HAPPY SIX WEEKS, CAMPBELL!

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE ANY OF US LAUGHED LIKE THAT?

TODAY

Today, I choose YOUR grace rather than guilt -for YOU cover my sins moment by moment.
Today, I choose YOUR power rather than my own SELF-SUFFICIENCY or insufficiency.
Today, I choose YOUR wisdom rather than my own one-liners and quips.
Today, I choose YOUR heart rather than my own that loves conditionally --
. . . Choosing loving rather than judging –
. . . Choosing giving, rather than hoarding or waiting to receive.
Today I choose to do your work out of sheer love for you – not sense of duty or obligation.

We found ourselves heading back to Kansas City -- 'had to catch up with Little Miss Campbell Hope! She just turned 1 month --so we had to go coo and cuddle with her.

She's even more alert now -- sleeps longer and her bedtime issues are getting better. This child has a hundred different expressions and her photographer mommy catches LOTS of them! Campbell Hope is one of the most prayed for and prayed over babies and we thank every one for their countless prayers.


































Pappa hasn't lost his touch -- he babysat so Bethany and I could errands and sang to her the whole time!!!

Lazy Days of Summer

It's been anything but lazy for our Outreach / Associate Pastor, Cecil Henninger and his team of dedicated assistants this summer (A big thank you to Mary Lou, Jim, Dana, Josh, Mikel, Donna, Janet, and Denise). Life Park is enjoying the opportunity to work with students at Remington Elementary in a 2-month Vacation Bible School / Feeding program effort. We partner with this school on a regular basis during the school year. The school provides the space along with the breakfasts and lunches and we fill in the rest. I get to drop by from time to time and lend a hand. The 25+ kids we've gotten to work with are awesome -- attentive to the stories -- quick to respond with the learning games-- and eager to cooperate -- couldn't ask for more. God has opened a wonderful door.


Learning Activities & Crafts







Waterpark trip

NANA the BABYSITTER

Okay, Okay -- I talked them in to it -- but I guess I'm Campbell's very first babysitter. As my last post showed-- colic is a real issue in the Good household -- I decided Campbell's mommy and daddy needed a breather -- Campbell and I had seen the wee hours of Friday morning together as did her parents. To say Thursday night was long would be an understatement. The hardest part was to see Campbell so uncomfortable.

I'm armed and ready with the bouncer seat that vibrates -- the bear that makes soothing sounds (i.e. the ocean, the womb, a rain)-- the "Bob" running stroller that lulls "C" off to sleep (Don't think I'll be doing any running -- but if the kids will show me how to set it up this high-powered thing-- I can make it 'round a couple of blocks if need be.

NEW DISCOVERY - the vacuum cleaner is a MUST for calming down the Little Miss. Studies say the frequency is equal to what she heard in the womb -- interesting!!!

Wonder if that would work for adults who can't sleep at 2 am?

I really miss my man -- he and I usually tag team it when we babysit!

Look at that precious sleeping cherub-- can't be all that much to babysit this tiny little 6 1/2 # angel!

NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY ---

Babysitting was a breeze, the kids were only gone a total of an hour and twenty minutes -- (that included a trip to the grocery store). Campbell and Nana watched TV, sat outside and listened to the birds (don't think she could actually see what was going on out there) -- she fussed - Nana sang -- she fussed Nana rocked -- she stayed calm and happy for the whole time except for about 15 minutes.



Hanging out with Nana, watching Reba.






She WASN'T in the mood for the kiddie aquarium jungle gym.
















Mommy and Daddy got home relaxed and refreshed and so Miss Campbell decided she wanted a night out also and got a late night car ride because of nonstop crying and fussing for two hours. (Vacuum cleaner had no effect, bouncy seat just wouldn't do it -- so Mom and Dad revved up the engine and took her out for a cruise. Meantime, Nana was sleeping peacefully through the whole ordeal!





Sat noon: Life is Good now! -- We decided to have girl's day out before I head for Tulsa tomorrow afternoon.

