I was lucky enough... Remembering Susan..

Susan and Tony with their twins, Jonah and Claire

I feel like I'm disturbing something sacred to try to put words around something that cannot be explained..  If you've spent any time around here at all, you know that lately, I have been trying to work through the grief that came from losing my cousin, at the end of May. You can catch a glimpse of those struggles in a guest post I wrote called, "Haunted By Questions".. For a little over a week now, we have been grieving the loss of a very dear friend.. And the questions continue to accumulate..

  I will never forget that night that Susan died, yet, I cannot fully remember it. The words written in a message on facebook in a private message from a friend, will be forever etched in my mind.  I can recall Emma coming into the room and asking what was wrong... But the gap in between, I hope I never remember... I never understood the physical manifestations that people say can come along with grief...but, when I finally gathered the strength to walk to the bathroom, and look in the mirror, I could see red streaks through one of my eyes where a blood vessel had burst.  At first, I was embarrassed by my lack of control of emotion over the situation... And then, I was angry because I  felt embarrassed.  I tried once again to seek answers.  In  my Bible,  I read about people who mourned a loss by tearing their clothes, pulling their hair and clawing at the air..and, I became frustrated with the rituals that have been put in place this day and age that suggest that mourning a person that we love deeply should abide by specific rules and have a specific presentation..

 I almost wanted not to  mention it here because I know that any effort to describe unchartered territory with my exhausted words will result in inadequacy.  However, while I cannot begin to portray how much I love Susan and her family, I also can't move along with a journal about my family and faith without mentioning something that has changed my life so much...

There is so much that I've learned from the way that Susan lived life with full devotion, sacrifice and care for those she loved... I have never known a more faithful wife, mother or friend..  Nor have I known anyone who handed out grace so easily; a person who took life's trials and used them as formative experiences and opportunities to make herself better.. If you didn't know Susan, I'm so sorry that you missed out on the experience of her friendship, which turned out to be one of the best things this world has ever had to offer... And if you did...well, I love the words that Susan's aunt said at her funeral.  If you were lucky enough to know Susan, you were lucky enough.

Susan's and my life had so many similarities that it was inevitable that are hearts would be linked in some way.. We didn't talk every day.. We saw each other every time traveling brought us near each other or we could find a youth ministry conference we could fit into our schedules.   But mainly, we talked when life became overwhelming.. It would make sense that I would miss her most at a time like this...

So to Susan, I'll end this the way we ended every conversation we had:  I wish we could live in the same place.  I miss you and I love you!

You can see more of Susan's life over at her blog, Griffies Growth

Emma Sheds the Training Wheels

Since Adam looks to be the hero in these pictures and I'm never in any pictures because he is scared of my camera, I have to tell the real story about Emma learning to ride a bike.  We were feeling the pangs of guilt as we finished up the summer knowing that we hadn't met the goal of Emma learning to ride a bike without training wheels.  It hadn't been for a lack of trying.  I had chuckled under my breath many times as I watched Adam run behind her in the hot South Carolina sun.  I lightly made suggestions.  But secretly, I was wanting to just once, be the cool fun parent.. So, on a Sept. afternoon when the weather broke a tad, I took a break from spelling word and math fact drilling and force feeding vitamins and took it upon myself to settle this matter once and for all.  And, drum roll please:  The kid was riding on her own in thirty minutes.. In case you're curious about the secret of my success, I'll post my recipe for successful bike riding teaching below the picture documentation of Emma's big achievement!

Recipe for teaching a kid to ride a bike without having a heat stroke:

1.  Find a grassy hill with a slight slope.

2.  Lower the bike seat so that the child's feet touch the ground.

3.  Have the child simply coast down the hill while holding their feet up.  This will teach them to balance and give them the security of knowing they can catch themselves if they lose balance.

