistan. We will have to post that as well.

Jeremy and Jeff were able to talk fine cigars and football as Jeremy enjoyed the most gracious gift as tickets to see Auburn at the Cotton Bowl and Jeff received a stash of stogies from Jer.

This visit was also quite rushed, but as we have said before, there is never enough time. Thanks for making the trip to see us Shaner family! We love you.

Who'd We See Part 2: Grandmother Powell

2007-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

This past year, Jeremy's grandmother on his father's side turned 90 years of age. She is quite an amazing woman that we have always adored visiting. Earlier in the year, the family decided it would be most beneficial to move Grandmother into an assisted living facility so that her well being was always being monitored. She was having some difficulty with various ailments and they were unable to provide 24 hour care that she needed at home. After several weeks of adjustment to her move, Grandmother has made this new location home and quite a nice home it is. We took a moment to visit with her during our brief stay in Hopkinsville and snapped a cherished photo to look upon with fond memories. Note Emma's inability to cease drinking for a photo opp.

BTW, if any of you have experiences with Assisted Living Facilities, I would love to hear about it. This was my first experience. I have only been in actual nursing homes prior to this visit. This place was phenomenal. It was a spacious little apartment that was connected to a large living environment where socialization and emotional care was evident. I was quite impressed. Maybe this will be a road for Jeremy to put me when I become too much to handle. Oh wait, that's now! Seriously, there were women sitting together at the entrance like a little sorority of greeters. There was another group of women receiving manicures and facials in another location. There were some men watching football in another corner and countless other little activities. It was very nice. We are very happy for Grandmother.

Who'd We See Part 1: GranDan

2007-01-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Emma's time with GranDan over the past 2 years has been very limited, so our trip to Hopkinsville was very meaningful. We not only wanted to celebrate the holiday with our family, we wanted Emma to celebrate the holiday with her family and to establish relationships that were to be grounded and memorable. Thanks to patience and warmth of family, Emma was quickly laughing and sharing with GranDan as they watched the kitty on the front porch. Annie made quick friends with Emma as well by being the perfect "grandma" providing that sweet little girl with sweet little oatmeal cookies. We quickly learned that we could use visits to the farm to see the cows and horses with GranDan as leverage to get cooperation out of our growing toddler. "Come here _______" became the phrase of the trip and that blank was most often filled with Cow, Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa, Papa, Jaaaaaason, Puppy, and most adorable "Cuffy". Cuffy was actually Buffy, GranDan and Annie's cat that Emma desperately wanted to cuddle. We could not get her to call her by the correct name to save our lives, but it became to adorable to correct any more. So Buffy, to Emma, is Cuffy. She would call her and attempt to snap her fingers. You gotta love that. Maybe next time we will get our picture made on GranDan's airplane!

Emma's Christmas 2006

2007-01-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

Our Princess celebrated with much pomp and circumstance. She had visits from Santa 5 total times. It would be great to know that Santa excited her if it weren't for he terrified her. We did not even make the trip to the mall this year because of the trauma it has caused before. She is too funny. What did Santa bring this little starry-eyed one? She got a Little Tikes Car and an airplane to ride upon. She got baby accessories (stroller, pack-n-play, high chair), kitchen accessories, Leap Frog learning toys, and clothes. Grandpa made her a beautiful table and chair set to go in her classroom. She loves it. My mother bought her a sleeping mat/blanket combo before she passed and Emma adores it. I am sure that Mom beamed from above. I know that I did.

Summary 2006

2007-01-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Too long I have waited to update. Here is where the Powells have come over the past 6 months. For many of you, this is common knowledge now, but for some, you are finally being updated. My "New Year's Resolution" is to blog more. Yikes. I hate making these, but I really do want to improve this outlet. My life, my daughter's life, is flashing before me and I need to let you embrace these little joys I have been able to soak in over the past year.

Where have we come? Well, in February 2006, Emma celebrated her first birthday. It was fabulous and we all had a splendid time. Shortly thereafter, we celebrated March birthdays. During our time with my parents, we came to the discovery that my mother had another nodule in her shoulder. After having it examined, they decided to quickly have a biopsy performed. Her cancer had returned with a vengeance. Despite taking a daily chemotherapy pill, it had found a few places to grow and cause trouble again. It explained months of struggles with other ailments that could now be linked to the location of this cancer.

She began an intense chemotherapy that caused her great discomfort with constant nausea. As a result of this return, Miss Gail's Music Studio closed it's doors for good ending a 50 year love affair with music teacher and students. Thousands upon thousands found themselves under the musical leadership of Miss Gail at one point in their life. Now it was time for Miss Gail to rest.

In February, we also welcomed a new family member to the Powell house as we purchased a charcoal grey Miniature Schnauzer. He is registered as Barnabas Oromashodu Powell, but we affectionately refer to him as Barney. Barney was brought about to assist Scout, our dachshund, with the adjustment of a toddler in her life. Unfortunately, after 4 months, we had to let Scout go after she made continual negative reactions to Emma.

At the close of the school year, Jodi was to travel to Alabama for her high school class reunion. Two days before the journey home, Jodi's mom would trip and fall in her living room fracturing her tibial plateau on both sides. Jodi's mom had surgery that Friday, June 2, to place 2 pins in her knee to assist in the healing of this break. She would never walk on this leg again.

Jodi's reunion was great. It was fabulous to see the many faces that did show up and it was sad to not see the many who could not make it. Everyone has beautiful children and families that boast of their accomplishments since their 10-year split at graduation. It makes her miss the simplicity of life in Alabama all the more. How fast time flies and how fast we grow up! What did you predict about yourself at graduation? Where did your see yourself 10 years down the road? Surprisingly, some of my predictions were on target. I hoped to be married to a God-fearing man with my first child and thoughts of my second. How about that? Didn't think I would be in Texas though.

At the end of June, we took a trip to the beautiful mountainous West with the Alexanders. We were invited to assist with a wedding in Anaconda, Montana and decided to make a vacation out of it. My previous entry is about that trip and the fun we had. I will add more pictures and stories about that journey in a later blog.

Jeremy was diagnosed with a Lung infection in early May. This resulted in monthly visits to the NIH to monitor the growth of this infection and to change medication as needed.

