What makes a mom's heart beat with joy? When her children are sweet to each other. I love when my children hug me, kiss me, and tell me that they love me. I love when they do what they are suppose to do. I love when they give me their thoughtful little gifts, but most of all I love, love, love when my children love one another! It just thrills my heart when I hear them say kind words to each other, laugh with one another, and do nice things for each other.
When I hear Kass, call out to her brother, "Bye Gene, be careful, I love you." My heart smiles. When Gene surprises Kass and changes the hub caps on her car because one of them fell off and was lost. When she intervenes in Gene being fussed at about his very messy room by saying, "Don't worry about his room, I'll clean it." When Gene stops at McDonald's and brings home a treat for his little brother, or goes to Wal-mart and buys him a game he wants for his DSi, or fixes him a late night bowl of cereal in the kitchen while he listens to Ave rattle on about some random topic. When Kass makes popcorn and plays some silly kid game with Ave......My heart sings....and sings....and sings.....with joy.
Tonight, my youngest son comes up and whispers in my ear, "Hey mom, I know what I can get Gene for Christmas-an Ipod! He keeps looking at mine and playing with it. He would really like it. Can you loan me the money to buy him one?"
Ahhhhh, these moments are to be treasured by a mother.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Snoopy - He's Just Part of the Family
Just incase anyone hasn't met our family dog yet, here he is. Let me introduce you to him, his name is Snoopy and he is 3 years old.
Some people think he's ugly, some people think he's cute, but no one can resist this lovable little creature. He is so sweet and smart. I don't want to make you jealous, but he does not have accidents in the house, he doesn't jump on people nor the furniture, he doesn't tear up things (well, for the most part anyway), he doesn't chase chickens nor cats (in fact he has quite a few cat friends), and he is very obedient. Most of all he has a great personality!
Here a picture of him resting on the living room floors. Usually he prefers rugs, but it must have been hot outside.
Well bye for now! It's been ter-ruf-ruf-ic meeting all you. Ruff Ruff! Smack Smack!
Well bye for now! It's been ter-ruf-ruf-ic meeting all you. Ruff Ruff! Smack Smack!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Christmas Tradition
Every year, as much as possible, we pick a night a go to the park. Our city park is decorated yearly for walk through tours. The children particularly love it because of the old rides that are cranked up for their enjoyment located in the carousel amusement park garden. Some of these rides have been around for years and years. The carousel is one of the oldest rides. It is over 100 years old.
After standing in a long line which moved pretty fast, the tickets were purchased.
The Botanical gardens are always beautifully lit up, and romantic to stroll through with your husband. However, the little ones usually make a dash for the amusement park garden.
A few years back the park started setting up a few additional rides. Here is Kass and Ave riding one of them. Ave would ride then hop off and dart back around for a second round. Poor Kass diligently rode all the rides with him despite having to ride them a few times before moving on.
Ave enjoying every moment of the bumper cars.
Another section of the park that is decorated for Christmas is the Storyland Fairytale Garden. Kass loved this garden when she was little. The garden is full of little houses, large whales with gaping mouths that you can climb in, Rapunzel Towers to climb up, and other scenes from fairytales. There is even a puppet show stage where puppet shows are performed for the visitors.
Ave showing me just how much fun he was having. Silly boy. Unfortunately, Gene was not able to go with us because of other plans he made.
_____________________________________
After spending the evening at the park, we always head to Camilla's Grill on Carolton for a burger. This grill has been around for years and the people who work there are usually loads of fun.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Support Group - Aphasia
Today, my mother, father, Ave, and I attended an Aphasia support group. There were about fourteen members attending ranging in age from about the late twenties to early thirties all the way to probably around seventy or so. All of them were stroke victims except for two who had brain surgery, and one who's aphasia cannot be explained except for possibly suffering from breast cancer a few years prior. The meeting was great. It was encouraging listening to some of the stories.
One was a beautiful, young, lady who had a stroke. When she initially had her stroke and was rushed to the hospital, the hospital staff thought maybe she was on drugs, once all of the tests were done they realized that she had a stroke. It took them two days to discover that she had a stroke. Now, although it is a struggle, she speaks and is continuing in her progress. She owns "The Grocery" in New Orleans on the corner of St. Charles and Sixth. Today, she treated the group to sandwiches and snacks from her store. The food was delicious.
