Busy at War and Love

Whitney

2012-02-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am really sad to learn of Whitney Houston's death yesterday. I know I am not alone. Spending time watching her video footage and listening to her powerful voice has really taken me back. I don't remember how old I was when I was captivated by her first album, but I remember my little white jam box. I remember listening to Mayme's tape, side A from the beginning to the end, and then side B, start to finish. For hours. We would listen to it while we played outside, while we played inside, and I am sure we made Dad and Mom listen with us in the car.

I have danced and performed to many of her songs over the years. So, her passing also reminds me of old wooden floors, sparkly costumes, and what it was like to be flexible. I have a special place in my heart for music and artists who make my body move. When I listen to good music, choreography pours out of my chest. I can't hold it in. Whitney was one of those artists for me. When she sang, I danced. I wish I could thank her.

And now, she is gone. I don't know what happened, but she seemed lost, and now her gift, her command of music is lost to us. How sad.

Weight Watchers Week 4

2012-02-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday! I have a cup of coffee, my laptop, and a few quiet minutes--my ideal start to any day. And, if some point in my morning, I get to listen to Car Talk or Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me, it will only get better.

Two highlights, I think, from Weight Watchers Week 4. First, I received my first 5 pound sticker on Tuesday evening. I lost 1.8 pounds for the week to bring my total to 6.6 pounds. Yay! I was so pleased because I hadn't felt much of a difference, and I was really worried that I wouldn't lose that .2 pounds that I lacked the week before. I had worked really hard in preparation for Tuesday night. I added workouts and I really planned and limited myself at the Super Bowl party. My friend Meghan, who lives down the street, invited George and I to the Contemporary Art Museum's children's craft event on Tuesday morning. I came very close to calling her to tell her that we couldn't go, because I felt I needed to go to the Y to be able to insure I would lose my .2 pounds. But, I knew it was something she enjoyed, and I really enjoy being with her and her son Carlos, so I decided to go there instead. I knew in my heart that I couldn't let .2 pounds run my life. We had a beautiful morning. I am so thankful the Lord guided me to live life instead of obsessing. This helped me to come to my goal for this week - to continue to track and plan and exercise -- but, to think about it less.

The second highlight is that my body has adjusted to my smaller portions and healthier eating. I notice that when I finish my typical meal I feel full now. Very strange. Before beginning the program, and at the beginning of the program I rarely felt full. On Wednesday, I prepared a beautiful deli turkey sandwich for myself. I ate it with a few raw veggies on the side, and when I finished I felt totally satisfied. I don't know if I have every felt satisfied after eating a stand-alone turkey sandwich. It is puzzling to eat a small healthy meal and feel satisfied, but I bet my body likes it very much.

My find of the week: Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese. One point per wedge, and it is rich and decadent tasting. Wow.

Sometimes I feel discouraged by how much further I have to go, but I try to remember that it will happen, .2 pounds by .2 pounds.

Weight Watchers Week 3

2012-02-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Week 3 finds me still marching onward with Weight Watchers. I am so pleased with this program. It takes thought and planning, but I am not starving all the time - as I have been with other plans that just restricted calories. And, it is working! At last weigh -in on Tuesday, I had lost an additional 1.6 pounds for a total of 4.8! I was so happy to see the number go down again, but I was a little disappointed that I didn't get the full five pounds. I bet I will get there by next Tuesday, though. When I lose five pounds, I will get a special sticker for my book at the meeting. Charlie thinks its strange that adults could be motivated by stickers, but being recognized in the meeting and having something to acknowledge my work will be very rewarding for me. Even if it is just a sticker.

The biggest reward this week is that my clothes fit differently. I have breathing/wiggle room in my jeans and slacks! Woo Hoo! They are not falling down by any means, but I can feel a big difference. I also tried on a blazer last night that felt loose in my arms. I didn't track my measurements before beginning my program, but I wish that I would have.

Tracking my food and exercise using the mobile phone app has been a breeze. Last night, I navigated dinner out at a Thai restaurant and dessert and stayed within my plan. In last weeks meeting, we were also encouraged to make our plan for the Super Bowl. I am going to bring veggies and maybe a WW dip, and stay clear of the Doritos - no matter how much I love them!

Thank you for listening. I could talk about this all day long.

Weight Watchers Week 2 Update

2012-01-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Today is WW day number 13. This week has gone pretty well. I was very excited to go to my second meeting on Tuesday night for my weigh in. I needed to know officially that what I was doing was working -- and it was! I stepped on the scale, and I had lost 3.2 pounds. (The .2 is all important, of course, kinda like a kid who insists he is five and a half.) I was very pleased. I pictured 3 pounds of ground beef, and thought that seemed like a lot to shed in a week. So, I am in. All in. I even changed my membership so that I could use the WW "eTools" which include a very handy app for my phone. You know that I am a bit of a tech nerd, so you can understand that I felt all giddy when I downloaded the WW barcode app which allows me to scan a food's barcode and get the point value per serving.

The meeting was helpful. I learned about simple recipes that are good values for the point system and I shared a little about my week, but I didn't get any stickers. I decided to buy a box of the chocolate carmel "2 point" bars to help with my chocolate cravings. You can tell that they are reduced fat, but they do satisfy the craving and they take a very long time to eat because the fake caramel is so chewy.

At the meeting, a woman shared that she was there for the first time and that she had come because her doctor told her she was "as big as a house." We all gasped in horror. But then, I saw something very special happen. Our leader said, "Did he really say that? That's not nice! There are other ways of saying that a person needs to lose weight. That's not nice." You know, I don't know that woman or her situation, but I was really thankful that someone stood up for her that day. Someone was there to say that that doctor had been mean. I hope she gets healthy and drops him.

After the meeting, I went to Starbucks before my Bible study. I went inside, which I hadn't originally planned to do, and I proudly and politely ordered my point compliant beverage, "Tall, nonfat, decaf latte, please." As I walked out of the door toward my car, I looked down to realize that I was still wearing my glaring Weight Watchers name tag!!!! Oh my goodness. I felt very silly and just a little embarrassed. I giggled all the way to Bible study. I hope that the young girls at Starbucks had a good laugh after I left.

Robbie and even Charlie have been very sweet and supportive of my new plan. Robbie bought me a Nike "Just Do It" hoodie this week to encourage me at the gym. Isn't that sweet? Charlie asks me about how many points things are and how I am doing on my daily budget.

The rest of the week has been good. This Thursday was much better than last Thursday, but yesterday (Friday) was tough. I ate plenty of protein, grains, fruits and veggies, but I really wanted a bag of chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate chips, or just chips. But, I refrained, hopeful that I will be rewarded when I get back on the scale on Tuesday.

Going Public

2012-01-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

My name is Jane-Ellis Griggs, I am an emotional eater, and I just joined Weight Watchers this week! I have been debating, since signing up on Monday, whether or not I should tell the "world," but I just can't help myself. I am so excited about what I have been learning, and how the WW plan has influenced my behavior, I have to write about it. I also know that by putting it out there, it will prompt me to think about my journey as it happens, and it might even encourage someone who has struggled with her weight.

I have always had a big appetite. I love food. I love healthy food, fattening food, and everything in between. My father eats good sized meals, and never snacks. My mother snacks, but rarely eats a big meal. I like to do both. I remember almost always feeling hungry during my childhood. I grew 6 inches in 6th grade, and I could eat as much as a teenage boy. I danced for hours every week, and I was thin.

Everyone knows that this is not sustainable. College comes, activity lessens, metabolism slows. I learned after entering the workforce, that I would have to cut back and eat like a grown-up instead of a growing boy. This worked pretty well. Then, I had 3 children in 5 years. And as you know, if you know us, or you have read anything below, I have 3 intense children. The stress level in my house is high, people. I spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen preparing snacks, lunches, meals, and I pick at food while I try to get my children to speak nicely to me and eat healthy things. This has made it very difficult to lose the rest of my "baby" weight. But, George is two and a half, so I don't really think it is "baby" weight anymore. I think it is officially "I don't know how to feed my body in this stage of my life - weight." I joined the Y in December, and I have been exercising consistently. I love to workout, and I know it will help me maintain my weight over time, but I needed a little more help.

Specifically, I knew that I needed education and encouragement, so I thought that Weight Watchers could be a good fit for me. I also have a close friend who has participated in it before, and she felt it would work well with my personality -- calculating points towards a daily points budget, having goals, cheesy meetings. It sounded great, and here I am, one week in, and I am so thrilled with what I am learning and doing. Here are some tidbits about my week:

Monday: Joined. Weighed in. Okay. Set goal to lose 10% of my body weight. Received materials and read every word. Started tracking my points and meeting my daily points target.

Tuesday: Tracked points all day. Really pleased that fruit and veggies don't "cost" any points--that really helped me feel full. I love fruit and veggies. Attended my first meeting. At weigh-in I had lost a pound and a half. Fluke? Realized that I may have missed my calling. I could totally cheer lead a group like that. I received a sticker for participating in the discussion and mentioning that I had read my materials. This delighted my A-student personality.

Wednesday: Smooth sailing. Realized that staying on track with the plan is making me plan my meals including my lunch, which I usually put zero thought into. I had extra points at the end of the day, so I had Robbie pick up a certain type of microwave popcorn. What a treat!

Thursday: Crash. I felt sleepy and my head hurt all day. I stayed on plan and ate a ton of fruit and veggies, but I felt like crap. (sorry for my harsh language, but it's just true) I emailed my leader for encouragement. She responded quickly and suggested how I might be able to handle my cravings. I wondered if my body was just going through withdrawal from all of the excess sugar and carbs I had been feeding it. Who knows--it just stunk.

Friday: It was a new day. I felt great and I was proud of my good choices. Meagan Bowman and I met for lunch, and she sweetly agreed to go to Applebee's because they have signature (and pre-calculated) menu items. On Friday night, Robbie and I headed to our favorite restaurant to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. I was prepared. The WW plan gives you extra points that you can use anytime during the week. You can use them all at once or throughout the week. I saved them all up for our dinner. It was so special and delicious AND I didn't even need all of the extra points! My big victory at that meal was that while I ordered whatever I wanted, I didn't eat the warm bread and butter. Not one slice. I was sitting there thinking (while wringing my hands under the table) "Wow. This is pretty radical, if I am not going to eat that yummy bread right there."

Saturday: Another big victory. It was a busy day. I attended two parties with beautiful party food and desserts, and I passed and had fruit, veggies, and tea/coffee, instead of the high-calorie treats and alcohol/punch. I knew that I could have some of that food and track it, but I didn't want to. I wanted to use my points for my meals instead of appetizers and desserts.

Sunday:

So, as I begin Week 2, I am optimistic--optimistic enough to actually post this entry and share all of this personal, tender information. It feels risky, because I know that I might fail. I know that I might be trying something different in a year. But, today I am going to be glad. I am going to be glad that I am working to make healthy choices. I am glad that I am learning things about food and good eating that I will be able to pass on to my family. I am glad that instead of wallowing in frustration and discouragement--I am at least trying to make a change.

Looking Back 5

2012-01-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, tomorrow, Peter had surgery to put tubes in his ears. It was a very normal and successful surgery, but it marked the beginning of a very sad season in our lives. Later that January, in 2007, we detected that Peter was profoundly deaf in his right ear, and that his hearing in his left ear was deteriorating. It was excruciating. We began to watch his language regress, and he wasn't interested in crawling. We happened to be renovating our bedroom at the time. Life was a mess. I remember telling Robbie that I felt like we were free-falling. He said that he felt that way too, but at least we could hold on to each other while we fell. 2007 stands out as the most difficult year of our adult lives. The year brought pain and sorrow and mice and anxiety. I am so glad it is over, and that the pain has faded over time.

Now in 2012, it is a joy to reflect on how faithful God has been over the past 5 years. Peter is an amazing child. I am so proud of what he has accomplished. He is running, talking, reading, writing, singing, acting, dancing, and playing the heck out of our Wii. He has come so far. Praise God! He makes me laugh and cry. He continues to be a force of nature; his gifts, struggles, and passions pour out of his little frame. While he is my most challenging child, it is great comfort to me that he will be the one who will take care of me when I am old. I can just tell.

