Cora Ann Hardin

Friday - March 27, 2009 (12:05)
Cora Ann Hardin was born weighing in at 7 lbs 12 1/2 oz; 20 1/2 inches long

Pictures will tell the story of how all are doing!!!!

We're Waiting

Thursday - March 26, 2009

We came up to Hillsdale, MI yesterday so that we would be here when Jeni had the baby. We are still waiting:):) We all know babies tend to have a mind of their own when they want to make an appearance into this world!

They gave Jeni a "pill" which was to help her contractions start as if they were completely natural. She was to be given a second pill if nothing happened by this morning. Around 3:30 AM her water broke and she has been having some pretty strong contraction according to David and Ruthie (Jeni's sister who is acting as a labor support - doula). we got a call around 3:30 that they have decided to give Jeni an epidural since she has been in labor 12 hours. They said this will relax her and help her dilate - hopefully faster. She has dilated to a 4!! Still a ways to go before we reach that magical number of 10!!

We are praying and asking for your prayers that the delivery will be a safe one for Jeni and the baby, and that they both will be healthy with no complications. All that are here are anxious to hold this precious baby girl!

Hopefully the next posting will be baby pictures with a name attached that will be introducing our grand-daughter! (We know her name - just can't tell it yet!!!!) :):):):)

Spring is Here Upon Us

Friday - March 20, 2009

Can you believe Spring is here? According to the calendar it arrives today! I've seen the buds on the trees seem to just appear. The croaking of the frogs from the creek has been a pleasant sound this week, and the color of the flowering trees seem to brighten the outdoors. The green grass is an indication that we soon will have to crank up the push mower (since our riding mower caught on fire last fall) and start smelling freshly cut grass - look out allergies!!!!

Spring represents new beginnings - preparing the ground for a new garden - the nutritional ones with the vegetables, or the aesthetic ones with the lilies, tulips, pansies, begonias, and roses to name a few. Both require a lot of hard work, but the efforts put in them are worth it!!

Spring also starts the ending and beginning for the students graduating from one phase in their education and moving towards another aspect and uncharted waters for them. For the seniors - high school and college - it represents a challenge for which they have been preparing. It is a little daunting and frightening to think about the future and what is in store for us, but we must forge onward and do what we have studied so hard for the past years.

Spring reminds me of new life. Easter is around the corner and we always have baby bunnies, ducks, and chicks ready for a new home!. Dad and Mom use to go to 14th street and buy the four of us a "baby" for Easter. We were all so thrilled. They were eventually taken to my grandparents farm where they joined their "country" cousins!! We always saw the young calves staying close to their mother, foals still wobbly on their feet, and tadpoles galore which eventually turned into the croaking frogs we love to hear.

If you've never been on the farm in the spring, then you don't know what you have missed - but then again you might be glad you missed one part of the spring ritual in preparing the soil for the crops. Some of the "city" folks might wonder what that is - it is cleaning out the barn stalls and putting it on the garden to be turned under in the soil - a means of "natural" fertilization! Some things I don't even miss! :)

Spring also remind of a very sad day in our family. The patriarch for the Layne family was my grandfather, William J. Layne. He passed from this earth to enter heaven's gate on March 20, 1970. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I felt it was symbolic in him leaving us here on earth and entering a new beginning in heaven with all who had gone before him. My grandfather lived a long full life and was loved by his family so much. He had several strokes in his later years and loss much of his speech, but he regained enough speech to be able to communicate. It was always the twinkle in his eye that told us he was up to something - usually playing a trick on us.

This year spring means a couple of things for me. One is that there will be new life for the Hardin family. Jeni and David will be parents for the first time within the week! New life - new beginning! We are all so anxious to greet this precious baby girl! To be able to see those tiny feet and hands, to hold her and cuddle her, and even to hear that first cry. This spring will bring such joy for Jeni and David. (and the grandparents too!)

Spring also makes me realize that Dink is having a new beginning. By all doctors reports, we are lucky that Dink is still here. We are so thankful for and blessed to have him to be a part of this family here on earth. God was not ready for him to go home yet! He is able to walk - with assistance of two therapist, a leg brace, and safety belt. He works so hard and is so proud of his accomplishments!! We are so thankful for this progress and are praying he will continue so that HE can get out in the garden. We are so proud of you Dink, and we love you!

