Sleepless in KC

So today, I get this txt. msg. from Bethany -- "In honor of it being the Lord's Day this morning from 3-5 am I sang Campbell "Amazing Grace" 402 times and "Jesus Loves Me" 338 times. She went on to say, "Campbell liked the singing and it kept me from being frustrated."

It's sort of like Terry said about prayer this morning, quoting C.S. Lewis, "I don't know if prayer changes God, but it DOES change me."

Campbell DOES have her sleep issues -- Some people have quoted what they like to call the baby verse in the Bible, "We shall not all sleep but we WILL all be changed." 1 Cor. 15:51

My mother always used to say, "this too shall pass". And that's what Bethany & Mat know and it keeps them patient during this stage of C's development.

For these stages I like what HE says in Isaiah 40 "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." That's my kids right now -- so it speaks to my heart!

Word Art

Starting back to school always means sitting through in-service activities. Every year the administrators want to make certain we are keeping our students engaged in the learning process and provide in-service workshops to keep us abreast of what's going on in the field of technology. Being digital immigrants - teachers my age can appear from the dark ages to the digital "natives" or ("millenials" as they are called -- the 10 yr-olds to 31 yr. olds). So it's important to keep up.


I tried to prepare myself for school by taking some classes this summer in skyping, blogging and how to use the cell phone to an educational advantage. Yesterday I learned a new concept -- making word graphs from paragraphs of written text on a web site called wordle.net and then having students write summary sentences about the main idea of a text.

That looked like fun . . . so

I pasted in the text from my last blog post. It enlarged the words I said the most frequently in the text -- and put them into a graphic design. hmmmmm. See how large the words "favorite" and "time" are.

I got to thinking -- would I want my conversations
put in graphic form?

What WORDS do I use the most?

What do I talk ABOUT the most?

WHAT or WHO should I bring into conversation
more often than I do?

I think I know what you would tell me the center of my communication has been these past few months.

Blessed!

Marshall arrived yesterday for his two-day visit. He's been working some 90+ hour weeks -- He came exhausted and we are thrilled he was able to spend a part of his vacation here and at the same time, visit friends in both OKC and Dallas. Bethany came for a longer stay to be able to spend time with her brother and anxious for Campbell to have some quality time with her favorite Uncle.


Before picking Marshall up, Bethany and I had gone up to Owasso to show off Baby C to some friends and by the time we did lunch, and made the airport -- the little Princess was all tuckered out from several interrupted naps. . .She never quite got enough rest the remainder of the day so we had a very LONG night and by 3:00 am it was time for Nana to walk the floor and try to soothe down our little "nap striker" Several choruses of "Campbell, Jesus Loves You" with the vacuum cleaner as back-up music -- by 3:45 this morning she was sound asleep. Pappa and I took her bouncy chair upstairs to our room to let Mommy sleep -- by 6 AM she was wide awake, ready to eat and play with Uncle M.



It's been a GREAT visit and I feel blessed we have gotten to be together twice this summer. --- Everything I've prayed for. In case you can't tell, I miss our kids SO MUCH, them living so far away -- and when they leave -- this house seems pretty empty!

If your family lives close to you or far away -- make whatever time you get together special ---
cook their favorite food
set the table with your best dishes,
even eat in the dining room
but let them know that they are your favorite folks in the whole world!!!!
Your people are your great treasure and you're
doubly blessed if they live near by!

Having Lots of Fun!!!

With school starting this week, my trips to Kansas City are curtailed so Bethany and Campbell came home for a few days. With our kids both living out of state, I miss them soooo very much and any time we get to have them I clear my schedule so we can hang out the entire time -- I set up my classroom early and edited this year's course outlines. Marshall comes in tomorrow afternoon -- the first time home in over a year and we'll have him for only 48 hours -- so we're savoring every minute of his visit -- and tomorrow night we'll have both kids here together for dinner -- just a few short moments!


Campbell has had some sleep issues and her mommy was needing "girl time" with friends yesterday morning and it just so happened that Terry had a meeting, so it was Campbell and Nana Jan-- just the two of us.

I was ready -- Baby Bjorn pack -- two bottles -- bouncy seat -- floor gym and instructions on how to calm the little lady from Bethany's newest discovery "The Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD.


Mommy left, C started to fuss -- I figured it was time for a walk -- loaded her up in the baby pack and walked around the block -- which put her to sleep for about 30 minutes. She woke up -- played on the baby floor gym for awhile and then --



She got hungry and restless -- fed her the bottle Bethany left -- she gulped in down in about 8 minutes -- started to REALLY fuss -- decided it was time to try out the "Happiest Baby" routine -- so "swaddled, soothed, -- turned on the vacuum cleaner for white noise and in 2 minutes Campbell calmed and in 5 she was soundly asleep in a deep sleep . Piece of cake -- Guess I HAVEN'T lost my touch! -- who'd have thought the vacuum cleaner would be such an important part of the baby nursery or that standing outside near the AC compressor could quiet a crying baby?


Pappa and C time - -He's done nothing but grin since she's gotten here. The two have bonded quite well!





So much fun to show her off at Church this morning to all the wonderful people who prayed for her consistently these past 8 months!

What Am I Holding On To?

In the past week I discovered I have lost something that was very important to me -- my lime green ipod! 'Getting to the season of life where I have been known to misplace things, I turned our house upside down trying to locate this special treasure. Terry gave it to me last Mother's day and I use it when I work out. I was really bummed when I couldn't find it. I wracked my brain trying to remember the last time I had seen it in it's usual place on the kitchen desk -- I was beginning to get a bit obsessed with this significant loss, when I remembered an older Indian missionary, J.C. Johnson, many years ago quoting Augustine. We are creatures of eternity and NO THING in time can satisfy us. WHEW -- that made it all take on different dimension.
Something else God brought to mind were the words of Henry Blackaby in his Bible study, Experiencing God, Don't hold ANY THING in your heart that you can hold in your hand.

Vamos Por Mas

This weekend was one of those special weekends that you mark time by. We housed two gifted women Pastor Daysi from Honduras and her 17 yr.old niece, Heide from Boston who translated. It was amazing to watch them as they worked in sync with each other. Heide could both hear her aunt's next thought and while speaking what she'd just previously heard. It was exhausting for both -- Pastor Daysi not speaking English and totally being out of culture -- Heide talking for two at times as she communicated her aunt's ideas. They had both fasted before coming to determine God's message they were to present.



They met with various groups to encourage and give a word, taking these opportunities very seriously. Heide, captain of her La Crosse team, shared with the teens last night what it's like to be one of a few strong Christian in her high school.



Thoughts that resonated with me --
One was the difference in members and "sons" in a Church family. Pastor said members check in -- and check out if they don't like what they see happening. "Sons" are there to stay because they are family. Family always comes home. Members can leave and often times do leave. "Sons" lend a shoulder to support. They may not always agree -- they may argue and fight -- but they always come "home" because family works through things together.

On Yesterday, Pastor Daysi said -- The past is behind you -- God gave her Isaiah 43:18 -- "Forget the former things -- I am doing a new thing. That was good news to this church family that has gone through some struggles while waiting a very long time to begin building.

Lastly, was something that God impressed on her earlier this year as HE shared with her that HE was taking their church to a new level -- the words "Vamos Por Mas" - going for more!

I like that: not being content with average or short supply -- but going for more!!!

More joy, more ministry, more opportunities to reach out for HIM.

It was no accident that her timing to come was the week we were going to finally be signing the loan documents.-- Pastor Daysi been praying for God to show her when to come to Tulsa and HE impressed her it was now.

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1:2

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.