Charlie shared with me that it is sometimes hard to have a brother who is deaf. He doesn't like it when people ask him about Peter's implants. He wants them to know that Peter is a regular kid. I said that I understood what he meant, but that I wasn't so sure that Peter was a "regular kid." Then Charlie asked me why God would give him a deaf brother. I said that I didn't know, but that I have always prayed that God would use it to teach my strong, quick Charlie to have mercy for those who are weak.

I shared with some friends a couple of months ago that I think children are like puzzles. Some kids are the wooden ones, where each piece fits in exactly where you would guess. They are so cute and "with the program." Some kids are 50, 100, or 500 piece jigsaw puzzles. You study the pieces, you look at the box, you look over at how other people are putting their puzzles together and it makes sense and you figure it out. Then some children are more like a rubix cube, or like tangrams, or some of the other puzzles you might find at the Science Center. You work on it, you turn it upside down, you stare at it, you start over, you think you may have made it worse, you take breaks, you ask your friends but they don't know, and then about every year or so, you get one more piece to line up, and it gives you hope that the whole thing might actually come together some day.

I think God may have given me one of each.

It is a daunting task to raise these three boys. It seems overwhelming to try to train them in the ways of Godly living, good citizenship, health and hygiene. At the end of many days it feels like we have only taken a step or two backwards. But, we wake each morning and start again. And, instead of looking back to last week or even last month to see God's work and their maturity, we look back 5 years, and smile.

Merry Christmas from the Griggs

2011-12-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas. I have loved receiving your Christmas cards. I hang them up on my kitchen cabinets, where they stay until about March. It helps me to tolerate the gray winter to look at your beautiful faces and to remember God's faithfulness both to you and to us through you. Maybe next year I will be able to send some of our own. Maybe. But for this year, this will have to do.

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took of the boys this year. It is so rare that I can get them to all look at me, and smile, and do this in proximity of one another. We were visiting Charleston, MO, or "Paradise" as we call it. The boys are perched together on top of the head of a big "wiggle worm" that I remember climbing when I was a girl. The detailed among you might notice my Mom's hand gripping tightly to George's ankle. She has hung on to my boys a lot this year, and for this I am very glad.

We had to say goodbye in 2011. The toughest, was saying goodbye to Robbie's mom who passed away at the end of September. She was a good mama, a caring mother-in-law, and a very special Gran. It has been and still is difficult to understand that she is gone from this life. We miss her very much.

We have also said goodbye to two couples who are very dear to us. Missy and Clay Smith moved to Virginia this summer, and our college friends Brian and Kim Janous moved to Seattle this week. They are people whom we would desire to spend our lives with, and yet, they have left the heartland for the coasts. Charlie assures me that I can continue to be "Facebook friends" with them, but I have tearfully explained that it is not the same.

The bright side of these farewells, is that they make us long for heaven, when sickness has passed, miles no longer separate us and we have plenty of time to talk.

Just this week we have said a very special "Hello." Robert Kinmonth Bowman has arrived to our friends Meagan and Jon Bowman and adoring brother Jonny. We prayed many years for this little one to come, and he is here! What a joyful thing it is to meet someone for the first time whom you already love so much.

We have much to be thankful for. Charlie has a new passion: baseball. Awesome. We happily say goodbye to Pokemon. Peter loves anything with a screen, and he is known to make friends out of strangers if they are willing to talk to him about their tech devices. "What games do you have on your phone/ipad2/computer?" is usually his opening line. George loves life and toaster waffles. He is most happy when he can play near his brothers. Everybody loves George.

Robbie and I are doing o.k. It has been a hard year in many ways; much of it self-inflicted, as we have failed to recognize our own limitations. Oh, but we are limited. So, our initiative for 2012 is to learn how to rest. We want to choose the simple over the complex, and the reasonable over the ridiculous. We will probably be working on this for 2013, too. I am just guessing.

We continue to hold on tight. To each other. To our boys. To Jesus. We are reminded daily of how much we needed Him to come and save us. We hope you are surrounded by those you love this Christmas, and that you know how much our God loves you.

Merry Christmas!
Jane-Ellis, Robbie, Charlie (7) Peter (5) and George (2) Griggs

Colorado

2011-10-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

So our church decided to send the pastors' wives to the first ever EPC Pastors' Wives Retreat. It was a very generous thing to do. We are staying at Glen Eyrie, which is a castle and retreat center next to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs -- and yes, a castle situated in the mountains is just as beautiful as you are imagining.

I am very thankful to be here, and I am very thankful to Robbie and my Mom for taking care of our boys. I hope to share more of what I am learning here, but I need to learn a little more first.

Today we took our second hike of the trip. We chose a trail up to a waterfall. It was invigorating to breathe the cold crisp mountain air. We hopped across streams. We stopped to appreciate the view. We climbed. We laughed at each other, and had a great time.

I kept thinking about how much Charlie and Jonny would have loved it. They would have jumped at the challenge of reaching the falls. They probably would have ended up a little wet.

It is hard and weird to be away from my family. It is hard to separate, especially with Barb's death still so fresh on our minds. It is strange, but nice to have my food prepared for me and to enjoy it slowly. It is a blessing to get to know these women from Central better. Being a pastor's wife is a unique thing. You are tied to and involved in your husband's profession in a way that you would not be if he had a different vocation. That makes it very nice to have time, ample time, to talk about life with these ladies.

A Golden Opportunity

2011-10-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, after months of planning and weeks of practice, I performed during pre-game at Mizzou's 100th Homecoming Football game with 76 Golden Girl Alums and the Marching Mizzou Alumni Band. It was a thrill. I reunited with friends and coaches. I hot-rolled and teased my hair. I wore a beautiful Golden Girl tee and my old tiger paw gold earrings.

We practiced for several hours that morning with the band. Even after 15 years, so much about stepping back into that world was effortless. Whether it was hitting eight steps to every 5 yards or dancing through some of the traditional routines, it seemed as though it could have been yesterday. I was still tall, too, so my spot near the center of the group was secure. Awesome. I have always loved that. Before marching on the field, I waved up at Robbie, Charlie and Peter. They looked very proud. Peter blew me kisses. I hope they will remember it when they are older.

Overall, it was such a positive experience. It was great to have a dance related goal to work toward. It was really special to be with women whom I have spent hours upon hours of grueling practice and games, and to hear about their families and careers. I also felt a great deal of pride to be a part of a time-honored and sparkling tradition at the University of Missouri. The women I danced with were beautiful, smart, and kind. It was an honor to line up with them.

The moment passed all too quickly. It was time to exit the field, say my good-byes and return to my family. However, there was one thing about dancing pre-game that I will never forget. Right in front of me, 29 rows back, was my mom. I spotted her immediately, and she alternated between waving and taking pictures. She has been watching me perform for 30 years, and yet her excitement never fades. She was even holding my stuff, just like old times. My mom is remarkable. It was 14 years ago during football season, my sophomore year, and 2nd year on Golden Girls when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a masectomy in October, I believe, and followed up with chemo. I remember that after her surgery, she came to one of my games (she says it was the Nebraska debacle of '97) and she still had drains taped to her body. Now that is support. The Lord brought her through breast cancer in 1997, lymphoma in 2005, and back surgery in 2010, not to mention the string of heartaches we call "life." Looking up at her on Saturday, you better believe that I knew how blessed I was that she was sitting there. I don't know what I would do without my Mama. I just wanted to say thank you to her for the way she loves me, and for being so brave. And I wanted to thank Jesus, too. He knows how much I need her.

Gran

2011-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law, Barbara Jean Carter Whitehead, passed away on Wednesday. "Gran" was only 64 years old. We buried her today. This picture was taken on her 60th birthday. She had the most beautiful cake that day. I think she had picked it out herself and it was very pink. Pink on pink on pink. As a boy mama, this made quite an impression on me. I loved it. She loved Robbie and her daughter Lorie, and our children very much. She was like a grandmother to Robbie's niece Kim, and she doted on Kim's children as well.
Over the past few years, she has been very sick. She has often been frustrated and discouraged. It was hard to watch someone you love, who desired very simple pleasures in life, not to be able to enjoy them. But, when we would speak, it delighted her to hear stories about my boys. I would be frustrated or embarrassed by their recent mischief and she would just laugh at me. She understood that boys are boys, and that they may drive you crazy, but with God's grace--they are going to turn out just fine.

Cheers to Barbara. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and a very special Gran.

The Strong Influence of Calvin and Hobbes

2011-08-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

For Charlie's birthday in May, Robbie and I ordered him "The Essential Calvin and Hobbes." I had heard several people, whom I happened to really like, reference it over the past few years, so I thought we should see what all the fuss was about. And, in case you are wondering, no, I guess I don't really care what people I don't like are reading.

Well, it really caught on. Charlie and Peter loved it and it quickly became the favorite book in the house. We let them read at bedtime with flashlights, and each night they would fight over who would get Calvin and Hobbes. So, we bought another collection "The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes," and it became the new favorite. (So, they fight over it now.)

It has been so interesting to watch its influence over Peter in particular. Robbie is concerned that he is becoming a cartoon character. When he hears the word "no" from us, he routinely says "rats" which isn't something he picked up at school. (We don't really mind it because at least it means that he is giving in.) He also loves to act out his favorite comic strips from the book. This is often confusing, because Calvin and Hobbes is not your typical kindergarten humor, but I am learning. For example, if he tells me that his supper is disgusting, and then walks out of the room and pretends to order pizza with extra pepperoni, I have learned that I am supposed to laugh and smile.

But it is also causing me to have some concerns. I found a note in his backpack this week to one of his classmates. I think they have been butting heads a little bit, because the note said the guy was a "fuzz brain."

I had to draw the line yesterday. He asked me if we had a wagon. "Yes," I told him, "I think so." Then he said, "Can Charlie and I ride down a mountain in it?" I tried to explain that that sounded very dangerous. Then he asked me if he could jump off the roof, using a blanket as parachute. "Absolutely not, Peter." I said, "You would not float down. You would fall fast, and hit hard, and you would have to go to the hospital."

"But I really want to, Mom."

"You can try it by jumping off my bed when we get home."

"Rats."

My friend is moving and I am sad.

2011-07-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

My friend is moving, and I am sad. This is my Bible study group of the last 2 1/2 years. Missy, pictured in the middle (wearing white) is moving with her husband and family across the country to a new job. Clay is on staff with Robbie and we have grown very close over the last seven years. When they came to Central, I remember asking Missy to be my friend. She said yes. I had no idea of the blessings that would flow from our friendship with them.

Missy and Clay have a beautiful story. It starts with broken pieces. (She is a childhood survivor of a very rare and destructive cancer.) But then God chose to use these broken pieces to make something remarkable. The battles they have fought have shaped them. And over the last seven years as we have experienced times of great joy and great pain and heartache, they have helped to carry us.

I was crying in the car the other day, because I was thinking about my beautiful, wise, funny friend, and I started to miss her already. Charlie, in an effort to comfort me, said "Well, Mom, you can still be Facebook friends with with Miss Missy."

"Yes, Charlie," I said with a sniff "that is true. But some friends you just want to see everyday." It is no coincidence that the song playing in the car at the time was about how Jesus has made an eternal place for us. Even though I remained sad, it was deep comfort to remember that friendships like these are one of the reasons that God has given us an eternity to enjoy them.

What do you do?

2011-05-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Peter had a really rough afternoon on Wednesday. He was tired, asthmatic and generally rotten. Peter's teacher, Amazing Abby, asked him to rest on the bench in her room for a few minutes to calm down. After a moment to breathe and reflect, Peter asked ...

Peter: Where's my Mom?
Abby: She's at home.
Peter: Oh. She works really hard!
Abby: What about me?
Peter: (confused) What?
Abby: Don't I work very hard?
Peter: (utterly puzzled) What do you do?
Abby: I work with you all day!
Peter: Oh. (still not convinced)

Miss Abby, even if Peter has no idea how hard you work, Robbie and I do. We can't tell you how much we will miss you in two weeks. Thank you for your patience, your creative problem solving, your enthusiasm, and your love for Peter. You have done tremendous things this year to prepare Peter for his life in this world. Thank you.

Happy Birthday, Charlie.