Stop a moment and think - "what does spring mean to me" or "what memories do you have of spring?" Share them with us if you have a special spring story! Stop and smell the roses and have a great spring!

It's Time! It's Time

Tuesday - March 17, 2009

It's time - It's time
These are words we associate with and Andy and Barney show where a neighbor's wife is about to give birth. Andy tell Barney it's time while Barney is reading aloud and inserts what Andy has said calmly - then all chaos erupts!! Hopefully we will not encounter any of that when we get the call from David and Jeni that "it's time, it's time!"

We did receive a call last night that if Jeni does not have the baby by the 25th - then it will be time. They will induce her labor! The baby is close to 9 pounds now and to keep Jeni from having a C-section, they will induce labor on the 25th - unless she happens to go before then!

So, when the phone rings now, we're going to look at one another and say it's time! One of those calls will be that message.

So, if we don't post in the next few days - then we have traveled North for the birth of a baby girl! Keep checking - hopefully we'll have pictures to share!!! :):)

No Pain - No Gain

Sunday - March 15, 2009

Many who have gone to trainers for weight loss and/or body conditioning for preparation to participate in sport activities have had to go through a lot of physical pain. The conditioning reacquired to get the body prepared for the feats of playing football, baseball, basketball, tennis, track, swimming, and all other activities has caused much pain to the muscles of those trying to compete.

These "athletes" know that hard work is needed to get their body in shape and/or to keep it in shape to participate in the rigorous activity of the sport in which they are involved! The sports world or the physical gurus who want their body to be in immaculate shape know the pain associated with their conditioning! They know the cliche "no pain - no gain" has a real meaning. Without the pain of getting their body in shape, they will not be able to obtain their goal of perfection!

Perfection! Just what does that mean? Is it the athlete with the "perfect" body and conditioning who ends up winning first place in all feats they attempts?? Possibly that is the goal for most, but possibly not for all.

Lately, when I think of the phrase "no pain - no gain" I think of Dink and all the people who have had a stroke or head injury that causes them to relearn all they knew the day before. I was witness to one of Dink's sessions this weekend. The therapist was working with Dink's right arm! The pain he was experiencing was evident from his responses to the therapist. But quitting was not an option for him! He is determined to do what it takes to regain his speech and all of his mobility. Miracles do happen and the power of prayer does help.

Dink and his precious boys - Billy and Bobby!

It has been a month since Dink had the stroke and heart attack. He is progressing, but there is a lot of work still ahead of him. The agony I saw in his face told me it hurt! When asked if he wanted to stop he replied "NO." For thirty minutes he endured the pain as the therapist exercised his arm. He was actually able to move the right arm a little on his own! My prayer for my brother is not to become the trained athlete, but to become the person that allows him to communicate and have mobility on his own and not assisted by anyone. He has a sense of humor and a very sensitive side which seems to be more apparent now. Dink has always been able to hide his emotions, but now we may see more of his sensitivity that was always there shielded by him.

Another person comes to mind when I think of the word pain! Jeni!!! She will soon be going into labor to give birth to our precious baby girl! I can not say I know what she will be going through as I was never blessed with giving birth. We are continuously praying that she and the baby will be fine. I know she knows there will be pain and that the end result will be worth it! Within the next few weeks I hope to be able to post some "baby" pictures of our grand-daughter. I pray that the pain will fade away once she is able to hold her precious baby girl. Her due date is March 30, but God is the only one who knows the exact time of her birth. I'm sure Jeni is ready now! :) We are praying for a healthy baby, mommy, and calm daddy!!!! :):) We love you Jeni and David!

Jeni at her shower in February - the beautiful mommie to be!

We pray that all have a calm and safe week as you go to work, school, and support those who need you physically and mentally. All the care givers out there are in need of prayer as much as the ones they are helping. The patience recquired can take a toll on us all. But we must always remember - we are never alone - God is right beside us! Love and prayers to you all!

