Anna Did It!

John said to AnnaMerin, "Go climb that tree." So that's what AnnaMerin did. Check out the stance at the end -- our own little "Peter Pan" in training!
(Turn the volume down -- unless you really want to hear the little neighborhood spat between the other kids over the welding of a golf club)

Spring Has Sprung

One day, there was a blind man sitting on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet and a sign that read: "I am blind, please help." A creative publicist was walking by and stopped to observe. He saw the blind man had only a few coins in his hat. He dropped in more coins, and without asking for permission, took the sign and rewrote it. He then returned the sign to the blind man and left. That afternoon the publicist returned to the blind man and noticed that his hat was full of bills and coins. The blind man recognized the publicist's footsteps and asked if it was he who had rewritten his sign and wanted to know what he had written on it. The publicist responded: "Nothing that was not true. I just wrote the message a little differently." He smiled and went on his way. The new sign read: "Today is the first day of spring and I cannot see it."

My sister emailed this story the other day -- I have reflected upon it several times since then -- but as I read it the first time through it brought to mind an experience I had while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spain. Hna. Trinidad and I were on our way to somewhere (the "all important" location has long been forgotten) -- The weather was really nice but we had a good amount of walking to do up some of Orense's hills -- and we were late! I was raised to be punctual and being so was enough to put me into a foul mood. As we walked past a park, my companion stopped next to a tree. -- I am almost positive that had you been there you'd have seen my arms crossed and my foot a'tappin and I am sure that my companion could feel the tension that I exuded. -- As I approached her, she asked me to take a look at the new blossoms that had just bloomed on the tree. "Oh, ...yeah..., they're nice -- we're late let's go!" (At least that what I'd intended to say -- but, even today I am not sure of the accuracy of my then ability to speak my second language.) She sighed, turned away from the tree and began walking with me. After a while she turned to me very humbly and explained to me the importance of stopping to see those blossoms. I don't remember her exact words - but the message that stays with me even after these 17 years is...

There are times when it is needful to stop and listen (or see) the testimony of the Savior's love exhibited by the beauty of those creations he has given us. Since that day I make it a point to stop and enjoy the beauty of our world and to give thanks for the blessing in my life that these beautiful things bring as well as rejoice in my testimony that our Savior lives and loves me. Happy Easter Everybody!

A Love for the Lack of Historical Civility

Our family has always enjoyed traveling to various locations (our unplanned "on a whim" trips seem to be the most fun) and learning what there is to learn -- history seems to be a common thread in our make up -- I have often wondered if it is because we all enjoy it or if I and John are being appeased by the children to keep the peace -- but whatever the reason we have had many an adventure.

We have found that our greatest historical interest has been in the Civil War and all the mesmerizing history surrounding an era that seems to be "Gone with the Wind". How can we not be so enveloped into it -- are we not in the heart of the southland -- where
southern hospitality & sugary-sweet congeniality are found in the hearts of the true southerners -- Not to mention where the fantastically enchanting drawls roll off the tongue and the pride of a rebel yell is passed down from generation to generation. (Perhaps it is no more than a hopeless romanticized longing for what was -- but, oh how I will sincerely miss being here in Georgia -- my southern home -- I honestly would like to think myself a true southerner at heart -- at least that is what I am choosing to believe. -- Let's face it -- how else could I say "Ya 'all" without batting an eye and think'n it "proper" English.)
Anyway, our latest --- was a return trip to the Civil War's Chickamauga Battlefield. It turned out that this battle was one of the worst of the war. The main reason was that this one was fought in the dense trees & thick undergrowth surrounding Lookout Mountain instead of preferred open ground. The plaques that indicated the various positions of the different units/batteries -- amazingly showed that confederate forces were literally on top of the union ones. The close proximity and abundant miscommunication created a ripe environment for a great loss of life.

