What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Names are interesting aren’t they? I LOVE our kids’ names (duh ;)…Justice Crutchfield and Savannah Grace. There are stories behind each, which they both know by heart since they have asked to hear them so many times.  First there was our sweet boy…we knew we wanted kids right away…so we tried right away. The week I was going to take a pregnancy test started out like any other - I was teaching, and Monday was crazy. Tuesday however, would change us all, forever…that was Tuesday, September 11, 2011.  We all know what that day was like, we will never forget. I didn’t even think about taking the test until Thursday morning, and then I remember having such mixed feelings of such joy mixed with fear…of the world we were bringing this precious life into. At the time, Jay was a Firefighter, and we were both very adamant about paying respect to the people affected on 9/11 when we named our child…so our choices were Grace and Justice. Emily Grace if our baby was a girl and Justice Crutchfield (Jay’s mom’s maiden name) if our baby was a boy.  As soon as he could ask, Justice wanted to know how he got his name…so we explained it…so he can tell you.  He has watched SEVERAL 9/11 documentaries - he ‘gets’ it…and is honored , and he‘s only 9 - I love that about him.

Now, the Peanut - she was supposed to be Emily Grace…but when she was in my belly…Emily just wasn’t working for me.  Justice and I were driving to a wedding together (Daddy was meeting us there…football, you know ;) and I asked him…Justice what do YOU think her name should be? And he said “Savannah Grace” Now…granted, Savannah was a character on one of his favorite shows (Jay Jay the Jet plane) but hey…it worked!! We double checked it with Daddy…and Savannah Grace it was!! Plus another cool thing about the names in out family…the boys are all J’s and the girls are all S’s…we like that.

Now - the ORIGINAL point of this blog was to tell about the day we explained Daddy’s name (and daddy). It was a day that he had been dreading for a LONG time…but like most things… it turned out just fine…and a little bit funny to boot. Just to give a little background, for those who don’t know…Jay’s “legal” name is John Norman Norton III and he was raised in a LARGE ’blended’ family (think Brady Bunch just with more girls than boys ;) Mama/Jane/Grand - his mom - she has 3 kids (Jay, Brad, Kelly) and Dad/Bob/Opa - his dad/step dad - he has 3 kids (Jennifer, Jill, Jodi)  We LOVE our HUGE family of aunts, uncles, etc!!

But lately the issue of ‘names’ has come up a few times…like “Why did Opa name you John Norman Norton III?” or from Savy “John Norton and Bradley Norton? They should have the same names as their parents…Jane and Bob Brocious…that doesn’t make sense!?”  and finally from Justice - which sparked the convo - “if you are John Norman Norton III, there had to be a John Norman Norton Sr and a Jr…so who was that? Grand’s dad or Opa’s dad?”

So…we sat down to eat…and started to explain. We asked if they knew some friends that had 2 sets of parents, because their parents were divorced.  They said yes…and gave us some examples. We continued on to explain that Grand and Daddy’s father got divorced…and that Opa was really his ‘step-dad’ even though he called him dad. When I said ‘step-dad’…Savy said “but he’s NOT mean!!!” Which cracked us up…thanks Cinderella ;) Then Justice wanted to know were Jay’s ‘birth dad’ was…I explained that he passed away while I was pregnant with Savy…”Grand KILLED him?!?!?” he asked BWHAHAHAHAHA oh…what a loaded question! “NO, he just died” I said. ‘OK - so Opa is STILL my grandpa right? And I don’t HAVE to name MY kid John Norman Norton IV?” He asked….“Yes he is, and No you don’t” LOL and that was it….all that worrying he did, for nothing. I guess that’s like most things…we work them up in our minds and make them bigger than they are…thanks to my precious babies for once again reminding me…it’s never as bad as I think it’s gonna be.

The Mission Field - broken hearts and Port-o-potties.

I'm a teacher. It's not my job, or what I do...it's who I am. It is what He has called me to do.  I know this beyond the shadow of any doubt. I have more faith in this, than in almost anything. That school, those 800+ kids...THAT is my mission field each and every day. Some days are great, like this past weekend...we took about 150+ 8th graders to the Lost Sea, Wilderness in the Smokies, and Dollywood. We had a BLAST! We went spelunking (that's crawling around in caves, for those of you without dictionaries ;) played at the water park, and rode roller coasters! All without a hitch...ok, so there was 1 little hitch...in MY group of course, but aside from that...it was a breeze.  Truly, I work with amazing people, and the kids at my school, while many of them may face all kinds of challenges...they are some awesome kids!!

