Jason

As this day of giving thanks is coming quickly to a close, I want to say how thankful I am for Jason.  It is said you always are close to your first born.  I was determined to stay that way with my first and second born children.  I didn't want to favor one over the other, they are both very different.  They both have their own personalities, strengths, likes and dislikes.  The name "Jason" means "a friend to all" and some versions say "healer".  This stands to reason as he is a people person.  One who likes people and to please people.  If I were adding a meaning to the name "Jason", I might add "private" or "quiet"....a gentle "man". 

Saying that definition, this post will be just the things I find to thank God for in Jason.  He doesn't "do" FB or any other social network, and there is a reason for it! 

From the time he was young, he has been good with children.  He pays attention to them, and talks to them.  This picture says it best, the look of adoration on Austin's face.  Both boys run to see him and give him hugs as he lifts them high in the air.  Now, sadly they are getting too big for much lifting!

I love how he not only cares for children, he is the one that shows love to the grown ups in our family.  Starting with Becky, he has always been proud of her accomplishments.  He puts her up on a pedestal for sure, and is one of her biggest fans.  He makes the calls to keep in touch or plan a family dinner (for the most part).  Actually, he may not make the plans, but he starts the ball rolling and Becky picks it up!  He loves granny and mamaw and thought the world of papaw.  He makes sure, if they haven't called, he calls them once in awhile.  Not big on visits (ha), he does make sure he sees them either at a family gathering or a personal visit to their home. 

I am thankful how Jason appreciates Clyde and I.  Anything we do for him, the normal things all parents do to support their kids, he always goes the extra mile to say thanks and how thankful he is for us.  At times, he has put us up on said pedestal and I tell him quickly we are very human. We are far from perfect (SO far) and our relationship is good only by the grace of God.  To Him we give the glory and honor.

I could go on about his relationships with the adults in his life.  Like Aunt Martha, Uncle Harley, his girlfriend Rosemary and others.  He is thoughtful and considerate to each one of us.  Growing up he knew I loved the word "considerate" and that I tried to instill this in our family.  In art class at school, he used that word to make a very creative drawing.   

These are a few of the things I thank God for regarding Jason.  More than anything above, I am thankful he believes in God.  Through the years, when he saw a friend in need, someone lost a loved one or a friend was sick, he would call and ask me to pray.  He believes in prayer and a God above that is here below and listens to our requests.  That loves us unconditionally, the way I love Jason. 

 

Becky

I have been thinking to write a blog entry about Becky for a long time.  Now, at Thanksgiving time seems like a good time.  Many times I say how thankful I am for Clyde, and I am.  More than these words can say.  Each time I think I may type a status on FB about her, I change my mind.  Reason being is that I don't want to sound prideful or sound like I am ragging about anyone else.  That would be the last thing I would want to do.  Only by the power of God and His goodness, is she the miracle she is.  We were given her and we raised her to the best of our ability, but He made her who she is.

She came into the world a whopping 5 lbs.  Lost a few pounds in the hospital but never looked back.  The only issue that an early birth brought most likely is her poor eyesight.  Not a fact, but a big possibility.  Or inherited from her parents!  Even though she had to wear eyeglasses her entire life, and in high school she had lasik surgery, she never really complained.  I don't recall hearing her mention how poorly she could see, or complaining when she had to still wear contacts even after lasik.  She just did what she had to do. 

I am proud of her for the woman she is.  She works full time and puts many extra hours in the evening & weekends for projects or meetings and has taken students out of the state several times.    The reason I mentioned this, is that she has a full plate.  She has been an over achiever all her life.  She never stops and rarely rests.  She loves to run.  To get hers in, she has to do it after the kids go to bed or early before they stir.  I have heard her mention that she got her run in early that morning, maybe 5:30 or 6.  Or she doesn't get one at all.

A little about Matthew....Before Katie died she and Matthew needed a home.  Their birth daddy loved them (and still does), and tried to keep them alone but knew he needed help.  This is when she got involved and tried to take them.  Before this happened, Katie was hurt and died.  That left Matthew who still needed a home and at this time, no one close to him could take him.  He temporarily went into foster care, and through prayer and God's leading, she and Jason lovingly took Matthew into their family. 

He is now seven and was three at the time.  When they got him, I have to say his speech was not as developed as Austin, who was turning three in May the same year.  We sat around a campfire and he was singing.  We could not understand him but it sound like the ABC song.  When we asked him if it was, he sang it with us.  He had some oral issues as well, and as soon as they got him, Becky found a dentist that fixed his teeth.  He now speaks just as clearly as any seven year old and is losing his teeth in a timely manner.  Not three years too soon.  I didn't mean to get into Matthew's first few years, I love his birth daddy, his daddy's family is my family, so I will just say Matthew is one of my three grand kids.  Period.  He is one of the Keith's three children.  Period. 

