Ten Things Tuesday

1. I'm thankful for Colby-Jack round cheese slices from the deli. Sorry, weak isn't it? But it's true-- I'm addicted. I can't stop myself...they call to me from the drawer in the fridge every day all day. Is there a help group for cheese addiction? You may see me on that A&E show Intervention sometime soon.

2. I got to see some wonderful family members Saturday that were in town from Houston. A brand new baby, a new boyfriend and husband I hadn't met. All were just great and we're blessed to have them all in our family. Hi Lindsay!!

3. Son#1's principal died Sunday and yesterday when he was home from school with a headache, son#1 took the news well. Below I'll post a picture of his idea of a good-bye to him. For the record, he gets the word fail from Star Wars games I think.

4. I'm truly happy and thankful all my plates are spinning together this week. None are threatening to fall and that can't be said every week. It's a good thing as Martha says.

5. I got to talk to some college friends I hadn't talked to in awhile and it was nice to touch base and really nice to find Julie Hall again. Sometimes the me before 1997 is forgotten. Always nice to see that part of me again.

6. Son#1 received a wonderful quilt in the mail this week! Ms. Yvonne Hubbo's step-mother HAND-QUILTED him a Star Wars quilt!!! Again, picture below--it doesn't even begin to do this beast justice! Did I mention it's queen sized? Ms. Yvonne is quite the Energizer Bunny addition to our family.

7. I got the princess dog Chloe groomed Saturday while we went to see my mother for the day. She came back softer than mink! And she found her brave inner dog. It's SO wonderfully heartwarming to see her jumping around and happier not to mention more relaxed. She isn't completely relaxed at all times, but she's getting there. The princess goes for surgery Thursday so let's hope she keeps that spark afterwards.

8. We had a meeting at son#3's school. He's doing SO well and they think he's just as happy & fun as we do. That's always nice. We're so thankful for his progress and what a well adjusted kid he is. A true bright spot in my day,

9. This week my iTouch is saving my brain cells. The radio stations, podcasts, downloaded books from the library, and music. I may nominate it for the Nobel Peace Prize for next year.

10. Bare Minerals make up had such success with the first eye color for Autism-Puzzle- ($25,000 success) that they are launching another in March of this year called Cherish! I'm very thankful to Leslie Blodgett and her team at BE for making different causes including Autism, a priority. The color is shown here on the side profile & it will be available online or at boutiques March 11.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I had a wonderful week last week of no kids home from school and no holidays. Everyone went to work and school every day and I got a lot accomplished. I also smiled a lot in my quiet house. Alone time is precious and I don't take it for granted very often. Especially in the bathroom.

2. February 12th was the 4 year anniversary that my father died. I'm relieved to say it hurts less. Still plenty of painful MOMENTS, but the experience itself in daily living has lessened considerably. People always tell you that crap and there are even times you yourself will say it to people. Sometimes speaking from experience of going through it, and sometimes speaking from watching someone else deal. I'm happy to say it's not just a bunch of hooie, it IS true--time will heal your wounds. They don't ever close completely but you will heal through it to a livable functioning place.

3. I'm thankful my family made it through the holiday parts of this month *Hubbo's birthday is the 6th* without ANYONE being sick. It's a MIRACLE! Let's put it this way, I can not remember the last time in February we didn't have a member of the family sick or all of us ill on Valentines day, Super Bowl Sunday or Hubbo's birthday.

4. Valentines day may have been spent with my children, but my husband waited on me like a Queen. That beats out candy any day. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!

5. I found a new funny British show I love--The Good Life for you in the UK and The Good Neighbors for us Yanks. I watched it all in a 3 day time span from the first episode to the very last one--a Royal Command Performance in front of the Queen. Always good to find a new show I like. *This is my list remember? Not yours, so if you don't like it, get it or care, then kiss my grits!*

6. Son#2 got sent home today for trying to eat his mashed potatoes with his hands in the cafeteria. Well, okay, really it was because he got mad he wasn't allowed to and it escalated from there to the Hannibal Lecter chair. *sigh* At least I got the house cleaned & laundry started before he got here. He's fine now, but really---who doesn't have that urge sometimes? Spoil sports.

7. Westminster Dog Show was on last night and tonight--I LOVE watching! And this year I am SO thankful to finally have my very own dog to watch with.

8. I got my hair all chopped off. It's short people. I didn't even get that much cut off, I was telling her to even up my layers. Somehow I'm in a short bob cut again. Oh well---time to get out the barrettes and big hoop earrings I guess.