4.  Once they get a good grasp on balancing while coasting, move them to a flat grassy area.

5.  Hold the bike steady as they get set and then give them a push.  Do not chase behind the bike, the crazy daddy way..

Where your Treasure is, so is your Heart

Emma gave Chloe her treasure box.  I'm not sure if this is Chloe cherishing her gift or protecting it from being taken back.  At least for now, it was a sweet sisterly gesture.  

Family Friday-- Chloe's Third Birthday

I am so relieved I am that I'm able to do this post.  I've gotten in the habit of putting things high out of reach of my little miss grabby hands and I misplaced the memory card that had not only Chloe's birthday party pictures but also, her first day of preschool pictures for a little over a week.  Whew.. You have no idea what kind of trauma this put my heart through to think that another piece of her childhood was lost (her 1st birthday pictures fell victim to a corrupted memory card.  Though, my sister did inform me after a year of grieving, that she had taken pictures as well.  Aunt Denise didn't just save the day but the whole year)!  But, all is well as I found the memory card on top of the television.  

  Her only request was that she have a "pink polka dot birthday party".   So, we had a small  party with  Nonna and Pawpaw and Chloe's bestest bud Brenna and the rest of the Cooper family.  It was a small enough crowd that kept Chloe out of her shell.  Aunt Jan made her the perfect polka dot outfit for the occasion and we dotted the place up.  And, not to leave anyone out, she also enjoyed her showering of birthday packages from Nana and Papa  and has some cute boots waiting on her from Aunt Denise.  As well as a showering of cards from great grandparents.   

Still to come, accounts of Chloe's first day of preschool and Emma's shedding of the training wheels!

Blessings,

Dana

Giveaway! $75 Gift Certificate From NOVICA

AND THE WINNER IS:

CANDICE!

CONGRATULATIONS CANDICE!

Not too long ago, I received an e-mail offering me a $75 gift certificate to try out the new corporate section at Novica Gifts.  The e-mail stated that I could use the gift certificate for myself or divide it up as giveaways. $75?  Awesome!

 What's Novica gifts you say?  Well, what do you know?   Great minds do think alike!   So when I asked myself that question, I headed on over to their site to check them out.  Novica is a fair trade organization that has teamed up with National Geographic to connect buyers to artisans all over the world. Novica gives artisans in hard to reach countries a platform to sell their arts and thus, better their lives.

I read the following testimonials from Novica's artists:

Made Wirata

wood sculptor, Bali

"It is like a dream come true to be part of Novica, a place where I am appreciated and positioned at the same level as other international artists. Previously, with my father, brother, wife, and a son, we were living very simply, sharing two rooms in such a small house. Financially we had nothing, but we never gave up hope. Now, I employ five artisans to help me carve for Novica. One of my helpers had been working at a gas station before. He is so happy to put his skills as a carver to use. Slowly but surely our economic situations are getting better. I am now building a larger house, more appropriate for my family. Novica is such a blessing from God, for me and my family."

View items by Made Wirata

Nengah Sudarsana

wood sculptor, Bali

"Novica has created a much better life for me. Before, I could hardly afford to live in a single room home. Now I live in a house with three rooms, and have my own car. Most importantly, I now support many other artisans who work with me. My family and I live a much better life, and five other families now benefit directly from my Novica sales. I am also able to help my relatives, especially the younger children, who now have shoes, clothes, and an education that they couldn't have before. Since joining Novica, I have also grown in my realization of how we as Balinese fit into the whole world picture. Before, I was like a lot of fellow Balinese in that my thinking was centered on Bali only, as if Bali was the world! Now I realize more how we are just a piece of the puzzle. When I read customers' comments about my products, I'm filled with a great sense of well being and pride, to be able to create something that others value. After all, in Bali we are a mere spot in a vast ocean, and I realize this now when I see customer responses from all over the world! Often I look on a map or a globe to see where my customers live. It's amazing that my carvings are now in so many various places, and I am here. It is almost as if part of me has traveled to those other places and is now residing there."

