Today

This morning, I can't get this particular picture out of my head. I imagine this face, with a look of awe, joy, and contentment as Thao takes in the wonders, colors, and beauty surrounding him - cheering us on and waiting for us.


This photo was taken on a Day of Adventure in the Lincoln area only a few months ago. We had to reschedule once, but made it happen. We began at the Decatur Zoo and followed up with a stop at Gail's Pumpkin Patch. I kicked myself that whole day because I had packed my memory cards in another bag and missed out on a slew of photo opps at the zoo, but looking back, I got to participate with the kids that day. Everyone allowed me to stop by Target and send Brad in for an additional card so I could carry on my desired role and shoot away once we reached the patch.

Being a photographizer (as Brad calls it) is a double-edged sword. While I do "miss out" on the interactions - aka literally throwing children in the air with Jeff and Brad - I get to see into the soul and feel moments happening that others missed out on. As I put Thao's slideshow together, I could FEEL him looking back at me, totally allowing me to stick my lens in his face. I got the same, sweet acceptance from Ava the morning of Thao's Celebration of Life. In fact, she downright posed, but I'm sure no one is surprised by that. :)

Today, I really miss him. Today, I am thankful for the past three years in Illinois. Today, I wish responsibilities like bills would melt away so I could spend time, unlimited time with my loved ones. Today, take a photo of something you love. Today, now, is what we have. Don't squander it.

"Live like you'll die tomorrow, die knowing you'll live forever." - Rich Mullins

To experience our Day of Adventure visit: http://thewayyouare.zenfolio.com/gailspumpkinpatchfall2011

More Than a Brother

 Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 7:34pm

You were three years old once. Do you remember what it was like? For me it was 1984 (yes, also the year Brad was born *sigh*) and quite frankly I remember very little. What I have been told, was that from day one, I was in LOVE with my baby brother, who came as I approached the age of two. When Mom shuffled into the car's back seat that first ride home, I flipped over the front seat and reached into the back to get my first glimpse at Jeffrey. Our bond began instantly. He was my baby and he was going to be my best friend whether he liked it or not.

I can still hear Mom belly laughing while retelling the stories of those days... Jill Ritter had just gotten a baby and now I was going to have my own and he would not be left alone on my watch. We lived in a home that was narrow and long. Mom had been in the kitchen cooking her amazing food or cleaning up after our crummy little fingers had disgraced every surface. I was on baby watch in the front room. At the time, our home was carpeted and Jeff was about to have the ride of his young life. Determined to keep him with me at all times, I grabbed him by the ankles and dragged him down the house, through three rooms, until we safely arrived at Mom's feet in the kitchen. Content little guy had rug burns on the back of his arms and head!

And then there was the day that Mom didn't hear Jeff escape from the house, realized it was far too quiet, and looked out the front door to find me protectively holding him in the middle of the street with a van at a complete stop next to us. Jeff had out-smarted the screen door latch (Sound like anyone else's child?) and toddled into the path of oncoming traffic. I barreled out after him and just held him until Mom arrived.

And thus began our adventures...

Like the reasons Mom had to attach bells to Jeff's shoes, add a high latch to the front screen door, use a timer for video gaming on the Commodore 64, or be prepared to call 911 when he first spider-manned his way up the door jam. We played cowboys and indians, school (somehow I always managed to end up as the teacher bossing the poor kid around), read books by flashlight in the tunnel under his bed, rode bikes around the block and down secret paths, recorded fake radio stations, "Slip 'n Slide!", climbed the crab apple tree, climbed the dogwood tree, planted flowers, saved bunnies from Nacho, helped Dad take x-rays, went sledding, played in the snow and came back into the house to put our numbed fingers on Mom's warm tummy, played baseball in the empty lot behind our house where Jeff insisted on pretending like the ball was going to come at my face just to drop it behind his head (and people wonder why I flinch at everything!), visited the neighborhood's elderly, attended school together, rode the bus, played in sports, played the piano and guitar together, caught frogs camping, climbed massive dunes, laughed hysterically, married off, said goodbye, moved away, talked until wee hours of morning, cried together, held each other, loved one another...

