It’s time once again for a Thing Post which includes a variety of topics that
don’t make up a post by themselves but are still worth sharing.
Let’s start off with a great reason to smile with a picture of Grayson (on the left) and Andrew. Be still my heart.
Their big brother, Noah, just graduated kindergarten and is moving to first grade.
Does anyone remember when he was THIS age? The fact that kids grow up fast is no joke!
I snapped this photo of Sarah while I was experimenting with ideas for a grad shoot I did for a church family. We were trying to figure out how to write words on her fingers. Hint: this was NOT the way to do it; the letters need to be written vertically instead.
When Sarah is not posing for pictures, she is working on her culinary skills, making dinner once a week, and baking a few sweets along the way.
She recently learned how to crack an egg with one hand which I was inordinately impressed by.
She’s been staying busy with her church work and her Food Lion work and growing more lovely by the day.
Sarah and Steve recently experienced a catastrophe of epic proportions when they discovered that they were completely out of coffee filters.
So what do two coffee aficionados do under such dire circumstances?
The create a coffee filter out of a paper towel.
After Sarah and her dad had created their ad hoc coffee filter, they took themselves outdoors to record a little segment for a graduation video being put together for Noah.
Steve turned sixty-three last week which we celebrated with just the three of us since we’re still doing social distancing.
A couple of days before his birthday, I asked Steve what he wanted on his birthday menu. He thought for a moment and said, “We don’t have pork chops very often. Let’s do that.”
I assumed that meant he was going to grill the chops (since he loves to grill) and he thought that meant that I was going to cook the chops in the kitchen. (Since I love to cook.)
On his birthday, I was due to teach a Zoom class at 6:45 p.m. so we had a bit of a deadline for the festivities. Not long before we were supposed to start eating, I suddenly realized that the grill was not being heated and my husband was not gearing up for grilling.
When I went outside to check, I found him in the side yard, contentedly puttering around with his lawnmower in the most leisurely manner. Putting on my most diplomatic, wifely tones, I inquired as to whether he needed to be lighting the grill soon.
Because . . . . schedule?
It was at that moment that we came to the unhappy realization that I had made no plans for cooking the pork inside the house and he had made no plans for cooking the pork outside the house.
Because we are organized like that.
You’ll be happy to know that the pork chops DID eventually get grilled and with just a little bit of a rush, we were able to eat, do the cake and candles, and open gifts on time.
I made it to my class and all was well.
We are still doing our services online which means that every Saturday morning, my living room turns into a recording venue.
I loved using the ring light as a frame for a few photos.
You may remember me writing about Trish Lawrenson, a local young wife and mother who recently underwent a rare third, double-lung transplant.
Just a couple of days ago, she was discharged from Duke; apart from a few smaller complications, she is doing well.
I have a website to recommend to you. When you hear the title you’ll think it’s a crazy recommendation from a 58-year old woman but I really do love it.
The site is called The Art of Manliness.
See? I told you it was kinda crazy.
Although the site is obviously geared toward men I have found post after post that is applicable to both men and women. It deals with marriage, self-improvement, philosophy, humor, parenting, life skills, interpersonal skills and (for the men) even fashion tips.
And I love the vibe of the graphics and the design; it is just a cool site in every way. Give it a try!
Ann and Jim Martin are some wonderful friends we met back in Sarah’s treatment days. (You will see Ann’s name pop up in comments a lot.) They send us sweet gifts from time to time and around the first of the year, they sent a personalized calendar.
I looked through the calendar and could only imagine all the time and thought that was put into creating it–it was a true delight to see all the pictures and memories.
Unfortunately, though, I just bought a calendar for our kitchen and had already transferred important dates/birthdays over to it. But what to do with the fabulous new calendar?
Now this may sound crazy to you but I decided to hang it in my laundry room, right over the dryer.
We can all agree that washing clothes is not the most inspiring chore on the planet but now when I go into the laundry room, I have different pictures of the family to look at month after month. Each photo brings back a happy memory and gives me a little emotional boost as I transfer clothes from washer to dryer.
So bottom line? Find something you love to look at (maybe a calendar with beautiful scenery of places you’d love to visit) and hang it so you can see it while you’re doing laundry. It’s a small thing that never fails to provide a big lift.
Steve’s dad, Ken, grows weaker each day but his strong constitution has kept him holding on much longer than any of us could have thought.
Last week, someone at hospice set up a Facetime conversation between Ken and his 93-year old brother, Gene. The two of them have always been close through the years and I can only imagine the emotions swirling between them as they revived the fading memories of nine decades of brotherhood.
As so many things in Ken’s life continue inexorably toward that final fade, we continue to wait . . .
