Autumn Color Tour

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery pics are from the dessert recipe I posted yesterday... Cookies-and-Cream Cake. It looks good, doesn't it? It's a very light dessert, and it isn't as sweet as you might think. I'm going to use the canned frosting (which the recipe called for) instead of whip cream next time. OR I may use whip cream, vanilla pudding and 1/2 cup crushed Oreo. The vanilla pudding will probably make the topping sweeter. All in all, a pretty good cake. I would definitely recommend it!

PROMISED RANDOMNESS - I mentioned Glenn Close several months ago regarding her very public stand discussing mental illness. Her sister and nephew both suffer from bipolar disorder, and she has made television Public Service Announcements, been interviewed on several talk shows AND has appeared in several publications. She hasn't been promoting movies or books or herself in any way, shape or form. She has been talking about mental illness.

I wanted to share an excerpt from her article in the September, 2010 Guidepost.

"I've learned that one in four adults has a mental illness -- such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD or schizophrenia -- and the stigma can be as daunting as the disease itself. I'm filming a public service announcement to get people talking openly about mental illness.

"A woman I don't know comes up to me. 'Thank you,' she says, 'for what you've done for the mentally ill.' Then a little more hesitantly, 'We have mental illness in my family.'

"I look at her, imagining the turmoil she and her family have been through. There is a lot I could say, but one thing in particular I want to know, as much as for her as for me. 'What kind of mental illness?' I ask.

"Words are powerful. They can shroud a problem in secrecy or bring it into the bold light of day. I admire this woman's courage for speaking out. Now I hope she can tell me what specific diagnosis? If you can give something a name, you can stop being afraid of it and start dealing with it. I should know. There is mental illness in my own family."

Ms Close then goes on to tell her story, her sister's story and her nephew's story.

I'll share two more parts of this article which touched my heart... "Words that seemed scary lost their power the more I heard them." And...

"As Jess (Ms. Close's sister) says, 'I am not my disease.' She is simply someone who is being treated for a disease, an illness with a biological basis like cancer or diabetes."

I may admire people for many different reasons, but Ms. Close is doing an extraordinary thing. Not only do I admire her, but I am thankful for her voice and dedication to such an "unpopular" cause.

By the way, we have Severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder in my family... and we are not ashamed.

Wednesday Wisdom - Did you remember? Today is Encouraging Wednesday. Time to text, e-mail, Facebook, phone, etc. and encourage others. Here are a few quotes about the subject of "encouragement."

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you." William Arthur Ward

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” Jim Stovall

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." Anonymous (Whoever said this needs to let people know. It's too good to be "Anonymous.")

Autumn Color Tour

I found this idea on a fellow blogger's website... and I liked it! I liked it a lot. So I borrowed it, and today I will share it with you.

"Tonight was the first evening of the annual Autumn Color Tour. This is where we all hop in the family mobile and drive around Utah County. Every Sunday evening, we will be in search of brilliant fall color. The journey will take us up the mountain ranges in many of the breathtaking Utah canyons. We open all the car windows, have beautiful (Sunday appropriate) music on (really loud). Then we all stick our heads out the window and take it all in. Welcome Autumn."

As you can imagine, this woman is my new best friend... although she has no idea!

Since Alabama falls can be very short-lived, this tradition may only last three or four weeks, but I'm already planning a family Autumn Color Tour to Cullman, Guntersville and/or Jacksonville. We're going on Sunday afternoons right after church, and I'm packing picnic-type snacks and drinks so we can stop and sit under a shady tree and take it all in!

And don't worry! We'll be back in time for Sunday night services!

Ahhh! I'm going to enjoy this new tradition, I think. (And this will be something Mikie and I can do together several years down the road... when we become... empty-nesters. There. I said it! It was quite painful, so I don't think I'll be saying it again anytime soon!)

Have a fantastic Wednesday. I love how four-day weeks just fly by, don't you? Thursday's date and blog linkage will be fabulous! You must come back and visit. You simply must!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

Well, the week-long narrative is finally over. Survivor - Easter Island will be finished today. The Gallery Pics are from the ill-fated Puzzle Challenge.

SURVIVOR - EASTER ISLAND - Our Explosion Challenge was a disaster. It was set up as a relay. Each team had a 35mm film canister (antique film canisters!), a diet soda and six Alka Seltzer tablets. The first team to have two successful "explosions" would win the Explosion Challenge.

Let the record show, Zac has performed this experiment in his science class at school SEVERAL times. Roxie has also performed this experiment in her science class at school SEVERAL times. However, let it be known the clear film canisters DO NOT WORK! The seal is too loose, and the diet soda just seeps out of the canister. You MUST use the black film canisters to get a good poppin' explosion. Also, let it be known this caused GREAT frustration on the part of both teams. (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, if you pour diet soda into a film canister, add an Alka Seltzer tablet, close the canister and run, the top will pop off. An explosion! Tiny, but an explosion just the same.)

We quickly switched to "go-with-the-flow" mode and went to our Puzzle Challenge. And a challenge it was. Beverly had painted TWO 24-piece puzzles one solid color. On one of the puzzles (in each set), she had painted the words "Survivor - Easter Island." With 24 extra puzzle pieces all the same color and size, it was a pretty time-consuming challenge... which was fine.

The problem occurred because Bev had painted one set of puzzles earlier in the week, and painted the other set the night before the challenge. The pieces of that puzzle were sticky, and when the team turned them over to begin working, some of the paint stayed on the table top making the message more difficult to connect. Guess who got the sticky puzzle?

That's right. The Martin clan was faced with a horrible obstacle the Faulkners didn't have to even consider.

Because of the fiasco which was the Explosion Challenge and the disaster which was the Puzzle Challenge, I don't feel Survivor ended in a fair way. I'm going to give the kids time to get over the disappointment, and on the 4th of July (which we celebrate at our house), I think we're going to have a "re-do" of those two challenges. I think I'll sleep better at night. And I think it may keep the Martin kids from suing their favorite Aunt Belinda.

That's all I really want... to keep the title "Favorite Aunt." And right now, I'm on shaky ground!

RANDOMNESS - I was thumbing through a magazine the other day, and I came across a full-page ad showing Glenn Close and her sister, nephew and nieces. I'd like to share a little of what the ad said.

"Glenn Close's sister, Jessie, and Jessie's son, Calen, have a disease. And even though their story is their own, it's far from unusual. The fact is, ONE IN SIX adults has a mental illness. The harder reality is that the ignorance that fuels the stigma associated with mental illness can often be the most painful part of managing the disease.

"Glenn and her family chose to be national voices for the first campaign dedicated to fighting the stigma that accompanies mental illness. Because having a disease is difficult enough. Being blamed, or ostracized for having it, well that's just crazy."

Can I just say, "I LOVE THIS FULL-PAGE AD WHICH IS BEING SHOWN IN NATIONAL MAGAZINES!" It goes on to show a picture of Jessie's children... all wearing t-shirts. Jessie and her son's t-shirts have the word "schizophrenia" on the front. Glenn Close and Calen's siblings are wearing t-shirts which have the word "sister" on the front.

I made some of the words BOLD in the ad... the ones which meant the most to me. I know nothing about schizophrenia, and I will not pretend I do. However, the fact the ad talks about mental illness in general is very touching.

I just thought it was a brave, wonderful thing for Ms. Close and her family to do... and I, for one, appreciate it very, very much.

Weekend Happenings

Our weekend plans are varied, but exciting. I'm taking Roxie and a friend to see The Last Song (as a birthday gift for the friend), so I imagine I'll be depressed by the end of Friday evening.

Austin will be taking Melia to her Senior Prom, but before they leave we get to have a photo shoot which is always fun. I'm pretty sure one of those pics will make my Project 365 blog, so check it out later tonight.

Josh and Mike are contemplating Clash of the Titans. (I love it when Liam Neeson yells, "Release the Kraken!" in the previews... and I'm glad there are no such things as Krakens.) I've taken to randomly yelling this phrase myself... in the house, in the carpool line, in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. I'm not sure why. It just makes me smile.

Saturday is our "off/recovery" day from the Friday night before. Yard work will be performed and laundry will be washed, but overall I think it will be a good day.

Sunday Mike and the boys will be attending the Indy Grand Prix in Birmingham, and they are excited! Roxie and I are excited, too. After church and lunch with Grandmother and MamMa, we're going to shop till we drop, or until it's time to get back for church... whichever comes first.

I'm hopeful the Gallery will be FULL of prom photos AND pictures of celebrities from the Grand Prix (Taylor Hicks, Randy Owen, Charles Barkley, Danica Patrick, Ashley Judd... there's a chance she'll be there because her husband races these cars). Of course, since I will not be there pursuing autographs and photographs of these famous individuals, I have to bribe the guys to take the pictures for me... which means money... or pound cake. (Personally, I'm hoping I can get what I want with a cream cheese pound cake.)

Have a lovely spring weekend. Reach out to someone who may need a few minutes to talk. Don't ever think of it as a waste of time. It will always be time well spent. Next week, we'll continue the Spring Theme on A Simple Life.

REMEMBER... keep those questions coming. Semi-honest answers will be forthcoming May 3 to any and all inquiries you might have. ALSO, REMEMBER... I'll be giving the details for the fourth Mystery Bag Party Contest Monday, April 12. The drawing will be held May 12, the day of my 400th post. Feel free to enter your name at any time via Comment Section, e-mail or Facebook. (I have already had several entries.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Winter Boredom Busters

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pic needs a little explaining. During my periodontist visit yesterday morning, I was told I wasn't going to be dismissed for two more weeks. TWO MORE WEEKS before I can go to Stage Three. The little tool shown above looks very "dental" until you add the necessary element... a broken toothpick. That's right. A broken toothpick. And get this... They want you to put the broken toothpick in your mouth and move it back and forth around the crown and surgical area. And you hope your husband or your 16 year-old son do not decide to sneak up behind you and say, Boo!" because it would all be over then! It's very high-tech, isn't it? Two more weeks.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - PANIC ATTACKS - It's "doctor week" around here... for me. Today I go in for bi-yearly stress test because I have a tiny tear in one of my valves I've probably had since birth. You may think this would cause me great stress and worry, but to the contrary. When you suffer from panic attacks which copy heart attack symptoms, you actually look forward to stress tests. I know. It's nuts, but so are panic attacks.

