Hood Family Blog- Kristi Hood

Well, I tried.

2011-11-18T22:42:00.000-05:00

Here's me and RJ. we're both upside down.I don't know how to correct this.I don't know how it happened. All I know is were were not upside down at Skytop Orchard when we went out to pick apples. He was so tired on the way back up the mountain I had to carry him.

Kids asleep. Cat asleep. Me drinking hot peppermint tea. House is quiet. Cat is happy. No husband. Feeling close to 42. That's O.K though. 42 should be better than 41. :-)

Upward

2011-11-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight I watched my daughter at Upward cheering practice. She apparently inherited more of my traits than I expected. Completely uncoordinated, her cheering skills include stumbling, the inability to jump and land on both feet simultaneously, as well as the occasional awkward I- am- almost- falling- sideways- adjust quickly stance...but she is the loudest girl, and therefore gets to call the cheers. Go Lula!

Sometimes I wonder why I am blogging. I want to go back to writing in my "real journal". The notebook.
I want to deactivate facebook too. I am getting tired of typing and feeling like I should have an online persona, a page always updated... I want to rebel against all things online, unreal and I want a real pen and a real piece of paper and a real person to share it with (or throw it at...)

So I will probably print all of these entries out on paper, place in a notebook, in a box, and it will be thrown away by my kids or caretaker one day.

With that, I'm going to bed.

You happy now?

2011-07-30T21:52:00.002-04:00

I wish I was on the lake watching the sun set. Just a side thought. Or singing, somewhere.

I'm too tired to paint the roof of my screened in porch. I picked "Sky Blue". About 6 weeks ago.

I'm sure it's the children..they are so, so precious and so, so exhausting. To be the mother that I must be...requires all I have. Yet I still don't feel I'm there enough.

Not to be present in the moment really bothers me. I should not complain ..how good could I have it. Able to wort from home...God has been good. Great! I am so blessed and grateful. How many moms would love to be able to do what I do? Yet there are cons. There is a netherworld in which I live. Not in the world of the working mother. And not in the world of the stay at home mother. And really in neither social group. It's...."interesting" and it's lonely. I talk to ALOT of people all day. People I don't know and will never meet in person. About...nothing, really. Very blessed to have some close friends that understand where I am.

Sometimes RJ looks at me if I am not smiling and says "you happy now?"

He started that a few months ago. It's an utmost concern of his that those around him are happy. There is something special about the way he says it. It's a question. It's a plea. It's a wish. All in one. It's the most lovely thing in the world, a fragrant offering, beautifully delivered with a tender, loving smile and eyes of the innocent. If he sees a frown, a furrow, he's there with..."you happy now?" And of course, you automatically are. Happiness is wrapped up in the boy. Even after sissy hits him and she's in trouble, he's concerned for her, arriving with "you happy nows" and hugs and smiles.

2 Corinthinas 4

2011-07-25T22:15:00.002-04:00

^"16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. "

Encouraging, is it not?

I have a funeral to attend tomorrow.

I started reading a book called "Practicing His Prescence" that Becky Moss told me to read several years ago and if I was smarter I'd have done it then. It's blowing me away. Very inspiring. I find myself celebrating alongside Frank C. Laubach who ironically died on my birth date. This is the original "Shack". I mean this guy REALLY communicated with God, in a REAL shack. OK, so that's my stunning commentary...all I can manage right now. The point is if you are reading this you should immediately order this book from Amazon. It's $4. It's fairly short. It's full of joy and will encourage and inspire you (almost as much as CS Lewis :-) )

Dreams

2011-07-23T21:48:00.003-04:00

I am a sentimental gal.

"Warm jello", says my brother.

The same warm jello that "cuts people off at the knees" (some one I worked with said that...it hurt. It was a long time ago.Back before I was warm jello, I guess)

What can you do when your own subconcious haunts you with dreams?

"What you had...ooh what you lost"...

So what if you never really even had it? What if you imagine that you did? Or you might again?

There's something sacred about grieving. What is and what will never be.

The forgiveness model is about grief too. I haven't finished mine yet. Or started it.

List all wrongs. Release expectations. Hmm. So if I have no expectations...where is my hope?

And I hear "My hope is built on nothing less ..."

OK. You got me there.

But what about dreams?

My nanny always said she dreamed things. They always came true. She dreamed Papa in WW2. About Ron in Vietnam. She dreamed all her children's gender. She dreamed L's gender too. She stopped telling us about them. We begged her to tell us, but she's such a Saint she was worried we would take it too seriously and not pray. Didn't God speak to people through dreams/visions?

So ...is He speaking to me?

Summer ...

2011-07-20T16:30:00.010-04:00

Lula and RJ had fun at the beach; PBJs every day, unlimited swimming, and movie-watching. By Thursday our behavior was denegrating (including mine). We needed alone time. Or maybe I needed alone time. Definitely. A week is a long time for at the beach. I like it in the evenings and at night to walk on. I like to stare at the ocean, perched upon a comfy seat with no sand touching me, drinking a cold sweet tea with lemon (or Pinot Grigio...) Who likes the 116 degree heat index. Only when you can submerge in water does it make sense. I loved that we went with friends and all the kids played together. Caroline was with us and gave me a break. Many breaks. And the food....my fav, Rue De Jean. We hit Poes on Sullies, and the little breakfast place at IOP behind the water tower. Made all the heat worthwhile.

Siblings

2011-07-08T23:00:00.002-04:00

The day....swimming. Haircuts. Mexican food that the kids refuse to eat. Who doesn't like cheese quesidillas? A run in the park. (run=me chasing children) . A bad movie starring Tom Hanks (2 stars, max)....and a little work. A longer than usual day.

The lows...another speeding ticket this morning. I was listening to Chris Tomlin, there was a really good song on, then...of course. Not paying attention. It got me thinking about things I might not be paying enough attention to.

No kind talk. Another low.

I pay attention to the house. It's clean. And pretty. My job. It's done. The basics. Check. My children? I'm not listening. I'm too busy.

I apologized to L. tonight.

She thanked me by kissing my hand and grabbing it. I prayed with her in her bed. Then we talked about what we learned today. She said nothing so I taught her a new word, "tender". We talked about tender- heartedness. I explained how Jesus helps our hearts become tender. She said "and different".

:-) That's the high of the day.

2011....

2011-07-02T23:08:00.004-04:00

The picture I just posted is the kids and my niece in Charleston. She had never been there being a Seattlite. I was so shocked and dismayed that I put them all in the car the following day, drove down, and made them take off their shoes and climb a tree in Battery park. Never been to Charleston. Are you kidding me. Not my niece!

I have really missed the blog. I like having an electronic record, and that's mainly about my kids and not about me. I know that this will be their world. I have many volumes of noteboooks full of ramblings, somewhere in boxes. There's something sad about burying a notebook in a box with my life and feelings in it. No one cares about the notebooks...God forbid my kids ever read them.