Blue

Tuesday - March 10, 2009

Blue

The color of my true loves eyes;
The color of the sky:
The color for a baby boy
Or the color of a brand new toy

The very strong and the oh so weak,
Will sometimes require the need to speak
About the trials they have endured,
And the recovery we are all assured.

Now a life that is brand new
One of which can cause me to be blue
Upbeat we must always try and stay
Dink will hopefully recover in a matter of days.

So keep the chin up and always smile,
As he works so hard all the while.
Dink will be back as good as new
All because of prayers coming from you.

The last time I mentioned a color it was pink. Pink represents the color associated with our grand-baby who should be arriving by the end of the month. Pink represents the little girl we are waiting on to arrive. This above all things brightens my day.

Blue is representative for a baby boy, but in this posting it is the feeling I have had for well over a month! This may be attributed to the fact I am a year older and didn't have my twin around to share this with; and some of it is associated with what my oldest brother is going through. This stroke and heart attack has knocked him down, and he is trying his best to get back. I am not blue about his progress - he is doing well to have suffered the type of stroke he had plus a heart attack on top of that.

The blue feeling comes from watching him struggle to relearn what he once could do without thinking. He is is working hard to learn to walk and talk. He is now putting phrases together - sometimes they still don't make sense to us - but apparently they do to him!

He loves getting cards. I am sending or taking him a card daily. Each one has a riddle. In the beginning he didn't understand. The riddles are read to him; he says he doesn't know the answer; but when he hears the answer, he laughs. We pray that he understands what is being said. HE so loves opening these cards himself! He has started looking at them as if he is reading what each one says. I am now printing our names and comments on the cards - we're not sure if he can read the cursive!

A couple of weeks ago I asked that any and all who could to please send him a card or two. Some of you have and I thank you! I guess I am a little blue because I thought he would be swamped with cards - guess there are not as many who read the blog as I thought. I will continue sending him a card - even when he gets home. He smiles and seems to be so pleased that others are remembering him and praying for him!

William A Layne Room 103 D
c/o Health South
6900 Country Club Drive
Huntington, WV 25705

I am going to include the first ten riddles I've sent Dink. Let's see how many you can figure out - better yet send Dink a note to let him know what you think the answers are!

1. I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost everybody.

2. What goes around the house and in the house but never touches the house?

3. What is that you can keep after giving it to someone else?

4. What walks all day on its head?

5. What gets wet when drying?

6. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

7. What is round as a dishpan, deep as a tub, and still the oceans couldn't fill it up?

8. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What are they?

9. He who has it doesn't tell it. He who takes it doesn't know it. He who knows it doesn't want it. What is it?

10. Brothers and sisters have I none, but that man's father is my father's son.

Do You Take Things for Granted?

Wednesday. March 4, 2009

Have you ever stopped and thanked God for the little things we are able to do? Things such as walking, talking, feeding yourself, combing your hair, brushing your teeth, saying your spouses name, and recognizing simple objects we use daily - glass, plate, and brush - all of which are some of the things we take for granted. Have you ever stopped to think about how to get out of a chair or a bed? What does it take for you to get up out of your chair and walk to the other end of the house? Is this something you've always known how to do? For some of us, we may think we have known how to do these thing since birth. But we didn't!! We learned how to do these things when very very young. Those of you have have young children, think about how thrilled you are when they say their first word, take their first step, and are finally potty trained! But do you realize that as fast as you blink your eye, you could lose all of the above? No longer will you have the ability to walk, talk, eat, and recognize all that you once took for granted. It happens everyday to many people - young and old.

Today was a very humbling experience for me as I watched my oldest brother take pride in being able to say ball, brush, plate, flashlight. Not only did he say them, he was able to recognize the object. His smile - even though it is still one sided (right side is still affected by the stroke) - is so adorable and so real. When asked if he knew Mom and myself (Rhonda had to leave to take care of some business) he said "I don't know." However, with some prompting from his therapist, he was able to say "Mom," "Sue," and even referred to Mom as "my Mother!" The therapist teased him that he had better know his mother or she might spank him. HE laughed!!!!!!!!