Even though I've decided to write a little about these attacks today in my quest to de-mystify all things labeled "mental illness" or "mental disorder," panic attacks are different. The more you think, talk or write about these attacks, the worse they become. It opens a door most people would like to keep closed.

"Why open the door if it is going to make everything worse?" you ask. Good question. My particular door was open anyway because of the test, so it was a good time to talk about the attacks which have been very prevalent the last two or so weeks.

Again, I want to mention this particular illness in case someone else may be having these attacks, and may be embarrassed or ashamed. And I want people to know there isn't anything to be ashamed of because it isn't anything your body or mind can control. As I've said before about Josh's OCD, it's a chronic illness like any other (asthma, diabetes, etc.) which needs treatment and sometimes medication. I doubt people who have never experienced a panic attack (which can have many different symptoms) can truly understand, but they most certainly can be compassionate, listen if you need to talk, read information about the attacks, etc. Not talking about it and/or pretending it's not a big deal is not helpful AT ALL.

In my particular case, attending my kids' sporting events has an added bonus. There will always be a defibrillator, medical personnel and an ambulance located at the end of the football field. It's the next best thing to being in an Emergency Room.

Also, over a year ago when my grandmother had knee surgery, I was more than willing to take a night shift to sit with her. She had a rough night, and apologized the next morning. It was an unnecessary apology. Having nurses come in every half hour or so to check on her (us), doctors down the hall, monitors in the very room I was staying in... I was very content.

Unlike what many people may think, panic attacks do not always occur in high stress situations. In most cases, they begin during your most relaxed time of the day. It totally catches you off guard. They also occur in locations where you may be your most comfortable such as church, Wal-Mart, home, etc. There is not a lot of rhyme or reason when it comes to panic attacks.

I know I've mentioned it in an earlier post, but I think about it quite often. Several years ago, I overheard a woman who was experiencing extreme grief and depression ask another woman, "Is it okay for a Christian to be depressed?" I'll never forget the woman's answer.

"It's okay to be depressed. It is not okay to STAY depressed. You need to keep praying." Her answer was not unkind. It was just very uninformed.

This woman would not have answered the question in the same way if it had been about diabetes. "It's okay to have diabetes. It's just not okay to have diabetes over a long period of time. You need to keep praying."

I agree we need to pray for healing. I do. But if God decides to answer the request with a "no" or "not now," it is my responsibility to prayerfully seek good doctors, prayerfully consider medications and prayerfully take care of my illness and body.

I am much better than I was December 16, 2006 when I had my first attack. I am much better than I was the year 2007 when I had four tests, each one more extensive than the last, and four Emergency Room visits. But it isn't over yet.

My attacks are accompanied with chest pains, racing heart, sweat, nausea, numbness, extreme weakness and a higher blood pressure reading. If you have panic attacks, your symptoms may be totally different. It is a very personalized illness.

And my panic attacks were triggered by Josh's illness. I suffered my first attack almost a year to the day of his total breakdown with OCD. That also made no sense to me. We had learned so much. We were getting the help he needed. He was starting to show some small improvements. In other words, we were moving forward. According to my doctors, this is not uncommon. Moms do what they have to do when they have a sick child as long as they have to do it. When things started settling into a routine, my panic attacks began.

The ONLY reason I share this with anyone reading today is to try to diminish the stigma. Believe it or not, I used to be a pretty private person. But it's time to talk. It's time to admit we do not have perfect lives, perfect families or perfect bodies.

But we are supposed to encourage each other, pray for each other, lift each other up, and NOT avoid the ugly or uncomfortable or sad situations other people face every day. Because believe it or not, if you live long enough, you will find yourself in an ugly or uncomfortable or sad situation... and you will want someone to reach out to you.

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Psalm 10:17. On the sidebar of my Bible next to this verse, it says the following:

"Jesus paints a vivid portrait of how much the poor, needy, afflicted and oppressed are valued by a compassionate God... and how his children are to represent Him on earth in the way they support and defend victimized and lonely people. Unfortunately, we do not always come through for those in need. Our Father has a very tender heart toward those who suffer and cry out to Him." In striving to be more Christ-like, shouldn't we do the same?

Be the person who reaches out to someone in need today. Yes, it takes time. Yes, there is a good chance it will be unpleasant. Yes, it may make you sad for a time. Sorry. We were never promised a perfect, painless life.

Let's make that call or visit TODAY!

Wednesday Wisdom - I have two today. Both of them refer to winter, but one is serious and sweet and the other a little humorous.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." Edith Sitwell.

"Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat." Author Unknown.

Winter Boredom Busters

I looked around for some new winter ideas for moms with small kids, and I found a couple of good websites from moms in the know. These ideas are from a website called www.bostonmamas.com.

Play Flour. Sprinkle flour onto a cookie sheet (or use a rimmed baking sheet or large plastic tray to cut down on mess) and let your kids draw or race match box cars in it. When the kids are done, sweep up the flour and put it in a sealable container labeled “Play Flour.” Reuse as necessary. The possibilities are endless and different textured materials (such as cornmeal, oats, etc.) will offer fun fodder for sensory exploration. (I love the term "fun fodder," don't you?)

Wash the Dishes. If you don’t own a dishwasher, your kids may not find this as exciting as mine do. Fill the sink with water and bubbles, give them a washcloth and some plastic stuff to wash, and let them go to town. Give your kids straws to make bubbles with water and dish soap. Remind them not to drink from the sink! (Austin used to wash Josh's bottles for me huge amounts of time. He loved it. When he tired of dishes, we would let the soapy water out, refill the sinks with clean, warm water and a little blue food coloring to make lakes and oceans. He would play with his animals and dinosaurs until his hands were pruny!)

Simulate Summer. Have your kids hop in the bath and break out the summer pool toys. Let them wear a bathing suit to simulate summer (or you could multi-task and give them a bath while they play with beach toys).

Make Indoor Snow People. Buy marshmallows, cake decorating gel tubes, and other little candies. Have your kids use toothpicks to assemble snow people, then decorate using the gel. You can also use the gel to stick on sprinkles or other nonpareils. Toothpicks make good arms and rope licorice makes a great scarf. Display for the day, and eat for dessert later. Or, don’t tell your kids they’re for eating at all, and display until stale.

Make Pomanders. Take Mandarin or Clementine oranges that are getting slightly hard, and stud with whole cloves. Use a toothpick or fork to make starter holes, otherwise the cloves will be hard for little fingers to push. Make patterns, or just randomly insert cloves all over the orange. Display a whole bowl as a centerpiece or place a few here and there to fill your house with a lovely scent.

Of course, I had to go to a Disney website for just one idea.

Make It a Family Night. Turn family night into a movie-themed event night! Depending on the theme you pick (Animal Night, Diva Night, Magic Night, Pirate Night, Princess Night, Super-Hero Night), choose a movie and dinner and/or snacks which go with the theme.

Animal Night - Planet Earth OR Fox and the Hound. Add animal crackers to munch on with popcorn.

Pirate Night - Pirates of the Caribbean OR VeggieTales - Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. For dinner, add jerky to the menu.

The ideas are limitless... and fun!

I'll have another blog listed tomorrow under Blog Linkage with even more Boredom Busters, so check back for easy, fun ideas.

Have a fun Wednesday. I'm pretty sure my Wednesday will improve as the day progresses. (How's that for a "glass half-full" attitude?) Tomorrow I will have two or three things for you to read under Blog Linkage, and I'll tell you about a fun date Mikie and I had Sunday afternoon (in GREAT length and detail). I bet you can't wait, can you?

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm sorry I'm late this morning. We didn't go to bed until after midnight... much like your family, I imagine.

You may have noticed the Showcase Pic is a little different today. It is a photo of our Special Guest, Robin Oakley, and her family of handsome men. The first part of her interview will begin today, and will end next Tuesday.

In the Gallery today I have added a couple of shots from our New Year's Eve celebration. Our family has been bringing in the new year with one of Mikie's oldest friends, Kerry and family, for many, many years now. Well, actually we don't bring the new year in... all the way. Kerry's chicks are quite a bit younger than our brood (7 and 8 years-old), so around 10:00 we call it a night. I wrote in Project 365 last night by the time the little ones are old enough to stay up all night, the adults will be the ones having to call it quits around 10:00... or earlier!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - YEAR IN REVIEW

I guess if I wanted to give 2009 a name, it would have to be "A Year of Growth(s)." Allow me to explain.

Mikie - Mikie was our constant this year... as he has been in years past. Although he had an extremely busy year at work, he made every football and/or volleyball game, (these two sports tend to coincide), every JSU home game (as well as three out-of-town games), every basketball game (except the one which coincided with the Football Banquet), the Volleyball Banquet, etc., etc. He continued to teach faithfulness at church by example to our three kiddos. Although we ate later at night at times to accommodate his work schedule, if I "declared" it was a family meal night, he was there. And that, in a phrase, is just one of the reasons I love this guy... "He's always there for us."

The Enchanting Belinda - If Mikie was our constant, this year I have been our family's "change." My head spins with the almost daily changes 2009 had for our family. As for my own personal change, I began to purposefully reach out to other women... to build new relationships and to care for the old ones. At 48 years of age, I made not one, not two, but several new friendships. And I was able to see the value and uniqueness in each new relationship. I stepped out of the small box I had been hiding in the past few years, and was pleased I was accepted by several new and wonderful women.

