Scrapple The Lab

John Mark and Scrapple

2009-02-20T08:52:00.003-05:00

Katie Reading for Oma

2009-02-17T19:58:00.003-05:00

Home Again.

2008-11-06T11:55:00.007-05:00

We've been home for a week. Everyone is sleeping through the night again (more or less). The house, which was sparkling clean when we walked in the door last week is getting cluttered and needs to be cleaned already. We are enjoying having Mimi and Big Daddy right down the street, and plans for the weekend. Everything is basically back to normal. But some how it doesn't feel quite normal. It feels busy and a little hard to manage. If feels like playing the guitar for the first time in a long time. We know how to make all the chords, but our fingers are feeling a little sore and tired. We are adjusting back to life in the US.

The kids started back to preschool and mother's morning out this week. We are all having a little bit of separation anxiety. After four months of hanging out being homebodies, walking to the market and having friends come to us, it is a little hard to get out the door and to school at 9:00 everyday. I am remembering that being rushed has been a part of daily life for most of my life (I tend to be a bit of a procrastinator...) and I am now realizing that I don't much enjoy it.

So my question over the last week has been, How do we maintain the pace of life that I came to enjoy so much in Ghana? How do I maintain the pace of life that allowed lots of time to read books to Katie and lay on the bed and tickle John Mark, the pace of life that allowed Ash and me to walk into the market together every so often or sit over breakfast for an hour. How do we continue to enjoy spending evenings watching movies together and playing Sudoku while taking part in all the things we missed while we were away? How do we enjoy our friends and family, and take advantage of wonderful school opportunities for our kids or enjoy the good roads that make 20 miles not that far to travel for a visit with friends or to go to church AND still enjoy a simple life, that isn't rushed or busy. How do we do all the things we want to do with out adding in all the stress that seems to be a part of doing it?

Well, I obviously have not figured it out. This blog is a case in point. This entry which I started back in November has sat in my drafts for over two months. So I guess I need to keep working on it. I am tempted to say that it isn't possible to meld the two lifestyles. But I don't believe that is true. I just haven't figured out how to do it yet.

Its a Small World....la la la....

2008-10-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

From October 3, 2008

I sometimes wonder if the composer of “It’s a Small World” had any idea what that would look like in the year 2008. The world really is getting smaller. Or at least distances don’t feel quite as far. I stopped at the internet café a few weeks ago and found an email from an old friend from Koro. Amagana was my first friend in my village during my Peace Corps days, and a huge help in the work that I did during those two years. It has been some time since he and I have corresponded. When I lived in Koro, it was a one-phone town (when that one phone was working.) Since I left Koro, Amagana has gotten an email address and a cell phone, which make communication a whole lot easier.

When I opened up Amagana’s email I found that he was in Ghana! Again, the world is getting smaller. I sent him my phone number, and with in a few hours we were catching up on families and children and old friends. It was wonderful. Amagana was a 150 miles away in Accra. It should have been fairly easy for us to find a way to meet, I mean the relative distance wasn’t very far considering I live in the USA and he lives near Timbuktu! But my “It’s a Small World” moment vanished when I started thinking about 5 hours in public transportation with two small children. No, the world is still a big place. Technology only fools us into thinking otherwise.

But you know what? I’ll play along with that trick! It feels awfully nice to pick up the phone and pretend for a little while that I am just down the street from the people I love.

Pancakes in Ghana

2008-10-07T15:40:00.003-05:00

From September 28, 2008

We spent last week in Accra. We had only planned to spend three days there, but after Ash missed his flight home from Liberia on Monday, we found out that the next flight wasn’t until Wednesday Night. So we decided to stick around until Friday so we could visit with our friends, and 10 year veterans in Ghana Missions, the Mozley’s.

Accra is almost like a brief trip to the US. Katie even went through a little culture shock when we arrived at the Mozley’s house. She looked around at the Mozley family, and another missionary that was visiting and asked, “Mama, why are there so many Abrunis here?” After several months in Kumasi, the site of white people seems even a little odd to Katie!!

Accra has everything (for a price) that you could possibly want. They have shopping malls and Max Mart (think Walmart but smaller.) They have a bakery run by an American woman who makes real bagels! They have take out pizza and fast food fried chicken. I even saw a guy selling the current issue of “O” Magazine outside of the US Embassy (which by the way is an intimidating, sprawling campus that takes up several city blocks). For those long term expats there are even cottage style attached homes that would fit in nicely in Roswell, GA.

The one Abruni thing I really wanted while we were there was a big bottle of Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup. We eat pancakes a lot here (which has been good for the kids, but not as good for the grown up Zooks J). When we moved into the Mozley’s house in Kumasi, they left us a bottle of Aunt Jemima Syrup in the frig. I have gotten sort of used to it. And we ran out just before our trip to Accra. So I stopped into the super market to get some. There it was, with all its American packaging: Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup. As I reached for it I paused to check the price tag. $26 US dollars. Yep. $26 US Dollars. I calmly pulled my arm back down, leaving Aunt Jemima on the shelf for some other expat. Maybe one working in the Coco Industry. I found a recipe to make our own Pancake Syrup.

It was nice to return to Kumasi. It is nice to know that this little house we have been inhabiting for the last two months has begun to feel like a home.