So everyone should know that I almost died last year and had been very ill from little R's birth really until his 2nd birthday. I had one episode since that startled me but I am doing very well now. I have had a difficult time with this and I am sure no one really understands it, not even me. Most people have a revelation or an epiphany, or they have a renewed sense of life, of vitality and purpose. Not me. Just a great sadness came that has yet to escape me. A knowledge that my life is short. Really knowing and understanding that. It humbled me. It still does. I still cry about it.

Tonight my good friend Irene who had moved away and is now back... came to visit... and I was so shappy to see her. Our kids were running through the house, everything was a beautiful mess, loud, and the sparklers were bright.:-)

I finally got back into my blog

2011-06-25T13:15:00.003-04:00

I lost access a couple years ago and could not sign in. Fortunately I took a few moments today to figure it out. Hey everybody!

Dancing with the Tutu!

2009-01-07T16:00:00.006-05:00

Lindsay received this hand made gift from Gwen and Clare as a big sister present.

Turn the music off on the playlist player (located in the black box on the right of the screen) off by pressing pause...

My Favorite Things

2009-01-04T17:14:00.010-05:00

I received these Christmas gifts from my daughter. She arrived from her morning out program on the last day of school before Christmas with a gold box decorated with stickers. Inside were ornaments that she had spent the last several weeks making.

The baby looks like Robert...

2008-12-26T16:26:00.001-05:00

Thoughts at Christmas

2008-12-25T16:34:00.003-05:00

I found it most appropriate on Christs birthday to seek the scriptures...

On Christ...from my fav NT book....

Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

For Little Robert ...

Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

For My Huband

Genesis 29:32 (New International Version)
32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, [a] for she said, "It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now."

Just kidding, honey--had to throw that in.

Last but not least-we took this last night.

What a joy and blessing this Christmas is...one to remember for a lifetime.

He's here!

2008-12-21T14:56:00.007-05:00

The latest...

2008-12-15T16:59:00.004-05:00

Spent a night at hospital over the weekend. Had some horrible virus. Was so sick. Robert's birthday was ruined. But was still managed to have mom pick up the Godiva cake on Sat. afternoon. Thought for sure all this it would cause Bobby to burst out, but no-who was I kidding? Here's in there to stay. My surgery is Friday morning.

Irene came over and brought a beautiful lunch today as well as home made carrot cake with real cream cheese icing. The children played and we all had a great time. We even watched the Sound of Music!

Wanted to post a picture of the girls. ...and precious"baby Caleb" who is not so baby anymore.

One last thing-

2008-12-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

""...once our eyes are opened,we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God,who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know,and holds us responsible to act."(Proverbs 24:12)

The latest and greatest news and ...FREEEEDOM!!!!!!!!

2008-12-11T09:14:00.005-05:00

Lindsay Me and Harper at our "pretend Chistmas" last weekend. We celebrated with my brother's family who flew in from Seattle for a week. Jay and Caryn spent Tgiving in New York, went to the parade, etc. I was so jealous! but still managed to have a blast at our slumber party with the girls. Popcorn and Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in bed ... very good things.

Lindsay's new songs are:

*Away in a Manager-entire first verse

*A few lines of Rudolph. She can't get past the red nose line however without stopping to comment that "MY nose is NOT red, mama"

*Santa Claus is Coming to Town (but don't dare sing the chorus at the end like Bruce Springsteen or the Pointer Sisters 'cause Lindsay will yell at you and say "that's not right!")

*Do A Deer (we are currently obsessed with the Sound of Music - particularly Do a Deer and the puppet show scenes. ) "Te-I drink it with my bread"....

Robert gets to go a a big quail hunt for his birthday tomorrow. And a duck hunt on Saturday. I am such a good wife......

And I get to have major surgery within the next 7 days. Whoo-hoo!

I CAN'T WAIT TO HOLD OUR SON!!!!

FINALLY-

For the first time in my life.... I have no job. 12/1, I closed up shop. This was my best business year ever...at least I went out with a bang. I am looking forward to being truly broke but being truly present in the moment for my family and other more worthwhile activities-like having fun with my children and friends! I have forgotten what it is like to wake up and have a day without a packed schedule. Just to BE. I will love not answering phone calls and emails all hours of the day. I will love not having to meet with yet another stanger for small talk. I will love not receiving 20 calls per day when my ads run. I hope that this will not only create a better environment for us but also leave some time for me to paint, to sing, to further my musical education and skills. To read some classic literature rather than quick magazines and trashy paperbacks. To pursue God's plans and the work that He has for me. To serve in a church. To live a life not seeped around a work schedule. I FEELFREE!

Citadel Homecoming Weekend

2008-11-17T22:30:00.004-05:00

Although still suffering from a cold that has lasted almost 3 weeks I managed to meet Robert down in Charleston for his big weekend. Several classmates came from all over the country. We stayed at a house on the marsh at the Isle of Palms. I managed to see the barracks tour and parade on Sat. but it was so hot I had to leave early.

The chapel in the background is where Robert and I were engaged. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone better. We had breakfast on Sunday at this great local place called the Sea Biscuit cafe....I highy recommend the blueberry walnut french toast. And the homemade biscuits. And the bacon. Yes, I ate it all.

I only have 4 more weeks.

4 more weeks.

Little Robert's first Video

2008-11-10T15:44:00.004-05:00

Hello!

2008-11-02T16:59:00.005-05:00

I have failed to update my blog lately. It has been crazy busy, then I had unexpected surgery, and after that came down with a serious cold and have been very sick. Feeling ever more pregnant. 7 weeks to go. Thank God for my mom...I do not know what I would have done without her help last week. And my husband...who, unless he is stranded on the ocean in Bulls Bay, on a shrimping trip, like he was yesterday, is (usually) always there for me. They are always there for me.

On Sunday I am feeling better.

The baby's name is officially Robert Eldon Hood, Jr.

I saw a very cool band last night on Austin City Limits, My Morning Jacket.

Halloween was a blast. A great block party...lots of food...fun...we have 123 families here. I LOVE this neighborhood. We are meeting a lot of great friends-some really great folks live here-and lots of kids! I am getting to know the "stay at home mom" crowd better and hopefully will break into that circle as soon as I am no longer so occupied with work...there are several who play date, cofee, etc. Robert drove all the kids round the block on a hayride with our new (used) Honda "four wheeler". He was simply in heaven. Lindsay gave out candy to the children in her kitty cat nightgown.

Country Adventures

2008-10-16T16:26:00.003-04:00

Today at the farm-with Clare and Wesley-the cutest little redheads in the world!

What a beautiful day for outside adventures...a hayride, petting farm, pumpkins galore...

