Wordless Wednesday

Friendship

We (Miller and I) were walking Ranger last week when we were stopped by a dear friend, actually Sawyer's speech teacher. She was on her lunch break looking for her dog missing since last night.

She had just found the dog, a standard poodle, on the side of the road, near the highway. He had been hit by a car and killed. Not knowing what to tell her son, at the moment, she had us take his collar. Ranger is wearing it in memory of her son's true friend.
Cooper, who's in the same grade, and loves to play with her son, painted one of his masterpieces for him. It is a fitting way to honor the dog and his friendship.

A Letter Home

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm sure you've been trying to contact me all week. We had a big rainstorm move through, and I think water got into the telephone box. The phones aren't working, and they sound like the line is open, so it probably is ringing busy. And, since we didn't want to invest money in a house we don't own, we did not elect to buy wire coverage when we picked a phone plan. So we'll let you know what the landlords want to do. I would think they would need to have the lines fixed, as they eventually want to sell the house.

The boys are doing well. They are full of energy and growing right before my eyes. As Miller approaches three, I thought it would be a good idea to begin potty training. I think our school routine has settled down enough for him, so I pulled out the underwear. I got as far as that. He would have nothing to do with the pants or the toilet, even if I bribed him with popsicles. However, the other boys had fun playing in them, and although there isn't a picture posted, really made us laugh dressing like Captain Underpants.

Hunter has been working hard on his eagle scout project. He still needs a little donations, but has moved ahead. He is submitting his project tomorrow for approval, and will be visiting the hardware store to determine which items he'll need. Hallelujah. This is a picture of the empty courtyard at Sawyer's school. We're excited at everything that will be incorporated into his science courtyard.

Tanner and Hunter are still running cross country. Hunter didn't want to invest in running shoes so he's still plodding along in his basketball shoes, since he's only running to get in shape for basketball. However, we did find him a pair of spikes to run in on meet days. Tanner has a pair as well.

The first meet Hunter wore his spikes I was watching him approach the finish line, and noticed his shoes. The zipper had come undone, and he had never put in a shoelace to lace up the inside, so his shoes flopped for two miles. He should have just taken them off, but instead gave everyone a good laugh.

Sawyer and Miller are their biggest supporters, and like to watch every runner come in. Here they're sitting on the four-wheeler that stays in front of the lead runner. They know the last runner has crossed the line when the last runner four wheeler comes in.

Porter is playing fall baseball. He's had some good plays and hits. Sometimes Cooper gets to practice with him. We enjoy having our boys on the same teams. Not just for a simpler schedule, although that is a definite plus, but for improving relations.
Life is good. There are always lots of laughs, mostly from Sawyer. Here he is feeling like a Shriner. I think. I never did ask.
The weather has finally turned into more of a fall pattern. We've had our bedroom windows open 24/7 since April. It's nice to finally feel something of a cool breeze through them. We hope all is well with you. We love you and wanted to let you know we were thinking of you. Remind me to tell you about my tooth story, and the van.

Love,

Amy Jo

Friday Food

I have lovely neighbors who share their produce with me - nothing better for lunch than this! A colorful extravaganza of home grown peppers, tomatoes, onions, spinach and cucumbers. And, when this is all gone, enjoy this:

Go to www.realchocolate.com, and get one of these goodies for yourself today. I feel bad I haven't shared this sooner, as I've really been enjoying my free candy bar. But, do it now. Today's the last day.

I'm A Child of Appalachia 2008

Almost a year later, Hunter received a book in the mail, with the following in a letter: "I'm A Child of Appalachia essay contest works to help overcome barriers to educational opportunities and encourages students to reflect on their ability to succeed. Congratulations on being one of the top 50 recognized from over 2,600 submitted essays, and one of the top 15 for seventh grade students in the state of Ohio..."

I remember Hunter writing this essay. He had a hard time, as we had just moved here, and didn't consider himself an Appalachian child. He still doesn't. But, we were in the throes of canning applesauce, made from the Rome apple, and that experience started his flow of creative juices, so to speak ;-).

I live in Rome, Ohio. This is the place where the Rome Beauty Apple was first created and then grown. In order to grow, this aple needs sun, water, and soil. Before we can help others, we also need to grow.

One thing that will help us to grow is our parents and others who have helped us. They are like the soil. They are our foundation and provide support.

The sun is like education. Education enlightens us by giving us new knowledge. Knowledge improves our lives and makes us more prepared to be successful.

The water is like experience. Living life gives you experiences that you can learn. Water gives life to the apple, just like experiences can do for us. I am trying to obtain an education and learn from my experiences and the lessons I was taught to teach others.