C-O-L-I-C

"We shall not all sleep, but we all shall be changed." Terry, of course admits that this verse is really about the resurrection, but quotes this as the baby scripture in the Bible. It was written on a baby card we received when Bethany was born. Both our babies experienced colic. When the doctor said it could last for 3 months - I thought that was a lifetime!

I googled Colic and found out Mayo Clinic defines it as:
as crying more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby.


Little Princess has been having a difficult time from 2:00 - 10:00 most days -- and sure enough, shortly after I arrived on Tuesday morning -- it was time to do the "walk-the-floor", "pat-the-back", "sing-every-song" you know routine I used on our kids.


Bethany did her research -- a pediatrician's book said follow the 5 "S's" (Soothe, Shsssh, Stomach, Swaddle and Sway) She asked friend's advice and then found something natural called "gripe drops" -- WORKS LIKE A CHARM--- Two minutes after giving Campbell a few drops -- she's calm and dozing!!!

6 am Bethany knocked on my door-- She'd been awake since 4:00 -- time to hand off Little Miss -- probably best not to use the drops too much -- Nana got to rock and hold and sing and pat -- but found going outside next to the AC unit which was running loudly worked wonders! In a few minutes Baby Hope was peaceful and sound asleep.





Ooooops it's been an hour and she's waking up --- better go check the diaper!

IN MEMORIAM

It was the fitting tribute for this courageous fallen soldier . . . Sgt. Andrew R. Looney . . .

Hundreds of people waving flags lined the corner of 86th and 129th Streets.

The Patriot Guard circled the school's drive. . .

Owasso Fire Department hoisted a gigantic flag from the ladder engine. .

Lots of remembrances by family, friends and a former principal . . .

There was a tribute given by the Army Casualty Assistance Officer . . . His words were, after spending time with the Looney family he could easily see that, Andrew who represented all seven of the Army's core values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage) learned that early in his childhood. Andrew was posthumously promoted to Sgt.

A delegation of Gold Star Mothers supported the family . . .(Blue Star Mothers become Gold Star mothers when their sons or daughters give their lives in battle). .

Veterans attended in full dress -- one older gentleman was wearing flag shorts and shirt with his VFW cap.

Their words were all the same -- "Andrew was a small guy with big eyes and a big heart . . Andrew was more concerned for his fellow soldiers and serving his country than for himself . . . Andrew lived the life of a Christ follower."

They read his favorite scriptures . . . His brother Steven struggled with their favorite lines from Band of Brothers.

His Pastor's words resonated with me -- Andrew lived a concentrated and full life dying 5 days short of his 23rd birthday . . . He had accomplished the purpose for which he believed he was destined. He had lived well, with honor and courage. In quoting from the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy "Let no one despise your youth" -- he reminded young people in the audience -- to not neglect these years -- and to not minimize the importance of what they are able to accomplish while they are still young.

You made a lasting impression on your family, friends, teachers classmates and a host of others. Rest In Peace, Sgt. Looney

Thank You, Spec. Andrew R. Looney

Every year I have students who are planning to join the military. Some follow through with those plans and go on to become fine soldiers. These young men and women are passionate to serve their country. There was no way I could know that Andrew would be the first of my students to pay the ultimate price.

Four years ago, Andrew was in my sixth hour Single Survival Class. His brother, Stephen had gone to the Navy and Andrew couldn't wait to graduate and join the Infantry. He was a kid who loved life, had an infectious grin and took things in stride -- He demonstrated strong Christian principles --He made me laugh at some of his antics -- but one thing he was certain of -- he was going to defend our country. Both brothers are men of integrity and honor.

In August of 2007 Andrew lost part of his foot when a roadside bomb exploded near their Humvee in Iraq. He spent more than a year in Brooke Army Medical Center in rehabilitation. He was determined to return to duty.

On a return visit to school after the accident my co-worker and I were able to hug him and thank him for the stand he took for the cause of freedom. We get pretty emotional when our students return in their uniform -- thinking of how they have put their lives on hold to serve.


