A Love "Mission" in Morgan County

I am a mom of four living in Morgan County, WV.  Last week, while having dinner with some other mom friends from the middle school cross country team after a meet, I heard a very special story.  "Wouldn't it be nice to hear some 'good' news for a change?" we talked.  Well... listen to this.

Although only 100 miles west of Washington, DC, Morgan County is situated in a remote part of the world, sometimes as seemingly far away as a distant planet.  Our "WV Hills" in Morgan County feature large mountain ridges, winding streams, and acres of wild forest.  With a total population of only 17,535, it's communities are a diverse spectrum of families, similar to any small town, USA.  People here are proud and passionate.

Recently, Morgan County has been the center of some very negative news concerning the fall of the county school levy, a 50+ year local property tax which generates $5 million annually.  A terrible division has developed within the community.  Social networks like Facebook have exploded with heated debate over the children's future.
Not only divided by the huge 2,618 foot Cacapon Mountain range, the towns of Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw are equally as different as the residents opinions on the school levy.  Local folks are angry, upset, and worried about the future of public education in our small county.

But human needs remain the same.

"Let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and truth" 1John3:18

And in order for children and families to succeed, many require that their basic needs are met, not just adequate nourishment, but also safe homes and equally as important...knowing that someone cares.

It was at this hectic dinner that I was blessed to hear about the efforts of Mrs. Brenda Bailey, Mission Team Leader from First UM Church in Berkeley Springs, who organized the first ever "Paw Paw Mission Trip" for Saturday, September 28th. This busy mom coordinated an effort to unify this rural area through something so simple....random acts of kindness.  

Ava Slavinsky, only 5 years old, working hard!

Through word of mouth, Mrs. Bailey located 12 families in Paw Paw, WV, with needs.  From home improvements, handicap accessible ramps, to light construction, 125 volunteers traveled to Paw Paw early Saturday to build, paint, and assist their neighbors across the mountain.  The mission ended in a community children's Vacation Bible School and picnic.

Free Family Goodie Baskets

Sound like a heart warming story?  Then talk to Brenda.  For an event she first thought that only a few would participate, she had 12 complete crews consisting of families ranging in age from 5 to 75 that traveled some 35 miles over Cacapon Mountain to Paw Paw.   Brenda also shared about the mountain of goods gathered.  "The room was so filled with items I never expected...it brought tears to my eyes," said Brenda.  In addition to pictured here, the crews took building supplies, paint buckets, equipment, lumber, furniture, and more!

Listening to the outcome of the "Mission in Morgan County" at First UM Church and to see another busy mom manage to coordinate such tremendous efforts really restores my belief in this special community.  It shows us that people, regardless of their own hardships and differences, really can "love their neighbor" (see Matthew 22:40).

In closing, please take a sec and listen to this song.  For me, it summed up what happened in Paw Paw this weekend in the "Mission" in Morgan County.  You'll be blessed To Believe... and maybe share God's love.

To Believe "...that we'll see in one another the loving image of You."

National Parkinson Foundation Links My PD App Review!

Parkinson's Today is a monthly e-newsletter from the National Parkinson's Foundation.  In the September 2013 edition,  the National Parkinson Foundation links a review I posted earlier this summer about their new smartphone app called PARKINSONS CENTRAL.

Needless to say, I'm a little tickled to see this 48-year-old-grey-haried-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of four's post linked on a national publication... especially NPF!  I first learned of this foundation 5 years ago.  We were at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, where Dan (my hotthubby who has PD) participates in a research program.

Since then, I blog stories about living with PD in the Hott House and raising a dynamic family of four (and sometimes more!).  Recently, a reader commented that "Your blog touched me Angie!  Faith, a Positive Attitude, Exercise, and a Strong Family is the 'secret' to beating Parkinson's Disease!  You guys have it all!!!"  

Secret?  Dan always tells me I can't keep a secret.

This time he is right!  ;-)

(To see the e-newsletter, click Parkinson's Today.)

Team Fox Superstar Emerges

"It's not about how fast you run but how you run fast!"

Have you heard this?  Well, actually... maybe not.  You see, in Disney's movie "Planes" they tell Dusty that "it's not how fast you FLY but how you fly FAST!"  LOL!

