"In the good old summertime"
Even though TJ is no longer in the public school system, we still have a "summer break" feel about our home. One of the things that makes summers exciting for our family is the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, a...
View ArticleEating at Costco
The emotion crushing part of having a handsome young man trapped in this spastic twisted body is not knowing. Is he in pain? Does he have an itch he can't scratch? Is he hot or cold? What we do know is...
View ArticleArticle 21
"Happy Holidays", it is said. November and December are hard months and glorious months. Families travel to be together. Other family members nearby, travel to get as far away as they can. Ah yes,...
View ArticleSerpents or Eggs?
We are often reminded what a loving God we have in the Scriptures. We are told in Luke 11, "Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find:knock, and it shall be opened unto you." In verse...
View ArticleMr. In-Between
How much of our personalities are developed or influenced by our birth order? This subject has been researched and hypothesized to death. In my many "ladies baby-shower" discussion groups, the subject...
View Article"Am I my Brother's keeper or is that Mom's job?"
The turmoil that a Mother feels when she has to continue to love a child that doesn't deserve to be loved, is undescribable. The other children in the family deserve to be defended, protected, and...
View ArticleHappy New Year!
It's August! That means that a new school year is just around the corner. September is the most wonderful month of the entire year. I can't shake the excitement even though my youngest child is almost...
View ArticleArticle 16
Any minute now, child number 4 will be dropping HER daughters off and she and I will be going for a run. Where has the time gone? I started running after the birth of child number 5. I was about to...
View ArticleA Good Man is Hard to Find
In 1918, Eddie Green composed the song, "A Good Man is Hard to Find". the lyrics tell us that "you always get the other kind, just when you think that he is your pal, you look for him and find him...
View ArticleCome Fly With Me
I have determined that the middle seat on the airplane is my destiny. When I fly with husband, I understand that I am in the middle, but, flying alone today, there I was smooshed between two men. Men...
View ArticleLike Riding a Bike!
I have to admit I was a little nervous coming to Texas to sit for Hayley's babes. With Taylor's boys and Kendall's girls, I was there from day one. We see them almost everyday. The babies know me and...
View ArticleC'est Bleu
Oh Yeah! I guess I can't deny this is my Grandson! Look at those big front teeth! Don't worry babe, it's a good thing. I was about Kaden's age when this picture was taken. I have on my favorite dress...
View ArticlePleasure, Happiness, and Joy
Smiling is contagious. Look at the joy on Kendall's face, you can barely see Hayley's smile behind Ashley. Ashley always has a smile on her face. Kaden's joy jumps off the page and grabs your heart. On...
View ArticleWho Am I?
In the marvelous play, "Les Miserables" we are introduced to a man who was irrationally imprisoned with his name and identity removed for 20 years. He was known by a number 24601. How important is our...
View ArticleFaith and Trembling
Liz Lemon SwindleThe word "Changeling" comes from an ancient fear that Mothers had that their children would be stolen in the middle of the night and replaced with evil children. This fear provided the...
View ArticleMade in China!
In a sea of black bowl cuts, my blond and caramel headed grandchildren spin and climb at an amazing play area in Beijing, China. Who da thought! It's an out of body experience being here. The Aiyes'...
View ArticleAll God's children can't wear turbans!
I will leave China at 7:30am on Tuesday morning and arrive at 7:30am on Tuesday morning in Portland. I have already eaten tempura and rice, too many carbs and fat. I have purchased a few not needed...
View ArticleThe Bends
When a diver ascends too quickly he will suffer from the bends defined as "pain resulting from rapid change in pressure". This is a perfect description of what I feel when I return home from a...
View Article"What Child is This?"
I've been struggling with a hum-buggness that has plagued me for about 15 years. I have wonderful memories of Christmas and use to worship and adore every cheesy thing about this season. My first...
View ArticleChanging... Baby
The changing tables you find in most public bathrooms in America are a new addition to the world. The Koala Kare changing table in fact was not invented until 1986. I was 33 and had 6 children in 1986....
View ArticleSleeping With Cowboys
If you were asked to stage an American Western themed bedroom, what would you imagine? An antique rusted iron bed? Cowhide on the floor with bandannas hung at the windows? Red leather and stud framed...
View ArticleSay Hi to Dixie!
If you want to feel the Christmas Spirit this time of year, take TJ shopping. The kindness and joy that exudes from people when they encounter him is amazing. The Americans With Disability Act requires...
View ArticleArticle 1
Grand Parenting AutismFebruary 20, 2012 by heavensentandbent | EditI wanted 12 children. I knew from the time I played with dolls that parenting was my career path. When I actually began my family I...
View ArticleNew Beginnings!
NEW BEGINNINGSThe daffodils with their bright yellow skirts stand tall as spring is welcomed in the Northwest. I love how they randomly burst through the green blanket that all our rain provides. Green...
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