Jodi made another trip home in July with Emma as she tagged along with the Skippers to visit their families. That trip - as with any Powell trip had it's own stories. Rolling poop and Big Rig hostages to name a few. I will also try to elaborate on those. The trip itself was another treasured moment with my Mom. She was still strong and in a fighting spirit. However, it was obvious that she was tired and bothered by a difficult illness.

August brought about the beginning of school and many changes. Jeremy and Jodi went to DC so that Jeremy could have a biopsy performed on his lung infection. This resulted in a week trip that was very trying on them by awaiting results and suffering from distance from Emma. She spent a week with her friend Drew and hardly missed us.

Jodi dropped coaching in order to have more time to be a Mom. Emma started school 2 days a week at the Children's Courtyard. It was an emotional time for Mommy and daughter. The school experience has been fabulous for all parties involved, even grandparents. This school provides webcam access to the students so grandparents can tune in and watch. So we are 800 miles from them all, and yet right beside them.

The school year proved to be eventful even with the dropping of volleyball. Many challenges and obstacles left Jodi with a time of great reflection on her future career goals. She is still contemplating returning to school for her master's, but the question is when and where.

Jodi's mother gradually found no improvement and in late October, early November, they found that the cancer had indeed spread to her brain in an inoperable situation. She would move to a rapid decline from this state and after 16 days of radiation, she ended her battle with this beast on November 14. God was gracious and allowed the entire family to be present for this closure. A lovely celebration of her life and her legacy was celebrated in a service at their home church of Enon Baptist Church.

Jodi's father and brother joined them in Texas for Thanksgiving and life was celebrated in a new way. Life will be new for us from this point forward. New roles and new challenges and new goals. As this year closed, we celebrated our first Christmas without Mom. Her absence was evident in countless ways. She is irreplaceable, and yet she would want for us to continue with fond memories and new memories in celebration of her love.

The Powells rushed around Alabama and Kentucky trying to see all they could and missing so many. We literally spent 2 days in each location and it was definitely not enough. If we missed you, please know we MISSED YOU. Meaning, we drove away in Mother's Yukon listing the people we were hoping to hug and love on and trapped in the necessity to get home to Texas.

We are hoping this along with other venues will get us closer to you. If you're reading, drop me a line and a way to connect you. My email is changing and I would like to reorganize my address book. I will send you the new one when established.

Vacation Part 1

2006-07-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

We journeyed to a cooler region of the 'ol US of A to find some of the beauty that remains unchanged by man. Our week long experience covered 3 states and hundreds of miles, but we loved every minute of it. A concern was raised about taking toddlers on a vacation that was more attractive to adults (hiking, kayaking, site seeing, etc.), but it was quickly erased and our children were fabulous. The picture that is enclosed is of the Powell family after a lovely hike in Grand Teton National Park. The peak behind us is one of the many towering snow capped mountains in the Teton Range. Grand Teton herself is not visible in the picture, but she is behink another mountain to the left. Of course our hike was limited by the children in terms of distance, but the enjoyment we received in watching them explore God's creation was amazing. Emma devoured every dandylion she could pick and Drew gazed at the waterfall and it seemed as if he really was in awe of the masterpiece.

Please don't miss out on these timeless opportunities! You don't have to have a Chuck-E-Cheese or a Little Gym to find entertainment for your wee ones. Just remember the Discovery School that God made.

She's Gone

2006-07-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had to say goodbye to a lifelong friend? Have you ever broken up with someone that you loved deeply, but you knew they weren't the one? Have you ever walked away from an experience knowing life would never be the same again?

I have!

A little over five years ago I married my best of friends! We began a new life together that has been a nonstop adventure from day one. Not long after that adventure began, we invited another into our hearts to join us in our journey and she has been with us through it all up until now. She was there when we had the dead mouse in our house in Kentucky. She was there when we moved to Texas in 104 degree heat and sat outside most of the day during the move. She was there through purse & car robberies. She was there when our home was vandalized and ironically she didn't make a peep. She was there through our 3rd move and acclimated herself to yet another new environment. She was there through the introduction of another new member into our home.

And now she is gone. Last night, Jeremy and I made one of the most difficult decisions of our life - we let Scout go. Have I cried? Haven't stopped. Has he cried? I will answer yes. She was our first baby. She was our cuddle buddy. She licked tears away when things didn't go right. She brought unstoppable laughter when we needed it most. However, with our changing environment, life was becoming unfair for her. We needed to right that for her and provide her with the opportunity to live to the fullest. She needed a home that would take her to the park regularly and would walk her and play with her and make her feel so important. She needed more love than we were able to give now.

She didn't understand Emma and Emma didn't understand her. Therefore, it was necessary to separate them before more harm could be done. Are we broken hearted? Is there any other feeling to have when one of your most dearest friends is removed from your life forever? We are happy for her and we know the wonderful young lady that took her is happy as well. This is what is best.

We know it and you know it too. Thanks for enduring our ongoing battle with this decision. We will be ok - maybe not tomorrow, but soon.

She's gone.

Golddigger the Profit

2006-02-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hoping you are all aware of the recent profanities that have blasted, not slipped, through the mouth of rapper/moron Kanye West's mouth, I would like to take a moment to encourage you to refrain from supporting the exaggerated ego that our society has created in him. I knew he fell into the realms of idiocy with his usurption of air time during the Celebrity Katrina Evening of Fundraising as he lamblasted our Commander in Chief on the live broadcast. It isn't as if something of that boldness has not happened before with our arrogant Hollywood elite. So as unpatriotic as I could be, I let it roll off of my shoulders and decided that the liberal media will ignore it and we will probably hear from this fella again (I choose not to call him a gentleman or a man for a reason).

His next truly publicized experimentation with the First Amendment was the plastering of his mug on the cover of one of our most popular magazines with a "crown of thorns" upon his head. If seeing such picture did not make you tremble, then I ask where your morals are hiding today. Who is he to even begin to suggest that the actions of which his mouth and mind have taken are near the dirt upon which Christ's blood and sweat dripped/poured upon? Who is he to think that ANYTHING that he has encountered in his child rearing or in his daily life can even begin to compare to the agony and excruciating pain that Jesus endured FOR HIM!? I tremble at the very sight of this picture because I know that my kind loving and merciful God is also a God of vengence, punishment, and justice.

Kanye West, you mocked God.

I don't think you can even begin to grasp the enormity of this situation! My trembling for you is because of the wrath that awaits you.