Six weeks ago, Andrew arrived in Afghanistan. On Monday he was working a traffic check point when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing Andrew and 19-yr. old, David T. Miller of Wilton, NY.

Andrew's awards and decorations include: Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert. A memorial is tentatively set for Monday June 28, 2010, at 1900 at the Owasso High School.

It is befitting that Andrew is to be buried in Arlington National Cemetary. . . a place we bury our heroes.

ANDREW R. LOONEY AND DAVID T. MILLER - YOU HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE -- SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM --- HOW DO WE THANK YOU?

Is A Garden Worth It?

I have decided in my "older" years to get back to the basics and create a more simple life -- you know, like growing our own food -- putting it away for winter -- like our parents, grandparents and greats did for centuries before us.

I wondered how hard could it be to put out a few plants and tend them from time to time? I decided this year's produce will come from two tomato plants and three different pepper plants. I already have seeds for a fall garden and I am getting the spot cleared and have visions of the wonderful snow peas and green beans we're going to have from September until the first frost. (I have pumpkins and gourds coming up in my flower beds where I tossed out last year's fall table decorations-- does that count for produce?)



I have spent this morning trying to catch up with my garden --weeding, rearranging the watering system - fertilizing and trying to get it ready to leave for another week. (Kansas City is calling ~~~~ gotta go rock that baby)



Thus far -- this is what I have to show for the spading, planting, 14+ hours of watering and weeding like crazy.

Why is it that the grass and weeds are so much more prolific in my garden than in my front yard where I want the grass to grow?

So, back to my "simple life" mission -- I got an e-mail this week from a family I have bought sweet corn from before. She said they had it for the same price as the last two years -- I couldn't remember how much I bought so I ordered two bushels of the stuff since I recently discovered that we only have one bag of my frozen corn left.


I found out there were 50-60 ears in a bushel so I did the math and thought - I ought to be able to work up those 100-120 ears in an afternoon. Immediately my mind went back to hot summer mornings in Illinois shucking wheelbarrow loads of corn for my mother. (Being an Illinois girl - sweet corn is a BIG DEAL.) People plant just the right seeds, they pick it at just the right time and then put it up in just the right way. My mother's sweet corn was so wonderful you could eat it for dessert.




I FORGOT WHAT A HUGE ORDEAL FREEZING CORN IS! For my four hours of work on those 80+ ears of corn, cutting it off the cob with this gizzmo that I bought with my corn -- then cooking quickly and cooling it even faster,



--I ended up with 12 pints of cut corn and three gallon bags of corn on the cob. If I'm figuring it right that should make my corn worth about $5 per pint (just kidding) -- hmmmm -- so if I offer you my super corn when you come to my house -- you'll know you're pretty special company. At this rate I should have enough to serve for the six major holidays--


I was worn out and decided to freeze the last of it on the ear -- enough of this cutting, cooking and cooling! It made me wonder --just how good was that corn my mom used to make, anyway?

Here's some things I learned while wrestling with the corn cutter:
1. Corn past it's prime doesn't cut well with that handy dandy cutter-- I was literally on top of that contraption forcing it down the cob -- to trim off the kernals -- a lot harder work than pulling weeds from my dried out garden this morning.

2. Corn that has dimples on the kernel is too old -- if it doesn't pop back in your eye when you insert your thumb -- it won't work with the corn gizzmo- put the cob on a nail and use a knife, instead.

3. Keep your air conditioner set on about 55. You work up a sweat! People used to do this all summer in hot kitchens with no air conditioning. Mom would put up 30 - 40 pints a summer not to mention all the other vegetables and fruits. (No wonder she was such a tiny little thing -- she NEVER sat down. She was always doing something related to the garden!)

4. Gardens are lots of work -- when the fruits and vegetables come on -- then you get the even bigger job of figuring out what to do with them. The simple life of is hard work!!!