Other members who attended, were a nurse, a professional businessman who does public speaking (he said that initially it was extremely difficult, but he did not avoid situations but instead pursued difficult situations and after awhile it became easier). Another lady (a minister's wife) said after seven years she can drive a car again. Everyone was excited and happy for her. Another member was a Congo drum player who is still working on the strength in his hands so that he can perform again. All of the members had different degrees of difficulty speaking. Dad's stroke was the most recent.
A Film was shown "It's Still Me!" The filmed talked about how one day a person is doing all of his or her normal activities and the next moment their whole world as they know it changes. How, although things are different, it's still them. Personality is the same, intelligence is the same, interests the same, but the ability to communicate this changes. It also went through several steps in communicating with a person suffering from aphasia.
After the film, the members talked about things in the film that stood out to them. One spoke about how fast people talk without giving them time to process the information. One spoke about how improving aphasia is a long process, and that it takes hard work. He said that it stood out to him that people can improve even after many years. A lady mentioned that she has asked her adult children to not worry her with their problems because it stresses her now and she can't handle it. A man said that he feels like another person is trapped inside his body trying to get out, but that he is learning to adjust his personality and go with the flow so that he doesn't get ran over. He said that sometimes he just takes long walks to rest his mind. Another lady said that she just grunts at people now when they insist that she does remember something from the past that she doesn't remember. She said sometimes it's just easier.
Overall, I think that we all enjoyed the meeting. The directors were wonderful, kind, considerate, and seemed to be well informed. We will probably attend again.
One was a beautiful, young, lady who had a stroke. When she initially had her stroke and was rushed to the hospital, the hospital staff thought maybe she was on drugs, once all of the tests were done they realized that she had a stroke. It took them two days to discover that she had a stroke. Now, although it is a struggle, she speaks and is continuing in her progress. She owns "The Grocery" in New Orleans on the corner of St. Charles and Sixth. Today, she treated the group to sandwiches and snacks from her store. The food was delicious.
Other members who attended, were a nurse, a professional businessman who does public speaking (he said that initially it was extremely difficult, but he did not avoid situations but instead pursued difficult situations and after awhile it became easier). Another lady (a minister's wife) said after seven years she can drive a car again. Everyone was excited and happy for her. Another member was a Congo drum player who is still working on the strength in his hands so that he can perform again. All of the members had different degrees of difficulty speaking. Dad's stroke was the most recent.
A Film was shown "It's Still Me!" The filmed talked about how one day a person is doing all of his or her normal activities and the next moment their whole world as they know it changes. How, although things are different, it's still them. Personality is the same, intelligence is the same, interests the same, but the ability to communicate this changes. It also went through several steps in communicating with a person suffering from aphasia.
After the film, the members talked about things in the film that stood out to them. One spoke about how fast people talk without giving them time to process the information. One spoke about how improving aphasia is a long process, and that it takes hard work. He said that it stood out to him that people can improve even after many years. A lady mentioned that she has asked her adult children to not worry her with their problems because it stresses her now and she can't handle it. A man said that he feels like another person is trapped inside his body trying to get out, but that he is learning to adjust his personality and go with the flow so that he doesn't get ran over. He said that sometimes he just takes long walks to rest his mind. Another lady said that she just grunts at people now when they insist that she does remember something from the past that she doesn't remember. She said sometimes it's just easier.
Overall, I think that we all enjoyed the meeting. The directors were wonderful, kind, considerate, and seemed to be well informed. We will probably attend again.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Great Bible Study
Kass and I have made a decision to start studying the Bible together on a daily basis. We are going to go from one topic to the next. Even if we repeat, that is okay. The Word of God never gets old. It's amazing the difference it makes when you really study the Bible. Reading the Bible is one thing really studying the Bible is another. It's so encouraging, uplifting, and really keeps life in perspective. Recently we have been enjoying Bro. Nathaniel J. Wilson's Bible study on holiness. It's great! He really has a way of putting things in perspective on why we should live a holy life. Anyway, I thought it was so good that I would share it with my friends. It just makes you want to be the best that you can be for Christ. If you scroll down to the lower right side of my blog you will see a link to Bro. Wilson's blog. Be sure to start with part 1 and work you way up from there.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Good Manners are Wonderful!
