There is no question that a new jail is a legitimate need for our community. However, the County’s current plans for the jail site involve meeting that legitimate need in an illegitimate way.
Imagine if the county decided to put the jail next to your church or your child’s school; you would not agree with that decision or vote for that site. Now imagine that the county decided to put the jail next to your home. You certainly would have a problem with that site and you would hope and pray that your fellow citizens would support your opposition to such an inappropriate and incompatible addition to your neighborhood.
If Washington County voters approve the new taxes for the jail on June 9th, they will also be approving a jail site that is in the middle of a neighborhood. One family on Oak will literally walk out of their front door, walk across the street, and be on the jail campus. When they sit on their front porch, they will be looking at a jail. May it never be!
If Washington County voters approve the new taxes for the jail on June 9th, what will history say about that decision? Will it be a flagrant example of maltreatment of the poor? Will it be viewed as a discriminatory act against the African-American community? Will it a brazen illustration of the powerful taking advantage of the weak?
I urge Washington County voters to exercise the Golden Rule when you step into the voting booth on June 9th; do to others what you would have them do to you.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Come Support the Neighbors Tomorrow Night
I want to invite Bartians who support Neighbors for Justice and/or who oppose the proposed jail site to come to the city council meeting tomorrow night and speak in favor of agenda item #17; if you can't come, please pray!! (401 S. Johnstone, 7pm)
17. Discuss and take possible action on obtaining a legal opinion from a contracted legal service on the City
Council’s August 25, 2008 action of rezoning the 5.4 acre tract of land located at the southeast corner of
Adams Boulevard and Oak Avenue for the location of a new jail facility
This legal opinion could provide an opportunity to have the vote in favor of rezoning to allow the jail to be OVERTURNED. If it is overturned the county would not be able to build a jail in the middle of a neighborhood.
17. Discuss and take possible action on obtaining a legal opinion from a contracted legal service on the City
Council’s August 25, 2008 action of rezoning the 5.4 acre tract of land located at the southeast corner of
Adams Boulevard and Oak Avenue for the location of a new jail facility
This legal opinion could provide an opportunity to have the vote in favor of rezoning to allow the jail to be OVERTURNED. If it is overturned the county would not be able to build a jail in the middle of a neighborhood.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Here I Come to Save the Day!
I have been going through every photo, every piece of paper --
Here is a note from my sweet Claire that I saved from last year:
FroM Claire To MoMmY
I LoVe you MOM
You SaveD Me FrOM
ThroiNg uP iN FruT
oF The PeePL iN
the DoCTrsoFis.
First of all, I was so touched by this note because she wrote this a few days after the incident (so it was quite important to her).
Second, it gave me some perspective into Claire's world. Sometimes from my own adult perspective I forget things that I knew as a kid. On that day when Claire told me that she thought she was going to be sick, I ushered her swiftly and urgently to the bathroom mainly to avoid making a mess. It never occurred to me that getting sick in front of all of those people would embarrass my sweet (then) kindergartner. My adult perspective: Children go to the doctor when they are sick and sick kids often throw up -- so not a big deal to see a kid throwing up in a doctor's office. But when I remember what I was like in kindergarten, I know that I too would have been mortified to throw up in front of a waiting room full of people. So glad that God used me to "save" her from a public humiliation!
Here is a note from my sweet Claire that I saved from last year:
FroM Claire To MoMmY
I LoVe you MOM
You SaveD Me FrOM
ThroiNg uP iN FruT
oF The PeePL iN
the DoCTrsoFis.
First of all, I was so touched by this note because she wrote this a few days after the incident (so it was quite important to her).
Second, it gave me some perspective into Claire's world. Sometimes from my own adult perspective I forget things that I knew as a kid. On that day when Claire told me that she thought she was going to be sick, I ushered her swiftly and urgently to the bathroom mainly to avoid making a mess. It never occurred to me that getting sick in front of all of those people would embarrass my sweet (then) kindergartner. My adult perspective: Children go to the doctor when they are sick and sick kids often throw up -- so not a big deal to see a kid throwing up in a doctor's office. But when I remember what I was like in kindergarten, I know that I too would have been mortified to throw up in front of a waiting room full of people. So glad that God used me to "save" her from a public humiliation!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Jack Rocks!
