Ten on Tuesday - Inventions

10 Inventions That Have Made Life Easier

Love this list idea. Makes you realize how good, and easy, we really have it these days. Yet we still complain that we don't have time to get things done. Ahhh, that's the nature of us beasts.

10. Right off the get-go, during summer, you've got to give props to the inventors of the air conditioner. If you've ever had the eighth or ninth month of pregnancy fall during summer... you know what I'm talking about. I love my AC!

9. Microwave. Leftovers are so much easier today than they were for my grandmother's generation.

8. Cell phones. Bruce and I keep track of each other via cells often.

7. Braces. Yes, braces. Anyone who has seen a picture of me before I had braces on my teeth for three years will attest to the truth that braces are a modern miracle.

6. Refrigerator. Because I appreciate the fact that my food is stored safely and I don't have to worry about food poisoning. We have enough vomit in our home thanks to viruses; we don't need any food poisoning here.

5. Washing machine. I could make it without the dryer, but if my washing machine ever dies, we'll be replacing it the very same day... even if we have to eat pinto beans for months to cover the cost.

4. Motor vehicles. Makes traveling long distances so much easier. But I think a horse and buggy would be cheaper these days.

3. Ovens/stoves. Ever cooked a real meal over a campfire? I haven't. Thankfully.

2. Computers. How did people survive without all the ways that computers make life easier? Got sick kids but want to see if the library has a book you've been dying to read? Go online. Got questions about a medical malady, but it's 2 a.m. and all the pharmacies in your area are closed? Go online. Got time to kill and need some mindless entertainment? Go online and find a mahjong or sudoku game.

1. Indoor plumbing. I've used an actual outhouse once. It ain't right, folks. On so many levels, it just ain't right.

Want to list inventions you're thankful for? Go here.



P.S. Like my new signature? I do. My friend Nicole did it for me. She's great!

A Meeting of the Minds

That saying "Old friends are the best friends" is so true.

I was so blessed to get together this weekend with some of the neatest, brightest, funnest (oh yeah, I said that!) most creative people I know. They're my old friends, with nothing snarky intended about their ages. Actually, most of them are younger than I am.

Here they are:

Darrell, Alan, Karen and Leroy



I haven't seen these friends in seven years, since they all converged on our home. This time Karen hosted. The picture above was made near her home, at an elementary school playground.

I left from home around mid morning and headed toward a suburb of Knoxville, to Karen's home. She had organized the get together of several people that we used to work with at a now-defunct newspaper in the Upper Cumberland region.

Those years together were the best of times. And sometimes, the worst of times. But there were always laughs. Always.

I have known Leroy the longest. We worked together at another newspaper in Sparta, Tennessee, for a year in 1995 before he moved on to greener pastures. Or so he thought.

Within a few months, I tagged along after him. And that's where I met Karen, Alan and Darrell.

A brand new, highly technological newspaper was formed and called The Putnam Morning Light. We now joke and call it The Morning Blight.

(I've never worked at a newspaper that didn't have an alternate name. One to use when disgust over long hours and short pay kicked in. For instance, The Sparta Expositor can be changed when necessary to The Suppository. See? It's great fun!)

Karen and I were reporters, sometimes photographers and/or editors. Leroy, Darrell and Alan are all computer geniuses who can do magic in Photoshop and any other program that relates to art or layout.

The first newspaper went through a transition in ownership and we moved locations up the hill in Monterey and worked out of Crossville for awhile before that paper, The Cumberland Journal , also went belly up. (Just an FYI, The Journal's alternate nickname was The Urinal. That still makes me smile.)

It was a shame, too, when it ended.

Because I have never worked with more talented people than those I worked with there. Each person was really excellent at their area of expertise. Not simply good... excellent. I learned so much from each of them. And not just about newspapers.

A lot has changed in the last decade.

Darrell's daughter is a teenager now. I'm a stay-at-home mom. Karen went to work for her alma mater, got married and has two precious boys. Leroy finished college and teaches at a private school now. And Alan has bought a house and "downsized" his preference for fast, flashy cars and now drives a pick-up truck.

Not even one of us works in newspaper now. Although, both Darrell and Alan still work with computers and layout.

The conversation was ripe on Saturday. We laughed until we cried. We recalled stories upon stories. We picked at each other. We vented some, too. It was good.

I didn't get home until nearly midnight.

