A Modern, Old-Fashioned Woman

The other day I discovered myself doing something that seemed both progressive and old-fashioned at the same time. It caused me to take a step back and look at who I had become since all those imaginations in high school and college. I was sitting in the recliner nursing Elisha with Thomas sitting in the chair next to me. I was showing him how to break beans for dinner. Lilianna was napping on the couch and all was well with the world.


It struck me that all those years ago (14 since graduation) I had seen myself in an entirely different manner. I was going to be an obstetrician. I had a passion for babies and birth. I still have that passion just channeled differently. God knew His plan for me. Thankfully, I didn't muck it up. Shortly that future faded from memory only to be replaced by imaginations of self-employment in public relations and business admin. Those imaginations, too, flitted out of my mind when I met Thad.


I was brought back to my first heart's desire: being a wife and mother. Not on the order of modern wives who spend their days finding convenience at any cost, spending too much money, pawning their children off on strangers, and treating their husbands like unruly pets. I wanted to be a wife of the Bible, a wife on the order of my mother and grandmother. A woman who thinks that children should be included in all we do, not shut away and amused with electronics.

I find myself doing those small things that my mother and grandmother did. I set Lily on the counter while I cook, talking with her, answering her questions, explaining what I'm doing. If I'm going to tackle a project I find a way for them to be involved not a way for them to not be underfoot. I can't recall a time when Mom or Granny told a child they couldn't help. I can't recall a time when either treated her husband with malice or contempt. (Sass, maybe, but only in jest.)

I want so much to be that woman who reflects the simple things in life. I also want to be a woman that takes advantage of technology to the fullest. I home school my children but I get so many of my materials from the Internet. I try to stay connected with family but I do it electronically.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that all those things that Mom and Granny did that I once thought foolish, all those things they tried to teach me but I ignored, all those things that I said I would never be, well, those are the valuable things in life. I wish I had listened. So now I spend my time watching carefully the things my mom does and the way she acts with my children, constantly taking mental notes. All in the hopes that I can continue to become a modern, old-fashioned woman.

God answered our prayers! Elisha is a big boy!

In my last update I mentioned that Elisha's next stepping stone was to regain some of the weight he had lost since birth. On Saturday, July 19, at one week old he had lost 1 pound. His pediatrician wanted him to gain some back quickly to make sure he is thriving. We had a follow-up the next Wednesday. In 4 days he had gained back 9 ounces of the pound. The doctor was thrilled and gave him a clean bill of health! Praise God!

Thanks to all for your prayers!

Here is picture of Master Elisha resting comfortably in his Moses basket.

More on Elisha

I'm sure you've been wondering why there have been no new posts since Elisha was born. We haven't really been home much. Last Wednesday, the 16th, we took Elisha for follow-up visit with his pediatrician because his bilirubin was slightly high. They wanted to recheck it and make sure he wasn't getting too jaundiced. It was 10.5 on Monday when he and I were discharged. On Wednesday it was 26! That's dangerously high and far to close to needing a blood transfusion. That night, at 4 days old, he was admitted to Vanderbilt Children's for treatment which includes phototherapy and IV fluids. Thanks be to God that he didn't need a blood transfusion or anything more than routine therapy. He left Vanderbilt on Friday afternoon with a bilirubin level of 14. Saturday morning we followed up again with the pediatrician and his level was 11, officially out of the woods where jaundice is concerned. Now they just want him to gain some weight. He lost a pound by 1 week old. Please keep us all in your prayers. We have another pediatrician visit this coming week.

In the meantime, here are some more pictures of Elisha:

This should answer the question, "Who does he look like?"

Yep, definately Wilson genes. Add a beard and Elisha is a miniature version of Granddaddy.

What a face! This one is for you Grandma!

A quick nap together while I got a much needed shower! Elisha might not have his Daddy's face but he does have the hairline! Don't fuss at me. Thad said it first!

Just your average, everyday picture of 3 miracles in one place! Praise the Lord for His great provision!

Welcome to the World, Elisha Lewis Xavier Scalf

Arriving at 1:45 am, Saturday July 12th, was our third child, and second son. His name is Elisha Lewis Xavier Scalf. Why the name? Elisha, because he received a double portion. Lewis, my Great Grandmother's maiden name. Xavier, We just thought the name was cool. So, Welcome to the world Eli.

Weight: 9lbs 15.7 ounces ( Yes, that is a 10 pound baby)

Length: Currently unknown.

Child Birth: Natural (No medications at all!! Praise God for His wonderful provision!!)

Bea's Current Health: Well. She is having a sandwich and some Pretzels. She worked very hard for this.

Eli's Current Health: Struggling a bit. He took a big gulp of Amniotic Fluid with his first breath, and he is working through that.

My Health: Tired, very tired.

Thomas and Chelsea (My niece) were a huge help!!. Thomas got to help me cut the cord. He thought that was just great. He got what he prayed for. A baby brother. God always answers prayers!

Well, it is close to time to go to sleep, so good night for now. More on Elisha in the later morning hours.

A Great Blog

I was reading my Woman's Day magazine today (August 1, 2008 issue) and found a GREAT resource for saving on practically everything but especially groceries.

The article, Secrets of Extreme Grocery Shoppers, outlines more than 20 tactics for saving on groceries. Several websites are listed but the one I visited that just blew me away was:

http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/

As soon as I figure out how to add her button to my page it will be permanently on the page. This will have to do for now.

Enjoy the savings!

OY! Phonics.....

One of the biggest milestones for any parent is when your child begins to read. This is especially true for a homeschooling parent because the investment is so much greater. Thomas just graduated kindergarten with a great desire to read. Anything. Unfortunately this adventuresome boy wants to read billboards, business signs, bumper stickers, etc.

This is where the "OY!" comes in. Living in large city offers countless signs to read. So we're driving down the road one day and my little phonics boy starts sounding out the one sign I wish he wouldn't. Its on our way home (and to virtually anywhere else we go) so I knew it would happen some day. I was just hoping he wouldn't notice that one until he was 25.

So he's in the back seat sounding things out, "e-x-x-o-n, EXXON! I got that one, momma! B-B-Bur-ger-k-ing! I'm a great reader, momma!"

"Yes, you are, my boy!"

"J-j-jen-na-s, Jenna's, t-o-y, toy, box. Momma, can we go to Jenna's Toy Box someday?"

Thankfully, I didn't wreck the truck but my recovery was less than graceful. "Nope, we can't ever go there."

"Why? They have toys there. I need more toys."

Quick! Think! "No, you have plenty of toys. You don't need anymore."

"But I don't have any from there. We could just go look. We don't have to buy anything. Please, momma!"

Ok, time to bite the bullet. "Sweet boy, that's not really a toy store."

"Then why did they name it that?"

"Because they are trying to trick people. They sell very inappropriate things there. Its not a store for children. Its not a store for nice adults either."

Fortunately, that was the end of that. UNfortunately, the next sign he asked me about was a Hooter's Billboard! Its sad that we can't drive down the road without having to explain how much inappropriate and shameful activity there is in the world. I can't imagine anything worse than those two signs but I'm sure he'll find them someday.