2011-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday, Charles Robert Griggs! I can't believe you are seven -- that I am a mother of a seven year-old. It has all been a blur. A good blur, well most of it, but a blur. I love your mind and how it is constantly working and wondering. I love how you ask me questions that leave me speechless. I love how you love your friends, and how much you enjoy spending time with them. I love that you are a big eater and that we like bacon and eggs together. I love how you dote on George. I love how you learning to play with Peter. I love that you love your Daddy, and that you guys can do grown up things together. You are a very good boy, and you are mine. I pray that God will continue to grow and shape your heart and mind, and that he will use you mightily for His kingdom. But no matter how tall you get, you will always be my first baby, the little boy who made me a Mom. Thank you for being you, Charlie. Love, Mom

Searching Again

2011-04-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

I have had that feeling again lately. George will be two in a few months, and I guess I have almost completely emerged from the baby tunnel for the third time. I do not plan to go back there. So here I am, trying to remember who it is that I am and what it is that I do. Motherhood can be crazy, can't it? I feel lost in the repetitious tasks of children and home. Sometimes I look at the kitchen after the boys have gone to bed, and I think about how I would rather get teeth pulled than pack one more lunch. The body fluids, the assault on my personal space, the destruction of my house and my special things . . . it is just too much. I work hard to maintain my home, and yet it is cluttered and haphazard. I work hard to parent my boys, but in the words of my dad they are as civil as "pet coons" -- whatever they can't tear up they crap on. An evening can be going well, and then things shift dramatically, and suddenly I feel like I could choke somebody. I fantasize about strange things like brief hospitalizations and personal interns. I wonder how many "all-nighters" I would need to pull in a row before I would start to see progress with my responsibilities, but at the same time I want to crash as soon as we turn out the boys' lights. How do I find the time for physical fitness or spiritual refreshment when there are so many damn forms to fill out and so many underpants to wash and sort?

When Robbie can tell that I need a break, he sends me away for time on my own. This is very nice, but I sometimes have trouble remembering what I like to do before it is time for me to come back home. This means that I need to search. I need to remember my interests and my gifts. I want to learn new things. I want to grow as a person. I would like to do something that I feel good at. Something lasting, that my children cannot poop on. I have no idea how I can pursue any of this, logistically speaking, but it feels important that I try.

Small Step 1: I have started reading again.
Small Step 2: I have no idea. (Maybe I will have to stick with Step 1 awhile longer before I know what step 2 should be.)

Thanks for listening. The only reason that I can be brave enough to say all of this "out loud" is that I know I am not alone.

Charlie on Break

2011-03-19T19:34:00.001-07:00

Charlie is on spring break down in lovely Charleston, MO. He couldn't wait to get down there and he keeps telling me that he is going to stay for 10 days. In two days, he has learned to ride a horse by himself (Big thanks to Mr. Em!) and he has learned to ride his big bike without the training wheels (instead of the smaller one he learned on in the Fall--Big thanks to Papaw). Tomorrow they will probably work on shooting the BB gun. And if he stays any longer, who knows, they may teach him to drive a truck. Not bad for a city kid.

Big Day for Peter

2011-03-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

Peter started Karate today. He did awesome. I kept tearing up as I watched him listening to his instructor and yelling "Yes Sir!" with his classmates. The countless hours of speech, auditory training, and physical therapy flashed before me. He has worked so hard. Robbie and I have worked so hard. Our amazing team at CID has worked so hard to get to a day like this, when he can go to Little Ninjas and totally ROCK IT!! And there is so much more to come from this little man. I am a very proud Mama. (Here he is posing with his star and Ring Pop.)

Ready for Spring

2011-03-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

We walked to the playground at Tower Grove Park today. The sunshine and cool springtime air felt like good medicine in my chest. My boys and Jonny were all over the place, running around with small light sabers in a fight for the galaxy. George trotted around like he owned the place. This is going to be a great year for him. Peter turns 5 in April, Charlie will be SEVEN in May and George will be the big 2 in July. Wow.

My boys are starting to like each other. They are growing into the sense that they are a clan--a team. They still fight everyday, but I am catching them being nice to each other more and more. My Mom and Dad have often said that they have always hoped that Mayme and I would be close, and I understand that desire more fully now. Robbie and I want to build a family that values family. This seems difficult when life is pulling each of us in different directions. It means that we have had to and will continue to say "no" to things, which may disappoint others, including our children. And that is okay. It may mean saying "yes" to new things that help us to learn more about each other. And that will be very cool.

Afternoon in the Park

2011-03-16T21:02:00.001-07:00

George takes a drink

2011-03-16T20:38:00.001-07:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEkXT5GRsNM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my iPhone

The Tree

2010-12-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

We are really enjoying our tree this year. It makes me want to have a party at night. We can't keep many ornaments on the bottom branches because of George, but that is ok. George likes to take the ornaments and toy nativity figurines and drop them into the fireplace. I am very paranoid that I might burn up a little lamb or even worse, sweet baby Jesus himself. I feel so thankful this year for our house and our family. Nothing is perfect, but we are o.k. Maybe better than o.k. I took all three boys to get haircuts this morning and I didn't leave in tears (like last time). Merry Christmas to me.

Does anyone remember...

2010-10-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Eating at the McDonalds boat on the riverfront? Maybe it is because I look like a boy in this picture, but I can see a little George in there...

Bike Ride

2010-10-12T19:44:00.001-07:00

George says that it is never too early to start working on our "beach bods."

Student of the Week

2010-09-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

Peter did a great job on his student of the week presentation on Monday. I especially liked it when he taught his friends the M I Z Z O U cheer.

George

2010-09-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

George loves his birthday bunny. George thinks he is a big boy. Robbie and I are amazed by how sweet and sunny he is. Were the other two like this at this age? We can't quite remember.

New phone

2010-09-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Robbie bought me an iPhone today. I can use it to post stuff to my blog now. Maybe my blog won't get quite as stale as it has been lately. I love new tech gear!

New Year's Resolution - Check

2010-07-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year, I shared that one of my resolutions for 2010 was to start dancing again. I didn't know what it would bring, but I started dancing at home when the big boys were at school. I tried to stretch and move a little each time I had an opportunity. I don't think that it was a coincidence that after sharing this goal on my blog, I received a call from the children's event director at our church. She asked me to consider teaching a dance camp for girls ages 6 to 9 this summer. I thought and prayed about this opportunity to serve, and each time I thought about it I got excited and started planning the class in my mind. So my answer was an obvious "yes."

Well, we just finished day two, and as I lay here with my feet up, I keep remembering and delighting in my morning with these beautiful young girls. My legs are throbbing and sore, and it feels great. I felt anxious on Sunday night, worrying that I had probably forgotten how to teach dance, but just as Robbie reassured me, it all came back. When the music is on, I just can't help myself. I was born to dance, and the teaching part comes naturally because it is simply sharing my love.

I feel really thankful to be able to complete my New Year's Resolution in this way. If my goal in 2010 was to start dancing again, my goal for 2011 might be to stay near it. It has been far too long. I don't know what that might mean either, but I will figure it out as I go.

Tonight we had a dance party in our room after bath time. My niece Carson is here for the week for camp, and the Griggs are all a little hyper because of her fun presence. I have never seen a baby dance like George. As soon as he hears music he begins bouncing and wiggling. Tonight he invented his own tomahawk move, and he was also flipping around on the floor a little bit. Robbie and I couldn't stop grinning at each other as we watched him. He is ONE now, and one year ago last Saturday they closed his chest two days after his heart surgery. Unbelievable. He has a lot to dance about. So do we.

random updates

2010-06-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Peter calls Harry Potter "Harry Powder." He just started swimming under water this week with his goggles. He was so proud! He wore his goggles to school today.

Charlie is doing well. He is staying very busy. My friend told me that he needs his own Blackberry to keep up with his social commitments. He is doing swim camp this week and learning about the different strokes. He showed me some of his new skills the other evening at the pool. I reminded him that his arms should come up by his ears for his freestyle. "That's what Mr. Matt said!" he exclaimed with complete surprise that I would know something about swimming.

George loves life. His favorite new game is to crawl to the bottom of the stairs and wait for me to notice him. When he catches my eye, he starts giggling and climbing up the stairs. He thinks he is moving really fast. He has three loves this week: being on my hip, seeking danger, and watermelon.

Robbie is, well, Robbie is hanging in there. He is out of town this week at General Assembly in Colorado. He feels the pressure of work and family. He has to work so hard to juggle us all. We are missing him terribly this week.

I am o.k. I am very thankful that it is this summer and not last summer. Last summer was so, so hard. We were packing up the house and I was very pregnant. I love my little family, and I am so blessed for us to be healthy and happy in our home together. At the same time, I am tired. I am amazed by how hard I work on the house, laundry, and cooking and yet the house is always dirty, the laundry is a mess, and the children are always hungry. Women with older children tell me that parenting doesn't get any easier. I don't know why they say that. Even if it is true, it is completely unhelpful.

31 Children in Light Blue Polos

2010-05-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

I attended a field trip with Charlie's class on Wednesday. Robbie and I had promised Charlie that we would go on one of his field trips this year. This was the last one of the year. Robbie was busy, so I dug out my khaki shorts and sensible shoes and followed the bus to Purina Farms.

Purina Farms is beautiful. The barn-like buildings are painted a pastel blue-green color and trimmed in white. White wooden fences rise and fall across the landscape. It reminded me of Kentucky, and made me wish my Dad were there, too.

I watched Charlie and his classmates enjoy the beautiful day and all the animals. Cats, dogs, pigs, bunnies, horses, donkeys and cows. We watched a man milk a cow, and each willing child was given the opportunity to milk the beautiful holstein. Charlie jumped right up there.

Charlie's fellow kindergarteners were easy to spot. Each was wearing his or her light blue school provided polo, with school logo. Each child, except for Charlie. Charlie had on his school mascot shirt, which is white and royal blue. It made him easy to spot, too, in a way.

He was in the wrong shirt. He was in the wrong shirt, not because I forgot, but because the light blue polo was dirty. Very dirty. I did eight loads of laundry on Tuesday, and that shirt was in the floor in front of the washer in my pile for the "next load." It was resting with the other "next load" items, like Peter's pee-pee PJs. I knew it was dirty, but gave it to Charlie to see if he would notice how dirty it was. Which means that I would risk Charlie smelling like pee-pee, just so that I wouldn't look like "that Mom." You know, that mom who just can't pull it together and remember the stupid field trip shirt like all the other mommies managed to do. But, alas, I heard Charlie complain "Mom, this shirt smells like PEE!" I said "You're right" and I threw the light blue polo on the floor and grabbed the only other school shirt we have. So, there it is, I am that Mom.

My friend Hillary tells me about Mommy Righteousness. Mommy Righteousness is what we place our worth in as mothers. It is what makes us feel o.k. about ourselves. I can hold onto my Mommy Righteousness when I get healthy things into my child's lunch, when I remember to send the 4 individual juices on Cinco de Mayo, when I return the permission slip on time, when I discipline with patience and creativity, and when we are on time. My Mommy Righteousness is very important to me, apparently. I almost let my son wear a pee-pee shirt and be the smelly kid, just so that I could hold onto it.

You can probably see where this is going. I might be able to do some of these things some of the time, but most days I am going to forget stuff and be late. Try as I might to be organized and to support my boys at school, there are just too many opportunities for failure. I hate failure. It makes me feel like crap. I felt awful on Wednesday. My Mommy Righteousness had been completely stripped away. Charlie was the only kid in the wrong shirt, and Peter has been struggling with behavior issues at school. My idol of being a good mommy had slipped through my fingers once again. It stings, but you know what I like about it? When my hands are completely empty they are free to hold onto Jesus.

Jesus' righteousness is the opposite of my Mommy Righteousness, because it is all about Him. He has called me his own. He has covered me in his perfection. It never changes, and I can't ruin it. It is my worth, and I am glorious.

Ephesians 1:4 - 8 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, accordance with his pleasure and will -- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Peter Turns 4!!