I wanted to give a little background on how they became a family of five.  Also, when I talk about how busy she is with three children, I hesitate to ever say so because of the connection to his birth family (my brother's grandson) and not wanting to sound like we are complaining!  Becky & Jason have worked with Matthew to give him every opportunity in life as Austin & Maggie have.  This just keeps them running a lot.  There is no other choice.  Matthew & Austin have played t-ball, coach pitch baseball, Matthew has played on a soccer team, Karate (can't spell what he really took), and they both are now playing on an indoor baseball team and signed up for basketball for the first time.  Maggie has taken ballet, gymnastics and played last fall on her first t-ball team.  This is the list of their organized sports teams.

Jason works out of town most evenings, and makes 100% effort to come home to read with them, help with homework & baths but she does most of the running before he gets home.  We help out when she asks.  Clyde does this more than I do, as he comes home about the time they need to be picked up from after school care.  Most of this all falls on Becky.  Now, I know Jason works just as hard as she does and helps out at home with the cooking & cleaning as needed.  They are a team.  It takes them both to keep these precious kids spiritually fed, healthy, and happy.

I also want to mention that she has a house bigger than any we ever owned.  It is three full floors.  It is decorated beautifully, although it is very lived it, she and Jason keep it very clean.  I won't go into their house because that's rather private:)  But it takes work!  I started typing this while visiting with friends who came to watch the UK game.  It was blacked out here in Florida, so  I have been listening to the men talk, trying to catch the score of the UK/MSU game, and type this.  I only  meant to say I am thankful for Becky and to tell why.  This is what came out.   I hope that it makes sense and isn't too "intrusive" into their life. 

She has a heart full of love.  She would take a houseful of kids in if she could.  The things I am thankful for are too numerous to mention.  All of the above, plus how she forgives me when I interfer and give more advice than she wants or needs.  How she still gets as excited over the "little things" in life as she did when she was a child.  She lives life to the fullest.  She has chosen to work outside of the home.  She is tired more than she ever says, has to be.  But for the most part, you would never know it.  She pastes on a smile and keeps going.  I am thankful God gave me that 5 lb. baby that grew into an incredible woman that is making a difference.  Thank you God for this amazing person.

I take pics all the time but when I need them I can't seem to find one.  The ones here and above are sure not ones I would choose if I had more on this computer!  I may copy/paste and add some more, but this will do for now!  The baby is Vivian, child of friends from t-ball. 

 

Thanksgiving 2012

This will be one Thanksgivng we will remember.  With having three days off work (for me), and having two personal days not accounted for, made the wheels in Clyde's mind start turning.  He got busy on the phone trying to get a "last call" week for us in Florida.  You can wait and call two weeks out and if there is a room not taken, you can get it....cheap.  So, that is a good reason to own a time share (for us, at least).  We come to the same area each year, and we bought it for next to nothing at the time of purchase.  The maintenance fee is the biggest expense, but ours is much cheaper than renting a condo for a week.  So, we are happy with owning at the Islander in New Smyrna.  Now, because it's a popular place to go, there are rarely "extra" weeks, but we go through Horizon and buy the week at another resort.  This is a new one for us, in Daytona Shores (south of Daytona).  We are at the Tropic Shores this week and really love the resort, the common areas, and the room is nice.  Very clean, everything looks new. 

So, off we went after school on Friday.  We will stay here until Sat. morning and hit the road for home.  The "down" side is that we missed the Baker Thanksgiving.  We hated that, but know we will see everyone at Christmas.  The Baker's get together for both holidays and we appreciate that.  Yesterday was their big feast at the Hiles.  Aunt Martha is their closest "next of kin" so we know they were loved and felt no loss that mom & dad were missing!  They had beautiful weather and Becky said the kids ate outside! 

Here are a few pics of our week so far.

This is the 6th floor of our resort, it's called the sun deck.  The back of the resort is shaded early this time of year.  I would NOT like that if I were here at spring break.  The beach would be the spot for sunning, or here on the sun deck. 

 

Walking in the front door.  Behind this pic is the bathroom & bedroom.  I like the sink looking out the window and you can see the ocean, sand & waves very easily.  This is from the 3rd floor.

Nice, clean all new looking kitchen.  We asked if the condo had just been remodeled.  The people at the front desk said no, they just keep the furniture changed as necessary (or something like that).

The window looks out to the hall near the elevator (but the elevator is enclosed by a glass door, so no sound).  The window mirror is just an accessory but cool.

Walked into White Chapel church of God and saw Brenda Birch, pastor Steve's wife.  They came to Eastland when dad was on the pulpit committee and mom & dad were close to them.  Brenda was in the Women of the Church of God and mom mentions often how super sweet she is.  They have pastored here for four years.  His son, Brent, team preaches with Steve and actually was in the pulpit yesterday.

 

This is at a restaurant called North Turn.  Many pictures, cars, racing memorabilia all over. Looked like a bar/grill where everyone comes to watch football.

More North Turn inside.

Back to the condo.  Two of the common areas downstairs.

 

We enjoyed a very nice bike ride on Sunday.  We got a package deal for $21 that includes bikes, chairs, umbrellas and anything else we need to use for the week.