And this is why it pains me to look into those bright brown eyes of Miss Ava Lillian. I, too, had a best friend in my brother and whether three or 30 years old, those things will never change or be lost. So, as much as this is about Jeff, it's about that little girl who is deeply pained because her big brother, her lifelong friend, is so very sick. Her reality has shifted and now sharing has become much more difficult.

Please pray for Ava tonight.

And Jeffrey, I love you.

The Caring People

Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 2:56pm

Thao has been connected to machines for three weeks now. As Tiffany said last weekend, who would have thought that dialysis would be the least of our problems? Having just returned from PICU where we spent a few moments with Thao, I wanted to take a moment to assure everyone of the care he is receiving. Medical staff from Children's Hospital of Illinois have been working around the clock, through vacations, even on days off to find answers and solutions for our nephew. They are monitoring every moment of his dialysis, ecmo, and multiple medications. Picture plates on poles and they are spinning each one to make sure he is not only safe, but that he can get better. This same team of specialists and nurses are so humble and empathetic of this five year old boy that they have been consulting with other specialists nationwide including the HLH Hospital in Cincy and St. Jude's (OSF St. Francis is a St Jude's affiliate and work they together regularly). The doctors and nutritionists (all professionals) feel as many of us do...restricted. Thao has to stabilize before treatment and nutrition can begin. So in your prayers today, pray for stabilization, that together the many doctors across the country can keep those plates spinning, that Thao will be without pain and discomfort, and that Mom and Dad will continue feeling warmth and confidence.


God is using your prayers every minute! Thank you from all of the fam!

http://www.childrenshospitalofil.org/

Today with Thao and Tiffany

Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 12:15am

Today I was struck with a variety of emotions. Several of you upheld me in one way or another until I was able to reach the doors of room 423 of Illinois Children's Hospital. A dear friend called to pray with me on my way to the hospital and one of the things she asked for was God's peace that surpassed all understanding. A few miles later, Cara and I approached the sliding glass doors. After pulling the door open, and subsequently causing an alarm to sound, we made our way into a room of warmth; of peace. I literally cannot explain the calm I felt in the room full of machines, wires, tubes, beeping, nurses, and a quiet little boy lying under a mountain of blankets and stuffed animals. I shouldn't have been surprised, not with Jeff's most specific prayers of peace to soothe his child, his wife, and his heart. Jeffrey whose first name means "God's peace" and a middle name meaning "Harmony" and "Rock." Tiffany. Tiffany, my dear, sweet, sister-in-law who has been a sister to my heart. In fact, it often freaks Jeff out how similar the two of us are. It was a wonderful blessing to have a few hours of time with my friend, my kindred spirit. My heart melted as I watched her reach for her baby and comfort him with words of encouragement and love. Thao was responsive for a part of my time with them. He nodded when Tiffany asked him if he would like to play with Uncle Brad and the new nerf gun. He nodded when I told him he was strong and doing a great job. I'm not sure if this note is for me or for you, but what I can tell you is that God's presence was in that room. He is there with Thao. He is with the nurses, doctors, Jeff, Tiffany. So, for those of you who have hearts torn as you feel restless, helpless, or disconnected, be encouraged this Christmas day - Our Lord who was born this day - or in May if you're to ask Brad :) - is ever-present and guarding the children he loves so dearly. He has answered your prayers and is wrapping them with grace, love, and faith.

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Merry Christmas

Our Sweet Thao at OneTrueMedia.com

Thao's life was short in expectation, but full in adventure, creativity, family, and love. We will miss you, little man.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

When is it YOUR turn?

Most of us have been there or are going through it; that day when you’re dating and everyone asks the question, “When is it YOUR turn?”  Then, you get married.  Most people are content for a minimal amount of time before the next question arises, “When is it YOUR turn?”  You pop out one kid and they want to know when the next one is coming.  