Check out our new Team Fox Superstar!  Levi Hott, age 8, finished third in his age group at the Morgan County Partnership's  "Run for Recovery 5K" on Sept. 14, 2013.   Who knew he could run fast?  And who knows?...maybe he'll become a marathon runner for Team Fox someday and raise lots of money for Parkinson's Disease research.

Wouldn't that be a cool way to contribute to the cause to find a cure for PD in our lifetime?  It was quite by accident, by the way, that Levi chose to wear his "Team Fox" racing shirt.  But it was no accident that all six Hott's participated in another 5K.

This week, Dan had his five year appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he has been a part of a research program for Parkinson's Disease.  His neurologist, Dr. Zoltan Mari, was wearing a button with the Michael J. Fox Foundation's logo and a phrase "ask me about PD research".

So... I asked!  Wow....  Dr. Mari's enthusiasm was encouraging and hopeful that all their work will lead to progress in finding ways to help those living with this stinking illness.  Most of all, we talked a great deal about the importance of exercise.  With four active kids and busy schedules, it is hard not to keep Dan active.

Dr. Mari told us that "they believe that exercise may slow down or improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease" (well... he said something like that!).

Oh yeah!  So... exercise is the secret to beating Parkinson's Disease?  Well, let's get busy, off our butts, and exercise!  Come on!

Actually, Dan stretches and walks quite a bit.  In fact, we often find that when people see Dan they always say "Wow Dan!  You look great!"  I guess what they mean is "...for a 56 year old with Parkinson's Disease."  Well, fact is, he does look great!  (Pretty "hott" actually!)  And with well timed meds like levodopa it is hard to tell he has a chronic neurological problem at all.

An exercise program to help with Parkinson's Symptoms?  Sign us up!  Or, at least sign us up for a local 5K for a fun, family night out!  Makes this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four remember our family's first attempt at running a 5K.  It was 2011 when I signed up my reluctant crew to run at the Morgan County Fair, one of the many days my hotthubby Dan shone as our PD "Superstar".

But move over, Dan!  There are new stars in the house!  LOL!  And, these stars never have to finish first to show how much heart and soul they bring to our crazy race.

I'm proud of our stars every day.

This Is My Biome, a Minecraft Parody by Isaac (age 9)

The New Earth Granary hosted a parade of local performers to a packed house last night at the Fairfax Coffee House.  Spilling out into the street, musicians, instrumentalist, pianists, vocalists, ventriloquist, story tellers, and a cool mix of guitarist gathered to unite not just in song but also in a unique spirit of community.  As part of the audience, one quickly found that this night was more than just a "talent show"... it was music with a mission!

This 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four just loves this special kind of experience!  Not everywhere can you find quality performers with God given talent like you could last night.  I.mean.really!  Where have you EVer been to see a show when an electric guitarist was needed and the emcee yells out the front door to a boy on the sidewalk?  

Well, enters teenager Sam Silver with his instrument who sits in and performs improv with Johnny, drummer Stephan Burns, Aiden McDaniels, and Jim Fredo.  We originally planned to make an exit right after our Isaac performed until we were witness to the musical magic that happened last night.

We stayed!

The New Earth Granary seeks to provide Berkeley Springs with a discovery, a renewal,... yes, an awakening of the seed/gift within each of us, and to "provide an atmosphere where these seeds/gifts can sprout and produce in a relational based economic environment."  Through the power of music, people begin to unite and foster a much needed sense of unity in our unique little town.  

Our Isaac exemplifies how The New Earth Granary works.  As his mom, I knew he was a little piano player from the time he was two.  At the Granary, he continues to "sprout" as a musician right before our eyes.  Kinda cool that Isaac's song says "...this is my biome. It's what I call home."  Hoping to see "The Granary" become a home to musicians of all ages.

Who knew he could (or would) sing?

God did. 

Watch more music "grow" in Berkeley Springs!  The New Earth Granary, located on Mercer Street near MiRanchito's will celebrate its' grand opening on October 19 with more magic on their new stage.  From new pianists like Isaac to seasoned performers (like Pete Gordon), I know you will be blessed by it all.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!  Serve the Lord with gladness!  

Come into his presence with singing."  Psalm 100:1-2

Oh My, My, My...Miley

Excuse me....  Miley?