Isaiah 40:8

2008-10-12T20:52:00.003-04:00

Note: Stop the Music "My Playlist" Player - it is located by scrolling down on the right

Lindsay has memorized her first Bibe verse! Her daddy helped her.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

I have been having so much grief lately. I watch the news, I hear the horrors, I cry, I pray for these people and little chidren that have lost their lives, who have no hope. Then I think to myself-I least I have hope-I have THE hope. What in the world do people do without hope? How do they grieve? At the end of the day-I know that God is sovereign, and all things work for good for those who love God! And His word indeed is the only thing that stands forever...I can count on Him and His promises!

I sang at "Women to Women" of Forest Acres last week at Covenant Pres. I stayed for the Bible study. Sandy Breazeale (I am sure I spelled that wrong) of First Baptist taught Romans 11. A woman sitting on my right named Deborah reached out for my hand when we prayed. I felt so connected at this moment to this stranger and in God's spirit heard "where two or more are gathered there I will be also" and it awed me, humbled me, to the point of tears, and I was so convicted I told Him how I missed my Friend, how sorry I was that I have spent so little time with him. How long it had been since I have been in a group setting like this-since we left our old church I have been so lonely for christian company.

I am having trouble with Biblical priorities. Those are so different that what you hear every day from modern culture they are easy to forget. If I remember correctly the priorities are:

God

Husband

Children

Work

How did I get so far away from the truth?

I am praying that God helps me get back on track-HIS track!

A fun filled fall weekend

2008-10-05T19:08:00.004-04:00

It was a beautiful weekend.

Sang friday night.

Spent the morning Sat. at a local farm-hay rides, playgrounds, bunny rabbits, and a 7 acre corn maize...then last night we had a blast watching "The Sound of Music" outdoors at the park on a 30 foot screen. They gave all the kids brown paper packages tied up with string full of goodies they used to interact with the movie while it played-we all sang-it was great. Maria ROCKS!

Lindsay said this tractor was too big for her to drive.

Today a good church service with Granna and Papa, lunch here at home-beef stew with butternut squash, mashed potatoes, green beans, orange salad, sweet tea. Then a two hour nap, followed by a manicure and pedicure.

Now I am making pizza while my dear, saintly, wonderful husband shops for the groceries for us at the place I hate most, WalMart.

Life does not get much better than this.

Birthday Party

2008-09-29T17:24:00.005-04:00

We enjoyed Clare's third birthday party Thursay evening-we had cupcakes and Happy Meals and playground fun! Clare's mom took this pic of Lindsay who had just devoured a cupcake with green icing-the B&W pic does it no justice. Lindsay is now potty trained and in a big girl bed (we converted straight from crib to the double size with rails). I am relieved that these milestones have been accomplished prior to the arrival of "Little Bobby". Not that it still wont be difficult, but this has to make it a little less stressful.

Sang at a gig last Sunday night for the Palmetto Mastersingers annual BBQ party. After it was over Lindsay came to the stage and sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in the microphone as loud as possible. Everyone cheered. She then wanted to sing the ABC's and insisted "I want the mic" after I had put it away. My little diva.

Enough about me....How are you?

I would love to hear from you-and hope that you and yours are well!

Christmas Requests and Breakfast at Lindsay's

2008-09-18T11:28:00.005-04:00

I asked my daughter yesterday what she wanted for Christmas...

"I want Santa Claus to bring me some food.
What kind of food?
Strawberries.
What else do you want Santa to bring?
I want a umbrella to keep rain off me.
And A Pink Thing.
A pink thing? ok....anything else?
A bunny hopper."

Lindsay also has been saying "my tummy hurts" followed by "my baby's kicking me". She has realized that when something hurts it gets my immediate attention, so often she will say "my back hurts because I need a popscicle" or something ridiculously cute...

Breakfast with her is the highlight of my day. The house is quiet, we are not tired or cranky, we are relaxed. We sing our blessing, look at the birds outside at the feeders, and talk about our day. Her fav meal is real blueberry pancakes, followed by blueberry waffles. Followed by blueberries.

SOLD!

2008-09-15T16:23:00.004-04:00

Y'all, we sold the Honda in 24 hours on Craigslist of all places. To a mechanic, I might add-guess he knows good cars...we got 6K, which ironically is the exact amount I put down on that car 8 years ago. Got a brand new Honda Odyssey-it's awesome...was a little depressed at the thought of driving a mini-van until I actually drove it and let me tell you-it is the BOMB...auto doors, DVD, a sound system to die for, so much space...luxurious leather-I am so pleased. I decided I could re sale in a couple years for almost the same price we have purchased it, the re sale values are so high. THEN I'll get my Lexus convertible! We ended up buying at the same place I bought the ACCORD-let me recommend Superior Honda in Orangeburg-they came out over 1K cheaper than the lowest price in Columbia...

The piano? Nope...

I still don't have a church, I am still not singing. I am dying to put on that choir robe,and sing "Tell Me the Story of Jesus" with Kevin and Meagan. Or, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing-we did the best arrangement of that- or any song for that matter. I am so wanting for this wait to be over. I like this or that about a particular church but so far not one has the whole package...not one do I feel called to-not one do I miss going to....I want to be called. I don't want to go because they have a great children's program, or a great music program, or a great XYZ program. Or even a great preacher. I am not going to cave. I want to be called. Being called is so different than us deciding where to go because it's convenient, or it fits the present moment. Sigh.

My family are all in Seattle together this week. Wish I was there. Wandering Pike Place, surveying the fresh flowers, the Asian farmers with their baskets of fresh berries, the fresh fish being thrown through the air by those husky, laughing fishermen, eating wild salmon off an Alaskan boat just caught, the smell of baking breads...a good bowl of real Paella.

It's too hot here.

Ate dinner at Ruths Chris Saturday-may I suggest the chopped salad, chicken, and creme brulee. Not that you want to know but I was very ill later in the night, pregnancy related I am sure. That does happen often these days. Once you lose a gallbladder, apparently you get sick more.

Well, I have started a Facebook profile. I did cave on that. I was determined NOT to EVER have a My Space page of Facebook page. My Space is High School, Facebook is college, and Bloggers are mature (LOL at myself). I linked my blog there and plan on using this as my primary tool-Facebook is just a vehicle for others I know to find me (is this a good thing? Hmmm..... we'll see)

Christmas is coming-do your kids need a piano? Also-car for sale!

2008-09-08T17:24:00.008-04:00

The Best news I have heard in a long time: "MSNBC is replacing Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as co-anchors of political night coverage with David Gregory, and will use the two newsmen as commentators"

The Latest greatest political cartoon above regarding Palin and the media.

Hey everybody-ETV's running a special about John Denver's songs. My husband caught me watching it last night and muttered somthing like wierdo underneath his breath.