A big thanks to our spouses, who allowed us to do this visit solo and sans children. All the better to be able to hear each other and have a genuine catch-up session.

We're all already talking about the next shindig. We won't wait so long this next time.

Lintball Leo

I bought a great book for Clay when he had his birthday, and he just finished it.

I had to share it with you, because it has generated so much good discussion with me and my boy. And I know several of you have boys near Clay's age.

Here's the book.



"Lintball Leo's Not-So-Stupid Questions About Your Body" by Dr. Walt Larimore.

It's for boys only (even says so on the front cover!), ages 8-12. Dr. Larimore, the author, is vice-president of medical outreach at Focus on the Family, so I trusted this book. I skimmed it while at Lifeway, though, to see what subjects were covered.

Here are some of the chapters:
- I'm Not Liking My Body
- I'm So Mad I Could...
- Hair: Up Here, and Down There
- What's That Smell and What Are Those Zits Doing Here?
- The "M" Word (You'll have to guess what that's about. Seinfeld did an episode on this, if that helps. I didn't see it though so maybe it doesn't, but I have to draw the line somewhere with what words I can actually make myself type for this blog. Line drawn here.)
- Why Did God say "Wait!"?

It's a cute book, with Lintball Leo being a piece of talking lint that the boy character, Steve, has picked out of his bellybutton. Sounds gross, I know, but the book is written for young boys, so gross is not only okay in this case, but also probably highly desirable for the intended audience.

Clay read the book in a few days. And he has asked several questions and regurgitated lots of info that might be embarrassing if I let it hit me too deep. But I try to respond above my gut level.

My son has asked me when he'll have armpit hair and how much he'll have. He's asked me about pimples and what to do to keep them away. We even talked about how much sleep his body needs as it grows into a young man.

I have to admit, I read every word on the chapter about the M word. I wanted to double check all the info to see if I approved.

It was handled great. The best part was at the end. I'm going to quote it. The first bit is Lintball Leo talking; then Steve replies.

"'I love being your friend and advisor, but God has also given two other men to guide and teach you. One is your dad and the other is your pastor or youth pastor. I'd encourage you to talk to them about these kinds of things. Be sure that they are all right with what I'm telling you. OK?'

'Yeah,' replied Steve. 'I guess it's time for me to spend some time with my dad.'"

I love that these issues are laid at the doorstep of dads. Up until now, most of the sex ed stuff has been my realm, because I'm home more. But that will shift in the next few years as my boys grow into young men.

I have to admit, though, I'd love to be a fly on the wall if my son were ever to approach our pastor with these questions.

Ummm, maybe not. Some things are just best kept between men.

Saturday Singing - No One Else

Great song by Building 429.



My world is closing in
On the inside
But I’m not showing it
When all I am is crying out
I hold it in and fake a smile
Still I’m broken
I’m broken

Only one can understand
And only one can hold the hand
Of the broken
Of the broken

When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in your arms
Again

I need no explanation of why me
I just need confirmation
Only You could understand the emptiness inside my head
I am falling
I am falling

I’m falling down upon my knees
To find the one who gives me peace
I am flying
Lord I am flying

When no one else knows how I feel
Your love for me is proven real
When no one else cares where I’ve been
You run to me with outstretched hands
And You hold me in Your arms
Again

I have come to you in search of faith
Cause I can’t see beyond this place
Oh You are God and I am man
So I’ll leave it in Your hands


For more Then Sings My Soul Saturday, hop over to Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Friends, Food and Fun

Wednesday we joined several friends and their kids for a few hours of fun.

I'm posting this late because I took pictures with my cell phone, which I don't know how to download. I had to have Bruce do it. But I took notes, so I can be a big girl and do it all by myself next time.

I decided at the last minute to join my friends for the day out, despite the laundry that needed to be washed and the camper that needed to be stocked for our trip. Because friends are more important that clean underwear and eating while on vacation.

(Although, I do put clean underwear high on my list of priorities in life. You never know when you might be in an accident and have to go to the ER.)

We started out at the local mall where they are showing free movies for the kids all summer on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

I got there first with my three kids, then Carolyn arrived with Taylor. Kim had an appointment to keep, so she dropped Grace Katherine off at the theater with us. (Kim's boys are at camp.) Then Amy arrived with Nick and Tyler, Carolyn's son, who had spent the night with Nick. (Amy's older boys are at camp, too.)