 

To wind this up, I have been excited to see Thanksgiving & some Christmas decorations up at the beach.  We are never here at this time of year, so pretty neat for me.  I want to wish my family & friends a blessed holiday.  Everyone has been posting what they are thankful for each day of the month in November.  For now, I just want to say I am blessed beyond what I deserve and would not change my life with anyone for anything.  I know I don't have many earthly riches, or sure don't have a body anyone would want, but those are things that just don't matter to me.  I am content with who I am and what I have, but more importantly, I do not deserve the gift from my Father in Heaven.  Forgiveness, grace and above all his love for me.  Thank you God.

Memories By Way of Mom

As anyone that reads my blog knows, I go to moms a few times each week for an hour or so each time.  Mom still is very sharp in her mind, again as I've said before.  She doesn't forget many things.  She can recall the years she dated dad, when they got engaged, details of his siblings that most of us can't recall of our own.  A couple of things she has talked about that I don't want to forget are:
The year was 1945 when they got engaged.  Mom said dad didn't want to give her a ring for either her birthday or Christmas.  So he bought her a really nice dresser set for her birthday on Dec 9th.  Then on Christmas he bought her a cedar chest.  Then he asked her to marry him between her birthday and Christmas.  He didn't make much money at this time, only $50.00 a week.  The money he made while in the Army he sent home to his mom.  She saved it for him and gave it to him when he returned.  He used this money to pay for these things.

My dad has managed money well all his life.  He truly took care of mom and treated her like "his baby"....
Dad was quiet and not as "out going" as mom.  He was very kind, talked to others, and what he had to say you wanted to listen to.  One thing that makes us laugh to this day is this:
Mom, Dad, Kent and I went to Gatlinburg about three years ago, maybe a year before he died.  For this to be humorous to you, you would have to know that dad was very clean, always used a napkin, never ate "with his fingers" in the pie.  Well, we decided to go to the Dixie Stampede.  You got it, dad had to eat with his fingers.  I was "along" to keep Kent company, play Rook with them, and help out with mom & dad.  Eating in the semi-dark was not easy for dad.  He couldn't see 100% at this point, so the dark made it all the harder.  Each dish that came, he was a little "taken aback" to sup from the rim of the bowl, pick up a slice of meat with his fingers....used his napkin a LOT.

I was not next to dad, so I couldn't help much.  Plus, the music made it hard to hear (or talk).  So, I sort of looked over mom from time to time.  Well, after the meal, I saw dad reaching to the edge of the table looking for a "wipe".  I saw him reach over to speak to mom, then I saw mom reach out to pick him up a wipe.  Well, she got one and handed it to dad.  Of course he wasn't too careful ripping off the paper from what he thought was a wipie.  Suddenly (I am laughing now, seeing this), sugar projected out of the white package....he quickly said to mom "Becky, what did you give me?".....well, the way he said this just cracked mom and me up.  Just too funny, as she had NO idea it was sugar.
Dad was about 88 at this time.

Always good to be with my siblings, mother and brother in laws.  Mom has been giving away many household "treasures", pictures, other things we would inherit when she passes.  She decided she wanted to give them to us now, while we can enjoy her things.  She enjoys seeing us living and using the "fruit of their labor".  She is quite happy that dad was a good money manager and she is able to pass on to us what they have worked so hard for.  Each of us appreciate this gesture and the sacrifices they made throughout our lives for us.  Mom & dad truly taught us how to raise our families and how to be a married couple.  She told me yesterday at her house, "I never knew how much I would miss Stanley".....she has a good clear mind and recalls many things that made up the years they were married.....65.

This is my sister, Beverly, and her "preacher" husband Larry.  They enjoy life to the fullest.  If anyone thinks Clyde and I travel a lot....they most likely would beat us!  Like us, they enjoy driving around looking at the beautiful Kentucky sideroads, eating at quaint little "finds".  They spend a lot of time with their grown kids and enjoy family time with them.

 

This is my mom with Kent. Although his life choices have not always been the best, he now is better than he has been! He loves mom, loves living with her, cleaning her house, driving her around (like Driving Miss Daisy) and is happy enough. I go by a couple of times a week to play rummy....and we pass away a few hours. Sometimes we talk, sometimes we laugh, and sometimes we are quiet. He is a man of few words.

 

Everyone needs a best friend and I often say Martha is moms:)  However, Martha has some VERY close friendships, women who are with her through hospital visitation with our family, on good days & bad.  Everyone needs friends like hers.  But, saying that, M & M do love spending time together.  Mom loves all the activity and energy Martha gives to life. 

Clyde came right from work, so he didn't have a change of clothes.  I brought him a hat!  This was in the "garage" area at Logans so we had it all to ourselves.  Mom was able to share about how good daddy was to her and that he gave her anything she ever wanted.  She said "you girls think you have good men, and you do, but I had the best".  I have written it before, and will say it again, I looked for a man "like the one who raised me"....my dad.  I found him.  I am thankful.