Jack has started a private blog and if you or your children would like to read it, please email me or leave a comment here and we will send you invitation.
This is what Jack did during the ice days in January when school was cancelled: compose his first songs!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Final Thoughts about 5934 Cornell Drive
I have not had the energy to post for a while because of the move. Now I feel like we are beginning to see a light at the end of the unpacking-and-organizing-endless-stuff tunnel. Don't get me wrong -- we have a long way to go, but I can see that little pinpoint of light and it is so encouraging!
We closed on our former house 2 days ago, and we drove by tonight to see if the new owners had moved in yet. It was so weird to see different cars parked in the driveway and unfamiliar furniture on the front porch. When he saw the cars, Jack said, "It looks like we have guests."
On Thursday, I did my final walk-through, and the children's rooms were the ones that struck an emotional chord.
Here is Claire's empty room -- it was the first room we painted when we moved in the house. I was pregnant with Claire and the color was called "Lauren's Lullaby"; it reminded me of pink frosting.
Here is Jack's room -- he selected the red; with all of his stuff it was a red, white and blue room because he loved the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance when we decorated his room.
For the first 5-6 years of Jack's life, if he was awake, I was playing with him (and Claire, once she joined us). (I cleaned when they were napping and after they went to bed at night.) Therefore, we spent hours and hours in their bedrooms building with Legos and Lincoln logs, doing puzzles, playing board games, pretending to be in outer space (Jack had a space ship tent), pretending to be royalty (Claire had a castle tent), dancing, making music with a little Wal-Mart percussion set and kazoos and recorders, playing indoor hide-n-seek, having tea parties, cooking in the Little Tikes kitchen, reading wonderful books, singing, talking, and laughing. Those rooms were also where I taught both children to read and where I had the privilege to lead Jack and Claire through the ABC prayer (what some people call the "sinner's prayer). It's hard to think about never being able to go back there again and just peek in.
When I look back, I remember often feeling that those days would NEVER end (similar to the "Ground Hog Day" sort of phenomenon), and now I am sorry that they have . . . "how fleeting are the days of childhood, like sand slipping through an hour glass" (my paraphrase of a quote from Bert in Mary Poppins).
5934 Cornell Drive was a blessing from God that served us well.
We closed on our former house 2 days ago, and we drove by tonight to see if the new owners had moved in yet. It was so weird to see different cars parked in the driveway and unfamiliar furniture on the front porch. When he saw the cars, Jack said, "It looks like we have guests."
On Thursday, I did my final walk-through, and the children's rooms were the ones that struck an emotional chord.
Here is Claire's empty room -- it was the first room we painted when we moved in the house. I was pregnant with Claire and the color was called "Lauren's Lullaby"; it reminded me of pink frosting.
Here is Jack's room -- he selected the red; with all of his stuff it was a red, white and blue room because he loved the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance when we decorated his room.
For the first 5-6 years of Jack's life, if he was awake, I was playing with him (and Claire, once she joined us). (I cleaned when they were napping and after they went to bed at night.) Therefore, we spent hours and hours in their bedrooms building with Legos and Lincoln logs, doing puzzles, playing board games, pretending to be in outer space (Jack had a space ship tent), pretending to be royalty (Claire had a castle tent), dancing, making music with a little Wal-Mart percussion set and kazoos and recorders, playing indoor hide-n-seek, having tea parties, cooking in the Little Tikes kitchen, reading wonderful books, singing, talking, and laughing. Those rooms were also where I taught both children to read and where I had the privilege to lead Jack and Claire through the ABC prayer (what some people call the "sinner's prayer). It's hard to think about never being able to go back there again and just peek in.