Learning curves...

2008-09-17T06:02:00.002-05:00

John Marl learned a new word this week which is causing quite a stir around here. He has been slowly adding words for the last few months. He started with Ball and Mama, then Dada and No. He says 'yes', 'thanks', 'hi' all with varying degrees of clarity. But this week's new word is especially exciting. He has learned to say E ye, which in this particular case is not the same are eye. John Mark has learned his first word in Twi! It is actually a sentence meaning, "It's good." As we walk through our neighborhood, we are greeted with the phrase "Enti Sen?" which roughly translates to "How's it going?" To which John Mark enjoys replying with "It's all good!" in Twi. Well, you can imagine the response this small, very white, very blond boy gets when he responds in Twi to our Ghanaian neighbors. Laughter and clapping follows, which serves as a pretty good reinforcer for John Mark! So it seems that over time John Mark may prove to be the best student of Twi among us.

I have been trying to pick up some basic phrases. I have learned to say basic greetings, and can ask for items I need at the local corner boutiques where I buy sugar and spaghetti. The problem is that the nice shop owners respond to me in Twi. And if they respond with anything other than "It costs..." or "Thank you," I am lost. After a recent trip to the market I came home and learned a few useful phrases. "Me nti Asea. Me Ka Twi kakra kakra." I don't understand. I speak Twi small small. I use that one alot.

The thing is, that even if I only know a few words of Twi, the people are so gracious and excited to teach me more. Making any small effort to learn about their language and culture is very much appreciated by the Ghanaians I have encountered. It makes me wonder if we would be as encouraging and appreciative of visitors in the states. Or have we become so spoiled by the prevalence of English around the world that we forget what a real effort and desire it takes to learn another person's language and culture.

The shortest distance between two points...

2008-08-25T09:12:00.004-05:00

Rose has become a vital part of our daily life, helping with the cleaning and laundry, watching the children at times and teaching me to cook some wonderful Ghanaian dishes. Although her work day should end at 5:00, it is often 5:30 when she is finally ready to leave for the night. Worrying about her walking home in the evening, I asked if she lived very far from our home in Adiebeba. "Oh no," she said "I live very close." When asked how long the walk would be she told me 45 minutes to 1 hour! Well, in my world, that does not count as close! Now I am really worried about her, knowing she has her own family responsibilities when she arrives home.

I was speaking with Abraham, our "Watchy-man" (translate: day guard) about Rose's walk. I asked where she lived. "Behind the primary school." he said. 'But that can't be,' I thought. 'That is right around the corner.' The school is only about a five minute walk from our house! So I ask Abraham how long he thinks it would take Rose to get home in the evening. 35-40 minutes was his reply. "But I can do it in 10 minutes," he adds.

At this point I realize that there is obviously a communication issue. I ask Abraham to explain the discrepency in times. He tells me that Rose is a woman and she has many friends. She must stop and visit many ladies on the way home.

And it is now becoming clear. The travel time is not based on the number of kilometers one travels, but rather on the number of friends one has along the way. And so the time it takes Rose to get home in the evening is not a burden, but a blessing. The importance of community is so great in Ghanaian culture that it is factored into everything. As an American, I am always thinking in terms of how quickly I can get somewhere or do something. I map out the shortest, most efficient route to finish my errands. I don't have time for any distractions. Life is very different here. Here they feel fortunate if the shortest distance between two points is the longest because it is littered with many friends.

2008-08-25T08:57:00.002-05:00

8/20/08
Breakfast conversation yesterday centered around witches. For our family that isn't all that unusual, with all the Disney movies we watch, conversations about Malificient and the Wicked Queen from Snow White are fairly common. But this conversation was a little different. It wasn't generated by Katie and had nothing to do with a world of fictional characters and talking animals. It stemmed from a visit the night before with a young man being discipled by Albert Churcher, one of our YLI Coaches.

Ash, Jatoe, Roland and Eric joined Churcher in a visit to Yaw. Yaw shared with Ash that during a period of extended illness, he was alone at the local hospital. Despite informing his local church pastors of his illness, it was only Churcher who came to visit him, offering companionship, comfort and a glimpse of God's love for this young man. Those visits had a huge impact on Yaw. Since that time Churcher has become a trusted friend and communicator of truth to Yaw. Having been so impacted by Churcher's friendship and discipleship, Yaw has begun to pour love onto others, sharing Christ's life with them.

During their visit, Yaw came to Churcher and the others for help and advice concerning a situation with a woman being discipled by someone Yaw is discipling ( You see how loving one person can quickly multiply into many?). Yaw shared the story of a young woman who has been tormented for many years by a most unconventional marriage. As a young girl, a relative who is a witch doctor arranged for her to be married to a spirit. Juju, or Voodoo, originated in Ghana and still has a very strong hold on many Ghanaians. This marriage has lead to her feeling bound and restrained physically, emotionally and socially. She has lost friendships, potential husbands and most recently her job do to this union. She has uncontrollable outburst, has been physically unable to move and prevented from saying or doing things that she longs to say and do. This girl came to Yaw and his friend for help, knowing that they have found something special in their relationship with Christ. Yaw approached a local Pastor who is known for his work with evil spirits and exorcisims, but found that the pastor was charging far more than they could afford for the 'service.' So Yaw has approached Ash and the other coaches for help and advice.
Jatoe explaine to Yaw that it is not a single man who will rescue this woman, but Christ. It is not necessary to pay large sums of money. Yaw and his friend will return to her, sharing the love of Jesus and His power over all dominions. It will be the power and presence of Christ that will banish this spirit and break its bond over her.