2010-04-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Peter turned 4 on April 4th. How do I describe Peter? He is a force of nature. He loves technology (his birthday gift was a real digital camera, pictured hanging around his neck) and he loves animals. He strives to command those around him, with persuasion tactics ranging from sugary sweetness to yelling/brute force. Peter is persistent and relentless. He never gives up. He could pedal further on his bike without complaint than many children who are older and stronger, out of sheer will. He loves to perform and talk in microphones. He is talking well, and reading a little too.

I love him so much! And, he is in love with me. He holds my face in his hands and kisses me. If he sees something pretty or something for mommies he always takes care to point it out to me. "Mommy, look, that is your dress." or "Mommy, look, that is your necklace! Which one do you like, Mommy? The red one or the blue one?" It is nice to be noticed.

I am amazed by Peter, and I know that I will love seeing what God calls him to do in this life!

News from the Baby Tunnel

2010-04-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

It is Tuesday morning. I work at Core10 Architecture on Mondays and Thursdays, and Robbie is at home most Fridays. This leaves me home with George on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since the beginning of the year, I have learned that I have to stay at home on these two days. I try to avoid all appointments and errands, and just stay home. This gives me two days with the big boys at school to do laundry, pay bills, exercise, shower, work on our calendar, process the boys' school paperwork, and do accounting work for my dad. You can imagine how fast the time flies.

I am trying to establish a routine, so that I will not become overwhelmed. I try to exercise first, or I have learned that it won't happen. Then it is lunch and playtime with George. I usually try to focus on laundry on Tuesdays and desk work on Wednesdays. I struggle with needing to be productive and also feeling tired from the other five days of the week.

George is growing and changing so fast. He is crawling now, and pulling up, and cruising. He is busy and starting to "range out" in the house, discovering something new daily. He is strong, healthy, and a total joy. Praise God! As toddlerhood approaches, I think I am nearing the end of the baby tunnel. I can see the light. Our routines and activities will be changing, and I hope that I will be more accessible and helpful to my friends. I hope that my thoughts will begin to open up again, and that I might have something to say when I sit down to update my blog or facebook status. Now when I sit in front of a flashing cursor, I just feel blank.

I am delighted with my family. Being the mommy in this house is really intense at times, but I have fun with my boys, and I love our life. The new house is a great fit for our family, and we get a little more settled as the months pass. George just crawled away to go exploring. I'd better follow him!

Woman of the Year

2010-03-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

My mom was named the 2009 Lion's Club Woman of the Year in Charleston last week. My sister and I drove down for the big event together. It was such a joy to see my mom being recognized for not only her accomplishments, but also for who she is as a person. I was honored to write the narrative that they read about her at the banquet. It is a little long for a blog post, but I am really proud of her, and I wanted to include it. She was very surprised!

To know, is to love this Charleston woman. In her young years, she adored her brothers and was crazy about horses. In her years at Charleston High, she grew from an athletic tomboy into a Cotton Carnival and State Fair beauty queen. After graduating CHS in 1966, (she would mention that the Charleston Football Team beat Sikeston that year) she moved on to the University of Missouri where she studied physical education and became a beloved member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

At Mizzou, she flourished in her college social life, but she never understood why her good friend, and former childhood sweetheart dated girls who were simply “not good enough” for him. When she finally realized that the problem was that the other girls were not her, the couple became engaged and married in a matter of months. Shortly after their spring wedding, the groom left for the National Guard. When he returned in the fall for Law School, his new bride began her first job as a P.E. teacher in Moberly, Missouri. She worked hard to put her new husband through law school. (He would mention that she has never let him forget it.)

The couple returned home to Charleston and she began teaching P.E. at East Prairie High School. Soon the “Two” became “Four,” with the addition of the couple’s two daughters. Her fun-loving and creative personality was a natural fit for motherhood.

As her girls grew, this Charleston woman worked in many different capacities ranging from office work, to sales, to teaching P.E., working as a kindergarten aide and helping direct and choreograph school plays. In 1997, she overcame one of her greatest challenges as she battled, and beat breast cancer. As a cancer survivor, she is always there to listen, to grieve, and to rejoice with anyone facing this terrible disease. She finished out her professional career as a Parents As Teacher coordinator, serving many Charleston families. She was truly gifted for this position: it utilized her resourcefulness, creativity, and her great love for little ones and their families.

Well, if you thought she was gifted as a P.A.T. coordinator, you should see how she shines in retirement! She loves the United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir, attends prayer group, directs the Sam C. and Jane Goodin Memorial Handbell Choir, and teaches the “Overflow” Sunday school class. While she enjoys riding horses and spending time with her husband, she is known to leave town to visit her 5 grandchildren on a moment’s notice. Her “grandbabies” always squeal with delight upon their Mimi’s arrival. Retirement has also given this talented leader the opportunity to serve as the President of both the P.E.O. Club and Charleston Ladies Golf Association.

She loves to play. She plays golf, and she is a fan of almost every sport. Be it the little league or the major league, this lady is an enthusiastic spectator. She loves to pray. For her, prayer is a first response, not a last resort. And, she loves people. She cares deeply for others and she serves them sacrificially and joyfully. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her motto that "it will be alright" is always reassuring.

This woman’s outward beauty, lovely as she may be, is a mere shadow of her sweet, beautiful heart. We are blessed to know and share life with her, and we are honored to announce that Jane Bock Young is the 2010 Woman of the Year.

Kelly's Kids Spring/Summer 2010

2010-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe because it is snowing outside, my mind is wandering to the warmer days ahead. What a perfect day to launch my Spring/Summer 2010 season for Kelly's Kids! I am excited about two new additions this year: Kelly's Kids "At Home" and "Baby" collections. How sweet!

I will have my trunk available for home parties or personal appointments from February 26th through March 6th, but you can order or host a catalog party at any time. When ordering directly through Kelly's Kids, please mention my Rep# 112640.

On a personal note, I have decided to make this my last season for selling Kelly's Kids. I have had a great experience. I have learned much, and I have loved working with my customers. However, the "fullness" of my family life with the addition of sweet George has required me to make choices among good things. Thank you for your support!

Preparing to Celebrate 10 Years

2010-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Y2K? I sure do. I was about to get married. I remember asking my dad, "Daddy, if everything crashes and people go crazy, all Robbie and I need to get married is the two of us and the preacher, right?" My Daddy replied, "No Honey, we don't need the preacher, we can just go down to the court house." This made me feel better, of course, because he is my Dad. As you know, the clocks and the computers rolled over to 2000 and nothing happened. Robbie and I got married on January 15, 2000 witnessed by about 500 of our closest friends. I was a millennium bride. It was a beautiful January day.

On Friday, Robbie and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage, which means that with our dating history we have been together for 16.5 years. More than half of my life. We have a nice dinner and evening planned for Friday, but tomorrow night, I want to celebrate our anniversary with our boys. I want to show them wedding pictures. I want to tell them funny things we remember about the day. I want to serve a special family dinner and dessert.

Banana pudding is one of Robbie's favorites, so I selected Paula Dean's Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding and prepared it tonight for our special dinner. It is NOT health food, but if you like banana pudding or just dessert in general, I think you will find it heavenly. The recipe was recommended by some P.E.O. ladies from Charleston, so I knew it would be a real treat.

I hope to post some wedding pictures soon, but my Mom still has my wedding album. I think its time to get it from her.

Resolution: Day 1

2010-01-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

My main new year's resolution for 2010 is to start dancing again. (my other two are to lose my baby weight and learn sign language, but I will save that discussion for another day.) Most of you know that dancing was my first love. It consumed most of my waking thoughts for most of my young and college life. I could eat, sleep and breathe it. (In fact, I did sleep it - every night I made sure that I fell a sleep in a position that would help my "turnout.") I was late for everything, except for dance. I would arrive as early as I could and stay as long as they would let me. It was the thing that I was created to do--I couldn't not do it. Even when I began working full time after college, I couldn't resist tapping while waiting on the elevator. I loved the sound of my high heels on the shiny marble, and I didn't really care if anyone saw or heard me. I have always loved having an audience.

So what has happened? Life, I guess. Little boys. I taught on a regular basis until I was pregnant with Charlie. I picked it back up and started taking lessons after Peter was born, but I haven't really done anything since then. This has been the longest dancing drought of my life. I don't even think I was missing it that much, but thankfully, dance is back on TV. I have recorded and studied episodes of "So You Think You Can Dance" and I have been inspired by the music and movement of "Glee." I miss it now. I miss it enough to do something about it.

So I started today. It was my first day home with the boys back in school. I wanted to start simply. I grabbed my jam box -- yes, I still call it that -- and a very old CD collection. I decided to pull my hair straight back in a pony tail and put on dance pants. Then, to make sure that I felt like a dancer, I pulled out a pair of ratty maroon leg warmers, that were hand-me-down's from my dance teacher, Deana. I turned on the music and started stretching.

The old memorized stretches seemed totally unfamiliar. In certain positions, I would expect for my body to fall comfortably and rest on my leg, but instead it stopped short. Way short. I felt a deep, painful (the good kind of painful) pulling in my hamstrings. Oh, my hamstrings and lower back! My muscles seemed to have shortened by half! It was weird to be that inflexible, but it felt so good to use and recognize muscles that I had not felt in a long time. It felt so good to breathe to the music and to stand with correct posture.

After my stretching, I worked on what Robbie calls the "integral move" of dancing. The Wiggle. If you watch almost any beginning dance class routine, it will include the wiggle. Wiggling is great exercise. I wiggled and worked on isolations, moving one part of your body (such as your rib cage) while keeping everything else still. I also threw in a bunch of plies for good measure.

You know what? Dancing is still in me. It felt great to move my body. I enjoyed remembering the names of my muscles and how I should stretch them properly. I even felt myself going into teacher mode and thinking about how to explain different concepts to my imaginary students. I decided that I am training and preparing for something. I don't know what "it" is yet. But, I will keep you posted!

Merry Christmas from the Griggs!

2009-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Friends!
We have so much to be thankful for in 2009: a new, healthy baby, a new house, and a greater love and need for Jesus. We couldn't ask for anything more.
Wishing you joy and wonderful things in 2010.
Love, Jane-Ellis
P.S. I think I will title this picture "Christmas isn't Christmas until somebody cries." Incidentally, it is also our motto this year.

Meal Planning

2009-11-13T20:37:00.001-08:00

I got a little heat from one of my Facebook status updates today. I shared that I was doing some meal planning for the rest of November and December, and I asked for some ideas. A few people shared ideas, a few people congratulated my organization skills, and my sister, who doesn't like to cook, assumed that I was just trying to annoy her. The reason I plan ahead, is actually because I don't like to plan my meals or go to the grocery store. So, if I plan in advance, I do it less often, and make fewer trips to the grocery store. (I make one, and at most two, trips for every two weeks.) Good meal planning also really helps me control our grocery and dining budget. When I have something yummy to make, we aren't as tempted to eat out.

At the suggestion of a friend, I started doing meal planning about two years ago. I have definitely had times that I have not been able to pull it together and plan, but when I do plan, it makes life easier. So, I thought I would share a few ideas for simplifying meal planning. These things may not be helpful to you -- they have just worked well for me. I would love to hear about what works for you, too. I could always use a little help with this process!

My first step is to update our family calendar. I try to write down when we will be out of town or out to dinner, and I note any holidays or other special days. Then I make a mark to indicate which days I will need to cook. I generally try to cook one day, and eat leftovers the next. This will get harder to do when my boys start to eat more. For right now, I am cooking on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The next step is to pick dishes from my list of approved family meals. I have our preferred dishes in 3 columns: Chicken, Beef/Pork, and Vegetarian/Fish. (I also have a list of sides, but I don't plan my side dishes in as much detail in advance.) When I planned this time, I picked a chicken dish on Monday, I am making "breakfast for dinner" every Wednesday, Beef/Pork entree on Thursday, and a "one-pot" meal for Saturday. It seems to work well for our weekend when I can make a big pot of something on Saturday morning that we can eat on all weekend, like red chili, chicken chili, or chicken fried rice. I broke from the schedule in a few places to add in some vegetarian and fish meals. This doesn't mean that our meals are fancy. If there is a day that we are busy, and I know that I won't have time to cook, I plan something fast and convenient like a frozen pizza or toasted ravioli.