When I look back, I remember often feeling that those days would NEVER end (similar to the "Ground Hog Day" sort of phenomenon), and now I am sorry that they have . . . "how fleeting are the days of childhood, like sand slipping through an hour glass" (my paraphrase of a quote from Bert in Mary Poppins).
5934 Cornell Drive was a blessing from God that served us well.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Welcome to the neighborhood
This morning when we were getting ready for church, the doorbell rang and when David opened it, it was one of our new neighbors whom we had not personally met yet. She had a gift bag for us that held a pretty plant and a card that made me cry. Both David and I felt that God knew exactly what we were needing today -- encouragement. Here are the inspiring words from the card:
Welcome to our neighborhood!
What a wonderful thing you and your family have done in building such a beautiful home in our neighborhood. Although you may have received much criticism, I feel you must have a dream of developing this area back to the family neighborhood it once was.
I was raised in this neighborhood, and have fond memories of it being full of happy families and businesses. I was born during the time of segregation. Because of that situation, we had our own doctor, churches, school (now ARC), beauty shop, grocery stores, and even a hat maker! For family entertainment, we would go Window Shopping. My Dad would drive us down town and we would walk around, looking in the store windows at the window displays, and dream. :-)
As kids, we didn't have bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc that we were allowed to go to, so we would meet on the corners and sing, dance, and tell ghost stories. In fact, my aunt lived right across the street from your house. We use to visit the family that lived where your house now stands and tell stories, sing, and have fun!
You and your family have taken a big step and will receive positive and negative comments. If and when you receive negative ones, just look at this plant and remember your dreams; also, remember that you are fulfilling your neighbor's dreams that we will once again live in an area full of happy families. I hope and pray that I will live to see how your dreams for this area will develop.
Wow -- humbling, inspiring and exciting!
Welcome to our neighborhood!
What a wonderful thing you and your family have done in building such a beautiful home in our neighborhood. Although you may have received much criticism, I feel you must have a dream of developing this area back to the family neighborhood it once was.
I was raised in this neighborhood, and have fond memories of it being full of happy families and businesses. I was born during the time of segregation. Because of that situation, we had our own doctor, churches, school (now ARC), beauty shop, grocery stores, and even a hat maker! For family entertainment, we would go Window Shopping. My Dad would drive us down town and we would walk around, looking in the store windows at the window displays, and dream. :-)
As kids, we didn't have bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc that we were allowed to go to, so we would meet on the corners and sing, dance, and tell ghost stories. In fact, my aunt lived right across the street from your house. We use to visit the family that lived where your house now stands and tell stories, sing, and have fun!
You and your family have taken a big step and will receive positive and negative comments. If and when you receive negative ones, just look at this plant and remember your dreams; also, remember that you are fulfilling your neighbor's dreams that we will once again live in an area full of happy families. I hope and pray that I will live to see how your dreams for this area will develop.
Wow -- humbling, inspiring and exciting!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Visiting Wompville But Don't Wanna Live Here
Okay, if I can't boohoo on my blog, where can I do it? I have been really struggling with the detrimental effects that my last pregnancy had on my body. It has been almost three years now, and I just don't know how to deal with this body that I have been left with. My hip/pelvic girdle/SI joint are unstable and I have a host of problems because of this, including hip bursitis, periodic painful tingling down my leg, and sometimes sudden-drop-me-to-my-knees pain. After I had Jack, I ran, did personal training, and taught aerobics. Same with Claire.
Now, after Brooke, I am limited to mall walking with senior citizens; I was shocked to discover that just walking will also flare up the bursitis and make my SI joint slip out of place.
I think one of the saddest things is how it also limits me with the children. Tennis is out. Jumping rope is out. Playing tag/soccer/"Mother May I?" are out. Skiing in Colorado? Out. (the last time we went I was pregnant and so I did not get to ski and we made a plan to go back when Brooke is 4) Giving Brookie piggy back rides? Out. Okay sometimes I still do those, but I really shouldn't. Frankly, if I was doing what was good for me, I also would not pick Brooke up and hold her while I am standing.
Ever working in my field of study again? Out. As my sister Nat would say, "This womps".