This week I am catching up on real work that I have not been doing, so I need to exit.

Now onto the FOR SALE items:

I am selling the old piano-$275 or best offer. I am also selling my 2000 Honda Accord EX, 4dr, black, 138K miles, loaded. $6000 OBO.

Lindsay Can Sing Her ABC's Video

2008-09-03T16:27:00.003-04:00

And almost on pitch!

Live Birth Abortion and Barack Obama (Do you need a reason not to vote for him? Here's one)

2008-08-29T17:19:00.007-04:00

I am not a supporter of any so called right of a man or woman to take another life against its will. This is typically called murder. I oppose abortion. More than 48 million in this country alone since Roe vs. Wade. What a shame for this country. While I know it will likely never go away, there is still much we can do to prevent and the partcularly heinous partial birth abortions taking place. One thing WE ALL CAN DO is not elect people who support it. Any one who has looked at her own unborn child via ultrasound, especially the new 3D technology, or for that matter seen the latest National Geo. documentary Inside the Womb should know better that this. This is one area where science speaks louder than any pro choicer ever could. These women anger me-seems like the ones so passionately campaigning to save the whales are the same one who support killing the humans.

I am a platform voter. A no nonsense approach. I would really have to dislike a candidate to vote against a platform. You can't judge a book by it's cover. Candidates don't write their own speeches, and I am not a personality voter. Look at the party they choose, study the platform, the record, and you will know the candidate.

I know dems are pro-choice and that's one reason I am not a democrat (do I really need another one? That's enough for me) but Obama is particularly pro-abortion and partial birth abortion.

Here's one article in browsing I ran across that that stuck with me.

Why Jesus would not vote for Barack Obama
Posted: July 19, 20061:00 am Eastern
By Jill Stanek© 2008 WorldNetDaily.com
In February 2004, U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, sent a fund-raising letter with the "alarming news" that "right-wing politicians" had passed a law stopping doctors from stabbing half-born babies in the neck with scissors, suctioning out their brains and crushing their skulls.
Michelle called partial-birth abortion "a legitimate medical procedure," and wouldn't supporters please pay $150 to attend a luncheon for her husband, who would fight against "cynical ploy[s]" to stop it?
But that's not why Obama's opponent Alan Keyes said Jesus Christ wouldn't vote for him.
Obama recalled Keyes' statement in a recent USA Today opinion piece but omitted his reasoning.
I know his reasoning, because I was there.
As a nurse at an Illinois hospital in 1999, I discovered babies were being aborted alive and shelved to die in soiled utility rooms. I discovered infanticide.
Legislation was presented on the federal level and in various states called the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. It stated all live-born babies were guaranteed the same constitutional right to equal protection, whether or not they were wanted.
BAIPA sailed through the U.S. Senate by unanimous vote. Even Sens. Clinton, Kennedy and Kerry agreed a mother's right to "choose" stopped at her baby's delivery.
The bill also passed overwhelmingly in the House. NARAL went neutral on it. Abortion enthusiasts publicly agreed that fighting BAIPA would appear extreme. President Bush signed BAIPA into law in 2002.
But in Illinois, the state version of BAIPA repeatedly failed, thanks in large part to then-state Sen. Barack Obama. It only passed in 2005, after Obama left.
I testified in 2001 and 2002 before a committee of which Obama was a member.
Obama articulately worried that legislation protecting live aborted babies might infringe on women's rights or abortionists' rights. Obama's clinical discourse, his lack of mercy, shocked me. I was naive back then. Obama voted against the measure, twice. It ultimately failed.
In 2003, as chairman of the next Senate committee to which BAIPA was sent, Obama stopped it from even getting a hearing, shelving it to die much like babies were still being shelved to die in Illinois hospitals and abortion clinics.
(As chair of that same committee, Obama once abruptly ended a hearing early, right before Scott and Janet Willis, the parents of six children killed as a result of Illinois' drivers licenses for bribes scandal, were to testify in favor of Choose Life license plate legislation. I was there for that one, too. The Willises had traveled three hours. Reporters filled the room. Obama stalled. He later killed the bill when no one was around.)
So, the reason Keyes said Jesus Christ wouldn't vote for Barack Obama was because of Obama's fanatical support of abortion to the point of condoning infanticide.
I have framed on my wall a Chicago Sun-Times cartoon published during the campaign. Obama is holding a sign with "LIVE BIRTH ABORTION" on it. God is reaching down from heaven to a baby in front of Obama, and the baby is reaching up to God. Obama is yelling at God, "You keep out of this!"
In his USA Today opinion piece, Obama admitted being "nagged" by the Jesus-wouldn't-vote-for-him statement, but only because he wished he'd given a different comeback.
Obama insinuated opposition to abortion is based only on religion, lecturing pro-lifers like me to "explain why abortion violates some principle that is accessible to people of all faiths, including those with no faith at all."
I don't recall mentioning religion when I testified against live-birth abortion. I only recall describing a live aborted baby I held in a hospital soiled utility room until he died, and a live aborted baby who was accidentally thrown into the trash.
Neither do I recall religion being brought into the partial-birth abortion ban debate. I recall comparisons made to U.S. laws ensuring animals being killed are treated humanely. I recall testimony that late-term babies feel excruciating pain while being aborted.
Obama stated pro-life proposals must be "amenable to reason."
OK, Sen. Obama, let's reason. Explain why you support abortion for whatever rationale, at whatever gestation, by whatever means. Explain why you support infanticide, if banning it might interfere with abortion.
Then, since you brought it up, explain how, despite all that, you think Jesus should vote for you, either now or in the hereafter, particularly given His statement, "It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck than to face the punishment in store for harming one of these little ones."

http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/Born_Alive_Infants/APmemo031302.html

Thank you God!

2008-08-28T16:29:00.002-04:00

Just for me today.

Thursday, August 28, 2008
SING, O BARREN ONE.Isaiah 54:1 Although we may have brought forth some fruit and have a joyful hope that we are abiding in the vine, yet there are times when we feel very barren. Prayer is lifeless, love is cold, faith is weak, each grace in the garden of our heart languishes and droops. We are like flowers in the hot sun, desperately needing the refreshing shower. In such a condition what are we to do? The text is addressed to us in just such a state. "Sing, O barren one . . . break forth into singing and cry aloud." But what can I sing about? I cannot talk about the present, and even the past looks full of barrenness. I can sing of Jesus Christ. I can talk of visits that the Redeemer has paid to me in the past; or if not of these, I can magnify the great love with which He loved His people when He came from the heights of heaven for their redemption. I will go to the cross again. Come, my soul, you were once heavy-laden, and you lost your burden there. Go to Calvary again. Perhaps that very cross that gave you life may give you fruitfulness. What is my barrenness? It is the platform for His fruit-creating power. What is my desolation? It is the dark setting for the sapphire of His everlasting love. I will go to Him in my poverty, I will go in my helplessness, I will go in all my shame and backsliding; I will tell Him that I am still His child, and finding confidence in His faithful heart, even I, the barren one, will sing and cry aloud.Sing, believer, for it will cheer your own heart and the hearts of others who are desolate. Sing on, for although you are presently ashamed of being barren, you will be fruitful soon; now that God makes you hate to be without fruit He will soon cover you with clusters. The experience of our barrenness is painful, but the Lord's visits are delightful. A sense of our own poverty drives us to Christ, and that is where we need to be, for in Him our fruit is found.