I continue to love blogging. As each day passes, it is still such a release for me, and I have even made some of my new relationships through the blog. I still love scrapbooking. I still love my kids... even though they continue to grow up, and that was just NOT part of the deal.

Health-wise I still have Diabetes 2, but I do not have to take medication. I still have arthritis, but it has not spread this year. I have grown a second tongue, but I'm learning to live with it (thus, the name of this section... A Year of Growths). I have had a dental "episode" I hope never repeats itself, but I'm told it will happen again and again because I'm getting older, you know. I'm still having panic attacks, but I didn't have to go to the Emergency Room in 2009. Gravity is still marching onward and downward, but that's part of life. and I have discovered dwelling too much on "what once was" is a huge waste of my time.

And when asked what my best feature is, I still humbly reply, "My low blood pressure." (And depending on who asks the question, they are sometimes very, very impressed!)

Austin - The Boy moved to Jacksonville to attend college, and I was terrified. Terrified of all the horrible things which were coming to pass in our little family unit. He stepped out of the big gold van August 7, 2009 not knowing a soul. He saw many, many things in person he had only heard about at home. Mike and I decided on a "transition" approach to college, and his first semester we have been very active in his life... and he has continued to be very active in ours. Does that mean we took care of him every minute of every day? Nope. He did his laundry when he stayed on campus over the weekend. He took care of his finances, school work, packing for all of his road trips, and building new relationships.

We did urge him to join the BCM, and we continued to be his accountability partners when it came to Bible Study and protecting his testimony.

He came home with a big smile on his face every weekend (except the two when he was out of town), and he left every Monday morning at 6:45 a.m. with the same big smile as he happily drove back to JSU.

He received the Rookie of the Year Award (for his section) and Most Outstanding Member Award (for his section) at the Band Banquet. He became a Sports Writer for the school newspaper and wrote one or two articles most weeks. He has grown leaps and bounds in 2009. I cannot even begin to imagine what 2010 will be for The Boy.

He is 18 years-old. I will not say he is the "stereotypical" college student, because there is nothing "stereotypical" about The Boy!

Joshua - Josh's resolve to conquer his illness has never been stronger. Things he was unable to do in May of 2009 because of OCD were "knocked to the curb" in August of 2009. He had 12-hour days (or more) when school began and football season was going on, but we saw some sort of progress almost every day. He continues to amaze us, and we give God the glory for allowing Josh's Journey to be one of hope to other adults and children suffering with OCD or any other type of illness that has to do with the mind AND body. We continue to pray for people who do not "get" that OCD and other similar conditions are no different from asthma, diabetes, or any other chronic illness... and with Josh's continued permission, we will share his story as long as people will listen.

He played JV football and he was called in almost every game. He is driving now, and in the process of looking for a part-time job. He is funny, aggravating, exasperating and incredibly sweet. He is a 16 year-old. I will not say "typical," because there is nothing "typical" about Josh.

Roxie - Roxie's 2009 has been amazing. She has had to make some hard decisions for a young teenager, but once the decisions were made, she looked forward and has worked hard. She made the school volleyball and basketball teams this year, and life has been incredibly busy.

She has made new friends, works hard to maintain her old friendships, loves clothes, make-up, shoes and purses... AND SHOPPING!

Austin moving to college was difficult for her, but we both just needed to make sure he could survive without us... and when we saw he could, we relaxed (just a little).

She's not the same Roxie from January 2009. She's growing, too, and she's growing fast (and I don't mean height). I know 2010 is going to be a year of trying to "keep up" (for me, not Roxie), and I'm looking forward to seeing what Miss Roxie will surprise us with in the days, weeks and months to come.

She is a 13 year-old. I will not say "average" teenage girl, because there is nothing "average" about Miss Roxie.

A perfect year? Oh, please! Give me a break!

But it was another year spent as the Faulkner Five, and for that I will always be grateful.

Special Guest - Robin Oakley - Robin and I have known each other for about 15 years, I think. She is one of the first people I met when we moved to this little town. She is funny and compassionate. She is a teacher extraodinaire. Oh, and she looks REALLY, REALLY good to be the mom of THREE teenage sons. You're holding up extremely well under the strain, Robin! You're one of the moms I watch to "see how it's done." And now, we'll get to know Robin a little better...

1. If your life was made into a movie, would it be considered (mainly) a comedy, drama, action/adventure or a romantic chick flick?

Romantic Comedy

2. What was your worst dating experience?

A blind date my sister fixed me up with because she wanted to go out with his brother. It was BAD! (You've got to love those sisters!)

3. How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the mix?

Two sisters. I am the middle child. (Couldn’t you tell?)

4. What is your courtship/engagement story?

Allen and I met at Samford University. We had Astronomy together. He was studying the stars, and I was studying the “heavenly bodies.” I like to say he got an “A” in the class, but I got what I wanted in the class. (Did I mention Robin is VERY honest?)

5. Use 5 adjectives to describe you (good or bad)?

Loyal, Loud, Fun, Capable, and (I have to use this one) Enchanting. (Hmmm. I thought I was the only enchanting... Hmmm.)

6. In as few words as possible, what is the most important lesson you want your children to know before leaving your home?

I want my children to know they are loved. Loved by their Dad and me, but most importantly by our Heavenly Father. And because of that love, we only want the best for them, so listen to us! Most importantly, listen to God, because He not only wants the best for them, but He KNOWS what is best for them.

7. Dog lover or cat lover?

Neither

8. If you could be any age (prior or later than now), what age would you pick?

Ninety years-old because then I can say what I want to and nobody would care. “Oh, don’t mind her, she is 90 you know.”

9. What is your favorite old hymn?

Too many to name.

10. What is your family's favorite meal you prepare?

The next one. (I loved this answer!)

Tune in Monday for MORE Robin!

Weekend Happenings

Short and sweet... time spent with friends and family, The Hope Quartet Concert Saturday night and getting ready for school next week. Christmas Vacation is almost over. (Heavy, heavy sigh!)

Have a great weekend. I'll be back Monday with tons of winter traditions, parties, dates, recipes and so much more.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Find a Family in Need

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pic is just ONE more JSU photo of Roxie giving the baritone a try. There is obviously a big difference between the baritone and the sax and the amount of air you have to use.

Also, do you know how it feels when you have a lot of stuff to do, and then something happens that creates more work... even though you already have a lot of stuff to do? Well, that's kind of what the second picture in the Gallery depicts. I washed Mikie's feather pillow today, and after a few seconds in the dryer it kind of exploded. I know, I know. It could have been worse. At least it was in a contained area. Right? But it's still not something "on the list," if you get my drift. (That, and it looks like I threw two white chickens in my dryer... which I did NOT.)

Austin made it home for a very long weekend, AND in time for dinner and a movie. We had a fun time, and it was a good start to our five days together. I almost feel as though I need to post Weekend Happenings today, but I'll be posting Thursday morning and late Friday afternoon (after we get back from our Galleria/Wynfrey/Black Friday experience), so it isn't time for that yet. The holidays leave me feeling like I'm never really sure what day it is. (And I'm not.)

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! The Contest winners celebrating my 300th post of A Simple Life will be awarded their very own Mystery Bag Party. That's right! We had such a good time in October, I have decided to have another Mystery Bag Party in January... and the six women who will accompany me on this "journey" will be selected from the women who enter the contest.

Just leave your name under my Comment Section, on Facebook or my e-mail with the word "CONTEST" beside it, and I will put your name in the bowl. I will draw SIX NAMES December 18... the day of my 300th post. You have about three weeks to enter. It will be a very fun party! I've also changed things a little from the first party, so it will be an unique event. I'll be reminding you once a week or so until December 18, so go ahead and get your name in today! A good time will be had by all who win!

Special Guest Hints

3. She has said she will NEVER eat a rutabaga... EVER!

4. She is great with teenagers. I wasn't around her very much when her kids were small, but if I had to guess, I would say she is definitely very comfortable with this age and all it entails. (Code for TEENAGERS DO NOT INTIMIDATE HER IN THE LEAST!)

5. She has a very unique and contagious laugh. (And if she is reading this, that is meant as a compliment.)

Topic of the Week - Thanksgiving

I'm a believer in lists. I think they give your day purpose, and thus, help you live your life in a purposeful way. The following is the list of some of the things I am thankful for which have come about because of Josh's illness. It was not always an easy list to make, but it gave "purpose" to his illness, and that was important to me.

Because of Josh's illness:

1. I learned to listen to God's still, small voice. When Jenny Bowen's name kept coming up in my mind, and I kept dismissing it, I now know God was directing my path to Jenny... who would direct me to Laura Hancock... who would then direct me to the Christian psychiatrist and his wife who would finally listen, diagnose and put us on the path to finding a way to help Joshua. I am thankful I am finally learning to listen to God.

2. I learned to think before I speak. And when I did speak, I learned not to say too much. "Little is more" when talking about illnesses people are unable to understand. I am thankful I finally learned how to summarize Josh's illness in a brief, understandable way to anyone interested enough to ask.

3. I learned not to depend on my church, friends or family when I was at my absolute lowest. Very few of them were there. I learned to depend on God, and He was always there. I'm thankful for His presence in my life every day... not just during the good times.

4. I learned there was a very good reason I was married to Mike Faulkner, and my children were Austin, Joshua and Roxie Faulkner. When our family could easily have been broken beyond repair, we huddled together and became one very strong family unit. I am thankful I married the person God chose for me, and not the wrong person. I am thankful for the three children God blessed our family with... not by accident, but by God's perfect plan.

