Grandpa Liston

Yesterday got me thinking about him and my friend Deanne reminded me that I do have a list of future posts to keep up on. (It's just that life keeps happening before I can get all the interesting things documented.) Anyway, I just wanted to share a thought, really an incident, and a learning.

The last time we visited when he was alive, Abigail was sick. A fever of 102 -105, trips to the doctor and one to the emergency room. No one could find anything wrong but she was crabby and clingy. I even have a picture of the two of us that will NEVER be posted. But, Grandpa Liston was staying with my mom, and he quite enjoyed the attention of everyone. As anyone can imagine having someone live with you can be aggravating, but Grandpa was a gentleman. He could say things in such a way that taking care of his request became at the least not a chore and sometimes a pleasure.

But Abigail was sick, and demanding and quite unfriendly. And Grandpa couldn't hear. So they were never really able to connect. That is actually kind--they really ignored each other's requests for attention. And in the end became somewhat impatient with each other. (Admittedly I too became impatient with everyone!) I think I knew his frustration was only at the situation and that he was pleased with his great-granddaughter, I didn't feel that way when we left. I was so looking forward to the next trip in to see everyone, but the next trip was for his funeral.

Oh, but, what I learned. Grandpa had gone to stay with my aunt and her family (three teen and pre-teen boys). What fun they all had and what mischief Grandpa was able to achieve! But I heard through them what I would have only seen through Grandpa's actions yeard down the road. He was proud of Abigail and he loved her. "Sharpy" was his name for her.

If Grandpa were still living and Thanksgiving had been delightful, Sharpy would be an intersting name for her. A side note in her life. But the story surrounding the nickname makes it terribly precious. How do you express the love someone one has for another when the love is expressed in a nickname?

God's Good Touch

About a month ago we went to visit family. We were planning a trip, but it was moved a little because my grandfather died. A month ago, so much for day to day reporting on my part, I know, but I really must brag on Abigail for the weekend. And since she is tearing apart a cat tail (they are really all fuzz) now. I think past achievements should be noted and are definitely due her.
Except for the reason for the travel, this was the best trip we have ever made with Abigail. She slept on the trip in and she was patient in the car when she was awake. Until we were got to Indiana on the way back there was little fussing. Once we got to Indiana though, she insisted on being entertained. So she ate. She actually ate more in that weekend than I think she normally does in a week. Then because I was reading she should read. Then she should be read to and then she should be sung to. Finally, Chris opted for the fussing to the singing.
But she was friendly to everyone. Usually she picks on half of the trip to be pleasant and the next half to cling. But not this trip. She talked to everyone and asked to be held be every grandparent and aunt and uncle present.
She was a good sport for the many hours at the funeral home. She was a pleasant and welcome distraction for everyone especially her cousins. Well except when she figured out how to turn the TV on and off and change the channels. She sat patiently through a funeral munching 'Nilla Wafers. Eight of them in 20 minutes. Hey, she was quiet. She walked on the table for her cousins and played the piano with them during the meal. She did a great job.
And she ate! She wouldn't stop eating. Ham and mashed potatoes, and crackers, and turkey, and cheese, and apples, and yogurt, and ham and ham and ham, and cereal and fruit. It was as if I never feed her.
You know, I was dreading the whole trip. Saying so long to my grandfather was going to be hard enough but trying to contain an active toddler while doing so bordered on impossible in my mind. But God was there. He was there in Abigail's pleasant attitude no matter how many strangers were around her. He was there in the moments at the Opels when we could rest and Abigail napped. He was there at the Joneses when we didn't have any place to go. He was in my mom's admonition that Abigail was not to cry at the funeral home. (She was to be left to her own devices and to be entertained and entertainment.) He was there reminding us that a little bit of Grandpa was given to all of us and that some part of his legacy is still alive and well in his grandchildren and now great-grandchild.

Heart Transplant

So, I've been reading this book Captivating. Last week and this it has been talking about taking our needs to Christ and letting him meet us. (Whatever the answer, He will be there.) I've been getting frustrated because I keep telling Him what is wrong and yet I still feel like a rubber band stretched or sometimes like a mammoth is sitting on me. And last night, Abigail, for no discernable reason, woke up crying at 9:15 (at least it wasn't during Ugly Betty) and refused to be comforted.

But today, I didn't just complain to God. I asked Him to come and take care of us. And HE DID! I seem so surprised. It was my own hang-ups that were in the way before; I now realize. I just talked without asking and I never expected Him to actually be what I needed. Even with bananas on the floor and diaper rash and running late. Abigail was still a joy when I put her in her car seat. And she was patient as I bought her things at the consignment store, and got a movie at the movie place, and groceries at the store. God met me and walked with me and shopped with me and made me beautiful and I finally noticed.

Then He told me to clean up the dining room before meeting with Him, because oatmeal on the floor and chicken nugget crumbs on the table, do not make for a heart at peace. And then He taught me.

Ezekeil 11:19 says "And I shall give them a new heart and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh." Oh how I wish that was ahh duh as Abigail would say. But this too, this presentation of my heart of stone in exchange for a heart of flesh is a daily sacrifice. I must remember to see the new heart and new spirit given me, for that is His promise. (And Abigail is His most effective tool.)