Please note: Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg

Tag You're It on Quirks

2008-08-27T22:23:00.007-04:00

I am not sure I will do this right but I have been tagged by Ashley L
http://lindler5.blogspot.com/ to share 6 quirky things about me.

1. My dream job as a child was to fly helicopters and rescue animals. My next dream job as to be a singer. Seems like I have always had my head in the clouds...
2. I remember phone numbers that I have not dialed in over 10 years just like Ashley. I do not remember phone numbers that I dailed today or yesterday.
3. I became a vegeterian for a while in 1977. This decision was made while eating fried chicken at Aunt Jo's house and watching the news coverage of Elvis Pressley's death.
4. My maiden name is Kirk as in Captain James T. and that rhymes with Quirk (OK, I am running out of ideas now)
5. I used to hide food under my bed as a child, particuarly cheese, so I am told. As an adult I tend to overstock grocery items. I have never been skinny. Hmmm.
6. I was a tomboy as a little girl. I climbed trees, kept caterpillars and frogs as pets, played war with my all-male neighborhood friends, and used to run over my brother with my bike while he was in a full run , and stab him with pencils.

the rules:
i tag six more people.
they link back to me.
they tag six more.

I don't know how to do the rest of this or make tags. I am a loser!

A New Song

2008-08-27T21:50:00.009-04:00

Well, really an old song. The singing dreams as I recently referred to them have just about ended unfortunately. I am sad to see them being replaced by frequent awakenings to attend to personal matters!! I had not heard or thought about in a long time. I will try to find it on playlist. It's called "On a Bus to St. Cloud" and the songwriter is Gretchen Peters, I believe. The first time I heard that sung by Trisha Yearwood I recalled realizing what a great singer she really is-the treatment of the song, the gentle dynamics, her use of emotion...I wish I could sing that song that well. Any song that well. I need an additional playlist for songs that I love that are just great songs like this as I love to share them with people.

http://www.last.fm/music/Trisha+Yearwood/+videos/5521246

Lindsay started her little pre-school yesterday, she is going in the mornings. She just loves it and I am so happy for her. She remembered all of her friends-Emma Hope, Kenlee Ann, Sidney and Parker the twins, Brooks, Sullivan, many she's been with since 4 months old. SHe is potty trained-has maybe a tee tee accident here and there but that's all.

I am still working as an independent contractor recruiter until Novemeber 1 and then taking a year off. I've been told I can go back next year. We'll see. I'll either be dying to go back to doing something or dread it...only time will tell.

I wish I had a new song of my own, but alas those days are few and far between now. With no piano to sit down and peck on my insirpations are fleeting through my head and never come to fruition.

We just finished painting Little Bobby's nursery. Robert has not decided on a name, yet.

We still do not have a church. We're visiting Christ Church and First pres almost exclusively now. After visiting 14 churches across Lexington, Columbia and Irmo it just gets more and more depressing. I miss all of the people at FBC. I am sad not to be a part of a local church. I miss the music, especially, I miss singing for everyone, encouraging others, minitsering to others. I heard Dr. Fergueson preach on Romans Sunday night about how dissapointments ...somehow I will get to Rome...God is at the same time preparing you for the next service that He has for you. Of course he said it much better than that. It did encourage me to anticipate what is in store for us as we are waiting to hear the definite voice of God say "You're Home (at least for now!)"

I am feeling overwhelmed by all I need to do over the next 3 months-wrap up work and help train the new person, do the nursery and we're also re-doing Lindsay's room (big girl bed time! ) buy all Christmas and decorate by Thanksgiving, etc. etc. Of course I am bigger every day and this does NOT help my mood.

I just hope it gets more fun than this

It's a BOY and other various unorganized thoughts

2008-08-15T15:07:00.005-04:00

It's a boy! The night before my ultrasound, there was again another song that I woke up thinking about. Playing over and over in my head from 4:37 to 6:00 - "He's so shy" (I think by the Pointer Sisters?) and I felt that was a confirmation that this was indeed a boy and sure enough, it was. He's healthy, happy, and kicking like crazy. He loves sweet candy -Jelly Beans especially.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS COOL NEW TECHNOLOGY! THANKS TO MY HUSBAND WHO SENT A SWEET VOICE MESSAGE TO ME VIA EMAIL :-)

Jott (http://www.jott.com/goto.aspx?i=khood1@sc.rr.com&d=5&u=http://jott.com) turns your voice into emails & text messages. Simply call Jott and speak your message. Jott converts your voice to text and sends your message. Jott can also create reminders, lists & appointments. Sign up for your FREE Jott account today.

Speaking of HUSBANDS- DEER SEASON STARTED today- my husband left the house around 5 a.m. to meet his friend Pate-he said he saw three does and fawns- but no big daddies. Since I don't eat wild game of any kind, ever, and our freezer is full of quail, dove and deer from last season (DOES ANYONE WANT ANY OF THAT?) I sincerely hope no venison arrives at my door anytime soon. There's no room left for the popsicles...

I used to dread hunting season. I found myself a bit jealous of the time away (Ha!) and at a loss as to why a person would pursue this activity. Yet, as the years have passed, I have changed my mind on this matter entirely. I am extremely grateful that he loves the outdoors. This is a healthy activity (at least for the hunter!!!) that reduces stress - yes, being in the woods, in the quiet, with the wildlife, at sunrise, is to him being at the edge of paradise and very relaxing. He's made some life-long friends. He's become an expert marksman. Hunting is to Robert as Singing is to Kristi .

Went to my 20 year reunion last Saturday-I had to leave a gig for it which I later regretted-I left the reunion early feeling glad that I saw a few folks yet generally bored. I have been pondering: This is your life-are you who you want to be? to quote a recent single on the radio-and I have been thinking about what my life has been, is, and will be, and how my daily choices either direct is misdirect me toward the woman I was designed to be. What can I do to reach my goal? Then, I always arrive back at that age old question I was first asked when I was 12 in catechism class: What is the chief end of man? For those of you who know the answer, the answer to my question is one and the same.