When I select the meals, I also try to think about where it falls in the line-up. For example, if a meal can be made primarily from ingredients that can be frozen, I put it toward the end of the two-week cycle. Recipes that have a lot of perishable ingredients are usually slated towards the beginning of the cycle. I also try to "balance the budget" when I plan, by making sure I mix more expensive and less expensive meals within a two week time frame.

Even though we have many tried and true favorites, I also like to try new recipes once or twice a month. I schedule new recipes on days when I know that I will have more time to cook. When we try it, I always ask Robbie if the new dish "makes the list." He and I vote. The children do not get a vote, yet. The new dish makes the list about half the time.

So, as I re-read this, I realize that this must be what happens when accountants become housewives. If you were interested, I hope it helps--And if you weren't, thanks for listening.

A Song

2009-10-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

I think I have a favorite love song. I was listening to it in my car today. In the last few weeks, I have been saddened by being a grown-up. My friends have grown-up problems, which cannot be solved in an evening of "riding around the big block" like when we were in high school. I am at a complete loss. I am thankful that my helplessness has driven me to prayer. It has also made me gather my children into my arms and tell my husband how much I love him. So, I was thinking about Robbie and my little ones today when this song played, and I found the music and lyrics especially beautiful.

"What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"
by Michel Legrand

What are you doing the rest of your life? North and south and east and west of your life?
I have only one request of your life -- that you spend it all with me.
All the seasons and the times of your days. All the nickels and the dimes of your days.
Let the reasons and the rhymes of your days. All begin and end with me.

I want to see your face, in every kind of light,
In fields of gold and forests of the night;
And when you stand before the candles on a cake.
Oh let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make.

Those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes. In the world of love you keep in your eyes,
I'll awaken what's asleep in your eyes, it may take a kiss or two..
Through all of my life..
Summer, winter, spring and fall of my life,
All I ever will recall of my life,
Is all of my life with you.

And life goes on

2009-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

We are getting into the swing of our new normal life. We LOVE the new house. It is very different from our old one, which I still cherish, but I think daily about what a great "fit" the new house is for our family. I have started cooking some in the kitchen, and I am learning where to find things.

George had a cardiology check-up this past Monday. It went well, and they want to see him in two months. I can't believe that he is a healthy little baby after all that we went through -- but he is. Praise God. He is sleeping through the night most nights now, which I almost hate to share because people will quit feeling sorry for me. I can't believe it, and it will probably change and go through phases, but he is sleeping from 7:30pm to about 7:00am. I am pretty sure that I had nothing to do with it, but I am really enjoying it.

I was sharing some advice with a friend of mine who just had her first baby. I told her that I knew one thing for sure: "The longer I am a mother, the less I know." Motherhood is so humbling. Each baby is so different. With Charlie, I read all the books, I applied all of the rules, it worked great, and I happily took the credit. I was an expert. With Peter, I was too busy fighting for his life and hearing to apply anything. And now with George, my last little baby, I don't really care what the rules are -- I just want to love and enjoy him in the midst of our crazy life with his brothers. The good news is that babies have a way of making their way in the world. They each have their own strengths, and their own styles -- and they make it.

Homecoming

2009-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

George is home! We were discharged from Cardinal Glennon at 4:15 on Friday, July31st. George was in the hospital for only 15 days. I cannot believe what God accomplished in his little body in that short amount of time. God used George's surgeon and his team, and countless nurses and caregivers. God used your prayers in mighty ways. Thank you for walking through this difficult time with us.

When George was naked, covered in tubes and wires, and stretched out in the hospital, I kept telling him (often through my sobbing) that this was not what life was like. I told him about how his life would be: "We will eat, snuggle, rest and eat some more." I told him about his quiet, yellow room in the new house. The one with all the windows and sunlight. I told him about the little white bassinet that I was going to put right by my bedside. Now he is at home. Now he is experiencing all of these comforts, and I am likewise comforted. I plan to spoil him for a while.

So we are at home. Things are disorganized. I am intimated by the pile of mail on my desk. I can now worry about the mundane things. Instead of puzzling over monitors and flashing numbers, my brow now furrows when George gets the hiccups.

It is also just now dawning on me that I have three boys. Wow.

Highlight

2009-07-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Robbie and I had a real treat tonight. I brought the boys up to Cardinal Glennon to join Robbie and George. George was released from the PICU and moved to a regular patient room. The new room is a better place for the boys to visit, and we are now allowed to hold George whenever we want. So Charlie and Peter were able to hold their baby brother for the first time. They we so ready; Charlie was especially excited. He had made me promise before George was born that he would be the first kid to hold George. Charlie looked so proud and so big. He talked to George with such a sweet, gentle little voice. My heart melted. Charlie told George to drink his milk so that he would get big and strong.

Peter took some pictures of Charlie and George, and then began his "my turn" chant. Peter held George and smiled for the camera. He touched his "ouch" and was surprisingly gentle, too. Peter was finished after about a minute.

At one point, when I was holding George and the boys were watching a cartoon on Robbie's computer, George started crying. Both boys came over immediately to check on him. It was so precious that they noticed and that they left their cartoon for a minute.

Tonight was our first taste of our new family life. We are easing into it. Pretty sweet.

War and Love

2009-07-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

It occurred to me tonight, that when I titled my blog "Busy at War and Love" (which is the name of an excellent chapter in Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer) I had no idea how much "war" I was in for as a mommy. I didn't know about the battles I would fight for Peter to hear, walk, and talk nor the battles it would take for George to come home with us with a strong heart. Being a mom to my boys has often left me feeling broken and helpless. Being Peter and George's mom is turning my hair gray.

At the same time, I am learning that I am not alone. I am broken and helpless in the hands of my good Father, and I have many, many people who are fighting these battles with me. Thank you for your prayers and your practical service. Thank you for being with me. Thank you for shaking your head in disbelief with me.

We love the new house. The boys love it. They run from one end to another. George's room is so sweet; yellow and full of sunlight. He will like it there.

Well, I am going to sign off because I came to the hospital to kiss George goodnight. The nurse is going to let me hold him for a minute and try to feed him some pedialyte from a bottle! I am so excited. It may only last a minute or two, but I have been looking forward to feeding him very much.

Dr. Fiore told the nurse tonight that he would probably remove George's chest tubes/drains tomorrow. He is also reducing some of his heart medication. He told her that he might like to move George "out to the floor" (meaning out of the PICU) tomorrow. We'll see. Things tend to take a little longer in the hospital.

A Lesson

2009-07-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is George's surgery. I have been crying a lot tonight. I really don't want anyone to cut a hair off of George's head, and yet tomorrow, a doctor will be opening up his chest. We spoke with the surgeon late this evening. He looked me in the eye, took my hand, and told me that he was going to take very good care of George. I really appreciated that.

I have to remind myself that this man and this team are setting out to heal George tomorrow. The harm they are inflicting is necessary for him to live. He must get worse to get better. I am going to have to be brave.

I am going to be "offline" tomorrow for the surgery. Please check Robbie's Blog for details and updates.

We have so many people taking care of us right now. I feel as though I am getting an amazing lesson in how to care for people who are going through difficult times. Our friends are so generous with their time and talents. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your selflessness. I will be forever grateful.

Holding George

2009-07-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

The nurse woke me up this morning to tell me that they were getting ready to take George off of the ventilator. In a few minutes the respiratory therapist came in and before I knew she had started, the vent was gone. He started making some squeaking noises and he was breathing well on his own. Then the nurse told me that they had removed his Foley catheter and that he had pee-peed everywhere when they removed it! I was so pleased with losing these two tubes.

"Would you like to hold him?" she asked. WOULD I??? I thought. "Yes, I would!" I replied. I pulled up a chair, grabbed the "boppy" and prepared to hold my little baby. The nurse worked to gather his tubes and lines together, and she transfered him to my arms. I felt like I was able to breathe better all of the sudden. I sat and studied him. I think he has my nose--its round at the end like mine. I tried to be very still so that I would not disturb any of his gear. I sang to him. I told him more about his Daddy and brothers. I sat there as long as I could.

Our day has been blessedly uneventful. I took a two hour nap this afternoon. When I was rested and starting to feel ready for visitors, a few visitors came. It was a really nice day.

I am missing my big boys. I know they are having a great time, but I will be very happy to be with them. I have been thinking about our ordinary home life. About a month ago, I was bored with our routine of family dinners, chores, playtime, bathtime, books and bed. Silly, silly Jane-Ellis. Now as I hope and dream of our new ordinary life in the new house, with our new baby George at home--I know that these boring nights will be precious treasures, indeed.

The Unexpected

2009-07-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, about 3 hours after giving birth to my third baby, George Lowell Griggs, I heard a helicopter take off from the hospital. It was carrying my brand new baby, who had been physically attached to me for 9 months, away to Cardinal Glennon. He was, from my point of view, all alone on a helicopter, inside a little case that looked like something from the movie E.T. Mercy, Mercy Lord Jesus.

In the middle of June, while on vacation, we anticipated to return home and take the house off of the market on June 30th, in order to take a break from the madness of house selling and to prepare for George. We didn't want our frustration over the house to be a cloud over his birth. On the day we returned from vacation we recived an offer on the house and within a day or two had a contract to sell our home and to buy a new one. Closing dates were set and the packing preparations began. This was all very unexpected.

We packed, and despite my best efforts to "over do it" I did not go into labor on my own. We set an inducement date for Thursday and arrived at 7:30 am. I started receiving pitocin at 8:40. They broke my water at 10:30, and George was born at 1:10 p.m. My nurse was an angel, and she commented that it was one of the fastest inductions she had ever seen. When George was born they put him on my chest. He cried. I cried. I was so thankful he had arrived. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the boys God has given me. They took him to weigh him. 8 pounds 5 oz. -- my biggest baby. I felt so proud. Then they began to check him out. They immediately noticed that he was not "pinking up" they way that they expected. They took him for an extensive check. We waited about 45 minutes. The neonatologist and nurse returned with shocking news. George has a heart defect. George needed to be transported to Children's or Cardinal Glennon. George will need open heart surgery very soon. For medical details and updates see Robbie's blog.

I am scared for George's life. I am overwhelmed by the love of our friends and family. (Today a tribe of angels packed up our entire house and put it on a truck.) I am thankful the nurse at St. Luke's noticed his issue right away. I am thankful that he has been opening his eyes today. I am tired. I am sore. I also feel God's peace. I love George very much. I am baffled by God's timing, but I see him working mightily.

George's middle name, Lowell, is Robbie's first name and his sweet Papaw's first name. It means "loved." It could not be more obvious. Our George is loved so wildly.

Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. I think I probably need to go to sleep. More soon . . .

Say Cheese

2009-05-26T19:51:00.001-07:00

I am behind on my pictures. Really behind. So, I decided that it might be fun to post a favorite pic from each month in 2009. I would vow to get better at this, but with baby 3 due in 7 weeks, I know that it is not going to happen!

January Picture

2009-05-26T19:47:00.001-07:00

How boys play on a snowy day. . . Notice that after Charlie fashioned a Karate belt, Peter needed one too.

February Picture

2009-05-26T19:40:00.001-07:00

In February, extra time inside brought out new things in my boys' personalities. Charlie and Peter began to act more like brothers, and we started to learn that Peter considers himself the boss -- of everyone. He was posing us for this picture.

March Picture

2009-05-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

In March, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in my friend Abby's wedding. I had a wonderful time -- I love it when two nice people get married!

April Picture

2009-05-26T19:30:00.001-07:00

Peter turned 3 in April. He is the hardest working 3 year-old I know. When he was a little baby, and very sick and also deaf, I realized that things would be harder for him in this life. I prayed that God would give him perseverance and joy for his efforts. I also asked God to give him a "special fortitude that I could not teach." God has answered these prayers in great measure. I look back on that journal entry now and I laugh. These qualities are very difficult to manage in a 3 year-old, but I am thankful, because I know they will serve him very well in life.

May Picture

2009-05-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Charlie's Birthday in May. I am so proud of my 5 year-old!!! His big present was that his Mimi and Papaw signed him up for Karate. I think he looks very handsome in his "Gi".

Please don't say . . .

2009-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

My girlfriends and I have observed that people say and do strange things around pregnant women. I do not know why this occurs, but I would like to make a few suggestions as to things you should not say:

"You are really putting on the weight."