So it begs the question…what happens when you’re done having children?  What does everyone want from you then?

That is the scenario. 

There are rules for this sort of thing.  Exceptions.  People who can get away with it.  Misconceptions.  People who think they should be able to get away with it.  Absolutes.  And those who really have no business.  Period.

 

Category 1: Exceptions

You are in this category if you are immediate family, extended family and friends who act like immediate family, in-laws, or good friends of deceased mother. 

Rule: You may ask.  However, when the individual has appropriately answered your question (ex. Soon, I don’t know, We’re talking about it, Not right now, Never, Yesterday) you respect the answer.  It can one day lead to further discussion, but until said individual has updated you with “anything new”  or bringing up the subject willingly, proceed under the guidelines of strict respect (which may mean shutting up when you would rather not).  I know, you’re thinking, “In-laws?” but I happen to be blessed with incredible in-laws who follow this rule well.     

Warning: Being in this category organically does not mean that flippant foolery will keep you safe.  The subject in question has every right to mentally reassign you to Category 2 at their will.

Category 2: Misconceptions

You are in this category if you got kicked out of Category 1, you are an acquaintance, distant friend (easily defined by being the one who is informed six months after “friend” gets married), or person who knows “dad” and then assumes you also have rights to such information.

Rule:  You do not get to ask direct personal questions as you do not get regular updates or the juicy details of the person’s life from them directly.  When you see the acquaintance years later, you may only ask general questions.  Verbal probing is unacceptable.  You may ask "dad."  That is it.

Warning:  If you ignore the rule and insist on knowing why the person isn’t making THEIR turn, consider this - you may be forever written off upon discovering that they can’t keep a job, can’t make babies, or can’t marry the guy because he’s obsessed with himself.

Category 3: Absolutes

You are in this category if you were booted here from Category 2 for emotionally scarring the person for life, a coworker of the opposite sex, or a carny.

Rule:  Just keep your mouth shut.

Warning:  If you don’t, this person has no loyalty to you and can make your life a living hell in return.

 

May this be a good reflection on your own behavior, even if you're the one under scrutiny. 

(all images by yours truly)

What if Judy Nardoni had written a blog?

I often suppress the fact that I cannot recall all that my practical mother taught in her years of life to other family and friends.  In her attempt to be a godly wife, mother, and friend, she often fulfilled lives with open ears and words of truth and wisdom.  As I get older and come into situations unknown at the young age of 18, I wonder what Mom would have done or said.  To my friends trying to juggle, train, and grow multiple young children, what encouragement would she have bestowed?  To my loved ones with loss and depression, what love would she have poured?  To those with crisis in marriage, work, or church, what would she have prayed?  What did she share with you?

Introspection

What do you do with the reality you’ve been handed when your perception has been so wrong?

Where do your thoughts go when trust has been broken only to find out that you were at fault?

Why do you continue fighting love when it’s the only thing that will replace your pain?

When do you open your eyes and notice nothing has changed?

Merry Christmas from the Belleys!

As the most wonderful time of the year draws inexorably closer, we are reminded of the trials and blessing from the past years. Although our previous Christmas letter was undeniably funny, this year we decided to take a more straight forward approach. BULLET POINTS!!!!!!

2009

• Lindy procured employment with Integrity Data, Inc in downtown Lincoln. She holds the title of “Business Services” aka Job Security.
• Brad shifted employment from Fastenal to a weld shop to the line at the “Box Factory” to Logan County 911 Dispatch which he currently works for. He tends to speak to the population that only comes out in public for the county fair.
• Brad changed from Lincoln Christian University’s undergraduate Business Administration major to their Hargrove School’s Leadership and Management major. This is an adult program that allows him to work full time while taking night classes.

