The Decorations Were Strewn All Over the Floor

It was quiet. Too quiet. What were they up to?

As I put down the pajama top and went to open the door I found it locked.

"You better open the door. NOW!" I yelled.

"Come in!" giggled a little boy.

"You better unlock the door and I mean NOW!"

I heard some rummaging and finally a click. The door opened and I found Bradley's beaming face staring up at me. Tori was in the middle of the room pulling diapers out of a bag she had found.

"Welcome to our party Mommy. See look we decorated," Bradley said as he swept his hands around to indicate the decorating he was referring to.

"See I did that part," he explained as he pointed to the floor. In front of the book shelf, the baskets of books had not only been taken off the shelf, they were out of the baskets, covering the floor like a new carpet.

"And see over there. That's where Tori decorated." Bradley proceeded to point to the kitchen set. Sure enough, the decorations of plastic bread, lettuce, donuts, and any number of other plastic food along with play plates, cups, and utensils blanketed the other half of the room.

One more reason to why parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. How do you get mad and upset for such a creative description of the room that I perceived to be a mess? The laughter in my head was hard to contain, but I managed.

As always, daddy had perfect timing for getting home. The kids rushed to him and I went back to the laundry. Some of Tori's decorations still adorn the floor, but the books managed to find their way back into baskets....even if they were put in there haphazardly.

Tori's 1st Live Band: Jump Start

At the hint of a musical note, she begins tapping her foot, raising her hands, or rocking her head from side to side. That's my Tori. And to watch her fills my heart with so much joy that words cannot express.

From the day I realized Tori's room had to be ballerina bears, I knew she was going to be my dancer. Little did I know how natural it was going to come. Now I know many babies do that cute baby dance thing and yeah, I may be bias, but hey I'm her mom. I have a right to be. And if you ever get to see her live....because for some reason she knows when I'm trying to video....you could tell that she really focuses on the beat. If you look in her eyes, you can almost see the wheels turning. She'll start dancing, then stop....listen, then start again sometimes adjusting her dance moves to better match the beat. It's quite interesting to watch.

Last night Tori and I went out to eat with my parents. Fortunately a band was playing so an unplanned first, or rather many unplanned firsts, happened.

After we ordered our food, Tori was taking notice of the sound check. Tapping her hand to the table, nodding her head. Then they got started. Nana, being a lover of live music, got her and took her to the side with the band.

As I watched I could tell she was working on warming up, but was a little unsure. She stayed in Nana's arms. I would see that arm raise in the air and could tell many patrons on that side were talking about Tori. If only they knew what the night would bring.




Nana and Tori returned in time for the food to be brought to our table. But even food couldn't keep my Tori still. So I did what I normally don't allow....I took her out and let her sit in my lap to eat. She moved her body, ate her fries and hot dog, but just couldn't get still.

Then came....The Electric Slide. So not only was Tori seeing her first live band, she got to dance her first line dance.

We finished eating, and Nana returned to the band area. By now Tori was ready. She got out there and boogied.

But wouldn't you know, my daughter.....the one I already know is going to give me a run for my money....was infatuated with the guitarist. Now the female singer kept her attention getting her to do some dance moves, but it was the guitarist she made ga ga eyes at.
Which leads to yet another first....Tori got her first guitar pic. After one of the songs, the guitarist handed it to Nana telling her that "He may not understand it now, but one day." At that moment the band had to mess with him and explain that she's a girl...that's what the pink on her shoes is for.

**Sorry, sideways video, I could only rotate it at www.dropshots.com/ladypiper

As we headed back to Nana and Grandpop's I really thought she would fall asleep, but she kept right on dancing in her carseat. It was definitely a night to remember.

Craig and Crystal

Although I do not know Craig and Crystal and I cannot begin to understand how they must be feeling, I want to take a moment to strongly urge you to continue to pray for them. As some of you in the area may recall this summer Crystal was on her way to her mom's and they were all going to go blueberry picking. Little did Crystal and Craig know their lives would be forever changed as a speeding trucking ran into a motorcycle that ran into Crystal's vehicle. Her two precious children were killed on impact....3 and 5 years old.

They are living in a lake house owned by one of their parents and have yet to return to their own home. Physically they are healing. Craig was not involved in the accident, but physically he is caring for Crystal.

What these two may not realize is the witness their faith is spreading about God's word. What they may not realize is just how far and wide their faith is going. Just last week or the week before that I was exposed to this tragic story again when I heard some people talking of her amazing faith. I was once again struck when their story was being shared on WMHK.

Please continue to pray for them and their family.

I Have a Dream

I have a dream that one day I will not be judged by my religious preferences, my political views, or my geographic location. I have a dream that one day I will no longer be accused of being racist simply because I disagree with ideas and policies set forth by a person of a color other than my own. I dream that one day I will not be judged a racist simply for being a white human being in the beautiful state of South Carolina or for that matter a part of the south.

While I have not been called....at least not recently and never to my face....that I am racist. When generalizations are made, then I am being called such degrading and derogatory terms.