5. I learned to put everyday things in perspective. Many things in my life which at one time seemed all important now seem silly in comparison with my child's health and well-being. I am thankful I am not sweating the "little things" quite as much. (I have to admit... I have to work on this daily. It's kind of who I was before Josh's Journey began... a "sweater." But I am getting better. I promise.)

6. I'm learning to have more compassion and empathy for others and their hardships and their struggles. I'm thankful Josh's illness has opened my eyes more to the suffering of others. (I'm still working on this one, too.)

7. But I think more than any of the above, I have learned that everyone has a special "story" which is uniquely their own. I believe we can learn a lot from each other through these stories. And I am thankful God has opened my mind and heart to new people who are willing to share their stories with me, AND listen to mine.

Tomorrow I will end the Topic of the Week on an upbeat note. No "downers" before the holidays. That's my new motto! It's not snappy enough for a tattoo, but it's good advice just the same.

Wednesday Wisdom - Today's quotes are about Family. Most of us will be spending time with family this coming holiday season, and these are two simple quotes I enjoyed very much.

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts." Author Unknown.

"The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together." Erma Bombeck. (I miss Erma, don't you?)

Find a Family in Need

This is a time when many families reach out to help those in need. Although as Christians we should be doing this EVERY day of the year, we are made more aware of the needs of those around us during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

If you don't know of a needy family, find one. Call the Salvation Army or a local church and ask them how to get in touch with a needy family. Sometimes the counselor or principal from a school will know of a specific situation which could be handled anonymously through the school. Once you have the information, decide ways you can help make a special memory for that family for the holiday season.

Whether it is (1) supplying food for a meal; (2) buying specific gifts for children in the family for Christmas; (3) giving the family gift cards to Wal-Mart or Cracker Barrel or a local grocery store; (4) buying a small Christmas tree and a box of inexpensive decorations; (5) offering to pay a utility bill; or (6) even something more "creative" or "inventive," open yourself (and your family) up to the possibilities of giving more than receiving this holiday season.

As always, make sure the kids are involved... watching and learning by the example their parents set for them and by actually helping themselves will help the "lesson" stick!

Have a lovely Wednesday before Thanksgiving! There's going to be a lot of cooking going on today, isn't there? We'll be heading to Mike's hometown for part of the day Thursday, but bright and early tomorrow morning you will find Blog Linkage and a holiday date... So even though it's an Official National Holiday, and you have a million family members in your living room, take a moment or two to visit A Simple Life. You'll be glad you did! (Oh, and don't forget I'll be giving you a couple more hints regarding our Special Guest for next Tuesday.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Cheesy Chicken Simmer

Good Tuesday morning!

I have two more Thanksgiving #1 pics in the Gallery today, along with two JSU pics from Saturday. I'm having to spread them out because Austin took my camera to JSU for the Band Banquet last night, and I knew I wouldn't be able to add anything new and exciting to the Gallery... not that anything new and exciting happened yesterday. In fact, I had to take Belinda's Project 365 picture for yesterday at 6:00 a.m. while Roxie was still sleeping (and before Austin left for school). The Boy is getting his new camera this weekend, or else!

We're looking forward to going to the movies tonight with the whole gang. Austin is coming in this afternoon, and as soon as Mikie is finished at work, we're sharing a huge tub of popcorn and drinking $4 sodas. Ah! You can't put a price on family time... but if you did it would come out to about $100 just to go to a movie! But I digress. We're looking forward to a fun evening.

Special Guest Hints

Today through next Monday I'll be giving you one or two hints about our December Special Guest. There will be no prize, but if you want to venture a guess, feel free!

1. She is the wife of one, and mother of two. Both of the "two" are teenagers.

2. The longer I've known her, the more I've realized she is related to everyone in our fair city. (Code for DON'T SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT ANYONE IN FRONT OF HER... SHE'S PROBABLY THEIR COUSIN!)

Guesses anyone? I'll have some more tomorrow, and we'll start to narrow this down a little.

Austin Update - Austin attended his first JSU Band Banquet tonight. No parents attended. In fact, food didn't make an appearance either. When he called tonight to tell us about his evening, he said he was on his way to eat with three buddies. "Why didn't you eat at the banquet?" I asked.

"Well, it wasn't so much banquet-type food as bowls of assorted hard candy on each table."

College is just so different, isn't it?

But he did have good news. He was awarded Outstanding Member of his section AND Rookie of the Year for his section. He tried out for Section Leader, but that honor went to a Sophomore and Junior.

I know what you're thinking. It doesn't make sense, does it? I mean, what were the "powers that be" thinking giving Section Leader to two other students. The very idea. It's a good thing I wasn't at the banquet... chewing on hard candy... hungry and mean. I might have made a scene.

If I was 13 years-old and texting right now, I would be typing LOL and JK like crazy. So please know I am most certainly joking about the above.

We're thrilled for Austin, excited about his next year with the Southerners, and happy for the two boys who are now Section Leaders for the baritones. It has been a good season.

And tomorrow he comes home for five days in a row. Life is good.

Topic of the Week - Thanksgiving

The Topic of the Week is kind of no-brainer I guess, but I wanted to talk about something that came to my attention a little over a month ago. It bothered me greatly then, and it's not much better now. Perhaps you can relate... or maybe I'm the only person in the entire universe who has ever felt this way.

During the time Josh became ill, I honestly didn't ask the question, "Why us? Why our family?" I really didn't. I didn't expect to go my entire life without hardships or grief or sadness. Mike and I had even talked about how we had never experienced a tragedy or illness or traveled through a valley during our Christian walk. We were both 42 when tragedy struck our family, 44 when Josh became ill and 45 when I began having ongoing panic attacks. As I said, I didn't question WHY it was happening to us, but I did feel totally unprepared to deal with any of the things which were occurring.

Last December was the first time in three years I could look back and see God's very physical presence during our time in the valley. And since last December, I have seen more and more of the positives that have come about since December 5, 2005.

And I am thankful for so many things... some of which I will talk about tomorrow. But what bothers me today is not knowing if I would have been grateful and thankful for God's presence in my life if Josh had not improved over the last four years. Would I be able to see some good in every day if Josh had stayed exactly the same? Would I be willing to reach out to others and try to help them if Josh had gotten worse and worse? Would I have become more bitter and unhappy and joyless as time went on?

I don't know. I truly don't know. So many people have been through so much more than our family has experienced. At 48, I know Mike and I have many more difficult times ahead. My hope and prayer is the next valley I walk through I will do a much better job.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

I know I've quoted that verse before, but I know the next hardship I come across in my life I need to not only have this verse in my "head," but in my "heart" as well.

And I pray that for you, too.

Cheesy Chicken Simmer

I asked Amy Patillo, a Sunday School and Facebook friend, to share a recipe with us today. I could tell from Amy's posts on Facebook she is a cook, and I had a feeling she would have something good to contribute. She describes this particular dish as "easy and fairly healthy." Two very good adjectives for a family meal!

You will need:

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (or tenders)
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 to 3 cups broccoli florets
1 can cream of chicken soup (10 3/4 ounce)
8 ounces Velveeta
2 cups cooked Minute Rice

1. Heat oil in large skillet on medium and add chicken. Cook 4 minutes on each side.

2. Add broccoli. Stir.

3. Cut Velveeta into small slices and place over mixture.

4. Pour chicken soup over mixture and stir together until mixed well and melted.

5. Simmer on low 5 more minutes after melted well and serve over rice.

She's right. "Easy" and "healthy." And a whole meal cooked together! What more could you ask? Thanks, Amy. I may call on you again in the near future.

Have a fun and safe Tuesday. I am loving sleeping late! It will be hard to go back to school next week. As usual, tomorrow we'll have Wednesday Wisdom, a Seasonal Tradition, a few more hints about our Special Guest and a little more "thankfulness" to share for the Topic of the Week. Stop by if you get a minute.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Cullman County Fair and Fall Colorfest

Good Wednesday morning!

REMINDERS!

1. Belinda's Project 365 is still going strong. I haven't missed a day in 42 days. I'm smokin'.

2. Click on "Contest Rules" on my sidebar for info about the one-year anniversary of A Simple Life. My friend, RO, came up with a name for the contest... "What Not to Blog... A Blog Makeover" Contest. I like it, don't you? After you read the rules, enter the contest!

3. I've added two more Gallery Pics of Josh as a babe.

4. If you want to try a new chocolate cake recipe (that looks WONDERFUL), click on Big Mama under My Blog List and check it out. I love cakes that start with a cake mix. I'll be trying this one next week since we still have Butterscotch Bread Pudding in the fridge, but I wanted you to know about it in case you're supposed to make a chocolate cake from scratch sometime this weekend!

Wednesday Wisdom - Today's quotation is short, but accurate. "Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.” William Cullen Bryant. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Actually, I rarely say anything quote-worthy. I admire people who say things which will be repeated for generations to come. When I say, "I like autumn because there's a lot of pretty leaves, and I love pumpkins," I pretty much know 100 years from now that's not going to be on a calendar somewhere. I'm just thankful there are people who can eloquently express what I'm feeling.

Josh's Birth Day Story - Part Three

Bringing Joshua home from the hospital was much less traumatic than Austin's trip home. For one thing, we only had to drive to Gardendale rather than Cullman. For another, we were experienced parents now, having successfully raised an almost three year-old little boy. We knew what we were doing!

The addition of Joshua to our family went pretty smoothly. Austin was attentive and protective, and Joshua thought Austin was the most entertaining person around.

Until Roxie arrived, the first three years of Josh's life consisted of liking and doing anything and everything his older brother liked and did. "What's your favorite color, Josh?"

"Orange," he would reply... Austin's favorite color.

"What's your favorite food, Josh?"

"Pizza," he would reply... Austin's favorite food.