2010
• A run-in with the crazy downstairs neighbor at LCU’s Student Housing, who accused Lindy of not being a Christian because of our placement of the ironing board, encouraged us to begin house hunting.
• Lindy celebrated her golden birthday…29.
• House signing + possession = WALLS TO PAINT!
• We got babies! Lindy’s Gramma helped fund the adoption of two, adorable kittens named Cool Breeze and Dirt Diver. It was the most dear and precious thing to do with Gramma, it brought her as much joy as it would have to see our own babies! The adventure was the final, precious memory we made with her as she passed away in August.
• Attended the death-defying Belley family vacation to Rivermen in West Virginia.
• Our awesome House Warming Party was a success. Live music, great friends, delicious food. It may become an annual event, so keep the first weekend of October available next year.
• Eleven year anniversary of Judy’s death (Lindy’s Mom) came and went.

• Mark, Brad’s dad, had surgery before Thanksgiving that has left him on a long road of recovery. Please continue prayers of healing!

• Made a trip to New Hampshire to see the Belley clan.

• Brad turned 26 and now qualifies for the 26-40 checkbox on the church connection card.

• We got a special birthday surprise from Brad’s parents – Tickets to the Patriots v Bears game!!! Which the Patriots won, of course. :)

• Celebrated the Lord’s birth with friends and family.

Thank you for perusing your way through what could easily be confused with an office memo.

Each and every day we count ourselves blessed to be surrounded by such great people. Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Brad, Lindy, Cool Breeze and Dirt Diver

"Can you ever just be whelmed?"

Meet Cool Breeze and Dirt Diver.  Brad and I picked out these two adorable kitties on Saturday.  They are currently residing at my work in a spare office (thanks Patrick!) until we can take them to their new home this weekend.  Having the little creatures around has certainly caused me to laugh at a time when I would otherwise shut down.  We are quite excited to move into our new home, but the responsibility that lies ahead is a bit daunting.  Not to mention, Brad's work schedule has him gone most evenings when we would likely be working together on a project.  I'd like to think the house is causing stress and the cats are causing relief, balancing me out to a "whelmed" feeling. 

Back to packing.

Inkin' Lincoln One Tattoo at a Time

                                    

Where will curiosity and offerings of free food get you on a beautiful Saturday afternoon?  For me and Brad, it will walk us into the Grand Opening of Styx Tattoo in Lincoln. 
I can always count on Lincoln to make me giggle. There is nothing quite like a ribbon cutting ceremony containing red-coated Chamber Members surrounded by bikers and their ladies in corsets. Ahhh, now that is a sight to behold...
 
In the days leading up to the opening of Styx, I have had many conversations with people who are concerned with the clientel it will draw to our otherwise homey, quaint square.  There have been valid concerns and support voiced along the way.  In my own experiences, I have met many kind-hearted individuals who choose to turn their body into a canvas.  They have never been a threat to me.  (Of course, most of them are musicians or youth ministers.)  However, I work next door to this new venture and wanted to know what it is about. 

The owners appeared very friendly.  You can count on the fact that they are going to be running a tight ship.  They have already stated that under no circumstances will they tattoo a minor, nor will they "ink" anyone who appears intoxicated with drugs or alcohol.  They have a very clean establishment.  They are well-situated on a college town square (and we all know how these Christian College students act when they breathe in the scent of freedom) where a majority of LCU report to never have visited.  From a sheer business perspective and in regards to growth of commerce in our small town, unless they tatoo and piece all of their potential clients in a few months, I have no doubt that this establishment will be around for a long haul.  With the way they intend to operate, I have determined that I would rather have a place like this in town than another bar. 

Truthfully, their presence is difficult for me to accept because I am not typically comfortable in the atmosphere of said parlors. I enjoy the quiet personality of our downtown and hate to see it littered with neon signs and flashing lights.  Will I avoid that corner at night if people are hanging around outside? Absolutely. Will I try my very best not to judge the people I see going in and out of there? Yes.  I encourage you to do the same.

So, welcome to town, Styx.  Try not to disappoint us.

Moving Again!