"Hey, I barely recognized you!" (the one I heard this morning)

"Are you having twins? No? Are you sure??"

"You look like you are about to pop. It must be any day now!"

"We'll just call you tub-of-fun" (To which my friend replied, "How 'bout we don't call me tub-of-anything.")

Instead, here are a few acceptable comments/questions:

"You look great. How are you feeling?"

"Are you excited?" "When are you due?"

"Do you plan to find out the gender?"

One word of caution: Really any comment or question can be offensive to a pregnant woman. Lately people have been telling me that I look cute. Which sounds sweet, and is well meaning, but because I have never considered myself to be "cute" (as I am 6 feet tall and outweigh most of my friends' husbands) I feel like it means that I am "cute" the same way that 90 year-old men are "cute."

Given my fragile state, I am thankful I have a husband who knows the right things to say. He refers to my pregnant, squishy body as my Renaissance figure, and quickly adds how much he admires it. And because he loves me so . . . I actually believe him.

Deep Thought

2009-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

In the work force, there are many days when people oppose you all day long.

As a mommy, there are many days when little people oppose you all day long. . . And then they poop on you.

St. George the Dragon Slayer

2009-04-23T20:24:00.001-07:00

A dear friend sent me this picture today, because today is the feast of St. George. I don't know if I have posted it yet, but our new baby boy will be named George Lowell Griggs. George is a family name on my side (my great uncle and brother of my grandfather Charles) and Lowell is Robbie's first name and was his sweet Papaw's first name. We had a little trouble agreeing on a name, but since we decided on George we have liked it more and more all the time. George Griggs. Charlie, Peter and George. It just fits.

While it is easy to think of various "Georges" from our history and culture, I especially liked the reference from our friend, and medieval historian W.C. to St. George the Dragon Slayer. St. George was a Roman guard (c. 300) and a martyr. There is a legend surrounding him that he once slayed a dragon. He was a very popular eastern saint. He was known in the west, but only became a popular there after the crusades brought him back to the west. At this time he became very popular in England, and eventually named patron saint of England, which is why many Anglican churches are named Saint George.

W.C. (I use his initials to protect him from being freely associated with my blog) also sent this prayer: May your little George be a dragon slayer as well, fortified with the word of God, sharper than any double-edged sword. May he be a warrior for the kingdom of God.

Thanks, friend. I appreciate this prayer so much. I am sure that George will receive a great deal of his training for battle while growing up with Charlie and Peter.

Major Change Coming to the Griggs House

2009-03-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Robbie and I have been married for a little over 9 years. During this time, with the exception of a 10 month period in 2001, we have been without cable/satellite TV. Until now!! On Thursday, we are scheduled to get Direct TV!

What has driven the Griggs family to this major decision, you might ask?? Since we have prepared for the digital conversion (tossing our rabbit ears for the sleek HD antenna, and getting our coupon for the converter box, with the rest of the population of people over the age of 82) our reception has been awful. More specifically, we cannot watch PBS during the day, which is our only channel with children's programming. Also, Robbie generally has to leave the house to watch the Missouri Tigers play. He hangs out with friends with nice TV's or heads to a local bar, while I fiddle around with our clock radio -- straining to find the sound of Mike Kelly's voice so that I can listen to the game, while folding laundry. We are excited about actually watching some of the games together.

What will this mean for our family?? Several things:
1. We will not be able to shake our heads judgmentally at our friends who talk about things in the world outside of network TV and say "Oh, I haven't heard about that -- we don't have cable." (Interpretation: Oh, sorry, we have better/more important uses for our time.)

2. Robbie won't be mooching cable from friends so that he can watch sports. We hope this means that sometimes the friends will come to our house instead!

3. My niece won't have to ask questions like "Aunt Jane-Ellis, why is your TV so fuzzy?"

4. Oooh! I just thought of this one - we will be able to watch "Madmen" on our own TV, instead of renting it from Blockbuster!

5. We are going to have to be very diligent in limiting and monitoring the TV we watch -- for Charlie and Peter, but for Robbie and me, too! We all have couch potato potential. So if you haven't seen us around for a couple of months, you may want to ask about this one in particular, to see how we are doing.

I have some "techie" in me (I think it is related to my accounting/love of data side), so I find this new technology very exciting. Direct TV won't be the only change this week - we were also offered a new (to us) TV from a friend at the church. It will be a major improvement from the one we have now. This may just be too much for us to handle all at once! I am hoping to log some serious hours on the couch this weekend. We will start the monitoring/limiting next weekend . . .

Mars Books: Episode 1

2009-03-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

"ROX"

By Charlie Griggs

(Charlie dictated this story to me last week. He wrote a few of his favorite words by hand--shown in all caps. My comments are in italics. It is the first in a new series.)

Verocil Rock starts as a little rock (ROX), and one day the rock POPPED! Verocil Rock is from the planet Mars.

Everyday Orinious was waiting for the rock to POP. Orinious was an orphan, because he didn't have a Mom or a Dad. (But he did have siblings from his Grandma and Grandpa.) Orinious did whatever he wanted to do, and grew up to be the bad guy invader of Mars. Once day, when Orinious saw that the rock had popped, he was so excited and he went to tell his siblings, who were bad guys too. Orinious thought that Verocil Rock should be vanished from Mars! (Read as an echo - Mars, Mars, Mars -- because his voice echoes through space.)

This (new illustration) is Verocil Rock when he is all grown up. He has special powers: he can jump over buildings, he has rocket booster arms, he does everything dramatically, and he can shoot ropes from the top of his rocket boosters. Verocil Rock gets all of his brothers and sisters and his Mom and Dad together to fight Orinious on MORZ, MORZ, MORZ (mars, mars, mars in echo again ;)

Will Orinious' family of evildoers accomplish their plan to vanish Verocil Rock? Will Verocil Rock's desire to do everything dramatically make him wait until the last minute to triumph?? Tune in next time for Mars Books: Episode 2!

Words from Charlie: The last bananna

2009-02-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Words from Charlie yesterday, while he took one of two banannas on the counter:

"Now Mom, don't take the last bananna. I know that you are not the sort of mother who would do that -- you know, take the last bananna. You are a good mother."

Then he walked away.

Then Robbie came in and took the last bananna. I bet I get blamed for it.

Charlie eats fruit like a mid-sized jungle animal. I can't keep enough on hand. He goes through about 4 pounds of apples a week. I am not sure how many banannas he would eat, if they were unlimited. (Banannas are somewhat coveted at our house. As you can see from the stern warning above.)

Peter, on the other hand, will not eat a grape. He will not eat any fresh fruit. Tonight, he must have forgotten that he didn't like the applesauce I served him, and he ate it. I felt a sense of victory.

It's a . . . .

2009-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

Boy! Lord have mercy, it is another boy. We had our big ultrasound this morning, which also marks about the half way point with my pregnancy. (which means for me that the easy 1/2 is over) The technician was very thorough, making many detailed measurements and observations, and our baby looks very healthy. Praise God! He is growing and thriving in there. He moved around a lot, and at one point we even saw him suck his thumb. (That was pretty cute in a fuzzy, black and white, alien kind of way.)

So, if you have known me for more than 5 minutes, you probably know that I was hoping for a little girl this time. I love my boys, but I am a girl's girl through and through. Seriously, if someone told me that something happened and people on earth would no longer be allowed to play sports of any kind, I would think to myself "Oh, that is probably really sad for those sports people." I would probably then think about the economic impact, or whatever. But personally, I could care less. For many years, I have longed for a little girl to french braid, paint nails, wear sequins, have tea, etc --to share in the girly things I enjoy.

However, our God in heaven has decided that I need three boys. I have no idea why. I do know that He is growing me. And I also know that He is good, and that He gives us what we need. This morning at the doctor's office, my life of t-ball, soccer, tae kwon do, Star Wars, Matchbox cars and at-home wrestling matches flashed before my eyes. While I am not cut out for it, yet, my hope and expectation is that God will equip me to raise these boys. His boys. God is full of surprises; he will probably help me to enjoy it very much.

My prayer for our new little boy, is that he will be a peacemaker in our family. Oh, and that he will love to play the guitar with me.

Kelly's Kids and Beautiful Mess Photography

2009-02-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, my friend Bailey Mohr and I took our kiddos out to Forest Park to the Jewel Box for a few pictures. Bailey, of Beautiful Mess Photography, and I have worked out a promotional offer for this spring and we needed a few inexpensive models. They worked for candy. Bailey got some great shots, even though we were rushed and the boys were a little more wound up than normal -- if you can imagine. We loved this one of Charlie and Jonny, and used it for our postcard. Thanks, Bailey for all your patience and expertise!

2009-02-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

"I like to pop my collar."

www.beautifulmessphoto.com

Picture of Me and the Boys

2009-02-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

www.beautifulmessphoto.com

2009-02-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

"See my toes?"

Picture by Bailey Mohr of Beautiful Mess Photography

In a nutshell

2009-02-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

So lately I have been asking myself - (I talk to myself quite a bit) Why no enthusiasm for the blog? I love writing for my blog - why do I just stare at it blankly these days? As I pondered this mystery, my life in a nutshell came to mind - so I thought I would give you some updates with us, so you will know what is going on. Hopefully, it will explain my lack of mojo for the blog if you are interested . . . . (did I just use 2 Austin Powers references? - it must be getting late)

1. I have 3 part-time jobs. I do bookkeeping for my Dad and some of his clients. I sell Kelly's Kids clothing, and I just started working part-time for Core10 Architecture owned by our friend Tyler Stephens and his partner Michael Byrd. I love to be busy, and Robbie is working a ton, so it working out fine so far.

2. I have a new fascination with Facebook. I love it. I think it reminds me of living in a small town. I love knowing the status of all my friends just like when I was growing up. Well not all my friends - some haven't jumped onto the FB bandwagon. You know who you are. Robbie and I have a competition going to see who has more friends. He is currently ahead.

3. Peter is two. The terrible kind. We spend our days with our horns locked. He exhausts me mentally and physcially. Everyone says it is normal. "Everyone" is welcome to come babysit him. When I watch him sleep, I take a minute to reflect and enjoy his amazing progress this past year.

4. Charlie is 4 and 1/2. I love 4 and 1/2. He is fun, imaginative, largely compliant, and still talks every minute. He can dress himself completely and often does so voluntarily. I think this is amazing. I also love that he can buckle himself into his carseat and again, often does so voluntarily. I asked him the other day how he is able to remember songs that he hears so well. (he can often remember lyrics in the verses after hearing a song once) He said "Well, I hear them, and then they are in my head, and then I just think about them the rest of the day." Hmmm. I wish my memory worked that way.

5. Our house is on the market. It has been on the market since August - you know, right before the economic crisis and the dawn of the worst housing market since the depression. We have had 26 showings. I am tired of cleaning my house for strangers. It is just not natural for a home of young boys to be in "show" quality condition. We had one today, and I decided that I officially hate it. I don't even think anymore "This could be the one" -- I just think o.k here is number 27. We want to move to a place with at least 3 bedrooms. We could put 5 of us in two rooms but it would not be pretty. Charlie suggested putting the baby in the attic. Robbie can't even fit his shoulders into the hatch that accesses our attic. I told Charlie that we might put him in the attic.

6. The baby is growing. My belly is expanding a little each day. I have felt some movement, but I am eager to be at the point when I can feel him or her throughout each day. I feel great. Lots of energy (which helps with the numbers 1, 3, and 5 on my list.) It is starting to hit Robbie and I that the first half of 2009 is going to be radically different than the last half of 2009. I am glad that our new family member is on the way, but I do not feel ready to re-enter the "infant" world. I can hear that alarming cry now . . . Robbie and I are starting to discuss minivans.

We have alot going on. Through some study this week, I realized that while I know that God is in control, I often doubt his goodness. I often doubt that he is working things together for my good (which is not necessarily my comfort) and His glory. I turn 31 this month. Maybe I can start learning this in my 30's.

Thanks for listening.