Can I tell you something?

This is my little girl, Violet.  For her 8th birthday party in 2008, you came to our house along with 10 other little girls, younger siblings, friends, parents.  Ahhhhhh... just look how sweet!  Notice that Violet is wearing a Hannah Montana shirt too!

For just a moment in time, we were all movie stars.  Each party participant had a paparazzi photo opp complete with glitter, glam, and shades... and you!  Miley Cyrus!

Oh... my, my, my... Miley.

I am sorry to tell you this, Miley, but I am afraid this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four has to ask you to leave.  I'm afraid you are no longer welcome in our house and I will even be sending your Hannah Montana life size cut out to the trash.

You see, although you once were a child Disney star, now you have become a symbol of all things, well,... sinful: a threat to the hearts and minds of my children.  With younger brothers around, your pop star twerking image now at 20 is not something, shall we say... "appropriate" for not just our 13 year old Violet, but also her much younger brothers.

So, I am afraid I have to insist that you leave.

As a parent, I feel rather betrayed. Don't you?

You see... this family spent our hard earned money to further your career.  We bought exorbitant priced concert tickets, purchased a plethora of your "tweeny" clothing line, watched repeated episodes of your show "Hannah Montana", and cluttered our little girl's bedroom with your merchandise.

Our three year old son even rocked around the house singing your songs!

But enough is enough.

No more.  From now on, I really think you owe us all an apology.  Or, maybe Disney does.  When we parents buy into all things "magical" about Disney, one somewhat expects it to remain rated "G", right?  I mean, I surely hope we never see Minnie Mouse disrobing and dancing around on my television.  If Cinderella or Snow White grow up and ever lick a sponge finger on my screen, this house will never EVer spend another cent on anything Disney.

Of course, I understand all about freedom of expression.  Actually, I hate to give this any more attention than it already has received.  But last weeks parade of the VMA awards over and over again on the media was nothing but a blatant raping of all things innocent and youthful.  From Miley's comments on MSNBC, she said "How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?  Madonna's done it, Britney's done it. Every VMA performance."

Sorry, but those artists weren't invited to Violet's birthday party.  You were.

And sadly, the song taunted as "the biggest hit of summer 2013" was a complete surprise to me and the first I  ever heard of "We Can't Stop."  So, after I looked up the definition of "twerking", my curiosity lead me to youtube to check out what the fuss was all about.

"We Can't Stop" was a shocking slap in the face from nothing more than a troubled pop star.  The song belittles and objectifies women, degrades black females, and threatens to desensitize our younger generation to accept this as normal.  I'm sorry to rain on your party, Miley, but this mom will be blocking all things Miley Cyrus from now on.  For now, this mother CAN stop.

So.  This is MY house and we operate under not just MY rules, but God's rules too.  And in all honesty, while I feel the need to protect my children from your current choices, Miley, I also fondly remember the moments a younger artist was welcome in our house.  God not only judges, honey, but He loves you too. I can't imagine how Billy Rae responded to your display; but, I'm sure your heavenly Father's heart broke a little more at what happened last week as He whispered, "Oh my Miley."

For what once was a positive influence in our culture, Miley Cyrus, you are still a child of God.  Even though your current get-up appears otherwise.

Excuse me, can I tell you something?  Looks a little she has horns, doesn't it? 

"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” ...  Revelations 17:1-18

Big Bully Parkinson's Disease Picking on More People

Like Linda Ronstadt!...  Seriously?!  How cruel can this stinking Parkinson's Disease be?  Does it really have to go and steal away a voice like Linda Ronstadt's?  Sometimes, it seriously just pisses me off!

What a bully!  Right?!  "Why you gotta be so mean" Parkinson's Disease?  (to use the words of Taylor Swift).  You've already diminished a strong man like Mohammad Ali.  You've robbed Janet Reno of public service.  And you continue to snatch the youth of those like Michael J. Fox AND my "hotthubby" Dan.

Enough already!

Sure. I get it Michael.  This 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD-bloggin-hott-mama-of-four is "Looking Up" from the depths of PD.  I understand.  I get the premise and appreciate the "blessings" that come with a chronic illness like Parkinson's Disease.  Believe me.  My knees know.