We saw this movie.



I was hesitant to take my kids because the online review said the theater version includes more questionable language than the DVD version. However, we went, and we loved it. The language is there, but just a bit, and my kids didn't even notice it - I think because of listening to the accent throughout the whole movie.

By the time in the movie that the boy Angus says, "You're the best friend I've ever had" I was crying like a child.

I have to get a scanner. And scan a particular photo of my older brother when he was a kid. Because that boy who plays Angus, Alex Etel, and my brother are dead ringers!



Freckles and all. (Updated: that picture above is Alex, not my brother. I have to get the picture of Terry from my grandpa's house the next time I visit. Then I'll revisit this post and show you what I mean. Plus, I still need to convince Bruce that I need a scanner.)

After the movie, we met Kim at a locally owned hot dog place downtown called TK's Big Dogs. It was my first time there. Great staff. Super friendly. A little expensive, but worth a visit.

Here's a couple of the pictures I took with my cell phone.

Clay, Nick and Tyler.



Allison, Taylor and Grace Katherine in the back, Spencer in front.



After lunch, Amy and Nick had to leave, but the rest of us walked up the street to the library. We didn't stay for the show they had for the summer reading program. The older kids didn't care for it the last time we watched one of the shows. But they got their stickers for the books they had read. And we turned in several books and checked out several more.

I even checked out a couple of books on CD to listen to while we make the long trek to the Outer Banks in a week.

Then we all went our separate ways. But it was so good to be together while it lasted.

What a great way to spend a Wednesday.


"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Swimming Lessons

Our kids started their swimming lessons on Monday evening.

These pictures aren't great, because it wasn't light enough inside.

Here's Clay's class.



Clay working on his backstroke.



Spencer and Allison's class.



Spencer and Allison between one-on-one time with the instructor.



This year, we're doing the lessons through the YMCA closer to where Bruce works instead of in our hometown. He has an easier time getting to the lessons that way. And they have their own pool up there, instead of using a local high school's pool, which is what our local Y does. Where we're at this year has a nice set-up, with a couple of lifeguards on duty even while the swimming instructors are in the water with the kids.

Another huge advantage this year is that all three kids are in the water at the same time, even though Clay is in a different division than Spencer and Allison. So Bruce and I are not waiting on the side with a kid who's impatient to get into the water or a kid who is cold and/or tired after being in the water and has to wait for his sibling's turn to be over.

Clay, Spencer and Allison are doing very well. And the timing is perfect, considering that our vacation falls right as their lessons end.

Wednesday, as we were driving home from the lessons, we had some interesting discussions in the van.


I had given the kids a hearty snack before the lessons and planned to give them supper when we got home. But I haven't really been cooking this week because the lessons fall at the time we usually eat supper. I asked the kids what they wanted to eat: PB&J, a chicken sandwich or ham & cheese.

Allison piped up with her usual "ham and cheese," while Clay stuck with his old standby - PB&J.

Spencer's response was "cheese and ham."

I said, "So you want a ham and cheese sandwich?"

"No, I want a cheese and ham."

Just to poke a little fun, I pressed him. "A ham and cheese, huh?"

"No, mom. I want a cheese and ham sandwich."

"Well, Spencer, what's the difference?"

After a bunch of hemming and hawing, he gave me his definitions of both. Evidently, a ham and cheese is mostly plain, but can include mustard, while a cheese and ham would be topped with a tomato.

Okay. Got it! And I'm so happy to understand the difference now. You know, so we can always be on the same page. I'd hate to cheat my boy out of a tomato.


After the swimming lessons, the kids got in the van in their swimsuits with their towels under them. Allison wears a one-piece. (We did bikinis and tankinis while she was potty training, but now that she's older, Bruce and I are only letting her wear one-piece suits. It's just one more method we're using to teach her and the boys modesty. And, ironically, Bruce is far more strict than I am about what she wears, which I think will speak volumes to them as they grow older.)

Allison had glanced down toward her chest and then piped up with this...

"Mom, the parts of my swimsuit that cover my chest... that's where I'm going to have boobies."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that considering genetics and the modesty with which we dress her... ummm, the size she's planning on is not likely.

She paused. Then glanced back down. And then said, "But not where the suit goes up on my shoulders. I won't have boobies there."