Returning home from this meeting with Yaw, Ash shared this amazing, hard to believe yet true story with me. He finished by saying, " Jatoe told them to call me if they run into any difficulties, but Carrie, I've never actually performed an exorcism before." We laughed, but the truth of the statement remained before us.

Which brings me back to our breakfast conversations about witches, something that is very much a reality that bears great power here in Ghana. I am struck by the casual way that Americans brush off the idea of witches and the spirit world. I can hear myself easing my children's natural fears of witches and evil with a simple, "Don't be scared, that is just pretend." I realized in that conversation that our children will need to have a different view of life, one that does not turn witch doctors into a fanciful Disney character of a harmless old baboon named Rafiki. One that says, witches do exist, but we know who has the power to overcome, and even redeem, them.

Some Observations after 1 Month

2008-08-07T02:16:00.002-05:00

August 6, 2008

It is our 1 month Anniversary here in Kumasi. If I had thought of it earlier, I would have baked a cake. (Although, after baking two cakes for Katie’s Birthday last week, I think we have all had our fill of cake.)

On the one hand, I still feel like I am seeing Kumasi for the first time every time I leave the house. On the other hand, we have fallen into a rhythm that is quite comfortable for our family, which makes me feel settled and at home. It is an unusual experience to have such extreme feelings wrapped around a single place and a single experience. But such extremes seem to be common in Africa. Walking through our new neighborhood I was struck by the co-mingling of poverty and prosperity. I saw two flat screen TVs hanging in a large, lovely home a few blocks from us. Next door to them, a family lived with broken down mud brick walls and a scrap metal roof. Suffering and joy, also, seem to walk hand in hand.

As I hear pieces of peoples’ stories, I was struck by how many of our new friends lost one or both of their parents early in life, suffered through wars or draughts or flooding, people ostracized from their family because they left Islam for Christ. For all of them it could have left a mark of sadness or bitterness. And yet there is a joy about them. A happiness that is infectious at times. These extremes of life keep coming to me here in Kumasi. Even the dusty, dirty, messiness of the market is off set by the vibrant colors of the women’s clothing and the care with which the vendors arrange their wares. Kumasi is a city of extremes. It is a city that embraces life in its fullness, completely.

A week of activities

2008-07-26T07:54:00.002-05:00

We are nearing the end of Ash’s first trip away since we have been here. He left on Tuesday to do a conference about five hours from our home in Kumasi. The kids and I stayed home, since the accommodations were not going to be conducive to housing two little kids for four days. To make the time move faster, I tried to plan an outing for each day. On Tuesday we ventured to the Kumasi Zoo. It was a slightly rainy day, which left the zoo feeling a little bit gloomy, but over all it was a good outing. Kaite was excited to see the crocodile, though a little concerned at just how close she was able to get to it. The Zoo is old: all the animals are in cages, but they appear to be well cared for. And the cages allow you to see the animals up close and personal. There were lots of different types of monkeys and apes, giant turtles, snakes, a camel and some ostriches. There were two Lions, a leopard and some hyenas as well. And of course the crocodile. There was a cage marked “ The Genet Cat,” but we couldn’t find the cat anywhere. Lucky for us we have one living in the spare room so we are already familiar with that particular species.

As we approached one small, circular area I wondered what we would see as we peered over the fence. There in a little pond was a goose. A plain old farm yard Mother Goose. I realized that the term “exotic” really dependent on ones geography!

On Wednesday we spent the afternoon at Sir Max Hotel. They have a very nice pool and restaurant. The pool even has a kiddy pool complete with cement dolphins spewing water. The kids loved it. And I enjoyed the hamburgers and fries that we had for lunch. Sir Max is a nice break. Katie would have us there everyday if she could. Unfortunately, Kumasi is a bit more expensive than we expected it to be, so excursions like those need to be limited!

Thursday we headed to the Cultural Center. There are lots of shops with colorful clothing, jewelry and crafts. We watched some men carving drums. The Cultural Center is also shading and very green. It has a park like feel to it. We enjoyed walking around and talking with people. It was enough to tire out the kids for a nice long afternoon nap when we got home.

Today we will be heading to the home of a Dutch woman I have been in contact with. She is part of a play group every Friday afternoon. There are several families all with kids between 1 and 8 or 9. Katie and I are both really looking forward to having a chance to visit with some of these families. Katie has been missing having friends to play with. And I look forward to getting to know some other mom’s and finding out what people do to keep their kids busy here in Kumasi.

John Mark seems rather content to wonder around the house discovering new things to climb on. I am beginning to wonder if he has a future in rock climbing. I find him on the table, the desk, the couch. Earlier this morning I found him hanging over the back of the leather arm chair. Paulina and Evelyn are amazed at how strong and active he is. I am trying to figure out what makes our kids so much busier than the Ghanaian children around them. I am wondering if carrying your children on your back helps to teach them a little bit about being still.