The Chattanooga Challenge

Today, we decided last minute to take a trip to the Chickamauga Battlefield just outside of Chattanooga, TN. So we picked up the kids a bit early from school and headed off on the 2 hour drive.
After the self guided tour of the battlefield we headed into Chattanooga to a place near the Aquariums called Cheeburger Cheeseburger.
There we were met with a challenge -- eat the "Ultimate" hamburger and get your picture place on the Wall of Famers. About four years ago -- we took a trip to Chattanooga -- again on a whim-- and were recommended to this little burger joint. At that time, John took the challenge and did well (meaning he finished it) and was immortalized on the walls. Okay - eat a hamburger -- no big deal -- that is until the realization hits that the cooked monster weighs in at 20oz -- and that is just the hamburger patty -- add the toppings and you are looking devouring a meal worthy of a small army. Well -- Jarom boastfully took the challenge. The wait for this monster to cook was about 15 minutes -- Jarom began to doubt himself -- of course it didn't help that John started "talking trash". Did he finish the pound and a quarter cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo and ketchup? Watch and see...
Yahoooooooo! He finished! Even before his dad. Did you notice that he was still chewing the last bite of even at the 48 seconds mark? It actually took him literally over a minute to finally swallow that last bite. The "pants"thing that he mentioned -- that is a father to son hammy down bit of advice -- "if you want to eat more -- just unbutton the top button on your pants". TIGHT tummy. OOOOOOHHHHHHH! John asked him afterwards if he wanted to head off to Golden Corral -- there was no comment made -- but if looks were any indication -- John would have been held over for psych evaluation at the nearest hospital.

Four score and seven years ago (minus the four score)

our family was blessed with a little 7lb 1oz little girl. We named her AnnaMerin and she was a miracle. She continues to be a miracle in our life -- full of life and the definition of drama queen.
Happy Birthday my AnnaMerin! We love you!

It's Official

After studying for the last year and procrastinating the inevitable -- I learned, a little over a week ago, that I had passed my boards. So not unlike most 1st time parents announcing a pregnancy the day the two lines show up -- I emailed family and announced the news -- how can you withhold the prospect of good news from those who you'd think would appreciate it the most. -- however, I may have jumped the gun. Being that the information came from the testing center and not from the governing body in Georgia -- the results were unofficial. It would have been a real bummer if there had been some mix up -- not that I thought that that would have happen -- but it sure could have. Imagine the embarrassment -- and oh the heartache!

Well, my Georgia State Board of Nursing LPN # came last Friday and today I received the piece of paper that allows me to practice nursing in the state of Georgia -- my license. SOOOO -- I can, now officially say -- my name can be signed Rebecca Lyn Hyde, LPN.

I have long been of the thought process that if I were to ever earn an education/pass a test that would allow abbreviated titles to be signed after my name -- I would not sign those letters (unless, of course it is required that I do so). Many have thought me insane -- "You earned it!" they say. Well that may be true -- but those three letters don't do anything other than say that I did the time, learned the stuff and passed a test. They don't earn me the respect of others -- or at least I don't believe that they should -- my actions, my attitudes, my ethics and my ability to carry out the duties that are expected under that license -- THAT is was should earn the respect of others. Not some abbreviated title attached to the end of my name --

So anyway -- I guess that what I am saying is that I could if I wanted to -- but then -- me thinks -- anyone could attach a few abbreviations to the end of their name if they really wanted to. Maybe I could put -- L.W. (loving wife), G. M. (great mom), B.G.(big sister), O.D. (oldest daughter), A.A. (awesome aunt), O.P. (outstanding person), V.T. (visiting teacher), GD (good listener), AF (affable friend)... -- So my name could read Rebecca Lyn Hyde, LPN, LW, GM, BG, OD, AA, OP, VT, GL, AF.... Just knowing what a great person I am -- I am sure that I could fill many a line with all the abbreviated titles that I felt were appropriate. Sooo, what is my point, you ask -- well... at the very least if I chose to sign that abbreviated title -- those three letters -- at the end of my name -- it would be board certified and licensed back -- or in other words -- IT's OFFICIAL!

In limbo...

Webster states that limbo is a place or state of restraint or confinement or a place or state of neglect or oblivion or an intermediate or transitional place or state or a state of uncertainty.

During the last few months I can honestly say that I have experienced each of these states of being. I am sure that a majority of it is my own doing -- but none the less I have felt as if I am in a state of LIMBO.

It dawned on me last night as I was talking to John that being in limbo isn't necessarily a bad thing. Although definitely not a comfortable state of being and not one that is coveted by many IT could be a place for a lot of learning and growth.

I have been pestering John to get some answers to various questions involving some major decisions in his life and our life. I am sure that I have crossed the line of periodically requesting to constantly nagging. I am a planner or at least I like to think myself one -- I like to plan the will happens, probably will happens, possibly could happens and even the hopelessly optimistic it is a long shot happens -- Be Prepared -- isn't that a motto for some organization.

Anyway, I am at a standstill with the future plans -- there are too many unknowns to even put together the long shot plan -- I don't even think that I could comprise a "an ice cubes chance in hades" plan right now. Things have not moved fast enough for me and there are many things that I want to have planned out and ready to put into motion if and when decisions are made.
Don't get me wrong -- we are not standing still on preparations that will lend to an easier transition if things become a "go"-- but there is so much more that could be in place -- many more unknowns switched to the knowns -- and I could be in so much more control.