Call me old fashioned but, I love to be around people with good manners. I'm not speaking about knowing all the little details (I really get confused with those kind of things since I live basically an informal life style). I'm speaking about kindness, courtesy, thoughtfulness, not letting doors slam in people's faces, not making rude noises, not interrupting people when they are speaking, being thoughtful and tidy, and all of that good stuff! In other words, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Of course, good manners start at home so I've decided to make a huge effort to work with Ave, and with anyone else in the house who is interested in improving their manners. I just purchased two books, Manners Made Easy by June Hines Moore, and Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum. I will be including these two books into Ave's home school lesson plan.
Today we worked on proper behavior when meeting someone for the first time. We practiced. He thought it was kind of funny. Hopefully, this will help him. Typically, he looks away when meeting people for the first time and mumbles a "Hi" or something like that. So today he practiced what June Hines Moore calls the 6 Six's 1. Stand (stand up when meeting someone for the first time) 2. Smile 3. See (Look directly at them) 4. Shake (shake hands) 5. Speak (Introduce yourself) 6. Say (Repeat their name). So far so good. I was the new person he was meeting, so for fun I made sure to tell him in a high pitched old lady voice, "My what a well mannered young boy you are. It was so nice meeting you."
Anyway, I will let you know if the books help or not. Also, if you see Ave using good manners, please give him some positive reinforcement.
Of course, good manners start at home so I've decided to make a huge effort to work with Ave, and with anyone else in the house who is interested in improving their manners. I just purchased two books, Manners Made Easy by June Hines Moore, and Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum. I will be including these two books into Ave's home school lesson plan.
Today we worked on proper behavior when meeting someone for the first time. We practiced. He thought it was kind of funny. Hopefully, this will help him. Typically, he looks away when meeting people for the first time and mumbles a "Hi" or something like that. So today he practiced what June Hines Moore calls the 6 Six's 1. Stand (stand up when meeting someone for the first time) 2. Smile 3. See (Look directly at them) 4. Shake (shake hands) 5. Speak (Introduce yourself) 6. Say (Repeat their name). So far so good. I was the new person he was meeting, so for fun I made sure to tell him in a high pitched old lady voice, "My what a well mannered young boy you are. It was so nice meeting you."
Anyway, I will let you know if the books help or not. Also, if you see Ave using good manners, please give him some positive reinforcement.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Just a Few Things I'm Thankful For....
Just a few things that I'm thankful for........
A super sweet, beautiful, and loving mother (she's the prettiest one in the picture)......
The best dad anyone could ever ask for (smart, strong, handsome) ...........

Friends, what would I do without my friends........
and of course sweet young ladies who like to bake yummy Thanksgiving Treats (notice sugar & spice) .......................
A super sweet, beautiful, and loving mother (she's the prettiest one in the picture)......
The best dad anyone could ever ask for (smart, strong, handsome) ...........A precious mother-in-law who is always there for me.........
_________________________
These are just a few things I'm thankful for. But most of all, I'm so thankful that I know who my savior is-JESUS!
________________________
Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Happy 22nd Birtday - Kass
Years and years ago, when my husband and I were just twenty-one years old, and Gene was only five months old, we found out that we were expecting Kass. At first, we must admit we were a little stunned to find out we were expecting another baby so soon. However, it didn't take us long to get excited! We were so happy the day that Kass was born. She was born Sunday morning at 11:05 a.m. -- right in the middle of a fiery sermon, I'm sure. The moment she was born, screaming, into this crazy world, we fell in love! She was precious.
She has brought us much delight throughout her life. Her spunky way, funny little humor and sweet ways have delighted us throughout all of these years. When she was little, she loved to be tickled, and she also took great joy in imitating her big brother's scream. He would scream, then she would--oh joy! Of course, all of this was done for fun.
