Giving Back

I've been feeling convicted to reach out and do something for a family, child, or adult this Christmas season. We usually do something, don't get me wrong but I have been wanting my children to see it more than ever. When a commercial advertises the latest toy on the television they both want it. And this goes on all day long. Its frustrating because Ana and Ethan have so much. I want to teach them the importance of giving and how it makes another person "smile". I began to research how I should go about teaching such a simple yet complex act.

1. The first thing we are going to do is make a "Maggie Feeding Schedule". This way they can be apart of feeding her. I've made a chart so Ana and Ethan can put a sticker on it when she gets her food. Neither of my children like to get hungry. So first, we will begin by teaching that all animals need to fed and Maggie, our new dog, is one of them.

2. The second step which goes hand in hand with the first step and that is we are going to make a bird house. Well, we are going to assemble one that is pre-made. And then paint it as a family. Again, Ana and Ethan can see that even the outside animals need food and we will add this to our "feeding chart". We've been so blessed to have a great back yard. We get all kinds of animals from rabbits, squirrels, to the occasional deer. But throughout the year we have all kinds of birds that we watch. Its really amazing to see from our sun room.

3. No matter how many feeding charts I make Ana and Ethan will learn by example. They may not be old enough to know how they want to give this year but they can watch me. As I reflect on what do, they will be right by my side watching.

Doing the smallest task as coloring a book mark for their teachers is teaching them something. I have to remember that its the small things that make the biggest difference. Mother Teresa said; "We can do no great things, only small small things with great love". Love and loving others is what it is all about. And hopefully, I will be able to teach that to my children this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Pa

James Roth Lorance

Decatur

Funeral for James Roth Lorance, 78, of Decatur will be tonight, July 13, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Cecil Berry officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Lorance, who died Monday, July 12, 2010, at River City Care and Rehabilitation, was born February 26, 1932, in Morgan County to Marvin Lorance and Annie Mae Berry Lorance. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Mr. Lorance owned and operated Lorance Refrigeration Business. He also retired from Meadow Gold following 25 years of service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Sparkman Lorance; two daughters, Jennifer McKay and husband, James, of Decatur and Paula Drake and husband, Roger, of Chapel Hill, Tenn.; one brother, W.E. Lorance of Midwest City, Okla.; three sisters, Virginia Green of Decatur, Fran Bishop of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ann Entrekin of Florida; two grandchildren, Brandi Ford and husband, Jim, and Haley Ford and husband, Justin; and three great-grandchildren, Nora Ford, Ana Ford and Ethan Ford.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Heard, Brent Lindsey, George Wimberley, Mark Hill, Ellie Smith and Larry Pollock.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Alabama Baptist Children's Home, 1404 16th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601.

TN Thanksgiving 2010

Today was indeed my first Tennessee Thanksgiving that I have ever had. It was really special with bittersweet moments. Ana and Ethan are getting older and it is too hard to drive to Alabama, have lunch and be back to share Thanksgiving with my husband’s family. Sounds simple but it is tiresome and a struggle. After my grandfather passed it is even more difficult to want to continue with the same tradition. We all needed a little change, not too much, but something that made it a little different. No matter how we "change" it up, he will no longer be here and that is the saddest part.

God was faithful and allowed so many laughs throughout the day. It all began this morning, with Ana. Oh, what a blessing this child is! She can find humor in just about anything. She wanted a granny smith apple for breakfast. So Jimbo peeled it for her and then sampled one. His face got all tight and said; Ana, this is the sourest apple ever! She laughed and said it was "yummy". As we were having our coffee and breakfast Jimbo looked at the amount of apple Ana had on her plate and told her if she ate all that she was going to have to poop for the most part of the day. I smacked his arm, laughed, and told him not to say that. Who thinks of things like this at the breakfast table?! Oh, yeah, that would be my husband. Nasty!! So I told Ana not to listen to him and she laughed and said; "okay, mama". Later on I went into my closet to begin thinking about to wear for the day. Do I go casual, really casual, dressy, or dressy funky? About the time I had my train of thought going my "crew" had followed me into the bathroom. Ana informed me that she had to go to the bathroom and Jimbo, for whatever reason decided he needed to join us. (Ethan is still asleep during this time) So, I begin to pick up where I left, deciding on my outfit, and Ana says; "Hey Mama, I'm going to go poo poo, okay?" I said; "Okay, sweetie". Jimbo starts laughing and said; "See, I told you that big apple was going to make you poop". I told him not to bother her and plus, an apple would not work that fast. We go back and forth and all of the sudden Ana speaks up and says; "Hey guys, trying to poop. Get out please." We all began to laugh so hard! So we gave her the privacy she needed and I went back into my closet to get yet another outfit out.