View items by Nengah Sudarsana

Nyoman Naranata 

mask carver, Bali

"People may say money is not everything, but in reality, where eating three times a day is a privilege, it is necessary to earn a living. It was heartbreaking to see my family worried to welcome tomorrow. Relying on twice-yearly orders for my living was terrible. At my shop, I would often have no sales for a month at a time. Unexpectedly, Novica came into my life like a bright light, shining over my dark life. Now I earn a steady income, and I'm able to provide a better life for my family. Novica is such a perfect place for a small artist like myself to be appreciated by people around the world. Before, people bought my masks, paid for them, and that was it. It never came into my mind that customers would thank me, and write wonderful testimonials for me, but now they do that too."

And seeing that Novica has served as a way to pull families out of a life of poverty,  I fell in love with the company.  And since I wanted to do everything I could to spread the word about this company, I went over to the website and  purchased these earrings.  Which I, not being a jewerly person at all, completely love and wear all the time and get tons of compliments on.  Go me, looking snazzy and with a purpose!  

Click HERE to read about the artist that made them.  

And in hopes of drawing as much attention as possible to Novica, I am giving the $75 dollars a way in one lump gift certificate!  So first let me say, please spread the word about this company because it's a good thing to do.   And when you're doing your Christmas shopping this year and your torn with whether or not you should get Aunt Sally another sweater that she won't wear, consider purchasing gifts like this from companies like Novica.  You might not only buy Aunt Sally her favorite pair of earrings, you can feel good about bettering someone's life and make Aunt Sally feel good about it too!.  

But, just to spice it up a little and give some incentive to spreading the word, here's how you can enter.  

1.  Visit the Novica's Corporate Gift Section and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite item is.

2. For every avenue that you spread the word about this giveaway: IE: twitter, facebook, your own blog, leave me a comment and get an additional entry for every avenue you use to spread the word.  

We'll meet back here next Wed.  Sept. 15th and I'll announce the winner and if you're the lucky duck, I'll e-mail you a code that will give you a $75 credit with Novica gifts!

Thanks for participating and happy shopping!

Blessings,

Dana

Happy 3rd Birthday My Chloe

My Sweet Chloe,

When I wrote the Happy Birthday post when you turned 2, I didn't think it was possible that there was a child in the world that could top the mess you were at the time of that posting. You proved me wrong, as you do daily, by topping yourself at Halloween. I was so excited when I found a Snow White costume for a steal of a deal at a local consignment sale. And I applauded myself when I saw the look of excitement on your face when I unveiled my find to you. Since Snow White is your favorite character, you eyed that dress in my closet from the time I hung it there at the beginning of September until October 31st.. Knowing, too well; that our costume couldn't withstand the wear-and-tear you would normally inflict on such a treasure, I valiantly fought my urges to give in to your begging and pleading to be made over as your favorite Disney Princess before the big night. Our home was a toddler frenzy the day of Halloween as I laid the dress, along with a red sparkly headband, out in anticipation of the fulfillment of its long-awaited purpose. I thought you were going to burst with excitement when the time came to put on that sweet little dress that we had talked and dreamed about for months. You stepped one foot into  the life of being the "fairest one of them all"...then froze, stepped back out, and said, "uh-uh, I don't like it".  I used forward, sideways, reverse and any other psychology I could think of.  After trying every method of child manipulation I had under my belt, I began to offer all the costumes that make up quite a large dress up play assortment in your playroom. You were interested in none of them: not a cat, a doctor, a flapper girl, or Spiderman.  Nor, were you interested in Barbie, Strawberry Shortcake or any of the other Disney Princesses.

Deciding that this particular battle wasn't worth the fight, I surrendered to your suddenly firm opinion and adorably crazy antics, and together we invented the best Halloween costume ever.

You wore your costume with pride as you held that sign up in front of all of our neighbor's faces saying, "I'm a two year old!!! I'm a two year old!!!" 

I  thanked God for an 80-degree, South Carolina Halloween night. Then, for the rest of the evening, I made a mental note of our neighbor's addresses and determined which ones that I would make friends with, based on whether they looked at us like our hair was on fire or if they laughed and agreed that it was the best costume ever.  