In some ways we are all learning about being still. I am still adjusting to life being slower. We aren’t rushing around from store to activity to deadline. We aren’t scheduling our days to make sure to fit it all in. I have been able to read four books in the last three weeks, something I haven’t had much time for since the last time I lived in West Africa. Katie is finding she enjoys coloring and drawing more, spending lots of time creating things. Her “staying in the lines” is really improving! She also enjoys sneaking into her room, or our room and cleaning up and making the bed for me. She does a nice job of that, too. John Mark is enjoying having lots of my attention. I had to teach Evelyn the phrase “Mama’s Boy” a few days ago.

There are still times when it feels a little lonely, especially with Ash gone. Finding a way to fit in and build relationships takes time. We have only been here for three weeks and I sometimes need to remind myself that it takes much longer than that to build friendships. When the coaches were in town it felt like we had instant connections, but now that they have returned to their homes and villages it has been a little too quiet for me at times. Which is sort of ironic, since one of my desires over the past four years of motherhood has been more down time, more time for quiet thoughts and prayers. It seems that this time is an answer to pray, if I am ready to accept it.

Update: It is Saturday Morning, I am posting this after Ash returned from a fun, successful conference. We had a great time at the play group and are all looking forward to next week!

Local hangouts in Nhyseiso

2008-07-16T06:12:00.003-05:00

This little shopping center is a 15 min walk from our house. The cafe is on the first floor and the internet cafe is on the second floor. Like many buildings in west Africa the top floor is under construction in a half-built stage. As they get money from the current tennants they will continue to build up.

24 hour internet cafe (ice cream shop below)

Queens Gate Cafe

Some pictures of our life in Ghana

2008-07-16T05:46:00.006-05:00

Our house

Don't even think about it!

Katie's new local tie die dress

A Fanta orange at Queen's Gate Cafe

Eating a frozen Tampico in our living room

Our first post from Ghana

2008-07-13T11:19:00.003-05:00

So, although my track record with blogging has not be that great, I am hoping that the experiences of living in Ghana with two kids for four months will inspire me to do better. So here it is...our first post from Ghana

7.11.08
(or 11.7.08 depending on where you live)

We have been in Kumasi for one week. We have pretty much adjusted to the day to day quirks of life in an African City: We are brushing our teeth with bottled water, we have learned to sleep through the sounds of dogs, roosters and car alarms (all of which are heard throughout the night, despite the myth about roosters and sun up). We are even getting used to putting our TP in a bucket rather than in the toilet. For a week and a half, I would say we are doing quite well. There are still many adjustments to be made. The bustle of a congested city makes it harder to get around independently than I had thought it would be. I was a little overwhelmed by the Central Market when I ventured in there today. As I shared this with Paulina, the girl who manages the house we are renting, she laughed and told me we hadn’t made it past the market’s front gate. Kumasi is known for its market, the largest in all of West Africa. I was also a little surprised to do some shopping in a Grocery Store, complete with a computerized cash register for easy check out! And we are still hoping to find some children for Katie and John Mark to play with. As of this point, Katie is recruiting our friend and cook Evelyn to play “Doctor Kit” with her and is teaching Albert Churcher, one of the YLI Coaches and our driver, all about Tinkerbell, Aurora and all things Fancy. John Mark is enjoying the outdoors and the dogs (who are a little too wild for my liking.) He is also discovering that the kitchen is a good place to hang out, as he often manages to procure a little taste of dinner ahead of time.

Ash is getting into a groove, as well, working with Albert Jatoe to plan the next few months. We have a Coaches Conference coming up in a week. That will be the first time most of the YLI Coaches get to meet the kids and me. I am very excited to be apart of that and to get to know these people we have been praying for and hearing about for so long. Already we have had the opportunity to meet some new folks and hear some exciting stories of what God is doing. One of the big questions for me has been “what is my role in all of this.” Caring for the kids takes a great deal of time, especially when I find John Mark trying to climb into the toilet for a little water play time. But I also want to be a part of what is going on with YLI and beyond. I am realizing that this is the challenge of mothers with young children all around the world. And it is one that I will continue to work out day by day. For today, I am enjoying the sound of the crickets, and the new relationships we are forming. And I am wondering when I might catch a glimpse of the bush cat that lives in the spare bedroom.

Farewell Boy

2008-06-27T19:23:00.003-05:00

This morning I loaded up Scrapple in the back of the Exploder and drove him out to Bremen GA where his foster family, the Bumgardners live. They have six kids so... he should be pretty tired by October 29th.

John Mark LIKES Watermelon

2008-06-27T15:34:00.002-05:00

See for yourself.

Waterboy

2008-04-21T21:06:00.004-05:00

John Mark has a complicated relationship with water.

1. You can't keep him out of the bathtub, but

2. he is absolutely petrified of the garden hose or any other flying water!

I'm interested in seeing how both he and Katie do this weekend during our camping trip to Vogel State Park... This family may go from little sleep to none at all for a few days.

Katie's New Haircut

2008-02-08T13:38:00.000-05:00

Before last Sunday, 93.6% of Katie's meltdowns were in some way related to the issue of hairbrushing. Hopefully with 50% hair there will be 50% less fits!