To watch Dink go through his therapy was heart wrenching, but it was also a blessing in that he was doing what they wanted and doing it with success! (He was following their commands which means the brain is trying to process what he needs to do!) The hardest part of his therapy for me (and possibly for him physically) was watching him trying to walk. The PT (physical therapist as they call them) moved his right leg for him! He was given instruction on how to get out of the chair, hold onto the cart, tighten his stomach muscles, hold yourself straight, look straight ahead, move your right leg, move your left leg - these were enough directions to keep my head spinning! But I could see the look in Dink's eyes and the look on his face as to how determined he was to do what it took to walk and do it properly!

Both the speech therapists and the PT's made comments as to how far Dink has come in a little over a week! It is going to be a very long road and what we find at the end of this road - only God knows. We are praying that Dink will regain the usage of his right leg which will help him walk; that he will be able to talk and let us know what he wants or needs; and yes, that he will be able to go to the bathroom - hopefully without assistance!

The next time you think about yourself and what might be wrong with you - according to you or someone else - think about all those who are recovering from strokes or brain injuries of some kind. Yes, you may be too skinny, have too much weight, have acne on your face, or even bucked teeth - but remember to thank God that even with these "faults" you are able to walk, talk, feed yourself, and recognize objects and people! The simplest things we take for granted are the things Dink is trying to relearn! Let's thank God for what we have and say a special prayer for those who aren't as fortunate as we are!

A special prayer for Dink:

Heavenly Father, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning: We give you thanks for giving our brother - Dink - both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. We pray that as he continues his recovery and gives you the glory others will see through him what a gracious and loving God you are! We ask that you guide him and protect him as he goes through his therapy. Thank you for bringing him this far and for all those who have been insrumental in helping with his recovery. We praise you and give you all the glory! In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Celtic Woman - Isle of Hope

Tuesday - March 3, 2009

Bill had gotten me tickets for my birthday to see go see Celtic Woman in Columbus - they are one of my favorite groups. The last three years I have seen the group change with Maeve then Orla leaving the group to pursue other avenues in their career! Alex and Lynn have been their replacements, and even though it's not the original group they filled the shoes of those who left and wooed the crowds with their singing! It was debateable as to whether we would get to go - it depended on Dink and his condition as well as Mom. Dink was doing well; Rhonda said go; and Mom was going to be okay - so we went to the show and enjoyed it tremendously! Columbus was not that far so we went up and back!

These are the five ladies that captured my attention and my heart! Maeve, Lisa, Mairead, Chloe, and Orla.

The date was January 2006. I was off from work because of my back -sciatica nerve. I couldn't and didn't do anything at the house. I couldn't lay and get any relief, nor could I sit, walk, or stand with any comfort. The only chair that was of any comfort was the one Bill had gotten me for Christmas which we had put in the study. It was while sitting in that chair with Bill at work, and me not able to do a lot that I was first introduced to Celtic Woman. They were on PBS and their sound was captivating. The soothing voices and beautiful renditions of songs such as "You Raised Me Up," "Orinoco Flow, and "Ava Maria" were amazing. Each girl brought their own talent to the show and all had their speciaway of doing so. At the time, Chloe was the youngest at fifteen. She mesmerized me as she sang and I sat there in awe at her talent at such a young age. Mairead was electrifying as she danced around playing her fiddle and causing everyone around her to want to get up and dance - even if you couldn't dance!

If nothing else, their beauty and the costumes would capture your attention if their singing talent didn't!

Lisa, Chloe, Orla, Maeve, and Mairead.

This was the beginning of my healing from losing Dad. I thought less about my physical pain, and realized that our lives is only a short journey here on earth. They captivated me in a way that I was able to think less about my loss and engaged me into their song! I bought the DVD and ended up watching it over and over day after day! I soon was able to get Bill to listen to them and like their sound - not as much as I do, but he got hooked becasue I liked them.

Orla, Chloe, Lynn, Mairead, and Lisa - Maeve had left the show after two years, and Lynn replaced her.

