A Tribute to our Moms

 

Twenty Important Things About Our Moms

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about Ethel and Iona (Jim’s mom and my mom) these days. They’re both pretty special ladies. I don’t think we give the women of their generation enough credit. These were the gals who did it all: lived through the worst decade of the last century, grew their own food, bore and raised children, worked outside the home, and trusted in God through it all.

 

If you’re a part of their generation, I salute you. If not, join me in saluting the moms who lived the lives they did. They deserve it!

 

Twenty Things About Iona and Ethel:

 

1.      Our Moms were both born right after the First World War.

2.      They survived the Great Depression.

3.      They lived through the Second World War, Korean War, and Vietnam.

4.      They started their married lives as farmwives in the mid-forties.

5.      They raised gardens and butchered chickens to feed their families.

6.      They taught in small country schools.

7.      They taught their children right from wrong.

8.      They taught us to respect our elders, our country, and our flag.

9.      They loved us so much, they weren’t afraid to spank us.

10.  They both know all about outhouses and Monkey Ward’s catalogs.

11.  They were wonderful cooks: our favorites were Ethel’s homemade bread and Iona’s fried chicken!

12.  They know what it’s like to do without, make the best of very little, and keep on going.

13.  They both taught Sunday School.

14.  They raised children who are all self-sufficient, productive members of society.

15.  They both walked with a child through the ravages of disease and disability: polio and cerebral palsy.

16.  They put their family before themselves.

17.  They worked from sunup to sundown.

18.  They taught their children a work ethic: professions of their children and grandchildren include teacher, principal, engineer, office manager, farmer, policeman, soldier, chef, technology director, opera singer, doctor, counselor,

19.  They taught their kids to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

20.  To this day, they both read the scriptures and pray daily.

 

Mother’s Day is coming up in May. Let’s not forget to honor our Moms.

 

 

 

April Poetry For Scrapbookers

When I taught school, my students enjoyed singing songs and reciting poetry. Here’s a poem I wrote about April. I’m hoping it will be useful to all you teachers and scrapbookers out there. Please feel free to use it. Just credit the author, okay?  Have fun with your kiddoes this month!

                                                              April                               

April came knocking at my door one day.

She said, “My dear, won’t you come out and play?

I’ve brought along playmates; we can have so much fun!”

Then she introduced her friends, one by one.

 

There were Raindrops and Puddles

with Splishes and Sploshes

Rainbows and Raincoats

and Muddy Galoshes.

 

Fluffy Chick and Soft Bunny had come along, too.

And I said right away….”Yes!  I’ll come play with you!”

              What a grand time we had, we played on and on.

And before I knew it, April was gone!

 

But she made me a promise,

and the very next day,

her sister came knocking….

and her name was May!

 

by Barbara Lukow

 

Our Grandkids

Grandparents always have a brag book, right? Well, this is my brag page. Our seven-year-old grandson loves to read. Right now, he’s reading Indiana Jones. The size of the book would give most adults cause for pause, but this boy is already on the fourth chapter. He and his Mee-Maw Moo-Moo were the early-risers of the bunch while they were here …him reading  and me writing.  Here we are collaborating on one of my blog posts.

And then there’s the five-year-old…the cat-lover. He’s also the farmer-at-heart. Nothing pleases him more than being outside with his Bahpah Moo-Moo. Here they are -the King and the Young Prince - looking down on Moo-Moo Land from their throne in the Hay Palace.

 

 

Although we’ve not seen our precious granddaughter since December, we keep up with her on her blogsite . She’s about 15 months old and learning lots of tricks and new words. She says Mama, Dada, uh-oh, and Wow! “Wow” is her favorite. Her latest tricks: showing her belly, running to get her shoes, blowing kisses, and winking!

Here she is with her mom learning engineering at one!

The Neighborhood Cat

Remember the neighborhood cat?  She and the boys are great buds. Here’s the five-year-old with his feline friend.

Legos, Red Chief, and March Madness

Our grandsons are visiting the farm and we’re lovin’ it. The weather’s not cooperating, though, so we’re seeing a lot of lego creations, reading, March Madness, and the movie Ransom of Red Chief. Every little boy must dream of being as naughty and exasperating as young Red Chief. You can read more about the boys here.

Prayer Warriors, Friends, and Family

 

Couldn’t resist uploading this picture. It represents the wonderful friends, prayer warriors and family who supported us during those first weeks after the accident.

First of all, my sweet daughter purchased the gift bag, obviously aware that I needed a lift…the glare makes it a bit difficult to read – it says “I’m too Sexy to be Sixty” … and we all had a good chuckle over it.

Secondly, the bag cradles the  ‘care bear’ who looked down on this pitiful creature as she arrived in her hospital room after surgery on Feb. 20th.  The bear was placed there by my dear friends and prayer warriors, Howard and Maxie Krueger. Each time I look at it, I think of the many prayers sent heavenward on my behalf and am humbled that our great God loves us dearly and hears our petitions.