Oh dear people, it gets better/worse. Today Delinquent West took it upon himselt to draw even more attention to his absurd blasphemy. He stated in an interview that

"he should be included in the Bible. He feels sure he'd be "a griot" (West African storyteller) in a modern Bible.

He says, "I bring up historical subjects in a way that makes kids want to learn about them. I'm an inspirational speaker.

"I changed the sound of music more than one time... For all those reasons, I'd be a part of the Bible. I'm definitely in the history books already."

If you have not visited the Drudge Report, then do so. Just when I think I cannot be shocked by society anymore, another menace springs forth.

Peaceful Religion?

2006-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Over and over again we hear the Islamic people testify in the United States that the jihad is not something they support. It is a different mindset than that which is taught by their beloved Muslim text. I long to believe them because I too understand those which deviate from the truth of the teachings of Christ.

Yet again we see a enormous amount of people committed to tradition and ritual and not dedicated to the care and well being of your fellow man. I cannot begin to grasp this mob mentality even after being apart of mobs myself. What posesses you to get to a destination in such a way that you dare not look at the path on which you trod, lest you be held back? What comes over an individual that removes all sense of awareness of their surroundings to a point where they could walk/run over another human being because of their goal? How tragic! How amazing!

Hajj trampling

God calls us to focus totally upon Him as we strive towards the goal and attain the prize at the end of the race. However, He also calls us to run so that we demonstrate to others what we are running for. If we show each other our commitment to the prize may cost them their opportunity to receive the same prize, are we showing them the compassionate love of Christ? Run/Train so that you may not only point your brother in the proper direction, but that you may run/train along side them. When they cry out for help, HELP! Pick them up and get them back on their feet and run.

Moon Over Maryland

2006-01-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

Why are there not more court cases like this in publication? If this was all are justice system had to fool with on a regular basis I think I would watch Court TV on a daily basis. Instead we have the unfortunate civilization that is full of domestic violence, thievery, vandalism, divorce, citations and such.

Check out this article on Fox News about a lawsuit over whether "mooning" was illegal and in fact, indecent exposure. I love the judges argument about women's clothing providing the basis for a similar argument as well. Let me think, what about all of the designer dresses at the awards shows in Hollywood - Lil Kim?

I couldn't help but argue for the very prank that wreaked havoc upon my childhood as I experienced it both in the giving and the taking. Don't even begin to expect the government to intefere in these affairs of my life. If mooning is illegal, than I will retaliate and protest that any woman wearing a skirt that does not allow them to sit without me seeing their business should be arrested. Any man who bends over to repair a water main and exposes his crack should be arrested. Any woman who wears a shirt that is too tight to contain their buldge should be arrested. Any man who wears jeans that are too tight (ladies, I ain't talkin' about the butt area) and exposes an outline of his package should be arrested.

Need I go on...please people, allow the court time to be used for settling matters that actually benefit our society. That goes for you too oh one who sues McDonald's because you forgot that COFFEE IS HOT!

5 Years

2006-01-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today my husband and I celebrate 5 years of wedded bliss! What a great 5 years it has been! Have I told you how wonderful he is? The Lord chooses a path for each of us and I have been blessed that my path has been along side Jeremy Powell's!

Christmas Came

2006-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

You have watched my countdown to the incredible holiday event and as we are all aware through the fatigue and bloating we may be feeling, Christmas did indeed come. My beautiful daughter received far more than we even imagined and we were elated to watch her enjoy it all. She will be knowledgable on shapes, colors, numbers, letters, animals, Swahili, you name it before her first birthday. We are truly blessed with family that cares so much for her well being and seeks to provided for her in even her most fragile state. This same family seeks to provide for Jeremy and I as well humbling us as we realize we are among the few in America that still have these types of relationships with their loved ones. As we look back over two whirlwind weeks in the Powell house, we realize that Christmas - the celebratory date - has come and gone. However, as Jeremy so eloquently put in on the 25th, Christmas did in fact come and praise God, it has not gone. Instead, those who truly believe in Our Lord and Savior are left knowing that because Christmas came, we can celebrate with our families. Because Christmas came, we can understand what the spririt of giving is. Because Christmas came, we develop a sense of appreciation and sacrifice. Because Christmas came, we begin to know true love and devotion. Because Christmas came, we have hope.

Has Christmas come to your home? Do you truly grasp all of these gifts?

Balderdash Blog

2005-12-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Where did the term "stomping ground" originate? Some terms we use came from literal meanings and some are just plain silliness. Can anyone tell me about this one? I think this will be a new random blog insert along with What the Crap episodes. Did people stomp on their home ground? Why did they stomp? What did stomping infer?

Voluminous Vomit Part 2

2005-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

As you know, Emma has recovered from her battle with the Roto Virus. We did return to the hospital and stayed Sunday through Tuesday with Emma attached to an IV because of severe dehydration. All Mommies agree that it is a painful thing to watch, but Jeremy and I are both thankful that she experienced it because it brought her back to the healthy state we knew before. She is now climbing around and laughing and getting into things that she shouldn't. Life is grand...

...until Mommy and Daddy go on a date with friends Saturday night. We leave Emma with the kiddos of Alexanders and the Skippers as they are watched by the DeHarts & the Penningtons. Back story: I had been somewhat ill earlier in the day to the point where shopping for church in the Home Depot had become the most tedious thing I had to accomplish. I literally sat down on a box in the Home Depot to take a breather. If only Emma could walk, I think I could have managed better, but I was toting her around with my friend Kaci pushing the cart behind us with Jonathan in the cart. I went home and crashed and then felt fine. Fine to the point where I was doing craft projects around the house and playing with Emma.

We join our friends for the evening and have dinner at an Italian establishment in town. I probably ate 1/3 of my Lasagna along with salad and breadsticks. Then we journey to the theater to see the Chronicles of Narnia. I started fading again, but this time I didn't feel feverish - just nauseated. I did the seat squirm trying to find that position we all search for that will make the discomfort go away. Right when the movie begins - I spring into action.

I will try to give you the fun visual. I am running down the stairs as best as one can in stilleto heel boots and knocking people out of my way as they are still making their way into the ALREADY CROWDED theater. I cannot say excuse me or pardon me because speaking may awaken the beast. I probably did knock one woman against the wall, but I am sorry. You must understand the urgency.