"What's your favorite animal, Josh?"

"Tiger," he would reply... Austin's favorite animal.

"This kid is never going to have a personality of his own," I complained to Mike one evening. "I don't know of one thing he likes that is different from Austin."

For some reason the closer it came for Roxie's arrival, Josh decided to become his own person. I watched him as he and Austin colored one day, both holding an orange crayon in their hands. Josh stopped coloring, and put the orange crayon down. He picked up a black one and slowly started coloring.

"What are you doing?" Austin asked, amazed.

"I like black," Josh replied without looking up. And as the week wore on, we discovered he liked macaroni and cheese better than pizza; and his favorite animal was a dinosaur and not a tiger; and his favorite superhero was Spiderman and not Batman. Once he got started, he definitely had a mind of his own. He still does.

I've never really thought of him as a "middle child." We've always told him how fortunate he is to be both a little brother AND a big brother. Roxie and Austin will never get to experience both. And he has the privilege of having a brother AND a sister. Roxie will never be able to say that!

There was a time I would have said, "Why Joshua? Why does Josh have to have this illness?" But because of his special placement in our family, right smack in the middle, it has become apparent after nearly four years that once again God knew exactly what he was doing.

When Josh first became sick, Austin was old enough (15) to physically help with Josh (sleeping in Josh's room at night from time to time, camping outside the bathroom for one or two hours at a time allowing me to get some much needed rest, playing with his friends who would come over but had to wait until Josh was able to come out of the bathroom... basically being a great big brother).

Roxie was young enough to understand her brother was sick (9), but still demand her time in the family and help us keep everything in perspective.

"That has nothing to do with OCD, Josh! You're just being a big old butt!" Music to my ears. Roxie helped keep everything "normal."

As I said last week, Austin was my total obsession and Roxie was my heart's desire. But Josh... Josh is my heart. He always has been. I understand him and he understands me. It doesn't mean I love him more because I don't. It's just part of God's wonderful plan. You may have one child or you may have 20 children... They all bring something different to the table.

And Josh brought a black crayon, a dinosaur and mac and cheese.

Cullman County Fair

I'm sorry about this one, guys. It slipped right past me. I remembered it being an October fair, but it is always held in September. Put this one down for next year (and I'll give you a bonus seasonal tradition today).

When we lived in Cullman, we went to the County Fair. It was similar to fairs held long ago. Yes, there were rides galore, food, entertainment, etc., but the exhibits were what made this fair special and a little old-fashioned (which is a good thing, I think).

Arts and crafts, quilts, produce, food and farm animals... a lot of farm animals. Every "thing" and every "animal" in competition for one thing, and one thing only... the blue ribbon. I was always mesmerized by the pigs and hogs. They were huge! And it always reminded me of Charlotte's Web. I was always secretly looking for a spider in the corner of the exhibit.

It has been many, many years since we attended, but it would make an excellent, fun fall tradition for you and your family. It is a fair in a very safe environment. For more information, you can check out their website at www.cullmancountyfair.org. (Run off the home page and keep it in front of your September calendar for 2010 so you won't miss this fun event next year.)

However, since we DID miss the fair, I'm going to offer the idea of attending a different fall festival each autumn season. This year's pick is...

Fall Colorfest

This fall festival is held the third weekend in October each year in Mentone, Alabama. It's hard to improve on Mother Nature's show this time of year, but Mentone folks give it a shot! Storytelling, sing-a-longs and dancing fill the crisp, cool air on Friday evening while children roast marshmallows around a huge bonfire. Saturday and Sunday are filled with live entertainment all day long, while local artists and craftsmen display their hand-crafted wares. The Saturday afternoon parade and activities on Little River add to the festive atmosphere. Their website is www.mentonealabama.org.

Pick an old-fashioned county fair or a fall festival at a different location each year to try. The main thing is to experience something you might have done as a child with your own kids. And, as always, to spend time, time, time enjoying everything Alabama has to offer during this wonderful time of year.

Have a great Wednesday! Don't forget to enter the contest. Don't forget tomorrow is our day for Weekend Family Fun and a date. Don't forget Survivor is on tomorrow night. Don't forget to make plans (in pen) this weekend with family and friends.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

I hope everyone had a nice Thursday. It's the weekend, folks. It came fast, didn't it? Thank goodness!

Weekend Happenings

Our weekend is going to be separate, but fun (I hope). Roxie and I will be going to her volleyball tournament Friday night AND Saturday. It should be/could be an all day event, so I'm packing my cushioned stadium seat and getting ready to sit on some bleachers! While we're at the tournament Friday night, Mikie and Josh will be at the GHS vs. Oak Mountain game which is away this week.

Saturday will revolve around Auburn football for Mike and Josh. Although they can't watch the game (we don't have the channel), I'm hoping the weather will be nice enough for an evening fishing trip and listening to the game on the radio. That sounds like a nice combo, doesn't it?

Sunday will find four out of five of the Faulkners at my Mom's church for a special Grandparents' Day Service, and dinner on the grounds. Sunday night we will begin our classes for the fall. Very busy weekend. Very little time to come together. I'll make the most of it, and enjoy moments, but I really like to have some time where we all spend some time together before the next week begins. Not going to happen this weekend! Time for The Enchanting Belinda to turn into The Flexible Belinda!

Austin Update

Austin will be traveling with the Southerners this weekend to Tallahassee, Florida for JSU's game. He's more than looking forward to the trip... especially since they get to stay overnight. I, on the other hand... not so much. But I think we're planning a Top of the River trip to Gadsden for Tuesday night (at least two of the Faulkners are going) to see The Boy and to take him sustenance (red devil's food cookies) and underwear!

He wrote his first sports' article for the JSU newspaper and it was published yesterday. He did a good job, and he'll be writing the article for this weekend's game as well. It may not stick, but as of this moment, Communications is a good fit in the major department.

He is enjoying the Baptist Campus Ministries, and attended Bible Study Tuesday night. His favorite part of campus life as far as I can tell are all the impromptu sports he gets to participate in. When he called last night at 11:00 p.m., he had just come back from playing racquetball with some of the BCM kids, and on the way back to the dorm, he was invited to play Ultimate Frisbee for a little while. He loves that part of living on campus.

This is the longest I've ever gone in my entire life as his mother without seeing The Boy. I'm not liking it very much. I will say that Roxie and Josh are doing their level best to keep me so entirely wrapped up in their lives and activities, they think I have no time to think about Austin... or my hair... or my second tongue... or my lack of hot flashes... or a 1,000,000 other things I would normally think about in day's time. But they're wrong. I do think about my second tongue... a lot! And I do think about my Austin... constantly.

He's still calling often, sometimes two or three times a day. He's not asking for money or advice. He's usually just telling us something exciting that happened during his day. So far, our favorite has been, "Did you know when you finish a test in college, you can just get up and walk out of class? If you finish in ten minutes, you can just leave? Did you know that?" Ahh. It's the little things in life that truly make us happy.

He's doing well.

I miss him.

RANDOMNESS - This was in the sidebar of my Bible during quiet time today. I liked it, so I assume anyone reading this will like it, too.

"All parents have visions of good things for their children. But few parents dream of the sacrifices that might be asked of their children. Most of us struggle to temper our dreams with the reality of who our children are and what God intends for them. We would choose all the good and none of the difficult. God has other plans."

Of course, I thought of Josh when I read that paragraph. I would NEVER have chosen for him to have an illness of any kind... EVER. My dreams for him never included the pain he's endured the past few years. But God has other plans. And sometimes, just sometimes, I can see a glimpse of the bigger picture. It might be something Josh says, or something I observe in him as he matures. Josh has made our very ordinary little family extraordinary in so many ways.

And who do I think I am to try to change God's perfect plan for my children? There was a time when I would have answered that question with hands on my hips wearing my spandex shirt with the giant "M" on it for "SUPER MOM" and declared, "I have the plans for my kids, and heartache, mental disorders, disappointments and other hardships are NOT in my plans."

I'm learning daily to die to my plans, and see what God has in store for The Faulkner Five. It's been a long journey. I like my plans. My plans are pretty good, if I do say so myself. But my plans are the plans of an earthly mother, not a heavenly, all-knowing Father.

It's hard, and if I was being totally honest, I would have to say I don't like it much right now. But the end result of the plan... Well, I must admit I'm excited to one day see the end result.

Book

The book for this week is a small devotional-type book called My Jesus Is... Everything by Anne Graham Lotz. It is written in such a way you could read two to four pages a day as a devotion, or sit down and read the entire book in about an hour. I'm going to give you a little sample.

"Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have Someone with these attributes in your life?

"Are you distressed today? Then you need the Comforter.

"Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor.

"Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you need the Helper.

"Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need the Advocate.

"Are you constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the Strengthener.

"Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you need the Standby. The Holy Spirit is everything that Jesus is!"

It's one of those little books that can really make you think if you get somewhere and read it quietly and thoughtfully. (And again, if you're like me, in short spurts!) Enjoy!

Have a glorious weekend. Whether you are with your family as a whole or in pieces (like us), enjoy the one your with! (I think that's a song, isn't it?) Come back next week when we'll be talking about mud wrestling every single day... NOT. But do come back... please!

Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday. I'll still be posting pictures on Belinda's Project 365 on Saturday and Sunday (NEISA) if you want to check on that little blog.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Sloppy Joes

Good Tuesday morning!

I have added a couple more pictures from the family luncheon from this past Sunday. I've also added a pic of Roxie and Mikie at her volleyball game last night. I don't think I need to say anything about the outcome.

NOTE TO LEANNA - You are right. Beverly doesn't look like me at all, but she looks exactly like my Dad. I, on the other hand, am the exact replica of my mother (19 years younger). Thank you for your kind words. They will be remembered when I have my next blog contest.