But come on already!  This week's news that Linda Ronstadt has Parkinson's too just magnifies the sheer unjustice and utter unfairness of how a chronic neurodegenerative illness sneaks up on a person and robs them of the very thing they hold dear.

Leave it to a bully to target the unsuspecting.  Come on.  Billy Graham!?  Really!  What did he do to deserve being hit by a bully like Parkinson's Disease!

Come on and hurry up Michael J. Fox Foundation and find us a cure!

The alternative stinks!

"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; 

They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, 

They will walk and not become weary."  Isiah 40:31

.

No Moms Allowed!

At the Daddy Daughter Ball!

Last night, First United Methodist Church was the host to an elegant evening designed just for dads and daughters.  From tiny toddlers to adult daughters, dads arrived to a crowd of cameras on the red carpet in suits, tuxes, fancy dresses and ball gowns.  It.was.beautiful!

So, why then was this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD-blogging-hott-mama-of-four so blue?  Honestly, I had to swallow back the tears before we even left the house.  Please don't tell anyone this, especially Dan, Violet (and Caity), but as they were preparing for the night, this mom had a bit of a panic attack.

What a nerd, right?  Well, after I finally convinced our basketball playing, hurdle jumping, 400 meter running, cross country training 13 year old to put on a nice dress and wear a corsage of daisies on her wrist, a got hit in the head with a ton brick.

Or maybe it was a boulder.  But, while I was brushing my teeth, I panicked.  What if Violet decides she is just too cool to dance?  What if our teeny bopper would rather hang with her pals than dance with her daddy?

What if tonight was the only night the two had this unique opportunity to dance together?

And I don't get a picture?  Enough, right?  But listen to me.  Just the evening before, Dan and I encountered another young adult in our house.  For the first time EVer, Violet asked to be "dropped" at the movies.  Our local "Star" theater became the middle school Friday night place to go - withOUT parents!

Okay.... so the time is coming. I know. I get it. So, why was my heart swelling in my throat and my eyes stinging?  (I tried my best to hide it all.)  Then, today our 23 year old calls the house after seeing the plethora of pictures poudly presented on facebook.  And she says it:

"These girls will LOVE these pictures when they are planning their weddings!"

So.  Save the pictures parents!  Caity is right.  At 23, she has set her date and is deep in the midst of planning her big day when she walks down the aisle to get married.  For now, Violet is 13.  Dad and I may not be the coolest set of parents out there; but, a looooooooong time ago, he took Caity to her Daddy Daughter Dance too.

And, she found the picture to prove it.

"Excuse me, can I tell you something?"  I panicked.  Sorry to be such a desperate sap; but last night's Daddy Daughter Dance was so much more for this mom, and just maybe you too.  This evening, (which required some pretty careful med planning for Dan) once again, made me appreciate this very day, moment, second, that my heavenly Dad gifts us with - a moment in time - to dance with your daddy.

Thank you, dear Father, for the memories made last night at the ball, and I pray that my girls will get to dance with their daddy at their weddings too.

In the meantime, I have another picture to prove it!  (Thanks Luke!)

Tomorrow is the Daddy Daughter Ball

Yesterday, it was 1996.

A much younger Dan and our "baby" girl Caity are headed to the Brownie's Daddy/Daughter Dance as they practice moves in the kitchen.  Just look at them?!  (Dan's hair is soooo dark!)

Tomorrow, First United Methodist Church is hosting its' premiere Daddy Daughter Ball!  Dads and daughters of all ages will descend on an elegantly decorated "ballroom" filled with cupcakes, a candy bar, a red carpet photo op, and finally... a night families will never forget.

All planned by the dads!  As moms hide in the bushes to sneak snapshots, our Violet will get an entire two hours with her daddy.  All.to.herself.

With two younger brothers, that doesn't happen every day.  But for one night only, it's just Dan and Violet, where she is his princess for the night.

And he is her knight in shining armor.  Designed for dads to honor their baby girls (and vice verse), affirming their love, the Daddy Daughter Ball is a chance to not just remind but glorify our girls of their worth, beauty, importance, and value -- also from a Father in heaven.

They are not only daddy's little girl; they are also...

... a princess of a King!