I make it to a stall and YACK! Now all of you are thinking, great Jodi. Please know that my immediate thought is - "I am so sorry all of you poor patrons of the arts who are now having your evening ruined by hearing such an atrocious sound." I felt embarassed and mortified. However, after EVERY SINGLE BIT OF MY DINNER THAT EVENING LEFT THE BUILDING, I felt tremendously better. Don't you love that feeling? I always feel better after I do the technicolored yawn. Feels better outside instead of inside.

I have completed the exercise and realize that I now need to clean up my mess and myself. Much to my delight, I have chosen a stall with NO TOILET PAPER! Some sweet woman asked me if I needed a paper towel and I politely declined. How could I subject her to my sphere by even having her toss a paper towel in my direction? I go through the ordeal over and over again in my head and I think I looked at the dispenser 7 or 8 times hoping that toilet paper would just appear. Alas, it did not.

So I exit the stall and there stands this pre-teen who says all she can say, "sorry." I told her, "no, I'm sorry. Could I get you to do me a favor though and go tell someone from the theaters what has happened so they can clean it up?" She agrees to do so. I step into a stall down the way to get some toilet paper so I can clean up some of the mess myself. I step back out into the alley of stalls to see a lovely woman about to enter my crime scene. I shouted at her, "NO! Don't go in there!"

She looks at me politely, yet strangely and says, "OK". I told her I was cleaning it up. What do you say?

"Hey Lady, I just barfed!"
"Don't want you to have to see my leftovers"

I told her nothing and she, of course, thought I was odd. So I clean up the my shoes & the seat, but I left the floor mess. Now here is where it gets even better. I decide that I must protect all other patrons from seeing this gruesome display and I stood in front of the stall to keep people from going inside it. It isn't the 10th stall in the back of the bathroom. No, no. It is the 2nd stall immediately seen upon entering. As I wait, I see 3 people from church and 1 coworker who all are now joining with the rest of Fort Worth wanting to know why the crazy lady in the bathroom is so protective of that one toilet. I had to explain my story each time.

Like 15 minutes later some theater personel came and began the trecherous work of cleaning my mess. As I was waiting on them, I couldn't get the freaking automatic sinks to produce water so I was running up and down the sink counter wiggling my hands like a muppet. Finally one of the workers came and got one to work for me. I felt compelled to stay until it was clean and I apologized seventeen thousand times. Then I had to pee. That sends me into another stall. I am sure they thought, "well crap, is she going to do it again?" I came back out and began the muppet dance again. I finally leave the bathroom only to find my darling husband standing outside waiting on me as he had been doing so for the previous 20-30 minutes. I climb back up the stairs into the theater and sit and enjoy a great movie, but knowing the whole time I have just had another Powell moment we will all never forget.

Needless to say, I am anti-Italian for a little while.

Childhood Phobias

2005-12-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

Do you have anything unusual that you are absolutely terrified of?

Heights, bugs, terrorists, crowds, snakes, public speaking, rollercoasters, airplanes, etc.

How about being afraid of something as a child that you have grown out of over the years or even just recently?

Some people are scared of dogs as children - understandable. They are big and slobbery and loud and sometimes they even bite. Some people are scared of clowns - semi-understandable. They are masked people with abnormally sized noses, mouths & hair. Plus there is the ever present abnormality in the Stephen King classic IT that adds to peoples fears.

I was afraid of men with facial hair. Not men in general, men with facial hair. It was so bad that I even avoided certain family members at gatherings because they either had a beard or mustache and they scared me. I knew who they were, but they freightened me horribly. The father of my best friend at church would even grow a beard every winter and I would avoid him for about 3-4 months. Obviously this is not an extreme fear of mine anymore, but it existed and unfortunately...

...I have passed it onto my daughter. We journeyed to the mall yesterday to have our picture taken with Santa. She cried worse than she did on Monday morning when they took her blood at the hospital. We took the picture anyway after two separate attempts to visit Santa. I wasn't that impressed with the Santa figure because he made ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT TO CONSOLE OR WELCOME MY DAUGHTER. He wouldn't offer her puffs or a bottle to lure her into his lap. He just stared at her - literally. Jeremy would move closer to him and she would grasp Jeremy's shirt even tighter. So partly, Santa is to blame, but mostly Emma's fear is inherited from her freako Mommy.

Merry Christmas all!

Voluminous Vomit

2005-12-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

When traveling in Birmingham last week during Thanksgiving, I discovered that my child, though only roughly over 15 lbs., can produce an excessive amout of fluid projecting from her body. This adventurous little encounter can be related to the fact that she is more than likely allergic to soy. She was fine the rest of the trip and never ran a fever. However, her body DEEPLY rejected the soy along with everything else.

Unfortunately, we encountered this act yesterday afternoon and well into the evening as she yet again released every item that had been engulfed for the day. We monitored her for several hours thinking that she may have had bad milk or formula or food, but we reached a lathargic state with sporadic dry heaving and knew it might be more. After a couple of hours of trying to get her to keep down an OUNCE of Pedialyte, the doctor suggested we take her to the ER because of fear of dehydration.

So 7:00, off we go to the hospital. I hope you are already visualizing this next episode of "What the Crap?" Jeremy drops us off at the ER at Cooks Children's Hospital and I stop in my tracks when I walk in because the waiting room is already bursting. I knew it would be a long night. We register Emma and the perform the preliminary assessment within about 10 minutes. Gave me false hope! Darn them. Needless to say, we waited a little over 3 hours before going back to see a doctor. I knew we were still waiting when the child who was already in the waiting room with a bleeding bandage around his HEAD was still walking around WAITING! Hmmm.

We managed though. Emma only vomited 4-5 times while we were in the hospital and by then it was not voluminous anymore. She slept the rest of the time from exhaustion. Now, I must tell you that I am a BIG "People Watcher", so I spent quite a bit of time taking in the crowd and assessing their situations. From time to time, Jeremy joins in with me on this activity. After a couple of hours of this, we have decided that we must share with you all that the best evening entertainment is sitting in the waiting room and watching children run amuck.

Let me set the scene. It is crowded and parents are tired and they have more than one child with them and you reach a point that as long as they are not poking another child in the eye, whatever. In Cooks' waiting room, there is this giant faux aquarium. Along the bottom of the wall that the aquarium is housed is a panel of buttons. Each button activates a different stimulant in the aquarium. For instance, there is an eel that will come out from behind the reef if you press the eel button.

Because I do not want to steal his thunder, I must now direct you to Jeremy's site for the rest of the story. It will be the story describing "Justin" and "Little Jonathan Winters".