I just had to share this short little video Nathan and Meagan sent of the grandkids on Mother’s Day. Noah’s words to his mom are so very sweet and they are followed by a song Madi made up for her mom on the spot. I know I am a little biased but as a songwriter of fifty years, I think that girl has got a gift! Her melodies are amazing and her words flowed along perfectly.
My absolute favorite part of the video is the last five seconds as the six of them walk together through the twilight. The big kids are running ahead and the two little ones are happy in their stroller, surrounded by the laughter and love of their siblings and their mom and dad.
A glimpse of beauty in a broken world.
What about you?
If you were writing a Thing Post from the last month of your life, what are one or two (or three) things you would include?
And by the way, thanks for everyone who left comments last week. It did my blogging heart good to see so many names pop–some new, some old, all appreciated. Thank you!
Becky,
Another interesting thing post. Congratulations to Noah it is hard to believe he is entering 1st grade already but when you see his pictures, you can see that he is truly a little boy and no longer a toddler. Your grands are all just so cute, and I loved the video of their poem and song to their mother. Sarah looks great and is becoming quite the chef. Happy birthday to Steve. He looks great in the birthday hat and I’ll bet he loved the popcorn on the cob! His birthday dinner looks terrific! Glad to hear that Trish is doing so well!
To Lesley: Please know that you and Sarah are in my thoughts and prayers. As an aunt (and second mom) to a non-verbal, total care niece, I understand how you are feeling and how scary these times are for you. Know that God is watching over both of you. I hope you and Sarah find peace and comfort in his loving arms.
To Ann and Jim Martin: The two of you are also in my thoughts and prayers. Hope that you are both doing better and are well on your way to total recovery.
To the entire Smithellaneous family: God bless, stay safe and healthy.
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
How very thoughtful of you to leave a response here to Lesley and Jim and Ann. I have the BEST readers. Your compassion is so appreciated.
I just got the reply function fixed so it should work to reply directly to each comment in the future. We’ll see how it works.
Yes, Noah has definitely left his toddler status far behind. He is all “big guy” now and a great big brother to his three younger siblings.
I hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend; thanks for being part of the Smithellaneous family!
Oh my, those precious grandkids, they just warm the cockles of my heart. How did Noah turn 5 so fast? Late Happy Birthday to Steve. I see the birthday hat made its appearance. What a beautiful plate of birthday food. You would make Outback proud, er, minus the steak, but plus on the pork chop. That Trish is like an Energizer Bunny. Praying she will remain well and strong. My bro-in-law is in hospice and wife and daughter cannot see him, but they have set up Zoom for him. Well, I couldn’t take it anymore with my bangs, they are in my eyes. Woke up yesterday morning looking like Prince Charming from Shrek, and I did not look charming, so I took the scissors and took off about an inch. Not the best, but I can see! Blessings again and prayers for Ken and the entire family.
Sharyn,
You are a brave woman to cut your own bangs! But being able to see is sort of a nice thing so there’s that. 🙂
Noah is actually 6 1/2 which is very hard for me to believe! So proud of my grands.
Love the idea of doing Zoom. I know that it means so much to the family members to at least have that much of a connection during this difficult time.
Blessings to you today!
Very adventurous week for us. Jim had a fib on Thursday and I fell down brick steps and had had a small brain bleed. I was transported to Greenville, NC and Jim was admitted to our local hospital. I was discharged on Friday and Jim on Tuesday. I still feel week. Prayers for us please.
Ann,
You guys have definitely had a week to remember. So sorry you had to deal with all that. I’ve been praying for you this week and look forward to hearing that you are both back to feeling well soon. Love you guys!
I always love the ‘Thing Posts’. 🙂 Happy belated birthday to Steve!!
My ‘things’ lately…got all of my flower pots planted, replaced three window screens that had some hail damage, put together a ‘lead sled’ for my husband, helped clean out my mother-in-law’s garage, weeding/yard work at our chcurch and a few rounds of golf when the weather permits!
Lee Anne,
Well, you are sure not letting any grass grow under your feet, are you?
I’m afraid you stumped me when you said you put together a “lead sled” for your husband. Have not idea what that means. 🙂
Garage-cleaning is not for the faint of heart–glad you got that job behind you.
Becky, A lead sled is used for sighting in long guns. You set the firearm in the contraption and then make adjustments both to the sled and then to the scope on the gun in order to get an accurate shot. I had never heard of such a thing until he mentioned he’d like to have one so I got him one for Christmas. He is an avid hunter and was thrilled to get it!
Lee Anne,
Well, you’re a few steps (way) beyond me in gun knowledge. It’s such a great feeling to be able to get something for your husband you REALLY know he wants. Good job!
This is a reply to you, Becky, and to Jenna, Thank you for your supportive words. Even though I know that intellectually the course of my Sarah’s disease is following a somewhat predictable path, it is just so very hard to watch and cope with all by myself.