Not to worry about the Snow White costume though... We made great use of it when we took our trip to Disney World in January.

                                     


We packed enough fun into that trip to make up for the trip we had made the previous year when you brought your stomach virus along with us.

Speaking of Disney World... I remember that while I was packing for us to go on that particular trip, I had to stop to pry a half of a cashew out of your nose. On top of that, I still haven't repainted the bathroom wall, on which you used your unsupervised time and creativity to grace our family with a masterpiece of a mural, drawn with bold strokes in black crayon. How clever of you to scout out the only room in the house that has not yet been painted with washable paint! The good news though is that it appears that you have no nut allergies.  

There are many stories similar to those above that I could write to portray you in a somewhat accurate light but for the most part, you just have to see it to believe it and my window of opportunity for sleep has grown very small these days. But, if you'll read back through this last years postings my dear, you will find that you have seasoned our life with a flavor that leaves us all begging for more.

For now though, I will do you the injustice of trying to briefly sum up your complex, little personality:

 

You dabbled in the tantrums of the "terrible twos" a time or two, but quickly moved on to tactics that may one day earn you a place in Washington DC. When we realized that there was no method of discipline that could keep you in your baby bed, we converted it to a "big girl bed" and reversed the door knob so that we could lock you in. Yes sweetheart, that's correct. We locked you in your room.  Some children need to be protected from themselves. But, this effort was to no avail. It wasn't long before we heard the click of the door shutting behind you and then your little feet pitter-pattering down the hallway at the speed of lighting. Next, to see you round the corner with an expression of great victory on your face as you cheerfully exclaimed, "I'm supposed to be bed!!!" Your dad and I of course did what any good parent would do: We laughed. We were amazed for a while by your Houdini-like skills. But, when we locked ourselves in your bedroom with you, you willingly and proudly, showed us that you had cleverly learned to unplug your night-light and use it's metal prongs as a key. We had pretty much conceded that particular battle to you and had decided to let it go until the day that your dad and I both jumped two feet out of the bed when we heard the house alarm alert us that you had gone into the back yard. As I type, you are once again locked away in your bedroom with all plugs or anything else we think might function as a key out of reach; (or so we think). Why yes, we did have an alarm installed on your window as well. We figured we'd need that when you're a teenager anyway

You seem to steal the heart of every man within five miles. This development would be a cause of great concern if I weren't so pleased with your choices of  whom you choose to give your affections: daddy, grand dads, and Mr. Lane (from church), topping the list.   

You could not be shamed into potty training. My futile attempt at threatening that you would be called, a "poo-poo pants" at Pre-school, resulted in a fit of giggles and a new nickname that you claimed  for yourself. From that time forward, you have alerted us of an accident by proclaiming, "Well, I guess I'm a poo poo pants!" However, I did find that a few days of having you "go commando" seems to have  done the trick. Still I have to admit I admire your confidence. Speaking of preschool, you start tomorrow and we have been praying for your teachers for a while.  

I think it was said best when someone said, "If I were going to write a cartoon character kid, it would be Chloe". It's hard to deny your cuteness. I'm afraid you're going to need every bit of it. And, I'm a little nervous about what our future holds for us.

At the end of the day, I find myself wondering how a little person can exhaust me so completely and still earn every ounce of my undying adoration. What fun you are my Chloe girl!  

Always and forever, love,

Momma

Proof That I've Earned My Crazy Title

I don't think that people understand what I mean when I talk about how active my Chloe is..  So, I decided to provide some evidence.. If you watch this video and wonder what in the world she's saying. She thinks she speaks Spanish.  Actually, she thinks she speaks Dora.. She has a whole language of her own.  She is one of my greatest pleasures.  And, the reason that you're not getting a well thought out blog post.  I'm choosing sleep instead. 


This is an 8 minute video.. I realize you don't want to watch my kid for 8 minutes.  You probably don't want to watch your own kid for 8 minutes... It shouldn't take you that long to see what I mean.  Anyway, this went on for at least an hour.. 