As ususal, John Mark is just happy to be here!

Vacation at Bent Tree

2007-08-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful week up in the North Georgia Mountains with the extended Zook Family. Oma and Popi drove down and Andre and Susanna flew in from Houston. We stayed at Bent Tree, which is similar to Big Canoe where we got married. It was beautiful. There was a huge lake for swimming and fishing, and a pool. We hiked some of the trails in the community. There was a beautiful swimming hole with a waterfall that was a favorite of Ash's and Scrapple. Oh yes, Scrapple was able to come on this adventure. He was quite depressed when we returned home.

John Mark wasn't very fond of the winding mountain roads, but he found time for some fun.
Popi enjoyed soothing John Mark to sleep during the trip. It was wonderful to have so many hands around to hold him

Katie enjoyed wrestling with her Uncle Andre. I am pretty sure she is considering marrying him one day.

Katie is a little water bug. She swam in the pool and in the lake almost everyday. Since we've been home she has asked to go swimming everyday. Too bad the pool is closed already!

I will get some more pics from vacation up soon. These are a just a few to start with.

John Mark Playing

2007-07-09T10:24:00.001-05:00

John Mark is a happy little guy, especially now that we got his reflux issues worked out. He just started to grab his feet.
Here is a beautiful smile after his first bath in the tub. Subsequent bath times have not yielded the same smiles, unfortunately!
Play time!!

Saturday Work

2007-07-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

Ash and Katie added a new flower bed to the front path. We also had new sod laid in the front yard. The house looks great! Katie loves to spend time outside with her Papa (which is good, since Mama isn't the most enthusiastic gardener.)

Pizza Night

2007-07-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

June...

2007-07-04T11:50:00.001-05:00

started off with a bang! "Uncle Mark" came to visit us from Nashville. John Mark and Katie are both Miller fans. And Katie, John Mark and Carrie had a great day at the Renaissance fair with Mimi and Big Daddy. Katie was dressed as a Princess.

Settling in

2007-07-04T11:39:00.000-05:00

Things are moving along here with the Zook Family. We have been trying to keep Katie nice and busy (translate: out of trouble!) Here are a few pictures from our afternoon down at Centennial Olympic Park.

It took Katie a few minutes to make up her mind about the fountain, but once Big Daddy hopped in with her, she was ready to go!

When Katie saw the torch from across the field she stopped dead in her tracks and screamed, " I see something amazing!!"

John Mark hung out in the stroller most of the day, relaxed and quiet.

Mornings are snuggle time around here. Katie has her pink blanket...a well loved treasure. And John Mark has his beautiful blanket crocheted for him by Ash's Aunt Mary.

Visit from Oma and Poppy

2007-05-26T07:02:00.001-05:00

Oma and Poppy came down for a visit and to help out some too. These are some pictures from Mother's Day and from the Atlanta Zoo. Katie thinks the Willie B. statue is just as cool as the live animals.

PHOTO CREDIT: FEZ (thanks dad)

Let's get some sleep!

2007-05-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Ok...pacifier in, bassinet vibration operating, mobile spinning, clean diaper, full tummy, sufficiently burped, clean onesie, temp 76 F.

Lets see how we do!

Camera phone photos from the circus

2007-05-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

I left the camera in the car, but took a couple photos with my phone. Katie and Zion McCray had a great time watching the animals and riding the merri-go-round.

More pictures of the boy

2007-05-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we brought Carrie and the baby home to introduce him to everyone back in Egan Park. The introductions went well.

He had a bit of a rough night last night and so did the rest of us. He is still a little conjested and so its hard for him to eat. He and Carrie were up for most of the night.

Katie and Ash went to the Shriner's Circus and didn't get home until 10:30pm. Getting to see tigers jump through rings of fire, brown bears ride motorcycles in funny hats and elephants walking in a chain (and eating gobs of cotton candy and peanuts) left her a little wound up.

Ash started out sleeping with Carrie and the baby, then moved to the futon in the office, then to the bunk-bed with Katie, and then finally back to the office.

First Photos of John Mark

2007-05-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

This is Ash posting by the way. A couple months ago Carrie hijacked my Scrapple blog but I'm sneaking a post in here (Carrie's sleeping). There are more photos coming but here is what the little man looked like mere moments after birth (and a quick hosing off).

Oh, and for all you women, the vitals are 7lbs 9oz and 19.5 in. The pediatrician declared him perfect this afternoon but I already knew that.

A dog and his family

2007-04-29T13:35:00.002-05:00

Living in a small house with a large animal that sheds year round can be very frustrating for someone whose natural strengths do not include 'housekeeping.' So on many occasions over the last three years I have found myself threatening to banish all 112 lbs of Scrapple the yellow lab to the back yard. In fact, I have actually threatened to banish him to someone else's backyard. There were times that I truly believed that I had had enough, and Scrapple had to go. In those moments of frustration, as I cleaned gobs of dog hair out of the vacuum hose, I actually believed that I could find a nice family who lived on a farm and drop Scrapple off with a wave of my hand and a sincere thank you to the new family. I thought I might feel guilty for a few days, but I would get over it. I now know that is not true. I have discovered that Scrapple is here to stay. He is a part of this family, dirty paws and all.