Steven Curtis Chapman : one of my fav artists

2008-08-05T22:47:00.002-04:00

How could I not mention-Robert and I saw him in Ashville Friday night. Father of 6. 3 adopted. His 6 year old adopted daughter killed May 21 in an accident by his own son. Robert and I were crying within 3 minutes after he walked out on stage. It was unbelievable. Poignant. Heart Wrenching. And yet, beautiful to hear the stories about Maria and see a man of great faith, crushed and broken but singing his heart out in the songs he's written and believes in now more than ever.
http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

His organization: Shaohannas Hope
http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer?pagename=abt_home

ABC's and singing dreams

2008-08-05T21:56:00.006-04:00

During this pregnancy I have been waking up often. Not like the last one-I had vivid dreams all night long usually involving rescuing and or searching for animals, mostly squirrels of all things...see archived blog from 2005 or 6...this time I wake up with a song in my head. Last night, it was "Sunshine" by John Denver. I have not thought about that song or even heard it since I was a child. All the lyrics were there...just pouring out, even the second verse! And I sang it to Lindsay at breakfast. She did not like it as much as "Ebony and Ivory" which was the song of choice the other night - McCartney and Jackson (can you actually say both of those names together without flinching a little?) and I sang that all day and Robert was quite tired of it.

As for the baby names, no we don't know yet-but we will know geneder next Thursday. We asked what Lindsay thought the name should be. Looking at my expanding middle she said "baby Tickle" so that's fine for now!

We went to the hosital to see the babies in the nursery the other day. Thought we'd better get adjusted now. The next day we rode by and she pointed and cried out "there's where the babies come from mommy!!!"

Free Will and Baby Names

2008-07-22T21:40:00.004-04:00

Christian Quote of the Day - July 22. Topic for Today: Free Will. "The phrase - free will - is only used by the Bible in the context of stewardship. It is never used in the context of coming to Christ in faith." Dr. Sinclair Ferguson

It is only in the past year of my christian life that I have come to understand exactly what Dr. Ferguson is talking about in this statement. We have been so blessed by the teaching of this man-who has been called "a master theologian with a pastor's heart". This man of God is quite frankly the most amazing teacher I've ever been blessed to hear. I thank pastor Det Bowers of Christ Church for sending us his way. A few years ago Robert went to a Good Friday service at BB&T being taught by Pastor Bowers and he said "if you want to hear the best preacher in North America, he is preaching a Good Friday sermon at noon today" and proceeded giving directions to First Presbyterian Church of Columbia (how many pastors do you know would do THAT?!) So, Robert called, said "we've got to go, be ready by noon!" and we went-and have been back many times- to hear Dr. Ferguson. http://www.firstprescolumbia.org/

My husband's sitting here and making me laugh. Every few minutes, during the commercials, he spouts out a name idea for a male child. Some of his ideas are:
Jonathan Edwards Hood (LOL) He's been reading the biography of Jonathan Edwards. He is on page 400. He is on the 9 month plan.
William Harrison Hood
Calvin Hood
Thomas Jonathan Jackson Hood
Harrison Hardwick Hood, and call him "Harry" You've got to be kidding me, I said.
Robert Eldon Hood, Jr. and call him "Little Bobby"
Blueford Valasco Hood and we'll call him "BV" BV really was my grandfather's name-don't laugh!

The Weekend at La Bastide

2008-07-21T10:36:00.008-04:00

Robert and I spent a wonderful weeekend at a french Country Inn, La Bastide. http://www.cliffscommunities.com/la-bastide/cliffs/page/35/section/24 I will add that this trip began only AFTER Robert went fishing at 5 am Friday morning at the hunt club with several friends, 200 crickets that spent their previous night in my laundry room (it's hard to sleep with all that ruckus!) and I hear tell that someone ran into a wasp nest with one of the john boats and several boys had to jump in the water-I guess I leave that story for Robert to tell. Anyway, this Inn is located in Greenville County in the foothills and is a Cliffs Community Inn. There are 13 rooms, an amazing restaurant, the most incredible bed-better than the Heavenly bed! and only 20 miles from downtown Greenville and the same from the NC line. We did look at some property there-very lovely! It makes one appreciate SC....the beaches, the mountains... there's truly no place I'd rather live. Since we were guests we got to drive round all the CLiffs communities which are gated and it offered us a chance to see homesites and views we'd otherwise never see. The picture here was taken at the top of Glassy Mountain...

Pool friends

2008-07-15T19:18:00.003-04:00

Lindsay and Clare

Are you reading the blog, honey?

2008-07-14T15:58:00.002-04:00

2008-07-14T15:30:00.007-04:00

More pics from the recent beach trip.

Latest News

2008-07-12T15:33:00.006-04:00

Robert and I are expecting-16 weeks and counting! No pictures will be loaded to this blog to document my expoding middle. You must see in person to believe. If that's not enough news, we spent the week at Hilton Head last week. Linday's crocs on the beach-picture courtesy of Aunt Dawn. We also recently attended a "WWE Raw" sold out show at the Colonial Center. Now THAT was a first time experience, and hopefully last time. We got front row tickets---for free---OK, enough excuses! Ric Flair's pic (yes, he does spell his name RIC) from the event is included- if you have a microscope, Robert and I can be seen on the right front row... finally, the band's been off for a few weeks-we are returning August 9 for a Finlay Park show open to the public. The attached pic is one I took of an amused Dick at our last show. I've added a few links to the band's upcoming shows as well as to CD Baby...be sure to visit!

Lindsay's Second Birthday

2008-04-19T15:45:00.003-04:00

Her birthday party was today! We ate pizza, cake and ice cream and played at the park...beautiful day. She was so thankful for her friends, she relates so well to everyone. Thanks to all of our friends and family for coming!

Friends

2008-04-10T23:45:00.003-04:00

Emily and Lindsay holding hands at the zoo. Her first friend!

2008-01-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

OUR SWEET BABY GIRL!!! Lindsay is 20 months old now. She says two and three word sentences. She is the BEST THING THAT'S EVER happended to us. A blessing from God, she is.

Beach Baby

2007-07-24T22:21:00.000-04:00

Sure is hot out here.

Picture of Easter Ad in last friday's paper

2007-04-08T09:15:00.000-04:00

It is Easter morning. I am thinking about Jesus. This is a joyous morning. Christ has risen.

I'm forgiven, because You were forsaken
I'm accepted, You were condemned
I'm alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me
Becuase You died and rose again

Amazing Love, how can it be?
That You, My King, should die for me?
Amazing Love, I know it's true
It's my joy to honor You
In all I do, I honor You
In all I do, I honor You

Robert and I are going to celebrate our anniversary in Ashville and leaving after church.

It is indeed a good day.

Our first family photo.

2007-02-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

Oh, forgot to mention...God is GREAT. She had NO heallth issues. They still can't figure out what was on all those ultrasounds! Here's our first family photo. Everyone thinks I look like Kirstie Alley.