Okay, now here comes the Holy Spirit to convict me. A: I have three wonderful children, and was Brookie worth the sacrifice? Absolutely! B: I can still walk without a walker or a cane and I am not confined to a wheelchair C: I should give thanks no matter the circumstance because God has a good and perfect plan for me.
That is good to remember.
Now, after Brooke, I am limited to mall walking with senior citizens; I was shocked to discover that just walking will also flare up the bursitis and make my SI joint slip out of place.
I think one of the saddest things is how it also limits me with the children. Tennis is out. Jumping rope is out. Playing tag/soccer/"Mother May I?" are out. Skiing in Colorado? Out. (the last time we went I was pregnant and so I did not get to ski and we made a plan to go back when Brooke is 4) Giving Brookie piggy back rides? Out. Okay sometimes I still do those, but I really shouldn't. Frankly, if I was doing what was good for me, I also would not pick Brooke up and hold her while I am standing.
Ever working in my field of study again? Out. As my sister Nat would say, "This womps".
Okay, now here comes the Holy Spirit to convict me. A: I have three wonderful children, and was Brookie worth the sacrifice? Absolutely! B: I can still walk without a walker or a cane and I am not confined to a wheelchair C: I should give thanks no matter the circumstance because God has a good and perfect plan for me.
That is good to remember.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New Phone Number
One of my resolutions is to try to limit my time online this year although I have had NO TIME to post anything anyway!
After 10+ hours on the phone with AT&T to move our service across town -- that is NOT an exaggeration! can you say exasperation? -- here is our new phone number:
918-336-0293
After 10+ hours on the phone with AT&T to move our service across town -- that is NOT an exaggeration! can you say exasperation? -- here is our new phone number:
918-336-0293
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Merry Christmas, again!
I had not intended to add to my already numerous Christmas posts, but I ran across something while reading an autobiography that made me see the Gospels in a different light and it was so delightful to me to find it now at Christmas time; it renewed my sense of awe and wonder about Jesus' birth -- and so I wanted to share it. Most Christians know that "Gospel" means good news and indeed this is what the angel told the shepherds in Luke, " . . . behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people". Imagine the "good news" only in an intellectual way, from the point of view of a former atheist turned theist who is wondering since he now believes in a god, which god is it that he has come to believe in?
Here in his own words is C.S. Lewis considering the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament):
"I was by now too experienced in literary criticism to regard the Gospels as myths. They had not the mythical taste. And yet the very matter which they set down in their artless, historical fashion -- those narrow, unattractive Jews, too blind to the mythical wealth of the Pagan world around them -- was precisely the matter of great myths. If ever a myth had become fact, had been incarnated, it would be just like this. And nothing else in all literature was just like this. Myths were like it in one way. Histories were like it in another. But nothing was simply like it."
Go tell it on the mountain that "Jesus Christ is born!"
Here in his own words is C.S. Lewis considering the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament):
"I was by now too experienced in literary criticism to regard the Gospels as myths. They had not the mythical taste. And yet the very matter which they set down in their artless, historical fashion -- those narrow, unattractive Jews, too blind to the mythical wealth of the Pagan world around them -- was precisely the matter of great myths. If ever a myth had become fact, had been incarnated, it would be just like this. And nothing else in all literature was just like this. Myths were like it in one way. Histories were like it in another. But nothing was simply like it."
Go tell it on the mountain that "Jesus Christ is born!"
Friday, November 28, 2008
Merry Christmas!
This post is the first in what I am calling my Christmas series. The last post in my Christmas series is entitled, “My Year in Six Words”. Grab some hot coco and enjoy!
I hope this letter finds you and your family well and enjoying this wonderful season.
We are finally in our new home, but there is no time to relax yet. We are unpacking and organizing here on Hickory and cleaning and updating at our previous home in order to sell it; I am so thankful for FlyLady! (If you want help with household responsibilities, check out www.flylady.com) The kids are learning some new rules (no touching the walls and how to clean their own sinks); I am learning how to cook and clean with our new appliances.
