Cream of the Crop!

Chad and my grand daughters on the steps of the Iowa state capital


"I only pass the cream of the crop, and you're not it." Those are the words my sons electronics teacher told him when he entered this class in high school, to pursue his dream of becoming an electrician. And to add insult to injury, it was only the second day of school. Chad was crushed, and felt quite defeated. It seems the "cream of the crop" were the popular kids, the kids who had wealthy backgrounds, those who the teacher felt buttered his bread more than the other students. Feeling defeated, Chad decided to not go to class, as transferring to a different class was not allowed. So he skipped. Every day. I received calls from the principal daily, stating that my son was a trouble maker, probably on drugs, and not a good student to have in his school. My son was none of these. He was a good student, and yes it was wrong to skip classes, but he felt he had no option, as this teacher pegged him as not electrician material from the get go. Eventually, the principal called and said he didn't want Chad at his school. Me being divorced, Chad felt his only option was to move back with his father to complete his school year. As bad as I wanted him to stay home with me, I understood if he was to graduate this was the best thing and his only shot at graduating. He went to his father's, where he signed up for the electronics class, same curriculum, and aced the class. What a difference a teacher makes. And a principal that gets it. After graduation, and a couple different jobs, Chad found an electrical company that agreed to hire him as an apprentice, since he had such potential, which was discovered in his class. He quickly went from apprentice to a journeyman, and then taking the test, a master electrician. Today he lives just outside Des Moines Iowa, and is the general foreman for all substations in over half of Iowa state. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of my son. He has a beautiful wife, and I have two of the most gorgeous, fun, grand daughters. If Chad had allowed his former teacher and principal to defeat him, this never would have happened. I love my son dearly, and if you live in an area of Iowa where there is currently no power, you better believe Chad is on top of it, and is working tirelessly to fix the problem! Go Chad!! I have your back!!!!

TOPS!

Well ladies I finally found it! The perfect TOPS chapter! I joined last week, it's an old school chapter, which is exactly what I was looking for. The ladies are wonderful, fun loving, and so supportive. Plus, I lost 5 and a quarter pounds this past week! I was so excited when I stepped on that scale. I went to my Dr. and got my goal slip, he wants me at 160. So I'm really going to put my best effort into this.

I found this picture of me, and couldn't believe what I was looking at! Is this really me!!? Yes it is, and take a good look now because my after pictures will be totally different. Of course here, it's evening and I'm not in my best attire, nor am I made up! But I'll show you anyway, that sad looking person is on her way out, to be replaced by the more healthy, beautiful woman within!

OWOH Time!

Yes it's One World One Heart, and I can't believe it's been a year already. I had such fun with this last year, that I decided to offer the same this year. A custom crazy quilt wall hanging, approximately 2 and a half foot square. I will make it with your favorite colors, any lace, trim, buttons, pins etc. that you may want added to it. Also, the winner will e-mail me 9 high quality photos that I will add to your hanging! I'll pick the winner with the number generator. I hope you enter, and good luck!

Be sure to click the above logo to see all the other great entries in this years OWOH!

Dear Colleen, and All My Blog Friends

It's been almost five years since my fathers death. And just a couple weeks ago, our dear blog friend Colleen lost her brother. She stated once in her blog that she hoped her brother heard what she said to him, and I want to reassure her, and all others who spoke to a loved one before they passed, that he and they, did. I know, because when Dad died, members of our family went in to speak to him individually. After everyone finished, Mom went in to spend his last moments with him in private, and spoke into my fathers ear. As learned in hospice, hearing is the last sense to leave. This is how Mom spent those final moments.

She talked to Dad about the special moments they spent together. One thing they did in the evenings was sit on the swing overlooking his gardens, his pride and joy, and discuss the days events. Mom told Dad when he reaches Heaven, to build a special swing so they could once again sit together when she too arrives. After saying her good-byes, Mom recited the Apostles Creed, and the Lord's Prayer to him. When finished, she spoke to him and our God, saying, "Father, now let your servant depart in peace." It was at that moment, with my mother's permission, my father took his last breath, and left for Home.

So yes, Colleen, your brother heard every word you said. And took those words of love with him.

In the hospice care booklet, is this prose by Henry VanDyke. It brought much comfort to our family, as I hope it does you, Colleen, and all who have lost a loved one.

"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
“Here she comes!”
And that is dying."
Henry Van Dyke

God Bless All of You,

Laurie

Susan Boyle On Oprah Today!!

I'm sure all of you by now have heard of or heard Susan Boyle. I have been captivated by her the since first time I saw her audition for "Britain's Got Talent" on You Tube. Her voice is so amazing. I have her cd, and play it constantly, as she is so addictive. If you haven't heard her sing, check her out on You Tube. If you haven't got her cd, buy it, it'll be the greatest lifts and gifts you can give yourself. From the first note of "Wild Horses" to her rendition of "Amazing Grace", the most fabulous "I Dreamed a Dream" the sultry "Cry Me a River", and the song written just for her life experience, "I Was Meant to Be", to name a few, I love every one of the songs on her album! Treat yourself if you haven't already, and if you have, let me know what you think! But be sure to catch her on "Oprah" today!

One More Bag and the Days Observances

I thought I was done with sewing bags, then I went into Joanne's to get some trims, and saw this lady bug fabric. I love them, and couldn't turn down buying some, here is my last purse for a while, maybe, well probably not, after all one can never have too many...

Then yesterday morning I had a doctor appointment for my foot, I woke up about 8 days ago and swore I broke it, wasn't getting better and found out I have gout. but anyway, on the way home I saw this on a church billboard, and with the comment made by Mr. Pat Robertson that Haiti made a deal with the devil and deserved the earth quake, I thought it quite appropriate. How he could look at the devastation, see the tears, children's faces, and say such a thing has me floored.


And then I see my adorable niece Jenna, who makes life joyful, showing off some stylish head wear, her favorite hat and a neck pillow,and I smile again.

Another Bag, A Visit to TOPS

Well this bag didn't last long! I finished it before I went to my meeting, and my niece snatched it up when I got home! So I had it the total of one hour! Don't blame her though since it matches a black and white dress she has perfectly. I have lots more fabric, and found the cutest fabric at Joanne's to make another one.

The TOPS meeting was a disappointment since it was more of a social club than anything else. All the things that motivate, and make this organization work have been removed by vote from it's members. There are a couple more in town that I'll try while finding a meeting place to open my own. While talking to the area captain after the meeting, who runs a chapter the way it's supposed to be, the members lagging behind acted like I was going to rock their boat, which is not my intent. So upward and onward! I know the interim chapter is out there! Thanks again everyone! You Rock!!

Thanks Dear Friends! Back on Track

Thank-you so much my dear friends for your care and support. I so appreciate everyone of you. I take all of your concerns and advice to heart. In fact, when I was reading the comments, Elaine suggested sewing. So I made a purse.

I purchased the pattern sometime ago from Julia's Place, and had some special fabrics I bought from Hobby Lobby, and decided it was time to make one.

Then this evening, I'm attending a meeting of T.O.P.S., which I find meets in a church basement 3 miles from my home. I'll join there, until I can find a meeting place to open my own chapter, unless I really like the way this one is run. The area coordinator will be there tonight coincidentally, so I can get more info from her. Airing my feelings, reading it back, and "listening" to you, I decided if it's going to be done, I have to do it by my own will. With this group, and your compassion, I will have the back up I need. Thank-you again to all of you. I love you dearly! See you lighter!