You are reading this correctly. We are packing up all of our things and moving yet again. This time, however, we will be relocating to our "new", old and crappy house! *That is what Brad calls anything with character and charm. Now you know what I call him.

Many of you know that we have been enjoying the Midwest Life as a married couple: we both appreciate our employment, we like the community, and we really, truly soak up the slower pace of life. So much that we have decided to make Lincoln our home indefinitely.

This means a number of things for our immediate future. 1) We have the obligatory packing to do. 2) We have repairs to make, walls to paint, and floors to refinish. 3) We have a month to do it, but with Brad's newest hours and our upcoming family vacation, neither of us will be available at the same time. How will I be able to reach and lift? Who will keep Brad focused and motivated?? Needless to say, every spare minute we will be sinking our fingers into the project.

We invite you along on our journey. Hopefully, we will have some interesting stories and humorous images to share. Please let us know if you have any desire or time to help out. The pay isn't great, but the company and homemade cookies are to die for!

*Closer to May, we will be notifying family and friends with our change of address and phone numbers.

My Midnight Warrior

3 a.m. Lindy hears noise like someone came into their apartment. She waits and hears more noise, turns to awake her husband by the whispering of his name, "Brad." No response. "Brad!" Still no response. She shakes him gently, then more, then violently. Finally he awakes, "Wha?" "It sounds like someone is in the apartment. Go look." He finds his glasses, stumbles out of bed, bounces down the hallway walls, comes back with nothing to report. "It sounded like someone came in the door," She said. "Well! That was dangerous! You should have told me first!" Um. "'It sounds like someone is in the apartment' isn't enough warning?"


I love conversing with my husband in the wee hours of morning. I feel so safe!

Uninspired

Lately I have been utterly distraught with the fact that I'm not writing. It was always an outlet for me and quite enjoyable, to say the least.

Could it possibly be that my life has slimmed in interest, it's too full to pick apart the details, or I'm just plain boring?

Personally, I think the blogging community has changed. Facebook and Myspace have ruined our desires to follow one another. *Sigh*

Howdy Neighbor

Never has the movie Fried Green Tomatoes more fully described my life until now. Brad and I recently noted our one year anniversary of moving to Illinois. We have experienced a pleasant time, especially at the student apartments.

When we had first moved in, we were the only people in our two-bedroom building that did not have children. I loved it! The evenings were peaceful and the days are filled with joyful sounds – even when the kids were not getting their way.

That is, until last week, when two girls moved over from the dorms. We have been harassed on a regular basis as they insist we are trying to be inconsiderate and rude by walking to and from the rooms in our home. Apparently, they expect us to float about the place, never touching the floors to make a peep, never dropping things by accident, and never living a normal life.

Well, yesterday I’d had it. I was helping Brad clean out his closet and a book slipped out of my hands (at 5 pm, mind you). After girl #1 yet again banged on our floor with her broom, I marched myself downstairs and made it clear to her that we are doing normal life activities in the privacy of our home, that she can submit her complaints to the apartment manager, and under no circumstances is banging on her ceiling acceptable. She informed me that we were not going to talk about it and proceeded to slam her door in my face.

So here is my question to the disruptive, passive aggressive souls of this world – Why on God’s green earth do you insist on behaving in such a way and then not expecting repercussions? Why, at 5 in the evening are you bullying me for cleaning my apartment or dropping a book when at 2 in the morning, you have your loud friends over without a care? Why would you think that you bother no one, but that the world is out to get you?

This fiery little Italian girl, daughter of the acclaimed, spicy Judy, simply wants to live in her apartment without being paranoid. Apparently that is too much to ask.

So, in the words of Kathy Bates, “Face it girls, I’m older and have more insurance! TOWANDA!”

Photography Galleries

The Way You Are
Portrait, Wedding, and Event Photography
Email lindy@eNardoni.com for pricing.