I couldn’t begin to list all the wonderful people who came, called, sent cards and emails, visited, and brought food. My family was terrific. My dear husband (even as he nursed an injured back) has been amazing though it all. (I discovered he’s a pretty good cook!) Our daughter spent two weeks here, cooking, cleaning, and basically lovin’ on us. Our grandson Lukey spent a week.I can’t say enough about what a joy it is to have grandkids around. If you’re a grandparent, you know all about that! Our son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Danielle, came for three days and helped set us up for the household changes that had to take place; my sister Brenda spent two days helping us, and my sister Bev came and spent the first two Saturdays. Our son, Brian, wasn’t able to come, but called often to encourage us!

Once again, I was reminded of another blessing that I have taken for granted: the great and wonderful army of prayer warriors, family, and friends God has given me. Praise be to Him!

Blessings from Change!

One of the biggest blessings from my accident is that I appreciate more the things I took for granted just last month.  Take my left arm, for instance. 

I’ve considered at times what it would be like to have to face the world’s challenges with one hand. I’ve watched my older sister  and an aunt (both shining examples of persistence  and faith) overcome the ravages of polio, and a younger sister(another model of patience and faith) survive a catastrophic traffic accident and triumph over multiple broken bones. But I never had to deal with the struggle first-hand (no pun intended).

Now I have, and am amazed at how easy it is to take our normally functioning bodies for granted. Want to try something fun? Put your dominant arm in a sling and attempt a few of the tasks below one-handed.

open a jar; use a can opener; write a letter or check with your non-dominant hand; wash your hair, blow it dry, and use your curling iron; type a letter; roll out pizza or pie dough; take a pizza out of the oven; sweep the floor, quilt or knit, drive.

Hard, huh?? I didn’t appreciate my left arm and I miss it!

The jar below contains the pins that held it together for three weeks. The pins have threads on the end that allowed them to “seat” in the bone. Don’t get shook! The bottle looks huge, but it’s just the angle of the picture. The pins are only about four inches long.

The Pins

Changes!

Funny how we all want changes in life, isn’t it? I remember thinking how both major parties in the last election campaigned on “change” because that’s what everyone wanted. It’s a part of our sinful nature, I think. We’re never quite satisfied with our lot in life, it seems.  Or maybe we’d just like one or two little things to be different.

The Bible records a plethora of examples: God’s people have always wanted CHANGE!

• Adam and Eve lived in a paradise where all their needs were met, but they decided it’d be way cool if they could be like God. We all know THAT story.
• God forgave, loved, and watched over His people, but they chose to do their own thing and eventually ended up in bondage.
• God rescued His people from bondage, but they grumped about how He did it.
• He provided food every day, but they wanted something else…oh, man! manna again??
• While He met on the mountain with their leader, they staged a little demonstration below. They collected their valuables (which He had provided in the first place) and created their own God…naah, we’ve never done that, have we?
• God loved His people, forgave them,  and watched over them, but they kicked and squealed till they got a king who would RULE OVER THEM.
• God gave them Kings and they ended up in bondage again.
• For centuries, they looked forward to the promised Savior, but when God sent Him, they called Him a liar and a blasphemer.
• He loved them (us); they (we)crucified Him.
• They posted guards at the tomb to ensure His death; He rose to GIVE US LIFE!

I don’t really remember asking for any big change in my life recently. I’m probably like most folks. Busy with too many things and not taking time to appreciate the many blessings God has given me. ..thinkin most things were okay, but some could be better.  Giving thanks for some of the blessings in my life and taking others for granted.

Then, about a month ago, change came into my life in a big way. A traffic accident sent me to ER with a broken humerus in my left arm and four broken ribs. The next day, three external pins (I call them posts from time to time, as that’s what they felt like) were placed in my shoulder to hold the bones in place. The things (pins; not the bones) tried to poke through the skin…ugh! Three weeks later, the pins were removed and I’ve graduated to pendulum swings (simple gravity exercises) and a bit more mobility. I still have quite a bit of pain but am thankful to be here and to be able to type this post – even if it is a one-handed job!

My next appointment is March 30, and I’m assuming therapy will start after that if everything looks okay.

Now, back to my point about changes! Sometimes we don’t ask for  change, but maybe we need it. God promises us that all things work together for good if we love Him. Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying He causes things like an accident to happen.  We do accidents…God does not. It’s just that He uses what happens in our lives for our spiritual good.  He’s done it for centuries! More to come on the blessings I’ve experienced since Feb. 19.

Snow Day!

 

I woke early to about 5 inches of snow this morning. Beautiful but wet!! Three of the four school districts in our county cancelled classes. After a friend and I cancelled a scheduled meeting, I took off on a walk. The wet stuff squeaked beneath my boots as I tramped along. Weeds, trees, and houses peeked from beneath the dripping white layers and I snapped pictures till my camera’s battery died. Another example of our Creator’s handiwork!

Here’s the same tree in November of 08. I love seasonal pictures!

Our Grandkids-Precious Blessings!

 our two grandsons –Wise Man and Shepherd — two Christmases ago

and our granddaughter – a one-year-old.   Darling kids!