Emma is still running a fever so prayer for her would be appreciated. Mommy and Daddy are both still well, but very tired. She apparently had a very bad stomach bug and her precious spirit was so pitiful. She has slept a ton in the past 24 hours. Sleep is healing, but her little body needs nutrition as well.

Texaco

2005-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

I am not referring to the gas station, but rather the blend of Texas and Mexico. We were discussing in class today the Mexican governmental perspective on the American immigrants in Texas during the 1820s. I always try to emphasize the Mexican standpoint because to their history and heritage, their argument for the fear of rebellion was extremely justifiable. Had they had enough organization and manpower, they might have kept the Texas Revolution from being victorious for the American/Texans - maybe.

What would life be like if the Great Migration had not pushed Americans West into Texas and Texas was still a part of Mexico?

Or what would life be like of Texas had never been accepted into the Union and was still struggling to be it's own state?

Deep-rooted Texans argue we should secede now from the US. Are they crazy? I think so, but some of you might not.

hmmmm...

Mornings

2005-12-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

They start your day! How many of you are morning people? It really must be emphasized that you must be one or the other. You see, I am truly a morning person. I think I went through a stage in high school where I forced myself to sleep in because that is what you did if you were a teenager. However, in college, if I wasn't up until dawn working on a paper or hanging out with friends I was usually up at dawn. Sleeping in for me is 7:30. Now granted, I am not out of control with excitement when I roll out of the bed - except on CHRISTMAS MORNING OR MY BIRTHDAY!! Those are two exceptions where I am just beside myself. Every other day I have to have my morning shower with a good face splashing to get me going. After that though, I am raring to go. Now we must be aware there are varying degrees of both species - morning people and non-morning people. There are those wonderful people who awake at 4:30 with a smile on their face ready to love on everyone. I am a step down from there.

Then there are non-morning people and their varying degrees. Some are just grumpy and in need of their caffeine and then they are ok. Some are mean for a few hours so it is best to not deal with them. I have witnessed both. Non-morning people are night owls. I am not. I shut down around 9:30 or 10:00.

Night Owls do not understand Morniing People and vice versa. However, if both are kind to one another and accepting of each other, there is no tension. For example, if you are extreme morning person, do not get in Night Owl's face and sing songs at 8:00 or talk really fast about your day. On the same note, Night Owl's should not drag their Morning Person friend to an 11:00 movie = wasted $7.50.

What are you? Can you tolerate and respect the other? Think about it.

FIRST WORD

2005-11-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

I am elated and ecstatic about the information I am about to reveal to you my friends. We have had so many amazing things happen with our child. She has progressed along the developmental stages so much more rapidly than I could have imagined, and quite frankly really wanted. It has been too fast flashing before me and then over. Since about 6 months of age, Emma has been uttering sylables that to you and me, make some coherant sense. For example, her technical first word was Mama, which she said over and over and over again. However, to this day, I don't really know if she has made that connection with who the heck Mama is. She has also uttered Dada and even Nana, but again she doesn't know what it is. We can get her to repeat them sometimes, but not all the time. Most of the time she speaks them of her own free will.

Last night Jeremy and I returned to our home from a lovely evening out. Unfortunately when we returned we were a smidge too loud as we recanted our evening with our dear friends the DeHarts who were kind enough to watch our child for the evening. As a result, it awakened our child. I laid back down with her to try to get her back to sleep and she was wide awake and ready to play. I kept telling her in a peaceful quiet tone that it was "time to go night-night."

Much to my amazement, I watched her play with forming her mouth and moving her tongue for a few minutes as she was trying to mimic me. SHE DID! Jeremy and I both got to hear her repeat after me "NIGHT - NIGHT." She said it 4 times.

That is by far my greatest Christmas gift! I struggle often with missing out on things as she progresses because I work. The Lord has truly been faithful to allow me to experience just about everything myself first (rolling over, crawling, pulling up, giggling, and now speaking). I am in Heaven! She is the best!

TWENTY-SEVEN

2005-11-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

I have titled a post as such before, but this one is all the more exciting for me. Yesterday was the 27th of the month and Emma celebrated her 9 month birthday! How amazing and exciting.

Today marks the countdown to 27 days until Christmas! Another exciting time! We are decorated at the Powell household. How about you?

Favorite Episode

2005-11-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me, know that the title of my website is much like the title of my life. I feel that we are key players in the next sitcom that will be a decade-long hit on NBC. We far surpass Friends & Everybody Loves Raymond, yet we have similar aspects of each show reflecting in ours. As I sit and reflect upon what has happened to myself and to my family over the past years, I want to rejoice in the Lord's deliverance that has brought me to where I am today. I am definitely at a place where I can look back upon instances and laugh knowing that I made it through it and I will do it again when the stressors arise. If you know me, I would love to hear from you about your favorite episode of What the Crap? Let me give you some hints.

Rocks Don't Rock the Dog
Working for the Firm
Snugglin' Up Wi-Chu
Car Battery?
Stop! Stop! Stop!
Scout Looses her Marbles
Swing Dancing
Happy Anniversary! You just bought a Van!
Nerf Upside Yo Head
Scout Slides Into 2nd
Certification Blues
Sheremy
Wyoming's Great Divide
Who's Having a Baby?
What's that Smell?
Harry Carry Meets Scary Jerry
Farmer Hideout
Crew Weddings (multiple series)

You may create your own names, but please give synopsis of the episode as well!

42

2005-11-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

...where there's kids' jingle belling
and everyone's telling you
be of good cheer

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!

I have so few days left to shop and yet I have not yet begun to start. I think the Angel Tree's are going up in the mall's this weekend. That makes me most excited of all. You should all get one. How amazing it is to know that you have the ability to make some child's life a little brighter by helping them have a Christmas to remember! You will allow them to go back to school in January and they too will have stories to tell about their new Lego set or their new Barbie or maybe even a new bike! I am giddy with enthusiasm. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I even started looking for Emma's stuff on Friday evening. Oh what fun we have in store for her! She will most likely be walking by then. She is pulling up and scooting around our living room. It was just 8 1/2 months ago that I birthed this child. Wowsers! She is my joy! I cannot wait to teach her the experience of giving as well! It is so filling. No wonder Christ is so full of love - He gives and gives and gives. As we receive, may we remember why we have the opportunity to even be on the receiving end.