The last I checked I am a CITIZEN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by birth. In the USA we are supposed to be a republic society and in such a society I do understand that there is rule by the majority and it is a government by the people and for the people. What I don't understand is not being able to find the section describing a republic as one where if my opinions and beliefs are part of the minority thoughts for the time that I have to be quiet or else I pay the consequences of being accused of racism and ignorance. In fact the difference between a republic and a democracy is the protection of the minority. Think about the Pledge..."and to the republic for which it stands." Change does not happen for the thoughts of the minority unless they speak out and that is what makes the USA so great or at least it used to. We are protected even in our Constitution to our right to free speech.

While I may not be the best versed in politics, I do have my right to have an opinion, to disagree with the policies quickly taking over, and to not be forced to agree with everyone else.

The pendulum swings in both directions and when it swings too far one way....well the reverse will eventually happen.

I pray continuously for this country. I pray to my Saviour Jesus Christ and I pray to God the Father.

While I know some will take offense and some may even be apologetic for misunderstood implications, it doesn't change the fact that when one voice makes a generalization about an entire population and then another voice does the same then uneducated assumptions somehow begin to sound like truth.

Many races and religious affiliations have often been generalized about and it has outraged many because they were judged because of the overzealous few who were way out their in their beliefs. The same is being done around this country today.

Pot calling the kettle black. That's all I can say about that. In a few years, if I were to want to make a generalization which I don't and won't, the tables will be turned. If you are someone who considers me a racist now, how will you feel when there are generalizations made about you because you disagree when Republicans are putting forth policies you disagree with, but have limited power to change at the moment because of majority rule?

I so did not want to get into a political debate, but when I feel attacked I only have 2 choices: sit back and take it or voice my thoughts. Too many times in history has something been taken away because the true majority felt like they were a minority so they didn't speak up.

It's time to speak up. It's not the presidential election that every one should be worried about...it is each and every election. As a democracy we elect people to be our voice, if we don't take the time to elect those people during the "off" years, then no we don't have a right to complain. But I promise, I vote every November because what I vote for now affects what will be in play a few years from now. Do you?

Find out what voting issues will be on the ballot this November, educate yourself and vote.

The Dance Part 1

Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

In the book of Ecclesiastes in chapter 3 we are told that there is a time for everything. We must learn to listen to God, be patient, and wait for God's timing. His timing may not be ours or it may not make any sense to us, but in the end we must turn things over to Him and trust his timing.

Now what I am about to share, you may be wondering what does this have to do with timing and God's time and such, but bear with me a moment. If you will recall my very first post, Uninhibited, was about how we need to become more like children in how we worship the Lord and in a way The Dance part 1 is a little like that too.

Tori has always preferred dancing. I think it's because while she was in the womb every evening Bradley would ask me to dance. Bradley and I would do a lot of shagging, some slow dancing, and a little fast dancing. After Tori came into the world I tried singing to her...afterall this is what worked immediately to calm a crying Bradley. Oh no, not my Tori Brooke. She cried louder....this really does a lot for one's ego, let me tell you.LOL! Instead Tori liked to dance. If I stood up and started swaying, she would calm down. Of course she also required a lot of bouncing instead of rocking as well in order to be soothed. Then one day it hit me like a ton of bricks....she had gotten so used to dancing while inside of me that she was missing that time now that she was here.

Now she's a wonder to watch. It doesn't matter what it is...a song on the radio, a jingle for a commercial, even the cell phone ringing, she will stop dead in the middle of whatever she is doing to dance.

Tonight though, I think she put on one of her best performances to date (aside from getting daddy to dance with her). She's been going to vacation Bible School with us all week and joins in the end during the music. Each night she's been bobbing her head a little, but tonight was her time....It was her time to dance. Just try not to get into the Spirit while watching her uninhibited enthusiasm. It was as if all week at VBS and in the car listening to the CD she's been soaking it all up like a sponge and tonight she couldn't contain it anymore she had to let it go. Check her out during her time to dance (and I'm sure there will be many more dances to come).

The Catch of a Lifetime

To hear Bradley tell the story of our 4th of July weekend is priceless. I can say without any further research into the matter that fishermen just naturally know how to tell a tale. They don't have to learn it over years of practice and listening to other's stories before them. They just start from their very first catch with their version of events.

When asked about how big the fish he caught was Bradley excitedly and very straight forward, stretches his arms wide and says, "This big." Then he spreads his arms wider and jumps up and down. Then the listener gets to hear how the fish jumped out of his hands and flopped like this (Bradley's waving his arms and jumping at this point.) I just love to hear his tale everytime he tells it. Of course you'll see in a moment just how big the fish really was, but don't tell him I told you...shhhhhhhh.

Now this year's 4th of July certainly was different from the recent past. In Mark's family we gather at the lake (property that's been in the family for many decades....you know back when no one wanted to live at the lake so the prices were dirt cheap) to eat and be with one another. It's not always the same crowd, but many of the same people are usually there. Not so this year. This year was a very intimate gathering...only Mark's parents and brother, my parents, my niece, one of Mark's aunts and 2 cousins. And of course us. There was peace and quiet, light music in the background, fishing, cooking, and of course eating.