Tonight was Senior Night for the Eagles Softball girls...I helped the kids make them a sign...it was cute. It said "We LOVE (heart) Daddy's Seniors" and had all the girls names on it. It was a good game too, the girls were playing great...until the skies opened up :( the best part was getting to spend some time with our friends from church - the Metcalf's. The girls were running around playing, it was precious to watch - but they are all getting so big so fast.

I realized again how much we invest into some kids tonight. My heart is saddened and breaking just a bit as I learned about the passing of the mother of one of my former students.  She was a student who was rather 'time consuming' let's say...and I spent many hours, days in prayer for her.  I still worry about her and now it seems that will only increase. But that is ok, this is my chosen Mission Field, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

On a funny note....our girls just HAD to go potty while we were at the game, unfortunately the only option is the rather RIPE Port-o-pottie. So we gave in and headed over, I went in first with Savy (holding my breath) lol, I emerged and passed the gagging baton to Amanda and she headed in with Marley. She emerged with the comment "I think I've been on a mission trip" of course Marley had a much different take..."hey - they had really NEAT little sinks in there ya know!" HAHA

Which Came First??

So apparently we weren’t quite busy enough ;) and the THREE dogs, 1 tarantula, 2 wild kids, and 8-10 chickens / roosters that wander around near our house were not enough... A few weeks ago we made a purchase that we had been discussing for quite some time. It is one that we feel very strongly about on many levels…it will teach the kids responsibility (as only raising ‘livestock’ can), provide some free entertainment (especially for the next several weeks as we ‘create’ their living space), be a very ‘green’ source of bug control and fertilizer, provide a needed food source and even a little income :). Plus – they are just so darn, stinking CUTE!

So they started in a washtub in the kitchen.  They have moved to the playroom. They quickly graduated to needing the brooding pen around the washtub. We take them outside as often as we can, when it is warm enough…the kids just love them. Justice spent the first week or so counting and RE-COUNTING them each time we would return to the house. LOL  They have thought about names <Savy mostly names them after her friends, team mates…Sally, Ella Ray, etc> But they are so hard to tell apart at this point, we will have to wait a little while...or until we can band their legs.

Their 1st night at home.

 

She would NOT hold them the 1st night.

 

There actually is ONE that has a name so far...Til-ta...she is very sweet and ALWAYS tilts her head, like she's saying..huh?  They really are sweet, and fluffy, even though they are getting more and more feathers every day...I got to the daycare a few days ago and all the kids were collecting worms <EWWW> My sweet girl had several in a bucket - and had even convinced them to let her take the bucket HOME, so she could bring the chicks fresh worms <ummm BARF> But, smart girl...they LOVED them!

 

Getting some fresh air :)

He loves the chicks!

Feeding her babies <3

So for now, our home continues to be a growing zoo...and we wouldn't have it any other way.  You can feel the love, hear the noises, and there's a little pecking here and there.  But mostly you can feel the LOVE...

Loving my Crazy Life

Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live. – Jackie Windspear

WOW - it's been SO long since I have updated, if this blog were one of my children someone surely would have called DSS for neglect by now ;) Let's see...where do I begin? How long has it been? What have the Nortons4 been up to?  Well, we moved. Again. Shocker, I know.  Right before Christmas (so I'm not REALLY sure this qualifies as an 'update' for anyone...lol) but, oh well.  But the BIG NEWS part of the move is that we moved INTO the Hillandale District, so Savannah can attend school with her big brother next year when she starts Kindergarten (which is an entirely different blog - cuz I CAN NOT believe my baby is starting school :( The kids LOVE their new neighborhood, it is the first time Justice has EVER lived near his classmates.  We love that he can just go across the street and play with his friend Alan.  In the mornings (when I don't have duty ;) I can catch a little bit of a break and put him on the bus also.  That means I just have to drop off the Peanut, and then...wait for it...I get about THREE WHOLE MINUTES...KID FREE!!! WOOHOO!!!