Compromises

(To those of you wanting pictures: we're getting to it. And too bad somethings need said and can be said without pictures.)
Monday, I decided to increase the intensity of my treadmill workout going from 3.5 mph to 3.7 mph. That doesn't sound like anything really and on Monday it didn't really feel like anything really. But I think it made me tired for yesterday too. Hence yesterday's post. And the fact that by dinner time we were back to the same cranky-ness levels. But I went to bed refreshed and happy to be alive!
What a change you think. How did you do it? you wonder.
I can sum it up in one word. Four syllables. Compromises! Yes, it deserves an exclamation point.
After dinner and seeing Chris off to play practice. Abigail and I had about an hour and a half till her bedtime. And I was feeling stressed out. First I renewed my 7:00PM chore cut off, so we could have some downtime. That always works to keep our relationship intact. The day ends on a good note. So now I had only 30 minutes to get stuff done. So again the key: Compromises.
Take the dishes out of the dishwasher: Yes.
Put the dirty dishes in: Yes.
Wipe the counters, Abigail's high chair, and the Corned Beef and Cabbage Broth from the stove: Yes, Yes, No. (Yes, the stove top is still grimy and if I get close enough probably still smells of Corned Beef.)
Clean the stuff out of the sink drain that won't let the leftover broth go down: Yes.
Run hot water down the sink to rid it of grime: Well, I meant to do that, but forgot till just now.
Give Abigail a bath: No--would thrill her, but I already stuck my hands in water. And I would get annoyed because she would always stop the water after I let it go.
Entertain Abigail alone: No, read stories and play on the floor with Everybody Loves Raymond re-runs.
Pick up toys: Yes.
Sweep the floor: Maybe Saturday.
Let Abigail lay her head on my lap: YES YES YES!
Put Abigail to bed on time: Mostly after more than normal cuddling.
Watch American Idol: Yes
Read the required chapter in my book: During American Idol

Ahhh, the Power of Napping

This morning Abigail got up at my usual time. Not because she wanted to, but because (and in spite of the 7:00PM liquid cut-off) her diaper could not keep up with the amount of liquid she produced last night. So in the hopes of eeking out a few more minutes of sleep myself, Abigail joined me in bed. She is quite like a baby monkey, clinging to me, trying to go to sleep on my chest. She rested, but did not sleep.
So the day began with a tired little girl. And a tired, I-don't-want-to-deal-with-another-mundane-day mom. Actually a mom tired of not being able to finish a task without stopping half a dozen times. Just not a good combination.
Then my friend called. She knows Chris is crazy busy, and she loves getting her kids outside! (She is also a garage friend. You know the kind who knows you so well they allow you to enter though the garage instead of freaking out.) Abigail and I had a park date. After inviting a few other ladies. We were out the door. Thankfully. I could take no more cranky kid. I am counting down the hours to mom's group tomorrow.
Yay for parks! We had a great time with the other moms and kids. Then came home to eat lunch and take a nap. Abigail went down for her nap like only happens when we spend time outside. And I started reading. Then I too took a nap. Longer than I should have, possibly. But I felt sooo good when I woke up. And I felt so good when Abigail woke up.
Naps are Great!

Thinking Green

Today, Abigail got really quiet and being suspiciousd I decided I should investigate this. Something just isn't right when I can't hear the activity from another room. (Even looking at books is noisy in our house.)
So I walk into the kitchen to see that Abigail has gotten into the Under-the-Sink world. Before you think about baby-proofing, let me reassure you that I HAVE baby-proofed. ThoughI am not exactly happy with some of the door catches we bought and installed. These catches are the BEST we have. They, I thought, caught every time. Or maybe they catch only when I try to get to the trash can. Or even scarier, Abigail has figured them out. Poor Abigail. . . looked at me in horror as I yelled "No!" from the kitchen door. (What would you do if you say your kid playing with the BAM! cleaner that really does get rid of most stuff?)
I keep thinking that I should try to use more non-toxic substances to clean the house, and I do try to use vinegar and baking soda. But, now I am determined to use up the rest of my hazardous chemicals (why waste money) and store and use non-toxic cleaners. The most dangerous thing in the Under-the-Sink world will be the trash can. Definitely gross, but a little less scary than chemicals whose names I can't pronounce.
Disclaimer: The bathroom will not be non-toxic, but when E-coli lives there, even temporarily, I can't think gree.

70 Degrees

Yay!!

Though it promises to be short lived the temperature was 70 for part of the day. Abigail and I were invited to the beach to play with some friends and give me some much needed adult time. It was so much fun. At the end of last season's beach days, Abigail did not care so much for the beach. The water was scary, the sand odd, and the play structures out of her league. But yesterday she made herself right at home. I wish I had remembered the camera so all you you could see her.
After that a nap was needed of course. Then standing at the door and watching the dog was a necessity. Poor Tippy was so confused; she just wanted petted. When Chris got home from work a walk was in order. So much so that Abigail got impatient and tried to put her own shoes.
We came back for dinner and a bath. Then some more outside time. I thought Abigail would just play around the yard, talk to and try to pet the dog. But she heard other kids at the park, so pjs and all she was going to the park. Oh for a fence! The park equipment is years too big for her but she did get some slide and merry-go-round time, and we walked a loop around the park. I love the feel of her little hand holding on to my finger. I just want to forever capture that feeling.
A really good day. No a wonderful day.

Aaaah Duh

I have a picture from a recent trip to share but Abigail has started doing something too cute and I must share.
She has learned the phrase all done. Actually it sounds more like "aaah duh", but it means all done. Since she has been eating table food at lunch and dinner with us she also must participate in saying grace. For a while she wasn't exactly graceful, but recently she has been a good sport about it. She reaches out and holds Chris's hand while we pray and she waits pretty patiently for us to finish and give her her food.
Here comes the cute part. She knows "Amen" means the end. So when we say "Amen" she says, "Aaaah duh." I thought it was only after grace that she would say all done. But tonight after saying our prayers before her bed time, she repied with "Aaah duh."