I don't know many people who put forth this kind of effort today. We rush into the grocery, fill our carts with fresh, frozen or canned --scan them at the check out and hurry them through the microwave for our evening meal --We take so much for granted. What would we do without the farmers who grow our food? My special thanks to them!


BTW: MORE PICS OF CAMPBELL HOPE TO COME NEXT WEEK WHILE I SPEND MY WEEK ROCKING AND LOVING ON HER!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!

Pappa got here last night and is getting his time loving on Baby Hope! We all have talked about how comforting and relaxing it is to sit and hold this precious bundle.

You know, we don't get lots time with our kids -- so we're savoring every minute because we know that she'll change and grow quickly -- we're already looking forward to our next visit!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, James 1:17

She's perfect in every way! Because she tends to want to sleep all day and be awake most of the night -- Grammy Jan and Nana Jan decided to play dress up with her to keep her awake for a longer spell yesterday afternoon. It worked!

Mommy and Daddy are doing a wonderful job meeting her schedule of eating every two hours with lots of holding and cuddling.

Seven Lessons I learned While Watching My Granddaughter Sleep

After a brief stop at the hospital so he could hold Campbell, Terry got on the road headed for Tulsa and Mat's mother, Jan, and I spent the day watching over our granddaughter and kids. They'd not rested much for the past two nights and were still in the stages of euphoria that won't let you sleep - so we tried to help settle baby and let them catch a nap.




I found I can lose a lot of time just watching this precious little bundle sleep.







Here's my list of seven:

1. Newborns have so many facial expressions already and distinguishable cries.
Does that lower lip stuck out mean what I think it does already?




2. Babies just born have such a strong startle reflex. (Hence the wrapping them up like a burrito seems to help them feel secure and is supposed to enhance sleep.)




3. They know their mother AND daddy's voices. When we weren't quite all Campbell needed -- just being in their arms seemed to help quiet her.

4. Their skin is so sensitive -- after being surrounded by amniotic fluid for nine months -- delicate skin being rubbed and touched does seem to respond with a rash - the nurses verified this.


5. They are curious already -- those dark eyes and that little head turns to check things out.

6. Sucking is such a strong response - this little gal is continually looking for something to put in her mouth. Her little body in the first 24 hours is responding to a new source of nutrition. . . We're watching her body organs and systems begin to function. She has wanted to eat almost nonstop since she got here. What a miracle the way God has created her little body to grow and support itself.

7. Babies like and need to be held. (YEAH!) Campbell was tucked up inside her momma's womb those nine months and now, all of a sudden, being in the wide open spaces she seems to need the close skin-to-skin contact.

How complex we are -- as we watch our little treasure, we see how intricately God has created her.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well Psalm 139:14



Campbell, I'm sure these are just the first of many lessons I am going to learn as I watch you grow and develop.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's wombPsalm 139.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom HE has given us. Romans 5
This is a verse that came to mind over and over these past five months. So many messages of hope poured forth that Campbell was given that as her middle name. Oftentimes we referred to her as our Baby Hope. During these five months, I often prayed, "Lord, don't let Bethany and Mat be disappointed --please Lord, no more pain."

When she was only a few minutes old, she bellowed and gave the strongest cry, as if to say -- "I'm here -- I'm healthy and I'm your's!"
That loud cry was the sweetest sound to this nana and papa's ears. The minute she was born --I held my breath until I heard her cry -- she paused -- I waited --and then she let go again with the sweetest strong cries!

From the mouths of children and infants you have ordained praise!

They've handled their grief together, they've done the classes together, and these past days they've counted contractions together and walked miles to manage the pain - Yesterday we watched them together giving birth and witnessed their strong sense of teamwork.

Seeing them together with their precious bundle, we saw God's love overflowing from them to their baby. Bonding was immediate -- not a surprise because they had talked to her in the womb for months. We grandparents finally were able to sleep -- I'm thinking they were up a lot last night -- together taking care of their little one.