We had about a month of getting settled, playing with friends afterschool, etc and then the next sports season was upon us.  We decided that after several years of VERY structured Church-League basketball, that Justice was ready for BASEBALL. And since Savy met the minimum age...of course she was ready too ;) for Softball that is.  AND since we weren't QUITE busy enough...Jay figured he would help out coaching softball at East too. and the Peanut STILL does gymnastics on Thursdays when she doesn't have practice or games.  This all sounded possible, even enjoyable - until last week (otherwise known as the 7 game week of death ;) I am not quite sure what I was ever thinking...and am now fairly certain, that not only will I die at the ballpark - but it will be a slow, and rather painfull death...most likely caused by a random foul ball, a horribly uncomfortable bleacher, a watermelon ring pop, or 1 of the 45 babies that Savy HAS to bring to her brother's game.

But really - they are both very gifted athletes, we are truly blessed.  Which actually WAS the point of this entire blog in the first place...I have been reminded on more than one occasion in this past week of just how truly blessed we really are.  Justice was a little nervous when the season started, since almost everyone but him (and 1 other player) had been playing for years.  But it turns out he is just fine...he is quite the hitter, and his fielding is not too shabby either.  He usually plays short-stop and pretty consistently knocks it out to the outfield. He is even developing some friendships on the team - we could not be happier!  Savy is also pretty good!  She is by far the smallest and youngest on her team...but she sure has 'racing feet' - just ask her!  She is getting to be a pretty good hitter too and her fielding is not that bad, when she isn't playing games <'there's a bug on your shirt' is her fave> She is too stinking cute in her uniform...of course it swallows her whole!

Anyway - I joke that this baseball / softball season just may be the death of me, but actually not much makes me happier than being at a ballfield.  In many ways it reminds me of just about everything that I truly love - my man, kids, sports, fun, life, and God - who makes it all possible.  It takes me back to the beginnings, to a simpler time, and reminds me how it all began...with a Little League coach and a sports loving girl...who had a wedding and went to see a bunch of Braves games. And almost 10 years later are more in love than ever...watching their own Little Leaguer and softball player.  Can't imagine being any more blessed.

Giving away Christmas.

So yeah…we’ve talked about it, prayed about it, and we feel pretty strongly that this is the right thing for OUR family at this time. We are biting the bullet, having the ‘talk’, returning the gifts, and GIVING AWAY CHRISTMAS. Yes, you read that correctly – Christmas as we know it will not longer occur in the Norton household. We have been convicted, challenged, moved…whatever you want to call it…to make some changes, to ‘take a stand.’ For a while now it has been upsetting and unsettling to us how spoiled and ungrateful our kids are / can be. We have taken some other steps to improve this, but we feel like something drastic NEEDS to be done. We have too much STUFF as it is…we are slaves to it and certainly don’t need any more! On top of that, they had a conversation the other day that sealed it for us…Savy was asking when we were going to put up the tree…because we needed lights…because Santa won’t come if we don’t have lights!! Now, I’m not denying that it was a little cute…and we’ve been going back and forth on the decorating issue because we are moving in about 10 days (PRAISE GOD…we finally found a house in Hillandale’s District! – Now Savy can go to school with her brother next year ;) BUT…here is my issue…AND this is what I said ‘NOW HANG ON! Is Christmas REALLY JUST about lights and Santa?!?! I mean…WHO is Christmas REALLY about???’ Now…thankfully they both did respond with the correct sing-song ‘JESUS…’ answer! ;) But I was so irritated by then…

I wish we could totally quit cold-turkey…I would LOVE to do that, but then again I also think that is a little harsh – since we HAVE created this monster. So here is our plan…each person is getting 1 gift this year ($25 limit) from us…and Santa (yes…they still believe…) will still bring stockings. And that is IT. Now for the REST…for all the other people who we would normally buy gifts for (parents, siblings, teachers, friends, etc) we will be purchasing charitable gifts in their honor (the kids will pick these out). In addition – the kids will be helping to make cookies and crafts (ornaments, etc) and we will be delivering these to local nursing homes, hospitals, etc. We are also looking into local missions and soup kitchens to find a place where we can go and serve others on Christmas Day and throughout the Holiday season.
So, yeah – we (and by we…I mean Jay ;) loaded up the van yesterday and I returned ALL the gifts…then we sat down together (just the man and I) and had dinner on the couch. And to be honest…I don’t think we have ever felt so good about a joint decision we have made and done for our kids.

I leave you with the words of Tiny Tim…God bless us, everyone.

God’s Grace is simply amazing....

