Our Favorite Veteran

Our Happy Birthday Edwards Party!

Today is Veteran’s Day and we had a fabulous day together as a family.  Dan took the day off from work and we headed to the River.  My desire was to go all weekend but I have entered that dreaded stage when my kids have their own life and schedule and our family time is quickly slipping away.  I am happy for my kids and excited when they get to do special things with their friends but I sure miss the days when I controlled our schedule completely.  I was really trying to be grateful we had one beautiful day together and it surely was.  Bubba was so funny.  He wanted us to celebrate with hot chocolate and all drink it at 11:11 AM on 11/11/11, LOL…..so we did and it was great! (Except when Ed dumped his cup in his lap!)

11:11 AM on 11/11/11 at the River

I thought about our favorite veteran all day, Edward Sanderson, Dan’s grandfather.  He was a war hero and fought in the South Pacific.  He rarely talked about it but he served his country well based on all the amount of medals that he received.  We sure miss him and were so honored that we were able to name our son after him, his true namesake because he did not have a son.  Dan’s fondest memories, which he shares with us, are the summers he spent with his grandparent’s at the Jersey shore.  His grandfather taught him to play golf and it’s been a passion in Dan’s life.  (He wanted to be a Golf Pro growing up and spent everyday, after school, at the golf course)  The best story that I have heard through the years is when Dan swung the golf club and wacked Pop Pop in the head and knocked him out.  When Dan was visiting with him in the hospital right before Pop Pop died, Dan and Pop Pop laughed when Dan was running his fingers over the divot in Pop Pop’s head that is still there from over 30 years ago!

The Edwards

The first time I met Mom Mom and Pop Pop, almost 20 years ago, they extended unconditional love to me from the second we met.  We bonded and I immediately had the grandparent’s that I never had before.  It probably helped that I had red hair, which they loved because they were Scottish too.  I remember how fun it was showing them my photo album from my Scotland trip.  They have always bragged on us, encouraged us and have given my family pure love.   They were an extra blessing for me when I married Dan.

We laugh at our Edward because he is as boisterous, musical and precocious as his great grandfather.  We definitely named him right!  On Pop Pop’s last birthday, we had a big party for the “Edwards”  Eddie was turning 2 and Pop Pop was turning 92.  It was so fun and special even though Eddie mutilated the beautiful cake before the party!

Edward Sanderson (bottom right) during the War

I know Pop Pop suffered tremendously by serving our country, being away from his family and seeing the horrible things of war.  He has left a legacy of love for our family and I am forever grateful!! Pop Pop, we salute you today on Veteran’s Day!  We sure love and miss you but Eddie is filling in quite nicely! 

Proud Momma

We had a STARS Basketball game today and the speaker I wanted fell through. Bubba asked me if he could speak and I said pretty negatively, “What are you going to say?”  He FREAKED me out. He just reeled out his talk and sounded so professional and well spoken.  I was stunned.  We got to half time and I talked briefly about how much our BCS gym meant to me as a child growing up and shared about how Bubba has designed countless gyms with Lego’s, drawn plans and had me submit them to our principal, Mr. Walls. (Who always loved them, by the way! :) He has planned how he wants a big Lion, which is our mascot, on the center of the court and a really big student section.  Bless his heart, he even sat through a 3 hour, nightmare city council meeting when he was 8 years old and was appalled when they unanimously denied us in our request to build a gym.  He begged me to talk at the city council meeting that night.  In retrospect, maybe I should have let him talk.  It certainly couldn’t have hurt the outcome we received.

Today, he blew my mind.  My boy got up there and talked about his years playing basketball and how he dreams of playing in a home gym when he gets to middle and high school and then he led all of us in a prayer asking God to provide the money for the gym.  I was beyond proud and just envisioned him as a grown man going to schools and talking to kids, encouraging them to be a good student, teammate and athlete.

It blessed me so because I remember the days of speech class, wondering if anyone would ever be able to understand him besides me. I worried so much about him.  I guess all that speech practice paid off! God is faithful.

Be Quiet and Listen

I had someone recently tell me to spend time listening to God and to not focus on being productive doing Bible studies, reading and such.  It kind of shocked me because I love to be productive and feel good when I finish my devotionals and studies.  I decided to give it a try about a month ago.  I always pray and hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to me and helping me throughout each day, so I thought it would be like that.  It has really blown my mind what God has been speaking to me.  I sit with my computer, I pray, repent and get quiet in my mind and listen.  You have no idea how difficult this is for me.  I think because for years now, I am always behind and never catch up.  Having so many kids has caused me to forget how to sit still, to not to be making lists in my head and racking my brain on what I need to be doing.  I put my fingers on the keyboard and just type whatever I hear.  It’s crazy what comes out.  I know it’s not anything I would be telling myself.  It’s the kind of things that your best friend would like to say to you but is afraid you would be offended.  I have cried some days at what God tells me.  He speaks to the issues of my heart, ever so sweetly bringing correction and direction together.  He straightens my thinking out about people or situations that only He could do.  It’s been very important information that has caused me to feel invigorated and like a true friend of God.  I can’t believe I am over 40 years old before I started doing this.  