So...last night as I was talking with John, I realized -- It was just that -- This is a control issue and the control is out of my hands -- it is unnerving ....no, it is down right upsetting for me. Ahha! You see we had made some goals that needed to be realized. These were goals that would not necessarily be effected by the answers to those questions I do desperately desired to know. The time line may be a little altered -- it would add some excitement with absolute deadlines to meet -- but the essence of these goals would not change. I was reminded of the sentiments I'd felt regarding these changes that could happen to our lives -- it was one of peaceful resolve. Things were to happen the way they were meant -- my job ...was to trust in that feeling and do those things that I knew needed to be done by me. Keep focused on the goal, constantly moving forward, and "peace, be still".

Dat Boyz A Thinker

We have long thought Jarom to be a thinker -- at times too deeply! It is a very common for me to become exasperated by all of the multiple questions that come at me one after another so fast and furious that I feel as though I am about to put my hands over my ears , rock back and forth while shouting "lalalalalalalalalalala"-- just to block it all out. BUT, there are many times that he will have ideas that amaze me with their creativeness and ingenuity. Here is an example. The dolly is serving as the main body of the vehicle, the skate board is the front wheel and steering mechanism and the brake is his right foot hung over the wheel of the dolly.

A little momento

This post is to serve two purposes - the first is to test out how to upload a video and the second is to share something about myself that only a few may know.

I have long enjoyed listening to (and attempting to sing along with) a song that I have absolutely no recollection as to where, when or how I learned its lyrics -- or for that matter why I like it so very much. In the last five years that we have lived in Georgia -- I have been introduce to a new venue of this loved song and with the possibility of an upcoming move away from Georgia... I have realized that I will truly miss it when we leave. My only hope is that we will not leave until I have once again been able to sit upon the lawn at Stone Mountain and bask in all the enjoyment. Luckily, I now have this little momento (although a bit dark) to help me remember those nights at the "World's Largest Laser Show".

Owed to Toronado

I thought it interesting that the two cars we have used for the majority of our stay in Georgia both had something to do with bulls. Yes, I do mean as in bovine and not basketball. The purple car is a Taurus and the "other" one an Oldsmobile TOROnado. I have many a time curse the existence of that car in my life. I had had no say in its purchase and I refused to drive it unless I had absolutely no other alternative -- meaning that I would have toted my baby on my hip a mile to have not had to drive this car. I consider myself a fairly good driver. I keep my cool and have confidence in my ability to handle a vehicle. But this car scared me!!

John enjoyed driving -- I haven't determined if it is because it was fun to drive with its failing transmission, no brakes to speak of and rollercoaster effect whenever he hit a bump OR if it was because, for me, it seemed to be cause for a "sigh" every time I had realize its existence.

In reality it became a novel thing for me to insist that any and all who visited us take at least one ride in this vehicle. It was an experience that I am sure none have forgotten. I would tease John that all he needed was a bandana head dress, furry dash cover and set of 4"cubed dice hanging from the rearview mirror with perhaps some sort of music blaring from the radio. He would add to the illusion by slouching way down in the drivers seat with one hand on the steering wheel -- bobbing his head as though listening to music. I have to admit -- it made me smile in spite of myself.

In August, the TOROnado had an issue with its battery and because we had just purchased a suburban -- it had sat in the driveway ever since. I have alluded frequently to the idea of selling it -- but it wasn't something that John was prepared to do yet -- did I mention that he sincerely enjoyed driving that car. Perhaps it was more of the idea that the car was there and if he really wanted to -- he could repair the battery cable and drive it again -- NOT that he would -- but that he could if he wanted to. Well...to John's shagrin -- the TOROnado was sold last night to a man with a truck that could tow it away. It is a true testament to the power of craigslist -- we posted it on Sunday and sold it by 9am Monday morning. The speed of the transaction was probably for the best - because I think that given any more time -- the TOROnado would still have its place in the driveway today -- I say this because as John walked in from work last night - he commented that he almost shed a tear over the vacant spot where the TOROnado has once sat.

I will call the insurance company today to cancel the insurance, file the bill of sale and then go to Lowe's and buy the paint needed to finish painting the house. And that will close the chapter on the TOROnado.

Honestly, for all the mental turmoil that I spent over this vehicle -- I have to admit that not only has it brought joy to my husband and thrilled the kids (free amusement park ride), -- it many a time rescued me when the Taurus failed. So by way of tribute to a faithful -- and sadly under appreciated vehicle -- a long owed "Thank you!" to you - Oldmobile TOROnado.