The Worst Mob by the Minecraft Maniacs

From Hott Mountain to Hollywood, three boys making a movie on a summer day!

Levi Rides a Bike

Radiation Exposure Could Have Caused Parkinson's

While advocating for Parkinson's Disease to be included in the Veterans Administration determination for benefits for military personnel with traumatic brain injuries, I attempted to reach out to people across the country.

Meet Daniel Vance.

"Since 2002, (his) weekly column "Disabilities" has been published in more than 260 newspapers throughout the United States and been the nations's best-read weekly column about people with disabilities."

This week, Mr. Vance talks about our story in Radiation Exposure Could Have Caused Parkinson's.

Thanks for listening.  Keep on Praying.

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint 

but rather be healed."  Hebrews 12:12-13

Summer Camp, When Is Your Child "Old Enough"?

During the summer of 1971, I spent my first week away at Summer Camp.  I was the ripe ole age of six and traveled the 40 minutes, or so, up the mountain and across another state (Maryland) to Bread of Life Camp.

It felt like I was on another planet for eternity.

But I was hooked!  Every summer, mom found some sort of camp to ship me off to for at least a week...or more!  From church camp, 4H Camp, show choir camp, student government, to a two week saxophone camp, we always found something crazy to do.

And I LOVED it!  In fact, I found myself returning to the Lion's Club Youth Leadership Camp in Parsons, WV, to be a "C.I.T." or Counselor in Training.  Now, that was a ride to the far reaches of the universe. 

I didn't want to come back.

Why?  Well, maybe it was the cute boys... I'm not so sure, but at any rate, I loved going to summer camp.  

Now, this almost 48 year old "grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four" has finally shipped off her final two to summer camp.  Our boys, Isaac and Levi, at 8 and 9 years old have just completed their first summer camp experience at Hagerstown Community College for Kids! Lego "WeDo Robotics!" for a week. 

And they LOVED it!  Levi's freckles shine when he talks about his Levi's Lego Spacecraft.  And, they are already talking about what they can do next summer! 

 I guess I waited longer than my mom did to send my boys to even what was a day camp.  And, you know what?  I still don't know if they would be ready to be away from home for an entire week of Summer Camp. Kinda gets me thinking, how do you know when your child is "old enough"?   

How to Build a Lego Drill Sergeant

"It's Not Complicated!"

Kids have all the answers!  Especially these Mini Power Campers this week at FCA Sports Camp!  Check out AT&T Dan and his friends.

Happy Anniversary!

Early on the morning of May 25, 1958, two crazy kids from opposite sides of the Potomac River had a plan.

Escaping from the second story window of her home across from the Park-n-Dine in Hancock, MD, Mary Margaret Daniels descended a ladder in the dark of night to meet a young man from Berkeley Springs, WV, Bobbie D. McBee.  With the help of her older sister, Ettie Jane, Bobbie and Mary quietly departed to Cumberland, MD.

Barely sunrise, the two woke up a Justice of the Peace who joined these two love birds on what is now a fifty-five year journey.  Later on the day of May 25th, 1958, the two enjoyed their first meal as husband and wife.

At a truck stop!  Sound romantic?  You bet it is!  Roast turkey, french fries and mashed potatoes will never be the same.

Niether are the three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson...  Bobbie and Mary remain settled not far from the house on the hill.

Nestled along Sleepy Creek near Berkeley Springs, the two established "McBee's Landing" where you'll find them today... celebrating 55 years of marriage!

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown..."  Proverbs 12:4

Remembering "D" Day

D-Day.

No, I'm actually not referring to the day of the climactic battle of World War II,  June 6, 1944, which certainly changed the course of events for our world, didn't it?  It was the day the Allies invaded Normandy from England.  In fact, Dan's Uncle Bub was one of the soldiers to be a part of his historical event, a time of unmatched significance in his as well as other's lives around the globe.

D-Day.  For me, I have yet another unmatched significance for the term "D-Day."

Diagnosis Day.  Do you remember the day you were diagnosed?  The day your doctor, neurologist, oncologist told you "the" news?  Was it a day to change your life forever?  Just as D-Day on June 6th was a turning point, Diagnosis Day represents the day that changed my life,...

forever.

I even refer to normal every day events to what was happening for us "before" and "after" the D-Day.  Somewhat like AD for Anno Domini and BC for Before Christ; except when relevant to a medical diagnosis, life becomes "BD and AD".  Before was when we were raising a family, dreaming of our futures, never imagining having to live with "it".  After, we have rearranged everything from daily routines to even the structure of our home to accommodate the "d".

But you know what?  It.is.okay!  After "D-Day", we have come to cherish each new day when God tells me "Excuse me, can I tell you something?"  He says, "you are as healthy as you are today.  This very moment. So, go out and celebrate what you have right now.  Enjoy My blessings.  Share it."

Although at times I struggle to thank God for everything, I will always remember the day a neurologist diagnosed Dan with Parkinson's Disease.  And like this picture, some days are a battle.

But, all days are a blessing.

Even "D-Day"...  May 16, 2008.  Hard to believe it has been five years.  What is your "d" day?

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Our Mother's Day Crowns

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; 
it is gained by living a godly life." Proverbs 16:31

Here is this then 46-year-old-gray-haired-hott-mama-of-four with her 71 year-old-grayer-mom/grandma-of nine for 2012 Mother's Day! I think I'm almost as gray as mom!  That's.just.not.fair!

This year, mom and I will return to Maria's Garden and Inn in Berkeley Springs to celebrate Mother's Day with some very special people.  I.can't.wait!  Then.... it's off to Levi's soccer game!

The queens will be wearing their crowns to the field!

"Epicly Awesome" Moms

For all you "epicly awesome" moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! May you all feel as celebrated and appreciated as I was last night when Levi presented me with the attached flowers which say:

"To my epicly awesome MOM! Love, Levi"

He declared last weekend's game of Capture the Flag to be "EPIC!"  Now, well... it seems this 47-year-old-grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four is also "epic"!  Cool, eh?

And, here is my traditional annual Mother's Day post called "Dear Mom:".  They don't stay little for long, that's for sure!

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  Proverbs 31:28