 

I often carry a very heavy burden about how to guide and direct my kids into their future.  I want them to find their passion and get the training they need to accomplish what God has called them to do. I feel completely inadequate and clueless.  I lie in bed awake many nights just wondering if I have made the right decisions.  I am often overwhelmed with how I am going to raise these five precious children that I have been entrusted with.  I fight worry and fear about how we are parenting them.  Today, this is what God spoke to me that touched my heart and brought me peace about my kids.

“Take a deep breath and find rest in me.  You will get more done in a day when you stay calm and trust me.  Don’t fear and fret.  I am watching over all your flock always.  I am all they need.  I will fill in the gaps.  I guard my sheep and fight on their behalf.  No lion will devour them.  You dedicated each one to me and they are mine.  I have great plans for each of them.  Don’t strive and struggle as you guide them.  Release the worry and fear to me and I will walk you through every step.  I do have a plan and provision.  It’s not up to you to figure it out.  It’s up to you to pray and trust me on their behalf.  I am a good father who only gives good gifts and I love to bless my children so be at peace.”  Thank God, He is in charge!  Takes all the pressure off me!

Ed's 1st Parade

Ed had quite a day today!  He had his first parade experience.  His cousin Jesse was nominated for Homecoming by the Boy’s Lacrosse Team and rode in the parade.  At first, Eddie didn’t know what the heck was going on and sat very reserved in Maw Maw’s lap.  Aunt Shar and Aunt Vick were sitting on the curb and invited the apprehensive boy to come sit with them.  

Then the candy started getting thrown and the lights went on for Ed and he became the Candy Scavenger!  He had hand deliveries by most passer-bys but when candy would be misfired and land on the ground, Ed was quick to scoop it up.  He amazed me at one point and started sharing??  I was pretty shocked.  He handed a few of his acquisitions to strangers on the curb!!

 

Jesse came by and Aunt Shar led us in screaming his name in unison and we waved and hollered with all our hearts and were very impressed that his candy had labels asking people for their votes!!  Then a Po-Po car came by and life really couldn’t get much better for Ed!  He entertained us all and the best part is when he would bend over, he was having some plumber action working too with his Buzz Lightyear underwear peeking out! :)  I am pretty sure Ed will not be missing a parade in the near future!!  His candy loot was right up there with his Halloween candy!  So, if you are voting, cast your vote for Jesse Godard!!  Ed will totally hook you up with some candy if you do!! :)

Dance Revolution

What a weekend! My girls have been looking forward to this for months.  Their dance teacher Sheri, has been working so hard with them getting them ready to perform at Dance Revolution!  We headed down to Orlando and they were so very cute and excited!!  We left before the sun came up and made great time!  I was severely coffee deficient but planned on making up for it when I arrived!  The girls went straight into classes and I went straight to my room and to the coffee pot!  Sheri got me a free upgrade on my room and hooked a sister up!  It not only had a coffee pot, but a microwave and refrigerator!!  I perked two big cupfuls and was pretty much in heaven, alone in a quiet hotel room.  I was really digging this dance convention!!  The girls danced all day.  Carrie Wyatt and I delivered Chick-fil-a for lunch and only got lost briefly two times!  After lunch, I was going to download some pictures on my computer and just shut my tired eyes for a minute and took a power nap!  Does it get any better than that?

It was time to get the girls ready for their big performance!   Carrie did a beautiful job on their hair.  Mags said it looked like a crown was on their head and it did!  They all looked so beautiful and danced their hearts out!  I was a very proud and relieved momma.  There is a part of the dance that Maggie runs and Bonnie catches her and I was in a full on sweat, nervous about Bonnie dropping her sister!  They did it perfect and Sydney didn’t drop Rana either!! Shewwww!!  

After “Mommaratzi” (the name Carrie gave my psycho picture-taking self!) drove the girls crazy taking pictures, we headed to Denny’s to celebrate!  Praise Jesus, kids ate free too! Bonnie ate the biggest bacon cheeseburger I have ever seen and Mags slammed the grand-slam breakfast!!  I could only eat half of my grand slam and saved it for breakfast (that the girls ate, I might add!) Now if the waiter could only get our checks right....

Enjoying Mom's breakfast! :)

The next day, the girls were dragging a little but were still excited. We went to a phenomenal production by the staff called “Red”  It is a powerful story of the prodigal son weaved together with the Wizard of Oz.  We cried through it and were touched! Michelle, the leader of Dance Revolution, can preach it.  I could have tweeted her whole message.  What a powerful word about choices and how we sometimes need to REDiscover who we are and that God is always there to REDeem us and to REDeposit into us.  All we have to do is REDedicate ourselves and our lives to Him!!  They had an altar call and it was life changing for many there!!