Before she learned to walk, it was hilarious watching her scoot through the house on her little elbows and knees--she looked just like a little army guy scooting through the brush. We were always amazed by her hula-hoop abilities at the young age of four, and we always loved the homemade cards, and gifts that she loved to make us. The funny little acts performed by her and her brother were so much fun to watch, and the day we looked out the window and saw her streaking down the gravel road in front of maw-maw Lay's house riding her bike with no training wheels made us laugh (she was four). We had tried to teach her to no avail, but she learned all on her own. She was and still is such a determined little booger.
Of course, we had the dramatic moments like the time she climbed on top of the house and was too scared to come down. Finally, when I was at my wits end trying to get her down, the mail lady came by and saw the situation. Fortunately, the mail lady was able to coax her down. Funny! And also the time Kass and Kay snuck out to the bedroom window late at night to roll the house--we threatened to punish her for the rest of her life from sleepovers.
Next, we watched her develop physically, mentally, and spiritually into a beautiful young woman. We laughed at the funny hairdo's she created, and the creative way she dressed. We watched as she stood strong throughout the entire ordeal of hurricane Katrina, reaching out to others giving no thought as to her own losses. Our heart swelled with pride when the reporter, Lois, with the Washington Post, told us, "Your daughter is amazing. She is an ambassador!" Little did she know that she truly is. She was, still is, and will always be an ambassador for Christ.
Lastly, we watched as she progressed through high school being her lovely, wonderful self. Endearing teachers and friends alike with her generous heart and giving ways. These were special days-days we will always cherish and remember.
Today, she is a beautiful, mature, wise, compassionate, and generous young lady, and today, we would like to say to this sweet girl of ours. We love you and hope that you have a wonderful 22nd birthday and many, many, more!
Yes, believe it or not Kass was born with brown hair and blonde roots!
She has brought us much delight throughout her life. Her spunky way, funny little humor and sweet ways have delighted us throughout all of these years. When she was little, she loved to be tickled, and she also took great joy in imitating her big brother's scream. He would scream, then she would--oh joy! Of course, all of this was done for fun.
Before she learned to walk, it was hilarious watching her scoot through the house on her little elbows and knees--she looked just like a little army guy scooting through the brush. We were always amazed by her hula-hoop abilities at the young age of four, and we always loved the homemade cards, and gifts that she loved to make us. The funny little acts performed by her and her brother were so much fun to watch, and the day we looked out the window and saw her streaking down the gravel road in front of maw-maw Lay's house riding her bike with no training wheels made us laugh (she was four). We had tried to teach her to no avail, but she learned all on her own. She was and still is such a determined little booger.
Of course, we had the dramatic moments like the time she climbed on top of the house and was too scared to come down. Finally, when I was at my wits end trying to get her down, the mail lady came by and saw the situation. Fortunately, the mail lady was able to coax her down. Funny! And also the time Kass and Kay snuck out to the bedroom window late at night to roll the house--we threatened to punish her for the rest of her life from sleepovers.
Next, we watched her develop physically, mentally, and spiritually into a beautiful young woman. We laughed at the funny hairdo's she created, and the creative way she dressed. We watched as she stood strong throughout the entire ordeal of hurricane Katrina, reaching out to others giving no thought as to her own losses. Our heart swelled with pride when the reporter, Lois, with the Washington Post, told us, "Your daughter is amazing. She is an ambassador!" Little did she know that she truly is. She was, still is, and will always be an ambassador for Christ.
Lastly, we watched as she progressed through high school being her lovely, wonderful self. Endearing teachers and friends alike with her generous heart and giving ways. These were special days-days we will always cherish and remember.
Today, she is a beautiful, mature, wise, compassionate, and generous young lady, and today, we would like to say to this sweet girl of ours. We love you and hope that you have a wonderful 22nd birthday and many, many, more!
Below are a few pictures of Kass in her younger years!
Yes, believe it or not Kass was born with brown hair and blonde roots!Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Old Katrina Poem
The following poem was written by my oldest son, Gene, (who was at the time in his senior year of high school) on our way to Maryland after hurricane Katrina. He sat slumped down in the back seat getting sadder, angrier, and more upset as we traveled further and further from his beloved home town. He decided to write a poem, and this is what he wrote as we traveled to Maryland. He also wrote another one when we left Maryland and gave it to Sis. Libbey. When I find it, I will post it as well. Anyway, I came across this particular poem while I was cleaning out his closet last week and thought that I would share it in memory of the storm that changed our lives forever!