A few weeks ago Ash came in from the deck to tell me that Scrapple was having a seizure. It isn't his first, but it was definately the worst we have seen. It lasted about 30 minutes, maybe a little bit more. It ended with a trip to the emergency vet. As I waited by the phone for a call from Ash, my mind couldn't stay away from the looming question: What will we tell Katie if Scrapple doesn't make it?" And I began to realize what a significant part of this family that big dog really is.

Scrapple and Katie have grown up together. Scrapple sniffed around at boxes of diapers and baby wipes before Katie was even born. He learned to take walks next to her stroller. He took naps on the floor while Katie played with her baby toys. And now that Katie is growing more independent, there relationship has grown, as well. Most afternoons you will find Katie dragging Scrapple around the back yard by his collar. Scrapple will chase a ball thrown 10 feet by Katie as if it had been lofted into the air 100 feet. Scrapple lays on his side so Katie can snuggle up next to him and rest. He sits patiently as Katie checks his ears and listens to his heart beat with her Fisher Price Doctor's kit. He sleeps outside her bedroom door at night, just to be sure things are ok. And Katie loves him to pieces. She talks to him about her friends, her family, her favorite movies. She looks out for him, feeding him and letting him out. She proudly tells strangers in the grocery store that her dog is three years old. They are best friends.

The day after Scrapple's seizure, Katie and I watched him walk back to the exam room with his vet. He would have a day of observation and testing. I turned to walk to the car as Katie burst into tears, panicked over her dog's fate. It was her best friend and playmate walking off all alone. Katie could hardly take it. After a trip back to the kennels to say goodbye and a promise that we would return for Scrapple after nap time we headed home. Both of us waiting for four o'clock to come quickly

The 13th Dancing Princess

2007-04-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

Katie has been watching her new favorite Video "Barbie and The 12 Dancing Princesses" lately. She is dancing around the house in her dress up clothes asking to be called Barbie (much to our dismay.) Ash says he is ready to go back to the days of Veggie Tales.

Katie has been picking up some interesting dance moves from her new video. We thought you might enjoy them.

Easter in Atlanta

2007-04-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

Easter Sunday was cold, cold, cold, but we managed to do all the Easter-type activities: finding an Easter Basket, hunting for eggs and even meeting the Easter Bunny. Katie thoroughly enjoyed dressing up in her fancy, frilly dress and wearing her Easter Bonnet. These are just a few pictures of our Easter.

Supermom?

2007-03-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

Super Mom...It is what all moms (at least me...) want to be. Katie seems to want a supermom, as well.

The weather in Atlanta has been beautiful lately. No need for heavy coats and sweaters. As Katie and I prepared for yet another Target run, I grabbed a black fleece wrap, threw it over my shoulders and headed for the front door. Katie stopped me with "Momma, what's that?" "It's a cape." I replied, explaining that it isn't winter anymore and we don't need our jackets. Katie gave her silent nod, indicating that she understood and we headed out the door. As we neared the car, Katie stopped me with another question, "Momma, why you have your keys?" I told her we were going to Target and needed to drive. Katie's reply was quick. "But Momma, You have your cape. We just fly."

After making my best attempt not to burst out laughing, I explained the unfortunate truth about capes. Alas, I am not Superman. I waited for Katie's tears or cries of protest, but none came. If she was disappointed in her mother's clear lack of superpowers it did not show. She simply nodded and headed for the car, her mind already moving to the next life lesson she would discover.

But I am still thinking about that brief moment when my daughter thought I was a super hero, able to leap tall buildings and fly with ease. It took no effort for her to believe her mother had this previously unknown power. And why wouldn't she believe? To her I am able to banish monsters from closets, heal skinned knees and broken hearts with a simple kiss and make the most exciting objects appear from my purse on a moments notice. Maybe I really am supermom. Or maybe it is our children who truly understand what powers really are extraordinary.

Either way, It is nice to think that for at least a little while longer, my daughter believes I can do anything.

Katie and Elena Playing Together

2006-10-24T18:51:00.000-05:00

Here is a little dance video of Katie and Elena. I'm not sure about the the choreography but this is much more entertaining than watching Emmitt Smith dance.

The Tent

2006-10-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

This was a great gift from Andre and Susanna that we are all enjoying (thanks!). Sorry it is so dark.

Hillsboro Hoodlum

2006-07-19T17:42:00.000-05:00

This posse hat was a gift from Uncle Miller. Katie has now claimed it using her favorite word: "MINE!" and has commenced to laying down some old-school beats in the kitchen.

Fun with Friends at the Wedding

2006-07-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa got to see all of their great-grandkids this weekend! Katie had a blast playing with all of her cousins - especially
"Shy-a"!

In addition, Katie entertained everyone else she came into contact with. She traveled well and had a lot of fun.

Trying out Remy's bike...

Bouncing on Mimi!

Cracking up Papa...

and the only way to improve a view of the Flat Iron Mtns.

Kev's Pre-wedding Fun

2006-07-03T14:59:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday Katie, Carrie, Mimi and Big-Daddy took off for Denver and Kevin & Josie's Wedding. Katie is becoming quite the little jet-setter.