Blessings,

Dana

Tuesday's Tips--How to Remove Ink from a Plastic Doll

Before I had children I dreamed of being a mother that would encourage ingenuity in my children by not getting freaked out over things like this:

My six year old wrote the names of her dolls on their foreheads so that she could remember their names while she was playing school with them.   She probably would have gotten off pretty easy as it was really an honest mistake in which she stated that she thought it would wash off easily.  

She would have gotten off easy.... But, the shrug of her shoulders when I told her that ink from an ink pen didn't wash off of dolls landed her owing me the amount of work around the house that it would take to earn the money that these dolls are worth.. My windows have never been so clean!  

When I called my mother exasperated at my daughter's response to ruining over a hundred dollars of dolls.  

This is how that conversation went..

Me:  Mom!  I'm so frustrated with Emma.. She wrote on nine of her dolls with an ink pen! NINE dolls.. She said she was playing school with them and wanted to remember their names. I asked her if she had ever heard of NAME TAGS.. And when I told her that ink doesn't wash off of dolls she just shrugged her shoulders.. DOES SHE THINK MONEY GROWS ON TREES?   She now owes me seventeen hours of work so she will know how much work it took for the people that bought her those dolls to earn the money to do so.. And that really isn't even giving her the real picture because I went with current value, not replacement value..  "How can a kid so smart  do things so dumb"?

Mom: (laughs) I remember a smart kid that did some really dumb things around my house... 

Me: I know, I'm so sorry you had to put up with Denise (my sister) all those years (laugh).  

Mom: But,  it all makes sense now.   That's what Chloe was doing..

Me: What? No, not Chloe, Emma did this.. You know, the six year old that should be past writing on things other than paper!

Mom: No, I wasn't going to tell you this because I didn't want you to be upset but when the girls visited on your anniversary, Chloe drew all over the face of my doll from when I was a kid..

Me: WHAT!!! YOU MEAN THE DOLL THAT'S OVER 50 YEARS OLD? THE DOLL THAT YOU PROTECTED FROM US WHEN WE WERE KIDS?

Mom: Well, it's really my fault, I never should have let them play with it.  It's okay.. Really, it's not a big deal..

Me: You've saved a doll for over 50 years and it's not a big deal that my kids ruined it?  It's a big deal to me!

 I bring you the antique that my mom has cherished for over 50 years.  The ONLY doll my mom had as a child.  The one that her parents really couldn't afford and probably sold a kidney for.. I think I remember a story about someone walking three miles in the snow up hill both ways to get this doll!  

(beware of nightmares that might occur from Chucky recollections)

And so began.. OPERATION SAVE THE DOLLS!!!

 Have you ever tried to remove ink from a doll?  It is a task that I previously thought impossible.. 

CLOROX BLEACH PEN-- NOPE

MAGIC ERASER- NADA

RUBBING ALCOHOL-- NO DICE

FINGER NAIL POLISH REMOVER-- UH-UH

TURPENTINE -- NOT A THING

GRAFFITY REMOVER-- NO MA'AM

But do not be disheartened my friend, I've discovered a miracle!!

How did this miracle occur?  

I have given a many a dolly hairdo but I never anticipated treating a doll with acne cream.  But, lo-and-behold, it worked!

So, the nitty gritty on how to use this:
1.  Pull back the doll's hair and remove any clothing that is near to avoid bleaching it..

2. Liberally apply 10% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment cream to any areas with ink.
Be careful to avoid eyebrows.. We now have a Barbie without eyebrows... So much for Barbie being perfect.    After removing one doll's eyebrows, I began to use a q-tip to make sure I avoided any areas that I didn't want to be bleached.

3. Lay the doll in the sun..
Emma's dolls took two applications to completely remove the ink.  My mom's took four since Chloe had skillfully and repeatedly scribbled in one spot and it had sat on the doll longer.  Just keep reapplying until the ink is completely gone. 