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;..., 

that we may also be glorified together!"  Romans 8:17-19

How a Bracelet Helps Parkinson's Disease Symptoms When Meds Don't

Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease depends "upon the presence of one or more of the four most common motor symptoms of the disease."  These primary motor symptoms include a resting tremor, brandykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.  Medications  to treat these symptoms involve a dopamine replacement therapy with levodopa/carbidopa.  In addition to all the medical treatments, even DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), I recently was introduced to a unique and simple little "thing"... yes, it's a bracelet!

Although this bright paracord bracelet doesn't have the capabilities to generate dopamine, it does something equally as important:  It sparks a candle in your spirit that will light up the difficult days when Parkinson's Disease seems to get the best of you.  It let's me know that there is someone out there that keeps studying this crazy stinking illness.  The orange Survival Paracord Parkinson's Bracelet stands for this:

Hope.

Hope for people with Parkinson's.  Hope for organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the National Parkinson's Foundation that raise money for research; hope for the caring specialists, neurologists, and nurses that treat patients; hope for caregivers to better understand; and... finally, as I see it, hope to seek God's grace during the most difficult struggles as the symptoms progress.

For those days, and there may be many, when the meds just don't seem to do the trick, this little Parkinson's Bracelet symbolizes my prayer for God to wrap himself around this awful illness.  With the MJF Foundation's signature "orange" color, I found the white paracord represents all that ties us together in the Parkinson's (or any) community:  a God that offers us hope in the darkest days, woven around the orange.

Delighted to open my mail yesterday to see a package from Sandy at Jewels for Hope makes me realize just how much I have grown to love the cool "Parkie Pals" I have met by sharing stories with you here on "Excuse me, can I tell you something?"  From the artist Shasha in Wales, Fiona in Ireland, to dear Linda in Florida and writer, Daniel in Minnesota, living with Parkinson's Disease isn't so crazy when I can fire up the laptop and find someone who understands at my fingertips...

and wrapped around my skinny ole freckled wrist!

You know what?  I may never meet Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, or Diane Rehm (I just LOVE her hair!), but this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin'-hott-mama-of-four is grateful to all I've met and shared stories online.  Thank you all for inviting me on your computers for a short time to share my

hope.  "Where then is my hope?  Who can see any hope for me?"  Job 17:15

I now see hope on my wrist as I wear my  new bracelet!  Thank you Sandy!

Today My Son Moved Out

...of his little brother's room.

...across the hall!

He's 9.  And tomorrow will be the first day of fifth grade.  This afternoon, our son made a random announcement, "I want to move!... To my own room!"

Really?  Ok... so as I wonder where the fear of noises in the night and of the sound of wind went that prompted him to share a room with his brother 15 months younger, I begin to calculate  how to coordinate such a move with not just clothes, but also all his worldly belongings.

To my surprise, he tells me he really only needs his laptop, earphones, and of course, his Yamaha Keyboard.   Duh Mom!  Right?

Okay.  I know.  So he hasn't technically moved "out of the house" yet.  Sure, we've been through this already with his older sister, now 23 and living on her own.  But as we said our prayers at bedtime this evening in his "new" room, he chatters away about how excited he is to meet  his new teacher, how grown up he feels as a fifth grader, how much he loves his new Minecraft tee shirt from Kohl's,... I am picturing my two little boys that only hours ago shared a bedroom.

The endless hours of Beyblades, clutter of all things boys everywhere, piles of dirty underwear, jumping beds across the room, giggles about fart jokes, episodes of TMNT, and the hysterical nightly naked butt shaking.

From my child that once told us that he planned to go to college online in order to enjoy the comforts of home, kinda makes me wonder what to expect next.  Do you know what I mean?  As moms, we will get all kinds of calls/texts from our children.  Don't we?  Whether it is "Mom! I got all A's," "Mom, I got my best running time!" "Mom, can Ben sleep over?"...  or...  when it gradually becomes...  "Mom!  I met a girl!" "Mom, we finally set a date!"  "Mom... my boyfriend crashed my car.  We're ok!"  "Mom... can you pick me up early?"  to, eventually things like "Mom... I joined the military; I'm moving to Chicago; I need a loan; I'm pregnant..."

It all starts with a move across the hall.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6