New Baby Picture

2009-01-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

I am about 15 weeks pregnant with our 3rd child. He or she is due in July. You probably already know this. I think that I am just now announcing it on my blog because I have been a little more anxious about this pregnancy. I am not sure why. I always figured that people who had several children couldn't possibly be as excited or as nervous with each new baby -- but I guess they can be. We are overjoyed. We are scared. We have know idea how we are going to handle three children, when these two can seem so trying.

I think that another reason that I have been reluctant to blog about the baby is that my perspective has changed a little since having a deaf child. I feel more acutely aware of the "fearfully and wonderfully" part of who God is forming inside me. I read email updates about the baby's development and I am in awe of how intricately and carefully we are put together. (This week the baby's legs are starting to grow faster than his arms, he can move all of his joints and limbs, and he is sensitive to light - even though his eyelids are still fused shut.) This causes me to pray often for this little person.

I am not terribly afraid of having another deaf child. We have learned that that one, while difficult, can turn out pretty well. But I do get worried about all the other hundreds of things that can go wrong. But I guess that another thing that being Peter's mommy has taught me, is that God puts families together. He will bring us who we need. He will equip us to be the family that our new baby needs.

In the picture above, the long white line in the middle of the picture (that looks a little like a Nike Swoosh) is the baby's spine. His/her head is in the top right corner of the picture, turned away from us. You can also see the baby's shoulder blades and arms bent toward the face. We should find out the baby's gender next month. We would love sincere name suggestions, especially boy names, as we are out of ideas.

Lame

2009-01-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

I taught Charlie the word "lame" today. I am starting to rethink that decision.

Missing Mimi and Southern Fried Rice

2009-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was probably the happiest Christmas we have had in years. Relaxing, even. Probably because it was so nice, it has made me miss my Mimi (mom's mom) a little extra this year. She would have really enjoyed herself. We have a family reunion dinner in New Madrid, MO each year for my Mom's side of the family. This year there were at least 50 of us, crammed into "Rosie's" a little restaurant which happens to serve the best fried chicken and (the delicacy for the evening) mouth-watering fried frog legs. (Charlie eats them and then checks to see if he can jump higher.) There were more children at this year's party than ever--too many to count, especially because they never sat still.

Since Mimi has passed away, I always think of her on Christmas Eve. I remember the way it felt to hold her velvet soft hand in church and snuggle up to her in her fur coat. Mimi loved Christmas because it involved almost all of her favorite things -- Jesus, family, special food and drink, and weather cold enough to wear her fur. For many, many years her contribution to the Christmas Eve meal was Fried Rice. The recipe came from her sister-in-law, my Mom's "Aunt Jane." Mimi taught me how to make it and it is now Robbie's favorite dish, and a very comforting one to me, too. As a Christmas toast to Mimi, I would like to share it with you--

Aunt Jane's Southern Fried Rice

You will need:
3 cups uncooked Uncle Ben's Converted Long Grain Rice (only this type of rice will work)
3-4 stalks celery
1 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 bunch green onion chopped
6 strips of bacon
Soy Sauce
Cooked and cubed grilled chicken (optional - makes the dish a full, hearty meal)
2 scrambled eggs (also optional - I usually make without because Robbie doesn't like eggs)
1 Bottle of good white wine (optional - drink this during prep and meal time for extra cheer)
_____________________
1. Cook rice according to package directions. Don't overcook - make sure it doesn't get mushy. Drain the rice in a colander. Rinse with cold water. Fluff with a fork occasionally and let air dry for 1 hour.

2. If you are adding chicken you can saute it in a little olive oil (with some salt and pepper) while the rice is cooking and then set aside. Fry bacon until crisp and remove from pan. Discard some but not all of the drippings.

3. Add onions and garlic to the hot drippings. Cooking the onions in the bacon fat makes them taste like candy. This is also the point that your house will start to smell really good. (Bacon was Mimi's favorite meat - she and I liked to refer to it as the "candy of meats")

4. Add celery and the white parts of the chopped green onion and braise until tender. Save the greener parts of the green onion for later.

5. Crumble the bacon and add the chicken and/or scrambled egg to the veggies. Stir and turn off heat.

6. After rice has dried for the required hour, add the veggies and meat/egg to the rice. Add several tablespoons of soy sauce and the remaining chopped green onion. Toss it together like a salad. I usually get mine a light brown color, and then I put the soy sauce on the table for individual preferences. The leftovers might be even yummier than the first time you'll serve it.

This meal takes a little bit of prep time and a little love, but it is very simple. It is also a good meal to double for extra company, or so that you can freeze some for later. If you try it, I would love to hear what you think!

Merry Christmas from the Griggs!

2008-12-22T20:46:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Devil in the Bag of Doritos

2008-12-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

When I was sick on Sunday, Robbie and Charlie went to the grocery store for me. I made a long list (because I only like to go to the store about once every two weeks) and they did a really excellent job getting everything we needed. They also brought home a big "family sized" bag of Doritos. We don't usually get Doritos, probably due to their total lack of nutritional value.

Now, I have never used crack cocaine, but I think they they must put just a little bit in Doritos. They are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, spicy, cheesy, and crunchy. I cannot resist them. I packed some for Charlie in his lunch this morning and I ate a good-sized handful of them. Doritos! In the morning? Do I live in a frat house? Sound disgusting? Nope. They were absolutely delicious - even this morning.

My only hope for my lack of will-power is that the bag is almost gone.

Nothing Clever to Write . . .

2008-12-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Because we are sick. We are still sick. I got a head cold on October 24th, and I have been congested to varying degrees these nearly two months. Also since the end of October, the boys have had the stomach flu twice -- Robbie and I have each had it once. Peter has had croup twice. Charlie has had a sinus infection, and some allergy trouble too. [He can clear his sinuses or "hocker" like a champ - it always reminds me of my grandmother.] Anyway, we ended up missing our only two Christmas parties, and we have been couped up most weekends. I am afraid the boys are really going to hurt each other. Surely, surely we can all be well by Christmas.

Well, I guess Charlie did say something funny today. He told me that he and his Daddy got some "Quick-ness" at the grocery store. He meant "Nesquick." Grin.

I have no idea

2008-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

But for some reason, when I am watching a movie and something really violent happens to a dummy (and it is obvious that it is a dummy) I find it absolutely hysterical. Crying laughter -- difficulty breathing -- hysterical. I have no idea why.

My Little Pilgrim

2008-11-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Pilgrims!
Love, The Griggs
(When I asked Peter who was in this picture, he said "Happy!")

Peter the Culinary Critic

2008-11-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

I tried a new recipe last night. It was from Real Simple magazine and it is called Quick Beef Bourguignonne. (I have no idea how to pronounce that). The recipe appealed to me because I don't like to go to the grocery store and this one keeps well. You can fix it at the end of your rotation. I froze the steak and thawed yesterday (I chose two thin-cut sirlions), the pearl onions are frozen, and the mushrooms keep pretty well in the fridge.

It was easy, smelled yummy and looked great. I served it with some angel hair pasta. We had the Bowmans over for dinner, and I have to say that I was a little proud of how it turned out. The Bowmans are wonderful to cook for - they love and appreciate anything I come up with! I was feeling pretty good about myself, and then Peter climbed up to the table. He took one look at his plate and said "ahh Poo Poo" (translation: that's Poo Poo). Of course, I argued that it was not Poo Poo, but he was unconvinced. Needless to say, neither Peter, Charlie, nor Jonny took a bite of the beef. Oh, well, more for the grown-ups.

2008-11-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

It started raining last night at 12:12 am. I know because Peter and I were out for a drive to the St. John's ER. Peter is o.k. now, but last night, he woke up with the Croup at 11:30. Croup is a cough and difficulty breathing associated with a certain flu virus. The vocal chords enlarge and produce cough that sounds like a bark--like a seal barking. If your child has had it, you are probably nodding your head right now. It sounds very unique and it is completely awful. Peter was struggling to breathe and it was clear that we needed to take him in. I hate croup.

We were taken directly to a room, and in moments had a Doctor and two nurses with us. (That is why we went to St. John's - our pediatric ER of choice.) We were there last year in October with Peter, also with croup. I hate croup. They gave him a breathing treatment and an oral steroid. He started to relax about 20 minutes after the breathing treatment. We cuddled and watched the Disney channel for a few hours. I again felt very thankful that it was this year and not last year. Last year, when we were in for croup we were trying to get Peter healthy for his surgery - he wasn't even able to wear his hearing aids at that time. This year, I was able to pop on his implants so we could enjoy the TV together. What a difference. By the time were were dismissed (thankfully at 2:45 am - last year they admitted him to the NICU) Peter was charming the nurses -- saying "bye-bye" and "Tank to" and pulling our little roller bag. I have often said that Peter is always the happiest kid in the ER. He fell asleep in the car on the way home. It was still raining. The wipers were a little hypnotic.

When we got home I was craving my own bed, but Peter insisted that I lay down with him. I planned on returning to my bed and cuddly husband once Peter fell asleep, but he kept startling in his sleep (probably due to the steroids) and each time he would reach for me to make sure I was there. It was so sweet. You know I always talk about how much Peter adores his Daddy - and he does, and I love that Robbie has a special buddy. But, last night, when he was sick, he wanted me. It made me feel very needed and very loved.

2008-11-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

I just need to tell you one thing . . .

I am a very proud Mama. Peter is potty training and doing very well. He has been in big boy pants since last Thursday afternoon, and he is staying dry! He is staying dry at school and on errands. I am so proud of him, and he seems very pleased with himself. I know that it is going to be a process, with bumps along the way, but we are not turning back! I had nearly forgotten these early days of pottying with Charlie. It is very exciting, but it also makes me a little nervous. I have been carrying around a change of clothes with us wherever we go, and I have been a little "jumpier" than usual. Peter seems pretty motivated by praise, Thomas stickers, and when needed, a bite of candy corn. I have never been above bribery. I am so proud of how much he is learning and growing.

I am also a proud Mama because . . . . .

2008-11-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

Charlie wrote his name tonight for the very first time! On a recent visit to his school, I happened to noticed that all 24 of Charlie's classmates in junior kindegarten were writting their names -- using actual letters, while Charlie was writing a scribble across the page (imitating cursive writing, sort of). I know that this scribble writing is a step toward the real thing, but I mean, come on -- everyone except Charlie was using the appropriate letters. So I am torn, of course, between letting Charlie be Charlie, and my own competitive perfectionist tendencies.

Last Friday we had an opportunity to sit down with Charlie's teacher for our Parent/Teacher conference. We talked about Charlie's scribble signature. Mrs. B was not alarmed, but she did give us some ideas for encouraging Charlie to write at home, which we quickly implemented. He continued to show no interest in letters. Then, yesterday, Charlie was asking about Kindergarten. He sounded very interested and wanted to start going there very soon. I am not sure why I said this, but I told him seriously that he couldn't go Kindergarten unless he learned to write his name. "With the scribble?" he asked. "No, Charlie, with the letters." I said. "Can I just make a 'C'?" he wondered. "No, Charlie, you need to learn all the letters," I replied. "Oh."

So tonight, at church I was his substitute teacher (Robbie is one of his regular teachers). I told him that he needed to put his name on his paper, and to my surprise he wrote it. He asked one or two questions about the order of the letters - but he wrote it. I told him that I was very proud of him, but I tried not to make a huge deal out of it. I didn't want to scare him away from trying again.