Monopoly

2005-11-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

I had my students write a brief essay on their favorite board game and why. The reason was because I describe the conquest of the new world by Europeans as a big monopoly game. Spain is that participant who must be the banker and must own particular properties or they will get angry and not play fair. France is the player who is just playing to be a part of the game. England is the strategist who eventually takes the lead. Ironically the majority of them chose monopoly as their favorite board game.

I love board games and play them with my family often. We all have our little quirks about each game - like my cousin Todd will not allow you to assemble your Trivia Pursuit pie pieces outside of the container. I always hold my cards in a certain suit order in a card game - I can't tell you how or you will know for our next game. :)

What is your favorite board game &/or what is your quirk? I love Pictionary, Trivia Pursuit, Outburst & Loaded Questions.

89:11-8

2005-11-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who actually frequent this site and are not native Texans - WHAT THE CRAP? It is November the 8th and the high today according to one of our fine meteorologists is 89! Sweet LORD! God loves this little jab at me. You see, growing up in Alabama, I truly whined to the Lord often about how Alabama missed out on White Christmas and true sledding. Sure we saw the Floridians decorating palm trees and the Arizonians decorating cacti, and I knew that was to make me to appreciate the precipitation that I did get. Yet, I wanted a bundle up snowshoe Christmas. I didn't know that there could be yet another place that had such strange and punishing weather. I now appreciate the 3-4 snowfalls a year that might have graced the foothills of the Appalachians. I appreciate the humidity that helped cool off the heat of the day and bring the Autumn evenings back to a chilled night time bliss. When I went out to run at 6:00 this morning it was 75.

Shopping for Junior

2005-11-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was thinking this morning as I was driving to school about certain clothing styles and the ways in which certain groups of people wear their clothing. We passed several students in varying neighborhoods making their way to the schoolhouse and as you may of guessed, several of the male students were wearing the typical blue jean, white sneaker, and OVERSIZED sweatshirt. As a new mom, my thoughts began to go immediately to the first encounter with this outfit. Someone had to take this child shopping and allow them to choose these articles of clothing. That same someone had to either see the child walk out of a dressing room with it on or to see the tag that clearly stated XXL on it and say to themself, "Self, that seems to be a suitable size for my 63 lb son." Then my next thought went to the conversation that might occur between child and parent the following year.

Child: "Mom, my pants are getting a little tight. Do you think I might be able to get a new pair for school this year? I don't know if Kiki will be able to see my boxers in this pair anymore?"

Parent: "I was noticing that myself. You have worn that pair out. We better get to the store this weekend."

Is there not ever a point where the child might actually grow into the pants and/or sweatshirt considering the drastic oversize? Did you seriously buy that size for your wee child on purpose for fashion? Did you seriously justify spending $75 on a sweatshirt that could hold your entire family within its seams? I was holding out for buying things slightly bigger so they can be used more than one season. My mom did that with coats and sometimes even pants. Was that not the original intent when the parent bought the outfit so largely mis-sized? Help me here!

49

2005-11-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Days left until Christmas!!!!!! I have already started decorating the house. Yes, yes, I love Thanksgiving, but I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I even decorate the dog!!! There will be more to come from this, so if you are not fond of this holiday, you may choose to not frequent my page!

Holiday Bliss

2005-11-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Things that I love...the HOLIDAYS! Anytime we are given a reason in society to celebrate or deviate from the norm so that we may just truly smile and rejoice in the goodness of our fellow man - I get all giddy inside. You are probably thinking at this moment, not every holiday allows for that. The original intent of many holiday occasions is to do just that. Halloween - comes from all hallow's eve - the evening before All Saint's Day. Granted there have been some derrogatory deviations from what people intended this holiday to be for the past 50 years, but I still hold onto the fun. My vision is seeing children dress up in costume to escape their reality into some sort of fantasy - i.e. Yoda or a princess or even a ghoul - so that they may skip up and down the sidewalks to solicite candy from their fellow neigbors. Your benefit - to see children being able to relax and enjoy each other; to see children enjoying the comfort and safety of their community by being able to trust that their neighborhood is filled with loving adults who will provide them with goodies and not harmful material or harmful intentions; to receive the satisfaction of giving to others by watching their smiles and hearing their muffled thank yous from beneath their masks. It saddens me that people have twisted this event where children cannot go without parents door-to-door. It saddens me that we must worry about evil activities outside of the community. It saddens me that we don't communicate with our children enough to help them understand that they are in costume, therefore not reality. It saddens me that grown teenagers take advantage of the freebies and therefore I have little left for the children. I still had a grand time last night and I look forward to next year when I get to take Emma door-to-door! By the way, this year was the year of Tigger.

Old Money

2005-10-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today in my class we are studying about the social classes of Colonial Society and of today. My students have been informed that "Old Money" is at the top of society and is unattainable by we that have not inherited it. Yet, they cannot grasp that. They asked me over and over again, "Can we become Upper-Upper Class?" Again, and again I would sadly explain that they may only attain Lower-Upper Class in this lifetime - "New Money". The constant urge to be at the top though perplexed them and troubled them greatly. Why is there a class that exists that we cannot reach? Don't you see? We created the class system ourselves by how we perceive each other in terms of $$$, education, family connection, occupation, etc. Therefore, we in essence, created the "Old Money" classification and hence, we created the unattainable goal...

Space-Aged Gas Pumps

2005-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Have any of you been to the new gas pumps at SAM'S? I went there yesterday to fuel my thirsty vehicle and they have these cool new pumps. They are metallic silver with a giant computer monitor much like those at the fancy ATM machines. The display was clear and colorful and I was mesmerized for some strange reason. They also have new nozzles from which to pump your gas and they are protectant of your best interest with those rubber cover thingys that prevent the gas from splattering on you. How random, yet how fabulous?

Winter Weather Woofing

2005-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Already realized by many in the psychological research area, I am once again discovering myself that cooler weather brings upon the lax in effort to maintain self control at the feeding trough. For the past two days, I have been unable to resist random snacking and sugar intake and for that I am already able to attest to extra padding in areas that needed NOTHING EXTRA! One must also contribute the factor that I have not been motivated to rise up from the bed and take on my morning exercising regiment either because I do not desire to remove myself from the warmth of my covers. Snuggly weather. Snacky weather. Stinky weather. Sinful weather. I must say that hot chocolate is from heaven, but I cannot deny that a daily intake of such will lead to cavities, calories, and cottage cheese. Are you finding yourself visiting Starbucks all the more? Are you finding that you are aware of clothes being more snug because of a new definition of Middle Passage? I choose my sweaters by their ability to cover my humps - and I am not referring to my lovely lady lumps! Thank you Black Eyed Peas! Do not check me out! Aaaagggghhh!