9. I got two round-about compliments last week. One was from a man that drives my son's bus. He said I didn't look 35 years old, I looked much younger. Lord, bless him with keeping his hair and his own teeth as he ages--Amen.
And the other was from a girl at scrapbooking. A new girl. She thought I'd had eyelash implants! FOR REAL! Someone does that to another person on purpose? Can you imagine what you'd look like?! All swollen up and bruised the next day? I told her truthfully, it's not the first time I'd been asked that but thank you. I sure don't think they're what they used to be, but hey, evidently some poor rich women are running around with naked eyes needing implants. Who knew?

10. And I'm most thankful for Doan's Back Pills. Those suckers WORK.

Ten Things Tuesday

I know--the word slacker comes to mind when you think of my blog. I feel like I have so much to say, there's no way it would all fit, so another week goes by without blogging. But today, my friend Michelle (Hi Michelle!!!) linked my Ten Things in her blog and THAT motivated me not to wait another cotton pickin minute, I had to just go BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!
SO here it is, it's been forever since I've done one---Ten Things Tuesday--hold your applause till the end.

1. I'll work my way backwards so to speak. Last night I attended Bunko. Now I seem to always say, "I'm SO thankful for the Bunko girls. I had so much fun." But I never really get into WHY they make me feel good, so let me try for the words.
My Bunko group has evolved over the years of living in Oklahoma to include many wonderful Christian women who have stunning faith in God. There are so many encouraging, accepting women that I can't possibly name them by name but each brings me (selfish much?) acceptance of my situation and doesn't judge. Each one takes me for who I am, accepts it's all I CAN be in that moment, and hasn't ever tried to change me. We laugh, we joke, we cry, we help build each other up with encouragement, words of wisdom and efforts of praise & acknowledgment. Now that isn't to say we don't get really, really silly. Snort, tell rude jokes about each other and just let our hair down.
I truly believe God sent me each group I've played with, in times when I need their spiritual gifts at that time in my life. Who knew what a blessing food, dice and a bunch of clucking women could be to each other. God made us so different from man, and to celebrate, accept and just plain revel in our similarities, is one of my most favorite things to do & is truly something I'm thankful for. Oh and the gooood food too.

2. Son#2's unknown cause tantrums are less this week. They were getting to where we thought we might have to change the dose of meds again. He's at least letting us sleep more at night/morning. And being sent home from school less. On one of his happy days, he took his scarf of stretchy nylon he got for Christmas from my sister-in-law, and snapped the assistant principal on the butt with it as she exited his class.

3. I am thankful for a great learning lecture the other night at my sons school about what happens when they turn 18 yrs old and the options in the community available to them for work, school and programs to help them. It was enlightening, interesting and made me understand why God brought Hubbo and I to Oklahoma. Apparently, Oklahoma is the top state in the nation for employment programs for disabled adults over the age of 18. And in the top three or five states in the country for transitioning kids to adulthood and helping them live by themselves.
Very encouraging! Oh and did I mention when I signed in, the older lady said, "Oh your Carson's mother---he's quite a boob man!" The pride swells within me.

4. We have had tons of winter weather since December, and we're due for more Thursday, but no problems with power going out or our car sliding off the road. Let's it keep it that way God!!

5. I got Hubbo this for his birthday, and he LOVES it! http://www.bbcamericashop.com/house-and-home/doctor-who-tardis-4-port-usb-hub-14827.html
It's a geeky tv show thing but when I can find a present for him he wants, it's a win--trust me. The man is harder to buy for than the average male. He doesn't wear aftershave, cologne or ties. Hubbo once kept a gift card for 2 yrs. before he used it. He's had the same wallet for years and I bought him a watch last year and I recently found it in his bag he carries to work. Men.

6. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Pita chips! Stacy's Simply Naked Nothing But Sea Salt Pita Chips. I made some spinach dip for the Super Bowl for myself to accompany the Pita chips. It was so good, I don't even want to describe it because I'm afraid you'll go buy them all up for yourself.

7. My laundry is caught up for two weeks now. 'Nuff said. I feel my chest puffing up a little.

8. We're having pizza tonight and last night was Bunko so I didn't cook either--BONUS!

9. I got a knitting chair!! All for me and too narrow for just about anyone else's hiney in this house--what a shame huh?

10. I'm pleased my Son#1 has decided to let me be his mother again. He informed me the other day he was very sorry I was yelling and frustrated at the brothers, but maybe that meant I shouldn't be a mother if I get frustrated. He thought Mrs. Turner their substitute teacher would make a great mother because she doesn't seem to get frustrated. I picture her with long hair and fairly young with no children of her own, don't you? I tried to explain how EVERYONE gets frustrated and pointed out how every morning he bites my head off when I've done nothing to him but say good morning. But he has finally come around that I should stay and be HIS mother. But that maybe the brothers ought to go live somewhere else forever. Ahh the love.

God Lives Under the Bed

I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'


I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.


He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.


The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.


He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.


And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.


His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips..

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!