I love our new home for so many reasons but I have been surprised at how much I LOVE the location. Besides having wonderful new neighbors and being close to Jane Phillips Elementary, we are now within five minutes (and/or within walking distance) of David’s office, the bank, the library, the post office, the recycling center, two city parks, two community centers, a grocery store, and the new recreational aquatic facility (when it is completed). I should probably also include City Hall and the County Offices as well; it is nice to be close to them since I visited them more this past year than I did during the previous 11 years combined! (LOL!) The only thing that would make the location better would be for our friends who have property over here to be residing here as well.
We have all adjusted well to the move. I was most worried about our dog Murphy and about Brooke. In dog years, Murphy is in his 70’s and we thought the move might be very traumatic for him. So far he seems very happy here; he loves watching us through the back door, which is glass, and when the clothes dryer is on, he likes to rest by the dryer vent because of the warm air. Brookie is in her own room for the first time in her life and she has done so well! I think all of the daily trips over here to look at the construction progress helped her to become comfortable; moving here has been a very natural thing to her.
The last two years have been an exciting adventure and I feel so blessed by everything that God has given to us – a wonderful family, marriage, home, friends, purpose, and of course, our salvation!
Well, I need to go find a box to unpack! Keep reading to see the Top Ten Settle Quotes from 2008.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
I hope this letter finds you and your family well and enjoying this wonderful season.
We are finally in our new home, but there is no time to relax yet. We are unpacking and organizing here on Hickory and cleaning and updating at our previous home in order to sell it; I am so thankful for FlyLady! (If you want help with household responsibilities, check out www.flylady.com) The kids are learning some new rules (no touching the walls and how to clean their own sinks); I am learning how to cook and clean with our new appliances.
I love our new home for so many reasons but I have been surprised at how much I LOVE the location. Besides having wonderful new neighbors and being close to Jane Phillips Elementary, we are now within five minutes (and/or within walking distance) of David’s office, the bank, the library, the post office, the recycling center, two city parks, two community centers, a grocery store, and the new recreational aquatic facility (when it is completed). I should probably also include City Hall and the County Offices as well; it is nice to be close to them since I visited them more this past year than I did during the previous 11 years combined! (LOL!) The only thing that would make the location better would be for our friends who have property over here to be residing here as well.
We have all adjusted well to the move. I was most worried about our dog Murphy and about Brooke. In dog years, Murphy is in his 70’s and we thought the move might be very traumatic for him. So far he seems very happy here; he loves watching us through the back door, which is glass, and when the clothes dryer is on, he likes to rest by the dryer vent because of the warm air. Brookie is in her own room for the first time in her life and she has done so well! I think all of the daily trips over here to look at the construction progress helped her to become comfortable; moving here has been a very natural thing to her.
The last two years have been an exciting adventure and I feel so blessed by everything that God has given to us – a wonderful family, marriage, home, friends, purpose, and of course, our salvation!
Well, I need to go find a box to unpack! Keep reading to see the Top Ten Settle Quotes from 2008.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Top Ten Settle Quotes from 2008
10. “ . . . or a mullet.”
Claire, finishing my sentence when I was telling her how much I love her hair because we can put it in pigtails or in two braids, or one bun, or two buns, or a high ponytail or a low ponytail . . .”
9. “I love me. You love me.”
Brookie, singing the Barney song, which is supposed to be, “I love you. You love me.”
8. “Stop! Whining!”
Brooke (my 2 ½ year old) to Claire (my 6 ½ year old).
7. “Or you could do something really bad.”
Claire’s thoughts about what the President of the USA could do if he no longer wanted to be president but he had not served his four years yet.
6. “Take Love-Love and boot-tase (suitcase). Stay in hotel?”
Brooke, talking about going to heaven.
5. “No! Chocolate!”
Brookie, a few days after Halloween, objecting to getting her regular two Skittles as a reward for using the potty.
4. “Jee-us, Nice Boy.”
Brookie’s description of Jesus.