She's Here - God's Precious Gift

At 12:07 pm our hearts sold out to two precious little girls-- Campbell Hope and Parker Grace Good. As Mommy and Daddy are resting we're living in the afterglow of witnessing a miracle- they had a very long night -- Mat' mother, Jan and Terry and I arrived about 9 am rested and relaxed to find that the meds had finally kicked in and Bethany was gaining strength. Everything started moving very quickly after that.
Dr. S expected birth to be about 2pm -- she came just after noon.


I have to say our daughter was fantastic as she managed her pain well and gave it her utmost. She and Baby Campbell bonded instantly and the nurses remarked as Campbell started sucking away at her fingers that only about 1 in 30 do so this early!



We're over the top with love for our precious granddaughters! One is in her mother's arms and one is on the lap of Jesus at this very moment.
We say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who constantly took their names before our Heavenly Father these past five months.

The Best Birthday Ever

I am getting what I asked for -- being with my family for my 60th. -- Marshall is driving in from Denver and we're all descending on Bethany and Mat to party and wait for Baby Campbell to make her appearance. . . Bethany said she's been dancing up a storm today -- and BTW she passed her last biotest with flying colors (on Monday she barely passed and gave us all a startle).
Terry and the kids have planned every detail so carefully - 'Can't wait!

Holding Strong

We are headed South this am -- don't know how long we'll be home -- looks like Campbell could make her appearance any day now. I saw my younger self in high gear -- high speed as I watched Bethany take on so many tasks. She and her dad worked on the outside windows when we got home from lunch out, the afternoon before, she and Mat had changed the oil in the car -- don't think I ever had that much energy!

My Impressions

As we ride through beautiful rolling hills and see lots of countryside, abandoning our schedules, certain impressions come to mind.

Sunday morning in my quiet time -- I picked up Sacred Romance, a book Bethany had referred me to several years ago. I decided on this trip to do a re-read of this book. That's what I wanted for this trip just to soak up Jesus. Different thoughts have been imprinted on my mind.

If you're willing, I'll share them with you -- if not you can catch the next blog.

The verse, "If a man is thirsty let him come to me and drink" had jumped off the page in my reading that morning -- We went to Beale street Sunday evening where everybody is supposed to have such a great and glorious time -- Everybody was carrying some sort of drink . . . I couldn't help but notice so many empty faces - who didn't seem to be having such a grand time. Were they thirsty, but didn't know what they were thirsty for?




People still seem to be looking for a King.


'Not tied to a schedule and Baby Campbell still holding strong,* we decided to stay another day in Rolla, MO and went to Meramac Springs. Over and over we kept telling each other how glad we were to have found this place. 'Might go back tonight and look for deer.




What came to my mind was HE leads me beside still waters . . .


He restores my soul.



*** Baby update: Everything looks great -- Bethany just called from her perinatologist - where she goes to the weekly scans -- Baby is fine -- Bethany says
she's holding to her due date of this weekend -- the nurse tech reminded her that babies have a mind of their own.

Man on Sabbatical

Here's a few pics I posted of my man on study leave -- as you can see he's begun to reeeeeelax . . . .












. . . .but still stays connected to the purpose for being away. . . study and reflection

TERRY & JAN'S MEMORY TOUR - MEMPHIS

I had been praying for our sabbatical / study leave and asking God what to do and where to go . . . on my way to work one morning I was listening to Chuck Swindoll and he mentioned the Pyramids of Egypt. At that split second the pyramid- shaped sports complex of Memphis flashed in my mind. I thought that's it -- MEMPHIS! I presented the idea to Terry and we both realized it would be a lot of fun to revisit our old "haunts". We made a plan to work and play -- Study and tour the spots we wanted to see.

FRIDAY
We took off for "River City" Friday afternoon with phone calls to KC intermitantly during the day to see if Baby Hope was about to make her appearance.

We moved to Memphis in our mid-twenties --we were pre-K (pre-kids)-- Terry still had lots of hair -- mine was dark brown. He was attending Harding Graduate School of Religion. The plan was that I would teach to support us. . . just didn't have a job. Within a couple of day, I heard about a school interviewing for a teacher in a private school for the handicapped. I went for the interview and was hired that day!