Lindsay at 10 months

2007-02-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

Lindsay will be 10 months old this weekend. I have attached a picture of her taken a few weeks ago at her friends' first Birthday party. It has been quite an experience. She is a beautiful girl. She has blond hair and blue eyes. She was born April 21, 2006, at 10:02, and she weighed 10.2 pounds. She has remained in the 90+ percentile in height and weight through her life. She is very sweet and has a wonderful disposition. She is delightful, smiles easily and all the time, and is friendly to everyone. She cries only when sleepy or her teeth hurt (she got her first two on the bottom at 4 months and now has and additional three on the top) . She does have a temper involving fighting sleep, and sometimes food... but only when it is a cookie being taken away. I take her everywhere with me, and she is always good and people comment on how very good she is! The first three months of her life, she cried non-stop (and so did we it seems) so I am sure she is just making that up to us.

It's now 2007

2007-02-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

I have been SO very busy! Lindsay is now 9 months old. I am in the process of updating my blog, which will probably take a while seeing that I am a year behind! More to come.

Soon And Very Soon....

2006-04-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

As of today, Lindsay is 38 weeks. An update on her size: we had another ultrasound 3 weeks ago at 35 weeks. She was in the 92nd percentile at 7 pounds. Between now and her delivery next week she'll be between 8.5 and 9 pounds. Her delivery is scheduled for Friday April 21 at 9 am via C-Section...after two doctors have advised me to do so I am going to move forward with it. I did finally go to a neurosurgeon rather than my standard chiropractic visits for a consultation, and he looked at my MRI from last year and noted that the "rather sizeable" disc herniation that I had could indeed cause me a problem during and after delivery especially with a large baby. So, I have to be in the hospital at 7:30 that day for surgery...not looking forward to that part but it will be worth it. On the "cysts", we went to see a specialist with the medical university, who does not think that her ureter tube is blocked at all, and there is definitely no kidney problem, he said "kidneys are beautiful!"This one disagrees with the last (here we go again...) Good news but we are going to ensure she has an ultrasound at the hosptial and the films are sent to be viewed again.

We finally bought a digital camera, so we will have some pictures out here as soon as Robert downloads the software to his computer!

Today is my last day at work, so no more updates for a while since we don't have internet at home. Feel free to call us for an update!

Tick, Tock

2006-02-27T10:02:00.000-05:00

32 weeks and counting down to delivery day.

Lindsay had another ultrasound last week, this time, at the specialist's office, who told us what he had told us the first time. He said in his opinion it's not ovarian cysts....the two cysts are part of her urinary/kidney system, so here we are back to square one again. What a rollercoaster! We could not believe that two sonographers could say two completely different things, but this specialist is supposed to be the best in town, so...we were very disappointed. He said the bottom line is that they will not know for sure or be able to tell us how this needs to be treated until she is born. They will do an ultrasound of her in the hospital and be able to see exactly where the issue is. Also they will need to watch her to see if it starts impacting her kidneys, etc. since the dynamics will change once she is born and I am no longer filtering everything for her.

Other than this, she is doing great and she is above average in weight. As of last week she is in the 65th percentile and she weighs 3.9 pounds as opposed to her peers who weigh 3. They said she would be around 8 pounds. This does not surprise, since I was a big baby (Almost 10 pounds) and have been picked on all my life about rolling before I could crawl.

No pictures to share, we still have not bought that camera!!! Hopefully we'll be able to post some once we have it....

Robert's Nightmares

2006-02-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

I can't help but laugh when I recall my husband's dreams last week. He shared with me one morning that he dreamed our baby's hairline was receding; he was rather upset about this. He called this "a nightmare".

A few days later he dreamed that Lindsay was born as a German Shorthair Pointer, like our dog Kylie (picture of a brown GSP attached.) In his dreams he said he was so proud of her. He thought this dream was funny. And I thought I was the only crazy one around here.

Our next appointment is Friday February 3...all is well with little Lindsay.

Her nursery is almost done. Robert painted the walls a pretty light green; we bought her furniture on Saturday...all white. Sleigh crib, changing table, and a full size little girl's white dresser that she will be able to keep for years to come. Lots of drawer space for all of those precious little clothes!!! The Hoods have graciously offered to install new carpet in the nursery. While our house is only 8 years old, the couple who lived there before us had no children but a dog who was apparently not housetrained as well as 5 LARGE BIRDS living in AND OUT of cages in the room that is now Lindsay's. Enough said. We have already replaced the carpet in our bedroom...the rest of the houseis hardwoods so once this is done we're O.K.

The most exciting events are yet to come. I am so blessed to have a wonderful church family, wonderful family, and friends. What more could a person ask for in this life? Mom's friends and my family are throwing a shower on March 5, and my choir family on March 11. I am also having a small work shower hosted by a girl I work with. The word shower makes me think of the James Taylor song....

Shower the people you love with love,
show them the way you feel,
things are going to be much better if you only will.

I hope that I can do for others what they have done for me. It would take a lifetime. I want to love others better!

Lindsay Grace Update

2006-01-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

Lindsay Grace

2006-01-04T15:14:00.000-05:00

We've finally landed on a name...Lindsay Grace. 90% certainty. I even bought her letters today to hang on her wall. I will be painting them myself. They will be hung with polka dot ribbon per Robert's request. We bought her crib set Sunday; it's called Vintage Floral, here's a picture. It is light pink and light green floral design, and also has embroidered flowers. The crib skirt is pink and white pinstripe and it has a transparent fabric over that with the same flowers. It is very soft and feminine. I am painting her room a light green.

We had our 24 weeks monthly appointment. "A very active baby...that's good"...he said. They say that every time. I have another ultrasound in two weeks to check on her kidney situtation. The only other thing is that I gained 10 pounds since my last appt...only 4 weeks ago! Christmas did me in. I need to cut back! Therefore, I am posting no pics of me at this time.

That's all for now.

Baby's first Christmas (in utero....)

2005-12-28T10:56:00.000-05:00

The name of the week is Lindsay. We like it, especially since it contains my mom's name...Linda. For a middle name, I like Grace or Gracelyn.

The Christmas spirit did kick in, she has been really, really wild lately. Yesterday she moved and kicked from 6 pm till past 11:30 as I finally lay down to go to sleep. I love it and I am not complaining!

She has Christmas day in 3 cities this year....Columbia, Greenville, and Atlanta. I don't know how she will handle this next year, but this year she was quite agreeable. I can tell you how her mom will feel, but we won't go there.