NOTE TO CAM - I miss you! If you get a chance this week, let me know how everyone is doing.

NOTE TO JOAN - Thanks for the warning! I'm sure AP is a great driver. I'll be keeping my eye on him as he travels life's highway... or at least Tarrant Road. Tell him congratulations, and to be careful out there. There's a lot of 48 year-old women on the road who probably shouldn't be driving with their significantly diminished mental capacity!

AUSTIN UPDATE - He's doing well. He comes home on weekends and since band camp and classes start a little later in the day, he gets to stay Sunday night and leave early Monday morning. We're loving that right now.

Classes start Wednesday which means band camp will officially be over and the band will only practice from 4:15 until 5:45 each afternoon (except for Thursdays which have a slightly longer practice). Which means he'll be coming home this Friday night for the first football game against Hoover. Which means... Well, I don't exactly know what it means except I'm really looking forward to Friday night now (and not because of the football game).

He's anxious to meet some kids at the Baptist Campus Ministries and in his classes. He still hasn't been homesick (which is good because I couldn't stand it if I thought he was miserable). It is still incredibly hard to watch him drive away every Monday morning knowing it will be several days before we see him again, but we're all learning to let go. (Code for MIKIE'S HAVING TO PRY MY COLD, BONY FINGERS FROM AROUND HIS ANKLES EACH AND EVERY MONDAY BEFORE HE CLIMBS INTO HIS TRUCK.)

Topic of the Week - 40 IS THE NEW 30... AND OTHER STUPID MYTHS

I'm going to skip my 42nd year for private reasons. (I bet you didn't think I was private about anything, did you?) It's too difficult to talk about, so we're simply going to skip number 42.

On that note, we will now enter my 43rd year of life. Josh's illness completely shut him down December 5 of my 43rd year on this earth. If I had any idea what was coming or how long our family would be totally incapacitated, I'm not sure what I would have done. One of the positives that has come from the illness is the ability to live one day at a time. It was definitely not something I had ever tried to do before.

I had always loved to plan, or rather imagine... parties, trips, weddings, grandchildren, our retirement, etc., etc. But when Josh became sick, all of that ended. I could plan or imagine all I wanted, but the reality was staring me right in the face. All we had was the moment we were living in. Nothing more. Nothing less. For over two years, looking ahead was too painful because we couldn't see enough improvement to imagine what our lives were going to be, much less if our lives would once again be good, or full, or joyful. Survival was our one and only goal.

We would wake up in the morning, put one foot in front of the other and march through the day until it was time to put our head on our pillows that night. And God gave us the grace to make it through each day one day at a time.

My 43rd year and my 44th years of life would have to be called "The Years of Surviving Joshua's Illness While Keeping Our Family Together." Not creative, but very, very accurate.

The up-side to these two years is I hardly noticed my osteoarthritis and perimenopausal symptoms at all. No time to dwell on ME, ME, ME. (But just so you know... still no hot flashes. Exactly how long can one person stay perimenopausal? Where are the hot flashes?)

I also noticed during this time gravity was starting to make an appearance in the body department... which is fine. This happens to everyone. Luckily for me, during this period of time I was (and continue to do so) sticking $10 every pay period into an envelope for an entire body lift for some time during my 50s. That's right, folks. And I'm not even going to pretend I didn't have work done when it happens. I'm going to be very loud and proud. (With my luck, I'll end up on a TV show about the worst plastic surgery mistakes in the history of the world... but as I said above, I now try to live day by day. I'm not going to worry about that one right this minute!)

For those of you who do not know Josh's story, you can click on my sidebar under Josh's Journey to read a tiny bit about the last four years. It was, and continues to be, the main reason I started the blog.

Wow! Today was pretty much a downer, wasn't it? Years 45 and 46 have some serious complications in them, also, but I think I can make them a bit more amusing. Let's just say, I'm on a first-name basis with ALL of the paramedics in Gardendale... and it isn't from calling them for CPR emergencies. You'll have to come back tomorrow to let me explain!

Sloppy Joes

Well, it is getting to be that time of the year again... fall. And in the fall, I love to eat chili and sloppy joes and beef stew, etc., etc. This recipe came from the August/September 2009 Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Magazine. (Why haven't you bought this magazine yet? I can't emphasize enough how good and pretty and useful each and every issue has been. What is the problem?)

Okay. Enough fussing. Here's a simple little recipe from her new issue.

You will need:

1 pound ground chuck
1 cup water
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, Bull's Eye or other favorite
2 tablespoons onion soup mix, Lipton
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
2 cups prepared coleslaw (optional)

1. In a large skillet, cook ground chuck over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Drain. Stir in 1 cup of water, tomato paste, barbecue sauce and soup mix until combined. Bring to a boil. reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened.

2. To serve, spoon ground chuck mixture evenly over bottom halves of buns. Top each with 1/2 cup of coleslaw. Cover with top halves of buns and serve immediately.

Nothing against Sandra. I think she is a genius, but I do not believe in putting coleslaw on sloppy joes. I know many of you probably do the same thing, but the combo doesn't make any sense to me at all. To me, it would be like putting a garden salad on top of your steak. Put it to the side, people! Put it to the side! That is just my opinion and that's why it is "optional."

However, I think a sesame seed bun makes everything taste better, don't you? Make these ahead of time, and come home and enjoy something homemade on a busy night when you ordinarily would have picked up fast food.

Have a terrific Tuesday. It's supposed to start heating up again in Alabama, but we certainly enjoyed the pre-fall-like weather while it was here. Check in tomorrow for another tradition for your family to try and the new section (Wednesday Wisdom). I'll also continue pontificating (good word... I hope it means what I think it means because this is supposed to be a G-rated blog) about the decade known as the 40s.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

Huntsville Day Trip

Good Wednesday morning!

If you get a chance today, click on "Nitty.Gritty" under my Blog List and read Jody's post about joy. It will make you think... and be thankful... and look for the joy in this day.

Yet another pic in the Gallery from the Virginia Beach trip for your perusal. It's still the talk of the household, but real life is starting to kick in, and the conversation around the dinner table is slowly, but surely, starting to include other things.

The topic for today continues. It is Josh's turn. The gift that keeps on giving! I've enjoyed thinking about the kids in terms of being a "gift." It brings gratitude and thankfulness to the forefront, and helps put the little things that can drive a Mom CRAZY in perspective.

Gift of Joshua

I've said before, Austin was (and is) my total obsession as my first child. Roxie was (and is) my heart's desire. But Joshua, my Josh, was (and is) my heart. I knew him in a way I didn't know Austin and Roxie... meaning I understood the workings of his little mind very early on. Don't misunderstand. I totally LOVE and ADORE all three of these kids. But Josh and I think alike... bless his heart.

Josh was born the "surprise" way, and weighed in at 9'12" in the wee hours of October 4, 1993. (Again, I will share his "birth" day story in October.) I had complications with each pregnancy, but even before he was born, Josh gave me my first migraine... not my last, but my very first. I also had gestational diabetes with Josh. (NOTE: When I asked the doctor if having gestational diabetes in pregnancy meant I would have diabetes later in life, he said it was a possibility, but it would be much later in life. Since when was 45 considered "later in life" I want to know? I was counting on at least being 80!)

Josh was good and sweet and loved his brother, who in turn, loved him back with a passion. I always say Josh didn't have a personality until he was almost three. He loved EVERYTHING Austin loved.

"What's your favorite color, Josh?"

"Orange," the reply... Austin's favorite color.

"What's your favorite toy, Josh?"

"Dinosaurs," the reply... Austin's favorite toy.

"What's your favorite animal, Josh?"

"Tiger," the reply... Austin's favorite animal.

"What's your favorite food, Josh?"

"Pizza," the reply... Austin's favorite food.

One day while we were coloring, I pulled out two orange crayons for the boys to color two tiger pictures. Josh sat very still, and then slowly pushed the color back to me. "I want black, please," he requested quietly.

"What do you mean you want black?" Austin asked, dumbstruck.

"Black is my favorite color today," he responded. And after that, Josh became his own little person.

Josh has never been the "middle" child. He has always been our second son... Austin's younger brother... Roxie's big brother. And he's very good at all three of these roles. Does he get on our nerves sometimes? Yep. Does he know what button to push on each of the remaining Faulkner Four? Yep. Does he know exactly when to stop pushing the button? Uh, no. He is a member of the male species, you know.

Although he has a fairly impatient personality, he also has an uncanny ability to quietly wait his turn. When we started dating the kids when they were very young, he would ask where Austin was going, look me in the eyes and ask when his turn would be, and he would wait until that time. However, if dinner was five minutes late, he would lay face down on the floor moaning until the food hit the table. (See... Just like his Mom. An enigma.)

I think part of what makes his illness so devastating to me is the memory of looking into his eyes and not being able to see "Josh" anywhere. The thought of having "lost" who Josh was for a time is still too overwhelming for me to think about... even now.

The Gift of Joshua is tenacious, stubborn and argumentative. The Gift of Joshua is also courage personified, unwilling to give up when others would have thrown in the towel years ago, fun-loving and desperately trying to be who he knows he still is... somewhere under the OCD.

If I had known 15 years ago what I know now, would I have so willingly accepted the Gift of Joshua? Oh, yes. Definitely, most assuredly, yes. Mike and I believe we were chosen by God especially to be Josh's parents, to help bear his burdens and hurts with him, and to walk beside him during this difficult part of his life's journey. We feel honored to have been given such a special gift those many years ago, and we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world... ever.

He's my heart, you know. I am honored to have been entrusted with him... OCD and all.

Huntsville Day Trip

Huntsville... It's not just for field trips anymore. After doing a little research, I found several things that sounded fun for a Day Trip to Huntsville.