An apple provides food and nourishes us. This fruit can be made into apple pie, apple butter and applesauce. They make a tree beautiful and give nutrients back to the tree so it can continue to produce. I want to be like the apple and nourish others through volunteer work; I want to help others feel better about themselves and their accomplishments. This is how I am going to help others.

Big Brother FINALLY Done With School

Homework

Sawyer was given an assignment to draw a picture of his teacher. His first rendering, on a green sheet of paper, depicted her with black skin. I felt a little sensitive about having him take THAT to school, so I requested a redo.

Having the teacher look like Miss Piggy made me feel a little uncomfortable as well. I just don't know her very well, and wondered if she could laugh! We certainly have been. Another request for a redo.
This is Mrs. Flynn #3. With hillbilly blackened teeth. What is he thinking? "Sawyer, does Miss Flynn have black teeth? Would you please try one more time?"

A picture that hopefully makes all three of us happy!

The Music Man !

Sixth graders are given the opportunity to begin a musical instrument. Porter asked if he could play the french horn. He convinced me with "I don't have to rent or buy an instrument, Mom, because the director has one for me to use." Perfect. Now he's practicing the horn, the piano, and the recorder.

His first attempts ;-) He has the pefect cheeks, even though he's not suppose to use them. This is the mellophone, used in place of a french horn when marching as it can face the crowd.

Nothin' but Rubbish!

I know garbage collectors have it rough.

There's been many a day when my can has gone out with more trash than what they bargained for, dead and alive.

Compacting the truck right in front of my house shouldn't be disgusting!

But it was because of the five gallons of black sludge that dripped out the bottom of the truck, and left this nice stain in front of my driveway. Is this normal?

SAWYER!

Good thing he's so cute! I'm hoping no one else will realize he just cut off half of his bangs.

And he's only been in kindergarten for 7 days!

GO DRAGONS!

Hunter had his first cross country meet. Last year's uniforms aren't quite as short!

There were 200 something middle school boys competing, over 1600 total at this invitational run.

Hunter ran 2 miles in 17:00. Not bad considering it was uphill, and he was running in basketball shoes!

Tanner in his pack. He had some asthma problems and finished 3 miles in 22:40 again.

However, last week the Dragons brought home first...

And this week the Dragons brought home second place. Out of that many schools, they did very well!

Proctorville Ceremony Remembers September 11th

By Benita Heath

The Tribune (published Saturday, September 12, 2009)
Photo by Jessica St. James
Virgil Pemberton with VFW Post 6878, of Proctorville, stands at attention.

PROCTORVILLE — Nick Mannon was only 8-years-old when the Twin Towers in Manhattan crashed to the ground on Sept. 11, 2001, so his memories of that day are sparse. But he was one of about 20 Fairland High School band members who volunteered to remember that tragedy in a special ceremony Friday morning. “This is to commemorate the awful deed of 2001 by remembering the lives of those lost,” Mannon, a Fairland High junior, said.

Hosted by the Proctorville branch of WesBanco, the morning ceremony was marked with ritual and tributes from those participating. The ceremony began with the Proctorville VFW Post 6878 honor guard standing at attention as Robert Fulton sang a medley of patriotic ballads extolling the heroism of both soldiers and their families alike.

Nearby sat Amy Schenewark of Proctorville with her 2-year-old son, Miller. As the honor guard began the slow ascent of the American flag to the accompaniment of Fulton singing the National Anthem, she quickly jumped to her feet, placing her hand over her heart. “I think we shouldn’t forget what happened,” she said. “Whether it is the people who died or the soldiers who sacrificed for our country.”

It was a great way for Miller and I to spend the morning. Although neither one of us cared for the hotdogs, Ranger surely enjoyed lunch!

Great Reminders

A friend reminded my son on September 11th that it was his half-birthday. Sawyer was so excited, he went out the door skipping to school.

My oven has been out of commission for two weeks. It was a good excuse to visit the local bakery, Angie's, and find fun food.

So here's to half birthdays, half cupcakes, friends reminding you of important days like this, and that face!

9/11 by Hunter

I don’t remember the planes hitting the Twin Towers.
I don’t remember Flight 93.
I don’t remember how my parents acted that day.
I don’t remember seeing them a month before they fell.
I don’t remember what I was doing when I heard the news.

I don’t know what the government could have done to prevent this.
I don’t know what the terrorists were thinking.
I don’t know much about what happened that day.
I don’t know when the soldiers will get out of Iraq.
I don’t know if it will happen again.

