The story of "Bob"

Life took an unexpected turn...Wait! Now that's a stupid way to begin! Since when does life ever take an "expected" turn?!! A turn is not a usually perceived as a good thing. "In a turn of events..." "In an unexpected turn...." Turning a phrase is good. Turning a corner can be good. Turning over a new leaf is good. (What happens to the old one?) But an unexpected turn....almost always bad.

A tumor of still unknown origin and undetermined length of residence was discovered in my Mothers abdomen. Now, to my knowledge, the only aliens ever to take up residence in her abdomen to date, are me and my two sisters. After numerous visits to a wide variety of medical professionals, my sisters and I have combined our considerable opinions and determined that the tumor is, in fact, our long lost brother--complete with red hair and bucked teeth. His name is Bob.

Bob, or rather the name Bob, has a long and checkered past in the our household. It all began with a children's song, in which all of this one persons' pets are named Bob. True to the nature of children, it was decided--nea--dogmatically insisted upon--that all of our pets in the future would be named "Bob". First there was the fish named Bob. I think he was here almost two weeks before he met his untimely death. Then there was the hamster named Bob. He was here two days when his dead body was exchanged at the petstore for Bob II. He was burried within a month. Then there was the parakeet, Bob. We were hesitant to name him/her Bob, but the course was already in motion. Bob the parakeet lasted for a few short months before he joined the rank and file of unfortunate, yet beloved pets named Bob. Given the historical significance (and short lives) of all creatures named Bob in our household, we vowed to not burden any further innocent animals with that name.

And then came Rachel's Migranes. She named them Bob in hopes they would follow the same short lives that their namesakes had lived. The migranes quit. Then there were the kidney stones Rachel birthed. She named them all Bob. They fought to stick around, but were ultimately relegated to a watery grave with the proper pomp and ceremony. And now Mom's tumor. This one is a big Bob. He simply has to go. Red hair, bucked teeth and all.

Karen

Exposed-What a Season

Well, I'm going to find it so I can quote it word for word, but there is a verse in the Bible which says God's word never goes out void. Today, Chris and I took a very big step and "out-ed" ourselves. We did an interview with our Pastor which will air on Sunday during Church. About the mess this past several months has been.

We both knew that God was going to use what we were going through. We just knew. But this is the first time it will go "public" in a big way. I have no idea what to expect as far as responses from people go. I'm sure there will be some that will tell us, as we say in the south "bless our hearts!" and then do their level best to stay away from us so as to not catch anything. Them I'm not concerned about. My prayer, and Chris', is that our willingness to be open, transparent, vulnerable--oh so vulnerable, will allow someone else who is hurting to have the courage to step out and ask for help. If even one person can take some comfort in the knowlege that they are not alone, it will all be worth it. Honestly, I've told Chris and the pastor that we may never personally be aware of the impact it may have, and that's ok, because our job is to be obedient and allow God to use this for His service and His glory.

Neither one of us feel like this is the only time we will be called on with regard to this very issue. I don't know what is in store for us. I don't know lot's of things right now. The thing I do know, beyond any doubt, beyond any question, is that God is God, and He is faithful and He is righteous and He has the final word. My job is just to be obedient.

Right now, I feel the unmistakable call of God on my life to "Be Still". I don't know why, but I do know where it comes from, and like I said the other day, I've been on this playground long enough to know when to just shut up and say, "Yes Lord. Whatever You say." Now is such a time. Whatever lesson He has for me right now, requires that I be still so I can hear His voice. I don't like being still! It drives me batty! And I'm trying to maintain a decent attitude about it, but it's SO HARD!! I know obedience will develop character. The grown up in me knows thats a good thing. So I'm letting go of a lot of stuff right now. I'm getting still. All I can say is "Watch out world! This is bound to be good!" What a season this is turning out to be!

Karen

New Day

Well, today is a new day. A fresh start. Turning a new leaf. Starting over. Beginning anew. What other euphamisms can I conjure up? We're going to be officially bankrupt at 3:30pm today. What does one wear to meet with the Court's trustee? Probably not a fur stole, huh? Or diamonds.

It's going to be a monumental event, but nothing is going to change for quite awhile. Weird. And not a place I ever thought, even in my wildest imagination, that I would ever be. But here I am.

I really wanted to note my feelings today, but I'm rather numb. Unemotional. I don't know if it's suspended animation, or just that the feelings have already been processed. Time will tell. And so will I....when it tells :-)

Karen

Mother of the Year! again.

I'm pretty sure I've got this one cinched. Again. I try to keep reminding myself that I am just making sure that my children are interesting when they are sitting on the therapists couch as adults!

I leave for Florida in one week. Now, between you me and the fencepost, I'm so excited that I can barely stand it. I'm going by myself. No children. No husband. I know! It's a little sureal to me too! I will be staying with a dear friend and her family, but hey....they aren't my kids! I don't have to worry about how late they stay up, what they eat, wear, say or do! I love these kids! They are funny, smart, cute....all the things my kids are, only without the responsibility! I really enjoy being around them, and I get to leave in a week! It's a totally great gig. Kind of like being the fun Aunt. Of course I love my friend more, so I do have to be sort of responsible-ish.

So. Me and the sun and sand for seven days. Wow. Of course my children see this as total abandonment. I see it as a parent/techer field trip. To sanityville. Gee, I hope I don't misplace my return tickets ;-p

Another slide show of an impossibly cute puppy!

No new neural activity today.

I have been foiled a couple of times today.....by my computer. This is not the norm. I can only presume that it is due to the fact that there will be no new neural activity today. (Which of course presumes that there is in fact new neural activity on other days ;-) So here. (I was trying to put this into a slide show on the side bar....not happening.)


Karen

By George! I think I've got it!

I was perusing my facebook friends earlier and I think I've figured something out! There are no naps! It's so simple....plain as the nose on my face. My kids have gotten to the age where naps are a thing of the past. With a 2.5 to 3 hour nap each day, so much more is possible! Of course there are repercussions. Now that they are older, they can do significant damage each day while I nap. I had ruled out naps because "I can get so much done during two hours." But come on. Really? I usually just spend those two (or five) hours ranting and raving like a lunatic anyway. (Yes. I do carry on. Where do you think the kidlets learned their masterful technique? They do tend to over-practice though. You know that saying, "Practice leads to perfection." They're perfect.) I thought about letting the kids take a nap each day, but there is NO WAY I'm going to do anything to refuel and recharge them! That's just crazy.