1. U.S. Space and Rocket Center - Although this is a field trip for most schools, I've taken the kids on individual dates to the Rocket Center, and we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Along with the exhibits in the museum, they now have rides (G-Force, Space Shot, etc.) and an IMAX theater which shows footage of astronauts (my favorite!) aboard a space shuttle. It is open from 9:00 to 5:00 daily. It is a little pricey, so if you go, make sure your guys will enjoy themselves in this type of setting. (If you have a four year-old princess who doesn't like space, this is not a Huntsville attraction for you!) Adults - $24.95; children (6-12) - $19.95. (1-800-533-7281)

NOTE: We always like to buy space food in the gift shop for our souvenir. It's fun and different.

2. Sci-Quest - This is a hands-on science museum. The description says you can "take a ride in a tornado, experience an earthquake, or travel through the human body." The main attraction is a giant 3-D theater. You can use touch screen monitors and ask questions, learn facts, and take little quizzes. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00; Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00; and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00. Admission is a little less expensive than the Rocket Center. Adults - $9; children - $8. (256-837-0606)

3. North Alabama Railroad Museum - This sounds great. You can climb aboard a restored antique train and go on a ten-mile trip through the countryside. There is also a museum. They advise you to make reservations. Visiting the museum is free. Train Ride - Adult - $12; children (12 and under) - $8. (256-851-6276)

4. Harmony Safari Park - This is one of only 19 drive-through zoos in the country. (We've been to the one near Callaway Gardens two times and thoroughly loved it.) As you drive slowly through the two-mile strip, you will see zebra, a camel, a kangaroo, deer, ostriches, buffalo, etc. They also have a reptile collection (in enclosures, thank goodness). They are open from 10:00 to sunset daily. Adult - $6; children (under 2) - free. (877-726-4625)

5. Green Mountain Nature Trail - This park is FREE and open all year long. It has more than just walking paths. There are picnic tables scattered everywhere. You can fish in the lake. There is a covered bridge and you will be able to see turtles, woodpeckers, herons and the state's oldest and largest elm tree. There is a 2.25 mile walking trail. (256-883-9501)

6. Cathedral Caverns State Park - If you and your family are not afraid of very deep, dark places, this might be fun for you. The caverns have one of the largest entrances in the world, and it also has the world's largest stalagmite (named Goliath). They have cave tours from 9:00 to sunset. Adults - $10; children (6-12) - $5; children (5 and under) - FREE. (256-728-8193)

As always, pick and choose the activity or activities which would fit your family's likes and dislikes. Because of the cost of several of these excursions, a picnic at Green Mountain Nature Trail might fit the bill. If not, research restaurants in the area and try to go to a local (not a chain) restaurant for one of your meals that day.

And, as always when trying something new, be flexible! If Mom or Dad get uptight, everyone gets tight. (I speak from experience!)

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Josh and Roxie only have three more "official" days of school left, and boy are we counting them down! Tomorrow I have a nice little date for you and your teenager OR you and your spouse. You decide. Decide and then DO IT! (Sorry, I didn't mean to yell. But I'm going to check with each and every one of you next week to see if you are actually doing any of this stuff. Expect my call.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Argo Drive-In

Good Thursday morning!

I hope everyone is having a good week. I know my Josh is. I had a story I wanted to share today, but Tuesday Josh came in and told me something that had happened at school that made me think of something from my own past. Something I remembered that was so important then, and should be so important now.

When I was in high school, there was a boy in my class named Ken. He was tall, handsome, popular, athletic, a class leader, and he wore the most amazing flannel shirts! Ahh! How I loved flannel shirts. Everyone loved Ken, and he spoke to everybody. He was that kind of guy.

But Ken was even more special.

There was also a boy at our school (which was about the size of Gardendale High School now) who was not popular. In fact, he was pretty much ostracized. He was very overweight. He didn't have many, if any, friends. He didn't do anything wrong. He just didn't fit in... and no one let him fit in... until Ken.

Ken was our wrestling champ. He was amazing to watch and could pin anything that was moving. We had a very good wrestling team if I remember correctly. I vividly recall a day during our Senior year in the large foyer of the school. Classes had changed so it was packed with students hurrying from one hall to the other. I was on my way to class when I noticed Ken standing in the middle of the foyer. He dropped his books to the floor and put his hands on his hips. The crowd of students made a large circle around him. I don't think any of us knew exactly what was about to happen.

On the opposite side, standing on the edge of the circle, was the other boy... the total opposite of Ken. (We'll call him Bob for purpose of this story.) He dropped his books and stepped into the circle. The crowd of kids had now grown even larger, and all thoughts of getting to class on time had disappeared. What was going on? Ken had his "game face" on and crouched and started walking along the edge of the circle. Bob copied him and did the same. As a whole, the crowd was fairly quiet... a few of us were whispering wondering if there was going to be a fight and why? That was not like Ken, and it was not like Bob.

Then in a split second Ken rushed Bob going for his knees, and the wrestling began. It probably lasted all of one or two minutes, but it was a wonder to see. Ken made Bob work, but at the end of the "match," Ken had been pinned... by Bob. The crowd went wild. Bob's name was chanted. Ken stood up and held Bob's arm up as the winner of the match. I looked around and saw teachers watching, smiling, and clapping. And then as quickly and unexpectedly as it started, it was over. Everyone hurried to class. Ken and Bob slapped each other on the back. Things were back to "normal."

As long as I live, I'll never forget Bob's face. The sheer joy. It may have been the only time in his high school career he had ever been in the spotlight for a positive reason. I think that day changed things for Bob. I know he was still teased and mistreated by some students... but when Ken was around, they would bear hug, slap each other on the back and go their separate ways.

What did Ken lose by being kind to someone who had never experienced kindness in a school setting? Nothing. How long did it take Ken to reach out to someone everyone else had deemed unworthy of being treated kindly? Mere seconds. How HUGE was the difference it made in Bob's life? MONUMENTAL!

I never looked at Ken the same way again. I didn't care that he was handsome, athletic, and wore flannel shirts. I didn't care that he spoke to all the popular kids and the unpopular kids. Ken was so much more than any of those things. At a time in life when everyone was so worried about being "cool," Ken had looked around and saw someone who was floundering and needed some help... and he then did something about it! What an extraordinary young man.

One of Josh's obsessions, as I stated in Josh's Journey, is football. He eats, sleeps and really thinks of nothing else. And at Gardendale, there is a young man who is a very good football player that Josh admires very, very much. (Since I haven't asked his permission to be on the blog, I will simply call him BT in this story.) Our high school had Hero Day during Homecoming Week this past season, and everyone was supposed to dress up as their favorite super hero. Josh made a fake football jersey and with duct tape made BT's number on the front and back. BT noticed and smiled.

I've known BT since middle school. He played in the band with Austin before he started playing ball. He is popular, athletic, funny and a class leader. He could go his entire Senior year and not even look at an underclassman and no one would think anything about it... but yesterday Josh was walking down the hall and heard someone call out, "Hey, Faulkner!"

He quickly turned around and was shocked, surprised and thrilled to get a call-out and wave from BT. They didn't have a 30 minute talk. BT didn't commit to spend every day seeking Josh out and speaking to him. It was a very simple, simple thing.

What did BT lose by being kind to someone who has been treated unkindly by many because of an illness others do not understand? Nothing. How long did it take BT to reach out to someone who needed a kind word that day? Mere seconds. How HUGE was the difference in Josh's life Tuesday? MONUMENTAL. He got in the car NOT exhausted, defeated and world-weary. He was elated, laughing and happy.

As a mom, I don't care that BT is handsome, athletic and popular. I don't care that he speaks to popular kids AND unpopular kids. BT is so much more than that. What an extraordinary young man!

The Kens and BTs of this world will always get a lot of attention and glory... I just want to make sure they get it for the truly important things they accomplish. Believe me, before BT graduates and moves on, he will know what a blessing he was to a freshman named Faulkner one day in February.

I'll let him know the freshman's mom was appreciative, too!

Argo Drive-In

I'm sorry, but this date is only for the locals.

I highly recommend the Argo Drive-In for a one-on-one date OR a great family date. Unless they tell you otherwise on their phone message, all movies are $10 a carload, except for Sunday nights which are $5. You can call them any time after noon on Mondays and get the movie listing for the following weekend. Their number is 467-3434. You will get a recording with the time, movie and the days it will be showing.

Also, if you have never been before and you decide to make it a family date, they allow you to bring in coolers and any food you want. Once you pay for the movie, you do not have to get snacks and drinks from them. (However, they do have a good concession stand.)

When we go as a family, we take all of our camping chairs, turn the van backwards and put the radio on the station the movie will be playing on (they will tell you as you enter the gate). We take bags of snacks and a cooler of drinks, and we're set for the evening. We take blankets in the spring and fall, and bug spray in the summer.

If you go on the one-on-one date, the same applies except you can both sit in the front with comfortable seats and enjoy the climate control of your own car. (No bug spray or blankets necessary.)

This is a great outing. Very affordable, memorable and fun. We go several times a year. If I know we have a free weekend coming up, I make the call to see what's playing and we make our plans to attend!

NOTE: Next week I'll have a date that applies to everyone in the Continental United States.

Have a beautiful Thursday. (It's almost the weekend!) I'll be back tomorrow with a good book to curl up with. Also, I will be giving my review of all TV shows worth watching. You don't want to miss that, do you?

Take care and I'll talk to you tomorrow!

Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm glad this week is coming to a close. I'm ready for a weekend. And what a weekend it will be!

My nephew, Zac, turned 11 yesterday, so his Laser Tag party is Saturday afternoon. My oldest, Austin, will be 18 on Monday, so his birthday get-together will be Sunday afternoon. (Just so you know... the Party for Monday is the same one I'm giving Austin. It's great for boys or girls.) It will definitely be birthday/family time this weekend.