Lunch at my parents was simple, fun and so relaxing. We didn't feel rushed and the meal was amazing. My sister had made two soups, three appetizers and mom picked up sandwich meats, cheese and breads. I made a dessert that actually turned out. Nora, Ana and Ethan all played so well together and laughed the entire time. There is nothing better than hearing the three of them get together. The love they have for one another is so tight and strong. God has really blessed us with these children. We left in time for Ana and Ethan to take naps. We wanted them to feel refreshed at my husband’s side of the family. Again, we had a wonderful meal; the visit was relaxing and fun. The kids loved being together and playing games with one another. We ended the night on the drive back home listening to Christmas music and looking at Christmas lights. Ana and Ethan are getting older where they are taking an interest in lights and who has the most on their side of the car.

Yes, I am thankful for my family, friends, and all the blessings I have been given. I am so blessed to be living in a wonderful home, have freedom and know the love of Christ. I'm saddened that the months are getting longer from the last time I saw my grandfather and I miss him so much. If I could just get one hug from him, where no words were spoken I would be just fine. But that is not how this thing works and I know that. I just miss him and no matter how we make simple changes the reality is that he is gone and that doesn't make the pain any easier. He will always be apart of my heart. My memories that I treasure will remain with me always and that is my comfort.

As I write this note, that hopefully one day my children will read and understand, I am surrounded with the sounds of Christmas music and a happy heart.

Happy Thanksgiving from Tennessee!

Nighttime Love Bugs

I always find it fascinating how each child is totally different from one another when it comes to going to bed. Ana's first year with us she screamed bloody murder every single night. It was awful and then it just became annoying. We wanted to make it an enjoyable time with her but she was going to put up a major fight. Now, she is our little angel. She has her routine down and goes right to bed. With Ana, I wanted to hold her, love on her and give her the night time (rocking chair) rocks that I had missed. But she is more independent, even then she was so I had to come up with something that she and I could bond over. Our ritually is; I tuck her in, pray over her and give her kisses. Right before I leave her room I tell her to call me if she needs anything and then I blow her kisses. She blows me kisses right back and sticks them in her (pretend) pocket. Also, at night time is when she wants to know the full agenda of what we are going to be doing the next day. I give her the run down and you can see the contentment on her face. She is my structured little one. I've always wanted to give her back a piece of her early childhood that I missed. But its like she doesn't miss it and wants to continue to go forward- as it should be. Ana requires more sleep than Ethan and when she doesn't get her regular hours she has meltdowns that you would not believe. Tears are shed over the slightest thing and if something is out of place, well, lets just say, its not a pretty sight. This is what makes Ana, Ana. Her personality is filled with wit and humor. She will always keep me on my toes. I love you, beautiful girl!

Sweet Hugs

Well, today was like every Monday morning- we were running late. It never fails that on the day we have to be somewhere everyone decides to sleep in- including me. It would make sense to use an alarm clock but when you have two kids that wake up between 5:30am-6:00am, WHY?? Its these days that I remind myself to go out and get one.

It all worked out and God had me just where he wanted me this morning. I am in a Monday morning bible study group and even though it is a "rushed" feeling I am always truly blessed once I get there. This morning, Ethan tried so hard not to cry when I dropped him off.. Oh, he wanted so bad to hold it in and play...but he just couldn't. I knelt down and told him how proud I was of him and I would be right back. His favorite teacher was in there and he went straight to her. She loves on him but then lets him be a "boy". Gotta love girls like that. I decided to pick Ethan up first since he was the one that was first dropped off. Plus, Ana was still outside with her class playing. He was proud to see me and we squeezed each other. I had him in my arms and told him to say "bye-bye". He blew his teacher a kiss and then wanted to get down. As he got down he ran right over to her and wrapped his arms around her neck. I was so shocked and yet so proud all at the same time. Kinda made me think that continuing to work on gentleness, patience and love is finally paying off with our little man. He may not always be the most "gentle dragon" but his heart is as big as he is.

I love you, Ethan and I love the way you love.

Mom