School Buses, Sweet Corn and Anniversaries

I have a new disdain for school buses. In our apartment complex, if I am leaving at the same time the bus arrives, I get trapped as the driver insists on stopping the bus directly behind my obviously-reversing vehicle. The children should be congregated prior to her arrival, but without fail, someone is running late. Which means, I'm now running late.

Brad made huge strides this summer. He will now eat corn on the cob, rather than cutting it off. Congratulations, honey!

Yesterday was our 2nd anniversary. Today is the year anniversary of my first interview with ID. Tomorrow is the year anniversary of making the decision to bail out on SFG. All decisions that led me here today.

Tolerance Level: 0

I'm noticing that as I grow older and gain more experience in life and the workplace, my tolerance for individuals weakens. This particular week, I have been working amongst some of the most trivial, junior high behaving, immature men. Frankly, I dealt with this a number of times in NH as a volunteer in church and in my Christian-based office, but rather than dismissing it as human nature, I find myself making angry fists and groaning as the tension in my shoulders thickens. Guess this is why they encourage us to use our medical reimbursements. Chiropractor, here I come.

Twister

Wednesday, August 19th, Sangamon and Logan Counties were slammed with an EF3 tornado - wind speeds up to 140 mph and a diameter of 1/2 mile wide in some locations. Several families lost their homes and crops to the devastating forces. Needless to say, this was definitely one of the highlights to my interested, morbid mind. Brad got to see the 9 mile rotating cloud from our apartment balcony as the storm cell headed Northeast towards the small town of Beason. The tornado dissolved into the sky before taking any more homes.

The summer has swiftly passed and I am trying to reckon what I have to show for it. Brad and I were able to visit NH in July, I have assisted Michael Gowin in E-sessions and weddings, and Brad has registered for the Hargrove School at LCC where he will be studying Leadership and Management.

If the weather is nice, we'll be taking our first hot air balloon ride during the Logan County Art and Balloon Festival! I'd include the logo, but I think it looks dumb.

It's About Time... Update

The week has increased in loveliness, but only after random spurts of snow, which we have miraculously and quite nicely been without since the beginning of January.

Brad is wrapping up his first semester at Lincoln Christian College. His business classes have been enjoyable and the friends he has made are keeping his social tank full. In March, he joined a group of students on a mission’s trip to Knoxville, Tennessee where they framed homes for Habitat for Humanity. (During which time, my dear friend, Cara, kept me entertained and well fed.) He still works part time for Fastenal, but is seeking supplemental income for the summer. If you hear of anything opening, please let us know.

I have been working for Integrity Data just over three months. Angie, my coworker, teacher, and friend, has been doing a wonderful job teaching me new concepts in Accounting and training me on the procedures we use at the office. They have also dubbed me Photoshop Girl, Scully Building Photography Girl (a building my boss purchased off the Town Square), Donut Retriever, and just the other day I was presented with a miniature door…still not sure what that is all about. We have daily Foosball games, birthday sing-a-longs (which really should be outlawed), a never-ending candy dish, and lots of laughter to spread around. Needless to say, it is one of the best places I could have ever chosen to spend eight hours a day. (And we get real work done too!)

Brad and I have been enrolled in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. We are in Week 3 of the program and moving right along. There have been tears, laughter, and gnashing of teeth, but we wouldn’t trade the experience or the wisdom we have gained and will continue to cultivate.

My love of photography and the endless possibilities therein, continue to grow. This summer I will be spending some time assisting in weddings with my mentor. Brad continues to be a significant part of my business, surprising me with equipment and always being along for the ride. It really excites me to have him on board with my adventures.

The family has certainly been a blessing – near and far. We miss Brad’s family like crazy, but know that our time apart will soon be remedied with a visit of some nature. It has been wonderful being near my family again, watching the little ones grow up with a closer perspective.

And friends...where would we be without our friends? These are the people who have to deal with us on a regular basis and continue seeing us! These are the people who have held our hands through stressful situations and laughed with us through silly situations. They don't have to, but they do anyway. We appreciate you.