Jenna, we are able to do Telehealth appointments with her GI doc and neurologist as needed, so yes, thank goodness for that!. I imagine it is hard for you and your kiddos to lose their much needed services, there are so many facets to this covid situation. Uggh.
Becky, I am so happy to hear that you are considering the idea of broadcasting your sunday services in the future. I can’t be the only one who would benefit from it. It is very interesting to listen to Steve explain various things and I find myself thinking about what he has discussed long after I have closed the computer and moved on to tending to Sarah.
So thank you both for reaching out. It means a lot during these dark days.
Lesley,
Thanks for taking the time to reply to Jenna’s and my comments. She and I are in your corner with you, cheering you on, sending air hugs and prayers. Please email me if you need a listening ear.
MY month is so quiet as I am sure others are due to the pandemic, but it has been a nice month with different THINGS. Our number one thing is spending even more time with my hubby than usual, playing games, watching even more than movies usual. Thing two listening to a large number of church messages. Thing three. Reading Reading four, Our county turned to yellow and the twelve of us were able to together on Memorial Day for a picnic and a day of games. One of the greatest days in a long while. Happy Birthday Steve. Praying for Ken. You just might have some of the sweetest grandchildren in the world.
Catherine,
Sounds like a good month, all in all, full of good THINGS.
Glad you got to celebrate together for Memorial Day. You never realize how much you miss those gatherings until you don’t have them.
If I were to do a thing post, I am sure it would include something about my knitting since I knit every day…sometimes a lot, other days very little. Depends on the day, my mood and what else is going on.
It would include something about working from 100% of the time…which then includes online meetings/calls to no end.
It would include my family…while spending so much time with them can drive us all crazy, I am thankful that during this time, we are all together. While my daughter is 30 and you would think on her own by now, for many reasons she is not. During this time, I am so thankful she is not on her own.
It would include our dog as well, who I am sure at this point would love to kick me and my working daughter out of the house so he and dad could go back to having the house to themselves during the day.
Nicole,
Knitting, working, meetings, calls, family, daughter, dog, husband . . .so glad your life is so full.
I know what you mean about being glad your daughter is home with you during this time; I feel exactly the same way.
This is a reply to Lesley’s comment (I tried to reply to her comment both using my cell and my laptop but couldn’t get the reply button to work with either). Lesley, I’m so sorry to hear that your Sarah is having a very hard time and that you are struggling too in this very difficult COVID situation..
I can hear through your words what a painful and difficult a time right now it is for you. I know a bit about how hard it is to not have some needed services (i.e. both of my young adult kids have mild/moderate disabilities and we have cancelled their aide that takes them into the community and teaches life skills and gives me a bit of a respite break from constant all day care of them). For one of our son’s medical professionals, we have been doing a teleconference over the internet to meet with her. Maybe that could be an option for you?
Please know I am thinking of you and your daughter and praying for you both– and imagine me sending you a big warm hug. After the darkest night, morning will always come back.
Jenna
Jenna,
Thank you for your compassionate, caring heart and for taking the time to share that compassion with our dear Smithellaneous friend, Lesley. You are a treasure!
Surprised that Noah’s school had a graduation gathering , with no masks, even. That will stand out in years to come as most graduates from nursery school to high school through college, Med school, phds had virtual ceremonies. Florida truly not that. Interned about COVID19. We are entering Phase 1 here towards normalization, and trying to encourage mask wearing and social distancing to continue providing this protection a bit longer to those who need it.
Rebecca,
Thanks for commenting!
That area of Florida must have a lower number of cases and a different set of guidelines than other parts of the country.
It is true that so many graduates this year–from the youngest to the oldest–are having a very different experience from what they expected. I know how important the ceremonial part of graduation is and I am truly sad for all the graduates I know who are having to go an alternate route.
Glad you are in Phase 1 and gradually moving toward normalization. These past few months have been so tough.
My things post – last week I went to my parents for three days – first time in over 2 months. Usually I go down about every 3 weeks.
I finally get to have a hair cut Wednesday, really looking forward to that.
I also have to have an MRI of my foot in preparation for foot surgery on the 10th. She wants to check for a neuroma so she knows going in everything that needs to be done – I already have a bunion that needs fixed as well as surgery for capsulitis. That involves shortening my second toe, I will have a wire in it. Not sure how long it will stay in as she did say it would come out. On the 7th. I have to get a COVID test and isolate until the surgery day. I had to reschedule my liver follow-up as it was scheduled the day before.
I am thankful that my niece doesn’t graduate college until next year. I am so sad for all the kids graduation high school and college and not getting to have the normal graduation. My friend in Florida has a nephew that is graduating high school this year. Their graduation is being held at the Daytona speedway. He is a big NASCAR fan so that is pretty cool for him.
My church is planning in person services on the 7th but will still offer streaming. Sunday School will be virtual through the month of June still.