From the beginning of his life, Charlie has preferred to figure things out on his own. As an infant, he could not be soothed. He needed to cry it out. When he crawled, walked, ran, jumped, and pedaled he didn't want my help. He needed to figure it out for himself, and he didn't really want to do it until he could do it perfectly. Charlie's writing was far from perfect tonight, but I am not surprised that he didn't spend time practicing individual letters before laying it all out together. I am not surprised that he has never wanted me to guide his hand with the pencil. This is a significant part of his personality. And he clearly gets it from Robbie. And he clearly gets it from me. A double dose. Poor kid. I pray that he will continue to have teachers who desire to help him learn, even when he thinks he doesn't need them. I pray that he will someday be able to learn from our Father. I also pray that some day he will be able to learn from his wife :)

2008-10-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Griggs do Yoga. Every night. We do yoga with the kids as part of our bedtime routine. We were introduced to these fun Yoga for Kids cards by Peter's physical therapist, Jennifer. I was a little wary of doing yoga with the boys at first -- for some reason I think I thought it would entail matching mats and comfy yoga outfits, strange music, and grocery shopping at Whole Foods. But, it has actually been really fun and simple to do. Every night, after bath and PJ's we play "clean up" of the boys' room (although saying that we are "playing" clean-up doesn't trick the boys into thinking it is fun). This clears the floor for yoga. We then practice about 5 yoga positions. Our standards include fun animal shapes like mouse, dog, turtle, butterfly and shark (Charlie's fave) and other fun shapes like candle and hero. Peter has shown great improvement and Charlie has really taken to it. I think it has been great for their strength, balance, and flexibility. However, I think that the biggest advantage is that it gives the boys one last opportunity to burn some energy, but it is also mellow. Kind of a controlled energy burn, in other words. We follow it up with a book, sips of water, a lullaby, a prayer, and hugs and kisses. Our bedtime routine is pretty lengthy, but it seems effective -- most nights ;)

2008-10-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

Peter Update: Peter has a new fascination with putting things in his pocket. For some reason, I find this incredibly adorable. This morning, he keeps coming to me and asking for help. He wants to keep his sippy cup in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. I have always said that he will make a great frat guy. . .

Peter is doing very well. His hearing is near normal now with his cochlear implants and his language is improving by leaps and bounds. Peter brings me his devices in the morning because he wants to be turned on. He is walking and jogging a little, and working on jumping. This week last year he was in the NICU with croup. He wasn't walking or talking, and we were trying to get him well for his surgery. It was an incredibly stressful and dark time in our family. Praise God that here we are, a year later, and Peter is doing and enjoying everything a little boy his age should do! October has never seemed so beautiful! Thank you to everyone who has loved us through this year. And thank you for the way that you love Peter.

2008-10-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Two words about Mizzou's victory over Nebraska tonight: Awww Yeah!

I can't believe we just beat Nebraska in Nebraska for the first time in 30 years! Go Tigers!

2008-10-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm confused. When the media complains about the media, who are they talking about?

2008-09-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

The exclusive photos you've been waiting for!! Robbie and I went to an 80's Party at Charlie's school last Saturday night. We were invited by our good friends, the Bowmans. We each took planning our outfits very seriously. Robbie went with a Miami Vice look, I went more in the direction of the "Material Girl," Jon was preppy young republican with a "Vote for Reagan" shirt, and Meagan completed her Footloose/aerobic look with her favorite leg warmers and red pumps. We headed to the mall food court for supper in true 80's style and caught a few funny looks. We then cruised for a bit before heading to the school gym while jamming out to the Thriller albulm. And then we danced. We danced and danced and danced. It was so much fun to pull out all of our best moves and still fit in! We walked like Egyptians, moon walked, "walked this way," and even walked on sunshine - until we were all "living on a prayer" by the end. Cheers to those 10 years of great songs and to friends who make everything more fun.

2008-09-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Eighties Ladies:

Me and Meagan

2008-09-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

The Dudes:

Robbie and Jon

2008-09-29T18:33:00.001-07:00

The Whole Gang: Ready for our night out on the town!
(or in other words, the mall food court and the school gym!)

2008-09-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

An interesting conversation over granola and yogurt . . .

Me: Charlie, I need you to eat more of your nutritious breakfast.

Charlie: This is not nutritious.

Me: Yes it is. Charlie? How is it that you are 4 and I am 30, and yet you think that you know so much more than I know? How is that?

Charlie: It is because you have a little brain. A micro brain.

2008-09-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Robbie got an Apple iPhone today. I am very excited for him, but I am also totally jealous. I have always loved gadgets, and the accountant in me loves systems and data. The idea of being connected and synchronized all of the time is so appealing.

I have struggled with techno-envy for many years. When I pick a phone, pda, camcorder, etc. I want it to be the new slick version. We don't even have cable, (that is right, we are among the few and the elderly affected by the analog to digital conversion occurring in January 09) and yet when I see the sleek new flat screen televisions, I start to drool a little. When I can't have the best, I usually console myself with the thought that at least what I have is better than Robbie's. Hmmmm. Where does this leave me now?

2008-09-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Charlie seems to quote books and movies more and more all of the time now. Here are a few of my favorites . . .

From Robin Hood (we have a book on CD for the car)

I asked Charlie if he loved me the other day. He replied, "More than life itself."

Robbie told Charlie to climb up onto the bed and give him a hug yesterday morning. Charlie replied "I'll not be your beast of burden."

He has also been watching some classic "Tom and Jerry" lately. When he was exasperated with one of his friends the other day, I heard him yell "I hope you step on a banana peel!" Pretty tough language, for a four-year old, huh!

2008-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Two Proud Mamas

Meagan and I were so happy for our boys to start school together today. They are in the same class. We have each warned their teacher about them. Meagan told Mrs. B. to let her know if there were any problems - even though Charlie would always be to blame. She was kidding of course - Jonny is clearly the troublemaker :)

We both felt sad and a little puzzled as to why our boys weren't more clingy and needy this morning. Don't they need us? Robbie took a picture of Charlie and I hugging. It looks great - you can't even tell that I was making Charlie hug me while he was trying his best to push me away. Meagan asked me later in the morning if I thought they were going to be okay. (Jonny and Charlie were already in costumes by the time we left the classroom.) "I think they'll muddle through, " I said. The more pressing question is "Are we?"

2008-08-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here is Charlie by his backpack hook outside his new classroom. It is also another example of his "new smile" that we saw today (as described below.)

2008-08-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today was Charlie's first day of JK (Junior Kindergarten). Look at that smile! It was a new one. He had a whole new smile today. I think he was so proud and excited. It makes me so happy that he gets to go do something that delights him enough to generate a whole new expression. Wow. Watch out, ladies!

2008-08-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Peter started school on Wednesday, and Charlie started school on Thursday. I am so proud of my big boys. I also feel very thankful that they are both exactly where they need to be--with wonderful teachers and sweet friends. We welcome the schedule and the busyness of school. I welcome a few extra hours to spend on my own. I think I may do some laundry, and then, I might even have enough time to put it away.

My mom visited this week. She is now retired. We are thrilled. She also had a check-up and CAT scan today and remains cancer-free. We are overjoyed. About this time 3 years ago, she had lymphoma. We didn't know if she would live to meet Peter when he was born. The Lord healed her of her cancer -- no treatment was ever required. He just snuffed it out. Then two years ago at this time, we learned of Peter's hearing loss. My mother was trying to finish her career as a teacher, and care for my grandmother who passed away in the Fall. One year ago, we learned of Peter's complete loss and began our pursuit of cochlear implants. And now, this Fall, she is beginning her retirement and watching Peter hear, talk, and walk. He adores her. (But then, so does everyone.)

I know that the Lord was with us in our suffering, and He is with us now as we rejoice. We think this new chapter sure is fun. Mom and I kept looking at each other this morning and smiling. We made it! We feel so blessed. Our God is so extravagant in His love for us.

2008-08-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Rockin' . . . .

2008-08-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

. . . can really knock a guy out.

Peter has been enjoying his independence lately. He is so pleased that he can get out of his bed if he wants to at nap time, that he rarely stays in bed when I leave the room. He plays with his trains or other toys until he passes out on the floor. I have found him asleep on his floor 3 different days in the last week. I guess it won't really hurt him. On the day that this picture was taken, he must have gotten into his closet and found some hand-me-down snow boots that are still too big for Charlie. It must have really tired him out to get them on - and on the correct feet!

2008-08-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

Still Busy at War and Love

Charlie asked me tonight if I wanted to play Transformers. He decided that he would be "Hot Shot" one of the Autobots (those are the good guys for those of you who are parents of girls). He asked me who I wanted to be. I paused. Partly because I didn't feel like playing transformers again today, and partly because I couldn't really think which character in my limited knowledge of transformers that I "felt" most like at the moment. Charlie said, "You could be Megatron." (Megatron is the tyrannical leader of the Decepticons, or bad guys.) I told Charlie that I didn't think that I was very good at being the bad guy. Charlie responded in his most encouraging voice, "But you are to me, Mom. You are to me." My forehead wrinkled in confusion. I told Charlie that I really didn't know how to take that comment.

I have felt a little like Megatron lately. I have been yelling at Charlie and Peter alot. I mostly find myself yelling when I see them doing something really assinine that is sure to end in bodily injury. I don't know how they are able to shock me with thier brotherly behavior so many times in a day. Shouldn't the shock factor wear off at some point? Take yesterday for example when Peter attempted to climb an unopened ladder while wearing Charlie's huge snowboots. I see that and I yell. Or, when they are standing up on the couch playing a game they created which is part Kung Fu Panda and part traditional "chicken" and the lamp crashes to the floor. I yell. Stop! I say. Stop punching each other, I say. Don't climb that, it is not sturdy, I say. Charlie, don't dunk your brother. Peter, stop punching your brother in the head. Guys, you may not wrestle on the top bunk. Enough, I say.

I work so hard to back up my warnings. I strive each day to issue consistent consequences. In the morning, the consequences are often creative and appropriately fit the crime. By the evening, I just want to go into time out myself. I feel completely out of ammunition. I hesitate. They know that I am toast. Thankfully, they go to bed. They go to bed well. I say goodnight and kiss soft sweet blonde curls and waves. I give an extra kiss or two. Before my bedtime I peek in and enjoy how they look in their p.j.'ed peacefulness. And I pray. I pray for grace for tomorrow. For joy, for patience.

An experienced parent once told me not to judge my motherhood on any one day. But to think about the trajectory over a lifetime. I will not give up in this battle of parenting. I will love. I will love them over and over and over again.

picture taken last August on Charlie's 1st day of school

2008-07-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Goal

When I take my boys to the grocery store, the goal is to make it out of there without a trip to the ER. If I also get some groceries, and make it home with them, I consider that a bonus.

2008-07-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Meagan has a sweet new blog. Check it out when you get a chance!

2008-07-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Boys will be Boys . . .

Charlie and I watched the Disney classic movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" this weekend. I thought he would like it because it is similar to Mary Poppins, which is one of his favorites. At the end of the movie, I asked Charlie if he liked it. He said that he did. I asked him what part was his favorite and he replied: "I like when that knight punched that Nazi. . . . . I love punching."

He also had a chance to see "Kitt Kitridge" in the theater with his Mimi and cousin.
Mimi: Charlie, did you like like the movie?
Charlie: Yeah, but I thought I was going to throw up.
Mimi: Oh, goodness, why Charlie? Was it scary?
Charlie: No. 'Cause of all the kissing.

Charlie has recently learned what a "prank" is. His first few pranks were very benign. (We "pranked" his dad by putting some of Charlie's artwork in his office when his dad wasn't there.) But I think he has caught on. On a recent visit at his Mimi's, my Mom found Charlie tinkling into my Dad's rain guage by the back deck. When she asked Charlie what he was doing, he replied "I am going to play a prank on Papaw, and say, Hey Papaw! Look how much it rained!"

2008-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can see!!!!! Good-bye contacts. Good-bye glasses. This Mama got her eyes "lasered" on Friday and now I can SEE with my very own eyeballs! I feel so thankful that the Lord provided Lasik for me this year. I have been in glasses since 5th grade and contacts since 7th, and I could not read a single letter on the chart before Friday without my glasses. ( My vision was worse than 20/200 unaided.) After my procedure, which was a little more traumatic than I had anticipated (I should have asked for a little more of the happy stuff) I could see the clock hanging on the wall. At my follow-up appointment on Saturday morning, I was able to read everything on the chart - all the way down to the teeny stuff at 20/16 and I think even 20/10. Unreal. New ears for Peter in 2007. New eyes for me in 2008. Praise God for these modern medical miracles.

Charlie asked me if they used a laser on my eyes and I said "yes." Charlie asked me if that meant that I had laser eyes now, and I said "yes it does - and I can see you no matter where you are." I think that part of him believes me.

2008-07-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Robbie - Inside the dome of the Capitol.

2008-07-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Taken from the steps of the Capitol. We LOVED D.C.! Robbie and I have decided that we are a "city" vacation couple (as opposed to mountain or beach). Great trip--thanks again to my Mom for watching the boys.

2008-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Robbie found this question interesting at the National Natural History Museum.