Clay giggled and then said, "That would be good if she had boobies up near her shoulders."

Wondering what possibly could be going through his head, I asked him why that would be a plus. He couldn't articulate an answer, but he stuck to his premise that it would be good for Allison to have breasts up near her shoulders.

And that, folks, is how a Boob Man is born.


We had been to the library earlier that day, so Clay was reading a Magic School Bus book on the weather. That kid stores info like his brain is a locked safe. And he asks questions. Lots of questions. So, of course, the next topic we discussed was the weather.

Clay said, "Mom, I sure am glad that we haven't had any tornadoes where we live."

I agreed, but told him there had been tornadoes nearby.

"Where, Mom?"

"I can't remember the name of the town, but it's close."

"How close?

"I don't know."

"Like 20 miles away?"

"I don't know, Clay."

"Maybe it was 30 miles away."

"Clay, honey, I just don't know."

And then, the obvious question that begged to be asked by Clay: "Well, then, Mom, how do you know there was a tornado there?"

Because, really, if a person can't tell you how far away a storm was, then maybe it never really happened. Maybe they made it up. Or just flat out lied.

"Clay, I know there was a tornado there because I saw the newspaper the next day and there were pictures of all the destruction."

Forget waiting for the teen years. He already acts like I'm an idiot.

I'm trying to take comfort in the fact that he's ahead of his time.

After vacation, I have all three kids signed up for private swimming lessons. Can you tell that I'm ready to get rid of all the floaties in our possession?

Thankful Thursday - No Medication

Sometimes I realize things in a delayed fashion.

It hit me the other day that I haven't given Clay any allergy medication since a bit before school let out.

"No big deal," you think? He has seasonal allergies, so you surmise that the seasonal items that irritate him have simply passed by?

Perhaps.

However, last year symptoms from his "seasonal" allergies required him to be on medication from March through September.

You guess it's just a down year for allergens?

Maybe.

But Clay and I prayed together... a bunch... over his allergies. We asked God to please lessen his symptoms so that one day Clay will simply outgrow the allergies and not need medication at all anymore.

Today, I'm claiming this season as a time of God's answered prayers. And I am thankful.

Clay's allergies are minimal compared to what some folks go through. I realize that.

Normally, his nose runs constantly. And while he blows it regularly with a tissue, sometimes he doesn't and the gunk gathers just enough to tickle the edge of a nostril. He then picks at it. A lot. And eventually he has a bloody little scab at the tip of his nose. A scab that I spend months trying to heal with liberal doses of triple antibiotic ointment swabbed at the site.

His throat itches so intensely that by the end of the day, when his dose of Claritin is wearing off, he starts "scratching" his throat by rubbing the top and bottom of it together. This makes a noise that sounds like a piglet's snort. In the height of allergy season, it's the music that serenades Bruce and me to sleep each night. I often hear it throughout the night, too, which means my boy is not getting good rest. This probably explains the ever-present blue shadows beneath Clay's eyes.

And any time he is outdoors, you can bet I'll be piggy-backing his Claritin with a dose of Benadryl, because his eyes become inflamed, red and irritated. (Before I realized he had allergies, when he was still a toddler, the white part of his eyeball swelled so much he had a knot on the side of it. I came unglued and called my mother-in-law who told me Clay's uncle did the same thing as a boy because of allergies. I dosed Clay with Benadryl and his eyeball returned to its normal sphere. This has happened only a few times thankfully!)

BUT...

Clay does not have asthma because of his allergies. He does not require injections as treatment.

I know he has had it easy compared to others with allergies.

Still, we prayed for them to go away, and they have. And for the first time in his life that my son can remember he is having a symptom-free, medication-free summer.

That's big for us.

And Clay knows we prayed for this.

That's even bigger.


"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:27

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:11

WFW - Bell

This is my first time to post a picture I've taken that I've played with in Photoshop. I think I'm addicted. Seriously. I'm giggling like the court jester in my computer corner, while my husband tries to ignore my delight.

I posted this picture Sunday, when I wrote about my visit to my grandpa's. But I love this bell so much I had to use it for my first WFW.



I'll learn more from some masters as I go along (which means you shouldn't be surprised if I drop you a comment begging for some help.). But this one's not bad for a beginner, if I say so myself.

It makes me happy. And it's hump day, so that's a good thing.

For more Word Filled Wednesday pictures, go here.