3. “I am thankfool for a house and food.”
Claire, on a paper turkey feather at school. Two years ago, she said she was thankful for all of her toys (which is fine, but I think her response this year shows that she is learning not to take some of the basic things for granted).
2. “Miss . . . duh . . . paci.” (I miss the pacifier)
Brooke, we weaned her from her pacifier months ago, but just this week (November 16th) she started telling me that she misses it. It really breaks my heart because although she is not crying when she says it, she is just on the edge of falling asleep and they are usually her last words before she falls asleep; so it is very pathetic. Poor little thing.
1. “I think it would be cooler to be Warren Buffet.”
Jack, in answer to my question about if they (the children) thought it would be cool to be a prince or a princess. It was my lead-in about being adopted into God’s family – not quite the response I was expecting. (Incidentally, Jack knows who Warren Buffet is because he is enamored with a book about World Records -- biggest spider, fastest bird, richest man, etc.)
Please continue to scroll down and you can see our year in pictures. Or at least, March 2008-November 2008. Jan 2008 and Feb 2008 were still on an old-fashioned camera using film and I can’t find those photos in the middle of our current chaos.
Claire, finishing my sentence when I was telling her how much I love her hair because we can put it in pigtails or in two braids, or one bun, or two buns, or a high ponytail or a low ponytail . . .”
9. “I love me. You love me.”
Brookie, singing the Barney song, which is supposed to be, “I love you. You love me.”
8. “Stop! Whining!”
Brooke (my 2 ½ year old) to Claire (my 6 ½ year old).
7. “Or you could do something really bad.”
Claire’s thoughts about what the President of the USA could do if he no longer wanted to be president but he had not served his four years yet.
6. “Take Love-Love and boot-tase (suitcase). Stay in hotel?”
Brooke, talking about going to heaven.
5. “No! Chocolate!”
Brookie, a few days after Halloween, objecting to getting her regular two Skittles as a reward for using the potty.
4. “Jee-us, Nice Boy.”
Brookie’s description of Jesus.
3. “I am thankfool for a house and food.”
Claire, on a paper turkey feather at school. Two years ago, she said she was thankful for all of her toys (which is fine, but I think her response this year shows that she is learning not to take some of the basic things for granted).
2. “Miss . . . duh . . . paci.” (I miss the pacifier)
Brooke, we weaned her from her pacifier months ago, but just this week (November 16th) she started telling me that she misses it. It really breaks my heart because although she is not crying when she says it, she is just on the edge of falling asleep and they are usually her last words before she falls asleep; so it is very pathetic. Poor little thing.
1. “I think it would be cooler to be Warren Buffet.”
Jack, in answer to my question about if they (the children) thought it would be cool to be a prince or a princess. It was my lead-in about being adopted into God’s family – not quite the response I was expecting. (Incidentally, Jack knows who Warren Buffet is because he is enamored with a book about World Records -- biggest spider, fastest bird, richest man, etc.)
Please continue to scroll down and you can see our year in pictures. Or at least, March 2008-November 2008. Jan 2008 and Feb 2008 were still on an old-fashioned camera using film and I can’t find those photos in the middle of our current chaos.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
In March 2008 . . .
We made puddle jumpers. Who would have thought two recycled cans could be so much fun? (cub scouts)
We celebrated Easter. Can you tell who just loves to get his picture taken? (Easter 2008: personal training studio on Cornell)
I tried to take more pictures of Jack. This is not him posing, this is him refusing to look at me. 
I took pictures of my two little hams. 
Jack did his first science fair project. "Will an ice cube melt faster in a glass of water or on a plate?" (Can you tell he is tired? We had the poor kid tested for everything and we think it was just allergies.)
In April 2008 . . .
We had Jack's first allergy test; I was actually surprised that there were some things that he was NOT allergic too.
Claire participated in her first "Rise and Shine" ceremony at Jane Phillips elementary with her kindergarten class.
Brooke planted her first tree with Daddy on the Hickory property before the construction had ever began.
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