And, just as it did when I was a teenager, Clearasil saved the day and my mother's childhood memories!

Blessings,

2nd Grade-- I did it with no tears.... Well, Almost..

Today was the first time that I left Emma for the first day of school without crying.. I did get a little weepy when I came home and compared this year's pictures to Kindergarten and First Grade.. But all and all, we were all ready for school to start this year.  After dropping Emma off, I looked back at Chloe and said, "Well girl, it's just you and me now" and Chloe cheered for joy.  Seriously, not kidding... We had a wonderfully fun and exceptionally exhausting summer.. We are in dreadful need of a routine.  And each girl will now get the individual attention that they've been competing for all summer.  It works out since we carpool, that I am able to put Chloe down for a nap about an hour before Emma is scheduled to be home, have some alone time for me, and then some alone time with Emma when she gets home..

Chloe will also go to preschool two days a week this year.  And just in time since I've started  assisting my photographer friend, Mary Beth, with photo shoots.   I will not link to Mary Beth here because it would identify my location to the paparazzi (hey, don't mess with my fantasies.. Since the world doesn't think my life is as interesting as I do, I  make up my own stalkers).  But, I'll just say she's a great friend and a blast to work with.   If you're local and you want some great photos, e-mail me and I'll give you links to our site... But, you better hurry!  At the rate the calls are coming in, we'll be booked for the rest of the year before August is over.    It will also give me a little time to work on The Mom-tage, a collaborative mom blog that my dear friend Holly and I started last year.  I'm excited to get a chance to spend some more time on both of these projects and I'm especially thankful for the blessing of friendship that both of these girls have brought in my life this summer.  For the first time in my life, I have actually succeeded at fulfilling a New Years Resolution (if you're that curious, that post would be in um, January in my archives).    

Speaking of The Mom-tage.. I'm so excited about the book chat we're doing at the end of September with  SHARI BRAENDEL, author of GOOD GIRLS don't have to DRESS BAD.  You can see all of the details over at The Mom-tage .  Click on the Mom-tage Moms tab to get on our e-mail list and to add your blog to our list.  We look forward to chatting with you there!  

And speaking of photos... Please do not take these photos of Emma below to represent my photography skills..  Not only does Emma's school starting at an ungodly hour make me feel like beating the alarm clock with a baseball bat, it also doesn't make for great "first day of school pictures" since it's barely daylight when we leave..

But feel free to weep along with me about how fast she's growing..

Well I must run now.. Though Chloe will not be happy with me for prematurely waking her from her nap, I'm off to get my second grader.  I just can't bring myself to let anyone else pick her up on the first day.  I always like to see her fresh reaction to her first day of school... Oh, and I made her favorite cream cheese danishes as a surprise to send in her lunch and I've been wondering all day how she reacted.. How cheesy is that?  (No pun intended).

See previous school year posts here: 

 First Grade 

 Kindergarten 

 4K 

 3K 

Blessings,

Dana

Fabulous Friday Follow Blog Hop

Okay, I'm sort of new to this blog hopping thing but Laura from Lily's Laundry Boutique and Sarah at 2GiggleBoxes have chosen me to be their guest blog hop host for today so I'm going to try to figure it out.  Yay for me!  Thanks Girls!

If I can pull this off, this should connect you with other blogging mommas and help you find some new "fabulous" blogs to follow and get you some new "fabulous" followers.  And if you can't get to it on my page, skip on over to one of their pages to do it because they clearly know what they're doing way more than I do!

To join FFF we are keeping it simple.

Here's what you do...

1. Follow the LLBB ,  2GiggleBoxes and Thoughts on Life and Dirty Diapers.
(We will follow you too!)

2. Click on the Linky Tool below and add your blog.

3. Check out the other blogs on "Fabulous Friday Follow" and follow them too.

We will pick another person from this weeks Linky List who has a
"FABULOUS" blog to host with us next week.

Linky will close on Wednesday PM and blog will be notified if they win via email!

Happy Following!!