Flu - a handicap

2005-10-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

There are things that happen to us in life to force us to come to a greater appreciation for our gifts and abilities. I now greatly appreciate many things because of my recent illness and I would like to share them with you. You may wonder how I come to the appreciations after only experiencing the flu and not something more traumatic, but you must also understand my surroundings during those 3-4 days and my circle of influence.

The blessing to hold my daughter, to nurse my daughter, to sooth/comfort my daughter, to put her to bed, to prepare her meals, to feed her meals, to get in the floor and play with her, to bath her, to prepare my husbands meals, to clean my house, to sort my laundry, to go to Walmart, to talk on the phone, to read, to taste food, to know when my body can do no more, ...and still do more, rest, caring family, a great job with forgiveness, tomorrow, healing - physical and spiritual and mental, medical professionals to identify my issue, medical professionals who create solutions for my issues, flexibility, a husband that will pick up where I left off, a church that will pray, peanut butter, YMCA, good knees, good ankles, motivation to run, results of running, substitute teachers, sitting up, crawling, first teeth, and more.

So many of these things I would be lost without and I often do not take the time to thank the Lord above for their place in my life...What are you thankful for today that you haven't been before? Do you remember your first tooth? Do you know what you would do without the 30+ in your mouth now?

Thirteen

2005-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

Could it be a reference to scary movies? Could it be a reference to the age of many of my students? Could it be a reference to the number of presents I want under the tree for me at Christmas? Could it be a reference to you?

Jane Honkas

2005-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Goin' to the chapel and we're
Gonna get married
Goin' to the Chapel and we're
Gonna get married!

For many of you, this monumentous occasion has come and gone and now you are enjoying the blissfulness of marriage! ;0) My best girlfriend Janet has reminded me of those butterflies I had in my stomach and the constant smile I had on my face the months after my precious mate asked me to walk the isle with him! She is quickly planning her nuptials to Jimmy and they are elated. Do I tell them? Nah, they are only in for nothing but excitement and good fortune from this point on? There are numerous things I wish that someone would have told me or that I would have listened to before we said I do. It would have changed absolutely nothing about my decision, but I would have been a better wife from day 1 instead of just now trying in year 5. Sorry babe! I love that I am getting to hear all of the giggling and ideas as she meets with caterers and florists and photographers. I love hearing about trying on gowns and color options for the attendants. I love reminding her that this is HER DAY and NOBODY ELSE'S as she takes opinions from all of the outside forces in her life. What was your experience like? What do you hope it to be like? Know what you want and you will find a way to make it happen...I promise that!

Who is Jane Honkas? Janet's imaginary friend from childhood. Only child sydrome...did you have one? Did they have a last name?

27

2005-10-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Lately I am good at creating posts reflecting specific numbers. The above gives account to two separate descriptions or facts about myself at this moment in time. Those of you who know me, know them both. Those of you that don't may simply just assume that I am odd. To grasp the awareness of 27 in relation to value in time means you know exactly how important 31 was and how important 20 will be on the 17th. Comprende?

Reflection in Search of Direction

2005-10-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

My thoughts that I have today are not necessarily seeking a response, but perhaps to let you know where I am because sometimes I have a hard time vocalizing my thoughts - I don't know, something about that fear of rejection or embarassment - that kinda crap. Let me preface my thoughts by introducing what has brought me to them in the first place - reflection. My 10 year high school reunion is upon me! 10 YEARS! I cannot believe this day is finally here. I have mixed emotions of excitement and fear rolled into one. Some of you could care less about this event, but you probably did not invest as much of yourself into this time in your life as I did. When asked by senior teachers to create goals for myself for the next 5-10 years, I took them literally. 10 years have come and I am now in thought about my goals. Ironically, most of them have come true - but the funny thing is, as they were unfolding and occuring I was not conscious of my list made back at Mortimer Jordan High School. I was just simply living. Do I have the ability to forsee the future - probably not. I am just blessed. Living in Fort Worth, TX was not a part of my plan, yet it is a pleasant surprise. Being married to a minister was not specifically in my wording, but my heart knew that my place was in the ministry and He has put me in the role of a helpmate for a worker in His business! :) Therefore, I am in the ministry too. I didn't know that I would be teaching school, but I did know that I would be working with youth - I LOVE IT! My first occupational choice was a licensed counselor for troubled teens - I am doing that, just without the license. ;0) Here is a funny one - I hoped to have a child by 27. Who can predict that? I did! Hmmm... I also predicted the time of my second child. Hmmm...

There is now a void I feel though. What now Lord? This question was probably provoked by our amazing dinner engagement we experienced with Dr. RT Kendall and Dr. James Leo Garrett on Sunday evening. Both gentlemen kindly entertained the questions and comments of my husband and myself as well as their families. Jeremy and I have been in prayer for quite some time now over where we are and how blessed we are by the Spirit and His gracious hand of mercy. I cannot help but see signs of change coming soon. Fear not, for I do not see a rapid exit, but I am aware that something will change. Will it be about my current time crunch? I don't know. Will it be about my educational endeavors or about Jeremy's educational endeavors? I don't know. I am stuck where I am right now - seeking and listening. My passage this morning was in 1 Samuel covering Jonathan's conquering of the Philistine encampment with only his armor bearer at his side. What now Lord? What now?

Pray for me...

Football Weather

2005-09-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! Hooray! Yippee! Praise the Lord! Yeehaw! Whoo hoo! Yessss! Today I arose and went through my morning ritual (minus my jog because I am a lazy bum). I openned the back door to release the hound upon the grassy knoll and found much to my delight the weatherman had actually been correct in his forcast. The Norther had swept into our little town and it was in fact quite cooler outside. There is nothing greater than the crisp breeze on a cool Autumn morning or the same slightly damp air sinking in on a Fall evening. This seasonal climate change is always associated with the fondest of memories to me. It brings about nothing greater than the images of football in my mind. I always stop and take a deep breath soaking in the aroma. It floods me with emotions of high school football games and college game day in the SEC (there is no other conference). Just the right temperature for a long sleeve t-shirt or a light pullover, yet not cold enough for your big thick coat with mittens. That shall come though! Just the right temperature to begin to entertain the notion of hot chocolate, warm nachos with artificial cheese, steaming hot dogs and corn dogs and stale popcorn. Just cool enough where if you paint your face it won't melt off. Perfect temperature to enjoy after game activities without worrying about perspiration marks on your attire. Get out your sweatshirts, pompoms, bull horns, & caps. Take time to clear your calendar for highlights and pep rallies. Change your ring tones and voicemails to reflect your alliance. IT IS FINALLY TIME FOR FOOTBALL MY FRIENDS!