Roxie had the first game of her basketball tournament last night. They won 25-7 so they will play again next Tuesday night. It is single elimination, so there are two more games.

Now, for the really important "stuff." My summary of the reality TV shows (and 24 and LOST) for the week:

Amazing Race - Loved it! I immediately thought the flight attendants were going to be able to win the race hands-down because they have the travel thing down to a science. Not so! Also, if Mike Faulkner and I had walked up to the dam and one of us had to jump off the second-highest bungee jump in the world, I think we would have turned around and found a Holiday Inn, stayed a few nights and headed home. (I'm not saying Mikie wouldn't have tried it. I'm saying I would have "pulled a Kate" and refused to let him try. And you know there is no way I am ever going to be put into a harness. Come to think of it, if I had tried, I might have actually fainted for the first time. Nope, I'm 100% positive I would have been aware of the entire jump the entire time!) It's too early to pick yet, but I think it's going to be a good race.

24 - Anyone can guess from reading my blog that 24 is my favorite. Once again, it delivered. I love the previews for next week when Jack's new FBI agent/"perhaps love interest" slaps him across his face not once, not twice, but three times. You can tell he really likes her because he didn't shoot her! I think it's love, and I cannot wait until next Monday.

Jon & Kate - Roxie and I didn't get to watch this together because she went on the date with her Dad. However, I'm pretty sure I can go out on a limb here and say the kids fought a little, cried a little, were cute a LOT and Kate fussed at Jon non-stop. Jon is a saint.

LOST - I still don't understand what, when, where or why, but I did figure out all the pieces of the plane puzzle. Sun had Jin's ring. Sayid (I looked up the correct spelling) had the sheriff that Kate had on the first plane. Ben had Sawyer's book. Hurley had Charlie's guitar. Jack had John Locke's letter. John Locke had Jack's father's shoes. But why? Why, I ask? (And I've got to say I did not appreciate watching an entire episode of LOST without Sawyer. Very upsetting! Especially since he is the only character I totally understand. He better be on next week's episode or I'm going to have to write a letter!)

Survivor - Austin had to work Thursday night so we will be watching Survivor Friday night. I'll have to comment on this one Monday morning. However, I'm still pulling for the Alabama boy. I think he's got a shot. (Don't tell me if he got voted off last night. I'll find out soon enough.)

Today I have the final installment of Josh's Journey. As I've already said, pages and pages and story after story have been left out. It's just too much. It was too much when it began, and it is too much now. But in a huge nutshell, here is the story up until now.

Josh's Story - Part Five

The remainder of my posting on Josh will be a timeline for his 8th grade year until present.

1. Josh wanted to play football (his obsession) in 8th grade. I sat in the van for every practice in 100+ heat while he practiced. He missed a few practices due to weather.

2. Josh started 8th grade and arrived at school at 7:45 and stayed until football practice was over at 5:00 or 6:00. We know now this was too much, and he was already beginning to "break down."

3. Josh attended all the games but the last two. A friend's broken bone during a practice, a thunderstorm that came up too quickly for Mike to get to him on the field (he had to ride the bus home in the storm without Mike), another teammate's seizure during the same game, the stress of school and the long hours of practice became too much to bear.

4. Instead of going into the Home Bound Program again, I homeschooled Josh the second part of his 8th grade year. He continued to make all As. Homeschooling had a very heavy workload, but he completed it well and when 9th grade rolled around, he was more than prepared.

5. Josh attended Sunday School, the music service and worship, but still continued to leave during the invitation.

6. Josh was able to stay home alone while I picked Roxie up from school or took her to other activities.

7. Austin began taking Josh with him wherever he went.

8. Austin and Josh started a lucrative lawn care business (6 lawns total), and worked well together.

9. Josh earned the money to buy a guitar and wanted to take lessons. We made him wait over three months to make sure it wasn't just an obsession. He is still taking lessons at this time, and he is extremely talented.

10. In the past 13 months, there has been only one time we thought he might have to be hospitalized, but again, God intervened and we were able to handle the problem at home.

11. Travel is still difficult for him. By the second night away, he gets increasingly anxious and agitated, so any travel we do is close to home.

12. Josh still struggles daily with scrupulosity. He washes certain times each day, but not to excess, and he has other rituals he performs before and after school.

13. Josh attends 9th grade, takes Honors Classes and makes As. We learned the hard way to start slowly and build up. Josh takes all of his academics, and I pick him up at 1:15. This is the only year he has the option to take six classes and still obtain an Advanced Academic diploma.

14. Josh was knocked unconscious in school by a boy he didn't even know, and spent the day in the emergency room with a concussion. We thought he would not be able to go back. He went to school the next day.

15. He missed two days because of hurricanes and bad weather the first half of the school year. We thought he would not be able to go back. He went to school after the severe weather passed.

16. We are now entering tornado season in Alabama. If the weather looks bad, he stays home. If the weather is going to get bad, I check him out. So far, he has always gone back to school the next day.

To have an illness based on fear and irrational thoughts and behaviors, Joshua Faulkner is the bravest person I have ever met. What it takes for him to go through a day, and accomplish what he does, is truly an amazing thing to watch. I'm not just saying that because I'm his mother. He is an exceptional person. (Keep in mind... he is still a 15 year-old boy with all that entails. "Exceptional" does not mean "perfect.")

I promised a Top Ten List to help those of you who might not know what to say to a family going through a similar struggle. These are things that were actually said to me or Mike not once, but on numerous occasions.

Ten Things You NEVER Say to a Parent of a Mentally-Ill Child

10. I hate you decided to put him on medication.
9. All teenage boys are obsessed with something.
8. Why do you think Satan is attacking your family?
7. How many grades has Josh been held back?
6. Maybe you just need to tell him to stop.
5. Do you think you are being punished for something you did?
4. Did you check with the doctor before you tried that?
3. What are Roxie and Austin up to now? (Never mentioning the sick child.)
2. He looks just fine to me.

AND THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU NEVER SAY TO A PARENT OF A MENTALLY-ILL CHILD...

1. NOTHING!

Always, always, always say something... even if it is nothing more than a hug, or a prayer, or a "How are you?" The most important thing you can ever do for a family with a sick child is to speak to them.

Also, think of creative ways you might be able to help. I couldn't go out to breakfast or lunch or dinner. I couldn't get manicures. But I could have talked on the phone. And in my particular situation, the days and weeks I sat in the van for hours on end, I would have loved to have had someone crawl in the passenger seat with me and spend a little time. Not every day, but just every now and then. It would have meant everything to me.

I am not ashamed Josh has a mental illness. I would really like to shout I AM NOT ASHAMED JOSH HAS OCD from the mountaintop. I am not ashamed my grandmother recently had knee-replacement surgery... I am not ashamed Roxie has croup once or twice a year... I am not ashamed I have Type 2 Diabetes and arthritis... I am not ashamed Mike has a bad knee that bothers him on occasion... I am not even ashamed I wear a size 14. It is what it is. It must be talked about to be accepted and not feared.

On the few occasions when someone asked me about Josh, I would always say, "We are going to talk about it. We've made a decision to be open about his illness." That has not changed in the least.

We are the Faulkner Five, and we are not embarrassed or ashamed. We are what we are, and we're stronger for it. Josh's Journey is really just beginning in many ways... and we are all willingly going along for the ride.

I guess I would end this by saying, I don't know what tomorrow will bring for Josh and the rest of us. I cannot begin to fathom what his future will be. Every day is different. He'll have really good days and he'll have horribly bad days.

But when it gets right down to it, I never knew what tomorrow was going to bring anyway... for any of us. All we have is this very moment. And we have a decision to make. Are we going to reach out to others? Are we going to spend time with our families? Are we going to make THIS moment count? I know my eyes have been opened a little bit these past three years, and I hope my choices reflect that each and every day God gives me.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2.

Book

I know most women have probably read Anne of Green Gables sometime in their lifetime. It is perhaps my favorite book ever written. (I also love the movies. They are very well done.) I remember sitting on Ida Mashburn's front porch on a summer day when I was Roxie's age or a little older. Miss Mashburn was a member of my church and had taught me in Sunday School and Bible School when I was a little girl. We sat on her front porch swing and talked about many things, but she knew I loved to read and that is why she had invited me over that particular day.

She went inside her home and brought out six books. I had not heard of five of them, but they turned out to be wonderful books I read and re-read as a teenager. And then she handed me a copy of Anne of Green Gables. It had a beautiful sage-green cover, and when she handed it to me I thought it was already very old. She told me to read it first. She thought I might enjoy it. We finished our lemonade and cookies, and my mom came and picked me up. I made a beeline to my bedroom where I propped up the pillows in my bed and began to read. It was wonderful. Anne was so dramatic. I loved when she would say she was "in the depths of despair." Watching Roxie grow up, there is no better way to describe what a 12 or 13 year-old girl feels.

It is one of the best books ever written, and should be passed down and shared with your daughters and granddaughters IMMEDIATELY! If you can spend the time each night to read it aloud and enjoy it together, do so... even if it means missing Jon & Kate. I can update you every week until you finish the book. (They get puppies next week. Kate yells at Jon because the puppies wee-wee on the new carpet. See how easy that was?)

There is nothing more wonderful than curling up with a good book and sharing it with someone you love. Definitely one of life's little pleasures.

Remember next week we'll have Austin's 18th birthday party (good for boys and girls); a recipe from Sandra Lee's new magazine... go buy a copy now, please; the last February seasonal tradition we'll share this year; a fun, fun, fun date; and yet another favorite book. Also, I'll be giving more details about the contest coming up in 12 more posts.

Have a wonderful Friday, and an even more wonderful weekend. Spend every second you can with your family and loved ones, and have a ball!