One of the funniest parts, was sitting in the last class with Mags and Rana. Their teacher was unbelievable.  She was like a character from a Disney show.  I have never seen such a perky, enthusiastic person who controlled those 50 small girls like nothing I have ever seen.  The love that she had for dance was insane.  She desired those girls to be the best dancers in the world.  No scolding, no threatening, just freakish behavior that had the girls spellbound and obedient.  It was amazing to watch.  She has five kids too but seems much more suited for it than some people!  :) Her voice will never leave my head and I will strive to be her when I grow up! (when is that by the way??) 

This is the dance atmosphere I want for my girls!  They get judged but they also are given a blessing from the judges.  They pray in every class, use worship songs for the dances, and emphasize modesty and glorifying God in all you do!  What a difference from how the world teaches our young ones to dance!  I am so grateful for Sheri who has opened this new world up to my girls!!!  I want them to dance for Jesus always!!!

Edward's School Pictures

I am a crazy compulsive picture taker.  I am addicted to it!  I have not shafted any of my kids as far as pictures go.  I have photo albums in chronological order, numbered from the day Bonnie was born!  Their baby books are done, over the top!  It’s always so special for me when my babies get their first school pictures taken.  I was so excited that Eddie was getting his done this year.  Annie’s, from K3, might be the best pictures of all time!! Such a cutie patootie!!  I seriously laughed out loud when I pulled Eddie’s pictures out of the envelope.  He had his tongue out in one, was ticked off in another and possibly cussing in the third.  I sweetly asked the director if there was going to be retakes!!  

The day I got his school pictures, they had a picture from their costume party and he has the prettiest smile of all time!  It was crazy the extreme faces I was seeing from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Eddie has been a trip since we had him.  He is so loved and spoiled by all of us.  He is endearing, stubborn, loving and noncompliant.  He has been the most difficult for me to conform to quick picture poses.  There is a scene in a TV show where the mom is desperate for a good family picture and goes berserk, yelling and screaming for them to smile and I cracked up because, I HAVE BEEN THERE!!   It’s not an easy task to get the 5 Wogs to smile all at the same time but I am dedicated to the cause!!  He is producing some awesome artwork that I love even if his picture taking skills are lacking!!

Halloween Madness

Halloween is not my favorite time of the year.  In the words of Eddie, “It’s Spooky!”  I don’t enjoy the spiders, skeletons and witch decorations that are in stores and in people’s yards.  It is so much fun for the kids and they look forward to it all year and have a blast.  We aren’t worshipping the devil but just having fun together!  It’s a stress bomb for me though and I dread it.  The kids decide what they want to be and inevitably they try to change their mind the day before.  Annie wanted to be the Karate Girl, which I was very happy about.  It’s easy and we have the uniform!  The day before, she decides she wants to be a “Gansta” instead but I said NO!  It’s just not right having a pretty, little, gangsta girl.  (Even though she could totally pull it off!)  Mags went from being a cheerleader to a Diva Pop Star!  Bonnie had no clue and Bubs said he never changes his mind. He is always a football player. I honestly wished I could lie down and rest after the make-up, hair spray, and destroying every closet looking for this, that and the other.  We finally got everyone dressed for our Church Costume party and I thought Shewwwww, I’m done.  We have typically convinced our kids that the night we dress up for church is Halloween. :)

 

Then friends asked the kids to Trick or Treat on the real Halloween.  I wanted to cry because I almost had the Halloween bomb of costumes and paraphernalia cleaned up and now had to start over again :/ I told Annie the only way she was going is if she was the same thing.  Mags switched back to a cheerleader and Bonnie wanted to be a Hippy. (Much to Dan’s dismay!)  I was freaking out because it's like doing it all over again! I couldn’t cope with Eddie’s, no napping, fussy self so we were doing all this in secret because he was going to be "Halloween shafted" and going straight to bed!!  (He got to dress up as Buzz at school and Hook at church!)

Bubba decides instead of being his typical football player again, he wanted to be a Miami Thug Fan sporting their 5 National Championship Rings!  He asked me to go online and buy replicas.  We looked and they cost thousands of dollars.  Then he asked if WE could just make some….I spent all yesterday afternoon, altering the girls rings with pictures of the championship rings, thinking to myself….The things parents do for their kids. I never dreamed I would have to be so darn crafty and creative! I should have taken some craft classes for sure!  They turned out pretty good and miraculously when he got home with his 30 pounds of candy, they were still intact.  I quickly collected them and hid them away for next year!  I figure Annie may want to be a Thug Fan!  (I hope the girls won't miss their five rings….) After all the kids went to bed, Dan and I strategically hid all their candy and I am planning on packing it up for Sunday School treats, but don’t tell my kids!!  Now it's time to clean up the Halloween Bomb again....Thank God it's November!  I can deal with Indians, Pilgrims and Turkeys much better! :)