She received lots of precious gifts this Christmas, and for those she is so grateful! To name just a few...from my mom and dad, she got her first pink rattle Christmas Ornament, a Christmas outfit that says "Baby's First Christmas" for next year, a barnyard animals musical play toy that lays on the ground and has a mobile above it with a musical cow (terrible description, but the best I can do!) and cute-as-pie clothes. Jay and Caryn mailed her a beautiful white stocking covered with lace and buttons. She also received a lovely pink and black dress for next Christmas from her Aunt Dawn and Uncle Richard, and another precious little outfit. I am telling you, this girl will be looking good! To top it all off, her "accessories" will be carried in the Kate Spade diaper bag that Robert gave me for Christmas.

All is well with our little girl.

Pregnant Me

2005-12-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

Here I am last week at 21 weeks! Little Hood is really growing.

We had our follow up ultrasound with a Specialist on Monday, and the little cystic fluid filled space around her kidney is still there; we were very sad to see it. Not lifethreatening, but we are concerned. This could spontaneously resolve itself which is our hope and prayer. It could be as simple as a blockage that as she grows will work itself out. Worst case she'll have one functioning kidney, which she can live with with just fine...or need have to have surgery to correct the blockage when she's born if the kidney is just blocked. Best case is it'll go away as this does in about 50% of the cases they see in ultrasound. Anyway, I will continue to be monitored via ultrsound once per month, that is actually nice to be able to see her grow as usually a person only gets to have one ultrasound!

This Doctor also commented on her high level of activity, as did the last one that did my ultrasound. She is constantly awake and moving and now wakes me up in the middle of the night. My mother said I was the same way in utero.

Meditations

2005-12-13T07:59:00.001-05:00

"A human being is a single being. Unique and unrepeatable."- Pope John Paul II

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well" --Psalm 139:14

"For You created my inmost being;You knit me together in mymother's womb. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in a secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body."--Psalm 139:13,15,16

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."--Psalm 127:3

"But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly."--Psalm 22:9,10

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."--Psalm 100:3

" ...for in the image of God has God made man." Genesis 9:6

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Getting close to a name....

2005-12-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

The final three first names are as follows:
Morgan
Caroline
Kathryn

It's probably going to be Morgan.

Lily is out.
"Sounds like a 5 pound bag of flour", joked my aunt.

Baby Hood's a SHE

2005-12-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

Well! At my ultrasound yesterday, Baby Hood was very quick to show us that she is a little lady as well as an acrobat! Brenda and Herman drove up from Atlanta to attend, and mom attended as well. We are all thrilled.

There's one slight concern over two very small fluid filled areas in her abdomen that may be related to one of her kidneys, so we're going to a specialist for an even more detailed ultrasound on December 19...please keep this in your thoughts and prayers. The other kidney is fine. Probably not a huge concern as these things sometimes resolve themselves.

More name ideas:
Jordan, Morgan, Ella, Emmie, Caroline, Emily Elizabeth, Kathyrn

I'm still stuck on Lily.

Let There Be Love!

2005-12-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

Chris Botti, To Love Again. Featured Vocalist: Michael Buble
Baby Hood likes this song.

Let there be you
Let there be me
Let there be oysters
Under the sea
Let there be wind
An occassional rain
Chile con carne
Sparkling champagne
Let there be birds
To sing in the trees
Someone to bless me
Whenever I sneeze
Let there be cuckoos
A lark and a dove
But first of all, please
Let there be love

Let there be cuckoos
A lark and a dove
But first of all, please
Let there be love

Little Hood Baby Names

2005-11-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

Robert and I wanted to update you with the names we have thought about for our baby. Most of these were chosen at a brainstorming session at the Macaroni Grill, there on the table where you can draw on the tablecloth with crayons (yes, this is how we entertain oursleves now. ) Feel free to comment (not on our entertainment...on the names!)
Girl:
1. Lily Mae Hood.
2. Madison Elaine Hood.
3. Madeleine Elaine Hood.
In scenarios two or three, we would nickname her "Emmie" (short for her first two initials, M.E.) Robert has requested the right to be THE ONLY ONE that could call her Emmie.
4. Georgia Hood.
5. Linda Brenda Hood.
6. We also like Kathryn.
Boy:
1. Robert Eldon Hood,Jr. a.k.a. "BOBBY JUNIOR". THIS IS NO JOKE, FOLKS.
2. Jackson Hood. No middle name, as Jackson is stong enough to stand alone, like a Stone Wall.
3. Harrison Hardwick Hood.

It's a boy, it's a girl...it's a....

2005-11-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

" It's a Squirrel!" we shouted with joy upon our new arrival. As I peered into those big brown eyes, I was overwhelmed with love and a deep sense of satisfaction.

The next morning, I found myself taking the train into the big city. I was quite distraught. It seemed as if I was on a mission. I was looking for something. The conversation and bustling about of the people around me began to fade. I progressively became more and more upset. I started getting off the train, and then back on again, looking for a particular store. Finally, I rushed into a store. Inside I noticed a variety of cages...peering in one, there, inside, was my baby!! I sobbed "THIS IS IS MY BABY! WHY IS MY BABY IN THIS CAGE?! "

Then I awoke, sobbing, to my consoling husband.

My ultrasound is next week, December 7. It seems I'm a bit anxious about what will be discovered. Up until this week, everyone in the family, including me, thinks it's a boy. We believe this so strongly that my mother and I have purchased 6 boy outfits, and only one girl outfit, for good measure so as not to offend the little one if indeed it turns out to be a girl. The only exception to this was my niece Harper who declared that I was having " a little boy AND a little girl!" (I now breathe a sigh of relief in knowing I am not carrying twins!) On Saturday, my nanny, who is known for her dreams coming true and for accurately foretelling the gender of all of her grandchildren, looked at me with a gleam in her eye and said these exact words: "you know, I think it might be a girl".

Hmmm.

Heartlight

2005-10-17T15:04:00.000-04:00

Today at our 12 week appointment, we heard Little Hood's heartbeat. It was 150 beats per minute. "Perfectly normal", the doctor said. All I could think before the appointment was...
"Are you there?
Are you OK?
Is there going to be a heartbeat?
WHAT IF WE CAN'T HEAR ONE!!!"

Now, all I can think of is the song by Neil Diamond:

"Turn on Your Heartlight
Let it shine wherever you go,
Let it make a happy glow,
For all the world to see".

So now you know why I chose the movie associated with this blog...E. T. There's one of many comics my doctor (Dr. Estes) has drawn on his walls. He started this hobby to kill time in between hospital deliveries. His office walls are covered with make believe characters that are "preggars". The comics are drawn with permanent black ink magic marker and span the length of most rooms. The one in the bathroom is that of the Dr. asking the doglike creature if she has ever seen the movie "Alien" to which she responds "no" and he responds "good!" During the ultrasound, he asks her is she's ever seen "101 Dalmations". I'm sure you're asking...why are you going to this lunatic?

There is a new little person inside of me! I feel honored, amazed and blessed!