Phyllis,
How nice that you got to go to your parents after such a long time. I’m sure that was a sweet reunion.
I’m sorry to hear you are having to have this surgery in the midst of all the COVID upheaval. And a wire in your second toe? Yikes. That doesn’t sound like too much fun.
I know you’ll be glad to have it all behind you. At least you’ll have your hair fixed before going into the surgery. That’ll make you feel better right there. 🙂
Great thing post! I found your facebook page and just watched your latest service. Timing is everything as I feel trapped. My Sarah is failing, I cant bring in any family or medical help(covid is terrible here right now) and I cant go anywhere to mentally escape from the ongoing sadness.. It’s just her and I, all day, all night. Very depressing. I dont know much about the bible but I am drawn to Steve’s preaching and your singing. Maybe when the Lord closes a door he really does open a window. Steve mentioned not wallowing in fear(which I am doing) and not borrowing tomorrows troubles(which I am also doing). I will continue watching until the online services end. Thank you for putting them out there.
The grandkids are adorable. Sarah looks great 🙂 and yay Tricia!
Lesley,
Thank you for trusting your Smithellaneous family with the difficulty of what you are going through. We are honored that you would share.
You are carrying a responsibility of gargantuan proportions and to feel so alone in it must make it feel even bigger. I can only imagine you must sometimes visit this blog and have mixed feelings about reading about my life, someone who has family close by for help, someone who can go out and drive, and do stuff, and live the life of freedom that you, for the moment at least, can only dream about. I would so love to see you on the Outer Banks, enjoying the beauty and nature and the wide-open spaces.
And yet I know that you ARE doing what you want, in the most beautiful sense of the word. You are giving your daughter a safe, secure, loving life and giving her the joy of seeing your face and feeling your arms in all the moments of her life.
And yet . . . and yet. The loneliness, the stress, the isolation. It is almost too much to bear, sometimes. Please know you are not alone. (I so appreciated Jenna’s comment to you above; we care about you!)
In the midst of you sharing your struggles, I did find a personal splash of joy. I was just recently wondering if our online services were reaching anyone or making a difference to anyone. When I saw your comment about our services online, I was so encouraged. I immediately read the comment to Steve and it meant so much to him, as well. And the good news is that we are going to try and continue broadcasting our services even after going back to in-person services. So you will still be able to continue to visit with your Manteo friends. (And also go back and see some of the older services, if you wanted.)
Again, thank you for writing a transparent, vulnerable post. The challenging situation you were already in as a full-time mom and caregiver has gotten so much more difficult with the onset of COVID-19. I hope you are able to find someone to call on for assistance so that you are able to leave your house for a while and find some time to breathe and think and just be . . . Lesley. Sending many hugs
I thoroughly enjoyed your “Things” post as always!! Noah was such an adorable graduate…Sarah is, of course, a beauty…Happy Belated Birthday to Steve, that dinner looks delicious…thanks for the website recommendation, I’ll check it out…I’ve really enjoyed Nate’s posts about Tricia – it was great to hear and see her!!…Continuing to remember all of you as Ken transitions to his Heavenly Home…
Sue Ellen,
Thank you for reading, for commenting, for being a faithful Smithellaneous-ite! Have a great rest of your Wednesday. 🙂
I enjoy your posts! It’s a great way to keep up with our favorite Smith family!
Millie,
Thanks for letting me know you’ve been stopping by.
I often think about that crazy night we had with you and Ferrell. So much fun!
My things post would include:
1. The challenges of day to day life working in an oncology clinic during these crazy times, no one quite understands the craziness , for us it’s not like you see on the news but definitely chaotic
2. Graduation – this was hard for me , my son graduated college last weekend and it was definitely not what we had anticipated for him.
3. The enjoyment of spending time as a family. With two working parents and two adult type children we weren’t spending time together … now we’re always together 🙂
Sarah,
I can’t imagine what changes have come to your job due to COVID-19. And a career as an oncology RN would be complex enough to start with; thank you for doing what you do! Our family LOVES oncology nurses.
I am so sorry your son didn’t get the graduation you all had thought he would have; it makes me so sad for him and all the others who didn’t get to experience the pomp and circumstance. I loved your last point about being with your family all the time–certainly a situation bringing both blessings and challenges! It won’t last forever; enjoy.
And thanks for commenting!
#1…adorable
#2…congrats, Noah
#4… I’ve done the paper towel solution. also, if I notice I’m on my last filter, I just rinse it and reuse the next day
#5… Happy belated birthday, Steve. guess you pigged-out with those chops
#7… so glad to hear how well Tricia is doing
Mrs. Pam,
Nice to know someone else had repurposed paper towels for coffee filters. That’s a good idea about rinsing and reusing. Desperate times . . .
And loved your “pigged out” pun!