Aquarium

2006-06-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

So, Uncle Andre and Aunt Susanna were in town for a couple days and we went to the Georgia Aquarium. That was fun.

We've also taken trips shopping at the outlets and to the Virginia Higlands. And we've just spent some good time in the yard with the garden hose.

And so here a few picures of our favorite almost 2 year old. She loves sneaking up on Scrapple and whacking him with the balloon.

Little Girl?

2006-04-02T18:19:00.000-05:00

Katie looking not so much like a baby anymore...

Lions and tigers....

2006-04-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

"Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!".

Katie has been enjoying her zoo membership. We live only 15 minutes away from Zoo Atlanta so when Katie wants to tell us that it is time to go again (daily) she makes monkey noises and scratches her arm pit.

Why fathers shouldn't stay at home to raise kids...

2006-01-13T20:01:00.000-05:00

Carrie worked today and I "worked" from home. I also dressed and groomed Katie as you may guess.

Christmas 2005

2005-12-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

these are some various jumbled pictures from Christmas. Here is her expression when she came down the steps and saw all the gifts that Santa brought her.

She learned the word "Wow" just in time for Christmas.

Christmas is best enjoyed with children around. I think that brings enjoyment to God too.

Here is the play house that Ash (with a little help from Bruce) put together with no instructions!

Over the past few weeks, as trees and lights have gone up (along with plastic Santas), I have seen awe and wonder in Katie's eyes.

And that is the natural response to Christmas.

Siesta Key 11/06

2005-12-27T18:57:00.000-05:00

I hope to get more pictures of this trip from Floyd, but here are a couple from our trip last month. It was chilly but we braved the cold weather like good yankees.

Don't Worry Mom.....

2005-12-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

This is not a regular thing...just a fun pose at a party.

(it really is cool if you click on it twice to make it big.)

Christmas Card Preview

2005-12-18T15:36:00.000-05:00

Amanda down the street took this picture which will be our Christmas Card.... I think she's wondering if she's going to get a pony.

Brushing Those Teeth

2005-09-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

Katie has a new favorite thing... Brushing her teeth. And seeing how she wants to do it 5 times a day, those are some clean teeth (despite putting everthing that Scrapple has licked in her mouth).

In reality we try to only let her brush her teeth 2-3 times a day.

Ash and Carrie are getting ready for the Mexico trip next month and we know that Katie's Oma is looking forward to coming down to be with Katie. However, the triple combo of Katie, loads of candy and 2 grandmothers does give me pause...

Well I guess there is nothing I can do about that from another country.

One more story. Yesterday, while Carrie was cooking dinner, Katie was begging to go in her new new inflatable swimming pool. Carrie said 'no' about 2o times and then let Katie out on the deck to play. Ten seconds later, Carrie looked out of the window and saw Katie with both feet in Scrapple's water bowl jumping up-and-down. There's nothing like a little imagination to turn a dog's water bowl into a swimming pool!

Nature Preserve

2005-09-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday the three of us went to the Cochran Mill Nature Preserve with Zellyn and Bevin. It's fun to know that there are still some unexplored corners of South Atlanta that we haven't dicovered yet, and some of them are actually beautiful.

After our mini hike and trounce in the waterfalls we had lunch at the bakery at Serenbe http://www.serebe.com, a new community centered around an organic farm.

This weekend will unfortunately be as busy as last weekend was leisurely. The Grace Connections Internship is meeting all day Saturday, Ash is teaching at Midtown Sunday and then we are having dinner Sunday evening at the Rivenbark's house with Barry and Sandi Grecu. You may remember that Barry married Ash and Carrie almost three whole years ago.

The Big '0-1'

2005-08-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday Katie turned the big '0-1'. We had a great party over at Bruce and Joyce's place. By the way, the expression on her face is one that I expect to often when she turns 15.

The poncho was knitted by Aunt Mary (apparently the new RV has a room for a lot of yarn!).

photo courtesy of FEZ

Birthday Cake

2005-08-05T10:29:00.000-05:00

Aunt Mary and Uncle Frank in USA Today

2005-07-01T08:25:00.000-05:00

"Happy travelers:
Frank and
Mary Banker
work the
vending carts
at Adventureland
Amusement Park
in Altoona, Iowa. "

Charlie Neibergall, AP

Katie's great aunt and uncle, Frank and Mary Banker, were featured in an Associated Press article on living the RV life. Here is part of the article from USA Today.

Americans living life partly on the road
By Adam Geller, AP Business Writer
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. —

Frank and Mary Banker have embarked on a similar route. The couple, originally from Pottstown, Pa., began traveling after Frank Banker retired from a career researching viruses at a pharmaceutical firm. They've since worked at amusement parks in Tennessee and Florida and are back for their fifth season at the Iowa park. He's manning a frozen lemonade cart. She sells ice cream.

"It helped us so we don't have to take as much out of retirement, but this is also play money," said Frank Banker, who's 65. "People ask us when we're going to retire and go back to a house....and right now, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight because this is such a great lifestyle."

Katie is particularly fond of the Bambi purse that Frank and Mary gave her for Christmas!