Katrina's Fury
by Gene Lay
It seems like yesterday,
I had a normal life.
Everything was going my way,
I had no big worries or strife.
My friends and I were playing ball,
The things we always do.
Hanging out at the mall,
And playing a game of pool or two.
Wondering about my favorite team,
Hoping the best for this year.
Winning the bowl would be my dream,
But loosing my greatest fear.
It just seemed like another one,
To pause our life shortly.
No one wants to jump the gun,
Little did we know this would be costly.
Talking to my friends,
Not realizing it would be the last.
It would put a halt to all my trends,
It all happened so fast.
This would be the beginning,
Of a nightmare that came true.
It feels like we're just pretending,
Like a rerun of the little one that just came through.
I left my house not too much in a hurry,
Grabbed a few clothes and was out the door.
When I got to the city, there was a bit of a scurry,
Got on the I-10--put the pedal to the floor.
When I finally reached Baton Rouge,
I greeted family and chilled out.
But, it wasn't till I cut on the news,
That I realized what this was about.
It was two hundred miles wide,
Went from a one to a five in three days.
Caused total destruction where millions abide,
And literally turned everything gray.
I love my hometown that's called the Big Easy,
I hope you can visit it somewhere down the road.
But while I'm here in D.C.
I'm gonna put on an extra jacket and enjoy the snow.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Last Day of Therapy in Maryland & Back Home
I can't believe how quickly these last two weeks went by. We had a great time, and the therapy went great! If you are interested in obtaining more information about Joan Green (our dad's speech therapist) you can go to the website http://www.innovativespeech.com/about/index.html . Also, if you are interested in learning more about aphasia in general and if you or someone else you know needs help in this area, you can go to the website http://www.aphasia.org/ .
Joan is an expert and is extremely passionate about helping people with aphasia. Not only did she work with our dad in therapy, she also helped us to understand more about what dad is going through, how to help with communication, and how to help dad continue his therapy at home using computer software and other types of materials. Two of the software programs that dad will be working with is bungalow software and React 2 software. You can obtain more information about these software programs at http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/ and http://www.react2.com/ . I hope all of this information is helpful to someone.
Friday, after the last session of therapy, we went blackberry picking. This was my second time. If you have never picked blackberries before, you really need to. Every fifth berry went into my mouth. I know, I probably should have washed them first, but so far I'm not sick and the temptation was just too hard to resist! Of course, we all went away stuffed with berries.
Ray and Ave had their own bucket and thoroughly enjoyed filling it up. A person could pretty much stand in one spot and fill a bucket. However, it was more fun for them to run from row to row finding the prettiest, blackest, and juiciest berries. For Ray, only the best berries went in their bucket.
Dad, Nekee and Meboo!
Dad was the fastest picker of all and filled his bucket in nothing flat.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
More Pictures of Trip to Maryland
I can't believe that we have only three more days of therapy in Maryland. We have learned so much, and we are having a great time in the process. Therapy includes a great deal of game playing which helps to exercise and strengthen the brain.
Nekee taught Dad how to play UNO. We played about six to eight games, and Dad won two of them. This was also Ave's first time playing UNO. He really enjoyed it.
Tuesday, after therapy, we headed to Great Falls. Although we didn't walk too far, we had a great time. The children really enjoyed climbing on the rocks. Of course, old Aunt Meboo was a bit nervous as usual, and was somewhat afraid that one of them would go tumbling into the Potomac River.
Ave & Mar-Mar climbing on the rocks.
I really like this picture. Look way out onto the rocks - that is Mar-Mar!
Mar-Mar, Ave, Ray, and NeKee climbing back up to the C&O Canal path.
Ave and Ray walking down the C&O Canal Path.
Mom, Dad, Nekee & Ray resting.
Mar-Mar relaxing on a bench.
Lizzie - Nekee's family pet. She is the sweetest little thing.
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