We couldn't believe that they were going to be in Huntington. We could not order tickets off the computer, but we were in line before the scheduled time for them to be sold to the public! We were not overnight campers (but I could see why people do that), but we were there about an hour before selling time! We were the first ones there!!!! Bill gave me a hard time - but that's okay - we got great seats and saw a wonderful show. The live show is absolutely wonderful - no camparison to watching it on TV.

Orla, Chloe, Lisa, Mairead, Haley (who was with them for only a little while) and Maeve at Shane Castle in Ireland - wish I could have seen this show! :)

The next time we saw them was in Toledo. We took David and Jeni. It was an updated show with many of the same songs being sung. Again, it was a very energetic and amazing show. The stage, costumes, lighting, and songs all came together to give us "A New Journey." This was another awesome show which had most of the audience clapping their hands and stomping their feet to keep in time with the music. We heard a mixture of traditional Irish songs along with some more popular music which included newly written scores. The material ranged from folkloric - " Dúlaman" - to a standard from another Celtic nation -"Caledonia," - love letter to native Scotland; and on to a classical lite - Handel's "Laschia Ch'io Pianga"- and on to movie hits such as - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," and even on to the New Age - Enya's "Newgrange." Even though some of the songs were sung in Gaelic and Latin - not knowing the words did not take away from the feel the music gave the listeners!

The new group includes Lisa, Lynn, Chloe, Alex, and Mairead.

Following the smash success of Celtic Woman from the past four years, David Downes has created a wonderful tour called Isle of Hope. The Celtic Woman shows have been on the international lists as number one for several years. The Isle of Hope Tour features many brand new heart stirring songs, plus many of the classics we know and love. The show was dazzling to the eye, enchanting to the ear, and stimulated both the mind and the heart.

The red headed lady has not been named but is the "poster" lady for the group's albums. Pictured at the bottom we have a grown up Chloe, Lisa, Mairead, Lynn, and Alex.

The girls of CELTIC WOMAN — Chloe, Lisa, Alex, Lynn and Mairead — presented a breath-taking show that touched our inner selves causing us much joy and pleasure. We missed Orla and Maeve, but their replacements left us with a sense as if they had always been with the show. The girls harmonize so well on the songs they sang together, and their individual songs were beautifully sung! The little dancing fairy - Mairead - as she has affectionally been called - was a favorite of the audience. The electricity she generates when on stage is catching - not only for the audience but the musicians and singers on stage. The show was full of energy, as well as soothing to the heart and soul!

The "dancing fairy" - Mairead - who also was part of the "Riverdance" show that toured here in the states years ago. She has a blast playing a duel with the percussionist!

Another great part of the show was being able to see the composer and director of the show performing with the girls. David Downes was not at the last two show we saw - Huntington and Toledo - but he was on stage in Columbus. It was thrilling to see him play the piano and generate the energy that transferred itself over to the girls as they performed. The chemistry between him and all who were on stage was so evident by their performance. They were having a great time on stage which caused the audience to join in on their fun! Their good time was catching!

The conductor, composer, and director of Celtic Woman is David Downes - look how young he looks! He also has started a male group called the High Kings who sing more traditional Irish tunes! They are great as well and we saw them as an opening act for the Celtic Woman when in Toledo!

Pictured here we have Lisa, Orla, Haley, David, Mairead, Chloe, and Maeve.

If ever given an opportunity to see Celtic Woman in person - GO! If you like Irish music and some popular music mixed in with some new songs, you will enjoy the show. Even if you don't like the music, as Bill says - you will enjoy watching the "hot chicks!"We had a great time, and hope to see them again!!

This is a picture of the girls past and present - Mairead, Lisa, Chloe, Orla, Maeve, Lynn, Alex, and Deirdre - whom I've neer seen or heard with the group!

In case you would like to know their full name here they are - but don't ask me to pronounce some of them! :):) You can also click on their names and it will take you to their web site! Enjoy!

Composer/Director

David Downes

Celtic Woman -

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha

Chloë Agnew

Lisa Kelly

Mairead Nesbitt

Orla Fallon

Hayley Westenra

Alex Sharpe

Lynn Hilary

Deirdre Shannon