Great Grandparents

2005-06-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

I want to take a moment to honor Katie's great-grandparents Charles and Kathryn Genter. Kay sent a cute outfit she made for Katie last week and we will have a picture up on this site pretty soon of the outfit. Katie has been blessed to be born in a strong extended family with loving grandparents and great-grandparents. Its more than we could ask.

2005-06-23T21:20:00.000-05:00

Grandma Kay says: "Go Eagles!!!"

Cronkhite Family Visit

2005-06-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

Jonathan, Carrie, Gabrielle, Sophie, Caleb and the new unborn Cronkhite babe came to visit a couple weeks ago. Gabrielle became totally smitten with Katie. Here are a couple pictures of all the kids together. Never thought that Jonathan and I would be getting together in our mid-30's with our wives and kids!

2005-06-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Love that smile!

2005-06-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

Our Katie loves other kids.

2005-06-23T21:07:00.000-05:00

Wow - hard to believe...

The Latest on Health

2005-06-23T20:52:00.000-05:00

Ash, Carrie and Katie have all been diagnosed with whooping cough. And Scrapple has fleas. All you hear around here is coughing and scratching. Scrapple's getting a flea collar tomorrow. The rest of us will get by.

2005-06-20T18:23:00.000-05:00

She's a crawling Machine!

2005-06-20T18:22:00.000-05:00

with Daddy after work

2005-06-20T18:19:00.000-05:00

Katie needed a timeout

Oma's Flowers

2005-06-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

When Oma was down in March she bought these flowers.

2005-06-20T18:16:00.000-05:00

Here is the Gerbera

2005-06-20T18:15:00.000-05:00

Here are the Sunflowers

2005-06-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

Here's the Dahlia

Poppy's MS150

2005-06-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

Maybe he's 60 now, but Poppy is still in the best shape of any 'non-yellow lab' in the family. Last weekend while The Papa was facing the waves, Poppy cycled 75 miles on Saturday and 75 miles on Sunday. I forgot to ask him which church he went to on Sunday morning...

2005-06-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

strong finish

2005-06-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

nice cows.

2005-06-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

Poppy cycling

Midtown Church Men

2005-06-16T21:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend The Papa and other guys from Midtown Church went to North Georgia to do manly things with Tom Grady, the founder of SAR Adventures. You can see the SAR weblink on the left side of this webpage. Tom founded Grace Ministries in 1981 and is currently on the board of John Eldridge's ministry, Ransomed Heart. In the raft below (clockwise from top right: our guide, Tom Grady, Roger Balco, Richard Harris, The Papa, Tim Royal.

2005-06-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

Boooya!

2005-06-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Rafting the Middle Ocoee

New Tricks

2005-06-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

I haven't learned any new tricks recently, but Katie is learning all kinds of stuff. She even stands up sometimes for a few seconds (until she realizes that she's supposed to fall!).

2005-06-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

first time on the rocking chair

2005-06-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

And they say yellow labs beg??? Please!!!

Pool Party

2005-06-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

Katie and Elena had a great time in their hula skirts and pool.

2005-06-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Hula girl

Last Couple of Weeks

2005-05-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't gotten many walks recently because they've all been passing around a cold for the last 3-4 weeks. Katie seems to do much better when she's outside. Thanks to the sun dress from Oma, she has the summer fun look down!

2005-05-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

Katie out in the Yard

2005-05-09T20:11:00.000-05:00

Katie likes to feed scrapple Jr.

2005-05-09T20:10:00.000-05:00

That clover flower doesn't taste so good!

2005-05-09T20:09:00.000-05:00

Does she look sick?

Mother's Day

2005-05-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

On Mother's Day everybody but me got to go to Callaway Gardens. I heard it was truely beautiful. It was a shame I couldn't go.... so many trees to mark...

2005-05-09T20:05:00.001-05:00

Bench time

2005-05-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

Lunch at The Rose Cafe

2005-05-09T20:04:00.000-05:00

Momma and Daddy

2005-05-09T20:03:00.001-05:00

I like these grape vines

2005-05-09T20:03:00.000-05:00

Fences and Flowers

2005-05-09T20:02:00.000-05:00

cool flower

2005-05-09T20:01:00.001-05:00

pretty butterfly

2005-05-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Another butterfly

2005-05-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

I think they call this one 'Browneous Butterflyeous'

2005-05-09T19:51:00.001-05:00

Falcon

2005-05-09T19:51:00.000-05:00

Regal Eagle

Bathtime

2005-04-20T19:08:00.000-05:00

Can't have too many bath pictures... this is the cleanest baby ever.

2005-04-20T19:07:00.000-05:00

Can't have enough bath pictures!

More Picnic

2005-04-20T19:06:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pictures from the picnic. Katie likes being outside more than I do, and she doesn't dig up the landscaping either...

2005-04-20T19:02:00.000-05:00

...next comes the Harley...

2005-04-20T19:01:00.000-05:00

Katie and Grand-daddy

2005-04-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

Eat!

Picnic

2005-04-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

The pictures below were from a picnic at Barrett Park last Friday. Even though I broke my collar trying to get at another dog, we had a good time. Katie and Elena had a great time playing together! I'll try to put some more pictures of the picnic up soon.

--Scrapplethelab