I had a heartbreaking day at work on Monday…I had a L-O-N-G meeting, but that wasn’t the hard part.  It was the realization of ‘what could be’…that truly broke my heart.  I have very few students that come from a 2 parent, church-going, issue-free household ;)  But this new student in particular…hmmm.  Well, here’s the thing…if it were not for God’s Grace and the difference of probably 10-20 HORRIBLE days in his life…he could be…MY son.  Seriously, no kidding.  The entire time I was sitting there I just kept thinking…OH MY GOODNESS…this could be Justice.  This could SO be Justice…and THAT could be me (the mom sitting there!)  Really…for those of you that didn’t have the pleasure of knowing me…I was NOT an easy kid    I was…much like my sweet Justice…shocker, I know!  I was high maintenance, I have made mistakes, but we have raised a GREAT kid…but for the Grace of God.  Because, like I said….that could have been him, sitting there with me.  I could have NOT stopped with alcohol in college and turned to drugs…I could have had more kids…and then walked away at my wits end on a bad day…I could have stayed in THAT relationship, and he would have beat ME.  The reality of the difference of a few simple weeks and God’s sweet, pure, simple grace…was almost too much for me to handle that day…it has taken me several days to digest it all and get this blog done.

Old dog, new tricks...

I don’t take compliments well.  I got pretty much the same one today, twice :/ YIKES…the first time it was a raging, venting, UGH, not pretty fest…I walked away, ended in tears.  I think that I needed it though, because I had an epiphany somewhere between the beginning of the day when that occurred and the middle of the day when the next time happened.  The second time, I seemed to SOMEHOW…politely manage to say…thank you ;) 

I am blessed with great kids.  Amazing ones really, still not quite sure on most days just WHY God has entrusted ME with them!?  They are brilliant, smarter than either of their parents…beautiful…sometimes she looks at me with that tan face and blond hair and those electric blue eyes - and it DOES hurt.  It’s painful…she truly is SO stunning that it takes your breath away, and it hurts.  And he’s just precious with that nose full of freckles, and those teeth I keep praying he’ll grow into.

But we’ve had another ROUGH week.  School this year seems to be a huge adjustment for him.  EVERYTHING is just so different, he is having a very hard time settling in.  Now, his behavior is fine there, but he is EXHAUSTED by the time we see him every day.  And…well basically he just doesn’t have much ‘good’ left for us.  I'm not quite sure what the teen years have in store...but if Savannah's morning 'dressing drama' routine continues...OMG Parochial School with uniforms...I'm just sayin!   Last Friday they were in the bed asleep by 6:30, not bad…I beat ‘em, I fell asleep on the couch at 6:00!  By this morning, they had both lost the privilege of going to daddy’s game tonight.  Which they were both VERY disappointed about, but were also VERY tired…so I knew they would be in bed early.  So basically this only REALLY sucked…FOR ME!! But as most decent parents know…we do time, when our kids do the crime…

Which I guess sorta brings me to the compliment…I was talking to a co-worker early this a.m. (I had a student in my room who has a similar label/disability as my son - but is very different from my son) and she made the comment that ‘she would never have known my son had asperger’s/autism’ (now this is someone who we spent about 1 day a week with all summer long) Now this is the part where I SHOULD have said ‘THANK YOU’…but you know me :P I of course feel the need to unload apparently (poor sweet girl…) and explain how she WOULD see it if she spent any extended time with him, and how our life is a constant 24/7 exhausting battle, basically that we do live in pure hell, have no friends, no life, a struggling marriage hanging on by a thread…ALL in the hopes that he will turn out well adjusted in the long run. Because we HAVE fought those battles, made him toe the line, not given in, lived through the hell…

This was about the point I walked away because the tears were coming.  I’m not sure about the epiphany…except for the fact that it just felt better after I said all that…Like..all this crap, everything we are going through. It DOES have a point.  We are trying to create the best man we can.

Cut to around lunchtime…one of my best friends Pam was there.  She used to work there, but now is doing a co-op with our bookkeeper Miss Bobbi (who also happens to be her mom ;)  I was talking to them and Miss Bobbi told me that Pam’s mother-in-law (we had all been at a pool party together last weekend) had complimented the kids.  She had said that they were very good, and that I was really good with them (I had SOOO many comments for THAT one) but I simply said, ‘REALLY? Wow…thanks, tell her I said THANK YOU!’

I don’t know if Justice will ever learn, but maybe you can teach some old dog’s a few new tricks.

They weren’t in bed by 6:30 tonight...we were watching The Muppet Movie.  Justice LOVES the music…Rainbow Connection was my favorite and is his too.  Savy loves Miss Piggy….she is after all The Princess.