Seven

2005-09-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Emma is seven months old today! My mind cannot begin to wrap around that concept. My child will be a year old in 5 months. She is 3 months away from her first Christmas. She is 2 months away from her first Thanksgiving where she will meet her Nana and Grandaddy for the first time. She is 1 month away from her first Halloween where she will gather candy that she cannot consume - chocolate and peanut butter please. SHE IS SEVEN MONTHS OLD! The Lord has been so gracious to our family to allow us to experience the amazing joy of parenting. She is perfect

Nondenomenational

2005-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Recently it has been brought to my attention that my understanding of the term "nondenomenational" and other understandings of this word may not be synonemous. I plead ignorance and lack of proper research; therefore, improper usage of the term. All my life, nondenomenational was affiliated with the description of an institution or grouping that is not affiliated with a particular denomenation of the Christian faith. This would include such groupings as the Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Church of God, Pentecostal, Bible Church, Baptist, Methodist, etc. Where my etc. ends the previous list, other understandings see it as just a beginning. I was informed that nondenomenational is a term used to describe ALL RELIGIONS. My statement to the person making this claim was, "oh, you mean like Unitarian." She then, states, "no, because Unitarian is a Christian faith." I decided not to debate this issue with her at the moment because we were pressed for time. I need your feedback. Is nondenomenational a description of all institutions who believe in God as the ultimate Creator and believe Christ to be essential to salvation, yet maintain different approaches to worship, government, and practice? Or is nondenomenational referring to all religious institutions that organize for group worship?

Hurricane Hazzards

2005-09-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today the Trojan Volleyball team was to encounter their first major game of the volleyball season by competing with Holland Hall from Tulsa, OK. Holland Hall has made the executive decision to not travel to the DFW area because of the pandelerium that has erupted as a result of Rita. I am definitely on the band wagon of caution being necessary now after the Wrath of God was unleashed upon both the uncivilized and the civilized of New Orleans. However, I cannot deny the disappointment that I am experiencing because of no match. Everything as we know it is beginning to change and adapt as our world encounters everything with new guards.

Beneficial Mornings

2005-09-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Every morning I fight the same battle that everyone in America faces - rising. Here is my dilema. If I do not remove my lard butt from the plush pillowtop mattress I am cuddling, then I eventually anger myself because I start my day off later than planned. My morning schedule is quite complex and if any time is shaved off of it, I become quickly frustrated and sometimes bezerk, quite frankly. So how to I get myself up? Some mornings I say to myself, "you are going to regret it". This is fact. Some mornings the other side of my subconcious says, "you deserve to lay here 9 more minutes." This is pointless. Really it is. 9 more minutes always turns to 18 and the vicious cycle begins. This morning for example, I planned to remove myself from the bed at 5:15. I think I got up an HOUR later. Needless to say my day is now just in shambles. I don't even have proper attire for the second part of my day. Every minute counts and yet I cannot win. I am a runner, yet, I have made that venture twice this week instead of my typical 4-5. Exhausted I remain even with the extra hour of "rest". I may enlist someone to call and yell at me in the early morning hour so I will get up - i.e. Clay Skipper. Otherwise the cycle will continue and I will again become a worthless rolly polly with the energy of a watch battery.

Southern Dictionaries

2005-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Words are so necessary in truly understanding one another. Yes, yes, we can communicate without them, but to hear accents, pronunciations, and diction allows us to see even further into the heart of a person. Do not misunderstand this though! By this definition I am not stating that one who "mispronounces" a word is lacking - this is far from the case. I see one who "mispronounces" as one who introduces ideas to the rest of their fellow man. Perhaps the way that the word has been pronounced previously is not beneficial to society. Perhaps the previous emphasis is on the wrong syllable. Perhaps simply the person is simply trying to connect with us and simply needs redirecting on how they might do so in larger circles. Or perhaps you are missing out on that circle!

Words to contemplate:
column - meaning pillar or post - pronounced callyum
battery - meaning element to conduct electric power to a device - pronounced battree
or how about:
Whomperjawed - something that is not alligned appropriately - phonetic pronunciation is acceptable
emo - referring to someone who is truly emotional
metro- as in metrosexual - referring to a male who takes great interest in their hygiene

Any additions would be welcomed to this posting.

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

2005-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

"I was driving through Mississippi today and I saw a billboard with her picture on it. It said simply, "the most beautiful girl in the world'." -JRAnderson

Who's to Blame?

2005-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Of course I would choose this topic to begin my blogging career from because as a historian, it is the current dilema of my time. We have exhausted every avenue in which to direct the blame and our fingers should ache from holding them in this position for so long. When will we as a human race finally grasp the concept that the time wasted on seeking such divine answers - answers that possibly are not crucial to what needs to be accomplished next - is time that could be used to rebuilding humanity and giving hope to those without by demonstrating compassion, grace, and love. When reflecting upon my week and the weeks of fellow friends and colleagues, I often find they are swamped with meetings...meetings that are designated to prevent further meetings perhaps, but still meetings. If responsibility were learned by all, than meetings would be effortless and perhaps useless. We meet to organize - because there are those who cannot within each group, therefore all must meet for those few. We meet to plan - again for the same reason. We meet to correct - for those who did not plan or organize and failed to attend meeting one and two. We meet to counsel - to direct those in lower authorities how to navigate through their responsibilities. We meet to advise - to remind those in certain positions of their potential and their limitations. We meet to eat - to comfort ourselves from all of the stress that has accumulated from prior meetings. When will we stop meeting and start doing? When will we not have to be reminded of our responsibilities in each role we take including human being. Your responsibility as a president is understood. Your responsibility as government official is understood - federal, state, & local. Your responsibility as a citizen is understood? or is it? Your responsibility as a created person is understood? or is it?