"The Hard Way"

Okay, can I just say in a nice and oh-so-blessed way, that it looks like Christmas threw up all over my house still?!!!!!! Nonetheless, I will post...but not about Christmas...that will come later (after new places have been found to put all the 1, 423 new toys my 2 children received).

However, I just had to jot this one down before it slipped my mind...

I arrived in Mississippi for my Mar's funeral on Sunday afternoon. I called home to check on the boys and see how things had gone getting ready for church, etc.

SIDENOTE: Joshua had made a booklet the week previous in Sunday School that contained pages that they could memorize to earn points towards prizes. He had kept it in the van and had looked at it several times, so I knew he was working on it. (Example: Books of the OT or NT, 10 Commandments, etc.)

Back to my story...I was already missing the boys and was anxious to talk to them when Joshua got on the phone. The following conversation ensued...

Me: Hi, Sweetest!
JK: Hi, Mom. (He always sounds so little on the phone.)
Me: How was church? Did Daddy brush your hair and help you tuck in your shirt? (Mind you I left EVERYTHING layed out and ready to go--including breakfast!)
JK: Yes. Hey, Mom?
Me: Yes, Baby?
JK: Guess what?
Me: What, Baby? (Normally at this point, I would become "IT".--I fall for the "What"game everytime. It really has become old these past few MONTHS!)
JK: I got to pick out a prize at Sunday School today!
Me: You did?! That's great! What did you memorize and tell your teacher?
JK: I did two!
Me: Are you serious?! Wow! Which ones?
JK: Fruits of the Spirit and the books of the New Testament
Me: Wow, Joshua!--I knew that you had learned "the fruits", but you did the New Testament too?
JK: Yes! (His voice is VERY excited and VERY confident.) AND she even said that I did it the "Hard Way"!
Me: The hard way?
JK: Yes, the hard way.
Me: What do you mean, Sweetie? (Confused, but trying not to hamper his excitement.)
JK: Out of order!!!!!

No, joke...and he was so proud that I had to cover the phone to keep him from hearing me burst out laughing! Oh, I do love my Joshua Kirk!

It Is Well With My Soul

Last week began in a fog of glory after winning the gold ball. Then on Tuesday, we received a call that Kirk's grandmother had passed away. She had enjoyed her weekend, even driving with her daughter from Prague to Shawnee to watch the championship game on TV. She was such an avid fan of her grandkids and great grandkids, that it was special that she got to watch her grandson Kirk and great grandson Kyle win their first gold ball together. (Although, she was mad that the players poured Powerade on Kirk because it was so cold!) Today would have been her 92nd birthday. She truly lived every minute of her life and loved her family dearly.

While getting ready for school on Thursday morning and planning to leave that afternoon after school for the visitation/funeral, I received another call. My grandmother had passed away. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Marjorie Elaine Chitty Ferrell Shumate opened her eyes and went home to be with her Lord.

My sisters and I flew to Mississippi on Sunday and the funeral was Monday. My dad did part of the service and did an amazing job honoring my "Mar". Throughout the service and the time spent with my extended family before and after, I realized this...my memories of my grandmother are not immature or idealized. If anything, they were confirmed and enriched. My memories of my grandmother are of a true Southern lady. She had class and integrity. She dressed sassy, did not have any gray hair, and talked with a drawl that made you smile every time she said, "Hello, Darlin'". She wasn't like other grandmothers...she didn't bake cookies, she boiled shrimp and made crab etoufee' (no idea how to spell that!). She loved "Co-Cola" (Coke) on ice and long walks on the beach looking for shells. She was very smart and a voracious reader. She was an independent woman with great business sense, but dearly loved my grandfather and waited on him hand and foot out of love. She always did her quiet time and was serious about her walk with the Lord.

Over and over, friends, coworkers, class members, and family told countless stories of her passion for missions and diligence in reaching the lost for Christ. She taught a Sunday School class for years until the disease began to confuse her. She did not just believe in God, she believed God. She loved her Lord and she loved people. Isn't that what life is all about?

I have such a legacy. What I thought about my Mar is true and even more so. On Dec. 11th, that little lady not only got to see my grandaddy, but most importantly her heavenly Father, who I believe said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul."

I love you, my Mar. I miss you. I WILL see you again.

This picture was taken the last time I saw Mar. My mom and I took Joshua to see her (and her husband, Jim) in October of 2002. She fell in love with him!

It's a GREAT day to be a Redskin!

Getting ready for the big night (Redskin/Christmas spirit!)

In the stands, before the game.--We had great seats, thanks to Miss Micki!:)

After the win (UHS 34-JHS20)--The media loves him!

"The Gang" (Rus and Morgan had to leave early and Nana was home with strep throat!)

After 18 years of coaching, it was pretty special to finally get that gold ball! We are so proud of him and his boys!:)

"The day after".--It was Saturday and Daddy was home! (Look closely at the sign!)

Got Me Some Cute Goin' On!

Ok, can I just say that My. Sister. Rocks! All of the new cuteness that you see before you was a surprise from her. And if you think my blog's new look is cute...hop on over to zumthemum.blogspot.com and look at Karson and Campbell.--Now that's some cuteness! Love you, Lucy!:)