I do remember that a terrible tragedy happened that day.
I do remember those who risked and gave their lives for others.
I do remember the flags flying.
I do remember that there are soldiers still fighting because of that day.
I do remember that I started appreciating soldiers more.

I know that too many people died.
I know that they attacked because they hate America and its freedoms.
I know that I do and will always love America.
I know that because of brave men and women the terrorists didn’t stand a chance.
I know that we can never forget.

All I Want for Christmas...

This little gadget caught my eye. I thought it was a cute way to separate eggs.
This toothpaste tube squeezer was kind of cool as well.
But these mint chocolate frogs and chocolate peanut butter bears are by far my favorite things.

Cookie products actually look appetizing!

And this is my favorite wrapping paper.

It's that time again, when we start to think about the holidays just a little bit. If this catches your attention, feel free to visit HERE and place an order BEFORE FRIDAY. During the check out procedure, mention Fairland School District in Proctorville, OH and Schenewark. If not, thanks anyway for allowing me to dream!!!

Fightin' the Phiten

We were given some necklaces containing titanium by a friend. Tanner complained of a few aches and pains, and voila, a necklace cureall. He's thoroughly LOVED his necklace, and says it does take away aches and pains. Thus, when we received two more in the mail, he was psyched, and willingly shared one with me. I won't go into detail of my husband's moans and eye rolls, but I am up for a challenge. I have had heel pain for two years. Every day. It never goes away. He knows I struggle with this, so when I told him I was going to see if it helped with my heel, he was okay with that. He asked me about two hours later if it was working. Can you believe I could tell him it did? I wasn't even thinking about the necklace I had been wearing or heel pain. It was just gone. I don't know why, I have no answers, but it does help. What do you think? Why does it work?

United Airlines "Breaks Guitar" Song Two

About a month ago I posted the address for a music video made by a man who had his guitar broken by United Airlines Baggage Handlers. The company put him off and refused to help him, so he promised to write three songs, make the videos and post them for the world to see. So here is video two, which is about the customer service rep. Enjoy. Jarrod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-UoERHaSQg

The Scout Campout - by Hunter

What started as an innocent trip ended up as a once in a life time experience. Everybody but Mom and Miller went on a scout camp out. It began with missing one of the few activities sponsored by Dad’s department, a barbeque with everything you could want to eat. To stymie any mutinous feelings this information was released only after arriving at our destination, the top of an isolated hill somewhere in West Virginia.
Of the 10 or so boys expected to come only two showed up. This exciting adventure took place at a boy scout’s house. They owned a sizable amount of property. Dad checked in with the family and borrowed a 12 gauge shotgun and four shells because of occasional panther sightings and fairly common bear activity. We took a hill that was extremely steep and felt like miles high.

After around 15 minutes of strenuous walking going straight up we made it to the top of the hill, looked around and saw a cemetery. Or in this case a family burial spot of four family members. Only one marker had dates and these were from 1877- 1944. All of the people were Adkins, which is probably the most common Appalachian name by far. This cut down our sleeping room by a third.

Around this time the rain started (forecast was thunderstorms), and the light got increasingly darker. As our dinner depended on light and fire and the tents had not been set up yet this was not the best news. Everyone then started scurrying, or at least the adults, to make sure their tents did not get wet. In the ensuing moments it was discovered that one of the 4-man tents that had been brought had no poles. We had an 8-man tent, a 2-man tent, and two 4-man tents. One of the 4-man tents was the one with no poles. By the time we went to sleep, the final sleeping arrangements included one of the adults sleeping outside under a tarp.

Dinner was foil dinners that included potatoes, carrots, and either ham or deer meat depending on what one you got. There were also marshmallows to eat in the rain. If you thought that the night could not get much scarier, you are wrong. Everyone fell asleep fine as far as I know.

In the middle of the night Tanner woke up to go the bathroom. As he finally got enough nerve to risk going outside with a loose bear, a scary bell rang out twelve times. He had no idea what it was, and climbed terrified back into the tent.

However, he switched positions and laid on me. Because of a mistake earlier in the day there were not enough sleeping bags. Tanner and I had a constant half unconscious struggle for warmth throughout the entire nights. It was during these few moments that I heard the bells later. Dad also heard the bells and something heavy walking around in the middle of the night, as did Tanner.

When we woke up there was no rain. But there had been many spiders in the night and most everyone woke up eaten alive. One leader who had slept in the two man tent had accidentally slept on a little knoll of grass right by the headstones, over a body. We asked the owners what the sounds of the bells were in the night. He told us they were monks who lived nearby.