Ezra fell into the salt shaker this morning.

Why aren't you eating your grits, my son? I put a little too much salt in them. :{
It reminded me of Pat Boone falling into the salt, in Journey
There was covering of salt over the grits and on the sides there were piles. Uggggh! Was there a pile of salt in those grits? What an understatement! "Heavy handed salt fellow" Don't fall in, you may never get out of the salt.
I gave him Ethan's left overs and he went on to school. But the salted grits were tossed. Dear Boy!

I went to the AIG meeting this morning.

Last year, I sat outside in the evening, expecting to see the AIG teacher, only to find out that the meeting was in the morning that day. This year, I was somewhat ahead of the game, so to speak. I made it to the meeting. A teacher and several parents in a classroom, learning about the program. A special differentiation of mental acumen? Perhaps. Extra stimuli to add to the academic days, certainly. I was blessed to make it to the meeting. I was blessed to meet the teacher. I was blessed to see the syllabus. I was blessed to make it to the meeting. Thank you God!

Trust and Obey

You had so many 100's in this schoolwork packet, I have to comment on it. I am so pleased that you are applying yourself to your work at school. I am happy that you have a personal desire to do well in your school work. Keep up the good work, dear boy. You are delighting your parents and we are telling you so.

Set a Watch? Psalm 141:3

. 3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Did they have watches, back then, mother? No son. Not a wristwatch and guard of correction. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.What a telling question, that was, dear young son. What a reminder for me to feed you with the pablum of instruction and correction that are my responsibility.

Now You are Eight! Ezra.

I love the eight year old maturity and curiosity that I see in Ezra's eyes. It takes me back to Mrs. Beekman's class. It takes me back to the very first time I laid eyes on the book, Cheaper by the Dozen. Aunt Jackie had recommended it to me in a little talk that we had. She was feeding my voracious appetite for books and I was so glad that she did. It was a book that I could relate to. The realities of the uncomfortability and cultural misplacement of being part of a big family was embraced and expressed, so beautifully for me. I fell in love with the Gilbraith family.
Coincidents of the relationship between reading and reality started to happen. I had no sooner completed the book that in the SRA reading Lab a portion of the book came up as part of my reading log. I had already read it in my head, but now, another voice was reading the book to me on the tape and I followed along with greater intensity, because of the familiarity of the information. I felt like I was a part of their family. I felt that my father was not the only "strange bird" extremist, with controlling ways. I felt that someone else had been where I had been. This was part of my relationship with the world at age 8.

My Moon River!

This morning's meditation was- Why did God make you and all things? {catechism}

We decided, this morning that God must be glorified with love and loving relationships. You were certainly not an afterthought to Him. We are amazed at how our hearts are warmed and delighted with you and your sweetness.
We went back to the day 8 years ago and 2 funerals that led up to your arrival on the scene of our lives. Uncle Mose passed and then Grandpa Bob and it was just after Grandpa Bob's funeral that I went into labor: a month earlier than expected and completely exhausted from grieving. What a delight to know that God had it all planned. What a comfort to know that God is writing the story of our lives and includes surprises in His mercies. You were a surprise party from God and it was interesting to think that you wanted to see yourself come into the room that day 8 years ago to a waiting audience of a family and smile at the comfort of the familiar sounds and senses. "I want to see myself coming into that room; a little 5 lb. baby." You said. Of course, you can't remember, that is why we tell you the story so often.