Some old toys were found and became cherished treasures.

Good food was had by all. We got a special dance performance by Miss Jenna Jade (my niece.....who I am so glad could join us this year, maybe one year my brother, sister in law, and other niece Lexie will be able to join us).

Goodbyes were said as my parents and Jenna left to get in some special one on one time. And later Bradley caught a fish. Well....kind of....and here's the less enhanced version:

You see, uncle Timmy was fishing and Bradley was helping. When uncle Timmy knew he had a fish, he let Bradley help reel him in, then Bradley got the net and got the fish out of the water. I of course missed all this as I was changing Tori's diaper, but what I did get to see was priceless. My 3 year old came up the dock as quick as his little legs would carry him proudly holding the net in front yelling look, look at my fish.

The fish was taken out of the net for Bradley to hold and then of course the talk started about needing to put him in the water, but Bradley innocently looked up and said, "But daddy, he's my friend."

It took some coaxing, but the net with the fish made it back down the dock and into the water. Bradley's fish started swimming around and Bradley was crying because he wanted to keep him for a pet. During all this the fish managed to find a way out of the net. Luckily another, bigger fish wasn't too far behind.

Bradley got to net a 2nd fish, which he will tell you he caught, then he'll back up and say uncle Timmy did. Now this fish was a wiggler. When Bradley tells you about the fish jumping out of his hands, this one did. He jumped out, started flopping on the ground, and everything.

I must say it was definitely the highlight of the day....that is until evening came, but even after the evening I think the fish still wins since it's still talked about.

That evening we went to Nana's and Grandpop's (my parents). To start our fireworks, the kids started off with sparklers. Jenna liked this, Bradley loved it, and Tori, well she was fine playing in the yard. Once it began to get dark we trekked back out and brought out the sparklers again, hoping to get Jenna excited and calm her fears, but it didn't work so she and Nana went inside. Meanwhile....

Bradley was jumping up and down, "Do another one! Do a big one!" and on and on. Fortunately my camera has a fireworks setting, unfortunately the shutter speed is slowed and I never got the timing right so I didn't get any good pics.

Back inside the house.... Jenna, Nana, and Tori (Nana came and got Tori to join them) were having a dance party.

Fun I think was had by all.

And let's remember Independence Day is about our freedom. For the majority who do not speak up, think about starting today because in order to continue to have our freedom, we must speak up, speak out, and speak loud. Afterall it's not always majority rule if the majority are silent. That's how things such as prayer in school have been taken away. The majority are standing idly by while the voices of a few are shouting. Read the papers, take a look around you, then stand for what you believe so we may continue to be free, because before long, if you stand by silently thinking other people will represent your voice, you'll find your freedom slowly fading away.

Aquarium, Swimming, Splash Park, Chipped Teeth, Bowling, Fishing....and on and on and on

Last week started with a trip to Charleston for one of Bradley's doctor appointments. Because it was an afternoon appointment, we planned a mommy/Bradley morning with a trip to the aquarium. Let me tell you, through his eyes it was worth it, but on a personal note, I really would've thought their boasting about improvements was true, should've known better, still same as when it opened except Penguin Planet and Camp something. Now don't let the name fool you, if it was a planet, then Pluto would be massive compared. Penguin Planet area may have been about 2 of my bathrooms and let me tell you my house is 59 years old so that gives you an idea of just how big my bathroom is.

But aside from that as I said it was worth it to be able to see it through the eyes of my 3 year old.

Unfortunately, while we were at the doctor's office, Bradley decided no one was going to come near him to put anything on his back....so, the return visit for Thursday was cancelled and we will return later in July. This cancelled trip also made waves for new opportunities......JENNA JADE!!!

Jenna is Bradley's older cousin (by 10 1/2 months) so needless to say they are as close as cousins can get being 100 or so miles apart and only seeing each other every couple of months or so. And Tori, well, she just looks up to Jenna and as we found out, she tries to do everything Jenna does. So arrangements were made and Wednesday Bradley, Tori, and I took a trip to Greenville to watch Jenna's swim practice and bring her back.

Then on Thursday it was on to the splash park:

And then the fun filled day ended with heart stopping as Tori hurt herself for the 3rd or 4th time. You see, while at the splash park she skinned her knee, during nap she hit her head, and taking a bath she stood up and immediately fell into the side of the tub. Being hardly 2 inches from her it looked like she hit the side with her forhead, but after grabbing her and trying to find the bump, I saw the blood....from her mouth. She slightly cut her lip and chipped 2 teeth. Luckily they are small chips: (top teeth on her right...your left).

But do you think that stopped her.....uh,uh, no way, no how!

So the next day we're off again....BOWLING:

More to come on their adventures as we celebrate July 4th! Of course there are many more pictures you can view at www.dropshots.com/ladypiper and you can click on more on the left under Nana D's Angels or Pilkenton Pearls