We were straight off the plane from India -- we loaded the smallest u-Haul trailer with every possible thing we owned, hitched it to our little Chevy and left Illinois headed for Memphis with the song "Please Come to Boston" blaring on the car radio.(at that point it became one of our favorite song) Our first digs were an apartment at 1582 Stribling. The economy was different then in the mid-seventies. We lived on my $400 a month teaching salary -- rent was $99 -- utitlies were $30 -- AND we made it!!! We shared the complex with other graduate students, widow ladies and alcoholics. Which proved for some interesting block parties.

SATURDAY:




Visited that apartment complex today -- I think the rent is still about the same -- there were gates up -- windows out and people just hanging around. We wanted to take a picture and a little guy popped out of one of the apartments stuck his head in our car window and said, "is you the pOlice?" We assured JR that no we weren't the police -- he was blocking Terry's camera lens as he told of a guy who got robbed their last night shile I thought, "let's just snap it and drive out as fast as we can"















Those were five good years --
We worked hard --Terry earned two degrees -- I taught at two different schools -- one year in the private school and two years at an all-black junior high school. (Naive -- the teachers discussed me -- I found out later-- and thought I wouldn't last until Thanksgiving). Terry served as a bus minister, taught 8th grade girls Bible class at Harding Academy, was their substitute teacher and weekly chapel speaker, while he studied hard to earn a Master's Degree in Family Counseling and a Doctorate of Ministry in Communications. (He was their first doctoral candidate). Every Spring at this time- he would be coming off a hard semester and me finishing up school-- we looked for somewhere to go to get AWAY from Memphis to refuel and renew!




We attended a church we dearly loved -- he hired on staff as family minister and bus minister-- we lived on the church property in a huge house which we didn't have enough furniture to fill -- and our daschund had the run of the property.




We learned a lot about life during these years -- with Terry's bus ministry work in the projects and me teaching 6 blocks from where Martin Luther King was assasinated. We lost a child in pregnancy --had 3 foster kids during --- and I underwent major surgery to improve our infertility issues.


One of our favorite things to do was walking the different gardens in Memphis: Dixon Gardens, Audubon Botanical Gardens and Overton Park -- Our favorite was Memorial Gardens CEMETARY of all things -- not just any cemetary - This one was owned by the Heinz Ketchup family and always in bloom with the most beautiful flowers. They had this built as a place families could come enjoy a park-like setting with all sorts of outdoor beautiful structures by Dionici Rodriquez, a Mexican architect, including a wonderful Crystal grotto.



















SUNDAY: DIXON GARDENS & OVERTON PARK FORREST TRAILS























We lived there during the time Elvis died and were even among the throngs of people lined up outside Graceland that day. Not being fans of his, I'm not sure why we were there -- the town almost shut down -- people came in from everywhere -- just to be near the mania. Terry was asked to preach Elvis' memorial service on the date of his birthday because his step-mother had previously attended the church where he was the interim preacher.


MONDAY:
Wanting to capture all of Memphis, we drove Elvis Presley Blvd to see what has changed since our last visit in 1992 when we brought the kids here.


Gates surrounding Graceland are completely covered with tributes to Elvis

















Having taught so near the Lorraine Motel, we revisited the site that changed so many lives.





Now, we're heading North to the Churchill Memorial in Fulton, MO and to KC to check on our kids the "parents-in-waiting!




TUESDAY



Only made it as far as Rolla, MO. We liked the accomodations and found Meramac Springs was a "must-see"! We decided Terry could study there quite well so we stayed an extra night. How fun to be off schedule! No 55-minute classes to teach five hours a day --



WEDNESDAY

The Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO, proved impressive! The section of the Berlin Wall was a reminder of the threat that Communisim was to all of us during the 60's and 70's.
We traced our way through the exhibits, reading all the headers and watching all the videos. . .witnessing the loss of so many lives and seeing the influence of this great leader on our own freedom today --wondering where would we have been today if Naziism had not been defeated???